What are you reading? (Part 1) Showing 351-400 of 1,452

[Schnaucl]

Melodie:

Just FYI, the latest Drood book has a heavy dose of someone from The Nightside. Good times.

[Elvia]

Anne - I did! It wasn't as hilarious as Moore's books but still funny! I'm going to read more of Martinez very soon!

[Anne]

Should I bump it to the top of my to-read list, or just wait, Elvia? I'm trying to pack in as many books as I can before January.

[Elvia]

Good Idea...need to make your 2009 list longer! lol

I would put it towards the middle of your list. It's a very funny read but if you have other authors out there that you KNOW you like and want to read before 2010 then stick with those. It's a fast read so it shouldn't take long to finish...maybe a weekend.

[The Flooze]

Zombie cows.

[Elvia]

LMAO...so funny. Anne, you know that look people get when they see/read something...the "wtf" face. You'll get that a lot reading Gil's All Fright Diner!

[Michael]

Night Huntress (Sisters of the Moon, #5)

I am really into the series.
I may look at some of the others by Yasmine Galenorn

[Anne]

Elvia wrote: "LMAO...so funny. Anne, you know that look people get when they see/read something...the "wtf" face. You'll get that a lot reading Gil's All Fright Diner!"

Ha! You're killing me! The "wtf" face?! I may have to check it out sooner than I thought. Zombie cows? Nice.

[Elvia]

I've read a lot of books that give me that face. My husband often asks what I'm reading because of that face. ;)

[The Flooze]

I've been doing that face a lot lately. Terry Pratchett's Wee Free Men does that to you.

[Elvia]

I've heard about that book...I'll have to check it out!

[Anne]

Michelle M. wrote: "I've been doing that face a lot lately. Terry Pratchett's Wee Free Men does that to you."

Is that a children's book? Sorry, the name sounds so funny!

[Sandy]

I'm starting Walking Dead by C.E. Murphy

[Jessica]

Is that part of one of her series or an entirely new one?

[The Flooze]

I just bought Walking Dead! It's the 4th in the Shaman series, The Walker Papers.

Anne, Wee Free Men IS considered YA because the lead character is a young witch. It's not much different from the rest of the Discworld series though in terms of style and tone.

[Anne]

I keep hearing conflicting things about the Discworld series. I've heard that they are must-reads, and I've also heard that they are stink bombs. What is your opinion, Michelle?

[The Flooze]

I love Discworld, but I wouldn't say it's for everyone. It's very wry and British in its humor and he likes to play on words. There's a lot of zaniness, like how Death loves cats, speaks in all capital letters, and rides a white horse named Binky. The University librarian is a wizard who got turned into an orangutang and prefers it. Things like that.

Actually, if you like Chris Moore, there's a good chance you'll like Terry Pratchett's writing style. They're not the same category, but the meandering jokes and the way they set the scene bear some similarities.

There are groups of stories within the whole series. There are maybe four books that focus on the guards of the city, another group focuses on Death as a main character, and another focuses on inept wizards and so on. I think some books are definitely better than others, but even in the few lesser ones, it's fun to see cameos of other well-known characters.

I started with book one and read straight through, enjoying probably all but four of them (out of thirty-something books, that's pretty good odds!). And even those few were meh rather than being bad. I only truly disliked one.

When recommending it to new readers, I suggest starting with Going Postal or Guards! Guards! They're good introductions to his style of humor, plus they move at a pretty brisk pace and feel more urban.

[Shomeret]

I'm having trouble deciding about the genre of the book I'm reading. It's The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard. The back cover calls it a "literary thriller" but I knew it had a paranormal element, so I initially thought it must be a paranormal thriller, though it's not a romance. The category of the reincarnation thrillers by M. J. Rose is paranormal thriller even though they're not romances. But that's reincarnation, not magic. The Library of Shadows actually seems to have a magical element. Books themselves can have power. It takes place in an urban environment--Copenhagen to be exact. It has a very different feel from American UF, but I'm wondering if this Danish fantasy can actually be considered UF.

Shomeret

[The Flooze]

UF is any sort of magical or paranormal/supernatural elements within a modern urban setting. From what you're describing, it sounds like it fits a general UF category.

I feel as though the publishers' designation doesn't always fit with the readers' designation. For example, Terri Garey's series, starting with Dead Girls are Easy, says paranormal romance on the spine. But it's not. The protag has a boyfriend, but it's the same chick with the same man throughout all the books, no happy-ever-after, the relationship is not a focus, and it's pretty dark in tone as the protag deals with ghosts and voodoo and the devil himself. That's urban fantasy to me. A sex scene or two does not a romance make.

In other words, decide for yourself how to categorize it. Ignore what the silly publishers say.

Although I will say that "paranormal thriller" would not equate romance in my head. I'd interpret that label as a suspenseful, mystery-driven UF?

[The Flooze]

PS I'm also of the opinion that MJD's Undead series should be categorized something like "UF Chicklit" since there's little focus on an HEA there either, but there IS a focus on pretty shoes.

