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virtuadept
  
 
| | #1 posted April 6, 2007 at 1:18pm (EDT) |
What was the last book you read? Post about it here.
I just finished Shadowrun #4 - Drops of Corruption (from the recent line of SR novels). I really enjoyed #1-#3, but #4 is a bit harder pill to swallow. First of all, 1-3 were a trilogy and all involved mostly the same characters. #4 has a couple of cameos from a few of the characters I liked in 1-3, and one character that I didn't like so well in 1-3 plays a more central role in #4. So I guess it was a bit frustrating at first not having all my "friends" from the series in it.
The plot in #4 however, I thought was very well done, if a tad slow moving. I can see why he did it the way he did, however. It involves the mafia, and one character who was basically a good person slowly getting trapped into working for the mob and how they hooked him in. There are a lot of nasty characters in this book as one might expect from a book dealing with organized crime. Even the main character, who was as I said essentially good, was hard to like for other reasons I can't get into without spoilers. So having a cast of essentially unlikable characters didn't help my enjoyment of the story too much either.
But as I said the plot was well done, and in the end, a rewarding story that actually did have a "lesson" or whatever. There were some really cool scenes in the book, and overall I felt this was a book worth reading especially for Shadowrun enthusiasts like myself. Not my favorite in the series, but I did end up enjoying it, even though it was a slow read for me and I set it down several times before I finally got into it.
This is not a novel I can heartily recommend to anyone. If you enjoy books about organized crime, this book might be for you, with the caveat that it is completely fictional and not all that realistic, plus set in a fantasy future. If you like Shadowrun, this book is definitely worth picking up for a couple of reasons. First, it's a good in depth look at how the mafia in Seattle operates, and secondly it involves a bit of Tir Tairngire, which was interesting, and of a mage who has "burnt out" so you kind of get a feel for how that would work. This book is not a "fan fiction" work, the writing is good quality writing, but the subject matter is such that essentially it will appeal to a limited set of eyes.
 | AlphakirA
  
| | #2 posted April 9, 2007 at 12:36am (EDT) |
Reading "Avenger" by Frederick Forsyth right now. Just finished "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown last week. I'll probably go on to a boxing book or another Forsyth book next
Alpha's Wii Forum | virtuadept
| | #3 posted April 9, 2007 at 9:42am (EDT) |
Loved Angels & Demons. I'm reading Two For the Dough by Janet Evanovich right now. The first book (One for the Money) was pretty funny.
| goldbera
 
| | #4 posted April 14, 2007 at 12:59pm (EDT) |
I just finished "the road" by cormac mcCarthy. Big downer but well written. I am starting freakonimics | sgtshaggy
 
| | #5 posted April 14, 2007 at 4:59pm (EDT) |
I'm finally finishing Cryptomicon by Neal Stephenson. I have Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell lined up for some vacation reading.
shags
"The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs." - Charles de Gaulle | zylo
| | #6 posted April 14, 2007 at 7:04pm (EDT) |
America Shaftoe  | sgtshaggy
| | #7 posted April 14, 2007 at 8:04pm (EDT) |
Name Dropper.
shags
"The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs." - Charles de Gaulle | MrZeem
| | #8 posted April 21, 2007 at 7:14pm (EDT) |
Children of the Mind
 | virtuadept
| | #9 posted April 21, 2007 at 10:38pm (EDT) |
Well, I have been slacking off on actual books but I have read a bunch of comic books so I'll write about those.
DC - Infinite Crisis - Read this and a few of the other tie in series like The OMAC Project (which was fantastic). This is a great series with a lot of cool twists and good art. Recommended.
Marvel Civil War - I read the mini-series plus pretty much all the crossover issues from various other books. I do not think that Civil War was quite as cool as Infinite Crisis on the DC side. I liked it but I felt that a bunch of characters have been raped by the writers. Oh well. It was pretty entertaining, especially the Civil War Frontline series and the Spider-Man tie in issues.
-=- VirtuAdept -=-
Join in on the backup Xbox 360 Discussion forum! | yoda5
| | #10 posted April 22, 2007 at 11:18pm (EDT) |
i just finished 1984 by Orwell. Now I am reading East of Eden by Steinbach | AlphakirA
| | #11 posted April 23, 2007 at 2:19am (EDT) |
Just finished a boxing book by Hausser, reading 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde right now.
Alpha's Wii Forum | virtuadept
| | #12 posted April 23, 2007 at 11:01am (EDT) |
Dorian Gray is a good story. They could have done so much more with him in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen movie.
