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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 27 Jun 2011 :  03:01:59  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message

Rereading The Magehound by Elaine Cunningham, and trying to ignore the jordaini and the presence of an annoying elf for the sheer pleasure of seeing how the story unfolds.

Every beginning has an end.
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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 28 Jun 2011 :  16:52:49  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message
Finished these and now I feel that she might continue the tale sometime with the next two offspring.

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Knifty and I figured her books might have been broken up into trilogies instead of what they did for Wayfarer here in the States.

And I just noticed she has a new one coming out in July based on demons and England. Fun!


quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

]Heh. I spoke to her at a local fantasy-con back when The Serpent Bride had just been released. She regaled us with many fantastic tales -- both past and present of the "Wayfarer Redemption" [which is actually separated into two trilogies -- titled 'The Axis Trilogy' and 'The Wayfarer Redemption' -- here in Australia], and even hinted at some potential future spoilers, which I've yet to discover in her latest books.




For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

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DragonReader
Senior Scribe

USA
371 Posts

Posted - 29 Jun 2011 :  01:03:46  Show Profile  Visit DragonReader's Homepage Send DragonReader a Private Message
Recent reads:

The Gates of Madness, by James Wyatt
L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories, by various authors

Now reading:

I Don't Want to Kill You, by Dan Wells
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 29 Jun 2011 :  01:32:12  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Finished these and now I feel that she might continue the tale sometime with the next two offspring.
Awesome news!

I suppose this means that I'd better catch up on her last release.

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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 29 Jun 2011 :  02:57:46  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message
Ah, I wasn't sure if she was but these three ended with a cliff hanger ending that would allow her to continue the tales, but with the children that were born in these three books.

quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

Finished these and now I feel that she might continue the tale sometime with the next two offspring.
Awesome news!

I suppose this means that I'd better catch up on her last release.


For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 29 Jun 2011 :  12:32:02  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message
Recently finished The Perfect Boy by Mark A. Roeder and Counterpoint by Rachel Haimowitz....

-----

Heart-warming and funny, but at times plodding and redundant. The Perfect Boy by Mark A. Roeder is about three high school students who braved the storms of coming-out, who tried to meet the demands of popularity, and who kept friendships and intimate relationships last despite the harsh lashing of all forces that conspired to split them apart.

The three different POVs were perfect in providing depth to the story and the needed focus on the characters' motivations. Unfortunately, Roeder stumbled in what many who are writing in the first person POV usually fall prey to: redundancy. It's not widespread in the entire novel, but very noticeable nonetheless. The characters sometimes babble about their feelings for the ones they loathed and loved---repeatedly.

The writing style is not poetic (no David Levithan here), but smooth nonetheless. Grammatical errors were so few you'd barely notice them.

The “ghost” factor provided a good dimension to the story. It somehow accentuated the “fantastical” elements (a lot of the things that happened to the main characters were bordering on surreal), but never too much as to depart from reality. And the twist about the ghost was a nice surprise, albeit keen readers would have more or less seen it coming.

Cedi was a breath of fresh air. A carefree spirit that made this novel light, and to some extent, shine. But at times the immature antics were either irritating or plain boring. I didn't get how Roeder handled some of Cedi's predicament. At one point, Cedi said what he shared with Ross was more than just the physical act of sex, but a transcendence that's possible (however remotely) among humans. Yet after his brief conversation with Jordan, he suddenly realized he loved Ross, but wasn't in love with him. Clearly, he hadn't gotten over his ex, Thad, yet... I found myself not caring about the band's world tour, and all the events that happened during that time. It's sort of superficial---the very reason I often fast-read Cedi's narration.

