July Reading Wrap up/August Preview

[@carlosocasio6322]

I just want to say that if I ever become wealthy, I will make sure to reward you for all the great books you've recommended. You have not missed yet.

[@Smitty1423]

Dude this is an incredible compliment thank you so much!

[@rjfootnews]

*when* you become wealthy 🤞🏻 speak it into existence

[@Smitty1423]

@@rjfootnews yeppp

[@timid_MAGpie]

Just want to give you props for mentioning the library. I hardly ever hear anyone talking about borrowing from their local library on booktube. I don’t get the obsession of buying so many books that many booktubers have. Keep the vids coming.

[@Smitty1423]

I love using the library! Literally the best thing ever

[@gigglingchicken8444]

Agreed! Ever since I was a kid, the library was always a place I felt at home. I am glad you love the library as well!

[@caitlinlucyhenderson8417]

Libraries are awesome!

[@rosesareread5032]

So many good recommendations! I feel like Name of the Wind is truly a character driven book disguised as a plot focused one. It’s really all about the character’s experience and ngl the part you DNF’d can be superrrr slow. Babel has the same character vibe so just consider that when you go into reading it! I feel like both have action, but the action isn’t the point of the book, if that makes sense. Love your channel!

[@natrosereads]

You saying "six out of five" so emphatically is one of my favorite things. You also explain why you loved particular books so well that I become instantly inclined to pick them up. Please keep the longer content videos coming!

[@Smitty1423]

@@natrosereads I got you!!!

[@bookmarcreads]

Glad you like Jade City. I just finished reading it last week and now I’m half way through Jade War. I am hooked!

[@Smitty1423]

I’ve heard the whole trilogy is amazing so I’m excited to add this to my 1000 series that I’m already in lol

[@jules.mp3]

yo I swear I couldn’t read for weeks after finishing Jade Legacy. It was so impactful that every other book just paled in comparison lol

[@chrisowenssff4876]

Michelle Yeoh is destined to be Ayt Mada in the upcoming TV series.

[@theangrylibrarian8158]

Great work giving some much needed love to libraries. Also, Scythe is a really cool read with some interesting concepts and commentary

[@Smitty1423]

Love the library and I’m looking forward to it!

[@danilosantos9567]

big fan from Brasil, trying to get a reading routine and your videos are definitely helping! keep the great work

[@Smitty1423]

Amazing! I gotta get to Brazil one of these days

[@rcoughy1977]

him talking about shadow of the gods had me chuckling. just finished it, glad i did because im loving the second book

[@kounsavanhnelson7642]

I'm really excited to hear your thoughts on Shadow of the Gods! It brought me back to fantasy.

[@Smitty1423]

Will let you know!

[@Lobsterbush15]

I follow you on TikTok and I like your videos man. Just letting you know whatever you're doing on KZbin is working bc you popped up on my KZbin home page. It was your first video you posted, not this one, but I figured you would see this more likely. You popped up and I didn't even know you were on KZbin. Just thought you'd wanna know you are really showing up on people's feeds. Subbed.

[@Smitty1423]

Yes this is something I def wanted to know! So cool thanks for letting me know! And welcome from TikTok!

[@Aspiringwriter77]

Hey Smitty, just wanted to say that I LOVE Scythe. Especially the first book is just amazing. Keep putting out great content!

[@Smitty1423]

Dopeee looking forward to it

[@manic_swens]

The Blade Itself is good, but the First Law series gets better and better as it goes on, so stick with it. The audiobook is definitely amazing, Pacey is one of the best narrators I've ever listen to.

[@Smitty1423]

I heard the audiobook was good!

[@stephaniesanders544]

I'll get plenty of reading done. I have my fourth hand surgery on the 14th for Rheumatoid Arthritis, yet another six weeks of being in a cast. Since I can't knit, I read! Mistborn is in on my TBR!

[@Smitty1423]

Hopefully you get better and hopefully you enjoy Mistborn!

[@Sthemingway]

You're gonna hit that 8,000 subscriber mark by Halloween. Duuude, the Green Bone Saga is sooo good! I read all three books last year because youtuber (Katherine Karas) praised them in so many videos, so I had to give them a shot. When I was done with the trilogy, I went back to the first chapter of Jade City because I needed to remind myself what it felt like to be introduced to some key characters for the first time... it was bittersweet. By the time you're maybe halfway through Jade War (whenever to get around to reading it), you're going to like some characters more than others and feel very protective and disappointed by certain decisions made... and you'll continue to become emotionally invested through Jade Legacy.

