Farhad Shawkat

Category: Reading

Western – A Dying Genre?

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On July 11, 2023

In Reading

            I grew up in Bangladesh, in a land thousands of miles away, and a time period hundreds of years later. So what might explain my intense fascination with Westerns? Books and movies, of course. Sheba Prokashoni (সেবা প্রকাশনী) Westerns, translations of popular novels written by Louis L’Amour, Oliver Strange, Charles R. Pike, and more, were a huge part of my childhood. While I also read translations, by Sheba, of classics such as A Sign of Four, Three Men in a Boat, and Sir Walter Scott’s Talisman, to name a few, a vast majority of the books I read at the time were Westerns. I must have been 11-12 years old at the time. I had just finished reading Ar Kotodur (আর কতদূর), by কাজী মাহবুব হোসেন, a translation of Louis L’Amour’s Down The Long Hills, and I was completely hooked.

The next couple of years, I continued to gobble up one Western translation after the other, notable among them being – Nilgiri (নীলগিরি) (To The Far Blue Mountains), Boshoti (বসতি) (Sacketts: The Daybreakers), Kuhokini (কুহকিনী) (Sacketts: Mohave Crossing), and more. All in the 1980s, and only in 2022 did I finally figure out that they were translations of Louis L’Amour classics. Translations can be a tricky thing though. The Witcher series, for example, is insanely popular, with video games and a Netflix show, but inconsistent translations from the original Polish have affected my enjoyment of the books. These Sheba translations were top notch, and while I will perhaps never know how faithful they were to the originals, I have to give full credit to Kazi Mahbub Hossain, Rowshan Jamil, Shawkat Hossain, and the rest for developing my interest in the Western genre, which continues to this day.

            Speaking of which, I must mention two reasons why 2023 has brought me back to Westerns. I have just recently finished playing Red Dead Redemption 2, and think it just about beats Skyrim and Witcher 3 as the greatest video game I have ever played. While I absolutely love Geralt, Arthur Morgan won my heart as the greatest video game protagonist ever.

My interest in Westerns has been rekindled just in time for Michael K Vaughan’s Western themed booktube event – June on the Range, a month of reading Western classics. I highly recommend you check out his channel, as he also covers classic horror, comics, science fiction and fantasy.

            I selected four books for June on the Range – starting with Sacketts #1 – Sackett’s Land, the first Louis L’Amour book that I’ll be reading in English. I never read the Bengali translation for this one – Jolodosshu (জলদস্যু) – which means Pirate.

The other three books I read were Sudden: Outlawed (Oliver Strange), Fallon (another Louis L’Amour classic, translated as Rupantor (রূপান্তর), a childhood favourite of mine, and finally Shane (Jack Schaefer).

While I have only mentioned classic Western literature so far, movies have perhaps played an ever bigger role in popularizing Westerns on a global scale. Clint Eastwood, in particular, as The Man With No Name in Sergio Leone’s trilogy, and then once again in Unforgiven – movies which I will force my son to watch with me at some point. He’s 11 now, the same age I was when I was completely fascinated by Westerns. Which brings to mind – is he even barely aware of the genre? Do kids these days find it even relevant or interesting anymore? And should we introduce them to this romanticised version of American history, when the reality was as brutal and spine chilling as anything? Something that authors like the recently departed Cormac McCarthy have highlighted so brilliantly?

As I finish writing this piece, I interrupt my son’s studies to ask him if he knows about Westerns. He replies, “You mean sheriffs and cowboys?”

I suppose that’s pretty much all I knew when I held আর কতদূর in my hands, all those years ago, in 1985.

Gates of Fire – Greatest Historical Fiction Novel Ever Written?

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On July 27, 2022

In Reading

Dienekes, upon hearing that the Persian archers were so numerous, that when they fired their volleys, they blocked out the sun, replied, with a laugh, “Good. Then we’ll have our battle in the shade.”