Toby is such an endearing character. He'd pull you right in, make you a part of his story instead of being just a witness. And who would have thought he'd fall for the school's Goth? His relationship with Ian was shown in deliberate, slow progress---a clear contrast to how it suddenly started. There was hardly a conflict between them. In fact, one would not even consider it a conflict at all, but a slight misunderstanding. And some might think that's way too perfect a way to portray a relationship between young boys, who were supposed to be still in their “bickering age.” However, remember it was only the start...and Roeder seems to be intent in writing more about them in the future, if the ending is any indication.

Daniel is an epitome of good, whose mere touch could almost literally heal any wounded man. His innocence and sympathetic nature indiscriminately earned him friends and foes. I like how Roeder adroitly “introduced” Cole to Daniel's life. It was well-paced and tied to previous events (in the previous novels, actually). The conflict was not predictable nor shallow. It held a tinge of “out there” factor, yes. But like the rest of the elements in the story, it never went beyond the realm of possibility. The chemistry of Daniel and Cole was so palpable and relentless that even the conversations at the table that should have been deemed ordinary evoked a certain spark.

The Perfect Boy is a wonderful story that will remind you how noble and worthy it is to fight for the one you love, and ultimately, for your happiness. It is indeed uplifting and sends forth a positive message not only to the gay community, but to everyone.

Rating: 8/10

Every beginning has an end.

Edited by - Dennis on 29 Jun 2011 12:33:38
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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 29 Jun 2011 :  12:34:41  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message

Absolutely riveting! Counterpoint, Book 1 of the Song of the Fallen by Rachel Haimowitz is a tale about star-crossed lovers trying to fit in a world that would never tolerate their shared passion. The elf Ayden crossed the border and stepped onto human territory to “save” his sister he thought was in danger. He was heavily outnumbered by human soldiers. He was eventually subdued and, along with his sister, brought to the prince of the Farr Kingdom, Freyrik, the then acting Regent. Freyrik took him under his wing, and imprisoned Ella to vouch for her brother's good behavior. Ayden hated the prince, and showed it through caustic remarks that at times hit Freyrik right through his heart. Freyrik endured such slight to his person, as much as his captive endured all the demeaning practices of the humans towards elf-captives... Would time change Ayden's mind and heart? Would he see Freyrik for what he really was?

Haimowitz's writing is extraordinary. She weaves a story like a master musician composes a masterpiece. Her descriptions are vivid, and her metaphors are succinct.

Magic is scarcely utilized in this book. Only the siblings Ayden and Ella used it. They sang to bend the forces of nature to their will, and used their energy to accomplish it. It's like the equivalence of druidic magic in the Forgotten Realms.

The fight scenes, albeit a little bit sporadic, were shown in details without bogging down the story. Haimowitz used well her research on military tactics. The last battle with the darkers, or as the elves called them, Ferals ---animals that were altered by Nature to become bigger, faster, and fiercer--- was done in exceptional strenuosity and rich in descriptions in the parts where it mattered.

Where this novel truly scintillates like an undying star is on the development of Ayden and Freyrik's regards for each other... From hate and disgust...to understanding, respect, acceptance, trust...and finally, love. The slow pacing gives us enough time to comprehend Ayden's emotions and Freyrik's motivations. I'm amazed by the prince's patience and determination. He never, not even once, forced Ayden to succumb to “ultimate” subjugation. He showed the doubtful elf the side of him no one had ever seen. He sacrificed things he needed not to for the sake of his captive. Ayden, whose power involved “reading” the emotions of living beings, saw in Freyrik not only desire for him, but an undeniable care... I like how Haimowitz unfolds Ayden's “change of heart.” It's realistic and heart-wrenching, punctuated by deliberate slowness and staggering intensity. And how he and Freyrik moved on from that magical moment was a journey worth seeing...

The ending leaves a lot of questions unanswered and hints at a number of possible dangers to Ayden and Freyrik. So be sure to buy the sequel.

This story is really captivating in every way, and will make you wish it never ends.

Rating: 10/10

Every beginning has an end.
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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 29 Jun 2011 :  22:42:44  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

Perusing the shelf of my local book store yesterday, I noticed Brandon Sanderson's Way of Kings is now at a reasonable price.