[@Smitty1423]

I’m excited for the rest of Green Bone for sure!

[@darren2880]

Totally agree with you on Suneater.. and I dnf’d name of the wind as well 😬

[@Smitty1423]

Sun Eater is so elite

[@darren2880]

@@Smitty1423 I always have a reading slump after a Sun Eater book which is a good, and bad thing lol

[@chrisowenssff4876]

@@Smitty1423 When I was in the bookstore today, I kept an eye out for this based on your recommendation, but unfortunately I didn't see on the shelves.

[@jimmccleery9394]

Great recommendations I really want to get to Jade City and Bable this year keep videos comin I’m still on Oathbringer, noice reads

[@Panagiotireads]

Just finished this phenomenal collection of fairy tales entitled 'Sillies, Fancies, and Trifles' - highly recommend to go along with the books here and its perfect for the season. Keep up the beautiful vids :)

[@Smitty1423]

Seems interesting and thanks!

[@itskcalb9152]

im excited to continue reading the sun eater series, your recs always hit for me. i'll also be reading the second book from the burning, which i remember you also said was good.

[@Smitty1423]

Yes Fires of Vengeance was absolutely insane!! Hope you enjoy

[@NicOfTime19]

So happy you enjoyed Jade City! I finished the series last year and all three books are amazing, definitely my favourite book series 💚

[@Smitty1423]

Can’t wait to get through the series!

[@saviourly3186]

I cannot abide you having Asoiaf out of order on your shelf, I was looking at it the entire video

[@Smitty1423]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I was wondering when someone was going to notice that

[@booktails]

I finished Rhythm of War in July! Soooo good. I cried like at least ten times in the second half.

[@Smitty1423]

Loving it so far

[@DrecoDaDonX]

I am loving your book recommendations..(and I am also gonna need the shameless plug on the t shirt)

[@Smitty1423]

Nice! And TikTok shop actually ha

[@ConnorBates-f5n]

Babel was awesome, but a painful read. Pick it up for sure!

[@CapnFishSticks.]

Another great video, appreciate you and your time making these friend. I wanna get into Sanderson but they are daunting looking. I’ve been on a Mark Lawrence binge lately. Safe travels to Japan, hope it’s amazing.

[@Smitty1423]

Yeah really excited for Japan and give Sanderson a try! Maybe start with Mistborn!

[@Soup.of.Mandrake]

Thanks for using the library! I started a relationship with my library this year and feel so stupid for not using it sooner.

[@Smitty1423]

Such a great resource!

[@pavlinaivanova4574]

The First Law is so good 🥲 I wish i could first read it again, amazing list! Excited for you!

[@Smitty1423]

Really looking forward to it!

[@minyinta2544]

I love your videos. They are so easy to watch and I love the suggestions. I read the gilded ones this month and like it 3/5. I plan to read Kings Cage and A crane among wolves. I'm also currently reading 48 Laws of power 1 day at a time because it too much to take in in one sitting

[@Smitty1423]

@@minyinta2544 appreciate this compliment but I also did the same thing with 48 laws of power. No more than 2 laws a day

[@readbykyle3082]

Demon in White is absolutely incredible! My favorite of the series so far, although the next ones are still fantastic. Audiobook for Name of the Wind is pretty good and was instrumental in me getting through it (reading WMF right now and its so much longer haha). So glad you loved Jade City!! I hope you love the next two. Green Bone is one of my favorite series as well. The ending of RoW is absolutely insane so if you're already loving it, I'm sure it'll hit well.

[@Smitty1423]

Demon in white is so insane and yeah I’m coming to the end of ROW and you are right.

[@jules.mp3]

The Shadow of the Gods is awesome. I think you’ll love it. I still need to read the sequel. Highly recommend reading Jade War in Japan!!! Trust me though… once you read book two, you’re gonna have to read Jade Legacy immediately afterward 😂

[@Smitty1423]

@@jules.mp3 Jade War in Japan does sound fire haha

[@robertolson6693]

Actually shocked you didn't finish Name of the Wind, I would've guessed that would've been up your alley. Excited for you to get in The Blade Itself, the Audiobook is unbelievable

[@Smitty1423]

Yeah I thought so too idk maybe wrong timing? I’m excited for the Blade itself tho!

[@robertolson6693]

@@Smitty1423 who knows! I first read it like 10 years ago, no idea how it would’ve landed now, I was brand new to the genre, so it was particularly inventive and beautiful to me then

[@elijahbrague1692]

First of all, Smitty, I think you’ve inspired me to start a BookTok account, so shoutout. And Orka, the FMC of SotG, lowkey has the same vibe as Misaki from Sword of Kaigen. The whole Scythe series is GAS. Just finished the 2nd one a couple weeks ago.

