Introduction and welcome thread! Showing 3,851-3,900 of 4,412

[Olga]

Hi :) I'm Olga, I live in Berlin and I've been reading posts in this group for a while now ... it's the best I found on Goodreads. I mostly read classics, sf and fantasy and I have a weakness for guilty-pleasure-YA fantasy. I don't really know anyone who reads sf and fantasy, so I'm happy to join your discussions :)

[Cliff]

Aloha - I'm Cliff, I live in Hawaii, just recently started listening to the podcast and I dig it. Most sci-fi/fantasy I consume is in movie form, though I've read through the Harry Potter and Narnia series a few times as an adult as well as the Hobbit and I love Bradbury's masterful use of words and language.
I'm an aspiring author, working on the second draft of a novel which is the first in a 13-part series. Really looking forward to getting involved with this community.
THWART EVIL!

[Qc]

I'm QC from Australia, started listening to the podcast about a year ago but only just summoned the togetherness to interact with you all. I love loads of different fantasy and sci fi, Star Wars was my first love from age 5 or so (back in the 80's) but branched out to books, movies, games, comics shortly after.

Fave author Michael Marshall Smith, but really too many to list.

[William]

Greetings! My name is Will and I live in Seattle. I have been a fantasy junky most of my life, but have been focusing on science fiction this year. I have been working through a list of Hugo Award winners for Best Novel as a primer. I also have been working on the S&L Top-100 Science Fiction, Fantasy Titles list in Listopia. I have currently completed 59 of the top 100. Hoping to be almost finished with top 100 by the end of year so that I can focus on more of the new releases.

Currently reading: The Dark Tower and The Time Traveler's Wife
Next up: His Dark Materials and Ringworld

[DayenuRose]

Hi, I'm Rose.
I've been lurking for a while now, and thought I should probably stop by and say 'Hi.'
I always look forward to new Sword and Laser podcasts. There is always a great discussion and plenty of introductions to authors I haven't read yet. Thanks. :)
Like so many others, my love of reading has turned into a love of writing, and I seem to fill most of my free time (and not so free time) with either of those activities. (And, listening to podcasts...)
~rose

[Mike]

Hello everyone! I'm Mike. I'm a big fantasy/Scifi reader. Some of my favorite writers include Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman, Jim Butcher, Frank Herbert, Cory Doctorow & M.R. Carey (which includes his Felix Castor novels & his work on Hellblazer). Yes, I am a big comic book junky also. My favorite comic creator at the moment is Matt Kindt, creator of Mind Mngt & Dept. H.). I've actually been listening to Sword & Laser's author interviews for awhile, but now I think I'll try and start reading with the book club also. GREAT PODCAST!!! by the way.

[Jonathan]

Hi! I'm Jonathan. I love science-fiction and fantasy and I'm a bit of a history nerd. A few of my favorite authors are Brandon Sanderson, Neil Gaiman, C.S. Lewis, , J.K. Rowling, and Erik Larson. I enjoy comics, even if I can't read them as often as I'd like to.

I've been listening to Sword and Laser for a long time, but I've never made my way over to the forum! I figured I'd come over and hang out. :) Just bought this month's book pick for Kindle, so hopefully I'll finish it in time for the wrap-up ep.

[Scott]

Hi! I'm Scott, a big sci-fi/fantasy fan. I just discovered the podcast and decided to join the discussions. I am currently reading American Gods, and I previously read Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan, and plan to start N. K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season next.
I also am eagerly awaiting the sequels to both Luna: New Moon by Ian McDonald and The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu, easily my two favorite books from 2015. Cheers from Switzerland!

[Michael]

Good evening! I am an avid reader of Sci-Fi and Fantasy (and fiction in general), and I'm hoping to share and discuss some of my favorite books from my favorite genre with everyone. My favorite series is the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss.

[H.J.]

Hi Sword and Laser-ers!

My name is Holly, I'm a children's author and bookseller living in Melbourne, Australia. I read a ton of kids' books & YA for work, so I'm looking forward to picking up some stuff aimed at people my own age.

My favourite kids' and YA authors are Tamora Pierce, Garth Nix, Derek Landy, Charlie Higson and Darren Shan.

