Flights of Fantasy discussion

Let us know what you're reading this month!

(Please link titles, not cover art, for the sake of mobile users.)

I'm currently digging into A Closed and Common Orbit. I'm about 1/3 of the way in and so far I don't like it nearly as much as The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, but it's not bad and there is still plenty of time for it to get better.

I'm also doing a re-read of The Black Prism in anticipation of finally reading the last book in the series, which came out last month, The Blood Mirror. I'm doing my re-read via audio, and am happy to report that they just released the entire series with a new narrator (Simon Vance). The original narrator (Whoever McWhoeverpants) was horrible and made me want to hurt people. Simon Vance is amazing and I'm loving his narration so far.

I am reading Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul.

I keep meaning to pick up a fiction title (I have a whole bunch checked out of the library), but, for some reason, I have been having trouble making myself read.

This month I will be concentrating on WWI for my World History class. We have 9 reading assignments, 5 videos to watch, plus an interactive timeline and 5 power points to review. We also have an essay to write and everything must be completed in the next 15 days. She meant to give us the assignments 2 weeks ago - she put it up yesterday after I reminded her.

Not sure what's up next in Ethics (we're completing the Ethics of Virtue this week), but I have to start my outline for the 8 to 10-page term paper due by the beginning of December.

I didn't get through my October books. My reading has been really off lately...

So I'm still slowly making my way through Ghosts by Gaslight: Stories of Steampunk and Supernatural Suspense. I don't have a great history with short story collections, so I'm not sure why I keep trying... but some of the stories have been pretty good.

I'm going away this weekend, so I'm not expecting a huge amount of reading to get done again.


Oh, I also recently finished End of Watch. I've liked this trilogy, overall, and the ending of this book was really good - but the build up was kinda painfully slow, Uncle Stevie. And repetitive. My gods, why was it so repetitive?

My reading has been off, too.

I need to catch up! Still reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is quite good and very moving at times.

Reading Ghosts a few days ago was a wonderful break from academic reading.
I'm now reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2, but this first act has been quite depressing so far (similar to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix).

I put Cursed Child on the back burner. It's just too annoying for me right now.

I read The Tales of Beedle the Bard this morning, and I am now halfway through Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies.

Well, I finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which I think is good more for the journey than for the destination.

I'm reading Soul Music. Hopefully, I'll be able to get to Hogfather by Christmas.

I realized that we were several books behind on our Discworld reads for the year, so I started Moving Pictures.

I'm mostly reading Lightspeed Magazine, June 2014: Women Destroy Science Fiction! Special Issue which is a mixed bag (as are all anthologies) but there are some simply wonderful works in it.

Sometimes I get to the end of the story and I'm offended a new one wants to start, lol.

There are (so far) a few unsettling ones as well. And a couple I couldn't care less about but still...a worthy read.

I'm also annoyed that my library is taking for fucking ever to get A Criminal Magic for me. It'll be freaking December by the time I get it, at this rate.

Apparently ranting works sometimes. I just got a call from the library that my books are in. ^_^

:-D

:-D

I've completed and enjoyed all 3 of the Pottermore Presents short story collections. It was wonderful returning to the world of wizards, witches, magic and more. I love how J.K writes about that universe, she seems just as fascinated by it as her readers. This might even motivate to try Cursed Child again...but not now, not yet.

I am hoping to begin our November group read, Flashforward, either today or tomorrow.

I have a lot of school work to get through first, but I'm having trouble motivating myself to do it. This always seems to happen right after I take a test or quiz like I did this morning.

Started reading Something Wicked This Way Comes yesterday and I'm enjoying it so far.

This morning I changed gears and read She Commands Me and I Obey, a short story prequel in Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch sci-fi series, which was published online by Strange Horizons. A three-star read.

I've been devouring the Dresden Files and finished the last one, Skin Game, about a week ago. Now I have to wait until Jim Butcher finishes another one :-(
So I bought a couple of short stories books ( Side Jobs: Stories From the Dresden Files for starters, I'm already threequarters done with it) featuring Harry Dresden stories.

It's always busy at work in November and December, plus all the usual preparations for Christmas and family, so I thought I will probably read a lot on commute trains and busses, so a couple of short stories books would be a good choice.
I got some of the Blood Lite II: Overbitecompilations and some similar to those, also a short story collection of the Disc World called Legends 1, edited by Robert Silverberg, because I am a huge Discworld-Fan :)

I still have about 8 books I bought in Summer and haven't read yet, but they don't "feel" right, at the moment, if you know what I mean. It's like chocolate pudding with whipped cream or ice cream, tastes great, but not for breakfast at 6 am. I'm just not in the mood for them right now.

I want about 10 more Dresden Files books ^^ and 10 more Iron Druid Chronicles books ^^ and the third book of the Kingkiller Chronicles, which Patrick Rothfuss refuses to finish, aaargh!

But since times are what they are, I'm probably gonna finish off 2016 with a couple of short stories books, I guess.

The Dresden Files is one of my favorite series!! I love meeting other fans.

