Sounds like a great month, Mike! I’m excited for the change of pace and genre that Mystic River will be for me. And, of course, I look forward to convening with you and our fellow Quilluminati!
You are definitely going to love Mystic River. I read it twice. Once years ago, before I watched the movie and again last year, It was even better the second time.
Awesome to see everyone enjoying the Echoes Saga. I want to start Empire of the Wolf soon but this month I've got Deadhouse Gates up first and then Royal Assassin and A Fools Hope.
Sounds ambitious, Mike. Wishing you lots of happy reading. Currently, I'm reading my first discworld book, Guards Guards. Later, I'm going to read another Agatha Christie book, a John Grisham book, Stephanie Plum, and a Hollows book. I think I can manage 1 a week with some short stories here and there.
there was a time when i kept wondering why some people seemed to naturally draw others in while i was just…there. no matter what i tried, i couldn’t figure out how they did it. then someone mentioned the book Magnetic Aura by Takeshi Mizuki, and i decided to check it out. the way it explains how your aura affects everything around you? it blew me away. it’s like having a secret code to unlock your magnetic energy. this book is a game-changer.
I really liked "Rise of the Ranger," and I read through it in three days. I, too, started early on reading "Empire of Dirt," as well. For February, I plan on reading "Horns," by Joe Hill, "Blaze," by King, "The Island," by Natasha Preston, and "The Deep," by Alma Katsu. Take care Mike!
Reading Rise of the Ranger and about 25% in. Definitely liking it so far. I got a good feeling that I’m really going to like this series. I’m dying to try The Riyria Revelations. That sounds right up my alley.
Im in the middle of reading the dark tower for the first time but im really excited to read the Echoes Saga when im done. I dont see alot of talk about it online
Mike, I just finished The Judging Eye by Bakker, first book of the Aspect Emperor, and I gotta say I think you'll enjoy it more than you may have been led to believe. It's much more adventure oriented, but it also plunges headlong into some of that lore that kinda hung around in the background of the first trilogy. We get some very interesting perspectives on old characters and some new faces that are right up with some of his best (including a particularly conniving bastard!). It's a different feel than the first three, but in a refreshing way.
This video is making me want to push up Riyria. For February I’ll be finishing The Warlord Chronicles (currently about 2/3rd thru Enemy of God) and also returning to Red Rising for Dark Age and Light Bringer
Super excited about Grave Empire. I pre-ordered the special edition from The Broken Binding so waiting for it to come in so I can read it. I also love this kind of swashbuckling/flintlock era, I guess it also might be called "gunpowder fantasy". I don't think this era its done enough.
i used to think being magnetic was just about looks or confidence, but i couldn’t have been more wrong. i read this book called Magnetic Aura by Takeshi Mizuki, and it totally changed my perspective. it breaks down the energy and mindset behind true attraction in a way that just makes sense. once i started applying what it taught, i noticed people reacting to me differently almost instantly. it’s seriously worth a read.
I'm going to be reading Mystic River along with you guys. I can't wait to check it out. I read Shutter Island last year and loved it. I've only read one Lehane book and can tell he's going to be a favorite for me. I'm excited to hear your thoughts on Black Mouth. I didn't find it derivative of IT at all. Malfi has quickly joined my list of must-read horror authors, alongside King and Joe Hill. I just dig his writing style.
Mike you have to check out beyond redemption by Michael R Fletcher. It’s so up your alley and extremely dark. Fascinating magic system and great world. There is a glossary in the back that I find myself flipping to in order to learn more about the world and a lot of research as well
Hmm. Maybe Grave Empire is a good spot to jump in and try Richard Swan. I've been interested in reading his work and have bought some, but grabbing a new one that's only got one book out is appealing to see what I think.
Mystic River will break your heart. One of the saddest books I've read, but it's excellent. I'll probably hop on board Grave Empire. I'll be reading Song of the Beast by Carol Berg, possibly Dreams of the Dying, To Ride Hell's Chasm, and we'll see what else
Thanks for this. I’ve had Riyria on my TBR for years but never got to it. For February I’m planning on reading Mistborn Hero of Ages, Jade City and maybe Empire of Silence. We’ll see.
