This month looks about tragic in terms of available time, but since I have challenged myself to read at least three new books every month (not related to work or research, of course), here we go.
Contagious by Scott Sigler. This is instalment #2 of the trilogy I’ve started last month (I have reviewed the first here), and, so far, this second book is keeping up with the first and even raising the stakes further (if possible). “Across America, a mysterious pathogen transforms ordinary people into raging killers, psychopaths driven by a terrifying, alien agenda. The human race fights back, yet after every battle the disease responds, adapts, using sophisticated strategies and brilliant ruses to fool its pursuers. The only possible explanation: the epidemic is driven not by evolution but by some malevolent intelligence. Standing against this unimaginable threat is a small group, assembled under the strictest secrecy. Their best weapon is hulking former football star Perry Dawsey, left psychologically shattered by his own struggles with this terrible enemy, who possesses an unexplainable ability to locate the disease’s hosts. Violent and unpredictable, Perry is both the nation’s best hope and a terrifying liability. Hardened CIA veteran Dew Phillips must somehow forge a connection with him if they’re going to stand a chance against this maddeningly adaptable opponent. Alongside them is Margaret Montoya, a brilliant epidemiologist who fights for a cure even as she reels under the weight of endless horrors. These three and their team have kept humanity in the game, but that’s not good enough anymore, not when the disease turns contagious, triggering a fast countdown to Armageddon.” Impossible to put it down!
Golden Son by Pierce Brown. I have meant to finish Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series for a long time, but somehow I lost track. Now that I’ve plunged deep into the second novel, I really wonder how I could ever stop in the first place, because this is space opera at its best. The settings are amazing, the pacing compelling, the characters believable. I must say I especially like the villains in this series, which is the best compliment I can pay to a writer.
The Inn by James Patterson. This is an outlier in my usual reading list. I generally don’t read mysteries that are not historical or thrillers without a heavy dose of technology or political intrigue. This one was a gift from a good friend and I promised to give it a go. “The Inn at Gloucester stands alone on the rocky New England shoreline. Its seclusion suits former Boston police detective Bill Robinson, novice owner and innkeeper. As long as the dozen residents pay their rent, Robinson doesn’t ask any questions. Yet all too soon Robinson discovers that leaving the city is no escape from dangers he left behind. A new crew of deadly criminals move into the small town, bringing drugs and violence to the front door of the inn. Robinson feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His sense of duty compels him to fight off the threat to his town. But he can’t do it alone. Before time runs out, the residents of the inn will face a choice. Stand together? Or die alone.” It might prove not to be an outlier, after all.
What are your plans for June’s reading? Let me know in the comments!
Glad you are enjoying the Pierce Brown Red Rising series so much – I meant to tuck into his second series as I loved this one, but I just haven’t get managed to get around to it:)
I have heard a lot of good things about the new series, so I look forward to your reviews, Sara. They’re always spot on! 🙂
Thank you, Steph – I have rather a lot of books to get through first – I rather lost my head over Netgalley arcs when lockdown first happened…
June has begun with John le Carre’s “A Naive and Sentimental Lover” which has nothing to do with espionage and everything to do with a British businessman confronting the lack of love in his life. It’s supposed to also be funny at times, but so far whatever jokes or funny moments there’ve been I’ve missed — I suspect my sense of humor doesn’t jive with his. I’m also reading a collection of stories by Arthur C. Clarke that includes “The Sentinel” and “Guardian Angel” among others. I may also read Hal Clement’s “Mission of Gravity” again before putting it in the to-sell bags, and possibly begin Thayer’s giant biography of Beethoven. Or if the library opens, I’ll reserve a bunch of books I’ve been itching to read for the last month but they’ve been out of my reach in the library. We’ve begun the process of opening up businesses, restaurants, concert venues, personal services businesses, etc. at reduced capacity, but I haven’t heard when the library will open. Stay safe and well. Cinda
Wow. That’s a lot, Cinda! I must say I like Le Carre’ but I prefer the pure espionage books — IMO, “The Spy who Came in from the the Cold” and “The Little Drummer Girl” are his best. I haven’t read “Mission of Gravity”, so I would be interesting in your views about it. Stay safe and take care!
Pierce Brown’s first trilogy does escalate in stakes and sheer sense of adventure from one book to the next: I’m glad that you found the time to get back to this series, which is very engrossing indeed. Happy reading! 🙂
Sorry, I have just seen this now. I agree 100% with you. 🙂