Former Introduction Thread Showing 901-950 of 6,846

[Shomeret]

Hello, I just joined today. I hope I'm not too late to join the discussion of Elizabeth Moon's The Speed of Dark which is a favorite of mine.

I am 54. My first SF novel was Star Man's Son, 2250 A.D which I read at the age of ten. My first fantasy novel was Witch World 1which I read a bit later. They're both by the late and much missed Andre Norton.

Among my favorite SF novels are:
The Necessary Beggarby Susan Palwick
Shadow Man by Melissa Scott
Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbusby Orson Scott Card

Among my favorite fantasy novels are:

Amazon Inkby Lori Devoti
Eyes Of Crowby Jeri Smith Ready
Fire Bringerby David Clement Davies
The Onion Girl (Newford, #11)by Charles De Lint

In the past I was active in fandoms, but I'm currently attending library school so I'm a bit too busy for fan activity. But I still enjoy recreational reading when I can fit it in.

[Bridgit]

Hi - New member to the group here. My name is Bridgit and I have really just started reading Sci-Fi with any regularity. I still wouldnt say it is my primary genre to read - have been mostly on Fantasy lately, but am moving over slowly but surely to SciFi.

I've really only read the basics so far - Enders Game, LOTR, etc. Am just starting Dune and really trying to get a good foundation in sci-fi lit before moving on to the newer stuff.

Anyway, aside from that, I am a HUGE reader, around 100-150 books per year from all genres - general fiction, nonfiction, biographies, classics, histories/historical fiction, fantasy, mysteries, and yes, even a smattering of romance every once in a while.

Looking forward to seeing what everyone has to say and getting advice on what to read next.

[P.I.]

Hey, Bridit!
YOu might want to check out my profile page under the writing section: I've posted an excerpt from my new book Crucifying Angel: It has sci fi, crime thriller and a romantic line going through it too. You might like it!
Patti
P.I. Barrington
Bridgit wrote: "Hi - New member to the group here. My name is Bridgit and I have really just started reading Sci-Fi with any regularity. I still wouldnt say it is my primary genre to read - have been mostly on Fan..."


Shomeret wrote: "Hello, I just joined today. I hope I'm not too late to join the discussion of Elizabeth Moon's The Speed of Dark which is a favorite of mine.

I am 54. My first SF novel was [book:Star Man's Son,..."

[[deleted user]]

Hi I'm Lee.

I'm a new member of this group. I've been reading fantasy for as long as I can remember, in fact my first adult book was Terry Brook's Sword of Shannara, I was about 11 years and it took me forever but I got there.

Steven Erikson is my all time favourite fantasy author so I was excited to see Gardens of the Moon on the list for February but it looks like he might be second place (bummer).

I tend to read more sci-fi than fantasy these days, probably because I've become quite technical - currently finishing off a computer science degree.

I've been catching up on a lot of the sci-fi classics, Dune, I Robot, 2001, Ender's Game and so on. Recently read Old Man's War and loved it. Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars books are among my favourites, as is I am Legend. And I really loved Kevin J Anderson's Saga of the Seven Suns books.

I read (listen) to audio books simply because I don't get time to sit down and read and find a good narrator can really add to the book.

And P.I it's only my first day here but I think you're in the wrong thread.

[P.I.]

I wouldn't be surprised, lol! And thank you otherwise I'd never have known! LOL!

Lee wrote: "Hi I'm Lee.

I'm a new member of this group. I've been reading fantasy for as long as I can remember, in fact my first adult book was Terry Brook's Sword of Shannara, I was about 11 years and it t..."

[Kathy]

Hello SF/F fans, it's been my favourite genre for pretty well as long as I've been a reader. Piers Anthony and Anne McCaffrey are my two favourite authors, followed by Mercedes Lackey and various others. My debut novel Regression made the Amazon.com Science Fiction and Fantasy bestsellers list for a month over the holiday season, peaking at #17!

