Re: What Are You Reading?

by **Blackrock** Wed Aug 17, 2011 6:09 am

Awww A Dance With Dragons, I finally got my hands on that yesterday (last copy in the bookstore, too) and I plan on reading it soon. About time Martin got his stuff together Razz

At present though, I'm reading the Childe Cycle from Gordon Dickson (sometimes referred to as the Dorsai Cycle). Broadly speaking, it falls into the genre of military science fiction, but that is only scratching the surface. What lies beneath is an impressive philosophical analysis of mankind's evolution and, it's sci-fi after all, speculations regarding the coming of a new type of humans.

The setting is quite interesting, it spans - at least the main arc - from the 21th to the 24th century. The human culture has split up into various factions, which focus on some of the defining human traits (according to Dickson, at least) - Faith, Philosophy and Courage. And since each planet produces a highly-skilled specialist in their given field (for example, the focus of the series - the Dorsai people are regarded as the best soldiers), interplanetary trading is done by exchanging contracts for such specialists. Of course, some planets act as if it's little more than a human market, while others respect the individual's freedom. And of course, the two groups are often at each other's throats.

Beyond the political rivalries, you've got a group of people that are genetically better than their peers and kind of represent the new type of human beings. And the main character of the series who travels back in forth in time, going through a few incarnations.

All in all, very interesting series for the sci-fi fans out there. A shame that Dickson passed away before he could complete it (as with so many other great writers out there...).

by Ana Kingsley Wed Aug 24, 2011 11:36 pm

Just finished Looking for Alaska by John Green and I'm about to start Paper Towns by the same author.

by Undisputed Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:29 pm

Just finished Changes again, from the Dresden Files! Starting up Jim Butchers other series Codex Alera, it deserves a third read through Razz

by Raspeyer Fri Aug 26, 2011 5:43 am

Flesh and Spirit by Carol Berg. Had this book for awhile but it's taken me forever to get around to reading it. It's so descriptive and I imagine the character with an old world accent. It's great.

It's a fantasy novel about this man, Valen, who is injured and left for dead by his comrade. He claims sanctuary in a nearby monastery and offers his legendary book of maps to the monks. The maps are said to take people the realm of angels and it basically turns into a sort of holy grail type story where everyone wants it.

Excited to see where it's going. Berg paints a beautiful world so I hope it ends on an awesome note.

by **Kathryn Lacey** Fri Aug 26, 2011 12:33 pm

Hm... That sounds really interesting Raspeyer!

I'm currently reading Black Sun Rising by C.S. Friedman. It's basically about these people on a planet who are basically many, many generations after modern/futuristic humans landed there or were stranded there from Earth. The thing is that it's like science has sort of gone backwards, so it's more like a bit of an updated medieval fantasy of sorts.

There's this energy called the Fae that some humans have learned to manipulate. The characters who do use that energy insist that it's not magic because magic can be controlled, and the Fae really can't. It's really interesting, and I think I'm just starting to get into the plot point of the story ((I'm still waaaaay at the beginning)) where they sort of have to go on this quest to stop some fae-born creatures who have been wreaking havoc on humans.

It's really good so far, though!

by Guest Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:28 pm

Blackrock wrote:I'm reading the Childe Cycle from Gordon Dickson (sometimes referred to as the Dorsai Cycle). Broadly speaking, it falls into the genre of military science fiction, but that is only scratching the surface. What lies beneath is an impressive philosophical analysis of mankind's evolution and, it's sci-fi after all, speculations regarding the coming of a new type of humans.

The setting is quite interesting, it spans - at least the main arc - from the 21th to the 24th century. The human culture has split up into various factions, which focus on some of the defining human traits (according to Dickson, at least) - Faith, Philosophy and Courage. And since each planet produces a highly-skilled specialist in their given field (for example, the focus of the series - the Dorsai people are regarded as the best soldiers), interplanetary trading is done by exchanging contracts for such specialists. Of course, some planets act as if it's little more than a human market, while others respect the individual's freedom. And of course, the two groups are often at each other's throats.

