NekoFever
Member
There's a section at the back that tells you who everyone is. It's handy to refer to until you get it straight in your head.
I assume that's in the Kindle edition, at least.
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What are you reading? (February 2014)
- Thread starter Maklershed
- Start date
There's a section at the back that tells you who everyone is. It's handy to refer to until you get it straight in your head.
I assume that's in the Kindle edition, at least.
He really is. I just read the part where he shot
Dresden. I really dislike how Holden is all righteous about it. The man needed killing and it was clear from the way Holden was almost coming around to his way of thinking. Not to mention that Holden should be the last one to throw stones with him broadcasting every damn thing he gets his hands on without regarding the ramifications. I'm really feeling for Miller now. Poor guy.
Oh man, I really need to continue with the series. I loved that
conflict
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
Currently reading
based on recommendations from these threads.
I thought the first few chapters were amusing but not great, but I really really enjoyed chapter 4 (the one that introduces the Wyverary :3). I'm looking forward to reading more.
based on recommendations from these threads.
I thought the first few chapters were amusing but not great, but I really really enjoyed chapter 4 (the one that introduces the Wyverary :3). I'm looking forward to reading more.
NuffDREW4two
Member
Just finished The Blade Itself last night and started reading A Dance With Dragons. I'm ready to get back into Martin's long winded style, but at the rate I read, I'm sure I won't finish the book till next February.
I hope your comment isn't indicative of an incredibly large and slow plodding middle section.
Easystride
Member
Reading It right now. About 50% complete, so I should be done sometime this week. I will have to find something shorter to read between the conclusion of It, and the release of Words of Radiance.
I've just finished the collection Dangerous Women, which was talked about quite a bit due to it including a GRRM, ASOIAF-related novella (which was interesting enough, but not nearly as good as his Dunk and Egg stuff).
Overall it was a bit of a letdown, mainly because I was expecting something quite different given the theme of the collection - most stories really didn't seem to fit in with the theme. Still contained a few really good ones though, I thought the Sanderson story in particular was great (and a good fit for the theme too!).
Overall it was a bit of a letdown, mainly because I was expecting something quite different given the theme of the collection - most stories really didn't seem to fit in with the theme. Still contained a few really good ones though, I thought the Sanderson story in particular was great (and a good fit for the theme too!).
Finished reading Tenth of December. Very interesting short story collection and quite brilliant at times. The writing style took me a bit to get used to, but it's pretty damn good. In general the collection was quite strong with only 1-2 stories being more on the boring side. The only other downside is for couple of stories, they sorta just end. I felt like there wasn't any strong conclusion or any resolution at all. But really Saunders is very good at writing some really dark and sometimes funny stories.
Also finished reading Welcome to the NHK. It's quite different from the manga which I read ages ago and by that a lot of the story arcs just weren't there like the suicide pact, the pyramid scheme one or the MMO part. Anyway the cynicism of the story really reminded me why I liked the series in the first place. The translation was alright, the writing is more on the simple side, but I'd imagine that might be the case with the original text.
The 2 afterwards written by the author, Takimoto, were probably the most interesting part of the story. I didn't know that a lot of the experiences of living as a shut in were probably derived from his own current life and how after the popularity of the novel he went back to living an aimless life not writing anything new.
I'm also still working slowly through Blindness, but it's still hard to keep my reading sessions long given the nature of the story.
Also finished reading Welcome to the NHK. It's quite different from the manga which I read ages ago and by that a lot of the story arcs just weren't there like the suicide pact, the pyramid scheme one or the MMO part. Anyway the cynicism of the story really reminded me why I liked the series in the first place. The translation was alright, the writing is more on the simple side, but I'd imagine that might be the case with the original text.
The 2 afterwards written by the author, Takimoto, were probably the most interesting part of the story. I didn't know that a lot of the experiences of living as a shut in were probably derived from his own current life and how after the popularity of the novel he went back to living an aimless life not writing anything new.
