Books read in 2025: No. 32 -- Abandon

by Blake Crouch

Started: August 8

Finished: August 13

Notes: I've not read much of Crouch's work, but what little I have read (and it's been a long while, more than a decade), I found pretty solid. So, since I'm reading horror of late, I thought I'd give him another go.

Mini review: In 1893, every single member of a mining town in the mountains of Colorado goes missing with no clues left behind. Fast forward to 2009, and a group of 6 travels to the area in search of answers. It sounds supernatural. Perhaps it is. Perhaps it isn't. I won't tell. But I will say, this was a pretty darn good novel. The action jumps back and forward between two timelines, something I normally despise, yet here it works quite well.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Samuel Adams Boston Lightship

Beer score: 3.9

I've been drinking a number of Samuel Adams beers of late, so I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane by looking at my notes from a Sam Adams brew that is no longer with us.

The Boston Lightship was one of the earliest beers made by the Samuel Adams folks back in the 1980s, and I've even read in a few places that is was actually the second beer they ever brewed. Whatever the case, this was their first light beer, and they've made a healthy number of other light beers since, and all those I've tried have been better than this original, the Boston Lightship.

This beer had a strong bitterness, especially strong for a light beer, but it still had plenty of carbonation like many a light beer. It poured a medium yellow color while giving off light bready smells, but all that carbonation hurt this one for me.

Definitely not the worst light beer ever made, but Samuel Adams has offered better choices since.

Books read in 2025: No. 31 -- The Traveling Vampire Show

by Richard Laymon

Started: August 2

Finished: August 8

Notes: I've read a fair amount of fantasy and sci-fi so far this year, so I thought I'd turn for a while to one of my earliest genre loves, horror. I used to read a lot more horror than I have in recent years, so this should be a nice change of pace, and kicking things off with Richard Laymon can't be bad.

Mini review: This one is a slight not toward Badbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes. It's the 1960s, and a Traveling Vampire Show comes to a small town, and of course some curious young teens have to go look into things because ... well, because they're curious young teens. This one reads quick, and the writing is pretty solid, but it's definitely a slow burn of a horror novel. A few odd things happen, but there's really not much of a horror element until the last eighth of the tale, and then not everything is explained (though I don't have a problem with that). Not a bad read, but I usually prefer my horror fiction to have a stronger build than this one.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Breakaway Blonde

Beer score: 5.8

Company: Samuel Adams
ABU: 4.7
IBU: 15

Pours a somewhat light golden color while giving of slightly sweet scents of citrus, maybe lime, and wheat.

A little carbonation when you drink it, so smooth but not overly smooth. Has a wheaty bitterness at first, but the aftertaste is somewhat sweet and has citrus hints.

Not the best blonde beer I've ever had, and I'm generally a fan of the type, but also not an awful beer. If you gave me one at a party, yeah, I'd drink it, but I'm not going to rush out and purchase a bunch of them.

Books read in 2025: No. 30 -- 7 Figure Fiction: How to Use Universal Fantasy To Sell Your Books to Anyone

by T. Taylor

Started: July 28

Finished: August 2

Notes: I've read absolutely no non-fiction this year, and I'm feeling the urge. So I decided to check out this one. I'm less interested in the financial aspects, though that does have its appeal, and I'm drawn more toward this author's notions of "Universal Fantasy."

Mini review: Beginning fiction writers especially mind find some solid advice here, but I felt this one wasn't quite for me. For one thing, I felt the notion of "universal fantasy" wasn't well defined, though there were tons of examples given from literature, television, and film. Maybe "universal fantasy" is self explanatory, but I've seen the term used elsewhere and it wasn't exactly the same as what I found here. Secondly, I didn't feel there was a whole book's worth of information here. For me, the author's ideas could have been fleshed out in a blog post, though maybe a long blog post. I found all the examples given to be less helpful and more tedious. But that's just me. The author did her job well enough that I purchased her book, so there's something to be said for that. Don't let my grousing leave you thinking this is an awful book, because it's not ... I just didn't find it right for me. Did I pick up some advice, or maybe a different way of thinking? Yeah, I suppose, but I really didn't find much new here. Others might experience otherwise.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Postseason IPA

Beer score: 6.0

Company: Samuel Adams
ABU: 4.5
IBU: 30

Into a clear glass, this one has plenty of foamy head and a light gold and amber color while smelling like bread and a little citrus.

The flavor is much like the smells, but there's a bready bitterness that's somewhat strong. That citrus is still there, but it's much weaker on the tongue. There's no sourness here that I've found in other IPAs.

I'm not a big IPA fan, but I have to admit, this one is pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to try another, but if one were handed to me, I wouldn't turn it down.

