Who is Government?

Michael Lewis

A set of essays that follows a Washington Post series highlighting individual civil servants in government. The idea is that the U.S. Government is so vast, that we can't really grasp what it does. So these essays each fixate on one hyper-narrow function, and bring it to life. Three of these were particularly interesting/effective for me in understanding government - an essay describing the work of an engineer working on coal mine safety, an essay highlighting the work of the office in charge of national cemeteries, and one illuminating the function of the National Archives. Each of these pulled one person and dug in, but it is amazing to think about the tens --> hundreds of colleagues and supporters in those offices that make the whole machine work. It really does make you appreciate the taxes you pay, and lament the dismantling for the sake of dismantling that we are currently seeing. 

4 stars (out of 4)

What if We Get it Right? Visions of Climate Futures

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Johnson is a well known marine biologist, climate activist who brings us an action book on climate. Stipulating in the opening that climate change is causing all kinds of catastrophe, this book is not about being an apologist for "Climate Change is Real" or "Climate Change is Bad". Instead, she spends time interviewing industry leaders across a wide range of influence and expertise. In these interviews, Johnson asks: "In your field, what will the future look like if we make the right decisions and actions right now?". And in the course of these interviews, we of course get to know what those decisions and actions should be. This is largely an inspiring series of discussions. But make no mistake, it is not intended to be motivational treatise. It is a call to action, with actionable ideas. 

Maybe the most disheartening part of the entire book is that is was published midway through Biden/Harris, and is quite positive reflecting on the government commitment to environmental policy and funding. Reading this now, one year into Trump 2, many of the "get it right" actions have been actively reversed or deleted. Even so, highly recommend ... 

4 stars (out of 4)

Assassin's Quest

Robin Hobb

Book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy

The final book of the trilogy opens with a bleak outlook. Regal is in charge and has plundered the Duchies for his own personal gain. Anyone with an inclination to good is either dead, missing or powerless and the Red Raiders control much of the coast. With this backdrop, we are treated to a true fantasy quest. A cohort develops over time, evil pursues, magic pulls and hinders at the same time, prophecies abound and the fate of the Six Duchies is at stake. A true epic. And maybe in fantasy, quest form, sometimes the quest drags on, and the whole thing wraps up remarkably quickly. But let me assure you, Fitz is the reluctant hero (the catalyst) for everything that happens and is able to walk off into the sunset. An admirable conclusion. 

4 stars (out of 4)

Royal Assassin

Robin Hobb

Book 2 of the Farseer Trilogy

As the story starts, Fitz is in Buckkeep, the Red Raiders escalate their raids on the coastal Duchies, and it is clear that Prince Regal has designs on the thrown for which he is only 2nd in line. With the raider problem not having a realistic solution, King-in-waiting Verity leaves Buckkeep to search for the Elderlings, mystical creatures who helped keep raiders at bay in prior generations. Which leaves Fitz and his cohort to resist the evils of Regal. He does... until he doesn't. It is hard to remember that Fitz is still just a teen, and that for all of his skills and talents (the Wit and the Skill), he hasn't really been trained in any of them nor really understand the potential or the dangers he faces. Like most teens, he is invincible in his own mind, and knows better than his elders. Reading this through the eyes of a brash teen who simultaneously lacks self-confidence makes for fascinating story development. Especially as his world crashes down around him.

4 stars (out of 4)

Book of Ile-Rien

Martha Wells

This book is actually a combo of Wells first two novels, where she creates the Ile-Rien world. It includes:

• The Element of Fire, and 
• The Death of the Necromancer. 

The first (Element of Fire) is set a century before the Ile-Rien trilogy of Tremaine. So really deep background (since I am reading it last). In this story, it takes a while (first third?) to figure out who really is the protagonist. I can definitely see a less polished writer in Wells than her later works. Some meandering descriptions as she works to build the world. Even so, an engaging story of captain of the Queens Guard Thomas Boniface, and a returning rogue sorceress Kade Carrion, who also happens to be part fayre. In many ways a classic political thriller, with dysfunctional rulers and coup attempts that require sorcery and subterfuge. In the end, my biggest complaint is that Wells never came back to Kade Carrion for more storytelling. 

The second (Death of the Necromancer) is set 100 years later, with Nicholas Valiarde as a young mafiosio in Vienne. There are only brief references to the characters and story of The Element of Fire. The main plot driver here is that Valiarde's foster father and mentor (Edouard Villar) was executed for necromancy after a false conviction, Nicholas entire driving purpose is to enact revenge on the perpetrator. And while this driver is maintained throughout the novel, it is effectively a wrapper for the real story, which introduces us to Valiardes crew, the sorcery spheres created by Viller and Arisilde, and live in the Ile-Rien capital of Vienne. 

Overall, this is a fantastic world. I would read more

4 stars (out of 4)

The Gate of Gods

Martha Wells

Book 3 in the The Fall of Ile-Rien

Wrapping up the trilogy, Tremaine and her cohort (including her newly returned father) take the battle to the Guardier. They have a theory about how the Guardier sorcery works and are continually discovering more about the staging worlds that are used for transport. Simultaneously, they are increasingly surprised by how much they do know. Tremaine, ever the confident schemer, has an idea that they will win before others have that confidence, so she also begins thinking about life after. And those decisions are nearly as difficult as the ones made in battle. All to say, I appreciate how Wells doesn't ignore the interpersonal and emotional weight that comes with conflict. A nice completion to a world building fantasy trilogy.

4 stars (out of 4)

Assassin's Apprentice

Robin Hobb

Book 1 of the Farseer Trilogy

I think this is the beginning of nice long diversion. Hobb has four trilogies in this Realm of the Elderlings world, and based on book 1, there are lots of possibilities. I like the fantasy and magic. I like that not everything is explained all at once (we will see if I keep liking that :), but at the same time enough clarity is provided so I am not just reading large portions of books with general confusion. Fitz is our protagonist and this story covers his discovery (at age 6) to his late teens, and all of his training and learning. Fitz is the illegitimate son of the heir to the Farseer throne. So political intrigue. He is largely oblivious to political intrigue, but clearly intelligent and his own person. So when he is secretly apprenticed to the kings assassin, and his talents are used to help rid the country of soulless victims of the Red Raiders, and he placed as a pawn in inter-kingdom diplomacy and subterfuge - Fitz doesn't always just "go along". A really good built world. What's next?

4 stars (out of 4)