What are you reading in March 2014?

[Spacechik]

Started Reading The Darwin Elevator, which was a recommendation by a Goodreads group. I can't put it down. I started it this weekend and I'm almost done. I LOVE this book so far.

[Nyssa]

Spacechik wrote: "Started Reading The Darwin Elevator, which was a recommendation by a Goodreads group. I can't put it down. I started it this weekend and I'm almost done. I LOVE this book so far."

You're the 2nd person in this group that I've seen mention this book..Laurel mentioned it at the beginning of the year, as well.

It is on my wishlist.

[Michelle]

Reading Triskellion by Will Peterson.

[Ala]

The Darwin Elevator is decent SciFi fun. Good trilogy, though the ending left me wanting.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

Michelle Snicket wrote: "Reading Triskellion by Will Peterson."

I read the first one, but never continued with the trilogy. Will be curious to see what you think of it.

***

I'm currently reading Palace of Spies by Sarah Zettel. Almost passed this one up because of the horrid cover, but I'm kinda digging the intrigue - but from the personal PoV of YA books.

Only major problem so far - potential love triangle. o_O

[ally ¯\(ツ)/¯]

That is a terrible cover indeed. I thought she was wearing a monocle at first. HA!

[Jackie]

Colleen wrote: "Almost passed this one up because of the horrid cover, but I'm kinda digging the intrigue - but from the personal PoV of YA books.

Only major problem so far - potential love triangle. o_O"

Those cooties seem to be working. haha!

[Pye]

I just started The Diamond Throne, its been quite a while since I picked up some Eddings. I'm hoping to drag out The Bone Doll's Twin again if I don't find something new calling to me.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Pye wrote: "I just started The Diamond Throne, its been quite a while since I picked up some Eddings. I'm hoping to drag out The Bone Doll's Twin again if I don't find something new..."

I love Eddings Belgariad series but I could never get into that series. My father likes that series, though.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

Jackie wrote: "Those cooties seem to be working. haha! "

Seriously. I think it's even the same shade of hideous pink as your lovely sign...

It's not nearly as trashy as the cover implies, though, and the phantom of (view spoiler)[the triangle was dispelled. Yay! (hide spoiler)]

***

Started The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives - Book #1 this morning, but only got about 15 pages in before I fell asleep on the train. In fairness, though, this was more because I was tired than anything about the book.

[มิสเตอร์]

I am reading A Dance of Cloaks.This book is good.

[Lee]

I'm finally reading Odd Thomas - this book has been on my tbr list since like forever - or since it came out. I like it so far but… in the first few pages the narrator (or Koontz) tells the twist ending to one of Agatha Christie's most popular mysteries. One that I haven't read but I might have wanted to someday… and now it's ruined. WTF!! Why do so many authors like to spoil the end of other books! It pisses me off! Never assume everyone reading your book has read every book you have. There are always new readers and there are always books a reader hasn't read. Okay- I'm done now.

[Becky]

Thanks for the warning, Nienna. That would piss me off, too. Reading Lolita in Tehran was one of those books that discussed major plot points for other books. Maybe I should have expected all the spoilers, but I kinda thought (hoped) that someone who loves literature so much would have more respect for readers who haven't yet experienced the books she discusses and wouldn't want to ruin the ending of them.

[Luke]

The worst one for me is when people reveal spoilers for other series in a thread for a different series(in the latest instance it was a Sanderson thread, and someone spoiled a Malazan thing for me). I've had that done twice now, which doesn't bother me too bad since I kind of like spoilers, but it's still aggravating since I wasn't expecting it.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Luke wrote: "The worst one for me is when people reveal spoilers for other series in a thread for a different series(in the latest instance it was a Sanderson thread, and someone spoiled a Malazan thing for me)..."

O_o

I hate that.

And I will shiv the person who spoils Malazan for me. Do yall have any clue what kind of financial investment this series is???? Plus the stress of the dang thing not starting a HB run until book 4 or 5??!?!? MY OCD HATE THEM ALL.

[Lee]

Luke wrote: "The worst one for me is when people reveal spoilers for other series in a thread for a different series(in the latest instance it was a Sanderson thread, and someone spoiled a Malazan thing for me)..."

I hate that! I've had that happen with aSoIaF. (Before the show started - I know the show vs.book fans has been ugly). I try to be very very careful. Because I know how much I hate spoilers myself.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

MrsJoseph wrote: "And I will shiv the person who spoils Malazan for me. Do yall have any clue what kind of financial investment this series is???? Plus the stress of the dang thing not starting a HB run until book 4 or 5??!?!? MY OCD HATE THEM ALL. "


Everyone dies.

