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@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net cover
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templetongate

@[email protected]

I read a lot of SF/F/H, watch a lot of TV & movies, then review. He/him

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. Browse more on the original instance.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I think I have two days to migrate to another instance, but for now I'll use the same tags as before. Premee Mohamed is one of my current favorite writers. She has written what I think is just the first sequel to a previous novella. This link is for both books, which are highly recommended.

http://templetongate.net/annual-migration-of-clouds.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

My latest book review is for the debut novel by Rosalie M. Lin. I read an e-arc from Edelweiss. In spite of a few quibbles I liked it quite a bit, and any minor errors I noted may be fixed for the final version. Recommended.

http://templetongate.net/daughter-of-calamity.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Still haven't looked into changing instances here, so I'll continue using the tags I have been using. My latest review is for my favorite of the October Daye books so far.

http://templetongate.net/october-daye.htm#salt

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Wole Talabi's debut novel, Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon, is unique, fast-paced, exciting, and highly recommended. I hope this is not the last we see of Shigidi and Nneoma.

http://templetongate.net/shigidi.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

My latest review is mainly synopsis, but the bare minimum at that. I highly recommend Vajra Chandrasekera's debut novel, which recently won the Crawford, and is a finalist for Nebula, Hugo, and Lambda awards.

http://templetongate.net/saint-of-bright-doors.htm

@bookstodon

franciscawrites , to bookstodon
@franciscawrites@mastodon.scot avatar

Can you name a film that was adapted not from a novel, but from a short story?
Here's one:

The Illusionist (2006)

@bookstodon

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@franciscawrites @bookstodon Arrival, from "Story of Your Life" by Ted Chiang. A Boy and His Dog from the story by Harlan Ellison. Total Recall from "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale," by Philip K. Dick. Most PKD adaptations have been from short stories.

Jennifer , to bookstodon

I need some new science fiction to read, who has some suggestions? I don't like military sci-fi. For reference, my favorite series is the Expanse, I also enjoyed Scalzi's Collapsing Empire, I love Robert Charles Wilson's books. I mostly enjoy space operas and unique stories about technology, for example I really liked the recent book Mountain in the Sea about AI and intelligent octopus. Suggestions from the awesome Bookstodon community? @bookstodon

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@Jennifer @bookstodon
Recent books I can recommend:
The Sun Chronicles by Kate Elliott (2 so far, anxiously waiting the 3rd)
The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
Meru by S. B. Divya (2nd book due this August)
Dual Memory by Sue Burke
The Neo-G series by K. B. Wagers (4th book due November I think)
The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain, a novella by Sofia Samatar

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Thanks to Eugen Bacon for the review copy of Secondhand Daylight, written in collaboration with Andrew Hook. A very good, twisty, time travel tale. Two of them, which eventually cross each other. Recommended.

http://templetongate.net/secondhand-daylight.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

John M. Ford's debut novel, 1980's Web of Angels, will be reissued by Tor at the end of the month. I may be wrong, but I think it is the first of his I have read. It is weird, and I doubt my review is any more comprehensible than I found the book to be.

http://templetongate.net/web-of-angels.htm

@bookstodon

OwenTyme , to bookstodon
@OwenTyme@mastodon.social avatar

I've found another online store that respects the price I've set on print copies of my books.

Has anyone ever heard of bookshop.org? Anything good or bad to say about them?

I found my books on it recently and the site has good reviews online, so I've added bookshop.org links to the list that shows up when you click on one of my books2read links.

My books on their site: https://bookshop.org/contributors/owen-tyme

@bookstodon

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@OwenTyme @bookstodon I've ordered quite a few from them. They are about four years old now, started sometime during pandemic lockdown orders to help indie bookstores with commissions. My website is also an associate although I have not received any commissions from any links on my site.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Everything I have read by Sofia Samatar has been very good, and her latest novella is no exception. It is out today, a quick read, but it will stick with me a long time.

http://templetongate.net/practice-horizon-chain.htm

@bookstodon

oarditi , to bookstodon
@oarditi@mastodon.social avatar

Why nobody has taken by the scruff of the neck and made me read N.K. Jemisin before is an abiding mystery. ‘The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms’ is right up my street.
@bookstodon

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@oarditi @bookstodon Even though I have it I have not read that yet, but have read some later ones, Broken Earth trilogy, and the Great Cities duology. Sigh, one of these days.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Just finished Sofia Samatar's new novella, The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain. Excellent. Hope to get to a review sometime today.

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I'm still enjoying Seanan McGuire's October Daye series. In the fourth novel we learn more about her ancestry and abilities, but it is clear more revelations await in later books. Recommended.

http://templetongate.net/october-daye.htm#eclipses

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I loved John Wiswell's debut novel. A monster story, and a love story, with quite a bit of humor amidst the mayhem. Never has a monster been so lovable.

http://templetongate.net/someone-you-can-build-a-nest-in.htm

@bookstodon

Da_Gut , to bookstodon
@Da_Gut@dice.camp avatar

The Many Colored Land by Julian May.... from back in 1982.

