Spoilers What Book Are You Reading?

[Scepticalscribe]

Just finished Ken Follet's Winter of the World and now I'm on to Ender's Game.

Haven't read 'Winter of the World'; what is it like? Years back, I had read some of Ken Follett's WW2 stuff, and thought it perfectly readable, but nothing spectacular. However, his 'Pillars of the Earth' (which I read several years before the TV series - itself pretty good - was made), was really very, very good indeed.

 

[jav6454]

Haven't read 'Winter of the World'; what is it like? Years back, I had read some of Ken Follett's WW2 stuff, and thought it perfectly readable, but nothing spectacular. However, his 'Pillars of the Earth' (which I read several years before the TV series - itself pretty good - was made), was really very, very good indeed.

Read it before you. Ha! Ha!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Read it before you. Ha! Ha!

I don't doubt that, but, to my mind, it is by far the best thing Ken Follett has written. Nothing else he has written has remotely come near it for epic scope, character development, setting, and sheer narrative power.

 

[fiddlestyx]

Haven't read 'Winter of the World'; what is it like? Years back, I had read some of Ken Follett's WW2 stuff, and thought it perfectly readable, but nothing spectacular. However, his 'Pillars of the Earth' (which I read several years before the TV series - itself pretty good - was made), was really very, very good indeed.

Pillars of the Earth is by far one of my favorite books. Always recommend it to friends when they're looking for something to read.

I'm just finishing The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. It's definitely an interesting read. I'm thinking I'm going to finally get started on the Game of Thrones series so I can be caught up when the next season premiere.

 

[OldRhodie]

The Beano!

 

[A Hebrew]

For college prep (Starting as a freshmen in CS) I am reading Fundamentals of Python by Kenneth Lambert

Just for fun I am also reading the Inheritance cycle for the nth time...and after that I am going to read the entire Harry Potter series because I haven't read those books in ages and they were my all-time favorite books.

 

[Daffodil]

Just finished rereading Lord of the Rings for the nth time. I always learn something new!

 

[saporiti]

Just finished "Buy-Ology" and now I'm about to start "Positioning - Battle of your Mind"

 

[SlovakApple]

The Road to Stalingrad by John Erickson. I am battling with it for about a year now, but I enjoy it very much.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Just finished 'The Alloy of Law' (a Mistborn novel), by Brandon Sanderson, set in a post Mistborn world.

The original Mistborn trilogy is excellent - a genuine must read for fantasy fans - and while this (The Alloy of Law) is a perfectly enjoyable read, it is more of a novella than a fully fledged work set in the same world but a few centuries later.

 

[ultra7k]

Just finished 'The Alloy of Law' (a Mistborn novel), by Brandon Sanderson, set in a post Mistborn world.

The original Mistborn trilogy is excellent - a genuine must read for fantasy fans - and while this (The Alloy of Law) is a perfectly enjoyable read, it is more of a novella than a fully fledged work set in the same world but a few centuries later.

Alloy of Law was fantastic. Currently waiting for him to complete book 2 of the Stormlight Archive.

Have you given Elantris a go? It's his first published book, a bit rough around the edges but still a good read.

At the moment, I'm not reading anything really, though I should get started on Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes.

 

[cathylee]

I've reread Sherlock Holmes recently, and bought two new books that I plan to read when I return home again (if I plan to) during my semester break.

Ingredient of Love (fiction, romance) and The Age of Assassins (non-fiction, pretty thick book). From the blurbs they looked promising but I don't know what I'm getting myself into, two new books! Gah! :x

 

[clientsiman]

George R.R. Martin -A Dance with Dragons

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Alloy of Law was fantastic. Currently waiting for him to complete book 2 of the Stormlight Archive.

Have you given Elantris a go? It's his first published book, a bit rough around the edges but still a good read.

At the moment, I'm not reading anything really, though I should get started on Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes.

I suppose what I am really trying to say is that I would have liked more; having thoroughly enjoyed the Mistborn trilogy (which was genuinely excellent, and, for once, had credible female characters, too), and reading a sort of sequel set in the same world (granted, three hundred years later, with appropriate technological and cultural changes), I would have liked a more in depth look at this world.

