Ammanas

Just noticed the U.S publication date for Kellanved's Reach has gotten pushed back to April. It is still supposed to come out in February in the United Kingdom. A tough pill to swallow for the U.S. fans, but its not too much of a difference.

I saw that audible allows you to purchase the Honor Harrington books for only $1.99 if you already have the digital copy, so I took a flyer on it and spent the two bucks to listen to On Basilisk Station. Here's my thoughts (starting with the complaints). The most I could feel for the main character was only minor interest. She is a nice, strong capable woman, but she felt almost rebotic. She kept saying, doing, and thinking all time that she will "fulfill my duty". She reminds me a bit of that really smart girl in class that is always raising their hand and doing exactly what the teacher wants. You don't have anything against her, but you dont really want to read a book about her. Also the society she is fighting for is just so...weak. I feel like I dont even really want them to succeed. The writing is really raw. The first safehold book were written after almost a decade more experience after this book. The narrator was just ok. I've been spoiled with some really great ones. Despite my complaints I felt something stir within me when the good guys started kicking butt and taking names. It's also a series, where I look at some of the pieces in it, and feel very confident it will continue to improve. It will be too much of a financial investment to purchase these books to get the audio copy (for something I dont see myself relistening). So that leaves the library route. They are audible originals so the library will only get the physical copies (which is a much heavier time investment for me). I suppose I would continue to read the series, but it is very far down my reading list and priorities. I think someday though. Also I saw that I am number four on the list now for Safehold 10. I'm moving on up!

I think there is also a mention of the key words when the forge (if I remember correctly) is thrown into the bay. @hoiditthroughthegrapevine Found what I was looking for! At the very top of the page

@hoiditthroughthegrapevine Your first two questions have the same answer. Yeah the Esslemont books sometimes end a little...anticlimacticly. I think with Erikson only House of Chains ever even flirts with that description.

@hoiditthroughthegrapevine Still working on Orb, Sceptre, Throne? I am probably going to jump back into malazan world this Sunday with a reread of Dancers Lament and Deadhouse Landing to help prepare for the new release on the 19th of this month.

You strike me as someone with the soul of a old man. I keep telling you if you like Ray Brandbury you would love Clark Ashton Smith! They are both authors that are appreciated with a certain amount of life experience. Also Tad Williams to a certain extent (not as much as the previous two).

Just finished! I probably should of waited until Thurday, but I had to know how it ended and made more time in my day for it. I really liked how the people of Zion decided the throw off their own chains and revolt against the Inquisitors. Loved the broadsheets that were printed and ended with the words, "Death to to Inquisitors" and seeing the aftermath. Still feels like this novel dragged in quite a few places, but it had its moments (as do all of them up to this point). Despite the author's faults I am willing to overlook a lot for all of the fist pumps and as you call it "popcorn" that his writing gives me.

I almost hope that Brandon decides to write a free novella for both the Pokemon and Yu-gi-oh card games just to see the reaction around here. Some people just want to see the world burn...

Great. Looking forward to your thoughts! It will be awhile though. I'm still five on the list, of one copy, and can't tell if they have the downloadable audiobook available for patrons at the moment or its expecting to get it soon and just starting the queue. I could probably get a hold of a print copy earlier. But with the amount of bloat I'm expecting in this book I would rather just wait for the audiobook. With a title like Through Fiery Trials and a picture of Merlin with a fleet of war blimps behind him you would think it would be action packed? Wouldn't be the first time a catchy title and cover art has fooled me though.

Sorry to hear that I should finish At the Sign of Triumph in a couple of days. I already believe I know how its going to end. Admiral Thirst and the treasurer for the Group of Four have been painted in a good and sympathetic light from the beginning and I'm guessing they will survive and be instrumental in reform. It's had its moments, in this book,but there have been quite a few sections where it has dragged. I know you've said books 6-8 is the worst in the series, but I really like book 8 (Hell's Foundations Quiver). I do agree with book 6th being the worst in the series (although that will probably change with book 10). Book 7 was middle of the road for me. I'm surprised, since the tactics and weaponry since book 8, are almost identical with thise in WW 1, that Charis hasn't deployed poisen gas. It seems like it would give them a huge advantage and it was already used in the Inquisitor stronghold earlier in book 9. So far my favorites three are in this order: By Heresies Distressed, Off Armageddon Reef, and Hell's Foundations Quiver.

Not personally, but there has been too many stories by too many reliable sources for me to deny intelligent life outside of our little blue marble (that we call earth).

Are there some things that you have ranted and raved that you hate and would never try? Have you eventually tried them and ended up falling in love with it? Discuss. For me it was e-readers. I eventually tried using one and ended up loving it. I fought against it for so long too. There are so many things I love about it, but my favorite part it controlling the text size. Some publishers, when producing the books (especially with mass market paperbacks), have the text so small one needs a magnifying glass and it still ends up giving you a headache. That is no longer something I need to worry about. Not to turn into a walking advertisement, but its the Kindle paperwhite in case anyone is curious.