I'm also still working slowly through Blindness, but it's still hard to keep my reading sessions long given the nature of the story.
RatskyWatsky
Hunky Nostradamus
Is the anime any good?
Plasticine
Member
Finished Wet Work by Philip Nutman. Fun book with an interesting take on the zombie genre and more than a few things to say about the politics of the early 90s. I definitely liked the idea of a zombie trying to get revenge on the people who killed him, especially when that zombie works for the CIA. Nutman did a great job depicting the world completely falling apart and the futility of maintaining order in such a situation. Out of the zombie novels I've read (which is surprisingly very few) this one is right up there with Brian Keene's The Rising, which I intend to re-read soon.
Up next is:
I've been reading a lot of super-established writers with pretty serious credentials in the genre, so I thought it was time to test out a new writer. Southard has a couple of books under his belt, and this one is his latest. It's gotten some really strong reviews, so I'm hoping for the best.
Up next is:
I've been reading a lot of super-established writers with pretty serious credentials in the genre, so I thought it was time to test out a new writer. Southard has a couple of books under his belt, and this one is his latest. It's gotten some really strong reviews, so I'm hoping for the best.
Currently reading through two novels, hoping to finish them both off before Path of Radiance drops.
The Blade Itself (The First Law, #1) by Joe Abercrombie
Just over halfway, I'm liking it but it hasn't entirely grabbed me yet, and some characters are a much more interesting read over others.
Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1) by Robin Hobb
Otoh this is really clicking with me, I haven't touched The Blade Itself since I started reading this and I'm also halfway through it.
I already have the rest of trilogy for both these series since I ordered them at the same time, I didn't bother to get the additional novels though since I wanted to read these first. I'll definitely be getting the "Tawny Man" trilogy when I order in some more books.
The Blade Itself (The First Law, #1) by Joe Abercrombie
Just over halfway, I'm liking it but it hasn't entirely grabbed me yet, and some characters are a much more interesting read over others.
Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1) by Robin Hobb
Otoh this is really clicking with me, I haven't touched The Blade Itself since I started reading this and I'm also halfway through it.
I already have the rest of trilogy for both these series since I ordered them at the same time, I didn't bother to get the additional novels though since I wanted to read these first. I'll definitely be getting the "Tawny Man" trilogy when I order in some more books.
Reading the Garrett novels by Glen Cook, after reading recommendations here.
Only at book 2 at the moment, but I really like them so far. He's like a slightly less moral and badder ass Dresden (yes, I know Garrett predates Dresden). Dunno how I've missed these, since I love the Black Company series.
Only at book 2 at the moment, but I really like them so far. He's like a slightly less moral and badder ass Dresden (yes, I know Garrett predates Dresden). Dunno how I've missed these, since I love the Black Company series.
Man, these books are so great. More people should read them.
Also, Leviathan Wakes. Holy shit was that good.
Edit: Starting Assassin's Apprentice right now.
Still plugging away on The Dragon Reborn, but I did take time to finish this:
Berserk is very much in the vein of REH and The Witcher. A bleak medieval world, with an anti-hero who is just as much a monster as the monsters he fights. Sounds a bit cliche, but I had the feeling that there is more to this series than that, judging by the praise it receives. The first volume did not fill me with fannish glee, but I did appreciate the dark fantasy tone. I'll pick up the next volume. It piqued my interest.
Berserk is very much in the vein of REH and The Witcher. A bleak medieval world, with an anti-hero who is just as much a monster as the monsters he fights. Sounds a bit cliche, but I had the feeling that there is more to this series than that, judging by the praise it receives. The first volume did not fill me with fannish glee, but I did appreciate the dark fantasy tone. I'll pick up the next volume. It piqued my interest.
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
Great stuff. Seems like I really dig Cornwell's historical fiction after this and Agincourt last year. Like I said about the latter when I read it, this sort of thing scratches that low fantasy itch like GRRM or Joe Abercrombie might.
