71/100 If you are a fan of the Tom Clancy novel of the late 80s - early 90s, this is the book for you. I felt such a wave of deja vu, it was like discovering a lost Clancy novel. The book is a chunkster, 692 pages, but it's worth the time. There's two stories intertwined: A mIlitary general stages a coup to overthrow the Russian government and replace the president with military dictatorship, while his cohorts plan to crash the American ⬇️

70/100 What a bizarre little book, covering some of the strangest villains in comic book history. Most of them were one shot villains, never meant to be a threat to the hero, some were terribly racist and sexist, some were just stupid, like Brickbat, who threw poison filled bricks at people, or The Jingler, who was an evil poet who killed people and left poety beside the bodies. 3.25/5 ⭐ #Read2025

69/100 This had the makings for a really unique first contact story, with truly alien aliens. Unfortunately, the story is bogged down by so much scientific jargon that it's hard to tell what's going on most of the time. I feel like a need a degree in biology, neurology and psychology to really grasp what is happening. There's so much talking, endless dialogues about complex scientific theories ⬇️

The #ClassicLSFBC selection for August is Ursula LeGuin's The Left Hand of Darkness. I've read this not long ago, so I'll probably pass on the reread, but those who haven't read it are in for a treat. September's choice is Galactic Pot Healer by Philip K. Dick. It was a tie between this and Software, so I flipped a coin and GPH won. Happy reading everyone!!
@Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @wanderinglynn @Readergrrl

So, we only have three nominees for August's #ClassicLSFBC selection. As usually, the book with the most votes will be August's read, the runner up with be the selection for September. Voting is from now until Sunday, I'll announce the winners on Monday. @Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @wanderinglynn @Readergrrl @Johanna414 @Lizpixie @BookBelle84 @Larkken @julesG

My first chunkster of 2025. 692 pages. It definitely gives me Tom Clancy vibes, especially The Hunt for Red October (obviously) and Red Storm Rising. I didn't see the movie, but I might try after I finish the book.

68/100 Its been about 15 years since I read this, and it holds up well on a reread. It's still one of my favorite novels, sci-fi or otherwise, of all time. It's not an easy book to read, it has a nonlinear timeline, and the character of Siddhartha is complex and often confusing. He is called the buddha by his followers, but he says he isn't, but he really could be. I can see people putting this down in confusion or frustration, but it is ⬇️

67/100 I don't believe the world is flat, but this is a very interesting look into the Flat Earth phenomenon and the kind of people who are drawn into conspiracy theories. Mainly it concentrates on FE, but other conspiracies are intermingled, like holocaust deniers, people who think the moon landing was a hoax, covid 19 conspiracies and President Trump's denial of the 2020 election results. It is amazing what people can talk themselves ⬇️

Hello everyone!! I'm sorry I'm late with the selections for August #ClassicLSFBC. I hope everyone enjoyed Lord of Light for July, and is ready for something new in August. Nominations are open, and we'll do as usual, the one with the most votes will be August's selection, runner-up will be the September selection. I will start the nominations with Software by Rudy Rucker.

66/100 I admit I listened to this for Nathan Fillion, I like his voice and he does a fine job as narrator. A salvage crew land on a planet seeking an older starship that crashed there. At first it's pretty lightweight, funny with a sarcastic AI, done very well by Fillion, overseeing a 3 person crew. Things quickly turn darker, and it becomes a grim tale of survival as they discover and alien AI and the people its turned into half ⬇️

His followers called him Mahasamatman and said he was a god.

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

I enjoyed the first book of this series, but I can't get into this one. I'm bailing at 38% mark, because the mystery isn't interesting and I feel myself actively avoiding listening to it when I have the time to do so.

