SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion
What Else Are You Reading?
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What Else Are You Reading in 2025?
At a minimum in September I plan to read The Eyre Affairfor a book club, Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrellto finish the Magical City Prompt in the Scifi- Fantasy combat challenge.
Thank you for the birthday wishes. It was a good day filled with wonderful food and playing Divinity: Original Sins 2 with my wife.
Economondos wrote: "Thank you for the birthday wishes. It was a good day filled with wonderful food and playing Divinity: Original Sins 2 with my wife."Excellent! I love quiet relaxing birthdays most of all.
I'm re-reading Diplomatic Immunity at the moment. I never grow tired of this series.
The Vorkosigan series is one of the best ever!
Economondos wrote: "The Vorkosigan series is one of the best ever!"It really is. I usually reread it every 3-4 years and it is always absorbing. I could probably recite it by heart if I tried 😂
Read The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This author genre hops; this book is a horror story focused on mysterious deaths and disappearances. It is rooted in Mexican lore of witches and witchcraft, although much of the book is set at a private college outside of Boston. The events and characters are connected across three time periods: 1908; 1934; and 1998. (And 1998 seems so far in the past when a character slams down the phone receiver!) The mystery is a bit on the light side, but the main characters are well-drawn, the tale hums with dread, and the prose is, well, bewitching. Definitely recommended if you like horror.
Colin wrote: "Read The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This author genre hops; this book is a horror story focused on mysterious deaths and disappearances. It is rooted in Mexican lore of wi..."I'm looking forward to that. I enjoyed her Certain Dark Things, Mexican Gothic and Silver Nitrate, too.
Randy wrote: "I'm looking forward to that. I enjoyed her Certain Dark Things, Mexican Gothic and Silver Nitrate, too."I liked all three of those as well. Hope you enjoy this one!
I just started Neuromancer yesterday, and I have to admit that I'm somewhat disappointed. I've heard such great things about it and I liked the first 50 pages or so but it's starting to lag right at what's supposed to be the rising action of the narrative. I felt like I had a good understanding of the world up to this point, but they're introducing several new concepts all at once and they've lost me. Maybe it's just me but there's nothing really driving me to want to understand lol
Layney wrote: "I just started Neuromancer yesterday, and I have to admit that I'm somewhat disappointed. I've heard such great things about it and I liked the first 50 pages or so but it's starting to lag right a..."I don't think you're alone in this sentiment. I think we readers of today have the benefit of time; we've seen so much of this technology played out, while many alternatives imagined in all forms of media. I ultimately appreciated this novel from the lens of history. I can only imagine how excited someone might have felt reading about cyberspace for the first time in the 80s and letting their imagination run with it.
I just finished reading a really great Star Trek novel: Uhura's Song. It follows our friends from the original series and is a completely new story (not a novelization of an episode). If you like those types of books, this is a very good one. Well written with plenty of interesting things to dig your claws into. If you like cats, you might get a kick out of the sapient species they meet, who are feline. Trigger warning (view spoiler). Other topics include exile, shame, maturity, responsibility, independence, autonomy, collaboration and the inevitable logic vs. emotionality.
I just started Will of the Many. Excited to read this book.
Finished The Fifth Season, and posted my review. ^The Will of The Many is on my to-read. Tell us how you like it!
I never really understood why Cuban SF biggie Yoss never really caught on in the US. He's angry and bitter, but funny with it. I finally reviewed two (both translated by David Frye) set in the same Xenoid universe: Red Dust
, under 200pp so perfect for Shortie September:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
–and–
A Planet for Rent, a bit longer but really worth catching up to:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Richard wrote: "I never really understood why Cuban SF biggie Yoss never really caught on in the US. He's angry and bitter, but funny with it. I finally reviewed two (both translated by David Frye..."Thanks for the recommendations. Those sound right up my alley.
in re: The Waking of AngantyrColin wrote: "Peony wrote: "One, with the cover in Peony's post, is from Titan Books with a release of October 2023, paperback only and 488 pages. Then there is one with a different cover from Book View Cafe with a release of November 2023, paperback, kindle, and audiobook, and a page count of 324. Anyone know, or have any thoughts, about what may be going on here?"
Book View Cafe is a writer's collective that was started by Ursula Le Guin, and a number of other authors. They primarily deal in ebooks. Some are digital versions of older print titles, and some are new, exclusive publications. In this case, while I don't know the details, I assume that Brennan retained the ebook publishing rights and published it through BVC.
DivaDiane wrote: "I’m reading a StarTrek novel, Uhura’s Song. Obvs, it’s a TOS cast and is really fun. There are big sapient cats!"My partner has a paperback edition of that one, along with a number of other ST and SW novels from the 70s and 80s. :)
Beth, mine was a paperback (horrible drawings of Spock and Uhura on the cover!) from the 80’s! Yellow paper and small print make reading paperbacks difficult these days!
