Books Read

[dsrtao]

164. Uncrowned, Will Wight

Book 6 of Cradle, in which the heroes ascend even further, yet the situation is now more dire than ever. I'm going to say this is probably a 10 book series when it finishes; apparently 7 is mid-process now.

Competent storytelling, but not high quality. In food terms, this is a sandwich thrown together from untoasted store-bought wheat bread, leftover chicken breast, a little mayo, and a heap of shredded iceberg lettuce. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's uninspiring.

So why am I returning to it?

Because it's unchallenging, and that's what I can handle right now.

In a bit I'm going to look for a really good chili, the kind with lots of textures and flavors popping off and the more you think about it, the more interesting tastes you find, some quite subtle and others loud and assertive. A bowl of chili that reminds you that there's a fair amount left in the fridge, and you will enjoy having more tomorrow.

Comments

[alexxkay]

Have you read Yoon Ha Lee's Hexarchate books? I found them chili-like.

[dsrtao]

On my list, not yet read.

[dsrtao]

I opened up The March North (Graydon Saunders) and reread the first dozen pages. There's a lot of meaning packed in, some of which is explained in that section and much more that isn't explained until later.

E.g. an Independent is defined as someone who made themselves undying in a socially acceptable manner -- which tells you that this can be done, and that it can be done in an unacceptable manner. Bad Old Days is used in a way which indicates both time and place, but is not really defined. We're told that the Shape of Peace has been around for maybe 500 years, but not what it means.

And then we get to see Rust and Halt: Rust is riding on the ghost of a horse, and Halt on a 5 ton sheep-thing.