Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
Mel wrote: "Yes I highly recommend having some free time on your hands Cleon. I wasn't so lucky. I ended up hating work and any form of (social) obligations for that period. It's a perfect story for winter d..."
Heh, I live in tropic. No winter for me. I predict this is going to be a very busy year for me.
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Are you sure you would have enough of those? I do get emotional quite easily. Would anger management be needed, too?! *grin*
The closest I am to not sleeping for days, literally is when I read Slave Breaker arc. Is Special Forces longer than Slave Breaker?
Oh anger management is definitely needed. More than the Kleenex by the way. LOL okay Cleon, rain season?
Mel wrote: "Oh anger management is definitely needed. More than the Kleenex by the way. LOL okay Cleon, rain season?"
LOL. Rain season works too, esp if you're trapped at home because of floods. Thank God the neighborhood where I live isn't susceptible to floods in rainy season.
Rain season it is! I love SF. They're one of most favorite books. Though it doesn't always have the best writing technically, it gets you on an emotional level. Huge impact, huge.
Mel wrote: "Oh anger management is definitely needed. More than the Kleenex by the way."Vadim and Dan made me insane. Repeatedly...
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I don't know how long Slave Breaker is since I haven't read it.
This IS an emotional ride. I just hit that sweetness scale, and with them, it's HUGE. You go through anger and confusion with them, and finally hit that 4 letter word you don't think you'll ever hear them say and it just smacks you in the face. And then melts your heart like no other romance novel could do. lol.
And you know what I was just thinking this morning? I hate work. lol. I wish I was sick just so I could have an excuse to stay home and read all day again. It's killing me that this isn't worksafe at all, or I'd just read it at my desk.
I was going to suggest this for a monthly read, but it is 651 pages, and that's the first two Soldiers books together in one PDF. I don't know if we could easily cover that in a month. But I'd be willing to try. I mean, I can't put it down so I'm speeding through it. I started it around xmas and I've now got 162 pages left.
I don't know if the NEXT two books have been edited yet, but I'm hoping I can put some distance between me and them if I don't download them so I can get some other stuff read and written! lol.
Soldiers is actually one book which got cut in two in Aleks' editing rounds. Of the next three books (Mercenaries I, Mercenaries II and Veterans) only Mercs I is half edited. They were up to about 70% last I heard, but it's not exactly on Aleks' priority list, so I suspect it can take years before all the books are done. As for the Director's Cut: it's mostly minor errors in historical facts, continuity mistakes and some grammar issues which got changed. The ending of Soldiers was cut in half and continued in Mercenaries. Plus Soldiers DC only had Vadim and Dan's POV's whereas the original version has a few extra ones.
From what I heard, there's very little change.
In my opinion only Veterans needs editing. That one is just sloppy at times. Also: I've seen some suggested changes for Mercs I and I'm not happy with those. Making it tighter does not always equal to making it better.
So in my opinion, you'll be fine if you read the Soldiers DC and read about 1/4th of Mercs I and then switch to the original version. That's how I did it anyway :)
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Right now, I'm just dying to go on my lunch break so I can read more. Drat having to run errands at the same time. lol.
Did I mention the hurt/comfort level in this is pretty high towards the end? So sweet. Gotta love it.
So far my only pet peeve is the POV switching. But that's minor when I'm in love with the rest of the book.
This should definitely all get pubbed for real. It's that good.
I know, right? I'd gladly pay money for it. But it'll never be published. The authors agreed to share the rights and keep it non profit and that was the end of it (and their collaboration), I'm afraid.
I stumbled across this somewhere else and wanted to share... I haven't picked up any but one...Harper Foxhttp://bandofthebes.typepad.com/bando...
" In Band of Thebes’ biggest survey ever, more than 90 authors from Australia to Slovenia name their favorite queer reads in 2011."
Something for the new year.
Enjoy =D
Re: Special ForcesHello everyone and Happy New Year! I haven't actively participated in this group in the past (call me a lurker), but the discussion of SF appeared on my feed (Hi Mel!) and well I couldn't resist jumping in.
I read the original online pdf version of SF in July 2008. I recall the exact evening when I began reading. It was in late July we were having an incredible heat wave (40 C) and the air conditioning in our apartment had broken down. I was sitting on the couch, wearing as little as possible with a portable fan right next to me reading directly from the laptop with all the lights out and only the glow of the screen illuminating the text. I read the first three chapters (almost 100 pages) in one sitting and then had to stop in order to re-learn how to breathe. For those who have yet to read this epic, you'll know what I mean about the first three chapters of Soldiers if/when you do read them. I will never forget that initial reading experience, ever.
I couldn't continue at that pace it was too emotionally intense (and draining) so I switched to a slower pace reading a few chapters at a time for the remainder of Soldiers and the following cycles (Mercenaries and Veterans). Incidentally, I have yet to read the last two chapters of Veterans - I suspect that subconsciouly I don't want this story to end.
All this to say that regardless of the time of year, or whether you read it at quicker or slower pace, it will most likely be an unforgettable reading experience.
