Books Fantasy Reads

Finished 'Golden Fool'. The only book from Hobb which didn't finish with a big event happening. Instead it was peaceful.

The story didn't progress that much, but the characters definitely did. Still, this trilogy screams for more Kettricken.

Now on 'Fool's Fate'.
 
Edgar Allan Pillow said:
The Aeronaut's Windlass (The Cinder Spires #1)
- Jim Butcher

Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of airships to keep the peace.

Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Fiercely loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy’s shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion—to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory.

And even as Grimm undertakes this dangerous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity’s ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake…

Halfway through this now. Jim Butcher creates a marvellous world of people living in tall spires after the surface of world was shrouded by harmful mists due to an yet unexplained event. It's a mix of old and new, airships propelled by sail, mist monsters and power crystals it has been quite a nice read till now. Airship battles and to spy missions...I'm liking this book.
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Finished this finally. Liked it. The story is not as that 'deep' and characters could have been developed better, but it is a highly entertaining read. Moves like a Bruce Willis Die Hard movie with action packed pages and serves are a preliminary for massive adventure. Though a better cliffhanger ending would have served this. Rate it 7/10.
 
Edgar Allan Pillow said:
I'm thinking of starting Earthsea Saga. Anyone read this?
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Haven't read it.

Funnily enough though I saw the film once when I was very young and remembered specific scenes but then completely forgot the name or any character names, every few years it would bug me like when an actors name is on the tip of your tongue. Eventually I hit enough tags on Google search to bring it up. Was like scratching a decade old itch. Weird I know you just reminded me. :lol:
 
The two first books are really short though. Saying that, I didn't really like the first book (there were interesting scenes but I didn't feel engaged and wasn't fan of the MC) but I will try to read the 2nd since it seems so popular and I love the Left hand of darkness.
 
Fool's Fate - a nice finish to a good trilogy. Bar

Burrich getting killed

which was inevitable that was going to happen, it has the most happy ending I have ever read in fantasy. It has complete closure, and no idea why Hobb decided to continue Fitz's story. A part of me wants to finish here, and to imagine Fitz living forever happy (married with Molly, in good terms with Nettle, and known to everyone who is important in his life) instead of reading his new trilogy when inevitably everything will go to hell again. Considering that in the end of the book, 3-4 years went very fastly, I think that this was original's Hobb idea to finish the saga.

Anyway, will see Fitz again. And the fool.

Now, time to check out with Asimov and to read his Foundation. 7 books there.
 
It may have been mentioned earlier in the thread, but do any of the characters from Mistborn return in Alloy of Law/Shadows of Self, beyond being mentioned in passing? Considering reading AoL and just curious about this.
 
Waldner said:
It may have been mentioned earlier in the thread, but do any of the characters from Mistborn return in Alloy of Law/Shadows of Self, beyond being mentioned in passing? Considering reading AoL and just curious about this.
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Yes.

Sazed is obviously still around as the new god, the kandra are alive including TenSoon, and Marsh is alive as well
 
Waldner said:
It may have been mentioned earlier in the thread, but do any of the characters from Mistborn return in Alloy of Law/Shadows of Self, beyond being mentioned in passing? Considering reading AoL and just curious about this.
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Characters from original trilogy that are present in Alloy of Law and Shadows of Self:

Sazed
Marsh
TenSoon
Hoid

You also hear for the Survivor (Kelsier), Heir (Vin), Lord Mistborn (Spook), and the last Emperor (Elend). Obviously, all of them have been dead for some time.
 
Thanks @ctp @Revan

I have a soft spot for a lot of those characters so quite pleased at that
 
Waldner said:
It may have been mentioned earlier in the thread, but do any of the characters from Mistborn return in Alloy of Law/Shadows of Self, beyond being mentioned in passing? Considering reading AoL and just curious about this.
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It's a good book in it's own right. Though the plot premise is less loftier than Mistborn. No evil emperors to overthrow or gods to defeat...at least not on the first book.
 
