Brian
My Shelf
Cibola burn
by James S. A Corey
SCIENCE FICTION Corey James
Science Fiction
"The gates have opened the way to thousands of habitable planets, and the land rush has begun. Settlers stream out from humanity's home planets in a vast, poorly controlled flood, landing on a new world. Among them, the Rocinante, haunted by the vast, posthuman network of the protomolecule as they investigate what destroyed the great intergalactic society that built the gates and the protomolecule. But Holden and his crew must also contend with the growing tensions between the settlers and the company which owns the official claim to the planet. Both sides will stop at nothing to defend what's theirs, but soon a terrible disease strikes and only Holden - with help from the ghostly Detective Miller - can find the cure"--
Batman/Superman, world's finest
by Mark Waid
COMIC Batman Superman 2022
Graphic Novels
"In the not-too-distant past, Superman's powers are super-charged from a devastating chemical attack by the villain Metallo...and the only ally that the ultra-powerful Man of Tomorrow can turn to in this turbulent hour is Gotham's own dark vengeance: dynamic duo: Batman and Robin! A nearly fatal burst of power drives Bruce Wayne to his own extreme measures to help his friend...enlisting none other than the Doom Patrol for aid."-- Back cover of Volume 1.
After Ultimate Invasion got me excited about comics again, I picked up Volume One of "Batman/Superman, World's Finest." Mark Waid is one of my favorite comic book writers, and, in this title, he creates a Silver-Age world with a modern sensibility. It's just fun. Dan Mora does an amazing job with the art. This is a title that I can easily recommend to any comic book fan. -Brian
Ultimate invasion
by Jonathan Hickman
COMIC Ultimate 2023
Graphic Novels
The Illuminati must gather once again to stop the Maker! One of the last survivors of the original Ultimate Universe, the Maker plans to ensure that Earth's Mightiest Heroes never become heroes at all - and then he can reshape a defenseless universe into exactly what he wants it to be! Timelines and dimensions collide - and at the end of it all, the world outside your window will be forever changed! But how does Miles Morales factor into the Maker's plans?
Before reading this, I'd been on a break from reading comic books for roughly a year and a half. It was for no real reason other than there not being anything that caught my interest. Ultimate Invasion definitely caught my interest. Short version--an alternative version of Reed Richards--Mister Fantastic--calling himself "The Maker" escapes from the regular Marvel Universe into a different one and stops a wide variety of superheroes from gaining their powers. He then controls that world--with the help of other super powered folk--until the past and future catch up with him. This volume is wild--incredible world building and art--and it got me very excited for this new Ultimate Universe. -Brian
Chess from beginner to winner! : master the game from the opening move to checkmate
by Kévin Bordi
794.12 /Bordi
Nonfiction
Chess streaming sensation Kevin Bordi and FIDE master Samy Robin introduce you to a world of fun and excitement. Drawing on their experiences and unique playing style, they demystify the rules of the games, arm you with winning tactics and propel you towards success.
I really enjoy playing chess with my son, but, honestly, I only know the basics. I picked up this book to help me improve and expand my understanding of the game. The book has a nice, attractive design and everything is laid out and easy to understand. -Brian
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Mutant mayhem
by
BLU-RAY Teenage
After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers work to earn the love of New York City while facing down an army of mutants.
So, after watching this movie for the third time the other night, I decided that I should do a "Staff Picks" entry for it. Is it the best TMNT movie ever? Easily, and I grew up absolutely loving the 90s live-action versions. This movie has humor and heart in spades. The animation style is rough, chaotic, and perfect for the material. For me, this ranks up with the best of animated movies. -Brian
Every heart a doorway
by Seanan McGuire
SCIENCE FICTION Mcguire Seanan
Fantasy
Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children No Solicitations No Visitors No Quests Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere... else. But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children. Nancy tumbled once, but now she's back. The things she's experienced... they change a person. The children under Miss West's care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world. But Nancy's arrival marks a change at the Home. There's a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it's up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of things. No matter the cost.