Both authors have released their individual edited versions in print and pdf which I have not read. I agree with Mel in that tightening up the text doesn't necessarily make it better and honestly, I find there is a rawness to the original online MC of SF (editing issues and all) that I believe only adds to the intensity of the reading experience.
Thank you all for your indulgence, it's been a while since I've thought of SF and the discussion is making want to read it all over again.
For those currently reading SF - enjoy!
Hi, Lou!You are not a bad person: you just have a possibility we didn't have reading The Rifter as it was published ;-).
Lou wrote: "I stayed up till 4 am, reading Rifter. I'm a bad person, jumping around in the books to follow separate story arcs."Yes, bad, bad, very bad. Gosh, all the mess with the times and names was half the... fun... desperate fun...
Lou wrote: "Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Yes, bad, bad, very bad. Gosh, all the mess with the times and names was half the... fun... desperate fun... "I can't imagine reading it in monthly installments. I..."
I waited for six months before reading the first, and then read a couple of installments each month. I could handle a couple of weeks, a whole month was impossible :D
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http://bandofthebes.typepad.com/bando...
..."
That's AWESOME! I'll definitely have to check that out! Thanks for the link.
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Hello everyone and Happy New Year! I haven't actively participated in this group in the past (call me a lurker), but the discussion of SF appeared on my feed (Hi Mel!) and well ..."
I know exactly what you mean. Though I'm on the fast track. Of course, I'm also plowing through it because I've also got a ton of other books I want to get through this month, but I can't until this one is out of my brain. lol, not sure that'll ever happen though.
I'm glad you think the original is good. I know some of the POV switching does add to the rawness. I've seen rare mistakes otherwise, but I'm so caught up in the story that I haven't been keeping track. Of course, I'm reading the edited version so that'll make a difference. In terms of grammar, I'm wondering how Soldiers will compare to the others. But, we'll see eventually I suppose.
All I can say for others is that if you haven't read it yet, clear your books of all other engagements and start reading. Now.
@ Jordan The books aren't romances but they look very intreguing. I think I'm going to have to read something more mind expanding this year in this regard. This would be a good list for reference. I haven't attempted SF. I don't think I'm brave enough.
You go all! (Gender neutral plural. For all the words we have, we don't have them all.)
Happy Reading =)
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Hmmmmmm.... and so you should be, Manu!
Johanna wrote: "Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "I'm reading Divide & Conquer. Woooooorried!!!"Hmmmmmm.... and so you should be, Manu!"
Those who commented on my status update said as much, but as I told them, I survived Adrien #3, I think I can manage this :-)
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Hmmmmmm.... and so you should be, Manu!"
Those who commented on my status update..."
Yes, you are a veteran that way for sure. All of us who loved/survieved Adrien English Mysteries are some kind of masochists...
I am working my way through The Charioteerright now, I read about it in The White Knightand got interested, and later also someone mentioned it in this group. It is harder work than most because it is very British (and a little old-fashioned as well) with a lot being unsaid or just inferred, so as a reader I have to stop and think about the underlying meaning of the sentences. So, slow reading, but a wonderful experience. I love books that give me a challenge :)A very sweet story and beautiful language too.
Re: Special ForcesJordan wrote: "...I've also got a ton of other books I want to get through this month, but I can't until this one is out of my brain. lol, not sure that'll ever happen though.
Jordan, I'm not sure you'll be able to stop thinking about the story and characters once you've finished Soldiers. The last chapter in Soldiers is incredible (actually it's my favourite in Cycle I). My favourite line in the entire epic is uttered by Dan in this Chapter.
Jordan wrote: "I'm glad you think the original is good. I know some of the POV switching does add to the rawness. I've seen rare mistakes otherwise, but I'm so caught up in the story that I haven't been keeping track. Of course, I'm reading the edited version so that'll make a difference. In terms of grammar, I'm wondering how Soldiers will compare to the others."
Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about the editing in the other two cycles. I'd go as far as to say that the original "raw" MC of all three cycles is in better shape from an editing perspective than some "published" works that I've come across. Which is a sad statement when you think about it.
Once again happy reading and if you have the time please share your impressions once you've finished.
Mod
And that's good to know about the editing. Heck, I've read enough fanfic in my day with NO editing and thought it was wonderful, so I'm sure this will be just as good... no... even better. Can't wait... why are there all these other books in the way?!
I read A Welcome Grave by Michael Koryta while I was traveling these last two days. (Sorry I don't know how to put in the link.)It's not m/m but it was a great crime fiction read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The man writes a good blurb. LOL
It's nice to read a different genre every once in a while. I have a whole whack of books to read but I can't decide what to read next.
Pender wrote: I have a whole whack of books to read but I can't decide what to read next."I get that way sometimes. It's hard to settle on something when you're spoiled for choice.
I started
today, and all day long I've had West End Girls by The Pet Shop Boys in my head!
Becky wrote: "Pender wrote: I have a whole whack of books to read but I can't decide what to read next."I get that way sometimes. It's hard to settle on something when you're spoiled for choice."
I read this and realized I should be reading Shades of Gray. That's one of this month's reads right? And wouldn't you know it, it's a book I don't have. LOL
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You are not a bad person: you just have a possibility we didn't have reading The Rifter as it was published ;-)."
