Thats a shame you had such a hard time with Of Blood and Fire! I had not too dissimilar thoughts on it after loving The Fall (but I do cut Ryan some slack on OBAF since it was the first thing he ever wrote), but I can confirm that every book in the series is a massive leap forward in quality. Book 2 was really good, and book 3 was easily one of my favorite books I read that year, and is up there on my list of favorites in general. When book 4 comes out early 2025 I will be dropping whatever I'm doing to read it on release day :D
Ooooh the excitement in this wrap-up is so infectious! Your review of Miss Percy immediately shot it back up on my prioristy list. I hope I can reread it soon and binge the trilogy! And yes ma'am, I am getting on Iron Prince asap 🤩
Iron Prince keeps popping up on my "you might like this book" recommendation but the cover kinda put me off a bit and I had other things I really wanted to read so never picked it up. Thankfully everything on my wish list right now is still in pre-order so I pick it up after seeing you rave about it and damn I'm so glad I did. I'm not even finished yet and I want to get to the end so I can read the next book but I also don't want to finish this book yet.
Yessss!! Piranesi is downright magical!! I'm glad you had an awesome month of reading!! Miss. Percy sounds like it may just scratch my Lady Trent itch!! My best September read was Red Seas under Red Skies... I recently finished Kerstin Hall's Asunder, which was also brilliant 😁
I haven't read Lady Trent but based on what I've heard, Miss Percy might be a great follow up. Red Seas is BANGER. Glad you enjoyed it :D Esmay has been singing Asunder's praises for weeks, so I'm not surprised that was a good read. Sounds like an awesome month!
Hi Tori, Looks like September was a good reading month for you. I read Piranesi in August and it was such a great book with a fantastic concept, loved the prose and the main character, so interesting. September was a slow month for me, I started a new job and that has taken up a lot of my reading time. I read 2 books: Fires Of Vengeance - Evan Winter (which was a really good follow up to The Rage Of Dragons) Greenmantle - Charles De Lint (Awesome re-read, also if you like great prose give De Lint a go) I also re-read 1 comic book: Hellboy Omnibus Volume 1
You have had an interesting reading month Tori! Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons calls my attention, I think I might be in the mood for something like it :) ... Because of your encourage about the book, I have listened to (and finished in September) the novel: White Fang (1906) by Jack London. And I like it quite a lot! I appreciate the writing and characterization, and the story. The trauma and the effect of it. Very good! I have listened to the LibriVox version narrated by Mark Smith. I think it's pretty good.
I’m so glad you enjoyed White Fang! And I hope you enjoy Miss Percy if you pick it up. It’s such a wholesome and whimsical book with just a dash of fantasy. 💜
Piranesi was 5 stars for me too; he's the most precious, inquisitive, optimistic and delightable mind to share a 1st person POV with, and the setting is so mysterious and wondrous I'd probably project hard on it too if I was in his place. Also I really love the Narnia references.
I have a love/hate relationship with The Bound and the Broken. I think he does a pretty good job with characters, he does really good world building. My problems arise with the prose and the story telling. I don’t think it’s bad, but it doesn’t amaze me.
I know a lot of people really love it, which is awesome. And I am curious to see how the second book differs from the first. But yeah, I didn't connect with the prose as much as I was hoping!
I have the same opinion on Of Blood and Fire and The Fall. Really liked The Fall and was mixed on Of Blood and Fire. I'm going to be picking up Of Darkness and Light pretty soon, so I'll let you know what I think on it. Super excited for Piranesi! I don't know when I'll get to it, but it's pretty small, so I'll probably squeeze it in early next year.
🛒 I picked up a copy of “Piranesi” having heard so many +ve comments, most recently via “Johanna Reads”, and I also noted John Marco’s “The Bloody Chorus” behind you, so I knew about the Readalong. But I’m really struggling to keep up with them all! I am in fact still reading - today, October 9th! - my September ones, and then I need to get to October’s matching set before the live events attached to those trilogies. There just isn’t enough bandwidth left in the day is there 🙂↔️ I looked up “Iron Prince” but have seen this tagged as YA, which I suspect is probably a wee tad out of my zone now that I have survived a fair few orbits around the sun 🤔
It’s so hard to keep up with everything! Honestly, Iron Prince is one of those books that I think easily can appeal to adult readers as well. It doesn’t feel YA overall. I’m usually not as much of a YA reader either, and I just loved the characters.
I have a book suggestion for you since you like everything Korean. "Panchenko". It was a wonderful book. Historical fiction, generations in Korea. I read it 2 years ago, and has stuck with me since then. I watched season 1 on Apple TV, and im looking for season 2.
