[Salt-Man Z]

Finished Samantha Shannon's A DAY OF FALLEN NIGHT last week. Loved it, though it didn't quite reach the highs of its predecessor. Only real complaint would be that once a certain aspect of the world-building is revealed, it pretty much feels like the plot goes on rails and robs the characters of any real agency. But if you loved the first book, you'll love this one too.

Currently reading Claire North's THE END OF THE DAY--about a mortal named Charlie who works for Death, visiting and talking to people just before Death comes for them--which doesn't have much plot yet (and maybe won't, from the reviews) but is just infused with a love of humanity that North does so well.

[Tiste Simeon]

I love THE END OF THE DAY as I do all Claire North books but I don't think it's among my favourites of hers. It has some really beautiful scenes and fascinating concepts.

[Stalker]

I just finished James Islington’s The Will of the Many. Basically a fantasy version of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising in a Roman-esque society. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Tsundoku]

Salt-Man Z, on 04 October 2023 - 04:20 PM, said:

Finished Samantha Shannon's A DAY OF FALLEN NIGHT last week. Loved it, though it didn't quite reach the highs of its predecessor. Only real complaint would be that once a certain aspect of the world-building is revealed, it pretty much feels like the plot goes on rails and robs the characters of any real agency. But if you loved the first book, you'll love this one too.

Currently reading Claire North's THE END OF THE DAY--about a mortal named Charlie who works for Death, visiting and talking to people just before Death comes for them--which doesn't have much plot yet (and maybe won't, from the reviews) but is just infused with a love of humanity that North does so well.

A Day of Fallen Night? Seriously? There's some cringebad fantasy titles out there, but that one is in a category of it's own.
If it was a song lyric it would be "only time will tell if we stand the test of time", which I'm hoping was a tongue in cheek moment in an otherwise great song.

[QuickTidal]

Tsundoku, on 05 October 2023 - 12:24 PM, said:

Salt-Man Z, on 04 October 2023 - 04:20 PM, said:

Finished Samantha Shannon's A DAY OF FALLEN NIGHT last week. Loved it, though it didn't quite reach the highs of its predecessor. Only real complaint would be that once a certain aspect of the world-building is revealed, it pretty much feels like the plot goes on rails and robs the characters of any real agency. But if you loved the first book, you'll love this one too.

Currently reading Claire North's THE END OF THE DAY--about a mortal named Charlie who works for Death, visiting and talking to people just before Death comes for them--which doesn't have much plot yet (and maybe won't, from the reviews) but is just infused with a love of humanity that North does so well.

A Day of Fallen Night? Seriously? There's some cringebad fantasy titles out there, but that one is in a category of it's own.
If it was a song lyric it would be "only time will tell if we stand the test of time", which I'm hoping was a tongue in cheek moment in an otherwise great song.

Also the title of the first book was solid (PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE) so how the prequel book is that clunkily-named is beyond me.

[Tsundoku]

QuickTidal, on 05 October 2023 - 12:40 PM, said:

Tsundoku, on 05 October 2023 - 12:24 PM, said:

Salt-Man Z, on 04 October 2023 - 04:20 PM, said:

Finished Samantha Shannon's A DAY OF FALLEN NIGHT last week. Loved it, though it didn't quite reach the highs of its predecessor. Only real complaint would be that once a certain aspect of the world-building is revealed, it pretty much feels like the plot goes on rails and robs the characters of any real agency. But if you loved the first book, you'll love this one too.

Currently reading Claire North's THE END OF THE DAY--about a mortal named Charlie who works for Death, visiting and talking to people just before Death comes for them--which doesn't have much plot yet (and maybe won't, from the reviews) but is just infused with a love of humanity that North does so well.

A Day of Fallen Night? Seriously? There's some cringebad fantasy titles out there, but that one is in a category of it's own.
If it was a song lyric it would be "only time will tell if we stand the test of time", which I'm hoping was a tongue in cheek moment in an otherwise great song.

Also the title of the first book was solid (PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE) so how the prequel book is that clunkily-named is beyond me.

Maybe they used an internet random fantasy title generator? Probably the same place most fantasy cover art is found. See, AI does have a place!

[Abyss]

Tsundoku, on 05 October 2023 - 12:46 PM, said:

QuickTidal, on 05 October 2023 - 12:40 PM, said:

Tsundoku, on 05 October 2023 - 12:24 PM, said:

Salt-Man Z, on 04 October 2023 - 04:20 PM, said:

Finished Samantha Shannon's A DAY OF FALLEN NIGHT last week. Loved it, though it didn't quite reach the highs of its predecessor. Only real complaint would be that once a certain aspect of the world-building is revealed, it pretty much feels like the plot goes on rails and robs the characters of any real agency. But if you loved the first book, you'll love this one too.

Currently reading Claire North's THE END OF THE DAY--about a mortal named Charlie who works for Death, visiting and talking to people just before Death comes for them--which doesn't have much plot yet (and maybe won't, from the reviews) but is just infused with a love of humanity that North does so well.

