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1LunaticDruid
2015, a year to remember, full of new books and adventures. Of new series and old. Of "Newreads" and rereads. Now entering The Great Druid Library!
Last year i barely managed to read 10 books (to my defense, most of them were huuuge). Oh, and I had to cheat to get the last "book finished in 2014" (it was 2015 before I managed to read the last 50 pages). I aim to do better this year. I have managed to get access to The Great Druid Library and all the books within. Well, not the restricted section. Or the forbidden one... But hey, it got free wifi!
My new goals for 2015:
- Read more than 10 books.
- Finish "The Wheel of Time" series.
- Buy a book in a real American bookshop.
- Wear better armor when visiting Majkias thread (those BB guns are dangerous!).
- Practice my "unlurk" ability (I'm very poor at this).
Book 1 2015
Rough Justice (Digital ER copy) by Colin Falconer
After reading a lot of big books, I felt the need to start of with something a bit different. I got this book as a free digital copy through "Early Reviewers" on Librarything. It is a crime novel set in modern day London (wow, me reading something other than historical fiction and fantasy!). A drug dealer has been shot dead. Madeline Fox and Frank Marenko is assigned to solve the case. 9 chapters in, nothing much is solved, but I begin to get into the characters.
Last year i barely managed to read 10 books (to my defense, most of them were huuuge). Oh, and I had to cheat to get the last "book finished in 2014" (it was 2015 before I managed to read the last 50 pages). I aim to do better this year. I have managed to get access to The Great Druid Library and all the books within. Well, not the restricted section. Or the forbidden one... But hey, it got free wifi!
My new goals for 2015:
- Read more than 10 books.
- Finish "The Wheel of Time" series.
- Buy a book in a real American bookshop.
- Wear better armor when visiting Majkias thread (those BB guns are dangerous!).
- Practice my "unlurk" ability (I'm very poor at this).
Book 1 2015
Rough Justice (Digital ER copy) by Colin Falconer
After reading a lot of big books, I felt the need to start of with something a bit different. I got this book as a free digital copy through "Early Reviewers" on Librarything. It is a crime novel set in modern day London (wow, me reading something other than historical fiction and fantasy!). A drug dealer has been shot dead. Madeline Fox and Frank Marenko is assigned to solve the case. 9 chapters in, nothing much is solved, but I begin to get into the characters.
2SylviaC
The Great Druid Library looks like a wonderful place to visit. And free wifi, too! I'm sure you'll work your way up to the restricted section this year. Maybe next year for the forbidden section. Good Luck!
3Peace2
Wishing you a great year of reading - I'd imagine you'll find many fascinating reads in The Great Druid Library
5Sakerfalcon
The Great Druid Library looks like a wonderful place to spend time! Wishing you many happy hours there, discovering its treasures.
6LunaticDruid
>2 SylviaC: >3 Peace2: >4 imyril: >5 Sakerfalcon: Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words :-)
I have managed to squeeze in quite a bit of reading these first five days of 2015. Not only did I finish my first book, but I also caught up on all of the 2014 reading threads in the pub. Now I'm sneaking around dropping of stars in all the 2015 threads that are appearing in the Green Dragon. I really need to practice "unlurking"...
Book 1 2015
Rough Justice (Digital ER copy) by Colin Falconer
Three books and a scroll (Three and a half star)
This was something completely different from what I usually read (fantasy and historical fiction). We are in modern day London where Madeline Fox and Frank Marenko is called out to a grisly murder scene. We don't get too much crime solving in the first half of the book, but we get to spend some time to get to know the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt and lacking. I did enjoy the read though but not sure if I would continue reading the series.
A little warning. The book contains some strong language, and gore.
I have managed to squeeze in quite a bit of reading these first five days of 2015. Not only did I finish my first book, but I also caught up on all of the 2014 reading threads in the pub. Now I'm sneaking around dropping of stars in all the 2015 threads that are appearing in the Green Dragon. I really need to practice "unlurking"...
Book 1 2015
Rough Justice (Digital ER copy) by Colin Falconer
Three books and a scroll (Three and a half star)
This was something completely different from what I usually read (fantasy and historical fiction). We are in modern day London where Madeline Fox and Frank Marenko is called out to a grisly murder scene. We don't get too much crime solving in the first half of the book, but we get to spend some time to get to know the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt and lacking. I did enjoy the read though but not sure if I would continue reading the series.
A little warning. The book contains some strong language, and gore.
7LunaticDruid
Book 2 2015
Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan
Book 11 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
Since one of my goals this year is to finish The Wheel of Time series I think it is smart to get on with it as early as possible.
Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan
Book 11 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
Since one of my goals this year is to finish The Wheel of Time series I think it is smart to get on with it as early as possible.