Starting Leviathan Wakes, first book in The Expanse saga.

Have decided to not start unfinished sagas, but with the show coming in a month, and knowing that Daniel Abrahams makes Sanderson look slow in comparison, I think it is safe to read this. Likely we will get a book each year.
 
Recently finished the Age of Iron 3-part trilogy by Angus Watson. Really enjoyed it, I'm not much of a book critic but this kept me engrossed all the way through, close to ASOIF levels. Have to say also, the narrator on the audible audio-book is brilliant.

Based around Britain's iron age and the first Roman invasions. The writer makes of point of using as much known fact as possible (mostly the roman stuff, journals of Julius Caesar) then fills in the gaps with the caveat being almost nothing is actually known about pre-Roman Britain.
 
Finished The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula LeGuin. I find it slow, it just brushed lightly some ideas and it wasn't exciting. But it was short.

For next year, I will try to get a list of books I can pick from. I read really too randomly and my GR TBR list is too big, not exhaustive and not really useful.
 
I am nearing the end of The Charnel Prince by Greg Keyes. If somebody is looking for a great finished series this might be a good fit.
Keyes is in the middle of the road between Martin (character driven, courtyard intrigues, multiple POVs etc.) and more traditional stuff (legendary creatures, noble Knights and princesses etc.).
 
Edgar Allan Pillow said:
I'm thinking of starting Earthsea Saga. Anyone read this?
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This is from the perspective of someone who isn't a big fan of conventional fantasy and doesn't read high fantasy so take it for whatever it's worth. But Earthsea (especially Wizard of Earthsea) has some of the most absorbing, magical and captivating books I've ever read. Everything just naturally fits together, the characters are alive, it's profound yet sparse, it's not generic like LOTR-style fantasy, more deliberate than whimsical. It departs from the stereotypical Nodric lore (apart from Kargs) to explore other cultural motifs, the setting with the whole archipelago is awesome - you could literally close your eyes and imagine living in the place, it's big on the environmental theme, and is a very easy read.

On the downside, the individual books might not placate readers used to 800-900 page tomes that keep going on and on, it's a bit dated and preachy in tone, and becomes more cliche philosophical in later books. Some people don't like The Other Wind and Tehanu (men in general don't like Tehanu because it deals with more female issues), it isn't very epic in terms of wizardry or scope, and is rather basic and simple for people used to high fantasy or flower prose. If you have read Dragonriders of Pern and liked it a bit; or if you have seen Avatar (not the movie) and Mulan and liked them, then you'll probably like Earthsea too. :)
 
Just started on Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart. Don't think it actually typical YA. The action is pretty graphic and moral theme is quite advanced for a YA.

For me a typica YA books would be Harry Potter, Golden Compass or maybe even Batrimaeus (though I rate this series a bit more than previous 2)
 
Revan said:
Starting Leviathan Wakes, first book in The Expanse saga.

Have decided to not start unfinished sagas, but with the show coming in a month, and knowing that Daniel Abrahams makes Sanderson look slow in comparison, I think it is safe to read this. Likely we will get a book each year.
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I'm about a third of the way through it. Enjoying it so far and have no idea where it's going.
 
Art Vandelay said:
I'm about a third of the way through it. Enjoying it so far and have no idea where it's going.
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I am at around half of the third book. The first book was quite good, while the second book was very good IMO.

There is a fantastic character in the second book. In the TV show, she will be from the first episode.
 
Edgar Allan Pillow said:
Was speaking to my brother the other day and he highly recommends this. It was a toss up between this and Steeheart for me and I chose the later. Post your review after you finish this.
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I am at the middle of the third book now.

I think that the first two books were quite good, especially the second. The main character is a Reynolds wannabe, and the second book has a fantastic character. I think that the writers did quite a good job on building the 'world' while they also kept some mysterious feeling. The writing is decent, but not more than that.

