Chris’s Comments (group member since Feb 25, 2011)

Chris’s comments from the Beyond Reality group.

I find Alvin to be a very unlikeable narrator. His restlessness moves the plot along, but it seems to be a very impetuous restlessness that leaves a path of chaos and even casual destruction behind (the dissolution of the polyp creature in Shalmirane). A renewed correspondence between Lys and Diaspar will likely be of long-term benefit to the human race, but it seems more a by-product of Alvin's interference than an intentional aim.

I agree with Philip, that there is a stark contrast between the technological marvels and an overwhelming sense of bleakness.

Lots of big ideas, but quite a difficult book to enjoy.

I truly enjoyed this book. I found Circe's story engaging and human (even if she is divine). Miller's take on Odysseus seems entirely within character, and gives us another view of the hero we thought we knew. The ending, too, seems perfect; each character coming into harmony with their own character, charting a new course for themselves.

I had not expected to like this book. I didn't like Achilles (although now I may need to go back for a re-read, perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood). But this book completely won me over.

Welcome to summer! Let us know what you are reading this month and whether you recommend it.

Final polls are up, and will be open through Friday May 31. We have some wonderful choices. Let's vote!

Science Fiction: Final SF Poll

Fantasy: Final Fantasy Poll

Chris, Moderator
Beyond Reality

Preliminary (first round) polls are up, and will be open through Saturday May 25. We have some wonderful choices. Let's vote!

Science Fiction: Preliminary SF Poll

Fantasy: Preliminary Fantasy Poll

Chris, Moderator
Beyond Reality

Chris wrote: "Hi everyone,
I'll be traveling for the next few days, so we're going to open August 2019 nominations a bit earlier than usual. Each group member may make 1 science fiction and/or 1 fantasy nominat..."

Mike has sent you a message on Goodreads!
Mike said,
SF:

Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks

Fantasy:

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Kari wrote: "For fantasy, I'd like to nominate Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo--looks like a fun book, I've been meaning to read it for a while, and who doesn't love ensemble team..."

Steampunk indeed counts as Science Fiction!

Hi everyone,
I'll be traveling for the next few days, so we're going to open August 2019 nominations a bit earlier than usual. Each group member may make 1 science fiction and/or 1 fantasy nomination in this thread. If you would like to make a nomination, please reply to this post with the title and author of the book(s) you would like to put forward for the group’s consideration. A couple of suggestions to keep in mind:

1. Telling us a little about the book and why you think it would be a good group read can help get other members interested in reading (and voting for) your nomination. If possible, please use a link to the book and author in your nomination post. Click on “add book/author" for an easy way to do that.

2. To see if your nomination has already been read by the group, you can check:

a. the group's bookshelf for Previous Books of the Month

and/or

b. these threads:
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2018 - Present
Master list of Previous Books of the Month (Apr-Dec 2017)
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2012 - 2017
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2006 - 2011

Books the group has read in the past 2 years are not eligible for current consideration. Being chosen as a past BotM prior to that time is not an automatic disqualification, but be aware that it may hinder your nomination’s chances at the polls.

General guidelines:
• Feel free to re-nominate a book that didn’t win in the polls in previous months!
• For questions regarding specifics such as book formats, books in series, self-nomination and various rules for nominations, please see the group FAQ.
• Seconding isn't necessary in this group.
• Friendly discussion & debate is strongly encouraged, but let's please keep things civil.

Poll schedule:
• Nominations will remain open through Saturday May 18.
• The first (preliminary) round of polls will open Sunday May 19 and will run through Saturday May 25.
• The final run-off polls go up Sunday May 26 and will be open through Friday May 31.

Thanks!
Chris, Moderator

NOMINATIONS SO FAR:
SCIENCE FICTION:
Downbelow Station
Karen Memory
Starship Grifters
Surface Detail
Behold the Man

FANTASY:
Six of Crows
Winter Rose
The Name of the Wind
The Black God's Drums
A Shadow in Summer

Oleksandr wrote: "There are some things I really like in this book, but some very weak things as well.

Extreme order vs chaos in two cities aren't that new, see for example Michael Moorcock. I liked ..."

I take your point that the order/chaos tension isn't new. I think the existence of the two different languages, not related to the original Earth language, shows us how completely different the mindsets of the two groups have become. What can be more profound in shaping one's thinking than a language that doesn't have a word to express a particular concept, or a multitude of words to express the nuances of another?

I enjoyed this book. The magical system, made of carefully worded "wishes" and alliances between small and greater gods was intricately crafted, and reliant on sacrifices for their continued well-being. Our mysterious narrator kept me guessing for quite a while, particularly since we seemed to be dealing with locations on both the northern and southern portions of the map. A unique and interesting world and characters.

What amazing world building! Several different cultures clash … one city excessively regimented and organized, another city ruled by violent factions which frequently clash. Small groups that try to survive outside the cities by pirating or trade in the harshest of harsh environments. And then, as we progressively understand, the beasts who have their own city in the night, stewards of the planet and the only group that might be able to create a livable climate for everyone. Such big ideas, yet the story is told through two seemingly insignificant characters.

Sophie impresses me. She is clearly intelligent, but not outgoing or sure of herself. Her willingness to embrace the unknown is unimaginably brave. I understand her admiration of Bianca, who is self-possessed and sure of herself, but it nearly ruins her on several occasions. I believe Bianca thinks she reciprocates this relationship, but she always ends up using Sophie for her own ends.