9hfglen
>8 jillmwo: unlurking
10NicolePatrick
>1 LunaticDruid: What a beautiful image! I look forward to following you again this year, this time from the start! :)
11LunaticDruid
>8 jillmwo: >9 hfglen: >10 NicolePatrick: Thank you for stopping by and unlurking! I have silently found your threads and deposited stars. I was in the middle of unlurking myself (wow, that sounded ominous) in a thread yesterday when the power in all the neighborhood went out. Spent that time with my nose buried in a book before the fireplace instead. (Photo of proof below!)
12hfglen
>11 LunaticDruid: Power failures here are far more frequent than they should be, mainly due to incompetent non-maintenance of our ageing power stations. I hope yours was a genuine accident, and sorted out soon. (We have "load-shedding" for two hours at a stretch, usually at times calculated for maximum inconvenience and bearing no relation to published schedules mutter mutter grumble grouse.)
14LunaticDruid
>12 hfglen: This was the first time I have experienced a power failure since I moved in a year ago. The second happened the day after... The fault was found and repaired within an hour both times (they were probably related). These "load-sheddings" doesn't sound good at all! If that was common here I think I would have needed a backup generator to keep the filters going on the aquariums, and maybe a heater.
>13 MrsLee: Very good to see you MrsLee :) Then at least one person on this thread knows when my thingaversary is and can remind me :D I really need to add this to my calendar...
Speaking of thingaversary. The order from my last thingaversary just arrived at the local post office!
>13 MrsLee: Very good to see you MrsLee :) Then at least one person on this thread knows when my thingaversary is and can remind me :D I really need to add this to my calendar...
Speaking of thingaversary. The order from my last thingaversary just arrived at the local post office!
15NicolePatrick
>11 LunaticDruid: I wish the power would go out more often here, I have been spending too much time "plugged in" lately and spending less time doing the things I want to really be doing. Its a kind of trap, I think that I will just check my emails and before I know it I've wasted 3 hours. Great photo!
16LunaticDruid
>15 NicolePatrick: I am way too familiar with what you are describing :s For some reason I always tend to waste the hours I was meant to do chores and housework...
17NicolePatrick
>16 LunaticDruid: Yep, technology is definitely a time suck...
18LunaticDruid
Book 2 2015
Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan
Book 11 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
I finished this last night. The plot is finally moving forward again!
The Positives
After a couple of very slow books the pace is picking up again. Most of the storylines are very good. Looking forward to see how it all comes together.
The Negatives
Jordan still likes to repeat himself, makes the book feel repetative in times.
He still uses "pretty" or "beautiful" to describe all woman (even those who are not).
Favorite Character
Mat. I like to se how he handles all that is thrown his way. He seems to have very much bad luck despite being known for his good luck!
Least Favorite Character
Perrin. I really hope he gets his brain back soon...
Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan
Book 11 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
I finished this last night. The plot is finally moving forward again!
The Positives
After a couple of very slow books the pace is picking up again. Most of the storylines are very good. Looking forward to see how it all comes together.
The Negatives
Jordan still likes to repeat himself, makes the book feel repetative in times.
He still uses "pretty" or "beautiful" to describe all woman (even those who are not).
Favorite Character
Mat. I like to se how he handles all that is thrown his way. He seems to have very much bad luck despite being known for his good luck!
Least Favorite Character
Perrin. I really hope he gets his brain back soon...
19LunaticDruid
Book 3 2015
The Slow Regard of Silent Things: A Kingkiller Chronicle Novella by Patrick Rothfuss
Book 2.5 of the "The Kingkiller Chronicle" series.
Next up is The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss. From all the comments I have read about this book it is very clear that this is not a continuation of the "The Kingkiller Chronicles", but more of a character study of the lovely but quirky Auri we meet in the series.
First impression: The cover is stunning!
The Slow Regard of Silent Things: A Kingkiller Chronicle Novella by Patrick Rothfuss
Book 2.5 of the "The Kingkiller Chronicle" series.
Next up is The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss. From all the comments I have read about this book it is very clear that this is not a continuation of the "The Kingkiller Chronicles", but more of a character study of the lovely but quirky Auri we meet in the series.
First impression: The cover is stunning!
20NicolePatrick
I have an urge to start The Wheel of Time series, but the sheer size of the books and how many there are is kind of daunting! I still have The Name of the Wind sitting at my desk ready to go. I am kind of putting off reading the series because I know if I enjoy it, I will want to marathon it. Hope you are well :)
21LunaticDruid
>20 NicolePatrick: Thank you for stopping by! The Wheel of Time is a huge series and takes a lot of time and effort to get through, but even though I sometimes have to force myself to read on through the slower parts I find it is worth the effort (at least till now). I'm very curious to see how the series ends.
