Sci-Fi & Fantasy Girlz discussion

If any of you ever wish to read the poll losers and discuss, then this is the place to do it. Just because they didn't get the votes doesn't mean they're not filled with awesome.

:P

Anyone read Santa Olivia? I thought it was amazing and aside from a few minor issues a great book on women, sexuality, and power dynamics.

I've only read Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, so I'm curious about Oryx and Crake.

I'll see about Santa Olivia. It does look interesting. A lot of folks are bonkers for her Kushiel books, and Kushiel's Dart has been on my "to read" list for a while. However, I have to admit, my commitment anxiety is triggered by trilogies with 1,000 page installments.... It's a frailty, I know, but I always look at something like that and wonder if my reading of it will outlast the expiration date of the milk in my 'fridge.

Santa Olivia looks more approachable.

I haven't read Kushiel's Dart yet but heard it is very different to Snata Olivia. The one thing they have in common are discussions of power structures. I think Kushiel's Dart gets into the BDSM and D/s realm, while Santa Olivia discusses power between individuals and entities in society.

I just read the poll loser The Curse of Chalion and loved it. I'm kind of sad its not one of or group reads because there is so much to it. Anyone else read it?

CHALION is surely one of the best fantasy novels of all time.

Cazaril is awesome but sometimes I though he was too perfect. I was waiting the entire time for just a little flaw but he seemed to handle everything like a proper gentleman with just enough depreciating humor to get through touch situations. Although if that's my only complaint about the novel, then it must mean I loved it!

I think his major mistake took place before the book started -- when he got into the situation that eventually got him chained on a ship. The entire book is about his working his way back from it.

Brenda wrote: "I think his major mistake took place before the book started -- when he got into the situation that eventually got him chained on a ship. The entire book is about his working his way back from it."

But even that wasn't his fault? Or am I not thinking of the right situation?

I can't recall it now in detail, but as I remember he got sucked into some conflict or other.

Brenda wrote: "I can't recall it now in detail, but as I remember he got sucked into some conflict or other."

(view spoiler)[But I thought he was chained on the ship because he was double-crossed by his commander. When they bough out the prisoners of war hi name wasn't on the list and so he was sold into slavery. I honestly don't think any of it was his fault. (hide spoiler)]

Alicja wrote: "I just read the poll loser The Curse of Chalion and loved it. I'm kind of sad its not one of or group reads because there is so much to it. Anyone else read it?"

I remember looking at the book page but currently can't put my finger down on why I didn't add it.
Skimming some reviews I guess it was the religious stuff? Hm. I might as well add it if you liked it. :)

Alicja wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I can't recall it now in detail, but as I remember he got sucked into some conflict or other."

[spoilers removed]"

Yep, that sounds right.

The plot revolves around a religion but a made up one. One of their gods is called the Bastard. And if you don't mind a small spoiler, (view spoiler)[Cazaril ends up being a host for a demon and a ghost who threaten to spring out of his gut-because that is where they reside apparently-and kill him at any moment (hide spoiler)].

The religion is a masterpiece of worldbuilding. The completely made-up faith informs the entire culture of the novel, drives significant portions of the action, and is thoroughly thought through. Have a look at the various funerals, to see what I mean.

Brenda wrote: "The religion is a masterpiece of worldbuilding. The completely made-up faith informs the entire culture of the novel, drives significant portions of the action, and is thoroughly thought through. H..."

I know I have found some religiousness in novels annoying before but this isn't. Its a fantasy and the gods are real. It's also not preachy in a way that can be paralleled with religions in our society. It is a separate world unto itself (plus, they get to grab their groins as part of a thing similar to Catholics crossing themselves). Its very interesting how she did it.

Bujold is a total master at this kind of thing.

Unfortunately not all authors get religions right. It's not so much that it gets overly annoying (sometimes it does) but more that with some novels it seems inserted as an afterthought like 'oh hey and this is everyone's religion'. To be honest, I lack the ability to believe in higher beings to begin with so made-up fantasy religions often seem kind of 'meh' to me, unless the author made a great effort to incorporate it into their story.

I hope you understand what I mean because I have a hard time explaining it. :(

shudder

Don't get me started on how badly most religions are world-built.

Oh, you mean those horrid D&D type religions, which seem to call for an enormous robed warrior priesthood without ever specifying how they are supported or what societal benefit they are offering in return for that support.

Not just D&D -- this is a topic on which I can rant for pages on end without ever once citing D&D.

I recently read a hooded warrior priesthood fantasy where the hooded warrior priesthood was the main focus of the entire plot (and done really well, the whole thing was about the corruption of power by that religion). It can be done well but sometimes it just seems like a troupe because it is expected to be there.

Time for a new thread!

Brenda wrote: "Time for a new thread!"

Got it!

World Building of Religions in Fantasy: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...