65/100 Its been awhile since I've read any Frederik Pohl, I'd forgotten what a talented writer he was. This is a story of parallel worlds, of characters meeting various versions of themselves as the wall between the dimensions begins to falter. It is a little confusing at times, multiple POVs with the same name and all told in first person, but it's worth sticking with for the solid conclusion. 4 ⭐ #Read2025

64/100 Several times I tried to get this book chosen for #LitsySciFiBookClub. I'm happy it was never picked, it is not a good book. I don't know if it's because its translated from Korean, or if it was the narrator's aloof, emotionless delivery, but I found this very dry. Whole chapters were just info dumps disguised as world building. There wasn't a single likable character to root for in the end. Luckily it's a short novel, 4 1/2 hour

63/100 I have to admit I didnt like this one as much as the first one, I found it a bit repetitive, rehashing some of the character bits and situations. Sadly there's a pattern setting in, like an old episode of Scooby Doo. Lots of weird creepy phenomenon, possible monsters or demons, someone is killed (although never on Scooby Doo), then it all turns out to be Old Man Jenkins in a scary costume trying to frighten people off his land.

62/100 The final book in The Hot War trilogy. It seemed a bit longer than necessary, the armistice between the US and the USSR come about in the middle of the book, then the rest is the aftermath of the war, which seemed to be an excuse to kill off a couple of characters who had barely survived the war. The frustrating thing was events pretty much went back to status quo afterwards, Russia still dominated eastern Europe and Korea was still

Hi everyone!! Sorry I've been MIA lately, my phone finally decided to crap itself and die, so I've been disconnected for the last week or so. I hope everyone was able to find a copy of Foundation and enjoyed it for June's selection. Just a reminder that July's #ClassicLSFBC selection of Roger Zelazny's classic novel, Lord of Light. It's one of my favorite science fiction novels and I'm excited to reread it after several years.

61/100 Simon R. Green is my favorite author. Including this audiobook, I've read 53 of his novels. This isn't close to his best work, but it is still quite fun. Four D-List celebrities join a ghost hunting show, and find themselves locked in a haunted hall where they must spend the night. At first it's all creepy noises and sudden lights going out, no one is sure if it's real or just put on by the show's producer, but then one of the ⬇️⬇️

60/100 Book 2 of The Hot War trilogy. Like most middle books, not a lot happens, the plot is moved forward a little, and sets up the conclusion for the final novel. The various POVs, from both sides of the war, is the main point of interest. Some lives get better, some get worse, but the war is seen from all angles, both military and civilian. Onward to the concluding volume, Armistice. 4.5 ⭐ #Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

59/100 I've never been a big fan of Asimov, I find his writing kind of dry, but I did enjoy the entire Foundation trilogy. The fall of the Galactic empire was predicted by Harry Seldon, and through his Foundation, the dark ages after the fall would only be 1,000 years instead of 30,000. Personally, I think the trilogy gets better as it goes along, but the first book is a solid story with plenty of interesting characters. 4🚀🚀🚀🚀 #ClassicLSFBC

58/100 If you enjoy laughing at the stupidity, arrogance, and hubris of man, then you will enjoy this. Starting in the 50's and moving to the present, it covers many of the US government's hairbrained plots and plans. Ed Helms makes for a pleasant narrator, he definitely enjoys his subject and tells it in a conversational manner, as if you were meeting at a party and he was giving you tidbits of history trivia. 3.5/5 #Read2025

57/100 One thing I like about John Constantine is he's consistent, he's always going to #$%@ thing up, probably kill some people, destroy some lives, drink and smoke A LOT, then come out on top in the end. The idea of a married Constantine is mind blowing, but if anyone could handle him, it seems to be Epiphany. 4/5 ⭐ #Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

55 & 56/100 Dungeons & Dragons was definitely one of my all time favorite Saturday morning cartoons, even though I was a little old for cartoons when it came out. I enjoyed seeing the characters again, still trying to get home, still fighting against Venger. The twist ending of vol 2 wasn't that big a surprise, but it was touching none the less. 3.75/5 ⭐ #Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

54/100 Alternate history has always been my favorite subgenre of science fiction, and few writers do it better than Turtledove. What if Truman used the atomic bomb to end the war in Korea? The results are horrific, and this is only the first book of the trilogy. Moscow, Kiev, Leningrad, Portland, Seattle and Los Angles gone up in atomic mushrooms. I did find it a little unrealistic that that much radiation from this destruction wasn't killing ⬇️

