And for a book titled Peace Talks, there really wasn't any peace talks 
Books Fantasy Reads
- Thread starter Alock1
- Start date
Hmmm
I get the feeling Murphy is gonna die honestly
Also Cristos being black hat seems too easy, think it's more likely another peabody situation - someone close and high placed steering things, using Harry's reputation among the WC against him. There's also that bit with McCoy when he mentions how Mab and Lara are trying to isolate him, which i think is precisely what is happening, only it's not Mab/Lara doing it but the black hats, though Mab is also a possibility
Also i don't remember references to the necromamcers? The most we get is Harry's T.Rex spell
Also Cristos being black hat seems too easy, think it's more likely another peabody situation - someone close and high placed steering things, using Harry's reputation among the WC against him. There's also that bit with McCoy when he mentions how Mab and Lara are trying to isolate him, which i think is precisely what is happening, only it's not Mab/Lara doing it but the black hats, though Mab is also a possibility
Also i don't remember references to the necromamcers? The most we get is Harry's T.Rex spell
Alright you've sold it to me, sounds a bit different so I'll give it a whirl.
I've only read 19 in Sci-Fi (and have 1 that I plan to start next) and 23 in Fantasy (with a couple of DNFs). It certainly is a weird list.
Hmmm
I get the feeling Murphy is gonna die honestly
Also Cristos being black hat seems too easy, think it's more likely another peabody situation - someone close and high placed steering things, using Harry's reputation among the WC against him. There's also that bit with McCoy when he mentions how Mab and Lara are trying to isolate him, which i think is precisely what is happening, only it's not Mab/Lara doing it but the black hats, though Mab is also a possibility
Also i don't remember references to the necromamcers? The most we get is Harry's T.Rex spell
That'd be cruel on Karin. She could have died in earlier books, so keeping her crippled only to die now. Damn. Would certainly be shocking and unexpected.
As to the Senior Council member to be the dark horse, We have :
Merlin is a possibility, but then he comes across as cut throat politician and anal rules enforcer than a villian.
Martha Liberty, Listens to Wind and Gatekeeper have all been in Dresden camp. Though we don't know much about Martha, hard to think of this trio as backstabber. Perhaps Gatekeeper was compromised by an outside? But then if that was the case, it'd be easy to sabotage the Gates without going through all this.
McCoy loves Dresden...but Dresden's comments on him not being in control in this book raises some questions. It'd be a big surprise twist if McCoy was compromised and has to be killed by Dresden. Would also resolve the "hate of Thomas" angle conveniently. Dresden can inherit the blackstaff too. Hmmm. Intriguing possibilities here. His comments on somebody close backstabbing also takes on new meaning. Thomas was a bit too obvious and not really a candidate to this comment.
As to the Senior Council member to be the dark horse, We have :
Merlin is a possibility, but then he comes across as cut throat politician and anal rules enforcer than a villian.
Martha Liberty, Listens to Wind and Gatekeeper have all been in Dresden camp. Though we don't know much about Martha, hard to think of this trio as backstabber. Perhaps Gatekeeper was compromised by an outside? But then if that was the case, it'd be easy to sabotage the Gates without going through all this.
McCoy loves Dresden...but Dresden's comments on him not being in control in this book raises some questions. It'd be a big surprise twist if McCoy was compromised and has to be killed by Dresden. Would also resolve the "hate of Thomas" angle conveniently. Dresden can inherit the blackstaff too. Hmmm. Intriguing possibilities here. His comments on somebody close backstabbing also takes on new meaning. Thomas was a bit too obvious and not really a candidate to this comment.
YeahAnd for a book titled Peace Talks, there really wasn't any peace talks
Hope Battle Ground does not follow the same route
Only 23 fantasy and 17 sci-fi for me. Probably cause I am the other way around, I roughly stop reading a series. And fantasy series (and also sci-fi to a lesser degree) have a lot of books.
