Sorry for the tapping sound in the video, it was my ring hitting the laptop. I didn't notice it while filming but it drove me nuts while editing. I cut out the ones that I could, and I'll be more mindful in future videos!
Dear Merphy, I’m an English prof in NJ, and I mostly read “classics” and “literary fiction” (though I dislike these terms). This is just a brief fan comment. I think you are the friendliest, funniest, and warmest advocate for so-called “genre fiction” on YT, and in a way that has directly affected me. Your warmth and enthusiasm have, since I stumbled across your channel a couple of months ago, led me to read (well, start reading!) Malazan, Dandelion Dynasty, and The Wheel of Time. And I have some Abercrombie waiting, and Robin Hobb too. (Tolkien and I are old friends; that’s the last great medieval quest romance, not just the fountainhead of fantasy.) My experience with this material so far has been pleasurable, entertaining, and generally exciting, since my general view is that the more things we have in the world to appreciate and love, the happier we are. Plus! A student of mine did a paper whose main case study was Thorfinn in Vinland Saga. I knew what this was because of your channel, and was much better prepared for it. (I made the student read the original Vineland sagas-the ones your professor friend got you to read.) (Sidenote: I would LOVE it if you read and reviewed William T. Vollmann’s The Ice-Shirt. Not sure you’d like it… but you might! It’s amazing!) Anyway, I am going on too long. Can I just thank you for promoting reading, for the warmth, humor, enthusiasm, and decency you project (your measured response to the Sanderson takedown piece is a good example), and for persuading me to read more sci-fi and fantasy in large part because I was curious about some of the things this incredibly likable UA-camr enjoys so much? You’re the bee’s knees. Keep doing what you’re doing! P.S. I’m a Renaissance specialist, but started as a medievalist. Quest romances (in the sense of digressive, episodic, quasi-epic medieval narratives, not love stories per se) are a great love of mine and the their both-at-once culmination and satirical inversion, Don Quixote, is one of the period’s flagship texts. I have more Renaissance “fantasy” to recommend if you’re interested. But huge respect to you for loving Cervantes’s great book!
Book one of the Paksnarrion series is setting up that Paks is a good person but a follower. She isn’t trying to change the world just wants to do something good and helpful. This starts to change in book two. Book one is mostly setup for books two and three. It’s one of my favorite series. It’s not master class writing but a really good story and magic system. Also great depiction of military mercenary life.
Sheepfarmer's Daughter really needs to be read with the next two. It's definitely an intro to a long standing favorite series of mine. Thanks for the video!
I think your review of Lilac Girls actually shows the success of the book. I often find when I read a good historical fiction book that it whets my appetite for learning more about that historical event. So in other words, the author did her job. But maybe you wouldn't have wanted to know more if you hadn't read the fictional account first . . . just a thought.
I can't tell you how excited I am that you are loving Vandermeer! I found him in 2020 and he has not been dethroned as my favorite author of all time ❤
I always heard that Changes was the best Dresden book and everything... changed... after that book, but I never could have expected how true that actually was. Can't wait until you read it!!!
My 'to read' list is now 9 pages long, and would probably be closer to 20 if I put every individual book on a single line instead of grouping them by author, but I just added Witchwood Knot, so......thanks for that! 😀 I also watched Daniel's new video about Kobo vs Kindle, and I found my old Kobo, but I can't find the charger, and I don't know if I can get a replacement [there aren't any on the official Kobo site] so my massive reading plans have stalled. Until I figure out what to do, I'll be re-reading Becky Chambers' Wayfarer books and eagerly awaiting the release of Mirrored Heavens next month.
I read the Paksenarrion books a couple of decades ago, but never really vibed with them. Felt to me as though the author hadn't quite found her voice yet. Then I read her sci-fi books and BAM! I was hooked. If you like (or even tolerate) semi-hard military sci-fi with some thought to psychology, I would really recommend checking them out.
