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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Dec 2011 : 10:44:57
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I'm now reading The Bourne Supremacy, Book 2 of The Bourne Trilogy by Robert Ludlum. This is (so far) better than the first. Lots of action that almost literally push me to the edge of my seat.
Ludlum clearly has a good grasp of economics. This maybe fiction, but he wasn't bluffing about China. It's the country which is (or has been) the biggest threat to the US. Not Russia, Germany, nor Japan.
I'm not sure though of Ludlum's take on the underworld of Hong Kong. To infiltrate it, and to neutralize the big fishes that consider it their second home, is nigh impossible. It's as labyrinthine (sometimes quite literally) as that of Iraq. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2011 : 01:48:37
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Finished Frenzy the final book in the Dreamhouse Kings series by Robert Liparulo
Read At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie
Now Reading Star Wars: Empire Vol 4: The Heart of the Rebellion graphic novel. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2011 : 02:34:10
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quote:
Originally posted by DragonReader
Now Reading Star Wars: Empire Vol 4: The Heart of the Rebellion graphic novel.
Ah, one of my favourites.
I usually don't care much for Rebellion-tales, as I've always been an Imperial-fan. But I felt this compilation really captured the essence of the Rebellion -- just like the classic trilogy. Good stuff! |
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 |
Edited by - The Sage on 29 Dec 2011 02:34:48 |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2011 : 17:49:23
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| Finished up the first Conan book by Robert E. Howard |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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Roboginger
Acolyte
USA
7 Posts |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2011 : 14:05:55
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| Just started reading Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora. I am very excited about this book because it has gotten excellent reviews. Has anyone else read it? |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2012 : 04:11:13
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| Now reading [i]The Legend of Drizzt Anthology[i], the Collected Stories of R.A. Salvatore |
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Aulduron
Learned Scribe
USA
343 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2012 : 04:35:26
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| I'm waiting for Brotherhood of the Griffon to arrive |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2012 : 08:46:27
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quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
Just started reading Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora. I am very excited about this book because it has gotten excellent reviews. Has anyone else read it?
Read it a few years ago, it has a great beginning, could work in the Realms too, as a temple of Mask in Chondath or Sembia |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jan 2012 : 18:08:59
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I suggest to have the "2011" removed from the title. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Entromancer
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jan 2012 : 20:29:56
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Jumping around a bit:
Nemesis, Book II of the Masquerade Cycle by Paul B. Thompson
Elric: In the Dream Realms by Moorcock. Its the Del Rey omnibus from their new release of the Elric stories. Specifically, the novel The Fortress of the Pearl.
Shadow Raiders, Book I of The Dragon Brigade by Margaret Weis and Robert Krammes.
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"...the will is everything. The will to act."--Ra's Al Ghul
"Suffering builds character."--Talia Al Ghul |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 00:45:52
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I'm not familiar with either Nemesis or Shadow Raiders... and that's a little disturbing for me considering two of my favourite DRAGONLANCE authors are involved in their writings.
Could you provide some details on these two volumes, Entromancer?
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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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LastStand
Learned Scribe
130 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 07:09:16
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'm not familiar with either Nemesis or Shadow Raiders... and that's a little disturbing for me considering two of my favourite DRAGONLANCE authors are involved in their writings.
Could you provide some details on these two volumes, Entromancer?
I'm not familiar with Nemesis and I've not read the new Novels by Margaret either, however, I can provide you a link to the blurp.
http://www.margaretweis.com/
I wanted to link you to a discussion on the novels on DLnexus that I vaguely remember, but it seems there has been a bit of a cleanup or reshuffle on the site and I can't find it...or it may never have existed. (My memory aint what it use to be)
Back to the business at hand: I finished Unholy, and it was great. The whole Haunted Land Trilogy was a very enjoyable read. Good plot; great fantasy, and likeable characters. From the three I enjoyed the second book, Undead, the most.
I will certainly be ordering the Brotherhood of the Griffon novels - Aoth and his companions piqued my interest. In fact I think they are my next order with Councelors & Kings by Elaine Cunningham.
For what I'm reading now: FINALLY! My Feist novels arrived and I'm devouring Magician: Apprentice page by page. |
"Don't. The battlegrounds that you and I have returned from alive are too different."
~ Claymore ch106 |
Edited by - LastStand on 07 Jan 2012 07:11:56 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 09:31:34
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quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
Back to the business at hand: I finished Unholy, and it was great. The whole Haunted Land Trilogy was a very enjoyable read. Good plot; great fantasy, and likeable characters.
Just out of curiosity... What are your thoughts on the zulkirs' fate?
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
For what I'm reading now: FINALLY! My Feist novels arrived and I'm devouring Magician: Apprentice page by page.
