Books 65-70

I've been bad at writing these posts recently. It's not that I haven't wanted to, I just keep forgetting. And then once the number of posts I need to write started to build up, I just lost the will to want to catch up... so I'm just going to smash out the 6 I am behind on this. They're not going to be great reviews, maybe a couple of words on each book, as I've read so much recently, I can't remember what book was what!!!

Book #65: The Sentence is Death. The Sequel to 'The Word is Murder'. This was the book that took me over my height in books this year. And it was good! I like the Author, and the storyline was compelling enough to keep me interested in it.

Once again the characters were brilliant and believable. It's one of those books that I'd go back to at some point.

I think I rated this as 4*

Finished on 30/06

Book #66: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Having read my height in books, I figured I was allowed to go for a nice easy read. I forgot how good this book is in the Harry Potter series. Whilst there's not a huge amount of action until the end, it provides a huge amount of backstory and information in preparation for the series finale! A sad finish, and I can remember the year of guessing who RAB was whilst we waited for the final book! A very firm 5*

Finished 02/07

Book #67: Wounds of Honour

I'm in two minds about this book. Every review I read about it was full of praise for the book, and I can see why. It was well written and enjoyable, and I quite liked the characters in it. However there was just something that didn't quite click with it for me. I can't put my finger on what it was that I didn't like about it. Will I carry on with the series, probably yes. Just to see where it goes! It feels like it will get a lot better!

One thing that did massively bug me was the use of modern names for thing, instead of Optio, it was Chosen man... almost like it was written for fans of Sharpe!

Finished 08/07

Book #68: Assassin's Creed: Renaissance

The second Assassin's creed book I've read this year, and another one which follows the video game's storyline well.

Not a huge amount more to say about the book. It made me want to play the game again, it's one of the best games ever made in my opinion. The Characters are likeable and ruthless, whilst the storyline works well.

All in all a decent book to fill the time. It's uncomplicated and easy to binge through!

Finished 08/07

Book #69: The Reverse of the Medal

I feel bad only doing a mini review of the next two books, but it'll catch me up to where I should now be! Reverse of the Medal is the next book of the Aubrey & Maturin series, and the vast majority is set on land once again.

Jack and Stephen have returned to England at last, and of course, Jack ends up in a spot of bother.

This time he's accused of manipulation of the Stock market, whereby he is arrested and tried for this crime. The result sees him struck off the navy lists! It'll be interesting to see how he comes back from that.

HMS Surprise finishes her final voyage as a Naval ship, but is bought privately by Stephen, so I live in hope that she will sail again!

My favourite part of the book however was of little consequence to the storyline. It's the beautiful depiction of a Cricket match in the Hampshire countryside! Whilst this wasn't my favourite of the Aubrey & Maturin books, it was a brilliant addition, with episodes of total solidarity, espionage and justice. Bring on the next book.

Finished: 12/07

The final book in this bulk review. Book #70: The Grave's a Fine and Private Place. The ninth instalment in the Flavia de Luce mysteries. I genuinely read this in 24 hours, it was unputdownable!

Set some 6 months after the previous book, the family are still in a state of mourning, and under the protection of Dogger (who is easily the best supporting character) have gone for a short break away from home. Naturally, within a few pages, Flavia discovers a body floating within the water and has to investigate.

Being away from Buckshaw, there's once again a brand new cast of characters, and Flavia finds herself on several occasions in pretty sticky situations during her investigation.

I liked this storyline, dealing with the grief associated with loss, but also dealing with Flavia's new acceptance to be able to work as part of a team, as she teams up with Dogger throughout much of the investigation.

It seems to be a common theme in the books, that as soon as she discovers the murderer, she's nearly murdered herself... for a 12/13 year old girl, she's certainly had her share of near death experiences!

It was great to see Dogger come to the forefront a bit more in this book, and I'm looking forward to the next (and final) book! Finished: 10/07

Total Read so far: 70 books, 209.5cm

Total left to read: 50 books, -16.5cm

I've officially read my height in books!