Reading in April 2006

[Rob B]

Finished V for Vendetta, after seeing the movie. I liked it quite a bit, but I preferred Watchmen for Alan Moore's work.

I finished up V recently too. While, as you say, it is a solid story, and has great pace and builds momentum very nicely, it is not quite as good as Watchmen.

However, like Watchmen and most of Moore's work, it really begs multiple readings.

 

[kingma15]

I normally read fantasy, but have decided to branch out into Science Fiction. So I decided to get two relatively well known books.

I purchased two books today, and will probably start on one tomorrow (I haven't decided which one yet).

I am a huge fan of the Shadowrun RPG, so decided to get a cyberpunk novel (Neuromancer by William Gibson).

And the idea of The Forever War seemed really interesting as well (I have been reading a lot of military stuff lately - am just finishing off Black Hawk Down - I highly reccomend it) so I got that.

Any suggestions on which one to read first? They both look like they will be relatively easy reads.

 

[OogyBoogy]

I just finnished Hogfather by Pratchett (I know, a bit out of season, but it had Death in it so I could not resist), and I am trying to get through Lord of the Isles. I find the characters in this last one a bit too flat for my taste. Does it get better?

 

[odo]

Any suggestions on which one to read first? They both look like they will be relatively easy reads.

Hmmm, I wouldn't classify "Neuromancer" as an easy read...

"The forever war" is far easier to read and, imho, also much better

 

[Archren]

I'll second Odo's opinion there. "Forever War's" action is much clearer and straightforward; I had to read "Neuromancer" twice to really figure out what was going on.

 

[kingma15]

thanks odo and Archen.

Forever War it is!

 

[odo]

You're very welcome

Hope you like it as much as I did

 

[FicusFan]

I have started Hammered by Elizabeth Bear for the Book group.

 

[Ouroboros]

I wouldn't be so wary of 'Neuromancer'. I started it expecting a bit of a slog, but the first half of it just flew by. While it is an important novel for many semi-academic reasons, it is also a hell of a good story, a noir hardboiled thriller.

With that said, 'The Forever War' is no less accessible.

 

[s271]

Charlse Stross Iron sunshine
Solid space opera, sequel to Singularity Sky. Also Relativistic Killing Vehicles (favorite discussion topic from rec.arts.sf.written/sciense which of Stross is frequent visitor) made their appearance. RKV ill fit into FTL space travel tech, but they are so cool that Stross just couldn't resist. Overall fun read, though not quite smooth.

A lot of references (homage ?) to other SF.

minor spoilers:

Wednesday against Draka Peace Authorities Puppet Masters.

 

[Ropie]

Sherri S Tepper's Grass

 

[Erfael]

I have started Hammered by Elizabeth Bear for the Book group.

***CHEERS***

And while I'm here, I went through Old Man's War for next month's book club last week sometime. Comments reserved.

 

[clong]

Recent scifi reads:

Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold - the irrepressible Miles is always a joy to read, although some of the plot points left me less convinced than usual for LMB.

Maske: Thaery by Jack Vance - a disappointing space opera from an author that I have come to expect better from. This reminded me of the Star King books, but with a less likable protagonist, a less interesting bad guy, and fairly ho-hum world building.

Conflict of Honors by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller - An entertaining read in the soap opera vein; one of those books where the good guys are too good to be true and the bad guys are too bad to be true.

Currently making my way through Ellison's Deathbird Stories.

 

[Yawn]

Just finished reading Conor Corderoy's Dark Rain (it was only released this month). I couldn't put it down.

I intend to journey into middle Earth sometime this summer (I usually have an annual journey there).

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I just read Empire of Bones by Liz Williams. Will probably start her Banner of Souls next, since I picked it up at the same time, and the historical novel that came home in the same batch couldn't hold me past the first few chapters.

 

[Skaidon]

I just finished Probability Moon by Nancy Kress and have moved on to The Siege of Eternity by Frederik Pohl.

 

[ZorPrime]

Finished The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein. Good story. Liked it. It was my first book by Heinlein. Although the story was good I haven't become HUGE Heinlein fan so that I start reading only his books for the coming months I did like is discussion about different thing in society... and I totally agree with him about government. They are dangerous like fusion and fire!

I have something like 10 more books in my To Be Read list. Will surely read them someday.

Now, I'll pick something to read... don't know what 'tho! Probably a fantasy book.

 

[Archren]

Finished reading Old Man's War for the Book Club. Will post more there.

Also finished reading a non-fiction one: The World Beyond the Hill by Alexi Panshin and Cory Panshin about the history of science fiction. Has some interesting stuff, very well researched. However, it only goes up to 1945, and I don't really buy into the central theory the authors promote. So, a qualified sucess. BTW, it took me about 5 weeks to read it, it is a very long book. For a full review: You can go to my site.

 

[krazydawg005]

I just picked up two books this afternoon I plan on reading soon.

Adulthood Rites by Octavia E. Butler.....loved Dawn and now I have a little time to read the 2nd book

The Handmaidens Tale by Margaret Atwood

 

[krazydawg005]

I just finished Adulthood Rites today by Octavia E. Butler.

I must say I am really impressed with this little trilogy. I don't know how well known it is, but Its been a very neat experience so far. I can't wait to read the finale (hopefully in the next couple weeks)!