Recent Reads: Books I've Read that You Might Like
Jeremy Brink • September 12, 2021
Book Reports
Pardon me, but I'm so annoyed right now!
Smart phone, my ass!
I took some lovely pictures of the books I'm about to tell you about but I can't get them from my damn phone to my computer to make use of them. I tried uploading to Google Drive, emailing them two different ways... There are people both 30 years younger and older than me who are better at technology than I am. I did it right, I swear! It's not my fault it didn't work!
Anyway... Sorry you had to "see" that, but... GGRRR!!!
Moving on...
I don’t read nearly as fast as most of you guys—I’m lucky to finish a book in a month—but I have been reading. Once I finish one book, I feel there’s a hole that needs filled if I don’t roll into something else.
But I don’t always finish them. I am notorious for dropping a book 50 or 100 pages in. Sometimes even further if I start losing interest. I feel like I don’t have time to waste on something I’m not enjoying, so I’m actually pretty quick to drop something. My “to read” shelf is always growing at warp speed compared to my “finished it” shelf, so why waste precious time on a dud when there’s so many more waiting to be discovered?
I thought I would share what I have read—finished or not—in recent months in case you might like to try them. And if you have something to recommend to me, by all means, let me know!
I’m going to keep them all simple and brief—no spoilers here.
First up:
The Cruel Stars
by John Birmingham
This was just what the doctor ordered!
I was in the mood for something very space opera and I tried a couple other things before settling on this book. The first I don’t even remember—that’s how much I liked that one. Dead Space, I think? It seemed like a very smart mystery in space book, well written, but it was dark and broody and not what I was in the mood for.
The second was way too much of a kid’s imitation of Star Wars. (Like, not-even-hiding-it-imitation of Star Wars.) And I can't get into juvenile books, so didn't get past chapter one.
Then I happened on The Cruel Stars. It sounded like exactly what I was looking for and, Lordy, it was.
This was all browsing the shelves at the library, by the way. Yes, they still have them, people! Go use them. (Some of my ebooks are in libraries, at least for now. But that’s a topic for another email…)
What did it for me? It was an intelligent, adult book. There were several main characters we followed at different places who eventually all came together in the end. There was spaceship combat and military stuff; super-high technology; space pirates; mutants, androids, and AI; and plenty of both action and humor.
If that sounds like fun to you, I highly recommend it!
[insert next image here -- oh wait, I forgot, my damn phone sucks...]
The Cruel Stars
deserved to be singled out and stand alone. These others, I’ll just give you a quick line or two on:
Thud!
by Terry Pratchett
– Very enjoyable, a book from his Discworld series. Satirical take on high fantasy: dwarves, trolls, werewolves, etc. all on a police force in a very modern-esque fantasy city. Entertaining and insightful stuff.
Killing Floor
by Lee Child and The Hunt For Red October
by Tom Clancy– I’d been wanting to read Red October for years and my mom passed me the copy of Killing Floor when she was done with it. At first I was into them and enjoying them, definitely wanted to read them, but… I discovered what I can only assume is a trend in most action-adventure/thriller books, as these both had it and they are staples of the genre. For me, they seemed… drawn out. Like, lots of detail, lots of research, but at the cost of a good pace. Which is surprising because you always see the "professional" reviews saying "break-neck pace" for all these type of novels. But for me, in my opinion... not so much. The author spends so much time on the details and taking every damn thing in that it takes 30+ pages to move on to the next scene.
Obviously millions of readers like that and there's certainly nothing wrong with it. But since I take so long to get through a book, I need it to move along to keep me going. If I read 10 pages or so in bed every night and it takes me all week to get to the next event in the story... I lose interest.
I’m sure some of you are aghast at my saying that. How could I think that these thrillers are too slow?? They’re pillars of perhaps the best selling genre of books ever (next to romance books). But, well… sorry, but I do.
Jack Reacher gets arrested for a crime he didn’t commit in the very first chapter of Killing Floor. A great hook. But 60 pages in and he’s still in a small town jail cell. Then they ship him off to prison to await trial. That did it for me. No way I’m wading through that too before the story actually starts to go forward.
I like detail, believe me, I like character development and a story you can sink your teeth into. But if I can sum up the progress of the first 100 pages or so in one line without needing more than one “and then”… it’s not moving fast enough for me. So I stopped reading those two. Probably won’t pick them back up. But that’s just me.