I'm still reading Flashforward and I'm about halfway through at this point. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a particular couple!

I read the first two books in the Dresden series. I loved the first book, Storm Front, but I thought the second book, Fool Moon, somewhat formulaic and aspects of the story just silly. However, I've been told that series does improve a lot after this.

Greg wrote: "I read the first two books in the Dresden series. I loved the first book, Storm Front, but I thought the second book, Fool Moon, somewhat formulaic and aspects of the story just silly. However, I've been told that series does improve a lot after this."

It certainly does! Book 4, Summer Knight, is my first favorite. That's the one that hooked me in for good. It's funny, book 3, 4, or 5 seems to be the "deciding book" for a lot of people.

Greg wrote: "I read the first two books in the Dresden series. I loved the first book, Storm Front, but I thought the second book, Fool Moon, somewhat formulaic and aspects of the..."

I felt the same way, Greg. But, the story does improve although yes, there are some parts that are still formulaic.

So Fool Moon was merely a kind of dip in quality of an otherwise good series? If so, then I look forward to getting back into the Dresden Files. :)

Nicki wrote: "Greg wrote: "So Fool Moon was merely a kind of dip in quality of an otherwise good series? If so, then I look forward to getting back into the Dresden Files. :)"

I read the first ten Dresden books..."

Ah good. So it is just Fool Moon that's the problem!

Mostly weird fiction and horror for the last month or so. Both of Philip Fracassi's novellas, about 50 pages each, were very interesting, and I've rekindled my love of Thomas Ligotti's short stories too. Also a few dystopias, Sarah Hall's The Carhullan Army was fantastic, and I finally got around to Brave New World - also very good.

well, I wouldn't say that Fool Moon is such a problem *g* but the other books are better, yes. I really liked Dead Beat, Turncoat and Changes, but I'm a big fan of the whole series. The Iron Druid Chronicles, too, I can never make up my mind which one I like better.

I have also been re-reading old favorites in part, because when you have read a book, you know your favorite passages ^^ and I just like to re-visit them.

Now I gotta say those short stories books are nice, but somehow unsatisfying. Also the one titled Legends 1 with a typical Terry Pratchett cover only has one Discworld Story, the others are other types of fantasy. I didn't know that.


I bought "A discovery of witches", because it had good ratings and sounded interesting, but I'm really tired of typical heroines or dramatic love stories. I really dislike "smoldering eyes" and "haunting looks" and things like "she should have known better, but her feelings overwhelmed her and she sank into his strong arms" ... :( it totally ruins a book for me.

I read a couple of those shmaltzy romantic books when I was a teenager ^^ and found nothing wrong with them *gg* but nowadays it just bores me so completely, that I even might abandon a book if there is too much of it in it, even if the rest is nice.

Tonight I'm going to finish the last few pages of "Side Jobs" and I'm really not sure which book I should read next ... maybe I'll go back to my fantasy roots and immerse myself again in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover. I still haven't finished Stormqueen (because I only have this as an e-book on my kindle, not as a real book) ... hmm.

Just out of curiosity, is there anything out there that is similar to either the Dresden Files or the Iron Druid Chronicles?

Yavanna wrote: "Just out of curiosity, is there anything out there that is similar to either the Dresden Files or the Iron Druid Chronicles? ..."

Try the Black Sun's Daughter series by M.L.N. Hanover (aka Daniel Abraham). It starts with Unclean Spirits

My desire to complete the last 20 pages of Flashforward is currently warring with my need to work on the 5-page term paper from my Ethics class. And the term paper is warring with the umpteen pages that I have to read for my World History class. *Sigh*

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2 is on definite, indefinite hold and will not be read this year as originally planned.

I hope, instead, to read The Windup Girl after finishing Flashforward.

Flashforward has been warring with school for me too, and losing...

Also been working on The Fireman and Rosemary and Rue. That last one is an audiobook I've been listening to for 2 months. And it's only 11 hours.

I've been working my way through HP. I've just started Deathly Hallows. God I love these books. I'm excited to read the short stories after.

I'm also very interested in the group reads for December so hopefully one is on audible.

Felina wrote: "I've been working my way through HP. I've just started Deathly Hallows. God I love these books. I'm excited to read the short stories after. "

The Harry Potter series is a wonderful gift! I kind of wish that I'd ignored the play. Even that, however, cannot ruin the magic that are the original 7 books of Harry Potter.

The short stories, which are more mini-biographies and background info, are a lot of fun too.

Chris wrote: "Flashforward has been warring with school for me too, and losing..."

What are you studying?

Health Information Technology.

I just finished up my Legal Aspects of Healthcare class yesterday, which has a lot of ethics thrown in.

Chris wrote: "Health Information Technology.

I just finished up my Legal Aspects of Healthcare class yesterday, which has a lot of ethics thrown in."

So you would be writing software for healthcare facilities?

That's a possible career path. But no, I'll be concentrating on the medical coding & billing field.

Chris wrote: "That's a possible career path. But no, I'll be concentrating on the medical coding & billing field."

