Marion: I have 8 5000-word pieces to read for next month’s Mendocino Coast Writers Conference (I don’t have to read my own) so that’s taken up quite a bit of time. I’m still browsing John Langan’s mammoth story collection Children of the Fang. The eponymous novella is one of my favorites so far. Last night I delved into the poetic and beautiful prose poem/essay collection Ghostways: Two Journeys in Unquiet Places, by Robert McFarlane and Dan Richards, hauntingly illustrated by Stanley Donwood.
Bill: This week I finished my reread of Steven Erikson’s MALAZAN BOOK OF THE FALLEN with Dust of Dreams and The Crippled God, then read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book of his new sequel series, The God is Not Willing. Then it was on to A Desert Torn Asunder, the very satisfying conclusion to Bradley P. Beaulieu’s excellent THE SONG OF THE SHATTERED SANDS series. In video, we watched and enjoyed both Black Widow and the season finale of Loki, though the two shared the same major flaw — not enough time spent developing character/plot points. I’ve also started watching Counterpart, and five episodes in I’m loving its slow burn and J.K. Simmons’ excellent work in it.
Sandy: Moi? I am currently reading a novel by a new writer to me, British author J. C. Snaith. The book in question is his 1925 offering Thus Far, a sci-fi affair, I believe, although it comes off more like a murder mystery in its opening chapters. I am really enjoying it quite a lot, uh, thus far, and do look forward to sharing some thoughts about it with you all in the near future….
Terry: I’m not quite halfway through Twelve Kings in Sharakai by Bradley Beaulieu, and I’m longing for a day I can just sit in one spot and finish it — and then start on the next in the 6-book series. I’m really enjoying it. So far, my campaign to read from my shelves is sure directing me toward good books.
Marion: I love McFarlane’s work! And Terry, funny coincidence that you are just starting the series I just finished–it’s a good journey