And for the older crowd, I really love Peter V Brett's Demon Cycle, and Yoon Ha Lee's Ninefox Gambit blew me away. Also pretty much anything grimdark is right down my alley.

[Gary]

Hello. I'm Gary from Cleveland. I have been a science fiction and fantasy reader for a long time. My favorite current authors are Brandon Sanderson and Joe Abercrombie. Recently I have read Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey and Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan. I am looking forward to reading and commenting on the next group read book A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge. That book has been on my to read list for a long time.

[Steve]

Hi there. I'm Steven. Love reading sci-fi and fantasy books.
Currently reading The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.
Generally enjoy reading any fantasy novel from any period whether it's in medieval times or set in the 40th millennium.

[Kevin]

Hi, I've registered in a bid to try and improve the number of books I'm reading with the hope that joining in discussions and the Book of the Month will help with it!

[[deleted user]]

hello! I am Mark. I prefer swords, but I have in the past enjoyed some lasers. I found the podcast randomly and have appreciated it. I joined here in hopes of finding people to share enjoyment of reading with. Favorite reads have included "The Long Way to A Small Angry Planet", the Dresden Files series, The Tales of Ketty Jay series, and the Gentleman Bastards books.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Storm Front
Retribution Falls
The Lies of Locke Lamora

[Jayme]

What's up guys! I'm Jayme and like to keep my head firmly planted in the clouds. Love this podcast!

[Damien]

Hey all,

My name is Damien Black, fantasy geek prince and sometime guitar picker... I also love history, which I'd say has definitely informed my writing!

Last month I released Devil's Night Dawning, the first book in the dark epic fantasy Broken Stone Series... There are swords aplenty (though sadly not too many lasers!) and I can guarantee fans of the classic fantasy genre will not be disappointed!

I'll post up another message giving more information about my book, for now I just wanted to say hello and flash my lightsaber in your collective general direction! It's good to be on board!

[Richard]

Hello all!

I'm Richard. I am a huge fantasy nerd. I'll pretty much read anything I can get my hands on. I read The Lord of the Rings when I was 8 and I've been addicted ever since. I am also a demon speed reader which doesn't help my addiction! The first time I read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was under 6 hours! My favourite authors include Terry Pratchett, Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Jennifer Estep and Steve McHugh.

[Brandon]

Greetings,

My name is Brandon Hicks. Pretty much since as long as I can remember, I have been into fantasy, and sci-fi. I have wanted for some time to be part of a book of the month club so I can further discuss a book, or books, upon completion of them, and Sword & Laser is the club I am going to do just that with. I have read a lot of Terry Brooks, Terry Goodkind, Tolkein, and RA Salvatore. My absolute favorite author, thus far, is Robert Jordan. His saga really made characters come to life for me, and I felt as though I were right in the middle of it.
I will be starting the next book in October. It is nice meeting all of you and I am looking forward to reading and analyzing books with y'all!

[Sarah]

Hi all!

I'm Sarah, and I've been a bookworm since I was able to read (a very simple) book all on my own at 5 y.o. I am more sword-y, having started with Emily Rodda, Tamora Pierce and of course Harry Potter (and Enid Blyton if you want to go way back), but am up for sci-fi too. I'm new to the podcast scene, but got way into sword and laser, which brought me here. The books I'm currently reading are City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare, Lirael by Garth Nix and The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks

[Imbunche]

Hello everyone!
My name is Justyna. I have always been a bookworm, and fantasy was always my go-to genre. Now I read more diversely, but still a big chunk of the books I read are fantasy and to a smaller extent sci-fi books. I discovered this group very recently along with the podcast and after listening to couple episodes I decided to join.
I hope to join in on the next months read with all of you.

[Daryl]

Hello All,
My name is Daryl. I found the podcast by mistake on iTunes (I will rate it soon) and decided to get involved in the action and join the S&L discussion board. I am a reader of mostly Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror, but I've been known to read a contemporary or classic.

I am also a writer. I wrote my first novel, Son of Eden, a fantasy, this year. And I also have some short fiction online via Kindle.

I look forward to being involved in the discussions!

