SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

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What Else Are You Reading? > What Else Are You Reading in 2024?

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message 701: by Kirsten (new)

Kirsten  (kmcripn) I've been reading a rom-com Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters


message 702: by Jan (new)

Jan (jan130) | 413 comments Marc wrote: "Finished my Ursula K LeGuin's Tombs of Atuan, her 2nd earthsea book. Was pretty good, protagonist was NOT the protagonist of the first book, although he did show up later.

Now, onto book 3, Farthest Shore!"


I love this trilogy. Glad you're enjoying. The ending of The Farthest Shore is wow!


message 703: by Phrynne (new)

Phrynne If you like T.J. Klune you will enjoy this short story.
Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!

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


message 704: by Jan (new)

Jan (jan130) | 413 comments I finished Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs, the latest addition to the long Mercy Thompson urban fantasy series. I was a bit disappointed by the new book, and found it not as good as early books in the series. 3 stars from me for Winter Lost, although there are many diehard fans giving it 5 stars, so maybe it's just me.....


message 705: by Tara (last edited Jun 29, 2024 09:14AM) (new)

Tara | 56 comments Hi Jan: my friend just finished up reading Winter Lost also. SHe had a lot to say about it but here is the highlight: (view spoiler)

I am reading the first book in A Thousand Worlds Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee. This is pre-req for Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha LeeI selected for my Zodiac challenge. About thirty percent in, I love that there is no fear of displaying the world. Just puts it out there for us to enjoy it without a barrage of exposition. Thank you Mr. Lee.


message 706: by Economondos (new)

Economondos | 503 comments Falling behind Marc a bit, but I also just finished A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To me this is what a top-notch fantasy novel looks like. First read this in Jr High, and reread many times since then. It should surprise no one that I have a poster map of Earthsea where you see it as soon as you enter the house.

My review here

Started The Tombs of Atuan right away.


message 707: by CJ (new)

CJ | 531 comments I started The Singing Hills Cycle by Nghi Vo and so far it's incredible, but the narrator for the audiobooks (Cindy Kay) is driving me up a wall with her speaking at a soft volume that dips down into a whisper where she doesn't enunciate voiced consonants consistently. I would have never believed anyone could pronounce "matriarch" without voicing the voiced m and t consonants before this.


message 708: by Anna (new)

Anna (vegfic) | 10434 comments I've generally enjoyed Cindy Kay's narrations, but of course it's all subjective!

(Best and Worst Audiobooks and Narrators)


message 709: by Jan (new)

Jan (jan130) | 413 comments Tara wrote: "Hi Jan: my friend just finished up reading Winter Lost also. SHe had a lot to say about it but here is the highlight: [spoilers removed]"

Thank you Tara. Maybe it's not just me?


message 710: by Kirsten (new)

Kirsten  (kmcripn) Just started reading Bride by Ali Hazelwood Bride by Ali Hazelwood


message 711: by HeyT (new)

HeyT | 504 comments Jan wrote: "I finished Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs, the latest addition to the long Mercy Thompson urban fantasy series. I was a bit disappointed by the new book, and found it not as good a..."

I only gave it a three as well. It wasn't as strong as other installments and was very set up for bigger things later.


message 712: by Beth (new)

Beth (rosewoodpip) | 2005 comments I wasn't expecting to finish as much in June as I ended up doing. Lots of travel in July, which could mean good progress, or next to none. Watch this space!

Timeless by Gail Carriger (audio): this series' plots aren't all that, but my partner and I have been enjoying our time with this cast of characters in steampunk/UF Victorian England. We'll listen to the series featuring Prudence before long. (review)

St Clare's Collection 1: Books 1-3 by Enid Blyton: how I came about reading a MG series about girls in a British boarding school, written in the early 40s, is probably not worth going into. I enjoyed the little dramas among the students, and also thought I'd appreciate them more if they were more substantial. (review)

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews: I enjoyed the first of Kate Daniels' adventures, so why this one landed with a sad thud is a mystery to me. An interesting setting squandered on a boring plot and one-note characters, including the obvious eventual male lead. (review)

