Well, it's easy to see why this story has survived for so long. Despite the archaic syntax it was quiet readable and relatable, the story was interestWell, it's easy to see why this story has survived for so long. Despite the archaic syntax it was quiet readable and relatable, the story was interesting, but simple enough to sit easily in the memory. I'm actually surprised that all anybody refers to is the first section (of three). In short, worth reading....more
Not bad, as far as philosophy goes. The context of the writer (he was a Roman Emperor) makes his thoughts a bit less revelatory and a bit more self-seNot bad, as far as philosophy goes. The context of the writer (he was a Roman Emperor) makes his thoughts a bit less revelatory and a bit more self-serving, but still worth reading. ...more
Not as good as the first one, but still damn good. The pacing is a bit weird, I think it would have benefitted from being split into two books. OtherwNot as good as the first one, but still damn good. The pacing is a bit weird, I think it would have benefitted from being split into two books. Otherwise- good characters, interesting plot, nifty world building. ...more
A great read- interesting characters, worldbuilding, and plot... my only criticism is the ending, which reads like the book is really only a fraction A great read- interesting characters, worldbuilding, and plot... my only criticism is the ending, which reads like the book is really only a fraction of the story. I'm sure I'll feel vindicated reading the next one (or two), but now I have to wait for shipping, dammit. ...more
A great book about a great comic series... not only are there the first 1/3 of every Far Side panel ever, but a boatload of background and funny storiA great book about a great comic series... not only are there the first 1/3 of every Far Side panel ever, but a boatload of background and funny stories. 100% worth the read....more
In terms of this book being an instructional manual on making your speech more compelling or convincing, I cannot recommend it highly enough. But wow,In terms of this book being an instructional manual on making your speech more compelling or convincing, I cannot recommend it highly enough. But wow, is it dry. It breaks down any form of discussion into its component elements, and discusses the strategy for every conceivable scenario in excruciating detail... but don't read it for entertainment purposes....more
What a freakin' awesome book. I have heard it called the best novel ever written, and I can see why. The one drawback is the slow bit in the middle, aWhat a freakin' awesome book. I have heard it called the best novel ever written, and I can see why. The one drawback is the slow bit in the middle, about 200 pages of French aristocracy that probably sizzled back in the day, but was not really my cup of tea. There were quite a few bits which were honestly the best written scenarios of their kind I have encountered. If I could rate it six stars, I would. ...more
A bit nihilist for my taste, but Clarey does have a great capacity for the kick-in-the-ass that many people seem to need (including myself). As with hA bit nihilist for my taste, but Clarey does have a great capacity for the kick-in-the-ass that many people seem to need (including myself). As with his other books (and indeed, as he advises in the book itself), a good source for cherry-picking, discard the rest. Worth the read. ...more
No spoilers, obviously, especially for a third book in a trilogy, but Novik manages a good ending, which I am picky about. She seals up the apparent hNo spoilers, obviously, especially for a third book in a trilogy, but Novik manages a good ending, which I am picky about. She seals up the apparent holes in her magic system, and rounds off many of the characters by placing them in radically different situations than before. The mystery aspect was spot on, most the big plot twists happened just as I became aware of the events that caused them. Very well done, even the somewhat ham-handed anti-capitalism metaphors. Thumbs up! Read it!...more
Dammit, I missed #2 and #3... but I love these books! Quite possibly the one writer I can think of who is significantly more messed up than me, but inDammit, I missed #2 and #3... but I love these books! Quite possibly the one writer I can think of who is significantly more messed up than me, but in a good way. Couldn't put it down, I plowed through it in less than 24 hours....more
The Mistborn books are among my favourite Sanderson books; this one had some bits from his other Cosmere books, although I won't go into that, 'cuz spThe Mistborn books are among my favourite Sanderson books; this one had some bits from his other Cosmere books, although I won't go into that, 'cuz spoilers. Especially fun in the fancy combining powers and interesting characters that have made the Era 2 books work so well. I am curious to see if/when there is an Era 3, how far ahead will he jump, and what will go on there. ...more
Super fun book that defies the expectations it sets. Well laid out and witty, with good action sequences. The scope gets larger as it goes on, remindiSuper fun book that defies the expectations it sets. Well laid out and witty, with good action sequences. The scope gets larger as it goes on, reminding me of the Forever War and the Foundation books. It's especially titillating to 'get' all the references the main character makes, while the other characters don't. ...more
Although I didn't agree with all of Plato's conclusions (the Greeks of the classical era had serious issues with absolutes- immutable, immortal, immovAlthough I didn't agree with all of Plato's conclusions (the Greeks of the classical era had serious issues with absolutes- immutable, immortal, immovable, etc), it was nearly 400 pages of solid thought experiment, and was an interesting ride. It does show how disappointingly little logical debate has advanced in the past few millennia. ...more
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