Ah! Okay. Cool!

I wish you great success!

Thanks! You too

Chris wrote: "Thanks! You too"

Thank you! :) Although the more I sub, the more I question my sanity about becoming a teacher. lol

I am about 3/4 of the way through Sleeping Giants. It's an engaging read (concept is really cool), and the interview format is different.

I've been working through 'Salem's Lot for a while now. I really like it (despite some hard to read child abuse scenes), but it's just slow going. Work has been busy since I got back from maternity leave, and when I try to read in bed at home I just fall asleep. I need to get back to reading more! There's so much I want to read!

I've been feeling a little down and havent really gotten any good reading in. Mostly just re-reads and trashy romances (they require 0 brain power).

MrsJoseph wrote: "I've been feeling a little down and haven't really gotten any good reading in. Mostly just re-reads and trashy romances (they require 0 brain power)."

(((Hugs))) Will it help your mood to recommend a good brainless, trashy read to a friend!?!

*Points at self ;)

It took a few tries but I've finally started The Windup Girl. Unfortunately, it's also finals time for me, so I haven't been able to get very far. I just need a couple of solid hours of reading time so that I can really dig in.

I know that feel, too.

(((hugs)))

So, the best trashy romance I've read lately is hilarious and I LOVED it that I've read it a billion times. When He Was Bad - the first story only. OMG. The heroine is incredibly smart and has a tendency to tell people what she thinks of them, etc. [One of] My favorite scene(s):

(view spoiler)[ “Would you like to join us, my dear?”

Uncle Verner stared down at them with a damn annoying smirk on his face. Christ, is that the look Irene always accuses me of having? No wonder she’s so pissed off when I do it.

“Join you?” Irene asked, pulling her hand away from Van’s.

“In a friendly game of Risk.” He motioned to the table two of his other uncles had set up.

Irene shook her head. “I don’t think you want to do that, sir.” It was the way she said it that had most of the family turning around to look at them.

“I don’t?” Verner questioned, his smirk never leaving.

“You don’t. Perhaps Monopoly or Life.”

“Are you afraid?” Volker questioned while sitting at the table and getting comfortable.

“No. But I have incredible luck with dice and I am ruthless. You will lose, gentlemen. I will destroy your lands, take your women, ravish your men, and make your children my slave labor. I will own every castle, house, and farm that is within my reach. I won’t be satisfied until I own all of it and you. I will destroy you all, gentlemen, and, to be quite blunt, I don’t think you can handle it.”

Van covered his mouth to keep from laughing out loud and he didn’t dare look at his sister. Verner stepped back, motioning to the table. “Now I must insist.”

“As you wish.” Irene sighed and stood. She glanced at Van and gave him a quick wink before turning back to his uncle. “I do hope you’re a ‘sobber,’ Mr. Van Holtz. Nothing I love more than the lamenting of the men I annihilate.”

. . .

“I can’t believe you made him cry.”

“I did not. He just teared up a little.”

“Yeah. I think it was when you told him, ‘I now control your ports and own your manhood.’ ” (hide spoiler)]

Other than that, the best trash is suppppppper trashy. It's Jordan Silver's Talon's Heart. OMG. It's...terrible. It's OMGWTFBBQ!!!!! It's...cracklicious. The writing is atrocious. The grammar is terrible. The characterizations are mostly terrible. Some of the scenes are NOTHING but eye rolls. And the heroine is basically a non-entity. You do not read Silver for anything but the batshit crazy heroes. And the dude in this one is...amazing. He's insane and so is his family and they are all ride or die. So much fun (once my eyes uncross and unroll). Oh. And skip the terrible sex scenes.

That scene! LOL

Have you read the rest of the Magnus Pack (*snort*) series?

As for Talon's Heart - How can I read a trashy novel while leaving out the actual trash?

I started Goldenhand last night, but I'm not very far in.

I was a bit worried going in, 'cause Clariel was fairly terrible... but it seems ok so far.

Early days yet, though.

Nyssa, your comment has me laughing LOUD. Heh. Mrs. Joseph, I love your description of Talon's Heart. But I won't be reading it ever. Heh. Thanks for the warning disguised as a recommendation. Again LOL.

Tessa wrote: "Nyssa, your comment has me laughing LOUD. Heh. Mrs. Joseph, I love your description of Talon's Heart. But I won't be reading it ever. Heh. Thanks for the warning disguised as a recommendation. Agai..."


lol!

It's only a rec if you like WTFery reads. This one is really like watching (reading) a total train wreck.

Nyssa wrote: "That scene! LOL

Have you read the rest of the Magnus Pack (*snort*) series?

As for Talon's Heart - How can I read a trashy novel while leaving out the actual trash?"


I'm stuck on book 2. I was cool with #1 but 2 isn't doing it for me.

Thank you, Tessa! :)

Aww, Mrs. J. I'm sorry it's a dud.

Will search for trash elsewhere, I guess. Although, at the rate The Windup Girl if going, I may not even have time for anything else.