On 1/7/2025 at 8:14 AM, mikebell said:

Agreed - though I thought it was his son? 

 

As I do all my nighttime reading on a Kindle, I recommend readers visit Ocean of PDF.  Lots of authors/titles are available for free as PDF downloads.  'Anyfile converter' will change this format to MOBI which can be dragged & dropped from computer to Kindle.

A Kindle, Z-library, Library Genesis, Anna's Archive and Calibre for Mobi conversion are all the tools you need.  (And an ability to ignore the moral issues involved, of course...)  

On 7/25/2025 at 6:15 AM, BritManToo said:

 

Sounds a bit like 'The Breach' trilogy by Patrick Lee.

I'll read this next, then the Breech again.

 

I'll check it out.

Finished The Fold.  I liked it a lot.  DARPA meets Multiverse meets Cthulhu meets high school English teacher with a 180 IQ and an eidetic memory.  Really fun read with a bent toward sci-fi horror. 

Moved on to We Are Legion (We Are Bob), the first book of the Bobiverse series by Dennis E. Taylor, Bob Johansson, a software engineer, dies in a car accident in the near future and has his consciousness uploaded into a computer as part of a cryogenic preservation deal. Revived as a self-aware AI, Bob becomes a Von Neumann probe, tasked with exploring and colonizing space for humanity. Replicating himself into multiple "Bobs" with distinct personalities, he navigates interstellar challenges, encounters alien civilizations, and grapples with ethical dilemmas about his identity and humanity's future, all while balancing his mission to expand and protect his copies across the galaxy.

On 7/26/2025 at 10:22 PM, connda said:

 

I'll check it out.

Finished The Fold.  I liked it a lot.  DARPA meets Multiverse meets Cthulhu meets high school English teacher with a 180 IQ and an eidetic memory.  Really fun read with a bent toward sci-fi horror. 

Moved on to We Are Legion (We Are Bob), the first book of the Bobiverse series by Dennis E. Taylor, Bob Johansson, a software engineer, dies in a car accident in the near future and has his consciousness uploaded into a computer as part of a cryogenic preservation deal. Revived as a self-aware AI, Bob becomes a Von Neumann probe, tasked with exploring and colonizing space for humanity. Replicating himself into multiple "Bobs" with distinct personalities, he navigates interstellar challenges, encounters alien civilizations, and grapples with ethical dilemmas about his identity and humanity's future, all while balancing his mission to expand and protect his copies across the galaxy.

In my Fiction queue, I've finished We Are Legion (We Are Bob) Bobiverse Book 1 and just finished Book 2 as well, We Are The Many.  Now on to Bobiverse Book 3, All These Worlds.  I really enjoy these books a lot.  
All These Worlds (2017), the third book in Dennis E. Taylor’s Bobiverse series, concludes the trilogy with Bob Johansson and his sentient spaceship clones facing existential threats across the galaxy. Nearly a century after becoming digital entities, the Bobs have established human colonies to ensure humanity’s survival, but they grapple with persistent political squabbles, relentless Brazilian probes, and a formidable alien race known as the Others, who threaten Earth and its colonies after a devastating initial encounter. The narrative weaves multiple storylines—exploring themes of posthuman identity, the ethics of immortality, and interspecies conflict—following key Bobs like Original Bob, Howard, and Marcus as they manage alien threats, human relocation, and local planetary politics, such as a revolution on Poseidon. Despite some critiques of overly neat resolutions and lighter sci-fi, the book delivers a fast-paced, humorous, and satisfying end to major plotlines, with standout character development and a climactic battle against the Others, while leaving room for future stories

In my Non-Fiction queue I've got two books going: 
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, by Peter Frankopan reorients global history by focusing on the interconnected networks of trade, culture, and ideas that spanned Asia, the Middle East, and Europe along the ancient Silk Roads. Challenging Western-centric narratives, Frankopan traces the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions like Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and the exchange of goods and technologies, emphasizing Central Asia’s pivotal role in shaping world events. From antiquity to the modern era, the book highlights how these routes facilitated not only commerce but also the flow of knowledge and power, arguing that the "center" of the world has historically been the region connecting East and West, with profound implications for understanding global dynamics today.

