onesaf
Full Member
Reading Neil Gaiman's American Gods, cracking read.
Just finished Name of the Wind and downloaded the Wise Man's Fear immediately after. I'm not quite sure what to compare it to. It's great though. The writing is very good, too.
Some great series mentioned already, I have Wheel of Time on my to read list and I am about to read the Malazan Book of the Fallen series if I can find a definitive reading order for it, have been doing some searching on Google and its doing my head in as there seems to be quite a debate on what the proper order should be.
We can discuss anything you want here, I don't think that I am going to make a re-read. At-least not for a long time.
Auri being princess Aries? It could be, after all Kvothe has to rescue a princess and he didn't, so we'll see. Auri also knows about Amyr, it will be very interesting to see how she knows about it. Same about Alveron, but at-least there it could be as he said, he studied them. But Auri is more mysterious.
Did Felurian said that Amyr were before the humans (or it is my imagination)?
Cthaeh was magnificient. Could it be that it was the God Kvothe referred that he had talked to. Will Kvothe, Bast and the chronicle be in danger because he has talk with Cthaeh while the other two knows about it.
Master Ash must be someone important. In the chapter when Kvothe kills the dragon, I think that they mentioned the damage by it with 'ash and cinder' words. It's not much but I doubt it was a coincidence. Cinder should be a strong favorite with it, but also Bredon could be.
Ben, I have forgotten about him. I think that Kvothe said that they won't see for a long time, not forever. He should play a part in the next book.
The death door theory, interesting. Haven't read about it before.
Ambrose. Is he the king Kvothe will kill? Or perhaps kill another king which then will be succeeded by Ambrose which would be even worse. Kvothe starting a war and ruining the world, how.
Chandrian! They are alive in the moment Kvothe and Chronicle are writing his story. There must be a final confrontation after. Cvaeth said that it was twice in a lifetime chance to meet Cinder. Was he refereeing the previous meting or is he implying that they'll meet again.
And finally, after why Kvothe sucks mystery the other part I want to know most is how his relation with Denna will conclude. They weren't in the best terms in the end. One of my thoughts was that he was somehow let down (betrayed) by her so from pain he decided to completely change. I have seen a lot of people hate her, but for me their relationship is the best part of the books. Did you noticed how many times they spoke in rhymes?
Theories about Denna. I was talking to my friend who recommended the books to me.
-He thinks that there's a chance that Denna has some association with or is one of the Chandrian. She's keeping an eye on and some control over Kvothe. She's constantly changing her name, is able to enthrall almost every man she meets, and knows more than she probably should since she's relatively "uneducated."
-I think that she could end up dying at the hands of Cinder or Haliax at some point, or Kvothe maybe have to kill her for some Chandrian-related reason. Either way, she dies. Kvothe goes into a similar mental state to the one after his parents were killed, changes his name to Kote and opens the Inn. Ultimately, Bast is trying to revive Kvothe from Kote (changing his name is a bad sign, and Kvothe needs to be Kvothe rather than Kote) because the world is going to hell in a hand basket, likely the work of the Chandrian. To save all, Bast needs Kvothe to help fight them.
I didn't enjoy the Night Angel trilogy. Just couldn't get into it. It was okay, but there are better series out there. Everyone I know who reads fantasy has been telling me to read Name of the Wind so I might start that during the holidays. And I might check out Mistborn too based on your recommendation.
Currently reading Dan Brown's Inferno and I'm planning on rereading ASOIAF. Never get sick of reading it because I'm still discovering little bits of foreshadowing that I didn't pick up on before.
"I have stolen princesses back form sleeping barrow kings. I have burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the university at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during the day. I have talked to gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. my name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me"
A thousand years ago evil came to the land. A dark lord rules through the aristocratic families and ordinary folk labor as slaves in volcanic ash fields. A troublemaker arrives. A rumored revolt depends on an untrustworthy criminal and a young girl who must master Allomancy, metal magic.
