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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Nick on August 22, 2014, 08:46:51 AM

Title: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Nick on August 22, 2014, 08:46:51 AM
Old one here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=287.0
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 22, 2014, 09:06:43 AM
I though the limit was 200 pages before locking. Oh well :sadpanda:

I'm 19 years old, recommend me something good!
It depends on what you like and what books you have read before and enjoyed so far. I'll give you some recommendations by genre:

Detective/Mystery/Crime
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It's a wonderful collection of short stories, each one with a strange case that Sherlock solves in a really smart way that makes it seem obvious. Although it was written in the 19th century, it's an easy read and you'll find Watson reaction's to Sherlock methods quite funny.

The Mystery of the Yellow Room, by Gaston Leroux. This was actually the only book that I really enjoyed back in high school. The story is about a murder of a woman, but the weird thing is that she is locked on a room, so when her parents enter the place, they find her bleeding, but there are no sings of the killer or how he entered the room. The plot twists are mind-blowing.

Fantasy
Harry Potter, by J.K Rowling. Ok, not the most creative suggestion, but who cares? I read the entire series a few years ago, in a few months and I wasn't even a child and enjoyed it. This series have made a lots of kids realize they enjoy reading, and even some adults. Although the movies are great, they miss a lot of details and scenes, but the most important thing: Harry's sarcasm. I still don't get how such an important part of his personality wasn't showed on the movies, but anyways, this is a really good series. Books 5 and 6 might drag a bit, since they're really long, but it's still an easy read, no matter the age.

I could recommend you another books, but unfortunately, those are either too long for a nobel reader or the writer really likes lots of unnecessary details. So, I wouldn't recommend you the Lord of Rings trilogy, as Tolkien style is really tough and dense, even for an experienced reader.

Science Fiction
The Hunger Games, by Susanne Collins. I know this is a modern series, specially for teens and young adults, but the style is so engaging and addictive, that it's worth for someone who starts in the world of literature. The story may have some stupid details, book 3 isn't so awesome, and it's on a kind of post-world-war world, but the story is really interesting and easy to understand, so take it as an entry level book. The great classics are like the prog of literature - wonderfully crafted, but difficult to digest.

Others
Choose Your Own Adventure, by lots of different authors. One of my favorite series ever, and definitely the best books for somebody who is starting to read seriously. These are written in second-person, thus it means that you are the protagonist of the book, and the writer guides you through the story. And the best thing: decisions. You reach a point when you have to decide either one thing or another, and the story can change a lot, specially 'cause of the first choices at the beginning. So, you have different endings, and that depends on the edition, but my favorites are the ones with 20 or more finals, specially those where I die :lol.

I think you'll find all of these at your local library, so I wish you good luck on your reading :tup.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on August 22, 2014, 09:13:25 AM
Woo, new thread!

I kind of lurked the old thread and found some good recommendations.

I just recently started reading, and it's a very light read, "Stories For The Nighttime And Some For The Day"

What a strange collection of stories.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on August 22, 2014, 11:49:59 AM

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig.

I really enjoyed that book in high school - but its been a long time!

I enjoyed the first few chapters, where he talks about his friend's relationship to technology and the beginning of the classic/romantic split (i.e., ignoring reality and getting upset when it interrupts your ignorance when something breaks).  When he gets into his talk about quality, and I finally realize that Phaedrus is his past identity, the whole motorcycle journey metaphor evaporates, and he is is just rambling on and on about quality.  I don't feel like i've read anything new on the subject for 50 pages, and it seems very repetitive.  I'll report further when I finish the book.


Edit: Also, I faked the post quotes here, since the previous thread is locked.  I don't know how the link in the quote codes the date and time, but I played with it to get it reasonably close.  Totally useless, but I thought i would try to see how it works for my own satisfaction.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on August 22, 2014, 03:26:45 PM
Finished The Gunslinger yesterday, now on The Drawing of the Three. Maybe this time I'll make it to Book 7...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on August 22, 2014, 03:49:39 PM
The Future of the Mind - Michio Kaku
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on August 22, 2014, 04:02:34 PM
Finished The Gunslinger yesterday, now on The Drawing of the Three. Maybe this time I'll make it to Book 7...

I never have...I always peder out somewhere in the first few chapters of TDotT. Good luck.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on August 22, 2014, 04:12:39 PM
That was how far I got the last time as well. :lol Though this time I am determined to finish the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Genowyn on August 22, 2014, 05:40:40 PM
I'm 19 years old, recommend me something good!
Fantasy
Harry Potter, by J.K Rowling. Ok, not the most creative suggestion, but who cares? I read the entire series a few years ago, in a few months and I wasn't even a child and enjoyed it. This series have made a lots of kids realize they enjoy reading, and even some adults. Although the movies are great, they miss a lot of details and scenes, but the most important thing: Harry's sarcasm. I still don't get how such an important part of his personality wasn't showed on the movies, but anyways, this is a really good series. Books 5 and 6 might drag a bit, since they're really long, but it's still an easy read, no matter the age.

I could recommend you another books, but unfortunately, those are either too long for a nobel reader or the writer really likes lots of unnecessary details. So, I wouldn't recommend you the Lord of Rings trilogy, as Tolkien style is really tough and dense, even for an experienced reader.

He's 19 not 9.

If fantasy's your bag, definitely go with George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire or The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss. If you're interested in more of an urban fantasy with a mystery twist (and how could you not be) check out The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.

If you're more into capital-L literature I always recommend Chuck Palahniuk. Survivor, Haunted, and Rant are probably my favorites. Fight Club's also pretty good.


On-topic: I am currently reading The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham...as I am an aspiring fantasy author I will be reading a lot of less mainstream fantasy and I'll definitely recommend anything good. This one's pretty good so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: rumborak on August 22, 2014, 06:12:12 PM
I've been "on a mission" sort of the last few years that, if I read a book, it will be a classic. So, since I'm going to Europe for a month soon, I uploaded the top 20 German classics on my Nook. First one will be The Tin Drum, quite excited about reading it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on August 22, 2014, 11:34:59 PM
I'm currently reading an advance copy of Nick Cutter's next book, titled The Deep, scheduled for release in January of next year.  Pretty good so far.  Because of the undersea setting, it's easy to compare it with a book like Sphere or a movie like The Abyss, and there are definite similarities, but it has a distinct horror atmosphere to it.  I'm definitely intrigued.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jammindude on August 23, 2014, 08:59:02 PM
This is going to sound REALLY cheesy....but I'm going retro.

When I was a teenager, I was addicted to the first few Chronicles of Gor books by John Norman.     This started out as a great mix of Conan meets John Carter of Mars...and after about 5 books started to degrade more and more away from the sci-fi adventure...and more and more into the psychology of slave and master relationships...and it got pretty hokey. ...so I lost interest.

But I still maintain that the first 4 or 5 books are fantastic testosterone overloaded, warrior, sci-fi, fantasy awesomeness that would make any Manowar fan proud.    I haven't read them in almost 30 years, and I just received the first 3 books (complete with Boris Vallejo artwork...I've always been a fan of his) in the mail after ordering them off of Ebay.  I'm going to see if they've aged well.   If not, then hey, at least I got three pieces of Boris Vallejo artwork.   :xbones 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 24, 2014, 05:05:15 AM
This is going to sound REALLY cheesy....but I'm going retro.

When I was a teenager, I was addicted to the first few Chronicles of Gor books by John Norman.     This started out as a great mix of Conan meets John Carter of Mars...and after about 5 books started to degrade more and more away from the sci-fi adventure...and more and more into the psychology of slave and master relationships...and it got pretty hokey. ...so I lost interest.

But I still maintain that the first 4 or 5 books are fantastic testosterone overloaded, warrior, sci-fi, fantasy awesomeness that would make any Manowar fan proud.    I haven't read them in almost 30 years, and I just received the first 3 books (complete with Boris Vallejo artwork...I've always been a fan of his) in the mail after ordering them off of Ebay.  I'm going to see if they've aged well.   If not, then hey, at least I got three pieces of Boris Vallejo artwork.   :xbones
:metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on August 24, 2014, 10:46:20 AM
I'm 19 years old, recommend me something good!
Fantasy
Harry Potter, by J.K Rowling. Ok, not the most creative suggestion, but who cares? I read the entire series a few years ago, in a few months and I wasn't even a child and enjoyed it. This series have made a lots of kids realize they enjoy reading, and even some adults. Although the movies are great, they miss a lot of details and scenes, but the most important thing: Harry's sarcasm. I still don't get how such an important part of his personality wasn't showed on the movies, but anyways, this is a really good series. Books 5 and 6 might drag a bit, since they're really long, but it's still an easy read, no matter the age.

I could recommend you another books, but unfortunately, those are either too long for a nobel reader or the writer really likes lots of unnecessary details. So, I wouldn't recommend you the Lord of Rings trilogy, as Tolkien style is really tough and dense, even for an experienced reader.

He's 19 not 9.

If fantasy's your bag, definitely go with George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire or The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss.
I would add Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy to that list.

I'm almost finished with Cloud Atlas and it's been an incredible read!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jammindude on August 24, 2014, 11:58:23 AM
This is going to sound REALLY cheesy....but I'm going retro.

When I was a teenager, I was addicted to the first few Chronicles of Gor books by John Norman.     This started out as a great mix of Conan meets John Carter of Mars...and after about 5 books started to degrade more and more away from the sci-fi adventure...and more and more into the psychology of slave and master relationships...and it got pretty hokey. ...so I lost interest.

But I still maintain that the first 4 or 5 books are fantastic testosterone overloaded, warrior, sci-fi, fantasy awesomeness that would make any Manowar fan proud.    I haven't read them in almost 30 years, and I just received the first 3 books (complete with Boris Vallejo artwork...I've always been a fan of his) in the mail after ordering them off of Ebay.  I'm going to see if they've aged well.   If not, then hey, at least I got three pieces of Boris Vallejo artwork.   :xbones
:metal

I take it you've heard of the books?  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Genowyn on August 24, 2014, 08:32:36 PM
Dimitrius, I took the first book of Abercrombie's series out from the library and will be starting it when I finish the one I'm on now, so I look forward to it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on August 24, 2014, 08:36:56 PM
Say hello to Glokta from me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on August 25, 2014, 12:36:59 AM
Finished The Waste Lands yesterday. Starting with Wizard and Glass tomorrow. I find King a lot easier to read in English than in a German translation.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 26, 2014, 06:46:53 PM
This is going to sound REALLY cheesy....but I'm going retro.

When I was a teenager, I was addicted to the first few Chronicles of Gor books by John Norman.     This started out as a great mix of Conan meets John Carter of Mars...and after about 5 books started to degrade more and more away from the sci-fi adventure...and more and more into the psychology of slave and master relationships...and it got pretty hokey. ...so I lost interest.

But I still maintain that the first 4 or 5 books are fantastic testosterone overloaded, warrior, sci-fi, fantasy awesomeness that would make any Manowar fan proud.    I haven't read them in almost 30 years, and I just received the first 3 books (complete with Boris Vallejo artwork...I've always been a fan of his) in the mail after ordering them off of Ebay.  I'm going to see if they've aged well.   If not, then hey, at least I got three pieces of Boris Vallejo artwork.   :xbones
:metal

I take it you've heard of the books?  :lol
No, but I like Conan, John Carter, and Boris Vallejo.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jammindude on August 26, 2014, 09:53:02 PM
Well then you'd LOVE the Chronicles of Gor.   I just finished the first book Tarnsman of Gor in a two day shot, and I gotta say I haven't had that much fun reading in quite some time. 

Since I discovered Gor first when I was thirteen, I wouldn't discover how much it borrowed from John Carter until much later...so I might be biased.   But it was a very light, but extremely fun read.  If you're a fan of that genre and you're not looking for anything really groundbreaking, I HIGHLY recommend it.

I'm already 4 chapters into book two, Outlaw of Gor, and having a blast.   Looks like a full blown "binge" is in my immediate future.  :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 26, 2014, 09:54:41 PM
Cool, I may try to track those down.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on August 27, 2014, 03:16:11 PM
I'm reading The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell (part of his Saxon Chronicles series). I'm a huge history buff so this is right up my alley. The storytelling is phenomenal and the characters, especially the main one, are very memorable. For anyone interested in the history of ancient England, or just a good story in general, I highly recommend it. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: PuffyPat on August 27, 2014, 03:26:13 PM
Flip flopping between Flannery O'Connor's 'Everything that Rises Must Converge' and John Hodgman's 'More Information than You Require.' After reading the first few short stories in ETRMC, I had to offset the darkness with the literary humor of John Hodgman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on August 28, 2014, 01:17:42 AM
Finished Wizard and Glass yesterday. Man that was long.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on August 28, 2014, 01:31:12 AM
Dan Brown - Inferno

I used to read alot but not so much anymore sadly, I don't know I never seem to be in the mood. Anyway I have read all of his books and they're easy to get into so I thought his latest would be a good start to get in the mood.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on August 28, 2014, 03:00:17 AM
Still finishing up on Tolstoy's War and Peace. It took about 300 pages to really get into it, and this is one of the books I won't mind reading again just after I finished it. I don't think I can grasp all of it in one read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on August 28, 2014, 06:25:19 AM
Finished Wizard and Glass yesterday. Man that was long.
This was my favorite of the series.  For some reason, I was really taken by the whole imagery of that town, and Roland's youth.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on August 28, 2014, 06:37:32 AM
Finished Wizard and Glass yesterday. Man that was long.
This was my favorite of the series.  For some reason, I was really taken by the whole imagery of that town, and Roland's youth.
Since I had already read the graphic novels, which focus on Roland's youth, much of the story was already known to me, which made it feel a little draggy in parts, but it was really very very good. I really like the character of Cuthbert.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 28, 2014, 10:33:46 AM
Die Trying by Lee Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on September 01, 2014, 07:15:58 PM
Finished The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss. Magnificent book, better than the first one. I really love Pat's prose, he's a damn poet.

Now, while I'm still trying to finish Crossroads of Twilight, book ten of the Wheel of Time series, I want to read something else. But just single books, not another saga. So, which would you recommend me from thise?

Battle Royale, by Koushun Takami
The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury
Dracula, by Bram Stoker
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1Q84, by Haruki Murakami (I know this is a trilogy -and isn't too long- but I'm curious because no matter how many reviews I read, I still don't get what it is about :lol)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 02, 2014, 08:34:06 AM
Finished The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss. Magnificent book, better than the first one. I really love Pat's prose, he's a damn poet.

Now, while I'm still trying to finish Crossroads of Twilight, book ten of the Wheel of Time series, I want to read something else. But just single books, not another saga. So, which would you recommend me from thise?

Battle Royale, by Koushun Takami
The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury
Dracula, by Cram Stoker
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1Q84, by Haruki Murakami (I know this is a trilogy -and isn't too long- but I'm curious because no matter how many reviews I read, I still don't get what it is about :lol)

I liked dracula, and I had to read Gatsby for school and I didn't really care for it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on September 02, 2014, 11:36:24 AM
Finished The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss. Magnificent book, better than the first one. I really love Pat's prose, he's a damn poet.

Now, while I'm still trying to finish Crossroads of Twilight, book ten of the Wheel of Time series, I want to read something else. But just single books, not another saga. So, which would you recommend me from thise?

Battle Royale, by Koushun Takami
The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury
Dracula, by Cram Stoker
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1Q84, by Haruki Murakami (I know this is a trilogy -and isn't too long- but I'm curious because no matter how many reviews I read, I still don't get what it is about :lol)

Of those, I've read Martian Chronicles and Gatsby, with Dracula also being on my to-read list. I know I'm a minority, but I didn't like Martian Chronicles nearly as much as other Bradbury stuff. So I'll go with Gatsby, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 03, 2014, 06:03:24 AM
Nothing To Lose by Lee Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 03, 2014, 06:30:10 AM
Finished The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss. Magnificent book, better than the first one. I really love Pat's prose, he's a damn poet.

Now, while I'm still trying to finish Crossroads of Twilight, book ten of the Wheel of Time series, I want to read something else. But just single books, not another saga. So, which would you recommend me from thise?

Battle Royale, by Koushun Takami
The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury
Dracula, by Cram Stoker
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1Q84, by Haruki Murakami (I know this is a trilogy -and isn't too long- but I'm curious because no matter how many reviews I read, I still don't get what it is about :lol)

Cram is it?  ;D

I've read Dracula and didn't find it that interesting. The problem is, you already know where it is going and the writing style is not that special, if I remember correctly.

The Martians Chronicles were decent

The rest I haven't read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on September 04, 2014, 01:30:46 AM
Cujo by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 04, 2014, 07:05:13 AM
Cujo by Stephen King.
:metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 08, 2014, 03:14:18 AM
This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 08, 2014, 09:12:43 AM
Sleeping Late on Judgment day - Tad Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on September 08, 2014, 09:19:03 AM
Finally done with Wolves of the Calla. Onto Song of Susannah.

This is getting mightily convoluted.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on September 08, 2014, 08:19:47 PM
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, while I try to finish Crossroads of Twilight - I've actually finished two chapters but Light help me, it's kind of dreadful and the story goes so slow :millahhhh .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The King in Crimson on September 08, 2014, 08:41:58 PM
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, while I try to finish Crossroads of Twilight - I've actually finished two chapters but Light help me, it's kind of dreadful and the story goes so slow :millahhhh .
Crossroads is generally considered the worst and lowest point of the series so, if it's any consolation, it's all up from here on out. I gave up after the book so I can't tell you how true that actually is, but the internet can't be lying... right?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 09, 2014, 03:31:41 PM
Finally reading Redshirts by John Scalzi
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on September 09, 2014, 03:42:11 PM
Just finished Night by Elie Wiesel, The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku, and Dune by Frank Herbert. I didn't like Dune quite as much as the hype led me to believe, but it was still good. Night was horrifying but well written. And The Future of the Mind was crazy awesome! Kaku has a way with words that can pull any layman into the conversation.

Next up: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: cramx3 on September 09, 2014, 03:53:48 PM
Following... I havent picked up a book in about a month.  Id like the read the new GRRM ASOIAF book even though its not a true new book, but from the sounds of it, looks like it can be a cool reading based on that world.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 09, 2014, 04:04:55 PM
Just finished Night by Elie Wiesel, The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku, and Dune by Frank Herbert. I didn't like Dune quite as much as the hype led me to believe, but it was still good. Night was horrifying but well written. And The Future of the Mind was crazy awesome! Kaku has a way with words that can pull any layman into the conversation.

Next up: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Over the years, I have started Dune no less than a dozen times. The last time I didn't make it through the first chapter...an all time low for me. My peak attempt was about four chapters!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 10, 2014, 03:28:22 PM
This Redshirts book is awesome. It's like Star Trek meets Stranger Than Fiction
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on September 10, 2014, 03:32:57 PM
Done with Song of Susannah. Now only the big finale awaits me in The Dark Tower. I must say, I'm curious to see if it ever revealed what is actually happening with the Dark Tower, and how the whole thing gets resolved.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on September 10, 2014, 04:44:21 PM
Done with Song of Susannah. Now only the big finale awaits me in The Dark Tower. I must say, I'm curious to see if it ever revealed what is actually happening with the Dark Tower, and how the whole thing gets resolved.
Read until the end of The Dark Tower, the every end. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on September 10, 2014, 05:47:30 PM
That's what I plan on doing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 10, 2014, 07:17:18 PM
I can't wait to read your reaction
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 11, 2014, 07:23:10 AM
Joyland by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: cramx3 on September 11, 2014, 07:38:43 AM
Joyland by Stephen King

Let me know what you think.  I read half of it and then I ended up moving which caused me to not have time to read for awhile and I never got back to it.  If it ends well, ill have to consider picking it back up, but I was a bit bored through the first half which is why I havent been motivated to pick it back up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 11, 2014, 08:30:30 AM
Joyland by Stephen King

Let me know what you think.  I read half of it and then I ended up moving which caused me to not have time to read for awhile and I never got back to it.  If it ends well, ill have to consider picking it back up, but I was a bit bored through the first half which is why I havent been motivated to pick it back up.
Will do.  I'm just starting it today.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on September 11, 2014, 02:28:16 PM
Joyland by Stephen King

I read it when it first came out and really enjoyed it!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on September 11, 2014, 03:34:03 PM
Journey to the End of the Night by Louis-Ferdinand Celine. Good but sometimes hard to read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on September 11, 2014, 04:00:52 PM
Well, I just finished The Dark Tower and I'm not sure what I should think.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on September 11, 2014, 04:19:28 PM
Well, I just finished The Dark Tower and I'm not sure what I should think.
I don't know what the author had in mind making the protagonist wake up in a hospital, and without legs, like everything was a dre... wait, wrong thread.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lonestar on September 11, 2014, 04:22:32 PM
Re-reading A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, easily one of the best I've ever read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 11, 2014, 05:02:32 PM
HefDaddy, did you enjoy the Lee Child books? I enjoy his work very much. I have read all but the most recent 3 or 4.

Reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry now. My first Pulitzer winner.

Well, I just finished The Dark Tower and I'm not sure what I should think.

That was about the feeling I had at the end.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: sneakyblueberry on September 11, 2014, 05:04:31 PM
Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

 :|
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 12, 2014, 04:34:51 AM
Unbroken by Laura Hildebrand
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on September 12, 2014, 04:48:39 AM
Still working my way through the Song of Ice and Fire books - getting towards the end of the volume 1 of A Dance With Dragons.

I'm enjoying them, but GRRM really does take ages to get to the point. When I think of the hundreds of pages I've read over the last couple of books, not that much has really happened (although some of the stuff that has happened has been very cool).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: cramx3 on September 12, 2014, 06:18:30 AM
Still working my way through the Song of Ice and Fire books - getting towards the end of the volume 1 of A Dance With Dragons.

I'm enjoying them, but GRRM really does take ages to get to the point. When I think of the hundreds of pages I've read over the last couple of books, not that much has really happened (although some of the stuff that has happened has been very cool).

Yea the last two books dragged a bit, but I felt it was all build up of new characters that is going to come to some major events in the next book.  Stinks to have to wait so long and read so much just to be left waiting for the pay off.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 12, 2014, 06:43:59 AM
Still working my way through the Song of Ice and Fire books - getting towards the end of the volume 1 of A Dance With Dragons.

I'm enjoying them, but GRRM really does take ages to get to the point. When I think of the hundreds of pages I've read over the last couple of books, not that much has really happened (although some of the stuff that has happened has been very cool).

Yea the last two books dragged a bit, but I felt it was all build up of new characters that is going to come to some major events in the next book.  Stinks to have to wait so long and read so much just to be left waiting for the pay off.

My first time through the series I was so annoyed at how much time was spent reading about the food people were eating or the costumes of passersby in the streets. It was a real struggle to get through the first time.

Strangely, on my second read through of the series I didn't even notice and I really enjoyed the story more.

I'm telling you, these are truly odd books that way.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on September 12, 2014, 06:58:18 AM
I do have a tendency to skim-read when it's getting too unnecessarily descriptive. :lol

Stinks to have to wait so long and read so much just to be left waiting for the pay off.
Yeah, I think even though I'm only just reading through them now, I'll still have forgotten what the hell is going on when the next book is actually released.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: cramx3 on September 12, 2014, 07:12:40 AM
I havent re-read the books as wholes, but Ive gone back over to read certain chapters and Ive noticed the re-reads have been very enjoyable, mostly because GRRM sprinkles tons of "Easter Egg" type of things.  I've noticed so much more on second reads that I did not pick up the first time and maybe thats because I also skimmed through certain paragraphs and what not of what I thought was some of the boring stuff, but looking back, its actually mostly really interesting.  Id like to re-read all the books to get that enjoyment, but thats a lot of time and dedication that I just dont have.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on September 12, 2014, 07:20:08 AM
I haven't even read DWD yet, and I don't think I'm going to unless he actually finishes the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 12, 2014, 07:28:57 AM
HefDaddy, did you enjoy the Lee Child books? I enjoy his work very much. I have read all but the most recent 3 or 4.
Oh, yes.  He's my favorite currently writing author, other than Stephen King.  I love Reacher.  I have read them all up to now, although I think there is a new one out right now that I haven't gotten yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 12, 2014, 08:01:21 AM
With Martin, I'm just goin to wait until the last book is out, then I'll just read it all through
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 12, 2014, 09:01:30 AM
With Martin, I'm just goin to wait until the last book is out, then I'll just read it all through

I sure hope we'll get this last book, but I'm really not sure anymore. Hopeful, but not sure, especially since he said he won't allow anyone to finish the series in his stead.

But I agree, AFFC and ADWD could use some trimming. On the second read they are getting better, but on the first read I found them absolutely tedious.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on September 12, 2014, 10:34:32 AM
Well, I just finished The Dark Tower and I'm not sure what I should think.

That was about the feeling I had at the end.

Actually, the more I think about the ending, the more I like, and I can't imagine it ending in any other way. I have many thoughts on the matter, and they are more or less all summed up in this thread by different posters: https://www.reddit.com/r/FanTheories/comments/1cuqmq/stephen_king_the_dark_tower/. I shouldn't have to say this, but SPOILERS. It's definitely one of the more intriguing endings that I've read in a while, that's for sure.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on September 12, 2014, 08:09:27 PM
Dude, the first time I read that ending I was like "oh shit! the fuck just happened here?!" But the more  I thought about it the more it was just such a perfect ending to the story (reprising one of the big themes from the books) and, overall, one of the best King endings!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on September 12, 2014, 09:36:16 PM
I had mixed feelings about that ending.

Obviously, huge spoilers if you read on.

I only read the book once, and it was ten years ago, but I read something online a while ago suggesting the encounter with the Three Kings is far more significant to the story than it seemed when I first read it. From memory, they tell him he has successfully destroyed the Crimson King's operations, he's killed everyone he was involved with, gone insane, and locked himself in the Tower. He's no harm to the Tower or anyone anymore. Okay, I guess you can argue there's an insane superpowerful wizard out there, and Roland might feel a duty to do something about it, but does he? From memory, he's just like "this is great news and all, but I must continue to the Tower". In other words, up til this point, the whole idea that his friends will stop dying if he forgets the Tower was true, but belies the fact that he had a job to do: stop the Crimson King from destroying the Tower. Now the job is done, for sure, and he can go home, but he keeps going. Everything that happens from that point on is collateral that Roland incurs on himself.

I love how the story devolves and decays the closer it gets to the Tower. They leave any noteworthy setting behind, the characters they encounter start to seem ethereal and only half-real. In those final chapters, the last few characters are scrambling, almost on their hands and knees, in the empty waste around the Tower. Roland is being hunted by his son, who killed off the main villain, whose potential power is huge, but is instead just a sick, twisted wraith chasing Daddy through the wilderness, yet, in a Gollum-like way, he's now Roland's worst threat, because Roland is on his last legs and far beyond any aid. That I love about the ending.

The last chapter before the Coda, however, I felt was a letdown. As much as the story's final great duel being this pitiful clash between an almost powerless Roland and the insane KC fits the devolution of the universe at the end of the book, I just hated how it was written. I mean, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. We couldn't have had a more developed Crimson King than that? And the way he incorporated Patrick into the ending was a bit too deus-ex-machina-esque. I feel like surely King could have come up with something else that was more satisfying. I didn't really care too much about the Coda and its effect on the narrative, as the ending had already left a sour taste in my mouth.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on September 12, 2014, 09:55:31 PM
Also, I'm reading the Odyssey. Much less interesting and slower moving story than I expected. Odysseus is about to start telling King Alcinous his story, so it should get more interesting from here, hopefully. For the most part, it's felt so far like a treatise on proper hospitality, on how to receive guests and be received, in Ancient Greece, because that's all that ever seems to be happening.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on September 13, 2014, 05:53:54 PM
The Grail Quest series by Bernard Cornwell.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on September 14, 2014, 07:50:38 PM
Ok, finally finished Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan this afternoon. The first half is dreadful and slow, boring, specially when Perrin is the main character of the chapter (I love him but damn, those parts :sadpanda: ). The rest felt more like a typical WOT book, and even the final 100 pages were really interesting. Cool plot twist at the end. All in all, I'm looking forward to reading the following, Knife of Dreams. Light, this series is damn long.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 18, 2014, 02:22:25 PM
Also reading A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin. Only 50 pages in and I think I may enjoy this more than Winter's Tale
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on September 18, 2014, 03:27:08 PM
Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho, by Stephen Rebello.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 20, 2014, 05:16:47 AM
Joyland by Stephen King

Let me know what you think.  I read half of it and then I ended up moving which caused me to not have time to read for awhile and I never got back to it.  If it ends well, ill have to consider picking it back up, but I was a bit bored through the first half which is why I havent been motivated to pick it back up.
Will do.  I'm just starting it today.
I finished this morning.  I really liked it, it was a nice, satisfying tale.  Not sure how much re-reading value it will have, but it was a fun little read.  In some ways, reminiscent of some of his older stories like Stand By Me.  Also, I liked that he published it in the Hard Case Crime series, like his previous book The Colorado Kid, which was a more straight up mystery/crime novel.  This one has a hint of supernatural, so in that respect, it is more Kingish.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on September 20, 2014, 03:40:02 PM
I thought Joyland was great, I think I read it last Summer.

I'm reading Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky now. Is it just me, or is this book very depressing? I'm not too far in yet though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 21, 2014, 12:52:27 PM
I'm reading Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky now. Is it just me, or is this book very depressing? I'm not too far in yet though.

It's not just you, this book is depressing as hell. I've never read English translation, so I don't know how good it is, but it's got to be one of my favourite books in Russian.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 22, 2014, 08:56:19 AM
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 22, 2014, 09:21:42 AM
Sycamore Row by John Grisham

I loved Sycamore Row...and hated it all at the same time. So disturbing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 22, 2014, 09:37:24 AM
Sycamore Row by John Grisham

I loved Sycamore Row...and hated it all at the same time. So disturbing.
Well, I'm only on page 108, so I'm barely into very much of the plot at all.  I like it so far.

I don't read Grisham very often, but I noticed that this is a sequel (of sorts) to A Time To Kill, which I really enjoyed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 22, 2014, 10:01:23 AM
Yeah, I don't typically read Grisham either. The most non-Grisham like books have somehow made it into my library though.

I would rate A Painted House very highly among the finest of American literature.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 22, 2014, 12:18:24 PM
Killing Floor - Lee Child

I'm a Lee Child noob and Jack Reacher virgin, so this should be interesting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 22, 2014, 01:03:16 PM
Killing Floor - Lee Child

I'm a Lee Child noob and Jack Reacher virgin, so this should be interesting.
I love the Reacher series, and that one may be my favorite. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 22, 2014, 02:42:34 PM
I'm getting used to the clipped, macho prose. I may even start talking like that. To everyone. Every. Single. One.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 24, 2014, 09:54:28 AM
Okay, I finished Killing Floor.

The great: (1) The mystery (main plot) was terrific. Possibly the best mystery I've read...maybe ever. (2) The author didn't withhold any plot elements (that I noticed) from the reader so there was plenty of opportunity to figure out things ahead of the protagonist. (3) Reacher isn't a bumbling moron who lucks into saving the day. I find that very refreshing!

The good: (1) The author strikes a good balance between describing the environment and allowing the reader's imagination to fill in the rest. (2) Reacher's sense of loyalty makes his motivations believable.

The meh: The violence is shockingly brief and brutal, with little or no moral struggle. Even characters around the protagonist tend to brush off the violence. This is somewhat compensated for by the extreme nastiness of the enemies...they pretty much earned a brutal end.

The bad: Clipped prose. It's off-putting. Ham-handed. Amateurish? When you read long stretches, you get used to it. Some. When you return--not so much. Takes a while to get back in the swing. Know what I mean? Lacks pronouns.

All in all, I enjoyed it enough to see if the plot quality continues with some of the other books in the series. I'm really hoping the prose improves, but I'm more than just a bit sure that it is intentional. The author seems to be eschewing florid speech in an attempt to give the whole narrative a muscular, intimidating mood. He's writing about a different kind of hero and the prose is part of the way he throws off stereotypes of the genre.

Anyway, I'm off to figure out what I should read next.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 24, 2014, 11:01:00 AM
That prose style is Child's writing style, and suits Reacher well.  There is no unnecessary language, like Reacher has no unnecessary actions or movements (or even thoughts).  It reminds me of Hemingway.  But it is what it is.

I find it extremely refreshing, because a lot of things I read are overly wordy.  But if it bothers you that much, then this may not be the series for you.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 24, 2014, 12:08:53 PM
That prose style is Child's writing style, and suits Reacher well.  There is no unnecessary language, like Reacher has no unnecessary actions or movements (or even thoughts).  It reminds me of Hemingway.  But it is what it is.

I find it extremely refreshing, because a lot of things I read are overly wordy.  But if it bothers you that much, then this may not be the series for you.

I was, perhaps, a bit overly critical, in that it didn't bother me so much as it just got in the way of the story sometimes by being so front and center. Like I said, I enjoyed it enough to order another book. I'm skipping forward in the series quite a bit and ordering:

Without Fail -- Lee Child

I hope that was a good choice.  :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 24, 2014, 02:22:14 PM
Yeah, it's good.

Not sure if you saw the film Jack Reacher or not, but the novel it was based on is One Shot.  It's one of my favorites.

The only one I didn't really care for was Echo Burning.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 24, 2014, 03:02:33 PM
Hef,

Have you read the Lucas Davenport series of books by John Sandford? Reacher reminds me a lot of Davenport in that they aren't the typical sleuths and are both big men who are hard boiled in a non-typical fashion. Of course, the differences in the characters' attitudes toward modern life and worldly possessions couldn't be wider apart. Davenport is rich, and flaunts it.  :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 24, 2014, 07:52:13 PM
Nope. But I may check it out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 26, 2014, 08:03:59 AM
Ok, finally finished Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan this afternoon. The first half is dreadful and slow, boring, specially when Perrin is the main character of the chapter (I love him but damn, those parts :sadpanda: ). The rest felt more like a typical WOT book, and even the final 100 pages were really interesting. Cool plot twist at the end. All in all, I'm looking forward to reading the following, Knife of Dreams. Light, this series is damn long.

Just finished Knife of Dreams and found it a lot more enjoyable than Crossroads. I agree though, Perrin's chapters are quite boring.

Now onto The Gathering Storm. I'm not a fan of the cases when series are finished by someone else, but I want to know what happens next, so whatever.  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 29, 2014, 11:18:38 AM
I finally (I've been busy) finished Without Fail and really enjoyed it! Reacher is a very interesting character and not nearly as one dimensional as you would think just from surface descriptions. His relationship with Neagley is layered with nuances that feel real and poignant. When he respected her enough to sit still as she struggled to touch his hand...wow! He knew she was desperate to offer him some comfort but was patient enough to let it come on her terms--and you just know that if she had bailed on the whole idea he would have been fine with it and understood.

I think there is a lesson there worth absorbing.

I don't feel like I'm finished exploring this series yet. I think I'll order One Shot. Since I have seen the movie it might be fun to see the differences between the two.

[edit]

Oh, and I find myself slightly amused by the British words used by U.S. characters.  :)  No 'Mercan would call the pastor of a rural Wyoming church a Vicar, and we never "switch" off electrical/electronic stuff...we "turn" them off.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on September 30, 2014, 05:42:36 PM
Rereading The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice in wait for her Oct 28 release Prince Lestat.
So far have reread Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, Queen of the Damned and next my fave. Tale of the Bodythief.  :smiley: 

I love all the Jack Reacher books by Lee Child, I haven't got the latest one yet, has anyone read it?

Sycamore Row by John Grisham I must admit I have collected John Grisham since he write A Time To Kill, but even though I have all of his books, I have felt for a while that his books are not as good, but Sycamore Row was great.....but I did wonder whether or not he actually wrote this sequel some years ago and decided to publish now ....who knows?!

A recommendation for Lee Child/Jack Reacher fans or any of this genre  is 'THE LINEUP' Edited by Otto Penzler, The World's greatest Crime Writers Tell the Inside Story of their Greatest Detectives. In their own words each author tells how their character was created.   :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 01, 2014, 01:57:32 AM
New Under the Sun, by Kevin Major.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 01, 2014, 04:29:11 PM
I agree though, Perrin's chapters are quite boring.
Finally something we both agree on :lol . Didn't know you were reading the series too, what's your fav book from it so far? Mine would be A Crown of Swords, because the chapters with Mat are damn funny and the scene that appears on the cover of the e-book, with Nynaeve, is fucking awesome.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on October 01, 2014, 07:09:28 PM
In the past week:

The 6th Extinction by James Rollins
The Kill Switch by James Rollins and Grant Blackwood
The Trident Deception by Rick Campbell

Currently reading: The Eye of God by James Rollins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 03, 2014, 10:59:13 AM
Finished Sycamore Row.  Nice, what a fun read!

Now reading Inferno by Dan Brown.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 03, 2014, 12:14:38 PM
I agree though, Perrin's chapters are quite boring.
Finally something we both agree on :lol . Didn't know you were reading the series too, what's your fav book from it so far? Mine would be A Crown of Swords, because the chapters with Mat are damn funny and the scene that appears on the cover of the e-book, with Nynaeve, is fucking awesome.

I actually don't know about my favourite book, as you said, this series is damn long and I don't have a lot of time for reading, so it's kind of a blur what happened in which book. I recall there are parts I'm really fond of and invested in the plot and there are parts I totally don't care about in like every book. I guess I can say they're consistent, almost all of them, but I don't think I can name my favourite one. And I'm afraid to go to Wikipedia to refresh my memory about what happened when because I don't want to be spoiled even a bit. But I remember most of events happened earlier, so it's great to see how the small stuff Robert planted in the first few books now comes to importance.

Actually, I have a certain feeling The Gathering Storm can become my favourite book in the series, I'm immensely enjoying it right now. I'm taking every moment I can to keep reading, and I'm slowly crawling to the middle of the book, and I love it so far. Much better than both Crossroads and Knife, in my opinion.

edit: also, I hated Mat (and his chapters) for a long time (really small spoilers from the first four or five books ahead this knife from Shadar Logoth plot, Aes Sedai hatred and general "I don't give a fuck about anything" attitude), but I'm really starting to appreciate them now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 04, 2014, 12:35:56 AM
Couldn't get into New Under the Sun. Started Wool, by Hugh Howey.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 04, 2014, 05:47:51 PM
Much better than both Crossroads and Knife, in my opinion.
Wow, it must be really good since I'm highly enjoying Knife of Dreams, specially the Egwene chapters. About Mat, I also kind of hated him at the beginning, but it seems he has matured a bit and his chapters are funny most of the time. Btw, Tuon's a bitch :censored .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on October 04, 2014, 10:26:07 PM
Wool, by Hugh Howey.
Fantastic book. You'll be hooked for sure :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The King in Crimson on October 05, 2014, 09:19:00 AM
Finished Crime and Punishment yesterday. Finally. Took my seemingly forever to slog through. My reactions to it are a bit mixed, it has some absolutely fantastic parts and others that are just abysmally boring. The translation is usually terrible, but the good writing manages to shine through every so often, and the dialogue is really, really stilted sometimes. Dostoevsky takes way too long to get to the point, generally.

Since it's October I figured I'd start up something vaguely horror-related and Dracula was staring at me, unread, from the depths of my Kindle, so why not? Dracula it is.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 05, 2014, 12:52:58 PM
Much better than both Crossroads and Knife, in my opinion.
Wow, it must be really good since I'm highly enjoying Knife of Dreams, specially the Egwene chapters. About Mat, I also kind of hated him at the beginning, but it seems he has matured a bit and his chapters are funny most of the time. Btw, Tuon's a bitch :censored .

Well, to be fair, Knife of Dreams doesn't have a lot of Egwene chapters. However, I can say her chapters is the highlight of every book. If there is the character in Wheel of Time I really care about, it's definitely her. And The Gathering Storm definitely does justice to her so far. No spoilers though.  :angel:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 05, 2014, 02:21:57 PM
Finished Crime and Punishment yesterday. Finally. Took my seemingly forever to slog through. My reactions to it are a bit mixed, it has some absolutely fantastic parts and others that are just abysmally boring. The translation is usually terrible, but the good writing manages to shine through every so often, and the dialogue is really, really stilted sometimes. Dostoevsky takes way too long to get to the point, generally.

Since it's October I figured I'd start up something vaguely horror-related and Dracula was staring at me, unread, from the depths of my Kindle, so why not? Dracula it is.

I had to stop reading Crime and Punishment because it got so boring for me about halfway through, which is a shame because I really enjoyed Brothers Karamazov. Dracula is good, if you don't mind the epistlolary format. I'm more a fan of Frankenstein though when it comes to the classic horror novels
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on October 06, 2014, 02:22:28 AM
Finished Crime and Punishment yesterday. Finally. Took my seemingly forever to slog through. My reactions to it are a bit mixed, it has some absolutely fantastic parts and others that are just abysmally boring. The translation is usually terrible, but the good writing manages to shine through every so often, and the dialogue is really, really stilted sometimes. Dostoevsky takes way too long to get to the point, generally.

Since it's October I figured I'd start up something vaguely horror-related and Dracula was staring at me, unread, from the depths of my Kindle, so why not? Dracula it is.
I thought Dracula was really good. Still not even halfway through Crime and Punishment.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 06, 2014, 07:14:15 AM
Finally moving on and starting my October horror/gothic/terror month of reading, starting with Bad Games by Jeff Menapace
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on October 07, 2014, 06:12:19 PM
Just starting Beautiful Creatures .... I just heard the authors on the Dinner Party Show with Christopher Rice and Eric Shaw Quinn and they were great, it made me want to read the books..... :smiley: 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The King in Crimson on October 07, 2014, 06:46:57 PM
Finished Crime and Punishment yesterday. Finally. Took my seemingly forever to slog through. My reactions to it are a bit mixed, it has some absolutely fantastic parts and others that are just abysmally boring. The translation is usually terrible, but the good writing manages to shine through every so often, and the dialogue is really, really stilted sometimes. Dostoevsky takes way too long to get to the point, generally.

Since it's October I figured I'd start up something vaguely horror-related and Dracula was staring at me, unread, from the depths of my Kindle, so why not? Dracula it is.

I had to stop reading Crime and Punishment because it got so boring for me about halfway through, which is a shame because I really enjoyed Brothers Karamazov.
I actually thought the first half was the better part of the book though that may only be because the fatigue hadn't set in yet.

Quote
Dracula is good, if you don't mind the epistolary format. I'm more a fan of Frankenstein though when it comes to the classic horror novels
Doesn't really bother me. Actually, it kinda reminds me a bit of Lovecraft's style sometimes.

I thought Dracula was really good. Still not even halfway through Crime and Punishment.
Yep, I'm quite enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: MiracleSleeper on October 07, 2014, 07:15:35 PM
I'm currently read this book called "The Bible"

It's alright. It's a little slow at times, and the pacing is odd. I also think the Jesus character could use some more character development.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 08, 2014, 07:58:35 AM
Reading the sequel Vengeful Games
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 08, 2014, 08:25:11 AM
I'm currently read this book called "The Bible"

It's alright. It's a little slow at times, and the pacing is odd. I also think the Jesus character could use some more character development.

It's certainly appropriate for the Halloween season. Still, it bothers me that they don't ever explain the zombie disease.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on October 08, 2014, 09:15:11 AM
Finally finished catching up on the Song of Ice and Fire series. Still enjoying the books, but damn is the pace really slowing. The last couple of books have had some fantastic stuff towards the end, but so much plodding along in the middle.

Still, there are a lot of exciting unknowns which I'm enjoying. Just a shame we're going to have to wait so long probably another couple of decades at this rate) to find out how it all ends, if indeed we ever find out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on October 08, 2014, 05:52:19 PM
Just finished A Storm of Swords. Wow.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on October 08, 2014, 07:43:39 PM
Actually, I have a certain feeling The Gathering Storm can become my favourite book in the series, I'm immensely enjoying it right now. I'm taking every moment I can to keep reading, and I'm slowly crawling to the middle of the book, and I love it so far. Much better than both Crossroads and Knife, in my opinion.

The Gathering Storm is my favorite WoT book since The Shadow Rising. The juxtaposition of Rand and Egwene's arcs really make the book for me. Both are brought to satisfying conclusions. Unfortunately, the next book suffers because of this, as half of the characters are a significant stretch of time behind those two. It is really weird chronologically, especially with Perrin, who does not catch up until over halfway through the book, and how chapters from months in the future are inserted between chapters from him, Mat, and many other characters. One example is how the ending of tGS talks about events that have yet to be shown from Perrin's perspective.

As for my thoughts on the final two, TOM has many really awesome moments: tons of stuff involving whatever the hell that dream world is called, the Tower of Ghe-something, Perrin's development, Nynaeve's testing... so many things happen at a breakneck pace that was necessary to fit everything in before the finale, though it almost seems to be too fast. AMOL has a really satisfying conclusion (the last few chapters and the epilogue ... just... very wow). The stuff that leads up to it... not quite so great. The constant battle scenes really make the book drag, though that one certain chapter is amazing. Beyond a few cringe-inducing lines of dialogue and some bullshit world-building inconsistencies that almost ruin Egwene's final scene, which is one of, if not the, the most beautifully written and powerful death scenes in the series, I have few gripes. There are some really awesome scenes (a conversation between Elayne and Rand early in the book come to mind), and it is a wonderful conclusion to one of my favorite fantasy series.

And, for non-spoilers, Chapter 37 of the final book is really long. As in, longer than a certain book that shares its name.

Quote
edit: also, I hated Mat (and his chapters) for a long time

Aww, Mat is my favorite of the three ta'veren. I really grew to like him around tSR; his humor makes his chapters the most enjoyable of the series.

I have already written quite a bit, but a few last things:

Have either of you read New Spring? If you have not, I recommend doing so before book 13. The best place to read it is between CoT and KoD, as that is when it was published, though both of you are already past that point.

Also, if you like Brandon's writing style in the last few books, I recommend picking up his Mistborn trilogy. It is an easy and enjoyable read and sports one of the best magic systems and conclusions I have ever read in fantasy. If you are in the mood for something longer, his Stormlight Archive is also a good choice. It is projected to be a ten book series, two of which are currently published. Brandon writes fairly quickly, and has stated that he plans to release two books every three years. So, unlike with aSoIaF, there will be no six year gaps between books. The first entry is Brandon's best work to date.

As for my own reading plans, I am seriously considering learning Japanese so that I can read Shinsekai Yori. I absolutely loved the anime adaptation (a top 5 anime series IMO, and my current favorite) when I watched it a few months back, and have heard that the series left out some really powerful scenes from the source material. Unfortunately, there is no official translation, so it will have quite a steep learning curve associated with it. Though, as a bonus, I will no longer need subtitles, a very important step in my quest to become an uber-elitist.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on October 09, 2014, 01:08:44 AM
Just finished A Storm of Swords. Wow.
Best one so far IMO.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 09, 2014, 03:04:30 AM
Have either of you read New Spring? If you have not, I recommend doing so before book 13. The best place to read it is between CoT and KoD, as that is when it was published, though both of you are already past that point.

Also, if you like Brandon's writing style in the last few books, I recommend picking up his Mistborn trilogy. It is an easy and enjoyable read and sports one of the best magic systems and conclusions I have ever read in fantasy. If you are in the mood for something longer, his Stormlight Archive is also a good choice. It is projected to be a ten book series, two of which are currently published. Brandon writes fairly quickly, and has stated that he plans to release two books every three years. So, unlike with aSoIaF, there will be no six year gaps between books. The first entry is Brandon's best work to date.

Alright, I'll read New Spring next, and I'll probably check out those Brandon's books you've mentioned after I'm done with WoT. Not reading your spoilers yet though.  :D

Just finished A Storm of Swords. Wow.
Best one so far IMO.

I agree.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on October 09, 2014, 06:42:45 AM
I will second the Mistborn recommendations.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 09, 2014, 09:11:17 AM
Oh yeah, it was the first book of the series I read. I wish I had read it later, but I would have hated Moraine if I didn't. In fact, I might re-read it before AMoL or even before ToM, just to refresh my memory on what happens there.

And finished A Knife of Dreams yesterday (can't relate the title with the content though). Great book, it keeps the quality of the series and is awesome that Jordan wrote his last book that good. Started with The Gathering Storm, and just finished the prologue. Brandon's style isn't so different from Jordan's, so I have no problems with it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on October 09, 2014, 12:37:05 PM
Oh yeah, it was the first book of the series I read. I wish I had read it later, but I would have hated Moraine if I didn't. In fact, I might re-read it before AMoL or even before ToM, just to refresh my memory on what happens there.

You do not really need to; most of the world building from there is already established by the end of CoT. NS is a prequel, and thus it explains the motivations of Moraine and Lan, and delves into some White Tower politics, though the reader should know most of this by book 10. I feel that reading the first few books without this knowledge is a better way to go through the series for the first time. When I do my reread, I will start with it. The only reason I suggested reading it before ToM is so that you will have knowledge of the Aes Sedai testing, which is not explained elsewhere in Jordan's volumes, before a certain scene in ToM.

Quote
And finished A Knife of Dreams yesterday (can't relate the title with the content though). Great book, it keeps the quality of the series and is awesome that Jordan wrote his last book that good. Started with The Gathering Storm, and just finished the prologue. Brandon's style isn't so different from Jordan's, so I have no problems with it.

The titles of the WoT volumes are usually related to the in-universe epigraphs included at the start and end of each volume. They do expand on things thematically, but are otherwise not of much importance. Enjoy tGS; it is the best book in the second half of the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 10, 2014, 06:56:55 AM
Classics Mutilated edited by Jeff Conner
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 10, 2014, 03:13:00 PM
Frankenstein - Original 1818 Uncensored Version - Mary Shelley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on October 14, 2014, 12:09:50 PM
I'm in a Genesis period now so I just started to re-read 'Genesis: Chapter & Verse'.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 14, 2014, 01:55:36 PM
In Parables: The Challenge of the Historical Jesus by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 16, 2014, 05:05:57 AM
As You Wish by Cary Elwes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on October 16, 2014, 07:30:20 AM
A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin.  Apollo has been endlessly documented, and I never get tired of reading/watching more about Apollo.  I usually know 80% of it already, but each time I learn some new detail.

This book is what the HBO series From the Earth to the Moon was based on.  I have a large hardcover book from the library which is more like a coffee table book with lots of full page photos, and this makes it a bit awkward to read for longer than 30 minutes at a time.  It's mostly filled with factual information, including recollections of the astronauts themselves, so the stories of the missions are interspersed with dialogue between the astronauts.  The writing lends itself nicely to a screenplay, which I suppose is why it was adapted for that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 16, 2014, 08:00:24 AM
Forged - Bart D. Ehrman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 17, 2014, 11:45:28 AM
The Brothers Cabal by Jonathan L. Howard
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on October 17, 2014, 03:51:06 PM
The Passage by Justin Cronin. Anyone who likes The Dark Tower series should get a kick out of this one.

GODDAMMIT DAD FINISH UP READING THE SEQUEL
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on October 18, 2014, 03:13:28 AM
The Passage is great. I also own the sequel, but I haven't read it since I want to reread the original in English first (I have the Dutch version).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on October 18, 2014, 06:23:44 PM
The Hotzone by Richard Preston

(https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DS0YAPREL.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 21, 2014, 09:15:23 AM
I finished The Matthew Scudder Series By Lawrence Block.

Then I finished Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series.

I read The Hot Rock By Donald Westlake

Now I'm Reading salem's lot
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 22, 2014, 12:39:43 AM
Almost done Robert Bloch's Psycho.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on October 22, 2014, 04:21:45 AM
Taking a break on Oryx and Crake, started Beautiful You by Chuck Palahniuk
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 22, 2014, 12:15:44 PM
The Terror by Dan Simmons. Also, getting back to The Walking Dead comics, so I'm going to start back to the beginning with Days Gone Bye
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: marztacy on October 22, 2014, 06:41:24 PM
I have just finished reading the 2 books in the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, which i thoroughly enjoyed. If i enjoyed these does anyone have any opinions on whether Malazan Book of the Fallen would be a good series to get into next? Cheers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 22, 2014, 07:08:16 PM
I have just finished reading the 2 books in the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, which i thoroughly enjoyed. If i enjoyed these does anyone have any opinions on whether Malazan Book of the Fallen would be a good series to get into next? Cheers
Haven't read it, but I've seen nothing but praise (https://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/Steven-Erikson/Gardens-Of-The-Moon.html) for it everywhere, so it indeed seems a cool choice. But it seems to be a long series, with around ten books. If you're not used to huge fantasy sagas, you can try something smaller like trilogies. Mistborn has been recommended before on this thread, so that would be an alternative choice. If not, you can check these other series (https://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/blog/top-10-fantasy-series/) (btw, don't read the Wheel of Time synopsis, it has some huge spoilers of the first 3 books).

And talking about WoT, I've just finished book twelve, The Gathering Storm. And, damn, it might be the best book of the whole series so far. For the first time, I felt it didn't have unnecessary subplots, excessive descriptions, and more interesting scenes - some have almost brought me to tears. And the fact that there are no more than 2 consecutive chapters with the same character POV made it a gorgeous reading. Really, I can't be more excited to reach the ending of the series - but at the same time, I don't want it to end. I love it so hard, and the fact that there won't be more books of the series breakes my heart :sadpanda: .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: marztacy on October 22, 2014, 07:35:10 PM
Thanks Sacul!

I myself begun to read the WOT a few years ago but i only made it until Book 7 before i begun to lose interest. Unfortunately i didn't have your perseverance and was bored to tears midway through about book 6!

I do however love Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series so far so the Mistborn series may be the way to go!

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on October 23, 2014, 08:48:48 AM
I have just finished reading the 2 books in the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, which i thoroughly enjoyed. If i enjoyed these does anyone have any opinions on whether Malazan Book of the Fallen would be a good series to get into next? Cheers
Haven't read it, but I've seen nothing but praise (https://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/Steven-Erikson/Gardens-Of-The-Moon.html) for it everywhere, so it indeed seems a cool choice. But it seems to be a long series, with around ten books. If you're not used to huge fantasy sagas, you can try something smaller like trilogies. Mistborn has been recommended before on this thread, so that would be an alternative choice. If not, you can check these other series (https://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/blog/top-10-fantasy-series/) (btw, don't read the Wheel of Time synopsis, it has some huge spoilers of the first 3 books).
I've been meaning to get into the Mazalan books for some time, I've got to keep my mind busy while the eternal wait for The Winds of Winter continues.

If you're gonna go the route of shorter series, I'll pimp yet again Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy! If you love ASoIaF you're gonna love The First Law!

For my part, I've been reading through GRRM's first novel Dying of the Light and I have Chronicles of the Black Company (an omnibus that has the first 3 Black Company books) and R. Scott Bakker's The Darkness that Comes Before (the first book in his Prince of Nothing series) waiting!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on October 23, 2014, 02:06:22 PM
I have just finished reading the 2 books in the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, which i thoroughly enjoyed. If i enjoyed these does anyone have any opinions on whether Malazan Book of the Fallen would be a good series to get into next? Cheers

With Malazan, the first book is a huge hurdle. I got halfway through, and understood practically none of what was happening. I heard that it gets better in the second book, but I still have not gotten that far.  :biggrin: I really need to start reading this series again.

And I second the recommendation of Abercrombie's First Law trilogy. It turns just about every fantasy trope I know of on its head. I had issues with the writing style at the beginning, but it gets better.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on October 23, 2014, 08:02:51 PM
And I second the recommendation of Abercrombie's First Law trilogy. It turns just about every fantasy trope I know of on its head. I had issues with the writing style at the beginning, but it gets better.
That sentenced I bold'd is the reason I love those books so much!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 24, 2014, 05:53:58 AM
The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 24, 2014, 06:45:09 AM
I'd be careful with Crossan. He appears to suffer from quite a bit of wishful thinking, or so it seems to me. I always had the feeling that he approached his research not to see where it leads but to lead it to where he wanted it to go. He's a compelling author though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 24, 2014, 07:38:07 AM
I'd be careful with Crossan. He appears to suffer from quite a bit of wishful thinking, or so it seems to me. I always had the feeling that he approached his research not to see where it leads but to lead it to where he wanted it to go. He's a compelling author though.
I feel quite the opposite.  He is very detailed on the methodology he uses, and based on that methodology, I feel it is hard to argue with him.  I have never once felt that he had a prior agenda about his research, and I have read most of his work.  This is a re-read for me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on October 24, 2014, 07:54:40 AM
Tom Doyle - Man on the Run: Paul McCartney in the 1970s
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 24, 2014, 01:09:59 PM
I'd be careful with Crossan. He appears to suffer from quite a bit of wishful thinking, or so it seems to me. I always had the feeling that he approached his research not to see where it leads but to lead it to where he wanted it to go. He's a compelling author though.
I feel quite the opposite.  He is very detailed on the methodology he uses, and based on that methodology, I feel it is hard to argue with him.  I have never once felt that he had a prior agenda about his research, and I have read most of his work.  This is a re-read for me.

It's been a long time since I read apologetics so I may be misremembering. My impression of Crossan is probably colored more by a Time article that he authored back in 2005 or so. I remember it reading like a fantasy piece. He certainly took a different tack than most historical scholars and as I recall really pissed off some Catholics.  :lol

History is a truly fascinating subject and religious history is doubly so.

I've become a bit bored with textual criticism, although it can be quite enlightening too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on October 24, 2014, 04:04:59 PM
I stopped reading Crime and Punishment since it's so depressing, but I might continue at a later stage. I'm now reading Er ist wieder da (Look Who's Back) by Timur Vernes in German. Found it in a bookstore in Aachen and I thought it would be a funny book. Moreover, I'm trying to improve my German, and this helps. When I'm done with it I'll start with the German translation of The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheVoxyn on October 24, 2014, 04:54:17 PM
Crime and Punishment is fucking amazing and The Unbearable Lightness of Being is one of my favourite books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 24, 2014, 06:34:10 PM
Want depressing shit? Read Robin Hood. I thought it'd be just a fun adventures book, but it slowly gets bleak till the end. Still my fav book ever though :heart .

Edit: Now reading Towers of Midnight, by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on October 27, 2014, 02:31:11 AM
About 50 pages into the new Lee Child 'Jack Reacher' book ....had an hour to wait while my car was being serviced.. familiar set up, not bad.

After that I will start the new Linwood Barclay book.  :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on October 27, 2014, 03:25:48 PM
Full Black by Brad Thor. Some parts of it were good but a lot of it was cheesy and reeked of a political wish fulfillment fantasy.

Reading another Brad Thor book, Hidden Order, and I like it much better.

Planning to tackle Stephen King's Salem's Lot after this.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on October 29, 2014, 05:33:23 PM
Just finished The Odyssey.

In some ways, it was a bit disappointing, in some ways, definitely not. The reputation of Odysseus' voyage gave me the sense that that was going to be the major focus of the story, when in fact it only covers four chapters. That was a bit underwhelming. When he gets to shore in Ithaca and there's still half the book to go, I was dreading the slow grind that was going to be the dilemma of the suitors. The reality, though, was that that was by far the best told and most interesting part of the story, so, as much as the reputation of the story as "the perils of Odysseus' journey home" gives a false impression of it, the length devoted to the "ending" felt justified.

Now on to Ulysses. (eek)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 31, 2014, 04:20:13 PM
Ok, just finished Towers of Midnight, by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson. It wasn't as awesome as the previous one, but it was definitely better than Crossroads. And now, time to start with the final book of the series, A Memory of Light. How is that I've reached tot he end of the saga, in just a year? It all seemed so long and distant on the first books, but all the plots are reaching their climax now, so I'm really curious to see how will all of this end.
Btw, there was a certain scene with Aviendha that almost made me cry :( .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on November 02, 2014, 04:56:03 PM
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on November 03, 2014, 02:08:32 AM
Just started Strange, Beautiful Music by Joe Satriani about 60 pages in and it is a great read. I recommend it to any Satch fans or even Steve Vai fans as he is quoted quite often.  Will finish it just in time to get signed at his Melbourne concert Saturday night!  :smiley:

Waiting for my copy of Vampire Lestat to arrive from the states! 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 03, 2014, 07:01:17 AM
Prince Lestat by Anne Rice
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on November 04, 2014, 04:32:23 PM
Now finished Strange Beautiful Music By Joe Satriani terrific read, will reread it soon. You forget just how great he is!

Just received a package from Amazon USA Prince Lestat by Anne Rice and The Vines by Christopher Rice so I will start on thos ein the next few hours.  :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 04, 2014, 05:05:20 PM
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Saw it on our bookshelf, wife owns it apparently. I think the film is out, if not now, soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 08, 2014, 01:35:30 PM
Have just now finished A Memory of Light, the final book of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. Wow. The first half is a bit slow-paced, the the rest is  :eek. Seriously, the last 100 pages are just pure plot twists, tension, and epicness. I'm so glad I read them in just one seat. The ending is... glorious. Although, there was something confusing. Why does Rand lose his capacity to use the Saidin when he's reborn on Moridin's body (Is that the dark on inside his eye or just a simple saa)? And why in hell does he pick a horse, just to travel around the world, leaving Min, Aviendha and Elayne alone? I thought that, at least, he'd spend some time or live with them. And the most curious thing was that he made some fire using his mind, like if he was on the Tel'aran'rhiod. I'm not sure how to feel about that ending, but the rest is bloody good, for sure.
Now, I feel empty. I've spent all year long reading the series, and now that it has ended, I feel like an Aes Sedai whose Gaidin has dead. Well, I might start Sanderson's Mistborn later, I guess.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on November 08, 2014, 03:04:23 PM
Have just now finished A Memory of Light, the final book of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. Wow. The first half is a bit slow-paced, the the rest is  :eek. Seriously, the last 100 pages are just pure plot twists, tension, and epicness. I'm so glad I read them in just one seat. The ending is... glorious. Although, there was something confusing. Why does Rand lose his capacity to use the Saidin when he's reborn on Moridin's body (Is that the dark on inside his eye or just a simple saa)? And why in hell does he pick a horse, just to travel around the world, leaving Min, Aviendha and Elayne alone? I thought that, at least, he'd spend some time or live with them. And the most curious thing was that he made some fire using his mind, like if he was on the Tel'aran'rhiod. I'm not sure how to feel about that ending, but the rest is bloody good, for sure.
Now, I feel empty. I've spent all year long reading the series, and now that it has ended, I feel like an Aes Sedai whose Gaidin has dead. Well, I might start Sanderson's Mistborn later, I guess.

In order: I felt that the battle scenes dragged on for too long. I liked the other scenes quite a bit. Once I reached that certain 200 page chapter, everything improved, and led to an amazing ending. As for your questions, there are no concrete answers to the first and last. My theory regarding the first is that Rand used so much saiden at the end that he burnt out. For the last, the Aiel refer to death as "waking from the dream". Something about Randland being another 'fold' of TAR. His confrontation with Shai'tan may have had a relevatory effect, thought these two remain nothing more than mere speculation. As for the second, that's easy. He had been the most important man in the world for quite some time; now that his duty has been fulfilled, it is easy to see why he would want to become insignificant. Because of the Warder bond, his harem knows that he is still alive and of his location; they will pursue him on their own time.

As for Mistborn, I will hold my toungue on this one.  :P It is best to go into this one as blindly as possible, though I will say that I love the magic system. If I could have any fantasy power, I would be a Mistborn.

My quest to find a copy of Shinsekai Yori has been in vain, though I found another book written by the same author. This one, Crimson Labyrinth, has been officially translated into English. I will start it once I can get my hands on a copy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 08, 2014, 04:15:30 PM
Damn Sacul, you're fast, I've just finished Towers of Midnight and I was reading like whenever I had a spare minute to read. Guess that's what happens when English isn't your first language. Anyway, TGS was loads better than this one, and if AMOL doesn't have loads of epic stuff in it I think TGS will remain my favourite book in the series. I'm still overwhelmed by its awesomeness.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on November 08, 2014, 04:25:23 PM
Damn Sacul, you're fast, I've just finished Towers of Midnight and I was reading like whenever I had a spare minute to read. Guess that's what happens when English isn't your first language. Anyway, TGS was loads better than this one, and if AMOL doesn't have loads of epic stuff in it I think TGS will remain my favourite book in the series. I'm still overwhelmed by its awesomeness.

I finished TGS and TOM in two days each. Though I was on vacation at the time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 08, 2014, 04:35:58 PM
Damn Sacul, you're fast, I've just finished Towers of Midnight and I was reading like whenever I had a spare minute to read. Guess that's what happens when English isn't your first language. Anyway, TGS was loads better than this one, and if AMOL doesn't have loads of epic stuff in it I think TGS will remain my favourite book in the series. I'm still overwhelmed by its awesomeness.

I finished TGS and TOM in two days each. Though I was on vacation at the time.

Are you reading in your native language? Because I can read books in Russian just fine and quickly, but reading in English takes hella lot of time for me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on November 08, 2014, 04:38:33 PM
Yes, I am, though these books are so long that I have to read for almost the entire day to finish them in under 48 hours.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 08, 2014, 08:01:29 PM
Damn Sacul, you're fast.
That's what she... I'd read TOM and AMOL like crazy these last two weeks. All my spare time went just to finish reading the series. And don't worry about epicness  ;).

I've read a few explanations and fan theories and I think you're right on most of the answers. However, there was something I stumbled upon. Who in hell is Nakomi? I know there are many theories on this, and no agreement at all. And some of them are really crazy. I really hope to find information about her on the Companion when it's released.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on November 09, 2014, 06:25:01 AM
So I finished reading Ready Player One and it's just awesome, definitely one of my favorite books. Great ideas, great story, and heavy appeal to video game nerds like myself.

Currently reading An Officer and a Spy. I was kinda annoyed at first by the author's decision to write in the present tense, but once you get past that it flows really well and there's some very witty dialogue. Haven't read many spy thrillers, but so far I'm loving this.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 09, 2014, 10:52:41 AM
So I finished reading Ready Player One and it's just awesome, definitely one of my favorite books. Great ideas, great story, and heavy appeal to video game nerds like myself.
I started it some months ago, but couldn't finish it. The writing seemed too amateur-ish, although it had some cool plot ideas.

Started The Final Empire, first book of the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. This magic system is weird, but has lots of interesting things.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 11, 2014, 12:02:40 AM
Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on November 11, 2014, 12:13:26 AM
Finished An Officer and a Spy. Hands-down one of the best historical novels I've read. Intense, compelling, and extremely hard to put down.

Also finished The Woman in Black. Short but sweet. Susan Hill has a real talent for creating a creepy atmosphere and using elegant, Victorian-style prose. I plan on watching the film version soon.

Next up on my to-read list:
Fatherland by Robert Harris
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 11, 2014, 08:07:34 AM
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 11, 2014, 10:00:48 AM
Next up on my to-read list:
Fatherland by Robert Harris
I read that years ago. As I recall, it was fairly entertaining, although I don't remember any of the specifics.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on November 12, 2014, 05:46:46 PM
The Great Zoo of China by Australian author Matthew Reilly ....about to start the book today...spoiler it has dragons in it.

He did a Q&A here in Frankston last night so was able to meet him and he signed my copy of the new book as well as Contest, Temple, Seven Ancient Wonders and Hell Island...he was signing books for over two hours, very polite, friendly.  :smiley:

He mentioned his fave authors are Michael Crichton, Thomas Harris, Robert Harris and he recently started reading Non Fiction
author Michael Lewis.

Absolutely loved Prince Lestat by Anne Rice and The Vines by Christopher Rice great reads for fan of the genre.  :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on November 12, 2014, 10:44:48 PM
Rooms, by Laurie Oliver.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: mike099 on November 13, 2014, 11:37:41 AM
Cell by Robin Cook.  Interesting book so far.  Topic is the shortage of primary care doctors and the use of smart phones to replace primary care doctors.  Will see how this plays out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 13, 2014, 11:48:53 AM
I hope it's better than Cell by Stephen King.  I love King, but that book was awful.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 13, 2014, 12:22:43 PM
I hope it's better than Cell by Stephen King.  I love King, but that book was awful.


I've tried to read cell 2 times. It always loses me before the halfway point. Which is too bad because I thought the beginning was fantastic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 14, 2014, 07:42:18 PM
I've just finished The Final Empire, by Brandon Sanderson. It's a great new take on fantasy, with a strong magic system. But, sadly, it fall into a few cliches. And I wish the book had like 50 more pages, to show better the character development. It isn't bad, but I felt it happened too fast. Either way, it's an interesting book - way better than the ones I've read about the same topic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on November 15, 2014, 03:50:51 AM
Finished Fatherland by Robert Harris. One of the most interesting mystery novels I've read. His vision of a victorious Nazi Germany after the war could have done with a bit more inspiration (maybe something a la Wolfenstein: New Order) but that's only a minor criticism. That aside, it ties in the fictional Nazi Germany with the real one in a really creative way. I also really like the film noir feel of the dialogue.

Just started The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell, the 8th title in his Saxon Chronicles series. Per usual, it's fantastic so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on November 15, 2014, 04:42:38 PM
Just started Revival by Stephen King.....slow start hope it gets great soon...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 15, 2014, 06:11:08 PM
Before reading the next book on the Mistborn trilogy, I'm finishing Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain, which I left in a hiatus some weeks ago. Her TED talk on introversion was so inspiring that it led me to her book, and I'm throuloughly fascinated by it. Everybody should read it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on November 16, 2014, 04:39:46 AM
Finished Empty Throne. Superb storytelling as usual and the ending left me practically begging for more. Uhtred is seriously one of my favorite fictional characters.

Now I'm finally getting around to the Game of Thrones books with A Song of Fire and Ice.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 16, 2014, 05:15:56 AM
Just started Revival by Stephen King.....slow start hope it gets great soon...
I read a great review of it the other day.  I'm looking forward to reading it, but I imagine that will be a Christmas present for me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on November 16, 2014, 01:12:38 PM
Finished The Twelve by Justin Cronin. It was awesome.

I now want part three very muchly.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 16, 2014, 03:21:30 PM
Join the crowd
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on November 16, 2014, 04:42:46 PM
I've just finished The Final Empire, by Brandon Sanderson. It's a great new take on fantasy, with a strong magic system. But, sadly, it fall into a few cliches. And I wish the book had like 50 more pages, to show better the character development. It isn't bad, but I felt it happened too fast. Either way, it's an interesting book - way better than the ones I've read about the same topic.

Nice.  :tup I love the magic system in this series, and look forward to reading about your impressions of the remaining two books.

I hope it's better than Cell by Stephen King.  I love King, but that book was awful.


I've tried to read cell 2 times. It always loses me before the halfway point. Which is too bad because I thought the beginning was fantastic.

Stephen King does a great job creating settings and characters, but he sucks at leading these components to a satisfactory conclusion. Under the Dome was fantastic until he decided to kill off everyone rather than resolve the far more interesting politcal and personal conflicts. Even with this, I would have left the book with a good impression if the last few pages had been altered. The only King book I can think of that had a great ending was It, which also happens to be my favorite book of his.

As for Cell, the beginning was great, it steadily got worse, and ended with one of King's worst conclusions to date.

Has anyone read his book about time travel? I do not remember the exact title, though it was a date. If so, is it any good, and more importanly, does it have a decent ending?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on November 16, 2014, 05:20:49 PM
11/22/63 you mean? I thought it was fucking great all the way through! The ending was poignant and satisfactory to the story, IMO.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on November 16, 2014, 05:22:26 PM
11/22/63 you mean? I thought it was fucking great all the way through! The ending was poignant and satisfactory to the story, IMO.

Yes, that is the one. Your comment makes me optimistic; I may start reading this one soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on November 16, 2014, 05:26:17 PM
I do agree with what you say on King, but most of the time I don't care. With him I've learned to focus on the journey and not the destination.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 16, 2014, 06:08:43 PM
Nice.  :tup I love the magic system in this series, and look forward to reading about your impressions of the remaining two books.
It seems that book two is more focused on political games and discovering more details about the magic system. By the way, I'd love a prequel with Kelsier's full backstory. I hope to get more info on him on the rest of the series, but a book telling how he met Mare and his friends, and established his status would be great.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on November 17, 2014, 03:33:39 AM
11/22/63 you mean? I thought it was fucking great all the way through! The ending was poignant and satisfactory to the story, IMO.
That book was really, really great.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on November 17, 2014, 05:51:33 PM
11/22/63 you mean? I thought it was fucking great all the way through! The ending was poignant and satisfactory to the story, IMO.
That book was really, really great.


I loved it as well....the new one (Revival) is good...it is different like all of King's books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on November 17, 2014, 08:30:48 PM
I'm into the sixth chapter of Ulysses. Not as much trouble so far as I feel the book is made out to be. It's a bit more challenging than your average read, but not impossible. I've heard enough about later chapters to know it's going to get more puzzling as it goes on, but quite a fun read so far, I love the mundaneness - details like Bloom eyeing up a woman in the street while his friend is talking to him - and the sheer extent of the inner dialogue of the characters you're privy to.

In recent times, I've started to feel weird about never re-reading books. I read a ton of Stephen King in high school, and only have a vague memory of it now, so I think once I finish Ulysses, I'm gonna start re-reading my way through King's work between new books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 18, 2014, 08:58:32 AM
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 18, 2014, 11:34:20 AM
I'm into the sixth chapter of Ulysses. Not as much trouble so far as I feel the book is made out to be. It's a bit more challenging than your average read, but not impossible. I've heard enough about later chapters to know it's going to get more puzzling as it goes on, but quite a fun read so far, I love the mundaneness - details like Bloom eyeing up a woman in the street while his friend is talking to him - and the sheer extent of the inner dialogue of the characters you're privy to.
I have put that one off for years.  I need to actually read it.

In recent times, I've started to feel weird about never re-reading books. I read a ton of Stephen King in high school, and only have a vague memory of it now, so I think once I finish Ulysses, I'm gonna start re-reading my way through King's work between new books.
I have always re-read my favorite books.  If it isn't worth a re-read, it isn't worth keeping.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on November 18, 2014, 06:47:03 PM
I'm into the sixth chapter of Ulysses. Not as much trouble so far as I feel the book is made out to be. It's a bit more challenging than your average read, but not impossible. I've heard enough about later chapters to know it's going to get more puzzling as it goes on, but quite a fun read so far, I love the mundaneness - details like Bloom eyeing up a woman in the street while his friend is talking to him - and the sheer extent of the inner dialogue of the characters you're privy to.
I have put that one off for years.  I need to actually read it.
Yeah, it's been on my horizon for years. I read both Portrait of the Artist and Odyssey to prep. I've been surprised how indirect and trivial the Odyssey allusions are. It hasn't really contributed to understanding the story at all, which I thought it would - I mean, it's literally in the title. It just casts a certain light on some chapters. Reading Portrait first has really helped though, because it familiarises you with the Daedalus family, and is a good warm-up in Joyce's voice and earlier style so the stylistic oddness of Ulysses doesn't bowl you over.

In recent times, I've started to feel weird about never re-reading books. I read a ton of Stephen King in high school, and only have a vague memory of it now, so I think once I finish Ulysses, I'm gonna start re-reading my way through King's work between new books.
I have always re-read my favorite books.  If it isn't worth a re-read, it isn't worth keeping.
Well, I keep all books I really enjoy, but that just means most of them are in boxes in a closet in NZ.

I think it's partly because most of my reading has happened since leaving high school, so the list of books I read more than ten years ago that I want to revisit is pretty small - King, Frankenstein and maybe Tolkien and Animorphs.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on November 19, 2014, 02:54:31 PM
I would love to reread some of my books on my shelves, but I still have 500+ books that are waiting on a first read.  :smiley:

Just read some books based in New Olreans.
Bound by Blood by Rick Nelson
Claire Dewitt and the City of the Dead by Sara Gran
Unbroken (YA) by Paula Morris

All pretty good, I love the city and until I get back there, the books will have to do..

100 pages into Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult .. so far GREAT!  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sir GuitarCozmo on November 20, 2014, 10:24:50 AM
Just started "Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story" by Cameron Crowe.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 20, 2014, 10:27:56 AM
Just started "Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story" by Cameron Crowe.
Oooo, that sounds fun.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sir GuitarCozmo on November 20, 2014, 10:53:03 AM
22 pages in and it almost read like the script.  I've wanted to read this for a long time.  Hopefully it'll give me an even greater appreciation for the movie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 20, 2014, 01:07:42 PM
22 pages in and it almost read like the script.  I've wanted to read this for a long time.  Hopefully it'll give me an even greater appreciation for the movie.
I look forward to it, although I'm not sure when I will have the time lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sir GuitarCozmo on November 20, 2014, 01:35:54 PM
I'm very much enjoying it.  There are several things that you can see were inspirations for scenes in the movie, but they're a little diffferent in the book.  Very cool.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Nick on November 20, 2014, 01:48:55 PM
So, after being sucked from my usual level of video gaming addiction to old school teenage levels of addiction, I haven't done much reading in the past year. However I got picked for jury duty Monday and ended up bringing a book I had gotten for my birthday.

So far, "Ready Player One" is freaking fantastic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on November 20, 2014, 04:02:06 PM
Just started "Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story" by Cameron Crowe.

Sounds good, I will have to try to get it...huge Cameron Crowe fan!  :smiley:  Next he needs to do one on Almost Famous!

I finished Jodi Picoult Leaving Time....it was fantastic.. I won't give anything away, but I need to reread it fast to work out how I missed so much. Now I know it is mostly guys on this forum and Jodi has more of a female fanbase, so I say to you all buy it for your wives, girlfriends.

Might try The City by Dean Koontz next...he has disappointed me of late so fingers crossed it is good...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on November 23, 2014, 01:01:38 AM
Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle. I expected it to be something like Ready Player One (which was awesome) since it's about games, but instead it's just this meandering, aimless story that doesn't accomplish much at all. He's a good writer for sure and his story had potential, but he just couldn't make it cohesive.

Also read The City and the Stars by Arthur Clarke. For a story that was written in the 1950's, this one is really ambitious and visionary. Some concepts could have been explained a bit more but overall I liked a lot.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Cat Of Tuscany on November 23, 2014, 12:24:52 PM
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 25, 2014, 07:46:33 AM
The First Fifeteen Lives Of Harry August by Claire North
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 25, 2014, 03:31:45 PM
Yesterday I finished reading Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. It probably is, along with the Wheel of Time series, the best book I've read on this year so far. It revealed me a lots of things I've been suspicious about myself, and helped me a lot to understand how I am. It's pure gold. Everybody on Earth should read it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 26, 2014, 05:49:14 PM
Just started the second book on the Mistborn trilogy, The Well of Ascension. I might jus read it in English because the spanish translation is awful. Not only it makes the narrative feel amateur, but also makes huge mistakes like de-formalizing dialogues. Some conversations are written in a very informal way when the situation requires it to be damn formal. It will slow down my rythm a lot, but I can't keep reading it in spanish.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 01, 2014, 04:22:42 AM
Revival by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on December 01, 2014, 09:45:01 PM
Beautiful You by Chuck Palahniuk was...weird. It was pretty funny, and pretty strange. I'm a long time fan of his earlier works, but this was a bit different.


Revival by Stephen King

This is up next!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on December 01, 2014, 10:55:19 PM
Started Stephen King's Revival last night. Loving it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 02, 2014, 05:07:04 AM
yeah, it's great so far. Should be able to finish it today. Much better than the mediocrity of Mr. Mercedes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 02, 2014, 08:13:46 AM
Holy shit that was disturbing  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on December 02, 2014, 08:23:09 AM
I thought Mr. Mercedes was perfectly fine for what it was.

I had little interest in reading Revival, but it's been growing a bit recently.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 02, 2014, 08:52:14 AM
Now for a bit of non-fiction, How Star Wars Conquered The Universe by Chris Taylor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 02, 2014, 09:39:23 AM
Happy to hear good things about King's Revival. Will probably get to that shortly.

Now reading: Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 03, 2014, 07:43:42 PM
Just finished The Well of Ascension, second book on the Mistbon trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. Although I thought the first book was nice despite some flaws and cliches, I didn't expect this. At all. A fucking complex political and strategical game with so many plot twists that blew away my mind. Like this.

(https://i.imgur.com/tOJKw.gif)

I knew Brandon was good, because his conclusion of the Wheel of Time was brilliant, but man, how many times did he fooled me? Made me believe something which was not true at all? The epilogue is just... :eek . I'm seriously wanting to read the next one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on December 03, 2014, 07:59:07 PM
It is also amazing. Although the first one is still my favorite. Also, if you haven't already, you should check out his Stormlight Archive series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 03, 2014, 08:06:22 PM
I'm not sure about unfinished series (I'm looking at you, Rothfuss). I'm sure I'll love the books, but they are, by now, just two of ten planned. And Brandon seems to take his time, working on several things at the same time. I'm looking forward to starting a new series after this book (and The Alloy of Law), like the EarthSea cycle.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 04, 2014, 05:09:28 AM
Ten?! Didn't he learn nothing from Jordan?!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 04, 2014, 05:58:26 AM
Personal by Lee Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on December 04, 2014, 01:22:03 PM
I'm not sure about unfinished series (I'm looking at you, Rothfuss). I'm sure I'll love the books, but they are, by now, just two of ten planned. And Brandon seems to take his time, working on several things at the same time. I'm looking forward to starting a new series after this book (and The Alloy of Law), like the EarthSea cycle.

Brandon is very fast, even for a fantasy writer. He said that he plans to release two Stormlight books every three years once tWoT was completed, and considering his past work, I am compelled to believe that he will meet this goal.

As for Mistborn, I will hold back comments until you finish.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on December 04, 2014, 01:27:36 PM
Yeah, Brandon's like a machine. But I can understand not wanting to read it until it's finished.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on December 04, 2014, 08:27:23 PM
Revival by Stephen King
Finished this today. I enjoyed it. Not King's best by any means, but it was a good read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on December 06, 2014, 09:48:51 PM
Full Force and Effect by Mark Greaney (published under the Tom Clancy name). This is my favorite story by Greaney so far. Lots of spy intrigue and mystery, and the story is just really cool overall. The ending does smack of wish fulfillment but it's a pretty awesome wish and one that I happen to share so I'll give it a pass.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 07, 2014, 10:04:10 PM
Just finished The Hero of Ages, final book on the original Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. Although it wasn't as mindblowing as book two, this was really great overall. Amazing plot twists, and stunning world-building :hefdaddy . Nice conclusion to the trilogy. This dude can seriously make epic fantasy - no one could have finished the WoT series better. Looking forward to reading The Alloy of Law, set in the same world but 300 years in the future.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on December 08, 2014, 12:45:42 PM
Just finished The Hero of Ages, final book on the original Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. Although it wasn't as mindblowing as book two, this was really great overall. Amazing plot twists, and stunning world-building :hefdaddy . Nice conclusion to the trilogy. This dude can seriously make epic fantasy - no one could have finished the WoT series better. Looking forward to reading The Alloy of Law, set in the same world but 300 years in the future.

The Hero of Ages is my favorite conclusion to a fantasy series. The ending is unexpected, but is true to the characters and makes sense from a worldbuilding perspective. More importantly, it is not a Deus Ex Machina ending. I love how the revelations about the magic system drive the book and answer questions and odd details left over from the first two volumes. On rereads, it becomes exceedingly clear how well thought out it was.

Merely talking about The Hero of Ages makes me want to read the trilogy again.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 08, 2014, 02:10:28 PM
Yeah, Sanderson made up for the Deus Ex Machina of the first book's ending. Now it makes sense, but I felt cheated when I read it. By the way, opinions on The Alloy of Law? Was thinking of starting either it or Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 08, 2014, 03:00:39 PM
Heir To The Empire by Timothy Zahn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on December 08, 2014, 03:18:05 PM
Yeah, Sanderson made up for the Deus Ex Machina of the first book's ending. Now it makes sense, but I felt cheated when I read it. By the way, opinions on The Alloy of Law? Was thinking of starting either it or Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy.

Alloy of Law is not all that essential, especially since it ends in a way that demands a yet to be released sequel. Brandon has said that these books are a lead-in to a second Mistborn trilogy, which is supposed to take place in a setting similar to the modern day. I have not read the other, but a trilogy is more likely to be a complete story, so I would recommend that over Alloy of Law.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on December 08, 2014, 03:19:50 PM
The next trilogy hasn't been written yet, though. Unless you mean he should hold out until it is?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on December 08, 2014, 05:51:20 PM
The next trilogy hasn't been written yet, though. Unless you mean he should hold out until it is?

Oh, in the last sentence of my previous post, I was referring to the Farseer trilogy Sacul mentioned, not the unwritten second Mistborn trilogy. I was trying to say that Alloy of Law is not an urgent read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 08, 2014, 07:16:36 PM
The first book of the Farseer trilogy was missing on the book store, but should arrive on Friday. This leaves me enough time to read an old copy I found of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain. Gave it several opportunities as a child, but never managed to finish it. I might appreciate it now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The King in Crimson on December 08, 2014, 08:38:14 PM
The Farseer Trilogy is very, very good. Depressing as fuck at times but very good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 10, 2014, 03:05:14 PM
On to Dark Force Rising
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 13, 2014, 09:08:26 AM
Oh, fuck Tom Sawyer. Got Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb yesterday. Dude, this is fucking depressing. But great so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 13, 2014, 02:17:14 PM
The Final Command. Pretty good series so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on December 15, 2014, 03:53:43 AM
Finished Er ist wieder da by Timur Vermes. Great book, really well written. I started on the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy quintology yesterday, should be fun!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 15, 2014, 07:24:48 AM
The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Birth by Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on December 15, 2014, 12:40:05 PM
Recently listened to The Martian as an audiobook. Decent book, but I think it will translate into a great movie eventually. Finished A Feast For Crows last night, although it's not as good as the previous 3, I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to A Dance With Dragons, but taking a quick break with Shift, the second book in the Silo Series by Hugh Howey.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 16, 2014, 03:05:10 AM
Switching gears a bit, now reading The Storied Life Of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: sneakyblueberry on December 16, 2014, 03:25:11 AM
Re-reading Nineteen Eighty-Four.  Its amazing how on-point Orwell was...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on December 16, 2014, 01:15:17 PM
Finished Revival by Stephen King. I enjoyed it! Not one of his best, but a solid coming-of-age story with some disturbing-ass shit at the end. Just started The Martian by Andy Weir in audiobook format. So far so good!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 17, 2014, 05:07:20 AM
Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on December 17, 2014, 03:27:43 PM
I want to read Don Quixote but my library has 48 search results, and there are apparently many many english translations.  Is there one that is considered definitive?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on December 17, 2014, 03:28:30 PM
Any good recommendations for book on Hockey?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 17, 2014, 06:48:12 PM
Just finished Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Not sure how to feel about it. There where some parts, specially when the magic is shown, that were really awesome. But there is a lot of filler in the middle. Boring stories about Fitz' daily routine and the like. But overall, I liked it. Already bought the next two, so Royal Assassin shall be started soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on December 17, 2014, 11:23:39 PM
Finished Revival. Damn, what a great book. Loved it. Reading John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on December 18, 2014, 02:15:51 PM
After a couple of weeks of not being able to decide what to read I read a handful of ghost books...or as my brother refers to this type as bump in the night stuff.
All just gave the author a chance to tell of their own experiences and those had by others....all pretty good quick reads each done in a couple of hours.

Vanquishing ghosts and demons (A Medium's Harrowing Tales of Removing Evil Spirits) by Sandrea Mosses
Adventures of a Ghost Hunter (My investigations into the darkness) by Adam Nori
The Ghost in the Coal Cellar (true case files from a lone investigator) by Andrea Mesich
Haunted Stuff (Demonic Dolls, Screaming Skulls & other creepy collectibles) by Stacey Graham
Missing and Presumed Dead (A Psychic's Search for Justice) by Gale St. John

Can't decide what to read next....may start a David Sedaris book Let's explore diabetes with owls
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on December 23, 2014, 11:38:45 PM
Finished Bird Box by Josh Malerman. Really fascinating premise, one that he expands upon brilliantly. I wish he added more details about the creatures, but it's a great story nevertheless. He really has a knack for the depicting the psychological side of horror.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 25, 2014, 09:18:40 PM
Finished Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb yesterday. I still have the same mixed feelings like the previous book, but I felt this one was a bit better. And the plot twists were really clever. Started Assassin's Quest today, and it's quite interesting so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The King in Crimson on December 25, 2014, 10:43:36 PM
Royal Assassin was my favorite of the three. Amazing ending to that book. Quest is also very good, but not as good as Royal was IMO.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 26, 2014, 04:47:04 AM
Finished Revival by Stephen King. I enjoyed it! Not one of his best, but a solid coming-of-age story with some disturbing-ass shit at the end.

Finished Revival. Damn, what a great book. Loved it.
I got this for Christmas, so this will be the next thing I read.  Should start it later today or tomorrow.  Really looking forward to it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 26, 2014, 08:28:27 AM
Amazing ending to that book.
Oh yes, I loved how everything slowly fell apart in his life till the ending. It stroked me so hard - I almost cried :'( .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 26, 2014, 10:00:39 AM
OK, I started it on my lunch break.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 27, 2014, 07:30:04 AM
Tower Lord by Anthony Ryan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on December 27, 2014, 08:08:05 AM
I'm into the sixth chapter of Ulysses. Not as much trouble so far as I feel the book is made out to be. It's a bit more challenging than your average read, but not impossible. I've heard enough about later chapters to know it's going to get more puzzling as it goes on, but quite a fun read so far, I love the mundaneness - details like Bloom eyeing up a woman in the street while his friend is talking to him - and the sheer extent of the inner dialogue of the characters you're privy to.
Now 2/3rds of the way through, only four chapters to go. It's quite ironic that I posted about it in the sixth chapter, as it's in the seventh that the book really starts to go stylistically balmy, sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a not so good way.

The most recent chapter, for example, (Oxen of the Sun) was the most difficult of the book so far. The procession/evolution of styles throughout the chapter is really quite taxing. And yet the last ten pages of it, when the prose has descended into an almost completely incomprehensible chaos, was one of the most astonishing parts of the book so far.

This book has been really amazing overall though. It reminds me a lot of Moby Dick (one of my favourite books), in that both Joyce and Melville are totally flying in the face of the regular way to write a novel because fuck it, I'm telling this story the way I wanna tell it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 27, 2014, 04:47:35 PM
Today I was wondering how could it be that some countries have these awful covers while others have some outstanding artworks. Normally it's the original edition the best one, but with the Farseer trilogy, it's the Spanish edition the most beautiful one, while normally it's backwards.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Robin_Hobb_-_Assassin%27s_Quest_Cover.jpg)(https://image.slidesharecdn.com/labsquedadelasesino-140804163633-phpapp01/95/la-bsqueda-del-asesino-de-robin-hobb-primer-captulo-1-638.jpg?cb=1407188434)

Or hardcover/paperback vs ebook.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/00/WoT01_TheEyeOfTheWorld.jpg)(https://aidanmoher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/the-eye-of-the-world-by-robert-jordan-ebook.png)

Or those weird covers that say nothing about the book. Or are just plain horrible.

(https://www.patrickrothfuss.com/images/page/cover_277.jpg)
It wouldn't look worse with Comic Sans.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 03, 2015, 05:16:50 AM
Finished Revival by Stephen King.  I thought it was his best novel since Lisey's Story.  Very good writing, but unlike most of his books, nothing uplifting or hopeful here.  And that ending was actually pretty hellish, in every sense of the word.  *shudders*

Still in a horror mood, so I pulled an oldie off the shelf: The Horror Hall of Fame, edited by Robert Silverberg & Martin H. Greenberg.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on January 03, 2015, 11:33:27 AM
I just finished Neil Gaiman's American Gods- so fucking good! Normally I have trouble with books that long but I tore through it in two airplane flights and a few mini-sessions.

I also recently read Chuck Palahniuk's new one, Beautiful You. It wasn't his best, but I enjoyed it. Lots of disturbing commentary.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on January 03, 2015, 12:50:23 PM
I just finished Neil Gaiman's American Gods- so fucking good! Normally I have trouble with books that long but I tore through it in two airplane flights and a few mini-sessions.
Is that the first time you've read it? It's a strong contender for my absolute favourite book. So, so brilliant.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on January 03, 2015, 01:43:59 PM
Yes, first time. I have a few friends who feel the same way you do, so I finally got around to it and did not regret that!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on January 03, 2015, 01:47:22 PM
:tup :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 03, 2015, 04:38:38 PM
American Gods is definitely in my top 100, and certainly my favorite solo work by Gaiman (would rank 2nd after Good Omens)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on January 03, 2015, 07:41:38 PM
This is the first work of his I've read, but it won't be the last. I already put Fragile Things on hold from the library... and I have the first Sandman book sitting on my record player, waiting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The King in Crimson on January 03, 2015, 10:56:46 PM
This is the first work of his I've read, but it won't be the last. I already put Fragile Things on hold from the library... and I have the first Sandman book sitting on my record player, waiting.
Sandman is the best comic series I've ever read. Easily.

Neverwhere, Anansi Boys, and Good Omens are all highly enjoyable as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 03, 2015, 11:28:45 PM
I finally started A Dance With Dragons. I have time before the new season starts on HBO so I want to make sure I don't miss anything in the book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on January 04, 2015, 12:11:05 AM
This is the first work of his I've read, but it won't be the last. I already put Fragile Things on hold from the library... and I have the first Sandman book sitting on my record player, waiting.
Sandman is the best comic series I've ever read. Easily.

Neverwhere, Anansi Boys, and Good Omens are all highly enjoyable as well.

Cool... yeah, a lot of people I know love Sandman. Plus hef told me I have to read it recently, so I must obey :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2015, 03:56:42 AM
I am pleased.

The first book is good, but everything after is much better.  So if at any point you question it, just remember you need to read that to get to the next one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on January 04, 2015, 04:01:01 AM
Yeah, Preludes & Nocturnes is a great introduction, but is really just an introduction. Some of the later books are incredible.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2015, 04:08:16 AM
Yeah, Preludes & Nocturnes is a great introduction, but is really just an introduction. Some of the later books are incredible.
Season of Mists FTW
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Silver Tears on January 04, 2015, 04:25:21 AM
I loved American Gods! I really need to read more of his stuff but haven't got round to it yet.

I did go see him in Edinburgh though, he was doing a reading of a short story The Truth Is A Cave In The Black Mountains with a quartet playing music and an artist's images projected, I've never been to anything like it before and it was absolutely incredible.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on January 04, 2015, 04:35:45 AM
Yeah, Preludes & Nocturnes is a great introduction, but is really just an introduction. Some of the later books are incredible.
Season of Mists FTW
Yes. Yes yes yes!

Doll's House, Brief Lives and The Kindly Ones are my other favourites.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2015, 05:07:48 AM
I did go see him in Edinburgh though, he was doing a reading of a short story The Truth Is A Cave In The Black Mountains with a quartet playing music and an artist's images projected, I've never been to anything like it before and it was absolutely incredible.
:metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The King in Crimson on January 04, 2015, 08:56:06 AM
Yeah, Preludes & Nocturnes is a great introduction, but is really just an introduction. Some of the later books are incredible.
Well, Preludes & Nocturnes has "24 Hours" which is an awesome story and more than makes up for any of its other deficiencies IMO.

Yeah, Preludes & Nocturnes is a great introduction, but is really just an introduction. Some of the later books are incredible.
Season of Mists FTW
Yes. Yes yes yes!

Doll's House, Brief Lives and The Kindly Ones are my other favourites.
I would very much agree with that list.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on January 04, 2015, 05:23:47 PM
Finally finished Chronicles of the Black Company, an omnibus containing the first three books of Glen Cook's The Black Company series.

They definitely get better after the first one. The Croaker-centric POV, in The Black Company, and his choppy style of "writing" make that first book feel a bit disjointed and like one misses stuff that happens because Croaker just glosses over things. Adding different POVs as in Shadows Linger and The White Rose definitely made things better. Also the prose got better with each subsequent book. I look forward to checking out The Books of the South.

But for now I can finally begin King's Revival!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on January 08, 2015, 02:24:48 PM
Revival was a great read! As hef said, not one bit of hopefulness in it and my god what images given at the end!

Next up, R. Scott Bakker's The Darkness that Comes Before.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on January 11, 2015, 10:25:21 AM
So... I read Gone Girl a while ago and holy shit. That is some of the best thriller material that I have ever read. A++. Deeply unsettling (in a good way).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on January 11, 2015, 02:41:13 PM
Three Body by Cixin Liu. Really weird story that's hard to follow at some points if you don't have at least a bit of a technical background, but I liked it a lot. Looking forward to the sequel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 12, 2015, 03:03:25 PM
Finally finished Tower Lord. It was good, but it took too long for me to finish. I remember it didn't take me that long to read the first book. Anyway, either today or tomorrow I'm going to start reading The Last Unicorn by Peter Beagle. Another forum I'm in and is doing the book for their monthly book club, so I figured it would be as good an excuse as any to finally read this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on January 12, 2015, 09:35:25 PM
I am pleased.

The first book is good, but everything after is much better.  So if at any point you question it, just remember you need to read that to get to the next one.

I hear you. I have it sitting on my record player but haven't gotten to it yet. Right now I'm reading Fragile Things  :D

The other night I read Eight Days of Luke cover to cover, which is a YA book that "bears an odd relationship" (Gaiman's words) to American Gods. It was very enjoyable!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 13, 2015, 12:17:24 PM
Finally finished Chronicles of the Black Company, an omnibus containing the first three books of Glen Cook's The Black Company series.

They definitely get better after the first one. The Croaker-centric POV, in The Black Company, and his choppy style of "writing" make that first book feel a bit disjointed and like one misses stuff that happens because Croaker just glosses over things. Adding different POVs as in Shadows Linger and The White Rose definitely made things better. Also the prose got better with each subsequent book. I look forward to checking out The Books of the South.

Cool, was thinking about reading either that one or Earthsea after finishing with the Farseer trilogy, which I have actually done. The third book is quite interesting, and depressing as always, but I think the previous one was a bit better. That certain scene where is heart is totally broken by what he sees was shocking. Good series.

I've gotten the new English edition of Fool's Errand, which kind of continues the story but several years later. Its difficult to read it on the original language, but not impossible. Interesting so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 15, 2015, 04:33:21 AM
So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came To Be and Why It Endures by Maureen Corrigan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on January 15, 2015, 04:49:05 AM
I just bought the biography "Mick Jagger" by Philip Norman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 15, 2015, 09:35:38 AM
So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came To Be and Why It Endures by Maureen Corrigan

I just read an article about that book yesterday. Sounded very interesting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 15, 2015, 11:59:06 AM
I'm really enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 15, 2015, 04:18:53 PM
So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came To Be and Why It Endures by Maureen Corrigan

I just read an article about that book yesterday. Sounded very interesting.
So you read an article about a book that it's about a book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 15, 2015, 04:22:57 PM
So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came To Be and Why It Endures by Maureen Corrigan

I just read an article about that book yesterday. Sounded very interesting.
So you read an article about a book that it's about a book.

And you just read a post about an article about a book about a book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 15, 2015, 04:54:23 PM
How very Inception-y
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 16, 2015, 04:07:07 PM
Haven't read any Dickens in a while, so I'm going to give The Old Curiosity Shop a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on January 16, 2015, 07:12:32 PM
Finished The Humans by Matt Haig yesterday. Really enjoyed it. It's written from the point of view of an alien who came to Earth disguised as a human as if he's writing back to beings of his own kind.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 19, 2015, 01:09:02 PM
Dickens didn't work out, so going back to contemporary literature with The Martian
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on January 19, 2015, 03:08:23 PM
Finished Bird Box by Josh Malerman. Really fascinating premise, one that he expands upon brilliantly. I wish he added more details about the creatures, but it's a great story nevertheless. He really has a knack for the depicting the psychological side of horror.

Personally, I'm really glad the creatures are so vague.  It's pure fear of the unknown. 

I love that book. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 20, 2015, 11:52:25 AM
I tapped into some reduced/inexpensive sales and bought 3 book in English (that's to be expected in England, duh). Robin Hobbs' Fool's Errand, which I'm enjoying so far; A Memory of Light from the Wheel of Time series (although I finished it, I always read it as ebook), and this hardback copy is gorgeous - £10 for it is fair, isn't it? And because it was a total bargain at £2, and I knew the series got better after the first two books, Jim Butcher's White Night. And almost bought Game of Thrones along with The Colour of Magic, but they would have been too much extra weight for my luggage :lol .


Ok, sorry for all this random rambling, but books are cheaper here in Tealand than in my country, so I'm excited.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 20, 2015, 12:08:55 PM
Just finished Mr. Mercedes. I am a big Stephen King fan, and a big crime drama/thriller/police procedural novels. On both those counts, this was a higly enjoyable novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on January 20, 2015, 03:15:47 PM
Reading through The World of Ice and Fire. The history itself is neat, the majority of it I already know from reading ASOIAF, but the way it is written, from the point of view of a maester who is only as trustworthy as the accounts of histories he has found in books is interesting, but it still leaves a lot of speculation instead of hard facts, which I guess is how actual history is known to us today, but still a little bit of a let down. The artwork is gorgeous, however, easily making this book worth the money I spent.

Also on to Dust by Hugh Howey, the third and final book in the Silo Series..
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: mike099 on January 20, 2015, 05:46:13 PM
Just finished Mr. Mercedes. I am a big Stephen King fan, and a big crime drama/thriller/police procedural novels. On both those counts, this was a higly enjoyable novel.

I am reading Mr. Mercedes now.  I love that the library had the book in large print.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on January 21, 2015, 09:25:45 PM
Reading through The World of Ice and Fire. The history itself is neat, the majority of it I already know from reading ASOIAF, but the way it is written, from the point of view of a maester who is only as trustworthy as the accounts of histories he has found in books is interesting, but it still leaves a lot of speculation instead of hard facts, which I guess is how actual history is known to us today, but still a little bit of a let down. The artwork is gorgeous, however, easily making this book worth the money I spent.
Yeah, but it was still cool to read some other stories I didn't really know a lot of about (like those Tullys named after Muppet characters... wtf Gurm!).

I would love to read a complete, super detailed account of Aegon's Conquest and Robert's Rebellion some day, maybe in 2055.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 22, 2015, 01:56:03 PM
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 25, 2015, 06:00:27 AM
Finally started reading The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. I've decided to read the original, non-translated English version, so that should keep me occupied for the whole next month alright.

("Lord Ruler"? Seriously, Brandon?)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on January 25, 2015, 08:09:58 AM
I finished Ulysses a few days ago.

This book has been one I've desperately wanted to read for years and years now, but I was always a bit too daunted to embark. Including pre-reading The Odyssey and Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, it's been about a six month project. Definitely one of the best books I've read.

I wrote about reading it, but I'm a long-winded bastard, so it's pretty long. If anyone's interested, I can share it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Cat Of Tuscany on January 25, 2015, 01:46:09 PM
My Name Is Red by Orhan Pamuk

A very interesting book, told from many different perspectives.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 26, 2015, 04:44:21 AM
Finally started reading The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. I've decided to read the original, non-translated English version, so that should keep me occupied for the whole next month alright.

("Lord Ruler"? Seriously, Brandon?)
I liked the series, specially the second book - although it's pretty different from the first one. But the worldbuilding developed from there to the third one is freaking smart. Enjoy it.

(And yeah, that wasn't that creative. But I like to think it was on purpose :lol.)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 27, 2015, 10:50:29 AM
Finally started reading The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. I've decided to read the original, non-translated English version, so that should keep me occupied for the whole next month alright.

("Lord Ruler"? Seriously, Brandon?)
I liked the series, specially the second book - although it's pretty different from the first one. But the worldbuilding developed from there to the third one is freaking smart. Enjoy it.

(And yeah, that wasn't that creative. But I like to think it was on purpose :lol.)

I've probably underestimated my English reading skills and the addictiveness of this book, I'm already through 1/3 of it. :rollin

Something that really irks me in Brandon's writing, well so far at least, is that he uses some phrases almost all the time. In Wheel of Time it was that every character "froze" when something happened, and also the way he used the word "glance", this time those, uhm, issues are a bit toned down, but there is another thing driving me nuts.

I swear most of the characters' faces are nearly always in two states. It's either "<name> raised an eyebrow" (this one is usually Kelsier, apparently he got some very mobile eyebrows he raises one of them all the damn time) or "<name> rolled his/her eyes". This irritates me so damn much. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 27, 2015, 12:40:57 PM
Yeah, but I think he slowly became better, and it's kind of more fixed on the following books. But I can't tell, since I read the Spanish translation. Which wasn't so good tbh.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 27, 2015, 02:50:21 PM
(https://rlv.zcache.com/happy_smiley_face_with_sunglasses_sticker-rf1a85167493343bd9b1b4943541b5553_v9waf_8byvr_512.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on January 27, 2015, 11:19:49 PM
Read a few books over the holidays.... now to remember them...

13 1/2 by Nevada Barr ..This had been on my shelf for some time, finally read it and really enjoyed it.. suspence/thriller genre.

Gray Mountain by John Grisham .. Grisham has never been too good with character development relying more on the story to keep you reading, in this one he tries a little harder..pretty good book.

American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennett .. The tag line is Some places are too good to be true ..and one review said " Readers will be captivated from start to finish"   At 662 pages it is one of the longest I have read for a while, it takes a while to figure out what was going on, I was thinking ghosts?! I don't want to spoil it for anyone, it is a pretty good book.. very different.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 28, 2015, 03:17:01 AM
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 28, 2015, 08:44:17 AM
Yeah, but I think he slowly became better, and it's kind of more fixed on the following books. But I can't tell, since I read the Spanish translation. Which wasn't so good tbh.

Russian translation seems alright from what I've seen, but it's always better to read the original, and since Brandon isn't using a lot of fancy words, it's actually quite an easy reading.

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

*raises an eyebrow*
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 28, 2015, 09:46:07 AM
 :huh:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 28, 2015, 09:54:05 AM
Stephen King - The Wind Through The Keyhole
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: rude boy on January 28, 2015, 11:28:25 AM
Could anyone recommend a good Star Wars book? Is there even such a thing? I did hear about some of those, but i'm not sure are they worth the money
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 28, 2015, 11:47:22 AM
The Maltese Falcon - Dashiell Hammett

Stephen King - The Wind Through The Keyhole

I got that book a while ago, and haven't figured out if I should it straight out (having finished the series a few years back), or wait until I reread the series; and then, do I read it between books 3 and 4?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 28, 2015, 11:49:13 AM
Could anyone recommend a good Star Wars book? Is there even such a thing? I did hear about some of those, but i'm not sure are they worth the money

I highly recommend the General Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn, starting with Heir to the Empire
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 28, 2015, 12:00:12 PM
The Maltese Falcon - Dashiell Hammett

Stephen King - The Wind Through The Keyhole

I got that book a while ago, and haven't figured out if I should it straight out (having finished the series a few years back), or wait until I reread the series; and then, do I read it between books 3 and 4?
I just got it, and I'm reading it now.  King said in the Foreward that it can be read independently, so I am taking his word for it - no problems yet.

He said it can also be seen as Volume 4.5 of TDT.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 28, 2015, 12:20:54 PM
Oops, I thought it was between 3 and 4. You are correct.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 28, 2015, 12:24:05 PM
Yeah, it's supposed to take place before Wolves
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 28, 2015, 01:00:02 PM
I just finished Mr. Mercedes. I loved it!!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on January 28, 2015, 01:11:44 PM
The Last Patriot and Act of War by Brad Thor.

Thor has a tendency to include political rants in his books which really bugs me, but otherwise he's a fantastic thriller writer.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Cat Of Tuscany on January 28, 2015, 04:36:07 PM
Could anyone recommend a good Star Wars book? Is there even such a thing? I did hear about some of those, but i'm not sure are they worth the money
William Shakespeare's Star Wars by Ian Doescher

It's written in iambic pentameter, which makes it a bit hard to read at times.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 29, 2015, 12:57:26 PM
:huh:
It's just that he's reading the same book, and we were discussing about it some replies ago :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 29, 2015, 02:17:21 PM
Oh, very well then  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 30, 2015, 10:58:58 AM
Alright, I've really underestimated my speed-English-reading, huh. Sat two days long into the night with the book and I've actually got it finished right now. Wow.

My thoughts and reactions with spoilers ahead (well, this is mostly for Sacul, and also for whoever have read it):

I liked it a lot. It was, if not incredibly fascinating and groundbreaking, at least it was satisfying.

I was apprehensive after the prologue, I didn't really like the skaa introduction through Kelsier in the skaa hut with Tepper and Mennis. After I've got to Vin part, though (I think it was chapter 1), it got all better. She was my favourite character through all the book, the one I cared about the most. I liked how Brandon sets the contrast between her previous life, actually showing us the slice of it, and her actual life throughout the novel with Kelsier crew, her doubts and all the distrust, and also all the wonders she gets to see in the noblelike world. The moment when she snapped at Kelsier and the whole crew after killing Shan Elariel was probably my favourite part of the book. Her speech was really well-written. I loved all this internal struggle between "everyone's going to leave and betray you" and "you've got to trust someone, got to have some friends" attitudes; I thought it was very poignant. Those "you came back; no one has ever come back before" lines when Elend comes to her rescue, well, it might be a bit of a cliche, but I really enjoyed it. As I said, satisfying.

About Kelsier, I was never attached to the man, so while his death surprised me a bit, I didn't feel a lot for him. Yeah, he was cool and occasionally funny, but that's kind of it. Vin's reaction, though ("he just abandoned me, like everyone did") was, again, much more heartbreaking. Though his plan was clever, got to give props for the man.

About Elend, I was genuinely worried about Vin during her meetings with him, I was convinced he's just playing this political game with her, and when I finally got his POV, I was relieved he's just a nice guy, and he turned out to be actually a decent person. (Though telling Vin about the atium was really reckless.)

While I didn't guess a lot of upcoming things, like Lord Ruler's Feruchemist abilities, or him actually being Rashek (though it makes so much sense in retrospect, huh), I totally called Marsh becoming the Inquisitor when they've found out the body on the second meeting. He seemed just perfect for the role. Also, I totally called the fact the things will be screwed as soon as Yeden gets in charge of the army.

I felt the ending was a bit rushed, but the Lord Ruler revelation paid off, I guess. I wasn't fascinated at all with this Feruchemy / Sazed business, though I appreciated the logbook text, but the ending was clever. Especially those red herrings with that Eleventh Metal, with Vin trying to stab the projection it created, then Marsh trying to find a spike on Lord Ruler's back, while the solution was actually there on the surface, and that Eleventh Metal even helped to find it. That was really clever move by Brandon.

Overall, I liked the book quite a lot, and I especially liked the setup and the pace, where the crew gathers up, sets the objectives and tries to accomplish them. Judging by the comments, I don't expect the next book to be like it, but I hope it will be even better. We'll see, I guess.


Anyway, I'm starting The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson tomorrow.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on January 30, 2015, 11:16:49 AM
Vin is probably my favorite character ever. I like The Final Empire the best of trilogy (actually it's probably my favorite book), but the next two are incredible as well, hopefully you enjoy 'em. :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on January 30, 2015, 12:14:31 PM
TFE is also my favorite book of the trilogy, though the last third of the final volume is my favorite section.

(Spoilers for books 2 and 3, for those who have already read them)
I love how the ending of the trilogy, and even the nature of the conflict with Ruin, was foreshadowed from literally the very first epigraph. The epigraphs in general were well done, offering clues to major revelations and providing worldbuilding information while still being cryptic enough to mislead.

On another note, I officially started Stephen King's 11/22/63 today. I had bought it a few months back after a discussion in this thread about SK, but did not have an opportunity to start it until now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 30, 2015, 02:12:30 PM
Glad you liked it. Although I'm highly fond of the second book, it's different, because it continues just one year after TFE, telling about what happened after it. And despite the first half being a bit slow, the rest is pure cleverness - the twists and the worldbuilding details are astonishing. Enjoy it ;D .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 03, 2015, 08:41:59 PM
I've been reading Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb. It continues the Farseer trilogy but many years later - and I'm liking it. And finally started 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. Interesting and complex book - with some weird shit in there, but as a fantasy reader, it's not that unusual for me :biggrin: .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on February 03, 2015, 09:55:56 PM
Started A Dance With Dragons a couple days ago and am breezing through it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 04, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
Glad you liked it. Although I'm highly fond of the second book, it's different, because it continues just one year after TFE, telling about what happened after it. And despite the first half being a bit slow, the rest is pure cleverness - the twists and the worldbuilding details are astonishing. Enjoy it ;D .

The first half is damn slow. I've reached the point where Sazed returns back to Luthadel and so far it's been really boring (though I kind of liked the last chapter I've read, where Vin is having an honest conversation with OreSeur). I really hope it picks up the pace real soon now.

Brandon did improve with his choice of words though, not as much raised eyebrows and rolled eyes as it was in TFE.

Started A Dance With Dragons a couple days ago and am breezing through it so far.

I found the beginning of ADWD refreshing, because we haven't seen most of those characters for the whole book. I can't say the same of A Feast for Crows, where I was really struggling to get through the beginning of the book on my first read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on February 04, 2015, 12:49:11 PM
Glad you liked it. Although I'm highly fond of the second book, it's different, because it continues just one year after TFE, telling about what happened after it. And despite the first half being a bit slow, the rest is pure cleverness - the twists and the worldbuilding details are astonishing. Enjoy it ;D .

The first half is damn slow. I've reached the point where Sazed returns back to Luthadel and so far it's been really boring (though I kind of liked the last chapter I've read, where Vin is having an honest conversation with OreSeur). I really hope it picks up the pace real soon now.

Brandon did improve with his choice of words though, not as much raised eyebrows and rolled eyes as it was in TFE.

The first time through, I found TWOA boring for around half of the book. When I read the trilogy for a second time, I realized just how much happened in that first half. Nearly every scene is important in some way, and there were many moments that I had completely forgotten about. But on a first read, with the tension and slow pace, it can be underwhelming.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on February 04, 2015, 01:21:03 PM
Finished The Darkness that Comes Before and I'm not really sure how to feel about it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on February 04, 2015, 02:47:16 PM
Horns - Joe Hill. So far it's awesome!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 04, 2015, 08:35:26 PM
Glad you liked it. Although I'm highly fond of the second book, it's different, because it continues just one year after TFE, telling about what happened after it. And despite the first half being a bit slow, the rest is pure cleverness - the twists and the worldbuilding details are astonishing. Enjoy it ;D .

The first half is damn slow. I've reached the point where Sazed returns back to Luthadel and so far it's been really boring (though I kind of liked the last chapter I've read, where Vin is having an honest conversation with OreSeur). I really hope it picks up the pace real soon now.

Brandon did improve with his choice of words though, not as much raised eyebrows and rolled eyes as it was in TFE.

The first time through, I found TWOA boring for around half of the book. When I read the trilogy for a second time, I realized just how much happened in that first half. Nearly every scene is important in some way, and there were many moments that I had completely forgotten about. But on a first read, with the tension and slow pace, it can be underwhelming.
Yeah, it gets on a crescendo from there imo, until the last chapters.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 05, 2015, 03:02:35 PM
Steven Brust - Hawk
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 07, 2015, 04:57:34 AM
Re-reading A Feast For Crows (to be followed by A Dance With Dragons), getting ready for the next season of Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 07, 2015, 05:57:44 AM
The Sovereign Order of Monte Cristo by Holy Ghost Writer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 07, 2015, 08:19:05 AM
Hawk was so good I'm considering re-reading the entire Vlad Taltos series!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 07, 2015, 08:55:36 AM
I'm In the middle of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, really liking it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 07, 2015, 11:14:50 AM
I'm In the middle of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, really liking it so far.
First time?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on February 08, 2015, 03:46:19 PM
Mort(e), by Robert Repino.

Awesome book so far. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on February 08, 2015, 09:30:40 PM
Lions of Lucerne by Brad Thor. Love it, dude just keeps delivering.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 09, 2015, 08:01:26 AM
Finished The Well of Ascension today, I have a mixed feelings about the book, I'll probably write my thoughts tomorrow, because I have to deal with my roulette today. I've definitely liked it less than TFE, that's for sure.

Started The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson right after that. Let's see how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 09, 2015, 08:39:16 PM
Kind of expected that. Don't worry about the next book, it builds upon the previous two and showcases how deep is the worldbuilding - you'll get it when you finish it.

Still haven't finished Fool's Errand - I'm reading it slowly. Although I thougth reusing the same setting and characters way in the future was kind of unnecessarily continuing what was already wrapped up. But Hobb's a smart writer, and so far this is better than what I expected.

Started Terry Pratchett's Guards! Guards!. And it's hilarious. It has its dumb, pointless parts, but its way funnier than most modern sitcoms and "comedy" series - at least what I've seen. And no, it has nothing to do, but I've never read a book like this so don't know how to compare it. Great so far.

And I'm near the middle of 1Q84's first book. And it's getting complex. And weird. But I like it. It's interesting how the two main characters seem completely different at first yet have lot in common. And if this is just the first book, I can't imagine how the other two will be like.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on February 09, 2015, 09:06:22 PM
I have about 100 pages left in A Dance With Dragons after a week of feverish reading. Interesting book, quite good and it has the majority of my favorite characters, but overall, not too much has happened. Hopefully the last 100 pages have some excitement in them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on February 10, 2015, 02:54:07 AM
Started Terry Pratchett's Guards! Guards!. And it's hilarious. It has its dumb, pointless parts, but its way funnier than most modern sitcoms and "comedy" series - at least what I've seen. And no, it has nothing to do, but I've never read a book like this so don't know how to compare it. Great so far.
If you like it that much then I highly recommend getting into the Discworld series as a whole. Guards Guards isn't one of the best, in my opinion. It's definitely got the humourous side down well, but some of the other books also have big concepts and great storytelling alongside the satire.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on February 10, 2015, 09:11:38 AM
I have about 100 pages left in A Dance With Dragons after a week of feverish reading. Interesting book, quite good and it has the majority of my favorite characters, but overall, not too much has happened. Hopefully the last 100 pages have some excitement in them.

Damn you GRRM.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 10, 2015, 09:40:45 AM
I have about 100 pages left in A Dance With Dragons after a week of feverish reading. Interesting book, quite good and it has the majority of my favorite characters, but overall, not too much has happened. Hopefully the last 100 pages have some excitement in them.

Damn you GRRM.

I was waiting for this. :rollin

However, as I've been reading and participating in some discussions at ASOIAF Westeros forum for a year, there are a few fan theories and a few observations about this that may or may not be true. I guess we'll find out all about that when (if) TWOW ever gets released.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 10, 2015, 09:53:30 PM
I'm In the middle of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, really liking it so far.
First time?

Yes it is, Its sense of humor is right up my alley. I feel like I should've read it long before now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on February 11, 2015, 10:57:00 PM
Mort(e), by Robert Repino.

Awesome book so far.

Yeah, great book.  Sort of a cross between Animal Farm and a post-apocalyptic sci-fi war epic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 12, 2015, 06:42:57 AM
The Book Of Illusions by Paul Auster
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 12, 2015, 06:53:20 AM
I'm In the middle of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, really liking it so far.
First time?

Yes it is, Its sense of humor is right up my alley. I feel like I should've read it long before now.
That's because you should've lol

One of my all-time favorites.

Once you finish all five books of the trilogy, read both Dirk Gently novels, and then finish it off with The Salmon of Doubt.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 12, 2015, 08:24:09 AM
Almost forgot about Salmon of Doubt. Maybe I shall read that next. Thank you good sir  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 12, 2015, 10:00:30 AM
*bows with a flourish*
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 17, 2015, 07:42:18 AM
Unfortunately, the ebook version I have is for crap, so I'll have to wait to find a better version

In the meantime, Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on February 17, 2015, 09:02:56 AM
I'm reading Spaceman Blues by Brian Francis Slattery on a friend's recommendation but I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. Anybody?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on February 17, 2015, 04:57:46 PM
Reading No god but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam, by Reza Aslan.

At the moment, I'm still early in the book, dealing with the life of Muhammad. I have a feel for the events of his life from a documentary I saw about him and another book I read, so it's really interesting to see how they're handled by an extremely knowledgeable modern liberal Muslim. For example, he's happy to bring up and shoot down common Islamic traditional beliefs that he feels are baseless, like Muhammad being illiterate, Muhammad being completely pure of outside influence from other monotheistic religions when he made his revelations, etc. And he freely explores the touchier topics, like Islam's treatment of women and the genocide of the Jews. Yet, unless he comes back to it later, he didn't even mention the Satanic Verses.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on February 17, 2015, 06:20:20 PM
The City & The City - China Mieville
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on February 18, 2015, 09:10:27 AM
In the meantime, Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett
:tup :tup

I'm currently reading Origin by Stephen Baxter (the final part of a rather unusual sci-fi trilogy), and also working my way through Sandman 10: The Wake by Neil Gaiman. This series is so damn good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 18, 2015, 11:29:07 AM
Just started Have A Nice Day: A Tale Of Blood And Sweatsocks by Mick Foley. As A wrestling fan i've been wanting to get around to this one for a while.

I also picked up The Colour Of Magic By Terry Pratchett to read after it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 19, 2015, 07:05:22 AM
Every time I finish a Discworld book, I can't help but feel a bit depressed that such a brilliant mind has been struck down with Alzheimers. Such a shame.

Anyway, going to give The Magicians by Lev Grossman a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on February 21, 2015, 10:47:40 PM
The Third Target by Joel Rosenberg. Good action, very intriguing and timely plot, but the cliffhanger ending left me disappointed. Also, the chapter where the author basically espouses his Christian beliefs through one of his characters was way too long and completely irrelevant to the story. Seems like he just shoehorned it in because he wanted to proselytize to his audience.

But I'd still give a 4/5.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 22, 2015, 10:12:10 AM
Now reading the sequel, The Magician King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 22, 2015, 03:19:09 PM
Rereading Maths and Physics, by My College. Wonderful, specially the chapter on Functions and graphs - I understood everything :heart.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 23, 2015, 10:27:51 AM
I loved Have A Nice Day: A Tale Of Blood And Sweatsocks although it was a bit long.

Now time to read my first discworld book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 23, 2015, 11:37:10 AM
Have A Nice Day is awesome. I haven't read his last two books, but from what I gather, the first one is easily his best, certainly better than Foley Is Good

Where are you starting your love for Discworld?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 23, 2015, 12:13:35 PM
Have A Nice Day is awesome. I haven't read his last two books, but from what I gather, the first one is easily his best, certainly better than Foley Is Good

Where are you starting your love for Discworld?

The colour of magic. I always like to start at the beginning.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on February 23, 2015, 12:44:36 PM
Have A Nice Day is awesome. I haven't read his last two books, but from what I gather, the first one is easily his best, certainly better than Foley Is Good

Where are you starting your love for Discworld?

The colour of magic. I always like to start at the beginning.
Great stuff! Unusually for the series, the first two books are a two-parter (never happened again after that - a number of characters and settings return but always with a new story). It's a lot of fun, great humour and imagination, but in my opinion definitely suffers from trying to incoporate a few too many ideas. For me, the third book is where the series starts getting really good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 24, 2015, 07:38:30 AM
For some reason, Equal Rites was one of my least favorite books in the series. Anyway, have fun getting into the Discworld
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on February 24, 2015, 08:35:30 AM
It wasn't amazing, but it had a bit more coherence to it than the first two, I thought. Sorcery is the first great one though, in my opinion.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 27, 2015, 06:25:57 AM
Finishing up the series with The Magician's Land
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 27, 2015, 10:22:23 AM
I really liked the colour of magic, although at some points it had me scratching my head in confusion. I don't know if it was the combination of the original british version and my stupid american brain or if it can be a bit confusing at first.

Well seeing as The Light Fantastic follows directly after it I might as well just jump into that one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 27, 2015, 11:03:48 AM
Not just you. it took me a long while to understand some of the stuff. The Light Fantastic is much better
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 05, 2015, 01:11:52 PM
I really liked the light fantastic. it was much more straight forward and easier to follow than the first.



And now for something completely different, Batman: Hush
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 06, 2015, 04:33:30 AM
Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 06, 2015, 07:35:04 PM
Shit, I still haven't finished any of the books I'm currently reading :lol  - although I'm making some progress on The Fool's Errand, 'cause around the middle it finally gets interesting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 10, 2015, 11:43:10 AM
currently in the middle of heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 11, 2015, 09:10:17 PM
Finally, after more than a month of having it, I managed to finish The Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb. I liked it, a bit more than the last book on the Farseer Trilogy, which was neither bad nor too good IMO. Some thoughts with spoilers is anybody's interested.

The first half is quite slow and boring. But after that, it significantly improved. But, boy, why did Nighteyes have to die? He was my fav character along with the Fool. But I guess his death was fair - he was old, had serious injuries, and keeping him alive just for the sake of it would have been pointless. It makes sense, but I almost cried when it happened. Poor Fitz, and damn you Hobb - the guy already had a miserable life, and you did this to him? That's cruel.

I'm considering if stopping with Hobb's world now and read something else, or to start with the following book, The Golden Fool.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on March 12, 2015, 02:36:35 AM
I recently finally finished the main part of Neil Gaiman's Sandman series of graphic novels. Damn that was some powerful stuff. Now just got Endless Nights to read and then probably some of the spin-offy ones like Dream Hunters.

On a related note, I'm currently reading Neil Gaiman - The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I love basically everything Gaiman has written so I'm confident I'm going to like this.

I've also just started reading Peter F. Hamilton - Pandora's Star. Anyone here read any Hamilton? It seems like wonderfully rich sci-fi with a big cast of characters and complex stories. Strikes me as a sort of sci-fi version of George R R Martin in some ways.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 12, 2015, 03:10:36 PM
Taking a break with Quicksilver to do a Pratchett marathon, starting with The Last Hero
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on March 12, 2015, 08:57:10 PM
After finishing A Dance With Dragons about a month ago I haven't felt the desire to read. I started a new book and was like "this isn't as good as ASOIAF" and haven't been able to get back into reading since.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 13, 2015, 09:25:13 AM
If that new book is on a fantasy setting, I can understand your situation :lol . Maybe you should try something totally different, like crime, horror, realistic fiction, or even a good nonfiction book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on March 13, 2015, 01:42:45 PM
After finishing A Dance With Dragons about a month ago I haven't felt the desire to read. I started a new book and was like "this isn't as good as ASOIAF" and haven't been able to get back into reading since.
Get Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy and you won't be saying that!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on March 13, 2015, 01:56:54 PM
After finishing A Dance With Dragons about a month ago I haven't felt the desire to read. I started a new book and was like "this isn't as good as ASOIAF" and haven't been able to get back into reading since.
Get Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy and you won't be saying that!

I've heard a lot about it, perhaps I will.

Has anyone read Steven Erickson's (sp?) Malazan Book of the Fallen series? I've heard it is incredible, and finished, so I wouldn't have to wait 14 years for the last 2 books to come out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 13, 2015, 09:26:19 PM
Never read it, but haven't heard anything but praise for it, so it should be really good. This great site (https://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/blog/top-10-fantasy-series/) has some really nice recommendations on fantasy, including Erickson's series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on March 13, 2015, 09:36:59 PM
I've read the first few Malazan books. They're definitely impressive, but it's a tough read. They are about a million characters and a million things going on at once, and Erikson will explain exactly none of them to you.

I mean, they're worth reading, but you gotta be prepared for that stuff.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on March 13, 2015, 11:38:23 PM
Cool. I think I might move on to that next. Also, thanks for that website!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 14, 2015, 10:09:50 AM
Continuing with the Pratchett-thon and reading The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 17, 2015, 07:36:57 AM
On to Night Watch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on March 17, 2015, 07:48:56 AM
:tup

I think I'm going to do a bit of a re-read of lots of Discworld books. Most of my reading I do on my Kindle while commuting to and from work, but I usually have an actual book for any reading I do at home. For that, I recently finished Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane (which was lovely) and so I think I'll intersperse other books with Discworld books, starting from the beginning.

Also want to re-read Nation at some point as that was excellent too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 20, 2015, 05:23:01 AM
The Wee Free Men
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaq on March 20, 2015, 10:37:19 AM
After finishing A Dance With Dragons about a month ago I haven't felt the desire to read. I started a new book and was like "this isn't as good as ASOIAF" and haven't been able to get back into reading since.
Get Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy and you won't be saying that!

I've heard a lot about it, perhaps I will.

Has anyone read Steven Erickson's (sp?) Malazan Book of the Fallen series? I've heard it is incredible, and finished, so I wouldn't have to wait 14 years for the last 2 books to come out.

Erikson is my favorite fantasy writer, so, yeah, I've read it. Interestingly Erikson produced those books on a yearly schedule, amazingly enough-he's since said he's never doing that again, and is putting out books about every two or so years now. It's a fantastic series, but there are a ton of characters, it can be very over the top at times, and there are plot threads that seemingly disappear but are actually picked up in the books written by the co-creator of the Malazan world (they originally invented it as a gaming setting) Ian Esselmont. You can just read the ten books of the books by Erikson and be just fine, but it's a very long slog, and fair warning, more than a few people were disappointed by the last book, myself included. But they're worth the investment in time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on March 20, 2015, 09:20:30 PM
Finished No god but God, now reading Lolita.

The things I’ve heard about it were accurate. Messed up content, exquisite prose.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 21, 2015, 12:01:49 AM
Ok, I'm in the middle of Guards! Guards!, and I'm quite enjoying it. I should read the English version though - I'm sure lots of jokes get lost on the translation.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on March 21, 2015, 05:34:54 AM
Ok, I'm in the middle of Guards! Guards!, and I'm quite enjoying it. I should read the English version though - I'm sure lots of jokes get lost on the translation.
If your English is good (which I expect it is based on your posts here) then I think an author like Pratchett is best read in the original English. So much of the joy in reading his books comes from the wit and humour in his language.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on March 21, 2015, 10:09:45 AM
Now I'm reading Neil Gaiman's new one, Trigger Warning. Some really great stories in there.

Finished No god but God, now reading Lolita.

The things I’ve heard about it were accurate. Messed up content, exquisite prose.

Oh god, so gorgeous! Nabokov is amazing. I've been meaning to re-read that one as it's been maybe 12 years (I read it when I did a project on him in high school). I recently read Ada, or Ardor which took a while to get into (and took forever to read) but was also gorgeous.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on March 21, 2015, 11:48:12 AM
This is the first Nabokov I'm reading. I've heard good things about Lolita for a long time, but finally checked it out because I recently read and loved Ulysses, and have seen people mention it in the same sentence with that.

The comparison is miles off, but it's still great in it's own right so far. The style of the writing reminds me a lot of The Great Gatsby.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on March 22, 2015, 02:10:32 AM
Empire Rising by Rick Campbell. An amazingly well-written military thriller. Very hard to put down!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 22, 2015, 02:28:04 PM
Finished The outfit by "Richard Stark" the other day.


Right now I'm in the middle of The Bad Seed by William March
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 22, 2015, 05:18:49 PM
Monstrous Regiment is up next
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on March 24, 2015, 02:24:08 PM
Isaac Asimov's Guide to Science.

It's a straight forward summary of what is known in science as of its writing in 1972.  It is pretty detailed, explaining what we know and how we came to know it.  I haven't taken the time to see what problems have been solved since then.  I did check the problem of the reverse rotation of Venus as compared to the other planets, and there is still not a much better explanation.  Something I found interesting is that Helium was discovered on the Sun 30 years before it was discovered on Earth.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on March 24, 2015, 08:37:13 PM
Just got done with Joe Abercrombie's Best Served Cold another great book from him! Best way I can describe the book is: a revenge/thriller story in a fantasy setting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on March 26, 2015, 01:13:52 AM
The Andromeda Strain, by Michael Crichton. Before that it was Dreamcatcher, by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 26, 2015, 09:16:39 AM
A Hat Full Of Sky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zeltar on March 26, 2015, 10:33:51 AM
Just finished reading A Dance With Dragons. Excellent, excellent book. Can't wait to see how all of the storylines are resolved in The Winds of Winter.

Also, about the last Wall chapter...WHAT THE FUCK. SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE HELL. EU TU, BOWEN?! That's exactly what I was afraid of when Jon was letting all the wildlings through. He was totally right; if they let them die, they'll all become wights. But he never made sure all his men were on board. When you have so much of a former enemy that they outnumber you, your men will be restless. Add the food shortage on top of that, and you have a snake pit for rebellion. I doubt he's dead though. Maybe this is setting him up to resurrect and become the Night's King??
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zeltar on March 26, 2015, 10:34:22 AM
Just finished reading A Dance With Dragons. Excellent, excellent book. Can't wait to see how all of the storylines are resolved in The Winds of Winter.

Also, about the last Wall chapter...WHAT THE FUCK. SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE HELL. EU TU, BOWEN?! That's exactly what I was afraid of when Jon was letting all the wildlings through. He was totally right; if they let them all die, they'll all become wights. But he never made sure all his men were on board. When you have so much of a former enemy that they outnumber you, your men will be restless. Add the food shortage on top of that, and you have a snake pit for rebellion. I doubt he's dead though. Maybe this is setting him up to resurrect and become the Night's King??

EDIT:Not sure how this post happened. My bad.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on March 29, 2015, 04:33:32 AM
Just finished The Troop by Nick Cutter. Holy crap, that was INTENSE. Easily one of the scariest horror novels I've read. Very Stephen King-esque prose with vivid, highly disturbing imagery. Would recommend this to hardcore horror fans.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on March 29, 2015, 08:19:17 AM
Just finished reading A Dance With Dragons. Excellent, excellent book. Can't wait to see how all of the storylines are resolved in The Winds of Winter.

Also, about the last Wall chapter...WHAT THE FUCK. SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE HELL. EU TU, BOWEN?! That's exactly what I was afraid of when Jon was letting all the wildlings through. He was totally right; if they let them die, they'll all become wights. But he never made sure all his men were on board. When you have so much of a former enemy that they outnumber you, your men will be restless. Add the food shortage on top of that, and you have a snake pit for rebellion. I doubt he's dead though. Maybe this is setting him up to resurrect and become the Night's King??
Or just making him another candidate for the Azor Ahai title. Jon's wounds smoke while Bowen Marsh cries (smoke and salt), Ser Patrek's heraldy is a star and he's in the air as it's happening (and the star is red with his blood) and Jon has had dreams where he's fighting the Others with a burning sword in his hand.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on March 29, 2015, 09:41:03 PM
Just finished The Troop by Nick Cutter. Holy crap, that was INTENSE. Easily one of the scariest horror novels I've read. Very Stephen King-esque prose with vivid, highly disturbing imagery. Would recommend this to hardcore horror fans.

Definitely check out his other book, The Deep.  It's not the greatest story, but it is freaky as hell. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on March 29, 2015, 11:10:45 PM
Just finished The Troop by Nick Cutter. Holy crap, that was INTENSE. Easily one of the scariest horror novels I've read. Very Stephen King-esque prose with vivid, highly disturbing imagery. Would recommend this to hardcore horror fans.

Definitely check out his other book, The Deep.  It's not the greatest story, but it is freaky as hell.
Definitely will. Gonna pick it up from my library later this week.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 30, 2015, 01:48:20 PM
I'm reading Shatner Rules by William Shatner (with Chris Regan).  Holy shit, this is hilarious.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on March 31, 2015, 01:20:17 AM
American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 31, 2015, 07:06:02 AM
Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 31, 2015, 03:47:49 PM
Weaveworld by clive barker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on April 01, 2015, 12:03:47 AM
I bought a first edition of that a few weeks ago (and read it a couple years ago). Brought it into work today for a co-worker read. Hope you enjoy. Clive Barker is a favourite of mine.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on April 01, 2015, 01:47:35 AM
Reading the english translation of the Last Ringbearer, basically an LOTR fan-fic. A couple people here recommended it, but I am having a tremendously hard time getting into it. I am about a third of the way in and and contemplating shelving it, something I have only done a few times in my life.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zeltar on April 02, 2015, 01:15:51 AM
Just finished reading A Dance With Dragons. Excellent, excellent book. Can't wait to see how all of the storylines are resolved in The Winds of Winter.

