What Else Are You Reading in 2018? Showing 3,351-3,400 of 3,893

[Don]

Is reading "Blood Rites" a Dresden novel and I finally see what the hype is about. Jim Butcher is a Zinger Master, copius LOL wit without creating caricatures, not easy to do, lots of people try it.

[CBRetriever]

and I'm still persevering through Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series

The Sword of Truth Series: Story Arc #1 - Darken Rahl

#1 - Wizard's First Rule (1994) = Done

#2 - Stone of Tears (1995) = Done

The Sword of Truth Series: Story Arc #2 - Imperial Order

#3 - Blood of the Fold (1996) = Done

#4 - Temple of the Winds (1997) = Done

#4.5 - Debt of Bones (1998) (Prequel novella) = read earlier

#5 - Soul of the Fire (1999) = Done

#6 - Faith of the Fallen (2000) = Done

The Sword of Truth Series: Story Arc #3 - Pristinely Ungifted

#7 - The Pillars of Creation (2002) = Done

#8 - Naked Empire (2003) = Done

The Sword of Truth Series: Story Arc #4 - Chainfire

#9 - Chainfire (2005) = In the middle of

#10 - Phantom (2006) = Done = newly completed

#11 - Confessor (2007) = Done = newly completed

The Sword of Truth Series: Modern Standalone

#12 - The Law of Nines (2009) = Nope not really part of the series

The Sword of Truth Series: Story Arc #5 - The Darklands

#13 - The Omen Machine (2011) = Just started

#14 - The First Confessor: The Legend of Magda Searus (2012) (necessary prequel novel) = read earlier but re-reading now

#15 - The Third Kingdom (2013)

#16 - Severed Souls (2014)

#17 - Warheart (2015)

Maybe by the end of the year? Along with several mystery books, but as I'm moving into a new house tomorrow (in it now) and waiting on the arrival of my household items in two weeks, I'll be fairly busy the rest of this year.

I also finished mystery books and am working on Italian Folktales by Italo Calvino which is pretty good so far

[Trike]

CBRetriever wrote: "and I'm still persevering through Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series

The Sword of Truth Series: Story Arc #1 - Darken Rahl

#1 - Wizard's First Rule (1994) = Done

#2 - Stone of Tears (1995..."

Wow.

[Don]

Wow, seconded

[CBRetriever]

well, I did the same with Robert Jordan's The Complete Wheel of Time and Robin Hobb's Farseer books

and I am interspersing other reading material in between.

and it's all because of these TBR clean up contests...and I did start back in late August...

[Esther]

Allison wrote: "Esther wrote: "Allison wrote: "Finished The Consuming Fire and it was...fun. Not as hilarious or hectic as the first book, but a good way to unwind from the serious things...."

I a..."

I am 2/3 of the way through. so far the plot is slow but interesting which is fine by me along as he pulls it all together by the end of the series.
Also there is lots of Lady Kiva which is always going to make me happy. I would like even more about Grayland but there is only so much you can fit into 300 pages.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Jacqueline wrote: "Not so much what I have read but more what I’m going to read....we’re off to Italy soon and I’m loading up my iPad mini ready for the trip. I’ve hit our library app and have downloaded Seven Ancien..."


I'm planning a trip for Italy next year. I'm so excited. Have fun!

[Kirsten]

CBRetriever wrote: "well, I did the same with Robert Jordan's The Complete Wheel of Time and Robin Hobb's Farseer books

and I am interspersing other reading material in between.

and it's all because ..."

I really want to do the Farseer books

[Eric]

Kirsten wrote: "I really want to do the Farseer books."

I burned through that trilogy and am now halfway through the last of Hobb's Liveship Traders trilogy. I must admit, though, I will need a break after Ship of Destiny before I continue with Hobb's Elderlings. Maybe a Clive Cussler or some such thing.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Holy moly, CBRetriever! Very impressive, I hope the move goes smoothly!

Esther, I looved all the time with Kiva ^^

Kirsten, there's a small group that's doing a readthrough of the whole universe! Jump in whenever!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Eric wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "I really want to do the Farseer books."

I burned through that trilogy and am now halfway through the last of Hobb's Liveship Traders trilogy. I must admit, though, I will need a br..."

I'm always amazed at people who can read whole series through. I can do...maaaybe 3 books back to back these days, but it has to be something that rips my mind right out of my own control.