Anyway, I read the first two - and they're good, but not great. I thought it was very cliche, typical Medieval England style setting. The lack of magic or real fantasy annoyed me, and yet the parts I found most boring about the book were at 'The Wall' and the Supernatural things that lie behind the wall.
Some characters I really liked. Arya, Ned and Tyrion I enjoyed reading, but whenever I got to Sansa, Catelyn, Theon or Bran; I just wanted to put the book down. It was frustrating. The politics seemed well written, and I thought it was interesting to get the different view points of events from different angles - but sometimes it was coming from angles I couldn't give a shit about.
Mostly, my main issue was always the lack of fantasy. I want magic!
I get what you mean by lack of fantasy, but it is a fantasy even without all the magical elements. Maybe it should be put under a genre of its own.
I've heard a lot about the Dresden Files also, is that series any good? You mentioned it in the same breath as Harry Potter, are they similar?
Obviously, it doesn't have to be all spells and magic to be fantasy.
It's just, it just feels like a medieval story - even the superstitions and supernatural shit that occasionally pops up don't feel out of place with that. Because the story is being told through the characters, the walkers and what not would completely fit in with that.
For me, world building isn't just about the land, the environment, the locations etc. That's all done incredibly well in SOIAF; but it's also about building the laws of the land, a fantasy system somewhat - that's ignored. You could say that it's replaced with a wonderful policital system, which is build incredibly well - full of hierarchys, corruption, back story. That would be a completely fair argument, and while I appreciate it, it just doesn't replace the job of having a great fantasy world with an engaging and well thought-out fantasy system.
Like I said though, I'm prepared to give it another go. I love the TV series, and the books are incredibly well written - I guess I went into it wanting more and more magic and felt underwhelmed. Perhaps I'll appreciate it's strong points more on a re-run.
I understand exactly what you mean, but the hidden aspect of the fantasy side of things makes it all the more engaging for me, keeps me wondering and I think makes the experience a lot better. But of course that is just down to personal preference. It does feel like a medieval story more than an actual fantasy, but I'm sure that's exactly what it's meant to feel like, and again I enjoy that. The hype is mostly down to the TV show obviously - it's fantastic (no pun intended).
So, in the Dresden Files is there a good magic-system in place, are there any politics in it, like a magicians code and wizard rulers etc.,?
Also, if you don't mind me asking, like most of us fantasy enthusiasts, do you write fantasy of your own, even if it's just for fun? I do, I love the world-building aspect, it just sucks that I'm not all that good at writing.
I'm not sure the Dresden Files are really for me, but as always you never know till you give it a try.Yeah. Though I'm not sure I'd say it was particularly, but it's interesting and fun for sure.
Each species has it's own rules to follow set by a council they must answer to; I wouldn't say that the systems are incredibly deep though, but I don't think it tries to be. I guess it's somewhat more forgiving as it's meant to be a lightly taken urban fantasy, rather than an epic fantasy set in a different world.
I'd say it's the Buffy the Vampire of books. Fun, flawed, somewhat funny, somewhat predictable. Nothing special, but it's a nice series to have in-between the 'real' stuff.
Yeah, I write. Well, I try to write. I'm pretty useless, but it's all in the fun of it. I must say, I was heavily influenced by Game of Thrones funnily enough, considering my criticism. Although some of the characters bore and frustrate me enough to feel like reading them is a chore, there are a number of characters I really enjoy reading from. I particularly love the aspect of having contrasting versions of events, with different agendas playing a part in how things are viewed. I've tried to somewhat replicate this, but only one of my points of view is from a first-person character perspective. The rest comes through other means.
I was talking to KingEric7 earlier in the week - there's a game coming out called Project Spark which has a ton of tools you can create stuff with. I'm planning on creating a game that is supported by a written work. Of course, it'll go no further than me, perhaps some friends - but I'm really looking forward to getting some of my ideas in a game aswel as on paper. Mixing the two together has really motivated me to come up with some new fantasy ideas, and I'm constantly dwelling on what I could do with the two together.