Books read in 2025: No. 29 -- King's Ransom

by Ed McBain

Started: July 26

Finished: July 28

Notes: It's been too long since I've experienced one of my favorite authors and his 87th Precinct novels, which definitely is my favorite fiction series. Thus, I'm jumping back in.

Mini review: Kidnappers attempt to nab the son of a wealthy fellow but accidentally grab the wrong kid. Geez, that would be my luck if I ever turned criminal. Anyway, it's up to the gang of the 87th Precinct to find the kid and catch the kidnappers. This one started slower for me than many a novel in this series, but it sped up swiftly and the pace kept building right until the end. Not my favorite of these books, but still a darn fine read. This one was a little different in that a few characters beyond the usual detectives played rather large roles, a nice change of pace ... but each 87th Precinct novel is unique.

Books read in 2025: No. 28 -- Berserker

by Fred Saberhagen

Started: July 18

Finished: July 26

Notes: I've read plenty of Saberhagen over the years, and enjoyed it, but it's always been fantasy. So, it'll be interesting to pop into his military science fiction series which was quite popular back in the day.

Mini review: Imagine a seemingly sentient, highly intelligent Death Star with only one goal: to destroy all life. That's a Berserker. And in this book, there are hundreds of them swarming our galaxy and at war with mankind in the future. This book is really a collection short stories that tie in well with one another, sometimes with familiar characters showing up in later tales. And while war is the backdrop for all these tales, the war itself isn't necessarily the subject matter of each story here. They all work quite well, written strongly and catching various glimpses of this war against demonic machines. The only story for which I did not care was the very last one, and even it had a fine ending.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Cold Snap White Ale

Beer score: 6.9

Company: Samuel Adams
ABU: 5.3
IBU: 10

I've read different reports, some saying this is the newest name for the Samuel Adams White Ale which has been around for decades, and others say that no, this is not the same beer. I'm not sure which is true, but I know I tend to like white ales, and this one isn't any different.

Pours a slightly cloudy, pale gold with a frothy head that's quite smooth. Gives off weak smells of grainy wheat and a little sweet citrus.

On the tongue, it comes off as sweet at first, but on the way down there's a light bitterness. Pretty smooth, but not watery, and has hints of orange and maybe lemon, along with some maltiness.

Reminds me more than a bit of Blue Moon Belgian White, but not quite as good. Still, a very decent beer, and I could see spending an afternoon with more than a few of these.

Books read in 2025: No. 27 -- Retief's War

by Keith Laumer

Started: July 12

Finished: July 18

Notes: I've never read any works by this author, but I do recall his series of Retief novels were fairly popular during my childhood. So, thought I'd give one a try.

Mini review: Humans seemingly control the government on an alien planet with multiple intelligent species of creatures that look as if they are part insect and part electronic, almost like robots. An outside force stirs up trouble and attempts to take over the planet, but the locals band together to find back. Into all this steps Retief, a diplomat, but he's a diplomat with much in common with the likes of James Bond. This one reminded me quite a bit of the men's action novels from the 1970s which I used to read when I was a teen. But I hated almost every moment of reading this one, at least until the end. I actually enjoyed the final 30 pages quite a bit. The writing style didn't do much for me, and too much didn't seem to make any sense and there was hardly ever any explanation or even descent description, which is rather jarring consider all the different alien races which looked nothing like humans. But I'll admit some of that was the point. This was meant to be a quick, action read and little more. That can be forgiven. What I just about couldn't forgive is that the main character never really seems to be in any danger. Oh, he faces plenty of challenges, even physical ones, but at least in this novel he is never really tested in combat, at least not as far as I'm concerned. He seemed to talk his way out of everything, and that and more than a fair share of luck seemed to save the day most times. But what really irkked me was that the main character didn't really seem to be all that much of a smooth talker, it's just that everyone around him was an idiot, and I do mean everyone. Still, as much as I felt bogged down by this novel, the ending did pick things up quite well and wrapped it all up in a pleasing and even mildly amusing manner.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Blueberry Lager

Beer score: 5.9

Company: Samuel Adams
ABU: 5.5
IBU: 15

I love blueberries, but the few blueberry beers I've had over the years have been ... hmm, not necessarily a disappointment, but not overly special, either.

This one is about the same.

It definitely gives off a blueberry smell when it's poured, and in a clear glass it has a slightly cloudy golden color with hints of amber.

Not an overly strong beer, but I have to say, it's a little more sturdy than I expected.

In the tasting, I get a fair amount of the blueberry and a goodly amount of hops bitterness, but there's really not a lot of sweetness, which isn't bad but is sort of unexpected for a fruity beer.

