In February I read The Forestwife by Theresa Tomlinson it's a retelling of the Robin Hood legend from Marian's perspective. Though feminist-y, she really grounds it in facts on medieval life, and the story was well-told.
It's more historical fiction than fantasy- no magical elements to it. It's also the 1st in a trilogy.

The one I just finished was The Dream-Maker's Magic by Sharon Shinn It's the 3rd in a trilogy- others being The Safe-Keeper's Secret and The Truth-Teller's Tale If you want something that is light on fantasy elements and pretty original, try these books. I thought this one was the best of the 3, but read the others first to get more out of it.

I just started The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon. I was really afraid it wasn't going to live up to they hype I've heard about it, but it's amazing so far. I'm up to page 69 (chapter 5).

The book was quite different from the movie, as I remember both...

I think it's the Independent Film Channel.

So I looked up IFC - we have it - but it is a paid station that I don't currently subscribe to I'm just going to have to wait for the DVD from my daughter's friend - but thanks so much for thinking of me Chris that was sweet.

Robin, I just noticed a little while ago that IFC is airing Howl's Moving Castle tomorrow (Mar 1) at 2 pm EST. If you get IFC in your area...

I started reading The Lightning Thief

Leslie wrote: "Robin, have you seen "Howl's Moving Castle", the beautiful anime movie by Miyazaki? If so, how does it compare to the book?"

No I have not seen the movie - and in fact I never heard of it before. I just went to hulu and watched the trailer and my first impression is...wow is this the same book I just read? Because it seems VERY different. In any case my daughter says that one of her friends has the DVD at his "father's house" so the next time he goes to visit he's going to bring it to me so maybe in a few weeks I'll have it.

-- Robin (32 days until Avempartha)

Im doing something I dont normally do: read NEW books. Very weird concept for me as I usually go for the oldest I possibly can. I am going to start The Suicide Collectors (inspired by the March pick of course) and Steal Across the Sky

Robin, have you seen "Howl's Moving Castle", the beautiful anime movie by Miyazaki? If so, how does it compare to the book?

I just started Lud-In-The-Mist by Hope Mirrlees. I've only read one chapter, but it definitely reminds me of "Stardust". It was written in 1926.

I just finished Howl's Moving Castle - pretty good book.

Judy wrote: "Just finished "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides, which I loved. BTW -- also a huge fan of the Barrayar books! "

I thought "The Virgin Suicides" was excellent. Much more tightly crafted and very different in tone than the wide ranging "Middlesex" (which I also enjoyed). You are the first person that I have heard comment on "The Virgin Suicides." I don't know if no one reads it, or if they just don't think it is worth commenting on.

JuliAnna wrote: "Robin wrote: "I also started reading Howl's Moving Castle."

Robin, I've been considering reading that. Let me know what you think of it."

Will do JuliAnna - at the moment it is kind of reminding me of Neil Gaiman's Stardust. But I'm only 90 pages or so in.

I'm reading "Three Junes" by Julia Glass on audio (I picked this one for audio because of the wonderful Scottish accents) and "The Forever King", fantasy by Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy, as my carry-along book while I'm on travel this month. Just finished "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides, which I loved.

BTW -- also a huge fan of the Barrayar books!

Robin wrote: "I also started reading Howl's Moving Castle."

Robin, I've been considering reading that. Let me know what you think of it.

I just finished Living Dead in Dallas, which I liked better than the first Sookie Stackhouse, but it is definitely a romance novel first and foremost. It is not something I would recommend for someone looking for much more than that. I am beginning to understand the usefulness of the genre title "paranormal romance."

I've started Bridge of Birds, which I am definitely enjoying. It is a fun, engaging read (but it does raise some disturbing questions about cultural stereotypes).

I'm finishing Anna Karenina this weekend. And, I've started on another Stephen Johnson book, The Invention of Air.

Sandi, I really liked The Ghost Map. I hope you do as well. And, Jasper Fforde is always a delight. Sounds like a good month.

I just started reading Christopher Moore's "You Suck."

Thanks for the info Jensownzoo!

I just finished The Crown Conspiracy by Michael Sullivan and am now reading First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde and The Ghost Map The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World by Steven Johnson.

I also started reading Howl's Moving Castle.

Apparently out last month, Robin. I am suddenly seeing a downfall in not watching TV...now I might have to wait for the DVD!

Jenny

Demon Moon by Jack Williamson
While reading the inside sleeve, I was surprised that he's been writing sci-fi fantasy for over 60 years. How did I miss this author? I'm seeing correlations idemon Moon to one of my favorite Asimov novels: Nightfall. I am definitely enjoying it.

Cordelia's Honor and Barryar are the places to start, Kevin. They are about Miles' parents, and so include some history that really help. Besides, they are great books! Ethan of of Athos and Falling Free don't really include Miles. I jumped straight from the first 2 mentioned to Warrior's Apprentice.

I know you'll have so much fun with these, and I'm jealous of anyone's first read!

When is the movie being released? I saw the trailers many months ago and feel like it is "fast approaching".

I loved Inkheart and Inkspell. From what I've seen of the movie previews, they are taking quite a few liberties with it so it will be interesting to see if the movie is good in its own right. Still waiting in the long line to get Inkdeath from the library...

I also read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, fantastic book.

Ya that's why I'm reading it now as well - I'm only 100 pages in at the moment. I'll let you know more when i get done.

Robin wrote: "I just started reading Inkheart. And don't throw anything at me but I also finished Eclipse as I needed a "romance" for a winter challenge ;-)"

That reminds me -- I need to finish reading "Inkheart." I started some time back, but couldn't seem to get into it. I'd like to get it done before the movie comes out.

