Bobby Dollar books 2 and 3 are my most hated.
Books Fantasy Reads
- Thread starter Alock1
- Start date
had a couple of audible credits to use up and so got the two Kingkilller main books. May avoid listening to them for as long as it takes the dude to publish book 3 so that I don't leave myself hanging to long after book 2.
I realise this may mean I am not listening to these two for a few years...
I realise this may mean I am not listening to these two for a few years...
Paternus is one of the best mythology action books I've read. Non stop action and a good plot too.
If you're looking at a fun action fantasy, give this a try.
If you're looking at a fun action fantasy, give this a try.
Sword of Kaigen won SPFBO for last year.
Finally got around to finishing Gentleman Bastards book 3 Republic of Thieves. It's not bad, it's just that the overall plot of this one isn't something that interests me. The start and end were much better though. As soon as the play and politics were done with it felt like it got back into a good flow for me. Still a very good series and I'll buy the next one when it comes out.
I read the free sample of The Priory of the Orange Tree, but not sure I can be bothered with 800 pages of it. I didn't hate it, just not grabbed by it enough to think I might finish it. Undecided. Also started a free sample of You Die When You Die, seems a bit YA for my tastes so far, but I'll read the sample at least. Think I might be in the mood for something more horror/vampire related. Almost done with the audiobook of Fevre Dream and it's been excellent.
I read the free sample of The Priory of the Orange Tree, but not sure I can be bothered with 800 pages of it. I didn't hate it, just not grabbed by it enough to think I might finish it. Undecided. Also started a free sample of You Die When You Die, seems a bit YA for my tastes so far, but I'll read the sample at least. Think I might be in the mood for something more horror/vampire related. Almost done with the audiobook of Fevre Dream and it's been excellent.
2020 Reads till now. I set a target of 40 books for this year back in Jan and already have read 42. 
Fantasy:
Divinity's Twilight by Christopher Russel (Divinity's Twilight #1) - 7/10
Along the Razor's Edge by Rob J Hayes - 6/10
Never Die by Rob J Hayes - 7/10
The Girl with Ghost Eyes by M.H. Boroson - 5/10
The Prince of Cats by Daniel Olson - 6/10
The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence (The Book of the Ice #1) - 6/10
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington (The Licanius Trilogy, #1) - 6/10
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins - 7/10
Empire of Chains by Ryan Muller (World in Chains, #1) - 5/10
The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French (The Lot Lands #1) - 7/10
Diamantine by Andrew Rowe (Weapons and Wielders, #2) - 6/10
God of Broken Things by Cameron Johnston (The Age of Tyranny #2) - 8/10
Bolan's Quest: Legend of the Black Sword by Paul Simmonds - 6/10
The Six-Gun Tarot by R.S Belcher (Golgotha, #1) - 6/10
The Shotgun Arcana by R.S Belcher (Golgotha #2) - 6/10
Paternus: Rise of Gods by Dyrk Ashton (The Paternus #1) - 9/10
Paternus: Wrath of Gods by Dyrk Ashton (The Paternus #2) - 9/10
Into the Labyrinth by John Bierce (Mage Errant #1) - 7/10
Jewel of the Endless Erg by John Bierce (Mage Errant #2) - 7/10
A Traitor in Skyhold by John Bierce (Mage Errant #3) - 7/10
Lit RPG:
Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #1) - 7/10
Hell to Pay by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #1.5)- 6/10
Legacy of the Fallen by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #2) - 7/10
Death March by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #1) - 7/10
Nightmare Keep by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #2) - 7/10
Killer Dungeon by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #3) - 7/10
Catharsis by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #1) - 9/10
Precipice by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #2) - 9/10
Retribution by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #2.5) - 7/10
Evolution by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #3) - 9/10
Apathy by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #3.5) - 7/10
Dominion by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #4) - 9/10
Unity by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #4.5) - 8/10
.