[Eric]

Allison wrote: "I'm always amazed at people who can read whole series through. I can do...maaaybe 3 books back to back these days, but it has to be something that rips my mind right out of my own control."

I think what got me with the Liveship Traders are the lengths of the books. 700 to 900 pages each. That and lots of characters to sort through and keep straight.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Eric wrote: "Allison wrote: "I'm always amazed at people who can read whole series through. I can do...maaaybe 3 books back to back these days, but it has to be something that rips my mind right out of my own c..."

I want to faint just thinking about it! I did a back to back re-read of the first two Stormlight Archive books, plus Edgedancer so that I could read Oathbringer when it came out, and not only did it suck several weeks of my life, many hours I should have been sleeping, and all of my productive time, it also almost sent me into a reading slump immediately after. I don't regret it, but ~3300 pages of binge reading in one world was too much!

[Eric]

Allison wrote: "it also almost sent me into a reading slump immediately after. I don't regret it, but ~3300 pages of binge reading in one world was too much!"

Brandon Sanderson can do that to you. Fortunately for me, I had retired by the time "Oathbringer" arrived on the scene.

[Esther]

Allison wrote: "Eric wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "I really want to do the Farseer books."

I burned through that trilogy and am now halfway through the last of Hobb's Liveship Traders trilogy. I must admit, though, I w..."

I'm like you - max 2 books from even a favourite author and then I have to read something else.

[AndrewP]

CBRetriever wrote: "and I'm still persevering through Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series

The Sword of Truth Series: Story Arc #1 - Darken Rahl

#1 - Wizard's First Rule (1994) = Done

#2 - Stone of Tears (1995..."

Read all of those :)

But your missing the latest story arc from your list.

Story Arc #6 - The Nicce Chronicles: Deaths Mistress
#18 Sister of Darkness
#19 Shroud of Eternity
#20 Siege of Stone (to be release 12/31/18)

[Chris]

CBRetriever wrote: "and I'm still persevering through Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series."

"Persevering" doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, but finishing 12 books and starting the 13th must mean something.

[CBRetriever]

I'm waiting on price reductions for the Nicci Chronicles :-(

it's not exactly a ringing endorsement, true, but the books are interesting. Too much talking and explaining magic theories plus a few characters who are so naive that I feel like slapping them upside the head (adult characters acting like children emotionally - at first I thought they were 9-10 yo)

I prefer the Hobb books, Lord of the Rings, and several other series to it, but the prices for the books were excellent, so I can't complain.

[Soo]

No kidding? Sword of Truth it up to 20 books? Sheesh. I thought it was wrapped up. Hmmrph.

[Sakib]

I have been in reader's block this whole year... set my target of 10 books, and now at the end, I'm reading like crazy.

Actually the author that I'm reading now is one of the most famous writers of our country, once you sit down to read his works, you won't be able to put it down...

I'm reading the Misir Ali series of him- a parapsychologist trying to help people and find answers to mysteries of nature...

Perfect for keeping up reading, although I'm not getting any vibe for picking up any English books anytime soon!

I guess I'm gonna have to pick up The Kingkiller Chronicles to get around this- the best prose I've ever read, fingers crossed!

[Esther]

Sakib wrote: "I have been in reader's block this whole year... set my target of 10 books, and now at the end, I'm reading like crazy.

Actually the author that I'm reading now is one of the most famous writers ..."

You piqued my curiosity so I looked up the author of Misir Ali but unfortunately none of his books seemed to have been translated into English.

[Phrynne]

Jonas wrote: "I recently read Bobiverse #1-3, holy moly that was a good series. I was hesitant at first, as I'm always struggling to try new things. But I'm so glad I did.

I also read Red Rising #1-3, and now I..."

Sorry Jonas but your concerns are justified:(

[Esther]

Phrynne wrote: "Sorry Jonas but your concerns are justified:( ."

Argh!!! I read Red Rising and was wondering whether to get into the series.

[Sakib]

Esther wrote: "Sakib wrote: "I have been in reader's block this whole year... set my target of 10 books, and now at the end, I'm reading like crazy.

Actually the author that I'm reading now is one of the most f..."

Yeah...
But two of the author's works have been translated into English. If you're interested you can find them here and here.

I think his two most famous series Misir Ali and Himu should be translated. Hopefully someday someone will step up...

[Esther]

Sakib wrote: "Esther wrote: "Sakib wrote: "I have been in reader's block this whole year... set my target of 10 books, and now at the end, I'm reading like crazy.