Eh, not a great beer, not an awful beer, but at least it's something a bit different.

Books read in 2025: No. 26 -- The Integral Trees

by Larry Niven

Started: June 30

Finished: July 12

Notes: It's hard to believe, but I've never read any of Niven's work despite having been aware of him for decades and his early fame in sci-fi circles. This being one of his more popular works, I'm hoping it'll be pretty strong.

Mini review: I'll have to admit it took me a while to wrap my head around this one because there were so many characters thrown at the reader right up front and because the world(s) involved were so unusual that it took me a fair amount of consideration before understanding, though it helped there were illustrations at the front of the book. Basically, a number of tribes of humans have descended from space travelers far in the past, and now they live among giant trees that float throughout a donut-shaped area of space that is habitable. Sounds weird, yes, but it works. It's actually a pretty good story with something of a quest feel and a battle and characters who sometimes are surprising.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Summer Ale

Beer score: 6.0

Company: Samuel Adams
ABU: 5.3
IBU: 8 

I've had this beer before, but it's been a long time, probably more than a decade.

A white ale with lemon added, it goes down fairly smooth despite the fact it has a touch more fizz than I feel necessary. Has a very light lemon scent, but I don't get a lot of that in the tasting, maybe just a hint.

Also, the tasting there's some wheat with a little bitterness, but not much sweet.

Others have commented on various sites that the lemon flavoring here is strong, but that is not my experience now nor has it been in the past (from looking at my old notes). Am I right and they're wrong, or vice versa? Who knows? All of us are different, so judge for yourself.

Books read in 2025: No. 25 -- The Mercenary

by Jerry Pournelle

Started: June 24

Finished: June 30

Notes: Since I'm reading sci-fi of late, I thought I'd take a turn to some action-oriented material. I don't believe I've read this author before, so this should be a learning experience.

Mini review: In the future, Earth's governments are withdrawing from colony planets and leaving those local governments to fend for themselves. In that situation, mercenaries find they are needed. I expected action, but most of what I got was politics. Oh, there was some action, but most of it came in the form of battles and there's not a lot of close-up action, almost like reading military reports. The main character is interesting, however, and the writing style is decent though not great. I can't say I'll be tempted to read more from this author, but I also didn't despise this novel.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams Porch Rocker

Beer score: 6.0

Company: Samuel Adams
ABU: 4.5
IBU: 8 

Apparently this beer is based upon an old Bavarian recipe that mixed beer with lemonade.

It definitely gives off a light lemon scent when you pour it, and in the glass it has a fairly light golden coloring, though not completely pale.

Has a big, foamy head, but no carbonation in the drinking. Very smooth and light with plenty of lemon flavoring. A little sweetness, but not really any bitter.

I've read where others have found this one to be very carbonated, so maybe I got an old one or something. Either way, I stand by that mine didn't have any fizz in it once the head had foamed out.

Would I drink this again? Hmm, yeah. I can't say it'll be on my regular rotation, but I wouldn't say "no" to one. In fact, this one might be a good trial for your friends who want a drink but say they don't like beer.

Books read in 2025: No. 24 -- Titan

by John Varley

Started: June 16

Finished: June 23

Notes: As sometimes happens to me, this is one of those books that's been haunting me for decades. What I mean is, I seem to keep running across it time and time again, and not just in book stores. There have been other books that have been that way for me, almost as if the universe is calling out for me to read them. Or maybe it's just good marketing. Anyway, after all this time, this novel being originally published in 1979, I thought it time I read it.

Mini review: A scientific exploration unit is sent to study the moons of Saturn and discovers far more than expected. I won't say more, and that's the bare tip of the iceberg, because to say more would spoil far too much. I have to say, though, this was a fine novel. The writing style is solid, the characters interesting, the world building done quite well. There are a number of elements that are almost fantasy instead of science fiction, but they work quite well here whereas a lesser writer might have made them rather silly. Those who love adventures where the protagonist has to go on a journey through many a hardship should enjoy this novel. The ending is quite solid, and while there isn't a cliffhanger, that ending does open doors to the other books in this series.

Beer of the Week: Samuel Adams American Light

Beer score: 5.6

Company: Samuel Adams
ABU: 4.2
IBU: 7

Samuel Adams Light has existed for decades, but apparently they've retired that beer and replaced it with this one.

It pours a pale golden color, almost clear, while giving off slight smells of wheat and grass.

The head foams up rather large, but I have to say, for a light beer there doesn't seem to be a ton of carbonation in the drinking of this one, an unusual trait for most light beers.

