Introduction and welcome thread! Showing 1,851-1,900 of 4,412

[Delyan]

Joseph wrote: "Any thoughts about Alexey Pehov? How about Sergey Dyachenko? ..."

Hm, I think I read the first two Siala books (by Pehov) as a teenager and recall liking them. Never really explored his work in depth. I've not read anything by Dyachenko, I'm afraid.

If you liked Metro 2033, do read Roadside Picnic (I seem to recall the podcast mentioning a new edition in the US?). In general, the Strugatsky brothers have a whole bookshelf to themselves in that library inside my head :)

Also, try and find the Watch series (it's quite easy to find in the UK, can't imagine it being that much worse in the US; that said, it is a sword, rather than laser series). They're all excellent books with a nice dose of Russian humour (the films are also excellent, though not entirely related to the books). Again on the sword side, Perumov N. tends to write rather well. However, it seems that he's not available in English.

It's quite weird, really, to see the Curtain still up, in the 21st century, and in books, of all things. :/

[Joseph]

Delyan wrote: "It's quite weird, really, to see the Curtain still up, in the 21st century, and in books, of all things. :/

Yes, yes it is. And I'm always frustrated when I can't have access to ALL THE BOOKS RIGHT NOW! (You hear me, English translators of the Witcher series?)

I have the Watch books -- they just haven't gotten to the head of the line yet. (Although I did rewatch the first movie last weekend.) And yes, I'll have to add the new edition of Roadside Picnic to the list. And someday play one of the STALKER games (which I think are kind of tenuously based on it).

[Karen]

Hi, I'm Karen. I'm a copyeditor and bookaholic (great term, Gabriel!) and inherited my love of Sci-Fi/Fantasy from my dad (plus a suitcase full of old Analog magazines).

Favorite SciFi/Fantasy authors as of today at this moment: Ursula LeGuin, Madeleine L'Engle, Neil Gaiman. I know I'm missing a truckload of names.

Favorite SciFi/Fantasy series/books as of today at this moment: A Song of Ice and Fire, Simon Green's Nightside, Hitchhiker's Guide, Snow Crash, Riddley Walker, The Pickup Artist by Terry Bisson, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell, The Terror by Dan Simmons, and many many many more.

[Isabella]

Hi everyone, I love to read and write SFF, and watch every single SFF movie out there, comparing adaptations to the books they're based on... quite obsessively:) I look forward to getting to know you guys better, and contributing to some cool discussions!:)
p.s. I tend to prefer high fantasy to anything else, but have a soft spot for any piece with adventure and romance, and definitely humour:) Cheers:)

[Heather]

Hello my name is Heather. I was a literature major and found my escape in sci-fi originally and then fantasy. I seem to be caught in many series currently. I am up-to-date on Song of Ice and Fire, 1.5 books before done with Dune, three books into Dark Tower (to name a few). I read some YA and am currently in the Mazerunner series. Stroud is my current favorite YA author. I am excited about being a part of Sword and Laser as I feel I am lacking in sci-fi foundation books.

[Ghanimatrix]

Hello, I stumbled upon this group and it looked interesting, so here I am. I love sci-fi and some fantasy, but I do get around to reading other genres as well. Just finished a Sherlock Holmes binge and looking for more stimulating reads!

[Nick]

Hi, my name is Nick. I actually joined a few days ago. I enjoy all kinds of reading/writing, but I especially love scifi/fantasy. I'm also an artist and a freshman college student. I'd write more, but sleep deprivation is clouding my brain.

[Richard]

Greetings -
Richard here -- Toronto native currently living in New England.
Used to read a lot of classic SF (Asimov, Brunner, Herbert, Niven (& Pournelle) to name a few), a bit of fantasy (Tolkien, Piers Anthony), some mystery/noir, and the occasional off-the-beaten-track fiction (Timothy Findley's Not Wanted on the Voyage, anyone?).
Getting more of my read on lately -- perhaps because my 15-year-old son has inherited my SF bent (he's got a dozen or three in his library) - tho' I'm trying to get him to expand his literary horizons.

[JoJo]

Hi I'm JoJo and I'm a huge fantasy and science-fiction fan. It would be great if you'd add me as a friend :)

[Fredgarber]

Hi, I'm Fred.
I like swords and lasers, but I really love it when the hero is clever enough to outwit his opponents without needing either one.
I'm also an unpublished writer, still building my confidence enough to start sending the written things out, and writing/drawing a webcomic on the weekends.