-=- VirtuAdept -=-
Join in on the backup Xbox 360 Discussion forum! | AlphakirA
| | #13 posted April 23, 2007 at 1:18pm (EDT) |
never saw that movie, maybe I'll check it out after this book 
Alpha's Wii Forum | Shalafi
| | #14 posted April 28, 2007 at 8:32pm (EDT) |
The Christ Clone Trilogy by James Beauseigneur, great series so far, just getting started on #3
 | virtuadept
| | #15 posted April 28, 2007 at 8:59pm (EDT) |
Just finished the first trade paperback of Captain America - Winter Soldier. Excellent story involving the Red Skull and some Russian cold-war rejects, and a surprise by "Winter Soldier". Very cool story, although I was spoiled somewhat on the big reveal by reading some of the Civil War books before this. Overall if you like Captain America this is a great story, even though it's only the first half. The "Winter Soldier" story line is in 2 different trades. You can get them fairly cheap on Amazon.
-=- VirtuAdept -=-
Join in on the backup Xbox 360 Discussion forum! | sgtshaggy
| | #16 posted April 28, 2007 at 11:37pm (EDT) |
I finished Cryptomicon by Neal Stephenson. It was a massive, dense novel full of interesting characters and ideas, but ultimately it was a very slow read and not as great a whole as I would have liked. Good enough to finish, though, after 1,100 pages.
I did fire up Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke after finishing the Stephenson Monster, and it's a great read so far. Lovin' it.
shags
"The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs." - Charles de Gaulle | virtuadept
| | #17 posted April 28, 2007 at 11:48pm (EDT) |
Are you going to read the Baroque Cycle?
I tried starting Cryptonomicon and it was just too much crypto and not enough nomicon for me. I loved Snow Crash and The Diamond Age so it was a big downer for me not to like it. I may one day give it another chance.
-=- VirtuAdept -=-
Join in on the backup Xbox 360 Discussion forum! | sgtshaggy
| | #18 posted April 28, 2007 at 11:58pm (EDT) |
I picked up Quicksilver when I picked up the Jonathan Strange novel, but I didn't pick up the last two in the Cycle. Quicksilver sounds like an interesting read, but I'm not sure when I'll get to it. I may read some Gotrek & Felix after Jonathan Strange and then maybe pick up Quicksilver.
shags
"The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs." - Charles de Gaulle | zylo
| | #19 posted April 29, 2007 at 3:55am (EDT) |
The part that I liked most about Cryptonomicon was the historical stuff: Alan Turing, Douglas Macarthur, etc. Because I'm a history buff. I was actually inspired to read Alan Turing's biography.
Neal Stephenson's attempts to write male/female relationships are pathetic, though. I got a third of the way through Diamond Age. The nano descriptions were too dense for me, and supplanted the narrative too much.
I might read the Baroque Cycle some day for the historical stuff. I elected to take a course in the history of science & technology, so I was always interested in famous scientists. | vDub
 
| | #20 posted May 1, 2007 at 2:05pm (EDT) |
I finished Angel Fire East by Terry Brooks the other day. I've been reading the Shannara series non-stop since The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy and I've just started reading Star Wars: Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn because I wanted to take a break before I start Armageddon's Children, the first book in Terry Brooks' new Genesis of Shannara trilogy.
 | AlphakirA
| | #21 posted May 2, 2007 at 12:51am (EDT) |
Just finished the Picture of Dorian Gray. Started up Day of the Jackal
Alpha's Wii Forum | virtuadept
| | #22 posted May 2, 2007 at 8:33am (EDT) |
So vDub, I tried reading Sword of Shannara about 3 or 4 times and have never managed to get past the first 30 or 40 pages or so. I do not know why. I even have a digital version of it in my phone that I've barely read and may decide to just delete. What is the main appeal of it? And how would it compare to things like Eddings Belgariad, Salvatore's Icewind Dale trilogy, Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser stories, Weis & Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles trilogy, Martin's Song of Ice & Fire, etc.? I liked most of those quite a bit.
Is Sword of S. a good starting point? I believe it was the first book published but perhaps there is a better book for a beginner to the series to read first?
-=- VirtuAdept -=-
Join in on the backup Xbox 360 Discussion forum! | vDub
| | #23 posted May 2, 2007 at 10:37am (EDT) |
You can't really read the books after Sword w/o reading Sword first because the future books deal with Shea and Flick's descendants. If you really wanted to, you could start from the very beginning by starting with Running with the Demon. It's a part of the Word/Void trilogy and is the very beginning of the Shannara series. It'll help explain why things are the way they are in the Shannara universe.
| zylo
| | #24 posted May 2, 2007 at 11:21am (EDT) |
Shannara is most often compared to Lord of the Rings, due to its plot similarities. Most of the books are about a fellowship of characters that must seek out ancient artifacts in order to combat a reawakening evil. Often the characters split up, each going off to do their part of the overall goals.