@@EmanBruin they are very different series, Red Rising is very fast paced Sci-Fi action book, Empire of Silence is more of a slow burn space opera, so it whatever you are feeling more at the time
Black Mouth was my first Ronald Malfi book and it was good, a library read but good enough to go purchase; Come with Me is on my TBR for 2025. In February I hope to start/finish The Lions of Al-Rassan by GGK, Never Whistle at Night by Shane Hawk, Hyperion by Dan Simmons and Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum. Currently finishing To Ride Hell's Chasm by Janny Wurst and The Gunslinger by Stephen King, starting Dark Tower journey, wish me luck.
My February consists of “Deadhouse Gates” and “Of Blood and Fire” with Nikhil @ Shelf Esteem, “Rise of the Ranger,” and Darkblade:Protector” by Andy Peloquin. Highly recommend as something to scratch that assassin itch Brent Weeks didn’t for you.
Great content, as always! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (mistake turkey blossom warfare blade until bachelor fall squeeze today flee guitar). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
My February TBR/MBR List: «Mannen som bar solen» («The Man Who Carried The Sun») by Kristian Bang Foss (Historical Fiction set in the Nordic Bronze Age) «The Lion & the Sword» (90s Fantasy inspired by Alexander the Great’s Conquest of Greece) by Roberta Cray «After Rome» by Morgan Llywelyn (Historical Fiction set after the Roman Withdrawal from Britain) «Alamut» by Vladimir Bartol (Philosophical Historical Fiction, set among the Order of Assassins Sect during the Crusades, with parallels to the growth of Fascism in Bartol’s own 1930s) A collection of the Roman Stoic Philosopher Seneca’s writings «Carthage Ascendant» by Mary Gentle (Book of Ash #2, Alt-Historical Military Fiction inspired by the Mercenary Wars of the Renaissance)
I, personally, think it would be better to go into Black Mouth not expecting comparisons to IT. I mean, I can see nods, but otherwise I thought it was a whole different vibe. I don't know, I thought it was a great read but I'm nervous about your reaction especially when everyone says it's like reading IT 😅
@@geauxreadbooksI got through it rather quickly! Don’t mean to throw you off it! But I could see why he would not want to finish it. I was looking forward to his thoughts on it though haha. Good luck!
I didn’t finish Black Mouth, lost interest about half way. December Park by Malfi is prob my favorite of his books. Another good coming of age is Chasing the Boogeyman, reminded me a little of Ordinary Grace and Lost Man’s Lane
I have stopped reading The Tow Towers as I have suffered a fantasy burn out, but I am reading a book called Kung Fu Mace by Lee Chang. This is #2 in a series titled Year of the Snake it's from 1974 so I am being careful with the book and taking my time reading it as it's only 14 chapters long.
one night i was scrolling through my phone, feeling like i’d never figure out why some people just seem so magnetic. then i came across this book, Magnetic Aura by Takeshi Mizuki, and something about it caught my attention. reading it was like turning on a light in a dark room. it’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not; it’s about unlocking the energy you already have. trust me, this book is worth every page
The only similarities Black Mouth has with It is that it’s about adults returning home to face something that they faced when they were kids, outside of that it’s nothing like It. It’s not a bad book but definitely didn’t stand out for me.
Sounds like a great month, Mike! I’m excited for the change of pace and genre that Mystic River will be for me. And, of course, I look forward to convening with you and our fellow Quilluminati!
Mystic River is great
Dennis Lehane is awesome. He was also a writer and consulting producer for the Mr. Mercedes tv show, The Wire and Boardwalk Empire.
You are definitely going to love Mystic River. I read it twice. Once years ago, before I watched the movie and again last year, It was even better the second time.
Gonna be great Quilluminatti Read!!
For realz
Mystic River is FANTASTIC! I loved it 😍 Right now I’m reading the first book in the Malayan Empire series and I loving it!
Awesome to see everyone enjoying the Echoes Saga.
