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Joe
@joemachin.bsky.social
· Oct 22
Hi, I'm Joe!
I'm into books, puzzle games, cartoons, and escape rooms!
I'm currently ~350 books into a project to catch up with all the books I read as a kid.
Expect posts on what I've been reading/watching/playing.
I'm into books, puzzle games, cartoons, and escape rooms!
I'm currently ~350 books into a project to catch up with all the books I read as a kid.
Expect posts on what I've been reading/watching/playing.
I READ: Paper, Mark Kurlansky
Another step in my exploration of the history of Books. Dovetails quite neatly with Papyrus, my previous installment, necessarily a more global story. Delves into where papermaking coexisted with printing in a way that I appreciated, but others may not.
Another step in my exploration of the history of Books. Dovetails quite neatly with Papyrus, my previous installment, necessarily a more global story. Delves into where papermaking coexisted with printing in a way that I appreciated, but others may not.
Paper: Paging Through History
Paper is one of the simplest and most essential pieces …
www.goodreads.com
February 11, 2025 at 11:15 AM
I READ: Paper, Mark Kurlansky
Another step in my exploration of the history of Books. Dovetails quite neatly with Papyrus, my previous installment, necessarily a more global story. Delves into where papermaking coexisted with printing in a way that I appreciated, but others may not.
Another step in my exploration of the history of Books. Dovetails quite neatly with Papyrus, my previous installment, necessarily a more global story. Delves into where papermaking coexisted with printing in a way that I appreciated, but others may not.
I READ: The Wild Robot Protects, Peter Brown #BookSky
Pretty mixed on this. On one hand it shares the energy of its predecessor, and builds on its setting, but on the other it dives into the fantastic in a way I wasn't looking for here. Some fun moments stand out, not bad over all.
Pretty mixed on this. On one hand it shares the energy of its predecessor, and builds on its setting, but on the other it dives into the fantastic in a way I wasn't looking for here. Some fun moments stand out, not bad over all.
January 28, 2025 at 8:41 AM
I READ: The Wild Robot Protects, Peter Brown #BookSky
Pretty mixed on this. On one hand it shares the energy of its predecessor, and builds on its setting, but on the other it dives into the fantastic in a way I wasn't looking for here. Some fun moments stand out, not bad over all.
Pretty mixed on this. On one hand it shares the energy of its predecessor, and builds on its setting, but on the other it dives into the fantastic in a way I wasn't looking for here. Some fun moments stand out, not bad over all.
I READ: The Legend of Korra Graphic Novels
A lot of fun! Lovely to see Korra and Asami's relationship develop across these two stories. They really feel like an extension of the show, where the ATLA ones felt like set up for Korra. Of the two I prefer Ruins of the Empire. Looking forward to more!
A lot of fun! Lovely to see Korra and Asami's relationship develop across these two stories. They really feel like an extension of the show, where the ATLA ones felt like set up for Korra. Of the two I prefer Ruins of the Empire. Looking forward to more!
The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars (The Legend of Korra, #1…
Written by series co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino an…
www.goodreads.com
January 25, 2025 at 8:17 AM
I READ: The Legend of Korra Graphic Novels
A lot of fun! Lovely to see Korra and Asami's relationship develop across these two stories. They really feel like an extension of the show, where the ATLA ones felt like set up for Korra. Of the two I prefer Ruins of the Empire. Looking forward to more!
A lot of fun! Lovely to see Korra and Asami's relationship develop across these two stories. They really feel like an extension of the show, where the ATLA ones felt like set up for Korra. Of the two I prefer Ruins of the Empire. Looking forward to more!
I READ: The Wild Robot Escapes, Peter Brown #BookSky
It's odd how the same narrative voice that didn't serve the previous installment works so well here. The plot has more focus and direction, there are real stakes that Roz is aware of, and there is real tension. A real gem!
It's odd how the same narrative voice that didn't serve the previous installment works so well here. The plot has more focus and direction, there are real stakes that Roz is aware of, and there is real tension. A real gem!
The Wild Robot Escapes (The Wild Robot, #2)
Shipwrecked on a remote, wild island, Robot Roz learned…
www.goodreads.com
January 23, 2025 at 8:31 AM
I READ: The Wild Robot Escapes, Peter Brown #BookSky
It's odd how the same narrative voice that didn't serve the previous installment works so well here. The plot has more focus and direction, there are real stakes that Roz is aware of, and there is real tension. A real gem!