I'm not sure the Dresden Files are really for me, but as always you never know till you give it a try.
I've heard about this project spark, it's for the Xbox right?
With Kvothe? Yes I know of it and I started reading it at one point and it was awesome but I abruptly stopped for some reason, I think I might have picked up something else and then forgot to return to it, you reminded me of it in the op actually. Thanks!Windows 8, Xbox One and Xbox 360. You're able to act out animations infront of the Kinect and have it record your voice too, then apply it to an asset (character, object) in the game. I'll probably do a Lord of The Rings tribute and have a shit load of fun trying to re-enact Gollum.
Yeah, that's completely fair enough. There's plenty of fantasy reads I'd recommend over it.
Have you read Name of the Wind? My favourite book.
The weakest book from Brown. Either that or I am getting tired from the same thing all over again. He is to noveks what Call of Duty is to video games, only recycling the same stuff. I enjoyed his first four novels, but not ay all the last two and likely I am done with him.I didn't enjoy the Night Angel trilogy. Just couldn't get into it. It was okay, but there are better series out there. Everyone I know who reads fantasy has been telling me to read Name of the Wind so I might start that during the holidays. And I might check out Mistborn too based on your recommendation.
Currently reading Dan Brown's Inferno and I'm planning on rereading ASOIAF. Never get sick of reading it because I'm still discovering little bits of foreshadowing that I didn't pick up on before.
With Kvothe? Yes I know of it and I started reading it at one point and it was awesome but I abruptly stopped for some reason, I think I might have picked up something else and then forgot to return to it, you reminded me of it in the op actually. Thanks!
The weakest book from Brown. Either that or I am getting tired from the same thing all over again. He is to noveks what Call of Duty is to video games, only recycling the same stuff. I enjoyed his first four novels, but not ay all the last two and likely I am done with him.
Currently rereading ASOIAF. Finished A game of thrones yesterday and will start A clash of kings tomorrow. It took me two weeks to read the first book, around twice as the first time. Absolutely fantastic novels and I don't think that yoy can find something similar to them. The first three books are masterpieces and I am loving them, despite is the second reading.
You can't go wrong with The Name of The Wind. It isn't as good ad ASOIAF, but still it is fantastic. Kvothe is a terrific protagonist and his love interest is amazing too. I loved it and while it's sequel isn't that great, it is still very good. I read both of them combined in 6 days which speaks for itself. You cannot stop reading them when you start.
I've liked basically all his stuff so far. Though only part way through the new Steelheart book (liked it so far, though don't think it will reach mistborn levels at this point but that could change as I get further into it) and haven't read book to of the stormlight archive yet.For those of you who have read Mistborn, have you read any other Sanderson books? I know he's highly regarded by a lot of Wheel of Time fans since he has finished the last 3 books due to Robert Jordans death. He has some other series I'm interested in though - Elantris and Warbreaker which are both critically acclaimed. They both sound really interesting, but I can't help but be more intrigued with 2 of his more recent books.
Steelheart, the first of the Reckoners series. It's about a group (the Reckoners) who assassinate 'epics' who are essentially ruling the world with supernatural powers in some fantasy world. It feels like a fantasy spin on the superhero genre, but with the focus on the ordinary who are trying to rid the world of the evil supernatural powers. I'm interested to find out what the supernatural powers are, the limitations to the powers and the weaknesses that come with them - something which Sanderson excelled at in Mistborn.
The Way of Kings, the first in the Stormlight Archive is a standard epic fantasy. After reading Mistborn, I'm more than reading to jump into another Sanderson world full of great battles.
Anybody read these or his other weeks? I can't decide which to jump into, and I'm concerned that I'll waste time picking between them.
