Introduction and welcome thread! Showing 3,601-3,650 of 4,412

[Robert]

Hello, I'm Robert and I mainly read Fantasy and Science Fiction. But I also read crime, horror and history. I'm currently "Sixty Days and Counting" by Kim Stanley Robinson.

I did a marathon last year of James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux series and of the Wheel of Time. I like doing the dual of audio book and eBook because I can always "read" while driving.

Probably my first science fiction was Heinlein's Time for the Stars and Clarke's Childhood's End. First exposure to Fantasy was Tolkien, the Brooks and on from there.

I like getting exposed to something different but unfortunately I usually go the safe route and stick to the same authors and type of genre such as epic fantasy. I may not be able to keep up the book of the month selections but at least I'll take note of them and have them added to my (virtual) stack of books to be read.

[Bentley ★ Bookbastion.net]

Hi everyone! I'm Bentley, I'm 25 years old, and I'm addicted to reading and writing all things fantasy and science fiction. Really, anything fiction will do in a crunch though. I have always been a huge reader, ever since I was young and that desire to read also manifested itself in me as a desire to write. While I don't have anything published yet, it's my hope to someday be an author on this website as well as an avid reader.

Life has its ways of getting in the way though, and a couple of years ago I realized I hadn't been reading very much at all - and that really scared me. So I started a Goodreads account and have since re-dedicated myself to reading and reviewing all the books I can get my hands on.

I discovered S&L about six months ago, and have been a lurking member of this group for some time although this is my first time posting. I love all the new recommendations I've been getting here! My reading list is certainly growing!

[N.L.]

Hi, just discovered podcast & really like the discussions so far. Looking forward to this months book! Tosh.

[N.L.]

Hi, just discovered podcast & really like the discussions so far. Looking forward to this months book! Tosh.

[[deleted user]]

Long-time creeper, first-time poster.

Hi, I'm Emily (Helen's a middle name.) I'm more of a Sword than Laser person, but the books that this group reads have all been pretty good in my opinion!

I tend to read more urban fantasy stuff without prompting (like Butcher, Jacka, Hamilton, Andrews, etc.) but I always like a good story!

So yeah. Here I am. Let's get readin'.

[lisa kw]

Hey everyone! My name is Lisa, I'm 20 years old, and I read like Chicago wind, meaning constantly and basically all the time. It's my life, that along with writing and studying at college for my finance degree. I read and write fantasy and science fiction. I've been reading since I was a kid and writing for about 6 years now!

Some of my favorite authors are Tolkien, George RR Martin, Stephen King, Cassandra Clare, and Wayne Thomas Batson.

I'm finally starting to use my Goodreads account more often and am itching to talk to people about the multitude of books I love.

Also, if you love Game of Thrones as much as I do, please for the love of God friend me.

[Adrián]

Hi everyone, my name is Adrian, I'm 27 and I'm from spain. This is my first bookclub. I new to goodreads but it's quickly becoming a necessity in my life.

I'm a big fantasy fan, I've read laser stuff but I'd much rather go through one of those paperweight massive fantasy books.

I was introduced to fantasy books in my early teens by the dragonlance series. And my favorite authors are Scott Lynch (Gentleman Bastards), Jim Butcher (mainly the codex alera series) Patrick Rothfuss (Kingkiller chronicles)and Jonathan Stroud (Bartimaeus trilogy)

All of which (not coincidently) are from the coming of age subgender. I also dable into court intrigue, epic F and the ocasional urban F book.

I want to share opinions with the community and of course some recomendations on the next victim (although my to read list is getting kind of unrealistic).

So there you go
I'm looking forward to meet you all.

[Anfenwick]

Hi everyone, I'm Anne. I read, write, and live in London, though the latter is nearly a full-time job in itself and cuts into the other two a little bit.

I look forward to chatting with you all.

[Zach]

Greetings everybody.

My name is Zach and I am a gamer, reader and watcher. I have been trying to get a book club going with some of my friends but they have all been too busy. I found this group and I am excited to try and be a part of it. I really hope to be able to engage in some meaningful conversations about stories I love told through a medium I love.

