It was great seeing you be brutally honest Brian. I'm here for it! I know the Wandering Inn is a Booktube darling right now, but it's great to get a refreshing and unique take on it, from someone whose opinion I respect. And considering my tastes and time, it sounds like something I wouldn't enjoy.
Yeah, it is a real time-burner, so I think a person needs to either have a lot of time available for it or just spread it out over a long time. Glad you like the video!!
Loved to hear you reflect on the fine art aspect of Malazan - it’s not my usual jam but I still appreciated the artistry and loved aspects of most of the books. Fun to see you dump on the Wandering Inn! I tried the audio of vol 1 once and bounced off it hard - glad I wasn’t missing much!
Ha, well if people love it, I’m happy for them cause it’s great audio credit value.. but I can think of many series that start off just so much stronger and compelling. I’ve got 3 litrpg on Sept TBR 🔥😊⚡️
Sounds like a stellar month, Brian. In August I read: *Comics* Green Lantern Book One Written by Geoff Johns | Art by Ethan Van Sciver - I think Hal Jordan become my fav DC character. He shuts Batman up with 1 punch 🤣 Hawkeye Volume 1: My Life As a Weapon Written by Matt Fraction | Art by David Aja - He's lame in the films but I adore Hawkeye in the comics. Thor God of Thunder: God Butcher Written by Jason Aaron | Art by Esad Ribic - Fantastic! *Fantasy* Rain Wild Chronicles 1: Dragon Keeper - Really liked it. Wars of Light & Shadow 2: Ships of Merior - I'm in it for the long haul now! With the exception of Dakar, I really enjoy these characters and this world. I'm a mood reader anyway, especially with this series. I NFNed Jonathan Maberry's Patient Zero (again) and Larry McMurtry's Streets of Laredo. As for what I'm currently reading: *Comics* Astonishing X-Men Complete Collection 1 Written by Joss Whedon | Art by John Cassaday New Avengers Complete Collection 1 Written by Brian Bendis | Art by David Finch And on pause for now: *Fantasy* Rain Wild Chronicles 2: Dragon Haven Malazan BotF 2: Deadhouse Gates (re-read) - I get it Theo, you're intimidated, I don't care 🤣 *Mystery* Mystic River / Dennis Lehane
August was a pretty good month for me, even though my mean rating was one of the lowest this year: 31 novels and 1 anthology read. 3.41 mean rating. Six 5-star reads and seven 1- or 2-star books. The best was College Arcane, book 8 of John Conroe's Demon Accords series. Strong plotting and excellent character work in a world that I already really like. If you aren't reading Demon Accords, it's very much worth a try. The other 5-star books: Red Sister, Mark Lawrence L.A. Requiem, Robert Crais Monsters & Legends, Ivan Kal Dark Knight Station: Origins, Nathan Lowell What Price Victory (anthology), David Weber, et al. The average was pulled down by trying several new series that just didn't work well for me, including a couple from authors whose other work I like. But if you never try a new author, you never find a new favorite, so I just put that down as the cost of exploration.
I'm glad you loved Deadhouse Gates! So many of the scenes in that book are absolutely jaw-dropping. "Sentient space station" is difficult to say at first, but it has a nice 5/8 rhythm to it that does make it a bit easier. Thanks for reminding me to not only not be so critical of myself, but notice what I have to be proud of over the last few months. It's so easy to fixate on what I could have done and spiral down, and I know I need to do less of that in general.
Great video Brian! I appreciate your honest reviews for books because it helps me navigate the huge number of books out there into a somewhat manageable TBR. I will definitely take up your One for the Road challenge - I think it's a great idea!
Thanks for your thoughts on Wandering Inn. I feel like Im still willing to try it myself at some point, though I have plenty of other reading I'd like to prioritize. Yes! Deadhouse Gates is fantastic, I'm sure you'll love Memories of Ice as well.
Yeah, don't remove a book or series from your own TBR just because I say so. Books are so experiential and differ in both slight and significant ways to the reader. I have close friends who love The Wandering Inn. Just probably wasn't written for me.
Heeeck yes for Blood Reunion! That is still my favourite in the series, though I just read (and reviewed) the upcoming 5th one and that was excellent as well!! Joe deserves all the love and hype. Also, deeply appreciate your honest thoughts on Wandering Inn. Can't say I was ever super interested in that series, but now even less so hahah. Hope the next poll pick works out better!! My standouts of August were Asunder by Kerstin Hall (fave of the year ?), Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle and Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors!
