14. The Curse of Chalion

By Lois McMaster Bujold (502 pp)

I have heard about this author forever and this is my first time reading one of her books and I am thrilled that there are at least 20 more including stories in space. This is a fantasy set in an ancient Spain-like place with swords and power struggles and complex religion. The protagonist Cazaril has been through some rough times and goes back to the household where he once served as a page in the hopes of having a quiet life. Unfortunately, that's not how things go. It's one of those books where people you like do things you don't want them to do and cause terrible things to happen to other people you like. Really good. Recommend. I have been promising myself that I would only read books I already have but I learned that there are other books set in this world and the next one, Paladin of Souls, won both the Nebula and the Hugo so click click, it's on my eReader. I'm going to start it when I have a couple of hours to get into it.

13. Cibola Burn

By James S.A. Corey (581 pp)

This is Expanse Book #4.

I finally finished this book. I was working on a writing project and could not make time for reading. I finished Phase 1 of my project right before vacation and read 4 books while we were traveling. None knocked my socks off so I don't think I will add here.

Cibola Burn is about a group of refugees who settle a new planet, an evil corporation who has legal (?) stake in the planet, and there is some funky stuff going on with the planet itself. I loved this one once I got into it, although I'm not completely clear what happened at the end of the action. Reading around online, that seems like a common reaction.

I need to go buy book #5 and Book #6 comes out at the end of the year and then I'm waiting like everyone else.