(Did I say I was going to only write one sentence about each. Damn, guess I lied to myself!)
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I tend to read a lot of comic books, trade paper backs, and graphic novels too.
For one thing, I like them! Grew up on them and am still a comics nerd. And for another, they move really fast. Since a picture is worth 1000 words, having a completely illustrated story saves lots of description time. I get finish a full story arc in a few days.
(I don't mean to sound like a lazy reader! I just feel like I need to squeeze every minute out of the day and I still don't get enough done, I certainly don't get enough writing done, so... shrug.)
Batman: White Knight
and Batman: Curse of the White Knight
by Sean Murphy
-- I may have mentioned the first White Knight book before? I really enjoyed it and the sequel was also really nice. Kind of a new take on the Dark Knight and his world with very fitting, gritty-styled art work. There are several reasons why Batman is arguably the most popular comics character in the world. The dark gritty feel is one of them. And these books take the traditional stories we know and turn them on their heads a bit—alternate realities for the familiar characters—which I always enjoy. Especially in comics, where most of the heroes have been around for 80 years or so.
Heroes in Crisis
by Tom King and Clay Mann -- This is a very smart and realistic look at something we should and currently are talking more about, given the recent end of the 20 year war: the traumatic effect of combat and all those super-duper heroics on the heroes themselves. It’s a fun, costumed mystery story that simultaneously spotlights the hidden scars of our real world heroes, too. And the art is amazing.
My only complaint about it is that the ending is such a cosmic, comic-book-physics kind of solution to the mystery, but… what do you expect?
I think I hear something but when I glance up at the door… Nothing is there. The noise of the tavern rises and falls beyond. It must have just been— No, wait. I was right. A shadowy figure lingers at the threshold. A silhouette of a man, medium height, perhaps on the thin side. Hard to tell beneath the heavy black cloak and rather beaten-up top hat. He glides into the room, apparently satisfied there’s no threat within. He removes his top hat and bashes it against the wall, collapsing it into an uneven disc. The folded hat slips beneath his cloak to be stashed away. The same gesture reveals a dagger on his belt. I have the distinct impression he’s showing me the weapon for a reason—to ensure there’s no funny business, I guess. “Good evening,” he says, sliding into the seat at my table. He’s a handsome man with dark, piercing eyes, olive skin, and curly sable hair. “I hear you may be in need of… certain services.” “Not true,” I tell him. His suave demeanor becomes suddenly serious. “No?” His hand slips beneath the cloak, perhaps to the dagger’s hilt. “No services,” I say. “Just a few questions.” His dark eyes flick about, surveying the room. I expected this level of suspicion with him. My hand reaches halfway across the table then withdraws, leaving a 50 scept gold coin for him. His reflexes are remarkable; the coin is snatched in the blink of an eye. “I’m listening,” he says. * Me: Solomon Dustwalker? Solomon: Yes. You no doubt recognize me by my iconic top hat. Wearing it is similar to lighting a lantern outside the shop door, if I had a shop. It means I’m open for business and I am indeed the person you’re looking for. Not too many people around here sporting a stovepipe hat. So, tell me the nature of work you need completed. Me: Uh, again, sir, I don’t need any work completed. Outside of answering a few questions. And I have paid you quite handsomely for your honesty. Solomon: Honesty? Honesty is a fluid thing, sir. As well as rare, precious, and expensive… Me: Well, for now, I’ll take the amount of honesty that a gold coin buys and we can go from there. Now, my first question: What brings you to the city of Overlook? Solomon: Business, of course. I’ve brought my exotic talents all the way from the ancient and infamously brutal city of Five Kings. I first came to the Consortium by way of Westgate. That city is a nice blending of west and east. But after a lifetime in the arid lands of the Thirsted Plains, I thought a rise in elevation—and sophistication—was due. Therefore, here I am. Me: And these services you keep offering for sale? I assume the “exotic talents” you mentioned have to do with that? What are your greatest skills, Master Dustwalker? Solomon: How much time do you have? I’m teasing… mostly. Do you need an item acquired from some supposedly safe location? I am a master of stealth, sleight of hand, pick-pocketry, lock defeat. Perhaps there is special information you need and only certain people are privy to these secrets? I ooze charm and my tongue is plated with silver. I am as comfortable in the Goblin King’s court as I am a high-society ball or a tavern’s backroom. Should danger arise, I am an accomplished swordsman and am never short a dagger or two upon my person. And magic—did I mention magic? I even know a little bit of dark