The tale of Leonidas and his Spartans is perhaps a familiar one, glorified in Frank Miller’s graphic novel – 300, and the movie of the same name, directed by Zack Snyder. If you’re a fan of either the comic book or the movie, this book is a must read. If you’re a fan of ancient history, Greek or otherwise, this book is a must read. If you’re a fan of epic battles, this book is a must read. Even if you’re not interested in any of the above, this book is still a must read. The U.S. Marines certainly think so, and this book is taught at West Point, the United States Naval Academy.

Gates of Fire is easily my book of the year so far, and I find it difficult to imagine I’ll be reading a better book in the next few months. The Brothers Gwynne have been raving about this book for a while now, and I finally gave in, as I had a few extra days left over this month after finishing my usual TBR. More booktubers need to read and review this book. It is, quite simply, excellent.

It’s been a good year for historical fiction in general, as far as my reading goes. The best series I’ve read this year has been The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell, a retelling of the Arthurian Legend. Gates of Fire is a standalone, and is the tale of 300 – King Leonidas and the valiant Spartans who held the line at the Battle of Thermopylae against the ruthless invading army of King Xerxes’ Persians.

“Have a hearty breakfast, for tonight we dine in Hades!” – Leonidas

We learn about the story of the Spartans from Xeones, a survivor of the battle who is captured by the Persians. He narrates his tale to King Xerxes and his historian. It is a tale of hardship, loss, and sacrifice, but one that inspires greatly, for it is also a tale of valour, stoicism, camaraderie, and honour.

The author’s prose is brilliant, and every single character is memorable. A bit like Bernard Cornwell’s tale of Arthur, you know the basics, but can’t help reading page after page anyway. There was not a single page where I got bored, not a single page which the book would be better off without. This is an absolute page turner, and of the hardest books to put down. A story that will stay with you for a long long time, if not forever.

There is plenty of philosophy as well, all of it enjoyable and enlightening, never overbearing. There are interesting discussions and lectures on the concepts of bravery and ‘false’ courage, fear and love, slavery and freedom. Female characters, few in number, do get plenty of chances to shine. Ladies Arete and Paraleia in particular are highly influential, and even the reasoning behind the selection of the 300 is particularly poignant.

A queen may not be a woman as others. She may not possess her husband or children as other wives and mothers, but may hold them only in stewardship to her nation. She serves them, the hearts of her countrymen, not her own or her family’s. – Queen Gorgo

It is of course impossible to review this book and not mention the action sequences. I’ve read books by authors who write absolute top tier battle scenes – Bernard Cornwell, of course, Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne, Steven Erikson, to name a few. But Steven Pressfield might just be my new favourite. Even before the actual battle of Thermopylae, there is masterly description of another, roughly a hundred pages in. The manner in which the author transports you into that battlefield and guides you along the way, is an example of highly accomplished writing.

An absolute masterpiece, and highest possible recommendation.

“Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie.”

Image from Frank Miller’s graphic novel – 300
Image from https://greektraveltellers.com/blog/300-beyond-the-movie

BOOKS OF BABEL – A Series Unlike Any Other

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On November 12, 2021

In Reading

BOOKS OF BABEL By JOSIAH BANCROFT

            Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft is an absolutely delightful reading experience. The author has created a marvellous world filled with interesting characters. With top tier world building and character development (all with satisfying story arcs), Books of Babel has very quickly become one of my favourite fantasy series.

            While it is classified as fantasy, do not walk into the Tower of Babel expecting orcs and elves, wizards and goblins. This is not typical sword and sorcery. The series has its own special citizens and denizens, personally wordcrafted by Josiah Bancroft. Each individual level, or ringdom, of the Tower has unique characteristics. There’s a bit of sci-fi and steampunk in it as well (you’ll love the aerial warfare). To paraphrase Martin Tyler – “I swear you’ll never read anything like this ever again. So read it, drink it in.” And over time, appreciate how the author cleverly ties it all, and you realise the picturesque features of the Tower are not just there as decorations to inspire awe and wonder. Sinisterness and ominosity lurk beneath all the charming distractions. (Am I making up words now?). The Tower of Babel will equally fascinate and horrify Senlin, as well as the reader.

1. Senlin Ascends

Have I mentioned how these covers are some of the best I’ve seen? Ian Leino also deserves credit for his brilliant artwork. I have written earlier on books with covers you immediately fall in love with, and Books of Babel rates at the very top of that list.