I want to start Empire of the Wolf soon but this month I've got Deadhouse Gates up first and then Royal Assassin and A Fools Hope.
Dennis Lehane is a master. Mystic river is a perfect book you’re gonna love it. It is a gut wrenching book.
Sounds ambitious, Mike. Wishing you lots of happy reading. Currently, I'm reading my first discworld book, Guards Guards. Later, I'm going to read another Agatha Christie book, a John Grisham book, Stephanie Plum, and a Hollows book. I think I can manage 1 a week with some short stories here and there.
there was a time when i kept wondering why some people seemed to naturally draw others in while i was just…there. no matter what i tried, i couldn’t figure out how they did it. then someone mentioned the book Magnetic Aura by Takeshi Mizuki, and i decided to check it out. the way it explains how your aura affects everything around you? it blew me away. it’s like having a secret code to unlock your magnetic energy. this book is a game-changer.
I really liked "Rise of the Ranger," and I read through it in three days. I, too, started early on reading "Empire of Dirt," as well. For February, I plan on reading "Horns," by Joe Hill, "Blaze," by King, "The Island," by Natasha Preston, and "The Deep," by Alma Katsu. Take care Mike!
Enjoy!
I like Horns by Joe Hill. My favorite of his is still Heart Shaped Box. Would make a great movie or show adaptation
I’m wrapping up The Well of Ascension. Enjoying the series very much.
Reading Rise of the Ranger and about 25% in. Definitely liking it so far. I got a good feeling that I’m really going to like this series. I’m dying to try The Riyria Revelations. That sounds right up my alley.
Riyria is so enjoyable.
Just finished Riyria revelations a month ago and i still cant stop thinking about how much i loved it especially the last book
Im in the middle of reading the dark tower for the first time but im really excited to read the Echoes Saga when im done. I dont see alot of talk about it online
Seems like it has a small but very loyal following.
Mike, I just finished The Judging Eye by Bakker, first book of the Aspect Emperor, and I gotta say I think you'll enjoy it more than you may have been led to believe. It's much more adventure oriented, but it also plunges headlong into some of that lore that kinda hung around in the background of the first trilogy. We get some very interesting perspectives on old characters and some new faces that are right up with some of his best (including a particularly conniving bastard!). It's a different feel than the first three, but in a refreshing way.
Echoes Saga really does get better as it goes along. I’m on book 7 right now. So good!
Great to hear!
Why am I just noticing the new intro? 😂😂 love it!
Mystic River!! Welcome to Boston!! I am into Snowbound by Blake and now I wanna add Mystic River too. I need short books at the moment
Looking forward to becoming wicked smaaaart.
What a lineup! Excited for Mystic River!
This video is making me want to push up Riyria. For February I’ll be finishing The Warlord Chronicles (currently about 2/3rd thru Enemy of God) and also returning to Red Rising for Dark Age and Light Bringer
Super excited about Grave Empire. I pre-ordered the special edition from The Broken Binding so waiting for it to come in so I can read it. I also love this kind of swashbuckling/flintlock era, I guess it also might be called "gunpowder fantasy". I don't think this era its done enough.
Will be starting Empire of Dirt this afternoon.
Let's go!
That's a great list. I really need to start the ECHO saga.
It's an early recommend, for sure
Going to pick of Rise of The Ranger this month and finish the First Law standalones
Good call!
i used to think being magnetic was just about looks or confidence, but i couldn’t have been more wrong. i read this book called Magnetic Aura by Takeshi Mizuki, and it totally changed my perspective. it breaks down the energy and mindset behind true attraction in a way that just makes sense. once i started applying what it taught, i noticed people reacting to me differently almost instantly. it’s seriously worth a read.
I'm going to be reading Mystic River along with you guys. I can't wait to check it out. I read Shutter Island last year and loved it. I've only read one Lehane book and can tell he's going to be a favorite for me.
I'm excited to hear your thoughts on Black Mouth. I didn't find it derivative of IT at all. Malfi has quickly joined my list of must-read horror authors, alongside King and Joe Hill. I just dig his writing style.
