In Over My Head

One of my favorite hobbies is reading, especially science fiction or fantasy novels. I have always been a reader going back to childhood, but I didn't really delve into the fantasy realm until I read The Lord of the Rings in college. Since then, I've been devouring as much fantasy as I can while sprinkling in a highly recommended science fiction novel for variety from time to time.

But this has lead to a small problem. I may have over committed myself and I'm now realizing that I am partway through far too many series. I have officially put a hold on starting any new series until I finish at least a couple of these. Here's the damage:

• Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series: On book 4 of 13 (with one more on the way)
• Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series: On book 3 of 13
• Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy: Currently reading book 2 of 3
• Stephen King's Dark Tower series: On book 4 of 7
• Frank Herbert's Dune saga: On book 4 of 6
• Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series: On book 5 of (currently) 6
• Orson Scott Card's Ender saga: On book 2 of 4
• Karl Schroeder's Virga: On book 3 of 3
• George R. R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice: On book 2 of (currently) 4

I'm also reading a couple other series, but luckily I'm caught up on those. I have read all 12 of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files (my current favorite series) and I'm just awaiting the final novel in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle.

Hopefully, I'll catch up on some of these pretty soon so I can get started on a few other series that I'm really excited about.

What to Read

Last night, I finished the fourth book in Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, Captain's Fury. I started reading it on the plane ride to Comic-Con and finished most of the book over the course of the trip. It was probably the best in the series so far.

One of my favorite things about Butcher's novels--especially in the Dresden Files, which I prefer over Codex Alera--is his pacing. He never lets his foot off the gas. His novels are a constant thrill ride and I love that. The fourth book was no exception.

The other thing that Butcher does really well is write compelling characters. I do think he does a better job of it in the Dresden Files--there isn't a character that I don't love or love to hate--but Tavi is really developing into an interesting, if not a little too perfect, character.

The last point I want to make about the fourth book was that it was awesome seeing some of the plot devices from earlier novels reemerging and seeing many questions get answered. I really like how there is a clear, underlying plot that helps string each novel together.

But now that I've finished the book, I can't decide what to read. I've got several novels on my shelf that I still need to read including God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert and Shadow Rising (Book 4 of the Wheel of Time) by Robert Jordan, but I think I have decided upon Royal Assassin, which is the second novel in the Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb.

Well, I'm out. Godspeed.