Ember by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online Tarot #1) - 5/10
Flame by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online Tarot #2) - 5/10
Reborn Apocalypse by L.M Kerr (Reborn Apocalypse #2) - 6/10
Reborn Apocalypse by L.M Kerr (Reborn Apocalypse #3) - 6/10
Ritualist by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #1) - 7/10
Regicide by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #2) - 6/10
Raze by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #3) - 6/10
Sci-Fi:
Network Effect by Martha Wells (Murderbot #5) - 8/10
Devil's Road by Gary Gibson - 7/10
Fantasy:
Divinity's Twilight by Christopher Russel (Divinity's Twilight #1) - 7/10
Along the Razor's Edge by Rob J Hayes - 6/10
Never Die by Rob J Hayes - 7/10
The Girl with Ghost Eyes by M.H. Boroson - 5/10
The Prince of Cats by Daniel Olson - 6/10
The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence (The Book of the Ice #1) - 6/10
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington (The Licanius Trilogy, #1) - 6/10
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins - 7/10
Empire of Chains by Ryan Muller (World in Chains, #1) - 5/10
The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French (The Lot Lands #1) - 7/10
Diamantine by Andrew Rowe (Weapons and Wielders, #2) - 6/10
God of Broken Things by Cameron Johnston (The Age of Tyranny #2) - 8/10
Bolan's Quest: Legend of the Black Sword by Paul Simmonds - 6/10
The Six-Gun Tarot by R.S Belcher (Golgotha, #1) - 6/10
The Shotgun Arcana by R.S Belcher (Golgotha #2) - 6/10
Paternus: Rise of Gods by Dyrk Ashton (The Paternus #1) - 9/10
Paternus: Wrath of Gods by Dyrk Ashton (The Paternus #2) - 9/10
Into the Labyrinth by John Bierce (Mage Errant #1) - 7/10
Jewel of the Endless Erg by John Bierce (Mage Errant #2) - 7/10
A Traitor in Skyhold by John Bierce (Mage Errant #3) - 7/10
Lit RPG:
Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #1) - 7/10
Hell to Pay by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #1.5)- 6/10
Legacy of the Fallen by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #2) - 7/10
Death March by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #1) - 7/10
Nightmare Keep by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #2) - 7/10
Killer Dungeon by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #3) - 7/10
Catharsis by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #1) - 9/10
Precipice by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #2) - 9/10
Retribution by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #2.5) - 7/10
Evolution by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #3) - 9/10
Apathy by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #3.5) - 7/10
Dominion by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #4) - 9/10
Unity by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #4.5) - 8/10
.
Ember by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online Tarot #1) - 5/10
Flame by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online Tarot #2) - 5/10
Reborn Apocalypse by L.M Kerr (Reborn Apocalypse #2) - 6/10
Reborn Apocalypse by L.M Kerr (Reborn Apocalypse #3) - 6/10
Ritualist by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #1) - 7/10
Regicide by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #2) - 6/10
Raze by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #3) - 6/10
Sci-Fi:
Network Effect by Martha Wells (Murderbot #5) - 8/10
Devil's Road by Gary Gibson - 7/10
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The isolation gave me a great opportunity to start a series I had laying on the shelf for a while and I can safely say it is the best read i`ve had in quite a long time. Barring the end of the first one, which somehow felt like the ending of an entirely different book, the theree works are an absolutely magnificent read. Gentleman Bastard Series by Scott Lynch
I ended up just going for The Priory of the Orange Tree. What's annoyed me is for all the bollocks in the previews about feminism and it being an amazing feminist novel and all that I read in the preview it cut off at a kind of boring part and I wasn't feeling it. I took a chance and bought it anyway, a few paragraphs after the preview cuts off there's an awesome scene involving a dragon. If it had put that in the blurb or given the preview another few paragraphs I'd have bought the fecking thing immediately. Dragons are a dime a dozen, but a well done dragon scene is something else entirely and this had two of them from out of nowhere in fairly quick succession. Now I'm sold.
In short: dragons are better than the political ideals of someone I don't know.
In short: dragons are better than the political ideals of someone I don't know.
I'm approaching halfway through - it's fantastic so far.
I'm roughly a quarter of the way through and to be honest I found it interesting but a bit boring up until the dragons got involved. I was also having trouble keeping track of who was who amongst the women at court. That might be because I'm thick though. I do have trouble reconciling her descriptions of people into actual pictures in my head, at one point I had to google barley wine as apparently someone had hair the colour of it and I found two different barley wine colours. She needs to stop saying things I don't understand!