Mike you have to check out beyond redemption by Michael R Fletcher. It’s so up your alley and extremely dark. Fascinating magic system and great world. There is a glossary in the back that I find myself flipping to in order to learn more about the world and a lot of research as well
Finished Wind and Truth, Absolution and City of Last Chances in January. Pretty good for me, I'm not the fastest reader.
And I'll probably read House of Open Wounds and Days of Shattered Faith in February.
If you got through Wind and Truth in a month, you're a fast reader ha ha
Hmm. Maybe Grave Empire is a good spot to jump in and try Richard Swan. I've been interested in reading his work and have bought some, but grabbing a new one that's only got one book out is appealing to see what I think.
I think you'll dig it.
Great video, Mike!
Thanks!
Mystic River will break your heart. One of the saddest books I've read, but it's excellent. I'll probably hop on board Grave Empire. I'll be reading Song of the Beast by Carol Berg, possibly Dreams of the Dying, To Ride Hell's Chasm, and we'll see what else
I'm reading Wall of Storms, Fairytale, and I might start Edward Ruthford's Sarum.
Already onto book 3 in echoes saga. Catch ya next month
Enjoy!
ngl, saw the thumbnail and for some reason thought you'd got a early version of Jay Kristoff.......
YAY Ryria!!!! May'be time for a reread
It does have Empire of the Vampire vibes
Thanks for this. I’ve had Riyria on my TBR for years but never got to it.
For February I’m planning on reading Mistborn Hero of Ages, Jade City and maybe Empire of Silence. We’ll see.
Hero of ages is great, you will have a great time, you should also read Empire of Silence it's a good ride
@ I also have Red Rising. Would you recommend RR before Sun Eater? Or does it matter?
@@EmanBruin they are very different series, Red Rising is very fast paced Sci-Fi action book, Empire of Silence is more of a slow burn space opera, so it whatever you are feeling more at the time
Hope you like it!
@@azlan1381 good to know. Thx.
I liked Black Mouth. Will definitely read more Ronald Malfi. Interested to see what you think about it
Come With Me was good, I just wanted a little more horror and less cold case.
The best books are the ones that affect you, Mystic River was one such book for me.
Can't wait!
close to 130K subs my friend
I know, I don't get it either.
I'm glad to see more horror on your channel cause I'm scared of fantasy.
I'm glad someone is!
I think you'll like Black Mouth much more than Summer of Night. I read both of them back to back and you and I have the same taste
Man, I hope so.
Black Mouth follows the similar framework but the characters, tone, and details are definitely different enough.
Mystic River is great, I think you'll really enjoy it
I'm pretty confident I will
I’m reading Paradiso, and short stories called space odyssey and my next two books are the hobbit and hitchhikers guide
I’m so behind! I’m 26!
A wizard is never late.
I am reading Gardens of the Moon in February!
Buckle up!
I read 3 books that were made into movies: Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes, Dune by Frank Herbert and The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
When you read King and Crichton, it's easier to pick the ones that HAVEN'T had movies made.
Black Mouth was my first Ronald Malfi book and it was good, a library read but good enough to go purchase; Come with Me is on my TBR for 2025. In February I hope to start/finish The Lions of Al-Rassan by GGK, Never Whistle at Night by Shane Hawk, Hyperion by Dan Simmons and Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum. Currently finishing To Ride Hell's Chasm by Janny Wurst and The Gunslinger by Stephen King, starting Dark Tower journey, wish me luck.
That's quite a list!
@@mikesbookreviews the key word is HOPE 🤞
My February consists of “Deadhouse Gates” and “Of Blood and Fire” with Nikhil @ Shelf Esteem, “Rise of the Ranger,” and Darkblade:Protector” by Andy Peloquin. Highly recommend as something to scratch that assassin itch Brent Weeks didn’t for you.
Great content, as always! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (mistake turkey blossom warfare blade until bachelor fall squeeze today flee guitar). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
I just started first law and i think joe Abercrombie might be new my favorite author
Enjoy the ride!
