I’m not sure what was in the water to start the year but someone needs to put it back. Honestly, that pace wasn’t sustainable anyway but it would be nice if I could find a happy medium. I made progress on the two audiobooks left unfinished in January but I also started a number of new books with varying degrees of success. Now I have a month to go until the end of r/Fantasy Book Bingo ends and I’m okay with that. I am. Really. Promise. Anyway.
| Format | Goal | To Date | Completion % | Pace |
| Physical | 35 | 10 (+3) | 28.57% | 58 |
| Audiobook | 15 | 1 (+1) | 6.67% | 5 |
| E-book | 5 | 2 (-) | 40.00% | 11 |
| Graphic Novel | 175 | 20 (+11) | 11.43% | 117 |
| Total | 230 | 33 | 14.35% | 194 |
Books:
- All In by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- 2/1/24 – 2/7/24
- Booklist Queen ‘24 (Three books by an author 1/3)
I really didn’t talk enough about The Naturals series last year. It was pitched to me by a bookseller as X-men meets Criminal Minds (with some extra emphasis on the latter). The whole series to this point has been fast-paced, exciting and brilliant, combining dynamic characters with fascinating serial killers. Each cat and mouse scenario flawlessly blends a gruesome crime with the past history of one or more main characters. Barnes is quickly emerging as a guaranteed read for me between this and the Inheritance Games.
In this installment, murders set in Las Vegas casinos make it very clear which member of the team will see significant focus. But beyond that, details from the very beginning of the first book are given more context that proves Barnes to be a top-tier plotter and promises a showstopping endgame. The finale just crashed its way to the top of my reading list.
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
- 2/3/24 – 3/3/24
- Reddit Bingo ‘23 (Middle-East Inspired)
- Booklist Queen ‘24 (About Secrets)
This positively explosive first entry to Sabaa Tahir’s series was recommended to me by my lovely wife and exceeded the already high expectations set by her praise. The blending of cultures mixed with the enigmatic magic operating behind the scenes were the high points in a book full of strengths. Stir in a pair of POV characters you can’t help but root for in the face of a military academy that is as deadly as it is terrifying. All of this comes together in a page-turning first entry that hooked me in for the rest of the series. Lucky me, my wife already has copies!
- Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- 2/7/24 – 2/11/24
- Booklist Queen ‘24 (Three books by an author 2/3)
Man, I knew from the end of All In that this series would go out with a bang but I was *not ready*.
Barnes did a brilliant job with plotting out a finale that drew from everything these characters have gone through and continuing to develop the characters while facing them against their wildest threat yet.
Based on the ending (none of which I saw coming), the series will have excellent reread value – and yes I absolutely will be rereading. And it renewed my faith in the Inheritance Games which I enjoyed but wasn’t as absorbed by (but that’s a story for another day).
- The Order of the Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho
- 2/29/24 – 3/1/23
- Reddit Bingo ‘23 (POC Author)
- Booklist Queen ‘24 (Flowers on the Cover)
I’m starting this review two days after finishing this story and I’m still, in so many ways, unsure of what to say. For a book that’s all of 150 pages, Zen Cho has created a bold and vibrant world, brimming with character and culture. The story starts out in a most familiar way with a mysterious bandit in a small-town cafe but quickly expands to something far more complex. Challenging notions of faith and identity, this found family wuxia story is an immersive glimpse into a world I desperately hope is explored further.
Bonus points for LGBTQIA+ representation
Review
Graphic Novels:
- Jujutsu Kaisen
Well I’m finally caught up and while certain massive spoilers were spoiled for me, I can officially say that the ride was so absolutely bonkers that it doesn’t even matter. Those chapters of combat were fully next-level and I’m salivating over what they’ll look like once animated – and I hope that comes from fairly treated animators.
- Solo Leveling
I’d love to share my thoughts on this series but I’ve read all of four pages so there’s not really much for me to say (yet).
- Spy x Family
I watched the first season and adored it – because of course I did – and ultimately decided I wanted to give it a full read. It’s especially nice as an option to break up some of the heavier books I read.
- One Punch Man
I read the first volume last year and just kept scooping up new things to read to the point where I forgot about it. Since I have Shonen Jump, I figured this would scratch a silly itch while also providing some fun action. So far so good!
What am I Currently Reading?
- A Witch’s Sin by Daniel B. Greene
- 1/3/24 – TBD
- Booklist Queen ‘24 (Audiobook)
- The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
- 1/11/24 – TBD
- Booklist Queen ‘24 (Reread a favorite)
- Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City by K. J. Parker
- 2/11/24 – TBD
- Booklist Queen ‘24 (Book you own but haven’t read)
Ongoing Manga:
- My Hero Academia
- One Piece
- Martial Master Asumi
- Canceled at 32 chapters. Sad face.
- Kagurabachi
- Sakamoto Days
- Jujutsu Kaisen (starting 2/17)
- Kaiju No. 8
- Kaiju No. 8: B-Sides
- Dragon Ball Super
- Boruto Two Blue Vortex
- Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
- Black Clover
No Strong Opinions 