Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion
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House of Chains the team not the BR, Year 2!
Melissa wrote: "Barry wrote: "Melissa wrote: "If it's next month, I might be able to hop on as well."Still interested to set up a BR starting August? Maybe every 10th of the month?
Yanique wrote: "Aw man, well I..."
Ok, let's set up the first two books first. Then, we'll see if there's enough people who want to continue and at what pace. I'll announce it at the buddy invite thread first.
Mod
Still interested to set up a BR starting August? Maybe every 10th of the month?
Yanique wrote:..."
Great!
Sounds good! Thanks for posting the invite Barry, and thanks for suggesting the series Yanique!
BTW, how are everyone's reads going? I just read The Raven Tower and Pax as buddy reads, which were both middling-to-fair in my opinion. Looking at The Wayfarers trilogy next, so I hope I find The Long Way to a Small, Angry, Planet lives up to the positive comments I've heard about it so far. I think I'm in more of a sci-fi mood lately anyhow.
Mod
Yanique, I'm glad you liked it, as others have. I don't mind slow pacing, and I love world-building, but I need some characters to care about. Honestly if it had started in the Cambrian Era, I would have patiently waited for the world to form, because there is an element of suspense in setting the stage. But flat characters turned it into a slog.
Olivia wrote: "I had to reduce my BRs because I’m a mood reader and they began to stress me :("Totally hear you on that score. I'm a mood reader too so even though I was only signing up for BRs of books I was really interested in, I wasn't always necessarily in the mood to read the book when the BR for it came up. I scaled back considerably too. Now I try to limit my BRs to no more than three a month...and even that sometimes feels like too many.
Veronica wrote: "Olivia wrote: "I had to reduce my BRs because I’m a mood reader and they began to stress me :("Totally hear you on that score. I'm a mood reader too so even though I was only signing up for BRs o..."
This is my problem exactly! I fancy a book, schedule a BR, then when it comes around months later i'm not in the mood for it. I'm doing much better with this this year than I was last year though.
Haha, yes mood readers unite! ...on your own schedule! Read what you want when you want! Yeah, I put all kinds of books in my calendar, but only actually join in a fraction of them.
On the plus side! If you ever want to read something spontaneously, you can always put it out there, and perhaps another mood reader will jump on it. Obviously don't want to overwhelm the mods, but it's nice sometimes to plan something that isn't months and months out.
Confession: (This isn't exactly a "mood reader" issue, but I was reminded of it by canceled/delayed BRs.)
Gosh I still feel guilty about this. Earlier this year, I invited a friend to join FBR so we could do our first buddy read together. I was so excited to read Circe... and then my apartment moving date got changed. So I was scrambling with boxes, and starting a new job that same week, and was so overwhelmed that I didn't get to the BR until a couple weeks after. Although there were some other readers, I felt awful for basically standing her up. Have yet to arrange another BR. ;_;
Melissa wrote: "Confession: (This isn't exactly a "mood reader" issue, but I was reminded of it by canceled/delayed BRs.)
Gosh I still feel guilty about this. Earlier this year, I invited a friend to join FBR so ..."
It happens to all of us! I arranged a BR for Stormlight Archives this year, I'm still reading book one four months down the line and everyone went ahead and read the rest of the series. I keep starting other things rather than finishing that book, I'm terrible,
On the flip side, someone asked to read the Psy/ Changeling series by Nalini Singh this year, I agreed to read it and we scheduled the threads, 1 book per month. Unfortunately that person never turned up for any of the BRs (and I can't remember who it was) so after reading the first 5 books essentially by myself I gave up. I feel bad since the mods spent the time making the threads for all 16 in the series and putting them in the schedule but I felt a bit daft just talking to myself. I actually think I'll continue with the series later in the year I'll just probably do it by myself and not post in the threads or use that schedule.