Join us for ICPL's Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club! We will meet via Zoom to discuss "Every Heart a Doorway" by Seanan McGuire. Feel free to join us, whether or not you've finished the book! Register here to reserve your spot for the discussion. Our video chat will take place via Zoom, and you’ll receive an email with login details before the meeting: https://www.icpl.org/events/53543/sci-fifantasy-book-club-every-heart-doorway-seanan-mcguire -Brian
The lies of Locke Lamora
by Scott Lynch
SCIENCE FICTION Lynch, Scott
Fantasy
An orphan’s life is harsh—and often short—in the mysterious island city of Camorr. But young Locke Lamora dodges relentless danger, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a gifted con artist. As leader of the band of light-fingered brothers known as the Gentlemen Bastards, Locke is soon infamous, fooling even the underworld’s most feared ruler. But in the shadows lurks someone still more ambitious and deadly. Faced with a bloody coup that threatens to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the enemy at his own brutal game—or die trying.
Here's another book that has been on my TBR pile for literal years, and there's a good reason for that: It's amazing, but it's also a part of painful trinity of fantasy authors who haven't (and may never) deliver the rest of their series (the other members of this group are Patrick Rothfuss and George R. R. Martin.) Scott Lynch's "The Lies of Locke Lamora" begins his Gentleman Bastard series. Think of it as Ocean's 11 set in a fantasy world. If that sounds interesting, then you'll love this. Just know what you're getting yourself into--a story that may never have an ending! -Brian
System collapse
by Martha Wells
SCIENCE FICTION Wells Martha
Science Fiction
"Everyone's favorite lethal SecUnit is back in the next installment in Martha Wells's New York Times bestselling Murderbot Diaries series. Am I making it worse? I think I'm making it worse. Following the events in Network Effect, the Barish-Estranza corporation has sent rescue ships to a newly-colonized planet in peril, as well as additional SecUnits. But if there's an ethical corporation out there, Murderbot has yet to find it, and if Barish-Estranza can't have the planet, they're sure as hell not leaving without something. If that something just happens to be an entire colony of humans, well, a free workforce is a decent runner-up prize. But there's something wrong with Murderbot; it isn't running within normal operational parameters. ART's crew and the humans from Preservation are doing everything they can to protect the colonists, but with Barish-Estranza's SecUnit-heavy persuasion teams, they're going to have to hope Murderbot figures out what's wrong with itself, and fast! Yeah, this plan is... not going to work. The Murderbot Diaries All Systems Red Artificial Condition Rogue Protocol Exit Strategy Network Effect Fugitive Telemetry System Collapse"--
Murderbot is back and it feels so good! Wells never disappoints, and any time with my favorite, anti-social Security Unit is happy time for me. -Brian
Abaddon's Gate
by James S. A Corey
SCIENCE FICTION Corey James
Science Fiction
For generations, the solar system -- Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt -- was humanity's great frontier. Until now. The alien artifact working through its program under the clouds of Venus has appeared in Uranus's orbit, where it has built a massive gate that leads to a starless dark. Jim Holden and the crew of the Rocinante are part of a vast flotilla of scientific and military ships going out to examine the artifact. But behind the scenes, a complex plot is unfolding, with the destruction of Holden at its core. As the emissaries of the human race try to find whether the gate is an opportunity or a threat, the greatest danger is the one they brought with them.
I'm continually impressed by the authors' ability to draw me in with new characters to this sprawling tale. It makes sense that this is a standout, fan favorite series! -Brian
The creator
by
BLU-RAY Creator
Amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence, Joshua, a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife, is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war and mankind itself. Joshua and his team of elite operatives journey across enemy lines, into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory only to discover the world-ending weapon he's been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child.
I was very excited when I saw the first trailer for this, but the fair to middling reviews tempered my enthusiasm. I think I went in with just the right expectations, because I thoroughly enjoyed "The Creator." It is gorgeously designed and executed Sci-Fi film with fantastic performances throughout. I definitely recommend it if Sci-Fi is your jam. -Brian
Prey
by
BLU-RAY Prey
The epic Predator legacy continues with this action-thriller set in the Comanche Nation. When Naru, a fierce and highly skilled young warrior, sets out to protect her people, the prey she stalks turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator leading to a vicious and terrifying showdown.