Has anyone else read it? I'm not all that familiar with Sanderson's work -- aside from his collaborative effort with Jordan on the last "Wheel of Time" books -- but I've been eager to break into his solo-fiction for a long while now, and so I'm curious as to what others might think about his books.



I don't think I finished it. If I did, I can't remember at all. For me, the story is bogged down by too much nonsensical details and irrelevant musings---the very reason why dense books are almost always either a miss or a hit, and never in between. Of course, I'm only one reader. I heard others praise it to the heaves, just like THIS REVIEW which you may find helpful.

-------------

Has anyone read Union of Renegades, Book One of The Rys Chronicles by Tracy Falbe? Care to share your thoughts? I downloaded its free promotional version long time ago, but for some reason couldn't get to start reading it...

I'm now reading No Place Like Home by B.A. Tortuga. Quite offbeat and fun so far.

Every beginning has an end.

Edited by - Dennis on 29 Jun 2011 22:44:05
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 30 Jun 2011 :  01:29:28  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis

I don't think I finished it. If I did, I can't remember at all. For me, the story is bogged down by too much nonsensical details and irrelevant musings---the very reason why dense books are almost always either a miss or a hit, and never in between.
I usually tend to like that sort of thing in my fiction -- especially fantasy. I can never have enough details and musings on a particular fantastical land.

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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 30 Jun 2011 :  01:50:07  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message

I've read hundreds of dense books that are filled with details about the setting---Jordan, Modesitt, Feist, Rawn, and many others. Most of them worked for me because despite the great attention up to last possible minutest detail, they didn't pull the story down; they complemented it. Sanderson's TWoK on the other hand keeps on meandering, stopping where it should have moved forward, and telling where it should have been showing. Consequently, the plot is severely affected. What I want is a plot-driven fantasy novel, not a travelogue.

Every beginning has an end.
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 30 Jun 2011 :  03:16:49  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message
Again, that's probably a point I find to be a strength for any particular writer. I adore the travelogue-aspect of fantasy fiction... even if the plot may apparently suffer as a result. [Though, in my vast reading experience, I've never once felt that was the case with any details-heavy fantasy fiction I've read.]

Opinions, as always, differ.

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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 30 Jun 2011 :  03:49:11  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message

I'm also rereading some Feist masterpieces. Waiting more than a year for his next book is truly excruciating.

Every beginning has an end.
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe

Spain
730 Posts

Posted - 02 Jul 2011 :  13:17:17  Show Profile Send Thelonius a Private Message
I'm starting to read Jeff Grubb's novel Ghosts of Ascalon.Really forward to it, took my like ages to find it in Spain

"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 - 04 Jul 2011 :  06:28:46  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message

I'm now reading Trust Me by Jeff Erno and Time Spiral by Scott McGaugh.

Erno's style is bordering on amateurish. The first 5 chapters are plodding. But I read on because I believe in the story's promise. And true to its promise, indeed, the story becomes more and more interesting since the chance meeting of the two protagonists. Lovely.

McGaugh does a good job portraying Teferi. In fact, the said planeswalker is the only reason I bother buying this book, and would most probably be the reason I'll be rating this definitely higher than I did its sequel. (Yes, you read it right. I finished Book 2 first before this. I'm a reader who doesn't believe in reading in order, because in the grand scheme of things, there's no such thing as order).

Every beginning has an end.
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36877 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2011 :  16:56:04  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message
I finished Cyclops a few days ago, and found it quite enjoyable. I'm now reading The Stepsister Scheme.

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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2011 :  17:02:11  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message
I'm attempting to catch-up on the "Wheel of Time" series, since I am still a few books behind...

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Farrel
Learned Scribe

United Kingdom
239 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2011 :  17:46:14  Show Profile Send Farrel a Private Message
I'm currently "saving myself" for the 12th of July and i'm getting antsy!