I read annihilation Merphy. You were right. Even though it doesnt touch the things I love about books (characters and what we can learn and feel through their relationships and acts) the setting was so mysterious and it was so atmospheric that even though it was out of my type I really liked it! I thought the backstories slowed it a bit sometimes but take that and i would give it 5 starts! (now for the 2nd, im reading it now and it took 100 pages to at least actually catch my attention as the other did in like 10 pages)
Well, I read a book 10 this month, too. In my case, it was The Crippled God. And HOLY FUCKING SHIT. What a wrap. Just incredible, this book was made for me. And this was the only book I read in April, because I only read one book at a time and, although I did have enough days left in April after finishing it to read something else, I got too caught up on work and so haven't been able to read much. But anyway, The Crippled God made my year of reading already, so I'm cool with it. Also, the Opposites Attract is such a fun idea for a bookclub! I really like that
Every time you talk about Dresden I want to try that series again! I honestly hated book 1 so much but everyone has said it gets better in terms of the characterization of women in the series. If that's true I might have to try again 👀
This is bonkers! I literally picked up Borne a month ago just because I saw Jeff Vandermeers name! I was uncertain about it and I am planning on reading it this month, So I am pumped it's well received!😮
In the description of every video she posts there is a link to the spreadsheet I keep of all the books she reads, you'll see on there the non fiction she has read
Ok, yes, here and on Discord yours and everyone's reaction has planted the seed for Borne. I admit I feel like I'm trying to catch up to everyone rather than participate. But I am enjoying things none the less.
There's a special kind of pleasure that you can experience just by taking your time with a book. Just read what you enjoy and read it at the speed that is comfortable for you.
Everyone seems to be very okay with Paksenarrion so far that I've seen - do you plan to continue on with the series? I'm starting it very very soon. Keep reading Dresden! You're extremely close to the absolute peak of the series. If Small Favor harmed you then please have a medical professional on standby for the next two books 😂 I didn't even hear the rest of what you had to say about Borne, you had me at levitating bear 😂
I’m curious about your reading schedule since you do both channels do you schedule yourself to read manga certain days and books another? I can never find a good balance between them and was just wondering if you had a system. Sorry if you’ve mentioned it in a previous video already.
I've never read a fae book. So the book by olivia Atwater will be my first one. I hope I like it despite all these things I keep hearing everywhere about a tail.
I loved the Southern Reach trilogy, but it absolutely pales in comparison to Borne. I became so enraptured by the world, the characters, and the whole story. There is just something about how we slowly learn more about Borne that keeps me going no matter how many times I reread the book. It's easily one of my favorite books.
I had the same experience with ACoTAR series. I was told book 2 was better. And it was but overall this series isn't for me. I dislike the author's character work and that's the focus of the book because the plotting is sloppy.
Hi I am a big fan of your channel. I wanted to ask you if you support international translations for books into english. Because I am a russian speaking watcher, I have recently come unto a russian fantasy sereis called: The Chronicles of the Rift. It is a huge book series, that is Sanderson like written. And I just fell in love with the dark world, characters and magic. If you know someone or you yourself can read russian or swedish, check out the book. First book is: diamond sword, wooden sword.
A question just came to me. The book A Court of Mist and Fury...what medium did you use to read it? Library or e-book or that friend lent you the book?
Sorry for the tapping sound in the video, it was my ring hitting the laptop. I didn't notice it while filming but it drove me nuts while editing. I cut out the ones that I could, and I'll be more mindful in future videos!
hahaha I didn't notice at all!
Dear Merphy, I’m an English prof in NJ, and I mostly read “classics” and “literary fiction” (though I dislike these terms). This is just a brief fan comment. I think you are the friendliest, funniest, and warmest advocate for so-called “genre fiction” on YT, and in a way that has directly affected me. Your warmth and enthusiasm have, since I stumbled across your channel a couple of months ago, led me to read (well, start reading!) Malazan, Dandelion Dynasty, and The Wheel of Time. And I have some Abercrombie waiting, and Robin Hobb too. (Tolkien and I are old friends; that’s the last great medieval quest romance, not just the fountainhead of fantasy.) My experience with this material so far has been pleasurable, entertaining, and generally exciting, since my general view is that the more things we have in the world to appreciate and love, the happier we are. Plus! A student of mine did a paper whose main case study was Thorfinn in Vinland Saga. I knew what this was because of your channel, and was much better prepared for it. (I made the student read the original Vineland sagas-the ones your professor friend got you to read.) (Sidenote: I would LOVE it if you read and reviewed William T. Vollmann’s The Ice-Shirt. Not sure you’d like it… but you might! It’s amazing!)
Anyway, I am going on too long. Can I just thank you for promoting reading, for the warmth, humor, enthusiasm, and decency you project (your measured response to the Sanderson takedown piece is a good example), and for persuading me to read more sci-fi and fantasy in large part because I was curious about some of the things this incredibly likable UA-camr enjoys so much? You’re the bee’s knees. Keep doing what you’re doing!
