SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion
What Else Are You Reading?
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What Else Are You Reading in 2025?
Thank you! I'm too invested to give up!
Anyone else diving immediately into Isles of Emberdark today? I'm already a few chapters in and it is so good. Sanderson, I hate that I love you so much.
Michael wrote: "Reading Wheel of Time finally after putting it off for years. Currently on book 4. Pretty good so far...I fear the slog, though. 😅"I have the first two books on our bookshelves. I've got a bookmark in the first book all ready to go but haven't read the first word. Maybe I will take the plunge too!
Bobby wrote: "Michael wrote: "Reading Wheel of Time finally after putting it off for years. Currently on book 4. Pretty good so far...I fear the slog, though. 😅"I have the first two books on our bookshelves. I..."
I made it through because I bought this volume The Complete Wheel of Time. It didn't end for 11,095 pages.
I'm listening to the Graphic Audio of A Court of Silver Flames. I put this one off for awhile after finishing the other ACOTAR books because I an not a Nesta fan, but I guess we'll see if her POV book changes my mind.I'm also reading Arazan's Wolves by John Flanagan - part of the Royal Ranger series of Ranger's Apprentice - and Losing Wendy: A Dark Fantasy Peter Pan Retelling by T.A. Lawrence.
Took a little time yesterday to finish up Wind Rider's Oath by David WeberMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Using paladins to settle legal disputes is an interesting twist on most fantasy conventions. Overall, a recommended book. 3.75/5
My review here
Next, finish up this series with War Maid's Choice. Wanted to complete that one in June for a SF&Fantasy Combat prompt, but life got in the way. Still listening to Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters when working in the shop. Tip: do not start laughing while using sharp chisels.
I've finished Fuzzies and Other People by H. Beam Piper.
Read Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, the fifth of the Hunger Games books although it sits, chronologically, in the middle of the series being 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before The Hunger Games. The book tells the tragic backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, a secondary character in the original Hunger Games trilogy. It provides a look at the midpoint in the evolution of the Hunger Games from the Roman coliseum-style of Songbirds and Snakes to the lavishly produced murderfest of the original trilogy. We are introduced to a number of the secondary characters of the trilogy at an earlier stage of their lives and careers, their subsequent evolution clear from this story. Snow, however, is Snow. Gone is any of the ambiguity of Songbirds and Snakes. The book has some slow spots early on and some coincidences that are too convenient for the plot, but it accelerates into the close with a brutal picture of the corrupt use of power. It does have some downsides. The division between good and evil is stark; characters are on one side or the other. No gray zones. Haymitch's voice I found a little too matter-of-fact in the early sections for the events he was recounting, although that may simply be consistent with his character. The biggest problem is not a fault of the book or author; it is that the book sits in the middle of the series, and, if we have read the other books, we know too much about what happens. Not much can be done about that. For readers who like the Hunger Games, I would call this a must read. I would also strongly recommend to those who like dystopian fiction.
I just tried- and set aside- a military scifi that just wasn't cutting the mustard, so I switched genres to M*A*S*H: A Novel About Three Army Doctors. It's a fun read!
Economondos wrote: "Hope you liked it!"Yeah!
I went through a phase when I was a pre-teen where I loved the stranded on a deserted island type book. I remember reading Robinson Crusoe, The Swiss Family Robinson, The Cay, Island Of The Blue Dophins ... and that fire was reignited by:
A stranded on a deserted planet type book. Wow, what a great page turner this was.
Read Night Witches: The Amazing Story Of Russia's Women Pilots in World War II by Bruce Myles. A terrific story of the women, often not even out of their teens, who flew old trainers (top speed 100 miles an hour) as night bombers, day bombers almost as slow, and Yak-9 fighters against the Luftwaffe. The book dates from 1981 and is based on interviews the author was able to conduct with 20-30 survivors, so these are first-hand accounts. The writing is workmanlike, but the stories are so astonishing and compelling they don't need literary enhancement. Part of the book covers the all-too short, daring, and incredible life of Lily Litvak, the White Rose of Stalingrad. She was the first female ace (twelve documented solo kills), often decorated her uniform (against regulation), and flew inverted into aerobatic victory rolls over her airfield after successful sorties. (Brings to mind Maverick in Top Gun, except she did it in a Yak-9 not an F-14.) As a note for those who like to look for additional information, the transliterations of her name into English vary from source to source (both first and last name) and internet searches turn up inconsistent and sometimes simply wrong information. Despite being a war hero written up in the Soviet newspapers of the time, her life is poorly documented now, at least in English, and her diary, as far as I can tell, was never published (again speaking of English). I think it is impossible not be affected by these stories, the risks they took, what they achieved, and the many deaths. For those who like epic fantasy with unsung heroes fighting impossible odds, this is it. In real life.
