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

Chris’s comments from the Beyond Reality group.

I would like to nominate The Three-Body Problem. Apparently a well known Chinese author, the book is just released in English. Premise sounds interesting, and a welcome view of science fiction from a different cultural view.

I enjoyed this quite a bit. The tone reminded me of "old time" children's literature like "The Princess and the Goblin", with its roots in the Andrew Lang Fairy Tale books. Whimsical and creative.

Downright creepy, but strangely addictive. I agree with the Poe/Lovecraft comment. Creepy but beautiful.
"There shall be a fire that knows your name, and in the presence of the strangling fruit, its dark flame shall acquire every part of you."
"Death, as I was beginning to understand it, was not the same thing here as back across the border."
I think it is exactly the right length. I don't think I'll continue the series, but that's because I like leaving the loose ends still .... loose. So many possibilities, almost like poetry. Quite a ride.

Reading The Map of Time and then The Map of the Sky. Probably follow with Salvatore's Dark Elf Trilogy, I've always wanted to read those and it's time to start. On audiobooks, I'm starting Jack Campbell's Perilous Stars.

I read this some time ago, but I didn't really remember it, so I read it again for this discussion. And now I know why I blocked this from my memory. What a grim read! Post apocalyptic novels just may not be my thing.

I admired the craft of the writing, and the overall plot premise was interesting. But I didn't empathize with any of the characters, except for Jimmy in the last few pages, and that was too late. I didn't understand Oryx, and I'm not sure her character served any real purpose other than to drag in long digressions on degrading pornography that made me feel slimy.

Not for me, I'm afraid.

Just finished my re-read. I loved it when I read it years ago, and still love it. I've read everything by Robin Hobb since I read the first book, and am a big fan of everything (except the Soldier Son trilogy, didn't care for that much).

I heard Robin Hobb speak at last year's Worldcon in San Antonio; she'll be a guest of honor at this year's Worldcon in London. She's a gracious woman, and full of tidbits of esoteric knowledge that pop up in her books (herbal lore, horses ... the list goes on). One of the more interesting observations that I recall had to do with the development of magical systems. How is the magic perceived in the community - respected, vilified, feared? Is the magic learned, or is it a gift? What must you give up to use the magic - health, time and dedication to learning, loss of personal relationships?

Fitz is an engaging character, in a well developed world. The way the Wit and Skill magical systems play off each other adds interest and tension -- and then you add the assassin's skill, and Forging, and political intrigue .... I'm on a binge re-read!

Kathi wrote: "R.L. wrote: "I've always wondered: why this title? ."

I thought perhaps the whole line (O you who turn the wheel and look to windward) referred to The Minds of Culture--perhaps a warning to them t..."
I believe the quote refers to the mind of Masiq' Hub, whose avatar said this: “And, as you might imagine, I consider that I have an obligation to discharge. I fully intend to spend the rest of my existence here as Masaq’ Hub for as long as I’m needed or until I’m no longer welcome, forever keeping an eye to windward for approaching storms and just generally protecting this quaint circle of fragile little bodies and the vulnerable little brains they house from whatever harm a big dumb mechanical universe or any consciously malevolent force might happen or wish to visit upon them, specifically because I know how appallingly easy they are to destroy. I will give my life to save theirs, if it should ever come to that. And give it gladly, happily, too, knowing that the trade was entirely worth the debt I incurred eight hundred years ago, back in Arm One-Six.”

Excerpt From: Iain M. Banks. “Look to Windward.” Gallery Books. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.

Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/M...

About half way though. I thought it had a choppy start, but it's certainly picking up steam.

I read this years ago, and have read every Robin Hobb ever since. I decided to re-read my old paperback for this discussion. Unfortunately only got half way through before I left for vacation, and didn't want to weigh myself down with books on an overseas trip. Wanted to finish it so much I was willing to buy an ebook, but the signal strength on the boat won't let me download. So sad .....

Oh, brightly woven indeed!

