2/?
I have, of course, been reading during the first days of January.
My background/comfort reading right now is #MarthaWells Fall of Ile Rien trilogy: The Wizard Hunters, The Ships of Air, The Gate of Gods.
One of the many things I love about her as an author is how she creates such intricate worlds that are quite different from one another in her different series and stand-alones.
3/?
One thing I've learned about myself is that there are books that I can't get into as a reader but I can easily enjoy as a listener.
I tried to read Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz and just couldn't get into the story until I tried listening to the book narrated by Em Grosland. I could finally enjoy it through the way the narrator brought it to life.
4/?
Another book I tried to read but simply couldn't get into until I listened was Legends and Lattes. The author is also the narrator and does a great job of bringing the characters to life. I'm looking forward to listening to the next book in the series. Don't be fooled by the first few pages, it really is very cozy and sweet.
5/?
In 2025 I read Sarah Beth Durst's sweet and cozy books: The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse. I'm not always into romantasy but they were about librarians and who doesn't love a librarian romantasy?
I thought I'd try some of her other books and I've just begun reading The Lost. It's not at all cozy or sweet but it's very good so far.
Update: a very good and, for me, timely book. It looks like she was going to write a sequel but instead has edited and updated the ending, so I'm waiting for the library to get a copy for me to read the new version.
6/?
So I guess I actually do occasionally read romantasy. Sharon Shinn is my go to author for that kind of book. I suppose I might could expand my selection at some point.
Shifter and Shadow is the 6th book in the 12 Houses series and contrary to the very dramatic cover, it's not at all about that character, or not much anyway. It was a lovely, light reading adventure.
#MagpieReads #books #reading
7/?
I don't generally enjoy prequels as much as I enjoy sequels. But Legends and Lattes was such a great listen that I decided to give the prequel a try.
So far Bookshops and Bonedust is also pretty good, but I miss the characters from the original story. I'm sure they'll all be back when the library lets me know that the book is ready for me to borrow.
#MagpieReads #books #reading
8/?
I finished Bookshops and Bonedust and I thoroughly enjoyed it. (see previous post)
Now I'm on to a re-read from a few years ago, Elizabeth Bear's Dust, the first book of the Jacob's Ladder trilogy.
I wasn't sure if it was as good as I remembered - but within a few paragraphs, I was hooked again.
#MagpieReads #books #reading
9/?
I've moved on to Chill, book 2 in the Jacob's Ladder trilogy by Elizabeth Bear. In case it's hard to tell, it's #scifi, maybe a space opera? This reread hold up, it's very good, worth reading.
I did take a little detour in between to try The Keeper of Magical Things, but it was a little too sweet and too pat for my taste.
#MagpieReads #books #reading
11/?
It's not that I haven't been reading/listening - but I've needed comfort rereads and I've been taking online classes.
Third time was the charm for this book - the narrator was excellent. It's listed as a middle school book but I found it engaging and not too young.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
#scifi #MagpieReads #books #reading
12/?
My library hold on The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson finally came through.
I was disappointed in the first few chapters because I thought the author had revealed the entire arc of the story. But I was wrong.
It was well written and moved along at a good clip with occasional interesting twists throughout the story and at the end.
I didn't fall in love with the characters but I'll probably read the next book or two in the series when they come out.
13/?
I know I've mentioned a few times how much I love Victoria Godard and her ever-growing collections of Nine Worlds novels and shorter stories.
I didn't realize she had released a new book in the Greenwing & Dart collection. It was delightful, as usual, and set me up to be excited about the new book that she will release later this month, Bubble & Squeak.
It's possible, even very likely, that I will be rereading that collection and immerse myself back in that world.
Comfort reads in these times of trouble are no small thing.
14/?
I was so excited to discover that Blair Braverman has an illustrated book out about one of her sled dogs, Leap. It's a sweet story.
One of the few things I truly miss about Twitter is her story time threads about her dogs.
#dogsofmastodon
#uglydogs #BlairBraverman
#childrensbooks
#MagpieReads #books #reading
15 & 16/?
The Witch Road duology by Kate Elliott was an enjoyable read that leaves the possibility of more stories set in this world.
I really appreciate the author's dedication:
"The Witch Roads duology is the book that reignited my love of writing during a rough period when I wondered if I should just quit. I therefore dedicate it to all who persevere even as it may seem easier to give up.
Never give up."
17/?
Many thanks to @JD_Cunningham for recommending this book.
I honestly don't know how to describe it other than beautifully written, lyrical, intimate, heart wrenching, and 100% worth it.
🕯️Curious Magpie 🕯️