Goes down smooth with some light bitterness and a little sweetness. I think I tasted I touch of clover, maybe. Other than that, there are more of those wheaty and grassy flavorings.

Not an exceptional beer, but nothing awful. In truth, when I want a light beer, I'd grab this one before most others.

Chaos & Courage: 6 short stories and 2 novellas

Early this year I wrote and self published 6 fantasy short stories and 2 novellas exclusive to Amazon, and exclusivity is not my usual. This was basically an experiment, and that experiment is ongoing.

That being said, I've now gathered those tales into one collection: Chaos & Courage, also exclusive to Amazon. This collection is available in e-book, soft cover, and hardback. Also, occasionally, as Amazon allows, the e-book version will be free for at least a few days here and there.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Harpoon Ale

Beer score: 6.7

I was disappointed to learn this one was no longer on the market, for I had enjoyed plenty of these back in the '90s when I lived up north.

Anyway, at least I still have some notes about this quality brew.

It poured a great caramel color, and the taste was a little stronger than many traditional American ales.

When poured, it gave off scents of bread and maybe a little citrus. The tasting was much the same, but stronger with medium textures and maybe a little dryness.

A pretty good beer. Hopefully they'll start brewing it again some day.

Books read in 2025: No. 23 -- Star Trek 1

by James Blish

Started: June 14

Finished: June 16

Notes: These paperbacks were quite popular when I was a kid back in the 1970s, and despite my being a fan of the original Star Trek show, I've never read one before now. There were a dozen or so of these books, and each one contains a short adaption of a variety of episodes of the original show. Apparently these adaptations, I suppose one could call them short stories, were based upon the scripts and not the actual airing of the show, so some differences are to be expected.

Mini review: Each of these shorts got to the point, not spending a lot of time of characterization or speculation, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. More than half a dozen episodes of the original show were covered here, and yes, there were some differences from the episodes as they aired, but not much. I wouldn't think such a book would sell well today, but back when these were popular in the 1970s, Star Trek and sci-fi fans didn't have nearly the options they do today, so I can why this series was snapped up by fans. This was a nice bit of nostalgia for me, and I could see returning to this series at some point.

Books read in 2025: No. 22 -- Orbit 1

edited by Damon Knight

Started: June 8

Finished: June 13

Notes: Since I'm reading sci-fi of late, I thought it fitting I jump into a collection of short stories so as to experience different writers. This one as first published in the 1960s.

Mini review: With every anthology, there are always some stories that are better than others, but this one kind of stumped me. While none of the tales were truly awful, neither did any stand out to me as great. It was weird. There was almost this seeming middle-ness, like every story stylistically and often thematically were the same, as if they could have been written by the same person, though I know that not to be the case. Maybe it was a matter of the times, with writers somewhat sounding like one another, or perhaps the editor had a singular voice which he sought for publication. Whatever the case, I didn't love this one, but I also can't say I hated it. It was just sort of ho-hum.

Beer of the Week: Cave Creek Chili Beer

Beer score: 4.1

Company: The Chili Beer Brewing Company
ABU: 4.5
IBU: 20

This one has come and gone a few times over the last few decades, but a new company has brought it back. While I can't call it a favorite, it's definitely different, and I'm always happy to see a beer survive.

As can be expected, this one is an extremely spicy hot beer because there's a pepper sitting in the bottom of the bottle. This isn't a match I car for, but you pepper fans might enjoy it. I just want my beer to taste like beer and my peppers to taste like peppers.

It pours a pale yellow color while giving off pretty much nothing but a spicy pepper smell.

Pepper dominates the flavor so much there's barely any beer to taste. The texture is smooth and the flavor might be worth trying if you didn't have so much of that pepper taste with which to contend. All that being said, while this is a spicy brew, I didn't find it so hot that I couldn't finish it, and I didn't need to follow up with a drink of another kind to cool me off.

Worth trying if you like Mexican food with peppers, but I can't recommend this one as a regular drinking beer.

Books read in 2025: No. 21 -- Childhood's End

by Arthur C. Clarke

Started: June 2

Finished: June 7

Notes: It dawned on me recently I have not read much science fiction in recent years, so I thought I'd correct that in coming weeks and months. I decided to start with a known author in the genre. I've read some Clarke before but not much, and wanted to try him out again because it's been so long since I read any of his work that I don't really recall if I enjoyed it or not.