22LunaticDruid
Book 3 2015
The Slow Regard of Silent Things: A Kingkiller Chronicle Novella by Patrick Rothfuss
Book 2.5 of the "The Kingkiller Chronicle" series.
Well, this was certainly something different and a bit weird, but I liked it. We really get to know how Auri thinks and how she sees her world and how she can make it all feel just right. It is blessedly simple. I really would have liked to see this as an animated short...
I would recommend that you read the other books in the "The Kingkiller Chronicles" before you read this, and then only if you are intrigued by Auri in the other books.
The Slow Regard of Silent Things: A Kingkiller Chronicle Novella by Patrick Rothfuss
Book 2.5 of the "The Kingkiller Chronicle" series.
Well, this was certainly something different and a bit weird, but I liked it. We really get to know how Auri thinks and how she sees her world and how she can make it all feel just right. It is blessedly simple. I really would have liked to see this as an animated short...
I would recommend that you read the other books in the "The Kingkiller Chronicles" before you read this, and then only if you are intrigued by Auri in the other books.
23LunaticDruid
Book 4 2015
Salute the Dark by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 4 of the "Shadows of the Apt" series.
Next up, a return to the "insectoids" of "The Shadow of the Apt" series.
Salute the Dark by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 4 of the "Shadows of the Apt" series.
Next up, a return to the "insectoids" of "The Shadow of the Apt" series.
24LunaticDruid
Book 4 2015
Salute the Dark by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 4 of the "Shadows of the Apt" series.
Sooo. I finished this a couple of weeks ago. I've been in a social slump this last month, but I feel the mood rises as the first signs of spring is showing up. Oohh, have I missed the smell of wet earth!
Right, the book! We are once again in Collegium where Stenwold Maker prepares the city for another waspen invation force. Meanwhile Salma is harrassing another wasp army that is approaching the Ant city of Sarn. Taki tries to assemble the forces to kick the wasps out of Solarno and Tisamon is on his own mission to who knows where. The wasp kinden is still expanding aggressively, but have they streached their forces too far?
There is a lot happening in this book. But I feel we might follow a few too many characters. There is quite a lot jumping back and forth. Despite this I found myself enjoying the book a lot. I really liked the airbattle with Taki over Solarno, Tisamons "quest" and believe it or not... Totho gave a great ending to this book. Really looking forward to continuing this series.
But First...:
Salute the Dark by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 4 of the "Shadows of the Apt" series.
Sooo. I finished this a couple of weeks ago. I've been in a social slump this last month, but I feel the mood rises as the first signs of spring is showing up. Oohh, have I missed the smell of wet earth!
Right, the book! We are once again in Collegium where Stenwold Maker prepares the city for another waspen invation force. Meanwhile Salma is harrassing another wasp army that is approaching the Ant city of Sarn. Taki tries to assemble the forces to kick the wasps out of Solarno and Tisamon is on his own mission to who knows where. The wasp kinden is still expanding aggressively, but have they streached their forces too far?
There is a lot happening in this book. But I feel we might follow a few too many characters. There is quite a lot jumping back and forth. Despite this I found myself enjoying the book a lot. I really liked the airbattle with Taki over Solarno, Tisamons "quest" and believe it or not... Totho gave a great ending to this book. Really looking forward to continuing this series.
But First...:
25LunaticDruid
Book 5 2015
The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 12 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
I am about 200 pages in. Despite the change of the writing author I find it a very fluent transition. The world feels the same, the characters feels the same. Hopefully the feel of the last books in the series will remain the same, just without the repetative language of Jordan.
The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 12 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
I am about 200 pages in. Despite the change of the writing author I find it a very fluent transition. The world feels the same, the characters feels the same. Hopefully the feel of the last books in the series will remain the same, just without the repetative language of Jordan.
26LunaticDruid
I was one day late, but I made me a "pi-pie".
Cheese and ham pie with spring onions. Yummy! I like imagining this beeing served in the Two Rivers, hehe.
Cheese and ham pie with spring onions. Yummy! I like imagining this beeing served in the Two Rivers, hehe.
28MrsLee
*drooling* >26 LunaticDruid: Sorry about the mess in your library, but if you're going to post pictures like that, you have to expect it.
29LunaticDruid
>28 MrsLee: No worries. I have plants and critters to take care of that.
30LunaticDruid
Book 5 2015
The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 12 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
Managed to finish the last 100 pages today in the sunshine. A solid continuation of the series (four stars).
I especially liked the bits in and around Tar Valon. All the struggle for power!But I feel sorry for Varin.
I will soon continue the series, but first...
