A Grad School Reader (Year 1, Autumn)

Autumn: September 1st-November 30th

"And thus starts ... the last year before grad-school when I'll have no time for reading again."

-naive Fall 2015 Ashley who underestimated the usefulness of audio-books on a daily DC commute.

As is evident by the fact that there was only one physical book read this season, Past-Ashley was mostly-right in her thinking. But thank goodness for The Maryland Consortium for audio-books through Overdrive.

11 Total:     11 New Books    xx Re-reads

READ:
The Scorpio Races*
The Winner's Curse*
Cinder*
Scarlet*
The Rithmatist*
The Winner's Crime*
Ahsoka*
Cast in Flight
Cress*
The Winner's Kiss*
Born a Crime*
__________________(Autumn)__________________
*audio-book

READING:
Den of Wolves
All the Light We Cannot See
Throne of Jade



PLANNING TO READ:
Words of Radiance 


(someday...)


The Scorpio Races (Original Rec by Natalie)
Well. What a standout start to my commuting-with-audio-book experience. Quick word about that: I loved that there was a male narrator for Sean and a female narrator for Puck, it made seeing their perspectives so much more vivid to be told the story in their voices.
This is another one of those stories that I wanted to start right over as soon as I was finished. The telling of the tale was vibrant, with rich details such that I felt the spray of the sea as they dashed across the beach, and the sinking terror at the sound of hooves drawing ever closer in the night. I did not know what to expect, but was captivated by Puck's love for her family and determination to see her impossible goal through. At the same time listening to Sean's quiet integrity in a situation that could have left him jaded was just as inspiring. This is a well crafted story, with wonder and detail but also room for interpretation and speculation.

The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, book 1)
Considering the luck I had with my last tumblr recommendation (The Griesha Trilogy), I had very low expectations for a series I was reading because of one piece of fan art. It was of the two main characters playing a game that may be like Mahjong in our world (called Bite and Sting for the animal motifs on the playing tiles), but they were staring intensely at each other and not their game. Since I was borrowing the book from the library, I figured I had nothing to lose.
As it turns out, I quite enjoyed this book. The premise, of a conquering empire and the daughter of the general living in the foreign territory with a young slave helping his people start a rebellion, seemed to have all of the makings of a lack-luster YA trope machine (I've become a bit more jaded over the past few years). But on the contrary, the characters were fleshed out and had independent motivations. I'm also pleased with the political tone of the book (as this was something I thought greatly lacking in Griesha). The choices the characters must make are not easy and the repercussions will be felt in the continuation of the series.

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, book 1) (Original rec by Natalie)
I really have to eat my words on this book. I first heard of this as a Cinderella re-telling, but was put off because I thought the main character was an android and I wasn't looking forward to a philosophical discussion on humanity as a human fell in love with them. I think I put it off further because of my YA fear (and the covers drive me crazy). Luckily, my curiosity (and Natalie's nudging) was stronger and I began an amazing series.
I absolutely adored this book. Cinder is such a strong character, but has realistic flaws and faults that cause her to make mistakes she must learn from. The side characters are complex and possess independent goals that make the story an intricate tapestry of events and desires.

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, book 2)
So, clearly I really like this series. In this book we're introduced to Scarlet, and (I feel like I'm going to say this every time) I think she's my favorite. She's feisty, but realistically reserved about trusting outsiders since her grandmother's disappearance has been ignored and even discredited by the authorities and the townspeople. And I can't help but be reminded of Balckthorn and Grim in her relationship with Wolf, the hulking yet quiet lunar defector. They've both had to learn to be strong in their own ways, and that strength will be tested throughout the rest of their story.
On the other hand, I also really love Throne's character and the buddy-cop relationship he and Cinder develop aboard the Rampion. I appreciated that while he is a flirt, there was never any hint that a love triangle would develop between him, Cinder, and Kai. And on that note, poor Kai, who's only trying to keep his country and his world from mass destruction at the hands of Queen Levanna, who just can't seem to catch a break.

The Rithmatist (Original Rec by Valerie)
I had been meaning to branch out and read more of Brandon Sanderson's works outside of his Mistborn and Stormlight series. This one also came recommended by Valerie!
I will say that I was a bit disappointed with the narrator. Given that the main character was a teenage boy and one of the main side characters was a teenage girl, it was kind of jarring to hear their voices from a middle aged man.
The story itself was interesting, but not the most engaging I've read from Sanderson. I was a bit frustrated by the stubbornness of the main character and his "teenager-ness" exemplified in a penchant for believing himself more capable than all of the adults and thus disregarding their warnings. The magic system for this world, based on chalk drawings, was refreshing and explored well (and also reminded me nostalgically of Chalk Zone). I don't think the following books in the series (when they come out) will be high on my list, though.

The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, book 2)
This book did a lot to reaffirm my faith in the series. I was afraid of the easy star-crossed lovers plot-line that could have developed from the previous book, but the characters continued to be complex and their relationships anything but easy.  I was actually impressed with the complexity of the politics between the empire and the neighboring nations, as well as the internal politics within the palace. Kestrel's tactician training was well utilized trying to navigate the cat and mouse traps the Emperor set for her, all while struggling with her own guilt for the crimes of her nation and her treason in trying to help overcome them.

Ahsoka
Since I finally started watching Clone Wars this past fall, and I've embraced the downward spiral I've begun, reading this was a natural progression. And as an added perk, the audio-book was narrated by Ahsoka's voice actor, and was accompanied with snippets of background music and sound effects!
Taking place barely a couple years after Order 66, the young padawan-turned-outcast is now trying to find her place in a galaxy she feels she's failed. Alone, friendless, and afraid to put down roots anywhere lest she bring danger to those who help her, Ahsoka struggles with how to move forward. I shouldn't have been surprised, but the mentions of friends across the galaxy and the formation of the rebellion were heart-wrenching and fleeting.

Cast in Flight (The Chronicles of Elantra, Book 12)
Ah, and back to Elantra at last! And finially the Aerian-centric book Katie and I have been waiting for! (Thanks to her for the ARC of this book, too)
While my initial reaction is to be a little saddened by the lack of Severn and Kaylin interaction in this book after the series of events at the end of last one, it was very illuminating about Aerian politics. Once again, Kaylin finds herself (or rather, puts herself) in the middle of a cast intrigue. While the atmosphere became understandably charged, it was the absurdity of events like the dinner party with the Emperor or trying to be civil with Nightshade that really made this book for me.
I'm a bit let down, I think at myself, that it took me so long to get through this book. It was the only physical book I read this season, and it took me over two months. I also have yet to update Chronicling Elantra since reading it, and feel rather guilty about that. But also considering the environmental factors I've been dealing with since moving back, and that this update is also being made two months late, perhaps a delay was to be expected. (I just can't help feeling like I didn't enjoy the book as much as would have if not for everything that was happening in real life)

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, book 3)
Waiting for this to become available at the library took a long time, but it was well worth the wait! Of course I would love the Rapunzel character. Of COURSE after the events in Scarlet, Scarlet and Wolf would be separated before they can really figure each other out. Of course Thorne would try to protect Cress and be oblivious to how she idolizes him and of course Kai would agree to a terrible marriage alliance to save the world. This book should be ridiculous, but the characters are so honest and earnest in their striving. The complexities laid out earlier in the series continue to reveal new layers of depth as the story progresses.