Bleak House by Charles Dickens: excellent, but also exhausting. Powerful scenes and descriptions. Worthwhile for a fast reader or one with a lot of patience for what Dickens is putting down. (review)

TekWar by Ron Goulart (for William Shatner): I read this for a bad books podcast, so I knew what was coming. Occasional odd humor doesn't redeem the bland slurry that surrounds it. (placeholder review)


message 713: by Jan (new)

Jan (jan130) | 413 comments HeyT wrote: "Jan wrote: "I finished Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs, the latest addition to the long Mercy Thompson urban fantasy series. I was a bit disappointed by the new book, and and found it not as good a..."

I only gave it a three as well. It wasn't as strong as other installments and was very set up for bigger things later."


Yep, probably true. Future showdown with Bonarata maybe?


message 714: by Brett (new)

Brett Bosley | 329 comments Lindsay Fitzharris's The Facemaker, about the origins of facial reconstructive surgery on men disfigured in World War One. It was highly rated and regarded among serious professional historians.


message 715: by Economondos (new)

Economondos | 503 comments Completed The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin before breakfast today.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love the whole series, but this is the book I remember between rereads. (review)

Onwards through the series with The Farthest Shore. But for now out for a day of yard cleanup.


message 716: by Vidath (new)

Vidath Kappagoda (vidathk) | 4 comments Economondos wrote: "Falling behind Marc a bit, but I also just finished A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
To me this is what a top-notch fantasy novel looks like. First read this in Jr ..."


Have you read Eragon? It's also one of the best fantasy I've read.


message 717: by Vidath (new)

Vidath Kappagoda (vidathk) | 4 comments Beth wrote: "I wasn't expecting to finish as much in June as I ended up doing. Lots of travel in July, which could mean good progress, or next to none. Watch this space!

Timeless by Gail Carrig..."


I have read St Claire's back when I'm in middle school


message 718: by Economondos (new)

Economondos | 503 comments Vidath wrote: "Have you read Eragon? ..."

Yes, I have. I am in the minority that didn't like it. It seemed like Paolini took every trope and smushed them together. Gave it a 2 star rating without a review and donated the book.

Just proves that not every book is for every reader, I guess. Glad you liked it.


message 719: by Colin (new)

Colin (colinalexander) | 366 comments Read The Gospel of Loki by Joanne M. Harris. This is a re-telling of Norse myths, from creation to Ragnorak, from the point of view of Loki. The character is drawn from the original Norse Loki - nothing to do with Marvel. This is in first-person, with Loki telling the tales. He has pretty good insight into the sort of character he is, but the telling is also laced with a heavy dose of grievance against the Norse gods. It makes for a light and quick read, although Loki can become wearying at times. (I suppose that fits his character fairly well.) I think it helps to have read the myths previously. If you like myth re-tellings, Norse mythology in general, or light fantasy, I would recommend this.


message 720: by Brett (new)

Brett Bosley | 329 comments I would expect a touch of unreliable narrator WRT Loki.


message 721: by Tara (new)

Tara | 56 comments Economondos wrote: "Vidath wrote: "Have you read Eragon? ..."

Yes, I have. I am in the minority that didn't like it. It seemed like Paolini took every trope and smushed them together. Gave it a 2 star rating without ..."


You are not alone. I frequently reminded myself that Paolini was only 15 when he wrote Eragon to keep myself motivated to complete. There was at least a fun corollary between Luke’s origin story and our acceptance or not to fate v free will.


message 722: by Woman Reading (new)

Woman Reading  (is away exploring) | 75 comments Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1) by Leigh Bardugo Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This felt very different, in a good way, compared with Bardugo's Shadow and Bone trilogy though is set in the same universe. It’s not often that I read a high stakes international crime caper in the urban fantasy genre.


