Fantasy Book Club discussion

Welcome to May everyone! It's been a cold spring here. Can't wait for the warm weather.
:)

Tell us about your reading material for this month.

Just started the fnatastic "Lairs of the Hidden Gods" series, which is Japanese fiction based on the Cthulhu Mythos. Highly recommended especially for those why think they've seen it all when it comes to Mythos fiction. (Night Voices, Night Journeys is the first in the 4-volume set.)

I'm also continuing my epic "Shannara" re-read from the beginning; I've hit the original "Sword" trilogy, and I'd forogtten how much I disliked Sword, but loved Elfstones....

And I just picekd up the The Fantastic Four Omnibus Volume 3, which continues the classic Lee/Kirby run (Issue 61 thru 93, IIRC.) {And fantastic cover art, as always, by Alex Ross.)

I've recently finished rereading The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man and Expedition to the Mountains of the Moon - the 6th book is coming out in August and I need to get caught up in the series.

Also I read Libriomancer which was fun but weak - does the writing improve in the other books of the series?

Now I'm listening to The Initiate Brother Duology which I've read many times - listening to the audio version is good, it's pretty well done.

And I'm trying again to read Soulless - the main character annoys me some - she's almost a caricature of an upright Victorian society miss, but I'm hoping she gets to be a real person as the story progresses. Only to Ch. 3, gonna just keep plowing ahead because the world seems interesting.

Currently reading The Lies of Locke Lamora and it's oh-so-much-fun!

Plan for this month is finish up Half the World this weekend, I just finished the Rithmatist so I'll be done the BOTM's early, then finish the last two of the Fionavar Tapestry, hitchhikers guide to the galaxy #3, and Kushiels Dart. If it's a good reading month I might even start on The Great Hunt (WoT #2)

I'm on Quest for Lost Heroes. David A. Gemmell, then I'll have to read North and South or it'll be the second month I turn up at book group without reading the book. Then I'm planning on Malazan 3 and 4, although I'm away for a week at the end of May and travelling without my kindle (too much sand!) so that may influence reading choices.

At the moment, I'm reading The Name of the Wind which, to be frank, is leaving me with mixed feelings.

The Martian, Ancillary Justice and Nexus are next on the list (unless I come by something different), which means May is shapping up to be a very Sci-Fi heavy month!

Lamora/Ches wrote: "At the moment, I'm reading The Name of the Wind which, to be frank, is leaving me with mixed feelings.

The Martian, Ancillary Justice and [book:Nexus..."

I struggled with The Name of the Wind. I remember the opening chapters being really intriguing, and then when it shifted to 'let me tell you about my life', I was really disappointed! I think nothing was ever going to compare to what I'd imagined in my head from all the hype - in the end, I couldn't remember any more of the story than I can about 90% of the generic epic fantasy I read.

Also, thank you for mentioning The Martian! I've been meaning to add it to my Audible wishlist and kept forgetting, so thanks for the reminder!

Amy wrote: "Lamora/Ches wrote: "At the moment, I'm reading The Name of the Wind which, to be frank, is leaving me with mixed feelings.

The Martian, [book:Ancillary Justice|17333..."

Pat Rothfuss is a pretty solid writer but it’s not enough. I am feeling the same exact disappointment about the shift to Kvothe story. This is even more decisive to me as a reader because I recently finished the Farseer Trilogy, where Robin Hobb does this “I’ll tell you where I come from” much, much better.

I’d like so much to hear more about the Chronicler, who sounds wonderfully Pratchett-y.

I am currently listening to Mistress of Magic. The The Mists of Avalon audiobooks are divided into four parts. I can honestly say that if this one doesn't get any better, I won't be listening to the other three parts.

I'm gonna read Clive Barker's Weaveworld. I've not read it in years. I loved it the first time. I wonder will I feel the same second time around. Just finished P V. Brett's the skull throne. Which I really enjoyed. It's making its way nicely towards the series resolution, lots of surprises.
I also need to start a re read of David Gemmell's books. I'm having withdrawal symptoms. I miss Druss and Waylander.

Amy, we're reading the Drenai ones in the sister group.

What is the sister group?

Going to finish the tropic of serpents by Marie Brennan and will probably go straight into book 3. I will probably pick up Peter Brett's Skull throne to finish off the month.

Amy wrote: "What is the sister group?"

Fantasy Book Club Series, it has the same group picture but now has current mods.

