Sorry!

We all know life isn't all smooth sailing, and I'm afraid that for the first time in the five years since I started writing The Deathworlders, I won't be able to deliver a chapter this month.

I am, right now, buried deep in Cardboard Box Hell as I gather my possessions and move out after breaking up with my partner of six years. My destination is the opposite side of the country, so there's a lot of travelling involved and a lot of things to organize. While I was willing and prepared to at least try and deliver something resembling a chapter this month on top of all that, my supporters and patrons very kindly agreed that that they'd prefer one good chapter to two lacklustre ones, and gave me their blessing to take a paid month off.

So, The Deathworlders will continue on November 30th. Apologies to those of you who need your fix this month.

If you're really Jonesing for something to read...

I refuse to leave you with nothing to entertain you, however, so here's a list of the things I've been reading lately that I hope might tide you over.

1. First up we have 'Winter Three' by S. M. Saintsing. This novella tells the story of a spaceborne marines officer - a lieutenant-colonel - and her role in the battle to liberate her people's home planet. Unusually for such a story it's told from an immediate tactical perspective, and for my money does a fantastic job of conveying the brutal confusion of the fog of war, and heartbreaking sacrifices an officer may need to make for the mission. Definitely good for those who like to read about the HEAT doing their smashy-shooty boom thing. (And please, show the author a courtesy and give the book a review once you've read it)
2. Second we have "Skyclad" and its sequel "Skybound" by u/a_man_in_black. If you're like me and you enjoy RPGs then the idea of falling sideways into a world where you can see your own stats, skillpoints, hitpoints, level and perks, pick a class and gain towering magical or martial power might appeal. In Morgan McKenzie's case, though, she had the misfortune of doing so while taking a bath. That's okay though: she gets double XP for killing stuff while naked. And it's (mostly) not her fault that her loofah is now sentient. You will absolutely laugh while reading this, and the story has all the twists, turns and clever powergaming you could ask for.
3. Right here on r/hfy we have "Supervillainy and Other Poor Career Choices" by u/SoggyRed. We all know Iron Man was always meant to be a heroic kind of a jerk. Well, remove the "heroic" (and the money) and you have Erich, protagonist of this story. He isn't a metahuman, he's just a highly skilled and knowledgeable mechanic who knows how to make their nigh-magical technology work better. Maybe one day he'll admit to his soft spot for children...
4. And last but not least, for something completely different I offer "Love and Crepes and Magic," a now-finished travel blog by my zookeeper friend Sarah Blake. Rather than describe it, I'll leave you with a quote and let her speak for herself. "Englands’ is grey. There is no doubt about it. I have had a theory ever since we set off that every country has a representative colour, you know, that kind of vibe that each place sends out. Spain was a bright and blazing orange, reflected in the bricks of the medieval cities and scorching from the heat of the sun. Norway was a deepest hue of navy filled with whispers of intrigue within its dark colour. My version of Vietnam was a luminous light green, the kind so vivid that it hints at toxicity and refuses to let you sleep at night. Canada was the colour of its forests. That version of jade that makes you weep and want to keep staring at it for such a long time. But England is grey."

Hopefully you'll find something in those four to engage and delight you.

Thanks

My supporters and patrons have been doubly wonderful this ,month, and one particular individual deserves special naming... but they asked to remain anonymous.

You know who you are. Your incredible generosity was more valuable than I would ever have guessed, and I cannot possibly thank you enough. If I could, I'd hug you.

And with that...

I'll see you all next month!

-Hambone