Other than that though I'm enjoying it now. My simple mind has been wooed by dragons.
I also found the early part tricky to remember so many different characters - it does get easier though.
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Overall: +8
Lovely read that is engaging from get go and keep you engrossed all the way to the epic climax. Looking forward eagerly to book 2.
Plot/Pace/Writing: +8
The writing is smooth and story unravels seamlessly giving perspective on the protagonist and the world at large. The worldbuilding is really good as we see the perspectives of both the heroes and villains. Though the plot per se doesn't deviate from standards of the genre, the way it is handled makes all the difference. There are a couple of places where I got a "Hmm, that way too convenient!" type moments to get the plot moving, but despite that they don't detract too much from the book.
Characters: +8
The cast if just well etched and colorful. We just don't get the "they have x and y superpowers" ut we get to see more on intentions and perspectives of most characters. They dynamics between the characters and the heroes vs villains divide is shown nicely from perspectives of different characters in both camps.
Fast approaching the end of Johnathan Strange and Mr Norrell and so I'm looking for my next page turner. Any suggestions? Read the usual candidates. Preferably someone character focussed.
Craft Sequence by Max Gladstone
Mages and Gods as lawyers and megacorps
Mages and Gods as lawyers and megacorps
Priest of Bones - Peter McLean
A fantasy book version of the film Gangs of New York but with swords and axes and bit of magic and blasting power thrown around. Decent read.
6/10
A fantasy book version of the film Gangs of New York but with swords and axes and bit of magic and blasting power thrown around. Decent read.
6/10
Finished this. Liked it. Thought I'd dive into book 2, but that has some horrible reviews. Have you read Book 2?
Not as good as the first, which have suddenly dropped dramatically in rating, with a number of 1 ratings from the same day. Scripted fake accounts.
It has been rushed and while the plot is expanded, it is messy. I would wait for the next book/or and edited version and evaluate if it is worth continuing on the series.
Given that I have already read the second book, I will read the next as well. Will inform you if it is worth it when the next book is released.
I usually red both the top and recent reviews to make my mind and not just go by stars. From comments looks like main character is Tersa (which is weird as she'd just annoying in first book) and we don't get much of character/plot progression.
Will wait for your review of next book. Thanks!
...
Just started on The Rules of Supervillainy (TheSupervillainy Saga #1) by C.T. Phipps
If you want something outrageous, read Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
Grey Bastards by Jonathan French is Sons of Anarchy on battle hogs. Good characters and story.
Traitor's Blade (Greatcoats, #1) Sebastien de Castell is like a darker/fantasy version of Three Musketeers (with just one Musketeer)
Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang is a Japanese themed drama/action book. Won the latest SPFBO contest.
and if you're into superhuman stories Vicious (Villains, #1) by V.E.Schwab is phenomenal with dark characters and brilliant plot.
I think I actually got the 2nd Greatcoats novel on audiobook when it was going for a quid, so I buy the first and give that a whirl. The premise of the Grey Bastards sounds good as well. Thanks for the recommendations.
Rules of Supervillainy (Supervillainy Saga #1)
Games of Supervillainy (Supervillainy Saga #2)
- C.T. Phipps
A outrageously silly take on the genre which is just so much fun. I can't recall when I actually had laugh out loud moments in a book before. Characters felt right out of One Punch Man.
Book about Gary who gets the super-cloak of a dead hero and decides to be a supervillain but realizes he really isn't villain material. Just a roller-coaster of silliness and fun.
8/10
God of Gnomes
- Demi Harper
Overall: +7
A LitRTS read with focus on camp development. Brilliant writing but has pacing issues. Would have been a +9 if properly paced.
Writing/Plot/Place: +6
The writing is a +9 seriously as Demi Harper has a flow with words and just weaves you in the tale. The book just flows like stream over a pebble.
What brings it down is the pace, as the initial segments is a lot of RTS camp building. In fact, it's not like reading a RTS, but like reading a tutorial to a RTS. Stuff which most gamers (who tend to read these genres most, I presume) take for granted are covered in so much detail that it drags the pace to near standstill and was so frustrating.
The battle sequences are just superb and one of the best I've read. Really gripping and takes you right into the action.