I am a sucker for Sci-Fi action movies of the 80s including Predator. Prey is the perfect example of how to do a prequel--it's an awesome movie with inventive action and visuals that stands on its own, but also has cool callbacks and references to the original films. -Brian
The mountain in the sea
by Ray Nayler
SCIENCE FICTION Nayler Ray
Science Fiction
"Following a mysterious murder on an island off the coast of Vietnam, a research team convenes to study an octopus community that seems to be developing its own language and culture. Humans, AIs, and animals are swept up in the machinations of governments and corporations in this near-future thriller about the nature of intelligence"--
This is an incredibly intelligent slow burn, Sci-Fi thriller with interesting and complicated characters. It's going to stick with me for a long time, and I'm definitely going to read everything that Nayler writes in the future. -Brian
Ancillary sword
by Ann Leckie
SCIENCE FICTION Leckie Ann
Science Fiction
"What if you once had thousands of bodies and near god-like technology at your disposal? And what if all of it were ripped away? The Lord of the Radch has given Breq command of the ship Mercy of Kalr and sent her to the only place she would have agreed to go -- to Athoek Station, where Lieutenant Awn's sister works in Horticulture. Athoek was annexed some six hundred years ago, and by now everyone is fully civilized -- or should be. But everything is not as tranquil as it appears. Old divisions are still troublesome, Athoek Station's AI is unhappy with the situation, and it looks like the alien Presger might have taken an interest in what's going on. With no guarantees that interest is benevolent"--
Breq's story continues as she tries to make up for her sins the only way she knows how. The book also explores the destruction and assimilation of cultures during the creation of empires, and the personhood of AI. I'll say this again--I can't believe that I slept on these books for so long. If you are a Sci-Fi fan, this is a must read. -Brian
The scourge between stars
by Ness Brown
SCIENCE FICTION Brown Ness
Science Fiction
"A tense, claustrophobic sci-fi/horror blend set aboard a doomed generation ship harboring something terrible within its walls. As acting captain of the starship Calypso, Jacklyn Albright is responsible for keeping the last of humanity alive as they limp back to Earth from their forebears' failed colony on a distant planet. Faced with constant threats of starvation and destruction in the treacherous minefield of interstellar space, Jacklyn's crew has reached their breaking point. As unrest begins to spread throughout the ship's Wards, a new threat emerges, picking off crew members in grim, bloody fashion. Jacklyn and her team must hunt down the ship's unknown intruder if they have any hope of making it back to their solar system alive"--
Join is for our Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club discussion of this book on Thursday, September 14: https://www.icpl.org/events/49631/sci-fifantasy-book-club-scourge-between-stars-ness-brown -Brian
Lesser evil
by Timothy Zahn
SCIENCE FICTION Star Wars Thrawn
Science Fiction
"The fate of the Chiss Ascendancy hangs in the balance in the epic finale of the Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn. For thousands of years The Chiss Ascendancy has been an island of calm, a center of power, and a beacon of integrity. Led by the Nine Ruling Families, their leadership stands as a bulwark of stability against the Chaos of the Unknown Regions. But that stability has been eroded by a cunning foe that winnows away trust and loyalty in equal measure. Bonds of fidelity have given way to lines of division among the families. Despite the efforts of the Expansionary Defense Fleet, the Ascendancy slips closer and closer toward civil war. The Chiss are no strangers to war. Their mythic status in the Chaos was earned through conflict and terrible deeds, some long buried. Until now. To ensure the Ascendancy's future, Thrawn will delve deep into its past, uncovering the dark secrets surrounding the ascension of the First Ruling Family. But the truth of a family's legacy is only as strong as the legend that supports it. Even if that legend turns out to be a lie. To secure the salvation of the Ascendancy, is Thrawn willing to sacrifice everything? Including the only home he has ever known?"--
Goodness, do I love Thrawn! Just give me more Thrawn books, okay? I swear, if they mess him up in his live action debut in Ahsoka, I am going to be one sad panda! -Brian
Slow AF run club : the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to run
by Martinus Evans
796.42 /Evans
Nonfiction, Health