I'm a high school science teacher, mother of four, breeder of bulldogs, and active community volunteer (my snowmobile club is hosting snowcross races this weekend). Most of my reading takes place on my new Kindle reader, I just love the thing!

[Hudson]

I have read a lot of fantasy books. LOTR's books, The Iliad and Te Odyssey. I love History, fantasy, and sci Fi

[VMom]

Hi. I've been bookworm for more than 3 decades, and fantasy and sf are my first loves. I also have always liked historical fiction. In the past few years I've branched out to historical mysteries, historical romance, and paranormals & urban fantasies. In fact I'd rather read any kind of genre novel first before a mainstream or literary one -- I'm biased that way. I borrow most of my reads from the library.
My favorite writers are mostly women. I am trying to list my favorite books here as I come across them.

[Lacey]

Elizabeth wrote: "I'm Elizabeth. I live in Maryland. :)

I seem to be on the young end of the group, because I'm a sixteen year old high school student. I'm actually taking a class called "Fantasy Lit" right now..."

I am soo jealous that your school offers a Fantasy Lit. class. lol. :-)

[Lauren]

Hi guys, I became a sci fi fan after doing a sci fi course at varsity. I mostly prefer soft sci fi, as well as a little cyberpunk, the occasional space opera, and I did a thesis on eco-feminist sci fi.

My favourite authors are Iain M. Banks, Douglas Adams, Margaret Atwood, Octavia Butler. I've also loved novels like Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, The Stone Gods by Jeanette Winterson, Altered Carbon and Market Forces by Richard K. Morgan.

I read a bit of fantasy too, leaning towards the darker, 'new weird' stuff like China Mieville, and I love Terry Pratchett.

[Jim]

I'm retired so I can read all the time. I've been reading like crazy for the last two years.

I found out that it's much cheaper to get my books at the public library than buy them new. Also, the local Half-Priced Books store isn't such a bad idea.

I only read military science fiction, nothing else. All the books I currently own are paperback.

I am still debating on which ebook reader to buy. While I like the feel of real books, I don't like to be carrying them around all the time. Anyone want to suggest which ereader I should get?

[Janny]

Emily wrote: "Hello, hello. I joined Goodreads back in January after hearing good things about it for quite some time, and now I'm finally getting around to joining some groups for discussion. The bare facts abo..."

Political and intricate fantasy:

Fortress in the Eye of Time

Revelation and sequels by Carol Berg

The Lions of al-Rassan (standalone)

A Sorcerer's Treason

Inda

All well done, all constructed with elegant prose, and every one delivers.

[Cevin]

Hi all. I've been a member for a while but never posted. I'm mostly looking for new authors to read but decided i should also do some posting. I'm 44 and from West Michigan. The local weather and extensive travel for work allows me to read a steady stream of books. Somone lent me "Lord Foul's Bane" by Donaldson when i was about twelve and i've been hooked ever since. I'm currently reading "The Wind Up Girl". It kills me to buy hardcovers, but sometimes i just cant wait.

[[deleted user]]

Hello every one! I've been reading Science Fiction and Fantasy since... well, since a very long time ago. I'm 55 years old, and I live in South Carolina. I have a lot of books, and even more e-books. The book that 'hooked' me all those years ago was "David Starr, Space Ranger" by Isaac Asimov. I've read a lot since then, but somehow missed The Wheel of Time books, which I'm just starting now.

[Marc]

Sctechsorceress wrote: "Hello every one! I've been reading Science Fiction and Fantasy since... well, since a very long time ago. I'm 55 years old, and I live in South Carolina. I have a lot of books, and even more e-book..."

I'll be at the SC Book Festival this month, so I hope I'll see you there. I write fantasy, but I'll have everything my publisher does. I also have a number of short stories in ebook format if you'd like to read them. Just go to http://www.echelonpress.com and click on the Echelon Shorts link.

[Shaun]

Hello!

Science Fiction and Fantasy are clearly the primary reading interests I've read since I can remember, so it only makes sense to join this group. :) This is all a little overwhelming, but I'm always welcome for suggestions, just so long as my "to read" list doesn't get impossibly long. I personally just like that I can keep track of the books I've read and get into new SciFi authors. Maybe I can even remember a few I've forgotten over the decades!