Glad to see you had such a good time with Deadhouse Gates! I actually finished Memories of Ice today and its my favorite of the series so far. My ranking is MOI, Gardens and then Deadhouse. Im so glad you had a chess rant! As someone who does not care about chess at all I get so bored seeing it in books.
The issues you raise with the Wandering Inn were issues for me, but I kept reading and really have enjoyed the series. I am still a subscriber of your channel.
I personally am always excited for rolling the intro! That little tune usually stays lodged in my head for hours afterward, and my family has to put up with me humming it or even singing it full-throatedly with the following lyrics: "Nah nah-nah-nah-nah, nah-nah-nah nah nah nah nah . . ." Good to see Rick!
YES! I'm glad it makes the Chase inner-playlist! Rick sends his best. I think. I think he knows who you are. Hard to say. There have been a series of hot tub accidents.
Great OFTR, I've been thinking a lot lately about where I'm aiming to be and it's causing me to belittle how far I've come. Definitely something we'd all benefit from. Finally someone not enthralled by The Wandering Inn. Everything I've heard about that series so far makes it sound like something that really doesn't appeal to me and you put the final nails in that coffin, lol.
Okay my comments have disappeared as I’ve been typing them 😂… let me try again. A 12 mile long tongue is wild (I typed that for sure) I wonder if there’s a place in wandering inn for newbies that can mix book one from the need to read. Or a better way to read it since I’m so curious and intimidated by it. I think bastion may be my start in litrpg. I’m stoked to hear between deadhouse and memories which ones you like better! Glad you loved deadhouse
You'll know by end-of-Sept on DG vs. MOI! Haven't read Bastion. Don't start LitRPG with Wandering Inn. I think the only way to read WI is a couple chapters at a time over many years, almost like a comic book series.
Great video Brian! I appreciate hearing your perspective on Wandering Inn. I love Chess, but I don’t think that book is for me. I’m glad you enjoyed Deadhouse Gates.
ROLL THE INTRO!!! Yay!! OFTR- I finally caught up with a long time friend this summer. It’s good to think of that, because I don’t need that much time to pass again since talking with each other.
I personally loved the wandering Inn book 1 but I can understand why people think its boring and slow but I think it all depends on when you read it. Also I listened to the audio and really enjoyed it. I don't understand the people who say go to the website I know it's the original release but reading on the internet sucks. From what I heard the later books fix alot of the problems. I don't care about chess but it didn't really stick out to me. Every character felt unique which I can't say for a lot of classical fantasy. For me it was plain fun.
That's the most important thing! You enjoyed it! I'm glad the things I found annoying didn't impact your enjoyment and very glad you have a nice long series you like!
I can't wait to get into Malazan. Definitely high on my TBR. But there's a lot. I'm not sure how I'm going to decide what's wins on what's next after Stormlight 5. And I have a pretty great win. I've written my whole main plot of my first full length fantasy novel! I'm very happy with how it's coming along and excited to go into revisions to make it even better! Thanks for having me think about that. It has brightened my mood for sure!
Great video as always. Wanted to let you know I picked up the first two Sandman Slim books on your recommendation. I enjoyed them immensely and look forward to continuing the series as well as checking out his cyberpunk novel Metrophage. I think you may have finally convinced me to pick up Malazan, have been slightly daunted by it for a couple years. Thank you for your honesty on The Wandering Inn, Have been 50/50 on it but I think I may punt it down the tbr for now. Hope you have a great day!
Thanks so much! Sandman Slim really expands quite a bit, so I think you'll keep enjoying :) There are SO many Malazan discussion videos if you ever get confused after a book.
I was about to start the Wondering Inn. (I have 4 extra credits) I never heard any negative feedback. Now at least someone brought it up! Great. That’s very interesting and good to know. I will reconsider. It’s not a big deal after all the Stormlight 5 is longer (Brandon really should get a strong editor) but if it’s a lot of slog… I already pushed Wheel of Time down on my tier list (and I read it when Robert Jordan was writing the last book of his)… no. I don’t need a day long of nothing just because of the hype. And that chess example is a very good point. If it’s not a separated thing but that’s what makes it long? Then we are at the WoT case just worse.
You can always give a try and if it's not great after a bit for you, return it. Audible doesn't care. I just wasn't feeling it, but there are so many people who love it and hopefully, you'd wind up in that category.