A Dance with Dragons has been far too long a wait.
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Kuje
Great Reader

USA
7915 Posts

Posted - 04 Jul 2011 :  17:53:48  Show Profile Send Kuje a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

I'm attempting to catch-up on the "Wheel of Time" series, since I am still a few books behind...



I realized that I'm getting old when I mentioned this series to someone and they went, "What series?" and then I remembered I first picked up the first book almost 15 years ago! back in 1996ish. The person I was talking to replied, "At that time, I was still a kid!" Oh man, embarrassment is me. :)

For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet and excite you... Books are full of the things that you don't get in real life - wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right off the bat. - Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird

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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 07 Jul 2011 :  12:06:16  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message

I am reading The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I'm just on page 10 but I am already totally hooked. And as most reviews claim, this seems like a mixed concoction of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, only it's for adults. The hints about Fillory, the magical world which is the setting of this book, are very Narnia-ish. Grossman's description of Quentin are quite funny.

Every beginning has an end.

Edited by - Dennis on 10 Jul 2011 08:18:30
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 07 Jul 2011 :  16:06:04  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje

quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

I'm attempting to catch-up on the "Wheel of Time" series, since I am still a few books behind...



I realized that I'm getting old when I mentioned this series to someone and they went, "What series?" and then I remembered I first picked up the first book almost 15 years ago! back in 1996ish. The person I was talking to replied, "At that time, I was still a kid!" Oh man, embarrassment is me. :)

Indeed. I keep saying to myself that I'll go back and start re-reading the entire series... just in time for the final book's release. But it's so far back in time.

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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2011 :  08:20:49  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis


I am reading The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I'm just on page 10 but I am already totally hooked. And as most reviews claim, this seems like a mixed concoction of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, only it's for adults. The hints about Fillory, the magical world which is the setting of this book, are very Narnia-ish. Grossman's description of Quentin are quite funny.



Grossman also made use of some elements from Wizard of Oz.

I don't know if it's just a coincidence, but I noticed that each chapter alternates being riveting and boring. Good thing the latter tends to be shorter.

The magic in this book is like an amalgamation of D&D and Science. Grossman provides enough explanation, but practically leaves almost everything in the shadows, which is fine with me. Sometimes magic being a mystery is a welcome concept.

Unlike Rowling in HP, one of the series from which he "borrowed" some idea for this novel, Grossman fails in evoking interesting quandary for Quentin ad his friends. He lumps a number inconsequential scenarios that only succeed in making his hero look like a fool. However, he manages to introduce some promising, 3-D characters that I'm beginning to like. I'm in page 125 now.

Every beginning has an end.
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe

Spain
730 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2011 :  08:46:27  Show Profile Send Thelonius a Private Message
Finished reading Ghosts of Ascalon, not bad yet somehow felt a little disappointed. Now started reading The color of Magic by the great Terry Pratchett.

"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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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2011 :  08:52:11  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

Now started reading The color of Magic by the great Terry Pratchett.
Ah, one of my favourites of the entire DISCWORLD series.

Is this your first time reading any of Pratchett's DW novels, Thelonius?

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Thelonius
Senior Scribe

Spain
730 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2011 :  09:34:10  Show Profile Send Thelonius a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

Now started reading The color of Magic by the great Terry Pratchett.
Ah, one of my favourites of the entire DISCWORLD series.

Is this your first time reading any of Pratchett's DW novels, Thelonius?




Nope, I got this one after I read some more others, being my favourite The Fifth Elephant, that one hooked me into Pratchett's Discworld, I've already read Mort, The truth, Reaper Man and Faust Eric. And got a couple more still to read

"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 10 Jul 2011 11:01:35
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36877 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2011 :  14:05:19  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

Now started reading The color of Magic by the great Terry Pratchett.
Ah, one of my favourites of the entire DISCWORLD series.