Characters: +9
The characters are superbly written. I hated Corey in the beginning for being whiny but his development is organic and realistic. What's more exception was the characters of NPC's like Gneil, Granny, Ris'Kin and others.... for those with no active roles, I really connected with them. Their happiness, tragedy, joys and sorrows were so realistically written that I was rooting for them all through. Just bloody brilliant!
- Demi Harper
Overall: +7
A LitRTS read with focus on camp development. Brilliant writing but has pacing issues. Would have been a +9 if properly paced.
Writing/Plot/Place: +6
The writing is a +9 seriously as Demi Harper has a flow with words and just weaves you in the tale. The book just flows like stream over a pebble.
What brings it down is the pace, as the initial segments is a lot of RTS camp building. In fact, it's not like reading a RTS, but like reading a tutorial to a RTS. Stuff which most gamers (who tend to read these genres most, I presume) take for granted are covered in so much detail that it drags the pace to near standstill and was so frustrating.
The battle sequences are just superb and one of the best I've read. Really gripping and takes you right into the action.
Characters: +9
The characters are superbly written. I hated Corey in the beginning for being whiny but his development is organic and realistic. What's more exception was the characters of NPC's like Gneil, Granny, Ris'Kin and others.... for those with no active roles, I really connected with them. Their happiness, tragedy, joys and sorrows were so realistically written that I was rooting for them all through. Just bloody brilliant!
But for the shameless advertisement of Apple Inc., would have ideally created a thread for this.
Would have much preferred a short series on the Robot Series of Asimov, if I am being honest.
Big update on ASOIAF:
He is writing the book, and has finished a chapter yesterday, and another chapter 3 days ago. The book will be done...whenever it will be done.
And he is watching a lot of TV.
https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog...QbjGHY5_nHyNMCZvNBXCcjHq22QWTHt607LjgmjfTxdpI
And he is watching a lot of TV.
https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog...QbjGHY5_nHyNMCZvNBXCcjHq22QWTHt607LjgmjfTxdpI
As you've demonstrated such good taste on here, I tried the Awaken Online from your ratings here, first time I've tried any of these 'lit-rpgs'. Really enjoyed it, though feel like a huge nerd2020 Reads till now. I set a target of 40 books for this year back in Jan and already have read 42.
Fantasy:
Divinity's Twilight by Christopher Russel (Divinity's Twilight #1) - 7/10
Along the Razor's Edge by Rob J Hayes - 6/10
Never Die by Rob J Hayes - 7/10
The Girl with Ghost Eyes by M.H. Boroson - 5/10
The Prince of Cats by Daniel Olson - 6/10
The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence (The Book of the Ice #1) - 6/10
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington (The Licanius Trilogy, #1) - 6/10
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins - 7/10
Empire of Chains by Ryan Muller (World in Chains, #1) - 5/10
The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French (The Lot Lands #1) - 7/10
Diamantine by Andrew Rowe (Weapons and Wielders, #2) - 6/10
God of Broken Things by Cameron Johnston (The Age of Tyranny #2) - 8/10
Bolan's Quest: Legend of the Black Sword by Paul Simmonds - 6/10
The Six-Gun Tarot by R.S Belcher (Golgotha, #1) - 6/10
The Shotgun Arcana by R.S Belcher (Golgotha #2) - 6/10
Paternus: Rise of Gods by Dyrk Ashton (The Paternus #1) - 9/10
Paternus: Wrath of Gods by Dyrk Ashton (The Paternus #2) - 9/10
Into the Labyrinth by John Bierce (Mage Errant #1) - 7/10
Jewel of the Endless Erg by John Bierce (Mage Errant #2) - 7/10
A Traitor in Skyhold by John Bierce (Mage Errant #3) - 7/10
Lit RPG:
Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #1) - 7/10
Hell to Pay by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #1.5)- 6/10
Legacy of the Fallen by Luke Chmilenko (Ascend Online #2) - 7/10
Death March by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #1) - 7/10
Nightmare Keep by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #2) - 7/10
Killer Dungeon by Phil Tucker (Euphoria Online #3) - 7/10
Catharsis by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #1) - 9/10
Precipice by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #2) - 9/10
Retribution by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #2.5) - 7/10
Evolution by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #3) - 9/10
Apathy by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #3.5) - 7/10
Dominion by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #4) - 9/10
Unity by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online #4.5) - 8/10
.