The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 12 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
Managed to finish the last 100 pages today in the sunshine. A solid continuation of the series (four stars).
I especially liked the bits in and around Tar Valon. All the struggle for power!
I will soon continue the series, but first...
31LunaticDruid
Book 6 2015
"Trinity" by Conn Iggulden
Book 2 of the "Wars of the Roses" series.
...some historical fiction!
"Trinity" by Conn Iggulden
Book 2 of the "Wars of the Roses" series.
...some historical fiction!
32LunaticDruid
Book 6 2015
"Trinity" by Conn Iggulden (apparently to be released as "Wars of the Roses: Margaret of Anjou" in the US June 16 2015.)
Book 2 of the "Wars of the Roses" series.
The year is 1454. King Henry VI has been ill and only semi-conscious for 18 months. During this time Richard of York has acted as Regent and slowly gathered support to claim the throne if Henry VI should die of his illness. When King Henry VI suddenly wakes from his semi-conscious state on Christmas Day 1454 and sends Richard of York packing, everything changes.
This book is set in a time period I'm not too familiar with and I'm learning a lot as I read. The "Authors note" at the end of the book is especially helpful and shows that Conn Iggulden has done his research well. What surprised me was that neither of the two sides of the civil war seemed to actually fight each other, but certain incidents made the first skirmish hard to avoid. I was also surprised to see how much honor and shame meant to people at that period, it seemed to dictate a persons actions quite a lot. I hope it won't be long for the next book to be released...
"Trinity" by Conn Iggulden (apparently to be released as "Wars of the Roses: Margaret of Anjou" in the US June 16 2015.)
Book 2 of the "Wars of the Roses" series.
The year is 1454. King Henry VI has been ill and only semi-conscious for 18 months. During this time Richard of York has acted as Regent and slowly gathered support to claim the throne if Henry VI should die of his illness. When King Henry VI suddenly wakes from his semi-conscious state on Christmas Day 1454 and sends Richard of York packing, everything changes.
This book is set in a time period I'm not too familiar with and I'm learning a lot as I read. The "Authors note" at the end of the book is especially helpful and shows that Conn Iggulden has done his research well. What surprised me was that neither of the two sides of the civil war seemed to actually fight each other, but certain incidents made the first skirmish hard to avoid. I was also surprised to see how much honor and shame meant to people at that period, it seemed to dictate a persons actions quite a lot. I hope it won't be long for the next book to be released...
33LunaticDruid
Book 7 2015
Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 13 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
Now, another Wheel of Time tome.
Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 13 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
Now, another Wheel of Time tome.
34Karlstar
I hope you enjoy book 13! Of all of the Sanderson books, I enjoyed this one, mostly for the sense that long awaited events were finally happening.
35LunaticDruid
>34 Karlstar: 100 pages in and it's looking good so far :D
The only trouble I got is I don't seem to find as much time to read as I want to. Time to cut down on sleep??
The only trouble I got is I don't seem to find as much time to read as I want to. Time to cut down on sleep??
37LunaticDruid
So, it's been a while since I posted here. 2015 has been a challanging year for me in many ways. Anxiety and depression hit me hard earlier this year and I've kept struggeling with it all through the year. The depression is now mostly under controll, but the anxiety is still all over the place.
Also, in April I had a water leak at my house. Fortunately it was outdoors, so no damage to the house, but boy was it expensive! I had to clean out all my savings to cover the bill.
I managed to save up some travle money for our family trip to USA. We landed in Minneapolis, rented a car and had a roadtrip through South Dacota to a one week family reunion at Meadowlark, Wyoming.
Might post a few pictures from the trip at a later time.
All in all a great trip. I even bought me a brand new Kindle Paperwhite! I think the kindle will replace most of my paperback purchases. I save a lot of money on freight that I can spend on some lovely hardcover books for my shelves.
Now... Books. I have kept on reading, and rating books, but I haven't been very good at keeping track in this thread. I will try to add the missing books to this thread and add some short comments on them from what I remember.
First off:
Book 7 2015
Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 13 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
It is nearing the end of "The Wheel of Time" series and the threads are slowly coming together to keep the pattern from breaking.
I was not a fan of the parts inside the "Tower of Ghenjei" with the whole running from the Aelfinn and the Eelfinn, but the rest of the book felt solid.
Also, in April I had a water leak at my house. Fortunately it was outdoors, so no damage to the house, but boy was it expensive! I had to clean out all my savings to cover the bill.
I managed to save up some travle money for our family trip to USA. We landed in Minneapolis, rented a car and had a roadtrip through South Dacota to a one week family reunion at Meadowlark, Wyoming.
Might post a few pictures from the trip at a later time.