Mini review: When mankind is on the verge of first venturing forth to the moon, spaceships appear in the sky and suddenly the world has new Overlords, which is what they are called. Not malicious, the Overlords work over years to better mankind, but ultimately even the Overlords have others to which they must answer. Taking place over a century, this novel jumps forward in time on more than one occasion, but it's not jarring. The writing style is solid, though having been published originally in the early 1950s, there are a few places where things seem outdated or even anachronisms, but there is very little of this.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Liftbridge Amber Lager

Beer score: 7.6

This one had been out of circulation for a while because the brewer went out of business about a decade ago. Anyway, I didn't have a chance to try any new beer this week, so I thought I'd share a few old notes about this beer I tried years and years ago.

This one instantly assaulted the tongue with a strong amber and caramel taste with just a hint of sweetness, and I mean that in a good way.

It went down smooth and frothy.

That's about all I have on this one. Wish I'd taken a pic.

Books read in 2025: No. 20 -- The Last Battle

by C.S. Lewis

Started: May 30

Finished: June 2

Notes: This is the last of the Narnia novels which I had not read before and the actual last in the series. To tell the truth, I'm glad this is coming to an end, for though I enjoy some of these books, I don't care for all of them.

Mini review: I didn't care for the first three-fourths of this novel, feeling it was too haphazard, but I must say I found the ending quite fulfilling from a Christian point of view. Of course, likely an agnostic or atheistic viewpoint might find the ending rather silly or even banal, but I felt it worked for Lewis' seeming goals.

Books read in 2025: No. 19 -- The Magician's Nephew

by C.S. Lewis

Started: May 26

Finished: May 30

Notes: I'm reading the Narnia books and this one is next in my lineup. It's also one of the few Narnia books which I've not read before now. My understanding is that this is the tale of how Aslan created Narnia, so hopefully it'll be interesting.

Mini review: This turned out to be one of my least favorite of these books. I've found Lewis to be one of the strongest Christian apologists, but I feel his creation myth here was fairly weak, as was the overall plot. I suppose part of my feelings about this are the fact the reader knows everything is going to turn out all right, that there's no real threat to the characters. Lewis was creating not only a mythology and something of a metaphorical tale for Christianity, but also a fairy tale, so I supposed he can be forgiven for what I consider weak storytelling here.

Books read in 2025: No. 18 -- The Horse and His Boy

by C.S. Lewis

Started: May 22

Finished: May 26

Notes: This is the first of the Narnia books I've not read before, so I'm looking forward to what it might hold. My understanding is that it doesn't follow the general timeline that's been presented so far in the earlier novels.

Mini review: I have to say, other than The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, this has been my favorite Narnia book so far. There's nothing like a good quest story, and this one was done well in a fairy-tale sort of way. Of course I have some quibbles, such as I felt the ending came a little too easy for the good guys, but all in all this was a fine story.

Beer of the Week: Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier Dunkel

Beer score: 8.4

Company: Franziskaner Weissbier
ABU: 5.0
IBU: 10

Pours a reddish brown color with a foamy head while giving off smells of dark fruit, caramel, and burnt nuts, but the smell isn't overly strong.

Smooth on the tongue with more of that caramel, along with some bready tastes.

Stronger, fruitier, and a little sweeter than the non-dunkel version of this beer, but not overly powerful, which is somewhat surprising in a German brew.

Definitely worth trying. Too complex for most amateur beer tasters, as they might not even realize this is a beer.

Books read in 2025: No. 17 -- The Silver Chair

by C.S. Lewis

Started: May 15

Finished: May 21

Notes: I took a brief break from reading the Narnia novels, but now I'm jumping back into one. This is the last of the handful which I've read before, but it has been probably nearly 40 years since I read this novel and I remember nothing about it.

Mini review: The first half of this one I didn't care much for, but the second half grew on me until what I felt was a fair and fitting ending. Funny thing, the actual silver chair is barely in this book, just a matter of a few pages, and is destroyed soon after its appearance.

Beer of the Week: Neon Beer Hug IPA

Beer score: 6.0

Company: Goose Island Beer Co.
ABU: 7.0
IBU: 40

Pretty pale when pouring into a clear glass, with some light yellow coloring. The smell isn't strong, but hints at orange and honey with a touch of hoppy bitterness.

In the mouth, this one is quite smooth, but like the scent, the flavor isn't overly strong, though that flavor grows the more you drink. Speaking of flavor, at first there's a slight rush of citrus, but then upon swallowing a smooth bitterness takes over and lays on the tongue for a while. There is a little sweetness at first, but it doesn't last long.

I can't say this one is a favorite, but it's a pretty decent beer. I could see serving this one at parties, or just sitting around drinking one while watching TV. A great beer? No, but it is a good beer.

Books read in 2025: No. 16 -- Fairy Tale

by Stephen King

Started: May 8

Finished: May 15

Notes: I'm taking a break from the Narnia novels so I won't become burned out on them, but I'm still in the mood for some fantasy, so I thought I'd give a try to one of King's more recent fantastical novels. Plus, most times I enjoy his writing.