[HobbitFromPA]

Heya all,

Not sure why I didn't do this ages ago. Been listening to the podcast from just shy of the beginning. As a kid I devoured books be it comics or Sci-Fi/Fantasy. As sometimes happens life got in the way and I found less time to read as much as I would like. Recent life changes have given me more time and so I have been devouring books once again.

Cheers

[Brett]

Hey, folks! A very quick hello. I've read the last few pages of introductions and it would seem that I'm in fantastic company. Really love the podcast, Veronica and Tom! I'm a fan of both science-fiction and fantasy, although leaning slightly towards the latter lately. Big fan of Joe Abercrombie, Peter V Brett and Scott Lynch. Love a bit of urban fantasy, too. The incomparable Jim Butcher is a favourite and, lately, I've been really enjoying the work of Charles Stross and his Laundry Files series. Looking forward to broadening my horizons a bit by reading the S&L picks!

[Aidan]

Hi everyone!

My name is Aidan, I'm 24-year-old journalism student and come from Scotland.

I have to say that I am more of a sword in the context of this group with some of my favourite authors including Patrick Rothfuss, Joe Abercrombie, George RR Martin and Robin Hobb.

I'm looking forward to taking advantage of the book suggestions and hope to discover the work of authors that I haven't really been exposed to before now.

[Matt]

Hi Aiden with that list I was surprised to not see Brandon Sanderson on it. Have you read any of his books? If you like those authors I think you will like him to.

[Kim]

Hi there! My name is Kim and I love to read! ('Nuff said!:)). My favorite genres are history (both fiction and non-fiction), mystery, fantasy and gothic/horror. I'm a medieval buff, and since much high fantasy seems to be based in that type of world, I count it among those genres that I generally enjoy. Still a somewhat reading experience than historical fiction though.
Right now I'm listening to Assassin's Apprenticeby Robin Hobb. I haven't gotten very far-only finished part 1-but audio books take a little longer to digest than print books in my opinion. I'm sure that I'll enjoy it.
Anyway, it's nice to be here. I hope everyone has a nice day. Kim

[Mic]

Hey, I'm Mic.

I'm an Aquarius, I despise long walks on the beach and relish in the mockery of astrology.

I'm a new listener to Sword & Laser, I'm currently working my way through previous episodes of the podcast and after hearing a few positive references to Altered Carbon, said binding of dead tree is my current perusal.

I'm competing with several friends through the Goodreads Reading Challenge and I'm currently at 22/52 for the year.

I shall be jumping straight into The Goblin Emperor concluding my current read, I look forward to catching up to S&L and stealthily integrating myself in your fine community.

Live long and prosper,

Mic.

[Regina]

Mellow greetings, readers ;)

As Mic above me I'm an Aquarius as well, despise long walks, period and plan my life solely according what my daily horoscope tells me. (I hope everyone gets I'm joking)

Now for further introduction, I'm Dutch, 33 and live alone with my two cats Uhura and Troy, (this time it isn't a joke), loads of books, games, movies, basically all the ingredients one needs to be a total geek. I love my life and love to read. I like to mix it up genre-wise but fantasy was my first love and it will be my last.. I'm not so much into written science fiction in contrast to Sci-fi on the tv screen, but I'm starting to broaden my (book) horizon.
I'm looking forward to reading the monthly books from this club. Usually I'm not very active on fora, but I'll try to better my life.
Nice to meet you all.

Pien

[Adrienne Kern]

Hi, I've been lurking for a while. Figured I should check in, because somebody asked what they should read next, and I said my local library here is waaaaaayyyy too small, so I wonder what I should suggest for an interlibrary loan. Who's a good person to ask? Hey, how about several somebodys?

[Mila]

Hello, I am new to the group. I am an avid reader as well as writer. I have been listening to the sword and laser podcast for a few months and thought to finally check the good reads group. I am also new to good reads so I am still trying to figure out how things work around here.

[Matthew]

Hi, my name is Matt!

I in fact do enjoy long walks. However I prefer to leave the beach where it is. It's never done me any harm.

I have just picked up a kindle fire and figured its about time I joined the S&L group. I've been listening to the podcast since the geek and sundry show ended.

