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What are you reading now?
message 2301:
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megHan
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Mar 04, 2013 06:12AM

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Meghan wrote: "Currently I'm reading two YA novels, but I just finished reading Harlequin/The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornell and even though it's a historical novel, I totally recommend it for the action. The b..."
Yes, I love the battle scenes in Epic Fantasy Novels (which these might not be). I remember the Trolls pounding on the walls of the Castle in The Sword of Shannara and the wonderfully frightening battle of Helm's Deep and Minas Tireth! in Tolkien.
For a more grounded (historical fiction not fantasy) the rag-wagon duels at sea in Ramage were a lot of fun. And the Sorceror's Duels in The Mageborn Traitor and The Ruins of Ambrai were wild and exciting (I wish Melanie Rawn would finish and release the last one of that trilogy, or somebody would).
Everyone remembers Gandalf on the rock bridge in Moria "You shall not pass!"
Great stuff.
Yes, I love the battle scenes in Epic Fantasy Novels (which these might not be). I remember the Trolls pounding on the walls of the Castle in The Sword of Shannara and the wonderfully frightening battle of Helm's Deep and Minas Tireth! in Tolkien.
For a more grounded (historical fiction not fantasy) the rag-wagon duels at sea in Ramage were a lot of fun. And the Sorceror's Duels in The Mageborn Traitor and The Ruins of Ambrai were wild and exciting (I wish Melanie Rawn would finish and release the last one of that trilogy, or somebody would).
Everyone remembers Gandalf on the rock bridge in Moria "You shall not pass!"
Great stuff.
I really enjoyed The Innocent, which I finished Friday. I hope to see more of Robie and Julie. I am currently reading The Crown Conspiracy.

Lik..."
I, Curmudgeon wrote: "Salem's Lot, with David Soul... made a classic mini-series for TV.... and made vampires cool again."
Salems Lot, The Stand, The Dead Zone, The Shinning, Cujo, The Bachman Books were all decent reads.
Under The Dome? Not so much, same with much of his newer catalouge.

(Not action/adventure I know :o( ... )

I'm listening to Sharpe's Fortress by Bernard Cornwell. I think I like listening to these books better than reading them. We originally were introduced this series by watching the series that ran on PBS.
I just finished Whores: not intended to be a factual account of the gender war by Nicolas Wilson. I'll post a review soon. It's not going to be for everyone, but it was well written as far as how smoothly it read with the exception of changing first-person characters at about the 75% mark without warning or enough explanation/reason why and how that happened.
There's lots of harsh language, cussing and ugly phrases and metaphors. I think their in keeping with the environment he's created but, it'll be difficult for some to enjoy on that point.
The violence is pretty harsh too, noir as it were, and, even though the victims are often deserving of something, much of it falls in the "two wrongs don't make a right" catagory.
It does make a strong statement about women's issues, but there's some exploration of that I'll save for the review.
I'm going to give it three stars, but bare in mind that 1) three stars is a good score for me on a book, 2) that one of the main reasons for the low marks is the use of violence and the language. It doesn't phase me, though I am aware of it, and I'm also aware that it would offend a good number of people whom I know and 3) The statement - I give it high marks in some areas and low marks in others and, the statement that it makes isn't going to be palatable for some readers.
Those things withstanding, as far as the writers skill, the plot and execution and the characters go, it's well written and executed (save the switching first person POV bodies in the middle of the story).
If your okay with hardcore violence and language and don't mind a political-social statement in your story then it's enjoyable Dystopian storytelling.
I'd also add that I'd read more by this author (he has several other stories and novellas out there) but, the violence and dark side of this means I have to be careful to be in "the right mood for it" if I want to enjoy it. you know? Sometimes I'm in the mood for "Law and Order SVU" and sometimes I'm in the mood for a sitcom like "The Big Bang Theory." These two things are like oil and water. I need to be ready for oil, to enjoy oil.
That said, there is some storytelling and writing skill on display here. It may have some harsh violence, but parts of this book are very well done and, I tip my had to anyone who can mix a "message" into his plot on purpose and pull it off without drowning the story in extraneous details.
It's tough to recommend without qualifying it so, 3 not four. For the rest, wait for my review... (heh, yeah, like there are armies of elves and trolls waiting to read my reviews... but they make me happy.)
There's lots of harsh language, cussing and ugly phrases and metaphors. I think their in keeping with the environment he's created but, it'll be difficult for some to enjoy on that point.
The violence is pretty harsh too, noir as it were, and, even though the victims are often deserving of something, much of it falls in the "two wrongs don't make a right" catagory.
It does make a strong statement about women's issues, but there's some exploration of that I'll save for the review.
I'm going to give it three stars, but bare in mind that 1) three stars is a good score for me on a book, 2) that one of the main reasons for the low marks is the use of violence and the language. It doesn't phase me, though I am aware of it, and I'm also aware that it would offend a good number of people whom I know and 3) The statement - I give it high marks in some areas and low marks in others and, the statement that it makes isn't going to be palatable for some readers.
Those things withstanding, as far as the writers skill, the plot and execution and the characters go, it's well written and executed (save the switching first person POV bodies in the middle of the story).
If your okay with hardcore violence and language and don't mind a political-social statement in your story then it's enjoyable Dystopian storytelling.
I'd also add that I'd read more by this author (he has several other stories and novellas out there) but, the violence and dark side of this means I have to be careful to be in "the right mood for it" if I want to enjoy it. you know? Sometimes I'm in the mood for "Law and Order SVU" and sometimes I'm in the mood for a sitcom like "The Big Bang Theory." These two things are like oil and water. I need to be ready for oil, to enjoy oil.
That said, there is some storytelling and writing skill on display here. It may have some harsh violence, but parts of this book are very well done and, I tip my had to anyone who can mix a "message" into his plot on purpose and pull it off without drowning the story in extraneous details.
It's tough to recommend without qualifying it so, 3 not four. For the rest, wait for my review... (heh, yeah, like there are armies of elves and trolls waiting to read my reviews... but they make me happy.)

