I read books, and I'd like to keep track of them and share some opinions. Not that they have to be read by someone, but hey, here you go! For each book I provide a some details, the official summary, my short opinion (with spoilers hidden until clicked), and whether I recommend it. When I find the right sites, the title of the book will be clickable to navigate to a page about it, same with the author.
The details section is always laid out under the title like this:
<author>, <genre>, <page-count>p., <languages> [ISBN <ISBN>], [<series>], <date finished>
I'm reading most of my books in Dutch, only some in English. When the
book is available in English I'll use the English title, otherwise I'll
use the Dutch title. I'll do my best to mention if there are translations
available, which will be shown in a list like NL - EN - ....
Murtagh is set roughly one year after the events of Inheritance and is a direct sequel to the original four books (and The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm).
The world is no longer safe for Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. An evil king has been toppled, and they are left to face the consequences of the reluctant role they played in his reign of terror. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society. But when Murtagh discovers something wicked lurking in the shadows of Alagaësia, so begins an epic journey into lands both familiar and untraveled, where he and Thorn must use every weapon in their arsenal, from brains to brawn, to find and outwit a mysterious witch. A witch who is much more than she seems...
The last book Christoffer Paolini that I hadn't read yet. It was as enjoyable to read as all the previous ones, grabbing you emotionally with it. I'll admit that I'm glad it's finished, just to feel myself again. But I'll reread all the books later again, they're worth it, and I'm looking forward to Murtagh II, whenever that comes out.
You should have read the previous books first though, it's a bit hard to follow otherwise.
Would I recommend this? If you have read the Inheritance Cycle, definitely yes!
Bled dry by interminable warfare, infighting and bloody confrontations with Lord Anomander Rake, the Malazan empire simmers with discontent. Its legions yearn for some respite.
For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his Bridgeburners, and Tattersail, surviving sorceress of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the dead. But Empress Laseen's gaze has fallen upon Darujhistan. For this ancient citadel, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, still holds out against her.
However, the empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand...
I'm back into the Malazan universe, for the fourth time. I love this series, and I had a great time reading this first book again. I still remember that the first time I read it, it was quite hard. However, perseverance and rereading made this series my favourite!
Steven Erikson spins a tale greater than any I've seen before, and follows both mortals and gods, showing that who you are is less important then what you do. It keeps the playing field interesting when even gods can fall to the hands of a human.
Would I recommend this? If you think you're up for the challenge, yes!
A wanderer and a cursed child. Spells and magic. And dragons, of course.
It's been a year since Eragon departed Alagaësia in search of the perfect home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders. Now he is struggling with an endless sea of tasks: constructing a vast dragonhold, wrangling with suppliers, guarding dragon eggs and dealing with belligerent Urgals and haughty elves. Then a vision from the Eldunarí, unexpected visitors and an exciting Urgal legend offer a much-needed distraction and a new perspective.
This volume features three original stories set in Alagaësia, interspersed with scenes from Eragon's own unfolding adventure.
Three little stories lingering in the Eragon universe, but little they are and they would be confusing for those who have not read the main 4 books.
Would I recommend this? If you have read the Inheritance Cycle, yes, else no.
Not so very long ago, Eragon - Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider - was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.
Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.
The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?
The end. The best end that could, should, and would have happened, and it will linger in my mind for quite a while.
This makes me wonder how I would compare these four Inheritance books against the Malazan Book of the Fallen. I believe those wore way more epic, and in a better writing style, but story wise the Inheritance cycle engulfed me way more.
The end of the book really reminded me of Lord of the Rings, where Frodo sails off on a ship, exactly the end here. The end could have been no better, except for Eragon and Ayra: they finally seem to be comfortable around each other but have to part ways, knowing that they each have their responsibilities and will not see each other again (often?).
I can only conclude this series with a song and a heartfelt wish to be able to linger more into Alagaësia. There are at the time of reading/writing two more books, but those will never fill that need - a feeling fitting with the books. Only one thing leaves me, and that is to recommend this song, listen to it when you concluded the books yourself, and let it guide you on your own ship across the waters of your thoughts: https://youtu.be/SquBpghnLkw
Yes.
Oaths sworn . . . loyalties tested . . . forces collide.
It’s been only months since Eragon first uttered “brisingr,” the ancient language term for fire. Since then, he’s not only learned to create magic with words-he’s been challenged to his very core. Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still, there is more adventure at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.