I hate having to wander around a bookstore trying to figure out where people who haven't read a particular series decided to shelve it! Grrr...

[Shomeret]

Michelle M. wrote: "UF is any sort of magical or paranormal/supernatural elements within a modern urban setting. From what you're describing, it sounds like it fits a general UF category.

I feel as though the publi..."

The M.J. Rose reincarnation books are probably not UF because there are chapters that are historical. So they don't completely take place in a modern environment. I also don't put reincarnation in the same category as magic. It's a personal thing.

Shomeret

[Anne]

Michelle M. wrote: "I love Discworld, but I wouldn't say it's for everyone. It's very wry and British in its humor and he likes to play on words. There's a lot of zaniness, like how Death loves cats, speaks in all cap..."

Ok, you've convinced me! Sounds like fun!

[The Flooze]

Oh. Well, there you go, Shomeret! I was going off you saying it did have a magical element. I don't think I'd put strict reincarnation in UF either, unless there was more behind the reincarnation or there were angels or demons or gods and such floating about!

Anne, yay! I really hope you like it! It IS loads of fun!

[Shomeret]

Michelle M. wrote: "Oh. Well, there you go, Shomeret! I was going off you saying it did have a magical element. I don't think I'd put strict reincarnation in UF either, unless there was more behind the reincarnation o..."

I was talking about two things in that post. I was comparing Library of Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard to books by M.J. Rose because I didn't think they were the same genre. Library of Shadows has books becoming charged with magical energy when they are read by individuals with power called Lectors. That's fantasy. So I guess it's UF. It's a different kind of UF. No demons or gods so far.

Shomeret

[The Flooze]

Oopsie! That's what I get for reading too quickly.

[Shannon]

I've got three shifter books going at the moment:



It's kind of weird to being reading 3 shifter books because I honestly don't read all that many. I like Mercy a lot though, she's really level-headed and mellow and she's not all stubborn and bitchy like a lot of female protagonists of PNR and UF have become. I haven't read enough of Stray to really get a feel for it yet. Shiver is really intriguing. The chapters kind of flip-flop between the two characters, Grace and Sam, and you get an interesting view into both of their worlds. It's definitely a different take on werewolves too which is nice to read. This also isn't an angst filled teen novel either which is also nice. It's very believable and well written.

[Anne]

I love Mercy for all of the same reasons, Shannon. That series is one of my top three favorites. I also enjoyed the different take on werevolves in Shiver. I think I gave it four stars, but I would liked to have given it three and a half. By the end of the book I felt like it was missing *something*. It was still a really good read, though.

[Shari*LoveMiKindle*]

I'm reading The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong. It's the second book in her Darkest Powers YA series (The Summoning was the first)and so far I like it.

[Jessica]

Shari- I LOVED the darkest powers books! I love how she's created this fantastic world and just keeps giving us great stories happening inside that same world instead of reinventing the wheel.

[Lynda]

I just finished reading Lover Awakened by J R Ward. I am reluctantly taking a break from Ward to read Hunting Ground. Don't get me wrong, I want to read Hunting Ground. In fact I preordered it as soon as it was announced, but I am really enjoying the Ward books.

[Caitlin]

I read Kelley Armstrongs series it was really good I liked it to. I just finished Hunting Ground and it wasn't what I expected at all, but in a good way. I am going to relax with Patricia Briggs for a while, and read Karen Chance's Dorina Basarab books.

[The Flooze]

Dorina! Yay!

[Shannon]

Anne wrote: "I love Mercy for all of the same reasons, Shannon. That series is one of my top three favorites."

I can see why people like it now. The author does a really good job with world-building, developing characters, and pacing the story. It's like classic "what you should do to create a good novel." I'm barely 100 pages in and I'm hooked.

"I also enjoyed the different take on werevolves in Shiver. I think I gave it four stars, but I would liked to have given it three and a half. By the end of the book I felt like it was missing *something*. It was still a really good read, though."

Well, I thought this was a stand alone novel but it looks like the author has at least 2 more planned to create a series. I'm wondering if that's what caused this first book to falter for you? Maybe instead of creating one really good book she decided to stretch things out. I don't know, I haven't read enough to really figure out what you could think would be lacking. I'm hoping to finish it today so maybe I'll see what you mean then. : )

[Shomeret]

I've found the "crime/thriller" aspect of Library of Shadows, my current read which I think is UF. So far two people have been murdered and the protagonist has been asked to investigate. Many UF books do have a crime/thriller aspect and are about protagonists who stop crimes. Though usually the perps are supernatural. In this case, the perp is almost certainly human but may have a magical gift involving reading.

[[deleted user]]

I'm Finishing up Undone by Rachel Caine. I'm really enjoying it. Anyways I love her Weather Warden series. The next book I'm gonna read is Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning.

[Colleen]

Anne wrote: "Michelle M. wrote: "I love Discworld, but I wouldn't say it's for everyone. It's very wry and British in its humor and he likes to play on words. There's a lot of zaniness, like how Death loves cat..."