The books are much better, IMO. Cornwell really makes the daily life pop. Makes me appreciate how well I have it.
Oh... well, then... a double dose of Monster Hunter International for you... and I'll let you know when I post my review.
The Blood Gospel by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell. It's a good start (though I poked fun in my "update.")
Nobody does "Small biblical appocalypse like James Rollins!"
Nobody does "Small biblical appocalypse like James Rollins!"

I am only just getting my feet wet. I like what I've read (though there are some things I think may not appeal to a certain group of readers). We'll see how I wade through the circles as I go.
Right now, I like what I'm getting.
Then again, I'm not particularly fond of The Stand so, I may be that one looney outstanding in his feild...I mean, out standing in his feild, fighting to keep the other loonies out of his rice bowl. I only promise to report honestly. People are different. The world would be so boring and ...yuck...if we were all the same, with the same tastes. I mean, I like Texas Pete's Hot Sauce on my scrambled eggs in the moring...and I wasn't even born in Texas!
Right now, I like what I'm getting.
Then again, I'm not particularly fond of The Stand so, I may be that one looney outstanding in his feild...I mean, out standing in his feild, fighting to keep the other loonies out of his rice bowl. I only promise to report honestly. People are different. The world would be so boring and ...yuck...if we were all the same, with the same tastes. I mean, I like Texas Pete's Hot Sauce on my scrambled eggs in the moring...and I wasn't even born in Texas!
Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "...what's unusual about that???? Texas Pete's goes good on most "stuff"."
Yep! it's like Worchestershire Sauce. It's one of the five Miracle spices.
Yep! it's like Worchestershire Sauce. It's one of the five Miracle spices.
I got up early to get a roast in the slow cooker today. Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, onion, garlic, brown sugar, dry mustard...course salt and pepper. Makes me stop and be thankful to live in America.
The five miracle spices! Texas Pete's Hot Sauce, Worchestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, Barbeque sauce and Tartar Sauce...or Tar-tere sauce if you buy the classy kind.
Mustard deserves honorable mention.
These five Miracle Spices will be the foundation of Food Utopia in the future... I just don't know how distant that is.
Mustard deserves honorable mention.
These five Miracle Spices will be the foundation of Food Utopia in the future... I just don't know how distant that is.
...you have to include mustard Hugh! I mean I'd go with Tarter sauce as an honorable mention and mustard as one of the 5. More uses and more varieties, "regular", spicy, hot, sweet, hot and sweet, etc.
Of course you could go wit 7 miracle spices include tarter sauce and mustard along with cocktail sauce.
Of course you could go wit 7 miracle spices include tarter sauce and mustard along with cocktail sauce.


That sounds delicious, I'm going to try that sometime. Nothing tastes better when it's been in a slow cooker all day.

I just read Ender's Game the book last year (as part of a group read on this group). Glad you're enjoying the GN. Have you read the book before, Tony?