Beyond the political rivalries, you've got a group of people that are genetically better than their peers and kind of represent the new type of human beings. And the main character of the series who travels back in forth in time, going through a few incarnations.

That sounds incredibly interesting, Blackrock! I may just have to look that one up. Reminds me a lot of Evolution by Stephen Baxter.

Kathryn Lacey wrote:
I'm currently reading Black Sun Rising by C.S. Friedman. It's basically about these people on a planet who are basically many, many generations after modern/futuristic humans landed there or were stranded there from Earth. The thing is that it's like science has sort of gone backwards, so it's more like a bit of an updated medieval fantasy of sorts.

There's this energy called the Fae that some humans have learned to manipulate. The characters who do use that energy insist that it's not magic because magic can be controlled, and the Fae really can't. It's really interesting, and I think I'm just starting to get into the plot point of the story ((I'm still waaaaay at the beginning)) where they sort of have to go on this quest to stop some fae-born creatures who have been wreaking havoc on humans.

It's really good so far, though!

Another book that has peaked my interest! I can't wait to finish The Wheel of Time so I can get into some other books! Although Ryona already has quite a lit set out for me...

By the way, I am just now starting book eleven of The Wheel of Time. I am nearing the end!

by Count Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:18 pm

Anybody for the Temeraire series? I've been reading and rereading the entire thing.

The Temeraire series begins with His Majesty's Dragon, in which a navy captain by the name of William Laurence happens upon an enemy ship, the French (the date is 18--, and Napoleon has taken over the European continent) frigate that holds a special cargo. When the ship is taken and the cargo unveiled, it is revealed to be an enormous egg, which hatches on board Laurence's ship. The officers draw lots to see who will harness the dragon (for once a dragon is harnessed, it will stay with its harnesser) and leave the navy for the ill-omened Air Force.

The dragon, however, refuses to take on the captain assigned to him and instead approaches Laurence, which is the beginning of a relationship that spans all the continents and then some. Great read, and an interesting take on the popular (and somewhat boring) "What If" accounts. Dragons in the Hundred Years' War? How interesting.

by Ana Kingsley Mon Aug 29, 2011 12:23 pm

Currently reading through the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school–it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's–the very place where they're most in danger. Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi–the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires–make Lissa one of them forever.

Despite them being a YA series about vampires ( thank god none of them sparkle or have flings with humans ), they are rather good books. Rose's story really sucks you and doesn't let you go. I mean, I read the first three books in less than 48 hours and that rarely happens.

by **Kathryn Lacey** Mon Aug 29, 2011 12:27 pm

Ana, I actually thoroughly enjoyed that series. I still haven't read the latest book, but the rest was really good. When I was first told that it's about teen vampires, I was like, "Damn... More of this Twilight crap, right?" but it's not like that at all! The characters have personalities, it's not based on romance though there is romance in it, and it's just a really cool book series. I need to get my hands on the latest one. >=(

by Ana Kingsley Mon Aug 29, 2011 12:33 pm

I know! I had a friend send me all the .mobi files for them so I can read them on my Kindle. Such good books.

I was worried about them being too much like Twilight too but they are the complete opposite. The characters are lovely and actually have depth to them. I think I also like them a lot because there is so much more action than romance. Especially in Shadow Kiss. I do believe that Shadow Kiss is my favourite book so far.

by The Melancholy Spirit Mon Aug 29, 2011 1:53 pm

Recently finished The Prefect by Alastair Reynolds, now reading Galactic North, also by Mr. Reynolds. The guy is one damn amazing Sci-fi author. The classic of our time, in my not-so-humble opinion.

by **Blackrock** Mon Aug 29, 2011 2:49 pm

Silvone Elestahr wrote:
That sounds incredibly interesting, Blackrock! I may just have to look that one up. Reminds me a lot of Evolution by Stephen Baxter.

