What Are You Reading, Part 2

[Darkness Ascendant he/him]

Just now, A Budgie said:

Persepolis was amazing.

Indeed. It just, it was done so perfectly.

I had heard of the topics discussed in it, and well, I entered a sceptic. and well, It opened my eyes a little to say the least.

[A Budgie she/her]

Just now, Darkness Ascendant said:

Indeed. It just, it was done so perfectly.

I had heard of the topics discussed in it, and well, I entered a sceptic. and well, It opened my eyes a little to say the least.

Yeah, especially with everything that's going on right now in America, it was a really good book to read.

[Briar King]

It!

[StrikerEZ he/him]

I'm finally getting around to Mistborn. I'm so glad I chose this over the several other books I need to read. I'm only about halfway through the second part, but dang...I freaking love this book. I love how complex and interesting Allomancy is. I've even written out a list of what each metal does. Of course, I'll have to remake it once I learn about the non-basic metals, and to make it neater now that I know that metals come in pairs.

[+Slowswift]

2 hours ago, StrikerEZ said:

I'm finally getting around to Mistborn. I'm so glad I chose this over the several other books I need to read. I'm only about halfway through the second part, but dang...I freaking love this book. I love how complex and interesting Allomancy is. I've even written out a list of what each metal does. Of course, I'll have to remake it once I learn about the non-basic metals, and to make it neater now that I know that metals come in pairs.

You realize there's a chart in the back of each book, right?

Though, if you're aiming to make your own, more detailed list, I fully support that. 

[Guest]

18 hours ago, Briar King said:

It!

Flashback to my Junior High School years  Made one of my book reports on It.

[Briar King]

6 hours ago, maxal said:

Flashback to my Junior High School years  Made one of my book reports on It.

Har! I've had this thing for yrs and yet have never read it even though I love the mini. Well the new movie trailer made me go dig it out and I'm loving the hell out it! I never even realized I had the 1st ed HC of it. It's a beast. 3.3 lbs which is heavier then either SLA.

ed: 

 

Edited April 2, 2017 by Briar King

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, Briar King said:

Har! I've had this thing for yrs and yet have never read it even though I love the mini. Well the new movie trailer made me go dig it out and I'm loving the hell out it! I never even realized I had the 1st ed HC of it. It's a beast. 3.3 lbs which is heavier then either SLA.

They made a movie? I wasn't aware  Those are big books. I can't believe I read those at 14  Must have skimmed through some parts really quickly. If I recall, the story wraps up quite nicely unlike many Stephen King's books. 

OMG just watched the trailer, so creepy. Poor little George 

[Briar King]

43 minutes ago, maxal said:

They made a movie? I wasn't aware  Those are big books. I can't believe I read those at 14  Must have skimmed through some parts really quickly. If I recall, the story wraps up quite nicely unlike many Stephen King's books. 

OMG just watched the trailer, so creepy. Poor little George 

They have the 2 part 1990 mini series(loved it) and on Sept 8 the 1st of 2 movies hits theaters. Just like the mini part 1 will be the kids arc 2 will be adults. 

[Guest]

9 hours ago, Briar King said:

They have the 2 part 1990 mini series(loved it) and on Sept 8 the 1st of 2 movies hits theaters. Just like the mini part 1 will be the kids arc 2 will be adults. 

I never saw the 1990 mini series, I don't think it ever got translated in French.

[StrikerEZ he/him]

20 hours ago, Slowswift said:

You realize there's a chart in the back of each book, right?

Though, if you're aiming to make your own, more detailed list, I fully support that. 

I actually didn't realize there was until I finished it. Whoops.

Also, the chart's good and all, but I don't wanna have to keep flipping back and forth if I need to quickly remember a metal's powers (which happens a lot with the Emotional metals, for some reason), so having my own chart that I can glance at is nice. Also, I added atium, gold, and the eleventh to my chart.

I knew I should've got the entire trilogy all at once, because now I'm dying to read the next book.

Also...holy cow, that book was so amazing. I loved every second of it. Since it was so long, I would get sucked into it for hours at a time, not even realizing where the time went. But at the same time, I could usually get up at a moment'a notice and not feel absolutely horrible because I'd be away from the book. 

[Guest]

For those of you having read the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, what are your thoughts on Adare? The person who recommended me the book hates with a passion I had never seen and, quite frankly, I don't understand why. She seems very bothered by one decision she made towards the end of the first book (I have two chapters left to book 2). I rather like her, more than her brothers.

So thoughts? Hate? Like? Don't care?

[Ammanas]

36 minutes ago, maxal said:

For those of you having read the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, what are your thoughts on Adare? The person who recommended me the book hates with a passion I had never seen and, quite frankly, I don't understand why. She seems very bothered by one decision she made towards the end of the first book (I have two chapters left to book 2). I rather like her, more than her brothers.