My September reads included C.J. Cherryh’s Russian trilogy (Rusalka, Chernevog, and Yvgenie) and Piranesi. The very last few days of September had me starting on a collection of E.A. Poe’s works. For Piranesi I enjoyed it, but I find my self in disagreement with you over Susanna’s prose. Whilst it was to a remarkable degree in likeness to the prose style of the writers of the nineteenth century I cannot now call to mind ever having thought that it was beautiful. Outside of thinking that it was a good imitation of the earlier writing style it reminded me of Brandon Sanderson’s clear window pane analogy. In fact Piranesi has been the fastest I have ever read a book in these last few years. Just a minor point upon which we diverge in opinion.
I look forward to trying CJ Cherryh’s work. And I’m also a big fan of Poe! I think there are different ways of writing beautifully. I just found Clarke’s prose to be really ethereal and lyrical without being too heavy. I always find it interesting to hear how different readers feel about prose!
In September I read three Rosemary Sutcliffe novels: 2 YA Historical Fiction Novels, «The Silver Branch» & «The Lantern Bearers» (set in Ancient Britain during the Late Roman and the Roman Withdrawal & Saxon Invasions, respectively) and an Arthurian Historical Fiction novel, «Sword at Sunset», all loosely connectied to each other following a family over generations, with the POV character of «The Lantern Bearers» as a mentor figure and his son one of Arthur’s companions in «Sword at Sunset». I also finished «Sword in the Storm» («Rigante» series #1) by David Gemmell (S&S/Heroic Fantasy, inspired by Celtic Britain and the Roman Invasions), «The Eternal Champion» Trilogy Omnibus by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse S&S/(Anti-?)Heroic Fantasy) and «Lustrum» (US: «Conspirata», «Cicero»-Trilogy #2) by Robert Harris (Historical Fiction about the Roman Statesman, that one or «Sword in the Storm» might be my Book of the Month)! Cheers Tori!
In September I read 14 books My book of the month is the wild truth by carine mccandless memoir it was interesting learning about her life and learning about the toll of loosing her brother Christopher did there's a book and movie based on her brother life called into the wild
I still need to get to Piranesi. I think I i liked Of Blood and Fire a little more than you (thought it was good, but not great) and sounds like it was the opposite for The Fall (which I liked about the same as Book 1). Not a series that I feel is worth continuing since it clearly does something for other people that it just wasn't doing for me.
I can't help but wonder: why am I doing this to myself? Why do I keep watching these videos that do nothing but add to my already I-would-need-several-lifetimes-to-read-all-of-this-long TBR? WHY?? Well better stuff Miss Percy's Guide in there! But I guess I should feel lucky that I already read Piranesi (which is in my top 5 of all time). Although with all of you talking about it so much lately maybe I should put it on the re-read list?!? 🤪😵💫 Anyway in September I managed to finish the last book in two epic series: Speaking Bones by Ken Liu and Crown of Stars by Kate Elliott (both chunkers). While Dandelion Dynasty is widely known in these circles The Crown of Stars series is a hidden gem which I highly recommend (warning: it's 7 books, several over 1000 pages).
Haha! Sorry not sorry XD But I completely sympathize, I have the same problem. Too many amazing books, not enough time to read them all! I hope you have a great time with Miss Percy if you pick it up, and I'm so glad you've had some awesome reads this year!
Thats a shame you had such a hard time with Of Blood and Fire! I had not too dissimilar thoughts on it after loving The Fall (but I do cut Ryan some slack on OBAF since it was the first thing he ever wrote), but I can confirm that every book in the series is a massive leap forward in quality. Book 2 was really good, and book 3 was easily one of my favorite books I read that year, and is up there on my list of favorites in general. When book 4 comes out early 2025 I will be dropping whatever I'm doing to read it on release day :D
I may still try the second book, I’ve heard a lot of people say that it was a huge step up!
It pleases me greatly how much you enjoyed Iron Prince
It pleases me greatly as well.
I had similar experience with OBAF but u need to trust me when I say that book 2 and book 3 gets better and so fucking good. Please continue it.
I may someday!
Ooooh the excitement in this wrap-up is so infectious! Your review of Miss Percy immediately shot it back up on my prioristy list. I hope I can reread it soon and binge the trilogy! And yes ma'am, I am getting on Iron Prince asap 🤩
Yay! I think you’ll love Iron Prince! 🥰 and I hope you love Miss Percy too.
Iron Prince keeps popping up on my "you might like this book" recommendation but the cover kinda put me off a bit and I had other things I really wanted to read so never picked it up. Thankfully everything on my wish list right now is still in pre-order so I pick it up after seeing you rave about it and damn I'm so glad I did. I'm not even finished yet and I want to get to the end so I can read the next book but I also don't want to finish this book yet.