Just saw your last post @Briar King Just finished Hell's Foundations Quiver. Loved the ending! Merlin and Nimue go in with augmented shotguns basically yelling, "Say Hello to my little friend!" They then blow up a wooden ship with their spaceship! Then Merlin casually going into Thirsts office and telling him, "We need to talk". If it gives you any hope B.K I do know something big happens in the last chapter of Through Fiery Trials. I have no idea what, but that's the word on the street. Anyways just found out my library is getting book 10 in audiobook and I am 5 on the list of one copy. Also Crossroads of Twilight=Through Fiery Trials? Yes...David Weber is the Robert Jordan of Science Fiction.

@hoiditthroughthegrapevineThink of Orb, Sceptre, Throne as a direct sequel to Toll the Hounds. That book has so much Segulah goodness in it. Let me know if this is a spoiler (and I will avoid such statements in the future) but I will try to be as vague as possible. While reading Orb, Sceptre, Throne there is a certain weapon at the end...keep thoughts of dragnipur in the back of your mind. I didn't make the connection right away, but once I did I really geeked out about it. I'm interested to see what you think about Blood and Bone. I loved the jungle setting and a lot of the viewpoints. I kind of feel like Esslemont dropped the ball on the ending and made it needlessly confusing. I actually had to look at the Tor malazan reread to understand it. Enjoy to Black Company! The narrator isn't my favorite but not bad. Whatever you do, if you get into the series, read Port of Shadows last. I liked it more than most seemed to, but even I have to admit it is definitely the weakest BC book. Its a bit of a oddball book too.

To be honest I have never heard of Anthony Powell, but upon looking it up it kind of reminds me of Prout's In Search of Lost Time or Rememberance of Things Past (depending on the translation). I was wondering if you have ever read the Proust's work and if so what are your thoughts on it?

Technically we will get the last Lightbringer book this year. Late August I believe and the author just posted a video this month saying he's on track for that and is currently in the editing stages. He also said the book is enormous! By the sound of it him talking like it'll be as long as Oathbringer; although he hasn't mentioned specific word or page counts yet.

Did you read both? What did you think of them? I hesitate to recommend them because they do require a certain type of reader. If you expect rapid plot advancement you will be very disappointed! I wonder if the authors style comes across in the translated editions...

@Sorana If you are looking for that sort of book you might like Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow, Thorn series or his Shadowmarch series. His series are all really slow. I imagine the beginning third of the Dragonbones Chair has turned away countless readers but he builds momentum. I think it takes a certain type of reader to enjoy his books. The joy is his great prose,watching him explore his world, and his characters grow. I also love how he finishes series. He does a great job making it bittersweet and they really stick with me. Edit: Just realized I derailed this thread. Apologies to the original poster

Yes by Chris Wooding. His Braided Path trilogy is also good with a Asian inspired setting, but is far, far darker. I found the Ember Blade to be more fun.

You'll have to give me a p.m. or even tag me in your thoughts of it if you post elsewhere. You'll be the first person who has read it on my recommendation. Yes, @whattheHoid its worth it. The beginning is a little slow but its a giant homage to the entire epic fantasy genre and yet doesnt come off as old and tired. I'm excited to read the sequel!

I'm so weak and opted for the middle ground. The other Audiobook is 12 Rules for Life so I am listening to one rule a day and using the remaining time to listen to Hell's Foundations Quiver. Also dowloaded the first Honor Harrington book Off Basilesk Station because it was free for kindle. Will I ever read it? Maybe not. But the fact that I am even considering it is a sign that I should probably seek professional help

One of the first reviews I've seen for the upcoming Esslemont book. Looks exciting and much more ambitious than the previous two. I'm really looking forward to it http://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/Ian-C-Esslemont/Kellanveds-Reach.html

You obviously dont know the value of a Magic: The Gathering novella. In fact, I think he devote himself to only writing free Magic stories for the rest of his career.

Finished Like a Mighty Army and decided to take a break with a different audiobook. Funnily enough despite the many flaws of this series, in my heart, I yearn to return to it. It ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. The Delthak chapters in this one weren't too painful. A brief battle scene and it becomes a tug boat during a huge storm a sea. It felt satisfying to have Nimue 2.0. I liked that he didn't give her the new memories and she didn't have to carry the burden of the tough decisions Merlin made. I don't know how much you've been following this (or even care), but every book title is taken from a hymn. The last several are taken from the following: How Firm a Foundation 1. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent word! What more can he say than to you he hath said, Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior, Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled? 5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume, Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. Onward Christian Soldiers 1 Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before. Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See his banners go! (Chorus) Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before. 2. At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, On to victory. Hell's foundations quiver At the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise.

Haha! It just wouldn't be a real Safehold novel without a Delthak chapter! I should finish Like a Mighty Army either Thurday or Friday. I, personally, like it better than the previous book. Yes, there is a lot of war planning and tactics discussion, but I would rather have that than the dithering that took place in the previous book. My favorite part so far is when Merlin found out about the massacre, that took place over the canal explosion, he took on a new Seijin personality and got sweet sweet revenge and wrote that nasty letter to the high inquisiter.