I read mostly fantasy, and really getting a kick out of settings that are not medieval or present day. I just finished two Guy Gavriel Kay books and looking forward to more. Favorite Authors are Terry Pratchett (RIP), George Martin, and Patrick Rothfuss.

I have no idea how many times i've read this months pick, Wyrd Sisters. But I hope all of you are enjoying it.

-Matt

[Laura]

Hello there! I'm Laura.
I've been a member of sword and laser for a while but I thought it might be nice to introduce myself in the forum. I've loved fantasy since I was a little girl and picked up my first Redwall book (shout out to any Redwall fans out there, anyone, anyone?) Nowadays my favorite authors are Pat Rothfuss, Diana Gabaldon, Martin and Tolkien, of course. I haven't read much scifi but I am very fond of Douglas Adams.

I wish this group had been around when I was growing up. I used to have a lot of trouble figuring out what to read next but since I joined the group I've never had that issue. Thanks Tom and Veronica!

[Sam]

Hello IM Sam and new here im an avid reader and fantasy and syfy fan my fav authors include Robert Jordan clive barker jack ketchum jim butcher ray Bradbury Philip k dick simon green brent weeks and so on. please say high and welcome this ginger with open arms! I am also an avid gamer and have many tattoos

[Will]

Hello, I'm Will. I'm currently from Maryland, and have enjoyed reading/watching/playing sci-fi and fantasy for as long as I can remember.

I've followed Sword and Laser for a while now, but only as a lurker. With Terry Pratchett being chosen as the month's book, I decided it was past time that I actually join up.

Nice to meet you all, looking forward to the group.

[Rob, Roberator]

Will wrote: "Hello, I'm Will. I'm currently from Maryland, and have enjoyed reading/watching/playing sci-fi and fantasy for as long as I can remember.

I've followed Sword and Laser for a while now, but only..."

Welcome Will. If you're interested a few of us in the area meet in Silver Spring every month to discuss the book.

Details are here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Will]

Thanks, sounds good. Don't know if I'll be free this month or not, but I'll try and join in when I can.

[Clayton]

Hi everyone, I'm Clayton L. Stephens. My favorite Sci-Fi writers are Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov and Philip K Dick. I like Sci-Fi to have enough real/fringe science in it to make it feel real. I'm also an author.

[Lee]

Hi everyone, I'm Lee from Wales(which is in the UK) I love readying fantasy. my favourite authours would have to be Patrick rothfuss,Joe abercrombie,Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. My favourite book has to be the name of the wind by Patrick rothfuss.

[Rory]

Hi,
I'm Rory, my cousin suggested I join this book group, about the same time she donated her copy of "In the name of the Wind" to my bookshelf. This is the first time I've commented though I've been following the pod-cast for a while now. Really being enjoying the picks so far, in particular "The Goblin Emperor". I've been writing for years, though I've never had anything published. Finished a historical fiction novel which according to my writers group "Descends into unprecedented violence". I've being writing some science fiction too so I might give this competition a go. Aside from that, eager to get into the new pick. Terry Pratchett wrote my favourite book, "The Carpet People".

[Dominik]

I've been told by the big yellow thingie on the right to introduce myself here, so... 26 year old dude from Germany here. Been reading SF/F for most of my life. Favorite authors include Terry Pratchett, Naomi Novik, Ursula Vernon and Walter Moers.

[Marc]

Hi all,
I'm Marc from Manitoba, Canada. I have recently started listening to the Sword and Laser podcast and am hoping to jump in with a pick of the month soon.
My top 3 favourite books are: Wizard and Glass; Dune; and Lord of the Flies.
I'm really enjoying working my way through The Wheel of Time; Malazan Book of The Fallen and A Song of Ice and Fire series.
I'm also looking forward to trying out some new authors.

[David]

Hello, I'm David and I like books.

[Isak]

Hejsan I'm Isak and I'm relatively new to this place (goodreads that is) I have followed the club since the youtubeshow days but was already a member of a similar Swedish site so I didn't get around to joining here until now.

The first book that I remember staying awake all night reading was Jack Londons The Call of the Wild but it was probably my sister introducing me to the Discworld (damn now I got a bit sad again) that really gave me the bug in a big way. Lately it's been a bit more laser than swords in the reading lists.

