Books: The Book Review!

[Kreegah!!!]

Books are entertainment! Sometimes!

Review and discuss all of literature from instruction manuals to mystery novellas! And beyond! There is a most notable exception. Emily Bronte's works are banished from all discussion.** There is no going around it. I wrongfully implore the aid of VIZ Admins themselves to eradicate any notion of her, her works, and her supporters from this thread, and to forever banish poster responsible for the unhealthy mention.

First up, a Concise review of Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams.

It's good. Like Fantasy? Read it.


Concise.

**The Bronte Embargo is lifted. Still best to tread carefully however.



Some fast links to foreign reviewers:

Blind Uchiha on Halo: Cryptum

Cloukora on the Wheel of Time series

lolohwd on various Epics

Jutsu Junkie on The Ring of Fire series and the Conrad Stargard series for a double whammy-po-jammy
Ender's Game review
Chumped-up praise for the Sword of Truth series

Wooster on the third entry of the Riftwar series
Obama Wars explained
Gabbing about Dune
An important update

Ur Mom delights you with a review on I Am the Messenger

Raiku chimes in with the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series

mrsticky005 embarks upon a quest to review Great Expectations chapter by chapter.
Chapter List:
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten

Chidori of Death debuts with Witch Child
Spellfall

jenny declares her presence with Day of Tears

azal852 keeping us abreast of Catching Fire

LilHinataGirl dazzles us with The Glass House

Danielle's unkept promise
Half the promise kept

Nick Tasogare reveals his sinister tastes with the Old Kingdom series

animelover's triple wham-boozle

ShineeSixx tells all with a review on the Millennium Trilogy

tsuki speaks out on the Halo Franchise

Pichu reflects upon Hunger Games

Will update as necessary.

[Blind Uchiha]

I recently read Halo: Cryptum by Greg Bear and I thought it was a good read. I agree about the prefixes. Books are a form of entertainment too you illiterate people >.>

[Shikamaru Nara]

HAHAHAHAHA YOU PUT THE GAMES PREFIX LOLOLOL.

geddit? XDDD

[Kreegah!!!]

Originally Posted by Shikamaru Nara

HAHAHAHAHA YOU PUT THE GAMES PREFIX LOLOLOL.

geddit? XDDD

Yes.

Forgot about the Forerunner books. Thanks for the reminder, Blind!

Shika, cheeky as always.

But there was no choice!!

[Cloukora]

The Wheel of Time=awesomeness

[lolohwd]

the illiad the odessey
and the divine comedy


they are all great. some of the best books ive every read. epic poems ftw

[Jutsu Junkie]

The Ring of Fire series by Eric Flint. If you like time travel/alternate history stuff, it's right up your alley. It's about a fictional West Virginian town that gets transported to Germany during the 30 Years War (1632, which is the title of the first book). It's really good, and it makes you understand just how lucky we are to live in this century.

A similar but less well-executed series would be the Conrad Stargard series by Leo Frankowski; it's good, but the easily offended would take exception to it, and while the engineering is correct, his history is off. Most people wouldn't know his name, but he got rich enough to build a "castle" in Russia.

[Kreegah!!!]

Originally Posted by Jutsu Junkie

The Ring of Fire series by Eric Flint. If you like time travel/alternate history stuff, it's right up your alley. It's about a fictional West Virginian town that gets transported to Germany during the 30 Years War (1632, which is the title of the first book). It's really good, and it makes you understand just how lucky we are to live in this century.

A similar but less well-executed series would be the Conrad Stargard series by Leo Frankowski; it's good, but the easily offended would take exception to it, and while the engineering is correct, his history is off. Most people wouldn't know his name, but he got rich enough to build a "castle" in Russia.

Eric Flint's was unknown to me. Frankowski's I read. My uncle was selling off books to make space and I saw the boxed set of (I think) 3 stories in that series. As you said, not perfect, but certainly enjoyable. Loved the part where he gets a decent blade but gets too smart for his own good and misses the armor.

[Wooster]

Silverthron by Raymond Feist.

Third Book in the Riftwar series.