I drifted here from Geek & Sundry, listened to the podcast, and since it's the internet, my wife tells me _here_ is where i should rant about books, not at her :)

[Mike]

Hello all! I'm Mike D, from Toronto. I've been an avid SF/Fantasy reader forever. There is something exquisite getting lost in an adventure in another world that is simply so relaxing. I've been listening to the S&L podcast for the past year or so, and figured it's about time I join.
Nice to meet you all :)

[Jordan]

The name is Jordan.

I like both Swords and Lasers equally and both read and listen to audio books.

[Josh]

Hello! I had so much fun listening to the VF ladies that I wanted to check out what else I might be missing -- and here I am.

I've been reading fantasy and science fiction for as long as I can remember, spent a ton of time in writing classes in college and hope to get back to it someday, and am SO pleasantly surprised (stoked?) to find such an active and articulate community of people who like stuff I like :)

[Sophia]

Hello! I'm Sophia & I am addicted to pretty much anything sci fi or fantasy related. It can be very difficult to find people with similar interests locally, especially when you have very little free time. I originally set out to start a book club of my own & instead found this awesome community where my commitment can be on my own time rather than trying to squeeze a weekly meet up into a far too busy schedule. I was so grateful to find such a fun & enthusiastic group of people who in my brief exploration of the site have already introduced me to so many new books I am excited to read. Some of my favorite authors are George R.R. Martin, R.A. Salvatore, Douglas Adams, Tolkien, Neil Gaiman & the list happily goes on =) Aside from an insatiable literary hunger, I also love gaming (PC, console, TableTop, pretty much any kind!), conventions, film & music (especially those that are gaming, sci fi or fantasy related). I look forward to meeting everyone & appreciate the creation of a place to share the love of all things Sword & Laser!

[Janet]

Hiya! Long time Frogpants/Tech TV/TwiT/"insert techy entertainment program of choice here" fan, and the podcast has moved me to finally make a Goodreads account. I love learning about new authors, and what's coming out from the people I've read before. The interviews are great too!

I've been reading sci-fi and fantasy (though mostly fantasy) since hmm... grade 5. Back in middle school and high school, I read everything I could get my hands on! It's odd, but I associate certain books and video games with events in my life. "The Hobbit" with my mother's illness, "LotR" (which I saved up my allowance for *months* to buy in hardback glory) with high school, and Mercedes Lackey with wistful, fluffy days of "ohmygod! he's so cute! maybe he will notice me one day!"

I currently play wow, swtor and D3. Um... That's about it!

[Matthew]

My name is Matthew and I like the standard fare of popular Sci-Fi and Fantasy authors. My favorites at the moment being Neil Gaiman, Neil Stephenson, Arthur C Clark, Asimov, Vernor Vinge, Frank Herbert, Fritz Leiber. My favorite fantasy book is The Mists of Avalon. My favorite Sci-Fi is The Stars My Destination.

[Alan]

So I'm going to start out as one of those terrible people who registers and then makes his first post about himself and his new book that he's written.

Hi, hello, my name is Alan Carr and I've written a book.

That's out of the way now, right? Kind of?

I've procrastinated joining because I don't read as much as I want to, and I'm always behind discussions. I made a point of picking up Throne of the Crescent Moon but couldn't get into it. Picked up Ready Player One and consumed it almost instantly, then listened to it a dozen more times (great audiobook edition). But still I didn't join up and start sharing my thoughts here. Until now.

I've been reading Sci Fi and Fantasy since forever, with my earliest "great read" memories ranging from books like Aliens Ate My Homework and The Black Cauldron to The Phantom Tollbooth. I remember wanting to grow up to become Bruce Coville, and now I've actually found a round-about way to start living that dream, at thirty years old. I hope it goes well and that one day someone will want to grow up and be me, but I'll be happy if anyone at all just happens to read my book and enjoys it.

[Simon]

Hello all!
I wandered over from Geek and Sundry but will be dipping into the audio shows a lot. As well as catching up on the previous months books to join in the discussions!

My job takes a lot of my time up so i have no time to pick up a physical copy however i do boast a 400+ collection of audio books that are my pride and joy!

Currently listening to Amped by Daniel H. Wilson. Im not sure if Im more of a sword or a laser. I love them both!

[Daran]

Hello, I'm Daran
I've been reading science fiction and fantasy for many years. when I was younger I was a big fan of Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov and Harlan Ellison. Then in high school, a friend loaned me a copy of Icewind Dale and I've been a fantasy fan ever since. I like big multi-volume epics, where the fate of the earth (or better yet, the universe) hangs in the balance

I suppose my favorite authors at the moment are Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Naomi Novik and, still, R.A. Salvatore.