I was not familiar with these books, and hearing them has been like rediscovering an old friend -- these have become some of my new favorites. My hat is off to the person who recommended the series read!

Guy Gavriel Kay weaves heartbreak into his stories like no one else. Paul on the tree, Jennifer's rape, sacrifices of Lancelot, Loren, Diar .... the list goes on and on. And yet the appealing nature of the Light is that those of the Light are willing to sacrifice themselves, while the Dark only sacrifices others.

I can quibble with minor points -- recruiting the five was a very weak point indeed -- but the world was lush and imaginative. I'll be thinking warm thoughts about this read for some time to come.

This one wasn't my cup of tea. I think the author has done some interesting world building, and the style works for me. But there is just too much violence for me. I put this book down after the first couple of chapters, although I did pick it back up and finished it. Jorg is just evil. Although I now see what made him what he is, I can't identify with him and I don't find any other character to like (except perhaps the Nubian, but he's dead now). I won't be moving on to the rest of the series.

Nick wrote: "J.A. wrote: "For Science Fiction - just barely makes it into this genre, but a great read - State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett. And have you already done Hugh Howey's Wool Saga through to the end?"

..."
Rather than the a Wool Saga, consider the Wool Omnibus instead. It's the complete story (made up of a number of separate sections). And it's great. Really great. I recently finished the trilogy, Shift (omnibus), and Dust.

For fantasy, I'll nominate The Crown Tower by Michael J Sullivan. This is a prequel to his Riyria Revelations trilogy, featuring an engaging pair of thieves(Royce and Hadrian), with plenty of plot twists, humor, and swashbuckling action. I'm looking forward to reading this prequel so that I can learn more about Royce and Hadrian's entertaining exploits.

I am grateful that this book was selected for January. It was definitely time for a re-read. I think this is a perfect example of science fiction at its best: taking a "what if" scenario to an extreme, and examining the impacts on society and individuals. It's easy to identify with George as a protagonist, you can only sympathize with his impossible situation. And Dr. Haber is an altruistic villain, of all things! I may mutter er'perhenne before I drift off to sleep tonight, just in case......

This was a gem! The language theme was brilliant, and the traditional hard sci-fi setting elements kept everything moving. My copy came packaged with another novella Empire Star, which was different but just as brilliant. A grand master, indeed.

Hi Kate! This is the first of your books that I've read, and I liked it well enough to read the rest of the trilogy. Thanks for providing an entertaining diversion! I do have a question about the relationship between Cat and Bea, which to me seems one-sided. Cat is very concerned to protect Bea at all costs, while Bea seems to be somewhat inconsiderate of Cat's concern and sacrifice. Was this an intention choice when you conceived their relationship, or am I just reading too much into this?

I had mixed feelings about this one. As a "guilty pleasure", the romance story was enjoyable a la Pride and Prejudice. But there were way too many elements (did we really need steam punk and zombies and intelligent feathered dinosaurs and gnomes and magic and an ice age, plus a romantic abduction.. and more?). That said, I liked the heroine enough to read the other books in the trilogy, in spite of the mashed up background.
Although I liked Cat, I didn't care much for Bea. Although Cat was continually sacrificing her own best interests in favor of protecting Bea, Bea was either oblivious or uncaring, and frequently took advantage of Cat. I enjoyed Rory and Andevai quite a bit, though.

A question for all of you history mavens out there. Ned is sensitive to places where there has been an event of historical significance, such as a massacre. He also senses something at Les Baux, although he's told it's very old. So....what happened there? Was it something of actual historical significance, or something in the Fionavar backstory, perhaps? Wikipedia was not helpful. Anyone have an idea?

Shel wrote: "I really enjoyed Fair Game (especially the ending...no spoilers, but I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out in future books in the series!), and just earlier today finished..."

I read Isaac's Storm a number of years ago. We take so much for granted in these days of weather radar and hurricane warnings days in advance of an actual storm. This well-told story brought home what it must have been like at the time, when such a major storm could strike almost without warning, and cause almost unimaginable devastation.

I'm in!