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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Apr 2011 : 12:30:47
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Now enjoying Arena by by William R. Forstchen. It's a classic stand-alone Magic: The Gathering novel. I love Garth and the mystery that enshrouds him. 
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Posted - 02 May 2011 : 02:54:19
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It's amazing how Forstchen unveils every layer of mystery that enshrouds Garth.
The Masters of the Houses are like the Zulkirs of Thay, and Grand Master of the Arena is like Szass Tam, though the latter is far more intelligent and cunning.
Forstchen never holds back in showing spell battles. And always, he makes sure they do make sense, from the moment each fighter-mage raises his hand, to the time the opponent falls. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 02 May 2011 03:10:00 |
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GMWestermeyer
Learned Scribe
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2011 : 17:44:52
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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.
I am enjoying it, though it is a bit odd. It really gives a glimpse of life inside Waterdeep for the non-adventurers.
quote:
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 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.
I'm now reading Sea of Death, Gygax was really bad at writing romance, and at writing the dialogue of demons, devils, ect. The plot is incoherent BUT the description of adventuring in the infamous Sea of Dust is superb. As a source for Greyhawk lore the novel is worth reading, even if it fails as a story.
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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.
I'm now into Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Such great audiobooks, very relaxing on my train ride home each night! I discovered this series the year this one came out, I actually won my hard copy via a radio call in show. I love the way you get a nice, long look at wizarding life outside Hogwarts, and as a mystery it's quite well done.
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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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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Lily M Green
Learned Scribe
Australia
115 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2011 : 09:13:43
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| Of the books I think I've read the first five three or four times each. The last two, on the other hand, I've read just once. From the first five I find it hard to pick a favourite but I'd say that 'Order of the Phoenix' just edges it because of the arrival of IMHO Rowling's best character in Delores Umbridge. She beats Voldie hands down for evil! |
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
A Dark Alliance - Beyond Baldur's Gate |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2011 : 13:40:59
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Full agreement on Umbridge. I hate her, but I enjoyed reading about her. Quite sad that the movie didn't exactly portray how evil she was. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2011 : 13:59:07
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Recently read:
A Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. Good story--even better than the first book.
Where Shadows Dance by C.S. Harris. Book 6 of a series of murder mysteries set in Regency England. Wonderful characters, solid writing, impecable attention to historical detail. The social mores and strictures that form the backdrop of Jane Austin's novels (and the hundreds inspired by them) are here, but the canvas is much broader. In addition to the social concerns of the gentry, the stories deal with the war with Napoleon, spies and graverobbers and pickpockets, and the grim, hopeless poverty that many Londoners faced. Highly recommended.
The Writing Class by Jincy Willians. If you're ever taken (or taught) a writing workshop, you've probably met people very like those who sign up for this class. But most likely you've never attended a workshop that turned into an Agatha Cristy novel. Disturbing notes escalate to potentially deadly pranks. When one of the classmates is killed, the class determines to solve the mystery. Written by a professor of creative writing, the story successfully blends the diction and close observation of literary fiction with the conventions of the mystery form. Very entertaining.
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NecroZombie
Acolyte
4 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2011 : 16:25:03
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I'm currently about 50 pages away from finishing Prince of Lies by James Lowder.
IMO it's been a great read. I knocked out about 250 pages yesterday (which is A LOT for me in one day). Just couldn't put it down.
Planning on finishing up with Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad by Troy Denning next.
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2011 : 04:12:40
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I'm now reading Star Ascendant by Louise Cooper, the original paperback edition with extremely tiny font and nary a margin. |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 03 May 2011 05:13:25 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2011 : 06:47:39
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I recently finished Arena by William R. Forstchen. I think, fellow scribes, you will love it as much as I do. It shows a "little" relation to the Forgotten Realms. Whether it's intentional or inadvertent, you decide. Here are my thoughts about the said book...
This novel is yet another foray into the common fantasy themes (honor, bravery, good versus evil, love). This is not your Martin masterpiece, nor Jordan, nor Feist. Nothing new, one may say. But while it lacks innovation in style, it shines in its sheer adherence to readability, solid writing, and crafting characters that will forever hold a place in your heart.
