Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan have done it again. Though this book steps away from the typical Jordan style mopre than The Gathering Storm did,...moreBrandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan have done it again. Though this book steps away from the typical Jordan style mopre than The Gathering Storm did, I think the pacing and jumping around with plot lines and story arcs was a nessecity to bring the sory to a point that can be wrapped up and concluded in the next book. The Wheel continues to turn in unexcpected ways, many theories and side plots cam to conclusions in this book, some were expected some were twists that were very unexpected, and some things make you question how it is going to end, after 13 books I thought I had an idea of how this world and story would conclude, now I wonder if I know anything.
Fans of The Wheel of Time will pick at the pacing and lack of depth for some of the story arcs, some will agonize over not haveing chapters and chapters to fill out some of the plots they have been waiting for years to have concluded, and others will be furious that so much is still left undone.
I praise Sanderson on trying to meet all expectations as much as he can and to also complete the story, many of us know that this could have continued for another 10 books instead of just the final three, though I would like to continue in this world for another decade, I now eagerly await with many others for the Final Battle.
Though the The Emperor's Soul is set in the same world as Elantris, it is a stand alone story, and requires no knowledge of his worlds. This short Nove...moreThough the The Emperor's Soul is set in the same world as Elantris, it is a stand alone story, and requires no knowledge of his worlds. This short Novella is brilliantly done, and an example of how versatile Sanderson's writing is, and how he continues to push the boundaries and will continue to be one of the authors that takes fantasy to new levels.
Having read all of his other books, in some ways it felt odd to have such a small book, without the in-depth world building, but Sanderson still manages to fill his world with a fascinating and unique magic system, interesting characters, and a unique world.
Picking up a book for a new author can be risky and daunting when many of Sanderson's books run between 500 and 1000 pages. The Emperor's Soul is a fantastic book to introduce any new readers to Sanderson's worlds and writing.
The main character Shai, is not heroic in the same vein as many fantasies, but this unique take on creativity and art as an heroic trait is brilliant and has such a great new feel to it.
Though the story is fully complex and complete, I did wish, not for more of this story but for the more all-encompassing look into this creativity concept, that a 1000 page book would have had. The length of the book also limited this to a single point of view, which worked well for this book, but in some ways is a tease, since the other characters were still so interesting you want to know them better.
I can imagine that if The myths of Odin had continued through time this is how one would read today. This is a myth based fantasy book that does not r...moreI can imagine that if The myths of Odin had continued through time this is how one would read today. This is a myth based fantasy book that does not read or feel like a fantasy book. The parts to a fantasy are there, magic, myth, witches, mythic beasts, Gods,Prophesy, Swords, Princes and a Quest. The story is interesting and the pace deceiving at times it feels slow, but then you realize how much has happened. I do not feel as drawn into another realm as one usually does in a fantasty novel. As a reader of fantasy, I missed at times the elaborate world building and detail, but in many ways that would have pulled the book away from the feel of a saga, which I think Lachlan has succeeded in doing.
Wolfsangel is a fascinating and different book, It is more of a modern telling of a saga than a "typical" fantasy book. That will appeal to both fantasy and non-fantasy readers.
Though another series of books completely out of my genre and normal reading, I can say that though much of the books in this series have moments wher...moreThough another series of books completely out of my genre and normal reading, I can say that though much of the books in this series have moments where I groan at the typical romance and erotica elements, that the humor and dialogue is well done and make the books enjoyable. The use of non-stereotypical characters and personalities makes this and the other books in this series a fun read.(less)
**spoiler alert** This book has a very interesting concept and story, I wish it would have been executed better, transitions between the timelines cou...more**spoiler alert** This book has a very interesting concept and story, I wish it would have been executed better, transitions between the timelines could be smoother, and character development is weak.
**** SPOILER ***** Though the ending wraps up the story satisfactorily in an unexpected way and unusual twist, there is too little in the book to support some of the events and conclusions. (less)
This middle grade (or even younger) book is a delightful story,for any age. More of a modern day fairy tale than a fantasy. The story is involving, wi...moreThis middle grade (or even younger) book is a delightful story,for any age. More of a modern day fairy tale than a fantasy. The story is involving, with enough action and good and bad things happening, to keep any reader engaged. The subtle references and inferences to classic fairy tales will amuse readers of any age. What it lacks in typical fantasy depth, it makes up for in the unique and quirky voice of the narrator.
