TITLE:  The Hobbit

AUTHOR:  J.R.R. Tolkien

EDITION:  2020 HarperCollins Audiobook

NARRATOR:  Andy Serkis
________________________
The new audiobook of The Hobbit as read by Andy Serkis (the guy who did Gollum) is absolutely brilliant.  There is nothing else to say, but to go out and listen to a copy.

I've been following this series from the beginning and it has kept getting better and better throughout. I don't follow many series and easily get bored with them, so this is a real exception. It has elements of Mystery and Thriller and even a touch of Romance, but technically it's Science Fiction because of the time travel.

Only there's no machine. The Time Shifters can slip through time or across distance at will, but not at the same time. And they can only move forward and backward within their life span. It's a very original concept and well executed.

I'm both looking forward to and dreading reading the last episode. I'm going to start today. Dreading it because then it will be finished!

I hope this author writes more. Oh and the paperback version is in two omnibus editions and called The Time Shifters Chronicles volumes 1 & 2. I'll add the second one to the database, the first one is already there. The series is also in audiobook.

I need a great book to make up for my last reading experience. I also feel like re-reading the Wimsey stories in order, this time including the short stories, which I've so far neglected or rather saved up for special circumstances. I guess, a pandemic should qualify as "special circumstances".

In any case, a visit to Duke's Denver is on the cards.

TITLE:  Network Effects

AUTHOR:  Martha Wells

SERIES:  Murderbot Diaries #5

____________________________

DESCRIPTION:

"Murderbot returns in its highly-anticipated, first, full-length standalone novel.

You know that feeling when you’re at work, and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.

Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.

—

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.

When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then."

_______________________________

REVIEW:

******************POSSIBLE SPOILERS***********************************

A brilliant, full-length, action packed addition to the Murderbot diaries.  ART (aka Asshole Research Transport) makes an appearance, Murderbot blackmails Dr Mensah (!!), there is a Murderbot 2.0 (this part was delightful), there is also a "Murderbot" 3 (sort of) and the hazards of fiddling around with alien technology.  Network Effects was something enjoyable and absorbing to read when the world is quite cheerfully going to hell.

NOTE:  It helps (and would probably be more enjoyable) if you have read the previous 4 novellas, but isn't entirely necessary. 

An all inclusive Myrtle Beach vacation is one of the most neglected getaway choices in the United States. When individuals think beach vacations in the states, they always begin trying to find options in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. Nevertheless, South Carolina ought to definitely be on anybody brief list.

The track itself is doable in 2 days but it's finest to take longer than this so you can actually take in the surroundings. The path goes south to north and whilst you can do the trek in either instructions, I 'd start in the south and surface in the north. That way you can relax at the Wilderness Lodge after the walk, which has a swimming pool and an inviting bar.

Kyma House uses a low season rate of $3,800. For mid season, it's $5,995 and for the high season, it's $10,595 for a https://padlet.com/gbad95762/iuwqtr34pm9e/wish/480817579 week. A 4-night stay is just $4,115 throughout the mid season and $2,610 during the low season.

11. Oahu has really cool and elegant coffee shops which are truly very well-known in Hawaiian State. These cafes island water sports provide infinite variety of light meals which are of A Standard.

The beach front is spectacular with beautiful crystal clear water sports hawaii and pale yellow sand, simply great for a bit of sun bathing or jet snowboarding. Simply at the head of the beach are some sunken wrecks which are used as anchors for pleasure boats. This is an excellent location to snorkel with an abundance of brightly coloured fish. The snorkel shop runs day-to-day guided tours of the wrecks and they provide all the required equipment.

This location is referred to as the marlin capital of the world. Big game fish, including giant blue marlin and other Pacific swordfish, billfish and tuna are plentiful in the waters off the coast. Hundreds of charter fishing boats operate out of the Kailua-Kona area where you can charter a boat with buddies or join among the day-to-day shared charters.

Ko Olina is another location where you can put up. This is the South western area of Oahu. It uses lots of resorts, condos, and golf courses. The J.W. Marriot Ihilani Resort and Health spa is the main resort here. It is perfect for a fun filled sailing experience. It is approximately 25 minutes away from Honolulu International airport.