Tis alright, but Feist's wrting style while serviceable is never gripping. He has not once turned a phrase that caused to me stop reading for a moment and just beam from the inside. Certainly this is not the style book such as one by P.G. Wodehouse where that happens once a minute, but it still can be done in Fantasy. See The Name of the Wind.

Well enough with the writing style, what about the story? Sadly this is where it falls flat even in the series. I understand that this is a penultimate book for the Grand final to come, but think of it this way. The Empire Strikes Back: amazing movie right? What if the entire movie was only rescuing Han and there was no Leia in that servant girls leotard. Quite dull, no? The conclusion was obvious from the beginning and really not that exciting in it's execution This entire book should have been the first ten chapters of a much better one, no more.

I just don't think Feist is the author for me sadly. Not to offend his fans as he certainly much better than most fantasy writers and in writing style vastly superior even to Robert Jordan, (yes I know, low bar) but I need more than is here.

Wooster out.

[Kreegah!!!]

Originally Posted by Wooster

Silverthron by Raymond Feist.

Third Book in the Riftwar series.

Tis alright, but Feist's wrting style while serviceable is never gripping. He has not once turned a phrase that caused to me stop reading for a moment and just beam from the inside. Certainly this is not the style book such as one by P.G. Wodehouse where that happens once a minute, but it still can be done in Fantasy. See The Name of the Wind.

Well enough with the writing style, what about the story? Sadly this is where it falls flat even in the series. I understand that this is a penultimate book for the Grand final to come, but think of it this way. The Empire Strikes Back: amazing movie right? What if the entire movie was only rescuing Han and there was no Leia in that servant girls leotard. Quite dull, no? The conclusion was obvious from the beginning and really not that exciting in it's execution This entire book should have been the first ten chapters of a much better one, no more.

I just don't think Feist is the author for me sadly. Not to offend his fans as he certainly much better than most fantasy writers and in writing style vastly superior even to Robert Jordan, (yes I know, low bar) but I need more than is here.

Wooster out.

2 things:

Feist is too close to Faust.

Word/phrase-grippery is indeed a must. (When words are present, of course)





I've not yet read a Robert Jordan work, but is he really worse than Terry Goodkind??

Always hard (for me) to recommend authors, but for fantasy, maybe give Tad Williams or the many-voiced but perhaps mono-toned Steven Erikson a try.

That last description only seems incomprehensible until you read his stuff.


I'm happy for the attention this thread is getting. Kinda surprised no one thought to do it before, including Nabbers, of whom I was inspired to make said thread.


One last note, Thread is "Book Review" so do not feel intimidated by the heap of Fantasy offerings should the genre not be to your taste. You can review car repair manuals if you like, or even baby picture books. Can't speak for Mods, but I'd allow a modicum of silliness. After all, I left the title wide-open for everyone to enjoy. So don't be shy!


Unless you're a Bronte-lover.

[Jutsu Junkie]

Originally Posted by Kreegah!

Eric Flint's was unknown to me. Frankowski's I read. My uncle was selling off books to make space and I saw the boxed set of (I think) 3 stories in that series. As you said, not perfect, but certainly enjoyable. Loved the part where he gets a decent blade but gets too smart for his own good and misses the armor.

Yeah, he misses a lot, especially concerning the women in his life. But it was really fun to read. Flint is still better, though. The ramifications of a gun-loving West Virginian town transported to ancient Europe -- he squeezes every bit out of it.

Originally Posted by Wooster

Silverthron by Raymond Feist.

Third Book in the Riftwar series.

Tis alright, but Feist's wrting style while serviceable is never gripping. He has not once turned a phrase that caused to me stop reading for a moment and just beam from the inside. Certainly this is not the style book such as one by P.G. Wodehouse where that happens once a minute, but it still can be done in Fantasy. See The Name of the Wind.

Well enough with the writing style, what about the story? Sadly this is where it falls flat even in the series. I understand that this is a penultimate book for the Grand final to come, but think of it this way. The Empire Strikes Back: amazing movie right? What if the entire movie was only rescuing Han and there was no Leia in that servant girls leotard. Quite dull, no? The conclusion was obvious from the beginning and really not that exciting in it's execution This entire book should have been the first ten chapters of a much better one, no more.