Mini review: This was a fine tale. It was a combination of what I think of a King's two main styles of writing, his more common one for his horror and thriller novels, and his other style reserved for his fantasy works, especially The Dark Tower series. The first half of this book is of the more traditional, horror type, but the second half dips heavily into the style of King's fantasy works. Worth reading for King fans, and unless you don't enjoy his writing, this one is till worth your time.

Beer of the Week: Tropical Beer Hug Imperial IPA

Beer score: 5.3

Company: Goose Island Beer Co.
ABU: 9.9
IBU: 45

In a clear glass, this one looks like a traditional premium beer in America with a light golden color and a bit of fizz with lacing at the top, maybe a little too much head for my liking. The smell wasn't too strong for me, but I picked up a little wheat a citrus, not uncommon for an IPA.

The taste is quite a bit stronger than the smell. There's barely a touch of sweetness on the tongue, but the bitterness is quite powerful, reminding me somewhat of orange zest. Goes down smooth, but the aftertaste has a harsh little kick that didn't do much for me.

For me, this one wasn't great. It's not awful, but I don't I'll be drinking more in the future. 

Books read in 2025: No. 15 -- The Voyage of The Dawn Treader

by C.S. Lewis

Started: April 24

Finished: May 7

Notes: Since I'm reading the Narnia series, this one is the next I come to. However, I did read this book decades upon decades ago.

Mini review: Right off the get-go, this one was far better than Prince Caspian, but still nowhere near the iconic level of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Still, in many ways this is the most adventurous of this novels, or at least of the ones I've read so far, with an actual quest and strange locales. That being said, I think I'm going to take a break from the Narnia books for a while so I won't become burned out on them.

Beer of the Week: West Coast Beer Hug IPA

Beer score: 6.6

Company: Goose Island Beer Co.
ABU: 7.8
IBU: 45

Lots of foam when I poured this one into a glass. In that glass, it gave off a lightly-cloudy golden color with hints of citrus and bread but not a lot of smell.

Another IPA that's a bit too sour for my tastes, but I have to admit that IPA sourness/bitterness is not overly strong here. The flavor is stronger than the smell, with quite a bit more of that citrus, though that gives away fairly quickly to a smoothness bitterness not uncommon to IPAs. Not a lot of complexity here for an IPA, but that's not always a bad thing, depending upon your mood and your tastes.

I could recommend this to, especially to IPA lovers, but I'm not sure it would become anyone's regular drinking or sipping brew.

Beer of the Week: Goose Island Bright Sunshiny Haze

Beer score: 7.9

Company: Goose Island Beer Co.
ABU: 6.8
IBU: 20

This IPA pours a pale lemon color while giving off scents of citrus and light wheat.

The head is foamy but not overly thick nor overly light, just right. The flavor includes more of that citrus and light wheat.

I'm not normally a huge IPA fan because I often find them sour on my tongue, but there's none of that here. This is perhaps the smoothest and lightest IPA I've ever had the pleasure to taste, reminding me somewhat of white ales.

Not a perfect beer, even if there is such a thing, but I don't have any complaints.

Books read in 2025: No. 14 -- Prince Caspian

by C.S. Lewis

Started: April 18

Finished: April 23

Notes: As I'm re-reading the Narnia novels I've read before while hoping to finally complete the series, and since I just read the first book, it's time for the second of them. Yes, I've read this one, but it was years and years ago and I remember next to nothing about it.

Mini review: I seem to recall of the Narnia books I've read before, this was my least favorite, and I still feel that one. Of course it's nearly impossible to be as good as the iconic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This one feels rushed to me, almost as if the publisher were pressing C.S. Lewis to come out with a quick sequel. That might not be the case, but it feels that way to me.

Beer of the Week: Jolene Red Ale

Beer score: 7.1

Company: Grand Strand Brewing Company
ABU: 6.0
IBU: NA

In the late '90s, generic red ales were fairly popular, though they've tended to fade away since then. However, the Grand Strand Brewing folks near Myrtle Beach, SC, are keeping that trend alive.

And they're not doing a bad job at it, though I have to admit, red ales have never been a favorite of mine, though I've also never detested them.

Anyway, this one pours a medium auburn color while giving off scents of wheat and, maybe, caramel?

Fairly light with not-too-much carbonation, this beer offers some bitterness that's not too strong but also not too light while also giving off a hint of that caramel.

Are there better beers out there? Uh, yeah, but this one is pretty decent. And I have to say, this is perhaps the best "red" ale I've ever had.