All in all a great trip. I even bought me a brand new Kindle Paperwhite! I think the kindle will replace most of my paperback purchases. I save a lot of money on freight that I can spend on some lovely hardcover books for my shelves.
Now... Books. I have kept on reading, and rating books, but I haven't been very good at keeping track in this thread. I will try to add the missing books to this thread and add some short comments on them from what I remember.
First off:
Book 7 2015
Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 13 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
It is nearing the end of "The Wheel of Time" series and the threads are slowly coming together to keep the pattern from breaking.
I was not a fan of the parts inside the "Tower of Ghenjei" with the whole running from the Aelfinn and the Eelfinn, but the rest of the book felt solid.
39LunaticDruid
>38 SylviaC: Thank you SylviaC. Librarything is a good place to return to. I've been lurking a lot the last couple of weeks, but I'm stil way behind on all the threads I'm following.
Book 8 2015
Marius' Mules I: The Invasion of Gaul by S.J.A. Turney
Book 1 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
I felt the need to start a new series. Random.org and my spreadsheet of "New authors to try out", (now with 73 authors I haven't read before) chose Marius' Mules I: The Invasion of Gaul by S.J.A. Turney as next one up. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, and since I only have read one series set in Rome before (( "Emperor Series" by Conn Iggulden), I was excited to try this out.
As the title says it is about the Roman invasion of Gaul. We follow Marcus Falerius Fronto, commander of the Tenth Legion and a personal friend of Ceasar tries to make the best of a dangerous campaign to "aid Roman ally" Aedui from the aggressive and brutal Helvetii.
I liked how the author started each chapter with explaining the meaning of some of the Roman words that you bump into during the chapter. It made for a much smoother reading experience than if I would have to look up the words or phrases myself. I haven't read enough books set in Rome to know a lot of these.
The writing felt a bit stiff and I struggled to connect with the characters, but the book felt well researched. I will continue this series to see how both the story and the author developes (I actually started the next book in the series yesterday).
Book 8 2015
Marius' Mules I: The Invasion of Gaul by S.J.A. Turney
Book 1 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
I felt the need to start a new series. Random.org and my spreadsheet of "New authors to try out", (now with 73 authors I haven't read before) chose Marius' Mules I: The Invasion of Gaul by S.J.A. Turney as next one up. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, and since I only have read one series set in Rome before (( "Emperor Series" by Conn Iggulden), I was excited to try this out.
As the title says it is about the Roman invasion of Gaul. We follow Marcus Falerius Fronto, commander of the Tenth Legion and a personal friend of Ceasar tries to make the best of a dangerous campaign to "aid Roman ally" Aedui from the aggressive and brutal Helvetii.
I liked how the author started each chapter with explaining the meaning of some of the Roman words that you bump into during the chapter. It made for a much smoother reading experience than if I would have to look up the words or phrases myself. I haven't read enough books set in Rome to know a lot of these.
The writing felt a bit stiff and I struggled to connect with the characters, but the book felt well researched. I will continue this series to see how both the story and the author developes (I actually started the next book in the series yesterday).
40LunaticDruid
Book 9 2015
The Sekhmet Bed by Libbie Hawker (Kindle E-Book)
Book 1 of the "The She-King" series.
This is a jealousy driven romance badly camouflaged as historical fiction. OK written, but not my kind of story (too much unnecessary drama).
The Sekhmet Bed by Libbie Hawker (Kindle E-Book)
Book 1 of the "The She-King" series.
This is a jealousy driven romance badly camouflaged as historical fiction. OK written, but not my kind of story (too much unnecessary drama).
41LunaticDruid
Book 10 2015
A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 14 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
A wonderful ending of a massive series. I really liked how this all came together in the end. Brandon Sanderson did a brilliant job finnishing this series. It still felt like a Robert Jordan book, just with fewer repetitions of "braidtugging" and bossoms. Matt Cauthon provided me with just the right amount of chuckles during our roadtrip across South Dacota.
A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Book 14 of the "The Wheel of Time" series.
A wonderful ending of a massive series. I really liked how this all came together in the end. Brandon Sanderson did a brilliant job finnishing this series. It still felt like a Robert Jordan book, just with fewer repetitions of "braidtugging" and bossoms. Matt Cauthon provided me with just the right amount of chuckles during our roadtrip across South Dacota.
43AHS-Wolfy
>37 LunaticDruid: & >41 LunaticDruid: I'm planning on finishing the Wheel of Time series sometime soon and I'm currently reading Towers of Midnight. It's been a long and mostly enjoyable trip but it will be good to finally reach the end of this particular journey. Glad you enjoyed the conclusion.
Oh! Welcome back!
Oh! Welcome back!
44Sakerfalcon
Welcome back, and congratulations on finishing the Wheel of Time!