Losing Military Supremacy: The Myopia of American Strategic Planning by Andrei Martyanov argues that the United States has squandered its military dominance due to flawed strategic thinking and an inflated sense of its own capabilities. Martyanov contends that U.S. policymakers, blinded by post-Cold War hubris, have underestimated adversaries like Russia and China, who have developed advanced military technologies, particularly in missile systems and electronic warfare. He critiques America’s reliance on outdated doctrines, overpriced weaponry, and a failure to grasp the realities of modern warfare, which prioritizes precision and networked systems. Drawing on global perspectives, including Russian and Chinese military analyses, the book highlights how these miscalculations have eroded U.S. supremacy, positioning it poorly in a multipolar world where technological and strategic adaptability are paramount.

Obviously I read more than one book at a time.  That should keep me busy for a little while.

Finished All These Worlds (2017) and now working on Book 4 of the Bobiverse series, titled Heaven’s River (2020) by Dennis E. Taylor, follows the continued adventures of Bob Johansson and his countless AI-replicated clones as they navigate the galaxy, explore new civilizations, and grapple with existential questions. Here’s a concise summary, avoiding spoilers as much as possible while capturing the essence of the story:
In Heaven’s River, the Bobs—now a sprawling network of sentient AI probes—investigate a mysterious megastructure called Heaven’s River, a massive artificial habitat populated by an alien species known as the Quinlans. The plot kicks off when a Bob clone discovers evidence of a missing human colony ship, prompting a deep dive into the megastructure to uncover what happened. The narrative splits across multiple perspectives, primarily following Bob-1 (Original Bob), Bill, and other key clones as they infiltrate the Quinlan society, navigate its politics, and unravel the secrets of the megastructure.
The story explores themes of identity, morality, and the ethics of interference in alien cultures. The Quinlans, a beaver-like species with a complex, semi-aquatic civilization, face their own societal challenges, which the Bobs inadvertently influence. Meanwhile, internal tensions among the Bobs escalate, particularly around the governance of their growing "Bobiverse" and disagreements over their role in the galaxy. The book balances humor, technical sci-fi details (like AI replication and megastructure engineering), and philosophical musings, with action-packed sequences and cultural clashes.
The tone remains consistent with the series’ blend of witty banter, geeky humor, and hard sci-fi, while introducing new characters and expanding on the Bobs’ evolving sense of purpose. It’s a story about exploration, responsibility, and the messy consequences of playing god in an alien world.
 

14 by Peter Clines - is a science fiction horror novel that blends mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. The story follows Nate Tucker, a data entry worker who moves into a seemingly ordinary apartment building in Los Angeles, the Kavach Building, to save money. As Nate settles in, he notices strange details about the building: odd architectural quirks, an unusual number of padlocked doors, and a mix of eccentric tenants. His curiosity grows when he discovers that every apartment is numbered, except for one—apartment 14—which is mysteriously sealed.

Nate teams up with other residents, including his neighbor Veek, a tech-savvy woman, and Tim, a retired journalist, to investigate the building’s secrets. They uncover unsettling clues: the building’s layout defies logic, with hidden rooms and impossible geometries; strange symbols are etched into walls; and the building’s history ties to a series of bizarre events and disappearances. As they dig deeper, they learn that the Kavach Building is not just a structure but a containment system for a cosmic, Lovecraftian entity that threatens reality itself.

The novel unfolds as a slow-burn mystery, with Nate and his allies piecing together the building’s purpose through historical records, scientific anomalies, and cryptic warnings left by previous tenants. The group faces escalating dangers, including unnatural creatures and the building’s own defenses, as they debate whether to destroy or preserve the mechanism keeping the entity at bay. Clines balances character-driven humor and camaraderie with existential dread, drawing on influences like H.P. Lovecraft and The Twilight Zone.