It certainly isn't a masterpiece, but I am finding it quite enjoyable. Anyway, there isn't much good sci-fi (compared with fantasy) so I would recommend it.

A TV adaptation of it has started (the pilot was this week), while the next episode will be on December 12. I thought that they did a very good job on pilot, and it looks to be like the live child of Battlestar Galactica and Firefly.
 
Steelheart - Brandon Sanderson

The plot is not as grand as Mistborn, but still a very interesting and refreshing premise. Crisp writing means the story does not sag anywhere. Interesting characters, though I believe a bit more time could have been spent developing them. The alternate reality world is interesting and has lots of potential for future books. Definitely a good read.

Rating: 7.5/10.
 
@Revan @Snow @zing

What Star Wars novels do you recommend? I'm getting to the end of the Clone Wars TV series and want more. I've also heard a bit about the "old" Sith/Jedi (like the Emperor. And Revan :p) who basically seem way overpowered and I don't think I'll be able to get into that. Are there any of novels with more "normal" characters?
 
berbatrick said:
@Revan @Snow @zing

What Star Wars novels do you recommend? I'm getting to the end of the Clone Wars TV series and want more. I've also heard a bit about the "old" Sith/Jedi (like the Emperor. And Revan :p) who basically seem way overpowered and I don't think I'll be able to get into that. Are there any of novels with more "normal" characters?
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Bane is a freak of nature but that first book of the trilogy is excellent. Really good if you want to read from the Sith perspective. You'll enjoy it and you'll probably want to finish the trilogy.

I haven't read anything in a while but next on my list was going to me the X-Wing: Rogue Squadron series. That's about Wedge and co. As normal as it goes in the Star Wars EU universe I reckon.

Thrawn trilogy is a must read.
 
berbatrick said:
@Revan @Snow @zing

What Star Wars novels do you recommend? I'm getting to the end of the Clone Wars TV series and want more. I've also heard a bit about the "old" Sith/Jedi (like the Emperor. And Revan :p) who basically seem way overpowered and I don't think I'll be able to get into that. Are there any of novels with more "normal" characters?
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Nothing, considering that they have been decanonized. If you don't mind it, then:

1) The Thrawn Trilogy - the story is 3-5 years after the Return of the Jedi. Easily, the best EU thing not called KOTOR, and the first book in particular is one of the best sci-fi books of all time. It has sold more copies than any other sci-fi saga bar Dune.

2) Darth Plagueis - best Star Wars book not in Thrawn trilogy. It is absolutely fantastic and it gives a ton of backstory not only for Plagueis but also for Palpatine, Anakin, Padme, Dooku and Sifo-Dyas.

3) The Bane trilogy - the events of it happen 1000 years before the movies. While not flawless like Thrawn trilogy, it is still a great book which is completely told from the POV of Siths. Bane vs Vader vs Revan might be one of the biggest nerd contests. You'll also learn what is the rule of two.

4) The books' novelizations - would highly recomment to read them, at-least those of the new movies. They add some things and IMO, complete the movies.

5) Kenobi - only if you are a fan of him. It is a great book but more a personal book rather than the standard Star Wars book. First year of Kenobi in exile.

6) Labyrinth of Evil - the events which happen hours before the Revenge of the Sith. Not great, but still worthy to read it.

Revan certainly isn't overpowered. Emperor Vitiate is, but for example the EU Palpatine/Luke are certainly stronger. There is no point in reading the 'Old Republic' novels if you haven't played Star Wars: Knights of the old Republic (one of the greatest games ever), Star Wars: Knights of the old Republic 2, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. If you have played them, then

- Star Wars: Revan is a must.
- Fatal Alliance is ok, while I haven't read the other two.

Btw, if you want more after Star Wars: The Clone Wars, then go and watch Star Wars: The Rebels. Same producer, but it has the events of how the rebeliion started. Not as good as the first few seasons of The Clone Wars, but still worthy to watch it.

