SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

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What Else Are You Reading? > What Else Are You Reading in 2018?

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message 1951: by Bree (last edited Jul 20, 2018 03:00PM) (new)

Bree Verity (breeverity) | 28 comments Jacqueline wrote: "Yeah Dawn so far so good. I didn’t get any further into it last night though. I still had 30 minutes left on an audiobook so I sat up in bed and listened to that. I’ll have to pick another one for ..."

I loved A Man Called Ove from Backman, but Grandmother seemed to be in an entirely different vein of writing, so I never picked it up. SHould I have?


message 1952: by Jacqueline (new)

Jacqueline | 2428 comments I have a Man Called Ove but haven’t read it yet so I don’t know how different it is. I have read Deal of a Lifetime though and I’m in the middle of Beartown at the moment and they’re different to Grandmother but Backman just has this way of making his characters come to life no matter what the story is about. The interactions of all the characters in this one is good and they are well written. The Grandmother was a force of nature lol As I said some people seem to get bogged down reading the books when they come to the fairy tales that are everywhere through the book. Weird words and that. Others are fine with it. That’s where the audiobook came into its own I think. I loved listening to the fairy tales.

I’d give it a go though. I’m glad I did.


message 1953: by Jacqueline (new)

Jacqueline | 2428 comments Oh and it also tells the story of Britt-Marie from Britt-Marie was Here before Britt-Marie was Here is set. So it gives you good background for that one if you wanted to read it. I haven’t read it yet either but it’s nice knowing Britt-Marie a bit better before I do read it.


message 1954: by Plaidchuck (new)

Plaidchuck | 55 comments Wow sounds really different compared to the deadpan Ove! Backman sure sounds like a versatile writer. Beartown is definitely on my radar just for the ice hockey connection alone.


message 1955: by Karin (new)

Karin Jacqueline wrote: "Most people absolutely love The Sun and Her Flowers but I can’t stand it. Same with Dear Fahrenheit 451 (the letters one not the Bradbury one). I hated it with a passion but a lot of people love it..."

Dear Fahrenheit 451 was 3 stars for me--some of it I liked, some of it I didn't, but I knew it was going to be a completely different sort of book.


message 1956: by Karin (last edited Jul 20, 2018 04:04PM) (new)

Karin Jacqueline wrote: "I have a Man Called Ove but haven’t read it yet so I don’t know how different it is. I have read Deal of a Lifetime though and I’m in the middle of Beartown at the moment and they’re different to G..."

He sure does! My favourite book by him is, hands down, Grandmother, and not just because it was the first one I read. I have now read all of his books, but my ratings have ranged from 3 to 5. In order (some tied) from best to least liked:

My Grandmother Asked me to Tell You She's Sorry a full 5 stars but the review didn't make it from Shelfari
Beartown rounded up to 5 stars
Us Against You (tied with A Man Called Ove) a strong 4 stars
Britt-Marie was Here (barely 4 stars--rounded up)
Deal of a Lifetime 3 stars but I liked it a wee bit better than
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer which was barely 3 stars

Gary wrote: "Wow sounds really different compared to the deadpan Ove! Backman sure sounds like a versatile writer. Beartown is definitely on my radar just for the ice hockey connection alone."
Yes, he's versatile, but what is universal is his insight into people and his characters.


message 1957: by Don (new)

Don Dunham whenever "a man called Ova" is mentioned, I am compelled to recommend "Trustee from the Toolroom" by Neville Shute.


message 1958: by Pam (new)

Pam Baddeley Finished Fireflood and Other Stories, a collection of short stories by Vonda McIntyre and reviewed it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2461827056.


message 1959: by Pam (new)

Pam Baddeley Finished Blue World by Robert R McCammon and reviewed it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2464274800.


message 1960: by Gabi (last edited Jul 21, 2018 10:03PM) (new)

Gabi | 3441 comments Finished the Tamir Triad by Flewelling Lynn. I very much enjoyed the dark, grim atmosphere of the first book, but was a bit disappointed with the third, when the story became quite standard medieval fantasy.

