Beyond the Bestseller: What We're Really Reading (and DNFing)

Alright, Rogue Writers, let’s talk books. Not just the ones everyone’s shouting about, but the ones that linger—or don’t—in the quiet corners of our minds. March was a month of interviews, a real privilege to connect with folks like King Crusoe, Mark me (a Gene Wolfe guru!), and the legendary Orson Scott Card. But it also highlighted the messy, unpredictable nature of reading. It’s not all sunshine and bestselling authors; sometimes, it's a deep dive into a series that promises brilliance but delivers… something else.

We’re all striving to become Apprentice, Journeyman, Artisan, Published Author, and Guild Master, accumulating that 10000 XP on our sovereign.ink blogs, right? Part of that journey involves honest self-assessment, and that includes admitting when a book just doesn’t click. So, let’s get into it.

First up: the DNF. Unclean Spirits by M. L. N. Hanover. Now, I’ll be honest; I approached this with a certain amount of hipster-reading optimism. The premise—an urban fantasy series where a young woman inherits her uncle’s monster-hunting business—was intriguing, especially given that the author is Daniel Abraham, the mastermind behind The Long Price Quartet (a series I deeply admire).

However, the execution fell flat. The tone was relentlessly sassy and snarky, the characters felt flat and underdeveloped, and the insta-love was… frankly, cringe-worthy. It's a reminder that even authors who’ve proven their mettle in one genre aren't guaranteed success in another. Sometimes, those “under-the-radar” gems are best left buried.

What *Did* Resonate?

Thankfully, the month wasn't all duds. Orson Scott Card’s Enchantment, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast/Sleeping Beauty, was a highlight. Card's skill at weaving complex narratives and exploring deeper themes shines through, even in a familiar fairytale structure. It’s a testament to the power of skillful storytelling – taking a well-worn trope and making it feel fresh and meaningful again.

The entire experience underscores a point crucial to us Rogue Writers: it’s not enough to simply *write*. We need to be discerning readers, critical consumers of narrative. We need to analyze what works, what doesn't, and why. This informs our own craft, helping us become better storytellers.

Beyond the Page: Connecting with Fellow Readers

This conversation extends beyond individual reviews. The Bookstreet Boys Discord (linked in the video) is a space to connect with fellow readers, share discoveries, and wrestle with the complexities of storytelling. It's a community built around a shared love of narrative, a place where we can sharpen our minds and refine our craft.

Ultimately, reading—and writing—is about more than just entertainment. It’s about growth, connection, and the pursuit of truth. Let's keep reading, keep questioning, and keep building a community of Rogue Writers who dare to go beyond the bestseller list.