Kevin's Watch

WOW.... I wouldnt have thought so many would be divided on which to read first. I do think that Wayfriends suggestion of reading them in order has merit.

Creator wrote:It's been a long time! But the Gap is more hard science and political intrigue. The only other series that comes to mind that I would compare it with (in the foggy recesses of my mind) is Piers Anthony BIO of A Space Tyrant.

I'm not sure I ever finished Bio, but you're right, the two series are a lot alike (and it's been 20 years since I read maybe the first 3 books of Bio, so I don't remember much, either).

I'd go with MN, although I struggled to get through it the first time I tried.

I picked them up again a few years ago and couldn't put them down until they were finished, and even then I wanted more.

I've struggled with the Gap series, and may leave it until the third chronicles are finished before I pick them up again.

Honestly, I think MN is my fave of all the series. I weep both with joy and pain when reading them. I fell in love with the charactors. They are so vivid and engaging. Granted, they don't start out that way for most, I truly wish people would give them another chance.

I voted MN.

Gap didn't grab me at all in the way TCTC and MN did.

Stonemaybe wrote:I voted MN.

Gap didn't grab me at all in the way TCTC and MN did.

Totally agree

I guess I'm weird. I'm struggling to force myself through the Gap series. Most people say wait till the second or third book for the real kick in to action, but I just finished the third one and it's still "meh." I haven't made the same emotional connection to any of the characters like I did with the Chronicles.

Then again, I haven't read MN yet so I guess I'm not allowed to opine.

Niftium wrote:I guess I'm weird. I'm struggling to force myself through the Gap series. Most people say wait till the second or third book for the real kick in to action, but I just finished the third one and it's still "meh." I haven't made the same emotional connection to any of the characters like I did with the Chronicles.

Then again, I haven't read MN yet so I guess I'm not allowed to opine.

Not at all weird! See above two posts. It's the other 1558 members of KW who are the weird ones....

I can't believe the number of Donaldson fans who haven't read the Gap! Please don't stop with The Real Story! It DOES get orders of magnitude better. Av is right: it really is his best writing ever. (Donaldson thinks this, too.)

Yeah, I'm about half-way through my re-read of Bk 4, and it's as gripping as ever. No question as far as I'm concerned.


--A

I did read it, just didn't think it was anything special.

*runs*

I can't believe the number of fans who hated MN. GIVE IT ANOTHER CHANCE. You don't have to participate but come along for the ride and read the informal read thread...

Im going to order these two books. However they will get here just before the next TC book is out.. so I might take a bit to catch up to your informal read.

Take all the time you want SB, just read em and I will be happy. I can't say it enough, I think MN is the most underappreciated series EVER.

BTW, You can buy the whole thing in one book, if you'd like.

Holy cow, how thick *is* that book?

Or alternately, how small is the typeface?

(We need a little squinty fortysomething emoticon...)

I'm a Gap man. MN is good (I reread it recently), but you just can't beat huge starships, creepy aliens, big-ass weapons and genious political intrigue.
I remember the first time I read the part where

Spoiler

they blow up Billingate and manage to jump into the Gap seconds before begin hit by the rubble, while being chased by several ships.

My heart was beating in my chest.

Also,

Spoiler

Fucking Angus as a fucking cyborg, complete with control codes and switching sides

and

Spoiler

Min Donner on Punisher

Simply fantastic.

aliantha wrote: Holy cow, how thick *is* that book?

Or alternately, how small is the typeface?

(We need a little squinty fortysomething emoticon...)

It's trade paperback size, so the typeface isn't an issue. It's still pretty hefty, though.

Read the GAP and brokk no delay in doing so.