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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Apr 2011 : 03:57:54
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quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant
The Borders nearest to me is closing down so I bought some books recently at a decent discount that I might not have bought otherwise. So, I'm trying to decide on either reading one of those books or one of the books I have had sitting around for months, or if I should keep going with FR books. It's a toss up between starting the Shadows of the Apt series, a zombie book called Dust that takes place here in Indiana and features zombies as characters, finish A Game of Thrones (that I started over a year ago and then stopped for some reason I can't recall), or keep going with FR.
I ended up going for the first book in the Shadow of the Apt series (Empire in Black and Gold). I am just about finished with it. It's an interesting world presented in the book. It is populated by humans (and apparently there used to be a lot of giant insects as well) who have taken on aspects of "insects" (includes everything from Moths to Scorpions). It takes place a few hundred years after the "magic" users (magic hasn't been clearly defined yet) were overthrown by the technology developing races. So, it has insect like people who fight with swords and crossbows but who have walkers and I believe trains (and airships and planes), but no guns. And some people who may or may not be able to use some type of magic.
I am not sure if I will immediately read the next few books (purchased at the going-out-business Borders) or if I will read something else. I will read them, just maybe not right away. |
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 - 16 Apr 2011 : 05:09:19
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I thought I should give Whisper of Venom another try. I stopped [last month, I think] in the middle part, as I nearly tore the book after seeing dragonborn here and dragonborn there. The title should have been changed to Dragonborn Brotherhood.
Hopefully, I'd be more tolerant this time. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 16 Apr 2011 : 05:18:43
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I'll try to grab an FR novel once I'm done juggling four books.
Pffft! Four books? Try juggling thirty-plus books at the same time. 
I used to juggle twenty-plus books. But after getting into writing [what with the five months deadline for novels, 3 days for short stories, and 10 hours for magazine articles] and occasional editing, I find there's nearly nothing else I can squeeze in my schedule. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2011 : 20:13:27
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| Finished "The Warlord's Legacy" by Ari Marmell and really enjoyed it. Now reading "The Seven Dials Mystery" by Agatha Christie. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 19 Apr 2011 : 05:44:41
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I'm now immersed in Tangled Webs by Elaine Cunningham. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 19 Apr 2011 : 06:00:53
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quote:
Originally posted by DragonReader
Finished "The Warlord's Legacy" by Ari Marmell and really enjoyed it.
I've been thinking of picking this one up. What's it like?
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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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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 19 Apr 2011 : 06:24:28
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I plan to start reading Codex Alera after I'm done with Starlight and Shadows trilogy. It's been on my To-Read pile for God-knows how long. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 19 Apr 2011 : 07:57:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I plan to start reading Codex Alera after I'm done with Starlight and Shadows trilogy. It's been on my To-Read pile for God-knows how long.
I've been slowly working through the first book via SagePhone, but it's rare when I'll have more than a brief opportunity to read a few pages at a time. |
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 - 20 Apr 2011 : 01:53:44
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It looks like my plan to read Codex Alera is put on hold again. I can't help my myself from starting Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley. And after that, The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd; Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen; Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire; and Wicked Gentlemen (Hells Below) by Ginn Hale. The last is about Belimai Sykes: a Prodigal, the descendant of ancient demons, a creature of dark temptations and rare powers. I often see gay demon, half-demon, and vampire characters in erotic fiction. And this serious depiction of them is a good and welcome change. The story, as what the blurb promises, is quite interesting. A different look at Hell and its wicked, muti-faceted, and captivating denizens. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 20 Apr 2011 02:05:07 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2011 : 04:32:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Azuth
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
New Frontier? Ah, Sage, and here I thought I was the only Peter David fan here! Have you read his Sir Apropos book or the Arthur Penn series?
You wound me, madam! He and Diane Duane are two of my favorite authors!
I don't know about her, but I certainly love his work. His sense of humor is one of the the things that draws me in, and I'm in LOVE with his comic book writing!
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The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2011 : 05:14:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
quote:
Originally posted by Azuth
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
New Frontier? Ah, Sage, and here I thought I was the only Peter David fan here! Have you read his Sir Apropos book or the Arthur Penn series?
You wound me, madam! He and Diane Duane are two of my favorite authors!
I don't know about her, but I certainly love his work. His sense of humor is one of the the things that draws me in, and I'm in LOVE with his comic book writing!
Seriously, you don't know her? I thought she's rather famous.
Well, I myself read only one of her novels, Deep Wizardy, Book Two of the Young Wizards Series. I heard her Star Trek novels are good reads, too.
Her style is not so much unlike Diana Wynne Jones's. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2011 : 05:54:20
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Jones?