Enjoy reading! That's one of my favorite novels of all time. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 09:41:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I'm now reading The Bourne Supremacy, Book 2 of The Bourne Trilogy by Robert Ludlum. This is (so far) better than the first. Lots of action that almost literally push me to the edge of my seat.
Ludlum clearly has a good grasp of economics. This maybe fiction, but he wasn't bluffing about China. It's the country which is (or has been) the biggest threat to the US. Not Russia, Germany, nor Japan.
I'm not sure though of Ludlum's take on the underworld of Hong Kong. To infiltrate it, and to neutralize the big fishes that consider it their second home, is nigh impossible. It's as labyrinthine (sometimes quite literally) as that of Iraq.
I'm glad I could get back to this today. I'm halfway through. I wonder what will Jason do when (or if?) Marie dies/is killed? Cripple the US government, perhaps?
The book's fast-paced action and labyrinthine intrigues are quite commendable. For the first die-hard fans of this trilogy, I can say the six-year wait (in between Book 1 and 2) was worth it. Though I'm lucky enough not to wait that long. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36968 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 16:37:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I'm now reading The Bourne Supremacy, Book 2 of The Bourne Trilogy by Robert Ludlum. This is (so far) better than the first. Lots of action that almost literally push me to the edge of my seat.
Ludlum clearly has a good grasp of economics. This maybe fiction, but he wasn't bluffing about China. It's the country which is (or has been) the biggest threat to the US. Not Russia, Germany, nor Japan.
I'm not sure though of Ludlum's take on the underworld of Hong Kong. To infiltrate it, and to neutralize the big fishes that consider it their second home, is nigh impossible. It's as labyrinthine (sometimes quite literally) as that of Iraq.
I'm glad I could get back to this today. I'm halfway through. I wonder what will Jason do when (or if?) Marie dies/is killed? Cripple the US government, perhaps?
The book's fast-paced action and labyrinthine intrigues are quite commendable. For the first die-hard fans of this trilogy, I can say the six-year wait (in between Book 1 and 2) was worth it. Though I'm lucky enough not to wait that long.
I could give you a very minor spoiler, if you'd like... |
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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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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 17:20:42
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Thanks, Wooly. But I'd rather find out myself. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36968 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 18:21:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Thanks, Wooly. But I'd rather find out myself.
Fair enough. The spoiler I had in mind wouldn't have revealed much, but I understand wanting to be surprised. |
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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LastStand
Learned Scribe
130 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 18:38:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
Back to the business at hand: I finished Unholy, and it was great. The whole Haunted Land Trilogy was a very enjoyable read. Good plot; great fantasy, and likeable characters.
Just out of curiosity... What are your thoughts on the zulkirs' fate?
SPOILER warning for those who have not read the trilogy.
Well I knew Szass Tam was pretty powerful, but to take out all four zulkirs was surprising. That said I wonder if Lallara really died. It wasn't 'shown' and taking their nature into account I wonder if she would have saved Aoth if she didn't have a way to get out herself, or have a contigency in place. She did strike me as the least cowardly of the lot and I could see her staying and fighting to her end - but her magic wall was still holding when Aoth escaped, and remembering she was the zulkir of 'protection' magic, maybe she still had a way out. |
"Don't. The battlegrounds that you and I have returned from alive are too different."
~ Claymore ch106 |
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Entromancer
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2012 : 20:37:55
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'm not familiar with either Nemesis or Shadow Raiders... and that's a little disturbing for me considering two of my favourite DRAGONLANCE authors are involved in their writings.
Could you provide some details on these two volumes, Entromancer?
Nemesis is a novel in the Magic: the Gathering line. It seems to be one of the more pivotal novels, as its main plot is the establishment of a kind of puppet king--termed Evincar--on the artificial plane known as Rath. Rath is a staging ground for the planned Phyrexian invasion of Dominaria (another plane).
Part of the novel focuses on the elves and kor--described as somewhat feline, though the art on the older cards really paints them as humanoids with barbels--taking advantage of the lack of Evincar to launch an attack against the Evincar's Stronghold.
The Evincar is being selected by a Phyrexian agent who plays the three candidates against one another to see which is most fit to inherit the title.
The Phyrexians are one of my favorite fantasy antagonists. They have a varied appearance, but to give you a general idea: picture anything by H.R. Giger and give it some form of sentience. That's basically what a Phyrexian looks like. |
"...the will is everything. The will to act."--Ra's Al Ghul
"Suffering builds character."--Talia Al Ghul |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2012 : 01:24:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Entromancer
Nemesis is a novel in the Magic: the Gathering line. It seems to be one of the more pivotal novels, as its main plot is the establishment of a kind of puppet king--termed Evincar--on the artificial plane known as Rath. Rath is a staging ground for the planned Phyrexian invasion of Dominaria (another plane).
