What are you reading in July 2012?

[Scott (Ozziespur)]

I'm struggling through ever so slowly 'The Warrior Prophet'. I stopped reading it a little while ago and have completely lost momentum.
I was glancing through the home bookshelf & picked up 'The Pawn of Prophecy' and after re-familiarising myself with Garion, Polgara & Belgareth I found myself 3 chapters in ....

[moulin]

I've read The Warded Man and The Desert Spear and ended up with a thirst that can only be sated with The Black Prism and Prince of Thorns as a chaser.

[Tracy]

This week I'll complete Stormed Fortress by Janny Wurts, the 5th (and final) novel in The Alliance of Light (i.e.: Arc 3 of The Wars of Light and Shadow and its 8th volume). Even though the 9th volume (i.e.: Initiate's Trial - the 1st novel in Arc 4, Sword of the Canon) is available as an ebook, I'm going to wait until the 2nd novel in this Arc (i.e.: Destiny's Conflict) has been completed before I begin reading this series again. I like to read epics from beginning to end and this series will only be complete when Janny has written Song of the Mysteries (i.e.: Arc 5 and the final novel in The Wars of Light and Shadow). Knowing I'll have to wait a while for the completion of this epic, I'm just going to have to read something else in the meantime. I've a few paperbacks on my shelves (for reading outdoors) that I haven't yet read and a lot of ebooks I got free through Amazon (because I have the free Kindle app on my iPad). If you have a Kindle, you have the same opportunity. Just Google Pixel of Ink if you don't already know of it! While I've read a lot of mediocre stuff that I downloaded through PoI, I've also discovered some authors from whom I want to read just about everything they've written in my favored genres! Just follow the site's directions and check the email address you provide to the site every day. I guarantee you'll find something you like ... for free!

[David]

I would recommend the Johannes Cabal series by Jonathan L. Howard (of which I’ve just finished the first book, The Necromancer, now starting in on the second The Detective) to anyone in search of some black humor in an uptight British-manner kind of way.

[Igor]

Finished Gardens of the Moon last night and loved it! Of course Deadhouse Gates is already on my Kindle to continue with the series :-)

[Reading]

So far this this month I have read:
Nightrunner series (all but last book)
I' almost done re-reading Luck in the shadows
God Eaters (on last chapter now)
Counterpoint (first 50 pages, until I can buy it)
Larten Crepsley Saga (first 2 books)
Wake of the Lorelei Lee (started and got side traked)

God Eaters: I love the romance and adventure but feel like the gods are just in the way. but I'm very picky and will probably love it when I finish it.

[Terri]

moulin wrote: "I've read The Warded Man and The Desert Spear and ended up with a thirst that can only be sated with The Black Prism and Prince of Thorns as a chaser."

Been wanting to read those. Any good???

[[deleted user]]

I'm halfway through A Feast for Crows (can't understand the negative reviews it's received, I think it's fascinating and I've been slowing down to enjoy the prose) and then I'll read A Dance with Dragons and after that The Way of Kings.

[Kamla]

So far, finished up The Name of the Wind which I had started last month. Not quite what I expected but it still turned out to be a fascinating read.

Finished The Taker and The Reckoning Book one and two in a trilogy by debut author Alma Katsu. A truly dark tale that is at times as profoundly disturbing as it is beautifully poetic in its telling. Definitely not for the prudish or those of meek or mild sensitivities.

I am also finishing up the Black Company series this month. It is one of my all-time favs. I'm currently in the middle of Water Sleeps but I'm just not getting the same feel that I had become so accustomed to from this one. Maybe is just my current state of mind or perhaps it's just my impatient mentality of 'alright with the planning already. Can we just go free our guys, get the gang back together, and get on with the hell-raising retribution in true Black Company fashion'.

But I have some reading and reviews to do for some books I won on the GR giveaways. So the Company will have to wait just a little while longer. But I am eager to see how it all plays out and wrap up with Soldiers Live before the end of the month. Downside, I'm really going to miss these guys when the series end.

[Kamla]

Eryk wrote: "I'm halfway through A Feast for Crows (can't understand the negative reviews it's received, I think it's fascinating and I've been slowing down to enjoy the prose) and then I'll read A Dance with D..."

I also enjoyed A Feast for Crows as much as the first three books. I gave up on trying to understand the negative reviews and eventually just wrote them off as completely unwarranted.

[moulin]

Terri wrote: "moulin wrote: "I've read The Warded Man and The Desert Spear and ended up with a thirst that can only be sated with The Black Prism and Prince of Thorns as a chaser."

Been wanting to read those. A..."