P.S. I’m a Renaissance specialist, but started as a medievalist. Quest romances (in the sense of digressive, episodic, quasi-epic medieval narratives, not love stories per se) are a great love of mine and the their both-at-once culmination and satirical inversion, Don Quixote, is one of the period’s flagship texts. I have more Renaissance “fantasy” to recommend if you’re interested. But huge respect to you for loving Cervantes’s great book!
Leonard of Quirm is based on Leonardo DiVinci.
I just checked out Borne from Libby so I'll be listening to that at work tomorrow, I'm very excited after hearing that you're loving it!!
can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Just one more Dresden book before Changes. I can't wait for it.
I'm really excited to see you've read The Witchwood Knot, I hope you've enjoyed it! I'll watch the video right now 💜
Book one of the Paksnarrion series is setting up that Paks is a good person but a follower. She isn’t trying to change the world just wants to do something good and helpful. This starts to change in book two. Book one is mostly setup for books two and three. It’s one of my favorite series. It’s not master class writing but a really good story and magic system. Also great depiction of military mercenary life.
Sheepfarmer's Daughter really needs to be read with the next two. It's definitely an intro to a long standing favorite series of mine. Thanks for the video!
The opposites attract book club sounds so fun!
I think your review of Lilac Girls actually shows the success of the book. I often find when I read a good historical fiction book that it whets my appetite for learning more about that historical event. So in other words, the author did her job. But maybe you wouldn't have wanted to know more if you hadn't read the fictional account first . . . just a thought.
I love the cover on The Last Phi Hunter. Also your book club sounds like its going to be hilarious to watch
Borne is amazing, im always trying to get ppl to read it. So happy you are loving it too❤
Ahhh I’m so happy that you’re loving Borne! Excited to watch the dedicated vlog ✨
I’ve been eyeing the witchwood knot. I may have to pick it up now !
I can't tell you how excited I am that you are loving Vandermeer! I found him in 2020 and he has not been dethroned as my favorite author of all time ❤
I always heard that Changes was the best Dresden book and everything... changed... after that book, but I never could have expected how true that actually was. Can't wait until you read it!!!
Looking at your taste and excitement over Borne and The Witchwood Knot, you might love Someone you can build a nest in!! It's so unique and fun.
My 'to read' list is now 9 pages long, and would probably be closer to 20 if I put every individual book on a single line instead of grouping them by author, but I just added Witchwood Knot, so......thanks for that! 😀 I also watched Daniel's new video about Kobo vs Kindle, and I found my old Kobo, but I can't find the charger, and I don't know if I can get a replacement [there aren't any on the official Kobo site] so my massive reading plans have stalled. Until I figure out what to do, I'll be re-reading Becky Chambers' Wayfarer books and eagerly awaiting the release of Mirrored Heavens next month.
I read the Paksenarrion books a couple of decades ago, but never really vibed with them. Felt to me as though the author hadn't quite found her voice yet. Then I read her sci-fi books and BAM! I was hooked. If you like (or even tolerate) semi-hard military sci-fi with some thought to psychology, I would really recommend checking them out.
I read annihilation Merphy. You were right. Even though it doesnt touch the things I love about books (characters and what we can learn and feel through their relationships and acts) the setting was so mysterious and it was so atmospheric that even though it was out of my type I really liked it! I thought the backstories slowed it a bit sometimes but take that and i would give it 5 starts! (now for the 2nd, im reading it now and it took 100 pages to at least actually catch my attention as the other did in like 10 pages)
Just one more book till changes I'm so excited!!!
Wow! Many great books and great people to share them with!!
Sounds like I need to read more Vandermeer- is Borne the next one you suggest?
Well, I read a book 10 this month, too. In my case, it was The Crippled God. And HOLY FUCKING SHIT. What a wrap. Just incredible, this book was made for me.
And this was the only book I read in April, because I only read one book at a time and, although I did have enough days left in April after finishing it to read something else, I got too caught up on work and so haven't been able to read much. But anyway, The Crippled God made my year of reading already, so I'm cool with it.
Also, the Opposites Attract is such a fun idea for a bookclub! I really like that
Very excited about you loving Borne, hope you'll pick up Veniss Underground someday
Loved the Regency Faerie Tales by Atwater… you should really finish the series even you will you enjoy them 🤣
1) Polka will never die. 2) If you make it to book 3 in "The Deed of Paksenarrion" have the tissues handy.
