Former Introduction Thread Showing 3,851-3,900 of 6,846

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi and welcome, sounds like you belong here.

[Julia]

Hello, I'm over 50 and love reading in many genres, including sci-Fi and fantasy. I joined Goodreads about two years ago but have mainly used it to keep track of books as I read them, and am just now looking into groups and the social aspects.

Thank you to the person who mentioned this group in the thread about Featured Groups in the Feedback Group. It looks very interesting.

My tastes change over time, but right now I mostly enjoy space opera and character-driven stories. My current favorite sf/f authors are
Lois McMaster Bujold
Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (co-authors, Liaden Universe)
Elizabeth Moon

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi Julia welcome. E.Moon is also one of my favorites, though my favorites by her are her Paks' world fantasies.

[Sally]

Jenna wrote: "Hi, fellow readers! I'm 37, married, a mom of a combined family of six (4 are my bio offspring, 2 are my bonus offspring), and the guardian of a Chihuahua and a cat who thinks he's a dog. I've been..."

Hi, Jenna, welcome :-) It sounds like you and I have a few things in common - not that I'm anyone's mother, but I am the guardian of a small dog who thinks she can leap tall buildings in a single bound, as well as a geriatric horse who thinks he's the boss and I'm just a member of his staff ;-)

I've also been reading voraciously ever since I can remember and am in the process of reorganizing my vast library into a beautiful new floor-to-ceiling bookcase that I recently had installed :-) I'm a fairly new recruit to the world of fantasy fandom and arrived here by the conventional route of Tolkien, Rowling, Jordan and Martin, so I'm eager to expand my menu - although I am slightly obsessed with Tolkien and don't expect anyone to ever quite reach his standard. As for sci-fi, I am SO new to it that all I've read is 1984, Animal Farm, Fahrenheit 451 and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. But I am becoming more and more intrigued, especially by dystopian and post-apocalyptic sci-fi, so any recommendations would be gratefully received! If you feel like chatting, Jenna, feel free to send me a PM or friend request.

[Edwin]

Hey all.

After I got a used Kindle on Ebay for cheap last year, my old reading obsession was reignited. I recently found this website, which has further inflamed and catered to the OCD in me, and now I find myself in my first Goodreads group.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy have been my reading passions from the beginning. As a teenager and young adult, I was consumed, from hard-core Sci-Fi , Arthur C Clarke, Heinlein Robert A., Ray Bradbury and Frank Herbert, to Fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, Piers Anthony, Le Guin, Ursula K., Goodkind Terryand Donaldson R. Stephen, to everything else not fitting in a nice category, Vonnegut, Kurt, Jr., HP Lovecraft, Carlos Castaneda, and Hermann Hesse.

And now here I am rediscovering my old lost passions. George RR Martin, Neil Gaiman, Vernor Vinge, and Alastair Reynolds are recent finds and I realize that there is still a whole world of great stuff out there that needs exploring.

I am looking forward to being part of this group and in anticipation of December, I have already downloaded The Long Earth. So many books, so little time.

Ed

[Ron]

Edwin wrote: "...So many books, so little time."

Man, I hear you there! I think I have a list of to-reads that quite possibly will outlast my time required to read them all.

But, it's all good. No matter how far along I get...

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi, welcome.

[Terrible Reviewer]

Hey folks, hope all is good.

Most people call me Stuart, some of my students less savoury names I'm sure. I'm 33 and getting more silver by the year - in the hair department. I'm not hoarding it to combat some vampire apocalypse.

Annoyingly most of my friends who I shared 'geeky' book talks with have moved on from university. Any left want to discuss their particular field of study, which is fine, but I've come here for some downtime.

I've recently finished The Lies of Locke Lamora and The Strain series by Chuck Hogan. The first being fantastic, the latter being pulpy-vamp-sci-fi.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi, welcome.

[Richard]

Hi, just joined. Been reading SF and fantasy, among other things, since childhood. I'm mainly old school, but thanks to a younger brother who likes modern fantasy, my tastes are expanding, however I'm always a little wary of a 800-page, part 1 of a series type thing.
Hoping to rekindle my reading quantity, which has died a death recently, due to growing children, hence the joining of this group.
Thanks!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

LOL, I agree. An 800 page that's "Vol.1" is a bad sign, especially if it's a little slow moving and disjointed.

[Ron]

Richard wrote: "...my tastes are expanding, however I'm always a little wary of a 800-page, part 1 of a series type thing.
Hoping to rekindle my reading quantity, which has died a death recently, due to growing children, hence the joining of this group."

How about trying some short story anthologies as a "getting acquainted" thing to get you back up to speed.

