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1LunaticDruid
This i s continuation of my old thread "LunaticDruid reading books 2012". I was unable to link the threads together (think there is too few posts in my last thread).
Anyway. New year, new possibilities and books. I ended up reading 20 books last year. My goal is too to beat that number this year. I seem to read big books and large series, mainly in the fantasy or historical fiction category. This trend will continue this year, but I will try to reach out of my comfort zone and try something new (or different) during the year. I will probably not write reviews, but a sentence or two of what I thought of the book I finished.
English is not my native language, I apologizes for any errors in my writing, please do correct me (or else I'll never learn).
Book 1 2013:
The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
My first book for 2013 is a reread of the first book in Brent Weeks "Lightbringer series". I loved it the first time I read it and 150 pages in, I remember why. Kip has become one of my favorite characters. He is fat, clumsy and he always speaks before he thinks (this makes for great reading). Got to stop writing now so I can get back to my reading.
Anyway. New year, new possibilities and books. I ended up reading 20 books last year. My goal is too to beat that number this year. I seem to read big books and large series, mainly in the fantasy or historical fiction category. This trend will continue this year, but I will try to reach out of my comfort zone and try something new (or different) during the year. I will probably not write reviews, but a sentence or two of what I thought of the book I finished.
English is not my native language, I apologizes for any errors in my writing, please do correct me (or else I'll never learn).
Book 1 2013:
The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
My first book for 2013 is a reread of the first book in Brent Weeks "Lightbringer series". I loved it the first time I read it and 150 pages in, I remember why. Kip has become one of my favorite characters. He is fat, clumsy and he always speaks before he thinks (this makes for great reading). Got to stop writing now so I can get back to my reading.
3Sakerfalcon
I keep meaning to read The black prism, but the books I already own keep getting in the way! Maybe this year I'll get to it.
4LunaticDruid
Thank you for stopping by majkia and Sakerfalcon!
I highly recommend The Black Prism. It's quite an entertaining read.
I promised myself I would never start to read a series before all the books was published, but I have totally thrashed this promise to myself (darn you George R.R. Martin). Now I got several unfinished series where I anxiously await the next installment. The "Lightbringer" series is one of them. My reread of The Black Prism is to refresh my memory before I start on The Blinding Knife which I haven't read yet.
I highly recommend The Black Prism. It's quite an entertaining read.
I promised myself I would never start to read a series before all the books was published, but I have totally thrashed this promise to myself (darn you George R.R. Martin). Now I got several unfinished series where I anxiously await the next installment. The "Lightbringer" series is one of them. My reread of The Black Prism is to refresh my memory before I start on The Blinding Knife which I haven't read yet.
5sandragon
Is the Lightbringer series a continuation of the Dark Angel series? We have the latter which my husband enjoyed during one of his few reading spurts. I wonder if I could tempt him with the former...
6LunaticDruid
It is an entirely new setting and a new world with different rules than the Night Angel world, the magic is colourbased for example. I think I read some place that this world is inspired by the Meiterranian in the 16th century. (Muskets anyone?!)
I don't find it as dark as the Night Angel series, but it is a nice blend of action, humour and grittiness (and awkardness).
I don't find it as dark as the Night Angel series, but it is a nice blend of action, humour and grittiness (and awkardness).
7sandragon
Thanks, Druid. I think it would be something my husband would enjoy, if he'd give it a chance. I may have to get a copy of Black Prism to leave lying nonchalantly around the house.
8LunaticDruid
Hehe, sounds like a good plan. The Blinding Knife, the second book in the series seems to be even better. It won "Best Fantasy Book 2012" and "Pleasant Surprise of 2012" at Fantasy-Fiction.com so if he likes the first book, the next is apparently better!
10LunaticDruid
Arg... I'm already falling behind on my updates!
Book 1 2013:
The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Finished this book two weeks ago, but forgot to post an update (was packing for Tenerife at the time). After my reread I have decided to let it keep all its stars. It is a wonderful read. Lots of action and humour and one of the best main characters I have ever read about. It's a bit hard to really understand the magic system at first, but as the main character learns, so do you. Interresting and different take on a fantasy world. Not set in the normal Medieval era but closer to the 16th century. This means canons and muskets, but not too advanced yet (which I like).
Book 2 2013
The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks
Again I am dragged into a spectacular and different fantasy world in the second book of the Lightbringer series. I keeps up the pace. Again, a lot of action and a whole lot of new twists and turns. The magic system is developed further (first encounter with "paryl"), we get to know Andros Guile (father of Gavin and Dazen) and his favorite game Nine Kings. The reason I give The Blinding Knife a bit lower score is that I feel some of the magic drafted objects seems to modern, and I struggle to make it fit in this world.
I'm not sure what my next read will be. It might be one "Early Review" book or maybe a reread of Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R.T. Kaelin. I got a couple of hours to decide.
Book 1 2013:
The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Finished this book two weeks ago, but forgot to post an update (was packing for Tenerife at the time). After my reread I have decided to let it keep all its stars. It is a wonderful read. Lots of action and humour and one of the best main characters I have ever read about. It's a bit hard to really understand the magic system at first, but as the main character learns, so do you. Interresting and different take on a fantasy world. Not set in the normal Medieval era but closer to the 16th century. This means canons and muskets, but not too advanced yet (which I like).
Book 2 2013
The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks
Again I am dragged into a spectacular and different fantasy world in the second book of the Lightbringer series. I keeps up the pace. Again, a lot of action and a whole lot of new twists and turns. The magic system is developed further (first encounter with "paryl"), we get to know Andros Guile (father of Gavin and Dazen) and his favorite game Nine Kings. The reason I give The Blinding Knife a bit lower score is that I feel some of the magic drafted objects seems to modern, and I struggle to make it fit in this world.
I'm not sure what my next read will be. It might be one "Early Review" book or maybe a reread of Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R.T. Kaelin. I got a couple of hours to decide.
11LunaticDruid
Book 3 2013
From Mountains of Ice by Lorina Stephens
I decided to get one of my early reviewer winnings out of the way before starting on Progeny: The Children of the White Lions.
