Fantasy discussion
Currently Reading
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What book are you currently reading?
Mod
Pakks is most common in the book. I already dont remember her father. But even that name is good enough.
The first novel length thing I ever wrote as during the time I was in the army, and....in it, I did have a lot more detail squad movements and survival skills. When I read this book, I do see a lot of similarities in it, particularly in army formation and an understanding of rank and what it means. I also see a lot of Mrs. Moon's dungeons and dragons influences in the story. It is easy to see that she was a gamer and a military type.
I was unware of this book until a beta reader of my first story said it had similarities, so....I went out to read it. I had some confusion though, as I thought the book was "the Deed of Pakksensarion" when in fact that is the title of three books combined together. I had that as a giant tome on my desk, but I did the audio book of the first one and wondered why it seemed so unfinished.
Now I get it. I only had book 1, sheepherders daughter. I am now reading divided allegiance, which is book 2.
I am actually wanting to know what Pakksenarion's 'deed' actually is. I am not sure it has shown up yet. But....I do like following the character. The book is not good at getting to the real conflict though. I am not sure what that is. Its more like....watch a character slowly become a Paladin. So...okay.
The book is older. Came out in the 1980's. Does it matter? A good book is a good book.
In the years since, there are additional Pakk's books, but I will probably stop at the third.
Viewfinder by Christine D.U. Chung and Salwa Majoka, a meaningful wordless graphic novel. A space explorer's visit to Earth reveals an abandoned civilization.
P. Pherson wrote: "I am actually wanting to know what Pakksenarion's 'deed' actually is. I am not sure it has shown up yet. But....I do like following the character. The book is not good at getting to the real conflict though. I am not sure what that is. Its more like....watch a character slowly become a Paladin. So...okay."I don't know what this mysterious deed was either. There was only the first Paksenarrion book in my parents' house. I think it was my father who bought it long before I read it. And there was nothing in the book that made me want to look for a sequel.
Shadow Princess ( Zodiac academy book 4 ) !!
Shadow Princess ( Zodiac academy book 4 ) !!
Mod
Walter wrote: "The Martian by Andy Weir and Enemy Mine by Barry Longyear."I hope you enjoy Enemy Mine.
Currently reading: Feed, by M.T. Anderson
(Written in first person by a teenager)
It’s a futuristic sci-fi where people have internet chips in their minds (like NeuroLink, where they see the internet overlayed on their vision), and there are upcars (flying cars), and people live in self-contained bubbles that can be controlled by those living inside (everything down to the weather and even the sun).
The main character is not very smart (his idea), because he went to main stream school (which is owned by corporations who do not actually teach anything), so his accounting of what is going on is both funny, satirical, and sometimes, downright disturbing.
In the very beginning of the book, he goes on vacation, with some friends, and meets a girl that wears unconventional clothing, and is really smart (she was homeschooled). While they are partying, they are hacked by some random guy, and it messes with their “feed” (the internet feed that is constantly happening in people’s minds - like banners of ads, and TV shows, and instant messages that people can send whenever, meaning no one has to even speak out loud to each other anymore). It goes into how that affects the main character and his girlfriend.
I am only halfway through the book, but for being written in 2002, it is SCARY how close we have come to this book being real. It is full of slag, which can be hard to get use to, but I find I am using some of the words, like “meg,” even in real life these days lol
It will be super interesting to see where the story ends up going. So far I am really enjoying the silly slang, and the juxtaposition between the main character and the girl he is falling for. Because she was homeschooled, she is really smart, and has a totally different way of seeing the world. It is an unusual book, that I picked up because the cover enticed me, but I find myself reading it without realizing that the time has even passed, which, to me, is always a good sign. ^_^
Mod
If I find it, I will let you know. Like I said, for me, this is mostly like homework to read. Many people like this book, but I am not sure what really hooked them. Maybe it came out at the right time in the right place, or maybe the book picks up and rewards the effort. Where I am at, its not really showing a conflict...more like a wandering RPG type thing, where stuff appears, and they deal with it, and then another thing appears... We'll see.
I recall not being very interested in book 1. Book 2 is more interesting so far, IMO.
Mod
I wanted to share my current reading list—it’s been a bit of a sci-fi spree lately!