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


message 723: by Charlton (last edited Jul 03, 2024 11:36AM) (new)

Charlton (cw-z) | 778 comments Just started The Lone Drow by author:R.A. Salvatore|1023510].


message 724: by Araych (last edited Jul 04, 2024 11:58AM) (new)

Araych | 59 comments The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. (D.O.D.O., #1) by Neal Stephenson by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland

A fascinating and sometimes amusing tale of magic, quantum physics, time travel, history, witchcraft, Walmart, the military-industrial complex and a 1000-year-old banking family. A little slow at the start while the stage is set and the players introduced but then it's an intoxicating and chaotic ride to the final 742nd page. Reading this book is a wonderful adventure -- 5 stars, highly recommended.


message 725: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14221 comments Mod
I'm glad you enjoyed that one, it was decidedly not for me. Have others read it?


message 726: by CBRetriever (new)

CBRetriever | 6105 comments Allison wrote: "I'm glad you enjoyed that one, it was decidedly not for me. Have others read it?"

I have. It was OK but I have had the sequel for some time and have not been tempted to read it yet. I'll probably have to put it in a challenge to make myself read it


message 727: by Stephen (last edited Jul 04, 2024 04:08PM) (new)

Stephen Stanford (stephen_k_stanford) | 187 comments Something about words "to the final 742nd page" puts me off for some reason.


message 728: by Jan (new)

Jan (jan130) | 413 comments Allison wrote: "I'm glad you enjoyed that one, it was decidedly not for me. Have others read it?"

I tried it but didn't get very far. I just kinda lost interest and dnf'ed. Good to know it gets better. Maybe I'll give it another try some time.


message 729: by Jan (new)

Jan (jan130) | 413 comments Stephen wrote: "Something about words "to the final 742nd page" puts me off for some reason."

Ha ha. Yeah Stephenson's books can be rather long.


message 730: by Brett (new)

Brett Bosley | 329 comments Beginning James Loewen's Sundown Towns, which I anticipate to be grim as all hell.


message 731: by Colin (new)

Colin (colinalexander) | 366 comments Enjoyed City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky, a fairly dark - though not grimdark - fantasy of an ancient city under military occupation with both the occupiers and the erstwhile resistance quite corrupt. It's a story of flawed people making bad decisions, the consequences of which lead to worse decisions and escalating consequences. The world-building is exquisite and immersive; the characters sharply chiseled and engaging, if not likeable. Not everything works, however. The student revolutionaries made me visualize the young revolutionaries in the musical play, Les Mis. Every scene they were in, I literally heard in my head lines from the song "Do you hear the people sing." ("Will you join in our crusade/Who will be strong and stand with me?") Bounced me out of the story every time, but maybe it's just me. There is also an un-named bit character with a major impact on the plot. (I suspect that character will have a larger role in later stories in this world, but I thought it was an issue here. All in all, a good read. If you like your fantasy on the dark side, your characters flawed, and a mystery to chase, I recommend it.
City of Last Chances (The Tyrant Philosophers, #1) by Adrian Tchaikovsky


message 732: by Stephen (new)

Stephen Stanford (stephen_k_stanford) | 187 comments sounds good


message 733: by Economondos (new)

Economondos | 503 comments Completed the Earthsea trilogy with The Farthest Shore. Rated it 4 stars. My review here.

Moved straight into Tehanu.


message 734: by TheBookLounge (new)

TheBookLounge | 36 comments Creed wrote: "I'm currently reading a fantasy series: "The Valley of the Dragons""

Heard good things about that series. Will you be writing a review about it when finished?


message 735: by Brett (new)

Brett Bosley | 329 comments City of Last Chances sounds like it would be a gold mine of Easter eggs for history nerds.


message 736: by Kateb (new)

Kateb | 959 comments Tara wrote: "Economondos wrote: "Vidath wrote: "Have you read Eragon? ..."

Yes, I have. I am in the minority that didn't like it. It seemed like Paolini took every trope and smushed them together. Gave it a 2 ..."


fully agree


message 737: by CJ (new)

CJ | 531 comments Well I started Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky and...I think I picked the wrong novel to be my first by him. He seems to be trying to do a lot here and (speaking as someone who studied philosophy at grad school and quit because I had had enough of men who think themselves much more clever than they are) I'm not impressed so far.