“We shouldn’t have to go around congratulating each other for behaving with basic human dignity.”

SENLIN ASCENDS

“Bribery wins more arguments than reason.”

SENLIN ASCENDS

The story begins with Senlin, a somewhat stuffy orthodox school headmaster, with his former student and newly married wife Marya, on their honeymoon. The author Josiah Bancroft, in a tongue-in-cheek promo for the book describes it as ‘Creepy Disneyland, where you immediately lose your spouse, and no one will help you.’ Having finished the series, I still cannot find a better way to describe it. As Senlin ascends along the Tower of Babel, we are gradually introduced to a world that, as I mentioned earlier, is simply unique in fantasy. Some of my favourite world-building, it’s a wonderland for adults, but creepy and deadly, surreal at times. Senlin, while still sticking to his principles, tries his best to look for his wife, while making a few friends, and more enemies, along the way. The further and deeper into the Tower you go, the more you will appreciate Josiah Bancroft’s clever writing. Senlin meets an amazing cast of characters, including…

2. Arm of the Sphinx

            The wonder, awe and excitement of being introduced to the world created by Josiah Bancroft in the first book of the series cannot be matched again. The world-building, the subtle hints towards the bigger picture, the introduction to the characters, the unique features of each level, had me absolutely mesmerised the first time around. Perhaps like Senlin himself, this time I was forced to focus more on the plot, and less on oohing and aahing at the various marvels surrounding us. Until the second half of the book, when you become a Tower fanboy again.

“Of course I have a plan,” he said, clapping his hands. “We are going to die.”

ARM OF THE SPHINX

“A recorder takes things down. A historian makes things up.”

ARM OF THE SPHINX

          I mentioned it earlier, and I’ll say it again – Josiah Bancroft is one of the cleverest writers in the genre. Pay attention to everything – he’s almost like a magician at times – seems so simple once it’s all explained. The new character – the Sphinx, is exceptionally well written, and this book adds quite a few memorable characters to its already impressive cast. The action is relentless at times, and the plot takes some unexpected twists and turns that’ll keep you grabbing immediately for the next book, which is…

3. The Hod King

Possibly my favourite overall in the series. The Hod King is absolutely action packed, with some of the most epic moments in the series. It now becomes so difficult to pick a favourite character, as they are all extremely well written. With most books, you have your favourites, and then you have those characters you couldn’t care less about. Books of Babel is a rare series where the author makes you care about every single character, both major and relatively minor. You are concerned about the fates of each and every one. This is not just about Thomas Senlin looking for his missing wife anymore. Things have escalated in a major way. While Senlin is still the main character, the other POVs are brilliantly written, and these characters get a chance to shine.

While the series is not at all grimdark (despite having more than its share of both grim and dark), it does well to illustrate how the world is never black and white, and forces both Senlin, and the reader, to re-evaluate a lot of viewpoints we may take for granted. I wonder how big an influence Lewis Carroll was on Bancroft’s writing, as I was reminded at times not just of Alice in Wonderland, but of Sylvie and Bruno as well. This is such a highly quotable series.

“The rich “learn lessons.” The poor commit crimes. “Mistakes” are generally considered a mark of the middle class.”

THE HOD KING

“All I know is that, at the end of the day, dreams don’t matter, but neither does regret. We aren’t what we want or wish for. We are only what we do.”

THE HOD KING

As we travel through each successive level (ringdom) of the Tower, for each mystery uncovered, it seems like two new ones crop up. Not to worry, it is all perfectly wrapped up in…

4. The Fall of Babel

I have scarcely been able to do this series proper justice so far, as I have had to avoid spoilers. This is now a particularly difficult task, as I am about to describe the final book on the series. No character is ignored, and the author answers almost all our questions. Some are intentionally left more open-ended, so we as readers can reach our own conclusions. Overall, this fourth book, as well as the series overall, is beautifully paced, has wonderful prose, great action sequences, and the best as mentioned already is the world building (which continues through all four books) and the characters.

