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What Are You Reading?

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alchemist33

Finished the first Expanse novel, Leviathan Awakes. Halfway through I thought it was the best SF I'd read in years, than it went all aimless for a long while until a decent ending. It redeemed itself enough to make me read the second at some point.

Now on the last of Hamilton's Salvation novels. Not his best by any means but still good.

Glebee

Glebee wrote: »

Still on House of Chains, 60% through.:(
Definitely not as baffling as previous books but I still have those wtf was that moments as the book progressed. I keep saying "thats it, im finished with malazan after this one', but Midnight Tides was 99p on Amazon last week so I bought it. I think they really need to be read one after the other as I usually end up breaking and find myself forgetting sections of the previous book when I go back again. Im guessing if I have an 90% idea of whats going on over the entire series so far im doing well.

Eventually got finished with House of Chains. What started off as a great read turned into a bit of a slog for me and ended on a whimper I felt. So far my least favourite Malazan book. Even though I have next one ready to go I am defo taking a break from Malazan and im not sure if ill return for a while, if ever.

The White Feather

The White Feather wrote: »

Still working away on the Malazan Book of the Fallen series.

Finished both The Bonehunters and Reapers Gale. Long but fun reads!

Next up is the 8th book "Toll the Hounds" *Deep breath* :pac:

Finished Toll the Hounds and Dust of Dreams. I didn't like the first but loved the second!

Now onto the final book in the series. "The Crippled God"

Igotadose

Just finished "The Windup Girl." Interesting read and the ending was a bit of a surprise. Now onto "Vicious" by V. E. Schwab. Yet another 'super abilities revealed while at University to attractive students." Hopefully it improves.

For those looking for great vintage. Saberhagen's "Books of Lost Swords" are fantastic. They're from the mid/late 80's/early 90's, which I suppose makes them vintage though I remember eagerly buying them when they were new!

lordgoat

lordgoat wrote: »

finish windup girl. Really enjoyed the ending.

Went back to Sanderson - Mistborn - book 4, was hoping he'd have this series finished by the time I started but I guess I'll have to wait for the last one.

Had to go back to Mistborn 1-3 as I had forgotten the magic system so enjoying these again before Mistborn book 5!

Beanstalk wrote: »

Back reading the Sparhawk novels by David Eddings. They're not bad, a good page turner. Really struggling to find new fantasy that I like these days.

Feist! If you haven't read him. Or Sanderson - Mistborn. Or Joe Abercrombie.

Blackhorse Slim

Beanstalk wrote: »

Back reading the Sparhawk novels by David Eddings. They're not bad, a good page turner. Really struggling to find new fantasy that I like these days.

If you haven't already, check out the Riyria Revelations by Michael J Sullivan. Although new, this is very much classic fantasy in the old style. Also worth looking at Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames.

Beanstalk

Back reading the Sparhawk novels by David Eddings. They're not bad, a good page turner. Really struggling to find new fantasy that I like these days.

[Deleted User]

Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons. I googled scariest books and it came up on a lot of lists. Took ages to find it somewhere online the wasn't bookdepository or amazon. Couldn't find anywhere in Ireland

Gonna start reading tonight. Hopefully it'll frighten the life out of me

ixoy

* 'Skysworn' by Will Wight, the fourth book in his 'Cradle' series. Very easy to read, a lot of fun (again). It also more firmly set up the scale of the series and the stakes at play in some very satisfying action pieces.

* 'The Crystal Shard' by R.A. Salvatore, the first book in his Icewind Dale trilogy. This is "old school" fantasy and it really showed. Found it a bit of a slog - stodgy writing, cardboard characters, a terrible villain (he actually does manic laughing) and a bland plot. It's his first published book and, having read the chronologically previous trilogy, I know he can write better. Very bland.

Jayd0g

ixoy wrote: »

* '

* 'Rogue Protocol' by Matha Wells, the third book in her Murderbot series. For me, it was the weakest so far. I think it's because the plot was a little bland, feeling a bit like a filler and that's even with it being a novella. The character of Miki definitely helped and I was never bored but wasn't fully drawn in either. Perfectly happy to read more though as I know Wells can deliver better.

Have just finished this too, and agree 100%. It was entertaining enough though.

I'm tempted to try one of Martha Wells other series based on enjoying the Murderbot Diaries.

Any recommendations on where to start?

ixoy

* 'The Monster Baru Cormorant' by Seth Dickinson, the second book in his Masquerade series. I knew this one was considered flawed going in so it wasn't quite as poor as I feared but still a very different beast to the first one. The cold calculations and manipulations are gone. The politics are shoved aside for an adventure quest almost and emotions, hidden before, are much more openly displayed on all characters. It's quite jarring and it doesn't really help that it feels very much like half a book, with just a cliffhanger.
There's some good bits in it - the leman character of Tau is interesting and Dickinson has done some interesting work with the cultures which, if anything, might draw a bit from African lore. The viewpoint of those cultures is an interesting comparison to the sterile, rule driven, hygienic Baru is fighting against. It just still feels like a different beast but, I'm encouraged to see, that the third book looks like it shifts it all back into place.