Also started my reread of Dune. Because Dune.


message 738: by Tara (new)

Tara | 56 comments CJ wrote: "Well I started Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky and...I think I picked the wrong novel to be my first by him. He seems to be trying to do a lot here and (speaking as someone who studied philosop..."

++dune I have Service Model on my list to read. My friend told me it was fun/funny.


message 739: by TheBookLounge (new)

TheBookLounge | 36 comments CJ wrote: "Well I started Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky and...I think I picked the wrong novel to be my first by him. He seems to be trying to do a lot here and (speaking as someone who studied philosop..."

I have to get to Dune. Been on the shelf for far to long


message 740: by Kateb (new)

Kateb | 959 comments Creed wrote: "I'll read it when I'm older and my mom can't tell me "no.""

your mother told you no!!!!!!!

i read it when it was first published, my mother took me to the library and ok'd any adult book i wanted to read.

i have two degrees (physics and computers in education) and i still cant really get past the 2nd book

enders game series is the same

maybe authors write a good book and then spoil it by trying to do a series.

i normally like series but mmmmmmmm

so good luck creed, read the first book but dont forget it was written ages ago and trends in books change


message 741: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (michellehartline) | 3168 comments Creed wrote: "I'll read it when I'm older and my mom can't tell me "no.""

Actually, when my kids were minors I would check everything before approving or nixing the material: books, shows and movies. At the time they used to resent it. I didn't care if they resented it because it was my job as a mother to protect them. Now that they all have grown, they do this for their kids. I did it with games, too. My son used to be so angry that I wouldn't let him play M-rated games until he was 16. When he'd give me lip, I'd tell him that we could wait until he was 17 if he'd rather. That would halt the argument 😂 Of course he was sneaking onto those games at his bff's house, but I couldn't monitor there. Now he's in his thirties and told me that he doesn't want his sons playing them early either.

It's all perspective. Your mother cares, that's all!


message 742: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (michellehartline) | 3168 comments I finished my re-re-re-read of the Lord of the Rings trilogy recently. Then I just finished re-reading Traitor's Blade with another group last night. I like that series. Now I'm reading the 3rd book in the Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire series: Imperial Mercenary. These are a lot of fun!


message 743: by Michelle (last edited Jul 07, 2024 05:00PM) (new)

Michelle (michellehartline) | 3168 comments My son and one of my daughters are huge Call of Duty fans. There's a game thread in this group, Creed- I forgot. Let me look for the link for you. Be right back...


message 745: by Phrynne (new)

Phrynne Still working my way through Penric and Desdemona. I am halfway now and enjoying every word. I really liked the way he(they) let loose on the bad guys in this one
The Orphans of Raspay

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


message 746: by Happy Red Panda (new)

Happy Red Panda (happyredpanda) | 3 comments I’m reading the Red Rising series. It’s great


message 747: by Bobby (new)

Bobby Durrett | 233 comments Reading "A Clash Of Kings". I really like this series even if it has a bit more explicit sex than I am looking for. It is just an enjoyable immersion in a swords and sorcery fantasy world.


message 748: by Economondos (new)

Economondos | 503 comments Middle of the night I woke and finished reading Tehanu by Ursula K. Le Guin.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A worthy entry in the Earthsea universe. I always wonder what the characters did next after the end of a book. This answers for three main characters in the original Earthsea trilogy. The ending was a little abrupt, and not terribly surprising, but it was satisfying.

My review here


message 749: by Woman Reading (new)

Woman Reading  (is away exploring) | 75 comments Winter Lost (Mercy Thompson, #14; Mercy Thompson World, #20) by Patricia Briggs Winter Lost

Patricia Briggs is back on track after a couple of average installments in the Mercy-verse.

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


message 750: by Carl (new)

Carl Reads (carlreadsbooks) oh, the Red Rising series is on my TBR.


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