I got From Mountains of Ice in epub format (digital), but wihout a e-book reader I had to do a little experiment. I quickly found it hard to read a book on my computer so now I'm trying to read it on my smartphone usin the app "Aldiko". I find it a bit hard to get into the book. Not sure what to blame. The book or that I am still ajusting too reading on my phone.
From Mountains of Ice by Lorina Stephens
I decided to get one of my early reviewer winnings out of the way before starting on Progeny: The Children of the White Lions.
I got From Mountains of Ice in epub format (digital), but wihout a e-book reader I had to do a little experiment. I quickly found it hard to read a book on my computer so now I'm trying to read it on my smartphone usin the app "Aldiko". I find it a bit hard to get into the book. Not sure what to blame. The book or that I am still ajusting too reading on my phone.
12hfglen
Do tell: I'd have thought that reading on a smartphone would be even more tiresome than reading on a computer. Is it? (and if not, if I may, what makes it so?)
13LunaticDruid
My computer is a desktop, and it is connected to my 46" TV. This makes it great for gaming and Netfix, but not as great when I have to read at big blocks of text. With the smartphone I can lay down on the sofa or sit in a more comfortable chair or sit anywhere. The phone is also with me almost everywhere, every room, on the bus and at work. If it doesn't work out I have to try to find an epub program for my laptop (but then I loose some of the freedom of where to read).
14AHS-Wolfy
If it doesn't work out I have to try to find an epub program for my laptop
There's an epub reader add-on for firefox that works quite well or a program called Calibre which is free and will read just about any form of digital publication as well as convert between formats (amongst other things).
There's an epub reader add-on for firefox that works quite well or a program called Calibre which is free and will read just about any form of digital publication as well as convert between formats (amongst other things).
17rtkaelin
Hey, LunaticDruid - I have an interesting proposal for you...
Left you a comment on your profile.
Left you a comment on your profile.
18LunaticDruid
#14 AHS-Wolfy - Thank you, I'll check it out.
#15, 16 and 17 rtkaelin - Me likes interesting proposals! I will respond to your comment.
#15, 16 and 17 rtkaelin - Me likes interesting proposals! I will respond to your comment.
19rtkaelin
Sorry for the triple post. My internet connection on my laptop gets wonky sometimes. I hit "Post Message" and nothing happened.
So...I did it again.
And again...
Oops.
So...I did it again.
And again...
Oops.
20LunaticDruid
#19 - Haha, no worries. I'm quite familiar with the "hey you digital button, I'm pushing YOU!! Oh crap!" scenario. Good of you to fix it (Moving along past the droids...)
21LunaticDruid
Book 3 2013
From Mountains of Ice by Lorina Stephens
It's been a busy week. Lots of work and lots of snow. I finally got through this book on my smartphone which worked pretty well once I got used to it and changed the background color to something less bright.
I got this book through the "Early Reviwer" program. This means I have to make a review. I don't have much experience in this part, but here we go. (The review might contain minor spoilers)
In From Mountains of Ice we meet Sylvio. He is a bowyer and a bonespeaker (a person who can speak to the dead through the bones of the deceased). Ten years ago Sylvio got banished from the court of Simare by Prince Carmelo. Now the same Prince has asked Sylvio to attend the yearly marked in Breena, the capitol of Simare. Has this someting to do with the rumors of unrest near the borders? Or is it somthing else completely?
After finishing the book I was not entirely sure what it was all about. Both the story and the characters suffered from a lack of debth. I want more meat on the bone, more juicy details to sink my teeth into. The world of Simare felt like a light mix of Italy, France and Spain in a medievalish setting. Again, no debth and no history despite that a major part of the plot was connected to the ancestery of the Simarians.
Sadly it is the same story with the characters. Even when Sylvio is on the brink of death all I get to know about him is that he treats the people around him worse than they deserve (why he does this we never get to know). What makes him behave the way he does? Why does he never show his gratitude to people? Why does.... I could go on forever but you know where I'm going.
All in all it was an OK story, but the lack of bacground, of history, of a "meaty" plot makes it hard to connect with the story and its characters. It ends up being a bit too superficial.
From Mountains of Ice by Lorina Stephens
It's been a busy week. Lots of work and lots of snow. I finally got through this book on my smartphone which worked pretty well once I got used to it and changed the background color to something less bright.
I got this book through the "Early Reviwer" program. This means I have to make a review. I don't have much experience in this part, but here we go. (The review might contain minor spoilers)
In From Mountains of Ice we meet Sylvio. He is a bowyer and a bonespeaker (a person who can speak to the dead through the bones of the deceased). Ten years ago Sylvio got banished from the court of Simare by Prince Carmelo. Now the same Prince has asked Sylvio to attend the yearly marked in Breena, the capitol of Simare. Has this someting to do with the rumors of unrest near the borders? Or is it somthing else completely?
After finishing the book I was not entirely sure what it was all about. Both the story and the characters suffered from a lack of debth. I want more meat on the bone, more juicy details to sink my teeth into. The world of Simare felt like a light mix of Italy, France and Spain in a medievalish setting. Again, no debth and no history despite that a major part of the plot was connected to the ancestery of the Simarians.
Sadly it is the same story with the characters. Even when Sylvio is on the brink of death all I get to know about him is that he treats the people around him worse than they deserve (why he does this we never get to know). What makes him behave the way he does? Why does he never show his gratitude to people? Why does.... I could go on forever but you know where I'm going.
All in all it was an OK story, but the lack of bacground, of history, of a "meaty" plot makes it hard to connect with the story and its characters. It ends up being a bit too superficial.
23LunaticDruid
#22 - Yeah, the cover is nice. Was hoping for some bow action, but only one arrow got shot during the whole book, and that was at a practise range...
24LunaticDruid
Book 4 2013:
Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin
I felt a bit bad about slaughtering my previous read. To make me feel better I have dived into Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin. I read the first edition some time ago, and loved almost all of it (I felt the first three chapters were weak). On my "reread" I will read the second edition, and some the third edition. The first chapters I felt were poor earlier has been rewritten, a great new prologue has been added. This has every promise of being a great read!
Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin
I felt a bit bad about slaughtering my previous read. To make me feel better I have dived into Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin. I read the first edition some time ago, and loved almost all of it (I felt the first three chapters were weak). On my "reread" I will read the second edition, and some the third edition. The first chapters I felt were poor earlier has been rewritten, a great new prologue has been added. This has every promise of being a great read!
25LunaticDruid
Book 4 2013:
Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin
Time for another update. This was a really fun read (I knew it would be). I have both the first and the second edition of this book. I got the opportunity to do a proofread of the 3rd edition. A great experience! I really hope I was helpful.
The story is set in a rich fantasy world. The work put into the worldbuilding is deep and wonderfully executet (one of the main reasons I love this book) and the characters are many and varied (my favorites here are Broedi and Nundle). The magic system si also interesting. It is based on nine kinds of "strands" that mages (people who can see and feel these strands) can weave into different patterns to get different effects. I have given it 5 stars as I had a great time reading this story. Now I'm of to read the sequal Prophecy: The Children of the White Lions...
Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin
Time for another update. This was a really fun read (I knew it would be). I have both the first and the second edition of this book. I got the opportunity to do a proofread of the 3rd edition. A great experience! I really hope I was helpful.
The story is set in a rich fantasy world. The work put into the worldbuilding is deep and wonderfully executet (one of the main reasons I love this book) and the characters are many and varied (my favorites here are Broedi and Nundle). The magic system si also interesting. It is based on nine kinds of "strands" that mages (people who can see and feel these strands) can weave into different patterns to get different effects. I have given it 5 stars as I had a great time reading this story. Now I'm of to read the sequal Prophecy: The Children of the White Lions...
26rtkaelin
Thanks for the help.
FYI - three editors at major SF&F imprints contacted my agent requesting the full MS.
FYI - three editors at major SF&F imprints contacted my agent requesting the full MS.
27LunaticDruid
#26 - rtkaelin: Great news. Best of luck! (Thank you for the update)
This last week has been busy. Work, snow, dentist, snow, wind, sleep, snow, starcraft 2... After five (!) days without reading I finally found time to start on:
Book 5 2013:
Prophecy: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin
This is the next book in "The Children of the White Lions" series by R. T. Kaelin. The first book was great, I hope book two is as well. Now it's time to crawl to bed, put on the "movie soundtrack" playlist on spotify and try to get through a few chapters before traveling to the all to creative land of dreams.
This last week has been busy. Work, snow, dentist, snow, wind, sleep, snow, starcraft 2... After five (!) days without reading I finally found time to start on:
Book 5 2013:
Prophecy: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin
This is the next book in "The Children of the White Lions" series by R. T. Kaelin. The first book was great, I hope book two is as well. Now it's time to crawl to bed, put on the "movie soundtrack" playlist on spotify and try to get through a few chapters before traveling to the all to creative land of dreams.
28clamairy
Have had The Black Prism recommended to me by a family member. Glad to see you liked it.
Yes, I'm still lurking. :o)
Yes, I'm still lurking. :o)
29Sakerfalcon
I'm reading The black prism at the moment and there are lots of things that are bugging me about it - yet I still can't put it down! The power of the story is that strong.
30LunaticDruid
Oh, there are things that bug me in the black Prism too, but still, it is one of the most enjoyable reads I have had. The book is wonderfully written and the humor fits perfectly. I had to stop reading several times to stop laughing (every time Kip is with or near a woman).
31LunaticDruid
Book 5 2013:
Prophecy: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin
I have been quiet here for some time now. Stress at work combined with other personal stuff just sucked all the energy out of me. Work is still crap, but I have finally started to get some of the energy back. Oh, and spring is here!
Now, over to Prophesy. The story is still good, but it got some issues. For me it lands on three and a half stars. The overall feel I got from this book is that it is a "buildup" to the next book. There is less sence of the urgency from the first book in the series (which were one long chase). I also feel many of the more dramatic situations gets solved too easily. Also... I can't believe I am going to say this... At times it got too many details. I usually love to get details thrown at me in bucketloads, but if the detail fail to add anything to the story, the world or the mood of the scene it really doesn't need to be there. I don't need to know the exact placement of every person in a room if talking is all they do... Other than that, the character developement is great! And the details that ads to the debth of the story or the world are wonderful (most of these pops up at random in the characters conversations (these are great by the way).
All in all a good story with a great potensial. It feels a bit slow and dull at first, but got plenty of action near the end.
Prophecy: The Children of the White Lions by R. T. Kaelin
I have been quiet here for some time now. Stress at work combined with other personal stuff just sucked all the energy out of me. Work is still crap, but I have finally started to get some of the energy back. Oh, and spring is here!
Now, over to Prophesy. The story is still good, but it got some issues. For me it lands on three and a half stars. The overall feel I got from this book is that it is a "buildup" to the next book. There is less sence of the urgency from the first book in the series (which were one long chase). I also feel many of the more dramatic situations gets solved too easily. Also... I can't believe I am going to say this... At times it got too many details. I usually love to get details thrown at me in bucketloads, but if the detail fail to add anything to the story, the world or the mood of the scene it really doesn't need to be there. I don't need to know the exact placement of every person in a room if talking is all they do... Other than that, the character developement is great! And the details that ads to the debth of the story or the world are wonderful (most of these pops up at random in the characters conversations (these are great by the way).
All in all a good story with a great potensial. It feels a bit slow and dull at first, but got plenty of action near the end.
32majkia
welcome back. hope you continue to gain in energy and find a way to deal with sucky work stuff.
33LunaticDruid
Thank you majkia :)
Book 6 2013:
vale of stars by sean O'Brien
After a lot of Fantasy I felt like trying out some sci-fi. Having obtained "Vale of Stars" through the Early reviewer program I felt like giving it a go. I have been carefull and set my expectations low (this being an ER book), but now I just want an OK and short read to mix it up a little.