@@BrianBell7 i can but there is an endless supply of good books. 😂 I am also the advocate of Banks - Culture. It’s always missing from American sci-fi for some reason. If you never read any book of that series, give it a try. It’s an outstanding read not a mistake we always rank it next to Asimov.
@@BrianBell7 btw: the perfect counter example for the chess issue is Player of Games in the Culture series. That book is around a gamer of any complex game representing the Culture in an extremely interesting one… yet even if Banks revolves around it he doesn’t have to describe the fictional game to make it work. We know what we know and it’s enough for the plot to move forward.
I am half way through A Brightness Long Ago by GGK! It is in the same world as Lions, different place & time. There are plenty of Lion easter eggs and the characters feel like echos of Lions… almost like a tv show spinoff. I am also listening to Glorious Exploits, historical fiction about two Syrcusians in Sicily in 412 BC putting on a play with their Athenian prisoners. It has the same frenetic energy as Blacktongue! I am always looking for that. 🤩
Hi Brian!! So glad Senlin Ascends got to you safely! I hope you enjoy whenever you get to it! Honestly, I'll be happy to send you the rest of the books in the series too haha. I love spreading The Books of Babel around to other readers. P.S. Another excellent 'One For the Road'! One that I can relate to very much
Great stuff as always, love hearing all this praise for Deadhouse Gates ❤️ also love For Whom the Bell Tolls, congrats on the success of that and I'm excited to watch your channel continue to grow!
Glad you're enjoying malazan! I know Josh from Red Fury Books is only one book ahead of you. Maybe a spoiler discussion with you two in the future... hint, hint...
I am not a horror fan, but there is something compelling about Joe Ledger! I love Sandman Slim😊. And OMG! I am so happy you are sticking with Malazan and are loving it! My favorite series ever, together with Wheel of Time! Love seeing your TBR progress 😊😊 Ooohhhh, I am so sorry WI is not doing it for you. It has become a cozy safe read for me... But not everything works for everyone...
Thanks for being kind about my lack of love for WI. I can't win 'em all. And YES, Malazan is amazing. Super glad to have a fellow Sandman Slim fan here!!!
@@BrianBell7 Hahaha! Although I wish for a world where everyone loves the books I like, that world would be boring 😊😀. We are all different and our likes and dislikes make us who we are. And I find that beautiful!
In August I have finished Part 1 & 2 of “To Green Angel Tower” by Tad Williams (Epic Fantasy, final «novel(s)» in the “Memory, Sorrow & Thorn” “Trilogy”) and Michael Moorcock’s “The Warlord of the Air” (Multiverse Time Travel Steampunk? 😅), and about to finish “The Thousandfold Thought” (Epic Dark/Grimdark Fantasy, the final novel in the «Prince of Nothing» Trilogy) by R. Scott Bakker!
You all are killing me with the Bakker hype! Now Mike is on it too! It's absolutely happening for me, just not sure when. What did you think of To Green Angel Tower?
@@BrianBell7 The TDLR answer would be “big book good”! 😅😆 With the caveat that I have a few pages left of “TTT”, “TGAT” will for sure be my book of the month and in at least my Top 3 so far this year. Where as “The Warrior Prophet” (#2) looks to be my favorite (so far) in the “Prince of Nothing” Trilogy, the “MS&T” “Trilogy” packs one heck of a final “novel”!
I had a feeling we would have the same thoughts on The Wandering Inn. Agree with what you said, even the part on chess which I didn’t think much of before lol Glad you’re enjoying Malazan and Hybrid Helix, absolutely love those books
Brian your brother from the south Mr. John Minton recommended your channel. Instant subscribe from me. Loving your content. I have Sandman Slim on my tbr now I gotta at patient zero. I'M RUNNING OUT OF ROOM IN THE MANCAVE LOL.
Depends if someone is listening on audio for them like I do or sight reading. For audio: Dungeon Crawler Carl, The Good Guys / The Bad Guys, He Who Fights With Monsters, New Era Online, and Awaken Online.
The Wandering Inn is either for you or it’s not. I actually had little to no issues with book 1. If you’re about 20 chapters in and you don’t like it, it’s probably not for you. I feel like some people are looking at the scale of the series, trying to cram book one like you’d do for a test and expecting to love it. I listened to like two chapters a day and enjoyed it a lot. I also think people should treat it as a web serial going in, instead of a book. Every chapter is meant to be an individual story. I’m only on book 4 and I’m fine with never catching up.. it’s just not the type of story where you look for the action packed ending in every book. I also hated every litRPG book I’ve tried after the wandering inn (my first litRPG book), so maybe it’s not meant for core litRPG fans. (Also, unfollowing someone for not liking your favorite series is cringe.. still love your channel Brian!)