The weakest book from Brown. Either that or I am getting tired from the same thing all over again. He is to noveks what Call of Duty is to video games, only recycling the same stuff. I enjoyed his first four novels, but not ay all the last two and likely I am done with him.
Agree about Brown. I don't think that the books from him now are worse, just that I don't like them anymore cause they are the same. Loved him at high school but now I don't enjoy his books.It really is brilliant.
Yeah, I was a big fan of Dan Brown books at high school. I'm not quite sure if his books have gone shittier with each one, or if I am just more accustomed to good books than I use to be, and more critical of flaws and generally shit writing as I get older.
I know the feeling.. there are books that I can read over and over. It annoys me, because there are so many book series I would love to try, or new authors I want to give a chance; but I constantly return to my favourites instead of trying something new. With each new author I appreciate reading different writing styles more and more though, and now with Brandon Sanderson added to my list of authors I know to trust then perhaps I'll be more receptive in the future to recommendations.
I'd ask what you love about SOIAF so much, but I already know why most people love it. And since you're in awe of the Denna-Kvothe relationship, I can safely assume that you are also massively impressed by not only the vast world, but the vast amount of characters which are incredibly deep yet consistent.
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For those of you who have read Mistborn, have you read any other Sanderson books? I know he's highly regarded by a lot of Wheel of Time fans since he has finished the last 3 books due to Robert Jordans death. He has some other series I'm interested in though - Elantris and Warbreaker which are both critically acclaimed. They both sound really interesting, but I can't help but be more intrigued with 2 of his more recent books.
Steelheart, the first of the Reckoners series. It's about a group (the Reckoners) who assassinate 'epics' who are essentially ruling the world with supernatural powers in some fantasy world. It feels like a fantasy spin on the superhero genre, but with the focus on the ordinary who are trying to rid the world of the evil supernatural powers. I'm interested to find out what the supernatural powers are, the limitations to the powers and the weaknesses that come with them - something which Sanderson excelled at in Mistborn.
The Way of Kings, the first in the Stormlight Archive is a standard epic fantasy. After reading Mistborn, I'm more than reading to jump into another Sanderson world full of great battles.
Anybody read these or his other weeks? I can't decide which to jump into, and I'm concerned that I'll waste time picking between them.
For those of you who have read Mistborn, have you read any other Sanderson books? I know he's highly regarded by a lot of Wheel of Time fans since he has finished the last 3 books due to Robert Jordans death. He has some other series I'm interested in though - Elantris and Warbreaker which are both critically acclaimed. They both sound really interesting, but I can't help but be more intrigued with 2 of his more recent books.
Anybody read these or his other weeks? I can't decide which to jump into, and I'm concerned that I'll waste time picking between them.
I think I'd also say don't bother regarding the Wheel of Time.
...Well no actually I'd say read it, because its brilliant especially if you're a fan of the genre.
But it is such a significant commitment that unless you will actually be able to read at a consistent pace, then don't bother. I personally discovered the series at age 14 and binge read up to the 10th book over the following couple of years. However I was in high school at that point, and had hours upon hours to read after school and on weekends. I also read extremely fast. So in most cases I'd only recommend it if you're prepared to start reading a series that you probably won't finish until 2015 or beyond, where minute details from earlier books continually crop up in later books (i.e. things you may have forgot).
That's the main reason I'd call the Wheel of Time "flawed". It's just far too ambitious for its own good. If you've got the time and commitment to get into it you won't regret, but I have a feeling too many people would start, get to maybe the 3rd or 4th book and then leave the series for a bit. At which point restarting would be hard, because they'd have forgotten important details.
This seemed to have a place here. Hope you don't mind me quoting it here Bebe.
I'm pretty intrigued by the series, but I really don't like the sound of a book series where each addition may have little happen and barely move the plot along further (or so it seems at that moment in time). Saying that, I imagine all of you big Wheel of Time fans would say the same, it's not like you like Wheel of Time because you were interested in reading a series where that happens.