The story starts when Garth, a mysterious figter-mage with no house, intervenes in a street fight. There he meets the old pickpocket, Hammen, who acts as the “master of the arena.” His bold intervention leads him to challenge a fourth rank fighter in a duel to death. Needless to say, he wins.
It is days before the Festival, a grand celebration where fighter-mages of all the Houses fight either for spells or to the death. And that means no hanin, a fighter without a house, is allowed in the realm. With Hammen's help, he seeks the House Master of Kestha, Tulan, and presents him a proposal (that he would be fighting for Tulan's house) which is to their benifits. Tulan, whose fats belie the power he possesses, deems Garth “worthy.”
Later Garth meets the warrior woman, Noreen; the ninth rank fighter Varena from the House of Fentesk; and Naru, a dumb but powerful giant mage from the House of Bolk. Together, they try to change the world that has been perverted by the selfish House Masters and the Grand Master of the Arena, Zarel. And they get the support of the “mob,” who have been united in their mutual hatred for Zarel.
If you read books where the authors lump the characters' description and background history in a page or two so that they'd be done with it, well, don't worry. You won't see that in this novel. The exposition flows smoothly. Forstchen takes time to introduce his characters well. He delves well into Garth's personality. And the mystery that he enshrouds him would make you keep on turning the pages till you find out what it is that Garth really wants... With Forstchen's 200-plus page limit to tell a battle that can be considered epic in its own right, I understand why he could not dig deeper into the personalities of some of the supporting characters. But what he provides is enough to convince you why those characters do what they do, despite the obvious door to safety.
This book touches on the concept of greater good. Once Hammen asks Garth if sacficing the lives of thousands is a valid excuse for the attainment of his goal. Garth's answer might surprise you. Or maybe not. Just remember that to judge him, you have to look back to what he had gone through before he's become who he is now. He knows he has to make a huge decision, tells himself he's come prepared for it, but still feels the burden of it all.
If this is your first time reading a book set in the worlds/planes of Magic: The Gathering, I suggest you do a little research on the setting. Forstchen describes the setting with vividness and sprightfulness and, given the very limited word count he had to work in for this book that should have been written in 500-plus pages, he surprisingly describes it enough. Though there are gaps here and there that you have to fill yourself.
Repetition of words or phrases are fine so long as it's kept to a minimum. Unfortunately, it seems like Forstchen has a different notion of what minimum is. The phrases “thus conceding the offensive to...” and “though it did damage to [herself], hurt [him] far more...” appear far too many times. By mentioning it twice, the reader already gets it that psychic blast hurts its caster but hurts its target even more. So there's no need to repeat it a million times. I'm exaggerating, of course. But you get the picture. And oh, I find the first phrase useless. When a mage raises a protective barrier, isn't he “conceding the offensive to” his enemy? But that is just a minor complaint. It takes more than mere repetition of words to destroy a great book.
Where this novel really shines is in its characters. The transformation of Garth from a mysterious mage to a man with clear purpose is fun to watch. How he manages to turn the masters against themselves have been deftly handled with credibility. The relationship between Garth and Hammen is so real, and the revelations of the mystery that permeates their very being will surely surprise, gladden, and touch you at the same time. I also like the evolution, albeit swift, of the groveling dwarf, Uriah, the right hand of Zarel. Considering everything he had done to Garth and his family, one wouldn't anticipate what he does towards the end. The road to redemption is indeed wide and open... Kirlen, the Master of House Bolk, is always fun to see. You will laugh at her wry jokes; hate her for being cruel; respect her for being a kind lover; and ultimately, pity her...for reasons you better find out yourself. Zarel is an effective antagonist. He has all the traits of your common bad guy: selfish, (ocassionaly) vain, and completely megalomaniac. Forstchen makes a convincing balance of power among the House Master and the Grand Master of the Arena. It's reminiscent of the politics in Thay, the masters acting almost exactly like the zulkirs. And one may wonder if Forstchen in one way or another based such system on Thay itself, specially that he “borrowed” the term Time of Troubles, (another Forgotten Realms famous “concept”), to name the bloody war of the masters.