I found out I was a mood reader last year, when I signed up for many many buddy reads and ended up dropping about half of them. I also probably became a lot more catty at the poor books who didn't deserve that much criticism. So naturally this year I went the other way round and haven't had a buddy read for months. Moderation what is that.
But seriously I need to curate my BRs better to avoid the burnout - I think a lot of my problem last year was how ended up trying to read too many books I had no actual interest in reading.
I found out I was a mood reader last year, when I signed up for many many buddy reads and ended up dropping about half of them. I also probably became a lot more catty at the poor books who didn't deserve that much criticism. So naturally this year I went the other way round and haven't had a buddy read for months. Moderation what is that.
But seriously I need to curate my BRs better to avoid the burnout - I think a lot of my problem last year was how ended up trying to read too many books I had no actual interest in reading.
Mod
I'm not good with scheduling books far in advance. What works for me is in that month I'll just see what BRs are going on and jump in if I'm interested. Sometimes I ask if anyone wants to have an impromptu BR on something I'm about to start that I think might have popular appeal (like Leviathan Wakes), but that's it.
Charlie wrote: "On the flip side, someone asked to read the Psy/ Changeling series by Nalini Singh this year..."Aw, that's no fun. Yeah, I think that's why I don't ask for invites to buddy read, because if it's just the two of you, you really have to commit. It's different from when there is a group.
Hm, I don't know how it works with the creation of threads and folders, but remembering the great folder crisis of last year, if you think you won't be using that folder anymore, perhaps mention it to the mods and see if it would free up space to archive it.
Sha wrote: "I found out I was a mood reader last year, when I signed up for many many buddy reads and ended up dropping about half of them. I also probably became a lot more catty at the poor books who didn't ..."Haha, I can totally relate to feeling more catty towards certain books that perhaps don't deserve it. But that's also happens I think with the very act of buddy reading. You read with a more critical eye when you plan on commenting, reviewing, or critiquing a book. The minor dissatisfaction, when you think about it, and think about it... compounds into a full on rage read. Plus when you're in a buddy read, you continue with a book/series that otherwise you might have dropped.
The other part I think is expectations. I came down pretty hard on Guy Gavriel Kay because I had heard good things, and was disappointed by all the sexist tropes of classic fantasy.
Choko's review of Raven Tower really resonated with me because I also wasn't thrilled by it, and yet realize that I am judging a talented/literary author on a different scale than I would one that writes pulpy entertainment.
Yanique wrote: "Sha wrote: "I found out I was a mood reader last year, when I signed up for many many buddy reads and ended up dropping about half of them. I also probably became a lot more catty at the poor books..."I do something similar. I'll look ahead and fill up my potential calendar with buddy reads that are out there, but only end up joining in a fraction of them. Once a thread is set up I'll set my notifications to follow it. If I forget about it then I'll see the ping and can decide then whether to hop in or not.
This year I've actually joined in several. Wow, now that I look, half of my reads this year have been buddy reads! Haha, I also haven't read much this year comparatively. So... 10/21 books? Still. Those are books I mightn't have picked up otherwise. It's great when BR can motivate you in a healthy way to read more. :)
Melissa wrote: "Yanique wrote: "Sha wrote: "I found out I was a mood reader last year, when I signed up for many many buddy reads and ended up dropping about half of them. I also probably became a lot more catty a..."It can absolutely be good motivation for trying new things. I wouldn't have read The Name of the Wind without this group (it had been on my shelf for years and years) and I freaking loved it, one of the best books I've ever read.
I'm one of the top point-getter for Buddy Read. Surprisingly, I felt that last year I did more BRs. I felt that "burn out" last year a little bit. This year, maybe because of the experience last year, I adjusted my expectations a little bit. So, despite the number of BRs that I've joined, I don't or haven't really felt the "burn out". The main reason why I've been able to join a lot of BRs is because I have those books ready on my physical and e-bookshelves. And it just so happens that this year a lot of people wanted to read the series that I've been wanting to read. So, I get to join a lot of BRs and clear up my bookshelves and tackle the Overflowing challenge all at the same time.
