Review: The Republic of Thieves

The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I didn't think that this book contained the emotional force of the previous two books, it substantially furthered the back story which drives the story as well as creating a much more dangerous antagonist than either of the first 2 books.

While I dont think that the love story really clicks in this as much as the short one in the second book or in some other stories like the kingkiller chronicle, I still continue to appreciate the character's problem solving skills and the exploration of 2 new cities. I will be sad that the newest book of the series isn't out yet and I will have to find other stuff to read now!

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A Stab at Poetry

I have been reading a lot of poetry lately, mostly old stuff from the late 19th, early 20th century of Yiddish, Italian, or Latin American origin.  So I decided to give it a go myself.





Heartbreak and Hope



Caught in the past like a prisoner
With walls my historical shrine
hands are agape at the immovable shapes
and barriers of mental design

I have lost many loved ones and comrades
I love lost many struggles as well
The pain accumulates daily
and inside I am stuck here to dwell

Will we make it through this together
collecting tears and blood while we travel
will friendship and solidarity bind us
or will hope of the people unravel

And though time continues eternal
It breaks failures and losses away
it destroys the rotting of friendships lost
and prepares for a very new day

I may not be there to see it
I may be crushed underneath its embrace
but one of these days the workers will triumph
with freedom for the human race

Review: Red Seas Under Red Skies

Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am just going to straight up say that this is one of the best books I have ever read in my life. The first book of the series was very good and had to set up the characters and the world that they lived in. That being said, this book built further on their stories and made them seem even less one dimensional than the first book, which was great.

One of the reasons I think it is even better than the first, is that things dont always work out as intended. without ruining anything, I think that the first book allowed complete improvisation to result in situations that largely resulted in the good guys winning, etc... but this book was even darker than the gritty first book... which is saying something. While the plot could get increasingly complicated, i dont find that the characters reactions were anything that I wouldn't necessarily consider myself when faced with similar shitty decisions. 5 Stars!
This series is a must read and has instantly jumped up to one of my favorite series of all time.

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Review: The Lies of Locke Lamora

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing. It started out a tiny bit slow, but it is now up there with kingkiller chronicle as one of my favorite fiction books I have read in recent memory.

This gritty fiction book about young thieves in the underworld of something similar to an Italian city-state contains levels of drama, social commentary, and action par excellence. I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait to start reading the sequal.

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Review: Abaddon's Gate

Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book far more than I did the second one in the series. The new characters were far more versatile and seemed more human and relatable in their motivations and in dealing with issues like tragedy and loss. It begins where the story left off, a few months later with a weird alien created ring nestled nearby Uranus. Human ships curiously probe in, not knowing what is coming next.

While it is not as good as the first book, I felt that the climax at the end was executed much better and the build up was definitely worth it. This is definitely a must read series and I have been powering through it.

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Review: Caliban's War

Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book is definitely a good read. However it was not as good as either the first or the third (I am currently almost done with it.) I felt that the new characters were a little difficult to really empathize with and there was a huge build up to a less than satisfying climax. The book is important in that it sets up the 3rd book, but the additional characters have not made any additional presence so far in the series.

It does introduce and explain ganymede and marine expeditionary armor. Also more captain Holden being Holden.

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Review: Leviathan Wakes

Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My brother suggested I read this book a few days ago when I was in a bit of a mental health crisis and it was the perfect medicine. I was hooked from the first chapter. Recently I have not been able to find a science fiction story that could be on a similar level to the fantasy series I have read through, but this one is a must pick up. It is a gritty story which takes place in the not to distant future as humans have expanded through the solar system in an age of discovery and settlement.

The story is extremely gripping and fluid, with turns and surprises which I respect. While the dialogue and character development are alright, the story really shines with its action sequences and description which makes you feel like you are in the heat of it. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who is looking to pick up a new science fiction saga and am already well into the second book.

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