I've read all of the Inspector Gamache books and finally decided to break up with them. I find her writing style intensely annoying (who even thinks like that?) and the stories have become formulaic. That said, it took - what? 16? 17? books to finally kick the addiction.
I keep reading them out of nostalgia because I love Three Pines. But yes, so annoyingly written now. So much portentous language, and if I read FINE or that line of Ruth’s poem once more I am going to scream!
I think this is where I’m at. I love the characters. They seem like my friends. The books aren’t as good as earlier on. But I will probably read them until she stops writing them. :)
I've listened to them all on audio. The narrator is excellent, and it's fun to hear the Scottish accent (and then I know how to pronounce the names as well!).
My all time favorite series. Yes, they are long but I only read one every 8-10 months and most of them were pure pleasure. Read the first one and see if you get hooked. Claire and Jamie have to most compelling and beautiful relationship!
Thank you for putting The Lord of the Rings in its proper place, always top, front, and center. 😍 I would add to this list The Murderbot Diaries. Hilarious and oddly touching scifi.
Of course 🙏🏻 there is only one place they belong haha. I actually have the first Murderbot book tagged on Libby as an ebook if I ever finish my current one!
I think because it's the book that gives you a look at what made Roland Deschain the way he is. You realize that his personality is the result of deep loss and grief, and it transforms the way you interpret his actions throughout the rest of the series. I just LOVE IT.
My favorite is Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series. Seven books, historical novels, covering Rome and famous Romans from 110 BC to 27 BC. Think Sulla, Caesar, Augustus, Anthony, Cleopatra (ok she was Egyptian), and their friends and relations. Wars, love, sex, intrigue, politics, murders, battles, it’s got it all. McCullough is a great writer and historian.
Wilbur Smith authored several excellent historical series. I'm currently engrossed in his Ancient Egyptian series, which has become addictive. Initially, there were four books in the series; I believe it has now grown to nine.
I would add William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series.
I like Tana French’s new series: The Searcher, The Hunter and now The keeper.
Although I liked his stand alone Ordinary Grace best.
Definitely William Kent Krueger
Those are on my radar but I’ve never tried them. Sounds like I need to start them so eventually I can make a part two of this post :)
I've read all of the Inspector Gamache books and finally decided to break up with them. I find her writing style intensely annoying (who even thinks like that?) and the stories have become formulaic. That said, it took - what? 16? 17? books to finally kick the addiction.
I keep reading them out of nostalgia because I love Three Pines. But yes, so annoyingly written now. So much portentous language, and if I read FINE or that line of Ruth’s poem once more I am going to scream!
I think this is where I’m at. I love the characters. They seem like my friends. The books aren’t as good as earlier on. But I will probably read them until she stops writing them. :)
That happened to me as well. The books got to be a little too cloyingly sweet. There are better writers out there.
That's 20! books to break the addiction!
So interesting. I do think the stories are becoming a bit formulaic — I still love them. But not for everyone :)
Outlander! That is my favorite series.
I haven’t tried to tackle it yet… the length of the books is overwhelming. I love long books but a long series of long books is a commitment!
I've listened to them all on audio. The narrator is excellent, and it's fun to hear the Scottish accent (and then I know how to pronounce the names as well!).
My all time favorite series. Yes, they are long but I only read one every 8-10 months and most of them were pure pleasure. Read the first one and see if you get hooked. Claire and Jamie have to most compelling and beautiful relationship!
Thank you for putting The Lord of the Rings in its proper place, always top, front, and center. 😍 I would add to this list The Murderbot Diaries. Hilarious and oddly touching scifi.
Of course 🙏🏻 there is only one place they belong haha. I actually have the first Murderbot book tagged on Libby as an ebook if I ever finish my current one!
Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Alon series. It does need to be read in order
I’ll have to check it out!
One must listen to this series…the narrator is amazing.
Pat Barker wrote 2 series: about the effects of World War 1 and then, The Women of Troy. So great!
Thanks for the recommendations!
Yes, the Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker. It has stayed with me for years. Time for a re-read 😀
Thanks for the summaries. I will make a selection based on your information. BTW- have you read the Tana French novels?
I did read the first one, In the Woods!
Wizard and Glass is my favorite as well. I love this series.
So glad to find a fellow fan! I have been debating a reread this year but might just reread WaG :)
What made you like this one better than the others in the series? I remember the story, but it's been years since I've read the series.
I think because it's the book that gives you a look at what made Roland Deschain the way he is. You realize that his personality is the result of deep loss and grief, and it transforms the way you interpret his actions throughout the rest of the series. I just LOVE IT.
I liked the backstory and the introduction of Rhea and her magic. Plus, the ending was a massive twist.
I am so happy you included the Inspector Gamache books. I think series is fantastic.
I continued to be surprised at how many people have never heard of it!
My favorite is Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series. Seven books, historical novels, covering Rome and famous Romans from 110 BC to 27 BC. Think Sulla, Caesar, Augustus, Anthony, Cleopatra (ok she was Egyptian), and their friends and relations. Wars, love, sex, intrigue, politics, murders, battles, it’s got it all. McCullough is a great writer and historian.
I’ve never heard of this one! I’ll have to check it out.
Ken Follett series starting with Pillars of the Earth.
I read the first book YEARS ago!
The cemetery of forgotten books series by Carlos Ruiz Zafon!
I loved the first 10 books of Winston Graham’s Poldark series. The last 2 books were baaad. Seems like they were written by a different author.
I didn’t expect this post to introduce me to series I’d never heard of. I’m looking into this one!
I would put Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series in this list.
That is a series I’ve never read, although I’ve heard of it. I’ll have to give it a try!
Aussie YA series Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden is excellent.
Wilbur Smith authored several excellent historical series. I'm currently engrossed in his Ancient Egyptian series, which has become addictive. Initially, there were four books in the series; I believe it has now grown to nine.