Book 6 2013:
vale of stars by sean O'Brien
After a lot of Fantasy I felt like trying out some sci-fi. Having obtained "Vale of Stars" through the Early reviewer program I felt like giving it a go. I have been carefull and set my expectations low (this being an ER book), but now I just want an OK and short read to mix it up a little.
34LunaticDruid
Book 6 2013:
vale of stars by sean O'Brien
Yet another disappointing ER book... The story starts of aboard a spaceship (originally called "ship") on its way to a planet they are set to colonize. I soon discovered that the author probably never knew what story to tell. In the 355 pages we get to experience four generations, each with its own setting and problems. It starts of OK in "book 1", but just as everything starts to evolve and get interesting it suddenly ends and "Book 2" and the next generation starts. Almost nothing that happens in "Book 1" has any real impact as the story continues (other some minor anger issues between mother and daughter). It doesn't take long before the story goes in a new direction and it all goes downhill from here.
When I finished the book I wondered what the story was all about. It had no meaning. The evolution of the characters (and different kind of humans and aliens) felt weird and unnatural. Some evolved more during four generations than anything on earth has done in four million years. There is some genetic alteration done by "genelabs" but the resulting evolutions just feel unnatural and more oftan then not gave no meaning. It didn't help that every main character was a female with some kind of anger issue. If I'm going to read a book that makes no sense, please give me someone to root for!
Not recommended.
vale of stars by sean O'Brien
Yet another disappointing ER book... The story starts of aboard a spaceship (originally called "ship") on its way to a planet they are set to colonize. I soon discovered that the author probably never knew what story to tell. In the 355 pages we get to experience four generations, each with its own setting and problems. It starts of OK in "book 1", but just as everything starts to evolve and get interesting it suddenly ends and "Book 2" and the next generation starts. Almost nothing that happens in "Book 1" has any real impact as the story continues (other some minor anger issues between mother and daughter). It doesn't take long before the story goes in a new direction and it all goes downhill from here.
When I finished the book I wondered what the story was all about. It had no meaning. The evolution of the characters (and different kind of humans and aliens) felt weird and unnatural. Some evolved more during four generations than anything on earth has done in four million years. There is some genetic alteration done by "genelabs" but the resulting evolutions just feel unnatural and more oftan then not gave no meaning. It didn't help that every main character was a female with some kind of anger issue. If I'm going to read a book that makes no sense, please give me someone to root for!
Not recommended.
35LunaticDruid
Book 7 2013:
The Clearing by Thomas Rydder
Trying to get this book quickly out of the way. Just needed something to fill the time until the new Emperor book by Conn Iggulden arrives in the mail.
This book is also a book I got from the ER program, and will probably be the last one for some time seeing how little I have liked the previous ER books.
The Clearing by Thomas Rydder
Trying to get this book quickly out of the way. Just needed something to fill the time until the new Emperor book by Conn Iggulden arrives in the mail.
This book is also a book I got from the ER program, and will probably be the last one for some time seeing how little I have liked the previous ER books.
36LunaticDruid
Book 7 2013:
The Clearing by Thomas Rydder
Modern day, American small-town Werewolf horror story. Usually not the kind of story I would read, but hey, I got it for free (and it was short). The story felt a bit standard, but kept a good pace. The characters were likable if somewhat stereotypical. All in all an easy and enjoyable read.
The Clearing by Thomas Rydder
Modern day, American small-town Werewolf horror story. Usually not the kind of story I would read, but hey, I got it for free (and it was short). The story felt a bit standard, but kept a good pace. The characters were likable if somewhat stereotypical. All in all an easy and enjoyable read.
37LunaticDruid
Book 8 2013:
Emperor: The Blood of Gods by Conn Iggulden
This came in the mail today! It is the fifth book in the "Emperor" series by Conn Iggulden and is set after the assassination of Julius Caesar. This is going to be great!
Emperor: The Blood of Gods by Conn Iggulden
This came in the mail today! It is the fifth book in the "Emperor" series by Conn Iggulden and is set after the assassination of Julius Caesar. This is going to be great!
38LunaticDruid
Book 8 2013:
Emperor: The Blood of Gods by Conn Iggulden
Aaaahhh... What a great read. Emperor: The Blood of Gods is the fifth book in te Emperor series by Conn Iggulden. It is about Octavian in the time after the assasination of Julius Caesar. You get great battles at both land and sea. The characters are well written (I even felt sorry for Suetonius at one point). And it is wonderful to see all the politics turning the situation upside down at some point. I also love how the author explains were he took some alterations in the history at the end of his book.
This goes straight into the "I know it is late, but there is just a couple of hundred pages left and then I can go to bed" (or IKiiLbTiJaCoHPLaTIcgtB for short) section. It was all I hoped it to be!
Emperor: The Blood of Gods by Conn Iggulden
Aaaahhh... What a great read. Emperor: The Blood of Gods is the fifth book in te Emperor series by Conn Iggulden. It is about Octavian in the time after the assasination of Julius Caesar. You get great battles at both land and sea. The characters are well written (I even felt sorry for Suetonius at one point). And it is wonderful to see all the politics turning the situation upside down at some point. I also love how the author explains were he took some alterations in the history at the end of his book.
This goes straight into the "I know it is late, but there is just a couple of hundred pages left and then I can go to bed" (or IKiiLbTiJaCoHPLaTIcgtB for short) section. It was all I hoped it to be!
39LunaticDruid
Book 9 2013:
Black Throne Conspiracy by K.M. Johnson-Weider
I got this and another book from "LibraryThing Member Givaway". I have desided to get these done before my next big "Series project" (more on that later).
Two chapters in I'm not sure whitch category to put this in other than sciencefictionfantacyrobotixish...
Black Throne Conspiracy by K.M. Johnson-Weider
I got this and another book from "LibraryThing Member Givaway". I have desided to get these done before my next big "Series project" (more on that later).
Two chapters in I'm not sure whitch category to put this in other than sciencefictionfantacyrobotixish...