From those 40 books I have read, 30+ were series so the number of books probably would have been 150-200 or so (just guessing, not calculating).
24 For Sci-Fi. I can't believe We are Legion (we are Bob) made the list, I love that book!
30 from fantasy, but this is hurt by my lack of interest in urban fantasy (with the exception the the Dresden files if that falls in that genre).
Just checked this and I have read 23 Fantasy Books and 10 Sci-fi.
Ait. Will check it out sometime in the future I think. Currently got other books to focus on...
Recently read Davis Ashura's A Testament of Steel which is the first book in his new series attempting to emulate some of LOTR and WOT (according to himself)...
One of the best first books in a series (not universe) I have read. Not quite Blood Song, but certainly on pair with KKC, Dawn of Wonder and Mistborn. 9/10.
For those who liked Gideon, Harrow the Ninth is out today.
Iknowalreadyboughitimsogiddyyyyyyyyy
But. Decided to take it easy and take my time with it
I'm about 15% in already.Iknowalreadyboughitimsogiddyyyyyyyyy
But. Decided to take it easy and take my time with it
Take your time means 36 hrs instead of 24?
It means i'm too excited to start 'cause once i do i know i'll spend the next 48 hours doing nothing elseI'm about 15% in already.
Take your time means 36 hrs instead of 24?
Need to wait for next week
I just started Hero Forged yesterday didn't knowing this is out today. Put that on hold.It means i'm too excited to start 'cause once i do i know i'll spend the next 48 hours doing nothing else
Need to wait for next week
Harrow the Ninth
by Tamsyn Muir
Overall: +7
A book of two halves that deserves to be read more than once to appreciate it fully. If you had any notions of how the plot may progress after finishing Gideon the Ninth, be prepared to suffer disappointment....followed by realization that a new wonderful book is waiting for you. For me this falls a shade below Gideon the Ninth...but still a very good read. And I'm eagerly awaiting Alecto the Ninth!
Writing/Plot/Pace: +7
As I said, it's a tale of two halves. First half (more like 75%) is all about Harrow. It's flush with prose and lean with plot. Looks like TM has gotten carried away with the prose a bit. It's fascinating, it's rich and it's frustrating after a point. There's only so much I could take about Harrow's misery monologue where her every emotion is described in just way too many words (nice words but still!). The plot sags but the author keeps throwing nuggets in just to keep you pushing through. The worldbuilding is also a bit static and we get the feel of a dark gothic drama all through.
Then we get to the last section, which ironically despite its names has less of Harrow and we get to the rollercoaster ride we got in book 1. The prose (rightfully!) takes a backseat to the plot. Events move at blitzkrieg pace and revelations hammer you one after other and you just up trying to anticipate where the author will take you next and just roll with it. Your impressions of characters get torn to shreds as they unveil other facets and as the book says you are "immersed into the river" gasping for breath.
The writing becomes a bit more confusing as it's written from a second person perspective which takes some getting used to.
Characters: +7
Nothing special here. We get to see many of the cast from earlier book make an appearance providing continuity and get to see new Lyctors and other plot movers. Lead character of Harrow spends most of book trying to adapt to her Lyctor-hood, but not much in way of character development. The Lyctors are interesting bunch and the socio-political dynamics between them make for a very interesting read.
As a bit of an aside, what are people thoughts on audiobook vs. print as a format? I have found that I can get through way more of my backlog by focusing on audiobooks. A good narrator can elevate an ok book to levels it doesn't deserve, and conversely a bad narrator can make a good book un-listenable. As an example, The Lies of Locke Lamora is, in my opinion, a phenomenal book. However, the work done by Michael Page elevates it to pantheon status for me. It still remains the only book I have ever restarted immediately after finishing it. In any case, interested to hear opinions.
I spend a lot of time in my car for my work, so I've come to rely on audiobooks. I probably listen to 10 audiobooks for every one I read now. You're right in that the narrator is everything. Being English, I might be somewhat bias in preferring British voice actors, but for some reason I find American accents a little jarring. It's fine for books set in America, like The Magicians, but not for your average fantasy.