What is your view of the Stormlight Archive? I'll admit that my heart sinks at the thought of an attempt to replicate the reach of Robert Jordan (and that was a series which I never managed to finish). Admittedly, I think Brandon Sanderson is a far better writer than was Jordan (despite the epic scale of the latter's work); Sanderson can manage the epic scale, has very good narrative arcs, excellent characters, and very good plots.

Nevertheless, I'll grant that if there is a further addition to this series - and Sanderson seems to have suggested that there will be - I'll happily buy it.

 

[trustever]

Recently I went crazy for this Swedish Crime Author Camilla Läckberg, I have finished the first book "The Ice Princess" and about to finish the second "The Preacher" will defenitively progress with the others in line.

Higly reccomended to every one!

 

[Daniel Lautner]

I am reading Daniel Steel's Wings. Interesting book about father and daughter.

 

[ultra7k]

I suppose what I am really trying to say is that I would have liked more; having thoroughly enjoyed the Mistborn trilogy (which was genuinely excellent, and, for once, had credible female characters, too), and reading a sort of sequel set in the same world (granted, three hundred years later, with appropriate technological and cultural changes), I would have liked a more in depth look at this world.

What is your view of the Stormlight Archive? I'll admit that my heart sinks at the thought of an attempt to replicate the reach of Robert Jordan (and that was a series which I never managed to finish). Admittedly, I think Brandon Sanderson is a far better writer than was Jordan (despite the epic scale of the latter's work); Sanderson can manage the epic scale, has very good narrative arcs, excellent characters, and very good plots.

Nevertheless, I'll grant that if there is a further addition to this series - and Sanderson seems to have suggested that there will be - I'll happily buy it.

Went to an author signing last year just after Alloy of Law was released, he did a Q&A and is a genuine geek. At the signing, he mentioned that as soon as he was done with the last Jordan he would start writing book 2 of the Stormlight Archive. It would have been nice, like you mentioned if we saw a bit more of the world in Alloy, but for a novella, it was pretty great. Hopefully we'll see/learn more in the next offering.

The Way of Kings was a pretty great read for a first novel in a series. I never finished Robert Jordan either (got about 4 books in and said no more), and Sanderson is a much more polished author than Jordan ever was. It has some pretty memorable moments.

The one thing I do like about Sanderson, is you can see how he evolves his craft from novel to novel, I think he progressively gets better and better and has yet to hit his plateau as an author. As you mentioned, he won't have any problems keeping the scope in place for this series.

Sure a couple of the characters suffer from cliches in WoK, but I think the way Sanderson spins it is ok. For what it's worth, he is a very prolific author in the vein of Gemmell, and releases books like clockwork. I think it may just be my favourite Sanderson novel to date. After having worked in a bookstore for almost 10 years, I've kind of sworn off buying physical copies of books, but I will buy hardcovers/first releases of these authors:

George R.R. Martin
Patrick Rothfuss
Brandon Sanderson
Scott Lynch

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Went to an author signing last year just after Alloy of Law was released, he did a Q&A and is a genuine geek. At the signing, he mentioned that as soon as he was done with the last Jordan he would start writing book 2 of the Stormlight Archive. It would have been nice, like you mentioned if we saw a bit more of the world in Alloy, but for a novella, it was pretty great. Hopefully we'll see/learn more in the next offering.

The Way of Kings was a pretty great read for a first novel in a series. I never finished Robert Jordan either (got about 4 books in and said no more), and Sanderson is a much more polished author than Jordan ever was. It has some pretty memorable moments.

The one thing I do like about Sanderson, is you can see how he evolves his craft from novel to novel, I think he progressively gets better and better and has yet to hit his plateau as an author. As you mentioned, he won't have any problems keeping the scope in place for this series.

Sure a couple of the characters suffer from cliches in WoK, but I think the way Sanderson spins it is ok. For what it's worth, he is a very prolific author in the vein of Gemmell, and releases books like clockwork. I think it may just be my favourite Sanderson novel to date. After having worked in a bookstore for almost 10 years, I've kind of sworn off buying physical copies of books, but I will buy hardcovers/first releases of these authors:

George R.R. Martin
Patrick Rothfuss
Brandon Sanderson
Scott Lynch

Thanks for your reply; agree re Sanderson, and it is nice to learn that he is a genuine geek. As it happens, I haven't read Patrick Rothfuss (although I know he is highly regarded). Many on this forum already rave about George R. R. Martin, and I'm very impressed with his magisterial opus so far; an excellent writer, wonderful flair, epic scope and range.