Yay! I didn't lose you! I appreciate what you say. It's really "litrpg-lite" so far. But I'm glad you love it and even happier you've found a way to enjoy it at a pace that works great for you!
At this point I will only start the Wandering Inn if Pirateaba declares the series finished and does a final rewrite/edit of all the books resulting in a Wandering Inn: Definitive Edition. It's so long and being written so quickly that I wonder if it's all a first draft.
Tons of fun making this video! COMMENT below and let me know how your August went! Let's talk some books!
I never had an interest in Wandering Inn. Sounds like I made the right decision.
I can say with full confidence, 100% not your jam. Thank you in advance for bearing with my Vikings lamentations for the next 4 months.
It was great seeing you be brutally honest Brian. I'm here for it! I know the Wandering Inn is a Booktube darling right now, but it's great to get a refreshing and unique take on it, from someone whose opinion I respect. And considering my tastes and time, it sounds like something I wouldn't enjoy.
Yeah, it is a real time-burner, so I think a person needs to either have a lot of time available for it or just spread it out over a long time. Glad you like the video!!
Loved to hear you reflect on the fine art aspect of Malazan - it’s not my usual jam but I still appreciated the artistry and loved aspects of most of the books.
Fun to see you dump on the Wandering Inn! I tried the audio of vol 1 once and bounced off it hard - glad I wasn’t missing much!
Ha, well if people love it, I’m happy for them cause it’s great audio credit value.. but I can think of many series that start off just so much stronger and compelling. I’ve got 3 litrpg on Sept TBR 🔥😊⚡️
So glad Joe Ledger hit for you. Just saw 1 of the directors from John Wick is adapting it for TV. More Rick Thunder and more Redi Whip!
That's a Fact!
Sounds like a stellar month, Brian.
In August I read:
*Comics*
Green Lantern Book One
Written by Geoff Johns | Art by Ethan Van Sciver
- I think Hal Jordan become my fav DC character. He shuts Batman up with 1 punch 🤣
Hawkeye Volume 1: My Life As a Weapon
Written by Matt Fraction | Art by David Aja
- He's lame in the films but I adore Hawkeye in the comics.
Thor God of Thunder: God Butcher
Written by Jason Aaron | Art by Esad Ribic
- Fantastic!
*Fantasy*
Rain Wild Chronicles 1: Dragon Keeper
- Really liked it.
Wars of Light & Shadow 2: Ships of Merior
- I'm in it for the long haul now! With the exception of Dakar, I really enjoy these characters and this world. I'm a mood reader anyway, especially with this series.
I NFNed Jonathan Maberry's Patient Zero (again) and Larry McMurtry's Streets of Laredo.
As for what I'm currently reading:
*Comics*
Astonishing X-Men Complete Collection 1
Written by Joss Whedon | Art by John Cassaday
New Avengers Complete Collection 1
Written by Brian Bendis | Art by David Finch
And on pause for now:
*Fantasy*
Rain Wild Chronicles 2: Dragon Haven
Malazan BotF 2: Deadhouse Gates (re-read)
- I get it Theo, you're intimidated, I don't care 🤣
*Mystery*
Mystic River / Dennis Lehane
Awesome list, Rogue! Did you like Mystic River? It's on my TBR. Glad you enjoyed Rain Wild too!
August was a pretty good month for me, even though my mean rating was one of the lowest this year:
31 novels and 1 anthology read. 3.41 mean rating. Six 5-star reads and seven 1- or 2-star books.
The best was College Arcane, book 8 of John Conroe's Demon Accords series. Strong plotting and excellent character work in a world that I already really like. If you aren't reading Demon Accords, it's very much worth a try.
The other 5-star books:
Red Sister, Mark Lawrence
L.A. Requiem, Robert Crais
Monsters & Legends, Ivan Kal
Dark Knight Station: Origins, Nathan Lowell
What Price Victory (anthology), David Weber, et al.
The average was pulled down by trying several new series that just didn't work well for me, including a couple from authors whose other work I like. But if you never try a new author, you never find a new favorite, so I just put that down as the cost of exploration.
