The 100 List continued
Well, according to GoodReads I'm 5 books behind at the moment, but I don't think that will continue to be a problem with the hours of train and plane rides in my future.
Books 5 - 10
5. Snuff - Terry Pratchett
Ahh, loved it! I've heard some mixed reviews on the latest Pratchett, but for me it was wonderful, vintage Pratchett. A cynical hero, an intriguing mystery, a thrilling riverboat chase, and a veritable metric shit-ton of humour. The previous Discworld novel, Unseen Academicals (not counting the Tiffany Aching books) kind of lost me a little, probably becase it revolved a lot around English soccer, which is not really my thing, and I think I missed a lot of the jokes, so Snuff, for me, was a marvelous return to form.
6. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
I have been plucking The Eyre Affair off book-store shelves for years, but (generally due to some impulse of fiscal responsibility) have never actually bought it.
Whilst the book was certainly worth the wait, it did make me regret that I could have been reading Jasper Fforde for years. Thursday Next is a wonderful, strong female charater. The alternative universe that the tales are set in is very interesting (think literature as a form of religion), with chases through time and characters stepping in and out of books. I was mildly disappointed by the love interest (I found him to be an objectionable twat) but as he was almost inconsequential to this particular storyline, it spoiled nothing for me.
Am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series. Read more later.
7. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
Reading this book is a very different experience at the age of 30-something and single, than it was when I last read it aged 17.
Note to self. Quit smoking (done!) and drink less (v.v. hard). Also, if possible find Mr Darcy / Colin Firth look-a-like to have interesting romance and much hot sex with.
8. M is for Magic - Neil Gaiman
Another Gaiman, this time a collection of short stories. Gaiman just has this mastery of language that has me in awe. After a second successful children's book, I feel suddenly galvanised to have a go at one of Gaiman's more adult stories.
9. Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch
Apparently this is released overseas under the title of Midnight Riot. I'm glad they didn't try that one in Australia, as I don't feel I would have ever plucked 'Midnight Riot' off a shelf. I did pick up Rivers of London and am very glad to have done so.
The book is funny and fast-paced. Perhaps less hilarious than I was expecting, but certainly nicely cynical. It's actually more of a crime / police procedural than a fantasy book, it just so happens that wizards happen to be hunting and arresting a magical being (I shan't be more specific, to avoid spoilers).
I would certainly pick up the next book in the series, I found it to be a very fun read, especially considering that the genre is a little more outside of my tastes than I had gathered by reading the book jacket.
10. Yuletide Weddings - Jo Beverly et al
Yes, it is a Mills and Boon. No, it has no redeeming qualities. No, you may not judge me - no need, I'm already judging myself.
Books 5 - 10
5. Snuff - Terry Pratchett
Ahh, loved it! I've heard some mixed reviews on the latest Pratchett, but for me it was wonderful, vintage Pratchett. A cynical hero, an intriguing mystery, a thrilling riverboat chase, and a veritable metric shit-ton of humour. The previous Discworld novel, Unseen Academicals (not counting the Tiffany Aching books) kind of lost me a little, probably becase it revolved a lot around English soccer, which is not really my thing, and I think I missed a lot of the jokes, so Snuff, for me, was a marvelous return to form.
6. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
I have been plucking The Eyre Affair off book-store shelves for years, but (generally due to some impulse of fiscal responsibility) have never actually bought it.
Whilst the book was certainly worth the wait, it did make me regret that I could have been reading Jasper Fforde for years. Thursday Next is a wonderful, strong female charater. The alternative universe that the tales are set in is very interesting (think literature as a form of religion), with chases through time and characters stepping in and out of books. I was mildly disappointed by the love interest (I found him to be an objectionable twat) but as he was almost inconsequential to this particular storyline, it spoiled nothing for me.
Am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series. Read more later.
7. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
Reading this book is a very different experience at the age of 30-something and single, than it was when I last read it aged 17.
Note to self. Quit smoking (done!) and drink less (v.v. hard). Also, if possible find Mr Darcy / Colin Firth look-a-like to have interesting romance and much hot sex with.
8. M is for Magic - Neil Gaiman
Another Gaiman, this time a collection of short stories. Gaiman just has this mastery of language that has me in awe. After a second successful children's book, I feel suddenly galvanised to have a go at one of Gaiman's more adult stories.
9. Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch
Apparently this is released overseas under the title of Midnight Riot. I'm glad they didn't try that one in Australia, as I don't feel I would have ever plucked 'Midnight Riot' off a shelf. I did pick up Rivers of London and am very glad to have done so.
The book is funny and fast-paced. Perhaps less hilarious than I was expecting, but certainly nicely cynical. It's actually more of a crime / police procedural than a fantasy book, it just so happens that wizards happen to be hunting and arresting a magical being (I shan't be more specific, to avoid spoilers).
I would certainly pick up the next book in the series, I found it to be a very fun read, especially considering that the genre is a little more outside of my tastes than I had gathered by reading the book jacket.
10. Yuletide Weddings - Jo Beverly et al
Yes, it is a Mills and Boon. No, it has no redeeming qualities. No, you may not judge me - no need, I'm already judging myself.