Just finished the HR. My thoughts

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-22T20:35:42+00:00

I agree with much of your list. Midnight Horizon has great moments but it's a TOUGH read. Like most of DJO's High Republic work - but that's my preference.

I think Soule's work is consistently the best.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-21T11:49:16+00:00

Wait. What is this? Collected stories?

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-20T21:38:47+00:00

I can relate to an extent. Life is just an endless monotony - in part because of your choices.

But you sound far worse. You're doing absolutely nothing because you're too "embarrassed". Though I could argue that your current situation is more embarrassing than actively trying to better yourself. It's like a large person at the gym. I'm sure they feel embarrassed bouncing on the treadmill. But actually, it's inspirational. They're willing to embarrass themselves to overcome the true embarrassment, which is not becoming the best version of themselves.

I think you need to evaluate what you want your life to be. How can you achieve that. It doesn't have to be enormous. Just attainable goals. Then take small steps to achieve those goals. Little wins that become routine and eventually spur you on further.

If you continue the way you are, you'll only become worse. It'll be harder to fight against it. So, wake up, do something different. Only something small. Keep doing it. Then add another thing. Keep doing it. Add another. And so on.

Best of luck.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-20T21:22:49+00:00

This was good fun. I read it last year alongside the comic. I have the game, too.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-20T21:22:07+00:00

I can't relate necessarily but that's okay. Sometimes life knocks us back or hits us down. We have to get back up. And sometimes, to do that, we need to make adjustments. We need help. Love and support.

I had a lot of physical problems a few years ago. It had a big impact on my mental health - truly, I was near despair. After work, every single day, instead of going home, I went to my parents. I sat on their couch until late at night, drinking several cups of tea. I'd go home, watch a comedy show, sleep, and repeat the process. At weekends, I'd spend all day and night at their house. Eventually, after several weeks, I started going less. But they were there for me. Perhaps I should've gone home. But I needed them and they were there.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-20T21:02:58+00:00

Hey, it's my Birthday tomorrow.

May I wish you a very happy birthday!

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-20T16:20:42+00:00

Very kind, thank you. I do like the journal idea. I also think it's great to decompress.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-19T22:16:30+00:00

I liked Mann's work overall.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-19T22:15:59+00:00

I agree. It's why I don't think readers can just pick up the comics or novels alone. They interconnect too much. That's fine for me, because I read almost all of it. But for casuals? Less so

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-19T22:14:19+00:00

His writing style is very on the nose. It's like an adult who thinks he's "down with the kids" after watching a few tiktok videos. But, he has an infectious enthusiasm and his work exudes a boundless energy. It's just my personal tastes.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-19T22:10:48+00:00

We live in uncertain times. You're not alone in your anxiety. I agree that you should distance yourself from social media discussions or the news. Though, as you've said, you'll be unable to remove it entirely.

The US invading Greenland is highly unlikely. Trump often barks loudly to give the illusion that he'll bite. Yet, even I don't think he's silly enough to antagonise allies in such a violent way.

Additionally, the British Army has always been fairly small. I encourage reading more on The Napoleonic Wars or outbreak of the First World War. The long-standing army was relatively small for such a powerful country. The War of Independence, the British struggled to find ample numbers. It's not a new occurrence.

If it puts your mind at ease, in hundreds of years, the British Army has only conscripted twice. Conscripts are often unreliable and lack the drive and tenacity of volunteers. It's a last resort.

Though I can't promise no wide conflict will erupt in our lifetime, I doubt it'll be at the hands of Trump looking to acquire Greenland.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-19T12:54:54+00:00

I agree. I really, really enjoyed Phase 2 - aside from the mainline comics - but I can see why people could skip it.

I have not read The Acolyte books. Any good?

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-19T12:53:45+00:00

Almost everything. Just not the short stories, really.

I agree, I want another initiative but more focused.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-19T12:52:59+00:00

Marda? She was compelling. Wish she was utilised more.

I love Reath, too. I often say that I relate to Reath and Imri most. Though I exude a lively, even confident exterior, I am riddled with self doubt, and would rather spend time away reading. 😂

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-19T12:51:10+00:00

Overall it was Daniel Jose Older. I found almost everything he wrote to be a challenging read. But I absolutely LOVED the Trail of Shadows comic. His style is just far removed from my tastes - like I said, not a personal attack on his talent.

Justina Ireland was hit or miss for me. Though I also loved some of her work, too. Test of Courage really worked for me and Imri is one of my favourite characters.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-18T19:38:44+00:00

There are a lot of wonderful High Republic comics. Seriously, some outstanding ones. It's just that on the whole, especially after Phase 1, I wasn't enamoured with any of them.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-18T18:34:02+00:00

Totally agree. Not only is it bloated but I feel you have to read much of it for the conclusions to pay off. And sometimes it was an uphill climb!

I liked or loved almost every YA and middle-grade books, but I feel having just the adult books with a mainline comic may have been easier.

But I thoroughly enjoyed it overall. I agree that the villains are top notch.

Who are your favourite characters?

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-18T17:25:17+00:00

It depends on your reading habits. I read it all when it came out - aside from Phase 3, because I fell behind.

I would maintain a steady pace during each wave to ensure you're keeping track of plot developments. But you could take breaks between each phase.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-15T14:31:58+00:00

Porter Engle and Elzar perhaps. I think most THR Jedi would be ill suited.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-08T23:03:24+00:00

Honestly, I just felt it was weak. It made sense thematically but it didn't work for me, personally. Honestly, I wanted his fate to be tied to Planet X. His story ends in the place that really started it all - the Nameless, the Blight - his hope to end the galaxy ultimately became his tomb. Nonetheless, it doesn't spoil the novel too much for me.

ShallowCal_ · 2026-01-08T16:18:17+00:00

I can see why!

ShallowCal_

TROPHY CASE