The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy, book 3)
This series was certainly a delightful surprise. The conclusion was satisfyingly imperfect. And at the same time many parts of it felt resonatingly right. I admit that I was rooting for the two to be together in the end. While I was pleased with the follow-through on all of the political intrigues between the three nations, by this book I just wanted them to be happy. I found the ending to be poetic and want to revisit this series in a year or so.

Born a Crime
Definitely outside of my normal genres of choice, this memoir by Trevor Noah was made even more real listening to it as an audio book in two settings with him narrating. He talks about Apartheid South Africa, and how he was the representation of his black mother and white father crime of being together. It was heartbreaking and hilarious, told in his matter-of-fact way. While I'm still not sold on non-fiction (or even realistic-fiction, let's be honest), I would definitely read another book by him if he ever wrote one.

A JET Reader (Year 3, Summer JET Final)

Summer: June 1st-August 31st

And thus ends my final days as a JET living in Hokkaido Japan. As you can see by only four books read to completion this season (the last of which was started in the Spring and finished after I returned to the US), I tried to spend most of my time visiting with friends.

These last three years have been... indescribable. To try to do them justice in a few lines here would only be  disservice (ideally, I will post a reflection in the future when I am not so emotionally compromised). But at the very least, this has set a precedence of book logging that I hope to continue~


27 Total:     25 New Books     2 Re-reads

READ:
Cast in Shadow
Cast in Courtlight
The Book of Enchantments
Raven Flight
__________________(Autumn)__________________
Cast in Honor
Bitterblue
Shadow and Bone
The Way of the Apprentice
The Trail of the Jedi
The Dangerous Games
The Way of Kings
The Master of Disguise
School of Fear
The Shadow Trap
The Moment of Truth
__________________(Winter)___________________

The Caller
The Changing of the Guard
The False Peace
The Final Showdown
Siege and Storm
Shadows of Self
Dreamer's Pool
Bands of Mourning
Tower of Thorns
Mistborn: Secret History
__________________(Spring)___________________
Uprooted
His Majesty's Dragon
Ruin and Rising
Trigger Warning
__________________(Summer)__________________

READING:
All the Light We Cannot See
Throne of Jade



PLANNING TO READ:
Cast in Secret
Words of Radiance 
Cinder

(someday...)


Uprooted (recommended by Natalie and Katie)
My friends know me well, and this tale has become a favorite of mine. From the opening pages I felt at home in the Valley and wary of the Wood at the border. While it utilized motifs found in old tales, the story was entirely unique, so that it was at once incredibly comforting and exciting to read.
From early on I was drawn into the unusual dynamic between the Dragon and Agnieszka: both entirely frustrated with the other, and yet still committed to seeing their task through. Even with taking a break about seven chapters in to read Dreamer's Pool and Tower of Thorns (at Katie's insistence that I leave the somewhat less heart wrenching book as a balm for the Blackthorn & Grim books), I was still drawn back into the story completely and felt the dire threat of the Wood just as keenly (perhaps even more so after the dark interlude).
Reading along with Agnieszka's perspective was natural and fluid. Usually first-person perspectives frustrate me and can turn me against the protagonist, but she endeavored to tell an unbiased story (except for when she admitted to being so) and carried the storyteller's air of anticipation.
As soon as I finished this book (the last few chapters accompanied by none too few tears) I immediately wanted to reread it. It's the kind of tale that feels as if it has taken root (no pun intended) inside of me, ruffling its leaves a bit to get comfortable and jarring the patterns of light and shadow, but then settling with a sigh and lending a kind of quiet unshakable strength. I can't wait to read it again (even though I plan on resisting until at least next year) but in the meantime I will bask in this contented warmth.

His Majesty's Dragon (Temeraire, Book 1) (Recommended by Natalie)
I see what you did there, Natalie: you drew me into Naomi Novik's writing with a stand-alone tale about a forest and a Dragon (how could I resist?) and then turned me to her series set during the Napoleonic Wars--with many dragons. That talk. And like shiny things. And are so protective of their aviators that the word "hoard" comes to mind.
Laurence may have started off as the reluctant former Navy captain, but he and Temeraire soon surprised each other with the strength of their devotion. I liked the pair of them right away, and especially enjoyed Laurence's bemusement at Temeraire's penchant for radical thinking:

Laurence: "Shall I turn Pirate king and go raiding in the West Indies, and fill a covert with gold from Spanish merchant ships for you?"
Temeraire: "That sounds exciting. Can we not?"

I'm excited to read more, and see what sort of conventions and situations bring out their stubborn streaks next. It seems like the Aviation Corps got a lot more than they were asking for or could have anticipated with these two.

Ruin and Rising (The Grisha, Book 3)
Well, I'm just glad this series is over. It's been quite the let-down, but at least not infuriatingly-so like Red Rising or Falling Kingdoms had been. There was a good story buried here, and when I was able to catch glimpses of it I remembered what had intrigued me in the first place. But this final installment continued with the trend of too many sensational massacres, and too many guys vying for the protagonist's attention. I've really come to despise love triangles. I think one of the most frustrating things with this series is that in lining up The Darkling, Prince Nikolai, and Mal the Tracker for Alina to choose from (and having her constantly dithering and unable to decide, and yet still having her be close to each one) it made her character seem unworthy of any of them and made me hopeless from the start for any sort of fulfilling resolution.
There were a few plot points that pleasantly surprised me, so it wasn't all bad. But even in those moments I was never satisfied with how the story's flow continued. Just, so much wasted potential...
All in all I will definitely not be recommending this series to anyone and will endeavor to put it from my mind.

Trigger Warning
I don't know what it is about Neil Gaiman's writing, but I feel so satisfied after reading it. Even when the stories take a darker turn, there's a lyrical feeling to his writing that carries me along as if the words themselves are whisking me away.
He mentions the prevalence of the term "Trigger Warning" being used on the internet to fairly disclose the potentiality of being disturbed by the media's content or having it "trigger" the stress of past trauma associated with it. He comments that there has even been talk that the books we read in school and university should have these warning labels as well. But I think I agree with him that the best warning is "read at your own risk". Yes, There Be Dragons, and the way can seem utterly dark and lost. But there is light, too, and the risk you might find is becoming a different You than the one who turned the first page.
True to form, he doesn't pull punches, and this collection of short stories is filled with the echos of deeply sad lives reverberating in the periphery, passing as a fog in the distance that you can see but have no ability to touch or change. He explores the concept that the method of the telling is as important (if-not-more important than) as the story itself, and while I think I still like his collection in Fragile Things a bit better, it may be because I tend to shy from his darker writings. This was purposely kept as one of the last paper bound books I had in Japan, so the reading of it spanned many months. But perhaps it is better to read short stories singularly with time to digest them between.

A JET Reader (Year 3, Spring)

Spring: March 1st-May 31st

I wasn't expecting to read as much as I did in winter, to be honest. Since my time left in Japan is winding down, I tried to spend more time with friends. But even when Jenny visited, we ended up re-reading Poison Study out loud to each other (which I didn't add to this list), and Natalie and I have been reading multiple novel length fanfictions together over the past couple months. It was like when I visited Kathryn over winter break and we "introverted together" and spent the whole day reading, I just like sharing stories with my friends~ There was also Sports' Day at school, which left me a lot of time where I had fewer classes and could catch up on the Mistborn novels.
(It's also a bit interesting to me that since the calendar start to this year, fifteen out of the sixteen books I've read have been by the same three authors: Jude Watson, Juliet Marillier, and Brandon Sanderson.)


