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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Aug 2012 : 19:00:26
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I don't really mind how short or long a chapter is. AFAIR, the books I read which have very short chapters are Phil Athans' The Watercourse trilogy (where some pages have 2 chapters each) and some of Stephen King's. In Wyatt's Storm Dragon, the length of each chapter is almost as short/long as in any FR novel. The whole book is slightly thicker than most Eberron novels because it details one of the few nations-shattering events. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 03 Aug 2012 19:39:53 |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2012 : 11:53:59
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Started on Heirs of the Blade by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Good stuff, its quite a unique world that he has created. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 04 Aug 2012 : 20:55:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Started on Heirs of the Blade by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Good stuff, its quite a unique world that he has created.
I was once tempted to try at least one of the books in the Shadows of the Apt series. The blurbs are good, the world is unique, and most reviews I read extol it to the heavens. But there's one problem: insects as people. Can't have that as main characters. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2012 : 19:27:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Started on Heirs of the Blade by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Good stuff, its quite a unique world that he has created.
I've picked up the first in this series. Really looking forward to starting it. |
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Captain Grafalcon
Learned Scribe
Brazil
131 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2012 : 23:45:59
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| I´m about to end the Cormyr trilogy by Greenwood and Grubb. I´ve enjoyed the series, especially the way the authors worked the timeline of Cormyr in the first book. |
"Surely you recognize that armies carrying banners are almost always thieves—until they win."
Jarlaxle, mercenary leader of Bregan D'aerthe. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2012 : 02:47:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Now on Chapter 24 of Storm Dragon, Book 1 of The Draconic Prophecies by James Wyatt. [I was lucky to find its hardbound edition at my local bookstore, which doesn't normally sell hardbound books from WotC (except Drizzt's)]. I was hooked by the story right from the very first chapter. A mysterious hero with a mysterious past...and an equally (or far more) mysterious future. Wyatt assembled an interesting party, whose personalities are so different you can easily identify one from the other. Gaven's transformation from an insane seer to a lucid, determined and capable wizard, and back again, is fun and a little bit annoying at the same time. Fun because it often happens at the most unexpected moments; (and it's funny at times); and because we get to see his real powers. A bit annoying because it doesn't happen when (at least in my opinion) it's supposed to.
From page 155:
quote:
He let the fire wash off his body and felt the rain splatter on his face and drench his clothes. No more thought of pursuit entered his mind. He was the wind, carrying Senya as he blew—he was the rain, dancing in the wind and pattering on the ground. He was the storm.
When he finally stopped running, he stood with his face to the rain, his arms outstretched, and laughed.
And oh! I like their lightning trains. Simply ingenious. I wonder why civilized realms in Faerun don't have it. The process in making one seems to be quite feasible for Faerunian mages.
Now on Chapter 37, p. 235...
Most stories would tell about a hero whose destiny is already laid out for him, and all he has to do is follow it, which, given the usual dire consequences if he doesn't, he would... Rarely do we see a hero who's uncertain of what path to follow. In Storm Dragon, the protagonist Gaven recognizes the destiny that people around him want for him, as well as his 'other' self. But he's never certain what kind of destiny he'd like to forge for himself. And I think this is the most difficult part, the very dilemma that few people would like to confront and solve. In this story, Wyatt presents it with clarity and a sense of urgency.
Finished it today. A very satisfying read, it is. Just when you think a character finally meets its doom, Wyatt spins another yarn to surprise and keep you turning the pages.
If you haven't yet read any Eberron novels and/or are unfamiliar with the setting, fear not. While it would slightly confuse you, Wyatt throws in information like a friendly teacher does---just in bits, to facilitate understanding of the lay of the land, so to speak, and shun information overload.
I like how Wyatt fleshed out his characters. As I noted above, they're given unique, individual voices that when one speaks, you can immediately figure out who he is even if his name is left out. Wyatt deftly balances Gaven's personality, too. Despite the vast amount of power he holds in his hands, he has a lot of vulnerabilities that his enemies readily exploit. He's the very epitome of what it means to be mortal and immortal, powerful and powerless at the same time. He stands on the precipice of these dichotomies.
Reinne, a master at swordplay and lover of Gaven, aptly summarizes Gaven's destiny---on page 311: "Rienne lay a hand on his back. “Play the part,” she said, “but write it as you go. You are player and playwright.”" What a player and playwright he's proven to be. He doesn't only play his role in the Prophecy, he's rewritten it himself.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. As Ed Greenwood said, "every Wyatt novel is a delight."
