What fantasy/science fiction book are you reading RIGHT NOW?

[Nav]

Still hacking away at Night's Dawn. Getting near the end of The Reality Dysfunction and things are tightening up nicely. Two more doorstop-sized volumes to go. I'm actually re-reading the Gap Series as relief!

[Avatar]

First book was the best, I think.

--A

[Loredoctor]

First book was the best, I think.

--A

Yeah. I am looking forward to reading Pandora's Star.

[Sorus]

Just started Kushiel's Scion, by Jacqueline Carey. Different POV than the original trilogy, but it's good so far.

[duchess of malfi]

Just started Kushiel's Scion, by Jacqueline Carey. Different POV than the original trilogy, but it's good so far.

I did not think that was coming out until June???

[Ainulindale]

ust started Kushiel's Scion, by Jacqueline Carey. Different POV than the original trilogy, but it's good so far.

I really enjoyed it and my review wil be up next month!

[pat5150]

Just finished reading HOUSE OF CHAINS.

I'm rapidly running out of superlatives and hyperboles when it comes to praising Steven Erikson's The Malazan Book of the Fallen. Indeed, the publishers should print a disclaimer such as: Warning: This series may be addictive.

In terms of vision and imagination, Erikson is without equals. And I'm making this bold claim after reading the first four volumes of this grand saga. I say so because with the completion of House of Chains, the Malazan series is already head and shoulders above any other works of fantasy in print today. I can only imagine to what level reading Midnight Tides and The Bonehunters will bring it.

Steven Erikson has thus far established himself as a master storyteller. The Malazan Book of the Fallen is without the shadow of a doubt the most ambitious epic fantasy ever undertaken. And I have a feeling that, when all is said and done, this series might become the benchmark against which every other "great" fantasy series will be judged. Bold claim once more, to be sure. Yet I sincerely doubt that many people who have read these books would disagree with me. Yes, it's that damn good!

The incredibly convoluted storylines once again hint at a depth that is beyond compare. Yet the author's narrative plows through this complex ensemble of plots and sub-plots with an aplomb that leaves me awestruck.

With thrilling action throughout, this novel has enough twists and turns to satisfy even the most demanding readers. Moreover, it will keep you begging for more!

For the complete book review, you can always check out the blog...

Patrick
www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com

[I'm Murrin]

I've started Milton's Paradise Lost, just read Book I. I had to focus quite hard at first to understand some of it, and my concentration still lapses occasionally and I lose track of what's being said, but i'm beginning to get to grips with the format and language. So far, it's quite good (what I've understood of it, of course ).

[CovenantJr]

Well, I settled on Viriconium, finished the story I was in the middle of (Viriconium seems to be a collection of short stories rather than a novel) and found myself unable to continue. So I tried to continue The Book of the New Sun; that was even worse. Gah.

I think I might take a Pratchett-filled break from the heavy stuff, then try Neverness.

[Loredoctor]

Sorry to hear about The Book of the New Sun. I found it hard at first, too.

[CovenantJr]

Shadow of the Torturer bugged me while I was reading it, but as time has elapsed, I've begun to think of it more fondly. Having tried to read more of that saga, I've rapidly remembered why it bothered me. I feel I'm fighting with the text, not because I find it difficult but because something about the way it's written chafes my mind.

[duke]

Finished 'Neverness' by Zindell this afternoon. Well written, thoughtful sci-fi. Loved the mathematics in it (I've got a BASc in Maths & CS, so it appealed to my sense of geekdom), and was quite impressed with Zindell's writing style - dense yet very readable. I'd say more, but I'm sure Danlo here has already given a much better summary of the novel in other threads, and I dont want to spoil it for those of you who havent read it.
Thanks for the recommendation Danlo

[Loredoctor]

Shadow of the Torturer bugged me while I was reading it, but as time has elapsed, I've begun to think of it more fondly. Having tried to read more of that saga, I've rapidly remembered why it bothered me. I feel I'm fighting with the text, not because I find it difficult but because something about the way it's written chafes my mind.

Yeah, the style takes some getting used to, as well as the contradictions (intended) and lack of any real explanation. Not a criticism, though. Meh.

[danlo]

duke: now read The Broken God! It's a little different but better! Very glad you liked it!

[pat5150]

Hi guys!

I have just finsihed reading Naomi Novik's THRONE OF JADE. In my humble opinion, it is even better than its predecessor.

The novel begins some time following the ending of Temeraire/His Majesty's Dragon. England is proud of its hard-earned victory against Napoléon's bold scheme. But a Chinese embassy has traveled to London to demand the return of Temeraire. According to the envoys, the Celestial breed is too exalted to be utilized to wage war and to have a vulgar soldier as companion.

The characterizations are again interesting, with both Laurence and Temeraire understandably stealing the show. But the author shows great skills in her rendering of the uneasy rapport between the Westerners and the Chinese envoys. As Laurence and his crew are forced to embark on a long journey to China, we have the opportunity to learn a lot more about that disparate group of protagonists.

More so than in volume 1, Naomi Novik displays a great eye for details, which adds another dimension to the story. The imagery of it all is remarkably arresting.

The author successfully captured China's "flavour." I was impressed at how easily and almost seamlessly Novik was able to incorporate her dragons to the different environments. Once more, she demonstrates her mastery of the Napoleonic era. Moreover, she is obviously conversant with Imperial China's history and culture as well. All of which brings this tale to a level that few alternate history books can match.

If you wish to treat yourself to something special, look no further. This is the perfect novel if you are looking for a change from all those dark and brooding fantasy epics.

For the full review, check out the blog.

Patrick
www.fantasyhotlist.blogspot.com

[Loredoctor]

Finished 'Neverness' by Zindell this afternoon. Well written, thoughtful sci-fi. Loved the mathematics in it (I've got a BASc in Maths & CS, so it appealed to my sense of geekdom), and was quite impressed with Zindell's writing style - dense yet very readable. I'd say more, but I'm sure Danlo here has already given a much better summary of the novel in other threads, and I dont want to spoil it for those of you who havent read it.
Thanks for the recommendation Danlo

Congrats on finding a copy of Neverness.

[I'm Murrin]

How come it's so hard to get?

[duchess of malfi]

Zindell is extremely hard to find in the USA. In fact, his epic fantasy series in progress has not even been printed here. I managed to find a used copy of Neverness, but I had to get all of his other stuff from Britain.

I have been reading Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles, his gritty trilogy about Arthur. I have made it to the third book, Excalibur. Good stuff.

[Loredoctor]

How come it's so hard to get?

What I was told by a specialist book store is that he made the wrong deal with publishers and there's some big dispute. So until that's resolved, no Neverness.

[CovenantJr]

If you desperately want it, you could get a "new book with slight shelf wear" from this Amazon UK seller. Bottom of the page.