Reading in May 2009

I've just started book two of the Outremer series, but so far am having a bit of a hard time mustering the enthusiasm to read much of it.

Does anybody else here have problems enjoying reading when they're stressed or worried about things? My dog's been really sick this past week or so, and I'd hoped that a good book would be an excellent way to pass the time (and still allow me to keep a close eye on her and care for her when needed) but I just don't seem to be able to concentrate. Maybe it's just tiredness.

I seemed to lose my way through Tower of the King's Daughter at about three quarters of the way through, and now I'm having a hard time continuing with book two. Though I want to.

Maybe I should set the series aside, re-read book one at a later date and then read book two from there. I feel as though I'm missing out; it's an excellent series.
 
Decided to see what all the fuss was about with The Painted Man, finished it today and came away pleasantly surprised. Interesting concept with familiar fantasy characters, decent writing and potential hints at a larger overall story than the narrow focus of this first book. On to Glen Cook.
 
I intend to make a point of trying The Painted Man soon. Though my reading list at the moment is pretty full: Just beginning book two of Outremer, intend to read the third once I've finished the second. Then back to The Sword, The Ring and The Chalice (I'm on book two of that, too - The Ring), and assuming I'm still finding the series fairly enjoyable at the end of book two, I'll pick up a copy of book three and aim to complete the series. There's also a Sword of Truth book due to arrive sometime this week. I aught to read that-get it over iand done with!

By then, it'll be July and book four of Tairen Soul should finally, finally be released. I'll be able to enjoy that (as well as book three, which I've kept myself from reading yet so that I can enjoy them both together) and my copy of God's Demon (I think that's what it's called) will also be arriving then, so I am looking forwards to reading that, too.

I'll probably also try to fit a Louise Cooper book in there at some point, too.

Busy schedule of reading I have set for the next month or so!

And then there's also The Fall of Ossard, which I'm really desperate to read! Just need to decide whether to cave in and order it from Amazon.com myself, or ask for it as a birthday gift.

Maybe after that, I'll be able to read The Painted Man!
 
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Finished off John Marco's Sword of Angels. I know he's not everyone's favorite writer, but I like his slower paced style. Kind of reminds me of Tad Williams.

Now on to Robin Hobb's Shaman's Crossing
 
So I started Elantris by Sanderson the other day. I was dubious. I was relunctant. In fact, I didn't even want to like it. . . But I do. Really. It's a good book. Some of the narration in between dialogue is a little rough, I think, but it gets better towards the end of the book.

So yup. I've been proven wrong. Just don't expect me to read his WoT books, 'cos that would require me to read the rest of Jordon's work. Five books was enough for me.
 
DragonLance series.

Flawlessly written, easy to follow, humerous and cruel all mixed up into one. (It's a total of 6 books in two 1000 page books) It took me 2-3 days, but I'd say it's worth it to read all over again. :D

If you're curious, since there's SO much information, go here to learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonlance
 
Currently reading Dragonfly Falling by Adrian Tchaikovsky, which is the second book in his Shadows of the Apt trilogy.

One problem I often have with epic novels is the sheer number of characters that get introducted, espcially when the original group splits up and goes on different paths and pick up more characters. I often find that I don`t really connect with any of the characters because so little time is devoted to any one.

I am running into this problem here. So many characters and threads to keep track of! The world and magic systems are interesting so I want to continue on, but I am finding it a bit of a slog.

Its just me though, I tend to not like this type of epic fantasy. I never got into GRRM's series either because of the basic format of epic novels. I guess I prefer fantasy/sci fi that follows fewer characters and has fewer threads.
 
Aurian said:
Currently reading Dragonfly Falling by Adrian Tchaikovsky, which is the second book in his Shadows of the Apt trilogy.

Its just me though, I tend to not like this type of epic fantasy. I never got into GRRM's series either because of the basic format of epic novels. I guess I prefer fantasy/sci fi that follows fewer characters and has fewer threads.
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His first book is next on my pile, I like Erikson so from what you've said I'm quite looking forward to it. On your other point The Painted Man might be worth a look if you haven't tried it, this first book was interesting but limited scope fantasy akin to Magician, only three main characters in a small geographical landscape.
 
I'm about three chapters into book two of the Outremer series now, and enjoying it very much.

Also, just asked my boyfriend to get me The Fall of Ossard for my birthday (which is in a couple of weeks). I'm really looking forwards to reading it, as it sounds like just my thing.
 
I was fortunate enough to grab the library's copy of Morgan's The Steel Remains right of the shelf today and I'll happily be starting that sometime this weekend. I'm otherwise reading SF (Cherryh's Foreigner series) which has me really hooked, but I needed to read a different book for a local book club.
 
kater said:
His first book is next on my pile, I like Erikson so from what you've said I'm quite looking forward to it. On your other point The Painted Man might be worth a look if you haven't tried it, this first book was interesting but limited scope fantasy akin to Magician, only three main characters in a small geographical landscape.
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Well, I`ll definately pick it up when it is in paperback, since my local library doesn`t seem inclined to get the book :(
 
I finished The Third Sign by Gregory Wilson (tbp June 09)

I had high hopes for this book based on the excerpt, but sadly it was quite disappointing; the only positive thing I can say is that it has narrative pull, energy if you want, so it was a tolerable fast browse after it was clear to me it is far away from my tastes.

It is basically a by the numbers fantasy with very annoying names both for some characters and for the world stuff and there is nothing particular to distinguish it from the tons of similar stuff out there.

Since I had the pleasure to exchange emails with the author, I truly hope the book will find its intended audience and I regret profoundly that I am not part of it, which I thought I would be based on the excerpt I originally read
 
Embarked on an epic journey of Steven Erikson's "Reaper's Gale"

p.s. it's not epic...what we are talking about here eats epic for breakfast and then shits it out in its condensed essence :)
 
Slow, slow day at work meant I got stuck into some Glen Cook Chronicles of the Black Company and enjoyed it very much, too much really, I could barely get back to work.
 
I finished the debut collection of stories of R.B. Russell, "Putting the Pieces in Place". It is another collection in which the stories have a subtle and hinted horror, with some interesting accents on human nature and psychology. R.B. Russell is an interesting discovery for me and I wait to read other of his works, especially since I saw that he has a story on the upcoming Ellen Datlow's anthology, "The Best Horror os the Year Volume 1".
 
I'm half-way through Jacqueline Carey's post-apocalyptic Western Santa Olivia and loving every minute of it.
 
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