YES! 🙌🏻 so thrilled you’re having a good time with it! 🔥
Yessss!! Piranesi is downright magical!!
I'm glad you had an awesome month of reading!! Miss. Percy sounds like it may just scratch my Lady Trent itch!!
My best September read was Red Seas under Red Skies... I recently finished Kerstin Hall's Asunder, which was also brilliant 😁
I haven't read Lady Trent but based on what I've heard, Miss Percy might be a great follow up. Red Seas is BANGER. Glad you enjoyed it :D
Esmay has been singing Asunder's praises for weeks, so I'm not surprised that was a good read. Sounds like an awesome month!
Hi Tori, Looks like September was a good reading month for you.
I read Piranesi in August and it was such a great book with a fantastic concept, loved the prose and the main character, so interesting.
September was a slow month for me, I started a new job and that has taken up a lot of my reading time.
I read 2 books:
Fires Of Vengeance - Evan Winter (which was a really good follow up to The Rage Of Dragons)
Greenmantle - Charles De Lint (Awesome re-read, also if you like great prose give De Lint a go)
I also re-read 1 comic book:
Hellboy Omnibus Volume 1
Sounds like some good reads even with the slower reading pace!
You read some great books!! Happy reading to you!! 😊
Thank you so much! You too!
You have had an interesting reading month Tori!
Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons calls my attention, I think I might be in the mood for something like it :)
...
Because of your encourage about the book, I have listened to (and finished in September) the novel: White Fang (1906) by Jack London.
And I like it quite a lot! I appreciate the writing and characterization, and the story. The trauma and the effect of it.
Very good!
I have listened to the LibriVox version narrated by Mark Smith. I think it's pretty good.
I’m so glad you enjoyed White Fang! And I hope you enjoy Miss Percy if you pick it up. It’s such a wholesome and whimsical book with just a dash of fantasy. 💜
Great reading month Tori! Piranesi was a great book, and I think I’ll enjoy it more on a reread probably.
Thanks Chas! I definitely look forward to rereading it too.
Thanks so much for the kind shoutout! I'm glad I helped clean the shelves!! Yay Piranesi!!
You’re awesome, Brian!
Piranesi was 5 stars for me too; he's the most precious, inquisitive, optimistic and delightable mind to share a 1st person POV with, and the setting is so mysterious and wondrous I'd probably project hard on it too if I was in his place. Also I really love the Narnia references.
He’s so precious! She did an amazing job on his voice and narration. 💜
@@ToriTalks2 Wasn't the audiobook by Chiwetel Ejiofor (a he)? :) I really should have a go with that version soon.
The beanie queen returns!!!
Ready for a new beanie season!
omg, that’s so impressive. i hope one day i can read as much as you!
Read as much as you like! The number doesn’t matter 🥰
Wow what a great gush on Iron Prince, and it’s now firmly on my radar!
Piranesi was incredible for me too 💪
Thank you! I hope you love it! 😍
I have a love/hate relationship with The Bound and the Broken. I think he does a pretty good job with characters, he does really good world building. My problems arise with the prose and the story telling. I don’t think it’s bad, but it doesn’t amaze me.
I know a lot of people really love it, which is awesome. And I am curious to see how the second book differs from the first. But yeah, I didn't connect with the prose as much as I was hoping!
Piranesi has definitely been up there on my TBR. Another 5 star might have to bump it up some!
I hope you have a great time with it 🙌🏻
@@ToriTalks2 Thank you! I feel as though I will.
I have the same opinion on Of Blood and Fire and The Fall. Really liked The Fall and was mixed on Of Blood and Fire. I'm going to be picking up Of Darkness and Light pretty soon, so I'll let you know what I think on it.
Super excited for Piranesi! I don't know when I'll get to it, but it's pretty small, so I'll probably squeeze it in early next year.
Definitely keep me posted with your thoughts on Of Darkness and Light. Piranesi is a short read! I hope you enjoy it when you get that far.
🛒 I picked up a copy of “Piranesi” having heard so many +ve comments, most recently via “Johanna Reads”, and I also noted John Marco’s “The Bloody Chorus” behind you, so I knew about the Readalong. But I’m really struggling to keep up with them all! I am in fact still reading - today, October 9th! - my September ones, and then I need to get to October’s matching set before the live events attached to those trilogies. There just isn’t enough bandwidth left in the day is there 🙂↔️
I looked up “Iron Prince” but have seen this tagged as YA, which I suspect is probably a wee tad out of my zone now that I have survived a fair few orbits around the sun 🤔
It’s so hard to keep up with everything! Honestly, Iron Prince is one of those books that I think easily can appeal to adult readers as well. It doesn’t feel YA overall. I’m usually not as much of a YA reader either, and I just loved the characters.
