Books read in 2024: No. 40 -- The Revelation of Saint John the Divine

published by Zondervan

Started: August 25
Finished: August 29

Notes: I was traveling recently and didn't have with me the novel I had been reading, but I did have access to a Holy Bible. So, at a point where I was seeking something to read, I decided it was time I got to this last book of the Bible, one of the most interesting books but also one that is probably often misunderstood (not that I'm claiming to understand it myself).

Mini review: As interesting as I've always found this book, and I do enjoy studying it, I have to admit I feel the words here are so cryptic and steeped in imagery that there's little to truth to be found for most individuals. Oh, of course there are those who will say they know the truth, and I suppose it's not impossible some few do, but I'll admit to being a skeptic towards anyone who proclaims they understand the word of God while the rest of us are simply left out in the cold. For instance, while I realize there are people today who will say we are living in the last days, the truth is people have been saying that for thousands of years. What is the truth? I don't have an answer, not a good one. Yes, I have my own thoughts, but they change from time to time. Anyway, I'm glad to have read this book again, and I'm glad to finally have read every word of the Bible and not just portions I've studied over the years.

Books read in 2024: No. 39 -- The City & The City

by China Mieville

Started: August 20

Finished: August 27

Notes: I've heard good things about this speculative author for some years now and I've been meaning to check out his work. I've also had this novel recommended to me, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Mini review: This was an interesting one. In another version of our world, two cities exist in the exact same place and time, separated by a sort of invisible dimensional wall. Unfortunately for the citizens of each city, to look into or hear into the other city is something of a crime punishable by a sort-of overpolice known as the Breach. Yet each city also has its local cops to deal with more mundane crimes. In this novel, a detective in one of the cities finds himself pulled into a conspiracy that involves both cities, Breach, and ... well, to tell the truth, it gets complicated. It's complicated further by no small part of the words used here (especially for locales) are quite fantastic and foreign. That doesn't mean this is a difficult read, but that most readers will have to pause every so often to get their bearings. Is this a good book? Yes. Is it a great book? Not quite, but it's also not far from being one. Readers who enjoy detective fiction with a speculative twist will find much here to enjoy.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Brewery Hill Caramel Porter

Beer score: 8.1

I've not had much of a chance this summer to drink many good beers, but at least I have my memories and some old notes.

Such as for this beer from Pennsylvania. No longer with us, but it was a fine drink.

For those who wanted to taste the classic flavor of a burnt, caramel porter, you couldn't have done much better. This porter was strong without crossing over into a stout.

Books read in 2024: No. 38 -- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

Started: August 9

Finished: August 20

Notes: As weird as it might sound, certain books seem to call out to me. I run into them time and time again in unusual places. I'm not talking about bestsellers I see on shelves in bookstores, not at all. I'm talking about books that seem to appear before me time and time again in someone's home or in thrift stores. This is one of those books. I didn't seek it out. It sought me out. I know this sounds odd, but it's how I feel. So, after running across this book time and time again, I finally snagged a copy and decided to read it. I know very little about this book, just that it's some kind of modern fantasy, that it's told in part with old photographs, and that there was a movie a few years back (and no, I've not seen the movie). Hopefully I'll enjoy this, or at the least maybe I'll learn a thing or two.

Mini review: A teen boy discovers his grandfather has a secret past, which leads the lad to an orphanage of sorts for children with special powers. One reviewer mentioned the Harry Potter series, and I could see how fans of those books might also enjoy this one. The vintage photos that were used throughout the book were interesting visually, but I didn't really feel they added anything to the story. However, the prose here is decent enough and the story moved at a decent pace, though there were a few places where my interest began to wane. The ending isn't a cliffhanger, but it definitely sets things up for further tales.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Celis Pale Ale

Beer score: 7.0

Over the years there has been more than one Celis Brewery, and more than one Celis Pale Ale, but the beer I write about here was originally brewed in Austin, Texas, but later bought out by the Michigan Brewing Company, which is also now out of business.

So, this particular Celis Pale Ale was supposed to be a Belgian-style pale ale. It tasted a bit like a regular pale ale and an IP mixed because it had just a touch of the fruity sourness common to many an IPA. Too much carbonation, in my opinion, but just barely.

Light enough so those with good taste in beer could enjoy regularly, but probably too strong for non-beer snobs.

It is a shame this beer and its brewery are no longer in business, because this was a fine beer and the Celis Brewery of Austin turned out more quality drinks

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Dixie Jazz Amber Light

Beer score: 6.1

Originally brewed by the Dixie Brewing Company of New Orleans, it's possible this beer is still being produced but under a different name since that brewing company was bought out by a different group. Still, I've not been able to find any evidence of this beer still being made, so most likely it is long gone.

But I have some of my old notes from the last time I had this beer more than a decade ago.

It had a slightly fruity and tangy taste. Wet and refreshing with less carbonation that most light beers.

If you had to drink a light beer, this would have been a good choice. Too bad it no longer seems to be with us, especially as there aren't a lot of great light beers out there.