It's odd how the same narrative voice that didn't serve the previous installment works so well here. The plot has more focus and direction, there are real stakes that Roz is aware of, and there is real tension. A real gem!
I READ: The Wild Robot, Peter Brown
I really wanted to like this more. It's sweet and charming, not overly moralistic, but there is something in how the sedate, peaceful story meets the pacy, to-the-point narrative voice that takes away from the emotional intensity for me. #BookSky
I really wanted to like this more. It's sweet and charming, not overly moralistic, but there is something in how the sedate, peaceful story meets the pacy, to-the-point narrative voice that takes away from the emotional intensity for me. #BookSky
The Wild Robot (The Wild Robot, #1)
Can a robot survive in the wilderness? When robot Roz …
www.goodreads.com
January 22, 2025 at 8:28 AM
I READ: The Wild Robot, Peter Brown
I really wanted to like this more. It's sweet and charming, not overly moralistic, but there is something in how the sedate, peaceful story meets the pacy, to-the-point narrative voice that takes away from the emotional intensity for me. #BookSky
I really wanted to like this more. It's sweet and charming, not overly moralistic, but there is something in how the sedate, peaceful story meets the pacy, to-the-point narrative voice that takes away from the emotional intensity for me. #BookSky
I WATCHED: The Legend of Korra
A great show, impressively distinct in setting and tone to ATLA, while remaining true to its core values. I can't resist good "steampunk" for anything! Perhaps not the intended experience coming direct from the comics, made some plots feel a little deja vu?
A great show, impressively distinct in setting and tone to ATLA, while remaining true to its core values. I can't resist good "steampunk" for anything! Perhaps not the intended experience coming direct from the comics, made some plots feel a little deja vu?
The Legend of Korra - TheTVDB.com
www.thetvdb.com
January 20, 2025 at 8:31 AM
I WATCHED: The Legend of Korra
A great show, impressively distinct in setting and tone to ATLA, while remaining true to its core values. I can't resist good "steampunk" for anything! Perhaps not the intended experience coming direct from the comics, made some plots feel a little deja vu?
A great show, impressively distinct in setting and tone to ATLA, while remaining true to its core values. I can't resist good "steampunk" for anything! Perhaps not the intended experience coming direct from the comics, made some plots feel a little deja vu?
I MADE this! It's not perfect, but I had a good time!
January 17, 2025 at 8:35 AM
I MADE this! It's not perfect, but I had a good time!
I READ: Avatar: The Last Airbender Graphic Novels
Great art, pretty solid writing overall - The Search is a standout. I think these stories primarily serve to contextualise conflicts in Korra, so reading them first, as I did, is a little jarring. I look forward to more stories in the future!
Great art, pretty solid writing overall - The Search is a standout. I think these stories primarily serve to contextualise conflicts in Korra, so reading them first, as I did, is a little jarring. I look forward to more stories in the future!
The Promise (Avatar: The Last Airbender, #1)
The Avatar's adventures continue right where the TV ser…
www.goodreads.com
January 16, 2025 at 8:48 AM
I READ: Avatar: The Last Airbender Graphic Novels
Great art, pretty solid writing overall - The Search is a standout. I think these stories primarily serve to contextualise conflicts in Korra, so reading them first, as I did, is a little jarring. I look forward to more stories in the future!
Great art, pretty solid writing overall - The Search is a standout. I think these stories primarily serve to contextualise conflicts in Korra, so reading them first, as I did, is a little jarring. I look forward to more stories in the future!
I READ: A Darkling Plain, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
What a conclusion! An elegant dance of about 7 different threads that tie together perfectly for the climax. Both tragic and hopeful, it might be worth reading the whole series just for this book.
What a conclusion! An elegant dance of about 7 different threads that tie together perfectly for the climax. Both tragic and hopeful, it might be worth reading the whole series just for this book.
A Darkling Plain (Mortal Engines Quartet #4)
The final book of the thrilling Predator Cities series!…
www.goodreads.com
January 14, 2025 at 9:17 AM
I READ: A Darkling Plain, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
What a conclusion! An elegant dance of about 7 different threads that tie together perfectly for the climax. Both tragic and hopeful, it might be worth reading the whole series just for this book.
What a conclusion! An elegant dance of about 7 different threads that tie together perfectly for the climax. Both tragic and hopeful, it might be worth reading the whole series just for this book.