I have a book suggestion for you since you like everything Korean. "Panchenko". It was a wonderful book. Historical fiction, generations in Korea. I read it 2 years ago, and has stuck with me since then. I watched season 1 on Apple TV, and im looking for season 2.
By Min Jin Lee? Oh, i randomly added that to my tbr a month ago when i stumbled over it.
I have read Pachinko! I really enjoyed it. I forgot there was a TV show for it, thank you for reminding me! I’ll check it out. 💜
My September reads included C.J. Cherryh’s Russian trilogy (Rusalka, Chernevog, and Yvgenie) and Piranesi. The very last few days of September had me starting on a collection of E.A. Poe’s works.
For Piranesi I enjoyed it, but I find my self in disagreement with you over Susanna’s prose. Whilst it was to a remarkable degree in likeness to the prose style of the writers of the nineteenth century I cannot now call to mind ever having thought that it was beautiful. Outside of thinking that it was a good imitation of the earlier writing style it reminded me of Brandon Sanderson’s clear window pane analogy. In fact Piranesi has been the fastest I have ever read a book in these last few years.
Just a minor point upon which we diverge in opinion.
I look forward to trying CJ Cherryh’s work. And I’m also a big fan of Poe!
I think there are different ways of writing beautifully. I just found Clarke’s prose to be really ethereal and lyrical without being too heavy. I always find it interesting to hear how different readers feel about prose!
In September I read three Rosemary Sutcliffe novels: 2 YA Historical Fiction Novels, «The Silver Branch» & «The Lantern Bearers» (set in Ancient Britain during the Late Roman and the Roman Withdrawal & Saxon Invasions, respectively) and an Arthurian Historical Fiction novel, «Sword at Sunset», all loosely connectied to each other following a family over generations, with the POV character of «The Lantern Bearers» as a mentor figure and his son one of Arthur’s companions in «Sword at Sunset». I also finished «Sword in the Storm» («Rigante» series #1) by David Gemmell (S&S/Heroic Fantasy, inspired by Celtic Britain and the Roman Invasions), «The Eternal Champion» Trilogy Omnibus by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse S&S/(Anti-?)Heroic Fantasy) and «Lustrum» (US: «Conspirata», «Cicero»-Trilogy #2) by Robert Harris (Historical Fiction about the Roman Statesman, that one or «Sword in the Storm» might be my Book of the Month)! Cheers Tori!
Some great Roman era and Arthurian reading this month!
Omg omg omg yeeey miss percy!!!!!!
It was so good!
Book of the month for me was The Blue Flames by Jacquelyn Hagen.
I’m so glad to hear that! It’s such a great series.
In September I read 14 books
My book of the month is the wild truth by carine mccandless memoir it was interesting learning about her life and learning about the toll of loosing her brother Christopher did there's a book and movie based on her brother life called into the wild
Wow! What a month! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. I love a good memoir.
I still need to get to Piranesi.
I think I i liked Of Blood and Fire a little more than you (thought it was good, but not great) and sounds like it was the opposite for The Fall (which I liked about the same as Book 1). Not a series that I feel is worth continuing since it clearly does something for other people that it just wasn't doing for me.
That's fair, I'm glad I tried it and now I know. I may taste test book 2 at some point to see how I feel about that one.
I hope you enjoy Piranesi!
I can't help but wonder: why am I doing this to myself? Why do I keep watching these videos that do nothing but add to my already I-would-need-several-lifetimes-to-read-all-of-this-long TBR? WHY?? Well better stuff Miss Percy's Guide in there! But I guess I should feel lucky that I already read Piranesi (which is in my top 5 of all time). Although with all of you talking about it so much lately maybe I should put it on the re-read list?!? 🤪😵💫 Anyway in September I managed to finish the last book in two epic series: Speaking Bones by Ken Liu and Crown of Stars by Kate Elliott (both chunkers). While Dandelion Dynasty is widely known in these circles The Crown of Stars series is a hidden gem which I highly recommend (warning: it's 7 books, several over 1000 pages).
Haha! Sorry not sorry XD But I completely sympathize, I have the same problem. Too many amazing books, not enough time to read them all! I hope you have a great time with Miss Percy if you pick it up, and I'm so glad you've had some awesome reads this year!
Piranesi was a fairly big let down for me. It's was very mid.
Bummer, sorry it didn't work for you!
Take it back
It’s very Wolfian.
I'm a big fan of bound and broken I understand how tropie it is tho the series skyrocket with book 2
That’s what I’ve been hearing!