Books read in 2025: No. 13 -- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis

Started: April 14

Finished: April 17

Notes: I've read this book a couple of times in the past, but I'm doing so again because it has been decades since and because I want to read all the Narnia books. I've read the first four of those books, but never finished the series. So, I thought since it's been so long, I should start back at the beginning and then follow through.

Mini review: I enjoyed this one, but not quite as much as I have in the past. It didn't help that I'd read this novel more than once before and that I had seen the movie, so I always knew what was going to happen. Still, quite the fine children's tale.

Beer of the Week: New South White Ale

Beer score: 5.6

Company: New South Brewing Co.
ABU: 4.6
IBU: NA

This one pours a faint golden color with a bit of cloudiness while giving off light smells of citrus and beer.

I tend to like white ales, but I can't say this is a favorite. I don't mean that this one sucks, just that there are better ones available.

Still, this one isn't bad, just a bit heavy compared to most white ales.

Fairly smooth with a light bitterness on the aftertaste, with a bit of a bready flavor and just a hint of that citrus.

If you're in the Myrtle Beach area and try this one, it's not awful, but if you're looking beyond, yeah, there are better white ales available.

Books read in 2025: No. 12 -- Elegy Beach

by Steven R. Boyett

Started: April 4

Finished: April 14

Notes: I realize it's probably stupid of me, but I've been holding off reading this novel for much of the last decade, since its publication, mainly out of a sense of delayed gratification. See, this is a sequel to one of my favorite fantasy novels, Ariel, where our world has gone through something of an apocalypse, except instead of nukes or plague or zombies, it is magic which has changed the world. Ariel has been around since the early 1980s, which is when I read it for the first time ... and since I love the book so much, I've been hesitant to read it's sequel, which just came out about 8 years ago. So, I have a mixed feeling of dread and of overjoyment ... if that makes sense. Anyway, here goes.

Mini review: God damn it. Here I was thinking Steven Erikson was the only fantasy writer who could make my eyes grow wet, and then after decades I'm reminded of another Steven who can do the same to me. Boyett has done more than a service to his earlier book and his younger self and to generations both young and old. Magic, a journey, centaurs, unicorns, swords, it's all there and more. I won't go into details concerning the plot, for that could ruin things for anyone interested, but I can highly suggest reading Ariel and then Elegy Beach. However, I will add, if you're of the Gen X generation, keep in mind when these books were published, and what they have to say about those times.

Another novella and a short story

Recently I published a fantasy novella and a short story over at Amazon. Here are the basics.

Trials of Magic: a high fantasy novella

At 14, Princess Alljoy is full of self determination, even stubbornness, so it should be no surprise when she finds life within the castle quite dreary and she sets out on her own for adventure.

But then she discovers The Veil, a misty, magical wall which surrounds and protects her family's kingdom, a wall which none can pass through.

Intrigued by the mystery, the princess sets out to find a dragon who supposedly knows the secrets of The Veil.

Yet the dragon will not be without needs of its own.

Midnight at The Skewered Pig: a dark fantasy short story

Two bandits, one a murderer and the other worse, ride to the top of a mountain road where they find an unexpected sight, an inn that is not supposed to be there. Tired from their travels and their most recent villainous acts, they decide what better place to rest than this mysterious place.

Yet what they find waiting for them will be beyond their understanding. A reckoning awaits.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Pyramid Scotch Ale

Beer score: 6.2

Here's another beer, and another brewery, that's no longer with us. Such a shame.

This beer was sturdy and sweet like many a good Scotch ale.

Unfortunately, I don't care much for overly sweet beers, so Scotch ales sometimes suffer in my beer ratings. Still, Scottish ales often make a good sipping beer, especially on winter evenings when you're in the mood to drink but not get drunk. Also, Scotch ales can grow on you, but I wouldn't suggest breaking out a case at a party, not unless the party is full of beer snobs.

Anyway, this was one of the better Scotch ales, in my opinion, so I wish it was still around.

Books read in 2025: No. 11 -- The Guns of Avalon

by Roger Zelazny

Started: March 27

Finished: April 3

Notes: I've been meaning to read more Zelazny, and a decade or more back I saw an online discussion with 2 editors from Tor publishing, and they agreed this was the best of Zelazny's Amber novels. So, I thought this a fitting place to jump back into reading this author.

Mini review: This one was pretty darn good. I felt it slowed a little in the middle, but it had a solid beginning and quite a good ending, though it did leave things open for the next Amber novel. Anyway, in this once, Corwin seeks to gain the crown of Amber, and this takes him through various worlds, including one version of our own, but just when he seems on the verge of reaching his goal, a new threat presents itself.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Ruddles Pub Ale Draught

Beer score: 4.8

The company that makes this brew got bought out by another company a decade or so, and many of that original company's beers are no longer on the market, including this one.

