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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Undeadite on Jul 16, 2008, 09:14:29 PM

Title: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 16, 2008, 09:14:29 PM
There may be a thread of this nature already but I cant find it. The question is simple, what books are you reading at the moment, what are they about, and would you recommend them to anyone?

Right now im in between two books, Dead Lines by John Skipp and Craig Spector and Book of the Dead by Jamie Russel. Dead Lines is about a guy who hangs himself and the effects this has on himself and others around him. Im only a couple chapters in, and its supposed to have a supernatural feel to it, so I cant wait to find out the entire plot.

Book of the Dead is a chronological history/study on zombie horror films. Starting with the emergence of the zombi myth from Haiti in America and ending with modern films like Shawn of the Dead (it came out a couple years ago so there isnt anything more recent than that), it details in depth this niche in horror. I was not expecting such a thurough analysis, and cant put it down!

Dead Lines is very dark, so people with sunny dispositions probably wouldnt like it, and Book of the Dead is amazing but only worth it if you really like zombies and the deeper meanings behind them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Jul 17, 2008, 01:09:28 AM
I've just recently moved and while unpacking, I discovered that I still own If We Can Keep a Severed Head Alive...Discorporation and U.S. Patent 4,666,425 (http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Severed-Head-Alive-Discorporation-Patent/dp/0942287029/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216256679&sr=1-2) by Chet Fleming. The book is about whether or not it is ethical to keep a head alive if it was separated from its body. It's a neat book that I love to leave out on the coffee table for guests to discover.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: sweeteyes on Jul 17, 2008, 01:41:47 AM
Quote from: maledoro on Jul 17, 2008, 01:09:28 AM
I've just recently moved and while unpacking, I discovered that I still own If We Can Keep a Severed Head Alive...Discorporation and U.S. Patent 4,666,425 (http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Severed-Head-Alive-Discorporation-Patent/dp/0942287029/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216256679&sr=1-2) by Chet Fleming. The book is about whether or not it is ethical to keep a head alive if it was separated from its body. It's a neat book that I love to leave out on the coffee table for guests to discover.

Omg... :-\

Anyway, Im reading The Mist...altho Ive been a bit slack and havnt picked it up in a few days...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Alienseseses on Jul 17, 2008, 01:51:59 AM
Been reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" and "Goodbye Columbus". Both required for school in the fall.
Finished the first, will start the latter.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: rocknweird on Jul 17, 2008, 04:24:55 AM
right now I'm reading "hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy" I've seen the movie and my buddy raved about the book so I'm burning through, its pretty good, though (no offense to purists) I kinda got the idea straight from the movie

I'm also reading Bob Dylan's autobiography

and "self reliance" by ralph waldo Emmerson, highly suggest it for anyone who has any doubts about themselves, freaking brilliant though short
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Jul 17, 2008, 10:23:27 AM
Quote from: rocknweird on Jul 17, 2008, 04:24:55 AM
right now I'm reading "hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy" I've seen the movie and my buddy raved about the book so I'm burning through, its pretty good, though (no offense to purists) I kinda got the idea straight from the movie
You should read Venus on the Half-Shell by Kilgore Trout (actually written by Philip José Farmer). A lot of it was lifted by Adams for HGTTG.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: WisePredator on Jul 17, 2008, 11:10:10 AM
Well, a few days ago I finished reading I Am Legend, I'm now on Tyrannosaur Canyon. I'm thinking of reading an Asimov book after Tyrannosaur Canyon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 17, 2008, 05:25:37 PM
Good idea, Asimov is one of my favs.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: §niperhawk on Jul 17, 2008, 05:52:44 PM
I'm currently reading the twilight series. they are actually pretty good. i was forced to read them by my girlfriend and was surprised to find that i like them
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jul 17, 2008, 07:25:45 PM
I was reading AvP Omnibus Volume 2.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: WisePredator on Jul 17, 2008, 08:17:29 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Jul 17, 2008, 05:25:37 PM
Good idea, Asimov is one of my favs.
I want to read I, Robot, but I've only got Pebble in the Sky. :(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Simbobs12345 on Jul 17, 2008, 08:23:47 PM
I'm reading Predator: Flesh and Blood. And "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury. Currently, he is one of my fav Sc- Fi writers.
Alos just recently finished the novelization of Jaws. THAT was pretty good ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: B-Rad G on Jul 17, 2008, 10:25:44 PM
My friend of mine from Texas send me all four space odessey books. I'm reading the second book now!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 17, 2008, 11:56:58 PM
Quote from: Simbobs12345 on Jul 17, 2008, 08:23:47 PM
I'm reading Predator: Flesh and Blood. And "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury. Currently, he is one of my fav Sc- Fi writers.
Alos just recently finished the novelization of Jaws. THAT was pretty good ;D

Did you read the novelization or Peter Benchley's novel?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Simbobs12345 on Jul 18, 2008, 12:29:03 AM
Sorry I meant Peter Benchley's novel. My mind was wandering earlier :D But yeah, Peter Benchley is a very good writer. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rafael S. on Jul 18, 2008, 12:33:41 AM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Jul 17, 2008, 07:25:45 PM
I was reading AvP Omnibus Volume 2.

That's an awful read. Most of the book is full of Deadliest of the Species crap.
Get the first volume. It's a kickass read.  8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 18, 2008, 12:34:39 AM
Yeah, the first omnibus is where its at.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rafael S. on Jul 18, 2008, 12:50:52 AM
I currently want to grab Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns for a read, but I guess I'll buy them both at Comic - Con.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Major Alan Schaefer on Jul 18, 2008, 12:55:52 AM
I'm currently reading "the Stranger" by Albert Camus for school

When I'm done I plan to read "IT" by Stephen King
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rafael S. on Jul 18, 2008, 01:08:07 AM
Quote from: Major Alan Schaefer on Jul 18, 2008, 12:55:52 AM
I'm currently reading "the Stranger" by Albert Camus for school

When I'm done I plan to read "IT" by Stephen King

Much better than the movie, I must say. The novel is creepier and darker.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Jul 19, 2008, 06:02:34 AM
Trying to find the book called S.T.A.L.K.E.R, more of a side story of the game Stalker Shadow of Chernobyl.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eidotemit on Jul 19, 2008, 06:28:13 AM
I'm currently reading Tai-Pan. Its one of those books I should have read ages ago, but never got around to. I felt like such a bum for not having read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 19, 2008, 11:32:30 AM
Quote from: Major Alan Schaefer on Jul 18, 2008, 12:55:52 AM
I'm currently reading "the Stranger" by Albert Camus for school

When I'm done I plan to read "IT" by Stephen King

I loved the stranger! It really spoke to the absurdist in me lol.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Major Alan Schaefer on Jul 19, 2008, 06:41:50 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Jul 19, 2008, 11:32:30 AM
Quote from: Major Alan Schaefer on Jul 18, 2008, 12:55:52 AM
I'm currently reading "the Stranger" by Albert Camus for school

When I'm done I plan to read "IT" by Stephen King

I loved the stranger! It really spoke to the absurdist in me lol.
Yes, I've been enjoying it even thought it was forced Also I should mention I just Finished The Once and Future King for school. Great book but it drags a little at places. The overall story is magnificant
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: PHANTOM on Jul 19, 2008, 06:54:46 PM
AVP Omnibus 1

In the middle of reading Eternal 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AVP66 on Jul 20, 2008, 04:44:43 PM
No Country For Old Men
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on Jul 20, 2008, 05:22:14 PM
I bought a bunch of books to read over next couple of months because I wont have anything to do. I started to read American Psycho a while ago but had a lot of other stuff to do so I kind of left it. I got about half way through I may start it again.

These are some of the other books I bought:

The Rules Of Attraction
Jurassic Park
Bill Hicks: Love All The People
Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

And from a friend I'm borrowing The God Delusion.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 20, 2008, 11:44:59 PM
American Psycho was good, but I dont think it lived up to its reputation. Either it has tamed a bit since its release, or I am just really desensitized.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: That Yellow Alien on Jul 21, 2008, 12:08:21 AM
Just finished Dearly Devoted Dexter.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: S4MSUNG on Jul 21, 2008, 12:12:00 AM
Stephen King's 'Cell'



My God it's a good book, I'm a little bit more than halfway done but it's hard to understand all the streets and crap since I don't know anything about Boston  :(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 21, 2008, 12:23:43 AM
Lol, I had that problem too but its just misc. info. I cant wait to know what you think of the ending.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on Jul 21, 2008, 01:34:00 AM
Quote from: Undeadite on Jul 20, 2008, 11:44:59 PM
American Psycho was good, but I dont think it lived up to its reputation. Either it has tamed a bit since its release, or I am just really desensitized.

I thought it was pretty disgusting when he pops the homeless guy's eyeball.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 21, 2008, 02:51:00 AM
Lol, yeah, that was really gruesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NintendoMan on Jul 21, 2008, 06:30:27 AM
Playboy  ;D :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 21, 2008, 07:42:09 AM
If you are reading playboy, then youre not using your time wisely lol.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NintendoMan on Jul 21, 2008, 08:13:21 AM
^Agreed  :D ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Jul 21, 2008, 09:07:44 AM
Funny magazines to get the fear of lab X-18 in Stalker out of me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 22, 2008, 01:31:17 AM
I finished my books and cant wait for tomorrow to pick up a copy of the Serpent and the Rainbow. I would rather read Seabrook's The Magic Island, the first real accounts of vodun practice in Haiti, but need to order it online.  :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: S4MSUNG on Jul 22, 2008, 09:52:54 PM
Hey Undeadbite, I'm like 40 pages away from finished 'Cell',
I'M ALMOST THERE!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 22, 2008, 10:20:07 PM
Awesome, isnt it a good read! I couldnt put it down.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: brad873 on Jul 22, 2008, 10:21:45 PM
ALIENS. the books are great, so much more descriptive
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 22, 2008, 10:23:00 PM
Quote from: brad873 on Jul 22, 2008, 10:21:45 PM
ALIENS. the books are great, so much more descriptive

Agreed, Alan Dean Foster is a godsend.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: brad873 on Jul 22, 2008, 10:30:16 PM
tell me about it. but i cant find ALIEN 3 or AR anywere. also, some good books are the Jon Pertwee dr.who books. not the tv show books, but the independant type things. suns of caresh was great
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Dachande on Jul 22, 2008, 10:49:12 PM
Im going through LOTR atm...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Jul 22, 2008, 11:44:07 PM
I love the LOTR books, they have so much stuff in them that should have been in the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Dachande on Jul 22, 2008, 11:52:14 PM
My copies a like 30 year old, one volume edition (All 3, well technically 6 books) in one, its falling apart XD
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Jul 22, 2008, 11:53:28 PM
If they weren't falling apart, you could get a nice price on them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Dachande on Jul 22, 2008, 11:56:04 PM
Theres only one book though :P, and i doubt it, besides, why would i want to get rid of it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Jul 22, 2008, 11:57:58 PM
Good point, they're great books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: S4MSUNG on Jul 23, 2008, 12:18:01 AM
Quote from: Undeadite on Jul 22, 2008, 10:20:07 PM
Awesome, isnt it a good read! I couldnt put it down.

Finished! Great book, absolutely LOVED it.

fo-fo you-you

;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 23, 2008, 04:03:08 AM
Lol, I loved the ending too. A lot of people didnt, (its sort of the same with the ending of the Mist movie) but it ended exactly the way it should have.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Razziel on Jul 23, 2008, 10:07:44 AM
Harry Potter - The cradle of death - Czech version.

I recomend only to people who read other Harry Potter books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: brad873 on Jul 23, 2008, 10:12:44 AM
cradle of death? never heard of it, and i have read all the books........................twice
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Carnage95 on Jul 23, 2008, 01:02:38 PM
The Lord of The Rings - The Two Towers
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lilywhite_Lilith on Jul 23, 2008, 01:47:59 PM
I'm reading "A season for the dead" by David Hewson.
Not bad.  It's a crime/detective thing, which is what I mainly read.
I'm nearly finished it and then I think I'll go back to my Sherlock Holmes books (I only got about half way through them!)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 23, 2008, 09:05:36 PM
Quote from: brad873 on Jul 23, 2008, 10:12:44 AM
cradle of death? never heard of it, and i have read all the books........................twice

My guess is thats the Czech title for the deathly hollows.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Carnage95 on Jul 24, 2008, 12:27:30 PM
The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Very addicting. I like it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 24, 2008, 10:09:45 PM
Im about halfway thru The Serpent and the Rainbow, and I love it. Its supposed to be an anthropological study on Haiti, but it reads more like an adventure novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NintendoMan on Jul 25, 2008, 09:36:47 AM
Ice Station by Matthew Reilly.....again!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Jul 25, 2008, 10:19:41 AM
Halo Ghosts of Onyx for the second time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: alien ravager on Jul 25, 2008, 01:04:03 PM
hannibal rising
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 24, 2010, 03:25:31 AM
The title sort of explains it all. What was the last book you've read? What were your thoughts on it? Was it good? Terrible? Mediocre?

I'm going to start with the last two books that I've read.

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 10/10

This book was amazing. It is one of the greatest things I have ever read. The characters are well developed, and you really get a feel for what William Mandela must have been going through and feeling while all of this is happening. It is right up there with 2001 as the greatest science-fiction book I've read. The plot engrossing and never loosens its grip on you. The themes are deep and meaningful. The settings are very plausible and believable. I can't even properly describe how mind-blowingly awesome this novel was. I cannot wait for Ridley Scott's film adaptation. If you enjoy science fiction, or just reading in general, you must read this book.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane 8.5/10

A very creepy and engrossing novel. The story and the setting are compliment each other perfectly. The characters are well thought-out, especially Teddy Daniels, the protagonist. Everything just comes together in a very effective and spine-chilling manner. This has one of the best endings in anything I have ever read, watched, or played. The film will be very good. I also recommend this book to all those who enjoy curling up with a good book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jan 24, 2010, 04:42:32 AM
Jim Norton's I Hate Your Guts.

I pee'd a few time, it is so damn harsh and hilarious- definately not for the faint of heart!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Jan 24, 2010, 05:20:44 AM
Killer Pizza.
I'm not sure what made me pick it up, but it was fun horror/comedy. Reminds me of a more violent version of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. 8/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: adb142 on Jan 25, 2010, 07:24:37 PM
A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eidotemit on Jan 25, 2010, 07:28:31 PM
The Thumpin' (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385523289/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4498075779&ref=pd_sl_28fosbdxdv_e)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Jan 27, 2010, 06:05:47 PM
'Star Wars - The Force Unleashed' was the last book I read, currently reading 'Twilight'.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HitmonTom on Jan 27, 2010, 09:46:35 PM
The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

A nice prequel to the Dune series. However it can't touch the originals wrote by Frank Herbert.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SamHain on Jan 27, 2010, 10:02:37 PM
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: keylight-di on Jan 27, 2010, 10:08:03 PM
Linda S. Cowden "Grimmie".

New face of Death. I like it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Spaghetti on Jan 27, 2010, 10:46:53 PM
Armor - John Steakley: Took me a while to get used to the way Mr. Steakley writes but I found it very good.

and

John Dies at the End - David Wong: love this thing so much its my second reading. Ridiculousness.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huol on Jan 27, 2010, 10:51:34 PM
American Psycho
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jan 28, 2010, 11:16:56 PM
Quote from: Huol on Jan 27, 2010, 10:51:34 PM
American Psycho

I really need to read that again. I read it in high school and found it to be boring and not really that shocking.

I recently finished Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan's The Strain. On several levels it felt like reading a different version of del Toro's Blad 2, but as a whole it was really suspenseful and disturbing. I really liked the new take on vampirism, one that has both a mythical and viral element.

Currently I'm reading Stephen King's latest big bastard Under the Dome. I'm 300 pages and barely a third in, and so far I can't put it down. His narration has taken a very laid back colloquial approach, and it contrasts nicely with the serious tension of the events that take place. Also, best use of characterization I've seen in a long time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: nexus on Jan 29, 2010, 10:53:56 AM
hardcore diaries by mick foley

it was ok, not as good as his two previous offerings tho.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Jan 29, 2010, 11:11:24 AM
E.E. Higgins "The Black Book of Secrets" (I read a lot of younger books), and I found it to be really good. I finished in about 2 days. Tomorrow I am going to buy the sequel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lt. Mike Harrigan on Jan 29, 2010, 11:20:29 AM
Wiseguy (Goodfellas) - 8/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Commander Griker on Jan 31, 2010, 01:56:08 PM
Last book I read was Aliens: Genocide Novel
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jan 31, 2010, 05:45:14 PM
Genocide was pretty cool, bout the last of the fairly good ones in my opinion.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kelevra on Jan 31, 2010, 06:31:08 PM
Finally got around to finishing my book of Metaphysical poets!
Good stuff I can assure you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hollowhero on Feb 04, 2010, 12:10:41 AM
Mine was:

Dean koontz - fear nothing

pretty good
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 06, 2010, 06:41:57 AM
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke. 10/10

This is a novel that truly lives up to its name. It is a modern epic for our times. Everything is described in ways that makes it captivating, both emotionally and mentally. From the Dawn of Man, to the trip through the Star Gate, every moment of this book is memorable and (in my mind) iconic. The characters are developed and seem real; its as if they're people that you yourself have met and know for quite a while. Moon-Watcher, Heywood Floyd, David Bowman, Frank Poole, and, yes, even Hal 9000 are all people that seem like they could exist. The settings are vast and encompassing, giving a true sense of wonder, whether it be the plains of Africa, the cratered and pitted surface of the Moon, the interior of Discovery 1, or the beautiful and mystifying rings and satellites of Saturn. The symbols are breathtaking. The Monolith, Hal's all-seeing camera eyes, the dazzling lights of the Star Gate. This is one of the few books that has simply filled me with such emotion that I have had to stop reading for a bit, merely to collect myself. A classic and perfect book, which I recommend to everyone.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Feb 06, 2010, 11:40:09 PM
^^^^ Read it in one sitting, for like 5 hours straight, f**king amazing piece of literature, beautiful.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 07, 2010, 12:51:31 AM
Reading 2010 right now. I'll review it when I finish.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Alienseseses on Feb 07, 2010, 01:27:54 AM
Icefire. 10/10. Pure win.

Not the dragon bull, though. The political/science fiction disaster thriller.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Feb 07, 2010, 02:24:09 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 07, 2010, 12:51:31 AM
Reading 2010 right now. I'll review it when I finish.

Another solid f**king book, i've read all opf them, and they are all simply amazing, 2010 is probably a very close second to 2001 for me cus the ending and most of the things leading up to it are so amazing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: UrbaneVirtuoso on Feb 07, 2010, 07:14:35 AM
The last novel I've read was Lord of the Flies. The revelation you get from that is just chilling; there's no doubt about our nature.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Feb 07, 2010, 11:34:36 AM
An Anthropologist on Mars by Oliver Sacks. He's a neurologist that writes about his most interesting cases.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The G-man on Feb 07, 2010, 02:51:30 PM
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

awesome book!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Munkeywrench on Feb 08, 2010, 05:06:34 AM
Quote from: Dragon_Ash on Feb 07, 2010, 02:51:30 PM
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

awesome book!

I just started that one it is pretty good

Last one I read was The Zombie Survival Guide which was ok
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Feb 08, 2010, 05:50:39 AM
Quote from: Miker25 on Feb 08, 2010, 05:06:34 AM
Quote from: Dragon_Ash on Feb 07, 2010, 02:51:30 PM
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

awesome book!

I just started that one it is pretty good

Last one I read was The Zombie Survival Guide which was ok


Should go read World War Z if you haven't done so already, you won't be disappointed. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: War Wager on Feb 08, 2010, 07:45:33 PM
Alien3 by Alan Dean Foster, being read by Lance Henriksen. (that counts, right :P)

Better portrayal of the Alien, but some of the dialogue was daft. Good stuff though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eternal_1 on Feb 09, 2010, 08:04:51 AM
The last BOOK book I read would have to be 'Brave New World'. It was a book that our college class had to read. *SPOILERS* Its basically about some alternate history thing about humans being created intead of born and are breed to have attributes and certian weaknesses, theres no real free will there. untill they meet this white boy living among native americans who's mother was a tube created human, he grows to hate how the "new world" is now and gets into many conflicts and problems *End Spoilers* Very sci-fi-sh and interesting. The first half a pretty boring, the the second half is actually very interesting.. Its sorta an old book and the dialog is in I think its called "old enlglish"? Something like that. Its worth a read and is around $15 and under in most stores. Check it out!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BSW624 on Feb 09, 2010, 04:50:14 PM
Quote from: Dragon_Ash on Feb 07, 2010, 02:51:30 PM
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

awesome book!

Great book! this was also the last book for me, its been awhile since I picked one up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Feb 13, 2010, 03:41:57 AM
The Bone Magician - F.E Higgins
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 13, 2010, 04:34:50 AM
First Blood by David Morrell

Before the movie, the book came first. John Rambo is the troubled Vietnam vet, who gets pushed too far. I really liked this book. Anyone enjoys action and high body counts, I recommend this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Asian Assassin on Feb 15, 2010, 03:49:39 AM
twilight...jk the last book i read was Panzer Leader
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 16, 2010, 12:38:05 AM
2010: Odyssey Two by Arthur C. Clarke. 9.5/10

A worthy sequel to 2001. It continues the story almost perfectly (except for changing Saturn to Jupiter, but I can live with that), and is thoroughly entertaining and interesting. Great characters who were easy to relate with, and a very interesting setting. The themes were very compelling as well. All-in-all, this book was great; not quite as good as the first one, but definitely up there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Feb 16, 2010, 05:21:15 AM
SNUFF


Still a piece of shit even after my second read, don't even know why the hell I read it again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2010, 04:50:05 AM
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson. 8.5/10

A thoroughly enjoyable read. This chronicles the story of how English became the way it is, from the descent of the larynx to the formation of swears. It is very well-written. Bill Bryson is a great author, who brings his signature wit to everything that he writes. While it has fewer laughs than his other books, and isn't his best either, it grabs your attention and remains very interesting from cover to cover.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: CONKERSBADFURDAY on Feb 18, 2010, 06:54:27 AM
Claws that Catch by John Ringo. Book was amazing and just as good as the previous four in his Looking Glass series.

Awesome books, very fun reads, great sci fi with lots of crazy physics thrown in.

If you like that sort of thing of course :3
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Feb 18, 2010, 09:49:50 AM
Keys to the Kingdom: Lord Sunday.

It was a year late, but the ending was a good one that I am content with.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nickgazord on Feb 21, 2010, 11:42:59 PM
Turn Coat part of a 12 book series called the Dresden Files id really recommend reading them they are all good Turn Coat being the last one ive read has alot of humor and sarcasm and and alot of blowing shit up. it centers around a  wizard who works in Chicago he is in the yellow pages under wizard. Its a great series and really fun to read i give it a 10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Feb 22, 2010, 12:25:29 AM
I've recently re-read The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes.

This week, I plan to start reading LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious by Stanislav Grof.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Karasawa II on Feb 22, 2010, 12:39:32 AM
ive read plenty of avp books and comics they are all amazing
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: CONKERSBADFURDAY on Feb 22, 2010, 01:08:02 AM
Quote from: Karasawa II on Feb 22, 2010, 12:39:32 AM
ive read plenty of avp books and comics they are all amazing
The comics are fun, but some of the books aren't that great. One of the Alien books I own has typos in it -_- and is just overall written poorly, only selling because of the source material it works with.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 22, 2010, 03:29:23 AM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 22, 2010, 12:25:29 AM
I've recently re-read The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes.

This week, I plan to start reading LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious by Stanislav Grof.

That sounds like some heavy reading!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Feb 22, 2010, 12:36:41 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 22, 2010, 03:29:23 AM
That sounds like some heavy reading!
Nah. I has a edjoomakayshun.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: [Alpha]Frost on Feb 23, 2010, 03:33:04 PM
Starhammer. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: harper on Feb 23, 2010, 03:39:58 PM
lord loss
The demonita series

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Feb 23, 2010, 04:55:50 PM
The Picture of Dorian Gray - not the one that mirrors the film, the original.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Feb 25, 2010, 04:07:18 AM
Ender's Game.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Feb 25, 2010, 11:23:41 AM
The Action Heroine's Handbook.
Lol, now I feel fully equiped to fly a helicopter and fight a Yeti.

*cough*  ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EatWheat on Feb 25, 2010, 01:34:10 PM
Eragon, Eledest, and Brisinger Those are an amazing series better than the movie the movie sucks
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Feb 25, 2010, 02:19:11 PM
Abe Kobo: Woman in the Dunes
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: keylight-di on Feb 25, 2010, 02:50:55 PM
Quote from: EatWheat on Feb 25, 2010, 01:34:10 PM
Eragon, Eledest, and Brisinger Those are an amazing series better than the movie the movie sucks

I agree. The books are OK. but the movie... OMG... :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Chibi Kiriyama on Feb 27, 2010, 06:00:35 AM
Halfway through The Stand. Not as impressed as I'd thought I'd be. King underscores the interesting parts and writes a whole lot of nothing in between, at least in the first act.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mr. Domino on Feb 27, 2010, 06:14:05 AM
The Splendid Magic of Penny Arcade: 11 1/2 Year Anniversary Edition (or: Nearly 12 years of Bullshit).

:D :D :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Feb 27, 2010, 06:38:55 AM
Quote from: The Chibi Kiriyama on Feb 27, 2010, 06:00:35 AM
Halfway through The Stand. Not as impressed as I'd thought I'd be. King underscores the interesting parts and writes a whole lot of nothing in between, at least in the first act.

It gets really good in the middle. As for the end, well, I won't give anything away.

I myself just finished King's IT. Freaking love the book, but the ending always pisses me off.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowStalker on Feb 27, 2010, 06:19:21 PM
Alter of Eden, and Natural Selection! Both great books and make you think lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Awgustas on Feb 28, 2010, 03:47:49 PM
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown.

Very good book :).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Feb 28, 2010, 04:08:13 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on Feb 25, 2010, 04:07:18 AM
Ender's Game.

THUMBS UP
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kriszilla on Feb 28, 2010, 04:36:20 PM
Horus Rising by Dan Abnett.

Still trying to get into the Horus Heresy series, really, it's weird seeing the 40k universe 10,000 years earlier, and a lot of things aren't at all alike what I'm used to with 40k.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowStalker on Feb 28, 2010, 09:41:33 PM
Quote from: Awgustas on Feb 28, 2010, 03:47:49 PM
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown.

Very good book :).

That is a good book,  ive read it also!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Mar 01, 2010, 01:06:30 AM
Quote from: Kriszilla on Feb 28, 2010, 04:36:20 PM
Horus Rising by Dan Abnett.

Still trying to get into the Horus Heresy series, really, it's weird seeing the 40k universe 10,000 years earlier, and a lot of things aren't at all alike what I'm used to with 40k.

Heh. I should read that. Hell, I should get on with reading any Black Library book... been planning on doing it for a long time now, but never get around to actually read 'em.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kriszilla on Mar 01, 2010, 01:13:13 AM
I'd recommend some non-Horus Heresy books, to be honest. The HH books are okay, but I'm not as big a fan of them as some others.

The Ciaphas Cain novels are pretty good, IMO.

Also, I see you're a nid fan, I know there's nids at the start of the novel 'Cain's Last Stand' quite a cool part, reads a lot like an aliens novel, really, which isn't surprising considering that Tyranids are heavily influenced by the Alien creature.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Mar 01, 2010, 01:19:20 AM
Quote from: Kriszilla on Mar 01, 2010, 01:13:13 AM

Also, I see you're a nid fan, I know there's nids at the start of the novel 'Cain's Last Stand' quite a cool part, reads a lot like an aliens novel, really, which isn't surprising considering that Tyranids are heavily influenced by the Alien creature.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.ning.com%2Ffiles%2FSI-J%2Ae%2A4HRwuojzwKyTZYACtyeaAvx%2Ajxe7-YYRBONbXI2WXzASMRQY98-KdZ-AWlkEs0JlArr0yDmYftpcZ6B1%2AUK-OQ1Rw%2FAlienQueen.jpg&hash=c669233a957f669efc6ad5f37f47979c1c3c5fef)

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forgeworld.co.uk%2FTyranids%2Fhtstp1.jpg&hash=1d821c7aa017385e2ee5fc4be441f7b5ad691368)

Heh. Thanks for the tip.  ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowStalker on Mar 01, 2010, 01:47:00 AM
Also reading "The Academy" by Bentley little suspenseful book
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Queeny Pants on Mar 01, 2010, 01:51:33 AM
Currently I'm reading a dark horse media tie in novel, Aliens: Steel egg by John Shirley
I'm not very far in, but it's looking good so far. The authors notes made me laugh.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 01, 2010, 06:09:37 PM
Just finished reading The Lovers by John Connolly. Ive read all the Charlie Parker books so far and theyre getting creepier and creepier. Good stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowStalker on Mar 01, 2010, 09:54:00 PM
Quote from: Queeny Pants on Mar 01, 2010, 01:51:33 AM
Currently I'm reading a dark horse media tie in novel, Aliens: Steel egg by John Shirley
I'm not very far in, but it's looking good so far. The authors notes made me laugh.

I read that book, loved it! Very well written, would be good idea for the prequel lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kriszilla on Mar 01, 2010, 10:43:49 PM
Just finished Dark Apostle by Anthony Reynolds.

Good enough, but I felt it wasted a lot of characters it built up for the entire book and others that had big roles to play and no previous introduction.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Mar 02, 2010, 12:21:29 AM
I haven't read it yet, but when the English version is released I plan on reading Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowStalker on Mar 02, 2010, 02:12:34 AM
Quote from: Private Hudson on Mar 02, 2010, 12:21:29 AM
I haven't read it yet, but when the English version is released I plan on reading Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky.

Whats that book about?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Mar 02, 2010, 03:34:58 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Feb 28, 2010, 04:08:13 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on Feb 25, 2010, 04:07:18 AM
Ender's Game.

THUMBS UP
Good book. Read it for Science Fiction and Fantasy class.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Mar 02, 2010, 04:18:39 PM
Quote from: ShadowStalker on Mar 02, 2010, 02:12:34 AM
Quote from: Private Hudson on Mar 02, 2010, 12:21:29 AM
I haven't read it yet, but when the English version is released I plan on reading Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky.

Whats that book about?

QuoteThe year is 2033. The world has been reduced to rubble. Humanity is nearly extinct. The half-destroyed cities have become uninhabitable through radiation. Beyond their boundaries, they say, lie endless burned-out deserts and the remains of splintered forests. Survivors still remember the past greatness of humankind. But the last remains of civilisation have already become a distant memory, the stuff of myth and legend. More than 20 years have passed since the last plane took off from the earth. Rusted railways lead into emptiness. The ether is void and the airwaves echo to a soulless howling where previously the frequencies were full of news from Tokyo, New York, Buenos Aires. Man has handed over stewardship of the earth to new life-forms. Mutated by radiation, they are better adapted to the new world. Man's time is over. A few score thousand survivors live on, not knowing whether they are the only ones left on earth. They live in the Moscow Metro - the biggest air-raid shelter ever built. It is humanity's last refuge. Stations have become mini-statelets, their people uniting around ideas, religions, water-filters - or the simple need to repulse an enemy incursion.It is a world without a tomorrow, with no room for dreams, plans, hopes. Feelings have given way to instinct - the most important of which is survival. Survival at any price. VDNKh is the northernmost inhabited station on its line. It was one of the Metro's best stations and still remains secure. But now a new and terrible threat has appeared. Artyom, a young man living in VDNKh, is given the task of penetrating to the heart of the Metro, to the legendary Polis, to alert everyone to the awful danger and to get help. He holds the future of his native station in his hands, the whole Metro - and maybe the whole of humanity.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Mar 02, 2010, 04:45:44 PM
Just wanted to mention I started the Eisenhorn trilogy by Dan Abnett -- will let y'all Warhammer 40k fans know how it is when I'm done. So far, however, it's awesome. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: superdeathpredator on Mar 03, 2010, 09:38:27 PM
Last book for me was Stephen King's It. A great cool book, and one of the biggest I have ever read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Mar 04, 2010, 02:16:01 AM
Dark Days, by Derek Landy. I've been waiting for this book to come out for ages, and now that I've read it, I can't say that I'm overly happy with the end. It's my least fav of the series and I hate one of the characters. It was a let down, but I'm going to keep reading the series - at one point they were my favourite books...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowStalker on Mar 04, 2010, 02:39:30 AM
Quote from: Private Hudson on Mar 02, 2010, 04:18:39 PM
Quote from: ShadowStalker on Mar 02, 2010, 02:12:34 AM
Quote from: Private Hudson on Mar 02, 2010, 12:21:29 AM
I haven't read it yet, but when the English version is released I plan on reading Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky.

Whats that book about?

QuoteThe year is 2033. The world has been reduced to rubble. Humanity is nearly extinct. The half-destroyed cities have become uninhabitable through radiation. Beyond their boundaries, they say, lie endless burned-out deserts and the remains of splintered forests. Survivors still remember the past greatness of humankind. But the last remains of civilisation have already become a distant memory, the stuff of myth and legend. More than 20 years have passed since the last plane took off from the earth. Rusted railways lead into emptiness. The ether is void and the airwaves echo to a soulless howling where previously the frequencies were full of news from Tokyo, New York, Buenos Aires. Man has handed over stewardship of the earth to new life-forms. Mutated by radiation, they are better adapted to the new world. Man's time is over. A few score thousand survivors live on, not knowing whether they are the only ones left on earth. They live in the Moscow Metro - the biggest air-raid shelter ever built. It is humanity's last refuge. Stations have become mini-statelets, their people uniting around ideas, religions, water-filters - or the simple need to repulse an enemy incursion.It is a world without a tomorrow, with no room for dreams, plans, hopes. Feelings have given way to instinct - the most important of which is survival. Survival at any price. VDNKh is the northernmost inhabited station on its line. It was one of the Metro's best stations and still remains secure. But now a new and terrible threat has appeared. Artyom, a young man living in VDNKh, is given the task of penetrating to the heart of the Metro, to the legendary Polis, to alert everyone to the awful danger and to get help. He holds the future of his native station in his hands, the whole Metro - and maybe the whole of humanity.

Ahhh ok sounds pretty good, have to keep an eye for that
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ManiacButcher on Mar 04, 2010, 09:07:28 PM
AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS by H.P. Lovecraft...... It was my second readthrough. I'm really into occult/horror novels. Lovecraft shall always sit on his own throne.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Alien³ on Mar 04, 2010, 09:12:00 PM
THE RATS - James Herbert
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: jaztermareal on Mar 04, 2010, 09:18:53 PM
who goes there by john w campbell jnr
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 05, 2010, 12:13:45 AM
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: 9/10

A beautifully crafted piece of literature, and definitely my favourite Sherlock Holmes story. This piece of fiction literally sent chills up my spine while I read it. It is incredibly written, from the thoughts of Watson, to the actions of Holmes, to the reactions of all the other characters. I feel like a better person for having read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Mar 09, 2010, 01:39:13 AM
Apocolypso, by Robert Renkin - absolutly, bloody brilliant!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Mar 09, 2010, 03:54:50 AM
Dune. Awesome book.  8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Mar 09, 2010, 12:49:37 PM
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.

Never has scalping been so much fun. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Mar 10, 2010, 08:56:47 PM
Finished reading The Picture Of Dorian Gray - finally. And I can tell you all that it was, surprisingly to me, rather good.

Now I'm reading Star Wars: Death Troopers.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Mar 11, 2010, 10:31:30 PM
Persepolis the complete version

An amazing look at one person's point of view of the life around here, it actually educated me in learning more about Iran and some other things in the middle east that got involved with Iran and whatnot. A great read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Mar 11, 2010, 10:34:30 PM
Quote from: Alien³ on Mar 04, 2010, 09:12:00 PM
THE RATS - James Herbert

HARD CORE

I really want to read the sequel, LAIR. I'll be amazed if Herbert even managed to make it just as graphic as the first.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Agentozzy on Mar 12, 2010, 07:41:01 AM
It would have to be A brief history of time. A good classic. but its been a year now since I did any major reading =(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 12, 2010, 09:32:49 AM
i'm just about to finish "the book with no name" by anonymous.
it's not bad, but a bit all over the place, i think it was written insuch a way that the author, whoever they may be, just made it up as they went along. i enjoy the movie references but they often feel forced. i reckon it's a solid 3 star out of 5 book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Mar 12, 2010, 07:15:27 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 12, 2010, 09:32:49 AM
i'm just about to finish "the book with no name" by anonymous.
it's not bad, but a bit all over the place, i think it was written insuch a way that the author, whoever they may be, just made it up as they went along. i enjoy the movie references but they often feel forced. i reckon it's a solid 3 star out of 5 book.

I looked that up but didn't really find any positive reviews... yet, after reading some of them, I was actually quite intrigued by it. Is there anything more you can tell me about it? I'm just curious because I might pick it up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 13, 2010, 05:07:54 AM
Quote from: Agentozzy on Mar 12, 2010, 07:41:01 AM
It would have to be A brief history of time. A good classic. but its been a year now since I did any major reading =(

I enjoyed that book. A bit hard to wrap your mind around some of the stuff, but still good.

The Valley of Fear by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 8/10

A very good read. Holmes' analytical mind never ceases to amaze and entertain. The murder is very puzzling. Part II is a damn good read, and one of my favourite parts from any Holmes story, despite the fact that Watson and Holmes aren't in any of it. I recommend it to all!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: bobby brown on Mar 13, 2010, 09:00:47 PM
nikki sixx´s "the heroin diarys"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ANYTIME 420 on Mar 15, 2010, 02:57:23 AM
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Mar 15, 2010, 02:22:57 PM
Quote from: ANYTIME 420 on Mar 15, 2010, 02:57:23 AM
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
Ooh, great masterpiece. If you liked it, I really suggest Sphere and Lost World!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 15, 2010, 04:02:58 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Mar 15, 2010, 02:22:57 PM
Quote from: ANYTIME 420 on Mar 15, 2010, 02:57:23 AM
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
Ooh, great masterpiece. If you liked it, I really suggest Sphere and Lost World!

the last Crichton book i read was State of Fear and i thought it was excellent.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 15, 2010, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: ShinigamiX on Mar 12, 2010, 07:15:27 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 12, 2010, 09:32:49 AM
i'm just about to finish "the book with no name" by anonymous.
it's not bad, but a bit all over the place, i think it was written insuch a way that the author, whoever they may be, just made it up as they went along. i enjoy the movie references but they often feel forced. i reckon it's a solid 3 star out of 5 book.

I looked that up but didn't really find any positive reviews... yet, after reading some of them, I was actually quite intrigued by it. Is there anything more you can tell me about it? I'm just curious because I might pick it up.

i think i pretty much said everything i could about it in my post, without giving stuff away. i guess i can say it's pretty much an omage to quentin tarentino and robert rodruiguez movies, but with a sort of YA horror twist to it, also it's not afraid to take the mick out of it's self,
if you are a fast reader, or have nothing else you really want to read, it's good,
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 16, 2010, 02:28:20 PM
Quote from: ANYTIME 420 on Mar 15, 2010, 02:57:23 AM
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.

That and Sphere are his best. I've read JP three times and the other one twice. Congo may also appeal to you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: -Sharky- on Mar 16, 2010, 03:22:31 PM
Aliens: Cauldron was the last novel I read...still reading Aliens: Steel Egg - 35 more pages to go ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 16, 2010, 03:25:16 PM
A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill. A really good Warhammer 40.000 story. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kirby on Mar 16, 2010, 07:17:46 PM
Practical Common Lisp by Peter Seibel, uhmm.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 17, 2010, 12:29:48 AM
2061: Odyssey Three by Arthur C. Clarke. 7.5/10

To start off, I would like to say that this is a great novel. The characters are very good, the plot is interesting and fairly compelling, and the science-fiction elements are extremely well handled. Why, then, is it only 7.5? Because, compared to 2001 and 2010, it was a bit of a let-down. Those books were simply amazing, especially the first. This one, eh, not so much. It barely had anything to do with the Monoliths or Dave Bowman and his incredible transformation. It just seemed rather trivial compared to the other two, both of which dealt with historic moments that would change mankind forever. However, this book was still entertaining (it is a Clarke novel, after all), and I would recommend it to any science-fiction fan. But read 2001 and 2010 first.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Mar 17, 2010, 12:53:16 AM
State of Decay, by James Knapp.
FBI agent vs a bunch of weaponized Rivivors (in the future, people are reanimated into Rivivors). It's great.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Mar 21, 2010, 12:11:32 AM
Repossession Mambo (aka Repo Men) by Eric Garcia.

It was alright, not too deep but entertaining. If the movie is like the book, then it's at least worth a rent.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 21, 2010, 01:19:35 AM
3001: The Final Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke. 8.5/10

This is a damn good book. The first two thirds completely fill me with a sense of wonder and awe. It starts, right off the bat, with a damn good surprise. I don't want to ruin it, but somebody has come back. ;) After that, it goes into all the ways that society, humanity, and technology have changed. No more nations, no religion, a giant ring around the equator, colonies as far out as Ganymede, and, of course, the ever-present Monoliths. The conflict that arises is damn good and very deep, but the resolution to it was very meh. Also, Heywood Floyd wasn't in it, even though Clarke perfectly set it up for him to be in it at the end of 2061. Overall, a very good piece of science-fiction, if a little anticlimatic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JediMasterGabe on Mar 22, 2010, 09:27:04 PM
Star Wars: Crosscurrent. Pretty good but I was hoping for more: 8/10.

Currently I'm reading Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Backlash.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DARIAS93 on Mar 22, 2010, 09:30:19 PM
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines - Good book. I recommend you all read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Mar 23, 2010, 01:14:33 AM
Bob Dylan Chronicals, Book 1. It's taken me about a year to read (I've been reading other books too), but the last chapter I got done in just this week. The whole book was pretty damn good, but would have been better written in the same style as the last chapter.
I like that he wrote it himself. He's wonderful <3
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 23, 2010, 01:27:33 AM
ive just started reading Orwells 1984 after intending to do so for years and years and im quite excited.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 23, 2010, 02:51:29 PM
Currently reading: Perdido Street Station, by China Meiville, and it's really good, it's essentially a SF story, set in a quasi-fantasy-industrial revolution world. strange but awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JediMasterGabe on Mar 23, 2010, 10:18:49 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 23, 2010, 01:27:33 AM
ive just started reading Orwells 1984 after intending to do so for years and years and im quite excited.

I'm surprised you didn't have to read it in school. I did and it's pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 23, 2010, 11:14:13 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 23, 2010, 01:27:33 AM
ive just started reading Orwells 1984 after intending to do so for years and years and im quite excited.

That is a damn good book. It's not the best in that particular genre (I find that Fahrenheit 451 is a better novel), but it has so many great words, characters, and themes for one to reference. Definitely worth it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 24, 2010, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: JediMasterGabe on Mar 23, 2010, 10:18:49 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 23, 2010, 01:27:33 AM
ive just started reading Orwells 1984 after intending to do so for years and years and im quite excited.

I'm surprised you didn't have to read it in school. I did and it's pretty good.
im surprised i havnt read it all yet. its been on my "to read" list for years but id neer gotten round to it. After im done with this its on to Hunter S Thompsons Rum Dairies. Ive recently read The Great Shark Hunt, Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas/On The Campaign Trail and The Curse of Lono. So you could say ive been on a bit of a Thomspon binge of late but i just couldnt get enough. Curse of Lono was fantastic. Very similar to Las Vegas but i found it alot funnier.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 25, 2010, 09:24:45 AM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 24, 2010, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: JediMasterGabe on Mar 23, 2010, 10:18:49 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 23, 2010, 01:27:33 AM
ive just started reading Orwells 1984 after intending to do so for years and years and im quite excited.

I'm surprised you didn't have to read it in school. I did and it's pretty good.
im surprised i havnt read it all yet. its been on my "to read" list for years but id neer gotten round to it. After im done with this its on to Hunter S Thompsons Rum Dairies. Ive recently read The Great Shark Hunt, Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas/On The Campaign Trail and The Curse of Lono. So you could say ive been on a bit of a Thomspon binge of late but i just couldnt get enough. Curse of Lono was fantastic. Very similar to Las Vegas but i found it alot funnier.

did you read that because of the movie coming out later this year? i hadn't even heard of it until i read a feature about upcoming movies yeasterday.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 11:59:49 AM
no actually. Im going to read it simply because ive read alot of hunter s thompsons other books and i havnt read that one. I think Johnny Depp is going to be in the movie just like he starred in Fear & Loathing. I want to read the book before i see the movie as well because sometimes doing it the other way around i find it hard to finish a book when i kinda know whats going to happen because i have no motiviation to finish it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 25, 2010, 12:08:31 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 11:59:49 AM
no actually. Im going to read it simply because ive read alot of hunter s thompsons other books and i havnt read that one. I think Johnny Depp is going to be in the movie just like he starred in Fear & Loathing. I want to read the book before i see the movie as well because sometimes doing it the other way around i find it hard to finish a book when i kinda know whats going to happen because i have no motiviation to finish it.

i'm the other way round, reading a book first always makes me see a movie with high expectations, which are often not met, reading the book after and you don't always know what will happen because a lot of the book is nearly always left out. and i always think " i wonder what that bit will be like in the book" or "i wonder how that is going to be described" there are more surprises reading the book after the movie, and also it sometimes makes things easier to visualise. maybe that's just me though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 12:15:33 PM
ok maybe this is an extreme example but i couldnt finish reading lord of the rings because id seen the movies. The books are so long and filled with pointless things that getting to the end felt like a chore and i got about 2/3rds of the way through The Two Towers and gave up. If i didnt know the details of how things panned out i probably would have carried on but i had no motivation.

I think it applies more so with thrillers/horrors or just anything with a twist ending or a reveal. If youve seen the movie and know the twist then it spoils reading the book. Reading the book can take many hours and so id rather just watch a 2 hour movie an know what was coming and see how they handle it than try and read a book for 10 hours knowing the conclusion. But like you said thats just me. Everybodies different.

Im not saying i cant do it the other way around. I read Fear & Loathing after i saw the movie but its such a short book anyway and Hunters style was hilarious that i didnt care.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 25, 2010, 12:25:13 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 12:15:33 PM
ok maybe this is an extreme example but i couldnt finish reading lord of the rings because id seen the movies. The books are so long and filled with pointless things that getting to the end felt like a chore and i got about 2/3rds of the way through The Two Towers and gave up. If i didnt know the details of how things panned out i probably would have carried on but i had no motivation.

I think it applies more so with thrillers/horrors or just anything with a twist ending or a reveal. If youve seen the movie and know the twist then it spoils reading the book. Reading the book can take many hours and so id rather just watch a 2 hour movie an know what was coming and see how they handle it than try and read a book for 10 hours knowing the conclusion. But like you said thats just me. Everybodies different.

Im not saying i cant do it the other way around. I read Fear & Loathing after i saw the movie but its such a short book anyway and Hunters style was hilarious that i didnt care.

you are probably right that it depends on the book, and to be fair the only books that i have read and seen the movie to are Dune, and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep/Bladerunner, I Am Legend and in all cases the book and movie are so different to each other reading and watching are very different experiences, and in all 3 cases the twist is very different.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 12:29:28 PM
actually i think i will change my statement that i cant read books after ive seen a movie because come to think of it, it is more down to the type of book and the contents of it. I remember reading Jurassic Park and although its the same premise its very different from the movie. Different characters die and survive than from the movie and there events that dont even occur in the movie. The ending is completely different also. I think if i was reading and it was all panning out the same i probably have stopped, but because it wasnt i kept on reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 25, 2010, 02:17:26 PM
I like reading books after I see the movie. I also like reading books before I see the movie. I don't really care, as long as it is well-written and interesting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Mar 25, 2010, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 12:15:33 PM
filled with pointless things
Run while you still can.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Mar 25, 2010, 06:30:00 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 16, 2010, 02:28:20 PM
I've read JP three times and the other one twice.

It's funny, I've read plenty of books in my time, but aside from a few childhood classics I've never been able to read the same book more than once. I've tried it, but I get bored after two pages since I know exactly what's going to happen over the next several hundred pages. I simply do not believe in reread value.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 06:45:43 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Mar 25, 2010, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 12:15:33 PM
filled with pointless things
Run while you still can.

It is though. Im not knocking it because thats the style its meant to be. But as example I found the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring very tedious. There seems to be a hundred pages of Sam and Frodo waking up, cooking some sausages, watching the sun go down, rinse repeat. I know its all part of the story and the adventure, putting the mundane things in and going into detail about every waking moment but because I'd seen the films I found it hard to get through those parts but I perservered. I started to feel the same again towards the end of The Two Towers and I just gave up. One day i'll read them i'm sure.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 25, 2010, 11:07:39 PM
Quote from: TJ Doc on Mar 25, 2010, 06:30:00 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 16, 2010, 02:28:20 PM
I've read JP three times and the other one twice.

It's funny, I've read plenty of books in my time, but aside from a few childhood classics I've never been able to read the same book more than once. I've tried it, but I get bored after two pages since I know exactly what's going to happen over the next several hundred pages. I simply do not believe in reread value.

I always wait, usually at least a year, before rereading something. That way I've forgotten a lot of the little details, and it's interesting all over again. It works best with non-fiction books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Mar 25, 2010, 11:09:12 PM
Not even that works for me.

QuoteIt works best with non-fiction books.

Well, durr.  :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 25, 2010, 11:09:58 PM
You appear to be drooling. Here. *hands TJ Doc a tissue*
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Mar 26, 2010, 01:54:47 AM
Congo by Michael Crichton. It's pretty good, not as good as JP though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 26, 2010, 01:55:09 AM
Yeah, I liked Congo. Very interesting, as most of his books are.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Mar 26, 2010, 01:56:28 AM
Yeah. I'm not sure if I like the Lost World novel better than JP. They're both great!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Mar 26, 2010, 01:58:19 AM
I know it's technically a play, but I read King Lear not long ago.

Was very depressing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: CONKERSBADFURDAY on Mar 26, 2010, 02:13:46 AM
The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling

Was for school.

Was meh

:3
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Mar 26, 2010, 03:50:17 AM
We Are the Same by Jim Wooten. I had to read it for my sociology class, and it's about the story of Nkosi Johnson, a young child who was a big part in the fight for AIDS recognition in South Africa. It's really sad, but also informative.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 26, 2010, 09:40:55 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 25, 2010, 11:07:39 PM
Quote from: TJ Doc on Mar 25, 2010, 06:30:00 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 16, 2010, 02:28:20 PM
I've read JP three times and the other one twice.

It's funny, I've read plenty of books in my time, but aside from a few childhood classics I've never been able to read the same book more than once. I've tried it, but I get bored after two pages since I know exactly what's going to happen over the next several hundred pages. I simply do not believe in reread value.

I always wait, usually at least a year, before rereading something. That way I've forgotten a lot of the little details, and it's interesting all over again. It works best with non-fiction books.

i can reread books like that too, i normally forget a lot of it after a while, but my problem is a like long books, and i'm not a very fast reader, so rereading books seems like a waste of time when i could be reading something new.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 26, 2010, 10:09:56 AM
Im also reading John Connolly's Charlie Parker thriller/horror series again. Theres about 8 or 9 books in total and when i recently read the last book I realized i'd forgotten a hell of alot from the earlier books so ive started again from scratch and ive read the first book again for the first time in 3 years and theres alot that seems new. Ive read Fear & Loathing many times because its such a short book and so funny. You can get through the whole book in 4-5 hours so re-reading that aint  a problem.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DeadCities on Mar 27, 2010, 01:17:17 AM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 06:45:43 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Mar 25, 2010, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 25, 2010, 12:15:33 PM
filled with pointless things
Run while you still can.

It is though. Im not knocking it because thats the style its meant to be. But as example I found the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring very tedious. There seems to be a hundred pages of Sam and Frodo waking up, cooking some sausages, watching the sun go down, rinse repeat. I know its all part of the story and the adventure, putting the mundane things in and going into detail about every waking moment but because I'd seen the films I found it hard to get through those parts but I perservered. I started to feel the same again towards the end of The Two Towers and I just gave up. One day i'll read them i'm sure.

