Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion

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General Discussions > What Are You Reading Right Now? ( Hwæt béon ðu bocrædung?)

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message 1801: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments Starting Lindsey Davis' new one

Master and God by Lindsey Davis


message 1802: by Betty (new)

Betty (betty30554) Finished The Archer's Tale. 4 stars.


message 1803: by Jane (last edited Feb 15, 2013 04:42AM) (new)

Jane | 3480 comments happy wrote: "Starting Lindsey Davis' new one

Master and God by Lindsey Davis"


I really enjoyed this one!!! I hope you do, too. Among Roman hf, I prefer the Flavians, which this is.


message 1804: by Richard (last edited Feb 15, 2013 10:06AM) (new)

Richard Coady | 47 comments The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

I'm currently about 2/3rds of the way through The Name of the Rose. Not sure about it, to be honest. I'm finding it a little bit of a struggle. I'm usually all for books like this, but it's a bit turgid for my tastes. The amount of time he spends on the design of the library, for example. I could've done with about 5 pages less on that. And one or two fewer passages in Latin.


message 1805: by Richard (new)

Richard Coady | 47 comments Dawn wrote: "I'm still reading Troy: Fall of Kings but I have started a few other books as well.

The Happy Return by C.S. Forester
Coin of Carthage by Bryher
Gallows Thief by Bernard Cornwell
and
The Witch of..."


I'm the same. I usually have a bed book, a daytime book and a book for each bathroom.

Too much information...?


message 1806: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) Maybe a little too much info.. :)


message 1807: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments You know, if you don't want to finish Name of the Rose, Richard, move on and get the movie out to see how it ends. :-)


message 1808: by Carol (new)

Carol (ladygyn) | 304 comments As Terri would agree everyone reacts differently to different stories. I personally adored this book, the story, the character, the ambience of this medieval monastery isolated from the world. But I guess it is not for everyone, and I hope Richard, you find books that enthrall you as this one did me


message 1809: by Anne (new)

Anne (spartandax) | 797 comments Jane wrote: "Betty wrote: "Terri wrote: "I liked the first couple stories in Sarum, but after that it was not for me. I only gave it 1 star."

Same here. I liked The Princes of Ireland much better."
Yes, the e..."

shows the truth of the old adage my mother taught me. "De Gustibus no es Disputandum." (concerning taste there is no arguement). I LOVED "Sarum" and gave it 5*****


message 1810: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Carol wrote: "As Terri would agree everyone reacts differently to different stories. I personally adored this book, the story, the character, the ambience of this medieval monastery isolated from the world. Bu..."

Yep, thoroughly agree. There is no way a book or movie, or anything else, is the same for everyone. A book can indeed be the best ever written to one person, and the worst ever written to another. both parties are right. :)


message 1811: by Anne (new)

Anne (spartandax) | 797 comments Hey Terri, Finally got "Niccolo" from ILL today.


message 1812: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Richard wrote: "The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

I'm currently about 2/3rds of the way through The Name of the Rose. Not sure about it, to be honest. I'm finding it a little bit of a struggle. I'm usually ..."


Skip over or skim what you consider extraneous. I enjoyed both book and movie of Name of the Rose, but couldn't even finish anything else by Umberto Eco

Now every time I picture Bro. William of Baskerville [I love that name with the literary allusion] I picture Sean Connery, Scots accent and all. :)


message 1813: by Jane (last edited Feb 15, 2013 06:49PM) (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Just started Ironfire by David Ball -- Knights of St. John on Malta and Ottoman Empire.

I plan to read Ravens of Avalon (Avalon #6) by Diana L. Paxson -- Boudicca.


message 1814: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Anne wrote: "Hey Terri, Finally got "Niccolo" from ILL today."

Will be interested in what you make of it, Anne. Some of our fellow members have not clicked with it and didn't continue on.
I think Dawn is planning to start it this week and I have it here and will likely read the first chapter or so and see how I feel.


message 1815: by Simona (new)

Simona | 1453 comments Terri wrote: "You know, if you don't want to finish Name of the Rose, Richard, move on and get the movie out to see how it ends. :-)"

Now, Terri! You can't know that, because I havent'been able to convince you to try the book. Also, I don't understand why you read at all, since you, HF aficionado, can discover how battles ended on any History book...;-)


message 1816: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I may surprise you one day and read the book...anything is possible. :-)


message 1817: by Tim (new)

Tim Hodkinson (timhodkinson) | 577 comments It doesn't count as HF but I am currently reading The Devil Rides Out (Duke de Richleau, #6) and strangely enjoying it


message 1818: by Chris (new)

Chris  | 419 comments Simona wrote: "Terri wrote: "You know, if you don't want to finish Name of the Rose, Richard, move on and get the movie out to see how it ends. :-)"

Now, Terri! You can't know that, because I havent'been able to..."


Simona, me thinks it's a case of the journey being as important as the destination. A.K.A. It is better to travel expectantly than to arrive. Am I right Terri?


message 1819: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Chris F wrote: " Simona, me thinks it's a case of the journey being as important as the destination. A.K.A. It is better to travel expectantly than to arrive. Am I right Terri? ..."