I think the cover design of our copy is slightly different, but this is almost certainly the cover illustration you're talking about. (Including the cat!)
Beth wrote: "I think the cover design of our copy is slightly different, but this is almost certainly the cover illustration you're talking about. (Including the cat!)"That’s the one! Ugh.
Finished up Servant of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist last night at the dinner table (which my wife hates). But I couldn't put it down, the ending is that good.My rating: 4.75 of 5 stars
Strongly recommended for anyone wanting a great high-fantasy read that doesn't get bogged down in magic or swordplay.
My review here
Moving on to the last in the trilogy, Mistress of the Empire.
Also finished up the audiobook of Maskerade by Terry Pratchett while resealing all the grout around the house (ow, my back!).My rating: 4.75 of 5 stars
Phantom of the Opera isn't really my thing; unless Terry Pratchett is telling it! Agnes Nitt, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg make this a good book, but the side characters make it great.
My review here
Another floor to go, and then sealing all the tile that was never maintained. So I will listen to Lords and Ladies for more witchy adventures in Lancre.
Read some history: Lawless Republic: The Rise of Cicero and the Decline of Rome by Josiah Osgood. The book uses the most famous cases and speeches of Cicero to chronicle the decline and corruption of Rome's legal system, and the fall of the Roman Republic, over the period from Sulla' dictatorship to the aftermath of the assassination of Julius Caesar. The Roman culture and legal system were very different from ours, but the tactic of using the court system for revenge and to bring down political rivals has disturbing parallels. The book also shows the path the system took from courtroom rhetoric to massive bribery to thuggish pressure to murder. The book does have a few issues. Although the writing is easy to read and light, it demands some familiarity with the history of the period. Also, there are a slew of people mentioned, many with similar names and many of minor historical importance so it is hard to keep the cast of characters straight. I do think this book is well worth the read. As Shakespeare said, "What is past is prologue."
Currently flipping between The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami and Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross. Enjoying both so far. The juxtaposition of Murakami’s contemplative style to the more action driven style of Ross’ fantasy is interesting to me. Right now I am just following were the writers are taking me and loving the experience. 
〰️Beth〰️ wrote: "Currently flipping between The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami and Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross. Enjoying both so..."I'm excited to hear how Wild Reverence comes out for you. I'm looking forward to reading that one.
Colin wrote: "Read some history: Lawless Republic: The Rise of Cicero and the Decline of Rome by Josiah Osgood. The book uses the most famous cases and speeches of Cicero to chronicle the declin..."Sounds like a great book!
Shorty September and #NationalTranslationMonth on your reading card? Trying to add more woman-authored work to your rotation? Do you follow literary prizes like this Akutagawa-winner: Sympathy Tower Tokyo
by Rie Qudan and translated by Jesse Kirkwood - translator is the right read for alternate-history SFF readers, too.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
DivaDiane wrote: "Richard wrote: "I never really understood why Cuban SF biggie Yoss never really caught on in the US. He's angry and bitter, but funny with it. I finally reviewed two (both translat..."I hope you enjoy them when you get a chance to read them!
I am currently reading Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders and listening to Boneshaker by Cherie Priest. I'm enjoying both books, but they have both reached a point where there is a certain kind of situation happening that I find really stressful to read. I've also decided to start re-reading Becky Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, so I have something more comforting to read right before bed. :-)Edited to correct a typo in the authors' names.
More audio while DIYing around the house. Listened to Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett.My rating: 4.75 of 5 stars
Wonderful characters going through the twists and turns of the imagination one of modern fantasy's best writers. We miss you, Sir Terry.
My review here
Instead of listening to a book I have read before, this time it is The Assassins of Thasalon. More of the never-ending refurbishing of this old house made lighter by listening to great authors.
Unpopular opinion time! Just finished A Psalm for the Wild Built. This book's popularity isn't as baffling as I thought when I first finished it. It is like going on a multi-day hike but you stay in cabins every night and someone is cooking you fancy meals and carrying all your stuff. Comfort with just a touch of real adventure but far enough removed that you want to be critical of the whole experience...https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I also just finished The City & the City. Sometimes Miéville gets in his own way. It almost happens here, but he still delivers:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished with Blood Over Bright Haven - it was okay - and now reading Jade Shards and one nonfiction.
