Deeden

Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson (Buy this)

A complicated and intriguing novel (the first of a trilogy) set in the 15th and 16th century in London and Boston (so far) and told from the points of view of Daniel Waterhouse, a “Natural Philosopher”.

It jumps around in time, has a wonderful degree of period information and a cast of hundreds. Fascinating really.

The Confusion by Neal Stephenson (Buy this)

The second part of the Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson. Another intriguing read, this time branching out into different areas with more varied characters. Immensely readable and wonderfully detailed, as usual for Mr. Stephenson.

Garrincha: The Triumph and Tragedy of Brazil’s Forgotten Footballing Hero by Ruy Castro (Buy this)

Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin (Buy this)

Dexter In The Dark by Jeff Lindsay (Buy this)

World War: In the Balance by Harry Turtledove (Buy this)

The Death of Achilles by Boris Akunin (Buy this)

The fourth Erast Fandorin novel from Boris Akunin is another interesting read. Fandorin returns to Moscow after 6 years working in Japan. He is back less than 24 hours before he is once again thrust into mystery and adventure.

Once again Akunin uses a different style of mystery and for the most part he manages it well. Fandorin is as engaging as ever, and Masa, is servant, slowly grows on the reader. The exposition of the back story of the “villian” is interesting and could be longer and more detailed without harming the story. The only drawback to the entire novel is the last few chapters where the story is rushed as if to fit in a limited number of pages.

The Spanish Civil War by Antony Beevor (Buy this)

I’ve only just started to read this and I’m enjoying it so far. It is written in Beevor’s engaging style which, while it may not be favoured in some circles, is ideally pitched for the interested outsider.

World War: Tilting the Balance by Harry Turtledove (Buy this)

Another reading for the second book in the series.

World War: Upsetting the Balance by Harry Turtledove (Buy this)

The third book in the World War series by Turtledove. As engagingly written as the first two and with the same vast cast of characters. I know it’s not one of the classics, however it is a wonderful series for when you just want to disappear from theworld for a while and not have to think too hard.

World War: Striking the Balance by Harry Turtledove (Buy this)

The fourth of the World War series by Turtledove. The War is proving unwinnable for the Race as humanity continue to astound them with quick technological progress. A number of characters die in the course of the wrapping up this section of the story, including some I’ve grown attached to.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Buy this)

I’ve never read To Kill A Mockingbird, but I’ve always wanted to. When Michèle heard this she bought it for me from Amazon.

Colonisation: Second Contact by Harry Turtledove (Buy this)

Following on from my re-reading of the World War series I move on to Colonisation. Better than I had remembered.

Colonisation: Down to Earth by Harry Turtledove (Buy this)

Homeward Bound, the last book in the World War and Colonisation series, gets ever closer. I’m making my way through these books with great ease and enjoyment. They make great relaxing reading for a tired mind.

Colonisation: Aftershocks by Harry Turtledove (Buy this)

More light reading for my tired little brain. I’m trying to get through this one quickly so that I can move on to the “new” book I haven’t read yet, “Homeward Bound”.

Homeward Bound by Harry Turtledove

It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but I enjoyed it nonetheless. An American ship makes it to Home (the planet of the Race) and a cast of familiar characters deal with the changing dynamics between the Race and humanity. Interesting as always and open to a sequel even if Turtledove doesn’t plan one right now.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John Le Carré

I enjoyed “The Spy Who Came In From The Cold” so I thought I’d give another classic of the genre a try. A very good story which manages to remain mysterious while also being interesting.

Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece by Ashley Kahn (Buy this)

A book on the making of the great “Kind of Blue”, recommended to me by my Dad. Thus far his recommendation is easily living up to the billing.