Yes. We were forced to be good or I would probably have peeked at certain points.
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I want to hold off rereading until it comes out in print -- although it will be separate volumes, I suppose. Then again it's a book I'll read again and again so maybe there's no need for self-restraint.
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I do hope you enjoy it. The subtext is part of what I think makes this book so amazing. But then the text itself is so beautiful, so lyrical.
It is a bit dated, yes, judging by some of the reviews on Amazon.
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He really does -- and this is true of all his work -- such a wonderful job with setting.
I am reading Kindred Hearts by Rowan Speedwell. I plan to read Yakuza Pride next. I have downloaded Special Forces, but I am waiting when I have a bit more time to read it. I hear I will get nothing else done . . .
Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am working my way through The Charioteerright now, I read about it in The White Knightand got interested, and later also someone mentioned it in this grou..."I wouldn't call it dated if that means it no longer has any value in this modern day and age, it has just this old fashioned charm about it, and sense of a time gone by. I enjoy it very much indeed. :)
I'm both looking forward to and dreading
, because it will signal the end of my happily lost time with PzB's Liquor series. I've fallen hopelessly in love with the main characters and will miss them like crazy.But
came in the mail today, so I'll either console myself with that or with Mara Allen's
after I bid Rickey and G-man adieu. *sniffle*Lord, how crazy we readers can get!
Josh wrote: "I'm reading Neil Plakcy's Mahu Blood. He really does -- and this is true of all his work -- such a wonderful job with setting."
I got to meet Neil Plakcy at the Florida Library Association meeting a couple of years ago, when the Florida Mystery Writers hosted a breakfast and he was there. He was so interesting to talk to. I got started reading the Mahu books then and have really enjoyed them. Having been to Honolulu, the books always take me back there in my head...:-)
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Yes, I prefer "old-fashioned charm."
One thing it is not is quaint. There is nothing quaint about it. It's as wrenching today as it was when it was written.
Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am working my way through The Charioteerright now, I read about it in The White Knightand got interested, and later also someone..."I had to check the dictionary for "quaint",:) and I agree, it is not that. It is heartbreaking when it describes the war and its impact on the young men fighting it, it is interesting in regards to the British class- system and how difficult it is to have friends across the class barrier (I love the interactions between Laurie and Reg) and it is wrenching also when it comes to the restrictions people had to be aware of when it comes to who you are "allowed" to love or not.
For Christmas, my mom got me
, and I'm slowly going through it. It's primarily an art book, so there's not a huge amount of reading involved, but I did find the foreword and introduction interesting, exploring as they did the history of women as readers (and reading in general), as well as their depiction in art. And the little bits of the history of each work of art that's provided is interesting, especially as it gives a more detailed insight into prevailing attitudes of the time, both regarding the characters of women who were literate, and *what* exactly they were reading.
Tracy wrote: "For Christmas, my mom got me , and I'm slowly going through it. It's primarily an art book, so there's not a huge amount of reading involved, but I d..."That looks very interesting. It somehow reminds me of the Shardlake books Dissolution that someone mentioned earlier, in one of them it is discussed whether the Bible should be translated into English (from Latin) and one of the arguments against it was that the Bible then could be read by women! That wouldn't do, of course .. :)
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I just finished Special Forces: Soldiers. AMAZING book. And a bit of a cliffie at the end. Not to spoil anything for anyone. I'm forcing myself to pause SF to read first a book for work The Night Circus followed by Shades of Gray for the book group, during which I will skim the other that I've already read. After that, I've got another monster library book to read for work, and then... I guess it'll finally be time to get back to SF? Who knows. That feels so far in the future right now. lol. White Lines
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, and I'm slowly going through it. It's primarily an art book, so there's not a huge amount of reading involved, but I d..."How fascinating!
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Yes, Renault is dealing with so many powerful themes, which is part of why the book is a classic in gay fiction.
The themes dovetail beautifully, don't they?
I don't read much het romance these days, but I just finished A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant, and it was excellent. The set up is straight out of erotica-- woman hires young, handsome neighbor to father her child. In fact, I've read at least one (fairly dreadful) erotic rom with that basic storyline. But this was more emotional, and less graphic, than anything I've read in ages. The heroine works her way through some moral issues that might have been ignored by another author, too. The hero was a bit modern in his thinking, especially as his character arc progressed in the second half of the book. But it wasn't so glaring that it was unforgivable. Overall a really excellent book.
Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am working my way through The Charioteerright now, I read about it in The White Knightand got interest..."Just finished the book this evening, the last hundred pages was so heartbreakingly beautiful and intense. What a wonderful book! I am so glad I learned about it and got to read it.
The Game of Thrones started this week on Norwegian TV. I usually don't watch much, but this could become a new addiction :)
Jorrie wrote: "Becky wrote: "I don't read much het romance these days, but I just finished A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant, and it was excellent. The set up is straight out of erotica-- woman hi..."I won't spoil anything, but I will say I was happy with how it all played out.
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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...Although I wouldn't mind losing some weight like Mel did. ;)