[@Smitty1423]

@@elijahbrague1692 that’s dope! Hope you keep up with booktok! And yeah really excited to dive into both books

[@NerdLevelRising]

Just randomly stumbled on your channel man, awesome stuff! I echo everything you said about Demon in White and I'm also reading Kingdoms of Death in August. And as a fellow huge anime fan, I'm very jealous of you going to Japan, enjoy the trip!

[@Smitty1423]

@@NerdLevelRising thanks! I’m really looking forward to Japan and kingdoms of death

[@Giom98]

Finished Demon in white, Morning star and Rhythm of war. Just started Rage of dragons, hoping it will continue this excellent book streak ive been on. As for First Law, while its dark and maybe depressing at times, its also really funny in its own way. The grey characters makes the world feel realistic, and the plot can twist in ways you never saw coming. Can vouch for the audiobooks being great

[@Smitty1423]

Damn you are really on a roll!

[@pepdawg18]

Awesome wrap up! Definitely do more in the future :)

[@Smitty1423]

I will!

[@readmorepls9131]

Hey man!! I found your channel only recently and have been absolutely loving your videos. My TBR list is growing from a lot of the stuff you recommend! I'm a little shocked you DNF'd Name of the Wind. I think sometimes after reading a book that just knocks it out of the park, it can be hard to go into... Anything! I would definitely try to read it again sometime to see if you like it more then. I've been working my way through Stephen King 's The Stand, and it's incredible. It's probably the biggest book I've ever tried to read so I'm taking my time and still loving it. Cheers!

[@Smitty1423]

So glad you stumbled upon my channel! And yeah I will probably pick back up Name of the Wind at some point it was right after Demon in White which was insane

[@ashleyfalconer3226]

For Name of the Wind I highly recommend getting the audiobook. I’ve read it 3 times and the first time I listened via audiobook. The narrator is fantastic and this is coming from someone who is very picky with narrators. Also, I don’t usually listen to fantasy books of anything with heavy world building because I find it hard to keep up, but that wasn’t an issue when listening to Name of the Wind. Check it out from your library or audible.

[@Smitty1423]

Ahh interesting yeah maybe I will do the audiobook when I do a reread

[@Chance.Dillon]

Babel is one of those I want to get to. Excited to hear your full thoughts so it can sneak up my TBR. Demon In White makes any reading month feel like you could DNF any book and feel like you still achieved happiness. Joe Abercrombie is unique as an author. His characters do his witting and it’s an experience. Awesome recap

[@Smitty1423]

Thanks! Excited to get into Abercrombies work

[@shadowoflugia]

Honestly the way you describe the Sun Eater series as the main character navigating around the universe looking for his purpose sounds mundane, but I feel like that’s totally my thing and it makes me want to read it even more!

[@verdonverdes1931]

I dont share your taste often, I noticed that in your Top 5 Videos. But I really like your video style and voice. Its perfect for trying to fall asleep. Last kind of video before going to sleep! Greetings from germany!

[@Smitty1423]

Hello to Germany! And that’s dope what’s your favorite books then?

[@lisamiller8078]

Shout out to the library!! John Gwynne is my favorite fantasy author so i hope you love Shadow of the Gods! Have a great vacation!

[@Smitty1423]

Library is really the goat

[@OverlyAverageBen]

My July was completely made by The Spear Cuts Through Water! Reaper's Gale (Malazan Book 7) was also a highlight, as well as The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey! So glad you loved Jade City! I read that trilogy a couple of years ago and remains in my top series list. Also, Abercrombieeeee! Perfect writing and so funny. The first one is plotless really, just vibes, but the series just grows and grows!

[@Smitty1423]

Spearrrrr! Such a great read!

[@bugtrapper]

DNF name of the wind is crazy but I respect it haha. I've DNF'd books with the intention of going back to them, sometimes you're just not in the right headspace.

[@Smitty1423]

@@bugtrapper yeah I know haha but at least I was honest. But totally agree on the headspace part which is why it’s a soft dnf I’ll def pick it back up

[@patrickvose2536]

Name of the wind wasn’t my thing either. My wife loved it though

[@macgal74]

@@patrickvose2536 So glad, i thought i was the only one that dnf'd this book.....TWICE :D All my friends loved it!