To understand Brett's Demon Cycle is to defend the idea of literary genius and to live in a hope of encountering the extraordinary.

[Bev]

Kamla wrote: "So far, finished up The Name of the Wind which I had started last month. Not quite what I expected but it still turned out to be a fascinating read.

Finished The Taker and The Reckoning Book on..."

I have been meaning to get around to the Black Company but not had time. How are they?

[Josh]

I'm reading Running with the Demon right now. There were a number of reviewers indicating that they were disappointed with this book, but it seems like most of them started with the original Shannara books and then came to these. I recently found quite a few Terry Brooks novels in my collection (it's a sizable collection, so "finding" it is absolutely true) and decided to read the series chronologically (storyline-wise), not order of publication. I am thoroughly enjoying it so far and am looking forward to seeing where it goes - it's just starting to pick up some real steam!

[Joseph]

Bev wrote: "I have been meaning to get around to the Black Company but not had time. How are they?"

Speaking for myself, I think everything up to the "break" (i.e. the original trilogy, Silver Spike and the first two Books of the South) are top-notch. The last four books (from Bleak Seasons through Soldiers Live), which didn't start coming out until six or seven years after the previous book, Dreams of Steel, are a little more problematic but worth reading to see how it all ends.

[Elise]

Recently started The First Confessor on my Kindle. New prequel to the Sword of Truth series. I like it so far.

[Bev]

Joseph wrote: "Bev wrote: "I have been meaning to get around to the Black Company but not had time. How are they?"

Speaking for myself, I think everything up to the "break" (i.e. the original trilogy, Silver Spi..."
Thanks

[SM]

I just finished Anansi Boys yesterday (not gonna lie, it wasn't my favourite) and I'm starting Stardust today.

[S.J.]

I've actually been checking out some of the stuff on Wattpad.com... you have to wade through a lot of blah to find the gems but some of them are really worth finding. I follow "the Orangutan" there ... he's a uk writer with some really great ideas.

[Tracy]

Stephanie wrote: "I just finished Anansi Boys yesterday (not gonna lie, it wasn't my favourite) and I'm starting Stardust today."

Stephanie, I only gave two stars to Anansi Boys, but I gave the same to Stardust and to Coraline. Actually, I've found I don't really like Neil Gaiman all that much. I gave only three stars to Neverwhere and The Graveyard Book. While I own American Gods and Good Omens as free ebooks, I've not yet determined whether I'll read them. I'd much prefer to enjoy what I'm reading.

[SM]

Lady wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "I just finished Anansi Boys yesterday (not gonna lie, it wasn't my favourite) and I'm starting Stardust today."

Stephanie, I only gave two stars to Anansi Boys, but I gave the sa..."

I prefer to enjoy what I'm reading as well but with that book I felt kind of obligated to finish it for some reason. May I ask what it is about Gaiman's books that you don't like?

[Tracy]

I don't like his focus! It's not high fantasy or science fiction. It's a mediocre attempt at fantastical fiction. His subject matter again is mediocre and doesn't at all intrigue me. I'm amazed that so many find his work so phenomenal! I'm appalled at this!

[SM]

That's a fair enough assessment. Personally I like his books well enough but I think they could use more actual fantasy elements.

[Elise]

Neil Gaiman has his own genre/style IMO and sometimes that's not to people's tastes.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I didn't enjoy American Gods but I did like the Graveyard Book and Stardust. Although I prefered the movie in many ways.

[Kevin]

Helen wrote: "I didn't enjoy American Gods but I did like the Graveyard Book and Stardust. Although I prefered the movie in many ways."

I was the opposite, I really enjoyed American Gods, but could not find the appeal for the Graveyard Book, and thought Stardust was a okay book, not his best effort.

[Tracy]

I king of liked the Graveyard Book. I have yet to read American Gods. Stardust ... ? So, can anyone convince me to read more of his work? Why?

[Joseph]

Lady wrote: "I king of liked the Graveyard Book. I have yet to read American Gods. Stardust ... ? So, can anyone convince me to read more of his work? Why?"

If it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work for you; may be time to give up. But if you did want to give him one more try, I'd suggest one of his short story collections -- Smoke and Mirrors, maybe.

[Joseph]

For myself, I finished Pattern and started Memory, the last in K.J. Parker's second trilogy.

[Tracy]

Hmm ... I'm not much for short story. I'm an epic fantasy and/or sci-fi reader. Give me a 6-12 volume (or beyond) series and I'm happy! My goal for 2013 is to read the complete Wheel of Time series (which I still can't believe I've never even started). Thank you, Brandon Sanderson, for making this possible! (I remain hopeful from beginning to end.)

