Nine stories completed in January:
Cemetery Dance Select by Peter Atkins:
The Cemetery Dance Select Series allows an author to select stories they want to publish as a collection. This is the third Select Series book I have read and the first time I have read Mr. Atkins. The stories all take place around his hometown of Liverpool. Overall fun read.
3 Stars
The End of All Things by John Scalzi:
I actually held off on reading this because it is the last story in Mr. Scalzi’s Old Man series and I simplyu did not want it to end. Finally jumped in and it is a good story but not the best in the series. Overall it brings a satisfying conclusion to the series.
3 Stars
Out of My Mind by Alan Arkin:
This was an Audible freebie. It is a remembrance from Mr. Arkin and is read by him. Each chapter was a different story and some were fascinating. Unfortunately, they were offset by stories that I could not get through fast enough. Came close to giving this one two stars but the good stories brought up the overall score.
3 Stars
Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries #2) by Martha Wells:
Decided to give this one a try. I enjoyed the first story but did not love it. Enjoyed this one more and will probably continue the series at some point.
4 Stars
Running with the Demon by Terry Brooks:
This is my first Terry Brooks read. The first third could be a Stephen King or Peter Straub story. When the fantasy elements kicked in it no longer felt like a King novel and began to drag a bit for me. It finished very strong and I will continue the series.
4 Stars
The Last Days of August by Jon Ronson:
Another Audible freebie. This was a podcast about the suicide of a porn star named August Ames. The suicide was wildly blamed on cyber bullying but the investigation shows that things are not always as simple as they seem. A very interesting story.
4 Stars
Head On by John Scalzi:
Mr. Scalzi’s second book about Hayden’s Syndrome. This one focuses on a death during a Hilketa match. Another fun read from John Scalzi.
4 Stars
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury:
Each chapter is a different story about the colonization of Mars. Some are pretty good and many are simply not enjoyable.
2 Stars
The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak:
This one was recommended by Ron Clinton last month after I enjoyed The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell so much. This story is as good as Sam Hell. It is a coming of age story but it is so much more. Touching on teenage emotions of not fitting in, not being cool enough and first loves. This story is nothing short of fantastic. Ron please bring on more recommendations! Side note, you can play The Impossible Fortress on the authors website!
5 Stars
Cemetery Dance Select by Peter Atkins:
The Cemetery Dance Select Series allows an author to select stories they want to publish as a collection. This is the third Select Series book I have read and the first time I have read Mr. Atkins. The stories all take place around his hometown of Liverpool. Overall fun read.
3 Stars
The End of All Things by John Scalzi:
I actually held off on reading this because it is the last story in Mr. Scalzi’s Old Man series and I simplyu did not want it to end. Finally jumped in and it is a good story but not the best in the series. Overall it brings a satisfying conclusion to the series.
3 Stars
Out of My Mind by Alan Arkin:
This was an Audible freebie. It is a remembrance from Mr. Arkin and is read by him. Each chapter was a different story and some were fascinating. Unfortunately, they were offset by stories that I could not get through fast enough. Came close to giving this one two stars but the good stories brought up the overall score.
3 Stars
Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries #2) by Martha Wells:
Decided to give this one a try. I enjoyed the first story but did not love it. Enjoyed this one more and will probably continue the series at some point.
4 Stars
Running with the Demon by Terry Brooks:
This is my first Terry Brooks read. The first third could be a Stephen King or Peter Straub story. When the fantasy elements kicked in it no longer felt like a King novel and began to drag a bit for me. It finished very strong and I will continue the series.
4 Stars
The Last Days of August by Jon Ronson:
Another Audible freebie. This was a podcast about the suicide of a porn star named August Ames. The suicide was wildly blamed on cyber bullying but the investigation shows that things are not always as simple as they seem. A very interesting story.
4 Stars
Head On by John Scalzi:
Mr. Scalzi’s second book about Hayden’s Syndrome. This one focuses on a death during a Hilketa match. Another fun read from John Scalzi.
4 Stars
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury:
Each chapter is a different story about the colonization of Mars. Some are pretty good and many are simply not enjoyable.
2 Stars
The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak:
This one was recommended by Ron Clinton last month after I enjoyed The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell so much. This story is as good as Sam Hell. It is a coming of age story but it is so much more. Touching on teenage emotions of not fitting in, not being cool enough and first loves. This story is nothing short of fantastic. Ron please bring on more recommendations! Side note, you can play The Impossible Fortress on the authors website!
5 Stars
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