Anne wrote: "Michelle M. wrote: "I love Discworld, but I wouldn't say it's for everyone. It's very wry and British in its humor and he likes to play on words. There's a lot of zaniness, like how Death loves cat..."

Anne, I am a MAJOR Pratchett fan, and encourage you to try them. I would also recommend Mort(DEATH gets an assistant)and Thud (race relations involving people, trolls, dwarfs, werewolves, and the Guard.) Michelle's description is right on. Pratchett's humorous yet thought-provoking novels have been an important, perhaps vital, part of my mental-health plan during a very difficult time - that is meant to be high praise. Enjoy!

[Anne]

Do I need to read the Discworld series in order, or can I skip around without getting too confused?

[Anne]

Shannon wrote: "Anne wrote: "I love Mercy for all of the same reasons, Shannon. That series is one of my top three favorites."

I can see why people like it now. The author does a really good job with world-buildi..."

I think I felt like the love story between Sam and Grace was lacking a little oomph. Like I said, I still enjoyed it! I had no idea it was going to be a series. I'd certainly be willing to keep reading them!

[Laura]

Hey Anne-- read any Pratchett books starring the Nightwatchman IN ORDER as the characters in the unit get added to, the watch grows, people drop out and main character has a love interest... etc. I recommend those in order, but not really the others. read MORT before any other books starring Death, I would read MORT and the follow it up with HOGFATHER... because its all in the same universe, many characters overlap in every book. Also, I love all the witches books, specifically those starring Granny Weatherwax!

The series begins with some odd and funny wizards that work at a university, and then he starts to pop out with stand alone books. there were about 3 that didn't suit my tastes, but the others were really great. the plots are simple but entertaining in the beginning, and as the books become longer and more characters are added to the universe, it becomes exciting and complex.

my favorites in the series: tied between Hogfather, & the Fifth Elephant (this is a later nightwatchmen book)

[Laura]

the witches in order: wyrd sisters, witches abroad, lords & ladies, carpe jugulum, masquerade... much more easily digestible numbers, rather than the 9 Commander Vimes books, and the 7 Rincewind the Wizard books. From my count, there are 4 stand alone books that either happen in the main city or else where on their planet that don't share the main characters at all, or very little in the way of cameos... Pyramids, Moving Pictures, Small Gods & Monstrous Regiment.

that being said, Monstrous Regiment is a GREAT book!

[Laura]

I did not think Interesting Times or Small Gods were anything but 3 1/2 stars, so don't start with them!

[Joy]

Anne wrote: "Do I need to read the Discworld series in order, or can I skip around without getting too confused?"

Just in case no one mentions it but 'Hogfather' and 'The Color of Magic' are both on DVD. C of M has my favorite actor from my misspent youth, Tim Curry.

An absolute favorite book of mine by Pratchett written with Neil Gaiman is Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch. I like Brit humor, big fan of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Book 1) Complete & Unabridged watch Doctor Who, Torchwood (its coming back...Yeah!), Being Human and so forth.

[The Flooze]

Hey, Ann. Just to follow-up of what others have said, yes you can skip around, but it'll make it a little more enjoyable if you read books like the Watchmen-centered ones in order. Which is why I suggested Guards! Guards! They start out as a ragtag bunch and by the most recent they're an actual police force, so it's fun to see the changes along the way.

The Color of Magic is continued in The Light Fantastic...they could really be seen as a set or as one book.

And read Going Postal before Making Money. I think Going Postal is one of the most accessible ones. It's what I've recommended to people who have zero interest in fantasy, and it's good enough that it's sucked them into the series completely.

[The Flooze]

Anne:

Basic description:

http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/di...

List of most books, in order, with main character and satirical topic listed:

http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/di...

You could probably also begin with the book that started this discussion, The Wee Free Men, keeping in mind that it's YA while most of the rest are adult.

[Anne]

Wow. Ok, thanks everyone! It looks like I've got some serious catching up to do!

Crowgirl, I loved Hitchhiker's Guide and Good Omens! Excellent books!

[Jacqueline]

Just finished Lover Avenged now it on to The Hunted.

[Elvia]

Shannon wrote: "I've got three shifter books going at the moment:



It's kind of weird to being reading 3 shifter books because I ..."

I don't know how you manage reading three shifter books at the same time. They all have a different history and different rules about Changing and magic. I would get confused. lol

I finished three Briggs books this weekend: On the Prowl, Cry Wolf, and Bone Crossed. I think I'm all wolfed out for a little bit.

Now I am reading Uglies again...not again but starting where I left off. :)

[Carrie (Care)]

After finishing all of the Morganville Vampire (awesome YA series by Rachel Caine), I started The Well of Ascension. I found I really craved another vamp book though so I also started At Grave's End.

[Anne]

Starting Untamed (House of Night #4). I just finished Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Not good.

[The Flooze]

Anne, if you've read Good Omens, you already have a good idea of Pratchett's style! He wrote A LOT of that because Gaiman's schedule was less flexible than Terry's at the time.