Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What Are you Reading?
Lady*M wrote: "I'm reading the new Brandon Sanderson - The Words of Radiance. 1100 pages of epic fantasy goodness"I just got that. :)
Lady*M wrote: "I'm reading the new Brandon Sanderson - The Words of Radiance. 1100 pages of epic fantasy goodness"Is it as good as the Mistborn trilogy, which was amazing?
I just read Reawakening which I hugely enjoyed. I don't read much high fantasy these days, but this was a really nicely sketched-in world, with a lot of intriguing characters and a satisfying plot as well as a good love story. The author's blog is also terrific, this one is brilliant on the 'death of the author'.
K.J. wrote: "I just read Reawakening which I hugely enjoyed. I don't read much high fantasy these days, but this was a really nicely sketched-in world, with a lot of intriguing characters and a ..."Reawakening was wonderful, I eagerly await the next book in that series. Have you read The Lodestar of Ys?
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I'm going to be reading JCP's Turbulence 2 next followed by the last Brandstetter. Gah! Lol.
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But anyway, I thought some of you might be interested. In store it was $30 but on Amazon it's $22.
I just finished reading Welcome Home, Captain Harding. And Elliott J Mackle has joined my short list of "Writers I love, but will never forgive". :D The only other writers on it so far are Patrick Ness and Stephen KingSo now I'm reading Josh's Mummy Dearest because I need something light and fun to unbreak my heart.
So I'm reading a book by a fairly well known author, relatively popular in m/m, and I'm just rolling my eyes at how, well, stupid the entire book is. Stupid plot, stupid characters, and characters that are just like the other characters in her other books.This is right after re-reading a book I read 3 years ago and gave 5 stars to. That book did not survive well either. Again a very unlikely (aka stupid) plot, characters that didn't have much connection, and the entire thing just fell flat. It deserves maybe 3 stars now. I don't know what I was thinking 3 years ago when I read it the first time. Sheesh!
So it's been a bit of a disappointing few days of reading for me.
But I should point out that The Boys and the Bees, first novel by Mari Donne was vert good. So was Trouble & the Wallflower by Kade Boehme.
Susinok wrote: "So I'm reading a book by a fairly well known author, relatively popular in m/m, and I'm just rolling my eyes at how, well, stupid the entire book is. Stupid plot, stupid characters, and characters ..."I have a feeling I know which book you're talking about. I almost bought it but I know exactly what you mean - a few of her books were all I needed to read. :-D
I enjoyed The Boys and the Bees, too. Good to know you liked Trouble and the Wallflower. I've already bought it because it sounded so interesting.
I'm currently reading Double Blind but it's a bit slow for me. I usually like Heidi's books, but I could not care less about poker and there is a LOT of poker and other gambling in this one.
Susinok wrote: "So I'm reading a book by a fairly well known author, relatively popular in m/m, and I'm just rolling my eyes at how, well, stupid the entire book is. Stupid plot, stupid characters, and characters ..."I don't think that naming the books would be considered a crime in this thread. You just state your personal opinion. Just saying...
Actually, I'd appreciate knowing what you don't like, Susinok. I'm listening to Philomena and enjoying it a lot in spite of reviews saying the movie is better. Haven't seen it yet, but plan to.
Colette wrote: "Reawakening was wonderful, I eagerly await the next book in that series. Have you read The Lodestar of Ys?"I haven't, isn't it absolutely gigantic? I would like to as I thought her writing was terrific, but...time. :(
Anne wrote: "Lady*M wrote: "I'm reading the new Brandon Sanderson - The Words of Radiance. 1100 pages of epic fantasy goodness"Is it as good as the Mistborn trilogy, which was amazing?"
It's a bit heavier, but to me it's Sanderson's best work so far and I've read almost everything he wrote.
I don't generally grumble about specifics. I'm just that way. You can see my currently reading list and figure it out fast. Hint, it's not the paranormal..Plus,, that author has written some gems, real gems, but this one is NOT one of them.
Susinok wrote: "So I'm reading a book by a fairly well known author, relatively popular in m/m, and I'm just rolling my eyes at how, well, stupid the entire book is. Stupid plot, stupid characters, and characters ..."This happens to me all the time in UF (especially if it crosses into PNR). I don't post in the reading thread here often because I only read mm when it crosses over into one of my other genres (I only read mf or ff when it is in one of my other genres too). But your experience is familiar to me. I think this happens when an author finds certain elements and formulas that work and relies on them too much. Don't get me wrong--I read and enjoy many books that may well have started with the "How to Write a Novel in 3 days" approach. The problem is they can't leave them at the Mad Libs fill in the blank level or it insults the intelligence of the reader. Even me--and I love brain candy books.
I feel for you. Hope you get a better book soon.
Feral wrote: "Even me--and I love brain candy books...."Me too, me too. Sometimes I just want a sweet, simple story to take me away for a little bit. But I still want a quality product.
On my phone so can't include KJ's message, but the Lodestar of Ys is about 44k words so not too long. It's a fantastic fantasy read.
