[Macros]

Briar King, on 26 June 2014 - 10:02 PM, said:

Macros, on 26 June 2014 - 09:19 PM, said:

Reading revation space by Reynolds.
far from my comfort zone but interesting

This is what the past few replies have been about. Reynolds and Peter Hamilton.

Really? I had no idea, didn't purchase the book based on that conversation at all

[Salt-Man Z]

QuickTidal, on 27 June 2014 - 10:41 AM, said:

polishgenius, on 27 June 2014 - 05:23 AM, said:

I wouldn't read Galactic North the collection first anyway, but if you do, certainly don't read the actual story 'Galactic North', as that's basically the series finale.

You can read everything but the last two stories in GALACTIC NORTH and you'll be good.

You could just go ahead and try reading everything in chronological order...

[QuickTidal]

Salt-Man Z, on 27 June 2014 - 04:45 PM, said:

QuickTidal, on 27 June 2014 - 10:41 AM, said:

polishgenius, on 27 June 2014 - 05:23 AM, said:

I wouldn't read Galactic North the collection first anyway, but if you do, certainly don't read the actual story 'Galactic North', as that's basically the series finale.

You can read everything but the last two stories in GALACTIC NORTH and you'll be good.

You could just go ahead and try reading everything in chronological order...

Great Linkage-Fu!

EDIT: And GREAT WALL OF MARS is still my fave short story...and DIAMOND DOGS my fave novella.

This post has been edited by QuickTidal: 27 June 2014 - 05:38 PM

[Salt-Man Z]

Yeah, Diamond Dogs really is unforgettable.

I should mention that in the chronological list above, the short story "Monkey Suit" (which, along with The Prefect, I have yet to read) is not part of Galactic North, but can be found in Reynolds' (otherwise-non-RS) Deep Navigation collection.

This post has been edited by Salt-Man Z: 27 June 2014 - 07:36 PM

[Dolmen 2.0]

So finally finished Blindsight by Peter Watts as per several reccomendations on thread.

Phenomenal book.

Nothing really...places it. At the end there I had so much empathy for Siri Keaton, for the human condition. The psychology of the book freaks you out, it questions so many core beliefs. I have not read a single Sci-Fi story this effective in its storytelling. I used to read ALOT of Sci-Fi pre-Erikson and nothing truly compared. Peter Watts is an excellent author and I'm glad I got a hold of this book.

As an aside I'm opening the first few pages of Ex-Purgatory by Peter Clines. The zombie talk from Blindsight makes me think twice about what a Zombie apocalypse might actually mean.

This post has been edited by Dolmen Weeks: 28 June 2014 - 06:55 AM

[Andorion]

Anybody know anything about Ari Marmell? Going to start a few of his books

[JPK]

Andorion, on 28 June 2014 - 07:42 AM, said:

Anybody know anything about Ari Marmell? Going to start a few of his books

A few years back I read several of the planeswalker novels set in the world of Magic: the Gathering. Ari Marmell wrote the second one and I honestly felt that it was the weakest of them. It's possible that it was because he was playing in someone else's sandbox, but I felt that he was just very... generic. It was shallow characterization and a pretty weak plot. Again, in his defense it was a licensed work, however this was during a time that they were drawing good writers and trying to expand on the novel aspect of the lore. The following book was written by Matthew Stover (of the CoCaine fucking fame) for example.

I guess this was just a wordy way of saying that I felt he was very generic and I wasn't impressed.

[polishgenius]

Nick Harkaway has a new book out! Nick Harkaway has a new book out!

I found out about it, bought it, downloaded it, and started it within about a minute. I hope it lives up to the delight finding out about it caused me.


It's called Tigerman, by the way.

[QuickTidal]

Andorion, on 28 June 2014 - 07:42 AM, said:

Anybody know anything about Ari Marmell? Going to start a few of his books

I have tried a few times to read his stuff (two different series) and they just felt kind of meh.

[Gabriel Chase]

The Incredible Kitsu, on 28 June 2014 - 09:44 AM, said:

Andorion, on 28 June 2014 - 07:42 AM, said:

Anybody know anything about Ari Marmell? Going to start a few of his books

A few years back I read several of the planeswalker novels set in the world of Magic: the Gathering. Ari Marmell wrote the second one and I honestly felt that it was the weakest of them. It's possible that it was because he was playing in someone else's sandbox, but I felt that he was just very... generic. It was shallow characterization and a pretty weak plot. Again, in his defense it was a licensed work, however this was during a time that they were drawing good writers and trying to expand on the novel aspect of the lore. The following book was written by Matthew Stover (of the CoCaine fucking fame) for example.

I guess this was just a wordy way of saying that I felt he was very generic and I wasn't impressed.

I take it you're talking about Agents of Artifice? Yeah. Plus he made Jace a completely unlikeable dick.

[QuickTidal]

Finished Leigh Bardguo's RUIN & RISING, and it was a fitting, and wonderful end to the series! Lots of surprises I wasn't expecting.

Started TOWER LORD this morning! It's already great to be back with Vaelin Al Sorna.

[Andorion]

The Incredible Kitsu, on 28 June 2014 - 09:44 AM, said:

Andorion, on 28 June 2014 - 07:42 AM, said:

Anybody know anything about Ari Marmell? Going to start a few of his books

A few years back I read several of the planeswalker novels set in the world of Magic: the Gathering. Ari Marmell wrote the second one and I honestly felt that it was the weakest of them. It's possible that it was because he was playing in someone else's sandbox, but I felt that he was just very... generic. It was shallow characterization and a pretty weak plot. Again, in his defense it was a licensed work, however this was during a time that they were drawing good writers and trying to expand on the novel aspect of the lore. The following book was written by Matthew Stover (of the CoCaine fucking fame) for example.

