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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Aug 2013 : 14:15:08
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| Started on the Bone Palace by Amanda Downum. Not something I would usually read but since it was recommended by a friend I am giving it a try. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2013 : 23:13:02
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Reading Emperor: The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden.
I've been meaning to read some of Iggulden's works.
I'd like to know what you thought of Emperor, Entreri, when you're done.
Will do. I've read his 5 book Conqueror series about the Mongolian Khans and thought it was amazing.
Oooo! The Conqueror series are the books that first got my interested in Iggulden's work. I've a fascination with Mongolian history -- particularly the Genghis Khan/Khans-era, so any historical-fiction that's set in this period is often a worthwhile read for me.
The Conqueror books were truly amazing and tell a fascinating historical fiction tale. They definitely make you see a different side of Chingghis Khan. |
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
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2013 : 16:31:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Started on the Bone Palace by Amanda Downum. Not something I would usually read but since it was recommended by a friend I am giving it a try.
I dropped it when I reached page 102, right in the middle of chapter 4. I love Isyllt, but there are a couple of prominent characters I either don’t care for or completely hate, including the boring villain. And it has a rather strong feel of urban fantasy, a subgenre I’ve grown over with since high school. I still plan to give it another shot though in some undetermined time in the future . . .
I jumped to its sequel, The Kingsdoms of Dust, which I loved and hated equally. The setting is desert-bound, so that’s a plus for me. Some characters from book 2 have also returned, though the plot is completely different and not at all related. The tension and mystery are maintained until around the first two hundred pages, but toward the end, there are so many obvious plot holes and rather very convenient solutions. If you are interested, you may read my review here. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2013 : 12:46:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Started on the Bone Palace by Amanda Downum. Not something I would usually read but since it was recommended by a friend I am giving it a try.
I dropped it when I reached page 102, right in the middle of chapter 4. I love Isyllt, but there are a couple of prominent characters I either don’t care for or completely hate, including the boring villain. And it has a rather strong feel of urban fantasy, a subgenre I’ve grown over with since high school. I still plan to give it another shot though in some undetermined time in the future . . .
I jumped to its sequel, The Kingsdoms of Dust, which I loved and hated equally. The setting is desert-bound, so that’s a plus for me. Some characters from book 2 have also returned, though the plot is completely different and not at all related. The tension and mystery are maintained until around the first two hundred pages, but toward the end, there are so many obvious plot holes and rather very convenient solutions. If you are interested, you may read my review here.
I agree with you on that. The book was nothing special. Mediocre is the best way to describe it. I will try out the next one which you say is better. |
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Renin
Learned Scribe
USA
290 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2013 : 13:47:44
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Well, I finished the first Brimstone Angel's book. Surprising to myself, perhaps, I truly enjoyed it!
Then I finished 'Blackstaff' by Schend. I did enjoy that 'some good things must come to an end.'
Now, I'm reading book one of the Iron Druid Chronicles.
But since The Companions comes out tomorrow, I thought I should interrupt this and find Charon's Claw and Last Threshold and read those very quickly! |
Edited by - Renin on 05 Aug 2013 14:20:15 |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 05 Aug 2013 : 23:37:43
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| Finished Emperor: The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden. Fact: Conn Iggulden can't write a bad book. Fortune may favor the bold, but Artemas favors Conn Iggulden. I thought this was a strong opening for an epic series, though I found myself not enjoying it quite as much as the first Conqueror book. I'm also a little ashamed to admit that I thought I knew who the second main character was until the end...but my shame was well worth the shivers I got when the revelation struck me like a dagger. |
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 Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
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DragonReader
Senior Scribe
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 20:21:03
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| Finished Be My Enemy by Ian McDonald and am now reading The Companions by R.A. Salvatore. |
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Renin
Learned Scribe
USA
290 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 21:14:33
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Catching up on some old Marvel books... like AvX for example. 
Ugh. Marvel has almost completely turned me away from their comic line. Wherever they are going...I'm not following. I just don't ...care for what that company is doing anymore. Even Hickman's Avenger titles barely work for me; great writing, but I feel that none of the Avenger characters themselves fit the story he's writing.