Also, about the last Wall chapter...WHAT THE FUCK. SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE HELL. EU TU, BOWEN?! That's exactly what I was afraid of when Jon was letting all the wildlings through. He was totally right; if they let them die, they'll all become wights. But he never made sure all his men were on board. When you have so much of a former enemy that they outnumber you, your men will be restless. Add the food shortage on top of that, and you have a snake pit for rebellion. I doubt he's dead though. Maybe this is setting him up to resurrect and become the Night's King??
Or just making him another candidate for the Azor Ahai title. Jon's wounds smoke while Bowen Marsh cries (smoke and salt), Ser Patrek's heraldy is a star and he's in the air as it's happening (and the star is red with his blood) and Jon has had dreams where he's fighting the Others with a burning sword in his hand.
Wow, yeah. I've read theories about Dany's vision in the House of the Undying of the blue flower growing out of the wall suggesting that R+J really does = J, and that connecting him even more to fire and Azor Ahai. I've been spending hours reading fan theories ever since I finished to hold me over until April 12, lol. The stuff some people come up with makes me wish I wasn't four years old when the first book was written :lol some of these guys have clearly read the books at least 5-6 times.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jammindude on April 02, 2015, 06:48:14 AM
Anyone ever heard of Peter Orullian? 

I was at Comicon and went up to Keven J Anderson's booth... (he signed the Clockwork Angels companion book I bought as well as a reprint of an older book based on Grace Under Pressure called Resurrection Inc) ...and I got to talking with this other guy (Peter Orullian, as it turned out) at his booth because we started talking prog rock and metal.   We hit it off pretty well and traded contact info.  I figured he was one of Kevin's "minions".   But then 10 minutes later I walk by a big poster of him promoting his new book!   I went back to the booth and jokingly said, "You jerk! Why didn't you tell you tell me you were an author??"   :lol     I bought a copy of his first book called The Unremembered and it's actually REALLY REALLY good!   I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm really enjoying it so far.  Anyone else here familiar with his work?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 02, 2015, 08:03:45 AM
Anyone ever heard of Peter Orullian? 

I was at Comicon and went up to Keven J Anderson's booth... (he signed the Clockwork Angels companion book I bought as well as a reprint of an older book based on Grace Under Pressure called Resurrection Inc) ...and I got to talking with this other guy (Peter Orullian, as it turned out) at his booth because we started talking prog rock and metal.   We hit it off pretty well and traded contact info.  I figured he was one of Kevin's "minions".   But then 10 minutes later I walk by a big poster of him promoting his new book!   I went back to the booth and jokingly said, "You jerk! Why didn't you tell you tell me you were an author??"   :lol     
He may have enjoyed just talking to someone like a regular guy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 04, 2015, 10:48:24 PM
So after buying 15 books back when I went to England, I realised I had only read one (Fool's Errand), and can't start 4 of them because they're part of a series and need the previous books to be understood. I gave away on to my uncle. And started another, but thought it was awfully written (I Am Legend). So it leaves me with 7 books (I'm didn't count A Memory of Light too - already read it, but I needed to have it on hardback!). 5 of them are English classics, one is the first of a sci-fi saga (Hyperion).

So it all leaves me with... Sophie's World, by Jostein Gaarder. I had already read a chapter of it on a high school project, and liked it. Now, a few chapters in, I'm deeply enjoying it. I've always been kind of a dreamer, and I live in my head most of the time, so I find philosophy totally fascinating.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 06, 2015, 09:21:41 AM
Moved on to Going Postal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on April 06, 2015, 09:23:49 AM
Mick Wall - When Giants Walked the Earth: A Biography of Led Zeppelin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 06, 2015, 12:09:35 PM
The Justice Project - edited by Brian McLaren, Elisa Padilla, and Ashley Bunting Seeber
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on April 06, 2015, 02:53:11 PM
Moved on to Going Postal
Have you seen the TV adaptation? It's excellent.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 07, 2015, 04:37:49 AM
I'm usually the type who reads the book before seeing the adaptation, so I'll have to check it after
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 08, 2015, 06:17:19 PM
Taking a break from the Pratchett-thon and reading Gotham City 14 Miles, a collection of essays about the 66 TV show
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 10, 2015, 12:32:30 PM
William Shakespeare's The Phantom of Menace by Ian Doescher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 10, 2015, 03:53:34 PM
Decided to continue where I left, and finished 1Q84's book one. Since it all seems to be just one big story just neatly divided into 3 parts, I'll start book two now. So far I love how mature and excellent the writing is. The subtle changes, small twists, the "fantasy" elements - its amazing.

About 1/4 through Sophie's World, and its been a delight. Reading it 1 chapter at a time has helped me not feel overwhelmed by the crazy amount of philosophical content :lol. Of course if you're into philosophy, this will read as a For Dummies, but given is a teen novel, its wonderful.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 11, 2015, 05:37:36 AM
The Leftovers by Tom Perrota
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 15, 2015, 06:58:25 AM
Venturing into Dune
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 15, 2015, 07:02:15 AM
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

again
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on April 15, 2015, 01:07:55 PM
Almost halfway through re-reading A Dance with Dragons, I was pretty harsh on the Jon and Dany chapters the first time around and now I'm enjoying them (or maybe the better word  is understanding them better).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 15, 2015, 01:23:52 PM
Almost halfway through re-reading A Dance with Dragons, I was pretty harsh on the Jon and Dany chapters the first time around and now I'm enjoying them (or maybe the better word  is understanding them better).

I love Jon's arc in ADWD. One of the better ones for sure.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 15, 2015, 02:55:28 PM
Almost halfway through re-reading A Dance with Dragons, I was pretty harsh on the Jon and Dany chapters the first time around and now I'm enjoying them (or maybe the better word  is understanding them better).

I love Jon's arc in ADWD. One of the better ones for sure.
I agree.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on April 15, 2015, 03:12:18 PM
Yeah, it's been better this time around. First time I just read a bunch of complaining from him. :lol

Still doesn't come close to Reek's arc, though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 16, 2015, 06:46:54 AM
Dune by Frank Herbert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 16, 2015, 10:47:00 AM
you weren't influenced by my decision, were you?  ;) Incidentally, I'm around page 200 and really enjoying it so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 16, 2015, 11:07:14 AM
you weren't influenced by my decision, were you?  ;) Incidentally, I'm around page 200 and really enjoying it so far
Actually, I was.  I started HHGTTG, but fell out of the mood fairly quickly.  So I saw your post, and decided to re-read Dune.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jammindude on April 18, 2015, 10:08:28 PM
Guys...I'm on vacation and reading The Unremembered by Peter Orullian....which I mentioned earlier.

You know how it is when you meet someone and they say they are a writer?   I mean, you've met them as a regular guy, and then they start talking about their book?   You know how you're all ready to give the "Back to the Future" response if it happens to suck?  ("Marty! That was very interesting music!")

Totally NOT the case here.    I'm honestly getting my doors blown off by this book.   He is ACTUALLY really good.    I don't have to hunt for positive things to say about it.   It's just awesome.    Find this book.   (it doesn't hurt that he's a long time DT geek too) :lol   Heck, for all I know, he could be one of my fellow DTFers and I wouldn't even know it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on April 19, 2015, 03:12:21 AM
Halo: Fall of Reach and Halo: Cryptum. Amazing sci-fi books. Such a shame that they seem to be overlooked just because they're based on video games.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on April 19, 2015, 09:57:31 PM
A paper on compatibilism I found from the Stanford university website.  I've been interested in this question for a while, and am currently of the opinion that if you believe in free will, then you must believe in the supernatural, since that is the only way to interfere with the deterministic natural phenomena that govern the brain's operation.

Since this is clearly not a settled question in physics or philosophy, I'm reading about ways free will can be compatible with determinism.  The paper doesn't assume familiarity with other philosophical concepts, but I'm still finding it a bit hard to follow.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/compatibilism/
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 19, 2015, 11:36:12 PM
I've been interested in this question for a while, and am currently of the opinion that if you believe in free will, then you must believe in the supernatural, since that is the only way to interfere with the deterministic natural phenomena that govern the brain's operation.
I might not see a big picture as you since I'm not familiar with determinism, but I don't even see how supernatural and free will relate. Is it that I have to ask a ghost to change my bran's functions? :P Surely our biology limits us, but as how science is progressing, I think it will become less of a problem with time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 28, 2015, 05:46:37 AM
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on May 02, 2015, 02:11:11 AM
Reading The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls right now. Read Abarat by Clive Barker before that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fiery Winds on May 02, 2015, 07:40:14 AM
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin


Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 02, 2015, 10:50:09 AM
I finally finished A Dance With Dragons.  My brother is telling me I should start the Wheel of Time series next.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on May 02, 2015, 11:36:41 AM
I finally finished A Dance With Dragons.  My brother is telling me I should start the Wheel of Time series next.
You should ;) .

The first 3 books can seem a bit like classic fantasy, but the rest just keeps expanding, more and more, into really different ways, and you end up with like 20 characters, each with its own arc. The books are big (an average of 700 pages each on English I think), and the pace might be slow at times, but if you could finish ASOIAF, then you can tackle this one.

Although I started with it, I wouldn't recommend the prequel as your first book, since you won't understand a thing :lol .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on May 03, 2015, 12:58:18 PM
I finally finished A Dance With Dragons.  My brother is telling me I should start the Wheel of Time series next.

Definitely do so. I found that it was well worth the time it took to read.

Although I started with it, I wouldn't recommend the prequel as your first book, since you won't understand a thing :lol .

I second this. The first time through the series, read them in the order they were published. This would put New Spring between Crossroads of Twilight and Knife of Dreams. New Spring contains worldbuilding elements and character movitations that you are not meant to know about until much later in the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on May 03, 2015, 02:02:28 PM
Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur Clarke
The Hidden Reality by Brian Greene
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on May 03, 2015, 03:09:33 PM
Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur Clarke


Read this one over 30 years ago. Enjoyed it immensely.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on May 03, 2015, 06:59:02 PM
Read Northern Lights / The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. I actually thought it was pretty bad. Prose was mostly dry and dull, characterisation was very thin for every character but Lyra, and about 80% of the dialogue was exposition, info dumping and discussion of the universe/concept, the entire way through.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 05, 2015, 06:56:24 AM
The Mahabharata by Vyasa and translated by Ramesh Menon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 05, 2015, 07:07:02 AM
Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver (a 007 novel)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on May 08, 2015, 11:57:30 PM
Christine by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on May 12, 2015, 03:26:39 PM
I FINALLY got around to finishing Weaveworld by Clive Barker. I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately things got in the way resulting in me having less time to read than I usually do.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 13, 2015, 02:32:03 PM
At some point in high school, I bought "The Great and Secret Show" on a whim, and then became a huge fan. I had never read anything this imaginative. I read a couple other books like Weaveworld and loved them. Then over time I read a couple others and didn't find them nearly as entertaining. I know his style changed, but I am sure my tastes did as well.

Christine is a Top Tier SK book for me. I read it twice, and it is just as powerful the second time as it was the first. Very colloquial, humorous, yet haunting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on May 18, 2015, 09:33:50 PM
Just finished 1Q84: Book Two by Haruki Murakami. I'm absolutely loving this man's writing. Every metaphor, every little story, somehow has a purpose. And some are even used by other characters to express different yet related things. Oh, and the story here was superb. Some weird shit on the las 7 or so chapters, but with a very mature focus. I can't wait to get the final book of this trilogy - those plot twists at the end are driving me crazy :dangerwillrobinson:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on May 18, 2015, 10:50:01 PM
I read Norwegian Wood a few years ago and didn't like it very much, but I plan to try out at least one more. Probably Kafka On the Shore, that's the one I've seen the most praise for.

Currently reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell ahead of it appearing on TV and potentially getting popular and me thus potentially getting bombarded with spoilers on a book I've wanted to read for quite a while.

It's unfolding very gradually, but it's pretty good. I like the way the book presents magic. As opposed to how magic is presented in a book like Harry Potter i.e. as something that is apparently insanely dangerous, yet they are teaching to young children, and thus becomes a toy that is used willy-nilly by brat kids in their spare time, here, magic is something that the very rare magicians who can actually perform it use quite hesitantly for the repercussions that even one serious spell can trigger. The book is also kind of taking the piss out of some of the very criticisms that I've seen people make of it - it's too slow and boring and there's not enough magic in it - through the upper classes of London who grow bored of Mr Norrell when they realise he isn't going to do cheap tricks for them at dinner parties. Yet it takes the piss out of Mr Norrell at the same time for being quite such a pompous ass about his craft.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on May 21, 2015, 08:59:22 AM
Still reading Isaac Asimov's Guide to Science, and inly about 1/3 of the way through it.

Lots of interesting info.  At the turn of the 20th century scientists were still debating about the existence of atoms, only in 1935 was the neutron discovered, and sustained nuclear fission was possible less than 10 years later.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: faizoff on May 21, 2015, 12:23:19 PM
Finally started the A song of fire and ice books. Finished the first two and 2/3rd done with A Storm of Swords. Just finished reading the Red Wedding chapter, intense stuff.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 22, 2015, 09:36:14 AM
The Man with the Golden Torc by Simon R. Green
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on May 23, 2015, 07:12:37 PM
Just read Welcome to Braggsville bu T.Geronimo Johnson Really different but really great.
Neil Gaiman and Philosophy Gods Gone Wild  Interesting theories...
The Pines by Blake Crouch The first book Wayward Pines is based on. Different don't want to ruin the show by revealing anything.
The Stranger by Harlan Coben  Back to his better writing.

About to start Miracle at Augusta by James Patterson and pocket book Liars Poke by Michael Lewis (first time reading one of these may be easier on the train!)
 :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 01, 2015, 03:33:06 AM
Reamde by Neal Stephenson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on June 11, 2015, 03:17:14 AM
Finders Keepers by Stephen King (great sequel to Mr Mercedes)  :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on June 11, 2015, 09:30:35 AM
Got the third, final book of the 1Q84 trilogy by Haruki Murakami. Can't wait to start it!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on June 11, 2015, 09:57:39 AM
I'm currently reading Peter F Hamilton's Commonwealth Saga, and am halfway through the 1,200-page second and final book, Judas Unchained. Goddamn this stuff is epic. Definite similarities with GRMM's A Song of Ice and Fire series, but in a sci-fi, rather than fantasy, setting. Huge scope, expansive stories and characters, and amazing balance of human drama within a more epic setting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 11, 2015, 10:54:05 AM
Re-reading the Dark Tower series.  Currently on The Gunslinger.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 11, 2015, 12:36:36 PM
Funny, according to Amazon, it's only 848 pages ariich
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on June 11, 2015, 12:41:22 PM
Funny, according to Amazon, it's only 848 pages ariich
Hmm, different editions have different numbers of pages.

UK Paperback, 1,100 pages: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judas-Unchained-Commonwealth-Peter-Hamilton/dp/1447279670/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434047955&sr=8-1&keywords=judas+unchained

UK Kindle, 1,265 pages: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judas-Unchained-Commonwealth-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B003GK22PM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434047955&sr=8-2&keywords=judas+unchained

Either way, it's bloody long.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 18, 2015, 12:03:20 PM
Bad Unicorn by Platte F. Clark
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 20, 2015, 07:35:02 PM
Possession by A.S. Byatt
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on June 20, 2015, 07:47:45 PM
The Familiar, by Mark Z Danielewski.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 21, 2015, 08:20:19 AM
you're ambitious. I'm hoping to read that before summer's out. Let me know how it is. I loved House of Leaves
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on June 21, 2015, 12:44:49 PM
House of Leaves is one of my favorite books ever, so I kinda doubt The Familiar is going to be able to live up to that for me.  However, I'm already enjoying it a lot more than Only Revolutions or The Fifty Year Sword; it's definitely interesting. 

I'll try to remember to post more when I'm finished with it.  But that might take a while; House of Leaves took me a couple months to read, and The Familiar probably isn't going to move much faster for me. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 22, 2015, 05:09:48 AM
Reportedly, this is supposed to be the first of 27 volumes he plans to do. I can't imagine the breadth of the story he has planned
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on June 22, 2015, 06:33:19 AM
Re-reading the Dark Tower series.  Currently on The Gunslinger.
I started re-reading the series a while back, but stopped before finishing Wizard and Glass which was my favorite of the series.  The first time around, I felt like I was trudging through Song of Susannah and The Dark Tower.  I've since donated the books to my local library since they were taking up room on my shelf, and I knew I would likely not read them again.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on June 22, 2015, 04:35:51 PM
So I've decided to start reading Ulysses. We'll see how this goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 22, 2015, 04:39:46 PM
Re-reading the Dark Tower series.  Currently on The Gunslinger.

I will do this someday. I read the books 6 and 7 in a mad dash to get to the end, I feel like I rushed through some sections. Are you going to work in Wind Through the Keyhole as well?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on June 22, 2015, 05:03:37 PM
Dark Tower is pretty awesome in my opinion, though Book 5 is mightily slow. Still a very very good series, and I should definitely get around to rereading them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on June 24, 2015, 02:10:04 AM
Reportedly, this is supposed to be the first of 27 volumes he plans to do. I can't imagine the breadth of the story he has planned

Tell me more...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 24, 2015, 06:52:48 AM
I don't know anything more. Just from what I saw from various reviews of the book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Chino on June 24, 2015, 06:54:15 AM
Stranger in a Strange Land
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on June 24, 2015, 08:14:47 AM
Taking a break from Asimov's Guide to Science to read Your Inner Fish.  Seems like it should be a relatively quick read, as it's written for a general audience.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on June 24, 2015, 08:15:59 AM
I'm taking a break from Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell and have started re-reading the Animorphs books I was into as an early teen.

They're adorably '90s childrens books corny, and the writing, though not perfect or legendary, has held up quite well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Genowyn on June 24, 2015, 08:37:06 AM
House of Leaves is one of my favorite books ever, so I kinda doubt The Familiar is going to be able to live up to that for me.  However, I'm already enjoying it a lot more than Only Revolutions or The Fifty Year Sword; it's definitely interesting. 

I'll try to remember to post more when I'm finished with it.  But that might take a while; House of Leaves took me a couple months to read, and The Familiar probably isn't going to move much faster for me. 

I had no idea that he had a new book out! I couldn't even get a few pages into Only Revolutions, I've never read Finnegans Wake but I imagine it's a very similar experience :lol

Good to hear that you are enjoying this new book more, I might check it out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 24, 2015, 08:49:47 AM
I'll at least say this much, I haven't started reading it yet, but it is a beautiful book to look at
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on June 27, 2015, 09:26:56 PM
So I just finished Sophie's World, by Jostein Gaarder. It took me 2 months and a half, because I haven't had much time for reading this year, unlike 2014, in which I read the complete Wheel of Time series (14 doorstoppers books and a prequel, damn) and a few more titles. But I really enjoyed it. It got slightly better and better till the last chapters. Although it's a book on philosophy, at times it really like like it was oriented towards teenagers - some concepts could have been explained better, or not oversimplified. But this was my first time into any kind of philosophy so I don't care. I was very intrigued by the chapter about existencialism - it described my thought process with such accuracy it felt surreal. I'll definitely have to read something by Dartre or Camus soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: BlackInk on June 28, 2015, 03:02:33 AM
Now with Game of Thrones season 5 having wrapped up, I'm reading A Feast For Crows/A Dance With Dragons. I found some website with a recommendation on how to jump between and read them simultaniously. So that's neat.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on June 28, 2015, 04:32:47 AM
Splinter Cell: Fallout and Deus Ex: Icarus Effect. Both great stories. Seriously, video game-based novels just don't get enough recognition.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on June 28, 2015, 05:02:41 PM
Finders Keepers by Stephen King. Loving it so far. Better than both Mr. Mercedes and Revival.

Before that, I read The Scarlet Gospels by Clive Barker and hated it. Hellbound Heart before that, and loved it. Before Hellbound Heart, I read Christine by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 29, 2015, 08:08:36 AM
Re-reading the Dark Tower series.  Currently on The Gunslinger.

I will do this someday. I read the books 6 and 7 in a mad dash to get to the end, I feel like I rushed through some sections. Are you going to work in Wind Through the Keyhole as well?
I may.  I actually only got that book about 6 months ago, and read it then.  Not sure yet if I will re-read it again that soon.

Currently on The Waste Lands.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on June 30, 2015, 11:29:16 AM
I read John Dies At The End by David Wong. I thought the movie was weird but the book cranks the absurdity up to 11. This book isn't for everyone but it sure as hell worked for me.

Then I read Hit List by Lawrence Block and I just started Jaws By Peter Benchley

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 30, 2015, 11:46:50 AM
Jaws is great.  I read it years and years (and years) ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on June 30, 2015, 12:36:16 PM
Hey people, I'm wondering what to read now. Decided it should be one of the books I brought from England, so I'm between 4 classics (Dracula, Frankenstein, Gulliver's Travels, and Treasure Island) and Hyperion. Which should I read first?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on June 30, 2015, 10:56:09 PM
You can never, ever, ever, ever, ever go wrong with Bram Stoker's Dracula. I finally read that book a little over a year ago and it kicked my ass. Frankenstein was good, as well. But Dracula was just wonderful.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 01, 2015, 07:38:56 AM
My order of those four would be:

Dracula
Treasure Island
Frankenstein
Gulliver's Travels

Frankenstein has a great story, plot, and characters, but the actual writing is not that good.  It is quite dull.

Gulliver's Travels has more historical/cultural importance than literary. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on July 01, 2015, 07:43:53 AM
Finders Keepers by Stephen King. Loving it so far. Better than both Mr. Mercedes and Revival.

Before that, I read The Scarlet Gospels by Clive Barker and hated it. Hellbound Heart before that, and loved it. Before Hellbound Heart, I read Christine by Stephen King.

Read many Clive Barker and Stephen King books back in the day. Completely lost touch with both authors.

Anything recent by Clive Barker that could be recommended?


Just picked up Duff McKagen's It's So Easy -And Other Lies from the library.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on July 01, 2015, 04:45:40 PM
With Clive Barker, I recently read the first Abarat book and I thought it was just fantastic. I finished it in under a week (that's fast for me). There are more Abarat books, but I've yet to read them. If you haven't read these yet, I would reccomend:

Weaveworld (probably his best book)
Sacrament
The Hellbound Heart (the first book with Pinhead from the Hellrasier movies).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on July 01, 2015, 04:50:24 PM
Joyland by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 01, 2015, 06:38:21 PM
Great story by the master
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on July 02, 2015, 10:59:19 PM
Joyland was a wonderful book. Finished Finders Keepers last night. Very good. Not incredible, or anything, but a lot better than Mr. Mercedes and Revival. Started The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson today.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 03, 2015, 04:08:18 AM
Still need to pick up Finders Keepers.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on July 03, 2015, 12:05:29 PM
With Clive Barker, I recently read the first Abarat book and I thought it was just fantastic. I finished it in under a week (that's fast for me). There are more Abarat books, but I've yet to read them. If you haven't read these yet, I would reccomend:

Weaveworld (probably his best book)
Sacrament
The Hellbound Heart (the first book with Pinhead from the Hellrasier movies).
I read Weaveworld and Hellbound Heart when they came out in the 80's.

Sacrament is good?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 03, 2015, 03:26:15 PM
There's been a lot of misses with me when it comes to Barker. I did enjoy Imajica though
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on July 03, 2015, 03:36:17 PM
There's been a lot of misses with me when it comes to Barker. I did enjoy Imajica though
Yup. Read that when it came out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 04, 2015, 05:54:21 AM
Finished The Waste Lands

On to Wizard & Glass.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 15, 2015, 09:25:20 AM
I might live to regret this after reading some of the reviews, but I'm reading the new Harper Lee book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on July 16, 2015, 02:47:14 AM
I want to read the new Harper Lee as well....I have avoided all reviews...

Just read Tough Sh*t by Kevin Smith.

I am about to start the Greywalker series by Kat Davidson....the first one arrived about a day ago....Thanks Ebay!  :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 18, 2015, 05:41:08 AM
Armada by Ernest Cline
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on July 18, 2015, 12:46:38 PM
Armada by Ernest Cline

Is it as uninspired as everyone is saying?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on July 18, 2015, 05:42:36 PM
Jaws was okay. My main problem is that a lot of the characters are pretty damn unlikable, Especially compared to their movie counterparts. I still enjoyed it but In my opinion this is one of the few cases where the movie was better.

After jaws I read Hit Parade By lawrence block and Batman Earth one volume 2
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on July 18, 2015, 11:02:15 PM
Finders Keepers by Stephen King. Loving it so far. Better than both Mr. Mercedes and Revival.

Before that, I read The Scarlet Gospels by Clive Barker and hated it. Hellbound Heart before that, and loved it. Before Hellbound Heart, I read Christine by Stephen King.

Read many Clive Barker and Stephen King books back in the day. Completely lost touch with both authors.

Anything recent by Clive Barker that could be recommended?


Didn't realize you liked Clive Barker. He is one sick puppy, one of favorites. I find his stuff more challenging and disturbing than Stephen King's novels.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 20, 2015, 06:54:46 AM
Armada by Ernest Cline

Is it as uninspired as everyone is saying?
It's a nice light read. I loved Ready Player One, so I liked all the references. This one was alright, despite borrowing a lot from Ender's Game

Anyway, reading The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on July 22, 2015, 12:20:44 PM
Last book I finished was Finders Keepers. Really enjoyed and agree that it was much better that Mr. Mercedes. King is my favorite author and I've read everything of his.

Just started diving into Clive Barker. Started with the Books of Blood and am working up in the novels. Just started Weaveworld. I agree that his writing is much more challenging than King's but it's pretty clear already that King is the superior story teller.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on July 22, 2015, 12:47:46 PM
Finders Keepers by Stephen King. Loving it so far. Better than both Mr. Mercedes and Revival.

Before that, I read The Scarlet Gospels by Clive Barker and hated it. Hellbound Heart before that, and loved it. Before Hellbound Heart, I read Christine by Stephen King.

Read many Clive Barker and Stephen King books back in the day. Completely lost touch with both authors.

Anything recent by Clive Barker that could be recommended?


Didn't realize you liked Clive Barker. He is one sick puppy, one of favorites. I find his stuff more challenging and disturbing than Stephen King's novels.

I read Weaveworld, and The Books Of Blood back in the 80's. The last thing I read was The Great And Secret Show. Actually after a couple of tries, I'm pretty sure I never actually finished it.  But that was a time ago.


Just picked up Duff McKagen's It's So Easy -And Other Lies from the library.

I must say that this is one of the best rock star autobiographies I've read. Brilliant!!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 24, 2015, 07:13:40 AM
The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on July 27, 2015, 11:50:34 PM
Duma Key by Stephen King. Not a a bad story at all, but it's really getting interesting now.

Before that, it was We Are Water by Wally Lamb. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 28, 2015, 12:50:31 AM
Duma Key is fantastic.

Haven't been in here for a while!

I've been reading lately: (sort of random order)
Finders keepers by Stephen King
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rawling)

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on July 28, 2015, 03:26:25 AM
I loved Duma Key.

Just finished the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. What a fantastic series, I loved it. Well written.
Currently reading Die Geschichte von Herrn Sommer (The Story of Mr. Sommer) by Patrick Süskind. After that I'll probably move on to Life of Pi or Stephen King's Revival.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on July 29, 2015, 03:15:23 AM
Just finished the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. What a fantastic series, I loved it. Well written.
I read the first book of that a few months back and didn't think much of it. I had planned to read the whole series, but I didn't go any further than Golden Compass.

Life of Pi is alright.

I'm now maybe 3/4s through Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. The slow build of the first 4-500 pages is starting to pay off and it's getting really interesting. There is a big irk I have with the plot at the moment though that I really hope they address shortly.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 31, 2015, 09:01:25 AM
Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on July 31, 2015, 02:11:56 PM
Wolves is my second favorite dark tower book.


I just finished Why Me? by Donald Westlake and Hit and Run by Lawrence block.

Next I'm going to read The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King and then Im going to finish the keller series with Hit Me by Lawrence Block
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 31, 2015, 04:39:05 PM
Reading the next book in the Gentlemen Bastard series. Really enjoyed the first one
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on August 01, 2015, 02:59:10 AM
Got Paradise Lost by Milton in the mail yesterday. I'll read that before I start on Life of Pi or Revival. It's been on my to-read-list for far too long.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on August 01, 2015, 11:09:30 AM
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. Superb so far, absolutely incredible that this was written in 1953!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 01, 2015, 11:36:26 AM
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. Superb so far, absolutely incredible that this was written in 1953!
I hope it's better than 2001: Space Odyssey - that book bored me to tears  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 02, 2015, 03:25:09 PM
Demian by Herman Hesse.
Great so far (as any Hesse's book I read).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on August 03, 2015, 08:33:52 AM
Some light summer reading: Insurance for Dummies by Jack Hungelmann.  I'm starting to think about life insurance, disability insurance and umbrella insurance due to some expected changes in the next few years.  As of right now, there is no need for much of it, since neither my wife or I depend on the other's income.  But home purchase, etc. would change that..
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 03, 2015, 10:22:50 AM
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. Superb so far, absolutely incredible that this was written in 1953!
I've never read it, but always wanted to. 

SyFy is adapting it to a TV mini-series out later this year, starring Charles Dance.  Looking forward to that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on August 03, 2015, 12:23:33 PM
Weaveworld by Clive Barker.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on August 03, 2015, 12:31:45 PM
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. Superb so far, absolutely incredible that this was written in 1953!
I've never read it, but always wanted to. 

SyFy is adapting it to a TV mini-series out later this year, starring Charles Dance.  Looking forward to that.
Oh fantastic, had no idea about that!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on August 05, 2015, 05:56:24 AM
Finished Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell, awesome book. If you want to read a fantasy written with kick-ass witty old-school prose like a Jane Austen novel and awesome characters like a Dickens novel, check it out.

My next four books, though I don't know what order I'll read them, are One Hundred Years of Solitude, Blood Meridian, The Brothers Karamazov, and Winnie the Pooh.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 05, 2015, 08:13:01 AM
My next four books, though I don't know what order I'll read them, are One Hundred Years of Solitude, Blood Meridian, The Brothers Karamazov, and Winnie the Pooh.
I've been meaning to read that one for a long time  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on August 05, 2015, 04:18:54 PM
One Hundred Years of Solitude is an absolute must read for everyone! I had to read it for my high school Spanish class and I loved it!

Also, the first The Dark Tower movie has been slated for a 2017 release!!!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 05, 2015, 04:26:55 PM
I heard great things about One Hundred Years of Solitude as well as horrible ones :P I still feel I should read some of Marquez's work.
Being a detective novel fan (especially Agatha Christie's books) I started with The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle. My first Sherlock novel, it's good although there's something about writing style I don't like that much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on August 06, 2015, 11:57:15 PM
Yeah, Duma Key was pretty good. But I think it's one of those books that I will have to read again in the future so I can get everything. Reading Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis right now. Will hopefully be done that tonight or tomorrow. Then I will start reading Little Children by Tom Perrotta.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on August 10, 2015, 04:26:06 AM
Started to read Armada by Ernest Cline but I put it down halfway through. I just couldn't connect with the story like I did with Ready Player One. It felt really cheesy (in a bad way), lacked the story depth that RPO has, and the pop culture references wore out their welcome pretty quickly.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on August 10, 2015, 06:40:06 AM
I’m about 1/4 through 100 Years.

This shit is dense. It has one of the densest plots of any book I’ve read.  Considering it’s set in a tiny village in the swamp in the wilderness, there’s so much happening.

Pretty good so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on August 21, 2015, 02:43:20 PM
I’m about 1/4 through 100 Years.

This shit is dense. It has one of the densest plots of any book I’ve read.  Considering it’s set in a tiny village in the swamp in the wilderness, there’s so much happening.

Pretty good so far.
Oh yes it is! And it's oh so good!

I read that in my last year of high school and took a test where one of the questions was to write the whole Buendía family tree. Colonel Aureliano Buendía was just the worst for that!

Started reading Andy Weir's The Martian and I'm absolutely loving it!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on August 21, 2015, 06:10:28 PM
I’m now 3/4 in.

It never lets up. The plot density is unbelievable. The way character names and traits and events reoccur over the decades makes it really dizzying. Everything feels frayed and blurred at the edges, which I assume is the intended effect. Even without the magic going on, the story feels like a giant weird head rush.

I read that in my last year of high school and took a test where one of the questions was to write the whole Buendía family tree. Colonel Aureliano Buendía was just the worst for that!

Started reading Andy Weir's The Martian and I'm absolutely loving it!
The whole family tree? That’s insane. It’s so hard to keep up with who’s who at this point. Sometimes, I’ll try to remember two characters’ relation to each other, and normally, I can’t do it.

I’ve read so much praise for The Martian that I brought it right up my to-read list for a while. I’ll definitely get to it eventually.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on August 21, 2015, 07:35:26 PM
I read the Martian right after it was released. Good book but I felt like the main characters comedic relief was too much and took away from the intensity. As soon as I read it I said it would make a hell of a movie, and then how many months later it was announced, so I hope they do good by it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on August 22, 2015, 02:21:13 PM
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Before that it was Little Children by Tom Perrotta.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on August 24, 2015, 07:52:42 PM
I've finished with The Martian and I loved the humor of the character! It was almost like a defense mechanism against depression. Anyway, amazing book! Cannot recommend it enough!

I think I'll continue with the space theme and read Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on August 26, 2015, 12:08:44 PM
Just finished the wind through the keyhole by stephen king.

Overall I liked it but I had some issues on how the book was structured. I feel like the skin man story and the wind through the keyhole story should have been completely separate novellas. I was really getting interested in the Skin Man story when it switches over to TWTTKH story. It kinda felt like a 200 page interruption to me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on August 26, 2015, 03:07:46 PM
Been reading A Scanner Darkly by Phillip K Dick. So far so good!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on August 27, 2015, 01:17:17 PM
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 29, 2015, 04:16:31 AM
Been reading A Scanner Darkly by Phillip K Dick. So far so good!
I just read Do Androids dream of Electric Sheep(Blade Runner) and I plan to read Scanner Darkly since I liked Dick's style.
Right now I'm reading Erich Kastner's Fabian. I read just few chapters so far but I thought I'd like it more.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 18, 2015, 06:46:18 AM
Finished Stephen King's The Dark Tower series.

I will soon begin re-reading his other books and stories that are related to The Dark Tower, but first:

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Original Sins by Jamie Delano, John Ridgway, Alfredo Alcala, Rick Veitch, and Tom Mandrake
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 18, 2015, 08:00:39 AM
Finished Stephen King's The Dark Tower series.

I will soon begin re-reading his other books and stories that are related to The Dark Tower, but first:

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Original Sins by Jamie Delano, John Ridgway, Alfredo Alcala, Rick Veitch, and Tom Mandrake

I've done that two or three years ago, but it's almost every book King has written that's connected to The Dark Tower.

Currently reading: S. Johnathan Davis - 900 Minutes: cheap and cheesy zombie thriller but somehow entertaining. After that probably Tad Williams - Happy Hour In Hell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 18, 2015, 08:04:34 AM
Finished Stephen King's The Dark Tower series.

I will soon begin re-reading his other books and stories that are related to The Dark Tower, but first:

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Original Sins by Jamie Delano, John Ridgway, Alfredo Alcala, Rick Veitch, and Tom Mandrake

I've done that two or three years ago, but it's almost every book King has written that's connected to The Dark Tower.
I will be selective with it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 18, 2015, 09:01:15 AM
Yeah, makes much more sense that way. I had a list of books that should be connected but sometimes it was no more than a name or the mention of a person and it didn't really enlighten me on the overall story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on September 18, 2015, 11:23:17 AM
Finished Stephen King's The Dark Tower series.

I will soon begin re-reading his other books and stories that are related to The Dark Tower, but first:

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Original Sins by Jamie Delano, John Ridgway, Alfredo Alcala, Rick Veitch, and Tom Mandrake

Interesting approach. I saved the Dark Tower for last and read every single thing King put starting with Carrie. Took about 5 years.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 18, 2015, 11:49:01 AM
Well, I read the vast majority of his works at publication date.  This is all re-reading for me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on September 18, 2015, 08:43:10 PM
So Hef, what's your opinion on the last parts of The Dark Tower? Specifically the battle and what happens inside of the tower.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on September 18, 2015, 11:50:17 PM
I've read the Dark Tower, but you could spoiler shrink that sentence for the benefit of other folks.

Starting Dostoevsky's Brothers Karamazov tonight. Eek?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on September 19, 2015, 01:41:57 AM
The Light Between Oceans was fantastic. Incredible story and atmosphere. Can't wait for the movie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 19, 2015, 04:09:55 AM
So Hef, what's your opinion on the last parts of The Dark Tower? Specifically the battle and what happens inside of the tower.
The first time I read it (at publication), I didn't care for it.

Upon re-reading it, I am OK with it.  It makes a weird kind of sense to me, and I am at peace. 

But I certainly understand how someone may be upset with it, because that's how I used to see it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on September 19, 2015, 05:05:29 AM
I liked the ending of the Dark Tower, though I didn't care for the chapter in New York immediately before it. Felt a little too syrupy.

Also wasn't that much a fan of the solution to everything being a guy that's introduced three quarters into the last book, but oh well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on September 19, 2015, 08:17:03 PM
So Hef, what's your opinion on the last parts of The Dark Tower? Specifically the battle and what happens inside of the tower.
The first time I read it (at publication), I didn't care for it.

Upon re-reading it, I am OK with it.  It makes a weird kind of sense to me, and I am at peace. 

But I certainly understand how someone may be upset with it, because that's how I used to see it.
I loved the ending, thought it was the perfect ending for it. Haaaated the fucking battle though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on September 20, 2015, 03:13:54 AM
Terry Pratchett - The sheppard´s crown. (final discworld novel)  :-[
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sub Luna Vitrea on September 20, 2015, 06:15:30 AM
C Programming by Wikibooks
A collection of Mafalda comic strips by Quino, purchased for me in Argentina by my brother
The Society of the Spectacle by Guy Debord (again)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 21, 2015, 01:16:44 AM
Decided to re-read one of my favorite sci-fi series from when I was young, Mark Brandis - Weltraumpartisanen (Space Partisans). Had some time over the weekend and read the first two volumes Bordbuch Delta VII (Logbook Delta VII) and Verrat auf der Venus (Treachery on Venus) and now on to volume 3 Unternehmen Delphin (Operation Dolphin).

Though they were written for young adults I still very much enjoy them, but that may be enhanced by the nostalgia factor. As far as I know they were never translated into english or other languages. So I'm probably the only one here who knows them.  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 28, 2015, 09:56:09 AM
The Deep by Nick Cutter
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on September 28, 2015, 02:09:06 PM
The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman. Fantastic so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on September 28, 2015, 02:18:07 PM
Umberto Eco - The Name of the Rose

I just finished Stephen King's Eyes of the Dragon, which was enjoyable. I also finished Life of Pi, which was very much more interesting than I thought it would. I had not expected it to be so well written; for some reason I had always thought it was just a good story that was very popular.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on September 28, 2015, 04:32:48 PM
20% through Brothers Karamazov.

Incredible so far.

Fyodor Karamazov is maybe the closest character to Iago I’ve ever read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on September 28, 2015, 07:40:11 PM
The Deep by Nick Cutter

Let me know what you think!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 29, 2015, 01:04:48 AM
Happy Hour In Hell - Tad Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on September 29, 2015, 01:42:30 AM
Re-reading Hollow City by Ransom Riggs. Bought the sequel--the last in the Miss Peregrine trilogy on Saturday. Gonna read that next. Read The Troop by Nick Cutter last week and looking forward to reading The Deep and The Alcolyte.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 29, 2015, 07:39:19 AM
The Deep by Nick Cutter

Let me know what you think!
I'm about halfway through, and while the plot is interesting, I'm not a fan of the guy's writing style thus far.

We'll see how it plays out.

Umberto Eco - The Name of the Rose
Great book.  Have you read Foucault's Pendulum?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on September 29, 2015, 08:50:32 AM
No, I haven't. The Name of the Rose will be the first book by Eco that I read. But if it's good I'll probably read his other books as well. Is Foucault's Pendulum also good?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 29, 2015, 08:54:31 AM
Yes.  I read it years and years ago.  It's actually the only other Eco I have read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on October 01, 2015, 03:02:30 PM
Not reading now, but I was just talking with a friend about Jurassic Park.

I didn't like it.  I think Crichton is pretty ham-fisted in making his point.   I understand the themes of hubris and unintended consequences etc., but I think it could have been done a bit more elegantly.  His use of fractals, without really saying much about them, makes his point blatantly obvious.  Also, the geneticists are made to look pretty ignorant and one-dimensional in their work.  That the scientists could not have imagined the potential consequences of their work just makes the whole thing seem so forced.  I think Crichton could have made the scientists more conscientious and measured in their work, but still end in the epic and disastrous outcome the book leads up to.  That, I think, would have been a better way to tell the story, with more subtlety and nuance to the characters.  I think it would even elevate the theme a little bit, showing that it doesn't take reckless pursuit to end in tragedy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 02, 2015, 04:22:58 AM
Well, Crichton was basically an idea man.  He could come up with great ideas, and vivid scenes.

But the actual "writing" part of writing was not his strong suit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 02, 2015, 05:23:12 AM
I have read Jurassic Park a really long time ago, in fact before the first movie came out. I liked the setting and the suspense, didn't care about the rest.

The way I remember it, the scientists and especially the park owner were portraited as somewhat ruthless and more interested in money than in consequences. In the movie, the park owner was this nice uncle who said: sorry, if only I had known that this was dangerous. I hated that.  >:(
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 02, 2015, 08:13:14 AM
The Deep by Nick Cutter

Let me know what you think!
I'm about halfway through, and while the plot is interesting, I'm not a fan of the guy's writing style thus far.

We'll see how it plays out.
Finished this morning.  It definitely got better.

Still not a fan of the author's writing style; he is certainly no William Faulkner.  But wow, what a creepy, unnerving, terrifying story.  It is dread-imposing, in the same way that Lovecraft or Stephen King's Revival can be. 

Now reading The World of Ice & Fire by George R.R. Martin, Elio M. Garcia Jr, and Linda Antonsson.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on October 02, 2015, 08:55:46 AM
Well, Crichton was basically an idea man.  He could come up with great ideas, and vivid scenes.

But the actual "writing" part of writing was not his strong suit.
It's the only Crichton book I've read, and prior to that it seemed he had a reputation for being an excellent writer.  Maybe it's like you say, more of an good idea than a good story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on October 02, 2015, 09:50:22 AM
Well, Crichton was basically an idea man.  He could come up with great ideas, and vivid scenes.

But the actual "writing" part of writing was not his strong suit.
It's the only Crichton book I've read, and prior to that it seemed he had a reputation for being an excellent writer.  Maybe it's like you say, more of an good idea than a good story.
Which is why the ideas can sometimes make really good films (like Jurassic Park).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sub Luna Vitrea on October 03, 2015, 05:21:50 AM
What I remember about the book Jurassic Park was how it kept me in a state of constant fear and suspense... I think that was what Crichton was really good at, having read a number of his books when I was a teenager. It was terrifying, way more so than the movie, which did not fully achieve what the book had done in that sense. It better explored the themes, which of course Crichton really believed was the whole point, but I always thought Crichton's themes were annoying at best. And it's really not easy to write good suspense novels; it's just looked down upon by literary writers, many of whom I have still never been able to get into, despite trying my best.

Sphere is still the most hair-raising book I have ever read, and I still have never seen the movie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 03, 2015, 05:36:12 AM
Sphere is still the most hair-raising book I have ever read, and I still have never seen the movie.
My advice would be to keep it that way.  It was not good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on October 04, 2015, 06:17:08 AM
I remember seeing parts of the movie Sphere around the time it came out, but not much else.  Given my reaction to Jurassic Park, would I find Shpere any better?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on October 05, 2015, 09:11:12 AM
Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick deWitt. I loved The Sisters Brothers, and Ablutions was decent. So far this is pretty awesome as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 05, 2015, 10:02:00 AM
I remember seeing parts of the movie Sphere around the time it came out, but not much else.  Given my reaction to Jurassic Park, would I find Shpere any better?
I doubt it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Cat Of Tuscany on October 11, 2015, 06:52:31 PM
The Insignia series by S.J. Kincaid are the three best books I have ever read.

They are amazing.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on October 11, 2015, 07:45:05 PM
Pax, by Sara Pennypacker.  A middle grade novel about a boy who had to give up his pet fox when his father went to war.  Very, very sweet. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 11, 2015, 07:54:50 PM
Finally finished 1Q84 a week ago. Liked book 1, loved the sequel, but the last one... disappointed me. Too many unanswered questions, and very little actually hapenning didn't help either. An additional point of view was refreshing, but in the end, this book bore me a lot.

Started Lord of the Flies by William Golding today.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on October 11, 2015, 09:46:47 PM
Lash Up by Larry Bond. Definitely not a typical thriller novel but still one of the best I've read. It takes a really cool, futuristic concept and makes it totally believable/practical.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sub Luna Vitrea on October 12, 2015, 05:20:32 AM
A First Dictionary and Grammar of Láadan by Suzette Haden Elgin.

At the same time, I am coding software to teach the language to myself, which will be released open-source and will theoretically be able to teach any language at all.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 12, 2015, 06:46:43 AM
Sleeping Late On Judgement Day by Tad Williams - hoping it is better than Happy Hour
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 14, 2015, 11:18:52 PM
Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs was wonderful. I think I liked it better than Hollow City, though the first Miss Peregrine book is still the best. Reading The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins right now and I'm really liking it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: MetalJunkie on October 15, 2015, 12:18:50 AM
Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig

Man, Craig sure goes over my head a lot.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on October 16, 2015, 03:03:20 AM
Approaching halfway through the Brothers Karamazov.

I was mightily enjoying it at first, but as I go on, I get the sense that the message Dostoevsky is going for is “if you don’t believe in God, you automatically lose any moral standard and won’t be capable or have any reason to restrain yourself from committing every horrible act under the sun, and all of the world’s ills are the result of people whose connection with the divine has weakened or been lost”.

I get that he was a Christian, but if this is where the story is going, well, come the fuck on.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on October 16, 2015, 08:06:03 AM
Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

Francis Dolarhyde sure has some issues!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on October 16, 2015, 12:54:40 PM
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  I bought it about 10 years ago and put it down after a few chapters.  It just seemed to zany without any real point.  Decided to read it the other night, and I'm reading a few chapters a day.  Still pretty zany, and I guess now I see more of the social commentary in it.  It's a pretty easy read, so I figure I will finish it this time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on October 16, 2015, 01:12:29 PM
Just started The Great and Secret Show: The First Book of Art by Clive Barker.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Cat Of Tuscany on October 16, 2015, 06:21:27 PM
I'm having to read Moby Dick this month for a class.

I find it very dull and uninteresting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on October 17, 2015, 05:12:06 PM
I often disliked books that I had to read just because I often have to be in a specific mood for a certain book and if I have to read a book that I'm no in the mood for, that really mars my enjoyment.

For example, we had to read Juli Zeh's "Corpus Delicti" for Literature Studies in high school, which is a pretty good book. But I wasn't really feeling it at that time and it just annoyed me, but I really dug it when I came back to it voluntarily two years later.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 19, 2015, 07:08:14 AM
I'm having to read Moby Dick this month for a class.

I find it very dull and uninteresting.
Keep with it.  It's one of the greatest novels ever written.


Just started Make Me by Lee Child.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 19, 2015, 07:12:09 AM
I often disliked books that I had to read just because I often have to be in a specific mood for a certain book and if I have to read a book that I'm no in the mood for, that really mars my enjoyment.

For example, we had to read Juli Zeh's "Corpus Delicti" for Literature Studies in high school, which is a pretty good book. But I wasn't really feeling it at that time and it just annoyed me, but I really dug it when I came back to it voluntarily two years later.

I hated all the books we had to read in school, not because they were bad, but because we were forced to read them. Took a long time to appreciate at least some of them (like Lord Of The Flies), but others are still shit (like some Günter Grass novels).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Chino on October 19, 2015, 07:17:03 AM
I'm about halfway through Stranger in a Strange Land. I'm loving it.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 19, 2015, 08:32:20 AM
I'm about halfway through Stranger in a Strange Land. I'm loving it.
What an awesome book.

I first read that when I was in high school.  I went on a major Heinlein kick after that.  One of my favorite writers as a young adult, although I eventually moved out of my science fiction phase and haven't read him in years.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on October 20, 2015, 12:17:19 AM
Pax, by Sara Pennypacker.  A middle grade novel about a boy who had to give up his pet fox when his father went to war.  Very, very sweet.

Just following up to say that this book ended up being really good.  It's obviously written for young readers, so maybe not everyone would enjoy it, but I still strongly recommend it. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on October 20, 2015, 04:01:30 AM
What doesn't kill us - David Lagercrantz. (Millenium IV) Not totally into it yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 20, 2015, 09:56:16 AM
Just the existence of that novel makes me sick.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 20, 2015, 10:57:29 AM
I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on October 21, 2015, 06:46:01 AM
The Great Depression: A Diary.  A lawyer in Youngstown, Ohio kept a regular diary starting in 1931 about the world around him.  It's a mostly detached, unpersonal account, where he tries to understand what is happening rather than describing how it is affecting him and his family.  After the first few pages I've already come across some interesting entries:

Quote
Investigations are the order of the day.  The Senate is investigating private banking and in particular J.P. Morgan & Co.  Mr. Morgan was on the witness stand all day yesterday and today.  The evidence shows that his firm made loans to many men now prominent in public affairs.

Quote
In looking back over the 3 months since Roosevelt became President it seems that the U.S. has traveled a long way toward some form of socialism or managed economy.

And talking about the roaring 20's that preceded this:
Quote
Women's dresses became shorter and shorter until they hardly reached the knee
:lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on October 21, 2015, 07:33:15 AM
Just the existence of that novel makes me sick.

I know what you mean, and I'm still trying to make my mind up what to make of it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 21, 2015, 09:10:56 AM
I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb.
Really sad, but really great book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 22, 2015, 11:11:05 PM
Oh, I'm just devouring it. Loving it so far. I read his latest, We Are Water while on vacation in July, and I think it was probably the best book I've read all year.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sub Luna Vitrea on October 24, 2015, 03:35:58 AM
AA: Cult or Cure? Second Edition by Charles Bufe
A First Dictionary and Grammar of Láadan by Susette Haden Elgin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on October 24, 2015, 06:58:44 AM
I've been trying to make more time to read recently. My favorites in the last couple months have been Lolita (Nabokov), The Town (Faulkner), The Haunting of Hill House (Jackson), and two books by David Mitchell: Black Swan Green and Bone Clocks

Highly recommend all of them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 24, 2015, 03:04:56 PM
A few days ago I finished The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman. Fascinating read - I've never been fond of positive thinking, and have some times been labeled as pessimistic just for considering something might actually go wrong. Best of all, this isn't a self-help book, but more a philosophical one, citing recent studies on psychology and neuroscience, along with personal anecdotes and anylisis of certain tragedies that might have a deep yet different explanation than the official, if it's one. And although sometimes it gets a bit spiritual, it does carefully, with logic, so don't expect New Age shenanigans and the like. Some parts even blew me away, and when it happens, you know you've found something special. Brutally recommended. 5/5

So I'll start reviewing every book I read, in hopes its will get someone to read them. Or not :P
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 28, 2015, 11:34:26 PM
Finished Lord of the Flies by William Golding, yesterday. So I wasn't sure of what to expect from such an iconic tittle, thus I was fairly surprised with it. It's fairly short (around 200 pages in English) yet quite intense, for the story grows darker with each page. There's some weird shit going on, really - some have an explanation, some don't. Although many criticise that this book could have been better written (I agree to a certain degree), it didn't really bother me - the characters are pre-teens that still behave like children, with just a few serious ones that try to put on some order. It's obvious from the go why this book has made a lot of noise and public commentary about how people can fall into an instinctive behaviour, a primitive nature. But while I didn't love it, I think it's quite an appealing story (how this is obligatory reading in some schools and wasn't in mine triggers me) that I'd love to translate into a game or animated media professionally, but with an even darker, more brutal view. And add girls, because there are none here. Oh well. Recommended. 3.5/5
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 29, 2015, 11:38:40 AM
Star Wars: Aftermath by Chuck Wendig
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on October 30, 2015, 12:04:31 AM
The Witch of Lime Street, by David Jaher.

All about the occult craze of the 1920s, focusing on Houdini's quest to expose mediums as frauds.  Really, really interesting. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on October 30, 2015, 06:46:16 AM
The Witch of Lime Street, by David Jaher.
Sounds interesting.  There was a documentary on Netflix recently on James Randi, who emulated Houdini in a lot of ways.  His primary aim was to debunk psychics, etc. and there are great examples of that in the documentary, which is also much about his private life.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 30, 2015, 08:07:56 AM
Doing a reread of Good Omens
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 30, 2015, 09:12:01 AM
Blood's A Rover by James Ellroy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on October 31, 2015, 07:03:58 AM
Currently reading The Lord of the Rings because I can't call myself a fantasy fan if I haven't read Tolkien. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 31, 2015, 07:10:04 AM
Currently reading The Lord of the Rings because I can't call myself a fantasy fan if I haven't read Tolkien. :lol
That's true.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 31, 2015, 07:34:35 AM
Currently reading The Lord of the Rings because I can't call myself a fantasy fan if I haven't read Tolkien. :lol
That's true.
I really want to read that trilogy, but gosh, it is very tough to get into it. Like, I don't care about the multiple elf or dwarf genealogies, at least at the beginning :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on October 31, 2015, 07:54:18 AM
Currently reading The Lord of the Rings because I can't call myself a fantasy fan if I haven't read Tolkien. :lol
That's true.
I really want to read that trilogy, but gosh, it is very tough to get into it. Like, I don't care about the multiple elf or dwarf genealogies, at least at the beginning :lol
You mean the prologue about the Hobbits and shit? Yeah that was pretty bad, but I guess you can skip that. Tom Bombadil was just weird to me and made me wanna stop a few times.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 02, 2015, 02:46:48 AM
I can appreciate and acknowledge the influence that Lord Of The Rings has, but that doesn't mean it is easy and fun to read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on November 02, 2015, 03:50:49 AM
You described my thoughts when I read 1984 :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on November 02, 2015, 05:17:57 AM
Currently reading The Lord of the Rings because I can't call myself a fantasy fan if I haven't read Tolkien. :lol
That's true.
I really want to read that trilogy, but gosh, it is very tough to get into it. Like, I don't care about the multiple elf or dwarf genealogies, at least at the beginning :lol
You mean the prologue about the Hobbits and shit? Yeah that was pretty bad, but I guess you can skip that. Tom Bombadil was just weird to me and made me wanna stop a few times.

I immensely enjoy reading Tolkien's works over and over. I read LOTR and The Hobbit once every year or two. No matter how many times I have read them, I always seem to pick up on something new. That's the beauty of his writing. There's treasures buried in ever corner of his books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 02, 2015, 09:01:38 AM
You described my thoughts when I read 1984 :lol
This - my friends love it, yet it bored me to tears :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 02, 2015, 11:47:06 AM
Currently reading The Lord of the Rings because I can't call myself a fantasy fan if I haven't read Tolkien. :lol
That's true.
I really want to read that trilogy, but gosh, it is very tough to get into it. Like, I don't care about the multiple elf or dwarf genealogies, at least at the beginning :lol
It took me 3 different attempts to make it past the first hundred pages.

I'm glad I did it, because everything after that is magic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 02, 2015, 11:59:32 AM
I guess I'll have to give it another chance then. By now, I'm reading Bram Stoker's Dracula. Just 4 chapters in, and I'm finding it quite fascinating.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on November 02, 2015, 12:22:17 PM
1984 is probably one of my favorite books ever.

Anyway, I finished The Witch of Lime Street, which was great.  Now I'm moving on to The Grownup, by Gillian Flynn.  Very excited. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 02, 2015, 01:39:41 PM
I read The Devil In the White City and Black mass. Both I thought were very interesting.

I decieded to take a break from regular books for a bit and I picked up The first Volume of American Vampire by Scott Snyder and 2 Volumes of Preacher by Garth Ennis. I thought American Vampire was good but I am loving Preacher.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 02, 2015, 02:05:45 PM
HP and the Goblet of Fire.

Just started The Great and Secret Show: The First Book of Art by Clive Barker.

Read this some time in high school, picked it up on a whim, based on the cover art and synopsis. I LOVED it then, it was the first fantasy novel I ever read, totally unlike anything I had before. I picked up everything else I could find by Barker. I read it again years later, and it totally lost its charm. I don't know why. But I couldn't connect with it at all, it was dull, slow, and I couldn't get in to the story or characters.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sub Luna Vitrea on November 03, 2015, 03:24:44 PM
Like Bread on the Seder Plate: Jewish Lesbians and the Transformation of Tradition... good so far, if you are the type of person who would enjoy it.
The Sagas of the Icelanders with a Preface by Jane Smiley (Penguin Classics)... given to me by a friend.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on November 03, 2015, 03:56:23 PM
All the Light We Cannot See. An absolutely beautiful story. Can't recommend enough.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 06, 2015, 09:57:54 AM
March Violets by Philip Kerr
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 06, 2015, 10:26:34 AM
Finally on Insomnia by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 06, 2015, 01:02:14 PM
Finally on Insomnia by Stephen King.

Curious for your report on this one. Won't give you my thoughts at this point.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 06, 2015, 01:05:22 PM
Finally on Insomnia by Stephen King.

Curious for your report on this one. Won't give you my thoughts at this point.
Well, I've read it before, but it was back when it was first published.  It's a re-read in light of my re-read of the Dark Tower series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on November 06, 2015, 01:44:45 PM
Insomnia was....strange. I remember not hating it but not loving it either. Towards the bottom tier of kings work for me. I did just receive the new short stories book but I'm going to wait until I finish The Book of Art 2 by Clive Barker since I'm almost done with the first.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 06, 2015, 02:46:11 PM
My memory insists to tell me that Insomnia was one of the worst King books. But then it is a long time ago that I read it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 06, 2015, 02:52:30 PM
I couldn't connect with it at all, which I usually can with King's works, even if they are toward the bottom of my rankings. I was totally on board out of the gate, then it just got too... I don't know how ti describe it. It is one of the few books of his I have thought about revisiting, especially after reading The Dark Tower, but there are just too many other books in my queue.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 07, 2015, 01:50:46 PM
The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie

This must be the most dissatisfying trilogy in epic fantasy (in a sickeningly good way) I've read so far - there are no good / evil guys at all among the main characters, they're all gray in its darker shade mostly, and the whole plot throughout all three books is constantly bleak as hell... for some reason this reminded me of more gruesome version of ASOIAF, even if less mature or refined one. I think I need to cuddle some kittens after these.

Moving onto Best Served Cold from the same universe and the same author instead.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 07, 2015, 02:25:40 PM
Oh, I've been meaning to read that trilogy for some time, so I guess I'll get to it soon  :tup

Btw, did you finish Mistborn?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 07, 2015, 02:37:10 PM
Oh, I've been meaning to read that trilogy for some time, so I guess I'll get to it soon  :tup

Btw, did you finish Mistborn?

Of course I did. :tup Both original trilogy and The Alloy of Law; haven't got a chance to lay my hands on Shadows of Self yet. I've been reading a lot of stuff by Brandon: I also finished Elantris, Warbreaker, The Rithmatist, The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance, and also the short novella Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell (found it in my copy of GRRM's Dangerous Women anthology).

I'm quite apprehensive about Steelheart / Firefight / Calamity though, I think this might be a little bit too young adult fantasy for me from what I've heard. At least Rithmatist had some neat geometry magic system in it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 07, 2015, 07:51:26 PM
Seems you're loving his stuff :P

I'll get to Stormlight after he releases book 8 or 9 out of the 10 planned - won't ever start reading an unfinished series again, I swear :lol

Will get Alloy of Law soon tho.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 08, 2015, 02:32:58 PM
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn. Since that's a short story, I'll be starting the new collection of Stephen King stories, The Bazaar of Bad Dreams later on.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 09, 2015, 09:42:24 AM
Insomnia was on the bottom tier of good Stephen King for me

And yes, I was very underwhelmed by the first Abercrombie book. I heard such good things about it, but my reaction after finishing the first book was kind of meh
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 09, 2015, 10:08:02 AM
And yes, I was very underwhelmed by the first Abercrombie book. I heard such good things about it, but my reaction after finishing the first book was kind of meh

I kinda see what you mean, I agree it's not the strongest thing I've read. On the other hand, I really loved the third book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 09, 2015, 10:19:03 AM
I saw the thread title and thought it had something to do with ASOIAF specifically... hehe

For now, I'm reading some Brazilian political analysis about the 2013 protests/strikes that occurred here.

BTW I'M EAGERLY EXPECTING FOR THE WINDS OF WINTER RELEASE. GRRM PLEASE DON'T DIE YET
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 09, 2015, 11:14:24 PM
The Grownup was pretty good. Really liking The Bazaar of Bad Dreams so far. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on November 10, 2015, 07:03:43 AM
I saw the thread title and thought it had something to do with ASOIAF specifically... hehe

For now, I'm reading some Brazilian political analysis about the 2013 protests/strikes that occurred here.

BTW I'M EAGERLY EXPECTING FOR THE WINDS OF WINTER RELEASE. GRRM PLEASE DON'T DIE YET

Has there been any more news on WoW recently? I'm too scared to google it because I'll just get spoilers from the show.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 10, 2015, 08:42:34 AM
I saw the thread title and thought it had something to do with ASOIAF specifically... hehe

For now, I'm reading some Brazilian political analysis about the 2013 protests/strikes that occurred here.

BTW I'M EAGERLY EXPECTING FOR THE WINDS OF WINTER RELEASE. GRRM PLEASE DON'T DIE YET

Has there been any more news on WoW recently? I'm too scared to google it because I'll just get spoilers from the show.

The most recent news are apparently these:

8 January 2015:
<snip> Jane Johnson again confirms that The Winds of Winter is not presently on the publication schedule for 2015.
 
4 April 2015:
GRRM has said that he hopes to finish the book by 2015 and get it on the shelves by the time Season 6 of the TV show airs (in April 2016). He cautions that he might be being over-optimistic, but notes that he is clearing his decks of other commitments to finish the novel ASAP.

As far as I know, there were no more news since April.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 10, 2015, 09:37:46 AM
The Sot-Weed Factor by John Barth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tiko on November 10, 2015, 12:55:33 PM
Stalker by Lars Kepler. It's a great series (especially when you're done absorbing all the Jo Nesbo books)!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 16, 2015, 08:50:09 AM
With Blood’s A Rover I finally completed the Underworld trilogy by James Ellroy.

It was a really good read, but man those are some bleak novels. Everyone is corrupt, takes drugs and uses extreme violence to reach their goals
Talk about conspiracy theories, the whole american history from the 50s to the 70s is influenced by a small group of men, steered by the mafia and J. Edgar Hoover.

Now on to some light stuff: Z Burbia by Jake Bible.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Viking of the Sagas on November 16, 2015, 10:11:27 AM
Reading some Rei Shimura now. Pretty awesome detective series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 20, 2015, 03:05:08 PM
Full Dark No Stars by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Cat Of Tuscany on November 21, 2015, 04:40:42 PM
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 22, 2015, 07:50:34 PM
Prey, by Michael Crichton.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 23, 2015, 09:22:08 AM
Playground by Lars Kepler.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on November 23, 2015, 09:45:14 AM
Devil Take the Hindmost, by Edward Chancellor.  It's a history of financial bubbles and speculation, starting with the tulip mania in the Netherlands in the 1630s.

My favorite quote so far:

Quote
When I was young, people called me a gambler. As the scale of my operations increased I became known as a speculator. Now I am called a banker. But I have been doing the same thing all the time.
-- Sir Earnest Cassel, Banker to Edward VII
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sub Luna Vitrea on November 26, 2015, 05:06:11 AM
Surrealist Women: An International Anthology. Absolutely mind-blowing and liberating. It's good on all fronts: first of all, it understands surrealism and talks about it in the language of the surrealists, rather than in the language of outsiders to surrealism. Second of all, it recognizes that women should not be relegated to separate anthologies or sections of libraries, and hence its goal is to point out that there have always been women in surrealism and that they were not only part of the movement but essential to it, hence restoring them to the surrealist "canon" alongside the surrealist men they have always been working alongside and who have achieved recognition by a more chauvenist, oppressive, anti-surrealist society.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on November 30, 2015, 09:00:46 AM
Has there been any more information regarding a the release of Winds of Winter? I'm too scared to google anything because I don't want spoilers from the TV show.  :lol The last I heard was an interview from GRRM a few months ago saying he was still hoping for a late 2015 release, which by now I realize is an impossibility, but an early-to-mid 2016 release could still be possible. Not holding my breath or anything though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 30, 2015, 10:02:27 AM
Vivien Leigh by Anne Edwards
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on November 30, 2015, 05:48:24 PM
Has there been any more information regarding a the release of Winds of Winter? I'm too scared to google anything because I don't want spoilers from the TV show.  :lol The last I heard was an interview from GRRM a few months ago saying he was still hoping for a late 2015 release, which by now I realize is an impossibility, but an early-to-mid 2016 release could still be possible. Not holding my breath or anything though.

In September, he said that he is still writing it, and that "it will be finished when it's finished." 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on November 30, 2015, 07:27:50 PM
 
Has there been any more information regarding a the release of Winds of Winter? I'm too scared to google anything because I don't want spoilers from the TV show.  :lol The last I heard was an interview from GRRM a few months ago saying he was still hoping for a late 2015 release, which by now I realize is an impossibility, but an early-to-mid 2016 release could still be possible. Not holding my breath or anything though.

In September, he said that he is still writing it, and that "it will be finished when it's finished."

 :lol Good ol' George. It makes me happy that he seemingly doesn't care about his fans, and just keeps plodding at his own pace.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 08:18:43 AM
Finally on Insomnia by Stephen King.

Curious for your report on this one. Won't give you my thoughts at this point.
It was really slow getting going.  It eventually went from "boring" to "almost interesting" but never quite developed into "good". 

Probably would have liked it more if it wasn't quite so long.

Now on to Desperation.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on December 02, 2015, 01:08:01 AM
Started Glamorama, by Bret Easton Ellis, a couple days ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 03, 2015, 06:58:24 AM
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 03, 2015, 08:31:08 AM
:lol Good ol' George. It makes me happy that he seemingly doesn't care about his fans, and just keeps plodding at his own pace.

He's like the Metallica of fantasy  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on December 03, 2015, 01:11:48 PM
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Lovely book, the kind of kids' book adults can read and get a lot out of!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 03, 2015, 08:43:33 PM
It was really slow getting going.  It eventually went from "boring" to "almost interesting" but never quite developed into "good". 

That is my memory of the book. I really wanted to like it. Even in books of his I didn't like, I am able to retain much, or at least some of the story. All I can remember from this book was Ralph had insomnia, the 3 little guys in white coats (the fates from Greek(?) mythology), and an anti-abortion rally or something like that.

I read Desperation, and hell I can remember even less from that book. Random strangers get thrown in jail by a loony cop, or someone pretending to be a cop.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 04, 2015, 06:31:32 AM
Tak

And yeah, Graveyard Book was awesome. I hope they make it into a movie, like Coraline

Anyway, venturing into The First Man In Rome by Colleen McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 07, 2015, 03:37:49 AM
Max Brooks - World War Z
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 09, 2015, 03:27:35 AM
Robert Galbraith - A carreer in Evil.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 09, 2015, 05:44:55 AM
Neil Gaiman - The Graveyard Book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on December 15, 2015, 12:22:49 PM
Last Words, by George Carlin.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: marztacy on December 17, 2015, 01:21:43 AM
The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 17, 2015, 08:01:10 AM
I'm not sure how "good" Desperation was, but it was definitely more entertaining than Insomnia.

On to the companion by Richard Bachman, The Regulators.  It's a lot thinner of a book, but I am slow getting into it.  Things are starting to heat up though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 17, 2015, 08:16:04 AM
I remember loving The Regulators, but funnily enough, I can't recall a single thing about it now. It's been years.

My favorite Richard Bachman was Thinner. Now that's a story that really stuck with me.

I'm currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 17, 2015, 09:12:24 AM
On to the companion by Richard Bachman, The Regulators.  It's a lot thinner of a book....

:neverusethis2:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 17, 2015, 11:43:07 AM
lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 20, 2015, 05:21:13 AM
Finished World War Z and really liked it. The interview style serves well in making it look like a real documentary. But apart from the title and that it is about zombies it has almost nothing to do with the movie.

Now on to The Time Machine by H.  G.  Wells.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: r0cken on December 20, 2015, 05:38:16 AM
Just finished "Aurora" by Kim Stanley Robinson and hated every moment of it. What a tedious book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on December 20, 2015, 12:18:50 PM
Just finished A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a perfect tide-me-over until the Winds of Winter comes out, but now I'm just waiting for him to finish both series'  :lol

Now onto the Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin. I read the Lathe of Heaven a few years ago for a university course, so I'm looking forward to see if this one is as good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 20, 2015, 12:24:07 PM
Now onto the Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin. I read the Lathe of Heaven a few years ago for a university course, so I'm looking forward to see if this one is as good.

I loved Left Hand of Darkness, I think it's fantastic and one of Le Guin's best books. My personal favourite is probably The Disposessed though.

On the other hand, I didn't really care about The Lathe of Heaven, so our tastes are clearly different.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 20, 2015, 01:17:15 PM
I'm currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

I almost bought that one instead of The Graveyard Book. I know TGB is more for children but I was seriously curious about how to changed The Jungle Book story around.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 21, 2015, 12:43:16 PM
Just finished "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Snape killed Dumbledore!  :eek  Which I have been waiting for impatiently, since it is really the only thing about the whole Potter saga I knew about.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 22, 2015, 06:36:52 AM
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on December 22, 2015, 06:43:53 AM
Reading the Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King. A few of the stories I've already read, but the vast majority are new or have been rewritten/revised. About a quarter of the way through and all of the stories have been good. The Bad Little Kid is King at his creepy best. Reminded me a lot of It in a way.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 22, 2015, 06:44:23 AM
Just finished part 2 of 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. Need to get myself the third and last part.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 22, 2015, 01:00:39 PM
Just finished part 2 of 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. Need to get myself the third and last part.
I'm looking forwards to reading your impressions on it  :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sub Luna Vitrea on December 22, 2015, 03:23:36 PM
Just finished "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Snape killed Dumbledore!  :eek  Which I have been waiting for impatiently, since it is really the only thing about the whole Potter saga I knew about.

i bought that book the night it came out, finished reading it a few days later. i'm so glad it wasn't spoiled for me. people are terrible.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 22, 2015, 11:48:31 PM
The Time Machine was much shorter than I remebered, maybe I had some scenes from the movie in my mind.

Now on to another classic form my youth: Mark Twain - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckelberry Finn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on December 24, 2015, 10:19:16 PM
The Dark Half, by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: home on December 27, 2015, 02:51:00 AM
Alice  adventures in wonderland by Lewis Carrol. I for some reason red a lot about this Book on the internet lately so I was quite curious. I am about halfway through and actually really enjoying it so far. It is illogical and random but somehow still quite logical, if that makes sense. The only thing I do not like are the senteces between brackets (they seem a little unnecesary and break up the story). But that's nitpicking, it's a very interesting read
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 27, 2015, 10:01:36 AM
That is one of my absolute favorite books. It's brilliance is overshadowed only by its surrealness. Read Through The Looking Glass next.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 31, 2015, 05:17:33 AM
Bazaar of bad dreams by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on December 31, 2015, 11:13:38 AM
I've got 4 books out from the library right now:

The Camera by Ansel Adams.  I am about half way through where he is now talking about composition and technique, which is much more relevant than much of the beginning of the book that talked mainly about equipment that is mostly out of date at this point, however some of it, like optics, is fundamental and still relevant.

Devil Take the Hindmost by Edward Chancellor. A history of financial speculation which I haven't made much progress on.  I might not finish it.

Spinoza in 90 minutes by Paul Strathern.  As the title suggests it was a quick read, but I'm not sure I know much more than before.  My main interest in Spinoza is his characterization of God, which is that he is simply the universe.  That he is not a thinking or feeling God, and is simply everything around us.  I've had this idea that God is the laws of nature, and is unthinking and unfeeling, not like the God of most religions.  As usual, I find that most ideas I have are already well discussed and written about.

It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis.  I just started this book.  I've read this quote, which apparently is misattributed to Lewis, but seems to reflect the plot of the book:

Quote
“When and if fascism comes to America it will not be labeled ‘made in Germany’; it will not be marked with a swastika; it will not even be called fascism; it will be called, of course, ‘Americanism'”
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Genowyn on December 31, 2015, 12:38:00 PM
Ravenously consumed Ready Player One by Ernest Cline over the past few days.

Been working on getting through Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes for a few months...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on December 31, 2015, 05:18:50 PM
I'm about to finish The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky.

The story was okay, but I really didn't like the book overall. I generally enjoy the classics, but I just found the moral stance of it quite repulsive. I've seen people talk about it as a "discussion on the existence of God and free will" and things like this. It just came across to me as a horrendously one-sided vehicle for slandering atheism.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 01, 2016, 05:52:40 AM
Reading the Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King.
I just started this one myself (Christmas gift). So far, so good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on January 02, 2016, 08:39:12 AM
As of last night I finished Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Now, I can call myself a trve kvalt fantasy fan.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 02, 2016, 09:02:12 AM
As of last night I finished Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Now, I can call myself a trve kvalt fantasy fan.

Not until you've read The Silmarillion.  ;)  Everybody reads LOTR these days. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on January 02, 2016, 09:05:22 AM
Bah, I ain't reading that. The prose in LOTR was archaic and boring enough!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 02, 2016, 09:12:29 AM
Bah, I ain't reading that. The prose in LOTR was archaic and boring enough!

 :o :o :o Sacriledge!!!!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 02, 2016, 09:14:44 AM
Bah, I ain't reading that. The prose in LOTR was archaic and boring enough!

I'd say it was ahead of it's time for a book written over 70 years ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 02, 2016, 05:42:26 PM
Stay strong, George!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3382228/No-one-disappointed-Game-Thrones-writer-George-R-R-Martin-admits-Winds-Winter-novel-won-t-finished-season-six-airs.html

'THE WINDS OF WINTER is not finished,' the 67-year-old admitted on his blog Not A Blog.

'For months now I have wanted nothing so much as to be able to say, 'I have completed and delivered THE WINDS OF WINTER' on or before the last day of 2015. But the book's not done.'

Ultimately, the words and story just weren't flowing, Martin said, adding that he has never been good with deadlines. 'Unfortunately, the writing did not go as fast or as well as I would have liked,' he explained.

'You can blame my travels or my blog posts or the distractions of other projects and the Cocteau and whatever, but maybe all that had an impact... you can blame my age, and maybe that had an impact too.

'But if truth be told, sometimes the writing goes well and sometimes it doesn't, and that was true for me even when I was in my 20s. 'And as spring turned to summer, I was having more bad days than good one

However, it soon became clear he wasn't going to finish by December 31 either, and a depression set in that made it harder and harder to write.

'I grew unhappy with some of the choices I'd made and began to revise,' he said. 'And suddenly it was October, and then November... and as the suspicion grew that I would not make it after all, a gloom set in, and I found myself struggling even more.

'The fewer the days, the greater the stress, and the slower the pace of my writing became.'

As a result, Martin has decided to ditch deadlines altogether.

'But I won't make excuses. There are no excuses. No one else is to blame...It will be done when it's done. And it will be as good as I can possibly make it,' the author said.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 03, 2016, 02:32:34 AM
Yeah. He's saying he's written a lot, but there is still a lot more to write and revise. He says: "I am months away still... and that's if the writing goes well." Which is pretty much what I was expecting I guess, good to have it confirmed.

The link to his full post is here:

https://grrm.livejournal.com/465247.html
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on January 03, 2016, 03:28:34 AM
Watching this series unfold is just funny, from the perspective of someone who has resolved to only think about reading it once it’s all over.

Let’s say the next book’s released tomorrow. This thing people have been badgering him about for years is finally here. Most people will read it in a week, two or three weeks tops. Some will read it in a day or two. Those are the heights of the relief you can possibly expect. Because after all that, it’s only part six of seven, so regardless of what anyone might insist, their internal timer of patience will restart after a month or two, if not immediately, and they’ll be waiting again. For another five or six years.

Plus, it doesn’t sound like the pressure the dude’s under is doing anything for the quality of the writing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 03, 2016, 04:13:35 AM
Watching this series unfold is just funny, from the perspective of someone who has resolved to only think about reading it once it’s all over.

Let’s say the next book’s released tomorrow. This thing people have been badgering him about for years is finally here. Most people will read it in a week, two or three weeks tops. Some will read it in a day or two. Those are the heights of the relief you can possibly expect. Because after all that, it’s only part six of seven, so regardless of what anyone might insist, their internal timer of patience will restart after a month or two, if not immediately, and they’ll be waiting again. For another five or six years.

Plus, it doesn’t sound like the pressure the dude’s under is doing anything for the quality of the writing.

Well, I will do a reread then after a short while, and probably another one then, and will spend some months discussing it too.

But yeah, no pressure from me. I've got lots of great stuff to read in the meantime.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2016, 07:53:57 AM
I understand what he says when he talks about "sometimes the writing goes well and sometimes it doesn't", but it's a little bit of a cop-out.

I don't begrudge him and he certainly doesn't owe me anything, but if would stop the other things he does and projects he oversees and just focus on the writing, it would work itself out eventually, and he wouldn't have to hide behind any excuses.

But hey, it's his writing, not mine.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 05, 2016, 03:04:01 AM
Didn't he abandon deadlines a long time ago? At least that "done, when it's done"-stance is as old as Feast For Crows, maybe even older.

And yes, he can do what he wants and doesn't owe me anything, but at that pace the series will never be finished.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 05, 2016, 12:37:48 PM
I wonder if Wheel of Time would have been finished by now if Jordan was still alive?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on January 05, 2016, 05:35:50 PM
On that subject, if George isn't able to finish his series who will come in and finish it for him? I sure hope it wouldn't be left as is with the argument "the TV show already finished the series." Not that I think that would happen.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 05, 2016, 06:51:04 PM
I'm trying to work my way through Darwin's Dangerous Idea by Dan Dennent but I keep getting sleepy. It's actually riveting reading but cold medications are taking me out of the game.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on January 05, 2016, 08:25:12 PM
On that subject, if George isn't able to finish his series who will come in and finish it for him? I sure hope it wouldn't be left as is with the argument "the TV show already finished the series." Not that I think that would happen.
George has said that if he dies, the series dies with him. He might just be saying that out of frustration because of fans going, "you're old and fat, eat some salads and write my fucking book", but then again, he might not.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 06, 2016, 07:55:53 AM
In the meantime, he should just eat some salads and write the fucking books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on January 06, 2016, 06:06:08 PM
DMT the spirt molecule

(https://www.dailygrail.com/images/BC_dmt_spirit_molecule_0.jpg)

This thing is wildly fascinating. Don't know what to fully make off it yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: home on January 07, 2016, 03:04:32 AM
DMT the spirt molecule

(https://www.dailygrail.com/images/BC_dmt_spirit_molecule_0.jpg)

This thing is wildly fascinating. Don't know what to fully make off it yet.

I recently watched a documentary with the same name. I did  get the feeling the people in it where very biased and didn't have proof for what they were claiming. Still really interesting and made me very curious to try DMT sometime in my life.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 07, 2016, 07:04:39 AM
Thud! by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sub Luna Vitrea on January 07, 2016, 03:11:32 PM
On that subject, if George isn't able to finish his series who will come in and finish it for him? I sure hope it wouldn't be left as is with the argument "the TV show already finished the series." Not that I think that would happen.
George has said that if he dies, the series dies with him.

Charles Schulz said the same thing, and look what happened. The invisible hand does not care about George's wishes. (I am not at all claiming this is a good thing.)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 07, 2016, 03:23:55 PM
Yeah, I'm sure Stieg Larsson thought the Millennium series would die with him as well. 11 years later someone else is writing about his characters. Like it or not, Martin's books will be finished with or without him as long as there is a market for books. It's just too much money for the publisher to pass up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 08, 2016, 05:41:36 AM
What about copyright law? Look no further than Salinger for an example
 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 08, 2016, 06:10:17 AM
I sure hope that Martin someday completes his series but if not, I would find it sad if such a grand story would never be told completely and all the loose endings remain open.

I want to know how it ends, but that would mean that, in the case of Martin not being able to finish it, someone with an insight into how the story should unfold has to finish it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 08, 2016, 06:15:16 AM
I sure hope that Martin someday completes his series but if not, I would find it sad if such a grand story would never be told completely and all the loose endings remain open.

I want to know how it ends, but that would mean that, in the case of Martin not being able to finish it, someone with an insight into how the story should unfold has to finish it.

I wonder if there is someone who could piece together all of his notes to bring us as close to George's vision as possible if GRRM were to die before he finished writing the books.

Christopher Tolkien has been able to give us more of his father's works thanks to the wealth of writing JRRT had done over the years. So one can't help but wonder if GRRM has something similar planned just in case.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on January 08, 2016, 07:19:28 AM
As much as I liked the GOT books I LOVE the show. So if he doesn't finish the books, I'll be content with the show.

Also, I just finished The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by King and it was fantastic. Just started Imagica by Clive Barker.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 08, 2016, 03:58:24 PM
Totally dig your signature Prog Snob

Anyway, now reading Myra Breckenridge by Gore Vidal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 08, 2016, 04:36:58 PM
Totally dig your signature Prog Snob

Anyway, now reading Myra Breckenridge by Gore Vidal

I aim to please...

Well actually she does.   ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 08, 2016, 09:47:19 PM
Just finished the Harry Potter saga. For books in a series, I normally mix in at least one unrelated book between books in the series, but after Goblet of Fire, I couldn't manage. I had to read through the last three without interruption. I was.... Enchanted? Spellbound? This saga is simply amazing. I am a huge Stephen King fan, but was a bit worn out by the time I got to the Dark Tower with Roland. Had the same feeling when Frodo got to disposing of the One Ring. Reading the last page in Deathly Hallows was as fresh and exhilarating as the first page in Sorcerer's Stone. I didn't want the journey to end. But it ended exactly when, and how, it should have.

Kids books, books about wizards, whatever. These books defy categorization, other than awesome. If you have an 'awesome' shelf in your library at home, and these books are not on it, do yourself a favor and get them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on January 09, 2016, 09:27:56 PM
Are they any so called "definitive" books detailing Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expeditions, specifically on the "Endurance"?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on January 11, 2016, 07:27:24 AM
Just finished Camus’ The Stranger. It was okay.

Next book will be Submission by Michel Houllebecq. It’s a French novel, near-future dystopia about France electing a Muslim president who imposes Sharia law. It happened to be released on the day of the Charlie Hebdo attacks.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 11, 2016, 11:28:27 AM
Starting The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny. Let's see if I can finish all ten books
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on January 12, 2016, 06:44:03 AM
Started Wolf of the Plains, the first book in the Conqueror series by Conn Igguldon. It's a historical fiction novel about Ghengis Khan's rise to power. Very interesting so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 12, 2016, 07:36:48 AM
Starting The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny. Let's see if I can finish all ten books
The original 5 book series is one of my favorite of all time, and I still re-read it every few years.  I think it would make a fantastic film or Netflix series.

The second 5 book series is a sequel to the originals, and it is good too, just not godlike like they are (IMO).  Of course, I read the original 5 a LONG time before the second 5 were written, so I may be biased.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 12, 2016, 11:29:52 AM
Finally got my latest package, apparently it was delayed due to a New Year and holidays and all. Wonder which one of these two I should start with...

(https://i.imgur.com/KxZqOKr.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 12, 2016, 12:03:27 PM
The Bible of the Adversary
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 12:12:33 PM
Starting The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny. Let's see if I can finish all ten books
The original 5 book series is one of my favorite of all time, and I still re-read it every few years.  I think it would make a fantastic film or Netflix series.

The second 5 book series is a sequel to the originals, and it is good too, just not godlike like they are (IMO).  Of course, I read the original 5 a LONG time before the second 5 were written, so I may be biased.

I've actually been meaning to read these books for a very long time. I just popped over to Amazon and ordered The Great Book of Amber to add to my collection. I'm excited to get started on them in a few days.!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 12, 2016, 02:40:31 PM
 :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 12, 2016, 03:08:37 PM
Finally got my latest package, apparently it was delayed due to a New Year and holidays and all. Wonder which one of these two I should start with...

(https://i.imgur.com/KxZqOKr.jpg)
Well, with Pale Communion, of course ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on January 12, 2016, 10:17:01 PM
Shadows of Self is good. Pretty different in tone from Alloy of Law, but I really enjoyed it. Can't wait until Bands of Mourning is out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on January 18, 2016, 12:13:42 AM
Well, between Christmas, the New Year, my birthday, and then getting a cold that is still holding me back a little, it's been hard to read as much as I'm used to. I finished Stephen King's The Dark Half a few days ago. Pretty good. Really picked up in the second half. Started reading Andy Weir's The Martian right after. Really liking it so far, but I'm not very far into it since I've been mostly hopped up on NyQuil this past week. Now that I'm a few chapters in and I'm on the tail-end of this cold, I'm hoping to finish it soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 19, 2016, 08:41:07 AM
Finished King's The Bazaar of Bad Dreams.  That was a lot of fun.  He is an exceptional writer of short stories, and I love his collections.

Now reading Dean Smith: More Than a Coach, a collection of pieces issued by The Charlotte Observer.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 21, 2016, 04:35:03 AM
Finished The Courts of Chaos, so I'm done with the first half of the Amber books. Taking a bit of a break before reading the second half, and giving Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 08:27:57 AM
Finished The Courts of Chaos, so I'm done with the first half of the Amber books.
What did you think?  I love those first five books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 21, 2016, 09:52:31 AM
They were very solid books. I gave each of them 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. I'd definitely recommend them to any fantasy lovers, and Corwin is a very well written protagonist. I loved his "voice"
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 11:13:27 AM
 :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 21, 2016, 12:52:24 PM
Well, I'm back to reading geeky books.  I'm reading The Book of GNS3, the new updated CCNA Study Guide (I have my CCNA already but I'm re-familiarizing myself with some things I haven't used in a while, and Mastering Wireless Penetration Testing for Highly-Secured Environments. As for what I'm reading while on the subway, I was thinking of reading Paradise Lost.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 02:00:16 PM
The Power of Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction About Jesus by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 21, 2016, 11:45:37 PM
The War Of The Worlds by H.G. Wells
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Genowyn on January 22, 2016, 12:14:42 AM
James S.A. Corey - Caliban's War
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Train of Naught on January 22, 2016, 01:56:45 PM
Currently reading: Evermind - Hymns for the Soul

Will report back in 4 months when I finally finished this shit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 22, 2016, 02:07:27 PM
Currently reading: Evermind - Hymns for the Soul

Will report back in 4 months when I finally finished this shit.

Come on, it's only 3600 words. You should've anticipated it when you signed up to do the roulette. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 22, 2016, 07:16:53 PM
So, how is Pale Communion? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on January 25, 2016, 04:52:18 PM
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell which is not bad so far, I read Slade House last November and enjoyed it so now going through his other books.

Also reading The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore on my commute to work, I am loving that, so I will need to go to his previous books as well.

Over Christmas I read The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman. I did a trip to the US where I purchased The Magicians at Borders. It sat on my shelf for years and when I finally had the urge to read it I loved it, then read The Magician's King and The Magician's Land, they were all great books and I hope they are made into a movie soon.

Next up Stephen King, The Bazaar of Bad Dreams .. he never disappoints .. great to hear people have read it here have enjoyed it!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 26, 2016, 04:19:54 AM
The Magicians is currently a TV series on ScyFy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on January 27, 2016, 02:59:29 AM
Cool! I'm in Australia so our Syfy channel may get it... in two years!  ::)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on January 28, 2016, 09:44:14 PM
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell which is not bad so far, I read Slade House last November and enjoyed it so now going through his other books.

Read this last summer and really enjoyed it. I've also read all of his other books, excepting The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet and the newest Slade House.

He's my favorite author at the moment; I absolutely love his style.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on January 28, 2016, 10:07:01 PM
Got that one on audiobook (due to a free promotion Amazon was running) and am really looking forward to it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 29, 2016, 05:56:11 AM
Chimera by John Barth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on January 29, 2016, 08:55:50 AM
Got that one on audiobook (due to a free promotion Amazon was running) and am really looking forward to it.

You'll have to let me know what you think of it.

Any Jonathan Lethem fans in here? Just finished Motherless Brooklyn and read Fortress of Solitude a few months ago. Highly recommendable, literary detective and coming of age stories, respectively. That coming from someone who doesn't normally like coming of age stories (might even say, despises).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on January 30, 2016, 03:40:05 AM
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell which is not bad so far, I read Slade House last November and enjoyed it so now going through his other books.

Read this last summer and really enjoyed it. I've also read all of his other books, excepting The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet and the newest Slade House.

He's my favorite author at the moment; I absolutely love his style.

I just finished The Bone Clocks this afternoon...boy was it long, compared with Slade House, it was good, quite different than what I normally read.
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet I will read after Stephen King and the new Dean Koontz.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 01, 2016, 07:56:48 AM
The Grass Crown by Colleen McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 01, 2016, 07:56:24 PM
Finished book six of akira the other day. Now I'm reading The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K Rowling)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 05, 2016, 06:34:08 AM
Strata by Terry Pratchett. This is obviously the book where he came up with the idea of a flat earth that later evolved into his disc world stories.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 05, 2016, 11:06:07 AM
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 05, 2016, 06:48:37 PM
Foley is Good: And the Real World is Faker Than Wrestling by Mick Foley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on February 06, 2016, 05:46:21 PM
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King.. I had read a few of the stories before. I loved the introduction to each story, and I loved the new stories!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on February 07, 2016, 12:40:32 AM
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare
What's this obscure shit?

I'm reading Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 07, 2016, 04:34:43 AM
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare
What's this obscure shit?
lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 10, 2016, 05:20:34 AM
The Bug Wars by Robert L. Asprin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 10, 2016, 08:17:08 AM
The Complete Drive-In by Joe R. Lansdale
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on February 10, 2016, 10:11:31 AM
The Hour I First Believed, by Wally Lamb.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on February 10, 2016, 11:23:13 AM
Absalom, Absalom!   Faulkner
The Town   Faulkner
And a couple collections of short stories. One by Jonatahan Lethem and the other Anton Chekhov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on February 11, 2016, 02:41:01 AM
The Guilty, by David Baldacci.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 13, 2016, 10:43:30 AM
Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 13, 2016, 12:13:17 PM
Now reading a biography on David Bowie by Marc Spitz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on February 14, 2016, 11:19:41 PM
Ashley Bell by Dean Dean Koontz  .. Great read!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 15, 2016, 11:24:06 AM
Mort by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on February 15, 2016, 12:26:51 PM
Mort by Terry Pratchett
You're getting through them at a nice pace!

Have you read them before? I have so I'm gradually going through them again but generally reading a couple or more other books between each one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on February 15, 2016, 01:10:12 PM
Still reading Imajica. Holy hell this is a long book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 15, 2016, 04:30:45 PM
Mort by Terry Pratchett
You're getting through them at a nice pace!

Have you read them before? I have so I'm gradually going through them again but generally reading a couple or more other books between each one.

I have not. I only discovered discworld shortly before Pratchetts death from my reccomendations list on goodreads. He died about a week after I read the Light Fantastic.

Still reading Imajica. Holy hell this is a long book.

I actually just ordered this book online. Waiting for it to come in the mail.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on February 15, 2016, 04:42:19 PM
I read Imajica back when it came out. After 3 or 4 tries, I'm not sure I ever finished.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on February 16, 2016, 12:15:14 PM
(https://nozakamaruddin.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/men-are-from-mars-women-are-from-venus.jpeg)

I hope that it helps
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on February 16, 2016, 01:30:27 PM
I read Imajica back when it came out. After 3 or 4 tries, I'm not sure I ever finished.

I've got a little more than 200 hundred pages left so I'm going to finish it. It's not terrible, but it's not great either. I've been going through all of Barker's stuff and honestly this may be my least favorite thing I've read so far. The foundation for an amazing story is there but he jumped around to much and there are so many twists that it's hard to really care about any of the characters.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 17, 2016, 01:26:32 PM
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on February 17, 2016, 01:42:10 PM
Any connection to the Yes song?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 18, 2016, 05:35:58 AM
Apart from the title I don't see any connection, although I don't really know what the Yes song is about.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on February 18, 2016, 05:37:39 AM
It is connected to the Starship Troopers movie, though kind of loosely, I've heard.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 18, 2016, 06:38:29 AM
The song is maybe connected to the book, the movie is definitely connected to the book because it is based on it, maybe loosely, haven't finished the book yet, so can't comment on the differences. So if the song is connected to the book it is also somehow connected to the movie (which came some 20 years after the song). I'm still not sure if the song has more in common with the book other than the title.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 18, 2016, 06:46:59 AM
The Way of Kings -  by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 18, 2016, 06:50:24 AM
^ One of the best books I've read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 18, 2016, 08:24:17 AM
You know what I really dig about it?

It's a fantastically unintuitive setting (world), yet the author feels no compulsion to hold your hand and bring you along gently. He just tells the story at a proper pace without spending unnecessary time describing the settings. He just trusts the reader to get it, eventually. It's very off putting at first but as you go along the story takes on a personal(?) feeling because your own mind has had to fill in the details of the painting.

Also, dialog is this Sanderson's strong suit. His characters have their own distinct way of talking and a few are quite funny!

Anyway, yeah, great book!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on February 18, 2016, 08:28:41 AM
Once I finish going through Clive Barker, I'm going to jump into Sandersons stuff. Would the Mistborn trilogy be a good place to start?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 18, 2016, 08:45:50 AM
Yeah, I love The Way of Kings. Great book, if a bit difficult to get into at first. When you do, it totally pays off though. One of the Sanderson's best IMO.

Mistborn trilogy is probably the best way to start with his stuff. The writing may feel a bit amateurish on the first book, but I actually think The Final Empire is his best book so far. Great pacing, setting, everything. I wasn't too big on the second and third books, but I'm rereading the series now and half-way through The Well of Ascension I must say I like it much better on re-read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 18, 2016, 10:16:17 AM
The first Mistborn book is my favorite too, even though the series as a whole is still fantastic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 18, 2016, 10:27:02 AM
I thought the second one was excellent  :metal

I'll get into the new Mistborn trilogy only after it's completely released  :P
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 18, 2016, 10:34:54 AM
I still haven't read Shadows of Self, since I decided to re-read the series first. And I've ordered Bands of Mourning too.

With Calamity (third and final book in YA Reckoners series) being released these very days, I'm thinking of giving those series a shot. The description sounds like something I totally won't enjoy, but it's Sanderson so there's a chance I will like it. Have any of Sanderson's fans read it and what are your opinions?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on February 19, 2016, 04:19:22 AM
Also, dialog is this Sanderson's strong suit.
I've seen people say the exact opposite.  :lol That he's brilliant at pretty much everything but.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 19, 2016, 05:30:50 AM
Reading Beatlebone by Kevin Barry and Maus by Art Spiegleman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 19, 2016, 09:17:06 AM
Also, dialog is this Sanderson's strong suit.
I've seen people say the exact opposite.  :lol That he's brilliant at pretty much everything but.

Seriously? Huh, well I'm only half-way through the only book of his I've ever read and the dialog has engaged me... so, what do I know. Not much, as it happens.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 19, 2016, 10:00:17 AM
I've always found Sanderson's characters/dialogue to be his strongest point.

Though that's not to say he's weak elsewhere, because I find his worldbuilding/plotting to be really intricate and well thought out as well.

Basically what I'm saying is I like everything he does, I guess.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on February 19, 2016, 01:47:01 PM
I've always found Sanderson's characters/dialogue to be his strongest point.

Really? I haven't read any of his work beyond Mistborn and the existing Stormlight novels, but the characters stand out as his biggest weakness. He does a good job with his main characters, but everyone beyond that is shafted.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 19, 2016, 04:25:27 PM
Same here. Excellent dialogues, but the characters are, eh... Now that well constructed, unlike his worldbuilding which is extraordinary.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on February 20, 2016, 02:24:23 AM
I'm currently reading 'Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven And Hell With Black Sabbath' by Tony Iommi.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 22, 2016, 09:20:49 AM
Reading The Man In The High Castle. It's pretty good so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 22, 2016, 10:27:00 AM
Shakespeare: The Invention of the the Human by Harold Bloom
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on February 22, 2016, 11:13:24 AM
Reading The Man In The High Castle. It's pretty good so far

Are you watching the show? I'm curious to see how it compares. Though I'm making a new rule to only follow one medium at a time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on February 23, 2016, 01:51:22 AM
Just finished the Liveship Traders trilogy, by Robin Hobb.

Have just started The Innocent by David Baldacci. I like to read a couple of smaller, easier going books after finishing a big series like that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 23, 2016, 05:37:49 AM
I'm going to check out the show after reading the book and I'll get back to you
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on February 23, 2016, 05:58:59 AM
Fortress by Andy McNab.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 23, 2016, 08:01:01 AM
Shakespeare: The Invention of the the Human by Harold Bloom

 :tup Being a big Shakespeare fan, this is a great book. Enjoy!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ariich on February 23, 2016, 01:20:39 PM
The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. Great stuff so far!

Also started on Tigerman by Nick Harkaway.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 23, 2016, 01:56:57 PM
Shakespeare: The Invention of the the Human by Harold Bloom

 :tup Being a big Shakespeare fan, this is a great book. Enjoy!
I will.  It's a re-read.  I first read it years ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 23, 2016, 02:10:07 PM
Oh hey, I finished The Bone Clocks. It was fantastic, even better than Cloud Atlas, I think. Probably one of the best books I've read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on February 24, 2016, 03:24:51 AM
I'm currently reading The Red and the Black by Stendhal. Love it so far :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Astonished on February 24, 2016, 04:28:59 AM
I just started this gargantuan series called "The Wheel of Time". Currently on the first book and I immediately love it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on February 24, 2016, 04:39:13 AM
I just started this gargantuan series called "The Wheel of Time". Currently on the first book and I immediately love it.

You're going to find out where my username came from then..  :lol

My advice is to stick with it. There are a few books in the series that are really heavy going and don't seem to advance the story much, but it picks up at the end. It took me about 3 years to get through the whole series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 24, 2016, 07:52:39 AM
Things I Can't Explain by Mitchell Kriegman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Vandalism on February 24, 2016, 08:35:27 AM
The Expanse series by James Corey

Currently the second book.......Caliban's War
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 24, 2016, 09:23:47 AM
I just started this gargantuan series called "The Wheel of Time". Currently on the first book and I immediately love it.

You're going to find out where my username came from then..  :lol

My advice is to stick with it. There are a few books in the series that are really heavy going and don't seem to advance the story much, but it picks up at the end. It took me about 3 years to get through the whole series.
This - I also recommend you reading other things between books. Having notes about some of the character that appear several times helps a lot too, as some disappear for a few books just to return later.

It took me a year to complete it, but it was fucking worth it - don't read the official wiki, ignore the awful books covers and enjoy they ride :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on February 24, 2016, 11:09:47 AM
I just started this gargantuan series called "The Wheel of Time". Currently on the first book and I immediately love it.

You're going to find out where my username came from then..  :lol

My advice is to stick with it. There are a few books in the series that are really heavy going and don't seem to advance the story much, but it picks up at the end. It took me about 3 years to get through the whole series.
This - I also recommend you reading other things between books. Having notes about some of the character that appear several times helps a lot too, as some disappear for a few books just to return later.

It took me a year to complete it, but it was fucking worth it - don't read the official wiki, ignore the awful books covers and enjoy they ride :tup
I'd like to read it but sadly it's not translated to Croatian :/ I may get it on English or listen to audiobook but to-read list is too long :D
BTW, anyone use Goodreads?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 24, 2016, 11:13:08 AM
I've got to say, Wheel of Time series are entertaining, but damn it drags a lot in the middle. I think if you can handle the dip in the middle and read up to Knife of Dreams, you're fine, it's going uphill from there.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on February 24, 2016, 11:50:59 AM
I've got to say, Wheel of Time series are entertaining, but damn it drags a lot in the middle. I think if you can handle the dip in the middle and read up to Knife of Dreams, you're fine, it's going uphill from there.

I think I nearly gave up at book 10 - Crossroads of Twilight. Literally, nothing happens in that book - nothing!  Apart from endless descriptions of characters' clothes and a lot of "braid tugging" :biggrin:

But, I'd invested so much time at that stage I had to finish.

The change in pace when Brandon Sanderson came on for the last few books was noticeable. I think he did a really good job in finishing out the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 24, 2016, 12:06:25 PM
I've got to say, Wheel of Time series are entertaining, but damn it drags a lot in the middle. I think if you can handle the dip in the middle and read up to Knife of Dreams, you're fine, it's going uphill from there.

I think I nearly gave up at book 10 - Crossroads of Twilight. Literally, nothing happens in that book - nothing!  Apart from endless descriptions of characters' clothes and a lot of "braid tugging" :biggrin:

:lol

Yeah, this was the lowest point of the series for me. Luckily Knife of Dreams picked up the pace — I'm glad Jordan managed to release a great book in this series before he passed away, and when Sanderson took over the pace became even more hectic. I loved The Gathering Storm and it's one of my favourites in the series, despite the obvious change of writing style.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on February 24, 2016, 12:51:10 PM
I started a separate Wheel of Time thread, to stop from hijacking this one.

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=46134.0

 :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 24, 2016, 04:06:28 PM
I finished Mort today and its my favorite discworld book so far. Now I'm going to take a break from Discworld and read something I've been wanting to get to for a long time. Tomorrow I start The Stand by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 25, 2016, 02:05:00 PM
Running With The Demon by Terry Brooks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on February 29, 2016, 07:57:48 AM
FINALLY finished Imajica. Didn't love nor hate the book. As much as the book dragged in places, the ending was great. Considering the ending is one of King's weak spots, it was refreshing to read a giant book that had a satisfying ending.

Next up is another Barker book "The Thief of Always". Enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 29, 2016, 10:42:43 AM
Imajica is so far the only Barker book I have read so far that I wasn't disappointed in
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on February 29, 2016, 11:51:42 AM
I loved Everville. The fact that he probably won't finish that series is disappointing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 01, 2016, 05:36:20 AM
it's back to ancient Rome, Fortune's Favorites by Colleen McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 01, 2016, 09:43:22 AM
John Dies At The End by David Wong
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 01, 2016, 12:23:48 PM
John dies at the end by David's wong? Kotow, is there something you aren't telling me?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on March 01, 2016, 01:43:18 PM
Finished that one a few days ago, really enjoyed it. Bizarre and hilarious.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 01, 2016, 10:18:33 PM
Halfway through The Stand and I can see why many people claim it's his best one. Loving it so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 02, 2016, 02:04:34 AM
Finished that one a few days ago, really enjoyed it. Bizarre and hilarious.

It showed up on GooglePlay sale and it had good reviews so I thought I give it a try. So far it's pretty good and yes, it's bizarre and I have no clue where this might be going.

John dies at the end by David's wong? Kotow, is there something you aren't telling me?

So far no mention of David's wong but it has some penis jokes in the first chapter.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 02, 2016, 02:06:22 AM
Halfway through The Stand and I can see why many people claim it's his best one. Loving it so far

I'm always torn about this. The first part is one of the greatest things he has written, the second part is good but drags a little and the ending is ... (won't spoil a thing but I didn't like it).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 02, 2016, 06:47:14 AM
Yeah kings endings can be polarizing. I've come to expect that by now. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: YtseBitsySpider on March 02, 2016, 08:24:13 AM
Mike Bossy's Autobiography. Written a year after retired.

Good read. I think he would have set records Gretzky couldn't have broken if he'd kept on playing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 05, 2016, 03:55:39 PM
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 05, 2016, 08:32:12 PM
Regarding The Stand, and King in general, are we talking about being disappointed/underwhelmed at the climax, the denouement, or the coda (in the newer version)?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on March 06, 2016, 01:50:59 AM
Gonna finish Michael Crichton's Congo sometime tomorrow, most likely.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on March 06, 2016, 07:08:14 AM
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold

That's too much like being in work for me..  :P

Just started Dune by Frank Herbert myself.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 06, 2016, 07:46:59 AM
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold

That's too much like being in work for me..  :P


Work? What do you do?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on March 06, 2016, 07:59:10 AM
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold

That's too much like being in work for me..  :P


Work? What do you do?

Software Developer - HTML, Java, Javascript and all that good stuff..  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 07, 2016, 03:32:28 AM
Regarding The Stand, and King in general, are we talking about being disappointed/underwhelmed at the climax, the denouement, or the coda (in the newer version)?

In The Stand for me it's not the ending per se but how it came to be that's disappointing. Won't go into to much detail 'cause I won't spoil it for ozzy554. The coda was okay and the build up was well done.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 07, 2016, 05:39:52 AM
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold

That's too much like being in work for me..  :P


Work? What do you do?

Software Developer - HTML, Java, Javascript and all that good stuff..  :tup

That's awesome. I know basic HTML and CSS from when I did my website. Programming is something I want to learn more of someday.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on March 08, 2016, 11:45:26 AM
Bag of Bones by Stephen King. I'm about halfway through, it's pretty good so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 08, 2016, 01:47:23 PM
Bag of Bones is in my top 5 King novels. For whatever reason, it is one that really touched me and resonated with me. It is a beautiful novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on March 08, 2016, 10:02:45 PM
Just finished East of Eden (Steinbeck) and Lucky Alan and Other Stories (Lethem)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on March 09, 2016, 06:42:28 AM
The Clive Barker journey continues. Just started Galilee.

Bag of Bones was good but I think it was longer than it needed to be. Don't watch the movie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Onno on March 09, 2016, 07:38:54 AM
Bag of Bones is in my top 5 King novels. For whatever reason, it is one that really touched me and resonated with me. It is a beautiful novel.
I read a lot more yesterday and it's shaping up to be in my top 5, yes. It's really great. Funny, I got it for my birthday but I'd never heard the title before, and I've read most of SK's books by now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 09, 2016, 07:56:33 AM
I read Bag Of Bones some time ago and I don't remember every detail but, while certainly enjoyable, I wouldn't rate it that high. I felt it was a little bit King by the numbers.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 10, 2016, 05:13:31 PM
The Clive Barker journey continues. Just started Galilee.

I read a lot of Barker's books a while back, and I honestly don't know why I kept up with them, since I only moderately enjoyed them at best. Maybe they are too "out there" for me. I recall seeing something like Galilee is a perfect "summertime in a hammock with a glass of lemonade" book. It is a relaxing read. I just didn't find the story that engaging.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on March 11, 2016, 06:41:22 AM
The Clive Barker journey continues. Just started Galilee.

I read a lot of Barker's books a while back, and I honestly don't know why I kept up with them, since I only moderately enjoyed them at best. Maybe they are too "out there" for me. I recall seeing something like Galilee is a perfect "summertime in a hammock with a glass of lemonade" book. It is a relaxing read. I just didn't find the story that engaging.

That's where I'm at but I'm almost done so I'm not going to quit now.  ;)

Also, just read that Stephen King is coming to my home town in June! Very excited to hopefully get to meet him.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 11, 2016, 09:33:23 AM
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 14, 2016, 07:36:47 AM
Bag of Bones is a fantastic book.

The Stand is also fantastic.  Nothing disappointing about that ending or coda for me.  One of my favorite books of all time (both versions).

Am I the only one who read the original edit of The Stand, before the longer, unexpurgated version was published?  I think the longer one is the only one currently being published, IIRC.

Currently reading Everything's Eventual by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 14, 2016, 08:25:54 AM
Am I the only one who read the original edit of The Stand, before the longer, unexpurgated version was published?  I think the longer one is the only one currently being published, IIRC.

No, I read The Stand for the first time about 25 years ago. I later read the extended version and really enjoyed the changes.

And for the record, I also think The Stand is fantastic, but there's one little thing that irks me and that King could have done different.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 14, 2016, 12:27:59 PM
Forgot to update, now reading Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan. Really enjoyable so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 15, 2016, 11:39:33 AM
A Visit From The Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 17, 2016, 07:56:28 AM
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on March 17, 2016, 08:09:00 AM
masterthes - It doesn't take you long to get through a book!  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 17, 2016, 08:21:46 AM
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Good luck.  I hated that novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 17, 2016, 08:38:38 AM
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Good luck.  I hated that novel.
It's been sitting on my shelf for a while, I should give it a chance soon :P
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 17, 2016, 10:10:23 AM
It's been on my bucket list for a while, and I figured, since it's Women's History month, I thought why not?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 18, 2016, 04:13:05 PM
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 18, 2016, 04:17:08 PM
Searching for Jesus by Robert J. Hutchinson

&

The Language of God by Francis Collins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on March 19, 2016, 05:30:01 AM
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Good luck.  I hated that novel.
I read it at uni. Wasn't a big fan. But I can kinda see why it's considered a classic. Some aspects of the plot were interesting to see in such an old novel.

I got halfway through Bill Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything, took a break to read a few Animorphs, and I can't fucking stop. Reading the "David trilogy" now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 19, 2016, 04:09:17 PM
So far, it's nowhere near as captivating as Wuthering Heights
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 24, 2016, 12:42:12 AM
So got bored with Dracula, and read the rest of the plot on wiki. Well, I was about to begin the most interesting part  :lol

But honestly, the writing I couldn't stand it - way too dramatic for my tastes. Ugh.

So I started The Gunslinger. About halfway through and it's both awesome and very confusing :P
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 24, 2016, 02:05:22 PM
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 24, 2016, 02:45:32 PM
So got bored with Dracula, and read the rest of the plot on wiki. Well, I was about to begin the most interesting part  :lol

But honestly, the writing I couldn't stand it - way too dramatic for my tastes. Ugh.

So I started The Gunslinger. About halfway through and it's both awesome and very confusing :P

I have read Dracula a couple times over the years. I found it plodding in places (how many transfusions do we need to go through?) but largely enjoyable.

Remember that The Gunslinger is a more of a collection of stories written over time than a single narrative, so that is why it can feel disjointed. It is pretty different from the rest of the saga too, serving as more of a prologue.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 24, 2016, 02:54:16 PM
So got bored with Dracula, and read the rest of the plot on wiki. Well, I was about to begin the most interesting part  :lol
For really dull writing, try Frankenstein.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on March 24, 2016, 03:01:41 PM
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Great book :tup I never read any other Ripley book though...
I'm currently reading LOTR: Two Towers. I read the first part almost two years ago (I think) but wasn't too excited to take the second part. Well, I should have, it is more fun IMO (and it's classic, for fuck's sake, I should have read all three by now).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 24, 2016, 05:05:58 PM
Remember that The Gunslinger is a more of a collection of stories written over time than a single narrative, so that is why it can feel disjointed. It is pretty different from the rest of the saga too, serving as more of a prologue.
Oh I don't mean it narratively, but how the world is constructed I find it quite confusing - like, it has many temporal elements I dunno if it's set circa 1800s or 1950s. Still, I'm digging it more than Dracula  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on March 24, 2016, 08:29:34 PM
So got bored with Dracula, and read the rest of the plot on wiki. Well, I was about to begin the most interesting part  :lol
For really dull writing, try Frankenstein.
I loved Frankenstein. I read it when I was like 9 years old though, so I remember nothing. Gonna be one of the next books I re-read.

The first 50ish pages of Dracula, when the guy is imprisoned in the castle, are great. After that, I wasn't a fan.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 24, 2016, 08:42:53 PM
The first 50ish pages of Dracula, when the guy is imprisoned in the castle, are great. After that, I wasn't a fan.
Yeah, and the first scenes of him being taken to the castle in the dark, with the distant howls... damn :hefdaddy . The rest has its moments but just gave up on it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on March 24, 2016, 09:40:39 PM
Remember that The Gunslinger is a more of a collection of stories written over time than a single narrative, so that is why it can feel disjointed. It is pretty different from the rest of the saga too, serving as more of a prologue.
Oh I don't mean it narratively, but how the world is constructed I find it quite confusing - like, it has many temporal elements I dunno if it's set circa 1800s or 1950s.
The setting is basically Western (as in, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly etc), but with supernatural/magical elements. Plus, there is really advanced technology lying around.

The history and background of the universe they're in is never given to you other than in fragments, because, as you will have seen, that universe's society has completely broken down. Almost all knowledge of the past is lost. The characters will encounter things and their origins are never explained in detail, if you are told anything at all. It's one of the best things about the series. Whereas a lot of fantasies get a bit encyclopedic, as the author wants to impart this massive detailed world they've created, the Dark Tower universe is very mysterious.

If you like that first section of Dracula, check out Nosferatu, the old 1921 silent film adaptation. It has old corny silent film acting, but because of the dusty old footage and atmosphere, it manages to be very creepy still, and from memory, it focuses mostly on that first part of the book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on March 25, 2016, 09:58:40 AM
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

This was much better than I thought it would be considering I'm not a huge fan of The Shining.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 25, 2016, 10:03:47 AM
I'm about halfway through and it hasn't really grabbed me yet. I hope it gets better in the second half.

The Shining was good but not King's best.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on March 25, 2016, 02:56:38 PM
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 25, 2016, 04:13:43 PM
Jesus On Trial by David Limbaugh
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on March 28, 2016, 01:58:38 PM
Just finished The Good Earth (Pearl Buck) and didn't like it one bit. Classic my ass.

Moving on to Invisible Man (Ralph Ellison)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: home on March 28, 2016, 03:31:50 PM
Finished "Trough the Looking Glass" yesterday, I really, really love it. It's mysterious, funny smart and a lot of other things. I was a little dissapointed with the ending of Alice adventures in Wonderland at first, the (spoiler!) it was just a dream-ending made the adventures in wonderland same less "real" or significant, but the last sentence of Through the Looking Glass: "Life, what is it but a dream?" somehow made her dream just as important as her life since they are both "but dreams" if that makes sense.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 29, 2016, 07:29:42 AM
Kingdom Come by Mark Waid & Alex Ross
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 29, 2016, 01:22:05 PM
The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Chino on March 29, 2016, 01:23:20 PM
I have about 60 pages left of Stranger in a Strange Land. It's really good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 29, 2016, 01:46:32 PM
I have about 60 pages left of Stranger in a Strange Land. It's really good.
Nice!  One of my favorite sci-fi novels.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 30, 2016, 06:40:34 AM
Agreed
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 31, 2016, 11:11:35 PM
Finished The Gunslinger last night - although there are some weird, pretentious parts, I quite liked it, and plan to read the whole series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 31, 2016, 11:20:45 PM
V for Vendetta.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 01, 2016, 02:38:06 AM
Finished The Gunslinger last night - although there are some weird, pretentious parts, I quite liked it, and plan to read the whole series.

If you liked the Gunslinger I think you will love the rest, imo so much better because it's more focused and thought out.

When I first read the Gunslinger I didn't like it, and had not my sister insisted that the next book in the series (Drawing Of The Three) is excellent and that I must read it, I probably would have never read the Dark Tower series.

Now in hindsight and when rereading the Gunslinger I can appreciate it as a prologue that sets the mood and the tone and I think it's okay, but still far from good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 01, 2016, 04:21:21 AM
American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Lifes and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee by Karen Abbott
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 01, 2016, 03:42:56 PM
The Rats by James Herbert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on April 01, 2016, 04:07:04 PM
Finished The Gunslinger last night - although there are some weird, pretentious parts, I quite liked it, and plan to read the whole series.

If you liked the Gunslinger I think you will love the rest, imo so much better because it's more focused and thought out.

When I first read the Gunslinger I didn't like it, and had not my sister insisted that the next book in the series (Drawing Of The Three) is excellent and that I must read it, I probably would have never read the Dark Tower series.

Now in hindsight and when rereading the Gunslinger I can appreciate it as a prologue that sets the mood and the tone and I think it's okay, but still far from good.

I started The Gunslinger last year, but gave up after a couple of chapters. I found the tone and writing style hard going, for some reason.

I may come back to it at some point, but I'm still working my way through Dune (it takes me a while to get through a book!). After that I want to pick up the latest Jack Reacher, and then continue with some more of Robin Hobb's Fitz books. Also, if Winds Of Winter or the 3rd book in Patrick Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicles series make an appearance, they will jump to the front of the queue..
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 04, 2016, 06:14:14 PM
Back to ancient Rome with Caesar's Women by Colleen McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 05, 2016, 01:51:09 PM
I picked up over a dozen books in the past week, mostly fairytales and such. However, today I went back to B & N and got a few more.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire
Cinder by Marissa Myer
Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman

I read one of the short stories in the Gaiman book called Snow, Glass, Apples which is based off Snow White. Snow White is up there with Alice in Wonderland in regards to my elation in reading adaptations of their stories. Gaiman is brilliant and he gave it a bit of a darker twist. It's only fifteen pages long but I was entranced by the story.

Now, I'm going to read The Snow Child which I hadn't even heard of until today. Judging by the write-ups I've read it seems like it's going to be fantastic.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 05, 2016, 02:10:51 PM
James, the Brother of Jesus: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls by Robert Eisenman

He's kind of crazy, but his heart's in the right place. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: wizard of Thought on April 05, 2016, 02:53:07 PM
V for Vendetta.

Oh I love that one. I actually read it before watching the movie, it was a great experience and Alan Moore one of most talented comic book authors ever (along with Neil Gaiman, I love his writing style).

Currently reading: Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 05, 2016, 04:48:14 PM
James, the Brother of Jesus: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls by Robert Eisenman

He's kind of crazy, but his heart's in the right place.

I've read that one. I find it fascinating. Religious history has always intrigued me, especially once you weed through the nonsense.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on April 05, 2016, 09:35:33 PM
Presently reading House of Leaves, which is pretty great so far; really inventive and clever.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on April 05, 2016, 10:58:36 PM
Presently reading House of Leaves, which is pretty great so far; really inventive and clever.

Probably my favorite book of all time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 06, 2016, 07:14:10 AM
James, the Brother of Jesus: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls by Robert Eisenman

He's kind of crazy, but his heart's in the right place.

I've read that one. I find it fascinating. Religious history has always intrigued me, especially once you weed through the nonsense.
It's a re-read for me.

Yes, I'm re-reading a dense book of obscure scholarship, the results of which I don't even agree with.


What am I doing with my life?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 06, 2016, 12:29:55 PM
James, the Brother of Jesus: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls by Robert Eisenman

He's kind of crazy, but his heart's in the right place.

I've read that one. I find it fascinating. Religious history has always intrigued me, especially once you weed through the nonsense.
It's a re-read for me.

Yes, I'm re-reading a dense book of obscure scholarship, the results of which I don't even agree with.


What am I doing with my life?

Opening your mind.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 06, 2016, 12:41:50 PM
Yeah, I guess.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: home on April 09, 2016, 01:21:24 PM
I bought: The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy (a trilogy in five parts) by Douglas Adams this week. I haven't read much but I really love it so far, the writing style itself is just great and amusing :azn:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 09, 2016, 01:56:31 PM
I finished The Snow Child and it was such a brilliant book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: zerogravityfat on April 09, 2016, 02:32:57 PM
Yeah, I guess.

heftastic
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 09, 2016, 02:47:05 PM
I bought: The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy (a trilogy in five parts) by Douglas Adams this week. I haven't read much but I really love it so far, the writing style itself is just great and amusing :azn:

I love the first two books, the rest is amusing but doesn't come close. But the correct answer of course is 42.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 09, 2016, 03:23:49 PM
V for Vendetta.

Oh I love that one. I actually read it before watching the movie, it was a great experience and Alan Moore one of most talented comic book authors ever (along with Neil Gaiman, I love his writing style).

Just finished. Was underwhelmed, but that is largely to me really liking Watchmen, and From Hell being one of my favorite books in any genre/format. I enjoyed the first third very much, and bits of the second part with the secondary characters. But there was a noticeable drop off for me after that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 10, 2016, 05:07:44 AM
Yeah, I guess.

heftastic
I love you too
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 10, 2016, 11:58:41 AM
Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 13, 2016, 07:29:29 AM
Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 13, 2016, 12:23:37 PM
Just finished Wisdom of Eosphoros by Michael W. Ford
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 14, 2016, 01:40:26 PM
The Rachel Papers by Martin Amis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 14, 2016, 01:47:25 PM
Preparing for school, so I'm reading something called Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan, which is basically a Economics 101 type book. It's interesting the things you find out about business and the economy when you start to read more and more about it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 15, 2016, 06:27:21 AM
Well, that book was a bust. Instead, in honor of Shakespeare's birthday next week, I'm reading shakespeare: A Biography by Peter Ackroyd
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on April 22, 2016, 05:00:06 PM
Finished Bill Bryson, reading Frankenstein.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on April 23, 2016, 06:02:58 AM
Finished Dune by Frank Herbert. It was a bit of a slog, to be honest. I don't think I will bother with any of the sequels.
Next: Caught by Harlan Coben
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 23, 2016, 04:33:03 PM
Good Ogre by Platte F. Clark
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on April 23, 2016, 06:47:19 PM
About 40 pages into stranger in a strange land .  I thought I should get into science fiction and Heinlein seems like a good place to start.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 24, 2016, 04:49:21 AM
About 40 pages into stranger in a strange land .  I thought I should get into science fiction and Heinlein seems like a good place to start.
Great choice.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on April 24, 2016, 05:30:20 PM
What I find most interesting so far is how Heinlein totally deconstructs language to illustrate both how it might be perceived by an alien and how much unconscious subtlety we use as native users.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 24, 2016, 05:58:02 PM
Finished Dune by Frank Herbert. It was a bit of a slog, to be honest.

I really wanted to enjoy this book because I loved the movie when I saw it as a kid. But I didn't really enjoy it at all. I might have been too young at the time, better suited to enjoy the visuals of the film without being able to appreciate the science fiction of the story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 24, 2016, 06:02:34 PM
Started with the second book of the Dark Tower series last night - a few chapters in and I'm really enjoying it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on April 25, 2016, 01:55:02 AM
Finished Dune by Frank Herbert. It was a bit of a slog, to be honest.

I really wanted to enjoy this book because I loved the movie when I saw it as a kid. But I didn't really enjoy it at all. I might have been too young at the time, better suited to enjoy the visuals of the film without being able to appreciate the science fiction of the story.

I was aware of the movie, back in the day, but I haven't watched it yet. I'm not sure how it would hold up when watching it fresh today.

The book was ok, I mean the writing was good, but I just felt some things could have been fleshed out a bit more to help me engage with the characters. For instance, there's a bit that seems to be a jump forward in time, where Paul suddenly has two children. We don't hear much about them at all, and then it's hard to feel anything when something happens to one of them. (Trying to avoid spoilers :))
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 25, 2016, 08:13:21 AM
Started with the second book of the Dark Tower series last night - a few chapters in and I'm really enjoying it.
This and The Wasteland are tied for my favorite books in the series
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 25, 2016, 02:00:52 PM
One Up On Wall Street by Peter Lynch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 25, 2016, 04:19:56 PM
Lord of the Barn Yard by Tristan Egolf
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 28, 2016, 12:39:24 PM
Had to stop reading for a few months due to my roulette - all my free time went to listening to the songs - but now that it ended I was finally able to dig into Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson. I did a reread of all previous Mistborn stories before this one too, to remember everything that happened before this point.

All I can say, this is a great book, typical Brandon too. I thought it was quite slow at first, then it picked up the pace, and in the end... well you know how it goes in his books.

Major spoilers for Shadows of Self below. Don't read if you didn't read the book:

The "Bleeder impersonating the governor" reveal was a bit underwhelming since the governor was probably the most obvious guy to impersonate. Felt a bit like a cliche, but I still liked it, well explained and all. But the final reveal about Paalm being Lessie all along was bloody brilliant. I noticed something was off because out of all people, Bleeder called Waxillium by his nickname "Wax" a few times when confronting him directly (in his head during the ZoBell's party, during the governor's reveal in his study, at the bridge). After The Alloy of Law was released, Brandon said he did a very deliberate distinction in the ways of characters calling Waxillium (Wax, Waxillium, Lord Waxillium, Lord Ladrian etc) and told the readers to watch these moments. Only Wayne, Ranette and Waxillium himself were calling him "Wax", so I thought something was off with Bleeder, but I couldn't put my finger on it. And in retrospect, it made so much sense. Her knowing what Harmony should've done to avoid Lessie's death (tell Wax not to go through the tunnel but go around it instead). Her getting hold on Bloody Tan's body and bones. Her unwillingness to kill Wax or Wayne. All in all, I thought it was another one of Brandon's fantastic reveals and this one really made the book for me. I loved the post-reveal Wax scenes where he just doesn't care about anything, and the book ended on a perfectly sad note. I mean, I like a bigass epic fantasy as much as the next guy (think Hero of Ages or A Memory of Light), but it's this kind of endings that make me tear up. I thought this book was going to be underwhelming after like six chapters, and I still felt it was a bit slow even in the middle... but the ending paid off big time. Amazing.

Next up in the queue... this beauty. Damn, I'm so looking forward to it.

(https://i.imgur.com/q73ykO3.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on April 28, 2016, 01:31:53 PM
The ending to Shadows of Self was absolutely amazing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Randaran on April 28, 2016, 03:02:01 PM
I haven't read anything Sanderson has put out since Words of Radiance, or kept up with relevant news. Are these two continuations of Alloy of Law, or something else entirely?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 28, 2016, 09:06:46 PM
The ending to Shadows of Self was absolutely amazing.

Yeah, no kidding.

Well, as semantics go, The Alloy of Law is a standalone book, while Shadows of Self and The Bands of Mourning are #1 and #2 books in Wax and Wayne trilogy (the third book is called The Lost Metal and it's coming out somewhere in 2018 or 2019, according to Brandon). But since it's featuring the same characters I think it's fair to call it a continuation of Alloy. It's very different atmosphere-wise, though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on April 29, 2016, 02:26:40 AM
The ending to Shadows of Self was absolutely amazing.

Yeah, no kidding.

Well, as semantics go, The Alloy of Law is a standalone book, while Shadows of Self and The Bands of Mourning are #1 and #2 books in Wax and Wayne trilogy (the third book is called The Lost Metal and it's coming out somewhere in 2018 or 2019, according to Brandon). But since it's featuring the same characters I think it's fair to call it a continuation of Alloy. It's very different atmosphere-wise, though.

I loved the original Mistborn trilogy, and I've read The Alloy of Law. At the start, the change of setting to the Wild West gunslinger style with some of the familiar magical (feruchemical ?) elements was a bit jarring, but it's enjoyable once you get used to it. The banter between Wax and Wayne is great too.

Must pick up Shadows of Self soon.  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 03, 2016, 08:09:42 PM
Caesar by Colleen McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Dimitrius on May 04, 2016, 01:46:43 PM
About to start Joe Abercrombie's Sharp Ends: Stories from the World of the First Law. Love me some Abercrombie and his First Law world!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ich bin besser on May 04, 2016, 02:25:14 PM
I just started the second book of Robert Rankin's Victorian Steampunk Series: "The Mechanical Messiah and Other Marvels of the Modern Age".
Still need some of his books, but got most of them - and thouroughly enjoyed most of them. Very entertaining stuff.  :hat

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Rankin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on May 07, 2016, 11:39:45 AM
Still reading Stranger in a Strange Land and I just came across the following line:

"Faith strikes me as intellectual laziness..."

I never read this book before, and can't recall an occasion where I might have read any excerpts from it, but I've used that term many times before when debating people about religion.  Here I thought I came up with that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on May 07, 2016, 11:43:38 AM
See Jane Run by Joy Fielding. Good easy-to-read thriller.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Genowyn on May 07, 2016, 11:02:57 PM
Shadow and Betrayal by Daniel Abraham, which is the first two books of The Long Price Quartet

Love Abraham's other series The Dagger and Coin and The Expanse and have heard good things about Long Price, quite liking what I have read so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 08, 2016, 12:50:24 PM
Close To The Edge - The Story of Yes by Chris Welsh
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on May 08, 2016, 02:26:15 PM
Started with the second book of the Dark Tower series last night - a few chapters in and I'm really enjoying it.
Kept reading it and damn, this is some impressive creative shit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 08, 2016, 08:04:56 PM
I picked up something called The Dragon's Path today. GRRM praised it and that's all the convincing I needed. It's book one in a five book series.

I also bought Black Wings of Cthulhu. It's an anthology of stories inspired by the horror-fiction master, H. P. Lovecraft. I've modeled some of my own works off his influence and must say that his stories reach deep into the darkest recesses of the human experience. They're a thing of beauty.

I'm reading The Dragon's Path first, but I can also read the anthology since the stories are a handful of pages each.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on May 08, 2016, 08:50:41 PM
Started with the second book of the Dark Tower series last night - a few chapters in and I'm really enjoying it.
Kept reading it and damn, this is some impressive creative shit.
And you're only on book 2.  I forgot most of the stuff King came up with throughout the series since there was always something new coming along.

Edit: BTW, what direction were they traveling on the beach?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on May 10, 2016, 12:15:25 PM
Did-a-chick? Dod-a-chock?

That’s what makes that series so great. If you had to stick a genre tag on it, it’d be fantasy, but it’s remarkably unbeholden to the regular ideas and tropes. King’s world is refreshingly unique. I remember trying to read Shannara after those, since it was a praised fantasy series and I needed something new to read, and the difference in creativity and imagination was obvious. It felt like rehashed paint-by-numbers Tolkien in comparison.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 10, 2016, 12:37:30 PM
Dark Tower is western sci-fi fantasy, duh  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on May 10, 2016, 01:36:31 PM
Just finished Frankenstein.

I thought it improves a lot as it goes on. The exposition is pretty clumsy, and for the first half to two thirds of the novel, it builds and goes forward quite slowly. The ideas are great, but the story that bears them is not quite as interesting as you’d hope. Then, in the last third, the story catches up with the ideas, and the last chunk of it was really great.

The creature Frankenstein creates reminded me a little of Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men. It’s like in his experiments at the boundary between life and death, Frankenstein releases this relentless agent of death on the world.

When I read it as a kid, I was surprised by how intelligent the monster was. This time, I was surprised again by how human it was. The thing could have turned out fine, if it hadn’t been neglected. Mary Shelley is kind of just writing about the responsibilities of parenting, but then it’s kind of a pondering of where human evil comes from and what makes people who were once blank slates capable of doing horrible things. Considering it’s a pretty short novel, I thought she explored this really well.

I also liked that it was (I’m presuming), for its time, a new take on the medieval cautionary “distrust of science and knowledge” theme like Faust, but the issue is that Victor is ambitious without proper heed of the ramifications of the knowledge and technology he is pursuing, and his responsibility to them. It’s like a mid-point between a story like Faust and one like Cat’s Cradle.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 16, 2016, 05:44:34 AM
Caesar was definitely the worst of the series so far. Should not have taken me almost two weeks to read. Looking forward though to The October Horse next month, see how she deals with the relationship between Caesar and Cleopatra and his assassination

Anyway, marathoning The Passage series by Justin Cronin with the last book coming out shortly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 17, 2016, 06:05:45 AM
The Eye of the World.

I figured I should finally start reading this series. I'm reading A Song of Ice and Fire at the same time but that's for some research I'm doing. ASOIAF is a much quicker read now that I've read through it twice already. I'm looking for specific items in it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on May 17, 2016, 09:29:48 AM
The Eye of the World.

Hope you enjoy it. It took me years to get through the whole series, but the first book is relatively easy going.  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on May 17, 2016, 10:34:29 AM
It took me just a year, while taking some breaks to read other, shorter stuff. Btw, I recommend you having a list with character names and descriptions, for there are dozens and they appear throughout the series and shit can get confusing. Hope you enjoy it :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 17, 2016, 10:40:04 AM
I'm interested in attacking The Eye of the World at some point.  How does it compare to other great fantasy works? 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on May 17, 2016, 12:27:03 PM
I'm interested in attacking The Eye of the World at some point.  How does it compare to other great fantasy works?

I think it's fair to say that opinions are mixed on it. For me, Lord Of The Rings is still no. 1, and probably always will be, but WoT is definitely very good. The scope of it is absolutely huge, and probably even moreso than LOTR. There are a lot of secondary characters to memorise, and TBH quite a few of them are so similar they become indistinguishable. There is a really good 'magic system', with different groups of people having different abilities. There are some really cool baddies, and some epic battles.

There's quite a few similarities to Tolkien, especially in how the story starts out, with a rural farm boy going off to find his destiny with a few friends, but it starts to make its own path after a while.

One of the biggest criticisms is the pace of the series. Some of the books seem to plod along at a snail's pace, then explode into life in the last few chapters. The other related criticism is level of descriptiveness (?) of some of the text. Robert Jordan builds a really detailed world, but there are also painstaking descriptions of characters' clothing, hairstyles etc that can feel like a lead weight at times.

There is one of the books, Crossroads of Twilight that's regarded as the worst offender, so once you get past that, the series picks up again. Robert Jordan died before completing the series, and Brandon Sanderson took over to complete the last few books. IMO he did a fantastic job, and it got me into reading some of his own books.

If you think you have the patience to get over those few things, and still fancy giving it a go, I'd definitely recommend it.  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 17, 2016, 01:15:12 PM
The Eye of the World.

Hope you enjoy it. It took me years to get through the whole series, but the first book is relatively easy going.  :tup

Thanks. I think I might create a thread for it as I get more into because I'll want to discuss it. Maybe I'll do it right now.

It took me just a year, while taking some breaks to read other, shorter stuff. Btw, I recommend you having a list with character names and descriptions, for there are dozens and they appear throughout the series and shit can get confusing. Hope you enjoy it :tup

I plan on it. I'm anal like that. You should see what I'm doing for ASOIAF right now.

I'm interested in attacking The Eye of the World at some point.  How does it compare to other great fantasy works? 

It definitely reads like a Tolkien novel with all of the names and places.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on May 17, 2016, 06:47:08 PM
Except you don't have two hundred elves and dwarves lineages :neverusethis:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 17, 2016, 07:26:36 PM
Someone above said that they think the world created by Robert Jordan might be more in-depth than Lord of the Rings and that is absolutely correct. However if you want to compare everything that Jordan created vs everything that Tolkien created, the depth of Tolkien's Middle Earth is unmatched.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on May 18, 2016, 02:05:59 AM
Thanks. I think I might create a thread for it as I get more into because I'll want to discuss it. Maybe I'll do it right now.

If you haven't already created one, feel free to jump on the one I created one a while back. It didn't really have legs at the time :)

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=46134.0

Someone above said that they think the world created by Robert Jordan might be more in-depth than Lord of the Rings and that is absolutely correct. However if you want to compare everything that Jordan created vs everything that Tolkien created, the depth of Tolkien's Middle Earth is unmatched.