Underneath the fun and frivolity, this is really a story of loyalty, friends, and like all good fairy tales leaves you with a moral at the end.(less)
Full of Communist teachings and propaganda using a well known fairy tale. This is an amusing modern Russian Fairy Tale from the 1950's, propaganda and...moreFull of Communist teachings and propaganda using a well known fairy tale. This is an amusing modern Russian Fairy Tale from the 1950's, propaganda and all. A Humorous twist on the traditional Genie in the lamp tale, appearing in communist Russia. Reading this translation of the Russian children's book today is both amusing and informative. (less)
I am steel reeling, I do not think I have ever read a book like it, and I will need some time to digest and ponder before I could begin any kind of re...moreI am steel reeling, I do not think I have ever read a book like it, and I will need some time to digest and ponder before I could begin any kind of review, is just so new, and different. at this point I can only point tothis review and comment [Patrick Rothfuss review of Shades of Grey|http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...](less)
Originally published as a general encyclopedia of Medieval knowledge, this compilation of knowledge helps to get an understanding of where some of our...moreOriginally published as a general encyclopedia of Medieval knowledge, this compilation of knowledge helps to get an understanding of where some of our mis-directed notions come from, and also of how far we really have come in gaining knowledge and understanding.(less)
**spoiler alert** The first part of The Birthgrave strays from typical fantasy in a way that make the book interesting and engrossing, as the story co...more**spoiler alert** The first part of The Birthgrave strays from typical fantasy in a way that make the book interesting and engrossing, as the story continues though the newness wears off and it is a book where the protagonist never changes or grows. The ending is irritating and a cop out instead of a story arc leading to the growth of the protagonist, Lee pulls a deus ex machina with a spaceship and info dump in the last pages to answer the questions of who she is, and allow the protagonist to reach her conclusion.(less)
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and Laini Taylor does not disappoint in this second book in the series. From the characters to the sto...moreI really enjoyed the first book in this series, and Laini Taylor does not disappoint in this second book in the series. From the characters to the story arc, this is a solid urban fantasy.
For the few things that bothered me while I was reading it I had to remind myself that this is a YA book, in all other ways it is not a typical YA, with a fully developed magic system, and solid world building, along with strong characters.
The main female character is strong and believable, the romance is part of her but does not truly define her.
My general opinion on the updating or re-writing of classics is why mess with a good thing, usually that opinion bears out in new works failing badly....moreMy general opinion on the updating or re-writing of classics is why mess with a good thing, usually that opinion bears out in new works failing badly. In this case I am wrong. Scalzi has successfully managed to modernize and re-tell H. Beam Piper's story of little fuzzy and make this classic tale more relevant to a current audiance, while staying true to the original story.
In some ways he not only succeeded in capturing all of the impact, charm and story of the original, but was able to surpass it.
"Fuzzy Nation" has earned it's spot on my shelf next to my much read copies of "Little Fuzzy", "Fuzzy Sapiens" and "Fuzzies and Other People".
Engaging and epic. For a first book is a proposed 10 book series, The Way of Kings delivers. Brandon Sanderson has created interesting characters that...moreEngaging and epic. For a first book is a proposed 10 book series, The Way of Kings delivers. Brandon Sanderson has created interesting characters that are real and you grow to like over the span of this 1000+ page book. Brandon has created a fantasy world without all of the fantasy standards. It was a pleasure to read the description of a world lacking medeivel european rolling hills and castles. This non-Orphan becomes the savior of the world fantasy will appeal to non-fantasy readers as well. I have already placed this book on the shelf with my re-reads, I plan to enter this world again.(less)
I really enjoyed this audio book, a fascinating and informative look at the role and history of the white house through the efforts and influences of...moreI really enjoyed this audio book, a fascinating and informative look at the role and history of the white house through the efforts and influences of the first ladies. This mostly ignored role in history has much to offer in understanding not just the politics but the people who have run this country.(less)
A fresh perspective in a fantasy novel, with a pace that pulls you in and pushed you on. The characters are rich and well developed, and intriguing. A...moreA fresh perspective in a fantasy novel, with a pace that pulls you in and pushed you on. The characters are rich and well developed, and intriguing. A fantasy built on city world building combining the best of fantasy and urban fantasy for beleivable and facinating worldbuilding.
