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TheGato
Acolyte
USA
25 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Jan 2011 : 20:05:44
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Greetings Candlekeep members.
I've been a long time member, although my presence and discussion is rare at best.
To the point.
I just finished the The Twilight War series (VERY good BTW! Thank you Paul S. Kemp!) and am seeking a new read.
The thing is, I have no idea what to get my eager paws on.
So I thought asking the knowledgeable members of the Keep would be a great place to start.
I have read quite a bit of the Realms. I've greatly enjoyed the works of Elaine Cunningham, Paul S. Kemp, Primarily, the masterful Erik Scott de Bie, and other greats. Primarily, I tend to gravitate towards stories that focus on a roguish character. All of the Rogue series was great!
What would you wonderful folks here at the Keep suggest for a next read? In or out of the Realms.
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36886 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2011 : 20:40:45
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Non-Realms novels is a huge category... We'd need to know a little more about your tastes, for that one. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Dresden Files books. And as soon as I finish re-reading Cormyr, I'm going to revisit Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser -- my wife got me replacement copies of those books for my birthday. 
As for Realms novels... Though we never quite reached a consensus, this is a topic that was discussed at length in the Experienced help for recommending FR Novels thread. Perusing that scroll may be helpful for you.
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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TheGato
Acolyte
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2011 : 21:37:01
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Thanks for the reply, Wooly. Too true. Non-Realms is a quite vast category.
I suppose my tastes are for something that is mature (no young adults section), a little dark, and definitely not preachy. I like seeing the typical fair of races. Definitely cant do steam punk..
I cant stand blind, black and white altruistic characters with no depth (like The Sword of Truth series). Love ant-heroes and strong heroine characters, especially of roguish quality.
Does that flesh it out a bit more?
Thanks for the realms topic link. Ive been going through it. Maybe I'll get an idea. Or I could always go back and re-read something.
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36886 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2011 : 21:55:39
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If you like urban fantasy, I think you'd like the Dresden Files. It's about a wizard who is also a private investigator, in modern Chicago. It's got some dark moments and some strong heroines, and is a nice mixture of action and mystery, with bits of humor scattered throughout.
One of my favorite bits is when the main character is asked what he wants on his vegetarian pizza, and he replies that he wants dead pigs and cows -- they're vegetarians! (I have to refrain from using lines like that around my vegan mother-in-law!) |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 11 Jan 2011 21:56:32 |
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Christopher_Rowe
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
879 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2011 : 22:20:42
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| You might want to check out Steven Erickson's Malazan books, TheGato. Definitely no black & white there. |
My Realms novel, Sandstorm, is now available for ordering. |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2011 : 22:58:34
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Like Wooly, I enthusiastically recommend Fritz Leiber's Gray Mouser and Fafhrd series. They're absolutely terrific sword and sorcery stories. I also love the sword and sorcery of Robert E. Howard (Conan, Kull, Solomon Kane, etc.) and that of Karl Edward Wagner.
For the kind of epic fantasy story that comes in several volumes each the size of a cinder block, I like Tad Williams.
For urban fantasy, once again, like Wooly, I like the Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher. I'm also a fan of the Nightside series by Simon R. Green. And, my buddy Tim Waggoner, who's done some Eberron books, just brought out an urban fantasy called Nekropolis. I have to admit, I haven't had a chance to read it yet. But Tim's a good writer, so I'm sure this book is good. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36886 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2011 : 23:13:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Like Wooly, I enthusiastically recommend Fritz Leiber's Gray Mouser and Fafhrd series. They're absolutely terrific sword and sorcery stories. I also love the sword and sorcery of Robert E. Howard (Conan, Kull, Solomon Kane, etc.) and that of Karl Edward Wagner.
For the kind of epic fantasy story that comes in several volumes each the size of a cinder block, I like Tad Williams.
For urban fantasy, once again, like Wooly, I like the Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher. I'm also a fan of the Nightside series by Simon R. Green. And, my buddy Tim Waggoner, who's done some Eberron books, just brought out an urban fantasy called Nekropolis. I have to admit, I haven't had a chance to read it yet. But Tim's a good writer, so I'm sure this book is good.
I've only read one of the Nightside books, and it didn't grab me... But I've liked Green's Secret History books -- urban fantasy crossed with James Bond. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 00:16:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Non-Realms novels is a huge category... We'd need to know a little more about your tastes, for that one. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Dresden Files books. And as soon as I finish re-reading Cormyr, I'm going to revisit Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser -- my wife got me replacement copies of those books for my birthday.