I READ: Infernal Devices, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Back on top form, it's rare to read a YA book with adult characters that work this well, despite their circumstances. The time skip serves to develop the setting in interesting ways and brings a new crop of characters into the light.
Back on top form, it's rare to read a YA book with adult characters that work this well, despite their circumstances. The time skip serves to develop the setting in interesting ways and brings a new crop of characters into the light.
Infernal Devices (Mortal Engines Quartet, #3)
BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double c…
www.goodreads.com
January 13, 2025 at 8:34 AM
I READ: Infernal Devices, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Back on top form, it's rare to read a YA book with adult characters that work this well, despite their circumstances. The time skip serves to develop the setting in interesting ways and brings a new crop of characters into the light.
Back on top form, it's rare to read a YA book with adult characters that work this well, despite their circumstances. The time skip serves to develop the setting in interesting ways and brings a new crop of characters into the light.
I READ: Predator's Gold, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Didn't enjoy quite as much as the previous, but still a good time. Some frustrating character moments but really dives into fascinating elements of the world. The plot can feel a little convoluted at times, the resolution is the better for it.
Didn't enjoy quite as much as the previous, but still a good time. Some frustrating character moments but really dives into fascinating elements of the world. The plot can feel a little convoluted at times, the resolution is the better for it.
Predator's Gold (Mortal Engines Quartet, #2)
BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double c…
www.goodreads.com
January 10, 2025 at 8:47 AM
I READ: Predator's Gold, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Didn't enjoy quite as much as the previous, but still a good time. Some frustrating character moments but really dives into fascinating elements of the world. The plot can feel a little convoluted at times, the resolution is the better for it.
Didn't enjoy quite as much as the previous, but still a good time. Some frustrating character moments but really dives into fascinating elements of the world. The plot can feel a little convoluted at times, the resolution is the better for it.
I READ: Mortal Engines, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Back to where it all began. Far more episodic than I remembered, a very frenetic pace. Plenty of excellent characters across the board, in a fascinating and well realised world. The building of Tom & Hester's relationship is beautiful.
Back to where it all began. Far more episodic than I remembered, a very frenetic pace. Plenty of excellent characters across the board, in a fascinating and well realised world. The building of Tom & Hester's relationship is beautiful.
Mortal Engines (Mortal Engines Quartet, #1)
Ship from Germany, unread
www.goodreads.com
January 9, 2025 at 8:46 AM
I READ: Mortal Engines, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Back to where it all began. Far more episodic than I remembered, a very frenetic pace. Plenty of excellent characters across the board, in a fascinating and well realised world. The building of Tom & Hester's relationship is beautiful.
Back to where it all began. Far more episodic than I remembered, a very frenetic pace. Plenty of excellent characters across the board, in a fascinating and well realised world. The building of Tom & Hester's relationship is beautiful.
I WATCHED: Avatar: The Last Airbender
After 2 false starts years ago I finally watched the whole thing. Perhaps the start is slow but the story is rich and the characters are great. I really appreciate in stories like this how details of the worldbuilding are built into the emotional tension.
After 2 false starts years ago I finally watched the whole thing. Perhaps the start is slow but the story is rich and the characters are great. I really appreciate in stories like this how details of the worldbuilding are built into the emotional tension.
Avatar: The Last Airbender - TheTVDB.com
www.thetvdb.com
January 8, 2025 at 10:21 AM
I WATCHED: Avatar: The Last Airbender
After 2 false starts years ago I finally watched the whole thing. Perhaps the start is slow but the story is rich and the characters are great. I really appreciate in stories like this how details of the worldbuilding are built into the emotional tension.
After 2 false starts years ago I finally watched the whole thing. Perhaps the start is slow but the story is rich and the characters are great. I really appreciate in stories like this how details of the worldbuilding are built into the emotional tension.