I'm not usually a fan of these draught ales in a can, but this one wasn't too bad. It had a smooth, milky head, and it was very wet, almost to the point of being flat. There was a slight bitter hops flavor that was a little stronger in the aftertaste.

All in all, not a great beer, but not a bad one. Too bad it's no longer around.

Books read in 2025: No. 10 -- The Curse of Rathlaw

by Peter Saxon

Started: March 18

Finished: March 27

Notes: Apparently this author was a pseudonym used by several authors in the mid-20th Century, but a little Internet snooping has revealed to me to true author of this fantasy novel was Thomas Martin. Either way, I'm not familiar with the author, but I'm hoping this novel will at least be decent because I've been disappointed with a number of my fantasy reads of late. I picked this one up at a used book store because I kept finding it over and over again, almost like it was calling to me.

Mini review: At first I was disappointed because, despite the cover art and title and back copy and front copy and even the first chapter which took place with a maid and a hermit outside a Scottish castle at night, this was not an S&S novel, not even fantasy, unless maybe dark fantasy. No, this turned out to be something of a horror novel set in the modern day (at least by 1968 standards, when this book was published). But that being said, this wasn't too bad. Not great, but not awful. A hermit attempts to rape a young woman engaged to a young man, this is captured before the deed can be done. The local lord has the hermit punished, and afterward the hermit lays a curse upon the family. At first everyone scoffs, but when events start occurring related to the curse, the lord calls in the aid of a group in London called The Guardians, who deal with fighting diabolical forces. Kind of fun, dark but not too dark, so I didn't hate it.

Beer of the Week: Corona Extra

Beer score: 3.8

Company: Constellation Brands
ABU: 4.6
IBU: 18

It pours a very light yellow color, pale and almost clear. The smell is grassy with maybe a little corn.

Weak and watery with a little carbonation. There is a slight sweet taste, but not much more.

My experience has been that this is typical of many Mexican beers, but despite my general lack of excitement, this beer would probably go well with seafood or Mexican food or on a hot day when you're working outdoors in the heat.

Books read in 2025: No. 9 -- The Clocks of Iraz

by L. Sprague de Camp

Started: March 7

Finished: March 18

Notes: I've read some of de Camp's Conan books and some material he edited, but until now I've not read any of his novels of his own creation. So here goes.

Mini review: This novel disgusted me more than anything I've read in a good long while, so I am glad to be rid of it. First of all, calling this Sword & Sorcery, which the book's back cover prompted, is almost ludicrous. I suppose it is S&S, but only by quite loose terms. A master craftsman who at least has some history of soldiering finds himself hired to fix a majestic clock in a city, and then he runs afoul of local politics, facing a battle and eventually a king's abdication. There's very little magic, and most of that in the background, and other than one sword fight early on and a battle that was almost more stilly than serious, there's no real action here, at least not of the sword-swinging variety. The writing is bland at best, and most frustrating, just when things start to get a little interesting, the main character breaks out into song or lengthy stories that don't even have much to do with the plot. Yes, I'm glad to be finished with this book.

Beer of the Week: Molson Ice

Beer score: 4.5

Company: MolsonCoors
ABU: 5.6
IBU: 15

As might be expected from a mass-produced, mass-marketed brew, this one pours a pale yellow color, almost watery. There's a bit of sweet scent in the pouring, but not much.

The taste isn't real strong, though there is a bit of sweet beerness to it. There is a lot of fizz, which makes it hard to swallow.

Meh. There are worse beers.

Two more fantasy short stories available

I've been experimenting with publishing fantasy short stories exclusively to Amazon of late, always in e-book format and print and sometimes even audio.

So, here are my latest two stories.

Jungle of Blood: a heroic fantasy short story

A great foreign evil has arrived by sea near the ancestral lands of the nomadic people of the young warrior Keembu, and he and his fellow clansmen and their shaman must ultimately come face to face with this monstrosity or slowly be forced to fall beneath its terror.

Can spears and magic stand against a vampire who can control the very beasts of the jungle? Or will the blood of men cover the land?

Squad Mage: a short story of military fantasy

The squad of Corporal Jetei is tasked with breaking through the wall surrounding an enemy town, but once they are through, the real dangers begin.

A powerful sorceress has holed up within her own mansion and it is Jetei’s squad’s job to go in and eliminate this magical threat. Yet Jetei is only a squad mage, so how can she and her comrades hope to stand against a strong magical enemy within that enemy’s very home?