Ember by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online Tarot #1) - 5/10
Flame by Travis Bagwell (Awaken Online Tarot #2) - 5/10
Reborn Apocalypse by L.M Kerr (Reborn Apocalypse #2) - 6/10
Reborn Apocalypse by L.M Kerr (Reborn Apocalypse #3) - 6/10
Ritualist by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #1)
Regicide by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #2)
Raze by Dakota Krout (The Completionist Chronicles #3)
Sci-Fi:
Network Effect by Martha Wells (Murderbot #5) - 8/10
Devil's Road by Gary Gibson - 7/10
So thanks! Am just starting Dominion. Made me dig out D:OS 2 on PC too.As you've demonstrated such good taste on here, I tried the Awaken Online from your ratings here, first time I've tried any of these 'lit-rpgs'. Really enjoyed it, though feel like a huge nerd
Ha ha, yup few other things are more nerdy that that. But still so much fun.
If you haven't tried superhero fantasy, then I hope you try that our next. Let me know if you need recommendations.
This reads like Trump is writing ASOIAF rather than Martin
Not much has changed then.
So..... on Scott Lynch?
Lynch, Sam Sykes, Myke Cole(this one was already well known for it apparently, to the point his new recent apology included a link to another apology he made in 2018 ), Paul Krueger, who else?
), Paul Krueger, who else?I read Alex's account and it comes across as unwanted/inappropriate sexual advance similar to women face in other workplaces too. Abuse and Grooming....I doubt those definitions apply here.
She was an adult had a hero crush on Lynch, dated him knowing he was in a relationship (knew his partner too) and wonders why his partner is angry with her?
She was an adult had a hero crush on Lynch, dated him knowing he was in a relationship (knew his partner too) and wonders why his partner is angry with her?
That seems a bit weird, right? I was afraid that it is gonna be sexual abuse or raping allegations which would have made it hard for me to buy Lynch's new book, but she was 25 years old who started dating a man in a relationship and then was not happy when Lynch's girlfriend found out. Cry me a fecking river!
This reads very much like grooming to me. Older man in a position of power using said position to pressure a younger woman into a relationship with him which she was clearly uncomfortable with
Bear's reaction i can understand, depending on what Lynch told her and the fact she'd be more likely to believe her husband and fight for her marriage
Rowlands is a textbook case sexual harassment
Lynch comes across as a sexual predator. Honestly, i don't know how anyone can defend him, unless you don't believe rowlands account
Oh btw
Doesn't to me. She was 25. She's not a child, no matter how innocent and naive she portrays herself to be at the time. The term 'grooming' is entirely inappropriate here too, not only because she's an adult woman with agency in her own life, but this relationship with a married man was entirely consensual by her own account. You would think a professional writer would be more selective with her choice of words.
As for the bold, you could just as easily write 'Young, pretty redhead (as she describes herself) uses her sexuality in order to progress her career despite being warned off by the wife of her target.'
That's not to say Lynch comes off particularly well. But being an adulterer is markedly different to being a groomer and a sexual predator. Rowland comes away from this looking vindictive and rather callous. She seems to have no qualms with getting involved with a married man in order to advance her career. Neither Rowland or Lynch cover themselves in glory, and it appears this is Rowlands way of shifting the blame entirely onto Lynch. I feel for Bear.
Edit: Here are some tweets corroborating Bears version of events.
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There really isn't. This kind of stuff happens all the time to women of that age or even older
Now whether her account is true or not is another story
There's a huge difference between unwanted or inappropriate sexual advance vs grooming. Grooming by definition is preparing someone (usually a child) for future sexual abuse, which is not the case here. Unless we have a different definition of grooming here, it's not the right word to use.
I'm sure she's the aggrieved party here, but that account has lots of glossing up is how I see it.
There really is. She was in an consensual relationship with a married man. At 25/26 Rowland would have a mature understanding of morality. She was informed, in no uncertain terms by the wife of the person she was having an affair with, that she wanted it to stop. What information here differentiates this from your typical affair? In fact, Rowland explicitly states she noticed the toll it took on Bears health and yet still went ahead with it. Incredibly, she lists Bear as an abuser!
Unavailable. What was in it?