Hello, fellow campaigners of the writing world! A. F. Kopp here with my book haul from the summer! I read a whopping 12 which isn’t much over the months, but for how busy I was, that’s a lot.
The Tournament at Gorlan (Ranger’s Apprentice: The Early Years #1) – John Flanagan
I sadly forgot to write my review for this, but I remember enjoying it pretty well. I didn’t like it as much as the original series, something about how Flanagan wrote it this time was different. Whether he grew as a writer or not, I didn’t like how he almost seemed to fill in the blanks about the history and other facts.
The Battle at Hackham Heath (Ranger’s Apprentice: The Early Years, #2) – John Flanagan
I liked this one better than the predecessor, but it did seem a bit like a carbon copy of The Burning Bridge. I liked little Gilan, obviously, so that was definitely why I enjoyed it more than the other prequel.
Between Two Worlds – Cheyenne van Langevelde
The book was beautiful in its way of delving into ancient Rome and Britain. I teared up during the climactic section due to the rawness and reality of the events of martyrdom.
If you like Christian Historical Romance, this is for you. At first, Enid saw Lucius because he looked like someone she knew, but they had a bond and connection due to their heritage and their care for each other was amazing.
The book was too short in my opinion. The reason I chose 4 instead of 5 stars was because of the dialogue. It was in old English (think King James Version) yet the internal narrative wasn’t. When we read books, we automatically assume that the dialogue is not 100% accurate to the time period. Also when they were exchanging dialogue in Celtic or whatever, I had to wait till I read the glossary until I knew what they were saying.
But as a historical fan, I was able to recognize some fashion words from my Historical Costume class in college.
More Ready Than You Realize: The Power of Everyday Conversations – Brian D. McLaren
Made me tear up as the book came to a close as the conclusion came around. The book did its duty of making me understand that I AM more ready than I realized for evangelism.
This book covers the importance of “conversations over conversions” and the need of planting seeds. It’s a growing process and this helped me not be guilty about only having conversations and not witnessing many conversions. Paul planted, Apollos watered, and God gives the increase. Point, blank, period.
Around the World in 80 Days – Jules Verne
The title of this book should actually be “the Luck of Phileas Fogg Regarding His Magnetism of Unfortunate Circumstances”.
Over and over again, unfortunate circumstances befall Mr. Fogg on his trek around the world, but luck seems to be on his side every time.
What I loved about this book were the exaggerated characters, cultures, events, and tropes. Vernes set up his story with chance and coincidence regarding the character’s choices. He built it up very well with some key plot points early on.
I loved this book (I both listened to and read it).
Dìlseachd – A Stolen Crown (Princess of the Highlands #1) – Cheyenne van Langevelde
I received this as an ARC and it is by far my favorite read this summer! Read my review here!
The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger’s Apprentice, #1) – John Flanagan
After reading this a handful of times in my youth, I must say I enjoyed it just as much as an adult. The character development is my favorite (gotta love Horace’s arc) and I rather enjoyed the little training days to get to know the lives of the apprentices.
The Burning Bridge (Ranger’s Apprentice, #2) – John Flanagan
Once again, was brought back to my childhood reading this. As an adult, I can appreciate the character development way more and the last line of the book kills me
The Icebound Land (Ranger’s Apprentice, #3) – John Flanagan
I used to hate this book the most as a kid. It’s kind of a limbo book to set up the next from the last, but it definitely has its good points. I rather enjoyed it, though the sadder parts (that my younger self didn’t enjoy) were hard to read I was able to see the use of it in the story to propel it to the next steps.
The Battle for Skandia (Ranger’s Apprentice, #4) – John Flanagan
This book combined strategy and culture which is something I really enjoyed. I loved the interactions between the characters and the storyline. It’s probably one of my favorite books in the whole Ranger’s Apprentice series! PLUS, there is a culture based off of Mongolia and I love Mongolia. My only downer is that since they were the enemy party in this, they were shown in a bad light–but I guess that’s what happens in war.
Erak’s Ransom (Ranger’s Apprentice, #7) – John Flanagan
Since this book is a “prequel” timeline-wise to Book 5, I read this one first. I enjoyed it a lot (I used to dislike this one for many reasons *ahem* Tug), but this time through I really liked it.
Daylight: A 9/11 Short Story – Grace A. Johnson
Short, sweet, meaningful, and powerful.
Johnson wrote from the POV of Sylvie and the character’s voice shone beautifully as Sylvie worked through pain and loss before it shifted into hope.
Grace Johnson also edited my book, so it was awesome to support her after all she had done for my writing. Will be reading more of her books for the Autumn Book Haul.
Currently Reading
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, #1)- J. R. R. Tolkien
(54% through). I’ve been trying to read this for YEARS and this is the farthest I’ve come.
The Sorcerer of the North (Ranger’s Apprentice, #5) – John Flanagan
(34% through). Now that I’ve read the 7th, I am here.
Mere Christianity – C. S. Lewis
(45% through). Slowly but surely.
Thank you for reading this post! What was your favorite read this summer???
Salutations, fellow adventurers!
Respectfully,
A. F. Kopp Author 