Then one novel is devoted to Character1 and his band, while the next novel is devoted to Character2 and her band. Finally, in the final book of the series, they reconvene and confront the main villains.
Shannara also has an elf kingdom, a dwarf kingdom, a troll kingdom, etc. One of the goals is convincing the old races to send forces to help the cities of Man against the dark armies. Also, Shannara features Wraiths that resemble Tolkiens, and giant demons that resemble the Balrog.
Most people say that Sword of Shannara is the worst book of the series, because it most resembles Fellowship of the Ring, lacking originality or creativity. In later books of the series, Brooks develops as a writer and begins creating original characters and situations.
As for comparisons, what distinguishes Shannara for me is the epicness of the world and the landscape. Like Lord of the Rings, much of the books are about cross-country travel, encounters with obstacles, and the uniqueness of various lands.
I read A Game of Thrones, and I had trouble understanding why the series is so popular. I found it to be too much about politics and too little about fantasy -- non-human races, beasts, magic, etc. I suppose that the fantasy elements emerge later.
Dragonlance Chronicles is actually more fast-paced than most of the epic fantasy series. It has direct involvement of the gods and clear alliances. Same with Salvatore. These are more about combat and the schemes of particular characters, than a vast journey from one part of the world to another. I wouldn't even call them epic. I consider them character-based fantasy with little emphasis on uncovering ancient ways. One of Tolkien's themes was how much can be learned from the writings and artifacts of previous dynasties. Most of the Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms books are firmly centered in the present.
I haven't read the Belgariad since junior high. I remember that although it had its points, I found it too slow-paced and long-winded. I read at least 4 books before quitting. It was actually the first major fantasy series that I just gave up on. Back then, I was determined to read all of the notable ones. The only other one that I have read half of, and then resigned, is Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time. But most people gave up on that one too.
People often compare the Wheel of Time to Lord of the Rings, but I find Shannara much more similar. Wheel of Time had unique institutions such as the Aes Sedai, the Dragon Reborn, the inquisitors, the whole male/female magic, etc. It really had a lot going for it in the beginning. Too bad that Jordan fizzled it out like that.
What I liked most about Shannara was its sense of travel, the large-scale battles between armies & demons, the mystique of the ancient, and the fantasy races. The actual writing isn't always up to par, though. Brooks rambles a lot. | vDub
| #25 posted May 2, 2007 at 11:47am (EDT)
edited May 2, 2007 at 11:48am (EDT) |
I noticed that too, Zylo. I found that the original books (The Sword through Talismans) were boring at times but when I finally got into Voyage of the Jerle Shannara books and onward, I found them to be really exciting.
| sgtshaggy
| | #26 posted May 2, 2007 at 8:21pm (EDT) |
Anyone read Gotrek and Felix? I think I may pick up the first omnibus this weekend, after reading about the series a bit. Sounds really good.
shags
"The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs." - Charles de Gaulle | virtuadept
| | #27 posted May 2, 2007 at 10:25pm (EDT) |
zylo wrote:
> Most people say that Sword of Shannara is the worst book of the series,
> because it most resembles Fellowship of the Ring, lacking originality
> or creativity.
That was kind of my feeling of it even just from reading the first bit of it. I started continuing on with my ebook today while waiting for the bus. It wasn't too boring, but then I had absolutely nothing else to do at the time. Which is why it makes for an excellent ebook for my phone, for those cases where otherwise I'd literally be sitting there twiddling my thumbs.
> I read A Game of Thrones, and I had trouble understanding why
> the series is so popular. I found it to be too much about politics
> and too little about fantasy -- non-human races, beasts, magic, etc.
> I suppose that the fantasy elements emerge later.
There are many more traditional (or almost traditional) elements of fantasy in the later books. The story has a ton of characters, and because of the way Martin keeps switching from story to story, it is sometimes frustrating, especially when you really want to read about Character X, but Martin is spending all his time on Characters Y, Z, and A B C D.  The political aspects are the main appeal of it for me, I love that part of the book. All the devious plotting and backstabbing and whatnot. Another appeal is that Martin does not pull any punches. This is a primitive world, with primitive people, who have a primitive sense of social order and morality. It most definitely is NOT modern Western Civilization wrapped around a world with swords, magic and elves. It's more akin to the Medieval age in both technology and society. The villains in this world are downright evil bastards. And even the good guys are somewhat morally questionable. And another thing is that the villains are not "orcs" or other monsters. They're monsters of the human variety, showing just how depraved and evil humans can be. More realistic? Well I guess with a fantasy book that's kind of relative but I think so.
