I've wanted to read the Miles Vorkosigan series for a while now - everyone raves about it! However, I couldn't find it at my local book stores, nor did the library have it. Apparently, its been read to death and the books could no longer be repaired...
Happily, Lois McMaster Bujold announced on her site that she had recently signed a number of books at a Minneapolis book store that people could mail order. I've been wanting a signed copy of hers for a while, so I looked to see what they had. Warriors Apprentice has been re-issued in hard cover! It should be here in a week or so! ]]>
One of my favorite fantasy books involving a new twist on the system of magic is The Outstretched Shadow. I like it because it both creates a new system of magic, suggests how demons may get their magic, and juxtaposes both against a more traditional system of magic. The first system is earth based, (like fantasy hippies), where the practitioners must ask of the powers of the earth to work a spell. The powers will present the mage with the spell cost, which they must agree or disagree to. It may be a small cost, such as finding an injured animal and nursing back to health, to a larger price that may alter the course of their life. The second system of magic, without giving too many spoilers, involves gathering energy from an unknown source, and working it in complex potions/incantations/spells. The demon magic is built up from gathering energy off of tortured/captured peoples/animals. There are a few other magic twists, and all are a slightly different take, including a new twist on both elves and unicorns.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is not a complex tale, and can be somewhat predictable, but the story and characters are the reason for reading. I have read the whole series three times now, and will do so again. ]]>
Alex,
Isn't it great that the series was released in a timely manner, allowing the reader to get through the whole series while its still fresh in your mind! I can be very patient with series, but I do love being able to read it all in one shot!
Hope you enjoy the finale. ]]>
My Grandpa was an avid cribbage player, and at 8 years old, I was dying to learn to play. I watched, and watched, and finally convinced him that I knew enough about the rules to give it a try. I double skunked him and caught him cheating - he never played me again. He and my Dad didn't get along very well, and oddly enough my Dad played with me every time I asked after that...
Still love the game! ]]>
Hello all,
I live in Winnipeg, and we have a wonderful, thriving independent book store called McNally Robinson. It is family run, and has the most dedicated and underpaid staff of PhD equivalents when it comes to novels. They are each fans and savants of their respective genres, and people from all over the city flock to their store for the great atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. They are also a bit of an eclectic bunch who love to dress up and are passionate about books.
So, when they heard about Neil Gaiman's challenge to award a book signing to the store with the best "Graveyard Book" theme party, they rose to the challenge. Happily, they tied for first place! The signing is December 15th in Winnipeg!
I'm posting this because a very kind and generous Goodreader by the name of Jon found for me one of my favorite hard covers so that I might get it signed this coming spring. It was a gesture that meant the world to me, and I would sincerely like to follow in her wonderful footsteps. Would any Gaiman fans like to send me their books to be signed? ]]>
bookshelves: currently-reading
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Laurel
took the never-ending book quiz.
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| best streak: | 7 |
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