I generally read about one book per week; I'd read more, but I have a day job and spend the rest of my free time writing my own stuff. You probably noticed I'm a "Goodreads Author" through my ebook Rabbit Rue. It's available at Smashwords and Amazon, but if you contact me directly, I'll send you a free copy. :)

After I get a couple reviews, I may post a Q&A. Otherwise, happy reading!

[Justin]

Hello, fellows...

Some activity on Goodreads spurred me to action. A few folk around here have been reading my recently published novel, Haven. I decided that shrugging into the author mantle and claiming the title of, well, myself in this place wouldn't be a terrible idea.

Haven is Science fiction, and more importantly its available in several formats for the low low price of absolutely nothing. In a while, I'll provide a link to it, but I believe I'll take a look around first and see what's been crafted in this group.

Cheers!

[Dennis]

Hi, I introduced myself and my book 'The Understanding' a couple of pages back. 'TU' is doing well, but thought I would post this ode to writers and readers, in case it strikes a responsive cord.
Not sure if it is appropriate here, but I am sure that I will be told if it is not:
' Read the Words of Fiction-Fact'

'The reader reads our words and is carried along by them,
Carried along the storyline, with the mind creating its own pictures,
Releasing the emotions, if the words are right,
Creating better words and mourning lost emotions, if the words are wrong,

How sad the writer of the story that the reader does not see,
How sad the reader who sees the story as it should be, but is not,
Not right the first time, so they long to write it right,
But it is not theirs to do with as they will,
Right or wrong, it is done,
Could be right for many, yet wrong for some,

Yet the writer knows the beauty of his own child of words,
He reads it over and over, this beautiful photograph of life that he has captured in sylables and silent sounds,
And each time it produces the same emotions, and tears to be held back or not,
Perhaps such fiction is not as it appears, but simply shy truth, wearing different garb in which to travel incognito,
Residing but momentarily in the brains of writers and readers, before it is released to fly once more,
As it will, if the words are right!'


***original***Dennis Pennefather***See more voicesNet**

[James]

I'm Jim, single, hanging out in San Francisco, a baby boomer but young at heart. Favorite authors include Asimov, Hubbard, Heinlein, Kevin J. Anderson and Oscar Scott Card. Slogging through some classics and have rediscovered my library! Amateur photographer, full-time legal word processor.

[Jenny]

Hey people! I'm Jenny. I recently graduated with a degree in Literature. Reading is one of my several (harmless) addictions, as I'm sure you've all guessed since I am here. Lately I've been on a little bit of a fantasy binge. I won't bother listing all the books or authors I like here since people can nose around my bookshelf to find that information, though it's not completely updated as of yet since I'm new to Goodreads. I came upon this group while in a search for a book club to help feed my addiction. I look forward to reading and discussing with all of you soon. :)

[Michael]

Hi All! Call me Michael. I'm in my mid-twenties, country boy living in the big city. Love fantasy novels but find myself spending more time deciding what to read than reading :-/ Well I have finally decided to go with "House of Leaves" by: Mark Z. Danielewski. Looking forward to chatting with all of you.

[Alexp]

Greetings from Dominican Republic! I'm 32, and Ive always been hooked on all things fantasy and SciFi. I try to get my hands on all books related to the genre that i can, but all the books found here are in Spanish which i don't like. I like to experience things as they are made. And that limits my options when it comes to getting books i want. I'm new to Goodreads and I just found out the whole book club deal. Anyways looking forward to the discussions and nice to meet you all.

[Alva]

Hi everyone. I was born in june of 1979. I live in western Nebraska with my wife and two dogs. I am a librarian and a part time writer. Recently my wife and I started our own small press, Pill Hill Press.

I love to read fantasy and write fantasy, with the occasional sci-fi or horror novel thrown in for good measure.

My favorite authors are Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Conn Iggulden and whole bunch of others that I don't remember right now.