* 'Rogue Protocol' by Matha Wells, the third book in her Murderbot series. For me, it was the weakest so far. I think it's because the plot was a little bland, feeling a bit like a filler and that's even with it being a novella. The character of Miki definitely helped and I was never bored but wasn't fully drawn in either. Perfectly happy to read more though as I know Wells can deliver better.

Conall Cernach

I'm re-reading some of the classics after spending longer than I'd like finishing the dire Witcher series. I finished Lord Valentine's Castle the other night. I hadn't read it in over 30 years, it's still damn good but the final third is a bit dull. I then started The Chronicles of Amber which I hadn't read in 20 years. It's still great as ever.

lordgoat

finish windup girl. Really enjoyed the ending.

Went back to Sanderson - Mistborn - book 4, was hoping he'd have this series finished by the time I started but I guess I'll have to wait for the last one.

Lady Haywire

^ Same as above. Reckon it would have been a good trilogy as it just seemed a bit too padded out in places. I did enjoy it as a series though, just felt it'd have made a more exciting read if the filler was removed.

Jayd0g

RMDrive wrote: »

On the last book of the Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks (book 5). I'm listening to it on Audible and I'm really enjoying it. He writes very witty characters and I regularly find myself chuckling while on my commute. One of the most enjoyable series I've read in years.

Also reading the Demon Cycle by Peter Brett - currently on book 3. Enjoyed the first couple but finding that this one is dragging a lot. Will battle through.

Similar experience with the Demon Cycle.

Introducing new character viewpoints and delaying plot progress to flesh out their history is a bit frustrating.

I've finished book 4 and will stick with it as I'm curious to see how it ends.

RMDrive

On the last book of the Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks (book 5). I'm listening to it on Audible and I'm really enjoying it. He writes very witty characters and I regularly find myself chuckling while on my commute. One of the most enjoyable series I've read in years.

Also reading the Demon Cycle by Peter Brett - currently on book 3. Enjoyed the first couple but finding that this one is dragging a lot. Will battle through.

ednwireland

Blackhorse Slim wrote: »

How are they? I've never read any of them, but heard about them... being a big fan of Asprin's MYTH series. Wondering if these are worthwhile... thanks.

well i love shadows of sanctuary! think the different perspectives form different authors is great which is why i got the first two 2nd hand form the states. i think theres 8 original ones.

Never realised theres a whole RPG /D&D type thing around them just had an old 2nd hand book i bought 30 years ago on the shelf (didnt realise it was a series until a couple of years ago

)

Blackhorse Slim

ednwireland wrote: »

thieves world , bought the 3rd book many many years ago just had 1 and 2 delivered 2nd hand from USA

How are they? I've never read any of them, but heard about them... being a big fan of Asprin's MYTH series. Wondering if these are worthwhile... thanks.

ednwireland

thieves world , bought the 3rd book many many years ago just had 1 and 2 delivered 2nd hand from USA

fenris

That is one of the nice things about the Malazan books, you get a lot more out of a reread, I normally just read through on the first reading without trying to get all of the sub texts in the knowledge that they are the dessert for when I come back through again!

The audiobooks are a great way to do rereads before diving into the next paper version, the mix in media sometimes lets you link together bits that you may have missed and sometimes just leads you down the wrong path and lines you up to be smashed right in the feels.

Glebee

Fian wrote: »

I had to read this series twice to manage to absorb it tbh. Great series I love it.

Another tool I found useful to dip into, especially if you have taken a break between books, is the tor re-read series. That explained some connections I think I would have missed. I have an unfortunate habit of reading too quickly, without taking the time to really appreciate/enjoy/think about what I am reading, probably because I am used to doing that in work where sometimes I need to get the gist of a lot of information quickly.

https://www.tor.com/series/malazan-reread-of-the-fallen/

Ive been using that alright, it just irks me a bit that Ive read the book, now I have to read something else to help me understand what I just read.:D Sometime actually soon after ive read the original book...

Fian

Glebee wrote: »

Still on House of Chains, 60% through.:(
Definitely not as baffling as previous books but I still have those wtf was that moments as the book progressed. I keep saying "thats it, im finished with malazan after this one', but Midnight Tides was 99p on Amazon last week so I bought it. I think they really need to be read one after the other as I usually end up breaking and find myself forgetting sections of the previous book when I go back again. Im guessing if I have an 90% idea of whats going on over the entire series so far im doing well.

I had to read this series twice to manage to absorb it tbh. Great series I love it.

