Academ's Fury

I have just finished the second book in Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series. The comparisons to George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series still abound with Butcher's series a bit more tame and quite a bit less ruthless. Butcher wants a happy ending, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The comparisons to Harry Potter also exist. In this book, Tavi is at school, where he has found himself persecuted for his differences. He's also developed a small group of loyal friends. Through the course of the book, he draws on those friends and breaks the rules in order to help out his patron, the manipulative Gaius.

Don't get me wrong--this is a very enjoyable summer read. In fact, I'm already going on to the third book. Yet, at the same time, I have to admit that the books don't really surprise me much. I could use an unexpected twist or two to keep me on my toes.

On a different point: my son and I are having a contest this summer to see who can read the most books. Right now, he is at five to my two. I need to catch up a bit to keep the pressure on. Yet, I've never seen him show so much interest in reading. It's great!