We went early to check out the big waves on Maui’s northshore. It was a gorgeous morning with not too much traffic. A great way to start Christmas Day!

Last night–sadly!–I finished reading King’s Dragon, first in the series Crown of Stars by Kate Elliott.

This is not a new book. It was published in 1997, but back then I wasn’t reading heroic fantasy. Such a pity — because now that I have finally read it, I have to say it’s been a truly long, long time since I flat-out enjoyed a book as much as this one. This is the sort of book that got me hooked on reading in the first place—which is not to say it’s juvenile. Not at all. It’s intricate and smart, with lots of suspense and great pacing, and filled with likeable, admirable characters to whom ethics matter. Just my cup of tea.

I picked up the book because it was pointed out to me that Kate lives in Hawaii. I don’t keep up at all with science fiction and fantasy these days, so this was news to me. But I thought it was only right that I should have some familiarity with Hawaii SF&F writers (as few as we are).

As it turns out, Kate is far more productive than I am and has published multiple series. I started with Crown of Stars because it happened to be available on the local library shelf—sort of. I actually picked up another book in the series, not realizing it was a series, and promptly returned that and ordered volume 1.

It is so nice knowing I have much more to look forward to. The only thing that irritates me is that I don’t have the next book in hand. Yet.

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Minor updates on 07/09/2013