Are you reffering to the Tom Bombadil segment? Thats was a very important part of the original story...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Mar 27, 2010, 11:44:50 AM
No not that just the bits leading up to it and after it. The book can go on for 20 pages and the story or plot isnt moved forward at all. It just goes on about Frodos and Sams day from waking until going to bed once again. Thats the point of the book though, to make you feel a part of their journey and to get a feel for even the little moments. I just found it hard to get through them when i knew the outcome. Like i said im not knocking it because thats the style and its intended to be like that. I probably wasnt in the right frame of mind to get through it but i know i will one day. I stress, i dont think it is a bad thing just that for me, i found it plodding. That was many years ago though and ive read alot of books since. I wasnt really a big reader when i attempted it back then and i think id appreciate it more now so i will go back to them eventually.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ScoobySnax on Mar 28, 2010, 01:12:25 AM
"How to Read" -the official book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Poltergeist Master on Mar 28, 2010, 01:17:50 AM
39 Clues: Maze of Bones.

Amazing book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RazorSlash on Mar 28, 2010, 03:50:57 AM
The Unspoken by Thomas Fahy

it was okay, its a horror/mystery novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Mar 28, 2010, 04:53:43 AM
Sands of Dune - Brian Herbert
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DeadCities on Mar 28, 2010, 06:54:15 PM
Quote from: Keg on Mar 27, 2010, 11:44:50 AM
No not that just the bits leading up to it and after it. The book can go on for 20 pages and the story or plot isnt moved forward at all. It just goes on about Frodos and Sams day from waking until going to bed once again. Thats the point of the book though, to make you feel a part of their journey and to get a feel for even the little moments. I just found it hard to get through them when i knew the outcome. Like i said im not knocking it because thats the style and its intended to be like that. I probably wasnt in the right frame of mind to get through it but i know i will one day. I stress, i dont think it is a bad thing just that for me, i found it plodding. That was many years ago though and ive read alot of books since. I wasnt really a big reader when i attempted it back then and i think id appreciate it more now so i will go back to them eventually.

I agree, some parts are very tedious, I skipped a few myself. If you cut out alot of the descriptions of the scenery and the boring parts about what their eating for dinner and whatnot, youd probly fthe going alot smoother.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Raptorsaurus rex on Mar 28, 2010, 07:00:10 PM
The Watchmen
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 29, 2010, 09:13:02 AM
Quote from: Raptorsaurus rex on Mar 28, 2010, 07:00:10 PM
The Watchmen

do you mean "Watchmen"?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Mar 31, 2010, 09:01:59 PM
Batman Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on a Serious Earth

The second Batman graphic novel I ever read, and definately my favourite (seeing as the only other Batman comic I've read is Batman: Faces). Arkham Asylum is more of a psychological thriller than your standard Batman tale, there's a horror element that sends shivers down my spine whenever I read it.

Without spoiling anything here's a summary;

It's April 1st, and Batman recieves a call from Commisioner Gordon, he investigates and discovers that the inmates of Arkham have overthrown security and taken the staff hostage. They have demanded numerous objects, but their final demand, they want to speak with Batman personally. Batman reluctantly heads to the Asylum and it turns out to be a trap, all part of the Joker's game, a game which Batman must participate in, or lives will be lost.
The story of Amadeus Arkham is also explained, as is the reason the Asylum was built. All of which is intertwined between the main story.
The novel was written as a movie script first, and it shows, the whole comic has a unique movie-like feel to it, and I wouldn't mind seeing it become the next installment in the Batman franchise. The art is spectacular and very different from what you usually see in comics. There are lots of familiar faces, and many twists and turns. The book definately isn't appropriate for younger audiences, if you're looking for a mature Batman story which isn't PG-13, this is the one to choose.

Solid 9/10 for me, great story, great characters, awesome art.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fprettythings.pullbot.com%2Fartworks%2F62659%2F24285_4_002_medium.jpg&hash=57b471df2b64a2461f56a7f3cfa364293773f138)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 01, 2010, 08:28:49 AM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Mar 31, 2010, 09:01:59 PM
Batman Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on a Serious Earth

The second Batman graphic novel I ever read, and definately my favourite (seeing as the only other Batman comic I've read is Batman: Faces). Arkham Asylum is more of a psychological thriller than your standard Batman tale, there's a horror element that sends shivers down my spine whenever I read it.

Without spoiling anything here's a summary;

It's April 1st, and Batman recieves a call from Commisioner Gordon, he investigates and discovers that the inmates of Arkham have overthrown security and taken the staff hostage. They have demanded numerous objects, but their final demand, they want to speak with Batman personally. Batman reluctantly heads to the Asylum and it turns out to be a trap, all part of the Joker's game, a game which Batman must participate in, or lives will be lost.
The story of Amadeus Arkham is also explained, as is the reason the Asylum was built. All of which is intertwined between the main story.
The novel was written as a movie script first, and it shows, the whole comic has a unique movie-like feel to it, and I wouldn't mind seeing it become the next installment in the Batman franchise. The art is spectacular and very different from what you usually see in comics. There are lots of familiar faces, and many twists and turns. The book definately isn't appropriate for younger audiences, if you're looking for a mature Batman story which isn't PG-13, this is the one to choose.

Solid 9/10 for me, great story, great characters, awesome art.

http://prettythings.pullbot.com/artworks/62659/24285_4_002_medium.jpg

how close is it to the plot of the game?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 01, 2010, 02:46:27 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Apr 01, 2010, 08:28:49 AM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Mar 31, 2010, 09:01:59 PM
Batman Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on a Serious Earth

The second Batman graphic novel I ever read, and definately my favourite (seeing as the only other Batman comic I've read is Batman: Faces). Arkham Asylum is more of a psychological thriller than your standard Batman tale, there's a horror element that sends shivers down my spine whenever I read it.

Without spoiling anything here's a summary;

It's April 1st, and Batman recieves a call from Commisioner Gordon, he investigates and discovers that the inmates of Arkham have overthrown security and taken the staff hostage. They have demanded numerous objects, but their final demand, they want to speak with Batman personally. Batman reluctantly heads to the Asylum and it turns out to be a trap, all part of the Joker's game, a game which Batman must participate in, or lives will be lost.
The story of Amadeus Arkham is also explained, as is the reason the Asylum was built. All of which is intertwined between the main story.
The novel was written as a movie script first, and it shows, the whole comic has a unique movie-like feel to it, and I wouldn't mind seeing it become the next installment in the Batman franchise. The art is spectacular and very different from what you usually see in comics. There are lots of familiar faces, and many twists and turns. The book definately isn't appropriate for younger audiences, if you're looking for a mature Batman story which isn't PG-13, this is the one to choose.

Solid 9/10 for me, great story, great characters, awesome art.

http://prettythings.pullbot.com/artworks/62659/24285_4_002_medium.jpg

how close is it to the plot of the game?

It's nothing to do with the game, it came out years before. The game does take some inspiration from this book though. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 01, 2010, 02:55:19 PM
yeah i know the book came first, but i was just curious as to how closely the game followed tghe books plot. like does the book have the whole joker using venom to make super-thugs plot-line from the game?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 01, 2010, 02:59:03 PM
Nope, it only draws slightly from the book. :) I don't want to spoil anything. ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Raven on Apr 06, 2010, 06:57:13 PM
The Hellsing Manga series. Awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 06, 2010, 08:43:32 PM
Cable & Deadpool Volume 6: Paved With Good Intentions

10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Apr 06, 2010, 09:08:47 PM
From Shane to Kill Bill: Re-thinking The Western
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 06, 2010, 11:50:41 PM
His Last Bow by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 8.5/10

The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 8.5/10

These were both great anthologies. Every story is unique and memorable, always leaving one fascinated by the awesome power of Homes' deductive abilities. Some were exciting, others bone-chilling, some simply unusual, but each is worth a read on its own merits. I have now read every Sherlock Holmes story there is. I feel a little melancholy at that fact, but I know I can always go back and reread them. I recommend these superb stories to everyone, especially Hound of the Baskervilles and The Valley of Fear.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Apr 07, 2010, 03:19:56 AM
Quote from: Raven on Apr 06, 2010, 06:57:13 PM
The Hellsing Manga series. Awesome.

The last vokume is a letdown for me. Until then pure awesomeness.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Super Black Predator on Apr 08, 2010, 10:56:31 AM
i just finished reading  "I Flew for the Führer"
ita a diary of a german pilot during ww2...awesome book if you kike war books
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Apr 09, 2010, 04:06:52 AM
The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. Silence is by far the superior, but I love both.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 09, 2010, 12:23:18 PM
Auschwitz: The Nazis and the final solution by Laurence Rees.

Awesome book. Went to Krakow for a weekend last year and went to see Birkenhau and Auschwitz and was interested to learn more so i read this book. absolutely excellent.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 09, 2010, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Apr 09, 2010, 04:06:52 AM
The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. Silence is by far the superior, but I love both.

I've read Red Dragon. How do these compare to that, because I enjoyed that book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 09, 2010, 02:42:53 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 09, 2010, 02:02:47 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Apr 09, 2010, 04:06:52 AM
The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. Silence is by far the superior, but I love both.

I've read Red Dragon. How do these compare to that, because I enjoyed that book.

i haven't read any of them, but i'd be interested to know how hannibal rising compared too, since it was written as a book at the same time as the movie was being made. was it just like a cash in, or was it a decent prequel?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Apr 09, 2010, 04:44:09 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 09, 2010, 02:02:47 PM
I've read Red Dragon. How do these compare to that, because I enjoyed that book.

I've always really liked Red Dragon. It has a similar vibe as Silence, as they are the more cop drama entries to the series. Silence has better characterization though, and I highly recommend it if you liked Dragon.

Quote from: AvatarIII on Apr 09, 2010, 02:42:53 PM
i haven't read any of them, but i'd be interested to know how hannibal rising compared too, since it was written as a book at the same time as the movie was being made. was it just like a cash in, or was it a decent prequel?

Cash in. I was not a fan of Hannibal Rising, both the film and the book. The book is alright, but it had absolutely none of the depth as the others. Most of the beginning conflict stems from Hannibal's sister, but she was discussed heavily in Hannibal so it didn't feel like anything new. If one were to read Rising before all other books, and continue chronologically with Dragon, Silence and Hannibal then it might be enjoyable. I plan on picking it up again soon to see if it's better the second time, which has been the case for the other three books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Raven on Apr 09, 2010, 06:39:20 PM
Quote from: 08yeyinde on Apr 07, 2010, 03:19:56 AM
Quote from: Raven on Apr 06, 2010, 06:57:13 PM
The Hellsing Manga series. Awesome.

The last vokume is a letdown for me. Until then pure awesomeness.

Not read it yet, waiting for a U.K. release
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Apr 09, 2010, 08:53:06 PM
Quote from: Odin's Raven on Apr 09, 2010, 06:39:20 PM
Quote from: 08yeyinde on Apr 07, 2010, 03:19:56 AM
Quote from: Raven on Apr 06, 2010, 06:57:13 PM
The Hellsing Manga series. Awesome.

The last vokume is a letdown for me. Until then pure awesomeness.

Not read it yet, waiting for a U.K. release

Oh, okay. I hope you'll like it more than I did.
I hope The dawn will be as good as the first 9 issues.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 09, 2010, 09:52:40 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Apr 09, 2010, 04:44:09 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 09, 2010, 02:02:47 PM
I've read Red Dragon. How do these compare to that, because I enjoyed that book.

I've always really liked Red Dragon. It has a similar vibe as Silence, as they are the more cop drama entries to the series. Silence has better characterization though, and I highly recommend it if you liked Dragon.

Thanks, I think I will now. :)

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 10/10

This was simply a tremendously enjoyable, deep, and iconic book. It was very well-written, and seemed to portray perfectly the mood and feeling that Bradbury was trying to achieve. Everything just drags you in. The characters are well thought-out and developed, the setting is very interesting, the themes are meaningful, and it carries a strong message that remains true and relevant to this day. I strongly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 11, 2010, 08:01:36 PM
Deadpool: The Circle Chase

Deadpool: Sins of the Past

Deadpool Issues 1-9

:P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: -Sharky- on Apr 11, 2010, 08:15:28 PM
Aliens: Steel Egg - really enjoyed it :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 11, 2010, 08:20:02 PM
Am being a dick by saying comics and graphic novels should be in a different thread? I personally wouldnt name a comic if somebody asked what the last book I read was.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 11, 2010, 08:21:12 PM
Well, I would. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 12, 2010, 12:43:42 AM
Well, if it's a graphic novel along the lines of Watchmen, then I'd consider it a book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Apr 12, 2010, 01:33:20 AM
Quote from: Keg on Apr 11, 2010, 08:20:02 PM
Am being a dick by saying comics and graphic novels should be in a different thread? I personally wouldnt name a comic if somebody asked what the last book I read was.

I would.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 12, 2010, 01:38:15 AM
Okay, I'll clarify. This is my thread, and I'm going to say that a collection of comic books would be considered a book, or a graphic novel. A single issue is too short to be considered a book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 12, 2010, 07:55:09 AM
I only have Collected Editions of different Deadpool comics, so they're books. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 12, 2010, 09:38:20 AM
Well ive finished reading both 1984 and The Rum Dairy and i think i'll get stuck into the The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe next.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 12, 2010, 09:16:04 PM
Cable & Deadpool Volume 7. Gripping stuff, with some emotional elements in issue 42.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 12, 2010, 10:53:17 PM
Quote from: Keg on Apr 12, 2010, 09:38:20 AM
Well ive finished reading both 1984 and The Rum Dairy and i think i'll get stuck into the The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe next.

1984 was great. So many iconic things that can be referenced from there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 12, 2010, 11:40:29 PM
I loved it. Cant believe its taken me this long to read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 12, 2010, 11:41:21 PM
I'd suggest Fahrenheit 451 if you enjoyed 1984. They are fairly similar, but I think it's better written.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Urban Chick on Apr 12, 2010, 11:42:41 PM
Last book I read was 'Peter Kay The Sound of Laughter'. Genius!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 12, 2010, 11:47:50 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 12, 2010, 11:41:21 PM
I'd suggest Fahrenheit 451 if you enjoyed 1984. They are fairly similar, but I think it's better written.

Ray Bradbury? Thats anuther one thats been on my radar but ive never gotten around to it. I think I will now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 13, 2010, 12:10:08 AM
Yeah, it was really good. Read it in class so we went into a lot of depth analyzing it. Very deep.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: StarBeast79 on Apr 19, 2010, 02:47:37 AM
Last book:  Unmaking of a Mayor by William Buckley

Last comic:  AVP: Civilized Beasts
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 19, 2010, 02:50:12 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 09, 2010, 09:52:40 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Apr 09, 2010, 04:44:09 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 09, 2010, 02:02:47 PM
I've read Red Dragon. How do these compare to that, because I enjoyed that book.

I've always really liked Red Dragon. It has a similar vibe as Silence, as they are the more cop drama entries to the series. Silence has better characterization though, and I highly recommend it if you liked Dragon.

Thanks, I think I will now. :)

Red Dragon is really good. The killer in it is just bizarre. But it adds so much to his character, motivations, his childhood. I really was hooked, it was quite a page turner.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 19, 2010, 04:12:33 AM
It was.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 19, 2010, 10:28:45 AM
Anybody read any of John Connolly's Charlie Parker thrillers. Theres 8 books so far and a short story and theyre bloody fantastic. The first book Every Dead Thing is about an ex cop (Charlie) who's wife and child where murdered and years later when working as a P.I. he comes across a case which leads him to the murderer. Its a brilliant book and it's got some really creepy supernatural undertones that increase with each book. By the time you get to The Lovers (the last book released) it's almost a horror and theyre really creepy mixing the thriller genre in with a supernatural twist. Alot of the stories interlink and little bits of whats really going in (you always get the impression when reading that all of the events are linked somehow by some higher force) are revealed in each book. Some of the characters throughout the books are fantastic (especially the weirder, evil ones with supernatural undertones who Charlie always seems to end up getting involved with somehow).

I would really urge anybody to get stuck in to them if they havnt. Theyre not for the faint of heart. You'll know what i mean by the opening paragraphs of the first book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Celtic-predator on Apr 19, 2010, 11:10:31 AM
Let the right one in by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Heard good things in about the movie, book doesn't seem to have the same punch. Basically Twilight but with bullying, drugs, theft, pedophilia, prostitution and murder. Characterization was avid, presenting distinct characters and created enough mystery for the vampire character Eli to be fascinating. At least the characters were believable with human faults and desires. Plot was average, revolving around the murders created by the vampire and his companion Harkan. Decidedly average in my opinion, though the relationships are pretty well done.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: alien5454 on Apr 19, 2010, 12:36:51 PM
BFG -Big Friendly Giant

What a cute little book.Childrens books are always amusing to read
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 19, 2010, 04:36:37 PM
Quote from: alien5454 on Apr 19, 2010, 12:36:51 PM
BFG -Big Friendly Giant

What a cute little book.Childrens books are always amusing to read

I used to read that over and over as a child. Loved it. Roald Dahl is brilliant. Snozzcumbers, Frobscottle and Whizzpoppers.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Apr 19, 2010, 04:44:44 PM
@ Celtic-Predator

How dare you compare Let the Right One In to Twilight! Right One is a deeply emotional journey for a scarred little boy who is only looking for acceptance in a world that quite clearly does not want him. It's about the tribulations of maturity, and deciding what constitutes love amongst death. Twilight is an estro-fest designed to sell posters of glittery fairies with six-packs. I wouldn't even call them the same genre, as one is a self proclaimed horror novel and the other only wishes it were.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 19, 2010, 04:51:56 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Apr 19, 2010, 04:44:44 PM
@ Celtic-Predator

Twilight is an estro-fest designed to sell posters of glittery fairies with six-packs.

Haha. Nice one. The following quote is take from Front (UK) magazines monthly C**TDOWN ( a countdown of the months biggest c**ts if youre a bit daft and didnt get that). They come in at number 2 and 3 respectively (The fox from the foxy bingo adverts got the top spot if youre interested)

2: EDWARD CULLEN: Gliterry, non-violent, big-chinned, bullshit vampire c**t.
3: ROBERT PATTINSON: Non-glittery, big-chinned, non-vampire, bullshit c**t.

I laughed so hard when I read that. General Shepherd is also on the list for being a Double-crossing military shitbag of a c**t. Haha
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 20, 2010, 12:43:08 AM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Apr 12, 2010, 09:16:04 PM
Cable & Deadpool Volume 7. Gripping stuff, with some emotional elements in issue 42.

Purebreedalien,

Have you read any of the Deadpool Classic TPBs? They collect the early appearances of Deadpool and then go on to collect his solo series from the late 90's.

There's currently 3 volumes.

Really good stuff if you're interested!  :)
http://www.amazon.com/Deadpool-Classic-Vol-Fabian-Nicieza/dp/0785131248
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2010, 03:26:26 AM
Dune by Frank Herbert 10/10

This was an exceptional book. Brilliantly written, it is truly a wonder that anybody could come up with this in their own head. It isn't near as hard as the sci-fi I usually read, but it made up for it with everything else. A plot that dragged you in, characters you feel and care for, settings that are both wonderful and presented to be believable, themes that are deep, and a fictional universe that is so in-depth, one could spend as long analyzing it as our own. There were moments that got my heart racing, others that made me feel a little sad. While I don't consider it the greatest science-fiction novel ever written, I can certainly see how many would.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 20, 2010, 07:58:17 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2010, 03:26:26 AM
Dune by Frank Herbert 10/10

This was an exceptional book. Brilliantly written, it is truly a wonder that anybody could come up with this in their own head. It isn't near as hard as the sci-fi I usually read, but it made up for it with everything else. A plot that dragged you in, characters you feel and care for, settings that are both wonderful and presented to be believable, themes that are deep, and a fictional universe that is so in-depth, one could spend as long analyzing it as our own. There were moments that got my hear racing, others that made me feel a little sad. While I don't consider it the greatest science-fiction novel ever written, I can certainly see how many would.

agreed, but if you are anything like me, who reads a lot of harder SF, you will hate the sequels.
i liked Dune so much i went out and bought all 6 sequels, and got about halfway through the second sequel and gave up from boredom.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Celtic-predator on Apr 20, 2010, 09:16:55 AM
Quote from: Undeadite on Apr 19, 2010, 04:44:44 PM
@ Celtic-Predator

How dare you compare Let the Right One In to Twilight! Right One is a deeply emotional journey for a scarred little boy who is only looking for acceptance in a world that quite clearly does not want him. It's about the tribulations of maturity, and deciding what constitutes love amongst death. Twilight is an estro-fest designed to sell posters of glittery fairies with six-packs. I wouldn't even call them the same genre, as one is a self proclaimed horror novel and the other only wishes it were.

Well Twilight is one of the most recognizable pop-culture references at the moment, which makes it convenient to just pull out. That said, I also think it's almost offensive to compare Twilight to any adequately written novel.  :P

Twilight is romance, I don't think it ever tried to be horror.

I wouldn't say it's that emotional, more the development of a relationship. No cliched fake love or angry scenes, just the feeling of a very real relationship, which I felt was the novel's strength. 'deciding what constitutes love amongst death.' He decides to keep meeting Eli after he discovers Eli is a castrated boy who murders people and drinks their blood. Well, I guess when you're rejected by most of society you appreciate ANY kind of friend, even the murdering, blood sucking kind. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Apr 20, 2010, 03:31:08 PM
Quote from: Celtic-predator on Apr 20, 2010, 09:16:55 AM
That said, I also think it's almost offensive to compare Twilight to any adequately written novel.  :P

Glad to see we are both on the same page.  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenostalker on Apr 20, 2010, 04:35:52 PM
The Lords and the New Creatures - Jim Morrison
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 20, 2010, 04:42:30 PM
^^^whats that? A biography or some of his poems and lyrics or some such? I'm intrigued.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenostalker on Apr 20, 2010, 05:03:37 PM
Quote from: Keg on Apr 20, 2010, 04:42:30 PM
^^^whats that? A biography or some of his poems and lyrics or some such? I'm intrigued.
Yes, the book is basically a collection of some of Morrisons poems about societies negatives such as..sex..drugs.. and what have you. It also contains some of his own history and visions he held at the time. Can be hard to understand sometimes, but it's still a realy good read. Certainly a must have if you're a doors fan.

It's pretty cheap too if you wish to purcahse it yourself? I got my copy from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lords-New-Creatures-original-published/dp/0711905525/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271781855&sr=1-1


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 20, 2010, 05:18:53 PM
I love The Doors but havnt really been that interested in Jim Morrison the man. Could be worth checking out though like you say.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 20, 2010, 05:27:18 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Apr 20, 2010, 12:43:08 AM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Apr 12, 2010, 09:16:04 PM
Cable & Deadpool Volume 7. Gripping stuff, with some emotional elements in issue 42.

Purebreedalien,

Have you read any of the Deadpool Classic TPBs? They collect the early appearances of Deadpool and then go on to collect his solo series from the late 90's.

There's currently 3 volumes.

Really good stuff if you're interested!  :)
http://www.amazon.com/Deadpool-Classic-Vol-Fabian-Nicieza/dp/0785131248


Hey, yeah I own Volumes 1 and 2, however, my Volume 1 is the UK release which doesn't include 'Deadpool #1' and the Volume 2 I own is the USA release, which starts at 'Deadpool #2' so I plan on getting the UK versions of Volume 2 and Volume 3, if you gaze at the quote above my signature, it's from Deadpool's first mini-series, which I copied down from my Volume 1. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 21, 2010, 03:17:51 AM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Apr 20, 2010, 07:58:17 AM
agreed, but if you are anything like me, who reads a lot of harder SF, you will hate the sequels.
i liked Dune so much i went out and bought all 6 sequels, and got about halfway through the second sequel and gave up from boredom.

That's a shame. I'm really interested in what happens next. :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 21, 2010, 03:16:37 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 21, 2010, 03:17:51 AM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Apr 20, 2010, 07:58:17 AM
agreed, but if you are anything like me, who reads a lot of harder SF, you will hate the sequels.
i liked Dune so much i went out and bought all 6 sequels, and got about halfway through the second sequel and gave up from boredom.

That's a shame. I'm really interested in what happens next. :-\

by all means give them a go, but paul is barely in them, and they move away from any action to being mostly political intruige, if you like that sort of thing then you might like them, but they are such a change of pace i couldn't get into them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Apr 23, 2010, 04:18:51 AM
The Toymaker - seriously dark, mixure of Lord of the Rings, The God of Mischeif and The Palace of Laughter. Enjoyable right up to the end where it didn't end so much as stop. I need closure!
It took me a while to get into it but it turned out to be really good, eerie and well written. Just bummed about the cut-off finish.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 23, 2010, 08:28:03 AM
just finished the 5th volume of Scott Pilgrim in preparation for the movie in august, read quite a lot of old man logan last night, and as for Novels, i've almost finished "Perdido Street Station", currently deciding whether to move onto a short story collection, Alastair Reynolds "Terminal World" or the sort of sequel to PSS, "The Scar"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 25, 2010, 06:36:54 PM
Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clarke 9.5/10

An amazing book. Clarke never ceases to grip your imagination and fill you with awe. The characters are all very relatable, and the themes are very good, but it is the setting and story that set this aside as a prime example of hard science-fiction. The massive interstellar spaceship that is Rama is where almost all of the story takes place, and it filled me with wonder. Everything was simply gripping and interesting. This book also has the best last line of any book I have read.

Spoiler
The Ramans do everything in threes.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 26, 2010, 11:06:22 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 25, 2010, 06:36:54 PM
Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clarke 9.5/10

An amazing book. Clarke never ceases to grip your imagination and fill you with awe. The characters are all very relatable, and the themes are very good, but it is the setting and story that set this aside as a prime example of hard science-fiction. The massive interstellar spaceship that is Rama is where almost all of the story takes place, and it filled me with wonder. Everything was simply gripping and interesting. This book also has the best last line of any book I have read.

Spoiler
The Ramans do everything in threes.
[close]

you should read Alastair Reynolds' Pushing Ice. it's sort of an omage in some ways with RWR
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 26, 2010, 10:25:25 PM
Yeah, maybe I'll check that out. It won't be for a while though; got a big backlog of books to read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 01, 2010, 09:32:14 AM
I just finished reading Kick-Ass. I'd give it a 7/10, my miniature review is here (http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=22913.msg716170#msg716170).

:)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 02, 2010, 08:15:52 PM
Rama II by Arthur C. Clarke and Gentry Lee 8.5/10

This was a very good book. The characters in it were much more fleshed out than in the first book, and you really feel for the plights that they are going through. Unfortunately, the thing that made the first one so good, the setting, seems to be a little trivialized and doesn't instill the same sense of wonder. However, the story is still very good, and it gets incredibly tense at the end, with a very good climax. The ending I don't think was as good as Rendezvous', but it was still quite a journey.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on May 02, 2010, 08:22:28 PM
Darren Shan The Cirque Du Freak series

Ment for kids but I am a kid at heart so I got over that and absolutely love them it is the 5th time reading them and still love it as much on re reads
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 02, 2010, 08:33:29 PM
Quote from: MrBrokenTusks. on May 02, 2010, 08:22:28 PM
Darren Shan The Cirque Du Freak series

Ment for kids but I am a kid at heart so I got over that and absolutely love them it is the 5th time reading them and still love it as much on re reads
I liked them through book 8. When they started killing everyone and their grandma off, it got really annoying.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on May 02, 2010, 08:37:03 PM
Yer the amount of one page characters got annoying sine you didn't get to know them
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 02, 2010, 08:44:22 PM
Yeah. And characters you do like, died in less than a book or two.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on May 02, 2010, 08:46:57 PM
I would of prefered it if they merged a few minor ones
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 02, 2010, 08:48:09 PM
Yeah. I really like the first couple, but I feel that there was alot of wasted potential.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on May 02, 2010, 08:53:31 PM
Yer but the others are still better than most kids book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 02, 2010, 09:00:44 PM
True.
Also, I just finished Natural Selection. I saw it in the for $1 and went for it. In truth, it's not a bad novel. Just it's so strange! We've read about all sorts of carnivoes water creatures. But, this is the first time I've ever read about giant, prehistoric, FLYING Rays (like Manta Rays) eatting people and out smarting dolphins. Really freaking strange. 3/5
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 10, 2010, 03:39:55 AM
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card 10/10

A simply great piece of science-fiction. The thematic elements are superb, but the story and the characters are where it really gets good. Everything is believably presented, and the impending war feels very real. The last two chapters are incredibly good. The characters are also very relatable, and you really get a feel for what they are going through, for their inner conflicts and beliefs. Yet again, I recommend this book to all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on May 10, 2010, 04:43:44 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 10, 2010, 03:39:55 AM
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card 10/10

A simply great piece of science-fiction. The thematic elements are superb, but the story and the characters are where it really gets good. Everything is believably presented, and the impending war feels very real. The last two chapters are incredibly good. The characters are also very relatable, and you really get a feel for what they are going through, for their inner conflicts and beliefs. Yet again, I recommend this book to all.

THE SHIT.



and I just recently finished reading Paradise Lost, brilliant piece of writing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on May 10, 2010, 09:09:47 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 10, 2010, 03:39:55 AM
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card 10/10

A simply great piece of science-fiction. The thematic elements are superb, but the story and the characters are where it really gets good. Everything is believably presented, and the impending war feels very real. The last two chapters are incredibly good. The characters are also very relatable, and you really get a feel for what they are going through, for their inner conflicts and beliefs. Yet again, I recommend this book to all.

yeah great book, in fact i really like all of the ender books. but Game is definately the best, although Shadow and In Exile both come close, (you kind of need to have read all the Shadow books, which are a little weak in places imho, to be able to read Ender in Exile though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on May 12, 2010, 05:42:50 PM
Currently through Relic by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child.
Sheer Awesomeness. Wish the Film had more of the book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on May 12, 2010, 05:44:46 PM
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb.

9/10!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on May 12, 2010, 06:24:48 PM
dreamcatcher - stephen king
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 12, 2010, 08:18:39 PM
The Mortal Instruments book 2
I almost had to destroy this book. In the end, it was actually worth while though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on May 12, 2010, 10:02:06 PM
Why did you have to almost destroy this book?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 13, 2010, 03:29:44 PM
It's sorta got allusivons to incest and necro-bestiality. Yeah.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on May 13, 2010, 04:03:57 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on May 13, 2010, 03:29:44 PM
It's sorta got allusivons to incest and necro-bestiality. Yeah.

I'm buying this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on May 13, 2010, 04:04:56 PM
Sounds like a Palahniuk book  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on May 13, 2010, 08:38:46 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on May 13, 2010, 03:29:44 PM
It's sorta got allusivons to incest and necro-bestiality. Yeah.

If you think that's bad then try reading Kathryn Harrisons book 'the kiss'. It's her memoir on how she entered a conscentual incestous relationship with her father in her college years.  :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 13, 2010, 08:41:17 PM
Damn...no thank you!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on May 13, 2010, 10:04:14 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on May 13, 2010, 08:41:17 PM
Damn...no thank you!

Good Man  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on May 13, 2010, 10:08:27 PM
I am reading ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT for history class. I am already 114 pages in. So far, I really like it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 13, 2010, 10:12:08 PM
I like the German perspective that book gives.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lie on May 13, 2010, 10:36:55 PM
Hah! Mines most likely the little mermaid.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on May 13, 2010, 11:10:31 PM
Quote from: TheMonolith on May 13, 2010, 10:08:27 PM
I am reading ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT for history class. I am already 114 pages in. So far, I really like it.

I love the imagery that book gives along with story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on May 14, 2010, 03:15:14 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on May 13, 2010, 08:38:46 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on May 13, 2010, 03:29:44 PM
It's sorta got allusivons to incest and necro-bestiality. Yeah.

If you think that's bad then try reading Kathryn Harrisons book 'the kiss'. It's her memoir on how she entered a conscentual incestous relationship with her father in her college years.  :o

I got two books to buy now?!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ryu on May 14, 2010, 09:14:40 PM
Here in Portugal has launched, the Portuguese language, the book World War Z.
Now my big question is whether I should buy the book?
Yes, no, or should I buying original version in English?
Please give your opinion, with some urgency.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 14, 2010, 10:01:25 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on May 14, 2010, 03:15:14 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on May 13, 2010, 08:38:46 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on May 13, 2010, 03:29:44 PM
It's sorta got allusivons to incest and necro-bestiality. Yeah.

If you think that's bad then try reading Kathryn Harrisons book 'the kiss'. It's her memoir on how she entered a conscentual incestous relationship with her father in her college years.  :o

I got two books to buy now?!

The Mortal Intruments are quite good. The only off putting thing is the writer of Twilight likes it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on May 14, 2010, 10:03:31 PM
Quote from: Ryu on May 14, 2010, 09:14:40 PM
Here in Portugal has launched, the Portuguese language, the book World War Z.
Now my big question is whether I should buy the book?
Yes, no, or should I buying original version in English?
Please give your opinion, with some urgency.

It'll be a good read no matter the language.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on May 15, 2010, 05:05:06 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on May 14, 2010, 03:15:14 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on May 13, 2010, 08:38:46 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on May 13, 2010, 03:29:44 PM
It's sorta got allusivons to incest and necro-bestiality. Yeah.

If you think that's bad then try reading Kathryn Harrisons book 'the kiss'. It's her memoir on how she entered a conscentual incestous relationship with her father in her college years.  :o

I got two books to buy now?!


Dude. The kiss will put you in a funk for weeks. You've been warned.  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 15, 2010, 07:49:29 PM
I took up my end of the deal with Purebreedalien, and I read Deadpool Dark Reign. I thought it was a really good story. It was all over the place with plots and characters changing a few times, but I guess that makes sense, since it's a compilation. Having never read a Deadpool comic before, I found it really easy and fun to learn about his character. Two specific things I really liked were his conflicting thoughts and his love for Tacos. His friend Bob was also pretty funny. I did see some unnecessary violence in some parts, but I guess that is to be expected from Deadpool. I did not like the last three panels of the story when Deadpool
Spoiler
killed himself.
[close]
It would have been fine ending three panels earlier. I really enjoyed the story(ies), and I'll rate it an 8.5/10.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 15, 2010, 07:58:07 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on May 15, 2010, 07:49:29 PM
I took up my end of the deal with Purebreedalien, and I read Deadpool Dark Reign. I thought it was a really good story. It was all over the place with plots and characters changing a few times, but I guess that makes sense, since it's a compilation. Having never read a Deadpool comic before, I found it really easy and fun to learn about his character. Two specific things I really liked were his conflicting thoughts and his love for Tacos. His friend Bob was also pretty funny. I did see some unnecessary violence in some parts, but I guess that is to be expected from Deadpool. I did not like the last three panels of the story when Deadpool
Spoiler
killed himself.
[close]
It would have been fine ending three panels earlier. I really enjoyed the story(ies), and I'll rate it an 8.5/10.

Bob's in this!? Holy shit! I have to pick this up ASAP! :D I loooooooooooove Bob!

I wont read the spoiler, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 15, 2010, 08:01:21 PM
Glad I did too. If you read this, you may also want to read Dark Reign: Deadpool/Thundercats. It takes place in between two of the "Stories" in this book. But it still makes sense if you don't read it (I didn't), since it gives you a short summary of it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 15, 2010, 08:03:20 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on May 15, 2010, 08:01:21 PM
Glad I did too. If you read this, you may also want to read Dark Reign: Deadpool/Thundercats. It takes place in between two of the "Stories" in this book. But it still makes sense if you don't read it (I didn't), since it gives you a short summary of it.

Thundercats. :D

You mean, Thunderbolts?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 15, 2010, 08:04:31 PM
:'( Wowwww, I feel stupid. :D

What is Thundercats, anyways? It sounds familiar, like a show or something, but nothing I ever watched...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 15, 2010, 08:07:28 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on May 15, 2010, 08:04:31 PM
:'( Wowwww, I feel stupid. :D

What is Thundercats, anyways? It sounds familiar, like a show or something, but nothing I ever watched...

I dunno what it is either, but I know the theme song screams: "THUNDERCATS! HOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

:D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on May 15, 2010, 08:56:55 PM
To Kill a Mockingbird. 8/10

Currently reading Olympos
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on May 16, 2010, 01:15:06 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on May 15, 2010, 08:04:31 PM
:'( Wowwww, I feel stupid. :D

What is Thundercats, anyways? It sounds familiar, like a show or something, but nothing I ever watched...

WHAT IS THUNDERCATS?!?!?

It's only the greatest 80s cartoon series of them all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-sOaUAgbB4
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on May 16, 2010, 01:32:39 AM
Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky, I love it. Too bad the game was so short, if they followed the book it could have been epic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on May 16, 2010, 08:54:06 AM
Lord Loss by Darren Shan re reading the series back to back. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ANYTIME 420 on May 16, 2010, 11:52:38 PM
The Last book i read was Jurassic Park By Michael Crichton,Now im waiting for Kick-Ass to come in the mail. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Simbobs12345 on May 17, 2010, 01:03:25 AM
Predator Omnibus: Volume 1.

Currently reading Predator: Forever Midnight Very good so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2010, 01:05:57 AM
Quote from: ANYTIME 420 on May 16, 2010, 11:52:38 PM
The Last book i read was Jurassic Park By Michael Crichton,Now im waiting for Kick-Ass to come in the mail. ;D

I like that book. One of Crichton's best.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ANYTIME 420 on May 17, 2010, 01:42:54 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2010, 01:05:57 AM
Quote from: ANYTIME 420 on May 16, 2010, 11:52:38 PM
The Last book i read was Jurassic Park By Michael Crichton,Now im waiting for Kick-Ass to come in the mail. ;D

I like that book. One of Crichton's best.
I agree  ;D  there's so many differences between the movie and book it's insane like muldoon actually survives and nedry's encounter with the dilo was much more nastier than the movie version but the movie itself is still epic. here's hoping JP IV happens.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2010, 01:45:01 AM
Here's hoping the dilo disembowels someone.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ANYTIME 420 on May 17, 2010, 03:40:52 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2010, 01:45:01 AM
Here's hoping the dilo disembowels someone.
That would be epic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on May 17, 2010, 03:43:50 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2010, 01:45:01 AM
Here's hoping the dilo disembowels someone.
Yeah, and that it is larger like described in the book... and fossil findings.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2010, 03:52:17 AM
Perhaps in the movie it was a juvenile?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on May 17, 2010, 04:16:40 AM
That seems plausible seeing as it fairly well played with him until finally killing him.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on May 18, 2010, 03:56:47 AM
Finished All Quiet on the Western Front.

Damn this thing was sad. Still it is a masterpiece of literature.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 18, 2010, 11:43:35 PM
Yeah, the ending left me with a lump in my throat. Damn good book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on May 21, 2010, 10:29:20 PM
Maus, a Survivor's Tale is next. Since it is a graphic novel, I expect to get through it a lot quicker, but i expect a lump in my throat for this one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 21, 2010, 10:39:37 PM
The Road, Cormac MCcarthy

Awe inspiring and chilling... masterpiece. :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on May 23, 2010, 06:08:57 PM
I just got done reading Maus.

People, this book makes All Quiet on the Western Front look like National Lampoon's Animal House!  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 23, 2010, 06:12:27 PM
Deadpool Volume 1- Secret Invasion by Daniel Way.

8/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Skinner on May 24, 2010, 10:51:43 PM
Jurassic Park 10/10
Maybe better than the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 25, 2010, 02:13:12 AM
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller 9/10

A very funny, very thought-provoking novel. It makes you laugh your ass off, then makes you feel slightly depressed from the death and destruction. The characters are all likable, except for the ones that aren't likable, and those ones are quite hatable. The story is interesting and keeps your attention. A little slow to start, but it picks up. Very good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 25, 2010, 11:27:39 AM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 21, 2010, 10:39:37 PM
The Road, Cormac MCcarthy

Awe inspiring and chilling... masterpiece. :o

An absolutely fantastic book. I'm a big fan of McCarthy's wonderfully unique style.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 25, 2010, 08:19:12 PM
Deadpool Volume 2: Dark Reign by Daniel Way.

Hilarious and action packed. 8/10

Can't decide between this and Secret Invasion, they're both 8s. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 25, 2010, 08:19:57 PM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on May 25, 2010, 08:19:12 PM
Deadpool Volume 2: Dark Reign by Daniel Way.

Hilarious and action packed. 8/10

Can't decide between this and Secret Invasion, they're both 8s. :D

Glad to hear you liked it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 25, 2010, 08:21:05 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on May 25, 2010, 08:19:57 PM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on May 25, 2010, 08:19:12 PM
Deadpool Volume 2: Dark Reign by Daniel Way.

Hilarious and action packed. 8/10

Can't decide between this and Secret Invasion, they're both 8s. :D

Glad to hear you liked it!

'Twas awesome. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on May 26, 2010, 08:37:50 AM
just finished The Walking Dead Compendium One. biggest GN/Comic Omnibus EVER! (afaik)
over 1000 pages, equivalent to 48 issues, 8 TPBs, or 4 HCs!! it weighs about a kilo i think, more maybe. brilliant, now i need to decide whether to start getting the standard TPBs or wait for the second compendium, which is probably a couple of years away :(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on May 26, 2010, 03:28:21 PM
Darren Shan the demonata series :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on May 26, 2010, 03:29:43 PM
Chariots of The Gods?

Gold of The Gods
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ANYTIME 420 on May 27, 2010, 02:23:34 AM
Im working on Kick-Ass right now  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on May 27, 2010, 08:54:16 AM
Quote from: ANYTIME 420 on May 27, 2010, 02:23:34 AM
Im working on Kick-Ass right now  :D

you make it sound like a chore.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ANYTIME 420 on May 27, 2010, 12:58:39 PM
Lol i i finished it ,It was a little different from the movie but i thought it was awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 27, 2010, 05:25:36 PM
Predator Omnibus Volume 4. Most of the stories were awesome. Best Predator Omnibus, highly recommended.

9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on May 27, 2010, 05:34:22 PM
The Founding & The Saint.

10 out of f**kin' 10 for both of them. Gotta love Gaunt's Ghosts!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on May 27, 2010, 09:46:46 PM
The Gathering Storm - Robert Jordan
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lie on May 27, 2010, 10:07:35 PM
Aliens Vs Predator 2010 booklet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on May 28, 2010, 06:33:34 AM
Quote from: Lie1295 on May 27, 2010, 10:07:35 PM
Aliens Vs Predator 2010 booklet.

I don't think that counts as a book. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lt. Mike Harrigan on May 28, 2010, 02:15:25 PM
Quote from: ANYTIME 420 on May 27, 2010, 12:58:39 PM
Lol i i finished it ,It was a little better from the movie but i thought it was awesome.

Fixed.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on May 28, 2010, 02:33:54 PM
Quote from: Lt. Mike Harrigan on May 28, 2010, 02:15:25 PM
Quote from: ANYTIME 420 on May 27, 2010, 12:58:39 PM
Lol i i finished it ,It was a little better from the movie but i thought it was awesome.

Fixed.

nah i think anytime was right, they're both different animals, and i don't think you can say one is better than the other, the movie is much more optimistic for example, and more surreal, which i enjoyed, also red mist is handled very differently, being a totally unknown quantity in the book until the end, but in the movie you know who he is, but his allegiance is unclear.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on May 29, 2010, 02:26:27 AM
Phantoms by Dean Koontz

Horror and The Thing fans will like this. An alien shape shifter takes over a town and can shape shift and mimic other people.

A film adaptation was made starring Ben Affleck in the 90's.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Basher917 on May 29, 2010, 02:29:26 AM
read Halo: Ghosts of Onyx again, and I still like it
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: XenoVC on May 30, 2010, 09:16:47 PM
Currently reading: A Lion's Tale:Around the world in Spandex by Chris Jericho.

Really good stuff!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on May 30, 2010, 09:17:57 PM
I have that book, my sister is currently reading it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lt. Mike Harrigan on May 31, 2010, 08:19:32 AM
The Shack
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on May 31, 2010, 10:01:26 PM
Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday
4/5
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Tangakkai on May 31, 2010, 11:54:40 PM
"La Nuit" (The Night)

by Elie Wiesel

7/10... very moving

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV-2501 on Jun 02, 2010, 07:31:56 AM
The Road - Cormac Mc Carthy
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 02, 2010, 08:05:38 AM
just finished The Scar by China Miéville, good book
onto a HP Lovecraft Anthology.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huol on Jun 02, 2010, 11:31:47 AM
Clive Barker- Abarat
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 02, 2010, 01:38:44 PM
Quote from: Huol on Jun 02, 2010, 11:31:47 AM
Clive Barker- Abarat

my girlfriend is reading the second one of those at the moment, she says it's pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jun 04, 2010, 07:52:19 PM
Halo: The Flood

I loved it, a whole lot of people said it wasn't very good because a lot of the stuff "didn't happen in the game" but I loved both the sub-plots involving the Covenant and the Marines, highly enjoyable and after completing the first game last month I could read it with all the iconic voices in my head.

The Fall Of Reach was an 8/10 The Flood is a 7.5/10. Both excellent books, onto Contact Harvest next, which happens before The Fall Of Reach. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 04, 2010, 07:54:20 PM
i'm reading a HP Lovecraft anthology "the thing on the doorstep and other weird stories"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 04, 2010, 10:14:47 PM
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller 9/10

I know it's not technically a book, but I really enjoyed reading it. Kept me captivated by what the characters are going through, and I really pitied Willy Loman. The ending was rather sad.
Spoiler
He dies.
[close]
Very damn good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 06, 2010, 07:21:23 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Jun 04, 2010, 07:54:20 PM
i'm reading a HP Lovecraft anthology "the thing on the doorstep and other weird stories"
I have the Necronomicon collection. Have you seen that?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Althalus on Jun 07, 2010, 01:55:06 AM
Just finished The Infinity Gate by Sara Douglass.

Its the last book in her Dark Glass Mountains trilogy.

Didnt think it was as good as the Axis and Wayfarer Redemption Trilogy's but still a good read.

Probably about to reread Magician by Raymend E. Feist and work my way through all of the series again. Can't wait for the final Trilogy to come out and wrap everything up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Asian Assassin on Jun 08, 2010, 04:24:13 AM
They Fought For Each Other...its about a unit in Iraq, and the triumph and tragedy of the hardest hit unit in Iraq, the book is excellent and inspiring
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Jun 08, 2010, 04:38:52 AM
Tell All



Horrible, horrible, piece of f**king shit!!!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV-2501 on Jun 08, 2010, 01:35:20 PM
Truman Capote - In Cold Blood. 10/10.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 08, 2010, 02:20:45 PM
Got Michael Crichton's Prey.
I'm so excited, I can't wait!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 08, 2010, 02:21:49 PM
That is a very creepy book. I'd rate it up there with Jurassic Park and Sphere as his best novel. It's best read in a darkened room. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 08, 2010, 02:26:03 PM
I got LOTR, the 50th anniversary version. Daunting to look at, nevermind read...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 08, 2010, 02:44:19 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 08, 2010, 02:21:49 PM
That is a very creepy book. I'd rate it up there with Jurassic Park and Sphere as his best novel. It's best read in a darkened room. :)
I'll follow this advice! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Larry The Cable Predator on Jun 08, 2010, 04:36:13 PM
Last three:

Blockade Billy by Stephen King - read the thing in one sitting, but I like it.

Under The Dome by Stephen King - took me significantly more than one sitting to read.  Good book, but somehow, I'm not sure I like it all that much.  Big Jim Rennie is an awesome character though.

The Road by Cormack McCarthy - Instantly one of my favorite books ever.  I like the movie a lot too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 09, 2010, 06:15:28 PM
I have just seen Shutter Island, and I am curious if the book is worth reading?  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Alien³ on Jun 09, 2010, 06:17:54 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Jun 08, 2010, 02:20:45 PM
Got Michael Crichton's Prey.
I'm so excited, I can't wait!

It's a brilliant novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 09, 2010, 09:39:15 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jun 09, 2010, 06:15:28 PM
I have just seen Shutter Island, and I am curious if the book is worth reading?  :)

Yes it is. Everything the film did, the book did more effectively.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 09, 2010, 09:42:55 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 09, 2010, 09:39:15 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jun 09, 2010, 06:15:28 PM
I have just seen Shutter Island, and I am curious if the book is worth reading?  :)

Yes it is. Everything the film did, the book did more effectively.

Thanks. I'll look into it.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huol on Jun 09, 2010, 10:21:29 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.fantasticfiction.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fn58%2Fn292461.jpg&hash=02a96f02b3647def8af964c3141cda78ce0c29fc)

should be arriving soon.

Can't pass on sum skaven
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jun 09, 2010, 11:32:54 PM
The Best of HP Lovecraft
Still reading this and it is some spooky shit!  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 09, 2010, 11:39:33 PM
I gotta pick up one of the Lovecraft collections.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 10, 2010, 12:28:19 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 09, 2010, 11:39:33 PM
I gotta pick up one of the Lovecraft collections.
I got myself this one

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi104.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm191%2FIzzys88%2Fc21777.jpg&hash=fb4ca4901fd6fbebb2b92a802db3a764c6c465f3)

8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Friendly Wise on Jun 10, 2010, 09:13:28 AM
Last three I read.

Halo: Evolutions: Essential Tales of the Halo Universe
StarWars: Death Troopers
The Ninja
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Celtic-predator on Jun 10, 2010, 09:24:20 AM
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV-2501 on Jun 10, 2010, 09:31:29 AM
Quote from: Valaquen on Jun 10, 2010, 12:28:19 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 09, 2010, 11:39:33 PM
I gotta pick up one of the Lovecraft collections.
I got myself this one

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m191/Izzys88/c21777.jpg

8)

I have to read it again. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 10, 2010, 01:22:04 PM
Got into Prey.
Never experienced a first-person POV from Crichton. I don't generally like that, but the Master as always has managed to make it memorable. very intriguing story.
Oh, and Spacemarines, I followed your advice. Cweepy. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Tangakkai on Jun 10, 2010, 01:26:42 PM
Just finished Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy... boy that was a ride. First McCarthy I read and I liked it very much. I'm from Europe so McCarthy is not such a big thing here like in America and I never got to read it...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 10, 2010, 01:49:58 PM
Quote from: Tangakkai on Jun 10, 2010, 01:26:42 PM
Just finished Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy... boy that was a ride. First McCarthy I read and I liked it very much. I'm from Europe so McCarthy is not such a big thing here like in America and I never got to read it...

I bought that ages ago, but it's on the backburner for now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 10, 2010, 02:19:05 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Jun 10, 2010, 01:22:04 PM
Got into Prey.
Never experienced a first-person POV from Crichton. I don't generally like that, but the Master as always has managed to make it memorable. very intriguing story.
Oh, and Spacemarines, I followed your advice. Cweepy. ;D ;D ;D

One of the few books that has literally filled me with dread, foreboding, and a little bit of fear.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Tangakkai on Jun 10, 2010, 02:51:43 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Jun 10, 2010, 01:49:58 PM
Quote from: Tangakkai on Jun 10, 2010, 01:26:42 PM
Just finished Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy... boy that was a ride. First McCarthy I read and I liked it very much. I'm from Europe so McCarthy is not such a big thing here like in America and I never got to read it...

I bought that ages ago, but it's on the backburner for now.

Well if you get to it, you really should read it. I seriously doubt that you'll regret it, but yeah you'll have to do it in your time cause this book is really intensive.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 10, 2010, 03:13:28 PM
Quote from: Tangakkai on Jun 10, 2010, 02:51:43 PM
Well if you get to it, you really should read it. I seriously doubt that you'll regret it, but yeah you'll have to do it in your time cause this book is really intensive.

I have to get through No Country For Old Men, Under the Dome, Lord of the Rings, Les Miserables, and a few more novels before I can open Blood Meridian. I tend to bulk buy  :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Tangakkai on Jun 10, 2010, 03:42:00 PM
That's quite a list you got there  :D Good luck!  ;)

Haven't read No Country for Old Men, only have seen the film and it was quite something.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 10, 2010, 04:29:57 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 10, 2010, 02:19:05 PM
One of the few books that has literally filled me with dread, foreboding, and a little bit of fear.
Haven't got yet to the best, but it's one of those book that only by reading it you desire more. I had a hard time trying to detach the face from the novel. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 14, 2010, 10:05:43 PM
The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science by Natalie Angier 9/10

An immensely interesting book, it explains in easily understandable terms the basics of the largest parts of science, from probability to physics, chemistry to geology, biology to astronomy. If you are interested in science, I highly recommend this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Dachande on Jun 14, 2010, 10:07:21 PM
I can't actually remember...

are we counting Graphic Novels? Because in that case it's Marvel Civil War.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 14, 2010, 10:08:01 PM
Yeah, graphic novels count.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 14, 2010, 10:09:37 PM
I just finished Astonishing X-Men which was great.