So thoughts? Hate? Like? Don't care?

I don't hate her, but I found her slightly annoying. I get that she feels the need to make up for the fact that she is a woman leader by acting ultra agressive, but it was just so over the top. Adare's character reminds me of a scaled back version of Kameron Hurleys characters (especially in the World Breaker series). Both authors seem to think a strong female is one that is loud, violent and using a lot of curse words, but there are different kinds of strength and I do not like this particular way of portraying it.  I also feel she just makes a lot of really dumb choices. 

[Briar King]

Moving briskly along for my reading speed these days on IT. Just hit pg 300 on my 4th day.

im lucky if I can swing 30 pgs a day normally.

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Ammanas said:

I don't hate her, but I found her slightly annoying. I get that she feels the need to make up for the fact that she is a woman leader by acting ultra agressive, but it was just so over the top. Adare's character reminds me of a scaled back version of Kameron Hurleys characters (especially in the World Breaker series). Both authors seem to think a strong female is one that is loud, violent and using a lot of curse words, but there are different kinds of strength and I do not like this particular way of portraying it.  I also feel she just makes a lot of really dumb choices. 

Ah. I feel the same about Kaden and Valyn. Seems to me they have been doing bad choices over bad choices, but Kaden seems to have plot immunity. Whatever he does, it succeeds. I rather like Adare, there are one or two things I feel she might have done differently, but based on what she knows, she pretty much played what hand she had. It is Kaden/Valyn which annoy me with their insistence this throne belongs to Kaden.

[Left he/him]

I just finished the first book of Sandman by Neil Gaiman. I've always been impressed by the few books that I have read by him, and I've heard a lot of good things about the comics on here so I thought I'd give it a try. It was very good. I didn't really think it was scary, but after putting the book down for a while it started to feel very disturbing. I'll keep reading as my mood suits me I guess.

I want to read the next powdermage, but can't make it to the good library to pick it up any time soon. At the moment I'm reading a book about Turkish culture and history, and it's good, but I want some fantasy or sci fi.

[Oversleep]

So I finished both Legions. I am awaiting impatiently for second Alcatraz cause the first one was awesome.

Meanwhile I was meaning to read the Promise of Blood (first of Powdermage trilogy) and I'm kinda in the middle of the third book in Dresden Files... but I'm kinda tired with fantasy right now. I got into Cosmere 2 years ago (I started with Way Of Kings) and I've been pretty much reading only Sanderson since then. It was awesome and all... but I can't handle more fantasy right now. I could continue reading Sandman... but having read Perfect State recently and Ghost in the Shell premiering (I need to watch the first animated movie before I go to the cinema though)... I think I will finally get to the Neuromancer. I could use some cyberpunk to freshen up.

[Ammanas]

Over halfway through reading Hyperion by Simmons. This is a very good book that is basically a science fiction version of The Canterbury tales. It is well written, engaging, but each story has some minor flaw that keeps it from being great. For example:

The Priest's Tale: The ending was very disturbing 

Soldiers-Too many sex scenes. Made me uncomfortable

Poet: A little disjointed. Not a very likeable character 

Scholar: Not finished with it, but it is a tragedy that breaks my heart.

Dispite the flaws I can see why this book is so highly thought of in the science fiction community.

[StormingTexan he/him]

51 minutes ago, Ammanas said:

Over halfway through reading Hyperion by Simmons. This is a very good book that is basically a science fiction version of The Canterbury tales. It is well written, engaging, but each story has some minor flaw that keeps it from being great. For example:

The Priest's Tale: The ending was very disturbing 

Soldiers-Too many sex scenes. Made me uncomfortable

Poet: A little disjointed. Not a very likeable character 

Scholar: Not finished with it, but it is a tragedy that breaks my heart.

Dispite the flaws I can see why this book is so highly thought of in the science fiction community.

Possible my favorite sci-fi book rates right next to Dune for me. The Scholors tale is by far the best/worst thing I think I've ever read. Only worst because it hits you soooo hard in the feels. Least favorite is the Poet but even that one is good in it own way with its imperfections. The book is almost literary Sci-Fi.

One of my big gripes with Sci-Fi is when the author glosses over the affect of relitivity this book handles it very well. 

Fair warning you may be tempted to continue with the subsequent books. The ending may not satisfy you 100% it's similar to Dune. I say stop after the first one. 

Edited April 5, 2017 by StormingTexan

[AngelEy3 he/him]

On 4/3/2017 at 6:29 PM, maxal said:

For those of you having read the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, what are your thoughts on Adare? The person who recommended me the book hates with a passion I had never seen and, quite frankly, I don't understand why. She seems very bothered by one decision she made towards the end of the first book (I have two chapters left to book 2). I rather like her, more than her brothers.