53/100 I did enjoy the world building and the unique alien species, but I found the ending disappointing and vague. I am assuming the author plans a sequel, because this was left too open to really qualify as a conclusion. Too many unanswered questions, too many dangling plot points. If there is a sequel, I'd probably read it just to see what happens to the friendroe. 3.5/5 #Read2025 #LitsySciFiBookClub

It was a close vote, but in the end, Foundation prevailed as June's selection for #ClassicLSFBC. A close second was Lord of Light, which will be the selection for July. Copies of Foundation should be available at most libraries, and I've see very cheap copies available on Ebay, the audiobook is available free on Spotify with a premium account. I hope everyone can find a copy to enjoy. @Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern

Somewhere to the south and east lay Hungnam, the North Korean port on the Sea of Japan.

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

We have a very eclectic selection for June's #ClassicLSFBC. I think any of them would make for a enjoyable read or reread. As usual, the book with the most votes will be for June, and the next closest will be the choice for July. I'll announce the winners on Monday. #ClassicLSFBC
@Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @wanderinglynn @Readergrrl @Johanna414 @Lizpixie @BookBelle84 @Larkken @julesG @Deblovestoread @majkia

52/100 I love football. Pro football, college football, high school football, Canadian football and the USFL. Heck I'd rather watch the Puppy Bowl than most half time show. The author has Collected 100 moments, players, coaches, and games that makes football such a special sport. However the author doesn't mention one of the things I love about NFL football: the length of the season. Baseball plays 162 games, hockey & basketball plays 82 games ⬇️

Honestly, I'm not much of a cryer, but when they reached the part about Sharkie's child abuse in the foster care system, I had to stop the audiobook and get myself back together. I knew from the Tik Tok series that it was bad, but I never imagined the depth of the abuse. It broke my heart. 💔

In the moment, the key moment, the winning moment, only one thought raced through the mind of Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay: "Aaron Donald is going to make a play."

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

51/100 I know it's an old saying, but honestly, I could listen to Stephen Fry read a phone book, if they still existed. His narration really brings the story of Odessus to life, it's often quite funny when it's not being tragic, as Odessus has one misadventure after another, both helped and hindered by the various gods of Olympus. I know this is the last book of his Greek Mythology series, but I love to see him tackle Norse mythology. 5 🌟 read

Since we skipped May for #ClassicLSFBC, it's time to do nominations for June. Nomination from today until the end of the month, then we can vote. I'll get the ball rolling by nominating The Great Time Machine Hoax by Keith Laumer.
@Bookwomble @Ruthiella @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @wanderinglynn @Readergrrl @Johanna414 @Lizpixie @BookBelle84 @Larkken @julesG @Deblovestoread @majkia @LeticiaToraci @sebrittainclark @kwmg40 @CatLass007

50/100 The first of a series, where corporations have their own superheroes, and make contracts to protect people and property. It doesn't really work as a superhero story, but as a work place comedy, it's actually pretty funny. Andrea starts as a fish out of water, but quickly comes to be invaluable to C.U.P. I don't know if I'll listen to more of the series, but I enjoyed this one. 3.75/5 ⭐ #Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

49/100 I will give this short story collection a Pick with an asterisk. Each story is set in the worlds of the author's various novels, so if you haven't read the original novel, the story might be confusing. However if you're a fan, like myself, then each story is a mini sequel to the novels, involving some side characters the author wanted to give more attention to. 3.75/5 ⭐ #Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Oh Boy! I did not know that Stephen Fry had a 4th book in the Greek Mythology series. I need to finish my current audiobook so I can get to this. I know it's going to be another winner. #SeriesLove2025

1. This might be a bit of a cheat, since she's only written one book, but I really enjoyed Jaysea Lynn's writing.
2. Tagged. If you're into romantasy, I highly recommend this book, it's amazing! Romantasy isn't even my usual reading choice, and I loved it.
#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