[@shadowoflugia]

I remember all the people praising the Name of the Wind in the 2010s (including me), and I’ve also seen a lot of people DNFing the Name of the Wind in the 2020s. I haven’t read it since like 2013, so I have no idea if I’d still love it today, or if I read it for the first time today whether I’d love it as much as I did then.

[@patrickvose2536]

@@macgal74 yeah I kept thinking I was missing something but just wasn’t for me. I honestly don’t get it lol

[@pattypage6723]

Howdy. Reading and listening to First Blade now. Waiting in second sun eater book. Have one and three. Started book one excellent so far. Excellent choices. Enjoy Tokyo!! Went there several times for my job. Excellent subway and train systems. Adventures await❤📚👍👍

[@Smitty1423]

@@pattypage6723 I’m really looking forward to Tokyo! And Sun eater goes crazyyyy

[@kevinwalsh9704]

Just to get your expectations for the Blade Itself with obviously no spoilers (as first law is my favorite series): this first book is a lot of set up. Enjoy the ride, enjoy the wonderful, biting writing, enjoy the characters……but if you’re looking for a big bad or a definitive end goal, that’s later books. Again love this series but I’ve recommend it to a couple people who dropped it after book 1 bc it doesn’t have your typical fantasy story structure.

[@Smitty1423]

Thanks for this Kevin and I’m down for the ride!

[@grabsgranite3188]

This is my experience as I’m reading it currently. I’m glad I did a little research (while avoiding spoilers) as I probably would have DNF’d this at 35-40%. At 60%, I’m invested in two of the characters (but not the one everyone else seems to love). Knowing this book is set-up helped me out a ton, and will lead to me reading at least the first two...but once I read two I might as well finish them all. It’s a vicious trap.

[@chrisowenssff4876]

Say one thing for Smitty1423, say he's in for a treat.

[@Smitty1423]

@@chrisowenssff4876 ready for it!

[@relativehero]

i am so excited to see your thoughts on abercrombie.

[@Smitty1423]

Will let you know!

[@ahyokawolf7207]

Have a good trip! Last month was a little wild for reading, but this month I'm finishing up Mirrored Heavens (third book in Between Earth and Sky trilogy), and hoping to read some more books that seem to suit the ending of summer, like Jurassic Park, Malice by John Gwyne, The Spear Cuts Through Water, and The Handmaids Tale. Audiobooks I got Project Hail Mary and Age of War to get through.

[@Smitty1423]

You got a great list ahead of you! And thanks I’m really looking forward to it

[@EatWithBadlands]

Just read “The Blade Itself” and “Before they are Hanged” last month. Definitely worth trying out and the series has a different feel than any other series I’ve read. Prolly doesn’t crack my top 5 all time but is very good!

[@Smitty1423]

I’m on it!

[@vidoYTshorts]

Bro these video are great may god bless you for the content you give on this channel 🙏

[@Smitty1423]

Appreciate this compliment!

[@vidoYTshorts]

Also more movies reviews I would love to watch that ​@@Smitty1423

[@angelamccollister]

RoW is my second favorite Stormlight book after WoR. I'm a science geek, so I really like how Brandon started making it sci-fantasy. Lol

[@Smitty1423]

Yeah this one crosses a lot into sci-fi for sure

[@andrewlavigne44]

As someone who just missed Animorphs as a big cultural thing I've been reading them as palate cleansers and man some of the heavier stuff they start getting into in books 5 and 6 are surprising. I knew it's supposed to be like a war narrative and eventually might have character death but for books meant for 8-12 year olds they aren't afraid to have a battle scene with human hosts losing limbs or do some body horror. Not remotely heavy compared to an adult book, but I've appreciated how I can blast through one in a few hours but still get some emotional stuff or character work. I kind of needed it after finishing the ARC for Navigator's Children by Tad Williams, which is the last in his sequel quartet to Memory, Sorrow and Thorn called the Last King of Osten Ard. It was incredible but as the close to the last 7 years and technically to stuff in the original trilogy it being over really hit. You're not the only one to DNF Name of the Wind. I DNFed it back in 2010 at 200 pages in despite liking it, telling myself I should just wait for the third book to be announced which would definitely be in a year or two hahaha.

[@Smitty1423]

@@andrewlavigne44 will have to look into and funny about the name of the wind haha

[@LaceyGrace-k8w]

I just finished thhe 2nd book in the 1st Law Trilogy and absolutely loving this series and can't wait tomread the 3rd book! There is definitely a lot more action in the 2nd book as the 1st book is a set up book for all the characters and the world.

[@Smitty1423]

I’ve heard book one is a set up and I’m down for it!