Midlife Curses by Christine Zane ThomasA Southern Relics Cozy Collection 1 by Bella Falls
The Extinction Cycle Series Box Set #1-3 by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Tattered Remnants (Zombie Fallout, #9) by Mark Tufo
Fearless Fourteen (Stephanie Plum, #14) by Janet Evanovich
Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, #2) by Patricia Briggs
Midlife Curses by Christine Zane ThomasA Southern Relics Cozy Collection 1 by Bella Falls
The Extinction Cycle Series Box Set #1-3 by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Tattered Remnants (Zombie Fallout, #9) by Mark Tufo
Fearless Fourteen (Stephanie Plum, #14) by Janet Evanovich
Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, #2) by Patricia Briggs
Peter wrote: "Layney wrote: "I just started Neuromancer yesterday, and I have to admit that I'm somewhat disappointed. I've heard such great things about it and I liked the first 50 pages or so but it's starting..."I agree!! I ended up DNF-ing the book for other reasons, but I think the book's strongest trait is its concept. The execution of said concept just didn't do it for me. But the beauty of literature is that everyone has different opinions on it, so if anyone here hasn't read it and wants to, don't let me dissuade you lol
A book I recommend reading at some point in your life, is Gilgamesh, the oldest epic in the world. I have a wonderful translation by Stephen Mitchell, but there are many options out there for you. This tale was reconstructed in the 19th century from fragments of Mesopotamian baked clay tablets, the oldest from over 4000 years ago. It tells the tale of a flawed king who adventures with a friend, and ends up seeking the secret of immortality in the underworld. I was astonished by the concepts the unknown author deals with. This is some of the earliest known writing, yet a truly fantastical tale. And have you heard a story about a Flood? About building a boat and taking on animals? Yes, Gilgamesh has this tale maybe 1000 years before the earliest Bible writings. If you are a speculative fiction reader, then include this on your to-read list, and pay homage to that unknown 4000 year-old 'epic fantasy' writer.
Just finished Mistress of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist this morning.My rating: 4.25 of 5 stars
Feist and Wurts complete Mara's character arc in a series of ups and downs that can bring tears to one's eyes. Finally decided that the characters are what make me love this trilogy so much.
My review here
A bit late in the month, but I am starting Dungeon Crawler Carl as my second-ever book of the month read.
Marc wrote: "Finished Sabaa Tahir's Ember in the Ashes, a great start to her series! very entertaining! Need to pick up the other books in that series. Since I don't have them yet, gonna read Katherine Addiso..."
It's a very good book! I hope you like it.
I just finished reading Steles of the Sky, and here's my review.
Went to historical fiction with Joan by Katherine Chen, a fictional biography of Joan of Arc. This is simultaneously a very good book and a not-so-good book. How can that be? Well, the book tells the story of a young girl from an impoverished village, who endures a brutally abusive father, rises to lead the French armies to victory, and has the rightful king crowned before her pride and arrogance lead to her fall. The prose in engaging, if a bit florid at times. However, the book is about Joan of Arc and this is a very different Joan. I am okay with the author's depiction of Joan rapidly (miraculously?) transforming into an epic warrior who combines the archery of Robin Hood, the swordsmanship of Musashi, and the leadership of Alexander the Great in the midst of hand-to-hand combat. Joan did lead her men from the front. There are multiple first-hand accounts of that. She was wounded three times doing it: an arrow to the neck (Orleans), knocked off a scaling ladder by a rock to the helmet (Jageau), and a crossbow bolt to the thigh (Paris). However. The book eliminates her visions and the voices she hears. They do not enter the story at all. There is actually medical literature on this with debate about various diagnoses or if this was not uncommon in the time, place and culture. The conventional motivation the book substitutes actually robs Joan of much of her early agency. Her marked piety is replaced in the book by an arm's length and skeptical view of religion. This would fit an individual of the 21st century but does not work well for a girl from rural France of the 15th century and especially not Joan. The book describes her as taller than most men and makes a big deal of her size. Other sources put her at about 5 feet 2 inches based on some clothing. This is a needless distraction. Finally, the book ends up as a parable of "pride going before a fall" which does not work for Joan of Arc of whom Mark Twain wrote"- she is easily and by far the most extraordinary person the human race has ever produced." So, this book is a good story of a strong, flawed heroine who causes her own downfall. If you want the story of Joan of Arc, it is not so good.
Vladimir Sorokin's near-future duology Oprichnik's Russia is as violent, vile, and transgressive as expected. It's also prescient and unnervingly true to the zeitgeist it, in the Aughties, clearly saw coming.Day of the Oprichnik
here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
–and–
The Sugar Kremlin here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
SciFi and Fantasy Book Club
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Night of the Crabs by Guy N. Smith: a very silly book about a Welsh seaside resort attacked by giant crabs, and the marine biologist who discovers how to destroy them, and who also rather abruptly finds love. (review)