[Keith]

Hi! I'm Keith.
I've been reading scfi since grade school many moons ago. At least that is when I started keeping track of what I read. (Yes, obsessive list maker). I heard about S&L when it was on Geek and Sundry, but just started listening to the podcasts regularly. I'm hoping it (and the book club) will focus my reading toward some of the newer, higher ranked stories since I seem to always be reading older stuff. After the mention of worldswithoutend I signed up for that... so cool to see my progress (or lack). My first book club read was 'A Fire Upon The Deep' which I flew through last week while on vacation. Loved it! Sorta (not at all) reminded me of 'The Gripping Hand' by Niven. Now I'm reading 'The Dark Forest' by Cixin Liu.

[Megan]

Hello, everyone! I can't believe I just found this group! It's so clearly meant for me! I'm an avid fantasy and sci-fi reader, and all around "geek-girl" turned "geek-mom". Yes, I make my children watch Doctor Who. Yes, I make them read Harry Potter. It's what good moms do! ;)

[Angie]

Hey I'm Angela! I found this group after seeing sword and laser on you tube and decided I'd give it a go here on goodreads. I'm mostly sword-y but I'm working my way into becoming laser-y as well.

[Michael-Scott]

Hello all,

I'm Michael-Scott. I'm an avid reader, cyclist, guitar player, and I'm fortunate enough to earn a decent living writing novels.

I've been listening to the podcast for a year or so, but never really thought about joining the group.

My favorite authors are Gemmell, Stackpole, Kay, Stover, Rohan, Attanasio, Foster, Fiest, Anthony, and Sanderson. I'm always looking for great stories, and mentor a few indie authors that are wonderful writers- hoping I can make some recommendations for you all, and get a bunch in return.

[Tim]

Hey all, new guy here, long time sci-fi reader. Started with Star Wars as an obsession then Zahn opened my eyes to other galaxies and worlds.

Watched S&L on youtube for a long time ,just started the podcasts.

-Tim

[Perry]

Hello, I'm Perry.

I joined the group awhile back, but haven't been very active. I plan to repent and start reading the monthly fantasy books and join the discussions.

First fantasy I read was, of course, LOTR when I was 14 (a long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away).

Some of my favorite authors are: Brandon Sanderson, David Eddings, Terry Goodkind, Robert Jordan, etc...

[Garrett]

To all the good people
Welcome welcome. Follow us to galaxies beyond , below and between the worlds, where everything is real and and tangible. Some with reach and some just out of reach. Its a warm cup of tea next to a roaring fire. Or a cool lagoon , fine powdery beach sipping on a cool beverage with just a hint of breeze.
Welcome welcome my friends.

[Travis]

Hello Everyone!

I've been reading sci-fi & fantasy ever since my 7th grade teacher gave me a battered copy of Ender's Game and I haven't looked back since! I found the podcast after hearing Tom talk about it on Current Geek when I found that show last year, and I've been enjoying it so much it convinced me to dust off my old Goodreads account that was long forgotten/ abandoned.

[LittleBug]

Hi everyone!
I'm Aukje, I started reading fantasy when I was in high school but have been sidetracked lately by paranormal romance. I'd like to get back to reading more fantasy and hope to get some inspiration here!

[Carlo Mazza]

Hi all, I'm Carlo and I've been a fan of scifi since I was a young adult. I'd like to discuss books and get reccommendations for new books to read.

[Erik]

Hey everyone, I'm Erik. I've been a fantasy fan since middle school, when I started to read The Eye of the World. Some favorite authors include Robert Jordan (obviously :P ), Patrick Rothfuss, and Jim Butcher. I've actually been a way from reading for a while, and I'm hoping this will help me get back into the habit of reading more consistently.

I also started watching/listening to the show when I found one of the Myke Cole author hangout videos while trawling through youtube for interesting author interviews/con panels.

[Ammi]

Hi everyone! I'm Ammi (pronounced like "Amy"), and I'm really late to the party here, but I'm a long-time listener and fan of the podcast. However, this is my first time participating in the book club and actually attempting to follow along with the book pick of the month. I'm in my last year of grad school, and I've been going crazy with that, work, and extracurriculars piling up, so what better way to relieve some of the stress than by reading books and discussing them with awesome people?

