While my library pales in comparison to the vast shelves of books available to you within the castle walls, it does hold a wide variety of literature. Of course, being in the field, my library is of the virtual kind. I am thankful for the technology that allows me to carry several more books than I would be able to normally fit in my pack. If only a similar technology could do the same for my collection of board games back home. Ah well, where were we? My library.
I will attempt to send you a log of all the books I have with me in case you are in need of a good book and have no recommendations. I will present this log in various bursts, as time and fortune allows, and in the order they are arranged. Be aware that I have culled my books down as far as I possibly can. I can cull them no further. Therefore, these are the cream of the crop.
Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow: Homer by way of Stephen King. Sharp Teeth is a novel written in prose verse about present-day werewolves in L. A. A love between a dog catcher and a werewolf that causes a mess of violence, blood and carne asada tacos. For those that are looking for something unique in the horror genre.
Snake Agent by Liz Williams/ The Demon and the City by Liz Williams: The first two books in a fabulous series starring Inspector Chen. Set in the Far East of the near future where Chen is a snake agent; in charge of supernatural and mystical investigations. Such investigations are bound to happen when a literal Hell on Earth is involved. Chen teams up with one of Hell’s vice officers in both books to solve the crime. The first book deals with the illegal trade in souls. The second book deals with the forces of Heaven manifesting themselves in Singapore Three. Highly imaginative and dripping with Eastern mysticism and lore, I wish the series were more popular so I could read more books involving the good inspector.
The Loch by Steve Alten: Something lives in the dark Loch Ness waters and it is killing again. A full-bore thriller with an answer to what people have seen as the Loch Ness monster. Surprised that someone hasn’t grabbed this story and made a blockbuster monster movie out of it yet.
Planet of Adventure by Jack Vance: This contains four novels by Vance; City of the Chasch, Servants of the Wankh, The Dirdir and The Pnume. All are set on the distant planet Tschai and follow young Adam Reith in adventures both murderous and thrilling. Aliens, villains, palaces, monstrous creatures and the random beauty in need of a rescue. Vance is considered one of Science Fiction’s master storytellers, find out why for yourself.
That’s all for now. I must sleep before the platoon marches yet again.
Brandon Jimison 