The Grand Inquisitor's Manual - A History of Terror in the Name of God by Jonathan Kirsch I've read a small number of books concerning the Knights Templar and other such societies from the past but Kirsch has truly caught my attention with this book. 'A History of Terror in the Name of God' is a highly accurate description of what he has written here, and too think, we are still primitive enough to continue these acts today, yet we still have the gall to call ourselves civilized. It is to laugh.
I'm reading the first volume of Anthony Burgess's autobiography, Little Wilson and Big God. I love Burgess's writing. He has a huge vocabulary he gleefully extends by coining words as the whims take him, he's been everywhere, knows everything, has a great but subtle British sense of humor, and overflows with generosity in his prose. A wonderful writer.
How does Earthly Powers grab you? It's sat on my shelves, unread, for many years. Reading A History of God by Karen Armstrong.
I read Earthly Powers when it came out, but I remember almost nothing of it. I was reading tons of books back then and I've forgotten most of them. My impression is favorable and I want to read it again, but it's out of print now, I think. I'll have to get a copy secondhand. I wish it was available for Kindle. Coincidentally, A History of God has been sitting unread on my shelves for many years. Really! I remember buying it to read on a flight to Japan a long, long time ago, but I never got to it. Is it any good?
A Capital Crime by Laura Wilson It is part of a series and I would recommend it and both of its forerunners to anyone who like detective novels. The first two are set in London during the Second World War and A Capital Crime is set in 1950 and is loosely based on the crimes of John Christie, the serial killer. Very good in both characterisation and descriptive writing of the period.
I couldn't help myself, i picked up Brandon Sanderson's, The Way of Kings It's a huge book, and i hope its...good.
I'm about 120 pages in, hoping it will pick up. I think Kaladin's story is very interesting, but the other main plot so far makes me want to put the book down and read one of his earlier novels. He's my favourite fantasy writer, and I've liked everything else by him, but I just can't bring myself to care about Shallan. She reminds me of every other Sanderson female lead, except less interesting. I'm sure it will pick up, but so far it's been slow going.
I've never read any of his word before, so maybe i might get through it a little better. I've read a lot of lame fantasy recently. Couldnt be wiorse than Kate Elliot's, Shadow series (Shadow Gate, Shadow Traitor etc). 2 books in and still being introduced to boring characters. (only realised there will be 7 book in the series. Of which i'll never read). I know i should do more research then just pick a book up. But since taking medication, im finding reading so much fun. I get bored if i dont have something. You've had to book for a while hey, i think i remember you posting about this book before. WIll be interesting nonetheless.
I think it's the style. After Robert Jordon's 'Crossroads of Twilight,' I'm finding it harder and harder to read any book that goes longer than 700 pages. But Sanderson's first novel 'Elantris,' is excellent, the 'Mistborn' trilogy is very good especially the first and third books, and Warbreaker is a very strong novel as well, especially considering he is (or at least was) giving it away for free on his website. I think part of it is that I'm familiar with Sanderson's structure, which is a brilliant ending following hundreds of pages where the plot goes in circles. I'm sure the ending is going to be amazing, I just haven't worked up the interest to slog through the parts in between. Edit: I almost picked up the first book of the Shadow series- I will give the publisher credit for a cool cover and enticing plot blurb on the back. But then I read a chapter, and it didn't hold my interest.
1200 pages (2 books) and being introduced to character and backtracking for half a book is a major no, no in my opinion. If i like this book i got (Not love, but don't mind) I will give his early work up. His been working on his new book for, what 15-20 years. maybe he got to much leave-way, rather then harsh edit treatment. Always a possibility considering its been a big few years for him.
That's a good point, and it does seem to indulge in his excesses far more than his other books, especially 'Elantris.' Same reason why, as much as I'm looking forward to it I'm a little worried about Patrick Rothfuss's next book. It seems like he's been writing it forever.
Do you know if this, The Stormlight Archive is going to be a trilogy or something larger? I guess i should google it. But i guess i should just read it first. If your only 120 pages in, maybe it'll pick up. i mean there is another 800 pages. A scary prospect for a slow start and characters you cannot engage with. Will be interesting after i finished peter F. Hamilton's space opera, The Void Trilogy. A truly masterful piece of writing, whose characters where so colourful (esp if you'd read the Commonwealth series before hand). But it too was a huge series (5x 800 page books). i think I'll go the distance with this one. The ultimate question is, will i care to continue onwards. Will be interesting to see how long we have to wait for book two. Over the 15 years, was it this book and not the others, or has he written a large chunk or future follow ups. Interesting indeed.