I guess this was just a wordy way of saying that I felt he was very generic and I wasn't impressed.

QuickTidal, on 28 June 2014 - 10:52 AM, said:

Andorion, on 28 June 2014 - 07:42 AM, said:

Anybody know anything about Ari Marmell? Going to start a few of his books

I have tried a few times to read his stuff (two different series) and they just felt kind of meh.

Gabriel Chase, on 28 June 2014 - 11:14 AM, said:

The Incredible Kitsu, on 28 June 2014 - 09:44 AM, said:

Andorion, on 28 June 2014 - 07:42 AM, said:

Anybody know anything about Ari Marmell? Going to start a few of his books

A few years back I read several of the planeswalker novels set in the world of Magic: the Gathering. Ari Marmell wrote the second one and I honestly felt that it was the weakest of them. It's possible that it was because he was playing in someone else's sandbox, but I felt that he was just very... generic. It was shallow characterization and a pretty weak plot. Again, in his defense it was a licensed work, however this was during a time that they were drawing good writers and trying to expand on the novel aspect of the lore. The following book was written by Matthew Stover (of the CoCaine fucking fame) for example.

I guess this was just a wordy way of saying that I felt he was very generic and I wasn't impressed.

I take it you're talking about Agents of Artifice? Yeah. Plus he made Jace a completely unlikeable dick.

I read a book of his called the Abomination Vault. Seemed to be part of a larger series. Not bad, but I have read better. Currently reading Conqueror's Shadow, seems he likes to blend comic with fantasy and action. Overdoes it a bit. Reminds me a bit of David Eddings

[Kruppe's snacky cakes]

Andorion, on 28 June 2014 - 01:49 PM, said:

Currently reading Conqueror's Shadow, seems he likes to blend comic with fantasy and action. Overdoes it a bit. Reminds me a bit of David Eddings

I thought it was excellent, and it put Marmell on my short list of authors to watch for. Pulp fantasy, maybe, but very well done.

[QuickTidal]

Briar King, on 28 June 2014 - 05:07 PM, said:

Where did you get TL early?? Release date 7/1.

It was on the shelves at a random Chapters location in my city that is known to stock stuff early. I picked it up early last week.

[Jahdu]

So so jealous of you Quicktidal… can't wait to get my hands on Tower Lord. Loved Blood Song… can't wait to catch up with Vaelin,

[End of Disc One]

Heroes Fucking Die

[JPK]

Finished Prince of Fools. I think I like Jal even better than Jorgy. Plus Snorri is just plain awesome.

Starting Cibola Burn now.

[QuickTidal]

Heads up to those who are going to be reading TOWER LORD: It's done in POV chapters by character now.

Oh...and it's still hella awesome! I'm loving it already.

[Ukjent]

Doing a reread of The Darkness that comes before. I have read all the 5 books before, but I still don't know what I think of them. The writing is good and the same can be said about the setting. But Kellhus is just a massive cock and I can't stand him.

[Baco Xtath]

Dolmen Weeks, on 28 June 2014 - 06:54 AM, said:

So finally finished Blindsight by Peter Watts as per several reccomendations on thread.

Phenomenal book.

Nothing really...places it. At the end there I had so much empathy for Siri Keaton, for the human condition. The psychology of the book freaks you out, it questions so many core beliefs. I have not read a single Sci-Fi story this effective in its storytelling. I used to read ALOT of Sci-Fi pre-Erikson and nothing truly compared. Peter Watts is an excellent author and I'm glad I got a hold of this book.

As an aside I'm opening the first few pages of Ex-Purgatory by Peter Clines. The zombie talk from Blindsight makes me think twice about what a Zombie apocalypse might actually mean.

You seriously need to check out Starfish. It's also free and again delves into human psychology but this time its with abused people on the bottom of the ocean, stuck together in tight quarters. Really good stuff. Still haven't bought/read Ex-Purgatory; I'll probably wait till the next is released and back-to-back them.

polishgenius, on 28 June 2014 - 10:18 AM, said:

Nick Harkaway has a new book out! Nick Harkaway has a new book out!

I found out about it, bought it, downloaded it, and started it within about a minute. I hope it lives up to the delight finding out about it caused me.


It's called Tigerman, by the way.

This doesn't release here till the end of the month but I'm definitely looking forward to it. After Gone-Away World, I'll check out anything Harkaway puts out.

The Incredible Kitsu, on 28 June 2014 - 09:42 PM, said:

Finished Prince of Fools. I think I like Jal even better than Jorgy. Plus Snorri is just plain awesome.

Starting Cibola Burn now.

Loved Prince of Fools. Jal was hilarious and Snorri was near Bloody-Nine awesome. I liked Cibola but my inability to beat the shit out of certain fictional characters detracted from my overall enjoyment.


Finished Last Argument of Kings and Fall of Hyperion. The former was even better on the reread/listen while the latter falter on its rerun. I guess knowing the outcome fares better for some and worse for others. Now, I'm 4 hrs into Honor's Knight. The stakes just got upped to the Nth degree. Really good stuff.

This post has been edited by Baco Xtath: 28 June 2014 - 11:56 PM