In terms of novels, I think I am going to pick up Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. I've read Red Dragon and loved it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Dachande on Jun 14, 2010, 10:09:53 PM
Then yeah, Marvel Civil War. Still need to read The Road..... and my two Dragon Age novels...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Jun 15, 2010, 04:19:22 AM
Hollywood Monster: A Walk Down Elm Street with the Man of Your Dreams
Wonderful biography!
If you love Robert Englund you must get this book!  I was ecstatic when I got it in the mail after a long 2 week wait after ordering it from Boarders!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV-2501 on Jun 15, 2010, 07:16:41 AM
The Forever War - Joe Haldeman.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 15, 2010, 02:18:42 PM
Quote from: EEV-2501 on Jun 15, 2010, 07:16:41 AM
The Forever War - Joe Haldeman.

I f**king loved that book. My Top-5 for sure.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 17, 2010, 09:13:21 PM
The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth 9/10

A very entertaining espionage thriller. It keeps you interested and glued to the pages. I was genuinely concerned about the characters and the events that were going on. I recommend.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jun 18, 2010, 02:46:11 AM
Penny Arcade: The case of the mummies curse. Genius, just genius.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Jun 20, 2010, 08:54:08 PM
Black Butler vol. 1 and 2
Inuyasha 1-32
Inu Baka 1-4
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Friendly Wise on Jun 20, 2010, 09:06:28 PM
World War Z - Max Brooks
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Interfa on Jun 22, 2010, 04:44:41 PM
Nation by Terry Pratchett.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 22, 2010, 06:51:47 PM
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 10/10

I love this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 22, 2010, 10:28:07 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 22, 2010, 06:51:47 PM
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 10/10

I love this book.

I need to read this...badly.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 22, 2010, 11:05:17 PM
I guarantee you'll like it. I've read it twice in the past six months.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jun 22, 2010, 11:10:33 PM
Darkly Dreaming DEXTER
10/10
Intense, fast-paced, hilarious, and exhilarating- superior to the first.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 23, 2010, 11:29:36 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 22, 2010, 11:05:17 PM
I guarantee you'll like it. I've read it twice in the past six months.

it is very good, not sure if it's a guarenteed "like" though, maybe 95%
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jun 28, 2010, 01:30:33 AM
Meg: Hell's Aqaurium, BEST book in the series. :)

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Jun 28, 2010, 03:13:18 PM
the killing joke.


Yes it is imo a book. ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 28, 2010, 03:58:08 PM
Quote from: MrBrokenTusks. on Jun 28, 2010, 03:13:18 PM
the killing joke.


Yes it is imo a book. ;)
And a damn fine one!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lie on Jun 28, 2010, 05:42:44 PM
Mind Control by Dr Haha Lung
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jun 29, 2010, 05:20:05 PM
Deadpool Suicide Kings

A funny ride from a different writer, similar to Daniel Way's Deadpool but slightly more serious, one of the better Deadpool stories I have read.

Deadpool is framed for the killing of innocent bystanders and labled as a terrorist, granting him the Punisher's attention.

8/10

Deadpool Game$ of Death

I liked this one too, but found it ended to abruptly. Shawn Crystal's art also seemed a little too cartoon-y for my tatses.

6/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jun 29, 2010, 10:59:40 PM
Deeper by james a moore
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jun 30, 2010, 06:38:28 AM
Deadpool Volume 3: X Marks The Spot

8/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Jun 30, 2010, 03:36:23 PM
Transformers: Exodus
5/5
Prehaps a companion peice to the new game, it pretty much tells the tale of how Optimus and Megatron met and what leads to the eventual war. A must read for any TF fan.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 02, 2010, 12:07:59 AM
The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin 9/10

This book was very interesting. It was slow to start out, but once it got going, the story and the characters kept me transfixed. There are very deep, meaningful themes throughout the novel, and one could spend a long time analyzing them. For me, the greatest aspect is the society that Ursula has been able to create. It seems believable, with the right balance of order and chaos, efficiency and knuckle-dragging. Her concept of an anarchist society seems quite doable, and reveals a huge amount of imagination.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV-2501 on Jul 02, 2010, 08:09:47 AM
The Keep - F. Paul Wilson.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jul 02, 2010, 12:20:32 PM
Highschool of the Dead chapters 1-25 (there's no 26 yet :()

Fun zombie manga thats gory, cheesey, contains lots of fanservice, fun characters, and has a lot of subtle references to other zombie related books, film, and games.
9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 02, 2010, 12:49:33 PM
Quote from: MHfan-4_life on Jul 02, 2010, 12:20:32 PM
Highschool of the Dead chapters 1-25 (there's no 26 yet :()

Fun zombie manga thats gory, cheesey, contains lots of fanservice, fun characters, and has a lot of subtle references to other zombie related books, film, and games.
9/10

where can you get it from? i found out about it when they announced the Anime, and i think it looks awesome, have no idea where i'd beable to get it from though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jul 02, 2010, 03:54:09 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Jul 02, 2010, 12:49:33 PM
Quote from: MHfan-4_life on Jul 02, 2010, 12:20:32 PM
Highschool of the Dead chapters 1-25 (there's no 26 yet :()

Fun zombie manga thats gory, cheesey, contains lots of fanservice, fun characters, and has a lot of subtle references to other zombie related books, film, and games.
9/10

where can you get it from? i found out about it when they announced the Anime, and i think it looks awesome, have no idea where i'd beable to get it from though.

http://www.1000manga.com/Highschool_of_the_Dead/1/ (http://www.1000manga.com/Highschool_of_the_Dead/1/)
Have fun ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huol on Jul 02, 2010, 07:44:04 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.fantasticfiction.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fn49%2Fn245614.jpg&hash=13e7bff96c81c3590ffb789c676ea2db824da9bd)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 03, 2010, 05:30:07 PM
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

An excellent book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 03, 2010, 06:45:52 PM
I almost cried the first time I read that. Did you get emotional at all?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 03, 2010, 08:42:55 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 03, 2010, 06:45:52 PM
I almost cried the first time I read that. Did you get emotional at all?

Spoiler
Yes, I thought it was very emotional at the end when Mandella received the letter from Marygay.
[close]

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 03, 2010, 08:43:56 PM
The part that got me most was when
Spoiler
Marygay and Mandella were split up by the bureaucrats.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Friendly Wise on Jul 03, 2010, 08:46:17 PM
Predators: Midnight

f**k Hish, give me Yautja any day.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 03, 2010, 08:47:23 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 03, 2010, 08:43:56 PM
The part that got me most was when
Spoiler
Marygay and Mandella were split up by the bureaucrats.
[close]

Spoiler
I also thought that it was sad that the Earth became so infested with crime, as a result Marygay's parents got killed on their farm.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 03, 2010, 08:49:04 PM
Oh yeah, that got me too. God, there were so many good parts to that relatively short book. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 03, 2010, 08:51:38 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 03, 2010, 08:49:04 PM
Oh yeah, that got me too. God, there were so many good parts to that relatively short book. :)

It totally took me by surprise, with the issues that it dealt with; war, crime, drugs, government/politics, sexuality, cloning etc.

I highly enjoyed it, it kept me glued to the pages. Fantastic book.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 03, 2010, 08:55:16 PM
The best part was, the battles, the locales, the characters, all seemed real. Hell, even the soft sci-fi stuff he had seemed realistic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Frood on Jul 03, 2010, 09:38:48 PM
Not read but listened to the audio book of "Day By Day Armageddon".  A zombie apocalypse novel but in a diary form so the actual narration really worked in this case.  Some very good ideas, very realistic with the behaviour of the zombies and an intense amount of different scenarios.  Cant wait for the sequel that will be out this month. 

Highly recommend this one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jul 04, 2010, 02:15:56 AM
Jurassic park, and the lost world, absolutely great, some of the best books iv read in forever.  ;D So awsome i wish hed make another. Anyone else read em?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 04, 2010, 05:15:47 AM
I have. Read all but one of Crichton's stuff, in fact. I loved JP, but TLW was disappointing for me. Just wasn't up to snuff, especially when compared to his other novels. I'd say it's his second worst, next to that almost painful to read State of Fear.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 04, 2010, 09:11:09 PM
20,000 leagues under the sea
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Jul 04, 2010, 09:30:12 PM
The boy in stripped pjammas.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 04, 2010, 09:54:50 PM
Quote from: shobidoo on Jul 04, 2010, 02:15:56 AM
Jurassic park, and the lost world, absolutely great, some of the best books iv read in forever.  ;D So awsome i wish hed make another. Anyone else read em?

I love reading MC. Sphere and Jurassic Park are my two favorites.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 04, 2010, 10:00:12 PM
Quote from: shobidoo on Jul 04, 2010, 02:15:56 AM
Jurassic park, and the lost world, absolutely great, some of the best books iv read in forever.  ;D So awsome i wish hed make another. Anyone else read em?

Both of them are good. The lost world book was pretty much the last two movies combined. Sphere and congo were good as well. If memory serves those are the only crichton books ive read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 05, 2010, 03:47:49 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 04, 2010, 09:54:50 PM
Quote from: shobidoo on Jul 04, 2010, 02:15:56 AM
Jurassic park, and the lost world, absolutely great, some of the best books iv read in forever.  ;D So awsome i wish hed make another. Anyone else read em?

I love reading MC. Sphere and Jurassic Park are my two favorites.

Same here. Prey's up there too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 07, 2010, 02:56:19 AM
Phantoms by Dean Koontz

This is actually my second time reading this because I loved it the first time so much. This book scared me a lot. I don't often get chills when reading but when Koontz describes some of the situations and events the characters are in; it's chilling.

The novel follows a group civilians and police trapped in a mountain town with a shape shifting alien that has consumed the town and killed all the residents. It's just a few civilians and police, and the creature taunts them all through out the novel.

Highly recommed it to horror/sci fi/creature fans.  :)

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: regueradela on Jul 07, 2010, 05:29:30 AM
The last book I read was "the other hand" by Chris Cleave. It is a story of hope and survival and life in the moment, the here and now, with an intensity and love.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jul 11, 2010, 09:01:40 PM
Spider-Man: The Birth of Venom

This large book collects Spider-Man's encounter with the Alien symbiote on Battleworld, to his numerous encounters with supervillians such as Jack O' Lantern and Puma, with more and more secrets revealed about the suit until Spider-Man discovers that it is actually alive. Once rejecting the symbiote it grows to hate Spider-Man, before bonding with someone who shares equal hate- Eddie Brock. Together they become Venom, Spider-Man's deadliest adversary.

At first I wasn't sure if I would like the art, but once I began reading it grew on me. I really like the art style, and as much as I like the newer comics, the old ones are still magnificent to look at, the stories featured in this near 350 page epic are gripping and well written. Overall it's definately a must for all Spider-Man fans, especially ones curious about Venom's origin like myself.

Well written, well drawn, awesome overall.

9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 11, 2010, 09:28:28 PM
^ I have that same book. Todd McFarlane has some cool artwork.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jul 11, 2010, 09:32:36 PM
I actually drew Venom this afternoon, and then started working on a second sketch based on the first time you see Venom in his entirety, the "Hi honey. I'm home." panel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 11, 2010, 09:38:48 PM
Just out of curiosity, do you ever read any regular, print-only books?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 12, 2010, 01:00:37 AM
Into the mountains of madness - HP Lovecraft
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 12, 2010, 01:50:11 AM
Partway through that right now. I'm lovin' it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 12, 2010, 03:21:31 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 12, 2010, 01:50:11 AM
Partway through that right now. I'm lovin' it.

You talking to me?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 12, 2010, 03:24:27 AM
Trying out our Robert De Niro impressions, I see. ;D

And yes, I am talkin' to you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jul 12, 2010, 07:28:13 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 11, 2010, 09:38:48 PM
Just out of curiosity, do you ever read any regular, print-only books?

I don't have any shops that sell comic books near me, unfortunately so it's difficult for me to get hold of any. I wait for the collected editions if there is a certain character or storyline I like the look of.

Herp derp.

I posted, shut the computer down and went out and then I realised what you meant by print only, I thought you meant individual issues, but I do read print only books, just not many of them due to the fact that I don't have any print only books that interest me at the moment, I should probably read some HP Lovecraft or something.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 12, 2010, 08:59:02 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Jul 12, 2010, 01:00:37 AM
Into the mountains of madness - HP Lovecraft

hah, i'm reading the at the moment, (part of the "The Thing on the Doorstep and other Weird Stories" anthology) although mine is called At the Mountains of Madness. ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 12, 2010, 08:12:09 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 12, 2010, 03:24:27 AM
Trying out our Robert De Niro impressions, I see. ;D

And yes, I am talkin' to you.

So it looks like you, AvatarIII, and myself are all reading this...That is truly bizarre. 'm reading the fifth printing of "at the mountains of madness and other novels". I'm looking forward to getting to the "dreams in the witch house" short story.

Heres my editions pic
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2F4%2F43%2FAt_the_mountains_of_madness_fifth.jpg&hash=dd61f3ca27b8e804610cce45c61f4babc4cce0d7)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Jul 12, 2010, 08:14:14 PM
Dave Eggers: Where the wild things are

Brilliant piece of art from childhood, and broken strings of mind in a chaotic world (of everyone's). I loved it :)
10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 12, 2010, 08:46:31 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Jul 12, 2010, 08:12:09 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 12, 2010, 03:24:27 AM
Trying out our Robert De Niro impressions, I see. ;D

And yes, I am talkin' to you.

So it looks like you, AvatarIII, and myself are all reading this...That is truly bizarre. 'm reading the fifth printing of "at the mountains of madness and other novels". I'm looking forward to getting to the "dreams in the witch house" short story.

Heres my editions pic
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/43/At_the_mountains_of_madness_fifth.jpg

i have these 3 matching anthologies, read the first, halfway through the second, have the 3rd still to read.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages-eu.amazon.com%2Fimages%2FP%2F0141187069.jpg&hash=178611d198426bc0f51cc29492ab3b0ca54b9911)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguin.com.au%2Fjpg-large%2F9780141187075.jpg&hash=6f5dc9b3642c4786568d033f2fe2f55f4b1a5f90)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages-eu.amazon.com%2Fimages%2FP%2F0141187891.jpg&hash=eec811e2e0116207dd714680affcb1524201ecdd)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 13, 2010, 03:54:19 AM
I wanna get a Cthulhu mythos anthology one of these days. It's really interesting me.

Quote from: 08yeyinde on Jul 12, 2010, 08:14:14 PM
Dave Eggers: Where the wild things are

Brilliant piece of art from childhood, and broken strings of mind in a chaotic world (of everyone's). I loved it :)
10/10

Ah, good memories. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Jul 13, 2010, 04:26:55 AM
Quote
QuoteDave Eggers: Where the wild things are

    Brilliant piece of art from childhood, and broken strings of mind in a chaotic world (of everyone's). I loved it :)
    10/10

Ah, good memories. :)

Book or picture book (from the far past, I guess :)) or both?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 13, 2010, 04:27:42 AM
Picture book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Jul 13, 2010, 05:03:01 AM
I  have yet to a look at it, but I will surely give it a try :) Hope it can be purchased in my country.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lie on Jul 13, 2010, 07:41:05 PM
Some old Spawn comic I found in my room.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Chump on Jul 14, 2010, 10:54:43 AM
Quote from: Lie1295 on Jul 13, 2010, 07:41:05 PM
Some old Spawn comic I found in my room.
The instruction book of oblivion
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jul 15, 2010, 08:11:03 AM
I don't think that counts as a book. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lt. Mike Harrigan on Jul 15, 2010, 01:28:20 PM
What about a Penguin's chocolate bar wrapper?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jul 15, 2010, 07:23:37 PM
Quote from: Lt. Mike Harrigan on Jul 15, 2010, 01:28:20 PM
What about a Penguin's chocolate bar wrapper?

Hell no! :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Jul 16, 2010, 03:17:59 PM
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Totally uninteresting. This book did not captivate me whatsoever.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lt. Mike Harrigan on Jul 16, 2010, 05:44:26 PM
Damn! Really? I just bought that book the other week. I'll have to give it a bash soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Jul 16, 2010, 05:50:16 PM
Don't take my word for it, as far as I know, I'm the only person in the world to feel that way.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lt. Mike Harrigan on Jul 16, 2010, 05:53:16 PM
Hmm, I think I might start it this weekend.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jul 16, 2010, 05:55:07 PM
If it's anything like the movie, it should be good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Jul 16, 2010, 06:08:38 PM
I'm going to watch the movie, hopefully it's able to make me give a f**k about what happens. The book made me not care, the shit that was going on was interesting for the characters, but I just didn't care for what was happening.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 16, 2010, 09:19:55 PM
Spooky...

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson 9/10

This was an incredibly interesting book. I cared for the characters, and I eagerly enjoyed finding out what happened next.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Jul 16, 2010, 09:51:40 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 16, 2010, 09:19:55 PM
Spooky...

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson 9/10

This was an incredibly interesting book. I cared for the characters, and I eagerly enjoyed finding out what happened next.


I wish I could...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 16, 2010, 09:57:42 PM
We seem to disagree on quite a few things. Not as many as Anto, but still; quite a few.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Jul 17, 2010, 04:09:32 PM
Really? I never noticed, I thought this was the first time we've disagreed to the point where each of us thinks the exact opposite. I don't think I disagree with Anto, I just like playing around with him, it's a wonder he hasn't put me on ignore after that whole fangirls thread or whatever.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 17, 2010, 04:13:07 PM
Actually, come to think of it, you're right. Forget what I wrote before.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: West-Coast Killer on Jul 18, 2010, 01:28:46 PM
last book i read was i think zombie survival guide
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JP9667 on Jul 18, 2010, 03:58:13 PM
Starwars republic commando: hard contact
It was good but I got bored with the next book :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 18, 2010, 06:00:28 PM
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

Wow. What an experience. It was everything I expected and more. It kept me engaged all throughout and it was dark, twisted and brilliant. Buffalo Bill may be one of the creepiest killers in fiction ever. There are moments in the novel (that weren't in the movie) of things he's doing that's just weird and sick.

Terrific book

10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Jul 18, 2010, 06:28:58 PM
Quote from: JP9667 on Jul 18, 2010, 03:58:13 PM
Starwars republic commando: hard contact
It was good but I got bored with the next book :P


This reminds me that i still have to read that horror Star Wars novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 19, 2010, 11:34:30 PM
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

Well, this was an intelligent, thought provoking science fiction novel with a sense of mystery behind it. I finished it in 2 days because I was that into it. I cared for David Bowman's character. The last half of this book can't be put into words. It's so...breathtaking and different. After reading it, I was left wanting more. I'll definitely make the effort to read 2010 in the near future.

Now, I have to watch the movie for the first time.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 19, 2010, 11:39:36 PM
Yeah, Space Odyssey is a special kind of book. Only three others have ever been able to inspire me and grab hold of my emotions and imagination in that way.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 19, 2010, 11:40:32 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 19, 2010, 11:39:36 PM
Yeah, Space Odyssey is a special kind of book. Only three others have ever been able to inspire me and grab hold of my emotions and imagination in that way.

Are the sequels as good?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 19, 2010, 11:42:50 PM
They're not as good, but they're still pretty damn good. 2010 was a bit worse, but definitely an excellent book nonetheless. 2061 and 3001 were solid on their own, but when compared to the first two, and especially the first, they're a bit disappointing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 19, 2010, 11:46:28 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 19, 2010, 11:42:50 PM
They're not as good, but they're still pretty damn good. 2010 was a bit worse, but definitely an excellent book nonetheless. 2061 and 3001 were solid on their own, but when compared to the first two, and especially the first, they're a bit disappointing.

Thanks. I'll definitely look into them.

Now your personal text makes much more sense! :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 20, 2010, 08:29:42 AM
The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death by Charlie Huston. I heard it was likely getting a TV deal, so I picked up a copy. Has a great dark humor and one of the most likable asshole protagonists I've ever encountered.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jul 20, 2010, 05:55:14 PM
The Dunwich Horror.
Without a doubt one of thegreatest horror tales of all time. Despite a brief length, (33 pages) it is really engaging and its short length holds a truly epic and frightening tale.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 20, 2010, 07:31:05 PM
-applauds your choice in literature-

Ever read the Shadow over Innsmouth?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 20, 2010, 07:53:08 PM
talking of lovecraft, i'm onto my 3rd anthology of his works, read the very short "polaris" today, it's almost like a bedtime story, but lovecraftian lol.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 20, 2010, 08:54:34 PM
Do any of you know where to get a complete anthology of the Cthulhu Mythos? MoM has gotten me hooked.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lie on Jul 20, 2010, 09:09:23 PM
Gantz manga

People die but before they die they get save and brought in a room by a giant ball called Gantz, people then have to hunt down aliens before a clock runs out. All those alive at the end get points if they have killed anything, dead people get added to the list of people that have died before them in the hunt. Get 100 points you can bring back people from the dead or you can be free of the room and Gantz's hunts forever.

Great story but to many good characters died.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jul 20, 2010, 10:10:13 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Jul 20, 2010, 07:31:05 PM
-applauds your choice in literature-

Ever read the Shadow over Innsmouth?

No, but it is in the collection, so I am working my way up to it.

Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 20, 2010, 08:54:34 PM
Do any of you know where to get a complete anthology of the Cthulhu Mythos? MoM has gotten me hooked.
I would recommend Best of HP Lovecraft, Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre. It contains all the greats, including but not limited too, The Call of Cthulhu, The Dunwich Horror, The Colour out of Space, The Shadow over Innsmouth, and The Shadow out of Time. Not a complete collection, but still a solid one to get started with.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JP9667 on Jul 20, 2010, 10:18:15 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jul 18, 2010, 06:28:58 PM
Quote from: JP9667 on Jul 18, 2010, 03:58:13 PM
Starwars republic commando: hard contact
It was good but I got bored with the next book :P


This reminds me that i still have to read that horror Star Wars novel.

Is it star wars: Death troopers?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Jul 20, 2010, 10:30:02 PM
I think so.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 20, 2010, 11:30:13 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 20, 2010, 08:54:34 PM
Do any of you know where to get a complete anthology of the Cthulhu Mythos? MoM has gotten me hooked.

I don't think there is an absolutely complete anthology out there, considering the majority of the mythos wasn't Lovecraft's work. The book (http://www.amazon.com/Best-H-P-Lovecraft-Bloodcurdling/dp/0345350804/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279668138&sr=1-1) Monolith recommended is a great collection of only Lovecraft, and this one (http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Cthulhu-Mythos-H-Lovecraft/dp/034542204X/ref=pd_sim_b_1) is a pretty good assortment of the expanded universe.

I personally would read all of Lovecraft's first, and then move on to Derleth, Bloch and the rest. The latter authors tried to make a uniformed Greek-like understanding of the Pantheon, which pretty much takes away the awesomeness of Lovecraft's work because they state that everyone Lovecraft wrote about were just the minor players in the greater cosmic scheme. I always thought it was their way of one-upping their idol, and I think their work hurts for it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 21, 2010, 02:33:05 AM
I meant Lovecraft-only anthology. Sorry for the misconception.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 21, 2010, 02:45:45 AM
Hm... I don't think there is a Lovecraft only Cthulhu anthology. Stick with Best of HP Lovecraft, Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre, Monolith is definitely right about that one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 21, 2010, 02:47:09 AM
I'll keep an eye out for it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jul 21, 2010, 04:28:34 AM
Quote from: Lie1295 on Jul 20, 2010, 09:09:23 PM
Gantz manga

People die but before they die they get save and brought in a room by a giant ball called Gantz, people then have to hunt down aliens before a clock runs out. All those alive at the end get points if they have killed anything, dead people get added to the list of people that have died before them in the hunt. Get 100 points you can bring back people from the dead or you can be free of the room and Gantz's hunts forever.

Great story but to many good characters died.
That sounds like an awesome manga.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JP9667 on Jul 21, 2010, 04:33:30 AM
Quote from: JP9667 on Jul 20, 2010, 10:18:15 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jul 18, 2010, 06:28:58 PM
Quote from: JP9667 on Jul 18, 2010, 03:58:13 PM
Starwars republic commando: hard contact
It was good but I got bored with the next book :P


This reminds me that i still have to read that horror Star Wars novel.

[Is it star wars: Death troopers?
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jul 20, 2010, 10:30:02 PM
I think so.

It's the best book ive read it's awesome
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jul 21, 2010, 04:49:22 AM
Quote from: JP9667 on Jul 21, 2010, 04:33:30 AM
Quote from: JP9667 on Jul 20, 2010, 10:18:15 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jul 18, 2010, 06:28:58 PM
Quote from: JP9667 on Jul 18, 2010, 03:58:13 PM
Starwars republic commando: hard contact
It was good but I got bored with the next book :P


This reminds me that i still have to read that horror Star Wars novel.

[Is it star wars: Death troopers?
Quote from: ShadowPred on Jul 20, 2010, 10:30:02 PM
I think so.

It's the best book ive read it's awesome
Thats a pretty big reccomendation. Ill be sure to read it some time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 21, 2010, 09:29:37 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 20, 2010, 08:54:34 PM
Do any of you know where to get a complete anthology of the Cthulhu Mythos? MoM has gotten me hooked.

http://www.dagonbytes.com/thelibrary/lovecraft/ and http://www.hplovecraft.com/writings/fiction/ you can read all his works online.

the thing with the cthulu mythos is that there are smatterings of it in 90% of his works, varying from the whole story being related to it, or just a mention here or there.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=h+p+lovecraft&safe=images&cid=13710782744595228533&ei=Sb1GTJTEGMba-QaThtHzCQ&sa=title&ved=0CAgQ8wIwADgA#p is a good hardback
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780141187068/The-Call-of-Cthulhu?gbase=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base&utm_source=UK&utm_content=The-Call-of-Cthulhu this is the one i have, but it part of a set of 3, (which together have all HPLs major works, aside from one called "The Walls of Eryx") but it has some of the major cthulhu stories in it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Jul 21, 2010, 10:44:00 AM
It's in fact not the last book I read, but I forgot to post it before the last.

George R. R. Martin- Game of Thrones

I really liked it, no, I loved it. A superb atmosphere, created in an authentic medieval feeling, yet with a good amount of fantasy, yet it isn't tedious. A really good word, created with detailed land and characters, for whom one may cheer for, or hate. I could praise it for long, I don't think it's necessarry. 10/10 for me :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 21, 2010, 06:21:38 PM
Holy crap, I didn't know Dagonbytes was back online! Thanks AvatarIII, I used to go there all the time back in highschool to kill time until it was taken down.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 21, 2010, 08:24:54 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Jul 21, 2010, 09:29:37 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 20, 2010, 08:54:34 PM
Do any of you know where to get a complete anthology of the Cthulhu Mythos? MoM has gotten me hooked.

http://www.dagonbytes.com/thelibrary/lovecraft/ and http://www.hplovecraft.com/writings/fiction/ you can read all his works online.

the thing with the cthulu mythos is that there are smatterings of it in 90% of his works, varying from the whole story being related to it, or just a mention here or there.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=h+p+lovecraft&safe=images&cid=13710782744595228533&ei=Sb1GTJTEGMba-QaThtHzCQ&sa=title&ved=0CAgQ8wIwADgA#p is a good hardback
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780141187068/The-Call-of-Cthulhu?gbase=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base&utm_source=UK&utm_content=The-Call-of-Cthulhu this is the one i have, but it part of a set of 3, (which together have all HPLs major works, aside from one called "The Walls of Eryx") but it has some of the major cthulhu stories in it.

Thanks. I already knew about DagonBytes, but I prefer actual books, so I'll keep a look out for those.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 25, 2010, 07:19:20 AM
At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft 10/10

God damn, this this was f**king eerie and terrifying. Lovecraft somehow made a penguin squawking an unnerving experience. This was excellent; since it's written, it cannot rely upon cheap jump-scares in order to get you horrified. Everything is atmosphere, tension, and dread. It got to the point where I was dreading reading more of this, simply because it got to me so much.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jul 25, 2010, 09:44:58 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 25, 2010, 07:19:20 AM
At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft 10/10

God damn, this this was f**king eerie and terrifying. Lovecraft somehow made a penguin squawking an unnerving experience. This was excellent; since it's written, it cannot rely upon cheap jump-scares in order to get you horrified. Everything is atmosphere, tension, and dread. It got to the point where I was dreading reading more of this, simply because it got to me so much.
Sounds delicious.. I'm going to look into that when I'm done reading the Dexter novels..
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Jul 25, 2010, 12:57:02 PM
The Hippopotamus by Stephen Fry.

Look at the author.

'nuff said
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 25, 2010, 08:33:46 PM
Hannibal by Thomas Harris

Well, it's not as great as Red Dragon or as brilliant as The Silence of the Lambs; but it was a pretty damn good effort nonetheless. It's been 7 years since Hannibal Lecter's escape and he's been tracked down living in Italy. Filled with gruesome deaths, corrupt police officials and elements of the bizarre; Harris provides an interesting and frightening look into Hannibal Lecter's thoughts, memories and motivations.

8/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jul 27, 2010, 12:34:17 AM
Call of Cthulu-H.P Lovecraft. Not sure what genre it would be but it certainly was very gripping. Very Short Though. well iits not a book more of a short story. Does that count to?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Jul 27, 2010, 02:06:55 AM
Wuthering Tights.

Well, Tallulah Casey is no Georgia Nicholson, but it was funny enough that I will buy any ensuing sequals.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 27, 2010, 02:10:08 AM
Quote from: shobidoo on Jul 27, 2010, 12:34:17 AM
Call of Cthulu-H.P Lovecraft. Not sure what genre it would be but it certainly was very gripping. Very Short Though. well iits not a book more of a short story. Does that count to?

It's a novella, I believe; in-between a novel and a short story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 27, 2010, 09:38:27 AM
if i remember rightly, the official limits for defining story length are
0-7500 words = Short Story
7500 - 25000 - Novelette
25000 - 50000 Novella
50000 + Novel

wikipedia has it listed as a short story, but i'm thinking it's more likely a novelette.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightlord on Jul 27, 2010, 09:49:59 AM
Halo:Evolutions
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jul 27, 2010, 04:27:27 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 25, 2010, 07:19:20 AM
At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft
Catched it at a book shop 2 days ago. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 27, 2010, 05:35:20 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 27, 2010, 02:10:08 AM
Quote from: shobidoo on Jul 27, 2010, 12:34:17 AM
Call of Cthulu-H.P Lovecraft. Not sure what genre it would be but it certainly was very gripping. Very Short Though. well iits not a book more of a short story. Does that count to?

It's a novella, I believe; in-between a novel and a short story.


I think the only thing he considered to be a novella was Mountains of Madness. The rest were all serialized short stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 27, 2010, 05:46:27 PM
dexter ward is longer than mountains.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 27, 2010, 06:00:41 PM
Forgot about that one, it's not a favorite of mine, but I've heard that one called a full novel before but -shrug-.

Oh, and the last thing I read was Already Dead by Charlie Huston. It's a pretty good attempt at a vampiric noire crime novel. It's pretty gritty, and the end was a pretty cool twist.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 27, 2010, 08:14:55 PM
The Knight - Gene Wolfe
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 27, 2010, 08:25:45 PM
The Lurking Fear - HP Lovecraft
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Jul 27, 2010, 08:26:51 PM
The Kama Sutra...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 27, 2010, 08:27:26 PM
^  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 27, 2010, 08:28:04 PM
Quote from: AintGotTime2Bleed on Jul 27, 2010, 08:26:51 PM
The Kama Sutra...

Kinky.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 27, 2010, 09:17:23 PM
I saw a copy of a kama sutra once. It was sitting on the coffee table of some random 50 something year olds my friend and I had visited once.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Jul 28, 2010, 05:52:26 AM
Quote from: BLAIN on Jul 27, 2010, 08:26:51 PM
The Kama Sutra...
No the original that's in Hindi...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 30, 2010, 02:30:04 AM
Does anybody know any good zombie literature? I am in the mood to read some apocalyptic zombie material.

I was at the book store today and seen World War Z by Max Brooks. Any good?  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Tangakkai on Jul 30, 2010, 02:39:35 AM
"The Damned United"

It's written well but I hate it the way Brian Clough was portrayed, the film was miles better.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Undeadite on Jul 30, 2010, 03:22:18 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 30, 2010, 02:30:04 AM
Does anybody know any good zombie literature? I am in the mood to read some apocalyptic zombie material.

I was at the book store today and seen World War Z by Max Brooks. Any good?  :)


World War Z is a must read for contemporary zombie literature. I don't know of many full novels on the subject, but there are several collections of zombie short stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Jul 30, 2010, 03:33:04 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 30, 2010, 02:30:04 AM
Does anybody know any good zombie literature? I am in the mood to read some apocalyptic zombie material.

I was at the book store today and seen World War Z by Max Brooks. Any good?  :)
Zombie Haiku by Ryan Mecum

Little old ladies
speed away in their wheelchairs,
frightened meals on wheels

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlackMatter169 on Jul 30, 2010, 07:48:37 AM
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Fever Dream
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 30, 2010, 01:29:28 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 30, 2010, 02:30:04 AM
Does anybody know any good zombie literature? I am in the mood to read some apocalyptic zombie material.

I was at the book store today and seen World War Z by Max Brooks. Any good?  :)

not technically literature, (although some might argue otherwise) but it is apocalyptic zombie material... The Walking Dead
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Jul 30, 2010, 02:09:07 PM
Hero of the Imperium (yes, Ciaphas Cain) by Sandy Mitchell.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Jul 31, 2010, 04:37:49 PM
Quote from: Predator Queen on Jul 30, 2010, 03:33:04 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 30, 2010, 02:30:04 AM
Does anybody know any good zombie literature? I am in the mood to read some apocalyptic zombie material.

I was at the book store today and seen World War Z by Max Brooks. Any good?  :)
Zombie Haiku by Ryan Mecum

Little old ladies
speed away in their wheelchairs,
frightened meals on wheels

That haiku is totally brilliant. One season marker, and it would be perfect :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Jul 31, 2010, 06:25:33 PM
Get the book 08yeyinde its very good and always makes me smile and laugh!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jul 31, 2010, 06:31:45 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 30, 2010, 02:30:04 AM
Does anybody know any good zombie literature? I am in the mood to read some apocalyptic zombie material.

I was at the book store today and seen World War Z by Max Brooks. Any good?  :)

World War Z is amazing. But if you are going to read it, read The Zombie Survival Guide first.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: huntin8-t0n on Jul 31, 2010, 06:39:50 PM
Quote from: Predator Queen on Jul 31, 2010, 06:25:33 PM
Get the book 08yeyinde its very good and always makes me smile and laugh!

I looked it up, but in my country not available... Will try it though, because it sounds totally amazing  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jul 31, 2010, 08:45:11 PM
I've got a question for anyone here who reads science fiction or fantasy. Does anyone have any good suggestions. I'm currently without a book and need some suggestions from people with a similar interest.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Aug 01, 2010, 01:05:49 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Jul 31, 2010, 08:45:11 PM
I've got a question for anyone here who reads science fiction or fantasy. Does anyone have any good suggestions. I'm currently without a book and need some suggestions from people with a similar interest.
Prey by Michael Crichton, Great Scifi Thriller. Speaking of wich i just read it for the first time 8/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Aug 01, 2010, 02:10:56 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jul 31, 2010, 06:31:45 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 30, 2010, 02:30:04 AM
Does anybody know any good zombie literature? I am in the mood to read some apocalyptic zombie material.

I was at the book store today and seen World War Z by Max Brooks. Any good?  :)

World War Z is amazing. But if you are going to read it, read The Zombie Survival Guide first.

Great, I'll look into those. And thanks for the other responses everyone.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Captain on Aug 01, 2010, 05:32:33 PM
The Saga of The Volsungs
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Aug 02, 2010, 01:25:06 AM
Quote from: alienhunter14 on Aug 01, 2010, 10:02:48 PM
Jurassic park by michael Crichton, an exellent book, 10/10. ;D

-alienhunter14
Defiantly one of my favorite books of all time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Aug 02, 2010, 09:04:58 PM
Just finished The Shining. And it is an absoulute Masterpiece of Literature especially horror. Amazingly creepy and well simply Amazing. My favorite book ever....well that and jurassic park  ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Aug 02, 2010, 09:36:36 PM
Didn't like how Prey went along... not talking about imagination, style or writing... I just didn't like the progression of Julie's character. Anyway I am reading At the Mountains of Madness by the very Lovecraft. Creepy as hell!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 04, 2010, 04:35:09 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Jul 31, 2010, 08:45:11 PM
I've got a question for anyone here who reads science fiction or fantasy. Does anyone have any good suggestions. I'm currently without a book and need some suggestions from people with a similar interest.

Sci-fi? Well, anything by Arthur C. Clarke is great. 2001 is his best. The Forever War would be another good one to read. Dune, Ender's Game, and Speaker for the Dead are all great as well.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Aug 04, 2010, 04:59:09 PM
Sphere by Michael Crichton is superb. Phantoms by Dean Koontz blends science fiction with horror and it's a pager turner.

Also you might want to look into short stories by Phillip K. Dick; Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? which Blade Runner is based on. The Minority Report, and We Can Remember It for You Wholesale which Total Recall is based on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 05, 2010, 12:51:35 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Aug 04, 2010, 04:35:09 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Jul 31, 2010, 08:45:11 PM
I've got a question for anyone here who reads science fiction or fantasy. Does anyone have any good suggestions. I'm currently without a book and need some suggestions from people with a similar interest.

Sci-fi? Well, anything by Arthur C. Clarke is great. 2001 is his best. The Forever War would be another good one to read. Dune, Ender's Game, and Speaker for the Dead are all great as well.

I've read all those books. All of them are great.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Aug 05, 2010, 03:45:44 AM
I've recently started reading Conan of Cimmeria.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 05, 2010, 10:44:59 AM
yeah, any ofthe suggestions people have said are all good, but i'll throw in anything by Alastair Reynolds too, he's like the ACC of the 21st century.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 05, 2010, 08:38:49 PM
I've finally found a new book to read. I've read all the books in the "Ender" series but have always put the parallel "Bean" series on the back burner.

Currently reading: Enders Shadow
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 05, 2010, 08:57:43 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Aug 05, 2010, 08:38:49 PM
I've finally found a new book to read. I've read all the books in the "Ender" series but have always put the parallel "Bean" series on the back burner.

Currently reading: Enders Shadow

i read all 11 enderverse books back to back, it's an amazing series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: grands0nz0rz on Aug 05, 2010, 11:08:17 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mind_Parasites
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 21, 2010, 01:48:16 AM
These are the books I've read while I was away.

Watchmen written by Alan Moore, drawn by Dave Gibbons 9.5/10

I really like this comic.

101 Sci-Fi Films You Must See Before You Die

More like a collection of short essays than a book, I've decided to include it anyways.

Speaker For the Dead by Orson Scott Card 10/10

Wow. This book blew me away. It had everything; characters, emotional investment, great setting, themes, everything! I have found the fifth book for my top-5 favourite books of all time.

The Girl That Played With Fire by Stieg Larrson 9/10

A great, deeply immersing novel.

The First Men in the Moon by H. G. Wells 9.5/10

This book was interesting, enjoyable, and above all exciting. The middle parts got my heart racing.

Tunnel in the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein 8/10

A fairly good book. It hasn't aged very well, and it actually seemed more outdated than Wells novels that I've read, but overall, pretty good.

The Last War by H. G. Wells 6.5/10

This book did not do it for me. There weren't really any characters, it didn't have much of a storyline, and it was a little hard to get through in places. It did predict many things (the Great Depression, atomic weapons, World War II), but it seemed to be just a way for Wells to express everything he hated about modern society, and that socialism is better.

Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King 9/10

This was a deeply engrossing novel. King is a master storyteller. I must read more of his works.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Aug 21, 2010, 03:46:28 PM
Call of Cthulhu
May not be a novel, but this 23 page tale of cosmic terrors is easily the best Lovecraft story I have read thus far, and I may go so far as to say the best short horror story I have read.
YES! I think it is better then Poe, though just by a snippet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Aug 21, 2010, 04:01:19 PM
The thin exucctioner.



Great fantasy novel, about a guy who disgraces/embarrass his family so to gain respect he goes on a journey but it is not the average journey. Oh yer he chops peoples heads off for money.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Aug 22, 2010, 08:54:15 AM
The Hand of the Devil - pretty good for a first book, very desriptive, and very fast passed. Unfortunatly it only took me about 5 hours, cover to cover.
Still, was good. Intense.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Aug 22, 2010, 10:56:39 AM
Under the Dome by Stephen King.

9/10

Highly recommended, SpaceMarines.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Aug 22, 2010, 03:18:02 PM
Let The Right One In.

Another book, by another swedish guy, unlike The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Let The Right One In actually turned out to be a good book.

Now to go see my bootleg, high quality dvd version of the movie, too bad it is with english dubbing, ugh!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 23, 2010, 04:29:01 AM
Shadow of the Hegemon - Orson Scott Card
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Aug 23, 2010, 04:33:25 AM
Johnny the Homicidal Manaic: Director's Cut
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 23, 2010, 04:38:58 AM
^ A directors cut? This is a book thread.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Aug 23, 2010, 04:46:12 AM
It is a book
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 23, 2010, 05:23:44 AM
It's an interesting title then  :). So, whats it about?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 23, 2010, 10:08:34 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Aug 23, 2010, 05:23:44 AM
It's an interesting title then  :). So, whats it about?

it's a goth comic (similar vein and Lenore) about a serial killer, i have it but it's bits and pieces format stopped me from reading it through, i just read few strips and put it down

anyway, i just finished Kingdom Come, amazing comic, my only complaint is that it has a massive cast of superheroes, most of whom aren't recognisable because they have different costumes to what you normally see them in or are different characters with the same name, or are totally new....(and the guide to who is who is at the BACK of the book, probably would have been bettrer if it was at the front, where i would have seen it before reading and being totally confused as to who is who).... great story with great art though, it is up there in my favourite GNs
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Aug 23, 2010, 10:13:11 AM
I really need some inspiration for what to read next. Any suggestions? Take me out of my comfort zone guys  ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Aug 23, 2010, 10:27:06 AM
Quote from: Vulhala on Aug 23, 2010, 10:13:11 AM
I really need some inspiration for what to read next. Any suggestions? Take me out of my comfort zone guys  ;)
If discomfort is what you're looking for, read Twilight. *Shivers*. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Aug 23, 2010, 10:32:25 AM
That had actually crossed my mind recently. Until it reached the rational which promptly recoiled in horror  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 23, 2010, 10:39:30 AM
Read Thor. It's by Wayne Smith. It's a really good werewolf book. The book is through the eyes of a families german shephard who senses that it's owners family member is a werewolf.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 23, 2010, 10:48:06 AM
read The nights Dawn Trilogy, one of the best SF series i have ever read, and to most people 3 books with a non stop story totalling around 3600 pages is quite uncomforatable.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Aug 23, 2010, 10:54:50 AM
Has anybody ever read any of the Rama series? I was recommended it by a friend, but wanted a second opinion?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 23, 2010, 11:26:56 AM
check out some reviews

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112537.Rendezvous_with_Rama
http://www.walkerofworlds.com/2007/12/rendezvous-with-rama-by-arthur-c-clarke.html
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Captain on Aug 23, 2010, 04:41:04 PM
Raven: Bloodeye, good and violent Viking romp
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2010, 05:52:18 PM
Quote from: Vulhala on Aug 23, 2010, 10:54:50 AM
Has anybody ever read any of the Rama series? I was recommended it by a friend, but wanted a second opinion?

Rendezvous with Rama is an amazing book. Classic Clarke. The settings are awe-inspiring, the science is quite reasonable and factual, the society he's imagined is very plausible, and the story is engrossing.

Rama II was also a very good book, not as good as the first, but definitely up there.

I have yet to read Garden of Rama and Rama Revealed.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 29, 2010, 11:03:41 AM
shadow puppets - orson scott card
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 29, 2010, 01:57:22 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Aug 29, 2010, 11:03:41 AM
shadow puppets - orson scott card

cool, how many enderverse books have you got left now?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Aug 29, 2010, 10:03:35 PM
Necrophilia Variations by Supervert.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 30, 2010, 04:32:57 AM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Aug 29, 2010, 01:57:22 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Aug 29, 2010, 11:03:41 AM
shadow puppets - orson scott card

cool, how many enderverse books have you got left now?

Well, I got to start  'shadow of the giant' and that will finish up the "shadow" saga. Then I'm going to read:

- A war of gifts: an ender story
- ender in exile
- first meetings
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Aug 30, 2010, 11:03:48 AM
Halo: Contact Harvest

I read it a while back, but I loved this book. Just captivating and very well written.

9/10

Halo: The Cole Protocol

I liked it less than Contact Harvest but only by a little, I think it could have been better if it used more of the Spartan Grey team.

8.5/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 30, 2010, 11:19:30 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Aug 30, 2010, 04:32:57 AM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Aug 29, 2010, 01:57:22 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Aug 29, 2010, 11:03:41 AM
shadow puppets - orson scott card

cool, how many enderverse books have you got left now?

Well, I got to start  'shadow of the giant' and that will finish up the "shadow" saga. Then I'm going to read:

- A war of gifts: an ender story
- ender in exile
- first meetings

cool, war of gifts is actually alright, i thought it wa going to be rubbish, first meetings is pretty good too. but ender in exile is my favourite book of the series i think.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Slithar on Sep 01, 2010, 10:13:31 AM
What about Lucius Shepard ?

I read a french translation ( he's american ) and I quite enjoyed it. He writes short stories ( mainlly fantastic and science-fiction ) and each one is pretty different. I found it well written, and at least it's not one more space opera like Anderson or Hamilton. I was really happy having found this author.

May I suggest you this book :

Barnacle Bill the Spacer and Other Stories
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Sep 01, 2010, 10:20:07 AM
i have recently finished the final HP Lovecraft anthology,

reading an anthology of short sotories called "The New Space Opera" i'm also waiting for The Evolutionary Void to be delivered.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: m41guy on Sep 01, 2010, 01:02:58 PM
"Mathias Thulmann - Witch Hunter" a Warhammer fantasy novel, a collection of the three novels starring the title character, just finished.

Just started "The Descent" by Jeff Long.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: urban_predator83 on Sep 01, 2010, 02:36:55 PM
I'm reading Critial Mass by Whitley Strieber. It's about terrorist stealing nuclear weapons and blowing up blow up Washington DC.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Sep 01, 2010, 02:45:47 PM
Quote from: urban_predator83 on Sep 01, 2010, 02:36:55 PM
I'm reading Critial Mass by Whitley Strieber. It's about terrorist stealing nuclear weapons and blowing up blow up Washington DC.

didn't tom clancy already write that/turn it into a ben affleck movie?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Sep 01, 2010, 02:50:37 PM
He wrote something similar called "The Sum Of All Fears", which got turned into an Affleck movie. A f**king piss-poor terrible one aswell if memory serves.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Sep 02, 2010, 09:13:33 PM
Finally finished Misery. A very chilling book, Scary and very well written. Quite a few twists. Good stuff. Now on to the Dead Zone *Walks Off* 9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 02, 2010, 10:27:19 PM
Gabriel Garcia Marquez - A Hundred Years of Solitude.

Funny, Epic, tragic, Awesome.

Read it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Sep 03, 2010, 12:54:22 AM
World War Z

always f**king amazing to read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lie on Sep 03, 2010, 12:58:12 AM
Naruto Manga 508
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 05, 2010, 07:43:45 AM
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson 10/10

This book is one of my favourite books of all time. In the past six years, I've read it seven times. It's incredibly interesting, very informative, quite often hilarious, and just generally a joy to read. It touches a little bit on a lot of things, giving you just enough information to grasp the basics of it. It covers everything from the Big Bang to the Rise of Man, the Dawn of Life to the Atomic Age. Relativity, evolution, extinction, gluons, oceanography, it covers it all, and more. This is simply one of those books that, no matter how many times you've read it, it's still great. It even follows a logical progression in the order that it presents things. The last chapter is significantly more somber than the preceding ones, as it deals with human caused extinctions, and the last segment in particular is incredibly powerful and moving. I recommend this book to all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Sep 12, 2010, 06:33:14 PM
Brothers of The Snake by Dan Abnett
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Sep 12, 2010, 07:12:41 PM
Eragon-Christopher Paolini
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Sep 16, 2010, 08:07:00 PM
The Nameless City - H.P. Lovecraft
8.5/10

The Dog - H.P. Lovecraft
8/10

The Call of Cthulhu - H.P. Lovecraft
10/10

Lovecraft 8D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Sep 16, 2010, 09:46:51 PM
Kick-Ass

8/10

(Movie's better)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JustADogChasingCars on Sep 16, 2010, 10:25:08 PM
I had to read Speak for school. It was depressing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Sep 17, 2010, 03:33:14 PM
Brisingr.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Sep 17, 2010, 03:33:50 PM
A Piece Of Blue Sky. Very wierd.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Sep 17, 2010, 03:39:07 PM
Quote from: ghost rider on Sep 17, 2010, 03:33:14 PM
Brisingr.

missed out Eldest eh?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Sep 17, 2010, 05:26:52 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Sep 17, 2010, 03:39:07 PM
Quote from: ghost rider on Sep 17, 2010, 03:33:14 PM
Brisingr.

missed out Eldest eh?

No, I read Eragon and Eldest. I'm almost finished reading Brisingr.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Sep 17, 2010, 06:04:53 PM
a) you read really fast
and
b) you didn't post that you read eldest
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Sep 17, 2010, 08:48:20 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Sep 17, 2010, 06:04:53 PM
a) you read really fast
and
b) you didn't post that you read eldest

I had read them about a week ago.

My bad. It slipped my mind.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Sep 18, 2010, 04:25:31 AM
Quote from: ghost rider on Sep 17, 2010, 08:48:20 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Sep 17, 2010, 06:04:53 PM
a) you read really fast
and
b) you didn't post that you read eldest

I had read them about a week ago.

My bad. It slipped my mind.

Any word on when the next inheritance cycle book will be released?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Sep 18, 2010, 01:08:33 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Sep 18, 2010, 04:25:31 AM
Quote from: ghost rider on Sep 17, 2010, 08:48:20 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Sep 17, 2010, 06:04:53 PM
a) you read really fast
and
b) you didn't post that you read eldest

I had read them about a week ago.

My bad. It slipped my mind.

Any word on when the next inheritance cycle book will be released?

None as of yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 24, 2010, 04:26:49 AM
Christine by Stephen King 9.5/10

Jesus, this book was awesome. It just dragged you in. The characters were all very believable and relatable, and you cared about almost all of them, and the ones you didn't care about you weren't supposed to. The pacing was excellent. This book constantly got my heart racing, sent a chill up and down my spine, and even a few times gave me a lump in the back of my throat. It's a tragic, romantic, horrific, exciting, and chilling tale, with a few funny bits to boot. King is a wonderful author. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Celtic-predator on Sep 24, 2010, 04:28:31 AM
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Sep 24, 2010, 01:27:29 PM
Started reading Hell's Aquarium.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Sep 24, 2010, 04:50:18 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Sep 24, 2010, 04:26:49 AM
Christine by Stephen King 9.5/10

Jesus, this book was awesome. It just dragged you in. The characters were all very believable and relatable, and you cared about almost all of them, and the ones you didn't care about you weren't supposed to. The pacing was excellent. This book constantly got my heart racing, sent a chill up and down my spine, and even a few times gave me a lump in the back of my throat. It's a tragic, romantic, horrific, exciting, and chilling tale, with a few funny bits to boot. King is a wonderful author. I look forward to reading more of his work.
A favourite of mine too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Sep 24, 2010, 09:33:53 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Sep 24, 2010, 04:26:49 AM
Christine by Stephen King 9.5/10

Jesus, this book was awesome. It just dragged you in. The characters were all very believable and relatable, and you cared about almost all of them, and the ones you didn't care about you weren't supposed to. The pacing was excellent. This book constantly got my heart racing, sent a chill up and down my spine, and even a few times gave me a lump in the back of my throat. It's a tragic, romantic, horrific, exciting, and chilling tale, with a few funny bits to boot. King is a wonderful author. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Fellow steven king fan!
I advise reading the shining if you already havn't.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 25, 2010, 01:54:04 AM
I'm just getting into him, actually. Only read two of his books; that one, and Dolores Claiborne. I'll be reading Duma Key soon, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Sep 25, 2010, 04:36:57 PM
Im about 2/3 through desperation. The fourth steven king book iv read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Darwinsgirl on Sep 26, 2010, 03:15:00 AM

The Haunted Mesa by Louis L'Amour 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Sep 29, 2010, 03:07:33 AM
Desperation. Stephen Kings pieces together a very great book. It was very top-notch. 9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Sep 29, 2010, 03:12:21 AM
Ender's Game

The most clearly inspirational, and just plain awesome sci-fi book I've ever read. I currently can't think of enough to say about the book.. it was just goddamn amazing. All of my favorite sci-fi pieces have taken inspiration from it, so it naturally appeals to me.