sorceries, should the extreme need arise. However… Me: However? Solomon: Well, those are forbidden arts, of a sort. The kind I know, at least. As I said, should extreme needs arise… Me: Impressive, sir. I see now why you enjoy such a reputation for sinister services. Solomon: Sinister? You wound me, sir. My business is as honest as a Silver Scepter. A common saying. The Silver Scepters are the guild of bankers and money lenders… Me: Um, yes. Well, I certainly appreciate your cooperation so far. My last question you may be less keen to answer, though. Do you mind sharing, what would you say is a weakness of yours? Solomon: A weakness? Hmm… You know, I can’t think of a single one. A woman appears at the door from the noisy tavern’s common room beyond. She is lovely with long blonde hair and dressed head to toe in black, similar to Solomon’s own style. Woman in Black: Sol! There you are. I’ve missed you, dear. Come buy me a drink. Solomon arches his eyebrows at me. Overly eager, he pulls his flatten disc from its hiding spot, pops the top open again, quickly slips free from his chair and is back on his feet. Solomon: It’s been lovely speaking with you, sir, but it seems it’s time to go. You can find me again should you need more honest questions answered. Or any of the other services we’ve discussed. Coming, love! I take his expedient exit at her call as answer to my final question…
Stand back, mathematicians! Are you guys ready for this? How's this for some math? Only 72 hours since the Dragon Slayers' Guild Kickstarter campaign went active. 73% of the goal accomplished already. Almost 3/4 in just 3 days! 54 ebooks pledged to go out. 6 paperback copies, 2 of them signed by the author (that's me). 48 audio stories pledged to go out. And all of that is going to just 13 backers so far! So many goodies to only a handful of people! I am so proud to be pledging 108 forms of fantastical fiction to you guys in just 72 hours, with all that accounting for just 13 readers/listeners signed up so far! The mathematical entertainment quotient is mind-blowing! I encourage you to share these numbers far and wide, my nerdly brothers and sisters. Let's see how many people's stockings we can stuff with entertainment goodies post-Santa season! Thank you for making this possible!
First off, I have to apologize a bit. I know I've been bombarding folks about this project. But it's a big deal for me. I've spent the last year writing this book. And the last month putting this Kickstarter campaign together to help pay for the expenses of publishing a book and making it the best it can be. To tell the truth, it's been stressful and today is a huge relief. Because it's finally LIVE! No more waiting and wondering if anyone will care. Because someone already does! So let's get this campaign started! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jdbrink/dragon-slayers-guild-a-heroic-fantasy-adventure I'm happy to say that in the first 24 hours, we’re already 22% of the way to our final goal! That's a way better response than I was expecting. I can finally stop holding my breath and just breathe it all in! I will be sending along some more fun bits over the next 3 weeks, in my newsletter and as Kickstarter updates, such as character interviews and world-building background on this new realm I've created. In the meantime, if you think you might end up contributing to the campaign, remember that the sooner you sign up, the more bonus goodies you get! You can now see the (crappy) video I made, browse all the reward levels, and sign up for up to 3 extra audio-stories, all yours just for joining the cause! THANK YOU for your consideration. THANK YOU for telling other potentially-interested fantasy fans about this, so they can get all these rewards for cheap too. And THANK YOU for reading!
Just days from now, the Dragon Slayers' Guild Kickstarter will kick off! And if you sign up as a backer by January 15, you can get the ebook novel and 4 audio-short stories, all for just $10! Read about the details in today's newsletter: https://preview.mailerlite.com/g1n0g2f5s0 And get notified of the launch here, on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jdbrink/dragon-slayers-guild-a-heroic-fantasy-adventure
Fur days from now my Kickstarter will begin! In the meantime, you can read the first couple chapters of Dragon Slayers' Guild via Google Docs here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_75RdsI54ON4jUKl6d3di0sbo6UMH1XT/view?usp=share_link Enjoy!
Al long last! It took me almost a year to write this book (which I started about 53 weeks ago!). And I've spent months prepping the Kickstarter to fund it's editing and cover art. And now that time has... almost come. But you can check out the Kickstarter preview page. Go here and have KS email you when the project goes live! There will be lots of goodies to be had! And since the video isn't live there yet, you can see it on Youtube by clicking here. (It's no high-dollar production, but it gets the point across.) There's not much point in me typing any more than this. The video and Kickstarter page will tell you more than I can here. Thanks for checking them out. Stay tuned, more details to come!