Oh, so it's one of the older MtG books. I'll have to look into the archive of my local book store for that one.
quote:
Part of the novel focuses on the elves and kor--described as somewhat feline, though the art on the older cards really paints them as humanoids with barbels--taking advantage of the lack of Evincar to launch an attack against the Evincar's Stronghold.
Yeah. Mark Rosewater talked about that lacking in card art creation early last year. It's always been one of the problems with early Magic.
quote:
The Evincar is being selected by a Phyrexian agent who plays the three candidates against one another to see which is most fit to inherit the title.
The Phyrexians are one of my favorite fantasy antagonists. They have a varied appearance, but to give you a general idea: picture anything by H.R. Giger and give it some form of sentience. That's basically what a Phyrexian looks like.
The Phyrexians are construct elements I'd love to drop into my Realms. I've just yet to work up an adequate explanation for why. |
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 - 08 Jan 2012 : 03:21:23
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quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
Back to the business at hand: I finished Unholy, and it was great. The whole Haunted Land Trilogy was a very enjoyable read. Good plot; great fantasy, and likeable characters.
Just out of curiosity... What are your thoughts on the zulkirs' fate?
SPOILER warning for those who have not read the trilogy.
Well I knew Szass Tam was pretty powerful, but to take out all four zulkirs was surprising. That said I wonder if Lallara really died. It wasn't 'shown' and taking their nature into account I wonder if she would have saved Aoth if she didn't have a way to get out herself, or have a contigency in place. She did strike me as the least cowardly of the lot and I could see her staying and fighting to her end - but her magic wall was still holding when Aoth escaped, and remembering she was the zulkir of 'protection' magic, maybe she still had a way out.
I like her. But bias aside, I also think she might have survived. For the same reason you mentioned.
It is also possible that Yaphyll survived. As she told Szass Tam after casting a suicidal divination in Undead, she sent part of her spirit to the future (Year of Blue Fire).
Nevron, too. Though the chances are slim. Surviving as a mane in the Nine Hells is rather unlikely. But if he had contingency that reverted him to his human form and translated him back to the Prime Material Plane, then he' safe. Or maybe Szass Tam's transmutation spell expired or was countered by chaotic magic in the Nine Hells, thereby freeing Nevron. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2012 : 14:54:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
Back to the business at hand: I finished Unholy, and it was great. The whole Haunted Land Trilogy was a very enjoyable read. Good plot; great fantasy, and likeable characters.
Just out of curiosity... What are your thoughts on the zulkirs' fate?
SPOILER warning for those who have not read the trilogy.
Well I knew Szass Tam was pretty powerful, but to take out all four zulkirs was surprising. That said I wonder if Lallara really died. It wasn't 'shown' and taking their nature into account I wonder if she would have saved Aoth if she didn't have a way to get out herself, or have a contigency in place. She did strike me as the least cowardly of the lot and I could see her staying and fighting to her end - but her magic wall was still holding when Aoth escaped, and remembering she was the zulkir of 'protection' magic, maybe she still had a way out.
I like her. But bias aside, I also think she might have survived. For the same reason you mentioned.
It is also possible that Yaphyll survived. As she told Szass Tam after casting a suicidal divination in Undead, she sent part of her spirit to the future (Year of Blue Fire).
Nevron, too. Though the chances are slim. Surviving as a mane in the Nine Hells is rather unlikely. But if he had contingency that reverted him to his human form and translated him back to the Prime Material Plane, then he' safe. Or maybe Szass Tam's transmutation spell expired or was countered by chaotic magic in the Nine Hells, thereby freeing Nevron.
I love Szass Tam's character and really enjoyed Byer's Haunted Lands, but the end sort of bothered me. If Tam was powerful enough to slay/disable all the Zulkirs in a single fight, then how/why did he let the civil war draw out for so long? |
Some people have a way with words, and other people...oh, uh, not have way. -Steve Martin
Amazon "KindleUnlimited" Free Trial: http://amzn.to/2AJ4yD2
Try Audible and Get 2 Free Audio Books! https://amzn.to/2IgBede |
Edited by - Artemas Entreri on 11 Jan 2012 14:55:21 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2012 : 15:34:53
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quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
Back to the business at hand: I finished Unholy, and it was great. The whole Haunted Land Trilogy was a very enjoyable read. Good plot; great fantasy, and likeable characters.
Just out of curiosity... What are your thoughts on the zulkirs' fate?
SPOILER warning for those who have not read the trilogy.
