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realmsrider
Acolyte
USA
48 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Dec 2012 : 06:18:56
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by realmsrider
Finished book 1 of Shadowrun. I liked it. Living in our technologically inclined age makes it easier to wrap my head around the concepts and lingo even though I never played the game.
Which book 1? There's been a couple of them...
I read Never Deal with a Dragon. I thought it held up well and it was a fun ride. Considering I read it in a post Matrix, Johnny Pneumonic and countless cyber world novels/cartoons/t.v. etc it was easy to immerse myself in the lingo and general vibe. I plan to finish the trilogy at some point.
Right now I am reading book one of The Dragonlance Chronicles: Dragons of Autumn Twilight. My plan is to read the trilogy, then Dragonlance:Lord Soth and round it off with Spelljammer book 1 and Ravenloft:Lord Soth trilogy. |
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2012 : 06:21:53
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant
I liked Revan in general, but don't expect a whole lot of closure. Also don't expect decent treatment of any character that wasn't from KotoR 1, if they even rate being mentioned at all. It's painfully obvious the author (who used to work for Bioware as a writer if not their main writer) would rather pretend KotoR 2 (and it's acclaim of having a far better plot) didn't exist.
I've heard it said that Revan runs pretty much as the "proper" sequel for Knights of the Old Republic.
Not sure I agree with that thinking. Despite KotOR 2's many problems, it did offer some great gameplay, and a few intriguing NPCs as well. How can you not love Atton Rand? Or the Handmaiden for that matter? 
I do not agree with that thinking. It's more like showing that the author knew KotoR 2 existed and read a brief summary of what happens that failed to include a major plot point (the way the Exile defeated Darth Nihilus) and only chose to use 2 or 3 characters from that story and proceed to throw one of them under the bus in a situation that they were the perfect person to handle while increasing the Mary Sue nature of Revan by a noticeable amount. It's not that the writing was bad, it's that it's obvious that the author had a tremendous bias for his pet character from KotoR 1 and zero respect for the characters from KotoR 2 that neither he nor his company had a hand in creating.
It's not a bad Star Wars book, but it is a terrible attempt at closure to the KotoR storyline (with a major reason being a lack of actual closure). |
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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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2012 : 15:57:47
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quote:
Originally posted by realmsrider
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by realmsrider
Finished book 1 of Shadowrun. I liked it. Living in our technologically inclined age makes it easier to wrap my head around the concepts and lingo even though I never played the game.
Which book 1? There's been a couple of them...
Right now I am reading book one of The Dragonlance Chronicles: Dragons of Autumn Twilight. My plan is to read the trilogy, then Dragonlance:Lord Soth and round it off with Spelljammer book 1 and Ravenloft:Lord Soth trilogy.
I think the only "Soth" Ravenloft books are Knight of the Black Rose and Specre of the Black Rose. |
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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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 11 Dec 2012 : 20:05:46
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| Has anyone here at the keep read Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast trilogy? I believe Titus Groan is the first title. I have seen it recommened on a few fantasy sites and wanted to know what anyone thought about 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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Yoss
Learned Scribe
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 10:27:13
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I thought Revan was alright. Yeah, it sucks for closure, but then again so does what swtor did with him, and that's what it was written to go along with.
I probably shouldn't even be in this thread since I think I've made it a whole two chapters further in Song of the saurials since I last posted. Too much swtor still. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 12:57:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant
I liked Revan in general, but don't expect a whole lot of closure. Also don't expect decent treatment of any character that wasn't from KotoR 1, if they even rate being mentioned at all. It's painfully obvious the author (who used to work for Bioware as a writer if not their main writer) would rather pretend KotoR 2 (and it's acclaim of having a far better plot) didn't exist.
I've heard it said that Revan runs pretty much as the "proper" sequel for Knights of the Old Republic.