I just don't think Feist is the author for me sadly. Not to offend his fans as he certainly much better than most fantasy writers and in writing style vastly superior even to Robert Jordan, (yes I know, low bar) but I need more than is here.

Wooster out.

And yet you did stick it out until book three. I think Feist's characterization and plot are very good. And while it's not always an indication of the quality of his craftsmanship, he is both critically acclaimed and rich. I had a lot of fun following Pug through the sweep of his whole story, and if you haven't reached the Serpent Queen series, the plotting gets really good.

.....

One of my favorite books is Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card. This man has characterization down pat. The book is about a kid named Andrew Wiggin (Ender, as his sister called him) who is recruited/coerced into the defense of Earth from aliens called Buggers. He attends a space academy, where he is trained to be an officer. There are some here who don't like it, but almost everyone I know who has read it loves the book. Card is a prolific writer, and he writes contemporary fantasy too; you may want to check out Lost Boys, if you can handle emotional tragedies involving children. The book gives you a bit of insight into the LDS faith as well, if you are curious about such things. Magic Street, a book about a young black kid in LA hunted by magic creatures because of his unique nature, is also a good read.

[Ur Mom]

Has anybody read I am the messenger by Mark Zuzak?

It's really good, it was an unrequired book to read over the Summer, and quite frankly, it's one of the best books the school has given to me that is AWESOME in a LONG time. It's probably been a good 1 and a half years since I was in a SCHOOL GIVEN BOOK to the point I read it ALL in one day, the last one was The Odyssey which I read in 2 days. It's nothing religious, but it's actually quite the opposite. Consider reading it.

It's basically a story of a nobody becoming a somebody through his morals and actions with society, it's really touching. And if you DO get to read it, let me just tell you the guy at the end who "killed his father" is none other than ZUZAK HIMSELF. Read this AFTER reading the book and you'll understand

Originally Posted by Jutsu Junkie

Yeah, he misses a lot, especially concerning the women in his life. But it was really fun to read. Flint is still better, though. The ramifications of a gun-loving West Virginian town transported to ancient Europe -- he squeezes every bit out of it.



And yet you did stick it out until book three. I think Feist's characterization and plot are very good. And while it's not always an indication of the quality of his craftsmanship, he is both critically acclaimed and rich. I had a lot of fun following Pug through the sweep of his whole story, and if you haven't reached the Serpent Queen series, the plotting gets really good.

.....

One of my favorite books is Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card. This man has characterization down pat. The book is about a kid named Andrew Wiggin (Ender, as his sister called him) who is recruited/coerced into the defense of Earth from aliens called Buggers. He attends a space academy, where he is trained to be an officer. There are some here who don't like it, but almost everyone I know who has read it loves the book. Card is a prolific writer, and he writes contemporary fantasy too; you may want to check out Lost Boys, if you can handle emotional tragedies involving children. The book gives you a bit of insight into the LDS faith as well, if you are curious about such things. Magic Street, a book about a young black kid in LA hunted by magic creatures because of his unique nature, is also a good read.

I think I said this a long time ago, but I HATED Ender's Game, but no need to re-discuss that

[Err]

lol, books? Why not.

[Jutsu Junkie]

Originally Posted by Ur Mom

Has anybody read I am the messenger by Mark Zuzak?

It's really good, it was an unrequired book to read over the Summer, and quite frankly, it's one of the best books the school has given to me that is AWESOME in a LONG time. It's probably been a good 1 and a half years since I was in a SCHOOL GIVEN BOOK to the point I read it ALL in one day, the last one was The Odyssey which I read in 2 days. It's nothing religious, but it's actually quite the opposite. Consider reading it.

I think I said this a long time ago, but I HATED Ender's Game, but no need to re-discuss that

Yeah, you were the one I was talking about. LOL

Never heard of Zuzak. I'll give him a try.

Originally Posted by Err

lol, books? Why not.

Novel concept, ain't it?

[Ur Mom]

Originally Posted by Jutsu Junkie

Yeah, you were the one I was talking about. LOL

Never heard of Zuzak. I'll give him a try.



Novel concept, ain't it?