Not that DC is scoring wins all over the place; I just like the characters better. |
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Entromancer
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 21:17:02
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| I just finished The Last Threshold. Better than Neverwinter, but I think Charon's Claw or Gauntlgrym were the best from the Neverwinter Saga. |
"...the will is everything. The will to act."--Ra's Al Ghul
"Suffering builds character."--Talia Al Ghul |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 21:21:50
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Finished Ex-Patriots last night... I liked that there were two villains in this one. One is basically a thug, and the other is someone who knows exactly what he's doing to others and simply does not care -- the kind of villain that it is very satisfying to hate.
Started Ex-Communication. Though one threat has already been revealed, I'm curious to see what else will develop... |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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ksu_bond
Learned Scribe
New Zealand
214 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2013 : 23:00:13
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| Finished reading Gauntlgrym a couple weeks ago, and have been attempting to read Sword Play but struggling to get into the story... |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2013 : 03:06:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Renin
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Catching up on some old Marvel books... like AvX for example.
Ugh. Marvel has almost completely turned me away from their comic line. Wherever they are going...I'm not following. I just don't ...care for what that company is doing anymore. Even Hickman's Avenger titles barely work for me; great writing, but I feel that none of the Avenger characters themselves fit the story he's writing.
Not that DC is scoring wins all over the place; I just like the characters better.
It's part of the reason why I've waited so long to read it. I've just been having trouble drumming up any real enthusiasm for these "big" Marvel events.
I love the monthly books. But I don't know, since the late 90's, I've just kind of tuned out of the big company-wide story-arcs for Marvel. I'm growing frustrated with the promised "big change is coming" just to sell the story. I like big change, but only if I feel it's being wrought because it carries the story forward. Not just to sell the book itself. And that's really what AvX feels like to me -- at least from the reviews I've read.
Maybe my opinion will change when I'm done reading it. I'll certainly allow for that possibility. But just coming off reading Age of Ultron [which really suffered from a poor storyline, at least for me], well, it's hard [though not impossible] to maintain any kind of hope for these kinds of stories. |
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 07 Aug 2013 03:08:56 |
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Renin
Learned Scribe
USA
290 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 02:38:56
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Agreed.
With Marvel, which has driven me away, is that every Event is predicated on telling some 'huge big change' to the universe, only to not have an ending of sorts, but a seague-way into the next driven spectacle.
The character story only titles have been for the most part, very good. The current 'Thor' solo title is awesome to read, and had nothing to do with AvX, nor Infinity, nor Inhuman (the latter two being advertised at the end days and weeks of AvX.)
It just keeps cycling on itself, and it's all poor. Blargh |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 03:36:00
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I must admit, I'm kind of curious about the upcoming focus on the Inhumans.
They're characters I've grown to love over my decades of reading Marvel comic books. I just hope they'll finally get a good modern take, that builds on the awesome work they featured in during the "Secret Invasion"/"War of Kings"/"Realms of Kings" storylines.
...
And to keep this post on-topic, I'm adding some "Dresden Files" goodness to my reading of AvX. And the latest PATHFINDER Player Companion:-Kobolds of Golarion. |
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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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 11:39:41
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| Finished Kingdoms of Dust by Amanda Downum. It was much better than the previous one, a light and entertaining read. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2013 : 12:16:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Finished Kingdoms of Dust by Amanda Downum. It was much better than the previous one, a light and entertaining read.
What are your thoughts about the ending? |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Renin
Learned Scribe
USA
290 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2013 : 14:50:16
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'Iron Druid' is put on hold as I got a copy of Charon's Claw.
I'm going to have to say this; on the whole, I've found this RAS 'Neverwinter Saga' to be rather weak, and uninteresting. Being far too much of a purist and completest, and as I've suffered through other poor Drizz't books, I might as well finish it, but the fact that he reacts to nothing around him, and that I can't stand Dahlia-whatsoever-makes this difficult. At least I like 'Barrabus'. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2013 : 12:30:53
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Finished Kingdoms of Dust by Amanda Downum. It was much better than the previous one, a light and entertaining read.