24 Total:     22 New Books     2 Re-reads

READ:
Cast in Shadow
Cast in Courtlight
The Book of Enchantments
Raven Flight
___________________(Autumn)___________________
Cast in Honor
Bitterblue
Shadow and Bone
The Way of the Apprentice
The Trail of the Jedi
The Dangerous Games
The Way of Kings
The Master of Disguise
School of Fear
The Shadow Trap
The Moment of Truth
___________________(Winter)___________________

The Caller
The Changing of the Guard
The False Peace
The Final Showdown
Siege and Storm
Shadows of Self
Dreamer's Pool
Bands of Mourning
Tower of Thorns
Mistborn: Secret History

READING:
Trigger Warning
Uprooted

PLANNING TO READ:
Ruin and Rising
Words of Radiance 

(someday...)


The Caller (Shadowfell, Book 3)
Even though it was my mom's birthday at the end of February, she spoils me and knew I only had one book left in this series (and I think she wants me to hurry and move on to Blackthorn & Grim).
This book starts off reminding us just how heavy Flint's heart is, and how weary he is having to live a double life. He's reaching his breaking point, even with the date of the Rebels' revelation ever approaching, and it seems like each order he must follow compounds that weight tenfold.
Neryn is able to continue with her training as a Caller to a point, but is then forced to decide whether to continue with the original plan and her part in it or to respond to the devastating new developments she observes along the way.
And while everyone is forced to balance the desire to protect those they love with the importance of The Cause and their country's future, my heart is among the casualties. I truly love and appreciate Juliet Marillier's ability to weave such intricate and strong stories. Maybe I'm biased, but I believe I have read series that didn't display half of the passion and humanity and goodness as one of the books in this series did. What's left unsaid becomes just as precious as the few words allowed to be spoken, and all the more so for their need of secrecy. This series has really settled itself in my heart.

The Changing of the Guard (Jedi Quest, Book 8)
Obi-Wan, Anakin, Siri, and Ferus pose as an escaped thieving gang to enter the planet where the bad doctor is currently seeking asylum. Even though Anakin feels the trust between himself and his Master is stronger than ever, he's still nervous and anxious to meet the doctor who has too much interest in the Force and the Jedi. They are wrapped into a plot to overthrow the dictator, but the revolution soon turns bloody and they're forced to call for more Jedi reinforcement. Just as the doctor and leader are about to get away (potentially to rendezvous with a notorious criminal that Obi-Wan and Anakin have been chasing across the galaxy) they fix a tracking device to their ship.
It was interesting to get a little more characterization out of Ferus this time, in that he does wish he had more friends and that he realizes Anakin doesn't like him pointing out the flaws he sees, but that he sees it as his duty to help the Chosen One. Obi-Wan's friendship with Siri and their teasing back and forth was also a lot of fun to read in this installment.

The False Peace (Jedi Quest, Book 9)
It's only been a day since the events in the previous book, and the good humor Ferus and Anakin were able to achieve then still carries over through light teasing. Tensions are high, and after nearly being crushed in an imploding underground factory, Obi-Wan struggles with containing his frustration at being called back to over-see Senate proceedings. An Anti-Jedi block has emerged, and the race is on to find the evidence that they are linked to the criminal bent on the Jedi's destruction they've been chasing leads back to all along. Obi-Wan is tested in his ability to accept things and let them go, and finds himself struggling more and more with his frustration. Anakin yet again demonstrates remarkable ability after defying a direct order. While the immediate danger is for the most part averted, the losses and the lack of openness that begins to grow again between him and his apprentice leave Obi-Wan struggling to reconcile how he feels with how he knows he must act. They are both eager to leave the planet that always seems to drive a wedge in their calm and get back to their over-all mission.

The Final Showdown (Jedi Quest, Book 10)
Sad. Oh so very sad. Naturally, as the last installment to the series taking place between the first and second episodes of the films, Anakin is becoming more and more volatile. Their mission takes them to the abandoned Sith planet, and the dark side of the Force is quick to warp their minds and attitudes. Anakin seems especially affected and grows even more jealous and resentful of Ferus, causing him to ignore his friend, Tru, when he goes to Ferus for help on his lightsaber instead of Anakin. When a chain of events ends in disaster, Ferus and Tru sever ties with Anakin, and he's left in his own storm.
(I can't talk about this without giving everything away, but it was very sad to see unfold...)

Siege and Storm (The Grisha, Book 2)
I was a bit worried that this book was going to fall into the trap of having an insecure (and pretty whiny) heroine with fated powers and guys chasing after her that she can't choose between. Turns out that worry was justified.
I did find solace in the pirates and seafaring adventuring in the beginning of the book, as well and the addition of Nikolai's smart mouth and the "does it look like I care" attitudes of him and his twin guards. But even with their interjections, it still felt like a struggle to force myself through Alina and Mal's pained dialogue and interactions.
Without being diplomatic, reading this kind of sucked. They turned The Darkling too dark for me to actually want to sympathize with. They took all of the cavalier goodness out of Mal and turned him into a drinking jealous lover (and even have Nikolai call him out on the fact). Alina apparently is being seduced by her power and yet is still thinking of herself as inferior. And Nikolai is great, but he's too good for any of them...
(Especially after reading The Caller, the revolution and uniting of different armies and the powerful female weapon to lead them all-- it can't measure up. Hopefully this was just a Sophomore Slump in the series and the final book in the trilogy will redeem them...)

Shadows of Self (Wax and Wayne, Book 2)
It had been a while since I read the first book in this series, so there were a few details I had to try and re-acquaint myself with as I went along. Honestly though, I feel like I fell right back into the story. Wax and Wayne (and to an extent, Marasi) have such uniquely displayed personalities and humanizing quirks that their drive and and actions seem to freely take on a life of their own. I especially love Wayne's penchant for "trading" things and literally being a man of many hats. Marasi seems to have grown up a little and doesn't so much hero worship the two as she gets exasperated (as if herding cats; cats that leave disaster and bullet holes and "borrowed" possessions in their wake).
This book tied in to the original Mistborn trilogy a lot. Where as the first one had to establish the characters and build the world that had changed so drastically, this one could hearken back to the ties that fundamentally linked this world to the one that was re-made. I also feel as if this book is secretly quite the linchpin, as a mysterious new metal has appeared from potentially another world.
But also: poor Wax. He's been through so much already and just keeps being used in all of these grand schemes... His climbing up through the former Pits of Hathsin seems to have been a very clear parallel to Kelsier and the need to find the strength to survive...