[@chrisgoods]

I read Name of the Wind many years ago now, I loved it at the time... I'm just about finished Howling Dark, crap's just hit the fan... excited to see where this goes. I can't put down Suneater, gonna read them all one after another and I usually like to take breaks between every 2 books or so.

[@Smitty1423]

Dude I kinda wish I read them all through but I had other books to get to but I will get through them

[@readerbydesign]

I’m reading Jade City with your club so excited!!

[@Smitty1423]

Nice! We are def having fun with it

[@bigben7818]

The First Law is definitely a series that feels like “one story” that has to be read all the way through. However, there are twists hidden in plain sight since the first book that come back in later books

[@Smitty1423]

Looking forward to it!

[@hectorg188]

You really put me into reading and I wanna thank you so much

[@Smitty1423]

@@hectorg188 you’re so welcome! So glad this happened

[@natehickson8754]

I read scythe a while back and I remember it being really good I’m excited to see your opinion on it

[@Smitty1423]

Can’t wait for it!

[@grabsgranite3188]

I hear so many conflicting opinions on Jade City I’ve been hesitant to pick it up. I’ll give it a go at some point. Currently, I’m reading The Blade Itself (about 50% thru), and I'm now really excited to hear your thoughts on it! I plan to check out Terry Prachett’s Disc World next. I needed to take a little break before jumping into Rhythm of War, but that’s my next “must” read on my list. Great video!

[@Smitty1423]

Thanks! And yeah give Jade City a try and see. I’m interested in Disc World as well!

[@kal1282]

Love the inclusion of other media! If you haven't watched it yet, Scavengers Rein sounds like it would be right up your alley. Sounds like I'm not the only one, but I recently started the Sun Eater series because of your praise for it. Appreciate it!

[@Smitty1423]

Ahh love Sun Eater so much and dope yeah gonna start including other medias in the recaps for sure

[@bookauri]

My July was trying to make progress on the 5 million series I've accidentally started lol. August I'm gonna try some high-concept/old-school stand alone sci-fi (The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut and Grass by Sheri. Tepper) AND funny enough I'm half way through The Blade Itself! Keen to hear your thoughts. Also, I really enjoyed Scythe series (second book was my fave).

[@Smitty1423]

Soooo many series hahaha

[@felder1122]

great video my guy 🙏🏽 i hope you enjoy your next reads. i’ll be starting my cosmere journey next month right after howling dark, the wall of storms (ken liu) and golden son. andddd i’m with you in hoping HOTD wraps this season up with a bang because the dragons are carrying the show at the moment 😂

[@Smitty1423]

Lmao yeah we need something this last episode of HOTD!

[@dramaticom5972]

based on your rec I prioritized misborn final empire and finished it today and it did not disappoint. Demon in white is still my number 1 read this year so I am waiting to be a physical hardcover in daw's restock this month. kingdoms of death after DIW I read in six days it is still amazing

[@Smitty1423]

@@dramaticom5972 ahh so glad you enjoyed Mistborn!! And yeah hard to top Demon in White

[@Chronatoss]

Bit of a reading tip for Japan, you’ll rarely find a seat on a train (especially in Tokyo) so if you can get access to the E-Books of your TBR on a phone/kindle that you could read on standing up I’d recommend that. I ended up reading Manga on my phone last month because I didn’t have any opportunities to read books on the train.

[@Smitty1423]

Ahh such a great tip thanks!

[@Chronatoss]

@@Smitty1423 no worries, enjoy your trip!

[@jasong4681]

What's up Smitty, good to see you on KZbin man! You're the reason I picked up the Stormlight Archives series, and me and my girl sped through the first 3 books. I'm halfway through Oathbringer, she's on RoW, but we're both so hyped for Wind and Truth later this year. Love the recommendations!!

[@Smitty1423]

Wind and Truth is going to do crazy numbers but that’s dope you and your girl are in the series together!

[@Shredder489]

That’s where I’m at in ROW. Part 3, every time I get a section of a stormlight book without Shallan, it’s a 5 ⭐️ for me.

[@Smitty1423]

😭😭😭 yeah sometimes those 3 get annoying lol

[@caitlinlucyhenderson8417]

Your perspective of DFNs is interesting, pretty different than mine. I’m someone who DNFs easily, so DNFing a couple things in a row is less of a big deal to me. In fact, sometimes I’ll borrow several books I have low expectations for from the library at once, to read back to back, just to see if any surprise me.