Highest possible recommendation. In an ideal world, the adventure would never end, but in the meantime, we can look forward to Josiah Bancroft’s next big project. I do hope, though, similar to what Sebastien de Castell has done with his Greatcoats series, Bancroft returns to the Tower of Babel with a few novellas and short stories, as there is still so much to the Tower that remains hidden from us.

Also special thanks to Allen, aka Library of Allenxandria on Booktube, whose reviews convinced me to read this series. A bit like The Everyman’s Guide attracts people to the Tower of Babel, I hope his reviews encourage more people to read this book.

The Blade Itself Incites to Deeds of Violence – Homer

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On April 28, 2021

In Reading

https://www.deviantart.com/darey-dawn/art/The-First-Law-trilogy-483682777

The First Law trilogy could be a decent introduction into the world of grimdark fantasy, if you’re not familiar with the genre. Grimdark fantasy unfortunately is a very difficult to define concept. There is so much fantasy out there that is labelled grimdark, but really isn’t. One definition of grimdark could be a story with no heroes, just morally grey flawed characters. Another possible definition could be a world with no hope. Unpleasant broken characters trying to survive in an unpleasant, broken world.

The First Law Trilogy

George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones (Song of Ice and Fire) is perhaps a very commonly used example, and one that most people would be familiar with because of the tv show. Though many fantasy readers would argue that the series isn’t really proper grimdark.

So, if you want something grimmer and darker, there’s always Broken Empire by Mark Lawrence, or The Prince of Nothing by R. Scott Bakker. If you like a bit of subtle British humour in the midst of all the darkness, I strongly recommend Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy.

Tenth Anniversary Edition of The Blade Itself

The best part of the series is perhaps the memorable cast – say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say he writes the most bizarrely loveable bastards. Don’t walk into this expecting a typical hero’s journey where humble farm-boys transform into all powerful saviours. Don’t expect gallant and honourable nobles, or brave and dashing army officers. Well, there is Jezal dan Luthar, but he’s pretty despicable. He’s also one of the main POV characters (one of six in the first book – The Blade Itself).

Jezal dan Luthar

The main two, perhaps, are a cripple – Sand dan Glokta, and a barbarian – Logen Ninefingers. Glokta is the fan favourite, a torturer whose body is broken and bent, and you can feel his pain each time he has to physically exert himself. As in climb a flight of stairs, or simply get out of bed. He’s also the funny one.

Sand dan Glokta https://www.deviantart.com/matart/art/Glokta-181125068

Logen, the strong, silent type, has some of the best action scenes that you won’t forget. And a reputation that precedes him. Let’s just say you won’t like him when he’s angry. You’ll absolutely love him. If you say one thing for Logen Ninefingers, and one thing only – say he’s a killer.

Logen Ninefingers

And of course, Bayaz the first of the Magi. An absolute bastard, but my personal favourite in the series. As far as magic goes, don’t expect a hard magic system like Brandon Sanderson’s, where everything is beautifully explained. It’s magic, it’s there, accept it. And not trying to explain how it works was actually a good thing. Another correct decision, in my opinion, was not to make Bayaz a POV character. Keeps him enigmatic.

Bayaz the First of the Magi

The supporting cast is excellent as well, in particular Logen’s former crew consisting of Dogman (another POV character), Rudd Threetrees, Tul Duru Thunderhead, Black Dow, Harding Grim and Weakest, not to mention Inquisitor Glokta’s team of Practicals (Assistant torturers, let’s just say).

Logen Ninefingers’ Former Crew https://www.deviantart.com/yapattack/art/First-Law-Most-Dangerous-Men-in-the-North-392984662
Glokta and his Practicals https://www.deviantart.com/macksztaba/art/The-Blade-Itself-200809270

If you do read and love the original trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings), there’s some good news – there’s another three standalones set in the First Law world, as well as a short story collection – Best Served Cold (a revenge tale that’s pretty much hell hath no fury like a woman scorned), The Heroes (a brilliant account about the harsh brutality of war, the entire book consists of three bloody days of battle), Red Country (a quasi western with a strong Unforgiven vibe, oldtimers being absolutely badass), and the short story collection Sharp Ends.