Here is my review of the last book in the empire trilogy.I really loved this series and considering the fact it was a collaboration between two authors who seem to complement each other perfectly.

It is a beautiful day in May, and I'm sitting out in the back yard-no bugs!- reading "Tales from Galavan's Bar," by L. Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt. I'm lovin' it.

Not here in the north of England. Thunder storm over night, wet and cold all day.

Shari Kay wrote: "Reading really entertain SF read"

Yes to this! I decided to pick up Fortune's Pawn from the library based off of Felicia Day's book club. I absolutely consumed the first book and decided to buy all three in the series, and now recommend it to anyone who enjoys books in general!

Still reading Mordant's Need by Stephen R. Donaldson which is really good and original. Court intrigue, totally character-driven with an interesting romance subtheme, it is like following a multi-player strategy board game. Very engaging so far, and the second part has more action.
Then probably Half the World by Joe Abercrombie since it's this month group's read, and two books I'm eagerly anticipating reading, Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell and Sorcerer's Legacy by Janny Wurts. I really miss Wurts' style and rhythm!

After those, I'm not sure, Song of the Beast by Carol Berg or Son of the Morning by Mark Alder, and then it's high time I read Rise of the King by R.A. Salvatore, the previous book was very good...or I could just delve into The Sarantine Mosaic by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Sumant wrote: "Here is my review of the last book in the empire trilogy.I really loved this series and considering the fact it was a collaboration between two authors who seem to complement each other perfectly."

I'm a huge fan of the Wars of Light and Shadow, which I have recently read straight, but I still have to try the Empire Trilogy (very high on my TBR). From what I've gathered, some readers were confused by the different approaches, Wurts and Feist books have a linear plot, while Wurts favors layered plots. A nice example of her solo works is To Ride Hell’s Chasm, a great standalone (a missing princess, court intrigue and action/adventure with unique magic), which I would recommend as entry point into her works, before trying The Curse of the Mistwraith which is one of my favorite books ever, but one full of unreliable narrators, sudden twists and characters who don't reveal their motivations very easily - totally rewarding, but having prior knowledge of Wurts' way of delivery enhances the experience.

I found Wurts via Feist. It's a good trilogy, they certainly work well as a team.

but one full of unreliable narrators, sudden twists and characters who don't reveal their motivations very easily - totally rewarding, but having prior knowledge of Wurts' way of delivery enhances the experience.

I totally agree.

This is a series where it pays to parse every sentence and read between the lines, since evey word she chooses is very deliberately and meticulously placed.

Much the Malazan series, the Wars of Light and Shadow is very dense, and not necesaarily for everyone, but if you stick with it, you're guaranteed to be rewarded richly.

Alissa wrote: "Still reading Mordant's Need by Stephen R. Donaldson which is really good and original. Court intrigue, totally character-driven with an interesting romance subtheme, i..."

I loved Mordant's Need when I read it years ago. I've still got my copies somewhere, and I keep meaning to read them again. I know the Thomas Covenant series really divides readers, but I think Mordant's Need is perhaps a bit more easily accessible.

I've just finished Lovers and Beloveds. It took me a long time to get into it, but somewhere around the halfway mark it suddenly became a lot more compelling, so I'll be looking for the second book next time I do a Kobo order.

The Eli Monpress series The Legend of Eli Monpress is actually quite good and extremely readable, with some really well-drawn characters.

I think it's suitable for a younger audience (I don't recall anything particularly profane or risque about it), but I'm not sure that the target audience necessarily.

Starting The Shadow Throne, finishing this trilogy up. And after that I'll finish Tawny man trilogy, Fool's Fate.

Shadowdenizen wrote: "This is a series where it pays to parse every sentence and read between the lines, since evey word she chooses is very deliberately and meticulously placed."

Oh yes! One of my favorite games with the series. Also reading on many events or characters maybe dismissed as filler material come back in later books with a vengeance, or the true depth of intricacy of some plot knots comes to the fore. Current and past events intertwine, combine and concur to deliver an engaging and adult story. A strong design and no waver in quality (as unfortunately happens in many longer series).
Then it is just the kind of epic tale that grows to and with the reader, not bad at all (I am barely finished and already planning for a re-read, uh!).

Amy wrote: "I know the Thomas Covenant series really divides readers, but I think Mordant's Need is perhaps a bit more easily accessible."

