The Library for Heroes and Villains

25/01/2023

21/01/2023

What would Maleficent read?

It was a variation on that question that I posed to a chat bot that led me to read The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang.

It was quite the departure from the two books I'd read before it - a duo of cozy fantasy books about a monk and robot by Becky Chambers.

Going from cozy solarpunk to grimdark fantasy is a bit of a leap, but it's a leap I'm glad I made.

Asking a chat bot to pick your next book to read is definitely a leap!

But it worked out.

I'm still mulling over my thoughts on The Poppy War. From the perspective of me, a person reading books, I didn't actually relate to the MC so much as I did a supporting character. But placing myself into the mindset of the character Maleficent allows me to related to the book in a different way, and she most definitely could relate to Rin, the main character the book is centered on.

I've already got the next book picked out for "Maleficent" to read, which of course means *I, Gwynne, the creator of this page* am reading it, but through that lens of a villain who's had some recent cultural updates and even bits of redemption arcs.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch was recommended by the chat bot as a follow up for "Maleficent" to read - I shared it's reasoning in a previous post. It's on my Kindle ready to go. It'll take about 10 hours to read according to said Kindle estimates, so probably be done with it midweek - rebuilding my reading stamina is tough!

And also, on my personal reading, I've added The Dragon Republic to my Kindle - it's the 2nd book in The Poppy War trilogy. I'm fascinated by the magical system in the book, and quite intrigued by the plot lines.

20/01/2023

I'm reading The Poppy War still. It's good, but my attention span isn't what it used to be, so sitting and reading books straight through is something I haven't done in ages. Practicing though.

I'm about 60% through this book, and I really, really like it. Gonna make a push to get it done today.

And I had the bot librarian - botbrarian? - generate a list of "book club" questions that I can use for reflecting on.

Oh, and I had it recommend the next book to read, too!

Now, back to reading!

11/01/2023

I picked The Poppy War from the list of books the bot recommended for Maleficent to read.

So good.

So very good.

05/01/2023

Maleficent walks up to the librarian and asks for some suggestions.

The Librarian hands her a list of Dark Fantasy books to read.

Of course, she goes home with a stack of them.

~~~
Dark Fantasy books, written mostly by women:

"The Queen of the Tearling" by Erika Johansen - This novel follows the story of Kelsea Raleigh, a young queen who must reclaim her kingdom from an evil sorceress and a tyrannical ruler.

"The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang - This epic fantasy novel follows the story of a young orphan named Rin who discovers that she has a natural talent for magic and becomes embroiled in a devastating war.

"The Witchfinder's Sister" by Beth Underdown - This historical fantasy novel follows the story of a young woman named Alice who becomes involved in the hunt for witches in 17th century England.

"The Gilda Stories" by Jewelle Gomez - This dark fantasy novel follows the story of Gilda, a young slave who becomes a vampire and embarks on a journey of revenge and self-discovery.

"The Witch's Heart" by Genevieve Gornichec - This fantasy novel follows the story of Angrboda, a Norse witch who is betrayed by the gods and must navigate a world filled with danger and magic.

"The Fifth Season" by N.K. Jemisin - This science fantasy novel follows the story of three women who must use their magical powers to survive in a world on the brink of disaster.

"The Court of Broken Knives" by Anna Smith Spark - This dark fantasy novel follows the story of a group of mercenaries who are hired to help a young prince seize control of his kingdom.

"The Way of the Shield" by Marshall Ryan Maresca - This fantasy novel follows the story of Veranix Calbert, a young man who must use his magical abilities to protect his city from a powerful crime lord.

"The Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard - This fantasy novel follows the story of Mare Barrow, a young woman who discovers that she has special powers and becomes caught up in a dangerous battle for the throne.

"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab - This dark fantasy novel follows the story of a young woman named Addie who makes a deal with a god to escape death and becomes immortal, but at a great cost.

~~~
What ones would you like to read? They all look so good!

* Admin Gwynne here: Personally, I picked The Poppy War to read. My local library even has copies of the audiobook and ebook available, so I can choose the mode that works for me in the moment.

04/01/2023

Oh, hello, there!

Welcome!

This is the Library for Heroes and Villains and I am The Librarian.

Pardon the dust, we're still under construction, but soon, we'll have book recommendations and reviews for heroes and villains of all types!

Stayed tuned!

Rumor has it Maleficent is on her way ;)