Hmmm, I say you try her books. They're quite fun. She's fond of multiple worlds. And the twists in her stories are often unpredictable. I thoroughly enjoyed The Merlin Conspiracy. It's not about Merlin of King Arthur, but as interesting, nonetheless. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2011 : 16:35:06
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by DragonReader
Finished "The Warlord's Legacy" by Ari Marmell and really enjoyed it.
I've been thinking of picking this one up. What's it like?
Have you read the "The Conqueror's Shadow" yet? While not strictly necessary, I think it makes sense to read that one first as some of the main characters carry over and somethings will make more sense.
The Conqueror's Shadow tells the tale of Corvis Rebaine a former tyrant and warlord who tried to take over the empire through any means necessary. But ultimately failed and went into retirement in hiding. But a new threat to the empire has arisen and Rebaine gets pulled into the middle of it.
What made the tale so interesting to me was the character of Corvis Rebaine, who is kind of a mixed bag. While some of his stated reasons for wanting to take obver the empire sound reasonable (i.e., to make the life of the common man better) his means of doing it were dispicable and he had no trouble stepping on the backs (and killing) those same people he was professing to help. He is a master of trying to justify his sometimes selfish actions.
But at any rate, you have this basically (but not totally) evil character who is forced by circumstances to be on the right side for a change. I found that interesting.
Plus I liked Marmell's writing style, which I would describe as fast paced and quite sarcastic.
The Warlord's Legacy takes place like 6 years later and Rebaine is once again pulled into the politics of the empire. But that book focuses a little more on his relationships with the people in his life. But is just as good as the first.
Hope this helps. |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2011 : 16:37:55
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| Finished "The Seven Dials Mystery" and am now reading "The Dervish House" by Ian McDonald. I am very interested in this one because it takes place in Turkey, a country I have visting 6 or 7 times. Of course I have never been to Istanbul, which is where the story takes place, but still it is interesting to read a sci-fi story set in a country (other than the US) that I have seen. |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2011 : 20:32:37
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I plan to start reading Codex Alera after I'm done with Starlight and Shadows trilogy. It's been on my To-Read pile for God-knows how long.
I've been slowly working through the first book via SagePhone, but it's rare when I'll have more than a brief opportunity to read a few pages at a time.
It gets better after the first book, furycrafting is an interesting idea and I imported it as a Raumathari magical tradition.
Now reading, White-Luck Warrior by R Scott Bakker, after the first book where nothing happened, it's amazing. |
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Lily M Green
Learned Scribe
Australia
115 Posts |
Posted - 20 Apr 2011 : 22:24:04
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Today I added Wonders of the Solar System by Professor Brian Cox & Andrew Cohen to the huge pile of half read books. In some ways I picked it up for nostalgic reasons (I used to enjoy leafing through the diagram heavy science books as a kid) but Prof Bri's enthusiasm for his subject is completely infectious and the book is filled with the same passion as the TV series. It's very readable (it didn't take me long to find myself 30 odd pages in) the concepts are presented in simple terms without being patronising and the whole thing is underscored by a genuinely inspiring (and at times rather moving) sentiment. Seriously good stuff.
If it's your subject then it'll likely be too basic but for someone like me who did their last proper science in school it's great. |
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
A Dark Alliance - Beyond Baldur's Gate |
Edited by - Lily M Green on 20 Apr 2011 22:28:46 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2011 : 12:30:57
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Now rereading THE ROYAL TREATMENT by MaryJanice Davidson, who made Alaska a kingdom ruled by a king who loves to swear. This is one of the funniest novels I've ever read. In fact, it's the fourth time I'm reading it, and it still never fails to make me laugh. Christina is such a bitch...in a good and funny way. And Edmund [he's not the lead guy, btw] always plays the sarcastic right hand of the king in ways that make him as funny as Christina.
At the same time I'm rereading IMPLEMENTS OF DESTRUCTION by Michael Calligaro. It's been so many years since I last read it. It's like an FR novel, a little---minus the gods. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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GMWestermeyer
Learned Scribe
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2011 : 23:47:58
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quote:
I'm onto the sequel, Tangled Webs, which has some really cool scenes in Skullport, one of my favorite places in the Forgotten Realms. Best part is, this is an FR novel by one of my favorite authors that I haven't read yet. I reread so often it's always awesome when this happens.
The ending felt a tad rushed, but all in all vintage Elaine. I still prefer Arilyn and Danilo stories, buy Fyodor and Liriel have a charm all their own.
Now, I am moving on to City of Splendors: A Waterdeep Novel by Ed Greenwood and Elaine Cunningham. This one has quite varied reviews, hopefully I will enjoy it.
quote:
I've also started Gary Gygax's City of Hawks. Gygax was a horrible novelist but I have a fondness for Saga of the Old City and Artifact of Evil. I'm hoping that will extend to this book.