How is it?

@bookstodon

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@peachfront @Da_Gut @bookstodon It is a four novel series, collective title being The Saga of Pliocene Exile. I thought the series started strong, lagged in the third book, but ended satisfactorily. Although I have to say it was the mid-80s when I read it, so I might react to it differently now.

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@peachfront @Da_Gut @bookstodon If only Tolkien was still around for you to criticize the ending of The Fellowship of the Ring.

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@peachfront @Da_Gut @bookstodon I read a book review in F&SF that clearly stated The Many-Colored Land was the first in a series, so I knew that before I started reading. I can understand preferring stand alone novels, but series have been the default for a long time.

kimlockhartga , to bookstodon
@kimlockhartga@beige.party avatar

@bookstodon I am making a very long list of suggested book pairings, and I wondered if you all had any interest in them? These are read-alikes specifically in the sense of "If you liked this book, you 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 also like this other book." I plan to alphabetize them by the titles of the first books in the pairings, so you can easily look for your favorites.

My criteria are my own (I even match up traditional books with graphic novels or short story collections) and it's super subjective, just by definition. But, you would be able to add your own book pairings as well. Books can be alike in (sub) genre, style, subject, thematic elements, even in ways that are not readily apparent.

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@kimlockhartga @bookstodon The first pairing that comes to mind is, if you liked Becky Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, I am sure you would like The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older.

MagentaRocks , to bookstodon
@MagentaRocks@mastodon.coffee avatar

This never occurred to me. I read anytime throughout the day - whenever it strikes the mood. I think reading is good for you, no matter the time of day.

Anybody else feel the same as the writer of the opinion piece?

@bookstodon

Opinion
I’m retired, and I still won’t let myself read in the daytime. Why not?

Gift Link:

https://wapo.st/4aG52cI

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@MagentaRocks @bookstodon I'm retired, and I normally read at least an hour in the morning, but sometimes that is not possible. I have Kindle, Kobo, and Cloud Library apps on my phone, so I can read wherever I am, which I do quite often. The longest periods of reading are at night though.

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@MagentaRocks @bookstodon I often take my Kindle, but the phone is easier since I don't always have access to wifi. I also carry print books if that is what I'm reading at the time.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

It took me too long to get around to this review, and still my words are totally inadequate to describe the brilliance of Sofia Samatar.

http://templetongate.net/tender.htm

@bookstodon

kimlockhartga , to bookstodon
@kimlockhartga@beige.party avatar

@bookstodon reader rant:

I'm seriously considering leaving NetGalley. I can keep up with publishing dates, but the archive dates are incredibly random, up to even a month before the book even actually publishes. The kindle format books generally give you some grace time, but the graphic novel publishers are particularly bad about doing this. I don't understand what advantage any publisher could possibly gain by playing "keep away" with their readers, like "Ha ha! You're locked out of reading the book we wanted you to review." Wut?

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@kimlockhartga @Likewise @bookstodon I have always used the "Send to Kindle" function. There have been several, still on my Kindle, that I re-read before the sequel. Not graphic novels though, I've never got any of those from Net Galley.

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@kimlockhartga @Likewise @bookstodon I've had just one experience with a title that was only available by using Adobe Digital Editions. I swore that would be the last time.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I'm way behind on the October Daye series, but liking what I have read so far. The third book gives us a lot of new info on several characters, which is sure to resonate in later adventures.

http://templetongate.net/october-daye.htm#artificial

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I haven't yet looked into moving to a different server, so for now I'll use the same tags I've been using. Premee Mohamed is one of my current favorite writers, someone to treasure. Her latest novel is full of emotion and conflict, war and resistance. It asks some hard questions, and provides answers worth considering. Highly recommended.

http://templetongate.net/siege-of-burning-grass.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I've read the first chapter in Premee Mohamed's The Siege of Burning Grass. The chapters are long, and I hate taking a break in the middle of a chapter, so I'm going to make another pot of coffee and keep reading.

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Within the past five months I have read seven things by Jennifer R. Donohue. Most were novellas, but the latest is her second novel, and the first in a trilogy. A combination of coming of age tale, with action and suspense. And werewolves.

http://templetongate.net/learn-to-howl.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I preferred the political and social slant to the first book in Hadeer Elsbai's Alamaxa Duology, but both are good and recommended. It will remind you of other things, but well-drawn characters and the issues they fact makes all the difference.

http://templetongate.net/alamaxa.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

The new dark fantasy from Premee Mohamed is a quick read, but one that will linger, probably haunt me forever. Children are involved, but it is definitely not a children's story.

http://templetongate.net/butcher-of-forest.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate OP ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@sarahbi @bookstodon It might not seem like it now, but the wait will be worth it.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Devastated, but in a good way, by Premee Mohamed's The Butcher of the Forest. Will wait for morning to work on the review.