A Science Fiction Argosy is one that I would recommend. An older book, but, full of stories by very good authors. While it is a bit lengthy, 832 pages, one doesn't have to read it all at one time. Read a few stories and then branch out into novels. The authors that you like would give you a starting point.

There is also a series of books that are The Best Science Fiction Stories of (fill in the year). Searching your local library online catalog should produce several good choices in that vein.

I'm not versed in fantasy, but, the same might be true for that genre. Others may be able to tell you more on that front.

[Richard]

Ron wrote: "How about trying some short story anthologies..."

Hi Ron - thanks. I've read quite a lot of anthologies, including quite a few of the Best SF of 19--. I think what I need is to get into a book I really enjoy. I've found that forcing myself through a book I'm not properly enjoying tends to derail the train, sop to speak. So I'm hoping that John Meaney's Absorption will be a good one. I'll link my review when i finish :)

[R.]

Howdy folks!

I am R Felini. Fresh meat to group. Crazy reader, not famous writer of words and ex-boxer. I enjoy SciFi, especially zombie or future world scenarios.

Just read SPARES, a clone based book. Not great but decent. What else? You tell me punk!

Just kidding.

R Felini
author of Chicago Style
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Marcy]

I don't read or write science fiction, except for an occasional book or story. I signed on just because I wanted to tell those who might be interested of a fun/funny experience I had this weekend related to sci-fi books.

I was stuck in LA one night longer than planned, in a highly stressful, emotionally intense situation. Checking into a hotel near LAX, I found I'd arrived at the start of a 4-day Loscon conference. Hundreds of sci-fi aficionado's were walking around dressed in strange, sometimes beautiful, costumes. The whole thing turned out to be an amusing distraction and somewhat alleviated my distress.

[Cam]

Hi! I'm Cam - reader, writer, and animator. I love to read anything that draws me in and won't let me go. Could be any genre, though I find myself drawn to fantasy and sci-fi most often. Just finished Ringworld by Larry Niven, for example. I work as an animator, so audiobooks are my bread and butter because nights are taken up by "the passions."

Excited to hear and share!

[Ron]

Hi, Cam. I loved ! One of my favorite SciFi books ever! Love when an author creates and entire world or culture. is another book that does that. And I loved it, also. Read several of the series, both by Frank Herbert and his son, Brian Herbert.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi Cam, welcome.

[[deleted user]]

Hi there

I'm Sylvian, a poet, comedy actor and hopeful writer in the near future. At the moment I can current working on some Doctor Who fan fiction after the 50 anniversary in which some preliminary short stories can be found here.Doctor Who 50 . They ain't brilliant but they're only in draft/feedback stages at the moment.

I am currently working through Peter Hamilton's Great North Road, and have just finished The Man in the High Castle.

[Becca]

Just saying hello to the group. I have been around GoodReads for quite some time but have only just started to use it for more than keeping track of my reading and recommendations.

I have just moved from NYC to Japan and I figure its the perfect time to start reaching out to fellow readers...especially my fellow sci-fi/fantasy kin.

So hello...messages, recommendations, and friends requests welcome!

-Nymeria

[Thaddeus]

Hey Sylvian, Nymeria, and other newcomers. Hope you find this place interesting and useful.

I keep forgetting to update my bookshelf and what I've read/am reading.

[Becca]

Thanks for the welcome!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Welcome all.

[James]

I am the author of Celtic Blood I have loved Scottish historical fiction all my life. I also am a big fan of Sci Fi and fantasy.
I live in Brisbane Australia and am trying to kick off a writing careers, like so so many others.

[Justin]

Hey there everyone, my names Justin, a massive fan of both Sci-fi and fantasy novels. Have only recently found out about goodreads, but I am already hooked, a great place to meet others who also have a passion for reading.
Have just finsihed World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War and am currently trying to avoid the movie:)

[Rochelle]

Hi. I hope I'm in the right spot. Reading the rules of club membership, and then the bio of Mr. rgb here, makes me wonder if my post won't be summarily deleted for my use of a two letter word? ;O) Anyway, it feels like the right spot. I am looking for an interesting venue to talk about a work of fiction I wrote. It was just published approximately a month ago (Oct. 2013) and it is titled 'The Gentle Extortion.' Of course, I have been pulling my hair out, trying to imagine the best way to go about marketing it. I'm a first time novelist, and I really have no idea what I am doing. But as I look about, this certainly seems like a good place to start. Here's what I have so far:

After surviving a lightning strike Kelli discovers unusual side effects, such as being impervious to cold temperatures and causing fires and explosions when she becomes frightened or upset. At first the incidents occur accidentally, but when she realizes that she is causing the incendiary incidents, she recruits Gwen to help her learn how to control them. Gwen also helps (and encourages) Kelly in the criminal enterprise of extortion.
The main character, Kelli, is dangerously depressed (almost suicidal). She is sometimes belligerent; she has a good sense of humor, but a bad temper. She cares about people and her community. Her friend Gwen is a widow and she has no compunctions about helping her friend break the law. She's smart and she appreciates Kelli’s ability to make her laugh.
It is primarily a story about friendship and how sometimes you can count on friends to keep your secrets and sometimes help you do outrageous and even unlawful things. It also gives a message about the importance of participating in the welfare of your community. It's a fast paced, fun read.