10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 29, 2010, 04:33:54 AM
If you liked that, read The Forever War. That's the book that Ender's Game took its inspiration from. Hell, throw in 2001 and Speaker for the Dead while you're at it.

The Call of Cthulhu by H. P. Lovecraft 10/10

This thing was amazing. Never before (except for At the Mountains of Madness) have I been filled with such pure, undiluted dread and tension, and even a tiny bit of actual fear. This was masterfully crafted to create a perfect atmosphere and to really get you inside the story. I almost believed that this was an actual documentary piece. It left me feeling that I both knew nothing yet knew too much, and that is where the true terror of it all lies; the unknown, the feeling of being powerless against incomprehensibly powerful things of unimaginable age.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Sep 29, 2010, 08:49:43 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Sep 29, 2010, 03:12:21 AM
Ender's Game

The most clearly inspirational, and just plain awesome sci-fi book I've ever read. I currently can't think of enough to say about the book.. it was just goddamn amazing. All of my favorite sci-fi pieces have taken inspiration from it, so it naturally appeals to me.

10/10

niiiice,
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Sep 29, 2010, 09:05:36 AM
The Alien Quartet by David Thomson.

9/10

Scene by scene breakdown of the four movies, with some pretty interesting thoughts and ideas. I'd recommend.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Feral_PRED on Sep 29, 2010, 10:41:46 AM
Shining by Stephen King  9/10
and
Moonraker by Ian Flemming  8/10

-alienhunter14
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Sep 29, 2010, 01:25:16 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Sep 29, 2010, 04:33:54 AM
If you liked that, read The Forever War. That's the book that Ender's Game took its inspiration from. Hell, through in 2001 and Speaker for the Dead while you're at it.

The Call of Cthulhu by H. P. Lovecraft 10/10

This thing was amazing. Never before (except for At the Mountains of Madness) have I been filled with such pure, undiluted dread and tension, and even a tiny bit of actual fear. This was masterfully crafted to create a perfect atmosphere and to really get you inside the story. I almost believed that this was an actual documentary piece. It left me feeling that I both knew nothing yet knew too much, and that is where the true terror of it all lies; the unknown, the feeling of being powerless against incomprehensibly powerful things of unimaginable age.
Damn right. Really is one of the best.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Sep 29, 2010, 01:36:57 PM
Lovecraft F**k yes.
Completely agree with SpaceMarines.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Sep 29, 2010, 04:50:11 PM
Wanna read a great horror story? I would recommend

F5, Devastation, Survival, and the Most Violent Tornado Outbreak of the Twentieth Century
by Mark Levine

A true story based on eyewitness accounts set during the Super Outbreak of 1974 (148 tornadoes, 7 of which were F5s in less then a day) and focuses on the tornadoes First and Second Tanner, two F5's which struck the county of Limestone Alabama the same night.

One of the most frightening, sad and powerful books I have ever read. And it is 100% true.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Sep 29, 2010, 06:39:04 PM
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Yes, I occasionally read childrens books, but this is a book intelligent enough for all ages.

10/10

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Oct 02, 2010, 07:49:49 AM
Shadow of the Giant - Orson Scott Card

I'm not that big a fan of the shadow series. The first two books (enders shadow+shadow of the hegemon) were the best of this series. I didnt particularly enjoy the romance between Petra and Bean and the political play became tedious after a certain point.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Oct 02, 2010, 11:49:23 AM
In those days I'm reading "The Whisperer in the Darkness" by HP Lovecraft. Needless to say it's really well written. Also, I can't help myself but think of the District 9 Prawns at the description of the weird crab-critters featured in the story. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Hunter of Hunters on Oct 02, 2010, 03:11:33 PM
Dark Tower vol VI: Song of Susannah, ATM.
Previously vol V, vol IV, vol III . . . you get the idea.
Stephen King is supposed to be writing another book in the Dark Tower series
Cant wait
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 02, 2010, 03:29:21 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Oct 02, 2010, 11:49:23 AM
In those days I'm reading "The Whisperer in the Darkness" by HP Lovecraft. Needless to say it's really well written. Also, I can't help myself but think of the District 9 Prawns at the description of the weird crab-critters featured in the story. :P

Just finished that myself. Great ending.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Oct 05, 2010, 10:44:00 AM
i've finally got around to starting Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson! i'd started it ages ago but got bored quickly, then someone told me it gets much better after the first 100 pages or so, so i'm giving it another chance and it's getting pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Oct 05, 2010, 05:51:11 PM
The Whisperer in the Darkness is wonderf00l. 10/10
Also, does anyone know anything about this?
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.amazon.ca%2Fimages%2FI%2F51J99OU6GGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg&hash=f718122fff4733d0b1ce20874c08a266f399b89a)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 13, 2010, 03:02:54 AM
A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer

Wow, this book so heartbreaking it brings a tear to my eye. It's the true story of Dave Pelzer who suffered terrible, terrible child abuse from his mother. She would literally torture him, by putting him on the stove and burning him. She would also smash his face into the mirror. Good god, how someone can do this to a child and live with their self, I don't know? It certainlly is an eye opening experience to say the least. I wanted to stop reading this because it was so heartbreaking, but I also wanted to read on and find out Dave's fate.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 13, 2010, 03:08:58 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 13, 2010, 03:02:54 AM
A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer

Wow, this book so heartbreaking it brings a tear to my eye. It's the true story of Dave Pelzer who suffered terrible, terrible child abuse from his mother. She would literally torture him, by putting him on the stove and burning him. She would also smash his face into the mirror. Good god, how someone can do this to a child and live with their self, I don't know? It certainlly is an eye opening experience to say the least. I wanted to stop reading this because it was so heartbreaking, but I also wanted to read on and find out Dave's fate.

I know what you mean. Have you read the 2nd book?

I read Jurassic Park.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 13, 2010, 03:09:40 AM
Jesus Christ, that's terrible. :(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 13, 2010, 03:11:13 AM
Indeed. I'll never understand what makes a person torture a child.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 13, 2010, 03:12:50 AM
I have not yet read the second book.  :(

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 13, 2010, 03:14:56 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 13, 2010, 03:12:50 AM
I have not yet read the second book.  :(



I've read a bit of it.

Spoiler
He gets rescued from his mother's and I think is shuffled from many foster homes.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Oct 13, 2010, 09:43:57 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 13, 2010, 03:02:54 AM
I also wanted to read on and find out Dave's fate.

surely his fate is "he grew up and wrote books about it"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 13, 2010, 12:50:34 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Oct 13, 2010, 09:43:57 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 13, 2010, 03:02:54 AM
I also wanted to read on and find out Dave's fate.

surely his fate is "he grew up and wrote books about it"

Yeah, even though he goes on to write about his experiences, I still wanted to find out what happen to him.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kataclysmic Kaos on Oct 13, 2010, 03:08:37 PM
I Am Ozzy
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ERipley2154 on Oct 13, 2010, 03:30:04 PM
Cirque Du Freak: Vampire Mountain was the last one I read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 13, 2010, 05:22:55 PM
The 300 graphic novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Oct 13, 2010, 05:33:17 PM
How is it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 13, 2010, 05:37:36 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Oct 13, 2010, 05:33:17 PM
How is it?

Pretty good. I liked it anyway. My English teacher let me borrow his copy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kataclysmic Kaos on Oct 13, 2010, 06:03:45 PM
thats epic
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 13, 2010, 06:04:41 PM
Indeed.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kataclysmic Kaos on Oct 13, 2010, 06:06:46 PM
THIS IS SPARTA!!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Oct 13, 2010, 06:28:25 PM
Yeah, was that in the novel also?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kataclysmic Kaos on Oct 13, 2010, 06:32:23 PM
he said it was
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 13, 2010, 07:35:52 PM
Quote from: Necromechanical on Oct 13, 2010, 06:32:23 PM
he said it was

I can't even remember. In the real world he didn't.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kataclysmic Kaos on Oct 13, 2010, 07:50:29 PM
 ???
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 13, 2010, 07:51:04 PM
Quote from: Necromechanical on Oct 13, 2010, 07:50:29 PM
???

It was the king of sparta 10 years before leonidas.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Althalus on Oct 14, 2010, 01:46:09 AM
Gridlinked by Neal Asher

Really liked this book. I like Asher's writing style. Good Sci Fi without it being to heavy to wade through.

If your into Sci Fi definately give this a try. Its the first book in a 5 book arc.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Oct 14, 2010, 09:33:41 AM
Quote from: Althalus on Oct 14, 2010, 01:46:09 AM
Gridlinked by Neal Asher

Really liked this book. I like Asher's writing style. Good Sci Fi without it being to heavy to wade through.

If your into Sci Fi definately give this a try. Its the first book in a 5 book arc.

i keep meaning to read some Asher
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 14, 2010, 01:13:39 PM
Lover Avenged. Its part of the Black Dagger Brotherhood of vampires.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kataclysmic Kaos on Oct 14, 2010, 07:09:06 PM
 :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Oct 16, 2010, 05:56:44 AM
the book of the bagpipe - Hugh Cheape
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 16, 2010, 08:14:57 PM
The Best of H. P. Lovecraft: Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre by H. P. Lovecraft 10/10

Simply put, most of these stories scared the shit out of me. Most were incredibly interesting and engrossing, and all were very well-written. My favourites were:

The Call of Cthulhu

I already did a mini-review of this, so I won't today.

The Shadow Over Innsmouth

This is probably my favourite of them all. It was just perfectly written and paced, slowly building the tension before it all comes to a point and just releases all of the pent-up emotions at once. And even then, it's not done, for the last chapter deals with an incredibly different kind of horror. The hotel escape is probably one of the most exciting portions of anything I have ever read.

The Picture in the House

This one wasn't the most scary. It wasn't the most tense or engrossing, either. But there was still something about it that I really liked. In just 6 pages it managed to establish a great setting, introduce the principal characters, and lead into a quite chilling conclusion. I also liked it because it was a change of pace from the supernatural horrors and eldritch abominations from beyond the stars of his other stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Oct 17, 2010, 01:50:00 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Oct 16, 2010, 08:14:57 PM
The Call of Cthulhu
You read that weekly I guess. ;) Gonna re-read it myself too. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 17, 2010, 03:56:41 PM
Nah, I've only read it the one time. Just mentioned it again 'cause it was one of my favourite stories from that collection.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: jhsnake999 on Oct 19, 2010, 03:51:42 PM
Z-Rex by Steve Cole. That book was brilliant, it was about Dinosaurs, I am a massive Dinosaur fanatic myself so that explains why I couldn't stop reading it. Anyone else read Z-Rex before?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 20, 2010, 02:44:00 PM
The Trench by Steve Alten.

Spoiler
If you never read it, its about the Megalodon shark surviving in the Mariania Trench.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: dra0gon1 on Oct 20, 2010, 04:29:45 PM
Love hina vol 5  ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huol on Oct 20, 2010, 05:36:57 PM
Quote from: dra0gon1 on Oct 20, 2010, 04:29:45 PM
Love hina vol 5  ;D
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgyazo.com%2F1378a7f4ee90ced38c1777923874db88.png&hash=e68ceff5330cffec32a976f0440fc036146e8dbf)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Oct 20, 2010, 08:38:23 PM
Superman Returns: The Official Movie Guide

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg834.imageshack.us%2Fimg834%2F8403%2Fsrmovieguidehc.jpg&hash=8cfd76219c836de2db786fee1904ea4616823df8)

Not too much to read really, seeing as how most of it was pictures. But there was some nice info from the crew and cast in there as well, so it was well worth a look.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Oct 21, 2010, 03:18:22 AM
Gibson's Neuromancer. So good I'm reading it again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Oct 21, 2010, 08:22:34 AM
Regeneration by Pat Barker.

I'm doing English Literature and we're studying the First World War, so it wasn't my choice.

I'd give it a low 6/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Hunter of Hunters on Oct 21, 2010, 09:45:03 AM
The Dark Tower Volume VII. pretty epic series, can't wait for the film and television adaptions.
the next book will be The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (just bought it 2 days ago)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Darwinsgirl on Oct 24, 2010, 10:28:35 PM


With these hands by Louis L'Amour  *****

A collection of L'Amour's stories from pulp magazines. I even enjoyed the boxing stories..which surprised me. L'Amour was a boxer early in his life and won 51 of 59 of his matches. They are dated that the good guys always win..no swearing..lots of action. A real peek at popular literature of the times.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 24, 2010, 10:38:32 PM
Lover Avenged by JD Ward.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 31, 2010, 04:41:29 PM
Crime Machine by Giles Blunt 9/10

This was an immensely enjoyable book. I have never read a Giles Blunt novel before, but I believe that I will now keep my eye out for any, because he is a masterful writer of detective and crime fiction, up there with Rankin and Doyle. This book kept me interested right from the start, and filled itself with relatable and realistic characters, from the police to the criminals themselves. The ending is when things really get going, though. Damn exciting, it was. The setting also worked very well. Set in Northern Ontario, I could easily relate to the winter weather described and the mountains and lakes that were all around.

If you like crime fiction, check out this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Nov 04, 2010, 04:06:03 AM
First Meetings: In the enderverse - O.S.C.

I really liked this book. It was alot more entertaining than the Shadow Saga which got really boring after Shadow of the Hegemon. The book is composed of three novellas, plus the original Enders Game that was published in Analog magazine in 1977. My favorire novellas in this collection were The Polish Boy and Teachers Pest. Both of which tell the origins and childhood stories of John Paul Wiggin and his future wife Theresa Brown.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 04, 2010, 03:20:06 PM
Meg: Hell's Aquarium-Steve Alten.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Feral_PRED on Nov 04, 2010, 09:10:31 PM
Diamond are forever from Ian Flemming (007)  6/10

-alienhunter14
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Nov 07, 2010, 03:13:56 PM
- Dexter in The Dark

the worst in the series.


- Dexter by Design

so f**king good to read

- Slaughterhouse 5

another good read

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Nov 08, 2010, 04:33:50 PM
Cable & Deadpool Volume 6

Cable & Deadpool Volume 7

Both as awesome as ever.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Nov 08, 2010, 04:36:03 PM
Highway to Hell: The life and death of AC/DC legend Bon Scott. Really good read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rioto on Nov 08, 2010, 04:50:56 PM
Halo: the fall of reach
The iceman: confessions of a mafia contract killer. Its about Richard Kuklinski an contract killer who killed over 100 ppl, damn good read!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Nov 10, 2010, 07:27:23 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Nov 07, 2010, 03:13:56 PM
- Dexter in The Dark
the worst in the series.
I agree, I mean.. wha- what happened there.
I'm currently reading Dexter Is Delicious, just got it yesterday. Fu*king awesome, I'm only 44 pages in.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DJ Pu$$yface on Nov 10, 2010, 08:04:02 AM
Skulduggery Pleasant: Mortal Coil

Utter excellence.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DragonBossk on Nov 10, 2010, 10:27:32 AM
Last Light by Andy McNab - 7/10

Not reading them in order but I really like this series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kataclysmic Kaos on Nov 10, 2010, 02:06:51 PM
The Autobiograpy on Ronnie James Dio.
I miss you Dio. Your music will live on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 10, 2010, 02:47:03 PM
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 10/10

This is the second time I've read this book. However, the first time was many years ago and I could not truly appreciate the beauty of the literary piece, so this feels like the first time. Like the very first time. Anyways, I can completely understand now how this book is second only to the bible in US sales. It's timeless. It speaks to everyone. I can recall doing very similar things as Jem and Scout in the earlier chapters. However, it's in the later chapters that this book gets great. The trial of Tom Robinson is a tense affair, and just makes for great reading. The last 20 pages of this book are particularly incredible. This is truly a classic, a book that everyone should read at least once.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Nov 10, 2010, 08:59:59 PM
Dexter is Delicious


f**king awesome
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Nov 10, 2010, 09:56:45 PM
Deadpool: Suicide Kings

8/10

Deadpool: Game$ of Death

5/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Nov 11, 2010, 02:32:40 AM
Gibson's Count Zero. I love this guy! At no point was I entirely sure what was going on in the plot, but it didn't matter because the characters and details were so juicy and good!

I'll just have to read it twice. No complaints here.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 11, 2010, 05:37:46 PM
Secret Vampire. Its part of the Night World series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Nov 12, 2010, 03:10:22 PM
Started reading Elfen Lied again I forgot how brutal this one was, both in violence and things that happen to the characters.
Spoiler
I still cant read the puppy scene :'(
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Nov 12, 2010, 08:31:27 PM
Ordered Reliquary.

Can't f**king wait.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Ghoul on Nov 12, 2010, 08:39:24 PM
The Religion I can't remeber the author because I can't find my copy for the book.

10/10

Its a historical fiction about the siege of malta, it had accurate tales about the Knights of Malta (knights of Saint John) the battles were great and very correct that i found, and the story wow, the story was just amazing. The book was writen so well it came to life, i had a hard time putting it down to sleep. The details and the lines and the way it flowed was just perfect. The book is over 600 pages i believe but the way it reads you will be done with it in no time, because it just hooks you in. Oh yeah it had some of the sexiest and hotest.........
Spoiler
SEX SCENES THAT I EVER READ!!!!!!
[close]

It was just an amazing moving story all together.


It is most likly one of my fav books of all time, if you see it i do suggest you take the time to read it. The first few pages are bound to capture you and take you in for a ride of a life time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Nov 12, 2010, 10:25:26 PM
Watchmen 9.8/10
I started reading it a week ago every night before I went to bed and then started to read it every time I went to bed and woke up.  It was really hard to put down! To bad the book is not mine it's the library's T_T
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Nov 13, 2010, 12:47:08 AM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Nov 12, 2010, 08:31:27 PM
Ordered Reliquary.

Can't f**king wait.

Oh, thats a great f**king sequel. But its a different type of beast (pardon the pun) entirely.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 01:11:16 AM
The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Nov 16, 2010, 01:21:25 AM
Quote from: Predator Queen on Nov 12, 2010, 10:25:26 PM
Watchmen 9.8/10
I started reading it a week ago every night before I went to bed and then started to read it every time I went to bed and woke up.  It was really hard to put down! To bad the book is not mine it's the library's T_T

What was the 0.2 you didn't like?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Nov 16, 2010, 01:48:34 AM
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter


One of the most awesome books I've ever read!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X58RPS665V0#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X58RPS665V0#ws)

The book is even more f**king badass, if you can believe it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 01:51:41 AM
Now i recently finished: Dracula-Bram Stoker
Frankentien-Mary Shelly. Not at the same time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Nov 16, 2010, 01:52:05 AM
Time for you to read Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Nov 16, 2010, 01:52:13 AM
Just finished Dexter Is Delicious this morning.

Spoiler
Quite sad what happened with Chutsky and Deb..
[close]

Another fantastic Dexter novel with lots of drama, suspense, and even some dark laughs.

9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 01:53:13 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Nov 16, 2010, 01:52:05 AM
Time for you to read Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

If i can find it. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Nov 16, 2010, 01:53:42 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Nov 16, 2010, 01:52:13 AM
Just finished Dexter Is Delicious this morning.

Spoiler
Quite sad what happened with Chutsky and Deb..
[close]

Another fantastic Dexter novel with lots of drama, suspense, and even some dark laughs.

9/10


Totally badass book, and I agree with the spoiler tag, I didn't even see that coming until I read that bit with the hand over the stomach.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 16, 2010, 01:57:24 AM
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke 10/10

Yeah, I read it again. Sue me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Nov 16, 2010, 01:59:22 AM
I've only read two books twice and those were Jurassic Park and Dearly Devoted Dexter. I never really see the point in reading a book twice unless it really grabs you, like 2001 does for you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 16, 2010, 02:00:23 AM
3rd time and counting. All within about a year and a half, two years I believe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Nov 16, 2010, 02:24:37 AM
The last book I read was Jurassic Park. It's been a while since I read it and it's always nice go through it again and see how much that differs from the movie. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 02:25:06 AM
Quote from: Shasvre on Nov 16, 2010, 02:24:37 AM
The last book I read was Jurassic Park. It's been a while since I read it and it's always nice go through it again and see how much that differs from the movie. :)

That's the next one I'm reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Nov 16, 2010, 02:26:37 AM
Quote from: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 02:25:06 AM
Quote from: Shasvre on Nov 16, 2010, 02:24:37 AM
The last book I read was Jurassic Park. It's been a while since I read it and it's always nice go through it again and see how much that differs from the movie. :)

That's the next one I'm reading.
You're in for one hell of a ride. No pun intended.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 02:27:45 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Nov 16, 2010, 02:26:37 AM
Quote from: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 02:25:06 AM
Quote from: Shasvre on Nov 16, 2010, 02:24:37 AM
The last book I read was Jurassic Park. It's been a while since I read it and it's always nice go through it again and see how much that differs from the movie. :)

That's the next one I'm reading.
You're in for one hell of a ride. No pun intended.

I've read it many times before. It's my favorite book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 16, 2010, 02:28:33 AM
One of my top-3 Crichton novels.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 02:29:47 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Nov 16, 2010, 02:28:33 AM
One of my top-3 Crichton novels.
My top three Crichton novels are:
1. Jurassic Park
2. Congo
3.The Lost World
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 16, 2010, 02:34:37 AM
JP, Sphere, and Prey for me.

But Rising Sun has a special place for me. His only detective novel, and it was goddamned brilliant.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 02:37:42 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Nov 16, 2010, 02:34:37 AM
JP, Sphere, and Prey for me.

But Rising Sun has a special place for me. His only detective novel, and it was goddamned brilliant.

I'll get around to reading it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Nov 16, 2010, 02:39:11 AM
Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, and Sphere are mine.

Though I did love The Lost World as well..
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 16, 2010, 02:40:00 AM
It's Sphere. There's no "The."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Nov 16, 2010, 02:42:44 AM
I know, I have a habit of putting "The" infront of some titles containing singular objects.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 16, 2010, 02:44:35 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Nov 16, 2010, 02:42:44 AM
I know, I have a habit of putting "The" infront of some titles containing singular objects.
:D I've been known to do that as well.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 16, 2010, 09:39:08 AM
i'm so near finishing Red Mars i can almost taste the back cover :P
i wish i had more time to read, reading at night makes me sleepy so i generally read comics before bed, but i read novels in my breaks at work, which is only 45 mins per day, it just means i end up buying more books than i have time to read :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Nov 16, 2010, 01:32:31 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Nov 16, 2010, 02:34:37 AM
JP, Sphere, and Prey for me.
I really liked Prey, the only thing I didn't like was some details of the progression of the story. It was written superbly anyway.

Sphere and Jurassic Park tie it out for me. Can't get enough of those two. I love them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Nov 16, 2010, 03:10:49 PM
I read;

Deadpool Classic Volume 1

Deadpool Classic Volume 2

Deadpool Volume 1: Secret Invasion
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Nov 18, 2010, 01:29:36 AM
Finally finished Elfen Lied again. Now I'm going to start reading Hellsing...again :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 18, 2010, 01:13:30 PM
Quote from: King Rathalos on Nov 18, 2010, 01:29:36 AM
Finally finished Elfen Lied again. Now I'm going to start reading Hellsing...again :P

why not read stuff that you've never read before?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Nov 19, 2010, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Nov 18, 2010, 01:13:30 PM
Quote from: King Rathalos on Nov 18, 2010, 01:29:36 AM
Finally finished Elfen Lied again. Now I'm going to start reading Hellsing...again :P

why not read stuff that you've never read before?
I procrastinate a lot, I say I'm going to read or do something and then I keep putting it back to another day, and eventually I just forget, its honestly one of my worst traits.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Hunter of Hunters on Nov 19, 2010, 12:53:28 PM
just finished Stephen King's Rose Madder. in ten hours straight
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 19, 2010, 01:02:00 PM
Quote from: King Rathalos on Nov 19, 2010, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Nov 18, 2010, 01:13:30 PM
Quote from: King Rathalos on Nov 18, 2010, 01:29:36 AM
Finally finished Elfen Lied again. Now I'm going to start reading Hellsing...again :P

why not read stuff that you've never read before?
I procrastinate a lot, I say I'm going to read or do something and then I keep putting it back to another day, and eventually I just forget, its honestly one of my worst traits.

i'm the complete opposite, i always want to re-read books i have read, and love, but i'm always being distracted by new books, and i always say "i'll reread _______ after this book", but i never do. it doesn't help that i mostly read quite long books and i'm not the fastest reader, nor do i have a huge amount of spare time to spend reading, so "nest time" is sometimes a month or so away. by which time i have found another book to read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 19, 2010, 02:28:18 PM
Bram Stokers Dracula Now this is a true vampire book. 10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Ghoul on Nov 24, 2010, 10:03:05 AM
Halo: contact Harvest 9/10

Always liked that book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 24, 2010, 12:38:17 PM
just started Green Mars, the sequel to Red Mars, it's pretty good so far. i really enjoy books like this without huge amounts of action, where the core of the story is based around strong speculative and science fiction, rather than merely using "sci-fi" as a setting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 24, 2010, 11:47:12 PM
I should check those out. They sound right up my alley.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 25, 2010, 11:36:15 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Nov 24, 2010, 11:47:12 PM
I should check those out. They sound right up my alley.

you totally should, the trilogy is Red Mars, Green Mars, and Blue Mars. by Kim Stanley Robinson, published in the mid 90's i believe. the plot takes place over a relatively long period of time, the first book starts in the 2030s and finishes in the 2060s then the second book which i just started picks up in the 2090s
there's lots of cool stuff like space elevators and genetically modifying plants to grow on the surface of mars, the implications of changing mars, be it political, economic, sociological etc. really interesting stuff, and well written.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Solace on Nov 27, 2010, 12:45:56 AM
The Zombie Survival Guide,by Max Brooks.Great book.Extremely detailed and who knows,possibly helpful.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Chibi Kiriyama on Nov 28, 2010, 11:00:30 AM
"The Hidden People of North Korea," Hassig and Oh.

Paints a very vivid picture of how far their problems go.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Nov 28, 2010, 03:31:43 PM
Jaws-Peter Benchly
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Nov 30, 2010, 05:52:04 AM
A war of gifts - Orson scott card
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 30, 2010, 10:04:19 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Nov 30, 2010, 05:52:04 AM
A war of gifts - Orson scott card

i was expecting that to be really cheesy and a bit sh*t, but it was actually pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Nov 30, 2010, 11:30:34 AM
I'm actually currently reading it. I'm on chapter 3. It's really short. Only 121 pages. It's the Enderverse christmas special  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Nov 30, 2010, 01:13:14 PM
Reading Congo, starte yesterday! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 01, 2010, 12:13:09 AM
Ah, Congo. I enjoyed that book.



At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson 9/10

I'd like to start by saying that I love Bill Bryson. Positively adore him. Every one of his books that I've read has been interesting and witty, and several of them have been immensely informative. This book falls into all of those categories.

It deals with the history of mankind in a most novel way. He systematically researches the various rooms located in his English house, and explains the men behind the furniture, the designs, the lifestyles that they represent, as well as major historical events that led to their creation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Dec 01, 2010, 01:03:47 AM
Finished Machine of Death. I laughed, I cried, I bought two copies.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wooopedia.com%2Ftabbwiki%2Fimages%2Fe%2Fe2%2FTRex.png&hash=07e66087b065dff8239e475a7b494c3cf2b9e165)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Dec 03, 2010, 11:12:58 PM
Stopped reading Hellsing for a while, and finally got to read Jurassic Park :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Effectz on Dec 10, 2010, 04:52:35 AM
EMERGENCY by NEIL STRAUSS,if you search him and read his book its amazings its about how to survive when the econemy crashes to hell
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 19, 2010, 07:58:34 AM
Duma Key by Stephen King 8.5/10

King is simply a superb author. Everything of his I've read, I've enjoyed thoroughly. This was no exception. The atmosphere is expertly crafted, the characters are perfectly realistic, and the story is suitably chilling. If you enjoy horror stories, I'd recommend this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 19, 2010, 06:40:37 PM
Mass Effect Revelation

A pretty entertaining book about the exploits of David Anderson and his team before the events of the first Mass Effect game. Its a pretty good read if you're a fan and want a better understaning of the Mass Effect universe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Dec 19, 2010, 08:15:43 PM
I'v been reading Defiance. And its such a great book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 19, 2010, 08:59:50 PM
I'm in the process of rereading Max Brooks' World War Z. Amazingly well written, check it out even if you hate Zombies.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Dec 19, 2010, 09:08:36 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 19, 2010, 08:59:50 PM
I'm in the process of rereading Max Brooks' World War Z. Amazingly well written, check it out even if you hate Zombies.

Is it as good as Zombie Survival Guide?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 19, 2010, 09:19:41 PM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Dec 19, 2010, 09:08:36 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 19, 2010, 08:59:50 PM
I'm in the process of rereading Max Brooks' World War Z. Amazingly well written, check it out even if you hate Zombies.

Is it as good as Zombie Survival Guide?

Yes, it is. In some ways, even better. The Zombie Survival Guide is amazing, but this actually has an overarching story. There really aren't any specific characters, but it is more of a series of interviews that brings the reader from the first few small attacks, to a time when Earth was dominated by the undead, and finally back to reality and life without them, but keeping in mind that the threat is always out there. And I believe that The Zombie Survival Guide exists in World War Z, as one of the people in the book mentions it, if I remember correctly. I would definitely recommend it.

Would anyone recommend Recorded Attacks, since I haven't read that yet?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gate on Dec 19, 2010, 09:23:58 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsakuramartinez.vis-ph.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F07%2F396px-The_Lost_Hero.jpg&hash=57e92eef007d6614497be8bfc2cbad5103d79ff2)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Spaghetti on Dec 20, 2010, 05:32:48 AM
The Age of Ra by James Lovegrove

I was seduced by the pretty cover. The words on the inside of that cover didn't impress though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Dec 20, 2010, 10:39:42 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 19, 2010, 09:19:41 PM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Dec 19, 2010, 09:08:36 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 19, 2010, 08:59:50 PM
I'm in the process of rereading Max Brooks' World War Z. Amazingly well written, check it out even if you hate Zombies.

Is it as good as Zombie Survival Guide?

Yes, it is. In some ways, even better. The Zombie Survival Guide is amazing, but this actually has an overarching story. There really aren't any specific characters, but it is more of a series of interviews that brings the reader from the first few small attacks, to a time when Earth was dominated by the undead, and finally back to reality and life without them, but keeping in mind that the threat is always out there. And I believe that The Zombie Survival Guide exists in World War Z, as one of the people in the book mentions it, if I remember correctly. I would definitely recommend it.

Would anyone recommend Recorded Attacks, since I haven't read that yet?
Recorded attacks is more or less the major "historical accounts" at the end of the Zombie survival guide in comic form. The art is great and gorey. It's a 4.5/5 or so.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: GrimyGhost on Dec 20, 2010, 10:49:40 PM
Metro: 2033, best book in a LONG time. 5 out of 5
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2010, 10:53:19 PM
Quote from: Yautja117 on Dec 20, 2010, 10:39:42 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 19, 2010, 09:19:41 PM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Dec 19, 2010, 09:08:36 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 19, 2010, 08:59:50 PM
I'm in the process of rereading Max Brooks' World War Z. Amazingly well written, check it out even if you hate Zombies.

Is it as good as Zombie Survival Guide?

Yes, it is. In some ways, even better. The Zombie Survival Guide is amazing, but this actually has an overarching story. There really aren't any specific characters, but it is more of a series of interviews that brings the reader from the first few small attacks, to a time when Earth was dominated by the undead, and finally back to reality and life without them, but keeping in mind that the threat is always out there. And I believe that The Zombie Survival Guide exists in World War Z, as one of the people in the book mentions it, if I remember correctly. I would definitely recommend it.

Would anyone recommend Recorded Attacks, since I haven't read that yet?
Recorded attacks is more or less the major "historical accounts" at the end of the Zombie survival guide in comic form. The art is great and gorey. It's a 4.5/5 or so.

I should probably check it out :)

Also, Max Brooks wrote two (maybe more, not sure) stories for collections of Zombie Short stories, both of which are set up in the same style as the excerpts from World War Z. Anyone read these? I want to, but I don't want to buy the whole book just for his work.

The stories appeared in these books:
http://www.amazon.com/New-Dead-Zombie-Anthology/dp/0312559712 (http://www.amazon.com/New-Dead-Zombie-Anthology/dp/0312559712)
http://www.amazon.com/Zombies-Encounters-Hungry-Stephen-King/dp/1579128289 (http://www.amazon.com/Zombies-Encounters-Hungry-Stephen-King/dp/1579128289)
http://www.amazon.com/Zombies-Recent-Dead-Neil-Gaiman/dp/1607012340/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292885572&sr=1-6 (http://www.amazon.com/Zombies-Recent-Dead-Neil-Gaiman/dp/1607012340/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292885572&sr=1-6) (I think the story in this book is the same one from the previous one)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 24, 2010, 03:09:49 AM
I just finished Dark Creed by Anthony Reynolds.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F_zoUcBxJW7kc%2FS0OKAYFwaGI%2FAAAAAAAAG4s%2FNhfgVesXYkU%2Fs400%2Fdarkcreed.jpg&hash=fb47a9b0e7fbe7e8e762cb2e374f5146c0ca408e)

This is the third book in the Word Bearers series. It's pretty standard Space Marine action, but I liked it. Reynolds has built some decent characters with Marduk, Kol-Badar and the Warmonger with the last few books. I really hope he writes another one, becuase I would very much like to see where it goes from this ending.

Is anyone else reading these books?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Dec 26, 2010, 12:21:22 PM
Quote from: Spaghetti on Dec 20, 2010, 05:32:48 AM
The Age of Ra by James Lovegrove

I was seduced by the pretty cover. The words on the inside of that cover didn't impress though.

judging a book by it's cover, rookie mistake :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Dec 26, 2010, 02:19:37 PM
Highschool of the Dead again, just too many lol's are had whenever I read this :D

Zombie Survival Guide
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Dec 26, 2010, 03:47:59 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boompanda.com%2Fpreviews_files%2F2010%2F10%2Fhires%2FOCT100707.jpg&hash=c7b2de767eff57ec3664938643574e670b5a21ff)

Prelude to Deadpool Corps hardcover, pretty entertaining stuff.

7/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 26, 2010, 04:53:52 PM
Is that a child Deadpool!?!?! With Lightsabers!?!?! Not that really makes me want to unleash my inner Deadpool! ;D

Hopefully I will be reading The Walking Dead soon. I just need to find a store that has volume 1 in stock.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Dec 26, 2010, 05:04:37 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 26, 2010, 04:53:52 PM
Is that a child Deadpool!?!?! With Lightsabers!?!?! Not that really makes me want to unleash my inner Deadpool! ;D

Hopefully I will be reading The Walking Dead soon. I just need to find a store that has volume 1 in stock.

Yes it is.  :D

I love when Deadpool gives all the other Deadpool's nicknames and he says to Lady Deadpool that her nickname is 'Boobs'.  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Dec 26, 2010, 09:40:28 PM
I just got done re-reading Unfinished Tales by Tolkien
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 26, 2010, 09:41:44 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Dec 26, 2010, 09:40:28 PMI just got done re-reading Unfinished Tales by Tolkien

I love that book, especially the tale of how Isildur met his end.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Dec 26, 2010, 09:44:52 PM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Dec 26, 2010, 03:47:59 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boompanda.com%2Fpreviews_files%2F2010%2F10%2Fhires%2FOCT100707.jpg&hash=c7b2de767eff57ec3664938643574e670b5a21ff)

Prelude to Deadpool Corps hardcover, pretty entertaining stuff.

7/10
Deadpool dog?
f**king sold.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Dec 26, 2010, 09:50:38 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 26, 2010, 09:41:44 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Dec 26, 2010, 09:40:28 PMI just got done re-reading Unfinished Tales by Tolkien

I love that book, especially the tale of how Isildur met his end.

My favorite part has always been the origins of the Istari. Plus it has the most info on the blue wizards that went into the east with Saruman. I've always been really interested in the blue wizards. Nothing much has ever been said about them and they went into regions which Tolkien never really gave details on (Rhun, Khand, Harad)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 26, 2010, 09:55:09 PM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Dec 26, 2010, 09:50:38 PMMy favorite part has always been the origins of the Istari. Plus it has the most info on the blue wizards that went into the east with Saruman. I've always been really interested in the blue wizards. Nothing much has ever been said about them and they went into regions which Tolkien never really gave details on (Rhun, Khand, Harad)
Then feast your eyes on this fanart. ;)

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg64.imageshack.us%2Fimg64%2F1785%2Fthefive.jpg&hash=603463d6c80539d93786f871f7d5ddacdaf07709)

I agree, the Istari are an interesting bunch. I'm looking forward to seeing Radagast on the big screen.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Dec 26, 2010, 10:02:19 PM
Awesome stuff! I dont know how they'll put Radagast into the hobbit (other than perhaps the white council) but I'm still psyched to see him
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Dec 29, 2010, 12:01:58 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_0LhEeWdzFN8%2FSwv1fvg6i7I%2FAAAAAAAABvA%2FOTZLhuTKVbs%2Fs1600%2Fdeadpoolclassic3.jpg&hash=3d356be43774f490e23476c47386d598c5aec772)

Deadpool Classic Volume 3

A mix of hilarity and dramatic storytelling. And quips. Lots and lots of quips. :P

9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: m41guy on Dec 31, 2010, 06:29:37 PM
Just finished "The Descent" by Jeff Long the second of his books I've read(first being "Year Zero").  I thought it was pretty cool and liked it a lot more than "Year Zero".  I really thought that one was going to go this one way but was totally disapointed when it didn't....

Anyways I loved his theory there could be a "real" Satan and how he maintains his immortatlity.  Not for bible thumpers!  It may cause you to stop reading some of the takes it does with Christianity. 

Now I'm reading "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall, over half way through and I'm having problems putting it down lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jan 02, 2011, 02:15:35 AM
Right now I'm about to begin reading the inofficial sequel to Lord of the Rings.

Descending of Darkness, by Nick Perumov. First book in the series if called Elven Blade.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg821.imageshack.us%2Fimg821%2F3027%2F9789186437176.jpg&hash=7555ef2bd0d9c6b457e870d6d1b7c84758d3ba39)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Perumov#Series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Perumov#Series)

Кольцо Тьмы (Ring of Darkness)

This fantasy novel takes place in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, 300 years after the War of the Ring. The books tell the story of hobbit Folko Brandybuck, the heir of Meriadoc, and his two dwarven friends, who are trying to protect Middle-earth from a new danger: powerful Olmer, the leader of the Eastern nations, who is gathering the remainder of the nine Nazgûl's Rings of Power. The original duology was later followed with the third book, Адамант Хенны (The Adamant of Henna).

1. Эльфийский Клинок (Elven Blade, 1993)
2. Черное Копье (Black Lance, 1993)
3. Адамант Хенны (The Adamant of Henna, 1995)


Perumov is a pretty talented author and I've read some of his other works before this, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I'll be back with a review when I'm done. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gates on Jan 03, 2011, 08:36:08 PM
The Elegant Universe by Brian Green and The Secret History of the Mongols...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: grands0nz0rz on Jan 03, 2011, 10:42:44 PM
Francis Carsac - Those from nowhere (1954)
awesome book. read it for the first time in 10 years or so. loved every page of it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mr. Domino on Jan 04, 2011, 02:13:24 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Jan 02, 2011, 02:15:35 AM
Right now I'm about to begin reading the inofficial sequel to Lord of the Rings.

Descending of Darkness, by Nick Perumov. First book in the series if called Elven Blade.

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/3027/9789186437176.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Perumov#Series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Perumov#Series)

Кольцо Тьмы (Ring of Darkness)

This fantasy novel takes place in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, 300 years after the War of the Ring. The books tell the story of hobbit Folko Brandybuck, the heir of Meriadoc, and his two dwarven friends, who are trying to protect Middle-earth from a new danger: powerful Olmer, the leader of the Eastern nations, who is gathering the remainder of the nine Nazgûl's Rings of Power. The original duology was later followed with the third book, Адамант Хенны (The Adamant of Henna).

1. Эльфийский Клинок (Elven Blade, 1993)
2. Черное Копье (Black Lance, 1993)
3. Адамант Хенны (The Adamant of Henna, 1995)


Perumov is a pretty talented author and I've read some of his other works before this, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I'll be back with a review when I'm done. :)

That actually sounds really interesting, I'll have to check those out. I always loved LotR, but hated how the story never moved forward beyond the end of the trilogy. I felt like there were so many stories left to tell.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 05, 2011, 08:21:42 PM
The Walking Dead Vol. 2: Miles Behind Us

The Walking Dead Vol. 3: Safety Behind Bars


I can't f**king wait till the tv show goes to the prison.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: grands0nz0rz on Jan 06, 2011, 12:13:37 AM
Isaac Asimov - I, Robot

amaaaziiiiiiiing
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 06, 2011, 12:16:12 AM
Quote from: grands0nz0rz on Jan 06, 2011, 12:13:37 AM
Isaac Asimov - I, Robot

amaaaziiiiiiiing

So good. The Will Smith movie, on the other hand...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: grands0nz0rz on Jan 06, 2011, 12:22:15 AM
well that was just a shit on a stick in a can.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 06, 2011, 12:24:14 AM
I wish they'd have just named it that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jan 06, 2011, 11:30:37 AM
Star Wars: The Black Fleet Crisis Book one.
Really great read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gate on Jan 06, 2011, 12:31:17 PM
Quote from: Shobidoo on Jan 06, 2011, 11:30:37 AM
Star Wars: The Black Fleet Crisis Book one.
Really great read.
Please elaborate :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jan 06, 2011, 12:42:05 PM
Heres the summary.

It is a time of tranquillity for the New Republic. The remnants of the Empire now lie in complete disarray, and the reemergence of the Jedi Knights has brought power and prestige to the fledgling government on Coruscant. Yesterday's Rebels have become today's administrators and diplomats, and the factions that fought against Imperial tyranny seem united in savoring the fruits of peace.

But the peace is short-lived. A restless Luke must journey to his mother's homeworld in a desperate and dangerous quest to find her people. An adventurous Lando must seize a mysterious spacecraft that has weapons of enormous destructive power and an unknown mission. And Leia, a living symbol of the New Republic's triumph, must face down a ruthless leader of the Duskhan League, an arrogant Yevetha who seems bent on a genocidal war that could shatter the fragile unity of the New Republic...and threaten its very survival.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Jan 06, 2011, 03:43:53 PM
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 07, 2011, 01:51:50 AM
Garden of Rama by Arthur C. Clarke and Gentry Lee 8.5/10

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. While not near as good as 2001 or the first Rama, it was still quite interesting to read, and remains as compelling as ever. Not Clarke at his best, but Clarke on an off-day is still f**king amazing.

I Am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert 7.5/10

Nowhere else can one find a film outline for a movie where Democrats gave animals the vote, a Blade Runner reference, and a diagram of religious evolution involving Lovecraft creations. Hilarious throughout, this book, while not great, was still a damn entertaining read.

All Those Moments: Stories of Heroes, Villains, Replicants, and Blade Runners by Rutger Hauer and Patrick Quinlan 9/10

Goddamn, this was good. It was by accident that I found myself reading this in the first place; I was planning on starting something else when I saw this on the borrow rack in our hotel. I sat down and read 220 or so pages of it in a single sitting. Finished the remaining 30 the next day. If you are interesting at all in Rutger Hauer, even if it's because of a single role, try to find this somewhere. Really interesting.

Resurrection Men by Ian Rankin 8.5/10

A damn fine detective novel. I've only read one other of Rankin's books, and both have been immensely enjoyable. This man knows his stuff. The final few chapters are tense as hell.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card 10/10

I loved this book even more the second time I read it. Everything about it is just so great; the future-society, the sci-fi backdrop, and, most important of all, the characters. Characters you care about, characters that are memorable and that you feel for. Very powerful.

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkein 8/10

This, I was disappointed by. I expected a bit more from it, but it read a lot like a children's book, which it was, so it made sense. Best parts by far were with Gollum and the Battle of the Five Armies. That scene will be interesting to see in Pete Jackson's rendition of this work.

The Lord of the Rings Part I: The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkein 10/10

Now this is what I'm f**king talking about! Good god, why did I wait so long before reading this? f**king amazing is what it was! It was a bit slow at parts, but overall, the story and characters were just so compelling, and this imagined world so detailed and fleshed-out, that I was simply filled with a sense of awe while reading it. The Mines of Moria was sheer genious! I also found the character of Tom Bombadil to be quite compelling. Not there for much, but he left an impression. Can't wait to read the others. Already 40 pages into Two Towers.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 08, 2011, 01:49:15 PM
Shutter Island. f**k yeah.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 08, 2011, 08:19:51 PM
That was a great book. Much better than the movie, and the movie was pretty damn good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 08, 2011, 08:22:46 PM
I saw the movie first so the surprise went out the window, I preferred the film. Probably because I didn't know what was going to happen. I am sure if I read the book first I would of preferred that.

Is mystic river any good?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 08, 2011, 08:24:34 PM
Haven't read that. Or seen it, actually. I got it for my Dad for Christmas, so I'll probably read it after I'm done LotR.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jan 09, 2011, 10:47:48 AM
Quote from: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 08, 2011, 08:22:46 PM
Is mystic river any good?
YES
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Jan 09, 2011, 01:09:06 PM
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

So good.  :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 11, 2011, 01:22:16 AM
Volume 1 of The Walking Dead! Can't wait to pick up volume 2, and eagerly anticipating season 2 of the TV series!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jan 11, 2011, 01:23:04 AM
I need to read Call of Cthulhu again.
First because it's good and 2nd because I need to finish the outline for my screenplay.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: grands0nz0rz on Jan 12, 2011, 10:44:19 PM
James White - The Escape Orbit
awesome book. very easy and interesting read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jan 14, 2011, 06:26:46 PM
Quote from: TheMonolith on Jan 11, 2011, 01:23:04 AM
I need to read Call of Cthulhu again.
First because it's good and 2nd because I need to finish the outline for my screenplay.
Good to hear, Ia Cthulhu Fhtagn!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Jan 14, 2011, 07:12:07 PM
Cell, by Stephen King.

WIN.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Jan 14, 2011, 08:18:55 PM
Ghost Rider: Resurrected.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jan 15, 2011, 12:19:02 AM
Quote from: Xenodog on Jan 14, 2011, 07:12:07 PM
Cell, by Stephen King.

WIN.
That was my first Stephen King book. Pretty awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jan 15, 2011, 05:28:22 AM
Murderous Medicine: Nazi Doctors, Human Experimentation, and Typhus

by: Naomi Baumslag
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 15, 2011, 11:48:41 AM
I am about to re-read the hobbit and lord of the rings. Just wondering on what order you guys read it? I am just going to read it chronologically
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jan 15, 2011, 12:23:49 PM
Quote from: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 15, 2011, 11:48:41 AM
I am about to re-read the hobbit and lord of the rings. Just wondering on what order you guys read it? I am just going to read it chronologically

story chronologically or print chronologically?

i just got a bunch of Dan Simmons horror books to read, man they are loooong, except Son of Kali, that's pretty short. (400 pages ish)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 15, 2011, 12:32:56 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Jan 15, 2011, 12:23:49 PM
Quote from: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 15, 2011, 11:48:41 AM
I am about to re-read the hobbit and lord of the rings. Just wondering on what order you guys read it? I am just going to read it chronologically

story chronologically or print chronologically?
Story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 15, 2011, 05:51:10 PM
Quote from: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 15, 2011, 11:48:41 AM
I am about to re-read the hobbit and lord of the rings. Just wondering on what order you guys read it? I am just going to read it chronologically

Hey, I'm doin' the same.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jan 15, 2011, 06:12:00 PM
Read The Great Gatsby over xmas, The Sound of the Mountain by Yasunari Kawabata, and halfway through Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 15, 2011, 06:18:20 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jan 15, 2011, 05:51:10 PM
Quote from: MrBrokenTusks. on Jan 15, 2011, 11:48:41 AM
I am about to re-read the hobbit and lord of the rings. Just wondering on what order you guys read it? I am just going to read it chronologically

Hey, I'm doin' the same.
So hobbit, lotR 1,2,3?

I think that is the only way I can read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: jhsnake999 on Jan 16, 2011, 02:48:02 PM
I've finished reading 'Of Mice and Men' written by John Steinbeck. It is one of my favourite books and one of my favourite films too, but I just wish I wouldn't get upset at the end of the film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jan 20, 2011, 09:14:58 AM
The Shining - Stephen King

What a fantastic book, it's the first Stephen King book I've read and I was blown away by all of its elements, the characters, descriptions, everything. It was all wonderfully developed. I have yet to see the movie but I'm certainly going to buy it sometime soon. I'm reading IT next so hopefully that's just as good.

10/10 and highly, highly recommended.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jan 20, 2011, 11:53:04 AM
IT is great but don't waste your time on The Stand. It has the most ridiculous, deus ex ridden ending ever. The last 150 pages were painful.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jan 20, 2011, 03:53:56 PM
I didn't much fancy the stand anyway, I definitely am gonna buy Cell though after Shobidoo recommended it to me. It sounds right up my street. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 20, 2011, 07:03:02 PM
The Lord of the Rings Part II: The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkein 10/10

This book was simply fantastic. It was engrossing, moving, exciting, chilling, and beautiful. The characters are wonderfully written, the descriptions of the settings are amazing, and the plot is interesting as anything I've read. The Battle of Helm's Deep is some of the best stuff I've ever read in any book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jan 21, 2011, 02:03:46 AM
The rest of Star Wars: Black Fleet Crisis
Great trilogy of books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 22, 2011, 01:43:01 AM
Judge Dredd The Complete Case Files Volume 1

Collecting the earliest short stories of Mega-City Ones most famous lawman. The stories themselves are a bit camp and goofy but I don't have a problem with that one bit. It makes for some fun reading.


Quote from: Purebreedalien on Jan 20, 2011, 09:14:58 AM
The Shining - Stephen King

What a fantastic book, it's the first Stephen King book I've read and I was blown away by all of its elements, the characters, descriptions, everything. It was all wonderfully developed. I have yet to see the movie but I'm certainly going to buy it sometime soon. I'm reading IT next so hopefully that's just as good.

10/10 and highly, highly recommended.

I've decided to take your recommendation and dig my copy out (which I haven't read previously) and so far it's good. I just finished Chapter 1 and it's got me hooked! This is my first King book as well. I bought this ages ago but never got around to start reading it.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jan 22, 2011, 02:03:42 AM
Spreading the King around. Feels good man.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jan 22, 2011, 02:38:59 AM
Four Past Midnight has a few great shorts in it. The Langoliers is one of his best.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jan 23, 2011, 06:40:53 AM
More Bones: Scary Stories From Around The World
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jan 23, 2011, 12:32:42 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jan 22, 2011, 01:43:01 AM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Jan 20, 2011, 09:14:58 AM
The Shining - Stephen King

What a fantastic book, it's the first Stephen King book I've read and I was blown away by all of its elements, the characters, descriptions, everything. It was all wonderfully developed. I have yet to see the movie but I'm certainly going to buy it sometime soon. I'm reading IT next so hopefully that's just as good.

10/10 and highly, highly recommended.

I've decided to take your recommendation and dig my copy out (which I haven't read previously) and so far it's good. I just finished Chapter 1 and it's got me hooked! This is my first King book as well. I bought this ages ago but never got around to start reading it.  :)

Glad my mini-review helped. :) I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jan 23, 2011, 12:42:48 PM
Currently reading The Shadow over Innsmouth.
Great so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 03:38:21 AM
The Forever War.

Woah.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Jan 24, 2011, 03:38:46 AM
Jaws.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 03:42:32 AM
What did you think? I found it rather hack-ish, to be honest.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Jan 24, 2011, 03:43:28 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 03:42:32 AM
What did you think? I found it rather hack-ish, to be honest.

It was interesting...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 24, 2011, 03:47:34 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 03:38:21 AM
The Forever War.

Woah.

That was a hell of a book wasn't it? Some of the theme and issues explored in it had me in awe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 03:49:12 AM
Quote from: Ghost Rider on Jan 24, 2011, 03:43:28 AM
It was interesting...

Can't hold a candle to the film.

Quote from: First Blood on Jan 24, 2011, 03:47:34 AM
That was a hell of a book wasn't it? Some of the theme and issues explored in it had me in awe.

It was marvellous. Antithesis of Heinlein's Starship Troopers. Screw Prometheus, Scott needs to do a Forever War movie now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 24, 2011, 06:44:26 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 03:38:21 AM
The Forever War.

Woah.