[@Smitty1423]

Yeah I’ll give it a good go because you never know

[@forevermoodreading]

Love your shirt! 😍

[@Smitty1423]

@@forevermoodreading thank you!

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

That's a pretty awesome list. Unfortunate about Name of the Wind. I'd say pick it back up whenever next you're in the mood for a slow read. Hopefully Joe works out for you - the guy writes some of the best fantasy around. Have fun in Tokyo!

[@Smitty1423]

@@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels thanks so much! And yeah I’ll def pick it back up and that’s a good idea

[@levilogstrom8534]

You’ll love Jade War if you liked Jade City! I thought it was even better than the first. Also I see you in the Griffey shirt! Seattleites represent 💯

[@Smitty1423]

Griffey was a monster! And yeah I’m all in on the green bone saga

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Dude hope you love Shadow of the Gods! We’re John Gwynne’s sons and are buzzing to hear what you think of it 🐉 Ed

[@Smitty1423]

Oh no way! That’s dope and yeah I’m excited to get into it for sure

[@andrewgarcia2018]

August TBR hopefuls: The Great Alone, Piranesi, Golden Son for sure... Then 1-2 of a group: Vicious, The Sword of Kaigen, Authority, Half a King, The House in the Cerulean Sea

[@Smitty1423]

Looks like a great August!

[@clairesayers7727]

It's a shame you dnf'd Name of the Wind it's one of my favourites. Not everything is for everyone tho ,I get that . I dnf'd Babel and Poppy War 2 books in, I've just accepted that RF kuang isn't for me . I'm glad you are picking up Abercrombie tho, love all his books , some of the standalone books are amazing ! Jade City is on my list for this month and I'm going to start my Stormlight journey finally once I finish Chain Gang Allstars . Hope you enjoy your trip! 😊

[@Smitty1423]

Thanks! And yeah maybe I’ll pick back up Name of the Wind at some point

[@zackperine1628]

just finished the second book in the first law series and I am loving them so much

[@Smitty1423]

That’s a good sign!

[@B2000-u8u]

My guy Smitty!! You got me into the Sun eater series man, and thank you so much cus this shi is gasss🫡

[@Smitty1423]

So damn gassssss

[@diogutierrz]

I’m reading Shadow of the Gods in August as well and I’m PUMPED.

[@diogutierrz]

I don’t know much about Scythe but the blurb sounds interesting as hell

[@Smitty1423]

That’s amazing!

[@GabrielDiaz-ty2hw]

you got me into mistborn as a first time fantasy reader bro & it was so good, s/o Kelsier one of the goats fr

[@Smitty1423]

He’s such a real one and that’s amazing hope you enjoy more fantasy!

[@LibrariesandLattes]

Totally fair about Name of the Wind! I really enjoyed it in the end but it took me like 4 years to finish because I put it down about halfway in and forgot about it for a while... The audiobook was really good so maybe try that if you pick it up again. Can’t wait to try out Jade City, so glad you loved it! Scythe is on my TBR too, who knows when I’ll get to it though, haha. I read 11 books in July, and I don’t even know how I did that 😳😂 For August I’m hoping to read Parable of the Talents, The Song of Achilles, Oathbringer, Remarkably Bright Creatures, Pachinko, and Stone Blind!

[@Smitty1423]

You had a great month and looks like you’re going to have a great August as well! And yeah I’ll pick Name of the Wind back up at some point hopefully

[@Sir_Chops_O_Lot]

I DNF’d Name of the Wind probably 3 times before finishing it and then immediately Wise Man’s Fear. Really like them now but I cannot do the novellas. I have DNF’d those a few times each and haven’t finished. Last month I finished Dark Age on audio and read The Brothers Hawthorne. That one is way different than the rest of my list but my wife and I read the first one together, it’s a fast paced YA mystery. I have used a few of the books from that series as slump busters because they go so quick. I just started Empire of Silence and am falling into it really fast. Really excited to get more into that. While reading that I am doing the audio book for Light Bringer.

[@Smitty1423]

Ahh so glad you are digging Empire of Silence! And that’s dope

[@whitloving1381]

Yo man just wanted to say you got me back into reading again this past week, already finished project hail mary no midway thru empire if silence some bangers!!

[@Smitty1423]

Ahh let’s gooo so fire

[@gemgerm]

Hurrying up to finish a large book before travel was a very real struggle for me until I switched my reading to kindles lol.

[@Smitty1423]

🔥🔥🔥

[@samkeith934]

Loved this video

[@magnusdolan1677]

keep making videos bro! You have got some obvious passion for this.

