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

Chris’s comments from the Beyond Reality group.

I was not expecting this to be a young adult book, but I certainly enjoyed it. We are planning a trip next summer to visit that region of France, so the intermingling of the real current and historical places was both intriguing and welcome.

Ned was an engaging narrator. I appreciated that Phelan and Cadell were not hero/villain, but each had a blend of qualities that made them more realistic.

I think Phelan and Cadell were indeed relieved to end the cycle. I don't think Ysabel was relieved, but she was probably ready (influenced by Melanie, I'm sure).

I have not read the Fionavar Tapestry, and I did not miss this backstory in reading Ysabel. I was happy to find that there is a related work so that I can explore the Ysabel universe further, saddened to find that the books are not available in electronic format, happy to find that they ARE available as audio books, and happy that we might have a series read....

Sandi wrote: "I listened to the audiobook shortly after it came out. I think I might have enjoyed it more in print. Scalzi tends to use the word "said" a lot and the dialogue being "said" is often quite short...."

I absolutely agree with you. I tried to listen to the audiobook on a car trip with my husband, and he found it too confusing, for all of the reasons you mentioned. That said, it was a fun read ( once I got the actual book). And I've heard Wil Wheaton read other books by Scalzi that I found more effective.

Ken wrote: "I liked them, thought they were the best part of the book. We get to see the fallout from the Novella. How exactly does the writer keep from killing characters, what about the Son or the Wife.

Her..."

FYI, the other Hugo nominees were Blackout, 2312, Throne of the Crescent Moon, and Captain Vorpatril's Alliance.

I think the codas made the book. Without them it was a funny but fairly stock story; with the codas it became human. And I thought having the codas in a different "person" was a clever way to give each one a different voice.

I just got back from Lone Star Con 3 where the Hugos were presented. Great con! John Scalzi read from some of his work, including this short story available on his website. Enjoy! http://whatever.scalzi.com/2011/08/05...

As with her Mars series, the science in this book is visionary. But I didn't really enjoy the story, and I didn't find the characters likeable. By the end I'd warmed up to them a bit, and I'm not sorry I read the book, but it's not one of my favorites.

Not really my favorite. I realize that I read this book many years ago, and didn't care enough to continue the series. In terms of the plot, this seems to be a lot like Lord Valentine's Castle (protagonist goes on a journey, accumulating companions as he goes...). The author has an amazing vocabulary, though, and interweaves seldom used English words with completely new words of his own devising for lyrical descriptive passages. I've decided to just let the language wash over me, and let the plot (such as it is) stay in the background.

I was glad this book was chosen. Although I had seen the author's name, I hadn't read any Cherryh before (probably because I prefer ebooks, and none are available). I was very glad to meet the mri! I admired their dedication and sense of honor, and their stoicism in the face of what appeared to be annihilation of their species. Like Jim, I think the sword catching game was a perfect way to introduce their nature. I wasn't able to stop with Kesrith, though, and finished the trilogy while I was on a beach vacation.

I read this a couple of years ago, but re-read it for this discussion. I think I enjoyed it even more the second time. The world is richly imagined, and Locke is an engaging rascal with a heart in the right place. I've started the second book in the series now. I have to agree with others, however -- a disturbing number of character deaths. I hope there's someone left ..... (besides Locke, that is).

I thought that this book was beautifully written. At first it reminded me of Stephen King's Gunslinger Roland character has more nobility of purpose. The descriptions of the city were lovely, as well. But this was by far the most desperately gloomy book I've read since Gormenghast. I'm not sorry I read the book, but I don't think I can honestly say I enjoyed the experience.

Paul wrote: "I'm in the middle of the Wool omnibus by Hugh Howey. I find the worldbuilding interesting and the story an interesting take on the police procedural/detective novel. I think Howey takes some intere..."

I read the book last month, and enjoyed it very much. I also liked the detective/mystery approach, and I think you're spot on with your comparison to Asimov. I'm less sure about the "omnibus" element; it reads as a complete work, and I'm hard pressed to imagine any portion standing on its own.

I had never heard of Tepper before this book selection, but I'm ready for more. I thought that "Grass" has a definite sense of place -- wholly unique, alien but somewhat familiar, and a bit creepy.

Snail in Danger (Nikki) wrote: "I think Kote's being ... call it intelligent but not wise (or particularly good/nice, at times) ... kept me from being annoyed by his precocious intelligence. Without his character flaws, he would..."

I think you've hit the nail on the head, here.

I started this weekend, and I'm half way through. I appreciate the author's ability to tell a good story. I understand this is his first book, quite an accomplishment.