However, in your list, you have ticked a box I have not seem often mentioned; I really love Scott Lynch and thought the first two books of the 'Gentlemen Bastard' sequence, 'The Lies of Locke Lamorra' and 'Red Seas Under Red Skies' terrific books; the second half of 'Red Seas' - where Our Heroes actually were at sea is simply superb. I am looking forward to the third installment of this series, but gather than Scott Lynch has ongoing problems with depression, as the publication date has been endlessly deferred.

 

[ultra7k]

Thanks for your reply; agree re Sanderson, and it is nice to learn that he is a genuine geek. As it happens, I haven't read Patrick Rothfuss (although I know he is highly regarded). Many on this forum already rave about George R. R. Martin, and I'm very impressed with his magisterial opus so far; an excellent writer, wonderful flair, epic scope and range.

However, in your list, you have ticked a box I have not seem often mentioned; I really love Scott Lynch and thought the first two books of the 'Gentlemen Bastard' sequence, 'The Lies of Locke Lamorra' and 'Red Seas Under Red Skies' terrific books; the second half of 'Red Seas' - where Our Heroes actually were at sea is simply superb. I am looking forward to the third installment of this series, but gather than Scott Lynch has ongoing problems with depression, as the publication date has been endlessly deferred.

Re: Sanderson. People give him Magic the Gathering cards at his signings because he is such a fan of the game.

So the story goes for Lynch, when I used to work at the bookstore, we were in anticipation for his book. I can't believe it is coming up on 6 years since his last publication....that just blows my mind. That is just about Martin-esque in terms of gaps between novels (ASOS->AFFC), albeit Lynch is dealing with personal issues and (hopefully) not re-write after re-write like Martin.

When Lynch debuted, I recall reading an article that said he received a 6 (or was it 7?) book deal based on the few opening chapters of Lies of Locke Lamorra plus movie options, something unheard of for an unknown quantity.

There was supposed to be a short story released some time last year, or the year before but I don't think it has seen the light of day just yet.

Here's hoping 2013 is a good year for books, because for me 2012 was one of the worst.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Re: Sanderson. People give him Magic the Gathering cards at his signings because he is such a fan of the game.

So the story goes for Lynch, when I used to work at the bookstore, we were in anticipation for his book. I can't believe it is coming up on 6 years since his last publication....that just blows my mind. That is just about Martin-esque in terms of gaps between novels (ASOS->AFFC), albeit Lynch is dealing with personal issues and (hopefully) not re-write after re-write like Martin.

When Lynch debuted, I recall reading an article that said he received a 6 (or was it 7?) book deal based on the few opening chapters of Lies of Locke Lamorra plus movie options, something unheard of for an unknown quantity.

There was supposed to be a short story released some time last year, or the year before but I don't think it has seen the light of day just yet.

Here's hoping 2013 is a good year for books, because for me 2012 was one of the worst.

Re Scott Lynch, online sources suggest that two short stories (one of which was very well reviewed and was published as part of a fantasy anthology) have been published in the past year.

However, sad to relate, I'm not at all optimistic re the anticipated publication of 'Republic of Thieves' (the title of book three in the 'Gentlemen Bastard' series). Friends in the business assure me that the stated date of publication (March 2013) is very much a notional ideal which they think will bear no relation to any sort of reality.

More telling still, is the fact that Lynch has neither blogged nor posted on his website since mid September. Unfortunately, I suspect that he may well be in the process of battling with his inner demons, rather than putting the final touches to a book prior to publication.

Yes, I've also read that piece which tells of how, when he was first published he received a seven book deal on the basis of TLOLL; I've seen interviews with him, and he is extraordinarily articulate with a beautifully modulated speaking voice, which, given the quality of his writing, does not really surprise me.

 

[ultra7k]

Re Scott Lynch, online sources suggest that two short stories (one of which was very well reviewed and was published as part of a fantasy anthology) have been published in the past year.