"Ten years ago, Martinus Evans got some stern advice from his doctor: "Lose weight or die." First defensive, but then defiant, Evans vowed that day to run a marathon, though his doctor thought he was crazy. Since then, Evans has run eight marathons and hundreds of other distances in his 300-something body, created his own devoted running community, and has been featured on the cover of Runner's World. This book is a blueprint for those who may not fit the image of a "traditional" runner-that is, someone who is larger in size, less athletic, out of shape, or dealing with any kind of health issue that slows them down-to feel empowered to lace up their shoes and embrace the body they have right now. As Evans says, the incredible benefits of running-better sleep, strong muscles and bones, better cardiovascular and mental health, and a sense of community-can and should be available to all of us. This practical handbook contains specialized advice to make getting started less intimidating, covering everything from gear and nutrition to training schedules, recovery tips, races (it's okay to come in DFL! [i.e., dead f*cking last]), and finding a running group. Full of essential advice and humor from a former newbie who fell off a treadmill on his first run (literally), The Slow AF Run Club is for anyone who wants to pick up running for the sheer joy of it"--
I'm a big guy. I've always been a big guy. I've also always enjoyed running--cycling is my exercise of choice, but running comes in close--but I'm not knowledgeable about HOW to run. I've just been freestyling this whole time. Evans is a kindred spirit--big dude who loves to run. He has great tips and attitude to spare. I recommend this to any non-traditional runners! -Brian
Witch king
by Martha Wells
SCIENCE FICTION Wells Martha
Fantasy
"After being murdered, his consciousness dormant and unaware of the passing of time while confined in an elaborate water trap, Kai wakes to find a lesser mage attempting to harness Kai's magic to his own advantage. That was never going to go well. But why was Kai imprisoned in the first place? What has changed in the world since his assassination? And why does the Rising World Coalition appear to be growing in influence? Kai will need to pull his allies close and draw on all his pain magic if he is to answer even the least of these questions. He's not going to like the answers"--
I picked this up because I'm a huge fan of Well's Murderbot Diaries. This is another display of her talent for world building and characters. There is a lot to keep track of, and, if you listen to the audiobook, try not to be overwhelmed by the cast of characters listed off at the beginning. -Brian
John Wick. Chapter 4
by
DVD MOVIE ACTION John
John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful associations across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.
If you love Keanu Reeves shooting people, then this is the movie for you. Seriously, though, how do these keep getting better? Also, there's a sequence that would make Michelangelo proud. The ninja turtle, not the Italian sculptor. -Brian
How high we go in the dark : a novel
by Sequoia Nagamatsu
SCIENCE FICTION Nagamatsu, Sequoia
Science Fiction, Short Story
"For fans of Cloud Atlas and Station Eleven, a spellbinding and profoundly prescient debut that follows a cast of intricately linked characters over hundreds of years as humanity struggles to rebuild itself in the aftermath of a climate plague-a daring and deeply heartfelt work of mind-bending imagination from a singular new voice. Beginning in 2030, a grieving archeologist arrives in the Arctic Circle to continue the work of his recently deceased daughter at the Batagaika crater, where researchers are studying long-buried secrets now revealed in melting permafrost, including the perfectly preserved remains of a girl who appears to have died of an ancient virus. Once unleashed, the Arctic Plague will reshape life on earth for generations to come, quickly traversing the globe, forcing humanity to devise a myriad of moving and inventive ways to embrace possibility in the face of tragedy. In a theme park designed for terminally ill children, a cynical employee falls in love with a mother desperate to hold on to her infected son. A heartbroken scientist searching for a cure finds a second chance at fatherhood when one of his test subjects-a pig-develops the capacity for human speech. A widowed painter and her teenaged granddaughter embark on a cosmic quest to locate a new home planet. From funerary skyscrapers to hotels for the dead to interstellar starships, Sequoia Nagamatsu takes readers on a wildly original and compassionate journey, spanning continents, centuries, and even celestial bodies to tell a story about the resiliency of the human spirit, our infinite capacity to dream, and the connective threads that tie us all together in the universe"--
This is an amazing and devastating novel. I had to psych myself up each time to read it, because I would always end up sobbing. I'm glad I read it though. It's beautiful and cathartic. -Brian
Dungeons & dragons. Honor among thieves
by
DVD MOVIE SF/HORROR Dungeons
A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people in this hilarious and action-packed adventure.
