@jeremybaker.nz

Finished reading: Star Wars The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by Chris Kempshall 📚

An excellent “in-universe” history of the Star Wars Galactic Empire - filled with insights and analysis relevant to any consideration of the emergence and defeat of totalitarianism….

Finished reading: Patria by Laurence Blair 📚

This book is a genuine wonder. It explodes myths and reveals hidden stories of the history of South America and demonstrates the importance of a broader and deeper understanding of this continent, particularly the vital role of its indigenous peoples and the struggles they shared with settlers and slaves seeking liberation and identity.

Finished reading: The Venetian Heretic by Christian Cameron 📚

This book was wonderful. You are transported to seventeenth century Venice, and swept up in a tale of political intrigue, cultural and religious conflict, and some good old-fashioned sword work! The characters are vivid, interesting and well written and developed, the plot(s) are fascinating and move things along at a spritely pace, and the writing is just great.

Highly recommended and can’t wait for the next installment!

Currently reading: Patria by Laurence Blair 📚

This book is a revelation. I’ve now finished the first two chapters and I can’t recommend it highly enough! Such excellent writing - weaving together contemporary travel, politics, and a bold fresh historical perspective. And wit!

Read it.

Finished reading: Open Throat by Henry Hoke 📚

That was a lot. Starts strong, then a little strange, then devastating.

Finished reading: Artificial Condition by Martha Wells 📚

These are so taught and snappy I can feel the twang :)

Finished reading: The Mad Ship (The Liveship Traders, Book 2) by Robin Hobb 📚

This just keeps getting better!!

Finished reading: The Life to Come by E. M. Forster 📚

E. M. Forster’s short stories about love between men sadly unpublished in his lifetime.

Finished reading: Faithbreaker (The Fallen Gods Trilogy, Book 3) by Hannah Kaner 📚

An absolute marvel. A fantastic ending to a gripping series. Godkiller, Sunbring, Faithbreaker. Exceptional.

Finished reading: The Orb of Cairado by Katherine Addison 📚

Excellent short story set in the world of “The Goblin Emperor”. Academic murder mystery.

Finished reading: The Life to Come by E.M. Forster 📚

Interesting collection of short stories by E.M. Forster only published after his death. Significant coded homoerotic themes.

Finished reading: The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison 📚🌈

I absolutely devoured this book. The latest (last?) book in the Cemeteries of Amalo series, brings a conclusion of sorts to the tale of Thara Celehar, a Witness for the Dead, and one of the most self-deprecating and adorable queer characters in fantasy for many years. Delightful and satisfying.

Finished reading: Mother and Sons, Inc. by Kathryn Reyerson 📚

Very interesting historical study of a medieval widow and her business and family interests in pre-Plague southern France.

Finished reading: Tournament by David Crouch 📚

Excellent history and resource for information on historical medieval tournaments.

Finished reading: The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera 📚

Not sure what I thought about this one. Much of it I enjoyed, but I felt the story was undermined but the ability of the central antagonist’s ability to completely alter reality, including unmaking the past - how can a coherent story be told in this way ?