A Day of Fallen Night? Seriously? There's some cringebad fantasy titles out there, but that one is in a category of it's own.
If it was a song lyric it would be "only time will tell if we stand the test of time", which I'm hoping was a tongue in cheek moment in an otherwise great song.

Also the title of the first book was solid (PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE) so how the prequel book is that clunkily-named is beyond me.

Maybe they used an internet random fantasy title generator? Probably the same place most fantasy cover art is found. See, AI does have a place!

It's the Jumbo Shrimp of fantasy titles.

[Abyss]

Abyss, on 25 September 2023 - 05:46 PM, said:

...
Started THE ART OF PROPHECY by Wesley Chu. One hour in, i'm completely hooked.

Just Finished.
Y'know that feeling when you go into a book knowing near nothing, and are blown away?
Also, that feeling when you think a book is going somewhere, and you're right, and when you get there it's even better than you were hoping for?
Also also, that feeling when you thought a book was standalone, then find out at the absolute end that it's actually book 1 in a series?
Also also also, that feeling when you find out book 2 (of 2) is coming out in five days and become irrationally excited and immediately pre-order it?

...well, that.


A bit more... Wesley Chu came to my attention back when twitter didn't suck. He was a frequent crossposter w a few other screenwriters i followed, and i enjoyed his posts enough that when he mentioned his book was on sale i glanced at the description - wuxia based, chosen one betrayed, assassins and warriors - and grabbed it.

ART OF PROPHECY, on it's face, is not wildly original. The Asia based fantasy setting is reasonably straightforward, with conflict between the Enlightened States civilized nation, more or less capitalist Korea, and a absolutely great Mongol culture based in mobile cities roaming through huge plains of giant grass. There's a legendary and possibly immortal 'Khan' leading the 'Mongols', and a Chosen One destined to kill him. Except, the Enlightened States found the Chosen One at childhood, and trained him, and one of their greatest but very retired warriors discovered they made a complete mess of it. Then other stuff happens, the prophecies both sides have been basing their religions and cultures around go absolutely to crap, and everything goes nuts.

This book shines in two respects... the characters, and the fight scenes. There are four main POV characters. The absolute scene stealer is Taishi... a retired, crippled, woman warrior, who is still better than any ten elite warriors around. Her perspective, her choices, her cynical inner monologue, are an absolute joy to read. The other three POVs are good enough (the Chosen One) to great (the other two), but Taishi is just one of those characters that captures my attention early and holds it. The four stories all weave in and out of each other effectively. Occasionally events are a little too conveeeeeeeeenient, but in the tradition of wuxia and fantasy lit with an action focus, it's not too big a stretch. There are reasons everyone ends up where they are doing the things they do and if some of it is a bit blunt, it still works.

The other element is the action. It's VERY well written. Clear, kinetic, fast where it needs to be. If a fight is 'just' a plot point, it's brief. If it's important, you know it.
Also ... look if i've sold you on this book at all skip this part and just go read it.... otherwise... the minorest of spoilers as praise... just additional story detail really...

Spoiler

The other two POV characters are a 'Mongol' warrior, Sali, and an assassin, Qisami. At a certain point, early on, it's clear that the author is aiming to bring Taishi, Sali, and Qisami together for a fight. The way Chu does this is so skillful that ahead of it happening I was so engaged in wondering who is going to be on which side and how it was going to play out that when we got there i was driving and paused the story because i was not going to be able to drive and listen at the same time. There is action right through the book, it's all very entertaining, but this... this was near TtH finale level wild.

. I may have listened to that part a few times in a row.

And then the book ends and i'm 'hey, wait.. what...? it's NOT standalone???' and then i look and the sequel/conclusion is out on Oct 10 so that pre-order took all of five seconds.

Earbook narrator is excellent.

Worth your time and money if you're feeling a high action, low magic, great characters but not character-driven story.


Next up was going to be Sanderson's THE SUNLIT MAN but instead i'm just going to listen to podcasts or whatever til THE ART OF DESTINY dls.

[QuickTidal]

Abyss, on 25 September 2023 - 05:46 PM, said:

...
Started THE ART OF PROPHECY by Wesley Chu. One hour in, i'm completely hooked.

I have seen this title bandied about and thought it sounds right up my alley but never took the leap.

You convinced me to take the Leap sir. I salute you.

[Whisperzzzzzzz]

Finished my re-read of Butcher's The Aeronaut's Windlass. Solid fun, hoping book 2 comes out this century.

Also zipped through Tchaikovsky's The City of Last Chances. I love the setting and some of the concepts, but it all feels a bit underbaked. Like Mieville-lite, trying to be urban new weird but without the same depth. I also feel like it could habe been two books and set over a longer time period. Regardless, some cool scenes and concepts!