[Rick]

Hello all. My quick story, born in 68, started reading fantasy with the first Terry Brooks books, then on to JRRT and Douglas Adams. I left the fold for a number of years chasing after the lit crowd. Turns out that the cool lit kids are just depressed and depressingly boring! I need magic. I need spaceships. Currently I am into Scott Lynch, Patrick Rothfuss, Brent Weeks, and David Louis Edelman.

[Dennis]

Hi Rick.....I authored 'The Understanding' conventionally published SF with Eloquent Books.
See some reviews @ http://www.strategicpublishing group.com/title/TheUnderstanding.html. It is doing well, but all my reviews are from journalists, so I have given away some promotional hard copies.
I have one promotional copy left, which I will send to you gratus simply for an opinion from you.
If you would like a copy, just e-mail me @
dondenpen@xtra.co.nz and it will be on its way as soon as you give me an address.

[Sarah]

Hey, Im Sarah! Born in 86, Im an Aussie living in Canada. Harry Potter was what got me into reading, but I love Terry Pratchett, Maria V.Snyder and Catherine Asaro. Ever since watching a shit episode of BSG I have been creating my own Sci-fi Fantasy stories. Love to here your thoughts on my work ^.^

Next to read is
Storm GlassFallen

[A.C]

Hi there,
I am A.C. and live in the Netherlands am in my 40-ies, so when my English is sometimes a bit of please forgive me.
Since I can remember I read, a lot. And fantasy is my favorite genre, started with it because I borrowed my brothers library books. He is a few years older and he had more choice.
Favorite authors are: Roger Zelazny, Robin Hobb, Tad Williams and last but certanly not least Terry Pratchett.
I write stories but in dutch and only for my own pleasure (am not intending to bore you with them)

[Sarah]

Yay! Terry Pratchett!!! Ive been looking for a new one to read, what ones would you reccomend? Just finished the last continent, but I love any with Rincewind and Death.

[Ben]

Greetings. I'm Ben. I'm new. Hi.

I enjoy most types of science fiction and fantasy. I say most, because not all of it is interesting to me. I enjoy Asimov, Bradbury, and Orson Scott Card. Had a college course with him a year ago, actually. Good stuff.

Not much to say. Haven't read any sci-fi books yet this year, because I've been working on a class on Charles Dickens, so that's kept me busy. Maybe in a month or so. :)

[A.C]

Sarah wrote: "Yay! Terry Pratchett!!! Ive been looking for a new one to read, what ones would you reccomend? Just finished the last continent, but I love any with Rincewind and Death."

Difficult.... I love them all. But Going Postal and Monstrous Regiment are very good, and I like every book with the Nightwatch.
PLus the books about the Little Wee Men (and Tiffany. The last I read was Wintersmith

[Trice]

Ben wrote: "Greetings. I'm Ben. I'm new. Hi.

I enjoy most types of science fiction and fantasy. I say most, because not all of it is interesting to me. I enjoy Asimov, Bradbury, and Orson Scott Card. Had a college course with him a year ago, actually. Good stuff.

Not much to say. Haven't read any sci-fi books yet this year, because I've been working on a class on Charles Dickens, so that's kept me busy. Maybe in a month or so. :) "

You had a college course with Orson Scott Card? that just sounds really cool - was it on writing?

I just started reading Dickens in the last couple years - definitely understand why he's so highly regarded

[Gelis]

Hi everyone, I'm born in 69 so one of the "geezers" here and not only that, I am German and consequently meticulous, have no sense of humour and my pronounciation is doubtful. So be glad that you only have to read my bad accent and wrong syntax. I fell for Fantasy quite young, not knowing that it was fantasy- The mists of avalon, Lord of the rings, the neverending story were in my starter set as far as I recall. When I was fourteen, I stumbled over the "english books section" in our regional library. I cut my baby teeth on Jane Austen and Charles Dickens and realized that I actually understood the storyline although not knowing every single word. Now I am indulging myself in Robin Hobb, Carol Berg, Lois McMaster Bujold, Tad Williams, Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Kelley Armstrong are my current favourites.Not to forget Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett.