[Fyrienwood]

Hey, I'm Sarah, and I have always been a big reader, as a child my parents complained that all I ever did was read, and wouldn't I just go outside and play for a bit? When I did go outside, I spent that time creating imaginary worlds in our woods and inventing elaborate characters and stories based on that, which was so fun.
My most beloved book will always be Lord of the Rings and anything by Tolkien, and have never gotten into reading "new" fantasy/sci-fi books, except for Sword of Truth and Harry Potter. So I am excited to try reading some newer additions to the fantasy/sci-fi literary world and see what I have been missing out on!

[Jacob]

Hey, I'm Jake.

I grew up trying to be a sports person and not reading. Come college i only played fantasy games and still hadn't read much, there was just so much and didn't know where to start.

I just finished off the original 10 books of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles which only took me 7 years :P

I want to find more nerd books to read. I am more of a Sword I would say, but I honestly have not read enough Laser to know for sure so looking forward to that.

[Keith]

Hi I'm Keith. I read mostly Science fiction, fantasy and some crime (Tony Hillerman, Lyndsey Davis)

[Audrey]

Hi, I'm Audrey. Love books, hate introducing myself. Anyway, saw Tigana being discussed and wanted to join in. I have loved Guy Gavriel Kay for a very long time, and Tigana is one of my faves. Currently reading 'The Killing Moon' by N.K. Jemisin, 'Petrodor' by Joel Shepherd and re-reading 'Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy'.

[Tony]

Howdy, I'm Tony.
I'm a southerner geek that disagrees with most of my State's political views. I can usually be found trail running and training for ultramarathons while listening to audiobooks and The Sword and Laser podcast. When I'm not working or running, I'm reading, writing, playing pen and paper RPGs or trying to find time to sleep. Some of my favorite writers are: Joe R. Lansdale, David Gemmell, Jore Luis Borges, Jeff Vandermeer, Clive Barker, Michael Moorcock, Robert McCammon and Dan Simmons.

I'm looking forward to joining the discussion for the July pick. See you then.

Oh, and it's very nice to meet you all.

[Rebecca]

Hello! just found sword and lazer, working on catching up on some of the podcasts, I have always been a reader and I love a good book!
I cant wait to enjoy being part of this group

[Bethany]

Hi I'm Bethany. During my breaks from grad school I consume as much fiction as I can before I have to go back to laundry baskets full of non-fiction for my research. I love scifi and fantasy, but I've noticed my book choices have been very narrow of late. This seems like the best way to broaden my horizons, and never hearing of "Tigana" before and enjoying so much (so far), this has proved to be just what I needed.

[erin]

Hi, I'm Erin. I found Sword and Laser through Vaginal Fantasy, and started watching the Geek and Sundry shows. I haven't listened to any of the podcasts yet but I promise I will.

I'm an American history/legal studies major, and am currently waiting on my acceptance/rejection letter to law school. I've read fantasy/sci-fi for most of my life, but I also enjoy historical non/fiction. Some of the books in my GoodReads library are embarrassing but that's okay.

Some of my favorite authors are Jennifer Roberson, Tahir Shah, Mark Kurlansky, Douglas Adams, and George R. R. Martin.

I like stuff including Blizzard games, puppies, Masterpiece, and long walks on the beach.

Nice to meet you all. Most likely I'm going to be a professional lurker.

[David]

Hi! Recently started watching Geek and Sundry and it sounds like Sword and Laser is the best match for me, given that I love reading both fantasy and science fiction.
Some of my favorite authors include Brandon Sanderson, China Mieville, Patrick Rothfuss, Steven Erikson, and 'classics' like Tolkien, Herbert, and Clarke.

My only regret is not having enough time to read what I want...

[Shadowtiger]

I am ShadowTiger, I recently started following S&L after watching the youtube series.

I used to read many Fantasy books and a few Sci Fi when I was younger but I have since stopped. I have gotten really picky with the books that I read and I decided that I probably have to write it myself to be satisfied.

I don't have much free time but hopefully joining this community will inspire me to read/write more in the future.

[Ian]

Hello! I'm Ian. As many others I found S&L through Geek and Sundry. Looking forward to joining in with July's book pick.

[[deleted user]]

Hi, I'm Sean, new to the book club scene and long time lover of most fiction. As of this post my favorite book is the one I'm currently reading, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. Not really Sci Fi or fantasy but a good book nonetheless.