The Dreamer's Pool (Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1)
(Although I wanted to read this of my own volition, it was definitely moved up the queue by the promptings of both my mother and Katie.)
How is it that within the first pages I'm drawn into Juliet Marillier's stories so unreservedly? How can she endear the characters to me so quickly, so fiercely? It seems like from the first mentions of Blackthorn and Grim in their dank prison cells I was so fully invested in their well-being (a rather miscalculated decision given that Blackthorn was slated for execution). As the story was woven, the difference in tone through the various perspectives revealed further depth and could only pull me in, wanting to know more about their buried pasts. Her characters explore human nature and the possibilities of sorrow as well as what we can find comfort in.
I really appreciate the supportive (and at times begrudged) friendship between Blackthorn and Grim, and how they have a deeper understanding of each other than they'd willing allow from others. The dreamy personalities of Prince Oran and Lady Flidais, as well as the Prince's sensible companion Donagan, created an interesting balance to the story and grounded it as an Old Tale. I look forward to where this story will continue to lead, and how Blackthorn will manage the rest of her seven years of service.

Bands of Mourning (Wax and Wayne, Book 3)
Wow. That escalated quickly. That was such a well structured and written book. I don't know why I should be so surprised since this is the seventh book I've read by Sanderson, but his ability to have so many full and vibrant characters making decisions and acting independently is truly inspiring. Even with the heaviness of the events the characters are tackling, I've appreciated how this series has striven to maintain an up-beat tone. Whether it's Wayne's penchant for "trading" things, MeLaan's seemingly purposeful misunderstanding of propriety, Steris's over-preparedness and unflappability, or even Marasi and Wax's banter about his tendency to leave destruction in his wake: the collective chaos they incur forms its own cohesive narrative. It's also been absolutely delightful to see how much fun Sanderson must have had when writing this, and using the different Western tropes in such satisfying ways (I will never complain about Allomantic train heists or high stakes moments with a pistol aimed and someone asking, "Give me an excuse"...).
This book raised many questions. There were several deeper connections made to the original trilogy, as well as the world of Scadrial and the Cosmere in general. Though this series might have started off as a side project from the original plan of a "trilogy of trilogies" in the Mistborn world, each book has successively tied in stronger than the previous. The fourth and final book of the Wax and Wayne series won't be out (won't be written) until after the third Stormlight novel is finished, so it seems I'll have to try and be patient (if only I could use Marasi's Sliding ability to make the time go faster...)

Tower of Thorns (Blackthorn & Grim, Book 2)
It's going to be maddening waiting for the the next book in this series to come out in late autumn.
Juliet Marillier is such a masterful storyteller. While the reader knows from the very beginning that all is not as it seems concerning the distraught Lady Geileis's tale of woe at Prince Oran's court, the little information we're given as the story progresses is enough to stay guessing until the very end and revelation. Even with adding Lady Geileis as a narrative perspective to the usual perspectives of Blackthorn and Grim, she guards the truth so fiercely that nothing is accidentally slipped before its proper time.
I was wary of the appearance of a friend from Blackthorn's past, but also curious for the dynamic shift it would cause Blackthorn and Grim to consider. The close proximity to the Brothers at St. Orcan's monastery also served as a catalyst for Grim to confront a bit of his past (with none too few tears on my part).
In the interest of keeping the story a mystery as it is meant to be let me just end with this: for a Wise Woman, Blackthorn can be incredibly dense; and for a "bonehead", Grim seems to perceive and understand things far better than those around him. And I am so taken with the pair of them.

Mistborn: Secret History (Mistborn, Book 3.5)
I don't even think I can talk about this book with out major spoilers. Even the author acknowledged that knowing of its existence could in itself be a sort of spoiler.
This is exactly what a companion novella should be. It doesn't retell the original story from a different point-of-view, it gives an entirely new perspective on the narrative as a whole. It's evident that Brandon Sanderson has a clear view of his universe, the Cosmere. Even in the fleeting mentions there are clues I can't wait to piece together with the lore from the Stormlight Archives. He's going to purposefully create a web of interconnecting narratives and worlds on a scale even larger than the Dark Tower...
Reading this has solidified my impression that I really enjoy Sanderson's decidedly upbeat tone. The amount of sassy comebacks and witty remarks in this small novella made it impossible to keep from grinning and snickering (while trying to remain impassive, since I was reading during down time at school). There were also so many things I wanted to talk about with my friend who was in the middle of the third Mistborn book, but there was no way I could ask my questions without making Natalie suspicious (she's too sleuthy for her own good).

A JET Reader (Year 3, Winter)

Winter: December 1st-February 29th

I made a bit more progress this winter than in the autumn, even with my trip down to Kathryn opening up an entirely new can of worms and finishing the Way of Kings. (And while each individual Jedi Quest book might be on the short side of novel length, I've been reading plenty of unpublished stories the past two months that still make me feel like I accomplished an adequate amount of reading this season.)

15 Total:     13 New Books     2 Re-reads

READ:
Cast in Shadow
Cast in Courtlight
The Book of Enchantments
Raven Flight
___________________(Autumn)___________________
Cast in Honor
Bitterblue
Shadow and Bone
The Way of the Apprentice
The Trail of the Jedi
The Dangerous Games
The Way of Kings
The Master of Disguise
School of Fear
The Shadow Trap
The Moment of Truth

READING:
Trigger Warning
Siege and Storm
The Caller
The Changing of the Guard

PLANNING TO READ:
The False Peace
Shadows of Self
Ruin and Rising

(someday...)


Cast in Honor (The Chronicles of Elantra, Book 11)
Even though this was Katie's birthday present, I got to read it too (thanks again!)~
Thanks to us finishing the summaries portion of Chronicling Elantra the week before, Everything from the previous book was still fresh in my head and starting this one felt like I was walking down the streets of Elantra with them.
Starting off three weeks after the battle at the end of the previous book, Kaylin et al. are sent to investigate a murder that has potential need of Kaylin's abilities to sense magical disturbances. Everything spirals from there as she races to yet again stop the world (or at least her world) from being destroyed.
It's amazing to me that even though this is the eleventh book in a series full of world-ending events, I'm still excited to continue reading and figure out what happens next. Kaylin doesn't become the tragic, burdened hero destined to sacrifice her friends and life in her altruistic responsibility to use her powers. She stays human, still making so many mistakes and needing the help and wisdom of those who do know what's going on. She's becoming a bit more diplomatic and learning when to hold her opinions to herself (even if they're still written across her face), but she's still fiercely determined to try and protect what and who she cares about.
Since this book had to have a lot of explanations regarding the time-reality distortion that was taking place, there weren't very many personal interactions between the characters (disregarding the final chapter and epilogue...). But if certain events continue to progress as they have been laid out, I think the next book is going to be even better! (Aerian ascensions, Barrani brothers, and Dragon dates, oh my! Hopefully with no world-ending event so there can be more normal talks between Kaylin and Severn...)

Bitterblue
I feel as if I've waited to read this book for years. And while it has actually only been three since first reading its predecessor Graceling, I was relieved to finally have some sort of conclusion--as concluding as continually trying to run a kingdom can be.
I had hoped to meet old friends and was pleased they were given such a large role in the story. I could sympathize with Bitterblue's desire to have Po and Katsa near her, and was also sad when they had to go off on their various missions. Bitterblue herself was at times frustratingly not understanding of her traumatized staff's eccentricities, and at others wonderfully compassionate and trusting. This book deals with the sad aftermath of Leck's 35-year reign and the PTSD the country and people are trying to recover from.