Maybe you are.
When did you go getting so philosphical? :D


message 1820: by Laurentiu (last edited Feb 16, 2013 02:57PM) (new)

Laurentiu Lazar (laur1989) | 82 comments I'm planning to start Pride of Carthage.I tackled it just to see how it goes and check the writing. Read the Prologue,but hard to make an impression after a few pages. Tomorrow, will get more into it.


Saw many great reviews for this book. Most of the members here that have read it enjoyed it. Hopefully I will too.


And damn this group is so active, most of the days there are dozens of notifications waiting for me.

Interesting blog/facebook Terri,a good idea and good luck with the management. Hard to keep track of so many stuff. Ubiquitous Terri.


message 1821: by Richard (new)

Richard Coady | 47 comments Terri wrote: "Yep, thoroughly agree. There is no way a book or movie, or anything else, is the same for everyone. A book can indeed be the best ever written to one person, and the worst ever written to another. both parties are right. :) "

Don't get me wrong, I think it's a fantastic book.

There are some books I don't like because the book isn't any good, or the author isn't any good. However, there are other books - and this is one of them - that I don't enjoy that much purely because of my own shortcomings.

I'm missing out because I don't speak Latin (although I imagine many people have enjoyed the book without that particular skill), because I'm having trouble remembering who's who and what they've done so far and whether the Minorites or the Fransiscans preach the poverty of Christ.

But that shouldn't diminish the skill of the author or the beauty of the book. It wouldn't stop me recommending it to someone.

I'll finish the book, though. I'm not necessarily one of those people who refuses to leave a book unfinished (although I used to be) but... I don't know. The book seems to deserve it. That probably sounds stupid.


message 1822: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Feb 16, 2013 03:04PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Laurentiu wrote: "I'm planning to start Pride of Carthage.I tackled it just to see how it goes and check the writing. Read the Prologue,but hard to make an impression after a few pages. Tomorrow, will get more into ..."

Lol. Yeah. Look out! I may be in your cupboard or under the bed. I am everywhere. :-)

I get a lot of enjoyment out of how active the group is. I spent years on Goodreads in groups bored and never checking in because the groups never had new posts. Wishing groups would be more active and I am glad I am finally involved in one that is. Always something to talk about in here.

Enjoy Pride of Carthage. I am one of the ones who really liked it.


message 1823: by Laurentiu (last edited Feb 16, 2013 03:21PM) (new)

Laurentiu Lazar (laur1989) | 82 comments Terri wrote: Lol. Yeah. Look out! I may be in your cupboard or under the bed.

And I was just preparing for my good night rest. Now I'll have to be on a stake out. :)

Yes it is boring. I have a group, formed from people from my country and rarely someone says something. (in my native language) I'm even a moderator there and tried at the beginning to be more present, but was talking to myself. Now I don't bother and I just create a monthly read thread and post my opinions regarding a book. If there are 10 posts a month it is huge.

As for this group I've been reading everything that is posted on a daily basis. Maybe in the forthcoming future I'll be more active myself.

Usually I read Bryn's and your reviews first. So I know you liked it :) . Thank you! I do hope I'll enjoy it.


message 1824: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments If you leave some chocolate on the floor I will generally give up my hiding place and wander out into the open unsuspecting of the trap.

What a shame about your group. They really are hard to get going. Until there are bigger numbers it is not easy enticing people to post, that's for sure.
As the saying goes. You can lead a horse to water , but you cannot make it drink. :-)


message 1825: by Anne (new)

Anne (spartandax) | 797 comments I started The Skin Map (Bright Empires, #1) by Stephen R. Lawhead , by Steve Lawhead. Kind of a fantasy but so far not too bad.


message 1826: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments That sounds interesting. As mentioned in this group before, I don't like his YA, but I like the way he writes adult fiction.


message 1827: by Bryn (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments This is so the most active group I know about. Not only for interaction, but for actual discussion of books. Lately I joined a world-book group, and posted in hope, and they have a large membership but nobody's home. It's true I'm a sad addict and need my book talk daily.


message 1828: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Anne wrote: "I started The Skin Map (Bright Empires, #1) by Stephen R. Lawhead, by Steve Lawhead. Kind of a fantasy but so far not too bad."

Please let Me know if that book is any good Anne.


message 1829: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Feb 16, 2013 03:37PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Bryn wrote: "This is so the most active group I know about. Not only for interaction, but for actual discussion of books. Lately I joined a world-book group, and posted in hope, and they have a large membership..."

Haha. Yeah I am the same. I love books and reading. I need my daily fix or I get withdrawals. It doesn't even matter if the book discussion is about an author I am not interested in. I simply need some daily book talk.


message 1830: by Laurentiu (last edited Feb 16, 2013 03:52PM) (new)

Laurentiu Lazar (laur1989) | 82 comments Do you like Milka. I know I have some, it's my favorite :) . Don't go jumping off like a kangaroo though since you'll scare the hunter. :P

We are 138 strong! Haha, guess there needs to be at least 300 to start making a difference.


message 1831: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Feb 16, 2013 03:42PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Hahaha. Yes, I actually love Milka. :-) And I can't promise anything on the jumping away like a Kangaroo.