Not sure I agree with that thinking. Despite KotOR 2's many problems, it did offer some great gameplay, and a few intriguing NPCs as well. How can you not love Atton Rand? Or the Handmaiden for that matter?
I do not agree with that thinking. It's more like showing that the author knew KotoR 2 existed and read a brief summary of what happens that failed to include a major plot point (the way the Exile defeated Darth Nihilus) and only chose to use 2 or 3 characters from that story and proceed to throw one of them under the bus in a situation that they were the perfect person to handle while increasing the Mary Sue nature of Revan by a noticeable amount. It's not that the writing was bad, it's that it's obvious that the author had a tremendous bias for his pet character from KotoR 1 and zero respect for the characters from KotoR 2 that neither he nor his company had a hand in creating.
It's not a bad Star Wars book, but it is a terrible attempt at closure to the KotoR storyline (with a major reason being a lack of actual closure).
I have to agree with you Tyrant, I finished the book and was disappointed with the treatment meted out to the Exile, she was portrayed as nothing more than a much weaker sidekick of Revan and I felt like one of my own cherished gaming experiences was totally marginalized by the author, However since the book is the canonical ending we cant do much about that and I have to admit that it was an interesting look into Sith society. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 12:57:53
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| Currently I am continuing my Star Wars run by reading Conviction. |
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 17:45:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Has anyone here at the keep read Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast trilogy? I believe Titus Groan is the first title. I have seen it recommened on a few fantasy sites and wanted to know what anyone thought about it.
It's on my list of books to get. I have friends who have said it was excellent, but I have not had the chance to delve into it, myself. |
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Gillies
Acolyte
Canada
25 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 19:05:05
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| At the moment I am half way through Devlin's Justice (Book 3 of the Sword of Change series) by Patricia Bray. I love this book series. It is a real page turner. Bray really knows how to jump between characters, too make you wanna read more. The thing I love the most is that Devlin feels very much like Conan but less wild but more raged filled. I cannot wait to see how the series ends. Then I gotta decide what to read next... Another Drizzt Collection, more Elminster or The Empyrean Odyssey omnibus. |
Elen síla lumenn' omentielvo.
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 19:35:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Has anyone here at the keep read Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast trilogy? I believe Titus Groan is the first title. I have seen it recommened on a few fantasy sites and wanted to know what anyone thought about it.
It's on my list of books to get. I have friends who have said it was excellent, but I have not had the chance to delve into it, myself.
I just bought the first book on eBay. It seems like people either love this series or hate 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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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 23:25:33
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| Finished The Bonehunters. LOVED this Malazan book and the last 150 pages were truly epic! |
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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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2012 : 00:49:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Has anyone here at the keep read Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast trilogy? I believe Titus Groan is the first title. I have seen it recommened on a few fantasy sites and wanted to know what anyone thought about it.
I did read the first hundred or so pages of Titus Groan, a long, long time ago, but didn't finish it. I found the castle itself, Gormenghast, to be uncanny, foreboding, and simply interesting, and Peake's descriptive prowess is commendable. But I couldn't care for the characters, and the overall atmosphere is just too DREARY for my taste, which is most likely the author's intent, but still... Not to mention Peake's choice of character names (except Titus) is as horrible as Erikson's and RAS's.
There's a reason this book (and the entire series for the that matter) is generally considered one of the most underrated classics in the history of fantasy literature. Well, it might have won the hearts of many 'professional critics' (largely because of Peake's style), but to the rest of the world, AFAIK, very few have bothered to read it, and many haven't even heard of it.
Now that you remind me of it, I looked for it in my not-so-towering piles of unfinished books, but couldn't find it. Either I left it somewhere, threw it away, or gave it to one of my dad's pit bulls who loved to gnaw anything made of paper. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 13 Dec 2012 00:58:16 |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2012 : 02:46:08
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| I will give Titus Groan a shot and see if I like 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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realmsrider
Acolyte
USA
48 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2012 : 06:58:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Yoss
I thought Revan was alright. Yeah, it sucks for closure, but then again so does what swtor did with him, and that's what it was written to go along with.