First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin, Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength - as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices - choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.
Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of the tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?
No need for many words, it's the same as book #2 but a bit better. I cannot wait to start the fourth book. I love the bond between Eragon and Saphira.
Would I recommend this? Wholeheartedly yes!
In Eldest, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship.
Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring [sic] new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.
A great continuation on the first book, with a now completely fluid writing style, and an even more interesting story. I love how it didn't have too much reasons to grieve in it, keeping the mood a bit lighter while devouring the story.
The only really sad part was at the end, seeing Murtagh again on the dark side this time. I can only hope to see him on the good side in the coming books, but surely not without struggle. It also makes me curious to the latest released book in the Eragon universe at the time of writing: Murtagh. I've spoiled myself by reading the short summary of the book, and it does not look good :(
Would I recommend this? Yep. Go read!
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy — until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save — or destroy — the Empire.
The author was 15 years old when he wrote this book, and that shows in his writing style in the first half of the book - or that's just the Dutch translator... . The story however captivated me. I've enjoyed reading another relatively simple fantasy book, and there are dragons! (I've missed those in other stories.)
This book in particular also holds a dear place in my heart, as the will to read again rose again when seeing it somewhere online. I had to wait a while to begin reading it due to the next book in the series not being available yet in our local library - you can see all the books on the page below this one to see what I read while waiting; but it was worth the wait. Quite some hype, and the book kinda lives up to it. Not spectacularly good, but definitely not letting down.
Would I recommend this? Most definitely. It's a good read, and little spoiler: I'm in the next books already, and it does not disappoint. So go read!
Set twenty-three years before the events in To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, Fractal Noise is a sci-fi thriller that tells the story of humanity’s first discovery of alien intelligence.
On the planet Talos VII, an anomaly is detected: a vast circular pit
fifty kilometres wide, with dimensions so perfect that it must have
been designed. But who could have built it? More importantly, why?
A handpicked team of scientists is assembled to find answers.
They must land on the uninhabited planet, then journey on foot across
the surface - all driven by their own internal demons. For one explorer,
the mission is the opportunity of a lifetime. For another, a risk not
worth taking. For xenobiologist Alex Crichton, it's a desperate
attempt to find the meaning in an uncaring universe. The small team
finds itself on a hazardous trek to the very edge of existence,
every step towards the mysterious abyss more punishing than the last.
And the ghosts of their pasts follow.
A great book with a great ending and great writing style. I've read it in a single day, and it was exactly what I wanted after To Sleep in a Sea of Stars: a shorter lighter story that still lingers in the same universe. It does not really explain anything extra, nor does it require any knowledge from the other books in the series. It was great, it was wonderful, and I'm sad that it was the last Fractalverse book.
The close-up of just Alex Crichton let the author follow us in the grieving of our protagonist, which added an extra layer I had not expected to find before beginning this book. It makes the story even better then anticipated, and letting Layla (his deceased wife/girlfriend) give him the will to continue on, finally giving him a sense of purpose again, was beautiful to read.
An open end, again, but a satisfying one I think. No sad feelings, no hard endings. Just things coming to their conclusion.
Would I recommend this? Yes. 100%. You don't even have to have read To Sleep in a Sea of Stars yet.
After having read Wit'ch Star, an observation has been observed about the endings of fantasy books. They seem to almost always leave behind a dual feeling of relief that the world has been saved from the bad, but at the same time a sadness, a void, from all the people and things that were lost on the way. It happened in Wit'ch Star and in To Sleap in a Sea of Stars (which technically is sci-fi but could as well be fantasy), both very similar in endings really. I'm sure it happened in other stories I've read, but my memory is not well enough. I'll focus on it once I finished another fantasy book.
With this new insight, I must admit I'm dreading a little bit to start reading my next fantasy series, knowing that the ending will probably leave me in a sad mood for a little while. But, books deserve to be read, even if you know they don't end well.