Page is an absolutely phenomenal narrator, but Stephen Pacey is the best for me. His work on The First Law series is nothing short of sensational. I can't imagine Glokta without hearing his voice.
Nick Taylor also deserves recognition for his narration of the Tawny Man Trilogy. I was really disappointed when he didn't pick up his role again for the final trilogy. Having 3 different narrators voice Fitz hurts the immersion to a degree, especially as they pronounce 'live ship' differently.
I'm all e-reader now, mostly on my phone. I find myself distracted too easily on audio to have that as an option. Still OK with print, but since I can carry 100s of books in my phone, it's much more versatile than physical print.
I am easily distracted while listening at podcasts, I mostly think of Welcome to the Night Vale that I enjoy very much but I can't focus enough for the whole episode (I am really glad there are transcripts), I don't think I can do better with audiobooks. It doesn't help I probably don't understand 30+% of the words in spoken english.
I mostly do print or ebooks.
I mostly do print or ebooks.
I can see that. Once in a while I have to rewind 30 s b/c I got distracted. My motivation really is about time. I used to drive a lot for work, so my only "reading" time was in the car. Now I don't drive as much, but what time I do have seems to be occupied with house chores (we are self remodeling a house). I have a stack of books I want to read, but I know that there is no way I can make a dent if I stick to print/e-readers.
Major respect to anyone who listens/reads in their non-native language. Do you also read the books in english (if that was the language it was written in) or do you wait for a translation?
I read in english most of the time. If I have to wait for translations... at first, I actually didn't care much one way or another, especially since I didn't read recent books, but one of the first fantasy books I bought was in English because I saw that I had to buy two books in french because the French cut many long fantasy books in two when they publish it. Though sometimes they publish if it is popular enough another that is the whole book.
Print or ebooks for me as is.
Do an occasional audiobook in Icelandic but like others I get often distracted and loose the thread of what is going on. That would probably be even worse in English I would think.
Read in Icelandic, English and Swedish. Have read LOTR in all three languages
Do an occasional audiobook in Icelandic but like others I get often distracted and loose the thread of what is going on. That would probably be even worse in English I would think.
Read in Icelandic, English and Swedish. Have read LOTR in all three languages
Print or ebooks for me as is.
Do an occasional audiobook in Icelandic but like others I get often distracted and loose the thread of what is going on. That would probably be even worse in English I would think.
Read in Icelandic, English and Swedish. Have read LOTR in all three languages
ok, now you're just showing off
Kindle or audiobook, all on English as few, if any, fantasy books get translated and some of the translations can change the overall quality of the books.
Usually kindle, as the amounts of books available on audio is limited. Audiobook is also dependent on the narrator, number of POVs and complexity of the plot. The notable exception of this is Steven Pacey reading Joe Abercrombie. Kate Reading and Kramer also worked well for Sanderson.
Usually kindle, as the amounts of books available on audio is limited. Audiobook is also dependent on the narrator, number of POVs and complexity of the plot. The notable exception of this is Steven Pacey reading Joe Abercrombie. Kate Reading and Kramer also worked well for Sanderson.
Agreed. These two almost made getting through the last few Wheel of Time books doable. Almost.
Hero Forged
- Josh Erikson
It's an urban fantasy like no other I've read.
Gabe a small time conman is used as a pawn in a bigger game and ends up with a evil god in his head, a succubus bound to him and the evil gods lover god hunting him. Add in various supernatural factions working to their own ends and we get a most interesting world (ironically set in Nebraska) to delve into. The story is fast, action packed and unravels smoothly both in the current action and macro plot, to ensure you keep the pages turning fast.
If you're thinking of Dresden or Iron Druid, don't. It's totally different.
If you are in mood for something new and different, highly recommended.
8/10
Kindle or (rarely) audiobooks. Always in English cause translations suck.