What are your thoughts about the ending?
Yeah it was a nice ending, things worked out well enough for pretty much everyone. The only bad thing about it was that it was kind of predictable. It was also a pity about Moth leaving I thought she had the potential to become a very interesting character. |
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2013 : 12:33:06
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| Currently reading Magicians Guild, book one of the Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canaven. It kind of reminds me of Harry Potter. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2013 : 14:20:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Finished Kingdoms of Dust by Amanda Downum. It was much better than the previous one, a light and entertaining read.
What are your thoughts about the ending?
Yeah it was a nice ending, things worked out well enough for pretty much everyone. The only bad thing about it was that it was kind of predictable. It was also a pity about Moth leaving I thought she had the potential to become a very interesting character.
I thought the ending ruined the book for me. Convenient and, yes, predictable. Isyllt had it rather too easy.
Agreed on Moth though. She will likely appear again in the sequel, if there ever is one. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2013 : 14:29:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Currently reading Magicians Guild, book one of the Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canaven. It kind of reminds me of Harry Potter.
I loved that series! It is the best one by Trudi. Yes, there is a Harry Potter feel to it, but there is more character focus on almost everyone. And, well, the mages do not use wands. |
Every beginning has an end. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36971 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2013 : 15:42:49
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I finished Ex-Communication yesterday... Unfortunately, I finished it while at work, and I had more than an hour to kill and no more books handy! 
I liked the new villain in this one, and I'm happy the way the trilogy's recurring villain was handled. There is room for another book. There is a fourth book scheduled, but the blurb on that indicates it's going in a different direction -- so it'll be fun to see how it ties in with the others.
Started The Second Ship late last night. The basic premise appears to be that shortly after the Roswell Incident, a crashed alien spacecraft did fall into US hands -- but what the government didn't know about was a second ship, that crashed elsewhere in the US, and that gets found decades later by some teenagers, the same day the government finally reveals the existence of the first ship. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Renin
Learned Scribe
USA
290 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2013 : 20:27:45
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Finished 'Last Threshold.'
Blecch.
But that conversation is for other threads.
I get to read the Companions on Monday, at least. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2013 : 21:12:47
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| Just finished Book 2 of Conn Iggulden's Emperor series: The Death of Kings. Loved 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 Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2013 : 04:20:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Just finished Book 2 of Conn Iggulden's Emperor series: The Death of Kings. Loved it!
Finally found on online local distributor that can ship most of these books to my doorstep at a reasonable price.
Yay! |
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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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2013 : 12:57:10
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quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Currently reading Magicians Guild, book one of the Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canaven. It kind of reminds me of Harry Potter.
I loved that series! It is the best one by Trudi. Yes, there is a Harry Potter feel to it, but there is more character focus on almost everyone. And, well, the mages do not use wands.
Well I just finished it and quite enjoyed it. The characters were indeed well developed and interesting. Will definitely continue with this series. |
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Artemas Entreri
Great Reader
USA
3131 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2013 : 14:38:49
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Entreri3478
Just finished Book 2 of Conn Iggulden's Emperor series: The Death of Kings. Loved it!
Finally found on online local distributor that can ship most of these books to my doorstep at a reasonable price.
Yay!
Nice, hope you enjoy them! Be sure to check out his Conqueror series 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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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore
India
1591 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2013 : 11:38:12
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| Started on the Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks. Heard a lot about it so heres hoping it lives up to the hype. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 12 Aug 2013 : 15:32:03
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I'm done with AvX.
The only thing that really satisfied with this saga, is the fact that my belief that Cyclops has outlived his usefulness as a character, has been justified. Again.
I'll admit, that I lost faith with him long ago... back in the days just after his possession by Apocalypse [during "The Twelve" story-arc in the late 90's]. And my interest in his character has waned ever since. Nothing I read in AvX made me want to see Cyclops return to any frontlines of any X-books.
Bring on Havok, I say. The better Summers brother! |
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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What are you reading? (2013)
Topic Locked