It's probably the series I'm most torn on. It's probably the most recognisable fantasy series after LOTR and perhaps SOIAF; I've read LOTR countless times and read the first 2 from SOIAF. I really should give Wheel of Time a try - I have plenty of time for hobbies, well, I neglect my studies in order to - it's whether the series captures me enough to then neglect other hobbies (new Xbox and Wii U soon).
I really feel a need to give it a chance, I feel like I'm missing out - I need to atleast give it a go. But I don't want to end up reading the whole series even if I don't enjoy it that much, simply because I've already put time into it. I reckon if I think it's okay but not great, I'll just persist anyway because I don't want to give up and the time already spent reading it would feel like a waste.
Has anybody read Malazan Book of the Fallen? Is it any good?
A couple of people in here said that they intended to, I wonder if they ever got round to it. Nearco has read it it seems from his post regarding the order of the books.
I've considered reading it too - I remember finding that the first book has very mixed reviews, but all the ones after that are considered great. I don't believe the quality of the book is less though, I believe it's because people 'try' the first book and if they don't like it rate/review it accordingly. Obviously, those who don't like it mostly won't go on to read the 2nd; those who do, accept and like the style of writing so have less negative to write about it.
From the impressions I've got, it's incredibly epic, with a wealth of settings, history, characters - so much that it can be overwhelming, especially in the first book. As a result, it's complicated and can be at times hard to read.
It's strange, from those impressions I'm not sure it's worth my time when it's 10 books long. If I were to sum up my thoughts on reading Lord Of The Rings though - I'd throw some of the same criticisms at it; not complicated but it can be a hard read, it's not particularly well written, sometimes there is too much detail and it can be slow. But I would always hugely recommend it, it's epicness overshadows anything else and makes it mostly forgivable.
Thanks, I was thinking about reading that one. What are the other three you've read?I only read 4 titles in your list and my favourite one is the SF one : Ender's game. It's better to read it before... well I guess the end is easier to be accidentally found out with the movie out. But it's a must-read SF title, I believe it's more about how Ender copes and still grows and the Valentine-Peter subplot is also a nice touch (when we see when the book was written).
I have only read the first Dresden File (really reasy reading, without nearly slow moment, but not really subtle)
Ah, I thought I put the first book on the list, my bad. Is it worth reading though?I only read 4 titles in your list and my favourite one is the SF one : Ender's game. It's better to read it before... well I guess the end is easier to be accidentally found out with the movie out. But it's a must-read SF title, I believe it's more about how Ender copes and still grows and the Valentine-Peter subplot is also a nice touch (when we see when the book was written).
I have only read the first Dresden File (really reasy reading, without nearly slow moment, but not really subtle).
I am surprised though you put in your list a second book since I think that if you read the first book, you should know if you liked enough or not the first book to go on (except if the second book is an awful let-down). Even if I also read the Blade itself and I can't say I am motivated enough to try the second book when there so many other popular fantasy books that may be more to my liking.
Assassin's Apprentice was one I was wondering about. What did you think of it? The premise really appeals to me and of my list it was the one I was most considering reading.Eye of the World
Assassin's Apprentice
Storm Front
I am planning to read Gardens of the Moon when I manage to finish or stop one of the three books I am currently reading.
Ah, I thought I put the first book on the list, my bad. Is it worth reading though?
Storm Front is the first book of the Dresden Files. The whole series is hugely entertaining. It's by no means difficult or dense, but the characters are all interesting, as are the cases he covers.
Before They Are Hanged was quite good. The Blade Itself was slow for me to get into but once I did, I finished all three books in about 3 weeks. Each book builds but never really "finishes" until the finale. Not really cliffhanger endings but it builds enough to get really interesting and ends, which was somewhat frustrating.
I couldn't finish the prologue of Eye of the World. Enders Game was one of my favorite books as a kid. It's not particularly complex but is good.