Actually the author that I'm reading now is on..."

Thanks

[Dawn F]

Because I was looking for an audiobook between reading books, I finally listened to Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys. I love mythology, and modern adaptions of mythology, and the idea of how old deities and mythical creatures would be seen or exist in any kind of real life is endlessly fascinating to me. Anansi Boys delivers on all fronts. I have nothing but praise for this quirky, hilarious and sweet tale. Lenny Henry’s narration is pretty famous and not without reason. Never have voices sounded so real and charming without ever being caricatures, he truly creates personalities just with his voice. I was in such good company with all the characters and laughed out loud many times. A wonderful exploration of magic and family and imperfect gods. I *almost* think I love it more than American Gods.

[DivaDiane]

I loved, loved, loved the audiobook of Anansi Boys. It was the very first book I listened to from Audible and I'm so glad it was so amazing. Like you say, the book is really good, but the narration really elevates it to greatness. I was amazed.

[Dawn F]

It really does feel like the perfect symbiosis of writer and narrator!

[Jacqueline]

Yeah I loved the Anansi Boys audiobook too. It was my second ever audiobook. The first was Armada by Ernest Cline which is read by Will Weaton. Also good.

[Chris]

Dawn wrote: "Because I was looking for an audiobook between reading books, I finally listened to Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys."

Did you read American Gods first? I think it gets more mixed reactions so I'm wondering whether to skip it.

[Pam]

Read Alan Nourse's short story collection, The Counterfeit Man and reviewed it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1391800084.

[Dawn F]

@Chris Yes, I read American Gods a couple of years ago and love it! If you like Anansi Boys then I’m sure you’ll like American Gods as well, they’re told somewhat in the same style. American Gods is also highly amusing, but it’s a much larger story on a bigger scale.

[Anna]

I finally got Saga, Vol. 9 from the library today, and I read it, and WHY?! :'( And there's going to be a year long hiatus!

I knew it wasn't a good idea to read the volume in the library, I know to expect all the feelings when reading Saga, but I did anyway, and it was so hard to stop myself from crying very loudly in the middle of the travel section where I was sitting.

I also read Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven, which continues to wow me with the artwork and the crazy cute characters, but the story still isn't speaking to me as much as I wish it would. I think I'm going to have to reread all of it at some point, to maybe process everything better with more knowledge of all the weirdness.

Since we're talking graphic novels, I read Descender, Vol. 6: The Machine War a few weeks ago, and it was a very satisfying ending to the Descender arc. The upcoming Ascender arc looks promising, I'm definitely going to check it out. I liked the latter half of the series much better than the start, but it could also be because I read the first three volumes back to back in a hurry, so maybe I didn't slow down enough to fully appreciate it.

[Shomeret]

Dawn wrote: "@Chris Yes, I read American Gods a couple of years ago and love it! If you like Anansi Boys then I’m sure you’ll like American Gods as well, they’re told somewhat in the same style. American Gods i..."

I experienced American Gods as having a serious purpose while Anansi Boys was purely for entertainment. I also think that they aren't really related. The only thing they have in common is that gods are characters in both books.

[Dawn F]

Yes, I completely agree. They have very different focuses and they’re not related storywise. Their connection is the myth of Anansi the spider, but while he’s a minor character in American Gods he’s the main character in Anansi Boys in a completely different story. But, Anansi has had many stories as we’re told ;-)

[Sonny]

Jonas wrote: "I recently read Bobiverse #1-3, holy moly that was a good series. I was hesitant at first, as I'm always struggling to try new things. But I'm so glad I did.

I also read Red Rising #1-3, and now I..."

IMO, the new POV's are actually a good thing. It helps keep the series grounded and let's the readers know how life has changed for the lower colors after the events of Morning Star.

[Kaa]

@Anna: Argghhhhh Saga 9! I am so upset that they left us with THAT.

Thanks for the heads up on Ascender! My partner really loves Descender and I'm looking forward to reading it when I have a little more time.

[Anna]

Kaa wrote: "@Anna: Argghhhhh Saga 9! I am so upset that they left us with THAT.

Thanks for the heads up on Ascender!"

I didn't know Descender was ending already, but it became pretty obvious as I started the last volume. Ascender was also a complete surprise to me, but there was a sneak peek on the last page of vol. 6. I like these short, tight arcs with a clear end. The series can still continue with a new story arc, but things won't be drawn out for years and years, like Saga for example. The story is now at the halfway point!

