What are you reading in May '15?

[Madalyn]

I'm reading A Discovery of Witches. I like it so far but the main character is getting on my nerves. It's like the author wanted to make her a really strong person but then surrounded her with these vampires, next to whom the MC looks like a whiny child, and MC just ended up being annoying. I'm only half way through it, so hopefully she turns it around.

[Alissa]

Currently reading Knight's Shadow, if you like swashbuckling adventures this series is a must, whatever flaw is overshadowed by its strengths.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I'm reading Memories of Ice. I'd decided to go with a paperback so I'd have access to the maps and lists but it's so heavy, I miss my kindle.

[Joseph]

Emma wrote: "I'm reading "Rhapsody" by Elizabeth Haydon. Fabulous writing, has anyone else read her?"

I read the first two or three of hers many, many years ago, but I do remember liking them.

[TS]

I am getting hooked on the Riyria Revelations. Finished Theft of Swords last week and I just HAD to start on Rise of Empire.

[TS]

Shari Kay wrote: "Really enjoyed these... need to read the "pre" ones"

On my TBR already :)

[Joseph]

Michele wrote: "The Kushiel series has sex all the way through - it's integral to the plot and Phedre as a character. I think the sex scenes are incredibly well done and tasteful considering the style of the story..."

If people want Carey's world without Phedre's, um, proclivities, the Naamah books (Naamah's Kiss) might be worth checking out -- still plenty of sex, but relatively more conventional. (It's set a few generations after the original Kushiel trilogy, but I think it'd work fine as a standalone.)

[Amy]

Emma wrote: "I'm reading "Rhapsody" by Elizabeth Haydon. Fabulous writing, has anyone else read her?"

I read the original trilogy and the two shorter works that follow it years ago. I absolutely adored them at the time, although I read Rhapsody more recently and found it a bit slow-going.

I have a feeling the series is actually still on-going, although the first trilogy does mostly stand-alone. There's been at least one follow-up book that never got published in the UK and I've never got round to finding an imported copy.

[Lára]

Still finishing some books from previous months:

Pure, Andrew Miller
The Plague, Albert Camus
Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells: An Anthology of Gaslamp Fantasy, Ellen Datlow

from this month:
Miracleman, Vol. 1: A Dream of Flying, Alan Moore (book club)
The Gift of Rain, Twan Eng Tan

also, perusing through:
Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances, Neil Gaiman

Reading when playing MMORPG game (Forsaken World):
Shadows and Strongholds, Elizabeth Chadwick

[Margret]

Yeah I decided to stop listening to the Kushiels Dart audiobook. I guess I'm more of a dragons, wizards, and assassins kind of gal. I mean she obviously is an excellent writer so I'm not saying it was a bad book. It's just not for me.

[Joseph]

Margret wrote: "Yeah I decided to stop listening to the Kushiels Dart audiobook. I guess I'm more of a dragons, wizards, and assassins kind of gal. I mean she obviously is an excellent writer so I'm not saying it ..."

You might try her Sundering duology -- Banewreaker and Godslayer. Kind of a riff on The Silmarillion, but from the other side.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

Margret wrote: "Yeah I decided to stop listening to the Kushiels Dart audiobook. I guess I'm more of a dragons, wizards, and assassins kind of gal. I mean she obviously is an excellent writer so I'm not saying it ..."

This is why I've never tried them, not even a fan of reading romance if I can avoid it. I did like her short in Unfettered

[Alissa]

I've also liked her short story in Unfettered, but never read anything else of her. I don't really know whether the Kushiel series may be for me or not. I am okay with sex and romance, but I don't honestly remember having read a book heavy on those with an interesting plot and good writing.

[Bev]

Emma wrote: "I'm reading "Rhapsody" by Elizabeth Haydon. Fabulous writing, has anyone else read her?"

Yes all of them and enjoyed.

[Bev]

Madalyn wrote: "I'm reading A Discovery of Witches. I like it so far but the main character is getting on my nerves. It's like the author wanted to make her a really strong person but then surrounde..."

Good overall trilogy.

[Bev]

Just read Touch by Claire North. Great fantasy about people who leap between boddies.

[Bev]

Kushiel series is a must for fantasy readers, sex or not.

[Sumant]

Here is my review the Dead beat the 7th book in dresden files series.One of the best books so far for me in the series.

[Shadowdenizen]

Bev wrote: "Emma wrote: "I'm reading "Rhapsody" by Elizabeth Haydon. Fabulous writing, has anyone else read her?"



I wanted to like them, (the idea of entwining music so integrally into a fantasy world piqued my interest and seemed a natural fit) but the books fell flat for me, thugh I can't really pinpoint why....

[Bev]

Hey we cant all like the same.

[Shadowdenizen]

Exactly! And that's the true joy of the genre!