40LunaticDruid
Book 9 2013:
Black Throne Conspiracy by K.M. Johnson-Weider
Well. This ended up as a bit of a surprise. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The first chapter/prologue left me a little confused (and skeptical). First it felt like a fantasy setting, but then the "magnetic pistol" didn't fit in. Steampunk didn't fit either and weren't there some magic or supernatural elements there? I few more chapters in I managed to place it as a science fiction with magical elements. Then I get introduced to this Cobran character. A lesser noble an former military Major with a newly attached robotic leg that twitches as the inbuilt computer still to adjust the signals to react properly. The story is a roller-coaster through noble politics with plenty of action and suspense. The reason I removed one star from the top score is that I never got comfortable with the Magic aspect of the story. Fortunately that stayed more in the background and hidden from view (no flying fireballs). I also felt the ending were a bit weak. It builds up tremendously, but then the fire suddenly gets put out and only a little smoke remains.
Despite this, I felt it was a good read. Never a dull moment, interesting world and great characters. I would really love to meet Cobran again at a later time (sometime during the next three "in world" years maybe?). He was the perfect blend of "a good guy but far from perfect" and the robotic leg that occasionally struggled to keep up just put him into my favorite characters list.
Black Throne Conspiracy by K.M. Johnson-Weider
Well. This ended up as a bit of a surprise. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The first chapter/prologue left me a little confused (and skeptical). First it felt like a fantasy setting, but then the "magnetic pistol" didn't fit in. Steampunk didn't fit either and weren't there some magic or supernatural elements there? I few more chapters in I managed to place it as a science fiction with magical elements. Then I get introduced to this Cobran character. A lesser noble an former military Major with a newly attached robotic leg that twitches as the inbuilt computer still to adjust the signals to react properly. The story is a roller-coaster through noble politics with plenty of action and suspense. The reason I removed one star from the top score is that I never got comfortable with the Magic aspect of the story. Fortunately that stayed more in the background and hidden from view (no flying fireballs). I also felt the ending were a bit weak. It builds up tremendously, but then the fire suddenly gets put out and only a little smoke remains.
Despite this, I felt it was a good read. Never a dull moment, interesting world and great characters. I would really love to meet Cobran again at a later time (sometime during the next three "in world" years maybe?). He was the perfect blend of "a good guy but far from perfect" and the robotic leg that occasionally struggled to keep up just put him into my favorite characters list.
41LunaticDruid
Book 10 2013:
The Last Priestess by Elizabeth Baxter
The last book I have received through "Librarything Membership Givaway". This is also the last book I will read before starting on my next big book reading project.
The Last Priestess by Elizabeth Baxter
The last book I have received through "Librarything Membership Givaway". This is also the last book I will read before starting on my next big book reading project.
42LunaticDruid
Book 10 2013:
The Last Priestess by Elizabeth Baxter
I got this book throug the "LibraryThing Member Givaway"
Flawed, grim and gory fantasy. Apparently this story did not fit for me. I did not connect with any of the characters, and found the whole story a bit meaningless. I usually don't have a lot of problems with gritty stories, but when it all comes down to blood spatter and entrails as often as it does here...
The Last Priestess by Elizabeth Baxter
I got this book throug the "LibraryThing Member Givaway"
Flawed, grim and gory fantasy. Apparently this story did not fit for me. I did not connect with any of the characters, and found the whole story a bit meaningless. I usually don't have a lot of problems with gritty stories, but when it all comes down to blood spatter and entrails as often as it does here...
43LunaticDruid
Now to my next big reading project. I don't know if I look forward to this or not. I got this series of books from a friend over the last couple of years. I know he loves the series (as do many others), but me and him usually have quite different tastes. He likes "high Fantasy" while I am more fond of the "Low Magic Medieval" setting. Don't get me wrong. I love magic, but it needs to feel realistic. It got to have limitations and rules. My friend is also fond of "Parallel Universes" and "Time Portals". I can't stand it. Probably because of the "This isn't realistic" or "where the **** am I now?" aspect.
But I got the books and I promised to read them, so here we go:
Book 11 2013:
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
But I got the books and I promised to read them, so here we go:
Book 11 2013:
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
44zjakkelien
I really liked the first few books, but then it got tedious. If Jordan had cut the series in half, it would have been fine with me. For as far as I can remember, the magic does have rules and limits, so that should work out for you. Good luck with reading the entire series, though...
I'm curious about your magic statement: in my experience, high fantasy doesn't necessarily mean 'no limitations'. Could you give an example of high fantasy that you didn't like?
I'm curious about your magic statement: in my experience, high fantasy doesn't necessarily mean 'no limitations'. Could you give an example of high fantasy that you didn't like?
45LunaticDruid
#44 - 90 pages in, so far so good. I really like the style of writing. It easily pulls you in.
I see my statement about "High Fantasy" might have been a bit too general. Of course there is variations throuout the genre. Sometimes my thoughts become a bit lost in translation :S
The statement is acually based on an interview of Brandon Sanderson where he speaks about one of the first times he sat on a panel of authors at a convension. They were asked what was important about magic in books. When Brandon then said you should set up rules and boundaries for how the magic worked the other three authors almost flipped. According to them there were no point to magic if it had limitations.
I am fortunate that I haven't came across a book with this issue yet, but then again I have only read books the last five to six years and been quite picky about what I have bought. There has been times during the Shannara series though, where magic suddently appears to have no rules and no source. It seems it happens when an author has painted himself into a corner and needs someting miraculous to happen to save a character. Sadly it is all to common in movies and TV-Series and is often camouflaged as a "twist".
I see my statement about "High Fantasy" might have been a bit too general. Of course there is variations throuout the genre. Sometimes my thoughts become a bit lost in translation :S
The statement is acually based on an interview of Brandon Sanderson where he speaks about one of the first times he sat on a panel of authors at a convension. They were asked what was important about magic in books. When Brandon then said you should set up rules and boundaries for how the magic worked the other three authors almost flipped. According to them there were no point to magic if it had limitations.
I am fortunate that I haven't came across a book with this issue yet, but then again I have only read books the last five to six years and been quite picky about what I have bought. There has been times during the Shannara series though, where magic suddently appears to have no rules and no source. It seems it happens when an author has painted himself into a corner and needs someting miraculous to happen to save a character. Sadly it is all to common in movies and TV-Series and is often camouflaged as a "twist".