K.J. wrote: "Colette wrote: "Reawakening was wonderful, I eagerly await the next book in that series. Have you read The Lodestar of Ys?"I haven't, isn't it absolutely gigantic? I would like to as I thought he..."
No - it is not very long and it is well worth the time. She really is very good.
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The same goes for me. I rate a lot of books five stars, that others would rate a four. If I truly enjoyed it, if I could get past things that bothered other people, or could easily ignore something that's unrealistic, or whatever, it might very well get a five from me. Other books that I LOVE also get a five, but they will also go on my "favorites" shelf/list, like getting an extra star or something.
With my UKMeet shelf, I'm trying new authors, and part of trying new authors comes getting a few duds in the bunch. I suppose I'm due for a few real duds. I haven't had any in awhile. But then, I've been careful about what I select and read, since I already have a bunch and not much time to read it all.
That said, I just bought Alex Beecroft's new ebook that features a bunch of her short stories: All At Sea. It's available free on one of the other sites I don't have an account with. She mentions it on her blog. I decided I'd rather pay the small fee and buy it. Historical doesn't earn much money anyway, as we've discussed.
I really can't wait to get to reading more of her work. I seem to be in a huge historical fiction crave right now. I just got an audio book about the revolutionary war. Yet, it's been forever since I've read any historical anything. I need to get to it!
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Very true. I'm the same. A book can be solid 5 stars for me, a full, emotional experience that leaves me totally satisfied, but that doesn't mean that I automatically will feel compelling need to re-read the book later on. Strange, huh.
I like to think the way you do, Lou. That it's about the layers, the depth.
Sandra wrote: "Actually, I'd appreciate knowing what you don't like, Susinok. I'm listening to Philomena and enjoying it a lot in spite of reviews saying the movie is better"The movie was awesome. Also because the MCs are at times so real and irritating: Philomena with her attitude of forgiveness towards the nuns, the journalist with his upper class arrogance.
I found also very important the message of acceptance transmitted by a movie that in my opinion everybody could like. I mean, it is obvious that for ex. the crowd here is accepting, it is good if this acceptance spreads. I'm trying to avoid spoilers here ;-).
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Amusing. But doesn't really take into account the modern relationship of writer and reader whereupon readers keep coming back asking the writer for more details on previous events in earlier stories. :-D
I don't think this used to happen in literature. I think it is a fairly recent development. Which can be tracked back to...I have no idea what!
Doesn't really address series either, if you think about it.
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Is the stupid book a new-to-you author? (I'm curious about why you tried the book -- was the description not accurate or did friends rave about it?)
That is kind of the problem with ratings. I don't know that our feelings about books are static. Especially books we either like a lot of dislike a lot.
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Me too, me too. Sometimes I just want a sweet, simple story to take me away for a little bit. But I still want a quality product."
Absolutely. Sometimes you want something short and sweet. Sometimes you want to lose yourself in another world for days on end. Sometimes you want to fall asleep. :-) And there's a story for all of that!
Antonella wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Actually, I'd appreciate knowing what you don't like, Susinok. I'm listening to Philomena and enjoying it a lot in spite of reviews saying the movie is better"The..."
I assume I know what you're talking about here. The book spends most of the time on the son, and the author seems very accepting. It's quite moving, actually.
Josh wrote: "Is the stupid book a new-to-you author? (I'm curious about why you tried the book -- was the description not accurate or did friends rave about it?)..."Nope, not a new-to-me author. I've read most of her blacklist and the quality is up and down, depending on the book. Two of hers were excellent, among my favorites, but the rest vary in quality.
I see now the reviews are sort of agreeing with my assessment of the book. Many have pointed out the same flaws I saw myself.
So this author is off my autobuy list. I'll check the reviews first. This time they would have helped.
Na wrote: "What was acceptable few years ago might not be so today due to a broader market and more talents. ..."I agree.
Right now I'm about to look through my three new photography books. Understanding Close-Up Photography: Creative Close Encounters with Or Without a Macro Lens, Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera, and Bryan Peterson's Understanding Photography Field Guide. I have some very good photography books but these focus on digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras and how to use them in manual mode.I learned on a print camera SLR, and knew how to use it fairly well. Now I need to translate that to the myriad choice you have with a digital SLR.
Jordan wrote: "That said, I just bought Alex Beecroft's new ebook that features a bunch of her short stories: All At Sea. It's available free on one of the other sites I don't have an account with. She mentions it on her blog. I decided I'd rather pay the small fee and buy it. Historical doesn't earn much money anyway, as we've discussed. ..."The last story in that book is an old favourite of mine. :)
Susinok wrote: "Right now I'm about to look through my three new photography books. Understanding Close-Up Photography: Creative Close Encounters with Or Without a Macro Lens, [book:Understanding Ex..."We had a lovely spring day yesterday, with flowers blossoming everywhere (crocus, mini-daffodils, primroses, primulas, plum trees,etc.). Hope you have the same so you can practice your skills in your garden!