Nice! Adding Demon Accords now!
I'm glad you loved Deadhouse Gates! So many of the scenes in that book are absolutely jaw-dropping.
"Sentient space station" is difficult to say at first, but it has a nice 5/8 rhythm to it that does make it a bit easier.
Thanks for reminding me to not only not be so critical of myself, but notice what I have to be proud of over the last few months. It's so easy to fixate on what I could have done and spiral down, and I know I need to do less of that in general.
I'm always happy to help and Thank You for being such a great channel supporter!
Great video Brian! I appreciate your honest reviews for books because it helps me navigate the huge number of books out there into a somewhat manageable TBR. I will definitely take up your One for the Road challenge - I think it's a great idea!
My pleasure! Happy Friday!
Thanks for your thoughts on Wandering Inn. I feel like Im still willing to try it myself at some point, though I have plenty of other reading I'd like to prioritize.
Yes! Deadhouse Gates is fantastic, I'm sure you'll love Memories of Ice as well.
Yeah, don't remove a book or series from your own TBR just because I say so. Books are so experiential and differ in both slight and significant ways to the reader. I have close friends who love The Wandering Inn. Just probably wasn't written for me.
Heeeck yes for Blood Reunion! That is still my favourite in the series, though I just read (and reviewed) the upcoming 5th one and that was excellent as well!! Joe deserves all the love and hype.
Also, deeply appreciate your honest thoughts on Wandering Inn. Can't say I was ever super interested in that series, but now even less so hahah. Hope the next poll pick works out better!!
My standouts of August were Asunder by Kerstin Hall (fave of the year ?), Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle and Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors!
I love we both love Hybrid Helix!! Glad you had a potential fave of the year!!
Glad to see you had such a good time with Deadhouse Gates! I actually finished Memories of Ice today and its my favorite of the series so far. My ranking is MOI, Gardens and then Deadhouse. Im so glad you had a chess rant! As someone who does not care about chess at all I get so bored seeing it in books.
lol, I would never have guessed my first rant would be about chess! lol thanks, Tom!!
The issues you raise with the Wandering Inn were issues for me, but I kept reading and really have enjoyed the series. I am still a subscriber of your channel.
I'm super glad you are enjoying it! And thank you for not abandoning me!! :)
Awesome stuff, Brian! Thanks for keeping on with the great content 😁
Thank YOU for watching and your support as always!
Soooo happy you loved Deadhouse Gates! I just got it and wanna get to it in the next month 💪💪
Loved it loved it :) About 10% the next one, Memories of Ice now!
I personally am always excited for rolling the intro! That little tune usually stays lodged in my head for hours afterward, and my family has to put up with me humming it or even singing it full-throatedly with the following lyrics: "Nah nah-nah-nah-nah, nah-nah-nah nah nah nah nah . . ." Good to see Rick!
YES! I'm glad it makes the Chase inner-playlist! Rick sends his best. I think. I think he knows who you are. Hard to say. There have been a series of hot tub accidents.
Jakob concurs with your assessment of the channel :D
ha!
Great OFTR, I've been thinking a lot lately about where I'm aiming to be and it's causing me to belittle how far I've come. Definitely something we'd all benefit from.
Finally someone not enthralled by The Wandering Inn. Everything I've heard about that series so far makes it sound like something that really doesn't appeal to me and you put the final nails in that coffin, lol.
I'm really glad you found some value here today! Thank you so much for the compliment!
Okay my comments have disappeared as I’ve been typing them 😂… let me try again.
A 12 mile long tongue is wild (I typed that for sure)
I wonder if there’s a place in wandering inn for newbies that can mix book one from the need to read. Or a better way to read it since I’m so curious and intimidated by it. I think bastion may be my start in litrpg.
I’m stoked to hear between deadhouse and memories which ones you like better! Glad you loved deadhouse
You'll know by end-of-Sept on DG vs. MOI! Haven't read Bastion. Don't start LitRPG with Wandering Inn. I think the only way to read WI is a couple chapters at a time over many years, almost like a comic book series.
Great video Brian! I appreciate hearing your perspective on Wandering Inn. I love Chess, but I don’t think that book is for me. I’m glad you enjoyed Deadhouse Gates.
I certainly did, Chas! I love chess too... I watch Gotham Chess daily. But move by move... in a fantasy book... meh..
ROLL THE INTRO!!! Yay!!
