FF: The Expanded Version

Persephone Guards A Precious Edition

Summer is taking me outside more, so I’m reading a bit less. However, I did transplant eighteen volunteer tomato plants, put in four new pepper plants, and plant hollyhocks for later in the season, so all is not lost…

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

I enjoy hearing what you’re reading, by the way…

Recently Completed:

Digger by Ursula Vernon.  Graphic novel.  Smart.  Funny.  Clever.  Loved!

In Progress:

I Sing the Body Electric by Ray Bradbury.  Turns out the edition Elizabeth Leggett loaned me has more stories than mine did, so I’m reading the extras…

The Life of Greece by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  We are now into the Hellenistic period, focusing on Alexandria.

Also:

Copy edit for Wolf’s Search finished.  Dedication and Acknowledgments finished.  E-book files already back to me and I’m proofing yet again.  POD still to be proofed.

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FF: I’m Also Reading

Ziggy Wants To Go On An Adventure With Digger

In addition to what’s below, I’m also reading a couple of GURPS gaming supplements because they make interesting, non-stressful, pre-bedtime reading.

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

I enjoy hearing what you’re reading.  You may see it appearing on my reading list down the road.

Recently Completed:

Cart and Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones. Book One of “The Dalemark Quartet.”  Very strong.  More serious than many of her works, but given that my favorite of hers—Dogsbody—is also serious, I don’t automatically think of her as a “humor” writer.

In Progress:

I Sing the Body Electric by Ray Bradbury.  About two-thirds in.  Limiting myself to one or two stories a day so I can think about them.

Digger by Ursula Vernon.  Graphic novel.  Who wouldn’t love a story about a wombat mining engineer caught up in a dark fantasy adventure?

The Life of Greece by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  We have just finished Plato and are into Aristotle.

Also:

I’m just about done reviewing the copy edited manuscript of Wolf’s Search.  The cover for Wolf’s Search is nearly done and lovely.  I need to write the dedication, acknowledgements, and decide which of the review quotes to include.  More of the little steps that go into a new book…

FF: Hot Off The Press

Kwahe’e Recognizes Other Indomitable Spirits

A few of you bet that I’d put reading the second issue of DreamForge magazine on the top of my reading list for this week, and you were right!  I’ve finished and really enjoyed.  The theme for this issue was “Tales of Indomitable Spirit.”  I was fascinated by the different ways that them played out.

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

I also love hearing what you’re reading.  You may see it appearing on my reading list down the road.

Recently Completed:

DreamForge magazine, issue two.  Fantastic stories.  Excellent art.  Jim portrayed as a morally conflicted spymaster in a story by David Weber.  What more could you want?

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse.

In Progress:

The Life of Greece by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  We’ve finished the Peloponnesian Wars and after a look at the fascinating life of Syracuse, we’re moving into the rise of Philip of Macedon.

I Sing the Body Electric by Ray Bradbury.  I honestly can’t remember if I’ve read this collection end to end before, so I figured it was time, especially since my friend Elizabeth Leggett has been inspired by it repeatedly for her art.

Cart and Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones. Book One of “The Dalemark Quartet.”  Re-read, but it’s been a long while.  All I remember is liking it.

Also:

Wolf’s Soul’s first 90,000+ words have been reviewed and edited.  However, the copy edited manuscript of Wolf’s Search is awaiting my review, so that comes before I start writing again.  The cover for Wolf’s Search is being designed.  All the little steps that go into a new book…

The Many Elements of Civilization

Persephone Wonders How Firebirds Taste

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

And I love hearing what you’re reading!

Recently Completed:

In the Forests of Serre by Patricia A. McKillip.  Re-read.  Lovely lush prose.

In Progress:

The Life of Greece by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  Moving into a focus on arts and letters.  Having covered painting, sculpture, architecture, education, philosophy, poetry, we’re now just about done with drama.  I’m sure I missed some topics.

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse.

Also:

I’ve finished my review of the first 90,000 words of  Wolf’s Soul and am making a billion teeny-tiny changes.  That which does not kill the writer makes the word stronger!

FF: Sunrise and Doorways

Kel’s House of Many Ways

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

I look forward to seeing what you are reading!

Recently Completed:

House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones.  This is sort of a sequel to her Howl’s Moving Castle, although the main focus is a young woman named Charmaine.

Chasing Sunrise by Emily Mah.  My sort of vampire novel.  Larissa doesn’t want to be a vampire, and does everything she can to resist.  Much more would be a spoiler.  I read this as an ARC.  The paperback is available, the e-book will be a June release.

In Progress:

The Life of Greece by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  Finished the tour and looking at major historical events and figures in more detail.  Currently just starting Pericles.

In the Forests of Serreby Patricia A. McKillip.  Re-read.  I haven’t read this one for so long it’s practically a new read!

Also:

Still reviewing the 90,000+ word manuscript of Wolf’s Soul to refresh myself on details before I write the conclusion.

FF: Non-Standard

Keladry On The Alert For Evil

In the last week or so I’ve read a wide variety of types of fiction, confirming my strong preference for character driven plots—as long as those characters are interesting and complex.  What’s fascinating is that even a “standard” plot becomes non-standard as soon as the author puts solid thought into how their protagonists will react.

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

Recently Completed:

A Gathering Evil by Michael A. Stackpole.  Dark Conspiracy game setting published by GDW.  Uses the amnesiac protagonist very well to introduce a complex setting.  Sly situational humor enlivens a serious action/adventure plot.