[Anu]

Hello Fellow SciFi/Fantasy Lovers! I was introduced to GoodReads by my friend. I'm an avid book reader and have been since 3rd grade. I grew up in India until I was 16 and started with Enid Blyton books (we had a mandatory library period in school). So I have always been a sucker for a good story, comic books, graphic novels. I discovered SciFi about 10 years ago and have been in love with them. But I am open to any good book. Recently I've been attracted to books that tell a story, but also good social commentary on state of things...like the human condition, politics, etc.

[Kaion]

Hello everyone. After giving up on Starship Troopers in boredom, I've decided that going it alone to try and introduce myself to any Sci-Fi (and some more Fantasy) is a no go experiment.

So I'll be hanging around, trying new things. Looks fun 'round here. Be kind to a newbie.

[Ben]

Trice wrote:"You had a college course with Orson Scott Card? that just sounds really cool - was it on writing?

I just started reading Dickens in the last couple years - definitely understand why he's so highly regarded"

The class was on writing popular fiction, yes. I loved it. He's extremely intelligent, articulate, and hilarious.

[Tyler]

Tyler Lutz
from San Antonio, TX

I've just started getting into hard science fiction and so far I love it. Any recommendations? I've been enjoying "the big three" and would also like to know of any other authors that I might enjoy.

also, there is this group I want to start but haven't gotten it going yet - http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/3...

[Luci]

Hello, all.

I'm just a little bit addicted to books, so I decided to see how long I could go without buying a book. Last time book I bought was on January 11. Yay, me! I have plenty to read, though. I'm in the middle of rereading The Wheel of Time so I can be up to speed for the last(about time, too) one. I've already read the best of them and now am slogging through too many sub-plots. It's very tempting to skip some chapters, but I won't just in case I need them at the end.

Once I go back to buying books again I will be repurchasing Janny Wurts' "Wars of Light and Shadow" so I can get caught up on those and finally read the new one.

[Kolinski]

Hi, I'm 46 years old, and live in the wilds of Norfolk UK. I did a B.A in English Studies many years ago, then decided to only read things that I actually liked. So, that led me to Sci-fi, Horror and some fantasy stuff. I have been reading a lot of Alastair Reynolds, and recently read "Anathem", by Neal Stephenson, which was a cool book. Also The first "Void" book by Peter F Hamilton, which I would recommend. Have also read lots of Arthur C Clarke, Asimov and Michael Moorcock. Am currently reading "Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest, which has started well. I don't do any writing, but am always keen to discuss Sci-fi or Fantasy books tghat I have read.

[Nona]

Greetings and salutations~

My name is Nona King and I live in South Seattle, Washington. I have been a voracious reader since kindergarten, devouring those books by authors from Andre Norton and Isaac Asimov to Louis L'amour, Jane Austen, Stephen Lawhead and Frank Peretti. I loved Agatha Christie and Erle Stanley Gardner as well.

As a child I wrote skits and plays for my siblings to perform, as well as songs and poems. I shifted from full-time reader to consumed writer at the age of 16 when I began writing dramatic romances, suspense, and young adult fiction. In college I delved into the realm of sci-fi/fantasy (and fan-fiction) and have never looked back.

When people ask me "what kind of book are you writing?" I politely correct them that I write bookS [plural:], and "whatever mood strikes me." C:

[VMom]

Gelis wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm born in 69 so one of the "geezers" here and not only that, I am German and consequently meticulous, have no sense of humour and my pronounciation is doubtful. So be glad that you o..."

Gelis, hi from one geezer to another! You mentioned a bunch of my favorite books!

[Janny]

Gelis wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm born in 69 so one of the "geezers" here and not only that, I am German and consequently meticulous, have no sense of humour and my pronounciation is doubtful. So be glad that you o..."

Gelis - great list of books! And perspective is wonderful. Good to have you and all the new faces.