Tragicomedy
Member
It gets better.
Maklershed
Member
What's a good book to read while playing Deus Ex? Perhaps Count Zero? Recommendations anyone? (other than Neuromancer or Altered Carbon)
Count Zero by William Gibson
Count Zero by William Gibson
AngmarsKing701
Member
I'm on book 4, Sword Song. Solid series.
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
Great stuff. Seems like I really dig Cornwell's historical fiction after this and Agincourt last year. Like I said about the latter when I read it, this sort of thing scratches that low fantasy itch like GRRM or Joe Abercrombie might.
Professor Chaos
Member
Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1) by Robin Hobb
Otoh this is really clicking with me, I haven't touched The Blade Itself since I started reading this and I'm also halfway through it.
I already have the rest of trilogy for both these series since I ordered them at the same time, I didn't bother to get the additional novels though since I wanted to read these first. I'll definitely be getting the "Tawny Man" trilogy when I order in some more books.
I would recommend you read the Liveship Traders trilogy before you move on to the Tawny Man trilogy. It would be spoilerish to say any more, but it is a fantastic trilogy in its own right set in the same world as the Assasin's book.
EverythingShiny
Member
Finished:
Thanks for the rec, Shane! I liked this a lot. Definitely not as much as The Art of Racing in the Rain, but this was a very poignant book. I was frustrated at certain points with Budo, but I think that's more of a reflection of me (after all, he is an imaginary friend created by a child) and my expectations than of the writer/novel. I read some of the interview questions at the end with the author and was pleased to find that he's a teacher and he didn't label Max's developmental disability on purpose. I liked that a lot.
Now onto:
I just finished season 2 of Longmire today and loved every second of it. I've heard the books are even better, so I'm really excited to get into this series.
Thanks for the rec, Shane! I liked this a lot. Definitely not as much as The Art of Racing in the Rain, but this was a very poignant book. I was frustrated at certain points with Budo, but I think that's more of a reflection of me (after all, he is an imaginary friend created by a child) and my expectations than of the writer/novel. I read some of the interview questions at the end with the author and was pleased to find that he's a teacher and he didn't label Max's developmental disability on purpose. I liked that a lot.
Now onto:
I just finished season 2 of Longmire today and loved every second of it. I've heard the books are even better, so I'm really excited to get into this series.
Mackenzie 92
Member
Finished up Blood Song. Wow.. good stuff. Highly recommended to fantasy fans who enjoy Abercrombie, Cook, Martin etc. Loved it.
Now onto Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend.
Now onto Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend.
Glad you liked Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend. Like I mentioned on goodreads, you marathoned it! I'm wondering what your frustrations are with Budo, curious! Spoiler tag as necessary of course. And yeah, I exchanged messages with Matthew Dicks and he's a really friendly person, and a funny blog too.
You've put The Cold Dish on my radar. Never watched Longmire, but the book sounds terrific.
Same to you, will get around to Blood Song whenever I get an urge to read some Fantasy. And share your thoughts on Memoirs as well!
Wow. I'll definitely go back to the series later. I loved what I read so far.
Finished it, and it was excellent. Peter the great is a fascinating person and Massie does an excellent job telling his story, as well as giving context to the period. It was quite interesting learning about Charles the 12th, and the other leading figures that Peter interacted with.
Currently reading this. Not far in, but I am enjoying it so far.
Is it good? Nueromancer is absolutely one of my all time favorites, but I never so much as looked at the sequels. For bonus credit, how is his other work besides the Sprawl books, looking at something called Blue Ant...
I may need a break from the heavy stuff after finishing Absalom Absalom! This would be a nice change of pace.
JoJoShabadoo
Member
On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
Halfway through and really enjoying it. Quick/entertaining read, and I can relate to quite a few situations/moments. However, the first part to me seemed much better, when Sal is on his own. Part 2 when he's finally with a group seems (so far, too soon to say) to be a bit less special.