I'm 31 and for most of the guys I know even though most are married including myself do the bulk of the cooking these days. If I want cornbread I probably have to go cook my own. Real men cook whatever they want to eat.

message 2332:
by
The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be
(last edited Mar 06, 2013 04:38AM)
(new)
I'm about 33% of the way through The Blood Gospel by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell.
So far, this is a good read for me. I like the Vampires and the plot/story idea. The characters are solid, though the Ruhn is more interesting than the Male lead character. Resourceful, if not strong, Heroine, (view spoiler) and we don't have all the Vampire Lore yet or how it will be in the hands of Cantrell/Rollins.
It's got some signature Rollins ... fingerprints but, a decidedly different feel from the Rollins Novels were' used to... I guess Rebecca Cantrell brought a can of wickedness to the party?
So far, it's good, in my eyes.
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So far, this is a good read for me. I like the Vampires and the plot/story idea. The characters are solid, though the Ruhn is more interesting than the Male lead character. Resourceful, if not strong, Heroine, (view spoiler) and we don't have all the Vampire Lore yet or how it will be in the hands of Cantrell/Rollins.
It's got some signature Rollins ... fingerprints but, a decidedly different feel from the Rollins Novels were' used to... I guess Rebecca Cantrell brought a can of wickedness to the party?
So far, it's good, in my eyes.


I'm 31 and for most of the guys I know even though most are married including myself do the bul..."
That's fantastic! I do ALL the cooking.


Mustard deserves honorable men..."
I just had to say I agree completely with this. These are the top five!
Joe wrote: " I just had to say I agree completely with this. These are the top five!"
And, through discussion with another Grand Pooh-Pah of trivial information, Mike (the Paladin), I believe we should make it the "Seven Miracle Spices" and make room for Ketchup and Mustard. I'm still thinking about cocktail sauce, but, you can make a nice cocktail sauce out of worchestershire sauce and ketchup and a little horseradish which is a wonderful spice, but not a miracle worker.
And, through discussion with another Grand Pooh-Pah of trivial information, Mike (the Paladin), I believe we should make it the "Seven Miracle Spices" and make room for Ketchup and Mustard. I'm still thinking about cocktail sauce, but, you can make a nice cocktail sauce out of worchestershire sauce and ketchup and a little horseradish which is a wonderful spice, but not a miracle worker.

And, through discussion with another Grand Pooh-Pah of trivial information, Mike (the Paladin), I believe we ..."
I could go along with this...The Seven Miracle Spices!
Cool, I can go there. Cocktail sauce is kind of limited and you can make it. I used dry mustard in things, but that's still mustard.
message 2340:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie
(last edited Mar 06, 2013 06:38PM)
(new)
Just finished The Crown Conspiracy, and I found it very charming. If you get intimidated by doorstopper-long epic fantasy, it's a good choice. Two very likable amiable rogue heroes and lots of adventure with good humor.
Next, I will start By the Blood of Heroes.
My library is too good. I picked up five books there today!
Stray Souls
Stormdancer
Resurrectionist
Rasputin's Bastards
The Six-Gun Tarot
Next, I will start By the Blood of Heroes.
My library is too good. I picked up five books there today!
Stray Souls
Stormdancer
Resurrectionist
Rasputin's Bastards
The Six-Gun Tarot
I had to. My TBR is growing like its on a human growth hormone and out of control. I also have a "review pending" shelf. I set an artificial ceiling at ten books on either and when the needs review shelf gets full I don't let myself add any to the next read shelf.
Oh mine is so out of control, it's not funny. I have zero resistance to books! I keep adding them though. I guess I'm like Wallis Simpson except with books. You can't have too many.
Wallis Simpson...is that Bart Simpson's little sister? I saw a clip she says "books for me are like beers for Homer. I have a serious book problem.
To which Homer looks at his beer and replies, " yes you do?".
That's a Richard update I think.....
Oh, wait...walls isn't Homer's sister.
To which Homer looks at his beer and replies, " yes you do?".
That's a Richard update I think.....
Oh, wait...walls isn't Homer's sister.
message 2346:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie
(last edited Mar 06, 2013 07:14PM)
(new)
I love Lisa Simpson. She's such a cutie!
It was the other Simpson. :) The one who had a king abdicate from the throne of England for her fair hand.
The original quote was "You can never be too rich or too thin." I don't care about being rich or thin, but I sure do love my books!
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quo...
It was the other Simpson. :) The one who had a king abdicate from the throne of England for her fair hand.
The original quote was "You can never be too rich or too thin." I don't care about being rich or thin, but I sure do love my books!
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quo...
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress wrote: "I love Lisa Simpson. She's such a cutie!
It was the other Simpson. :) The one who had a king abdicate from the throne of England for her fair hand. ..."
Lisa married the King of England! I'm shocked and dismayed. I missed that episode.
It was the other Simpson. :) The one who had a king abdicate from the throne of England for her fair hand. ..."
Lisa married the King of England! I'm shocked and dismayed. I missed that episode.

I'm 31 and for most of the guys I know even though most are married inclu..."
I'm the sous chef, I get to do all the chopping, but none of the clever stuff like adding spices. I leave that to the boss... :-)
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