Honor Among Thieves is funny, has a ton of heart, and it perfectly captures the thrill of a great D&D campaign. This was a surprising treat after the Dungeons and Dragons movie from the year 2000 was a dreary mess. -Brian
Caliban's war
by James S. A Corey
SCIENCE FICTION Corey James
Science Fiction
We are not alone. On Ganymede, breadbasket of the outer planets, a Martian marine watches as her platoon is slaughtered by a monstrous supersoldier. On Earth, a high-level politician struggles to prevent interplanetary war from reigniting. And on Venus, an alien protomolecule has overrun the planet, wreaking massive, mysterious changes and threatening to spread out into the solar system. In the vast wilderness of space, James Holden and the crew of the Rocinante have been keeping the peace for the Outer Planets Alliance. When they agree to help a scientist search war-torn Ganymede for a missing child, the future of humanity rests on whether a single ship can prevent an alien invasion that may have already begun . . .
I'm late to the party on continuing this series, but I highly recommend it to Sci-Fi fans. I absolutely love the characters, and I'm pleasantly surprised by the scope of the story. -Brian
The adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi : a novel
by S. A. Chakraborty
SCIENCE FICTION Chakraborty, Shannon
Adventure, Fantasy
"The first book of "a new trilogy of magic and mayhem on the high seas in this tale of pirates and sorcerers, forbidden artifacts and ancient mysteries, in one woman's determined quest to seize a final chance at glory--and write her own legend ... Amina al-Sirafi should be content. After a storied and scandalous career as one of the Indian Ocean's most notorious pirates, she's survived backstabbing rogues, vengeful merchant princes, several husbands, and one actual demon to retire peacefully with her family to a life of piety, motherhood, and absolutely nothing that hints of the supernatural. But when she's tracked down by the obscenely wealthy mother of a former crewman, she's offered a job no bandit could refuse: retrieve her comrade's kidnapped daughter for a kingly sum. The chance to have one last adventure with her crew, do right by an old friend, and win a fortune that will secure her family's future forever? It seems like such an obvious choice that it must be God's will. Yet the deeper Amina dives, the more it becomes alarmingly clear there's more to this job, and the girl's disappearance, than she was led to believe. For there's always risk in wanting to become a legend, to seize one last chance at glory, to savor just a bit more power ... and the price might be your very soul"--
This book was exactly what I wanted it to be: a swashbuckling adventure that had just enough fantasy in it to keep it from being historical fiction. I absolutely love the characters, and I'm excited to spend more time with them. I recommend this to anyone who needs more piracy on the high seas in their life! -Brian
God Emperor of Dune
by Frank Herbert
SCIENCE FICTION Herbert, Frank
Science Fiction
Warner Bros released the trailer for Dune Part II, and it got me interested in continuing my re-read of the series. God Emperor of Dune has always been my favorite--and revisiting it has not disappointed. -Brian
Shadow of the Sith
by Adam Christopher
SCIENCE FICTION Star Wars
"The Empire is dead. Nearly two decades after the Battle of Endor, the tattered remnants of Palpatine's forces have fled to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. But for the heroes of the New Republic, danger and loss are ever-present companions, even in this newly forged era of peace. Jedi Master Luke Skywalker is haunted by visions of the dark side, foretelling an ominous secret growing somewhere in the depths of space, on a dead world called Exegol. The disturbance in the Force is undeniable ... and Luke's worst fears are confirmed when his old friend Lando Calrissian comes to him with reports of a new Sith menace. After Lando's daughter was stolen from his arms, he searched the stars for any trace of his lost child. But every new rumor leads only to dead ends and fading hopes--until he crosses paths with Ochi of Bestoon, a Sith assassin tasked with kidnapping a young girl. Ochi's true motives remain shrouded to Luke and Lando. For on a junkyard moon, a mysterious envoy of the Sith Eternal has bequeathed a sacred blade to the assassin, promising that it will answer the questions that have haunted him since the Empire fell. In exchange, he must complete a final mission: Return to Exegol with the key to the Sith's glorious rebirth--Rey, the granddaughter of Darth Sidious himself. As Ochi hunts Rey and her parents to the edge of the galaxy, Luke and Lando race into the mystery of the Sith's lingering shadow and aid a young family running for their lives" --
I am not a fan of "The Rise of Skywalker," but this book goes a long way to fill in information that should've been in that movie. Also, it's fun to have Luke and Lando go on a mission together, and the connections to other Star Wars stories--in the comics and elsewhere--are a great payoff. I consider this essential reading for Star Wars fans. -Brian
Metroid Prime Remastered
by
ON ORDER VIDEO GAME
Get behind the visor of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran in her critically-acclaimed first-person adventure Step into the boots of Samus Aran as you navigate the winding paths and interconnected environments of an alluring-yet-dangerous alien planet. Use powers like the iconic Morph Ball and Grapple Beam to revisit hard-to-reach areas and find a path forward. With revamped graphics, sound, unlockable art, and updated control schemes, Samus’ 3D platforming debut has reached greater heights. Calm and capable, Samus takes on this solo mission…but she is far from alone.