Now I'm in three minds about what to read next. It's between The Last Wish which I wanted to read for ages, Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch which sits here as paper edition and cries for a re-read, or Tigana, which was highly recommended here in the thread.


message 1961: by Anthony (new)

Anthony (albinokid) | 1482 comments @Gabi it’s been years since I read Good Omens, but it was laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. Super fun. I’m very interested I. Reading Tigana but I don’t have space to read it yet but if you’re interested in mustering up a buddy read for it down the line I’d be all in. I don’t know anything about the other book.

What sort of mood/experience do you want to have next?


message 1962: by Gabi (new)

Gabi | 3441 comments Anthony wrote: "@Gabi it’s been years since I read Good Omens, but it was laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. Super fun. I’m very interested I. Reading Tigana but I don’t have space to read it yet but if you’re int..."


I, too, read Good Omens quite some time ago - and when I wanted to rate some of my books for the setup here on GR, I realised that I have to re-read it, cause I embarrassingly can't remember much.

A Tigana Buddy Read would be wonderful, but I'm not sure that's possible, since the book is on the group shelf, which means, that there already exists a thread for it, doesn't it?


I'm open to everything at the moment. I still feel like a child in a sandpit, happily playing in every direction and wanting to read so many books. I have to make up for the time I've lost not-reading.

BTW: I discovered that The Witcher novel is only 0,99 € and rather short, so I went for this for a palate cleanser.


message 1963: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Gabi wrote: "Anthony wrote: "@Gabi it’s been years since I read Good Omens, but it was laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. Super fun. I’m very interested I. Reading Tigana but I don’t have space to read it yet b..."

Tigana can totally be resurrected for a buddy read! What we usually do is keep first impressions up and then I clear some space so we can do spoiler tags as people go in the "full discussion" thread without accidentally spoiling things (as long as you go from the newest comments first, of course!)

Last Wish was fun, Gabi, I hope you enjoy! Which language are you reading it in? I'm very curious how the English translation compares with other tellings.


message 1964: by Gabi (last edited Jul 22, 2018 06:32AM) (new)

Gabi | 3441 comments @Allison: I went for the English version … and only now that you asked realised that I could have gone for the German one as well, since the original is Polish. Didn't think about it. (and it wasn't such a bad choice, cause I just learned that the German version is 7 € more). So far it is really fun - I didn't know that the game was following the book so strictly.


Thank you for the information about the Tigana BR. Then I will acquaint myself with how to set up a BR.


message 1965: by [deleted user] (new)

Good Omens is on my far too long "really really want to read"-list.
Currently working my way through the Expanse series. Just started book #5.
I'm also really eager to start reading the trilogy by Yoon Ha Lee starting with Ninefox Gambit. I bought them all a couple of weeks ago.


message 1966: by Gabi (new)

Gabi | 3441 comments Veronica wrote: "Good Omens is on my far too long "really really want to read"-list.
Currently working my way through the Expanse series. Just started book #5.
I'm also really eager to start reading the trilogy by ..."


How do you like The Expanse series? I've been considering reading the novels, since I couldn't get into the TV show so far.


message 1967: by Anna (last edited Jul 22, 2018 07:09AM) (new)

Anna (vegfic) | 10434 comments Veronica wrote: "I'm also really eager to start reading the trilogy by Yoon Ha Lee starting with Ninefox Gambit."

Yes! Here are all the threads you'll need:

Ninefox - no spoilers
Ninefox - spoilers
Raven Stratagem and Revenant Gun (spoilers for Ninefox)


message 1968: by [deleted user] (last edited Jul 22, 2018 08:50AM) (new)

Gabi wrote: "How do you like The Expanse series? I've been considering reading the novels, since I couldn't get into the TV show so far."

I watched the first two seasons first, and really loved the show. I actually watched them seasons twice. I then started reading the books while waiting for season 3.

I think the show made a better job at giving the characters depth, while the books obviously have a more elaborate plot. I found the characters in the first book a bit flat and uninteresting in comparison, but this does pick up in the later books. Of course, having seen the show first, the characters in my mind become a blend of the book and on-screen characters so YMMV.

