Chompa’s Comments (group member since Feb 16, 2015)

Chompa’s comments from the Grimdark Fantasy group.

Interesting topic. I know that when I was much younger (maybe 25 years ago) I read Lord Foul's Bane and the main character raped a girl. I was very offended and didn't read the rest of the series.

These days I read about Jorg and his mercenaries doing worse and don't blink an eye.

So what has changed since my college years? Am I desensitized to violence and cruelty? Or am I just able to read it with a more detached view?

I know I've gained an appreciation for darker and even damaged characters. I also know that everyone has a dark side and not acknowledging it is foolish.

Despite being up to date on the show and not the books, I'm pretty sure I've never had a book not be better than the movie. The one exception I can think of is The Hunt for Red October. I wasn't a fan of the book, but the movie was really solid.

I read the Night Angel series by Weeks and enjoyed it. I need to check out this next series.

I read a different spoiler a friend had on Facebook a while back. Really disappoints me that I read it.

Chris you bring up a good point. Taking just a couple years off between books one and two did me in. Maybe I should just wait til George finishes them up before I dive in again.

When A Game of Thrones was first published I read it and greatly enjoyed it. A couple years later, I picked up A Clash of Kings. I had apparently taken too long of a break as I couldn't finish it. The insanely large cast of characters was hard to recall after a couple year break.

That said, I love the TV show. Truly it is Grimdark as anything I've ever watched.

I intend to go back and read the books eventually, but at this point I don't want to muddle the several seasons of the show.

What are your thoughts? Have you read the books? Do you watch the show? Which is better in your opinion?

That's a good bargain.

That may explain why I didn't recall it for Jorg. I read the First Law books a while back.

I don't even recall saying that about Jorg, but it is totally true.

I'll be interested in what you think about Abercrombie. He's big on characters that are hard to like.

I read the first four Black Company books. They were good, but I moved on to something else and just haven't got back. Cook's writing style was very interesting. It nearly read like a hard-boiled mystery.

I get you, Deborah. Trying to assign labels is kind of unwieldy, but it is a good tool for those that like specific types of stories. Grimdark really fits Abercrombie and others. And really who wants to be like everyone else?

That sounds like a good one Perry. Reminds me of Cook's The Black Company with it centering on a mercenary company.

Welcome Deborah. What are some of your favorites so far?

Wissam, I've not read The Prince of Nothing, but it has been on my to read list for a while. I'll have to check out the Grimdark magazine.

Oops. Half a King, not Prince. I am halfway thinking I need to wait until the third one is out that way I can just plow through them all.

I hope you give the First Law books a try. The characters are hard to like, but easy to love.

I'll get the Grimdark wagon rollling here. Joe Abercrombie is the current king and ruler of Grimdark fantasy in my humble opinion. (His Twitter handle is https://twitter.com/LordGrimdark so he accepts this thorny crown.)

I have to recommend his First Law trilogy, but the rest of his books are in the same world and share some characters. I will admit, I've not read his young adult "Half A Prince" books yet, but will likely do so soon.

Good day. I'm Chompa.

I've been reading books for about 40 years or so and it hasn't gotten old yet. I'm starting this group because I couldn't find a group that is talking about this sub-genre of fantasy.

Let's share favorite books, authors, etc..