46zjakkelien
Well, Sanderson is the king of well-thought out magic systems of course! Too bad about the other authors... I believe that magic should make sense, which is what you mean as well, I think. To me, using magic as a deus ex machina to solve the unsolvable problem is a weakness in the story.
48zjakkelien
Not necessarily. Knowing what the rules of magic are, doesn't mean that you understand how it works. But in essence, I think magic is always science. Only in some cases people understand it and in others, they don't. And if they don't, that doesn't mean your magic can all of a sudden follow different rules...
49hfglen
Wasn't it the late great Arthur C. Clarke who said that 'Any science, sufficiently advanced, is indistinguishable from magic'?
50zjakkelien
49: Like the quote!
51LunaticDruid
#49: Great quote!
I feel the Science vs. Magic topic could be a great discussion. When does magic start to become science? What is it that makes magic Magic?
I really got to give this some thought.
I feel the Science vs. Magic topic could be a great discussion. When does magic start to become science? What is it that makes magic Magic?
I really got to give this some thought.
54MrsLee
I don't think I want all magic to be science and behave like science, or technology. Which isn't to say that I don't love the worlds and magic which Sanderson and others have created, but sometimes I just want some magic. *shrug*
55zjakkelien
54: Can you give an example of magic that doesn't behave like science? I think perhaps people are using different definitions of what is like science and what is not. Personally, the most I would insist on is that there are rules to the magic. Those rules can be sciency or not, though. In some cases, perhaps the rules are not explained. But magic cannot work one way today and in another way tomorrow. Unless that is part of the rules of course...
56reading_fox
If you don't constrain magic then it can do anything. The author is then put in a ridiculous position of having to invent reasons (which almost always vary widely frmo occasion to occasion) why a character didn't just solve any problem with magic, or leave the reader with a very flat tale where any difficult situation is solved with a deux et machina, magic did it.
I much prefer series where it is clear that the author has a consistent vision of how magic works in their world and what it can and cannot do. The characters might not know these rules, but it should be clear to the reader why such a thing is or is not possible.
I much prefer series where it is clear that the author has a consistent vision of how magic works in their world and what it can and cannot do. The characters might not know these rules, but it should be clear to the reader why such a thing is or is not possible.
57MrsLee
"I much prefer series where it is clear that the author has a consistent vision of how magic works in their world and what it can and cannot do. The characters might not know these rules, but it should be clear to the reader why such a thing is or is not possible."
This, yes. I think perhaps what I mean is that there should be a bit of mystery to the how and why as well. It shouldn't be able to fix everything, but it shouldn't simply be a higher form of technology. Or simply a manipulation of easily explainable actions and techniques, therefore lacking any mystery or wonder. I suppose I want the user in the book to struggle with it a bit and not fully understand it either. I want some surprises, with the groundwork laid that they were possible all the time, but unknown until the user discovers it. Or something like that. :)
Not being a big reader of fantasy, I can't think of a book which hasn't pleased me with its magic system. I'm thinking of the magic in TLotR, as used by the wizards and Sauron. I don't recall it being clearly defined at all, or the reader being aware of how it works. It is simply something there. Yet, it doesn't bother me. What about that?
This, yes. I think perhaps what I mean is that there should be a bit of mystery to the how and why as well. It shouldn't be able to fix everything, but it shouldn't simply be a higher form of technology. Or simply a manipulation of easily explainable actions and techniques, therefore lacking any mystery or wonder. I suppose I want the user in the book to struggle with it a bit and not fully understand it either. I want some surprises, with the groundwork laid that they were possible all the time, but unknown until the user discovers it. Or something like that. :)
Not being a big reader of fantasy, I can't think of a book which hasn't pleased me with its magic system. I'm thinking of the magic in TLotR, as used by the wizards and Sauron. I don't recall it being clearly defined at all, or the reader being aware of how it works. It is simply something there. Yet, it doesn't bother me. What about that?
58zjakkelien
Sounds like a good example. I can't remember magic being explained much, or it ever being clear why some things are done with magic and others are not. Can't remember it bothering me either. I actually can't remember being bothered by a magic system at all. I think most of them were consistent...
Does anyone have an example of an inconsistent magic system?
Does anyone have an example of an inconsistent magic system?
59LunaticDruid
I'm about halfway through The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. It got some smaller issues that bothered me at first, but then the quality of the writing was so good that I soon didn't care about the issues anymore. Yes. It is the lack of system to the magic that bothers me a bit. And the way the Trollocs are described. I can't seem to get a clear picture in my head of how they look. (I know... I'm a controllfreak...).
The bottom line is... I do enjoy the book so far (and the druid in me was glad to meet "Elyas Machera"). Looking forward to what direction the story will take.
The bottom line is... I do enjoy the book so far (and the druid in me was glad to meet "Elyas Machera"). Looking forward to what direction the story will take.
60LunaticDruid
Book 11 2013:
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
So I finished my first Wheel of Time book and I liked it. Sure, I still got some problems with how magic is used, but I think that is just me being difficult. It will probably grow on me during the next couple of books. The important thing was how this book made me feel. The feeling of being part of an epic journey through a vast world teeming with life and mystery. I haven't felt that way since the first time I read "The Lord of the Rings".
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
So I finished my first Wheel of Time book and I liked it. Sure, I still got some problems with how magic is used, but I think that is just me being difficult. It will probably grow on me during the next couple of books. The important thing was how this book made me feel. The feeling of being part of an epic journey through a vast world teeming with life and mystery. I haven't felt that way since the first time I read "The Lord of the Rings".
62LunaticDruid
Book 12 2013:
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan
Still enjoying the Wheel of Time. It is wonderfully written. The issues I had with the way magic worked are almost gone. It almost feels like a beast waiting to be unleashed bringing in a sence of danger when used (especially by Rand).