Highly recommended to Eberron fans and fantasy readers in general. Out of ten possible stars, I give it 9.5. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 06 Aug 2012 03:07:10 |
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Blueblade
Senior Scribe
USA
804 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2012 : 03:57:35
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Full agreement with you on this, Dennis. Ed recommended STORM DRAGON to me - - and mentioned that James was writing part of it at GenCon, a few years back, and on the plane home - - and I found it a great yarn, too.
BB |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2012 : 06:39:03
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Wow. He must be so busy to write anything at such random places. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2012 : 19:22:02
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| Just started Midnight Tides in the Malazan series. |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2012 : 02:24:14
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Finished Ashes of a Black Frost by Chris Evans
Read The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger - The Way Station graphic novel
now reading Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2012 : 22:10:29
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| Finishing up the John Carter books with Skeleton Men Of Jupiter |
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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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2012 : 04:07:08
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| Now Reading Fallen by Tim Lebbon |
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Kno
Senior Scribe
452 Posts |
Posted - 16 Aug 2012 : 10:31:57
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| Sharps by KJ Parker; very enjojable read |
z455t |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 15:01:39
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Reading The Rise of Nine, Book III of The Lorien Legacies, aka I Am Number Four series by Pittacus Lore. I'm now on Chapter 10. The book starts immediately after the events in The Power of Six. Marina (Seven), Six, Ella and her Cepan/foster father, Crayton, embarks on a journey to India to find Eight, who may be the one foretold to be as powerful as Pittacus Lore, Lorien's greatest Elder, and may be their ticket to victory against Setrakus Ra, the leader of the Mogadorians. Meanwhile, John (Four) and Nine are taking a short rest after their mad escape from the Mogadorian's cave-hideout, only to be captured again by a bunch of police officers in league with the Mogadorians.
Lots of action compared to its predecessors; but Lore slows down to put more emphasis on characterization at just about the right doses. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 15:46:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Reading The Rise of Nine, Book III of The Lorien Legacies, aka I Am Number Four series by Pittacus Lore. I'm now on Chapter 10. The book starts immediately after the events in The Power of Six. Marina (Seven), Six, Ella and her Cepan/foster father, Crayton, embarks on a journey to India to find Eight, who may be the one foretold to be as powerful as Pittacus Lore, Lorien's greatest Elder, and may be their ticket to victory against Setrakus Ra, the leader of the Mogadorians. Meanwhile, John (Four) and Nine are taking a short rest after their mad escape from the Mogadorian's cave-hideout, only to be captured again by a bunch of police officers in league with the Mogadorians.
Lots of action compared to its predecessors; but Lore slows down to put more emphasis on characterization at just about the right doses.
My brother loves that series but i myself have not bothered to read it yet. Would you recommend it for someone who hated Twilight? |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 15:53:19
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The Lorien Legacies is very different from The Twilight Saga. For one, it's not romance. Second, while it's told in first POV like Twilight, it's not just one character telling the story; there are many of them. Third, there are plenty of action (except Book 2). To put it simply, it's like X-Men without Professor Xavier. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 16:36:43
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| Reading Book 2 of the First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie: Before They Are Hanged |
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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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 18:56:55
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Ian Esslemont - Night Of Knives
The first non-Erikson Malazan book. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 02:46:41
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Started The Hammer and the Blade by Paul S. Kemp. Didn't grab me at all and had to drop it. I might give it another try, but only Shar knows when... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 03:24:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Started The Hammer and the Blade by Paul S. Kemp. Didn't grab me at all and had to drop it. I might give it another try, but only Shar knows when...
How many pages did you give 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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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 03:31:08
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| Starting The Hammer and The Blade, Paul Kemp |
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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tim3kgt
Acolyte
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 07:32:13
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| The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss. The Gathering Storm, Robert Jordan (audio book while driving!), Next is Charon's Claw, RA Salvatore! |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 13:08:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Started The Hammer and the Blade by Paul S. Kemp. Didn't grab me at all and had to drop it. I might give it another try, but only Shar knows when...
How many pages did you give it?