Yeah, I think that was me, and I agree with you. It might be better to say that WoT is broader in scope, in terms of the sheer number of characters, and there being a lot more actual text, but Tolkien's world (ie The Hobbit, LOTR, Silmarillion, ...) has more depth to it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on May 18, 2016, 02:23:33 AM
I read 1-9 at high school. It had its strengths and weaknesses. In aspects, it was obviously strongly indebted to Tolkien, maybe a bit too strongly, but in others, it was quite different and interesting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: adace on May 19, 2016, 07:08:01 PM
Finished Departure by A.G. Riddle the other day and didn't like it very much. It started out interesting enough but then devolved into a highly far-fetched and overly self-indulgent plot.

Now reading the Kasari Nexus by Richard Philips end enjoying it a lot so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 23, 2016, 12:46:10 AM
Lair by James Herbert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 23, 2016, 08:09:43 AM
James, the Brother of Jesus: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls by Robert Eisenman

He's kind of crazy, but his heart's in the right place.

I've read that one. I find it fascinating. Religious history has always intrigued me, especially once you weed through the nonsense.
It's a re-read for me.

Yes, I'm re-reading a dense book of obscure scholarship, the results of which I don't even agree with.


What am I doing with my life?
God bless America, I am still only halfway through this FML
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on May 23, 2016, 04:25:43 PM
Finished two books this week:

Gene Simmons-KISS And Make-Up
Stuart Scott-Every Day I Fight

The Stuart Scott book was amazing. It will make you cry and it will make you hug your kids. Amazing!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 24, 2016, 06:39:26 AM
Moving on to The Twelve
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on May 26, 2016, 04:55:14 PM
FINALLY finished the stand. Life came up about halfway through reading and I did not have much time for reading for a while.

I really loved it even if the ending was kinda anticlimactic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 27, 2016, 01:52:08 PM
Alright, here we go: The City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin. I hope he sticks the landing
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on May 30, 2016, 11:07:33 PM
After reading the stand I decided to take a bit of a break from regular books and read some comics.

I read the first volumes of The New 52 Batman series Court of owls through death of the family. I also read the First volume of the Rick and Morty Comic.

While I'm waiting for my next batch of comics to be picked up at the library I'm reading Burglers can't Be Choosers by Lawrence Block.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 02, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
The Fireman by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 02, 2016, 08:57:51 AM
The Fireman by Joe Hill
Gotta get that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on June 02, 2016, 11:36:18 AM
Still reading Stranger in a Strange Land.  There is a nice jab at modern art that I thought was pretty good:

Quote
abstract design is all right-for wall paper or linoleum.  But art is a process of evoking pity and terror, which is not abstract at all but very human.  What the self-styled modern artist is doing is a sort of unemotional pseudo-intellectual masturbation ... whereas creative art is more like intercourse, in which the artist must seduce -render emotional- his audience, each time.

... In general it's up to the artist to use language that can be understood, not hide it in some private code like Pepys and his diary.  Most of these jokers don't even want to use language you and I know or can learn... they would rather sneer at us and be smug, because we 'fail' to see what they are driving at.  If indeed they are driving at anything-obscurity is usually the refuge of incompetence.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 02, 2016, 12:22:03 PM
The Fireman by Joe Hill
Gotta get that.
It's really good so far. I'm already more than a quarter done with it on my Kindle (and it's almost 800 pages, so that's saying something)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 07, 2016, 01:28:25 PM
Finished The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson. I was reading very slowly and only about an hour a day on the road back from work (and not every day too), and while I liked the first two acts more than I did in Shadows of Self, the ending was very underwhelming for me. Not going into any kind of spoilers (but I can go there if any of you also read it and want to discuss the details), but I think this could be my least favourite Mistborn book so far. Still enjoyable, but not on your usual "damn, this is bloody brilliant"-Mistborn-level enjoyable.

Maybe I'll feel different after reading the Mistborn: Secret History, a small piece Brandon released after this book.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on June 08, 2016, 12:31:49 AM
Any Murakami fans in here?

I just finished Jack Kerouac's On the Road, before that Albert Camus's The Stranger and Murakami's Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgramage. All really good, I thought.

Now reading The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on June 08, 2016, 03:04:07 AM
Any Murakami fans in here?

I read Norwegian Wood and Wild Sheep Chase. I'm still not sure what to think about the second, really weird but that's charm of it. I will probably check Kafka on the shore next (when my college year finishes).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on June 08, 2016, 05:13:53 AM
Darker Edge of Desire: Gothic Tales of Romance...

It's an anthology put together by Mitzi Szereto
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on June 09, 2016, 02:47:57 AM
Finished The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson. I was reading very slowly and only about an hour a day on the road back from work (and not every day too), and while I liked the first two acts more than I did in Shadows of Self, the ending was very underwhelming for me. Not going into any kind of spoilers (but I can go there if any of you also read it and want to discuss the details), but I think this could be my least favourite Mistborn book so far. Still enjoyable, but not on your usual "damn, this is bloody brilliant"-Mistborn-level enjoyable.

Maybe I'll feel different after reading the Mistborn: Secret History, a small piece Brandon released after this book.

Disappointing to hear that, as those two are are on my list..  :sad: Still working my way though The Way Of Kings, but I was planning to give those two a go afterwards.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 09, 2016, 03:58:44 AM
Finished The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson. I was reading very slowly and only about an hour a day on the road back from work (and not every day too), and while I liked the first two acts more than I did in Shadows of Self, the ending was very underwhelming for me. Not going into any kind of spoilers (but I can go there if any of you also read it and want to discuss the details), but I think this could be my least favourite Mistborn book so far. Still enjoyable, but not on your usual "damn, this is bloody brilliant"-Mistborn-level enjoyable.

Maybe I'll feel different after reading the Mistborn: Secret History, a small piece Brandon released after this book.

Disappointing to hear that, as those two are are on my list..  :sad: Still working my way though The Way Of Kings, but I was planning to give those two a go afterwards.

I'll say this much: it was excellent until a certain moment in the story. I understand why everything happened the way it did, but, well, that was a miss for me.

Let's discuss it when you've read it. ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 09, 2016, 07:47:34 AM
Rivers Of London by Ben Aaronovitch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 15, 2016, 09:12:10 AM
The October Horse by Colleen McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on June 15, 2016, 06:12:36 PM
Any Murakami fans in here?

I read Norwegian Wood and Wild Sheep Chase. I'm still not sure what to think about the second, really weird but that's charm of it. I will probably check Kafka on the shore next (when my college year finishes).

A week late on this, but that's interesting to hear. I've not read either of those but was really impressed with Colorless Tsukuru... And am looking forward to checking out something else.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on June 15, 2016, 06:15:53 PM
I don't recommend 1Q84 tho, the last book is just boring and disappointing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on June 16, 2016, 01:17:02 PM
Speak for yourself. I thought Tsukuru was lovely
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on June 22, 2016, 07:41:20 AM
Has anyone read A World of Ice and Fire? It's $22 on Amazon today but the reviews are mixed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 22, 2016, 07:43:17 AM
I want to read it sometime in the future but I wait till it gets cheaper (it's around 25-30 euros last time I looked).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on June 22, 2016, 09:01:37 AM
Has anyone read A World of Ice and Fire? It's $22 on Amazon today but the reviews are mixed.

I plan on reading it eventually, so I would definitely say you should check it out, especially if you want some more detail behind the history of ASOIAF.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on June 23, 2016, 12:58:54 AM
Just finished reading a book called I'm Thinking of Ending Things, by a debut author named Iain Reid.

I really liked it.  It's fucking weird, and it tries a little too hard to be so fucking weird, but it's got flashes of brilliance, and it's pretty fascinating to read. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 23, 2016, 01:12:50 AM
Now reading The World of Ice & Fire by George R.R. Martin, Elio M. Garcia Jr, and Linda Antonsson.

Can you let us know what you think of it. Is it a worthwhile read?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 24, 2016, 03:12:19 PM
Domain by James Herbert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on June 24, 2016, 04:35:59 PM
I just picked up a book called Boy, Snow, Bird, by Helen Oyeyemi. It's a retelling of the Snow White fairytale, which is one of my two favorite influences for modernizations.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SwedishGoose on June 25, 2016, 12:52:43 AM
Any Murakami fans in here?

I read Norwegian Wood and Wild Sheep Chase. I'm still not sure what to think about the second, really weird but that's charm of it. I will probably check Kafka on the shore next (when my college year finishes).

A week late on this, but that's interesting to hear. I've not read either of those but was really impressed with Colorless Tsukuru... And am looking forward to checking out something else.

I have read a couple of his books Kafka, The  wind up bird, 1Q84 and am reading Norwegian wood now.

Read Kafka first and absolutely loved it. It was soo strange and wonderful. Still probably my favorite of his.
Read The wind up bird chronicles after that. This one can compete with Kafka in my view as favorite Murakami.

After that I read 1Q84 which I enjoyed quite a bit but not as much as the previous two. Found it to have passages that could have been shortened, but still a very good read.

Now reading Norwegian Wood. It is quite different from the other ones I have read. Much more realistic, taking place fully in the world we know. Wonderful story about growing up and dealing with issues of love and loss. Would probably rank this over 1Q84 but below the other two.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 25, 2016, 10:48:21 AM
End of Watch by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 28, 2016, 01:34:12 PM
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on June 30, 2016, 11:11:10 AM
Started with the second book of the Dark Tower series last night - a few chapters in and I'm really enjoying it.
Kept reading it and damn, this is some impressive creative shit.
Finally finished it, fucking college. Excellent read, very interesting twists and characters. Looking forwards to the rest of the series!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 01, 2016, 07:16:43 PM
Antony and Cleopatra by Colleen McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on July 04, 2016, 07:51:50 PM
Started with the second book of the Dark Tower series last night - a few chapters in and I'm really enjoying it.
Kept reading it and damn, this is some impressive creative shit.
Finally finished it, fucking college. Excellent read, very interesting twists and characters. Looking forwards to the rest of the series!

The second book, and specifically the shootout at Balazar's is what really sold me on the Dark Tower series. So good.


I picked up a couple new reads for vacation this week. 11/22/63 from Stephen King and Nos4a2 from his son Joe.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 05, 2016, 12:48:29 AM
Yeah, the second book is where the series starts to get really good and interesting. The first one left me mostly cold and if it wasn't for my sister who insisted that I have to read "The Drawing Of The Three", I probably wouldn't have touched another book of the series.

I picked up a couple new reads for vacation this week. 11/22/63 from Stephen King and Nos4a2 from his son Joe.

I loved, loved, loved 11/23/63, one of the best King books imo. Haven't read anything by his son yet. Is it good?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on July 05, 2016, 05:59:42 AM
I haven't started it yet. This'll be my first book of his, I was originally thinking about getting his new book The Fireman but decided to go for something out in paperback instead.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 09, 2016, 05:42:48 AM
Finally finished with McCullough's Masters of Rome series. Really good historical fiction, but sometimes it got a little too bogged down with the history stuff at times. My rankings:
1. Caesar's Women
2. Fortune's Favorites
3. The Grass Crown
4. The October Horse
5. The First Man In Rome
6. Caesar
7. Antony And Cleopatra

Anyway, getting back to reading Joseph and His Brothers. I'm halfway done and am determined to finally finish it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on July 09, 2016, 06:47:59 AM
I'm reading the Preacher comics and The Scarlet Gospels by Clive Barker. So far I'm enjoying both.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on July 09, 2016, 09:44:38 AM
Read Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, I recommend this one and her two other book to fans of thrillers. It is probably the worst out of three but still cool, especially if you like it dark :biggrin:
Took Return of the King today (finally) to finish Lord of the Rings.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on July 09, 2016, 02:40:57 PM
Finally finished with McCullough's Masters of Rome series. Really good historical fiction, but sometimes it got a little too bogged down with the history stuff at times. My rankings:
1. Caesar's Women
2. Fortune's Favorites
3. The Grass Crown
4. The October Horse
5. The First Man In Rome
6. Caesar
7. Antony And Cleopatra

Anyway, getting back to reading Joseph and His Brothers. I'm halfway done and am determined to finally finish it

That series is on my list. I'm currently reading the Conqueror Series by Conn Iggulden. It about the Genghis Khan and the Mongolian Empire. Absolutely fantastic series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on July 09, 2016, 03:37:09 PM
Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 10, 2016, 12:30:56 AM
Truckers by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: wizard of Thought on July 10, 2016, 07:59:35 AM
Sandman: Worlds`End by Neil Gaiman.

The author simply never disappoints me (I can highly recommend American Gods and Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett) to anyone interested in well done and non-cliche fantasy) and the Sandman series is probably going to become my favourite comic series of all time (still have to read the last 2 books).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on July 10, 2016, 08:12:23 AM
I'm a huge fan of Neil's (I was going to originally say I'm a huge fan of Gaiman but that just didn't sound right) and Sandman is not something I've read yet. I bought the first book of the series but haven't got around to reading it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: wizard of Thought on July 10, 2016, 09:16:33 AM
To be honest, I think that the first book in the series is the "worst" of them, but that doesn`t mean it`s bad, just that I prefer every book afterwards. The second book (The Doll`s House) however is incredibly well written and got me to continue reading the series (I was unsure whether to go on reading the books after the first one).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 11, 2016, 01:09:07 AM
So far I haven't read anything by Neil Gaiman, but I have American Gods waiting on my tablet. I've heard a lot of good things about him.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on July 11, 2016, 05:27:16 AM
Once you read one of his books, you really want to dig into the rest of them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 13, 2016, 03:01:15 PM
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on July 16, 2016, 03:36:16 PM
Read that a few months ago. Very good.

All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr is what I'm reading now. After that will either be Bag of Bones, by Stephen King, or Galilee, by Clive Barker.

Books just finished:

End of Watch - Stephen King
The Terminal Man - Michael Crichton
She's Come Undone - Wally Lamb
Mr. B Gone - Clive Barker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 16, 2016, 07:10:14 PM
So, what do you do after having finally finished an almost 1,500 paged historical epic that you have had on your currently reading shelf after almost exactly two years?!

You read an almost 1,000 page sci-fi epic like Great North Road by Peter F. Hamilton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on July 19, 2016, 07:47:44 AM
Read that a few months ago. Very good.

All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr is what I'm reading now. After that will either be Bag of Bones, by Stephen King, or Galilee, by Clive Barker.

Books just finished:

End of Watch - Stephen King
The Terminal Man - Michael Crichton
She's Come Undone - Wally Lamb
Mr. B Gone - Clive Barker

I'm almost through all of the Clive Barker books. Just have Abarat series left. In regards to Bag of Bones or Galilee they're both pretty good. I think I liked Galilee slightly better.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on July 19, 2016, 01:18:31 PM
Has anyone read the 2113 book?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on July 19, 2016, 02:02:44 PM
Started with the second book of the Dark Tower series last night - a few chapters in and I'm really enjoying it.
Kept reading it and damn, this is some impressive creative shit.
Finally finished it, fucking college. Excellent read, very interesting twists and characters. Looking forwards to the rest of the series!

Every time I check this thread (which is quite seldom) I see a mention of SK in some fashion.  Just goes to show how far his reach is (well deserved I might add).

The Tower series (especially the final book... make the choice to keep reading btw) was an incredible read for me; I was brought to tears several times.  I actually was thinking of re-reading them a few years back when Ron Howard was thinking of proceeding with the movie/tv series... sorry to say that didn't pan-out.

Edit... looks like there IS going to be a movie!  Stoked for it now!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on July 21, 2016, 03:36:42 PM
Post Office by Charles Bukowski
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 29, 2016, 08:46:43 AM
now reading Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on July 29, 2016, 09:02:59 AM
Words of Radiance - Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on July 29, 2016, 09:50:11 AM
I picked up a couple new reads for vacation this week. 11/22/63 from Stephen King and Nos4a2 from his son Joe.

Really enjoyed both books, you can definitely tell that Joe Hill is his father's son.

Currently most of the way through Finders Keepers, which I'm also liking.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on July 29, 2016, 09:53:39 AM
I read Solaris by Stanislaw Lem and started with Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower (I love the movie).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 29, 2016, 03:42:45 PM
James, the Brother of Jesus: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls by Robert Eisenman

He's kind of crazy, but his heart's in the right place.

I've read that one. I find it fascinating. Religious history has always intrigued me, especially once you weed through the nonsense.
It's a re-read for me.

Yes, I'm re-reading a dense book of obscure scholarship, the results of which I don't even agree with.


What am I doing with my life?
God bless America, I am still only halfway through this FML
Finally finished this book.  Thank God the second volume is only about half as long, but I will wait a while before plunging into that one again.

Re-reading Roger Zelazny's Amber series, starting with Nine Princes in Amber.  This would so make a great TV/film series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 31, 2016, 10:49:03 AM
The Manticore by Robertson Davies
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 02, 2016, 07:58:30 PM
World of Wonders by Robertson Davies
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 03, 2016, 01:25:11 AM
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on August 03, 2016, 05:13:20 AM
I wanted to check that out. How far in are you?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 03, 2016, 06:14:27 AM
I wanted to check that out. How far in are you?
Just started yesterday but I was out all afternoon after so I read only 2 chapters so far. Will update in few hours to tell you more. However, while reading those two chapters I had feeling this will become one of my favorite books :) I like Neil's style and this one is about childhood, has that nostalgic feel and I love that.
BTW I didn't like his American Gods that much :-\
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: twosuitsluke on August 03, 2016, 04:39:55 PM
Just reading the last book in The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. What a gloriously different fantasy series.

Not been on this thread before so not sure how it runs but if we are discussing fantasy series then The Wheel of Time is all I need say. That series ruined all fantasy series for me, it is epic in every sense of the word. I have multiple WoT tattoos and I literally and quite seriously read and reread that series over a 10 year period reading very little in between!!

I finally had closure on the series when the last book came out in early 2013 and haven't touched the series since. I still look forward to rereading it in the future now I know the full story. Might give it another 5 years though. Any fans?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 04, 2016, 01:57:37 PM
@Prog Snob, I was reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane today and it is definitely an interesting read. I'm still not sure how I feel about magical realism but it is more believable here (if I may say it when talking about fantasy) because story is almost fairy tale :) 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 04, 2016, 02:34:31 PM
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Darkstarshades on August 04, 2016, 02:35:58 PM
I'm planning on getting the entire Dark Tower series books, maybe purchasing the first 3 and once I finish them, continue.

How much do you recommend them?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: twosuitsluke on August 04, 2016, 02:57:00 PM
I'm planning on getting the entire Dark Tower series books, maybe purchasing the first 3 and once I finish them, continue.

How much do you recommend them?

I've just started the last book. It's a really weird series and like nothing I've ever read (in a good way). The series was written over the course of about 20 years give or take and it makes it a strange read, at least for me. Each book has it's own kind of feel and they don't all flow together like one large story (in my opinion) but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Book one is quite short, loads of weird shit happens and I was left not really knowing what was really going on. Not everything about the world it's set in is explained, or what's really evening going on at times.

Book 2 is my favourite, it introduces some more characters and it's more structured.

Book 3 is kind of cool again but feels different.

Book 4 is like a whole prequel story.

Book 5 is all different again in a different setting but feels more structured than some of the other books.

Book 6 was really quite strange and there was quite a lot of things that I didn't really understand and wasn't sure why they happened (but I may not have been paying enough attention).

Just started book 7 and it's off to a good start. It's freaking huge and I have literally no clue where the story will go or what will happen.

That probably didn't really help  :lol other than this series I've only read Carrie and The Shining by Stephen King so I can't tell you how it compares to some the majority of his work but I do enjoy it. It doesn't spoon feed you the answers and it really surprises you by going all over the place. It certainly isn't predictable at all and it does have some really good characters.

Hope that rambling mess helped in some way  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on August 04, 2016, 03:54:03 PM
@Prog Snob, I was reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane today and it is definitely an interesting read. I'm still not sure how I feel about magical realism but it is more believable here (if I may say it when talking about fantasy) because story is almost fairy tale :)

Thanks.  I think I'll check it out. It sounds intriguing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 04, 2016, 03:55:30 PM
I'm planning on getting the entire Dark Tower series books, maybe purchasing the first 3 and once I finish them, continue.

How much do you recommend them?
My highest recommendation.  Proceed with all speed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 06, 2016, 10:51:58 AM
The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 07, 2016, 11:03:55 AM
A Wizard of Earthsea  by Ursula Le Guin. Like it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 07, 2016, 11:11:28 AM
A Wizard of Earthsea  by Ursula Le Guin. Like it so far.

I've read the whole series and my favourites are The Tomb of Atuan and The Farthest Shore, the second and the third book of the series. The first one isn't too shabby though.

I've got to say though, my favourite Le Guin book is The Dispossessed, and my second favourite is The Left Hand of Darkness. I think these two are miles ahead of anything else she has written.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 07, 2016, 11:28:02 AM
I will definitely check those two after I finish Eartsea Quartet (other two books are short stories, right?) 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 07, 2016, 11:43:44 AM
I will definitely check those two after I finish Eartsea Quartet (other two books are short stories, right?)

Not quite. Tales from Earthsea is a collection of short stories (and I think there are five of them or something like that, so it's still quite a read, and from what I remember, this was actually a great read, I really enjoyed this one), but The Other Wind is a full-fledged novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 09, 2016, 11:26:49 AM
The Guns of Avalon by Roger Zelazny
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 09, 2016, 10:40:52 PM
Just finished King's Finders Keepers. Was very underwhelmed, especially after enjoying Mr Mercedes quite a bit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on August 12, 2016, 05:19:35 AM
Amy Snow by Tracy Rees
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on August 12, 2016, 06:22:06 AM
A Short History of Decay by Emil Cioran
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on August 14, 2016, 07:40:41 PM
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - Phillip K Dick
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: orcus116 on August 14, 2016, 07:47:51 PM
Just started A Feast For Crows but I'm wondering what other high fantasy I should delve into after A Dance With Dragons. My friend recommended the Malazan Book Of The Fallen series which seems sort of interesting. To clarify the thing I'm loving about the ASOFAI books is the realism of the characters and interactions along with the more political type of storylines within the setting as opposed to straight up magic and mythical things. The only other fantasy I've read was The Riddlemaster Trilogy which wasn't bad but seemed a bit more hokey fantasy than I would've liked. It could just be the style of writing too but Martin's books are just engaging as hell.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 20, 2016, 08:23:25 PM
Shadow Country by Peter Matthiessen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on August 20, 2016, 08:40:51 PM
Amy Snow by Tracy Rees

What an awesome book this was. I'm so glad it caught my eye and B & N.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on August 22, 2016, 02:07:23 AM
The House We Gew Up In, by Lisa Jewell.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on August 29, 2016, 01:14:50 PM
The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 29, 2016, 11:04:00 PM
Finished The Waste Lands by Stephen King. Excellent book. Not as good as the previous one but definitely better than the first.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 30, 2016, 12:22:46 AM
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms by George R.R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 30, 2016, 12:53:59 AM
Finished The Waste Lands by Stephen King. Excellent book. Not as good as the previous one but definitely better than the first.

I had a hard time with this one as well, but you are in for a treat with Wizard and Glass.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on August 30, 2016, 05:11:51 AM
The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger.

One of my favorite books. I read it once a year. It only takes a day or so.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 30, 2016, 07:47:10 AM
The Hand of Oberon by Roger Zelazny
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 30, 2016, 07:49:55 AM
Finished The Waste Lands by Stephen King. Excellent book. Not as good as the previous one but definitely better than the first.

I had a hard time with this one as well, but you are in for a treat with Wizard and Glass.
It took me some time because college, but it was very solid imo.

That scene after drawing Jake, where Roland promises not to let him fall again... man, gave me chills.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 04, 2016, 06:05:38 AM
The Magus by John Fowles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on September 04, 2016, 06:11:51 AM
Close To The Edge: The Story Of Yes by Chris Welch.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on September 05, 2016, 05:37:56 AM
Close To The Edge: The Story Of Yes by Chris Welch.

I hope his surname isn't indicative of what he says about them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 05, 2016, 06:29:30 AM
Close To The Edge: The Story Of Yes by Chris Welch.

I've read this not so long ago. Really entertaining read with the focus on the classic yes era. But I would have wished a little bit more insight about the creation of Yes' musical masterpieces. Welsh writes more about the people involved and the tours.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 06, 2016, 07:12:58 AM
Love Wins by Rob Bell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: mikeyd23 on September 06, 2016, 08:13:01 AM
Love Wins by Rob Bell

Very controversial book in Christian circles when it was released. I'd be curious to hear your opinion of it when you finish it up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 06, 2016, 08:49:03 AM
Love Wins by Rob Bell

Very controversial book in Christian circles when it was released. I'd be curious to hear your opinion of it when you finish it up.
Oh, it's a re-read.  I read it when it was first published.

I loved it.  Just doing a re-read before picking up a fresh book.  I do that a lot.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: mikeyd23 on September 06, 2016, 11:38:58 AM
I loved it.  Just doing a re-read before picking up a fresh book.  I do that a lot.

Oh okay, cool. I loved it as well. When it came out I was working at a Christian book store (chain store) that freaked and pulled it from their shelves. Seemed very over-reactionary to me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 06, 2016, 12:44:43 PM
Me too, but I am not surprised.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on September 06, 2016, 12:54:50 PM
Is it religious fiction?

I just finished a book called Heist Society by Ally Carter. It's more for young adults but it was still interesting. It was about a group of young con men/women attempting to pull off an art heist. I think it was written really well. It's a short read, only 200 pages, but I would recommend it if you like the topic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 06, 2016, 03:00:24 PM
Is it religious fiction?
No.  It's an alternative look at the Biblical teachings on heaven, hell, and the ultimate fate of everyone.  It is an honest look at the text, and it runs counter to the commonly held opinions on those doctrines from most Christians.  As a result, many Christians have had very bad things to say about the author.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on September 06, 2016, 07:09:50 PM
Is it religious fiction?
No.  It's an alternative look at the Biblical teachings on heaven, hell, and the ultimate fate of everyone.  It is an honest look at the text, and it runs counter to the commonly held opinions on those doctrines from most Christians.  As a result, many Christians have had very bad things to say about the author.

It sounds like something I would like.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: mikeyd23 on September 07, 2016, 06:35:53 AM
Is it religious fiction?
No.  It's an alternative look at the Biblical teachings on heaven, hell, and the ultimate fate of everyone.  It is an honest look at the text, and it runs counter to the commonly held opinions on those doctrines from most Christians.  As a result, many Christians have had very bad things to say about the author.

It sounds like something I would like.

Yeah, that's a pretty good summary Hef.

Prog, I'd definitely recommend giving the book a shot, it gives a different perspective on things.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 07, 2016, 08:03:48 AM
Is it religious fiction?
No.  It's an alternative look at the Biblical teachings on heaven, hell, and the ultimate fate of everyone.  It is an honest look at the text, and it runs counter to the commonly held opinions on those doctrines from most Christians.  As a result, many Christians have had very bad things to say about the author.

It sounds like something I would like.
I recommend it.  Especially for non-Christians or former Christians who find the common Christian teachings on hell unsatisfactory or offputting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 12, 2016, 08:25:04 PM
Ah, I'm in a reading slump. The Magus is the fourth book, almost in a row I gave up on. I almost made it halfway, but I just lost interest. Maybe I need to read some shorter books for a while and more genre (i.e. fantasy/scifi) to get my groove back.

With Star Trek's 50th anniversary, I decided to give at least one of the novels a go. I was looking through Goodreads and the general consensus is that Spock's World by Diane Duane is one of the best, so let's see how that goes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 13, 2016, 07:12:02 AM
Term Limits by Vince Flynn
Title: lol
Post by: Sacul on September 13, 2016, 08:25:45 AM
I also started with The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. Very good so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 15, 2016, 03:45:35 PM
The Fifty Year Mission: The First 25 Years by Edward Gross & Mark A. Altman
Title: Re: lol
Post by: Sacul on September 15, 2016, 06:35:05 PM
I also started with The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. Very good so far.
Finished it. Damn, that was depressing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on September 16, 2016, 02:13:34 AM
I'm reading 'The continouus Katherine Mortenhoe' by D.C. Compton. A SF-novel from 1974, in which the writer introduces the concept of 'real-life television'. It's set in the near future and people rarely die of a disease anymore, so the public has become emotionally numb. When someone is diagnosed to die, the television companies offer large contracts to follow the protagonist's final weeks/days.

Title: Goddamnit
Post by: Sacul on September 16, 2016, 07:15:17 AM
Rayuela (Hopscotch) by Julio Cortázar.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 16, 2016, 07:28:26 AM
The Fifty Year Mission: The First 25 Years by Edward Gross & Mark A. Altman
I want that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 18, 2016, 10:20:21 AM
as well you should
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 18, 2016, 01:44:40 PM
I finished A Game Of Thrones the other day. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would've. Now I want to check out the rest of the series and the TV show.

Right now Im in the middle of The Absolute Sandman Vol.1 By Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 22, 2016, 04:29:39 AM
Defending Jacob by William Landay
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on September 22, 2016, 04:48:45 AM
Nothing at the moment, I'm waiting for the upcoming biographies of Brian Wilson and Bruce Springsteen.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 22, 2016, 05:34:50 AM
American Gods by Neil Gaiman

and before that H.M.S. Ulysses by Alistair MacLean
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on September 22, 2016, 05:38:48 AM
Studying for different things:
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-u3J3mtTL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61GwotwRJUL.jpg)
(https://www.ciscopress.com/ShowCover.asp?isbn=1587205602)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on September 22, 2016, 09:31:10 AM
So bought The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo by Stieg Larsson from BookDepository, just to see if it arrived - with free worldwide shipping I was suspicious but it arrived today and looks great! Loved the movie so will probably tackle this one after Hopscotch.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 22, 2016, 09:40:50 AM
Haven't seen either of the film versions, but the novel (and its sequels) are pretty good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on September 22, 2016, 11:06:27 AM
Almost done with the second book in the Abarat series by Cliver Barker. Enjoying them so far. Hopefully he finishes the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 22, 2016, 11:40:28 AM
Haven't seen either of the film versions, but the novel (and its sequels) are pretty good.

Haven't seen the films either but the novels were really good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 23, 2016, 09:00:09 PM
It Happened On Broadway by Myrna Katz Frommer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 23, 2016, 09:06:25 PM
Haven't seen either of the film versions, but the novel (and its sequels) are pretty good.

I actually liked the two sequels better than the first! The first told a solid story with great characters, but I never really got invested in the "locked room mystery" part of the story. I cared about everything else but that. Nonetheless, a great trilogy!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 24, 2016, 04:07:02 PM
I've seen the original GDT and enjoyed it, never seen the remake, and agree on the books comment. Played With Fire is my favorite of the three. Is the 4th book worth reading?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on September 24, 2016, 11:28:53 PM
 Reading Cabal, by Clive Barker right now. Before that it was Choke, by Chuck Palahniuk.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on September 24, 2016, 11:35:10 PM
Michel Houellebecq - The Elementary Particles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on September 25, 2016, 01:33:34 AM
Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on September 25, 2016, 05:34:05 AM
Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
Amazing book.  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on September 25, 2016, 11:33:28 AM
Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
Amazing book.  :tup

Nice to see other Bukowski fans here.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on September 25, 2016, 11:48:27 AM
Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
Amazing book.  :tup

Nice to see other Bukowski fans here.
Post Office was his first (and only) I read. Ham on Rye seems more polished and less authentic but it is fun and hilarious. I literally lol-ed more than once while reading :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on September 25, 2016, 11:59:01 AM
Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
Amazing book.  :tup

Nice to see other Bukowski fans here.
Post Office was his first (and only) I read. Ham on Rye seems more polished and less authentic but it is fun and hilarious. I literally lol-ed more than once while reading :lol

Oh, absolutely. He's brilliant. Read Pulp and Women.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on September 25, 2016, 09:49:31 PM
All of his prose books are very similar. My favorite one is Post Office.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on September 25, 2016, 10:27:44 PM
They really are, but some of his other stuff is great, too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on September 26, 2016, 02:14:20 AM
Just finished: Words of Radiance - Brandon Sanderson

I really liked this - can't wait for the next book to be released.

Starting: The Scarecrow - Michael Connelly

I picked this up as something different. I don't think I've read any of his stuff before, so we'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on September 26, 2016, 04:39:00 AM
"The Scarecrow" is good, but it's not Connelly's best - I'm not a big fan of the whole "the reader knows who the killer is right from the start". I quite like his work when I'm in the mood for a good detective novel, but I vastly prefer his stories with Harry Bosch being the main guy. If you're interested in looking further into his work, then I'd recommend "Angels Flight", "The Last Coyote", "The Concrete Blond" and "Blood Work".
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on September 26, 2016, 04:44:23 AM
"The Scarecrow" is good, but it's not Connelly's best - I'm not a big fan of the whole "the reader knows who the killer is right from the start". I quite like his work when I'm in the mood for a good detective novel, but I vastly prefer his stories with Harry Bosch being the main guy. If you're interested in looking further into his work, then I'd recommend "Angels Flight", "The Last Coyote", "The Concrete Blond" and "Blood Work".

Thank you sir!  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 26, 2016, 10:02:30 AM
The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages by Harold Bloom
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 26, 2016, 02:00:09 PM
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence. Really liking it so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 03, 2016, 09:20:05 AM
Damnation Alley by Roger Zelazny.  Old book, just started it, seems vaguely Mad Max-ish thus far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on October 03, 2016, 12:47:43 PM
Read the entirety of Stephen King's Dolores Claiborne today. It was very different to my previous exposure to King (which consisted of Cell and the Dark Tower series), but it was a very good book all the same. I should check out more of his stuff, I always seem to end up liking it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on October 03, 2016, 03:39:57 PM
Read the entirety of Stephen King's Dolores Claiborne today. It was very different to my previous exposure to King (which consisted of Cell and the Dark Tower series), but it was a very good book all the same. I should check out more of his stuff, I always seem to end up liking it.

Do yourself a favor and get The Stand and/or It.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 04, 2016, 08:14:25 AM
Read the entirety of Stephen King's Dolores Claiborne today. It was very different to my previous exposure to King (which consisted of Cell and the Dark Tower series), but it was a very good book all the same. I should check out more of his stuff, I always seem to end up liking it.

Do yourself a favor and get The Stand and/or It.
Yeah, but only one at a time.  They are really heavy, don't hurt yourself trying to pick up both.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 04, 2016, 09:07:00 AM
I haven't read IT but I do fully recommend The Stand.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on October 04, 2016, 12:08:47 PM
The Stand is probably next on my list, then. My dad has reward it asks her says that all the characters are one-dimensional so I've kinda been avoiding it, but decent years have seen his and my opinions on books diverge pretty strongly, so I'll still check it out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 04, 2016, 01:15:46 PM
I've been my in Stephen King mood lately, finished The Dead Zone recently and rather enjoyed it. My friend also recommended me The Shining and The Stand, I guess I know what I will be reading next.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on October 04, 2016, 02:59:53 PM
I loved King's Insomnia. I bought It this summer but didn't start to read It yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 04, 2016, 05:19:38 PM
The Martian, Andy Weir.

My dad has reward it asks her says that all the characters are one-dimensional so I've kinda been avoiding it....

That is the last thing I would think to criticize The Stand about. 

Dolores Claiborne is definitely off the beaten King path a bit, but just goes to illustrate how talented and diverse he is.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 05, 2016, 12:50:57 PM
I guess I know what I will be reading next.
The Dark Tower :P

I'm midway through book 4 and so far I'm really digging this series. It's like a fucked-up yet perfect collision of dark fantasy and sci-fi that reads as neither both.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 05, 2016, 01:15:11 PM
I guess I know what I will be reading next.
The Dark Tower :P

Nope, I'm not diving into the series by Stephen King. The Dead Zone wasn't enough to convince me to do it. I want to do another standalone book, and I'm going for The Stand. If it's good, maybe I'll go for The Dark Tower series then.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 05, 2016, 01:39:35 PM
The Dark Tower is shorter

lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on October 05, 2016, 01:48:45 PM
Jesus, I just read my last post and I have to say that my phone's autocorrect definitely fucked that one up. Thank you guys for understanding it anyway. :heart
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 05, 2016, 01:49:50 PM
Jesus, I just read my last post and I have to say that my phones autocorrect definitely fucked that one up. Take you guys for understanding it anyway. :heart

Take yourself
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scorpion on October 05, 2016, 01:51:54 PM
I have no idea what you're talking about, that's definitely not anything that I posted and then quickly edited out, no sir.  :angel:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on October 05, 2016, 01:52:16 PM
Been so long since I read a Stephen King book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 05, 2016, 01:53:32 PM
I want to read On Writing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 05, 2016, 03:29:28 PM
I want to read On Writing.
It's fantastic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on October 05, 2016, 10:35:38 PM
The Stand is probably next on my list, then. My dad has reward it asks her says that all the characters are one-dimensional so I've kinda been avoiding it, but decent years have seen his and my opinions on books diverge pretty strongly, so I'll still check it out.

For what it's worth, Stephen King's It is one of my favorite books ever. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 06, 2016, 05:19:20 AM
I want to read On Writing.
It's fantastic.

I'll just have a to add it to the ever-growing list.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on October 06, 2016, 09:17:20 AM
Michel Houellebecq - The Map And The Territory
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 07, 2016, 05:35:08 PM
Haven't updated in a while. After Prince, I went into King of Thorns. Not as good as the first book, but still enjoyable. Then I finished the latest Johannes Cabal book by Jonathan Howard. Now reading Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 07, 2016, 08:49:49 PM
Haven't updated in a while. After Prince, I went into King of Thorns. Not as good as the first book, but still enjoyable. Then I finished the latest Johannes Cabal book by Jonathan Howard. Now reading Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons

Ooooo, I love that book! Although it's been years since I read it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on October 08, 2016, 01:55:11 AM
A Drink Before the War by Dennis Lehane. I liked his style very much, one of the best thrillers I read. Also, action scenes are described better than in any other book I know.
Now reading Darkness, Take My Hand by the same author.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 12, 2016, 12:08:45 PM
The Twenty Year Death by Ariel S. Winter
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 12, 2016, 01:18:49 PM
Barring the middle initial, I thought it was the girl from Modern Family.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 12, 2016, 03:03:11 PM
I think her middle initial is B
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 13, 2016, 05:14:52 AM
I Googled her.  :zydar:  Her mother's maiden name begins with a B. I'm not sure if you knew this, but she's the younger sister of the kid who play Pugsley in the Addams Family movies. It's funny, if you put a photo of them together, they really do have the same face...almost.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on October 16, 2016, 03:02:50 AM
I finished Bruce Springsteen's autobiography last night, and I started with Brian Wilson's this morning (the musician/genius, not the baseball player).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on October 17, 2016, 05:21:08 AM
Finished The Scarecrow by Michael Connolly. It was ok, pretty standard detective story fare.

Next up: The Lord Of The Rings. I've read this a number of times, but the last time was before the movies came out. Now, with the memory of the movies fading out a little, it will be interesting to revisit it again.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on October 18, 2016, 08:16:47 PM
Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on October 19, 2016, 12:22:02 PM
Just finished Pedro Martinez' book, and it sucked!

Just started Nathaniel Philbrick's Bunker Hill.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 19, 2016, 02:46:04 PM
I guess I know what I will be reading next.
The Dark Tower :P

I'm midway through book 4 and so far I'm really digging this series. It's like a fucked-up yet perfect collision of dark fantasy and sci-fi that reads as neither both.

I liked Gunslinger, but I'm having trouble getting into Drawing of the Three. Do they get better? Or is this series like Hitchhiker's Guide, where the books steadily get worse until the end? If Gunslinger was the peak of the series, then I'll just quite while I'm ahead lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 19, 2016, 03:42:25 PM
I'm on book 4 and The Gunslinger still feels like the weakest book so far to me. Drawing of the Three is my favorite :P
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 19, 2016, 03:48:21 PM
I'm on book 4 and The Gunslinger still feels like the weakest book so far to me. Drawing of the Three is my favorite :P

Really? Hmm, I'm about half way through and I don't find it quite as compelling as the first. Well, I'm never one to discount the opinions of complete strangers, so I suppose I'll stick with it to the end  ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 19, 2016, 05:22:31 PM
Are you reading the original or the revised editions?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 19, 2016, 08:39:56 PM
Are you reading the original or the revised editions?

There are revised editions?

Juts think of The Gunslinger as a backdrop to the larger tale that unfolds. The Drawing assembles the three main characters. The rest is the story of their journey.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 20, 2016, 12:45:38 AM
Yeah,  they're the revised versions.  It's all they carry at the bookstore near my office.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 20, 2016, 04:29:53 AM
Yeah, they revised the books to include stuff about a certain number so that theme was prevalent throughout the series
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 20, 2016, 05:17:46 AM
Just finished Pedro Martinez' book, and it sucked!


Did you have any inclination that it might actually be interesting?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on October 20, 2016, 05:28:02 AM
Just finished Pedro Martinez' book, and it sucked!


Did you have any inclination that it might actually be interesting?

No I didn't, but I had heard it was actually pretty good. I never had any intention of reading it, but it was recommended. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 20, 2016, 07:30:12 AM
The Revelation Code by Andy McDermott
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 20, 2016, 07:42:08 AM
Just finished Pedro Martinez' book, and it sucked!


Did you have any inclination that it might actually be interesting?

No I didn't, but I had heard it was actually pretty good. I never had any intention of reading it, but it was recommended.

I can't picture Pedro as someone having an intriguing career, at least not enough to fill a book. David Ortiz on the other hand. He's a much more colorful and controversial character.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 20, 2016, 08:17:53 AM
Yeah, they revised the books to include stuff about a certain number so that theme was prevalent throughout the series

I read that King planned to rewrite or revise all the books to fix continuity errors, and also to write himself out of the later books (whatever the hell that means). I guess he gave up on that after revising a few of them though, and decided they didn't need fixing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 21, 2016, 02:43:35 PM
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on October 21, 2016, 03:34:43 PM
Just finished Pedro Martinez' book, and it sucked!


Did you have any inclination that it might actually be interesting?

No I didn't, but I had heard it was actually pretty good. I never had any intention of reading it, but it was recommended.

I can't picture Pedro as someone having an intriguing career, at least not enough to fill a book. David Ortiz on the other hand. He's a much more colorful and controversial character.

When I read a sports book like this, to me the most interesting parts are the minor league tales. Like I said, I never would've read it, but I had actually heard good things about it. Personally I'm not a huge Ortiz fan, and would definitely not have any interest in reading that either.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 24, 2016, 01:37:02 PM
Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 26, 2016, 01:59:53 PM
Popular Economics by John Tamny
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 26, 2016, 02:07:32 PM
I'm on book 4 and The Gunslinger still feels like the weakest book so far to me. Drawing of the Three is my favorite :P

Just finished with Drawing of the Three. Definitely got better and better towards the end. Better than Gunslinger, in my opinion, but not by a large margin.



Juts think of The Gunslinger as a backdrop to the larger tale that unfolds. The Drawing assembles the three main characters. The rest is the story of their journey.

Thanks, Chris! That actually really helped put the series into perspective.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 26, 2016, 07:23:34 PM
So, Night Vale was a bit too bizarre for my taste, so instead I'm going to give All The Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on October 27, 2016, 06:32:12 AM
Just finished the third Abarat book which completes by reading of Clive Barker. Next I'm on to The Strain series. I'm not sure what I'm going to read after that. Either going to re-read the dark tower or jump into Michael Crichton.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 27, 2016, 08:30:41 AM
Re-reading another of Lee Child's Jack Reacher books while I wait for the 3rd Dark Tower to show up in the mail. This time it's Gone Tomorrow. These books are like crack to me. They're not life changing novels, but they're basically all page turners if you like the mystery action genre.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 27, 2016, 12:49:13 PM
Re-reading another of Lee Child's Jack Reacher books while I wait for the 3rd Dark Tower to show up in the mail. This time it's Gone Tomorrow. These books are like crack to me. They're not life changing novels, but they're basically all page turners if you like the mystery action genre.
I LOVE the Reacher novels.  In fact, next month I may get the chance to see Mr. Child at a local appearance.

An Unsettling God: The Heart of the Hebrew Bible by Walter Brueggemann
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 27, 2016, 01:16:35 PM
Re-reading another of Lee Child's Jack Reacher books while I wait for the 3rd Dark Tower to show up in the mail. This time it's Gone Tomorrow. These books are like crack to me. They're not life changing novels, but they're basically all page turners if you like the mystery action genre.
I LOVE the Reacher novels.  In fact, next month I may get the chance to see Mr. Child at a local appearance.

An Unsettling God: The Heart of the Hebrew Bible by Walter Brueggemann

Nice! That would be a cool experience. He had another cameo in the most recent Jack Reacher movie. Even had a line in this one!

Right now I'm a little more than halfway through the 2nd read of all his novels haha. I'm looking forward to the new one next month.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 27, 2016, 05:30:33 PM
Reacher novels are great! On the one hand, he has a formula, and you know what you are going to get. But on the other, each story is unique, which makes for a unique reading experience each time. They are definitely page-turners. I just realized I don't know anything about Lee Child the person, I've never seen or read about him giving an interview. Hope you get to meet him Hef.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 28, 2016, 05:31:01 PM
Will stop everything I'm doing and devour my copy of The Secret History of Twin Peaks, by Mark Frost. Should be an interesting weekend  :corn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 29, 2016, 11:25:24 PM
Will stop everything I'm doing and devour my copy of The Secret History of Twin Peaks, by Mark Frost. Should be an interesting weekend  :corn

Curious how you feel about this. I have read reviews that are all over the place.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 29, 2016, 11:48:22 PM
On page 84 and this is very, very interesting so far. The first 50 pages are kinda hard to get through because they're vaguely related to the series and more focused on other historical aspects, but now it's getting into some intriguing territories. It's a very ambitious project, this one, and a beautiful book. So yeah, digging it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 30, 2016, 12:02:08 PM
Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on October 31, 2016, 06:09:09 AM
The Blood Mirror by Brent Weeks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 01, 2016, 01:43:53 PM
Getting some non-fiction November on, starting with The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H.W. Brands
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on November 03, 2016, 08:59:02 AM
Most of the way done with Doctor Sleep, very much enjoying it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 07, 2016, 02:57:40 PM
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 07, 2016, 03:02:51 PM
Started into the 3rd Dark Tower book: The Wastelands
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 07, 2016, 03:08:45 PM
On page 84 and this is very, very interesting so far. The first 50 pages are kinda hard to get through because they're vaguely related to the series and more focused on other historical aspects, but now it's getting into some intriguing territories. It's a very ambitious project, this one, and a beautiful book. So yeah, digging it so far.
Finished it yesterday - I can definitely see why this has upset so many people since half the book is almost x-files fanfiction. However, it's not just "aliens", it points at things deeper, out of our grasp, that are more than UFOs but something almost akin to Lovecraft's mistery of the unknown. There are some very interesting sections on backstory of some of Twin Peaks characters, but also some weird inconsistencies - yet according to Mark, it might be a clue or done in purpose. I'd love to see how this ties up with the new season. But yeah, I'd recommend this book only to very dedicated fans tbh.

Started into the 3rd Dark Tower book: The Wastelands
Great one  :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 07, 2016, 03:28:33 PM
TP stuff

That's what I've read, and while I vividly remember watching the show when it originally aired and getting all caught up in it, I watched it through recently and while the nostalgia kick was massive, I don't have any interest in the TP world now, and that extends to the new run of episodes they are making.

Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: NotePad on November 08, 2016, 09:47:22 AM
Wait, are there UFOs and aliens in Twin Peaks? I haven't watch that show, yet.

Recently finished the fourth Dark Tower novel. I liked it more than Book 3. But I don't think anything will top the second book, The Drawing of 3. I hope the series picks up and gets me super excited again like I was with the second book.

Right now I'm reading The Night Church by Whitley Strieber. Very, very underrated author.
Title: mmnn
Post by: Sacul on November 08, 2016, 01:15:54 PM
Not exactly, more like spirits or just weird supernatural stuff, but the books hints at another possible explanation.

Also, close to finishing that Dark Tower book, and gotta agree with you, The Drawing of Three was amazing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on November 09, 2016, 04:24:49 AM
Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson.

It's great - I read it a couple of years ago and found it surprisingly easy to read.

Nice to get another classic in the bag.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: orcus116 on November 12, 2016, 09:20:12 PM
Just started Truman. Heard really good things about it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on November 12, 2016, 09:48:00 PM
Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson.

It's great - I read it a couple of years ago and found it surprisingly easy to read.

Nice to get another classic in the bag.

I read it years ago. Then picked it up last year to read it again. I liked it, but didn't love it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 16, 2016, 04:56:16 AM
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 16, 2016, 05:57:11 AM
The Johnny Maxwell trilogy by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on November 16, 2016, 07:26:43 AM
Almost done with the first book of the strain trilogy. Love the show and so far the book is great too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 18, 2016, 08:31:56 PM
Mystic River, by Dennis Lehane. Before that it was Lehane's debut novel, A Drink Before the War. Before that it was Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 18, 2016, 08:55:15 PM
I read it years ago. Then picked it up last year to read it again. I liked it, but didn't love it.

That is the way I am feeling. Almost done, then The Bourne Identity which I read many moons ago, I hardly remember anything.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 18, 2016, 11:12:52 PM
Picked up Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass today. I should wrap up Waste Lands this weekend,  so i wanted to be ready with the next one.  I'm absolutely hooked on this series now, and the books keep getting better and better.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 19, 2016, 04:04:57 PM
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 19, 2016, 04:18:30 PM
Picked up Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass today. I should wrap up Waste Lands this weekend,  so i wanted to be ready with the next one.  I'm absolutely hooked on this series now, and the books keep getting better and better.
That's good to hear! I'm almost finishing book four - be patient with this one, pace is definitely slower than the previous books. But it's pretty great so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 19, 2016, 06:08:44 PM
Picked up Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass today. I should wrap up Waste Lands this weekend,  so i wanted to be ready with the next one.  I'm absolutely hooked on this series now, and the books keep getting better and better.
That's good to hear! I'm almost finishing book four - be patient with this one, pace is definitely slower than the previous books. But it's pretty great so far.

Yeah it's pretty damn long.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on November 19, 2016, 07:57:28 PM
I read it years ago. Then picked it up last year to read it again. I liked it, but didn't love it.

That is the way I am feeling. Almost done, then The Bourne Identity which I read many moons ago, I hardly remember anything.

That's a series I keep saying I'm going to get into.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 19, 2016, 08:08:05 PM
Wizard and Glass Very few books have enraptured me as much as W&G did. It's not the best King book or even my favorite, but I was so wrapped up in the story, I felt like I was along with Roland the whole way. I didn't want it to end.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 20, 2016, 06:09:03 AM
Assholes: A Theory by Aaron James
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 20, 2016, 10:45:42 AM
I just finished The Secret History of Twin Peaks by Mark Frost
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 20, 2016, 11:41:26 AM
Thoughts?
Title: owo
Post by: Sacul on November 20, 2016, 11:44:49 AM
Thoughts?

Title: Re: owo
Post by: Prog Snob on November 20, 2016, 12:38:01 PM
Thoughts?

Thought, Part 2?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on November 20, 2016, 02:06:17 PM
I'd like to read that as well. Only thing I read (listened) other than seeing tv show was that audio book "Diane...". It's pretty cool, partly taken from the show, partly recorded just for the audio book.   
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 20, 2016, 03:01:01 PM
I listened to that audio book as well. It was a neat idea, and seemed like they could have expanded it more.

TP fans should also read the Autobiography of Dale Cooper, My Life, My Tapes. It meanders a bit when he gets to the point in his life when he meets Windom Earle and Caroline, but overall a fun read with some interesting backstory on Dale's life.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 20, 2016, 11:03:21 PM
Its really interesting. Its format is basically a dossier filled with documents, newspaper clippings, book excerpts, ect along with notes from the mysterious Archivist who put it together.  It doesn't focus on the main characters of the show as much as I was expecting, but when it does it goes into good detail about some of their backgrounds and Its nice to see what their lives were before where the show begins. Most of the books info stops shortly after where the show left it so most of the cliffhangers are still unresolved for the the new series to dig into. One of them was resolved though I wont say which one for those interested in it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 21, 2016, 02:17:07 PM
Started on a new book that came out last month called Only The Dead Know Burbank by Bradford Tatum. From what I'm gathering, it's about a German girl who gets turned to a vampire at the dawn of the 20th century, moves to Hollywood and has some dealings with creating the Universal monster flicks of the 20's and 30's
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 21, 2016, 03:32:41 PM
Its really interesting. Its format is basically a dossier filled with documents, newspaper clippings, book excerpts, ect along with notes from the mysterious Archivist who put it together.  It doesn't focus on the main characters of the show as much as I was expecting, but when it does it goes into good detail about some of their backgrounds and Its nice to see what their lives were before where the show begins. Most of the books info stops shortly after where the show left it so most of the cliffhangers are still unresolved for the the new series to dig into. One of them was resolved though I wont say which one for those interested in it.
According to some fan theories and Mark Frost's recent Q&A, seems like the dossier was modified by someone - that could explain some consistency errors.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 21, 2016, 04:48:45 PM
Its really interesting. Its format is basically a dossier filled with documents, newspaper clippings, book excerpts, ect along with notes from the mysterious Archivist who put it together.  It doesn't focus on the main characters of the show as much as I was expecting, but when it does it goes into good detail about some of their backgrounds and Its nice to see what their lives were before where the show begins. Most of the books info stops shortly after where the show left it so most of the cliffhangers are still unresolved for the the new series to dig into. One of them was resolved though I wont say which one for those interested in it.
According to some fan theories and Mark Frost's recent Q&A, seems like the dossier was modified by someone - that could explain some consistency errors.

I wouldn't be surprised. Is anything really what it seems at first glance in Twin Peaks lol.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 21, 2016, 05:12:57 PM
Definitely not the owls ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on November 25, 2016, 12:01:41 AM
Herman Hesse - Siddharta
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 25, 2016, 10:22:19 AM
Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on November 27, 2016, 01:41:59 AM
Herman Hesse - Steppenwolf
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on November 27, 2016, 03:48:40 AM
Herman Hesse - Steppenwolf
My favorite book ever :metal I should reread it soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 29, 2016, 07:49:57 PM
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on November 29, 2016, 08:08:37 PM
Scar of an angel by Vanden Plas
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 03, 2016, 09:14:19 AM
Now reading Catalyst by James Luceno. Getting ready for Rogue One
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on December 03, 2016, 09:46:22 AM
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. Well written and brutal.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 03, 2016, 08:10:58 PM
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. Well written and brutal.

That's a great book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 04, 2016, 09:32:55 PM
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. Well written and brutal.

Read it in 1st year English class at uni. One of the toughest books I've ever read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 05, 2016, 04:14:11 PM
Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on December 05, 2016, 04:30:43 PM
Herman Hesse - Demian
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 05, 2016, 08:19:21 PM
Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice

I'm so behind on The Vampire Chronicles. How is this so far?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 06, 2016, 03:05:13 AM
Only read the first chapter so far. You really need to read the last book though, Prince Lestat. It was really good!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 06, 2016, 04:16:08 AM
I'll have to catch up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 06, 2016, 08:07:58 AM
Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice

I'm so behind on The Vampire Chronicles. How is this so far?

I read Prince Lestat last year, mostly just to complete the series, and honestly I thought it was the worst book Rice has ever written.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 06, 2016, 08:28:06 PM
Well, that doesn't sound promising. :lol Do you think she is just milking it at this point?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Serah Farron on December 06, 2016, 09:47:14 PM
"A Game of Thrones" - George R. R. Martin

Had my doubts about this book the first time, but once I picked it up...I couldn't stop reading it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 06, 2016, 10:08:08 PM
I'll just echo what I said in the other thread. Brilliant books. Martin is one of my Top 5 writers.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 07, 2016, 08:16:27 AM
Well, that doesn't sound promising. :lol Do you think she is just milking it at this point?

Maybe. I just thought the plot was poorly conceived, and Lestat's character was way over the top (even for him). It had a completely different feel than the rest of the chronicles.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on December 07, 2016, 11:09:39 AM
Herman Hesse - Underneath the Wheels
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 08, 2016, 01:14:44 PM
Started reading Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson.

On an unrelated note, Sacul / ShadowNinja, have you guys seen this (https://store.brandonsanderson.com/mistborn-leather-bound-book/)? I'm thinking of getting myself a Christmas / New Year present after my payday.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 08, 2016, 01:20:51 PM
Holy shit, that's a thing of beauty. Probably a bit too expensive tho. Hope you can get it Ev  :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 08, 2016, 01:26:20 PM
If it's not sold out after December 15th, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to resist ordering this. I agree it's a bit too expensive (and shipping to Russia is another $36, I checked), but damn, I want to get it so much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: cramx3 on December 08, 2016, 01:43:41 PM
I purchased Girl on the Train for my vacation next week.  I haven't really read much at all lately.  It'll be nice to kick back and read a bit on the beach and relax.  I bought the book based on an amazon recommendation since I liked Gillian Flynn books like Gone Girl.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 08, 2016, 01:51:17 PM
I was disappointed with the new Anne Rice. Would not reccomend

Anyway, now reading The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 12, 2016, 05:47:24 PM
Everybody's Fool by Richard Russo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on December 12, 2016, 05:58:14 PM
Started reading Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson.

On an unrelated note, Sacul / ShadowNinja, have you guys seen this (https://store.brandonsanderson.com/mistborn-leather-bound-book/)? I'm thinking of getting myself a Christmas / New Year present after my payday.

I have; it's gorgeous. I can't justify spending $100 on a book I already own, though, so tragically I will not be purchasing it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 12, 2016, 06:20:29 PM
I think it includes the trilogy in a single book tho?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on December 12, 2016, 07:04:59 PM
Oh, does it? I didn't realize that. But still, I have all three. And I could buy 8-10 different new books for that amount of money.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 13, 2016, 08:17:19 AM
Finally finished up with Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass. My favorite so far in the series.

Going to take a break from the series and read something a little light and Christmas-ey. Started in on Christopher Moore's The Stupidest Angel this morning. He's among my favorite authors, and does a great job with his comedies. If you've never read one of his books, consider checking out Dirty Job or Lamb. Although the latter book is likely not suitable for the overly religious person. Nothing offensive, but it definitely pokes fun in and around the Jesus stories.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 13, 2016, 10:09:48 AM
Oh, does it? I didn't realize that. But still, I have all three. And I could buy 8-10 different new books for that amount of money.

It actually doesn't. It's only The Final Empire.

And the amount of books you can get for $100 is impressive. The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance hardcovers cost me about $30 each with shipping, so it's really not too much money for me, especially since I don't own a physical copy of The Final Empire yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 13, 2016, 11:29:02 AM
Oh, does it? I didn't realize that. But still, I have all three. And I could buy 8-10 different new books for that amount of money.

It actually doesn't. It's only The Final Empire.

And the amount of books you can get for $100 is impressive. The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance hardcovers cost me about $30 each with shipping, so it's really not too much money for me, especially since I don't own a physical The Final Empire yet.
My bad  :P

Well, you can always get this one (https://www.uk-bookworm.co.uk/shop_image/product/011116_394c38e4f797cd78a0dc9ff09a819554.jpg) instead, which is far cheaper (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1473216818/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=).

Finally finished up with Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass. My favorite so far in the series.
Still haven't finished it (I'm just slow as of late), but it's probably my second fav so far, it's just wonderful.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 13, 2016, 11:44:08 AM
Oh, does it? I didn't realize that. But still, I have all three. And I could buy 8-10 different new books for that amount of money.

It actually doesn't. It's only The Final Empire.

And the amount of books you can get for $100 is impressive. The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance hardcovers cost me about $30 each with shipping, so it's really not too much money for me, especially since I don't own a physical The Final Empire yet.
My bad  :P

Well, you can always get this one (https://www.uk-bookworm.co.uk/shop_image/product/011116_394c38e4f797cd78a0dc9ff09a819554.jpg) instead, which is far cheaper (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1473216818/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=).

Wow, I wasn't aware of this one. Will they also release the other two books?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on December 13, 2016, 11:45:10 AM
Germany's Aims in the First World War, written in 1961 or so by a historian named Fritz Fischer.  The general thesis is that the war wasn't simply an ignition of tensions in Europe at the time, which had been simplified to be a powder keg which was lit by the assassination of Franz Ferdinand (as I remember being taught in school).  It was a much longer development resulting from decades of deliberate imperialist aspirations by the ruling classes of Germany dating back to the 1880s and earlier.  I am only restating some of reviewers' summaries because its such a dense book with many names and events that I haven't heard of and can't quite keep track of.  I picked it up because it has been seen as a huge turning point in Germany's understanding of WWII (which is not the topic of the book), since before it was written, it was felt in Germany that Hitler was some aberration who took advantage of rare circumstances to seize power and wield it the way he did.  This book lays the argument that Hitler was almost an inevitable result of the previous half century or more of German policy.

Having dipped my toe in WWI history, I came across a recommendation to read All Quiet on the Western Front.  I just started, but was already moved by the narrators description of a 19 year old soldier dying in a hospital bed.

Quote
An hour passes. I sit tensely and watch his every movement in case he may perhaps say something. What if he were to open his mouth and cry out! But he only weeps, his head turned aside. He does not speak of his mother or his brothers and sisters. He says nothing; all that lies behind him; he is entirely alone now with his little life of nineteen years, and cries because it leaves him. This is the most disturbing and hardest parting that I ever have seen, although it was pretty bad too with Tiedjen, who called for his mother--a big bear of a fellow who, with wild eyes full of terror, held off the doctor from his bed with a dagger until he collapsed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 13, 2016, 12:05:29 PM
Wow, I wasn't aware of this one. Will they also release the other two books?
I have no clue, probably not, since other series in that "anniversary" edition have only had their first book published that way, like The Lies of Lock Lamora, The Blade Itself, or Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 15, 2016, 10:23:53 AM
Made quick work of The Stupidest Angel.

Back on the Dark Tower series now, so I just picked up Wolves of the Calla! I'm really liking the cover art on the revised editions that I'm reading, too. They'll look might nice on my book shelf once I finish them all  :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 16, 2016, 01:25:15 PM
Spent four hours yesterday reading A Monster Calls. Quite a gut wrenching story. Don't know if I'll see the movie, although I imagine it will be similar to Pan's Labyrinth in a way. Now, currently reading The Nix by Nathan Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 18, 2016, 10:20:47 AM
It turns out I wasn't able to order that Mistborn leatherbound edition, it's sold out right now in Brandon's store and other bookshops don't ship to Russia, so I guess that's it. Oh well, I guess I saved money on this one. Will probably order a hardcover from Sacul's link then, why the hell not. Still, I'm rather disappointed.

Getting to the end of Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. I'm really unimpressed so far, the novel took a long time to get going, and it's pretty difficult to get into. The things are finally heating up, and I will finish the book for sure, but I doubt I'll keep reading through the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on December 18, 2016, 04:48:17 PM
The Language of God by Francis S. Collins

Dr. Collins was the head of the Human Genome Project, and at one point an atheist. This book truly does compel one to consider the belief in a higher power, regardless of what you may call it or how you praise it. The doctor believes faith in God and faith in science can coexist without creating an internal struggle.

Hef, I think you would really like this one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 19, 2016, 12:05:44 AM
To get into the spirit of the season I just started to reread for the first time since it's release 20 years ago:

Hogfather - Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on December 19, 2016, 06:25:51 AM
Hey everyone! I need some suggestions on an author or series to tackle next. I've spent the last 7-8 years reading everything by King and Barker. I'm just starting the final book of the strain trilogy and I have no idea where to go next. I've been thinking about diving into Michael Crichton or maybe re-reading Lord of the Rings or The Dark Tower.

I primarily enjoy horror/sci-fi/fantasy. Any authors or series that I should check out?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 19, 2016, 08:21:11 AM
Hey everyone! I need some suggestions on an author or series to tackle next. I've spent the last 7-8 years reading everything by King and Barker. I'm just starting the final book of the strain trilogy and I have no idea where to go next. I've been thinking about diving into Michael Crichton or maybe re-reading Lord of the Rings or The Dark Tower.

I primarily enjoy horror/sci-fi/fantasy. Any authors or series that I should check out?

Thanks in advance.

My vote is definitely  reread The Dark Tower. I'm on book 5 on my first read through, and I'm loving this series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 20, 2016, 01:11:22 PM
Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on December 20, 2016, 10:09:21 PM
Hey everyone! I need some suggestions on an author or series to tackle next. I've spent the last 7-8 years reading everything by King and Barker. I'm just starting the final book of the strain trilogy and I have no idea where to go next. I've been thinking about diving into Michael Crichton or maybe re-reading Lord of the Rings or The Dark Tower.

I primarily enjoy horror/sci-fi/fantasy. Any authors or series that I should check out?

Thanks in advance.

I generally lean more toward reading a single book here and there rather than focusing on an author or series, so if you're looking to someone to really dive into, I may not be much help.  But I do read primarily horror, so I thought I's throw a few suggestions out.

First of all, Peter Straub.  You may have read him before, but if not, you should at least check out Ghost Story.  King thinks very highly of him as well, and for very good reason

Another author that managed to catch King's attention is Nick Cutter.  This guy only has a couple of books under his belt so far, but they are pretty awesome.  I particularly love The Deep - the plot is a little bit thin, but it is stuffed full of disturbing imagery, and it made me genuinely uncomfortable.

Speaking of genuinely uncomfortable, definitely read The Visible Filth, by Nathan Ballingrud.  It's only a novella, but even so, it creeped me out as much as any book has in years.  It legitimately made me have trouble getting to sleep, which is something not many books can claim.  For bonus points, there's a little bit of crossover with the fantasy genre, as Ballingrud also wrote a wonderful short story collection called North American Lake Monsters. 

You might also check out Christopher Priest.  If you know him from anything, you probably know him as the author of The Prestige.  If you haven't read that, you should, because it's brilliant.  But even if you have, you might like The Islanders.  It's sort of an experimental short story collection novel thing.  Strictly speaking, it isn't horror, but it has some eerie themes running through it, and one of the stories is just plain freaky. 

Definitely look at Bird Box, by Josh Malerman.  It's his only novel so far, but it packs a hell of a punch.  It kind of takes some ideas from the Lovecraft playbook in that it explores supernatural madness and fear of the unknown, although it's much more modern in style.  There's a sense of dread in pretty much every sentence, and the tension just never lets up.

Christopher Golden is another one to consider.  In some ways, he reminds of Dean Koontz.  I honestly think he is a better storyteller than Koontz, but his stories feel like they are in the same vein of creepy.  I recommend Snowblind as a starting point. 

While I'm on the subject of Koontz...  Any interest?  I'm not a huge fan of his in general, but if you haven't read Watchers, I recommend giving it a try, as it's a surprisingly great book. 

If you haven't read any William Peter Blatty, do it.  You owe it to yourself to at least read The Exorcist.  Or, if you feel like you don't need to read the book after seeing the movie, check out Legion instead, because it's equally awesome. 

I also want to mention a book called I'm Thinking of Ending Things, by Iain Reid.  I'm not sure it will be up you alley - correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that your interests lean more toward the supernatural, whereas this one is more of a psychological thriller.  Still, I highly recommend at least taking a look.  It really does a great job capturing sort of a nightmare feeling, where you're reading what seems almost to be a boring story except that everything feels wrong and you're never sure why.  It really got in my head.

Just a few thoughts!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 21, 2016, 12:06:16 AM
I would suggest A Game of Thrones, and then the subsequent books if you find it a good read, which I imagine you would.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on December 21, 2016, 10:38:20 AM
Hey everyone! I need some suggestions on an author or series to tackle next. I've spent the last 7-8 years reading everything by King and Barker. I'm just starting the final book of the strain trilogy and I have no idea where to go next. I've been thinking about diving into Michael Crichton or maybe re-reading Lord of the Rings or The Dark Tower.

I primarily enjoy horror/sci-fi/fantasy. Any authors or series that I should check out?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks! I'm going to check out The Exorcist and Legion.

I generally lean more toward reading a single book here and there rather than focusing on an author or series, so if you're looking to someone to really dive into, I may not be much help.  But I do read primarily horror, so I thought I's throw a few suggestions out.

First of all, Peter Straub.  You may have read him before, but if not, you should at least check out Ghost Story.  King thinks very highly of him as well, and for very good reason

Another author that managed to catch King's attention is Nick Cutter.  This guy only has a couple of books under his belt so far, but they are pretty awesome.  I particularly love The Deep - the plot is a little bit thin, but it is stuffed full of disturbing imagery, and it made me genuinely uncomfortable.

Speaking of genuinely uncomfortable, definitely read The Visible Filth, by Nathan Ballingrud.  It's only a novella, but even so, it creeped me out as much as any book has in years.  It legitimately made me have trouble getting to sleep, which is something not many books can claim.  For bonus points, there's a little bit of crossover with the fantasy genre, as Ballingrud also wrote a wonderful short story collection called North American Lake Monsters. 

You might also check out Christopher Priest.  If you know him from anything, you probably know him as the author of The Prestige.  If you haven't read that, you should, because it's brilliant.  But even if you have, you might like The Islanders.  It's sort of an experimental short story collection novel thing.  Strictly speaking, it isn't horror, but it has some eerie themes running through it, and one of the stories is just plain freaky. 

Definitely look at Bird Box, by Josh Malerman.  It's his only novel so far, but it packs a hell of a punch.  It kind of takes some ideas from the Lovecraft playbook in that it explores supernatural madness and fear of the unknown, although it's much more modern in style.  There's a sense of dread in pretty much every sentence, and the tension just never lets up.

Christopher Golden is another one to consider.  In some ways, he reminds of Dean Koontz.  I honestly think he is a better storyteller than Koontz, but his stories feel like they are in the same vein of creepy.  I recommend Snowblind as a starting point. 

While I'm on the subject of Koontz...  Any interest?  I'm not a huge fan of his in general, but if you haven't read Watchers, I recommend giving it a try, as it's a surprisingly great book. 

If you haven't read any William Peter Blatty, do it.  You owe it to yourself to at least read The Exorcist.  Or, if you feel like you don't need to read the book after seeing the movie, check out Legion instead, because it's equally awesome. 

I also want to mention a book called I'm Thinking of Ending Things, by Iain Reid.  I'm not sure it will be up you alley - correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that your interests lean more toward the supernatural, whereas this one is more of a psychological thriller.  Still, I highly recommend at least taking a look.  It really does a great job capturing sort of a nightmare feeling, where you're reading what seems almost to be a boring story except that everything feels wrong and you're never sure why.  It really got in my head.

Just a few thoughts!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 26, 2016, 07:26:02 PM
Finished the fourth Dark Tower book, Wizard and Glass. Damn, that was excellent. Now I'll probably start the following one in the series, or maybe I'll jump into Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 29, 2016, 09:17:06 AM
Trying to squeeze in one more book for the year, and it's the sequel to one of my favorite reads of the year (might be my favorite): Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 01, 2017, 09:12:07 AM
The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 01, 2017, 09:15:41 AM
Finally started with A Song of Ice and Fire.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 01, 2017, 11:40:38 AM
The Passage Justin Cronin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 02, 2017, 03:58:05 PM
The Given Day by Dennis Lehane
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 05, 2017, 09:22:44 AM
Finished up with Dark Tower V: The Wolves of the Calla. Not quite as good as W&G, but awfully close. Going to pick up the sixth book today.
Title: Lel
Post by: Sacul on January 05, 2017, 10:29:41 AM
Goddamnit I haven't even started it :lol

Still halfway through Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, and it's good but goddamnit that first encounter was awkward af.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 05, 2017, 10:35:31 AM
My damn bookstore only had the small print version of Dark Tower 6, whereas the rest of my collection for the series is the large print version (better cover art, IMO). Now I'm at the mercy of Amazon's distribution centre
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: cramx3 on January 05, 2017, 02:51:56 PM
I recently read Live by Night.  Pretty cool mobster story, definitely interested in seeing the movie now
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 07, 2017, 07:39:20 PM
Uprooted by Naomi Novak
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 08, 2017, 02:51:22 PM
I finished Mucho Mojo by Joe R. Lansdale. I Think I've found 2 of my new favorite characters in Hap and Leonard.

Right now Im reading The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on January 08, 2017, 03:12:14 PM
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.

A girl at work lent it to me. We're both introverts, she's an INTP I believe and I'm an ISTJ, we're pretty similar personality wise, so it'll be nice to talk about it after I finish
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 08, 2017, 04:19:28 PM
That book is fucking brilliant.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on January 08, 2017, 05:43:42 PM
I'm really enjoying it so far. It's easy to read and incredibly interesting. I majored in Human Resources in college and we read so many books about personality, I'm sad that this wasn't part of the curriculum. I really like this book and obviously can relate to many parts of it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 09, 2017, 02:13:27 AM
I wouldn't say it's brilliant but it's pretty good.
BTW I'm IxxJ. Other two letters are around 50%. Last time I did the test I was ISFJ. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 09, 2017, 08:25:03 AM
I got that book from my MIL but haven't read it. I should add it to my queue. I am also ISTJ (if I recall correctly)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 11, 2017, 01:55:23 PM
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 13, 2017, 07:19:02 PM
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I saw the first movie before reading the book, then I proceeded to read the rest of the series, but I still hadn't read the first book. I am rectifying that. I'm sort of a completest that way
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 15, 2017, 01:15:04 PM
So, now I can finally say I have read the entire Harry Potter series, so here's how I would rank them:
1. Azkaban
2. Deathly Hallows
3. Prince
4. Phoenix
5. Goblet
6. Stone
7. Chamber

And now, time to take a break from YA and now reading Phantom by Susan Kay
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 15, 2017, 09:43:39 PM
Well I finished the final empire by Brandon Sanderson which I loved.

Then I read Casino Royale by Ian Fleming which I thought was ok.

Now I'm reading Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling by R.D. Reynolds
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 17, 2017, 02:26:52 PM
Finished up Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah. Lukewarm about this one. At this point, there's quite a few continuity errors and down right plot holes that are unresolved. King himself has admitted to the continuity issues, as well as his desire to change one particular plot element that I think is about as stupid as they come (no spoilers, but if you've read the books you probably know what I'm talking about). Now I wish he had rewritten the series.I'm sure it's difficult to keep track of a story as long and complex as the Dark Tower, but it's still disappointing for me.

Either way, I'm committed now so I'll start in on Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower when I get home from work tonight. Regardless of how King decided to end this series, it's still been a good read through the first 6 books. Worth the time investment if you're into epic quest-style westerns, with a splash of horror (much less horror than I was expecting though, which was a nice surprise).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 17, 2017, 03:52:36 PM
VI was a letdown for me as well, I hardly remember much from it, though it was years ago when I read it. VII definitely makes up for it and then some.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 17, 2017, 03:58:12 PM
VI was a letdown for me as well, I hardly remember much from it, though it was years ago when I read it. VII definitely makes up for it and then some.

Awesome  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 18, 2017, 09:04:10 AM
Yeah Parts 1 and 6 are my least favorite books in the dark tower series. Part VII was a good but imperfect end to the story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 18, 2017, 12:18:41 PM
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 19, 2017, 02:48:06 PM
Now reading Dumas' The Red Sphinx
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 19, 2017, 11:05:09 PM
Either way, I'm committed now so I'll start in on Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower when I get home from work tonight. Regardless of how King decided to end this series, it's still been a good read through the first 6 books. Worth the time investment if you're into epic quest-style westerns, with a splash of horror (much less horror than I was expecting though, which was a nice surprise).

Yeah. ..i take the horror comment back. This shit is bananas. B-a-n-a-n-a-s
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 20, 2017, 10:21:56 PM
Now reading The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith AKA J.K Rowling
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 24, 2017, 03:29:14 PM
Forgot to update, but I just recently knocked off a book from my must read fantasy list, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Now reading Apocalypticon by Clayton Smith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 24, 2017, 10:52:00 PM
Now reading Joyland by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 25, 2017, 07:21:53 AM
Now reading Joyland by Stephen King
Fun book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 26, 2017, 02:24:18 PM
The Sellout by Paul Beatty
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 26, 2017, 02:30:15 PM
The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 by Lawrence Wright
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on January 26, 2017, 11:37:15 PM
Sphere, by Michael Crichton.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 27, 2017, 05:07:07 PM
Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 30, 2017, 03:28:19 PM
So, while I have managed to read 9 books so far this month, I've had to abandon 3 books due to lack of interest

Anyway, now I'm reading City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 30, 2017, 07:32:32 PM
Juliette by Marquis de Sade

This is not for the faint of heart and morally upstanding people.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 30, 2017, 09:31:52 PM
Finished up Dark Tower last week, so i decided to re-read Christopher Moore's Lamb: The gospel according to Biff, Christ's childhood friend. Nice easy read following the 5-8k pages that make up the Dark Tower series.

Now I'm reading Night Passage by Robert B. Parker. The  in-law lent it to me since I like the Jack Reacher books. About 1/2 done, and it's been decent so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 30, 2017, 09:33:21 PM
Yeah Parts 1 and 6 are my least favorite books in the dark tower series. Part VII was a good but imperfect end to the story.

Well said.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on January 31, 2017, 06:55:08 AM
Just finished Legion. Next on to the 1000 page complete fiction of H.P. Lovecraft.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on January 31, 2017, 11:39:19 PM
Halloween III: Season of the Witch, by Jack Martin.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 01, 2017, 12:23:28 AM
For some time I'm reading the Slow Burn series by Bobby Adair, I just like those zombie apocalypse stories.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 02, 2017, 10:42:11 PM
The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 03, 2017, 12:16:03 PM
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 03, 2017, 12:26:29 PM
Extreme Prey -- John Sandford
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 04, 2017, 10:00:58 AM
Night School- Lee Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 06, 2017, 02:52:38 PM
Well, I just finished my first bad read of 2017. Avoid City on Fire, at all cost

Giving The Son by Philipp Meyer a try. This has been on my radar for a while, but after seeing AMC is doing a series of this, I thought I'd finally give it a go. Seems like a more family epic of There Will Be Blood. Heck, even Pierce Brosnan looks a bit like DDL
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on February 06, 2017, 03:09:50 PM
I put House of Leaves on my library list to read soon.  I've had it on one list or another for a long time now since it always seemed like something I would lose interest in half way through, but I figure I'll give it a go soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 06, 2017, 03:28:28 PM
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

I needed something to read and came here to see what's up. I just ordered this for my Kindle because... well, because, Hef.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 06, 2017, 03:49:54 PM
Just started The Dark Half by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on February 06, 2017, 04:05:34 PM
The Liar's Key by Mark Lawrence.

Enjoy Prince of Thorns guys. King and Emperor are good as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on February 07, 2017, 12:02:12 AM
Little Heaven, by Nick Cutter.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 07, 2017, 10:03:20 AM
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

I needed something to read and came here to see what's up. I just ordered this for my Kindle because... well, because, Hef.
What do you think so far?

I'll be honest, it hasn't quite been my cup of tea, but it's starting to get better (around 100 pages in or so).  I'm not crazy about a protagonist with no redeeming values.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 07, 2017, 11:12:20 AM
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

I needed something to read and came here to see what's up. I just ordered this for my Kindle because... well, because, Hef.
What do you think so far?

I'll be honest, it hasn't quite been my cup of tea, but it's starting to get better (around 100 pages in or so).  I'm not crazy about a protagonist with no redeeming values.

I'm struggling a little with the prose but more so with the lead character's personality (lack?). I find it very hard to identify with someone so lacking in empathy and such a braggadocio. I'm not sold on his being as badass as he thinks of himself. Yet. I'll keep reading but, so far, it's a bit of a struggle.

I really miss Patrick Rothfuss right about now.  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 07, 2017, 12:58:56 PM
I haven't read his stuff, but I've heard nothing but good things.  But since it is a trilogy with no publication date announced for volume 3, I will hold out until that book drops.  I don't need TWO George R. R. Martins in my life.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 07, 2017, 01:02:50 PM
 :) I don't blame you.

Still, I can say that Rothfus' writing is brilliant...lyrical even. When he does finish up, you'll be in for a treat.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on February 07, 2017, 07:07:39 PM
I put House of Leaves on my library list to read soon.  I've had it on one list or another for a long time now since it always seemed like something I would lose interest in half way through, but I figure I'll give it a go soon.

I loved it. It's one of my favorite books, I've wanted to reread for ages.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on February 08, 2017, 07:17:33 AM
I put House of Leaves on my library list to read soon.  I've had it on one list or another for a long time now since it always seemed like something I would lose interest in half way through, but I figure I'll give it a go soon.

I loved it. It's one of my favorite books, I've wanted to reread for ages.
Whats turning me off is all the "extra" bits like margin notes, colored text which has some significance, and other such references that seem like they are essential to following the story.  I have a hard enough time following the names of characters in books, so I feel I might have a hard time keeping up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 08, 2017, 09:11:14 AM
:) I don't blame you.

Still, I can say that Rothfus' writing is brilliant...lyrical even. When he does finish up, you'll be in for a treat.
:tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Scard on February 08, 2017, 01:51:53 PM
The Fireman by Joe Hill. I'm diggin' it so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on February 08, 2017, 10:13:17 PM
I put House of Leaves on my library list to read soon.  I've had it on one list or another for a long time now since it always seemed like something I would lose interest in half way through, but I figure I'll give it a go soon.

I loved it. It's one of my favorite books, I've wanted to reread for ages.
Whats turning me off is all the "extra" bits like margin notes, colored text which has some significance, and other such references that seem like they are essential to following the story.  I have a hard enough time following the names of characters in books, so I feel I might have a hard time keeping up.

For what it's worth, I consider that there are multiple ways of reading House of Leaves.  There are a ton of layers, but you don't necessarily need to dive into all of those layers in order to enjoy the story. 

Personally, I definitely went for a completionist approach.  I read every word in that book.  I read the footnotes, I read the appendices, I read the fucking glossary, and every single bit of it contributed to the atmosphere and the madness.

But I know people who loved the book but never read the appendices.  I know a guy who skipped quite a lot of the Zampano's footnotes.  I also know one person who skipped all the 'extra' stuff entirely and just read the primary story - I don't recommend that approach, since Johnny Truant's commentary feels absolutely essential to me, but to each their own. 

The point is, if you're finding it all a little bit daunting, it isn't blasphemous to read it somewhat selectively. 

All of that being said, it is probably my favorite book of all time, and I highly encourage you to read as much of it as you are up for. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on February 09, 2017, 06:41:00 AM
Now I want to go find my copy and read it :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 09, 2017, 07:45:50 AM
The Fireman by Joe Hill. I'm diggin' it so far

Let me how it is when you finish, please.   I've seen that one on the shelves a lot lately,  so I'm curious.

Finished Night School. Pretty mediocre, in my opinion.  Not the worst Jack Reacher though.  Moving on to Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 09, 2017, 08:05:41 AM
I finished Prince of Thorns. I enjoyed the second half much more than the first half. Although, we didn't really get any redemption to the character of Jorg, we did see enough growth in him that I'm curious to read King of Thorns. I'm doing that now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 09, 2017, 08:56:30 AM
I put House of Leaves on my library list to read soon.  I've had it on one list or another for a long time now since it always seemed like something I would lose interest in half way through, but I figure I'll give it a go soon.

I loved it. It's one of my favorite books, I've wanted to reread for ages.
Whats turning me off is all the "extra" bits like margin notes, colored text which has some significance, and other such references that seem like they are essential to following the story.  I have a hard enough time following the names of characters in books, so I feel I might have a hard time keeping up.

For what it's worth, I consider that there are multiple ways of reading House of Leaves.  There are a ton of layers, but you don't necessarily need to dive into all of those layers in order to enjoy the story. 

Personally, I definitely went for a completionist approach.  I read every word in that book.  I read the footnotes, I read the appendices, I read the fucking glossary, and every single bit of it contributed to the atmosphere and the madness.

But I know people who loved the book but never read the appendices.  I know a guy who skipped quite a lot of the Zampano's footnotes.  I also know one person who skipped all the 'extra' stuff entirely and just read the primary story - I don't recommend that approach, since Johnny Truant's commentary feels absolutely essential to me, but to each their own. 

The point is, if you're finding it all a little bit daunting, it isn't blasphemous to read it somewhat selectively. 

All of that being said, it is probably my favorite book of all time, and I highly encourage you to read as much of it as you are up for.

I didn't bother with the glossary, and I skimmed bits of the appendices, but yeah I can't imagine skipping the footnotes. They're a pretty sizable portion of the book, and the way they're interwoven with the story makes them pretty indispensable.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 09, 2017, 08:59:26 AM
I finished Prince of Thorns. I enjoyed the second half much more than the first half. Although, we didn't really get any redemption to the character of Jorg, we did see enough growth in him that I'm curious to read King of Thorns. I'm doing that now.
Good to hear.  I will continue to trudge through.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 09, 2017, 12:04:51 PM
House of leaves is the most unique book I have ever and probably will ever read. Im still not entirely sure what I think of it. I know I liked it though lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 09, 2017, 12:08:38 PM
Is anyone on Goodreads here? I just signed up for it a few months ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on February 09, 2017, 12:45:09 PM
The point is, if you're finding it all a little bit daunting, it isn't blasphemous to read it somewhat selectively. 

All of that being said, it is probably my favorite book of all time, and I highly encourage you to read as much of it as you are up for. 
Thanks for that reply.  I'm also a completionist with most things, but I don't want to get myself too bogged down with "needing" to read everything.  From your post, it seems I can go as deep as I wish without losing too much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on February 09, 2017, 01:18:51 PM
Is anyone on Goodreads here? I just signed up for it a few months ago.

I have an account from a long time ago but I haven't logged the books I read recently. It gave some pretty good recommendations.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: orcus116 on February 09, 2017, 06:31:19 PM
Just finished Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. Really interesting Russian sci-fi novel that has some neat theories on what happens when aliens visit and leave Earth.

Going to start on Scoop by Evelyn Waugh.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 10, 2017, 01:37:43 PM
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 13, 2017, 08:47:45 AM
Moving on to Emperor of Thorns -- Mark Lawrence
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on February 13, 2017, 02:21:59 PM
What'd you think of King of Thorns?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 13, 2017, 02:46:19 PM
I really enjoyed it, Vinz. Quite a lot. The way the story was presented, the cleverness of the plot, the tension of the action was all top notch. As much as I despised Jorg in the first half of "Prince", I've found myself liking him as a character after reading "King"...much to my relief.  :lol

I'd say more, but I wouldn't want to spoil things for those planning to read the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 14, 2017, 10:05:55 AM
Just started don't ask by Donald E. Westlake
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 14, 2017, 01:31:49 PM
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 14, 2017, 11:46:12 PM
Relic and Reliquary by Preston/Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on February 15, 2017, 10:26:36 AM
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 15, 2017, 10:27:19 AM
Just started don't ask by Donald E. Westlake
Haven't read that one, but Westlake is pretty solid.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 17, 2017, 10:06:08 AM
Live By Night by Dennis Lehane
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 17, 2017, 04:00:30 PM
Just started don't ask by Donald E. Westlake
Haven't read that one, but Westlake is pretty solid.

Yep Im a big fan of his Dortmunder series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on February 20, 2017, 10:15:05 AM
Factotum by Charles Bukowski
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 20, 2017, 11:56:38 AM
Gave up on Prince of Thorns.

Now reading How to Read the Bible & Still Be a Christian by John Dominic Crossan.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 21, 2017, 07:48:58 PM
The Child Thief by Brom. Supposed to a twisted version of Peter Pan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 22, 2017, 07:59:38 PM
Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King

Since I consider King to be my favorite author I decided that I should probably read more of his books lol.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 22, 2017, 08:08:55 PM
Don't wait for a chapter break to put the book down, take a leak, do your taxes, etc....
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on February 22, 2017, 08:25:27 PM
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 22, 2017, 08:25:42 PM
Don't wait for a chapter break to put the book down, take a leak, do your taxes, etc....

I figured that out about 60 pages in lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on February 23, 2017, 08:39:09 AM
Beyond The Chains Of Illusion: My Encounter With Marx And Freud by Erich Fromm
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 23, 2017, 01:27:27 PM
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 28, 2017, 07:02:35 AM
Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement -- John Lewis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 01, 2017, 02:01:16 PM
Going back to some fantasy with Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 01, 2017, 02:26:11 PM
I'm on book 7 of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. I took a break to re-read 1984 because they are pretty repetitive. However, they are quick fun reads and I feel like I need to know how they all end since I've read 6 of them lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 01, 2017, 06:52:18 PM
Finished Wind Through the Keyhole last week,  and decided to re-read Child's The Enemy.  I'm open to suggestions for my next read if anyone has a favorite?  I'll read just about any genre.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 03, 2017, 05:54:54 PM
The Black Arts by Richard Cavendish
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 05, 2017, 01:51:22 PM
This Book Is Full of Spiders: Seriously, Dude, Don't Touch It by David Wong
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 07, 2017, 08:31:13 PM
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on March 08, 2017, 03:50:00 AM
Thread title :P
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 10, 2017, 03:37:18 PM
The Madman's Tale by John Katzenbach
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 13, 2017, 01:59:04 PM
The Lovecraft Squad: All Hallows Horror by John Llewellyn Probert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 15, 2017, 01:13:13 PM
Had to DNF that last book. Just could not finish. Anyway, Going to try my hand at The Recognitions by William Gaddis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 16, 2017, 07:06:41 PM
Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon. While it's longer, so far feels much more comprehensible
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on March 16, 2017, 07:10:58 PM
Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson.

Wow. I read this before, but it was a while ago and I was pretty young, and I think I didn't really get it at all. It's fairly tough to get into, for me at least, but damn, the thing is massive. Kind of like A Song of Fire and Ice, except I don't hate all the characters.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 16, 2017, 11:04:17 PM
Bourne Supremacy.

Bourne Ultimatum to follow.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 16, 2017, 11:20:05 PM
Time to take a break from regular books and read a couple of comics.

First up Batman Endgame by Scott Snyder.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on March 17, 2017, 07:48:57 PM
Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen

Very amusing read so far. Can't wait to finish it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 17, 2017, 09:48:36 PM
Deep Fathom by James Rollins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 19, 2017, 04:00:44 PM
Locke & key vol. 1 by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 20, 2017, 07:53:07 AM
Fletch by Gregory McDonald
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 22, 2017, 03:17:35 PM
Frank: The Voice by James Kaplan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on March 23, 2017, 08:06:43 AM
Just finished Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. Really good sci-fit thriller. I really enoyed it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 27, 2017, 08:47:09 PM
Loved the first part of the Sinatra bio, can't wait to read the second part, which I'm sure I'm going to love even more. First, taking a bit of a fiction break with His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 27, 2017, 09:46:42 PM
The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez by Philip Carlo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 29, 2017, 02:48:03 PM
On to Kaplan's second volume of his Frank Sinatra bio called Sinatra: The Chairman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 29, 2017, 02:48:37 PM
Fletch's Moxie by Gregory McDonald
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 30, 2017, 01:40:41 PM
Decided to give David Baldacci's Zero Day a try. Since i like the Jack Reacher novels,  i figured this would be a safe bet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 31, 2017, 12:19:37 AM
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 04, 2017, 01:33:11 PM
A Fraction of a Whole by Steve Toltz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 04, 2017, 05:27:27 PM
Rereading Island of the Sequined Love Nun by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 08, 2017, 12:10:15 PM
The Reality Dysfunction by Peter F. Hamilton. I'm participating for the first time in social media's tome topple challenge and I thought I'd be highly ambitious and see if I can  read the whole Night's Dawn trilogy by the 20th. Well, hopefully I'll end up liking the first book to continue on
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 08, 2017, 01:15:55 PM
My regular book reading will be slowing down for the next year to eighteen months as I prep for the Cisco CCIE exam. So I'll probably be reading shorter pieces of literature. I wanted to start The Dark Tower and Wheel of Time series but they will have to wait. I wanted to read Clarissa by Samuel Richardson which is the longest novel (by words) written in the English language. Instead, in between studies, I am going to start to reread The Great Gatsby - one of the greatest pieces of literature ever.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 09, 2017, 12:09:08 PM
The Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson

I love the movie and I'm curious if the book is that much different.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on April 09, 2017, 12:53:12 PM
Erich Fromm - An Inquiry Into The Psychology Of Ethics
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on April 11, 2017, 02:34:22 PM
Room, by Emma Donoghue. Loving it so far. Before that, it was In a Dark, Dark Wood, by Ruth Ware. It was awful. And before that it was American Gods, by Neil Gaiman, and that book kicked my ass all over the place.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on April 11, 2017, 02:38:02 PM
Picked up the other 5 volumes of Locke & Key by Joe Hill from my local library. Im loving this series so far. I hope Joe Hill returns to the world of graphic novels in the future.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 11, 2017, 04:07:58 PM
The Forfotten by David Baldacci.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 11, 2017, 09:31:42 PM
I wanted to read Clarissa by Samuel Richardson which is the longest novel (by words) written in the English language.

Good lord just googled this book. Samuel must not have studied this in school.

(https://images.amazon.com/images/P/020530902X.01._AA300_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)(https://illinois.edu/blog/files/25/110318/3895.jpg)

Instead, in between studies, I am going to start to reread The Great Gatsby - one of the greatest pieces of literature ever.

There is always time to read The Great Gatsby.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 11, 2017, 10:11:24 PM
 :lol   

I'm so curious as to what kind of story can go on for almost one million words. It's an epistolary novel so it's probably akin to reading hundreds of journal entries, except there are also letters and other documents added in.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 12, 2017, 07:29:02 AM
Strunk & White's Elements of Style is the one book that all writers of any kind should read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 17, 2017, 05:28:05 PM
David Baldacci's The Escape.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on April 19, 2017, 09:04:12 AM
Re-reading It thanks to the first trailer dropping. Sofa king good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 19, 2017, 11:42:06 AM
Blackest Night by Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 19, 2017, 12:02:20 PM
I've been reading the Bill Hodges trilogy by Stephen King. I'm on the last book now. Great stuff!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 19, 2017, 12:04:01 PM
I've been reading the Bill Hodges trilogy by Stephen King. I'm on the last book now. Great stuff!
I've put off reading those because I only own the first two.  I need to acquire the third one before I start reading lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 19, 2017, 01:18:01 PM
Those books are good, nothing great or memorable. In fact, I can't remember much about the second one at all. Still need to read the third.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on April 19, 2017, 01:19:55 PM
I read (and enjoyed) the first two. I pre-ordered the third book, which Amazon cancelled for some reason. I should probably get around to picking up that last one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 20, 2017, 10:42:18 AM
Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone by G.S. Denning
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 21, 2017, 02:38:51 PM
Grimoire of the Thorn-Blooded Witch by Raven Grimassi

I just ordered the first book in The Vampire Dairies series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 21, 2017, 05:02:29 PM
The Neutronium Alchemist by Peter F. Hamilton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 24, 2017, 08:34:40 AM
Lockwood & Co. - The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on April 24, 2017, 08:42:59 PM
Coldheart Canyon, by Clive Barker. Liking it so far.

Before that it was Coronado, by Dennis Lehane. I'm a Lehane fan, but these short stories didn't really do it for me. Dunno why. Anyway, his new novel, Since We Fell, comes out May 9th, and I'm stoked as hell for that.

As for Stephen King's Hodges trilogy: Mr. Mercedes was all right. The last one in the series, End of Watch wasn't very good. But the second on in the trilogy, Finders Keepers was very well done. That could have been a standalone novel, instead of part of a trilogy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 29, 2017, 12:59:55 PM
Just finished Baldacci 's The Innocent,  and now I've started into his No Man's Land.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 03, 2017, 07:42:30 AM
Dreamsongs Vol. I by George R. R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 03, 2017, 02:45:49 PM
Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone by G.S. Denning
This was funny as hell, BTW.  It really helps to be a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories, because the author does write in that style (somewhat).  It also helps to be a fan of Douglas Adams, because that style is also incorporated.  I recommend it.

Currently:

The Burning Room by Michael Connelly.  It's a Harry Bosch novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 03, 2017, 08:14:08 PM
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening

This is an even easier read than the first Harry Potter book and TOTALLY different from the tv show.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on May 04, 2017, 02:07:30 AM
Sacred by Dennis Lehane. As arilliant as first two books from the series :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 05, 2017, 01:15:49 PM
Haven't kept up in a while: but I've read Nutshell by Ian McEwan (eh), Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology (really good), and If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio (which was alright)

Now, for a bit of a change in pace, The Kid Stays in the Picture by Robert Evans
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 09, 2017, 08:43:50 AM
Damn bookstore didn't have either of the books i wanted to pick up,  so i took a recommendation from one of the clerks.  Started John Sandford's Rules of Prey.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 09, 2017, 01:29:25 PM
American Pastoral by Philip Roth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 10, 2017, 01:33:26 PM
I hate DNF'ing books. Anyway, going to give The Secret History a try. I hope it's better than Goldfinch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 10, 2017, 03:26:25 PM
I hate DNF'ing books. Anyway, going to give The Secret History a try. I hope it's better than Goldfinch

I've only DNF'd one book: Sound and the Fury by Faulkner. Got half way in and just couldn't handle the stream of consciousness writing anymore.  Especially given it's from the POV of a mentally handicapped man.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on May 10, 2017, 03:29:21 PM
Just started "The Wheel of Osheim" by Mark Lawrence. Just Finished "Senlin Ascends" by Josiah Bancroft. Really good book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on May 12, 2017, 01:52:14 PM
Gold, by Chris Cleave.

Finished Coldheart Canyon, by Clive Barker, last night. I loved the first four hundred pages or so, but for those last hundred pages, I really wish Barker's editor had given him a kick in the ass.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 13, 2017, 06:30:08 PM
4321 by Paul Auster
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 16, 2017, 02:34:19 PM
Baldacci's The Hit
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 17, 2017, 05:33:42 AM
American Gods
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 19, 2017, 06:17:43 PM
Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on May 22, 2017, 01:22:59 PM
Blood Meridian, by Cormac McCarthy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 23, 2017, 08:52:44 PM
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 26, 2017, 02:09:54 PM
The Cornish Trilogy by Robertson Davies
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on May 26, 2017, 02:47:29 PM
I just finished Nietzsche in 90 minutes by Paul Strathern.  I don't think I learned a damn thing about him except that he went insane and was friends with composer Richard Wagner.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 27, 2017, 07:27:47 PM
I just finished Nietzsche in 90 minutes by Paul Strathern.  I don't think I learned a damn thing about him except that he went insane and was friends with composer Richard Wagner.

I could have told you that in less than 90 minutes.  ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 28, 2017, 08:57:40 PM
Finished up with Baldacci for a spell. I'm about a third of the way through Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone. Thanks for the recommendation,  Hef. I'm really enjoying it so far!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 29, 2017, 08:51:10 AM
The Sheeple by Gus Flory
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 29, 2017, 02:10:43 PM
The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on May 29, 2017, 02:29:52 PM
The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling
I'm so excited for this series to become a TV show.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 30, 2017, 01:28:18 AM
When Giants Walked The Earth - a biography of Led Zeppelin by Mick Wall
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 31, 2017, 02:59:28 PM
Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 02, 2017, 05:22:25 PM
Ex-Heroes by Peter Clines
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 04, 2017, 05:07:45 PM
Knight's Shadow by Sebastien de Castell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on June 05, 2017, 05:23:20 AM
Finished American Gods. Next up, Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on June 05, 2017, 10:45:06 PM
Finally done Blood Meridian. That was...interesting.

Reading Since We Fell, by Dennis Lehane, and loving it so far. Lehane is one of my absolute favourites.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 06, 2017, 09:30:40 PM
Finished Eyes of Prey by John Sanford. Moving on to The Target by Baldacci.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 09, 2017, 08:09:54 PM
Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on June 09, 2017, 09:21:55 PM
(https://geekfactor-radio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/GoodOmens-Hard-1990.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 10, 2017, 01:19:06 AM
Just read Good Omens some weeks ago, really a very enjoyable book.

I started 61 Hours by Lee Child.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 10, 2017, 05:13:38 AM
Night School by Lee Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on June 15, 2017, 04:29:09 PM
Dragon Teeth, by Michael Crichton.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zeltar on June 16, 2017, 12:20:09 AM
Cibola Burn by James S. A. Corey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 16, 2017, 07:18:09 AM
(https://geekfactor-radio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/GoodOmens-Hard-1990.jpg)

Nice.  Just picked that one up too!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 18, 2017, 10:20:07 AM
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 21, 2017, 03:48:26 PM
Forgot to add, but I just finished The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. Will definitely read the rest of the series. Anyway, now reading  Saint's Blood by Sebastien de Castell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on June 21, 2017, 03:51:39 PM
Currently working on The Daily Show (The Book): An Oral History, which is proving to be a pretty good read. Lots of info from Stewart, Colbert, Carell, as well as the rest of the correspondents and a bunch of guests, writers, and backstage people. They do also have occasional commentary from people like Tucker Carlson or people who were interviewed in their field reports.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on June 21, 2017, 04:09:29 PM
Sourcery by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on June 21, 2017, 04:31:38 PM
The Liar's Key -- Mark Lawrence
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on June 23, 2017, 12:50:29 PM
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson.

Dragon Teeth was not good. There was a reason why Michael Crichton wrote it years before Jurassic Park (or any book afterward) and never released it. But Crichton's widow must've been hurtin' for some cash. Anyway, I'm a big Michael Crichton fan, but this book kinda stunk.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 24, 2017, 08:21:47 PM
Tyrant's Throne by Sebastien de Castell. Let's see if I can finish the whole series in one month
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on June 26, 2017, 03:53:06 AM
Just finished Knut Hansum's Hunger.

Now reading Growth of the Soil.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on June 26, 2017, 05:56:52 AM
Vampyre Sanguinomicon: The Lexicon of the Living Vampire and Vampyre Magick: The Grimoire of the Living Vampire by Father Sebastian
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 26, 2017, 02:01:05 PM
Well, that is certainly a cumbersome title. And 2 colons?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 27, 2017, 09:24:01 AM
It's 2 different books

American Eve: Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White, the Birth of the "It" Girl and the Crime of the Century by Paula Uruburu
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 27, 2017, 11:54:10 AM
Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 27, 2017, 11:57:33 AM
Noah by Sebastian Fitzek
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on June 28, 2017, 05:31:20 AM
Well, that is certainly a cumbersome title. And 2 colons?

You said cum...

(https://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/028/328/a51.gif)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on June 28, 2017, 12:58:03 PM
Everything Matters! by Ron Currie Jr.

I'm really enjoying this one. I've laughed quite a few times, and he writes with such distinction. Highly recommended
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 28, 2017, 02:28:27 PM
It's 2 different books

Ha oops!

The City of Mirrors, completing the trilogy by Justin Cronin. Almost complete. Liked many parts of it, loved some if it, but some parts were too disjointed for me. A great undertaking by Cronin on age-old themes. Would mildly recommend.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 28, 2017, 02:33:35 PM
Yeah, I was okay with it. The epilogue was way too long though. I get what Cronin was doing, but he could have cut down the length some
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 30, 2017, 08:13:29 PM
A Terrible Book by Jay Michael, which so far reads like a Zanuck brothers movie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 01, 2017, 09:49:39 PM
Went to see Bob Dylan in concert last Friday, so I decided to read a biography on the man: Behind the Shades Revisited by Clinton Heylin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 04, 2017, 08:25:24 AM
Pratchett's The Light Fantastic. I'm really liking this series so far. Quite funny!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 04, 2017, 08:35:16 AM
Also reading Borne by Jeff VanderMeer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on July 04, 2017, 09:53:16 AM
Pratchett's The Light Fantastic. I'm really liking this series so far. Quite funny!

Only series where I can say that one of my favorite characters is The Luggage.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 04, 2017, 07:14:12 PM
Pratchett's The Light Fantastic. I'm really liking this series so far. Quite funny!

Only series where I can say that one of my favorite characters is The Luggage.

I was hooked by page 3 of the prologue when he explained the Big Bang hypothesis. I lol'd, quite literally.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 04, 2017, 08:22:52 PM
Yeah, I was okay with it. The epilogue was way too long though. I get what Cronin was doing, but he could have cut down the length some

Just finished this up. I didn't think the epilogue was too long. It is too fresh to fully articulate how I feel about it, and the series overall. High aspirations, at least, and I appreciate that he aimed high, even if he fell short a few times for my taste. My recommendation: Read King's The Stand.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 05, 2017, 04:08:04 AM
Well, yeah, The Stand is the gold standard when you're talking post apocalyptic lit
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 07, 2017, 08:32:44 AM
Sleeping Giants by Sylvan Neuvel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on July 07, 2017, 10:07:57 AM
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. Saw a movie years ago but I don't remember much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on July 07, 2017, 03:13:53 PM
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. Saw a movie years ago but I don't remember much.

Oh, boy, are you in for a treat. Lehane is the fuckin' man. If you haven't checked it out already, Dennis Lehane just released a new novel called Since We Fell. Pretty good. Loses a little steam near the end, but I still enjoyed it.

Anyway, I'm reading When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?, by George Carlin.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was good. Could've been shortened a bit at the end, as when the mystery was solved, the story kinda lost steam afterward. I still really liked it, though. And I look forward to reading the other two---okay, three, I guess---books in the series. And I'll watch the Swedish flicks after each one. Watched Fincher's flick night before last. Rockin' movie. Too bad he, Crag, and Mara won't be reuniting to complete the trilogy/series. But a man can hope!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on July 08, 2017, 05:50:53 AM
Night to Remember by Walter Lord. I've always been curious about the Titanic and read the sample on amazon, decided to buy it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 09, 2017, 06:19:04 AM
The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 09, 2017, 02:17:07 PM
Invasion Of The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Lowdz on July 09, 2017, 04:02:36 PM
Currently rereading the Memory Sorrow and Thorn series by Tad Williams (my favourite fantasy books) ahead of the new book in the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 10, 2017, 02:13:22 AM
The Memory Sorrow and Thorn books are great, hopefully the new ones can deliver as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on July 10, 2017, 03:35:37 PM
Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar

It is pretty short, you could probably read it in two hours, set back in the 70's where a girl is given a box and the responsibility that comes with it.

Not bad, not Shawshank good, but pretty good all the same.

About to start The Baltimore Boys by Joel Dicker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 11, 2017, 12:33:04 PM
The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 12, 2017, 10:34:26 AM
I just finished Red Sister by Mark Lawrence. I can't wait for the remainder of the books in this series!

Now I need something else to read. I think I'll go see if Steven Brust has done anything recently. [edit]Nope. Won't see anything new from him until October. Maybe I'll just start over with his entire catalog. [/edit]
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 13, 2017, 10:00:07 PM
Pratchett's Equal Rites. Outside of The Dark Tower series last year,  I think this is the first time I've read three consecutive books all from the same author. I'm really liking the adventures on Discworld.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on July 13, 2017, 10:28:34 PM
Behind Closed Doors, by BA Paris. This book was recommended to me a couple times, so I decided to read it. I'm seventy-four pages into it, and I think it's utter shit. Bad writing. Just...bad writing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 14, 2017, 09:51:50 AM
The Quincunx by Charles Palliser
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 15, 2017, 12:02:21 PM
My DNF game has unfortunately been very strong this year. I gave this last one about 65 pages before calling it quits. Anyway, reading something a little bit lighter: Strip Tease by Carl Hiassen. Never read anything by him, so this should be interesting
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on July 15, 2017, 07:22:27 PM
Knut Hamsun - Mysteries
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 17, 2017, 12:35:24 PM
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 17, 2017, 09:38:55 PM
Doing a sort of re-read of American Gods, but this is the expanded, tenth anniversary edition, so in a way, it'll be like a new experience for me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 19, 2017, 01:17:32 PM
Patrick Rothfuss' The Wise Man's Fear. Both Kingkiller Chronicle hardcover copies arrived about a month and a half ago. I breezed through The Name of the Wind, and this one is about as entertaining as the first one, if not more. I also love the way the man writes. There's something compelling about the prose and his descriptions of things.

I realize I will be waiting for the third book for a long while, but I don't have anything against the (so far) unfinished series. I enjoyed the two books for what they are, and they offered me hours of engaging, fascinating story. I consider this money well spent.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on July 19, 2017, 02:47:38 PM
Yeah the books are great  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on July 20, 2017, 02:07:19 PM
The Vampire Lestat, by Anne Rice.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 20, 2017, 02:11:57 PM
The Vampire Lestat, by Anne Rice.

Best in the series.

Pratchett's Mort.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 20, 2017, 02:22:47 PM
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on July 21, 2017, 07:45:41 AM
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel and about 3/4ths through.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 22, 2017, 05:27:11 AM
Since I'm seeing a production of it on Monday, I just got done reading Twelfth Night, now reading The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 25, 2017, 07:51:58 AM
Pratchett's Sourcery. This series is quickly filling up its own shelf in my library. Great reads ao far!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 26, 2017, 03:01:10 PM
Moonglow by Michael Chabon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 28, 2017, 07:29:23 PM
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 30, 2017, 05:52:02 AM
Warlock Holmes: The Hell-Hound of the Baskervilles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 30, 2017, 11:45:41 AM
Haven't read anything horror related in a while, so I'm giving Hell Train by Christopher Fowler a shot
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on July 30, 2017, 06:33:41 PM
Only made it about halfway through Joe Hill's The Fireman while on vacation, but it's solid so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 30, 2017, 06:59:34 PM
Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 01, 2017, 08:32:48 AM
Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 01, 2017, 08:53:17 AM
Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters.

Sadly,  my parental leave ends tomorrow, so my reading pace will definitely be slowing down  :'(
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on August 01, 2017, 03:05:31 PM
Guy de Maupassant - Bel-Ami
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 02, 2017, 03:02:25 PM
I recently watched The Lion in Winter, so that inspired me to start reading When Christ and His Saints Slept, Sharon Kay Penman's series about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 03, 2017, 01:49:24 AM
Well I've been slacking a lot in my reading but finally finished The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla. Damn great book, might be my fav so far or second fav  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on August 03, 2017, 09:36:03 PM
Erich Fromm - To Have Or To Be?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on August 09, 2017, 11:41:19 AM
Well I've been slacking a lot in my reading but finally finished The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla. Damn great book, might be my fav so far or second fav  :hefdaddy

It's my second favorite in the series behind The Wastelands.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 09, 2017, 11:58:41 AM
Well I've been slacking a lot in my reading but finally finished The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla. Damn great book, might be my fav so far or second fav  :hefdaddy

It's my second favorite in the series behind The Wastelands.

The Wastelands, huh? I'm sure you're in the minority on that one lol. I thought it was better than 1 and 2, but lags well behind 4, 5 and 7 for tops in the series, IMO.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on August 09, 2017, 01:05:56 PM
Well I've been slacking a lot in my reading but finally finished The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla. Damn great book, might be my fav so far or second fav  :hefdaddy

It's my second favorite in the series behind The Wastelands.

The Wastelands, huh? I'm sure you're in the minority on that one lol. I thought it was better than 1 and 2, but lags well behind 4, 5 and 7 for tops in the series, IMO.

4 and 5 I can see the argument for. 7 While I liked I thought was flawed and a lot of the plotlines ended anticlimactically. I didn't mind the ending though. I know people can be kinda iffy on it lol.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on August 09, 2017, 01:25:24 PM
Wizard and Glass is the best them :metal Not just for the Dark Tower series, it's probably my overall favorite book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 09, 2017, 03:52:34 PM
Wizard and Glass is the best them :metal Not just for the Dark Tower series, it's probably my overall favorite book.

Part way in to W&G, I forgot I was reading a book in the DT series, even that I was reading a King novel at all. I was so wrapped up in the story, I felt I was in that "world," an experience unlike any other book I have read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 09, 2017, 09:37:05 PM
Well, the next Discworld novel won't arrive until Monday,  so i pulled The Alchemist off the bookshelf.  I think it's my wife's, but it's short so I'll give it a whirl.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 10, 2017, 06:10:35 AM
Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void by Tim Lebbon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on August 10, 2017, 10:19:24 AM
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 11, 2017, 06:28:29 AM
Alchemist was pretty good. A little too religious at times for me,  but a good read nevertheless.

Next up: Pyramids by Pratchett.

Scratch that. Bookstore lied when they said my book was in. Trying out Code of Conduct by Brad Thor.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 11, 2017, 02:05:22 PM
Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 11, 2017, 04:15:13 PM
Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi

I've read that book twice. Not sure what that says about me. But it is amazing in so many ways.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 16, 2017, 10:44:34 AM
Going back to fiction and Henry II with Time and Chance by Sharon Kay Penman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 16, 2017, 11:52:21 AM
Black Sunday by Thomas Harris
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on August 16, 2017, 02:44:05 PM
The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on August 18, 2017, 11:19:26 AM
The Disater Artist by Greg Sestero. After seeing thetrailer for the upcoming movie I realized there is a book too so I had to download it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 19, 2017, 05:08:18 PM
Pyramids by Pratchett.

That Brad Thor was OK. Reads like a Rollins, but with plot holes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 21, 2017, 01:39:53 PM
City of Dreams by Tyler Anbinder
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: orcus116 on August 21, 2017, 05:12:37 PM
I still need to finish up Smart Baseball by Keith Law but I'm going to move on to Infinite Jest. It's been sitting imposingly on my shelf like The Bible but I can't wait to start it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on August 22, 2017, 08:41:13 PM
The Bone Season, The Mime Order, The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon she is at The Victorian Writer's Festival next weekend trying to get them read before then.
They are part of a 7 book series, the movie rights have already been sold, so far, I am enjoying it, as it is quite different.   
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on August 22, 2017, 08:56:41 PM
For those who have seen the movie "The Room" and are interested in how a mess as big as that could be made you should really read "The Disaster Artist"
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on August 23, 2017, 01:58:47 PM
I'm going to move on to Infinite Jest. It's been sitting imposingly on my shelf like The Bible but I can't wait to start it.
Me too! I have no clue how long it's gonna take me to do it. I've heard it's a challenging one to read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 23, 2017, 03:17:42 PM
For those who have seen the movie "The Room" and are interested in how a mess as big as that could be made you should really read "The Disaster Artist"
I really want to read it  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 25, 2017, 09:12:58 PM
The Annotated Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on August 26, 2017, 08:53:45 PM
Currently reading The Judging Eye by R. Scott Bakker.

Pretty much everything I read is just killing time for when Martin finally finishes A Song of Ice and Fire. Read the first 3 books 14 years ago and decided to wait until they were all finished. Still waiting :(
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 26, 2017, 10:02:48 PM
You might want to start on the US Tax Code next.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 27, 2017, 03:27:08 AM
Reading a lot of Agatha Christine's work lately. Last book I read was The murder of Roger Ackroyd, great stuff, along with Orient Express my favorite Poirot novel. Next is The mystery of the blue train :azn:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 27, 2017, 11:08:11 AM
I love me some Agatha Christie. The perfect marriage of, brilliant storytelling, plot construction, whodunit-ness, and Strunk and White's Rule #13. And of course one of the best fictional characters ever conceived. And the first fictional character to receive an obituary notice in the NY Times.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 27, 2017, 12:24:09 PM
Nation by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 29, 2017, 12:36:23 PM
Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 29, 2017, 04:21:51 PM
So, Pyramids was easily my least favorite Discworld novel to date.

Picked up a few Agatha Christie's at a charity garage sale last week, so next up is The A.B.C Murders. This will be my first foray into Christie's work outside of studying  And Then There Were None (not a fan of the other racist titles) in school.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on August 29, 2017, 05:05:11 PM
Crying for the Moon, by Mary Walsh.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 30, 2017, 08:43:41 PM
Going back to some ancient Rome historical fiction with I, Claudius by Robert Graves
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on September 01, 2017, 08:12:28 AM
Finally have more time to dig into The Grand Chessboard by Zbigniew Brzezinski. Fascinating book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cable on September 01, 2017, 10:30:09 AM
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness (Susannah Cahalan, 2012) (https://www.resqdbooks.com/shop_image/product/1073_8f1dd52bfee9d57f8ab52cc3658dfa51.jpg)

and Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder(Linehan, 1993) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/4147phtGHiL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)

I was away from reading for a long time, and I was dreged in the second book. It is basically a textbook, and it has been a slow prod for lots of reasons. So I added in the first book to liven up reading, and it has helped me get back into the swing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 01, 2017, 01:10:25 PM
Well that looks like some enjoyable light reading.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on September 01, 2017, 03:45:45 PM
Like I said a few posts ago, I started Infinite Jest a week ago and am about 60 pages in, but man is it gonna be a journey. So I'm reading something in between reading that, I think I'm gonna start A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 02, 2017, 06:43:07 PM
Claudius the God by Robert Graves
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 03, 2017, 05:54:56 AM
Dead City by Joe McKinney
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 03, 2017, 03:28:59 PM
Well, that didn't last long. Let's read Murder on the Orient Express instead
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 04, 2017, 07:02:36 AM
A Book of American Martyrs by Joyce Carol Oates
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 07, 2017, 03:20:32 AM
Dreamsongs Vol. 2 by George R. R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 07, 2017, 10:55:11 AM
Funhouse by Koontz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on September 07, 2017, 01:43:19 PM
Napalm and Silly Putty, by George Carlin.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on September 07, 2017, 03:05:40 PM
Funhouse by Koontz

That's a pretty old one. He has really gone away from this horror aspect of his writing. If I remember right it was one of his good ones.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 07, 2017, 04:56:10 PM
Funhouse by Koontz

That's a pretty old one. He has really gone away from this horror aspect of his writing. If I remember right it was one of his good ones.

I got it for $2 so i can't really lose :)

This is the first of his I've read,  so i have no expectations.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 09, 2017, 01:29:37 AM
With this year being the centennial of the Russian revolution, I wanted to read a few books from now to the end of the year dealing with the subject, so I'm starting with Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert Masie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on September 09, 2017, 09:35:08 AM
Reading The Martian and really enjoying it. I watched the movie a while ago and liked that too.
I'm also on book 9 of the Stephanie Plum series... only like 20 more to go lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on September 11, 2017, 03:02:29 PM
Reacher said Nothing by Andy Martin.
This book is about the author sitting behind Lee Child during the writing of 'Make Me'.
I met the author last week in Melbourne, where he had a chat to my book club about the process of writing the book.
I love the idea of this book, and speaking to him afterward where he signed my book was great.
He wasn't leaning on his shoulder, it was from a distance, but there was months of writing before Lee Child had any idea what the book would be.
There will be a follow up, as he later joined Lee Child around the world for his signings.
He also mentioned Lee Child will tour Australia next year... which is great news...
I am currently only a few chapters in, but it is really interesting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 13, 2017, 01:40:29 PM
That might be an interesting read. I'm a big Lee Child fan, but I found that Make Me had a couple glaring plot holes so it would be interesting to see if those are explored at all in a 'behind the scenes' look at how the book came together. Still really looking forward to Midnight Line in November. I don't usually buy a book in hardcover, but I doubt I'll be able to wait on that one.

I started double reading again (i.e. different book at home v.s. on the train/lunch at work), so I'm working through The Dark Tower series again for fun. Finished Gunslinger yesterday, and now I'm a good way into The Drawing of the Three. Gunslinger was better the first time through, although maybe it's because I read the original version this time and the revised the first time. Really enjoying DT2 on this read through, despite only being lukewarm on the novel the first time around.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on September 13, 2017, 02:32:01 PM
^^^There was the question whether him being there had an effect on the writing. I am a big fan still, but I have not read No Middle Name or Night School yet, and that may be for the reasons you mention above.

Over the Summer Holidays, I plan to read all The Dark Tower Series...I would love to read all The GOT books as well, but that might be too much.

So many books to read and so little time!  ::) :smiley:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 13, 2017, 03:00:09 PM
^^^There was the question whether him being there had an effect on the writing. I am a big fan still, but I have not read No Middle Name or Night School yet, and that may be for the reasons you mention above.

Over the Summer Holidays, I plan to read all The Dark Tower Series...I would love to read all The GOT books as well, but that might be too much.

So many books to read and so little time!  ::) :smiley:

Well, Night School was fairly mediocre so you're not really missing out  there  ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on September 14, 2017, 12:33:16 AM
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 14, 2017, 01:03:38 PM
A Horse Walks Into A Bar by David Grossman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 15, 2017, 01:41:02 PM
How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 16, 2017, 03:03:11 PM
In the urge to get lost in a big book, with Drood by Dan Simmons
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 16, 2017, 08:41:18 PM
I'm onto DT3: The Waste Lands
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on September 17, 2017, 09:38:27 AM
I'm currently struggling through The Picture of Dorian Gray
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on September 17, 2017, 10:11:36 AM
Finished up Insomnia and now well into Hearts in Atlantis, which I'm very much enjoying.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 18, 2017, 11:47:58 AM
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 20, 2017, 12:23:50 PM
DT4: Wizard and Glass
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 23, 2017, 07:27:10 AM
Post-Apocalyptic Nomad Warriors by Benjamin Wallace
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on September 23, 2017, 08:53:20 PM
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

One of my all-time favourites. The other two books in the series, Hollow City and Library of Souls, are good, too. But Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is the best of the series.

Just finished The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood. Loved it, except I thought the 'lecture' at the very end ran a little too long. Other than that, the book is aces. I'll start watching the TV show now. Currently reading Rosemary's Baby, by Ira Levin.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 24, 2017, 12:29:26 AM
Miss Peregrine was a fun read. But I knew the movie so I did know what to expect. Will definitely read the ither books to.

In the meantime: The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: splent on September 24, 2017, 01:01:33 PM
About 150 pages left in It. It's a great book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 25, 2017, 02:06:47 AM
Just finished King's End of Watch. Liked it quite a bit. Much more enjoyable than Finders Keepers. A good, enjoyable end to the Hodges trilogy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 25, 2017, 03:56:17 AM
Weaveworld by Clive Barker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 27, 2017, 03:10:52 PM
Figured I'd read Salem's Lot by King before hitting Wolves of Calla again. Maybe get a little more back story about the Pere.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on September 27, 2017, 03:35:30 PM
I really enjoy Salem's Lot :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 27, 2017, 07:33:20 PM
What do my fellow Tower Junkies think: should i re-read Wind Through the Keyhole while i'm work through Dark Tower again despite the story being more tangent to the DT plot?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on September 27, 2017, 07:54:37 PM
Hell I still haven't picked up the 5th book yet  :lol

But since I finished Wolves of the Calla I've red Another Monster: Investigative Report by Naoki Urasawa and other guy. Fascinating, deep research about the manga's event, much backstory and plot lines that were never explained. Now it all makes more sense and feels more tangible. Guess it just proves how strong the story really is and how little Urasawa could show in the manga despite being so long.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 30, 2017, 11:52:15 AM
Have to go away from spiders for a while  :biggrin:

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 01, 2017, 07:59:31 AM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 01, 2017, 11:10:32 AM
Sleeping Beauties, by Stephen King and Owen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 01, 2017, 12:23:16 PM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

That's a good one and very different from the movies.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 01, 2017, 07:37:56 PM
It was alright. The swerve at the end was interesting

Now, getting my Gothic Victorian literature on with The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: splent on October 01, 2017, 07:40:09 PM
Just finished It yesterday. What a great book.

Now for the next one... I picked up Needful Things at a garage sale for FREE... how's that book?

Or I'm thinking about a different direction and reading Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Anyone read that one?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 01, 2017, 08:21:13 PM
Now for the next one... I picked up Needful Things at a garage sale for FREE... how's that book?

I really liked the premise and the characters, but it goes on too long for me to put it toward the top of King's works.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 01, 2017, 09:09:02 PM
It's definitely worth your time. I don't think it's top tier King, but it's almost there
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 01, 2017, 09:19:58 PM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
I couldn't get past one chapter by how amateur the writing was  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 02, 2017, 11:18:08 AM
Really enjoyed Salem's Lot. Onto DT5: Wolves of the Calla.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 02, 2017, 03:09:21 PM
Just finished It yesterday. What a great book.

Now for the next one... I picked up Needful Things at a garage sale for FREE... how's that book?

Or I'm thinking about a different direction and reading Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Anyone read that one?

I really liked Needful Things. It's a book that really got weirder and scarier as it went on. The only thing, though, is that the ending is kinda weak---which is something King has a problem with from time to time. I'm happy you liked It, though. Not only is that my favourite King book, but it's my favourite book of all-time.

I don't know how much King you've read, but if you haven't read the following, I totally recommend:

Misery
Christine
Carrie
The Shining
Doctor Sleep
Dolores Claiborne
Pet Sematary
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 02, 2017, 05:18:25 PM
I really liked Needful Things. It's a book that really got weirder and scarier as it went on. The only thing, though, is that the ending is kinda weak---which is something King has a problem with from time to time.

That is a common issue with his larger books I guess (Needful Things, Tommyknockers, Insomnia...), which is in part why I fully second your recommendations (except for Doctor Sleep)

I'm happy you liked It, though. Not only is that my favourite King book, but it's my favourite book of all-time.

Me too! (without the 'u' in favorite) :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 02, 2017, 05:32:14 PM
Haha. That's the way we spell it in Canada  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 04, 2017, 05:05:38 AM
The Children Of Men by P.D. James
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on October 05, 2017, 01:44:44 PM
Just finished The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen 83 1/4 Years Old by Hendrik Groen. Very amusing and touching fictional diary of a man in an Amsterdam nursing home.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 05, 2017, 02:41:36 PM
Finally reading my most anticipated book of the year, A Column of Fire by Ken Follett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on October 06, 2017, 07:40:09 AM
Finished The Hate U Give and enjoyed it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 06, 2017, 07:54:25 AM
Finished up Wolves of the Calla. I enjoyed this one a lot on the first read through last year, and it was even better on the second read.

Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on October 06, 2017, 07:58:28 AM
Sleeping Beauties- Stephen & Owen King.

Only 200 pages in but really enjoying this so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on October 06, 2017, 08:51:58 AM
Just started Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.

I’ve been listening to his podcast and decided to check out his book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on October 06, 2017, 10:12:14 AM
Almost bought Needful Things, but decided on a re-read of 11/22/63 instead.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on October 07, 2017, 05:46:00 AM
Sleeping Beauties- Stephen & Owen King.

Only 200 pages in but really enjoying this so far.
This is waiting for me at the library. I should go pick it up today. Looking forward to reading it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 08, 2017, 02:25:58 AM
Taking a break from the Follett and reading The Ruins by Scott Smith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 08, 2017, 06:34:19 PM
DT6: Song of Susannah
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 09, 2017, 11:27:07 AM
The Ruins up being an awful choice for me. Now reading Anno Dracula by Kim Newman in hope for better things
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 11, 2017, 07:44:48 AM
DT7: The Dark Tower
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 11, 2017, 11:39:37 AM
Anno Dracula was really good. If any of you are into vampire literature, I highly recommend it.

now reading Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 12, 2017, 01:38:45 AM
The Children Of Men by P.D. James

Well this was a boring and though reading, almost didn't finish it. I saw the movie some time ago and while it was strange I really liked it. The book has some differences but that's not the problem, the storytelling is just boring.  :tdwn

Back to spiders:

Skitter by Ezekiel Boone
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 12, 2017, 02:41:55 PM
Finally diving into Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on October 12, 2017, 08:20:02 PM
The One Eyed Man by Ron Currie

And I'm going to attempt Infinite Jest again this month. It's just too damn daunting
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 14, 2017, 08:59:44 AM
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 14, 2017, 08:36:54 PM
Apparently, Russian literature and I don't get along too well. Instead, going to get lost in Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb. They say this trilogy is better than the first one
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 16, 2017, 11:20:00 AM
Skitter was fun but it is clearly the middle book in a triology, meaning there's a lot of setups and open ends. Now waiting for the third book, hopefully released in February 2018.

Meanwhile: Aerosmith by Martin Huxley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 16, 2017, 11:23:27 AM
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

I've bougt like 10 different books during my vacation in Germany, and I've also been able to get full Dark Tower set of books a few weeks ago. I don't have to worry about what to read for like six months now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 16, 2017, 11:30:32 AM
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

I would be very interested to get your take on this book. I'm a huge fan of the Dresden Files, but Jim's "fury series" didn't really do anything for me.

I'm steadily working my way through the Walt Longmire Mysteries by Craig Johnson. The mysteries are good if not great, but the characters are excellent. Very entertaining books. I thought the first book was difficult to get into because of Johnson's writing style but the series really picks up after book two.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on October 16, 2017, 12:43:29 PM
Mind Over Matter by Loyd Auerbach
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 20, 2017, 07:35:57 AM
The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

I would be very interested to get your take on this book. I'm a huge fan of the Dresden Files, but Jim's "fury series" didn't really do anything for me.

I'm the same, love The Dresden Files, wasn't impressed by fury series at all.

400 pages in and, in my opinion, this is very fury-series-like. Except it has airships and talking cats. I'm going to finish it and then post my thoughts, but I'm not particularly impressed so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 20, 2017, 07:47:48 AM
The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 20, 2017, 05:56:00 PM
Origin by Dan Brown
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on October 20, 2017, 06:49:51 PM
Origin by Dan Brown
Me too! Just started though, so got a ways to go lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 22, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Finally finished Sleeping Beauties, by Stephen King and Owen King. A good story that should have been five hundred pages, max, instead of seven hundred. Their editors should have been a little meaner this time around.

Reading Lucky, by Alice Sebold, right now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 23, 2017, 08:47:15 AM
My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 24, 2017, 01:21:16 PM
Damaged by Timothy W. Long, about a heavy metal band that sell their souls to the Devil
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 25, 2017, 02:41:57 PM
The Book of Joby by Mark J. Ferrari
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on October 25, 2017, 05:51:04 PM
Any Haruki Murakami fans? I fucking loved Kafka on the Shore, now reading A Wild Sheep Chase.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on October 25, 2017, 11:37:13 PM
What does this button do?  by Bruce Dickinson, the biography. It's funny, insightful, but also missing some good fun making of Rod Smallwood, in my opinion. We get nothing about his personal life, which is fine by me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jaffa on October 27, 2017, 08:35:21 PM
My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

What did you think?

Finally diving into Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

... What did you think?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 28, 2017, 06:53:16 AM
Cross the Line by James Patterson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 28, 2017, 09:22:04 AM
My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

What did you think?

Finally diving into Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
BFE was great. I loved the 80's nostalgia. Great satire on how when a girl reaches puberty, they go through changes and it might feel like they're possessed, when in this book, the girl actually is. Meddling Kids was just alright. It started off well, but there was a point somewhere it lost me for a bit
... What did you think?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 28, 2017, 02:04:03 PM
Finished The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher. Yeah, pretty much what I said earlier, much more similar to Codex Alera than to The Dresden Files. Still, I thought the ending was alright and the plot was also pretty strong. The dialogue, however, was the weakest point for me. Most of the time it felt forced and just kinda there to advance the plot. It also didn't help that I only liked one character (two if you count the cat) out of the whole bunch of them. Probably won't be getting the second book in the series.

Now continuing my Kenzie/Gennaro series read with Prayers for Rain by Dennis Lehane. I was seriously impressed with Gone, Baby, Gone, so I'm looking forward to this.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 28, 2017, 02:07:51 PM
Finished The Girl With All The Gifts. Quite an enjoyable read and a different take on the "zombie" apocalypse.

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on October 28, 2017, 07:02:37 PM
Now reading "red sister" by Mark Lawrence. And "Moby Dick"
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 31, 2017, 10:33:51 AM
Billy Joel: The Definitive Biography by Fred Schruers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 31, 2017, 10:44:12 AM
Now reading "red sister" by Mark Lawrence.

My favorite book from this year. I can't wait for the sequels!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 01, 2017, 11:26:15 AM
Finished Prayers for Rain by Dennis Lehane. Nice book, probably the second best in the series for me so far.

Now onto The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 01, 2017, 08:36:13 PM
Origin by Dan Brown

Finished a couple days ago. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Not really a "traditional" Langdon, as there isn't a whole lot of history or symbols, but still entertaining and thought provoking subject matter. What did you think?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on November 03, 2017, 12:13:39 PM
My wife is rereading the Harry Potter series and we had an interesting discussion in which we both agreed that it would be awesome to have that whole series rewritten from the perspective of Snape.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 03, 2017, 11:48:21 PM
Darkness, Take My Hand, by Dennis Lehane. I'm also crawling through Dante's Inferno.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 04, 2017, 12:08:47 AM
Origin by Dan Brown

Finished a couple days ago. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Not really a "traditional" Langdon, as there isn't a whole lot of history or symbols, but still entertaining and thought provoking subject matter. What did you think?
Pretty much the same, except I judged it more with a 3. Better than Inferno and Lost Symbol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 04, 2017, 07:09:38 AM
Darkness, Take My Hand, by Dennis Lehane. I'm also crawling through Dante's Inferno.

Inferno is definitely a crawl lol. A slow, allegorical crawl. I think I've tried reading it 3 or 4 times now, and have never made it more than half way through.

Eric by Pratchett.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 04, 2017, 10:36:53 AM
Origin by Dan Brown

Finished a couple days ago. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Not really a "traditional" Langdon, as there isn't a whole lot of history or symbols, but still entertaining and thought provoking subject matter. What did you think?
Pretty much the same, except I judged it more with a 3. Better than Inferno and Lost Symbol

Well now I feel obliged to rank the Langdon series... as we love ranking things here lol

Angels and Demons
The DaVinci Code
Origin
Inferno
Lost Symbol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 04, 2017, 11:38:22 AM
Origin by Dan Brown

Finished a couple days ago. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Not really a "traditional" Langdon, as there isn't a whole lot of history or symbols, but still entertaining and thought provoking subject matter. What did you think?
Pretty much the same, except I judged it more with a 3. Better than Inferno and Lost Symbol

Well now I feel obliged to rank the Langdon series... as we love ranking things here lol

Angels and Demons
The DaVinci Code
Origin
Inferno
Lost Symbol
That's it exactly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 05, 2017, 12:24:53 PM
Horns by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 06, 2017, 08:45:39 AM
Silent Prey by John Sanford
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 06, 2017, 08:51:33 AM
Silent Prey by John Sanford

 :tup   I've read every single Davenport book as they've been released since Rules. Always a great ride.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 06, 2017, 09:15:17 AM
Silent Prey by John Sanford

 :tup   I've read every single Davenport book as they've been released since Rules. Always a great ride.

Agreed. I started in on them based on a recommendation from an old lady at the bookstore. Really good series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 06, 2017, 09:21:21 AM
Silent Prey by John Sanford

 :tup   I've read every single Davenport book as they've been released since Rules. Always a great ride.

Agreed. I started in on them based on a recommendation from an old lady at the bookstore. Really good series.

Well, only 24 more or so to go.  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 06, 2017, 10:58:58 AM
Strange Weather by Joe Hill, hopefully more entertaining than the last one
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 06, 2017, 02:15:33 PM
Silent Prey by John Sanford

 :tup   I've read every single Davenport book as they've been released since Rules. Always a great ride.

Agreed. I started in on them based on a recommendation from an old lady at the bookstore. Really good series.

Well, only 24 more or so to go.  :lol

Less 1. The woman who recommended the series said it was OK to read them out of order, with which i disagree completely. I read #1 then  #3, due to availability, and the 3rd book basically ruined the plot of the 2nd one.  I likely won't be going back to read it now. Although, i re-read books so that doesn't really make sense now that I'm typing it lol.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 06, 2017, 02:56:30 PM
Catching up on my Agatha Christie. Feel like over the years I am 75% through all her works. Though I am finding books I know I have read, but cannot recall anything about them, so it is like I've never read them!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: cramx3 on November 06, 2017, 06:15:37 PM
Haven't read a book in about a year, but picked up What Does This Button Do? and have been reading it on my down time on my business trip.  Really enjoying it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on November 07, 2017, 06:11:07 AM
Silent Prey by John Sanford

 :tup   I've read every single Davenport book as they've been released since Rules. Always a great ride.