Thankfully, I've read some pretty terrific series and books this year. Obviously Malazan (started last year) continues to be such an amazing series. I'm also in the middle of the Realms of the Ederlings series, and except for the Assassin's Quest, the rest of the books have been truly satisfying. Also got to read the Stormlight Archives (not a huge Brandon Sanderson fan, but the Stormlight is tedious, but superb!). The only disappointing series that I manage to complete this year was the Belgariad (and I only finished it because I got 4 of the books on a used bookstore for like $2 each).
Btw, I just updated two books and we're currently ahead by like 9 points. Yay! Hopefully this will last until end of the year.
Melissa wrote: "Sha wrote: "I found out I was a mood reader last year, when I signed up for many many buddy reads and ended up dropping about half of them. I also probably became a lot more catty at the poor books..."I like Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch series, despite the opaque conversations between the characters. The concepts (AIs, genderless or at least gender blind characters) are just so intriguing. I'm actually reading the third book with another group right now. But yeah, I've read a few not so positive reviews of her new book. Does the book still have a lot of the opaque conversations where after you don't really know what the heck the characters mean?
Mod
Way to go Barry, pushing us over the top! I've been watching us inch closer and closer the past few days. Congratulations everyone!
Barry wrote: "Thankfully, I've read some pretty terrific series and books this year. ..."I'm glad you've read so many satisfying series this year, and that many have conveniently been Buddy Reads as well. :) (Muahahaha, more points for us!) I haven't read any of those myself, so if I ever get around to them, I hope I enjoy them as much as you. I've enjoyed Sanderson's other works, so whenever I dive into Stormlight I have high hopes.
I have some books like The Belgariad though, that I got for cheap or as gift, and then read the first in the series only to be disappointed. I once pushed myself to finish a series I wasn't into, mostly because I had purchased the fancy hardcovers on a friend's recommendation. But I've gotten better at abandoning series. I'm looking at my shelves now in fact, thinking about which ones I should really drop off at BookOff. Hmmm, C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, I'm looking at you...
Barry wrote: "I like Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch series, despite the opaque conversations between the characters. The concepts (AIs, genderless or at least gender blind characters) are just so intriguing. ..."As for Leckie and The Raven Tower... Hm, no I didn't get any opaque conversations from it. (I don't remember the Radch conversations as being opaque either, but I read them several years back.) True, Ancillary Justice does throw you into the confusing world and leaves you to figure things out, but I'm generally okay with that as long as I'm intrigued enough to want to find out.
The Raven Tower just didn't have anything to pull me in. The book is split between present-day humans and the ancient gods. I didn't care about the humans, and the god's story didn't really get going until the second half of the book.
Mod
I've been having a lot more time to read again so I should be upping my numbers soon as well. Nice job putting us in the lead guys! That's awesome!
Barry wrote: "I'm one of the top point-getter for Buddy Read. Surprisingly, I felt that last year I did more BRs. I felt that "burn out" last year a little bit. This year, maybe because of the experience last ye..."Way to go putting us in the lead!! :)
I think I'm pretty much your twin this year, Barry! I'm also one of the top point scorers for buddy reads, think we're both top 5?! Some of the people up there haven't commented on a single buddy read thread this year though haha..! Also, we've read a few series together! Realm of the Elderlings and Long Price Quartet etc.
I haven't felt the pressure this year, every buddy read I've done because, like you say, I have the book ready to go and I want to read it.
And I'm there, right between you two, keeping the twins apart 😜
Yanique wrote: "I’m in the middle of a few big books right now, so I’m going to be dropping a bunch of points during the week. So maybe we can take and build a lead. Though I think the Raiders are plotting to hold..."Ah yes, I saw something to that effect in their thread. But hey, it's ours now. And it makes it interesting to have a little back and forth with the lead anyhow. In the end we're all reading and having fun. :)
I hope you enjoy the books you're reading. I have a hard time juggling multiple books like that, so more power to ya.