There is a Caf thread on Star Wars EU: https://www.redcafe.net/threads/star-wars-eu.372478/ . Still, there might be spoilers there, and it is just one page long.
 
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berbatrick said:
@Revan @Snow @zing

What Star Wars novels do you recommend? I'm getting to the end of the Clone Wars TV series and want more. I've also heard a bit about the "old" Sith/Jedi (like the Emperor. And Revan :p) who basically seem way overpowered and I don't think I'll be able to get into that. Are there any of novels with more "normal" characters?
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The Republic Commando books are also nice, I'd add those to the list @Revan posted.
 
Thanks a lot. Looks like Thrawn is the consensus so I'll start with that.
 
Just finished The Farseer Trilogy and "Hedge Knight." The Farseer Trilogy was very good but dragged at points in the third book. There was just so much walking. Fitz's idiocy was frustrating at times but understandable.

"Hedge Knight" was a very good story. I've always enjoyed the background of ASOIAF so Dunk and Egg are interesting characters. Seeing good Targaryens was nice.
 
berbatrick said:
@Revan @Snow @zing

What Star Wars novels do you recommend? I'm getting to the end of the Clone Wars TV series and want more. I've also heard a bit about the "old" Sith/Jedi (like the Emperor. And Revan :p) who basically seem way overpowered and I don't think I'll be able to get into that. Are there any of novels with more "normal" characters?
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Avoid anything by Karen Traviss unless you want to end up despising Mary Sues, I mean Mandalorians. I know you weren't asking me and it's rude to butt in, but I would chase down a train just to tell someone to avoid the writing of Karen Traviss.

Mace Windu: Shatterpoint is pretty excellent and as Revan said the novelizations of the prequel trilogy are much better than the actual films. Especially Revenge of the Sith, it was excellent from what I remember.
 
@Art Vandelay , I left Shatterpoint after 80 pages or so. Didn't like it. Revenge of the Sith novelization is fantastic, on the other hand.

Anyway, just finished the third book in The Expanse. Acceptable and it sets the story further, but the 'antagonist' was again as one-dimensional as it can be, while the 'coming back from the dark side' was seen so it wasn't the shock it was supposed to be. Funnily enough, it completely reminded me of something that happens in the final book of Thrawn trilogy. Just that there it is more unpredictable and more importantly, it is done a thousand times better.

The redemption and the antagonist were certainly the worst part on what could have been quite a good book.
 
Sir Matt said:
Just finished The Farseer Trilogy and "Hedge Knight." The Farseer Trilogy was very good but dragged at points in the third book. There was just so much walking. Fitz's idiocy was frustrating at times but understandable.

"Hedge Knight" was a very good story. I've always enjoyed the background of ASOIAF so Dunk and Egg are interesting characters. Seeing good Targaryens was nice.
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All three Dunk and Egg novels are quite good. Not deep and complex like ASOIAF, but very enjoyable readings. I read all of them in three days (one night for each of them).

Read Liveship Traders of Hobb. Same world, but different part of the world, and so only one character from Farseer (he's not Fitz). I think it is superior to Farseer (and Tawny Man which continues the story of Farseer) in pretty much every aspect (bar not having Fitz). The Tawny Man trilogy has a lot of references to it.
 
Art Vandelay said:
Avoid anything by Karen Traviss unless you want to end up despising Mary Sues, I mean Mandalorians. I know you weren't asking me and it's rude to butt in, but I would chase down a train just to tell someone to avoid the writing of Karen Traviss.

Mace Windu: Shatterpoint is pretty excellent and as Revan said the novelizations of the prequel trilogy are much better than the actual films. Especially Revenge of the Sith, it was excellent from what I remember.
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Are you an importer-exporter? Or an architect? Or a wealthy industrialist, philanthropist, and bicyclist? :D
 
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