Agreed. I started in on them based on a recommendation from an old lady at the bookstore. Really good series.

Well, only 24 more or so to go.  :lol

Less 1. The woman who recommended the series said it was OK to read them out of order, with which i disagree completely. I read #1 then  #3, due to availability, and the 3rd book basically ruined the plot of the 2nd one.  I likely won't be going back to read it now. Although, i re-read books so that doesn't really make sense now that I'm typing it lol.
I've big fan of the Davenport books as well. They take place in the Minneapolis area, which is an added layer of fun for me since I live there.

Have you guys read his Virgil Flowers series as well? I like those just as much, sometimes more.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 07, 2017, 06:22:17 AM
Yes, I've read all the Virgil Flowers and Kidd books.

Flowers series have been hit and miss for me. It's hard to describe, he is a fun character to read about but his adventures haven't always hit with me. I like the idea of a red-neck Sherlock Holmes but Craig Johnson does it so much better with the Walt Longmire mysteries.

Now, the Kidd books are some of my favorites by Sanford. I like that the protagonist is actually a criminal/vigilante and that his hunting ground is cyberspace yet his activities always have real impact in world. That does tend to date the books though, I'm sure millennials would laugh at Kidd's primitive tools from the first book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 07, 2017, 06:45:02 AM
Finished one of my Janet Evanovich Plum series novels - since there are like 30, I try to do one of those then something else. So now I'm reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 07, 2017, 12:46:08 PM
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 09, 2017, 10:53:01 PM
Just tied my all time record of most books read in a year with 90. Going to try to reach triple digits before the year ends.

Now reading, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 10, 2017, 12:12:45 AM
How do you do that? Don't you have to sleep? Do you do anything other than reading?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 10, 2017, 05:52:25 AM
Just tied my all time record of most books read in a year with 90. Going to try to reach triple digits before the year ends.

Nice work! I hit the century club last year with 104. It definitely helped that i took 6 months of parental leave. I think I'll finish around 50 or so this year.  Re-reading Dark Tower slowed me down lol.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on November 10, 2017, 06:09:43 AM
Finally got around to reading Ready Player One. That was a fun book even though I'm not a gamer.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 10, 2017, 06:47:14 AM
Just tied my all time record of most books read in a year with 90. Going to try to reach triple digits before the year ends.

Nice work! I hit the century club last year with 104. It definitely helped that i took 6 months of parental leave. I think I'll finish around 50 or so this year.  Re-reading Dark Tower slowed me down lol.

I'm at 42, set my goal at 45. I'll try for over 50 next year I think.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 10, 2017, 08:07:22 AM
Just tied my all time record of most books read in a year with 90. Going to try to reach triple digits before the year ends.

Nice work! I hit the century club last year with 104. It definitely helped that i took 6 months of parental leave. I think I'll finish around 50 or so this year.  Re-reading Dark Tower slowed me down lol.

I'm at 42, set my goal at 45. I'll try for over 50 next year I think.

Should consider quitting at 42. Just for the literary reference of course.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 10, 2017, 08:19:36 AM
I'll be lucky if I get to maybe 25 per year, am I too slow? Do I read only the 1000+ pages volumes? Seriously, how do you do it?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 10, 2017, 09:02:04 AM
How do you do that? Don't you have to sleep? Do you do anything other than reading?
I'm a very fast reader, plus I don't watch as much TV as I used to, plus the job where I work at doesn't have a lot of demanding responsibilities, so I get a fair amount of reading time done there too
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 10, 2017, 09:12:23 AM
I'll be lucky if I get to maybe 25 per year, am I too slow? Do I read only the 1000+ pages volumes? Seriously, how do you do it?
My typical book is about 400-600 pages, and my other hobbies are fitness and guitar. I only  watch about 1hr of tv per week, so that helps. My guitar playing suffered last year, without a doubt due to the reading, so there is a sacrifice on my end. I also read on my commute (1hr total each day) and at lunch (45min). I'm not a speed reader, but I'm no slouch either.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 10, 2017, 09:15:19 AM
How do you do that? Don't you have to sleep? Do you do anything other than reading?
I'm a very fast reader, plus I don't watch as much TV as I used to, plus the job where I work at doesn't have a lot of demanding responsibilities, so I get a fair amount of reading time done there too

That too. In my 104 year i read at least 30 while at work. In a sad attempt to justify it as professional development, i actually retyped the novels in typing software. So on top of reading i managed to get my WPM to a 70 average.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 10, 2017, 09:52:49 AM
I'll be lucky if I get to maybe 25 per year, am I too slow? Do I read only the 1000+ pages volumes? Seriously, how do you do it?

I think I've read about 10-15 this year, but I'm reading in my non-native language. I don't have any goals regarding the amount of books I read, though, I just read every day on the road and sometimes in evenings if I just can't put the book away. Page count also matters. For example, Brandon Sanderson's Oathbringer goes on shelves in four days (I hope my pre-order will arrive this month, or at least this year) and I think it's like 1250 pages thick. That one is going to take me a while.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 10, 2017, 11:04:08 AM
I'm not trying to reach a certain amount of books each year, it's just that there are so many books that I want to read that I'm a little envious of those who have more time for reading.

I also read a lot of books in english (german is my native tongue) and that probably slows me down. And I have about an hour and a half commute to and from work, but I'm driving, so no reading. But on the other hand more often than not that's the only time I can listen to music.

Reading at work is an idea, I only have to convince my boss.  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 10, 2017, 11:14:09 AM
I'm not trying to reach a certain amount of books each year, it's just that there are so many books that I want to read that I'm a little envious of those who have more time for reading.

Oh yeah. I've got about fifteen books on my shelves that I haven't read yet, and I've got like 40+ books on the list I'd like to buy. That's definitely a problem.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 10, 2017, 02:03:53 PM
Seventh Plague by James Rollins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 10, 2017, 10:24:47 PM
I average thirty a year. When I finish Darkness, Take My Hand and Inferno, I'll have reached my average, so I'm hoping to get around thirty-five read this year. I'm a bookworm and a writer, so I have to be a persistent reader if I want to be a good writer.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 11, 2017, 08:19:21 AM
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 11, 2017, 11:22:29 AM
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (J.K Rowling)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 11, 2017, 01:00:13 PM
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (J.K Rowling)

Nice one. My ranking for these three is The Silkworm > Career of Evil > The Cuckoo's Calling. I'm definitely getting Lethal White when it's released.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 11, 2017, 02:10:43 PM
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (J.K Rowling)

Nice one. My ranking for these three is The Silkworm > Career of Evil > The Cuckoo's Calling. I'm definitely getting Lethal White when it's released.

Same. I don't buy many books due to the lack of space to put them but this series is a must own for me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 12, 2017, 01:47:06 AM
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 12, 2017, 07:12:21 AM
I loved Cuckoo's Calling. Nice to know the series gets better
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 12, 2017, 08:49:33 AM
I love the Galbraith series. Did anyone see the tv show? It won't air in the US until middle of 2018 I believe.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 13, 2017, 04:15:33 AM
About to dive into Sleeping Beauties by Stephen and Owen King. I'm wondering if a lot of it will actually be Stephen's work, or did he just tack his name on his son's work to help him get recognition like James Patterson does with all those YA novels he supposedly writes?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Riceloft on November 13, 2017, 07:00:44 AM
Just finished a re-read of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson in preparation for the release of Oathbringer tomorrow.  So stoked!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 13, 2017, 10:37:16 AM
Just finished a re-read of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson in preparation for the release of Oathbringer tomorrow.  So stoked!

:tup

Finished TWoK and WoR a few months ago and eagerly awaiting this release. Amazon says it'll be on my doorstep somewhere between 16th and 20th of November. I can't wait.

Would be great to discuss it with fellow DTF-ers after we all had time to devour this upcoming monster of a book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 13, 2017, 03:35:21 PM
About to dive into Sleeping Beauties by Stephen and Owen King. I'm wondering if a lot of it will actually be Stephen's work, or did he just tack his name on his son's work to help him get recognition like James Patterson does with all those YA novels he supposedly writes?

For the most part, it's hard to tell who wrote what---which I guess is a good thing, considering it makes the book flow. However, there are parts where when I was reading, I knew it was a passage Stephen wrote because I know his style so well. As for the book itself, it was all right. It didn't have to be 700 pages, though. It really starts to drag past page 300 or so, but picks up later on. An editor really should have kicked the Kings in the butt for this book because somewhere in this 700-page tome, there's a really god 400- or 450-page novel. Like I said a few pags back (or, at least, I think I did), something like It, The Stand, or Needful Things had to be long to cover a ot of ground. There wasn't a lot of ground to cover in this book, but the Kings were determined to have it go on forever. What's even funnier is that apparently the book was supposed to be even longer than it is already.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 14, 2017, 08:52:52 AM
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Logain Ablar on November 15, 2017, 08:41:41 AM
Just finished a re-read of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson in preparation for the release of Oathbringer tomorrow.  So stoked!

:tup

Finished TWoK and WoR a few months ago and eagerly awaiting this release. Amazon says it'll be on my doorstep somewhere between 16th and 20th of November. I can't wait.

Would be great to discuss it with fellow DTF-ers after we all had time to devour this upcoming monster of a book.

I'm also looking really forward to getting Oathbringer. Not sure when I will actually get around to reading it though - I've just started this:

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSBZbpMNVG9jLU_g9Gh2_Cs8Xrei5BSvZo0Q9IWJHU7y1ERPlX-)

and it's the first book of a trilogy. Bad timing on my part.

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

 :tup I also love the Mistborn series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 15, 2017, 10:21:28 AM
My copy of Oathbringer will apparently arrive at Friday.

Meanwhile, I'm having a total blast reading The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. I've got about 50 pages left and this is probably the most enjoyable fantasy book I've read this year. I've purchased this based solely on the blurb and the beautiful cover and, holy shit, this book exceeded my expectations by a mile.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 15, 2017, 11:18:31 AM
That series is so good. You're in for a treat with the next two
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 15, 2017, 11:23:58 AM
I have the Lies Of Locke Lamora lying here waiting to be read. I bought it because it sounded good and was on sale, now I'm really excited when I get round to it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 17, 2017, 12:42:00 AM
Library Of Souls by Ransom Riggs, finally finishing that trilogy and enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on November 17, 2017, 08:39:24 AM
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut.  I'm not really sure what to think of this book.  I enjoy the ridiculous vignettes of the characters, and the 3-page chapters make it easy to read.  I don't know much about Vonnegut, but I have read that this book is supposed to convey the idea that nothing ultimately matters, and that he dislikes the traditional protagonist-as-hero/antihero story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 17, 2017, 11:49:05 AM
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut.  I'm not really sure what to think of this book.  I enjoy the ridiculous vignettes of the characters, and the 3-page chapters make it easy to read.  I don't know much about Vonnegut, but I have read that this book is supposed to convey the idea that nothing ultimately matters, and that he dislikes the traditional protagonist-as-hero/antihero story.

I remember liking Slaughterhouse Five when I read it in high school but I don't remember the story. I've added it back to my want-to-read list. I think that is the only Vonnegut I've read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on November 17, 2017, 06:28:01 PM
Different Seasons, by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 21, 2017, 05:03:45 AM
Walter Isaacson's new biography on Leonardo Da Vinci. If it's as good as his last one on Steve Jobs, I'm in for a treat
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 22, 2017, 03:11:31 PM
Midnight Line by Lee Child.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 25, 2017, 09:07:38 AM
The Massacre of Mankind by Stephen Baxter
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 27, 2017, 06:38:14 AM
Vallista -- Steven Brust
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 27, 2017, 06:38:31 AM
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 27, 2017, 06:58:00 AM
Had to DNF that last one. I think the writing was too dry for my tastes or not enough action taking place. Anyway, on to The Bloody Red Baron by Kim Newman. Loved the first book, so I'm expecting good things
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 27, 2017, 07:26:11 PM
Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 28, 2017, 03:55:09 PM
Kim Newman has done it again, The Bloody Red Baron was great. I'll probably get to Dracula Cha-Cha-Cha in the next few weeks. Until then, switching up gears big time with The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 30, 2017, 11:51:41 AM
The Cartel by Don Winslow. Obviously a fictional story, but if only half of that is and was going on in Mexico that is some serious shit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 30, 2017, 03:15:05 PM
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on November 30, 2017, 04:39:23 PM
I'm about to crack open the first book of Branden Sanderson's Stormlight Archives series, called The Way of Kings. I've been holding onto it for a couple years waiting for the third to be released but I'm bored.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on November 30, 2017, 04:43:05 PM
I'm about to crack open the first book of Branden Sanderson's Stormlight Archives series, called The Way of Kings. I've been holding onto it for a couple years waiting for the third to be released but I'm bored.

The third was just released a week or so ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on November 30, 2017, 04:43:54 PM
I'm about to crack open the first book of Branden Sanderson's Stormlight Archives series, called The Way of Kings. I've been holding onto it for a couple years waiting for the third to be released but I'm bored.

The third was just released a week or so ago.

Haha really? What strange timing. I'm very bad at keeping up with books. Thanks for the heads up. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on November 30, 2017, 06:10:04 PM
Why were you waiting for the third though?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on November 30, 2017, 09:06:11 PM
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut.  I'm not really sure what to think of this book.  I enjoy the ridiculous vignettes of the characters, and the 3-page chapters make it easy to read.  I don't know much about Vonnegut, but I have read that this book is supposed to convey the idea that nothing ultimately matters, and that he dislikes the traditional protagonist-as-hero/antihero story.

I remember liking Slaughterhouse Five when I read it in high school but I don't remember the story. I've added it back to my want-to-read list. I think that is the only Vonnegut I've read.
starting to get a bit bored with the book.  It's just more rambling and nonsense.  There are bits of insight into human idiosyncrasies, and I'm sure there is much more I'm missing, but I'm losing interest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on December 01, 2017, 07:18:43 AM
Why were you waiting for the third though?

I honestly don't know. Mild OCD I guess, I like the number 3.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 01, 2017, 08:00:35 AM
I'm about to crack open the first book of Branden Sanderson's Stormlight Archives series, called The Way of Kings. I've been holding onto it for a couple years waiting for the third to be released but I'm bored.

The third was just released a week or so ago.

Haha really? What strange timing. I'm very bad at keeping up with books. Thanks for the heads up. :)

:biggrin:

I'm about 500 pages into Oathbringer. Standard Stormlight Archive fare so far, a lot like Words of Radiance, with exception that I love the flashbacks this time (loved them in The Way of Kings, wasn't impressed with them in Words of Radiance). Also, while I had the idea where the story was going in the first two books, this time I have no clue.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sigz on December 03, 2017, 01:21:04 AM
I recently read Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, and it was absolutely captivating. Short, gripping, weird and wonderful "lovecraftian" novel. I'm really looking forward to reading the next two in the series. They're also making a movie of it, directed by the the dude who did Ex-Machina, which looks great based on the one trailer they've done.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: twosuitsluke on December 03, 2017, 01:58:34 AM
I finished The Dark Tower series, finally, last week. I was....disappointed with the ending. I don't know, the series had it's ups and downs but the ending just didn't do it justice as far as I'm concerned.

I have the urge to reread The Wheel of Time series as it's been like 5 years since I touched it. In the meantime though I'm reading Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 03, 2017, 07:49:22 AM
I have the overwhelming need to try to read one more big book before the close of the reading year. Enter Gotham: A History of NYC to 1898 by Mike Wallace and Edwin G. Burrows (it's a little over 1200 pages)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 03, 2017, 10:48:52 AM
I finished The Dark Tower series, finally, last week. I was....disappointed with the ending. I don't know, the series had it's ups and downs but the ending just didn't do it justice as far as I'm concerned.

The climax, or the denoument?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 03, 2017, 11:53:37 AM
I finally started with Song of Susannah, quite good so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 03, 2017, 02:29:46 PM
I finally started with Song of Susannah, quite good so far.
I was lukewarm  on it the first time i read it, but i really enjoyed it the second time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on December 03, 2017, 07:35:37 PM
I'm really enjoying Stormlight Archives so far. This is much more interesting and better written than Mistborn.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 05, 2017, 09:51:26 AM
I'm really enjoying Stormlight Archives so far. This is much more interesting and better written than Mistborn.

I would say The Way of Kings is hard to get into because of so much inworld exposition in a few first chapters, but after you get into the story about 100-150 pages in, it really hits that sweet spot between pace of the story and exposition and becomes difficult to put down. I remember I spent hours in the evenings going through this book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 06, 2017, 04:15:26 AM
Natchez Burning by Greg Iles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 11, 2017, 02:19:57 AM
The Bone Tree by Greg Iles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 12, 2017, 05:58:55 AM
Demon Crown by James Rollins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on December 12, 2017, 08:22:17 AM
From Here to Eternity by Caitlin Doughty, who is a funeral director in CA trying to change the industry. The book is about different death-related customs around the world. Not as funny as her first book but still super interesting. She came here and did a reading in October which was a pleasure. Total badass.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 12, 2017, 09:23:57 AM
Edgedancer - Brandon Sanderson

I'm getting prepared to plunge into the final Stormlight book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 12, 2017, 10:30:09 AM
I didn't like Edgedancer, but then I don't like Lift as a character, so that was to be expected. Still, it's somewhat of an essential read if you want to catch every little detail in Oathbringer.

I'm somewhere in the middle of Part IV right now and I'll shut up now. I hope to finish before Christmas though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 12, 2017, 12:10:42 PM
I swear, I've read this before!  ???  At the very least, this breaking into the brass palace in order to get choice food bit. Was the first chapter of this "novella" printed at the end of the last book or something?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 12, 2017, 12:18:10 PM
I swear, I've read this before!  ???  At the very least, this breaking into the brass palace in order to get choice food bit. Was the first chapter of this "novella" printed at the end of the last book or something?

Well, Words of Radiance had a Lift interlude somewhere in the book (Words of Radiance spoilers: where Lift and the group of thieves tried to infiltrate Azir's Palace, failed, Nalan/Darkness arrived and killed Gawx only for Lift to resurrect him and then Azir scribes appointed him as a Prime—mostly because no one wanted to become Prime now that Szeth (Assassin in White) killed a few previous Primes in a row), but as far as I know, there is no more Lift-related material in WoR, my book doesn't have any bonus chapters, but maybe your edition does.

Edgedancer should start with, well, slight spoilers ahead, nothing serious though if you've already read WoR: Lift has left Azir and heading to another city called Yeddaw in Tashikk empire (I think?), talking to Wyndle on the countryside; I think she reaches the gates in chapter three or four. Getting choice food is kinda her agenda overall, so she's doing that during the whole Edgedancer novella (this time it's pancakes).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 12, 2017, 12:22:33 PM
Yeah, my copy of Edgedancer that I just bought for Kindle is starting with your first tiny text from Words of Radiance. I knew it was all too familiar!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on December 12, 2017, 03:54:28 PM
Disclosure, by Michael Crichton.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 13, 2017, 11:47:52 AM
The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 15, 2017, 04:18:26 AM
Time to finish the trilogy with Mississippi Blood by Greg Iles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 17, 2017, 03:35:59 PM
The Disaster Artist by Greg Sestero
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on December 17, 2017, 04:35:50 PM
How do you like it?

I finished reading it a few months ago and I loved the book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 18, 2017, 01:40:54 PM
I'm a little more than a quarter done. Tommy's a very bizarre guy, for sure. I'm not a fan of the going back and forth narrative. Wish it was a bit more linear
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 19, 2017, 07:59:00 PM
Just finished my 100th book for the year!

Now, reading Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 22, 2017, 08:14:54 PM
Trivia Man by Deborah O'Brien
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 23, 2017, 07:31:06 PM
Bookburners: The Complete Season One by Max Gladstone
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 25, 2017, 05:36:14 PM
 Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 26, 2017, 09:28:59 PM
Bookburners didn't go so well, so going to give The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 26, 2017, 09:32:09 PM
Got Origin by Tempus Vox Dan Brown and Bruce Dickinson's book for Xmas so those are next up. Haven't liked anything by Dan Brown since Angels and Demons but my sister said I would like this one. I want to get Jim Ross's new book too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 28, 2017, 10:40:53 PM
All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2017, 07:07:15 AM
104 things read in 2017. I feel really accomplished. On to 2018!

La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Lonk on January 01, 2018, 07:07:05 AM
Recently read “Artemis” by Andy Weir.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 01, 2018, 07:34:42 AM
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on January 01, 2018, 07:46:36 AM
Van Halen: Runnin' with the Devil - a biographical book by Noel Monk, their former tour manager/personal manager during 1978-1985.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 01, 2018, 01:55:23 PM
Finally reading second book from Millenium trilogy - The girl who played with fire. So far, so good :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 02, 2018, 12:34:32 PM
It's my favorite of the trilogy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on January 02, 2018, 01:28:13 PM
Put Stormlight on the shelf because a late Christmas gift showed up: Neil Peart's "Ghost Rider." Already several pages in, digging it big time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 03, 2018, 08:02:20 AM
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 03, 2018, 12:04:19 PM
Yesterday I started and today I finished "Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy: Advice from Rock's Ultimate Survivor". I thought it was an entertaining read for what it was, You don't really learn anything new that wasn't in I Am ozzy. Though his answers to peoples questions still contain a lot of his self deprecating that I really enjoyed from the first book and at times actually gives surprisingly decent responses.

Next I'm reading Watchers by Dean Koontz.

Oh and I forgot I also Finished Well of Ascension. I liked the beginning and I Loved the ending. The middle was dragged down by Vins inner struggles which I didn't hate as much as some people. She finally did come around but I can see why many people complain about it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on January 04, 2018, 05:23:52 AM
Confessions of a Sociopath
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 04, 2018, 04:38:23 PM
had my first DNF of the year already, which is a shame, because I really enjoyed The Fifth Season, but I just couldn't enjoy this one. The story was a bit too out there for my taste. Anyway, switching to non-fiction and reading P.T. Barnum's autobiography, The Life of P.T. Barnum, Written By Himself, because I really enjoyed The Greatest Showman and would actually like to read about his life
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 06, 2018, 12:04:30 PM
River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 06, 2018, 02:03:47 PM
and on to part two: Taste of Marrow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 06, 2018, 02:12:22 PM
Reading some books by german author Markus Heitz, Ritus and Sanctum.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 07, 2018, 06:02:16 AM
The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 08, 2018, 04:14:19 PM
The Unseen World by Liz Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 08, 2018, 11:29:25 PM
Rereading The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 09, 2018, 05:13:38 AM
Rereading The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams

 :tup :tup :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 10, 2018, 12:34:35 PM
The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 12, 2018, 07:31:51 AM
Die Trying by Lee Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 12, 2018, 08:31:11 AM
I Finished watchers by dean koontz. It was an entertaining read.

Now I'm reading Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits by David Wong
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 15, 2018, 03:26:03 AM
Sleeping Beauties by Stephen and Warren King. Not bad, but maaaaan loooooongggg. (snore).  :\
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on January 15, 2018, 06:47:58 AM
Currently just making myself get caught up on the backlog of homebrewing magazines from the last six months or so, but seeing all these commercials for the TV adaptation of The Alienist really has me wanting to go back and revisit that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 15, 2018, 08:53:54 AM
Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 15, 2018, 09:20:38 AM
Finished Oathbringer in 2017, then took a short break from reading on holidays. Time to get back into The Gentlemen Bastards universe with Red Seas under Red Skies by Scott Lynch.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 17, 2018, 05:45:15 AM
Finished Oathbringer in 2017, then took a short break from reading on holidays. Time to get back into The Gentlemen Bastards universe with Red Seas under Red Skies by Scott Lynch.

Still slogging through Oathbringer myself. It's kinda slow going.

Red Seas under Red Skies was my favorite of that trilogy. My son says I'm crazy, but for me, it was the most fun of them all.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 17, 2018, 12:06:08 PM
Red Seas under Red Skies was my favorite of that trilogy. My son says I'm crazy, but for me, it was the most fun of them all.

I'm just over a hundred pages in, I love it so far. The sheer size of balls these guys have continues to astonish me. :lol

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 20, 2018, 12:00:33 PM
With this year being the centennial of the ending of World War I, I thought I would educate myself with some books on the subject, starting with The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 20, 2018, 03:20:14 PM
American Vampire Vol: 4 by Scott Snyder
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on January 21, 2018, 12:57:12 AM
Almost done Gwendy's Button Box, by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 21, 2018, 05:39:37 AM
Okay, that lost my interest quick. Instead, reading Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on January 21, 2018, 09:04:50 AM
After watching the TV show Mindhunter, I bought the book:

(https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1308169929l/126584.jpg)

I love it and can't get enough.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 21, 2018, 01:28:17 PM
The Stone Of Farewell by Tad Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on January 21, 2018, 03:32:57 PM
About to start Artemis, by Andy Weir.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 22, 2018, 04:35:29 PM
Criminal Vol.1: Coward By Ed Brubaker

Batman: Superheavy by Scott Snyder
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 23, 2018, 10:22:06 AM
Red Seas under Red Skies was my favorite of that trilogy. My son says I'm crazy, but for me, it was the most fun of them all.

I'm just over a hundred pages in, I love it so far. The sheer size of balls these guys have continues to astonish me. :lol

Alright, this book officially has the best quote of the series so far. :rollin

Quote
...how the hell was he going to explain what had happened to the ship? Some nautical technicality?

'Squiggle-fucked the rightwise cock-swabber with a starboard jib,' he whispered to himself, 'when I should've used a larboard jib.'
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 23, 2018, 04:52:11 PM
 :lol  Love me some Gentlemen Bastards.

Gonna start in on rereading the Earthsea series tonight in honor of Ursula Le Guin's passing.  :-[
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 23, 2018, 07:19:41 PM
They Came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 23, 2018, 08:34:16 PM
Magic by William Goldman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 24, 2018, 11:10:09 AM
:lol  Love me some Gentlemen Bastards.

Gonna start in on rereading the Earthsea series tonight in honor of Ursula Le Guin's passing.  :-[

Just found out about this today, very sad news. The Dispossessed and The Left Hand of Darkness are among my absolute favourite books by any writer.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 24, 2018, 05:20:34 PM
A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 24, 2018, 07:21:37 PM
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 25, 2018, 11:14:08 AM
Finished Red Seas Under Red Skies and loved it even more than the first book in the series. What an awesome discovery.

Turning away from fantasy for a bit to finish Kenzie/Gennaro series with Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on January 25, 2018, 04:07:50 PM
Lehane rarely, if ever, disappoints. As far as the Kenzie/Genarro books, I've only read the first two, A Drink Before the War and Darkness, Take My Hand. I think Sacred is next, which I gotta hunt down soon. If you like Lehane, he released a new book last year called Since We Fell and it was pretty good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 25, 2018, 05:58:21 PM
Going to brag a bit if you don't mind. This last book I recently finished became the 1,000th thing I shelved on my Read pile (that includes some graphic novels, scripts, and some children's books). I'm sure there's a few I have forgotten to include on my shelf, because every so often I'm like, oh I've read that.

Anyway, to the book I am currently undergoing. Last year, his The Child Thief was one of my favorites of 2017. Now, I'm reading his latest: Lost Gods by Brom
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 26, 2018, 06:46:27 AM
Lehane rarely, if ever, disappoints. As far as the Kenzie/Genarro books, I've only read the first two, A Drink Before the War and Darkness, Take My Hand. I think Sacred is next, which I gotta hunt down soon. If you like Lehane, he released a new book last year called Since We Fell and it was pretty good.

I thought Sacred was a bit over the top (or maybe more than a bit), but the next one, Gone, Baby, Gone was an absolute blast of a book. Loved that one.

I also have Since We Fell waiting on my bookshelf, bought it last year but didn't get to read it yet. I'm looking forward to it though. :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 27, 2018, 12:21:18 PM
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 29, 2018, 04:24:39 AM
Going to give Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 30, 2018, 08:15:00 AM
To Green Angel Tower by Tad Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 30, 2018, 09:51:47 AM
Moonlight Mile was alright as a closing book in the series, but I don't think the continuation of one of the earlier book plots was a good idea, and also it's almost always hilarious to read books with Russian mafia in them. A mixed bag of a book, all in all. If I had to rank Kenzie/Gennaro series, I would've gone with Gone, Baby, Gone > Prayers for Rain > Darkness, Take My Hand > Sacred = Moonlight Mile > A Drink Before the War.

Next up, the book about which contents I have not a slightest clue, by the author I've never heard of, The Emperor's Blades by Brian Staveley.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Jarlaxle on January 30, 2018, 10:07:39 AM
With this year being the centennial of the ending of World War I, I thought I would educate myself with some books on the subject, starting with The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman

How was this one? I'm currently reading Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger, which is phenomemal, and want to continue my WWI binge.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 31, 2018, 09:18:42 AM
I gave up after the third chapter. It was too detailed and lost me completely
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 31, 2018, 10:43:17 AM
I almost gave up on They Came to Bahgdad at the halfway point, but I stuck with it. It was ok, but I kind of regret finishing it. My wife brought up a good point: "Why slog through a bad book when there are literally millions of other books to read?". That will probably be my mindset moving forward.

Waiting on a few books from Amazon, so in the meantime I picked up Foreign Agent by Brad Thor.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on January 31, 2018, 11:41:21 AM
About to start Cat's Eye, by Margaret Atwood.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 03, 2018, 09:08:50 PM
Reagan: The Life by H.W. Brands. For the rest of the year, I decided to read at least one big book a month off of my TBR. Each one was picked by random number generator, and this was decided for February. Time to learn about the President of my childhood
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 06, 2018, 06:17:45 PM
Good Omens by Gaiman/Pratchett. This one 's been on my shelf for awhile, but i never got around to it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 08, 2018, 05:19:35 AM
Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on February 08, 2018, 07:18:05 AM
Do magazine articles count?  I'm reading The White Darkness.  A descendant of Ernest Shackelton's crew is attempting a solo crossing of Antarctica through the south pole on foot.  (if you know the outcome of his trek, please don't spoil it..)

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/02/12/the-white-darkness
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 11, 2018, 09:05:42 AM
The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Volume 1 edited by Walter Hooper. I became interested in reading collections of correspondences when I read the two collections of Hunter S. Thompson's letters from a few years back, which I really enjoyed, so it's lately been a sub genre that I've become interested in
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 12, 2018, 06:42:44 AM
The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis: Volume 1 edited by Walter Hooper. I became interested in reading collections of correspondences when I read the two collections of Hunter S. Thompson's letters from a few years back, which I really enjoyed, so it's lately been a sub genre that I've become interested in

You should give Griffin and Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence a try, but you need to see the physical books since the letters are removable letters and postcards. It's an interesting trilogy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 12, 2018, 07:55:35 AM
Also going to be reading Dracula Cha-Cha-Cha by Kim Newman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 12, 2018, 10:48:24 AM
Finished The Emperor's Blades by Brian Staveley. Yeah, this one didn't go really well with me, to be honest. For three different points of view, I was interested in only one—the other protagonist spent his time doing jackshit for like 3/4 of the novel despite an exciting beginning which was his first chapter—and yet another protagonist had only few chapters in the whole novel (and I thought her setting was the most exciting of all three) and ended up being absolutely inept at anything which actually made me facepalm a few times. Now to mention I thought the plot was a bit boring and the twists were mostly obvious.

Oh well, maybe I'm just not into the grim and dark fantasy anymore, because this book has a lot of glowing reviews. Not going to continue with that trilogy.

Instead, I'm returning to Scott Lynch and starting Republic of Thieves. If the first two books are any indication, this is going to be a much better read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 12, 2018, 05:14:12 PM
American Vampire vol.5 by Scott Snyder
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 13, 2018, 01:27:30 PM
Giles Goat Boy by John Barth. Loved the Sot-Weed Factor from a few years back. Hopefully, this will be just as good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 13, 2018, 07:31:55 PM
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 14, 2018, 07:20:40 AM
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 15, 2018, 03:39:35 PM
Just finished reading The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend. Moving on to the sequel, The Growing Pains of (most of these books are quite short)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 16, 2018, 02:28:17 PM
Getting back to some genre fiction with Kraken by China Mieville. I fell in love with Perdido Street Station years ago. Hope this will get a similar reaction
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 16, 2018, 06:02:38 PM
Went on a trip some weeks ago and read the manga Uzumaki by Junji Ito. Very original horror based not on monsters or paranormal crap, but on a pattern, a spiral, that haunts a town. It's got a fantastic (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/KvmBx4W8RLfwkQwz7MQNUDzeg9ORUIJ3cHt-ZXTLYNWjY9KafTU9ouev40IgJ-fUIUKuyuCjIdhpN5WLCIxvU6l6yT_OUEq3OXfleeTpgDhbazqM-dozNKt2) art style to it, very detailed (https://imgur.com/gallery/7YQoyue) and slightly into the uncanny, and the plot goes in many unexpected directions. It's mature and dark, and I highly recommend it. There's a wonderful hardcover edition, get that one.

And finally finished Song of Susannah, which was great! I don't really know why people think low of this book, it had great action, lots of lore and twists excellent scenes as usual.

Before tackling The Dark Tower, I want to delve into House of Leaves.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 16, 2018, 06:41:58 PM

And finally finished Song of Susannah, which was great! I don't really know why people think low of this book, it had great action, lots of lore and twists excellent scenes as usual.


For me personally, i took issue with DT6 the first time through because of the author's presence in the novel.  On the 2nd read, though, it didn't bother me at all. It's ranked in the middle for me, just slightly better than DT3 and slightly worse than DT7.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 16, 2018, 07:06:01 PM
Yeah, figured that'd be the case, it bothered me a bit at first but then ended up getting used to it and even liking it - felt more real than just having any random author on it. I think King has said he'd like to go back to it and remove himself from the story, kinda like how he revised the first books some years ago.

Btw, anybody know if there will be hardcover reissues of the series? I'd really like to get my hands on one, there are a few rare spanish ones but would definitely prefer them in their original language.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on February 17, 2018, 05:00:56 AM
I finally bought last tree books of Kenzie & Gennaro series by Lehane. Reading Gone, Baby, Gone right now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 17, 2018, 08:02:47 AM
American Vampire volume 6 by Scott Snyder

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 18, 2018, 05:53:42 PM
I couldn't get into Kraken. I may try again some time in the future

Anyway, years ago I read Shogun by James Clavell, which I liked, so now, I'm going to give the next book Tai-Pan a go
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 18, 2018, 06:16:35 PM
Warlock Holmes:  The hell hound of the Bakervilles by GS Denning
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on February 24, 2018, 12:49:55 PM
Sliver, by Ira Levin.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 24, 2018, 02:01:40 PM
Full Black by Brad Thor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 25, 2018, 07:37:52 PM
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

This was excellent. I would recommend for anyone who likes young adult/post apocalyptic genres.

Then I read Man in the High Castle. I'm not sure I get it all... but I still enjoyed it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 25, 2018, 08:14:51 PM
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 27, 2018, 08:22:18 AM
The Dark Knight Strikes Again by Frank Miller
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 27, 2018, 09:53:16 AM
Finished Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch, liked it, but still thought it was the weakest out of three. Now to wait for The Thorn of Emberlain with everyone else.

Started Blood Song by Anthony Ryan during my vacation, I'm on the last quarter of the book and not really enjoying it anymore (I kinda liked the beginning but then it became less and less interesting), but hey, I've got this far and I'm determined to finish it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 27, 2018, 02:46:19 PM
Back to Robin Hobb with Fool's Errand
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 28, 2018, 01:37:38 AM
The Heart Of What Was Lost by Tad Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 02, 2018, 07:23:08 PM
Golden Fool by Robin Hobb. I really enjoyed the Fool's Errand. She has definitely grown on me with each successive book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 03, 2018, 04:06:00 AM
Finished Blood Song by Anthony Ryan. Meh, don't see why it had such a good rating on goodreads. Not going to continue with the series.

Now reading Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 03, 2018, 01:03:25 PM
After having read three Brad Thor novels, i can safely conclude the guy's  a racist.  He does, however, write a good thriller.

Wind Through the Keyhole by King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 06, 2018, 08:06:29 AM
And finally, we move to Fool's Fate. It's her longest book. I hope it doesn't feel like it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 07, 2018, 04:36:15 PM
Started with the manga Pluto by Naoki Urasawa yesterday, and holy shit it's amazing so far. Deep, emotional, and beautifully drawn. Pretty bleak and interesting thriller too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 09, 2018, 09:42:47 AM
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 09, 2018, 09:51:49 AM
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

First reading or revisiting?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 09, 2018, 10:14:34 AM
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

First reading or revisiting?
First read on this series. It was recommended to me by my physio therapist, and so far I'm really enjoying them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 09, 2018, 10:21:33 AM
Enjoy! I've read the entire series a few times. In a few books it really gets good. Harry Dresden cracks me up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 09, 2018, 11:05:41 AM
Zero Day by Ezekiel Boone
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 11, 2018, 09:16:20 AM
You Should Have Left by Daniel Kehlmann
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 11, 2018, 10:32:11 AM
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 11, 2018, 10:58:15 AM
I thought reading a haunted house book that was being compared to House of Leaves would have made for fun reading. It wasn't. Thankfully, it was really short

Moving on to Brainiac by Ken Jennings
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on March 11, 2018, 06:40:33 PM
The Strain, by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 13, 2018, 08:23:27 AM
Reading my first new release of the year: The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton, which from what I heard, is a murder mystery using a Groundhog's Day approach
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 13, 2018, 08:44:19 AM
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown, and yes I know that this isn't high literature  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 13, 2018, 11:25:56 AM
If you haven't read anything else by him, stop after this book. I enjoyed Angels and Demons a lot, but it is all downhill from there.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 13, 2018, 11:40:19 AM
If you haven't read anything else by him, stop after this book. I enjoyed Angels and Demons a lot, but it is all downhill from there.

That's basically all I've ever heard about the series, too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 13, 2018, 01:21:37 PM
Actually this is a re-read, I've read it around the time when it was first published. I still remember the plot and the twist at the end but have forgotten everything in between. Same goes for DaVinci Code.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on March 13, 2018, 02:11:37 PM
Bertold Brecht - Das Leben des Galileo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 15, 2018, 08:26:28 AM
Continuing with the mystery vibe (it's March Mystery Madness on Booktube), reading something a bit more classical: The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on March 15, 2018, 09:39:21 AM
Max Frisch - Homo Faber
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 15, 2018, 09:52:31 AM
All those are books we were forced to read at school and I hated them because of that.  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on March 15, 2018, 09:58:58 AM
All those are books we were forced to read at school and I hated them because of that.  ;D
Solltest du nicht. Die sind ja sehr gut!  :tup

But yeah, forcing to read sucks.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 15, 2018, 12:20:43 PM
All those are books we were forced to read at school and I hated them because of that.  ;D

That's a very good point, actually. I was an avid reader from my youth, and I really liked some of the books we had to read in school, and I'm even rereading them from time to time, but as much as I love to read I've got to say, some of other books I had to read in school were absolute crap.

I actually remember falling asleep almost every time I tried to get through War and Peace. I finished it eventually, but man, it was one of the most boring things I've ever read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 15, 2018, 12:25:37 PM
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 15, 2018, 01:33:35 PM
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

Clipping right along...

That's a good one. Enjoy!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 15, 2018, 01:44:03 PM
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

Clipping right along...

That's a good one. Enjoy!

I agree, I think Summer Knight is the first one from Dresden Files that I really loved. The first three were alright, but this one was the one that hooked me on the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 18, 2018, 09:22:52 AM
Death Masks by Jim Butcher.

Summer Knight was good, but to be honest, they're all pretty much the same for me so far. The plots are decent, the action comes at a brisk pace, and there's plenty of humor throughout.  I don't think i could actually  pick a favorite out of the first four.

I expect my reading will slow down quite a bit next month. For the last couple years I've been able to do a lot of reading at work, but i start a new position in April which will likely kill the reading.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 18, 2018, 09:41:47 AM
I still remember the plot and the twist at the end but have forgotten everything in between. Same goes for DaVinci Code.

Spoiler.... Lots of talking  :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 18, 2018, 10:40:43 AM
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 19, 2018, 07:22:14 AM
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Over the years, it took me four attempts to get through that book. The last time, I got through it with no hesitation and loved it. The other attempts it would loose/bore me by the third chapter. I guess I had to be in the mood. Mrs. P has read it three times and loved it each time.

Fire and Fury - Micheal Wolff
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 19, 2018, 06:36:56 PM
Well, that had to be my least favorite Gaiman book. Not that it was bad, but I've enjoyed his other books more. Still glad I finally read it though

Moving on to Leviathan Wakes by James Corey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 20, 2018, 03:11:59 PM
Blood Rites by Jim Butcher. I may take a hiatus from the Dresden Files after this one, but I'm sure many an addict has claimed "Just one more needle, I swear it, then I'll stop".
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 20, 2018, 03:24:15 PM
Blood Rites is fantastic! Mouse!  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 22, 2018, 01:39:26 PM
The Pythons Autobiography by The Pythons
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on March 23, 2018, 03:20:09 AM
Max Frisch - Mein Name Sei Gantenbein
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 23, 2018, 08:48:35 AM
Alright, after a lot of recommendations from friends and DTFers alike, I'm starting The Dark Tower series.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 23, 2018, 10:44:54 AM
 :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 23, 2018, 07:38:52 PM
Alright, after a lot of recommendations from friends and DTFers alike, I'm starting The Dark Tower series.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The series is well worth it if you can stick with it after that one.  It's my least favorite of the 7 by a margin. Great opening line, though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 23, 2018, 07:40:17 PM
Dead Beat by Jim Butcher.

Don't look at me like that.  I can stop wherever i want.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 23, 2018, 07:56:54 PM
 :lol

Ooooo, this is my favorite!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 23, 2018, 09:52:53 PM
Alright, after a lot of recommendations from friends and DTFers alike, I'm starting The Dark Tower series.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The series is well worth it if you can stick with it after that one.  It's my least favorite of the 7 by a margin. Great opening line, though.
Pretty much this. Thought it was an ok book, but the second one blew me away and from there the series is very consistent in quality imo.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 24, 2018, 12:48:54 AM
Alright, after a lot of recommendations from friends and DTFers alike, I'm starting The Dark Tower series.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

As the others have already said, don't judge the series by the first book. I almost gave up when I first read the Gunslinger, but it's the second book The Drawing Of The Three where everything starts to get real great.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 24, 2018, 04:57:41 PM
Heading back to fiction with All The King's Men by Robert Penn Warren
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 24, 2018, 05:02:13 PM
Alright, after a lot of recommendations from friends and DTFers alike, I'm starting The Dark Tower series.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

As the others have already said, don't judge the series by the first book. I almost gave up when I first read the Gunslinger, but it's the second book The Drawing Of The Three where everything starts to get real great.

I bought the whole boxset with all the seven books plus Wind Through the Keyhole (or whatever it's called, my bookshelf is a bit away from my PC so I don't want to get up and check it), so I suppose I won't stop after the first book. Good to see the positive thoughts on the series, though.

Dead Beat by Jim Butcher.

Don't look at me like that.  I can stop wherever i want.

I kinda don't remember what happens in these books between Summer Knight and newer books—well, I remember what happens, but I don't remember what happens in which book—but my advise would be to keep at it and just continue reading book after book, not stopping somewhere in the middle of the series. That's what I did and I loved the experience (really, I just couldn't put them down because I loved them so much).

However, it's up to you. While a lot of these books are kinda the same in terms of structure and narrative, the things really get more wild later and I suppose you may find yourself surprised at the turns of events as these books progress.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 24, 2018, 06:57:36 PM
Evermind,

Dead Beat is the one where Harry get's rescued by Mouse and rides the T-Rex through town with Butters.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 25, 2018, 03:41:10 AM
Shit, that's correct. I should've remembered that because of the novel's name.

Yeah, that's a badass book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 25, 2018, 04:39:33 PM
Unfortunately, that was DNF'd pretty quickly

Instead I'm going to read my first Anthony Trollope and see how that goes, with Can You Forgive Her?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on March 25, 2018, 10:54:51 PM
The Strain, by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 25, 2018, 11:50:56 PM
The Strain, by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.

I loved those books, sometimes they are a little bit generic but fun to read nonetheless.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 28, 2018, 08:06:36 AM
Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher. I'm actually about two thirds through this one, so I'll probably have it wrapped up today.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 28, 2018, 09:24:36 AM
Finished The Gunslinger by Stephen King, well, yeah, that wasn't really engaging.

Moving to The Drawing of the Three, we'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 28, 2018, 09:35:17 AM
Mistborn:The Final Empire - Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 28, 2018, 09:37:42 AM
Finished The Gunslinger by Stephen King, well, yeah, that wasn't really engaging.

Moving to The Drawing of the Three, we'll see how it goes.
Drawing is orders of magnitude better than the Gunslinger
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 28, 2018, 11:45:26 AM
Finished The Gunslinger by Stephen King, well, yeah, that wasn't really engaging.

Moving to The Drawing of the Three, we'll see how it goes.
Drawing is orders of magnitude better than the Gunslinger

Yep, that's what I've heard.

Mistborn:The Final Empire - Brandon Sanderson

Oh shit, that's probably my favourite from Sanderson. I'm sure that's because it's 1) my first foray into Sanderson's writing, not counting his Wheel of Time novels 2) my first foray into any fantasy book in its original language. So my love for this is probably sentimental, but I've reread this book for like four or five times, and I still love it just as much as before. The characters aren't very deep (but deep enough that I still loved most of them), however, the plot is just outstanding. I love this book from the beginning to the end. And I suppose this book is also responsible for actually getting me into fantasy as much as I'm into it now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 28, 2018, 12:51:29 PM
Pride and Prejudiced... not sure if I'll make it through. Some reason these old "classics" are difficult for me to digest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 28, 2018, 07:44:46 PM
Taking a bit of a break from the Trollope and switching over to God Knows by Joseph Heller. Catch-22 has always been one of my favorite books and I've always wanted to see what else he wrote, so we'll see how this goes. It's King David telling the story of his life and I've always been a sucker for theological fiction
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 30, 2018, 10:22:31 PM
Just finished up with some Agatha Christie, trying to knock out the remaining books of hers I haven't ever read.

Moving on to Stephen King's Lisey's Story. I read it years ago, and for some strange reason cannot remember a thing about it, other than the basic premise, and the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 31, 2018, 03:42:01 PM
White Night
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on March 31, 2018, 09:18:35 PM
I just started day trading a couple of weeks ago, so I'm reading a book on technical analysis, Getting Started in Technical Analysis by Jack D. Schwager. It's one of the most recommended books on the subject.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 02, 2018, 07:09:44 PM
DNF'd God Knows. Still plugging away on the Trollope. It's a little slow, but there's enough there to keep my interest. I probably still have roughly 200 pages to go, but I'm taking a bit of a break because I got Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan off my hold list
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 03, 2018, 10:51:04 AM
Finished The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King. Wow, that was one of the best things from him I've read. Looks like you guys were right about this one.

Now thinking of either plunging ahead with The Waste Lands or take a small break and read something else.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 03, 2018, 03:01:33 PM
I think The Waste Lands is just as good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on April 03, 2018, 04:05:49 PM
Got Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence but I'm still reading Oathbringer so it might be a while before I get to that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 04, 2018, 11:32:59 AM
I think The Waste Lands is just as good
Yup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 04, 2018, 11:33:36 AM
Small Favor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 04, 2018, 12:11:42 PM
I think The Waste Lands is just as good
Yup

This, and imo Wizard and Glass is even better.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 04, 2018, 12:15:15 PM
I think The Waste Lands is just as good
Yup

This, and imo Wizard and Glass is even better.

Wizard and Glass is the one I'm looking forward to the most. I've heard so many good things about it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 04, 2018, 02:14:53 PM
The Witchwood Crown by Tad Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 04, 2018, 03:51:59 PM
I liked The Wast Lands a lot, but less than The Drawing of Three. Still better then The Gunslinger tho.

I think The Waste Lands is just as good
Yup

This, and imo Wizard and Glass is even better.

Wizard and Glass is the one I'm looking forward to the most. I've heard so many good things about it.
It's very good, but there are some things I found kind of dumb or downright annoying - since it's mostly a huge flashback about Roland's teen years, some stuff typical of the age rubbed me the wrong way, but nothing too serious.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 04, 2018, 07:45:07 PM
Problem with starting the Wastelands is that you're gonna end up going straight into Wizard and Glass after, so you better be committed. No way around it, really.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 04, 2018, 07:58:23 PM
Yeah, The Waste Lands ends in a bit of a cliffhanger so beware :P
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 05, 2018, 07:44:22 AM
One of the best cliffhangers in literature IMO. I was so glad I was able to read Wizard and Glass right after. I can't imagine the wait people had to endure. I seem to recall there was a long wait between the two books, kind of similar to what us Game of Thrones fans are going through right now

Anyway, giving essay reading a try with Bully for Brontosaurus by Stephen Jay Gould
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 05, 2018, 12:02:40 PM
Problem with starting the Wastelands is that you're gonna end up going straight into Wizard and Glass after, so you better be committed. No way around it, really.

Alright, that's good to know, thank you.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 06, 2018, 08:46:50 AM
So, I'm putting the Gould book temporarily on hold to participate in the reddit Fantasy board's Bingo challenge, which I'll be doing for a while, because I will not be satisfied with only completing one row (5 books). I'll be looking to finish the whole card (25 books) before the end of next March.

For my first book, I'm going to be reading Omens of Fury by Sean Hinn, which I'll be using to either complete the non Western setting or the less than 25,000 ratings on Goodreads square
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on April 06, 2018, 10:10:22 AM
Bertolt Brecht - Der gute Mensch von Sezuan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 06, 2018, 10:05:04 PM
Finished Pluto. Damn beautiful, deep, and mature manga by Naoki Urasawa, a very creative re-imagining of Astro Boy. A very sad story about the world's greatest robots being murdered, in a time where they have the same rights as humans and AIs are almost indistinguishable from us. It's not too long, and I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on April 07, 2018, 01:55:39 PM
Read Cycle of the Werewolf, by Stephen King a few days ago. Now reading A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 07, 2018, 08:46:53 PM
Turn Coat
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on April 08, 2018, 06:35:37 AM
Steve Turner - Beatles '66: The Revolutionary Year
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 09, 2018, 06:45:32 PM
Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman. One of the challenges in the r/Fantasy Bingo is to read five short stories, or the hard mode option is to read an anthology of stories, thus this book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 11, 2018, 06:42:44 AM
I'm going to use A Feast of Crows to satisfy one of my bingo squares, but because it's been a while, I'm going to reread A Storm of Swords first
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 11, 2018, 03:13:04 PM
Changes by Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on April 12, 2018, 05:26:39 AM
Comte de Lautréamont - Les Chants de Maldoror  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 12, 2018, 07:19:54 AM
Started reading Sandman, finished Vol. 1. Very interesting and creative stuff, looking forward to the rest of the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 12, 2018, 09:33:09 AM
It gets really good after the first volume. As the title suggests, it was really just a prelude (even though Gaiman would go back a bit farther with Overture)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 12, 2018, 09:39:53 AM
Changes by Butcher

:corn

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT READ THE SMALL TEXT BELOW if you haven't finished the novel, major spoilers:

I was spoiled about Dresden's death - I actually discovered Butcher while reading Dangerous Women in the hospital a few years ago - a collection of stories from different authors edited by GRRM, and there was a short story from Molly's POV where she faces the Fomor in the aftermath of Dresden's death, and I think before the actual story began there was an explanation, like "Jim Butcher surprised us all by killing off Harry Dresden in the end of Changes. Here's how his pupil manages to live on without him". So I remembered that, and I liked the short story, so I decided to give The Dresden Files a chance.

Then after some time I finally got to Changes and knew that Harry will die there, and the last hundred pages or so (when the standoff against the Red Court in Chichen Itza began) I literally thought "alright, here's where he dies, something's about to go totally wrong" every couple of pages, and when the actual vampire situation got resolved and they got back to the city safe and alive I thought, hey, maybe I remembered something wrong, apparently everything's alright with the guy. Then I got to the last few pages. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 12, 2018, 09:57:13 AM
It gets really good after the first volume. As the title suggests, it was really just a prelude (even though Gaiman would go back a bit farther with Overture)
Hell yeah :2metal:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 12, 2018, 12:31:43 PM
Changes by Butcher

:corn

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT READ THE SMALL TEXT BELOW if you haven't finished the novel, major spoilers:

I was spoiled about Dresden's death - I actually discovered Butcher while reading Dangerous Women in the hospital a few years ago - a collection of stories from different authors edited by GRRM, and there was a short story from Molly's POV where she faces the Fomor in the aftermath of Dresden's death, and I think before the actual story began there was an explanation, like "Jim Butcher surprised us all by killing off Harry Dresden in the end of Changes. Here's how his pupil manages to live on without him". So I remembered that, and I liked the short story, so I decided to give The Dresden Files a chance.

Then after some time I finally got to Changes and knew that Harry will die there, and the last hundred pages or so (when the standoff against the Red Court in Chichen Itza began) I literally thought "alright, here's where he dies, something's about to go totally wrong" every couple of pages, and when the actual vampire situation got resolved and they got back to the city safe and alive I thought, hey, maybe I remembered something wrong, apparently everything's alright with the guy. Then I got to the last few pages. :lol


 :lol

I can totally see that. I've never read that short story about Molly. I'll need to hunt it down.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 14, 2018, 07:53:45 AM
Finished The Waste Lands by Stephen King. I liked The Drawing of the Three more, but this one was still a hell of a book, some fantastic stuff there. Sometimes I thought it was kinda slow, but the climaxes of the story Jake's drawing, Jake's rescue from the Grays and Eddie's and Susannah's showdown in the Cradle of Lud with Blaine were outstandingly well written and captivating.

Three books in, this is without any doubt, by far and away the best thing I've read from Stephen King. I'm enjoying this series a lot, and nothing I've read before from him (The Stand, The Shining, The Dead Zone to name a few) even comes close to this. I've only delved into this series because a lot of people on DTF told me to do this, and I'm so grateful to you guys. It's you who made me to decide to give this a chance. This is extremely good.

Question which may contain spoilers (also don't answer if the answer spoils the future novels in a big way, but I'm just curious):

The Ageless Stranger guy at the end of the third novel said his name is Richard Fanning (Fannin? I don't quite remember), are the RF initials a coincidence or does it have something to do with the main antagonist from The Stand? That guy also liked to go under R.F. initials.

Anyway, come Monday I'll be reading Wizard and Glass and I don't have enough words about how excited I am about this one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 14, 2018, 08:36:32 AM
If you haven't already, you should probably read The Eyes of the Dragon, Evermind, once you finish the the series. Kinda, sorta, related and is one of King's best.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 14, 2018, 09:04:44 AM
It is a great book by Stephen King, if you haven't already read it and of the more recent ones I enjoyed 11/22/63 a lot. To kinda answer your question:There are a lot of characters from his other books that appear in the dark tower series. So yes, this is Randall Flagg from The Stand.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 14, 2018, 10:42:12 AM
It is a great book by Stephen King, if you haven't already read it and of the more recent ones I enjoyed 11/22/63 a lot.

Yeah, I've read 11/22/63. This was actually one of the better books by him, but I thought the end could've been better. Regarding the small text, wow, alright, I suspected but didn't know that.

If you haven't already, you should probably read The Eyes of the Dragon, Evermind, once you finish the the series. Kinda, sorta, related and is one of King's best.

I'll put it on my reading list.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 16, 2018, 02:16:42 PM
Just starting in on Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence. I'm pretty stoked, since Red Sister was my favorite book last year.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 16, 2018, 10:03:29 PM
Ghost  Story by Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on April 17, 2018, 07:28:12 AM
Finally made it through Pride and Predjudice. I need help with the olde speak, had to keep rereading things to understand what was said.

Started Dark Matter and already 1/4 through. Not easy to put down.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 17, 2018, 07:18:25 PM
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on April 18, 2018, 10:18:52 AM
Aldous Huxley - The Doors of Perception
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Hellholming on April 18, 2018, 10:20:18 AM
Marco Hietala's biography.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 18, 2018, 03:56:57 PM
Just starting in on Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence. I'm pretty stoked, since Red Sister was my favorite book last year.

Wow, just wow! This whole book is great but the last 1/3rd is incredible. I damn near called in sick to work so I could finish it.

The only bad thing is that I now have to wait until next year to read the final installment. :getoffmylawn:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 19, 2018, 10:58:46 AM
Wizard: The Live and Times of Nikola Tesla - Marc J. Seifer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on April 19, 2018, 01:12:59 PM
Thomas Szasz - The Myth of Mental Illness
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 23, 2018, 12:24:23 PM
The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 23, 2018, 04:44:49 PM
A Higher Loyalty -- James Comey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 24, 2018, 01:23:32 AM
The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers

I always wanted to read a book by this author but haven't come around yet.

In Germany he's mainly known for a comic series called "Little Asshole" which is sometimes very drastic and politically incorrect.

Please report back what you thought of the book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 24, 2018, 03:09:01 AM
I previously read a most excellent book of his called the 13 1/2 Lives of Capt. Bluebear. It's been a while, but I remember loving it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on April 24, 2018, 07:34:30 AM
Finished Dark Matter and it was very entertaining! Now starting the Newsflesh trilogy with "Feed". My husband has told me to read this for the past 3 years.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Grappler on April 24, 2018, 08:39:42 AM
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

I just checked this out from the library a week ago.  For Christmas, I received books 3 & 5.  Nobody bought me book 4.   :facepalm:

Loved book 3, but this one is slow-going so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 24, 2018, 09:01:13 AM
From A Game Of Thrones to A Clash Of Kings to A Storm Of Swords each book is better than the one before, A Feast For Crows and A Dance Of Dragons aren't bad but suffer from the separation of the characters and timelines imo. They don't flow too well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 24, 2018, 11:06:35 AM
From A Game Of Thrones to A Clash Of Kings to A Storm Of Swords each book is better than the one before, A Feast For Crows and A Dance Of Dragons aren't bad but suffer from the separation of the characters and timelines imo. They don't flow too well.

Yeah, I loved the first three, kept falling asleep on the fourth one. I enjoyed both AFFC and ADWD much more on my whole ASOIAF reread.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 24, 2018, 03:30:04 PM
Harry Potter: À l'École des Sorciers by Rowling
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 25, 2018, 04:52:30 PM
Harry Potter: À l'École des Sorciers by Rowling

Gave up on Dresden or just finished up?

Twisted Prey - John Sandford.    Yeah, Lucas is back!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 25, 2018, 08:06:17 PM
Harry Potter: À l'École des Sorciers by Rowling

Gave up on Dresden or just finished up?

Twisted Prey - John Sandford.    Yeah, Lucas is back!

Just taking a break.  Only a few more in the series as it is, so i don't want to burn through them too quickly.

I do have the next one, Cold Days, purchased and ready, but i think I'll do the new Christopher Moore after i finish French H-Pot.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 26, 2018, 08:38:56 AM
I think Martin did a bit of disservice to himself by making a 2,000 paged book and dividing it in two. I found some aspects of Crows  interesting, but ultimately, it's my least favorite of the series so far. I've heard Dance with Dragons is so much better though, which I'm probably going to read next month
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on April 26, 2018, 09:31:01 AM
Martin just announced today that The Winds of Winter is not going to be released in 2018. Somehow the guy had time to write a whole prequel story to Game of Thrones, but won't manage to finish the book this year. He really doesn't care.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 26, 2018, 09:45:14 AM
I'm really starting to think that this series won't be finished at all.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 26, 2018, 11:31:37 AM
I'm really starting to think that this series won't be finished at all.

I'm pretty sure of that, to be honest. We still may get The Winds of Winter, but I doubt we'll get any subsequent books after that.

Maybe he should change his mind and let Brandon Sanderson finish the series. :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 27, 2018, 12:02:20 AM
He published the first three in a span of four years, since then he's dragging and dragging and dragging. If you consider that the first three are the best so far, it makes you wonder why he's suddenly taking his time and then publishing half finished books. I know he got other things on his mind and working schedule but this is beginning to get ridiculous. And the sad thing is, that it makes me lose interest. I will still read the books if/when they come out but he's lost a great amount of momentum imo.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 27, 2018, 05:48:53 AM
I had to DNF that last book. I enjoyed the first section, but I felt it got a bit meandering after that.

Finally finished the Trollope. not a good first impression from me, but I'm willing to give him another try.

Anyway, going to get my theater history on with Something Wonderful by Todd Purdum, about the collaboration of Rogers and Hammerstein
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 27, 2018, 12:34:44 PM
Finished Wizard and Glass today. Holy shit, I really think this was the best one yet. The background Roland story was incredible. Didn't really care about the present story (except for the showdown with Blaine in the beginning, that was great), but I'm fairly sure the present story was a secondary thing in this novel. All the focus was on Roland and Cuthbert and Alain and Susan in Hambry, and holy shit, this story was great. I'm pretty sure this is the best Stephen King thing I've ever read. I'm not ashamed to admit I was openly crying in the end; and it's kinda embarrassing, I was reading this on the train, and my stop came midway into the climax of the story, so I walked into a bar on the way home to finish the book; and when it got to that particular plot point, I was unable to hold the tears back. From the previous novels, I was able to guess how this would end, but still it was a heart-wrenching experience.

Not only I loved the feelings this novel made me experience; I especially loved the setting—a forgotten village somewhere on the outskirts of the world, with their own traditions and customs; everyone pretty much knows each other, and then there are the affable 'strangers', who may or may not be cunning and smart, standing against pretty much everyone, standing against the disease that caught most of the village—not a literal disease, but a political one alright. We had a feeling what Roland was capable of as a gunslinger, but this story really manages to capture his badass nature in the beginning of his path.

I think I'm going to take a break from this series for a bit now, but as I said, these three books (first one not included) are currently my favourites among Stephen King's work. This is a fantastic journey for me, one I never expected to get from King's books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 27, 2018, 01:33:06 PM
Evermind, that was a great write-up, and reminds me of my experience with Wizard and Glass years ago.

This is a good place to take a break from the series too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 27, 2018, 03:39:11 PM
I've only got some minor complaints about that book, but yeah it's amazing, and the more you know about Roland, damn, the more real he feels. A very badass yet tragic and depressing character.

Like Cool Chris said, take a little break now. The following book is awesome, but quite long, so it's better read after other stuff, otherwise you'll wear yourself a little.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 27, 2018, 06:18:34 PM
I'll echo that it's a good stopping point. The last 3 are best if you can commit to reading them back to back to back, and they end with varying degrees of cliffhangers.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 28, 2018, 09:07:35 AM
Yeah, that's what I'm going to do.

Actually wanted to get Red Sister by Mark Lawrence after Podaar's recommendation, but didn't find it in the bookshop. However, I did find Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie, bought it, and I'm going to reread it because I remember that was actually his only book I really liked (I kinda speed-read it for the first time and don't remember much).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 29, 2018, 07:17:23 AM
A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on May 04, 2018, 02:08:14 PM
In My Own Way by Alan Watts
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 04, 2018, 06:07:01 PM
Gonna take a break from French Potter. Now that i bike commute to work, and due to the much quicker pace at my new job, i don't have nearly as much time to read.  I'm not struggling with the vocabulary or grammar in French, but holy crap has this been a slow-go. I'll probably just read a couple chapters in between my other reads moving forward.

Cold Days by Jim Butcher.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 07, 2018, 05:40:14 AM
Reading a new release, Tomorrow by Damian Dibben, about an immortal dog in search of his master
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 07, 2018, 08:15:55 PM
Highly recommended for dog lovers

Anyway, getting my 80's fantasy on with The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams. I had read his Otherland series and really enjoyed it. Let's hope the same will be true for this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 07, 2018, 10:05:05 PM
TempusVox's Dan Brown's Inferno. Grabbed it at the library on the way out as a back-up option in case I found myself without a book to read, which I did tonight as I am caught up with everything else on my list.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 08, 2018, 12:49:59 AM
Highly recommended for dog lovers

Anyway, getting my 80's fantasy on with The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams. I had read his Otherland series and really enjoyed it. Let's hope the same will be true for this

I just reread the whole series in preparation for the upcoming sequels. I liked it back then and I like it now, imo clearly better than Otherland. But like all Tad Williams books he gets a little bit wordy sometimes.  :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kaos2900 on May 08, 2018, 02:01:24 PM
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck

I think this should be required reading for every human being on the planet or at least America. Our country and the world would be much better off.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 11, 2018, 05:16:37 PM
I got almost halfway through The Dragonbone Chair, and it just went out of steam for me (I might come back to it in the future, but not right now). Anyway, some non-fiction for now: Space Odyssey by Michael Benson about the making of 2001
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 14, 2018, 04:36:37 PM
The Long Walk by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on May 14, 2018, 04:39:28 PM
The Shadow Out of Time by H.P. Lovecraft
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 14, 2018, 05:11:33 PM
The Long Walk by Richard Bachman

 :xbones
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 15, 2018, 04:19:29 PM
Paperbacks From Hell by Grady Hendrix
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 16, 2018, 07:56:54 AM
Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on May 16, 2018, 08:01:30 AM
The Shunned House by H.P. Lovecraft
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 19, 2018, 05:27:41 AM
Getting a double dose of Goldman, with The Temple of Gold
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on May 19, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Thomas Ligotti - Teatro Grottesco
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 20, 2018, 06:45:59 AM
Getting my classic lit on for the month with Howard's End by E.M. Forster
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 20, 2018, 01:43:53 PM
Noir by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on May 20, 2018, 03:15:44 PM
Dry Bones in The Valley by Tom Bouman

I really wanted a mystery novel set in rural USA and this one doesn't disappoint. I'm really loving it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 26, 2018, 08:50:37 PM
Plum Island by Nelson DeMille (second reading). First of his John Corey novels, and one of my favorites. Cannot recommend DeMille enough for fans of action and suspense novels.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 27, 2018, 01:06:39 AM
What does this button do by Bruce Dickinson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 28, 2018, 11:20:44 AM
Finished Wind Through the Keyhole and now I'm near the end of Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King. Andy just got deactivated. It's good to get back into the series, even though I have some issues with Wolves.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 28, 2018, 11:53:35 AM
Finished Wind Through the Keyhole and now I'm near the end of Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King. Andy just got deactivated. It's good to get back into the series, even though I have some issues with Wolves.
What issues do you have with Wolves? I thought it was pretty well done
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on May 28, 2018, 11:58:56 AM
American On Purpose by Craig Ferguson.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 28, 2018, 12:20:00 PM
Finished Wind Through the Keyhole and now I'm near the end of Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King. Andy just got deactivated. It's good to get back into the series, even though I have some issues with Wolves.
What issues do you have with Wolves? I thought it was pretty well done

Mild spoilers ahead:

Callahan's story. That's the main one. I didn't care for it at all (I haven't read the book where he's the protagonist, which is apparently a thing). It dragged, it was about a hundred pages in a seven or eight hundred paged book. I actually had to put the book aside a few times as I was falling asleep during it (I get up at 5 A.M. and I tend to fall asleep whenever the book doesn't have my attention).

The New-York rose plot. This is at least interesting so far, but I can't help but feel it's stealing attention from the Calla Bryn Sturgis plot (which I love). But hey, can't really complain about this, I feel this is important.

The 19 / 1999 / Saturday thing which came out all if a sudden. Yeah, I know it's a reference to the day King had his near-death experience, but it's a little too heavy-handed I think. Especially since none of the earlier books featured that (my copy of The Gunslinger did, but apparently that's a retcon King added to the later editions). I don't even mind this too much, but it plays such a large part in the plot with passwords and everything.

But still, I'm enjoying it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 28, 2018, 12:51:42 PM
Finished Wind Through the Keyhole and now I'm near the end of Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King. Andy just got deactivated. It's good to get back into the series, even though I have some issues with Wolves.
What issues do you have with Wolves? I thought it was pretty well done

Mild spoilers ahead:

Callahan's story. That's the main one. I didn't care for it at all (I haven't read the book where he's the protagonist, which is apparently a thing). It dragged, it was about a hundred pages in a seven or eight hundred paged book. I actually had to put the book aside a few times as I was falling asleep during it (I get up at 5 A.M. and I tend to fall asleep whenever the book doesn't have my attention).

The New-York rose plot. This is at least interesting so far, but I can't help but feel it's stealing attention from the Calla Bryn Sturgis plot (which I love). But hey, can't really complain about this, I feel this is important.

The 19 / 1999 / Saturday thing which came out all if a sudden. Yeah, I know it's a reference to the day King had his near-death experience, but it's a little too heavy-handed I think. Especially since none of the earlier books featured that (my copy of The Gunslinger did, but apparently that's a retcon King added to the later editions). I don't even mind this too much, but it plays such a large part in the plot with passwords and everything.

But still, I'm enjoying it.

Fair points. As for Callahan's story, the book he first appears in is Salem's Lot, and he's not even a main character lol. Fantastic book though!

The whole rose plot and 19/1999 stuff bothered me the first time i read it, too. On my re-read last year it didn't bother me at all but maybe that was because i had a more intimate knowledge of how the different plots interact.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 29, 2018, 05:46:52 AM
Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on May 29, 2018, 06:27:03 AM
The Great Gatsby

I've read it before but it's one of my favorite books so I feel like going through it again.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 30, 2018, 11:48:46 AM
Spoilers for Dark Tower once again:

Finished Wolves of the Calla. Damn, I feel sorry for Jake (why is there always a stupid character that fucks up the whole plan? Hello Frank Tavery, thank you very much). I liked the actual Calla Bryn Sturgis plot a lot. And I liked the actual village too. It just felt real, with all their traditions and way of speaking and everything, that was great. The rest wasn't as good, as I said in my previous post, but hey, that was still a good book.

Going forward with Song of Susannah. I'm dreading this one a bit, I've heard that the quality of the remaining two books diminishes compared to the first five, and reading the blurb, it doesn't seem that interesting. I think Susannah will be prominent in this story, and I kinda don't care about this "Susannah / Mia" personality split, because we already had something like this with Odetta / Detta. I hope the book will prove me wrong though, but I'm going in with lowered expectations.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 30, 2018, 11:59:03 AM
Songs of Susanna was okay imo, but is the weakest of the series along with the first book. The last book has some really great chapters but not everything is good imo, and the ending could/should have been better.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 30, 2018, 12:18:50 PM
Yeah, meant to say "diminishes compared to books 2-5", because the first wasn't really interesting at all.

So far, I would say 4 >>> 2 = 5 > 3 >>> 1 for me. But anyway, I'm determined to finish this series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on May 30, 2018, 03:54:56 PM
Dimiter, William Peter Blatty. Before that it was The Informers, by Bret Easton Ellis.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on May 30, 2018, 04:07:45 PM
Yeah, meant to say "diminishes compared to books 2-5", because the first wasn't really interesting at all.

So far, I would say 4 >>> 2 = 5 > 3 >>> 1 for me. But anyway, I'm determined to finish this series.
I thought it was a very good book, but I can see certain things that could bother you. And don't worry, the Susannah plot is more interesting than just another personality split thing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 30, 2018, 04:44:26 PM
I honestly cannot remember a single thing from my reading of Song of Susanna years ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 30, 2018, 06:05:06 PM
I didn't like DT6 on the first read, but really enjoyed it on the reread. If you didn't like the rose plot in DT5 it'll be a grind, but at least it's short.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: FracturedMirror on May 30, 2018, 06:55:53 PM
I'm right in the middle of King's new one, The Outsider.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 31, 2018, 05:42:20 AM
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 31, 2018, 02:17:15 PM
I didn't like DT6 on the first read, but really enjoyed it on the reread. If you didn't like the rose plot in DT5 it'll be a grind...

I kept wanting that plot to go somewhere interesting but it never did.

Trying a Faye Kellerman novel now. Have not read anything of hers but I am a huge Jonathan Kellerman guy, so figure I should be gender equal.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 01, 2018, 08:32:33 PM
Getting back to the theater with The Secret Life of the American Musical by Jack Viertel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on June 02, 2018, 06:17:59 AM
The Rational Male by Rollo Tomassi

(https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/302682193198_/The-Rational-Male-Rollo-Tomassi-New-Book-Paperback.jpg)

Its great
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 02, 2018, 01:09:33 PM
Skin Game by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 02, 2018, 10:20:27 PM
Satan: His Psychotherapy and Cure by the Unfortunate Dr. Kassler, J.S.P.S. by Jeremy Leven
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 04, 2018, 03:58:25 PM
Well, that was a DNF. Almost made it halfway though

There I Go Again by William Daniels. I watched the film version of 1776 for the first time this past weekend, and I just had to read this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 04, 2018, 05:39:56 PM
Well, that was a DNF. Almost made it halfway though

The book, or the title?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on June 04, 2018, 08:21:50 PM
Grey sister by Mark Lawrence.
Also still reading oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on June 05, 2018, 06:26:54 AM
Grey sister by Mark Lawrence.

My favorite book, so far, this year. I've read it twice.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 05, 2018, 08:41:05 AM
Grey sister by Mark Lawrence.

My favorite book, so far, this year. I've read it twice.

Can't find a copy of either this one or the first book anywhere in the local stores. I probably should order these from abroad.

Done with Song of Susannah, this book was a lot of meh. The ending actually fell so flat for me. I kept waiting for at least one plot line to be resolved (or at least for, you know, a big action scene in the end) and it just ended where it ended. Slightly better than the first book but nowhere close to books 2-5.

Starting The Dark Tower now, let's see how King wrapped the series up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on June 05, 2018, 12:27:49 PM
Just finished reading today The Conspiracy Against The Human Race by Thomas Ligotti and The Music Of Erich Zann by H.P. Lovecraft.

Both awesome.  :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 06, 2018, 10:44:13 AM
Well, that was a DNF. Almost made it halfway though

The book, or the title?
The book

Now reading The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on June 06, 2018, 11:23:11 AM
Finished H.P. Lovecraft's The Temple and started The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 10, 2018, 09:52:06 AM
The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on June 10, 2018, 02:14:21 PM
Grey sister by Mark Lawrence.

My favorite book, so far, this year. I've read it twice.

Can't find a copy of either this one or the first book anywhere in the local stores. I probably should order these from abroad.

Done with Song of Susannah, this book was a lot of meh. The ending actually fell so flat for me. I kept waiting for at least one plot line to be resolved (or at least for, you know, a big action scene in the end) and it just ended where it ended. Slightly better than the first book but nowhere close to books 2-5.

Starting The Dark Tower now, let's see how King wrapped the series up.

Its a flawed but entertaining ending to the series.  I have my issues with it but overall i enjoyed it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on June 10, 2018, 02:19:41 PM
Grey sister by Mark Lawrence.

My favorite book, so far, this year. I've read it twice.

What's it about?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on June 11, 2018, 07:41:17 AM
Grey sister by Mark Lawrence.

My favorite book, so far, this year. I've read it twice.

What's it about?

Get ready to say, "WTF?", Tim.  :lol

The continuing story (see Red Sister) of a young nun as she learns to come to grips with her growing martial and magical powers. Along the way, she is betrayed, imprisoned, tortured, escapes and kicks a tremendous amount of ass (she's a cold blooded killer). She also becomes a pivotal character (pawn?) in a political power-play for control of their dying world.

There are some interesting subtexts running through the story about trust, love and loyalty.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on June 11, 2018, 01:10:10 PM
Oh boy..

Ok, I'm good. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on June 11, 2018, 03:56:34 PM
 :lol

Never, ever, serve up Chocolate, raspberry, almond swirl to those who only like vanilla. Let that be a lesson to all of you.

[edit]

BTW, rumor has it that Mark Lawrence was challenged by his agent (or publisher) to write a book based on this painting.

(https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1492020128i/22473997.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 11, 2018, 08:33:30 PM
^^^^That's kinda creepy^^^^

Winter Prey by John Sandford. Got tired of waiting for it to show up organically in my local book shoppe, so i caved ordered it online.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 11, 2018, 08:40:49 PM

Winter Prey by John Sandford.

So i decided to read for author's introduction before diving in. Here's a summation: fantasy novels are incoherent shit; this is a really great book that will stand the test of time.

Sounds like a fun guy...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Lonk on June 13, 2018, 12:22:25 AM
I’m currently on a trip to Europe and for my flights and downtime I bought a book called “Guitar Zero” by Gary Marcus. Most of the complaints about this book is people that were expecting a “how to play guitar” book but so far the book is interesting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on June 13, 2018, 06:27:20 AM

Winter Prey by John Sandford.

So i decided to read for author's introduction before diving in. Here's a summation: fantasy novels are incoherent shit; this is a really great book that will stand the test of time.

Sounds like a fun guy...

As to the bolded: he kinda has a point about the first bit; and he's not wrong about the second.  :)

Of all the Prey books Sandford has written, Winter Prey holds up the best.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 13, 2018, 08:47:06 AM
Going back to the world of musicals (don't judge me lol) with Showstoppers!: The Surprising Backstage Stories of Broadway's Most Remarkable Songs by Gerald Nachman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 16, 2018, 11:47:28 AM
Angels in America by Tony Kushner
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 16, 2018, 05:16:08 PM
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Time for a story. I first read this almost twenty three years ago, but I never shelved it on Goodreads, because I never really read the whole thing. I skipped all the historical stuff not concerned with the Jean Valjean odyssey. It wasn't until a few months after finishing (it took me almost two months to finish, by the way) that I missed the whole point of the book, and I vowed that one day, I would read every last page. Today is finally that day.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on June 19, 2018, 07:04:43 PM
The Outsider, by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 21, 2018, 11:29:51 AM
Finished The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. Spoilers ahead.


No, seriously, there are spoilers ahead.


You've been warned.



I have to admit, I laughed out loud at the ending. The fact that, in my edition, the ending was followed with the first chapter of the first book (as a part of promotional cycle for the re-release of all the editions) didn't help at all. I felt like it was some kind of trolling by the author (especially before the ending was prefaced by a chapter that basically read "hey, you got your happy ending, but if you keep reading, it'll change into a not happy ending, so maybe stop reading now".

I don't know the whole story behind the books, but I've gathered that after his near-death accident King hurried to finish the series, and that didn't help its quality at all. I would say the books 2-4, where King took his time to find the inspiration to write these, they're incredible. Book 5? Still pretty much great with a few flaws, I guess he got a lot of ideas between the fourth book and this one, and some of them are pretty great.

However, after that? Book 6 felt like King on autopilot and pretty much had nothing interesting at all for me. Book 7 had some great ideas (I loved the whole storyarc with Ted Brautigan and Roland's ka-tet opposing Algul Siento and getting Breakers free). And then it had some not-so-great ideas. The whole Mordred character was ridiculous and out of place for me (and he was basically useless except being used as a plot-device to get rid of some characters - I still can't get over how Walter/RF got died in basically his first actual scene after Wizard and Glass). The thing with Patrick Danville felt contrived as hell. I don't know, I guess I don't except the characters that play a huge role in the plot to be introduced in the last book of a septalogy. They mostly fell flat for me. And I can't say the last book was bad, I think it was just rushed and not very polished.

Still, I've enjoyed this ride. I'm pretty sure I will reread at least Wizard and Glass after some time, this book was incredible. My overall rankings would be:

4 >>> 2 > 5 = 3 > 7 >>> 1 > 6

I was pretty tired of New York scenes after 6 though, so on reread I think 2 will go down and 3 will perhaps go up.



Now onto Half a King by Joe Abercrombie. I'm 50 pages in and already enjoying it more than his First Law Trilogy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 21, 2018, 12:22:50 PM
I really enjoyed book seven of the dark tower series but you're right, that Patrick character came out of the blue. And I'm convinced that all those years King didn't know how to end the series. The ending he then came up with is lazy and uninspired imo.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 21, 2018, 12:31:22 PM
Don't get me wrong, I liked the 7th book, but some of the stuff in it was eye-rolling at best.

I kinda wish he ended it with Roland approaching the Tower, shouting - singing even, as he promised to do at the end of The Drawing of the Three - out the names of his dead friends in a field of wild roses. Not clarifying what happened to Susannah and all. Not going into what happened in the Tower. That would've been a powerful picture, a centiuries-old guy, weathered beyond belief, standing in the field of roses he struggled to reach for his whole life and history, finally at the end of his quest, alone. I mean, that's what happened in the book, but hey, who knows what happens next? Who knows what's inside, in the room with that window with murals of the spheres and the Black Thirteen, The Eye of Todash? Susannah went away to whatever her fate is, Roland reached the end of his quest. You know, sometimes you can just do the good old 'open-to-interpretation' ending. I felt like that would've fit the series.

Upd: edited to make my point clearer.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 25, 2018, 05:53:49 AM
Taking a break from Les Mis and reading the new Robin Williams biography by Dave Itzkoff
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Grappler on June 25, 2018, 07:15:50 AM
Read a few thrillers, now I'm onto A Dance with Dragons, which will catch me up completely with the Game of Thrones books. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on June 25, 2018, 10:38:06 AM
Taking a fantasy break after finishing Royal Assassin by Robin hobb.

I read The Burglar In the Closet by Lawrence block, Criminal vol. 2 Lawless by Ed Brubaker and I just started Carrie by Stephen king.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 25, 2018, 09:05:44 PM
Use of Force by Brad Thor.

Also, i finally finished Harry Potter en français.  The reading
 pace picked up as i went, but damn was that slow.

***Dark Tower Spoliers Ahead***

On my first read through in 2016 i didn't like 6 at all, and thought 7 had some issues throughout with a garbage ending. Both were better the 2nd time through.

My biggest disappointments were the fate of the wizard's rainbow and Mordred. As mentioned by Evermind, it felt like Mordred was merely a plot device instead of what could have been a truly riveting character.  Although,  to be fair, on the reread i did feel some sympathy for him when he was alone in the cold.

The whole scene at the Red Castle was awful. It became worse when you find out the Crimson King simply smashed all the balls. What the hell kind of crap is that? I was hoping to see them in action along the way after having pink and black introduced in books 4 and 5, respectively.

On my reread i just tried to enjoy the journey, and focus less onthe ending. The shitty, shitty ending. The next time i read them I'll likely skip Gunslinger altogether, and might stop book 7 after Algul Siento. Maybe after Roland and susannah escape from under castle discordia. That scene is pretty good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 26, 2018, 09:19:36 AM
All good points. I'm not sure if I'll ever reread the series, but I'm pretty sure I'll reread at least Wizard and Glass at some point.

Finished Half a King by Joe Abercrombie, I liked the YA-nature of it and the lighter story after all the dark shit in his First Law universe. Guess I'm not much into grimdark. This review from goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/385334385?book_show_action=true) for one of his First Law universe books is hilarious though.

Following with Half a World by the same author.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 28, 2018, 12:27:47 PM
Staying with biographies, with The Life of Mark Twain: The Early Years 1835-1871 by Gary Scharnhorst
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on July 01, 2018, 12:06:10 PM
How many people like to use Audiobooks instead of paper books?

I love to read, but am extremely slow at it and scatterbrained. And because of this, I haven't read a paper book in over a decade. But now that I've started using audiobooks, the amount of books I am consuming is through the roof.

Any one else dig audiobooks?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 01, 2018, 01:54:46 PM
I have the opposite problem, I can't stay focused with audiobooks. My mind wanders, I lose track of a phrase, it happens again, I lose focus on the plot, and it spirals down from there.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 01, 2018, 04:35:08 PM
Yeah, I can't do audio books for the same reason. The Twain thing didn't go as expected. Next time, will find something a little less meticulous. Now, going back to fiction with The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers (And Their Muses) by Terri-Lynne DeFino
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on July 01, 2018, 05:02:41 PM
A Short History of Decay - E.M. Cioran
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 02, 2018, 05:35:34 AM
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Re: audiobooks: I too lose concentration by just listening for a longer time. And additionally, I like reading in bed before I go to sleep. With audiobooks I fall asleep while the story goes on and the next day I don't know where I was and where I have to continue.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 02, 2018, 10:50:14 AM
Done with Half the World and now finishing the trilogy with Half a War by Joe Abercrombie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 02, 2018, 02:51:46 PM
Pandora's Star by Peter F. Hamilton. I was a bit let down by his Night's Dawn series, but I'm giving him another try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 05, 2018, 03:50:42 PM
Kill Creek by Scott Thomas
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 06, 2018, 12:07:15 AM
Decided to re-read It by Stephen King (obviously)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 06, 2018, 09:15:27 PM
The Drawing of the Three
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 08, 2018, 05:03:22 PM
Where Loyalties Lie by Rob J. Hayes, because pirates
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on July 08, 2018, 06:43:48 PM
Working my way through a re-read of King's The Tommyknockers.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 08, 2018, 07:51:00 PM
Working my way through a re-read of King's The Tommyknockers.

That one has been sitting on my shelf for 2 years since receiving it ina Christmas stocking.  Not sure why I've never bothered picking it up.  Any good?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 08, 2018, 08:53:07 PM
As a big fan of King, I would say The Tommyknockers is toward the bottom of my list in terms of his novels. It's been so long since I read it that it would be tough for me to explain why. I do recall the payoff being underwhelming and unsatisfying, especially for an only moderately entertaining 600-700 pages or however long it is. And upon finishing the book felt like it was more a waste of my time than an enjoyable experience. Which again, rarely happens with me and a King novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on July 08, 2018, 10:31:07 PM
The Fall of the House of Usher

Poe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 08, 2018, 10:59:38 PM
Just finished The Midnight Line. Not as enjoyable as most other Lee Child books, but I haven't read one of his in a while so it was nice to check up on Reacher after a long absence. I think I am all caught up on his novels now. googles.... goddamn he has a new one out. Slow down Lee!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 09, 2018, 06:37:19 AM
As a big fan of King, I would say The Tommyknockers is toward the bottom of my list in terms of his novels. It's been so long since I read it that it would be tough for me to explain why. I do recall the payoff being underwhelming and unsatisfying, especially for an only moderately entertaining 600-700 pages or however long it is. And upon finishing the book felt like it was more a waste of my time than an enjoyable experience. Which again, rarely happens with me and a King novel.

That was me exactly. It actually put me off King books for almost a decade.

Tale of the Body Thief - Anne Rice
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: MirrorMask on July 09, 2018, 06:51:06 AM
Currently reading Bruce Dickinson's autobiography, What Does this Button Do?

Problem is, I've not finished the book yet and tonight I see Iron Maiden so I'm afraid I will get some spoilers for how the book ends.








 :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 09, 2018, 01:32:09 PM
As a big fan of King, I would say The Tommyknockers is toward the bottom of my list in terms of his novels. It's been so long since I read it that it would be tough for me to explain why. I do recall the payoff being underwhelming and unsatisfying, especially for an only moderately entertaining 600-700 pages or however long it is. And upon finishing the book felt like it was more a waste of my time than an enjoyable experience. Which again, rarely happens with me and a King novel.

Yeah, too long, too mediocre is what I remember.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on July 10, 2018, 04:51:21 PM
G.K. Chesterton - The Man Who Knew Too Much
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 11, 2018, 09:50:56 AM
Reading the sequel The Fifth Empire of Man by Robert J. Hayes. Really enjoyed the first book, kind of had a Pirates of a Caribbean feel to it, except much darker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 12, 2018, 12:28:09 PM
So, The Shattered Sea trilogy by Joe Abercrombie was pretty good, even though there were some obvious YA traits. I still liked it a lot.

Currently about 300 pages into The Magicians by Lev Grossman and I'm debating if I should simply put it on my DNF shelf. Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems like this book goes nowhere so far. I will probably finish it anyway as I'm now more than halfway in, but I doubt I'll be reading the second book anytime soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on July 13, 2018, 11:58:10 AM
Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for life.

I love this book  :heart
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 14, 2018, 03:46:33 AM
on The Magicians, the rest of the trilogy is better
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 14, 2018, 02:01:02 PM
Waste Lands.

Seems I'm nothing more than a Tower junkie again. I did, however,  pick up Farenheit 451on Friday. I'll read it once i finish DT3
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on July 14, 2018, 03:41:16 PM
Waste Lands.

Seems I'm nothing more than a Tower junkie again. I did, however,  pick up Farenheit 451on Friday. I'll read it once i finish DT3
Damn good series, just got to finish the last book, been very lazy with my reading lately :lol.
Haven't finished Fahrenheit, been reading it on and off for a few months now, and it's a very short book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 16, 2018, 09:14:02 AM
The Book of M by Peng Shepherd
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 17, 2018, 03:56:11 AM
Stephen King's The Outsider. Pretty good.

Now on Robert Bryndzik's Night Stalker.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 17, 2018, 01:31:25 PM
Really enjoyed that one (after all, I did finish it in a little over a day, and considering it's almost 500 pages, that's saying a lot)

Now, on to some lighter fare with Noir by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 17, 2018, 03:49:01 PM

Now, on to some lighter fare with Noir by Christopher Moore

That's a good one.  Not quite as good as some of his early work, such as Lamb or Lust Lizard, but still a good read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 20, 2018, 09:41:09 AM
I hated to DNF the Moore book, because I like most of his stuff, but that last book was not for me. On to one of my most anticipated books of the year, Circe by Madeline Miller. I'm a big fan of mythology and retellings of mythical stories. I love The Odyssey, and the Circe section was always one of my favorite parts, so I hope this book doesn't suck
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 20, 2018, 02:10:26 PM
On to Farenheit 451 by Bradbury.

On a somewhat unrelated note, here's a peek at my Dark Tower tattoo. It's about 2/3rds done as of yesterday

(https://i.imgur.com/KEwr7Jv.jpg) (https://imgur.com/KEwr7Jv)
(https://i.imgur.com/XMysima.jpg) (https://imgur.com/XMysima)
(https://i.imgur.com/p3YAFL3.jpg) (https://imgur.com/p3YAFL3)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on July 21, 2018, 05:28:20 AM
Stephen King's The Outsider.
Just finished this one as well. My one sentence review of almost every King book, including this one: "A fun read, but about 200 pages too long"
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 23, 2018, 01:03:05 PM
Circe gets my seal of approval.

Returning to the Anno Dracula series with Johnny Alucard by Kim Newman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on July 24, 2018, 01:18:57 AM
Stephen King's The Outsider.
Just finished this one as well. My one sentence review of almost every King book, including this one: "A fun read, but about 200 pages too long"

I'd agree with that. King's famous 'diarrhea of the word'. Pretty awesome premise though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 27, 2018, 09:17:13 AM
Doctor Who: A History by Alan Kistler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 27, 2018, 09:37:00 PM
Wizard and Glass.

Probably gonna skip the first 100 pages, though, and go directly to the W&G part. I fancy a good riddle as much as the next fellow, but it drags out a bit much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 27, 2018, 11:45:43 PM
NO DON'T DO IT!!!

Just finished Watchmen (second reading). Think I enjoyed it more this time around, might have benefited from seeing the movie, which I found quite enjoyable. Still don't get the fascination. Certainly not "The greatest piece of popular fiction ever produced" according to Damon Lindelof as noted on the back. I don't even think it is his best work. I'd consider From Hell his masterpiece.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 29, 2018, 08:41:52 AM
In keeping with the last book, I have never read any Doctor Who fiction, so I thought I'd start with something set with my favorite Doctor (Ten) during my favorite era (fourth season) with Beautiful Chaos by Gary Russell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 29, 2018, 09:21:35 PM
The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 30, 2018, 11:40:31 AM
Finally finished The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I must say, the last hundred of pages were actually alright, but the first ~400 pages of the book were a slog.

on The Magicians, the rest of the trilogy is better

I'm going to trust your word and try the second book then, we'll see if I can finish this one...

The Magician King by Lev Grossman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 31, 2018, 06:22:09 AM
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on July 31, 2018, 04:28:33 PM
G.K. Chesterton - The Everlasting Man
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 01, 2018, 08:38:05 AM
The Shepherd's Crown by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 01, 2018, 11:04:51 AM
Unfortunately I couldn't get interested in the story, for as short as it was. I was a bit disappointed in myself

Anyway, new month, new opportunities. Now reading A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 05, 2018, 12:41:28 PM
Finally getting the chance to read The Outsider by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 05, 2018, 12:52:50 PM
Finally on Lehane again, Prayers for the Rain from Kenzie and Gennaro series. A bit over the top but actually my second favorite after Darkness, Take My Hand. Still another 50 pages to go, it's fun as always.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 07, 2018, 08:28:06 AM
I may come to regret this later, but I'm going to be reading MEG by Steve Alten
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 07, 2018, 08:47:10 PM
On to Doctor Who: 12 Doctors 12 Stories by various authors
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 09, 2018, 08:11:00 AM
Beatles '66: The Revolutionary Year by Steve Turner
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 11, 2018, 10:21:38 PM
Staying with the Beatles motif with Dreaming the Beatles by Rob Sheffield
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 13, 2018, 07:43:12 AM
Wolves of the Calla

I was going to wait a day or two for my french copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to arrive, but the thought of going book-less for even a couple days made me cringe.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 13, 2018, 10:56:08 AM
The Oracle Year by Charles Soule
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 13, 2018, 11:17:23 AM
I was going to wait a day or two for my french copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Is that the version where Harry and his friends surrender and let Voldemort take over?  :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 13, 2018, 12:47:28 PM
I was going to wait a day or two for my french copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Is that the version where Harry and his friends surrender and let Voldemort take over?  :D

I believe it is lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on August 13, 2018, 12:54:45 PM
I was going to wait a day or two for my french copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Is that the version where Harry and his friends surrender and let Voldemort take over?  :D

I believe it is lol

Huh... my husband said that was the Polish version.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 13, 2018, 05:32:22 PM
I've crushed the first 100 pages of Wolves of the Calla today,  and i honestly think i like it better than DT4. Although,  probably just a touch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 14, 2018, 10:38:39 PM
Getting my history on with Guests of the Ayatollah by Mark Bowden. Wonder if it'll discuss the Argo situation?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on August 15, 2018, 02:09:08 AM
Emil M. Cioran - The New Gods
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 16, 2018, 10:04:47 AM
Changed my mind (as I usually do) and decided instead to read Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe. Heard pretty good things about this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Samsara on August 16, 2018, 01:56:17 PM
About two-thirds done with Thrawn: Alliances by Timothy Zahn.

Enjoying it quite a bit, but not a fan of the time jumping he needs to do to make the book work. I get why he is doing it, and I am enjoying the story, but structuring it that way isn't a good thing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 19, 2018, 06:24:49 PM
Time for some vampire fiction with Live Girls by Ray Garton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on August 19, 2018, 11:05:58 PM
I thought The Outsider was pretty good. It took me a long time to finish it because school and several other things slowed down my progress. I will read it again at a later time when my life isn't as chatotic and I will hopefully enjoy it even more. I did like it, however.

The last book I read was The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway. Reading The Almost Moon, by Alice Sebold right now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 20, 2018, 04:37:57 AM
The Outsider was a very solid read, much better than Sleeping Beauties, but I thought End of Watch was better

Giving Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 20, 2018, 08:10:30 AM
Finished The Magician King by Lev Grossman and I can certainly say this is not for me at all. It was slightly better than the first book because at least there was a cohesive plot (or even two), but I don't think I can take handle another novel of this. It really doesn't help that Quentin pretty much pisses me off. :lol

I may one day read The Magician's Land because I already have a copy of that, but definitely not now. Although, looking at the goodreads rating, apparently that's the best of them.

Not sure what I'm reading next, probably will go to a bookstore this week and pick some books I've never heard of before based on cover art and blurbs, and we'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on August 20, 2018, 08:20:08 AM
I've decided to go through the Harry Potter books for the first time. I've seen the movies before, but everyone says that the books are better (and so far I agree, although the movies are great too). 

So my strategy is to read a book and then watch the movie adaptation of it when finished. And repeat with the other books/movies. I've only just started, so I'm on book 2 at the moment.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Samsara on August 20, 2018, 10:25:10 AM
Just finished Thrawn: Allegiances by Timothy Zahn.

Good insight into the relationship between Thrawn and Vader/Anakin. Worth a read, although it is a little choppy due to jumping between two distinct time periods.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on August 20, 2018, 12:25:49 PM
I've decided to go through the Harry Potter books for the first time. I've seen the movies before, but everyone says that the books are better (and so far I agree, although the movies are great too). 

So my strategy is to read a book and then watch the movie adaptation of it when finished. And repeat with the other books/movies. I've only just started, so I'm on book 2 at the moment.

I reread them a few years ago and did this. Thoroughly had a good time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 22, 2018, 06:20:51 AM
Joining in on the (re-)reading of the Harry Potter books, starting with HP and the Philosopher's Stone.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 23, 2018, 02:24:47 PM
Leaving off the Maugham for a bit and reading Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 24, 2018, 12:20:48 PM
Harry Potter et la Chambre des Secrets by Rowling.

I'll probably parallel read that one with Song of Susannah (one for home; one for commute/work). I'm sure it'll go faster now that I've been back reading french for a while, but HP1 was quite the grind.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 27, 2018, 08:30:21 AM
Pynchon was a bust (no surprise there), but I did manage to finish Of Human Bondage, so that was a win. Anyway, going to give Underworld by Don DeLillo a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 28, 2018, 08:22:39 PM
Taking a break from Underworld right now (it's written well, but I feel it's not really going anywhere yet) and instead reading some new fantasy with Kill the Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 28, 2018, 11:34:25 PM
Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 30, 2018, 03:57:25 AM
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Pretty sure this is going to be fun.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 30, 2018, 09:02:37 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed that last book. Read almost like a fractured Dungeons and Dragons adventure. Will definitely read the next one.

Anyway, getting my Sherlock on for the first time with A Study in Scarlet
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 30, 2018, 09:11:16 PM
Anyway, getting my Sherlock on for the first time with A Study in Scarlet

I don't care as much for the longer Holmes stories compared to the shorter ones. This one in particular is my least favorite of the four longer novellas (what are they called anyway)? If this one doesn't strike your fancy, give a couple of the shorter stories a read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 30, 2018, 09:34:08 PM
Indeed, I loved The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes because it was a compilation of amazing short stories, and I found the novels rather disappointing and boring.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 30, 2018, 09:42:24 PM
A good chunk of A Study in Scarlet is boring AF.

On to The Dark Tower. I'll certainly be taking the author's advice and stop reading before the last chapter.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 01, 2018, 12:42:40 PM
Actually, you'll be surprised to know, I quite enjoyed it

Anyway, now going to read Towing Jehovah by James Marrow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 03, 2018, 07:46:22 AM
Falstaff by Robert Nye. I read his book The Late Mr. Shakespeare many years ago and enjoyed it. I heard this book is better
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 03, 2018, 07:19:53 PM
Carrie by Stephen King. Now it's been a while since ive seen the De Palma adaptation but from what I can remember it's pretty faithful. It was pretty much what I expected it to be. Really kicked into high gear in the last act of the book.

What's the Worst that Can Happen? By Donald Westlake. The 9th entry in the Dortmunder series and this is going to wind up being one of my personal favorites of the series right up there with Drowned Hopes.

Currently reading Necroscope by Brian Lumley. Im about a chapter and a half in and I'm really enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 05, 2018, 11:33:08 AM
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Pretty sure this is going to be fun.

I expected a lot of cringeworthy moments going into this as it usually happens whenever I come across a foreign writer who writes about Russia, but this was surprisingly well-executed. Heavily influenced by Russian folk stories, but still original enough to be interesting. Also, there's a lot of transliterated Russian words in the novel, and I was pretty unhappy about the inconsistent transliteration during reading (I couldn't even figure what some of the words mean), but there's an author's note in the end of the book where this is explained. Turns out, there's also a glossary in the end of this book with all those Russian words which is helpful.

Overall, I liked this. Going to search for the second book in hardcover to keep up with the format. The first book looks pretty gorgeous in hardcover:

(https://ozon-st.cdn.ngenix.net/multimedia/1021167841.jpg)


Anyway, now let's try Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 06, 2018, 08:05:29 AM
The sequel is even better, and Ender's Game is amazing

Going to read Neil Simon's Memoirs
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 06, 2018, 12:07:50 PM
Funny thing, my introduction to Orson Scott Card was D. Beinoff and D. Weiss throwing shit on him in one of the Game of Thrones episodes (via Tyrion dialogue about his cousin Orson, I think).

I'm three chapters in and I'm already hooked.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 06, 2018, 12:59:48 PM
I had a hard time with Ender's Game. Don't know why.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John LeCarre
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on September 06, 2018, 01:32:42 PM
I had a hard time with Ender's Game. Don't know why.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John LeCarre

That makes me sad. I loved Ender's Game. It was a book that I couldn't put down.

Just started The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 07, 2018, 12:57:01 AM
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John LeCarre

I read this many many years ago and was intrigued by it. One of LeCarre's best imo.

I wonder how people that are born after the Berlin wall has fallen and the warsaw pact has crumbled can relate to it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 07, 2018, 06:52:21 AM
I had a hard time with Ender's Game. Don't know why.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John LeCarre

That makes me sad. I loved Ender's Game. It was a book that I couldn't put down.

Just started The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

I love this Le Guin's book, probably my favorite from her.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 10, 2018, 03:28:58 PM
Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 12, 2018, 02:21:29 AM
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 12, 2018, 05:31:29 PM
For a change of pace, The League of Regrettable Superheroes by Jon Morris
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 13, 2018, 10:24:06 AM
Ship of Destiny -- Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 14, 2018, 02:40:45 AM
Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 14, 2018, 07:31:37 AM
80 books read so far. Going back to Sherlock with The Sign of The Four
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on September 14, 2018, 08:11:44 AM
A short story came up in a news feed the other day.  The author, Harlan Ellison, who I hadn't heard of before, died a few months ago and the article mentioned a story of his called I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream.  I don't think I've read anything like this before.  I didn't think a story could reach so far down and twist your mind like this.  You get in with the protagonist and feel his desire for vengeance, thinking that you could take any resulting punishment, but then you see what that punishment is.  This story stuck with me for a few days, trying to imagine it.

I've never been much of a fiction reader, and what I have read has been pretty light in comparison.  I'm sure there is much more out there like this.  It reminded me of the movie Tusk (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tusk_(2014_film)), which I havent seen and dont intend to see, but the synopsis was enough to invoke a similar feeling as this story.

Here is a link:
https://www.mikedidonato.com/images/2009/04/harlan-ellison-i-hav-no-mouth-and-i-must-scream.pdf

I first read a different link that excluded a passage included here, so I'm still not sure if this link is complete.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 15, 2018, 08:51:47 AM
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 16, 2018, 07:53:03 PM
Was not the biggest fan of that one. Just didn't connect with me. Anyway, before watching the movie on Netflix, wanted to read L.A. Confidential first
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on September 17, 2018, 06:25:58 PM
Leonard Peltier - Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on September 20, 2018, 03:13:16 AM
António R. Damasio - Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason and the Human Brain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 20, 2018, 05:52:13 AM
So, L.A. Confidential was adequate, movie was better. I would have liked it better if they kept it more faithful to the book though. Kim Basinger did not deserve the Oscar. Maybe that was a consolation prize since Titanic won practically everything else (P.S. L.A. Confidential > Titanic)

Anyway, on to The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 20, 2018, 06:38:47 AM
I've read L.A. Confidential a long time ago and I watched the movie a long time ago. Don't remember everything but I liked the book better. But then I like everything by James Ellroy I've read so far.

And if I remember correctly especially the second half of the book has not much in common with the second half of the film other than the basic outline.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 20, 2018, 06:52:42 AM
Ender's Game was quite good, yeah.

The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 21, 2018, 03:49:59 PM
Haven't read the book but recall hearing the screenwriters talking about how they tried to take the essential plot points from the novel as they were written and cut down on the rest that wouldn't have translated well in order to make a reasonably digestible ~2 hour movie.

I still remember my experience watching that when it came out. I can not recall many other times I have been so engrossed in a film from start to finish. I felt like when the credits started rolling, I hadn't moved for the past 2 hours because I was so transfixed on the screen. It was like it took me a minute to realize I was in a movie theater.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 24, 2018, 10:52:31 AM
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart

Isn't going well, actually it seems pretty dull so far. I'm going to keep reading as I'm now over half of the book.

I would switch to Lethal White by Robert Galbraith but literally none of the shops or libraries in my city have it. :facepalm: This is stupid.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on September 24, 2018, 08:16:21 PM
I had a hard time with Ender's Game. Don't know why.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John LeCarre

That makes me sad. I loved Ender's Game. It was a book that I couldn't put down.

Just started The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

I love this Le Guin's book, probably my favorite from her.

I wasn't quite sure what the book was, but I did end up enjoying it. Are her others similar?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 24, 2018, 09:16:22 PM
Rereading Guy Pratt's autobiography My Bass and Other Animals,

Not many people have taken a career in the music industry working with the likes of Floyd, Madonna, Bryan Ferry, Michael Jackson and Robert Palmer and parlay it in to a stand-up comedy act, and then turn that in to an autobiography. He is a truly hilarious storyteller. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 24, 2018, 10:42:35 PM
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 24, 2018, 10:55:42 PM
I would say that book is where my fondness for the saga of Harry Potter really takes off. Everything up till them, with the exception of some parts of Prisoner of Azkaban, I found rather tepid, though still reasonably enjoyable. With Order of the Phoenix, Rowling really takes the narrative to the next level and doesn't let off the throttle till the end.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 25, 2018, 02:59:40 AM
I like all of them but I see what you mean, with Order of the Phoenix or really with the end of the Goblet of Fire we finally get the archvillain in person. Although Voldemort was part of the first books as well his story was kind of in the background.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 25, 2018, 12:17:10 PM
The Journeyer by Gary Jennings
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 26, 2018, 03:20:04 AM
Also, The Con Artist by Fred Van Lente
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on September 26, 2018, 03:49:20 AM
Woody Allen - Getting Even
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 26, 2018, 11:01:05 AM
I wasn't quite sure what the book was, but I did end up enjoying it. Are her others similar?

I mean, not quite similar. The Hainish Cycle (The Dispossessed is a part of it) is similar in the idea of the universe setting, each book taking place on different planets with different eco-systems, environments and cultures, but each book is different in its plot and pacing. While everything in that cycle is science fiction, one book may read like an action movie while another could be slow-paced and will make you ponder the questions of morality and human friendship and whatnot. For this cycle, you can read any book from it without the need to read anything before it. I highly recommend The Left Hand of Darkness which is my second favourite book after The Dispossessed. It's not at all similar, but Le Guin's signature writing is there. Do not expect a lot of action, though. I also recommend reading it in winter—this is one of my go-to winter books.

Earthsea series are pretty different as it's fantasy and not sci-fi. These are all in the same world. I would say they're an easier read than The Dispossessed, I mean there's magic! :biggrin: I love the first three books here (The Tombs of Atuan is my favourite out of these), and the follow-ups are also decent.

Out of the standalone books I've only read The Lathe of Heaven (alright) and The Eye of the Heron (I liked it, but it's also very political).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 26, 2018, 11:25:35 AM
Earthsea series are pretty different as it's fantasy and not sci-fi. These are all in the same world. I would say they're an easier read than The Dispossessed, I mean there's magic! :biggrin: I love the first three books here (The Tombs of Atuan is my favourite out of these), and the follow-ups are also decent.

I've read the Earthsea trilogy probably 20 times since the mid-seventies. All are essential to any fantasy fans collection but like Evermind, I think The Tombs of Atuan is the real stand out. I can't recommend them higher. The other three, later, books in the Earthsea world aren't quite as accessible but are quite high quality as well. I don't revisit them as much as the originals.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on September 26, 2018, 12:07:12 PM
Just finished Origin by Dan Brown. Pretty good. Saw the final twist coming a mile away though, which is always disappointing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 26, 2018, 03:41:43 PM
The Con Artist was a fun, short (for me) read

Now, getting my gothic on with The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on September 26, 2018, 08:21:51 PM
I wasn't quite sure what the book was, but I did end up enjoying it. Are her others similar?

I mean, not quite similar. The Hainish Cycle (The Dispossessed is a part of it) is similar in the idea of the universe setting, each book taking place on different planets with different eco-systems, environments and cultures, but each book is different in its plot and pacing. While everything in that cycle is science fiction, one book may read like an action movie while another could be slow-paced and will make you ponder the questions of morality and human friendship and whatnot. For this cycle, you can read any book from it without the need to read anything before it. I highly recommend The Left Hand of Darkness which is my second favourite book after The Dispossessed. It's not at all similar, but Le Guin's signature writing is there. Do not expect a lot of action, though. I also recommend reading it in winter—this is one of my go-to winter books.

Earthsea series are pretty different as it's fantasy and not sci-fi. These are all in the same world. I would say they're an easier read than The Dispossessed, I mean there's magic! :biggrin: I love the first three books here (The Tombs of Atuan is my favourite out of these), and the follow-ups are also decent.

Out of the standalone books I've only read The Lathe of Heaven (alright) and The Eye of the Heron (I liked it, but it's also very political).

Winter book? Whats winter? lol I live in Arizona! Thanks for the details. I'll add them to my Goodreads list. I'm currently sitting at 100 books I have to read so I better not download anymore for a while...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on September 27, 2018, 06:12:57 AM
Woody Allen - Without Feathers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Trooper on September 27, 2018, 12:24:24 PM
Anyone that likes soccer/futball. I am reading A book Red Card by Ken Bensinger. It is about how the united states department of justice took down Fifa. Truly fascinating and completely crazy

There is actually a movie United Passions with Tim Roth that details certain aspects of the Fifa corruption. They only delve slightly into it. THis book goes into exact details. Truly fascinatiing
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 28, 2018, 09:08:38 AM
I finished Necroscope and really enjoyed it. Guess I'll have to add this to my list of book series that I should finish instead of getting into new ones.

Criminal Vol.3 The Dead and The Dying by Ed Brubaker. If you like both gritty, hard boiled crime stories and Graphic Novels I recommend this series.

Twin Peaks the Final Dossier by Mark Frost. This answered a decent amount of questions left by the original series, but frustratingly little about the new one lol.

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett. Another solid entry for discworld

JTHM directors cut by Jhonen Vásquez. I enjoy dark humor but the stories in here were hit and miss for me.

American Vampire Vol.7 by Scott Snyder

Batman: Arkham Asylum - A Serious House on Serious Earth by Grant Morrison

Batman: Bloom by Scott Snyder

Im currently reading World War Z by Max Brooks.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 30, 2018, 06:17:29 AM
Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 06, 2018, 07:48:39 PM
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 06, 2018, 08:01:05 PM
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
:heart
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 08, 2018, 08:52:16 AM
It was really enjoyable. Highly recommended. Victober continues with The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: DP_Gumby on October 08, 2018, 02:13:04 PM
Currently re-reading The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien for the fourth or fifth time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 08, 2018, 08:50:28 PM
Witches Abroad by Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 09, 2018, 07:38:32 AM
I finished World War Z by Max Brooks. I enjoyed it, though since it's formatted like non-fiction interviews sometimes it can come off as a bit dry.

The Two Bear Mambo by Joe Lansdale.

Now im currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 11, 2018, 11:42:34 AM
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 13, 2018, 12:57:28 PM
Time for my weekly Sherlock. Going through Memoirs this time around
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 14, 2018, 05:31:33 PM
Just finished The Spy Who came in From the Cold. I really wanted to like this. It's generally considered one of the greatest spy novels of all time. But I really didn't.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 15, 2018, 01:33:48 PM
Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth. Enjoyed the movie. Interested to see if the book will fill in any blanks. Also, will take me no time at all
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 16, 2018, 07:43:10 PM
Just to do a bit of bragging, I'm already at 90 books for the year.

Anyway, on to Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan. I'm a sucker for a good war story, and some of my friends have said this is excellent
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 21, 2018, 04:32:40 PM
Sherlocktober continues with The Hound of the Baskervilles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 21, 2018, 07:44:56 PM
Sherlocktober continues with The Hound of the Baskervilles
For some reason I couldn't finish this one despite sounding more interesting than previous books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 22, 2018, 06:43:56 AM
The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 22, 2018, 03:00:10 PM
The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker

That was my first "adult" book. I remember being at the bookstore, wandering around with the parents, and seeing that book with the awesome cover and interesting title. Heck I even though the author's name was cool. The story blew my mind. I am not sure I fully understood everything that was going on but damn was I engrossed. I read it again maybe 15 years later and was severely underwhelmed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on October 24, 2018, 09:22:07 AM
A Map of Days, by Ransom Riggs.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 24, 2018, 01:52:41 PM
Harry Potter et le Prisonnier d'Azkaban
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 24, 2018, 02:23:01 PM
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence. I've read a lot of reviews claiming it was awful, and also a lot of praise for that one, so let's see what it's all about.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Samsara on October 24, 2018, 02:51:02 PM
Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills - Greg Rucka

Rucka wrote a lot of stuff in the comic realm that I like a ton, including the killer Gotham Central storyline. This book, so far, is really enjoyable.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on October 24, 2018, 06:29:51 PM
I need to read a book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 26, 2018, 08:44:01 AM
Even though Realms of Atlantis disappointed me greatly, I'm a big enough Lestat fan that that's not deterring me from reading Blood Communion by Anne Rice
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on October 26, 2018, 09:33:10 AM
I need to read a book.

Haven't read that one TAC... who's the author?  Sounds like a solid story-line from the title.  Seriously though, Audible is a great app for audio books if that's your thing; I listen while driving and doing yard work and wood-work.  It's very relaxing when you want to take a break from music for a bit.

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson
The Golden Alphabet : An Exposition of Psalm 119 by C.H. Spurgeon

If audio books do count, I'm working my way through The Dark Tower volumes again whilst traveling to-and-from work... up to Wolves of the Calla now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 26, 2018, 11:09:21 AM
I can't for the life of me focus on audiobooks. I just fall asleep whenever I try audiobooks on my commute five or ten minutes in. Glad to know there are people enjoying them though!

Prince of Thorns is frustrating so far, but the story is alright. Got about a hundred pages left. I'm not sure what to think so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 27, 2018, 07:15:17 AM
That was so much better than the last book. Anne is back in my good graces.

Now back to Sherlock one last time this year, with The Return of Sherlock Holmes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 27, 2018, 12:36:08 PM
I need to read a book.

And by "book" TAC meant "stone tablet."

I can't for the life of me focus on audiobooks. I just fall asleep whenever I try audiobooks on my commute five or ten minutes in.

Me too. I have tried but I apparently have the attention span of a gnat when it comes to audio books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 28, 2018, 01:43:42 PM
Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters by Anne Boyd Rioux
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 29, 2018, 04:58:24 PM
Finishing off the month with some horror from my favorite: Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 31, 2018, 06:50:12 PM
Getting prepared for Bohemian Rhapsody with Queen: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Crown Kings of Rock by Phil Sutcliffe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 01, 2018, 08:08:43 PM
Springfield Confidential by Mike Reiss. I'll be shocked if this doesn't get a perfect rating from me, because I loved The Simpsons in its heyday
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 02, 2018, 08:27:01 AM
Prince of Thorns is frustrating so far, but the story is alright. Got about a hundred pages left. I'm not sure what to think so far.

Finished this. I liked the writing style, but the story was pretty weak. Also doesn't help it's grimdark, so everyone (protagonist included) is pretty much murdering, torturing and raping everyone. Ugh. The protagonist also succeeds in basically everything. :lol Going to probably abandon this trilogy and look for Red Sister / Gray Sister books by the same author as I know Podaar liked those.

Sweet Silver Blues by Glen Cook

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 02, 2018, 08:37:38 AM
Prince of Thorns is frustrating so far, but the story is alright. Got about a hundred pages left. I'm not sure what to think so far.

Finished this. I liked the writing style, but the story was pretty weak. Also doesn't help it's grimdark, so everyone (protagonist included) is pretty much murdering, torturing and raping everyone. Ugh. The protagonist also succeeds in basically everything. :lol Going to probably abandon this trilogy and look for Red Sister / Gray Sister books by the same author as I know Podaar liked those.


The next two in the "Thorn" trilogy get better. Jorg is still an evil scumbag but much like Moorcock's Elric he tries to find a way to be helpful to the larger world by being the foil to an even greater evil. Plus, there are some surprisingly smart twists.

Still, Lawrence has changed as a writer the Ancestor trilogy (Sisters) is loads better with way more relatable characters. We're only a few months away from the release of the final book (Holy Sister) in that trilogy. I can't wait.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 02, 2018, 08:38:40 AM
I'm finishing my Harry Potter (re-)reading with Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.

Also reading The Force by Don Winslow. This is really enjoyable so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 02, 2018, 08:52:30 AM
Prince of Thorns is frustrating so far, but the story is alright. Got about a hundred pages left. I'm not sure what to think so far.

Finished this. I liked the writing style, but the story was pretty weak. Also doesn't help it's grimdark, so everyone (protagonist included) is pretty much murdering, torturing and raping everyone. Ugh. The protagonist also succeeds in basically everything. :lol Going to probably abandon this trilogy and look for Red Sister / Gray Sister books by the same author as I know Podaar liked those.


The next two in the "Thorn" trilogy get better. Jorg is still an evil scumbag but much like Moorcock's Elric he tries to find a way to be helpful to the larger world by being the foil to an even greater evil. Plus, there are some surprisingly smart twists.

Still, Lawrence has changed as a writer the Ancestor trilogy (Sisters) is loads better with way more relatable characters. We're only a few months away from the release of the final book (Holy Sister) in that trilogy. I can't wait.

There are no Sister books in our English bookstores at all, the Thorn trilogy books are the only ones I could find. I'm going to be in Hamburg in February so perhaps their bookstores will have those.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 02, 2018, 09:08:22 AM
You could always have me pick them up for you and ship them...send me a PM if that appeals.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Nekov on November 02, 2018, 09:13:50 AM
Haven't posted here in a while. I'm currently reading Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson and I have to say this guy has become one of my favorite authors by far. His books are complex, fun and full of super interesting information and tons of food for thought.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 02, 2018, 09:18:04 AM
You could always have me pick them up for you and ship them...send me a PM if that appeals.

The shipping costs to Russia are usually pretty insane, and with our national currency being shit and becoming shittier to both $ and € (five years ago, $1 was like 40-45 roubles, now $1 is about 70 roubles) I think it's a bit more than I can afford if I want to both visit Hamburg on my birthday and travel to Netherlands for Ayreon in September. I mean, Prince of Thorns cost me ~$8 in the store. Shipping two Sister books from US will probably cost ~$30-40, so I'll end up paying more for shipping than the book costs.

I appreciate the offer a lot, though. This is why I love DTF.

Haven't posted here in a while. I'm currently reading Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson and I have to say this guy has become one of my favorite authors by far. His books are complex, fun and full of super interesting information and tons of food for thought.

I've read Snow Crash. It was good until a certain part which I won't mention in case you didn't get to it yet. Never returned to that author, although I heard Cryptonomicon was good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Nekov on November 02, 2018, 09:21:16 AM
Cryptonomicon is good, but I found Anathem to be the most mind blowing one. Snow Crash is one of his earlier works so maybe he hadn't fine-tuned his skills yet. Seven Eves is also pretty interesting but in a very different vein than the rest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 02, 2018, 09:25:52 AM
Cryptonomicon is good, but I found Anathem to be the most mind blowing one. Snow Crash is one of his earlier works so maybe he hadn't fine-tuned his skills yet. Seven Eves is also pretty interesting but in a very different vein than the rest.

My best friend is a big fan of Stephenson. I've bought him Seveneves in 2015 as a Christmas gift (actually a New Year's gift, we don't celebrate Christmas on the 25th, but anyway). He said it was alright, but nowhere near Cryptonomicon or Anathem, yeah.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 02, 2018, 09:57:46 AM
Evermind, what about eBooks in Russia?

I buy and read most books nowadays as ebooks and have no problem getting foreign editions for a decent price. Sometimes books by german authors are cheaper when buying the english translation than buying the german original.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on November 02, 2018, 10:54:21 AM
Prince of Thorns is frustrating so far, but the story is alright. Got about a hundred pages left. I'm not sure what to think so far.

Finished this. I liked the writing style, but the story was pretty weak. Also doesn't help it's grimdark, so everyone (protagonist included) is pretty much murdering, torturing and raping everyone. Ugh. The protagonist also succeeds in basically everything. :lol Going to probably abandon this trilogy and look for Red Sister / Gray Sister books by the same author as I know Podaar liked those.

The next two in the "Thorn" trilogy get better. Jorg is still an evil scumbag but much like Moorcock's Elric he tries to find a way to be helpful to the larger world by being the foil to an even greater evil. Plus, there are some surprisingly smart twists.

Still, Lawrence has changed as a writer the Ancestor trilogy (Sisters) is loads better with way more relatable characters. We're only a few months away from the release of the final book (Holy Sister) in that trilogy. I can't wait.

The Red Queen's War trilogy is really good too. Same world as Thorns, different protagonist. More fun/funny.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 02, 2018, 11:58:53 AM
Prince of Thorns is frustrating so far, but the story is alright. Got about a hundred pages left. I'm not sure what to think so far.

Finished this. I liked the writing style, but the story was pretty weak. Also doesn't help it's grimdark, so everyone (protagonist included) is pretty much murdering, torturing and raping everyone. Ugh. The protagonist also succeeds in basically everything. :lol Going to probably abandon this trilogy and look for Red Sister / Gray Sister books by the same author as I know Podaar liked those.

The next two in the "Thorn" trilogy get better. Jorg is still an evil scumbag but much like Moorcock's Elric he tries to find a way to be helpful to the larger world by being the foil to an even greater evil. Plus, there are some surprisingly smart twists.

Still, Lawrence has changed as a writer the Ancestor trilogy (Sisters) is loads better with way more relatable characters. We're only a few months away from the release of the final book (Holy Sister) in that trilogy. I can't wait.

The Red Queen's War trilogy is really good too. Same world as Thorns, different protagonist. More fun/funny.

:iagree:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 02, 2018, 12:27:57 PM
Evermind, what about eBooks in Russia?

I buy and read most books nowadays as ebooks and have no problem getting foreign editions for a decent price. Sometimes books by german authors are cheaper when buying the english translation than buying the german original.  :laugh:

E-books are of course available, but I'm somewhat of an old school guy and prefer to have the actual book made of paper in my hands.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 03, 2018, 10:53:14 AM
Moving on to a book about one of my favorite entertainers, My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 04, 2018, 07:19:52 PM
100 books for the year!

Now, taking a break from the life stories and reading The Novel: An Alternative History: Beginnings to 1600 by Steven Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 06, 2018, 11:32:46 AM
That didn't work out so well. Instead, going back to biographies to read The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Samsara on November 06, 2018, 11:57:05 AM
Star Wars Guardians of the Whills by Greg Rucka was an excellent read, and gave a wonderful backstory on both Chirrut and Baze from Rogue One. Short read, highly entertaining, very recommended if you love Star Wars Rogue One.

I'm putting down the books at the moment, and getting caught up on Daredevil (comics). Picked up Vol. 5 (all issues), so I have quite a bit of reading to catch up on. I'm a big fan, but haven't collected the comics in years, so I'm back and all-in.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 06, 2018, 02:37:26 PM
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 06, 2018, 11:50:16 PM
On to another wizard Harry: Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 07, 2018, 06:46:33 AM
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Good luck, Hef. I've tried that one a half dozen times in the past decade and can never get very far into it before I get bored.

On to another wizard Harry: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

This series really starts to take off by the third book. Storm Front is a first novel, and it shows (not bad, just not quite up to later standards). Fool Moon leap frogs it as a sophomore effort. Then Grave Peril is where things really get good.

I hope you stick with it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 07, 2018, 07:17:17 AM
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Good luck, Hef. I've tried that one a half dozen times in the past decade and can never get very far into it before I get bored.
It's certainly not a page turner.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 07, 2018, 08:09:08 AM
On to another wizard Harry: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

This series really starts to take off by the third book. Storm Front is a first novel, and it shows (not bad, just not quite up to later standards). Fool Moon leap frogs it as a sophomore effort. Then Grave Peril is where things really get good.

I hope you stick with it.

I've heard that before but I wanted to start at the beginning and not somewhere in the middle of the series, we'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 07, 2018, 08:11:57 AM
I would too, if I were you. And don't get me wrong, Storm Front has one of my favorite Dresden moments ever! You probably know what I'm talking about when you get there, if you haven't already.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 07, 2018, 09:40:47 AM
On to another wizard Harry: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

(https://s8.hostingkartinok.com/uploads/images/2018/11/426210b03aafafb1cc37c2514aca7607.jpg)

You can probably tell I'm a fan by the look of that upper shelf. :biggrin:

Enjoy! It's a great series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 07, 2018, 09:55:22 AM
I notice that "Name of the Wind" and "Wise Man's Fear" look a bit lonely.   :sadpanda:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Nekov on November 07, 2018, 11:26:04 AM
I notice that "Name of the Wind" and "Wise Man's Fear" look a bit lonely.   :sadpanda:

Don't even mention that. I totally support the guy taking all the time he needs to deliver a new book that is as good as the first two. Creativity can't be rushed, as shown my the Dark Tower, but I will admit that I reaaaaaaaaly need that third book.


I've read Snow Crash. It was good until a certain part which I won't mention in case you didn't get to it yet. Never returned to that author, although I heard Cryptonomicon was good.

I've almost finished the book now, which part would that be?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 07, 2018, 11:44:29 AM
On to another wizard Harry: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

(https://s8.hostingkartinok.com/uploads/images/2018/11/426210b03aafafb1cc37c2514aca7607.jpg)

You can probably tell I'm a fan by the look of that upper shelf. :biggrin:

Enjoy! It's a great series.

Are some of these books floating, or are they glued to the top of the shelf?  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 07, 2018, 03:47:18 PM
I notice that "Name of the Wind" and "Wise Man's Fear" look a bit lonely.   :sadpanda:

Don't even mention that. I totally support the guy taking all the time he needs to deliver a new book that is as good as the first two. Creativity can't be rushed, as shown my the Dark Tower, but I will admit that I reaaaaaaaaly need that third book.


I've read Snow Crash. It was good until a certain part which I won't mention in case you didn't get to it yet. Never returned to that author, although I heard Cryptonomicon was good.

I've almost finished the book now, which part would that be?

The religious/mythological musings during the few chapters in the middle. I've read it like five years ago, so perhaps my views have changed now, but back then I found it absolutely boring.

On to another wizard Harry: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

(https://s8.hostingkartinok.com/uploads/images/2018/11/426210b03aafafb1cc37c2514aca7607.jpg)

You can probably tell I'm a fan by the look of that upper shelf. :biggrin:

Enjoy! It's a great series.

Are some of these books floating, or are they glued to the top of the shelf?  ;D

:lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 07, 2018, 06:09:00 PM
It always bothered me that Dresden is wearing a hat in literally all the cover art. He's quoted in one of the books saying "I don't do hats". I swear it's just Butcher screwing with his fans
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 08, 2018, 06:55:45 AM
The fedora on the covers, if I remember right, started out as a visual short cut to say to perspective readers "Wizard+Detective". Plus, the art department just thought it looked better. Once the cover artist read the books (a few years after they started up) he painted covers both with and without hats and they always thought the fedora looked better. Eventually, it became a kind of beloved inside joke between author, publisher and fans. I'd be shocked if we ever got a cover without the fedora now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 08, 2018, 02:40:26 PM
American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 11, 2018, 08:09:25 AM
It's about to get nerdy in here. How the Internet Happened by Brian McCullough
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 13, 2018, 02:13:42 PM
Cozying up to Neal Gabler's biography on Walt Disney
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 14, 2018, 06:38:08 AM
Finished the first Harry Dresden book. It was solid, nothing spectacular but had some good scenes. Now on to the second one

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 15, 2018, 07:02:30 AM
I finished Pyramids (Diskworld #7) By Terry Pratchett

I'm Currently reading Bad Chili by Joe Lansdale
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 17, 2018, 12:57:43 PM
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 19, 2018, 04:53:02 PM
I'm finally glad I finished something. It's been roughly ten days. Thought I was in for another rough reading slump like I had around two years ago. Now reading a history of the New York Yankees, Pinstripe Empire by Marty Appel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 23, 2018, 08:45:50 AM
This Time Together by Carol Burnett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 26, 2018, 01:34:25 AM
In Such Good Company by Carol Burnett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 26, 2018, 02:09:13 AM
Finished Fool Moon, and while I enjoyed it, I thought the story wasn't that great. Too many wolves from everywhere.

Taking a rest from Harry Dresen with Wild Cards II: Aces High by George R. R. Martin and many others.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 27, 2018, 07:12:59 AM
Spending some time with The Bard with Shakespeare: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 27, 2018, 03:45:53 PM
This thread is actually "What Masterthes is Currently Reading, v. other forum members do read occasionally."
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 27, 2018, 05:32:19 PM
I loved Bad Chili and Joe Lansdale is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Im Currently about halfway through The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 28, 2018, 04:36:59 AM
Im Currently about halfway through The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

Another favorite of mine, the book and the author.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 29, 2018, 01:14:26 AM
This thread is actually "What Masterthes is Currently Reading, v. other forum members do read occasionally."
I find that mildly insulting.  I hit 100 novels in each of the last two years! It's the french books that are slowing me down these days. Stupid  potter
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 30, 2018, 12:27:10 PM
Getting back into fiction with How To Stop Time by Matt Haig
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 30, 2018, 01:51:47 PM
Sweet Silver Blues by Glen Cook

Finished that and also Bitter Gold Hearts by the same author while I was sick, it's alright, not a heavy reading or anything, just a fun action-packed detective stories.

Wasn't sure what to read next but then got a notification from a local bookstore that they finally got a new Cormoran Strike novel in stock, visited them today and bought a copy, so for the next few weeks or so:

Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 30, 2018, 03:57:11 PM
I love the Cormoran Strike series. I still need to get Lethal White though.

I finished The Black Dahlia earlier and I really liked it. It wont make my favorite books list at all but I enjoyed it enough to check out the other books in his L.A Quartet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 01, 2018, 06:12:11 PM
How To Stop Time was a solid book. Will definitely check out other books by him. Now, giving The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton a go
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on December 02, 2018, 09:30:16 AM
I love the Cormoran Strike series. I still need to get Lethal White though.

I finished The Black Dahlia earlier and I really liked it. It wont make my favorite books list at all but I enjoyed it enough to check out the other books in his L.A Quartet.

Love Cormoran Strike. Thats on my to-read list. But currently in 3 different series and feel like I need to finish one before I move on lol
Janet Evanovich # series (through #20)
Bella Forest Gender series (reading #5) - this one I've almost given up on reading though
Sarah J Maas Throne of glass series (through novel #2)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 03, 2018, 04:53:16 AM
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 03, 2018, 11:01:52 AM
I love the Cormoran Strike series. I still need to get Lethal White though.

Love Cormoran Strike. Thats on my to-read list. But currently in 3 different series and feel like I need to finish one before I move on lol

I'm ~60 pages in and I'm already hooked, didn't realize how much I missed this setting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 03, 2018, 01:33:36 PM
Side Jobs by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 03, 2018, 02:44:47 PM
This thread is actually "What Masterthes is Currently Reading, v. other forum members do read occasionally."
I find that mildly insulting.  I hit 100 novels in each of the last two years! It's the french books that are slowing me down these days. Stupid  potter

Ha, sorry about that bro. I just had recalled seeing Masterthes posting here with a regularity far outpacing everyone else.

Just finished Dickens' A Christmas Carol for the first time. The 1984 film version with George C. Scott has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid (and young enough for the Ghost of Christmas Yet to COme to frfeak the living piss out of me). Just realized this year I have never read the story.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 04, 2018, 02:27:09 PM
It's back to Robin Hobb with Fool's Assassin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 05, 2018, 08:35:34 AM
It's back to Robin Hobb with Fool's Assassin

Love, love, love all the Robin Hobb books in that particular world of hers. Even the Dragon Keeper series was stellar, which surprised me since it didn't include Fitz or Beloved.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 05, 2018, 09:11:14 AM
After this trilogy, I might go to the Rains Wild set next year, but we'll see
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 05, 2018, 09:21:47 AM
Have you read the "Live Ship Trader" group?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 05, 2018, 12:08:01 PM
Yeah, earlier this year. Really enjoyed them
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 05, 2018, 12:11:04 PM
 :tup

Kennit Ludluck was the most fascinating amoral asshole I ever read about.  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 06, 2018, 07:17:13 AM
Gods yes. Anyway, I am really not impressed with this book so far. she takes way too long to get to the point. I'm almost 200 pages in and getting slightly bored, like get to the plot already. You'd think she got paid by the page
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 06, 2018, 10:54:57 AM
The slow, placid, domestic moments are necessary for the larger story. Stick with it. You'll thank me later!  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on December 06, 2018, 12:04:05 PM
Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 08, 2018, 06:19:25 PM
I finished Rumble Tumble (Hap & Leonard #5) by Joe Lansdale.  Lansdale has a way of making things both horrifying and hilarious at the same time which just makes his books a lot of fun.

Currently reading Storm Front by Jim Butcher. I had never heard of this series until I saw it mentioned in this thread and it looked like it could be right up my alley. Well I started the book yesterday and I'm almost done with it so I guess it is.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 08, 2018, 08:09:58 PM
Not generally an avid reader of short stories, but totally hooked on No Middle Name: The Complete Collected Jack Reacher Short Stories by Lee Child.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaPsTA on December 08, 2018, 09:03:38 PM
Really enjoying The Three Body Problem. Hardish Sci-Fi book about the undermining of physical reality as a prelude to an alien invasion.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 09, 2018, 07:19:15 AM
Not generally an avid reader of short stories, but totally hooked on No Middle Name: The Complete Collected Jack Reacher Short Stories by Lee Child.

It's a solid collection, indeed. I think there's only one story i thought was fairly stupid, and the rest were good fun.


Harry Potter et la Coupe de Feu
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on December 09, 2018, 09:17:21 AM
Really enjoying The Three Body Problem. Hardish Sci-Fi book about the undermining of physical reality as a prelude to an alien invasion.

That one is on my want-to-read list.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 09, 2018, 04:01:02 PM
Switching gears somewhat and reading some YA for a change, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 10, 2018, 09:02:00 AM
That was a nice, quick read. I'll definitely read the next in the series.

On to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George RR Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 12, 2018, 02:30:03 AM
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 12, 2018, 04:15:40 AM
The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 12, 2018, 03:39:04 PM
So, I really only read the first Jungle Book, because the last few stories bored me, but I might go back to read the second book one day. Anyway, going to give Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon another try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 13, 2018, 11:13:38 AM
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith

Excellent book. Probably tied for my favourite in the series with The Silkworm. The plot was satisfying but complicated as heck, in a good way. I found it very well thought out and executed. I think I will reread it next year just to catch any of the details I missed. I've read some negative non-spoilery reviews before digging into it, well, I don't know, I liked this a lot.

Back to Mark Lawrence with King of Thorns which I finally bought with the third book too, I guess I'm committed now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 13, 2018, 03:59:16 PM
Alright, I guess Pynchon is just not for me, no matter how hard I try, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eames. Kings of the Wyld was one of my favorite books last year. Hopefully, I'll feel the same about this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 16, 2018, 08:03:49 PM
I'm going to give Anthony Trollope another try with The Way We Live Now
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 17, 2018, 11:47:42 AM
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

Finished that one, good entertaining read. But did I miss a chapter or does Michael come more or less out of the blue?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 17, 2018, 12:07:28 PM
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

Finished that one, good entertaining read. But did I miss a chapter or does Michael come more or less out of the blue?

He does indeed. That was the most jarring introduction ever. I also thought I missed something.

You're in for the whole series now I guess. Grave Peril was interesting enough for me to give Summer Knight a chance, and after that I was hooked. Grave Peril is also very important to the whole plot, which, I guess, you'll notice down the road.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 17, 2018, 12:47:37 PM
The First Christmas - What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Birth by Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 17, 2018, 03:49:46 PM
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

Finished that one, good entertaining read. But did I miss a chapter or does Michael come more or less out of the blue?