Siobhan wrote: "Barry wrote: "I'm one of the top point-getter for Buddy Read. Surprisingly, I felt that last year I did more BRs. I felt that "burn out" last year a little bit. This year, maybe because of the expe..."Good to hear you've also been able to do lots of stress-free buddy reads Siobhan. I'm glad that I've been able to join in some together with you too. ^_^
Sir Anni wrote: "And I'm there, right between you two, keeping the twins apart 😜"Oh yes! I'm not surprised you're right up there, the amount of buddy reads you coax me to! 😜
Jessica wrote: "I've been having a lot more time to read again so I should be upping my numbers soon as well. Nice job putting us in the lead guys! That's awesome!"
Yay for reading time! Song of Achilles was one of my favorites this year. I hope we can join in on another read together again.
Melissa wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Barry wrote: "I'm one of the top point-getter for Buddy Read. Surprisingly, I felt that last year I did more BRs. I felt that "burn out" last year a little bit. This year, maybe bec..."It's been great reading with you Melissa! :)
And I've managed to do quite a few reads with Jessica too!
Go team!! XD
Mod
I've been having a good time just reading a variety of things at once. So I just pick up what I'm in the mood for. This year I'm reading almost exclusively from my owned books, so that means lots of points for Overflowing Bookshelf challenge, and for reading mostly physically. So I'll leave the BR read points to you guys.
Song of Achilles was a ton of fun! It's been awesome being able to do so many reads with you guys. Hoping I'll be able to jump on more reads soon. I made the mistake of watching Lucifer on Netflix a few weeks ago and got super distracted from my reading lolWhat's everyone planning on reading in the next few weeks? I've super lost track of the buddy reads and need to see what's coming up
@Yanique it definitely helps taking a break from the buddy reads sometimes. I ended up getting super overwhelmed last year and burnt myself out trying to read a bunch of books that I wasn't really into. Been trying to go easier on myself this year and just read whatever ones catch my attention.
A few of us are just starting the Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett. Have you read any of that series? I've been meaning to get to it for years. Other than that I'm just continuing some series and fitting in spontaneous reads wherever I can. :)
Oooh that is a fun series! Maybe I'll try and re-read some of it with you guys. I've read all of the main books (not the novella) and loved the first book! Some of the middle books were meh, but the ending was decent and overall it was a fun readedit: btw how do you like it so far?
Jessica wrote: "Oooh that is a fun series! Maybe I'll try and re-read some of it with you guys. I've read all of the main books (not the novella) and loved the first book! Some of the middle books were meh, but th..."I've not made much progress, literally one chapter into the Painted Man. But I'm liking the characters so far! :)
Siobhan wrote: "Barry wrote: "I'm one of the top point-getter for Buddy Read. Surprisingly, I felt that last year I did more BRs. I felt that "burn out" last year a little bit. This year, maybe because of the expe..."Yeap, this year we've read a number of books together, especially the Realm of the Elderlings. We should plan the rest of the year and perhaps next year too hahaha.
Barry wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Barry wrote: "I'm one of the top point-getter for Buddy Read. Surprisingly, I felt that last year I did more BRs. I felt that "burn out" last year a little bit. This year, maybe bec..."I think the Realm of the Elderlings should take us that far anyway! XD We need to get the next trilogy planned after Ship of Destiny! 👍
Finished The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet last night. Such a fun character-driven book. I laughed and awww'd out loud multiple times.The team points are neck and neck too. We were up by 75 points or so, and now it's just a 12 point difference. Makes things interesting.
Mod
Hm, looks like she hasn't been active in the group since January. I pinged her to see if she's still interested in reading Leviathan Wakes with us.