The author is Rochelle Chase, The title is The Gentle Extortion and it can be obtained in paperback at the websites Tatepublishing or barnesandnoble and the downloadable version is at Amazon. I sincerely hope that I posted this in the right spot, and if I did not, I welcome and appreciate any assistance on the issue. Thank You! :oP

[David]

Hello all,
I'm a Wisconsinite that enjoys long walks through the frozen wastes, guzzling cheap beer such as Lost Lake. (It's like a cheap version of Milwaukee's Best. You can thank me later for that.), a good scotch once in a great while, and of course reading science fiction. Once in a while I dabble in horror or fantasy when I'm tired of reading aliens and laser guns but mostly I stick to sci-fi. My favorite single novel is Hyperion, my favorite TV show is the old school black and white Twilight Zone, and my favorite movie is Evil Dead 2 (I'm a stickler for art-house films, what can I say?). That's about all that's mildly interesting about me so I'll just stop there.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi all, welcome.

[Sandra]

Hey there, I´m Sandra.
I was born in the 70s. Have two kids, a dog and a cat, who still didn´t learn to play nice. :)
The first big book with no pictures I ever read was The Martian Chronicles by Rad Bradbury. From there I spent all my teens reading SF, the classics of the 50s mostly. My favorites were Asimov Isaac and later on Ursula LeGuin.
At about 18 I discovered fantasy. And, again, read everything I could put my hands on.
Among my favorites are Tolkien and David Eddings.
In my 30s I moved out of fiction, mostly to spirituality and natural health, and got a compulsion for myths and legends of different cultures.
Right now... everything seems to be coming together, somehow.
These past two years I have been reading mostly indie authors. It is a bit risky, but can also be very rewarding.
And, of course, spend most of my time lost in the realms of Elearah Chronicles.

[Sandra]

rgb wrote: "Hey, all. GR will call me "Robert" because it can't help it, but there are many Roberts in the world, and a lot of them on Goodreads. Feel free to just call me rgb or Rob, and remember I'm the on..."

Rob, you are a physicist? Small world... me too. Well, I was in my previous life. That is... before motherhood. :D

[Maarit]

Hi everyone, my name is Maarit. I´m on/off fantasy reader, meaning I have times when I just have to read lots and lots of fantasy books and then I have times when I need to read something else. That´s why I´m an on/off reader. At this moment I´m between these two phases and mixedly reading almost everything. Scifi is a bit unknown area to me, though that I´ve read a few scifi books. Maybe I will some good recommendations from this group in both genres.

I started to read fantasy about age 12 or something like that and started with Margaret Weiss & Tracy Hickman´s Dragonlance series moving to Tolkien´s books and Harry Potter and other stuff as well. There´s still lots of authors that I must read someday (except Martin, I tried to read the first Game of Thrones book, but I didn´t like it that much).

My boyfriend has a huge fantasy/scifi book collection in our home, so I won´t be running out of reading material any time soon. I also borrow lots of books in local libraries around the city I live in (Finnish library system works very well). I´m not a fan of e-books though, but maybe someday I will try them too, if the need rises.

[K.R.]

Hi There,

My name is Kat. I love learning about new books to read, though I admit I am mostly a re-reader. Once I find a book I love, I read it until it falls apart and then I buy a new copy so I can continue the vicious cycle.

I'm in my late twenties, but my favorite fantasy series is still the Time Quintet by Madeleine L'Engle. I'm a Garth Nix and Terry Goodkind fan as well. I joined the group to expand my fantasy horizons. I read what grabs me, not necessarily only a specific genre. I'm open to suggestions and look forward to reading the recommended books!

Thanks!

Kat

[Ashley]

Hey everyone! My name's Ashley and I live in Michigan. I've just started using Goodreads and am really excited to meet some new people. I love reading, mainly fantasy and science fiction; actually that's all I read. My favorite series is the Anita Blake series. It has went downhill the past few books, but I still stand by it; the first dozen were just too good. I'm an author, also, with my first book just published. I'm super excited about that.

I'm obsessed with exercise having lost over a hundred pounds; almost all of my free time is spent at the gym. Well, next to writing that is. I am working on my next book, but we will see how that goes. :)

If anyone's interested in talking just shoot me a message!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Wow...lots of new folks. Hi all, welcome.