I also found the political scheming more interesting in the show's first two seasons compared to the books. I was hoping to find it even more intriguing in the books, but was disappointed. Avasarala is a much more interesting character in the show, partially also because I like Shohreh Aghdashloo who portrays her, but still.

I enjoy sci-fi plots involving fracturing of the human species, which is a big part of The Expanse universe. It is also why I loved Alastair Reynolds' Revelation Space universe so much.


message 1969: by Shomeret (new)

Shomeret | 411 comments I'm reading Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo. I love Wonder Woman, but was hesitant about reading this book. I was worried about Bardugo's portrayal. I'm still not sure about this book.


message 1970: by Paul (new)

Paul Lannuier (ww2pt) | 4 comments Finished Endymion (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) - my favorite so far of the first three books in the series.

Now 33% into Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee. Also nearing the end of Blindsight by Peter Watts.


message 1971: by Don (new)

Don Dunham Paul, that cat's a badass


message 1972: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Dawn wrote: “ what a joyous little space rump that was!"

Space rump! I love it XD


message 1973: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Aleksandra wrote: "I’ve read first two, but if I had to choose it would be Tigana definitely :)"

I second that.


message 1974: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Anthony wrote: "I just finished Dragonsong and found it to be lovely and sweet...a touching story about a richly-drawn young woman. I look forward to following her tale."

Dragonsinger is just as good. Maybe better :) Menolly's story arc is probably my favorite of the Pern books; she and Masterharper Robinton are my favorite characters.


colleen the convivial curmudgeon (blackrose13) | 2719 comments Started The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender. It's interesting so far. Kind of a YA Little, Big, with better pacing.


message 1976: by CBRetriever (new)

CBRetriever | 6127 comments Finally finished

The Complete Wheel of Time

seemed to take forever, but it was good


message 1977: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
CBRetriever wrote: "Finally finished

The Complete Wheel of Time

seemed to take forever, but it was good"


o.O

"Finished?" like...put it down for now? Or like there's no more left to read????


message 1978: by CBRetriever (new)

CBRetriever | 6127 comments finished, finished - read it all

I started back in March or April


message 1979: by Trike (new)

Trike CBRetriever wrote: "finished, finished - read it all

I started back in March or April"


Time to start upon the wheel again.


message 1980: by CBRetriever (last edited Jul 22, 2018 06:30PM) (new)

CBRetriever | 6127 comments no, taking a break with something different

Dhampir Dhampir (The Noble Dead Saga, Series 1, #1) by Barb Hendee
and
The Confession of Brother Haluin (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, #15) by Ellis Peters The Confession of Brother Haluin


message 1981: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
CBRetriever wrote: "finished, finished - read it all

I started back in March or April"


CONGRATULATIONS!! That's quite a feat. I often feel that "achievements" like in videogames should be given IRL. I'd give them for things like finishing WoT. Gold star!


message 1982: by Trike (new)

Trike That was a wheel of time joke about the cyclical nature of life.

::: taps iPad :::

Is this thing on?


message 1983: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Trike wrote: "CBRetriever wrote: "finished, finished - read it all

I started back in March or April"

Time to start upon the wheel again."


Whoa, whoa, no need to threaten anyone ;-)


message 1984: by CBRetriever (new)

CBRetriever | 6127 comments Trike wrote: "That was a wheel of time joke about the cyclical nature of life.

::: taps iPad :::

Is this thing on?"


yes on, I just don't think I can face another turn again


message 1985: by Karin (new)

Karin I finished We and was disappointed. I had really wanted to like it, but think I read it at the wrong time of my life. I've left a link to my review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I don't seem to do well reading scifi classics anymore, and tend to do better with more contemporary ones.


message 1986: by Rob (new)

Rob (robzak) | 876 comments I waited like 3+ years after finishing A Memory of Light before I reread the series (in audio that time, as a buddy read with some friends).

It's such a long series though, I doubt I'll reread it again anytime soon if ever again.


message 1988: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (last edited Jul 23, 2018 12:33PM) (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Halfway through Revenant Gun and unusually in love with it, considering I essentially started it right after finishing Raven Stratagem. I don't usually have the patience to mainline series, but this one's got me pretty good. Totally worth the confusion so far to watch this all unravel.