I'm sort of a genre-hopper, though I always return to sci-fi and fantasy in the end. I got into sci-fi by reading H.G. Wells and Heinlein novels, and into fantasy as a kid with Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness quartet and Patricia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles books, and of course, with The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, which I faithfully reread every year. My favorite sci-fi novel is Hyperion, by Dan Simmons. My favorite fantasy novel tends to change depending on what I've read recently, though The Lord of the Rings retains a consistent top spot.

[A.J.]

Hello! I’m a reader, writer, blogger, geek, and an insatiable fan of sci-fi and fantasy. I’m also passionate about music, mythology, and history and its mysteries. I have a degree in literature and a PhD in molecular biology, and I earn a living as a professional writer.
I’m always interested in discussing anything book related!

[elizabeth • paper ghosts]

Hello everyone, I'm Liz! I fell in love with fantasy when I was in elementary school, and obsessively read nothing-but throughout the rest of my school days, and into my early twenties. And then something happened, and I barely felt the urge to read anything, much less any fantasy, so I lost touch with everything in the genre.

Now, working in a public library, I'm surrounded by books all the time, but I still haven't reconnected to reading as much as I'd like. I do hop around a lot of different genres depending on my mood, but with a non-reader husband who loves everything fantasy/scifi, I've been looking for a way to merge our interests (and hopefully get him reading!), and this seemed like a great way to get some awesome suggestions!

[Royce]

Hi Everyone!

I'm Royce, and look forward to interacting with the fine folks in the group.

I've been an avid Fantasy/Science Fiction reader for forever, geek, nerd, and all the above. I fell in love at an early age with Andre Norton, Piers Anthony, J.R.R. Tolkien, then branched off into just about anything by TSR / WOTC R.A. Salvatore is a favorite there. Also love Heinlein Robert A., Anne McCaffrey, Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and the list goes on and on.

I'm a Navy Veteran, Registered Nurse, and Author (SciFi/Fantasy) huh.. imagine that! :)

Hobbies include: Reading, writing, (duh) blacksmithing (as time permits) brewing (mead and beer) (I like Pina' Coladas, and getting lost in the rain.. I'm not into Yoga and I have half.. oops. wait.. got carried away there)

I read alot, post alot of reviews, and published my debut novel in March of 2016, Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction if you're into that sort of thing.

Wanna know more? Check me out on the web at Roycesears.com or on my goodreads profile: Royce Sears

[Alan]

Hi fellow scifi and fantasy fanatics. I'm Alan and I am a fan of mostly scifi. My favorite authors are Arthur C. Clarke, Larry Niven, Robert Heinlein, Alan Dean Foster, and recently have discovered Aliya DalRae (If you haven't heard of her, you will.) I love any fiction that is well written though, and am not focused just on my favorite genre.

I am also an indie author of more than 30 novels, though I'm sure you haven't heard of me as I am just learning the marketing game. I won't post a link here on this post, as I'm just introducing myself, and saying hello.

[Shawn D Whale]

Greetings Sword and Laser!
This Shawn from the #273 voicemail. Again my thanks and appreciation for the hard work offered in providing this content.
The kind shout-out from the voicemail was a "squee" worthy surprise. Thankfully I maintained a good 10 & 2 control (YES! I know it's supposed to be 9 & 3 now).
To answer Veronica's question I travel the US as the scary guy that audits medical companies who provide care to elderly folks.

Veronica, you have a lovely and genuine laugh that can brighten the highways
Tom, you are so very thoughtful in your reviews of the tough topics contained in the varied stories read.

To you both a toast,
May the joy of next page we read,
be only surpassed by,
the joy of a new friendship

[Donna]

Hi, I'm Donna. I enjoy lots of genres, but especially SF and fantasy; authors I've liked recently include Lois McMaster Bujold, John Scalzi, Scott Lynch, Lynn Flewelling, Ann Leckie, Terry Pratchett and Ben Aaronovitch.

I mostly listen to audiobooks, but also like to curl up with a print or ebook.

I just started reading the monthly group book, The Rook and looking forward to the conversation!

[Ozy]

Hiya,

I'm Ozy, Mid 30s, massive reader who doesn't get as much time to read these days due to having 2 young children to drive me batty when I'm not at work!

Been subscribed for ages but never got involved. Thought I'd give it a go as I just read the rook and it's a fantastic book!

Cheers,

Ozy.