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, Book 1)
Another much appreciated birthday present <3 Because sometimes physical books just need to be held (Thanks Mom~)
I first became interested in this book and series from hearing about it online. As it so happens, it was someone I follow on tumblr who has read and liked a lot of similar books who kept posting about it. I tucked the tacit recommendation away and started purposely avoiding things posted about it. Fast forward about a year and finding out the series was complete but not yet in my library's digital lending library and then getting it in a birthday box. I saved starting it for when I "turned in my grad school application", but my resolve faded until I finished the essays and allowed myself to read the first five or six chapters. The world is an interesting concept, and I was drawn in very quickly.
I loved the Eastern European/Russian feel to it. I was a little wary of the potential love triangle forming (I'm very over love triangles... they're almost a deal breaker for me now...), especially since the characters were almost laughably similar to the Great Arcana Triangle (ie: the triangle between Death (=The Darkling), the powerful Evie (=Alina, the Sun Summoner), and her warrior Jackson (=Mal, the Tracker) in the Arcana Chronicles books). And as much as I wanted to like the Darkling (why is it I'm such a sucker for the tragic-back-story-seeking-redemption characters? I'm looking at you Edmund Pevensie, Prince Zuko, Kylo Ren...) I feel like I can't let his use of manipulation go. It really bothered me, and I don't want him to come back in the next two books and make the claim, "oh, but you're different. I really have feelings for you"... (Despite all of this whining I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the rest of the series. Mostly I just want it to not include romance as a plot device and focus on the volatile political state of the countries.)

The Way of the Apprentice (Jedi Quest, Book 1) Recommended by Kathryn
While visiting dear Kathryn for winter break, and after watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens twice and discussing theories and hopes and quotes and scores, we made the happy discovery that my library has the Jedi Quest series of adolescent books that chronicle Obi-Wan and his new padawan Anakin in the interim time between The Phantom Menace and The Clone Wars.
This was my first soiree reading Star Wars, and I enjoyed it immensely. Yes, the books are rather short (only around 120-150 pages each) and targeted for younger readers. But the insight into Obi-Wan's and Anakin's relationship, as well as their hopes and concerns about themselves, is wonderfully written and conveyed with ease.
In this particular book, Obi-Wan and Anakin join three other Master-Padawan teams while investigating a people under the attack of a biological weapon. Anakin strives to prove himself to Obi-Wan, but often makes rash decisions that endanger the others in his team.

The Trail of the Jedi (Jedi Quest, Book 2)
While Obi-Wan and Anakin are tracking a Jedi Master on a supposedly deserted planet as a training exercise, Anakin struggles with the feeling that Obi-Wan is too dismissive of him and only chose him as his Padawan to honor Qui-Gon's last wish. Obi-Wan struggles with feeling like he'll never be as good a Master as Qui-Gon was and fearing he won't be close with Anakin. When they are unexpectedly pursued by bounty hunters, they must trust in the others' abilities to work together.

The Dangerous Games (Jedi Quest, Book 3)
I was so excited for the illegal pod-racing in this installment! Obi-Wan and Anakin (along with two other Master-Padawan teams) are sent to the Galactic Games that occur once every seven years to keep the peace. Once a plot to fix certain matches and even kill a group of spectators is uncovered, everyone must race to piece together the clues to figure out who is behind the conspiracy. Ry Gaul's Padawan, Tru, is a good friend to Anakin and a neutral foil to the suspicious Ferus, Padawan of Obi-Wan's old colleague Siri Tachi.
These books are kind of heartbreaking, because even now when they're around fourteen, Ferus can sense that something's not right about Anakin Skywalker and is always watching him. Tru senses it as well but still tries to remain unfazed and quietly supports Anakin's struggles to be a Jedi. It's so much more difficult for him because he didn't grow up with everyone and is probably carrying around the scars of PTSD from being a slave.
One fun thing about this book was a main appearance from the side character Didi, who was a friend of Qui-Gon's and exasperates Obi-Wan with his knack for shady habits and asking for help out of the trouble they cause.

The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, Book 1) Rec/loan by Val
Brandon Sanderson builds such unique worlds, and I've really enjoyed getting to know this one! As in Mistborn, once again we have cryptic chapter headers to puzzle over (I should probably go back and re-read them now that I've finished the first book to see how they relate to the bigger picture).
This story weaves itself carefully from the threads of many characters and I can't wait for all of them to meet each other. Each of them feels so real, even the side characters like the members of Kaladin's bridge crew or the King's Wit (who, as it turns out, has quite the clever role in all this indeed). Even in the midst of such difficult times, there's still plenty of room for wry humor and wonderfully barbed sarcasm.
I don't even know what to say about this story (I think I'm still trying to process it) except that it has struck a deep cord in me. The storytelling is enthralling, with a rich world unfolding around you just as you glean information about the lore and history. I'm excited to see how the next book in the Stormlight Archive illuminates (heh heh heh) the mysteries of the past as the characters seek to stop the darkness from clouding their future.

The Master of Disguise (Jedi Quest, Book 4)
Anakin struggles to find balance. He knows that he's a talented user of the Force, but he also needs to learn how to trust his fellow Padawans and Jedi. After a mistake by Anakin hospitalizes her own Padawan Darra, Soara begins training him relentlessly. And while he continues to grow in skill, he still fails to master core lessons of being a Jedi; mainly letting go of his ego and the personal related feelings of resentment and anger. After she decides she can't train him anymore, he strives to find a way to be useful and track down a suspect Obi-Wan is currently following solo. After Anakin is duped into trusting the very same man, he and Obi-Wan race to catch him only to find him slipping through their grasp again. At the end, Obi-Wan is concerned about the effect this man has on his Padawan and worries about the conflict growing with in him.

The School of Fear (Jedi Quest, Book 5)
Obi-Wan knows teaching is hard--and being an example is harder still. He tries to keep his own anger and frustration in check knowing his 16-year-old Padawan struggles with his. When a boy is found missing from an elite private school, Anakin is assigned to work with his rival, Ferus, to infiltrate the school and discover what may have happened, as well as investigate the mysterious rumors of a rogue group forming there. Things get too deep but Anakin tries to handle them himself instead of contacting Obi-Wan as is proper. Even though through an amazing show of Force ability on Anakin's part things end safely for everyone, the trust between Anakin and Obi-Wan is broken and they're left uncertain how to proceed with each other.

The Shadow Trap (Jedi Quest, Book 6)
Anakin and Obi-Wan are out of rhythm and both feeling it. Anakin has a vision where he's freeing slaves and specifically his mother. While he wants to interpret it to mean that he can go and rescue his mother, Obi-Wan and Yoda are concerned with the mention of "The One Below" which is a reference to Jedi Master Yaddle. Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Yaddle go off as part of a Senatorial diplomacy council to try and recover a planet wrecked from years of civil war. In the chaos, Anakin is captured by one of the gangs ruling the city and brought face to face with the same man who's been leading him and Obi-Wan in chase all across the galaxy. He's manipulative of Anakin's doubts and even though it's revealed that he has connections to one of Qui-Gon's most dangerous enemies, Anakin still can't help believing that it's his own fault when tragedy strikes the three Jedi. He escapes even as Yoda comes to assist Obi-Wan and Anakin in apprehending him. The gulf between master and apprentice continues to grow as Obi-Wan is conflicted in how to proceed.