📖 The Martian by Andy Weir: It’s my first time reading this one, and I’m loving the mix of humor and tension as Mark Watney fights for survival on Mars.
📖 Enemy Mine by Barry Longyear: Just started chapter one, and the premise is already intriguing—two enemies stranded together. I’m curious to see how their relationship evolves!
🎧 I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman: My wife and I are starting this audiobook together tomorrow after dinner. It’ll be our first time sharing a listen, and I can’t wait to discuss it with her!
It's fascinating to see what everyone in this group is currently reading!
Strange the Dreamer duology by Laini Taylor. OMG. So lyrical. Beautiful prose. I'm enthralled with the story.
magisterium : the iron trial by holly black & cassandra clare
I've started reading The Hanging City.Walter wrote: "Hi everyone!
I wanted to share my current reading list—it’s been a bit of a sci-fi spree lately!
📖 The Martian by Andy Weir: It’s my first time reading this one, and I’m loving the mix of humor ..."
I hope you enjoy Enemy Mine. It's a great book in my opinion.
Mod
Yes, I did enjoy Enemy Mine! It was a powerful and thought-provoking read. The idea of enemies becoming friends in such a hostile environment really resonated with me. It's definitely one of the best books I've read in 2024.
I'm also reading The Ill-Made Mute. The author has a unique style and is clearly talented, but for some reason, the book just isn't clicking with me. The main character is fine, but I can't quite pinpoint why it feels like it's not the right fit for me.
I'm really glad you enjoyed Enemy Mine. Like the Wheel of Time books, I first read it when I was very young, and it was one of those pieces of literature that shaped my mind.By the way, I liked the Starkissed book so much because it was very similar to Enemy Mine. Of course, the plot was more romantic and there was a lot more action, but it still reminded me of Enemy Mine.
As for The Ill-Made Mute, I like that book mainly because of the author's unique style and well-described world. Call me weird, but I like slow-paced books with detailed descriptions of clothes, food and scenery. When I read fantasy books, I want to relax and forget about the real world and its problems for a while. Sometimes I even like the fictional world, but I don't care much about the main protagonists, or even prefer to like the villains or secondary characters.
So writing style and world building are very important to me, and the detailed descriptions help me to immerse myself in the fictional world and make it more realistic for me. I don't know how to explain it properly, but I can't just read about a knight fighting a dragon. I really need to know what this dragon and this knight look like, what they had for breakfast before their epic battle, and what the weather was like at the time.
Also, I prefer a book to have multiple characters and, if possible, multiple storylines, like Wheel of Time or Osten Ard books.
However, there are very big twists in the second and third books of the Bitterbynde trilogy. The main protagonist and the mysterious man she and Diarmid meet in the woods (if you've already read this episode) turn out to be very different from what they seemed in the first book. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it all has to do with the main character's past, i. e. her life before she lost her memory. She's a very unusual girl, shall I say, and there will be quite a few Fae characters in the next two books (as I promised).
I apologise again for writing so much. If I really like something, I can go on and on about it.
Mod
Mod
I’m glad you enjoyed Enemy Mine so much; it’s amazing how certain books can shape our minds early on. I can see why you’d enjoy Starkissed if it has a similar vibe but with more romance and action. Sounds like a fun read!
As for The Ill-Made Mute, I totally get what you’re saying about detailed descriptions helping you immerse yourself in a world. I think it’s a matter of taste—kind of like mushrooms! I love them, but I know not everyone does. Doesn’t mean the mushrooms are bad, just that we’ve got different palates. That said, I don’t think I’ll be picking up the second book in the trilogy anytime soon, but that’s okay—different strokes for different folks, right?
I will definitely dive into some of your other recommendations, though. You always have such great suggestions, and I’m excited to see where they take me. Thanks again for sharing! 😊
Mod
Walter wrote: "Thanks, Jabotikaba! I always enjoy your thoughtful posts, so no need to apologize for writing a lot—it’s always an interesting read for me. 😊I’m glad you enjoyed Enemy Mine so much; it’s amazing ..."
It's all a matter of taste, of course. But if we continue with this food analogy, I should point out that if you stop reading the Bitterbynde trilogy and never get to the third book, you run the risk of going without dessert just because you didn't like the soup.
By the way, I really like mushrooms. In the most literal sense.
As for Starkissed, I would describe it as a more girly version of Enemy Mine. But it's still a good and sometimes funny book.