One other aspect is the Martin is not afraid to kill off major characters, so no character feels "safe" and you are more genuinely fearful that your favorite character could bite the bullet at any time. For some people that may make the characters overall less appealing (for fear of getting attached), but you just can't help liking some of them.
BTW, if you didn't like the political aspects of A Game of Thrones, you aren't going to like the later books in the series either. They are all about politics, war, and very little if any "adventure" or typical fantasy epic-quest type stuff. If you like war books you might like them for the scenes involving grand battles, but you'll have to put up with a lot of conniving backstabbing politics in between those scenes.
As for why they are so popular, I would say the adult-oriented content of A Song of Ice & Fire distinguishes it greatly from most fantasy fare, and that's the appeal for many readers. Plus Martin is a fantastic writer, he really has quite excellent skills. So not only is the content enticing, the presentation is well done.
> Dragonlance Chronicles is actually more fast-paced than most of
> the epic fantasy series. It has direct involvement of the gods and
> clear alliances. Same with Salvatore. These are more about combat
> and the schemes of particular characters, than a vast journey from
> one part of the world to another. I wouldn't even call them epic.
> I consider them character-based fantasy with little emphasis on uncovering
> ancient ways. One of Tolkien's themes was how much can be learned
> from the writings and artifacts of previous dynasties. Most of the
> Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms books are firmly centered
> in the present.
I enjoyed Dragonlance Chronicles but not enough to keep reading the series. Although from what I've hear people talking I should have at least read the trilogy about Raistlin and his brother which I didn't. I may pick that up someday and try it. For Icewind Dale I read the first trilogy but not all the Drizzt stuff. I thought Drizzt was too cliche in the first trilogy to stomach an entire series about him. But someday when I have nothing better to do I may try them. I actually liked the barbarian the best of the original trilogy.
> I haven't read the Belgariad since junior high. I remember that although
> it had its points, I found it too slow-paced and long-winded. I read
> at least 4 books before quitting. It was actually the first major
> fantasy series that I just gave up on.
Wow, there were 5 books to it so you missed the finale (which was one of the better books) but I agree, it was slow paced. He could have and should have done the Belgariad in 3 books at most. The Mallorean is especially slow paced and on top of that, feels like a rerun of the Belgariad with only slight differences. Some of the characters in the Mallorean are cooler, but the plot is so similar it's almost criminal. I enjoyed the Belgariad but the Mallorean was a somewhat of a chore to read for me, even though it was I suppose just good enough to keep me reading. The Elenium is only 3 books, so quite a bit faster paced, and the main character Sparhawk is a billion times cooler than everyone from Belgariad except maybe Silk. Almost all the supporting characters in Elenium are interesting (even if some feel like renamed personas from B. and M.). The plot is very much the same formula as Belgariad, but it's different enough not to feel like a complete repeat like Mallorean was, and there are some much more interesting elements to the fantasy world of Elenium setting it apart from typical fantasy fare, such as the Pandion Knights order and their relationship with The Church (which would be similar to the Holy Roman Church of Medieval era, that powerful in politics if not more so). I started reading the Tamuli and while the first book was pretty interesting, I kind of got distracted by something else and that was a couple years ago.
Thanks a bunch for the detailed description of Shannara, it sounds like it might be worth going through Swords so that I can get to the juicier bits later.
-=- VirtuAdept -=-
Join in on the backup Xbox 360 Discussion forum! | vDub
| | #28 posted May 3, 2007 at 6:49am (EDT) |
I almost have the complete Shannara series. Just missing a few books.  Still need Armageddon's Children, Elves of Cintra (when released), Sword of Shannara, Elfstones of Shannara, Scions of Shannara, Elf Queen of Shannara, and High Druid of Shannara: Straken.
| zylo
| | #29 posted May 3, 2007 at 8:19am (EDT) |
virtuadept wrote:
> One other aspect is the Martin is not afraid to kill off major characters, so no character feels "safe"
> and you are more genuinely fearful that your favorite character could bite the bullet at any time.
That's so rare in fantasy. That was one aspect that I enjoyed most about Raymond E. Feist's Serpentwar series. I do like war books, but I'll skip the Machiavelli stuff.
> Although from what I've hear people talking I should have
> at least read the trilogy about Raistlin and his brother which I didn't.