The writing style is great.
Tragicomedy
Member
I really need to sit down and read through the entire thing someday. I've read bits and pieces, such as:
Joe Shlabotnik
Banned
Count Zero is excellent too. You'll definitely like it if you loved Neuromancer that much. Reminds me I have to read Mona Lisa Overdrive at some point.
I've read a couple of the Blue Ant books (Pattern Recognition, Spook Country.. I seem to avoid finishing his trilogies). While not as good as the Sprawl books, I just love his particular style so I found them very enjoyable.
jakefromstatefarm
Member
Finished A Dance with Dragons last week and decided to stay in the fantasy lane and pick up Gardens of the Moon. I have no idea what's going on. I'm interested in The Black Company too, how do these two series' compare?
Currently reading Gardens of the Moon.
I finished up The Blade Itself last week and switched over to this and boy was I not prepared for the tone shift or the amount of information being thrown at you. I'm currently 200 pgs in and I'm liking the story so far I just wish it was a bit more...clearer? There's just a lot of information, characters, and agendas being thrown at you over a very short span of time and I'm hoping it makes a bit more sense as the story goes on.
I finished up The Blade Itself last week and switched over to this and boy was I not prepared for the tone shift or the amount of information being thrown at you. I'm currently 200 pgs in and I'm liking the story so far I just wish it was a bit more...clearer? There's just a lot of information, characters, and agendas being thrown at you over a very short span of time and I'm hoping it makes a bit more sense as the story goes on.
I read the first two books of the Blue Ant trilogy. Pattern Recognition is one of my favourite books of all time. I adored that goddamn book. I didn't mind Spook Country, but it seemed a bit of a letdown after PR.
Some books just hit with you at the right time in your life, and that was Pattern Recognition with me.
Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1) by Robin Hobb
Otoh this is really clicking with me, I haven't touched The Blade Itself since I started reading this and I'm also halfway through it.
I already have the rest of trilogy for both these series since I ordered them at the same time, I didn't bother to get the additional novels though since I wanted to read these first. I'll definitely be getting the "Tawny Man" trilogy when I order in some more books.
Edit: Starting Assassin's Apprentice right now.
I used to absolutely love Hobb. Fitz-Chivalry Farseer is a great character. But just be warned, her main characters are always so tortured and her endings so incredibly bittersweet. I have a hard time rereading because of it. I haven't read any of her new stuff really since that Forest Mage stuff because it became way too much.
AngmarsKing701
Member
Finished Cornwell's Sword Song, the fourth in the Saxon series. Continues to be an enjoyable experience. The formation of the nation of England, amidst the war with the Vikings, is an epic tale. The only criticism I have at this point is that we're stuck in Uhtred's first person perspective. There is so much richness in this history that it feels incomplete hearing only one voice.
Moving on to The Golem and the Jinni.
Moving on to The Golem and the Jinni.
Can someone tell me if there is an easy way to keep track of book releases?
I've added over 100 books to Goodreads so far, and while a lot of them are already out, I'd really love to be able to see when the books I've added to my To-Read shelf are to be released if their release date has been announced. I'm more likely to read prequel books if I know that a new book would be coming out soon.
List form, calendar form, it doesn't really matter. It's hard to keep track when there are so many. Thanks!
I've added over 100 books to Goodreads so far, and while a lot of them are already out, I'd really love to be able to see when the books I've added to my To-Read shelf are to be released if their release date has been announced. I'm more likely to read prequel books if I know that a new book would be coming out soon.
List form, calendar form, it doesn't really matter. It's hard to keep track when there are so many. Thanks!
FUBAR McDangles
Member
Started reading this earlier this month:
It is such a snore. I thought reading a murder/mystery/whatever the fuck might be interesting as a change of pace from my usual Stephen King/Tom Clancy-esque stuff.