Unfortunately the language used in the book has hampered my reading, I find it difficult to move past the language,to continue reading it is jarring and pulls me out of the story.
New and unique, Libromancer is a great new Urban Fantasy, that had me laughing and turning pages! Magic, books, libraries and the Upper Peninsula, wha...moreNew and unique, Libromancer is a great new Urban Fantasy, that had me laughing and turning pages! Magic, books, libraries and the Upper Peninsula, what more could I want in a book? Though set in the U.P. I am unsure of the Urban fantasy label, perhaps As Far From Urban it gets Fantasy would suit better.
See this review By Patrick Rothfuss, who described it much better than I can.
The end of an age, the end of an Epic. After 23 years,15 books, 11,916 Pages,684 Chapters,4,416,130 Words, I do not think I have the words yet to say a...moreThe end of an age, the end of an Epic. After 23 years,15 books, 11,916 Pages,684 Chapters,4,416,130 Words, I do not think I have the words yet to say anything about "A Memory of Light" or The end of "The Wheel of Time". Right now I can only say thank you Robert Jordan for your dream and your story. Thank you to Harriet and Team Jordan and Brandon Sanderson who worked to keep the wheel turning.(less)
This was my second read of Libriomancer, this time I slowed down, and enjoyed the book not as driven to get to the end I was able to enjoy the story a...moreThis was my second read of Libriomancer, this time I slowed down, and enjoyed the book not as driven to get to the end I was able to enjoy the story and writing even more.
I read this book because of a recommendation, At first I was unsure about this series sounding too much like a typical YA angels and paranormal romanc...moreI read this book because of a recommendation, At first I was unsure about this series sounding too much like a typical YA angels and paranormal romance, but this is not that, it is true urban fantasy, with a twist on myth and angels, attention to details and though romance is a theme, it is tied in with the story not the only story.
I am giving this 3 stars, basically if you want to read The Canterbury Tales, read a translation of the original. On the other hand, for younger peopl...moreI am giving this 3 stars, basically if you want to read The Canterbury Tales, read a translation of the original. On the other hand, for younger people or those that are not ready to read Chaucer this is a great introduction to this classic. Well written and true to the original tales.(less)
The Lovely bones is a disturbing, and facinating look at family life and growing up in suburbia from a very different perspective. The Alice Sebold ma...moreThe Lovely bones is a disturbing, and facinating look at family life and growing up in suburbia from a very different perspective. The Alice Sebold manages to weave a story about a family's, love, strength and hope around a story of loss, letting go and tragidy. (less)
I wavered on the rating on this one, I went with 3 because the concept and idea were interesting, and new, and in Science fiction the Idea is always i...moreI wavered on the rating on this one, I went with 3 because the concept and idea were interesting, and new, and in Science fiction the Idea is always important. But as for plot, story and characters this book missed the mark, so much more could have been done. (less)
Though some basic elements of Black Prism follow the standard fantasy tropes, this first book in a new series will twist you around with plot turns an...moreThough some basic elements of Black Prism follow the standard fantasy tropes, this first book in a new series will twist you around with plot turns and fast pacing and leave you wondering.
Once again Jared Diamond tells a fascinating tale of the Human Animal. Though many of the concepts are Guns, Germs an Steel, this is a much easier rea...moreOnce again Jared Diamond tells a fascinating tale of the Human Animal. Though many of the concepts are Guns, Germs an Steel, this is a much easier read focusing on the evolution of mankind. (less)
Kevin Hearne continues to impress me with this series, the books continue to get better and Trapped is full of adventure, humor, and world building mo...moreKevin Hearne continues to impress me with this series, the books continue to get better and Trapped is full of adventure, humor, and world building more akin to epic fantasy than urban fantasy! (less)
With my kids mostly grown, and 2 out of 3 out of the house and on their own, this book was a hilarious trip down memory lane, reminding me of my own a...moreWith my kids mostly grown, and 2 out of 3 out of the house and on their own, this book was a hilarious trip down memory lane, reminding me of my own adventure at being a stay at home mom.(less)
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