If you’ve read Lord of the Rings, a bit of Brandon Sanderson perhaps, or even Song of Ice and Fire, the First Law world is a perfect next step into the world of fantasy. Grimdark fantasy, that is, written by Lord Grimdark himself – Joe Abercrombie

An Epic Saga Begins

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On January 18, 2021

In Reading

“I’m sure they were good men, the ones you lost.”

“Good at dying.”

Gardens of the moon (malazan book of the fallen)

The best book I’ve read this year. Also the only book I’ve read this year, so far. But it won’t be easy to beat this one. It’s that good.

Gardens of the Moon is the first book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and is actually the first book I read in 2021, as part of a huge read along. And what a start to the series. Absolutely mind blowing world building, there can’t be many fantasy series out there more epic than this one! Huge cast of characters (the book includes a four page dramatic personae at the start!), but each individual character is quite distinct and memorable. While Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series at some point perhaps got too epic for its own good (way too many characters I couldn’t care less about), Steven Erikson is masterful in making sure that every character has a part to play in this wonderful tale of is. Of course, there’s still nine books to go in the series, so I do hope this trend continues. I’m already a bit worried that the next book, Deadhouse Gates, apparently has a whole different cast of characters.  

In case you’re wondering, I do love Wheel of Time as well, it’s just that there’s characters I would’ve loved to have seen more of. With the tv series coming out soon, I don’t want to mention any spoilers, so that’s as much as I’ll say about the series. You can find my Wheel of Time post here.

                As I was saying, the characters from Gardens of the Moon are more memorable, and it’s difficult to pick a favourite. I’ve read series where I can quickly latch on to a favourite (Roland, Kelsier, Kest), and I’ve read epic series where I still don’t have one (cough*WoT*cough). Joe Abercrombie’s First Law was a series where I had multiple favourites – Bayaz, Glotka, Logen. This one, for me, has even more – Whiskeyjack, Tattersail, Quick Ben, Kruppe, the list goes on. And this is only book one of ten! So hard to pick a side as well. Because there’s Anomander Rake. As cool and badass as they come. Though the book’s badass moments aren’t just limited to him. And some of the best interactions are among the most unlikeliest of characters.

                I mentioned in an earlier post how the WoT’s so called ‘slog’ is overhyped, yes, the middle books can be slow at times, but slog is perhaps too strong a word. It may have been a bigger problem for those who read the series ‘live’ as it was being published, but for modern day readers, the slog may be less noticeable.

                A similar rumour persists on the internet regarding the Malazan series, where it may be too dense at times, how readers and characters in the book are equally confused as to what’s going on. You are dropped straight into the middle of a battle, and there’s no hand holding or backstories explained. Yes, it’s highly unlikely everything will make sense to you on a first read, but then again, I think that’s what the author wanted. It is a gripping tale, the action never stops, is as epic as it gets. From the epic opening battle in Pale, to the magic floating in the desert, to assassins in the rooftops of Darujhistan, it’s a real page turner. And it’s only the beginning of what will hopefully be an amazing journey.

Marc Simonetti’s cover art for the French edition of Gardens of the Moon. And this scene is in Ch 2 of the book!

Kneel and swear to the Lord Dragon, or you will be knelt

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On December 13, 2020

In Reading

Currently reading Knife of Dreams, the last Wheel of Time book written by Robert Jordan before he passed away. The series was eventually finished by Brandon Sanderson, who wrote the final three books, making full use of Robert Jordan’s notes. It’s been quite the journey so far, eleven books into the series (twelve counting the ‘prequel’), and I will really miss Robert Jordan’s prose. I have no doubt Sanderson, amazing story-teller that he is, with his famous “Sanderlanche” endings, is one of the few authors who could’ve done justice to this series. Nevertheless, I will miss Robert Jordan’s touch.

Robert Jordan created an amazing world filled with memorable characters (some may argue too many!), and if you’re looking to read an epic fantasy, it rarely gets more epic than this. Jordan’s world building is magnificent, and if you’re familiar with Brandon Sanderson’s famed endings, I’d say Jordan has written some of the best ever in fantasy. Two of my personal favourite epic battles were in The Great Hunt (Book 2) and Lord of Chaos (Book 6).