Dunno. I already donated it, along with a couple of other books that were occupying unnecessary space in my library. I realized it's very unlikely I'd give another try anyway, so why bother. I hardly finished chapter 2. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 22 Aug 2012 13:08:59 |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 14:08:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
The Lorien Legacies is very different from The Twilight Saga. For one, it's not romance. Second, while it's told in first POV like Twilight, it's not just one character telling the story; there are many of them. Third, there are plenty of action (except Book 2). To put it simply, it's like X-Men without Professor Xavier.
Ok. cool. I ll try it out sometime. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 20:16:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
The Lorien Legacies is very different from The Twilight Saga. For one, it's not romance. Second, while it's told in first POV like Twilight, it's not just one character telling the story; there are many of them. Third, there are plenty of action (except Book 2). To put it simply, it's like X-Men without Professor Xavier.
Ok. cool. I ll try it out sometime.
I wouldn't recommend The Power of Six (Book 2) though. It's more like a filler. Plus its starring character, Marina (Seven) is a bore. Events in that book are sufficiently summarized in its sequel. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2012 : 20:30:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Reading The Rise of Nine, Book III of The Lorien Legacies, aka I Am Number Four series by Pittacus Lore. I'm now on Chapter 10. The book starts immediately after the events in The Power of Six. Marina (Seven), Six, Ella and her Cepan/foster father, Crayton, embarks on a journey to India to find Eight, who may be the one foretold to be as powerful as Pittacus Lore, Lorien's greatest Elder, and may be their ticket to victory against Setrakus Ra, the leader of the Mogadorians. Meanwhile, John (Four) and Nine are taking a short rest after their mad escape from the Mogadorian's cave-hideout, only to be captured again by a bunch of police officers in league with the Mogadorians.
Lots of action compared to its predecessors; but Lore slows down to put more emphasis on characterization at just about the right doses.
Now on Chapter 16. Despite the rather predictable plot (as in all novels for YA, anyway), the book still gives a couple of surprises to the reader. All the major characters' personalities are clearly differentiated that it's easy to tell who's telling/doing what: the serious meet the funny; the reserved meet the confident; the wild meet the wilder.
There's one thing that annoys me: there are so many baubles in the Chests, yet the Garde don't know how to use them and constantly complain about it. The Elders should have put in An Idiot's Guide to Loric Gadgets.
So far, it's proving to be a fun read. And if you're like me who found Marina (Seven) in the previous book an utter bore, fret not, she's improving here. A little.
The POVs of Four and Six provide much juice to the story.
There is one question that hasn't been answered yet: Where is Number Five? |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 22 Aug 2012 20:31:55 |
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Yoss
Learned Scribe
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 08:14:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Started The Hammer and the Blade by Paul S. Kemp. Didn't grab me at all and had to drop it. I might give it another try, but only Shar knows when...
How many pages did you give it?
Dunno. I already donated it, along with a couple of other books that were occupying unnecessary space in my library. I realized it's very unlikely I'd give another try anyway, so why bother. I hardly finished chapter 2.
I kinda hope this has nothing to do with your outrage over the whole Godborn push-back. But it DOES feature characters who use weapons instead of magic (well, primarily, not entirely), so based on that alone I guess I see why you didn't like it. But I'm biased since I really liked it.
I got a new computer, so I've been spending too much time gaming and not enough reading. Book 2of the avatar trilogy, since I did not finish it a few weeks back. |
Edited by - Yoss on 23 Aug 2012 08:16:57 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 08:36:32
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No, it has nothing to do with my "outrage" over The Godborn push-back. I didn't like the characters. The bits of humor seemed forced. And the first few scenes looked like they're taken straight from a D&D campaign. Even one of my friends, who claimed he's a true PSK fan (he reads Paul's SW books, too), could not bear to finish it. Though at least he reached the middle part. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 17:34:05
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| Immediately after finishing Night Of Knives, I quickly read The Time Machine and now it's onto RA Salvatore's Charon's Claw. |
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Captain Grafalcon
Learned Scribe
Brazil
131 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 21:05:10
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| Just finished The Erevis Cale Trilogy(Paul S. Kemp). Love it, and recommend this books to everyone. The author did a great history with a few but interesting characters. |
"Surely you recognize that armies carrying banners are almost always thieves—until they win."
Jarlaxle, mercenary leader of Bregan D'aerthe. |
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What are you Reading? 2011
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