Evil Ascending by Micheal A. Stackpole.  Three different POV’s in this one.  I liked each one, but preferred the tighter focus.

Evil Triumphant by Michael A. Stackpole.  Even more split POV in this one, and much, much more military hardware lovingly described.  Not really as much my thing, but I thought it had a nice twist at the end.

In Progress:

The Life of Greece by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  Touring the various city states.  Just finished Syracuse.

House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones.  Wanted a complete shift of story…

Also:

 I’m re-reading the 90,000+ word manuscript of Wolf’s Soul to refresh myself on details before I write the conclusion.

FF: Various and Sundry

Kel Wonders Why Moriah Isn’t On The Cover

My reading this week has been rather scattered because I’m taking some of my reading time to work.  Still, I manage a little just for fun.

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

Recently Completed:

Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett.  Re-read.  Lovecraft meets silent film.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, this week volumes 19-23.  Manga.  Re-read.  Sorry that the story is over…

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip.  Re-read.  Held up well for me.

In Progress:

The Throme of the Erril of Sherill by Patricia McKillip.  Quest fantasy, a bit on the light side.

The Life of Greece by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  Up to the Dorian incursion.

Also:

Smithsonian’s most recent.

FF: Shelter From The Storm

Kwahe’e Dreams of Directing Films

News Flash: I’ll be at Page One Books this Saturday (April 27) as a guest bookseller helping celebrate Independent Booksellers.  There will be door prizes!  Best of all, I’ll have a chance to chat because I don’t need to do a panel or sign anything (unless you want me to).  I’ll be there from 1:30 to 2:45.

This week has been very stressful, so I’ve mostly been re-reading.

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

Recently Completed:

In An Absent Dream: Wayward Children 4 by Seanan McGuire.  Audiobook.

Modesty Blaise by Peter O’Donnell.  Novel.  Re-read, but it’s been a long time.

In Progress:

Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett.  Re-read.  Not one of my favorites, but good.  It introduces Gaspode, who will become a recurring character in the series.  I’d forgotten the pre-Watch Detritus, too.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, this week volumes 11-18.  Manga.  Re-read.  The story is moving from slice of life, romantic comedy into the more serious part of the story, including backstories for a several characters.

The Life of Greece by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  I’ve read parts of this, but I don’t think ever the whole thing.  Jim gave me a set for Christmas.

Also:

A few new magazines came in, and catalogs.  Who ever knew there was so much stuff in the world!

FF: Modesty and More

The Novel Is Peeking Out At The Top

Until recently, it was more common to see a novel series adapted or expanded into graphic novels rather than the other way around.  Modesty Blaise anticipated the trend.  Interestingly, both were written by Peter O’Donnell, rather than one being farmed out to someone else as is common today.

I’ve featured a cover from a collection of the newspaper strips here because, frankly, the novel had a trashy cover that misrepresents the novel entirely.

Oh…  And if you miss the usual pet portrait, go to the end for a photo of our cat Ogapoge taken about a year ago…

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

Recently Completed:

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher (aka Ursual Vernon).  One review called this a screwball comedy with serious undertones.  That’s a good description.  Laugh out loud sometimes, edge of the seat at others.

In Progress:

In An Absent Dream: Wayward Children 4 by Seanan McGuire.  Audiobook.

Modesty Blaise by Peter O’Donnell.  Novel.  Re-read, but it’s been a long time.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, this week volumes 6-11.  Manga.  Re-read.  The story is moving from slice of life, romantic comedy into something far darker and outre.

Also:

Writing, writing, writing….

Ogapoge Amid Towels

FF: Curl Up With A Book

Kel In Cute Company

This week I’ve really wanted to curl up with a good book.  Although I haven’t indulged as much as I’d like, I’ve at least had some good choices when I do.

For those of you just discovering this part of my blog, the Friday Fragments lists what I’ve read over the past week.  Most of the time I don’t include details of either short fiction (unless part of a book-length collection) or magazines.

The Fragments are not meant to be a recommendation list.  If you’re interested in a not-at-all-inclusive recommendation list, you can look on my website under Neat Stuff.

Once again, this is not a book review column.  It’s just a list with, maybe, a bit of description or a few opinions tossed in.

Recently Completed:

Blackfish City by Sam J. Miller.  Creative dystopian setting.  Interesting characters.  Not recommended for those who don’t like multiple points of view or a plot that takes a while to come together, but if you can, it’s worth the journey.

Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization by Will Durant.  Audiobook.  I very much enjoyed, although the final section on Japan, speculating what might happen as Japan was showing a need to compete for Asian markets for surplus goods, as well as for raw materials, was rather creepy given that it was written in 1934 and called some future events all too well.

In Progress:

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher (aka Ursual Vernon).  One review called this a screwball comedy with serious undertones.  Thus far, I can’t disagree.  I’m enjoying.

In An Absent Dream: Wayward Children 4 by Seanan McGuire.  Audiobook.  Just starting.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, volumes 1-5.  Manga.  Re-read.  The story is moving from slice of life, romantic comedy into something far darker and outre.

Also:

Coincidence is weird.  I decided to re-read Fruits Basket because I like to read something familiar before bed.  (That way I don’t start worrying or stay up too late reading!)  I just happened upon a notice that a new Fruits Basket anime started broadcasting in this month.