So thoughts? Hate? Like? Don't care?

I was pulling for Valyn the whole time, myself. Adare seemed like she was the "female character who makes mistakes to advance plot" and it left a sour taste in my mouth. Nothing Kaden does makes any sense either, but his mistakes seem to make good things happen.

The whole thing could have been better with an extra Kettral chapter here and there, especially when they start getting the pov chapters.

[Guest]

On 4/6/2017 at 2:17 AM, AngelEy3 said:

I was pulling for Valyn the whole time, myself. Adare seemed like she was the "female character who makes mistakes to advance plot" and it left a sour taste in my mouth. Nothing Kaden does makes any sense either, but his mistakes seem to make good things happen.

The whole thing could have been better with an extra Kettral chapter here and there, especially when they start getting the pov chapters.

Thank you for your insights. I initially did start up by rooting for Valyn, but I did not enjoy his progression in book 2. 

Spoiler

When he purposefully chose to ignore the fighting village, when he decided to passively watch people being slaughtered, simply so he could get his chance at revenge, just so he could do Long Fist's binding, I have lost a great deal of respect for his character. I absolutely do not agree with how Adare chose to handle things later on, but I do understand it likely was her only viable option. Valyn is a loose canon, he is out of control, he killed one of the only man she trusted for no valid reason, so huh, I dunno where he'll go in book 3 (I have just started), but he isn't my favorite character anymore.

Now I am moving into book 3, I find myself rooting more heavily for Adare. From my perspective, she is the only one who is actually trying to do something worth mentioning for Annur. Sure, she has made mistakes and is likely to make many more, but at least her end goals seem more tangible than Kaden and/or Valyn wherever he might be. It thus Kaden is the one character who leaves a sour taste in my mouth as I get the feeling he is shove down my throat as the "rightful emperor" when, from my perspective he has done nothing worth mentioning but destroying it. He has done nothing but stupid actions, but he has plot immunity which somehow always make his worst mistakes turn into successes. 

Spoiler

I also do not support the idea he should be the emperor because he is the oldest son with the right eyes. I find it ridiculous it should even be argued the boy who spent a lifetime making pottery with monks ought to be emperor. Sure, his father intended to train him, but he didn't. Hence, the idea Adare should give back the throne she took when she was faced with a power vacuum as she thought her brother was dead, is seriously grating me. I also absolutely hate how the brothers ignore their sister, how they don't care about her, how they blame her for everything when they are the ones who have caused most of the problems. I hate how quick Kaden is to think his sister betrayed the kingdom when it is him who has betrayed it by giving it away to a bunch of selfish squabbling nobles.

Hence, I find myself really enjoying Adare, disliking Kaden (and Triste oh my Triste), enjoying Gwenna/Annick/Pyrre more and more and wishing Valyn will somehow change to who he has early in book 1. Unfortunately, the individual who recommended the book has turned sour over me not sharing her views on Adare: she won't speak to me anymore  mostly because I would more readily condemn Kaden/Triste/Valyn for their actions than Adare.

 

[AngelEy3 he/him]

3 hours ago, maxal said:

Thank you for your insights. I initially did start up by rooting for Valyn, but I did not enjoy his progression in book 2. 

  Hide contents

When he purposefully chose to ignore the fighting village, when he decided to passively watch people being slaughtered, simply so he could get his chance at revenge, just so he could do Long Fist's binding, I have lost a great deal of respect for his character. I absolutely do not agree with how Adare chose to handle things later on, but I do understand it likely was her only viable option. Valyn is a loose canon, he is out of control, he killed one of the only man she trusted for no valid reason, so huh, I dunno where he'll go in book 3 (I have just started), but he isn't my favorite character anymore.

Now I am moving into book 3, I find myself rooting more heavily for Adare. From my perspective, she is the only one who is actually trying to do something worth mentioning for Annur. Sure, she has made mistakes and is likely to make many more, but at least her end goals seem more tangible than Kaden and/or Valyn wherever he might be. It thus Kaden is the one character who leaves a sour taste in my mouth as I get the feeling he is shove down my throat as the "rightful emperor" when, from my perspective he has done nothing worth mentioning but destroying it. He has done nothing but stupid actions, but he has plot immunity which somehow always make his worst mistakes turn into successes. 

  Hide contents

I also do not support the idea he should be the emperor because he is the oldest son with the right eyes. I find it ridiculous it should even be argued the boy who spent a lifetime making pottery with monks ought to be emperor. Sure, his father intended to train him, but he didn't. Hence, the idea Adare should give back the throne she took when she was faced with a power vacuum as she thought her brother was dead, is seriously grating me. I also absolutely hate how the brothers ignore their sister, how they don't care about her, how they blame her for everything when they are the ones who have caused most of the problems. I hate how quick Kaden is to think his sister betrayed the kingdom when it is him who has betrayed it by giving it away to a bunch of selfish squabbling nobles.