My favorite science fiction novel would have to be Boneshaker by Cherie Priest. Great book, has zombies plus a huge adventure vibe. Feel free to friend me because I plan to be here a while.

Currently I attend Old Dominion University out of Virginia for a Professional Communications degree.

[Craig]

Hi All. I too found out about this group via G&S, and as someone who finds it difficult to find a new book to read I am extremely happy to have found this group.

I would like to think of myself as a laser that has read to much sword and is now trying balance out the universe. As I came in too late to start The Magicians I went back and read The Forever War (an earlier S&L pick) which I really enjoyed.

Looking forward to then July pick, hope it is Leviathan Wakes as I already started reading it. :)

[Robert]

hello my name is robert i am 32 yrs old and i have just recently begun to read again, ever since the advent of the internet and technology ive become a lazy bum and just quit reading lmao, i know that may sound like an excuse but its quite true sadly. my favorite authors include jrr tolkien jeffrey deaver and stephen king. i have only rated one book so i cant quite get reccomendations yet but if anyone reads this feel free to message me with books and stuff i'll check them out and rate and maybe review them :D thank you all for welcoming me great show veronica! see you all around the webs!!!!

[Becca]

Hi Everyone!

My name is Becca, and I figured it would be a good idea to introduce myself to the community since I'm working as Tom and Veronica's 'Sword & Laser' intern and will be popping up around the group.

While I love both sides of 'The Sword & Laser,' I'd consider myself more of a Laser than a Sword these days. One of my degrees from UC Berkeley was a B.A. in English Literature, with an emphasis in Medieval and Early Modern literature, so space travel and the occasional alien are a nice change of pace from the bulk of my collegiate reading.

I'm excited to start participating more actively in the group and cannot wait for everyone to see the interview with George R.R. Martin in tomorrow's episode!

[Haldon]

Hi! I'm Haldon, huge fan of both sf and fantasy. I have many favourite authors, but at the moment it has to be George R.R. Martin that has my attention the most (really looking forward to the interview!).
And also just finished Leviathan Wakes, hopes it wins the poll, sf as it should be!

[Bob]

Hi, I'm Bob.

I *love* to read and have a collection of over 15,000 books. I read mostly science fiction and mystery. Love the classic SF authors, such as Asimov, Clarke, and Heinlein. Current favorites are Robert Sawyer, John Scalzi, and Charles Stross.

Can't wait to join the discussions!

[John]

Hello, I'm John.
I'm a high school theatre director in the Houston area. I do most of my recreational reading during the summer.

I'm currently reading the Iron Druid series and the Dark Tower series. I split my reading between Audible, kindle and dead tree books.

Found this group through the podcast.

[Book Nook reads]

Hi my name is Scott, I own a used bookstore and ran across S&L when Geek&Sundry started. his sci/fi fantasy geek and love talking people into trying out some of my favorite books when they come into my shop.

I mostly lean towards fantasy but my favorite series of all time has to be the Liad series by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller. Im on my 7th read thru of the core series and catching up on all the others they have written.

Dresden Files, Nightside, Miles Vorkosigan, miles and miles of likes but those are a few.

Have never been in any book group and interested in catching up on some I have yet to read (or to reread them)

[Heather]

I found The Sword and Laser via the Geek & Sundry channel. So sad it took me this long! At least I can console myself with a deliciously huge backlog of podcasts to listen to.

I consider myself a genre reader. Mostly science fiction, with a dash of mystery and fantasy. I also read a decent amount of non-fiction.

My favorite authors at the moment are Laurie R. King, Robin McKinley, Daniel Abraham, Scott Lynch, Scott Westerfeld, and Lois McMaster Bujold.

I've never belonged to a book group before. I worried that too much analysis would kill the wonder. From what I've seen/heard so far, that won't be a problem here. Yay!

[Michael]

Hi. My name is Michael. I actually just started watching Sword & Laser on YouTube tonight, thanks to Geek & Sundry (I've been watching the Flog and TableTop, but had decided to branch out -- Glad that I did.) I LOVED the first episode, and look forward to catching up on both the show and podcast.

I read ... well a large bit of everything. My favorite authors, in no particular order, are:
Terry Pratchett
Neil Gaiman
China Miéville
Richard K. Morgan
Jim Butcher
H. P. Lovecraft
Stephen King
George R. R. Martin

And so on. I joined up because I was REALLY interested in Scott Sigler, and am hpoing to find new authors to sate my thirst for awesomeness.