Metroid Prime quickly became one of my favorite games ever when I played it 20 years ago. Remastered shows that the gameplay has aged well while the visuals have gotten an upgrade. Playing this game in handheld mode is immersive and the updated control scheme is a welcome change. This is the best way to experience Metroid Prime. -Brian
Legends & lattes : a novel of high fantasy and low stakes
by Travis Baldree
SCIENCE FICTION Baldree Travis
Fantasy
"The much-beloved BookTok sensation from Travis Baldree, Legends & Lattes is a novel of high fantasy and low stakes. *The new paperback edition will include a very special, never-before-seen bonus story, 'Pages to Fill.'* Come take a load off at Viv's cafe, the first & only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening! Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior's life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen. However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune's shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners, and a different kind of resolve. "Take a break from epic battles and saving the world. Legends & Lattes is a wholesome, cozy novel that feels like a warm hug. This is my new comfort read."-Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart"--
It has been a while since I've read anything that was so delightful. "Legends & Lattes" is a cozy fantasy novel, and it reads like a side-story of someone's pet D&D character. I repeat--it is delightful! Fantasy fans will eat it up, but I think it will also appeal to those who enjoy a gentle, romantic read. -Brian
Ancillary justice
by Ann Leckie
SCIENCE FICTION Leckie Ann
Science Fiction
On a remote, icy planet, the soldier known as Breq is drawing closer to completing her quest. Once, she was the Justice of Toren - a colossal starship with an artificial intelligence linking thousands of soldiers in the service of the Radch, the empire that conquered the galaxy. Now, an act of treachery has ripped it all away, leaving her with one fragile human body, unanswered questions, and a burning desire for vengeance.
Have you ever had a book on your "To read" list, and think to yourself--"Why do it take me so long to start this one?!?!?" "Ancillary Justice" was one such title. I've had my eye on it for a long time. Someone told me that it's a "Murderbot Diaries" read-alike (it kind of, sort of is), so it jumped to the top of my list. It's a fantastic Sci-Fi series opener with interesting characters and a great premise. Seriously, I want to start the next book right now, but I feel like I should ration them out. I highly recommend this to Sci-Fi fans. -Brian
Greater good
by Timothy Zahn
SCIENCE FICTION Star Wars Thrawn
Science Fiction
When a mysterious enemy strikes at the very foundation of the Ascendancy by widening the rifts between the Nine Ruling Families and Forty Great Houses, Thrawn and his allies must decide what matters most--the security of their family or the survival of the Ascendancy itself.
This series continues to be an outstanding Sci-Fi adventure in an unfamiliar part of the Star Wars universe. I've got one book left, and I don't want it to end! I definitely enjoy my Star Wars with a dash of political intrigue and plenty of original characters. -Brian
House of the dragon. 1
by
DVD TV House s. 1
"Set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, the series finds the Targaryens ruling over the Seven Kingdoms -- and on the brink of civil war within their own house. Prior to the birth of a son, King Viserys sent shockwaves through the kingdom and declared his daughter, Rhaenyra, his heir. Once a healthy boy entered the picture, plans were afoot to make sure she would never sit on the Iron Throne. Now, with schemes hatched on both sides -- and the kingdom in the balance -- viewers will see the house that dragons built and learn how they tore it all down" --Container.