He does indeed. That was the most jarring introduction ever. I also thought I missed something.

You're in for the whole series now I guess. Grave Peril was interesting enough for me to give Summer Knight a chance, and after that I was hooked. Grave Peril is also very important to the whole plot, which, I guess, you'll notice down the road.

Thanks for the info. At first I thought I missed something, I even got back to Fool Moon to see if he was mentioned there. Then I thought there will be a flashback in the coming chapters, but nothing. Strange to not really introduce such a major character for the book.

And I will definitely read more Dresden books. Summer Knight is on my shopping list already.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 17, 2018, 04:28:23 PM
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

Finished that one, good entertaining read. But did I miss a chapter or does Michael come more or less out of the blue?

He does indeed. That was the most jarring introduction ever. I also thought I missed something.

You're in for the whole series now I guess. Grave Peril was interesting enough for me to give Summer Knight a chance, and after that I was hooked. Grave Peril is also very important to the whole plot, which, I guess, you'll notice down the road.

Thanks for the info. At first I thought I missed something, I even got back to Fool Moon to see if he was mentioned there. Then I thought there will be a flashback in the coming chapters, but nothing. Strange to not really introduce such a major character for the book.

And I will definitely read more Dresden books. Summer Knight is on my shopping list already.

Summer Knight is awesome!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 19, 2018, 03:02:41 AM
Alright, continuing the Dresden series with Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 22, 2018, 08:48:15 PM
Finished HP4, and i really enjoyed it. I only read the last 2 books as the movies were coming out back in day,  so this new territory for me. A nicely entertaining series,  although Azkaban was meh.

As i do every Christmas: Stupidest Angel  by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 23, 2018, 06:54:27 AM
The Vorrh by Brian Catling
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 23, 2018, 08:31:20 AM
Back to Mark Lawrence with King of Thorns which I finally bought with the third book too, I guess I'm committed now.

Better than the first one, still not sure the whole thing is up my alley though. It kind of reminds me of The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. I can't precisely say I like it, but it keeps me interested and invested enough that I don't mind following the story. I liked the whole box plot, added some needed dramatic tension.

Now that New Year is coming I feel the urge to reread The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson for the third time, always a pleasure to do that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 25, 2018, 06:51:22 PM
Forever and a Day by Anthony Horowitz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on December 25, 2018, 07:33:15 PM
I'm nearing the end of my re-watching DS9 and I'm now delving into the world ST Books. I started reading A Stitch in Time by  Andrew J. Robinson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 26, 2018, 03:59:40 PM
Two five star Anthony Horowitz books book end my year (Magpie Murders at the beginning of the year and the James Bond book at the end). If you're a Bond fan, I highly recommend it. Now, for some ASOIAF history with The World of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 26, 2018, 04:48:28 PM
The other night Jim Butcher posted a Dresden short story.

SPOILER WARNING
If you're not up to date with the Dresden files there are huge spoilers in this little tale...and even a partial/implied spoiler on a book yet to be released.

Otherwise, enjoy.

https://jim-butcher.com/christmas-eve
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 27, 2018, 10:48:33 AM
Captains Outrageous (Hap and Leonard, #6) by Joe R. Lansdale.

Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, #2) by Jim Butcher. 

Currently Reading Lightning by Dean Koontz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 28, 2018, 09:37:31 PM
The first half was really good, but the quality dropped off a bit in the second half, but it did get me excited to read the first book of Fire and Blood sooner, rather than later. Might even be the first book I read in the new year.

Anyway, going to try to squeeze in one more book before year's end with Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaPsTA on December 29, 2018, 02:16:56 AM
Really enjoying The Three Body Problem. Hardish Sci-Fi book about the undermining of physical reality as a prelude to an alien invasion.

That one is on my want-to-read list.

After finishing that, I bought and read The Dark Forest, and have now started Death's End. These books are insanely addicting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 30, 2018, 06:22:23 PM
Well, I'm officially calling it for 2018. 114 books read, 10 more than last year. I'm calling it because I'm now reading Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, because I doubt I'll be able to read a 700 page book in a day and a half
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 03, 2019, 11:54:19 AM
Warlock Holmes: My Grave Ritual by G.S. Denning
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 03, 2019, 02:45:08 PM
Small Gods by Terry Pratchett.

Also, it's nice to see there's another Warlock book. The first two were pretty entertaining.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 04, 2019, 03:20:54 AM
Finished The Salmon Of Doubt by Douglas Adams, which wasn't very good. I knew that this was a posthumous publication of essays and unfinished works, but somehow I expected more.

On to Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 05, 2019, 09:37:00 AM
The Sins of the Father by Jeffrey Archer. Hopefully, it's as good as the first book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 06, 2019, 10:06:02 AM
Moving on to the next book in the series with Best Kept Secret by Jeffrey Archer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 07, 2019, 10:38:38 AM
And we have my first DNF of the year. Really wasn't engaged in the story. Anyway, changing up to some nonfiction with Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin Manuel Miranda
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on January 07, 2019, 01:37:49 PM
Started Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman without any knowledge as to what I was in for. Only a little bit in and finding it enjoyable.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 08, 2019, 08:55:10 AM
It's an awesome book

Reading The Silkworm by J.K. Rowling. Hopefully, it's as good if not better than the first book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 10, 2019, 07:25:23 AM
Time to read about pirates with black Flags, Blue Waters by Eric Jay Dolin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 10, 2019, 07:58:38 AM
Death Masks by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 11, 2019, 11:57:54 AM
Harry Potter et l'Ordre du Phénix by Rowling.

Given that it took me almost a month to read HP4, and that was with the benefit of being off work the entire month of December, i expect this tome,  at 1 000+ pages, will take me a solid 6 weeks to read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 11, 2019, 12:27:50 PM
 If your experience with HP is anything like mine it will take you half that. This is where I totally got hooked on the series and plowed through the last three books at lightning speed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 11, 2019, 12:57:25 PM
If your experience with HP is anything like mine it will take you half that. This is where I totally got hooked on the series and plowed through the last three books at lightning speed.

It's the french that'll slow me down. I read the last 2 books in english as they came out to beat any movie spoilers, and those went ridiculously fast (~90 pages per hour). I just flat out can't read as fast in french, which makes sense since it's a second language. I will agree that these last 3 are the best, and I'm looking forward to HP5 to see what differences there are between the book and movie. I found that HP4 had a bunch of little side stories or plots that didn't make the movie cut.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 11, 2019, 04:01:01 PM
Finished Lightning by Dean Koontz - It was a fun read.

The Ninth Configuration by William Peter Blatty - I liked it but I actually enjoyed the movie more.

Currently reading If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 11, 2019, 07:46:51 PM
This reading year is sucking so far. 11 days into the new year and I've already DNF'd two books. I think I'm getting pickier in my old age. Anyway, I'm going to give a real solid commitment this time to reading Ron Chernow's biography on Washington
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on January 11, 2019, 08:58:04 PM
If your experience with HP is anything like mine it will take you half that. This is where I totally got hooked on the series and plowed through the last three books at lightning speed.

It's the french that'll slow me down. I read the last 2 books in english as they came out to beat any movie spoilers, and those went ridiculously fast (~90 pages per hour). I just flat out can't read as fast in french, which makes sense since it's a second language. I will agree that these last 3 are the best, and I'm looking forward to HP5 to see what differences there are between the book and movie. I found that HP4 had a bunch of little side stories or plots that didn't make the movie cut.

Oh those side plots get better and never make an appearance. I was always so sad SPEW didn't make it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 14, 2019, 02:44:03 PM
The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden. I know I'll be committed to this book because I really enjoyed the first two books. I'm confident that this book will "stick the landing" as it were
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 17, 2019, 01:13:10 AM
I'm going to re-read The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. But probably not in one go, I will surely read other books in between.

Starting with The Gunslinger. My original paperback is from the mid 80s, since then King has revised this book, so now I will read the "new" version and see if it's better.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 17, 2019, 02:18:26 PM
The Sky Is Yours by Chandler King Smith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 20, 2019, 03:22:08 PM
on to Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 21, 2019, 06:59:42 AM
Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 21, 2019, 01:33:37 PM
Oh God Not Again by Sarah1281. About to read something a bit different: fan fiction; specifically, Harry Potter fan fiction. I heard about this towards the end of last year on Booktube and thought the premise was intriguing. What if Harry feel into the Veil, and instead of being consigned to oblivion, was thrown back in time, but he has his memories intact?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 23, 2019, 04:02:06 PM
it's been three years since I last visited Discworld, and it's high time I get back there with Wintersmith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 23, 2019, 04:10:44 PM
I'm going to re-read The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. But probably not in one go, I will surely read other books in between.

Starting with The Gunslinger. My original paperback is from the mid 80s, since then King has revised this book, so now I will read the "new" version and see if it's better.

I'm planning on taking another trip to The Dark Tower at some point, but not for a while. Am curious to know your thoughts on the "new" Gunslinger. My understanding on the changes is that they are very small in nature and don't affect the narrative in any substantive way. Also, are you including Wind Through the Keyhole in your reading?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 24, 2019, 01:26:01 AM
It's been a long time that I've read The Gunslinger in it's original form. There were a lot of instances where I thought "I don't remember this, this must be new", but I think for the most part it's just my bad memory.  ;D But this time I enjoyed the book much more than on my first read. There are a lot of hints at things to come, which I naturally didn't see when I first read it. Still my least favorite of the series but much better than I remembered.

And yes, I'm going to include Wind Through The Keyhole.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 24, 2019, 02:22:46 AM
Past Tense by Lee Child. A Reacher novel.

Also enjoyed reading Elevation a short novel by Stephen King and Lethal White by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rawling)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 25, 2019, 07:00:03 AM
It's been a long time that I've read The Gunslinger in it's original form. There were a lot of instances where I thought "I don't remember this, this must be new", but I think for the most part it's just my bad memory.  ;D But this time I enjoyed the book much more than on my first read. There are a lot of hints at things to come, which I naturally didn't see when I first read it. Still my least favorite of the series but much better than I remembered.


Also that's one of the main reasons he revised it. He wanted it to match up better with the later continuity in the series.

Also he felt that the original version of the novel was a bit too dry which was one of the reasons the first entry of the series is one of my least favorites. Someday I do plan to read the revised version to see if I like it better.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 25, 2019, 10:41:45 AM
Also that's one of the main reasons he revised it. He wanted it to match up better with the later continuity in the series.

Also he felt that the original version of the novel was a bit too dry which was one of the reasons the first entry of the series is one of my least favorites. Someday I do plan to read the revised version to see if I like it better.

Right. I get his reasoning, I just don't know how I feel about him "Lucas'ing" one of his works as a fan of his and a regular consumer of his work. But I am willing to give him some benefit here since The Gunslinger was written as a series of short stories, and not originally intended to e Part 1 of a massive 7-Part saga.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 25, 2019, 11:09:47 AM
Personally, i would have liked King to do the full revision he planned (i.e fix continuity errors and write himself out of the story). I still really enjoyed the series though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 25, 2019, 11:21:09 AM
Personally, i would have liked King to do the full revision he planned (i.e fix continuity errors and write himself out of the story). 

Huh, was unaware of this plan. As big of a fan of his I am, TDT is in the middle of the pack in my personal rankings of his work, so I am not up on any news about the series as other fans likely are.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 25, 2019, 02:55:47 PM
Thanks A Lot Mr. Kibblewhite: My Story by Roger Daltrey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 25, 2019, 02:59:07 PM
Personally, i would have liked King to do the full revision he planned (i.e fix continuity errors and write himself out of the story). I still really enjoyed the series though.

Like, completely write himself out of the story? That could be interesting, but wouldn't that take a lot of work? As far as I remember, he's quite prominent in the later books.

I've been quiet for a while here, done with rereading The Final Empire and its follow-up, The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson (the latter book has improved drastically on the reread), then started and finished Emperor of Thorns by Mark Lawrence (decent, but King of Thorns is my favourite out of three I think) and about to get to the final part of my Mistborn trilogy reread with Hero of Ages.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 25, 2019, 06:53:30 PM
Personally, i would have liked King to do the full revision he planned (i.e fix continuity errors and write himself out of the story). I still really enjoyed the series though.

Like, completely write himself out of the story? That could be interesting, but wouldn't that take a lot of work? As far as I remember, he's quite prominent in the later books

I think the large amount of work required is a large part of why he decided to just leave them as is.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 26, 2019, 04:16:01 PM
Burr by Gore Vidal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 28, 2019, 06:54:59 AM
Not Since Carrie: 40 Years of Broadway Musical Flops by Ken Mandelbaum
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 29, 2019, 07:56:46 PM
Twilight of the Gods: A Journey to the End of Classic Rock by Steven Hyden
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 31, 2019, 05:13:54 AM
Just finished The Thanos Quest as a precursor to reading The Infinity Gauntlet by Jim Starlin in preparation for the new Avengers even though I know the movie will be nothing like the comic
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 31, 2019, 07:49:15 AM
The Reapers by John Connolly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Lonk on January 31, 2019, 07:55:09 AM
Just finished The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 31, 2019, 02:39:24 PM
Time for some William Shakespeare pastiche fiction with The Spy of Venice by Benet Brandreth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: DP_Gumby on February 01, 2019, 11:45:25 AM
Finished reading LOTR yet again yesterday, and immediately after that was done I started on Eric Idle's biography " A sortabiography - Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life".

Come to think of it, that's one hell of a transition. From the epic fantasy universe imagined by Tolkien to The Life of Brian basically.  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kiszol on February 01, 2019, 01:34:00 PM
Come to think of it, that's one hell of a transition. From the epic fantasy universe imagined by Tolkien to The Life of Brian basically.  :lol

"Remember that (the) death (of Sauron) is not the end, but only a transition."  :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 01, 2019, 02:30:41 PM
The Drawing Of The Three by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: DP_Gumby on February 01, 2019, 03:16:44 PM
Come to think of it, that's one hell of a transition. From the epic fantasy universe imagined by Tolkien to The Life of Brian basically.  :lol

"Remember that (the) death (of Sauron) is not the end, but only a transition."  :D

Oh, Eye see what you did there!  ;) :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 04, 2019, 07:14:34 AM
Babel-17 by Samuel Delany
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 05, 2019, 10:35:04 AM
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Samsara on February 05, 2019, 03:00:41 PM
Read K.K. Downing's official bio over the weekend. Pretty quick read. Its fine for what it is. I'm a Priest fan, and have most of their records, but I'm not a hardcore. Was interesting to learn about Ken and his time in the band from his perspective.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 06, 2019, 07:41:52 AM
2019 is going to be a banner year for fantasy. Giving Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James my (hopefully) undivided attention
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 07, 2019, 07:57:54 AM
Ughh. I just couldn't make sense of that one, so I'm switching to non fiction for a bit. Lately, I've been doing well there: Marvel Comics: The Untold Story by Sean Howe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on February 07, 2019, 09:57:19 AM
The Drawing Of The Three by Stephen King

Ahh... you're milling about with my old friends!  Old long tall and Ugly being one of my best friends, say thank ya big big.  If it's your first time through (I've been through the series four times counting audio books... which you may want to try as Frank Muller's renderings are incredible as are G. Guidall's) I envy your journey, so I do.

"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!"... quite an interesting man he was!  Pursue Interestingness indeed!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 07, 2019, 12:03:29 PM
No, it's a re-read, must be the third time now. And sadly I'm not into audio books, it's probably my attention span that's too short for this.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Samsara on February 07, 2019, 12:07:20 PM
A Dying Machine - By Mark Tremonti and John Shirley.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 08, 2019, 06:57:29 AM
Blood Rites by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on February 08, 2019, 10:43:42 AM
No, it's a re-read, must be the third time now. And sadly I'm not into audio books, it's probably my attention span that's too short for this.

I've found it's tough to leave that world for too long; glad King saw fit to blend some of his other worlds into it. 

"The Elementals" by Michael McDowell.  Awesome story!  McDowell's building technique is very nice... he started it off with an interestingly sharp "point" for sure!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 11, 2019, 10:27:58 AM
Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story, 1958-2009 by J. Randy Taraborrelli
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 13, 2019, 12:21:23 PM
The Waste Lands by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 16, 2019, 05:06:49 PM
Reading a quickie before moving on to bigger things: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 16, 2019, 09:36:16 PM
Keeping with Black History month biographies with Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 20, 2019, 05:31:19 AM
Back to fiction now with Making Money by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 20, 2019, 02:20:47 PM
Alright, so, I consider Terry Pratchett one of my favorite authors of all time, but I just couldn't get through that story. I actually DNFed a DIscworld book. Oh well, let's see how Wild Cards 1 (expanded edition) edited by George R.R. Martin goes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 21, 2019, 03:39:42 AM
Making Money surely isn't his best book. His later discworld novels just aren't as good as the earlier ones, maybe, really just maybe his illness has influenced his writing style to some degree? But I thought it was still a worthwhile read.

I also really enjoyed Wild Cards I, Wild Cards II on the other hand wasn't really that good. Not sure if I will continue with the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 21, 2019, 06:42:24 PM
The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling by Lawrence block

Lethal White by "Robert Galbraith"

The Bottoms by joe Lansdale

Currently Reading Imajica by Clive Barker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on February 22, 2019, 07:53:45 PM
Galilee, by Clive Barker.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 23, 2019, 12:46:54 PM
Now, about to reread a modern favorite of mine, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I'm finally going to read the sequel, but I need to refresh my memory
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 24, 2019, 04:06:28 PM
Plowed through a couple David Baldacci novels, and now after a long King hiatus, reading The Outsider.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WDADU on February 25, 2019, 08:44:59 PM
MMosquitoland, by David Arnold.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 01, 2019, 09:33:23 PM
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss is finally going down
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 02, 2019, 06:42:10 AM
Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on March 05, 2019, 11:31:11 PM
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 06, 2019, 05:23:03 PM
Basically 2 full months to finish HP5. Definitely taking a break from the french Potter for a spell.

7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. The girl addy the bookstore recommended it, so we'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 08, 2019, 02:48:09 PM
Inside Oscar by Mason Wiley and Damien Bona. I may be biting off more than I can chew, reading an even bigger book after the last one, but screw it, life is short and the Academy Awards fascinate me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 08, 2019, 02:52:24 PM
The Boy On The Bridge by M. R. Carey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SystematicThought on March 08, 2019, 08:02:01 PM
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Really digging this book. It's written like a VH1 Behind The Music episode where it's presented as a script of sorts. It details the rise and fall of the fictional band Daisy Jones & The Six and their mysterious breakup in 1979. It kinda feels like a fictional Fleetwood Mac. It's fun and immersive
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 12, 2019, 12:40:57 PM
...now after a long King hiatus, reading The Outsider.

Well that was massively.... underwhelming. It wasn't bad, I was genuinely interested enough in the plot to be intrigued to pick it up every night before bed. But it read like the novel of a man who, dare I say, seems out of compelling ideas.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 15, 2019, 04:15:11 AM
One of my goals this year is trying to read more world literature, so I'm going to be reading A True Novel by Minae Mizimura
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 16, 2019, 07:13:04 PM
I decided to change my mind, because I'm crazy, and instead decided to read Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 16, 2019, 09:47:16 PM
7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle was quite good. I recommend it if you like mysteries.

Past Tense by Lee Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 18, 2019, 12:07:05 PM
Been mostly rereading some of Sanderson's and Butcher's books (really excited by the fact that Peace Talks is progressing again), but it's time to return to some new (for me) material.

So I brought a copy of Frank Herbert's Dune with me. I've never read it, never played any PC games, never watched anything, and I know almost nothing about the universe—except that they've got spice and sand worms.

Let's see how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 18, 2019, 03:59:12 PM
Been mostly rereading some of Sanderson's and Butcher's books (really excited by the fact that Peace Talks is progressing again), but it's time to return to some new (for me) material.

So I brought a copy of Frank Herbert's Dune with me. I've never read it, never played any PC games, never watched anything, and I know almost nothing about the universe—except that they've got spice and sand worms.

Let's see how it goes.

I’ve attempted to read Dune over a dozen times and have failed prior to completing the first few chapters every time .

We’re you able to pick up Red Sister and Grey Sister yet?

I’m pretty confident we’ll get Peace Talks this year. Butcher seems motivated to get it done .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 18, 2019, 05:07:14 PM
I’ve attempted to read Dune over a dozen times and have failed prior to completing the first few chapters every time .

I watched the movie when I was a kid and loved it! I don't remember how old I was, or how old I was when I tackled the book, but it was a slog. I don't know how much knowing the story helped or hurt the experience, but I didn't enjoy reading it at all. I read it again many years later, and it was just as uninteresting the second time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 18, 2019, 10:02:56 PM
So I started The Gunslinger. About halfway through and it's both awesome and very confusing :P
And now, almost exactly 3 years after I began, I've finished with The Dark Tower. Jesus I'm a slow reader :lol

But I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and I don't mind the ending myself - I can't think of one that feels as "right" as that one. Now I hope to get The Wind Through the Keyhole soon, and maybe one of the companion books or the comics.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 18, 2019, 10:55:39 PM
Podaar, nope! :lol I looked for them in Hamburg but no luck, picked up Dune instead.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 20, 2019, 11:20:49 PM
Harry Potter et le Prince de Sang-Mêlé by She-who-shall-not-be-named
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 22, 2019, 01:26:57 PM
Taking a break from the mammoths, because I'm in a bit of a rut and decided to read Inside Oscar 2 by Damien Bona, which covers the Academy Awards up through 2000
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 26, 2019, 03:11:19 PM
Back to fiction with Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 29, 2019, 04:50:22 AM
Daisy Jones was great, my favorite of the year so far. Now, for a bit of levity with The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 2 by Charles M. Shultz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 29, 2019, 05:29:42 AM
Continuing the Dark Tower series with Wizard & Glass by Stephen King obviously
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 30, 2019, 12:23:18 PM
Trigger Mortis by Anthony Horowitz. I really enjoyed the last Bond book he wrote, in December
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 30, 2019, 07:05:09 PM
Quite pleased with myself that I was able to finish a 300 page novel in one sitting. It was decent, but not as good as Forever and a Day

Anyway, finishing up the month by reading Volume 3 of The Complete Peanuts
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 31, 2019, 09:35:10 AM
Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films by Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 03, 2019, 11:44:46 AM
So I brought a copy of Frank Herbert's Dune with me. I've never read it, never played any PC games, never watched anything, and I know almost nothing about the universe—except that they've got spice and sand worms.

Let's see how it goes.

Finished this. I don't know, the world-building is pretty great and definitely my favourite thing about the novel. The plot I didn't find all that great, and it felt a bit rushed, especially with the two-years time skip. The dialogue felt a bit random sometimes, too. Still enjoyable, probably will pick up the second novel in the future.

Now trying to dive into another—apparently—classic, The Black Company by Glen Cook. My favourite bookstore finally (after seven months of waiting) got the omnibus edition containing the first three books in the series, so of course I bought it and hopefully it's good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on April 03, 2019, 02:14:04 PM
Golden State by Ben H Winters, enjoying it a lot. He's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 03, 2019, 03:02:21 PM
Deathconsciousness, by Dan Barret. Basically the album's booklet, it's an essay about a fictional old religion centered around death. Joyful reading so far  :corn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 08, 2019, 01:44:36 PM
The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 4: 1957-1958 by Charles M. Schulz (only 20 more volumes to go)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on April 08, 2019, 02:22:12 PM
One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence. So far so good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 08, 2019, 03:04:03 PM
One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence. So far so good.

I absolutely loved that book! Nicks observations about life, dying, friendship, love and science are priceless.

Really looking forward to getting my hands on Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence tomorrow. I'm going to be finishing up the Elenium by David Eddings tonight so I can jump right into Holy Sister when I get home from work.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 09, 2019, 01:29:17 PM
The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on April 09, 2019, 02:32:04 PM
Foundation by Isaac Asimov.  I'm not really familiar with science fiction, so I read that this is a great example and a must read.  It is a very grand and complex story, but it's more political fiction than science fiction.  I found that to be true in Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land too.  I'm more interested in fiction that stretches and extrapolates what is possible, while still weaving humanity's role in that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 12, 2019, 07:57:07 PM
40 Stories Celebrating 40 Years of Star Wars: From A Certain Point of View edited by Elizabeth Schaefer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 15, 2019, 01:41:18 PM
American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race by Douglas Brinkley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on April 15, 2019, 03:44:26 PM
How was the Warded Man? It's in my to read pile.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 17, 2019, 09:04:29 PM
I thought it was a solid read, nothing really amazing, but it was good. I'll most likely read the next book, but maybe not for a while

Back to some epic historical fiction with Captains and the Kings by Taylor Caldwell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 18, 2019, 01:02:40 PM
Now trying to dive into another—apparently—classic, The Black Company by Glen Cook. My favourite bookstore finally (after seven months of waiting) got the omnibus edition containing the first three books in the series, so of course I bought it and hopefully it's good.

Okay, so finished that, finished Shadows Linger and also finished The White Rose. I felt the overall mythology and the whole big picture was done very well, but the minor details were kinda meh. Like I really should've expected that cause this isn't high fantasy, but the setting is high fantasy and seeing all the big magic battles skipped because the story is from the PoV of a physician with "I slept. All the magic users had a blast last night, eighteen of them died" is just aaarrghhhh. Each book was better than the previous one though.

Now trying The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie, a hundred pages in, it's super dull so far. If it keeps going like that, it's gonna be my first DNF in ages.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 19, 2019, 02:26:47 AM
Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 24, 2019, 03:50:16 PM
So, instead of reading a shorter book, I'm going to get my history on and read a one volume history of the Civil War before committing myself to a multi volume history (Like Foote or Catton) with Battle Cry of Freedom by James M. McPherson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 29, 2019, 02:07:56 PM
Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 30, 2019, 09:45:11 AM
My Grave Ritual by GS Denning
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 01, 2019, 04:50:16 AM
Starting off May with The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch. Been eyeing this one for a while
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 02, 2019, 02:14:10 PM
For something a bit lighter, I'll be reading Creator by Jeremy Leven. I wasn't that into his Satan book, but this looks to be more in my alley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 02, 2019, 09:00:01 PM
I like how your idea of "something a bit lighter" is a book about "an aging Noble Prize-winning biologist, is attempting to create life; specifically, to re-create his adored late wife by implanting her clone in a loving but reluctant 19-year-old nymphomaniac, and do it before his conventional son can have him committed to an asylum."  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 04, 2019, 01:45:24 PM
If you enjoy comedies give Denning's Warlock Holmes series a try. There's plenty of laugh out loud moments,  and he's been improving since the debut. They're good fun.

Harry Potter et les Reliques de la Mort by Rowling
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 06, 2019, 03:03:19 AM
Well, yeah, I was a bit off on my preconception there lol

Now reading The Reborn King by Michael R. Miller. The last few books I've read (although Hangman's Daughter was pretty decent) have been a bit underwhelming. Hopefully, getting back into fantasy for a bit, I'll find something good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 09, 2019, 02:32:35 AM
On to book two of the trilogy, Veiled Intentions
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 09, 2019, 03:10:11 AM
The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on May 09, 2019, 11:43:42 AM
The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King

How are you liking this, Kwyjibo? Rather, how far in are you? I only ever read the book once, and don't want to color your impressions with mine, so I'm curious on your take.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 09, 2019, 11:46:12 AM
I'm not him, but hey, it's a public discussion thread. I liked it a lot actually. Much better than at least books 6, 7 and 1 for me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on May 09, 2019, 11:55:18 AM
I'm not him, but hey, it's a public discussion thread. I liked it a lot actually. Much better than at least books 6, 7 and 1 for me.

If I was to rank them, I would probably do it this way, favorite to least:

The Dark Tower
The Drawing of the Three
Wolves of the Calla
The Waste Lands
The Gunslinger
The Wind Through The Keyhole
Wizard & Glass
Song of Susannah
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 09, 2019, 11:59:32 AM
The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King

How are you liking this, Kwyjibo? Rather, how far in are you? I only ever read the book once, and don't want to color your impressions with mine, so I'm curious on your take.

I'm not very far in, but this is a re-read. The first time I read it, I really enjoyed it. It does nothing to drive the overall Dark Tower story on, but it was nice visiting mid-world again. Wouldn't go as far as evermind, but it's clearly better than 1 and maybe better than 6, imo.

Edit: ranking time  :metal

Wizard & Glass
The Drawing Of The Three
Wolves Of The Calla
The Dark Tower
The Waste Lands
The Wind Through The Keyhole
Song Of Susannah
The Gunslinger

But as I'm only halfway through with rereading the series my opinion on books SoS, WotC and TDT may change when I read them for the second time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 09, 2019, 12:05:52 PM
Katt: in retrospect, Wizard and Glass was so much better than any of the rest for me that I'm baffled how you can rank it second to last. :lol Tastes!

In fact I wish they did a movie for the Wizard and Glass story instead of that... thing they did.

Wizard & Glass
The Drawing Of The Three
Wolves Of The Calla
The Dark Tower
The Waste Lands
The Wind Through The Keyhole
Song Of Susannah
The Gunslinger

This is a lot closer to mine, except I would swap The Dark Tower with The Waste Lands I think.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 09, 2019, 12:07:21 PM
I'm not him, but hey, it's a public discussion thread. I liked it a lot actually. Much better than at least books 6, 7 and 1 for me.

If I was to rank them, I would probably do it this way, favorite to least:

The Dark Tower
The Drawing of the Three
Wolves of the Calla
The Waste Lands
The Gunslinger
The Wind Through The Keyhole
Wizard & Glass
Song of Susannah

How on earth did you find the Gunslinger better than W&G lol? I understand DT6 being at the bottom, but DT7 at the top of your list and DT1 ahead of anything but DT6 seems crazy to me. Or I guess, what didn't you like about W&G for it to be so low in your ranking?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 09, 2019, 12:17:50 PM
Yeah, W&G being so low surprised me as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 09, 2019, 12:23:12 PM
While we're speaking of Stephen King, by the way, why don't you guys recommend me something from him? I've read a few books and one of my friends is a big fan so I love to discuss King's works with him, but this time I want your recommendation. I've read:

The Dark Tower series - thought it was a bit inconsistent, books 2, 3, 4, 5 and Wind Through the Keyhole were great, the rest were hit and miss (6 was pretty bad);
The Eyes of the Dragon - wasn't too much into it, felt a bit too much like children's book;
The Dead Zone - my first King's book, mostly liked it;
The Stand - way too bloated, mostly wasn't a fan at all except for the time they're in the town (the whole council and Harold Lauder bit);
Thinner - didn't like it at all;
11/22/63 - this one was actually pretty good, enjoyed most of it;
The Shining - aside from Dark Tower novels, this one was probably my favourite from King, great storytelling and plot, loved this.

I have IT on my bookshelf but figured I'd ask you if perhaps there's something better to read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on May 09, 2019, 12:30:19 PM
W&G is just a slog. It's not a bad book, but the other books are just that good. My first time through the series, The Waste Lands was so compelling from start to finish that I just wanted to get back to the present day and on with Roland's journey. There are several spots in W&G where I just get sick of the characters and sometimes there is very little actually happening. I like some of Roland's backstory, but some of W&G is simply tedious. Song of Susannah is only lower because it's kind of a chaotic mess despite how short it is.

The Gunslinger is a really cool first book for a series, imo, and does a great job setting this weird, surreal tone for the series. I think it's more compelling and consistently entertaining than W&G so it ranks higher.

TD7 might be my single favorite fantasy novel ever. From Patrick's introduction until the end I am just floored by how interesting and epic the world is. Everything about it, the Crimson King, Patrick's duel with him, the heartbreaking epilogue, man, I could gush about it all day, especially the illustrations in my edition of the Tower in the field of roses and the Crimson King on his throne of skulls. I read that entire book in a single day. I don't think I've done that with any other book that size.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 09, 2019, 12:32:17 PM
W&G is just a slog.

Man, no wonder I've lost so drastically in your roulette. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 09, 2019, 12:39:42 PM
While we're speaking of Stephen King, by the way, why don't you guys recommend me something from him? I've read a few books and one of my friends is a big fan so I love to discuss King's works with him, but this time I want your recommendation. I've read:

Carrie
Pet Sematary
and especially Misery would be my recommendations for his horror stuff.

As for Mystery/Thriller you can't beat the three Hodges books:
Mr. Mercedes
Finders Keepers
End of Watch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 09, 2019, 12:39:56 PM
For King, It is it. Maybe his best book. But this too is a bit bloated, just like almost all of his books. He's the prog-writer of horror when it comes to length.

Then I enjoyed most of his early books, Salem's Lot, Firestarter, Running Man (totally different from the movie), Pet Sematary. The Green Mile was also fun to read, and his early short-story collections, Skeleton Crew, Different Seasons and Nightshift are worth checking out too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 09, 2019, 12:45:40 PM
Right, I've read The Green Mile too, forgot to mention it.

I'm kinda curious about the non-horror stuff more, too. Although I've never read any horror besides King, so I guess I might as well delve into some real horror by him, too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 09, 2019, 12:47:43 PM
The Shining is pretty horrific!  :)

Just don't read The Tommyknockers. I'm not kidding, don't even go there.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 09, 2019, 12:55:01 PM
The Shining, yeah, it was horror I guess, but what I liked about it the most is a neat plot. Mostly everything that was mentioned earlier came into play there. But hey, I also liked the redrum thing as much as any other person I guess.

Funny you say that, because my friend is actually recommending me The Tommyknockers. I guess he's doing it just to fuck with me. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 09, 2019, 01:07:38 PM
The Tommyknockers is very mediocre but for me Insomnia and Rose Madder are worse.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 09, 2019, 02:28:08 PM
Insomnia isn't very good you say? I'm wondering if that's why King promotes it in The Dark Tower lol. Gotta drive up the sales.

Definitely read Salem's  Lot. I read it before my second time through the Wolves of the Calla to get more on Callahan's backstory, and I really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 09, 2019, 02:33:46 PM
The Exodus by Richard Elliott Friedman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 11, 2019, 06:13:31 AM
Ranking the Dark Tower series, huh?

Drawing of the Three
Waste Lands
Wizard & Glass
Wolves of the Calla
Wind Through the Keyhole
The Dark Tower
Song of Susannah
Gunslinger

Insomnia is far better than Tommyknockers

My personal top 5 Stephen King:
1. IT
2. The Stand
3. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption
4. The Shining
5. Pet Semetary

and while I'm here, I'm currently wrapping up The Dragon Blade trilogy with The Last Guardian
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 14, 2019, 03:16:36 PM
I've just had the urge to reread the original Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, so naturally, starting off with Interview With the Vampire
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 14, 2019, 03:47:47 PM
I've just had the urge to reread the original Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, so naturally, starting off with Interview With the Vampire

What do you consider the 'originals'? For me, that means the first 5 since there was a huge gap between Memnoch and Blood Canticle. Honestly though, I used to love her work, but the quality took a dive off a cliff for me after Tale of the Body Thief. And Queen of the Damned was pretty weak, too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on May 14, 2019, 04:40:11 PM
Dune Messiah, the second Dune book

I love the first book, but never got around to reading the next one until now. So far so good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 15, 2019, 03:45:51 AM
From Interview to Memnoch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 15, 2019, 12:58:40 PM
While we're speaking of Stephen King, by the way, why don't you guys recommend me something from him? I've read a few books and one of my friends is a big fan so I love to discuss King's works with him, but this time I want your recommendation. I've read:

If you liked The Shining, I would recommend Pet Sematary, Christine, and Misery. Shorter than what people generally think of for a King novel; all tense, well-crafted with plenty of horror and heart.

It is my favorite novel by anyone, but if The Stand was a slog for you, I might recommend this less, though I think the pacing is faster in It.

Stay away from The Tommyknockers. Stay farther away from Dreamcatcher.

In terms of "non-horror" I cannot recommend Bag of Bones highly enough. It is an amazing book, and while it has a lot of King in it, it is one of those experiences where I could honestly forget who the writer was, I was so wrapped up in the story.

Lisey's Story is also good, though a bit longer and slower. I am re-reading that one now.

FWIW, those two are #3 and #1 on Watchmojo's list of Top 10 underrated King novels.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 15, 2019, 01:41:22 PM
It was hard getting back into Interview with a Vampire because of the shift Anne Rice decided to make in the second book by making Lestat the protagonist of the series, so I'm going to get my trivia on instead with An Underground Education by Richard Zacks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 17, 2019, 01:17:03 PM
Has anyone here read Butcher's Codex Alera series? If so, what are your opinions?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 18, 2019, 04:54:47 AM
I did a few years ago, wasn't too fond of it to be honest. Felt like generic fantasy novels at best.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 19, 2019, 10:32:37 AM
The Life of Elizabeth I by Alison Weir. I absolutely loved her book on the Six Wives of Henry VIII. Hopefully, I'll get the same reaction from this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on May 19, 2019, 01:21:49 PM
GRRM - A Game of Thrones

Bought it once again, first time attempting to read them since I got into the show all those years ago - let's do it.  :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on May 19, 2019, 02:36:25 PM
GRRM - A Game of Thrones

Bought it once again, first time attempting to read them since I got into the show all those years ago - let's do it.  :metal

Me too, and I am loving it so far. On book one right now and hopefully by the time I finish all of them, winds of winter will be out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: XJDenton on May 19, 2019, 03:22:31 PM
Oh my sweet summer child.

I don't really read much anymore but I do listen to audiobooks, and I am listening to "Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures" by Stephen Fry, which is his second book retelling the Greek Mythology, and "Overlord" by Max Hastings, which is about the D-day landings and the invasion of europe in 1944.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on May 21, 2019, 07:55:18 AM
Oh lord. A Game of Thrones is great.

I think I know what put me off the first time, and it's a combination of two things. 1) An odd and somewhat creepy focus on sexual behavior with young characters. Viserys running his hands over Dany's body - she's 13 - and pinching her nipple, and then the talk of perfuming her genitals. It's just weird. I don't need that with my 13 year old character, thanks. I know there's worse coming, but that was one of the reasons I got turned off prior to watching the show. 2) An overwhelming amount of ASOIAF-specific terminology. Fantasy that frontloads the first few chapters with all that terminology really makes it hard for me to get into the story, and I remember having an issue with that during Bran and Catelyn's first chapter, trying to visualize all these words that I don't really have any basis for.

Having seen the show, it really made opening that book for the umpteenth time way easier, and reading the early chapters has for the first time not been exhausting.

I am excited to see where this takes me and I hope to finish it this weekend.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 21, 2019, 10:43:50 AM
I think GRRM planned the young protagonists' ages according to his original plan of having five years gap in the middle of the series, but that got scrapped later. I think he might've even admitted he screwed up a bit on the ages and wished some Stark children and the rest of young folks in the series were a bit older. I may be wrong though, and I'm not going to look for the exact quote either. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 21, 2019, 12:33:18 PM
I read something along what evermind said too, and in our medieval times it wasn't that much different. People were "adults" in young ages and died of old age with maybe 35 years.

And then Viserys is supposed to be creepy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on May 23, 2019, 07:13:29 AM
Yeah, the ages thing makes sense, it's just reading about the sexualization of young women that I don't like reading about. But I get it, I really do. My favorite thing about the book so far - still not halfway in - is Ned's first chapter. The dialogue between Robert and Ned is so damn good. I just wish Robert's first line was that of the show's - "You got fat" :)

And unlike the other times I've tried reading, GRRM's writing hasn't bugged me yet. I know people mock his apparent tendency to write about food but that hasn't happened yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 23, 2019, 01:00:37 PM
An overwhelming amount of ASOIAF-specific terminology. Fantasy that frontloads the first few chapters with all that terminology really makes it hard for me to get into the story...

I normally feel the exact same way but I never had problem with this series. From the beginning I felt like I was right in the middle of Westeros as a welcome citizen, not an anachronistic visitor from afar.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 23, 2019, 01:14:25 PM
Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 24, 2019, 03:10:24 PM
Having finished Rattenzauber (rat magic) by german author Kai Meyer it's back to the dark tower with Wolves Of The Calla by Stephen King, obviously.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on May 24, 2019, 03:42:51 PM
I'm putting down the DS9 Ominbus I started reading and I'm going to read Game of Thrones, I'm a huge fan of the show and I want to give the books a shot
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 26, 2019, 08:23:43 AM
Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre de Laclos. It's been a while since I've read a classic novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 29, 2019, 05:45:47 AM
Limited Wish -- Mark Lawrence
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on May 29, 2019, 07:27:26 AM
Just started "Holy Sister" by Mark Lawrence. "Limited Wish" is in my pile to read and I'll probably read that next.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 29, 2019, 07:55:31 AM
Just started "Holy Sister" by Mark Lawrence. "Limited Wish" is in my pile to read and I'll probably read that next.

Holy Sister is a personal favorite!! Enjoy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 01, 2019, 01:16:21 PM
Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination by Brian Jay Jones. Also, reading intermittently, Bradbury Stories: 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales by Ray Bradbury
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 01, 2019, 04:41:07 PM
While we're speaking of Stephen King, by the way, why don't you guys recommend me something from him? I've read a few books and one of my friends is a big fan so I love to discuss King's works with him, but this time I want your recommendation. I've read:
Lisey's Story is also good, though a bit longer and slower. I am re-reading that one now.

Just finished Lisey's Story. I didn't seem to enjoy it as much as I recall doing so the first time around, a bit too slow out of the gate.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 04, 2019, 01:50:44 PM
The Dr. Seuss bio was a huge win for me, my favorite book of the year so far.

Moving on to Fall; or, Dodge in Hell by Neal Stephenson ???
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Lonk on June 04, 2019, 07:29:30 PM
Went to BookCon over the weekend. Picked up a couple of books.

Today started reading Hell Diver. Finished one chapter and it’s alright so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on June 05, 2019, 10:55:26 AM
I'll throw a big +100 for Salem's Lot and It by SK... Salem's Lot is likely my favorite of his works.  I have his library and I'd agree with just about everything everyone else has said.  Check out his short story collections as well.

I'll suggest Greg Gifune's The Bleeding Season for you as well.

So I've tried to read books at once this time round (one is audio but that still counts):

Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
At the Mountains of Madness - H P Lovecraft
Necronomicon - H P Lovecraft

Kind of been on a Lovecraft kick obviously.  One of those doesn't fit with the others....
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 05, 2019, 10:58:01 AM
I'm putting It in my bag to start it on my commute tomorrow. :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 05, 2019, 11:24:02 AM
I'll throw a big +100 for Salem's Lot and It by SK... Salem's Lot is likely my favorite of his works. 

I read Salem's Lot a long time ago, a long while after I read many of his other stories. And it didn't resonate with me at all. I've been meaning to revisit it, something I don't normally do with books, but figured this one was worth a shot because it is not very long and it seems to be highly regarded by King fans.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 05, 2019, 11:34:54 AM
I'll throw a big +100 for Salem's Lot and It by SK... Salem's Lot is likely my favorite of his works. 

I read Salem's Lot a long time ago, a long while after I read many of his other stories. And it didn't resonate with me at all. I've been meaning to revisit it, something I don't normally do with books, but figured this one was worth a shot because it is not very long and it seems to be highly regarded by King fans.

I use to feel the same, and even mocked my wife, albeit lightly, about her re-reading habits. Now I re-read a few books each year. Hell, my new year's resolution is NOT to re-read the Dark Tower series this year, and it's proving very difficult to keep. At the end of the day, what's the difference (aside from time, of course) between re-watching your favorite movie and re-reading your favorite books?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 05, 2019, 11:54:42 AM
What I meant to say was I don't tend to re-read books that I didn't care for the first time - just like I wouldn't re-watch a movie I didn't enjoy. But sometimes, like with Salem's Lot, I see a book I didn't like that I feel like I should have liked get a ton of praise, and I think "Did I miss something? Was I not in the right headspace when I read that? Should I give it another try?"

I do re-read favorite books from time to time as time allows or when I have nothing in the reading queue. I finished The Dark Tower series a few years back and would definitely like to go through again, but I want more time to pass.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on June 05, 2019, 12:40:07 PM
I was reading Miss Marple's Final Cases when I came across a creepy as fuck little short story called, "The Dressmaker's Doll" that had nothing whatsoever to do with Miss Marple. I'm still a bit spooked by it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on June 07, 2019, 12:37:41 PM
I'll throw a big +100 for Salem's Lot and It by SK... Salem's Lot is likely my favorite of his works. 

I read Salem's Lot a long time ago, a long while after I read many of his other stories. And it didn't resonate with me at all. I've been meaning to revisit it, something I don't normally do with books, but figured this one was worth a shot because it is not very long and it seems to be highly regarded by King fans.

I use to feel the same, and even mocked my wife, albeit lightly, about her re-reading habits. Now I re-read a few books each year. Hell, my new year's resolution is NOT to re-read the Dark Tower series this year, and it's proving very difficult to keep. At the end of the day, what's the difference (aside from time, of course) between re-watching your favorite movie and re-reading your favorite books?

Oh I have to try hard, very hard, not to re-read the Dark Tower series each year... I have the same struggle with It and The Stand and to a lesser extent Salem's lot (because I know I'm going to read it in October!).  Likely because they're all tied together, but more likely because of the wanderings by the characters in these books.  Wandering through a world that's moved on appeals to my nature; and the fact that I share Roland's name doesn't hurt either (though spelled with a W).  :biggrin:

Salem's Lot was my first jaunt into King's head, so I have sentimental attachment to it; but the story itself reminds me so much of my little burg and how quickly things fall apart in small towns, that I'm launched right into the story (and at times my own writings take on that tone).  Plus I'm an old school Vampire nut (you know... when they were still demoniacal and teens didn't want to be one) and was drawn to the book immediately.  And the short story Jerusalem's Lot from Night Shift just stirs me up and gives me a King and H.P. Lovecraft fix at the same time! 

The '79 Salem's Lot mini-series was also one of the first horror movies I watched.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 10, 2019, 01:21:51 PM
The Stephenson didn't work out for me. I ended up reading instead 20th century Ghosts by Joe Hill, which I enjoyed much more than his most recent story collection.

Anyway, for a change of pace, I'm reading a YA fantasy called The Devil's Apprentice by Kenneth B. Andersen, about a good kid who accidentally gets sent to Hell to be Lucifer's successor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 12, 2019, 01:29:33 PM
For a change of pace, I'm reading Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis. Haven't read any of his stuff yet
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on June 15, 2019, 01:56:05 PM
Imajica by Clive Barker

Criminal Volumes 4,5 and 6 by Ed Brubaker

Hellboy Volumes 1 & 2 by Mike Mignola

Ghost story by Peter Straub

White Line Fever: The Autobiogaphy by Lemmy Kilmister & Janiss Garza

The Complete Maus: A Survivors tale by Art Spiegelman

Currently Reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb. I bought the entire Liveship traders trilogy at my town's library book sale which made me remember I had to finish this one first.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 21, 2019, 03:11:23 PM
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks. It's quite good so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 21, 2019, 04:47:31 PM
Imajica by Clive Barker

Read any Barker before? Curious about your thoughts when complete.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on June 21, 2019, 05:22:21 PM
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks. It's quite good so far

Great series. His other series is really good as well. Is this the first Weeks you've read?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on June 22, 2019, 07:50:29 AM
Imajica by Clive Barker

Read any Barker before? Curious about your thoughts when complete.

I had read The Hellbound Heart and Weaveworld before this. Overall I really enjoyed it. Clearly Barker is a very imaginative guy though sometimes thats an issue for me when he gets so weird that I have no idea whats going on without re-reading a section a few times. Also sometimes I get the feeling that he was more interested in showing off the massive world he created than advancing the plot.

For me the highlight of the book was Pie Oh'Pah. I think he was the most interesting character in the book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 22, 2019, 12:45:21 PM
The Great and Secret Show was what I consider to be my first "adult" book which I picked up on a whim at the store (cool cover, title, synopsis for me in my high school years spent reading Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights for class). I loved it. Many years later I read it again and couldn't believe how boring and convoluted I found it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on June 25, 2019, 08:41:52 AM
I do overall enjoy his work but convoluted is certainly a word that comes to mind when describing his writing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 25, 2019, 02:30:36 PM
Finished The Infection by Craig DiLouie, now on to Song Of Susannah by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 26, 2019, 02:36:35 PM
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks. It's quite good so far

Great series. His other series is really good as well. Is this the first Weeks you've read?
Affirmative. I enjoyed it. Will be reading the rest of the trilogy probably sometime next month
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 27, 2019, 01:30:13 PM
Dracul by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 29, 2019, 07:50:02 AM
Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X by Deborah Davis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 29, 2019, 02:42:41 PM
Well, that was one of the quickest reads of the year for me. It was also really good. Now, that I'm on summer vacation, I expect to read a lot these next few months. I think my record is 24 books

Anywho, back to fiction with Poor Things by Alasdair Gray
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 30, 2019, 09:48:11 PM
Fortunata and Jacinta by Benito Perez Galdos
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 07, 2019, 08:37:01 PM
I recently finished Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, which I thought was alright, very middle of the road for me.

Now, switching over to biographies of literary editors of the 20th century with An Uncommon Reader: A Life of Edward Garnett, Mentor and Editor of Literary Genius by Helen Smith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 11, 2019, 07:37:54 PM
Staying with a theme of editors discovering literary talent from the early twentieth century, but this time, from my edge of the pond: Max Perkins: Editor of Genius by A. Scott Berg
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 15, 2019, 02:47:37 PM
Finally getting to read Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on July 16, 2019, 05:12:47 AM
The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo. Redbreast was otherworldly and since then the series became really great :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 16, 2019, 12:18:34 PM
Been silent for a while in this thread, abandoned IT by Stephen King for now after a hundred of pages or so, wasn't quite in the mood for it.

Read Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett which was my first serious foray into him, his writing style is so terribly funny I couldn't help but laugh at some of the stuff. It's almost too ironic for my taste, and definitely not something I can read a lot of, but once in a while a book like that is alright. The plot wasn't too strong, but the writing won me over, I think I'll check something else out from him in a few months.

Now I'm onto The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin and three chapters in, I'm enjoying this immensely. I hope the quality stays at least the same throughout the whole novel, so far this is incredibly captivating. If it stays at least in the same ballpark, I can definitely see why this book won Hugo Award in 2016.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 16, 2019, 12:36:46 PM
Been silent for a while in this thread, abandoned IT by Stephen King for now after a hundred of pages or so, wasn't quite in the mood for it.

Read Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett which was my first serious foray into him, his writing style is so terribly funny I couldn't help but laugh at some of the stuff. It's almost too ironic for my taste, and definitely not something I can read a lot of, but once in a while a book like that is alright. The plot wasn't too strong, but the writing won me over, I think I'll check something else out from him in a few months.

Now I'm onto The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin and three chapters in, I'm enjoying this immensely. I hope the quality stays at least the same throughout the whole novel, so far this is incredibly captivating. If it stays at least in the same ballpark, I can definitely see why this book won Hugo Award in 2016.

I thought Guards! Guards! was fantastic. The city watch books are some of my favourite Discworld books. The conversation where the Patrician is asking Vimes why his guard arrested the head of the thieves guild is hilarious. I'm eagerly waiting for when I get through the next 2 in the series to get to the next city watch story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 17, 2019, 05:51:25 PM
Going back to fiction with American Pop by Snowden Wright. I'm already a quarter of a way through and really enjoying it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 18, 2019, 01:42:53 PM
Finally finished HP7: Les Reliques de la Mort. Moving on to....

(https://i.imgur.com/ZeGRrS0.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 18, 2019, 01:44:56 PM
The queue was empty so my mom passed some of her favorite international espionage thrillers on to me. Just finished a Brad Thor, now reading Daniel Silva.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 19, 2019, 07:26:00 AM
Exorcist Falls by Jonathan Janz. When it comes to horror, possession stories are usually my favorite sub genres; for example, The Exorcist has always been a favorite of mine, both the book and movie, so hopefully this will be good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 20, 2019, 04:58:55 PM
Taking my time with The Novel: A Biography by Michael Schmidt. It's close to 1200 pages long, so it'll be part of a summer project for me.

On the more regular reading, I'm going with Twenty-Five Books That Shaped America by Thomas C. Foster
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 21, 2019, 02:29:17 PM
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. Haven't read anything by her, so I'm excited to see how this goes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on July 22, 2019, 02:58:22 PM
Just finished Crime and Punishment, Born to Run (McDougall), and How to Change Your Mind (Pollan). Now reading Where the Crawdads Sing, a mushroom field guide by Paul Stamets, and Quicksand (Steve Toltz)

I only just recently started reading more again, and I've enjoyed it a lot. And I know this is a "currently reading thread" but what are some of y'all's favorites of all time? I'll kick it off.


Fiction:

In the Lake of the Woods and The Things They Carried (O'Brien)
The Savage Detectives and 2666 (Bolano)
Chronic City and Fortress of Solitude (Lethem)
Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
Lolita (Nabokov)
Dance, Dance, Dance and Colorless Tsukuru... (Murakami)
The Three Body Problem (Liu Cixin)
The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go (Ishiguro)
Anything by David Mitchell, but especially number9dream, Black Swan Green, and Cloud Atlas

Non-Fiction:

The Wisdom of Insecurity (Watts)
The Unsettling of America (Berry)
Eat and Run (Jurek)
The China Study (Campbell)
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Murakami)
The Undertaking (Lynch)
The Ecstasy of Influence (Lethem)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 23, 2019, 11:33:57 AM
Well, I managed to get about halfway through the Wharton before it just got too boring for me

Anyway, decided to pick Wheel of Time back up. I left off with The Dragon Reborn about two years ago, and now revisiting my favorite book in the series The Shadow Rising. Not sure if I'm just going to binge the series for the rest of the summer, but we'll see
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 23, 2019, 12:25:29 PM
The queue was empty so my mom passed some of her favorite international espionage thrillers on to me. Just finished a Brad Thor, now reading Daniel Silva.

Which Brad Thor did you read?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Grappler on July 23, 2019, 12:35:07 PM
Well, I managed to get about halfway through the Wharton before it just got too boring for me

Anyway, decided to pick Wheel of Time back up. I left off with The Dragon Reborn about two years ago, and now revisiting my favorite book in the series The Shadow Rising. Not sure if I'm just going to binge the series for the rest of the summer, but we'll see

I re-read the Wheel of Time series in 2014/2015 and spaced the books out with a different novel in between each one.  It kept me from getting too burnt out on it.  The first time I read the series, I read the first 10, straight through, which was a big chore by the end of it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on July 23, 2019, 08:49:09 PM
I have finished Elric: The Stealer of Souls and now I'm halfway through To Rescue Tanelorn. I'm not very impressed so far. I don't mind the stories being in publication order but what's with some of the seemingly random stories thrown in? I know a little about the Eternal Champion thing and how some of these characters are different iterations of said champion, but I just want to read about Elric only for now.

I really liked the Eternal Champion story in To Rescue Tanelorn. Anyone know if the novel with the same title is just a longer version of the short story?

I really didn't like the Jerry Cornelius story. It was quite dull. Well, I'll keep on reading. Hopefully I get more into it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 23, 2019, 09:45:58 PM
The queue was empty so my mom passed some of her favorite international espionage thrillers on to me. Just finished a Brad Thor, now reading Daniel Silva.

Which Brad Thor did you read?

Spymaster. Quite enjoyable even if I did get lost in a couple spots. This is not a genre I read often.

Question for all...What's the furthest you've ever gotten in a book before abandoning it? I try to finish everything I starts me can't think of anything I've made it far in and given up on but I am sure I will think of something.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 23, 2019, 10:23:49 PM
The only book I've ever  DNFd was William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury. Got about halfway through before tapping out (~150 pages).

I don't mind Thor's work.  He writes a good thriller,  but i find that his politics come through a bit much for me. He keeps his plots moving though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 26, 2019, 06:48:14 AM
I'll probably do one a month
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 26, 2019, 07:31:45 AM
I'll probably do one a month

With how much you read that might only be a 1% DNF rate
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on July 26, 2019, 08:06:34 AM
Question for all...What's the furthest you've ever gotten in a book before abandoning it? I try to finish everything I starts me can't think of anything I've made it far in and given up on but I am sure I will think of something.

I'm not sure but I abandoned a 10 book series about a third of the way through the last book. I realized I just didn't care how the story ended because I had lost interest and it wasn't enjoyable anymore. I may go back to it one day.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 01, 2019, 09:21:38 AM
Now I'm onto The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin and three chapters in, I'm enjoying this immensely. I hope the quality stays at least the same throughout the whole novel, so far this is incredibly captivating. If it stays at least in the same ballpark, I can definitely see why this book won Hugo Award in 2016.

This was incredible, quite possibly my favourite fantasy read in the last few years. Last time I enjoyed the book that much was The Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch, and this book is very different from these two. Less action, more world-building, but never to the point it becomes a slog. Excellent book.

I've also managed to find the other two books in this trilogy and bought both today so I guess I know I'm reading in a few weeks after my vacation.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on August 01, 2019, 01:24:51 PM
Thanks, Ev! I really need some new reading material. If you say it's good, I'll buy it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 03, 2019, 01:47:34 AM
:tup

I definitely recommend it. It's somewhat heavy (you'll know what I mean after the first few chapters) but it's one of those books I struggled to put away. Reading until 1 A.M. when you have to get up four hours later, that kind of stuff.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 05, 2019, 06:29:47 AM
For a brisk change of pace, about to read a paranormal mystery starring a pan sexual called Osgood as Gone by Cooper S. Beckett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on August 05, 2019, 06:31:12 AM
Now I'm onto The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin and three chapters in, I'm enjoying this immensely. I hope the quality stays at least the same throughout the whole novel, so far this is incredibly captivating. If it stays at least in the same ballpark, I can definitely see why this book won Hugo Award in 2016.

This was incredible, quite possibly my favourite fantasy read in the last few years. Last time I enjoyed the book that much was The Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch, and this book is very different from these two. Less action, more world-building, but never to the point it becomes a slog. Excellent book.

I've also managed to find the other two books in this trilogy and bought both today so I guess I know I'm reading in a few weeks after my vacation.
I read this series a while back. It was definitely different from anything else I've ever read. Wasn't a huge fan, but I enjoyed them well enough to finish.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on August 05, 2019, 07:00:20 AM
:tup

I definitely recommend it. It's somewhat heavy (you'll know what I mean after the first few chapters) but it's one of those books I struggled to put away. Reading until 1 A.M. when you have to get up four hours later, that kind of stuff.

I'm struggling to get into it. The author's way of telling the story is very odd and disconnected, i.e.; "Below the mountain is a hill, and on the hill is a town, not a proper [nonsense word] but a rude place with one tall building. In the tall building is a woman holding her son. A son who was murdered by his father the previous evening. She isn't singing or rocking him. She's very still. Her countenance is neutral, very far away."

That's probably a bad illustration of her writing style, but it's the way it makes me feel. Like a fantasy-horror tale told by a bored Thorazine patient.

I'll stick with it. I've read great books before from authors with different styles.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 05, 2019, 07:45:44 AM
:tup

I definitely recommend it. It's somewhat heavy (you'll know what I mean after the first few chapters) but it's one of those books I struggled to put away. Reading until 1 A.M. when you have to get up four hours later, that kind of stuff.

I'm struggling to get into it. The author's way of telling the story is very odd and disconnected, i.e.; "Below the mountain is a hill, and on the hill is a town, not a proper [nonsense word] but a rude place with one tall building. In the tall building is a woman holding her son. A son who was murdered by his father the previous evening. She isn't singing or rocking him. She's very still. Her countenance is neutral, very far away."

That's probably a bad illustration of her writing style, but it's the way it makes me feel. Like a fantasy-horror tale told by a bored Thorazine patient.

I'll stick with it. I've read great books before from authors with different styles.

I too had a difficult time during the prologue, but I was convinced after the first three chapters. The "nonsense words" is definitely something that she does apparently, it's basically as if you're in that universe and the word's meaning should be obvious to you, except it isn't.  It was even funnier for me because I went to the Google translate thinking those were actual words and I just didn't know them. Later I found there's a spoiler-free glossary in the back of the book. :lol They do get explained throughout the book so it didn't bother me much.

I suggest to stuck with it for a few more chapters and if it doesn't get better for you, then drop it. No need to soldier on through it based on my recommendation. ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on August 05, 2019, 01:59:57 PM
Dune by Frank Herbert.  I tried reading Asimov's Foundation several months ago, but just couldn't stick with it.  Dune has a similar scope, with lots of characters, history, rich and detailed political and social dynamics, but I am enjoying this much more.

While taking a break from Dune, I read Calculating God by Robert Sawyer based on a friend's recommendation.  The whole story seemed like an amateurish platform for the main plot, which is a conversation between an alien and a human paleontologist about the existence of God.  Some of the standard arguments for and against which I found good reading, but the rest of the story was unnecessary and didn't do anything for the main plot.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on August 05, 2019, 02:58:36 PM
Later I found there's a spoiler-free glossary in the back of the book. :lol They do get explained throughout the book so it didn't bother me much.

What a helpful tip! I just read the glossary and feel more prepared to "soldier on", as you put it.  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on August 05, 2019, 06:32:25 PM
Dune by Frank Herbert.  I tried reading Asimov's Foundation several months ago, but just couldn't stick with it.  Dune has a similar scope, with lots of characters, history, rich and detailed political and social dynamics, but I am enjoying this much more.

While taking a break from Dune, I read Calculating God by Robert Sawyer based on a friend's recommendation.  The whole story seemed like an amateurish platform for the main plot, which is a conversation between an alien and a human paleontologist about the existence of God.  Some of the standard arguments for and against which I found good reading, but the rest of the story was unnecessary and didn't do anything for the main plot.

Dune is pretty great. I read the original six when I was a teenager and I remember enjoying them all. However a few years ago, I tried re-reading the series with the intent to read the newer books but I quit after God Emperor of Dune. I remember it being very boring and it seemed like Herbert was more interested in getting his philosophical ideas across rather than telling a good story. I'm really not into Philosophical Sci-Fi. The first book was just as great as I remembered though!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 05, 2019, 09:20:29 PM
Les Aventures de Tintin au Pays des Soviets by Hergé
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 05, 2019, 09:21:56 PM
Loved the Dune film when I was a kid. Read the book later on in my teens and was bored and underwhelmed. Gave it another go years later, and still didn't enjoy it much.

Reading Eyes of the Dragon now, an older King novel I somehow have never read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 06, 2019, 07:59:18 AM

Back to historical fiction. Reading Youngblood Hawke by Herman Wouk. Years ago, I absolutely loved The Winds of War duology, but wasn't a big fan of The Caine Mutiny, so we'll see how this goes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 06, 2019, 12:22:45 PM
The Caine Mutiny is one of my absolutely favorite books.  ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 08, 2019, 04:41:37 PM
While indeed being a great book, I think it is a little too bloated for its own good at times. Great movie too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 08, 2019, 08:53:04 PM
Crucible  by James Rollins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 14, 2019, 03:06:59 AM
Assassini by Thomas Gifford
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 20, 2019, 05:40:10 AM
Les Aventures du Tintin au Congo by Hergé.

This story is set in Africa, and was written in the 30s. Needless to say,  there's some seriously racist shit in this comic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 20, 2019, 06:00:37 AM
Hergé has shown that he's far from being racist in his later works, but that comic is very cringeworthy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 22, 2019, 02:26:09 PM
Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 22, 2019, 09:55:34 PM
Lords and Ladies by Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 22, 2019, 10:16:20 PM
Reading Eyes of the Dragon now, an older King novel I somehow have never read.

Pleasantly surprised by this book. Quite an enjoyable read. Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised, it isn't often a King book lets me down, regardless of genre.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on August 23, 2019, 04:44:41 AM
Reading Eyes of the Dragon now, an older King novel I somehow have never read.

Pleasantly surprised by this book. Quite an enjoyable read. Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised, it isn't often a King book lets me down, regardless of genre.

That's one of my favorite books, ever. A fantastic modern tale.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on August 25, 2019, 07:57:35 PM
Finished the DS9 Omnibus and now I'm reading "A Stitch In Time" by Andrew Robinson. I'm only about 10% in but the writing is so much better then the collected works of the omnibus, the pacing is really well done.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: King Puppies and the Acid Guppies on August 25, 2019, 07:59:13 PM
Currently rereading the Wheel of Time series, for like the 100th time. On book 3 The Dragon Reborn at the moment.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 31, 2019, 06:15:40 AM
Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem. I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie and was intrigued
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 01, 2019, 05:22:35 PM
The Editor by Steven Rowley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 03, 2019, 01:08:01 PM
The House of Getty by Russell Miller
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on September 03, 2019, 02:02:10 PM
Mike Love, "Good Vibrations: My Life As A Beach Boy"

There are two schools of thought: 1) Mike Love is a giant douchebag who ran (and is still running) the Beach Boys almost Beatles-esque legacy into the ground, and 2) it's more complicated than that, and he's an equal part of a very creative, but troubled family band.   

I'm reading this, and I think the truth is somewhere around 1.25.


Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 03, 2019, 03:04:14 PM
Stephen King, Mr. Mercedes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on September 03, 2019, 04:06:49 PM
Stephen King... DT IV Wizard and Glass.

Oh how I've tried to stay away from The Tower books this year, but I re-read The Stand and I couldn't help it.  I always, always find something new each time through.  I'm using the audio books this time and the pacing is awesome!  I think Eddie Dean and Larry Underwood would have gotten along quite well...

I'm also re-reading portions of 12 Rules for Life (Jordan Peterson) and The Golden Alphabet (CH Spurgeon) when it suits me... seems to suit me well lately.  I also use Morning and Evening by Spurgeon as a devotional...

Starting Atomic Habits (James Clear) and Wilderness Essays (John Muir) in the next few days I hope.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 03, 2019, 11:21:44 PM
Oh how I've tried to stay away from The Tower books this year

I was trying to stay away, too, but I just decided to exploit a loophole in my resolution instead.

La Tour Sombre II: Les Trois Cartes by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 03, 2019, 11:27:47 PM
Stephen King, Mr. Mercedes

Curious to know your thoughts when done.

Oh how I've tried to stay away from The Tower books this year, but I re-read The Stand and I couldn't help it.  I always, always find something new each time through. 

I finished the series 5+ years ago. Would like to revisit but wanted to enough time to elapse. Thinking about jumping in again in a year or two.

I think Eddie Dean and Larry Underwood would have gotten along quite well...

I am not sure Larry Underwood ever got along with anyone quite well.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 04, 2019, 01:11:51 AM
I recently finished my re-read of the Dark Tower series and I thoroughly enjoyed it again. I've been thinking about re-reading The Stand too, but will probably read some new books first.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 09, 2019, 10:03:52 AM
Hadn't posted here in a while Finished The Obelisk Gate and The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin (the whole trilogy is, once again, fantastic. Loved it), then read The Colour of Magic by Pratchett (alright but liked Guards Guards more), then read Shadow Games by Glen Cook (ehh).

Now by the wonders of international travel I've just stumbled upon recently released A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie, looking forward to digging into it this evening.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on September 09, 2019, 12:50:15 PM
Reading something easier and shorter right now: Coraline by Neil Gaiman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 09, 2019, 05:11:51 PM
Finally getting the chance to read Recursion by Blake Crouch. Hopefully, it's as good, if not better, than Dark Matter
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on September 10, 2019, 06:28:50 AM
Finally getting the chance to read Recursion by Blake Crouch. Hopefully, it's as good, if not better, than Dark Matter

I liked Dark Matter, so I'm interested to know how this one is.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on September 10, 2019, 06:40:54 PM
I thought Recursion was great! Really love Blake Crouch.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 11, 2019, 07:08:26 PM
The new Crouch was ultimately a disappointment, at least compared to his last book. He went way too off the rails on this one, for my taste anyway. About to read my first Zadie Smith with The Autograph Man. See how that goes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 16, 2019, 04:16:17 AM
I just recently finished J.D. Salinger's story collection Nine Stories and really did not care for most of them. I was scratching my head a lot wondering what in the world happened.

Back to fantasy with Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on September 16, 2019, 04:58:22 AM
Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist. For some reason I though this was YA novel. But it's so sick and dark I wouldn't recommend it to younger people :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 21, 2019, 08:18:24 AM
Barnum: An American Life by Robert Wilson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 21, 2019, 08:33:56 AM
Proven guilty by Jim Butcher

I love this series but I find it a little but silly and annoying that Harry is always beat up, tired, wounded and on the brink of exhaustion at least after a quarter into the book and he barely makes it to the end without falling asleep or dropping dead. That's putting it on a but too much imo.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: 1upmushroom on September 21, 2019, 06:16:18 PM
"Name of the Rose", Umberto Eco. I re-read it every few years.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 21, 2019, 08:16:01 PM
Proven guilty by Jim Butcher

I love this series but I find it a little but silly and annoying that Harry is always beat up, tired, wounded and on the brink of exhaustion at least after a quarter into the book and he barely makes it to the end without falling asleep or dropping dead. That's putting it on a but too much imo.

Yeah.... Basically every single book has the same formula. Just insert the name of a different bad guy and you're off. Still fun reads.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Harmony on September 22, 2019, 05:08:40 PM
The Institute by Stephen King

Stephen King is a genius.  What more needs to be said?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: 1upmushroom on September 22, 2019, 06:40:26 PM
Yes he is. I'm still waiting for something to top "Needful Things", so I have to start reading the Institute.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 25, 2019, 10:57:08 AM
Now by the wonders of international travel I've just stumbled upon recently released A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie, looking forward to digging into it this evening.

This didn't work out on account of me being stupid and placing that book into the luggage bag while packing. However while wandering around the airport I've bought A Time of Dread by John Gwynne to read on the flight and have been finishing it for the last week. Alright sword and sorcery novel, some reveals were way too obvious, and I think it's a little bit overrated for its 4.4 on Goodreads, but honestly it's alright, yeah. It's in the vein of Blood Song and what was it, The Emperor's Blade, except it's actually good. So there's that.

Now I'm into Dreams of Steel by Glen Cook and I plan to read A Little Hatred right after that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 26, 2019, 01:48:47 PM
Death Note Volumes 1-5 by Tsugumi Ohba

Shutter island by Dennis Lehane

Legion by William Petter Blatty

Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker

Currently reading Doctor Who: Shada By Gareth Roberts based on the original script by Douglas Adams.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 27, 2019, 05:58:57 PM
Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 28, 2019, 04:10:41 PM
Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 29, 2019, 08:38:35 AM
Now I'm into Dreams of Steel by Glen Cook and I plan to read A Little Hatred right after that.

Dreams of Steel was pretty good although I hoped the plot would be resolved in this book. It wasn't, and I don't have the next book so that sucks :lol

Now I'll tackle A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie and then I definitely need to read something less grimdark-y.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 30, 2019, 08:11:52 PM
The Grip of It by Jac Jemc
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 01, 2019, 07:44:11 PM
We Have Always Lived in This Castle by Shirley Jackson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 02, 2019, 08:01:50 PM
Men at Arms by Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 03, 2019, 05:00:57 AM
All My Colors by David Quantick
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 04, 2019, 05:11:27 AM
All My Colors was a huge hit for me. Definitely one of the surprises of the year

Anyway, now reading The Warden by Anthony Trollope. I'm taking a break from horror for a bit to read something for victober. Trollope and I have not got along well yet. I was not the biggest fan of Can You Forgive Her and gave up on The Way We Live Now, so hopefully something sticks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 07, 2019, 02:58:22 AM
Back to horror with Legion by William Peter Blatty. The Exorcist is one of my favorite book to movie combinations. Interested to see how the sequel stacks up
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on October 07, 2019, 07:24:55 AM
Finished the Southern Reach Trilogy. Honestly not sure what the fuss was all about. I thought it was just OK and a bit of a slog at times.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 07, 2019, 06:23:34 PM
Back to horror with Legion by William Peter Blatty. The Exorcist is one of my favorite book to movie combinations. Interested to see how the sequel stacks up

I read that one not too long ago. My least favorite blatty book that I've read so far. Which is a shame because I absolutely love the movie. I feel like the man was a better screenwriter than an author.

While the exorcist book and movie are pretty close in quality from what I remember, The Legion and Ninth configuration films I enjoyed a lot more than the original books. He seemed to be much better at deciding what to cut from the movies than his books that can devolve into rambling for several pages at any time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 07, 2019, 08:39:40 PM
Yeah, it was nowhere near as good as the first book, but it was okay. Would love to see the movie one of these days

Now getting in to a classic, The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 09, 2019, 08:30:04 AM
Secodhand Souls by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 09, 2019, 10:40:25 AM
Secodhand Souls by Christopher Moore
Fantastic choice. I liked Dirty Job a little better, but still one of Moore's better novels.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 10, 2019, 01:13:09 PM
Now I'll tackle A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie and then I definitely need to read something less grimdark-y.

This was quite possibly my favourite book from Joe, big improvement compared to The First Law trilogy in my opinion.

Continuing my fantasy streak with The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 12, 2019, 08:01:50 AM
Secodhand Souls by Christopher Moore
Fantastic choice. I liked Dirty Job a little better, but still one of Moore's better novels.

I agree. Really enjoyed it

Now reading Stephen King's latest The Institute
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 14, 2019, 09:18:38 AM
With the second part coming out soon, I thought I'd finally read Home by Julie Andrews
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 14, 2019, 01:41:24 PM
La Tour Sombre III: Terres Perdues by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 16, 2019, 04:39:28 AM
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 16, 2019, 11:08:38 AM
White Night by Jim Butcher

and out of nostalgia the Fireball trilogy by John Christopher.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 16, 2019, 04:50:01 PM
Well, I hadn't had a DNF in quite some time, but I wasn't really feeling that one at the moment, so instead I'm reading From Hell by Alan Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 17, 2019, 04:40:14 PM
I have a great love for post apocalyptic novels: The Stand, Swan Song, The Passage, Station Eleven, last year with The Book of M. Let's see if Wanderers by Chuck Wendig joins those ranks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Harmony on October 17, 2019, 06:22:37 PM
Now reading Stephen King's latest The Institute

What did you think?

I just finished a pretty good book called "The Unseen World: A Novel" by Liz Moore.  It started a little slow but about a quarter of the way in, I couldn't put it down.

Next up for me is Ronan Farrow's "Catch and Kill"
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 17, 2019, 06:48:07 PM
The Institute was good, but like a lot of his books, could have used some editing. Still, fairly worth checking out
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on October 17, 2019, 09:30:16 PM
How Music Works by David Byrne.

I appreciate this book being more than just a retrospective on Talking Heads, as much as I would love to read that as well. You can really feel the passion he has for this art form.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 18, 2019, 10:52:29 PM
... I'm reading From Hell by Alan Moore

This is an amazing piece of work. I am not a graphic novel guy, but am a bit of an amateur Ripperologist, and while I understand this is a (debunked*) theory, it is still a fascinating experience. I know the movie isn't generally highly regarded, but for what they were shooting for, I found it very enjoyable. 

Or is "bunk" bad?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar1PIutCttU&feature=youtu.be&t=56
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on October 19, 2019, 01:01:38 PM
I have a great love for post apocalyptic novels: The Stand, Swan Song, The Passage, Station Eleven, last year with The Book of M. Let's see if Wanderers by Chuck Wendig joins those ranks

I just bought Swan Song e-book for $2. I think I'm going to read it after I finish The Count of Monte Cristo. I've read four of his other books: The Border, Stinger, and the two Werewolf ones. I really enjoyed the werewolf books. 

The Passage was really good but the next two books were disappointing to me. I just couldn't really get into them but I don't regret reading them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 19, 2019, 04:42:39 PM
I thought The Twelve was a decent follow up, but that third book?! Also, I'm a huge fan of McCammon's. Besides Swan Song, I've also read Boy's Life (his best book IMO), Speaks the Nightbird, Wolf's Hour (forgot there was a sequel), and his first book Baal, which was the only dud for me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on October 19, 2019, 05:21:26 PM
I thought The Twelve was a decent follow up, but that third book?! Also, I'm a huge fan of McCammon's. Besides Swan Song, I've also read Boy's Life (his best book IMO), Speaks the Nightbird, Wolf's Hour (forgot there was a sequel), and his first book Baal, which was the only dud for me

The sequel is a collection of short stories or novellas I think. I think most of them take place before the events of the first book and the last story takes place when the character is older. It's worth reading if you enjoyed The Wolf's Hour.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 20, 2019, 10:50:11 AM
The Passage was really good but the next two books were disappointing to me. I just couldn't really get into them but I don't regret reading them.

I don't think I've ever heard anyone who has read those books say anything different. .
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on October 20, 2019, 10:57:33 AM
The Passage was really good but the next two books were disappointing to me. I just couldn't really get into them but I don't regret reading them.

I don't think I've ever heard anyone who has read those books say anything different. .

I didn't understand the "mystical" link between certain characters.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jasc15 on October 20, 2019, 03:26:05 PM
I FINALLY finished Dune.  It was tough to get going but at some point I was finally familiar with all the characters and subplots that I could complete it.  I read one person's take on the book that the reader is supposed to feel a bit lost at first, to parallel the main character's similar plight in his path.  The author just drops you in the story and you are supposed to pick up on the culture, traditions and politics as they happen or are recalled by the characters without (too much) forced didactic devices from those characters.  I'm pretty inexperienced in reading fiction since I avoided it most of my life, but I was really amazed that a person could create such a full and nuanced culture and world (or universe).  I suppose this is the case with stories like Lord of the Rings, too.

While I really enjoyed the book, I'm not sure I want to continue in the series.  I think I'll revisit Asimov's Foundation first.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on October 20, 2019, 09:36:05 PM
I FINALLY finished Dune.  It was tough to get going but at some point I was finally familiar with all the characters and subplots that I could complete it.  I read one person's take on the book that the reader is supposed to feel a bit lost at first, to parallel the main character's similar plight in his path.  The author just drops you in the story and you are supposed to pick up on the culture, traditions and politics as they happen or are recalled by the characters without (too much) forced didactic devices from those characters.  I'm pretty inexperienced in reading fiction since I avoided it most of my life, but I was really amazed that a person could create such a full and nuanced culture and world (or universe).  I suppose this is the case with stories like Lord of the Rings, too.

While I really enjoyed the book, I'm not sure I want to continue in the series.  I think I'll revisit Asimov's Foundation first.

I read the original Dune books many years ago and I remembered liking them all. I've since read the first book a few times and it was always great. However, I can't say the same about the next 5 books. I couldn't even continue them after God Emperor of Dune. At that point, it really felt like Herbert was more interested in getting his philosophical ideas across rather than telling a good story. I'm really not a fan of that sort of sci-fi. I may try to read them again some day.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 20, 2019, 11:33:18 PM
The Passage was really good but the next two books were disappointing to me. I just couldn't really get into them but I don't regret reading them.

I don't think I've ever heard anyone who has read those books say anything different. .

I didn't understand the "mystical" link between certain characters.

Same here. There was a lot about the second and third books I didn't understand. Or I didn't care to understand because I lost interest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 24, 2019, 02:31:23 AM
Empire Of Grass by Tad Williams. This thing is about 1600 pages long, so it will probably occupy me till the end of the year.  :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on October 24, 2019, 05:19:13 AM
Started The Burning White by Brent Weeks.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 24, 2019, 06:51:02 AM
Currently reading The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 24, 2019, 06:50:50 PM
I enjoyed Wanderers, for the most part, although I slightly hated he left the ending on a bit of a cliffhanger (unless he's planning on writing a sequel)

Back to Trollope with Barchester Towers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 24, 2019, 06:52:24 PM
Empire Of Grass by Tad Williams. This thing is about 1600 pages long, so it will probably occupy me till the end of the year.  :D
which edition are you reading? According to Goodreads, it's closer to 700 pages
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 24, 2019, 11:48:30 PM
I've got the ebook from GooglePlay and it says 1600 pages plus some appendices.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 26, 2019, 08:18:35 AM
Also, reading the graphic novel adaptation of one of my favorite books, Stephen King's The Stand by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Herrick on October 26, 2019, 12:51:14 PM
Anyone else hate it when ebooks don't have fuckin' pages?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 27, 2019, 07:46:52 PM
The Last Days of Jack Sparks by Jason Arnopp
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 27, 2019, 10:51:01 PM
Continuing my fantasy streak with The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter.

Good plot and that's about it, will probably read the follow-up someday.

Mort by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 28, 2019, 08:50:49 PM
Jack Sparks wins the award for most original book I've read so far this year, and a great creepy read for this time of year.

Now, about to read a fictional account of the Donner party with The Hunger by Alma Katsu
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 01, 2019, 04:12:59 AM
October was a legendary month for me. Managed to finish 15 books.

On to November with The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini by Joe Posnaanski
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on November 01, 2019, 05:26:22 AM
Wow, I'm trying to finish a book a year :lol

How many hours do you spend a day reading?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 01, 2019, 07:28:10 AM
Mort by Terry Pratchett

Quick fun read, I liked it.

The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons. Tor promoted the hell out of this book, let's see if it deserved all the hype.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 01, 2019, 08:59:45 AM
Mort by Terry Pratchett

Quick fun read, I liked it.

The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons. Tor promoted the hell out of this book, let's see if it deserved all the hype.

Death is my favourite character in the series, so I also really enjoyed Mort.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on November 01, 2019, 01:27:33 PM
Mort by Terry Pratchett

Quick fun read, I liked it.

The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons. Tor promoted the hell out of this book, let's see if it deserved all the hype.

I'm a little over half way through this. Didn't deserve the hype so far. Not bad, just not all that great.

Mort was great.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 01, 2019, 02:14:44 PM
Mort is one of my favorite Discworld books

As for the how long I spend reading, I don't know. With the exception of two books (I think The Institute was almost 700 pages and Wanderers almost 800. The Stand and From Hell were pretty long as well, but they were graphic novels, so I'm usually pretty quick with those), most of the books I read this month were under 400 pages
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 01, 2019, 04:38:53 PM
Mort by Terry Pratchett

Quick fun read, I liked it.

The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons. Tor promoted the hell out of this book, let's see if it deserved all the hype.

I'm a little over half way through this. Didn't deserve the hype so far. Not bad, just not all that great.

Mort was great.

Really looking forward to discuss this one with you when I'm done and you're done. I'm a few chapters in and I like it so far. I'll try and shoot you a PM when I'm finished.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 02, 2019, 05:11:19 AM
Home Work by Julie Andrews
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 03, 2019, 07:15:31 AM
After many years, I've decided to get back into Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. I recently finished A Game of You a few days back, now I'm working on Fables & Reflections, before moving on to my next non-fiction book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 03, 2019, 01:13:06 PM
On to Vol. 7: Brief Lives now
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 04, 2019, 04:55:16 AM
About to get my royalty on, with Victoria The Queen by Julia Baird
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 08, 2019, 04:19:45 AM
Moving on to Brian Jay Jones' biography of Jim Henson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Lonk on November 08, 2019, 04:27:51 AM
I’ve been reading a lot more than usual lately but taking a small break.

My next book will be The Astonishing By JP. I was able to get a copy at the last show
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 08, 2019, 08:52:18 AM
Re-reading the Sandman series of graphic novels.

Currently on A Game of You.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 08, 2019, 08:55:43 PM
Moving on to Brian Jay Jones' biography of Jim Henson

I was thinking about Henson the other day. His Muppets were such a big part of my childhood, and I honestly know nothing about the man who came up with them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 08, 2019, 09:00:12 PM
Reading the Red Rising series and on book 3. I think this series actually gets better each book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 14, 2019, 09:03:53 PM
Changing gears for a bit with Astounding: John W. Campbell, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, L. Ron Hubbard, and the Golden Age of Science Fiction by Alec Nevala-Lee
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 18, 2019, 02:10:35 PM
Going back to classic Hollywood with Hope: Entertainer of the Century by Richard Zoglin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 18, 2019, 03:22:13 PM
I just finished Dispel Illusion (book 3 of Impossible Times Trilogy) by Mark Lawrence and it was absolutely brilliant!

This man has published four books this year and all are at the top of my favorites for the year. It's settled, I will read and love anything this dude publishes. Amazing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on November 18, 2019, 04:11:16 PM
I just finished Dispel Illusion (book 3 of Impossible Times Trilogy) by Mark Lawrence and it was absolutely brilliant!

This man has published four books this year and all are at the top of my favorites for the year. It's settled, I will read and love anything this dude publishes. Amazing.

I still have yet to read the 2nd book. It's at the top of my list to read though. I've heard nothing but good things.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 20, 2019, 11:09:36 AM
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons. Tor promoted the hell out of this book, let's see if it deserved all the hype.

I'm a little over half way through this. Didn't deserve the hype so far. Not bad, just not all that great.

Mort was great.

Really looking forward to discuss this one with you when I'm done and you're done. I'm a few chapters in and I like it so far. I'll try and shoot you a PM when I'm finished.

Okay so I finally finished this and I don't know. It had a lot of potential, and especially in the middle it was quite a page-turner that made me stay up late for a few evenings in a row to see how it goes forward... and then it just kind of turned into a over-complicated, over-written mess that at one point was a total slog to get through. I'm not even sure if I'll buy a follow-up if there is one.

I just finished Dispel Illusion (book 3 of Impossible Times Trilogy) by Mark Lawrence and it was absolutely brilliant!

This man has published four books this year and all are at the top of my favorites for the year. It's settled, I will read and love anything this dude publishes. Amazing.

I had no idea Mark Lawrence is in the middle of another trilogy already, man. I've been able to get my hands on Holy Sister, but no luck with the first two books yet.

Anyway, Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert, only reading this because one of my best friends borrowed me his copy of the book, not expecting much given I wasn't too big on the first book, but we'll see.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 20, 2019, 11:26:11 AM
I had no idea Mark Lawrence is in the middle of another trilogy already, man. I've been able to get my hands on Holy Sister, but no luck with the first two books yet.

The Impossible Times trilogy books (One Word Kill, Limited Wish, and Dispel Illusion) are all pretty short sci-fi novels and are easy to get through quickly. But in Lawrence tradition they tell a complicated multi-threaded tale that he brings back around and ties up quite satisfyingly. Brilliant stuff.

I still feel bad for you that Red Sister and Grey Sister aren't available. I definitely don't suggest reading Holy Sister without them first.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 20, 2019, 11:33:28 AM
I'm not going to, don't worry. :) It just rests on my bookshelf for now. I'm sure I'll eventually find them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 24, 2019, 06:10:47 PM
Reading about one of my literary heroes in Mark Twain: A Life by Ron Powers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ChuckSteak on November 25, 2019, 03:54:38 PM
Charles Bukowski - Notes of a Dirty Old Man
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on November 25, 2019, 07:20:44 PM


Okay so I finally finished this and I don't know. It had a lot of potential, and especially in the middle it was quite a page-turner that made me stay up late for a few evenings in a row to see how it goes forward... and then it just kind of turned into a over-complicated, over-written mess that at one point was a total slog to get through. I'm not even sure if I'll buy a follow-up if there is one.


Ok I finally finished this last night. Way too complicated and too many characters with similar names that I couldn't tell apart by the end. I was reading this with my wife and she called it the "Book of Revelations" as it seemed to be just one character revealing that they were actually someone else over and over.

Back to The Burning White by Brent Weeks so far so good. Have you read any Brent Weeks?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 25, 2019, 09:47:15 PM
Ok I finally finished this last night. Way too complicated and too many characters with similar names that I couldn't tell apart by the end. I was reading this with my wife and she called it the "Book of Revelations" as it seemed to be just one character revealing that they were actually someone else over and over.

Back to The Burning White by Brent Weeks so far so good. Have you read any Brent Weeks?

:lol

I know, right? Terindel, Kelindel, Kelinos, Teraeth, Gadrith, Khaevath, Khaemezra... and don't forget about mimics and magical items that allow you to swap bodies.

I actually do want to dig into some Brent Weeks now that his Lightbringer series are finished, heard nothing but good things about it, haven't read a page of his work yet. It may have to wait until I'm abroad once more though, can't seem to find any of his books here.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 30, 2019, 12:28:45 PM
Wild and Crazy Guys: How the Comedy Mavericks of the '80s Changed Hollywood Forever by Nick de Semlyen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 01, 2019, 09:41:29 AM
Finally getting back to fiction with One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 02, 2019, 03:41:44 PM
Having been a huge fan of The Night Circus, I'm very eager to see if The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern will be just as good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 04, 2019, 11:54:12 AM
Empire Of Grass by Tad Williams. This thing is about 1600 pages long, so it will probably occupy me till the end of the year.  :D

Okay, not till the end of the year but took me still a long time. There are a lot of story arcs that seem to lead nowhere and Tad Williams is wordy as always, but he's written better stuff.

Now reading: Mike Reiss, Mathew Klickstein - Springfield Confidential, very entertaining so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 06, 2019, 04:12:46 AM
that's a good one
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 07, 2019, 09:12:11 AM
I reached 100 books again for the third year in a row. Shame The Starless Sea was a bit of a disappointment for me. Anyway, on to Me by Elton John
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 08, 2019, 04:34:16 AM
Finally reading The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 08, 2019, 10:01:05 PM
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 10, 2019, 01:36:02 PM
Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 10, 2019, 02:56:34 PM
both great choices
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 11, 2019, 04:59:44 PM
Eric by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 14, 2019, 08:08:59 AM
One Thousand Monsters by Kim Newman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on December 14, 2019, 06:01:29 PM
I thought I'd join in if you guys don't mind.  I normally read fiction, especially award winners.  I might list a few of my favorites in my next post.

But I'm also a science buff and so I am currently reading The Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan.  So far it's pretty good and I really like Carl's writing style.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 15, 2019, 06:24:17 AM
Carl is fantastic!

If you like Dragons of Eden, you may enjoy The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins (assuming you haven't read it already). I found it wonderfully eye opening concerning the role DNA plays in evolutionary pressure. Great stuff.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on December 15, 2019, 01:32:29 PM
About Time, by Paul Davies.  It's about... time.  :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 16, 2019, 02:12:28 PM
 The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 16, 2019, 09:23:38 PM
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons

Good luck!

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This was alright, a bit more young adult oriented than I originally thought, but still pretty good. Time to read the second book since I bought both of them anyway

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 16, 2019, 11:52:08 PM
The Satan Bug by Alistair MacLean
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 17, 2019, 04:11:01 PM
I'm two hundred something pages in and I'm really liking it so far. Only complaint is the whole going back and forth through tenses
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 17, 2019, 06:45:36 PM
Hey fantasy lovers, can I get a recommendation for a fantasy novel/series for someone who doesn't consider himself a fantasy fan? I know, kinda weird, but I am burned out on my usual literary fare, and want something new to dive in to. I'd prefer to avoid anything super long as I don't have much time to commit to reading and don't want to spend months just to get through one bookFor reference, I loved the Song of Fire and Ice books. While they are rooted in fantasy, the focus was always on its very human characters, which was what I was drawn to in the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 17, 2019, 07:30:47 PM
Hey fantasy lovers, can I get a recommendation for a fantasy novel/series for someone who doesn't consider himself a fantasy fan? I know, kinda weird, but I am burned out on my usual literary fare, and want something new to dive in to. I'd prefer to avoid anything super long as I don't have much time to commit to reading and don't want to spend months just to get through one bookFor reference, I loved the Song of Fire and Ice books. While they are rooted in fantasy, the focus was always on its very human characters, which was what I was drawn to in the series.

The Dresden Files are fantasy-lite since they're mostly urban based fantasy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 17, 2019, 09:26:53 PM
Hey fantasy lovers, can I get a recommendation for a fantasy novel/series for someone who doesn't consider himself a fantasy fan? I know, kinda weird, but I am burned out on my usual literary fare, and want something new to dive in to. I'd prefer to avoid anything super long as I don't have much time to commit to reading and don't want to spend months just to get through one bookFor reference, I loved the Song of Fire and Ice books. While they are rooted in fantasy, the focus was always on its very human characters, which was what I was drawn to in the series.

The Dresden Files are fantasy-lite since they're mostly urban based fantasy

The first two books are questionable though, as much as I like the series. Also, Peace Talks is finally being released next summer, so it's a perfect time to dive into the series.

I'm two hundred something pages in and I'm really liking it so far. Only complaint is the whole going back and forth through tenses

For what it's worth, I really liked the first half of it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 18, 2019, 04:03:24 AM
Hey fantasy lovers, can I get a recommendation for a fantasy novel/series for someone who doesn't consider himself a fantasy fan? I know, kinda weird, but I am burned out on my usual literary fare, and want something new to dive in to. I'd prefer to avoid anything super long as I don't have much time to commit to reading and don't want to spend months just to get through one bookFor reference, I loved the Song of Fire and Ice books. While they are rooted in fantasy, the focus was always on its very human characters, which was what I was drawn to in the series.

The original Earthsea Trilogy from Ursula K. Le Guin is a classic with moderate sized books, grounded characters and thought provoking stories. They are often considered a gateway series for people new to fantasy. Better yet, none of the books require you to read any of the others. I will say, I personally think it's best to read them all, in chronological order.

     A Wizard of Earthsea
     The Tombs of Atuan
     The Farthest Shore

If you were only to pick one, I'd suggest TToA. It is one of my favorite books of all time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 19, 2019, 05:56:44 PM
I enjoyed the whole thing and can't wait to continue with the next book

For a short respite, I'm now reading Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins, Volume 1 by Matthew Colville. Even though I don't play Dungeons and Dragons, I consider myself an enthusiast, and I was a big fan of the Vox Machina campaign, so I'm sure I'm going to like this a lot
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 19, 2019, 08:23:24 PM
Nice thing about graphic novels, they usually finish rather quickly. moving on to Quichotte by Salman Rushdie. I read Don Quixote more than 20 years ago and it became an instant favorite for me, so this book will hopefully be an enjoyable experience for me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 19, 2019, 09:21:25 PM
I enjoyed the whole thing and can't wait to continue with the next book

For a short respite, I'm now reading Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins, Volume 1 by Matthew Colville. Even though I don't play Dungeons and Dragons, I consider myself an enthusiast, and I was a big fan of the Vox Machina campaign, so I'm sure I'm going to like this a lot

I love CR but I just couldn't justify dropping money on this.

My Tal'Dorei map blanket is on the way though
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 20, 2019, 01:07:10 AM
Small Favor by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 20, 2019, 06:26:36 PM
Decided to switch gears (because, quite frankly, the B story in Quichotte was boring me) and instead, I'm going to binge read the rest of Neil Gaiman's Sandman, starting with World's End
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 20, 2019, 08:31:09 PM
The Kindly Ones by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 20, 2019, 08:40:09 PM
Thank you for the fantasy recommendations.

In the meantime, now reading Ohio by Stephen Markley.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 21, 2019, 06:27:43 PM
Well, I have finished the series proper, so now I'm going to read the prequel Overture
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 22, 2019, 08:05:51 AM
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 22, 2019, 09:03:45 AM
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

Big fan of Brandon Sanderson, I'd say he's my favourite author for the last couple of years, but this is one of the few books that falls flat for me. Maybe I should reread it next year. Hopefully you'll like it more than I did!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 23, 2019, 12:12:05 PM
Vanilla ride by joe lansdale

Bad News by Donald Westlake
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 23, 2019, 12:39:54 PM
In the meantime, now reading Ohio by Stephen Markley.

This might be a DNF. Reads like Dostoyevsky. Not much in the way of plot (at least one I care about 125 pages in), just people pontificating endlessly. It is also about nostalgia, with people revisiting their old home town, friends, and past lives. I am not in a mood to go down that road myself, so putting this on the shelf indefinitely.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 29, 2019, 10:04:54 PM
The Peanuts Papers: Charlie Brown, Snoopy & the Gang, and the Meaning of Life: A Library of America Special Publication by Andrew Blauner (Editor)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on December 30, 2019, 11:38:29 AM
Dune- Frank Herbert

Tesla: The Life and Times of an Electric Messiah
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 30, 2019, 12:03:02 PM
The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins by Clint McElroy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 30, 2019, 01:45:09 PM
B^F: The Novelization of the Feature Film Ryan North reviews Gorge Gipe's insane novelization of the major motion picture (Back to the Future)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 30, 2019, 02:06:59 PM
End of Watch by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2019, 03:50:18 AM
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski. Really enjoyed the first season of The Witcher. Hopefully, I'll enjoy the books even more
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2019, 05:02:25 PM
I'm officially done for 2019. 112 books read. Second best reading year, in terms of quantity (Quality goes to 2017, where I read 22 five star books. This year, I had 17). So, what were your favorite books this year? If I had to do a top 10, it'd be:

10. Home
9. The Ruin of Kings
8. The Last Wish
7. All My Colors
6. American Pop
5. The Last Days of Jack Sparks
4. The Priory of the Orange Tree
3. Daisy Jones and the Six
2. Wild and Crazy Guys
1. Becoming Dr. Seuss

 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 31, 2019, 06:46:03 PM
This was another low count year for me given how many long French novels i read, so my final tally was 14.75 books (I'm 75% done DT3, so I'm counting it). Of the 14 completed, here's my top 10:

10- Past Tense
9- Brief Cases
8- DT2
7- HP5
6- HP6
5- HP7
4- 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
3- Crucible
2-  Men at Arms
1- My Grave Ritual

A full third of the books i read this year were re-reads.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 01, 2020, 04:58:30 AM
Alright, time to get 2020 started with Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff. Was a huge fan of Nevernight, so hopefully, I'll enjoy the sequel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 02, 2020, 11:42:14 AM
Bought the second Discworld books for the Death, City Watch, Witches and Rincewind series, starting this year with The Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 02, 2020, 01:58:09 PM
Bought the second Discworld books for the Death, City Watch, Witches and Rincewind series, starting this year with The Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett
Reaper Man and Men at Arms are great. If the Rincewind book you're referring to is Eric, then you may be in for some disappointment. It was my last favorite in the series so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 02, 2020, 03:36:03 PM
Eric would be the third. The Light Fantastic is the second. I could see how you'd think that, since TLF is a direct sequel to Color of Money
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on January 02, 2020, 06:12:59 PM
Eric would be the third. The Light Fantastic is the second. I could see how you'd think that, since TLF is a direct sequel to Color of Money

Is that the book where Rincewind was a pool shark?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 03, 2020, 06:25:50 AM
Eric would be the third. The Light Fantastic is the second. I could see how you'd think that, since TLF is a direct sequel to Color of Money
I assumed he already read the color of magic and light fantastic back to back if he's already made it to the first Death and Night Watch books. Unless he's  reading out of order (gasp!).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 03, 2020, 06:29:16 AM
Eric would be the third. The Light Fantastic is the second. I could see how you'd think that, since TLF is a direct sequel to Color of Money
I assumed he already read the color of magic and light fantastic back to back if he's already made it to the first Death and Night Watch books. Unless he's  reading out of order (gasp!).

I'm reading out of chronological order but in order by series instead, so yeah, it's The Light Fantastic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 03, 2020, 06:54:08 AM
I quite liked Eric.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 04, 2020, 02:53:26 AM
Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff. Hoping the finale delivers. Last book was almost as good as the first
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 05, 2020, 03:27:31 PM
So, Darkdawn was my least favorite in the trilogy, but not by too much. Would still recommend the trilogy.

Moving on to I, Asimov by Isaac Asimov. I have yet to read any of his fiction, but hopefully after reading his life's story, I may be inclined to start
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 06, 2020, 08:13:31 AM
Asimov has written a ton of stories and books, some are great, some not so great. I really like the robot series and the foundation books. Both series are combined at the end. But I fear some of those books will probably come across as dated.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 06, 2020, 05:40:27 PM
Will also be reading Batman: The Dark Knight: Master Race by Frank Miller
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 07, 2020, 03:51:25 AM
Blood Red Rivers by Jean-Christophe Grangé
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 08, 2020, 01:25:27 PM
Also been reading Injustice: Year One by Tom Taylor. Been really enjoying it so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 09, 2020, 07:08:19 PM
Well, I'm attempting my first big chunker of the year (almost 1100 Pages) with Raintree County by Russ Lockridge Jr.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 13, 2020, 12:41:44 PM
Shit, was that a grind. 3 full months to read the french version of Waste Lands.

Testimony by Scott Turow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 16, 2020, 05:07:24 AM
Revival by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on January 16, 2020, 05:16:27 AM
Just finished The Burning White by Brent Weeks. Loved it. Nice conclusion to the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on January 18, 2020, 11:52:37 AM
Just started The Exorcist.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on January 18, 2020, 12:26:46 PM
I'm waiting to get my copy of Elton John's autobiography that I ordered a few days ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 18, 2020, 01:35:46 PM
That's a great book. Only thing I disliked was that he only glosses over his albums. Wish he had more stories about his music. The stuff about his rehab and recovery were very candid and awesome to read.

Moving on to The Road to Oz by Jay Scarfone & William Stillman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on January 21, 2020, 10:03:56 AM
Finished The Exorcist. Good book. Now on to The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 21, 2020, 11:08:33 AM
Now on to The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie.

Let me know what you think. There's a hilarious 2-star review on Goodreads where the reviewer didn't like the author's style and wrote a parody of a chapter, it's kinda mean but it's so spot on I still find it hilarious. :lol

Personally I didn't like the book much. The only ones I'm a big fan of are Best Served Cold and A Little Hatred, his latest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 21, 2020, 06:24:57 PM
Shatner by Michael Seth Starr
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 22, 2020, 05:43:32 AM
La Tour Sombre 4: Magie et Cristal

Given how long it took me to finish waste lands in french, I'll probably split this one into 2 reads. The new Jack Reacher on my shelf has be nagging me to read it, so I'll hop on that story once i get through the Blaine section.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 22, 2020, 03:37:12 PM
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 23, 2020, 05:36:34 PM
Game On! by Dustin Hansen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 25, 2020, 09:05:08 AM
The Daily Show: An Oral History by Chris Smith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 26, 2020, 07:52:44 PM
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 27, 2020, 07:44:19 PM
Moving on to Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis. I've always liked the musical (I was also in the ensemble of a production many moons back). Interested to see what the source material is like
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 29, 2020, 02:40:59 PM
Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski. Hopefully, it's as good as the first one
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 02, 2020, 10:29:16 AM
It wasn't. I liked maybe half of the stories. Moving on to The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 02, 2020, 11:32:15 AM
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 02, 2020, 08:57:17 PM
Blue Moon by Lee Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 06, 2020, 10:17:49 AM
Blue Moon by Lee Child
Some glaring plot holes/inconsistencies in that one. It was still fairly entertaining as an action novel, but I would hope that after 20+ years Lee Child would get better at this, not worse.

Back to La Tour Sombre 4: Magie et Cristal. I certainly enjoy my visits to the Barony of Mejis  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 06, 2020, 04:54:06 PM
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff. Almost exactly a year ago, I had read 84, Charing Cross Road. Here is the sequel. Wonder if I will like it as much, or even more so, than it's predecessor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 06, 2020, 08:39:05 PM
Blue Moon by Lee Child
Some glaring plot holes/inconsistencies in that one. It was still fairly entertaining as an action novel, but I would hope that after 20+ years Lee Child would get better at this, not worse.

I find the Reacher novels highly enjoyable, but do agree that over the last couple offerings the quality has dropped a little bit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 06, 2020, 11:33:31 PM
Blue Moon by Lee Child
Some glaring plot holes/inconsistencies in that one. It was still fairly entertaining as an action novel, but I would hope that after 20+ years Lee Child would get better at this, not worse.

I find the Reacher novels highly enjoyable, but do agree that over the last couple offerings the quality has dropped a little bit.

Completely agree. I thought Midnight Line was a decent return to form after the dumpster fire that was Night School, but these last 2 have been a step back again
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 07, 2020, 10:09:22 AM
The Night Fire by Michael Connelly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 07, 2020, 01:22:15 PM
Empire of Deception by Dean Jobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zoom E on February 07, 2020, 01:33:55 PM
I am halfway through my first James Michener novel, Alaska, and am thoroughly enjoying it. It’s an entertaining way to learn history, and it is a very detailed history going back to the formation of the continents. Lol.  1,100 pages.

I’ve already purchased a couple more of his novels to dig into after I finish this one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 08, 2020, 08:15:44 PM
So, that last book wasn't as interesting as I'd hope (I've been doing much better with my DNFs this year so far. Only two right now)

Anyway, after having watched a bootlegged version of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins, I was inspired to read Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 09, 2020, 05:50:59 AM
Caved in and bought some e-books as I can't find them in local stores

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 11, 2020, 01:54:55 PM
Don't Panic! Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on February 11, 2020, 05:30:58 PM
Caved in and bought some e-books as I can't find them in local stores

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

Enjoy. Just finished the series. Loved it. Did you read his other series?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 11, 2020, 05:39:32 PM
Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by David J. Garrow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 11, 2020, 09:12:40 PM
Caved in and bought some e-books as I can't find them in local stores

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

Enjoy. Just finished the series. Loved it. Did you read his other series?

No, this is my first foray into his work.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 12, 2020, 05:21:00 AM
Leviathan Wakes - James S. A. Corey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 12, 2020, 11:32:51 AM
Caved in and bought some e-books as I can't find them in local stores

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

Enjoy. Just finished the series. Loved it. Did you read his other series?

No, this is my first foray into his work.

So, just finished the first book. Not the best thing I've read, but pretty entertaining. The Prism was the most interesting character so far for sure.

Big spoilers for the first book: I bet that the fact the real Gavin just escaped from the blue prison and the Prism/real Dazen lost the ability to draft blue after the battle for Garriston is not a coincidence at all.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 12, 2020, 02:59:57 PM
Caliban's War - James S. A. Corey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 12, 2020, 03:25:02 PM
Don't Panic! Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Neil Gaiman
Oooohhh, I must have this.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 12, 2020, 04:38:05 PM
The Burglar Who Studied Spinoza by Lawrence Block

The Burglar Who Painted Like Mondrian by Lawrence Block

Currently reading Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 14, 2020, 08:09:42 PM
Whiskey When We're Dry by John Larison
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 15, 2020, 12:07:41 PM
Don't Panic! Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Neil Gaiman
Oooohhh, I must have this.

Finished, nothing groundbreaking new but nonetheless an entertaining read and some insight into all things hitchhiker.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 17, 2020, 01:29:15 AM
Kingdom Come by Mark Waid
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 17, 2020, 03:27:02 AM
Doomsday Clock by Geoff Johns
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 17, 2020, 12:12:06 PM
Injustice: Year Two by Tom Taylor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 17, 2020, 12:17:11 PM
Don't Panic! Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Neil Gaiman
Oooohhh, I must have this.

Finished, nothing groundbreaking new but nonetheless an entertaining read and some insight into all things hitchhiker.
:tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 17, 2020, 03:59:01 PM
Don't Panic is a great book

Okay, back to books. Moving on to A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers. I was a huge fan of the first book. Hope this delivers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 19, 2020, 04:51:22 PM
Not as good as the first one, but still enjoyable

Moving on to Injustice: Year Three by Tom Taylor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 20, 2020, 02:02:42 AM
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 20, 2020, 03:56:55 AM
Injustice: Year Four by Brian Buccellato
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 20, 2020, 06:33:31 AM
Iago: The Strategies of Evil by Harold Bloom
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on February 20, 2020, 03:52:49 PM
Meditations of Marcus Auerlius in the mornings (on the way to work) and Dune Messiah in the evenings.

Dune (the original work) caught me quite by surprise... love it!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 20, 2020, 07:13:04 PM
Time to finish, Injustice: Year Five by Brian Buccellato
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 21, 2020, 01:49:20 PM
Guess I should have done my research first lol Injustice: Ground Zero by Christopher Sebela
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 21, 2020, 04:53:11 PM
Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams.

I'm trying to actually finish some of the multitude of unfinished book series I have going on this year.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 21, 2020, 06:18:54 PM
Starting on Injustice 2 by Tom Taylor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 21, 2020, 07:32:13 PM
Artemis, by The Martian author Andy Weir.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 22, 2020, 01:39:58 PM
And now for something completely different, The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck  by Don Rosa
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 22, 2020, 07:44:53 PM
Earth X by Alex Ross
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 22, 2020, 08:45:13 PM
Well, that didn't work out for my tastes. Going to be reading Cole Porter: A Biography by William McBrien. Having been in a production of Anything Goes many moons ago, I thought it was long past overdue to brush up on my Porter. Hopefully, this will be a de-lovely experience
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 23, 2020, 04:02:18 PM
Finished The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks and now I'm in the second half of The Broken Eye

I can safely say I don't quite enjoy these series as much as I enjoyed a lot of my favourite fantasy works, but I'm intrigued as to where this is going. I don't think it's great or even good, so far it's an alright fantasy series and the third book is close enough to lose me but I'm invested in the plot right now so I can't just drop it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 23, 2020, 05:36:30 PM
So far as I can tell, Brent Weeks seems to be mainly about interesting ideas with poor execution.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 24, 2020, 06:47:19 AM
So far as I can tell, Brent Weeks seems to be mainly about interesting ideas with poor execution.

This description sounds about right for me, yeah.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 25, 2020, 07:47:22 AM
Necroscope II: Vamphyri! by Brian Lumley

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 25, 2020, 09:33:50 AM
The Institute by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 27, 2020, 04:17:27 PM
sticking with he show business theme with a biography of Ethel Merman by Brian Kellow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on February 29, 2020, 07:14:38 AM
I'm reading the new WallStreetBets book, it's pretty hilarious if you follow the subreddit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 29, 2020, 06:56:56 PM
Rereading The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Going to be (hopefully) attending a themed trivia night towards the end of next month and have to reacquaint myself with one of my favorite books
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 01, 2020, 11:07:38 AM
A Map Of Days by Ransom Riggs
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 07, 2020, 08:02:54 PM
The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 13, 2020, 05:30:11 PM
Taking a break from Forsyte and reading The Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 14, 2020, 05:20:46 AM
Taking a break from Forsyte and reading The Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski

I'm reading that right now as well. I love the "fable" nature of the books (it really surprised me at first) but I'm not enjoying the plot much. I'm about halfway through, so we'll see.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 16, 2020, 04:41:35 PM
I wasn't too thrilled with it myself, but it's the first volume. I got the next book on hold and see if it gets better
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 17, 2020, 12:48:05 PM
Warlock Holmes: The Sign of Nine by G.S. Denning
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 18, 2020, 05:41:44 PM
The Boys Omnibus: Volume One by Garth Ennis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 19, 2020, 07:36:36 AM
Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 20, 2020, 04:20:23 PM
Boy Wonder by James Robert Baker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 21, 2020, 10:46:23 AM
The Burglar Who Thought He Was Bogart by Lawrence Block
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 21, 2020, 10:53:33 AM
Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 23, 2020, 05:46:36 PM
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 23, 2020, 06:16:34 PM
KOKO by Peter Straub
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 23, 2020, 06:22:00 PM
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Read this one about 5 times, I think the second of hers I read, maybe in middle school.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 24, 2020, 12:45:20 PM
My second of hers as well. Read Orient Express a few years back. I knew who did it going into it. Our college drama club was originally supposed to do Ten Little Indians, but ended up doing Streetcar instead. I was still taken aback with how dark the ending was. Good stuff. Maybe for my next one of hers, I'll try a Miss Marple mystery

Anyway, on to  The Boys: Omnibus Volume Two by Garth Ennis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 25, 2020, 03:55:08 AM
The Boys: Omnibus Volume Three by Garth Ennis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 25, 2020, 09:27:41 AM
Made it to the interlude in Tour Sombre 4, so I'm going to take a break and read some english.

Warlock Holmes: Sign of Nine by G.S Denning
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 25, 2020, 09:34:11 AM
To Let by John Galsworthy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 26, 2020, 11:42:12 AM
And now, for a brief change of pace: a short story anthology. Unidentified Funny Objects edited by Alex Shvartsman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 27, 2020, 08:31:37 AM
You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington by Alexis Coe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 28, 2020, 09:00:01 AM
Full Throttle by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 28, 2020, 09:51:40 AM
Change by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 28, 2020, 12:00:21 PM
Full Throttle by Joe Hill

Curious what you think. I am 20% in to Heart-Shaped Box and while I am mildly enjoying it, I am at the 'fish or cut bait' point of deciding if I want to finish it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 30, 2020, 04:05:41 AM
It's my favorite short story collection of his by far. I really didn't like his last one, Strange Weather. Hope you haven't given up on HSB. I think it's pretty great, although Horns is better in my opinion

Anyway, moving on to Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 01, 2020, 06:56:27 AM
Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump - Rick Reilly

I've spent a lot of time laughing out loud at this one. So much so, that I've been disturbing my wife and dog!  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on April 01, 2020, 07:00:27 AM
Dynasty, by Peter Golenbock.  A history of the NY Yankees from 1949 through 1964.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 01, 2020, 04:35:29 PM
Big Fish by Daniel Wallace. Huge fan of the movie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 01, 2020, 04:37:19 PM
It's my favorite short story collection of his by far. I really didn't like his last one, Strange Weather. Hope you haven't given up on HSB. I think it's pretty great, although Horns is better in my opinion

I might get back to it, I moved on to Murder in Time by Kendra Donovan and it is holding my interest much more.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 02, 2020, 08:02:52 AM
Biography time! Olivier by Terry Coleman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jammindude on April 02, 2020, 03:07:45 PM
I finally finished Mistborn by Sanderson. I’m a very “binge” reader. My niece recommended it to me 3 years ago, and it took me a year and a half to get around to it, and then another year and a half to get through the first 100 pages...and then I went through the next 450 pages in a week.

I loved it, but I don’t have the second book. I was thinking of starting up the Wheel of Time series, but instead I asked my stepson what his favorite fantasy novel was, and he loaned me Magician by Raymond Feist. I’m halfway through that and loving it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 02, 2020, 03:33:41 PM
The second Mistborn (Wax and Wayne series) is really good too.

I'm currently reading Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds by Sanderson. Really fun books and quite short for him.

Yeah, Magician by Feist is super good. Feist also wrote one of my favorite horror stories of all time called Faerie Tale. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on April 02, 2020, 04:52:25 PM
I loved the second Mistborn book, and the third one as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on April 02, 2020, 05:49:49 PM
Now on to The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie.

Let me know what you think. There's a hilarious 2-star review on Goodreads where the reviewer didn't like the author's style and wrote a parody of a chapter, it's kinda mean but it's so spot on I still find it hilarious. :lol

Personally I didn't like the book much. The only ones I'm a big fan of are Best Served Cold and A Little Hatred, his latest.

I liked it. He earns his Lord Grimdark title here. The charter where it follows one person until they die and then follows who killed them until they die was pretty cool.

On to Fletch by gregory mcdonald. Also reading Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 02, 2020, 10:24:29 PM
Finished The Sign of Nine. Quite a bit of good, fun silliness. Back to Magie et Cristal.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 03, 2020, 11:50:03 AM
The Last Week: A Day-by-Day Account of Jesus's Final Week in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 04, 2020, 09:09:46 PM
Deacon King Kong by James McBride
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 06, 2020, 08:31:24 PM
Reading Fool Moon by Jim Butcher. It's been more than seven years since I last read Storm Front. Hopefully, I won't be too lost
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lonestar on April 06, 2020, 08:39:25 PM
Been out of sorts with my reading for a few years now, and would like to get back into the habit. Pulled out my copy of Dune to break the mold, pretty due for a re-read since it's been a good 15 years and with the movie coming out later this year, it just just seems a good time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 07, 2020, 07:47:04 AM
Been out of sorts with my reading for a few years now, and would like to get back into the habit. Pulled out my copy of Dune to break the mold, pretty due for a re-read since it's been a good 15 years and with the movie coming out later this year, it just just seems a good time.
Classic.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 08, 2020, 07:12:26 AM
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 09, 2020, 11:11:12 AM
The Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 09, 2020, 01:00:27 PM
That didn't take long at all. And it's back to Dresden, with Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 09, 2020, 01:27:48 PM
That didn't take long at all. And it's back to Dresden, with Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
With how fast you read, and with how quick the Dresden books move, you'll be done the series by next week at this pace
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 09, 2020, 01:29:15 PM
That didn't take long at all. And it's back to Dresden, with Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
With how fast you read, and with how quick the Dresden books move, you'll be done the series by next week at this pace

Fortunately, we have two new Dresden Files books coming out this year!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 09, 2020, 01:39:48 PM
That didn't take long at all. And it's back to Dresden, with Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
With how fast you read, and with how quick the Dresden books move, you'll be done the series by next week at this pace

Fortunately, we have two new Dresden Files books coming out this year!
Is that so? I didn't hear about another one after Peace Talks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 09, 2020, 01:41:51 PM
The Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins

Never read but hell of a movie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 09, 2020, 01:51:33 PM
That didn't take long at all. And it's back to Dresden, with Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
With how fast you read, and with how quick the Dresden books move, you'll be done the series by next week at this pace

Fortunately, we have two new Dresden Files books coming out this year!
Is that so? I didn't hear about another one after Peace Talks

Yup. Peace Talks in July and Battle Ground in September. Butcher claims the two books are pretty serialized and required being released one after the other.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 09, 2020, 02:57:15 PM
That didn't take long at all. And it's back to Dresden, with Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
With how fast you read, and with how quick the Dresden books move, you'll be done the series by next week at this pace

Fortunately, we have two new Dresden Files books coming out this year!
Is that so? I didn't hear about another one after Peace Talks

Yup. Peace Talks in July and Battle Ground in September. Butcher claims the two books are pretty serialized and required being released one after the other.
Awesome. He owes us anyways for the 5 year gap since the last one
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 09, 2020, 04:38:48 PM
That's good news for The Dresden Files but I still have four or five books to read till I get there.


And I'm pretty sure that Masterthes will overtake me fast.  :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 11, 2020, 01:47:44 PM
The Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins

Never read but hell of a movie.
There are some differences. Without spoilers, there's no Jude Law character, Mike Jr. is a much more pleasant character, and the character that Newman played had not a lot of "screen time" . Also, the book has a darker finish than the movie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 11, 2020, 02:41:22 PM
Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto. Taking a break from Dresden to read an epic poem, since it is Poetry Month. I read a prose translation of this many years in college, which was one of my favorite things I read there and always was curious to read it in its original verse
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 11, 2020, 05:05:17 PM
The Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins

Never read but hell of a movie.
There are some differences. Without spoilers, there's no Jude Law character, Mike Jr. is a much more pleasant character, and the character that Newman played had not a lot of "screen time" . Also, the book has a darker finish than the movie

Appreciate that. I guess if you cast Paul Newman in your film, you need to give him some screen time. You don't sign LeBron and keep him on the bench for 35 minutes. Him, Hanks, Law, and Craig put on a clinic in that film. And obviously the cinematography was A+.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 13, 2020, 02:34:03 PM
Taking a break from the Furioso, because my hold of Harry Dresden bundle books 7 through 12 just came through, so I need to play catch up with Death Masks by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on April 13, 2020, 08:07:49 PM
Anyone do the Red Rising series? I just finished Dark Age.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on April 13, 2020, 11:09:26 PM
Currently reading through Neil deGrasse Tyson's Death by Black Hole. Seems to be a fairly basic introduction into the world (or universe, rather) of astrophysics but still rife with plenty of information I wasn't aware of before, and also made incredibly clear and concise enough to follow along with.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on April 14, 2020, 07:56:48 AM
Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump - Rick Reilly

I've spent a lot of time laughing out loud at this one. So much so, that I've been disturbing my wife and dog!  :lol

Just read a few snippets, I'll definitely have to pick this up
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 14, 2020, 08:34:00 PM
Death Masks is my favorite in the series so far. It's on to Blood Rites
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 14, 2020, 08:58:14 PM
So now that libraries as physically closed, everyone is checking out ebooks, which is great as I am a big fan of reading and I am glad people still read books in 2020, but damn if it makes it hard to find a book to check out!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 14, 2020, 10:03:15 PM
So now that libraries as physically closed, everyone is checking out ebooks, which is great as I am a big fan of reading and I am glad people still read books in 2020, but damn if it makes it hard to find a book to check out!
Do they only have a certain number of eBook copies? I'm completely ignorant to how eBooks work at a library works. I'm a bibliophile, so the thought of returning a book after reading it is foreign to me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 14, 2020, 10:14:12 PM
Correct. I assume the library has a certain number of licenses on the book for them to loan out digitally. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 16, 2020, 05:40:21 PM
Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book by Gerard Jones
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 19, 2020, 03:59:34 AM
Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 19, 2020, 04:46:18 PM
I am intrigued by this Jim Butcher series but most of them are checked out of my library. Is it a series you need to read chronologically?

Reading Joyland by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 19, 2020, 06:00:02 PM
So far, he gives you enough information that you probably could pick it up at any point, but at the same time, you would miss out on how the characters (especially Harry) develop over the series. Each book takes place within half a year to a year between each other
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 19, 2020, 07:42:47 PM
Thanks much. I am waiting for the first one to be available but it has a ton of holds on it. I started the Jack Reacher books in the middle somewhere and don't feel it affected my enjoyment much having to backtrack to the beginning.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 19, 2020, 08:10:56 PM
Reacher can be read in any order. Most have no mention whatsoever of prior events. Dresden should be read in order if you can. There would definitely be spoilers, otherwise
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 20, 2020, 11:20:55 AM
Yeah, read the Dresden books in order, although it takes two or three books for the series to really take off. There is an overlying story arc and people that appear constantly and aren't properly introduced each time they appear. That said a character named Michael isn't properly introduced at all.  :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 20, 2020, 11:50:22 AM
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew by Bart D. Ehrman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 20, 2020, 01:16:35 PM
Yeah, read the Dresden books in order, although it takes two or three books for the series to really take off. There is an overlying story arc and people that appear constantly and aren't properly introduced each time they appear. That said a character named Michael isn't properly introduced at all.  :D

Yeah, it's like you just open book 3 I think and there he is as if you know him already.

That being said, definitely read Dresden in order. The first few books aren't great, so if it's absolutely not your thing you can start either from book 3 (Grave Peril) or book 7 (Dead Beat), although I wouldn't recommend skipping anything from Grave Peril onwards. There are plot points that are absolutely essential to the overarching narrative there. That being said, Dead Beat was designed by Jim Butcher to be an alternative entry point to the series, so if you absolutely can't stand the writing in the first six books, you can try this one.

In my experience, I had trouble with the first two books, the third was 50/50 for me, but I was hooked with the Summer Knight, the fourth book in the series, and it just kept getting better and better from there. I'm in the middle of my re-read (on Proven Guilty right now) and I can't wait for the next two books to come out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 20, 2020, 01:19:46 PM
Thank you for the feedback guys. I am not a fast reader, so taking on a new series that starts out slow doesn't sound too appealing, but I've heard good things about this and want to give it a go.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 20, 2020, 01:25:01 PM
The overall story arc takes a few books, but i thought the books were entertaining from the start. Some good comedy. A touch silly at times
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 21, 2020, 05:42:30 AM
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 21, 2020, 05:45:05 AM
New Mark Lawrence book release day! Just woke up and see The Girl and the Stars was delivered to my Kindle. I'll be reading that as soon as I'm able.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on April 21, 2020, 12:04:48 PM
I just had Prince of Thorns delivered yesterday, amongst other books. I've been buying books faster than I'm able to read them, so it'll probably be a few months before I get to it, but I've hard good things about Lawrence so I'm interested to see what he's all about.

Also, since I haven't posted in this thread in... ever?, in the past few months I've read:

Brandon Sanderson - Elantris
Erin Morgenstern - The Night Circus
Dean Koontz - Odd Thomas
N. K. Jemisin - The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, & The Stone Sky
Steven Erikson - Forge of Darkness
Scott Lynch - The Lies of Locke Lamora
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 21, 2020, 12:29:49 PM
I just had Prince of Thorns delivered yesterday, amongst other books. I've been buying books faster than I'm able to read them, so it'll probably be a few months before I get to it, but I've hard good things about Lawrence so I'm interested to see what he's all about.

Also, since I haven't posted in this thread in... ever?, in the past few months I've read:

Brandon Sanderson - Elantris
Erin Morgenstern - The Night Circus
Dean Koontz - Odd Thomas
N. K. Jemisin - The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, & The Stone Sky
Steven Erikson - Forge of Darkness
Scott Lynch - The Lies of Locke Lamora

3/6 on this for me, or 5/8 I guess? Contrary to the popular opinion, I love Elantris; The Lies of Locke Lamora is incredible and is one of my favourite books that I blind-bought, and The Broken Earth trilogy blew me away about a year or two ago.

Prince of Thorns was... meh. However it was interesting enough to keep me reading and I loved the second book, King of Thorns, so there's that.

Is Forge of Darkness a part of Malazan series? I couldn't get past Gardens of the Moon but I intend to give it another chance given how high-praised it is.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on April 21, 2020, 12:57:34 PM
Yeah, I liked Elantris quite a bit. You can definitely tell it's earlier in his career, but it's still got all the things I like in Brandon's books.

Forge of Darkness is the first in a prequel series in the Malazan world. Regarding Malazan Book of the Fallen in general, I'd definitely recommend giving the series another try, as it's one of my favorites. Some things don't change; Erikson will still drop you into the middle of things and not explain any of it, there are still tons of characters and world details, but the overall quality goes way up after the first book, due to it having been written about 10 years before the second. If you don't like that one (Deadhouse Gates), then the series may just not be for you, which is fair enough.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 21, 2020, 02:26:23 PM
I disagree that Prince of Thorns is, meh. But I'll be the first to admit that it's a difficult pill to swallow. There's just no one to cheer for, or to identify with. Jorg is such a immoral piece of shit that it makes you feel oily to be dragged along on his adventures. I agree that King of Thorns is way better, and to a smaller extent Emperor of Thorns.

For me, the brilliance of Lawrence lies outside of the "Thorn" books, but I'd still consider them essential fantasy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 23, 2020, 11:04:23 AM
Stephen King - If It Bleeds
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on April 26, 2020, 07:01:59 AM
Not really a traditional book but being a huge PF fan I'm reading "All The Songs". It's basically a song by song dissection of every Pink Floyd song. I plan to slowly read it as I listen to PF.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 26, 2020, 02:42:07 PM
The Name of All Things by Jenn Lyons
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 27, 2020, 08:49:51 AM
I'm also going to be reading Replay: The History of Video Games by Tristan Donovan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 27, 2020, 08:56:50 AM
The Name of All Things by Jenn Lyons

Curious to hear how it compares with the first book when you're done with it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on April 28, 2020, 08:38:25 AM
So I FINALLY finished reading "The Dragons of Eden" by Carl Sagan.  It was good, but I wish it had a little more meat than it did.  So I wasn't as engaged as I thought I would be.

I've now begun reading "The Forth Turning" by William Stauss and Neil Howe.  I'm only in Chapter 1, but so far it's pretty good.

I might read one more non fiction book after this, and then move back to fiction.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 30, 2020, 10:39:56 AM
The Gospel According To Luke by Steve Lukather
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 30, 2020, 10:45:11 AM
Enjoyed Joyland by Stephen King quite a bit, much more than some of his other recent offerings.

The Deserter by Nelson DeMille.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on April 30, 2020, 11:27:46 AM
Enjoyed Joyland by Stephen King quite a bit, much more than some of his other recent offerings.

The Deserter by Nelson DeMille.

I haven't read a whole lot by Stephen King, but my favorites are The Green Mile and From a Buick 8.  How does Joyland compare?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 30, 2020, 11:55:22 AM
If I've read From a Buick 8 (I think I have but cannot recall anything about it), so cannot speak to that one.

Joyland is a pretty unique entry in the King bibliography. It is part coming of age story, and part whodunit, with a sprinkling of typical King supernatural. The coming of age story I highly enjoyed; the whodunit aspect was just ok, but it isn't the driving force of the novel. There isn't anything spectacular about it. It was just a highly enjoyable read, just the right length (not always the case with his books), a likable narrator, great characters.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 30, 2020, 09:32:56 PM
Joyland is great. So, about The Name of All Things, it's a solid story. Not as good as the first book, though
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 01, 2020, 11:48:01 AM
Joyland was a great read.

I did not enjoy From A Buick 8 very much at all.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on May 01, 2020, 12:47:45 PM
Joyland was a great read.

I did not enjoy From A Buick 8 very much at all.

I think I'll give Joyland a try then.  Why didn't you like From a Buick 8?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on May 01, 2020, 12:50:04 PM
Finished the first two of the MaddAddam Trilogy. Needed a break, so now onto "On the Come Up" and I bought Dune to start that long ass series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 02, 2020, 05:12:30 AM
Joyland was a great read.

I did not enjoy From A Buick 8 very much at all.

I think I'll give Joyland a try then.  Why didn't you like From a Buick 8?

Careful, Brother Lion. One does not question Hef lightly. He is always correct, succinct, and quick to anger.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 02, 2020, 08:42:20 AM
Superman: The Unauthorized Biography by Glen Weldon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on May 02, 2020, 10:27:26 PM
Joyland was a great read.

I did not enjoy From A Buick 8 very much at all.

I think I'll give Joyland a try then.  Why didn't you like From a Buick 8?

Careful, Brother Lion. One does not question Hef lightly. He is always correct, succinct, and quick to anger.

Thanks, I'll be careful :).  However, just so he knows, I'm not questioning his all-reaching supremacy, I'm just curious.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 02, 2020, 10:32:07 PM
I looked up the synopsis for Buick 8. It rang a bell so I am sure I read it. It's strange, sometimes I will thoroughly enjoy reading a King book, but once I put it down I will have forgotten all about it. Other times I will finish one and it will stay in my mind for weeks.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 03, 2020, 04:44:20 AM
I thought Buick 8 was an okay book. I enjoyed it when I read it, as I do with most of King's books but it's not one I would reread.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 04, 2020, 09:47:03 AM
In celebration of May the 4th, I'll be reading Splinter of the Mind's Eye by Alan Dean Foster
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 04, 2020, 09:39:24 PM
Well, that didn't last, unfortunately. My next plan was, after reading that excellent Superman book, I've decided to revisit one of my favorite Superman stories: his death and return, starting off with The Death of Superman by Dan Jurgens
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 04, 2020, 09:48:29 PM
That bad??

I know you read a ton, do you have a lot of DNFs? Do you have a standard failsafe point where you will feel obligated to finish a book if you get past a certain point?

That can be a general question for all. I rarely put a book away unfinished, but have more lately with my reading time at a premium. I can't justify wasting time on a book I am not enjoying.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 05, 2020, 07:20:48 AM
The last 5 years, I've been less tolerant of books that I'm on the fence on. I used to give 50 pages leeway, but with this one in particular, I was done by the third chapter. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it. I don't know about from the other end. Usually, if I'm more than halfway done, I'm in it to the end
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on May 05, 2020, 07:56:17 AM
If I get 30-50 pages in and it's still not grabing me I might put it down, but more likely I will hold onto it and read bits and pieces here and there until I've finished it.  And I will have probably read 2 or 3 other books before I finish the one I'm not really into.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 05, 2020, 08:46:34 AM
Moving on to my least favorite section of the series, Funeral For a Friend by Dan Jurgens
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 05, 2020, 06:26:35 PM
Moving on to Reign of the Supermen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 06, 2020, 08:56:24 AM
On to the next one, The Return of Superman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 06, 2020, 01:39:38 PM
And finally, Doomsday, which I've never read before
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 06, 2020, 03:30:20 PM
Joyland was a great read.

I did not enjoy From A Buick 8 very much at all.

I think I'll give Joyland a try then.  Why didn't you like From a Buick 8?

Careful, Brother Lion. One does not question Hef lightly. He is always correct, succinct, and quick to anger.

Thanks, I'll be careful :).  However, just so he knows, I'm not questioning his all-reaching supremacy, I'm just curious.
*shrugs* Didn't like it.  It wasn't horrible or anything.  It never grabbed me, and most of his works do.  So it was almost worse than something actively bad (like, say, Tommyknockers); it was just kind of there.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 07, 2020, 07:09:28 AM
Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 08, 2020, 04:20:58 PM
Taking a small Dresden break and reading The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years: From The Next Generation to J. J. Abrams: The Complete, Uncensored, and Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on May 08, 2020, 08:06:08 PM
The Golden Fool by Robin Hobb. Just finished The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett. Good book, but aren't they all?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 08, 2020, 08:09:12 PM
The Golden Fool by Robin Hobb.

She has been on my shortlist for a while but most of her books are always checked out at the online library. I know the stories come in blocks what does one have to start at the very beginning? Are they all interconnected?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on May 08, 2020, 09:35:58 PM
afaik you should probably start with the farseer trilogy, and only then the tawny man trilogy as it happens many years later. and i think then the fitz and the fool trilogy. she's got other series but i don't know how they're related other than being set in the same world.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 08, 2020, 10:43:13 PM
The Golden Fool by Robin Hobb. Just finished The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett. Good book, but aren't they all?
Meh. Pyramids wasn't all that great. Neither was Moving Pictures.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on May 09, 2020, 07:36:23 AM
The Golden Fool by Robin Hobb.

I'd start at the beginning. Assassin's apprentice.

She has been on my shortlist for a while but most of her books are always checked out at the online library. I know the stories come in blocks what does one have to start at the very beginning? Are they all interconnected?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 11, 2020, 07:46:54 AM
White Night by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 11, 2020, 07:56:37 AM
Return of the King - J.R.R. Tolkien
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 13, 2020, 01:04:36 PM
Rise and Fall of the '80's Toon Empire by Jason Waquespack, Ph.D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 15, 2020, 10:57:49 AM
Giving The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry a try, which seems like it could be like an adult version of Inkheart
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on May 15, 2020, 12:17:32 PM
Giving The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry a try, which seems like it could be like an adult version of Inkheart

Ooh, Inkhart is one of my favorites in the children's category, report if TUEoUH is any good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on May 16, 2020, 11:07:05 AM
Since my last update, I've read Steven Erikson - Fall Of Light which was good but incredibly dense, even for Erikson. Fall of Light Steven Erikson makes regular Malazan Steven Erikson seem simple and digestible by comparison. Also read V.E. Schwab - A Darker Shade of Magic, which was really great, very exciting and fast-paced, I finished it in two days when I normally average about a week for most books. Started on Terry Pratchett - Guards! Guards! which is my first full novel by Pratchett, and I'm enjoying it immensely. I started it last night and I'll probably end up finishing it sometime tonight.

I've also started James Islington - The Shadow of What Was Lost which a lot of people seem to think is great. It's all right so far, but I haven't really been feeling it much, so I've been reading it here and there between other things.

I also an independent bookstore near me that was doing online orders, so I figured I would use some of my stimulus boondollars there and consequently my pile of books on the floor (which is where books go until you read them and they are allowed to be shelved, obviously) has not decreased at all.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 18, 2020, 09:05:53 PM
Giving The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry a try, which seems like it could be like an adult version of Inkheart

Ooh, Inkhart is one of my favorites in the children's category, report if TUEoUH is any good.
It gets my seal of approval. The "magic system" used is an interesting concept, in that not only does a person bring out a character, but their literary interpretation of that character; for instance, the protagonist comes across five different Mr. Darcys. The climax gets a bit sappy, but it's a story of two brothers, so it's kind of expected.

 Anyway, I may come to regret this in the long run, but I'm about to learn more about Spider-Man than any sane person would want to attempt with Spider-Man Chronicle: A Year by Year Visual History by Alan Cowsill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 20, 2020, 12:39:44 PM
Avengers Epic Collection Vol. 1: Earth's Mightiest Heroes by Stan Lee
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 22, 2020, 09:19:53 AM
Marilyn Monroe: The Biography by Donald Spoto
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 26, 2020, 03:28:15 PM
The Shadow of the Wind -- Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on May 26, 2020, 03:56:36 PM
The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 26, 2020, 04:25:00 PM
Started Malice by John Gwynne. Not sure I am ready to dive in to a complex fantasy novel at this time. Check back with me in a week.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 26, 2020, 05:51:31 PM
Started Malice by John Gwynne. Not sure I am ready to dive in to a complex fantasy novel at this time. Check back with me in a week.