OFTR- I finally caught up with a long time friend this summer. It’s good to think of that, because I don’t need that much time to pass again since talking with each other.
That is for sure a win!!
I personally loved the wandering Inn book 1 but I can understand why people think its boring and slow but I think it all depends on when you read it. Also I listened to the audio and really enjoyed it. I don't understand the people who say go to the website I know it's the original release but reading on the internet sucks. From what I heard the later books fix alot of the problems. I don't care about chess but it didn't really stick out to me. Every character felt unique which I can't say for a lot of classical fantasy. For me it was plain fun.
That's the most important thing! You enjoyed it! I'm glad the things I found annoying didn't impact your enjoyment and very glad you have a nice long series you like!
I am not going to go online to read a book either. Kudos to those who can, but I read on a Kindle to limit the distractions.
yeah, seems weird to me.
Yah the Wandering Inn is way too long of series to start right now. Glad I got that off my chess. I feel better now.
I'm here for you to feel good! Ha, glad you watched, Michael!
I can't wait to get into Malazan. Definitely high on my TBR. But there's a lot. I'm not sure how I'm going to decide what's wins on what's next after Stormlight 5.
And I have a pretty great win. I've written my whole main plot of my first full length fantasy novel! I'm very happy with how it's coming along and excited to go into revisions to make it even better! Thanks for having me think about that. It has brightened my mood for sure!
Awesome! I'm so excited to hear that!!
I knew Malazan would be the book of the month 😀
lol, you called it
Great video as always. Wanted to let you know I picked up the first two Sandman Slim books on your recommendation. I enjoyed them immensely and look forward to continuing the series as well as checking out his cyberpunk novel Metrophage. I think you may have finally convinced me to pick up Malazan, have been slightly daunted by it for a couple years. Thank you for your honesty on The Wandering Inn, Have been 50/50 on it but I think I may punt it down the tbr for now. Hope you have a great day!
Thanks so much! Sandman Slim really expands quite a bit, so I think you'll keep enjoying :) There are SO many Malazan discussion videos if you ever get confused after a book.
I was about to start the Wondering Inn. (I have 4 extra credits) I never heard any negative feedback. Now at least someone brought it up! Great. That’s very interesting and good to know. I will reconsider. It’s not a big deal after all the Stormlight 5 is longer (Brandon really should get a strong editor) but if it’s a lot of slog… I already pushed Wheel of Time down on my tier list (and I read it when Robert Jordan was writing the last book of his)… no. I don’t need a day long of nothing just because of the hype. And that chess example is a very good point. If it’s not a separated thing but that’s what makes it long? Then we are at the WoT case just worse.
You can always give a try and if it's not great after a bit for you, return it. Audible doesn't care. I just wasn't feeling it, but there are so many people who love it and hopefully, you'd wind up in that category.
@@BrianBell7 i can but there is an endless supply of good books. 😂 I am also the advocate of Banks - Culture. It’s always missing from American sci-fi for some reason. If you never read any book of that series, give it a try. It’s an outstanding read not a mistake we always rank it next to Asimov.
@@BrianBell7 btw: the perfect counter example for the chess issue is Player of Games in the Culture series. That book is around a gamer of any complex game representing the Culture in an extremely interesting one… yet even if Banks revolves around it he doesn’t have to describe the fictional game to make it work. We know what we know and it’s enough for the plot to move forward.
@@nazimelmardi really looking forward to reading that next year!
I am half way through A Brightness Long Ago by GGK! It is in the same world as Lions, different place & time. There are plenty of Lion easter eggs and the characters feel like echos of Lions… almost like a tv show spinoff.
I am also listening to Glorious Exploits, historical fiction about two Syrcusians in Sicily in 412 BC putting on a play with their Athenian prisoners. It has the same frenetic energy as Blacktongue! I am always looking for that. 🤩
I can't wait to get to A Brightness Long Ago! Love me some GGK!
Hi Brian!! So glad Senlin Ascends got to you safely! I hope you enjoy whenever you get to it! Honestly, I'll be happy to send you the rest of the books in the series too haha. I love spreading The Books of Babel around to other readers.
P.S. Another excellent 'One For the Road'! One that I can relate to very much
Thank you so much for this amazing gift, Marianne! Incredibly kind of you 🙏
Great stuff as always, love hearing all this praise for Deadhouse Gates ❤️ also love For Whom the Bell Tolls, congrats on the success of that and I'm excited to watch your channel continue to grow!