I think with Shallan, it's a case of familiarity breeds contempt. With the exception of Vin from Mistborn, she's very similar to Sanderson's other female leads- from a noble family, spunky, out of place/ in a strange land, relatively orthodox in religious belief. I think I'm going to set it aside, read something else, and come back to it when I'm in the mood for a spunky, sharp-tongued, noble girl trying to find her place away from home. I have liked the female leads in all of his other books, though Vin is his best. If I can find it I'll check out The Void Trilogy. But only after I read something shorter first. Speaking of which, in interviews Sanderson has said that Stormlight Archive is supposed to be the first in a very long series.
Understood about the Void trilogy. I hope he doesn't pass away before it's finished. Hmm i have a feeling as much as I'll enjoy this. (I'm enjoying reading again). That this may turn out very flat if its so huge. Good lord. At least I'm giving his work/style a taste. Can't go wrong i suppose in trying new dishes.
Despite all my negativity about the book, he is my favourite fantasy writer, and especially in his use of magic his books are very creative, and unique. His characterisation in general is also very strong, even if he does seem to have particular archetypes he favours. Considering how fast he writes I'm confident he'll get through the whole series.
Reading Alister McGrath's The Aedyn Chronicles: The Chosen Ones for a book group. So far it seems dated, clunky, predictable and preachy. To quote XKCD, McGrath certainly knows a lot of adjectives. Unfortunately he doesn't seem to have realised yet that they actually have meanings.
Only nearing the 100 page mark so far, but quiet liking it. Shallan so far (Just got up to the second bit with her) seems so much like every male fantasy writer goes for. lol (Just read a novel not long ago with a red headed - freckle infested women - and then there was Robbin Hobbs one as well). I'm intrigued though. Seems to be alot to learn about his world. I used to worry about detail myself, but not after reading this. So much bloody stuff going on.
I actually just finished Part One tonight. If the character lineup for Part Two is anything to go by I'll probably prefer it over Part One. Sanderson is very good at world building, and it's almost intimidating how much there is to learn about this new setting already. One thing I'm getting more curious about the further I read is the Spren- at first I thought the Windspren were just a unique sort of spirit... but by page 150 or so he's referenced around a half-dozen types of Spren. Either they are one big metaphor, or maybe the setting itself is alive? Anyway, I can't place exactly why, but the last 30 pages or so have piqued my interest.
I actually just finished Part One tonight. If the character lineup for Part Two is anything to go by I'll probably prefer it over Part One. Sanderson is very good at world building, and it's almost intimidating how much there is to learn about this new setting already. One thing I'm getting more curious about the further I read is the Spren- at first I thought the Windspren were just a unique sort of spirit... but by page 150 or so he's referenced around a half-dozen types of Spren. Either they are one big metaphor, or maybe the setting itself is alive? Anyway, I can't place exactly why, but the last 30 pages or so have piqued my interest.
I am reading Dan Brown, "Deception Point." I picked it up for some easy reading and I am thouroughly enjoying it thus far. After "The Da Vinci Code" I was not really interested in reading anything else by him. I think due to the fact I enjoyed that book so much I didn't want to be diappointed by any of his other work. As it turns out, this is a pretty good read... (and I am not that far into the book.)
Loved that one! Read it not too long ago and it took my breath away at times. This book has always struck me as daunting, but having finally found the guts to start reading it, I struck myself upside the head for having waited so long! Loved that one! Read Handling the undead also, but it doesn't stand up to this one! Interesting take on zombies, but it didn't grasp me as Eli did. First time I read New Moon, I breezed through it. Is Edward coming back, How could he leave. OMG OMG OMG.. (and yes I was 25 at the time! ) but I opted for a reread a while back and it took me ages, it just didn't have the same effect twice. Reading The Stand at the moment, for the third time, but this time in a group read which makes it all the more fun. We share so many different opinions and you notice how different people have different takes and notice different details. That's what I love about those chunksters.. it's packed with so much versatility (Is that a word?) that each time you reread it another aspect comes forth. And now for me.. At the time reading Death at Intervals by José Saramago (my favourite Portuguese writer (him being the only one I know not diminishing this at all!)) and I finished The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins in little under 2 days. Very addictive read. Also read some charlaine harris.. novel 4 and 5 in the sookie stackhouse series. And the close the list.. I am Legend by Richard Matheson. I liked that one so much I persisted in my husband reading it.. and prevailed I might add! It was absolutely one of the best vampire novels I've ever read.. possibly THE best!
Quite an investment of time, 450pages. Not quite sure it's worth that. To be fair, it probably needs its chronological presentation but it loses a lot by it. It is too often a cascade of immediately forgotten names and it is a little repetitive. There might be more value in reading from chapter 9 to the end. If very pressed, the last chapter might be read on its own, with benefit. The prose is very clear.