Susinok wrote: "Right now I'm about to look through my three new photography books. Understanding Close-Up Photography: Creative Close Encounters with Or Without a Macro Lens, [book:Understanding Ex..."One word: YouTube
I kept reading all those photography books but youtube really was what taught me things.
Wasn't the third book of the Captive Prince supposed to be out in March? Does anyone know?So funny because I don't read much if this kind of genre but I really loved the first two books and can't wait for the third one. Feels like I've been waiting forever.
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This book is making me feel like I have a problem, when I know I don't. There is a purpose for every withdrawn library book I've brought home recently. Even if I don't have shelf space for them or coffee table space. And I know there are two more stacks at work to come home, but some of them I'm going to look through before I decide to bring them home or not. I swear. Lol.
Otherwise, like her other books, this one is fantastic.
I read Turbulence two yesterday and loved it. Such an interesting story so far.
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Jordan wrote: "I read Turbulence two yesterday and loved it. Such an interesting story so far. ..."Turbulence is slowly moving up the list to read soon. I'm glad you are enjoying it.
Jordan wrote: "I'm currently reading Junk by Jo Myles. I decided I wasn't ready for the last Brandstetter.This book is making me feel like I have a problem, when I know I don't. There is a purpose for every wit..."
When I read Junk, I was relieved. I figured if I could still open all the rooms to the house, then I'm ok. Plus most of my books do fit on the shelves. I have three full wall shelves and one half shelf just for cookbooks.
I go through my books every so often and get rid of ones I can let go. Soon all my paperback fiction will be heading to the library to be donated. I will never pick them up again now I have a reader. Most of my hard bound books are craft books, history, art, and other non fiction titles. Those I keep.
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Wow! :-)
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I'm predicting that some of the fiction I've acquired recently I won't be keeping after I've read it, so that'll help. The nonfiction, not so much. And I don't know about the manga or comic books. If I like them, I'll keep them. Otherwise I'll bring them back for our free box.
But I'm thinking already that I've got more books than I can read. Sigh.
Jordan wrote: "The problem is that my floors are severely slanted, which means I couldn't buy taller bookcases or I would have. Then I wouldn't be running out of shelf space now. I'm predicting that some of the..."
That's why I embraced ebooks. My Calibre has thousands (many of which I have not read yet). I tried to sync it with my GoodReads shelves, but I have books marked as read that I don't have, and some books I have didn't make it here. oh well.
As for unwanted manga and comics, consider ebay. You can always donate profits if you don't need the money--and you may send the books to a "forever home".
I just finished a re-read of Butterfly Hunter and I fell in love with the book even more. No wonder it has made my list of alltime top-100 books. I re-read it in preparation for the sequel Of Dreams and Ceremonies, which I'm reading now. So far it is wonderful, as Dave is meeting Nicholas' family in England.
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I am reading Wolf's Trap by W.D. Gagliani. This is a mystery/horror story about a detective who is also a werewolf. He is on the hunt for a serial killer who is also on the hunt for him. It is very different to what I normally read but i wanted to try something a bit darker and non romantic but with a werewolf. There are no mates or packs or the other nice stuff that can be found in mm werewolf stories. Of course this isnt mm but it is really great to see how the main character struggles with his wolf. I am also reading the new one by Mary Calmes which is getting mixed reviews. I think it is ok, not as good as some of her other stuff but I am only half way through at the moment.
I've only read one thing by Calmes but didn't enjoy it enough to read anything else. I am currently reading the Richard Stevenson Donald Strachey series which is utterly witty and engaging. I laugh out loud a lot.
I have read the first three Donald Strachey books and i hope to read the rest this year. I enjoyed them. I also watched the films based on books 1 and 3. I really liked Ice Blues.
Sandra wrote: "I've only read one thing by Calmes but didn't enjoy it enough to read anything else. I am currently reading the Richard Stevenson Donald Strachey series which is utterly witty and engaging. I lau..."I read the first six in the Donald Strachey series and really enjoyed them. I was thinking that i should get back to them :-)
KC wrote: "I read the first six in the Donald Strachey series and really enjoyed them. I was thinking that i should get back to them :-)"I read the first seven books, really enjoyed them and think I should get back to them :-)).
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Ah! The picture didn't show up on the app. Wow. I think I'd be nervous to sleep on that bed. lol. And what happens if I want to read one of the books underneath the mattress, in the middle?
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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Maybe you could specify for people who haven't read it if the sequel can be read as a standalone? "
It's not so much of a sequel as it takes place in the same world. Basically, due to the World Wars of the previous century, magical creatures, "Beings" as they're called, "came out." This includes creatures like weres, fairies and dragons. That's pretty much the only link between the two books. They're paranormal, but with a different take. I really enjoy them.
I actually really love everything R. Cooper's ever written, as I think she has a really engaging style. That said, if you want to sample her work, she has plenty of freebies, most of which are listed on Smashwords as well I believe.