Thank you kindly!
Great update, Brian. Appreciate the breakdown on some of these - helps guide my own decisions 😊
Thanks, Theo! Excited for our show together!
I thought all your videos were great Brian!! Going tocheck out those long weekend reads eight now!!!
Awesome!!
Glad you're enjoying malazan! I know Josh from Red Fury Books is only one book ahead of you. Maybe a spoiler discussion with you two in the future... hint, hint...
I do enjoy me some Fury, Red-style....
I am not a horror fan, but there is something compelling about Joe Ledger! I love Sandman Slim😊.
And OMG! I am so happy you are sticking with Malazan and are loving it! My favorite series ever, together with Wheel of Time!
Love seeing your TBR progress 😊😊
Ooohhhh, I am so sorry WI is not doing it for you. It has become a cozy safe read for me... But not everything works for everyone...
Thanks for being kind about my lack of love for WI. I can't win 'em all. And YES, Malazan is amazing. Super glad to have a fellow Sandman Slim fan here!!!
@@BrianBell7 Hahaha! Although I wish for a world where everyone loves the books I like, that world would be boring 😊😀. We are all different and our likes and dislikes make us who we are. And I find that beautiful!
In August I have finished Part 1 & 2 of “To Green Angel Tower” by Tad Williams (Epic Fantasy, final «novel(s)» in the “Memory, Sorrow & Thorn” “Trilogy”) and Michael Moorcock’s “The Warlord of the Air” (Multiverse Time Travel Steampunk? 😅), and about to finish “The Thousandfold Thought” (Epic Dark/Grimdark Fantasy, the final novel in the «Prince of Nothing» Trilogy) by R. Scott Bakker!
You all are killing me with the Bakker hype! Now Mike is on it too! It's absolutely happening for me, just not sure when. What did you think of To Green Angel Tower?
@@BrianBell7 The TDLR answer would be “big book good”! 😅😆
With the caveat that I have a few pages left of “TTT”, “TGAT” will for sure be my book of the month and in at least my Top 3 so far this year. Where as “The Warrior Prophet” (#2) looks to be my favorite (so far) in the “Prince of Nothing” Trilogy, the “MS&T” “Trilogy” packs one heck of a final “novel”!
I had a feeling we would have the same thoughts on The Wandering Inn. Agree with what you said, even the part on chess which I didn’t think much of before lol
Glad you’re enjoying Malazan and Hybrid Helix, absolutely love those books
We think alike, Usman!
It is law that I must now say "You have walked the chain of dogs"
I have walked the chain of dogs.
Brian your brother from the south Mr. John Minton recommended your channel. Instant subscribe from me. Loving your content. I have Sandman Slim on my tbr now I gotta at patient zero. I'M RUNNING OUT OF ROOM IN THE MANCAVE LOL.
Welcome! Super glad to have you here! The MANCAVE space concerns are real, Ladies & Gentlemen!
What would be your LitRPG top 5 recs?
Depends if someone is listening on audio for them like I do or sight reading. For audio: Dungeon Crawler Carl, The Good Guys / The Bad Guys, He Who Fights With Monsters, New Era Online, and Awaken Online.
The Wandering Inn is either for you or it’s not. I actually had little to no issues with book 1. If you’re about 20 chapters in and you don’t like it, it’s probably not for you. I feel like some people are looking at the scale of the series, trying to cram book one like you’d do for a test and expecting to love it. I listened to like two chapters a day and enjoyed it a lot. I also think people should treat it as a web serial going in, instead of a book. Every chapter is meant to be an individual story. I’m only on book 4 and I’m fine with never catching up.. it’s just not the type of story where you look for the action packed ending in every book. I also hated every litRPG book I’ve tried after the wandering inn (my first litRPG book), so maybe it’s not meant for core litRPG fans. (Also, unfollowing someone for not liking your favorite series is cringe.. still love your channel Brian!)
Yay! I didn't lose you! I appreciate what you say. It's really "litrpg-lite" so far. But I'm glad you love it and even happier you've found a way to enjoy it at a pace that works great for you!
At this point I will only start the Wandering Inn if Pirateaba declares the series finished and does a final rewrite/edit of all the books resulting in a Wandering Inn: Definitive Edition. It's so long and being written so quickly that I wonder if it's all a first draft.
Yeah, it's really a hard thing for me to recommend. Especially when I'm aware of so many other great series.