Jason’s book club #16
Marion Zimmer Bradley, Liz Pichon, Karen M McManus, Andrzej, Kayvion Lewis, Harriett Muncaster, J.K. Rowling
Hello and welcome to the 16th issue of Jason’s Book club.
It’s been a particularly cold January with several sub zero mornings, which was really felt in the household after our boiler stopped working. Luckily we noticed this quickly and was able to get it repaired. So with heating restored and the dark nights still around Christmas books and New Year reading challenge have been the order of the month.
My great books one has started slowly, but is off the mark with Enheduana. While reading challenge #1 25 books for 2025 published from 1975 has got off to a good start with the first book completed.
Disclosure: This E-mail reading list may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.’**
Fiction
The Heritage of Hastur - Marion zimmer Bradley
One line summary: The planet Darkover had worked with the Terran Empire, but the inhabitants of Darkover have their own ways and while some want to preserve the way of life and unique psychic powers. Others want to fully embrace the Terran science, the clash leads to a conflict that could not only end their way of life but all on Darkover.
Rating: Recommend to others
Format:
Print book
Audiobook
Narration:Pete Bradbury, and Max Bellimore
Chapters: 24 and epilogue
Pages / Length: 428
*How I discovered / Who recommended
One of 25 books published in 1975
Opening line "As the riders came up over the pass which led down into Thendara, they could see beyond the old city to the Terran spaceport."
If you like this try:
Try the others in the Darkover series
Get it free here
Buy it here
Audiobook version here
Ahren Book one of the 14th Paladin - Torsten Weitze
One line summary: The son of the village drunk escape a life of abuse and torment when he is picked by the forest guardian to be his new apprentice, but dark ones stalk the land and the unexpected appearance of a wizard force them on a quest to get help from elves before the dark ones find him.
Rating: Recommend to others
Format:
- [x] Audiobook
Narration:Gildart Jackson, is an English actor, writer, and audiobook narrator. He is best known for portraying Gideon in the TV show Charmed
Chapters: 22 and epilogue
Pages / Length: 13 hours 50 minutes
*How I discovered / Who recommended
Free books 1-3 of the series on Audible plus
Opening Lane "It was the sudden croaking of an ogre frog that woke Ahren up from his slumber."
If you like this try:
The rest in the series
Get it free here
Buy it here
Audiobook version here
Kids
The 12 year old’s screen fixation continues unabated it the bedtime routine remains re-listening to Liz Pichon’s Tom Gates series on Borrowbox. Luckily there has been a recent release so alongside the past staples of What Monster?, Random Acts of Fun, Happy to Help (Eventually), Biscuits, Bands and Very Big Plans, We also had Tom Gates Ha! Ha! Hilarious.
The 11 year old has really enjoyed this month as he has really been reading through his two Karen M. McManus Christmas books. First up was You’ll be the death of me and Such charming Liars. Having finished these in quick succession I wondered if the Witcher series Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkpowski might be something he liked. While he did read it he didn’t feel it was for him. Maybe when he’s a bit older! He has however branched out into a new series Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis a 2024 Waterstones children book prize winner in the category of best book for older children. He described it as a thief's competition where the winner gets a wish to save her mother who has been kidnapped. He really enjoyed and finished it quickly before starting book two Heist Royale.
The 8 year old has been having a bit of wanting me to read to her so this month it’s been a few of her past favourites including several from Harriet Muncaster, Isadora Moon Makes Winter Magic, Isadora Moon Goes to a Wedding, Isadora Moon Puts a Show, Isadora Moon and the New Girl. The middle of January was the start of the fantastically well drawn illustrated Harry Potter and Chamber of secrets by J.K. Rowling.
Book Quote of the month
The most distinctive mark of philosophical questions is that every man must answer them for himself. Taking the opinions of others is not solving them, but evading them. They are answered only by knowledge, and it must be your knowledge. You cannot depend on the testimony of the experts, as you may have to in the case of science.
How to read a book The classical guide to intelligent reading, by Mortimer Adler and Charles van Doren
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I hope you get around to reading, learning or enjoying from these books, if you live in the UK then if your local library stocks them please support them and borrow from there or if you prefer to buy a books most of them in this email can be ordered from Bookshop Online for next day delivery. If not Amazon usually have it.
Enjoy these books or if it is one that is helpful for you, please feel free to recommend it to someone you feel would also benefit.
If you know of a good book let me know and thank you for reading.
Jason