[Ulmer Ian]

I also came here via the Geek & Sundry channel, which I got to via TWiT.

I've always been a sword & laser myself, often alternating between the two. My favorite books are almost all scifi though:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/...

I'm just getting used to the idea of buying books... I used to always just use the public library but now I live in Germany (the books in the library here are all written in some form of archaic English). I love getting packages so it works out well. It's been fun reading along with the book picks... just stop picking books I've already read! :)

[Tapley]

Hi, I'm Tapley. I've been reading SF/F (more F than SF) for most of my life. I'm a public librarian, specializing in readers' advisory, especially for fantasy readers. My favorite author is Terry Pratchett, and I'm currently reading The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King.

I found this group through Geek & Sundry on YouTube, and I'm looking forward reading the discussions and maybe finding some new authors!

[Alesa]

Hi, I'm Alesa. I have been reading SF and F books for as long as I can remember. I got away from them for a while, but I just attended Nerdtacular 2012 and the Sword and Laser live show got me interested in them again! I am looking forward to getting back into reading SF and F books and the great community to read them with. :)

[Steve]

Not sure if anybody is actually going to read this, but I am new to S&L. I love to read, but have pretty much put off getting into Sci-Fi and Fantasy for the last 24 years. I making my way through A Dance with Dragons currently, and felt the urge to expand beyond the current fad, and knew of S&L via Tom's twitter, so I decided to join up.

I have had an itch for quite a while to get into Sci-Fi, but never knew where to start, so never got around to starting. I saw Tom's review of Leviathan Wakes in my feed, which piqued my interest, so I decided to check it out. Just got through the sample from Amazon and I can't wait to keep reading it. Not sure how this whole online book club thing will work out for me, but I am excited to give it a try. More excited about the laser side, may use the sword month to finish off aDwD.

[Jeffery]

Hey all. Jeff here.

I've been reading SF & F for over thirty years now. Really enjoy going to cons as well. I've been teaching at a rural high school tucked away in southeastern KY for over twenty years, and for about the last ten, I've been lucky enough to teach a class over SF & F literature. Always looking for new ideas for the class, so I'd be glad for any suggestions.

My favorite writers are (in no particular oder)Tolkien (okay, he's my definite favorite), Michael Moorcock, Anne McCaffrey, Ben Bova, H. Beam Piper, George R.R. Martin, Terry Bisson, Paul Kearney . . . and a bunch more.

Really look forward to participating with everyone.

Thanks!

[bookthump]

I am a new member to Goodreads and to the Sword and Laser community. I discovered Sword and Laser through the Geek & Sundry youtube channel and have enjoyed every episode so far. I have been a reader my entire life, thanks to the influence of my mother and father who mandated at least thirty minutes of reading time before bed each night when I was a child. That habit continues today.

The first fantasy novel I can remember really loving was The Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. I wish I could remember my first science fiction novel. It might have been Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein. I read that in junior high and it was a real challenge for me to get through but still managed to enjoy the experience.

Currently, I am nearing the conclusion of Ernest Cline's Ready Player One. After that, I will immediately start on my very first S&L book club participation novel: Leviathan Wakes.

Take care, everyone!

[Thomas]

Hi my name is Thomas, I am from Germany, and also found my way here through Geek & Sundry.

I don’t really remember what my first book was but I remember that Star Wars – Heirs to the Empire by Thimothy Zahn got me back to reading at the age of 15. Funny thing is it took me about 10 years to finally read the book and the whole Thrawn Triology. I lemmed it a few times within those 10 years.
My all time favourite book is Once a Hero by Michael A. Stackpole, I have already read it 7 or 8 times and it will be read again.

I have no specific author I favor. I joined to find more interesting books.

[Victor]

Hi my name is victor,i read alot of fantasy growing up,rereading david eddings over and over. But that was a finance reason mostly.But i now love both sci fi and fantasy.

I am from Australia,i just finished ready player one,and have just started Dune on kindle. I read all my new books on kindle now,it lets me carry more than one at a time.

Happy to be here/

[Martin]

Hello, My nane is Martin and been reading this stuff since I found a shelve in the local library with Raiders from the Rings by Alan E Norse- I have been hooked since then.

[Dara]

Hi! I found this group via geek & sundry this weekend (I may have mainlined all the episodes at once). My first genre-related memory is riding in my folks' car, listening to a cassette tape of Nicol Williamson reading The Hobbit. I've been hooked ever since.