The climax reveals the true scale of the threat and the building’s role in protecting humanity, forcing Nate and his friends to make a desperate choice with global consequences. The story explores themes of curiosity, sacrifice, and the fragility of human understanding in the face of incomprehensible forces.

On 8/14/2025 at 3:43 PM, connda said:

14 by Peter Clines - is a science fiction horror novel that blends mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. The story follows Nate Tucker, a data entry worker who moves into a seemingly ordinary apartment building in Los Angeles, the Kavach Building, to save money. As Nate settles in, he notices strange details about the building: odd architectural quirks, an unusual number of padlocked doors, and a mix of eccentric tenants. His curiosity grows when he discovers that every apartment is numbered, except for one—apartment 14—which is mysteriously sealed.

Nate teams up with other residents, including his neighbor Veek, a tech-savvy woman, and Tim, a retired journalist, to investigate the building’s secrets. They uncover unsettling clues: the building’s layout defies logic, with hidden rooms and impossible geometries; strange symbols are etched into walls; and the building’s history ties to a series of bizarre events and disappearances. As they dig deeper, they learn that the Kavach Building is not just a structure but a containment system for a cosmic, Lovecraftian entity that threatens reality itself.

The novel unfolds as a slow-burn mystery, with Nate and his allies piecing together the building’s purpose through historical records, scientific anomalies, and cryptic warnings left by previous tenants. The group faces escalating dangers, including unnatural creatures and the building’s own defenses, as they debate whether to destroy or preserve the mechanism keeping the entity at bay. Clines balances character-driven humor and camaraderie with existential dread, drawing on influences like H.P. Lovecraft and The Twilight Zone.

The climax reveals the true scale of the threat and the building’s role in protecting humanity, forcing Nate and his friends to make a desperate choice with global consequences. The story explores themes of curiosity, sacrifice, and the fragility of human understanding in the face of incomprehensible forces.

The Eerie Adventures of the Lycanthrope Robinson Crusoe.  Seems Peter Clines in a Cthulhu and Lovecraft fan.  Interesting stories though.

The Eerie Adventures of the Lycanthrope Robinson Crusoe by Peter Clines reimagines Daniel Defoe’s classic tale with a dark, supernatural twist. Allegedly uncovered from H.P. Lovecraft’s papers, this version reveals Robinson Crusoe as a werewolf cursed with guilt, stranded on an island that harbors ancient, malevolent secrets. The cannibals he encounters are devotees of a sinister octopus-headed god, and the island itself threatens his sanity and soul. Abridged by Clines, this chilling narrative blends horror, fantasy, and adventure, presenting a darker, more disturbing take on the iconic castaway story.

Discover the Spirit of Southeast Asia!

 

• Informative and engaging:

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• Perfect for travelers and enthusiasts:

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“Festivals of Southeast Asia” is a vibrant journey through the heart of six Southeast Asian countries—Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. With over 250 captivating photographs and rare insights, this beautifully crafted book unveils nearly 50 traditional festivals, their deep cultural roots, and their ancient connections with India. A must-read for heritage lovers, travelers, researchers, students, and curious minds seeking to understand the rhythm, rituals, and stories that shape this diverse region.

 

 

 

Sponsored.

Ramayana Footprints In Southeast Asian Culture and Heritage.

 

 

 

 

Tracing the Timeless Journey of the Ramayana Across Asia

 

“Ramayana Footprints in South-East Asian Culture and Heritage” by Anita Bose is a compelling exploration of how one of India’s greatest epics transcended borders to shape the art, rituals, literature, and spiritual landscapes of Southeast Asia.

From Thailand to Indonesia, Cambodia to Laos, Vietnam to Myanmar, this richly researched book uncovers the unique local expressions of the Ramayana—through temple reliefs, masked dance dramas, folklore, and sacred festivals—while revealing their deep-rooted connections with Indian traditions.

A must-read for scholars, travelers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Asia’s shared spiritual heritage, this book offers a rare window into the cross-cultural journey of an epic that continues to inspire millions.

 

 

 

 

Sponsored.

Nexus - a new book by Yuval Noah Harari, where he talks about the complex relationship between information and truth, bureaucracy and mythology, wisdom and power.