The Moment of Truth (Jedi Quest, Book 7)
While off on a difficult solo mission to help resistance fighters on a small planet hold of the invading army from the large planet in their system, Anakin and Obi-Wan are still struggling to communicate as they really want to. At the tiny rebel base, they notice too late who the traitor is, and Anakin is taken prisoner as Obi-Wan can only look on. While prisoner, Anakin is drugged with the Zone of Self-Containment, and later is reluctant to shake off its fog and feel the crushing weight of his emotions. He brushes it aside in order to help Obi-Wan, and after they are rescued by some old friends and are able to stop the invasion, he opens up to Obi-Wan about his fears and how much he doesn't want to be "The Chosen One". While the doctor responsible for the drugging is revealed to be an old adversary of Qui-Gon's and gets away, Obi-Wan and Anakin are finally able to move past the wall that had been built between them.

A JET Reader (Year 3, Autumn)

Autumn: September 1st-November 30th

And thus starts both my last year in Japan and (hopefully) the last year before grad-school when I'll have no time for reading again.

But during this time, I was getting everything together to apply for grad school, so apparently I didn't read much (although, the lack of reading in September is almost entirely Fire Emblem's fault... and more of the lack of reading in October should be attributed to procrastination-manga-binges than to actual application progress...). And what I did finish was mostly in Elantra, good grief.
BUT! I made significant progress in The Way of Kings, and I had been trying to save The Book of Enchantments and Shadow and Bone since they're the last portable books I have now that my Kobo has died... (fall semester is always a struggle)


4 Total:     2 New Books     2 Re-reads

READ:
Cast in Shadow
Cast in Courtlight
The Book of Enchantments
Raven Flight

READING:
The Way of Kings
Shadow and Bone
Cast in Honor

PLANNING TO READ:
Bitterblue
Cast in Secret
Wanderlust
Doubleblind
The Caller

(someday...)


Cast in Shadow (The Chronicles of Elantra, Book 1)
Well, I'm off to a terrible start, as this is the first book I've finished and it's already halfway through the season. And it's a re-read. But oh well. The 11th in the series is coming out at the end of this November, and so Katie and I have been toiling away to transfer the information on our now absurdly large Google Doc to the tumblr we created.
Reading this for only the second time, after two years and its nine other installments, felt like I was reading a completely different story. I was able to pick up on and appreciate so many more of the subtle nuances in behavior. I'm also realizing that I'm a complete sap for certain characters *cough*Severn*cough* (as if there was ever any doubt...). While I have many new books I'm supposed to be reading, I'll probably continue with these for a few more volumes yet~

Cast in Courtlight (The Chronicles of Elantra, Book 2)
And so it continues. I ended up being late to a party on a Friday night because I couldn't put it down; and then spending five hours on the following Saturday (after spending the entire morning at the elementary school's 学習発表会, which was very much worth waking up early on a Saturday) finishing it in one go.
I'm quite the broken record but there were so many things I hadn't remembered. I'm particularly glad for the interactions with the Hawklord (in the previous book as well) and the more thorough introduction to Lord Sanabalis (oh Sanny...). Lord Andellen's character is so interesting in that he very much serves Lord Nightshade but that he also seems to grudgingly respect Kaylin. And of course, the Lord of the West March and the Consort are always great since they're so different from the usual Barrani High Lords.
I'm also going to cut this rambling off here and really try to read something new from my growing list...

The Book of Enchantments
I found this little book in the used book section at Schuyler's when I was exploring it with Kathryn during my trip home last May. Even though there's only one story tying it to the characters I love from the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, I do love Patricia Wrede's writing and all of the stories were lovely in their own way. I appreciated that some took place in the modern world, some in the Enchanted Forest world, and some in new worlds all together. I kept this little book in my purse as my "on the go" book, so it took longer than normal to finish it, but I was also trying to savor one of the few paper-and-ink books I have left to read here.

Raven Flight (Shadowfell, Book 2)
A much appreciated birthday present <3
I love being wrapped up in Juliet Marillier's writing. She takes her time, and while some may call the pacing slow I appreciate how it allows me to sink into her worlds. This installment of the story was heavily tied to the seasons and I appreciated that Neryn's training took so much time. In spending months and months I can believe that she actually gained the knowledge her power requires. The length of time training and the turning of the seasons also highlighted how fleeting and precious anytime spent with her dear friends was.
This is also, incidentally, exactly the sort of heroine and story I would have eaten up when I was an adolescent and teenager. So even though I've never read it before it feels strangely nostalgic and familiar. And as always with her books, I have become entirely too emotionally attached to these characters and weep for the tragic setbacks to their cause. But somehow, I still feel hopeful for the last book.

A JET Reader (Year 2, Summer FINAL)

Summer: June 1st-August 31st

Over all, I read over twice as much this "year" as I did last year thanks to a lot of splurge reading and good recommendations. Not bad considering I tried to spend most of my time with the four friends who left Japan during this time period. But I think we all know reading became my coping mechanism for that...
Except now with my Kobo dead, reading out-of-home is either going to become impossible or expensive...


45 Total:     33 New Books     12 Re-reads

READ:
Shadow of Night
Chronicles of Elantra: Cast in Ruin
The Book of Life
Hyperbole and a Half
Chronicles of Elantra: Cast in Peril
Insurgent
___________________(Autumn)___________________
Chronicles of Elantra: Cast in Sorrow
Albrecht Durer: A Biography
Allegiant
Clockwork Angel
Death Comes to Pemberley
The Alloy of Law
Clockwork Prince
Clockwork Princess
The Blood of Olympus
Poison Princess
___________________(Winter)___________________
Endless Knight
Chronicles of Elantra: Cast in Flame
Dead of Winter
Ready Player One
Son of the Shadows
Sabriel
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Tithe
Beauty
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
The Hunter's Moon
Rose Daughter
The Summer King
Valiant
Ironside
___________________(Spring)___________________
Bellman & Black
Graceling
Fire
Cold Mountain
The Slow Regard of Silent Things
The Third Kingdom
The Third Sister
Red Rising
Grimspace
Poison Study
Spindle's End
The Night Circus
Shadowfell
The Thief 
___________________(Summer)___________________


READING:
Sourcery
The Book of Enchantments

STALLED:
Child of the Prophesy

PLANNING TO READ:
Life, the Universe and Everything
Abhorsen
Shadow and Bone
The Way of Kings

(someday...)


Bellman & Black
Diane Setterfield is one of my favorite storytellers. She weaves language in such a way that the imagery reaches out and wraps itself comfortingly around me. Subtle nuances and turns of phrase elegantly tip their hats and wink an eye at the thematic presence flitting through the pages. Her previous book, The Thirteenth Tale, did this is magnificently and my high expectations were far from disappointed this time.
The story follows William Bellman, highlighting the events in his life since he was 10 years old and he shot a rook out of a tree with a slingshot. The premise for this Victorian haunting started humbly and progressed delicately, ever giving the increased sense that something was just off until I looked back and wondered how I never noticed how high he was being built up for a fall. But then it was so beautiful and un-malicious and actually quite relieving at the end, because I didn't want to wish him any ill will when he had struggled through so much. I will definitely be keeping this story in my Thought and Memory.