I probably shouldn't even be in this thread since I think I've made it a whole two chapters further in Song of the saurials since I last posted. Too much swtor still.
Of the trilogy Song of the Saurials was the weakest. I understand slogging through it. Don't forget the story continues in Harpers Masquerades. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2012 : 11:35:05
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quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Finished The Bonehunters. LOVED this Malazan book and the last 150 pages were truly epic!
Wasnt it just! I really developed an appreciation of the Adjunct and her army after this book. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2012 : 14:25:39
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quote:
Originally posted by realmsrider
quote:
Originally posted by Yoss
I thought Revan was alright. Yeah, it sucks for closure, but then again so does what swtor did with him, and that's what it was written to go along with.
I probably shouldn't even be in this thread since I think I've made it a whole two chapters further in Song of the saurials since I last posted. Too much swtor still.
Yeah Song of the Saurials was not enjoyable for me mostly because I just don't care for saurials. Masquerades was much better though.
Of the trilogy Song of the Saurials was the weakest. I understand slogging through it. Don't forget the story continues in Harpers Masquerades.
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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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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2012 : 14:28:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Finished The Bonehunters. LOVED this Malazan book and the last 150 pages were truly epic!
Wasnt it just! I really developed an appreciation of the Adjunct and her army after this book.
Yeah me too. I can't wait to see what happens with Rhulad-Karsa-Icarium too. |
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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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
Posted - 13 Dec 2012 : 21:07:17
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| I finished Brimstone Angels: Lesser Evils last night. I thought it was pretty good. It was a nice follow up and opened up a much larger plot. I will try to write up a review in the next few days when I get the chance, but for now I will say if you liked the last one you need to pick this one up. |
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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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2012 : 04:24:04
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| Starting The Two Towers |
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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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 15 Dec 2012 : 13:17:03
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| Finshed with Conviction, quite a good book , now starting on Ascension. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2012 : 04:51:39
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Reading The Kingdoms of Dust, Book III of The Necromancer Chronicles by Amanda Downum. Now on Chapter 8, page 100.
I love Isyllt Iskaldur. Her name alone rings with mystery that begs to be unveiled. She's not an overpowered Supergirl you'd often encounter in a plethora of urban fantasy, nor a damsel in distress forever waiting for her knight in shining armor. She's a necromancer, spy, and assassin rolled into one, with a past that haunts her day in, day out.
Downum evokes a Sahara/Arabia-like setting quite well. Her research indeed paid off. I like desert settings, and it's one of the reasons I jumped to this book and skipped The Drowning City and The Bone Palace, though I'd read them soon after I'm finished with this gem of a book.
The secret organization known as Quietus reminds me of The Conclave of Shadows in the Riftwar novels by Raymond E. Feist. Its web of connection and inter-national/imperial influences brings to the fore some integral parts of the plot. Its dynamic and conflicting members also make it an interesting and dangerous group.
I like the mages' use of diamond in binding spirits. Its properties are perfect for the job, and Downum's explanation on why it's the best stone to cage the dark entity that threatens the world sounds plausible, although in my opinion, it would have been better it she created a new type of stone (much like how Sanderson created new metals in his Mistborn series).
The following conversation between the empress Samar and her advisor, the jinni/demon Asheris, probably answers how the story begins and ends:
quote:
“All I want is peace,” Samar murmured, brow creasing. “For the empire, between my family. Why does that seem so impossible?”
Asheris kept his eyes on his empty plate until she turned her gaze to him. Then he shrugged. “Perhaps
the nature of empire is inimical to peace,” (Chapter 7, p. 88).