This group didn't start getting active until about 400 or 500 members. :-)


message 1832: by Laurentiu (new)

Laurentiu Lazar (laur1989) | 82 comments Bryn wrote: "This is so the most active group I know about. Not only for interaction, but for actual discussion of books. Lately I joined a world-book group, and posted in hope, and they have a large membership..."

Well... I like most of the topics here and the talk is awesome. Adding the jokes that are made from time to time, make this group funny too. It's like a bit of everything around here .

I stand on the sidelines often, reading the opinions you guys have. The language barrier is often my main problem since I hate making grammatical errors, but learning still and I'm getting better and better.


message 1833: by Traci (new)

Traci | 3 comments Currently reading the hobbit with my local book club. An old classic that never gets old :-). Then going back to the outlander series where I am about to start voyager


message 1834: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) Terri wrote: "Hahaha. Yes, I actually love Milka. :-) And I can't promise anything on the jumping away like a Kangaroo.

This group didn't start getting active until about 400 or 500 members. :-)"


True, up 'til then there was just a few diehards that kept it going. :)


message 1835: by Darcy (new)

Darcy (drokka) | 2675 comments Traci.mcallister wrote: "Currently reading the hobbit with my local book club. An old classic that never gets old :-). Then going back to the outlander series where I am about to start voyager"

Voyageur is still my favourite of the series, enjoy!


message 1836: by Bryn (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments Laurentiu wrote: "The language barrier is often my main problem since I hate making grammatical errors..."

I understand, but I hope you know, as far as we're concerned, we won't worry about errors. Us mother-tongued will make enough of them.

I tidy up my posts, hours and days later, as a leftover from other types of writing -- not a bad habit, but sort of unnecessary online, where a more casual style is expected.


message 1837: by Chris (new)

Chris  | 419 comments Terri wrote: "Chris F wrote: " Simona, me thinks it's a case of the journey being as important as the destination. A.K.A. It is better to travel expectantly than to arrive. Am I right Terri? ..."

Maybe you are...."


Must have read a quote from the Dalai Lama or someone on the back of a cereal box, or maybe one of my friends liked it on Facebook.


message 1838: by Richard (new)

Richard Coady | 47 comments Laurentiu wrote: "Bryn wrote: "The language barrier is often my main problem since I hate making grammatical errors, but learning still and I'm getting better and better. "

I'm fairly sure that you speak English better than I speak your language, so I wouldn't worry about making mistakes in your posts. It would be a bit miserable of anyone here to pick you up on it.


message 1839: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Gosh yeah. Nobody here would ever think poorly of you Laurentiu for any grammatical errors.
Just because the majority know how to speak English as our first tongue, that doesn't mean we all know how to spell it properly when we are typing.
Our spelling is only as good as our educations or how much we paid attention in school.


message 1840: by Bryn (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments As a bad speller--and proud--I want to say, I was paying total attention to what the words mean. Not how to bloody spell them. I despised spelling lessons at school, but boy did I love my book classes.


message 1841: by Margaret, Sherlockian Sheila (new)

Margaret (margyw) | 3341 comments Bryn wrote: "As a bad speller--and proud--I want to say, I was paying total attention to what the words mean. Not how to bloody spell them. I despised spelling lessons at school, but boy did I love my book clas..."
Spelling is a relatively recent invention anyway. :)


message 1842: by Bryn (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments Precisely. Shakespeare didn't do it.


message 1843: by Bryn (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments As for what I'm reading. Onto the 3rd of Napier's Attila trilogy: Attila: The Judgement. Uninterested in doing anything else with my life until I finish these.


message 1844: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Bryn wrote: "Precisely. Shakespeare didn't do it."

especially with the different ways others spelt his name Shakspere :)


message 1845: by Bryn (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments Yup. I think I heard that about his signatures? That the guy can't even spell his own name.

Or, as President Andrew Jackson is said to have said, "It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word."


message 1846: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Dawn showed me this the other day I thought it may be appropriate to the discussion.
Twenty-one reasons English is hard to learn.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...


message 1847: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments that the problem with english.


message 1848: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I have started, but am not committed to, Niccolo Rising.
I have a few books to return to the library so I need to get through them and this book may be too long and hard going to deal with right now.


message 1849: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Terri wrote: "I have started, but am not committed to, Niccolo Rising.
I have a few books to return to the library so I need to get through them and this book may be too long and hard going to deal with right now."


you can always borrow it again Terri.


message 1850: by Anne (last edited Feb 17, 2013 03:49PM) (new)

Anne (spartandax) | 797 comments Laurentiu wrote: "Bryn wrote: "This is so the most active group I know about. Not only for interaction, but for actual discussion of books. Lately I joined a world-book group, and posted in hope, and they have a lar..."

I so admire people who speak and read more than one language. In college I sturied a few but never became fluent in any and I gave up when I started working. Now at 71 there is finally Rosetta Stone, but I can't afford it. It is one of those thinks that "If I had it to do over again......"


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