Top 100 Mystery Reading List Interlude: In Need of a Fantasy Book

I’ve decided–after all–that I just might need a break from my reading “challenge” of the Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time. Seriously, I just finished The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins–a conclusive experience that begs for a break in reading genres. However, I wasn’t listening to my reading spirit and went forth to read The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart and The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake post The Woman in White. I was dedicated to my "challenge". I was determined to extend my reading of mysteries on into September.

Unfortunately, in keeping consistent with the Top 100 Mystery Novels list, I’ve tried to read The Circular Staircase TWICE in my life and have recently failed again. Somewhere around the 25% mark, I consistently grow bored with the story. Plus, I never seem to like the first-person narrative (for several reasons I’ll hold back from sharing at the moment). It’s crazy to me, because I figured The Circular Staircase would be a fantastic book to read for a mystery lover such as myself. But, nevertheless, I can never seem to get into it. Therefore, The Circular Staircase is being bounced off my reading attempts in regard to the Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time.

Second to that, I proceeded forth to try to read Donald E. Westlake’s The Hot Rock. 25% into the book, and I’m honestly not feeling it. It’s too, dare I say, goofy in its tone. Yet, I’m still hoping to return to it after I finish reading…

…the interlude book/genre…

…The Soprano Sorceress by L. E. Modesitt Jr. Finally, FINALLY pulled this off my shelf. My reading spirit kept calling me to this book; put aside the mysteries for a break and read some high fantasy. I'm about 250 pages in and am sold. It's not the greatest high fantasy. Certainly not the deepest high fantasy. Though completing The Wheel of Time tempered me on how to read high fantasy books such as this. But it's kind of what I need. Just an epic, magical adventure involving a portal fantasy traveling woman who uses her voice to summon storms (of all things). Alongside the many forces trying to either control her and her powers, or destroy her.

3 Rare (For Me, Anyway) Book Finds

I went to this amazing out of town discount bookstore Tuesday to do what I do when it comes to used bookstores–scour EVERY shelf for hidden and rare treasures. And this visit did not disappoint. Never would I believe I would find a hardback version of Susan Wittig Albert’s first Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter cozy mystery books. A rare treat, indeed. Second to that is the first book in Robin Paige’s Victorian Mystery series, Death at Bishop’s Keep. Now, now, now, and now. To be clear, Robin Paige is Susan Wittig Albert’s penname. Regardless, I’ve always had a hard time finding this book (without ordering it online and all that extra jazz).

Lastly, who would have thought Robert Jordan’s (writing as Reagan O’Neal) Fallon books still existed in hardcover. The Fallon Legacy concludes the trilogy, leaving me in need of just the second book at this point. Nevertheless, this copy of The Fallon Legacy is more than a decent copy, as it is in excellent condition. I practically ripped it from the shelf the second I spotted it in a pile of sleepers.

Anyway, these are all rare, sought after finds for me. Got lucky this go ‘round.

Stormlight Archive Boxset

While the truth is I was more or less moved by my completing of reading The Way of Kings back in October, I still wanted (at some time or another) to give Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive series more chances. I understood from some readers how the second book, Words of Radiance, really set the tone of this epic fantasy. The issue is that I just didn’t know when exactly I wanted to try more of the series–-to jump in further within Kaladin, Shallan and Dalinar’s journey. It’s one of those epic fantasy series that continues to stay in the back of my mind, with a part of me ready to find precisely what is the draw of the series overall.

Then, right on time, I happened to come across the complete boxset on BookOutlet and could not believe it. $42 for the complete Stormlight Archive series in hardcover (with an original price tag of about $140 dollars). I couldn’t believe it; there was zero hesitation in my taking advantage of this opportunity and purchasing the boxset.

So, I don’t know exactly when I will be jumping back into the series. However, as seen, I’m prepped and ready to see what else the series has to offer. I want to find what makes this series such a beloved staple in the high fantasy genre. What is all the rage? What is all the fuss? And, as a The Wheel of Time lover, will I ever find my Nynaeve in Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere Universe?

We’ll see. Soon. At some time. Lots to get through here. But, as when I took on reading The Wheel of Time, I believe I can do this. 

Friday Friends of the Library Shopping

SOMEBODY COME OVER HERE AND STOP ME! Dude, listen. I am STILL on this “reaching to reclaim urban fantasy” nostalgic reading kick.

Even though half the books I have attempted to read and/or revisit have not worked out. Yet, here I am with this again. Though, truthfully, it happens; one week you’re into this, another week you’re into that. With that said, I went to the library early in the afternoon and just HAD to stop by the Friends of the Library Bookstore. What else would one do with $5 in his pocket, right? Well, yeah. Subsequently, this is the urban fantasy madness that followed…

Urban Shaman by C. E. Murphy has been on my reading wish list since 2007 (which I think admitting is part of my problem). Anyway, the story features a woman ex-cop named Joanne Walker who is part Native American and I believe Irish. The dilemma consists of Joanne attempting to save a woman fleeing a Celtic god who is running what we all understand as the folkloric Wild Hunt. Either way, I crave the adventure of it all. Don't know why. But I do.

CHOP IT UP: Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan

 

The Wheel of Time Hardcover Ebay Haul (Books 4-9)

 

Chatting About "The Path of Daggers" ~ The Wheel of Time #8

CHOP IT UP: The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

{FAUXCAST} CHOP IT UP: The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan

#Weekday READS (Quick, Fast & In a Reading Hurry)

{CHIT OL' CHAT} I Read My 1st Robert Jordan Wheel of Time Book (And YES, It Was the Prequel)