Mouth is continually searching to belong, replacing her lost community. Her restless searching keeps her moving between alliances and even cities, but is never satisfied until she fully understands why her community was destroyed.

An incredible, inventive, and moving story. Like Christine, I did find the ending a bit abrupt, and wonder if there's a sequel to come.

Our final polls are very close. Today is the final day to cast your vote. Help decide what we'll read in July. Time is running out … vote now!

Science Fiction: Final SF Poll

Fantasy: Final Fantasy Poll

Chris, Moderator
Beyond Reality

Final polls are up, and will be open through Tuesday April 30. We have some wonderful choices. Let's vote!

Science Fiction: Final SF Poll

Fantasy: Final Fantasy Poll

Chris, Moderator
Beyond Reality

Preliminary (first round) polls are up, and will be open through Wednesday April 24. We have some wonderful choices. Let's vote!

Science Fiction: Preliminary SF Poll

Fantasy: Preliminary Fantasy Poll

Chris, Moderator
Beyond Reality

I agree, Kathi, I think that this is the best book so far. I found it almost impossible to put down. I agree that Hobb wrapped up the Six Duchies loose ends, assuming a conclusion to this part of the story. As we'll see later, we'll see more Six Duchies later in our series read.

Memorable moments:
* In every book I say that Fitz is finally coming of age. In this book, he really does grow into his whole self. Really!
* The detailed and very different culture of the Outer Isles, and the conflict this represents in views of marriage and leadership
* Wonderful, wry sentences like "Dragons at a distance are amazing and noble creatures of legend. My closer experience of them makes me suspect they'd burp nobly after consuming me."
* The resolving relationship between Burritch and Swift.
* The surprising purpose of the rooster crown. We've been carrying that around for quite some time, good to see that loose end tied up.
* Heartbreak, indeed. So much heartbreak.

If I have any complaint, it's that I don't quite believe the Pale Woman as a complete villain. Why is she so compelling to the Outer Islanders that they would give in to her? I guess I understand it intellectually, but she doesn't have the filled out character of a truly great villain. But I'll buy in, to get the rest of this fantastic story. What a great read!

We could use a few more nominations. Check out your “want to read” lists and make a suggestion!

OK, Kari, you made me look back at our bookshelf. To date, the group has read these "city" books:
Jade City - 2018
The City & the City - 2009 and 2018
City of Golden Shadow - 2016
The Infernal City - 2016
City of Stairs - 2016
The City and the Stars - 2013 and 2019
The Etched City - 2013
City of Bones - 2011
City of Saints and Madmen - 2006 and 2009

Hi everyone,
Guess what? It's time to open nominations for our July 2019 Books of the Month. Each group member may make 1 science fiction and/or 1 fantasy nomination in this thread. If you would like to make a nomination, please reply to this post with the title and author of the book(s) you would like to put forward for the group’s consideration. A couple of suggestions to keep in mind:

1. Telling us a little about the book and why you think it would be a good group read can help get other members interested in reading (and voting for) your nomination. If possible, please use a link to the book and author in your nomination post. Click on “add book/author" for an easy way to do that.

2. To see if your nomination has already been read by the group, you can check:

a. the group's bookshelf for Previous Books of the Month

and/or

b. these threads:
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2018 - Present
Master list of Previous Books of the Month (Apr-Dec 2017)
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2012 - 2017
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2006 - 2011

Books the group has read in the past 2 years are not eligible for current consideration. Being chosen as a past BotM prior to that time is not an automatic disqualification, but be aware that it may hinder your nomination’s chances at the polls.

General guidelines:
• Feel free to re-nominate a book that didn’t win in the polls in previous months!
• For questions regarding specifics such as book formats, books in series, self-nomination and various rules for nominations, please see the group FAQ.
• Seconding isn't necessary in this group.
• Friendly discussion & debate is strongly encouraged, but let's please keep things civil.

Poll schedule:
• Nominations will remain open through Wednesday April 17.
• The first (preliminary) round of polls will open Thursday April 18 and will run through Wednesday April 24.
• The final run-off polls go up Wednesday April 25 and will be open through Tuesday April 30.

Thanks!
Chris, Moderator

NOMINATIONS SO FAR:
SCIENCE FICTION:
Blackfish City
Starship Grifters
Places in the Darkness
A Scanner Darkly
Feed
Azanian Bridges

FANTASY:
Winter Rose
Trail of Lightning
The Last Days of New Paris
The Stress of Her Regard
Djinn City
All the Birds in the Sky

Just finished Tiamat's Wrath. I thought it was a bit slow to start, but the finish was fantastic! This series just keeps getting better and better. And I can't think of any way to say just how good it was without a spoiler!

I can't really say that I liked this book, although it does raise interesting ethical questions. I found Honey and Bees more compelling characters than Rex. I could see how Rex's instinct to be a Good Dog was at the heart of his motivation, but it didn't make him empathetic to me.

BIG ethical questions about modifying animals and humans. Who should decide? What about questions of ownership and/or personhood? Once such beings are created, who can decide how/when to engage them? How can you keep such intentions from being corrupted and used for evil purposes?

I found some of the most interesting materials inserted near the end, in the "book excerpts" detailing positive uses for modified life forms in drug enforcement, medical diagnosis, and in Mars settlement.