But it is time for me to be difficult again. "The worlds that may have been".... I hate it. One thing is to get visions of what might have been, but to physically travel from one world to a world that "didn't happen"...
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan
Still enjoying the Wheel of Time. It is wonderfully written. The issues I had with the way magic worked are almost gone. It almost feels like a beast waiting to be unleashed bringing in a sence of danger when used (especially by Rand).
But it is time for me to be difficult again. "The worlds that may have been".... I hate it. One thing is to get visions of what might have been, but to physically travel from one world to a world that "didn't happen"...
64LunaticDruid
Book 13 2013:
The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan
Still enjoying "The Wheel of Time" series. Still struggling with all the alternative worlds (the dreamworld is OK). Starting to loose interest in Rand but the other ta'veren makes up for that.
The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan
Still enjoying "The Wheel of Time" series. Still struggling with all the alternative worlds (the dreamworld is OK). Starting to loose interest in Rand but the other ta'veren makes up for that.
65LunaticDruid
Book 14 2013:
The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan
Book four in "The Wheel of Time" series. The longest yet (nearly 1000 pages).
The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan
Book four in "The Wheel of Time" series. The longest yet (nearly 1000 pages).
66LunaticDruid
Just pre-ordered Stormbird by Conn Iggulden. I didn't know he was writing a new series (or that it was to be pubished so soon after the last "Emperor" book). Got to keep better track of my favorite authors... Time to dig out my inner stalker.
67AHS-Wolfy
If I ever get around to finishing off the Conqueror series then I think I'll jump straight into his Wars of the Roses. I was never really interested in history when I was at school but find myself drawn to the subject now I'm getting a bit older and well researched fiction of this variety seems a good way of scratching the itch. Thanks for the heads-up.
68LunaticDruid
#67 - You're welcome. I really liked the Conqueror series and hope to enjoy the Wars of the Roses as much (or better). I like how Iggulden explains what liberties he takes during each book in the "Authors note" in the back of his book.
I was not to fond of history at school either. It had to big of a focus on the second world war and modern politics. It actually lessened my interest of these subjects substantually. I hope time will restore my interest but until then it is pre-gunpowder all the way.
I was not to fond of history at school either. It had to big of a focus on the second world war and modern politics. It actually lessened my interest of these subjects substantually. I hope time will restore my interest but until then it is pre-gunpowder all the way.
69LunaticDruid
Book 14 2013:
The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan
Phew. This was a loooong book, but I got through it. I can see why some people starts to fall off this series as part of it was a struggle. Most of the book I would rate at 3 stars, but the last five or six chapters managed to raise te score a bit.
Still don't care too much of Rand, but the Aiel fascinates me. Perrin is still my favorite, but Mats story is starting to become more interesting. I can safely say I'm looking forward to find out where his story is going.
The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan
Phew. This was a loooong book, but I got through it. I can see why some people starts to fall off this series as part of it was a struggle. Most of the book I would rate at 3 stars, but the last five or six chapters managed to raise te score a bit.
Still don't care too much of Rand, but the Aiel fascinates me. Perrin is still my favorite, but Mats story is starting to become more interesting. I can safely say I'm looking forward to find out where his story is going.
70LunaticDruid
Book 15 2013
Normally I would continue to the next book in the series, but I feel the need for a short break from "The Wheel of Time" series.
My next book to read will be:
Stormbird by Conn Iggulden
I have not recieved this yet (Amazon posted it yesterday), but I will jump into it at once when it arrives. I will probably return to "the Wheel of Time" series after this, and make every other read a WoT book.
Normally I would continue to the next book in the series, but I feel the need for a short break from "The Wheel of Time" series.
My next book to read will be:
Stormbird by Conn Iggulden
I have not recieved this yet (Amazon posted it yesterday), but I will jump into it at once when it arrives. I will probably return to "the Wheel of Time" series after this, and make every other read a WoT book.
71LunaticDruid
The book hasn't arrived yet, but this have given me an opportunity to explore new grounds. The last couple of years there has been a lot of movies based on comic books, and I have enjoyed most of them (excluding the Superman movies (well, I haven't seen the last one yet)). Comics was not something I got to explore much growing up. Normally we bought a Donald Duck magazine once in a while and I once got a Tintin cartoon which was really exiting to read (oh the suspense!).
Then a couple of months ago "Geek and Sundry" (the youtube channel) startet a new Vlogs channel introducing me to several wonderfully geeky people talking about their passion. Here I had my first encounter whit the charming Amy Dallen. Her enthusiasm for comics made me take the first step towards the big and scary world of Comics. I started by creating an account on comixology.com and downloaded some free comics, some I did like and some, not so much. I soon got curious of how the bigger names in comics started, so I got the first issue of "Superman" (didn't like that), the first issue of "Batman" (likes this better) and a starter pack of the first "season" of the biggest Marvel series (Fantastic Four, Thor, X-Men, Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Amazing Spiderman, The Avengers). The quality of these comics varies greatly, but I find myself enjoying them quite a bit. I am exited to find out how these series evolve (both story-wise and visually) from the first issues until modern comics. Using the comixology app on my smartphone works great, especially using their "guided view" (basically frame-by-frame). It gives me easy access to all my digital comics and remembers where I left off reading. Perfect "dead time" filler.
I don't think I will add my comics to my librarything library, but I will put it into my weekend budget (entertainment and snacks during the weekend). I will continue to read the comics from Marvel and DC but I will also be on the lookout for new series to try out (but no Zombies).
Oh... And I watched the first three episodes of the new Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV-series. It got some minor issues, but I liked it. Will continue to follow this series.
Then a couple of months ago "Geek and Sundry" (the youtube channel) startet a new Vlogs channel introducing me to several wonderfully geeky people talking about their passion. Here I had my first encounter whit the charming Amy Dallen. Her enthusiasm for comics made me take the first step towards the big and scary world of Comics. I started by creating an account on comixology.com and downloaded some free comics, some I did like and some, not so much. I soon got curious of how the bigger names in comics started, so I got the first issue of "Superman" (didn't like that), the first issue of "Batman" (likes this better) and a starter pack of the first "season" of the biggest Marvel series (Fantastic Four, Thor, X-Men, Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Amazing Spiderman, The Avengers). The quality of these comics varies greatly, but I find myself enjoying them quite a bit. I am exited to find out how these series evolve (both story-wise and visually) from the first issues until modern comics. Using the comixology app on my smartphone works great, especially using their "guided view" (basically frame-by-frame). It gives me easy access to all my digital comics and remembers where I left off reading. Perfect "dead time" filler.