I'd love to see and hear more about your road trip.
I'd love to see and hear more about your road trip.
45hfglen
>37 LunaticDruid: Looking forward to a whole Trip Report thread!
46LunaticDruid
>42 MrsLee: >44 Sakerfalcon: >45 hfglen: Thank you all. I just need to restart my Photoshop subscription and find some time for some croping and editing and I will get you some photos.
>43 AHS-Wolfy: It was a mostly enjoyable trip for me too. All in all a great series, but I think it would have benefited from a heavier editing process, especially on the books in the middle of the series. I really think Brandon Sanderson did a stellar job in finnishing the series. It still felt like a Robert Jordan book, just better written.
>43 AHS-Wolfy: It was a mostly enjoyable trip for me too. All in all a great series, but I think it would have benefited from a heavier editing process, especially on the books in the middle of the series. I really think Brandon Sanderson did a stellar job in finnishing the series. It still felt like a Robert Jordan book, just better written.
47hfglen
>46 LunaticDruid: Just as a matter of interest. When I bought the computer I'm writing this on, the salesman was Most Unhappy that I should part with the inordinate amount of money that Photoshop wanted for a licence. He pointed me rather firmly in the direction of a package called GIMP, which is a free download. At first it's somewhat counter-intuitive if you're used to Photoshop, and the help screens are profoundly unhelpful, but after a few months of "kick it and see" I found the parts I actually use and noticed that some controls are finer-grained than the version of Photoshop I was used to!
48LunaticDruid
>47 hfglen: I had all but forgotten about GIMP. Last time I tried it (think it was about 9 years ago) it was very unstable and hard to use, but a lot may have changed since then. I think I will give it another try. Thank you for reminding me.
I am a huge fan of Photoshop. I love how easy it is to work in layers and to add graphics and effects (I like to make my own bookmarks with different themes in style to what I read). Photoshop is also great help at restoring old photos. My grandfather sent me some scans of some old photographs. Being exposed to sunlight for several years the colors had started to fade. Just for fun I loaded the photo into photoshop and hit the "Autocorrect color" button and the result left me almost speechless. I know I can replicate this by ajusting the colors, brightness and contrast separately, but that is a lot more time consuming. It might reduce some of the graining added by the autocorrect though. I need to investigate and experiment a little with this I think.
Pictures from the example above: Left - Original scan. Right - After automatic color correction by Photoshop.
For those curious. This is my grandfather posing beside his first vintage car, a 1930 Austin Seven Saloon. I think the photo was taken in the middle of the 1980s.
I am a huge fan of Photoshop. I love how easy it is to work in layers and to add graphics and effects (I like to make my own bookmarks with different themes in style to what I read). Photoshop is also great help at restoring old photos. My grandfather sent me some scans of some old photographs. Being exposed to sunlight for several years the colors had started to fade. Just for fun I loaded the photo into photoshop and hit the "Autocorrect color" button and the result left me almost speechless. I know I can replicate this by ajusting the colors, brightness and contrast separately, but that is a lot more time consuming. It might reduce some of the graining added by the autocorrect though. I need to investigate and experiment a little with this I think.
Pictures from the example above: Left - Original scan. Right - After automatic color correction by Photoshop.
For those curious. This is my grandfather posing beside his first vintage car, a 1930 Austin Seven Saloon. I think the photo was taken in the middle of the 1980s.
49Karlstar
Congrats on finishing WoT! I really enjoyed the series, even if some were a bit of a slog. I wish Jordan had a chance to finish the series himself, the last book felt a bit unfinished, but I was still glad to see the end.
50LunaticDruid
Book 11 2015
The Terror: A Short Story by Giles Kristian
Standalone short story.
A short story set in Skudeneshavn, Norway, AD 758. Harald and his friends compete in a challange to impress the father of a beautiful girl. It is dirty, gritty, full of naked men and a vicious beast. An OK story, set in familiar landscape (I grew up not too far from Skudesneshavn). I might pick up one of the authors full length books at a later time.
The Terror: A Short Story by Giles Kristian
Standalone short story.
A short story set in Skudeneshavn, Norway, AD 758. Harald and his friends compete in a challange to impress the father of a beautiful girl. It is dirty, gritty, full of naked men and a vicious beast. An OK story, set in familiar landscape (I grew up not too far from Skudesneshavn). I might pick up one of the authors full length books at a later time.
51LunaticDruid
Book 12 2015
The Adventures of Ivor by Dave Duncan
Book 1-3 of the "Ivor of Glenbroch" series.
The Adventures of Ivor is an omnibus containing the three books: The Runner and the Wizard, The Runner and the Saint and The Runner and the Kelpie. Ivor of Glenbroch is a runner. He can memorize long messages and often deliver the massage over large distances faster than a messenger on horseback.