It's the Legends trilogy that takes place after Chronicles. They do a nice job with Crysania (the priestess). Raistlin and her have a strange opposites-attract relationship.
The parts of Dragonlance that I like most are the novels Kendermore and Kender, Gully Dwarves, and Gnomes. Because the little guys are so funny and mischievous.
They're actually making a Dragonlance animated movie.
> The Mallorean is especially slow paced and on top of that, feels like a rerun of
> the Belgariad with only slight differences. Some of the characters
> in the Mallorean are cooler, but the plot is so similar it's almost criminal.
Actually, I do remember reading the Mallorean, being disappointed at the retread, and starting the Elenium. I remember liking Sparhawk too. So long ago. Thanks for the description. | virtuadept
| | #30 posted May 3, 2007 at 9:00am (EDT) |
And on a sad note, Wizards of the Coast has announced that they are discontinuing the short lived 3.5 revamp of Dragonlance RPG setting.  Although I admit I hadn't looked into it. I am more of a Green Ronin's Freeport guy and Monte Cook's Ptolus guy.
-=- VirtuAdept -=-
Join in on the backup Xbox 360 Discussion forum! | sgtshaggy
| | #31 posted May 3, 2007 at 3:04pm (EDT) |
zylo wrote:
> It's the Legends trilogy that takes place after Chronicles.
> They do a nice job with Crysania (the priestess). Raistlin and her
> have a strange opposites-attract relationship.
I thought Legends was outstanding when it was first released. I haven't read it in a long time, though. so I'm not sure how I'd feel about it today. Raistlin is one of my favorite Dragonlance characters.
shags
"The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs." - Charles de Gaulle | zylo
| | #32 posted May 3, 2007 at 4:05pm (EDT) |
It's more focused than Chronicles, which pans all over. Raistlin actually reminds me of Hamlet.
Hamlet toys around a bit with Ophelia, pretending to like her ... but is it really only an act? Similar w/ Raistlin and Crysania.
Hamlet struggles with going along with his princedom and assuming power ... versus being loyal to his family and turning on those who offer him power. Raistlin is conflicted between his dark patrons and his brother Caramon.
Hamlet suffers from mental illness (or does he really?). In the end, he proves quite capable. Raistlin suffers from a malady of physical weakness. But he can still achieve much. | TMNT
| | #33 posted May 7, 2007 at 10:08pm (EDT) |
im reading Mass Effect Revelations right now, only a few chapters in but its prtty decent so far.
Need a  Loan? Visit the PAYPAL LOAN FORUM! | vDub
| | #34 posted May 7, 2007 at 10:32pm (EDT) |
did I mention I finished reading Star Wars: Darth Bane: Path of Destruction a few days ago? I'm now reading Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks and have like five more books that I checked out from the library to get through afterwards.
| vDub
| | #35 posted May 9, 2007 at 4:09pm (EDT) |
Just finished Armageddon's Children. I'm gonna be starting Accelerando by Charles Stross next.
| ndrake
| #36 posted May 22, 2007 at 9:50pm (EDT)
edited May 22, 2007 at 9:51pm (EDT) |
Recently finished Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan. Currently reading Broken Angels by Richard K. Morgan.
Forgot to add, Cryptonomicon kicks ass! I couldn't get into the first Baroque Cycle book though. Snow Crash and Diamond Age also kick ass. | sgtshaggy
| | #37 posted May 23, 2007 at 7:13am (EDT) |
I'm in the middle of three books atm: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (as previously mentioned), Trollslayer by William King and Liberty's Crusade by Jeff Grubb.
shags
“All generalizations are false, including this one.” - Alexander Chase
| vDub
| | #38 posted May 26, 2007 at 4:11pm (EDT) |
I'm reading Star Wars: The Black Fleet Crisis Book #1: Before the Storm by Michael P. Kube-McDowell. Before that I had finished Star Wars: The New Jedi Order: Force Heretic I: Remnant by Sean Williams and Shane Dix.
| virtuadept
| | #39 posted May 26, 2007 at 8:06pm (EDT) |
Nate, how was Altered Carbon? I have that on my to-read list.
Mostly reading comics now, am in the middle of a run of Star Wars: Legacy by Dark Horse. Also reading various Marvel Adventures books and on the DC side I'm into Batman, Detective Comics, and Countdown. And a few others.
-=- VirtuAdept -=-
Join in on the backup Xbox 360 Discussion forum! | ndrake
| | #40 posted May 26, 2007 at 9:15pm (EDT) |
virtuadept wrote:
> Nate, how was Altered Carbon? I have that on my to-read list.
It kicked a lot of ass. Move it to the top of your to-read list. | | |
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