The three deadly Weirgates are destroyed, but the threat of the Dark Lord remains. And so Elena and her companions have gone their separate ways to prepare for what is yet to come. Elena herself has journeyed to the beautiful city of A'loa Glen, there to recover her strength and spirit. Enter Harequin Quail. Some might call him a fool, but the little main in the jester's suit claims to be a spy. And he comes fresh from the foul fortress of Blackhall itself, where the Dark Lord dwells. TThere he uncovered things that spell certain doom—for a final Weirgate remains, the most ppotent one of all. And with it, in just one moon's time, the Dark Lord will avenge his earlier defeat, destroying the heart of the land and ushering in a reign of evil without end. Only Elena, with the awesome magicks of the Blood Diary, has the power to stop him. Blackhall is all but impregnable. And according to Quail, the Weirgate is well hidden, in a place known only to the Dark Lord himself. Thus begins a desperate quest like no other. Hunted by the Dark Lord's minions and threatened by clandestine betrayals, Elena and her brave companions reunite in the effort to locate the last Weirgate and destroy it. Along the way, many questions will be answered and illusions will be smashed. Brother will turn against brother, and the strongest bonds of magic and love will be tested to the breaking point...and beyond.
A worthy end to the story. Whenever I stopped reading to do something else, the feeling of the story would stick to me, making the real world feel strange for a while. The ending was a bit sadsweet - like bittersweet but instead of bitterness just sadness about all that was lost. I'm writing this the morning after I've finished the book, and the feeling still lingers. So despite my concern - which still stands, I really enjoyed this last book.
Would I recommend this? You have to finish what you started, and this is a worthy end to the series.
In a spectacular feat of daring and magic, Elena and her army of outlaws and rebels have defeated evil's minions and released the mystic secrets of the Blood Diary. But the malevolent Dark Lord has unleashed the Weirgates—black wells of ferocious energy that are his greatest source of power. Now Elena's bravest allies are sent to find and destroy the Gates, as windships carry the fight north to the frigid woodlands, south to the burning desert sands, and east to the blasted regions of dread Gul'gotha. Along the way, they will face their own personal demons as well. The twin brothers Mogweed and Fardale race against time to break the curse that has stolen their shape-changing birthright, and Elena's brother Joach must evade the desert sandsharks if he is to master his own elemental power. The trail will lead them even to the fabulous el'vin homeland of Stormhaven. None of the rebels will come back unscathed, some never returning at all... And Elena herself must journey to Gul'gotha. Daring the enemy's own lair, she must emerge victorious if she is to reveal the secret of the Dark Lord's frightening identity—and the shocking nature of his vast powers.
Finally they actively start working against the Dark Lord, instead of only fighting against things that came to them. Following the action between the 3 expeditions was exciting to read.
Would I recommend this? If you read the previous books, you have to
read this one too.
Do keep in mind
my concern from the previous
book first.
In her hands, the young wit'ch Elena holds the awesome energies of blood magick-and more. For the fate of all, Alasea hinges on her recovery of the Blood Diary, a potent talisman forged five hundred years ago, then locked away behind wards too strong for any mage to break. But only with the secrets recorded in its pages can Elena defeat the evil magicks of the Dark Lord. The challenge? The Diary lies hidden in A'loa Glen, the fabled city that belongs to Shorkan, chief lieutenant of the Dark Lord, and his fearsom army. Now, with the aid of the ocean-dwelling Sy-wen and her great dragon, Elena prepares a desperate invasion of A'loa Glen. At her side stands the one-armed warrior Er'ril, her faithful protector and the only man who knows how to unlock the wards surrounding the Blood Diary— a man who also happens to be the brother of the dreaded Shorkan. Meanwhile, Elena's brother, whose magick brings him prophetic dreams, has glimpsed a future in which Elena falls by the deadly sword of...Er'ril. But his visions do not always come true. How can he act against his sister's trusted guardian on the basis of a future betrayal that may never happend? For Elena's sake, and for the sake of all Alasea, how can he afford not to?
I think that the story is going on full steam now. It's the third book in the five-part-series. I've not got much opinion to share, it's just a good book.
I do have a concern though. There is a tiny bit of romance, two forming couples, but eh, Mr. Clemens, why did you make them between an adult man and a girl? Two times? It's a bit off-putting. I understand that it otherwise would be harder for the story, but this book was released in the year 2000, not the year 1500.
Would I recommend this? If you read the second book, you have to read this third one, but I will put this on the 'not-again' list due to above reason. There is enough other literature that aligns better with my values. (I will also update the 'recommend' of the other parts of the series.)
