WWW Wednesday – 15th September 2021

So, I didn’t read too much over the summer holidays. Now that the kids are back in school, I’ve a bit more time and the paperbacks have been picked back up.

For those that are interested, here are the books I’ve just finished reading, am currently reading, and what am planning to read next.

What I’ve Finished Reading

Ive just finished book 11 of the Last Kingdom series – and it’s making me so excited to see where the story goes. I’m not going to do a book review for War of the Wolf, however, I am going to do a review of the whole series once I finish War Lord (the 13th and final book).

Just as a general thought – War of the Wolf brings much of what we love about Uhtred to the table. New Viking warriors, war, and religious upheaval. Initially, I did wonder where the plot would lead us. Almost everyone Uhtred once loved is dead. The Bebbanburg storyline is also resolved. His children are grown. But sneaky Bernard Cornwell has pulled a new thread out of his hat, and I’m intrigued to follow. The Gods are playing their games with Uhtred- and as we all know, wyrd bið ful āræd.

I finished this book last week and was blown away. Grimdark it may be, but I was not prepared for the humour. A top read and I’m excited to read more of The First Law world.

For my full review – go to – https://shaunalawless.com/2021/09/06/book-review-the-blade-itself-by-joe-abercrombie-spoiler-free/

What I’m Currently Reading

The Broken Empire series draws to a close. I’m 60% through Emperor of Thorns now – and we are discovering why the world is the way it is. The futuristic dark-age is very interesting and thought-provoking. I won’t say anymore here, but when I review the book I will have lots of thoughts on the world building and how Mark Lawrence has weaved this trilogy together.

This book is (once again) very dark – darker than King of Thorns – but the Jorg who is journeying to the Congression is the most likeable version so far. Free from the mind control of meddling mages, the fire-sworn and necromancers, we see perhaps who Jorg really is, or should have been, if the thorns and Sageous hadn’t found him.

I am 25% through Shadow of the Gods and am really enjoying this book. I’ve been listening to it on audiobook, which is going slowly due to my reduced commuting, however, I’m really enjoying the narration and the story. Once I finish Emperor of Thorns, I’m going to pick up my hardback and finish it. By going slowly, I’m losing track of how the magic system works, especially regarding the Thralls and why they are kept prisoner.

This is my current non-fiction read and it is EXCELLENT.

I initially picked it up for research purposes (as this era is relevant to my current novel), however, it’s extremely interesting and I would recommend to anyone who is interested in the Viking era.

What I’m Reading Next

This is the next book on my TBR. I love reading indie books and this sounds very intriguing. The cover is also very beautiful. I don’t know too much about the story, though I’ve heard great reviews from other readers.

This wasn’t on my TBR for 2021, however, with the movie coming out, I’ve decided to read it before watching it in the cinema. It’s out at the end of October, so I need to get a move on!