Walter wrote: "Oh, and P., The Sword of Kaigen has caught my eye! I’m curious to hear your final thoughts on it once you’ve finished!"
This book is really praised by many people. So I'm curious, too.
Mod
It feels like Japanese school kids growing in skills and powers, almost like a type of anime. But not quite. I am sure I will review.
P. wrote: "Well, one for starters, the 'Sword of Kaigen' is actually the name of a region and not a weapon. I thought it would be a real sword. So... that wasn't what I thought was coming.It feels like Japa..."
At first I thought Kaigen was a name of person, lol. I remember thinking it sounded a bit Chinese.
Mod
Its a region along the coast, since its long and narrow, its like a knife edge and after a battle there, the blood in the sand reminded one of how a sword looks after a battle. Clean here, blood there, white edge there. So, the region acquired the name.
Some of the character seem to have more depth than a typical anime though. One of the female characters has a lot of good story potential. But we are following children who want to be the next generation of good warriors. I am sure it picks up more meaning as it goes.
And that's about as much as I can say.
I am currently reading Daughter of the Moon Goddess and I absolutely love it! And I’m also trying to read A Court of Mist and Fury I hate how I’m not getting interested and keep setting it down but I’m not giving up yet!!
Alayna wrote: "I am currently reading Daughter of the Moon Goddess and I absolutely love it! And I’m also trying to read A Court of Mist and Fury I hate how I’m not getting interested and keep setting it down but..."I read 'Daughter of the Moon Goddess' a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. Great book!
P. wrote: "Well...a sword named after a person, but...
Its a region along the coast, since its long and narrow, its like a knife edge and after a battle there, the blood in the sand reminded one of how a swo..."
Sounds very interesting!
I’m currently reading finale and really like it so far!
I’m currently halfway through “Emily Wilde’s compendium of lost tales” and I’m really enjoying it
If anyone needs a professional writer and a book developmental editor, kindly reply or DM me for a recommendation.
I am rereading J.R.R Tolkien's "The Silmarillion"- it's been several years since I have last read it so it's like I am reading it for the first time
A Turn of Light of Julie E. Czerneda.Olivia wrote: "I am rereading J.R.R Tolkien's "The Silmarillion"- it's been several years since I have last read it so it's like I am reading it for the first time"
This sometimes happens when you reread a book you read half a lifetime ago.
I am doing.Harry Potter 4 - reading the series.
Hunger Games 3 - reading the series in my book club. New book comes out in March.
and The Fourth Wing, gonna read this series also.
Fun.
A Play of Shadow (second book in Night's Edge series).
I am currently reading "The Humans" by Matt Haig. Really enjoying it so far!I plan on reading "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss next.
Currently reading (listening) to Divine Rivals 💜
I’m currently reading “the wishing game”
I'm enjoying wheel of time right now, specifically The Shadow Rising
SwordheartThe idea is wonderful. A woman decides to stab herself with a sword out of desperation, and from the sheath jumps a handsome warrior who must now protect her from all enemies.
But their conversations make me cringe. I love funny, but I guess this is not my type of funny.
Kristina wrote: "SwordheartThe idea is wonderful. A woman decides to stab herself with a sword out of desperation, and from the sheath jumps a handsome warrior who must now protect her from all en..."
The plot twist involving the warrior trapped in the sheath is very reminiscent of Amidamaru's story in Shaman King. I guess the author must have loved that anime series as a kid.
What's wrong with their conversations? In the series, Amidamaru was a pretty nice guy. Well, as nice as a ghost of samurai born, lived, and died in the Middle Ages could be.
Oh, and I'm reading Fuzzy Nation by H. Beam Piper right now.
Jabotikaba wrote: "Kristina wrote: "SwordheartThe idea is wonderful. A woman decides to stab herself with a sword out of desperation, and from the sheath jumps a handsome warrior who must now protec..."
What's wrong with their conversations?
They don't feel natural to me. They feel like like a dialogue from sitcom characters. The heroine is very chatty and asks lots of questions, and the sword guy is both annoyed and attracted to her. This way, it will take ages for the story to be told. I think I'll give up.
Kristina wrote: "Jabotikaba wrote: "Kristina wrote: "SwordheartThe idea is wonderful. A woman decides to stab herself with a sword out of desperation, and from the sheath jumps a handsome warrior ..."
