Sunday Summary: 22 March 2015

Where I've been reading

No road trip, but I did return to Toronto this past week. That gave me time to read in the airports and during flights. I completed four books this week.

What I've been reading: Completed this week

Format: eBook
Source: freebie from Amazon
Completed: 15 March

★★★☆☆

The Devil's Grin, first book in the Anna Kronberg mystery series by Annellie Wendeberg, was a fascinating read. Dr. Anton Kronberg is the leading expert on infectious diseases in all of England. When Dr. Kronberg is called to investigate a case of cholera, he winds up crossing paths with Sherlock Holmes—who immediately discovers the doctor's secret. Dr. Kronberg is actually Anna Kronberg, who disguised herself as a man so that she could study medicine. Anna and Holmes join forces to stop a crime involving abduction and medical experimentation.

Format: eBook
Source: gift from Lemonitsa, Oct 2014
Completed: 20 March

★★★★☆

The Kris Longknife series is one that I started reading when the first books came out in 2004, but it's been 8 years since I read any of these military SF books. I had received two volumes as gifts in 2014, and targeted this series as one that I intend to finish in 2015.

In Kris Longknife: Intrepid, Kris is in charge of a scientific and exploration mission—looking for pirates along the way. And she finds them. Arriving at the planet Pandemonium, she finds two ships in orbit and an invasion force on the ground. Kris and her Marines join forces with the residents of the planet to drive the invaders away.

Format: eBook
Source: gift from Shaunesay, June 2014
Completed: 22 March

★★★★☆

Continuing the scientific and exploration mission from the previous episode, Kris comes face to face with an Iteeche envoy—the first contact between humans and Iteeche in the 80 years since a peace treaty was adopted. Demanding to speak with her grandfather, King Raymond I, the ambassador boards Kris's ship for a trip to Wardhaven, the capital planet of the United Sentients. A side trip to the planet Texarkana uncovers a band of dissidents determined to use force to bring about political change. Kris winds up in the middle.

Format: eBook
Source: purchased whenever
Completed: 22 March

★★★☆☆

What a delightful addition to the Elm Creek Quilts series. The Christmas Quilt is the 8th book in the series, but the story occurs shortly after the first book. Since I have been reading the books in order, it felt a little bit out of place—but it wasn't a big distraction.

It's the first Christmas after establishing the Elm Creek Quilt Camp and Sylvia Compson is planning on spending it alone. Sarah McClure is doing anything to avoid visiting her mother for the holidays. As they unpack Sylvia's Christmas decorations and the unfinished Christmas quilt, flashbacks to Sylvia's childhood and young adulthood fill in the story of the Elm Creek estate.

What I've been reading: In progress

I'm really enjoying listening to The Secret History of the Mongol Queens, subtitled “How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire”. Last year, I listened to Jack Weatherford's first book on Genghis Khan and enjoyed it so much that I was glad to discover this second book focusing on the female descendents of Genghis Khan. I've completed about 2 of the 10 hours and look forward to more time listening to this book.

This third book of Haber's Fire in Winter series introduces the next generation of mutants. Alanna, daughter of Skerry and Narlydda and the twin sons of Melanie and Yosh are now young adults. The twins, Rick and Julian, are as unlike as can be. Julian has manifested mutant powers, particularly telepathy, while Rick is a null like his mother. Both are trying to understand how they fit into the mutant community. Then everything changes when Rick begins to develop mutant capabilities, unheard of for a null. Not only does he have multiple powers, they are extremely strong. And, developing these as an adult means that he doesn't get the gradual introduction and training given to mutant children. It's a recipe for disaster.

This Week on the Blog

Unfortunately, it was an extremely busy week and I wound up writing no new posts. I had hoped to get a few reviews written and uploaded, but it just didn't happen. I am, however, continuing to select books to read from my TBR stack, as I am participating in the Take Control of your TBR Pile Challenge, hosted by Kimba at The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

 

And, as usual, I'm linking up with The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on the blog, showcase books and things received. Share news about what is coming up on the blog for the week ahead.