[Luke]

Yeah, it's one thing if I'm reading a thread and come across a spoiler that someone didn't tag... as long as it's for that series. I go into every internet situation knowing that people make mistakes. You have to read with one eye closed sometimes.

But it's another thing altogether when you spoil a plot line from a completely different series that I wasn't watching for.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Colleen wrote: "Everyone dies. "

YES


ETA: Just realized this was you spoiling the series for me, lol.

That's the only part I assume...since the series is called The Malazan Book of the Fallen, I am assuming that each person I'm reading about will be dead by the end of the entire series...

I thought you meant what would happen if people start spoiling me...

[Sam]

It's kind of more Historical Fiction, I'd argue it boarders on Fantasy due to time travel and foresight aspect, but I'm reading Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka. You can find it here; https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

It's the sequel to Cloud of Sparrow, which I have to say is a superior book, if only due to the fact that it's easier to follow. Autumn Bridge is set in five different time periods, sometimes in the same chapter. It's a great story full of betrayal, romance and humour too. The characters are believable and well defined. The writing itself flits about between being poetic and a little stodgy but it's the former more than the latter.

This is a re-read for me, and I'm definitely enjoying it more this time. But if you're looking for something away from mainstream fantasy like Brandon Sanderson et al, it might be worth a look :)

[Lee]

I actually have Cloud of Sparrow. Haven't read it yet but it looked interesting.

[Pye]

MrsJoseph wrote: "I love Eddings Belgariad series but I could never get into that series. My father likes that series, though."

I read the Belgariad in about a week during high school, I adored it, but never really started anything else by him. I picked it up at the little library in the hopes that it would be as good.

[Paul]

Pye wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "I love Eddings Belgariad series but I could never get into that series. My father likes that series, though."

I read the Belgariad in about a week during high school, I adored it..."

I've never read the Belgariad but I did read the Elenium and the Tamuli when I was younger. Really enjoyed them at the time but they were both quite similar and I haven't been tempted to pick up any more Eddings.

Just going back to China Mieville for a moment. I think I'd say that I love the imagination in his books but it's a real struggle to get through his writing style. If anyone is interested give Perdido Street Station and The Scar a try. The Scar is a sequel to Perdido but should be fine to read as a stand-alone and is a better book in my opinion.

Gave up on my second attempt to read Kraken though ;)

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

MrsJoseph wrote: "ETA: Just realized this was you spoiling the series for me, lol.

That's the only part I assume...since the series is called The Malazan Book of the Fallen, I am assuming that each person I'm reading about will be dead by the end of the entire series...

I thought you meant what would happen if people start spoiling me... "


I figured that's what you meant. It could work either way. ;)

[Luke]

MrsJoseph wrote: "That's the only part I assume...since the series is called The Malazan Book of the Falle..."

I think the "fallen" part is actually about their gods. That's just conjecture since I've only read like 1/2 of the first one.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Luke wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "That's the only part I assume...since the series is called The Malazan Book of the Falle..."

I think the "fallen" part is actually about their gods. That's just conjecture since ..."



But what about the beginning inscription?

Now these ashes have grown cold, we open the old book.
These oil-stained pages recount the tales of the Fallen,
a frayed empire, words without warmth. The hearth
has ebbed, its gleam and life’s sparks are but memories
against dimming eyes – what cast my mind, what hue my
thoughts as I open the Book of the Fallen
and breathe deep the scent of history?
Listen, then, to these words carried on that breath.
These tales are the tales of us all, again yet again.
We are history relived and that is all, without end that is all.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Paul wrote: "I've never read the Belgariad but I did read the Elenium and the Tamuli when I was younger. Really enjoyed them at the time but they were both quite similar and I haven't been tempted to pick up any more Eddings."

Don;t bother with the rest. He only had one good idea.

[Lee]

Malazan Book of the Fallen… yeah… not expecting a happy ending. The image that comes to my mind is the Fall of the Roman Empire. So I'm thinking the Malazan Empire falls. But no idea…

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Nienna wrote: "Malazan Book of the Fallen… yeah… not expecting a happy ending. The image that comes to my mind is the Fall of the Roman Empire. So I'm thinking the Malazan Empire falls. But no idea…"

Me, too.

Plus also, this is just conjecture of course, the line "world without end." There is a hymn - Gloria Patri - that has the refrain, "World without end, amen."