However, sad to relate, I'm not at all optimistic re the anticipated publication of 'Republic of Thieves' (the title of book three in the 'Gentlemen Bastard' series). Friends in the business assure me that the stated date of publication (March 2013) is very much a notional ideal which they think will bear no relation to any sort of reality.

More telling still, is the fact that Lynch has neither blogged nor posted on his website since mid September. Unfortunately, I suspect that he may well be in the process of battling with his inner demons, rather than putting the final touches to a book prior to publication.

Yes, I've also read that piece which tells of how, when he was first published he received a seven book deal on the basis of TLOLL; I've seen interviews with him, and he is extraordinarily articulate with a beautifully modulated speaking voice, which, given the quality of his writing, does not really surprise me.

Was not aware this short story was published! Thanks for the heads up! will have to go hunting now...

If we've waited 6 years for this book, we can wait another...couple years really. The main thing is that he gets healthy. He does post to twitter semi-regularly, but nothing writing related of course. Sanderson is the complete opposite, he posts almost exclusively about his writing (and gives progress reports).

I recall seeing an interview on YouTube back in the day with Lynch...it ended with him LARPing on his Vampire throne in his spare time.

 

[chordate68]

Haven't read 'Winter of the World'; what is it like? Years back, I had read some of Ken Follett's WW2 stuff, and thought it perfectly readable, but nothing spectacular. However, his 'Pillars of the Earth' (which I read several years before the TV series - itself pretty good - was made), was really very, very good indeed.

It's his sequel to Fall of Giants his first book in the century trilogy he is currently writing. Since you liked Pillars of the Earth, I would definitely recommend it.

He also wrote World Without End. Which was his sort of sequel to Pillars of the Earth. Again he doesn't disappoint.

 

[EricNau]

It's his sequel to Fall of Giants his first book in the century trilogy he is currently writing. Since you liked Pillars of the Earth, I would definitely recommend it.

I'm about 10% done with Fall of Giants myself.

I think maybe I've read one too many Ken Follett books, because they're all starting to sound the same. Don't get me wrong: it's a good book, and I'm enjoying it, but his writing style is very recognizable.

 

[jeremy h]

He also wrote World Without End. Which was his sort of sequel to Pillars of the Earth. Again he doesn't disappoint.

I loved Pillars of the Earth. Wasn't quite so enamoured with World Without End, can't put my finger on why... (TV series is currently on Saturday nights here.)

Here's one for you all for those receptive to 'storytelling'... A Monster Calls . It's stunning in my opinion. Ostensibly a modern children's / young adult's story about how a child reacts to the death of his mother. But at heart it's a sort of Saxon folk tale - very difficult to describe but profoundly moving. Part of the book is the way the idea was had by Siobham Dowd but had to written by Patrick Ness.

Try and get the original illustrated one (as above) rather than the pbk- it's beautifully produced.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It's his sequel to Fall of Giants his first book in the century trilogy he is currently writing. Since you liked Pillars of the Earth, I would definitely recommend it.

He also wrote World Without End. Which was his sort of sequel to Pillars of the Earth. Again he doesn't disappoint.

Thanks for the recommendations. Actually, I have read 'World Without End', and 'Fall of Giants'; in Fall of Giants, I think he tries too hard, and, apart from the early parts set in Welsh mines, I don't think it really comes off.

I loved Pillars of the Earth. Wasn't quite so enamoured with World Without End, can't put my finger on why... (TV series is currently on Saturday nights here.)

Here's one for you all for those receptive to 'storytelling'... A Monster Calls . It's stunning in my opinion. Ostensibly a modern children's / young adult's story about how a child reacts to the death of his mother. But at heart it's a sort of Saxon folk tale - very difficult to describe but profoundly moving. Part of the book is the way the idea was had by Siobham Dowd but had to written by Patrick Ness.

Image

Try and get the original illustrated one (as above) rather than the pbk- it's beautifully produced.

Have to say I agree entirely with you about 'World Without End'; while worthy, it is not a patch on 'Pillars of the Earth', and like you, I wasn't quite as enamoured of it as I was with 'Pillars of the Earth' which - to my mind - is easily by far the best thing Ken Follett has written.

Indeed, it is for that reason that I didn't watch the first episode of 'World Without End' last weekend, although I may yet change my mind and risk a quick look given that the TV adaptation of 'Pillars of the Earth' was so good.