[L.G.]

Lots of folks joining up. It must be Christmas or something. Hi to all of you!

[Becca]

Welcome to all who have posted after me.

I agree Matthew, I hate THIS part too but it mus be done.

So, welcome and read on!

[Jerry]

Matthew wrote: "Boy, a I late to THIS party! However, I still want to introduce myself and start making myself useful around here. My name is Matt Williams, I am a lifelong sci-fi, fantasy and speculative fiction,..."

[Jerry]

You've listed a primo list of authors and books, but the absence of Robert Silverberg is a bit puzzling.

[Dan]

Hi I'm Dan and I'm a 17yr old reading fanatic. Sci Fi fantasy aren't the only genres i read but it does make up the bulk of my reading

I am currently reading King Rat by China Mieville and after I will be carrying on with the Revelation Space books by Alistair Reynolds and the Kingkiller chronicles.

I am studying as well but much of my spare time is devoted to reading!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi, welcome.

[J.E.]

I'm James. And, gotta say, being on page 82 is pretty intimidating :).

I'm a fan of Cyberpunk and near future Sci-Fi. Lately, I've been on a fantasy reading kick. Lotta Dresden Files, Brandon Sanderson, and slowly digesting Rothfuss.

Good to, uh, see? you all. Hear? Read? I guess read. Book forum right? reading makes sense.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Whatever....it's the E society.

[Fay]

Hi, Fay here from the Big Apple. I joined Goodreads a few hours ago, and spent all that time clicking on books I have read, and want to read. I still have some way to go before my library is organized. Putting the "date read" is going to be tedious. (Tone of dread).

Sci-fi & Fantasy is one of my favorite genres. So is Humor & Comedy. Which makes Terry Pratchett one of my favorite authors of all time.

So far, I have read 16 books on the list. I admit that I joined this site, and this group in particular, to get recommendations for more books to read. The reviews are going to be helpful in letting me know which ones to pick up, and which ones I shouldn't bother with. The latter will include zombie books (I get queasy over blood, guts and gore).

Not many people in my circle are fans of sci-fi. For so long, I have been thirsting for discussions on the genre with like minds. So, hello there, like minds.

[S.A.]

Hi all! I feel like I should have brought a cake or something. I hate to show up empty handed.

I love all things sci-fi and fantasy! There I said it. From collecting comics since I was 11 and scouring for two for a quarter deals at local flea markets (Hey - I got an Amazing Spiderman #122 out of one - can I get a collective whoop whoop?) to giving high school English speeches on Alan Dean Foster novels. Sci-fi and fantasy books have always been at my literary core, probably why I ended up writing a few.

Hoping to meet some great folks and contribute to a conversation or two. Thanks for having me.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi, welcome. Brings a lump to my throat. I had to sell my collection some years ago (in a time of finical stress, thank you Jimmy Carter).

[S.A.]

Thanks, Mike. Ha. I feel your pain - I sold that issue, along with a lot of my early Amazings a long time ago but the memories of comic hunting in the back of a van, searching through boxes for treasures is still a good one. Come to think of it, maybe that wasn't such a good idea.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi, and welcome.

S.a. I had Tales of Suspense from the arrival of Captain America (#58), Iron man #1, Captain America #100 (where tales of Suspense changed to captain America), Avengers from #7 (and had tracked down #4 where Cap is thawed out), Xmen #1, Conan the Barbarian #1, Strange Tales from the begining of the S.H.I.E.L.D. stories...Sergent Fury and the Howling Commandos from early on....

It makes me cry sometimes.

[Calvin]

Hello everyone. I'm Calvin from Perth, Western Australia. I'm an engineer, aged 41, with five children. I'm into science fiction and fantasy, so much so that I wrote a fantasy novel for young adults.

When I was young, I tried to take on Tolkein's Lord of the Rings but failed dismally. I have now put it on my "to read" list and have actually purchased a copy of the trilogy.

For some time I was drawn into self development books (because of work) but I'm now re-engaging with my youth. Novels I have recently read include Merlin's Blade, DragonSpell series, Deltora Quest series, and Seven Ancient Wonders (Matthew Reilly - ugh!!).

I was in my self-development phase during the Harry Potter era and I'm now reading the series (currently on the second book). Frankly, I have read better and cannot understand the hype. There are so many greater novelist that never received such rewards. Such is life.

Anyway, glad to be in this forum and hope to be able to contribute.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi, welcome.

As for H.P. remember that it sort of re-energized YA fantasy and an entire genre sort of grew out of it. There are shelves of YA fantasy now (some abysmal) but it wasn't like that when Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (also Sorcerer's)Stone was released in '97.

[Calvin]

Quite true about H.P. I satisfied myself with Isaac Asimov back when I was young.