I READ: Night Flights, Philip Reeve [Preadator Cities]
What I was looking for in Thunder City - ties the two arcs together in a dozen tiny ways, hints at the future of Fever's world. Loved hearing the truth of stories about Fang. Excellent illustrations by the inimitable @ianmcque.bsky.social
What I was looking for in Thunder City - ties the two arcs together in a dozen tiny ways, hints at the future of Fever's world. Loved hearing the truth of stories about Fang. Excellent illustrations by the inimitable @ianmcque.bsky.social
Night Flights (Mortal Engines Quartet, #0.5)
Return to the world of Mortal Engines in this new book …
www.goodreads.com
January 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
I READ: Night Flights, Philip Reeve [Preadator Cities]
What I was looking for in Thunder City - ties the two arcs together in a dozen tiny ways, hints at the future of Fever's world. Loved hearing the truth of stories about Fang. Excellent illustrations by the inimitable @ianmcque.bsky.social
What I was looking for in Thunder City - ties the two arcs together in a dozen tiny ways, hints at the future of Fever's world. Loved hearing the truth of stories about Fang. Excellent illustrations by the inimitable @ianmcque.bsky.social
I READ: Thunder City, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
The reason I came back to this series. Not quite what I wanted from this book, but a fun romp anyway. I would have liked more links to the existing worldbuilding. Plenty of fun characters, and action that leans into what makes the setting cool.
The reason I came back to this series. Not quite what I wanted from this book, but a fun romp anyway. I would have liked more links to the existing worldbuilding. Plenty of fun characters, and action that leans into what makes the setting cool.
Thunder City
An edge-of-your seat adventure set in the iconic world …
www.goodreads.com
January 6, 2025 at 8:49 AM
I READ: Thunder City, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
The reason I came back to this series. Not quite what I wanted from this book, but a fun romp anyway. I would have liked more links to the existing worldbuilding. Plenty of fun characters, and action that leans into what makes the setting cool.
The reason I came back to this series. Not quite what I wanted from this book, but a fun romp anyway. I would have liked more links to the existing worldbuilding. Plenty of fun characters, and action that leans into what makes the setting cool.
My 2024 in books:
Goodreads 2024 Year in Books
Check out My 2024 Year in Books on Goodreads!
www.goodreads.com
January 5, 2025 at 9:53 AM
My 2024 in books:
I LISTENED: Nation, Terry Pratchett
A book about tradition, about the power of belief, and, perhaps most of all, about grief. At turns heart-wrenching and hilarious, always challenging and thought provoking. If you can only read one Pratchett, make it this one.
A book about tradition, about the power of belief, and, perhaps most of all, about grief. At turns heart-wrenching and hilarious, always challenging and thought provoking. If you can only read one Pratchett, make it this one.
Nation
Widely thought of as the best book Terry Pratchett ever…
www.goodreads.com
November 12, 2024 at 8:56 PM
I LISTENED: Nation, Terry Pratchett
A book about tradition, about the power of belief, and, perhaps most of all, about grief. At turns heart-wrenching and hilarious, always challenging and thought provoking. If you can only read one Pratchett, make it this one.
A book about tradition, about the power of belief, and, perhaps most of all, about grief. At turns heart-wrenching and hilarious, always challenging and thought provoking. If you can only read one Pratchett, make it this one.
I READ: Scrivener's Moon, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Finally London is moving! As tragic and brutal as the previous two entries in this series, Fever Crumb's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion - although I wouldn't have minded living in her world a little longer.
Finally London is moving! As tragic and brutal as the previous two entries in this series, Fever Crumb's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion - although I wouldn't have minded living in her world a little longer.
Scrivener's Moon (Fever Crumb, #3)
In a future land once known as Britain, nomad tribes ar…
www.goodreads.com
November 7, 2024 at 9:25 PM
I READ: Scrivener's Moon, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Finally London is moving! As tragic and brutal as the previous two entries in this series, Fever Crumb's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion - although I wouldn't have minded living in her world a little longer.
Finally London is moving! As tragic and brutal as the previous two entries in this series, Fever Crumb's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion - although I wouldn't have minded living in her world a little longer.
I LISTENED: The Shepherd's Crown, Terry Pratchett [Discworld]
Concluding a listen-through of the Witches series. A beautiful send off to Discworld as a whole, despite lacking some polish. Tonally a little uneven, slightly wonky pacing, but some wonderful moments shine through.
Concluding a listen-through of the Witches series. A beautiful send off to Discworld as a whole, despite lacking some polish. Tonally a little uneven, slightly wonky pacing, but some wonderful moments shine through.
The Shepherd's Crown (Discworld, #41)
*The fifth and final book in the incredible Tiffany Ach…
www.goodreads.com
October 29, 2024 at 4:53 PM
I LISTENED: The Shepherd's Crown, Terry Pratchett [Discworld]
Concluding a listen-through of the Witches series. A beautiful send off to Discworld as a whole, despite lacking some polish. Tonally a little uneven, slightly wonky pacing, but some wonderful moments shine through.