Another tool I found useful to dip into, especially if you have taken a break between books, is the tor re-read series. That explained some connections I think I would have missed. I have an unfortunate habit of reading too quickly, without taking the time to really appreciate/enjoy/think about what I am reading, probably because I am used to doing that in work where sometimes I need to get the gist of a lot of information quickly.

https://www.tor.com/series/malazan-reread-of-the-fallen/

Igotadose

smacl wrote: »

Just finished listening to Strange/Norrell on audible and was found it very disappointing, bordering on tedious even. I struggled to empathise with, or believe in, any of the main characters. That said, I could see it working far better as a show for those who enjoy period drama in a Bridgerton meets Harry Potter kind of way. I was actually going to go for Perenesi first but saw the strong reviews for Strange/Norrell and picked that instead. I seem to be the exception with this book in that the bulk of the reviews are very positive.

Another possibility was the audiobook version just wasn't so great. It was a brilliant read, couldn't put it down. And far more than a 'harry potter meets bridgerton,' imo the 'villain' in the book is one of the most terrifying monsters I've ever read in fiction.

Anyway, to each their own. Currently reading that free Kindle download of the Asian kids meet space-Angels, whatever it's called again. Very light reading, the one that was mentioned here.

smacl

Igotadose wrote: »

TBF herself and I, huge Strange/Norrell fans, were both disappointed in Piranesi. Clarke was seriously ill for a number of years and was working on Piranese then. Definitely not as brilliant as Strange/Norrell.

BTW the BBC adaptation of Strange/Norrell was one of our great lockdown binges. What a beautifully imagined show, great artwork and fine performances. The DVD's should be available at your local Ireland library once they reopen.

Just finished listening to Strange/Norrell on audible and was found it very disappointing, bordering on tedious even. I struggled to empathise with, or believe in, any of the main characters. That said, I could see it working far better as a show for those who enjoy period drama in a Bridgerton meets Harry Potter kind of way. I was actually going to go for Perenesi first but saw the strong reviews for Strange/Norrell and picked that instead. I seem to be the exception with this book in that the bulk of the reviews are very positive.

Igotadose

ixoy wrote: »

* "Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke. Agreeing with the reviews, it's best to go into this one cold - knowing only that it's in the first person where the narrator lives in a series of interconnected halls, empty of life but for statues. The mystery is interesting and Clarke's got some very strong prose. Reminded me a bit of something China Mieville might right - it's a sort of new weird fairy tale. It's quite unusual and very good.

TBF herself and I, huge Strange/Norrell fans, were both disappointed in Piranesi. Clarke was seriously ill for a number of years and was working on Piranese then. Definitely not as brilliant as Strange/Norrell.

BTW the BBC adaptation of Strange/Norrell was one of our great lockdown binges. What a beautifully imagined show, great artwork and fine performances. The DVD's should be available at your local Ireland library once they reopen.

Gary kk

Just finished The Foundation series it's good.

Started Rama series it's also appears to to be well written.

alchemist33

I went retro and am halfway though Flowers For Algernon. It's everything people said it is, a stunning read.

Glebee

The White Feather wrote: »

Still working away on the Malazan Book of the Fallen series.

Finished both The Bonehunters and Reapers Gale. Long but fun reads!

Next up is the 8th book "Toll the Hounds" *Deep breath* :pac:

Still on House of Chains, 60% through.:(
Definitely not as baffling as previous books but I still have those wtf was that moments as the book progressed. I keep saying "thats it, im finished with malazan after this one', but Midnight Tides was 99p on Amazon last week so I bought it. I think they really need to be read one after the other as I usually end up breaking and find myself forgetting sections of the previous book when I go back again. Im guessing if I have an 90% idea of whats going on over the entire series so far im doing well.

The White Feather

The White Feather wrote: »

OK, now finished House of Chains and Midnight Tides. Halfway through the Malazan series.

Great reads and glad I started them!!

Still working away on the Malazan Book of the Fallen series.

Finished both The Bonehunters and Reapers Gale. Long but fun reads!

Next up is the 8th book "Toll the Hounds" *Deep breath* :pac:

ixoy

* "The Knight's Shadow" by Sebastian de Castell, book 2 in his Greatcoats series. It's a good series so far and it's nice to see a lead character who is genuinely a good person, even when going through some very dark moments. There's a lot of sharp wit at times and the pacing is solid. The plot and world building aren't particularly original - basically feuding over control of a kingdom - but it was well enough told that it didn't matter.

* "God of Broken Things" by Camerson Johnston, the second book in his 'Age of Tyranny' duology. Grimdark, anti-hero fantasy the sequel sets out to visit a very obviously based Scottish culture (the author's Scottish) going up against some fierce demonic forces, reminding me a bit of some manga/animé. There's not a huge amount of depth here but Johnston's very good at keeping the action going - lots of bloodied battles and violence. A criticism might be that the speed is so fast there's no time to develop the world - it's almost the opposite of the Tad William's book "Empire of Grass" that I read. More of a popcorn meal than anything, but nothing wrong with that now and then.

* "Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke. Agreeing with the reviews, it's best to go into this one cold - knowing only that it's in the first person where the narrator lives in a series of interconnected halls, empty of life but for statues. The mystery is interesting and Clarke's got some very strong prose. Reminded me a bit of something China Mieville might right - it's a sort of new weird fairy tale. It's quite unusual and very good.