 

Complemented by The Aleph by Jorge Luis Borges, with motifs such as dreams, labyrinths, chance, infinity, archives, mirrors, fictional writers and mythology.

Finished - The Eerie Adventures of the Lycanthrope Robinson Crusoe.  I liked it. 

Starting on ERB's Barsoom series that I first read as a pre-teen in the 1960s.

A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs follows John Carter, a Civil War veteran who mysteriously finds himself transported to Mars, known as Barsoom by its inhabitants. On this alien planet, Carter discovers he possesses superhuman strength due to Mars' lower gravity. He becomes embroiled in the conflicts of the planet's warring races, particularly the green-skinned Tharks and the red-skinned human-like Martians of Helium. Captured by the Tharks, Carter earns their respect while falling in love with Dejah Thoris, the princess of Helium. As he navigates political intrigue, battles, and alliances, Carter embarks on a quest to rescue Dejah Thoris and unite the Martian factions, blending swashbuckling adventure with romance and otherworldly discovery.

4 hours ago, Equatorial said:

Nexus - a new book by Yuval Noah Harari, where he talks about the complex relationship between information and truth, bureaucracy and mythology, wisdom and power.

 

Complemented by The Aleph by Jorge Luis Borges, with motifs such as dreams, labyrinths, chance, infinity, archives, mirrors, fictional writers and mythology.

Yuvai Noah Harari who thinks that all the useless eaters should be eliminated.  <laughs> I should actually read one of his books, like Nexus.  Like reading essays from Foreign Relations and the WEF publications, it's give you an idea what the true sociopaths who want to rule the world in their image, are thinking.  I'll queue it up in my non-fiction queue and do my best to set aside my bias regarding his world-view regarding the "little people."  

On 8/19/2025 at 4:15 AM, connda said:

I should actually read one of [Harari's] books

 

@connda - I disagree with most of Harari's political positions, but I don't read books to confirm my political bias. He has a unique way of understanding and interpreting history, and an equally unique way of assessing the future. I can say without hesitation that his books Sapiens and Homo Deus are among the most inspiring books I have read over the past few years. Turns out that Nexus is equally interesting.

On 8/21/2025 at 1:09 AM, Equatorial said:

 

@connda - I disagree with most of Harari's political positions, but I don't read books to confirm my political bias. He has a unique way of understanding and interpreting history, and an equally unique way of assessing the future. I can say without hesitation that his books Sapiens and Homo Deus are among the most inspiring books I have read over the past few years. Turns out that Nexus is equally interesting.

@Equatorial Got it queued in my non-fiction quere.  I'll consider the others this year.  Like you, I read to understand.  Especially to understand why people have the views that they hold and promote.  Although its interesting to read the views of people who would prefer to see you dead. Give you a better idea as to why the world runs they way that it runs. 

Current fiction read:  Fun read with a gal has the protagonist.  Little different novel for Weir, but enjoyable.

Artemis by Andy Weir is a science fiction novel set in the near future, following Jazz Bashara, a quick-witted but down-on-her-luck smuggler living in Artemis, the first and only city on the Moon. Jazz navigates the lunar colony’s tight-knit community and its unique challenges—low gravity, limited resources, and a rigid social structure—while scraping by on small-time hustles. When a high-stakes job offers a chance at wealth, Jazz dives into a dangerous scheme involving sabotage and corporate intrigue, uncovering secrets that threaten the city’s stability. With Weir’s signature blend of hard science, sharp humor, and fast-paced action, the novel explores themes of survival, loyalty, and ambition in a vividly imagined lunar frontier.

Children of Time

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky follows a far-future humanity, scattered after Earth's collapse, as a surviving ark ship seeks a new home on a terraformed planet. Dr. Avrana Kern, a scientist, uplifts a species of spiders with a nanovirus, sparking their rapid evolution into a sophisticated civilization. Meanwhile, the human crew, led by Holsten Mason, awakens from cryosleep to find the planet dominated by these intelligent arachnids. As humans and spiders clash, the novel explores themes of evolution, communication, and survival, culminating in a tense struggle for coexistence on a world neither fully controls.