I don't love vampire stories...Jay Kristoff did nothing good for my mood...but I did like Ed Crocker's first-in-trilogy novel, Lightfall: Book One of The Everlands, a whole four stars' worth.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Taking a breather from the civil rights and ugly side of US history to tackle Bob Bakker's, Raptor Red (1995), which has a late Cretaceous velociraptor as the protagonist.
Just finished up War Maid's Choice (4) (War God by David Weber.My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A big book with a lot to keep a reader interested. Great action, political intrigue, a love story and a nice wrap-up. It's a 4.3/5.
My review here
The Crown Tower has been on the TBR shelf for a while, so time to see if I like Michael J. Sullivan's work. Just ordered the 7 Penric and Desdemona books I am missing, mostly on audio.
Economondos wrote: "Just finished up War Maid's Choice (4) (War God by David Weber.My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A big book with a lot to keep a reader interested. Great action, political intrigue, a love story and a nice ..."
There's a new Penric book that just came out last week: The Adventure of the Demonic Ox, if you don't have that one yet
Mod
After putting it off for years, I finally read Terry Pratchett's Strata. It's an interesting glimpse into what evolved later into the discworld series. If you're a fan of this author, this wasn't his best work but it's nice. Otherwise I would suggest to skip it and read literally any of his other books.
Lee wrote: "After putting it off for years, I finally read Terry Pratchett's Strata. It's an interesting glimpse into what evolved later into the discworld series. If you're a fan of this author, this wasn't h..."That's interesting you say that. Strata is the only Terry Pratchett book I ever read, many years ago. I didn't like it and never bothered reading anything else of his. Now you got me thinking I should give some of his earlier work a chance.
I have started reading Arboreality by Rebecca Campbell. I am reading because a GR has suggested twice that I read this novel. Yes this dystopian novel that might also be an eco novel. It interests me. It also makes a bit anxious, a sitting with my feelings kind of thing.
Michelle wrote: "There's a new Penric book that just came out last week: The Adventure of the Demonic Ox, if you don't have that one yet..."That was the impetus for the purchase. At the moment I can only find Ox as an ebook, which I don't want. But as soon as there is an audio or physical version it will be mine. Yes, it will be mine.
The Immeasurable Heaven
by Caspar Geon got 4.25* from me here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just finished a handful of spec fic short stories today: Marginalia by Mary Robinette Knowle, A Burden Shared by Jo Walton, Little Free Library by Naomi Kritzer, and The Night Sun by Zin E. Rocklyn. Can rec all of them. I also read the whole Catwings series by Ursula K Le Guin earlier in the week. It's young YA (middle school age) so it's not terribly deep, but I enjoyed it overall.
Currently reading Mona Lisa Overdrive by William Gibson, the third book in The Spawl series that starts with Neuromancer. While I loved Neuromancer, this one feels like Gibson was running on fumes story-wise. Also there's an issue of questionable taste with some of the story threads.
Also reading space opera Edges by Linda Nagata and the recent Locus winner The Man Who Saw Seconds by Alexander Boldizar. So far I'm having mixed feelings with both.
Lastly, reading the historical fiction horror The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell and it's quite engrossing. It's a creepy ghost story. I'm not usually creeped out by ghost stories, but this one's got the juice. Edit: it did not sustain that juice. A 2 star read at best.
Fuzzy Bones by William Turning and Henry Beam Piper
CJ wrote: "Just finished a handful of spec fic short stories today: Marginalia by Mary Robinette Knowle, A Burden Shared by Jo Walton, Little Free Library by N..."Thanks for the short story recommendations, CJ! I really like Naomi Kritzer, and I hadn't heard of "Little Free Library." It was a fun story!
Just finished up The Crown Tower by Michael J. SullivanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
It must be hard to add prequels to a completed series, but Sullivan gives a good book for the first meeting of the heroes of the Riyria Revelations. Recommended for those who don't mind a lot of characters with sad backstories. 3.75/5
My review here
Going for something lighter: A Company of Stars by Christopher Stasheff.
I'm currently reading Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future by Mike Resnick, a book I've read before and am enjoying just as much this time around.
Economondos wrote: "Just finished up The Crown Tower by Michael J. SullivanI've been hearing 'Michael Sullivan' all over the place lately. It's not just the voices in my head either. I feel I need to check his books out.
Mathew wrote: "I've been hearing 'Michael Sullivan' all over the place lately. It's not just the voices in my head either. I feel I ne..."I first heard of him here in several reviews. This is my first book by him and I'm happy for the recommendations. In turn I recommend him to you.