[Duke-of-url]

Carrie your just starting Eye of the World? that will keep you bust for a few hours.

Im just finishing Forest Mage by Hobbs its Slow moving but good.

Looking for a next read any suggestions ? I love WOT and Mistborn to let you know what I like.

[Carrie]

Duke-of-url wrote: "Carrie your just starting Eye of the World? that will keep you bust for a few hours.
"

I feel like I've been reading it forever now, not calling the book slow/boring. Talking about actual days, darn real life.

[Duke-of-url]

I know its a huge book I have read them all what a great movie it would make. enjoy ;-)

[Dylan]

I'm almost halfway through Nine Princes in Amber and quite liking it. The only Zelazny I'd read before was This Immortal, which I did not like, but Amber's a step up so far.

[Bev]

@carrie & Duke WOT is a brilliant series.

@Dylan I happen to be keen on the Amber books myself. They are different in style from Zelaznys other works.

[Olga]

I'm reading Changeless. Not a great novel but not bad either. Solid plot, unusual characters, plus some irony - a nice mix. I'm enjoying it. It's the second book in the series, and I liked the first book - Soulless - too. I'm going to read the next one - Blameless - as well.

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen]

Duke-of-url wrote: "Looking for a next read any suggestions ? I love WOT and Mistborn to let you know what I like."

I think you should check out Brent Weeks. A lot of Sanderson fans really like him. The first book of the Night Angel trilogy is . He has another trilogy too (starts with ), but it's not finished yet. Have you read ?

[Duke-of-url]

read all of Brandon Sanderson hes great will check out Brent weeks tho ty

[Dylan]

Bev wrote: "@Dylan I happen to be keen on the Amber books myself. They are different in style from Zelaznys other works."

How so?

[Bev]

Dylan wrote: "Bev wrote: "@Dylan I happen to be keen on the Amber books myself. They are different in style from Zelaznys other works."

How so?"

I think they are more approachable and not as high handed. More fantasy less scifi/technical. More fun.

[Joseph]

Bev wrote: "Dylan wrote: "Bev wrote: "@Dylan I happen to be keen on the Amber books myself. They are different in style from Zelaznys other works."

How so?"

I think they are more approachable and not as high..."

Zelazny did have his more experimental/New Wavey side. If you prefer the more traditional stuff, I'd also recommend Jack of Shadows and Dilvish, the Damned. Lord of Light kind of skates on the border between the two styles but is a classic.

[Barbm1020]

I'm listening to the audiobook of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden #10, Small Favor. It's the usual battle-with-ugly-supernatural-creatures while struggling with his own life and its "normal" problems, like money. Then there's Thomas, who's a vampire working on his addiction and who has an awesome new vehicle. Very good! Small Favor

[Aildiin]

Finished all 4 first books in J.V. Jones Sword of Shadows serie.
Now starting A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham

[Dylan]

I just finished Nine Princes. I enjoyed it, although it's very much the first book in a series.

I feel like if it had been written in the 2010s it would have been five times as long, and no better for it. I'll say this for Zelazny, he doesn't waste pages.

[Jenny]

I'm reading The Iliad which isn't as much of a challenge as I thought it would be. I'm listening to Anansi Boys which I have to agree is not my favorite but I am enjoying it. I also started The Man in the High Castle.

[Pickle]

Jenny wrote: " I also started The Man in the High Castle."

its a beautifully written book which i hope you enjoy and i look forward to your thoughts. Its not my favourite PKD but was my first and i got hooked instantly, since then i cant get enough.

Im looking to start
The Difference Engine .

[Bev]

Hi Pickle I am trying to encourage my other half to read The Man in the High Castle. He isn't much of a reader but just did Fahrenheit 451 and loved it. So cross my fingers........

[Michele]

I love Gaiman--all of it--but it doesn't feel like traditional fantasy. I just prefer it. I just finished The Black Prism and have started The Night Circus. I liked The Black Prism, but it is a complete different style than Gaiman. It is more of a straight story.

[Bev]

Hi Michele I loved The Night Circus, hope you do too.

[Razmatus]

Michele wrote: "I love Gaiman--all of it--but it doesn't feel like traditional fantasy. I just prefer it. I just finished The Black Prism and have started The Night Circus. I liked The Black Prism, but it is a ..."

just got American Gods to get a taste of Gaiman, looking forward to getting to it sometime :P

[Jeremiah]

I read the last two or three books in the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher, the second of Dan Well's John Cleaver books, and now I'm reading Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay.