vivdunstan

On to the next audio, and it's another one where Benny's off to another planet, to investigate a curious archaeological thing. In this case she's asked to look for the remains of a local warlord who's key to the local religion.

On plus after the recent run there were no scenes of torture. In fact it's a rather light audio, albeit with some scary scenes. The monks that Benny encounters are a curious bunch, and there turns out to be a reason for that. And what she discovers in the wreckage of a spaceship is not exactly what they expected ...

The best bit about the audio is Benny's quasi companion Keri, an old friend of hers, an almost mouse-like alien, who is there to record Benny's discoveries and broadcast them to viewers across space, using highly amusing roaming cameras. Keri is full of character, and very well played by guest star Jane Goddard (incidentally the wife of TV episode "Dalek"'s writer Rob Shearman). And their rapport, which does evolve too, is a delight to listen to.

So a rather light audio, not outstanding, but entertaining enough. And hey, no signs of torture.

The next audio looks like an important one. Looking forward to that.

Finished loads more books, and just wrapped up my 50th book of the year. I'd set a very modest Goodreads reading goal of 25 books this year. I knew I was intending to read a lot of lengthy books. But I've more than doubled it.

Among the new books, Steeple Chasing was a fun glimpse into church architecture, history and people. Though probably overlong. It did feel like a slog after a while.

Of course I reread Roger Zelazny's Halloween delight! And enjoyed it as much as every year.

Clanlands, by two Outlander actors (one also a hobbit) was fun, and often really insightful into Scottish history. But overly blokey for me.

Mario's Butt was an entertaining perspective on video game characters and design. Though an easier read for those games I was familiar with, having played myself, or watched Martin play.

The Insomniacs After School manga series continues to be enchanting. I already have the next two volumes in hand, ready to continue reading.

Travis Baldree's followup (well more a prequel) to Legends & Lattes was fun, but didn't quite hit the high spots of his earlier book. But a charming fantasy setting, with added bookshop content.

( earlier books... )
1. Steeple Chasing: Around Britain by Church by Peter Ross
2. A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny
3. Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish
4. Things I Learned from Mario's Butt by Laura Kate Dale
5. Insomniacs After School (manga) volume 4 by Makoto Ojiro
6. Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree