I Let YOU BULLIES Pick Everything I Plan to Read in August of 2024 | TBR Update

[@SteveTalksBooks]

So glad to see The Darkness That Comes Before on your list. I'm finishing my re-read of the series with a group from our forum, there's so much I missed the first time. You'll definitely notice the Dune influences. It's like if McCarthy, Dune and LOTR had a horrific baby.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sounds great!

[@justiniswesleyandnotdavid3831]

I couldn't agree more with your assessment. Well said sir. I would also add Bakker's illusions to Dante's Inferno and Homer's Odyssey. With an unconscious influence of Melville's Moby-Dick.

[@SteveTalksBooks]

@@justiniswesleyandnotdavid3831 very true!

[@Josheatsbooks]

Dude Mike I legitimately yelled out loud "Yes! Fuck yes!" when I saw Bakker lol. Get ready for some word candy. Top 5 maybe even top 3 authors ever.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I hope it clicks for me! I feel like I'd be letting so many down if it don't.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Not that you need to do any homework to read The Prince of Nothing Trilogy, but it’s kind of cool to know that it’s closely modeled on the First Crusade. So far, I’m loving the second series within Second Apocalypse, Aspect Emperor, even more than Prince of Nothing. Happy reading, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Truly hoping to enjoy it so we can chat about it some.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@mikesbookreviews Sounds like a plan!

[@Johanna_reads]

Thanks for letting me bully you into reading The Darkness That Comes Before! 😂 You’ve often mentioned appreciating the theme in Dune about not trusting leaders. I think Bakker takes that theme to a whole new level in the Second Apocalypse series! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

[@mikesbookreviews]

About time, right?

[@williamgwynne]

I also need to pick up The Darkness That Comes Before! Happy reading for August :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@KalleVilenius]

Bakker is indeed the king. May he return to us one day.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Is he on hiatus?

[@TalonBray]

​@@mikesbookreviewsHe's on a hiatus to raise his kids (according to his brother on the old forum)

[@KalleVilenius]

@@mikesbookreviews There's a third series (No-God) within the Second Apoycalypse that he wants to write, but the Aspect-Emperor series ended in 2017 and there's no word on when this next one might be coming out. So we wait.

[@iWizard]

Wow, man. Black House sounds great! Also, you're going to love The Darkness that Comes Before. See my review if you want an explanation of the philosophy. I'm looking forward to seeing what you think about it. I'm finishing The Warrior Prophet (Prince of Nothing #2) today. Not sure I love it as much as the first book, but it's quite good. Cheers!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can’t wait!

[@andrewhanson405]

The Prince of Nothing is a great series and the follow-up Aspects-Emperor is even better. The Second Apocalypse has a great fusion of horror and fantasy that I think you will vibe with. The Darkness that Comes Before is probably the least plot focus of the seven books but things start to come together by the end of the book and then the series takes off during The Warrior Prophet.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’ll keep that in mind!

[@conorsowersby1274]

OMG OMG OMG! It’s happening. Bakker. I hope you love it bro!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Same!

[@MacScarfield]

Just read «The Darkness That Comes Before» (The Prince of Nothing # 1) last month, and I am currently reading «The Warrior Prophet» (The Prince of Nothing #2): Grim stuff, but fun to catch references to the Crusades, the Silmarillion, Elric of Melnibone (& other Michael Moorcock heroes) & Dune, plus it should definitely suit horror fan: The unholy lovechild of Lovecraft and Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser”! I also have «Tiamat's Wrath» (The Expanse, #8) by James S.A. Corey (Space opera) left on my July TBR. Cheers!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sounds intense

[@e.matthews]

Excited to hear your thoughts on Prince of Nothing. Expectations being too high is a real issue, and you might not feel it until book two. But you will see the influences and how he plays with them, and I think that alone will be joyful. 🙂

[@mikesbookreviews]

I plan to be patient with it.

[@bethconfer8099]

Interested in The Prince of Nothing!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

All aboard.

[@lucasyoung51]

I foresee a reading slump coming. I started Battlestar Galactica for the first time yesterday and can’t stop watching!

[@mikesbookreviews]

So Say We All.

[@joshuahb536]

Just wanted to say thanks Mike for always making such consistently enjoyable content week after week. I no longer watch youtube, like at all. But I watch every single video you put out. Unless it’s a book review, I save those for when I’ve finished said book haha

[@mikesbookreviews]

I appreciate that!

[@Talking_Story]

What a list of monsters! I have Boys in the Valley coming up in September.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@alynam82]

I haven't read Bakker yet, but I've been collecting them on Kindle. I'll be bracing myself tho, because the expectations set really high... and we know what happens when THAT happens 😏

[@mikesbookreviews]

That’s a valid concern.

[@Chance.Dillon]

I am stoked to see your prince of nothing thoughts-I’ve been putting off getting into it but whenever somebody talks about it I get the same FOMO

[@mikesbookreviews]

FOMO is the worst.

[@allthekingsbooks]

The Prince of Nothing is a great series, I think I'll re-read it next year before jumping into Aspect-Emperor.

[@mikesbookreviews]

🤘

[@StoryGirl1128]

Every single time I watch a TBR video my pile of Want-To-Read books gets taller and taller! Looks like a fun August, Mike 😁 Enjoy

[@mikesbookreviews]

Will do!

[@Red21Viper]

Bakker. The Aspect Emperor of fantasy and more

[@mikesbookreviews]

So I keep hearing.

[@Alex-jo6rb]

Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh! My favourite thriller, you’ll read it in one sitting Mike! Courtroom thriller where strange things start happening in the court of a high-profile murder hearing

[@ladymairreads]

I just started the darkness that comes before ! So far so good

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent!

[@jefferyheileson7188]

If you are craving a Dresden-esque pallet cleanser, I'd highly rec'd the Alexander Southerland PI series by Douglas Lumsden. Also, I've read the first few chapters of Herald by Rob J Hayes and it's giving strong Gwynne vibes...I cannot put it down, so good!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Heard good things about that and Alex Verus.

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

Literally the Booktube version of fan service 😂 I hope Bakker works out for you!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sometimes you’re beaten into submission. But I do like to give the people what they want.

[@coryleekoch3659]

Dude, Malazan was somewhat difficult but so very worth it. I'll jump on PON reading with you no strings attached.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Would be awesome to have you along.

[@Lim_Jahey]

Boys in the valley was definitely a good read i enjoyed it very much 👌

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JAKandtheBookStack]

Wow I haven’t seen anyone read Black House on booktube before, I’m excited to see your review!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Should be fun!

[@BeardofDarkness]

Hearing that you’re starting Prince of Nothing is exciting, also, if you don’t like it that’s the beautiful part about subjectivity

[@mikesbookreviews]

Indeed

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

The only problem with watching other book tubers channels is that is only increases the tbr. Hope you have a great reading summer.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I know! Total bullies.

[@goewey27]

You need to try Christian Galacar - Gilchrist. The ending is so unique. Horror books never end like this. Super fast reads too. All his stuff is very good (even though he's only written a few things). It's free on kindle unlimited this month.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’ll look it up!

[@beanenator]

Everyone in the back do the wave we bullied him into getting on the Slog of Slogs. I think slowly Red might be the only dude that might have the pronunciations of Bakkers names right lol.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Mark is a scholar, for sure.

[@TalonBray]

THE SLOG OF SLOGS BOYS, A REAL CHOPPER!

[@dpeady78]

Boys in the Valley is an amazingly creepy story, I think you'll dig it

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope so!

[@Odysseus-sq7gu]

Could you make a video about all the books you haven't read by Stephen King yet?

[@mikesbookreviews]

I think I just may.

[@andreipetcu574]

Hey Mike! Don't beat yourself up over postponing finishing up Malazan. Myself I read the 10 books over the course of 2 years ( read 3 books, pause 6 months, rinse and repeat) and it was the perfect pacing for me, and one that I recommend to others as well :-) . Also, I had my eye on "Darkness that came before" for quite some time so I am really looking forward to your thought on it before picking it up myself. Wish you all the best, A.P.

[@Aust51989]

Mike you should try to get to Thriller Bark Arc in One Piece for October. It is Oda’s take on horror!

[@mikesbookreviews]

🤔

[@codyowens9137]

Don’t feel discouraged about Skypeia, I think it’s generally considered one of the weakest arcs mainly because of the first half, but once you meet the main villain it picks up a lot and has a very strong back-half.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah I’m hearing a lot of folks say they struggled at the same points.

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

R Scott Bakker's series is the ultimate grimdark saga. Extremely haunting.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hoping to love it

[@dpeady78]

@@mikesbookreviews the first two books were fantastic - I'm slowly making my way through The Thousandfold Thought - it makes my brain itch at times

[@justiniswesleyandnotdavid3831]

Bakker has usurped Abercrombie as the king of grimdark for me.

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

@@justiniswesleyandnotdavid3831 Michael Fletcher is also an amazing grimdark author if you haven’t checked him out yet. Manifest Delusions, The Obsidian Path and Norylska Groans are all top notch.

[@justiniswesleyandnotdavid3831]

@@nightmarishcompositions4536 yes, i have heard of him. Hes right next to Richard K. Morgan for new grimdark author's on my tbr.

[@user-kf1fh9og8m]

Hi Mike, I found your channel not too long ago by stumbling upon your top 10 books ever. I abandoned reading 3-4 years ago. Only occasional reading 1-2 books a year. But when I found your video, without exaggeration, you made my interest to reading alive. There are some books that i read because of your recommendations: 1. IT -Really liked the kids part and didn’t like the adult part, especially the final was ambiguous to me. 2. Lonesome Dove. I felt empty after reading this masterpiece. I also read the follow-up Streets of Laredo. That book was even more devastating. Excited to read prequel to meet once more Call and Gus. 3. The first law. Fantasy which definitely worth reading. Finished all books pretty quickly. Glokta is one of the best dark characters I have read. 4. Dune. Read the first three books. Without a doubt, one of the best books ever written. If I could recommend you a book, check Kite Runner. Don’t have any idea whether you like it or not cause book have some dirtiness that might be off-putting for some readers but for me it was quite educational. Thanks for everything you do. Your channel is unbelievably inspiring. Best wishes for the channel future growth and hi from Ukraine✌️

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m so happy to hear this!

[@velcrocee7886]

I’m still on the Malazan read along started on your channel. I take it slow and take breaks. Love the series

[@mikesbookreviews]

Keep hope alive!

[@evanhovey2554]

I shelved the final book of the dark tower…. 50 percent through. I just couldn’t stay engaged with it. Moved on the revival hopefully that is better. And also reading book 12 of the Walt longmire mystery series which is awesome! Just finished battleground and waiting the next new Dresden book!

[@IlsildusHeir]

Great video Mike! I am about to finish up Panther In The Sky (Hi-Fi) which has been incredible. Then I am picking up Warbreaker and then FireStarter. Happy page turning!

[@TheLongestTake]

I'm excited to hear your thoughts on Black House! The Talisman really really disappointed so I've been wondering whether I should continue

[@MichaelRSchultheiss]

*YES!* You're reading *The Darkness That Comes Before!* Those are my favorite books by my favorite author. Looking forward to your thoughts!

[@MichaelRSchultheiss]

I'm currently re-reading The Thousandfold Thought. It's absolutely superb

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can't wait!

[@esmayrosalyne]

So bullying does work after all, brilliant! Haha, I hope these books live up to the hype for you, can't wait to hear your thoughts! Happy reading ;)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Bullying with positivity is way more effective, for sure.

[@tordawg69]

I’m working on Dragonbone Chair, then I was planning on Edgerunner. But I saw The Darkness That Comes Before at a used book store for like $7 in pretty good condition so I had to pick it up, and now I might want to join the read along, might help me enjoy the videos coming out next month.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Let’s go!

[@stevenstewart782]

I recently picked up a copy of the darkness comes before Not sure if I'll get to it in august or not cause it looks like a pretty big chunker But definitelyWant to read it soon

[@mikesbookreviews]

It certainly looks to be a commitment.

[@rise.dmonkey8001]

I totally get it. Been reading mangas my all life (im in my 30) but had read OP a lot later (wano arc was currrent when i start) i too had my ups and downs with the beginning but this is just the beginning. Its a huge story and at that point Its not easy to tell what the mangaka is actually doing and building. But then you will😊 🎉 also its absurb and silly but that the trick we are going deeper and toward massive goals.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have faith Oda will get me there.

[@simonedwards9450]

I’m planing to read the Thrawn Books and Lonesome Dove series based on your recommendations :-)

[@mikesbookreviews]

YES!

[@kevinwalsh9704]

Hopefully going to finish the Daughters War before July ends. For August I picked up Rob J Hayes first of the God Eater books on whim and have really enjoyed the 10% I’ve read so far. I’ll prob get the two novellas and read those in August. Also finishing up with the Bound and Broken with Of War and Ruin as well as the Ice.

[@WordsinTime]

Will be interesting to see your reaction to The Mercy of Gods. I mostly liked The Expanse so I’ll pick up this new series if people speak highly of it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope it’s great

[@ellieb3930]

I've just finished an ARC and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very different to The Expanse.

[@JaketheMovieGeek]

You should read the Attack on Titan manga

[@mikesbookreviews]

Someday!

[@stjepanvaresevaccobets]

Princ of nothing is great book😊👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

So I’ve heard

[@BarrySteindel]

Starting Book five of the Expanse series. That of course happened based on you bullying me in your reviews. Glad I listened.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent!

[@aneilsekhon9330]

Hey Mike, I love your videos! For some good horror, try CJ Tudor. She's like an English female Stephen king!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’ll look her up!

[@TalonBray]

The Warrior-Prophet (Book 2 of The Second Apocalypse) is the greatest fantasy book I've ever read

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wow!

[@steelepartridge6954]

Waiting for House of Leaves to show up on one of these. Would love to hear your thoughts on it someday.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Fingers crossed!

[@jaycianfrini77]

Great pics! If you ever have the chance you should read The Callahan Chronicals by Spider Robinson. It’s a great series. Short and sweet books. Very well written. Sci-fi and funny as hell. Love the content. 🤘🤘🤘

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll check it out!

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

I hope you like Boys in the Valley. I enjoyed my time with it. As for Black House, I've tried to read this book twice, and even got halfway the second time. I don't know if I have it in me to try again. I hope you like it. I'll probably read The Darkness That Comes Before next month. I've been sitting on it for a while.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sometimes a book just isn’t for you. It happens to all of us.

[@KALtheHighstorm117]

I haven't read any of these yet, but they all sound amazing! Also, would you ever consider making another video on the Expanse? Maybe ranking the books?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Eventually!

[@jthespiceoflife]

I finished The SilverBlood Promise last month. Gonna get back to iron gold for now 😊

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@jthespiceoflife]

@@mikesbookreviews thank you! I started the series cause of you. I’m at chapter ten of IG. I am liking it a lot, not so much the change of POV cause I get a little confused at the beginning of a chapter however, that just makes me wanna get back to that particular story line.

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

Always enjoy listening to Mike talk about horror. Partly because it sounds like he's saying whore

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha true

[@michaelgionti9988]

Mike! I’m in a very similar boat as you regarding burnout on certain types of book. But I have started reading more than one book at a time to give myself built in breaks. I thought you used to do that. Do you not anymore? It really works!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m doing it right now with my fantasy and SF read.

[@michaelgionti9988]

@@mikesbookreviews forget me then, I guess I’m not as close a follower as I thought 😂 happy reading!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

I'm excited to see what you think about the new James SA Corey book. I'm finishing up Dagger & Coin by Abraham now and it's been great!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’ve heard good things.

[@zacherylong2411]

I just read “The Talisman” and I gotta say, it was a huge miss for me. I’m reading through the dark tower series and this was on the list as an important book to read for the multiverse..hopefully “Black House” will be better. “Boys in the Valley” was a top read for me last year

[@mikesbookreviews]

There are dozens of us. Dozens!

[@clairesayers7727]

I've been on a horror kick this month and I've just finished Boys in the Valley. I really enjoyed it , I look forward to hearing your thoughts 😊

[@mikesbookreviews]

Looking forward to it!

[@ptannous27]

If you something freaky and disturbing you should try Depraved by Bryan Smith. It’s like Texas chainsaw mixed with Hills Have Eyes.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sounds awesome

[@Marcus-id5ur]

Interested to see your take on Bakker. I just finished the first trilogy this month after about 10 years of starts and stops reading this. Missed opportunity in my opinion with moments of brilliance and obvious writing talent, but gets bogged down with horrible pacing.

[@MackTheDogg]

Currently reading Children of Time by Tchaikovsky and loving it. Gives me some of the same vibes as sun eater - you could even consider it the same universe!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you’re liking it!

[@jakobwetzel7065]

I will be reading Mercy of gods as well, Dune Messiah, this book is full of spiders, cold days and Deaths End. Lots of syfy this month!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Some great picks there

[@puzzlingread]

Were you bullied? Or encouraged enthusiastically? 😜

[@mikesbookreviews]

Suggested aggressively.

[@andrewlavigne44]

My vague memories of Talisman and Black House from almost two decades ago (!!!) are that I thought Talisman was solid but Black House was better. From reading Straub later Black House feels more like his type of book (high concept horror thriller, typically involving a killer of some sort but with weird twists). If you want Straub recommends I loved The Throat (technically Book 3 of a loosely connected trilogy called "Blue Rose," starting with Koko and Blue Rose), lost boy lost girl, Floating Dragon.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent!

[@toddwagner369]

Hope you start the Grey Bastards series soon.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s on the horizon

[@stephensmith8474]

I will be interested to hear about The Mercy of Gods. I read up through book 5 of The Expanse and then just never went back. I thought the writing was very good but for me the story deviated too far from what I was expecting or hoping.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Man. That’s a shame. But it’ll you didn’t like The Expanse by then it’s certainly not for you.

[@dianeknecht1859]

I just started Boys in the Valley

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@anthonym.7653]

As a big Stephen King fan, I never liked Talisman or Black House that much. And the few Straub books I read, never cared for those much either. So guessing there must be a connection, lol.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Collaborations are tough

[@akellerhouse83]

I've had Prince of Nothing on my radar for a long time. It sounds a little too dark for my taste, though. I'm not the biggest fan of grimdark. I'm so jealous of your ARC of The Mercy of the Gods! I pre-ordered a hardcover of it, so I should get it on release day.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Heard it’s beyond messed up.

[@Paromita_M]

Not a fan of either but I think Prince of Nothing is better than Malazan in terms of writing and storytelling. Hope you like the series a lot.

[@mikesbookreviews]

🤞

[@jacksonstensby4755]

Don't worry Mike, I slowed down with Skypiea as well. The setting was cool but I found it to be a bit of slog. I'm about halfway through OP now and the rest of the sagas have been incredible.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Good to know!

[@pluckpluck5343]

The Brain Eaters by Gary Brandner and By Reason Of Insanity By Shane Stevens.

[@PreppinShootinLivin]

YES! Bullying works!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Facts.

[@courtneyclarke654]

I started me re-read of stormlight archives in preparation for the 5th book. Also listening to empire of the damned by Jay Kristoff. I have about 15 hours left.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Fun!

[@mikeprince6685]

Speaking of uncomfortable horror, I read Off Season by Jack Ketchum last October.. it def did it’s job. I prob won’t be reading it again

[@mikesbookreviews]

Girl Next Door put me into a depression.

[@samofWinterfell]

A crow only makes me think of one thing in the multiverse. I might do some Sanderson, Crichton, and King in August. I wanna read the Talisman now. Warbreaker, and Timeline, and maybe On the Road

[@mikesbookreviews]

The Man in Black fled across the desert…

[@samofWinterfell]

@@mikesbookreviews that’s right

[@xxslyderhandsxx9872]

Just started Red Sky Mourning by Jack Carr, it’s his 7th book in his Terminal List Series. Fantastic books by the way.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Have heard amazing things.

[@kingzzz6509]

For August the only thing that I’m certain I will be tackling is A Time of Courage by John Gwynne. I might read The Stone of Farewell and possibly The Fires of Heaven, but that’ll all depend on how long A Time of Courage takes. I’m currently reading The Dragonbone Chair and loving it. I’m at the 71% mark and I can’t wait to see what happens. I have a feeling that if this series continues at this level it’ll definitely be a Top 10.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Outstanding pick.

[@Thaurnol]

i will be watching in a minute, but even before i do, get to Siege of Darkness on the Drizzt series - it's the most epic of them all

[@mikesbookreviews]

⚔️

[@lesliepowell-mccarty7067]

I would love for you to read and review Lost Man's Lane by Scott Carson. Also, Boys in the Valley is great! ✌️😎

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’ll keep it in mind!

[@IanPatton]

Looking forward to your review of Black House :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

🤞

[@IanPatton]

@@mikesbookreviews Cheers, but I'm still going to bug your ass about reading Sandman Slim. :)

[@dannys8493]

Still not finished John dies at the end. I read so slowly these days.

[@safinan8008]

Enjoy ur reads!! 😊

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thank you! You too!

[@alassesinda]

I would highly recommend the Watch Series by Sergei Lukyanenko.

[@Link-we8so]

I didn't like the talisman either. But I did like black house.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Encouraging!

[@Aluminatihusker]

Love the title to this video 😂 Those big meanies!

[@mikesbookreviews]

They’re the worst.

[@Aluminatihusker]

@@mikesbookreviews 😆

[@angussinclair1344]

When you getting back on Discworld?!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Probsbly this fall.

[@ericatenney2351]

I didn't really like the talisman either. And I love stephen king.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, I was surprised.

[@DW221090]

Honestly Skypeia is one of my least favorite arcs. I think that's generally the case with the one piece crowd, so I'm not sure where you've heard otherwise.

[@SethPlato01]

When the real Slim Shady stand up... we will know

[@robmccoy5207]

The Wandering Inn episodic web novel

[@mikesbookreviews]

Huge read along on my Discord for that one.

[@robmccoy5207]

​@@mikesbookreviewsJust joined that read-along after you told me about it.

[@jellevanbreugel325]

THRAXAS!!!!!!!!!! 😎😎😎

[@arthurweise2573]

Picked up the first OP but didn't do it for me even though I did like the Netflix series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s certainly not for everyone.

[@arthurweise2573]

@mikesbookreviews just a personal comment, thanks for sharing 👍