[@Smitty1423]

I appreciate this! I love talking about books

[@Kaibrary]

Last year I read my first ever full book series PJO, in anticipation for the show. After I finished it I went on to HoO, and after the third book I kinda got worn out of percy and the gang, so I fell into my first ever reading slump. Unless you count the first 17 years of my life.😂 But last week I finally got a new book after about 9ish months of not reading a thing. That book being Malice by John Gwynne. Now I can confirm Im out of my reading slump. I was staying up way to late reading that book, just so invested in the characters and the story that was being told infront of my eyes. So much so that right after I finished it I had to order the other 3 books. But basically what I'm trying to say, is you should add it to your never ending TBR, and check out Malice by John Gwynne. 9:29 I see you already have John Gwynne on here.(Sry for the essay😅)

[@Smitty1423]

No worries thanks for taking the time to write this and I will add it!

[@brandoncotton5714]

On you recommendation I picked up The Rage of Dragons. It was easily the best book I’ve read this year!

[@Smitty1423]

Like how insane was that book?!? So good are you going to read the sequel?

[@brandoncotton5714]

@@Smitty1423I’m reading another book first. My backlog is insane. Currently reading The Hollow King. Once I’m done with that I will grab The Fires of Vengeance. And honestly even as I’m reading the one book all I can think about is Tau and the gang!

[@thatsci-firogue]

That's fair regarding Name of the Wind. I enjoy it but it is borderline Cosy Fantasy for most of it. I haven't gotten to Jade City yet, I'm not normally into organised crime / crime family stories but never say never. I adore First Law, easily a Top 5 Fantasy series for me, also, incredibly funny series. I mostly stuck to reading comics in July, just needed a change of pace and I just missed reading comics, especially Image Comics. I read: *Comics* Invincible Volume 1 Written by Robert Kirkman | Art by Cory Walker - I used to be a HUGE Walking Dead fan but as a kid and teenager I always preferred what I had read of Invincible. Jupiter's Legacy Volumes 1 & 2 Written by Mark Millar | Art by Wilfredo Torres - A lot of modern Millar reads like a film pitch but not this. It's mature but not as edgy as a lot of his creator-owned superhero stuff tends to be. Kick-Ass Volume 1 (re-read) Written by Mark Millar | Art by John Romita JR - A bit of a miss for me on re-read. JRJR's art is already an acquired taste but just doesn't do it for me anymore. Nailbiter Volume 1 (re-read) Written by Joshua Williamson | Art by Mike Henderson - I dunno what I was doing when I originally read this because I will definitely be trying to get to the next volume sooner than later. Saga Volume 1 (re-read) Written by Brian K Vaughan | Art by Fiona Staples - My favourite ongoing comic and I am YEARS behind 😅 Scott Pilgrim Volumes 1 - 2 (re-read) Written & Drawn By Bryan Lee O'Malley Sin City 1: The Hard Goodbye (re-read) Written & Drawn By Frank Miller - Visually speaking, Sin City is a treat. The use of negative space, shadows and caricature is breathtaking, I'm surprised how well this translated to film. The depictions of women is questionable tho. The Boys Volume 1 (re-read) Written by Garth Ennis | Art by Darick Robertson *Historical-Fantasy* The Last Light of the Sun / Guy Gavriel Kay - Underrated. Carried over from June. *Thriller* Winter of Frankie Machine / Don Winslow - Looking forward to reading more Winslow! Carried over from June I'm currently in the middle of too many books 😅: *Grimdark Fantasy* Aspect-Emperor 2: White-luck Warrior (re-read) - As mind blowing as Bakker was on first read, the re-reads (so far) have been twice as impactful. The Blood Meridian inspiration is very prominent, and I like what Bakker does with it infinity better NGL. My priority read atm. *Historical-Fantasy* A Song for Arbonne / Guy Gavriel Kay *Sci-Fi* Cloud Atlas / David Mitchell - I'm not wild about the short story approach in SFF so I've been taking my time with it but so far it's gotten much better. Just finished the 4th story so I'm gonna put a temporary pause and read something else, preferably also Sci-Fi. *Western* Streets of Laredo / Larry McMurtry - It's great to be back with some of the Lonesome Dove crew.

[@Smitty1423]

Damn you weee busy! Might have to take a few of these recs

[@janetgriffin7779]

My July reading was terrible because I only finished one book. However, the book I read was great. It’s called Martyr! and was a five-star read for me. Currently reading: Night Flyer by Tiya Miles, Hombrecito by Santiago Jose Sanchez and The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fannone Jeffers. After I plan to read the Bitter Root graphic novel series, Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney and James by Percival Everett. Have a fantastic time in Japan!!