After the garbage fire that was the last few seasons of "Game of Thrones," I was hesitant to watch this prequel series, "House of the Dragon." My worries quickly evaporated as I was treated to phenomenal acting, writing, and visuals. It made me remember why I fell in love with this world in the first place. I highly recommend it to any disillusioned "Game of Thrones" fans. -Brian
Magic, the Gathering : the visual guide
by Jay Annelli
793.93 /Magic
Nonfiction, Fantasy
"Magic: The Gathering is a fantastical Multiverse of mystical beings, fabled realms, and mythical creatures. Dominating all are the mighty sorcerers known as planeswalkers. To be a planeswalker is to be powerful beyond measure--a wizard who can bend magic to their will and step through the veil of reality itself. These fearsome mages cross between the planes of existence, battling to save others or to destroy them, to fight darkness or to create it. Magic: The Gathering Visual Dictionary illuminates the wondrous worlds they traverse, reveals their arcane lore, weapons, artifacts, and spells, and recounts their legendary exploits. Produced in close collaboration with Wizards of the Coast and featuring never before published profiles of new planes, such as Strixhaven and Kaldheim, this book is the first time MTG's key characters and locations are showcased in one sumptuous, indispensable, and up-to-date guide to its vast and expanding Multiverse" --
If you've read any of my other reviews, you know that I'm a huge nerd. One of my many geeky interests is Magic: The Gathering. Even though I've played the game for 30 years, I don't know a lot of the lore. This book filled me in and also displayed card art in big, beautiful fashion. -Brian
The banshees of Inisherin
by
DVD MOVIE COMEDY Banshees
Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.
Beautifully shot with amazing performances throughout, "The Banshees of Inisherin" is a pitch black comedy that is going to depress the hell out of you. I loved it, but know that it's going to create a raincloud for the rest of your day. -Brian
Under the whispering door
by TJ Klune
SCIENCE FICTION Klune Tj
Fantasy
"A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in Under the Whispering Door, a delightful queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea. When a reaper comes to collect Wallace from his own funeral, Wallace begins to suspect he might be dead. And when Hugo, the owner of a peculiar tea shop, promises to help him cross over, Wallace decides he's definitely dead. But even in death he's not ready to abandon the life he barely lived, so when Wallace is given one week to cross over, he sets about living a lifetime in seven days. Hilarious, haunting, and kind, Under the Whispering Door is an uplifting story about a life spent at the office and a death spent building a home"--
Wallace Price, a Scrooge like character, dies and gets a chance to reevaluate his life. This touching fantasy really won me over. It has been a while since a book made me cry, and this one made me cry A LOT. -Brian
The golden enclaves : a novel
by Naomi Novik
SCIENCE FICTION Novik Naomi
Fantasy
"The one thing you never talk about while you're in the Scholomance is what you'll do when you get out. Not even the richest enclaver would tempt fate that way. But it's all we dream about: the hideously slim chance we'll survive to make it out the gates and improbably find ourselves with a life ahead of us, a life outside the Scholomance halls. And now the impossible dream has come true. I'm out, we're all out--and I didn't even have to turn into a monstrous dark witch to make it happen. So much for my great-grandmother's prophecy of doom and destruction. I didn't kill enclavers, I saved them. Me and Orion and our allies. Our graduation plan worked to perfection: We saved everyone and made the world safe for all wizards and brought peace and harmony to all the enclaves everywhere. Ha, only joking! Actually, it's gone all wrong. Someone else has picked up the project of destroying enclaves in my stead, and probably everyone we saved is about to get killed in the brewing enclave war. And the first thing I've got to do now, having miraculously gotten out of the Scholomance, is turn straight around and find a way back in"--
"The Golden Enclaves" ties everything together in a way that makes sense without feeling cheap. It's rare that a trilogy of books really satisfies, but Novik pulled it off. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Fantasy. -Brian
Parable of the sower
by Octavia E Butler
SCIENCE FICTION Butler, Octavia E.