[Sinistmer]

Sam wrote: "It's kind of more Historical Fiction, I'd argue it boarders on Fantasy due to time travel and foresight aspect, but I'm reading Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka. You can find it here; https://www...."

Haven't heard of this author. Looks interesting.


I am currently reading a graphic novel called Grease Monkey, and I love it!

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

Do you ever find yourself reading a book but the words seems to slide right off your brain? Not that they're difficult or anything, but there's something about the way they're put together which makes your brain have difficulty registering them?

I was having that this morning with Weather Witch. I'm hoping it's just 'cause I'm sort of drained today... I guess we'll see.

[Becky]

Yes. That happens to me a lot lately with books that have words in them.

[Jackie]

Colleen wrote: "Do you ever find yourself reading a book but the words seems to slide right off your brain? Not that they're difficult or anything, but there's something about the way they're put together which m..."

From reading the reviews it looks like you aren't the only one with that problem.

[Sinistmer]

Sinistmer wrote: "Sam wrote: "It's kind of more Historical Fiction, I'd argue it boarders on Fantasy due to time travel and foresight aspect, but I'm reading Autumn Bridge by Takashi Matsuoka. You can find it here; ..."

Finished Grease Monkey! It was awesome; the story (which takes place in outer space) is awesome, makes you think, yet does not take itself completely seriously. If you're looking for a graphic novel to read, I highly recommend it.

I am now reading The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

Becky wrote: "Yes. That happens to me a lot lately with books that have words in them."

ô_o

[Becky]

Colleen wrote: "Becky wrote: "Yes. That happens to me a lot lately with books that have words in them."

ô_o"

I concur.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon, Not a book hipster!]

Jackie wrote: "From reading the reviews it looks like you aren't the only one with that problem. "

I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, it makes me feel less stupid... on the other hand, it doesn't really bode well for the rest of the book. o_O

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

lol

[Michelle]

Reading Son of a Witch.

[DavidO]

Jackie wrote: "Off your current reads I've listened to The False Prince and read the Gregor books. Both were enjoyable. I tried the #2 in the False Prince and couldn't get into it this time around. I ended up abandoning it. "

Sad to hear that the False Prince sequel isn't as good. The first in the series wasn't perfect, but I was hoping that now that the plot was set up that it'd improve.

[Jackie]

DavidO wrote: " Sad to hear that the False Prince sequel isn't as good. The first in the series wasn't perfect, but I was hoping that now that the plot was set up that it'd improve. "

It could have just been my mood David. I got a few chapters into the audio before setting it aside. (view spoiler)[ I liked the first one, but Jaron's cocky attitude always got on my nerves. He was just too know-it-all and everything seemed to work just right for him. I was hoping that some of that went away in the 2nd book, but it seemed to have gotten worse when he came into power. I couldn't take anymore of it, so I abandoned it for now. Maybe at some point I'll try reading the series instead of listening to it. (hide spoiler)]

[Christine]

reading

[Kara]

Jackie wrote: "spoiler"

I felt the same way and have been surprised by how many people like this series! I bought the first book in hardback and felt like I learned... something. No desire to pick up the sequel except to see (AGAIN) what all the fuss is about. But I've already been led astray...

I finished up Spellbound and decided to move on with Warbound before tackling Words of Radiance. What can I say? The Grimnoir characters really grow on you and the audio is superb! =)

Also have Blood Song on deck, which I have heard very good things about. All of it is audio.

[Laurel]

I have to get to that one!

[Paul]

I keep thinking that I need to pick up Blood Song. I've heard that it's quite similar to Name of the Wind, which I loved (although I wasn't so keen on Wise Man's Fear). Think I'll read it soon, but I've read quite a lot of fantasy recently so I think I need to read some sci-fi or urban fantasy to break things up a bit :)

Currently reading Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. Fun book and I'm really enjoying it at the moment.

[Emily]

I freaking loved Blood Song (and Penumbra for that matter...).

[Laurel]

You two, my tbr is already unwieldy at best!

(Adds Penumbra...)

[Becky]

Kara wrote: "The Grimnoir characters really grow on you and the audio is superb! =)"

I agree! I LOVED the way that Pinchot read Jake. So perfect.

[Kara]

Totally Becky! His reading of Jake completely suits my imaginings of the character, and he moves back into such a different narrator voice so seamlessly it's great!

[Brad]

My March Agenda:

Completed:
Miserere: An Autumn Tale
Streams of Silver
The Halfling's Gem
Fire Mage

Currently Reading:
Gardens of the Moon

On Deck:
The Bird Eater
Homeland
The Blade Itself