I love this book (see first post in this thread). Few works of fiction have ever been able to grab me so deeply and emotionally as this was.

Now you know why The Forever War is my sci-fi film wet-dream.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 07:08:30 AM
What more could you want? Space orgies and powered armour and Vietnam metaphors? Flipping seminal.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jan 24, 2011, 07:11:17 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 07:08:30 AM
What more could you want? Space orgies and powered armour and Vietnam metaphors? Flipping seminal.
...

I'm getting this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 24, 2011, 07:14:01 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 07:08:30 AM
What more could you want? Space orgies and powered armour and Vietnam metaphors? Flipping seminal.

Don't forget the homosexuals!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 07:37:11 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jan 24, 2011, 07:14:01 AM
Don't forget the homosexuals!

*sigh* You never can go home.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 24, 2011, 07:39:48 AM
I just realized how perfect my signature was for that comment. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 08:03:48 AM
Too perfect.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cap. Fitzgerald on Jan 24, 2011, 08:15:08 AM
Now I imagined Boba saying
"Too perfect"
and aiming his gun like in your sig and Colbert saluting as he is shot.
Damn
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 24, 2011, 08:17:26 AM
Quote from: Cap. Fitzgerald on Jan 24, 2011, 08:15:08 AM
and aiming his gun like in your sig and Colbert saluting as he is shot.

While lying naked in his bed...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jan 24, 2011, 08:21:00 AM
Not entirely out of character.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftvmedia.ign.com%2Ftv%2Fimage%2Farticle%2F110%2F1105689%2Frobot-chicken-20100712031813821.jpg&hash=efa65428a7cfdead5418b824b1ee94e5a82f79a7)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 24, 2011, 11:39:57 AM
TWD volume 4. I keep thinking back about Rick's speech. Is amazing how quick things are going to hell in that series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 24, 2011, 05:40:22 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 24, 2011, 11:39:57 AM
TWD volume 4. I keep thinking back about Rick's speech. Is amazing how quick things are going to hell in that series.

Spoiler
WE ARE THE WALKING DEAD.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jan 24, 2011, 09:34:00 PM
Monster Hunter Orage 1 sadly this is the closest thing to MH ever having an anime :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 24, 2011, 09:39:21 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jan 24, 2011, 05:40:22 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 24, 2011, 11:39:57 AM
TWD volume 4. I keep thinking back about Rick's speech. Is amazing how quick things are going to hell in that series.

Spoiler
WE ARE THE WALKING DEAD.
[close]

That speech was one of my favorite parts of the entire series. I can't wait to hear it on TV when the show gets that far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Effectz on Jan 24, 2011, 09:48:16 PM
dead space retribution,currently on dead space martyr
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Jan 27, 2011, 12:43:42 AM
Black Butler Volume 2
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 27, 2011, 04:19:16 AM
Im' about halfway throu The Return of the King. Tried reading it, but couldn't do it.Couldn't conecenttrate enough.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 27, 2011, 04:25:04 AM
Kinda hard when you've had a few.  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 27, 2011, 04:29:46 AM
True enough. Book was moving too much.

Not sure if that was me, my vision, or both.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jan 27, 2011, 09:32:39 AM
Quote from: Effectz on Jan 24, 2011, 09:48:16 PM
dead space retribution,currently on dead space martyr

i ordered Martyr in paperback ages ago, and it still hasn't come! i've even seen it in shops, i would have bought it and cancelled my preorder, but it was more expensive and i'm cheap.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 28, 2011, 03:53:50 AM
The Shining

It's easy to see why Stephen King is the master of horror. This book was simply delightful and downright terrifying to read. More on the horror in a bit, but King has the ability to breathe life into these characters, making them fully rounded and three dimensional.

It was fun to watch Jack, over the course of the novel slowly lose his mind and give into the temptation of the hotel. And King, damn that man can describe a horror scene so effectively. King also has the ability to inject dark humor cleverly into some of the scenes. The chapter; 217 Revisited is one of the best and more terrifying chapters I've read in the book. I highly recommend this. After taking PBA's recommendation, I am glad I did. It was a fun and downright spooky ride.

Next I am thinking about reading Christine; about a possessed car or The Dead Zone about a man with psychic abilities. Has anyone read any of these?  :)


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Jan 28, 2011, 11:20:59 PM
Glad to see you liked it! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jan 29, 2011, 10:34:58 PM
Meg Hells Aquarium
Spoiler
You can't just sit there and say a Megalodon fighting an evolved Liopleurodon isn't f**king epic.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Jan 30, 2011, 02:54:38 PM
Quote from: King Rathalos on Jan 29, 2011, 10:34:58 PM
Meg Hells Aquarium
Spoiler
You can't just sit there and say a Megalodon fighting an evolved Liopleurodon isn't f**king epic.
[close]

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fclassicfun.ws%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Finternet-high-five-place-hand-here-right-480x444.jpg&hash=147498166c4ad3eb20e001a0ddddf104517f1eed)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DragonBossk on Jan 31, 2011, 04:41:05 PM
Has anyone read the biography Led Zeppelin: When Giants Walked the Earth by Mick Wall? This is fast becoming my favourite book everytime I pick it up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jan 31, 2011, 11:29:44 PM
Quote from: Ghost Rider on Jan 30, 2011, 02:54:38 PM
Quote from: King Rathalos on Jan 29, 2011, 10:34:58 PM
Meg Hells Aquarium
Spoiler
You can't just sit there and say a Megalodon fighting an evolved Liopleurodon isn't f**king epic.
[close]

http://classicfun.ws/wp-content/uploads/internet-high-five-place-hand-here-right-480x444.jpg
*highfives* 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 01, 2011, 02:40:31 AM
Quote from: DragonBossk on Jan 31, 2011, 04:41:05 PM
Has anyone read the biography Led Zeppelin: When Giants Walked the Earth by Mick Wall? This is fast becoming my favourite book everytime I pick it up.

No, I have not, but I love LZ, so I should check that out.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 01, 2011, 03:03:16 AM
The Running Man by Stephen King

While vastly different from the Schwarzenegger movie, it still retains the overall plot point of Ben Richards participating in The Running Man. But the book differs from the movie, by having Richards able to move across the whole country while being hunted.

I have to admit, I found the plot of the book a bit ludicrous. The country is really going to set up a game that allows people to shoot, kill, and steal their way across the country all for the sake of entertainment?  At least the movie had the contestants quarantined from the general population. The book features one of more lunatic endings I've read in while. It had echoes of the 9/11 disaster that would come to fruition in the many years after the book's release.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Feb 01, 2011, 09:29:58 AM
i suggested to Sweeps to read Ender's Shadow since he said he wasn't enjoying Speaker for the Dead, i wonder if he's got onto that yet?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 01, 2011, 11:09:25 PM
The Lord of the Rings Part III: The Return of the King 10/10

A simply amazing book. Few other works of fiction have filled me with such a deep sense of awe, or gotten me as invested in the events taking place. The Battle of Pelennor Fields is one of the greatest chapters I have ever read in any book. The fact that I'm finished now, however, leaves me feeling saddened. But, I still have the other Tolkein works now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Feb 01, 2011, 11:30:23 PM
We Are Our Brain by Dick Swaab. It explains in great detail how nearly every facet of human behaviour can be traced back to tangible and quantifiable changes and activities in our brain. Very fascinating.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Feb 01, 2011, 11:33:10 PM
The Evolution of God by Robert Wright. It covers the history of the worship of Yahweh from his being just a storm god in the Canaanite pantheon, his being appropriated by the Jews as their principal deity (yes, the Jewish faith was originally polytheistic but monolatric), how he had killed off the other gods in the pantheon, etc., the birth of Xtianity to the founding of Islam.

If any of you have an interest in mythology, this book is pretty cool!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Feb 01, 2011, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 01, 2011, 11:33:10 PMhow he had killed off the other gods in the pantheon.


Is this as cool as I'm thinking it is?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Feb 01, 2011, 11:58:54 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Feb 01, 2011, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 01, 2011, 11:33:10 PMhow he had killed off the other gods in the pantheon.
Is this as cool as I'm thinking it is?
He doesn't go into the gorey details (neither does the Bible, for that matter), but he does point it out. Of course, it's in one of those parts of the Good Book that somehow never gets mentioned in church, Sunday school or any Bible class (Psalm 82 (http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/82.html)). It's pretty much just Yahweh telling the others of the Divine Council that "[But] you [grammatical plural pronoun] shall die like humanity and fall like one of the princes."

Again, there are no details of what happens, but I think it's pretty wicked that you have a god telling his followers that he was, is, and forever shall be the only god, when, if one reads the Bible (and parallel texts) more carefully they realize that Yahweh was just a lesser god, who, in the spirit of a middle manager, kills off the CEO and other members of the Board to climb to the top and not tell any of the employees or stockholders!

As William S. Burroughs once said, "What we on Earth call God is a little tribal God who has made an awful mess."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Feb 02, 2011, 08:16:24 AM
Neko Ramen

Very cute, very different I like it!
Though it makes me hungry and the only good ramen shop is in Mitsuwa marketplace T_T
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: grands0nz0rz on Feb 02, 2011, 10:37:27 AM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 01, 2011, 11:58:54 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Feb 01, 2011, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 01, 2011, 11:33:10 PMhow he had killed off the other gods in the pantheon.
Is this as cool as I'm thinking it is?
He doesn't go into the gorey details (neither does the Bible, for that matter), but he does point it out. Of course, it's in one of those parts of the Good Book that somehow never gets mentioned in church, Sunday school or any Bible class (Psalm 82 (http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/82.html)). It's pretty much just Yahweh telling the others of the Divine Council that "[But] you [grammatical plural pronoun] shall die like humanity and fall like one of the princes."

Again, there are no details of what happens, but I think it's pretty wicked that you have a god telling his followers that he was, is, and forever shall be the only god, when, if one reads the Bible (and parallel texts) more carefully they realize that Yahweh was just a lesser god, who, in the spirit of a middle manager, kills off the CEO and other members of the Board to climb to the top and not tell any of the employees or stockholders!

As William S. Burroughs once said, "What we on Earth call God is a little tribal God who has made an awful mess."

Yahweh story in a condensed form.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlnnWbkMlbg#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlnnWbkMlbg#ws)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Feb 02, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
Cycle of the werewolf - Stephen King

I enjoyed this one. It's always been on my "read list" yet somehow no library in my area has ever had a copy. I found out the other day that my neighbor had a copy so I borrowed it. I just wish the book had been longer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Feb 02, 2011, 11:17:55 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Feb 02, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
Cycle of the werewolf - Stephen King
They can ride Harleys?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Feb 02, 2011, 11:25:09 AM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 02, 2011, 11:17:55 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Feb 02, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
Cycle of the werewolf - Stephen King
They can ride Harleys?

no, the story takes place during the tour de france, :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Feb 02, 2011, 01:23:15 PM
Quote from: grands0nz0rz on Feb 02, 2011, 10:37:27 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlnnWbkMlbg#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlnnWbkMlbg#ws)
*splashes holy water onto computer monitor*

"That was the work of The Devil! Lies! Lies!"

Quote from: AvatarIII on Feb 02, 2011, 11:25:09 AM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 02, 2011, 11:17:55 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Feb 02, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
Cycle of the werewolf - Stephen King
They can ride Harleys?
no, the story takes place during the tour de france, :D
That can be pretty hairy...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Feb 02, 2011, 02:46:18 PM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 01, 2011, 11:58:54 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Feb 01, 2011, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: maledoro on Feb 01, 2011, 11:33:10 PMhow he had killed off the other gods in the pantheon.
Is this as cool as I'm thinking it is?
He doesn't go into the gorey details (neither does the Bible, for that matter), but he does point it out. Of course, it's in one of those parts of the Good Book that somehow never gets mentioned in church, Sunday school or any Bible class (Psalm 82 (http://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/82.html)). It's pretty much just Yahweh telling the others of the Divine Council that "[But] you [grammatical plural pronoun] shall die like humanity and fall like one of the princes."

Again, there are no details of what happens, but I think it's pretty wicked that you have a god telling his followers that he was, is, and forever shall be the only god, when, if one reads the Bible (and parallel texts) more carefully they realize that Yahweh was just a lesser god, who, in the spirit of a middle manager, kills off the CEO and other members of the Board to climb to the top and not tell any of the employees or stockholders!

As William S. Burroughs once said, "What we on Earth call God is a little tribal God who has made an awful mess."


Sounds pretty good, I'll definitely make sure to read this one next.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 02, 2011, 04:08:57 PM
Reading the Hobbit right now. Can't wait for the movie! After this, I will be reading the LOTR Trilogy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Feb 02, 2011, 05:23:39 PM
I'm reading the LOTR trilogy right now, finished with book one in The Fellowship of the Ring. The Company just left Khazad-dum.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Feb 08, 2011, 06:27:46 AM
Quote from: EEV2650 on Feb 02, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
Cycle of the werewolf - Stephen King

I enjoyed this one. It's always been on my "read list" yet somehow no library in my area has ever had a copy. I found out the other day that my neighbor had a copy so I borrowed it. I just wish the book had been longer.
I read that as well!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Feb 08, 2011, 02:02:30 PM
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Amazing. 10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Feb 08, 2011, 02:04:17 PM
Brofist, Shobidoo, Brofist.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Feb 08, 2011, 02:12:29 PM
Reading Hamlet [a necessity], Rain by Kirsty Gunn [brilliant], and a book on Jacques Lacan [interesting]. Saving LOTR for my retirement, circa 2050-2060.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MrBrokenTusks. on Feb 08, 2011, 05:31:17 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Feb 08, 2011, 02:12:29 PM
Reading Hamlet [a necessity]
As in it's so awesome that it has to be read, or your being made to read it.

I really hope it's the former.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Feb 08, 2011, 06:05:01 PM
Quote from: MrBrokenTusks. on Feb 08, 2011, 05:31:17 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Feb 08, 2011, 02:12:29 PM
Reading Hamlet [a necessity]
As in it's so awesome that it has to be read, or your being made to read it.

I really hope it's the former.
Both, actually  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 09, 2011, 12:29:53 AM
Quote from: Shobidoo on Feb 08, 2011, 02:02:30 PM
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Amazing. 10/10

Told ya.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 15, 2011, 03:23:28 AM
Rama Revealed by Arthur C. Clarke and Gentry Lee 9/10

The conclusion to the Rama saga, and, for me at least, a very good one. Second best novel in the series, behind only the first. However, it has what I believe to be the weakest segments of the entire series. The dialogue is pretty weak, and the characters are nothing special. However, the last part more than makes up for the weak start and middle, finally explaining the mysterious spacecraft, their makers, and their purpose. That was pure, undiluted, classic Clarke, up there with 2001 in the sheer amount of awe it inspired.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Feb 15, 2011, 06:07:22 AM
Get a Life! - William  Shatner

Now, I'm on too taking my copy of The Hobbit down from the book shelf. After watching the cast Q&A I'm really excited seeing this movie coming together. I havent been this excited about a movie release since Indiana Jones and the kingdom of the crystal skull
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 15, 2011, 06:27:28 PM
Killing Floor by Lee Child

This was a great mystery-thriller novel. About an ex-military drifter Jack Reacher who is thrown into an illegal counterfeiting ring in Georgia. He's trying to figure out who is behind the illegal ring. The story is told in the first-person narrative which I enjoyed. It makes the story feel much more personal (which it is to begin with, but I don't want to spoil it) and the first person perspective helps the reader get to know the character much better. The action scenes are swift and brutal. Solidifying Jack Reacher as an acceptable "action hero" in literature.

I picked this book up after doing a little research into the author and the Jack Reacher series itself. I think I am going to like these books.

http://www.leechild.com/books.php (http://www.leechild.com/books.php)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Feb 17, 2011, 01:57:22 PM
'The The color out of space' by H.P Lovecraft.
Oh God.
I was... terrified by this one. Brrr. At one point I was rattling.
Doesn't happen frequently.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Feb 19, 2011, 12:22:59 AM
Lover Mine.

J. D. Ward.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Ghoul on Feb 19, 2011, 12:23:36 PM
Aliens Genocide

I found it better than the comic.


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Feb 19, 2011, 05:55:08 PM
The Colour Out Of Space.

Spoiler
It was just a colour out of space.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 23, 2011, 03:52:52 AM
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane 9.5/10

This was a truly great book. It was emotionally powerful, with incredibly well-written characters that you really felt for. Many books have a moment or two that really grabs me emotionally and gets me on the verge of tears. Most of this novel was like that. The only downside, I think, was that the motivations for the crime were kinda cliched, but that is a very minor criticism against an otherwise phenomenal piece of literature.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Feb 23, 2011, 05:01:11 AM
Black Butler (Vol. 3)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Feb 23, 2011, 06:12:59 AM
Just finished the hobbit and of course it's just as magical as when I first read it. At the same time however I was reading colorado ghost towns past&present. It was fairly interesting. It might have been better had I ever been to colorado. It's sad when towns die. Kinda makes me think of that movie fried green tomatoes
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Feb 23, 2011, 09:35:52 PM
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

Once again, amazing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Feb 24, 2011, 12:44:06 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Feb 19, 2011, 05:55:08 PM
The Colour Out Of Space.

Spoiler
It was just a colour out of space.
[close]
Scariest colour ever!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 25, 2011, 07:21:54 PM
Die Trying by Lee Child

Book two in the Jack Reacher series finds Jack caught up in trying to stop a fascist militia group from committing mass murder. The author switches the narrative from first person (Killing Floor) to third person. I didn't mind that at all. Like the last book, Child is able to keep the reader on the edge of their seat turning page after page. Damn, I am really loving this character.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Interfa on Feb 25, 2011, 07:48:19 PM
Something by Terry Pratchett)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Captain on Feb 25, 2011, 08:06:41 PM
Recently finished reading The Hobbit for the first time
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huol on Feb 26, 2011, 06:01:17 AM
Quote from: Interfa on Feb 25, 2011, 07:48:19 PM
Something by Terry Pratchett)

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgyazo.com%2F71b2b46f47d06a6b827198917a734ad2.png&hash=95094a7ccc66f552bdb7c055be9f280301892004)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Feb 27, 2011, 10:01:58 PM
Deadpool Classic Volume 4

I enjoyed this volume, however the whole 'Mithras' thing was a bit too far-fetched even for a Deadpool story, I did get a few laughs out of it and it had some great moments, but nowhere near as good as Volumes 2 and 3.
The Deadpool/Death Annual '98 was the best part for me.

7/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 01, 2011, 01:15:02 AM
Ringworld by Larry Niven 9.5/10

This was an awe-inspiring work of fiction, managing to balance perfectly a mysterious and profound setting with an exciting and interesting adventure. The characters are great and well-written, and you really care about them. But the implications that it makes about the universe, the effect that meddling in complex systems can have, is simply amazing. The Luck of Teela Brown is one of the most chilling aspects of any book I've read, and that includes Lovecraft.

A great, entertaining, and fun book, that I highly recommend.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Mar 01, 2011, 01:19:58 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 01, 2011, 01:15:02 AM
Ringworld by Larry Niven 9.5/10

This was an awe-inspiring work of fiction, managing to balance perfectly a mysterious and profound setting with an exciting and interesting adventure. The characters are great and well-written, and you really care about them. But the implications that it makes about the universe, the effect that meddling in complex systems can have, is simply amazing. The Luck of Teela Brown is one of the most chilling aspects of any book I've read, and that includes Lovecraft.

A great, entertaining, and fun book, that I highly recommend.
High-hoof!

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2606%2F3903805117_8d85a8bcfd.jpg&hash=06879a67d0c5f9609875d5959b9074887e775d3b)

The back one.


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 01, 2011, 05:28:31 AM
Tanjit, that's dangerous!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 04, 2011, 06:10:01 PM
Subterranean by James Rollins

This was quite a fun filled adventure. Rollins is a mixture between Michael Crichton and Douglas Preston/Lincoln Child. His first book, Subterranean requires to the reader to have some suspension of disbelief when reading this. The book follows a group of scientific explorers, who discover an ancient lost civilization under Antarctica. Unbeknownst to the explorers, certain horrors and dangers lurk beneath the continent. Anyone who's seen The Descent or read Reliquary will get an idea of what's going on.

I really enjoyed this. It made for some damn good reading. Some of the characters seemed a bit flat, and the book dabbles into some supernatural elements but it was a really fun and entertaining. This is my first taste of James Rollins, looks like another author I am really going to enjoy. I recommend the book and the author.

8.5/10

http://www.jamesrollins.com/ (http://www.jamesrollins.com/)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Mar 04, 2011, 10:46:55 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Mar 04, 2011, 06:10:01 PM
The book follows a group of scientific explorers, who discover an ancient lost civilization under Antarctica. Unbeknownst to the explorers, certain horrors and dangers lurk beneath the continent.
Sounds a load like At The Mountains of Madness. Mhm.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 04, 2011, 10:49:02 PM
I've never read At The Mountains of Madness by Lovecraft.  :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Mar 04, 2011, 10:49:24 PM
Close to finishing reading Submarine.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Mar 04, 2011, 10:50:45 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Mar 04, 2011, 10:49:02 PM
I've never read At The Mountains of Madness by Lovecraft.  :-\
The plot's basically that. New Antarctica part discovered, heyhoo, civilization (Old ones) and unknown lurking terror (Shoggoths).
Gonna read this one though. Let's see how they got 'inspired'. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 04, 2011, 10:56:01 PM
Well for what it's worth I really enjoyed it. Had I known about the Lovecraft story, I may have judged it differently. Course it's fun reading about giant marsupial lizard creatures running around causing chaos.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Mar 05, 2011, 08:08:41 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Mar 04, 2011, 10:56:01 PM
it's fun reading about giant marsupial lizard creatures running around causing chaos.
...And now, I'm definitely going to read this. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 05, 2011, 10:04:41 PM
Volumes 6 and 7 of The Walking Dead. These two volumes were great, and brought so much to the series.
About 6:
Spoiler
In six, I couldn't believe what Michonne did to the Governor...I turned away from the book a few times just thinking about it.
[close]
Great storytelling in a great volume!

About 7:
Spoiler
Seven seemed like filler, but really well written filler that added stuff while bridging the gap between 6 and 8. It brought the birth of Judith, Glenn's marriage, the unfortunate and unexpected death of Carol, Dale's missing leg...And that final panel...
[close]

I need to get 8 as soon as possible. From what I heard, 8 is so catastrophic that some people actually gave up on the series at that volume.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 05, 2011, 11:57:34 PM
How did Volume 7 end?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Mar 06, 2011, 12:27:49 AM
Quote from: Shasvre on Mar 05, 2011, 11:57:34 PM
How did Volume 7 end?

I got up to the end of the first Compendium, Issue 48 I think, and that ended so tragically. I can't wait for the second Compendium.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 06, 2011, 01:07:52 AM
PBA, I'm pretty sure that you are thinking of 8. 7 ends with
Spoiler
The Governor, one arm and an eye patch, in a tank yelling "Kill them all!"
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Mar 06, 2011, 01:35:42 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 06, 2011, 01:07:52 AM
PBA, I'm pretty sure that you are thinking of 8. 7 ends with
Spoiler
The Governor, one arm and an eye patch, in a tank yelling "Kill them all!"
[close]

8 must be the last volume in the Compendium then.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 06, 2011, 02:05:21 AM
From what I heard , yes it is. And I can't wait to read it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ratchetcomand on Mar 06, 2011, 02:11:33 AM
Anyone read "Who Goes There?"?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on Mar 06, 2011, 03:06:43 AM
I started reading A Very Private Gentleman/The American. I got through a few of chapters, but I just couldn't get into it.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 06, 2011, 01:04:22 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 06, 2011, 02:05:21 AM
From what I heard , yes it is. And I can't wait to read it!

yeah it definitely is, i read the compendium and i know for sure volume 9 is the next one i need to read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 06, 2011, 02:20:21 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 06, 2011, 01:04:22 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 06, 2011, 02:05:21 AM
From what I heard , yes it is. And I can't wait to read it!

yeah it definitely is, i read the compendium and i know for sure volume 9 is the next one i need to read.

Yeah, the Compendium is 1-8. It'll be a while before a second compendium comes out, ans they are still doing the individual comics for Volume 14. I guess 14 will be out in a couple months, and compendium 2 will be out around the same time as volume 16.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 06, 2011, 10:10:46 PM
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 10/10

Words cannot properly describe how much I love this book; how engrossed in the story I become, how interesting I find the technical details, how much I care about the characters, how deeply it affects me emotionally. This is the third time I've read this book, and I think it carried the greatest impact on me. I literally cried when I finished the book. Goddamn, I almost feel like reading it again...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Mar 06, 2011, 11:49:43 PM
Now read Neuromancer.

(i will never leave you people alone)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 07, 2011, 02:34:52 AM
Yeah, yeah, I'll get on that. Got about 10 books lined up to read at the moment, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Mar 07, 2011, 03:03:58 AM
None of them are as good as Neuromancer.

(never)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Mar 07, 2011, 03:41:55 AM
The Forever War


Let me just start by saying that aside from The Lord of the Rings, which I never compare anything to, this was the best thing I've ever read. Really, I had no doubts that I would love it, but it really did exceed my expectations because of something that nobody had told me about before I read it-- the love story. And really, that's what it was, and forever will be to me, a love story.

This is another example as science fiction being used as a brilliant backdrop to the human/social drama. I really did hate the UNEF for everything that they had put the characters through, and I was absolutely heartbroken as it became more and more clear to Mandella and Marygay that there was no place for them on Earth anymore. Not only was this book extremely distressing, dramatic, and intense, but it was surprisingly hilarious. I really had not expected to find myself literally laughing out loud so frequently, but Mandella's narration and side-thoughts were capable of going from heartbreaking to hilarity.

Of course, there was some hard sci-fi that I would have had to whip out a dictionary.. or laptop to understand, but it never really interrupted my enjoyment-- in other words, I understood what was necessary, and after hearing that they at one point revert back to swords, shields, and bows, I was happy to find that it wasn't just some random change, but a practical and necessary move at a critical moment.

Back to what pushed the story forward more than anything for me-- the romance of William and Marygay. Going into the story, I had no idea that anything like this was going to happen. As Sharp Sticks gracefully put it to me "Mandella is a a pretty cool guy, he kills aliens and stuff then feels back about it later then has sex with lots of women and doesn't afraid of anything", so I wasn't expecting that he'd have a regular "lover", I was just expecting him to not want to kill this fookin' creatures, and later numb himself with sex and alcohol.

I have to say, my favorite parts of the book were the first ground contact (traveling to the base, and the assault), and arriving back at Earth to the end of the stay on Heaven. Yes, the end of the stay on Heaven... I've never truly drawn tears when reading a novel, not once, no other story had the content that could get such a reaction out of me, but when William and Marygay were seperated after all of that time.. I did. At that point, their love for eachother was at it's peak, and the reveal was a total punch in the gut moment. I literally had to take a moment to wipe away tears before reading the next part of the book.

I think what solidified my ultimate satisfaction was the end. I had been wishing that Marygay had found some way to perserve herself until William had done his job, but I really didn't expect Haldeman to give me that satisfaction... and for that I praise him. Usually these stories end unforgiving and tragic, but thankfully, not this one. Ironically, in this case, a happy ending was the road less traveled. This ending, and really, this book was exactly what I wanted and never truly expected.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 07, 2011, 03:44:45 AM
 It touched on everything. War, politics, crime, murder, drugs, sexuality. Great book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Mar 07, 2011, 03:52:08 AM
Still reading Return of the King.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 07, 2011, 04:52:04 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Mar 07, 2011, 03:41:55 AM
Spoiler
The Forever War


Let me just start by saying that aside from The Lord of the Rings, which I never compare anything to, this was the best thing I've ever read. Really, I had no doubts that I would love it, but it really did exceed my expectations because of something that nobody had told me about before I read it-- the love story. And really, that's what it was, and forever will be to me, a love story.

This is another example as science fiction being used as a brilliant backdrop to the human/social drama. I really did hate the UNEF for everything that they had put the characters through, and I was absolutely heartbroken as it became more and more clear to Mandella and Marygay that there was no place for them on Earth anymore. Not only was this book extremely distressing, dramatic, and intense, but it was surprisingly hilarious. I really had not expected to find myself literally laughing out loud so frequently, but Mandella's narration and side-thoughts were capable of going from heartbreaking to hilarity.

Of course, there was some hard sci-fi that I would have had to whip out a dictionary.. or laptop to understand, but it never really interrupted my enjoyment-- in other words, I understood what was necessary, and after hearing that they at one point revert back to swords, shields, and bows, I was happy to find that it wasn't just some random change, but a practical and necessary move at a critical moment.

Back to what pushed the story forward more than anything for me-- the romance of William and Marygay. Going into the story, I had no idea that anything like this was going to happen. As Sharp Sticks gracefully put it to me "Mandella is a a pretty cool guy, he kills aliens and stuff then feels back about it later then has sex with lots of women and doesn't afraid of anything", so I wasn't expecting that he'd have a regular "lover", I was just expecting him to not want to kill this fookin' creatures, and later numb himself with sex and alcohol.

I have to say, my favorite parts of the book were the first ground contact (traveling to the base, and the assault), and arriving back at Earth to the end of the stay on Heaven. Yes, the end of the stay on Heaven... I've never truly drawn tears when reading a novel, not once, no other story had the content that could get such a reaction out of me, but when William and Marygay were seperated after all of that time.. I did. At that point, their love for eachother was at it's peak, and the reveal was a total punch in the gut moment. I literally had to take a moment to wipe away tears before reading the next part of the book.

I think what solidified my ultimate satisfaction was the end. I had been wishing that Marygay had found some way to perserve herself until William had done his job, but I really didn't expect Haldeman to give me that satisfaction... and for that I praise him. Usually these stories end unforgiving and tragic, but thankfully, not this one. Ironically, in this case, a happy ending was the road less traveled. This ending, and really, this book was exactly what I wanted and never truly expected.
[close]

Glad you loved it. This is one of a few books that I believe everybody should read at least once.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: visagepoissons on Mar 07, 2011, 06:48:50 AM
Reading the Hobbit and then the lord of the rings trilogy at the moment, the LAST book I read was... Carrie by Stephen King I think. Or it might have been another Stephen King story that I don't recall the name of.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 07, 2011, 09:04:38 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 06, 2011, 10:10:46 PM
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 10/10

Words cannot properly describe how much I love this book; how engrossed in the story I become, how interesting I find the technical details, how much I care about the characters, how deeply it affects me emotionally. This is the third time I've read this book, and I think it carried the greatest impact on me. I literally cried when I finished the book. Goddamn, I almost feel like reading it again...

have you read any of the sequels? (forever Free and Forever Peace i think they are called)
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Mar 07, 2011, 03:41:55 AM
The Forever War

Spoiler

Let me just start by saying that aside from The Lord of the Rings, which I never compare anything to, this was the best thing I've ever read. Really, I had no doubts that I would love it, but it really did exceed my expectations because of something that nobody had told me about before I read it-- the love story. And really, that's what it was, and forever will be to me, a love story.

This is another example as science fiction being used as a brilliant backdrop to the human/social drama. I really did hate the UNEF for everything that they had put the characters through, and I was absolutely heartbroken as it became more and more clear to Mandella and Marygay that there was no place for them on Earth anymore. Not only was this book extremely distressing, dramatic, and intense, but it was surprisingly hilarious. I really had not expected to find myself literally laughing out loud so frequently, but Mandella's narration and side-thoughts were capable of going from heartbreaking to hilarity.

Of course, there was some hard sci-fi that I would have had to whip out a dictionary.. or laptop to understand, but it never really interrupted my enjoyment-- in other words, I understood what was necessary, and after hearing that they at one point revert back to swords, shields, and bows, I was happy to find that it wasn't just some random change, but a practical and necessary move at a critical moment.

Back to what pushed the story forward more than anything for me-- the romance of William and Marygay. Going into the story, I had no idea that anything like this was going to happen. As Sharp Sticks gracefully put it to me "Mandella is a a pretty cool guy, he kills aliens and stuff then feels back about it later then has sex with lots of women and doesn't afraid of anything", so I wasn't expecting that he'd have a regular "lover", I was just expecting him to not want to kill this fookin' creatures, and later numb himself with sex and alcohol.

I have to say, my favorite parts of the book were the first ground contact (traveling to the base, and the assault), and arriving back at Earth to the end of the stay on Heaven. Yes, the end of the stay on Heaven... I've never truly drawn tears when reading a novel, not once, no other story had the content that could get such a reaction out of me, but when William and Marygay were seperated after all of that time.. I did. At that point, their love for eachother was at it's peak, and the reveal was a total punch in the gut moment. I literally had to take a moment to wipe away tears before reading the next part of the book.

I think what solidified my ultimate satisfaction was the end. I had been wishing that Marygay had found some way to perserve herself until William had done his job, but I really didn't expect Haldeman to give me that satisfaction... and for that I praise him. Usually these stories end unforgiving and tragic, but thankfully, not this one. Ironically, in this case, a happy ending was the road less traveled. This ending, and really, this book was exactly what I wanted and never truly expected.
[close]

hey sweeps, did you ever get around to reading Ender's Shadow?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 07, 2011, 02:51:33 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 07, 2011, 09:04:38 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 06, 2011, 10:10:46 PM
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 10/10

Words cannot properly describe how much I love this book; how engrossed in the story I become, how interesting I find the technical details, how much I care about the characters, how deeply it affects me emotionally. This is the third time I've read this book, and I think it carried the greatest impact on me. I literally cried when I finished the book. Goddamn, I almost feel like reading it again...

have you read any of the sequels? (forever Free and Forever Peace i think they are called)

No, I haven't. I've heard they're not very good, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Mar 07, 2011, 02:55:18 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 07, 2011, 09:04:38 AM
hey sweeps, did you ever get around to reading Ender's Shadow?

I read that one. Thought it was ridiculously unlikely, to the point of ruining Ender's Game for me. 'That other kid was a supergenius, he was doing everything behind the scenes!' Yeah right.

That and Orson Scott Card is a homophobic prick.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 07, 2011, 03:01:31 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 07, 2011, 02:51:33 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 07, 2011, 09:04:38 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 06, 2011, 10:10:46 PM
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 10/10

Words cannot properly describe how much I love this book; how engrossed in the story I become, how interesting I find the technical details, how much I care about the characters, how deeply it affects me emotionally. This is the third time I've read this book, and I think it carried the greatest impact on me. I literally cried when I finished the book. Goddamn, I almost feel like reading it again...

have you read any of the sequels? (forever Free and Forever Peace i think they are called)

No, I haven't. I've heard they're not very good, though.

i actually heard they are quite good, but nowhere near as good as Forever War, which is why i asked, just in case you knew

Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Mar 07, 2011, 02:55:18 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 07, 2011, 09:04:38 AM
hey sweeps, did you ever get around to reading Ender's Shadow?

I read that one. Thought it was ridiculously unlikely, to the point of ruining Ender's Game for me. 'That other kid was a supergenius, he was doing everything behind the scenes!' Yeah right.

That and Orson Scott Card is a homophobic prick.

i don't actually remember any homophobia, but you know, he IS a devout Mormon, i kind of took any messages he was trying to convey in his books with a pinch of salt and just enjoyed the story. i only suggested it to Sweeps because he said he wasn't enjoying Speaker for the Dead and said he prefered the time that Ender's game was set, and missed a lot of the side characters, which is kind of exactly what the shadow saga exists for.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Mar 10, 2011, 12:55:23 AM
Just finished a classic short story anthology for my now finished creative fiction class.
Some of this stuff was very good.
My favorites were Gryphon, The Things They Carried and Lost in the Funhouse. These three kicked ass.

Gryphon told the story of an eccentric substitute teacher who despite possibly being insane, has a positive effect on her students.

The Things They Carried tells a story of soldiers in Vietnam that lasts mere minutes, but it drags on by going into detail by what they carry in their pouches and bags and eventually, what kinds of things they carry on their minds and souls. Surprisingly engrossing.

Lost In The Funhouse is one of the most bizarre stories ever written. It is supposed to be the story of a little boy getting lost in a funhouse, but in the end, the unseen author begins to get frustrated at not being able to find an ending. The boy is not the character we follow, it is the author, and they are really interesting to listen to. I would suggest reading this one more than once. It is hard the first time around.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Prime113 on Mar 10, 2011, 12:59:37 AM
Body of Lies. 8/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Joyfully Jumping Jessica on Mar 10, 2011, 02:57:54 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Mar 07, 2011, 03:41:55 AM
The Forever War
Spoiler


Let me just start by saying that aside from The Lord of the Rings, which I never compare anything to, this was the best thing I've ever read. Really, I had no doubts that I would love it, but it really did exceed my expectations because of something that nobody had told me about before I read it-- the love story. And really, that's what it was, and forever will be to me, a love story.

This is another example as science fiction being used as a brilliant backdrop to the human/social drama. I really did hate the UNEF for everything that they had put the characters through, and I was absolutely heartbroken as it became more and more clear to Mandella and Marygay that there was no place for them on Earth anymore. Not only was this book extremely distressing, dramatic, and intense, but it was surprisingly hilarious. I really had not expected to find myself literally laughing out loud so frequently, but Mandella's narration and side-thoughts were capable of going from heartbreaking to hilarity.

Of course, there was some hard sci-fi that I would have had to whip out a dictionary.. or laptop to understand, but it never really interrupted my enjoyment-- in other words, I understood what was necessary, and after hearing that they at one point revert back to swords, shields, and bows, I was happy to find that it wasn't just some random change, but a practical and necessary move at a critical moment.

Back to what pushed the story forward more than anything for me-- the romance of William and Marygay. Going into the story, I had no idea that anything like this was going to happen. As Sharp Sticks gracefully put it to me "Mandella is a a pretty cool guy, he kills aliens and stuff then feels back about it later then has sex with lots of women and doesn't afraid of anything", so I wasn't expecting that he'd have a regular "lover", I was just expecting him to not want to kill this fookin' creatures, and later numb himself with sex and alcohol.

I have to say, my favorite parts of the book were the first ground contact (traveling to the base, and the assault), and arriving back at Earth to the end of the stay on Heaven. Yes, the end of the stay on Heaven... I've never truly drawn tears when reading a novel, not once, no other story had the content that could get such a reaction out of me, but when William and Marygay were seperated after all of that time.. I did. At that point, their love for eachother was at it's peak, and the reveal was a total punch in the gut moment. I literally had to take a moment to wipe away tears before reading the next part of the book.

I think what solidified my ultimate satisfaction was the end. I had been wishing that Marygay had found some way to perserve herself until William had done his job, but I really didn't expect Haldeman to give me that satisfaction... and for that I praise him. Usually these stories end unforgiving and tragic, but thankfully, not this one. Ironically, in this case, a happy ending was the road less traveled. This ending, and really, this book was exactly what I wanted and never truly expected.
[close]
Didn't read all of that (don't want to spoil it for myself), but I'll be picking that up when I get back to Vancouver at the airport Chapters-- it sounds amazing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 10, 2011, 05:47:25 AM
Oh, it is. One of the greatest thing I've ever read.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest 8/10

An enjoyable thriller novel, filled with interesting characters and an exciting plot. Nothing too special about it, but worth it if you need something to read.

Next up: Contact. I have been waiting for this for a long time. I read the first paragraph, and I can already tell that I'm going to love this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Mar 10, 2011, 05:59:27 AM
Neuromancer.

Again.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gifbin.com%2Fbin%2F072009%2F1246621429_stevenSegalGlare.gif&hash=988457e5c363514be4492443c35e10c82375a4b7)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Joyfully Jumping Jessica on Mar 10, 2011, 06:28:37 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 10, 2011, 05:47:25 AM
Next up: Contact. I have been waiting for this for a long time. I read the first paragraph, and I can already tell that I'm going to love this book.
That's my favorite! You're gonna love it for sure.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Mar 11, 2011, 04:04:26 AM
I'm currently re-reading Predator: South China Sea, and after ages of it apparently being one of the best Predator books I've read, it doesn't seems as good the second time around. Aren't things usually better the second time around? Maybe I've over-hyped it and it's not living up to my expectations.

Proir to this I read Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, and I am officially worshipping at the church of Jhonen Vasquez.

Prior to that I had a massive Yaoi novel binge which I'm sure no one wants to hear about.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 13, 2011, 12:23:26 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 13, 2011, 12:05:32 AM
I read Volume 8 of The Walking Dead.

Honestly, what can be said that wasn't already said? I think I'm going to take a break before I pick up Volume 9. I'm going to reread the whole series first.

I can't believe how good the series is, and how much Robert Kirkman isn't afraid to do. I wonder how much of this will make it on TV...?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Mar 13, 2011, 01:42:20 AM
The Ballad of Halo Jones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THsaRHe7L9c# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THsaRHe7L9c#)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Mar 13, 2011, 02:55:39 AM
The Return of the King

Wow. What an adventure. I loved it from beggining to end.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: smokeykit on Mar 13, 2011, 05:56:23 PM
last book i read was Star Wars: Shadow Hunter (Darth Maul) by Michael Reaves. loved it.  8) current book is Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks and it's good. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 06:22:30 PM
Last book I read was Twilight Eclipse.

Just started Breaking Dawn and Fragment, yes im reading two books on the go.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Mar 16, 2011, 06:42:46 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 06:22:30 PM
Last book I read was Twilight Eclipse.

Just started Breaking Dawn and Fragment, yes im reading two books on the go.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi231.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee44%2FXenomorph02%2FDeadpool%2520Scans%2520etc%2Fdeadpool3-1-1-1.jpg&hash=a79141e11493c61c4c81a4324618dafbc9f28710)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 16, 2011, 06:59:48 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 06:22:30 PM
Last book I read was Twilight Eclipse.

Just started Breaking Dawn and Fragment, yes im reading two books on the go.

i have 3 books and 4 graphics novels on the go, so what?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 10:42:54 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 16, 2011, 06:59:48 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 06:22:30 PM
Last book I read was Twilight Eclipse.

Just started Breaking Dawn and Fragment, yes im reading two books on the go.

i have 3 books and 4 graphics novels on the go, so what?

Aw just didnt think it was as common tbh, for someone to read more than one book at a time, must get out more i guess.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 16, 2011, 11:09:42 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 10:42:54 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 16, 2011, 06:59:48 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 06:22:30 PM
Last book I read was Twilight Eclipse.

Just started Breaking Dawn and Fragment, yes im reading two books on the go.

i have 3 books and 4 graphics novels on the go, so what?

Aw just didnt think it was as common tbh, for someone to read more than one book at a time, must get out more i guess.

sorry if i sounded rude by the way, it wasn't supposed to and then i just read it back and i sounded like a jerk,
when i read lots of things at once i generally read them in different places and at different paces, like i read one book at work, a couple of books at home, and i read the one i feel like reading. it makes getting through books take longer, but i feel like i can stay with them for longer, which is nice.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 11:17:14 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 16, 2011, 11:09:42 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 10:42:54 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 16, 2011, 06:59:48 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 16, 2011, 06:22:30 PM
Last book I read was Twilight Eclipse.

Just started Breaking Dawn and Fragment, yes im reading two books on the go.

i have 3 books and 4 graphics novels on the go, so what?

Aw just didnt think it was as common tbh, for someone to read more than one book at a time, must get out more i guess.

sorry if i sounded rude by the way, it wasn't supposed to and then i just read it back and i sounded like a jerk,
when i read lots of things at once i generally read them in different places and at different paces, like i read one book at work, a couple of books at home, and i read the one i feel like reading. it makes getting through books take longer, but i feel like i can stay with them for longer, which is nice.

No its arite, no offence taken.
Yeah I know what you mean, Im currently reading one book down my house, and im reading the other up my partners.
Im finding it hard work reading the Twilight books mind, I like the story, its just she takes sooooo long getting to the point, she describes everything about three times.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: m41guy on Mar 16, 2011, 11:42:36 PM
I did that a lot in high school, I think the most I was up to at one time was 4 though. 

Just finished reading "The Zombie Survival Guide" by Max Brooks.  I was thoroughly entertained and laughed at times but was a bit put off by some of his inaccuracies when it comes to firearms but oh well.  I had wanted to read this ever since I first read "World War Z" back in '06 and now they stand together on my bookcase, lol. 

Got a lot on my plate right now so I'm not sure when I'll get to around to reading something else, but next on the list is "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand or something else(other than ST) by Heinlein.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 17, 2011, 01:02:24 AM
Quote from: m41guy on Mar 16, 2011, 11:42:36 PM
Just finished reading "The Zombie Survival Guide" by Max Brooks.  I was thoroughly entertained and laughed at times but was a bit put off by some of his inaccuracies when it comes to firearms but oh well.  I had wanted to read this ever since I first read "World War Z" back in '06 and now they stand together on my bookcase, lol. 

Since you loved those, I would definitely recommend The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman. Amazing ongoing series. Brooks and Kirkman make the only zombie stuff that I pay attention to.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: m41guy on Mar 17, 2011, 02:21:27 AM
Honestly, I watched the AMC series and have been trying to hunt down the comics but haven't gotten any yet.  I think I remember something about a reprint of them since the popularity of the show.  I'll probably start picking them up then. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 18, 2011, 01:03:26 AM
Tripwire by Lee Child

Jack Reacher is an ex-military police investigator turned drifter. He has no home, no family, and no car. He's like the John McClane of literature with Bruce Wayne's detective skills. The man's an exceptional killer and an extraordinary sleuth. He stands about 6ft tall and looks like actor Mark Valley. Lee Child is able to craft very engaging mysteries, piecing the puzzle together one page at a time until he delivers the final masterstroke like a freight train to the face. Jack seems to be pulled into these mishaps no matter where he goes and thus the mystery begins; but enough about me getting a boner over Jack Reacher. What about the book you say?

Tripwire is the third book in the series, while it's not as good as Killing Floor or as great as Die Trying, it's still an engaging and fun book to be had. Jack is caught up in trying to find out the identity of a sleazy Wall Street executive who's a mixture between Captain Hook and Harvey Two-Face. Though this mystery nearly wasn't exciting, the finale was fantastic. It has echoes of those old western films in which the hero is having a stare down with the villain, and the question is...who's going to shoot first?

Anyone who's in the mood for a great mystery or some fast paced action sprinkled throughout, I really recommend this series of books. It's some intuitive and fun filled reading.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 18, 2011, 09:48:28 AM
Finally finished this doorstep of a trilogy
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.bookdepository.co.uk%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fbook%2Flarge%2F9780%2F5862%2F9780586213896.jpg&hash=4752c8ad723e73de2e37747c61ac7e7a90210636)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.bookdepository.co.uk%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fbook%2Flarge%2F9780%2F5862%2F9780586213902.jpg&hash=9bee0fa7ab34ed645e00626737b876241a753095)
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.bookdepository.co.uk%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fbook%2Flarge%2F9780%2F5862%2F9780586213919.jpg&hash=c6f979f249af7098be580fef7776ac0a80d8c7a7)

now onto this, a book of short stories
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.bookdepository.co.uk%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fbook%2Flarge%2F9780%2F0064%2F9780006497028.jpg&hash=f8019f0edeb32a9cf79cd9088f3df13902b586d8)

i totally recomend this series to anyone interested in near future sci fi, with great characters, and not a lot of, if any, action, a reaoly great read even if it is about 2300 pages long :D (not including the short story book, which would probably push it up to about 2700)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: m41guy on Mar 18, 2011, 09:50:18 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Mar 18, 2011, 01:03:26 AM
Tripwire by Lee Child

Jack Reacher is an ex-military police investigator turned drifter. He has no home, no family, and no car. He's like the John McClane of literature with Bruce Wayne's detective skills. The man's an exceptional killer and an extraordinary sleuth. He stands about 6ft tall and looks like actor Mark Valley. Lee Child is able to craft very engaging mysteries, piecing the puzzle together one page at a time until he delivers the final masterstroke like a freight train to the face. Jack seems to be pulled into these mishaps no matter where he goes and thus the mystery begins; but enough about me getting a boner over Jack Reacher. What about the book you say?

Tripwire is the third book in the series, while it's not as good as Killing Floor or as great as Die Trying, it's still an engaging and fun book to be had. Jack is caught up in trying to find out the identity of a sleazy Wall Street executive who's a mixture between Captain Hook and Harvey Two-Face. Though this mystery nearly wasn't exciting, the finale was fantastic. It has echoes of those old western films in which the hero is having a stare down with the villain, and the question is...who's going to shoot first?

Anyone who's in the mood for a great mystery or some fast paced action sprinkled throughout, I really recommend this series of books. It's some intuitive and fun filled reading.

Sounds pretty cool, sorta reminds me of "The Good Guy" by Dean Koontz.  I liked it a lot, the villain was incredible in it(sounds weird to say, I know).

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Mar 19, 2011, 12:47:51 AM
Submarine
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 19, 2011, 02:39:46 AM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Mar 18, 2011, 09:48:28 AM
Finally finished this doorstep of a trilogy
http://images.bookdepository.co.uk/assets/images/book/large/9780/5862/9780586213896.jpg
http://images.bookdepository.co.uk/assets/images/book/large/9780/5862/9780586213902.jpg
http://images.bookdepository.co.uk/assets/images/book/large/9780/5862/9780586213919.jpg

now onto this, a book of short stories
http://images.bookdepository.co.uk/assets/images/book/large/9780/0064/9780006497028.jpg

i totally recomend this series to anyone interested in near future sci fi, with great characters, and not a lot of, if any, action, a reaoly great read even if it is about 2300 pages long :D (not including the short story book, which would probably push it up to about 2700)

Been wanting to check those out ever since I did a project on Mars back in grade 6.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 19, 2011, 03:38:55 PM
DO IT you of all people here would love them
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Mar 21, 2011, 09:13:59 PM
I'v started reading The Bear and the Dragon by Tom Clancey. So far, so good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on Mar 21, 2011, 09:26:33 PM
Started reading The Black Dahlia, whilst I'm waiting for L.A. Noire to come out. It's been good so far, but I'm only about 10 chapters in.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 26, 2011, 08:55:45 AM
Contact by Carl Sagan 10/10

This book deals with many things masterfully; reconciliation of science and religion, Cold War tensions, the idiocy of nuclear war, man's place in the universe, all of these and more are touched upon.

More importantly, though, I feel as though this book were written for me. Specifically for me. From the moment I read the first paragraph, I knew that I would love this novel. It spoke to me on a very deep, very profound, and very personal level. It clinched so perfectly with the way I think, it's as though Sagan opened up my skull and took a look at what's inside. The story is only comparable to Space Odyssey for the amount of awe it inspired me with. It was unique, thought-provoking, and I think slightly changed my view of the world. It also made me cry. Sobs and everything.

The protagonist is what really grabbed me, though. Ellie Arroway is me. I have never encountered a character that I saw so much of myself in. Her story was my story. I had no trouble getting immersed in the events going on, picturing myself in the scenes, because I was essentially there already. Her childhood was a parallel of mine. She had similar problems, similar frustrations and nearly identical dreams and hopes. Her career echoes many of the aspirations that I have for my future. Her ways of approaching the world, of viewing and observing it, are almost the same as mine. Ellie Arroway is me; I am Ellie Arroway.

It seemed as though Sagan wrote a novel for me, a book to inspire and rejuvenate my dreams, a book to say "Just think what's out there; all the wonders and mysteries of this universe, this Cosmos. Go. Go and find them."

I have not been so fundamentally touched and inspired by a book since Pale Blue Dot. Thank you, Carl. Thank you for your ideas and the beautiful way that you shared them with us. With me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Apr 02, 2011, 03:22:46 AM
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl , I don't know why but I think a lot of the guys here might like this book. Here is a description,

Things are going from bad to worse for 15-year-old comic book geek Donnie, aka "Fanboy." He keeps getting bullied in school. His parents are divorced and now his mother is pregnant with the "step-fascist's" baby. "The List" of people he'd rather have far away from his school keeps getting bigger and bigger. And now, his only friend Cal is becoming more obsessed with sports than comic books.

Donnie has several tools that help him in his struggle with high school survival. He carries in his pocket a bullet, which is like a security blanket; just knowing it's there soothes him. But the thing that gets him through it all is the graphic novel he is working on, SCHEMATA. He's convinced that if he shows his work to the famous author Bendis, he'll get signed --- and a ticket right out of town.

As he deals with his daily struggles, Donnie starts going through another torture. In gym class, Mitchell Frampton keeps punching him in the same spot on his arm over and over again. Nobody seems to notice --- nobody but a flash of white and black from the bleachers, that is. And then Donnie gets an anonymous IM from Promeatha387 asking, "Why do you let him hit you?" Promeatha is the name of an Alan Moore comic book character, and it immediately gets Donnie's attention.