A new Kron Darkbow Trilogy

It's been a while since I've published anything, and it's been 10 years (man, that's hard to believe) since I've published anything involving my epic fantasy Kron Darkbow character (and his crew of friends and foes), but the time has finally come.

Allow me to introduce ...

The Unwilling God Trilogy

Book I: The Broken Swordsman
Kron Darkbow is a warrior shattered by grief. With the love of his life trapped in an eternal sleep, Kron teeters on the brink of despair. As he struggles to find a reason to continue, dark forces converge on the city of Bond, threatening everything and everyone he holds dear. Can Kron rise above his sorrow to defend his home, or will he be consumed by it?

Book II: The Reluctant Witch
Althurna, a witch with immense power, embarks on a perilous journey to save the man she loves, with Kron steadfastly by her side. Together, they venture into treacherous mountains where an ancient enemy lies in wait. This malevolent force thrives on inflicting pain, and Althurna must summon every ounce of her courage and strength to confront it. Will love and determination be enough to triumph over such evil?

Book III: The Unwilling God
Randall Tendbones harbors a profound secret—he is the living god Ashal, concealed among mortals for years. Now, Randall and Kron find themselves in the heart of a despotic nation that worships Ashal without knowing his true identity. As conspiracies unfold and danger looms, Randall's divine secret threatens to unravel. When the truth comes to light, the repercussions will be earth-shattering. Can Randall and Kron survive the chaos that ensues?

Books read in 2024: No. 37 -- The Epistle of Jude

published by Zondervan

Started: August 8
Finished: August 8

Notes: One of the shortest books in the Bible, I thought I'd read it since I just finished reading several other of the shorter books.

Mini review: In this letter, Jude warns against members of the Christian church who are Christian only in name, but not true Christians.

Books read in 2024: No. 36 -- The Third Epistle of John

published by Zondervan

Started: August 8
Finished: August 8

Notes: Having just finished the first two of John's letters, I thought I'd read this last one.

Mini review: This letter I find to be one of most unusual of the New Testament. For one thing, it really doesn't talk about any Christian doctrine, but is a personal letter to a fellow named Gaius, praising him for his Christian charity. Also, this book warns against someone named Diotrephes, that he is not doing right by the church. To me, this is an interesting change of pace, and honestly, I wish the Bible had more personal letters such as this so we could better study the writers.

Books read in 2024: No. 35 -- The Second Epistle of John

published by Zondervan

Started: August 8
Finished: August 8

Notes: I just read the first of John's letters, so I thought I'd go ahead and read his others.

Mini review: This short letter seems to be sent to an individual, a woman, instead of a church as a whole, which is uncommon for biblical letters. Here John commends the unnamed woman for her faith while also warning against false teachers.

Books read in 2024: No. 34 -- The First Epistle of John

published by Zondervan

Started: August 7
Finished: August 8

Notes: I'm nearing the end of the Bible now, but I'm looking forward to reading these last few letters, some of the shortest books in the Bible, because I've studied them so little over the years.

Mini review: Mainly a testament to Christians on basic attitudes to have and some beliefs, especially concerning love and faith in Jesus. Interestingly, though the word "Trinity" is never used, this book is the one that comes closest to espousing the notion of a holy trinity.

Books read in 2024: No. 33 -- Cloud Atlas

by David Mitchell

Started: July 19

Finished: August 7

Notes: I was drawn to this novel because I had heard good things about it and because my understanding is it a mix of speculative genres, from science fiction to pseudo-historical fiction, apocalyptic fiction, and more. So, I'm interested in seeing how the author handles this mixture. I have not seen the movie which was released more than a decade ago, but I do recall their being some grumblings from the Christian right about the movie and the book, though I don't remember the details and this does not deter me. Maybe I'll find joy with a new book and an author who is new to me.

Mini review: The prose here is strong and the overall structure of this book is interesting, but in the end I was left feeling this was a book that is supposed to be intellectually deep while I actually found it rather facile. This is not so much a novel as it is a collection of vaguely-connected vignettes. Part of the point is that some of the characters (or at least one of the characters) in these vignettes are actually the same individual reincarnated over time, the vignettes covering a period from the 19th Century to some future time periods. Again, the prose is strong enough, plus the characters are interesting as are the plots of each vignette, but just when I would become interested in one character or plot, then that section of the book would end and make the jump to the next tale. Rather infuriating for me, actually. Also, I'm not really sure why a group of Christians would find offense here. Yes, this book does not promote a Christian point of view, and it does question somewhat the use of religion in the growth of imperialism during the 19th Century, but after all, this is a work of fiction. Besides, this book also paints some Christians in a good light, in my opinion.

Beer of the Week: Milwaukee's Best

Beer score: 3.1

Company: Molson Coors
ABV: 4.8
IBU: 16

I have to say, I was surprised this beer didn't taste as bad as I had thought it would. Still, there's not much here except a slightly sweet and mass-marketed flavor.

Probably makes a decent working-man's beer for winding down at the end of the day, but not much else.

On rare occasions, I've seen this beer packaged as "Milwaukee's Best Premium" or "Milwaukee's Best Lager."