Reading the book of accidents by Chuck Wendig …just finished Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett ( it was good felt YA)
So I've heard
Mystic River....it's good, you'll like it.
Hope so!
My February TBR/MBR List:
«Mannen som bar solen» («The Man Who Carried The Sun») by Kristian Bang Foss (Historical Fiction set in the Nordic Bronze Age)
«The Lion & the Sword» (90s Fantasy inspired by Alexander the Great’s Conquest of Greece) by Roberta Cray
«After Rome» by Morgan Llywelyn (Historical Fiction set after the Roman Withdrawal from Britain)
«Alamut» by Vladimir Bartol (Philosophical Historical Fiction, set among the Order of Assassins Sect during the Crusades, with parallels to the growth of Fascism in Bartol’s own 1930s)
A collection of the Roman Stoic Philosopher Seneca’s writings
«Carthage Ascendant» by Mary Gentle (Book of Ash #2, Alt-Historical Military Fiction inspired by the Mercenary Wars of the Renaissance)
This sounds smart.
When’s the next Stephen King read Mike? Can’t think what’s next on your re-read.
Always looking forward to your future Dark Tower content too!
From a Buick 8
Bet that dnf is Lightfall. I’m finding it very middling
You would be correct
I, personally, think it would be better to go into Black Mouth not expecting comparisons to IT. I mean, I can see nods, but otherwise I thought it was a whole different vibe.
I don't know, I thought it was a great read but I'm nervous about your reaction especially when everyone says it's like reading IT 😅
If it has childhood story playing into reuniting with old friends to battle something as adults, it'll always get that comp.
So doing the math, I think I know what you DNFd and it’s one of my next reads! 😅
Lightfall?
@ it would seem so.
@@geauxreadbooksI got through it rather quickly! Don’t mean to throw you off it! But I could see why he would not want to finish it. I was looking forward to his thoughts on it though haha. Good luck!
@ I’m not thrown off. From everything I’ve heard, outside of whatever Mike thought, I actually look forward to it!
You might like it more than I. But going to stop forcing myself to finish books I'm not enjoying.
Who is your Mount Rushmore of tough guy actors? I’m having a hard time figuring mine out.
Arnold, Stallone, Clint, John Wayne
@ 3 of the 4 are the same for me. But I can’t figure out a fourth.
Yes, I say "mouf" when I'm wearing my retainer 😛
Ha! Maybe I need one.
@@puzzlingread 😆
I didn’t finish Black Mouth, lost interest about half way. December Park by Malfi is prob my favorite of his books. Another good coming of age is Chasing the Boogeyman, reminded me a little of Ordinary Grace and Lost Man’s Lane
I have stopped reading The Tow Towers as I have suffered a fantasy burn out, but I am reading a book called Kung Fu Mace by Lee Chang. This is #2 in a series titled Year of the Snake it's from 1974 so I am being careful with the book and taking my time reading it as it's only 14 chapters long.
Happens to the best of us.
Really sad to see there is no hardcover for Grave Empire
Is the official release not going to be in hardcover?
Just started Disquiet Gods
Doing that later this year!
Has Mike read Atlas Six?
He has not.
@@mikesbookreviews😂
I am shocked. Brian Lee Durfee does not like Frankenstein or Dracula. Gives them a 4 out of ten
I’m assuming Lightfall was the DNF?
Bingo
@ I made it through Lightfall, but definitely wasn’t my favorite.
Let me guess, you DNF Lightfall?
one night i was scrolling through my phone, feeling like i’d never figure out why some people just seem so magnetic. then i came across this book, Magnetic Aura by Takeshi Mizuki, and something about it caught my attention. reading it was like turning on a light in a dark room. it’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not; it’s about unlocking the energy you already have. trust me, this book is worth every page
Is Mike friends with Nerdy Narrative?
As far as I know!
The only similarities Black Mouth has with It is that it’s about adults returning home to face something that they faced when they were kids, outside of that it’s nothing like It. It’s not a bad book but definitely didn’t stand out for me.
Well that's both encouraging and discouraging ha ha
@ like you said on my other comment, “You may like it more than I did.” Happy reading!