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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · 24d

A revisit to a personal favourite. I love the seemingly random absurdity, but find particular delight in how it is all so skilfully brought together. Part sci-fi, part murder mystery, all hilarious. As much a reflection of Douglas Adams’ genius as the Hitchiker’s Guide collection. #books #booksky

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · 24d

A couple of older stories next. The first is new to me but is a classic of the SF genre. Written when the moon landing had everyone expecting to be colonising new worlds within a century or two; elements feel of its time but the mystery of Rama remains engaging throughout. #books #booksky

Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 29

*follows new starters, obviously

Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 29

The Factory new starters at the titular workplace, and the strange practices and fauna within. It’s a strange, hallucinatory work that meanders through its tale. Despite, or because of, this it’s an interesting read that keeps you hooked. #books #booksky

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 26

Set in a London that has been largely deserted after a mini ice age, where much of the population now experiences migraines that they are able to record and share via neural implants. It’s a beautifully written journey that touches on romance, populism and social media. #books #booksky

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 25

Need to add it to the tbr pile - I loved Ring Shout and have been meaning to check out more by him.

Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 21

When a body is found buried in the cafe grounds, the missing owners instantly fall under suspicion but little is as it seems. This contains less Kosuke Kindaichi than prior novels and I did miss his chaotic energy. But there are enough twists and turns to keep it entertaining. #books #booksky

Murder at the Black Cat Cafe by Seishi Yokomizo

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 19

I’m definitely a fan and the myth/fantasy blended setting worked for me. The consideration of reincarnation and how it is achieved and experienced was a particularly interesting bit for me and was revisited through the story.

You have a favourite RF Kuang book?

Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 19

Another strong offering from RF Kuang, this follows two students studying magic as they travel to Hell to bring back their professor’s soul. The story draws on myth, classical literature and philosophy, as they face their experiences of love and admiration-both healthy and otherwise. #books #booksky

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 7

They’ve both been books I’ve been unable to put down. Fun, imaginative and energetic. Definitely worth a go.

Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 7

Book 2 of the Echo Archives series sees Kembral and Rika again traversing the echoes of their own reality to try and save their friends from a deadly curse. I loved the 1st in this series and this was a worthy follow-up. Fast-paced and high stakes, bound by the central relationship. #books #booksky

The Last Soul Among Wolves by Melissa Caruso

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 3

It’s the first of his I’ve read, but I’m definitely interested in trying more. Recommendations welcome!

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 3

A story about the return of ‘gods’ to a post-apocalyptic Earth, we follow Amri of the Rabbit clan as she helps one of the gods on his mission of revenge against his peers. It explores the ultimate path of the trend of transhumanism and those that are left behind. Great read. #books #booksky

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Sep 1

Time loop murder mystery from the 90’s, this follows a high school with an unusual condition - occasionally he will relive a day nine times. When his grandfather is murdered on such a day, he resolves to prevent this happening. Intriguing and unusual, it’s an entertaining read. #books #booksky

The Man Who Died Seven Times by Yasuhiko Nishizawa

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Aug 30

Yeah, I enjoyed it. Interesting concept, started out feeling a little cosy and then kicked on.

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Aug 30

Magda, an author and member of a small but secret society that collects magical items, is sent on an errand to collect the latest when events quickly spiral out of control. The story accelerates quickly but remains tight and well-written, centred round a small but strong cast. #books #booksky

The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Aug 24

Set in a world consisting of a labyrinth filled with statues and beset by ocean tides, it’s a dreamlike story that follows a single inhabitant, Piranesi, as he discovers clues to his past. Weaving the fantastical with more earthly human motives, it’s a fantastic story. #books #booksky

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Aug 21

Excellent take on the dirty dozen/suicide squad theme, The Devils sees an empress-to-be escorted across an alternative Europe by a group including a vampire, and elf and a magician. Violent, but with rich seam of humour running through, I’ll be looking for more Joe Abercrombie books. #books #booksky

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Aug 7

Books 2 and 3 of the trilogy. They continue the tale of Rin, an orphan from a near-extinct race who is able to summon the fires of her god. Set in a fictional land based on China, these see growing influence from the European-influenced west. Dark and gripping books, worth a read. #books #booksky💙📚

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Mark @chimper17.bsky.social · Jul 31

I thought for longer than I should have that Smashmouth (All Star) were singing that she had her finger and her thumb in the shape of an elk on her forehead. Never did work out how she managed it.