And the cover art! Wonderful, if not for the fact that Isyllt does not resemble that woman at all. In fact, she looks quite the opposite. Beautiful, but in a different, unconventional way. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Yoss
Learned Scribe
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2012 : 08:47:49
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quote:
Originally posted by realmsrider
quote:
Originally posted by Yoss
I thought Revan was alright. Yeah, it sucks for closure, but then again so does what swtor did with him, and that's what it was written to go along with.
I probably shouldn't even be in this thread since I think I've made it a whole two chapters further in Song of the saurials since I last posted. Too much swtor still.
Of the trilogy Song of the Saurials was the weakest. I understand slogging through it. Don't forget the story continues in Harpers Masquerades.
Yeah, Its one of the only harpers books Ive got left to read from my housemate's pile of realms books, been saving it til I finish up the trilogy. |
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Clad In Shadows
Learned Scribe
Canada
158 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2012 : 19:05:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Finished The Bonehunters. LOVED this Malazan book and the last 150 pages were truly epic!
Wasnt it just! I really developed an appreciation of the Adjunct and her army after this book.
Yeah me too. I can't wait to see what happens with Rhulad-Karsa-Icarium too.
Reaper's Gale was an awesome book. I realy have a hard time picking favourites in this series, but Reaper's Gale is definitely up there. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2012 : 21:22:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Clad In Shadows
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Finished The Bonehunters. LOVED this Malazan book and the last 150 pages were truly epic!
Wasnt it just! I really developed an appreciation of the Adjunct and her army after this book.
Yeah me too. I can't wait to see what happens with Rhulad-Karsa-Icarium too.
Reaper's Gale was an awesome book. I realy have a hard time picking favourites in this series, but Reaper's Gale is definitely up there.
Good to know! I am extra curious to find out more about Rhulad because (spoiler): in Midnight Tides he didn't really seem to be that much of a swordsman, and when he was mentioned in The Bonehunters he was made out to be the fiercest swordsman among the Tiste Edur. I assume this is because he learned tons about fighting from being killed and brought back so many times throughout his reign. Can't Wait!! |
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 17 Dec 2012 21:28:53 |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2012 : 21:24:05
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Finished The Two Towers and jumping into Return of the Jedi...err King.  |
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 17 Dec 2012 21:24:29 |
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Rofocale
Acolyte
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - 17 Dec 2012 : 23:06:56
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| I'm about to start Plague of Spells. Hope it's good... I read some things that others posted a while back... |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2012 : 01:28:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Rofocale
I'm about to start Plague of Spells. Hope it's good... I read some things that others posted a while back...
I liked it. But then, I've always enjoyed Bruce Cordell's efforts to blend pseudo-sci-fi into Realms fantasy. Plus, I like what he did with the Abolethic Sovereignty, so... |
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Rofocale
Acolyte
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2012 : 01:57:22
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Rofocale
I'm about to start Plague of Spells. Hope it's good... I read some things that others posted a while back...
I liked it. But then, I've always enjoyed Bruce Cordell's efforts to blend pseudo-sci-fi into Realms fantasy. Plus, I like what he did with the Abolethic Sovereignty, so...
Good to hear. I've been kind of on the fence and I'm just a few pages in. Gonna give it a go and see what happens. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2012 : 11:55:08
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| Just picked Salamander, part one of the Tome of Fire series in Warhammer 40k. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 18 Dec 2012 : 13:40:25
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Rofocale
I'm about to start Plague of Spells. Hope it's good... I read some things that others posted a while back...
I liked it. But then, I've always enjoyed Bruce Cordell's efforts to blend pseudo-sci-fi into Realms fantasy. Plus, I like what he did with the Abolethic Sovereignty, so...
I also liked it. I just thought it's rather too short, even for a non-RSE novel.
How is it "pseudo-sci-fi"? It doesn't have any sci-fi feel, IMO, no distinguishable sci-fi elements. Perhaps Kane's time stasis? But then again, time suspension is not uncommon in fantasy. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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What are you Reading? 2011
Topic Locked