48/100 You know you're reading a gifted writer, when he/she can take the daftiest idea possible, and turn it into a fun and enjoyable story. While not as funny as say Starter Villain, it made me smile and chuckle often. I enjoyed the various POVs, how the average person was effected by the change in the moon, along with the rich and the powerful people in government. I don't think sweet is the word I'd use but it's more lightly amusing ⬇️

#unpopularopinion I know a lot of people really enjoyed this book, but it's just not doing it for me. Maybe it's because I've just listened to two mysteries, I'm burnt out on solving murders, or maybe Lafferty isn't an author for me. I also bailed on The Shambling Guide to New York City. I think it's time for something lighter.

47/100 I've seen a couple of reviews that said they liked the shorter version, more novella than novel, as opposed to the first two longer stories. I disagree, I don't feel the author had the space to adequately flesh out his characters or product a compelling mystery. I am still enjoying the series, and I'll read it if a fourth one is published, but I hope its given more space to develop next time. 3 ⭐⭐⭐💫 #Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

Sound struggled to make it's way through the thick synth-amneo fluid.

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

46/100 While I don't think this was as good as the first novel, it was still a fun adventure, with enough mystery and hijinks to keep me involved and interested in the final outcome. I liked all the characters, especially Billy, so I hope we do see a third novel in the future. 4.25/5 #Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

Holy Crap!! Did I forget about May?!? I really dropped the ball guys, I'm sorry that I forgot about doing the #ClassicLSFBC selection for May. The new job has taken most of my time, and April just slipped through my fingers.
I didn't realize, until I saw @swynn review of The Weapon Shops of Isher, that I'd forgotten. I apologize. I'll leave it up to everyone else, we can skip May and make a selection for June instead, or we can do some ⬇️

44/100 I've always enjoyed Chris Hayes' TV show, and this book is very relevant to today's information overload society. Our attention is divided by many sources fighting for our views, twits, posts and likes. As readers, we all know the struggle to maintain our attention, when the cellphone, the internet, and the TV is trying to lure away our attention. Donald Trump is the first president of the "Attention Age", someone pathetically unqualified⬇️

I like it when life syncs up with what I'm reading. Yesterday a storm knocked out the power from 7pm until 10am this morning. No TV, no wi-fi, no internet, and once my phone ran down, no ebooks or audiobooks. No distractions at all, just the printed book to read. Is there something wrong with me when I say that I found no distractions very distracting? I tried to concentration on the book, but I found my mind wandering. It's not the book's ⬇️

43/100 Sadly, the concluding volume of Rat Queens is not as satisfying as I had hoped. They didn't stick the landing, but it wasn't a thud either. Hannah has her final confrontation with Evil Hannah, but the ending is ambiguous as to which one really won. The most jarring thing was the change of art style, again!, to a much more cartoonish style. I little manga like at times. I'll give it a low pick, but its disappointing to see ⬇️

42/100 I hate to sound like an old foggy, but I miss the days when comic creative teams stayed on a title more than 2 or 3 issues, not that I expect anyone to do 102 issues like Lee & Kirby did on Fantastic Four, but I appreciate continuity in writing and art. That said, I miss Kurtis Wiebe's writing style. This issues humor seemed forced, as if every other word being a cuss word was funny. I didn't mind the art style change, it was close ⬇️

1. The tagged book made me laugh, made me cry, and had me blushing from the spice. I plan a relisten to the audiobook soon.
2. The Zero Stone by Andre Norton & Aristoi by Walter Jon Williams

#wonderouswednesday @Eggs

41/100 There is a killer lose in Gotham, named Midnight, who takes the heart of their victims. Working with some of Batman's most notorious foes, Joker, Scarecrow, Clayface, they wreak terror on the city. The story is kind of clunky, exposition heavy, and Midnight's true identity is pretty obvious. What saves this from a so-so rating, is the amazing artwork by Kelly Jones. Jones truly captures Batman as a creature of the night, and since this ⬇️