I would like to think that there are two final battles. One is Garth versus the Walker, the character that perhaps you will pity the most. And the other is Garth versus Zarel. This novel is awash with fight scenes; 99.9% of which is magical---something you most probably already expect upon reading the title and the blurb. And I tell you that those scenes are excellently handled---proper pace, appropriate choice of spells and matches, and credible results. The final battles, on the other hand, are a different story. It's as if Forstchen runs out of words, or time, or both, and has to hastily write it in a meager half page each. But don't let it deter you from reading this gem of a book! The ending is as satisfying as the journey itself, and opens a door for a possible sequel...
Rating: 9.5/10 |
Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 05 May 2011 06:51:40 |
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Tyranthraxus
Senior Scribe
Netherlands
423 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2011 : 09:30:17
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I'm currently reading Darkwell, last book of the Moonshae trilogy, for the first time. After that I resume reading Tolkien's The Two Towers (I nearly finished the book but I took a break from it when I purchased the Moonshae trilogy  ). |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2011 : 06:36:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Full agreement on Umbridge. I hate her, but I enjoyed reading about her. Quite sad that the movie didn't exactly portray how evil she was.
Nah, I'd have to say that Bellatrix was the worst. If Voldie(rhymes with moldy, lol!) goes down, she would be a shoe-in to replace him as the head of the evil wizards union....
Bellatrix is a "wild" kind of evil. I like Umbridge more for being more in control. And those sugar-coated evil lines pouring out of her mouth are just great. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2011 : 21:42:36
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I finished Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks, tenth Culture novel, again it's better than the last one (Matter), not so predictable.
Just found this site, lists 24 fantasy novels I read in 2011, of them all recommend The Heroes by Abercrombie. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36877 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2011 : 22:43:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Quale
I finished Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks, tenth Culture novel, again it's better than the last one (Matter), not so predictable.
Just found this site, lists 24 fantasy novels I read in 2011, of them all recommend The Heroes by Abercrombie.
I've not heard of most of those.  |
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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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2011 : 00:41:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Quale
I finished Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks, tenth Culture novel, again it's better than the last one (Matter), not so predictable.
Just found this site, lists 24 fantasy novels I read in 2011, of them all recommend The Heroes by Abercrombie.
I've not heard of most of those.
Oooh! In the Courts of the Crimson Kings is currently among my immediate stack of "To-Read" books. Neat.  |
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 - 07 May 2011 : 03:42:40
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I only read 4 on that list. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2011 : 12:47:15
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It's mostly new or british authors
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I've not heard of most of those.
the one Sage mentioned has rodents of unusual size ;) |
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe
Spain
730 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2011 : 15:13:50
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Finished Faust Eric pretty fast, not long to be honest, and I'm at the 5th chapter of Extinction, just bought myself Gauntlgrym, can't wait to finish WotSQ to start reading it.  |
"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 |
Edited by - Thelonius on 07 May 2011 15:14:17 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2011 : 05:12:21
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I've always wanted to go back to reading WotSQ. [I only read books 1 and 5 so far.] But my "To-Read" and "To-Reread" stacks almost always overlap...not to mention they're changing every minute... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe
Spain
730 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2011 : 15:59:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
I've always wanted to go back to reading WotSQ. [I only read books 1 and 5 so far.] But my "To-Read" and "To-Reread" stacks almost always overlap...not to mention they're changing every minute...
Know what you mean, the Azure Bonds trilogy is on my re-read list. But it seems it will take a long time until I do so. |
"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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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2011 : 22:43:26
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| I'm currently reading through the stack of FCBD comics I got yesterday! (dances with joy) And as soon as I left the library after picking them up, I went to get my REAL does of comic greatness- I went to see Thor! Awesome movie, well done, and highly worth the watch. The story was by JM Strazynski, so that is not surprising. Incidentally, Anthony Hopkins really shone as Odin.... |
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 - 09 May 2011 : 00:15:07
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Agreed. I watched it twice. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2011 : 01:45:28
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quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
I'm currently reading through the stack of FCBD comics I got yesterday! (dances with joy) And as soon as I left the library after picking them up, I went to get my REAL does of comic greatness- I went to see Thor! Awesome movie, well done, and highly worth the watch. The story was by JM Strazynski, so that is not surprising. Incidentally, Anthony Hopkins really shone as Odin....
The only aspect of the film that bothered me, was the appearance of the frost giants.