I am not one who focuses too much on prose, but Robert Jordan excelled in that department as well. I am not a huge fan of descriptions of articles of clothing and attire that drag on for fifteen pages, but Jordan’s writing is beautiful. He paints a vivid picture that sticks in your mind, and makes it so much easier to distinguish between all the different factions in the book.

I am halfway through the final book written by Robert Jordan, and wish he could’ve written so much more. Will always be grateful to him for creating this wonderful world, and gripping storyline that keeps you glued to the books. For all the braid tugging and skirt smoothing, the 4.4 millions words that this series consists of are rarely dull (except perhaps a prologue or two in the middle books). There is talk on the internet and among fans of a so-called slog in the middle of the series, but I personally never felt it. The prose, the story, and the amazing set of characters will keep you going. And best of all are his endings to each book. Even after devouring a 800 plus page epic, you immediately want to move on to the next one.

It’s also a great time to start the series, in my opinion, given that The Wheel of Time will soon be a series on Amazon. Rosamund Pike as Moiraine looks to be an inspired choice, but the main cast of six (Rand, Perrin, Mat, Nynaeve, Egwene, Elaine) will be played by relatively new actors. Just don’t expect a Game of Thrones. While George R.R. Martin was in fact the first choice to finish the series after Robert Jordan’s death, the stories are quite different. Definitely not as much in terms of sex and violence, though some battle scenes, if properly executed on screen, will surpass anything we have seen on Game of Thrones. While grimdark is a popular term used to describe so many fantasy series these days, Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy being one of the best examples, perhaps, this is definitely not grimdark. The heroes and villains are clearly defined, and in the midst of despair, there is hope and positivity.

Another major difference is that this is a series that is complete, unlike A Song of Ice and Fire, which was perhaps one of the biggest factors that had a negative impact on the Game of Thrones tv series in its final seasons. While I haven’t reached the end of my Wheel of Time journey yet, I have full faith in Robert Jordan’s planned ending, and in Brandon Sanderson’s execution of it.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall Which is the Fairest Cover of Them All?

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On September 27, 2020

In Reading

Don’t judge a book by its cover. How accurate is that really? 90% of the time, I buy books based on recommendations. My friend Shakib has recommended some of the best books I have ever read. The Discworld series, for example. Identity Crisis, one of the best yet heart wrenching comics I have ever read. A masterpiece by Brad Meltzer.

Then there’s the booktubers, and Mike’s Book Reviews in particular. Hasn’t let me down yet. But the remaining 10% of the time? When I’m in a bookstore, there are certain books I’ve picked up and purchased, just based on the cover itself. The cover may not even have anything to do with the storyline. But it’s just too alluring, too fascinating to resist. Works the other way as well. For years, I have avoided Jim Butcher’s Dresden series based on the covers. Now, having read the first few books, I actually kind of like the covers, to be honest. But at first sight, didn’t do anything for me.

 Certain books (and I’m specifically going to quote examples from the fantasy genre here) have absolutely beautiful covers, and while they are on my TBR, I’m buying them now more for my collection. But don’t be mistaken, all these series have been slowly sneaking up my TBR, and while the fantastic reviews have also played a big part, it’s the covers that intrigued me in the first place. I read books almost entirely on Kindle these days, but am gradually building up my collection of physical books as well.

 The Greatcoats series is a good example. While this is a series that I’ve started reading already, as part of a read along on Mike’s channel, the covers did influence me somewhat to start in the first place. Think of the series as Three Musketeers, but written by a modern-day author. Then read the series itself, and enjoy the world of Greatcoats, with a great cast of characters, Falcio, the leader of the Greatcoats (the entire series, or at least the two books I’ve read so far, are written in his POV), and his two companions, Kest (silent but badass), and Brasti (outspoken yet loveable). Not a spoiler really, but the premise is that the King has been assassinated by the Dukes, and the King’s Greatcoats (magistrates and protector of his laws) are now living as personal bodyguards, outlaws, or worse. There is an element of mystery, a bit of magic, and the most amazing swordfights you will possibly ever read. The author, Sebastien de Castell, is a real life fight choreographer, so makes sense that he writes action sequences so well.