This author really seems to have ruined her own great idea.
But I have one question. Did this guy jump out of the sheath and then never return to it? Or could the main character send him back into the sheath like Yoh could send Amidamaru back into his sword in the Shaman King series?
Mod
The idea is wonderful. A woman decides to stab herself with a sword out of desperation, and from the sheath jumps a handsome warrior who must now protect her from all en..."
Interesting! I bought this last week but haven't started it yet!
Jabotikaba wrote: "Kristina wrote: "Jabotikaba wrote: "Kristina wrote: "SwordheartThe idea is wonderful. A woman decides to stab herself with a sword out of desperation, and from the sheath jumps a ..."
Oh, you can sheathe him back whenever you want. Very convenient. He restores his energy and heals any wounds when he's in the sword.
The author is popular and loved by many. It's always better to check for yourself than to rely on someone's else opinion! My speculation is that this book is for readers who love down-to-earth, life-like fantasy and slow-paced storytelling with frequent digressions from the plot :)
Shannon wrote: "Kristina wrote: "SwordheartThe idea is wonderful. A woman decides to stab herself with a sword out of desperation, and from the sheath jumps a handsome warrior who must now protec..."
I was certain that Kingfisher was my author. I still want to check some of her earlier books. Sometimes "younger books" have more drive in them. Swordheart wasn't a gripping one.
No one wants to share what they read! So it's me again.
Spirit Mate: Shattered Earth by Jordana Greene - a short and gripping sensual novel where virgins are offered to the Great Saber Cat. The main heroine is looking forward to be accepted as an offering, because the alternative is much worse.
This is a shapeshifter novel, and I thought Great Saber would shapeshift before mating, but so far he didn't! Maybe later )
To my great shame I have not been reading much these last months. Recently moved, and have been devoting all my time and energy to design projects.That being said, I'm eyeing up the next book in the Flashman Papers, though that's not fantasy.
Kristina wrote: "Oh, you can sheathe him back whenever you want. Very convenient. He restores his energy and heals any wounds when he's in the sword...."This confirms my suspicions about the author. She must be a fan of Amidamaru because he acted similarly in Shaman King.
Kristina wrote: "My speculation is that this book is for readers who love down-to-earth, life-like fantasy and slow-paced storytelling with frequent digressions from the plot ..."
In my opinion, a slow pace is a positive quality for a book. So it's not a problem.
Jabotikaba wrote: This confirms my suspicions about the author. She must be a fan of Amidamaru because he acted similarly in Shaman King.Could be. Writers inspire writers :) And there must be other tales of talking swords and guys from swords we don't know about.
In my opinion, a slow pace is a positive quality for a book. So it's not a problem.
See, everybody is different! And I most probably fall asleep when reading if the pace is slow.
Kristina wrote: "See, everybody is different! And I most probably fall asleep when reading if the pace is slow...."I guess I just read so quickly that I never have time to get seriously bored.
Either way, I'm definitely going to try reading this book. At least this Amidamaru-like guy is a welcome change from the passionate orcs and sexy fae kings and other boring characters.
Currently Reading "The Last Druid" by Terry Brooks. Been a fan of his my whole life and have read every book by him in the Shannara series. But this book feels very uninspired. He took a break after writing this one, and I can understand why. It feels like he wasn't invested in this story at all.
Books mentioned in this topic
The Last Wish (other topics)Mistress of the Empire (other topics)
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea (other topics)
Spirit Mate: Shattered Earth (other topics)
Swordheart (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Andrzej Sapkowski (other topics)Raymond E. Feist (other topics)
I am not sure what I like most about it. I love the name, Pakksenarion, and I suppose..."
I tried to read the first book when I was 12 or 13. The first thought that came to my mind about halfway through was that this book seemed to have been written by a retired sergeant or something. I later found out that the author had actually served in the US Army for a while. So this book helped me a lot with my self-esteem. After all, I guessed the author's former profession just by reading her book.
Still, the name Pakksenarion sounds cool. You can even swear with it, like "You, bloody Pakksenarrrrion!" But she was more often called Paks, as far as I remember. Because Paksi was the name her father called her, and she hated him, so she asked her friends to call her Paks, or something like that.