I've read A Time of Dread (bought it in the airport to read on a plane last year) and honestly wasn't impressed. Felt like generic fantasy with predictable twists to me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 26, 2020, 11:19:29 PM
Lost Light by Michael Connelly. My first experience with Harry Bosch, courtesy of my mother in-law
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 27, 2020, 05:45:55 AM
Back to fiction with Gone South by Robert R. McCammon. I'm a huge McCammon fan. With the exception of Baal, I have absolutely loved Boys Life, Swan Song, Wolf's Hour and Thus Speaks the Nightbird. I'm hoping to love this as well
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 27, 2020, 01:12:35 PM
Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. Five chapters in and I don't know if I like the premise of the story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 27, 2020, 01:43:39 PM
Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. Five chapters in and I don't know if I like the premise of the story.

Probably my least favorite in the series
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 27, 2020, 01:48:44 PM
Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. Five chapters in and I don't know if I like the premise of the story.

Probably my least favorite in the series

Really? I thought Ghost Story was great fun and incredibly integral to the story going forward. It's one of my favorites because it was so different from the rest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 27, 2020, 01:49:07 PM
edit: ^ this

I'm going to offer my controversial opinion here, Ghost Story is one of the best Dresden books. It's very jarring on the first read, after all the action in Changes and the books before Changes, but it's really excellent, especially on the re-read of the whole series. It serves as sort of break between two parts of the whole saga, and I think it works brilliantly. It's a much needed break, a change of pace, and given the subject, I think it's fair for it to be absolutely different to the most of Dresden books.

Short version: I love Ghost Story
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 27, 2020, 01:56:26 PM
Short version: I love Ghost Story

:hifive:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 27, 2020, 02:07:05 PM
As I said I'm five chapters in, too early to really judge the book, we'll see how it develops.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 28, 2020, 08:49:46 AM
An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on May 28, 2020, 10:10:00 AM
I've begun reading The Forth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe.  It's really interesting, but I'm not sure how accurate it really is.  Or how usefull it might be at predicting societal trends, but it is definately interesting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 02, 2020, 10:44:18 AM
The God Game by Danny Tobey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 02, 2020, 10:48:48 AM
Started Malice by John Gwynne. Not sure I am ready to dive in to a complex fantasy novel at this time. Check back with me in a week.

So about 1/4 the way in. Not fully engrossed in the story but at the fail-safe point now and enjoying it enough. Deciding to trudge on.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 04, 2020, 01:25:39 PM
Comic Book History of Comics: Birth of a Medium by Fred Van Lente
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 04, 2020, 07:27:25 PM
Star Wars on Trial by David Brin and Matthew Woodring Stover
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 06, 2020, 06:46:39 PM
Lately, I've been watching the original Star Trek on Netflix, so I thought I'd read Leonard by William Shatner
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on June 06, 2020, 06:50:07 PM
I've recently tried to get back into reading. Used to read all the time when I was younger. I dove right into the deep end and pulled out my old copy of Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra. I've always been interested in reading philosophy but I never finished this one, yet found it very interesting. I am also reading my old copy of A History of the American People by Paul Johnson.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 07, 2020, 07:15:09 PM
Lost Tribe of the Sith by John Jackson Miller
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 09, 2020, 09:48:34 AM
Revan by Drew Karpyshyn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on June 09, 2020, 12:42:21 PM
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 10, 2020, 09:30:01 PM
Science Fiction and Fantasy Films of the 1970s by John Kenneth Muir
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 12, 2020, 07:59:17 PM
The Last Odyssey by James Rollins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 12, 2020, 08:17:19 PM
I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie by Roger Ebert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 15, 2020, 04:51:18 AM
thanks to the quarantine, I've read 60 books so far during this tempestuous time. Anyway, time to get back to fiction with Pope Patrick by Peter de Rosa
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 15, 2020, 09:44:48 AM
Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. Five chapters in and I don't know if I like the premise of the story.

So I finally finished this. Like I feared from the start this book never really grabbed me. One of the more mediocre entries to the Dresden series imo.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 15, 2020, 12:13:07 PM
Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. Five chapters in and I don't know if I like the premise of the story.

So I finally finished this. Like I feared from the start this book never really grabbed me. One of the more mediocre entries to the Dresden series imo.
Finally, someone else who understands
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 15, 2020, 12:20:50 PM
As I said, the fanbase seems 50/50 on that one, and I guess DTF isn't an exception :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 17, 2020, 07:28:07 AM
Time to get ambitious. I'm about to read House Divided by Ben Ames Williams, a 1500 page chunker historical about the Civil War. Pray for me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 17, 2020, 11:25:22 PM
Started Malice by John Gwynne. Not sure I am ready to dive in to a complex fantasy novel at this time. Check back with me in a week.

So about 1/4 the way in. Not fully engrossed in the story but at the fail-safe point now and enjoying it enough. Deciding to trudge on.

Just finished. Enjoyable, but not captivating. Curious enough to know what happens in the rest of the series, but only enough to hope someone can tell me, not enough to read further.

On to Mycroft Holmes by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar(!) and Anna Waterhouse.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on June 18, 2020, 08:58:35 AM
Time to get ambitious. I'm about to read House Divided by Ben Ames Williams, a 1500 page chunker historical about the Civil War. Pray for me

How was it? Surely you're done by now. ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on June 18, 2020, 09:36:55 AM
In the middle of a decent biography on Elton John, by Philip Norman.   Well-written, exhaustively researched, and while not "authorized", close enough for guv'mint work.   The only downside is Norman himself; famous for his intense dislike of Paul McCartney (despite having authored what many call the definitive biography on The Beatles, "Shout!"), he makes no bones about his feelings for the subject.  He seems to admire Elton, but not without pause, and some of the "shots" taken seem petty (for example, he has a penchant for noting Elton's height - or lack thereof - and there are incessant references to Elton's "pudgy fingers".) 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 18, 2020, 11:08:12 AM
Time to get ambitious. I'm about to read House Divided by Ben Ames Williams, a 1500 page chunker historical about the Civil War. Pray for me

How was it? Surely you're done by now. ;D

 :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 19, 2020, 10:36:21 AM
Time to get ambitious. I'm about to read House Divided by Ben Ames Williams, a 1500 page chunker historical about the Civil War. Pray for me

How was it? Surely you're done by now. ;D
Very funny. Still have 1300 pages to go.  Also, going to be diving into These Are the Voyages: TOS Season One by Marc Cushman, an extensive BTS look at the first season of Star Trek
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 28, 2020, 02:41:43 PM
Taking a break from my Civil War book to read The Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 30, 2020, 11:57:51 PM
Starting the month with a little bit of fluff in The Revised Vault of Walt by Jim Korkis. Also, I have a July project which will be reading The Life of Johnson by James Boswell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on July 01, 2020, 03:17:54 PM
Finishing up Gettysburg: The Last Invasion by Alan Guelzo.  Just started in on Directorate S: The CIA and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Steve Coll.  Also working through the collected works of H.P. Lovecraft.  I have a short attention span.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Northern Lion on July 01, 2020, 03:59:45 PM
So I stopped reading "The Forth Turning".  It got repetative and boring, and it's plausibility got less adn less the more I read.  So... Since I turned 42 this year, I will read the Hitchhikers trilogy.  I figure it's just something I have to do :).  Plus, I need a good funny read considering all that has happened this year so far.  I've read the series before but it's been a while.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 01, 2020, 05:38:44 PM
Back to the French reading.

 Mission Iceberg by James Rollins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 02, 2020, 02:15:47 PM
My Anecdotal Life by Carl Reiner
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 04, 2020, 01:48:54 AM
Getting my American history on this Independence Day with Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence by John Ferling
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 08, 2020, 04:03:31 PM
The Sword of Bedwyr by R.A. Salvatore. This is the first thing of his I'm reading, so we'll see how it goes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: jingle.boy on July 09, 2020, 07:27:27 PM
The Sword of Bedwyr by R.A. Salvatore. This is the first thing of his I'm reading, so we'll see how it goes

Holy crap, I was just looking today at finally pulling the trigger on The Dark Elf Trilogy.  Ironic for me to come into this thread and see this post

I'm finally on the 7th book of the Saga of the Seven Suns series from Kevin Anderson.  Hoping to have it finished by the weekend (end of my vacation).  Summertime is when I get most of my reading done - being outside on the porch or by the pool.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 10, 2020, 10:42:47 AM
Moving on to These Are The Voyages: TOS Season Two by Marc Cushman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 14, 2020, 08:37:25 AM
returning to the world of Harry Dresden with Small Favor by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 14, 2020, 10:58:54 AM
returning to the world of Harry Dresden with Small Favor by Jim Butcher

Peace Talks is out today but of course there are no physical copies in my city to be found anywhere. Guess I'll read it in September at the earliest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 14, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows by James Lovegrove
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 14, 2020, 11:39:21 AM
returning to the world of Harry Dresden with Small Favor by Jim Butcher

Peace Talks is out today but of course there are no physical copies in my city to be found anywhere. Guess I'll read it in September at the earliest.

I pre-ordered a copy which should arrive this friday  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 14, 2020, 01:20:25 PM
Peace Talks - Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 14, 2020, 02:22:50 PM
Not yet there  ;)

Cold Days by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 14, 2020, 09:20:33 PM
On to Mycroft Holmes by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar(!) and Anna Waterhouse.

Mixed feelings, Enjoyed everything up till they got off the ship. Everything up till then was enjoyable.

Blue Moon by Lee Child. Good stuff. Found it more enjoyable than the last couple Reacher novels.

Now The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 15, 2020, 10:55:22 AM
Blue Moon by Lee Child. Good stuff. Found it more enjoyable than the last couple Reacher novels.
I agree with that assessment.  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 15, 2020, 12:35:15 PM
Blue Moon by Lee Child. Good stuff. Found it more enjoyable than the last couple Reacher novels.
I agree with that assessment.  :tup
My only real issue with Blue Moon was the waitress character. Child often struggles to write how a real person would react to so many corpses. She was far too calm and composed for a seemingly regular person witnessing that much murder.

And on that note, you'd think the law works eventually catch up with Reacher? Some of his kills are certainly justifiable homicide, but there's a whole lot of pre-meditated murders along the way
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 15, 2020, 12:51:05 PM
Peace Talks - Jim Butcher

Yeah...no spoilers from me, but boy am I glad the next book is just a couple of months away!  :omg:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 16, 2020, 12:40:42 PM
Getting to know about the Constitution with The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789 by Joseph J. Ellis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 17, 2020, 06:46:03 PM
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager. I have never read anything by him, so I'm hoping for a good experience
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 19, 2020, 01:23:44 AM
Getting back into The Boys Omnibus Volume 4 by Garth Ennis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 19, 2020, 11:37:57 AM
And we're on to volume 5
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 19, 2020, 11:38:43 AM
Stephen King The Institute.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 19, 2020, 11:51:08 PM
Blue Moon by Lee Child. Good stuff. Found it more enjoyable than the last couple Reacher novels.
I agree with that assessment.  :tup
My only real issue with Blue Moon was the waitress character. Child often struggles to write how a real person would react to so many corpses. She was far too calm and composed for a seemingly regular person witnessing that much murder.

And on that note, you'd think the law works eventually catch up with Reacher? Some of his kills are certainly justifiable homicide, but there's a whole lot of pre-meditated murders along the way

There definitely seemed like a lot more indiscriminate killings in Blue Moon compared to other stories. Reacher always metes his own brand of justice, but it usually isn't so fatal for so many.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 20, 2020, 06:14:38 AM
Last volume. Hopefully, it'll have a strong ending
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 20, 2020, 03:10:11 PM
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 26, 2020, 08:33:41 AM
Caved iт and bought an e-book instead of waiting for two months so

Peace Talks by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 27, 2020, 10:33:50 AM
100 books down already.

Finally, getting to If It Bleeds by Stephen King. I have had this on hold for three months, so I hope it's worth it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 27, 2020, 10:57:23 AM
Caved iт and bought an e-book instead of waiting for two months so

Peace Talks by Jim Butcher

Uh. I guess the decision to split the book in two was mostly marketing decision because this was more like half a book with loads of buildup and no resolution at all. The books is called Peace Talks. Where were the actual peace talks? :lol It also felt a bit tonally different from the previous Dresden works and the "main plot" of this novel was fairly boring for me.

I hope that Battle Ground will be amazing and redeem this book for me, because this felt like a great example of creating a fantastic premise in the first couple of chapters and then completely blowing it. It was great to see those characters again, and I did enjoy some parts of the book, but this is not a return I was hoping for. Well, hopefully Battle Ground will be better.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 28, 2020, 12:00:17 PM
Highly recommend that new Stephen King anthology, my favorite since Different Seasons. Anyway, yesterday I was browsing the channels, stumbled upon The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and realized I had never read the graphic novel (which I have heard is far superior), so I'm going to give Volume 1 a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 28, 2020, 03:21:15 PM
Double Star by Robert A. Heinlein
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 28, 2020, 11:40:04 PM
Interview With A Vampire by Anne Rice
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 29, 2020, 10:37:45 AM
Two thumbs up for the Heinlein. Reminded me of that Kevin Kline movie Dave. Anyway, time for dragons with A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 29, 2020, 01:53:02 PM
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R.R. Martin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 30, 2020, 09:44:40 AM
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

This was fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed every page of this short novel, I will be recommending this to my friends. In fact I might give my small mass-market paperback to one of them and buy a fancy hardcover version of this book based on how much I loved it.

Moving onto my first ever read (and I haven't watched the show that came out recently) of

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 30, 2020, 06:11:50 PM
Out From Boneville by Jeff Smith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 30, 2020, 09:51:39 PM
The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson. Surprised this is the only book of his to win the Hugo. Hope to enjoy this. I generally like Stephenson. Cryptonomicon is one of my favorite sci-fi books of all time, and I really enjoyed The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. from a few years back. I did DNF Fall though, but maybe I'll give that another shot some day
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 30, 2020, 10:17:08 PM
I have Cryptonomicon and Anathem of my reading list, my friend gifted me these two for my last birthday. I should probably get to at least one of them soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on July 31, 2020, 12:11:56 PM
After almost a year of slacking, I finally finished the House of Leaves letters. Damn what a tragic read, and brilliant book overall. Reading some analysis now I understand more what all those minotaur references mean, and the parallels between both stories. The rabbit hole goes quite deep :lol

Today I began reading Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. Really intriguing so far, with some weird stuff going on.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 31, 2020, 05:58:49 PM
I thought you guys might be interested in what my reading month was like, because you guys see how constantly I post here. Maybe I'll start doing this on the regular if you guys are interested

July (17)
The Revised Vault of Walt by Jim Korkis 6/30 - 7/1 ****
My Anecdotal Life by Carl Reiner 7/2 - 7/3 ****
Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence by John Ferling 7/4 - 7/8 ****
The Sword of Bedwyr by R.A. Salvatore 7/8 - 7/10 ****
These Are The Voyages: TOS Season Two by Marc Cushman 7/10 - 7/14 ****
Small Favor by Jim Butcher 7/14 - 7/16 ****
The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution 1783 - 1789 by Joseph J. Ellis 7/16 - 7/17 ****
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager 7/17 - 7/18 ****
The Boys Omnibus Vol. 4 by Garth Ennis 7/19 ****
The Boys Omnibus Vol. 5 by Garth Ennis 7/19 ****
The Boys Omnibus Vol. 6 by Garth Ennis 7/20 ****
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 7/20 - 7/27 ***
If It Bleeds by Stephen King 7/27 - 7/28 *****
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1 by Alan Moore 7/28 ****
Double Star by Robert A. Heinlein 7/28 - 7/29 ****
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan 7/29 - 7/30 ****
Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith 7/30 ***
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on July 31, 2020, 10:11:59 PM
After almost a year of slacking, I finally finished the House of Leaves letters. Damn what a tragic read, and brilliant book overall. Reading some analysis now I understand more what all those minotaur references mean, and the parallels between both stories. The rabbit hole goes quite deep :lol

Today I began reading Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. Really intriguing so far, with some weird stuff going on.

House of Leaves is one of my favorite books. I love Danielewski's other series The Familiar as well, although it looks like it's not going to continue. :(
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 31, 2020, 11:39:45 PM
I thought you guys might be interested in what my reading month was like, because you guys see how constantly I post here. Maybe I'll start doing this on the regular if you guys are interested

Do it!

Can you elaborate on your thoughts of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen? I am not a big graphic novel guy, but am usually intrigued by Moore's work, even if I don't love everything of his I've read. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 01, 2020, 06:16:33 AM
It's vastly different than the movie and a whole lot better in my view. There was no Tom Sawyer or Dorian Gray (unless they're featured in future volumes). This might be a pretty good starting point for those wanting to get into Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on August 01, 2020, 07:02:59 AM
And On That Bombshell by Richard Porter A fascinating read and insight on my favorite show Top Gear
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 01, 2020, 09:23:09 AM
After almost a year of slacking, I finally finished the House of Leaves letters. Damn what a tragic read, and brilliant book overall. Reading some analysis now I understand more what all those minotaur references mean, and the parallels between both stories. The rabbit hole goes quite deep :lol

Today I began reading Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. Really intriguing so far, with some weird stuff going on.

House of Leaves is one of my favorite books. I love Danielewski's other series The Familiar as well, although it looks like it's not going to continue. :(
Oh really? I was looking forward to it :(
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 01, 2020, 12:30:07 PM
What's going on with that series? Was it too ambitious for him?

Also going to be reading The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way. Currently caught up with the show, but I thought I'd check out the books as well, since it looks like they are slightly different from the series
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 01, 2020, 06:25:13 PM
Reading a bit about it seems that it was probably too ambitious (27 books planned!) and hard to sell as the books were very peculiar in how they were made and also pretty long and the audience for them just wasn't big enough to justify the costs. Such a shame, I might give it a try one day anyway.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on August 01, 2020, 06:31:41 PM
Whoops, saw this earlier and meant to reply and forgot. I believe the publisher had concerns with the sales numbers. Obviously a 27 book series is incredibly ambitious on its own, and then these were pretty strange books that would probably struggle to pick up new readers the further it went. I also think that the release schedule was just too aggressive. I mean, he was releasing like 2 of these a year, and they're like 800 pages apiece. And sure, a Danielewski page isn't the same as a regular page in terms of wordcount, but that's still a lot of material really fast.

That said, the books are absolutely still worth reading, and I don't think Danielewski's given up on continuing the rest of the story somehow.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on August 02, 2020, 06:47:22 AM
After almost a year of slacking, I finally finished the House of Leaves letters. Damn what a tragic read, and brilliant book overall. Reading some analysis now I understand more what all those minotaur references mean, and the parallels between both stories. The rabbit hole goes quite deep :lol

Today I began reading Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. Really intriguing so far, with some weird stuff going on.

House of Leaves is one of my all time favorite books. I need to go back and re-read it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 03, 2020, 09:07:49 PM
An Informal History of the Hugos by Jo Walton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 06, 2020, 08:00:04 AM
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on August 06, 2020, 09:07:04 AM
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Dispossessed made a mark on me, but I never gave anything else she wrote a try.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 06, 2020, 09:39:55 AM
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Dispossessed made a mark on me, but I never gave anything else she wrote a try.

The Dispossessed and The Left Hand of Darkness are my favourite Le Guin books. Highly recommend the other.

The Lathe of Heaven is a pretty wild ride, I always enjoyed that one too :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 06, 2020, 08:18:16 PM
Well, the Le Guin was fantastic.

Moving on to Orson Welles: The Road to Xanadu by Simon Callow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 06, 2020, 08:57:08 PM
Stephen King The Institute.

Well, it was good. I mean, it was fine. I enjoyed it. But that's really all I can say about it. Which is disappointing considering how that standard wouldn't have been acceptable for most of King's works released during the better part of his career.

Now reading a book that led to the creation of a favorite film of mine: The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 07, 2020, 07:57:45 PM
Changing my focus to Jade City by Fonda Lee
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on August 08, 2020, 05:56:55 PM
Finished Perdido Street Station by China Miéville. Very good, very weird. All three of his books that I've read now (Perdido Street Station, Embassytown, The City and the City) have been incredibly good, so I think I just need to buy everything he's done at this point.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 08, 2020, 09:16:54 PM
Loved Perdido. I want to give The Scar a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 09, 2020, 09:08:56 AM
That's another one I want to read at some point.

Almost done with Kafka on the Shore. This shit is weird, quite sexual, and sort of surreal. Loving it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on August 10, 2020, 05:19:19 AM
I just ordered 'The Astonishing' by Peter Orullian. Although the album is my least favourite in their catalogue, I'm hoping I will get a better appreciation of it by reading the book. We'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 12, 2020, 04:03:06 AM
Jade City got my seal of approval. Will definitely continue. Currently reading Turn Coat by Jim Butcher. I'm really liking it so far, already quarter of the way through, so I may finish it in one day
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 13, 2020, 07:19:24 AM
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley. Kind of a reread for me, but it's the color edition, so it'll kind be a new experience as well 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 13, 2020, 08:15:24 AM
Took me less than an hour.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 13, 2020, 12:43:08 PM
Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 13, 2020, 12:45:41 PM
Man, Good Omens is a fun read, but does it drag in places. I think I'm about 250 pages in and there are 150 pages left and I think at least 50 pages could've been cut. I'll finish it but I guess my expectations were a little too high.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 13, 2020, 04:35:28 PM
Man, Good Omens is a fun read, but does it drag in places. I think I'm about 250 pages in and there are 150 pages left and I think at least 50 pages could've been cut. I'll finish it but I guess my expectations were a little too high.
There's some quality comedy yet to come.

"Hold on a minute, i have to go tend to something quickly"
-Death to the other Horsemen

Once you have the context you'll be rolling with laughter. Or maybe just chuckling. Still good though
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on August 13, 2020, 07:11:21 PM
I watched the show recently and quite enjoyed it. I'm kind of... iffy on Neil Gaiman in general, but Pratchett I like what I've read, so I probably ought to grab the book soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 15, 2020, 05:47:24 AM
Finished Good Omens. Despite my complaints I enjoyed it immensely.

Man, Good Omens is a fun read, but does it drag in places. I think I'm about 250 pages in and there are 150 pages left and I think at least 50 pages could've been cut. I'll finish it but I guess my expectations were a little too high.
There's some quality comedy yet to come.

"Hold on a minute, i have to go tend to something quickly"
-Death to the other Horsemen

Once you have the context you'll be rolling with laughter. Or maybe just chuckling. Still good though

There's a lot of quality comedy throughout the novel to be honest, I was chuckling quite a bit during the whole read. I probably won't reread the whole thing again but it was an enjoyable read even if I was bored during some moments.

Not sure what I'll go with next, I think I'll pick something in a few days.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 15, 2020, 04:02:34 PM
No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 17, 2020, 08:27:19 AM
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 17, 2020, 09:51:47 AM
The Warded Man by Peter Brett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 18, 2020, 07:11:13 AM
Reached a new record for most books read in a year (115). Now, giving The Company by Robert Litell a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 18, 2020, 11:18:55 AM
Warlock Holmes: The Finality Problem by G.S. Denning
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 20, 2020, 02:19:04 PM
So, I'm not totally abandoning the book I'm on now (at least, not yet), and reading Changes by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 21, 2020, 07:39:17 PM
Peace Talks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 22, 2020, 06:44:54 AM
Side Jobs by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 22, 2020, 08:58:05 PM
Moving on to Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. Would've totally skipped the short story collection. The stories were alright, but I would've rather had an extra day to read this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 25, 2020, 07:51:46 AM
Jade War by Fonda Lee
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 25, 2020, 02:13:32 PM
The Warded Man by Peter Brett

The plot was okay I guess but otherwise it's uhhhh. The prose was meh, the sexist views of the society described in the book weren't done well, and oh hey, rape as a plot device which gets forgotten after 10 pages. Man did this particular part pissed me off. I'll pass on the other books by this author, I think. I'm baffled how it's 4.25 on Goodreads.

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 25, 2020, 08:05:29 PM
Yeah, I thought Warded Man was whatever. I think you'll really enjoy All the Birds though. I need to read her next book one of these days
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 25, 2020, 09:08:25 PM
Now reading a book that led to the creation of a favorite film of mine: The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill.

I knew most of this story, but it was still an entertaining read. A bit disjointed; felt more like sitting down at a pub with an old timer and listening to his stories. But still, what amazing stories he had to tell.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 26, 2020, 09:53:44 AM
As someone who not just reads, but likes to collect books, this is infuriating. Why on earth would the publisher suddenly start printing the series 1/2 a centimetre smaller than all the previous books?



(https://i.imgur.com/eohyF4y.jpg)




On to The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 26, 2020, 10:09:32 AM
Don't have the latest Warlock Holmes yet?

BTW, I feel your pain on that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 26, 2020, 10:33:58 AM
Don't have the latest Warlock Holmes yet?

BTW, I feel your pain on that.

No, I haven't picked it up yet. I was already behind on a couple other books that were waiting on the shelf. I'll probably get to it later this fall.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 26, 2020, 10:37:19 AM
As someone who not just reads, but likes to collect books, this is infuriating. Why on earth would the publisher suddenly start printing the series 1/2 a centimetre smaller than all the previous books?

(https://i.imgur.com/eohyF4y.jpg)

I raise you... the Leatherbound editions of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy (each one costs $100).

(https://i.redd.it/hbc74u3jk5h21.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 26, 2020, 11:04:57 AM


I raise you... the Leatherbound editions of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy (each one costs $100).

(https://i.redd.it/hbc74u3jk5h21.jpg)

Those are some fine looking books. And they all appear to be the same size!

**EDIT: is that last book actually a touch bigger than the other 2?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 26, 2020, 11:06:24 AM
Nope, look at The Hero of Ages. It's slightly higher than the other two (Mistborn and Well of Ascension) and because of that, the rest of the details on the spine are slightly off compared to the other books.

Quote
**EDIT: is that last book actually a touch bigger than the other 2?

Yes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 26, 2020, 01:18:27 PM
Nope, look at The Hero of Ages. It's slightly higher than the other two (Mistborn and Well of Ascension) and because of that, the rest of the details on the spine are slightly off compared to the other books.

Quote
**EDIT: is that last book actually a touch bigger than the other 2?

Yes.

Yeah....that's much worse than mine lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SoundscapeMN on August 27, 2020, 10:44:42 AM
I am not yet, but I just noticed Charlie Kaufman wrote a novel titled "Antkind" that was published and released in July.

There are a lot of reviews that either love it or hate it, but I'm hardly surprised by that given his history.

1 though compared it to being kind of a Hitchiker's Guide for the Twitter generation.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 27, 2020, 12:53:16 PM
How the Bible Actually Works by Peter Enns
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 27, 2020, 05:18:23 PM
Jade War was a bust unfortunately. Couldn't get into it. Going to switch to biography, and read Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 30, 2020, 05:26:51 AM
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from the Bronze Age to the Silver Screen by Greg Jenner
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on August 30, 2020, 06:26:35 AM
The Baron of Magister Valley -- Steven Brust (one of my all-time favorite authors)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on August 31, 2020, 01:16:24 PM
After many years I finally stopped being lazy and downloaded Audible. I always put it off because I have enough podcasts on Spotify, and enough music, to listen to. But since the act of reading a physical book just makes me sleepy, and restless because I must multitask, this is awesome.

With that said, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 31, 2020, 07:51:41 PM
Here's my August wrap up. I'm at 120 books for the year so far

August (15)
The Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way 8/1 **
The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson 7/30 - 8/3 ***
An Impersonal History of the Hugos by Jo Walton 8/3 - 8/6 ****
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin 8/6 *****
Jade City by Fonda Lee 8/7 - 8/11 ****
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher 8/12 - 8/13 ****
Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O’Malley 8/13 *****
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World by Bryan Lee O’Malley 8/13 *****
Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey 8/13 - 8/17 ****
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester 8/17 ***
Changes by Jim Butcher 8/20 - 8/21 ****
Side Jobs by Jim Butcher 8/22 ****
Ghost Story by Jim Butcher 8/22 - 8/25 ****
Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly 8/27 - 8/30 ***
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen by Greg Jenner 8/30 - 8/31 ***
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 01, 2020, 05:32:59 AM
Getting back to Dresden, with Cold Days by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 01, 2020, 10:46:18 AM
All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders

You were right masterthes, this was delightful. I had trouble putting the book down. Somewhat weird and random in places, yet endearing in a good way. Additionally, the short bits of talking to cats were loads of fun, like this little one:

Quote
"Birds taste good," Berkley observed, bouncing on his front paws a little. "They flap around and try to fly out of your paws. They are like toys with meat inside."

Man, I liked this book a lot. Went to check Goodreads and there are plenty of scathing one-star reviews calling the book inane and boring. What the hell? Whatever, I really liked it. :lol

Either doing Cryptonomicon or Anathem by Neal Stephenson next, haven't decided yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 01, 2020, 10:47:32 AM
Here's my August wrap up. I'm at 120 books for the year so far

August (15)
The Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way 8/1 **
The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson 7/30 - 8/3 ***
An Impersonal History of the Hugos by Jo Walton 8/3 - 8/6 ****
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin 8/6 *****
Jade City by Fonda Lee 8/7 - 8/11 ****
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher 8/12 - 8/13 ****
Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O’Malley 8/13 *****
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World by Bryan Lee O’Malley 8/13 *****
Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey 8/13 - 8/17 ****
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester 8/17 ***
Changes by Jim Butcher 8/20 - 8/21 ****
Side Jobs by Jim Butcher 8/22 ****
Ghost Story by Jim Butcher 8/22 - 8/25 ****
Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly 8/27 - 8/30 ***
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen by Greg Jenner 8/30 - 8/31 ***
Maybe you've already covered this, but how in the exact fuck are you doing this?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 01, 2020, 11:47:23 AM
I work in the school system, so a. I've been out of work since March and b. I'm an aide, which means I don't teach. All I've been doing has been reading (except for also watching stuff on Netflix and such) and c. I'm a pretty fast reader. If I like a book well enough, I can probably read at least 200 pages a day
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on September 02, 2020, 08:32:20 AM
Permanently Suspended: The Rise and Fall... and Rise Again of Radio's Most Notorious Shock Jock by Anthony Cumia
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 02, 2020, 10:11:58 AM
Just realized I had this book on my to-read shelf and it's fairly short, so before diving into Stephenson's work, I'm going with

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 03, 2020, 06:00:59 AM
Skin Game by Jim Butcher. Can't believe I'm almost caught up
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 04, 2020, 06:52:29 AM
Just read Red Dwarf (books 1+2) By Rob Grant & Doug Naylor. Didn't know what to expect going in but I really enjoyed it. At first I was a little disappointed that the first section of the book was pretty much a straight forward retelling of some of the episodes with some extra details of course. After that it really opens up and does it's own thing. It re-imagines a lot of ideas from the show and shuffles the order around to really be something different but with things fans would recognize from the show. The expanded Better than Life part of the book could've been a stand alone comedy horror novel.

Highly recommended for fans of the show and if you've never seen the show you won't be lost.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 04, 2020, 07:25:08 AM
Skin Game was great. Third favorite Dresden book so far. Now reading, Brief Cases by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 04, 2020, 08:16:34 AM
Skin Game was great. Third favorite Dresden book so far. Now reading, Brief Cases by Jim Butcher

Skin Game is a personal favorite of mine. I like the grand heist theme and how Dresden has learned to think ahead and use his connections to rig the game in his favor (much like he did in Turn Coat). Very wizard like behavior. Butcher has done a good job of having Dresden evolve through the series. He still has his reactionary moments (hey, he's still Harry) but it's fun having him succeed with subtlety instead of just brute strength and dumb luck.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 04, 2020, 08:19:03 AM
Skin Game was fantastic. I think Jim was on top of his game with Cold Days and Skin Game.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 05, 2020, 05:04:07 PM
Oh, I agree. Cold Days might be my 5th favorite Dresden, certainly my favorite in the "Fae" centric books

The stories in Brief Cases were way better than Side Jobs, especially the last story. Going to take a bit of a break from Dresden so I can read Peace Talks and Battle Ground pretty much back to back. Moving on to The Memory of Souls by Jenn Lyons, the next book in The Chorus of Dragons series
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 05, 2020, 05:11:17 PM
I read a lot
Maybe you've already covered this, but how in the exact fuck are you doing this?

 :lol I think I have asked several times this thread be renamed akin to: The Currently Reading Thread v. masterthes the legend.

I am envious that he 1) has ample time to read and 2) can read as quickly as he does. I am a slow reader and it can take me weeks to finish a book of moderate length.

On recent topic, I want to read one of these Dresden books but they are perpetually checked out of my library.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 05, 2020, 05:32:44 PM
I'll be going back to work on Friday, so my reading output will slow down a bit (I won't have the morning hours to read on the weekdays)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 05, 2020, 07:45:01 PM
I read a lot
Maybe you've already covered this, but how in the exact fuck are you doing this?

 :lol I think I have asked several times this thread be renamed akin to: The Currently Reading Thread v. masterthes the legend.

I am envious that he 1) has ample time to read and 2) can read as quickly as he does. I am a slow reader and it can take me weeks to finish a book of moderate length.

On recent topic, I want to read one of these Dresden books but they are perpetually checked out of my library.

Just go drop $10 on a mass paperback copy. They're definitely worth the investment
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 06, 2020, 01:49:58 AM
The first two books are a little rough though, maybe keep that in mind. I had friends giving up after Storm Front. The series get loads better after the first two books though. I was in love with the whole thing after Summer Knight.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 07, 2020, 11:55:28 AM
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Volume II by Jody Houser
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 07, 2020, 12:02:55 PM
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Volume II by Jody Houser

Man I'm envious once again. Can't quite afford to order these books. I'm sure it'll be great though.

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Okay finished this one and ehhhh. I don't think I've read a good YA fantasy book since Six of Crows, I'm taking recommendations if you guys have anything.

Anathem by Neal Stephenson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on September 07, 2020, 01:56:30 PM
Have you read Laini Taylor's Strange the Dreamer, and the sequel Muse of Nightmares? The teen romance-y bits are a bit much near the end of the first one and the beginning of the second, but the books are so good otherwise it's pretty easy to just skim those and get back to the good stuff.

I've also been rereading Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus books, which I used to love checking out from the library when I was a young ninja, and I'm still really enjoying them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 07, 2020, 02:14:32 PM
I'm surprised Butcher hasn't written a pre-quel book telling the story of his tutelage under Justin DuMorne. Just a thought
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 07, 2020, 10:13:19 PM
Have you read Laini Taylor's Strange the Dreamer, and the sequel Muse of Nightmares? The teen romance-y bits are a bit much near the end of the first one and the beginning of the second, but the books are so good otherwise it's pretty easy to just skim those and get back to the good stuff.

I've also been rereading Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus books, which I used to love checking out from the library when I was a young ninja, and I'm still really enjoying them.

I haven't. Will try to look into them at some point.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 08, 2020, 07:46:11 AM
I'm surprised Butcher hasn't written a pre-quel book telling the story of his tutelage under Justin DuMorne. Just a thought

I think he's done a decent job over the years of revealing that story through flashbacks and relating the lessons he learned because of it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 08, 2020, 08:05:49 AM
Anyway, I had to DNF Memory of Souls, which was disappointing because I really enjoyed the first book, but some of the stuff got too complicated for my taste, so instead I'm going to be reading Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 08, 2020, 08:14:57 AM
Shakespeare for Squirrels by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 08, 2020, 09:08:30 AM
Anyway, I had to DNF Memory of Souls, which was disappointing because I really enjoyed the first book, but some of the stuff got too complicated for my taste, so instead I'm going to be reading Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio

I DNFed The Name of All Things :lol I may try it again when I get a chance to get a physical copy, but maybe I won't bother.

Man, Anathem isn't an easy read at all.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 11, 2020, 06:37:39 AM
Disloyal: A Memoir -- Michael Cohen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 11, 2020, 07:53:53 AM
La Tour Sombre 5: Les Loups de la Calla by Stephen King. Will certainly be breaking this up into sections so I can thread in some english novels along the way. French W&G was such a grind it almost wasn't worth the effort.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 11, 2020, 11:28:53 AM
Marvel Comics: The Untold Story by Sean Howe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 11, 2020, 11:49:18 AM
Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch. Doesn't really grab me but it's relatively short so I will probably finish it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 13, 2020, 11:35:01 AM
The Lesser Devil by Christopher Ruocchio
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 14, 2020, 05:30:11 AM
The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams. I think I gave this an attempt two years ago, but I don't think I got very far. Maybe got distracted by something else
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 14, 2020, 10:00:16 AM
Warming up to Anathem as the events finally start to unfold after ~200 pages of worldbuilding.

In unrelated news, my mother called me today and said she's rereading To Kill a Mockingbird for the third time. I gifted her that book two years ago thinking she would like it. That really warmed my heart.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 14, 2020, 11:46:07 AM
The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams. I think I gave this an attempt two years ago, but I don't think I got very far. Maybe got distracted by something else

That Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series is still his best imo. But it takes a while to get going.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 14, 2020, 01:57:55 PM
Yeah, that's why I'm going to make a real effort to stick with it. I was a big fan of Otherland (I'd rate the final book in that series easily in my top 20 fav sci books), so I really want to enjoy this as well
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 14, 2020, 08:39:45 PM
Currently Reading Necroscope III: The Source by Brian Lumley. I really like this series so far and I just don't understand why the series is so hard to find. My library system only has the first one and the only copies of the sequels I can find are the mass paperbacks from 30+ years ago. I would've thought that a series that's been around for so long would have more editions released by this point.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on September 15, 2020, 03:47:39 PM
Rereading The Lies of Locke Lamora before I start Red Seas Under Red Skies and Republic of Thieves.

Consecutively, I mean, not simultaneously.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 15, 2020, 10:19:33 PM
Rereading The Lies of Locke Lamora before I start Red Seas Under Red Skies and Republic of Thieves.

Consecutively, I mean, not simultaneously.

I'd like to do this at some point, but with new Jim Butcher, Joe Abercrombie and Brandon Sanderson books coming this fall I guess I'll do it in 2021.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 16, 2020, 06:56:52 AM
Rereading The Lies of Locke Lamora before I start Red Seas Under Red Skies and Republic of Thieves.

Consecutively, I mean, not simultaneously.

Enjoy! I'd like to go back in time and experience those books for the first time. You may need to power through the first bit of Lies. It's kinda...difficult (?). Soon, it graduates to a real page turner though.

RESURS is my favorite.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on September 16, 2020, 11:55:40 AM
The first time through I found it a little slow at the start, but once the Salvara game starts I was into it the rest of the way.

Also, I plan on getting Rhythm of War, but I'm thinking of not reading it until book 5 comes out. Usually I reread the series in preparation for the next book, and I think it makes more sense to wait for book 5 and then go through them all right after the other, since the first five books are meant to be sort of a complete story arc.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 16, 2020, 12:34:46 PM
I'm reading Michael Cohen's book "Disloyal" and all I can say is:  wow  :eek


I've been around the block more than most, but damn, this fucking guy  :rollin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 17, 2020, 01:24:13 PM
DNFed Tad. I just couldn't enjoy it. Switching over to a Star Trek novel, Federation by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens (which I'm really liking so far)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 17, 2020, 02:09:22 PM
Switching over to a Star Trek novel, Federation by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens (which I'm really liking so far)
Pretty sure I read that 100 years ago lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 19, 2020, 08:49:18 AM
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin. With how much I enjoyed Lathe last month, I'm hoping to like this just as much, if not more
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 19, 2020, 08:55:14 AM
Good luck man. It's less about intensity and more about exploration but I think you may like it. It's my favourite Le Guin book tied with The Dispossessed. I think both are brillliant.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 19, 2020, 02:04:34 PM
Finished Necroscope III. Really enjoyed it but like fellow horror writer Stephen King Lumley could've chopped about 100 pages out without losing much. I don't mind the extra details but I could see how it could drive others away.

Devil Red by Joe R. Lansdale: The 8th entry in the Hap & Leonard series is short and sweet.....although maybe a bit too short as I was able to read it in about a day. As usual the back and forth banter is great and the book tows the line between horrific and hilarious.

Currently Reading The Road to Ruin by Donald E. Westlake. The Dortmunder series of books is one of my personal favorites and it's a bit sad that I dont have many left before I get to the end of the series. They're always guaranteed to get a few laughs outta me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 20, 2020, 07:29:00 PM
Unfortunately, the Le Guin was underwhelming for me. Now, Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 20, 2020, 10:46:25 PM
Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 23, 2020, 10:23:50 AM
Rage by Bob Woodward
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 23, 2020, 01:17:33 PM
Rage by Bob Woodward

Ooooo, I want to read that!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 23, 2020, 03:05:27 PM
Really enjoyed Utopia Avenue, but it got a bit weird at the last 100 pages. Still, it's my favorite Mitchell so far (granted, this was only my fourth book I read of his)



Moving on to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 24, 2020, 02:26:31 PM
Rage by Bob Woodward

Ooooo, I want to read that!

Hef, I bought this for my Kindle last night. I got about 20% through it before going to bed. I absolutely love how Woodward just presents straight reporting. No spin. No opinion. Just conversations that he's verified through multiple sources or documentation. Fascinating read!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 24, 2020, 07:57:54 PM
The Hierarchies by Ros Anderson. From what I'm understanding by the synopsis It's a book about a sex bot who over the course of the book becomes more aware of the world and who she should be. A Goodreads review said it was a combination of Westworld, Ex Machina, and Handmaid's Tale
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 25, 2020, 10:10:43 AM
Rage by Bob Woodward

Ooooo, I want to read that!

Hef, I bought this for my Kindle last night. I got about 20% through it before going to bed. I absolutely love how Woodward just presents straight reporting. No spin. No opinion. Just conversations that he's verified through multiple sources or documentation. Fascinating read!
Agreed.  I love his writing. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 25, 2020, 03:31:34 PM
Finished up to the end of Callahan's story in DT5, édition français. Maybe a touch of a controversial opinion, but Wolves is the best Dark Tower book. This is my 4th read in as many years, and it gets better each time.

Warlock Holmes: the Finality Problem by GS Denning
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 25, 2020, 03:51:16 PM
Not controversial for me, Wolves is one of my favorites of the series.

Currently reading Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 25, 2020, 06:24:02 PM
No controversy, I think Wolves is one of the best in the series, after Drawing and Waste Lands

Now reading Star Wars Memories: My Time in the (Death Star) Trenches by Craig Miller
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 25, 2020, 09:17:12 PM
No controversy, I think Wolves is one of the best in the series, after Drawing and Waste Lands

Now reading Star Wars Memories: My Time in the (Death Star) Trenches by Craig Miller

After Drawing and Waste Lands is 3/7. That's damn near the definition of mediocre lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 27, 2020, 09:41:02 AM
For me, the only book that was mediocre was The Gunslinger

Now reading The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 28, 2020, 07:05:29 AM
Nope, decided on reading Peace Talks by Jim Butcher instead
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 28, 2020, 09:30:20 AM
Nope, decided on reading Peace Talks by Jim Butcher instead

You're on time for Battle Ground, good job!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 28, 2020, 10:59:58 AM
Warlock Holmes: the Finality Problem by GS Denning
There you go.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 28, 2020, 02:30:07 PM
Warlock Holmes: the Finality Problem by GS Denning
There you go.

Just about finished, too lol. I basically wait for you to post about the new novel here, then go pick it up. You're like an old school version of Google.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 28, 2020, 03:00:50 PM
Warlock Holmes: the Finality Problem by GS Denning
There you go.

Just about finished, too lol. I basically wait for you to post about the new novel here, then go pick it up. You're like an old school version of Google.
:lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 28, 2020, 05:05:25 PM
Warlock Holmes: the Finality Problem by GS Denning
There you go.

Just about finished, too lol. I basically wait for you to post about the new novel here, then go pick it up. You're like an old school version of Google.
:lol

Sounds like Denning is going on a hiatus though, which is a touch disappointing. This is a pretty fun series
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 29, 2020, 05:03:28 AM
Battle Ground - Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 29, 2020, 01:25:07 PM
So, it has come at last, I'll be all caught up. It's Battle Ground time!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on September 30, 2020, 08:12:30 AM
Changes by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 30, 2020, 09:08:20 AM
So, anyway ... by John Cleese
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 30, 2020, 01:46:30 PM
I just wanted to pause here for all you Dresden Files fans, I just discovered Jim Butcher created a Harry Dresden Twitter account, with other characters. Genius!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 30, 2020, 06:11:45 PM
And here's my September. I am all caught up on Dresden, can you believe it?! Battle Ground is one of the best in the series, even though it's going to hurt a bit for some people. I've got, hopefully, some awesome, spooky reads for October

September (14)
Cold Days by Jim Butcher 9/1 - 9/2 ****
Skin Game by Jim Butcher 9/3 - 9/4 *****
Brief Cases by Jim Butcher 9/4 - 9/5 ****
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Volume II by Matthew Mercer 9/7 ****
Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio 9/8 - 9/13 ****
The Lesser Devil by Christopher Ruocchio 9/13 - 9/14 ***
Federation by Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens 9/17 - 9/18 ****
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin 9/19 - 9/20 **
Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell 9/20 - 9/22 ****
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt 9/23 - 9/24 ****
The Hierarchies by Ros Anderson 9/24 - 9/25 ***
Star Wars Memories: My Time in the (Death Star) Trenches by Craig Miller 9/25 - 9/27 ****
Peace Talks by Jim Butcher 9/28 - 9/29 ****
Battle Ground by Jim Butcher 9/29 - 9/30 *****
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 01, 2020, 07:02:12 AM
Finished Grave Peril by Jim Butcher. I know I have a ways to go but I'm really enjoying the series so far.

Now on to Honky Tonk Samurai (Hap & Leonard #9) by Joe R. Lansdale
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 01, 2020, 01:02:50 PM
Nightmare Movies: Horror on Screen Since the 1960s by Kim Newman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 01, 2020, 09:56:59 PM
Today I began reading Oyasumi Pun Pun. It's hilarious, adorable, and deeply disturbing, I like it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 03, 2020, 06:56:23 PM
Ghost Story by Peter Straub
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 04, 2020, 12:20:16 PM
Here's a small quibble with what I'm reading, that I just need to vent out. One of the main characters is named Frederick Hawthorne, yet he's called Ricky throughout most of the book. Why not just name him Rick from the outset and have done with it?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 04, 2020, 12:29:55 PM
I put Red Sparrow on hold about 1/3 in. Now on Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 05, 2020, 07:52:55 AM
Battle Ground by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 05, 2020, 09:08:35 AM
The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 05, 2020, 10:00:01 AM
Anathem by Neal Stephenson

Phew, finished this one. The "invented" words concept becomes easier to get into after the first ~200-300 pages but the learning curve is fairly steep here. It's just such a dense sci-fi book. Some moments were awesome, but there were some moments where the plot almost wasn't advancing at all. It didn't really need to have 900+ pages, but all in all while I would've liked to see some of the plot trimmed down, I enjoyed the whole avout / mathic world concept and the book overall. Definitely liked it way more than Snow Crash.

Battle Ground by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 05, 2020, 01:26:56 PM
Just finished Michael Cohen's book "Disloyal: A Memoir" was an interesting if unsurprising read.


Next up is Bob Woodward's new book "Rage"



Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 05, 2020, 04:12:39 PM
Ghost Story by Peter Straub

I enjoyed this one. Did not go the way I was expecting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 05, 2020, 04:22:47 PM
Just finished Michael Cohen's book "Disloyal: A Memoir" was an interesting if unsurprising read.


Next up is Bob Woodward's new book "Rage"

Those two books dovetail quite a bit. As they both do with current events.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Ben_Jamin on October 05, 2020, 04:31:38 PM
Here's a small quibble with what I'm reading, that I just need to vent out. One of the main characters is named Frederick Hawthorne, yet he's called Ricky throughout most of the book. Why not just name him Rick from the outset and have done with it?

That, to me, sounds like the Author wants to enforce that it's a nickname rather than his actual name of Frederick. Does the author refer to him as Ricky, or do all the characters refer to him as Ricky?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on October 05, 2020, 05:36:19 PM
Oyasumi Pun Pun. Damn this is adorable, depressing, fun, and disturbing af. Loving it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 06, 2020, 11:41:49 AM
Just finished Michael Cohen's book "Disloyal: A Memoir" was an interesting if unsurprising read.


Next up is Bob Woodward's new book "Rage"

Those two books dovetail quite a bit. As they both do with current events.


Agreed.  The Cohen book kind of bugged me a little bit.  The title was very apt.  I don't know, I guess with my background Cohen's book feels a little bit like snitching, which I don't approve of under any circumstances.  So I guess I felt a little bit guilty about reading it, but at the same time the way I see it he's got very little reason to lie at this point and the more I read the more convinced I was that it sounded quite credible.  He seems truly horrified by what his association with Trump did to his moral compass. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 06, 2020, 12:40:36 PM
Battle Ground by Jim Butcher

Alright, that was way more like it! I feel like Jim has hit his stride with this one. The whole thing definitely suffered from being divided in two books, but overall I liked this.

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 06, 2020, 01:38:28 PM
I have mostly good things to say about Ghost Story. Very well written, but the ending was a bit of a letdown. Also, takes about 100 pages for things to start getting good. Stephen King called this the best horror book of the 20th century. Not even close. Up to that point (1979), you had The Exorcist and I would even say 'Salem's Lot and The Shining are way scarier.



Also, managed to quickly knock out Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones. Very good novella, although there was that little twist towards the end that didn't seem to fit.



Now, speaking of Stephen King, I'm currently reading Thinner​​​​
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 08, 2020, 01:57:50 PM
I thought Thinner was decent. First half was more exciting than the second half though, and I wish he wrote a better conclusion. I wanted to know what exactly happened after. Similar to The Long Walk, it just seemed to end.



Moving on to Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 08, 2020, 09:23:29 PM
I thought Thinner was decent. First half was more exciting than the second half though, and I wish he wrote a better conclusion. I wanted to know what exactly happened after. Similar to The Long Walk, it just seemed to end.


The Long Walk is my favorite Bachman book with running man a close second.

I finished Honky Tonk Samurai. Every book I read by Joe Lansdale bumps him up further on my favorite authors list. I just love his odd and unapologetically non PC sense of humor.


Currently reading Confess: The Autobiography by Rob Halford. Already over 150 pages in and I love it so far. He doesn't really sugarcoat much which I appreciate. Some may not appreciate the quite the level of honesty and detail though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 08, 2020, 09:32:33 PM
The Long Walk is my favorite Bachman book with running man a close second.

Haven't read them in a long time, but I'd probably say mine as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 09, 2020, 06:26:50 PM
Highly approved Home Before Dark, better than Lock Every Door. I had a feeling who did it and I enjoyed the red herrings



Now reading Blackwater by Michael McDowell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 10, 2020, 09:16:35 PM
Finished Battle Ground. Honestly, they could've cut 100 pages of fluff from Peacetalks, and added a few hundred to the back end to fit the relevant content from this book. Seems like a cash grab to have made 2 books. The last 100 pages were great. Really sets up some interesting plot possibilities, so it'll be interesting to see which ones get some attention in the coming novels.

Back to Tour Sombre 5
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 11, 2020, 03:15:56 PM
I think he just wants to end the series at an even 20 books

The Remaking by Clay Chapman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 11, 2020, 10:36:30 PM
I think he just wants to end the series at an even 20 books

The original plan was 20 books + big apocalyptic trilogy but the split of Peace Talks ruined that now I think, the plan is 21 + 3 now. Maybe he'll decide to drop one of the ideas and bring it back to 20 though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 12, 2020, 08:26:26 AM
Oh, I thought the trilogy was including the twenty. I thought we were in the endgame coming up lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 12, 2020, 11:11:58 AM
Going for a modern classic with Psycho by Robert Bloch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 12, 2020, 12:47:21 PM
Oh, I thought the trilogy was including the twenty. I thought we were in the endgame coming up lol

From the recent transcript of his interview/chat:

Quote
Muskogee: You stated 20ish case books with a big apocalyptic trilogy at the end. Is it now safe to presume 22 case books given Peace Talks was split and prior comments about how romance might have slowed the overall pacing by a book?

Jim: I don't know if I would say it's safe to assume cuz I've never written a series this long before, I don't know what I'm doing. But yeah I just figured out today that I think I'm going to have to put another book into the series just to get everything done and it was annoying but also exciting because now I get another book to write so.

Muskogee: We're all terribly disappointed that there will be another one.

Jim: Well if I do 22 and then a 3 book trilogy at the end and that's like a 5 x 5 series that's super powerful. If you want to get into numerology that's very solid, 25 is excellent so.

That was like 4 days ago, so I guess we're at 22 + 3 now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 12, 2020, 01:16:53 PM
Oh man. Well, as long as he keeps the quality, I'm on board

Changing things up a bit with Middlegame by Seanan McGuire
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 13, 2020, 09:29:11 AM
Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Sea-Devils by James Lovegrove
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 14, 2020, 03:27:10 PM
Reading something a bit out of my zone with some alternate history, Once There Was a Way: What if The Beatles Stayed Together? by Bryce Zabel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 15, 2020, 09:42:12 PM
Finished the Halford Autobiography. Highly recommended. He was very honest and open with it and it delves deep into his personal struggles being a closeted gay man under such a big spotlight. Happy ending but man a lot of heartbreaking stuff that I hadn't heard about before.

Currently reading Zoey Punches the Future in the Dick ( Zoey Ashe #2) by David "Jason Pargin" Wong. One of my favorite more current authors. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 15, 2020, 09:49:12 PM
Now on Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence.

Well, that wasn't awesome.

Moving on to a rando pick I saw scrolling through my library database, based on the awesome title of Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 15, 2020, 10:29:24 PM
Now on Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence.

Well, that wasn't awesome.

The trilogy really improves in the second book, but I can see how the first one might've been enough. I kept reading only because I bought the whole trilogy at once.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 15, 2020, 10:31:42 PM
Now on Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence.

Well, that wasn't awesome.

It really improves in the second book, but I can see how the first one might've been enough. I kept reading only because I bought the whole trilogy at once.

I read right before bed, and have been pretty zoned out at night lately due to work and kids. Staying focused can be a challenge. I was in to this book till the last 1/3 or so, but not sure if it just lost my interest or I was losing track of the plot.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 16, 2020, 03:19:22 AM
That Beatles book was fantastic, so far my favorite of the month

Anyway, now reading The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 16, 2020, 01:44:17 PM
Now on Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence.

Well, that wasn't awesome.
I tried to read that a few years ago.  Didn't make it through without giving up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 18, 2020, 12:29:51 PM
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

Okay that was cozy and fairly great. Not much in terms of the plot but I loved the prose, very evocative and warm and overall fantastic.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 19, 2020, 01:03:11 PM
Have you read Laini Taylor's Strange the Dreamer, and the sequel Muse of Nightmares? The teen romance-y bits are a bit much near the end of the first one and the beginning of the second, but the books are so good otherwise it's pretty easy to just skim those and get back to the good stuff.

Hey SN, also just wanted to let you know I ordered both of these books in my favourite bookstore. Probably won't start reading for a couple of months though, but now it's a given I will read them in the future. :) I'll post my thoughts in this thread at some point.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 19, 2020, 01:53:44 PM
1. OFW was fair, a bit too long though

2. Ended up finally reading This is How You Lose the Time War. really enjoyed it

3. Currently rereading The Final Empire. I read it more than 5 years ago, but I didn't immediately go to WOA because a lot of the Goodreads ratings seemed so divisive. Well, I finally decide to go through with it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 19, 2020, 01:58:41 PM
3. Currently rereading The Final Empire. I read it more than 5 years ago, but I didn't immediately go to WOA because a lot of the Goodreads ratings seemed so divisive. Well, I finally decide to go through with it

I said it before and I'll say it again, WoA was very slow on my first read and I didn't like it as much as TFE. On rereads, WoA might be my favourite book from the series. Well, not quite, I think I still prefer TFE because of how much I enjoy it the first time, but WoA is definitely a more than worthy follow up, even if it's a very different book.

The whole trilogy is definitely good though, he ties up almost all the plot points in a very satisfying way.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 19, 2020, 02:06:07 PM
I'm planning to pick up the new Reacher novel next week when it's released. It's the first (only?) transition book where Lee Child is handing over the series to his younger brother. I'll go in with an open mind, but I honestly don't know what to expect from this. In reading the Hitchhiker's series, I included the last book written by Eon Colfer. On the surface it almost felt like an Adams novel, but it also mostly felt like it tried too hard to be an Adams novel. I guess we'll see how Reacher comes out on the pages.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 19, 2020, 07:49:04 PM
I'm planning to pick up the new Reacher novel next week when it's released. It's the first (only?) transition book where Lee Child is handing over the series to his younger brother.

WHAT?

I knew nothing about this.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 20, 2020, 08:08:17 AM
I'm planning to pick up the new Reacher novel next week when it's released. It's the first (only?) transition book where Lee Child is handing over the series to his younger brother.

WHAT?

I knew nothing about this.
Yeah, I stumbled on it earlier this year. Completely forgot until yesterday when I thought to myself "Self, isn't there usually a new Reacher every Fall?". Here's an interview with Child where he explains the decision a bit.

https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1348958/lee-child-andrew-jack-reacher-author-jack-reacher-novels (https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1348958/lee-child-andrew-jack-reacher-author-jack-reacher-novels)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 20, 2020, 02:05:02 PM
I am a little unnerved by it, as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 20, 2020, 06:24:01 PM
Did not realize Lee was 65 years old. Nice that he can go out on his own terms. I do not know if I care about someone else taking over the Reacher helm, but it has his blessing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 21, 2020, 12:30:57 PM
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

12 chapters in and this seems like YA again, but it reads like a good YA. I'm invested and it's difficult to put this book down which is a great sign. Very interested in what happens next.

Hey SN, also just wanted to let you know I ordered both of these books in my favourite bookstore. Probably won't start reading for a couple of months though, but now it's a given I will read them in the future. :) I'll post my thoughts in this thread at some point.

Got both Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares from the bookstore today, along with The Trouble with Peace by Joe Abercrombie. Can't wait to delve into these in the next few months!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 22, 2020, 07:26:00 PM
Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 26, 2020, 02:02:51 PM
Was a tad bit underwhelmed by TWOA. I'll finish up the series, but not for a bit.



Switching from fantasy to science fiction with Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 26, 2020, 02:50:19 PM
The Best of H.P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 27, 2020, 01:49:14 PM
That didn't work out for me, so instead it's The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton. I enjoyed Evelyn Hardcastle, so let's see if his follow up is as good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 27, 2020, 02:28:18 PM
That didn't work out for me, so instead it's The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton. I enjoyed Evelyn Hardcastle, so let's see if his follow up is as good

I didn't realize you read Hardcastle. I should have assumed. I mean, you appear to read everything.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 27, 2020, 02:34:07 PM
Having now read Wolves of the Calla 4 times, I'm surprised King didn't write the ending a little differently. SPOILERS AHEAD:

King has a penchant for twist endings, and tormenting his characters. I'm surprised he didn't have all the children in Wolves killed in the end by Cantab of the Manni. At the very beginning, Henchick proposed simply killing all the twins so the wolves went back to Thunderclap empty handed. When the time for the battle came, Roland has Cantab escort the kids to their hiding place. It would have been a classic King move to have Cantab, unbeknownst to the ka-tet, kill all the children due to lack of faith in the gunslingers to get the job done.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 27, 2020, 03:52:32 PM
That didn't work out for me, so instead it's The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton. I enjoyed Evelyn Hardcastle, so let's see if his follow up is as good

I didn't realize you read Hardcastle. I should have assumed. I mean, you appear to read everything.
page 52
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 27, 2020, 05:16:57 PM
Having now read Wolves of the Calla 4 times, I'm surprised King didn't write the ending a little differently. SPOILERS AHEAD:

King has a penchant for twist endings, and tormenting his characters. I'm surprised he didn't have all the children in Wolves killed in the end by Cantab of the Manni. At the very beginning, Henchick proposed simply killing all the twins so the wolves went back to Thunderclap empty handed. When the time for the battle came, Roland has Cantab escort the kids to their hiding place. It would have been a classic King move to have Cantab, unbeknownst to the ka-tet, kill all the children due to lack of faith in the gunslingers to get the job done.

I wonder how different the series would've been if King hadn't almost been killed in that Hit and Run. He kinda cranked the last 3 out so there wouldn't be any chance of the series being unfinished. I think he had been also thinking of retiring but he clearly changed his mind on that.

It's also why he only did a revision of the first book because he said there was so much he would change about the later books in the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 28, 2020, 01:13:21 PM
Skin Game by Jim Butcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 28, 2020, 01:17:15 PM
Having now read Wolves of the Calla 4 times, I'm surprised King didn't write the ending a little differently. SPOILERS AHEAD:

King has a penchant for twist endings, and tormenting his characters. I'm surprised he didn't have all the children in Wolves killed in the end by Cantab of the Manni. At the very beginning, Henchick proposed simply killing all the twins so the wolves went back to Thunderclap empty handed. When the time for the battle came, Roland has Cantab escort the kids to their hiding place. It would have been a classic King move to have Cantab, unbeknownst to the ka-tet, kill all the children due to lack of faith in the gunslingers to get the job done.

This would be really dark, even for King.

And imo, Roland and his ka-tet is there to show that there's still hope, even if the world has moved on and is likely to end soon. Letting all the children die would severely contradict that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 29, 2020, 08:12:59 PM
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. Haven't read anything by him in a while
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 29, 2020, 10:43:09 PM
Skin Game by Jim Butcher

A couple of chapters in and Dresden is already exhausted and has a broken arm, so he's not on top of his game. I really like the books but this pattern get's really really old.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on October 30, 2020, 04:42:41 AM
 Dresden might not be the series for you. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 30, 2020, 07:10:28 AM
No, as I said, I really like the series, I just think that Butcher doesn't need to come up with the same scenario in almost every book. Harry always fights beings that are far superior to him and he has no chance to win but he always does, so there is no need to further impair him.  :D And it's not that I should fear for Dresden's life, of course he survives, there are at least two more books in the series.

It's like Stephen King always has a thunderstorm brewing for the big finale. It's obviously not possible to defeat evil in fair weather.  ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 30, 2020, 10:41:03 AM
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 31, 2020, 02:59:38 PM
Addie LaRue ended up being a miss for me, not because it's a bad book, I think a lot of people would like it, but it wasn't for me. Regardless, here's how my October ended up. 150 books for the year so far

October (16)
Nightmare Movies by Kim Newman 10/1 - 10/3 ***
Ghost Story by Peter Straub 10/3 - 10/6 ****
Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones 10/6 ****
Thinner by Stephen King 10/6 - 10/8 ****
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager 10/8 - 10/9 ****
The Flood by Michael McDowell 10/9 - 10/11 **
The Remaking by Clay Chapman 10/11 - 10/12 **
Psycho by Robert Bloch 10/12 ****
Middlegame by Seanan McGuire 10/12 - 10/14 *****
Once There Was a Way by Bryce Zabel 10/14 - 10/15 *****
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow 10/16 - 10/19 ***
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Moltar and Max Gladstone 10/19 ****
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson 10/19 - 10/22 ****
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson 10/22 - 10/26 ***
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton 10/27 - 10/29 ****
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury 10/29 - 10/30 ****
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 01, 2020, 06:47:35 AM
Time for some Nonfiction November, starting off with Apropos of Nothing by Woody Allen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on November 01, 2020, 08:44:37 AM
Foundation by Isaac Asimov. So far so cool.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 01, 2020, 08:56:00 AM
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Okay so finished this one during my business trip and it was fairly good for once! I'll see if I can find other books in the series, I liked it a lot.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist by Wizards of the Coast because I need to prepare the city of Waterdeep for our homebrew D&D campaign, that's a kinda daunting task and the session is scheduled for November 10th, I should really start the prep.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 01, 2020, 09:41:09 AM
The Sentinel by Lee and Andrew Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 02, 2020, 10:15:47 AM
The Woody Allen book was decent, until he gets into his relationship with Mia, and then it gets nasty. He just continues on and on about how bad a foster parent she is, and while I'm willing to agree with him, it just went on for too long. I have better things I want to read, thank you very much.



Going to read The Unofficial Guide to Game of Thrones by Kim Renfro instead, which I'm sure will be a better reading experience
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 02, 2020, 08:26:24 PM
This book went a whole lot better. Moving on to The World of Critical Role by Liz Marsham.  While I've never played any tabletop games before, I consider myself a bit of an enthusiast, and I really enjoy watching the Critical Role streams. I'm more a fan of the first campaign than the current one, though
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 03, 2020, 02:46:58 PM
150 Glimpses of The Beatles by Craig Brown
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 03, 2020, 06:13:14 PM
The Woody Allen book was decent, until he gets into his relationship with Mia, and then it gets nasty. He just continues on and on about how bad a foster parent she is...

(https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22889725/20161018/123544/styles/raw/public/article_images/pot_kettle-1476808530-9119.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lordxizor on November 04, 2020, 05:59:25 AM
Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)

I really enjoy the Cormoran Strike series. They are all quite good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 06, 2020, 05:12:58 AM
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 06, 2020, 11:00:12 AM
Finished the new Reacher a few days ago. On the positive side, I couldn't really tell the difference between the writing style of the brothers. On the negative, it was still a Jack Reacher novel....meaning there were multiple plot holes.

Waiting for a few books to arrive, so in the meantime....

Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance by Lennard Zinn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 07, 2020, 04:01:56 PM
So, we all know hoe fickle I can be when it comes to books, right? I'm switching over to The Platinum Age of Television by David Bianculli
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: kirksnosehair on November 09, 2020, 01:53:48 PM
I'm midway through Bob Woodward's second book on Trump "Rage" and it's a hell of a read.  :eek
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 09, 2020, 06:12:11 PM
Taking a break from the nonfiction and reading The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 09, 2020, 08:25:48 PM
Finished the new Reacher a few days ago. On the positive side, I couldn't really tell the difference between the writing style of the brothers. On the negative, it was still a Jack Reacher novel....meaning there were multiple plot holes.

I always seem a year or so behind on the Reacher books, but anxious to read this one. Do you think if you didn't know about his brother, anything would seem amiss to you while reading?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 09, 2020, 09:21:29 PM
Finished the new Reacher a few days ago. On the positive side, I couldn't really tell the difference between the writing style of the brothers. On the negative, it was still a Jack Reacher novel....meaning there were multiple plot holes.

I always seem a year or so behind on the Reacher books, but anxious to read this one. Do you think if you didn't know about his brother, anything would seem amiss to you while reading?

No, it was a fairly seamless transition between writers. But who knows how much was written by each author? Maybe it was 80% Lee Child, in which case I'm not sure you could ever tell. It was entertaining, but by no means the best Reacher. I'll definitely check out the next one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 09, 2020, 09:22:09 PM
I'm Thinking About Ending Things by Iain Reid
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 11, 2020, 08:07:06 PM
Night Prey by John Sandford
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 12, 2020, 05:43:51 AM
I've read so damned many "Prey" books that I can't recall details, but as an anthology they are fantastic. Davenports life, the characters, their concerns, everything feel so real. They're like family at this point.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 12, 2020, 05:48:53 AM
Currently reading Insomnia by Stephen king. Only in a King book can I be 200 pages in but feel like the book is still getting started. Coming from an era of king where many of his books were so bloated that he has even poked fun at them. I do overall like it so far though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 12, 2020, 11:31:14 PM
That was one of his books I just couldn't connect with. I was really into it for the first 1/3 or so, but the rest of it sort of lost me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on November 13, 2020, 06:05:28 AM
That was one of his books I just couldn't connect with. I was really into it for the first 1/3 or so, but the rest of it sort of lost me.

That's how I feel about cell. I've tried twice to read that one
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 13, 2020, 09:00:30 AM
I really liked Cell but still think Insomnia is one of King's worst books. That's tastes for you.  ;D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 13, 2020, 08:02:56 PM
Cell was one of those books where I moderately enjoyed it while reading it at best, yet once it was over I could barely remember a thing about it, it made such a minimal impact on me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 13, 2020, 09:00:43 PM
Wow, can't believe it took me that long to finish Mistborn, which tells you how mediocre I thought it was (controversial opinion, I know)



Anyway, with the sequel due out at the end of the month, I'd thought I'd reread Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 15, 2020, 12:38:34 PM
Diving into some classic science fiction with Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 15, 2020, 12:40:37 PM
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Eh... first half was good.

Now halfway through The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware. Best book I've read in a while, which is not saying much at all.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 16, 2020, 12:47:12 PM
Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 16, 2020, 02:00:19 PM
After having read Not Since Carrie a while back, I had hoped an updated version would come out one day. TA DA! Musical Misfires: Three Decades of Broadway Musical Heartbreak by Mark A. Robinson and Thomas S. Hischak
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 18, 2020, 06:41:23 AM
The Courage to Be by Paul Tillich
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on November 19, 2020, 06:30:09 AM
Well I worked through the entire (original, by Fleming) James Bond series.   Twelve (I think) novels; I'm a big fan. Different from the movie, but I liked them.   

Now I've taken the plunge:  I'm 75 pages in to A Game Of Thrones.  I've seen the series, but MAN, the book is so rich with detail, even though I (think I) know everything that's coming, it's so engaging.   I'm loving it so far.   I'm not a fan of the two gentlemen that produced the series (my daughter and I just refer to them as "the two db's") and each page hardens my resolve on that.   They did a lot right (at least so far; I guess I'm two episodes in, AT BEST!) but whether it was me or the scope or the presentation, there was so much nuance lost, IMO.  (One example:  it never dawned on me that Catelyn would not only want Jon to join the Black so she didn't have to see him - and her husband's infidelity - on a daily basis, but that he would not be able to sire children to compete with her own for Winterfell.   Two: the wanderlust of both Bran and Arya is far more evident in the books.   Maybe it was the kid actors, but I just sort of got the impression they were brat kids in the series, but the logic and connection of their points of view to each other and to the Stark line is far more clear.  I disliked Bran intensely in the series and never warmed to Arya, but I sense that might be different in the books.). 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 19, 2020, 06:39:11 AM
Stadler, if you're enjoying it so much, I bet you'll love the first three books. For books 4 and 5 the opinions are more divided, but the first three are praised by the most readers.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on November 19, 2020, 11:09:43 AM
Yeah. A Storm of Swords might be my favorite book of all time. Too bad you know what's coming in that one though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 19, 2020, 11:17:46 AM
Yeah, the first three are as good as it gets. Books four and five I found very enjoyable but not as good. Not sure if we ever see books six and seven.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 19, 2020, 04:30:12 PM
Keeping nonfiction November going full steam with Game On: How Nintendo Conquered the World by David Sheff
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on November 19, 2020, 06:47:32 PM
I've read the first two Bond books and liked them. Moonraker is next but is the book as silly as the movie?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 19, 2020, 08:45:41 PM
   
Now I've taken the plunge:  I'm 75 pages in to A Game Of Thrones.

I have not watched any of the series, so cannot comment on how they relate to each other. But I loved the books. Savor the journey. It is a magnificent one. I've read a couple other fantasy books since I've read these, and the whole time I thought "Eh.. good effort, but man, I wish I was reading A Song of Ice and Fire right now..."
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 22, 2020, 01:11:06 PM
The View From the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 23, 2020, 07:46:29 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/1b7h2RJ.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 23, 2020, 04:22:30 PM
Getting back into fiction with The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 24, 2020, 05:30:24 AM
Well, that was a pretty good thriller. Didn't see that twist coming at all.



Anyway, if one were to check my Goodreads account, with the exception of '11 and '14, I've always managed to have read at least one 1,000 paged tome a year. I haven't done that yet, so I'm hoping to do that with The Sand Sea by Michael McClellan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on November 24, 2020, 09:07:16 AM
   
Now I've taken the plunge:  I'm 75 pages in to A Game Of Thrones.

I have not watched any of the series, so cannot comment on how they relate to each other. But I loved the books. Savor the journey. It is a magnificent one. I've read a couple other fantasy books since I've read these, and the whole time I thought "Eh.. good effort, but man, I wish I was reading A Song of Ice and Fire right now..."

I'm about 560 pages in (Robert just... "fought the boar").  MAN.  This is so much better than the show (though, I have to say, the visuals on the show NAILED it; I can't help but think of Peter Dinklage, for example, when thinking of Tyrion Lannister.   Jaime too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on November 24, 2020, 09:12:58 AM
   
Now I've taken the plunge:  I'm 75 pages in to A Game Of Thrones.

I have not watched any of the series, so cannot comment on how they relate to each other. But I loved the books. Savor the journey. It is a magnificent one. I've read a couple other fantasy books since I've read these, and the whole time I thought "Eh.. good effort, but man, I wish I was reading A Song of Ice and Fire right now..."

I'm about 560 pages in (Robert just... "fought the boar").  MAN.  This is so much better than the show (though, I have to say, the visuals on the show NAILED it; I can't help but think of Peter Dinklage, for example, when thinking of Tyrion Lannister.   Jaime too.

Yeah, it's pretty incredible. I finished the first book and can't wait to get started on the rest, but I'm still following my promise to not read them until AT LEAST Winds of Winter gets published. I don't for a second believe A Dream of Spring will ever see the light of day unless another author finishes it a la Brandon Sanderson and The Wheel of Time, but I would at least like book 6 before I commit myself to the rest of the journey.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 24, 2020, 11:05:18 AM
I believe we will eventually see book 6. The last book is a totally different matter indeed
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 24, 2020, 11:13:15 AM
I believe we will eventually see book 6. The last book is a totally different matter indeed

Same, I do think we'll see Winds of Winter from George, but I don't think A Dream of Spring will ever be released, at least by his name.

Man I've been slacking on my reading for the past few weeks. I need to reread Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson but it's so huge I don't want to carry it to work with me. I need to start on A Trouble with Peace by Joe Abercrombie but I don't remember half of the events from A Little Hatred although I loved that one. I've got Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor and the follow-up on my to-read shelf, and I've also got all three Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials books on the same shelf, borrowed from my best friend's wife who's very passionate about them and awaits my thoughts I suppose. And I've also got those Pratchett books, Stephen King's IT, Rowling's Troubled Blood, and also Children of Dune by Frank Herbert which is borrowed from my other best friend. :lol

Okay I guess I need to pick one, and as I intend on ordering Rhythm of War fairly soon, let's settle on Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson, see you all next year
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 24, 2020, 11:35:19 AM
I have about 40 books on my virtual to-read shelf (I do almost all of my reading now as ebooks). But instead of reading one of those, I'm rereading some books I've read in my youth, The Tripod Series by John Christopher.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 29, 2020, 12:53:34 PM
The Kryptonite Kid by Joseph Torcha
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 29, 2020, 07:06:25 PM
Calling a finish on November

November (12)
The Unofficial Guide to Game of Thrones by Kim Renfro 11/2 ****
The World of Critical Role by Liz Marsham 11/2 - 11/3 ****
150 Glimpses of The Beatles by Craig Brown 11/3 - 11/6 ****
The Platinum Age of Television by David Bianculli 11/7 - 11/9 ***
The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson 11/9 - 11/13 ***
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline 11/13 - 11/15 *****
Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke 11/15 - 11/16 ****
Musical Misfires by Thomas C. Hischak and Mark A. Robinson 11/16 - 11/19 *****
Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World by David Sheff 11/19 - 11/21 ***
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides 11/23 - 11/24 ****
The Sand Sea by Michael McClellan 11/24 - 11/29 ****
The Kryptonite Kid by Joseph Torchia 11/29 **
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 30, 2020, 05:11:14 AM
The Master's Apprentice by Oliver Potzsch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 02, 2020, 05:41:57 PM
Getting into the Holiday spirit with Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 03, 2020, 01:30:11 PM
Finally finished Insomnia by Stephen King. Overall I thought it was ok. There was some things about the book I really liked and some parts I didn't like at all. I felt it was a mistake to tie into The Dark Tower as much as it does. If I hadn't already read the dark tower series I would've been so confused at parts. Also the book could've been cut down a couple hundred pages without much being lost.

Currently reading Uzumaki by Junji Ito
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 03, 2020, 01:38:31 PM
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 04, 2020, 05:19:40 AM
From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back edited by Elizabeth Schaefer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on December 04, 2020, 07:24:43 AM
   
Now I've taken the plunge:  I'm 75 pages in to A Game Of Thrones.

I have not watched any of the series, so cannot comment on how they relate to each other. But I loved the books. Savor the journey. It is a magnificent one. I've read a couple other fantasy books since I've read these, and the whole time I thought "Eh.. good effort, but man, I wish I was reading A Song of Ice and Fire right now..."

I'm about 560 pages in (Robert just... "fought the boar").  MAN.  This is so much better than the show (though, I have to say, the visuals on the show NAILED it; I can't help but think of Peter Dinklage, for example, when thinking of Tyrion Lannister.   Jaime too.

Yeah, it's pretty incredible. I finished the first book and can't wait to get started on the rest, but I'm still following my promise to not read them until AT LEAST Winds of Winter gets published. I don't for a second believe A Dream of Spring will ever see the light of day unless another author finishes it a la Brandon Sanderson and The Wheel of Time, but I would at least like book 6 before I commit myself to the rest of the journey.

So I'm just finishing "A Clash Of Kings", and while it's getting confusing now that certain plot lines are diverging from the show (all I have to go on), it's still better than the show.   And when I say "diverging", I don't mean radically different, but just... more intricate. It seems like they had to cut out steps in the show, so what has taken GRRM 10 steps to get from A to B, in the show either jumped right there or took only a step or two.   I'm actually going to go back and watch the show again, to contrast and compare.  I fully expect that the show is going to disappoint on all levels except the visual splendor, and it's going to reinforce my dislike of the two DB's (who I believe fell prey to basic Hollywood adventure story tropes) but that's the kind of guy I am.

I understand that Vol. 6 has made progress during this pandemic, but like you guys, I think the finale is in deep doubt.   Which is sad, because I noticed that most of the GOT "wikis" don't really give proper due to the show.  I looked at two sites, for example (to keep some of the names straight) and both have Jon Snow's lineage undetermined.   If he dies without a Vol. 7, I either hope there are notes, or there is some synopsis, because it will leave a grand hole. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 04, 2020, 10:51:04 AM
I didn't find the show disappointing until they ran out of things to adapt, despite any plot differences.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 05, 2020, 08:19:26 PM
The New Hope collection of stories were better IMO



Anyway, sticking with Star Wars for a bit. Getting back into the EU The Old Republic series with Deceived by Paul S. Kemp
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 07, 2020, 05:54:03 AM
Paused Oathbringer due to a business trip (too heavy to take it with me) and started on Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.

Now Rhythm of War arrived today. :facepalm: I'll probably finish Northern Lights first, then just read the plot summary of Oathbringer and get into that. Or I don't know. Man, my to-read shelf is growing fast.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 07, 2020, 05:59:50 AM
Paused Oathbringer due to a business trip (too heavy to take it with me) and started on Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.

Now Rhythm of War arrived today. :facepalm: I'll probably finish Northern Lights first, then just read the plot summary of Oathbringer and get into that. Or I don't know. Man, my to-read shelf is growing fast.

I don't know, I thought the second half of Oathbringer was the best part, personally. I'm probably going to read Rhythm of War, but I'm not stoked for it. I just don't think he has ever recaptured my interest in this series. He needs to feature Kaladin and Shallan way more.  :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 07, 2020, 06:09:17 AM
I think Oathbringer was my least favourite of three, but I'm pretty stoked for this one still. Dalinar's arc was great though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 07, 2020, 08:39:01 AM
Finished Uzumaki. Fun Japanese horror weirdness. Just saw there's an anime adaptation coming soon so can't wait for that.

3 Days of the Condor by James Grady. Nice quick read just under 200 pages.

Currently reading Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming. My god this book has aged very, very poorly.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 07, 2020, 02:22:34 PM
Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2020, 12:02:45 PM
Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 09, 2020, 01:20:54 PM
One more Star Wars book for the year with The Star Wars Book: Expand your knowledge of a galaxy far, far away by Cole Horton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 10, 2020, 02:50:21 PM
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 11, 2020, 02:12:28 PM
A book that didn't work for me, but might work for somebody else.



Going back to more familiar territory with Mention My Name in Atlantis by John Jakes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 12, 2020, 07:40:22 AM
Finished Live and let die. There's a decent book underneath under all the racism.

On to Moonraker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 12, 2020, 08:25:31 AM
170 books done, and still going. On to, We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 12, 2020, 08:57:13 AM
Dodger by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on December 13, 2020, 07:31:21 PM
Finished Moonraker by Ian Fleming. My favorite of the Bond books so far. Approximately 0% of this book made it into the movie. There's no overt racism and he treats the girl like a human being for the most part so that's an improvement.

Currently reading Harleen by Stjepan Šejić. Only one part into the comic and I love it so far. Hadn't heard of this author before but he's certainly on my radar now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 13, 2020, 11:39:32 PM
Finished: Black Out, by Marc Elsberg. A decent read. Got some of the characters confused a bit early on.

Finished: The Sentinel, by the Brothers Child. Most memorable and enjoyable Reacher I've read in a while. Looks like Jack might be in good hands.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 14, 2020, 05:04:56 PM
Want to get at least one nonfiction in for the month, so reading Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light by Patrick McGilligan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on December 14, 2020, 07:30:07 PM
Reading "The Black Echo" by Michael Connelly.
Loved the Bosch series on Amazon so I'm reading the first book in this series. Pretty good so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 15, 2020, 10:02:06 AM
John le Carre has died at age 89.

I don't know how many of you know him, so I won't start a new thread.

I've read a lot of his books, his hero George Smiley was the antithesis to James Bond and therefore his books seemed a lot more realistic.

My favorites are probably The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and The Little Drummer Girl.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 16, 2020, 12:06:35 AM
I have only read The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by him, many many years ago. I recall much of it went over my head and hampered my enoyment of it. Been meaning to read something else of his. Better get something from the digital library before everything gets scooped up.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on December 16, 2020, 06:34:42 AM
I read the first George Smiley book. Liked it fine and will read the next at some point.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 16, 2020, 08:50:16 AM
A lot of Carre's stories play during the cold war. I wonder how those books resonate with someone who hasn't lived during that period, hasn't firsthand experience of that time and can therefore probably not relate to the atmosphere created?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 16, 2020, 02:26:50 PM
The First Christmas by Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 17, 2020, 10:46:01 PM
Claus: Legend of a Fat Man by Tony Bertauski
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 18, 2020, 09:58:16 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/T2dzf3D.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on December 19, 2020, 06:10:58 AM
You're going to laugh at me but:

Porsche 911 - The Practically Free Supercar by Robert McGowan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 19, 2020, 06:33:17 AM
The Last Odyssey by James Rollins
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 19, 2020, 05:47:22 PM
Just finished my big goal for the year by reading at least ten books each month this year. Moving on to A Lot Like Christmas by Connie Willis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 21, 2020, 12:41:07 PM
Getting my musical theater history on with American Musical Theater: A Chronicle Fourth Edition by Gerald Bordman and Richard Norton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 22, 2020, 08:03:13 AM
Paused Oathbringer due to a business trip (too heavy to take it with me) and started on Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.

Now Rhythm of War arrived today. :facepalm: I'll probably finish Northern Lights first, then just read the plot summary of Oathbringer and get into that. Or I don't know. Man, my to-read shelf is growing fast.

Northern Lights was pretty good. Very fairy-tale like YA which I rather liked. I'll get into the rest of the trilogy next year.

Sitting at home with Covid allowed me to spend more time reading, so I did a full reread of Oathbringer. I liked the plot way more this time—the whole Kholinar section is much better than I remembered—but it felt like Brandon had to finish the book in a rush. I don't know how to describe it, but he used the same words over and over (lots of characters thinking/saying "Bother." whenever something happened, everyone "exploding" with Stormlight, that kind of thing). He usually isn't very good at prose but this time it actually stood out and not in a good way.

That being said, I'm still interested what happens next, so I'm starting Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 23, 2020, 04:30:14 AM
Getting into book two of the Sun Eater trilogy, Howling Dark by Christopher Ruocchio
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on December 23, 2020, 08:19:21 AM
Up to A Feast Of Crows now in the Game Of Thrones series.  It's going way faster than I had expected, so I'm going to hit the wall sooner than I thought (pun intended).    The books are way better than the series; I'm getting so much in terms of backstory and motivations.   I also am surprised that the series followed the books longer than I thought, though that may just be my faulty memory.   

I hope George is able to finish this.  I really do.  I had doubts before I got immersed - a "man plans, god laughs" notion - but now that I'm in it, it's less "doubts" than it is "fears"; it would be a shame to have this monumental a work go unfinished.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 26, 2020, 03:44:41 AM
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 26, 2020, 03:56:59 AM
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

Not my favourite book from the series, but it was enough for me to keep reading.

That being said, I'm still interested what happens next, so I'm starting Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson

Wow, that was a big yawn. The first two parts were alright and then the book lost all momentum in Part 3. The ending was also alright but yeah, this book is on Oathbringer level for me. At least that one had good flashbacks. Rhythm of War flashbacks were the most boring so far. Maybe it'll get better on reread a few years later.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 26, 2020, 04:02:43 AM
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

Not my favourite book from the series, but it was enough for me to keep reading.

I've heard a lot of good things about the series so I thought I start at the beginning and see where it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 26, 2020, 10:16:11 AM
Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling by Jim Ross. I became acquainted with JR around 2000 when I got back in to wrestling after a long absence. I eventually learned he had a long history in the industry prior to that, but had no idea it stretched back so far, and he had done literally almost everything. The storytelling seemed brief, like if you met him at the airport and wanted to hear some stories but he had a plan to catch and could only spare a couple minutes. But with all he has seen, heard, and experienced, only a massive multi-volume autobiography could do it justice.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2020, 03:36:58 PM
First off, my last wrap up of 2020

December (12)
The Master’s Apprentice by Oliver Potzsch 11/30 - 12/2 ****
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien 12/2 - 12/3 ****
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester 12/3 ***
From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back edited by Elizabeth Schaefer 12/4 - 12/5 ***
Deceived by Paul S. Kemp 12/5 - 12/7 ****
Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams 12/7 - 12/9 ***
The Star Wars Book by Cole Horton 12/9 - 12/10 ****
Mention My Name in Atlantis by John Jakes 12/10 - 12/12 ***
We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor 12/12 - 12/14 ****
Claus: Legend of a Fat Man by Tony Bertauski 12/17 - 12/19 ***
A Lot Like Christmas by Connie Willis 12/19 - 12/21 ****
Howling Dark by Christopher Ruocchio 12/23 - 12/31 ***



Year update: 174 books read, and here's my top 10:

10. Musical Misfires by Mark A. Robinson
 9. Double Star by Robert A. Heinlein 
 8. If it Bleeds by Stephen King
 7. Middlegame by Seanan McGuire
 6. Injustice: Year One by Tom Taylor
 5. Superman: The Unofficial Biography by Glenn Weldon
 4. Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
 3. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher
 2. The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
 1. Once There Was a Way: What if The Beatles Stayed Together? by Bryce Zabel

Now, currently reading Surrounded by Enemies: What if Kennedy Survived Dallas? by Bryce Zabel. I hope it's as good as The Beatles book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 01, 2021, 11:43:13 AM
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 03, 2021, 05:46:07 PM
Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. Wish me Luck!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 03, 2021, 07:14:14 PM
Good luck, I finished that one but had absolutely no clue what was going on and didn't continue with the series :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 04, 2021, 09:57:55 AM
The Dancing Girls by M.M Chouinard
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2021, 10:21:31 AM
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 05, 2021, 04:56:27 AM
A Promised Land by Barack Obama

 :heart

My favorite book of 2020.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 05, 2021, 07:39:47 AM
A Promised Land by Barack Obama

 :heart

My favorite book of 2020.
I'm loving it so far.  Very well-written.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 06, 2021, 08:20:21 AM
Dancing Girls was pretty good.

Back to La Tour Sombre VII
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 06, 2021, 10:43:06 PM
Just finished Half Moon Bay by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman. Great stuff. Kellerman pere is still at the top of his game; Kellerman fils is establishing himself and his style well; and their Clay Edison series started out strong and is only getting better with each entry.

Now reading The Long Walk by Richard Bachman. Read it once many years ago.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 07, 2021, 07:05:45 AM
I started the year by finishing Diamonds are Forever by Ian Fleming. While some of the racism from Live and Let Die creeps in here it's not nearly as bad as it was in that book. Overall I thought it was ok. So far Moonraker is my favorite of the book series.

Currently reading The Institute by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 07, 2021, 01:49:10 PM
Gardens of the Moon was great. Can't wait to read book two in February



As a quick palate cleanser, I read The Best of the Rejection Collection edited by Matthew Diffee. A collection of cartoons that didn't make the cut to go in The New Yorker



Now, currently reading Love and Other Pranks by Tony Vigorito
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 07, 2021, 08:01:05 PM
Already went to my first DNF of the year. Anyway, I was browsing Amazon Prime the other day and they had Election on, which I have never seen, but before I got too far in, I decided I wanted to check out the source material first (Election by Tom Perrota)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 08, 2021, 01:23:20 PM
Finders Keepers by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 08, 2021, 01:26:34 PM
Turning my way to superhero/villain-ish fiction with Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 10, 2021, 04:53:30 AM
Dancing Girls was pretty good.

Now that I've thought about it a little, the main character of that book had no impact whatsoever on the outcome of the story. She's a detective trying to track down a serial killer, but she never catches him, never identifies him, never meets him, and he never knows the police are looking for him. The suspense build up was still good, but it's a little weird that the main had nothing to do with the suspense.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 10, 2021, 08:49:41 AM
Reading my first manga with Uzumaki by Juni Ito
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 10, 2021, 12:11:39 PM
Reading my first manga with Uzumaki by Juni Ito
That's an amazing one :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 11, 2021, 04:50:21 AM
Well, that was one of the most bizarre, bleak books I've read in recent memory, but it was good. Will definitely be checking more of his stuff in the near future.



Anyway, on to a reread 25 years in the making with To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. At the school where I work at, one of the classes is doing their yearly reading of Mockingbird, so I want to see how I like it as an adult
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 12, 2021, 01:52:40 PM
After finishing Mockingbird, I ended up reading The Weird Al Book by Nathan Rabin, which was fairly short, but sweet. I know he has a more full length biography out there which I might read in a few years



Now, reading Life at Hamilton by Mike Anthony, about a guy who worked as a bartender for both In the Heights and Hamilton on Broadway
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 13, 2021, 04:16:53 AM
Reading my first big book of the year with Moving On by Larry McMurtry. It's been a while since I last read any McMurtry.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on January 13, 2021, 06:15:28 AM

Now, reading Life at Hamilton by Mike Anthony, about a guy who worked as a bartender for both In the Heights and Hamilton on Broadway

Can you report back on this?   I'm curious as to how that's got something broader to say. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 14, 2021, 02:33:01 AM
I DNFed it when he got to Trump winning the election and the whole thing that went on with Pence. I'm not the biggest Trump fan either, but the guy was acting like it was the end of the world
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 14, 2021, 07:23:38 AM
Well, that was one of the most bizarre, bleak books I've read in recent memory, but it was good. Will definitely be checking more of his stuff in the near future.
Check out Gyo, great stuff.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 14, 2021, 09:23:05 AM
The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years by Chinghiz Aitmatov

I read this when I was 15 or 16 years old in college and liked it (probably my second favourite book from my studying days, after Crime and Punishment). I remember it being kinda weird, wintry and also depressive as hell. I realized I forgot almost all of the plot too. Let's see how it holds up 12 years later.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 16, 2021, 09:06:15 AM
Well, that was a bust. I gave it a good effort, 600 pages before calling it quits. It just got dull for me.



Anyhow, before checking out the series, I'm reading Lovecraft County by Matt Ruff
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 16, 2021, 10:20:34 AM
How long was the book? 600 pages seems like quite the chunk before DNFing.

Without getting political, just saw To Kill a Mockingbird is on the Progressive's hit list for books they want banned from schools.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on January 16, 2021, 11:21:51 AM
How long was the book? 600 pages seems like quite the chunk before DNFing.

Without getting political, just saw To Kill a Mockingbird is on the Progressive's hit list for books they want banned from schools.

Huh.  My daugher's high school (liberal to a fault; they had a chance to bring the kids to DC and have basically unprecedented access to the White House, but didn't want to associate with the occupants, and this was back before it got really bad; I was pissed that they denied the kids an opportunity of a LIFE TIME to make a dull political "statement" that barely anyone even KNEW about let alone heard) celebrated that book like it was a bible.  They read the original AND the "alternate version" that was released not long ago.

I can't keep up.  ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 16, 2021, 02:27:06 PM
How long was the book? 600 pages seems like quite the chunk before DNFing.

Without getting political, just saw To Kill a Mockingbird is on the Progressive's hit list for books they want banned from schools.
It was a few pages shy of 1000 pages
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 17, 2021, 01:32:36 PM
After having watched the documentary on Netflix, I'm now reading The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez by Philip Carlo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 17, 2021, 01:51:49 PM
The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 20, 2021, 01:12:01 PM
Popping my Gene Wolfe cherry with The Knight​​​​
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 20, 2021, 05:25:32 PM
Going back to the Dark Tower one last time with The Wind Through the Keyhole. Damn I've missed these characters :'(
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Hyperplex on January 20, 2021, 06:37:48 PM
Have been getting back into more regular reading lately. This past weekend I started The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 20, 2021, 08:49:34 PM
Going back to the Dark Tower one last time with The Wind Through the Keyhole. Damn I've missed these characters :'(

I plan to revisit The Dark Tower at some point. It has been a long time. I have The Wind Through the Keyhole but haven't read it. Are we supposed to read between III and IV, or after VII?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 20, 2021, 10:31:59 PM
Going back to the Dark Tower one last time with The Wind Through the Keyhole. Damn I've missed these characters :'(

I plan to revisit The Dark Tower at some point. It has been a long time. I have The Wind Through the Keyhole but haven't read it. Are we supposed to read between III and IV, or after VII?
Chronologically it's Dark Tower 4.5, but really it stands alone so long as you're familiar with the ka-tet. It's good, too. I plan to reread it after i finish this French cycle
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 22, 2021, 09:29:57 AM
Finished The Institute by Stephen King. Solid book but pretty much Stephen King by numbers.

Header by Edward Lee: Well this was something. My first foray into uncensored over the top small print horror. Filled with all the poor taste that wouldn't have been accepted at any major publisher.

Currently reading Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett and Berserk vol. 4 (deluxe edition) by Kentaro Miura
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 22, 2021, 01:53:15 PM
I thought The Knight was alright, unsure if I want to read the next book, so for now I'm going to read The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 22, 2021, 02:14:52 PM
The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years by Chinghiz Aitmatov

I read this when I was 15 or 16 years old in college and liked it (probably my second favourite book from my studying days, after Crime and Punishment). I remember it being kinda weird, wintry and also depressive as hell. I realized I forgot almost all of the plot too. Let's see how it holds up 12 years later.

I honestly have no idea what my literature teacher was thinking because that was way darker and way more depressing than I remembered, and I was 15 years old when she recommended it to me. The whole book is basically sad as hell. There are some uplifting moments only to be overshadowed by the utterly shitty events which are absolutely believable. At the beginning, I was questioning if it's a deliberate choice by the author or life just sucked in post-WWII-Russia, when I finished this, I was convinced it was the latter. There's no happy ending, there's nothing, it's just... life sucks, and as you get old, life still sucks, and your best friends begin to pass away, and you have to bury them, and the memories of the past creep on you, and there are some happy times there, but the good people you knew died way before their time, left their children to be orphans, you wasted your life away, and you're old and there's nothing you can do about it, you can't fix it. This is such a beautifully written book, but it's also so sorrowful I was full-on crying quite a few times when I was reading it.

Time to do some recommendations from this thread, this one is from Shadow Ninja finally, Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 22, 2021, 06:29:28 PM
Finished The Institute by Stephen King. Solid book but pretty much Stephen King by numbers.

I thought it started out strong, but then lost me a bit in the second half. To me, it had the feel of a King novel, without feeling like "oh, another King novel." If that makes sense. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Hyperplex on January 23, 2021, 06:14:32 AM
For as much fanfare as Le Guin received, I found The Left Hand of Darkness completely overbearing and needlessly dense. The use of made up words without insight into their meaning, the attempt to illustrate imaginary worlds with pretentiously long, drawn out sentences devoid of impact...I'm not usually hypercritical of books but it was a laborious read for me. I found myself counting the remaining pages.

In a complete shift, I'm now reading Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman (unrelated to the Jared Leto film). Psychological thriller with basis in neuroscience and psychiatry. I'm about 80 pages in and enjoying so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 24, 2021, 10:45:02 AM
First, a milestone: according to Goodreads, I just shelved my 1400th read. Next, I definitely enjoyed The Queen's Gambit, but I don't think I'll be watching the series. On to my next adventure, they have all the Studio Ghibli movies on HBO Max, and I decided it was as good an excuse as any to finally check out Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 24, 2021, 05:55:02 PM
Endgame: Bobby Fischer's Remarkable Rise and Fall—From America's Brightest Prodigy to the Edge of Madness by Frank Brady
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on January 24, 2021, 07:02:50 PM
On "A Dance With Dragons".  Knowing it doesn't end here REALLY bums me out, but it's so good.  We've got a couple divergences that really interest me.  And so many little tidbits and clues.... like when Melisandre is talking about the "glamour" and she mentions the "little things" that make glamours work, and GRRM throws in a list that includes "a bag of fingerbones" (Davos!).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 26, 2021, 11:37:45 AM
Weaveworld by Clive Barker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 26, 2021, 09:08:14 PM
The Great and Secret Show was the first adult book I ever read. It blew my mind. I instantly sought out his other stuff and ended up with Weaveworld next. It was not as mind-blowing, but still a good read. I was really in to his stuff in high school and college, but after never read anything after Galilee. I just lost interest. I have thought about re-reading something of his, but never got around to it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 27, 2021, 04:07:19 AM
I've never read anything by Clive Barker before. I only know some of those Pinhead movies but can't remember which ones I watched. This was recommended by a friend, and he said it's different than other works by him.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 27, 2021, 06:02:36 PM
Answer in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy! by Claire McNear
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 29, 2021, 01:33:29 PM
Time for some Victorian inspired fiction with Death and Mr. Pickwick by Stephen Jarvis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 29, 2021, 09:28:09 PM
I've never read anything by Clive Barker before. I only know some of those Pinhead movies but can't remember which ones I watched. This was recommended by a friend, and he said it's different than other works by him.

I believe that is true. The books I read were very fantastical but I believe his works became less so over time. Could be wrong. Again I hadn't read anything since Galilee, which was late 90s maybe(?)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 30, 2021, 10:41:50 AM
Since the book I'm reading is 800 pages, here's my January wrapup

January (17)
Surrounded by Enemies by Bryce Zabel 12/31/20 - 1/2 ***
Immortality, Inc. by Robert Sheckley 1/3 ***
Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson 1/3 - 1/7 ****
The Best of the Rejection Collection edited by Matthew Diffee 1/7 ***
Election by Tom Perrotta 1/7 - 1/8 ***
Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots 1/8 - 1/10 ****
Uzumaki by Junji Ito 1/10 ****
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 1/11 - 1/12 *****
The Weird Al Book by Nathan Rabin 1/12 *****
Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff 1/16 - 1/17 ***
The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez by Philip Carlo 1/17 - 1/19 ****
The Knight by Gene Wolfe 1/20 - 1/22 ***
The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis 1/22 - 1/24 ****
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones 1/24 ***
Endgame by Frank Brady 1/24 - 1/27 ****
Answers in the Form of Questions by Claire McNear 1/27 - 1/28 ****
Backstage with the Original Hollywood Square by Peter Marshall and Adrienne Armstrong 1/28 - 1/29 ****
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 31, 2021, 08:09:04 PM
Putting Pickwick temporarily on hold to read the next Malazan book, Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on January 31, 2021, 08:38:01 PM
Finished Moonraker. Liked it. Started Leviathan Wakes. Good so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 31, 2021, 08:40:09 PM
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols: Adapted from the Journals of John H. Watson, M.D edited by Nicholas Meyer. I enjoy his Holmes pastiches.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 02, 2021, 11:28:17 PM
Starting my first Jim Butcher work with Storm Front. Seems like half the people who post in this thread are reading that series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 02, 2021, 11:39:12 PM
Starting my first Jim Butcher work with Storm Front. Seems like half the people who post in this thread are reading that series.

Enjoy! It's a good, fun series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 03, 2021, 01:26:49 AM
Starting my first Jim Butcher work with Storm Front. Seems like half the people who post in this thread are reading that series.

Enjoy! It's a good, fun series.

I second this. But the series really gets going with book three or four. The first ones aren't bad but nowhere near as good as the rest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 03, 2021, 09:44:14 AM
Ghosts of My Life: Writings on Depression, Hauntology and Lost Futures by Mark Fisher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 04, 2021, 09:55:38 AM
Fair Warning by Michael Connelly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 05, 2021, 04:58:45 AM
Bunny by Mona Awad
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 06, 2021, 07:39:17 AM
Broadway: A History of the Theater in New York City by Brooks Atkinson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 09, 2021, 06:44:18 PM
Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet. After reading that last book, I decided to get back to reading plays on the regular, both contemporary and classical
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 09, 2021, 08:33:18 PM
Bible Babel: Making Sense of the Most Talked About Book of All Time by Kristin Swenson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 09, 2021, 09:40:11 PM
Time to do some recommendations from this thread, this one is from Shadow Ninja finally, Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Finished this, liked it overall. The prose was good, the plot was alright I guess. Everything was very good until the romantic parts began. Also this ended up being one of those few books where I saw the twist coming from miles away.

I'm interested to see how the story ends and I bought both books anyway so The Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 09, 2021, 10:10:23 PM
Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet. After reading that last book, I decided to get back to reading plays on the regular, both contemporary and classical

Read that years ago. Great stuff.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 11, 2021, 01:18:14 PM
Keeping with the nonfiction, wanting to read something for Black History Month: The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 11, 2021, 05:42:18 PM
Time to do some recommendations from this thread, this one is from Shadow Ninja finally, Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Finished this, liked it overall. The prose was good, the plot was alright I guess. Everything was very good until the romantic parts began. Also this ended up being one of those few books where I saw the twist coming from miles away.

I'm interested to see how the story ends and I bought both books anyway so The Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

Yeah, this is probably pretty close to how I feel about it. The romance is really obnoxious but the rest is really good. I want to say there's a bit less of that in the second one? Either way I can't imagine not liking the second if you liked the first.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 13, 2021, 01:54:01 PM
The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 14, 2021, 06:06:55 PM
Methuselah's Children by Robert A. Heinlein
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 15, 2021, 12:38:31 PM
Methuselah's Children by Robert A. Heinlein
It's been a LONG time, but I loved that book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 17, 2021, 02:19:42 PM
Neuromancer by William Gibson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 17, 2021, 08:45:37 PM
Starting my first Jim Butcher work with Storm Front. Seems like half the people who post in this thread are reading that series.

Pretty enjoyable, enough for me to read further, but not enough to bump it up to the front of the queue.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 18, 2021, 10:09:02 AM
Weaveworld by Clive Barker

Had to put this away after about 2/3, not entertaining enough, I was expecting more from this book. Maybe I will return to it later.

But for now: Metro 2034 by Dmitry Glukhovsky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 18, 2021, 11:18:04 AM
But for now: Metro 2034 by Dmitry Glukhovsky

I haven't read this one and I'm from Russia, let me know how it is :)

Nearing the last half of Muse of Nightmares, that got dialed to eleven real quick :lol It's a real page-turner though, I expect I'll finish it tomorrow.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 18, 2021, 11:28:16 AM
I just started this one, but some time ago I've read the predecessor Metro 2033.

I thought that one was really good, I liked the basic premise of an apocalyptic scenario and people surviving in metro stations. It's not always logical or realistic but there were some good ideas. And I learned a lot about the different metro stations in Moscow.  :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 18, 2021, 11:32:30 AM
One of my best friends is really fascinated with all the metro/subway stuff, he knows loads about that and always passionately rambles to me about it, therefore I also know a lot about the different metro stations in Moscow :lol it's a really fascinating subject.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 18, 2021, 11:37:51 AM
There was a map of the Moscow subway lines included and on it I followed the hero's travels. As a result I probably know the Moscow lines better than the ones in my hometown.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 18, 2021, 11:55:41 AM
There was a map of the Moscow subway lines included and on it I followed the hero's travels. As a result I probably know the Moscow lines better than the ones in my hometown.  :laugh:

Kinda curious which lines and stations are there and which aren't given it's happening in the future. I live near Sokolniki (the red line, also the first subway line built in Moscow). Do you have a link to the actual map included in the book? I googled it but there were too many different results.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 18, 2021, 12:38:10 PM
I've got this map, but it's in german: https://metro2033.org/images/map_metro2033_overview_big.jpg (https://metro2033.org/images/map_metro2033_overview_big.jpg)

Here's one in english, but the legend is not as detailed: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/metro2033/images/b/b2/MetroVGMap2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130627023810 (http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/metro2033/images/b/b2/MetroVGMap2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130627023810)

Artjom, the main character starts at WDNCh or VDNKH, depending on the german or english spelling and he visits most of the stations on the red line and inside the circle.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on February 18, 2021, 12:47:12 PM
So I finished the so-far published Game Of Thrones books.   I'm...   I can't really describe it.  I'm at a point that I'm quasi-familiar with (Jon Snow, Cersei, Daenarys, Tyrion...) and yet not (Ramsay Bolton, Jaime) and yet I'm not sure how we got there, necessarily, or where we are going.  I hope I can sustain the interest until GRRM releases the next volume.  I fear we'll never see the concluding work, though.

I'm going to lighten it up a bit and read some Robert Ludlum; I started with The Road To Gandalfo, but that book sucks so I'm regretting that.  :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 19, 2021, 04:59:07 AM
Neuromancer by William Gibson

was not a huge fan. couldn't really make sense of the narrative. Anyway, finally getting back to the next volume of The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 6: 1961 - 1962
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 19, 2021, 05:33:22 AM
Nearing the last half of Muse of Nightmares, that got dialed to eleven real quick :lol It's a real page-turner though, I expect I'll finish it tomorrow.

Finished this, yeah, that was a solid YA read.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 19, 2021, 04:13:41 PM
I enjoyed Uzumaki last month well enough that I thought I'd give Tomie by Junji Ito a try this month
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 19, 2021, 07:46:01 PM
Haven't read that one yet, curious to see how you dig it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 19, 2021, 08:47:50 PM
I definitely liked it better than Uzumaki. It's very different, although it lacks an ending. That was really the only drawback for me. Will definitely be checking out Gyu in March
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 20, 2021, 07:33:23 AM
This month's reread is Watchmen via the annotated edition, so technically it'll be a new experience
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 21, 2021, 11:54:38 AM
Many years ago, I was a huge fan of Mick Foley's first book Have a Nice Day (Foley is Good was a decent follow up). Now, I'm finally getting around to reading The Hardcore Diaries​​​​
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 22, 2021, 10:23:45 AM
The Greatest Prayer: Rediscovering the Revolutionary Message of the Lord's Prayer by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 22, 2021, 02:14:23 PM
The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 7: 1963 - 1964 by Charles M. Schulz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 23, 2021, 12:08:56 PM
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

This was a bit confusing and the beginning didn't sit too well with all the passengers all the train, I kept confusing them. The book got better and better as it went and by the time I finished it, I liked the mystery and the resolution.

Now for something way more modern, After I've Gone by Linda Green
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 23, 2021, 01:21:22 PM
Beartown by Frederik Backman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 24, 2021, 01:33:04 PM
I liked Ove a bit more, but this was still really good



Now, The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 8: 1965 - 1966 by Charles M. Schulz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 25, 2021, 04:01:00 AM
Even though I was a WWE/Monday Night RAW guy back in the day, I'm sure I'm going to find Nitro: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW by Guy Evans an interesting read
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 25, 2021, 06:58:30 PM
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

This was a bit confusing and the beginning didn't sit too well with all the passengers all the train, I kept confusing them. The book got better and better as it went and by the time I finished it, I liked the mystery and the resolution.

Didn't the 'Cast Characters' at the beginning help? I thought that book had one of those. Some of hers do, others don't. The David Suchet adaptation presents a very unique twist on the ending. I highly enjoyed what they did, and don't want to spoil it here.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 27, 2021, 03:53:45 PM
Finishing off the month with The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 9: 1967 - 1968​​​​
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 28, 2021, 08:28:50 AM
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

This was a bit confusing and the beginning didn't sit too well with all the passengers all the train, I kept confusing them. The book got better and better as it went and by the time I finished it, I liked the mystery and the resolution.

Didn't the 'Cast Characters' at the beginning help? I thought that book had one of those. Some of hers do, others don't. The David Suchet adaptation presents a very unique twist on the ending. I highly enjoyed what they did, and don't want to spoil it here.

My edition of the book didn't have that. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 28, 2021, 09:02:32 AM
My February reading is done. Here's my wrapup

February (14)
Bunny by Mona Awad 2/4 - 2/5 ***
Broadway: A History of the Theater in New York City by Brooks Atkinson 2/6 - 2/9 ****
Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet 2/9 ***
Bible Babel: Making Sense of the Most Talked About Book of All Time 2/9 - 2/11 ****
Methuselah’s Children by Robert A. Heinlein 2/14 - 2/16 ***
Neuromancer by William Gibson 2/17 - 2/19 **
The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 6: 1961 - 1962 by Charles M. Schulz 2/19 ****
Tomie by Jumji Ito 2/19 ****
Watchmen: The Annotated Edition by Alan Moore and Leslie Klinger 2/20 - 2/21 *****
The Hardcore Diaries by Mick Foley 2/21 - 2/22 ****
The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 7: 1963 - 1964 by Charles M. Schulz 2/22 - 2/23 ****
Beartown by Frederik Backman 2/23 - 2/24 *****
The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 8: 1965 - 1966 by Charles M. Schulz 2/24 ****
The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 9: 1967 - 1968 by Charles M. Schulz 2/27 - 2/28 ****

Now, for my current read, I'm finally going to give Red Rising by Pierce Brown a chance
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 01, 2021, 02:15:03 AM
Now for something way more modern, After I've Gone by Linda Green

Good premise and quite a page-turner of a book but something was missing here, I didn't enjoy it that much. One of the reviews for the book promised "a cleverest twist" and I'm not sure where it was. :lol

The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 01, 2021, 03:32:51 AM
But for now: Metro 2034 by Dmitry Glukhovsky

I haven't read this one and I'm from Russia, let me know how it is :)


I finished this yesterday and was disappointed. It was solid I guess because I did finish it. But the first in the series is so much better.

And now: The Lords Of The North by Bernard Cornwell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 01, 2021, 11:21:23 PM
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

This was a bit confusing and the beginning didn't sit too well with all the passengers all the train, I kept confusing them. The book got better and better as it went and by the time I finished it, I liked the mystery and the resolution.

Didn't the 'Cast Characters' at the beginning help? I thought that book had one of those. Some of hers do, others don't. The David Suchet adaptation presents a very unique twist on the ending. I highly enjoyed what they did, and don't want to spoil it here.

My edition of the book didn't have that. :)

Weird. Some of her books have a 'Cast of Characters,' others don't. I cannot find my version but I'd swear mine did.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 02, 2021, 01:04:49 PM
Moving on to Golden Son by Pierce Brown
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 02, 2021, 01:08:10 PM
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

This was a bit confusing and the beginning didn't sit too well with all the passengers all the train, I kept confusing them. The book got better and better as it went and by the time I finished it, I liked the mystery and the resolution.

Didn't the 'Cast Characters' at the beginning help? I thought that book had one of those. Some of hers do, others don't. The David Suchet adaptation presents a very unique twist on the ending. I highly enjoyed what they did, and don't want to spoil it here.

My edition of the book didn't have that. :)

Weird. Some of her books have a 'Cast of Characters,' others don't. I cannot find my version but I'd swear mine did.

It did have a rough scheme of the actual wagon where the action takes place which helped, but no Cast of Characters unfortunately. Also the scheme didn't appear until the Evidence part which makes sense. Still, I liked the book and I'll be sure to watch the adaptation.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 02, 2021, 05:05:11 PM
Doctor Strange: Across the Universe by Mark Waid & Jesus Saiz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 03, 2021, 06:01:39 AM
Moving on to Golden Son by Pierce Brown
That whole series is awesome. I started rereading it, got through book one, but then got The Way of Kings available through overdrive.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Grappler on March 03, 2021, 06:49:07 AM
Just finished Killer Show by John Barylick. 

He was one of the lawyers that litigated the Station Nightclub / Great White fire in Rhode Island in 2003.  The book was amazing and so terrifying.  He laid out what led up to the fire, why the fire happened the way it did, and explained the aftermath of it, including how they secured large settlements from various corporations afterwards.  The chapters that explained what it was like inside the building when it was on fire were scared the hell out of me.   Concertgoers had 60-90 seconds to get out of a burning building, or they didn't survive that fire. 

Definitely a recommended read, though scary, if you like seeing live concerts like I do.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 03, 2021, 11:31:33 PM
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

This was a bit confusing and the beginning didn't sit too well with all the passengers all the train, I kept confusing them. The book got better and better as it went and by the time I finished it, I liked the mystery and the resolution.

Didn't the 'Cast Characters' at the beginning help? I thought that book had one of those. Some of hers do, others don't. The David Suchet adaptation presents a very unique twist on the ending. I highly enjoyed what they did, and don't want to spoil it here.

My edition of the book didn't have that. :)

Weird. Some of her books have a 'Cast of Characters,' others don't. I cannot find my version but I'd swear mine did.

It did have a rough scheme of the actual wagon where the action takes place which helped, but no Cast of Characters unfortunately. Also the scheme didn't appear until the Evidence part which makes sense. Still, I liked the book and I'll be sure to watch the adaptation.

Damn, now I am really annoyed I cannot find my copy. Must have lent it to someone.

There are a few film/tv adaptations. I assume the 1974 version is the most well-known, largely due to the cast. It is alright. Worth a watch if you enjoy the book but nothing I would clear out my schedule to watch. The David Suchet one is darker and as I said I highly enjoyed what they did at the end. I haven't seen any others.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 04, 2021, 07:20:34 AM
Doctor Strange: Remittance by Mark Waid, Javier Pina, Andres Guinaldo, and Jesus Saiz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on March 04, 2021, 12:55:24 PM
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood - provocative and controversial and super powerful, great characters, actually finished this a few days ago

The Road by Cormac McCarthy - finally started this

New Spring by Robert Jordan - should have read this years ago, not sure why I'm only just now reading it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 05, 2021, 01:40:59 PM
Moving on to Golden Son by Pierce Brown

that was one of the best cliff hanger endings I've read in recent memory. Now, on to Morning Star and see if Pierce can "stick the landing"
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 08, 2021, 05:54:58 AM
Moving on to Golden Son by Pierce Brown

that was one of the best cliff hanger endings I've read in recent memory. Now, on to Morning Star and see if Pierce can "stick the landing"

And now you get to meet my favorite character!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on March 08, 2021, 07:03:07 AM
I'm making my way through the Robert Ludlum ("The Bourne Identity") oeuvre.  Something more than a comic book, something less than "Game Of Thrones".  I'm reading it in chronological order of writing (more or less) so I'm reading the things that were originally released under pseudonyms rather than later when they were re-released under his real name to capitalize on his later success.

He writes a lot about government malfeasance and conspiracy theories and what not.  I'm reading "Trevayne" now, written around and shortly after the Watergate incident, and there are entire paragraphs that I could post in P/R and they would be relevant without even changing a single word. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 08, 2021, 07:17:05 AM
I'm making my way through the Robert Ludlum ("The Bourne Identity") oeuvre.  Something more than a comic book, something less than "Game Of Thrones".  I'm reading it in chronological order of writing (more or less) so I'm reading the things that were originally released under pseudonyms rather than later when they were re-released under his real name to capitalize on his later success.

He writes a lot about government malfeasance and conspiracy theories and what not.  I'm reading "Trevayne" now, written around and shortly after the Watergate incident, and there are entire paragraphs that I could post in P/R and they would be relevant without even changing a single word.
I read all of those back in the 90s.  Very entertaining reads.  I have considered re-reading them several times.

I especially liked the real odd birds (compared to the rest), like The Road to Gandolpho and its sequel, The Road to Omaha.  Very funny books.




Anyways, now reading Later by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 08, 2021, 01:21:24 PM
Moving on to Golden Son by Pierce Brown

that was one of the best cliff hanger endings I've read in recent memory. Now, on to Morning Star and see if Pierce can "stick the landing"

And now you get to meet my favorite character!
Sefi? Have to say, the last book was the weakest in the trilogy. I think some sections dragged on a bit too long. Still, very solid, and I'd recommend the series to any SF fan.



So, seeing as how the WCW book was a bust, I'm reading a book on the WWE called We Promised You A Great Main Event by Bill Hanstock (which I am enjoying a whole lot more)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on March 08, 2021, 01:23:49 PM
Although I still have 2 books to read I just ordered Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick, and Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

www.thriftbooks.com has been a blessing to me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on March 08, 2021, 03:20:53 PM
Although I still have 2 books to read I just ordered Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick, and Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

www.thriftbooks.com has been a blessing to me


Thriftbooks is the BOMB.  I love it.

FYI, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is one of my favorite books of all time.  I've read it about 10 times, and I will sometimes just read it because. Or if I'm traveling, I'll throw it in my briefcase/suitcase.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 08, 2021, 06:18:39 PM
Moving on to Golden Son by Pierce Brown

that was one of the best cliff hanger endings I've read in recent memory. Now, on to Morning Star and see if Pierce can "stick the landing"

And now you get to meet my favorite character!
Sefi? Have to say, the last book was the weakest in the trilogy. I think some sections dragged on a bit too long. Still, very solid, and I'd recommend the series to any SF fan.



So, seeing as how the WCW book was a bust, I'm reading a book on the WWE called We Promised You A Great Main Event by Bill Hanstock (which I am enjoying a whole lot more)

Oh shit lol I guess Ragnar shows up in Golden Son doesn't he? They all run together since I've only read them once. I reread the first book in Jan and I'll make an attempt to reread them this year. I think I remember Golden Son beginning and end but the middle is a bit of a blur.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 09, 2021, 07:04:22 AM
Wow, thriftbooks looks great!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on March 09, 2021, 09:37:45 AM
Wow, thriftbooks looks great!

I went through and read all the original (Ian Fleming) James Bond books; there's a particular release from the 2008's or thereabouts, and new from Borders or Amazon they are about $14.00 or $15.00 each.  There's thirteen, so that's about $200, with taxes and such.   I had three of them, but through Thriftbooks, I bought the remaining ten and without doing the math I paid about $45 for all of them, including shipping.   All in at least very good or better shape.  I forget what the frequency is, but you get free books after a fashion, too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: The Walrus on March 09, 2021, 11:20:28 AM
Although I still have 2 books to read I just ordered Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick, and Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

www.thriftbooks.com has been a blessing to me


Thriftbooks is the BOMB.  I love it.

FYI, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is one of my favorite books of all time.  I've read it about 10 times, and I will sometimes just read it because. Or if I'm traveling, I'll throw it in my briefcase/suitcase.

I'm looking forward to finally reading it because I've heard great things!

Yeah thriftbooks rules, the girl I'm with introduced me to it last week. Love it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 09, 2021, 11:24:19 AM
The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders

Very jagged and discordant book, also way more somber and serious than her first one. I had no idea what to make of the plot while I was reading it, but I do think she finished it fairly well. The worldbuilding was fantastic in this one though, while the dialogue was probably its lowest point. Good read, though.

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 09, 2021, 11:27:54 AM
Wow, thriftbooks looks great!

I went through and read all the original (Ian Fleming) James Bond books; there's a particular release from the 2008's or thereabouts, and new from Borders or Amazon they are about $14.00 or $15.00 each.  There's thirteen, so that's about $200, with taxes and such.   I had three of them, but through Thriftbooks, I bought the remaining ten and without doing the math I paid about $45 for all of them, including shipping.   All in at least very good or better shape.  I forget what the frequency is, but you get free books after a fashion, too.
Clearly, this bears further investigation!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on March 09, 2021, 01:12:43 PM
Although I still have 2 books to read I just ordered Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick, and Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

www.thriftbooks.com has been a blessing to me


Thriftbooks is the BOMB.  I love it.

FYI, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is one of my favorite books of all time.  I've read it about 10 times, and I will sometimes just read it because. Or if I'm traveling, I'll throw it in my briefcase/suitcase.

I'm looking forward to finally reading it because I've heard great things!

Yeah thriftbooks rules, the girl I'm with introduced me to it last week. Love it.

It's up to you, and how you read; for me, there's enough there that I can read through and get something new every time.   There are some great existential questions in there and there are some real matters of interpretation.  I've actually changed my view on the characters in the book at couple times over the years.   
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 09, 2021, 02:20:55 PM
With this month in social media not only being March Mystery Madness and Middle Grade March, for my reread this month, I'll be revisiting my favorite required reading book of junior high, and one of the books that made me want to be a reader, The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 10, 2021, 07:51:41 PM
That was a fun, nostalgic trip. Now, on to a more serious mystery, The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 11, 2021, 12:15:52 PM
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Man, this is a page-turner, I'll need to start something else next week, almost done with this one. Props to a friend of mine who recommended me this series, I'm enjoying this way too much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 11, 2021, 01:26:37 PM
That was my favorite book of the trilogy

Now, on to The Last Final Girl by Stephen Graham Jones
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 12, 2021, 06:17:05 AM
Full Throttle by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 12, 2021, 01:17:22 PM
The Plutonium Blonde by John Zakour
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 13, 2021, 05:40:19 PM
Dolores Clairborne by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 14, 2021, 08:18:45 AM
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Man, this is a page-turner, I'll need to start something else next week, almost done with this one. Props to a friend of mine who recommended me this series, I'm enjoying this way too much.

Okay yeah this was amazing. This book blew the first one out of the water. One of my favourite reads from the past few months.

Can't help it, got to finish the trilogy (and return the books to my friend who was very kind to loan them to me) with The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on March 15, 2021, 01:34:12 AM
I just started reading "Traveling Music - The Soundtrack To My Life And Times" by Neil Peart.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 15, 2021, 01:42:40 PM
Going back to back with Stephen King, reading his current one, Later​​​​
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 16, 2021, 01:27:07 PM
That was really enjoyable; my favorite book of the month so far. Moving on to Gyo by Junji Ito. Hope I like it as much as the last two of his
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 16, 2021, 03:55:29 PM
Gyo's great :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 16, 2021, 04:08:50 PM
Part of me wants to say this was my favorite of the three, but like Tonie, it kind of lacked a conclusion. I wonder why it was so short compared to the others? Anyway, reading something a but lighter, Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 18, 2021, 01:15:17 PM
That was a fun story. Mr. Martinez will definitely be staying on my radar. Moving on to my next read. The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. was one of my favorite books of 2017, so I'm hoping the sequel, Master of the Revels by Nicole Galland will be just as good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on March 20, 2021, 07:46:45 AM
Just finished "Dawnshard" by Brandon Sanderson. Pretty good. Not sure I'm ready for "Rhythm of War" yet. Now reading "A Murder of Quality" by John le Carte.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 22, 2021, 05:00:24 AM
Back to some nonfiction with Countdown to Lockdown by Mick Foley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 22, 2021, 09:13:13 AM
Tombstone: The Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday, and the Vendetta Ride From Hell by Tom Clavin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 22, 2021, 12:03:32 PM
Can't help it, got to finish the trilogy (and return the books to my friend who was very kind to loan them to me) with The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

Didn't quite reach the heights of the second book, was somewhat boring in places but still a solid read. The ending itself was spot on, absolutely no complaints here. Somber and magical. Props to the author for pulling it off.

I ought to give The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie another try. I started reading it last year and just wasn't in the mood for it, stopped after ~30 pages. I loved the first book. A Little Hatred, so hopefully this time I can stick with it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 23, 2021, 05:09:15 AM
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 23, 2021, 06:11:02 PM
Kings of Paradise by Richard Nell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 24, 2021, 04:30:44 PM
No, that book isn't working out for me. Instead, going to read DisneyWar by James B. Stewart
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 30, 2021, 10:47:12 AM
Moving on to a book that will probably be a safe bet to be one of my favorite books of the year: The Star Wars Archives by Paul Duncan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 31, 2021, 07:16:59 PM
Wrap up time. I'd say March was a good month

March (15)
Red Rising by Pierce Brown 2/28 - 3/2 ****
Golden Son by Pierce Brown 3/2 - 3/5 ****
Morning Star by Pierce Brown 3/5 - 3/8 ****
We Promised You a Great Event: An Unauthorized WWE History 3/8 - 3/9 ****
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin 3/9 - 3/10 ****
The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie 3/10 - 3/11 ***
The Last Final Girl by Stephen Graham Jones 3/11 - 3/12 ***
Dolores Clairborne by Stephen King 3/13 - 3/15 ****
Later by Stephen King 3/15 - 3/16 *****
Gyo by Junji Ito 3/16 ****
Gil’s All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez 3/16 - 3/18 ****
Master of the Revels by Nicole Galland 3/18 - 3/21 ****
Countdown to Lockdown by Mick Foley 3/22 ****
News of the World by Paulette Jiles 3/23 ***
DisneyWar by James B. Stewart 3/24 - 3/30 ****
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 01, 2021, 07:21:06 PM
Because it's National Poetry Month, I'll be trying to read a few narrative/epic poems, starting with Paradise Lost by John Milton. I'm pretty sure I've probably listed this in my currently reading feed a few times, so wish me luck here. I'd really like to have this under my belt
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 02, 2021, 03:43:06 AM
Reading some german fantasy The Dwarves by Markus Heitz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 03, 2021, 02:14:40 PM
So, the Milton didn't work out for me. I think I'm just going to have to forget about it at this point. Oh well.



So now, going back to speculative fiction and giving The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell a try. I'm like 50 pages and it's written really well, but I'm wondering when good stuff is going to be occurring (with the flashback sections, anyway)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 06, 2021, 08:07:26 AM
The Fall of Gondolin by J.R.R. Tolkein
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on April 06, 2021, 08:10:42 AM
Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 07, 2021, 01:28:30 PM
 gave Sparrow the old college try, but it really wasn't working for me. I guess I'm just too picky. Hopefully, I'll have better luck with Skywalker: A Family at War by Kristin Baver
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 08, 2021, 07:35:48 AM
Bullfinch's Mythology by Thomas Bullfinch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 08, 2021, 12:07:46 PM
I ought to give The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie another try. I started reading it last year and just wasn't in the mood for it, stopped after ~30 pages. I loved the first book. A Little Hatred, so hopefully this time I can stick with it.

Okay no, this was very good. As I said before, Abercrombie (in my opinion) improved a lot since the first trilogy. Very fun (and as usual, morbid, gritty and sarcastic) read. Some chapters were typical Abercrombie and some chapters were very unusual and impressive. Enjoyed this a lot and will be buying the third book this year.

Determined to empty out my I-own-this-but-didn't-get-to-it-yet list, I'll have a go at Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson, this is going to be a long read I'm sure.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on April 09, 2021, 06:07:14 AM
I ought to give The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie another try. I started reading it last year and just wasn't in the mood for it, stopped after ~30 pages. I loved the first book. A Little Hatred, so hopefully this time I can stick with it.

Okay no, this was very good. As I said before, Abercrombie (in my opinion) improved a lot since the first trilogy. Very fun (and as usual, morbid, gritty and sarcastic) read. Some chapters were typical Abercrombie and some chapters were very unusual and impressive. Enjoyed this a lot and will be buying the third book this year.


I can relate to this, based on your recommendation I've tried getting into A Little Hatred about four times. I get a chapter or two in and just decide I'm not in the mood for Abercrobie. I really should finish that someday.

At the moment I'm reading Brandon Sanderson -- Rhythm of War
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 09, 2021, 05:47:53 PM
gave Sparrow the old college try, but it really wasn't working for me. I guess I'm just too picky. Hopefully, I'll have better luck with Skywalker: A Family at War by Kristin Baver

Quite enjoyed this one. It reads like a biography of the Skywalker clan, starting with Shmi and ending with Ben and Rey. She not only uses the movies as source materials, but the books and shows as well. Highly recommend if you're a fan.



Ended up reading Breach of Peace by one of my favorite Booktubers, Daniel B. Greene. I thought it was an awesome teaser for the start of his series.



Going to be working on Song of Kali by Dan Simmons. He's one of my favorite writers who hasn't steered me wrong yet, and I've heard Song is one of his best
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 11, 2021, 04:37:08 PM
Having just finished watching the entirety of Psych, I'd decided to give Psych and Philosophy: Some Dark Juju-Magumbo edited by Robert Arp a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 12, 2021, 03:51:25 AM
Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 12, 2021, 06:17:41 AM
Outside the Jukebox by Scott Bradlee
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 13, 2021, 01:31:18 PM
For my reread this month, I'm going big. I decided to reread Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (although, it's a different translation: the Edith Grossman, so technically, it'll be a new experience). I originally read it 23 years ago during my senior year in high school. Our drama club was originally going to do Man of La Mancha for the Spring show (we ended up doing The Secret Garden instead), and I wanted to read the source material to better understand the play. In the end, even though we never did the show, for years, Don Quixote ended up being one of my favorite reading experiences.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 14, 2021, 09:44:33 PM
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer. My sister, who normally is spot on with her recommendations for me, thought this might be a stretch. I didn't enjoy it much, past the first 1/3 or so. But she said she didn't either. So it was a gamble.

On to The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, also a gift/recommendation from her.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 15, 2021, 01:18:16 PM
So, I'm going to work on my monthly quota before fully committing to that, so I'm currently focusing on Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 15, 2021, 02:07:31 PM
Determined to empty out my I-own-this-but-didn't-get-to-it-yet list, I'll have a go at Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson, this is going to be a long read I'm sure.

This is going slooooooowly, slower than Snow Crash and Anathem really. I'm 160 pages in, the book is like 1100 pages. If it wasn't a gift from my best friend, I would've DNFed this already.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 15, 2021, 03:15:41 PM
To the Lions by Holly Watt
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 16, 2021, 05:04:03 PM
Stick with it. It's awesome!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 17, 2021, 03:40:48 PM
Now, reading Michael Chabon's The Escapist: Amazing Adventures. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is one of my favorite books (definitely hoping to give that a reread one of these days), so I'm going to give this a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 18, 2021, 08:03:33 AM
Spawn Origins, Volume 1 by Todd McFarlane
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 18, 2021, 12:35:26 PM
Moving on to volume 2. They have the first three volumes available on Kindle Unlimited and I wanted to take advantage before my membership expired
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 18, 2021, 05:40:07 PM
Switching gears and reading Spider-Man: Life Story by Chip Zdarsky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 19, 2021, 05:11:40 AM
One more graphic novel for now. Getting my Batman on with The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Super Dude on April 19, 2021, 07:33:03 AM
Not many readers here on DTF, it seems. My latest:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518yBS4XJIL.jpg)

It's such a damn shame the movie sucked...Idris Elba actually would have made a great Roland Deschain, if not for the godawful writing and direction.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 19, 2021, 08:55:20 AM
Not many readers here on DTF, it seems. My latest:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518yBS4XJIL.jpg)

It's such a damn shame the movie sucked...Idris Elba actually would have made a great Roland Deschain, if not for the godawful writing and direction.

This is the last book in the series I really enjoyed. Skipped the movie seeing all the negative reactions to it.

Stick with it. It's awesome!

I will, but I expect to be stuck with it at least until mid-May if not June.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 19, 2021, 11:50:14 AM
Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 19, 2021, 12:23:55 PM
Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane

I have this one and I thought it was very engaging. Probably my second favourite book from him after Gone, Baby, Gone.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 19, 2021, 01:10:03 PM
Getting back to novels with This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Super Dude on April 19, 2021, 04:14:39 PM
Not many readers here on DTF, it seems. My latest:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518yBS4XJIL.jpg)

It's such a damn shame the movie sucked...Idris Elba actually would have made a great Roland Deschain, if not for the godawful writing and direction.

This is the last book in the series I really enjoyed. Skipped the movie seeing all the negative reactions to it.


Yes, I unfortunately did not skip it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on April 19, 2021, 05:15:27 PM
We're there lightsabers in wolves of the calla? It's been a bit since I've read that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 19, 2021, 05:21:09 PM
We're there lightsabers in wolves of the calla? It's been a bit since I've read that.
There are
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 21, 2021, 03:23:37 PM
Getting back into fantasy with The Princess Beard by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne. Getting started on the r/fantasy 2021 Bingo Card
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 23, 2021, 03:07:06 PM
450 pages into Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon and I think it's not even half of the book. Man, this guy loves to ramble. I don't know.

Honestly I understand why he added some of the viewpoints beyond the main three characters. On the other hand—and I may be completely wrong as I don't know where this book is going, perhaps it'll neatly tie all the plot points up—there's just... nothing happening mostly beyond the main plot points which are scarce. Some chapters are literally Randy and Avi and Tom and Eb discussing stuff. Some chapters are Shaftoe painting the stencils which was hilarious, I'll admit.

Honestly I just wish he sped up the plot a little bit. The premise is exciting, but I wish it was more action-packed instead of this: Lawrence Pritchard Waterhouse spends three hours to walk into Bletchley Park. He sees bees flying around. Bees are flying in patterns. Lawrence likes patterns. Sergeant Bobby Shaftoe is on a boat to who knows where. He doesn't understand what's going on, but he intends to follow the orders and not ask any questions. "Sir, yes, sir!", says Bobby Shaftoe. Randy boots up his laptop and then remembers he's ought to be at the meeting at 10 AM. Avi orders him a suit which arrives at 7 and the suit is perfectly tailored for him. Goto Dengo spoke with Shaftoe a couple of times and now he's about to lose the war. Admiral Yamamoto's feet hurt because his shoes weren't aired for a while and the climate here is shite.

All I'm saying is he'd better to stick the landing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 26, 2021, 08:17:17 AM
Conan of Cimmeria by Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp, & Lin Carter
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 26, 2021, 01:49:13 PM
Spent the weekend reading a handful of graphic novels (probably going to do this from now on, unless I'm reading something really good):

-First off, Marvels by Kurt Busiek, although this was more a reread. Read it originally in 2012, but this time around I read the remastered edition which came out a few years back. Still, an awesome book

-Dark Victory by Jeph Loeb, the sequel to The Long Halloween. I think this was just as good as its predecessor. Liked how it worked in the origin of Robin.