Hence, I find myself really enjoying Adare, disliking Kaden (and Triste oh my Triste), enjoying Gwenna/Annick/Pyrre more and more and wishing Valyn will somehow change to who he has early in book 1. Unfortunately, the individual who recommended the book has turned sour over me not sharing her views on Adare: she won't speak to me anymore  mostly because I would more readily condemn Kaden/Triste/Valyn for their actions than Adare.

 

I'm sorry she won't speak to you over it. That's sad. 

From a moral perspective I think you hit the nail on the head as far as who's who and all. I just happen to enjoy me some vengeance drunk madmen, that's all, lol. 

I'm looking forward to Skullsworn in a couple of weeks. 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, AngelEy3 said:

I'm sorry she won't speak to you over it. That's sad. 

From a moral perspective I think you hit the nail on the head as far as who's who and all. I just happen to enjoy me some vengeance drunk madmen, that's all, lol. 

I'm looking forward to Skullsworn in a couple of weeks. 

Oh I am not saying I am not enjoy it, just I was surprised to see my interlocutor so passionately hate Adare's character which defending all others when, from my perspective, she has currently done more good than bad. 

Spoiler

I have just read the chapter where Gwenna exposes to Kaden how much of a kent-kissing idiot he was to keep on going with his idiotic vendetta against his sister when all which is preventing the Urghuls from slaughtering Annur is Ran Il Tornja, whatever else might be on his agenda. Funny thing is he has grown on me... I know we can't trust him, but I sort of want to  Bah as it turns out, I am strongly suspecting Kiel and Il Tornja are working together and/or Kiel pushing Kaden towards drafting his republic was a one clever move to weaken the empire in a time of need.

I also thought the chapters with Adare and her son were beautifully written. I think Staveley did capture what it means to become a mother for the first time in a convincing manner: I did not expect this. I hope Kaden and/or Valyn won't take it after the boy.

Yeah, I might dig into Skullsworn right after book 3 (I forgot the name , I am reading it on my Kindle (I love my Kindle ) which makes it harder to remember book names ). The next read down my list is Brent Weeks which I keep pushing away, but I feel I ought to give it a try soon.

[AngelEy3 he/him]

4 hours ago, maxal said:

Oh I am not saying I am not enjoy it, just I was surprised to see my interlocutor so passionately hate Adare's character which defending all others when, from my perspective, she has currently done more good than bad. 

  Hide contents

I have just read the chapter where Gwenna exposes to Kaden how much of a kent-kissing idiot he was to keep on going with his idiotic vendetta against his sister when all which is preventing the Urghuls from slaughtering Annur is Ran Il Tornja, whatever else might be on his agenda. Funny thing is he has grown on me... I know we can't trust him, but I sort of want to  Bah as it turns out, I am strongly suspecting Kiel and Il Tornja are working together and/or Kiel pushing Kaden towards drafting his republic was a one clever move to weaken the empire in a time of need.

I also thought the chapters with Adare and her son were beautifully written. I think Staveley did capture what it means to become a mother for the first time in a convincing manner: I did not expect this. I hope Kaden and/or Valyn won't take it after the boy.

Yeah, I might dig into Skullsworn right after book 3 (I forgot the name , I am reading it on my Kindle (I love my Kindle ) which makes it harder to remember book names ). The next read down my list is Brent Weeks which I keep pushing away, but I feel I ought to give it a try soon.

 

Brent Weeks is pretty good. I blew through Lightbringer in 2.5 weeks after letting the first book sit on my shelf for a half year. I felt a strong connection to Turtle Bear right from the start and never looked back. 

I'm currently just starting Before They are Hanged from The First Law Trilogy. It's funny, hardly anything happened in the first book but I still couldn't put it down. 

[Guest]

50 minutes ago, AngelEy3 said:

 

Brent Weeks is pretty good. I blew through Lightbringer in 2.5 weeks after letting the first book sit on my shelf for a half year. I felt a strong connection to Turtle Bear right from the start and never looked back. 

I'm currently just starting Before They are Hanged from The First Law Trilogy. It's funny, hardly anything happened in the first book but I still couldn't put it down. 

I wasn't a huge fan of Abercrombie. I read the two first books of his First Law trilogy a few years back and I haven't felt the need to read the third one. From what I could gather, those books are either a massive hit or a massive hit: either you love them or they don't work out for you. This being said, I can see why so many people love them, but they aren't for me.

I have great hopes for Brent Weeks