Melissa wrote: "I came down pretty hard on Guy Gavriel Kay because I had heard good things, and was disappointed by all the sexist tropes of classic fantasy."Oh yes this. It took time and distance for me to realize this was part of what made The Summer Tree not resonate that well with me. I was trying really desperately to embrace it when I first read it but it didn't work and I think I drifted away from book 2 less than halfway through with a sense of muted relief.
Also this;
"Plus when you're in a buddy read, you continue with a book/series that otherwise you might have dropped."
This particularly applies to me because I'm not one of those people who start a book and then feel twitchy if they don't finish it. Under normal circumstances I abandon books gleefully and at impressive rates. Not being able to do so definitely contributed to the cattiness. :D
I signed up to BR The Warrior Heir because I just finished the other two Cinda WIlliams Chima series and that means I like the author. That said, I did like her later series far better than the earlier one, and since this is her debut series there are chances of me becoming cranky again.
So many books so little time. D:
Sha wrote: "Melissa wrote: "So many books so little time. D:"I feel this is my life!
Sha wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I came down pretty hard on Guy Gavriel Kay because I had heard good things, and was disappointed by all the sexist tropes of classic fantasy."Oh yes this. It took time and distanc..."
I'm glad I wasn't the only one with The Summer Tree.
I love Guy Gavriel Kay. He's one of my favorite writers. I don't see so much its meant to be presented as sexist tropes as I see that he writes historical fiction and thus holds to whatever societal values were in place in our real world equivalent. His lands are thinly veiled representations of our own world (Seressa is Venice, Sarantium is 6th century Constantinople, Anglycyn is 9th century England, Arbonne is medieval Provence, Kaitan is 8th century China during the fall of the 9th dynasty, etc.) and that means presenting gender roles as they would have been in our world's equivalent past, with just a smidgeon of fantasy tossed in, usually as some sort of representation of that particular region's myths and folktales. It's actually a pet peeve of mine when someone writes historical fiction but infuses it with modern sensibilities and values. Just go write a contemporary story, then. But even in Kay's lands where women's roles are restricted - as befitting historical accuracy, he always writes his female characters as being intelligent and exerting power in subtle, behind-the-scenes ways to circumvent the limits placed upon them by their society...as smart women have always done throughout history in real life. His female characters still find ways to shape their own lives as well as the worlds they live in. I'm currently reading my tenth book by him and I've yet to encounter a helpless female or one whose only role is as the designated love interest. They all stand on their own two feet and help drive the plots forward through their own actions and decisions.
That said, the Fionavar trilogy was one of Kay's early works and not his best at all.
V, you expressed exactly how I feel both about Kay and about historical fiction. I feel we have gotten to the point where we try to put every story through our contemporary understanding of what should or shouldn't be, thus not only misrepresenting the historical periods, but doing ourselves a disservice by diminishing what women had to go through for us to be today where we are. To me that is the true loss of making the women of the past modern representatives of feminism. I am all for girl power and I appreciate it in contemporary context, but I truly get inspired by a heroine living in the restrictive and hostile to women cultures, who find ways to impose their will and find their well-being by being smart and strong within that system. Those are my favorite characters... This is why I loved the Daughter of the Empire series - extremely patriarchal society, women are just for sex and procreation, and still our main character plays the system so she could live up to her potential. This is strength! As V. said, otherwise the authors should just stick with contemporary fiction. :-)
I think we already discussed this point in The Summer Tree thread, but I still heartily disagree. Writing in a fantasy world does not excuse you from sexism. I love those kinds of stories too, where women survive in a hostile society and rise above those challenges. But I got none of that from Kay. Tons of feminist writing takes place in patriarchal societies where women may be forced into certain roles, and deplorable things may happen to them, but it's about how the author depicts it. Whose story are they telling? Kay had some lovely poetic phrases, but the flat characters and lazy treatment of women put me off of reading anything more by him.
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I started Leviathan Wakes and it's awesome so far!