-The Mask Omnibus, Volume 1 by John Arcudi. So different from the movie, I couldn't believe it

-Captain America: Winter Soldier by Ed Brubaker. Ever since the movie, I had wanted to check this out. Sharon Carter got the shaft big time in the movies

-Finally Harleen by Stjepan Sejic. This was the undisputed winner. A great interpretation on how the Joker was able to manipulate and transform Harley



Anyway, back to books, with an epic fantasy: Battle Mage by Peter A. Flannery
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on April 26, 2021, 07:48:50 PM
-Captain America: Winter Soldier by Ed Brubaker. Ever since the movie, I had wanted to check this out. Sharon Carter got the shaft big time in the movies

Wonder how that plays into Falcon and Winter Soldier? Because she looks like she now has a huge story line coming.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 27, 2021, 01:35:56 PM
In Parables: The Challenge of the Historical Jesus by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 30, 2021, 06:52:18 PM
Still working on Battle Mage, so here's to the month that was

April (18)
Skywalker: A Family at War by Kristin Baver 4/7 - 4/8 ****
Breach of Peace by Daniel B. Greene 4/8 - 4/9 *****
Song of Kali by Dan Simmons 4/9 - 4/11 ***
Psych and Philosophy: Some Dark Juju-Magumbo edited by Robert Arp 4/11 - 4/13 ****
Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike 4/15 - 4/17 ****
The Escapist: Amazing Adventures by Michael Chabon 4/17 - 4/18 ****
Spawn Origins Collection, Vol. 1 by Todd McFarlane 4/18 ****
Spawn Origins Collection, Vol. 2 by Todd McFarlane 4/18 ****
Spider-Man: Life Story by Chip Zdarsky 4/18 *****
The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb 4/19 ****
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger 4/19 - 4/21 ****
The Princess Beard by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne 4/21 - 4/23 ****
Marvels by Kurt Busiek 4/23 *****
Dark Victory by Jeph Loeb 4/24 ****
The Mask Omnibus, Volume 1 by John Arcudi 4/24 ****
Captain America: Winter Soldier, Volume 1 by Ed Brubaker 4/25 ****
Captain America: Winter Soldier, Volume 2 by Ed Brubaker 4/25 ****
Harleen by Stjepan Sejic 4/25 *****
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 02, 2021, 07:31:19 PM
Rereading The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 03, 2021, 12:11:44 PM
Finally getting back into The Expanse with Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey



Also, with season one of Invincible done, thought it'd be a good time as any to start reading the comics, so I'm going to be going through Invincible, Compendium One by Robert Kitkman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on May 03, 2021, 01:40:10 PM
Rereading The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller

Solid story. Not my personal favorite Batman story that would have to be The Long Halloween but I can see why it's seen as such a classic (even if certain things did not age well). Shame Miller hasn't written anything worth a damn in decades at this point.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 03, 2021, 05:02:41 PM
Zach Snyder was very much influenced by DKR, and yes, so far I think Long Halloween and I'm including Dark Victory is probably my favorite Batman storyline thus far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on May 04, 2021, 10:23:42 AM
Finally getting back into The Expanse with Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey



Loved the first book. How was the 2nd?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 05, 2021, 08:31:24 AM
The Sandman: Endless Nights by Neil Gaiman and a bunch of artists
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 07, 2021, 06:44:15 AM
The Avengers: Kree/Skrull War by Roy Thomas, Sal Buscema, Neal Adams, and John Buscema
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 07, 2021, 04:59:46 PM
Finally getting back into The Expanse with Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey



Loved the first book. How was the 2nd?
Caliban's War was a decent sequel IMO, this book was a bit weak though, except for the last quarter. Now working on the second compendium of Kirkman's Invincible
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 08, 2021, 01:18:45 PM
Read a couple of books since I last posted here:

Plea Of Insanity by Jilliane Hoffman

The Winter Of Frankie Machine by Don Winslow

The Lies Of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

The Day Of The Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

and currently reading

Call For The Dead by John le Carré
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 10, 2021, 06:34:34 AM
Captain America: Winter Soldier Complete Collection by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 10, 2021, 01:29:42 PM
Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 11, 2021, 01:31:04 PM
Cliffs of Fall: Paradox and Polyvalence in the Parables of Jesus by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 15, 2021, 05:59:40 AM
Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Okay, this was really good. A bit slow at times, but I highly recommend it. I also finished up reading the last volume of the Invincible comics, so I'm definitely excited to see how Kirkman adapts the rest of the run, and to how many seasons it will last (realistically, I think no more than six. I don't think fans are going to let him get away with making it another ten season show, but we'll see)



Moving on now to Saint Mick: My Journey from Hardcore Legend to Santa's Jolly Elf by Mick Foley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 15, 2021, 08:19:42 PM
Bette Davis: More Than a Woman by James Spada and The Last American Vampire by Seth Grahame-Smith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 17, 2021, 10:39:50 AM
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 19, 2021, 11:40:25 AM
The Album of Dr. Moreau by Daryl Gregory
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 20, 2021, 11:25:18 AM
450 pages into Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon and I think it's not even half of the book. Man, this guy loves to ramble. I don't know.

Honestly I understand why he added some of the viewpoints beyond the main three characters. On the other hand—and I may be completely wrong as I don't know where this book is going, perhaps it'll neatly tie all the plot points up—there's just... nothing happening mostly beyond the main plot points which are scarce. Some chapters are literally Randy and Avi and Tom and Eb discussing stuff. Some chapters are Shaftoe painting the stencils which was hilarious, I'll admit.

Honestly I just wish he sped up the plot a little bit. The premise is exciting, but I wish it was more action-packed instead of this: Lawrence Pritchard Waterhouse spends three hours to walk into Bletchley Park. He sees bees flying around. Bees are flying in patterns. Lawrence likes patterns. Sergeant Bobby Shaftoe is on a boat to who knows where. He doesn't understand what's going on, but he intends to follow the orders and not ask any questions. "Sir, yes, sir!", says Bobby Shaftoe. Randy boots up his laptop and then remembers he's ought to be at the meeting at 10 AM. Avi orders him a suit which arrives at 7 and the suit is perfectly tailored for him. Goto Dengo spoke with Shaftoe a couple of times and now he's about to lose the war. Admiral Yamamoto's feet hurt because his shoes weren't aired for a while and the climate here is shite.

All I'm saying is he'd better to stick the landing.

Okay you know, I kind of low key liked it. It felt a little bit bloated (I think you could've cut like 200 pages from this and not lose anything. Like, I didn't need 5 pages of diagrams of how Randy can't think when he gets too horny), but when I take the whole story into account, I really felt the author knew where he was going with it. All the more impressive it was written in 1999, and now, more than twenty years later, the cryptocurrency is very prominent in the world. I don't regret sticking with this book. This was interesting and even enlightening in some areas.

I'm going to quickly re-read Peace Talks and Battle Ground by Jim Butcher next now that I have physical copies of those, then move on to the last three books on my "to read" shelf, and after that I'll need a trip to my favourite bookstore I suppose
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 20, 2021, 01:26:50 PM
Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 22, 2021, 06:44:04 AM
Last night, I read History of the Marvel Universe by Mark Waid, which I thought was pretty good and I would recommend if you want a primer on all the major events in the Marvel world leading up to current times.



And now, project time, I'm going to start reading Akira by Katshuiro Otomo. We'll see if I can get through the whole thing (and yes, I have seen the movie)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 23, 2021, 07:16:39 PM
My Year of Flops by Nathan Rabin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 25, 2021, 01:12:07 PM
getting back into some epic fantasy with Malice by John Gwynne
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 25, 2021, 03:14:35 PM
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 26, 2021, 11:09:16 AM
getting back into some epic fantasy with Malice by John Gwynne

I've read A Time of Dread from him and I don't remember much about it. It was alright, a bit unremarkable I thought.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 26, 2021, 09:51:33 PM
getting back into some epic fantasy with Malice by John Gwynne

I've read A Time of Dread from him and I don't remember much about it. It was alright, a bit unremarkable I thought.

If memory serves, that was how I felt about Malice. Enjoyed it but didn't feel compelled to read further in the series.

Trying to get through The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman now, but my normal reading time has always been right before I go to sleep, but I have been so tired as of late (and by that I mean the last year or so) that after a couple pages my mind starts to drift off and progress is glacially slow. Been like that with most books I've taken on lately.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 31, 2021, 04:26:49 PM
Another very successful reading month down the tubes

May (20)
The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller 5/2 - 5/3 *****
Abaddon’s Gate by James S.A. Corey 5/3 - 5/6 ***
Invincible, Compendium One by Robert Kirkman 5/3 - 5/7 *****
Invincible, Compendium Two by Robert Kirkman 5/7 - 5/9 *****
Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky 5/10 - 5/13 ****
Invincible, Compendium Three by Robert Kirkman 5/13 - 5/14 *****
Saint Mick by Mick Foley 5/15 *****
The Last American Vampire by Seth Grahame-Smith 5/16 - 5/19 ****
The Album of Dr. Moreau by Daryl Gregory 5/19 - 5/20 ****
Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven 5/20 - 5/21 *****
History of the Marvel Universe by Mark Waid 5/21 ****
Akira, Vol. 1 by Katshuiro Otomo 5/22 ****
Akira, Vol. 2 by Katshuiro Otomo 5/22 ****
Akira, Vol. 3 by Katshuiro Otomo 5/22 ****
Akira, Vol. 4 by Katshuiro Otomo 5/22 ****
Akira, Vol. 5 by Katshuiro Otomo 5/23 ****
Akira, Vol. 6 by Katshuiro Otomo 5/23 ****
My Year of Flops by Nathan Rabin 5/23 - 5/24 ****
Batman: Earth One, Volume 1 by Geoff Johns 5/30 ****
Malice by John Gwynne 5/25 - 5/31 ****
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 31, 2021, 06:40:01 PM
The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture by Glen Weldon. I loved his Superman "biography" last year, so I'm sure I'll love this as well
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 02, 2021, 01:15:10 PM
The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture by Glen Weldon. I loved his Superman "biography" last year, so I'm sure I'll love this as well
I liked the Superman book a bit more, but this was still very good. Loved how he chronicled the movies, especially the '89 Batman. Highly recommended for fans of The Dark Knight



Anyway, back to some science fiction with The Dark That Dwells by Matt Digman and Ryan Roddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 04, 2021, 10:11:36 AM
The Sentinel by Lee Child & Andrew Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 05, 2021, 06:56:04 PM
The Ultimate History of the 80's Teen Movie by James King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 06, 2021, 09:48:15 AM
The Sentinel by Lee Child & Andrew Child

Curious of your thoughts when done.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 06, 2021, 10:30:25 AM
I'm going to quickly re-read Peace Talks and Battle Ground by Jim Butcher next now that I have physical copies of those, then move on to the last three books on my "to read" shelf, and after that I'll need a trip to my favourite bookstore I suppose

Done, now it's time to start Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 08, 2021, 01:13:54 PM
Going to stick with the movies theme with a book from the people at Rotten Tomatoes called Rotten Movies We Love: Cult Classics, Underrated Gems, and Films So Bad They're Good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 09, 2021, 02:42:52 PM
Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon: Game of Thrones and the Official Untold Story of the Epic Series by James Hibberd
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 12, 2021, 09:29:09 AM
Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon: Game of Thrones and the Official Untold Story of the Epic Series by James Hibberd
Well, this was excellent, as I thought it would be. If you're a fan of the show, totally recommend.



Also, just ended up finishing two very different novellas. The first was Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman. A very cute children's story. And then, of a completely different matter in the realm of psychological horror was Things Have Gotten Worse Since Last We Spoke by Eric LaRocca. Very disturbing.



Now, going to get my biography on (been reading a lot of nonfic lately. What is wrong with me?! lol) and read JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 by Frederik Logevall
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 14, 2021, 08:23:53 AM
The Sentinel by Lee Child & Andrew Child

Curious of your thoughts when done.
Not one of my favorites.

It was OK.  They are all, to a certain extent, formulaic, but this one was extra formulaic.  The writing style seemed mostly consistent. 

Not sure if I will continue with the series after Lee Child exits.  Although I am looking forward to the TV show that is in development.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 14, 2021, 08:40:01 AM
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 17, 2021, 01:34:26 PM
A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 18, 2021, 09:00:47 PM
The Sentinel by Lee Child & Andrew Child

Curious of your thoughts when done.
Not one of my favorites.

It was OK.  They are all, to a certain extent, formulaic, but this one was extra formulaic.  The writing style seemed mostly consistent. 

Not sure if I will continue with the series after Lee Child exits.  Although I am looking forward to the TV show that is in development.

That was basically my assessment. I enjoyed it more than the last couple offerings. Maybe Lee was indeed burning out a bit.

Did not know there was a series planned.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 21, 2021, 02:36:34 AM
The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker. The Golem and the Jinni was one of my favorite books of 2013, so let's see how the sequel is
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 21, 2021, 11:59:06 AM
Done, now it's time to start Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith

Finished this, this was way better than Lethal White, was pretty much hooked for the whole book. Spent 3+ hours in the mornings during my vacation reading this.

Next up, Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 24, 2021, 03:30:54 AM
Being a fan of 70s music, I think I'm going to like 1973: Rock at the Crossroads by Andrew Grant Jackson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on June 24, 2021, 11:52:43 AM
Haven't been here in a while... I'll throw in my last few:

Dreams of Terror and Death- H.P. Lovecraft
The Witch-Cult in Western Europe- Margaret Murray (eye opening)
Necronomicon- HPL (several of the stories multiple times... love this book and revisit it often)
Beyond Order- Jordan Peterson
Great God Pan and other weird tales- Arthur Machen
The Poems of T.S. Eliot- T.S. Eliot
The Taint and other Novellas- Brian Lumley
The Burrowers Beneath- Brian Lumley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 27, 2021, 05:37:27 AM
Hellboy Omnibus Volume 1: Seed of Destruction by Mike Mignola
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 27, 2021, 03:04:20 PM
Guns of the Dawn was one of my favorite books last month, so I'd thought I'd give another book by Adrian Tchaikovsky a go with Spiderlight
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 29, 2021, 07:47:13 PM
Saga, Book 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 30, 2021, 04:59:03 PM
That's a wrap for June

June (12)
The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture by Glen Weldon 5/31 - 6/2 *****
The Ultimate History of the ‘80’s Teen Movie by James King 6/5 - 6/8 ****
Rotten Movies We Love by Rotten Tomatoes 6/8 - 6/9 ****
Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon by Jason Hibberd 6/9 - 6/11 *****
Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman 6/12 ***
Things Have Gotten Worse Since Last We Spoke by Eric LaRocca 6/12 ****
A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham 6/16 - 6/20 ****
The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker 6/21 - 6/24 ***
1973: Rock at the Crossroads by Andrew Grant Jackson 6/24 - 6/27 ****
Hellboy: Seed of Destruction by Mike Mignola 6/27 ****
Spiderlight by Adrian Tchaikovsky 6/27 - 6/29 ****
Saga: Book One by Brian K. Vaughan 6/29 - 6/30 *****
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 30, 2021, 06:22:05 PM
Reading the next book in The Long Price Quartet, A Betrayal in Winter by Daniel Abraham
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 02, 2021, 12:42:02 PM
Well, that book just didn't work out for me, so I'm finally getting back to Terry Brooks' The Word and the Void trilogy with A Knight of the Word
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 02, 2021, 01:11:18 PM
Done, now it's time to start Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith

Finished this, this was way better than Lethal White, was pretty much hooked for the whole book. Spent 3+ hours in the mornings during my vacation reading this.

Next up, Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

Done, quite a fun read.

Getting into It by Stephen King finally, not exactly sure about this one so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 02, 2021, 01:19:59 PM
It is my favorite novel. It is not the best book I have ever read. It isn't even King's best work. But largely based on where my life was when I read it, it was the most moving, heartbreaking, engrossing piece of artistic work I had ever, and have since ever, encountered.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 02, 2021, 01:40:57 PM
It is a great novel and it's probably the book I've read the most.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 04, 2021, 07:33:23 AM
I love It with the passion of a thousand suns

Well, A Knight of the Word was underwhelming. Not sure if I'm going to finish the trilogy or not. Going to take a bit of a fantasy break and instead read Young Frankenstein: The Story of the Making of the Film by Mel Brooks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 04, 2021, 12:45:29 PM
Time for Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ErHaO on July 05, 2021, 04:52:46 AM
In order to spend less time behind a light emitting screen and improve/restore/maintain my (native) linguistic skills, I ordered an e-reader. It was a good decision, because I have been reading a lot more.

I recently read the JK Rowling detective novels (Strike series) and Redbreast by Jo Nesbo (earlier book in the Harry Hole series).

My thoughts:

-Cuckoo's calling - Solid, I liked the characters and the pacing.
-Silkworm - I like the murder mystery aspect and how some of the clues where handled. The lead characters were great, but I disliked most characters related to the publishing industry. Also some major plotlines that I feel that did not really resolve.
-Career of Evil - Good and suspenseful. I thought the whole wedding stuff was perhaps a bit in romantic comedy territory though, but it is was fun anyways.
-Lethal White - Solid but not as exciting as the other ones. I do appreciate this novel feels different and sets up the detective bureau becoming a legit thing.
-Troubled Blood - I absolutely love this one, almost everything about it. Loved how every storyline resolved and I think many of it's central themes were handled very well.

-Redbreast - I think Rowling writes better, so I had to get used to this style for a bit (keep in mind this could be a Dutch translation thing). Perhaps a bit of a slow start, but it paid off. I liked that the story switched between WWII and 2000 and how the stories were related.

I think I will stick with detective novels for a while, so I will continue with the Harry Hole series.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 05, 2021, 01:18:26 PM
-Cuckoo's calling - Solid, I liked the characters and the pacing.
-Silkworm - I like the murder mystery aspect and how some of the clues where handled. The lead characters were great, but I disliked most characters related to the publishing industry. Also some major plotlines that I feel that did not really resolve.
-Career of Evil - Good and suspenseful. I thought the whole wedding stuff was perhaps a bit in romantic comedy territory though, but it is was fun anyways.
-Lethal White - Solid but not as exciting as the other ones. I do appreciate this novel feels different and sets up the detective bureau becoming a legit thing.
-Troubled Blood - I absolutely love this one, almost everything about it. Loved how every storyline resolved and I think many of it's central themes were handled very well.

Been a while since I've read the first three, but I'd say for me it's The Silkworm > Troubled Blood > the rest. The rest is decent, but not as good as these two. Lethal White could've used some editing for sure.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ErHaO on July 06, 2021, 06:10:30 AM
-Cuckoo's calling - Solid, I liked the characters and the pacing.
-Silkworm - I like the murder mystery aspect and how some of the clues where handled. The lead characters were great, but I disliked most characters related to the publishing industry. Also some major plotlines that I feel that did not really resolve.
-Career of Evil - Good and suspenseful. I thought the whole wedding stuff was perhaps a bit in romantic comedy territory though, but it is was fun anyways.
-Lethal White - Solid but not as exciting as the other ones. I do appreciate this novel feels different and sets up the detective bureau becoming a legit thing.
-Troubled Blood - I absolutely love this one, almost everything about it. Loved how every storyline resolved and I think many of it's central themes were handled very well.

Been a while since I've read the first three, but I'd say for me it's The Silkworm > Troubled Blood > the rest. The rest is decent, but not as good as these two. Lethal White could've used some editing for sure.

I read them all in a go. Wasn't planning to, but I guess it shows I really like the series. As I said, I think these books differ enough to prevent it from becoming monotonous. For me troubled blood is at the top by a wide margin because I think all the elements are good (the main case, the sidecases, character development, the variety of themes etc.). Career, Silkworm and Cuckoo are about equal for different reasons. I slightly prefer Career of Evil out of those three. Lethal White was solid but nothing more for me, I agree some editing would've/could've made it better.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on July 06, 2021, 09:19:32 AM
To my mind, IT is the beginning of the Meta world for King... so many recurrent themes, characters, and stylistic choices that find their roots in IT.  The novel is deep for certain, and the ending was incredible for me personally.

While it's not my favorite King novel (forever will be Salem's Lot), it's the multiverse beginning in my mind.

Currently reading "A Coven of Vampires" by Brian Lumley and revisiting excerpts from Beyond Order by Peterson.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 07, 2021, 02:06:28 PM
Yeah I definitely see recurrent themes in It. As I've read King spontaneously and out of order, I don't know if they began to appear here or in the other novels first, but it's definitely noticeable. I'm hooked with the main storyline, but I'm currently on the second interlude and those are a little bit dull. I can't wait to get back to the actual story with kids or now adults returning to Derry.

I read them all in a go. Wasn't planning to, but I guess it shows I really like the series. As I said, I think these books differ enough to prevent it from becoming monotonous. For me troubled blood is at the top by a wide margin because I think all the elements are good (the main case, the sidecases, character development, the variety of themes etc.). Career, Silkworm and Cuckoo are about equal for different reasons. I slightly prefer Career of Evil out of those three. Lethal White was solid but nothing more for me, I agree some editing would've/could've made it better.

I felt the characters—all of them—were just done perfectly believable in The Silkworm. I guess publishing industry was way more well-known to Rowling than, say, the music industry, and I felt she excelled at bringing it to life in that novel. That, and I thought she nailed the relationship between Strike and Robin in that book (she also did it in Troubled Blood, which is largely why it's my second favourite book in the series and why I stayed up until 5 AM on my vacation in another city to read a couple more chapters before going to sleep).

I should re-read Career of Evil, as I don't remember much from it, but given my to-read list, my upcoming trip to a bookshop on Friday, and my to-reread list, I doubt I'll get to it anytime soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 08, 2021, 03:46:40 PM
I ultimately DNF'd the Andy Weir. Too much science for my taste. I ended up reading a Gene Wilder bio called Gene Wilder: Funny and Sad by Brian Scott Mednick. (My 100th read of the year) It was an enjoyable, short read (little over 200 pages, and if you discount the photo insert, it's probably less). Anyway, going to read Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 08, 2021, 11:54:24 PM
The novel is deep for certain, and the ending was incredible for me personally.

That was incredibly moving for me as well. I read it my freshman year in college, at a time when I felt (rightly) I was losing most of my dearest friends, an experience I took very hard, and took years to recover from. To paraphrase from another King work, "I never had friends later on in life like the ones I had when I was a kid. Jesus, does anyone?"

'
Yeah I definitely see recurrent themes in It. As I've read King spontaneously and out of order, I don't know if they began to appear here or in the other novels first, but it's definitely noticeable. I'm hooked with the main storyline, but I'm currently on the second interlude and those are a little bit dull. I can't wait to get back to the actual story with kids or now adults returning to Derry.

Glad you are enjoying it. Sorry to hear you are not finding the Interludes enjoyable. They help give the town of Derry some history and depth. And they flesh out Mike's character a bit, since young Mike doesn't link up with the other 6 kids till later, and we do not see grown Mike experience the calling of Derry and the joys of nostalgia and terrors of the return that the other 6 (well, 5) have. I also happen to think that is some of King's finest writing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ErHaO on July 09, 2021, 06:24:07 AM
Yeah I definitely see recurrent themes in It. As I've read King spontaneously and out of order, I don't know if they began to appear here or in the other novels first, but it's definitely noticeable. I'm hooked with the main storyline, but I'm currently on the second interlude and those are a little bit dull. I can't wait to get back to the actual story with kids or now adults returning to Derry.

I read them all in a go. Wasn't planning to, but I guess it shows I really like the series. As I said, I think these books differ enough to prevent it from becoming monotonous. For me troubled blood is at the top by a wide margin because I think all the elements are good (the main case, the sidecases, character development, the variety of themes etc.). Career, Silkworm and Cuckoo are about equal for different reasons. I slightly prefer Career of Evil out of those three. Lethal White was solid but nothing more for me, I agree some editing would've/could've made it better.

I felt the characters—all of them—were just done perfectly believable in The Silkworm. I guess publishing industry was way more well-known to Rowling than, say, the music industry, and I felt she excelled at bringing it to life in that novel. That, and I thought she nailed the relationship between Strike and Robin in that book (she also did it in Troubled Blood, which is largely why it's my second favourite book in the series and why I stayed up until 5 AM on my vacation in another city to read a couple more chapters before going to sleep).

I should re-read Career of Evil, as I don't remember much from it, but given my to-read list, my upcoming trip to a bookshop on Friday, and my to-reread list, I doubt I'll get to it anytime soon.

I agree with you that the characters in The Silkworm were believable. For me it was just a matter of preference in terms of setting and characters, rather than a critique on how well it was written. In terms of structure it is probably the closest to a conventional whodunit and it was done very well. I honestly was not on point with my theories, but it made sense and some clues were obvious in hindsight.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 13, 2021, 04:23:26 AM
If you're a fan of historical fiction, I definitely advise you give Kane and Abel a try. Will be giving the next book a try in the near future for sure.



On to my next read Secrets of the Force, the newest oral history from Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 14, 2021, 08:30:20 PM
Okay, so besides that Star Wars book, I'm also going to finally dip my toe in Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 17, 2021, 08:37:04 AM
Ninth House got my seal of approval. Will definitely continue on with the series. Now, finally getting the chance to read Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, see if she can go three for three
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 18, 2021, 02:48:16 PM
Now, finally getting the chance to read Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, see if she can go three for three
I'm afraid it was a bit of a miss for me. Nowhere near as good as her last two. Next, expanding my nonfiction horizons and reading some baseball history with The Last Real Season by Mike Shropshire
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 19, 2021, 04:30:53 PM
Valor by John Gwynne. Probably shouldn't have waited almost two months to continue the series, but I'm sure a lot of the stuff from the first book will come back to me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Stadler on July 20, 2021, 07:31:13 AM
If you're a fan of historical fiction, I definitely advise you give Kane and Abel a try. Will be giving the next book a try in the near future for sure.


Big fan of Kane and Abel.  Not all of Archer's work lives up to that, but that was a solid novel. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 22, 2021, 12:46:12 PM
Valor was a miss for me unfortunately. Instead I ended up reading a novella Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar. I quite enjoyed it.



Now, reading X-Men Epic Collection Vol. 5: Second Genesis by Chris Claremont
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 23, 2021, 06:26:27 AM
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 23, 2021, 05:21:56 PM
Gerald's Game by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 23, 2021, 07:08:41 PM
Valor was a miss for me unfortunately.

I moderately enjoyed Malice, but not enough to read further.

Enjoy Gerald's Game !
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 27, 2021, 10:35:48 AM
Finished It last week. Very strong effort by King, although I do think the book could've used some culling. I liked how he kept switching between kids and adults in the final part of the book. Overall probably one of my favourite King books.

Started The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang last Thursday. Quite a page-turner, it's likely I'll finish it this week.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 27, 2021, 10:51:12 AM
... although I do think the book could've used some culling.

Couldn't that be said about all of King's books.  ;) :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on July 27, 2021, 12:08:27 PM
Finished It last week. Very strong effort by King, although I do think the book could've used some culling. I liked how he kept switching between kids and adults in the final part of the book. Overall probably one of my favourite King books.

Started The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang last Thursday. Quite a page-turner, it's likely I'll finish it this week.

Nice to hear you enjoyed the final section of IT!  One of my personal favorite endings...

Starting The Road to Eleusis (Carl Ruck) and The Immortality Key (Brian Muraresku).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 27, 2021, 09:13:38 PM
Finished It last week. Very strong effort by King, although I do think the book could've used some culling. I liked how he kept switching between kids and adults in the final part of the book. Overall probably one of my favourite King books.

The last part of the book is indeed a wonderful intertwining of the Loser's final adventure as kids and as adults. He lost me a bit with the Turtle, but it is still a magnificent climax. And I would say the denouement (the Last Interlude and Epilogue) would probably still bring me to tears were I to read it now. I said goodbye to many friends as I was reading through It and Mike's final words, and Bill's thoughts about leaving Derry and not looking back, even if it means forgetting your childhood friends despite them always having a place inside your heart, were particularly poignant.

... although I do think the book could've used some culling.

Couldn't that be said about all of King's books.  ;) :D

 :biggrin: I have said for years King is my favorite author, and while he hasn't blown me away with anything since 1998 (Bag of Bones) he still holds that title, based on much of his work prior to that. That being said, I feel much of his work the past decade or so hasn't suffered from as much bloat as he is often (rightly) accused of.

Murder on Black Swan Lane by Andrea Penrose. Not great but alright. Not going to read further in the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 28, 2021, 10:02:32 AM
I've read everything up to and including Finders Keepers. I still enjoy most of his books, the last one that blew me away was 11/22/63 and my paperback version of that book has more than a 1000 pages.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 28, 2021, 10:19:24 AM
He lost me a bit with the Turtle

Yeah, what was up with that? :lol Just felt a bit unnecessary I guess.

Started The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang last Thursday. Quite a page-turner, it's likely I'll finish it this week.

Had an extra hour to read today, finished this one, interesting book. The first part is almost ripping off The Name of the Wind, then it veers off in completely different direction. I liked it enough to read the sequel if I find it.

Next up, The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 31, 2021, 05:17:52 AM
Gerald's Game was too boring for me, so I decided to finish off his Bachman books. I only had Rage, Roadwork and The Running Man to do, so I read all three of them in a row and enjoyed all three of them for the most part. I got to say (although I don't remember my impressions of The Regulators or Blaze) The Running Man is my new favorite in that line.



Now, getting back to Saga with Book Two by Brian K. Vaughan 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 01, 2021, 08:45:05 AM
July (14)
The Star Wars Archives by Paul Duncan 3/30 - 7/1 *****
A Knight of the Word by Terry Brooks 7/2 - 7/4 ***
Young Frankenstein: The Story of the Making of the Film by Mel Brooks 7/4 *****
Gene Wilder: Funny and Sad by Brian Scott Mednick 7/6 - 7/8 ****
Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer 7/8 - 7/13 *****
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo 7/14 - 7/17 ****
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid 7/17 - 7/18 ***
The Last Real Season by Mike Shropshire 7/18 - 7/19 ****
Gwendy’s Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar 7/21 - 7/22 *****
X-Men Epic Collection Vol. 5: Second Genesis by Chris Claremont 7/22 - 7/23 ****
Rage by Stephen King 7/27 - 7/28 ***
Roadwork by Stephen King 7/28 - 7/30 ****
The Running Man by Stephen King 7/30 - 7/31 ****
Saga: Book Two by Brian K. Vaughan 7/31 *****

Now, I'm going to reread Dune by Frank Herbert. It's been six years since I read it and I wanted to get a refresher before the movie comes out
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 02, 2021, 02:16:32 PM
Next up, The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini

Oof, okay. Interesting read, also quite depressing I'd say.

Moving on, The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 09, 2021, 02:05:53 PM
Ended up reading I’m with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie by Pamela Des Barres, which I quite enjoyed. Don't know if I'll read the rest of her books though. Now, reading The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 11, 2021, 01:30:15 PM
Recently finished a re-read of Dune by Frank Herbert.

Currently reading Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on August 11, 2021, 03:29:15 PM
Recently finished a re-read of Dune by Frank Herbert.

Currently reading Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey.

Alright, alright, alright!  It's a good read... McConaughey is more than the sum of his parts for certain.  He's an interesting guy.  I've finally gotten around to starting True Detective and he's blown me away so far (alone with the HPL references)!

I also just finished listing to Dune in prep for the movie.

Working through Rise and Fall of the Third Reich right now
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 12, 2021, 07:21:07 AM
Recently finished a re-read of Dune by Frank Herbert.

Currently reading Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey.

Alright, alright, alright!  It's a good read... McConaughey is more than the sum of his parts for certain.  He's an interesting guy.  I've finally gotten around to starting True Detective and he's blown me away so far (alone with the HPL references)!

I also just finished listing to Dune in prep for the movie.

Working through Rise and Fall of the Third Reich right now
:tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 12, 2021, 03:29:56 PM
The Plot was a nicely done thriller with a nasty twist I didn't see coming. So, going back to nonfiction. With this month being the official 40th anniversary of MTV, I decided to wax nostalgia and read VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV's First Wave by Gavin Edwards
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 14, 2021, 03:55:00 PM
Highly recommend the book VJ. Made me miss the early days of MTV. Moving on to Alone in the Dark: The Best of Roger Ebert by Roger Ebert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 15, 2021, 05:20:17 PM
Holding off on the Ebert and getting back to fiction with The Folding Knife by K.J. Parker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 17, 2021, 10:20:05 AM
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 20, 2021, 11:20:04 AM
Moving on to Billy Summers by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 20, 2021, 09:39:40 PM
Working through Rise and Fall of the Third Reich right now

Read that many years ago. Just the other day I realized it was still on my shelf - I borrowed it from my dad and obviously never returned it!

If It Bleeds by Stephen King. Enjoyed the first two novellas quite a bit. Piggy-backing on what I said on the last page, I find myself enjoying his short stories much more than his novels at this point in his career, which I could not have said up till 2000 or so.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 22, 2021, 04:52:32 PM
My second favorite novella collection of his after Different Seasons (if you don't count Hearts in Atlantis)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 22, 2021, 09:39:06 PM
I know he has several I haven't read. Unfortunately I never scooped up anything of his outside of the novels for many years so have some catching up to do.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Spiritus on August 23, 2021, 03:44:43 AM
Finished a cool trilogy Ash and Sand  by Richard Nell and can finally get to Rhythm of War by Sanderson. Need to listen to a recap first, its been a few years since oathbringer.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on August 23, 2021, 06:48:53 AM
Finished a cool trilogy Ash and Sand  by Richard Nell and can finally get to Rhythm of War by Sanderson. Need to listen to a recap first, its been a few years since oathbringer.

Im halfway through oathbringer right now and its slow but I'm still enjoying it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 23, 2021, 11:44:01 AM
I know he has several I haven't read. Unfortunately I never scooped up anything of his outside of the novels for many years so have some catching up to do.

Stephen King's short story collections are almost always entertaining, although not every story is great. The aforementioned Different Seasons has Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption and The Body (made into the film Stand By Me), two of his best stories. And Skeleton Crew has The Mist. Another novella that is among his best works, at least imo.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 24, 2021, 06:50:44 AM
X-Men Epic Collection Vol. 6: Proteus by Chris Claremont
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 24, 2021, 10:28:22 AM
I know he has several I haven't read. Unfortunately I never scooped up anything of his outside of the novels for many years so have some catching up to do.

Stephen King's short story collections are almost always entertaining, although not every story is great. The aforementioned Different Seasons has Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption and The Body (made into the film Stand By Me), two of his best stories. And Skeleton Crew has The Mist. Another novella that is among his best works, at least imo.
Those three novellas are among my absolute favorite things King has ever written.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 25, 2021, 06:15:56 AM
X-Men Epic Collection Vol. 7: The Fate of the Phoenix by Chris Claremont
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 26, 2021, 10:45:58 AM
Billy Summers by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 26, 2021, 11:24:46 AM
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 26, 2021, 11:50:19 AM
So, yesterday and today, I continued knocking out some of my Stephen King backlist with Cycle of the Werewolf and The Colorado Kid. Both I found completely lackluster. Now, trying some horror with The Conqueror Worms by Brian Keene
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 26, 2021, 10:48:43 PM
Stephen King's short story collections are almost always entertaining, although not every story is great. The aforementioned Different Seasons has Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption and The Body (made into the film Stand By Me), two of his best stories. And Skeleton Crew has The Mist. Another novella that is among his best works, at least imo.
Those three novellas are among my absolute favorite things King has ever written.

I wish I had read those three stories before seeing their respective film adaptations.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 27, 2021, 09:40:29 AM
Next up, The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini

Oof, okay. Interesting read, also quite depressing I'd say.

Moving on, The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

This was alright, a good-ish standalone fantasy book I guess.

Reread The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin, still one of my favourite books, now onto Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 27, 2021, 09:56:27 AM
Anansi Boys was a strange one. Still not sure what to make of it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 27, 2021, 11:18:02 AM
Anansi Boys was a strange one. Still not sure what to make of it.

That's basically how I felt about American Gods. Didn't even bother with Anansi Boys
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 27, 2021, 12:24:45 PM
I thought American Gods was a good book, but it was strange too. Anansi Boys was just strange, not necessarily bad, just strange.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 27, 2021, 02:00:59 PM
I've only read The Ocean at the End of the Lane (loved it) by Gaiman and Good Omens—which was half Pratchett so that probably doesn't count (but also loved it)—and I saw a hardcover edition of Anansi Boys in the store like two or three months ago, so I thought what the hell.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 27, 2021, 07:04:55 PM
Piranesi by Susannah Clarke
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 28, 2021, 04:37:24 PM
After having recently watched Broadway the Golden Age and its sequel, I'd thought I'd read some history about it with Beautiful Mornin': The Broadway Musicals in the 1940's by Ethan Mordden
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 31, 2021, 06:47:39 AM
Going right into the next volume: Coming Up Roses: The Broadway Musical in the 1950's by Ethan Mordden
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 01, 2021, 12:36:02 PM
August (12)
I’m with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie by Pamela Des Barres 8/6 - 8/9 ****
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz 8/9 - 8/12 ****
VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV’s First Wave by Gavin Edwards 8/12 - 8/14 *****
The Folding Knife by K.J. Parker 8/15 - 8/20 ***
Billy Summers by Stephen King 8/20 - 8/24 ****
X-Men Epic Collection Vol. 6: Proteus by Chris Claremont 8/24 - 8/25 ****
X-Men Epic Collection Vol. 7: The Fate of the Phoenix by Chris Claremont 8/25 ****
Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King 8/25 **
The Colorado Kid by Stephen King 8/26 **
The Conqueror Worms by Brian Keene 8/26 - 8/27 ****
Piranesi by Susannah Clark 8/27 - 8/28 ****
Beautiful Mornin’: The Broadway Musical in the 1940’s by Ethan Mordden 8/28 - 8/30 ****

Starting off the month with Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 04, 2021, 01:15:59 PM
Foundation was awesome!

Now, Pandora's Star by Peter F. Hamilton. I really haven't read/completed anything big so far this year. I'm already 100 pages in so far and enjoying it. I think I managed 30 pages or so a while back and was just not in the mood for it at the time. Now, I think I am
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 10, 2021, 02:53:18 PM
Reread The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin, still one of my favourite books, now onto Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

You guys were spot on, this was very strange. I did enjoy it as I apparently like Neil's writing, but yeah, it was befuddling at times.

Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 10, 2021, 06:46:40 PM
Just finished Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire. Star Wars was the defining franchise of my youth, yet I never got in to any Expanded Universe (or whatever) novels. I was gifted a couple of the newer Thrawn novels, and that prompted me to start here. It was an enjoyable read. I appreciated how it felt like Star Wars while still being its own story. Not sure where I will go from here.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on September 10, 2021, 06:48:59 PM
To me, Star Wars (the movie) was a one hit wonder.



I ended up returning Rob Halford's Confess to the library unfinished. I simply lost interest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 12, 2021, 08:38:46 PM
Some updates:

I recently finished 80 Years of Superman, which was fantastic. It was pretty neat getting to read some of the old Superman comics and see how he evolved, and I finished today Marvel Masterworks: The Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 6, which was okay, but the quality dipped big time from the last one (but it's kind of hard to top Dark Phoenix and Days of Future, Past,



Going back to fiction to read Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau. I've heard good things. I've had it on hold for a while, so I'm hoping it's worth it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 13, 2021, 12:12:35 PM
Elric of Melnibone by Roy Thomas & P. Craig Russell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on September 13, 2021, 03:16:21 PM
Working through Rise and Fall of the Third Reich right now

Read that many years ago. Just the other day I realized it was still on my shelf - I borrowed it from my dad and obviously never returned it!

If It Bleeds by Stephen King. Enjoyed the first two novellas quite a bit. Piggy-backing on what I said on the last page, I find myself enjoying his short stories much more than his novels at this point in his career, which I could not have said up till 2000 or so.

Rise and Fall just has a hold on me... Shirer has the tone and scale of anthropologist and I'm enjoying it immensely!  Much more than I would have thought.

If it Bleeds is a great collection... equals up to Night Shift for me which contains my two all-time favorite King shorts.  He really is a master of the short story.

Still working through Rise and Fall (on book three now)... I break it up with BTBAM Colors 2
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 13, 2021, 06:11:50 PM
Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 14, 2021, 07:48:18 PM
The Bradbury Chronicles by Sam Weller
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 15, 2021, 09:18:57 AM
The Dark Interval: Towards a Theology of Story by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 17, 2021, 01:35:39 PM
The Bradbury Chronicles by Sam Weller
If you're a Ray Bradbury fan, I highly recommend that book.



Switching back to historical with Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 20, 2021, 01:41:05 PM
Thor: The Complete Collection Volume 1 by Jason Aaron
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ErHaO on September 22, 2021, 06:03:16 AM
The Redbreast - Jo Nesbo

I loved the central mystery/plot. My only criticism, which is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, is that another character met outside the context of the case was somewhat randomly closely related to the central murder plot. I did not feel this was necessary but in the end it is not a major flaw. Slow start but well worth the read.

Nemesis - Jo Nesbo

I was not impressed with this one. I like the basic premise and the two cases, but it really feels like he had two plotlines and stitched them together by writing coincidental connections between characters and events. It is a bit like that pet peeve I had with the first but now it is integral to both major plotlines. I hope the next novel abstains from this approach to writing.



Overall the Dutch translations of these books don't feel like they are particularly well done, but that has nothing to do with Nesbo's work.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 22, 2021, 11:13:37 AM
Have a Little Faith: The John Hiatt Story by Michael Elliott
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 22, 2021, 01:12:24 PM
It's back to Sci-Fi September and I'm currently reading Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill and I am enjoying it immensely. It is so good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 23, 2021, 01:21:46 PM
Yeah, Sea of Rust was excellent. Now for some sci-fi horror with The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E.D. Hudspeth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 24, 2021, 01:14:41 PM
Getting the itch for a huge historical novel: Time's Betrayal by David Adams Cleveland
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 26, 2021, 11:09:46 AM
Reread The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin, still one of my favourite books, now onto Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

You guys were spot on, this was very strange. I did enjoy it as I apparently like Neil's writing, but yeah, it was befuddling at times.

Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett

Man, this was good. I'm warming up to Pratchett I guess, this book was excellent.

The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 26, 2021, 11:34:45 AM
Pratchett was such a great writer.

After reading some spy novels by John Le Carré I'm finally continuing with Harry Dresen, Peace Talks by Jim Butcher.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 29, 2021, 03:25:35 PM
I started the month reading Foundation, I'll be finishing the month (most likely) reading Second Foundation
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on September 29, 2021, 06:14:39 PM
Reread Cloud Atlas recently (the first time reading it as a physical book), and stand by my opinion that while it's a great book, the movie is actually better. Although it's worth noting that a lot of the best moments in the movie are word-for-word quotes from the book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 01, 2021, 06:37:12 AM
Children of Dune by Frank Herbert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 01, 2021, 06:32:32 PM
Here's my September wrap up. A fairly good month, in terms of quantity and quality
September (11)
Coming Up Roses: The Broadway Musical in the 1950’s by Ethan Mordden 8/31 - 9/1 ****
Foundation by Isaac Asimov 9/1 - 9/2 *****
Action Comics: 80 Years of Superman by Paul Levitz 9/11 - 9/12 *****
Marvel Masterworks: The Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 6 9/12 ****
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau 9/12 - 9/13 ****
Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov 9/13 - 9/14 ****
The Bradbury Chronicles by Sam Weller 9/14 - 9/16 *****
Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel 9/16 - 9/21 ****
Sea of Rust by C. Thomas Cargill 9/22 - 9/23 *****
The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E.D. Hudspeth 9/23 ***
Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov 9/29 - 9/30 ***



Now, it's October, which means time for some horror/spooky books, starting off with some new fiction: Tidepool by Nicole Willson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 03, 2021, 07:39:10 AM
From the Dust Returned by Ray Bradbury
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 03, 2021, 06:20:17 PM
The Bradbury didn't really work for me, so instead I'm getting a bit ambitious and reading Shadow and Claw by Gene Wolfe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 07, 2021, 09:07:35 PM
Finished Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy Heir to the Empire/Dark Force Rising/The Last Command. For as much as the Star Wars franchise meant to my childhood, I never read any novels. I do not know why. I feel I would have loved these as a kid, back when we only had Eps 4, 5, and 6 (and the Christmas Special) to enjoy. Now at 45, with many more SW film/tv series options leaving my galaxy more diluted, they were still a fun read. Heck I probably would have enjoyed film adaptions of this trilogy more than what we got in Eps 7, 8, and 9.

Now on to Later by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 08, 2021, 01:34:49 PM
Well, I finally finished the Gene Wolfe. it was okay (gave it 4 stars, but a soft 4. More like 3.75), but when I take almost a full week to read 400 pages, that's not an entirely positive thing. I'll still read the rest of it, just not right away.



Excited to be reading Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill. Hopefully, it's as good as Sea of Rust
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 08, 2021, 02:50:43 PM
The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang

Nice, good stuff. Can't find the third book in my city though, guess I'll have to order it from abroad.

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 09, 2021, 06:27:24 PM
The Walking Dead: Compendium One by Robert Kirkman. Now that the series is done, I'm going to work my way through the whole series, like I did with Invincible earlier this year
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 11, 2021, 06:42:33 AM
Dracula FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Count from Transylvania by Bruce Scivally
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 13, 2021, 01:52:04 PM
Back to fiction with Covenant with the Vampire by Jeanne Kalogridis. It looks to be the start of a series set 50 years before Dracula. Already a quarter of the way done and really enjoying myself
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 14, 2021, 10:45:59 AM
Duma Key by Stephen King - An ok book that would've been much better if you cut at least 100 pages out. It has some creepy moments but there's lots of stuff that just didn't really need to be there.

Fist of the North Star Vols 1 + 2 - I've been wanting to check out this Manga for a while now but it was never fully released in the U.S. now that they're finally putting them out I jumped on it. Mad Max but with people exploding. Lots of fun so far.

Books of Blood volume 1 by Clive Barker - Between this and The Hellbound Heart I think I enjoy his short fiction much more than his full length novels. Some weird, imaginative, humorous, and creepy stuff in here. Only story I didn't really care for was the one with the pig.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 14, 2021, 10:50:02 AM
Duma Key by Stephen King - An ok book that would've been much better if you cut at least 100 pages out.

Someone said this before, but this is pretty much most of King's books apparently. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on October 14, 2021, 10:52:45 AM
Duma Key by Stephen King - An ok book that would've been much better if you cut at least 100 pages out.

Someone said this before, but this is pretty much most of King's books apparently. :)

I know but sometimes the excess doesn't hurt the book ...... and sometimes it drags the whole thing down lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 14, 2021, 01:51:01 PM
Yeah, Dumas Key dragged for me, big time
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 14, 2021, 05:07:31 PM
The Walking Dead Compendium Two by Robert Kirkman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 14, 2021, 10:07:43 PM
Duma Key by Stephen King - An ok book that would've been much better if you cut at least 100 pages out.

Someone said this before, but this is pretty much most of King's books apparently. :)

I think that trope is sometimes valid, but not as applicable with some of his more recent work. Uninspired as much of his post 2010 work has been, I think it has been more focused and concise than much of his releases between the 1990s and 2010.

Just finished Later. It was... good, fine. I enjoyed reading it, but it left no impact on me. A week from now I'd struggle to give you a good synopsis of it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 14, 2021, 11:32:09 PM
I'm finally continuing with Harry Dresen, Peace Talks by Jim Butcher.

And continuing with Battle Ground, oh how I hate cliffhangers. Good thing I can read those books back to back.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 15, 2021, 03:10:37 PM
Breverton's Phantasmagoria by Terry Breverton.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 15, 2021, 03:15:27 PM
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

That was a bit boring, never boring enough to DNF but never exciting enough to want to pick up this book and read till the night hours.

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 16, 2021, 06:46:34 PM
Years ago, I fell in love with Let the Right One In and always wanted to read something else from the author, so I'm giving Little Star by John Ajvide Lindqvist a shot
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on October 16, 2021, 08:12:14 PM
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

That was a bit boring, never boring enough to DNF but never exciting enough to want to pick up this book and read till the night hours.

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

I bought this one a while ago but it's still on the floor (where all unread books go until I read them). Should be getting to it soon though.

I'm reading Le Guin's Wizard of Earthsea, the first thing of hers I've read outside of a short story and I'm quite enjoying it so far; I just started today but I'll probably finish it tonight or tomorrow (it is fairly short, <300 pages).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 17, 2021, 02:11:21 AM
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

That was a bit boring, never boring enough to DNF but never exciting enough to want to pick up this book and read till the night hours.

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

I bought this one a while ago but it's still on the floor (where all unread books go until I read them). Should be getting to it soon though.

I'm reading Le Guin's Wizard of Earthsea, the first thing of hers I've read outside of a short story and I'm quite enjoying it so far; I just started today but I'll probably finish it tonight or tomorrow (it is fairly short, <300 pages).

For Earthsea cycle, I think The Tombs of Atuan was my favourite by far. Been a while since I read the whole thing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 17, 2021, 08:16:40 AM
That was a swing and a miss. Let's try Horror Films of the 1970s by John Kenneth Muir. I read his book on the SFF films of the 70s last year and quite enjoyed it, so hopefully I'll enjoy this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 20, 2021, 02:08:32 PM
I'm finally continuing with Harry Dresen, Peace Talks by Jim Butcher.

And continuing with Battle Ground, oh how I hate cliffhangers. Good thing I can read those books back to back.

That was really good and leaves a lot of opportunities for further storylines.

Spoiler: A marriage with Lara could be fun. But Murphy dead? Really? Has this some purpose for the future or was JB just feeling a little GRRM?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 20, 2021, 02:20:19 PM
I'm finally continuing with Harry Dresen, Peace Talks by Jim Butcher.

And continuing with Battle Ground, oh how I hate cliffhangers. Good thing I can read those books back to back.

That was really good and leaves a lot of opportunities for further storylines.

Spoiler: A marriage with Lara could be fun. But Murphy dead? Really? Has this some purpose for the future or was JB just feeling a little GRRM?

I think Butcher said something along the lines of Harry's love interests are getting in the way of him properly finishing the series. Says it slowed the overall arc
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 21, 2021, 02:20:24 PM
Let's try Horror Films of the 1970s by John Kenneth Muir. I read his book on the SFF films of the 70s last year and quite enjoyed it, so hopefully I'll enjoy this
Boy, did I ever. Favorite book of the month so far, but let's see what Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff has to say about that. His Nevernight trilogy was a big win for me, so I'm expecting good things here
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 21, 2021, 09:08:13 PM
Read The Bloody Black Flag by Steve Goble. A bit of a locked room mystery on a pirate ship. Enjoyable, quick read. Liked it enough to read the follow-up The Devil's Wind.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 22, 2021, 03:21:14 PM
Lear: The Great Image of Authority by Harold Bloom
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 25, 2021, 09:20:21 AM
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

Okay, I really liked it. I actually thought this was fantastic. Probably the best book I've read this year unless I'm forgetting something (not counting re-reads), couldn't put it down.

Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 27, 2021, 01:18:32 PM
Finished Empire of the Vampire yesterday. I liked it, but nowhere near as much as Nevernight. It dragged on a tad, and I wasn't a fan of the back and forth narration. For the most part, I think Kristoff could have kept it in a linear fashion. I will still continue on with the series. I also ended up reading The Ballad of Black Tom, which I was not that big a fan of. Lovecraftian pastiche is very hit and miss for me. Now, I'm currently reading Pandemonium by Daryl Gregory, which I am enjoying
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 28, 2021, 01:25:40 PM
Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 28, 2021, 01:32:02 PM
The 4th Protocol by Frederick Forsyth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Phoenix87x on October 28, 2021, 01:45:41 PM
Re-reading Dune. Just as good as ever
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 28, 2021, 03:37:44 PM
Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore
Beauty read
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 29, 2021, 07:44:03 PM
The Book of Lists: Horror by Amy Lawrence, Del Howison and Scott Bradley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 30, 2021, 03:15:54 PM
Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 01, 2021, 05:01:33 AM
October (13)
Tidepool by Nicole Willson 10/1 - 10/3 ****
Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe 10/3 - 10/8 ****
Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill 10/8 - 10/9 ****
The Walking Dead Compendium One by Robert Kirkman 10/9 - 10/11 ****
Dracula FAQ by Bruce Scivally 10/11 - 10/13 ****
Covenant with the Vampire by Jeanne Kalogridis 10/13 - 10/14 ****
The Walking Dead Compendium Two by Robert Kirkman 10/14 - 10/16 ****
Horror Films of the 1970s by John Kenneth Muir 10/17 - 10/21 *****
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff 10/21 - 10/26 ****
The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle 10/26 - 10/27 **
Pandemonium by Daryl Gregory 10/27 - 10/28 ****
Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore 10/28 - 10/29 ****
Book of Lists: Horror by Amy Wallace, Del Howison, Scott Bradley 10/29 - 10/31 ***



One Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino. I was a big fan of the movie, let's see how the book turns out
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 01, 2021, 09:30:17 AM
Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater

wtf :lol That was all over the place. The premise was good but that's it. I don't think this author is for me.

Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 02, 2021, 07:09:42 AM
Well, that was enjoyable, seeing as how I read it in one day. starting off Nonfiction November with Open a New Window: The Broadway Musical in the 1960s by Ethan Mordden
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on November 04, 2021, 02:31:58 AM
The Storyteller: Tales Of Life And Music by Dave Grohl.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 05, 2021, 05:43:58 AM
The Guns of Avalon by Roger Zelazny
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 05, 2021, 06:36:35 AM
Building An Empire - The Story Of Queensryche by James R. Beach, Brian L. Naron and Brian J. Heaton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 05, 2021, 03:36:33 PM
During the month, I'm most likely going to flip flop between fiction and non, so it's back to fiction with Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: svisser on November 05, 2021, 06:23:00 PM
My reading is all over the place. I can thank university for that.

But I guess what I am currently reading is:

Norton Anthology of American Literature: 1914-1945, and
Broadview Anthology of Victorian Poetry and Poetic Theory.

A lot of it is genuinely interesting, but so much just puts me to sleep.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 05, 2021, 08:00:12 PM
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager. Stupid title. Amazing book. Had no idea where this book was going. Kept me enthralled till the last page.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 09, 2021, 08:05:40 AM
Haven't been reading much lately. Partly because I didn't want to re-read anything, and I've been too lazy to pick up the new Jack Reacher or order another french book to read. Finally decided to grab a book from the library. I figured I'm there with my kids every week, why not actually get a book for myself. Pleasant finding out that my local branch has french novels. As they say, two birds.

La Glace Noire by Michael Connelly

I read one Bosch novel a few years ago, and it was pretty good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 10, 2021, 09:29:52 AM
Sign of the Unicorn by Roger Zelazny
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 10, 2021, 05:35:16 PM
Okay, so I DNF'd that last book, so instead I finally finished Secrets of the Force, a very good oral history of Star Wars. Few downsides were the authors interviewed Ray Morton way too much. Even though his opinions were valid, he came off sounding too much like Comic Book Guy. I was also a bit disappointed Rogue One and Solo were glossed over.



Then, I finished Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. It was alright, nothing too special. I feel accomplished I managed to read it.



Now, I'm reading Stephen Sondheim: A Life by Meryle Secrest
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 14, 2021, 03:12:56 PM
The Disfavored Hero by Jessica Amanda Salmonson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 15, 2021, 09:15:15 AM
The Hand of Oberon by Roger Zelazny
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 15, 2021, 09:39:01 AM
The Negotiator by Frederik Forsyth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 17, 2021, 09:23:45 AM
Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb

Nice enough, but also quite slow. I'm interested enough to continue the trilogy with The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 17, 2021, 04:59:38 PM
back to nonfiction with Saturday Night Live FAQ by Stephen Tropiano
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 20, 2021, 06:58:11 AM
The Courts of Chaos by Roger Zelazny
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 20, 2021, 12:30:24 PM
Haven't read a graphic novel yet this month, so I decided to read Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago..., Vol. 1  by Roy Thomas
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 22, 2021, 11:25:02 AM
Undaunted by John Brennan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 22, 2021, 05:32:53 PM
Since it was on sale for 4.00 on the Kindle, I decided to get, and currently reading, Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 23, 2021, 08:01:24 PM
Led Zeppelin FAQ by George Case
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 24, 2021, 07:27:18 AM
Finally, venturing into Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 24, 2021, 08:15:59 PM
Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb

Nice enough, but also quite slow. I'm interested enough to continue the trilogy with The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb

I've been meaning to read one of her books, but my reading time/mental capacity is somewhat diminished these days, so I have been going with shorter, lighter books, and avoiding tackling anything in the fantasy realm. Though I have heard good things about her books, and I was a very casual friend with her daughter in high school.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 25, 2021, 08:46:30 AM
It didn't really pick up the pace (I'm at about two thirds of the second book) but I don't mind that at all now. I've been staying late every evening this week to read a couple more chapters, which is always a great sign.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 25, 2021, 12:49:30 PM
German fantasy from Markus Heitz: Die Rache der Zwerge/Revenge Of The Dwarves
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 26, 2021, 08:38:00 PM
Well, I'll definitely continue on with that series. Now, seeing as how we're into the holiday shopping season, I thought it was appropriate to read Everything: Grand Opening by Christopher Cantwell 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 27, 2021, 09:00:26 AM
venturing into some classic, 20th century fiction with One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 28, 2021, 03:57:44 PM
Got eight chapters in and sadly lost interest

With the passing away of Sondheim, I'd thought I'd continue on with Ethan Mordden's series on the history of the Broadway musical with One More Kiss: The Broadway Musical in the 1970s
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 29, 2021, 08:26:35 AM
Nice enough, but also quite slow. I'm interested enough to continue the trilogy with The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb

And now onto the third book in the trilogy, Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 30, 2021, 06:36:53 AM
Nice enough, but also quite slow. I'm interested enough to continue the trilogy with The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb

And now onto the third book in the trilogy, Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

I didn't see, previously, that you were reading these books. Have you read them before? If not, I'm a bit envious. I'd love to have something as stellar as these books to discover right now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 30, 2021, 08:42:16 AM
Nice enough, but also quite slow. I'm interested enough to continue the trilogy with The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb

And now onto the third book in the trilogy, Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

I didn't see, previously, that you were reading these books. Have you read them before? If not, I'm a bit envious. I'd love to have something as stellar as these books to discover right now.

No, first time reading anything by Robin Hobb. A friend recommended this trilogy to me and I'm enjoying both the books and discussing them with him. Been a while since I've read such a classic fantasy. As I said in the previous post, I'm staying late during evenings to read one more chapter, then maybe one more, then wow, it's midnight already? Well, you probably know how it goes.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 30, 2021, 08:09:25 PM
My November turned out pretty good:

November (13)
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino 11/1 *****
Open a New Window: The Broadway Musical in the 1960s 11/2 - 11/5 ***
Secrets of the Force by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman 7/13 - 11/9 ****
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote 11/10 ***
Stephen Sondheim: A Life by Meryle Secrest 11/10 - 11/14 ****
The Disfavored Hero by Jessica Amanda Salmonson 11/14 - 11/17 ***
Saturday Night Live FAQ by Stephen Tropiano 11/17 - 11/20 *****
Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago…, Part One by Roy Thomas 11/20 - 11/22 ****
Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky 11/22 - 11/23 ***
Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft 11/24 - 11/26 ****
Everything: Grand Opening by Christopher Cantwell 11/26 **
Everything: Black Friday by Christopher Cantwell 11/27 **
One Last Kiss: The Broadway Musical in the 1970s by Ethan Mordden 11/28 - 11/30 ****

Now, continuing on with The Books of Babel with The Arm of the Sphinx by Josiah Bancroft
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 04, 2021, 07:32:47 AM
Getting back into Saga, getting myself all caught up by reading vols. 7 through 9
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 04, 2021, 02:54:10 PM
And now, probably have to wait another year like the rest of you for Volume 10. And now, time to return to the Tower with The Hod King by Josiah Bancroft
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 04, 2021, 03:05:24 PM
The Deceiver by Frederick Forsyth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2021, 06:07:31 AM
The Icarus Agenda by Robert Ludlum
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 09, 2021, 01:10:41 PM
Getting my spooky on by reading The Patience of a Dead Man by Michael Clark (I bought the trilogy bind up, so most likely will just binge it) and Horror Movies of the 1980s by John Kenneth Muir
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 09, 2021, 04:30:31 PM
Nice enough, but also quite slow. I'm interested enough to continue the trilogy with The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb

And now onto the third book in the trilogy, Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

I didn't see, previously, that you were reading these books. Have you read them before? If not, I'm a bit envious. I'd love to have something as stellar as these books to discover right now.

No, first time reading anything by Robin Hobb. A friend recommended this trilogy to me and I'm enjoying both the books and discussing them with him. Been a while since I've read such a classic fantasy. As I said in the previous post, I'm staying late during evenings to read one more chapter, then maybe one more, then wow, it's midnight already? Well, you probably know how it goes.

I can highly recommend any of her books set in this same fantasy world. The "Assassin's Trilogy" is especially good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 11, 2021, 05:56:42 PM
Not going to continue on with the series after all. It was very meh, so instead reading The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on December 11, 2021, 06:37:21 PM
Just finished Project Hail Mary in 2 days. Thats basically unheard of for me. Loved it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 13, 2021, 10:22:56 AM
The Sandman Companion by Hy Bender
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 13, 2021, 03:55:19 PM
The Dave Grohl was fantastic, now finally time for The Fall of Babel.  Let's see if Bancroft can stick the landing
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 14, 2021, 08:54:25 AM
Nice enough, but also quite slow. I'm interested enough to continue the trilogy with The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb

And now onto the third book in the trilogy, Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb

I didn't see, previously, that you were reading these books. Have you read them before? If not, I'm a bit envious. I'd love to have something as stellar as these books to discover right now.

No, first time reading anything by Robin Hobb. A friend recommended this trilogy to me and I'm enjoying both the books and discussing them with him. Been a while since I've read such a classic fantasy. As I said in the previous post, I'm staying late during evenings to read one more chapter, then maybe one more, then wow, it's midnight already? Well, you probably know how it goes.

I can highly recommend any of her books set in this same fantasy world. The "Assassin's Trilogy" is especially good.

I'll probably give it (or some other trilogy from her) a go next year! Finished the Liveship Trilogy and I really enjoyed it. Splendid fantasy.

Finishing this year with a reread of one of my favourite books which I've never read in English before, The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 14, 2021, 12:10:13 PM
Susan Sontag On Photography
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 14, 2021, 03:23:10 PM
Finishing this year with a reread of one of my favourite books which I've never read in English before, The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

Hot damn, you're on a roll brother (IMO). I'll read anything written by UKLG! Perhaps my favorite author of all time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on December 14, 2021, 03:24:39 PM
What kind of books does she write?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on December 14, 2021, 03:57:44 PM
What kind of books does she write?
Sci-fi is what I know her for. The Dispossessed made me realize I'm a damn anarchist lol I liked it, but didn't dive into any of her other works.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 14, 2021, 05:35:40 PM
What kind of books does she write?

The kind you wouldn't like, Tim (probably). Sci-fi and fantasy, but very human focused. A genius wordsmith who will gift you with a thousand word narrative in a couple of short sentences.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on December 14, 2021, 05:54:41 PM
What kind of books does she write?

The kind you wouldn't like, Tim (probably). Sci-fi and fantasy, but very human focused. A genius wordsmith who will gift you with a thousand word narrative in a couple of short sentences.

Unlike Stadler, who will give me two sentences containing a thousand words. ;D


What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 14, 2021, 10:18:39 PM
What kind of books does she write?

The kind you wouldn't like, Tim (probably). Sci-fi and fantasy, but very human focused. A genius wordsmith who will gift you with a thousand word narrative in a couple of short sentences.

Unlike Stadler, who will give me two sentences containing a thousand words. ;D

 :lol

What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I was never a big fantasy literature fan as a kid. Loved Star Wars and all that of course, but never read any fantasy till I was an adult. And now it is really hit or miss, and I can't pinpoint why something is a hit and something else is a miss. I loved the Song of Fire and Ice books, but for every one of those, I ready 4 other fantasy books that I found really boring.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 15, 2021, 06:54:35 AM
RIP Anne Rice.

Just came across that bit of news.  While her last few books didn't really move the needle for me,  the Vampire Chronicles will always hold a special place in my heart as the first "adult" books i read as a young teen after randomly picking a book off my mom's shelf. It was book 4, Tale of the Body Thief,  and i actually read the epilogue first (i hadn't originally planned to read the book...i was just bored).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on December 15, 2021, 11:18:23 AM


What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I can identify with this sentiment, though maybe not quite to the extent that you do, since I still occasionally read comics and check out the latest sci-fi/fantasy movies and shows. But as I get deeper into fogey-ness, I find that I tend to get super-selective on what I decide to spend my time on (and that includes music).

What fascinates me is how you've managed to enjoy traveling to theme parks over the years and heavy metal music in general, since both are SO steeped in the world of fantasy/sci-fi novels, movies, shows, etc. I mean, take any given power metal album .... the artwork and themes drip with that stuff.




Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on December 15, 2021, 01:28:15 PM


What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I can identify with this sentiment, though maybe not quite to the extent that you do, since I still occasionally read comics and check out the latest sci-fi/fantasy movies and shows. But as I get deeper into fogey-ness, I find that I tend to get super-selective on what I decide to spend my time on (and that includes music).

What fascinates me is how you've managed to enjoy traveling to theme parks over the years and heavy metal music in general, since both are SO steeped in the world of fantasy/sci-fi novels, movies, shows, etc. I mean, take any given power metal album .... the artwork and themes drip with that stuff.

The thing about the theme parks is was really about our family vacations to Disney. They provided a real "in the bubble" experience where the outside world was a million miles away. And they provided some great experiences and exhibits that really provided some child like wonder.
A theme park steeped in..superhero characters couldn't interest me less.

As far as heavy metal goes, I guess you're right, but I've never really thought about that. I love me some Hammerfall, especially their older stuff. Sure they sing about the Templars Of Metal and shit, but I don't really lose myself in those lyrics or world. I do however, pay attention to things like the powers of good vs evil, so I can usually relate those kinds of lyrics and look within myself.



Even as a kid, I never read comic books. I've never seen a Star Trek movie, and I only care about the original Star Wars movie. I'm thinking of asking for a random fiction paperback for a stocking stuffer. I used to love reading books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 16, 2021, 09:34:03 AM
What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I only read fiction and engineering books :lol Maybe in 25 years I'll be the same.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 17, 2021, 05:35:30 PM
Anne Rice had such an impact on my reading life. The Vampire Chronicles were pretty much the first adult books I read on my own when I was roughly 13. For me, there were mostly hits from her instead of misses. Of the ones I've read, the only ones I never cared for were Realms of Atlantis and Angel Time (Violin was meh). I still want to look into Cleopatra, her Christ series, her Wolves series, Cry to Heaven and Feast of All Saints
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on December 17, 2021, 08:42:40 PM
What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I only read fiction and engineering books :lol Maybe in 25 years I'll be the same.


I asked my wife to buy me a paperback book for Christmas. I told her it didn't matter what it was...horror, sci-fi, murder mystery...whatever. Just pick out a book of fiction that she'd think I like.
There were two conditions on what not to get though.
1. Not Stephen King
2. Not a book that is part of a series


It's been 25 years easy since I read a fiction book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 18, 2021, 12:50:07 AM
2. Not a book that is part of a series

Technically there are first books in some series that are fantastic standalone books. :biggrin:

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on December 18, 2021, 03:32:04 PM
What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I only read fiction and engineering books :lol Maybe in 25 years I'll be the same.


I asked my wife to buy me a paperback book for Christmas. I told her it didn't matter what it was...horror, sci-fi, murder mystery...whatever. Just pick out a book of fiction that she'd think I like.
There were two conditions on what not to get though.
1. Not Stephen King
2. Not a book that is part of a series


It's been 25 years easy since I read a fiction book.

I see you’ve even roped your wife into playing the TAC roulette!

2. Not a book that is part of a series

Technically there are first books in some series that are fantastic standalone books. :biggrin:

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

Also let us know what you thought of the book when (and if) you read it!  :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 18, 2021, 05:06:30 PM
Impracticalities aside, a literature roulette would be awesome!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on December 18, 2021, 05:12:04 PM
What you say about me not liking it may be true. You know, somewhere along the way, I completely lost my sense of imagination. I used to really wig out on movies and books when I was younger, but as I get older, I simply have zero interest in works of fiction. It kind of bums me out, actually.

I only read fiction and engineering books :lol Maybe in 25 years I'll be the same.


I asked my wife to buy me a paperback book for Christmas. I told her it didn't matter what it was...horror, sci-fi, murder mystery...whatever. Just pick out a book of fiction that she'd think I like.
There were two conditions on what not to get though.
1. Not Stephen King
2. Not a book that is part of a series


It's been 25 years easy since I read a fiction book.

I see you’ve even roped your wife into playing the TAC roulette!


 :rollin :rollin





Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

I definitely will! :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 19, 2021, 10:34:05 AM
Impracticalities aside, a literature roulette would be awesome!

You know what, I think I may look into it. It'll take forever though. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 20, 2021, 03:27:05 AM
Finished the Babel series, so I feel accomplished. Now reading Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom. The guy's been 2 for 2 so far (The Child Thief, Lost Gods)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on December 20, 2021, 10:33:15 AM
Impracticalities aside, a literature roulette would be awesome!

You know what, I think I may look into it. It'll take forever though. :lol

Masterthes would finish a literary roulette faster than any of us could do a music one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 20, 2021, 11:48:22 AM
Indeed! :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 20, 2021, 12:01:19 PM
Impracticalities aside, a literature roulette would be awesome!

You know what, I think I may look into it. It'll take forever though. :lol

Masterthes would finish a literary roulette faster than any of us could do a music one.

Yeah, that checks out :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 20, 2021, 07:19:41 PM
Frank Herbert Dune
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 21, 2021, 09:07:08 AM
Ah yes, love Frank H. Dune, such a good author
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 21, 2021, 07:53:21 PM
Now reading Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom. The guy's been 2 for 2 so far (The Child Thief, Lost Gods)

It ended up being my least favorite, but still solid. I'm going to try to catch his newest one some time next year. Moving on to Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 23, 2021, 07:43:38 AM
Wild Minds: The Artists and Rivalries that Inspired the Golden Age of Animation by Reid Mitenbuler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TAC on December 26, 2021, 01:13:41 PM
2. Not a book that is part of a series

Technically there are first books in some series that are fantastic standalone books. :biggrin:

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

So I got two books.

The Jailhouse Lawyer by James Patterson....These are the kids of books my wife likes, so I'm not surprised but I'm not sure I'm excited to read it, but I said I would, so I will.

Lightning Down by Tom Clavin...This looks like a non fiction account of a WWII pilot's survival story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 26, 2021, 01:56:03 PM
The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 26, 2021, 02:37:58 PM
^^^^ My favorite of the series.


Better Off Dead by the brothers Child.

I'm about 50 pages in,  and once again the writing is seamless. Feels like a single author, and certainly like a Jack Reacher story
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 26, 2021, 02:55:54 PM
Am likewise about 50 pages in to Better Off Dead.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 26, 2021, 05:05:20 PM
All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks. Mel Brooks ranks as one of my favorite comedic talents, so I'm anticipating this to be a late year favorite
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 26, 2021, 05:10:51 PM
Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 27, 2021, 08:47:49 AM
2. Not a book that is part of a series

Technically there are first books in some series that are fantastic standalone books. :biggrin:

Please share what book she went with when you get your present!

So I got two books.

The Jailhouse Lawyer by James Patterson....These are the kids of books my wife likes, so I'm not surprised but I'm not sure I'm excited to read it, but I said I would, so I will.

Lightning Down by Tom Clavin...This looks like a non fiction account of a WWII pilot's survival story.

Haven't read any of these two! :lol Read the summary of The Jailhouse Lawyer on Goodreads and I'm not sure it's my kind of book either.

Let me know what you think though. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 29, 2021, 07:47:46 AM
The Mel Brooks was fantastic, my favorite nonfiction of the year, easily. Done with new books for the year, and getting a start on my Wheel of Time read through project for 2022, and going all the way back to the beginning with The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan (this will be my third time reading this)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 29, 2021, 10:06:17 AM
Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys
Just finished the first volume of the kazenban edition. Really good so far. Already loved Monster and Pluto so am quite eager to see how it goes from here.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on December 29, 2021, 10:25:51 AM
Finally finished The Count of Monte Cristo and Red Country by Joe Abercrombie.

On to The Devil you Know by Mark Lawrence
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 29, 2021, 12:16:27 PM
Finishing this year with a reread of one of my favourite books which I've never read in English before, The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

Finished this one, hits somewhat differently than when I was 18 years old and read it in Russian. Still loved it though.

I may spend some time to compile the list of what I've read this year like masterthes does (although it won't be quite as huge), we'll see.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 29, 2021, 08:37:15 PM
I guess I'll share my favorites from the year:

Graphic novels
3. Spider-Man: Life Story
2. Saga
1. Invincible


Non-fiction
5. The Bradbury Chronicles
4. The Storyteller
3. VJ
2. The Star Wars Archives
1. All About Me!

Fiction
5. Foundation
4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
3. This Tender Land
2. Guns of the Dawn
1. Sea of Rust
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 30, 2021, 10:55:28 AM
Better Off Dead by the brothers Child.

Standard Reacher fare. I missed some of the police procedural and detective elements I feel were more present in earlier stories, but that isn't new to the last two books. This is a series that is an automatic read for me, but at this point it is largely due to the familiarity of the franchise and speed at which I can read them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 31, 2021, 09:54:21 AM
Better Off Dead by the brothers Child.

Standard Reacher fare. I missed some of the police procedural and detective elements I feel were more present in earlier stories, but that isn't new to the last two books. This is a series that is an automatic read for me, but at this point it is largely due to the familiarity of the franchise and speed at which I can read them.

Sums it up nicely.  I don't expect a life changing read when i pick up a Reacher novel, but i do expect entertainment.

This one was certainly entertaining enough,  but the ending seemed a bit out of place to me. It was essentially sheer luck that Reacher was in the locale he was at the end to even foil the plot. It felt like they had written themselves into a corner, and that was the easiest way out.

At some point one of these novels should be about the FBI coming after Reacher for the dozens of homicides he's committed across the US. He kills at least 1 person in every novel (save one), but he's never even so much as detained or questioned.  Some of the deaths in this one were straight up pre-meditated.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2021, 11:31:02 AM
So, here's my final wrap up for the year

December (12)
Arm of the Sphinx by Josiah Bancroft 11/30 - 12/3 ****
Saga, Vol. 7 by Brian K. Vaughan 12/4 *****
Saga, Vol. 8 by Brian K. Vaughan 12/4 *****
Saga, Vol. 9 by Brian K. Vaughan 12/4 *****
The Hod King by Josiah Bancroft 12/4 - 12/8 ****
The Patience of a Dead Man by Michael Clark 12/9 - 12/11 ***
The Storyteller by Dave Grohl 12/11 - 12/13 *****
The Fall of Babel by Josiah Bancroft 12/13 - 12/20 ****
Krampus, The Yule Lord by Brom 12/20 - 12/21 ****
Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar 12/21 - 12/22 ***
Wild Minds: The Artists and Rivalries That Inspired the Golden Age of Animation by Reid Mitenbuler 12/23 - 12/26 ****
All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks 12/26 - 12/28 *****

171 books read this year. Didn't read as much as last year, but the quality was a little bit better, most 5 star reads I've ever had. Not expected to read that much next year with my Wheel of Time read through going on, but we shall see
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 31, 2021, 11:45:02 AM
Yeah, I don't know how to say it well, but it felt like Reacher didn't do much of his MP-style investigating here, he just followed a few bread crumbs to get to the goal line, which, for me at least, wasn't all that fulfilling when he got there.

Was that a trivia question to challenge the Reacher fans here about the one novel where he doesn't kill someone?  :) It does seem the killings are becoming more and more indiscriminate.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 01, 2022, 05:22:14 AM
Not expected to read that much next year with my Wheel of Time read through going on, but we shall see

Oh, boy. I wish you luck and a better experience than I had. I read through the entire thing last Sept - October and man, was that a slog. I was determined to get through it to find out how Sanderson changed the equation, but I ended up having to get the audiobooks for 9-12 because I literally couldn't sit and read them without drifting off or losing track of the story and have to start a chapter over. At least with the audiobooks I could work on the house, or yard, and just let the story sink in by osmosis. It really helped.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 03, 2022, 01:40:56 PM
Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys
Just finished the first volume of the kazenban edition. Really good so far. Already loved Monster and Pluto so am quite eager to see how it goes from here.
Done with the second volume, great stuff. 9 more to go, this is gonna take a while since not all of them have been published here yet :lol

Time to resume Dune then.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 05, 2022, 09:09:14 AM
Michael Connelly - The Dark Hour
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 05, 2022, 01:00:26 PM
The Answer Is...Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 06, 2022, 01:01:01 PM
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 06, 2022, 01:55:55 PM
The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

Storywise I enjoyed this but Rice's writing style sometimes is a chore to get through.

On to The Fist Of God by Frederick Forsyth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 09, 2022, 04:44:01 PM
Along with finishing the Wheel of Time, I will be attempting to read one completed trilogy per month, and to start off, I have selected the Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 12, 2022, 07:10:42 AM
Five Decembers by James Kestrel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 12, 2022, 08:54:07 AM
Forgot to post on Monday, but I'm reading The Burning God by R. F. Kuang as I want to know how the trilogy ends
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ErHaO on January 16, 2022, 02:35:42 PM
The Redbreast - Jo Nesbo

I loved the central mystery/plot. My only criticism, which is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, is that another character met outside the context of the case was somewhat randomly closely related to the central murder plot. I did not feel this was necessary but in the end it is not a major flaw. Slow start but well worth the read.

Nemesis - Jo Nesbo

I was not impressed with this one. I like the basic premise and the two cases, but it really feels like he had two plotlines and stitched them together by writing coincidental connections between characters and events. It is a bit like that pet peeve I had with the first but now it is integral to both major plotlines. I hope the next novel abstains from this approach to writing.



Overall the Dutch translations of these books don't feel like they are particularly well done, but that has nothing to do with Nesbo's work.

I have just finished The Redeemer and The Devil's Star before that. These books were written waaay better than the two books prior in my opinion. Especially the characters and dialouges were vastly superior. The Redbreast had a fantastic concept and a good central plot, which made it worth the read. Nemesis is on a way lower level. But the two books following that were much more compelling to me, I am fully on board with the rest of this series and perhaps other Nesbo works (but have little intesest in reading the first two Harry Hole novels).




Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys
Just finished the first volume of the kazenban edition. Really good so far. Already loved Monster and Pluto so am quite eager to see how it goes from here.
Done with the second volume, great stuff. 9 more to go, this is gonna take a while since not all of them have been published here yet :lol

Time to resume Dune then.

Started 20th Century Boys when I was a teen in like 2007 or something. Lost track because the physical Dutch translations were expensive for a high school student. And they came at a very slow rate. No idea where the series is now. I do remember loving it. Maybe I should track down the series and try it again. I own 8 books (are those volumes?) And what is a kazenban edition? I know little of manga in general, not even sure how I ended up getting some parts of this series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 16, 2022, 03:21:18 PM
20th Century Boys ended in 2006, and a few years ago they began to republish it as a "perfect edition" (kazenban), like this (https://www.bookdepository.com/20th-Century-Boys-Perfect-Edition-Vol-3-Naoki-Urasawa/9781421599632?ref=grid-view&qid=1642371174568&sr=1-1). Dunno if it's received the same treatment in Dutch, but you can probably still track down the remaining volumes on eBay or similar for the edition you've got.

Speaking of it, I'm almost done with the third volume. Damn this is great so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ErHaO on January 16, 2022, 04:41:55 PM
20th Century Boys ended in 2006, and a few years ago they began to republish it as a "perfect edition" (kazenban), like this (https://www.bookdepository.com/20th-Century-Boys-Perfect-Edition-Vol-3-Naoki-Urasawa/9781421599632?ref=grid-view&qid=1642371174568&sr=1-1). Dunno if it's received the same treatment in Dutch, but you can probably still track down the remaining volumes on eBay or similar for the edition you've got.

Speaking of it, I'm almost done with the third volume. Damn this is great so far.

Can't find anything on google, I assume they never finished the Dutch translations. But in general Dutch adult people don't care for anything translated (except for novels), so that would not surprise me.

But google is giving me prices and if anything, I will read it digitally, if there is a legit way of doing that.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 19, 2022, 01:30:08 PM
Done with the Powder Mage trilogy, I'll definitely give the follow up series a try some day. Now reading, Here We Go Again: My Life in Television by Betty White
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 20, 2022, 08:27:10 AM
Two thumbs up for the Betty White book, now back to The Wheel of Time with The Great Hunt
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 20, 2022, 08:57:59 AM
Forgot to post on Monday, but I'm reading The Burning God by R. F. Kuang as I want to know how the trilogy ends

Eh, okay I guess? The second book was my favourite in the trilogy for sure.

Next up, The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 20, 2022, 04:30:43 PM
Leviathan Falls - James S.A. Corey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2022, 06:04:30 AM
Five Decembers by James Kestrel
Just finished this yesterday.  It was SO GOOD.  A crime story, but to reduce it that simple description seems wrong.  Written in the style of a noir, and set during the time from just before the startof WWII to just after its end.  Just fantastic, and I can't recommend it highly enough.



On to God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 21, 2022, 06:36:24 AM
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 22, 2022, 07:32:52 AM
Infectés by Marc-Andre Pilon

This was a random pull from the library shelf.  So far as i can tell it's a teen zombie novel. Interesting that this is the first french Canadian book I've read since high school. All the others to this point were English books translated to popular French (France). We were always told in my french immersion school that Quebecois french was different than popular french, but this is almost shocking. And the english-french hybrid slang used by the characters is hard to follow. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 22, 2022, 08:04:41 AM
20th Century Boys ended in 2006, and a few years ago they began to republish it as a "perfect edition" (kazenban), like this (https://www.bookdepository.com/20th-Century-Boys-Perfect-Edition-Vol-3-Naoki-Urasawa/9781421599632?ref=grid-view&qid=1642371174568&sr=1-1). Dunno if it's received the same treatment in Dutch, but you can probably still track down the remaining volumes on eBay or similar for the edition you've got.

Speaking of it, I'm almost done with the third volume. Damn this is great so far.

Can't find anything on google, I assume they never finished the Dutch translations. But in general Dutch adult people don't care for anything translated (except for novels), so that would not surprise me.

But google is giving me prices and if anything, I will read it digitally, if there is a legit way of doing that.
The closest I could find was a German translation :lol. I think you could get the English edition from volume 4 or 5 onwards. Sadly I don't know if there even is a legit digital version :/
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 24, 2022, 04:17:20 PM
Getting into my first horror of the year with In the Hills Above the Gristmill by Kalvin Ellis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 25, 2022, 09:29:04 AM
Next up, The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman

Man, I don't like this at all. I'll finish the book as I'm 2/3 through it but this is somewhat of a disappointment.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 26, 2022, 01:16:01 PM
The Maleficent Seven by Carmen Johnston
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 29, 2022, 09:21:54 PM
this was awesome. My favorite book of the month so far. Anyway, I want to eventually read the Rebirth run of Superman, but I saw I had to do a bit of homework, so I ended up reading Convergence by Jeff King, Lois and Clark by Dan Jurgens, and The Final Days of Superman by Peter J. Tomasi. The latter two I thought were excellent, Convergence less so. I'm tentatively looking to start the Rebirth run next weekend. For right now, I'm looking to squeeze in one more book for the month with Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on January 30, 2022, 06:20:37 AM
Enjoyed The Name of the Wind, looking forward to the rest of the story. I always like to look up fan art after reading sci fi or fantasy and there were some GREAT ones for this book out there, almost matched my imagination perfectly.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Spiritus on January 30, 2022, 06:32:25 AM
Well enjoy waiting for the 3rd part.  I gave up waiting once 10 years passed.  :tdwn not gonna give Rothfuss another penny.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 30, 2022, 06:42:52 AM
That's a bit harsh don't you think? The poor man has lost his muse, and may never get it back. Can you imagine how that feels? To be that talented at writing and to loose it? Wow.

Anyway, both The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear are well worth the time to read, even though it's likely that the story won't continue.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Spiritus on January 30, 2022, 09:34:12 AM
I don't think so. I don't know anything about him personally, or his troubles. I just kept waiting and waiting and gave up on this series.  Sucks he lost his talent or passion if that is what happened. Though it must say a lot about how good his work was that I feel like this and not getting to read more from the man.
Hey, he could always get Sanderson to finish it. We would have a final chapter by spring.  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 30, 2022, 09:57:14 AM
I think Rothfuss has openly admitted he had depression. I understand both sides; I understand people who are frustrated he hasn't published the third book yet, I also understand people who are defending him. When The Doors of Stone comes out, I'll read it. But in the meantime, there's a lot of stuff to read and catch on.

Next up, The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman

Man, I don't like this at all. I'll finish the book as I'm 2/3 through it but this is somewhat of a disappointment.

This was, as the author would put it, shyte. I'm sorry but I didn't like it at all.

Now rereading The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 31, 2022, 01:13:19 PM
Here's my January wrap up

January (12)

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan 12/29/21 - 1/5 ****
The Answer Is...Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek 1/5 - 1/6 ****
Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan 1/8 - 1/12 ****
The Crimson Campaign by Brian McClellan 1/13 - 1/16 ****
The Autumn Republic by Brian McClellan 1/16 - 1/19 ****
Here We Go Again: My Life in Television by Betty White 1/19 - 1/20 *****
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan 1/20 - 1/24 *****
In the Hills Above the Gristmill by Kalvin Ellis 1/24 - 1/26 ****
The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnston 1/26 - 1/28 *****
Convergence by Jeff King 1/28 - 1/29 ***
Lois and Clark by Dan Jurgens 1/29 *****
The Last Days of Superman by Peter J. Tomasi 1/29 *****

Death on the Nile didn't work for me. Had to DNF it, might try to catch the movie though. Anyway, time to be ambitious. On top of me continuing my read through of WoT with The Dragon Reborn, I am trying some late 18th Century Chinese lit with The Story of the Stone, Vol. 1: The Golden Days by Cao Xueqin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 31, 2022, 10:16:25 PM
Death on the Nile didn't work for me. Had to DNF it, might try to catch the movie though.

I highly enjoy Christie's stories, but they can tend to run together in my head sometimes. A while ago I made a list of all her books to check off the ones I read and catch up on the ones I hadn't. Many of the titles I couldn't swear to having read or not.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 01, 2022, 08:57:27 AM
That's a bit harsh don't you think? The poor man has lost his muse, and may never get it back. Can you imagine how that feels? To be that talented at writing and to loose it? Wow.

Anyway, both The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear are well worth the time to read, even though it's likely that the story won't continue.
They're not worth it to me, until and unless there is word of the third book actually being written, much less published.

I've already been Martin'd once, I won't willingly be Martin'd again.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 01, 2022, 09:25:03 AM
:dunno:

IMO, they're so good that it's worth it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 01, 2022, 09:56:45 AM
:dunno:

IMO, they're so good that it's worth it.

Agreed. Name of the Wind was one of the best stories I've read. Even as an incomplete story it's worth reading. That being said, I haven't read Wise Man's Fear specifically because the third book isn't written, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 01, 2022, 04:12:29 PM
Yeah, I mean honestly very little has actually happened in the books so far, so the overarcing plot isn't really the appeal of the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 01, 2022, 06:21:51 PM
Went from Name of the Wind to the first book of The Wheel of Time, about 20% in so far and its pretty slow paced for me. Things are finally happening, so I'm going to stick with it. Lots of world and lore building.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 02, 2022, 05:00:26 AM
I wish you luck. Wheel of Time isn't easy.

I was determined to get through it to, a) to find out what the TV show was getting in for, b) to see how Sanderson brought it home (since I like him quite a bit as a writer). About midway through the series I had to switch to Audiobooks in order in order to keep awake.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 02, 2022, 05:46:19 AM
I wish you luck. Wheel of Time isn't easy.

I was determined to get through it to, a) to find out what the TV show was getting in for, b) to see how Sanderson brought it home (since I like him quite a bit as a writer). About midway through the series I had to switch to Audiobooks in order in order to keep awake.

I was able to make it through The Stormlight Archive books, and some of those were a slog lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 02, 2022, 05:50:25 AM
I wish you luck. Wheel of Time isn't easy.

I was determined to get through it to, a) to find out what the TV show was getting in for, b) to see how Sanderson brought it home (since I like him quite a bit as a writer). About midway through the series I had to switch to Audiobooks in order in order to keep awake.

I was able to make it through The Stormlight Archive books, and some of those were a slog lol

My wife says the same thing about Stormlight (except for the first book) but I never found it a chore.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 02, 2022, 05:58:58 AM

My wife says the same thing about Stormlight (except for the first book) but I never found it a chore.

I def put WOK on top. The remaining book are like 5/8ths of these people are here doing this, those people are there doing that, lots of chatter... then BOOM battle or some major action for the rest of the book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 02, 2022, 06:00:17 AM

My wife says the same thing about Stormlight (except for the first book) but I never found it a chore.

I def put WOK on top. The remaining book are like 5/8ths of these people are here doing this, those people are there doing that, lots of chatter... then BOOM battle or some major action for the rest of the book.

A yes, the famous Brandavalanche!  :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 02, 2022, 07:42:23 AM

My wife says the same thing about Stormlight (except for the first book) but I never found it a chore.

I def put WOK on top. The remaining book are like 5/8ths of these people are here doing this, those people are there doing that, lots of chatter... then BOOM battle or some major action for the rest of the book.

A yes, the famous Brandavalanche!  :lol

It has a name?! Lol good to know
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 02, 2022, 08:20:02 AM
It varies, on reddit it's Sanderlanche. :)

I thought Rhythm of War was a slog. The rest three I wouldn't call a slog, in fact Way of Kings is my favourite book from him. Wheel of Time however was a total slog in the middle of the series. I don't remember the exact book but somewhere around 9th or 10th installment it was just extremely slow.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 02, 2022, 08:28:15 AM
It varies, on reddit it's Sanderlanche. :)

I thought Rhythm of War was a slog. The rest three I wouldn't call a slog, in fact Way of Kings is my favourite book from him. Wheel of Time however was a total slog in the middle of the series. I don't remember the exact book but somewhere around 9th or 10th installment it was just extremely slow.

The ONE time I don’t look at how many books are in a series lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 02, 2022, 08:29:59 AM
Hmmm, Rhythm of War is right up there with The Way of Kings for me. I loved getting the point of view of the Singers and some resolution to Kaladin and Shallan archs. I also enjoyed the Navani chapters. *shrug*
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on February 02, 2022, 08:35:41 AM
Well it is DTF, why not a ranking lmao
1 way of kings
2 rhythm of war
3 oathbringer
4 words of radiance

I did very much enjoy the novellas but they don’t compare in length or trudginess

Edit- I think the lack of Jasna really impacted WoR
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 02, 2022, 08:47:27 AM
Well it is DTF, why not a ranking lmao
1 way of kings
2 rhythm of war
3 oathbringer
4 words of radiance

Yeah, that would be my ranking as well.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 02, 2022, 08:50:14 AM
The Way of Kings

Oathbringer
Words of Radiance


Rhythm of War

Oathbringer is ahead of WoR only because of amazing flashback chapters.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 09, 2022, 01:18:27 PM
Ending up reading the first Deluxe volume of the Superman Rebirth arc. I am enjoying it for the most part, although I wasn't that fond of the Damian/Robin issues (I'm not a fan of him in general). Will be most likely reading volume 2 this weekend.

Finished my third reading of The Dragon Reborn. For me, it's a slight step down from the last book, but I still enjoyed it. Will be reading The Shadow Rising next month

For now though, starting on my next trilogy of the month with The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell. I love King Arthur stuff, so I expect this will be good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 09, 2022, 02:26:12 PM
Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth by Bart D. Ehrman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 09, 2022, 02:33:46 PM
Realized I've been reading quite some manga lately. I'll get into graphic novels soon, but that may take a while - can only buy a few at a time, and they take like 2 months to arrive here since most of what I want isn't published in my country. However, a surprising amount of manga is, so there's that :P


Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys

Finished volumes 4 and 5 a few days ago. Things went into some pretty unexpected directions, and I really liked that. The remaining volumes still haven't been published here, so I'll have to wait until next month.


Katsuhito Otomo Akira

Just finished the first volume. Pretty good, lots of intense action and some cool weird stuff going on. A must read if you loved the film.


Shirow Masamune The Ghost in the Shell

I got the deluxe edition some year ago but never got around to reading it until now. I think I prefer the movie a lot more, this one is just dumb and the major's design is gratuitous, couldn't really finish it.


Now, onto Tsutomu Nihei Blame!, which seems to be a pretty weird cyberpunk and almost silent story, with some amazing and unique art style.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Spiritus on February 09, 2022, 03:06:08 PM
It varies, on reddit it's Sanderlanche. :)

I thought Rhythm of War was a slog. The rest three I wouldn't call a slog, in fact Way of Kings is my favourite book from him. Wheel of Time however was a total slog in the middle of the series. I don't remember the exact book but somewhere around 9th or 10th installment it was just extremely slow.

The ONE time I don’t look at how many books are in a series lol

I've been trying to get rhythm of war done since September. I'm only quarter way through. The shadesmar stuff if just losing me. I'm stuck there right now. I literally read like 20 pages and I am done for the day. The first 3 books I finished within weeks if not days.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: svisser on February 09, 2022, 06:45:24 PM
Currently reading Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro in my class in University.

Very unique novel. Highly recommend it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 09, 2022, 07:09:12 PM
Robin Hobb Assassin's Apprentice. 100 pages in, enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on February 09, 2022, 08:15:03 PM
Such a great book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 10, 2022, 09:38:56 AM
It varies, on reddit it's Sanderlanche. :)

I thought Rhythm of War was a slog. The rest three I wouldn't call a slog, in fact Way of Kings is my favourite book from him. Wheel of Time however was a total slog in the middle of the series. I don't remember the exact book but somewhere around 9th or 10th installment it was just extremely slow.

The ONE time I don’t look at how many books are in a series lol

I've been trying to get rhythm of war done since September. I'm only quarter way through. The shadesmar stuff if just losing me. I'm stuck there right now. I literally read like 20 pages and I am done for the day. The first 3 books I finished within weeks if not days.

I had Covid and couldn't leave my home for two weeks so I just persisted and read it in two weeks. I don't really remember much from it. I'll need to re-read RoW before delving into Book 5 when it comes out and I'm already dreading it.

I was okay with Shadesmar chapters. The flashbacks were tough to get through for me, the Kaladin stuff also felt repetitive. Overall I just don't think the pacing worked in that book.

Robin Hobb Assassin's Apprentice. 100 pages in, enjoying it so far.

This is on my radar since I really enjoyed The Liveships Trilogy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on February 10, 2022, 03:39:42 PM
Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth by Bart D. Ehrman

I'm going to give that one a shot; let me know what you think when you're finished.  Try "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel as well if you want to continue in the same vein.

The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible by Virginia Haze and Dr. K Mandrake (same Doktor Mandrake from Tim's comic in Spaced maybe).
Leaves of Grass by Uncle Walt (Walt Whitman)
Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer (maybe try this one too Hef.  Within the first 30 pages I realized that I have taken a low view of God.  If you read it, you'll understand what I mean.  Tozer's prayers at the beginning of each chapter are worth the read alone.)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 10, 2022, 07:21:40 PM
Tsutomu Nihei Blame!

Just finished volume 1. Damn, what a unique piece of fiction. Highly recommended to any fans of weird science fiction and gritty art styles. I mean just look (https://www.vertical-comics.com/images/blame_01/Blame-p008.jpg) at (https://www.vertical-comics.com/images/blame_01/Blame-p013.jpg) this (https://1rwu1s8n7d53176bt1dq2up3-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tsutomu-Nihei%E2%80%99s-BLAME-CyberPunks.com-8.png).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 14, 2022, 07:47:43 AM
Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth by Bart D. Ehrman

I'm going to give that one a shot; let me know what you think when you're finished.  Try "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel as well if you want to continue in the same vein.
I read Strobel's book years ago. I actually didn't care for it very much.

Keep in mind that Ehrman is an agnostic professor of the New Testament (at the University of  North Carolina in Chapel Hill), and is writing from a purely historical viewpoint, against the claims of, frankly, irrational militant atheists. It's very well written, and was quite enjoyable.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 14, 2022, 07:50:04 AM

The Sandman: Book of Dreams edited by Neil Gaiman and Ed Kramer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 14, 2022, 01:13:44 PM
Enemy of God by Bernard Cornwell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 14, 2022, 02:23:28 PM
20th Century Ghost by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 17, 2022, 07:09:09 PM
Enemy of God by Bernard Cornwell
Enemy of God was going to be a really solid 4 star read, until that last section, and then I had to give it all the stars. I have a feeling Excalibur will stick the landing for sure
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 17, 2022, 07:19:07 PM
Les 3 P'tits Cochons by Christian Boivin. Another random pull from the French section of my local library.  I'm only 50 pages in,  but it appears to be some kind of young adult horror story surrounding 3 connected characters.  It's part of some series called forbidden tales, and each book is written by a different author.  Also, each book title is that of a famous tale (snow white, hanzel and gretel, etc). I'm still waiting to see if there's a supernatural horror element to come (the cover art suggests as much).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 18, 2022, 09:56:09 PM
Robin Hobb Assassin's Apprentice. 100 pages in, enjoying it so far.

Just finished. Did not know what to expect going in other than its solid reputation. Found it enjoyable, never found it dull or a slog, always ready to pick up where I left off the night before.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 21, 2022, 07:06:14 AM
Excalibur was good, but could have been shorter. Now reading The Science of Stephen King by Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 21, 2022, 08:54:19 AM
I'm sorry, those ladies might be big time horror fans but when you confuse Jason Vorhees with Michael Myers (Michael Myers in his hockey mask?! How did the editors miss that?), you lost me. Reading The Ultimate History of Video Games, Vol. 2 by Steven L. Kent instead for my nonfiction of the month
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 21, 2022, 02:06:02 PM
Heretics of Dune by Frank Herbert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 25, 2022, 06:22:30 AM
Gwendy's Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 25, 2022, 08:14:05 AM
Now rereading The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

Forgot to update on that, I reread all the books in the series in preparation for The Ink Black Heart in August.

Been saving this for my birthday as I loved the first book but also forgot to update on that, started A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine a week ago
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 25, 2022, 08:03:38 PM
Now reading Tales of the Greatcoats, Volume 1 by Sebastien de Castell. The Greatcoats series was the best thing I read in 2017, so I'm excited to be reading this
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 26, 2022, 05:32:01 PM
First, that Greatcoats anthology was great. I can't wait to read his new book. Now reading Gwendy's Final Task by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 27, 2022, 06:01:13 PM
I hate to say it, but that was my least favorite of the trilogy. It was still good, but not as good as the first two. Anyway, that was my last book for February, because I'm getting an early start on The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on February 28, 2022, 09:58:34 PM
Might take a second journey to Stephen King's Dark Tower. Seem to recall reading it when my oldest (almost 11) was born. Something about being awake with her at 3am and reading it when I was half asleep sticks out in my mind. Some portions of the book are much hazier in my memory than others.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 01, 2022, 06:35:08 AM
Might take a second journey to Stephen King's Dark Tower. Seem to recall reading it when my oldest (almost 11) was born. Something about being awake with her at 3am and reading it when I was half asleep sticks out in my mind. Some portions of the book are much hazier in my memory than others.
Absolutely do this.  The series got better for me with each read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on March 01, 2022, 09:52:34 AM
Might take a second journey to Stephen King's Dark Tower. Seem to recall reading it when my oldest (almost 11) was born. Something about being awake with her at 3am and reading it when I was half asleep sticks out in my mind. Some portions of the book are much hazier in my memory than others.
Absolutely do this.  The series got better for me with each read.

+100... I always found new things to take away from it.  I end up going through it every 3-4 years... Audible makes it easy to listen whilst doing yard work in the Spring and Summer.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 01, 2022, 01:16:12 PM
Might take a second journey to Stephen King's Dark Tower. Seem to recall reading it when my oldest (almost 11) was born. Something about being awake with her at 3am and reading it when I was half asleep sticks out in my mind. Some portions of the book are much hazier in my memory than others.
Absolutely do this.  The series got better for me with each read.
Same.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 06, 2022, 03:40:04 PM
TSR is done: six days it took me this time, nine days less than when I read it in 2019. I've resolved not to read New Spring and wait until April to read Fires of Heaven. Now, reading The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith (potentially being my trilogy for the month) 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 09, 2022, 09:44:53 AM
The first book was just alright for me, not interested in continuing with the series. Moving on to Jean-Christophe by Romain Rolland
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 13, 2022, 07:49:36 AM
This was a big bust, so instead I ended up reading Luke Skywalker Can't Read: And Other Geeky Truths by Ryan Britt, which was a fun, short read. Now reading, what I hope will be a fun sci-fi adventure Bluebird by Ciel Pierlot
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 13, 2022, 08:01:49 AM
Petit Chaperon Rouge by Sonia Alain

I've noticed that my library has the books in this collection labeled as "teen". Either they can't read french or google an english synopsis; or teens are reading some dark, dark shit these days. The last book was full of violence, rape, and murder. This book is trending in the same direction.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 13, 2022, 02:44:57 PM
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor Volume 1 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 14, 2022, 09:06:24 AM
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: Doctor Strange Volume 1 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 15, 2022, 06:25:40 AM
Chapterhouse: Dune by Frank Herbert
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 15, 2022, 07:43:16 PM
Bluebird was a lot of fun. Highly recommend if you are into some light space opera. Now, for Women's History Month, I'm reading James Tiptree Jr: The Double Life of Alice B. Sheldon by Julie Phillips. I have never read any of her stories yet btw
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 16, 2022, 12:29:25 PM
Been saving this for my birthday as I loved the first book but also forgot to update on that, started A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine a week ago

Man, the first book was much better. This had some interesting ideas and beautiful imagery, but the whole thing felt a little bit off somehow. I somewhat liked this book but it doesn't hold a candle to the first one.

Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 17, 2022, 08:23:42 PM
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Finished that a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to your thoughts.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 20, 2022, 06:41:36 AM
So, the Tiptree bio was a bust. It's less than 400 pages and in four days I wasn't even halfway done, not a good sign. Instead, going back to fiction to read The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois by Honoree Fannone Jeffers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 24, 2022, 08:11:22 AM
Meh. Why not?

(https://i.imgur.com/BjamkSn.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 25, 2022, 04:55:48 PM
going back to fiction to read The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois by Honoree Fannone Jeffers
This was just okay for me. I don't think it needed to be as long as it was. Was definitely annoyed by a lot of the main character's actions. The older sister's story was very sad and predictable. The writing style was very beautiful and kept me engaged (which is how I ended up finishing an 800 page book in less than a week) and the great uncle was my favorite character. Reading Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 27, 2022, 03:07:35 PM
My best response to Annihilation would be meh. Ona much better note, I just finished Adrian Tchaikovsky's newest Ogres, which I thought was excellent. Now, reading Bowie's Bookshelf: The Hundred Books that Changed David Bowie's Life by John O'Connell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 27, 2022, 06:03:46 PM
My best response to Annihilation would be meh.

Mine as well. Thought it started out strong, but after the first third it lost my interest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 28, 2022, 12:42:34 PM
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Finished that a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to your thoughts.

Finished that one. I'm... not sure what to make of this book. It read as a classic fantasy but it was very slow and there was almost nothing to show for the slow pace. Well, the prose was very good, but that's about it. Most of the characters felt a bit flat, including the protagonist. It also seemed to me the protagonist's choices didn't quite matter. I quite liked the dilemma about Rurisk and was looking forward to how the hero resolves it but then what happened happened. I think maybe I just had high expectations after the Liveships Trilogy. Well, I bought the whole trilogy so I'll finish it and hopefully the next two books are a little bit more up my alley.

That being said, next up is Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 28, 2022, 01:36:14 PM
While the other books go into a very interesting direction, it was certainly a bit of a chore to get through them. At least the Fool is an amazing character but the rest I don't even remember.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 29, 2022, 07:40:55 AM
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man Volume 1 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 29, 2022, 01:40:53 PM
Finishing out the month with We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 30, 2022, 01:16:01 PM
Finishing out the month with We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix
My second favorite of his fiction so far (Exorcism is still tops, but just barely). Anyway, done with my March reading and starting my reread of The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 01, 2022, 03:56:30 AM
My wrap up for the month

A Little Spin of Divinity by Jacob White 3/4

The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan 2/27 - 3/6 ****

The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackworth 3/6 - 3/8 ***

Luke Skywalker Can’t Read: And Other Geeky Truths by Ryan Britt 3/12 ****

Bluebird by Ciel Pierlot 3/13 - 3/15 *****

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois by Honoree Fannone Jefffers 3/20 - 3/25 ***

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer 3/25 - 3/27 ***

Ogres by Adrian Tchaikovsky 3/27 *****

Bowie’s Bookshelf: The Hundred Books That Changed David Bowie’s Life by John O’Connell 3/27 - 3/29 ****

We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix 3/29 - 3/30 ****

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 01, 2022, 07:54:47 AM
Camino Winds by John Grisham
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 06, 2022, 05:28:18 PM
Now reading The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi. I read his Redshirts back in 2014 and loved it, so I'm hoping for the same reaction here
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: senecadawg2 on April 07, 2022, 04:40:34 PM
I'm reading Los Detectives Salvajes by Roberto Bolaño to practice my Spanish, alongside the English translation (The Savage Detectives). I can only manage a few paragraphs a day because I'm constantly flipping back and forth to learn new words, but man, this is a great book. I highly recommend it.

Also reading Middlemarch (George Eliot) and The Unconsoled (Kazuo Ishiguro)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 08, 2022, 10:10:14 AM
God & Empire: Jesus Against Rome, Then and Now by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on April 08, 2022, 01:15:24 PM
Meh. Why not?

(https://i.imgur.com/BjamkSn.jpg)

Like sitting down with an old friend... and a pot of beans... and Zolton.  I'll likely jump back to these this year as well; it's been two years or so.

Brian Lumley: A Coven of Vampires
Haidt & Lukianoff: The Coddling of the American Mind
The Treasury of David (Spurgeon on Psalm 119; I treat this like a reference/concordance; it's not a read-through for me)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 08, 2022, 07:32:41 PM
Going into some nonfiction with Music is History by Questlove
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 10, 2022, 08:52:46 PM
Some thoughts from my journey to The Dark Tower (as I said earlier, I read this series maybe a decade ago.) 

The Gunslinger: So hard to evaluate this. There is some good stuff, I really enjoy when Roland is in Tull. The rest is a bit of a snooze.

The Drawing of the Three: I remembered the drawing of Eddie being one of my favorite King sections in any book/series, and reading this again did not change that opinion. Once he is drawn I found the parts with Susanna and Jack Mort less interesting. 

The Waste Lands: I had very little memory of this book, and reading it again, understand why. Very little of it is memorable. Jack was my least favorite member of the Ka-tet, and committing so much time to his drawing after the majority of the preceding book was devoted to the drawing of Eddie and Susanna felt like a bit of a waste. The second half of the book was a chore to get through. Once Gasher took Jake, it was me just thinking SAVE HIM ALREADY AND MOVE ON! I didn't care about the Grays, the Pubes, or River Crossing, or any of it.

I recall Wizard and Glass was a tremendous experience (and I don't use that word often when talking about a book) and I want to go in to that one after a little break.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 10, 2022, 09:00:06 PM
Can't really argue with any of your assessments.  The Tull section is among my favorites in the whole series,  but there's a reason i don't usually read that entry in my re-read journeys. The only part of Waste Lands that really irritates me is the drawing at the beginning.  I feel it's too drawn out. 100+ pages to get Jake into the story? Screw you, Stephen. Screw you.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 11, 2022, 08:08:56 PM
So, I'm a glutton for punishment. After four years, I'm going to try once again to read Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon. I'm off for Spring Break, so I have a lot of free time to spend with it 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 12, 2022, 02:21:36 PM
Render Unto Caesar: The Struggle Over Christ and Culture in the New Testament by John Dominic Crossan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 12, 2022, 02:45:01 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/yEEy5OW.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 13, 2022, 09:08:58 AM
That being said, next up is Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

That was curious. I went in blind and it wasn't the kind of sci-fi I usually read. I had no idea in which direction this'll go. I'll check out the second book in the duology soon.

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 13, 2022, 08:59:48 PM
Okay, no more post modernism, or at least Pynchon, for this guy. Back to some fantasy. Trying out Black Sun Rising by C.S. Friedman

Btw, Children of Time's now going to be a trilogy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on April 14, 2022, 09:30:25 AM
Btw, Children of Time's now going to be a trilogy

Curious, I didn't know that! Then again I knew nothing about the author and the book when I bought it. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: WilliamMunny on April 14, 2022, 09:47:43 AM
Just finished Emily St. John Mandel's latest, Sea of Tranquility.

Longtime fans will likely love it, but for anyone who just watched the HBO series Station Eleven, her new book is great point of entry for her writing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Spider In The Sky on April 16, 2022, 09:16:43 AM
THE COUNT OF



Monte Cristo

:p
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 20, 2022, 02:50:47 PM
Okay, no more post modernism, or at least Pynchon, for this guy. Back to some fantasy. Trying out Black Sun Rising by C.S. Friedman


Had a strong beginning, but it seemed to lag a bit towards the second half. I definitely enjoyed the two main characters. I may read the second book, but not right now. After that, decided to go with nonfiction and read Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journal by Karen Falk. Highly recommend if you're a fan of his, but get it in a physical copy. I read it for the Kindle and it was not the right medium. Now, I'm reading TV (the Book): Two Experts Pick the Greatest American Shows of All Time by Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 22, 2022, 07:19:34 AM
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers Volume 1 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 22, 2022, 12:20:22 PM
The Elder Gods by David & Leigh Eddings
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 24, 2022, 08:19:17 AM
Getting introduced to Drizzt with Homeland by R.A. Salvatore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 25, 2022, 11:58:37 AM
The Chancellor Manuscript by Robert Ludlum
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 25, 2022, 02:07:28 PM
Moving on to the next book, Exile
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 28, 2022, 01:34:19 PM
Finishing up the trilogy with Sojourn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 02, 2022, 06:37:23 AM
Rereading Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 02, 2022, 08:43:58 AM
City of Bones by Michael Connelly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 04, 2022, 05:58:32 AM
Age of Swords - Michael J Sullivan

In fact, over the past couple of months, I've read eight of his books. Both of his Riyria series are great fun. It's rare to find a fantasy author who makes me laugh consistently without getting overly campy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 06, 2022, 01:11:40 PM
Better Off Dead by Lee Child and Andrew Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 06, 2022, 02:42:36 PM
The Godfather by Mario Puzo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 08, 2022, 02:36:04 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/GyuieD0.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 08, 2022, 03:16:44 PM
Finished that recently, thoughts above. About 1/4 in to Wizard and Glass now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on May 10, 2022, 01:54:06 PM
Some thoughts from my journey to The Dark Tower (as I said earlier, I read this series maybe a decade ago.) 

The Gunslinger: So hard to evaluate this. There is some good stuff, I really enjoy when Roland is in Tull. The rest is a bit of a snooze.

The Drawing of the Three: I remembered the drawing of Eddie being one of my favorite King sections in any book/series, and reading this again did not change that opinion. Once he is drawn I found the parts with Susanna and Jack Mort less interesting. 

The Waste Lands: I had very little memory of this book, and reading it again, understand why. Very little of it is memorable. Jack was my least favorite member of the Ka-tet, and committing so much time to his drawing after the majority of the preceding book was devoted to the drawing of Eddie and Susanna felt like a bit of a waste. The second half of the book was a chore to get through. Once Gasher took Jake, it was me just thinking SAVE HIM ALREADY AND MOVE ON! I didn't care about the Grays, the Pubes, or River Crossing, or any of it.

I recall Wizard and Glass was a tremendous experience (and I don't use that word often when talking about a book) and I want to go in to that one after a little break.

For me, each time I run through it, I come up with almost the exact opposite view  :lol.  Outside of Eddie's drawing (and Eddie's character in general as I love him almost as much as I love Larry Underwood), Drawing is a bit of a snooze for me.  The constant trips back and forth across the beach make me weary (maybe that's what King was going for) and Suzannah's drawing is a bit drawn-out (pun intended). 

Wastelands is my second favorite volume of the story (behind Wolves).  River Crossing is one of my favorite parts of the story (Talitha giving Roland the cross gets me every time) and the journey through Lud to Blaine's Cradle paints a general post-humanity picture that's quite gripping for me.  Oy cements himself as one of my favorites in this volume as well and makes what happens to him later a tough swallow for me personally.

Wizard and Glass is a strange one for me... the beginning and ending are very memorable for me, as is the younger Roland's entrance into Susan's world (the name of the town escapes me...).  However, the middle portion of the volume (from the initial fight at the tavern to Roland's encounter with the snake lets say) bores me greatly.  King saves this by having the final battles build and finish in a very satisfying way, but that volume is a slog for me.  Funny how different we all are.

I was immensely satisfied with the ending of the story (an unpopular opinion I think) as I didn't really see any way for King to end it other than the way he did.  It made sense to me. 

As to what I'm reading/listening to, Audible tells me that HPL (Necronomicon), Brian Lumley (Necroscope), and Haidt & Lukianoff (Coddling of the American Mind) are my top three currently.  I'm seeming to have an issue letting go of HPL... he's scratching my fiction itch right now and has been for about two years.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 12, 2022, 07:24:02 PM
After eleven days, finally moving on to something new: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 14, 2022, 01:25:34 PM
 taking advantage of my Kindle Unlimited subscription and reading Killing Patton by Bill O'Reilly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: wolfking on May 14, 2022, 06:29:07 PM
I'm not a book reader at all, but I just finished this book.  First full book I've read since probably primary school;

(https://bilder.buecher.de/produkte/54/54584/54584244z.jpg)

Inspirational.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 14, 2022, 10:42:40 PM
I think I've come across 6 or 7 editing misses in DT3. Simple things like missing apostrophes or, in one case,  an actor's name referenced differently in consecutive paragraphs (Marshall Dillion/Matt Dillon).  I would think an editor should catch this stuff. It's literally in their job title
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 14, 2022, 11:35:49 PM
Matt Dillon was the Marshall on Gunsmoke.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 15, 2022, 07:34:35 AM
Matt Dillon was the Marshall on Gunsmoke.
Lol.  Ok, that one makes sense now
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 15, 2022, 09:29:00 AM
In a 100 years King's books are going to have to be annotated to hell and back with all the pop culture references readers in 2122 aren't going to get.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 16, 2022, 09:52:33 AM
The Triumph of Christianity: How A Forbidden Religion Swept The World by Bart D. Ehrman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 18, 2022, 04:21:53 AM
The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on May 18, 2022, 08:49:57 AM
On my 5th read through of the series, and it's still getting better with each read. I won't disagree with Chris' assessment of Waste Lands (many, many pages to draw Jake; many, many pages to save Jake), but it works for me in this story. The Lud part of the story is also very nicely written using the same 'backwards' technique as the opening of the Gunslinger. The story rotating between the 3 view points with each one starting behind the previous section, but taking the story a little further in time. Top notch, in my books.

This one will be a bit of a slog. The Meijis part of the story is great, but I could do without the looong intro to wrap up the Blaine plot, and the pointless end at the emerald castle.

(https://i.imgur.com/2LF131u.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 18, 2022, 08:39:50 PM
When I first read this one years ago, I was astounded by the Mejis section. I forgot I was reading a book in the Dark Tower series, I was that engrossed in the story. I am at that part now in my second read through but am finding it hard to get engaged. Part of it is I am so tired when I read at night, after 5-10 pages I am sacked out and ready for bed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 21, 2022, 08:22:35 PM
Finally finishing Hilary Mantel's Thomas Cromwell trilogy with The Mirror and the Light
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 23, 2022, 07:02:20 AM
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 01, 2022, 03:31:15 AM
Haven't updated in a while:

-couldn't finish The Mirror and the Light, just couldn't get into it, so instead I ended up reading A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians by H.G. Parry. Fairly enjoyable, will definitely be reading the sequel after my Wheel of Time reading for the month

-to get ready for the next Thor movie, I read Thor, The Complete Collection: Vol. 1 by Jason Aaron, which includes the Gorr storyline. I'll be reading the next few in June because that includes the Jane as Thor line

-finally, because I've never read her before, I read Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion, which was okay. I'll definitely read some of her other collections in the future.



Anyway, since it's the start of the month, it's on to A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan   
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 08, 2022, 09:21:55 AM
Saga Volume One by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 08, 2022, 02:47:25 PM
Saga Volume Two by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 08, 2022, 10:12:24 PM
Just finished Wizard and Glass. Pretty much as I remembered, as someone so concisely put it earlier:

The Meijis part of the story is great, but I could do without the looong intro to wrap up the Blaine plot, and the pointless end at the emerald castle.

I know he retconned Wind Through the Keyhole next but I have not read that one as it didn't exist when I read through the series previously. I do own it so will give it a go this time around.

Saga Volume One by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Saga Volume Two by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

HefDaddy has reached masterthes levels of reading.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 09, 2022, 04:49:18 AM
The Exorcist's House by Nick Roberts
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 09, 2022, 01:05:05 PM
Just finished Wizard and Glass. Pretty much as I remembered, as someone so concisely put it earlier:

The Meijis part of the story is great, but I could do without the looong intro to wrap up the Blaine plot, and the pointless end at the emerald castle.

I know he retconned Wind Through the Keyhole next but I have not read that one as it didn't exist when I read through the series previously. I do own it so will give it a go this time around.



I wouldn't say Wind Through the Keyhole is a retcon. He didn't change anything about the core DT story, as that book takes place after the events of W&G but before the ka-tet reaches Call Bryn Sturgis. It's a fantastic read, too. It's bit inception-esque with the story within a story within a story, but top notch nevertheless.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 09, 2022, 02:01:01 PM
Saga Volume One by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Saga Volume Two by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

HefDaddy has reached masterthes levels of reading.
Quick reading.  It's a series of comics collections.  Six issues per collection.

Speaking of...


Saga Volume Three by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on June 09, 2022, 02:12:18 PM
Saga Volume One by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Saga Volume Two by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

HefDaddy has reached masterthes levels of reading.
Quick reading.  It's a series of comics collections.  Six issues per collection.

Speaking of...


Saga Volume Three by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

What do you think of the series so far?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 09, 2022, 08:43:34 PM
I know he retconned Wind Through the Keyhole next but I have not read that one as it didn't exist when I read through the series previously. I do own it so will give it a go this time around.

I wouldn't say Wind Through the Keyhole is a retcon. He didn't change anything about the core DT story, as that book takes place after the events of W&G but before the ka-tet reaches Call Bryn Sturgis. It's a fantastic read, too. It's bit inception-esque with the story within a story within a story, but top notch nevertheless.

You are correct, I should not have used that term.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 10, 2022, 10:55:55 AM
Saga Volume Four by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples


Saga Volume One by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Saga Volume Two by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

HefDaddy has reached masterthes levels of reading.
Quick reading.  It's a series of comics collections.  Six issues per collection.

Speaking of...


Saga Volume Three by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

What do you think of the series so far?
I like it, but I don't see it as groundbreaking, which is how I had seen it described.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on June 10, 2022, 01:40:38 PM
I enjoyed it too, but I agree about it not being groundbreaking or anything. It was more like a mish mash of a bunch of well-worn fantasy/sci-fi themes reworked into a clever (admittedly well-done) package.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 10, 2022, 02:09:49 PM
I enjoyed it too, but I agree about it not being groundbreaking or anything. It was more like a mish mash of a bunch of well-worn fantasy/sci-fi themes reworked into a clever (admittedly well-done) package.
Yeah, this is what it seems to me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 10, 2022, 07:00:01 PM
Saga Volume Five by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 11, 2022, 07:37:53 AM
Saga Volume Six by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 11, 2022, 07:48:26 AM
I love Saga

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 12, 2022, 04:16:16 PM
Saga Volume Seven by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 13, 2022, 04:43:37 AM
Watched the Bob Saget tribute last night on Netflix, so I decided to read his book Dirty Daddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 13, 2022, 03:55:40 PM
Saga Volume Eight by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 14, 2022, 03:07:36 AM
Sticking with the nonfiction. Since this year would've been Judy Garland's 100th birthday, I'm reading Get Happy by Gerald Clarke
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 14, 2022, 06:16:48 PM
Saga Volume Nine by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 15, 2022, 01:27:28 PM
Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics by Stephen Greenblatt
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 17, 2022, 07:09:59 PM
Sticking with the nonfiction. Since this year would've been Judy Garland's 100th birthday, I'm reading Get Happy by Gerald Clarke
Really good biography, my favorite book of the month so far. Hoping Adrian Tchaikovsky can top it though with Cage of Souls
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 21, 2022, 11:54:42 AM
The Nemesis Manifesto by Eric Van Lustbader
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 22, 2022, 06:45:50 PM
Saga Volume Nine by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
So, without getting into spoilers, what did you think of that ending? Personally, I saw it coming almost from the very beginning, because there's a line that Hazel says early on that I'm pretty sure foreshadowed what was to come
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 23, 2022, 09:00:45 AM
Saga Volume Nine by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
So, without getting into spoilers, what did you think of that ending? Personally, I saw it coming almost from the very beginning, because there's a line that Hazel says early on that I'm pretty sure foreshadowed what was to come
*shrugs*  It is what it is.  It's the ending the author told.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on June 24, 2022, 08:20:30 AM
So I made it up to the Wind through the Keyhole section in Wind Through the Keyhole and I must say I have absolute no interest in anything that is happening so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 24, 2022, 02:33:53 PM
So I made it up to the Wind through the Keyhole section in Wind Through the Keyhole and I must say I have absolute no interest in anything that is happening so far.
The Tim Stoutheart story is pretty good though! You may miss out on a fun story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 26, 2022, 06:05:18 AM
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on June 26, 2022, 11:15:43 AM
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
Great read
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 02, 2022, 06:12:40 PM
Finished my reread of The Path of Daggers and now moving on to Winter's Heart, then I'm just going to binge the rest of the series. See how long it takes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 04, 2022, 08:42:05 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/DQAqdRe.jpg)

My 6 year old son has begun watching some of the Star Wars movies. He took a look at the cover of DT5, and immediately asked "are those light sabres?" followed quickly by "why are there light sabres in this story?". To which I have to reply "Yes, yes they are. But it's far too confusing and complicated to explain"
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 08, 2022, 09:00:36 AM
before moving on to Crossroads of Twilight, taking a brief detour to read the new Harry Dresden novella The Law
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 11, 2022, 08:32:00 AM
The Hustler by Walter Tevis
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 13, 2022, 10:27:00 PM
Before moving on to Knife of Dreams (thank God the slump is over), I'm taking a bit of a break and read a graphic novel or two, starting with Irredeemable Omnibus, Volume 1 by Mark Waid
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Elite on July 14, 2022, 02:48:36 AM
Question for the people who read 10-20 books a month. How do you do it?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 14, 2022, 07:14:22 AM
Question for the people who read 10-20 books a month. How do you do it?
I don't watch tv.

I read about 4-5 books per month (if I'm reading regular length,  english novels). I watch less than 1hr of tv/movie/internet videos any given week.

When i used to read 10+ each month i was assisted by a job where i could read most days at work. And many of those days i could read all day.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on July 14, 2022, 12:41:51 PM
Audio books while doing exercise and making pottery has really increased my reading volume. I also listen to them at 1.5x speed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 15, 2022, 09:53:10 AM
Before moving on to Knife of Dreams (thank God the slump is over), I'm taking a bit of a break and read a graphic novel or two, starting with Irredeemable Omnibus, Volume 1 by Mark Waid
First volume was great, the second volume, a little less so. Got into some science stuff that was a bit over my head, but overall, totally recommend the series. Next, continuing to take advantage of my free Comixology trial run and reading Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection, Volume 1 by Kevin Eastman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 15, 2022, 06:12:41 PM
So I made it up to the Wind through the Keyhole section in Wind Through the Keyhole and I must say I have absolute no interest in anything that is happening so far.
The Tim Stoutheart story is pretty good though! You may miss out on a fun story.

Didn't read while on vacation so way behind on this. I thought the Tim Stoutheart story was... ok. I actually found the story about them tracking the Skin Man more interesting. But even then, unlike Roland's story while in Mejis, it didn't inform me as to his character at all. His experiences in Mejis helped shape the man he became that we've been reading about up till then. His experience in Debaria(?) was just something that happened to him that was at best mildly interesting.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 18, 2022, 04:41:46 AM
I continued with reading a few graphic novels over the weekend. After the Turtles, I read Die by Kieron Gillen. I overall enjoyed it, kind of like Jumanji meets D&D. I'll definitely read more by him in the future, and then I read Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith by Charles Soule, which I really enjoyed because Star Wars. Now, it's back to the Wheel with Knife of Dreams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 18, 2022, 09:56:47 AM
1973: The Golden Year of Progressive Rock by Geoffrey Feakes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Skeever on July 18, 2022, 10:30:20 AM
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on July 18, 2022, 12:19:36 PM
Finished BLAME! last night. What an amazing blend of hyperfuturistic sci-fi with existential horror, minimal dialogue, lots of great action scenes, and a fantastic art style. Highly recommended :hefdaddy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 21, 2022, 08:25:46 PM
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on July 21, 2022, 09:30:07 PM
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

My MiL signed us up for a book-of-the-month thing and this was one of my picks. Just reading too slowly these days to get to all these books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on July 25, 2022, 09:45:14 AM
About halfway through this one. Definitely prefer the cover art on my english copies of the series.

(https://i.imgur.com/e6DUBlK.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 25, 2022, 01:08:00 PM
I read some great graphic novels over the weekend. First was the first volume of American Vampire by Scott Snyder and Stephen King, The Last Ronin by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, and to prepare for the upcoming series, She-Hulk Epic Collection Vol. 3: Breaking the Fourth Wall by John Byrne. Now, reading The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. Can't believe only 3 books to go!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 31, 2022, 01:59:23 PM
My graphic novel reading this weekend included reading both volumes of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning's run on Guardians of the Galaxy (with the exception of The Thanos Imperative and Annihilators) , which I really enjoyed. Now, I'm starting on Towers of Midnight
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on July 31, 2022, 05:30:53 PM
Oh sweet. A books thread. This might be enough temptation to keep me out of my hole for a little longer!

Currently reading - Men at Arms.  Another entry in my sporadic reading of the Discworld series. Definitely another fantastic entry.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 31, 2022, 06:36:49 PM
The City Watch books are so good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on July 31, 2022, 07:15:05 PM
They really are... although, I tend to feel that way about whichever one I happen to be reading at the moment. I'm also a big fan of the witches books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 31, 2022, 10:58:52 PM
Almost every discworld book is good.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 01, 2022, 12:16:02 AM
The City Watch books are so good
This, all day long. 

The chances of enjoying a City Watch book are EXACTLY one in a million
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 01, 2022, 11:25:33 AM
Blood on the Tracks
Quite beautiful and disturbing so far :corn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on August 04, 2022, 05:40:34 PM
Just finally started reading Bill Bryson “A Walk in the Woods”.  Only two chapters in but already loving it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 08, 2022, 04:38:09 PM
This past weekend, for my graphic novel reading, I decided to read some supplemental Sandman material, which I never got around to: Endless Nights and The High Cost of Living. Wasn't a huge fan of Endless Nights. The Despair and Delirium sections were too WTF for me. The High Cost of Living was much better.



Anyway, the moment has finally arrived. After more than twenty years, I will be finally finishing The Wheel of Time with A Memory of Light!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 08, 2022, 09:05:03 PM
Anyway, the moment has finally arrived. After more than twenty years, I will be finally finishing The Wheel of Time with A Memory of Light!
It's been many years since I've read it, but I recall that book being just amazing :metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 09, 2022, 08:47:32 AM
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This was SO GOOD.  Best book I've read in a while.



Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar.  A re-read, because I finally picked up the second and third books.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 11, 2022, 07:01:00 AM
Gwendy's Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 12, 2022, 01:10:17 AM
Finished the Age Of Madness trilogy by Joe Abercrombie.

I really like those books, but man, was that ending bleak and sad and depressive.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 14, 2022, 08:02:11 PM
After last weekend, I decided to reread The Sandman series. I have the two huge omnibus editions. I'm only reading the first one for right now, because I read the first four volumes back in 2012, but I didn't read the rest until 2019, so I don't really have an inclination to read the second half of the series. Made it through Doll's House today, so I'll probably end up finishing it by next Sunday
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 15, 2022, 12:37:04 PM
Gwendy's Final Task by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on August 15, 2022, 06:28:23 PM
 Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: King Postwhore on August 15, 2022, 06:34:30 PM
Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.

Famous writer.   The Wikipedia even confuses me. Lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 16, 2022, 08:21:15 AM
Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.
That's one that has thus far escaped me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 16, 2022, 08:31:01 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/nwONT0I.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on August 16, 2022, 05:06:51 PM
Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.
That's one that has thus far escaped me.

In that you haven't read it yet?  Or that you read it and didn't understand it?  Because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be in the latter category in a few days.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 21, 2022, 12:20:18 PM
I'm finished with The Wheel of Time! Going to take a wee bit of a break from fiction and working on The Story of Marvel Studios by Tara Bennett & Paul Terry
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 21, 2022, 12:21:22 PM
Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.
I can tell you two things wrong with that title [/Simpsons]
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on August 22, 2022, 06:40:31 AM
I'm finished with The Wheel of Time! Going to take a wee bit of a break from fiction and working on The Story of Marvel Studios by Tara Bennett & Paul Terry
Like the first book or the whole series? I'm on book 5.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 22, 2022, 08:43:02 AM
Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.
That's one that has thus far escaped me.

In that you haven't read it yet?  Or that you read it and didn't understand it?  Because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be in the latter category in a few days.
Haven't read it yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on August 22, 2022, 05:32:48 PM
Just started Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson. Just finished girl and the moon by Mark Lawrence.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 22, 2022, 05:40:41 PM
I'm finished with The Wheel of Time! Going to take a wee bit of a break from fiction and working on The Story of Marvel Studios by Tara Bennett & Paul Terry
Like the first book or the whole series? I'm on book 5.
I'm done with the whole series. Finished A Memory of Light. It is done!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on August 22, 2022, 05:50:37 PM
Making my way through Wolves of the Calla again. I couldn't remember from my first read a decade ago anything interesting that happened. 200 pages in I realize why. Because nothing interesting happens.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on August 22, 2022, 06:15:21 PM
Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.
That's one that has thus far escaped me.

In that you haven't read it yet?  Or that you read it and didn't understand it?  Because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be in the latter category in a few days.
Haven't read it yet.

I'm now 150 pages in and still have no idea what's going on.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on August 22, 2022, 07:43:04 PM
Just started Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson. Just finished girl and the moon by Mark Lawrence.
I felt this one was a bit of a slog.

I'm finished with The Wheel of Time! Going to take a wee bit of a break from fiction and working on The Story of Marvel Studios by Tara Bennett & Paul Terry
Like the first book or the whole series? I'm on book 5.
I'm done with the whole series. Finished A Memory of Light. It is done!

I'm into it, but need a break from the series here and there. Is it worth it? lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on August 22, 2022, 09:11:22 PM
Making my way through Wolves of the Calla again. I couldn't remember from my first read a decade ago anything interesting that happened. 200 pages in I realize why. Because nothing interesting happens.
Personally, i enjoyed the story telling aspect to the todash parts.  This is definitely  the book where the story takes a left turn towards weird, but it grew on me with each re-read. Probably my favorite in the series. Waste Lands has grown on me in a similar way over the years. Gets better each time.  The only one that's consistently bad is Gunslinger. Aside from the Tull section,  that is.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: XJDenton on August 23, 2022, 03:49:02 AM
I'm listening to The Dictator's Handbook (https://www.amazon.com/Dictators-Handbook-Behavior-Almost-Politics/dp/1610391845).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 23, 2022, 09:05:07 AM
Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.
That's one that has thus far escaped me.

In that you haven't read it yet?  Or that you read it and didn't understand it?  Because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be in the latter category in a few days.
Haven't read it yet.

I'm now 150 pages in and still have no idea what's going on.
Sounds like something I'd like.  :tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on August 23, 2022, 09:44:54 AM
Naked Lunch.  30 pages in and I still have no idea Wtf I’m reading. This has gotta be one of the weirdest books ever.
That's one that has thus far escaped me.

In that you haven't read it yet?  Or that you read it and didn't understand it?  Because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be in the latter category in a few days.
Haven't read it yet.

I'm now 150 pages in and still have no idea what's going on.
Sounds like something I'd like.  :tup

He wrote it sporadically while high on heroin and other drugs over the course of seven or eight years. He’d basically scribble out a few pages here and there, then mail them to his friends back home, and they’d try to assemble it into something resembling a coherent narrative. It’s insanely disjointed. Very post-modern and impressionistic… not much of a “story” at all. But if you like extremely graphic descriptions of sex and masturbation, then you’ll it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 23, 2022, 12:37:54 PM
Hell yeah, motherfucker.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 23, 2022, 01:12:44 PM
Just started Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson. Just finished girl and the moon by Mark Lawrence.
I felt this one was a bit of a slog.

I'm finished with The Wheel of Time! Going to take a wee bit of a break from fiction and working on The Story of Marvel Studios by Tara Bennett & Paul Terry
Like the first book or the whole series? I'm on book 5.
I'm done with the whole series. Finished A Memory of Light. It is done!

I'm into it, but need a break from the series here and there. Is it worth it? lol
I definitely recommend taking breaks between. I'd say yes, it is very much worth it in the end. Both Jordan and Sanderson stick the landing extremely well, but it is an endeavor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on August 24, 2022, 09:26:30 AM
I definitely recommend taking breaks between. I'd say yes, it is very much worth it in the end. Both Jordan and Sanderson stick the landing extremely well, but it is an endeavor

I'm really struggling with several of the characters, mostly the women. They're written so flat and generic. They're either doe-eyed and in love or angry over the stupidest things. Nynaeve is particularly unbearable in this 5th book. At least Rand has finally stopped the ole trope of fighting his destiny. I definitely need a break after this one lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on August 24, 2022, 05:32:07 PM
Wheel of Time to me is like 50% great stuff and 50% annoying bullshit. The way Jordan writes women is a huge part of that; he apparently wanted strong women in the series, but the only way he knew how to do that was to have them all be rude and condescending to everyone. The romances suffer for the same reason; there is evidently only one way for men and women to interact with each other: aggravated and disagreeable all the time but completely in love at the same time for no reason.

Taking a break from the series between books is definitely the way to go, especially if you're feeling frustrated in book 5 which by most accounts is in the strongest stretch of the series. Those problems are not going to go away and in fact will kind of get worse, at least until Sanderson's books at the end.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on August 24, 2022, 05:36:35 PM
It was Jordan’s fixation on corporal punishment between men and women…or woman to woman…or lap sitting as the height of romantic encounters that had me irritated!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on August 24, 2022, 05:47:31 PM
Oh yeah, that too. Also the women just get naked at the drop of a hat and we get detailed check-ins on exactly how much cleavage every woman is showing at any given time. I mean I like boobs as much as the next guy, but damn it's just obnoxious. It's a weird sort of Puritan horniness that somehow comes across as more uncomfortable than something much more blatant about including sexuality.

Also so I stay on topic, I'm currently rereading Mark Z. Danielewski's The Familiar, and am saddened all over again that the other planned 22 books seem unlikely to ever be released.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 25, 2022, 06:40:47 AM
Michael Mann & Meg Gardiner - Heat 2
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on August 25, 2022, 06:45:16 AM
It is super relieving to see other people had issues with the Wheel of Time lol I feel validate.

Another series I'm working on is The Witcher which I'm very much enjoying. I'm also playing Witcher 3 and it feels super immersive doing them at the same time.