In fantasy more than nearly any other genre, there's definitely something for everyone!

[Amy]

Bev wrote: "Kushiel series is a must for fantasy readers, sex or not."

Agreed. I don't really read romance or erotica, but the worldbuilding and fantasy aspects of Carey's work are absolutely wonderful and her writing is exquisite.

I've just started the audiobook of The Cold Commands. I read the first in the series a few years ago and remember liking it, but what I'd forgotten is just how long-winded Morgan's writing is. I've listened to the first four chapters and nothing much happened in three of them!

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

Whilst I love my kindle, reading Memories of Ice has made me realise that my book toting muscles have vanished! 1180 pages is so heavy in paper, I know I'm whining!

[Alissa]

Shadowdenizen wrote: "Exactly! And that's the true joy of the genre!

In fantasy more than nearly any other genre, there's definitely something for everyone!"

Oh yes! And to fit one's mood, too! Lately I wanted serious but humorous stories et voilà! I've finished reading Knight's Shadow by Sebastien de Castell, I'm current with the series, each book has a neat ending and it's the kind of tale where time between installments is not an issue. So much fun! My review for the first book.

To cap my need-for-humor spree I've read The High Crusade, a very quick fantasy/scifi/historical fiction book (my review), an alien race lands on medieval Lincolnshire expecting an easy conquest. Yup.

Back to more serious stuff an music, I'm currently reading Song of the Beast by Carol Berg.


Amy wrote: "Agreed. I don't really read romance or erotica, but the worldbuilding and fantasy aspects of Carey's work are absolutely wonderful and her writing is exquisite.

I've just started the audiobook of The Cold Commands."

I've my eyes on The Steel Remains as my next gritty read. But I'm undecided. This or The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker.

[Andreas]

Deathbird Stories, a story collection from Harlan Ellison. I highly recommend it - my review is here.

[Shadowdenizen]

Amy:
I agree with your assessment that the "Cold Commands" series is a bit long-winded, but, once I got used to it, I found that be part of it's charm. But the chracters are really what drew me in immedidiately, even back to the first book.

BTW< how are you doing with Mistwraith? I love reading your thoughts and updates as a first-time reader!


Alissa;
My vote would be for the Steel Remains. It's less of a slog. :) (I liked the R. Scott Baker series well enough, but remmeber not being WOWED by it for some reason. [Of course, YMMV.]
The Steel Remains

[Maarit]

I started to read The Name of the Wind today. The beginning is interesting, I'm eager to see how the book develops after it.

[Margret]

Just finished Lirael and Abhorsen of the Old Kingdom books. Honestly I think everyone should read these books! They have everything I want in a series.. Magic both dark and good, and even a talking dog and talking cat! I'm now reading Clariel, which is kind of a prequel to the series

[Bill]

I just finished a delightful mythic fantasy The Gospel of Loki by Joanne Harris

Am now reading a Cli-Fi called Surviving Abe.

[TS]

Riyria Revelations all the way!! These books are so addictive. Just started Heir of Novron

[Margret]

Thank you Shari, I don't know how to link to books on the app.

[Femmy]

I'm reading Hunter's Oath by Michelle West, but I'm almost at 70% and I'm still struggling to like any of the main characters. Is the second book better? I'd love to be able to like this series because I have The Broken Crown sitting on my bookshelf, which probably won't get read if I can't get through the Sacred Hunt duology (unless someone says that the Sun Sword Series is better than the Sacred Hunt duology).

[Alissa]

Shadowdenizen wrote: "
BTW< how are you doing with Mistwraith? I love reading your thoughts and updates as a first-time reader!

Alissa;
My vote would be for the Steel Remains. It's less of a slog. :) (I liked the R. Scott Baker series well enough, but remmeber not being WOWED by it for some reason. [Of course, YMMV.]"

Ehehe, I'm absolutely interested in recommendations!

Amy how are you liking The Curse of the Mistwraith?

[Amy]

Alissa wrote: "Shadowdenizen wrote: "
BTW< how are you doing with Mistwraith? I love reading your thoughts and updates as a first-time reader!

Alissa;
My vote would be for the Steel Remains. It's less of a slog...."

I'm about 80% done with Mistwraith and really enjoying it. Will post some thoughts on the other thread when I get chance. :)

I've read a couple of books by Bakker and enjoyed them, but I don't think I'll ever make it to the end of the series. He writes well, but his work seems unrelentingly dark.

Actually, The Steel Remains is equally dark, but I think the characterisation is stronger, and the world-building is a lot more interesting.

[Michele]

Femmy wrote: "I'm reading Hunter's Oath by Michelle West, but I'm almost at 70% and I'm still struggling to like any of the main characters. Is the second book better? I'd love to be able to like t..."