Graceling
I blame Katie for starting Bitterblue. And Red Rising for being so hard to get into. But whomever the culprit, I'm glad to finally have a second read-through of this story. The first time I read it, I think I had too many expectations for what I thought the story would be, and so I couldn't help feeling disappointed. This time around, I really feel like I'm discovering things I completely overlooked before. It's very different in style from Bellman & Black, which I read concordantly for part of Graceling. But it delves much more into the personal motivations of its characters so it was actually easy to switch between them.
This time around, I wasn't trying to rush through the story and instead it unfolded naturally before me. I was less upset by Katsa and Po's relationship, and the state of things at the end, and I attribute that to simply being older (even if only by a scant 3 years since I initially read it). I'm excited to indulge myself further and check out Fire next. Because even though the characters are different, I remember liking it even more than Graceling. So it'll be interesting to see if that has also grown over time~

Fire
...And oh, how I like it more. Dare I say Fire is reaching Poison Study levels of endearment with me? And more so than Graceling because I can relate to Fire more? Because I like the strong quiet image of Brigan over Po's joviality? Because they accept the fact that they care about each other so wholly and don't question that even though being together is going to be difficult it's what they're willing to work for? Because, "Your sadness is one of the things that makes you beautiful to me. Don't you see that? I understand it. It makes my own sadness less frightening."
I can't explain the reason, I just know I appreciate her willingness to love and be loved as opposed to Katsa's defiance and stubborn insistence of "freedom" (that all being said, I still like Graceling and Katsa, even for her sense of freedom. I'm just on quite the high from reading Fire so other books are looking a bit pale...)

Cold Mountain (Originally recommended by and received from Sheri)
Well over a year later I've finally gone back to this story. Part of the reason was because I've had so many strong inclinations to drop Red Rising. But I realized that I cared more about the characters and the writing in Cold Mountain than I did in Red Rising, and that I couldn't in good conscience leave it stagnant when I was determined to power through Red Rising (eventually). I'm also in a much different place emotionally and psychologically than I was when I initially "dropped" it, so I was better prepared to invest in the final hundred pages I had left.
This book is worth so much, I think. Not only is the prose poetic and captivating, expressing the flight of a bird or the growing of a tree around an arrow-head embedded in its trunk so that I could feel it, but the growth in the characters that became so dear to me was beautiful, too.
This book is about a lot of things. It's about struggling through patiently but also about taking hold of your fate with your own two hands. It's about the depth of loss and war but also about the fullness a day's hard work and the wholeness we find in others. It's a journey, and I think back on all of the adventures I had while reading it and can only be grateful that I have at the very least one more day left of my own journey.

The Slow Regard of Silent Things (Borrowed from Barry)
(but both Barry and Anna as well as Courtney and Ryan have been waiting for me to read this)
I adore Auri's character, so I was delighted by the prospect of a novella dedicated to her. In the author's end-note (his "story about a story"), he expressed his worry that no one would like this story since it didn't follow any of the proper elements of proper stories. But his friend had said it well when she said there are stories upon stories out there like that for people who want them, what about stories for people like her?
Auri is both shattered and circle-perfect, both lost and true, alone and surrounded by those dear to her. There's something so profoundly beautiful about her existence, and I think it's something that resonates deep.

The Third Kingdom (The Sword of Truth series #13; Richard and Kahlan series #2)
It's rather a toss-up if I was afraid to read this book or... yeah, no. I was /definitely/ afraid to read this book. The change in the over-all tone this series has taken since expanding from the original story has made them a bit harder to be excited for than their predecessors. I was warned this one especially would slink into much darker places than I was perhaps comfortable with.
And while it was more gruesome than previous installments, that wasn't its highest mark against it. It seems that this series has come to a point where there isn't much story left to tell, and so in an attempt to continue in the lives of these characters, a new and greater evil is introduced. But the original compelling method of storytelling has fallen away to dialogue and descriptions that feel repetitive and laden with forced shock value. 
I finally got excited about three-quarters in when what I felt were the true personalities of the characters began to show (such as when Richard mocks his captor's plan to resurrect a thousands year old king in saying, "I don't know. He still looks dead to me" and having it explained that his blood is what they need: "You, Richard Rahl, are the one." "So I've been told.") and I began to feel curious about possibly reading the sequal. THat is, until irreversible events took place pages from the end that I don't think I will soon get over...

The Third Sister
This wonderful little novel has been on my "To Read" shelf for a while. I think my mom happened to find it used somewhere and thought it sounded interesting. As a continuation of Sense and Sensibility following Margaret (the third Dashwood sister), I was delighted to be re-acquainted with old friends and to share the happiness in how their lives had progressed. 
I think I have always strove to overcome my natural "Marianne" romantic tendencies in favor of Elinor's patience and forbearance, and therefore found the similar struggle in Margaret quite relatable. She was wary of the overly-forward addresses and open manner of a certain gentleman, thinking back on how her poor sister had been caught up all too easily in an infatuation in the same way by a man of duplicitous character. As for Margaret, perhaps she let her prejudiced opinions take her too far from believing his open and honest affection.
Perhaps others wouldn't find this story very exciting, but I appreciated the author's dedication to Austen's use of language and the integrity of the characters. The message was a welcome twist of Marianne's situation in the last book in the sense that yes, it is sensible to get to know a person before allowing yourself to become too attached to them. But it is also alright to form that attachment. And it is especially important not to allow past injuries to alter opinions on new acquaintances or to decide/believe that all open natures are false. 

Red Rising
I really wanted to like this book. I was excited to read it, despite the fact that it was a male-led first person Sci-Fi. And while the beginning seemed so promising, I was disappointed (and bored, quite frankly) from about the third chapter until halfway through the book. The concept wanted to be intriguing. The writing wanted to be memorable and clever. But I found myself liking the supporting characters over the lead more than I can think of in any other story I've read, and they weren't featured enough for me (especially after martyring his wife...) And not necessarily because the side characters were so great themselves, but because the main character was just so un-appealing to me.
Things finally did pick up nearly 40% through the book, but I could have honestly done with out the first third of it. It's a shame, because there ended up being some things I really liked (the characters Roque and Sevro, who were like his shadow king and wolf-lord, as well as when he shifted his tactics and stopped trying to conquer everything but rather created loyalty). There were, however, several things I didn't like, foremost being the destruction of several great side characters, in addition to Darrow's and others' overall dark mien. I was relieved to get to the end with at least one favorite character intact, but I don't think I'll be continuing this series. There's a terrible reckoning coming for Darrow and his rebellion, and I don't care to stick around to see him further tear things apart.