Long years of playing D&D, and reading other fantastical fiction, has enamoured me with the idea of what frost giants "should" look like. Instead, we saw these skinny vampiric-like creatures that seemed like they would be more at home in a vampire-based film. Not at all like the frost giants of the old Journey Into Mystery comics. [Speaking of JIM, I loved the little nod to that comic-book on the billboard sign, just after the Destroyer lands on Earth.] |
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 - 09 May 2011 : 03:05:55
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Maybe the director just wants them to look fiercer and more horrible; and he surely succeeds in doing so.
I'm not comfortable seeing Portman, though. She's been in so many movies last year and in the current that seeing her feels tiresome. And I don't care that she's an Academy Awardee.
Chris Hemsworth, on the other hand, fits the role so well, as far as my little knowledge of Thor is concerned. The 'god' factor is there.
Tom Hiddleston looks out of place, though. Is that really how Loki is portrayed in comics? Hiddleston is like a vampire in distress.
I'm curious how Loki manages to cloak himself from the "sight" and "hearing" of Heimdall... |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2011 : 04:17:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Maybe the director just wants them to look fiercer and more horrible; and he surely succeeds in doing so.
I'm not comfortable seeing Portman, though. She's been in so many movies last year and in the current that seeing her feels tiresome. And I don't care that she's an Academy Awardee.
Chris Hemsworth, on the other hand, fits the role so well, as far as my little knowledge of Thor is concerned. The 'god' factor is there.
Tom Hiddleston looks out of place, though. Is that really how Loki is portrayed in comics? Hiddleston is like a vampire in distress.
I'm curious how Loki manages to cloak himself from the "sight" and "hearing" of Heimdall...
As someone who's knowledge of the Thor comics is minimal, I liked the portrayal of Loki. He wasn't cackling mad evil, which was nice. I do hope that what I read of him appearing in other Marvel movies down the road ends up being true.
As for him hiding from Heimdall, I assumed he did so via his magic.
So, I take it everyone stayed around until after the credits, right?
As for the list posted earlier, the only book on it that I have read at all (that I am actually reading right now) is Blood of the Mantis, book 3 of the Shadow of the Apt series. |
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 - 09 May 2011 : 04:37:11
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I'm now reading Bacchylides: The Victory Poems by Arthur Mcdevitt, for research and to get some inspiration for the poems I have to write for a mag. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2011 : 05:33:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Tom Hiddleston looks out of place, though. Is that really how Loki is portrayed in comics? Hiddleston is like a vampire in distress.
It depends on the writer. The earliest interpretations of Loki tended to play up his "trickster" elements, while most of the latest stuff [including during the time he was a female Loki], focuses on the "darker, more dangerous trickery" elements. And considering that JMS was largely responsible for that shift in tone for God of Mischief, and was partly responsible for the film's story as well, it's no surprise that it was so interpreted also, for Loki on the silver screen.
quote:
I'm curious how Loki manages to cloak himself from the "sight" and "hearing" of Heimdall...
I've always assumed this is merely an extension of his mastery of illusions, and such. He has been known to both hypnotise and influence the minds of the other Asgardians from time to time -- including Thor.
...
As for what I'm reading at the moment, when Dennis reminded me earlier in the year, of Magic: The Gathering returning to the plane of Mirrodin, I decided to seek out the first book in the cycle. I'm likely going to start reading it this evening.
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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 |
Edited by - The Sage on 09 May 2011 05:34:44 |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2011 : 06:02:18
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Hmm. That's an interesting tidbit about Loki. Is the ending based on the comics? If so, would Loki survive? And how?
----
I got bored with Bacchylides.
Now reading The High Lord by Trudi Canavan. She never disappoints.
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Every beginning has an end. |
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe
USA
586 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2011 : 06:42:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Hmm. That's an interesting tidbit about Loki. Is the ending based on the comics? If so, would Loki survive? And how?
I take it you didn't stay until after the credits?
Loki is still alive and is now apparently controlling Stellan Skarsgard's character who is lead to Nick Fury who is apparently in posession of the Cosmic Cube |
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 |
Edited by - Tyrant on 09 May 2011 06:53:05 |
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What are you Reading? 2011
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