Is this your first time reading any of Pratchett's DW novels, Thelonius?




Nope, I got this one after I read some more others, being my favourite The Fifth Elephant, that one hooked me into Pratchett's Discworld, I've already read Mort, The truth, Reaper Man and Faust Eric. And got a couple more still to read



The Fifth Elephant is the only Discworld book I've read, and it didn't really work for me -- in part, because I knew I was coming in in the middle of the story somewhere, and references to prior events were passing me unknown. I'd been told I could jump in anywhere, but this book left me thinking this was not the case.

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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36877 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2011 :  14:09:14  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message
I just finished reading The Stepsister Scheme, which really didn't do me. I like the new spin on fairy tales, but I think I was expecting more of a humorous romp, and instead got a regular tale with just a bit of a twist. So it's likely my fault, but I still don't think I'll go further into the series (besides which, back cover blurbs are quite important to me, and at least a couple of the others utterly failed to pique my interest).

I'm giving Dead Until Dark a shot now.

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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2011 :  15:02:09  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

Now started reading The color of Magic by the great Terry Pratchett.
Ah, one of my favourites of the entire DISCWORLD series.

Is this your first time reading any of Pratchett's DW novels, Thelonius?




Nope, I got this one after I read some more others, being my favourite The Fifth Elephant, that one hooked me into Pratchett's Discworld, I've already read Mort, The truth, Reaper Man and Faust Eric. And got a couple more still to read



The Fifth Elephant is the only Discworld book I've read, and it didn't really work for me -- in part, because I knew I was coming in in the middle of the story somewhere, and references to prior events were passing me unknown. I'd been told I could jump in anywhere, but this book left me thinking this was not the case.

I think I've been over this with you before, but most of the DISCWORLD series of novels contains mini-arcs -- or series inside series of novels which focus on either particular characters and/or places around the Disc.

This usually helps to determine how to read the books.

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Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)

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Thelonius
Senior Scribe

Spain
730 Posts

Posted - 10 Jul 2011 :  18:01:51  Show Profile Send Thelonius a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

Now started reading The color of Magic by the great Terry Pratchett.
Ah, one of my favourites of the entire DISCWORLD series.

Is this your first time reading any of Pratchett's DW novels, Thelonius?




Nope, I got this one after I read some more others, being my favourite The Fifth Elephant, that one hooked me into Pratchett's Discworld, I've already read Mort, The truth, Reaper Man and Faust Eric. And got a couple more still to read



The Fifth Elephant is the only Discworld book I've read, and it didn't really work for me -- in part, because I knew I was coming in in the middle of the story somewhere, and references to prior events were passing me unknown. I'd been told I could jump in anywhere, but this book left me thinking this was not the case.



In fact, when I read the Fifth Elephant I didn't have the feeling I was missing osmething. In DW novels they rarely make references to other books, though Death makes one in Reaper Man, though it is certain that somehow it depend on the chars appearing, like Death itself or Rincenwind.

"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
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Wooly Rupert
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Posted - 11 Jul 2011 :  04:11:59  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

I think I've been over this with you before, but most of the DISCWORLD series of novels contains mini-arcs -- or series inside series of novels which focus on either particular characters and/or places around the Disc.

This usually helps to determine how to read the books.




Yeah, I think we did discuss it once before, and I wish we'd had the discussion before I read anything.

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Wooly Rupert
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Posted - 11 Jul 2011 :  04:13:32  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Thelonius

In fact, when I read the Fifth Elephant I didn't have the feeling I was missing osmething. In DW novels they rarely make references to other books, though Death makes one in Reaper Man, though it is certain that somehow it depend on the chars appearing, like Death itself or Rincenwind.



You and I had a different experience, then. I very much felt like there were elements of the story that I would have appreciated a lot more if I'd read prior material. It felt kinda like it does when you miss the first 30 minutes of a movie...

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