Just started Graceling in audiobook, which has a surprise full cast! Unfortunately, it's sounding like one of those "notliketheothergirls" (™) types of YA that I just cannot abide. ALL GIRLS ARE LIKE THE OTHER GIRLS. Just maybe not a particular group of girls. Only 3 chapters in, and I don't have another audiobook right now, so I'll see if I can get past the facade to the story. I remain skeptical.

The Changeling is waiting for me at the library!

ETA: Oh...oh, no. Also Trail of Lightning. I'm screwed. They're both 2 week lends. *clears sleep from her schedule again*


message 1989: by Trike (new)

Trike Allison wrote: "I'm screwed. They're both 2 week lends. *clears sleep from her schedule again* "

Who needs sleep?

https://youtu.be/MEvE4XNhgq4


message 1990: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Trike wrote: "Allison wrote: "I'm screwed. They're both 2 week lends. *clears sleep from her schedule again* "

Who needs sleep?

https://youtu.be/MEvE4XNhgq4"


Not bare naked ladies!

Caps. Caps are...important here.


message 1991: by Karin (last edited Jul 23, 2018 06:39PM) (new)

Karin Allison wrote: "Just started Graceling in audiobook, which has a surprise full cast! Unfortunately, it's sounding like one of those "notliketheothergirls" (™) types of YA that I just cannot abide. ALL GIRLS ARE LIKE THE OTHER GIRLS.."

Those books do tend to appeal to their intended audience, though :). My girls liked this series when they read it, and I think I liked it but didn't love it. I gave it 4 stars here, though, but read it prior--if I read it with one of my daughters that could well have influenced me because it was fun to be co-reading books with them back then. There are a few twists in this, but if you hate this kind of book, then you hate this kind of book.


message 1992: by Jacqueline (new)

Jacqueline | 2428 comments Wow! Just finished Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Loved it.


message 1993: by Anthony (new)

Anthony (albinokid) | 1482 comments Just finished The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and enjoyed it, although I did find the writing to be a bit too subtle and elusive at times. But there were surprising colors in the narrative, via emotional beats and plot twists, that made it worthwhile. An intriguing debut novel by Natasha Pulley.

Next I’ll jump back to Pern for a quick diversion, and what will undoubtedly be a refreshingly straightforward story in Dragonsinger, before diving into next month’s group reads.


message 1994: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Karin wrote: "Allison wrote: "Just started Graceling in audiobook, which has a surprise full cast! Unfortunately, it's sounding like one of those "notliketheothergirls" (™) types of YA that I just cannot abide. ..."

It came highly recommended! I could see it being very well received, even by me at a different part of my life. Definitely not a criticism of those who like it. I have a bunch of pet peeves that make me curmudgeonly and a growing realization that this is a character flaw that will just take way too much effort to correct at this point =P


message 1995: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Jacqueline wrote: "Wow! Just finished Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Loved it."

I really must read something by her. People keep praising her work!

Hope you keep enjoying Menolly, Anthony! She's a favorite :)

I just picked up my copy of The Changeling, hoping to start it Thursday!


message 1996: by Scott (new)

Scott | 152 comments I recently finished The Outsider and A Head Full of Ghosts. I liked them both.

Now I'm reading Dolores Claiborne.


message 1997: by Jen (new)

Jen (jenthebest) | 522 comments I read The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth's Past Mass Extinctions and found it really fascinating. I was hoping to get a wider-angle view on our treatment of our home planet, and also hoping to counter-balance some of my ecological dread that is fueled in part by a love of post-apocalyptic sci fi. It certainly fulfilled those expectations.


message 1998: by Kirsten (new)

Kirsten  (kmcripn) I've been listening to Beartown by Fredrik Backman


message 2000: by Dj (new)

Dj | 2364 comments Allison wrote: "Karin wrote: "Allison wrote: "Just started Graceling in audiobook, which has a surprise full cast! Unfortunately, it's sounding like one of those "notliketheothergirls" (™) types of YA that I just ..."

Aren't all girls not like the other girls? It is one of the things that keeps us guys on our toes.


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