Elena bears the mark of the wit'ch upon her palm, the crimson stain that testifies to the awesome power of unimaginable potency: wild seductive, and difficult to control. Only a mistress of blood magick can stand against the foul minions and all-corrupting evil of the Dark Lord. But Elena is not yet the mistress of her magick. Protected by an ageless warrior and a band of renegades, she quests for a lost city where prophecies speak of a mystic tome that holds the key to the Dark Lord's defeat. But if the Dark Lord finds her first, Elena will become his most fearsome weapon. A different form of power touches Sy-wen, girl-child of an ocean-dwelling clan that bonds-mates to the terrible and majestic sea dragons. But bonds more ancient still tie Sy-wen to the land she does not know, to a man she has never seen... and to a legend asleep in stone deep beneath A'loa Glen-a legend beginning to wake. Now, as Elena and Sy-wen converge on A'loa Glen from land and sea, will the forces they unleash lead to a future of freedom-or an eternity under the Dark Lord's yoke?
This continuation on Wit'ch Fire was a slight improvement I think. The story was more engaging, and the worldbuilding was broader. Anyway, good fantasy book, I'm looking forward to reading the next part in the series.
Would I recommend this? If you read the first book, you have to
read this second one.
Update after having read book 3, read
my concern first.
On a fateful night five centuries ago, three made a desperate last stand, sacrificing everything to preserve the only hope of goodness in the beautiful, doomed land of Alasea. Now, on the anniversary of that ominous night, a girl-child ripens into the heritage of lost power. But before she can even comprehend her terrible new gift, the Dark Lord dispatches his winged monsters to capture her and bring him the embryonic magic she embodies. Fleeing the minions of darkness, Elena is swept toward certain doom-and into the company of unexpected allies. Aided by a one-armed warrior and a strange seer, she forms a band of the hunted and the cursed, the outcasts and the outlaws, to battle the unstoppable forces of evil and rescue a once-glorious empire...
I feel like I've read this before, but I don't remember at all how the plot goes. Anyways, this fantasy story is not that special, it feels like what you'd expect from fantasy story. Maybe I've just been spoiled by 'Malazan Book of the Fallen', which went quite a bit deeper and greater. On the other side, there is nothing wrong with this story, it reads swiftly and there is some magic.
Would I recommend this? Probably. It's an easy read, and it's fantasy.
It's not great, but definitly not bad. I'll be reading the next books
in the series.
Update after having read book 3, read
my concern first.
The day after his wedding, Tomas wakes up alone. His wife is nowhere to be seen. When he walks the dog, the streets are frighteningly empty. Strangely enough, people are crowding at the community center. There, it turns out that a change of unprecedented proportions has taken place on earth. A change that everyone had seen coming, except Tomas.
This is one of the first dystopian novels I read in a while (maybe ever?), and some of the mechanics reminded me of 'To sleep in a see of stars'. The writing style however did not match it at all, with shorter and more simplistic sentences. These do match the character of protagonist Tomas, but I find them lightly annoying.
The plot itself really did surprise me. I - maybe naïvely - expected a good ending. It was however very sudden, and not a satisfying ending. It leaves an incomplete and eerie feeling, fitting the dystopian nature.
Would I recommend this? Maybe, maybe not. It wasn't great, it wasn't bad, would not read again, but if I'd turn back time I would not avoid it.
A uniquely advanced space station inhabited by both humans and Jellies, Unity stands as a beacon of life and hope. But when a crew member is found dead, it’s up to you to find the killer. Choose your own path as you investigate this Fractalverse murder mystery.
This little story published on the Fractalverse website was a fun treat after having read To Sleep in a Sea of Stars. It is written in the same style, in the new space station 'Unity' that got constructed at the end of the "real" book. I don't think I have any other remarks.
Would I recommend this? If you have read the Sea of Stars book, then yes, do read it! It's a little sweet aftertaste.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is a story of enormous intergalactic weight and consequence, but also of deeply personal human strength, compassion, and awe. During a routine survey mission on an uncolonized planet, xenobiologist Kira Navárez finds an alien relic that thrusts her into the wonders and nightmares of first contact. Epic space battles for the fate of humanity take her to the farthest reaches of the galaxy and, in the process, transform not only her—but the entire course of history.
I started reading this after a year-or-more hiatus from reading (due to little time with uni + hobby-programming), and it usurped me completely. All 870 pages were read in only three days; I thoroughly enjoyed this!
Only the end of the book left me a little bit disappointed. Kira became this almost godly form, and then just gives some gifts to the people she likes? This felt a bit underwhelming and out of character for the rest of the book, so that could have been improved in my opinion.
Would I recommend this? Yes. 100%. There is literally no reason to not read this, unless you hate science-fiction for some reason.