[Gareth]

Hi I'm Gareth long time listener to the show first time joiner of GoodReads. I like Fantasy SciFi Crime Mystery. I'm currently reading the Devil you Know by Mike Carey. Hello EvwyBardy!

[Marin]

Hey. I'm Marin Wyden, fresh fantasy author and looking to see what moves readers in the fantasy and SF scene these days. For my favourite authors, just look at who I'm following.

[Black]

A New Novel from a new Author: "Alien: A Girl From Another Planet Looking For Love".
A Big Science Fiction fan. I love Star Wars, Star Trek, and Battlestar Galactica. I love Asian movies: Chinese especially. Kung-fu movies are my favorite genre. As there are not much good Sci-Fi in Asian movies. Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and Jet Li,, are some of my Heroes. I used to practice Martial Arts myself. I love Chinese cooking, all things media like writing, video production. I have a B.F.A. in Film making and Video Production. A bachelor's in Computer Science. Nine classes short of getting 3rd bachelor's in Web Design. Plan on getting Master's in Movie and TV Production.

[Jeremy]

hello i am Jeremy just started listening to the podcast and found my way here currently rereading the kingkiller chronicles my favorite fantasy books are the ASOIAF series.

[Michael]

Hey all,

I'm Mike, and am an author and reader. I'm joining this group to score new reading recommendations in the sci-fi genre. I really dig the works from Alastair Reynolds, Richard K. Morgan, and William Gibson, as well as comics like Black Science and Lazarus. I'm looking forward to being a part of the group and checking out the conversations here. Cheers!

[Michelle]

Hi.I'm Michelle from Adelaide, Australia. I've listened to the podcast on and off for a while now (but I need to catch up again). I like science fiction...especially Al Reynolds,Kim Stanley Robinson and Iain Banks and I read a lot of short fiction. I'm currently starting Hannu Rajaniemi's The Quantum Thief and thought I'd try some of Iain Banks non-sf books as well. I also started collecting some older classic sf after finding a treasure trove at a country market one day...discovered LeGuin and a short story collection by Joe Haldeman which was amazing. Have too much I want to read and not enough time!!

[Nico]

Hey. Name is Nico. I've read very little of this sub-genre, but I'd think Dark Tower would count??? Just here to broaden my scope a bit, I guess.

[Sean]

Not sure I'd call sci-fi/fantasy a "sub" genre.

And yes, I think the Dark Tower books would count - they're certainly not horror, despite being written by Stephen King.

[Bill (Just a)]

Just saying hello.

SF/F is really just one aspect of my reading likes. I recently read "The Martian" which is clearly SF. But I also read non-fiction and other types of Fiction. I am currently reading "Beautiful Ruins" which is a long way from SF/F.

My favorite Sci-Fi reads recently include Stephen King's "11-22-63" which doesn't get mentioned much in Sci Fi circles and Jack Finney's "Time and Again" which has some romance involved.

Prior to that, "The Dresden Files" caught my attention. And I have read every book in the series.

[Michael]

Hello! I'm Michael Formichelli, long time fan of sci-fi (and an author of the same), gamer and all around geek and tech fan.

My favorite authors are Peter F. Hamilton, Robert A. Heinlein, Jack Campbell William C. Dietz, and recently have discovered Iain M. Banks. I love the show and decided to finally come out of lurking.

[Dustin]

Hey I'm Dustin I've followed the podcast for a while now and finally decided to become more active in the forums. I've been reading scifi and fantasy since 93. I'm a big fan of the old Star Wars books, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, Patrick Rothfuss.

[Adrian]

Hi, I'm Adrian and I've been reading SF and Fantasy since I was old enough to pick the books up.
I used to have an impressive collection of books including a lot of pulp stuff, but I had to let a lot go as you can't easily buy a library and somewhere to live in one building.

I've graduated more to Fantasy over the years but I'll read anything that catches my fancy..

[M.S.]

Hello! My name is Matt.
I am a huge fan of fantasy and sci-fi and am the author of the Sundered Crown Saga and recently released Terran Defenders series.
I'm from Cornwall in the UK and often get inspired the county's rugged coastline and landscapes.