Concluding a listen-through of the Witches series. A beautiful send off to Discworld as a whole, despite lacking some polish. Tonally a little uneven, slightly wonky pacing, but some wonderful moments shine through.
I READ: A Web of Air, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Another tragic episode for Fever Crumb. More compelling worldbuilding - I always love the post-apocalyptic religions, very character-focused plot. Does feel somewhat disconnected from the series as a whole. Still very enjoyable!
Another tragic episode for Fever Crumb. More compelling worldbuilding - I always love the post-apocalyptic religions, very character-focused plot. Does feel somewhat disconnected from the series as a whole. Still very enjoyable!
A Web of Air (Fever Crumb, #2)
In a ruined world where humans have lost the skills of …
www.goodreads.com
October 28, 2024 at 12:04 PM
I READ: A Web of Air, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Another tragic episode for Fever Crumb. More compelling worldbuilding - I always love the post-apocalyptic religions, very character-focused plot. Does feel somewhat disconnected from the series as a whole. Still very enjoyable!
Another tragic episode for Fever Crumb. More compelling worldbuilding - I always love the post-apocalyptic religions, very character-focused plot. Does feel somewhat disconnected from the series as a whole. Still very enjoyable!
Hi, I'm Joe!
I'm into books, puzzle games, cartoons, and escape rooms!
I'm currently ~350 books into a project to catch up with all the books I read as a kid.
Expect posts on what I've been reading/watching/playing.
I'm into books, puzzle games, cartoons, and escape rooms!
I'm currently ~350 books into a project to catch up with all the books I read as a kid.
Expect posts on what I've been reading/watching/playing.
October 22, 2024 at 9:27 PM
Hi, I'm Joe!
I'm into books, puzzle games, cartoons, and escape rooms!
I'm currently ~350 books into a project to catch up with all the books I read as a kid.
Expect posts on what I've been reading/watching/playing.
I'm into books, puzzle games, cartoons, and escape rooms!
I'm currently ~350 books into a project to catch up with all the books I read as a kid.
Expect posts on what I've been reading/watching/playing.
I READ: Fever Crumb, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Back to a classic series for a reread for the release of the new installment. Surprisingly brutal at times. Deep, thoughtful worldbuilding, strong & compelling characters. Tragic, if convoluted plot. An effective prequel to Mortal Engines.
Back to a classic series for a reread for the release of the new installment. Surprisingly brutal at times. Deep, thoughtful worldbuilding, strong & compelling characters. Tragic, if convoluted plot. An effective prequel to Mortal Engines.
Fever Crumb (Fever Crumb, #1)
The author of the best-selling and critically beloved M…
www.goodreads.com
October 22, 2024 at 1:36 PM
I READ: Fever Crumb, Philip Reeve [Predator Cities]
Back to a classic series for a reread for the release of the new installment. Surprisingly brutal at times. Deep, thoughtful worldbuilding, strong & compelling characters. Tragic, if convoluted plot. An effective prequel to Mortal Engines.
Back to a classic series for a reread for the release of the new installment. Surprisingly brutal at times. Deep, thoughtful worldbuilding, strong & compelling characters. Tragic, if convoluted plot. An effective prequel to Mortal Engines.
I READ: Papyrus, Irene Vallejo (tr. Charlotte Whittle)
The 2nd book in my reading on the history of books-as-objects. At it's core a fascinating history of the earliest books and the advent of reading culture, often distracted by lengthy tangents drawing parallels with the modern world.
The 2nd book in my reading on the history of books-as-objects. At it's core a fascinating history of the earliest books and the advent of reading culture, often distracted by lengthy tangents drawing parallels with the modern world.
Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World
An enthralling journey through the history of books and…
www.goodreads.com
October 22, 2024 at 11:12 AM
I READ: Papyrus, Irene Vallejo (tr. Charlotte Whittle)
The 2nd book in my reading on the history of books-as-objects. At it's core a fascinating history of the earliest books and the advent of reading culture, often distracted by lengthy tangents drawing parallels with the modern world.
The 2nd book in my reading on the history of books-as-objects. At it's core a fascinating history of the earliest books and the advent of reading culture, often distracted by lengthy tangents drawing parallels with the modern world.