Every time you talk about Dresden I want to try that series again! I honestly hated book 1 so much but everyone has said it gets better in terms of the characterization of women in the series. If that's true I might have to try again 👀
I love dresden but it doesn't get better so much as it gets toned down but it never quite goes away.
@@renvesir8713 good to know! I liked the plot but book 1 was very heavy handed with the single female character I remember lmao
The Witchwood Knot sounds a lot like Gallant, which I'm reading now! If you haven't read it I think you'd enjoy it :)
Glad we're back on the terry pratchett wagon 😁
This is bonkers! I literally picked up Borne a month ago just because I saw Jeff Vandermeers name!
I was uncertain about it and I am planning on reading it this month, So I am pumped it's well received!😮
I am here with you on the second book in ACOTAR. It was fine, but I think the trope they bring up in the second book is just not my fav.
Phi hunter and borne has been added to my tbr
im curious about Merph's non fiction reading this past calendar year.
In the description of every video she posts there is a link to the spreadsheet I keep of all the books she reads, you'll see on there the non fiction she has read
Ok, yes, here and on Discord yours and everyone's reaction has planted the seed for Borne. I admit I feel like I'm trying to catch up to everyone rather than participate. But I am enjoying things none the less.
Wrap up? Chaos incoming!!!! Let’s see it! 👀
so close to Changes. it's gonna be awesome
"How do you describe Borne? So, there's this levitating bear." Well, I didn't expect that one. LOL. That certainly is different.
God if you thought Small Favors was putting you through the wringer and trying to cause you harm - can't wait to see your reaction to later books.
Just started reading seriously this year and Im only at nine books. I feel so slow compared to other people.
There's a special kind of pleasure that you can experience just by taking your time with a book. Just read what you enjoy and read it at the speed that is comfortable for you.
@@evilgenius4213 you're right.
I recommend you to read Kosingas from Aleksandar Tesic, it is Serbian fantasy book and quite a good one. ;)
"And then I did" 🤣💀
Everyone seems to be very okay with Paksenarrion so far that I've seen - do you plan to continue on with the series? I'm starting it very very soon.
Keep reading Dresden! You're extremely close to the absolute peak of the series. If Small Favor harmed you then please have a medical professional on standby for the next two books 😂
I didn't even hear the rest of what you had to say about Borne, you had me at levitating bear 😂
A couple of months ago, there was a TBR list and it had _Gideon the Ninth_ in it. Did you get to read it? I hope it wasn't a DNF...
It was in fact a DNF I'm afraid
@@Lynn-CA Sad to hear it. It's one of my favorites. And the sequel was mind-blowing.
I’m curious about your reading schedule since you do both channels do you schedule yourself to read manga certain days and books another? I can never find a good balance between them and was just wondering if you had a system. Sorry if you’ve mentioned it in a previous video already.
I've never read a fae book. So the book by olivia Atwater will be my first one. I hope I like it despite all these things I keep hearing everywhere about a tail.
I think we all wish we had a Lynn in our lives :D And Mord is scary :D
💕💕
I loved the Southern Reach trilogy, but it absolutely pales in comparison to Borne. I became so enraptured by the world, the characters, and the whole story. There is just something about how we slowly learn more about Borne that keeps me going no matter how many times I reread the book. It's easily one of my favorite books.
12:55 did you "forget" Merphy... or did you repress a traumatic memory 😂
I thought campire was a tool for aspiring authors to help with their writing.
No, I will never forgive you
Fantasy heavy for the month of April...
I had the same experience with ACoTAR series. I was told book 2 was better. And it was but overall this series isn't for me. I dislike the author's character work and that's the focus of the book because the plotting is sloppy.
Hi I am a big fan of your channel. I wanted to ask you if you support international translations for books into english. Because I am a russian speaking watcher, I have recently come unto a russian fantasy sereis called: The Chronicles of the Rift. It is a huge book series, that is Sanderson like written. And I just fell in love with the dark world, characters and magic.
If you know someone or you yourself can read russian or swedish, check out the book.
First book is: diamond sword, wooden sword.
A question just came to me. The book A Court of Mist and Fury...what medium did you use to read it? Library or e-book or that friend lent you the book?
A comment. For the algorithm to eat
Some timestamps would have been cool but liked the vid
Is anyone else FOREVER scarred by the word “grumpy” now, ever since Johnny Depp testifying and using that term?
Luffy 🤮🚮🗑️💩
Luffy is awesome