Well I knew Szass Tam was pretty powerful, but to take out all four zulkirs was surprising. That said I wonder if Lallara really died. It wasn't 'shown' and taking their nature into account I wonder if she would have saved Aoth if she didn't have a way to get out herself, or have a contigency in place. She did strike me as the least cowardly of the lot and I could see her staying and fighting to her end - but her magic wall was still holding when Aoth escaped, and remembering she was the zulkir of 'protection' magic, maybe she still had a way out.
I like her. But bias aside, I also think she might have survived. For the same reason you mentioned.
It is also possible that Yaphyll survived. As she told Szass Tam after casting a suicidal divination in Undead, she sent part of her spirit to the future (Year of Blue Fire).
Nevron, too. Though the chances are slim. Surviving as a mane in the Nine Hells is rather unlikely. But if he had contingency that reverted him to his human form and translated him back to the Prime Material Plane, then he' safe. Or maybe Szass Tam's transmutation spell expired or was countered by chaotic magic in the Nine Hells, thereby freeing Nevron.
I love Szass Tam's character and really enjoyed Byer's Haunted Lands, but the end sort of bothered me. If Tam was powerful enough to slay/disable all the Zulkirs in a single fight, then how/why did he let the civil war draw out for so long?
First, when Szass Tam first felt the impulse to strike at all the zulkirs---that time when they all voted to deny him of temporary regency---he didn't yet have Bane's boon.
Second, When Bane finally granted him enough power, he was busy consolidating his army and safeguarding Thay. "Protect first your territory before striking at your enemies."
Lastly, a series of unexpected events was on Szass Tam's favor. Do recall, the zulkirs were nearly exhausted fighting the plethora of abominations that Malark sent them in that pocket universe he created. If you take Malark out of the picture; if the zulkirs' repertoire of spells were complete when Szass Tam faced them; and if they fought some place where Szass Tam held no greater advantage, I believe they would have defeated him... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2012 : 17:54:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by LastStand
Back to the business at hand: I finished Unholy, and it was great. The whole Haunted Land Trilogy was a very enjoyable read. Good plot; great fantasy, and likeable characters.
Just out of curiosity... What are your thoughts on the zulkirs' fate?
SPOILER warning for those who have not read the trilogy.
Well I knew Szass Tam was pretty powerful, but to take out all four zulkirs was surprising. That said I wonder if Lallara really died. It wasn't 'shown' and taking their nature into account I wonder if she would have saved Aoth if she didn't have a way to get out herself, or have a contigency in place. She did strike me as the least cowardly of the lot and I could see her staying and fighting to her end - but her magic wall was still holding when Aoth escaped, and remembering she was the zulkir of 'protection' magic, maybe she still had a way out.
I like her. But bias aside, I also think she might have survived. For the same reason you mentioned.
It is also possible that Yaphyll survived. As she told Szass Tam after casting a suicidal divination in Undead, she sent part of her spirit to the future (Year of Blue Fire).
Nevron, too. Though the chances are slim. Surviving as a mane in the Nine Hells is rather unlikely. But if he had contingency that reverted him to his human form and translated him back to the Prime Material Plane, then he' safe. Or maybe Szass Tam's transmutation spell expired or was countered by chaotic magic in the Nine Hells, thereby freeing Nevron.
I love Szass Tam's character and really enjoyed Byer's Haunted Lands, but the end sort of bothered me. If Tam was powerful enough to slay/disable all the Zulkirs in a single fight, then how/why did he let the civil war draw out for so long?
First, when Szass Tam first felt the impulse to strike at all the zulkirs---that time when they all voted to deny him of temporary regency---he didn't yet have Bane's boon.
Second, When Bane finally granted him enough power, he was busy consolidating his army and safeguarding Thay. "Protect first your territory before striking at your enemies."
Lastly, a series of unexpected events was on Szass Tam's favor. Do recall, the zulkirs were nearly exhausted fighting the plethora of abominations that Malark sent them in that pocket universe he created. If you take Malark out of the picture; if the zulkirs' repertoire of spells were complete when Szass Tam faced them; and if they fought some place where Szass Tam held no greater advantage, I believe they would have defeated him...
He also offered them the chance to leave before they decided to throw down so I believe it's possible that even Tam wasn't convinced the outcome was a sure thing. |
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code
Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jan 2012 : 18:44:06
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Indeed. He even staggered when he cast spells in succession to counter Lallara's shield---a very apparent sign that he was nearing his limit---and perhaps he would have failed without the aid of the staff |
Every beginning has an end. |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2012 : 14:27:21
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Finished The Legend of Drizzt Anthology, by R.A. Salvatore
Now reading A Hard Day's Knight, a novel fo the Nightside, by Simon R. Green |
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What are you Reading? 2011
Topic Locked
