Rob’s Comments (group member since Jul 06, 2012)

Rob’s comments from the The Sword and Laser group.

The month has begun. Go forth and discuss

I finished my reread of the Expanse just in time to start Leviathan Falls yesterday.

Enjoying it so far. I'm also glad I did the reread before getting into this because I had forgotten so much detail, even from the more recent books.

The year is now approaching it's end. What books will you be trying to get in before the new year?

Please keep the thread to Quick Buns only...

Every year Patrick Rothfuss's Worldbuilders Charity (https://worldbuilders.org) does a big end of year fundraiser (https://worldbuilders.org/faq/end-of-...) where you have a chance to win a bunch of books, games, and other stuff.

We are once again doing a Sword & Laser Group for 2021.

The fundraiser will take place from November 30th to December 14th.

Here is Pat's kickoff blog post: https://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/2021...

Here is the 2021 Campaign page:

Here's a link to our team https://fundraise.worldbuilders.org/s...

For the last two years our goal has been to raise $1000, and both years we've blown that out of the water (in part due to matching funds), but we've combined to raise over $11,000 so far.

They are currently offering matching up to first $100k (currently around over 40k and rising quick)

If you're not familiar with how the lottery bit works, it's pretty simple; for every $10 you donate to our worldbuilders (that includes donations through the S&L page) you get entered into the lottery.

They haven't posted the stuff this year, but it's typically a bunch of books and games plus a chance to win a kick-ass gaming table too.


They are also doing Auctions (https://www.biddingforgood.com/auctio...). Those won't associate you with the S&L team, but it's another way to donate and one that guarantees you a prize (assuming you win of course). Right now there doesn't appear to be too many auctions up, but I think they add some as it goes on.

I've been enjoying it, but it kind of makes me angry. I feel like the writing for Jodie Whittaker hasn't been very good. I had similar feelings about Peter Capaldi.

Both were kind of wasted I thought. At least it seems like Whittaker will get to go out with an interesting story. I hope they stick the landing.

Welcome Lori

Our final book of 2021 is: The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

Let us know what you think in the thread.

December meetup, TBD.

Please fill out the doodle and let's see if we can find a day that works for most people:

https://doodle.com/poll/gzxakqde7u4besz9

A bunch of stuff on sale (some of these may have been shared already I feel like, but just in case)

Project Hail Mary - $5: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08FHBV4ZX/

Leviathan Wakes - $3: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0047Y171G/

Revelation Space - $3: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0819W19WD/

Children of Time - $3: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07DN8BQMD/

Ancillary Justice - $3: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BAXFDLM/

Consider Phlebas - $3: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0013TX6FI/

I will say the (episode 1 spoiler and I guess a bit of a book spoiler?)(view spoiler)[change to give Perin a partner who he then immediately stuffs in a fridge was a terrible change. (hide spoiler)]. So far most of the other changes haven't bothered me as much. Although the changes to Mat's parents make me sad and has so far made him seem uncharismatic and humorless (IE, not Mat).

I'm really hoping this series doesn't lose it's levity in an effort to be "The Next Game of Thrones". Just because both are fantasy doesn't me they have very much in common. But of course tell that to Jeff Bezos I guess.

That said, it's inevitable they will make changes I don't like and cut out parts I love if they manage to get to keep making this show beyond season 2.

But so far, so good for me.

Welcome Holly. We'll glad fill you up on recommendations here, especially if you check out our What Else are you reading thread.

Personally I liked the first 3 episodes and have enjoyed it so far. It's not perfect but it was never going to be. It's a hard series to adapt.

Theft of Swords (which is a 2 book omni-bus and former S&L pick) is $3 today: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004XWBUKK

Next Meetup:

Date: Saturday November 20 (due to Thanksgiving)
When: 12PM ET
Where: Discord

Please fill in your name with a yes/no/maybe:
https://doodle.com/poll/3fd67ngmzyd3irr5

Sorry to hear about your cancer Iain. It's been a huge problem in my family. Wishing you the best in your treatment and recovery.

Trike wrote: "I though you were reading all of the Expanse? Isn’t that like 7 books now?"

I'm doing the expanse in audio. I use re-reading for audio because re-listening just sounds strange.

Started reading Reaper.

I haven't been reading much, just audio. This is only my 4th book this year, and the last book in the series Bloodline, is one of the other 3 I read.

More discworld Men at Arms is $2 today: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000TU16RC/

Mark wrote: "I'm not sure why it's been difficult to read this year."

YMMV but I can think of 1 reason. I know some people seemed to use all the extra time at home to read or whatever, but I can't seem to concentrate on books most of the time.

I'm going to attempt to read my first non-audiobook since early June (and only my 4th book this year) with the release of Reaper today. It will likely be my last non-audiobook as well, unless it motivates me to pick up something else.