(Hmmm... I hope the resolution turns out okay on that image there... Looks kinda grainy as I'm typing this...) Another year down the time warp drain. I don't really need to say it, do I? Every year goes faster and faster, am I right? None of us can believe the date right now. Nobody understands the every accelerating flow of time. Let's just accept that we're all in a time warp and move on, okay? The good news, though, is we all thought the AI Apocalypse would have taken over by now. And since there are no terminators stalking our neighborhoods for survivors, we can celebrate! Yeah! And, of course, New Years is always a great periodic restart. An opportunity to look at how things are, what we've been doing, and give it a new tweak. Take a new running start at life. I'm definitely trying some new things for 2023 -- like a life-altering approach to making a living -- and we'll see how the Grand Experiment goes! Speaking of new things... At long last, I can show you my new book cover! I went big for this one, hiring Rebekah's expert services at Vivid Covers rather than patching my own stuff together. Most of the time, I hired the talented Mr. Erik (or Mr. Henry--he goes by both names and refuses to tell me which he prefers), who drew all the heroes for my superhero books and a few other cover images for me. But then I would take his work, or some stock images, and make do all the design work to make the final cover. And most of those, I think, turned out on the slightly better side of "okay" but... They certainly haven't been the best. I'm hoping this one ranks a bit higher with the "oohs and aahs" factor. So above is the official cover for Dragon Slayers' Guild , featuring Selene, the badass dark elf ninja! If you'd like to get (better formatted) emails on news like this straight to your inbox, go to this link and subscribe to my "Conspiracy Newsletter". (Don't worry, that's just a fun name. There are no crazy conspiracy theories there.) https://www.subscribepage.com/jdbrinkconspiracy To check out this story on the newsletter, which includes 379 books on special offer right now(!) go here: https://preview.mailerlite.com/d1m8t6p8e8 Thanks for reading!
More holiday goodies: 544 books! I'm promoting my fellow authors with these four big promo deals! And yes, there are literally 544 entries between them. Some are free, some are on sale, all are worth checking out! Since it's easier to provide one link than four, click here to go to today's newsletter, where there are four nice little buttons for your convenience. :) https://preview.mailerlite.com/q2x4h9w4q2
The biggest shopping day of the year is almost here. But you can score three big scifi/fantasy hits right now, no elbow pads or crowd combat required! I'll keep this short and sweet. (I'm supposed to be helping to prep the house for THXGVG after all!) RIGHT NOW you can get all three of these books at a reduced price of $2.99 USD on Amazon. That's a 40-67% savings on three of my biggest books! HERO CRISIS is the four-volume boxed set of mature superhero action-adventure. ( That's right, four books for just three bucks! ) Click here to check it out. WILDCARDS is dark urban fantasy and gritty noir horror. It includes the novel One-Eyed Jacks and 8 more shadowy short stories. GREEN-EYED MONSTER collects 18 novellas and short stories all across the galactic spectrum of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Perfect while you wait at doctor's offices or commute on the train, bus, or starliner. Is that short enough? Check them out and grab them fast before the post-turkey nap kicks in and robs you of your chance!
Just a quickie post here today. I have been too busy to toot my own horn about this but catching up now. Back on Black Friday, 2021--almost a year ago now--I made the decision that this was the book I was going to write. Switching off from two other sci-fi ideas I had been mulling over. I was inspired to make the choice by some fantasy miniatures I'd scored for cheap at a local game shop during Black Friday pricing. The figures I bought represented the characters I had in mind for this book/series. And so inspired, I said, "It's time to give them life!" I spent about a month thinking and planning and plotting. (And the next 10+ months continuing to do the same, sculpting and redirecting and reshaping the outline the story progressed.) I started writing on the last week of December, 2021. And have now finished the first draft on the 2nd day of November, about 10 full months later! Next comes my least favorite part: starting at the beginning and revising the whole damn thing! BLAAGGHH! I hope this process will only take a matter of weeks, though. ...And even typing that line out makes me scoff at myself. But I'm going to try! (And actually, I screwed up putting the details on that image -- if you count the prologue and epilogue, the book has 41 chapters.) Excelsior!