The other series I’ll be mentioning here are ones I haven’t read, but wish to read asap, depending on how much time I have left each month after reading Wheel of Time, The Dark Tower, and the First Law Trilogy.

Books of Babel have covers that can’t fail to get you interested in the series. The author Josiah Bancroft describes the first book as ““Creepy Disneyland, where you immediately lose your spouse, and no one will help you.” Watch this video to get some more insight into the author and his works – Why You Should Read Senlin Ascends.

S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy books are also irresistible, and I believe the stories will be just as brilliant. Here’s a couple of pictures I collected from the Discord channel, posted by one of the readers.

Finally, Brian McClellan’s flintlock fantasy series Powder Mage Trilogy also has me intrigued, and the covers are just part of it. When I finally get a chance to add these books to my collection, and read them, is anybody’s guess.

 If you’re wondering, this is what my TBR looks like:

The next 149 (odd number yes) books I plan to read, and when. Fantasy only, of course. I will be reading other genres, but that’s a much more flexible schedule. This entire TBR is subject to change. As mentioned earlier, some books will definitely sneak up.

Finally, two series where the covers might seem extremely cheesy, but I absolutely love them, and make it a point to own books with these older covers. Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time MMPB covers, exhibit A and B:

And Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, Exhibit C and D

While the newer (HC) Discworld covers are pretty good too:

Wheel of Time new covers are just too bland, and hardly encourage one to pick up for a second look, browsing in a bookstore.

And I dread the new covers that’ll come out once the series is out on Amazon Prime, with those NOW A MAJOR TV SHOW stickers. Please stop with those stickers. Please. Stop.

Finally, feel free to go through my Excel screenshots as it’s a pretty comprehensive list of fantasy books that are very highly rated in the community (You may have noticed no Discworld there, I’ve read and reread the series multiple times, and will continue to do so. Don’t need reminders on Excel). Also, if you feel as though I’ve missed any major series, do let me know. Notable absentees may be the recently departed Terry Goodkind’s Wizard’s First Rule, which I am actually planning to read some time this year. If I like the first book, that’ll really mess up my TBR. Other notable absentees are most glaringly, A Song of Ice and Fire, a series which I started reading and then decided to wait for George R.R. Martin to finish writing (no pressure, take your time, you’re a lovely man with a lovely laugh, enjoy your hobbies, and I’m serious about his laugh, watch some of his interviews, one with Stephen King in particular). Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, the series that actually inspired George R.R. Martin, is also absent, but will be added to the list. So while it’s missing from my Excel list, do not hesitate to read this series if you loved Game of Thrones.

What I am reading:

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On July 24, 2020

In Reading

Next 30 books I plan on reading. Pretty sure the order, and the books themselves, will change.

Currently reading Rivers of London, enjoying it quite a bit. Similar to Dresden Files, but the main protagonist Peter Grant, is quite different from Harry Dresden. Plan on continuing with both series during the next few months.

I am mainly focusing on finishing Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, Book 8 in the series – The Path of Daggers is next on my list.

I am also part of a read along on Mike’s Book Reviews . Next month, we plan on starting the Greatcoats series, described as ‘Three Musketeers in a fantasy setting.’ The author, Sebastien de Castell, has graciously agreed in a twitter post to sign and dedicate copies, and I availed the offer immediately. The tricky part is to get the book delivered to Bangladesh in the midst of the pandemic.

Other than that, I plan to finish my umpteenth reread of Discworld with Thief of Time, followed by Night Watch and Monstrous Regiment. While Night Watch is probably my favourite of the series, it is also the one I have reread the least number of times.

Having started Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy recently, I plan to finish reading the First Era soon.

Finally, will look to incorporate Stephen King’s Dark Tower into my reading list. Read The Stand and was planning to read Eyes of the Dragon before starting the series, but it’s not available on Kindle, and my pre-order will arrive a bit later than I had expected.

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