[@Smitty1423]

Thanks! And sometimes one book is just enough for the month tho! You’ll make it up

[@heiditwist4726]

I highly recommend going to the Gyoen National Garden in Shinjuku. It is gorgeous and so incredibly peaceful! Tokyo is an amazing city

[@Smitty1423]

Thanks for the Tokyo rec!

[@joeylyons6812]

RoW my favorite Stormlight book so far.. I know I’m prolly the only person with that take but I’ll stand by it. Navani’s story is super compelling for me and Kaladins arc through the book is top 2 not 2 (which is saying a lot considering how insanely good his development is in every other one).

[@Smitty1423]

Yeah idk why everyone is hating on it, so far half way through I’m really enjoying it

[@JillyMae89]

Interested to hear what you think of The Blade Itself...I had never read grim dark before that and I have mixed feelings lol

[@Smitty1423]

Will let you know!!

[@dylcor]

that Griffey shirt is fiiiiire

[@Smitty1423]

Appreciate it!!

[@Mose-e5e]

Awesome stuff

[@Smitty1423]

Thank you!

[@christopherdillard1]

July I read the Age of Madness trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. Depending on how you feel about The Blade Itself, I recommend anything by Joe Abercrombie. Up next in August right now is the The Hunger of the Gods(sequel to Shadow of the Gods) by John Gwynne and The Mercy of the Gods by James Corey(who wrote the Leviathan Wakes/Expanse series).

[@Smitty1423]

You got a great month ahead of you and thanks for the rec!

[@A-Jams]

I’m so sad you don’t mess with the bear season 3. I have 2 episodes left but I absolutely love it, yes it’s not season 1 or 2 but it’s a much needed calmer season. From a technical standpoint nothing is lost to me

[@Smitty1423]

Yea maybe I’ll power through the next few episodes and change my mind? Idk we shall see!

[@FacelessMage117]

I may be biased, Wise Man’s Fear (Book 2 of Kingkiller Chronices) is my favorite book of all time so far, but my wife didn’t care for Name of the Wind the way I do, and that’s fine. But I would suggest maybe trying the audiobook, Nick Podehl is a genius narrator. I can definitely see how you need to be in the right headspace for certain books and I genuinely hope you give it another chance later.

[@emmajean2698]

In July I’ve read up to heir of fire (4th book) in the Throne of Glass series. I read 6 other books that I really can’t remember right now because I’m full into throne of glass. My august will be spent in that world, but knowing me I will finish those in 2 weeks. After that my life will mean nothing so I don’t know what I will start.

[@emmajean2698]

I will say that it’s hard for me to read fantasy if it doesn’t have romance unless it’s REAL GOOD. I have yet to jump into sci fi other than Dark Matter….

[@johnv3788]

You DNF'd the Name of the Wind? It is one of my all time favorites!!! Oh well, hope you can pick it up again in the future! I DNF'd Jade city with about 50 pages left, I was bored to tears and disliked every character and the story was just so boring. It is crazy how different books can hit people!

[@Smitty1423]

@@johnv3788 it is crazy how books do hit different for other people!

[@mattcrumbley6923]

Bro I’m telling you. Buckle the hell up for First Law. Abercrombie is unmatched

[@Smitty1423]

Ready for it!

[@IanTerronesReads]

Congrats on 7k!

[@Smitty1423]

Thank you so much!

[@anangryscorpion5838]

I adore the bear season one and two, I agree though, season three just didn't work nearly as well. I didn't even make it past episode three before I stopped watching, will probably go back and finish it at a later date since I love the first two seasons so much, very disappointed with season three though so far.

[@Smitty1423]

Yeah I’ll try to finish it but not too happy so far

[@mbranche4234]

Hey Smitty... New Subbie here 👋🏾👋🏾.. I just finished When the Moon Hatched and will finish the Devabad series with City of Copper and Silver River in August. You may want to watch Those not Afraid to Die...it is a great tv series! The actor who played Ramsey Bolton on GOT is a main character and he kills it!!!!

[@Smitty1423]

Hey there! And thank you for these recs! Ramsey Bolton was the worst(good tho) in GOT so I’ll def look into it

[@kiwannabrown6523]

Loved scythe

[@Smitty1423]

Looking forward to it

[@cheddarzuniga8418]

When you read The Blade Itself you must MUST MUST listen to the audiobook. It is slow and lacks a little bit plot but the characters themselves make up for every fault it has

[@Smitty1423]

I will!