I haven't read the Hunter's Oath but I really liked the Sun Sword series. I think it took a bit to get going and introduce all the various plotlines though.

[Lára]

S.L. wrote: "Madalyn wrote: "I'm reading A Discovery of Witches. I like it so far but the main character is getting on my nerves. It's like the author wanted to make her a really strong person bu..."

I liked the 1st one, A Discovery of Witches, very much but the 2nd one (can´t remember the name atm) was fine, but the 3rd one did not finish, Book of Life (?)

I do think author educated. I also think she´s talented but since I have problems with finishing books in general, I believe it´s not completely her fault for me not finishing her last book (if it is the last, I do not check authors personal info).

Almost all main characters (97% of them) are going on my nerves, so I know how you feel, though.

I´m in reading slump at the moment. Reading about a chapter or so of Shadows And Strongholds when playing Forsaken World. Not going to last, I believe, since I frenquently get bored with everything :)

[Alissa]

Amy wrote: "I'm about 80% done with Mistwraith and really enjoying it. Will post some thoughts on the other thread when I get chance. :)"

Ah, characterization and world-building, my thing! Thanks for the rec!
I'm almost finished with Song of the Beast by Carol Berg, highly recommended, it reads very smoothly, has classic fantasy elements, the plot has some surprises but most of all, great prose and a delicate balance between the elements of the book. If the ending is satisfying it'll be a solid 4 stars. I'm so glad to be back to epic fantasy, another thing I owe to Janny Wurts' wondrous series.

[Femmy]

Michele wrote: "I haven't read the Hunter's Oath but I really liked the Sun Sword series. I think it took a bit to get going and introduce all the various plotlines though."

Thanks, Michele. I'll keep that in mind.

[Shadowdenizen]

I recently finished Transformation by Carol Berg, and found it pretty enjoyable. I need to get back to that series.

And I'll add Song of the Beast to my "To-Read" list.

And, in the vein of music-inspired fantasy, I've also just started The Last Child of Hamelin
which is quite entralling thus far....

[[deleted user]]

Shari Kay wrote: "TS wrote: "I am getting hooked on the Riyria Revelations. Finished Theft of Swords last week and I just HAD to start on Rise of Empire."

Really enjoyed these... ne..."

Same here, I'm about 150 pages into Rise of Empire as we speak.

[Pinkie_pie]

Hi there! May has been really productive... I read Secret Smile, Shut Your Eyes Tight and finally finished A Game of Thrones.
Now I'm reading A Clash of Kings and The Demon Code.

[Joseph]

Wrapped up The Siren Depths and it's back to the Hugo nominees with The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin.

[Alissa]

Shadowdenizen wrote: "I recently finished Transformation by Carol Berg, and found it pretty enjoyable. I need to get back to that series.

And I'll add Song of the Beast to my "To-Read" lis..."

I couldn't help myself, I want to see more of Berg and I've started Transformation, which is very captivating, Berg seems to have a quality for compelling me to turn the pages. The main character is not my usual thing and this makes the discovery all the more enjoyable.

Ian, Shari: the Riyria books are delighful! Be sure to read the Chronicles too, great stuff!

[Tracey the Lizard Queen]

I finished Steelheart and then swiftly moved on to Mitosisand then Firefight. Loved them all, brilliant YA/NA. Definitely recommended, but only if you don't mind waiting for book 3.

Also reading The Skull Throne. I didn't realise how much I had missed the Demon Cycle.

[Tnkw01]

S.L. wrote: "Madalyn wrote: "I'm reading A Discovery of Witches. I like it so far but the main character is getting on my nerves. It's like the author wanted to make her a really strong person bu..."

I could not finish it either S.L. This book was just annoying. I believe it might be a good read for someone in middle school, but I just couldn't get into it.

[Shadowdenizen]

I broke the Jordan rule for the "Demon Cycle" series. I read the first 3 books as they came out, but I can't bring myself to start the 4th yet, knowing that I'll be left hanging for a time until the next book comes out!

[Tracey the Lizard Queen]

I don't mind waiting, I've such a long list of books to keep me occupied in the mean time.

[Sumant]

Here is my review of state of art short story collection in culture series.

Here is my review of restaurant at the end of universe.

[Amy]

Tnkw01 wrote: "S.L. wrote: "Madalyn wrote: "I'm reading A Discovery of Witches. I like it so far but the main character is getting on my nerves. It's like the author wanted to make her a really str..."

I've just started A Discovery of Witches, which has been sitting on my Kobo for months. It's... not what I expected. For some reason, I thought it was a historical fantasy, maybe even with some time travel in (though I don't know where I got that idea - clearly I didn't read the blurb before buying it!), but so far it's reading more like urban fantasy/paranormal romance. And it's sooo long!

[Bill]

Just started The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi another Cli-Fi