Then for audio books while I'm running, I started over the Throne of Glass series. Its been a couple years since I read the books but I remember enjoying them.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 25, 2022, 07:56:45 AM
Wheel of Time is just too long for me to start at this point in my life.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on August 25, 2022, 08:24:03 AM
I'm in the midst of reading a few books and manga/comics:


Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá Daytripper

Wonderful comic about life and eventual death, following the same guy throw his many possible lives and how they end abruptly.


Roland Barthes Camera Lucida

Philosophy book about the nature of photography, and its impact on the viewer. A tough read for me as I'm not familiar at all with Semiotics and many of the terms escape me so I'm going very slowly through it :lol


Inio Asano City of Light

Short manga about a rich neighborhood that seems to hide a lot of darkness within. Same author as Oyasumi Pun Pun, so it's bleak and depressing heh.


Susan Sontag On Photography

Amazing food for thought, she argues against many of the preconceived notions people have about photographs, how photographers act and see themselves, and much more. A bit of a slow read, but an excellent one so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on August 25, 2022, 05:03:14 PM
Just started The Library: A Fragile History.  Looking forward to this one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 25, 2022, 07:09:24 PM
The Story of Marvel Studios by Tara Bennett & Paul Terry
This was awesome. Absolutely beautiful book to have too by the way. I also ended up finishing The Sandman Omnibus Vol. 1. I doubt I'm going to read the second volume, but you never know. Here's how I'd rank the 5 volumes

5. Dream Country

4. Seasons of Mists

3. A Game of You

2. A Doll's House

1. Preludes & Nocturnes



Next up, after seeing the Elvis movie not that long ago, I wanted to read a bio on the man, so I'm reading The Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. Also, I'm giving myself one last ambitious project before going back to work on the 6th: The Wandering Inn: Book 1 by Pirateaba
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 04, 2022, 08:24:35 AM
Ending up reading Dan Slott's run on She-Hulk. It was great. Will be checking out Peter David's run next weekend.



Moving on to Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on September 04, 2022, 07:09:16 PM
Restarting a full proper Dark Tower readthrough for the first time since the last few books first came out.

Making my way through Wolves of the Calla again. I couldn't remember from my first read a decade ago anything interesting that happened. 200 pages in I realize why. Because nothing interesting happens.

This is one I'll be curious to see how I find when I get to it. I do remember it all basically being build-up to that showdown with the Wolves at the end, but I was so hype for it when I got to that part of the book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on September 05, 2022, 04:41:29 PM
Continuing along on the Discworld odyssey, about to start Soul Music
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 06, 2022, 04:58:24 AM
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 07, 2022, 02:42:21 PM
The Bright Book of Life by Harold Bloom
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 13, 2022, 04:47:27 AM
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
finally finished last night. It was alright, but one of his weaker recent efforts. was nice to see him return to some fantastical stuff though. Now, moving on to something different with Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 13, 2022, 09:22:54 AM
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on September 13, 2022, 11:17:32 AM
Ended up with a marathon session to finish off The Drawing of the Three last night. Tonight I start The Wastelands.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 13, 2022, 11:39:23 AM
Ended up with a marathon session to finish off The Drawing of the Three last night. Tonight I start The Wastelands.

Two books done....what are your thoughts so far on this read through? Better, worse or about the same as your first time through?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 13, 2022, 08:42:01 PM
Ended up with a marathon session to finish off The Drawing of the Three last night. Tonight I start The Wastelands.

Two books done....what are your thoughts so far on this read through? Better, worse or about the same as your first time through?

You didn't ask me, but I am going on this journey for the 2nd time myself, so will respond.  :)

I highly enjoyed The Drawing of the Three the first time through, and it was quite enjoyable the second time as well. It was fun to revisit who Eddie Dean was before he met Roland.

The Wasteland was as big of a drop off as I remembered it being. "Hey, we got our ka-tet, let's head toward the Tower!! Wait, we have to spend the whole first half of the book picking up our last member. The second half with River Crossing, or whatever it is, and Lud, are so underwhelming.

My first reading of Wizard and Glass captivated me like so few books have before or since. The second reading of the Mejis story was like revisiting an old friend. The parts with Blaine are a drag on an otherwise masterful story.

I said earlier I don't remember much from Wolves of the Calla so it must have left so little an impact on me. At this point in this current reading, I've lost interest in the Wolves, and am barely curious what happens to the NYC vacant lot.

For a series that is ostensibly about a quest, there is so little actual questing.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 13, 2022, 08:53:28 PM
I think you have to view the keystone world task with the lot/king/etc as half the questing,  and beating bad guys along the way to the Tower in Roland's world as the other half. From that perspective, there's a reasonable amount of questing. There's still a whole lot of pointless drag in most of the books though.

I've got 80 pages left in The Dark Tower, and I'm a little sad to be finishing up.  It's long,  it isn't perfect(by any definition whatsoever), but, as you said Chris, it feels like visiting with an old friend.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 13, 2022, 09:37:24 PM
That's an interesting take that might have eluded me upon my first reading. I want to revisit this when I finish the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on September 13, 2022, 10:05:49 PM
Just finished Fairy Tale by Stephen King.

No spoilers I did enjoy it, very different.
Not sure if it was the same for releases around the world but one bookshop in Australia gave each buyer of the book a pin with Stephen King and Fairy Tale and an image of the dog, Radar. Pretty cool gift for free.

Now getting back into Decimate by Christopher Rice.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 14, 2022, 07:08:34 AM
What's everyone's take on re-reading books?

Once upon a bye, I used to give my partner a real ribbing about her constant re-reading. She would read some books at least once per year, and, on one vacation in particular, I remember she read the entire Hunger Games series twice. I never really understood the appeal, and then she likened it to watching a movie you like more than once.

Fast forward a decade, and I re-read almost as much as I read new books. There's something almost comforting for me to read a book I really enjoyed.

How about it, DTFers? Do you enjoy re-reading your favorites? Do you think it's a waste with how much undiscovered literature is out there? Is there a book or series you revisit on a regular basis?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 14, 2022, 07:51:20 AM
Re-reading has always been a big part of my reading habit, although admittedly it's been a while since I've done a re-read that wasn't a comic.

The comparison to re-watching a favorite film is apt.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 14, 2022, 09:07:07 AM
I do a lot of re-reading just like I watch good movies more than once and listen to my favorite records countless times.

I wouldn't probably read something twice in a short period like a vacation, but after a year or so I  consider it.

The fact that there is so much more out there which I don't know doesn't bother me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on September 14, 2022, 08:35:11 PM
Ended up with a marathon session to finish off The Drawing of the Three last night. Tonight I start The Wastelands.

Two books done....what are your thoughts so far on this read through? Better, worse or about the same as your first time through?

Definitely not worse. I've never been one who disliked The Gunslinger, it definitely draws me in for the sprawling epic to come. The Drawing of the Three though really elevates things. I remember being glued to the book my first time reading it in high school and it was much the same this time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 14, 2022, 08:52:41 PM
I have read several books more than once. Throughout most of my twenties, I was single, lived alone, and didn't do much in terms of socializing. I read a ton, and several of those books got multiple readings. The second hand bookstore was one of my favorite shops. Once I started going to the library, and especially once I started checking out books digitally, (and had kids and lost the majority of my free time), I stopped revisiting books.

Just like with my DVDs, and CDs years ago, I am finally starting to slowly purge some of my books. I am keeping everything by my favorite authors and those I have for sentimental reasons. But there are too many books out there and too easy access to them to hold on to, knowing the chances of me re-reading them are slim to none.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on September 14, 2022, 09:47:07 PM
I do re-read some authors, but I find there are so many new releases I don't have enough time.

I recently reread from Relic through to Bloodless all the Pendergast novels from Preston & Child, that was about 20 books and took a good few weeks.

After Anne Rice passed away I planned to read all the Vampire Chronicles before my trip, but it hasn't worked .. I read Vampire then will read Tale of the Bodythief.

But now reading axeman90210 posts regarding The Dark Tower novels, I may have to give them a reread .....  I can honestly say it is so long I feel like I have forgotten a lot. As I look at them on the shelf the first three look like pretty quick reads, it is the thickness of the others that makes the task seem daunting.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on September 19, 2022, 11:12:31 AM
Today my copy arrived of 'Limited Edition Of One' by Steven Wilson. I'll start reading it soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 22, 2022, 04:50:31 AM
Continued through my She-Hulk runs this last weekend, this time Peter David's run. Not as good as the last one IMO. Now, reading He Who Fights With Monsters, Book One by Shirtaloon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 22, 2022, 06:35:03 AM
Fairy Tale - Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ZeppelinDT on September 24, 2022, 06:35:21 AM
Just finished a re-read of 1984. Last read over 20 years ago.

Now starting Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on September 24, 2022, 07:25:44 AM
Now starting Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts

That is an excellent book! I read it years ago and still feel it's impact on me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 27, 2022, 10:43:57 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/pBf2TGx.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 30, 2022, 04:09:51 AM
Finally finished Careless Love. It was a slog to get through. Before diving into spooky season, I'm going to read The Godfather by Mario Puzo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on September 30, 2022, 11:34:39 PM
Just finished Wolves of the Calla. As I said earlier, I remembered so little of this book from my previous reading, and it's because so little of it is memorable. I like Calla Bryn Sturgis as a setting; no one creates a quaint little town better than King. Callahan's story was mildly interesting, but it just isn't a journey I wanted to go on at this stage in the ka-tet's quest. The plot abou tthe vacant land in NYC has some potential here, but it just isn't realized here (I know there are 2 more books...). I just didn't care about the build-up to the impending battle against the Wolves, such that when the battle finally(!!!) happened, it had already lost interest in that story line.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 02, 2022, 02:11:05 PM
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 03, 2022, 02:36:14 PM
The Troop by Nick Cutter. Let spooky season begin!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on October 05, 2022, 08:26:15 PM
Just finished Wolves of the Calla. As I said earlier, I remembered so little of this book from my previous reading, and it's because so little of it is memorable. I like Calla Bryn Sturgis as a setting; no one creates a quaint little town better than King. Callahan's story was mildly interesting, but it just isn't a journey I wanted to go on at this stage in the ka-tet's quest. The plot abou tthe vacant land in NYC has some potential here, but it just isn't realized here (I know there are 2 more books...). I just didn't care about the build-up to the impending battle against the Wolves, such that when the battle finally(!!!) happened, it had already lost interest in that story line.

Yeah, that whole book hinges on how invested you are in that showdown with the Wolves. Personally I couldn't put it don for the last stretch of pages, but I can easily see the book feeling like a slog.

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

Be curious to see how you find that one.


I finished The Wastelands a few days ago. I enjoyed it more than I remember my first time through the Tower books. I've decided to take a detour though, I found this Dark Tower reading list that slots in other SK books with ties to Roland's quest in the appropriate places. Seems like a good way for me to revisit a couple other favorites and also check off a few new to me King books as well. I'm currently knee deep in The Stand for the umpteenth time.

https://www.listchallenges.com/the-dark-tower-a-suggested-reading-order-for
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 06, 2022, 05:52:11 PM
The Troop by Nick Cutter. Let spooky season begin!
very good, although I thought the denouement wasn't really earned, and I thought Cutter got a little carried away with the animal cruelty. Any, going back to He Who Fights With Monsters. Want to finish that before heading into my next spooky read. I'm also planning on working through The New Annotated Dracula by Bram Stoker and Leslie Klinger. It's been a while since I last read Dracula, so I thought I was due for a reread   
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 06, 2022, 07:06:05 PM
Just finished Wolves of the Calla. As I said earlier, I remembered so little of this book from my previous reading, and it's because so little of it is memorable. I like Calla Bryn Sturgis as a setting; no one creates a quaint little town better than King. Callahan's story was mildly interesting, but it just isn't a journey I wanted to go on at this stage in the ka-tet's quest. The plot abou tthe vacant land in NYC has some potential here, but it just isn't realized here (I know there are 2 more books...). I just didn't care about the build-up to the impending battle against the Wolves, such that when the battle finally(!!!) happened, it had already lost interest in that story line.

Yeah, that whole book hinges on how invested you are in that showdown with the Wolves. Personally I couldn't put it don for the last stretch of pages, but I can easily see the book feeling like a slog.

Makes sense. And I was not invested at all the first time I read it 10 years ago, and I wasn't this most recent read either. Though as I said, I did enjoy inhabiting Call Bryn Sturgis. I was slightly interested in the story line with the vacant lot and Mr. Toren, but even then barely enough to keep me turning pages.

Again, what have we been reading about for 4 books? Roland's quest for the Tower. Nothing else is supposed to matter to him. Yet we have to stop in this hamlet for an entire book. It's like having Link stop gathering pieces of the Triforce before the final showdown with Ganon to find some lady's lost cuccos.

I finished The Wastelands a few days ago. I enjoyed it more than I remember my first time through the Tower books. I've decided to take a detour though, I found this Dark Tower reading list that slots in other SK books with ties to Roland's quest in the appropriate places. Seems like a good way for me to revisit a couple other favorites and also check off a few new to me King books as well. I'm currently knee deep in The Stand for the umpteenth time.

https://www.listchallenges.com/the-dark-tower-a-suggested-reading-order-for

That's cool, I know about the other books that tie in to the series, but never thought of what order to read them in.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 08, 2022, 01:37:53 PM
NOS4A2 was not doing it for me. Next!


The Damnation Game by Clive Barker
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 13, 2022, 09:19:50 PM
Finally finished HWFWM. It was great, will most likely be reading the next book in November (don't know how long these books will be available through Kindle Unlimited, so might as well take advantage. Anyway, reading a pretty much brand new book (came out on the 4th) called Curse of the Reaper by Brian McAuley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 15, 2022, 08:01:01 AM
Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic by Jeff Smith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on October 16, 2022, 11:29:57 PM
Alright so the Ka-Tet of Nineteen Ninty-Nine has slayed the wolves and brought peace to Calla Bryn Sturgis. Now we are back on track on our journey to the Dark Tower! Let's go!

Except... 100 pages in to Song of Suzanna and all I get is boring Suzanna/Mia/whoever drama.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 17, 2022, 12:02:35 AM
Yeah, Song Of Suzanna is a weaker installment in the Dark Tower series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 17, 2022, 07:16:59 AM
Alright so the Ka-Tet of Nineteen Ninty-Nine has slayed the wolves and brought peace to Calla Bryn Sturgis. Now we are back on track on our journey to the Dark Tower! Let's go!

Except... 100 pages in to Song of Suzanna and all I get is boring Suzanna/Mia/whoever drama.

The East Stoneham scenes are pretty good though. Worth the wait. And John Cullum is a well delivered character.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 17, 2022, 06:03:18 PM
I'm glad I gave Bone another try. It was very charming. Only thing I didn't like about the omnibus was that it was in black and white. Also, I wasn't entirely happy with the main character's decision at the end. Anyway, back to some spooky stuff with The Good House by Tananarive Due
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 21, 2022, 11:51:01 AM
Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife by Bart D. Ehrman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 21, 2022, 04:17:40 PM
Until I Find You by John Irving. Taking a break from horror. I haven't read a book from John Irving in almost twenty years (maybe closer to sixteen). There was a stretch where I read six of his books in almost rapid succession (A Prayer for Owen Meany, The World According to Garp, Cider House Rules, The Hotel New Hampshire, Son of the Circus, and Widow For One Year), and then I stopped because I felt I had read all his major works. Hope this doesn't disappoint
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 02, 2022, 08:48:07 PM
Ended up squeezing in one more thing to close out the month with Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark. It was nice. I also finally finished Horror Movies of the 1980s (been reading that off and on since last December). Now, working through another chunker with The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 03, 2022, 11:55:58 AM
The Big Bundle by Max Allan Collins

It was my good fortune to read an advance copy of this upcoming novel which will be published December 6, 2022.  This is the latest in his series of Nathan Heller novels.  A fictionalized version of a historical kidnapping plot, this hardboiled tale was my first taste of Collins and Heller, but it will not be my last.

Told in a crisp, concise style, reminiscent of the great crime stories that Collins clearly loves, the novel inserts fictional detective Nathan Heller into the real life kidnapping and murder of Bobby Greenlease, the six year old son of Robert Greenlease Sr., a multi-millionaire auto dealer in 1953.  The case featured what was at that time the largest ransom ever paid in U.S. history ($600,000 – around $6 million in today’s numbers).   

Super fun read.  Can't recommend highly enough.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 03, 2022, 12:11:26 PM
The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind by Jackson Ford
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 03, 2022, 08:47:01 PM
Now, working through another chunker with The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk
I gave it 100 pages, didn't work for me. Starting nonfictionnovember instead with Fosse by Sam Wasson. His biography on Ray Bradbury was one of my favorite books last year, and seeing as I'm a big fan of musicals, I think this'll be right up my alley
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on November 04, 2022, 06:39:54 AM
Finished The Stand and revisited Eyes of the Dragon, which was my introduction to Stephen King back in freshman year English. Now I'm just starting The Talisman, which will be a new one for me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 04, 2022, 06:50:53 AM
Finished The Stand and revisited Eyes of the Dragon, which was my introduction to Stephen King back in freshman year English. Now I'm just starting The Talisman, which will be a new one for me.
I hope you like it.  A lot of King readers do, but it never connected with me, and I've read it multiple times over the years to give it extra chances.

There is a sequel, Black House, that I've never even attempted, despite being a MASSIVE King fan, due to my distaste for The Talisman.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 04, 2022, 08:54:05 AM
I think The Talisman is really great, the sequel not so much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on November 04, 2022, 10:42:24 AM
I'm only about 50 pages in, but it hasn't really gripped me yet. I'll get through a good chunk more on my flight in a little bit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 05, 2022, 12:34:21 PM
Didn't enjoy The Talisman myself. Can't honestly recall if I even finished it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 08, 2022, 12:48:46 PM
Churchill: Walking With Destiny by Andrew Roberts
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 09, 2022, 06:46:24 PM
Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway by Michael Riedel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 12, 2022, 05:37:29 PM
Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway by Michael Riedel
This started out a bit slow, but then it took off and I really enjoyed it. One more theater book for the month: The Godspell Experience by Carol de Giere. I was in a production of this sophmore year of high school and it had a very profound effect on me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 13, 2022, 02:39:22 PM
Moving back to fiction with Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family by Thomas Mann
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 13, 2022, 05:46:48 PM
15% into The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera and I can't do more. These characters are awful. The writing is awful.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 18, 2022, 07:36:21 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/CYE6eTd.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 18, 2022, 09:05:43 AM
^Good book^
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 20, 2022, 05:57:01 AM
(https://iili.io/HHCDcTN.md.jpg) (https://freeimage.host/i/HHCDcTN)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 24, 2022, 06:44:12 AM
Mr. Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream by Steven Watts
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on November 24, 2022, 01:42:11 PM
Alright so the Ka-Tet of Nineteen Ninty-Nine has slayed the wolves and brought peace to Calla Bryn Sturgis. Now we are back on track on our journey to the Dark Tower! Let's go!

Except... 100 pages in to Song of Suzanna and all I get is boring Suzanna/Mia/whoever drama.

The East Stoneham scenes are pretty good though. Worth the wait. And John Cullum is a well delivered character.

"Pretty good" might be a stretch, but for this book, it is definitely the highlight for me.

Taking a break now until I begin the final installment.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 28, 2022, 09:42:16 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/dWL2itz.jpg)

About halfway through this one. Pretty much standard Reacher at this point (i.e. entertaining but fairly preposterous)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 30, 2022, 09:07:10 AM
The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith

While I thought the last installment, Troubled Blood was very good partly because of the dynamics between two main characters, this one was very good because of the mystery. As a person who started playing an online RPG when I was 13 years old and kept at it for a few years, had to avoid all the IRL meet-ups because most of the people were 18+, actually hid my real age from other players and so on, I thought this was an interesting read.

The Memory of Souls by Jenn Lyons
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on November 30, 2022, 08:34:36 PM
Finished The Talisman, which was fine but not one of my King favorites. I've moved on from that to probably my actual SK favorite, Wizard and Glass.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: MetalJunkie on November 30, 2022, 08:50:49 PM
Currently reading: "The Effect of Technology on Face-to-Face Communication" as published in the Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications.

aka I'm doing homework - and I still can't stay away from DTF.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 01, 2022, 01:57:58 PM
Mr. Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream by Steven Watts

I quite enjoyed this. Author got a little long in the tooth when he talked about how the magazine changed over the years to go with the times, because the actual biographical stuff was really good. Also, wish I had done some research prior, because this wasn't a full biography, it only went through The Girls Next Door. Then I finished the month with a fairly charming novella called The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. Now currently reading Dogs of War by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on December 04, 2022, 03:41:34 PM
Took me a while to get through The Talisman, mostly because life kept me busy for a while. I did find it to be towards the lower end of the King books I've read, some sections were great but others were very meh. I went from that into Wizard and Glass, which may be my favorite book. I always find it funny that for all his renown as a horror author, my favorite passages of SK's writing are him spinning out love stories (everything with Roland and Susan here, with Jake and Sadie from 11/22/63 not far behind).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 04, 2022, 08:25:19 PM
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 07, 2022, 03:24:44 PM
Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather by Mark Seal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 11, 2022, 07:51:01 PM
Back to fiction with The Border by Robert McCammon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 12, 2022, 11:06:15 AM
The Memory of Souls by Jenn Lyons

After being lukewarm-ish on the first book and dropping the second one only to return to it this year, I'm really warming up to these. I thought this was a very good effort. Hopefully I can find the last two books somewhere.

Speaking of that, after searching for it in every bookshop that sells books in English here since March, I finally found and bought

The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 12, 2022, 11:17:38 AM
The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie

That's a good one, read it a couple of month ago, but man, that ending.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 16, 2022, 08:20:41 PM
Rereading A Christmas Carol. It's been nearly thirty years since I last read it. Seems like I am more than overdo for a reread

Also, listening to Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

Finally, reading Bullet Train by Kotaro Isaka. Saw the movie last weekend and really enjoyed it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on December 16, 2022, 08:28:39 PM
I'm almost done with The Shadow of the Wind and I am in LOVE with this book!

Also finally just read The Prince of Tides after it was sitting on my shelf for like twenty years. Oh man...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 17, 2022, 04:37:33 AM
I'm almost done with The Shadow of the Wind and I am in LOVE with this book!

I've enjoyed every sentence Zafon has ever written. The Angel's Game and The Prisoner of Heaven are equally good and build on the story from Shadow of the Wind.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: bout to crash on December 18, 2022, 01:53:11 AM
Ohh that's awesome, will definitely have to read those too! I have like 40 pages left but I'm waiting because I'm not ready to be done with it yet! It was our book club selection this month and such a good choice.

Edit: ohh just saw there are four books in that series, dammit, I hate discovering more stuff I want to read when I already have such a backlog :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 20, 2022, 01:46:51 PM
Siren Queen was pretty good, but I thought she went a bit hard into her sex scenes, like borderline erotica. Bullet Train was okay, but the movie is way better. Now, reading Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: MetalJunkie on December 21, 2022, 03:25:50 AM
Having  been a fan of the movies since they were in theaters, I'd never read the books, so I just started Lord of the Rings a week ago. I'm on The Two Towers now.

I've been messaging my friend (to say he's a Tolkien expert would be a massive understatement) at key points to discuss my thoughts. I asked him for a reading order for a Tolkien-verse deep dive. He responded with:

The Hobbit
The Lord of the Rings
The Silmarillion
The Children of Hurin
The Fall of Gondolin
Unfinished Tales
The Treason of Isengard
The Return of the Shadow
The War of the Ring
The Book of Lost Tales
Tales from the Perilous Realm
The Lay of Beleriand
The Lay of Luthien
The Shaping of Middle Earth
The Adventures of Tom Bombadil

It seems I have quite the homework assignment.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 25, 2022, 05:39:22 AM
The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie

Still working on this, should finish next week, seems like a strong book so far!



This year I kept full track of what I've been reading, so here's my year:

R. F. Kuang - The Burning God (Jan 9th - Jan 17th)
Christopher Buehlman - The Blacktongue Thief (Jan 18th - Jan 27th)
(reread) Robert Galbraith - The Silkworm (Jan 28th -  Feb 7th)
(reread) N. K. Jemisin - The Fifth Season (Feb 8th - Feb 19th)
Arkady Martine - A Desolation Called Peace (Feb 20th - Mar 15th)
Robin Hobb - Assassin's Apprentice (Mar 16th - Mar 27th)
Adrian Tchaikovsky - Children of Time (Mar 28th - Apr 12th)
Robin Hobb - Royal Assassin (Apr 13th - Apr 25th)
Robin Hobb - Assassin's Quest (Apr 26th - May 11th)
Adrian Tchaikovsky - Children of Ruin (May 12th - May 25th)
N. K. Jemisin - The City We Became (May 26th - June 19th)
(reread) Dennis Lehane - Since We Fell (June 20th - June 27th)
Robin Hobb - Fool's Errand (June 28th - July 5th)
Robin Hobb - The Golden Fool (July 6th - July 12th)
Robin Hobb - Fool's Fate (July 13th - July 25th)
(reread) Jenn Lyons - The Ruin of Kings (July 26th - Aug 14th)
Jenn Lyons - The Name of All Things (Aug 15th - Aug 31st)
N. K. Jemisin - A Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (Sep 1st - Sep 11th)
Robin Hobb - Dragon Keeper (Sep 12th - Oct 9th)
Robin Hobb - Dragon Haven (Oct 10th - Oct 26th)
Robin Hobb - City of Dragons (Oct 27th - Nov 6th)
Robin Hobb - Blood of Dragons (Nov 7th - Nov 14th)
Robert Galbraith - The Ink Black Heart (Nov 15th - Nov 27th)
Jenn Lyons - The Memory of Souls (Nov 28th - Dec 12th)
Joe Abercrombie - The Wisdom of Crowds (Dec 13th - Dec 31st)

As you can see, the list is dominated by Robin Hobb - I discovered her books last year with the Liveships Trilogy, and while the first Fitz trilogy has its ups and downs, the second one is incredible. If I had to pick a top three from all I've read this year, it would be like this:

1. Robin Hobb - Fool's Errand
2. Robin Hobb - Fool's Fate
3. Robert Galbraith - The Ink Black Heart

Already on my shelf for the next year:

Robin Hobb - Fool's Assassin
Robin Hobb - Fool's Quest
Robin Hobb - Assassin's Fate
Jenn Lyons - House of Always
Mark Z. Danielewski - House of Leaves
N. K. Jemisin - The Broken Kingdoms
N. K. Jemisin - The Kingdom of Gods
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 26, 2022, 12:24:25 PM
Desert Star by Michael Connelly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 29, 2022, 05:45:42 PM
Even though it took 9 days to finish, I still really enjoyed Warbreaker. Finishing up the year with My Favorite Thing is Monsters, Vol. 1 by Emil Ferris
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2022, 12:29:04 PM
2022 is done. 117 books for the year. Read The Wheel of Time (thus my low number this year). Listened to my first audiobooks (A Life in Parts and Siren Queen), and I had no less than 3 star ratings this year. Here are some awards for the year:



Favorite graphic novel: if it wasn't a reread, I would have put down the first omnibus of Sandman for my choice, but My Favorite Thing is Monsters ended up on top. For a while, it was The Last Ronin, but I know Monsters will stick with me more. I hope the second part comes out next year

Favorite author: Brandon Sanderson. I think this was the year Sanderson finally clicked for me. I wasn't the biggest fan last year of Mistborn Era 1 (with the exception of the first book), but this year with his contributions to Wheel of Time, and falling in love with Warbreaker at the end of the year, I think I finally get it.

Most disappointed: this entry goes out to my favorite author from last year, Adrian Tchaikovsky. After the overwhelming success of Guns of the Dawn last year, I was super disappointed with Cage of Souls. I thought it moved way too slow, but he recovered nicely with Ogres and Dogs of War

Favorite protagonists: Durfel from Warlord Chronicles and Siri from Warbreaker

Favorite antagonist: Lancelot from Warlord Chronicles

My favorites of the year: The Maleficent Seven, He Who Fights with Monsters 1, Warbreaker, A Life in Parts, and The Story of Marvel Studios 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on December 31, 2022, 04:27:30 PM
Wrapped up Salem's Lot on my flight home today and started in on It. Very much looking forward to revisiting this one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on December 31, 2022, 05:08:10 PM
2022 is done. 117 books for the year. Read The Wheel of Time (thus my low number this year).

Seriously, I was thinking... ONLY 117 books? :p

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 31, 2022, 06:06:09 PM
This was the year in which I got into manga, and it was a good choice. My favorite works, some which haven't been fully published here, have been:

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 01, 2023, 07:07:38 PM
2022 is done. 117 books for the year. Read The Wheel of Time (thus my low number this year).

Seriously, I was thinking... ONLY 117 books? :p
2020, I read 174 books (but that was due to the pandemic)
2021, I read 172 books

My first reads of the year will be The Monster's Bones: The Discovery of the T. Rex and How it Shook Our World by David K. Randall and Rumo & His Miraculous Adventures by Walter Moers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 03, 2023, 09:47:01 AM
Read Tower of Fools by Andrzej Sapkowski (author of The Witcher) over the Christmas holidays. Very good book,  and i highly recommend.

Re-reading french Harry Potter 2. I had a different french book on tap from the library,  but after 50 pages i just couldn't get into it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 03, 2023, 10:14:04 AM
Just finished The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith, enjoyable read but the solution wasn't really convincing imo.

And now on to Into The Narrowdark by Tad Williams.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 04, 2023, 01:49:21 PM
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 11, 2023, 04:15:05 AM
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

This was awesome, and I will definitely be continuing in February. Now, listening to Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons and Dragons by Ben Riggs, and reading Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 12, 2023, 02:04:10 PM
Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby

I hit 47 books in 2022.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 12, 2023, 09:18:34 PM
The House of Always by Jenn Lyons
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 15, 2023, 07:08:03 AM
On Track...Opeth by Jordan Blum

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 15, 2023, 09:43:48 AM
Some manga updates:

Tsutomu Nihei Knigths of Sidonia Vol. 3
Very unique world and interesting story so far, about the last remains of humanity living in a giant spaceship and fighting these space creatures that have destroyed the entire solar system. Started like a standard sci-fi thing, but it's slowly showing that there's more to it than it seems at first.

Tatsuki Fujimoto Chainsaw Man Vol. 1
Finally bought into the hype to see what the fuzz is all about, and so far it's been very enjoyable and fun. Main character is a wanker tho and I hope there's some character development there. Looking forward to the rest.

Naoki Urasawa 20th Century Boys Vol. 7
Damn, what a dense and long-ass story, it keeps adding layers and layers as it goes :lol. But it's pretty good and quite well-written, even if there are a bit too many coincidences for my liking.


I also just started reading Solanin by Inio Asano, and Junji Ito's Fragments of Horror.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 15, 2023, 02:04:00 PM
Taking a bit of a break from SFF and reading The Rich Are Different by Susan Howatch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 20, 2023, 02:11:11 AM
After reading both "First Law" trilogies by Joe Abercrombrie, which I really enjoyed, I decided to read the stand-alone novels, starting with Best Served Cold.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 20, 2023, 02:17:41 AM
After reading both "First Law" trilogies by Joe Abercrombrie, which I really enjoyed, I decided to read the stand-alone novels, starting with Best Served Cold.

That's my favourite Abercrombie book, have fun! Wait, it's Abercrombie so I guess no fun. Be miserable!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 20, 2023, 03:42:34 AM
So far it's shaping up fine, by which I mean everything's bleak.  :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on January 20, 2023, 05:33:45 AM
I'm on a reread/first audiobook of favorite series' since I finished all of The Witcher and need a break from Wheel of Time.
Red Rising Series - all caught up and can't wait for book 6 this year
Stormlight Archive - noticed so many connections after reading first era Mistborn and Elantris.
Throne of Glass Series - its interesting to see how this author went from relatively YA to fantasy smut. Not that I mind lol
King Killer Chronicles - perfect masterpiece that I can't wait to see the next book... if it ever gets finished.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 21, 2023, 08:01:57 PM
Rereading The Blade Itself in preparation to binging the entire trilogy. Doubt I'll read all three by the end of the month, but I should be able to finish the second book by then
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 25, 2023, 10:31:54 AM
The Lord of the Rings: Illustrated by the Author by J.R.R. Tolkien
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 25, 2023, 11:42:52 AM
The House of Always by Jenn Lyons

I don't know if it's just that I had high hopes after the previous book in that series, The Memory of Souls, but this one was... not as good.

It felt like it was written in a rush or on autopilot as there are repeated phrases throughout the book that didn't appear in previous three books. Every character probably made a moue at least once (where the hell did that come from?). One character fanned herself on every occasion. How many times any of the main characters screamed "Run!"? I've lost count. Slap that Benny Hill theme song over those chapters and at least it would be funny.

The premise of the plot was very promising, but the rest didn't quite live up to the hype. Easily my least favourite book out of four so far. I've got the last book ordered though, still willing to see how the whole thing ends.

Onto another book with "house" in the title, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on January 25, 2023, 01:05:19 PM
Onto another book with "house" in the title, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Oh boy, dunno if it will be your thing, but that book was absolutely mental when I read it. Love it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: MetalJunkie on January 25, 2023, 04:00:07 PM
The Lord of the Rings: Illustrated by the Author by J.R.R. Tolkien
I just finished reading The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings for the first time. Now I'm listening to Andy Serkis narrate The Hobbit while I grind away in WoW. I'll be moving on to The Silmarillion soon.

I'm absolutely in love with all things Tolkien right now.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 26, 2023, 07:59:24 AM
The Lord of the Rings: Illustrated by the Author by J.R.R. Tolkien
I just finished reading The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings for the first time. Now I'm listening to Andy Serkis narrate The Hobbit while I grind away in WoW. I'll be moving on to The Silmarillion soon.

I'm absolutely in love with all things Tolkien right now.
:tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 30, 2023, 07:48:24 AM
In anticipation of season 2 of Reacher, I figured I give this one another read.

(https://i.imgur.com/R1v8i4V.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 30, 2023, 04:42:14 PM
Before finishing The First Law trilogy, going for a bit of a palate cleanser with Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak (and yes, I recognize the irony of taking a break from grimdark by reading horror/thriller)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 30, 2023, 10:23:36 PM
After reading both "First Law" trilogies by Joe Abercrombrie, which I really enjoyed, I decided to read the stand-alone novels, starting with Best Served Cold.

That's my favourite Abercrombie book, have fun! Wait, it's Abercrombie so I guess no fun. Be miserable!

Finished it, really good book but I think both trilogies are better, maybe because they have a grander scope.

And the actions of that Shenkt character were so intentionally written to be misleading to have the big surprise at the end. Felt a little bit like cheating.  ;)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 30, 2023, 10:25:41 PM
And now for something completely different: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 31, 2023, 02:00:34 AM
After reading both "First Law" trilogies by Joe Abercrombrie, which I really enjoyed, I decided to read the stand-alone novels, starting with Best Served Cold.

That's my favourite Abercrombie book, have fun! Wait, it's Abercrombie so I guess no fun. Be miserable!

Finished it, really good book but I think both trilogies are better, maybe because they have a grander scope.

They do have a grander scope, and that's exactly why I liked this book more than both trilogies. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 31, 2023, 02:51:32 AM
After reading both "First Law" trilogies by Joe Abercrombrie, which I really enjoyed, I decided to read the stand-alone novels, starting with Best Served Cold.

That's my favourite Abercrombie book, have fun! Wait, it's Abercrombie so I guess no fun. Be miserable!

Finished it, really good book but I think both trilogies are better, maybe because they have a grander scope.

They do have a grander scope, and that's exactly why I liked this book more than both trilogies. :lol
Every character in that trilogy is just awful and awesome at the same time :lol

I'm in reading slump right now even though the book I started is quite good - The book thief by Mark Zusak.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 31, 2023, 07:05:12 AM
And now for something completely different: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams.
I simply LOVE this book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 31, 2023, 08:35:34 AM
And now for something completely different: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams.
I simply LOVE this book.

Me too, it's a re-read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 31, 2023, 09:20:00 AM
And now for something completely different: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams.
I simply LOVE this book.

Me too, it's a re-read.
I have read it multiple times myself.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 01, 2023, 07:33:52 PM
Before finishing The First Law trilogy, going for a bit of a palate cleanser with Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak (and yes, I recognize the irony of taking a break from grimdark by reading horror/thriller)
This was okay, but definitely didn't deserve the Goodreads award for Best horror (then again, except for Gwendy's Final Task, I didn't read any of the other nominees). Anyway, heading into February with The Last Argument of Kings, and getting my history on with Greater Gotham by Mike Wallace
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 05, 2023, 01:46:00 PM
Read Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King/Richard Chizmar, which was rather short, but not bad. And now turning to The Long War by Terry Pratchett/Stephen Baxter. I quite liked the first book in the long earth series, let's see how this one turns out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 06, 2023, 06:58:19 AM
Read Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King/Richard Chizmar, which was rather short, but not bad.
If you're interested, there are two more books in the trilogy (the second features only Chizmar, not King, but he's back for the third).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 06, 2023, 07:18:46 AM
Thanks, but I already know that and and plan to read them sometime in the future.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 06, 2023, 11:34:52 AM
Thanks, but I already know that and and plan to read them sometime in the future.
:tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 06, 2023, 04:02:13 PM
First series of the year is done. Will definitely be continuing on with [b[Best Served Cold[/b] in March. Now, reading James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of my Life by James Patterson as a bit of a palate cleanser 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 08, 2023, 03:59:45 PM
Back to fiction with Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 12, 2023, 06:45:17 AM
On top of finishing Anxious People, I was listening to The Original by Brandon Sanderson and Mary Kowal. Very meh. Anxious People was alright, but not as good as Ove or Beartown. Now, finally starting The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 15, 2023, 12:19:02 PM
Onto another book with "house" in the title, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Oh boy, dunno if it will be your thing, but that book was absolutely mental when I read it. Love it.

That was... something :lol

I absolutely loved most of the Navidson record. The SOS chapter was in particular amazing, and all the three times Navidson goes in are very immersive. I would've liked the book more if it was even more focused on the actual Navidson's story.

Truant's ramblings, well, there was something in there, but it was so diluted throughout the novel that at some point I began to skim-read them. I do feel I missed something with his mother letters and the checkmark on page 97 and the whole ending, so if you want, you can send me a PM with what you thought about that whole thing.

I saw this book categorized as horror, if so, I mostly missed the horror part, perhaps due to presentation and prose. I did enjoy the book, but ended up being mostly underwhelmed because the interesting parts were constantly interrupted by the parts I didn't have any investment in. Also I'm pretty sure I looked like an idiot reading the book upside down on the train. :lol

Onto Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb, been saving this trilogy as I'm sure I'll enjoy it - I haven't read a bad Robin Hobb book yet.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 15, 2023, 12:27:28 PM
The Chemistry Of Death by Simon Beckett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 15, 2023, 01:48:59 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/JCONTt2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 16, 2023, 02:24:03 AM
Onto another book with "house" in the title, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Oh boy, dunno if it will be your thing, but that book was absolutely mental when I read it. Love it.

That was... something :lol

I absolutely loved most of the Navidson record. The SOS chapter was in particular amazing, and all the three times Navidson goes in are very immersive. I would've liked the book more if it was even more focused on the actual Navidson's story.

Truant's ramblings, well, there was something in there, but it was so diluted throughout the novel that at some point I began to skim-read them. I do feel I missed something with his mother letters and the checkmark on page 97 and the whole ending, so if you want, you can send me a PM with what you thought about that whole thing.

I saw this book categorized as horror, if so, I mostly missed the horror part, perhaps due to presentation and prose. I did enjoy the book, but ended up being mostly underwhelmed because the interesting parts were constantly interrupted by the parts I didn't have any investment in. Also I'm pretty sure I looked like an idiot reading the book upside down on the train. :lol

Onto Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb, been saving this trilogy as I'm sure I'll enjoy it - I haven't read a bad Robin Hobb book yet.
I'm right with you on HOL. If they focused more on the Navidson stuff, it would have been amazing. would love to see them adapt that section for a movie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 20, 2023, 07:14:42 PM
The Wall of Storms was a little less solid than the first book. I thought the flashbacks were a little bit jarring and the science stuff was over my head, but I still really enjoyed it.



Over the weekend, I read I Hate Fairyland Books One and Two by Skottie Young. Fun and demented comic series.



Just recently finished an excellent novella called Hamlet, Prince of Robots by M. Darusha Wehm. I'm a sucker for anything Shakespeare related. Now, switching it up with some historical fiction: The Songbook of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 21, 2023, 08:28:59 AM
Next re-read is The Long Dark Tea-Time Of The Soul by Douglas Adams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 22, 2023, 02:27:16 PM
Liarmouth: A Feel Bad Romance by John Waters. Having seen all of his movies I thought I knew what I was in for but this may be the most insane things he's ever written. How any of it is gonna translate to the movie that's in production I have no idea lol.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 22, 2023, 05:32:24 PM
Benny Lament was so good. It's my book of the month so far and I have a good feeling it will be in my favorites for the year. Beck to fantasy with The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on February 24, 2023, 01:01:34 PM
Onto another book with "house" in the title, House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Oh boy, dunno if it will be your thing, but that book was absolutely mental when I read it. Love it.

That was... something :lol

I absolutely loved most of the Navidson record. The SOS chapter was in particular amazing, and all the three times Navidson goes in are very immersive. I would've liked the book more if it was even more focused on the actual Navidson's story.

Truant's ramblings, well, there was something in there, but it was so diluted throughout the novel that at some point I began to skim-read them. I do feel I missed something with his mother letters and the checkmark on page 97 and the whole ending, so if you want, you can send me a PM with what you thought about that whole thing.

I saw this book categorized as horror, if so, I mostly missed the horror part, perhaps due to presentation and prose. I did enjoy the book, but ended up being mostly underwhelmed because the interesting parts were constantly interrupted by the parts I didn't have any investment in. Also I'm pretty sure I looked like an idiot reading the book upside down on the train. :lol
Sure, it's been a while since I've read it but I can send you a YT video (if that's still a thing there) that makes a very deep and thoughtful analysis of the book's theme and ending.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 28, 2023, 07:38:13 AM
Recently finished Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway by Michael Riedel. Thought it was just as good as Razzle Dazzle



Currently, listening to Oscar Wars by March Schulman, reading The Veiled Throne by Ken Liu and The Start: 1904 - 1930 by William L. Shirer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 28, 2023, 08:15:33 AM
Sure, it's been a while since I've read it but I can send you a YT video (if that's still a thing there) that makes a very deep and thoughtful analysis of the book's theme and ending.

Yeah, YouTube is still accessible even without VPN.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 06, 2023, 01:09:32 PM
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 07, 2023, 01:43:55 PM
Onto Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb, been saving this trilogy as I'm sure I'll enjoy it - I haven't read a bad Robin Hobb book yet.

Fool's Quest by Robin Hobb

So far I'm finding this trilogy solid and enjoyable, but not better than the previous Fitz / Fool trilogy. Still, very good read so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 08, 2023, 10:03:50 PM
Back to the world of The First Law with The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 10, 2023, 12:51:55 PM
Taking a bit of a pause on The Veiled Throne (don't know for how long). Yesterday, I finished Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (very good) and now reading Debunked by Ditto Abbott 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 10, 2023, 06:19:15 PM
The author of the Red Rising series, Pierce Brown, is doing a live Q&A on the Sons of Ares Discord in 40 minutes :caffeine:
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 12, 2023, 07:35:19 AM
The Passenger by Cormac Mccarthy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 15, 2023, 12:17:56 PM
Fool's Quest by Robin Hobb

So far I'm finding this trilogy solid and enjoyable, but not better than the previous Fitz / Fool trilogy. Still, very good read so far.

And onto Assassin's Fate by the same author.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 16, 2023, 06:00:43 AM
Fool's Quest by Robin Hobb

So far I'm finding this trilogy solid and enjoyable, but not better than the previous Fitz / Fool trilogy. Still, very good read so far.

And onto Assassin's Fate by the same author.

I've said it before, but I loved all those books. Hobb is terrific. The ending of that book...
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 16, 2023, 12:55:32 PM
Fool's Quest by Robin Hobb

So far I'm finding this trilogy solid and enjoyable, but not better than the previous Fitz / Fool trilogy. Still, very good read so far.

And onto Assassin's Fate by the same author.

I've said it before, but I loved all those books. Hobb is terrific. The ending of that book...

While I may have complaints about some particular books in the moment (Dragon Keeper was fairly slow and mostly setup, etc), I dove into each series with great anticipation, and as I said (or perhaps didn't), I saved this last trilogy to start reading around my birthday this year (February 19th) because I knew I would enjoy it at least. These books are my favourite fantasy read in the last couple of years.

There are books and series I vividly remember reading for the first time and those memories bring me a lot of joy and nostalgia for how special that experience was. Realm of the Elderlings is that kind of series. Of course I'm a bit sad this is the last book, but I'm sure 1) I'll remember it fondly and 2) there are many more fantastic books for me to discover from other authors.

I'm also sacrificing sleep to read a couple more chapters each day which is always a good sign for the book. :lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 16, 2023, 01:54:14 PM
^  :tup

I just finished Fated by Benedict Jacka and enjoyed it enough that I'm moving on to Cursed by the same author.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 16, 2023, 04:27:46 PM
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson; unfortunately, Dandelion Dynasty is a DNF for me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 17, 2023, 09:07:46 AM
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson; unfortunately, Dandelion Dynasty is a DNF for me
I could tell this was a very early work for BS, it was a bit clunky and not as fleshed out as his current writing. However, you can see the bread crumbs for what he develops and I love the whole universe. I can't wait to see another full story for this world.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 17, 2023, 12:45:10 PM
I read Elantris after Mistborn and probably after Warbreaker too, but I still think this is a solid story and book. Could've been better for sure, but still solid.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 17, 2023, 05:17:23 PM
Mistborn era 1 was good, Mistborn era 2 was GREAT.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: axeman90210 on March 17, 2023, 09:18:19 PM
Just wrapped up my first re-read of It in a good while. As much as I've always said that It and The Stand were neck and neck for me, I think i have to give It the nod as my favorite King novel. And man, the forgetting as adults at the end really hit me hard this time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on March 17, 2023, 10:03:26 PM
Just wrapped up my first re-read of It in a good while. As much as I've always said that It and The Stand were neck and neck for me, I think i have to give It the nod as my favorite King novel. And man, the forgetting as adults at the end really hit me hard this time.

I read this book at a significant transitional period of my life. When Mike is talking to Richie on the phone at the end, and they realize they are starting to forget again, damn that killed me.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 18, 2023, 05:22:57 AM
Mistborn era 1 was good, Mistborn era 2 was GREAT.

Agreed. Wayne Terrisman might be my favorite character ever.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 18, 2023, 06:29:02 AM
Mistborn era 1 was good, Mistborn era 2 was GREAT.

Agreed. Wayne Terrisman might be my favorite character ever.
Have you read through The Lost Metal? I balled like a baby. I made my current dnd character using Steris as a base of personality. She’s great!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 18, 2023, 06:44:44 AM
Mistborn era 1 was good, Mistborn era 2 was GREAT.

Agreed. Wayne Terrisman might be my favorite character ever.
Have you read through The Lost Metal? I balled like a baby. I made my current dnd character using Steris as a base of personality. She’s great!

Yes, twice. It was heartbreaking/heartwarming. One of Sanderson's greatest moments, IMO.

Steris turned out to be the star of the last two books, which was very surprising given where she started out in the story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 18, 2023, 07:57:31 AM

Yes, twice. It was heartbreaking/heartwarming. One of Sanderson's greatest moments, IMO.

Steris turned out to be the star of the last two books, which was very surprising given where she started out in the story.
Agreed, are you all caught up in Stormlight also? I think there were also a couple teary moments in RoW for me. I've still got Warbreaker and Tess to get to, but after that I think I've got the whole Cosmere read - well until the next release lol

Steris didn't come across very well in book 1, thats for sure. I don't think we got a lot of her in it either. The forced engagement also didn't make her seem very sweet, but she really is. For my character, I've made her a Book of Plans and Backup Plans for Adventuring and also a d100 table of witty comments when the moment seems right lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Skeever on March 20, 2023, 07:03:37 AM
I've been reading a book about Medieval History by Chris Wickham. I think it's called "Medieval Europe". It's very fascinating, if not a bit over my head, at times.

I also started "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius. The Stoics have been interesting to me lately, and for someone with an M.Phil I do not read enough philosophy or classics anymorel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on March 20, 2023, 04:12:43 PM
Meditations is great, lots of amazing thoughts there.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 21, 2023, 06:35:22 AM
Agreed, are you all caught up in Stormlight also? I think there were also a couple teary moments in RoW for me.

I'm caught up. It's probably getting close to reread time, actually.

Yeah, Rhythm of War is my favorite so far. The emergence of Navani Kholin as a major force for the human faction has been a long time coming, overdue, and very well executed. Her frienemy relationship with Raboniel is the highlight for me. The end of Kaladin's depression and whinging is also very welcome.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 21, 2023, 06:46:16 AM
Agreed, are you all caught up in Stormlight also? I think there were also a couple teary moments in RoW for me.

I'm caught up. It's probably getting close to reread time, actually.

Yeah, Rhythm of War is my favorite so far. The emergence of Navani Kholin as a major force for the human faction has been a long time coming, overdue, and very well executed. Her frienemy relationship with Raboniel is the highlight for me. The end of Kaladin's depression and whinging is also very welcome.

I love how in each book, different characters are given the spotlight, so the world is just growing so huge! I just got the Stormlight tabletop game and the art is so great. There's a card with who I assume is Teft based on some context clues and I got all pouty just looking at it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 23, 2023, 04:51:36 AM
I'm starting Mistborn 2 in May. I'm halfway through Elantris and still liking it
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 24, 2023, 08:11:15 PM
D: A Tale of Two Worlds by Michel Faber
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on March 26, 2023, 06:28:19 AM
Fool's Quest by Robin Hobb

So far I'm finding this trilogy solid and enjoyable, but not better than the previous Fitz / Fool trilogy. Still, very good read so far.

And onto Assassin's Fate by the same author.

I've said it before, but I loved all those books. Hobb is terrific. The ending of that book...

While I may have complaints about some particular books in the moment (Dragon Keeper was fairly slow and mostly setup, etc), I dove into each series with great anticipation, and as I said (or perhaps didn't), I saved this last trilogy to start reading around my birthday this year (February 19th) because I knew I would enjoy it at least. These books are my favourite fantasy read in the last couple of years.

There are books and series I vividly remember reading for the first time and those memories bring me a lot of joy and nostalgia for how special that experience was. Realm of the Elderlings is that kind of series. Of course I'm a bit sad this is the last book, but I'm sure 1) I'll remember it fondly and 2) there are many more fantastic books for me to discover from other authors.

I'm also sacrificing sleep to read a couple more chapters each day which is always a good sign for the book. :lol

Finally finished this. Cried several times. Actually I think I've cried more while reading Realm of the Elderlings books than while reading any other series. Such a good ending too.

If I had to rank the series, I'd go with 3 > 5 > 2 = 4 > 1.

I've recommended Sanderson to my best friend a while ago and he got to Rhythm of War so I'm rereading it along with him so we can discuss it as we read.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 26, 2023, 12:36:54 PM
Elantris was a win for me. I finally decided to read the first omnibus of Vinland Saga. Will definitely continue with that series. Now reading Hollywood: The Oral History by Jeanine Basinger and Sam Wasson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 28, 2023, 06:31:45 AM
Finally finished this. Cried several times. Actually I think I've cried more while reading Realm of the Elderlings books than while reading any other series. Such a good ending too.

If I had to rank the series, I'd go with 3 > 5 > 2 = 4 > 1.

I've recommended Sanderson to my best friend a while ago and he got to Rhythm of War so I'm rereading it along with him so we can discuss it as we read.

I had such an empty feeling when I finished that book. I was completely satisfied with the stories Hobb had told and didn't really need anything else from that world, yet... I couldn't help but feel loss because I wouldn't be returning.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 29, 2023, 06:29:29 AM
Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 30, 2023, 03:26:47 PM
My immediate reading plans are A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon and The Boys by Ron and Clint Howard. Hoping to finish either one or both of them before Sanderson's next secret project, and then all through April, I'll be working on Mother of Learning by Nobody103. I'm liking the whole magic school vibes, but the MC is a bit of a jerk so far. I'm hoping he goes through some positive character growth, or I'll be lucky to even finish the first arc
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 31, 2023, 06:50:42 AM
I just finished Jade War - The Green Bone Saga book 2 and it was even better than book 1. Its like Asian godfather with magic. Looking forward to the 3rd book once its available from the library.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 03, 2023, 12:32:11 PM
The Simarillion, Illustrated by the Author, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 06, 2023, 09:10:16 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/0oDtXBH.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 06, 2023, 09:46:31 AM
Back to the world of The First Law with The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie

That took me some time, wasn't really my thing. Having an actual story to tell would improve this a lot imo. But you get some background on some of the characters in his trilogies.

Now reading Pink Floyd - Pigs Might Fly by Mark Blake
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 11, 2023, 04:56:56 AM
Finally finished A Day of Fallen Night. It was very good, but Priory was better. Moving on to The Frugal Wizard's Guide to Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson and The Making of Star Wars by J.W. Rinzler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 15, 2023, 08:37:48 PM
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 19, 2023, 04:56:51 PM
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on April 19, 2023, 07:08:00 PM
Just finished No Plan B by the brothers Child. I don't want to send Reacher over the Reichenbach Falls - I would not want to see him go out like that - but I do believe it might be time to end this series. This book was... fine. Just like the last two, which I barely remember, because they were so unmemorable. This is the first one, however, where I noticed small differences in Reacher and his actions. I've read all the books, so am familiar with the character. I couldn't even give you examples. But while reading, I caught them. I also felt there was little actual investigating going on, which is one of the things that drew me in to the series. I felt for most of the book Reacher did very little. He followed some crumbs to address some injustice, but the journey was so uneventful, I didn't care what it was he found when he ultimately got there.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 19, 2023, 08:33:44 PM
Just finished No Plan B by the brothers Child. I don't want to send Reacher over the Reichenbach Falls - I would not want to see him go out like that - but I do believe it might be time to end this series. This book was... fine. Just like the last two, which I barely remember, because they were so unmemorable. This is the first one, however, where I noticed small differences in Reacher and his actions. I've read all the books, so am familiar with the character. I couldn't even give you examples. But while reading, I caught them. I also felt there was little actual investigating going on, which is one of the things that drew me in to the series. I felt for most of the book Reacher did very little. He followed some crumbs to address some injustice, but the journey was so uneventful, I didn't care what it was he found when he ultimately got there.

This is a 100% accurate description of the book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Prog Snob on April 20, 2023, 11:14:12 AM
Jesus on Trial by David Limbaugh
Spygate by Dan Bongino
Return to the Brain of Eden by Tony Wright and Graham Gynn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on April 20, 2023, 02:03:15 PM
Final book in the Hussite trilogy. I was going to read another french Potter book before finishing the series, but the last book left so much unresolved I couldn't resist.

(https://i.imgur.com/JCOTrUh.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 20, 2023, 07:10:45 PM
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King
I was not a fan, but, with the exception of some short story collections, I am done with his back list (unless I do want to read Rose Madder in the future). Moving on, Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes looks like it could be fun
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on April 27, 2023, 07:28:07 PM
I recently read the graphic novel Batman '89, which I thought was really great. Finally finished the first arc to Mother of Learning, jumping into the second one, and finally getting back to the Star Wars EU with Annihilation by Drew Karpyshyn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 30, 2023, 01:16:03 AM
Redshirts by John Scalzi
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 02, 2023, 07:01:00 AM
The Immortal Hulk - Or Is He Both? by Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, Ruy Jose, and Paul Mounts
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 02, 2023, 08:01:29 AM
Sleeping Beauties by Owen King an Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on May 02, 2023, 12:29:21 PM
Finished Tress by Sanderson. Nice, lighthearted break after Jade Legacy lol Very much enjoyed it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 03, 2023, 05:05:39 AM
Annihilation was great, my favorite Star Wars EU book so far. Now reading The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson and Steven Spielberg: A Biography by Joseph McBride
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 03, 2023, 08:23:20 AM
Moon Knight - The Midnight Mission by Jed MacKay, Alessandro Cappuccio, and Rachelle Rosenberg
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 03, 2023, 11:15:03 AM
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 03, 2023, 03:40:23 PM
The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 05, 2023, 04:05:45 AM
Annihilation was great, my favorite Star Wars EU book so far. Now reading The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson and Steven Spielberg: A Biography by Joseph McBride
The Alloy of Law was great. Will definitely keep reading the series. I DNFed the Spielberg, because I'll wait until he's passed on for a more complete story. Now, reading Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino and The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: carl320 on May 05, 2023, 06:21:05 AM
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

I'm not much of a reader but I read online about this book so i picked it up and am reading it during downtime at work
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 08, 2023, 01:55:53 PM
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. I loved his This Tender Land back in '21. 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 09, 2023, 02:40:06 PM
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. I loved his This Tender Land back in '21.
Tender Land was a bit better, but this got me in the mood to revisit one of my favorite coming of age stories, which I haven't read in over 20 years: Boys Life by Robert McCammon. Also, reading The Making of The Empire Strikes Back by J.W. Rinzler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 11, 2023, 11:59:36 AM
Fletch by Gregord Mcdonald
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 14, 2023, 08:36:33 PM
Boy's Life was sensational. I'm glad I decided to reread it. Will most likely be rereading Swan Song next month. Now, on to Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 16, 2023, 08:56:12 AM
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 16, 2023, 10:38:52 AM
Uprooted by Naomi Novik

That was quite wonderful.

The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 21, 2023, 05:26:16 AM
The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian by Robert E. Howard
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on May 21, 2023, 05:57:33 AM
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on May 21, 2023, 07:05:29 AM
Sleeping Beauties by Owen King an Stephen King

Pretty meh imo. And what is the moral of the story? Men are inherently bad but women won't live without them?

On to Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on May 29, 2023, 11:29:45 AM
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington

Quite enjoyable classic fantasy, ordered the rest of the trilogy just now.

The Discord of Gods by Jenn Lyons - time to finally finish the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on May 29, 2023, 03:22:54 PM
Now, on to Seveneves by Neal Stephenson

 had read the first two parts, but had to DNF it during the last part because he completely lost me. I did manage to recently read Chlorine by Jade Song about a female swimmer who really likes mermaids, and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. So glad I gave that a try. It was overall very enjoyable, although I liked the first part better than the second volume. Now, reading Tempest-Tost by Robertson Davies
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on May 30, 2023, 05:28:28 PM
Fletch by Gregord Mcdonald

Just finished this. I loved this movie growing up. It is the quintessential Chevy Chase role. And maybe it's just because he is ingrained in my brain as Fletch, but I could feel his Chevy Chase-ness oozing off every page, as if the dialogue was written for him. As such, it's hard to evaluate this book on its merits. It was a fun read, despite me playing the film in the background, and seeing Tim Matheson, George Wendt, and the rest of the cast in their roles.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 01, 2023, 03:15:23 AM
]b]Shadows of Self[/b] by Brandon Sanderson. I'll be unintentionally binging the rest of the series. I had put Bands of Mourning on hold a while back, thinking I had more time, but it came out of holding about a week ago, and I have until the 15th to read it. Then, for giggles, I searched to see what the status on The Lost Metal was this morning, and it was available
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 01, 2023, 03:33:36 AM
I loved Shadows of Self. Bands and The Lost Metal, not so much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on June 01, 2023, 05:12:14 AM
I agree that Shadows of Self is awesome. The Bands of Mourning, I thought was good. I loved The Lost Metal though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 05, 2023, 02:34:15 AM
]b]Shadows of Self[/b] by Brandon Sanderson.
Really solid, especially the conclusion, although I enjoyed The Alloy of Law a little bit more. Now, on to The Bands of Mourning 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 09, 2023, 06:15:05 AM
Fletch's Fortune by Gregord Mcdonald
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 09, 2023, 01:23:35 PM
]b]Shadows of Self[/b] by Brandon Sanderson.
Now, on to The Bands of Mourning
This was my least favorite so far, but not by much. The last third was dynamite. Finishing it up with The Lost Metal. I'm also reading the novella The Fall by Ryan Cahill. One of my fav Booktubers has been highly extolling The Bound and the Broken series (I already have the first two books)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 11, 2023, 08:26:32 AM
Once & Future Volume One: The King Is Undead by Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, and Tamara Bonvillain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 11, 2023, 12:20:27 PM
Stranger In A Strangeland by Robert A. Heinlein
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 12, 2023, 08:46:45 AM
In today's edition of "Tell me you're a nerd without telling me you're a nerd":

(https://i.imgur.com/9HrItBF.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on June 12, 2023, 10:12:29 AM
The Discord of Gods by Jenn Lyons - time to finally finish the series.

Parallel to that, Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 14, 2023, 01:21:18 PM
]b]Shadows of Self[/b] by Brandon Sanderson.
Now, on to The Bands of Mourning
Finishing it up with The Lost Metal. I'm also reading the novella The Fall by Ryan Cahill. One of my fav Booktubers has been highly extolling The Bound and the Broken series (I already have the first two books)
Well, The Fall certainly got me hyped for the series and I thought Sanderson definitely stuck the landing. Will be interested to see how Era 3 turns out. Switching over to nonfiction for a bit with The 1998 Yankees by Jack Curry
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 15, 2023, 03:08:04 PM
Finally giving Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on June 16, 2023, 06:46:52 AM
I'm halfway through World War Z and I'm really curious how this translated into a movie. Guess I'll have to watch it after I finish.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 16, 2023, 07:07:38 AM
Let me just say that the movie and the book don't really have much in common, except for the zombies of course.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on June 16, 2023, 08:23:48 AM
Let me just say that the movie and the book don't really have much in common, except for the zombies of course.
Thats really all I can figure. Maybe some places and names. But the way the book is written doesn't lead to a movie script lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 16, 2023, 09:37:22 AM
I saw the film first and read the book some time after and enjoyed both. But without hopefully spoiling too much, while reading the book I was wondering why the film had the same name.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 21, 2023, 09:31:40 AM
All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 23, 2023, 05:36:32 PM
Finally giving Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky a try
Very meh. Too much with the Christian overtones. Could have been half it's length, and wasn't thrilled with the conclusion. I recently finished the first volume of Monstress, which I thought was great. Will definitely continue, and I finished Adrian Tchaikovsky's latest And Put Away Childish Things, which I enjoyed. Now, after two years, returning to The Expanse with Cibola Burn
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 28, 2023, 07:11:43 AM
The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music by Victor L. Wooten
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 28, 2023, 12:17:36 PM
Finally giving Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky a try
Now, after two years, returning to The Expanse with Cibola Burn
The series is back on track after a bit of a stumble with the last book. Already put Nemesis Games on hold. In the meantime, going back to horror with Ghostland by Duncan Ralston
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 28, 2023, 01:24:29 PM
The Outsider by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on June 29, 2023, 08:01:03 PM
Finally giving Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky a try
Now, after two years, returning to The Expanse with Cibola Burn
In the meantime, going back to horror with Ghostland by Duncan Ralston
This was really good. Will be reading the sequel soon, but in the meantime, starting on a summer project with Harry Potter and The Methods of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 30, 2023, 07:51:40 AM
Woman in the Dark by Dashiell Hammett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 01, 2023, 08:32:20 AM
Finally giving Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky a try
Now, after two years, returning to The Expanse with Cibola Burn
In the meantime, going back to horror with Ghostland by Duncan Ralston
starting on a summer project with Harry Potter and The Methods of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky
​17 chapters in and it's really good so far. Also, reading Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 03, 2023, 06:23:54 PM
Moving on to book 2 of Ghostland: Afterlife by Duncan Ralston
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: faizoff on July 04, 2023, 05:43:22 AM
Not sure why I delayed getting this for so long being a fan of the band since 92. I also regret not getting the first edition when it was out with the bonus CD and the photobook.




(https://imgur.com/uPIrQcM.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 05, 2023, 10:05:16 AM
Illuminations by Alan Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 05, 2023, 02:12:43 PM
SHIFT - Hugh Howey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 06, 2023, 04:19:56 PM
SHIFT - Hugh Howey

And now, DUST - Hugh Howey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on July 09, 2023, 09:32:17 AM
The Discord of Gods by Jenn Lyons - time to finally finish the series.

Parallel to that, Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Finished both.

The Discord of Gods was curious, I felt like the author rushed the last few entires in the series. The first two books seemed like they were meticulously planned, the last three seemed like the author was brainstorming it. While the third book came out fairly well-rounded, the last two I don't know, I wasn't too big of a fan. Solid series but could've been much better.

Spinning Silver, well I liked the premise and I liked the main storyline with Miryem, but I didn't really care about the rest of the characters.

Now onto The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 09, 2023, 06:51:15 PM
SHIFT - Hugh Howey

And now, DUST - Hugh Howey
was not a fan of Shift. And, don't you mean Rust?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 09, 2023, 08:24:30 PM
SHIFT - Hugh Howey

And now, DUST - Hugh Howey
was not a fan of Shift. And, don't you mean Rust?

No. It’s titled DUST
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 10, 2023, 06:26:41 AM
I stand corrected. my bad
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 12, 2023, 07:14:25 AM
Fletch's Moxie by Gregory McDonald
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 12, 2023, 09:11:19 AM
Some recent updates:

1. The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer. Really good

2. Finished the Ghostland series with Infinite. It was decent, but really should have just been a stand alone

3. Finally finished The Making of The Empire Strikes Back. Will probably be reading Jedi in August

4. Read the latest volume of Saga, such a good series. Looking forward to Vol. 11 in October

5. Currently, getting back to The Expanse, with Nemesis Games
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 17, 2023, 06:16:02 PM
Nemesis Games was great, my favorite in the series so far. Now, reading Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 18, 2023, 04:25:02 AM
The Hunter by Richard Stark
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 18, 2023, 04:40:47 AM
Sharp Ends by Joe Abercrombie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 18, 2023, 05:04:55 AM
The Lies of Locke Lamora - Scott Lynch
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 21, 2023, 04:44:00 AM
All About Me! My Remarkable Life In Show Business by Mel Brooks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on July 21, 2023, 06:03:40 AM
The Lies of Locke Lamora - Scott Lynch

I'd forgotten most of the details of the story, so my reread was just as wonderful as my first time through it. Might just be my favorite book ever. And now...

Red Seas Under Red Skies - Scott Lynch


All About Me! My Remarkable Life In Show Business by Mel Brooks

Now that looks interesting!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 21, 2023, 01:52:59 PM
Now, reading Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
I just got done with a reread of Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett. I haven't read it in twenty years. I didn't much care for it the first time around, but had a much better experience this time around. Now, sadly I had to DNF Yumi. It wasn't working for me, so instead I'm hoping for a better time with Skyward. Oh, and huge thumbs up to Mel Brooks' book. So good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 24, 2023, 07:52:07 AM
Zeroville by Steve Erickson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 26, 2023, 01:14:35 PM
Back to fantasy, with a unique spin on an old trope: an old lady is picked to become the Chosen One: The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher by E.M. Anderson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 28, 2023, 07:55:35 PM
Summer of '49 by David Halberstam
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on July 31, 2023, 06:54:44 PM
Ended wrapping up the month with Under the Red Hood by Judd Winick. Always loved the animated movie, so it was cool reading the comic. Going to start off August with an epic reread: Swan Song by Robert McCammon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 03, 2023, 12:01:24 PM
No Plan B by Lee and Andrew Child
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on August 03, 2023, 12:17:59 PM
Now onto The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence

There were some incredible moments, but the book was such a slow burn until the ending. The first half was all setup and I thought I'd have to DNF it a couple of times. Still, I'm glad I persevered and I'll probably read the second book when it comes out.

Taking a few days break from reading and then I'm on vacation come Monday! Been saving a copy of Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson for the occasion.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on August 04, 2023, 02:32:53 PM
Just finished "The Stand"... never gets old.  I paused the Dark Tower series after "Drawing of the Three" and read The Stand; back on the series with Wastelands now. 

Also reading "Modern Man in search of a Soul" by Jung when I need a break from fiction.

Probably the most interesting thing I've read this year is "The Electric State" by Simon Stalenhag... the story shines as brightly as the art in my opinion.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 04, 2023, 02:41:52 PM
Reading some german fantasy with Die Rückkehr der Zwerge (Return of the Dwarves) by Markus Heitz.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: orcus116 on August 06, 2023, 05:54:31 PM
I've had it on the shelf for awhile but in anticipation for the second movie I've been reading Dune. I attempted it many years ago but didn't get far but now I'm really intrigued by it. From what I remember of the first movie it seems like it was a really faithful adaptation.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 08, 2023, 02:50:08 PM
Batman - Zero Year: Secret City by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: vtgrad on August 08, 2023, 03:02:58 PM
I've had it on the shelf for awhile but in anticipation for the second movie I've been reading Dune. I attempted it many years ago but didn't get far but now I'm really intrigued by it. From what I remember of the first movie it seems like it was a really faithful adaptation.

I was enthralled by the spiritual aspect of the books and of the credo Paul uses to calm himself (reminds me of the Gunslinger's creed)... the book grabbed me from the beginning and I'm hoping to see more of the spiritual side of the story in the second film (as in the second half of the book). 

The first film was very faithful to the source material in my opinion.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 10, 2023, 04:11:20 AM
Batman - Zero Year: Dark City by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 10, 2023, 01:57:01 PM
Finally finished Swan Song. It was still enjoyable, but could've been 200 pages shorter. Anyway, back to Brandon Sanderson with Starsight, I also started The Making of The Return of the Jedi by J.W. Rinzler, and Fae and Fare: book 2 of The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 10, 2023, 03:48:23 PM
Batman: Graveyard Shift by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 11, 2023, 11:53:43 AM
The Best Poems of the English Language, selected by Harold Bloom
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 14, 2023, 09:47:38 AM
The Bloody Crown of Conan by Robert E. Howard
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 15, 2023, 09:17:32 AM
I liked Skyward slightly better, but I'll still read the next book in September. Now, reading Hide by Kiersten White
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 16, 2023, 07:22:30 AM
Hide was great. Now, reading Trust by Hernan Diaz
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 17, 2023, 09:34:16 PM
Trust was really good. I can see why it was one of the Pulitzer winners. As of right now, I have no interest in reading Demon Copperhead, but that may change eventually. Getting back to horror with Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 19, 2023, 09:57:04 PM
Episode Thirteen was really very good, one of my favorites of the summer. I also ended up reading Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman. Now, reading Severance by Ling Ma
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 20, 2023, 06:48:28 PM
Severance isn't working for me, so instead I'm reading Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Skeever on August 21, 2023, 09:01:22 AM
Sam Harris - Waking Up

I'm feeling pretty disillusioned with my Catholicism lately, yet I don't really want to give over to completely materialist thinking that pervades most atheism circles. Sam's "spirituality" is an interesting thing: taking lessons from traditional lines of religious scrutiny, but ultimately settling on meditation and spiritual techniques that take one out of one's self. More inspired by Buddhism, from what I can tell.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 21, 2023, 02:58:47 PM
Notes was fairly meh, but at least it was short. Anyway, back to The Expanse with Babylon's Ashes
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on August 26, 2023, 09:05:15 PM
Magician by Raymond E. Feist (reading the whole thing in one volume, not split up)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 27, 2023, 07:49:53 AM
Once & Future Volume Two: Old English by Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, and Tamra Bonvillain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 27, 2023, 12:21:57 PM
The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on August 28, 2023, 01:47:44 PM
The Fall of the Ottomans - The Great War in the Middle East by Eugene Rogan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: PMSummer on August 28, 2023, 02:52:30 PM
The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy is hands down my favorite author. 'Blood Meridian' and 'The Road' are my absolute favourites but I have read all of his books. His writing style is just something else – despite it being gruesome and dark it just grabs you and doesn't let go.

The Crossing is good but I preferred 'All the Pretty Horses' personally.

I'm not reading anything at the moment but this makes me want to reread some McCarthy again.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 29, 2023, 12:02:50 AM
His writing style is just something else

Sometimes it works but sometimes it is very unnerving.

In "The Road" it didn't bother me, instead it added to the overall bleak and hopeless atmosphere. In "No Country For Old Men" I sometimes found it annoying.

But regardles of that I need to read more from him.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 01, 2023, 07:37:09 AM
Still reading Magician, but taking a bit of a break for Sci-Fi September with a reread of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 03, 2023, 08:20:27 PM
Finished Magician. Thought it was great stuff, will continue with the series. Oh, and needless to say, Hitchhiker's Guide is still one of my favorites of all time. Taking a bit of a break from the SFF and reading The Fires of Spring by James A. Michener
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 05, 2023, 07:44:14 AM
The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy is hands down my favorite author. 'Blood Meridian' and 'The Road' are my absolute favourites but I have read all of his books. His writing style is just something else – despite it being gruesome and dark it just grabs you and doesn't let go.

The Crossing is good but I preferred 'All the Pretty Horses' personally.

I'm not reading anything at the moment but this makes me want to reread some McCarthy again.
:tup

Blood Meridian may be my favorite American novel. 

I've read several of his books in the past (including The Road, which was my bleakest reading experience ever), but I'm really on a McCarthy kick since his death. With this book, obviously, I'm in the middle of the Border Trilogy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 09, 2023, 09:26:55 AM
Daredevil: Know Fear by Chip Zdarsky, Marco Chechetto, and Sunny Gho
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 10, 2023, 09:09:37 AM
Holly by Stephen King
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 10, 2023, 03:51:34 PM
The Fires of Spring: was very strong until the last part. Could've been much shorter, and I really enjoy Michener's long stuff. Chalk it up I guess to this being his first book



White Sand by Brandon Sanderson: I'm tentatively holding off on reading Cytonic for right now, so instead I decided to read the first two volumes of this graphic novel. It's very unique with the magic and the world. Will probably read the last volume this coming weekend



After having reread Hitchhiker's Guide, I decided this past weekend to also reread Restaurant and LUE. Very good stuff, but I don't think I'll be rereading So Long



As to what I'm currently reading: Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman and A Short History of (Nearly) Everything Paranormal by Terje Simonsen
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 12, 2023, 01:28:54 PM
Silver Nitrate was decent. Getting back to space opera with You Sexy Thing by Kat Rambo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 14, 2023, 07:45:42 PM
YST was quite excellent. Now, indulging in some classic Arthurian fantasy with The Once and Future King by T.H. White, and the Paranormal book didn't work for me, so I'm also reading The Fifties by David Halberstam
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 18, 2023, 06:04:43 PM
Once & Future Volume Three: The Parliament of Magpies by Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, and Tamra Bonvillain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 19, 2023, 10:23:53 AM
Once & Future Volume Four: Monarchies in the U.K. by Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, and Tamra Bonvillain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on September 19, 2023, 01:27:46 PM
Had been on a bit of a reading slump lately but I've been getting back into it this month.

The Touch (The Adversary Cycle #3) by F. Paul Wilson - While not quite as good as The Keep or The Tomb it's another solid book by an author I really need to read more from

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer - Really wish I had discovered this series as a kid because if I loved it this much as an adult this probably would've been one of my favorite books if I read it when I was younger. Too bad the movie adaptation is very not good.

101 Horror Books to read before you're murdered - Yes I read a book just to add even more books to my endless TBR list

Watch Your Back by Donald Westlake (Dortmunder #13) - Not one of my favorites but it's always nice to spend time with these characters. Sadly only 2 more left in the series to go before Westlake passed away.

Header 2 by Edward Lee - Well if you like Splatterpunk and the first Header this one is more of the same. All the intentionally misspelled redneck pronunciations did get on my nerves pretty damn fast I have to say.

If This Book Exists, You're in the Wrong Universe (John Dies at the end #4) by Jason Pargin FKA David Wong - Another entertaining and intentionally convoluted dose of comedic cosmic horror.

Andre The Giant: Closer to Heaven by Brandon Easton - A graphic novel about the life of Andre The Giant. Made some historical changes to compact the story but overall I thought it was ok.

Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRocca - Checked this one out after hearing a lot of buzz about it among indie horror fans and I thought it was......fine. At times the writing felt overly arty just for the sake of it and it just kinda ends when it really starts to pick up.


Currently I have started my Journey through The Wheel of Time. Currently 25% through The Eye of the World and I am enjoying it so far.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 20, 2023, 05:23:25 AM
Once & Future Volume Five: The Wasteland by Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, and Tamra Bonvillain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 20, 2023, 08:10:30 AM
been reading a lot in 2023.

started with 10 PKD novels (4 of which i hadn't read before)
moved onto 2001: A Space Odyssey, which i had somehow never read before
then i just finished up Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier last week

and i decided to move onto yet another re-read of Lord of the Rings. probably my 6th go through it in my life, but it's a comfort read for me and i needed a break from Sci Fi lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 21, 2023, 08:00:27 AM
Finished up the Once & Future series.  What a fun run of stories.

Up next:

Cities of the Plain by Cormac McCarthy, to finish up the Border Trilogy.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on September 21, 2023, 10:32:45 AM
Finished a re-read of HP5 en francais.

Much against my wife's will, I'm heading back to the Dark Tower. I tend to speak in "dark tower nonsense" while I'm reading the series. Mayhap this time will be different lol?

Haven't yet decided if I'll read it all in english or flip between english and french.

(https://i.imgur.com/t51kkuF.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 24, 2023, 04:21:39 PM
Going to have to check out that 101 Horror Books

Update time: I read The Exorcist Legacy by Nat Segaloff. Highly recommend if you're a fan of the book/franchise. Finished OFK. It was alright, but glad to have that one under my belt. Still working on The Fifties and currently reading Mister Magic by Kiersten White. Hoping it's at least as good as Hide
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 26, 2023, 02:30:09 AM
Mister Magic was alright, but Hide was better. Because it's on Kindle Unlimited, I'm now reading Stephen King: A Complete Exploration of His Work, Life, and Influences by Bev Vincent
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: LudwigVan on September 26, 2023, 01:53:55 PM
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on September 26, 2023, 10:15:25 PM
Haven't been reading anything for the last two months, now back to it with The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 27, 2023, 10:03:27 AM
Finished up McCarthy's Border Trilogy.  So, so good.  All three books weren't equally good, but taken together, just incredible literature.

Up next: Fletch and the Man Who by Gregory McDonald


Haven't been reading anything for the last two months, now back to it with The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
I just got this recently, but I don't think I'll be able to get to it before next year.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on September 27, 2023, 02:21:48 PM
Finishing off White Sand by Brandon Sanderson with vol. 3, and then keeping with non-fiction by finally reading If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 30, 2023, 08:45:25 AM
Deadman by Neal Adams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 30, 2023, 12:18:06 PM
Man, that Deadman book was trash. Neal Adams was one of the greatest comic artists ever, but he couldn't write for shit.

Something is Killing the Children Volume One by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell"Edera, and Miguel Muerto
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 30, 2023, 06:41:38 PM
Paperbacks From Hell: The Twisted History of '70s and '80s Horror Fiction by Grady Hendrix

Getting ready for spooky season.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on October 01, 2023, 07:21:43 AM
Half way through Fourth Wing and its entertaining, but not the most original or amazing piece of work that all the book social media is spreading. Pretty predictable so far.

Also half way through the first book of The Expanse series - Leviathan Wakes and holy hell this is a wild ride. Constant action and no clue what is coming next.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 01, 2023, 09:20:42 AM
Finishing off White Sand by Brandon Sanderson with vol. 3, and then keeping with non-fiction by finally reading If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell

White Sand was a fair experience. The middle volume was my least favorite, but the last volume did a nice job of sticking the landing. The Bruce Campbell was awesome, no surprise. The making of the first Evil Dead movie is pretty much the big selling point of the book, but also really enjoyed the Briscoe County Jr. section and the Hercules/Xena stories at the end. I finished Neil Gaiman's Trigger Warning this morning. A decent amount of stories. "The Sleeper and the Spindle" and "Black Dog" were the highlights, plus the Doctor Who story, but I had read it in a previous anthology. Currently, reading Silverthorn by Raymond E. Feist. Also, Horror Movies FAQ by John Kenneth Muir and Dreamsongs, Volume 1 by George RR Martin (mostly for The Ice Dragon, Sandkings, and Nightflyers)

Paperbacks From Hell is quite good
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 03, 2023, 07:54:25 AM
Paperbacks From Hell is quite good
:tup
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 03, 2023, 06:12:09 PM
The Astounding Illustrated History of Fantasy & Horror by S.T. Joshi, Roger Luckhurst, Mike Ashley, Michael Kerrigan, Matt Cardin, Dave Golder, Russ Thorne, & Rosie Fletcher
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on October 04, 2023, 10:42:31 AM
And On That Bombshell by Richard Porter. Just started the book but I'm really enjoying all the behind the scenes stories of Top Gear in it's prime
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 04, 2023, 06:08:08 PM
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 04, 2023, 07:07:43 PM
Silverthorn was solid, already have the last book on hold. Now, it's time to start this year's Spooky Season with My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 06, 2023, 01:22:21 PM
Got a third through before DNFing it, so instead reading They Thirst by Robert McCammon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 07, 2023, 08:47:00 AM
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
DNF.  Couldn't connect with this at all.

Weird Tales: The Magazine That Never Dies edited by Marvin Kaye
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 08, 2023, 10:09:49 AM
The Conquering Sword of Conan by Robert E. Howard
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 11, 2023, 03:49:20 PM
Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! by ZAZ
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 12, 2023, 06:56:50 AM
Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! by ZAZ
On my list!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 12, 2023, 08:03:36 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/gSPa6wa.jpg)

Halfway through the 2nd entry. I realize I'm a tower junkie, but I think the series still gets better each time I read it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 12, 2023, 06:05:48 PM
Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! by ZAZ
I inhaled that book (really wasn't super long). Speaking of super long though, with my Year of Sanderson reaching it's final quarter, I thought it was finally time to begin The Way of Kings
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 21, 2023, 10:50:43 AM
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 23, 2023, 08:55:29 PM
Something is Killing the Children Volume Two by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell'Edera, and Miguel Muerto
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 24, 2023, 02:31:02 PM
Practical Demon-Keeping by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 24, 2023, 02:57:14 PM
Practical Demon-Keeping by Christopher Moore

Love this book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on October 24, 2023, 10:41:49 PM
Haven't been reading anything for the last two months, now back to it with The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Didn't have high expectations and liked it a lot, surprisingly engaging read.

Next up, An Echo of Things to Come by James Islington
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 25, 2023, 08:55:53 AM
Practical Demon-Keeping by Christopher Moore

Love this book.
One of my favorites.  Not sure which number re-read this is.  My original copy, from publication in 1992.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 25, 2023, 11:24:20 AM
Practical Demon-Keeping by Christopher Moore

Love this book.
One of my favorites.  Not sure which number re-read this is.  My original copy, from publication in 1992.

Very nice! I just checked my beat up copy, and it's the 2000 trade paperback version. Also very well read between myself and my wife, the book's original owner.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 25, 2023, 11:40:23 AM
Practical Demon-Keeping by Christopher Moore

Love this book.
One of my favorites.  Not sure which number re-read this is.  My original copy, from publication in 1992.
:tup
Very nice! I just checked my beat up copy, and it's the 2000 trade paperback version. Also very well read between myself and my wife, the book's original owner.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: lucky7 on October 26, 2023, 06:00:25 AM
Agent Seventeen by John Brownlow .. A contract killer named 17, sixteen killers came before him, and his days may be numbered.
(I actually read an excerpt from the follow up Assassin Eighteen, Purchased that, raced to the library with five minutes before close to get 17.

I have 50 pages left and will start the new tonight but I am loving it so far. He is from the UK, I am in Australia so I assume his books have been released in America as well.

Purchased the new Lee Child too, will read that after this one and then John Grisham's sequel to The Firm, he certainly waited a while to get to that one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 29, 2023, 10:36:24 AM
Serenade by James M. Cain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on October 30, 2023, 07:30:20 PM
Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! by ZAZ
I thought it was finally time to begin The Way of Kings
It took me two weeks to finish it. In between reading it, I decided to reread The Exorcist. Still my favorite horror novel not written by Stephen King. That last quarter of WOK was amazing and got me real excited for Words of Radiance in a few weeks. For my monthly graphic novel, I read Joe Hill's A Basketful of Heads. I finally finished the Friday the 13th book today. Really awesome stuff. Then, as a palate cleanser I read How to Survive a Horror Movie by Seth Grahame-Smith. Now, currently reading A Darkness at Sethanon by Raymond E. Feist
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on October 31, 2023, 11:13:10 AM
The Secret by the brothers Child

I'm actually just about finished this one. Like all Reacher novels, this reads fast. Better than the last few entries in the series, but not quite as good as the earlier books. Still entertaining though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 01, 2023, 09:53:32 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/tgEkU7s.jpg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 01, 2023, 11:33:19 AM
Major motion picture :lol

Badass Blaine cover though.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 01, 2023, 01:05:09 PM
Major motion picture :lol

Badass Blaine cover though.

I do enjoy it, too. Enough so that it's a major part of my Dark Tower tattoo. Mind you, it looks nothing at all like a futuristic, sentient mono-rail gone off the rails (aren't I just the funniest  ;D). Well, not quite as funny as the 'major motion picture' on the cover, but close.

Not to go into a movie tangent on a book thread, but nobody should have expected that movie to be good at a 90 minute run time.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 01, 2023, 04:49:09 PM
The Man With The Getaway Face by Richard Stark
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 02, 2023, 08:55:00 PM
Love's Lovely Counterfeit by James M. Cain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 03, 2023, 07:15:50 PM
Wrapped up The Rftwar Saga earlier this evening. I thought it was a very solid piece of 80s fantasy. I'll be reading the next series sometime next year. On to my next batch of current reads: Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt and Madonna: A Rebel Life by Mary Gabriel
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 04, 2023, 11:08:40 AM
Just finished the Shattered Sea trilogy by Joe Abercrombie and I think I've now read everything he's published. For me he's much better when writing in a grand scope, his First Law and Age Of Madness trilogies are outstanding and the Shattered Sea books aren't bad either.

From his stand alone novels Best Served Cold was a fun read, Red Country was okay and  The Heroes and Sharp Ends (short story collection) mostly boring.

Now on to Elevation by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 04, 2023, 04:05:45 PM
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 05, 2023, 11:40:44 AM
The Magician by Raymond E. Feist
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 05, 2023, 02:52:21 PM
The Magician by Raymond E. Feist
there's no the in the title. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did

Hex was fantastic. It's easily going to be one of my favorite horror novels from this century. Going to some classic sci-fi with Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 05, 2023, 10:30:49 PM
The Magician by Raymond E. Feist
there's no the in the title. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did

Could have sworn there was, but okay  :D
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on November 06, 2023, 06:15:24 AM
Shadowmarch - Tad Williams
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 06, 2023, 07:32:13 AM
finished all the lord of the rings novels and now i'm halfway through We (the sci fi inspo book)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 07, 2023, 02:54:11 PM
The Butterfly by James M. Cain
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 08, 2023, 03:31:04 PM
Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 08, 2023, 04:19:18 PM
We was pretty good

reading a book about david lynch now (not his auto, it's called The Impossible Lynch)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Grappler on November 08, 2023, 08:09:02 PM
Haven't been reading anything for the last two months, now back to it with The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

I took a break for about a month.  I was burned out on reading and haven't had much time - decided to catch up on some movies and tv shows when I can.

But yesterday, the new Michael Connelly book came out, and my hold on an e-copy from the library was up, so I'm reading that.  It's nice to get a new release book from the library right away!
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on November 11, 2023, 08:32:40 AM
I finished Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson. Really great hard science fiction story about the practical problems with a generation ship. I've heard people complain about his character work, but honestly, between this, the Mars trilogy, and Galileo's Dream (his books that I've read so far) I think he does a great job with that too. He just doesn't always make his characters sympathetic or likable which I think is what people dislike. In my opinion he's pretty much the best hard science fiction writer around right now.

Also reread Ada Palmer's Too Like the Lightning since I have the other three books now. Just as insane as it was the first time around; if someone asked me what it was about I don't even know how I would describe it. But it's really good, and you should read it.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 12, 2023, 04:34:04 PM
Modern Masters Volume 11: Charles Vess by Christopher Irving and Eric Nolen-Weathington
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 13, 2023, 01:46:25 PM
Crisis on Infinite Earths: 35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition by Marv Wolfman and George Perez
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 13, 2023, 05:38:24 PM
Haven't been updating lately.

1. Absolutely loved Hex. Favorite horror book of the year so far

2. Finished two things. First, Sign Here by Claudia Lux which was very meh. Then, read Claudia's Story by Ashley Marie Whitter which is a graphic novel adaptation of Claudia's bit from Interview with the Vampire told from her POV. That I enjoyed.

3. Sadly, had to DNF The Stormlight Archives. I tried reading Words of Radiance, but it never really clicked with me

4. Still reading the Madonna book. It's really quite good. Still have over 600 pages to go.

5. Also, currently reading Never Die by Rob J. Hayes and A History of Fear by Luke Dumas   
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on November 13, 2023, 06:04:15 PM
WoR you gotta make it through at least the first 1/3. It truly is one of the major Sanderlanches in the last 1/3 and I understand why many people DNF. It really is worth it in the end. If you haven't tried other Sanderson, the Mistborn series is a bit more easily digested from what I've seen.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 13, 2023, 09:01:13 PM
Next up, An Echo of Things to Come by James Islington

Finished that, and before I forget everything about the first two books, The Light of All That Falls by James Islington

3. Sadly, had to DNF The Stormlight Archives. I tried reading Words of Radiance, but it never really clicked with me

That's curious; I have no idea how you finished WoK (arguably the slowest book in the beginning) but DNF'd WoR. :)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 14, 2023, 08:41:22 AM
reading blood meridian now. first time
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 14, 2023, 08:53:52 AM
reading blood meridian now. first time
Probably my favorite novel.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 14, 2023, 09:44:40 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/2LF131u.jpg)

Only planning to read the conclusion of the Blaine story arc.  I picked up a copy of the graphic novel, The Gunslinger Born, a few years ago which tells the Wizard and Glass story. Figure that i should actually read it for a change.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 15, 2023, 09:33:15 AM
I was of the impression that The Navigator's Children (last book in Tad Williams new series The Last King Of Osten Ard) is published this november. Now I see that it is planned for november 2024.
Was I wrong or is it pushed back for a whole year?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 15, 2023, 10:52:51 AM
reading blood meridian now. first time
Probably my favorite novel.

it's pretty...violent. lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 15, 2023, 10:59:51 AM
reading blood meridian now. first time
Probably my favorite novel.

it's pretty...violent. lol
Is it?  I hadn't noticed.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 15, 2023, 02:31:08 PM
The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 16, 2023, 01:53:54 PM
Never Die was good. Dropped A History of Fear and replaced it with Mine by Robert McCammon
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SoundscapeMN on November 17, 2023, 12:09:45 PM
Monica by Daniel Clowes..a graphic novel of course and it's hardly long, but I'm pacing myself with it when I have time to kill.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 17, 2023, 06:00:24 PM
just read a chapter in blood meridian where the expriest recounts the meeting of the scalphunters with the judge. crazy good writing there. really enjoying this book even tho it's dark as all hell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 19, 2023, 10:34:44 AM
My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 22, 2023, 10:10:00 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/kBLTbld.jpeg)
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on November 22, 2023, 10:25:45 AM
Finished that, and before I forget everything about the first two books, The Light of All That Falls by James Islington

The ending was quite satisfying. I'll probably end up checking out other works from the author.

Now reading two books at the same time, The Dark Forest by Liu Cixin along with my best friend, and in spare time (he's a slower reader) catching up on The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 22, 2023, 10:28:29 AM
finished Blood Meridian. W O W

i think my next book will be some Thomas Pynchin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 22, 2023, 11:51:08 AM
finished Blood Meridian. W O W
There you go
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 22, 2023, 12:12:52 PM
finished Blood Meridian. W O W
There you go

it was certainly something. i need to re-read it next year. a lot of it was kind of just washing over me and i was struggling with some of the finer details at each stop but i think that just means i should revisit it, it was so fucking good. the judge is such a fucking character
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 22, 2023, 12:51:56 PM
The Judge is the most intense character in the English language since Shakespeare, IMO.

Was this your first McCarthy novel?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 22, 2023, 01:51:00 PM
The Judge is the most intense character in the English language since Shakespeare, IMO.

Was this your first McCarthy novel?

Yeah, first read through any McCarthy story.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 22, 2023, 01:55:03 PM
You really jumped into the deep end lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 22, 2023, 01:56:06 PM
I am looking forward to checking out some more of his books in the new year. Probably The Road to start; and definitely want to re-read Blood Meridian

Do all of them throw punctuation to the side for the most part? lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 22, 2023, 02:01:03 PM
Do all of them throw punctuation to the side for the most part? lol
Yes.

Don't read The Road next.  I mean, it's an amazing novel; it won the Pulitzer Prize, after all.  But it's the most depressing thing I've ever read.

I would recommend All The Pretty Horses.  Or even his final publications, The Passenger and Stella Maris (a set, to be read one after the other).
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 22, 2023, 02:05:29 PM
Do all of them throw punctuation to the side for the most part? lol
Yes.

Don't read The Road next.  I mean, it's an amazing novel; it won the Pulitzer Prize, after all.  But it's the most depressing thing I've ever read.

I would recommend All The Pretty Horses.  Or even his final publications, The Passenger and Stella Maris (a set, to be read one after the other).

ah all of those have been recommended or I've read about them. Will note that and adjust course. I think I'll probably end up reading everything of his anyway so good to have some recommendations on ordering
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 22, 2023, 02:08:22 PM
He's amazing.

Be advised that Pretty Horses is the first of a trilogy, so if you go with that, you will then have to proceed to the next two novels lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 23, 2023, 07:22:30 AM
The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on November 23, 2023, 07:38:51 AM
He's amazing.

Be advised that Pretty Horses is the first of a trilogy, so if you go with that, you will then have to proceed to the next two novels lol

Oooo, I didn't know that. But that's OK, I recently read LOTR and I do love a good trilogy
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on November 24, 2023, 07:34:05 AM
Finished up with The Gunslinger Born. It was my first experience with a graphic novel, and it was pretty good. I wasn't, however, expecting it to be so abridged. Clearly it was going to be shorter than Wizard and Glass since it was only 200 or so pages (maybe less...there's no page numbers), but I was still a touch surprised. There's back to back frames where I thought to myself: "Self, there's about 50 pages of story between those two lines of dialogue in the book". Surprisingly, I got to the end missing King's story telling. Nevertheless, I'll probably pick up the other four entries in the series, as they tell stories only referenced in passing throughout the DT books.

Returning to the Wizard and Glass book to carry on the story after Roland and his ka-tet have finished their palaver.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 26, 2023, 11:20:00 AM
The Magician by Raymond E. Feist

Well that was a really fun read, could have probably been shortened a bit but still quite enjoyable. Will read the follow up sometime soon.

Meanwhile The Insitute by Stephen King.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 27, 2023, 01:55:55 PM
Didn't much care for Mine, so instead did a reread of Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, which is one of my favorite sci-fi novels of all time. Ended up reading The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson, which was fine, nothing special. Didn't understand how it tied to Elantris though. Now, switching it up a bit, and reading Everybody in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on November 29, 2023, 01:25:29 PM
Moving on to Saga, Volume 11 by Brian K. Vaughan and Age of Cage by Keith Phipps
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 01, 2023, 01:29:20 PM
Finally started on Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie. My tentative plan is to binge the Age of Madness trilogy next month
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 01, 2023, 01:44:22 PM
That trilogy is my favorite work by Abercrombie.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 03, 2023, 11:21:17 AM
The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith

Good thing this wasn't the first book in the series because I would've DNF-ed it around page 250. Stuck with it and it was alright but honestly, probably one of my least favourite entries in the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 05, 2023, 12:22:15 PM
Quickly checking out Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 05, 2023, 12:50:33 PM
Just wrapping up The Wind Through the Keyhole by King. I forgot how charming this nested story is. Quite lovely.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Sacul on December 05, 2023, 01:39:08 PM
I still haven't finished that one I'm afraid, it's not long but I didn't enjoy it that much.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 06, 2023, 09:45:50 AM
Wolves of the Calla
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 06, 2023, 09:55:01 AM
Continuing the Riftwar saga with Silverthorn by Raymond E. Feist
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on December 06, 2023, 11:15:37 AM
started a re-read of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 07, 2023, 05:51:32 PM
Finally started on Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie. My tentative plan is to binge the Age of Madness trilogy next month
Really enjoyed this one, probably not a surprising opinion. Going to try to read Red Country before the year is up. Have no interest in The Heroes though. Currently reading "What Do You Mean, Murder?" Clue and the Making of a Cult Classic by John Hatch. For my monthly reread, it's The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice, and much like I gave myself a project in November with that Madonna bio, December I'm reading A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 10, 2023, 07:40:30 AM
Quickly checking out Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Ehh... I get the vibe what the author was going for, and I bought the book exactly because of that (the book is advertised as "high fantasy, low stakes, good company"), but overall I felt it was a trifle simplistic. A comfort read for sure, but didn't feel like there was any meat on the bones. Maybe I just don't like these kind of books nowadays.

Not starting anything until I finish The Dark Forest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on December 11, 2023, 10:13:30 AM
decided to try a new author and picked up Concrete Island by JG Ballard
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 12, 2023, 02:11:34 AM
Finished the book on Clue, and for my new nonfiction, I'm reading Patrick Stewart's Making It So
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 15, 2023, 06:57:56 AM
Look Out For The Little Guy by Scott Lang
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Zydar on December 15, 2023, 06:59:45 AM
I'm reading Geddy Lee's Effin book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on December 15, 2023, 04:03:52 PM
I'm reading Geddy Lee's Effin book.

I'm listening to the audio book. Man, Geddy is a great narrator of his own story! I'm loving it so far, and I'm shocked at how similar my path navigating the 70's and 80's drug culture was to his. I won't spoil it, but his description of the atmosphere at the party where he swore off "snoz" I could have wrote myself.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 18, 2023, 02:57:37 PM
The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 18, 2023, 10:24:56 PM
Gwendy's Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 21, 2023, 09:27:09 AM
Gwendy's Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar

Wasn't bad but very short.

So now on to some german sci-fi. Das Schiff by Andreas Brandhorst
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on December 21, 2023, 10:04:58 AM
Not starting anything until I finish The Dark Forest.

Done! This was such a weird book. I did like some parts while some others were boring or weird.

Probably won't start anything until next year, got Children of Memory by Adrian Tchaikovsky tentatively lined up next.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on December 29, 2023, 04:00:39 PM
It doesn't appear that I will finish my current reads this year... so here is my 2023 list... it was the year of Brandon Sanderson it seems. I read 22 of his works.

Title   Author
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1)   Patrick Rothfuss
The Wise Man's Fear (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2)   Patrick Rothfuss
Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive, #4)   Brandon Sanderson
Dawnshard (The Stormlight Archive, #3.5)   Brandon Sanderson
The Slow Regard of Silent Things (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2.5)   Patrick Rothfuss
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4)   Sarah J. Maas
Speaker for the Dead (Ender's Saga, #2)   Orson Scott Card
The Westing Game   Ellen Raskin
The Lost Metal (The Mistborn Saga #7)   Brandon Sanderson
Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection   Brandon Sanderson
City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, #5)   Cassandra Clare
A Crown of Swords (The Wheel of Time, #7)   Robert Jordan
Flowers for Algernon   Daniel Keyes
City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments, #6)   Cassandra Clare
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5)   Sarah J. Maas
Jade City (The Green Bone Saga, #1)   Fonda Lee
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress   Robert A. Heinlein
Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #8)   Shannon Messenger
Jade War (The Green Bone Saga, #2)   Fonda Lee
Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)   Cassandra Clare
Unlocked (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #8.5)   Shannon Messenger
Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2)   Cassandra Clare
Stellarlune (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #9)   Shannon Messenger
Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices, #3)   Cassandra Clare
Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1)   Cassandra Clare
Red Rising: Sons of Ares Vol. 3: Forbidden Song   Pierce Brown
Jade Legacy (The Green Bone Saga, #3)   Fonda Lee
Tress of the Emerald Sea (The Cosmere)   Brandon Sanderson
Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices, #2)   Cassandra Clare
Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices, #3)   Cassandra Clare
Rogues   George R.R. Martin
Warbreaker (Warbreaker, #1)   Brandon Sanderson
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, #6)   Sarah J. Maas
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War   Max Brooks
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue   V.E. Schwab
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7)   Sarah J. Maas
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow   Gabrielle Zevin
The Rithmatist (The Rithmatist, #1)   Brandon Sanderson
Legion (Legion, #1)   Brandon Sanderson
Skin Deep (Legion, #2)   Brandon Sanderson
Light Bringer (Red Rising #6)   Pierce Brown
Lies of the Beholder (Legion, #3)   Brandon Sanderson
The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England   Brandon Sanderson
The Path of Daggers (The Wheel of Time, #8)   Robert Jordan
Light Bringer (Red Rising #6)   Pierce Brown
Steelheart (The Reckoners, #1)   Brandon Sanderson
Mitosis (The Reckoners, #1.5)   Brandon Sanderson
Firefight (The Reckoners, #2)   Brandon Sanderson
Calamity (The Reckoners, #3)   Brandon Sanderson
A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)   V.E. Schwab
Winter's Heart (The Wheel of Time, #9)   Robert Jordan
A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic, #2)   V.E. Schwab
The Girl on the Train   Paula Hawkins
Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, #1)   James S.A. Corey
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)   Rebecca Yarros
Skyward (Skyward, #1)   Brandon Sanderson
The Butcher of Anderson Station (The Expanse, #1.5)   James S.A. Corey
Caliban's War (The Expanse, #2)   James S.A. Corey
Gods of Risk (The Expanse, #2.5)   James S.A. Corey
Drive (The Expanse, #2.7)   James S.A. Corey
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars (Fractalverse, #1)   Christopher Paolini
Crossroads of Twilight (The Wheel of Time, #10)   Robert Jordan
Empire of Silence (Sun Eater, #1)   Christopher Ruocchio
Snow Crash   Neal Stephenson
Babel   R.F. Kuang
Starsight (Skyward, #2)   Brandon Sanderson
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter   Brandon Sanderson
The Sunlit Man   Brandon Sanderson
Looking for Alaska   John Green
Sunreach (Skyward, #2.1)   Brandon Sanderson
Knife of Dreams (The Wheel of Time, #11)   Robert Jordan
ReDawn (Skyward, #2.2)   Brandon Sanderson
Evershore (Skyward, #2.3)   Brandon Sanderson
   
   
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 31, 2023, 10:56:13 AM
The Hobbit: Illustrated By The Author by J.R.R. Tolkien
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on December 31, 2023, 12:33:21 PM
recently finished Gun, With Occasional Music
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2023, 02:20:38 PM
Wow, I really dropped the ball on updating for a while there, my apologies

1. Finished A Christmas Story by Caseen Gaines, a really awesome BTS look about the movie and the franchise as a whole.

2. The Spirit Thief by Rachel Aaron. First book in the Eli Monpress series. Interesting take about how magic is tied on with spirits. Will continue series

3. Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi. This was an alright stand alone horror about demons possessing children in an orphanage at the turn of the 20th Century

4. Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson's Creek by Thea Glassman. Looks at how seven teen driven TV shows, from Fresh Prince of Bel Air to Glee changed television
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2023, 02:23:11 PM
and here's my completed list for the year:


The Monster’s Bones by David K. Randall 1/1 - 1/3 ****
Wolverine: Origin by Paul Jenkins and Kieron Gillen 1/6 - 1/7 ****
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu 1/4 - 1/10 *****
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson 1/11 - 1/15 *****
The Rich Are Different by Susan Howatch 1/15 - 1/21 ****
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie 1/21 - 1/25 ****
Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie 1/25 - 1/30 ****
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak 1/30 - 1/31 ***
The Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie 2/1 - 2/6 ****
James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of my Life by James Patterson 2/4 - 2/8 *****
The Original by Brandon Sanderson and Mary Robinette Kowal 2/9 - 2/11 ***
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman 2/7 - 2/11 ****
I Hate Fairyland, Book One by Skottie Young 2/17 ****
I Hate Fairyland, Book Two by Skottie Young 2/18 ****
The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu 2/12 - 2/20 *****
Hamlet, Prince of Robots by. M. Darusha Wehm 2/20 *****
The Songbook of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon 2/20 - 2/22 *****
Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway by Michael Riedel 2/23 - 2/25 *****
The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan 2/22 - 2/27 ****
Oscar Wars by Marc Schulman 2/25 - 3/5 *****
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid 3/8 - 3/9 *****
Debunked by Ditto Abbott 3/9 - 3/14 ****
The Wandering Inn: Book One by Pirateaba 8/25/22 - 3/21 *****
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson 3/16 - 3/25 *****
Vinland Saga Omnibus Volume 1 by Makoto Yukimura 3/26 *****
The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family by Ron and Clint Howard 3/20 - 4/2 *****
Linghun by Ai Jiang 4/7 ****
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon 3/31 - 4/10 ****
The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson 4/11 - 4/12 *****
The Making of Star Wars by. J.W. Rinzler 4/10 - 4/17 *****
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix 4/15 - 4/19 ****
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King 4/19 - 4/20 **
Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes 4/20 - 4/23 *****
Batman ‘89 by Sam Hamm 4/23 *****
Mother of Learning Arc 1 by Domagoj Kurmaić 3/30 - 4/27 ****
Batman: The Definitive History of the Dark Knight in Comics, Film, and Beyond by Andrew Farago and Gina McIntyre 4/2 - 5/1 *****
Annihilation by Drew Karpyshyn 4/27 - 5/2 *****
The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson 5/2 - 5/4 *****
All Star Batman, Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy by Scott Snyder 5/6 ****
Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino 5/4 - 5/7 ****
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger 5/7 - 5/9 ****
Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon 5/9 - 5/14 *****
Chlorine by Jade Song 5/25 - 5/26 ****
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 5/27 - 5/29 ****
Tempest-Tost by Robertson Davies 5/29 - 5/31 ****
Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson 5/31 - 6/4 *****
The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson 6/5 - 6/8 ****
The Fall by Ryan Cahill 6/8 - 6/9 *****
The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson 6/9 - 6/13 *****
The 1998 Yankees by Jack Curry 6/14 - 6/15 *****
Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening by Marjorie M. Liu 6/18 *****
Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky 6/15 - 6/22 ***
And Put Away Childish Things by Adrian Tchaikovsky 6/22 - 6/23 ****
Cibola Burn by James S.A. Corey 6/23 - 6/28 ****
Ghostland by Duncan Ralston 6/28 - 6/29 *****
Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede 7/1 - 7/2 ****
Afterlife by Duncan Ralston 7/2 - 7/5 ****
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer 7/6 - 7/7 *****
Infinite by Duncan Ralston 7/7 - 7/11 ****
The Making of The Empire Strikes Back by J.W. Rinzler 5/9 - 7/12 *****
Saga, Vol. 10 by Brian K. Vaughan 7/12 *****
Nemesis Games by James S.A. Corey 7/12 - 7/17 *****
Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett 7/19 - 7/21 ****
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson 7/21 - 7/23 ****
Zeroville by Steve Erickson 7/24 - 7/25 ****
The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher by E.M. Anderson 7/26 - 7/28 ***
Summer of ‘49 by David Halberstam 7/28 - 7/30 ****
Under the Red Hood by Judd Winick 7/31 *****
Swan Song by Robert McCammon 7/31 - 8/10 *****
Starsight by Brandon Sanderson 8/10 - 8/14 ****
Hide by Kiersten White 8/14 - 8/16 ****
Trust by Hernan Diaz 8/16 - 8/17 *****
Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman 8/18 *****
Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie 6/17 - 6/19 *****
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka 6/20 - 6/21 ***
Babylon’s Ashes by James S.A. Corey 8/21 - 8/26 ****
The Making of Return of the Jedi by J.W. Rinzler 8/3 - 8/28 *****
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams 9/1 *****
Magician by Raymond E. Feist 8/26 - 9/3 *****
The Fires of Spring by James A. Michener 9/3 - 9/8 ***
White Sand, Volume 1 by Brandon Sanderson and Rik Hoskin 9/8 ****
White Sand, Volume 2 by Brandon Sanderson and Rik Hoskin 9/8 - 9/9 ****
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams 9/9 *****
Life, The Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams 9/9 - 9/10 *****
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 98 - 9/11 ****
You Sexy Thing by Cat Rambo 9/12 - 9/14 *****
The Exorcist Legacy by Nat Segaloff 9/18 - 9/21 *****
The Once and Future King by T.H. White 9/14 - 9/22 ****
Mister Magic by Kiersten White 9/24 - 9/25 ****
Stephen King by Bev Vincent 9/26 - 9/27 *****
White Sand, Volume 3 by Brandon Sanderson and Rik Hoskin 9/27 ****
If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell 9/27 - 9/30 *****
Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman 9/5 - 10/1 ****
Silverthorn by Raymond E. Feist 10/1 - 10/4 *****
They Thirst by Robert McCammon 10/6 - 10/11 *****
Surely You Can’t Be Serious by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker 10/11 - 10/12 *****
Horror Films FAQ by John Kenneth Muir 10/1 - 10/13 ****
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty 10/21 - 10/22 *****
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson 10/12 - 10/26 *****
A Basketful of Heads by Joe Hill 10/28 *****
Crystal Lake Memories by Peter M. Bracke 10/13 - 10/30 *****
How to Survive a Horror Movie by Seth Grahame-Smith 10/30 *****
A Darkness at Sethanon by Raymond E. Feist 10/30 - 11/3 *****
Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt 11/3 - 11/5 *****
Sign Here by Claudia Lux 11/6 - 11/8 ***
Claudia’s Story by Anne Rice and Ashley Marie Whitter 11/11 - 11/12 *****
Never Die by Rob J. Hayes 11/13 - 11/15 ****
Madonna: A Rebel Life by Mary Gabriel 11/2 - 11/21 *****
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card 11/21 - 11/26 *****
The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson 11/26 - 11/27 ****
Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson 11/27 - 11/29 *****
Saga, Volume 11 by Brian K. Vaughan 11/29 *****
Age of Cage by Keith Phipps 11/29 - 11/30 *****
Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie 12/1 - 12/6 *****
“What Do You Mean, Murder?” by John Hatch 12/3 - 12/9 ****
40: A Doonesbury Retrospective 1970 - 1979 12/1 - 12/16 ****
The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice 12/6 - 12/20 *****
A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic by Caseen Gaines 12/20 - 12/23 *****
The Spirit Thief by Rachel Aaron 12/21 - 12/25 ****
Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi 12/28 - 12/30 ****
Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson’s Creek by Thea Glassman 12/30 - 12/31 *****

Total: 121
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on December 31, 2023, 06:15:18 PM
What would you put as your top 5 from this year?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on December 31, 2023, 09:29:59 PM
Non-fiction:
1. Batman The Definitive History
2.  Stephen King: A Complete Look at his Work, Life and Influences
3. Oscar Wars
4. The Boys
5. Surely You Can't Be Serious

Fiction:
1. Hex
2. The Grace of Kings
3. Episode Thirteen
4. Nemesis Games
5. The Alloy of Law
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 01, 2024, 07:18:55 AM
Did you know it's been fifty years since my favorite author published his first novel?  I'm about to start a four year project of going through (most of them rereads) Stephen King's work.  Also, starting Barbra Streisand's book as my monthly project
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on January 02, 2024, 11:35:07 AM
the brave little toaster
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 02, 2024, 11:54:31 AM
DT6: Song of Susannah
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 04, 2024, 01:30:17 PM
Carrie reread was a huge success. Actually improved for me the second time around. Now, finally reading The Lost World by Michael Crichton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 06, 2024, 05:52:53 PM
Something is Killing the Children Volume Three by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell'Edera, and Miguel Muerto
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 07, 2024, 04:26:10 AM
Something is Killing the Children Volume Four by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell'Edera, and Miguel Muerto
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 07, 2024, 04:57:32 AM
Finishing the Riftwar Saga with A Darkness At Sethanon by Raymond E. Feist
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 07, 2024, 08:24:05 AM
Shakespeare in a Divided America: What His Plays Tell Us About Our Past and Future by James Shapiro
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 07, 2024, 09:02:12 AM
Now, finally reading The Lost World by Michael Crichton
Was not that impressed. Very meh. Now, reading A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie and Still the Greatest; The Essential Songs of The Beatles' Solo Careers by Andrew Grant Jackson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on January 13, 2024, 08:37:44 AM
Poor Things
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on January 14, 2024, 09:38:02 AM
Not starting anything until I finish The Dark Forest.

Done! This was such a weird book. I did like some parts while some others were boring or weird.

Probably won't start anything until next year, got Children of Memory by Adrian Tchaikovsky tentatively lined up next.

Postponed that one to finish the trilogy, Death's End by Liu Cixin
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 14, 2024, 02:09:17 PM
The Immortal Hulk: The Green Door by Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, Lee Garbett, and Martin Simmons
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 14, 2024, 06:29:52 PM
Now, finally reading The Lost World by Michael Crichton
Now, reading A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie and Still the Greatest; The Essential Songs of The Beatles' Solo Careers by Andrew Grant Jackson
Both of these were absolute winners. Before moving on The Trouble With Peace, I decided to give The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins a try
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on January 14, 2024, 07:40:07 PM
finished Poor Things, following it up with a quick read of the Metamorphosis and then I gotta figure out my next read. might be one of the Cormac's hefdaddy rec'd at the end of last year
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on January 15, 2024, 07:50:45 AM
reading blood meridian now. first time
Probably my favorite novel.

I just started reading this after reading your posts.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on January 15, 2024, 08:29:59 AM
it's an amazing novel. i've gotta re-read it this year sometime
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 16, 2024, 09:43:13 AM
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu


reading blood meridian now. first time
Probably my favorite novel.

I just started reading this after reading your posts.
:metal
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on January 20, 2024, 10:25:14 AM
Philip K Dick - Confessions of a Crap Artist

the only non sci-fi book of his published in his lifetime. one of the more tense books i've read. has a really sad ending
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 22, 2024, 09:21:40 AM
The Dark Tower by King.

As I finish up my 6th reading of the Dark Tower cycle, I'm curious: which book or series have you read the most? DT is top of the list for me, with Christopher Moore's Stupidest Angel coming in distant second with 3 reads.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 22, 2024, 09:47:07 AM
There is a german author by the name of Mark Brandis who wrote young adult science fiction. I read those books first when I was in my teens and have read them probably 5 or 6 times since then. And I'm about to read them again this year.

King's Dark Tower series four times and the first three books of George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire also four times. And probably some Terry Pratchett books.

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 22, 2024, 01:46:50 PM
All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, and Jamie Grant


The Dark Tower by King.

As I finish up my 6th reading of the Dark Tower cycle, I'm curious: which book or series have you read the most? DT is top of the list for me, with Christopher Moore's Stupidest Angel coming in distant second with 3 reads.
For me, it's easily the Hitchhiker's Guide series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on January 22, 2024, 01:59:50 PM

For me, it's easily the Hitchhiker's Guide series.

Really? That series started trending down after the first entry. I couldn't imagine reading them more than once.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 22, 2024, 02:19:12 PM

For me, it's easily the Hitchhiker's Guide series.

Really? That series started trending down after the first entry. I couldn't imagine reading them more than once.
Opinions vary.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 22, 2024, 02:22:24 PM
While the first book is clearly the best, the rest is still enjoyable. Should do a re-read of the Hitchiker series someday soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 22, 2024, 07:06:58 PM
Finished with both The Trouble With Peace (really enjoyed, but first book was slightly better) and Barbra Streisand's autobio (it was good, but could have cut off about 200 pages). Now, reading Devil's Gun by Cat Rambo. Really enjoyed You Sexy Thing last year. Hoping I like the sequel just as much
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Cool Chris on January 22, 2024, 09:04:58 PM
As I finish up my 6th reading of the Dark Tower cycle, I'm curious: which book or series have you read the most?

If you asked me my favorite 20 novels, 5 of them could be from King. That being said, I just don't really enjoy this series. I read it maybe 11-12 years ago, and enjoyed bits and pieces, but the overall narrative totally fell flat with me. I gave them another go about a year ago, and felt the same. I got to Book 7 and just haven't had the motivation to dive in to it. It's been on my nightstand for months.

To answer the question, there isn't a series I've read multiple times. There are books I've read several times, including many King novels. Though I am hard pressed to identify those I have read the most.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 24, 2024, 04:51:35 AM
The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 24, 2024, 05:59:59 AM
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2024, 03:58:31 AM
OpposableThumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever by Matt Singer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 27, 2024, 04:48:57 AM
Finishing the Riftwar Saga with A Darkness At Sethanon by Raymond E. Feist

Was still enjoyable but I liked the first one Magician of the trilogy the best.

Now reading The Last Wish by Andrzeij Sapkowski.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on January 27, 2024, 04:54:15 AM
Finishing the Riftwar Saga with A Darkness At Sethanon by Raymond E. Feist

Was still enjoyable but I liked the first one Magician of the trilogy the best.

Now reading The Last Wish by Andrzeij Sapkowski.

If you want to read an interesting and excellent Feist book, try Faerie Tale
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 27, 2024, 06:34:06 AM
Thanks for the recommendation, have added it to my wish list.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 28, 2024, 10:36:39 AM
Finally broke my reading slump.

Finished The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. Really enjoyed it but could have used some trimming in the middle.

Listened to the audiobook Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America narrated by the man himself. If you like John Waters sense of humor you'll enjoy this one. As soon as I saw he narrated it himself I had to get it even though I'm not normally an audiobook guy.

Currently continuing my journey through The Adversary Cycle with Reborn by F. Paul Wilson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on January 28, 2024, 06:06:21 PM
Finished The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. Really enjoyed it but could have used some trimming in the middle.

lol just wait until the next 11 books. :lol

I read Children of Memory by Adrian Tchaikovsky recently. It took a bit of a different approach than the previous two and felt a little meandering at times, but I think it pulled together incredibly well at the end and might be my favorite of the series now. Tchaikovsky in general continues to be one of the best science fiction authors today, I think.

Also reading Ada Palmer's Seven Surrenders, the sequel to Too Like the Lightning. Still completely insane, I don't even know how to describe these books. You get sucked into the politicking and the inner workings of all the factions of the future society and the details of the flying car system and Mycroft's disingenuous narrative, and then you'll be reminded, oh yeah, this is a story about a kid who can do magic and a character who is literally God from other universe. Still, would recommend.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 28, 2024, 08:33:52 PM
The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie
Really good stuff, can't wait to see what Joe writes next. Now, currently reading Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments by Joe Posnanski. I'm also working my way through Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 28, 2024, 09:08:24 PM

lol just wait until the next 11 books. :lol


Oh I'm now well aware of what I'm in for lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on January 29, 2024, 07:11:36 AM
I'm gonna do a running list for the year like the concert thread. So here's what I've got for Jan 2024:

The Measure by Nikki Erlick
 Interesting plot and concept, but humanity is ever predictable - 4.0

The Poppy War #1 by R.F. Kuang
 Didn't enjoy this as much as Babel by the same author, but interested in the world. Will keep reading the series - 3.75

Upgrade by Blake Crouch
 Not as good as other works by the author, but a fast, easy, and entertaining read - 3.5

Unexpected Stories by Octavia E. Butler
 Short stories that were meh - 3.0

Long Chills and Case Dough by Brandon Sanderson
 Silly and fun, would love more from this world/lead character - 4.25

Iron Flame - The Empyrean #2 by Rebecca Yarros
 I think it got a little lost in its own plot, but a solid second book to the series - 4.0

A Conjuring of Light - Shades of Magic #3 by V.E. Schwab
 Still not sure I enjoyed this. The main characters from the first two books almost became side characters. Actually, it was like there was no lead characters anymore. Meh - 3.25

The Gathering Storm - The Wheel of Time #12 by Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan
 Such a breath of fresh air from the slog of 5-11. Brandon Sanderson makes these books easier to read while still being respectful of Robert Jordan. Also don't think I cringed at any mention of neck or hem lines - 3.75

Currently reading:
Towers of Midnight by Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan
The Will of the Many by James Islington
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on January 29, 2024, 01:52:46 PM
Ursula Le Guin - The Eye of the Heron

doing PKD - A Maze of Death, now
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Samsara on January 30, 2024, 01:26:36 PM
Reading Paul O'Neill's autobiography (New York Yankees outfielder), along with a re-read of The Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. (Dragonlance is my favorite fantasy series, I try to re-read the core books every five or six years.) I have a few other things out there too.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on January 30, 2024, 02:05:10 PM
The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie
Now, currently reading Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments by Joe Posnanski.
this was really great. If you're a baseball fan, highly recommend. Now, reading Slewfoot by Brom. This guy has pretty much been 3 for 3 for me so far
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on January 30, 2024, 09:26:50 PM
I finished Reborn by F. Paul Wilson and I overall really liked it but for me it had some issues. I feel like I just read a 365 page prologue. Like a prequel to something I should have already read. Don't get me wrong it's a good prologue with great pacing, likeable characters and an interesting enough story with an off the rails 3rd act but the ending just kinda happens with many plot threads left up in the air to be picked up in Reprisal. It ties up just enough stuff to justify the book ending but it might as well have TO BE CONTINUED slapped on the last page.

Guess it did it's job well enough because I was going to read Necroscope IV: Deadspeak by Brian Lumley who passed away earlier this month but I'm just going to jump right into Reprisal instead.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 31, 2024, 03:36:51 PM
The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu

Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 01, 2024, 04:27:08 AM
Stephen King reread time with 'Salem's Lot
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 03, 2024, 07:10:58 PM
on my first read of Slaughterhouse-Five
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 03, 2024, 10:59:52 PM
Well I finished Reprisal by F. Paul Wilson and I guess I gotta delay Necroscope IV once again to dive into my OG unrevised copy of Nightworld.

Reprisal might have some of the most unsettling sequences I've read from him so far.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ReaperKK on February 04, 2024, 08:18:31 AM
on my first read of Slaughterhouse-Five

I need to read this soon.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 04, 2024, 09:17:54 AM
Stephen King reread time with 'Salem's Lot
Finished this in two and a half days. Definite upgrade. Moving on to The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 04, 2024, 10:25:27 AM
i finished slaughterhouse-five. holy
shit what a book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 10, 2024, 05:13:01 AM
Death's End by Cixin Liu
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 10, 2024, 07:03:43 AM
Philip K Dick - The Man Who Japed
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 10, 2024, 09:26:06 AM
Death's End by Cixin Liu

I'm really struggling with this one. Still hasn't finished although I've got only about 100 pages to go.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 10, 2024, 10:47:47 AM
Death's End by Cixin Liu

I'm really struggling with this one. Still hasn't finished although I've got only about 100 pages to go.
Literally just started it this morning.  The opening chapter in Constantinople was weird, but excited to see where it goes after the end of The Dark Forest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 10, 2024, 10:50:53 AM
Death's End by Cixin Liu

I'm really struggling with this one. Still hasn't finished although I've got only about 100 pages to go.
Literally just started it this morning.  The opening chapter in Constantinople was weird, but excited to see where it goes after the end of The Dark Forest.

My problem with it is that at some point it reads like a history book. There are some good character interactions but otherwise it's basically the author narrating what happened through the years. There are some good sci-fi concepts though so I'm not saying the book sucks—but for me, it's very difficult to digest.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 13, 2024, 08:05:03 AM
The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 13, 2024, 08:09:43 AM
Finishing the Riftwar Saga with A Darkness At Sethanon by Raymond E. Feist

Was still enjoyable but I liked the first one Magician of the trilogy the best.

Now reading The Last Wish by Andrzeij Sapkowski.

If you want to read an interesting and excellent Feist book, try Faerie Tale

I've just started this, let's see how it turns out.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Evermind on February 13, 2024, 10:53:08 AM
Death's End by Cixin Liu

I'm really struggling with this one. Still hasn't finished although I've got only about 100 pages to go.
Literally just started it this morning.  The opening chapter in Constantinople was weird, but excited to see where it goes after the end of The Dark Forest.

My problem with it is that at some point it reads like a history book. There are some good character interactions but otherwise it's basically the author narrating what happened through the years. There are some good sci-fi concepts though so I'm not saying the book sucks—but for me, it's very difficult to digest.

And done. First book I really liked, second book was alright, the third book wasn't for me. Still, some interesting stuff there.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on February 13, 2024, 11:00:25 PM
I finished Nightworld by F. Paul Wilson (original unrevised edition.) Overall I really enjoyed it and he weaves in characters from previously unrelated stories well. Does get kind Dark Tower-ish in the sense that while I thought the wrap up was satisfying enough some plot threads end a bit too abruptly and are a bit anticlimactic. Oh and one character Hank was completely useless and could have been cut entirely.

Then I read All the Sinners Bleed by S.A Cosby. So far Cosby is 4 for 4 with me as I loved his 3 previous books and this one is no exception. One of my absolute favorite new authors and his books are a must buy for me.

Ok next I went in a bit of a different direction with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl. I read chocolate factory as a kid but I don't think I ever finished Glass Elevator. Chocolate Factory is still fun but my god the sequel is absolutely insane.....and not in the good way. There is some fun there but it feels so unfocused like he had 2 or 3 ideas but couldn't flesh them out to full book length so he just stitched everything together. Oh and a dash of racism for good measure.

Then I finally finished the other 2 stories in Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and Other Misfortunes by Eric LaRocca. I read the main story months ago which I thought was fine but I don't understand all the hype about it. I feel the same way about the other 2 stories in this edition. Interesting ideas but the execution feels incomplete.

Currently reading The Arctic Incident (Artemis Fowl #2) by Eoin Colfer.
 
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 20, 2024, 08:21:16 AM
The Geography of Jazz by Lenard D. Moore


Death's End by Cixin Liu

I'm really struggling with this one. Still hasn't finished although I've got only about 100 pages to go.
Literally just started it this morning.  The opening chapter in Constantinople was weird, but excited to see where it goes after the end of The Dark Forest.

My problem with it is that at some point it reads like a history book. There are some good character interactions but otherwise it's basically the author narrating what happened through the years. There are some good sci-fi concepts though so I'm not saying the book sucks—but for me, it's very difficult to digest.

And done. First book I really liked, second book was alright, the third book wasn't for me. Still, some interesting stuff there.
Sorry the last book didn't hit for you.  I enjoyed all three quite a bit.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 21, 2024, 01:57:36 PM
Set My Heart to Five by Simon Stephenson
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on February 24, 2024, 11:53:39 AM
A Conjuring of Light - Shades of Magic #3 by V.E. Schwab
 Still not sure I enjoyed this. The main characters from the first two books almost became side characters. Actually, it was like there was no lead characters anymore. Meh - 3.25

I really liked the first one, so I was pretty excited to continue the series, but the sequels were just sort of ok for me, not great. I did really like the White London guy, I can't remember his name now, but he was an interesting character.

Edit. Holland! I think his name was Holland.

The Gathering Storm - The Wheel of Time #12 by Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan
 Such a breath of fresh air from the slog of 5-11. Brandon Sanderson makes these books easier to read while still being respectful of Robert Jordan. Also don't think I cringed at any mention of neck or hem lines - 3.75

Jordan's view of gender wore on me so much throughout the series. Every interaction between a man and a woman played out in exactly the same way. It was such a relief to get to Brandon's books where a male and female character could actually have friendships and productive conversations that weren't just sniping at each other.

Also, recently finished Arthur Phillips's The Egyptologist, which I think I picked up based on someone's list of epistolary novels, and really enjoyed it. I also saw a review of it from Tom Bissell that was pretty down on it which honestly encouraged me to pick it up because I find Tom Bissell unbearably pretentious.

Currently reading Hannu Rajaniemi's The Fractal Prince, the sequel to The Quantum Thief which I read several years ago and liked a lot. It's really out-there sci-fi that's on the border of being fantasy by how ridiculous some of the ideas are, but I don't mean that as a negative. It's like a space-opera level universe but with a fairly small-scale plot scope and really enjoyable characters. I've also got book 3 waiting on the floor once I finish this one.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on February 24, 2024, 12:35:49 PM
finished Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. incredible book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 24, 2024, 03:47:05 PM
Songs of America: Patriotism,  Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on February 24, 2024, 05:09:27 PM
Boucle D'Or by Yvan Godbout.

Completely random pull from the French section of my library.  Some kind of light horror take on Goldilock and the Three Bears. I'm about 1/3 in,  and not much has been going on. Might abandon at the half way point if it doesn't pick up
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 26, 2024, 08:18:02 PM
Fletch Won by Gregory McDonald
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on February 28, 2024, 06:24:48 PM
Wrestlecrap by R.D. Reynolds
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 01, 2024, 09:14:42 AM
Fletch, Too by Gregory McDonald
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 01, 2024, 10:51:37 AM
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ozzy554 on March 01, 2024, 11:42:52 AM
I Finished The Arctic Incident (Artemis Fowl #2) by Eoin Colfer. These aren't just good YA books they are entertaining for people of all ages. Interesting world with memorable characters and fantastically paced. If adult me loves these so much this would've been child me's favorite series.

the Rick and Morty comics (issues 1-8.) If you like the show this is just more of that. Some of the filler issues aren't very good though.

Jim Cornette Presents: Behind the Curtain – Real Pro Wrestling Stories by Jim Cornette and Brandon Easton. Say what you want about Corny but the man is a historian and this delivers exactly what it promises. A couple true stories from back when kayfabe ruled the land and people would risk anything for the sake of the business.

The Library Policeman by Stephen King. The third story from the "Four Past Midnight" collection. Started out really strange like something that should've been written before King got sober and not after but as it goes on more things click into place and I ended up liking it more than I thought it would by the end. Still not what I would call must read but I was pleasantly surprised.

The Crow (special edition) by James O'Barr. Has the same issue as the movie where I love the overall story and style but the dialog ain't great. Still worth a read if you enjoy the movie.

Currently reading What's So Funny? (Dortmunder #14) by Donald E. Westlake. The second to last book in the series before Mr. Westlake passed away in 2008. These books have a special place in my heart and have been there for a dependable laugh even when I didn't have much to laugh about. Going to be a sad day when I finish the series but I don't think anybody else would be able to do them justice so I'm glad nobody took over the series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 01, 2024, 01:51:45 PM
Rereading The Shining for my monthly King project. Also, finally giving The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky a try. It's been a hot minute since I read a full length book by him
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: SchecterShredder on March 02, 2024, 03:37:01 PM
Abandoned the last one.  Wasn't doing anything for me.

Lamb by Christopher Moore
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Podaar on March 03, 2024, 06:31:54 AM
Just finished up with the nine books in Joe Abecrombie's First Law world. Love almost all of it. I wasn't initially down with the setting of the second trilogy, but Joe's ability with characterization and dialog dragged me along until the setting became irrelevant. What a great writer and world builder.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: chknptpie on March 04, 2024, 10:25:15 AM
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I will ALWAYS recommend this one. It's such a great read.

Here are my 2024 books so far:
The Measure by Nikki Erlick - 4.0
The Poppy War #1 by R.F. Kuang - 3.75
Upgrade by Blake Crouch - 3.5
Unexpected Stories by Octavia E. Butler - 3.0
Long Chills and Case Dough by Brandon Sanderson - 4.25
Iron Flame - The Empyrean #2 by Rebecca Yarros - 4.0
A Conjuring of Light - Shades of Magic #3 by V.E. Schwab - 3.25
The Gathering Storm - The Wheel of Time #12 by Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan - 3.75

Feb additions:
The Will of the Many - Hierarchy #1 by James Islington
Fun! Unexpected ending! Can't wait for the next one - 5.0

Six of Crows #1 by Leigh Bardugo
Interesting world with an Oceans 11 set up, kinda felt like I needed to start with Shadow and Bone while I was reading though. Will continue the series - 4.0

Towers of Midnight - Wheel of Time #13 by Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan
Some much needed plot closures starting. Excited to be finished with this series - 4.0

Shadow and Bone #1 by Leigh Bardugo
Definitely should have started here for the Grishaverse, but enjoying the world. Very interested to see where this goes - 4.5

The Witch of Duva - Grishaverse #0.5 by Leigh Bardugo
Creepy short story, decent enough - 4.0

Howling Dark - Sun Eater #2 by Christopher Ruocchio
I will not continue this series. This book was slow, overwritten, and pompous. The main character is xenophobic/transphobic and I do hope part of the story is him learning to not be... but I just can't do any more of this series - 1.5

A Memory of Light - The Wheel of Time #14 by Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan
I'm done!!! Well aside from the short prequel which I will get to shortly. I would not recommend this series to anyone, even though I did finish it. Books 5-10 were ROUGH. The writing is not great, female characters are awful, too many plot lines and side characters added throughout. Due to all that, there was no way the final book was going to live up to the hype and it didn't. However, after spending 2 years with these characters, I still want to know what happens to them after. Brandon Sanderson was the only reason I pushed to finish this thing and he made it at least mostly worth it - 4.25

Currently reading:
Abaddon's Gate - The Expanse #3 by James S.A. Corey
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 05, 2024, 08:27:59 AM
Do You Feel Like I Do? A Memoir by Peter Frampton
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on March 05, 2024, 01:06:42 PM
Do You Feel Like I Do? A Memoir by Peter Frampton

did you meanto post this in the what are you listening thread?
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on March 05, 2024, 01:06:56 PM
oh wait memoir, derp
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 05, 2024, 01:13:59 PM
Just assume that I know what I'm doing lol
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on March 05, 2024, 02:22:53 PM
Just assume that I know what I'm doing lol

i accidentally post in the wrong thread all the time lol. i just naturally assume everyone does it but maybe it's just me
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 06, 2024, 09:55:55 AM
Just assume that I know what I'm doing lol

i accidentally post in the wrong thread all the time lol. i just naturally assume everyone does it but maybe it's just me
Maybe
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 06, 2024, 08:31:22 PM
Blackwater by Michael McDowell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 08, 2024, 03:54:19 PM
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 09, 2024, 07:42:10 PM
The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 11, 2024, 12:19:05 PM
Reading Stephen King edited by Brian James Freeman
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 14, 2024, 01:59:39 PM
Burning Land by Bernard Cornwell
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: ganpondorodf on March 14, 2024, 02:07:41 PM
Re-reading War and Peace having read it once about 12 years ago. Good stuff.

Hefty.

Very slow going though. I go through phases with reading where I'll read three books in a week, then have six months where I struggle to slowly get through one book
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 15, 2024, 12:10:14 PM
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: Spiritus on March 15, 2024, 05:04:00 PM
Took 4 years, but I finally finished Rhythm of War By Sanderson. I did enjoy it but to go from reading the first 3 in days as they came out... nothing to do with the books just... life and how it changes. Sometimes you have time and want for something  then you don't.
I read other stuff in between, one of which was the trilogy of Ash and Sand by Richard Nell. 
Enjoyed that and really love the character of Ruka.     Meat is Meat. Ha, right off the bat I was intrigued.
Now he has a another trilogy in same world Beyond Ash and Sand and read a free snippet the other day so will dig in to the first book.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: v_clortho on March 15, 2024, 07:49:38 PM

Currently reading:
Abaddon's Gate - The Expanse #3 by James S.A. Corey

Just finished that book. I'm really loving this series.
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: masterthes on March 17, 2024, 06:52:56 PM
rereading The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, A Radical Act of Free Magic by H.G. Parry and The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer
Title: Re: The Currently Reading Thread v. A Clash of Kings
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on March 18, 2024, 07:23:40 PM
finished Philip K Dick - Now Wait For Last Year


never read it before. amazing sci fi