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Last month I reviewed Rosemary and Rue, first in Seanan McGuire's October Daye series. I edited the first part and added comments on two follow-up stories. I will update again next month for the third novel.

http://templetongate.net/october-daye.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I finally got to Seven Surrenders, the second book in Ada Palmer's Terra Ignota series. I re-read Too Like the Lightning last month and made edits to the original review, now adding comments on the second book. I will continue next month and April.

http://templetongate.net/terra-ignota.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I will eventually delete my original review of the first Mossa and Pleiti story, but I created a new page with a new URL to combine both stories. I've kept both reviews short, and as spoiler free as I could. Both are highly recommended.

http://templetongate.net/mossa-and-pleiti.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I received a free digital copy of a story collection direct from the author, Eugen Bacon. Danged Black Thing is up for the Philip K Dick Award. I admit to some confusion, mainly due to unfamiliar terms and concepts, but I enjoyed most, my favorite being the most confusing one, which I need to re-read several more times. Recommended.

http://templetongate.net/danged-black-thing.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Robert Jackson Bennett's The Tainted Cup is the beginning of another series, and since I will be following the series to its end, I used the collective title for my review's URL. Highly recommended.

http://templetongate.net/shadow-of-leviathan.htm

@bookstodon

dbsalk , to bookstodon
@dbsalk@mastodon.social avatar

Pitchers and catchers report next week, and it's around this time of year that, if I can, I try to read something baseball-related. Yesterday I picked up a book that I read when I was a teen and remember enjoying it very much: If I Never Get Back by Darryl Brock. It's sort of like if Field of Dreams and Back To The Future had a baby, and it's great. @bookstodon

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@dbsalk @bookstodon Love that book. Need to re-read, even though I haven't followed baseball for several years.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I had already made out a mostly full read/review schedule for at least the first half of the year, but now need to try fitting in some titles from Susan Cooper.

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I can recommend Indra Das's fantasy/science fiction hybrid novella, The Last Dragoners of Bowbazar. Subterranean Press usually has small print runs, but you can get the e-book direct from them too, at a great price.

http://templetongate.net/last-dragoners-of-bowbazar.htm

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

There was some confusion from the non-linear narrative, from four different perspectives, but I still loved Sofia Samatar's The Winged Histories. Even if I had not been confused I would still want to re-read it, but I don't know when that will happen. I will get to some of her short stories in the months ahead.

http://templetongate.net/olondria.htm#histories

@bookstodon

kimlockhartga , to bookstodon
@kimlockhartga@beige.party avatar

@bookstodon What's your favorite book title, whether you've read it or not?

Mine is EVERYONE ON THE MOON IS ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL, by Julian K. Jarboe, which I have not yet read, followed closely by THEY DON'T MAKE PLUS SIZE SPACESUITS, by Ali Thompson, which I have read.

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@kimlockhartga @bookstodon It is also one of my favorite films. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.

Abibliophobia , to bookstodon
@Abibliophobia@mastodon.social avatar

My

  • The Mountain in the Sea, Ray Nayler
  • Death is Hard Work, Khaled Khalifa
  • The Last Devil to Die, Richard Osman
  • Standard Deviation, Katherine Heiny
  • The Cold Millions, Jess Walter
  • The Wake-Up Call, Beth O’Leary
  • The Weight of Ink, Rachel Kadish
  • Behold the Dreamers, Imbolo Mbue
  • A Man With One of Those Faces, Caimh McDonnell

Another good month in which I enjoyed most of what I read (the first two being my favorites)!

@bookstodon

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@Abibliophobia @bookstodon The first is the only one I've read, and it is terrific. You should check out Nayler's novella The Tusks of Extinction too.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Most of what I've reviewed this year have been short, the novels averaging about 300 pages, along with several novellas and short story collections. The 11th review in January is for Bujold's 12th Penric & Desdemona story.

http://templetongate.net/penric4.htm#daughter

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

My second book review in a row for a story collection by an African writer. This time it is Dilman Dila of Uganda, Where Rivers Go To Die. Recommended.

http://templetongate.net/where-rivers-go-to-die.htm

@bookstodon

janbartosik , to bookstodon
@janbartosik@witter.cz avatar

I have never made it to and its alternative is still underdeveloped. Esp. in terms of user interaction and books catalogue.

Any suggestions? I'm after tracking, occasional short review and recommendation from other users.

@bookstodon

templetongate ,
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

@janbartosik @bookstodon There is Story Graph, although I'm not sure if it has improved the catalogue. I stopped using them and Goodreads sometime last year.

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

Probably will not sign up for even a supporting membership to Glasgow2024, but if I was nominating for Hugos these are my picks for Best Novel:

The Terraformers - Annalee Newitz
Furious Heaven - Kate Elliott
Lone Women - Victor LaValle
Dual Memory - Sue Burke
The Water Outlaws - S. L. Huang
Exit Ghost - Jennifer R. Donohue

@bookstodon

templetongate , to bookstodon
@templetongate@mastodonbooks.net avatar

I have limited myself to 1 review copy per month the past few years. Have already reviewed Jan & Feb titles from Edelweiss, have 3 from Net Galley with 1 pending, and 5 more from E. I need one for Dec & maybe an alternate for Oct. Any suggestions?

@bookstodon

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