[Abyss]

QuickTidal, on 05 October 2023 - 03:11 PM, said:

Abyss, on 25 September 2023 - 05:46 PM, said:

...
Started THE ART OF PROPHECY by Wesley Chu. One hour in, i'm completely hooked.

I have seen this title bandied about and thought it sounds right up my alley but never took the leap.

You convinced me to take the Leap sir. I salute you.

i hope you enjoy!

[pat5150]

Whisperzzzzzzz, on 05 October 2023 - 03:21 PM, said:

Finished my re-read of Butcher's The Aeronaut's Windlass. Solid fun, hoping book 2 comes out this century.

It's coming out next month! Just finished it and it's even better than the first volume!

[QuickTidal]

FUTURISTIC VIOLENCE & FANCY SUITS by David Pargin (David Wong?)....I should note that I have NEVER read any of the John Dies books by Wong/Pargin...but I am Vibing with this book HARD....it's like Ocean's 11, meets Neuromancer, meets Mr. Deeds, meets Anti-capitalist satire all wrapped up in the often garish and glowing neon anime colours...like....this book is amazing and I'm only half-way through. Everything is cinematic AF too....like the action sequences AND the calmer ones.

If this is what all this dudes books are like, count me in man....count me WAY in.

[Tiste Simeon]

QuickTidal, on 06 October 2023 - 12:58 PM, said:

FUTURISTIC VIOLENCE & FANCY SUITS by David Pargin (David Wong?)....I should note that I have NEVER read any of the John Dies books by Wong/Pargin...but I am Vibing with this book HARD....it's like Ocean's 11, meets Neuromancer, meets Mr. Deeds, meets Anti-capitalist satire all wrapped up in the often garish and glowing neon anime colours...like....this book is amazing and I'm only half-way through. Everything is cinematic AF too....like the action sequences AND the calmer ones.

If this is what all this dudes books are like, count me in man....count me WAY in.

Is it funny and horrifying and gruesome all at once while being utterly bonkers because then yes it's just like his others!

[QuickTidal]

Tiste Simeon, on 06 October 2023 - 01:44 PM, said:

QuickTidal, on 06 October 2023 - 12:58 PM, said:

FUTURISTIC VIOLENCE & FANCY SUITS by David Pargin (David Wong?)....I should note that I have NEVER read any of the John Dies books by Wong/Pargin...but I am Vibing with this book HARD....it's like Ocean's 11, meets Neuromancer, meets Mr. Deeds, meets Anti-capitalist satire all wrapped up in the often garish and glowing neon anime colours...like....this book is amazing and I'm only half-way through. Everything is cinematic AF too....like the action sequences AND the calmer ones.

If this is what all this dudes books are like, count me in man....count me WAY in.

Is it funny and horrifying and gruesome all at once while being utterly bonkers because then yes it's just like his others!

It's not been too gruesome really (although allusions to gruesome stuff occur)...but all the other qualifiers fit the description. LOL!

[Abyss]

While waiting for Art of Destiny, i stumbled on a reco for Roger Zelazny's A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER. As it happens that's a freebie from my audible plus membership, and mere 6.5 hours. 30min in i am in love w this book. It's told from the POV of Jack the Ripper's dog. Well, sort of a dog. It's complicated. But the dog has a job and he'll help his master any way he can. And when he's not on duty he compares notes with some other not quite normal animal Familiars around London, like the cat that works for the crazy woman and the owl that works for the mad doctor and the wind thingy that works for the Count... it's great fun so far.

[QuickTidal]

Abyss, on 08 October 2023 - 04:31 AM, said:

While waiting for Art of Destiny.

It was in Indigo already yesterday. ��

EDIT: Oh and I bought THE ART OF PROPHECY in hardcover…because A. it was at the store (and with the second one coming out, who knows how long the HC will still kick around), B. The cover art is FUCKING GORGEOUS, and C. Go big or go fucking home right?

This post has been edited by QuickTidal: 08 October 2023 - 04:11 PM

[Azath Vitr (D'ivers]

A few hours into Golden Fool. Thought the audiobook narrator might have been saving his Scandinavian accents for the

Spoiler

Outislanders

---but no... he makes them German! lol

Then again he's so bad at accents that maybe that is his 'Scandinavian' accent....

[pat5150]

Finished Jim Butcher's The Olympian Affair. The author is a bit overindulgent with the cats, which creates pacing issues that had me concerned for a while. But once he gets back on track, this one is even better than The Aeronaut's Windlass.

Still too self-contained for my taste, but another fun and entertaining read.

You can find the full review here​​​​​​​.

@Abyss: Looks like it's 5.95$ on Audible, if you haven't pre-ordered it yet.

[Abyss]

pat5150, on 08 October 2023 - 07:43 PM, said:

@Abyss: Looks like it's 5.95$ on Audible, if you haven't pre-ordered it yet.

tf?

Pat all i see is $39/$46ish or 1 credit. Where are you seeing that?