As for Realms novels... Though we never quite reached a consensus, this is a topic that was discussed at length in the Experienced help for recommending FR Novels thread. Perusing that scroll may be helpful for you.
I strongly second the recommendation of the Dresden Files novels......and if you like the idea of stories were not everything I'd good or bad, try G RR Martins song of ice and fire books.
As for realms stuff I think Jaliegh Johnson and Rosemary Jones write a badass story as well as Richard Lee Byers visits to the darker side! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 12 Jan 2011 00:19:35 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 01:13:30
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quote:
Originally posted by TheGato
Greetings Candlekeep members.
I've been a long time member, although my presence and discussion is rare at best.
To the point.
I just finished the The Twilight War series (VERY good BTW! Thank you Paul S. Kemp!) and am seeking a new read.
The thing is, I have no idea what to get my eager paws on.
So I thought asking the knowledgeable members of the Keep would be a great place to start.
I have read quite a bit of the Realms. I've greatly enjoyed the works of Elaine Cunningham, Paul S. Kemp, Primarily, the masterful Erik Scott de Bie, and other greats. Primarily, I tend to gravitate towards stories that focus on a roguish character. All of the Rogue series was great!
What would you wonderful folks here at the Keep suggest for a next read? In or out of the Realms.
I recommend Raymond E. Feist's novels, as they're abound with rougish characters, from clever thief to tough but funny pirate. That is, if you don't mind massive, magical battles, as his books also teem with powerful magicians.
I also recommend The Banned and the Banished series by James Clemens, The Recluse saga by L.E. Modesitt, Jr., The Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canavan, and The Chronicles of the Necromancer by Gail Z. Martin. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Lady Fellshot
Senior Scribe
USA
379 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 01:32:02
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The Crossroads books by Kate Elliott and Psalms of Issac by Ken Scholes- Totally awesome world building, slowly accelerating plot and awesome characters.
I used to read the Dresden Files a lot, but they've fallen out of my "must read NOW" lists and been replaced with Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate books.
On the more "new weird" side of the fantasy spectrum I've been enjoying Jeff Vandermeer's books and Nick Harkaway. |
Rants and reviews that interest no one may be found here. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 01:37:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
And, my buddy Tim Waggoner, who's done some Eberron books, just brought out an urban fantasy called Nekropolis. I have to admit, I haven't had a chance to read it yet. But Tim's a good writer, so I'm sure this book is good.
Oooh! I've been curious about Nekropolis, as I've long been a fan of Waggoner's EBERRON works. Need to check that out also. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 02:29:30
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I also recommend Warhammer books. You can start with Masters of Magic by Chris Wright.
Magic: The Gathering books, particularly Planeswalker novels, might also appeal to you. Agents of Artifice by Ari Marmell and The Purifying Fire by Laura Resnick are good reads.
If you want those which are dark but employ less magic, you can try Alan Campbell's novels. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 12:03:37
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Anything by Richard Lee Byers or Erik Scott de Bie as far as realms novels.  |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 14:41:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Christopher_Rowe
You might want to check out Steven Erickson's Malazan books, TheGato. Definitely no black & white there.
Seconded. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 16:46:41
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You might like Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series. Superb characterization. (And it now comes in a boxed set.)
As far as Realms novels go, I'd echo Wooly's suggestion to see the Experienced help for recommending FR Novels thread. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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swifty
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
517 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 22:52:02
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| if you like rogue type characters then check out city of ravens from the cities series.as ive said numerous times its one of the greatest realms novels ever written. |
go back to sleep america.everything is under control.heres american gladiators.watch this.shuttup. BILL HICKS. |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2011 : 23:52:40
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quote:
Originally posted by swifty
if you like rogue type characters then check out city of ravens from the cities series.as ive said numerous times its one of the greatest realms novels ever written.
It is very good.....I enjoys the whole city series in fact.....my memories are stretching thin her.......but it seems that Temple Hill was very good. |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2011 : 00:13:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
You might like Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series. Superb characterization. (And it now comes in a boxed set.)
I wasn't really all that familiar with Sanderson's work. But his contributions to the "Wheel of Time" series has got me thinking that I might just want to look into his "Mistborn" series. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2011 : 04:50:05
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
You might like Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series. Superb characterization. (And it now comes in a boxed set.)
I wasn't really all that familiar with Sanderson's work. But his contributions to the "Wheel of Time" series has got me thinking that I might just want to look into his "Mistborn" series.