They meet at the playground after school. Promeatha387 turns out to be Kyra, aka "Goth Girl," who wears all black and has black dyed hair. "Her face is so pale...that I can't even think of something to compare it to. Chalk? Kabuki makeup? Liquid Paper? Her eyes are brown stamps on it, her nose a bump that sparkles with a red stone through one side. Her mouth twists in a sneer, her lower lip is pierced at the corner, and the ring somehow makes the sneer broader."

She calls him "Fanboy" for his taste in comics and has a powerful personality and a voice that's "low, sardonic, defensive." Fanboy starts spending more time with Goth Girl, who has more in common with him now than his friend Cal, who is obsessed with his lacrosse team. Goth Girl shares freely her opinions and stories about the world. She also encourages Fanboy to continue with his graphic novel. In the end, the relationship with Goth Girl helps Fanboy figure out who he really is.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Apr 02, 2011, 03:28:59 AM
I'm between books. I was reading Rilke's The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge, then got caught reading a bio of Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune as I had to write an essay for university on Japanese cinema, then I got caught on a Dostoevsky biography. I'll finish a book one of these days. Tantalised by SpaceMarines' review up thar. Hmm.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 02, 2011, 03:33:13 AM
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 02, 2011, 03:28:59 AM
I'm between books. I was reading Rilke's The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge, then got caught reading a bio of Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune as I had to write an essay for university on Japanese cinema, then I got caught on a Dostoevsky biography. I'll finish a book one of these days. Tantalised by SpaceMarines' review up thar. Hmm.

I would give any of my left toes to read that essay. What's the name of the bio?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Apr 02, 2011, 03:39:50 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 02, 2011, 03:33:13 AM
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 02, 2011, 03:28:59 AM
I'm between books. I was reading Rilke's The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge, then got caught reading a bio of Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune as I had to write an essay for university on Japanese cinema, then I got caught on a Dostoevsky biography. I'll finish a book one of these days. Tantalised by SpaceMarines' review up thar. Hmm.

I would give any of my left toes to read that essay. What's the name of the bio?
I haven't had the essay back yet  :-[ The book is "The Emperor and the Wolf."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 02, 2011, 03:43:02 AM
All right, I'll try to track that down after I find a copy of 'Something To Do With Death'. Thanks for the tip, and let me know how that essay goes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Apr 02, 2011, 03:48:03 AM
Happy to serve, sir! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2011, 08:29:58 PM
Ender's Shadow 8/10

An entertaining enough book, but the whole premise is a bit ridiculous to me. The whole point of Ender's Game was that Ender was unique; there was no one else remotely close to being as good as he was. He was humanity's last, best hope. Then in this, it's like "Oh, yeah, Bean? Well, turns out he's not only as smart as Ender, he's even smarter!" I just didn't get that idea at all from reading Game. But, overall, the book wasn't bad, and the ending is especially great, seeing the Bugger Wars, but from a different perspective.

Shadow of the Hegemon 8.5/10

Again, this book was fairly ridiculous. The amount of influence that these children wind up having over world affairs, it just didn't seem plausible. But, once I got past that, this was a fairly entertaining book of international intrigue, reading almost like a real-life game of Risk. Kept me interested the whole way through.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 02, 2011, 10:43:54 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2011, 08:29:58 PM
Ender's Shadow 8/10

An entertaining enough book, but the whole premise is a bit ridiculous to me. The whole point of Ender's Game was that Ender was unique; there was no one else remotely close to being as good as he was. He was humanity's last, best hope. Then in this, it's like "Oh, yeah, Bean? Well, turns out he's not only as smart as Ender, he's even smarter!" I just didn't get that idea at all from reading Game. But, overall, the book wasn't bad, and the ending is especially great, seeing the Bugger Wars, but from a different perspective.

Shadow of the Hegemon 8.5/10

Again, this book was fairly ridiculous. The amount of influence that these children wind up having over world affairs, it just didn't seem plausible. But, once I got past that, this was a fairly entertaining book of international intrigue, reading almost like a real-life game of Risk. Kept me interested the whole way through.

i like the shadow saga, but yeah its pretty ridiculous, i just see it as an interesting companion to fill in the gaps in Enders Game,and as much as i like the Ender sequels, the shadow saga keeps the tone of the first book better.
Enders Shadow was my second favourite book in the series until i read Ender in Exile though
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2011, 11:18:47 PM
Speaker for the Dead is still my favourite of the Enderverse novels, that I've read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Apr 03, 2011, 07:34:34 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 02, 2011, 03:28:59 AM
as I had to write an essay for university on Japanese cinema,
Call me when you mention Rodan. :P And good luck with that, I'd love to read it once it is finished.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Apr 03, 2011, 07:45:20 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Apr 03, 2011, 07:34:34 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 02, 2011, 03:28:59 AM
as I had to write an essay for university on Japanese cinema,
Call me when you mention Rodan. :P And good luck with that, I'd love to read it once it is finished.
It's finished. Just awaiting marking etc  :-X Already put up an old English essay on valaquen.blogspot hehe. I'm not sure if I'm even allowed to do that, but hey.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 03, 2011, 09:29:16 PM
Shadow Puppets 8/10

An entertaining enough book, if not though provoking or emotionally gripping. This finishes off the storyline started in Shadow of the Hegemon, and it's satisfactory. It continued the international intrigue and the nation-wide games of chess and Risk, and the wars are all brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Apr 04, 2011, 05:48:41 PM
Bram Stoker's Dracula 10/10

The best Vampire book, period.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Apr 04, 2011, 06:04:38 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_li06o6y2iv1qzzxcoo1_400.jpg&hash=b3b225346653d91ff256308b70e5c2bb4d33c58e)

Really the best thing I've ever read. Both heartbreaking and incredibly uplifting, Fünke has crafted a piece of literature for the ages. Though it never was made clear whether these were based on his experiences (I believe they were, but that is just my theory) or based on a mere observation of the struggle to discover the desired sexuality in men, but it doesn't matter in the end-- it's all brilliant.

I had taken a break from Neuromancer to read this one, after I saw it's acclaim from such people like Andy Dick, George Takei, Neil Patrick Harris, and Tom Cruise. And deserved that acclaim was. It made me have a couple revelations to be honest, but I'll spare those of you who are reading this-- just know that it awakens something inside of you the you may not of even known was there.

I have to say, the scene where Tobias (either his fictional counterpart or himself, depending on your view of the story) was crying in the shower wearing nothing but his cutoffs as he bite into a bar of soap, decreasing in it's structure as his saliva and the hot water hit it was truly symbolic and heartbreaking; I cried. It really did strike a chord with me. The cutoffs were also symbolic of his closeted emotions, as he never wanted to be truly exposed until it was that he discovered... the man inside of him.

10/10 - Cannot recommend this read enough.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 04, 2011, 06:08:06 PM
What.

It's a real book.

Oh my god.

What.

...

Come on, you're making that up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Apr 04, 2011, 06:22:49 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 04, 2011, 06:08:06 PM
What.

It's a real book.

Oh my god.

What.

...

Come on, you're making that up.
Spoiler
Yup.  :laugh:
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 04, 2011, 09:54:08 PM
Now I'm depressed that it's not real and that I totally fell for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBelT-Xi1CY# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBelT-Xi1CY#)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 05, 2011, 12:16:11 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Apr 04, 2011, 06:04:38 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_li06o6y2iv1qzzxcoo1_400.jpg&hash=b3b225346653d91ff256308b70e5c2bb4d33c58e)

Really the best thing I've ever read. Both heartbreaking and incredibly uplifting, Fünke has crafted a piece of literature for the ages. Though it never was made clear whether these were based on his experiences (I believe they were, but that is just my theory) or based on a mere observation of the struggle to discover the desired sexuality in men, but it doesn't matter in the end-- it's all brilliant.

I had taken a break from Neuromancer to read this one, after I saw it's acclaim from such people like Andy Dick, George Takei, Neil Patrick Harris, and Tom Cruise. And deserved that acclaim was. It made me have a couple revelations to be honest, but I'll spare those of you who are reading this-- just know that it awakens something inside of you the you may not of even known was there.

I have to say, the scene where Tobias (either his fictional counterpart or himself, depending on your view of the story) was crying in the shower wearing nothing but his cutoffs as he bite into a bar of soap, decreasing in it's structure as his saliva and the hot water hit it was truly symbolic and heartbreaking; I cried. It really did strike a chord with me. The cutoffs were also symbolic of his closeted emotions, as he never wanted to be truly exposed until it was that he discovered... the man inside of him.

10/10 - Cannot recommend this read enough.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.operatorchan.org%2Ft%2Farch%2Fsrc%2Ft105757_Busey%2520Clap.gif&hash=299382e0f9abe01fd1dfda29c2a0b99f9b0e6e3b)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 06, 2011, 04:37:11 PM
The Queen of the Black Coast.

Conan hangs out with a babe, fights some giant hyenas and a flying monkey, and then goes for a walk. This makes it the greatest story ever told.

Spoiler
Also, mild racism!
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 07, 2011, 04:32:57 AM
Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott Card 9/10

This was by far the best book in the Shadow saga, and it was entirely because of the final chapter. The book beforehand had been good enough; entertaining and interesting, but nothing special. I did like that it had more sci-fi elements than Hegemon and Puppet, though, and the return of
Spoiler
Rackham
[close]
was great. Love that guy. But then the last chapter came. I have seldom read more emotionally powerful words than that. It made me cry. It made me want to reread Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead. It was incredibly moving, and I am almost in awe over it. Card really brought his A-game for that passage.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 07, 2011, 09:25:28 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 07, 2011, 04:32:57 AM
Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott Card 9/10

This was by far the best book in the Shadow saga, and it was entirely because of the final chapter. The book beforehand had been good enough; entertaining and interesting, but nothing special. I did like that it had more sci-fi elements than Hegemon and Puppet, though, and the return of
Spoiler
Rackham
[close]
was great. Love that guy. But then the last chapter came. I have seldom read more emotionally powerful words than that. It made me cry. It made me want to reread Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead. It was incredibly moving, and I am almost in awe over it. Card really brought his A-game for that passage.

nice. it is a good book. have you read all the enderverse books now?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 07, 2011, 01:46:45 PM
Nah. Still got Xenocide and Children of the Mind. May read Ender in Exile sometime, but I don't own it, and it's not high on my book list at the moment.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 07, 2011, 01:53:50 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 07, 2011, 01:46:45 PM
Nah. Still got Xenocide and Children of the Mind. May read Ender in Exile sometime, but I don't own it, and it's not high on my book list at the moment.

i would have thought you would have read those right after Speaker, since you liked it so much, and they are direct sequels, but I definately recommend Ender in Exile, it really ties in the events of the Shadow Saga into Enders Game, and really expands on what was only touched on in the last few chapters of EG.
I love all the books to varying degrees, and I read them all back to back in publication order, (except War of Gifts which I read last) which i really think is the way to read them,
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 07, 2011, 02:02:04 PM
I didn't have Xenocide or Mind until very recently.

I'll be sure to check out Exile, though.

And I knew I was forgetting something; Haven't read War of Gifts either.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Apr 07, 2011, 02:06:25 PM
Mary Shelly's Frankenstein 10/10

I love this book. Its a good message.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Apr 08, 2011, 10:45:16 PM
Im starting Sergei Lukyanenko's Nightwatch Trilogy (well theres actually a fourth book now, The Final Watch). I loved the films but it looks like a third film isnt going to get made so I decided to read the books myself. I know thats a terrible reason to read a book but because I saw the films first I find it hard to read books where i already know the gist of the story after watching the film. In this case though I want to find out how the story ends, and even goes beyond with a fourth book set after the trilogy and ive heard theyre a great read so here goes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Apr 09, 2011, 04:51:32 AM
Quote from: Ghost Rider on Apr 07, 2011, 02:06:25 PM
Mary Shelly's Frankenstein 10/10

I love this book. Its a good message.
Yessss. It's great. I'm not a Universal Frankenstein fan. I love Shelley's Creature.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Apr 09, 2011, 12:43:04 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 09, 2011, 04:51:32 AM
Quote from: Ghost Rider on Apr 07, 2011, 02:06:25 PM
Mary Shelly's Frankenstein 10/10

I love this book. Its a good message.
Yessss. It's great. I'm not a Universal Frankenstein fan. I love Shelley's Creature.
Indeed, though my friend bitch about having to read it. I believe that if you go into the medical field, you should be required to read this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Apr 10, 2011, 04:17:33 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 06, 2011, 04:37:11 PM
The Queen of the Black Coast.

Conan hangs out with a babe, fights some giant hyenas and a flying monkey, and then goes for a walk. This makes it the greatest story ever told.

Spoiler
Also, mild racism!
[close]

What are the best Conan stories? I really need to pick up a good collection.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 10, 2011, 05:26:41 PM
I'm just starting myself, and there was only one collection at my bookstore. I'm pretty sure that the big ones are Queen of the Black Coast, Red Nails, The Frost Giant's Daughter, and A Witch Will Be Born. I'd just look for any anthology and go from there, they should cover most.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 10, 2011, 06:53:07 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 09, 2011, 04:51:32 AM
Quote from: Ghost Rider on Apr 07, 2011, 02:06:25 PM
Mary Shelly's Frankenstein 10/10

I love this book. Its a good message.
Yessss. It's great. I'm not a Universal Frankenstein fan. I love Shelley's Creature.

what are your feelings about Branagh's 90s movie?

anyway Sticks will be happy to hear, i started Neuromancer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Apr 10, 2011, 07:06:10 PM
The Tommy-knockers.
A long, slow and painful read only dragging itself along by the occasional interesting point and the least favourite out of all the Stephen King I've read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 19, 2011, 01:11:56 AM
No Country For Old Men.

Cold, but no colder than the facts dictate. Very satisfying read, despite being so disturbingly realized.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 21, 2011, 03:48:30 AM
The Rats in the Walls.

augh get it off
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Pn2501 on Apr 21, 2011, 07:36:50 AM
Zero History

Although I'm not quite finished it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 21, 2011, 10:22:55 AM
Preacher: Salvation i miss Tulip and Cass, and Jesse's Preacher outfit, him having an eyepatch is only 2% consolation >:(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Apr 21, 2011, 10:36:00 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 19, 2011, 01:11:56 AM
No Country For Old Men.

Cold, but no colder than the facts dictate. Very satisfying read, despite being so disturbingly realized.

f**king great book. Have you read his other stuff, specifically Blood Meridian?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Apr 21, 2011, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 21, 2011, 03:48:30 AM
The Rats in the Walls.

augh get it off

Sticks, if you liked that I recommend S. King's story 1922, a homage to The Rats in the Walls.
Part of his short story collection Full Dark, No Stars, all pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 21, 2011, 01:42:35 PM
Quote from: Pn2501 on Apr 21, 2011, 07:36:50 AM
Zero History

Although I'm not quite finished it.

Almost ready to get to that one.

Quote from: Aeus on Apr 21, 2011, 10:36:00 AM
f**king great book. Have you read his other stuff, specifically Blood Meridian?

Not yet, but after No Country I basically have to read the rest. To hell with punctuation marks.

Quote from: Xenodog on Apr 21, 2011, 10:45:28 AM
Sticks, if you liked that I recommend S. King's story 1922, a homage to The Rats in the Walls.
Part of his short story collection Full Dark, No Stars, all pretty good.

I'll look around for that, thanks.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Apr 21, 2011, 01:43:33 PM
Just finished The Forever War.

You guys were right. f**king great book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Pn2501 on Apr 21, 2011, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Apr 21, 2011, 10:22:55 AM
Preacher: Salvation i miss Tulip and Cass, and Jesse's Preacher outfit, him having an eyepatch is only 2% consolation >:(

Love preacher. Top stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Apr 21, 2011, 02:19:58 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 21, 2011, 01:42:35 PM
Quote from: Aeus on Apr 21, 2011, 10:36:00 AM
f**king great book. Have you read his other stuff, specifically Blood Meridian?

Not yet, but after No Country I basically have to read the rest. To hell with punctuation marks.

The Road is also incredible.

It has to be read in one sitting though, it's the rules.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Pn2501 on Apr 21, 2011, 02:26:40 PM
Quote from: Aeus on Apr 21, 2011, 02:19:58 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 21, 2011, 01:42:35 PM
Quote from: Aeus on Apr 21, 2011, 10:36:00 AM
f**king great book. Have you read his other stuff, specifically Blood Meridian?

Not yet, but after No Country I basically have to read the rest. To hell with punctuation marks.

The Road is also incredible.

It has to be read in one sitting though, it's the rules.
True it awesome, I tend to think blood meridian is better tho.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 21, 2011, 10:39:31 PM
Quote from: Vulhala on Apr 21, 2011, 01:43:33 PM
Just finished The Forever War.

You guys were right. f**king great book.

There are few novels that have touched me as deeply as this one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Apr 21, 2011, 10:50:14 PM
Quote from: Vulhala on Apr 21, 2011, 01:43:33 PM
Just finished The Forever War.

You guys were right. f**king great book.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foi54.tinypic.com%2F1582nuv.jp&hash=8eeba8e5541343c298d2c4046970ac1bc9246a4d)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 22, 2011, 09:09:31 AM
coming up to halfway through Neuromancer. reminds me a lot of Peter F Hamilton's Greg Mandel books, i didn't realise when i read them, but they are clearly heavily influenced by it, i totally recommend those to Neuromancer fans.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Apr 22, 2011, 09:47:17 AM
Finished Young Stalin. Starting Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar and midway through some Rilke. Better start studying for my exam soon though, which means a re-read of The Duchess of Malfi. The Forever War is on the backburner, but I'll get around to it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Apr 24, 2011, 10:24:56 AM
The Uprising
Nightmare Before Christmas manga
The Sleeping Sorceress (main story).

.... I am *such* a nerd.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Apr 24, 2011, 11:35:12 AM
Quote from: Angel_Seb on Apr 24, 2011, 10:24:56 AM
Nightmare Before Christmas manga

i'm intruiged
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ratchetcomand on Apr 26, 2011, 04:31:42 AM
"Who Goes There". I like it so far, and plays out a bit different then the John Carpenter version.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Pn2501 on Apr 26, 2011, 04:46:49 AM
"Stuff white people like".

pretty much the blog, so disturbingly accurate.

heres a few excerpts

#5
Statistics

White people hate math. If you want to befriend white people, mention "that weird Asian calculus teacher who drew perfect circles" and how much you hated his class (bonus points if you mention how your parents made you get an even worse tutor who was more clueless than you and smelled bad). However, white
people are fascinated by "the power of statistics" since the math has already been done for them. Some magazines, like TIME, have a section in each magazine that has some interesting statistics ($80 trillion: the amount spent by the US in the Iraqi war) followed by absurd, barely related ones (4,317 yards: the
distance covered if you were to take all the ammunition shells fired by US soldiers in Iraq since the war started). White people who read TIME will quote these statistics, but even non-TIME reading white people will throw in stats they read in a less-than-credible study. It's not unusual to hear such things
as "I don't mind this neighborhood since I'm not Republican. 80% of them are anti-minority, you know" or "I don't think you should let Sally play softball because 70% of softball players are lesbians".

White people  love sounding smarter than their peers and will jump at any chance to use a statistic if it's applicable to the conversation in any way. The more absurd the statistic, the more clever and original you will seem. Stats can also hide negative feelings. If you meet a white person who wishes went to a
school that they refer to as the "Harvard of the (Region where the university they attended is), they may say something like "Good thing I didn't go to an Ivy since 35% of their graduates reported being unhappy with their lives". It is considered rude to laugh and you should instead smile or throw in another
appropriate statistic if handy.

The only time you should not use a statistic is to ask a white person if they knew "that (random number) % of statistics aren't true". You will be seen as being unoriginal, not funny, and will get stared at.

Disclaimer: 100% of these statistics were made up

#104 Girls with Bangs

If you see a white woman and you are trying to figure out whether she is liked or just merely tolerated by white people, the best thing you can do is get a quick look at her haircut. It is a known fact that white people love women who wear their hair with bangs that hang straight down.

A number of very popular white women have worn this hairstyle including Joni Mitchell, Jane Birkin, Jenny Lewis and every girl ever photographed by Vice Magazine or the Cobrasnake. (Note: it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these two things as they are both beloved by cool white people. Follow up note: these same things are hated by cooler white people).

Many people associate this type of haircut with children and people looking for the most efficient way to get hair out of their eyes. But for white people, this simple haircut makes a bold declaration by saying that the wearer is artistic, deep, and has probably dated a guy in a band you like. Of course, as with many things loved by white people, simple often means expensive and these haircuts usually cost upwards of $100.

It is essential for you to know this haircut is more than a mere fashion statement– it is an important cultural marking. Throughout the world, many cultures feature ceremonies to announce that a girl has become a woman. For white people, the haircut-with-bangs is an important symbol that a female has completed her transformation from a nerdy girl to a cool woman. In fact, if you went to high school with a nerdy white girl who moved to a big city, there is a good chance she will show up to your high school reunion with this haircut.

When you are introduced to a group of white people, it's a good idea to befriend the girl with the bangs. She's probably the most popular."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Prison_Mike on Apr 26, 2011, 05:31:22 PM
Just finished up the Dune series by Frank Herbert, great series of books. If anybody hasn't read them I highly suggest reading them, especially if you are a big sci-fi nerd. It takes place thousands of years in the future, and deals with many modern issues, such as oil, the balance of ecology, and many other philosophical problems. I might be giving this a terrible review, but it is worth it, every book leaves you satisfied.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Apr 28, 2011, 01:57:27 AM
Forever War
Really great. Really, really, really great.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 28, 2011, 02:06:26 AM
Did you cry manly tears?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Apr 28, 2011, 02:08:14 AM
I cried future tears.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 28, 2011, 02:09:32 AM
Pff. Gay.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Apr 28, 2011, 02:15:15 AM
No Sticks, future gay.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 28, 2011, 02:16:20 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fplayingspoons.files.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fziggy-stardust.jpg&hash=a345ae638b657c7b7af42940afe10b260f63ccdc)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Apr 28, 2011, 02:19:56 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 28, 2011, 02:09:32 AM
Pff. Gay.
That shit's accepted, you know.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Apr 28, 2011, 02:23:04 AM
Yeah. Well. I'm old school.

/cannevergohome
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Apr 28, 2011, 02:24:27 AM
More like O'le Queer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 01, 2011, 09:36:48 PM
Get Shorty.

What a ride.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on May 01, 2011, 09:37:57 PM
I'll be reading that and Be Cool fo' sho.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 01, 2011, 09:42:26 PM
Be Cool's probably next on my list. Leonard is just a blast to read. Haven't seen the movies either, so I'll be getting on that. John Travolta's exactly who I imagined as Chili before I even checked the actual casting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on May 01, 2011, 10:13:02 PM
I will be wanting to read some novels by Richard Adams.
I really do love the films based on his work so I have added Watership Down to my must read list.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 08, 2011, 07:46:02 PM
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

I can't give this book a rating. I didn't really enjoy myself that much while reading it, but I really can see why this book is a classic. I could recognize that the story was great, the characters were relatable and well-developed, and the themes were deep and meaningful, but the language barrier just kept me from really enjoying the novel. A book you really should read at least once, nonetheless.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 14, 2011, 11:44:51 PM
Black Colossus by Robert E. Howard

Conan's living it large as a mercenary when he's hired to command an army against the forces of an attacking sorcerer. Babes get kidnapped and swords get thrown.

Lots of violence and awesomeness.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on May 15, 2011, 06:13:41 PM
Lover Mine by J. D. Ward.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on May 15, 2011, 07:00:17 PM
The Grand Inquisitor's Manual by Jonathan Kirsch.

From the back cover:
QuoteThe renowned historian and critic Jonathan Kirsch presents a sweeping history of the Inquisition and the ways in which it has served as the chief model for torture in the West to this day. Ranging from the Knights Templar to the first Protestants; from Joan of Arc to Galileo; from the Inquisition's immense power in Spain after 1492, when the secret tribunals and torture chambers were directed for the first time against Jews and Muslims, to the torture and murder of hundreds of thousands of innocent women during the Witch Craze and to the modern war on terror--Kirsch shows us how the Inquisition stands as a universal and ineradicable reminder of how absolute power wreaks inevitable corruption.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on May 15, 2011, 07:06:04 PM
Sounds interesting. Was it any good?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on May 15, 2011, 07:15:33 PM
Quote from: Laufey on May 15, 2011, 07:06:04 PM
Sounds interesting. Was it any good?
I picked up a few techniques...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on May 15, 2011, 07:18:45 PM
Quote from: maledoro on May 15, 2011, 07:15:33 PM
Quote from: Laufey on May 15, 2011, 07:06:04 PM
Sounds interesting. Was it any good?
I picked up a few techniques...

I thought I spotted you in there...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oppHeMlaLVM#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oppHeMlaLVM#ws)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on May 15, 2011, 07:36:17 PM
Quote from: First Blood on May 15, 2011, 07:18:45 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oppHeMlaLVM#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oppHeMlaLVM#ws)
I didn't expect that...

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv338%2Fmaledoro%2Fxtian%2F4529b9d3.gif&hash=093270b35ae3da2d0a27a881ce7e4c8790bc23fb)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on May 16, 2011, 01:32:49 PM
Finnished reading Fragment by Warren Fahy.
Not a bad book...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on May 16, 2011, 07:11:54 PM
Quote from: maledoro on May 15, 2011, 07:36:17 PM
Quote from: First Blood on May 15, 2011, 07:18:45 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oppHeMlaLVM#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oppHeMlaLVM#ws)
I didn't expect that...
No one expects the..
Quote from: maledoro on May 15, 2011, 07:36:17 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/maledoro/xtian/4529b9d3.gif
Oh bugger!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on May 16, 2011, 08:10:52 PM
Black Bird Volume 2
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 16, 2011, 11:06:14 PM
Virtual Light. Maybe my favourite Gibson novel after Neuromancer, absolutely riveting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on May 20, 2011, 12:41:41 AM
Almost finnishing Twilight Breaking Dawn, deffo my favourite out of the saga.

Onto Star Wars Shadows of the Empire next.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on May 20, 2011, 12:44:13 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dccomics.com%2Fmedia%2Fproduct%2F6%2F4%2F6411_180x270.jpg&hash=a5efc04742ada353651e501e8275b330af939f8f)

Whoa.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 12:46:39 AM
First time?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on May 20, 2011, 12:48:11 AM
Yeah... I got it after you recommended it in the Comic Development thread, and I, I...

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theplatform.info%2Futility%2Frssimage%3Fid%3D1134-2&hash=e793b1e9704e25d396f940ac70b9a82022d7f1fe)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 20, 2011, 12:52:30 AM
Read The Dark Knight Returns yet, dawg?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 12:54:38 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on May 20, 2011, 12:48:11 AM
Yeah... I got it after you recommended it in the Comic Development thread, and I, I...

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theplatform.info%2Futility%2Frssimage%3Fid%3D1134-2&hash=e793b1e9704e25d396f940ac70b9a82022d7f1fe)

Yeah I know. I love everything about it.

Unfortunately there are no other Batman comics that capture that feel. I think Bruce Timm said it best 'It's like a 70s cop movie'.

I wish Begins had been a straight adaptation of this.

Also

Quote from: Sharp Sticks on May 20, 2011, 12:52:30 AM
Read The Dark Knight Returns yet, dawg?

This
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on May 20, 2011, 01:01:11 AM
Quote from: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 12:54:38 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on May 20, 2011, 12:52:30 AM
Read The Dark Knight Returns yet, dawg?

This
No, but it's next for sure. Thank you for the recommendation by the way.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 20, 2011, 01:01:49 AM
Read The Dark Knight Returns, dawg.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 01:09:26 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on May 20, 2011, 01:01:11 AM
Quote from: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 12:54:38 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on May 20, 2011, 12:52:30 AM
Read The Dark Knight Returns yet, dawg?

This
No, but it's next for sure. Thank you for the recommendation by the way.

No problemo. Just sharin' the love. If you like Miller and Mazzucchelli you should check out Born Again.

Definitely read The Dark Knight Returns though. It's an incredible comic.

If Year One is Batman at his most realistic, then Dark Knight Returns is Batman at his most mythic.

I do prefer Year One as a Batman story, but you'll be hard pressed to find better comics than Dark Knight Returns. There's a reason it tends to get mentioned with Watchmen.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 20, 2011, 04:32:47 AM
Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card 10/10

I love this book. In many ways, even more than I love Ender's Game. Something about it speaks to me, on both an intellectual and an emotional level. The characters were all incredibly well developed, and I truly cared about what happened to them. I felt their triumphs, and I felt their defeats. A great sequel to a classic book, and my favourite of the Enderverse.

Quote from: Space Sweeper on May 20, 2011, 12:44:13 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dccomics.com%2Fmedia%2Fproduct%2F6%2F4%2F6411_180x270.jpg&hash=a5efc04742ada353651e501e8275b330af939f8f)

Whoa.

My friend has that; said I can borrow it anytime. Probably will once I'm done with my book backlog.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on May 20, 2011, 09:17:26 AM
Quote from: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 01:09:26 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on May 20, 2011, 01:01:11 AM
Quote from: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 12:54:38 AM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on May 20, 2011, 12:52:30 AM
Read The Dark Knight Returns yet, dawg?

This
No, but it's next for sure. Thank you for the recommendation by the way.

No problemo. Just sharin' the love. If you like Miller and Mazzucchelli you should check out Born Again.

Definitely read The Dark Knight Returns though. It's an incredible comic.

If Year One is Batman at his most realistic, then Dark Knight Returns is Batman at his most mythic.

I do prefer Year One as a Batman story, but you'll be hard pressed to find better comics than Dark Knight Returns. There's a reason it tends to get mentioned with Watchmen.

he's even more Mythic in DKSA even if it is a batsh*t insane story, and a totally unworthy sequel to DKR, i still reckon it's something that has to be read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 11:05:58 AM
Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison is also essential Batreading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DragonBossk on May 20, 2011, 11:18:16 AM

I read Batman: Shaman from the Legends of the Dark Knight series last weekend, shares many similarities to Batman Year One and is more Bruce Wayne than Batman but was a very engaging read indeed.

With the amount of material for Batman I love how you can stumble across a lesser known story compared to titans like The Dark Knight Returns and still be thrilled.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Joyfully Jumping Jessica on May 20, 2011, 10:42:04 PM
Truth & Bright Water

Never again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 20, 2011, 10:43:53 PM
Quote from: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 11:05:58 AM
Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison is also essential Batreading.

Ah hellz ya. That was my first Morrison book, I treasure it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 10:49:40 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on May 20, 2011, 10:43:53 PM
Quote from: Aeus on May 20, 2011, 11:05:58 AM
Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison is also essential Batreading.

Ah hellz ya. That was my first Morrison book, I treasure it.

Likewise.

It's one of his best too. I love it more every time I read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on May 21, 2011, 09:56:49 PM
Quote from: Joyfully Jumping Jessica on May 20, 2011, 10:42:04 PM
Truth & Bright Water

Never again.
Bwahahaha. Fail.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 25, 2011, 12:06:00 AM
The Devil in Iron.

dat snake

Still trying to figure out the whole Dagon thing. I kept wanting to tie it into Shadow Over Innsmouth, but there were no fish people, and that's sad.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 25, 2011, 12:29:58 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on May 25, 2011, 12:06:00 AM
The Devil in Iron.

dat snake

Still trying to figure out the whole Dagon thing. I kept wanting to tie it into Shadow Over Innsmouth, but there were no fish people, and that's sad.

Hah, I was exactly the same.

Have you read Beyond the Black River, Red Nails, Hour of the Dragon and/or People of the Black Circle yet?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 25, 2011, 01:46:41 PM
I'm just starting Black Circle. Red Nails after that. Otherwise, I'm gonna need a bigger omnibus.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on May 25, 2011, 02:13:58 PM
I'd recommend learning a bit of background (watch the Whole Wide World) info about Howard, Novelyne Price and Howards mother before you read Red Nails. Adds a shitload of depth.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on May 25, 2011, 04:21:59 PM
One of those personal ones, eh? I'll do that, thanks for the advice.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on May 26, 2011, 04:52:34 PM
Michael Crichton's Congo, finally finished it after taking an hiatus from it. Loved it to bits.
Now heading to Reliquary, at last! :o 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on May 26, 2011, 08:51:43 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on May 26, 2011, 04:52:34 PM
Michael Crichton's Congo, finally finished it after taking an hiatus from it. Loved it to bits.
Now heading to Reliquary, at last! :o 8)

I liked Reliquary. It's quite a departure from Relic.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jun 01, 2011, 01:37:27 PM
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Fantastic book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 01, 2011, 11:21:25 PM
Boxer... :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jun 01, 2011, 11:58:51 PM
Quote from: Shobidoo on Jun 01, 2011, 01:37:27 PM
Animal Farm by Orson Wells
Fantastic book.
Don't you mean George Orwell?
Granted, the names do sound very similar so it is understandible.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 02, 2011, 12:01:00 AM
Imagine Orson Welles doing a reading of Animal Farm...






...while drunk.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jun 02, 2011, 12:04:31 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFevH5vP32s# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFevH5vP32s#)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jun 02, 2011, 12:05:26 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 01, 2011, 11:21:25 PM
Boxer... :'(
Yeah man. He was my favorite.
Quote from: TheMonolith on Jun 01, 2011, 11:58:51 PM
Quote from: Shobidoo on Jun 01, 2011, 01:37:27 PM
Animal Farm by Orson Wells
Fantastic book.
Don't you mean George Orwell?
Granted, the names do sound very similar so it is understandible.
Oh shit. Your right. They sounds the same. I dun f**ked up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 02, 2011, 12:08:04 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Jun 02, 2011, 12:04:31 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFevH5vP32s# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFevH5vP32s#)

:laugh:

Ah, still cracks me up.

And makes me sad. :(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 02, 2011, 01:04:38 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Jun 02, 2011, 12:04:31 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFevH5vP32s# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFevH5vP32s#)

I've seen it so many times, but I just can't stop laughing.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Jun 02, 2011, 01:28:30 AM
Jesus. I remember those commercials when I was a kid back in the '70s: "We will sell no wine before its time." Seeing him f**king up in that video was funny!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Jun 03, 2011, 09:35:25 PM
The Road

Well that was bleak.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 03, 2011, 10:25:16 PM
Your first McCarthy book?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Jun 03, 2011, 10:27:02 PM
Yes indeed. Though I did watch No Country for Old Men.

So I'm guessing bleakness is his thing, then?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Pn2501 on Jun 03, 2011, 11:10:54 PM
I wouldn't say so much as  bleak more so generally Misanthropic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 03, 2011, 11:16:12 PM
life is suffering

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.guim.co.uk%2Fsys-images%2FGuardian%2FPix%2Fpictures%2F2009%2F12%2F1%2F1259682464336%2FCormac-McCarthy-001.jpg&hash=a76af4d10a86c57198b63552cf5da93965697c5b)

and then you die
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Jun 03, 2011, 11:28:42 PM
Cheerful. :P

And I'll have to read more McCarthy at some stage. Maybe after something a little more... upbeat.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Bat Chain Puller on Jun 03, 2011, 11:55:28 PM
Quote from: maledoro on Jun 02, 2011, 01:28:30 AM
Seeing him f**king up in that video was funny!

I had the distinct feeling that he could give a f**k ... disconnected. Funny, but a little sad too.

Quote from: TJ Doc on Jun 03, 2011, 09:35:25 PM
The Road

Well that was bleak.

Yes. But never before in the history of words has anyone made me feel so f**king excited for the characters when they finally find some mummified apples.

McCarthy is finally getting some nice attention ... especially since the No Country film hit. I myself am still waiting for the adaptation of "Blood Meridian" and the casting of Judge 'despicable ass' Holden.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 04, 2011, 12:19:06 AM
Likewise.

Blood Meridian is a f**king brutal masterpeice of American fiction.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MarcusVerus on Jun 04, 2011, 02:11:23 PM
Stephen King, The Stand
It's my favourite book from him because the characters are always acting so real. I believe this is something which makes Kings books special.

Maybe I am going to buy a McCarthy book soon. Can anyone tell me which one is the best to start with?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Bat Chain Puller on Jun 04, 2011, 03:38:47 PM
Quote from: Vinicius on Jun 04, 2011, 02:11:23 PM
Stephen King, The Stand
It's my favourite book from him because the characters are always acting so real. I believe this is something which makes Kings books special.

Maybe I am going to buy a McCarthy book soon. Can anyone tell me which one is the best to start with?

I dig King to an extent. It's funny, I feel is dialogue is his weak point. He doesn't seem 'mature' in his interpretation of how real grown people think and interact. His 'everyman' characters seem overly preoccupied by farts and bowel movements, heavy handed Jr. High school genital referencing ... maybe it's me ... maybe I don't get out much to realize THIS is how people are.

But his story telling is unmatched. He sets the mood like a motherf**ker. And blends humor, horror, and suspense like a Sous-Chef of words.

As far as a jumping in point for McCarthy: Tough question. It depends on what your style is. If your a full blown lover of old school Herman Melville styled prose ... then I'd say Blood Meridian without a doubt. One of my favorite books. Period. However, his use of archaic words and heavy symbolism can lose some people real quick.

If your a fan of a more modern narrative structure ... No Country for Old Men and The Road ... both classics ... both rough and violent with tons of reflecting on the human condition.   
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MarcusVerus on Jun 04, 2011, 04:26:47 PM




[/quote]

As far as a jumping in point for McCarthy: Tough question. It depends on what your style is. If your a full blown lover of old school Herman Melville styled prose ... then I'd say Blood Meridian without a doubt. One of my favorite books. Period. However, his use of archaic words and heavy symbolism can lose some people real quick.

If your a fan of a more modern narrative structure ... No Country for Old Men and The Road ... both classics ... both rough and violent with tons of reflecting on the human condition.   
[/quote]

I liked some of the work Melville did. For example Billy Budd was very interesting but Moby Dick was too long for me and it happened not enough for such a big book.

At the moment I am not quite sure what "rough and violent with tons of reflecting on the human condition" means because I never read a book from McCarthy but I am looking forward to experience it. I thank you for your help. I think The Road will be the first book I am going to read. It seems to have a melancholic undertone which is something I really like.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 04, 2011, 04:32:46 PM
Quote from: Vinicius on Jun 04, 2011, 02:11:23 PM
Stephen King, The Stand
It's my favourite book from him because the characters are always acting so real. I believe this is something which makes Kings books special.

Maybe I am going to buy a McCarthy book soon. Can anyone tell me which one is the best to start with?
I hated the ending to The Stand. Hated it. But the first 900 pages were gold.

Blood Meridian is McCarthy's classic. You can also try The Road.

Just finished Stalin and his Hangmen. That's me done with non-fiction for now, gonna finish Dostoevsky's The Double and start A Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MarcusVerus on Jun 04, 2011, 04:51:21 PM
I'm also thinking about reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Has anyone read the book and can recommend it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 04, 2011, 05:27:01 PM
Quote from: Vinicius on Jun 04, 2011, 04:51:21 PM
I'm also thinking about reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Has anyone read the book and can recommend it?
I read it, very good. Not a long read either. Go for it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MarcusVerus on Jun 04, 2011, 05:57:26 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Jun 04, 2011, 05:27:01 PM
Quote from: Vinicius on Jun 04, 2011, 04:51:21 PM
I'm also thinking about reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Has anyone read the book and can recommend it?
I read it, very good. Not a long read either. Go for it.

Thank you for your quick answer. I am going to order it immediately.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 05, 2011, 05:20:19 PM
Quote from: First Blood on May 26, 2011, 08:51:43 PM
I liked Reliquary. It's quite a departure from Relic.  :)
Halfway through, and it indeed is.

Spoiler
I'll be sincere in that I would've liked it more if along the subhumans, the Wrinklers, there was an actual Mbwun,
[close]
but like this it is already very great. Can't wait to finish it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Jun 06, 2011, 08:15:12 AM
Star Wars Shadows of the Empire, a very good book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 06, 2011, 01:57:18 PM
Beyond the Black River.

The coolest.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Jun 06, 2011, 02:26:53 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.variancepublishing.com%2Fimages%2Fvariance_titles%2FHA-FRONTAL.jpg&hash=9c9681cfca13e3670720261cb8ee48bc6752fdd1)
Holy s**t.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 06, 2011, 02:29:23 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Jun 06, 2011, 01:57:18 PM
Beyond the Black River.

The coolest.

dem picts

dat dog

Also, have you got Howards original version of Black Stranger? It's a righteous sequel. It's one of his top three stories alongside Red Nails and Beyond the Black River.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 06, 2011, 07:54:48 PM
There's a sequel?! Goddamn, I don't have that one.

Need to pick up that Crom-sized Anthology soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 06, 2011, 07:57:53 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Jun 06, 2011, 07:54:48 PM
There's a sequel?! Goddamn, I don't have that one.

Need to pick up that Crom-sized Anthology soon.

Nah get the Del Rey ones.

dem critical essays at the end

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 07, 2011, 12:36:25 AM
Xenocide by Orson Scott Card 9/10

A very good book. Dealt with many issues, and full of moral ambiguity. One thing I didn't much care for was the amount of religious overtones. They were present in Speaker too, but they were much less prevalent. They got downright annoying at times in this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 08, 2011, 01:18:25 PM
And Reliquary ended yesterday. I don't know what to say. Surely a great ride. The main twist of the story is... phenomenal and unexpected (maybe revealed a little too late; but that's minor). The Mbwun not returning is just an incredibly personal complaint of mine, but otherwise Reliquary is a greatly well written sequel for its predecessor. Preston and Child, you guys. I want more from ya.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DragonBossk on Jun 08, 2011, 01:32:46 PM

Finished the Star Wars: Enemy Lines Duology by Aaron Allston as part of the New Jedi Order series. Both books were excellent in my books (no pun intended), the serious tone brought about from the vivid and violent descriptions of the ongoing battle with the Yuuzhan Vong really kept me hooked. Gotta love Jag Fel too, starting here as a smart talking pilot ace to becoming the Emperor for the Empire years later.

I've always preferred the star wars novels to the comics, as long as you understand most the star wars terminology it flows a lot better.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 08, 2011, 10:15:06 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Jun 08, 2011, 01:18:25 PM
And Reliquary ended yesterday. I don't know what to say. Surely a great ride. The main twist of the story is... phenomenal and unexpected (maybe revealed a little too late; but that's minor). The Mbwun not returning is just an incredibly personal complaint of mine, but otherwise Reliquary is a greatly well written sequel for its predecessor. Preston and Child, you guys. I want more from ya.

Twas a great book!

Spoiler
I was blown away to learn Frock was the leader of the Wrinklers.
[close]

If only Preston & Child would make a part three...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Angel_Seb on Jun 10, 2011, 12:59:38 PM
Genius Squad. Not as good as Evil Genius, but I've only just finished part one, so...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 10, 2011, 01:04:20 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jun 08, 2011, 10:15:06 PM
Twas a great book!

Spoiler
I was blown away to learn Frock was the leader of the Wrinklers.
[close]

If only Preston & Child would make a part three...
Totally. It was the first thought I had when I finished the last page of Reliquary. We need another one!
Lincoln Child addresses this question in their official site (http://www.prestonchild.com/books/reliquary/The-Writing-of-Reliquary;art38,22):
"[...] So does all this mean that we won't write another book in the RELIC series? You might get slightly different answers from me than you would from Doug. But one thing I can safely say is that both Doug and myself are really interested in doing another thriller in which some of the characters from the RELIC books reappear as the protagonists--though not necessarily within a RELIC environment. Exactly who those characters will be must remain our secret for the time being, but it's safe to say that Agent Pendergast most certainly will be among them."
I'd love another novel, though among the characters there needs to be a continuation of the Kothoga/Mbwun myth. It's just too awesome to not continue. Let there be some liliceae left off and start a new cycle. Pleeeease?
Spoiler
Aaand yeah, Frock turning out to be the villain was incredible, and brilliant. He's properly the character you really would not expect to be a villain -- and then BAM! Here goes the dramatic reveal. Left me with gangly eyes, especially because he was such a great and lovable character in Relic.
[close]
Also because of the return of the Preston/Child awesome with my reading of Realiquary I couldn't resist -- started to read Relic again yesterday!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The PredBen on Jun 10, 2011, 01:34:43 PM
Last book I read was The Great Gatsby I thought it was okay. Anyway, I want to read The Communist Manifesto, but I guess thats not a book, a friend of my was suppose to let me borrow it. Right now for English I'm reading The Red Badge of Courage, while the authors love of color is assuming, it written rather dully.








Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 10, 2011, 01:42:22 PM
Quote from: The PredBen on Jun 10, 2011, 01:34:43 PM
Last book I read was The Great Gatsby I thought it was okay.
I think it's a brilliant book, so elegiac. Poor Gatsby.

Finishing Angela Carter's Heroes and Villians. A patchy start, but it really gets going. Loved it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The PredBen on Jun 10, 2011, 02:20:50 PM
No, its great, but not the type of book I usually read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 10, 2011, 10:13:57 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Jun 10, 2011, 01:04:20 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jun 08, 2011, 10:15:06 PM
Twas a great book!

Spoiler
I was blown away to learn Frock was the leader of the Wrinklers.
[close]

If only Preston & Child would make a part three...
Totally. It was the first thought I had when I finished the last page of Reliquary. We need another one!
Lincoln Child addresses this question in their official site (http://www.prestonchild.com/books/reliquary/The-Writing-of-Reliquary;art38,22):
"[...] So does all this mean that we won't write another book in the RELIC series? You might get slightly different answers from me than you would from Doug. But one thing I can safely say is that both Doug and myself are really interested in doing another thriller in which some of the characters from the RELIC books reappear as the protagonists--though not necessarily within a RELIC environment. Exactly who those characters will be must remain our secret for the time being, but it's safe to say that Agent Pendergast most certainly will be among them."
I'd love another novel, though among the characters there needs to be a continuation of the Kothoga/Mbwun myth. It's just too awesome to not continue. Let there be some liliceae left off and start a new cycle. Pleeeease?
Spoiler
Aaand yeah, Frock turning out to be the villain was incredible, and brilliant. He's properly the character you really would not expect to be a villain -- and then BAM! Here goes the dramatic reveal. Left me with gangly eyes, especially because he was such a great and lovable character in Relic.
[close]
Also because of the return of the Preston/Child awesome with my reading of Realiquary I couldn't resist -- started to read Relic again yesterday!

Wow great news! I know Preston & Child took the characters of Pandergast and D'Agosta and even to some extent Bill Smithback (the journalist) and used them in novels that came after Reliquary. But I've yet to read those novels.

But I would love for them to continue the Kothoga/Mbwun myth as you mentioned as well. Relic is one of those novels that rivals Jurassic Park and that's saying something!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 13, 2011, 07:05:26 PM
Red Nails.

orsonwellesthatwasawesome.gif
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 13, 2011, 10:14:47 PM
Which did yah prefer, Red Nails or Beyond the Black River?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 13, 2011, 10:22:43 PM
I was just thinking about that. If I had to pick one at scimitar point it would probably be Beyond the Black River, just because the frontier setting seemed so unorthodox for a Conan story and he wasn't doing the usual 'kill dudes then screw ladydudes' routine.

But Red Nails had Valeria. And dynuhsawhs. And anti-civilization motifs out the wazoo.

Loved them both. Now I need to get my hands on The Black Stranger.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 13, 2011, 10:25:45 PM
Have you almost read them all now?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 13, 2011, 10:30:47 PM
Not even close, regretfully. Gotta upgrade my anthology.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 13, 2011, 10:39:59 PM
To be fair, a lot of them are samey, written when he was desperate for money. The same can be said of some of Lovecrafts stuff though. Ironically both Howard and Lovecraft's most iconic moments weren't even in thier best stuff - Conan being crucified in A Witch Shall be Born and well...all of Call of Cthulhu.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jun 13, 2011, 10:51:46 PM
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - First time reading this and it was great. Very suspenseful and it kept me interested all the way through. The characters are well written and complex. Reading this made me realise how much more there was to the story that wasn't shown in the movie.

And hey, they even mentioned the small town where I live a couple of times. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 13, 2011, 10:52:51 PM
Quote from: Aeus on Jun 13, 2011, 10:39:59 PM
To be fair, a lot of them are samey, written when he was desperate for money. The same can be said of some of Lovecrafts stuff though. Ironically both Howard and Lovecraft's most iconic moments weren't even in thier best stuff - Conan being crucified in A Witch Shall be Born and well...all of Call of Cthulhu.

Yeah, I'd agree, not that I won't look into the rest for reading on rainy days. After I finished I kinda felt like nothing else was going to top it.

I thought Red Nails read like a lot At Mountains of Madness. They were both about outsiders uncovering rotted civilizations and genocidal parties, only Lovecraft approached it as a scientific paper and Howard expressed it more through symbolism and Olmec exposition. Superficially they were almost the same story. Interesting contrast.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 13, 2011, 11:00:01 PM
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Jun 13, 2011, 10:52:51 PM
Quote from: Aeus on Jun 13, 2011, 10:39:59 PM
To be fair, a lot of them are samey, written when he was desperate for money. The same can be said of some of Lovecrafts stuff though. Ironically both Howard and Lovecraft's most iconic moments weren't even in thier best stuff - Conan being crucified in A Witch Shall be Born and well...all of Call of Cthulhu.

I thought Red Nails read like a lot At Mountains of Madness. They were both about outsiders uncovering rotted civilizations and genocidal parties, only Lovecraft approached it as a scientific paper and Howard expressed it more through symbolism and Olmec exposition. Superficially they were almost the same story. Interesting contrast.

Well Red Nails was almost an evolution of his discussions with Lovecraft on civilisation. They argued about that shit for an entire year IIRC. I'm still baffled how those two were friends. Both psychos sure, but very different psychos.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jun 16, 2011, 05:41:39 PM
Under the Eagle - First in a series of books written by Simon Scarrow that follows Centurion Macro and Cato, a rookie that gets promoted to his second-in-command in the Roman army. The book was pretty short, but well written and easy to read. I don't really know how to describe it, but the language felt very simple, which was fitting, seeing as how it was written from a soldiers point of view. The action was intense and grity and I liked it.

I would recommend this to anyone who's a fan of the opening scene in Gladiator. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Jun 17, 2011, 01:59:11 AM
This is the last book I read. (http://www.amazon.ca/Death-Clutch-Determination-Domination-Survival/dp/0062023128/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1308275844&sr=1-1)

It was shorter than I expected and not as detailed as I would have liked, but Brock really does come clean on a lot of stuff here and it was pretty well written. It was definitely a book I took my time with because I really wanted to savour it. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know about to face adversity head-on, or if you're simply an MMA fan.

8/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The PredBen on Jun 17, 2011, 02:05:41 AM
I'm currently reading The Red Badge of Courage, beyond Crane's overuse of colors as symbols, its a pretty good book. That being said, the language its written in, I can't stand 1800s American English.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 17, 2011, 11:36:35 AM
Read the dispossessed by Ursula LeGuin last, am reading Behold the Man by Michael Moorcock (about a guy that time travels back to jesus's time to witness the crucifiction, discovers that jesus wasn't real and then impersonates jesus for the rest of his life :D)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nope on Jun 17, 2011, 08:00:03 PM
2001: A Space Oddesey
What a journey. I love how many fascinating ideas there are in the book. And what makes it even more interesting is that it was written before man touched down on the moon. The VERY end of the book kinda lost me though. Fantastic read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Jun 17, 2011, 08:04:39 PM
Children of the Corn

I'm honestly not sure if the Jolly Green Giant's cameo made this better or worse.

Quality King overall, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Jun 17, 2011, 10:49:00 PM
Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner. From the back cover:
QuoteWhich is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool?
What do schoolteachers and some wrestlers have in common?
How much do parents really matter?


These may not sound like typical questions for an economist to ask. But Steven D. Levitt is not a typical economist. He studies the riddles of everyday life--from cheating and crime to parenting and sports--and reaches conclusions that turn conventional wisdom on its head. Freakonomics is a groundbreaking collaboration between Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning author and journalist. They set out to explore the inner workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate agents, the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, and much more. Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, they show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives--how people get what they want or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 18, 2011, 01:00:33 AM
Quote from: Shobidoo on Jun 17, 2011, 08:00:03 PM
2001: A Space Oddesey
What a journey. I love how many fascinating ideas there are in the book. And what makes it even more interesting is that it was written before man touched down on the moon. The VERY end of the book kinda lost me though. Fantastic read.

Ending's one of the best parts, man.