I'm still working through City of Hawks. I wish Gygax had had more forceful editors. He is surprisingly decent when he is discussing life in the city, he actual has a flair for low-lifes and guild-types. But he kind of steps on some of the better parts of his first novel, Saga of the Old City, when he starts trying to mash-up Gord's backstory to provide some sort of cosmic importance to the young thief. But meshing King Arthur and the Mouser into a single character takes more authorial skill then Gygax could muster.
Still, there are some enjoyable moments in this novel, and lots of bits where one gets a good insight into how Gygax imagined certain monsters should be handled by the DM.
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For my audiobook during my work commute I'm listening to Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone. Rowling's prose is always excellent, but its lyrical character really pops when Jim Dale reads it. These are real 'comfort food' books for me. And the best description of a wizard's school to date, IMO. And yes, I include LeGuin in that as well, much as I love her work.
I'm now on to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets I love these books. And I think wands should see more use in AD&D. I've often thought there might be a rule allowing mages to somehow boost there spells by using a wand of the proper materials in spell casting.[/quote]
Now I'm halfway through Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. These books really repay rereads, since you can relaly see how well so much of her prose connects.
I'm a little bummed, though. I love the Divinations teacher in this book, and I had a secret theory that all of her predictions come true, just in ways nobody notices since everyone is convinced she is a bit of fraud. But rereading it I don't think my thoery holds together, I've found one prediction and one superstition that I think she got wrong.
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"Facts are meaningless. You can use facts to prove anything that is even remotely true."
Homer Simpson, _The Simspons_ |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2011 : 03:29:18
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Will resume reading the Exiles series later. Sometimes Melanie Rawn's choice of words throws me off. Though I must say her system of magic is quite interesting, if not unique. I just wish she stops repeating the word Loom. It appears almost in every other page.
The greatest strength of her series are her female characters. They are very well fleshed out. It's sad that she didn't write the last book. I thought only dead authors would do such a thing. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe
Spain
730 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2011 : 20:00:08
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Just finished reading Condemnation and to get a small break from FR I will start reading in some mins Terry Pratchett's Faust Eric. |
"If you are to truly understand, then you will need the contrast, not adherence to a single ideal." - Kreia
"I THINK I JUST HAD ANOTHER NEAR-RINCEWIND EXPERIENCE"- Discworld's Death frustrated after Rincewind scapes his grasp... again.
"I am death, come for thee" - Nimbul, from Baldur's Gate I just before being badly spanked
Sapientia sola libertas est |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 01:21:01
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I'm now on The Walls of Air: The Darwath Series (Book Two) by Barbara Hambly. It's like Tolkien's LotR meets Cooper's The Dark is Rising. I like the reversal of roles---the female being the warrior and the male, the wizard. Ingold, their Gandalf, is such an interesting character. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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GMWestermeyer
Learned Scribe
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 03:56:27
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I'm now on The Walls of Air: The Darwath Series (Book Two) by Barbara Hambly. It's like Tolkien's LotR meets Cooper's The Dark is Rising. I like the reversal of roles---the female being the warrior and the male, the wizard. Ingold, their Gandalf, is such an interesting character.
Dang, Cooper and Tolkien are too of my favorite authors - I'm going to have to check this one out! |
"Facts are meaningless. You can use facts to prove anything that is even remotely true."
Homer Simpson, _The Simspons_ |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 04:44:35
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GM,
It's a classic. Fist published in 1983. Del Rey reprinted it, with a decent cover.
I got the original version from a used bookstore.
-----
I'm now on Chapter 3 of Midnight's Mask by PSK. That battle in the slaadi's cavern was well done. I like the hopelessness that Cale and his puny gang felt as they faced Vhostym, not only because I favor the villain, but also because...Well, honestly, that's the only reason there is. And I'm reading this only because I want to know more about Vhostym. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 24 Apr 2011 14:01:07 |
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The Hooded One
Lady Herald of Realmslore
5056 Posts |
Posted - 24 Apr 2011 : 22:32:01
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I agree with Dennis; the Darwath books are good fun. Hambly rarely disappoints. (BTW, Dennis, Rawn has written publicly of why she didn't do the third book; major clinical depression and so on.)
Right now, I'm reading a book Ed read in galleys for blurbing, and liked: THE UNREMEMBERED, by Peter Orullian. Then I have a stack of unpublished manuscripts to wade through, seeking gems . . .
love to all,
THO |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2011 : 08:20:03
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THO,
I read somewhere that the main reason she dropped the third book was that the sales of books 1 and 2 were really low. I might have to search for it again... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Marc
Senior Scribe
662 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2011 : 22:00:09
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Never heard of these novels.
Last novels from FR I read were the Waterdeep books, that's the place I was curious to see the changes, as possible futures.
Now I'm stuck reading The Quantum Thief. |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3746 Posts |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2011 : 04:26:38
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Now trying to get back to The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd. After, it's a quick rereading of Magelord: The Awakening by Thomas K. Martin. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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What are you Reading? 2011
Topic Locked