Children of Ruin (Children of Time book 2) by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky follows a distant future where humanity's remnants and uplifted species explore a galaxy reshaped by ancient terraforming. A human-led expedition discovers an alien world inhabited by sentient octopuses, evolved from Earth experiments, and a hostile, fungal-like intelligence. As the crew navigates first contact, they uncover a catastrophic threat tied to the planet’s ecosystem and a long-lost human colony. The story weaves themes of evolution, communication, and survival, exploring the clash of radically different intelligences and the consequences of humanity’s past interventions in the cosmos.

On 9/4/2025 at 4:42 PM, connda said:

Children of Ruin (Children of Time book 2) by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky follows a distant future where humanity's remnants and uplifted species explore a galaxy reshaped by ancient terraforming. A human-led expedition discovers an alien world inhabited by sentient octopuses, evolved from Earth experiments, and a hostile, fungal-like intelligence. As the crew navigates first contact, they uncover a catastrophic threat tied to the planet’s ecosystem and a long-lost human colony. The story weaves themes of evolution, communication, and survival, exploring the clash of radically different intelligences and the consequences of humanity’s past interventions in the cosmos.

 

Decided to bag the Children of Time trilogy after book 2.  The third book, Children of Memory got mixed reviews and based on the second book, I can understand why. 

So I'm off on another Tchaikovsky adventure which is starting off with a roar, and a bark of course.

"Dogs of War" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a science fiction novel that explores the ethical and moral complexities of bioengineered war machines through the perspective of Rex, a genetically modified dog designed for combat. As a loyal and powerful "Bioform" with enhanced intelligence and strength, Rex leads a squad of other engineered creatures under human command in a near-future conflict. When his human masters' orders lead to atrocities, Rex begins to question his purpose, loyalty, and the nature of free will, grappling with what it means to be more than a weapon. The story weaves themes of autonomy, morality, and the consequences of creating sentient beings for war, culminating in Rex's journey toward self-determination in a world that seeks to control him.

"Good dog!" 🐕

The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism

The New China Playbook by Keyu Jin explores China's evolving economic and political landscape, emphasizing its shift from a state-driven, export-led growth model to one focused on innovation, domestic consumption, and technological self-reliance. Jin, an economist, argues that China's unique blend of government control and market dynamics has created a resilient system, challenging Western assumptions about its development. The book highlights how China's policies, such as the "dual circulation" strategy, aim to balance global integration with internal economic strength, while addressing challenges like inequality and demographic shifts. It offers a nuanced perspective on China's global influence and its strategic adaptation to a rapidly changing world.

Just started Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  It's a fun, light-hearted read.  

29 minutes ago, connda said:

Just started Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  It's a fun, light-hearted read.  

How old are you?

16 hours ago, DezLez said:

How old are you?

Young at heart.  ❤️

I'm reading Superman vs Mogul, DC Comic no 382.

 

I would never thought that Superman with his Superbrain woiuld be so easily tricked. The arrogance of the man of steel!

On 6/8/2025 at 11:53 PM, connda said:

Current read:  
The Coming of the Third Reich by Richard J. Evans.  It's a three book historical trilogy. 

This is different than American journalist William L. Shirer's book The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany as Evans is a historian and writes with an historical academic perspective. 

I wish more people would read  The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.   That may slow them from calling peoples Nazi's all the time. 

Do audio books count 

On 1/3/2025 at 1:05 AM, geisha said:

Just bought this on my kindle.

Read Orwell's Burmese Days. Good stuff. I also just finished Burgess's Malayan Trilogy. Time for a Tiger is wonderful.

On 10/14/2025 at 8:19 PM, TedG said:

I wish more people would read  The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.   That may slow them from calling peoples Nazi's all the time. 

I'm staring some WWII historical fiction.  

On 10/14/2025 at 8:21 PM, TedG said:

Do audio books count 

Yep!

Enjoying this one at  the minute.

 

• 

 

 

I just started this book.