But yeah, good that you've read that book. Very few novels have touched as deeply and profoundly as 2001.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 18, 2011, 02:10:49 AM
I loved 2001 when I read it. And 2010 is no slouch either. Though not as good as 2001, I still found 2010 to be a tremendous read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aeus on Jun 18, 2011, 02:26:51 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 18, 2011, 01:00:33 AM
But yeah, good that you've read that book. Very few novels have touched as deeply and profoundly as 2001.

wat
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 18, 2011, 07:10:50 AM
It was a very moving and personal experience, reading that novel.

Quote from: First Blood on Jun 18, 2011, 02:10:49 AM
I loved 2001 when I read it. And 2010 is no slouch either. Though not as good as 2001, I still found 2010 to be a tremendous read.

Completely agree. Both are amazing novels. The other two, unfortunately, aren't as good, I felt.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 20, 2011, 12:05:50 AM
Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver

I decided to put Game of Thrones aside and knock this book off. I really enjoyed this. It being my first Bond novel. Deaver combines both old and new elements from Bond mythos and incorporates them into the novel. So, it was nice to see characters like M, Miss Moneypenny, Felix Leiter, Mary Goodnight, Rene Mathis and Q Branch show up in one form or another.

The book certainly has its action scenes, but it reads more like a mystery novel which I found interesting. The pacing is great, with the events taking place all within a week. Bond has to try a foil a terrorist attack that's prone to happen someplace and he must go deep undercover. As for Bond himself, of all the actors that have played the character I settled on Timothy Dalton's beautiful mug as a mental construct when reading this. Bond, in the novel is a bit more serious in tone with a few quips of humor (much like Dalton) and he's not spewing out puns every time someone dies, which Brosnan was guilty of to some degree.

In the end, I found it to be a great summer read and a nice filler to hold someone over (much like myself) until the unenviable Bond 23 comes out in 2012.

8.5/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jun 20, 2011, 12:09:37 AM
Nice. I was thinking of reading that myself. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2011, 04:16:54 AM
Children of the Mind 8/10

An alright sci-fi book. Don't feel like going into more detail. If you enjoy the Enderverse, this is a satisfying conclusion to his storyarc.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jun 20, 2011, 04:21:28 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2011, 04:16:54 AM
Speaker for the Dead 8/10

An alright sci-fi book. Don't feel like going into more detail. If you enjoy the Enderverse, this is a satisfying conclusion to his storyarc.
Radically different from your other reviews of it...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Spaghetti on Jun 20, 2011, 04:29:42 AM
Revolution World


I was told there was going to be firebreathing cows and bioengineered ninja dogs. What I got was 200 pages of badly written nerd romance and southern accents which are REALLY annoying to read.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2011, 04:34:01 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Jun 20, 2011, 04:21:28 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2011, 04:16:54 AM
Speaker for the Dead 8/10

An alright sci-fi book. Don't feel like going into more detail. If you enjoy the Enderverse, this is a satisfying conclusion to his storyarc.
Radically different from your other reviews of it...

Oops. Wrong title. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jun 20, 2011, 04:34:59 AM
I thought Orson Scott Card had beat you for a moment there.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2011, 04:43:13 AM
I wouldn't put it past him.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F6%2F6e%2FOrson_Scott_Card_at_BYU_Symposium_20080216_closeup.jpg%2F250px-Orson_Scott_Card_at_BYU_Symposium_20080216_closeup.jpg&hash=b72514429ec582a70f58dbb2d5c5834a48877bec)

Just look at those murderous eyes...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 20, 2011, 09:05:01 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2011, 04:16:54 AM
Children of the Mind 8/10

An alright sci-fi book. Don't feel like going into more detail. If you enjoy the Enderverse, this is a satisfying conclusion to his storyarc.

yeah, that's how i feel about it too, it was very much a "let's tie everything up" book. it was a worthy enough finale.

you still need to read Ender in Exile right?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2011, 01:39:12 PM
Yeah, but I'm pretty sick of Ender right now. Gonna take a break from his books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 20, 2011, 02:52:42 PM
fair enough. i'm just the kind of person who will read all the books in a series back to back, or probably never finish the series at all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jun 20, 2011, 03:19:28 PM
The World of Kong.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 20, 2011, 05:59:01 PM
Quote from: King Rathalos on Jun 20, 2011, 03:19:28 PM
The World of Kong.
You lucky man.
Post some scans! D':
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jun 20, 2011, 07:44:05 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Jun 20, 2011, 05:59:01 PM
Quote from: King Rathalos on Jun 20, 2011, 03:19:28 PM
The World of Kong.
You lucky man.
Post some scans! D':

I don't have a computer still (using PS3 atm). In the mean time have this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L13je2MF_Q# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L13je2MF_Q#)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 21, 2011, 10:22:47 PM
Halfway through The Sisters Brothers. If Cormac McCarthy had a sense of humor, that's the book he'd write.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: brennan4 on Jun 24, 2011, 04:52:08 PM
Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov. 9/10
Why don't more murder mysteries have robots?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Feral_PRED on Jun 24, 2011, 11:07:28 PM
Rising Sun by Michael Chricton     8/10


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Jun 24, 2011, 11:09:37 PM
The Whisperers by John Connolly.

Damn these Charlie Parker books are good. And theyre getting creepier and creepier. Good shit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Jun 27, 2011, 04:05:26 PM
Night World Volume 1
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jun 27, 2011, 04:17:23 PM
Jaws 5.5/10

What a load of ass compared to the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sharp Sticks on Jun 27, 2011, 04:21:31 PM
Quite.

Finished The Sisters Brothers. Wonderful book, highly recommended.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Jun 27, 2011, 04:34:38 PM
Het Leven is Wél Leuk! by Yoep van 't Hek.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Jun 27, 2011, 08:57:50 PM
Highschool of the Dead Volume 1

Good 'ol gorey perverted fun, oh how I've missed you! :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 17, 2011, 04:19:17 AM
The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins 10/10

Never have I had evolution explained to me so clearly, yet in so much detail. A very good and very informative book.

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien 8/10

Jesus... This was hard to read. The story was great, and there were moments that I absolutely loved, but its quite easy to tell that Tolkien never finished this book. Only check this out if you really, really love the stories of Middle-Earth.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MarcusVerus on Jul 17, 2011, 11:14:15 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 17, 2011, 04:19:17 AM
The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins 10/10

Never have I had evolution explained to me so clearly, yet in so much detail. A very good and very informative book.

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien 8/10

Jesus... This was hard to read. The story was great, and there were moments that I absolutely loved, but its quite easy to tell that Tolkien never finished this book. Only check this out if you really, really love the stories of Middle-Earth.

The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien 9/10

I think this story is in the Silmarillion, too but the separate version is longer. I can recommend it to everyone who read the Silmarillion and liked the story of Hurin and his children.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 17, 2011, 12:36:54 PM
The fifth head of cerberus. Good book. I recommend it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Jul 17, 2011, 07:48:42 PM
Working my way through The Book of Five Rings at the moment. Incredible book; anyone who is into spirituality or just wants a new view on life must read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cap. Fitzgerald on Jul 26, 2011, 12:43:06 PM
Just finished 1984
Good god, that was one of the most thought provoking, interesting and engulfing books I've ever read.
It touches upon so many things and I was amazed at how I could look at a single conversation and suddenly find so many underlying meanings and references to prominent arguments in society (not just modern day society)
I was only disappointed once by the book, hell it wasn't even the book.
SpaceMarines, you lied!
Never in the book is the line Yippee Ki Yay motherf**ker spoken
Was this some ungodly act of trolling or genuine mistake?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 26, 2011, 06:21:55 PM
Quote from: Cap. Fitzgerald on Jul 26, 2011, 12:43:06 PM
SpaceMarines, you lied!
Never in the book is the line Yippee Ki Yay motherf**ker spoken
Was this some ungodly act of trolling or genuine mistake?

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lowbird.com%2Fdata%2Fimages%2F2010%2F02%2Fproblemofficer.png&hash=c6845965619db391c493e5dc97c219c724c1e061)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jul 30, 2011, 03:25:58 PM
Had to read A Prayer For Owen Meany. Actually enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: x2SMONEY on Jul 30, 2011, 04:29:22 PM
Right now im reading the Uncut version of Stpehen King's The Stand. Fantastic stuff
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Marr on Jul 30, 2011, 05:01:15 PM
Just finished The Confession by John Grisham...not his best.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Aug 06, 2011, 04:34:30 PM
John Dies At The End - David Wong

Hilarious and actually really cool.

10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Bat Chain Puller on Aug 06, 2011, 04:41:12 PM
Perdido Street Station by China Miéville

2nd reading. Highly recommend. A modern Lovecraft with the world building sensibilities of Tolkien.

Like Lovecraft it's less of an actual story than a tale than jut spins out of control with no regard to structure.

Reading the second book in this series

The Scar

50 pages in and so far it's incredible. And it's a maritime adventure! May favorite. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 08, 2011, 12:18:33 PM
Quote from: Bat Chain Puller on Aug 06, 2011, 04:41:12 PM
Perdido Street Station by China Miéville

2nd reading. Highly recommend. A modern Lovecraft with the world building sensibilities of Tolkien.

Like Lovecraft it's less of an actual story than a tale than jut spins out of control with no regard to structure.

Reading the second book in this series

The Scar

50 pages in and so far it's incredible. And it's a maritime adventure! May favorite. 

they are the only 2 CM i've read, to be honest, i liked them both, but not enough to make me seek out more, since i heard they are kind of the 2 best set in Bas Lag, although i might seek out Iron Council at some point.
i love the different races in the universe though, it's a pretty awesome world he built.

Spoiler
the mosquito people in the scar are funny/awesome for some reason
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Aug 17, 2011, 11:43:56 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fadmintell.napco.com%2Fee%2Fimages%2Fuploads%2Fgamertell%2FThe_First_Heretic.jpg&hash=d5374a49391503c3d713fa6aae8b20cc3ed8fb9f)

Pretty good for a Warhammer novel, not as heavy on the action as many others, which I personally appreciated. The characters were a bit hit and miss, but I think the author captured Lorgar pretty well. And the way he wrote that bit where they went into the Warp was pretty damn good.

One of the best books in the Horus Heresy series for sure. Legion is still my favorite though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 17, 2011, 11:49:45 AM
when the picture was loading i was expecting it to be by that guy that writes 40k and who everyone loves. (Dan Abnett)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Aug 18, 2011, 07:08:04 PM
Jurassic park...its the second time I read it, but, it was 5 years ago the last time, and a lot of it went over my head because I was younger, though I still loved it.  And this time, I loved it even more. Great book.

Now I have to rewatch the movie, and prepare a presentation comparing the book to the movie. Should be fun :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 19, 2011, 05:06:52 AM
Shōgun by James Clavell 10/10

A truly great novel; the only word I can think of to describe it is epic. Comparable only to The Lord of the Rings in its scale and scope. I highly recommend this book. Highly.

And Another Thing... by Eoin Colfer 9/10

f**king. Hilarious. A great sequel to the HHGG books, and was actually better than two of the original 5. This thing had everything; Cthulhu, Blade Runner, cheese worshipers, Thor, disembodied heads running spaceships... Colfer f**king nailed Douglas Adams' style of writing. It was seamless.

Carte Blanche by Jeffery Deaver 8.5/10

A very entertaining espionage novel. Truly felt like a great Bond adventure, complete with M, Felix, Mathis, and plenty of beautiful women with classic Fleming names. (Felicity Willing, Ophelia Madenstone, Mary Goodnight, etc.)

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway 10/10

A very stark account of a young ambulance driver's experiences in Italy during WWI. At its core, this novel is a love story, and by god, it is a great one. Had me crying throughout. Hemingway has a very unique style that I really like; there's no flowery words, no excessive devices; he simply states what is happening as it happens.

Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay 8/10

Pretty good book. Compared to the TV show, though, I'd say this is inferior. The characters aren't as well developed, and I felt the tone of the novel wasn't serious enough. It felt like Dexter didn't care at all about anything.

Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay 8.5/10

Same as before, pretty much, but goddamn, this novel actually disturbed me. What Dr. Danco did to his victims... Jesus Christ.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (titled as Blade Runner) by Phillip K. Dick 9.5/10

A great science fiction novel. Very different, however, from the film based upon it, which was good. Meant I didn't know what was going to happen. I'd recommend this to fans of Blade Runner and sci-fi in general.



Up next...

Neuromancer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Aug 19, 2011, 08:15:27 PM
The Trench by Steve Alten 10/10

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_qTikF_Denbg%2FS-UgvcZtZKI%2FAAAAAAAAAko%2FfqXz2MVyLIM%2Fs1600%2Fmegalodon-out-of-blue.jpg&hash=1b2978da452bcc8f38657b1ae0741e171cd4c3d8)

Meg for the win. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Aug 19, 2011, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Aug 19, 2011, 05:06:52 AM
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway 10/10

A very stark account of a young ambulance driver's experiences in Italy during WWI. At its core, this novel is a love story, and by god, it is a great one. Had me crying throughout. Hemingway has a very unique style that I really like; there's no flowery words, no excessive devices; he simply states what is happening as it happens.

Yes, the 'iceberg' theory of writing. He does let his sentences breath a little more in later works, but I like his clipped, to-the-point staccato style too. You should read his other classic, For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 19, 2011, 08:52:49 PM
Yeah, I plan to. Other than that, all I've read of his is The Old Man and the Sea, which was also great.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: zodi619 on Aug 20, 2011, 10:59:20 PM
Alien, Written by Alan Dean Foster. I recomend it if you want to explore the thoughts, and actions of the crew the movie cant show you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Aug 22, 2011, 10:47:38 AM
Cabinet of Curiosities- Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

This is the third book in the Agent Pendergast series. This and Reliquary and The Relic were extremely hard to put down.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Aug 22, 2011, 05:55:52 PM
Jurassic Park and The Lost World. These books ruined the movies for me.  :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 22, 2011, 05:59:52 PM
Really? How? I didn't much care for TLW book, but I felt that the print and screen versions of JP complimented each other perfectly.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Aug 22, 2011, 06:14:47 PM
Should have said "Kinda ruined" them. I feel that the first film was pretty good (and the foundation for most of my childhood) but I like the novel better. Watching TLW right now and I don't feel it holds up to the first film or the novels at all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Aug 23, 2011, 02:37:30 PM
When do movies based on books ever hold up to their source material?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yautja117 on Aug 23, 2011, 03:25:40 PM
Very, very rarely. I did like Kick-Ass the movie over the graphic novel though.  :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2011, 09:14:32 PM
Neuromancer by William Gibson 9.5/10

Very good novel. I can really tell that this had a massive impact on sci-fi, virtually creating the cyberpunk genre. The final lines of the book were incredibly good. Loved reading this thing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 12, 2011, 02:25:02 AM
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley 8.5/10

This was one of the better imagined dystopian futures I've seen in a novel. Not as completely soul-crushing as in 1984 or Fahrenheit 451, but it was very effective in what it set out to due. Everyone is mass-bred in giant breeding facilities, grown out of test tubes and artificial wombs. Their genetics and biochemistries are altered and controlled throughout development, gearing them towards the work they are being bred for. As they mature, tapes of repeated phrases are played as they sleep, conditioning to believe everything that the government tells them, to serve the upper castes with little question. Everyone is kept happy all the time, through physical activity, free sex, and narcotics. The most disturbing aspect, however, is the fact that entire generations, dozens of people, are essentially clones of each other; a factory full of identical men doing identical tasks. I'm looking forward to Ridley Scott's adaptation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: r888 on Sep 12, 2011, 03:53:51 AM
Twilight
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Sep 12, 2011, 08:00:12 PM
Star Wars: Dark Lord  Rise Lord Vader by James Leceno of Lucas books.

10/10  Loved it, reading it again.  Keeping this book in my purse got me through many time-outs with an angry 9 year old throwing tantrums in public places, weird stares at the tanning salon waiting for a bed, and many a hot summer soccer game  :laugh:


Thank you, Lucas Books, for the temporary moments of sanity.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Sep 12, 2011, 08:01:54 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Sep 12, 2011, 02:25:02 AM
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley 8.5/10

This was one of the better imagined dystopian futures I've seen in a novel. Not as completely soul-crushing as in 1984 or Fahrenheit 451, but it was very effective in what it set out to due. Everyone is mass-bred in giant breeding facilities, grown out of test tubes and artificial wombs. Their genetics and biochemistries are altered and controlled throughout development, gearing them towards the work they are being bred for. As they mature, tapes of repeated phrases are played as they sleep, conditioning to believe everything that the government tells them, to serve the upper castes with little question. Everyone is kept happy all the time, through physical activity, free sex, and narcotics. The most disturbing aspect, however, is the fact that entire generations, dozens of people, are essentially clones of each other; a factory full of identical men doing identical tasks. I'm looking forward to Ridley Scott's adaptation.
This book gave me chills. A nightmare.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 13, 2011, 12:03:20 AM
It didn't really do that too much for me. Definitely with the crowds of identical masses (and the very end), but on the whole, much less than, say, 1984. Still a great book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Sep 13, 2011, 01:09:22 AM
I had great empathy for the so called savage. Searching for belonging everywhere and finding it nowhere. Now the government is not as pants shitting as Big Brother say, but that plot was what grabbed me the most. Plus I project, so that made it worse.

I still need to reach 1984. Every day I do not, my shame grows.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 13, 2011, 01:43:57 AM
Read it a few years back. One incredibly powerful piece of literature. Still needa see the film with John Hurt.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Sep 18, 2011, 05:13:46 AM
The Mole People: Life in the tunnels beneath new york city

Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, suggested readers to read this book in the notes section of Reliquary. I'm glad they did. This book was both sad and disturbing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Sep 18, 2011, 12:26:39 PM
That's been on my list since I read Reliquary. Glad to hear someone else wanted to follow the authors' suggestion. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Sep 18, 2011, 04:54:20 PM
Eragon. 9/10

I like it. It has a cool story line and nice characters.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Sep 18, 2011, 11:58:05 PM
don't go watching the movie now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Sep 18, 2011, 11:58:58 PM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Sep 18, 2011, 11:58:05 PM
don't go watching the movie now.

Never again. I seen it when it 1st came out.  :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Never say no to Panda! on Sep 19, 2011, 12:09:13 AM
Uhm the last book was a collection of short-stories from HP Lovecraft.
Good stuff, i like his style   :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Sep 19, 2011, 04:07:36 AM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Sep 18, 2011, 12:26:39 PM
That's been on my list since I read Reliquary. Glad to hear someone else wanted to follow the authors' suggestion. ;D

Read it ASAP! It really boggles the mind hearing about intricasies of life below NYC. If I lived a life like theirs I'd go ahead and jump in front of a train.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Sep 19, 2011, 01:49:52 PM
Last and First Men by Olaf Stapledon, possibly the best book ever, i totally recommend it if you have any interest in Sci Fi, Speculative Biology, Speculative Antropology, Future Histories, Alternate Histories, or World Building.

I should probably point out that it has no characters or dialogue, and is about 400 pages long and takes place over the course of millions of years, and it was written in 1930 (before the rise of the nazis, before nuclear weapons, before the discovery of DNA, before computers, before helicoptors, before jet engines) so some of it is way off the mark, but it's fun to read nonetheless, especially once you get to the proper future where none of that stuff matters anymore.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Osasuna18 on Sep 19, 2011, 03:35:26 PM
The Great Gatsy - S. Fitzgerald 10/10 classic
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: x2SMONEY on Sep 19, 2011, 07:48:36 PM
I just started The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. Not quite my thing, but I'll stick with it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 23, 2011, 10:43:08 PM
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris 9/10

This was a very well-written novel. Not sure which I liked more; this or the movie. I think I prefer Red Dragon slightly over this, though, by way of the Hannibal books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Sep 24, 2011, 02:11:17 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Sep 23, 2011, 10:43:08 PM
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris 9/10

This was a very well-written novel. Not sure which I liked more; this or the movie. I think I prefer Red Dragon slightly over this, though, by way of the Hannibal books.

Silence was great. It was everything I expected and more. Harris does tend to go on tangents of the bizarre, but it fits the purpose of the novel.

Hannibal is another beast entirely. Gawd, that book was just...out there
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 24, 2011, 02:55:13 AM
We have that hardcover up at my cabin. Gonna crack that open next I'm up there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 25, 2011, 11:12:58 AM
The Omen Machine by Terry Goodkind.

Not his best work, but I did like the whole horror feel to it. A shame that it ended so abruptly, but it was nice to read about Richard and Kahlan again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MarcusVerus on Sep 25, 2011, 11:41:59 AM
Quote from: Never say no to Panda! on Sep 19, 2011, 12:09:13 AM
Uhm the last book was a collection of short-stories from HP Lovecraft.
Good stuff, i like his style   :laugh:

I love Lovecraft, too. When you like his style you should read August Derleth. He is something like a second Lovecraft.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Sep 25, 2011, 08:54:58 PM
Dragon Ball 9.5/10

Started reading it this past weekend and read it at least everyday for 3 hours. Needless to say it was one hell of a ride. Seeing Goku go from a powerful kid to pretty much the most powerful person in the universe is inspiring and makes you want to stand up and try to be the best at anything you do. The battles as well go up in size and scope. The story starts off with just a few kicks and punches, moves on to Goku taking out an entire army, but the big one for me has to be Gohans' Kamehameha battle with Cell. The comedy was also great and and more mature (or immature depending on who you ask :P) than the anime. My only real gripes are the Buu saga and some of the battles compared to the anime. The Buu saga just seemed lacking and I wasn't as excited while reading it, and it also seemed as if the story didn't know who should be the hero. Should it be Gohan, Goten and Trunks, or Goku it just seemed to go back and forth like that. The battles seemed kind of lacking compared to the anime. Cells battle with Gohan just went by so quick, and the opposite happened with Vegeta fighting Goku in the Saiyan saga. In the anime it was exciting and tense in the manga it just felt like a chore to finish. Other than that the manga is great and being older now I can see how DB has influenced many modern animes. I can't wait to watch the anime soon and compare it to the manga, although there are already lots of differences (less filler (in other words none), more swearing, and some of the violence is more around R rated levels compared to the anime (most notably, I believe it was a minor character who exploded into a stream of high pressure blood for no reason. :laugh:)), and if you can find them search up the Bardock special it's nothing great but it's nice, and Dragonball SD is a pretty hilarious and alternate telling of the Cell saga in 16 pages.

I don't think I'll read anything after this for a long time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LadyZero on Sep 26, 2011, 08:35:52 PM
The Retribution by Val McDermid.

Could not put it down. Utterly brilliant, but then all her stuff is. Escaped serial killer goes out for vengeance on those who put him in prison, basically. Some of the murders are quite deliciously gruesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Sep 26, 2011, 08:48:35 PM
A Feast For Crows, by George RR Martin. Nowhere near as powerful as Book 3, with a lot of filer, but the last few chapters made me smile.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Sep 27, 2011, 08:52:07 AM
i just found out that HP Lovecraft, and Arthur C Clarke loved the book i am reading.

QuoteArthur C. Clarke has said of Stapledon's 1930 book Last and First Men that "No other book had a greater influence on my life ... [It] and its successor Star Maker (1937) are the twin summits of [Stapledon's] literary career".[1]
QuoteH. P. Lovecraft held the book in very high regard (though he did not say whether it influenced any of his own stories), saying in a 1936 letter to Fritz Leiber[2] "no one ought to miss reading W. Olaf Stapledon's Last and First Men ... Probably you have read it. If not, make a bee line for library or bookstall!", and in another 1936 letter to Leiber[3] "I'm glad to hear of your perusal of Last and First Men—a volume which to my mind forms the greatest of all achievements in the field that Master Ackerman would denominate "scientifiction". Its scope is dizzying—and despite a somewhat disproportionate acceleration of the tempo toward the end, and a few scientific inferences which might legitimately be challenged, it remains a thing of unparalleled power. As you say, it has the truly basic quality of a myth, and some of the episodes are of matchless poignancy and dramatic intensity." Finally, in a 1937 letter to Arthur Widner[4] he said "I don't care for science fiction of the sort published in cheap magazines. There's no vitality in it—merely dry theories tacked on to shallow, unreal, insincere juvenile adventure stories. But I do like the few real masterpieces in the field—certain of H. G. Wells's novels, S. Fowler Wright's The World Below, & that marvellous piece of imagination by W. Olaf Stapledon, Last & First Men."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_and_First_Men#Influences_on_other_writers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_and_First_Men#Influences_on_other_writers)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ratchetcomand on Sep 27, 2011, 01:21:21 PM
Frankenstein - Glad that I was able to read it again for the first time in a while and it's really great book. Pretty mind blowing for it's time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gosutoraida on Sep 27, 2011, 08:29:22 PM
In my English class we are reading 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck. Pretty good book. Interesting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Sep 27, 2011, 08:34:24 PM
Quote from: JokerJohn35 on Sep 27, 2011, 08:29:22 PM
In my English class we are reading 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck. Pretty good book. Interesting.

I read that in English a couple of years back, I quite enjoyed it too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Sep 28, 2011, 12:34:07 PM
after we read it in high school they let us watch the Gary Sinise movie, that's not bad either.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Pn2501 on Sep 29, 2011, 08:28:07 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgabriellegantz.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fpostmortal-cover-image.jpg&hash=17725363ba6a9b973a042fd872f492f6279190b0)

nice quick read, i enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Oct 05, 2011, 07:43:48 AM
No Country For Old Men

Not sure if Chigurh was scarier in the book or on screen... Amazing read, I can't believe how well the Coens adapted it; goddamn masterful.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ghost Rider on Oct 05, 2011, 04:05:29 PM
Jurassic Park.

Never gets old.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 07, 2011, 01:12:48 AM
Echo Burning

Book five in the Jack Reacher series, about an ex-military investigator turned drifter. This was pretty enjoyable. Jack gets caught up in a abuse scandal. Filled with some great twists and turns, these series of books have become some of my favorite thriller/crime/detective novels.

8/10

And since October hath arrived, just cracked open Salem's Lot by Stephen King. First time reading it, but it's been good so far. Last book I touched by King was The Shining which was just incredible.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: kevinh3 on Oct 08, 2011, 10:44:27 AM
Brave new world
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Self-Destruct on Oct 08, 2011, 10:47:28 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 07, 2011, 01:12:48 AM
Echo Burning

Book five in the Jack Reacher series, about an ex-military investigator turned drifter. This was pretty enjoyable. Jack gets caught up in a abuse scandal. Filled with some great twists and turns, these series of books have become some of my favorite thriller/crime/detective novels.

8/10

And since October hath arrived, just cracked open Salem's Lot by Stephen King. First time reading it, but it's been good so far. Last book I touched by King was The Shining which was just incredible.  :)

Read IT that's probably my favorite by King.

Just started re-reading Earth Hive
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gosutoraida on Oct 08, 2011, 04:01:26 PM
In a few terms time, in English we are going to read the Jaws novel. Awesome! Would be nice to see the film but blood and strong language? My English teacher would probably get the sack! But in year 8, we did see Kick-Ass in Design and Technology
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Oct 10, 2011, 07:24:19 AM
Monsters in the Movies
A wonderful collection of the many types of monsters that are seen in cinema, great information a great reference and awesome pictures.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Oct 15, 2011, 02:16:33 PM
I have to check that out. John Landis', right?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Oct 15, 2011, 03:01:34 PM
Quote from: Hellspawn28 on Sep 27, 2011, 01:21:21 PM
Frankenstein - Glad that I was able to read it again for the first time in a while and it's really great book. Pretty mind blowing for it's time.
Agreed, it's a favourite.

I finished Mary Wollstonecraft's (mother to Mary Shelley) Letters and Diaries in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. A great read, I like diaries - you get a sense of nostalgia for a time you never knew.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Oct 15, 2011, 03:31:21 PM
Going to get stuck into I, Partridge for my next read. I've head good things about it so i'm looking forward to it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Oct 15, 2011, 11:04:37 PM
Quote from: Pn2501 on Sep 29, 2011, 08:28:07 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgabriellegantz.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fpostmortal-cover-image.jpg&hash=17725363ba6a9b973a042fd872f492f6279190b0)

nice quick read, i enjoyed it.




I am sold already on this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 15, 2011, 11:11:15 PM
Salem's Lot

A wonderful and downright terrifying Stephen King novel. What I love about King is his mastery of character writing. Each character or townsfolk in the novel had their own personality and persona. Time and time again, I dreaded reading on. King set's up each scene, particularly the ones that involve the evil lurking about perfectly. 

There's one scene that's about 1/3 of the way in the book when two characters have to go up to the Marsten House and drop some things off. One character has to go down into the basement, Christ my palms were sweating at that point. These aren't Twilight style vampires, these are rip your f**king face off and suck your bones dry style vampires. It's a terrifyingly hypnotic experience.

10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Oct 16, 2011, 12:14:13 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 15, 2011, 11:11:15 PM
Salem's Lot

A wonderful and downright terrifying Stephen King novel. What I love about King is his mastery of character writing. Each character or townsfolk in the novel had their own personality and persona. Time and time again, I dreaded reading on. King set's up each scene, particularly the ones that involve the evil lurking about perfectly. 

There's one scene that's about 1/3 of the way in the book when two characters have to go up to the Marsten House and drop some things off. One character has to go down into the basement, Christ my palms were sweating at that point. These aren't Twilight style vampires, these are rip your f**king face off and suck your bones dry style vampires. It's a terrifyingly hypnotic experience.

10/10
I actually gave up on this 2/3's of the way through because I found King's style to be so rough. He was really accomplished a couple of novels later. I might still finish it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 16, 2011, 12:17:53 AM
Quote from: Valaquen on Oct 16, 2011, 12:14:13 AM
I actually gave up on this 2/3's of the way through because I found King's style to be so rough. He was really accomplished a couple of novels later. I might still finish it.

It does take a while for things to get going but the payoff is well worth it in the end.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Pn2501 on Oct 16, 2011, 08:58:05 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Oct 15, 2011, 11:04:37 PM
Quote from: Pn2501 on Sep 29, 2011, 08:28:07 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgabriellegantz.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fpostmortal-cover-image.jpg&hash=17725363ba6a9b973a042fd872f492f6279190b0)

nice quick read, i enjoyed it.




I am sold already on this.

its ok, nothing ground breaking, has a few bad cliches, but nice speculative fiction regardless.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 23, 2011, 11:28:30 PM
Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space by Carl Sagan 10/10

As some of you may know, this book is simply perfection for me. Informative, thought provoking, emotionally stirring, it is a wonder to read. Sagan has a gift with words. Seldom has a book instilled within me such deep feelings of awe and wonder (almost moving me to tears at several points), and never has one altered my worldview on such a fundamental level. I do not exaggerate when I say that this book changed my life.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Oct 24, 2011, 05:49:59 AM
The Monsters Corner: Stories through inhuman eyes

A wonderful collection of unique stories threw the view point of the monsters. Most monster movies, horror and Sci fi if not all tend to be from the view point of the hero your suppose to relate to or feel sorry for. The intro states that the man who wrote this book never seemed to like that idea (A man I fully agree with). These stories show the horror doesn't truly lie in the monster but in mankind itself for provoking, creating and destroying monsters before they even attacked us. This has become one of my all time favorite books in a matter of pages. I would highly recommend this if you feel you were able to relate more to the misunderstood monsters of cinema then the human hero.
10/10
Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51BqT429PAL._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg&hash=bdd7e2532cba47e7f50fcbef053c8714130a3d85)
You know the cover looks bad ass!
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TJ Doc on Oct 26, 2011, 11:02:29 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 15, 2011, 11:11:15 PM
There's one scene that's about 1/3 of the way in the book when two characters have to go up to the Marsten House and drop some things off. One character has to go down into the basement, Christ my palms were sweating at that point.

Oh hell, I felt the same way. Terrific book!   
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Oct 26, 2011, 11:08:17 PM
Enemy of the People, the original Ibsen version.
This was a sobering look at just how effective a character assassination can be. Important in this day and age.

Quote from: SpaceMarines on Oct 23, 2011, 11:28:30 PM
Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space by Carl Sagan 10/10

As some of you may know, this book is simply perfection for me. Informative, thought provoking, emotionally stirring, it is a wonder to read. Sagan has a gift with words. Seldom has a book instilled within me such deep feelings of awe and wonder (almost moving me to tears at several points), and never has one altered my worldview on such a fundamental level. I do not exaggerate when I say that this book changed my life.
I would like to read this once I get my hands on cosmos, which I apparently watched when I was a kid. Thought Sagan looked familiar. I know what it is like to get your life changed by the things you read. I am in the process of getting changed myself due to reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DarkMajesty on Oct 27, 2011, 12:24:47 AM
I'm reading Christine now. So far I'm hooked.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 27, 2011, 11:13:38 PM
Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: Prodigal Son – Book One

My first Dean Koontz novel was Phantoms about supernatural forces that take over a small town and set the spookiness into maximum overdrive. This novel, Prodigal Son is my second Koontz novel. It's the authors take on a modern re-working of the Mary Shelly novel Frankenstein.

Frankenstein or Victor Helios as he's going by is wealthy and living in modern day New Orleans. He's been dodging pitchforks for over 200 years. Victor has found a way to extend his life, whilst at the same time is up to his same old tricks, alias creating bizarre experiments. As Victor plans to create a superior race (hey kids Hitler Jr.!) for world domination, his first creation or the monster we all know from the films, is trying to track him down. What I liked is the 'monster' isn't some brain dead zombie waltzing around but an actual character who's searching for a meaning, to life and what it means to really live. Whilst at the same time trying to track down Victor and stop his egocentric mantra. Enter two homicide detectives who slowly come into the fold and question their own sanity as events slowly unfold...

While I found the book enjoyable, Koontz made some of these characters a tad too fantastical. Carson – the female homicide detective, I felt Koontz often times made her do some outrages if often times goofy things. And the other detective Michael...who's the comic relief spewing cultural references at any opportunity is a great character but falls into the old buddy cop cliché, (Riggs from Lethal Weapon, Jim Belushi from Red Heat, Billy Crystal or Gregory Hines from Running Scared) we've seen it all before.

This was only Book One in a five part saga, so I am willing to give Koontz the benefit of the doubt and hope things improve and the characters develop as the novels progress.

7/10

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Oct 28, 2011, 10:03:39 AM
Star Maker - Olaf Stapledon
very good book, although not as good as i had hoped, i was hoping it would be more documentary style, but the author tried giving it a narrative and the narrator a personality which just didn't feel right. a very fascinating look into the way astronomical science was in the late 1930s though, and brilliant use of the concept that the universe is completely epic, in fact he may have gone too far in that it is stated in the book that the universe is in the realms of 50bn years old, and stars have been around for 20b years, which we now know is completely wrong! :D

one ironic thing in the book is in a afterward/glossary the author describes his use of the theory of an expanding universe as "a theory that may or may not last beyond tomorrow, and may date this book as badly a my lack of prediction of the rise of fascism dated my previous book" or something along those lines, the irony being that 70 years later we still believe the theory of the expanding universe more than ever, whereas the rise of fascism dated his previous book with less than 5 years :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 30, 2011, 09:54:57 PM
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 9/10

:'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 30, 2011, 11:11:20 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Oct 30, 2011, 09:54:57 PM
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 9/10

:'(

Poor Lennie...

Spoiler
The ending is such a tear-jerker.  :'(
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Oct 31, 2011, 09:05:36 AM
Gary Sinese is boss in that movie, i mean book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Nov 02, 2011, 09:35:00 PM
Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn

This was a damn good political thriller. When Islamic terrorists storm the White House with the intention of capturing the President of the United States, all hell breaks loose. At first the thought of terrorists capturing the White House sounded far-fetched to me, but Flynn does a terrific job of making the scenario plausible and based in reality.

As the siege goes on, we're introduced to various characters throughout the political spectrum, the Vice President, Chief of Staff, and the folks who run the CIA and FBI all trying to stick their fingers in the pie. Some are seriously trying to help resolve the situation whilst others are trying to find ways it will help them an edge politically. The book was written in 1999 and Flynn makes certain that SEAL Team Six plays an important role in the novel. Even before Bin Laden's death, it looks like these guys were getting props even in a fictional setting.

But the real focus of the book is the hard edged badass Mitch Rapp who's part of the CIA and does all the dirty work. This character is ruthless, Jack Ryan from the Tom Clancy novels are tame compared to Rapp. Flynn sets up a brief piece of exposition of why Rapp decided to join the CIA and essentially kill terrorists, and it goes back to the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988. I really enjoyed this book, and the final pages left my heart pounding and my adrenalin going. Transfer of Power is the first book in a series of political thrillers featuring Mitch Rapp by Vince Flynn and needless to say I am hooked.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 03, 2011, 10:19:13 AM
Currently Reading Terminal World by Alastair Reynolds
pretty awesome SF book with elements of steampunk and a Mad Max vibe,
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 10, 2011, 05:20:17 AM
Count Zero by William Gibson 9/10

A very good cyberpunk novel. Not quite to the same level as Neuromancer, but I still had a helluva time reading this. Gibson's style of writing is simply a joy to read. It sucks you in, and describes everything so uniquely, yet in a way that's very familiar. It paints a picture in you mind, full of detail and imagery, constructed out of metaphor and simile. I just loved it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Nov 16, 2011, 04:50:59 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51MEA7P440L._SL500_AA300_.jpg&hash=a7e76dbe35cc17fa40b7321d91d88f2e2544644d)
8/10

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51HREEGF0ML._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg&hash=a4c1cc4663196c586e28ee6fb3ff082b6a878f53)
9.2/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Nov 19, 2011, 10:55:40 PM
The Third Option by Vince Flynn

Book two in the Mitch Rapp series. Mitch gets left for dead in an Op gone badly in Germany. Then it becomes a rollercoaster ride, of Rapp trying to find the people responsible for setting him up. Unlike Transfer of Power, which had a larger set of consequences, The Third Option is a more personal story focusing on the main protagonist.

Rules of Prey by John Sandford

A nice tightly plotted detective story – featuring a Minneapolis police detective named Lucas Davenport. He's on the trail of a serial murderer who ties women up and getting his rocks off before killing them. I really enjoyed this, Davenport is a pretty well written character who's fun to be around, and whilst all this crazy serial killer drama is going on, he's balancing three women in his love life! My only complaint is the final moments felt a little rushed, but it was certainly worth it...having me question Davenport's morality.

God damn I love crime fiction.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Nov 19, 2011, 11:17:34 PM
You ever read John Connolly's Charlie Parker series of novels? He's a private detective on the trail of his wife and childs murderer and there's always a slight hint of the supernatural thrown in too which get creepier and creepier as the books go on. A brilliant series and somehow he balances a crime thriller, with alot of action and supernatural horror thrown in with some great supporting characters that feature in the various books in the series. If you havnt read them I highly recommend them.

The first book in the series is called Every Dead Thing and its fantastic. Theres quite a few of them now, and while each novel as its own standalone narrative, they link up in ways you wouldnt expect and each book always hints at bigger and more sinister things on the horizon for the main characters. If you're a fan of crime fiction then you gotta check them out, superb series of books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Nov 19, 2011, 11:30:30 PM
I haven't read/heard of those books yet – after reading your post and doing some quick research the series sounds right up my ally! Thanks for the recommendation Keg!  Definitely going to check them out starting with the one you mentioned Every Dead Thing.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Nov 20, 2011, 12:02:15 AM
Its my favourite series of books so I hope you enjoy them. Every Dead Thing is slow to get going and can be very off putting with how graphic it gets with the murders and the details. I almost stopped reading it but im so glad I ploughed on because ive gone on to read a further 8 books in the series and overall while some of them arent as good as others, the unfolding narrative just keeps getting better and more intriguing with each book.

His ability to write a genuinely chilling antagonist is superb too. Some of the foes Charlie faces in these books are truly terrifying and would give any stephen king creation a run for its money.

Hope you enjoy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Nov 24, 2011, 06:59:44 PM
The Long Ships (Röde Orm) by Frans G. Bengtsson

This book tells the tale of Orm Tostesson, who is abducted from his home along the shores of Scania by viking raiders. It does not take long for him to befriend his captors and join them on their journey to find riches and women. We then get to follow Orm (who after a few years have risen to the position of chieftain over this merry bunch) and his men on a journey all over Europe, where they are both forced to serve as galley slaves and then as bodyguards to the muslim ruler Al-Mansur. After years of service, they manage to make their way back to Denmark, where they meet with King Harald Bluetooth and Orm falls in love with his daughter, Ylva. There's much more to this story, but I don't want to spoil that for anyone.

This was a very enjoyable read and it was the second time I've read it. As the author himself puts it, this is just a good old fun adventure story. It's not very complex and it wasn't meant to be. The main characters are very easy to like, especially Orm and his trusted friend Toke. The humor mostly comes from their "barbaric" behaviour and attitude, as well as their pragmatic (and a bit naive) view on the rest of the world and the cultures they encounter on their journeys.

If you're looking for a fun and exciting read, this is the book for you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Nov 25, 2011, 11:39:12 AM
Currently reading The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy Trilogy (5 books). Apparently there's a sixth book, written after Adams death so I might check it out once ive read these.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Nov 27, 2011, 12:51:03 AM
King Kong the Island of the Skull
6.9/10

Alright prequel to the remake. Could have used more scenes in Skull Island though, especially when you consider what the subtitle is. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Feral_PRED on Nov 27, 2011, 02:24:52 AM
Hannibal by Thomas Harris     9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Nov 27, 2011, 02:33:15 AM
Quote from: Alienhunter15 on Nov 27, 2011, 02:24:52 AM
Hannibal by Thomas Harris     9/10

Hmmm I really enjoyed that book up until the ending.

Spoiler
Didn't buy Clarice falling in love with Hannibal and running off into the sunset one bit. That's what really killed it for me. But other than that, it was another entertaining discourse of Harris' sick and twisted perversion.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Feral_PRED on Nov 27, 2011, 03:56:30 AM
I really enjoyed that book and I liked the ending.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Nov 28, 2011, 02:45:42 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Nov 27, 2011, 02:33:15 AM
Quote from: Alienhunter15 on Nov 27, 2011, 02:24:52 AM
Hannibal by Thomas Harris     9/10

Hmmm I really enjoyed that book up until the ending.

Spoiler
Didn't buy Clarice falling in love with Hannibal and running off into the sunset one bit. That's what really killed it for me. But other than that, it was another entertaining discourse of Harris' sick and twisted perversion.
[close]
There are mountains of fangirls who will take Hannibal off her hands if she doesn't like him...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Nov 28, 2011, 05:08:20 PM
I had started reading I, Partridge: We Need To Talk About Alan a couple of weeks ago but got sidetracked. Now ive got the audiobook on iTunes there's no way I can continue reading my physical copy. I started listening to it at work today and it's had me in floods of tears. f**king top notch stuff, easily as funny, if not funnier than any of the Radio or TV shows featuring Alan Partridge.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 02, 2011, 03:00:43 PM
Mona Lisa Overdrive by William Gibson 9.5/10

A great novel. Exciting, a joy to read, thought provoking, full of interesting and relatable characters, and taking place in one of the better imagined fictional futures of our planet. Out of the Sprawl Trilogy, I'm not sure which is better; this or Neuromancer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Dec 02, 2011, 03:04:10 PM
Does there even have to be one that is better?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Dec 02, 2011, 03:13:12 PM
started reading the Uncharted novel. just read the first (and a bit) chapter so far, and whilst it's fun, the prose is the worst I've ever read, and the author has already contradicted himself on Nate's like or dislike of cinnamon :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Keg on Dec 02, 2011, 04:03:41 PM
Yeah I was enjoying it at first but it started to get a bit tedious. Got halfway through it and ive never picked it up for a couple of weeks now. Ill get back to it and hopefully when things inevitably go to shit and the action kicks in it'll be worth it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 03, 2011, 06:17:35 AM
Quote from: TheMonolith on Dec 02, 2011, 03:04:10 PM
Does there even have to be one that is better?

No, but I always like doing that.

Goddamnit, Gibson f**king defined cyberpunk.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Dec 08, 2011, 03:03:37 PM
I'm going to get started reading Politically Correct Death soon.
Fortunatly I did some digging on the author and have concluded that he is most likely a Dominionist idiot, so I will be able to counteract the ill effects of the book with reasoing power and freedom of thought.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on Dec 08, 2011, 07:19:08 PM
Raptor

It was alright, probably too short for my tastes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Dec 08, 2011, 10:03:39 PM
Star wars - Outbound Flight, a fantastic read by the legend Timothy Zhan, possibly one of the best star wars novels ive read so far. Being a big fan of the character Thrawn, it was great to get more insight to him and his culture, and how the story fitted in just before the Clone Wars was great.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 21, 2011, 12:44:00 AM
East of Eden by John Steinbeck 9.5/10

I loved this book. At times I was laughing my head off, at others I was barely holding back the tears. Such a deep and powerful journey, wide in its scope, yet very personal in its feeling. Such a rich tapestry of themes and meanings, symbols and cycles, and one helluva ambiguous ending. Full of despicable, lovable, and undefinable characters, all of which I really felt for. I strongly recommend this novel.

Now, on to A Game of Thrones!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Dec 21, 2011, 06:27:13 AM
The Last Werewolf
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lt. Mike Harrigan on Dec 27, 2011, 04:09:19 PM
Lord Of The Flies
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hive Tyrant on Dec 27, 2011, 05:21:50 PM
The Hippopotamus by Stephen Fry.

What a preposterous book! :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Private Hudson on Dec 30, 2011, 03:25:20 AM
Starship Troopers

Great book, although made me disappointed at how many big differences there were between the book and the movie. Really would have liked to see power armored Mobile Infantry in the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AlexVelez on Dec 30, 2011, 07:10:42 AM
Ancestor by Scott Sigler

I was actually really disappointed. I'm a huge fan of horror/sci-fi novels, but this book really lost my attention as it went on. The premise was cool & the buildup was fine, but eh, it could have been much better.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Dec 30, 2011, 07:54:18 AM
Do Audiobooks count? I don't read, I listen when I work out or I'm on my bike >.<
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Dec 30, 2011, 08:53:01 AM
Quote from: Sabby on Dec 30, 2011, 07:54:18 AM
Do Audiobooks count? I don't read, I listen when I work out or I'm on my bike >.<

sure, why not? you are still assimilating the same information just in a different way.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Dec 30, 2011, 09:17:59 AM
In that case, all of the Dresden Files books, which are incredible reads. If you haven't read them, in which case, I would send a slap through your e-mail, it's about a badass named Harry who is a Wizard. Unlike the other Wizard Harry, he is nothing but pure condensed badassery, and throughout the series, he has gone from openly using his skills as a detective in modern day sceptical Chicago, to being the number one enemy, ally or point of interest to everything from various courts of Vampires running the world, evil Wizard underworlds, the Fallen Angels, yes the f**king Biblical ones, along with the three holy knights lead by God, pretty much everything in the Underworld either wants his soul or just plain old revenge, and Odin owes him a favour. Odin. f**king ODIN owes this guy a hand. There's no stopping him!

Altered Carbon, a CyberNoir story which gets into some pretty dark subject matter (won't spoil, but it's very graphic, and involves a lot of snuff) but it's a really cool science fiction concept, with humans buying and trading bodies called Sleeves, some real and some artificial, with every citizen containing a Stack, a chip in the spine which regularly updates to a database, so they can be revived upon death. Real death is a rare occurrence, and so the populace of Earth has become desensitized to death, and some become so old they begin to think differently, and through their massive wealth and influence, they become, for all intents and purposes, Gods, ancient and near immortal, and able to twist entire countries to their will without ever being touchable, either from the law or plain old violence.

The Steel Remains, same author as Altered Carbon, but the Noir detective story takes place in classic fantasy, which I found really cool. It jumps between several main characters slowly getting wrapped up in the beginnings of a new war. It's very intricate, which makes it hard to explain without spoilers, and not a whole lot actually happens as far as the conflict goes... the whole thing is an ominous build up and character development time, with the second book hopefully getting into the meat of the story. The one I liked was Ringil, a retired and washed up war hero, and aside from being a manly man and a much loved warrior... he's an out and proud homosexual. And this seems to throw people off every time, seeing this dashing if a bit out of shape, long haired, sword wielding champion of a past war with a deep, booming growl of a voice, openly state he's "a f**king faggot, got a problem with that sweetheart?"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Dec 30, 2011, 09:29:18 AM
I've wanted to read Altered Carbon for a while, sounds good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Dec 30, 2011, 09:36:26 AM
It does sound good. I may try and find it.

I'm really in the mood for something set in a world similar to Deus Ex. Anyone recommend a good author to star with?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Dec 30, 2011, 09:44:35 AM
Quote from: Vulhala on Dec 30, 2011, 09:36:26 AM
I'm really in the mood for something set in a world similar to Deus Ex. Anyone recommend a good author to star with?

William Gibson is who springs to mind immediately.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Dec 30, 2011, 09:59:50 AM
Based on that recommendation, I've just bought Neuromancer from amazon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 30, 2011, 09:14:22 PM
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

The book that inspired the show, with its title character Dexter Morgan. He's a blood analyst by day and a serial murderer by night. Well, without a doubt the show is much better. The characters in the show are much better. The book does have its macabre humor from Dexter but there's just not enough time spent on other characters like Deb, Vince, Angel, or even Doakes.

Then there's Dexter's characterization. Here he seems totally emotionless coming across as an absolute sociopath caring for little. He also fancies the killer's work a little too much. At least in the show he had some emotions to play around with.

7.5/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 30, 2011, 11:05:02 PM
Quote from: Vulhala on Dec 30, 2011, 09:59:50 AM
Based on that recommendation, I've just bought Neuromancer from amazon.

f**k yea. Great read, and pretty much created cyberpunk as we know it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Dec 31, 2011, 12:06:17 AM
I thought Blade Runner had that under it's belt :/ that's what all my friends say anyway... I'm the one who hasn't seen the 'classics', gets pressured to watch them, and ends up not really liking them. Blade Runner I couldn't even finish.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Dec 31, 2011, 12:31:29 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Dec 30, 2011, 11:05:02 PM
Quote from: Vulhala on Dec 30, 2011, 09:59:50 AM
Based on that recommendation, I've just bought Neuromancer from amazon.

f**k yea. Great read, and pretty much created cyberpunk as we know it.

I'm looking forward to it. There's a literary itch I need to scratch, and I hope this is it :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Dec 31, 2011, 03:35:03 PM
I finally got around to reading Bob Flanagan: Supermasochist (http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Flanagan-Supermasochist-People-Juno/dp/B005Q5XH3G/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2) by Andrea Juno. I bought this a while back and almost forgot about it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Dec 31, 2011, 03:46:48 PM
Finished reading Andrew Langs The Arabian Nights Entertainments...

i lost count of the number of decapitated heads :laugh: ..and Sultans that love to go out at night partying in disguise... and Jinns and wishes.. and hot princesses... i liked it :)

also read this year:
The hanged man's Gospel - David Soares
The Body - Stephen King
Blimunda and Baltasar - Jose Saramago
The Captains Verses - Pablo Neruda
Beyond the Black River - Robert E Howard
Call of Cthulhu - HP Lovecraft
The Immortal - Jorge Luis Borges
The Sentinel - Arthur C Clarke
Couple of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales

Not nearly as many as i would've liked.

Next year i hope to finish Edgar Rice Burroughs A Princess of Mars and get into reading Ernest Hemingway..
Italo Calvino, Kurt Vonnegut...
The Weird Anthology by Jeff and Ann Vandermeer... (yes the same Jeff Vandermeer that wrote Predator: South China Sea)
i still have a lot of classics to read...
time to get into it :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 04, 2012, 06:20:33 PM
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

This book was simply awesome. Like the overall plot of the film – it's very much the same but incredibly different. Bond has to stop Le Chiffe at Royale. But here they're playing baccarat. I really enjoyed it; Bond comes across as rather cold. It was also nice to see the relationship between Bond and Vesper develop as the novel progressed.

And the torture scene to Bond's undercarriage that was in the film is here as well. It was a little strange hearing Fleming describe torture – as it becomes a 'sexual twilight' towards near death. But overall all I found it to be a nice quick read and a great intro to Bond in the literary world.

The bitch is dead now.

10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 09, 2012, 12:57:02 AM
A Game of Thrones 10/10

Great book. Only comparable to LotR. I'm amazed at how faithful the show was.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Jan 09, 2012, 03:42:46 AM
I just finished The Fighter's Mind: Inside The Mental Game. It's about the mental aspect of fighting and in this, the author Sam Sheridan, travels all over interviewing fighters and trainers to get their insight into the fight game. It's a very deep book and really brings out the emotional side to fighting which a lot of pundits and naysayers, IMO, lose sight of when looking at the world of MMA. The book also challenged me to not look at the way I approach fighting, but other facets of my life, like acting. Many of the things those interviewed spoke about echoed what my teacher says about acting and how to approach it.