Glad you think so Wink

I recommended starting with The Genetic General (some editions have it as Dorsai!) it's the first book of the series he wrote, even if it's chronologically set somewhere in the middle - kinda like Star Wars Ep.4, if you know what I mean. It's a relatively short read compared to the other books in the series and erves as a perfect introduction - I think it will be easy to determine if investing in the other books is worth it or not. Then you can pretty much go with whichever one you like, but I'd say Soldier, Ask Not is a pretty solid bet, as it's roughly around the same time period, although told from a different view-point.

by Raspeyer Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:36 pm

Ana Kingsley wrote:I know! I had a friend send me all the .mobi files for them so I can read them on my Kindle. Such good books.

Is there a chance you might be able to send me the first book? I'm curious about it now and wouldn't mind checking it out.

by Guest Mon Aug 29, 2011 9:09 pm

I am on book eleven of The Wheel of Time, the last book written by Robert Jordan before he passed away. I have no idea how the last three books will be, but I think I will at least thoroughly enjoy this one, knowing that at this point the author was at least attempting to tie up some of his loose ends and bring his story to a close. I can see some of it happening already. I can only hope that Brandon Sanderson does Robert Jordan's story justice.

I also just picked up the penultimate Star Wars book in the Fate of The Jedi series. A very easy read, this series, and not very high standards, but it is quite enjoyable nonetheless.

The final books for both The Wheel of Time and Fate of The Jedi come out in March of 2012 (I think), so I will be able to wrap up both series at the same time.

by Undisputed Tue Aug 30, 2011 11:58 pm

Count wrote:Anybody for the Temeraire series? I've been reading and rereading the entire thing.

The Temeraire series begins with His Majesty's Dragon, in which a navy captain by the name of William Laurence happens upon an enemy ship, the French (the date is 18--, and Napoleon has taken over the European continent) frigate that holds a special cargo. When the ship is taken and the cargo unveiled, it is revealed to be an enormous egg, which hatches on board Laurence's ship. The officers draw lots to see who will harness the dragon (for once a dragon is harnessed, it will stay with its harnesser) and leave the navy for the ill-omened Air Force.

The dragon, however, refuses to take on the captain assigned to him and instead approaches Laurence, which is the beginning of a relationship that spans all the continents and then some. Great read, and an interesting take on the popular (and somewhat boring) "What If" accounts. Dragons in the Hundred Years' War? How interesting.

Love that series! Only read the first 3 tho, i believe. I couldn't find the next one to buy, except in Hardcover......way too expensive lol

by Guest Fri Sep 16, 2011 11:50 pm

I just finished the penultimate book in the Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi series, Ascension. It was quite an amazing book, me thinks. Definitely did not deserve the horrible reviews I read. And the teaser chapter for the final book has me twitching... I really can't wait.

Of course, I can see some areas that people might now like. But, seriously, get over it. This series is too low-key to complain about that kind of stuff. Just enjoy it. It is more enjoyable that way Wink

by AkatsukiHime Fri Sep 30, 2011 9:50 pm

A Game of Thrones- George RR Martin

by **Sunwolf007** Fri Oct 21, 2011 2:48 pm

Just finished the first chapter in Heat Wave by Richard Castle. Since I am a fan of the show Castle I figured I would check out the book. Will let you all know how it goes.

by Guest Sat Oct 22, 2011 11:14 am

I just blasted through the Halo book "Ghosts of Onyx." I can't believe I put it off for so long. It was really good, and there was a lot of information, particularly about Spartan-III's, that I knew next to nothing about. I want to read "The Colo Protocol" next, but I think I will wait for a while. The next Halo book, Glasslands, comes out in a few days. Takes place after Halo 3, so I'm pretty excited. An then the next Forerunner Saga book, Primordium, comes out in January. That is the one I really can't wait for.