Thane Carrak has sent Ivor to find Rorie of Ytter, a man known to always succeed in the task given him. This is the start of a series of events that would change Ivors life forever...
I would be hesitant to call this a real Omnibus. It felt more like one book split into three parts. For me the story felt a bit rushed and the solutions to the various challenges that occured was often resolved too easily and too quick. For me it lacked a bit of meat to the descriptions and some weight to the solutions to mke it all more satisfying. It might be I'm just getting to old. I'm sure this will fitt well into a younger audience (YA).
The Adventures of Ivor by Dave Duncan
Book 1-3 of the "Ivor of Glenbroch" series.
The Adventures of Ivor is an omnibus containing the three books: The Runner and the Wizard, The Runner and the Saint and The Runner and the Kelpie. Ivor of Glenbroch is a runner. He can memorize long messages and often deliver the massage over large distances faster than a messenger on horseback.
Thane Carrak has sent Ivor to find Rorie of Ytter, a man known to always succeed in the task given him. This is the start of a series of events that would change Ivors life forever...
I would be hesitant to call this a real Omnibus. It felt more like one book split into three parts. For me the story felt a bit rushed and the solutions to the various challenges that occured was often resolved too easily and too quick. For me it lacked a bit of meat to the descriptions and some weight to the solutions to mke it all more satisfying. It might be I'm just getting to old. I'm sure this will fitt well into a younger audience (YA).
52LunaticDruid
Book 13 2015
The Scarab Path by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 5 of the "Shadows of the Apt" series.
The war against the Wasp Empire is over. Word has reached Collegium of an ancient beatle city beyond the desert of Nem named Khanaphes. It is said the inhabitants still live as they did centuries before, not making any technological advancement. Cheerwell Maker joins an expedition to tie diplomatic bonds between Collegium and Khanaphes as well as uncover the truth of some of the mysteries of the ancient city. Meanwhile the wasp sends their own "expedition" as they don't believe the Collegium expedition is for accademic reasons only...
Again, an easy and entertaining read and so different from all the other series I have read. I still enjoy how the different species of insectoid humans behave differently and have different abilities directly connected to their race.
The Scarab Path by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 5 of the "Shadows of the Apt" series.
The war against the Wasp Empire is over. Word has reached Collegium of an ancient beatle city beyond the desert of Nem named Khanaphes. It is said the inhabitants still live as they did centuries before, not making any technological advancement. Cheerwell Maker joins an expedition to tie diplomatic bonds between Collegium and Khanaphes as well as uncover the truth of some of the mysteries of the ancient city. Meanwhile the wasp sends their own "expedition" as they don't believe the Collegium expedition is for accademic reasons only...
Again, an easy and entertaining read and so different from all the other series I have read. I still enjoy how the different species of insectoid humans behave differently and have different abilities directly connected to their race.
53LunaticDruid
Book 14 2015
The Sea Watch by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 6 of the "Shadows of the Apt" series.
It has been some time since the war against the Wasp Empire ended, but trouble is brewing in Collegium. Sea trade is under threat. Ships are being raided by pirates or dissapear entirely. Stenwold Maker soon uncover evidence that puts former allies as responsible. In an attempt to put things straight he soon finds himself in deep water (litterally), being swept away by a huge sea monster. When he wakes up, he is on his way to a world he never knew existed.
The Sea Watch by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 6 of the "Shadows of the Apt" series.
It has been some time since the war against the Wasp Empire ended, but trouble is brewing in Collegium. Sea trade is under threat. Ships are being raided by pirates or dissapear entirely. Stenwold Maker soon uncover evidence that puts former allies as responsible. In an attempt to put things straight he soon finds himself in deep water (litterally), being swept away by a huge sea monster. When he wakes up, he is on his way to a world he never knew existed.
54LunaticDruid
Book 15 2015
Marius' Mules II: The Belgae by S.J.A. Turney
Book 2 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
Now to my current read. The Belgae feeling threatened by the Roman precence in Gaul has started to gather a large army, even accepting germanic tribes into its ranks. Cæsar, currently being politically blocked in Rome needs to answer this new threat. Not only to protect Rome and their new Gaulic allies, but to muscle his way up the political ladder.
Marius' Mules II: The Belgae by S.J.A. Turney
Book 2 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
Now to my current read. The Belgae feeling threatened by the Roman precence in Gaul has started to gather a large army, even accepting germanic tribes into its ranks. Cæsar, currently being politically blocked in Rome needs to answer this new threat. Not only to protect Rome and their new Gaulic allies, but to muscle his way up the political ladder.