[Jess]

Hello everyone.

First off I have to amid I've never listened to the podcast or watched on YouTube. (Shock horror!) I'm sorry, but I really can't follow audio things well. But I found this group and it looks like exactly what I would want in a goodreads group so I joined. I've been on goodreads for years but am only recently taking it more seriously, before I only used it to track books. Now I want to connect and chat with other book lovers.

I pretty much only read sci fi and fantasy. Every now and then I'll branch out and read something else and get reminded why I don't do that more often. There's so many good sci fi and fantasy books out there that there's no point me wasting time reading other genres I don't enjoy much.

Well this got long. I blog, I craft, I read. I'm chronically ill which gives me more time to read :) that's about everything.

[Carlex]

Hi everyone!

My name is Carles. I'm from Catalonia (Spain).

I consider myself a good fan of science fiction, and fantastic genre in general. I also have other interests: science & tech, mind & society.

I read in Catalan, Spanish and English. I review in Spanish and English on my blog: http://girotix.blogspot.com.es/search...

I want to thank the co-hosts for their work in this forum.

See you in the discussions!

Carles.

[Lisa]

Hi everyone, I'm Lisa from Los Angeles.

I found the Sword and Laser podcast by listening to Tom and Veronica on the Daily Tech News Show. It took me a few months to realize they had a SF/Fantasy podcast and then I had a crazy thought - I love these guys, and I love SF/Fantasy, I should be listening to their other podcast!

My first S&L read-along book was The Last Wish. I doubt I would have read it on my own, but I really enjoyed it. Reading The Rook now and enjoying that as well.

I'm trying to suppress my OCD desire to catch up with the back catalog and just keep up with the new books so I can join in the discussions ;)

[Trike]

Greetings, new people!

Jump in, the water's fine.

...although full of monsters. But they're mostly polite.

[Eva]

Hi. I go by Eva. Some of my favorite sci-fi/fantasy stuff includes Jules Verne, Liu Cixin, Mary Doria Russell, Suzanne Collins (Underland Chronicles, meh on The Hunger Games), Neal Shusterman, Harry Martinson (Aniara), the earlier Romantically Apocalyptic stuff (it's a webcomic), Unsong (web serial best described as theological sci-fi), Scott Westerfeld (Leviathan series) Orson Scott Card, and Anne McCaffrey. I read mostly in English, but some Spanish as well.

My internet guilty pleasure is reading Wikipedia in Esperanto. I have never studied Esperanto.

[S.K.]

Hello everyone, I'm S.K. Fantasy had always been my thing, eversince the first books I've ever picked up (alright that was too long ago to remember). My current favorites includes G.R.R. Martin's
ASOIF series, Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, and Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. Looking forward to having a great time!

[Ivy]

Hello all, my name is Ivy. I recently had a career change and I'm now an assistant librarian. (This is the greatest thing to ever happen in my career just in case you were wondering!!!) One of my main tasks here is reader's advisory, and I've taken on the task of being the go-to girl for sci-fi and fantasy. I feel pretty confident about recommending fantasy works, but I have a lot of work to do to get myself familiar with what's up these days in sci-fi. I know there's a lot out there beyond the space opera, and my goal this year is to become well versed in the genre.

Some of my favorite authors include Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Stephen King, Sabaa Tahir, George RR Martin, and Naomi Novik.

[Tina]

Welcome, Ivy! Take a look at the Sword & Laser Bookshelf for a good starting point for sci-fi recommendations.

[Rosemary]

Hi, I'm Rosemary Cole. I'm a reader/writer of sci-fi and fantasy, with a bit more emphasis on dystopia/postapocalyptic/"social" sci-fi. But I like all things SF&F, from Game of Thrones to Star Trek. Thanks moderators for running such a great group!

[M.C.]

Reddit is down. I like this podcast. I write fantasy and love talking about the craft.

I have written a book that is the equivalent of having made it through the most painful parts of adolescence, is a B+ student in his/her junior year, but needs a lot of work before getting accepted, much less receiving financial aid, into anything more than a very small community college.

I like listening to our lords at Sword and Laser talk about books, the genre, and general geekry. Did I mention Reddit is down? Might as well see what this community is all about. I'm pretty sure I like you all and it could be fun.