Started and not finished an awful lot of average to not-even-average fantasy recently, so it's been a while since I've read a book worth reviewing. With that in mind: The Wolf, Leo Carew.
A young man is unexpectedly thrust onto the throne of his people as they face their greatest threat- an empire of man lead by a brilliant and ambitious general. But with enemies inside his court and armoured knights terrorising his lands, this newly appointed leader must find a way to defeat those who question his claim to the crown and unite his fractured and divided legions before it's too late.
In terms of storyline, it's nothing new, but it's exactly my kind of fantasy; low on magic, high on heroism, swords, and battles. It's a fast-paced page-turner and I'd definitely recommend it if you're into that kinda thing. I've just started the second book and it's as promising as the first.
A young man is unexpectedly thrust onto the throne of his people as they face their greatest threat- an empire of man lead by a brilliant and ambitious general. But with enemies inside his court and armoured knights terrorising his lands, this newly appointed leader must find a way to defeat those who question his claim to the crown and unite his fractured and divided legions before it's too late.
In terms of storyline, it's nothing new, but it's exactly my kind of fantasy; low on magic, high on heroism, swords, and battles. It's a fast-paced page-turner and I'd definitely recommend it if you're into that kinda thing. I've just started the second book and it's as promising as the first.
So who else is in Goodreads? Would be good to connect there too.
Had put off reading Gideon the Ninth til the sequel was out, wish I hadn't waited. What an amazing book, a bit unlike anything I've read before. Took me a while to kind of get into it, but the last 3/4s of it have caused me to barely sleep
Looking forward to the next one.
Looking forward to the next one.
Been reading the Library at Mount Char got about 1/4 through it and then work has stressed me out big time - have waited to pick it up again it's not much of a feel good book is it
Will carry on on the weekend - have a week off next week.
Will carry on on the weekend - have a week off next week.
Just finished the third book in the Mercy Thompson series, by Patricia Briggs. All three books so far have been rather bland. Will see if it picks up in excitement because I've read good things about this series.
Have you seen people tell the three first books are bad but it is worth it after?
I read the first one, and I just thought romance urbane fantasy is just not for me (after also reading few other popular books in this category). I have learnt my lesson after reading the two first books of a popular fantasy series in the french speaking world (no wonder I am quite wary of the french-speaking fantasy). I only try a second book when I dislike the first if many people that disliked the first really liked the second.
I finished reading Ship of Smoke and Steel by Django Wexler (a fast-paced YA action fantasy, quite shallow characters but fun reading), I really should give a try to his adult fantasy series.
I have started Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. It is readable but the way it is written it is quite a fairy tale (it is hard to connect with the characters when most of the time, the story is told, not shown. And also when the background male population is just mindless puppets "in love" because of a pretty face.). At least it is quite short.
I read the first one, and I just thought romance urbane fantasy is just not for me (after also reading few other popular books in this category). I have learnt my lesson after reading the two first books of a popular fantasy series in the french speaking world (no wonder I am quite wary of the french-speaking fantasy). I only try a second book when I dislike the first if many people that disliked the first really liked the second.
I finished reading Ship of Smoke and Steel by Django Wexler (a fast-paced YA action fantasy, quite shallow characters but fun reading), I really should give a try to his adult fantasy series.
I have started Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. It is readable but the way it is written it is quite a fairy tale (it is hard to connect with the characters when most of the time, the story is told, not shown. And also when the background male population is just mindless puppets "in love" because of a pretty face.). At least it is quite short.
Am there. Will PM you my ID tomorrow.
Hmmm, I've wondered about this and Kate Daniels series....but somehow instinctively feel I'd not like them.
Yeah. It was a finalist in previous SPFBO, I think. Must be decently good to make the finals, but reviews by the finals judges were a bit dicey.
If you decide to go ahead, let me know how it goes.
@The Cat if you are looking at SPFBO books, I'd recommend Grey Bastards or Never Die.
Thanks!