I struggled to get through the first 50 or so pages but then it kind of picked up not to the point where I wanted to flip every page but to the point where reading a paragraph was not as painful as the one before it. And now I'm struggling to get through it again a little over halfway through.
I'm thinking about just dropping it and moving on to my next book but I don't want to have to wait 3 months to come back to it. Ugh. Maybe this weekend I can power through it.
It is such a snore. I thought reading a murder/mystery/whatever the fuck might be interesting as a change of pace from my usual Stephen King/Tom Clancy-esque stuff.
I struggled to get through the first 50 or so pages but then it kind of picked up not to the point where I wanted to flip every page but to the point where reading a paragraph was not as painful as the one before it. And now I'm struggling to get through it again a little over halfway through.
I'm thinking about just dropping it and moving on to my next book but I don't want to have to wait 3 months to come back to it. Ugh. Maybe this weekend I can power through it.
Freeza Under The Shower
Member
put Card on hold for Born Liars by Ian Leslie, which is quite good.
After that I think some Dan Ariely or other book. Maybe back to Card.
After that I think some Dan Ariely or other book. Maybe back to Card.
The Artful Dodger
Member
Finished It's Fine by Me by Per Petterson
I recently got bumped to full time at my job and have been adjusting to a new apartment so my reading has been much slower but it feels good to finish a book. Per Petterson is a really amazing writer and I'll probably grab some more of his works later on.
My next book: Wonderful Fool by Shusaku Endo
Glad to be back to contributing to reading GAF, I didn't want to comment if I wasn't reading. Some of you have some amazing taste/choices in literature! This is one of my favorite threads!
I recently got bumped to full time at my job and have been adjusting to a new apartment so my reading has been much slower but it feels good to finish a book. Per Petterson is a really amazing writer and I'll probably grab some more of his works later on.
My next book: Wonderful Fool by Shusaku Endo
Glad to be back to contributing to reading GAF, I didn't want to comment if I wasn't reading. Some of you have some amazing taste/choices in literature! This is one of my favorite threads!
ShinRPGamer
Member
Currently reading Higurashi: When They Cry and the 7th novel of Haruhi Suzumiya.
AngmarsKing701
Member
The whole series is great. Enjoy!
Maklershed
Member
Finished Isaac's Storm and decided to go with Count Zero next ...
What's a good book to read while playing Deus Ex? Perhaps Count Zero? Recommendations anyone? (other than Neuromancer or Altered Carbon)
Count Zero by William Gibson
EverythingShiny
Member
Started reading this:
Enjoying it so far. Thanks to the gaffers who recommended this book.
One of my favorite series. I hope you continue to enjoy it!
obin_gam
Member
Finished 11/22/63 yesterday and it was really really good!
I think it is the best novel from King I've read since I dont know when, it reads like his hold 70s stuff. It starts out creepy and eire, gets a little slow in the third quarter, but ends fantastically.
The slow part is mainly due to the character of Sadie which I started to hate after a while.
The ending redeems her though, and what an ending at that.
For once, a Stephen King story actually has an ending that is worthy of th set up. Usually he just writes himself into a corner and comes up with stupid endings... or at least boring ones. Not this time though, the ending scene brought tears to my eyes. Real tears. So beautiful.
9/10 So glad King is back in the sadle!
Now I'm gonna try Dr Sleep
I think it is the best novel from King I've read since I dont know when, it reads like his hold 70s stuff. It starts out creepy and eire, gets a little slow in the third quarter, but ends fantastically.
The slow part is mainly due to the character of Sadie which I started to hate after a while.
She is ok at the beginning, but then the love story starts to obstruct the main plot and she gets in the way of our adventure. I was all the time rooting for her to just leave damnit!
The ending redeems her though, and what an ending at that.
In the after words it is stated that Joe Hill came up with this ending and I am not surprised at all.
9/10 So glad King is back in the sadle!
Now I'm gonna try Dr Sleep