I did NOT expect to read about politics, sexism, capitalism, anarchy, monopoly, ethics, colonialism and etc since the start. I was surprised, impressed and amazed. Hobb literally jumped higher in this saga and it's refreshing to see an author that is not scared to talk openly of such things and add REAL complexity to their world without using this things like a soulless trope or washed out discourse just to show a fake depth. But the surprising thing of all is that this books are OLD, guys. I think if that saga was to be published today they will have called it "woke". She was clearly always ahead of her times (like putting a non binary character as one of the main cast in the Farseer trilogy in the 1996 with the hints of not heterosexual love). Can I love her more?? That was wild for a FEMALE author, one that had (like all other women to have a chance especially in the fantasy world) to write under an androgynous pseudonym. — I'm sorry for the rant but someone had to say it. Hobb you really made me a fan of yours! Even if you love to break my heart but it's ok. My tears are infinite 🤙🏻✨️

Do y'all actually check the map at the start of the book? Why?

I'm curious because I see a lot of people on tiktok do, but I never felt the need to. I trust the author telling me how far two places are and to show me where we are through description.

If a place has already been described, I recognise the name because I already heard it and don't feel the need to know exactly where it is in the city. I barely feel the need to make a map inside of my head at all. I doubt I'll ever need to orient myself there and understand where I am.

Due to this, I'm really curious, if you do use maps, how? For what purpose?

I can’t believe June is almost overrrr (though Pride is forever 🏳️‍🌈🔥)!

What were your favourite pride reads this year?!

Guess what time it is!! That’s right, it’s the end of the month (and the middle of the year?!?!?) so I am here to yearn for your monthly stats as usual!! How did everyone’s month go? Did you start the summer readalong yet? Did you enjoy the Pride Special Event?

My month started out slow, but i managed to still read a good amount, so I didn’t end up with a bad reading month at all! I’m already 3/4 books into the summer readalong, which is quick even for me! I ended up reading Harriet Tubman Live in Concert for the Pride Event since I already read Ace of Spades, and really enjoyed that!

As always, I have a little template prepared for you guys! I know that we have all our stats on our profiles now, but I find this to be a bonding moment haha! If you want and have the time you can also tell me some mid-year stats 👀

books in total: favorite(s): least favorite: most surprising: longest read: shortest read: excited for in June:

I'll leave my own stats in the comments!!