I am also reading one of Ryona's favorite fantasy series, The Deverry Cycle. I am still on the first book, and it is slow going since I only read it during my lunch hours at work. I really don't like the author's writing style; after reading The Wheel of Time, I think I have been spoiled with the amount of details that Robert Jordan put in his writing. The Deverry Cycle, at least on the first book, Daggerspell, is really lacking in detail. I feel like I am being told about what happened rather than being placed there to see it. However, I do like the story itself. It is interesting enough to keep me reading. There are quite a few books in the series, and I am hoping to see how her writing changes as she goes on (well, I'm hoping for a change, anyway).

by JayMorris2011 Tue Oct 25, 2011 3:03 am

“His Dark Materials” Trilogy is one of the greatest Sci-Fi and fantasy novels I am reading these days.

by Lord Revan Tue Oct 25, 2011 4:48 am

Star Wars: Riptide by Paul Kemp.

by **Gadreille** Mon Nov 14, 2011 3:39 pm

JayMorris2011 wrote:“His Dark Materials” Trilogy is one of the greatest Sci-Fi and fantasy novels I am reading these days.

I am reading Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose.

by LunarScorpio Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:17 am

I just borrowed a book called Tweak from my professor yesterday, but I haven't started it yet. It sounded pretty good though.

by Lord Revan Fri Nov 18, 2011 7:58 pm

Well I just finished reading Star Wars: The Old Republic: Revan.

It is easily the best book of the Old Republic series. I also think it is the best Star Wars novel released this year.

I enjoyed reading about the adventures of Revan and the Exile from the Knights of the Old republic game. It was interesting to learn their fates. Especially finding out what Revan was doing in the Outer Rim. This was alluded to in the second KoToR game, but not told until now.

The ending however of this book was probably the saddest moment in Star Wars since the death of Anakin Solo.

Still a very good read in my opinion. Any fans of the Star Wars universe, especially the KoToR games should read this novel.

by Guest Mon Jan 16, 2012 11:38 pm

I just have to say that The Stormlight Archive: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. I'm only a quarter of the way through, and I am already pissed that the next book won't be out until sometime in 2013. I mean, this book came out in 2010!

by **Gadreille** Fri Jan 20, 2012 1:31 pm

Silvone Elestahr wrote:I just have to say that The Stormlight Archive: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. I'm only a quarter of the way through, and I am already pissed that the next book won't be out until sometime in 2013. I mean, this book came out in 2010!

You fail to mention how damn BIG that book is.

I'm reading the Nikki Heat series that came out with the Castle TV series. I'm almost done with the third one.

by **Kathryn Lacey** Fri Jan 20, 2012 2:17 pm

I've never heard of the book that Silvone is reading, but I may need to check it out.

I bought my love that series for Christmas. I think he started the first one at some point, but I don't know how far he is. Do you like it? I thought I would eventually read it, too.

I'm currently reading Crown of Shadows (Coldfire trilogy #3) by C.S. Friedman.

It took me forever to get through the second one because I just... didn't set aside time to read it, but I finally finished it. It's a really great trilogy, and I'm excited to read its conclusion. ^^_^^

by **Gadreille** Fri Jan 20, 2012 2:33 pm

I like them. They aren't masterpieces, but it is written well enough and the twists are unexpected. I enjoy them. I think its especially good if you are familiar with the series, since there aren't many descriptions in the book.

by **Kathryn Lacey** Fri Jan 20, 2012 3:42 pm

I know Jonathan said that if Castle was real and the books were really written by him that he'd be disappointed in him as a writer. He said what he'd read so far was good and everything, but it was basically just like another episode of Castle ((which we watch frequently)). He can enjoy them from a purely reader standpoint, but intellectually, it bothers him.

I think I'd still like the books, though.

by **Gadreille** Fri Jan 20, 2012 3:48 pm

Basically I feel exactly about it as your love does, but he is far better at wording his feelings. LOL Smile

I've only seen a couple of episodes of Castle. I'd love to see the entire series one day, but alas I think it will be years before I aquire it.

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