Bleak? Chaotic? Dense? Mordant's need is the first I'm reading by the Donaldson, and it's a solid 4 stars so far, I don't mind the cynicism much. Is it not representative of the author style?

I have The Legend of Eli Monpress on my TBR too, I'm exceedingly young at hearth :D:D:D
Speaking of YA, anyone's reading A Court of Thorns and Roses, the new Sarah J. Maas? I was thinking about it for my next YA read, but not sure.

[quote]Bleak? Chaotic? Dense? Mordant's need is the first I'm reading by the Donaldson, and it's a solid 4 stars so far, I don't mind the cynicism much. Is it not representative of the author style?
[/quote]

Count me as another who prefers Mordant's Need to Thomas Covenenant.

I read the Covenant books as they came out, so I was considerably younger when they started, and alot of the nuances escaped me. Having re-read the entire series fairly recently, I find Covenenat to be quite a a loathsome "Hero", and someone I have absolutely no empathy for from beginning to end, not matter how how much he (allegedly) "grew" througout the series. ("Cynical" doens't even begin to describe Covenant.)

Mordants Need I found quite charming, however; I liked both Geraden and Teresa almost immediately, and there was a plethora of well-defined backup characters to enjoy, as well.

[quote]Then it is just the kind of epic tale that grows to and with the reader, not bad at all (I am barely finished and already planning for a re-read, uh!).[/quote]

Yes, I've been reading since they were first published, and my view of the earlier novels. and the characters within, has certianly changed as I re-read them. (This was before I instituted "The Jordan Rule", and only read series that are complete or near-complete.)

Surprising, I think my view on the Fellowship of the Seven has changed the most, even more than Arithon or Lysaer.

My only problem is the map. The maps in the books don't help, given the amount of details and the tiny size. The interative map on Jannys website is much more useful, but still a little akward to maneuver through. I had debated getting one of the large-size poster maps she sells, but that's an indulgence I'm not quite ready to splurge on just yet...

Ah, thank you! I see what you mean, I think I'll stick with Mordant's Need and then I'll see. And yes, surely I love characters that throw me off balance, in a way that when it comes I realize it was there all along, and I got tricked through and through. It takes a great amount of skill in characterization, but Wurts has achieved mastery in that compartment. I agree with you ;)
I used the interactive map and the wiki (typed the locations in the search function of the wiki), but my trusted companion was the printed map. Those posters are beautiful though!

Shadowdenizen has said pretty much what I was going to say. :)

I read all the Thomas Covenant books years ago, and I don't think I appreciated at the time just how unpleasant a character Covenant is. I can't actually remember how dark Mordant's Need is, but its characters are definitely more likeable!

Also, you guys have once again reminded me that I need to read The Curse of the Mistwraith soon. It's been sitting on my ereader for months, just waiting until I find the time!

[quote]Shadowdenizen has said pretty much what I was going to say. :)[/quote]

They say Great Minds think alike.... (Ha Ha.)

I was just saying to Alissa that we should consider a re-read of Wars of Light and Shadow, maybe in an informal book-club format (or even just a thread in the group?).

It's a series that deifintely benefits greatly from discussion.

I reread the Covenant books back when The Runes of the Earth came out -- holy cow, that was back in 2004? -- and yeah, they're all kinds of problematic and Covenant is a terrible person. Having said that, there were scenes that are kind of indelibly graven on my memory -- Mhoram at the siege of Revelstone, the march & battle at the end of The Illearth War, the expedition to the One Tree ... I think the second Chronicles are my favorite just because the Land (and the points beyond) was so different. I've only read the first book (I think) of the Last Chronicles and wasn't super impressed; I'll probably finish the series one of these years.

Shadowdenizen wrote: "[quote]Shadowdenizen has said pretty much what I was going to say. :)[/quote]

They say Great Minds think alike.... (Ha Ha.)

I was just saying to Alissa that we should consider a re-read of Wars o..."

Oh, indeed it does! I totally agree with Shadowdenizen. And I'm always in for a group read. There are so many clues and stuff and I enjoyed a lot to see the other readers opinions on the story, the characters and the many puzzles. Curse of the Mistwraith in particular is the corner stone of the series, as far as Initiate's Trial I found connections and how part of the revelations hinged on facts in there. And all the while you can read Curse as a standalone (no cliff-hanger).