Yeah, figured >,>

/adding into post
It's basically a story of a nobody becoming a somebody through his morals and actions with society, it's really touching. And if you DO get to read it, let me just tell you the guy at the end who "killed his father" is none other than ZUZAK HIMSELF. Read this AFTER reading the book and you'll understand

[Wooster]

Originally Posted by Kreegah!

2 things:

Feist is too close to Faust.

Word/phrase-grippery is indeed a must. (When words are present, of course)


I've not yet read a Robert Jordan work, but is he really worse than Terry Goodkind??

Always hard (for me) to recommend authors, but for fantasy, maybe give Tad Williams or the many-voiced but perhaps mono-toned Steven Erikson a try.

That last description only seems incomprehensible until you read his stuff.


I'm happy for the attention this thread is getting. Kinda surprised no one thought to do it before, including Nabbers, of whom I was inspired to make said thread.


One last note, Thread is "Book Review" so do not feel intimidated by the heap of Fantasy offerings should the genre not be to your taste. You can review car repair manuals if you like, or even baby picture books. Can't speak for Mods, but I'd allow a modicum of silliness. After all, I left the title wide-open for everyone to enjoy. So don't be shy!


Unless you're a Bronte-lover.

Yes just a change in a couple of vowels. Yes, wordless books are not my cup of tea. I don't know Terrry Goodkind so I cannot say. I will check it out.

Originally Posted by Jutsu Junkie

And yet you did stick it out until book three. I think Feist's characterization and plot are very good. And while it's not always an indication of the quality of his craftsmanship, he is both critically acclaimed and rich. I had a lot of fun following Pug through the sweep of his whole story, and if you haven't reached the Serpent Queen series, the plotting gets really good.

Becuase I am stubborn. I don't know about that. I can barely tell how one character will act from another. Plot was better in the prior book(books). He is, but so was Robert Jordan. Of course, I think Jordan's story is great, but his writing is atrocious at times. Feist never leaves me feeling like that at least. There is no way I am going beyond book four.

[Jutsu Junkie]

Originally Posted by Wooster

Becuase I am stubborn. I don't know about that. I can barely tell how one character will act from another. Plot was better in the prior book(books). He is, but so was Robert Jordan. Of course, I think Jordan's story is great, but his writing is atrocious at times. Feist never leaves me feeling like that at least. There is no way I am going beyond book four.

Hmm. Well, he can't win 'em all. But that leaves me wondering what books you like, because it would help me know whether Goodkind is a good fit. I liked them, but I know many who did not. I will say that his Sword of Truth series is a rehash of a famous scifi story in fantasy format (won't spoil it by telling you which one). If he knew I called his work "fantasy" he'd release the hounds! He is an arch Randroid, so if you have run afoul of objectivists before, don't read his personal ravings. It will only annoy you. Even so, I feel lucky that I joined his website's forum years ago. I met a lot of good people.

[Wooster]

Originally Posted by Jutsu Junkie

Hmm. Well, he can't win 'em all. But that leaves me wondering what books you like, because it would help me know whether Goodkind is a good fit. I liked them, but I know many who did not. I will say that his Sword of Truth series is a rehash of a famous scifi story in fantasy format (won't spoil it by telling you which one). If he knew I called his work "fantasy" he'd release the hounds! He is an arch Randroid, so if you have run afoul of objectivists before, don't read his personal ravings. It will only annoy you. Even so, I feel lucky that I joined his website's forum years ago. I met a lot of good people.

Rand huh? I could stomach The Fountainhead, but I gave up in about 20 pages into the speech in Atlas Shrugged.

So I don't know.

[Jutsu Junkie]

Well, elements of her philosophy come through, but I won't say he smacks you over the head with it all the time. Really, it's a lot of individualism vs. collectivism stuff, I suppose, although much of that doesn't become clear until later. For me it started failing with book six (I think), called Faith of the Fallen. Like you, I got stubborn and read to the end, but I consider the first five books to be the core of the series. Later on his writing became more efficient, but he became dogmatic and pedagogical -- severely so. But don't let that prevent you from at least trying it out. You might be surprised.

[Ur Mom]

Just my 2 cents: The second book was kind of un-needed in the way it was going