[Black]

Author of Alien: A Girl From Anthe Planet Looking For Love

A Big Science Fiction fan. I love Star Wars, Star Trek, and Battlestar Galactica. I love Asian movies: Chinese especially. Kung-fu movies are my favorite genre. As there are not much good Sci-Fi in Asian movies. Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and Jet Li, are some of my Heroes. I used to practice Martial Arts myself. I love Chinese cooking, all things media like writing, video production. I have a B.F.A. in Film making and Video Production. A bachelor's in Computer Science. Nine classes short of getting 3rd bachelor's in Web Design. Plan on getting Master's in Movie and TV Production.

[Pamela Su]

Hi! I'm Pamela.

I haven't seen (or listened to) The Sword and Laser show until today. Looks interesting though!

I'm not really a hard-core sci-fi and fantasy reader because the (popular) books tend to be huge and seem neverending.

David Eddings' The Elenium series was my first fantasy book series bought on impulse because I liked the covers (in retrospect, this was a really good starter read for a purely romance reader). Shortly after that was Wheel of Time which I have yet to finish because [see paragraph above].

On the sci-fi end, I don't read so much of this genre, but I do enjoy Dan Abnett's Warhammer 40k novels because that man can write! I'm also a BIG fan of James White's Sector General series. It is a unique sort of sci-fi series which has a fun medical/biology slant AND sees the world from an optimistic perspective. Sadly, the first few novels were comprised of his short stories, so the writing's repetitive and may put off new, modern readers. Also, not easy to get his books these days.

My friends are prolific fantasy and sci-fi readers and their enthusiasm is infectious, else I wouldn't have read half of what I have already read now (not all listed on GR because I'm lazy to update most of the books I read before I joined this site).

I was nosing around random hot topic discussion threads in this group and everyone seems like a fun bunch of people. I will end up lurking though. I don't read nearly enough fantasy and sci-fi to contribute much. But I can at least add more books to my non-romance tbr...and maybe read them someday. :)

[Michael]

After listening to the podcast for a while now and joining the group a bit back - I'm finally getting around to reading the discussions here and posting. Why did I wait? Because.... look there's a cute cat picture!

Anyway. Long history as a SF/F reader which has historically gone in waves of reading a lot to not reading as much and nowadays reading a lot.

Beyond SF/F, I'm also into anime/manga, comics, with guilty pleasure of Bollywood musicals and a passionately love (that dare not speak its name) for bad SF movies from the 50's and 60's. In addition to reading, I'm also a big SF/F media person and the big fandoms I'm much more of a Whovian and Stargate person than Star (Trek or Wars) - yet I find room in my heart for them as well

When not geeking out, I maintain my cover as covert high brow by reading world and classic literature and listening to all kinds of music. ;-)

[Christine]

Hello everyone!

I recently started listening to the podcast and am making my way through old episodes. I find they are a good way to pass the time on my drive home from work. After reading The Goblin Emperor about a month after the group did, I decided it would be a good idea to join up in order to be more up-to-date with books/series/authors in my favorite genres!

My first fantasy series was Redwall back in grade school and then I moved on to everything Anne McCaffrey wrote! I really enjoy Juliet Marillier, Melanie Rawn (c'mon Captal's Tower!), David Weber, LE Modesitt, among many others. I've made it one of my projects to read the "big" or "must read" series in sci-fi/fantasy. I recently just finished The Wheel of Time series and caught up with the Honor Harrington books. My current series is Dune, but I'm not doing too well with finishing even the first book.

Besides science fiction and fantasy, I like to read mystery, biographies and travle essays. I also like to add 19th century british literature in there when I can. Outside of books, I enjoy video and board games, crafting, beer/wine and cooking! Looking forward to GenCon in a few weeks. :)

[Ashley]

Hi guys!

I have recently found Sword and Laser and I love it!

I am making my way through all the podcasts and I have more books/series that I can count on my 'to read' list thanks to S&L.

Also, thanks to S&L and many other great content from GeekandSundry I was inspired to start writing...

I have even put up a draft on inkshares.com (under Autumn West) because of S&L and their awesomeness!

[Turner]

Hello. My name is Turner. I live in England. I read sci-fi and fantasy. Im trying the first steps to become an author after failing before. I hope I find a good group of people to talk to!