Science Fiction
When global climate change and economic crises lead to social chaos in the early 2020s, California becomes full of dangers, from pervasive water shortage to masses of vagabonds who will do anything to live to see another day. Fifteen-year-old Lauren Olamina lives inside a gated community with her preacher father, family, and neighbors, sheltered from the surrounding anarchy. In a society where any vulnerability is a risk, she suffers from hyperempathy, a debilitating sensitivity to others' emotions. Precocious and clear-eyed, Lauren must make her voice heard in order to protect her loved ones from the imminent disasters her small community stubbornly ignores. But what begins as a fight for survival soon leads to something much more: the birth of a new faith . . . and a startling vision of human destiny.
"Parable of the Sower" is a powerful and harrowing tale told in a matter of fact tone. At its core, it is a dystopian story that shows how ugly humans can be. It ends up being surprisingly optimistic--and I encourage you to push through even when parts of the book can be difficult to stomach. This was my first Octavia Butler novel, and it won't be my last. -Brian
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow : a novel
by Gabrielle Zevin
FICTION Zevin, Gabrielle
On a bitter-cold day, in the December of his junior year at Harvard, Sam Masur exits a subway car and sees, amid the hordes of people waiting on the platform, Sadie Green. He calls her name. For a moment, she pretends she hasn't heard him, but then, she turns, and a game begins: a legendary collaboration that will launch them to stardom. These friends, intimates since childhood, borrow money, beg favors, and, before even graduating college, they have created their first blockbuster, Ichigo. Overnight, the world is theirs. Not even twenty-five years old, Sam and Sadie are brilliant, successful, and rich, but these qualities won't protect them from their own creative ambitions or the betrayals of their hearts. Spanning thirty years, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and lands in between and far beyond, Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a dazzling and intricately imagined novel that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play, and above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. Yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before.
Originally, I was drawn in by the cover art and the promise of video game centric plot. What I found was my favorite book of the year. At its heart, "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" is about creativity, tragedy, and the relationships--romantic and otherwise--that shape our lives. It is a beautiful story, and I'm going to automatically read any books by Zevin in the future. -Brian
Chaos rising
by Timothy Zahn
SCIENCE FICTION Star Wars Thrawn
Beyond the edge of the galaxy lies the Unknown Regions: chaotic, uncharted, and near impassable, with hidden secrets and dangers in equal measure. And nestled within its swirling chaos is the Ascendancy, home to the enigmatic Chiss and the nine ruling families that lead them. The peace of the Ascendancy, a beacon of calm and stability, is shattered after a daring attack on the Chiss capital that leaves no trace of the enemy. Baffled, the Ascendancy dispatches Thrawn, one of its brightest young military officers, to root out the unseen assailants.
It's wild to me that--if read in a vacuum--you would have no idea that this was a Star Wars book. There's no connection (outside of a minor sub-plot) to the greater universe, and none of the well-known aliens and ships that are so undeniably of a galaxy far, far away. But there's something just *very* Star Wars about it. It's adventurous, exotic, and makes the galaxy seem limitless. Also, Thrawn is possibly the most interesting Star Wars character there is. I highly recommend it for Star Wars and Sci-Fi fans. -Brian
My Lists
About Me
Hi! I'm one of ICPL's Adult Services librarians. You'll find me on the 2nd floor at the Info Desk. I purchase all of the Library's Fiction collections including Mysteries & Sci-Fi/Fantasy (my favorite!) I'm a huge comic book and movie fan too, so let me know if you want any recommendations.
What do you like to read?
I love Fantasy and Science Fiction. I like when authors build new worlds for readers to explore. I’m also drawn to well-developed characters and relationships. I like when a book makes me laugh or cry or think about life.
What is your favorite thing about ICPL?
The comic book collection! I checked out a ton of comics before I started working here, and now I'm in charge of that collection.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
I’d go on a nice, long hike and visit a brewery. After that, I’d relax in a hammock with or without something to read depending on my mood. Finish the day off with a movie night (I’m pretty easy to please).
I'm officially at the halfway point of this fan favorite series. It still entertains, and I'm always impressed by the scope of the story. If I had to criticize one thing--it's odd how one dude, James Holden, is at the center of so many important things to happen to humanity. Maybe it gets addressed later in the series? Also, the authors love the phrases "a darker darkness" and "companionable silence." -Brian