Books: Assassins, Dragons, Bricks, And More

The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb

These fantasy novels were, I believe, recommended to me by my boss. I got halfway into the first volume, and promptly ordered the next two, 'cause OMG. A six-year-old boy learns he's the bastard son of the heir to the throne. The only safe role he can play in life is to be a King's Man: an agent of the throne or, more bluntly, an assassin. Court politics and tragedy ensue for the next 1500 pages. Gripping, interesting worldbuilding, recommended. (Individual titles are Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin's Quest.)

Dragon's Winter and Dragon's Treasure by Elizabeth A. Lynn

I enjoyed rereading Lynn's Tornor trilogy recently, so I dug up a couple more of her fantasies. (I accidentally read them in the wrong order.) They are set in a fantasy world where some people are shapeshifters, able to turn into wolves, hawks, or dragons. The dragon-blooded protagonist of these books is a local king, who must deal with bandits and betrayal. They're quite good, but they are obviously the first two books of a trilogy, and Lynn has said she's unlikely to write the third, darnit. I may keep the first, as it's a good novel in itself, but the second may go into the giveaway bin.

A Wrinkle In Time: The Graphic Novel by L'Engle, Larson

A perfectly good adaptation of the classic novel, though I'd like if it had been in full color. The adaptor makes good use of the medium.

The Emerald Key by Daigle and Sternberg

For some reason it took me a long time to get through this steampunk horror novel. Our heroine is Ember Quatermain (daughter of AQ), who must deal with necromantic mysteries and dissolute charmers. While there's a lot in the premise to like, I never felt really engaged.

The Kobold Guide To Worldbuilding, edited by Janna Silverstein

A dry but solid guide to RPG fantasy worldbuilding though, again, it didn't really engage me.

Memories Of The Future by Wil Wheaton

Wheaton reminisces about the first half of the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. This is a lot of fun, and Wheaton waxes and wanes from fondly nostalgic to vituperative (regarding the very bad episodes). He and I are of an age, and I find his perspective very familiar. I hope for sequels.

A Million Little Bricks by Sarah Herman

A functional history of Lego, with just enough intriguing little secrets revealed.