Luci - you too. ;)

[Luci]

I can't imagine why you would like my post. :D

[Tina]

Hello All,

I came across this website when I was looking for a Boston book club focusing on fantasy. While I was unsuccessful in finding one in my neighborhood, I am wondering where the heck I have been not to stumble on goodreads.

I have read and loved fantasy since I was young, the most memorable ones being "The Blue Sword", "So You Want to be a Wizard" series, "Earthsea Cycle" series, and the "Song of the Lionness" series. Then moving onto epic fantasy such as "A Song of Ice and Fire", "Man of His Word", and my new favorite: "Kingkiller Chronicles" series. That's not to say that I don't appreciate good sci-fi novels like 'Old Man's War' and 'Spin.'

Other than reading, I am obsessed about cooking. I am always looking forward to any recommendations on books in epic fantasy, sci-fi, horror, or cookbook genres.

It's taken me a while to join the discussion, and I'm looking forward to many interesting chats.

[Janny]

Tina wrote: "Hello All,

I came across this website when I was looking for a Boston book club focusing on fantasy. While I was unsuccessful in finding one in my neighborhood, I am wondering where the heck I hav..."

Tina - great list!
Man of His Word - I thought, far and away, the best of Donaldson's work, to date.

[Vance]

Hello, I am a 44 year old attorney, happily married and have been reading science fiction and fantasy for many a moon. I came to good reads as part of the Sword and Laser book club (derived from the podcast) and found this group very quickly!

Question: if I would like to get recommendations for a particular kind of book, where would I post that? Thanks!

[Jon]

Welcome to the group, Vance. Glad to have you here.

For book recommendations, you could post in the Member's Chat discussion folder or the General folder.

Have you tried the compare books feature of GoodReads?

Or explored other members shelves? Read some reviews? The latter is by far my favorite aspect of GoodReads.

The 'find books' link at the top of the web page is another excellent way to find great books.

[Phoenixfalls]

I'm a mid-twenties L.A. native who's been reading SF and Fantasy for most of my life. My favorite authors are Lois McMaster Bujold, Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip, and Jacqueline Carey; I also have read and loved books by Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Ursula LeGuin, Elizabeth Bear, Sean Stewart, Sherri S. Tepper, Jo Walton, Marion Zimmer Bradley, C.J. Cherryh, and Gordon R. Dickson. In my free time I write, cook, and take care of my menagerie. I have a degree in Public Health Policy and Bioethics, but my most recent job was as a retail manager.

I have a blog, which I update very irregularly, here:
http://phoenixfalls.livejournal.com/

[R. J.]

My name is RJ Hamilton, I'm a new author in Topeka, KS. I wrote this book while deployed to Iraq. It's a story told by the "hero", Brandon, an empath and telepath. Check out my site if you'd like to learn more http://rjhamilton.webs.com/ Being a new author is a lot more difficult then I thought, or anyone else would think. I am an avid fan of Anne Rice and was seriously upset when she announced that she wouldn't be writing any more of the Chronicles, I just love her style! Thanks for your time everyone!

[Michelle]

Hi all, well I was born in '70 and live in a small country town in Australia. I've loved scifi/fantasy my entire life (some would say I live in a little fantasy world!) Some of my favourite authors are Raymond E Feist, David Eddings, Katherine Kerr and Mark Anthony. I work in the perfect place for a bookworm - a Library. Thanks.

[Melissa]

Hello all! I was born in 1975. I live in Greensburg Pennsylvania. I am kind of a new reader. I started really reading about 2-3 years ago. There are so many books out there I am thinking I have wasted to much time getting to reading. I finally realized I loved Fantasy reads and have expanded into Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction, and now starting into Steampunk.

I am love reading Brandon Sanderson's books, and have enjoyed Raymond Feist's books too. In Urban Fantasy my favorite is Marjorie Liu's Hunter Kiss series and I am really enjoying Tempest by Nicole Peeler and Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding's too.

I seem to enjoy mystery and suspense with my paranormal. I will have to look around here more to see what is all available to me. Looking forward to talking with you all.