The greatest strength of the books is characterization.
You might also like his stand-alone novel, Elantris. Think the fall of Netheril, only this time, it's not a literal fall, but a fall in power. For the once mighty beings of Elantris became powerless wrecks... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2011 : 18:01:23
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| If you want dark and gritty, I recommend The Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 13 Jan 2011 18:01:45 |
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Lady Fellshot
Senior Scribe
USA
379 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2011 : 01:26:05
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| I can't second that recommendation. I found them depressingly predicable and wanted most of the characters to die in a fire by the middle of the second book. |
Rants and reviews that interest no one may be found here. |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2011 : 01:38:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Lady Fellshot
I can't second that recommendation. I found them depressingly predicable and wanted most of the characters to die in a fire by the middle of the second book.
I wish that just once, you would not hold back and just tell us how you really feel about something |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 14 Jan 2011 01:38:54 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2011 : 02:12:50
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If you want "easy reads"---those very lean books of 100-something pages only---try Simon Hawke's fantasy novels. I enjoyed them back in high school.
I heard his sci-fi works are fun as well, like those Star Trek ones. But I haven’t read them; I rarely read sci-fi, so I can’t be so sure. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Lady Fellshot
Senior Scribe
USA
379 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2011 : 02:44:20
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quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
quote:
Originally posted by Lady Fellshot
I can't second that recommendation. I found them depressingly predicable and wanted most of the characters to die in a fire by the middle of the second book.
I wish that just once, you would not hold back and just tell us how you really feel about something
LOL That was rather mild wasn't it. I will endeavor to be more Shakespearean next time.
It did not help that the one character I liked died in the first Night Angel book. |
Rants and reviews that interest no one may be found here. |
Edited by - Lady Fellshot on 14 Jan 2011 02:46:12 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2011 : 03:24:09
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| Weeks is fond of killing his characters. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 14 Jan 2011 03:24:46 |
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Lady Fellshot
Senior Scribe
USA
379 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2011 : 03:48:58
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I would handle it better were the plot not so worthy of faceplaming and if I enjoyed reading about more than one of his many characters.
Also, rampant resurrection and super powers being pulled from places not normally mentioned on the radio will generally result in my interest going bungee jumping... without the rubber band about the ankles.
The Mistborn books basically ate my spare time for about three weeks through. I'd happily recommend them. |
Rants and reviews that interest no one may be found here. |
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TheGato
Acolyte
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2011 : 22:30:27
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Wow!
Thank you all for the great, albeit overwhelming suggestions!
I'll be going through them all individually and making a list for what to pick up next.
Although, in between my last post and today I decided to go with The First Law: Book One, The Blade Itself, By Joe Abercrombie.
Has anyone read that yet? |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jan 2011 : 22:15:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Lady Fellshot
The Mistborn books basically ate my spare time for about three weeks through. I'd happily recommend them.
I recall having 3 pending articles because I was reading that series non-stop.
I like Sanderson's system of magic. Kinda unique. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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swifty
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
517 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2011 : 17:05:46
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quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
quote:
Originally posted by swifty
if you like rogue type characters then check out city of ravens from the cities series.as ive said numerous times its one of the greatest realms novels ever written.
It is very good.....I enjoys the whole city series in fact.....my memories are stretching thin her.......but it seems that Temple Hill was very good.
yeah.that was great as well.as was jewel of turmish. |
go back to sleep america.everything is under control.heres american gladiators.watch this.shuttup. BILL HICKS. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jan 2011 : 17:31:01
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quote:
Originally posted by TheGato
Wow!
Thank you all for the great, albeit overwhelming suggestions!
I'll be going through them all individually and making a list for what to pick up next.
Although, in between my last post and today I decided to go with The First Law: Book One, The Blade Itself, By Joe Abercrombie.
Has anyone read that yet?
You seem to favor barbarian protagonists. You might like The Netheril Trilogy by Clayton Emery, and perhaps The Wilds stand-alone novels. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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TheGato
Acolyte
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2011 : 20:32:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
You seem to favor barbarian protagonists. You might like The Netheril Trilogy by Clayton Emery, and perhaps The Wilds stand-alone novels.
I enjoy them, but I wouldnt really say that I favor them. If it comes down to favored class for the protagonist, it would most certainly be more Rogue.
Off the top of my head, some of my favorite characters from the realms are ones like Fox at Twilgiht, Tazi Uskevren, Riven, and Jarlaxle |
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Seeking a new read.