55Sakerfalcon
>48 LunaticDruid: The difference between the before and after photo is amazing. So good to be able to keep those memories from literally fading away.
56LunaticDruid
Book 15 2015
Marius' Mules II: The Belgae by S.J.A. Turney
Book 2 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
This continues the story started in Marius' Mules I: The Invasion of Gaul. Having heard of the large Roman army and the invasion of Gaul, the Belgae tribes, fearfull of being the victim of Roman oppression start to gather into a massive army of their own.
I feel the author has taken a step up on describing the battles, which are massive. You can almost feel the weight of the "barbarian" warriors pressing against the Roman shield wall.
I still feel a bit disconnected from the characters. It might be because of all the drinking... They don't seem to be able to sociolize with a truckload of wine (or in this case a cartload). I'm amazed the legion and especially their leaders are able stay on their feet! I also have some issues of how Ceasar is portrayed, but I hope this will improve further on in the series.
Still like how each chapters starts of with explenations of the Roman words and expressions that occurs in the coming chapter.
Marius' Mules II: The Belgae by S.J.A. Turney
Book 2 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
This continues the story started in Marius' Mules I: The Invasion of Gaul. Having heard of the large Roman army and the invasion of Gaul, the Belgae tribes, fearfull of being the victim of Roman oppression start to gather into a massive army of their own.
I feel the author has taken a step up on describing the battles, which are massive. You can almost feel the weight of the "barbarian" warriors pressing against the Roman shield wall.
I still feel a bit disconnected from the characters. It might be because of all the drinking... They don't seem to be able to sociolize with a truckload of wine (or in this case a cartload). I'm amazed the legion and especially their leaders are able stay on their feet! I also have some issues of how Ceasar is portrayed, but I hope this will improve further on in the series.
Still like how each chapters starts of with explenations of the Roman words and expressions that occurs in the coming chapter.
57LunaticDruid
Book 16 2015
Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
Book 1 of the "Dinosaur Lake" series.
Next up, Dinosaur Lake. I have always loved dinosaurs and still get the tingling feeling when I hear the "Jurassic Park" theme. Having read both Jurrassic Park and The Lost World by Michael Crichton I have struggled to find other books with dinosaurs that looked exciting, but this one cought my eye.
I just managed to get halfway through the first chapter before my eyelids became too heavy yesterday so still in early in the introduction.
Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
Book 1 of the "Dinosaur Lake" series.
Next up, Dinosaur Lake. I have always loved dinosaurs and still get the tingling feeling when I hear the "Jurassic Park" theme. Having read both Jurrassic Park and The Lost World by Michael Crichton I have struggled to find other books with dinosaurs that looked exciting, but this one cought my eye.
I just managed to get halfway through the first chapter before my eyelids became too heavy yesterday so still in early in the introduction.
58LunaticDruid
Wow. So December happened... Work got crazy busy! Combine that with my other challanges i'm working with, there wasn't much energy (or focus) to get much reading done. But, I did managed to finish:
Book 16 2015
Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
Book 1 of the "Dinosaur Lake" series.
In this book we meet Henry Shore, Chief Park Ranger of Crater Lake National Park. He is about to finish a guided tour as an earthquake hits the park. On the way back to the Lodge they come across a small landslide revealing what appears to be a large collection of dinosaur bones. Soon reports of weird sightings of tracks and chewed up wildlife start to appear at the lakes edge...
An OK read. The characters are likable and feels natural, the monster vicious enough. But there were some sections near the end felt a bit flat. Hiding the rest behind a spoiler tag as it may contain very minor spoilers... Also the sections where we see things from the monsters side and get to read his thoughts felt unnecessary. Oh... and There were also this "I want to marry your daughter that I have known for two weeks as soon as she divorces her idiot husband" situation that made me a lot more angry than I thought it would. Apparantly I have an old fashioned view of marrige and devorces...
That was it for 2015. I will start a new thread for 2016 soon, just need to decide on a title.
Link for new thread will appear "here" when it is up.
Book 16 2015
Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
Book 1 of the "Dinosaur Lake" series.
In this book we meet Henry Shore, Chief Park Ranger of Crater Lake National Park. He is about to finish a guided tour as an earthquake hits the park. On the way back to the Lodge they come across a small landslide revealing what appears to be a large collection of dinosaur bones. Soon reports of weird sightings of tracks and chewed up wildlife start to appear at the lakes edge...
An OK read. The characters are likable and feels natural, the monster vicious enough. But there were some sections near the end felt a bit flat. Hiding the rest behind a spoiler tag as it may contain very minor spoilers...
That was it for 2015. I will start a new thread for 2016 soon, just need to decide on a title.
Link for new thread will appear "here" when it is up.