Amy I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did and more, but it is a book that will be very demanding of your attention, and it has a slow burn approach, little is revealed up-front. Then, great delivery. If it may be of interest, here's my review

Okay, I'm utterly convinced Covenant and I won't cross paths for a while. I like it cynic and grim but I am a huge fan of characterization, and I don't believe in totally unbalanced protagonists. In Mordant's need Terisa and Geraden, and many in the cast of characters, have many human traits, they develop (or lose their marbles) in a believable way and are interesting to read about because they feel rounded. And the story is interesting :)

Alissa wrote: "Shadowdenizen wrote: "This is a series where it pays to parse every sentence and read between the lines, since evey word she chooses is very deliberately and meticulously placed."

Oh yes! One of m..."

I read almost exclusively YA (in fact I have a great quote about ONE reason voracious readers should, on my page). I find the adventures and worlds to be very fun and easy to read; I call them "comfort reads," but A Court of Thorns and Roses is definitely on my TBR...I have so many books to read I don't know which one to turn to next >.<

I actually agree to a degree with Joseph, which is why it pains me to speak ill of the Coveneant series.

The world Donaldson created is brilliant! Some places and scenes and characters do linger with me to this day (the scene atop Kevin's Watch, the confrontation with Drool Rockworm, Revelstone, Hile Troy, Foul's Creche, the expedition to the One Tree.... The list goes on.

It's unfortunate that the primary character (I won't say "Hero") totally detracts from the brilliance of the setting with his unrepentant negativity and general narcissisim and self-denial.

Shadowdenizen wrote: "It's unfortunate that the primary character (I won't say "Hero") totally detracts from the brilliance of the setting with his unrepentant negativity and general narcissisim and self-denial. ..."

Yep. But I first read the books when I was in junior high, so unrepentant negativity and general narcissism were the order of the day. I don't think I could read them today without that heavy patina of nostalgia.

Fair enough. :)

To be honest, I think I've BECOME Thomas Covenant in my old(er) years. (Minus the leprosy part.)

It's many years since I read Mordant and Covenant. I do remember enjoying all eight but not noticing the darker side.

Finished Steampunk. Not bad. Liked some stories, not so much others. That's how it usually goes. It certainly changed my views about what Steampunk is.

Now I'm just starting to tackle The Wise Man's Fear

Joseph, Shadowdenizen, remember, we are young at heart as someone else pointed out somewhere else. uhm, A leper to boot? Now, not that I have a thing against leprosy until it is as much far from me as possible, but still, you're making me run for the hills. At least Helen throws a different arrow.

Elise, good luck, unless you've read the name of the wind in recent times. I had to re-read it just to make head and tail of what was going on. And I didn't relish the experience.

Alissa wrote: "Joseph, Shadowdenizen, remember, we are young at heart as someone else pointed out somewhere else. uhm, A leper to boot? Now, not that I have a thing against leprosy until it is as much far from me..."

Oh, I'm plenty young at heart -- why I can't count then number of times I've been called childish ... :)

My currently planned repertoire for the month:

Words of Radiance - Reread, Midnight Tides, Theft of Swords and maybe Storm Front

After reading Mistress of Magic I'm done with The Mists of Avalon. Decided to give The Once and Future King a crack. Might be an interesting contrast.

Started Half a King to keep me going until I get Skull Throne at the weekend

Shadowdenizen wrote: "[quote]Shadowdenizen has said pretty much what I was going to say. :)[/quote]

They say Great Minds think alike.... (Ha Ha.)

I was just saying to Alissa that we should consider a re-read of Wars o..."

I finally started The Curse of the Mistwraith last night, so if anyone sets up a separate group or even just a thread for discussions, let me know. It's obviously not a re-read for me, but I'm not too concerned about spoilers, so I don't mind chatting about it with people who already know what's going to happen!

Awesome! I really hope you like this series, though it is a slow-burn. (But the first book REALLY sets the tone for the entire saga.)

And for something like this, I think spoiler-free is the way to be, so maybe seperate threads are in order for spoiler vs non-spoiler discussion!


Since Alissa really led the charge on this, I'll let her do the honors of setting up a thread/threads for it.

I'll pull my ebooks of the series out of mothballs soon. :)

Started The Once and Future King and OMG what an awesome story. Did not realize it was so humorous. So far I’m really loving it.

Should I be waiting to read that Kingkiller series by Rothfuss till there's a final book in sight then?

Should I be waiting to read that Kingkiller series by Rothfuss till there's a final book in sight then?

Everyone must think I'm drunk on here because all my posts are double!