I don't think I will add my comics to my librarything library, but I will put it into my weekend budget (entertainment and snacks during the weekend). I will continue to read the comics from Marvel and DC but I will also be on the lookout for new series to try out (but no Zombies).
Oh... And I watched the first three episodes of the new Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV-series. It got some minor issues, but I liked it. Will continue to follow this series.
74LunaticDruid
I have read about 1/3 of the book at this moment and I'm having a great time. This is my first visit to this era so I'm struggling a little bit to envision the castles (I tend to slip back to the medieval setting), but that is entirely my own fault. Maybe I should start to read some non-fiction books containing pictures or drawings from different historical eras...
75LunaticDruid
Book 15 2013
Stormbird by Conn Iggulden
Once again I find myself enjoying one of Conn Igguldens books. His style of writing suits me perfectly. I was afraid all the characters would confuse me (seeing all the family trees at the start of the book), but Iggulden guided me well throughout the book using both the name and their titles where it was needed.
As this was my first visit to this era i struggled a bit to envision everything I read, but this is my own fault having been stuck in the medieval and roman era. I think it is time to get hold of some history books and do some research before the next book in the series is out.
Stormbird by Conn Iggulden
Once again I find myself enjoying one of Conn Igguldens books. His style of writing suits me perfectly. I was afraid all the characters would confuse me (seeing all the family trees at the start of the book), but Iggulden guided me well throughout the book using both the name and their titles where it was needed.
As this was my first visit to this era i struggled a bit to envision everything I read, but this is my own fault having been stuck in the medieval and roman era. I think it is time to get hold of some history books and do some research before the next book in the series is out.
76LunaticDruid
Book 16 2013
The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan
I'm going back to the world of Trollocs and Fades in The Fires of Heaven, the fifth book in "The Wheel of Time" series.
The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan
I'm going back to the world of Trollocs and Fades in The Fires of Heaven, the fifth book in "The Wheel of Time" series.
77LunaticDruid
Book 16 2013
The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan
Finished this last night. It really was a long book, but it never became a struggle too pick up the book for another chapter. Just fell short of the fourth star.
The Positives
Rands part of the story starts to get interresting again. Maybe it is because he's no longer acting lake a wool-headed mule (at least not as much). Good character developement on most main characters.
The Negatives
Robert Jordan seems to repeat himself a lot, felt I used too much time focusing on Nynaeves bosom... Way to many dress descriptions (followed by another look at someones bosom). No Perrin and Loial.
The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan
Finished this last night. It really was a long book, but it never became a struggle too pick up the book for another chapter. Just fell short of the fourth star.
The Positives
Rands part of the story starts to get interresting again. Maybe it is because he's no longer acting lake a wool-headed mule (at least not as much). Good character developement on most main characters.
The Negatives
Robert Jordan seems to repeat himself a lot, felt I used too much time focusing on Nynaeves bosom... Way to many dress descriptions (followed by another look at someones bosom). No Perrin and Loial.
78LunaticDruid
Book 17 2013
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I'm exited for this one. I've kept an eye on this author quite a while. I have seen him visiting Wil Wheatons Tabletop and Penny Arcade PAX Live D&D on Youtube. Spent hours watching him and other authors discuss different topics on his own Storyboard. To me he seems like a genuinely good guy and well spoken at that.
Apparently, I'm a fan of the author already, but will I be a fan of his books?
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I'm exited for this one. I've kept an eye on this author quite a while. I have seen him visiting Wil Wheatons Tabletop and Penny Arcade PAX Live D&D on Youtube. Spent hours watching him and other authors discuss different topics on his own Storyboard. To me he seems like a genuinely good guy and well spoken at that.
Apparently, I'm a fan of the author already, but will I be a fan of his books?
79LunaticDruid
Book 17 2013
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Apparently I had had no reason to worry. Patric Rothfuss is as well written as he is well spoken. I finished the book in a week which is a very short time to a slow reader like me. Definitely on of the best fantasy I have read this year.
The Positives
Great story (so far). Good characters (and amazing character development). Short Chapters!
The Negatives
Ambrose character felt a bit weak.
Favorite Character
Elodin - Love his childish behavior.
Least Favorite Character
Ambrose - He just doesn't seem as dangerous a person as he first seemed. Hope he got a more venomous sting in the next book.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Apparently I had had no reason to worry. Patric Rothfuss is as well written as he is well spoken. I finished the book in a week which is a very short time to a slow reader like me. Definitely on of the best fantasy I have read this year.
The Positives
Great story (so far). Good characters (and amazing character development). Short Chapters!
The Negatives
Ambrose character felt a bit weak.
Favorite Character
Elodin - Love his childish behavior.
Least Favorite Character
Ambrose - He just doesn't seem as dangerous a person as he first seemed. Hope he got a more venomous sting in the next book.
80LunaticDruid
Book 18 2013
Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan
Started on this early December and I'm struggling to get into it. Work has been quite busy lately, and leaves me to tired to read much. It's almost three weeks since I started the book and I'm only 62 pages in. I still got ten pages to read before I'm done with the "Prologue"! I've gotten the rest of the year off from work. Hopefully this means I finaly can get into this book.
Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan
Started on this early December and I'm struggling to get into it. Work has been quite busy lately, and leaves me to tired to read much. It's almost three weeks since I started the book and I'm only 62 pages in. I still got ten pages to read before I'm done with the "Prologue"! I've gotten the rest of the year off from work. Hopefully this means I finaly can get into this book.
81LunaticDruid
Soo... I did not manage to finish Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan during 2013. I have transferred it to my new 2014 thread: "LunaticDruids escape from reality 2014"