Grimspace
I first found this novel while shelving books back in Special Collections. The novelty of a female led Sci-Fi (with an interesting cover and title...) compelled me to add it to my list of books I'd found while working there that I'd love to investigate someday. Fast forward nearly two years exactly to when I visited the US this past May and on a whim reserved it at Schuler's (well, is it any surprise considering I was "browsing" with my mom? So many of my favorite stories and authors have been uncovered thus). It was new uncharted territory, being neither recommended from a friend or by hype online nor a familiar author. A rarity on my never ending reading list.
It turned out to be a wonderful foil to Red Rising (that book really colored a lot of the other books I was reading concurrently...If you'll excuse the weak pun): instead of a male-written-male-first-person-protagonist-Sci-Fi, it was a female-written-female-first-person-protagonist-Sci-Fi. And while both were sought after for differing roles in their respective revolutions and came from tragic pasts and years of indoctrination, I felt that at least Jax in Grimspace was appropriately flawed but working past her old self. Grimspace, while not the best written book I've ever read, was definitely entertaining. It's a rather unoriginal comparison but I couldn't help myself thinking of Firefly as the story bounced from desperate situations to sarcastic banter without missing a beat. It also reminded me a bit of the Chronicles of Elantra in Jax's act-first-think-later tendencies.
I was worried it would become, for lack of better expression, too "trope-y" and wasn't gratified to be right in that respect. Having characters be physically intimate before they've had a chance to become emotionally intimate is never a selling point for me. I was, however, still able to enjoy most of the story by maintaining a bemused attitude towards it. It's fast paced, seemingly random at times, and I look forward to perusing the rest of the series.

Poison Study
I can have self-control anytime I want and not compulsively re-read my favorite books in the middle of a huge To-Read list....I just didn't want to, that's all~ (the phrases "Can't Stop, Won't Stop", "I Do What I Want", and "Sorry Not Sorry" come to mind haha) This was originally started on New Year's night and kept "open" as an in-between/ book-hangover remedy. But of course I couldn't resist properly diving into it once I passed halfway.
This book is very full for me. Like other favorites of mine, I can flip my copy open on its creases and immediately come across favorite scenes and dialogue. Reading it is less of the compulsion it is for most of everything else I read, and more like coming home to old friends that I'm constantly learning new things about and who always make me feel comfortable. Yelena is able to overcome so much darkness and find herself again. And being out here on my own, I find that necessary and beautiful.

Spindle's End
Yet another favorite re-read. A story about love in all of its forms for a time when I'm feeling rather lonely. With the final departure of my friends leaving Japan this year, it was the perfect companion book as I set out solo (in so many ways...) to climb Mt. Fuji. This story, rich in its telling and full in its characters, is one I will always come back to for the sense of wholeness it gives me.

The Night Circus
Well, that was impulsive. After completing Poison Study (and wanting to save all of Spindle's End for my trip) I went to my library's online lending service to hopefully find a book on my miles long To-Read list and happened across this one. I've been meaning to read it for years, even though no one among my acquaintance has recommended or read it. And to tell the truth, I wanted to read it solely based on it's cover and title.
All I really wanted was a story of Star-Crossed Lovers to tide me over and help me get through the book-hangover I could feel coming from finishing one favorite and moving on to another. What I didn't anticipate was such a delicate story woven across years and countries. The haunting timelessness in the storytelling was quite reminiscent of Bellman & Black, and the finale was just as resonating. I loved following their story and seeing the the way they refused to give in regardless of the terrible hand they'd been dealt.

Shadowfell
My second "YA" book by Juliet Marillier (the first being Wildwood Dancing, recommended and loaned by Katie at the beginning of all this chronicling). Will there ever be a story told by her that I do not love? This tale is simple in its formula and sets up the rest of the series, but conveyed so beautifully. I wonder if it's just my penchant for her stoical heroes and determined heroines, especially when they take care of each other (begrudgingly or not). This was another impulsive find on my library's website (and unfortunately the only book by Juliet Marillier they have) and now I'm adrift with out the rest of the series. I might cave and consign this series to being digitally owned, as much as I'd rather hold out to when I can own physical copies, because it might be the only thing to really spark me reading again lately...

The Thief (recommended by Gebbie-san)
This book really surprised me, and not even for being a first-person male protagonist. The reader is given information and since we're party to his thoughts and reactions to the perceptions of others, we don't question it. It was delightful to read from the perspective of a character that reminded me so much of a favorite from long ago (Briar, from the Circle of Magic series by Tamora Pierce).
I also appreciated the allusions to Greek mythology and the world building subtly laid out with mentions of invaders and the foreign relations between the main three countries.
All in all, I thought this was very clever, as well as fun to read. It was also a great lesson against making assumptions or believing everything inferred to you.


STALLED: Child of the Prophesy (Sevenwaters #3)
While I tried starting this on the same day as finishing its predecessor and progressed a mere few chapters before switching to Sabriel, I've made the executive decision to wait before pursuing it any further. It took me four years after reading the first in the series (Daughter of the Forest) to continue the story through the new characters in the second (Son of the Shadows). Considering the emotional and psychological effects theses stories have on me (so many dreams...), it feels like too much to move on to new characters again so soon. I know I will come back to Sevenwaters someday, but the story deserves more care than me bullying my way through it in order to complete it. 

In Which She Finds Herself Full of Much Water...

I don’t even know if I can say that I’m good or bad with goodbyes. It seems that in my life I’ve had many, but I also have quite a subjective view on it. I like to believe that I’ve had just the right amount: not too many that I was left completely adrift, and not too few that I didn’t try and appreciate the time that I was given.

And I do; appreciate the time I have been given, that is. I’ve been so blessed to have crossed paths with so many wonderful people in my life and have been even more blessed to have been able to share even a part of our journeys together.

But it’s been different up until now: I’ve always been the one leaving, the one striking out from home on some new obscure fork leading me away (for a time) from those I built a home with and love. I felt only my own sense of bittersweet loss as I continued forward, or as we all left for different paths, using my new location or new daily routine to help me channel my emotions.

Today I’m at a loss for how to proceed. Yesterday I had to say goodbye to my Hokkaido Bestie as she returns home to Canada. As we adamantly refused to say “goodbye” and continued to promise each other about all of the amazing adventures we’re going to have in the future and hugged each other desperately, I also thought about the other friends gathered to wish her well. For once it wasn’t just my sadness (which I assure you is still quite strong) but everyone’s I was beginning to understand. Courtney is such a loving person that people can’t help loving her, and it was oddly comforting to know that all of us loved her and had our lives changed by her friendship. She means something different to each of us, but she is important to all of us.

I think this parting is particularly hard for me because I’m the one staying behind, and now I have to figure out how to re-order my life without her. Who am I supposed to talk to about all of the silly inconsequential things my students do that I find endearing but don’t seem like anything when they’re out of context? Who am I going to just get in a car with to drive two hours to hike a volcano? Who’s going to invite me for kaiten zushi and onsen on a weekday night because we’re both so done with frustrating Japanese work politics and want someone to complain with?

Logically I know that we’re still going to be friends, and technology will definitely help us stay in contact, and I do have other friends here… but it’s just not the same. And I know and appreciate, from my already seemingly vast experience with goodbyes, that this is just the turning of a page in the multi-volume story of our lives, and that things have to and will always change… but I’m still so sad.

I’m grateful for the time that I’ve been given. I really am so very grateful. It’s as if the more sadness I feel about her having to leave, the more happiness and love I feel remembering what a great friend she is and all of the adventures we were able to have. And hope: hope that this isn’t the end to our journey together, just a temporary splitting of paths. Like my lovely friendships back in the US that have shifted to long-distance temporarily, I’m confident we’ll be able to come out of this stronger and climb many more mountains together in the future.

Thailand:

 Kampo Taikai:

 Asahi-dake:

 Aka-dake

 Wine Festival:

Meakan:

 Noboribetsu:

 Houheikyo Onsen:

See you later <3