I woke up last night, remembered Saga, cried for five minutes, and went back to sleep.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I just finished Stories of Your Life and Others and ended up liking it more than I feared I would after the first couple. (Once again, Anna, we like the same things for opposite reasons!)

Ted Chiang is immensely talented and thoughtful. I imagine putting him in a room with China Mieville would solve cold fusion in a matter of minutes and likely everyone would die, but have a glorious epiphany on the way out. Chiang seems to revel in the parts that aren't as cool to me, but is talented enough that his afterthoughts were works of art for me. So it worked out!

I had thought to quickly finish The Ophiuchi Hotline before I went out to grab the other books I'm late for, but so far it's like pulling teeth. Goddamn you, tropey 70s scifi! You build up my hopes and then you kick them and stare at their boobs.

Luckily I have a Le Guin waiting for me, and I am very eager to hear her lambaste something.

[Anna]

Allison wrote: "Once again, Anna, we like the same things for opposite reasons!"

It's good that we keep each other on our toes!

[Gabi]

Just finished Hyperion. This is the third or forth novel I read due to this group that threw me out of my cosmos. A damned masterpiece! I wish, GR had a more detailed rating system. I have the feeling I have to go through my ratings (once again) to down-rate books that simply don't play in the same league as Hyperion.

[Kirsten]

I recently started Menagerie by Rachel Vincent

[Michele]

Trike wrote: "Personally, I curl into a fetal position and mumble over and over, “Too many. Too many. Too many.” "

lol

[Michele]

Re-read Isaac Asimov's Foundation trilogy. It keeps turning up in the news recently (e.g. here). Also re-read The Eyes of the Dragon, which always makes me wish King had written more fantasy.

New stuff: Dark Tales (excellent), A Night in the Lonesome October (humorously narrated by the dog), and The Punch Escrow (very good - published by InkShares, sort of a GoFundMe for books).

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Oo I like how different this list is right now! I've heard great things actually about the 40k books, I hope you read more and report back! I'm trying like hell not to get sucked in (my spouse would be completely lost if he got into minis)

I really must read Hyperion, it's been on my list for ages.

Michele, that's a good, atmospheric set of books, seems like. I thought the Punch Escrow was a Big Deal (optioned maybe? I don't do well keeping up with visual media.) Is it a boutique book or am I thinking of some other work?

[Trike]

I’m currently reading Boom Town: The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding, Its Apocalyptic Weather, Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-class Metropolis which is by turns fascinating and hilarious.

If this were the backstory of a sci-fi book, no one would buy into it, because it’s so completely absurd.

[Michele]

Ha :) Who purloined their basketball team?

Reminds me of the old joke about Colorado and Nebraska deciding to merge into one state: Nebraska gets mountains, and Colorado gets a football team XD

[Jamesboggie]

Allison, Hyperion and it's sequel are my favorite books. Warn me before you start. I would read along with you.

[Trike]

Michele wrote: "Ha :) Who purloined their basketball team?"

It was the other way around: OKC stole the SuperSonics from Seattle.

Which is fitting, since Seattle-based Boeing was developing a supersonic airplane and they needed a city to test the effects of sonic booms on the population underneath the flight path, so the Oklahoma City town council (in cahoots with local business leaders) volunteered. To be part of the future!

The US government then started overflying OKC with their latest jets, causing sonic booms. Many, many booms. Which exploded windows, caused plaster ceilings to collapse, drove animals literally insane and chickens to their deaths from the stress. After two weeks the citizens begged them to stop. The guys in charge listened to their petitions and looked at all the property damage being done, not to mention the terrible side effects to everyone’s health from the booms themselves but also from the stress, and they said, “No.”

The flights were increased and went on for over six months.

Boeing, the US government and OKC’s prominent businessmen essentially tortured everyone for months on end, only to have the plan for supersonic jet travel over the United States scrapped.

...and then they did it some more. 😂

I can’t even imagine the lawsuits that would happen today if they tried something like that. People wonder why we are such a litigious country. Probably because of little things like people being injured by their ceilings caving in on them due to a fighter jet roaring by 5 miles overhead.

This isn’t even the craziest thing that’s happened in the book so far and I’m only like 70 pages in.

[Anna]

Jamesboggie wrote: "Allison, Hyperion and it's sequel are my favorite books. Warn me before you start. I would read along with you."

There's a Hyperion buddy read happening right now!

November 8: Hyperion - discussion *spoilers*