I just started reading Inkheart. And don't throw anything at me but I also finished Eclipse as I needed a "romance" for a winter challenge ;-)

At present I'm reading "The Singer" by Alison Croggin, its the fourth book in the Pellinor series, "Growing Pains" by Billie Piper (she was in Dr Who and I think she is the best companion that the Doctor has had in a while) is waiting in the wings.

Finished "The Associate" by John Grisham in two days and was dissapointed - it was ok but far from his best.

The other book that I read this month is "Requiem for an Assassin" by Barry Eisler ( http://www.barryeisler.com/books.php ). It is the last in the series (6 in total) abour John Rain. If you like Jack Reacher (Lee Child - http://www.leechild.com/) you will probably Like John Rain

So far this month I've read the first three books in "The Sharing Knife" series by Lois McMaster Bujold. I started reading "Blindness" -- again... I just can't get into this book. Read Patricia Briggs' 'Mercy Thompson' books and I'm in the middle of "Medieval Lives" by Terry Jones. I'm going to start the 'Gormenghast' trilogy (I keep starting, and never finishing this).

I've got yucky weather here... time for some comfort food for the mind. Time to pull out Brian Jacques "Redwall" and "Mossflower."

So I just finished Griffen's Dauhter for another group here on GR's It was a good story for a new author. I just got some recommendations from some friends and I'm goign to try to do GoodOmens and/or Well of Assension. We'll see which one I can get my hands onf first.

Robin wrote: "Fantastic Fiction is a great site to find the order of books I got this information from there. "

Thanks for the link, Robin. I'm always trying to figure out where particular books fall in their series.

I notice that they have two books recommended by Bujold at the bottom: Kerr's The Wild Swans and Carl's Shadows in Scarlet: A Haunting Novel of Romantic Mystery. Has anyone read either of these?

Kevinalbee wrote: "what order were they written in i have read falling free butr never heard of any others"

Miles Vorkosigan
Ethan of Athos (1986)
The Warrior's Apprentice (1986)
Falling Free (1988)
The Borders of Infinity (1989)
Brothers in Arms (1989)
The Vor Game (1990)
Vorkosigan's Game (omnibus) (1992)
Mirror Dance (1994)
Cetaganda (1995)
Memory (1996)
Young Miles (omnibus) (1997)
Komarr (1998)
A Civil Campaign (1999)
Miles, Mystery and Mayhem (omnibus) (2001)
Diplomatic Immunity (2002)
Miles Errant (omnibus) (2002)
Miles, Mutants and Microbes (omnibus) (2007)
Miles in Love (omnibus) (2008)
Winterfair Gifts (2008)

Fantastic Fiction is a great site to find the order of books I got this information from there.

what order were they written in i have read falling free butr never heard of any others

I didn't think Falling Free was as good as some of the later one's in the Vorkosigin series, so I am always afraid that folks won't like it and will never get to the real stunners.

I don't think you have to read them in order but Cordelia's Honor is great. I'm reading them in a random order based on what I can easily find.

I'm currently working on Mark Ferrari's The Book of Joby. An interesting idea, taking the classic "God and Lucifer make a wager" idea and throwing in everything from Arthurian legend to environmental issues. I've had a few problems with pacing (namely that I can only read about someone being beaten up by life for so long before I want to slit a major artery), but otherwise it's kept my interest. Should have it finished in a week or so. Anyone else ever read this?

Lori wrote: "Oh the Vorkosigan series is fantastic. So good that I shelved everything just to complete it. I'd suggest reading them in order, and also start with Cordelia's Honor."

One of the reasons that I've put off reading these was not knowing where to start :) (Falling Free, Cordelia's Honour, or Barrayar)

Lori wrote: "Oh the Vorkosigan series is fantastic. So good that I shelved everything just to complete it."

Definitely one of my favorite series.

And Last Watch of the Night Watch series just arrived from the library. Pressure!

I hadn't even realized it was released (and it looks like it's been out since July). That's exciting.

I'm nearing the end of Lost on Venus by Edgar Rice Burroughs at the moment. After that, I'll be attacking Fool by Christopher Moore. As for the rest of February, I'll probably be working on my unread Roger Zelazny stack.

Started reading Princess Bride the other day - Saw the movie and of course love it but first time reading the book - I really am enjoying it.

Let's see... I'm reading / planning to read:

A Princess of Mars, Gods of Mars, and The Warlord of Mars, all by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Red Planet by Heinlein
(bit of a mars kick, I guess...)
and
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley (if I can find a copy)

Currently On my Kindle and ready to read:
The Light Fantastic By Terry Pratchett
Only You Can Save Mankind also by Terry Pratchett, but I only see myself getting through one of those books.

I also have The Road that I would like to get into, Neverwhere A Novel by Neil Gaiman, Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher. I will probably get through all of these books and then whatever else catches my fancy. I too am very interested in 2666, please let me know how it is.

I just finished Good Omens and enjoyed it very much.

Oh the Vorkosigan series is fantastic. So good that I shelved everything just to complete it. I'd suggest reading them in order, and also start with Cordelia's Honor. It takes place pre-Miles, but involved his mother and father.

I'm now in book 4 of the The Fallen of the Malazan Empire by Steven Ericson.

And Last Watch of the Night Watch series just arrived from the library. Pressure!

I'd love to hear about 2666. I started The Savage Detectives but didn't get far, not the right mood? A friend is reading it now and he finally got very into it around 1/3 in.

Mike, Furies reads completely differently from the Dresden series, so you might not need that break all that soon.

I'm currently reading White Night by Jim Butcher. Next on the list is Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert. Assuming I get through those, I'll start (but probably won't finish) Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher. Been on a bit of a Butcher kick lately. I might need a break soon...