Mathew wrote: "Economondos wrote: "Just finished up The Crown Tower by Michael J. SullivanI've been hearing 'Michael Sullivan' all over the place lately. It's not just the voices in my head either. I feel I ne..."
I highly recommend his books, too
Mod
I've been hearing 'Michael Sullivan' all over the place lately. It's not just the voices in my head either. I feel I ne..."
Yes ! Do!!
Theft of Swords is generally the best starting place.
Mod
Ryan wrote: "There's a new Tuyo book by Rachel Neumeier out next month. I am hoping to consume it in a day and a night."Me, too 😊
I take it Rachel Neumeier is someone I ought to check out some time?I've gotten myself distracted by Booker longlist predictions and got the itch to read past winners that I haven't read yet, so I started 2022 Booker winner The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka. It has parallels to the work of Vajra Chandrasekera, who I like a lot, but even more absurd and wry.
Also in the lit-fic realm, I started and then DNF'd the much lauded Mother Naked by Glen James Brown. I appreciate the idea of the novel, but I'm just not enough of a medievalist to get into something like that. It's one of a few recent DNF's for me lately. I'm bouncing back from my latest chemo treatment so my energy and patience are low.
I finished William Gibson's Sprawl trilogy. Neuromancer I will continue to love. The rest of the trilogy--not so much.
Giving Nnedi Okorafor another chance after getting tired of her on social media after the release of her last book, so I'm reading Noor that's been on my TBR forever. Sometimes following authors on social media isn't for the best.
Ozsaur wrote: "Of Monsters and Mainframes - I've been looking forward to this one."That one looks fun - I've added it to my TBR!
I haven't posted much to this thread lately, but I have been reading some good books this summer. My favorites of the last month or so are:
Greenteeth by Molly O'Neill, which I am currently reading (listening to audiobook) and really enjoying. I think T Kingfisher fans and people who like stories based on folklore (especially of England / Scotland / Wales) would like. It also has a quest and some found family vibes.
No Time To Spare: Thinking About What Matters by Ursula K Le Guin - a book of very short, reflective essays that were written by Le Guin in her 80s. Many include her cat, Pard.
Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I really loved this, especially the main characters ("Charles" the robot valet and the Wonk), though it's hard to say anything about the book without spoiling some of the story.
I also read the latest in the Rivers of London series (Stone and Sky) - also on audiobook. It was fun and should be satisfying for fans of the series (at least, if was for me).
I just read a wonderful novella/novelette (not sure exactly how many pages) called Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite. An unusual murder mystery on a generation ship.
DivaDiane wrote: "I just read a wonderful novella/novelette (not sure exactly how many pages) called Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite. An unusual murder mystery on a generation ship."I have this in my "up next" audiobook queue. I'm glad to hear that you liked it, DivaDiane!
Faith wrote: "My review of Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovskyhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I've just started this this morning, just through the first part and wow, I'm loving it. I really love how Tchaikovsky writes SF as a forward-thinking lover of SF and very consciously for audiences of other lovers of SF. So far it really seems like this is his entry into the whole Alien (the movie) subgenre of SF/space horror (even gives Alien an overt nod early on).
I have been a bit under the weather and not feeling up to reviews for a week. Better today, so here are the three latest:Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wyrd Sisters is a delight. Ripped through this one on audio and found Celia Imrie to be an excellent narrator. A book that turns various Shakespeare tropes on their head and gives us memorable characters, great pacing, and a lot of laughs. 4.75/5
View all my reviews
A Company of Stars by Christopher StasheffMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Erudite. Assumes the reader will be (or become) familiar with major plays and playwrights. Also drops in french without offering translations under the same reasoning. The characters are everything in the book. They are well-developed over the course of the novel. The premise of an interfering political party wanting to gin up crises to build up support is fine, but not what brings readers back to this series. 4/5
View all my reviews
and third, We Open on Venus by Christopher StasheffMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The second book in the series covers the voyage to the Starship Troupers' initial engagement, the play, and the fallout from it. The 'comapany town' world seems a warning to to capitalist societies that rings even more true 30 years after publication. The petty bureaucrats could easily have been drawn from my life and are therefore quite believable. The characters are a delight and their problems do not interfere with the suspension of disbelief for this novel. Good pacing, just enough tangents to keep the story interesting without side-tracking the plot. Definitely reccommend the series, but this would not be a good stand-alone work. 3.75/5
View all my reviews
This puts me on the next books in the two series. In Starship Troupers, it is A Slight Detour to go to the next planet and play. In the Witches subseries of the Discworld, Witches Abroad - this is my audiobook for yard and shop work.
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There's definitely a slog coming, but the last few books make up for it. Just keep on keepin' on- we have faith in your fortitude :)