Here's the author's official website: http://worldismadeoffire.com/ (http://worldismadeoffire.com/)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lie on Jan 09, 2012, 04:19:05 AM
I'm gonna read my first book this year I've started the first True Blood book (Sookie Stackhouse novels) any tips on how not the drift off into a daydream? :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 10, 2012, 03:23:52 AM
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

I saw the movie a few years back, and remember loving it, but all I could really remember through the years was the boat scene and the ending. Anyways, I had to read the book, and I just finished it tonight. I absolutely loved the book. Honestly, it's one of the best things I've ever read, I think. I would reccomend this to anyone, really.

I'm really excited to see the movie again now!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 10, 2012, 07:38:48 PM
Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming

The plot is pretty straightforward, There's someone who is smuggling gold coins into the United States and the British Secret Service wants to find out who's the doing it, so M sends Bond to New York City, where he meets up with CIA buddy Felix Leiter to pursue the mysterious and enigmatic Mr. Big, a Haitian gangster who works for SMERSH and uses the voodoo arts to maintain his control over an empire of crime.

The book does come off as a bit racist in some parts – but I don't think Fleming was doing it intentionally but it was more or less the attitude or reflection of the period in which the book was written.

Below are a few spoilers on how it compares with the film adaptation and how it relates to other Bond movies.

Spoiler
The consequences in the book of a white guy (Bond) going into the middle of Harlem and walking out alive are much more realistic here than the incredulous and lofty portrayal of Roger Moore doing it. Moore walks out without a scratch whilst novel Bond gets a broken finger, has to kill a few thugs and barley escapes in a car!
[close]

Spoiler
I was also generally surprised how many plot elements were pulled from this novel and put into License to Kill with Dalton. Take for example the scene in LTK when Felix gets mauled by sharks. It happened here in this novel first.
[close]

Pretty good second effort. Guess at some point, I'll have to look into the next one; Moonraker.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on Jan 12, 2012, 10:29:19 PM
I've been reading The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler at work today. I started reading it a year or so ago after i saw the film and never got around to finishing it.

I'm loving it so far; such interesting characters and dialogue. I think Philip Marlowe's my hero, the cynical bastard.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 13, 2012, 11:31:28 PM
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin 10/10

Holy Christ, this was even better than the first book! The story really gets going here; the Black are going beyond the Wall, Daenerys is building an army, and four kings vie for control of the Seven Kingdoms. The entire first novel feels almost like one big prequel leading up to this. I cannot wait for the TV show to start up again. There's shit in here that rivals Minas Tirith for sheer scale of battles.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Jan 19, 2012, 08:15:35 PM
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess.

To quote the blurb, "Horror farce? Social prophecy? Penetrating study of good and evil? A Clockwork Orange is all three, dazzling proof of Anthony Burgess's vast talents." Sums up the book nicely. I'd recommend this book if you feel like reading total unnecessary violence! And, not just that, but the book, as the blurb explains, delves into human nature and also the social conformity that could potentially take over society.

It's really interesting in that it projects several questions to the reader and really gets you thinking about a load of different things.

Overall, a really interesting read and I'd recommend it to anybody!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jan 21, 2012, 09:38:01 PM
Right now I'm reading Let the Right One In and it's really good so far. The main characters are all really dark and twisted and yet you can't help to relate somewhat to Oskar (well, at least I do). Well written and I'm eager to read on. Definitely going to check out the movies as well once I'm done.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Pn2501 on Jan 22, 2012, 12:53:15 PM
Quote from: Laufey on Jan 21, 2012, 09:38:01 PM
Right now I'm reading Let the Right One In and it's really good so far. The main characters are all really dark and twisted and yet you can't help to relate somewhat to Oskar (well, at least I do). Well written and I'm eager to read on. Definitely going to check out the movies as well once I'm done.
I'm surprised you haven't seen the Swedish film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Jan 22, 2012, 06:27:20 PM
Quote from: Laufey on Jan 21, 2012, 09:38:01 PM
Right now I'm reading Let the Right One In and it's really good so far. The main characters are all really dark and twisted and yet you can't help to relate somewhat to Oskar (well, at least I do). Well written and I'm eager to read on. Definitely going to check out the movies as well once I'm done.

I loved that book! I thought it was fantastic. And the Swedish movie is really good, too, so I'd recommend you check it out if you haven't already.

Got a ton of books to read for university so no doubt I'll be posting a lot more books in this thread!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 22, 2012, 06:39:02 PM
Had to take a break from The Hobbit because I have to read 1984. About 20 pages in, and I'm enjoying it. Pretty dark, but seems like it has a lot of cool themes going on. I can't wait to see how they unravel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jan 23, 2012, 09:59:07 PM
I just finished Let the Right One In and damn, that was a very good read. This take on the vampire mythology was interesting and the author had some fresh ideas for it all. The characters were great and all well written. The chemistry and dialogue between Oskar and Eli was especially good. This book touched upon some controversial themes (such as pedophilia) and handled them all very well. The twists in this story was also very well done and not something I really saw coming, though I had something similar in mind.

Not exactly a scary book, but I would definitely say there were parts that creeped me out.

One of, if not the best, vampire novels I've ever read.

9/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Feb 09, 2012, 09:41:46 PM
A bit late, but the 8th of February was Jules Verne's birthday.
That awesome man.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 13, 2012, 08:59:44 PM
Without Fail by Lee Child

Chalk up another great Jack Reacher mystery/thriller from author Lee Child. I look forward to Tom Cruise's interpretation of the character in the film One Shot next year.

Squadron Supreme TPB #1-12 by Mark Grunwald

Very good, great in fact. They're Marvel's version of the Justice League if you will in an alternate reality. It was published a year before Watchmen and it's really good, the characters confront issues as such as freedom and free will. Basically the first issue starts off with the world in chaos and the Squadron Supreme set up a meeting to repair the world and in the process entertain the idea of ending world hunger, crime, poverty.

They have the ambition of shaping the world into a utopia. Nighthawk, who's the equivalent of Batman or Night Owl from Watchmen thinks those kinds of ideals would strip away human rights and freedoms that people cherish. He disbands from the team, and comes to the conclusion that he has to kill the Squadron Supreme in order to save the world. It's fascinating stuff, much like Watchmen it had superheroes dealing with real life issues.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Feb 24, 2012, 04:40:28 PM
Recently read Forever War and Forever Free by Joe Haldeman, absolutely loved both, characters were really well written and some of Haldeman's concepts are really interesting. 10/10

Also finished The World that Jones Made by Philip K. Dick.  Again loved it, something so depressingly surreal about this story, how realists and idealists both fail with equal abandon.  If any of you guys haven't read it I suggest you do. 10/10

My next two are the Ravenor Omnibus by Dan Abnett and Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: mastermoon on Feb 24, 2012, 05:09:27 PM
I read Jurassic Park and now I've been reading Jaws.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Feb 24, 2012, 05:17:42 PM
Quote from: mastermoon on Feb 24, 2012, 05:09:27 PM
I read Jurassic Park and now I've been reading Jaws.

It's just come to my attention I've never actually read Jurassic Park
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 24, 2012, 06:03:58 PM
Alliance by Timothy Zhann.  It feels like I missed some things so I'm reading it again.  Like it alot  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Feb 24, 2012, 07:51:33 PM
Quote from: Novak 1334 on Feb 24, 2012, 04:40:28 PM
Recently read Forever War and Forever Free by Joe Haldeman, absolutely loved both, characters were really well written and some of Haldeman's concepts are really interesting. 10/10

Also finished The World that Jones Made by Philip K. Dick.  Again loved it, something so depressingly surreal about this story, how realists and idealists both fail with equal abandon.  If any of you guys haven't read it I suggest you do. 10/10

My next two are the Ravenor Omnibus by Dan Abnett and Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks
I love Forever War And I recently read the world that jones made too, it was cool, I've always wanted to read Forever Free and Forever Peace, if you ever read Forever Peace tell us what that's like too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vakarian on Feb 24, 2012, 07:54:05 PM
Recently read "Cell" by Stephen King.

An amazing "Zombie" apocalyptic book. Very gory and very gripping.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Feb 24, 2012, 07:55:09 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Feb 24, 2012, 07:51:33 PM
Quote from: Novak 1334 on Feb 24, 2012, 04:40:28 PM
Recently read Forever War and Forever Free by Joe Haldeman, absolutely loved both, characters were really well written and some of Haldeman's concepts are really interesting. 10/10

Also finished The World that Jones Made by Philip K. Dick.  Again loved it, something so depressingly surreal about this story, how realists and idealists both fail with equal abandon.  If any of you guys haven't read it I suggest you do. 10/10

My next two are the Ravenor Omnibus by Dan Abnett and Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks
I love Forever War And I recently read the world that jones made too, it was cool, I've always wanted to read Forever Free and Forever Peace, if you ever read Forever Peace tell us what that's like too.

I've got the Omnibus Peace and War, I just held off reading Forever Free because I really got into The World That Jones Made, but yeah I'll give it a read in the next week or so
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: QuantumSheep on Feb 24, 2012, 10:52:35 PM
I recently read Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura, a somewhat decent read but far from great. Now I've moved onto the interesting read that is The Mothman Prophecies, by John A. Keel. It's full of anecdotes of the bizarre occurrences that apparently happened in a small town back in 1966-67. Whether or not it's 100%, I don't know but it's still an interesting read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 26, 2012, 11:05:09 PM
Finally, after numerous distractions, I finished reading The Hobbit. I really, really enjoyed reading to book for the first tine in years (thank you Laufey for encouraging me to read it!) I loved the way that it was written, and the story itself even more!
Spoiler
I was surprised at how quickly Smaug was killed, but thought his death was man awesome scene. I was also surprised that Thorin, Kili, and Fili died.
[close]

So yeah, I'm really excited for the movies now. And I can't wait to read LotR for the very first time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 26, 2012, 11:10:39 PM
I'm glad to hear you liked it. LotR is a very different read, but if you liked this, I don't think you will have any problems getting into it. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vulhala on Feb 26, 2012, 11:20:35 PM
LOTR is much weightier. The Hobbit was more like a kids book in comparison. It's an epic f**king journey though. Get started straight away  ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 26, 2012, 11:30:25 PM
So I've heard :) Really excited to get started on it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: m41guy on Feb 26, 2012, 11:38:12 PM
Reading "How to Archer", by....Sterling Archer.   :laugh:


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 27, 2012, 12:51:25 AM
A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin

I'm not even gonna bother giving this thing a rating. It's even better than the last two, so that's saying a hell of a lot.

Now, if only my brother would finish the fourth one, I could keep going....

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 8/10

Second time I've read it; had to this time for school. Still a very moving and powerful novel.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 8.5/10

Great read. Didn't really know what to expect when I picked this up, apart from a classic of American literature. I was not disappointed.

Slaughterhouse-5 by Kurt Vonnegut 10/10

I loved this book. It's as simple as that. It made me laugh, it made me sad. A great anti-war book, that also delves into the small matter of life as a whole. Read this novel. All of you.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck 9/10

:'(

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck 8/10

A nice, short, 100 page novella. It didn't really have an ending, though. It just kinda stopped.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 27, 2012, 12:56:28 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 27, 2012, 12:51:25 AMA Storm of Swords by George RR Martin

I'm not even gonna bother giving this thing a rating. It's even better than the last two, so that's saying a hell of a lot.

Now, if only my brother would finish the fourth one, I could keep going....

I'm reading that right now. So far it's really good. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Feb 27, 2012, 01:56:20 PM
just finished Princess of Mars, brilliant but not the easiest thing to read, great story and world building though

currently reading The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: mastermoon on Feb 27, 2012, 04:38:47 PM
Glad to know everyone enjoy reading novels.

Has anyone read The Body Snatchers yet, I have it's a great story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 27, 2012, 11:00:09 PM
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry

Back in 1996 this book was part of a huge marketing campaign by Lucas. It spawned toys, video games, a soundtrack and a prequel comic book. The plot of the novel takes place between, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Overall, I thought it was pretty enjoyable. Han Solo is still stuck in carbonite. Luke, Lando, Leia and Chewbacca make attempts to save him whilst meeting Dash Rendar. He's a smuggler, that's both cocky and arrogant. Basically, five levels of dickary above Han Solo.

Then there's Vader's perspective in the novel. He's having a duel of wits with Prince Xizor, a lizard-like creature, whose leader of the Black Suns, a group of gangsters on Coruscant. Steve Perry seems to have captured each character's personality quite well; everyone from C-3PO to Luke Skywalker himself. It was interesting reading the parts when Vader's on the page. Very seldom do we get to see him in his private moments or look into what he's really thinking during the movies.

8.5/10

Not sure what novel I want to read next. I am thinking about A Clash of Kings or the Holy Grail of Star Wars EU novels, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 28, 2012, 12:05:44 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 27, 2012, 11:00:09 PMNot sure what novel I want to read next. I am thinking about A Clash of Kings or the Holy Grail of Star Wars EU novels, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy.

Seven hells! Do it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 28, 2012, 12:15:02 AM
Quote from: Laufey on Feb 28, 2012, 12:05:44 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 27, 2012, 11:00:09 PMNot sure what novel I want to read next. I am thinking about A Clash of Kings or the Holy Grail of Star Wars EU novels, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy.

Seven hells! Do it.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1175.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr623%2FPunisher616%2Flittlefinger.gif&hash=052024aeea87133d7e0d8d677e66f205224a35de)

I guess the Thrawn Trilogy can be put off for a while longer. A Clash of Kings it is.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 28, 2012, 06:34:21 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 27, 2012, 11:00:09 PM
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry

Back in 1996 this book was part of a huge marketing campaign by Lucas. It spawned toys, video games, a soundtrack and a prequel comic book. The plot of the novel takes place between, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Overall, I thought it was pretty enjoyable. Han Solo is still stuck in carbonite. Luke, Lando, Leia and Chewbacca make attempts to save him whilst meeting Dash Rendar. He's a smuggler, that's both cocky and arrogant. Basically, five levels of dickary above Han Solo.

Then there's Vader's perspective in the novel. He's having a duel of wits with Prince Xizor, a lizard-like creature, whose leader of the Black Suns, a group of gangsters on Coruscant. Steve Perry seems to have captured each character's personality quite well; everyone from C-3PO to Luke Skywalker himself. It was interesting reading the parts when Vader's on the page. Very seldom do we get to see him in his private moments or look into what he's really thinking during the movies.

8.5/10

Not sure what novel I want to read next. I am thinking about A Clash of Kings or the Holy Grail of Star Wars EU novels, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy.

Wrote this one down for must read, thank you for the insite :)
FYI - Thrawn Trilogy FTW
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 28, 2012, 06:43:02 PM
Oh, you're welcome. I hope you enjoy reading it. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: stephen on Feb 29, 2012, 03:32:34 AM
Just finished reading Micro by Chricton and some other guy that finished it because Chricton passed away.

Then read Meg by Steve Alten.

But if you're all looking for a recommendation:

The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind - the first novel being Wizards First Rule.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 29, 2012, 04:12:27 AM
Quote from: stephen on Feb 29, 2012, 03:32:34 AM
Just finished reading Micro by Chricton and some other guy that finished it because Chricton passed away.

I've been thinking of checking that out. How was it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: stephen on Feb 29, 2012, 04:29:21 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 29, 2012, 04:12:27 AM
Quote from: stephen on Feb 29, 2012, 03:32:34 AM
Just finished reading Micro by Chricton and some other guy that finished it because Chricton passed away.

I've been thinking of checking that out. How was it?

Not too bad - quite interesting.  Easy book to read.

I don't know how much Chricton had actually written and how much the other guy had to fill in.  Wasn't a Jurassic Park (which I thought was excellent).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Feb 29, 2012, 06:21:58 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 27, 2012, 11:00:09 PM
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry

Back in 1996 this book was part of a huge marketing campaign by Lucas. It spawned toys, video games, a soundtrack and a prequel comic book. The plot of the novel takes place between, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Overall, I thought it was pretty enjoyable. Han Solo is still stuck in carbonite. Luke, Lando, Leia and Chewbacca make attempts to save him whilst meeting Dash Rendar. He's a smuggler, that's both cocky and arrogant. Basically, five levels of dickary above Han Solo.

Then there's Vader's perspective in the novel. He's having a duel of wits with Prince Xizor, a lizard-like creature, whose leader of the Black Suns, a group of gangsters on Coruscant. Steve Perry seems to have captured each character's personality quite well; everyone from C-3PO to Luke Skywalker himself. It was interesting reading the parts when Vader's on the page. Very seldom do we get to see him in his private moments or look into what he's really thinking during the movies.

8.5/10

Not sure what novel I want to read next. I am thinking about A Clash of Kings or the Holy Grail of Star Wars EU novels, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy.

Everything you need to know about SOTE (http://www.oafe.net/toons/1002/02.php)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 29, 2012, 06:53:50 AM
Quote from: SM on Feb 29, 2012, 06:21:58 AM
Everything you need to know about SOTE (http://www.oafe.net/toons/1002/02.php)

That was great. Thank you for that. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Salt The Fries on Feb 29, 2012, 06:56:46 AM
Nick Hornby - High Fidelity...Actually, still reading.


Quote from: mastermoon on Feb 27, 2012, 04:38:47 PM
Glad to know everyone enjoy reading novels.

Has anyone read The Body Snatchers yet, I have it's a great story.
I haven't read the story, but I loved the movies (1956, 1978 and 1993 ones, especially the first one).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 29, 2012, 09:14:27 AM
Quote from: stephen on Feb 29, 2012, 03:32:34 AMThe Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind - the first novel being Wizards First Rule.

I used to like those as well. But the books got worse at the end and the main heroes can be pretty damn despicable from time to time. :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 29, 2012, 11:51:58 PM
Wrong thread...? :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: r888 on Feb 29, 2012, 11:53:20 PM
Damn this computer is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo freaking slow
please forgive me
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: stephen on Mar 01, 2012, 02:10:12 AM
Quote from: Laufey on Feb 29, 2012, 09:14:27 AM
Quote from: stephen on Feb 29, 2012, 03:32:34 AMThe Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind - the first novel being Wizards First Rule.

I used to like those as well. But the books got worse at the end and the main heroes can be pretty damn despicable from time to time. :-\

Depends on your point of view.  I don't think they were dispicable at all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 01, 2012, 02:28:37 AM
Quote from: stephen on Mar 01, 2012, 02:10:12 AMDepends on your point of view.  I don't think they were dispicable at all.

I'm not saying they are horrible character, but some of their actions are. For example, threatening to have your mentally unstable sister thrown into a dungeon and raped.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: stephen on Mar 01, 2012, 02:34:59 AM
Quote from: Laufey on Mar 01, 2012, 02:28:37 AM
Quote from: stephen on Mar 01, 2012, 02:10:12 AMDepends on your point of view.  I don't think they were dispicable at all.

I'm not saying they are horrible character, but some of their actions are. For example, threatening to have your mentally unstable sister thrown into a dungeon and raped.

Well I don't want to derail the thread - but the point is that it didn't happen did it.  It was an emotional outburst considering what was going on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: QuantumSheep on Mar 01, 2012, 02:51:55 AM
You know what I'm reading right now? Pride and Prejudice, for my university course. Never have I been subjected to such mind-numbing literature. I've read some other classic novels (Journey to the Centre of the Earth, War of the Worlds, to name a couple) but this one in particular...it isn't stimulating at all. Most of the time the settings aren't even described, so you have no idea where the characters are so it seems as if they're talking in a vacuum. It doesn't help that it craps on for pages at a time before getting to the point.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: mastermoon on Mar 01, 2012, 03:26:21 PM
I read Jaws, The book is much darker in tone then the movie. Most of the main characters are much more unhappy or ill-tempered. Martin and Ellen Brody fight all the time and Ellen seems impossible to please. Brody is very surly and more confrontational in the book too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 04, 2012, 05:24:34 AM
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne 7/10

This is a classic, and I can see why, but this book just wasn't really for me. For one thing, the title is a bit misleading, as they don't get anywhere near the centre of the Earth (although they do get pretty damn deep). The style was a bit hard to read at times, although that's simply due to the antiquity of the novel, and it's nothing too bad. I think my main issue with the book was the characterization. Namely, the fact that Harry's (the protagonist's) entire viewpoint on the journey completely changes over the course of a single page. That just pissed me off to no end. There was no gradual change in opinion, he just goes from wanting to head back to the surface to wanting to run headlong down into the bowels of the planet like that. *snapping motion*

There were parts of the book that I really enjoyed, though. My personal favourite segment was when Harry became separated from the other two members of his party whilst exploring through an underground catacomb. The sense of claustrophobia and isolation was simply chilling, and it was just a very effective piece of writing.

Overall, pretty good and enjoyable, although nothing really special.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mr. Weyland on Mar 04, 2012, 05:36:03 AM
"Not Bad for a Human" by Lance Henriksen.

Best biography I have ever read, no bull, all raw life story.

Possibly one of the most interesting lives ever lead by a man or woman.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 04, 2012, 05:39:32 AM
That's a great title. Reminds me of All Those Moments by Rutger Hauer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Mar 04, 2012, 01:03:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Weyland on Mar 04, 2012, 05:36:03 AM
"Not Bad for a Human" by Lance Henriksen.

Best biography I have ever read, no bull, all raw life story.

Possibly one of the most interesting lives ever lead by a man or woman.
Shgnack.
I was not even aware he wrote an autobiography. Must get.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mr. Weyland on Mar 04, 2012, 02:40:59 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Mar 04, 2012, 01:03:16 PM
I was not even aware he wrote an autobiography. Must get.

You can buy it online. When it was 1st released, if you ordered quick enough, you got a signed hard back. You could probably still get it, but it was limited. There is a paperback which is everywhere.

It's a really good book and you would not believe the stuff the guy went through in life.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vakarian on Mar 04, 2012, 06:07:59 PM
Quote from: Mr. Weyland on Mar 04, 2012, 05:36:03 AM
"Not Bad for a Human" by Lance Henriksen.

Best biography I have ever read, no bull, all raw life story.

Possibly one of the most interesting lives ever lead by a man or woman.

Will deffinetly pick that up after im done with "Mankind, a tale of blood and sweatsocks."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Mar 06, 2012, 11:16:21 AM
Maupassant's Le Horla and other stories. Pretty interesting stuff. Liked the titular story and Diary of a Magistrate the most. The latter really creeped me out.
Did some research after reading and apparently Lovecraft liked Le Horla as well -- pretty cool fact to discover.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: PVTDukeMorrison on Mar 07, 2012, 01:33:34 AM
D-Day June 6, 1944. Its quite interesting seeing what these vets had to say
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Mar 07, 2012, 11:29:23 PM
Mystery thriller The Club Dumas by Arturo Perez Reverte - like 10 years after I watched the film version The Ninth Gate and promised myself to read the book straight away.  :P

Loved it, although it's heavy on references to other literary works and diverts rather much from the film at various places.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 08, 2012, 10:27:57 AM
Sirens of titan by Kurt Vonnegut

wow that book was amazing, if you like Hitchhiker's guide to the Galaxy, this book will blow you away, it's funny, and brilliantly written, and way ahead of it's time in many ways (it was written in '59) i also suspect it was partial inspiration for Watchmen.

wow. just wow.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 08, 2012, 02:39:48 PM
I've read another Vonnegut book (Slaughterhouse-5), and it also made me think of HHGG. His style is just fantastic. Sister recommended Sirens to me; gonna check it out soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 09, 2012, 07:21:25 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 08, 2012, 02:39:48 PM
I've read another Vonnegut book (Slaughterhouse-5), and it also made me think of HHGG. His style is just fantastic. Sister recommended Sirens to me; gonna check it out soon.
You have a cool sister! :D is she hot? (kidding ;))
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 10, 2012, 01:21:04 AM
I am not answering that question.


The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt 9/10

I loved this book. One hell of a good read, I just wanted to keep flipping the pages. A darkly comedic Western novel, complete with antiheroes and ambiguities, greed and gunplay, murder and mystery. I highly recommend this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV-2501 on Mar 12, 2012, 12:33:57 AM
Guys,
Can you please if you have some time make some me some posts with lists of good things to read in various domains like Science, Mythology, History, Novels, Sci-Fi, Horror... Everything you want. Please. All of your posts are so full of knowledge, this is so cool. You gives me the envy to learn in all those domains but I don't know what to read. I have some references but not like you guys.

Thanks In Advance
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 12, 2012, 02:17:20 AM
Science books, eh? Alright...

Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Cosmos by Carl Sagan
The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins
The Canon by Natalie Angier
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

Those are the ones that come to me, just off the top of my head. Everyone of those is incredibly well-written, and very informative (and Short History is also one of the funniest books I've read). All are worth the read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 12, 2012, 11:45:26 AM
Quote from: EEV-2501 on Mar 12, 2012, 12:33:57 AM
Guys,
Can you please if you have some time make some me some posts with lists of good things to read in various domains like Science, Mythology, History, Novels, Sci-Fi, Horror... Everything you want. Please. All of your posts are so full of knowledge, this is so cool. You gives me the envy to learn in all those domains but I don't know what to read. I have some references but not like you guys.

Thanks In Advance


if you want to read a Mythology/History/Sci-Fi/Horror novel, you should try Ilium and it's sequel Olympos by Dan Simmons. it literally has every single thing you mentioned.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV-2501 on Mar 12, 2012, 06:34:59 PM
Thank you very much guys.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Mar 12, 2012, 11:53:23 PM
QuoteCosmos by Carl Sagan

Got the deevs for Christmas.  Joyousness.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 13, 2012, 12:01:18 AM
I have cheap bootlegs from Vietnam, and even the shitty quality is glorious.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Mar 13, 2012, 12:19:01 AM
It's video from the early 1980s.  The visual quality isn't exactly spectacular.  But you don't need that when you have Sagan's enthusiasm.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Mar 14, 2012, 03:25:37 PM
Why a bootleg, SpaceMarines? Is it a hard film to find?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 15, 2012, 01:08:24 AM
Nah. Brother brought it back for me from his trip there, couple years back. Just a gift.

He also got the Bloody Fighting Man Mel Gibson and Black Helped Eldest Brother to Come, the Fire Exploded a Condition Imminent Robert DeNiro collections.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Mar 16, 2012, 01:46:36 AM
Just started reading IT, only ever read The Dark Tower in regards to King and so far I'm enjoying it, got The Stand to go next!!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 20, 2012, 03:06:58 PM
A Clash of Kings 10/10

Oh my god. Everything that took place in A Game of Thrones pales in comparison and feels like a prelude to this book. The characters, the intrigue, the deceptions, the battles, everything was just fantastic. There's so many characters to love and to hate - and that's a testimate to George R.R. Martin's writing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 20, 2012, 03:09:38 PM
Be warned; A Storm of Swords is even better and might destroy your mind. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 20, 2012, 03:11:51 PM
Quote from: Laufey on Mar 20, 2012, 03:09:38 PM
Be warned; A Storm of Swords is even better and might destroy your mind. :D

That's a risk I am willing to take. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Mar 25, 2012, 10:13:12 PM
Not done reading it but I started Battle Royale and its pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Mar 25, 2012, 10:41:09 PM
Martian Time Slip, Philip K Dick. Pretty good book, starts out kind of soap opera-y but thats just really god character development for half the book before things really start happening, and it's kind of gradual, to do with the perception of time, the book is a little ruined by having old fashioned sensibilities, which although was probably just a commentary on the times it was written, feels dated today.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Invader on Mar 30, 2012, 03:41:17 AM
Just finished reading the novella "Who goes there?".
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 30, 2012, 03:49:47 AM
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

Despite what people often say about this being boring, or a step back from the previous novels, I loved this. It's a fantastic book; it's simply missing many of my favourite characters. I kinda wished that Martin had split Feast and Dragon's stories up chronologically, not by character.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deadmeat on Apr 02, 2012, 07:46:00 AM
The Hobbit.

For like the 30th time...

It just never gets old!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rick Grimes on Apr 03, 2012, 06:37:01 PM
Quote from: Deadmeat on Apr 02, 2012, 07:46:00 AM
The Hobbit.

For like the 30th time...

It just never gets old!

I recently read The Hobbit for the first time and started the LOTR trilogy but for some reason it's hard for me to get into (I'm only on pg 165 of Fellowship) and I loved the films but i guess it takes time to get nestled in. The last book i also read was Jurassic Park and World War Z.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gazz on Apr 03, 2012, 08:45:12 PM
A Clash of Kings. Loved it.

Started reading A Storm of Swords but decided to instead pick up a little bit of light reading between the two. Am currently making my way through Christopher Hitchen's 'God is Not Good'. I'm enjoying it but sometimes find his ego overbearing on the subject material. Still a fascinating little read. Not close to the quality of Dawkin's 'The God Delusion' though... well, so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: x2SMONEY on Apr 04, 2012, 01:33:17 AM
Gone Baby, Gone
That Lehane,man. That's how I wanna write
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 10, 2012, 06:46:21 PM
Its a play, not a book, but I just finished Hamlet today and really liked it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 12, 2012, 04:24:17 AM
I'm rereading Ring by Koji Suzuki, and I'm pretty close to the end. This book is excellent, and well worth reading, even if you've seen Ringu or The Ring already. There's plenty of surprises, and quite a few creepy moments. The book also has sequels that don't suck, unlike either of the two movies. Seriously, I can't decide if Ringu 2 or The Ring TwO sucked equally or not. They're both f*cking terrible, regardless. But I digress: the books are worth looking into.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Jango1201 on Apr 13, 2012, 03:52:14 PM
Toni Iomi: Iron Man. Great book that takes you through all the sweat, blood, mayhem and outright hilarity of Black Sabbath's many incredible years.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 23, 2012, 02:29:36 AM
Finished up another play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Really enjoyed this one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: bobby brown on Apr 23, 2012, 01:19:33 PM
HORNS by Joe Hill. Great book. best Ive read in a long time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: mastermoon on Apr 24, 2012, 01:10:09 AM
Read the "Invisible Man" that was a great story one of the best HG.Wells stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vakarian on Apr 24, 2012, 04:34:40 PM
Zero Hour - By Andy McNab

I love Andy Mcnab books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: x2SMONEY on Apr 28, 2012, 01:05:44 AM
I recently got into Denis Lehane, and he's now second on my list of favorite authors. He's the master of neo-noir, man
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 30, 2012, 06:16:46 AM
A Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin

Quite good.
Spoiler
DAMN YOU MARTIN, DAMNYOUDAMNYOUDAMNYOU! Jon? No, you can't have killed Jon! Or Stannis! And Kevan too? You bastard! :'(
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vepariga on Apr 30, 2012, 08:30:05 AM
The Children of Hurin - J.R.R Tolkien

  :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 30, 2012, 11:28:13 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 30, 2012, 06:16:46 AMA Dance With Dragons by George R. R. Martin

Quite good.

Spoiler
DAMN YOU MARTIN, DAMNYOUDAMNYOUDAMNYOU! Jon? No, you can't have killed Jon! Or Stannis! And Kevan too? You bastard! :'(
[close]
Spoilers for The Winds of Winter here...

Spoiler
Stannis is alive.

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Stannis#The_Winds_of_Winter (http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Stannis#The_Winds_of_Winter)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2012, 03:34:38 AM
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

Forever one of my favourite novels. About my third or fourth time reading this; it only gets better with each successive one. A war story, a love story, a story of becoming a stranger out of time. Still makes me cry.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Feral_PRED on May 17, 2012, 10:48:32 AM
2001 A Space Odyssey  9/10 -  Better than the film!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2012, 01:39:22 PM
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold by John le Carré

I can't believe I've never read a le Carré novel before. I've always loved a good spy novel, and by god, I think this is the best that I've ever read. No over-the-top action, no romanticized vision of the espionage world, no clear-cut good guys and bad. Full of intrigue, deception, ambiguities, slow-ticking plans within plans within plans. A f**king wonder to read. If you're at all a fan of the espionage genre (hell, a fan of reading in general!) give this book a go. It's worth it.

Quote from: Alienhunter15 on May 17, 2012, 10:48:32 AM
2001 A Space Odyssey  9/10 -  Better than the film!

I love you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV-2501 on May 17, 2012, 10:02:32 PM
The Illustrated Man - Ray Bradbury.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on May 17, 2012, 11:27:54 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2012, 01:39:22 PM
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold by John le Carré

I can't believe I've never read a le Carré novel before. I've always loved a good spy novel, and by god, I think this is the best that I've ever read. No over-the-top action, no romanticized vision of the espionage world, no clear-cut good guys and bad. Full of intrigue, deception, ambiguities, slow-ticking plans within plans within plans. A f**king wonder to read. If you're at all a fan of the espionage genre (hell, a fan of reading in general!) give this book a go. It's worth it.

Jesus Christ, that sounds right up my alley. I'll have to check it out. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: King Rathalos on May 18, 2012, 01:13:38 AM
Jurassic Park

Had not read the book in a long time and had totally forgotten how different it was from the movie. Not to mention how much scarier it was when compared to the movie. Any part with the Raptors was just...so good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 18, 2012, 04:34:22 AM
ICO: Castle in the Mist

I loved the game ICO when I picked up the HD Collection, so when I heard there was a novelization, I had to look into it. I think it's cool how Miyabe expanded the mythos of the game while still remaining true to it. I haven't finished it yet, but I'm looking forward to reading more.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 18, 2012, 05:21:31 AM
Quote from: First Blood on May 17, 2012, 11:27:54 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2012, 01:39:22 PM
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold by John le Carré

I can't believe I've never read a le Carré novel before. I've always loved a good spy novel, and by god, I think this is the best that I've ever read. No over-the-top action, no romanticized vision of the espionage world, no clear-cut good guys and bad. Full of intrigue, deception, ambiguities, slow-ticking plans within plans within plans. A f**king wonder to read. If you're at all a fan of the espionage genre (hell, a fan of reading in general!) give this book a go. It's worth it.

Jesus Christ, that sounds right up my alley. I'll have to check it out. :)

I was thinking that as I went through it. Give it go, FB. Seems exactly the kinda thing you'd love.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: anndrayya on May 18, 2012, 05:37:22 PM
Well I'm not done yet but finally reading "THE TRIAL" by Franz Kafka    good so far, frightening
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Evilution on May 22, 2012, 10:41:36 PM
World war Z

Was a good read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on May 25, 2012, 09:48:41 PM
Stand on Zanzibar, what a book, ahead of it's time, prescient  in some ways, but of it's time and backwards in others (written in the late 60s) worth a read if you like dystopia or political sci fi
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 02, 2012, 07:25:47 PM
Tai-Pan by James Clavell 10/10

I haven't been giving numerical ratings much lately, and mainly that's just because of laziness. But this book here was something so fantastic, I just had to. A grand historical epic of the founding of Hong Kong, the birth of the Triads, the creation of a multi-generational dynasty, the cementing of the British Empire as a world power, even a bit of lead-up to the First World War, and oh so much more. The book started out a bit slow, simply establishing the dozens of characters that live in its pages, but from there it quickly picked up its pace, taking you on a wild ride through pirate attacks and naval battles, terrible riots and lavish parties, malarial disease and typhonic storms, political intrigue and scrupulous business. It was simply fantastic. Multiple climaxes, moments where the tension and action lets up, making you think the worst is over, before shoving yet another event in your face, bringing the heart up to another pounding pace. The characters were magnificent; ambiguous and unique. Hell, even the "villain" of the story I found myself rooting for sometimes. This was not a tale of good vs evil; it was simply the power struggle between two ruthless sailors. Clavell is a master story teller, with a penchant for killing off characters that would make GRRM jealous.

The ending of the book was simply... beautiful. I can't really properly describe it. Seldom have my emotions been so radically and quickly thrown from one extreme to the other. It was a masterfully crafted conclusion. It's not quite clear who the real victor of the story is, but by god, it was powerful. Much like Shōgun (the other Clavell novel I've read), the ending didn't really finish the story. Much like in life, it gave the sense that things were only just beginning, and that no story ever truly comes to an end.

I highly recommend this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RagingDragon on Jun 03, 2012, 06:30:40 AM
That was a nice review.  I'm gonna try and read that soon, it sounds great.

Your last statement before the closing sentence made me want to insert a hopeful Prometheus reference, ;D but I shall abstain in the interest of temerity.

Thanks, Marines.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 03, 2012, 08:37:30 AM
Well, now you've made me want to watch Prometheus that much more. ;D

Glad that I've got you interested in this book. It's part of a series of sorts from that author called the Asian Saga. Personally, I'd start with Shōgun, although it really doesn't matter too much. The stories don't directly lead from one to the other; they just sorta reference each other now and again.

I just hope I didn't overhype this too much for you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jun 03, 2012, 08:40:43 AM
SpaceMarines: went and looked up Tai-Pan on your recommendation. Lead me to Shogun, which I'd heard about but never delved into. Read the first paragraph on Amazon. Hooked. In Shopping Basket. Gratitude :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 03, 2012, 08:45:11 AM
Hell yeah, I'm just spreading the Clavell love tonight!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vongaelly on Jun 04, 2012, 08:29:28 AM
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Hunter S. Thompson

Before that was The Hobbit
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RagingDragon on Jun 04, 2012, 09:06:54 AM
A nice, and incredibly diverse, selection!  Very intriguing man, will wait to see what you think!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 04, 2012, 09:08:27 AM
Earth Abides

damn good post apocalyptic book,
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 04, 2012, 10:07:28 PM
The Terror by Dan Simmons

It's an interesting little mish-mash of historical novel and horror story. The story combines a real historical expedition to the Northwest Passage that disappeared with a monster on the loose scenario. It works better than you would think.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: mastermoon on Jun 07, 2012, 04:21:43 PM
I AM LEGEND is probably one of the finest books on vampires, those undead and oft nightmarish bloodsuckers of our own creations. However, Matheson presents his vampires as the ultimate human terror, that of a replacement species for our race. The story follows Robert Neville, the sole survivor of a biological holocaust that created night stalkers who has turned his home into a fortress in suburban Los Angeles. During the day he hunts sleeping vampires, staking them through the heart and barricades himself in his home at night while they mill about his yard like cadaverous door to door salesmen, calling his name while the females raise their dresses to tease and taunt him.

Neville is a beautiful study into the deterioration of the human mind, aside from the loss of his wife and daughter that haunts him constantly, he begins to lose his own grip on humanity. For three years he has lived this life of solitude, but surrounded by human monsters who, incidentally, do not wear 18th century regalia, top hats nor do they moan about how much their unlife makes them do such terrible things. Matheson's vampires are a paradox of life, do not turn into bats, wolves or mists and haven't an ounce of pretense or angst found in the likes of Anne Rice's Eurotrash vampires or the found in Vampire: the Masquerade. Neville has forgotten the sound of his own voice and much of the common etiquette that we as humans all share.

Matheson's masterful descriptions of the monotony of daily life mingled with the nagging question of why he just doesn't give himself up to them permeate the book. He constructs arguments for both sides, and deconstructs the myth of vampires by producing a wonderful scientific explanation that Neville learns over a period of a few years, literally by educating himself at the UCLA libraries. The reader is so aware of the protagonist's torment and the surging desire for companionship, human or otherwise, that when he finds the stray dog, we are captivated and pulled along as Neville spends weeks trying to coax the terrified animal into his home. And, without giving it away, the ending will knock the reader off of whatever he or she is sitting on.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rick Grimes on Jun 07, 2012, 05:45:14 PM
Quote from: mastermoon on Jun 07, 2012, 04:21:43 PM
I AM LEGEND is probably one of the finest books on vampires, those undead and oft nightmarish bloodsuckers of our own creations. However, Matheson presents his vampires as the ultimate human terror, that of a replacement species for our race. The story follows Robert Neville, the sole survivor of a biological holocaust that created night stalkers who has turned his home into a fortress in suburban Los Angeles. During the day he hunts sleeping vampires, staking them through the heart and barricades himself in his home at night while they mill about his yard like cadaverous door to door salesmen, calling his name while the females raise their dresses to tease and taunt him.

Neville is a beautiful study into the deterioration of the human mind, aside from the loss of his wife and daughter that haunts him constantly, he begins to lose his own grip on humanity. For three years he has lived this life of solitude, but surrounded by human monsters who, incidentally, do not wear 18th century regalia, top hats nor do they moan about how much their unlife makes them do such terrible things. Matheson's vampires are a paradox of life, do not turn into bats, wolves or mists and haven't an ounce of pretense or angst found in the likes of Anne Rice's Eurotrash vampires or the found in Vampire: the Masquerade. Neville has forgotten the sound of his own voice and much of the common etiquette that we as humans all share.

Matheson's masterful descriptions of the monotony of daily life mingled with the nagging question of why he just doesn't give himself up to them permeate the book. He constructs arguments for both sides, and deconstructs the myth of vampires by producing a wonderful scientific explanation that Neville learns over a period of a few years, literally by educating himself at the UCLA libraries. The reader is so aware of the protagonist's torment and the surging desire for companionship, human or otherwise, that when he finds the stray dog, we are captivated and pulled along as Neville spends weeks trying to coax the terrified animal into his home. And, without giving it away, the ending will knock the reader off of whatever he or she is sitting on.

Agreed, I Am Legend is an amazing novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: mastermoon on Jun 09, 2012, 03:38:25 PM
Anyone here read the classic Conan The Barbarian from Robert E. Howard.

Recently I've got a collection of the classics stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 13, 2012, 03:45:11 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 04, 2012, 10:07:28 PM
The Terror by Dan Simmons

It's an interesting little mish-mash of historical novel and horror story. The story combines a real historical expedition to the Northwest Passage that disappeared with a monster on the loose scenario. It works better than you would think.

you read any other Simmons? Hyperion/Fall of Hyperion/Endymion/Rise of Endymion or Ilium/Olympos?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 13, 2012, 03:54:05 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Jun 13, 2012, 03:45:11 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 04, 2012, 10:07:28 PM
The Terror by Dan Simmons

It's an interesting little mish-mash of historical novel and horror story. The story combines a real historical expedition to the Northwest Passage that disappeared with a monster on the loose scenario. It works better than you would think.

you read any other Simmons? Hyperion/Fall of Hyperion/Endymion/Rise of Endymion or Ilium/Olympos?

I read Ilium a few months back, but never got around to Olympos.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sinister Serenity on Jun 14, 2012, 04:28:22 AM
Quote from: Rick Grimes on Jun 07, 2012, 05:45:14 PM
Quote from: mastermoon on Jun 07, 2012, 04:21:43 PM
I AM LEGEND is probably one of the finest books on vampires, those undead and oft nightmarish bloodsuckers of our own creations. However, Matheson presents his vampires as the ultimate human terror, that of a replacement species for our race. The story follows Robert Neville, the sole survivor of a biological holocaust that created night stalkers who has turned his home into a fortress in suburban Los Angeles. During the day he hunts sleeping vampires, staking them through the heart and barricades himself in his home at night while they mill about his yard like cadaverous door to door salesmen, calling his name while the females raise their dresses to tease and taunt him.

Neville is a beautiful study into the deterioration of the human mind, aside from the loss of his wife and daughter that haunts him constantly, he begins to lose his own grip on humanity. For three years he has lived this life of solitude, but surrounded by human monsters who, incidentally, do not wear 18th century regalia, top hats nor do they moan about how much their unlife makes them do such terrible things. Matheson's vampires are a paradox of life, do not turn into bats, wolves or mists and haven't an ounce of pretense or angst found in the likes of Anne Rice's Eurotrash vampires or the found in Vampire: the Masquerade. Neville has forgotten the sound of his own voice and much of the common etiquette that we as humans all share.

Matheson's masterful descriptions of the monotony of daily life mingled with the nagging question of why he just doesn't give himself up to them permeate the book. He constructs arguments for both sides, and deconstructs the myth of vampires by producing a wonderful scientific explanation that Neville learns over a period of a few years, literally by educating himself at the UCLA libraries. The reader is so aware of the protagonist's torment and the surging desire for companionship, human or otherwise, that when he finds the stray dog, we are captivated and pulled along as Neville spends weeks trying to coax the terrified animal into his home. And, without giving it away, the ending will knock the reader off of whatever he or she is sitting on.

Agreed, I Am Legend is an amazing novel.

Wish it would have been longer.
As for me, just finished "The Last Hope"... The end of the Warriors Saga.
I cried. I loved that god damn series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jun 24, 2012, 07:58:26 PM
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on Jun 24, 2012, 08:32:11 PM
I fell asleep listening to Pale Blue Dot last night. Kind of counts.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Jun 24, 2012, 08:58:15 PM
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stingray on Jun 25, 2012, 07:27:11 PM
Can't remember the technically "last" book I read, as it's been a while, but the book I just started reading last night is "Dune" by Frank Herbert.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Larry The Cable Predator on Jun 25, 2012, 08:16:05 PM
Batman: The Court of Owls was the last book I read, and right now, I'm working on Stephen King's 11/22/63.

:)

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 25, 2012, 08:57:35 PM
Quote from: Stingray on Jun 25, 2012, 07:27:11 PM
Can't remember the technically "last" book I read, as it's been a while, but the book I just started reading last night is "Dune" by Frank Herbert.

Oh, that book is absolutely magical. I found the start to be kinda iffy, but once it got going, it became one of the greatest literary epics I've read.

First time?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stingray on Jun 25, 2012, 09:14:19 PM
Yep. I figured it's about time I obtain a copy after being so amazed at the film version, especially since I hear the film version barely captures the book's awsomness.

So far, I'm really enjoying it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 25, 2012, 11:40:28 PM
Swag by Elmore Leonard

Just awesome. It's about two guys, Frank and Stick who go around knocking off liquor stores and convenience stores for cash. They're basically robbers. It was written during the late 70s so there are no cell phones or cameras to catch these guys. Leonard is so damn good at crafting these characters and writing dialogue. It's almost as if you're standing next to them them in their apartment or helping them pull off a heist. When they first start both Frank and Stick come up with 10 simple rules to follow so they don't get caught. But as their income grows and greed seeps in, those rules go right out the f**king window. Money and greed is a powerful weapon that can turn on anyone.

A damn fine crime thriller from an excellent author.


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Jun 26, 2012, 06:30:24 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51Qw6AJ7bHL._SL500_AA300_.jpg&hash=b15ae887e5b4bcb383dcb26742e6127279348955)
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World - 10/10

A kitten shoved in a book return slot in the middle of winter ends up to be a world famous library cat that emotionally brings a whole town back on its feet after an economic down turn during the 80s.  A must read for animal lovers, very touching but when your near the end go grab a tissue box you may need it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jun 29, 2012, 12:19:59 PM
The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Absolutely hilarious and brilliantly elaborate parody of the intelligent design movement.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jun 29, 2012, 01:29:15 PM
just finished Earth Abides by George R Stewart about 20 minutes ago.....wow..... amazing book, if you enjoy anything post-apocalyptic you have no excuse to not have read it, but other than being a fantastic portrayal of post apocalyptic America, it's also a fantastic book for anyone to read.

It has parallels to Noah's Ark, with implications that after WW2 (the book was first published in 1949) a plague has swept across the world killing a vast percentage of human life, but leaving all animal life untouched, but the main character is refreshingly non-religious, and it's rather optimistic on the whole, unlike something like The Road.

Anyway I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jun 29, 2012, 05:47:16 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Jun 29, 2012, 01:29:15 PM
just finished Earth Abides by George R Stewart about 20 minutes ago.....wow..... amazing book, if you enjoy anything post-apocalyptic you have no excuse to not have read it, but other than being a fantastic portrayal of post apocalyptic America, it's also a fantastic book for anyone to read.

It has parallels to Noah's Ark, with implications that after WW2 (the book was first published in 1949) a plague has swept across the world killing a vast percentage of human life, but leaving all animal life untouched, but the main character is refreshingly non-religious, and it's rather optimistic on the whole, unlike something like The Road.

Anyway I highly recommend it.

I'm three quarters of the way into The Road, its such a difficult read because of just how bleak it is, I've enjoyed it so far but it is a very depressing story
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jun 29, 2012, 06:58:22 PM
The Road is very good ^ Stick with it.

"Hope finds the boy". Loved that damn book.

I'm currently in Book XI of John Milton's Paradise Lost..... kinda funny how "team heaven" is misoginist and tirannical.. while Satan gets to use some nice anti-fashism speeches. When read with 21st century morality.. nobody is truly good in this story but Satan still ends up being one of the most sympathetic characters... the exact opposite of what Milton intended! hehe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jul 01, 2012, 09:56:22 AM
Currently re-reading The Hobbit.

The small flashback about Bullroarer had me in tears -- and my lungs keep getting threatened.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 02, 2012, 11:40:52 AM
Quote from: Novak 1334 on Jun 29, 2012, 05:47:16 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Jun 29, 2012, 01:29:15 PM
just finished Earth Abides by George R Stewart about 20 minutes ago.....wow..... amazing book, if you enjoy anything post-apocalyptic you have no excuse to not have read it, but other than being a fantastic portrayal of post apocalyptic America, it's also a fantastic book for anyone to read.

It has parallels to Noah's Ark, with implications that after WW2 (the book was first published in 1949) a plague has swept across the world killing a vast percentage of human life, but leaving all animal life untouched, but the main character is refreshingly non-religious, and it's rather optimistic on the whole, unlike something like The Road.

Anyway I highly recommend it.

I'm three quarters of the way into The Road, its such a difficult read because of just how bleak it is, I've enjoyed it so far but it is a very depressing story

yeah, it's the bleakest book I've ever read, you should read Earth Abides after to compare them, they are such different books considering a similar subject matter, and an interesting contrast between how people with different personalities deal with the end of civilisation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 02, 2012, 11:50:07 PM
Dracula by Bram Stoker

This took me much longer to finish than it should have. Great book, exciting and tense, and comically sexist throughout, but there was just something about it. It was hard for me to get through at times.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 05, 2012, 08:17:44 AM
I found The Road hard to read because of McCarthy's obnoxious habit of not using punctuation. Otherwise, I love his stuff.

Dropped Sea Monsters, since I got sick of all the parties and people chatting about romance. So now I'm reading A Study in Scarlet, and something amused me: it's one of the longest Holmes stories, and my copy is only forty-ish pages long. It's a great story, Holms being an icon and all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 10, 2012, 12:40:13 AM
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn

This was pretty damn entertaining. I found myself flipping through the pages late into the night. It's the fifth book in the Mitch Rapp series. He's a CIA assassin who wages war on terrorism behind closed doors. This time around Mitch is trying to stop a group of terrorists from al-Qaeda from detonating a nuclear bomb in Washington D.C. during a Memorial Day celebration. Like the previous four books I've read in the series, it features some great political intrigue between characters like the President, the director of the CIA and a host of other interesting characters. Mitch's characterization continues to evolve. He's seen as this very passionate man who will stop at nothing to protect the country he loves. But he also knows when you strip away the political correctness of his job, he's nothing more than an assassin; pure and simple. Memorial Day certainly didn't disappoint. I found myself on the edge of my seat as the book was coming to its conclusion and Mitch was racing against the clock. Much like Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, the Mitch Rapp series is another great series of books I enjoy. Some great summer-time reading right here.


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 10, 2012, 10:05:51 PM
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

I love this book. So, so much. I can see this masterpiece's influences percolated throughout every single film-noir that I've watched, every detective novel I've read. Just about every noir cliche seems to be present here; the heavy drinking, the antiheroic protagonist, the intricate plots, the femme-fatale, excessive smoking... oh, gods, it's so good! It follows Sam Spade, a San Francisco PI, as he's asked by a woman to tail a man, and things just lead to bigger and bigger things from there. And the ending! The ending was masterful!

Really, a must-read for any hardboiled noir fans out there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Jul 11, 2012, 09:11:48 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 10, 2012, 10:05:51 PM
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

I love this book. So, so much. I can see this masterpiece's influences percolated throughout every single film-noir that I've watched, every detective novel I've read. Just about every noir cliche seems to be present here; the heavy drinking, the antiheroic protagonist, the intricate plots, the femme-fatale, excessive smoking... oh, gods, it's so good! It follows Sam Spade, a San Francisco PI, as he's asked by a woman to tail a man, and things just lead to bigger and bigger things from there. And the ending! The ending was masterful!

Really, a must-read for any hardboiled noir fans out there.

when i was a kid i read a parody of that book called The Falcon's Malteser... that is all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 11, 2012, 03:22:17 PM
I just started on Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. So far, it's pretty good. I love how it takes the concept seriously, and feels like a genuine biographical piece on Lincoln.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 11, 2012, 06:34:17 PM
Finished The Road, literally the most depressing story I have ever read and I'm not the biggest fan of Mcarthy's style but still it absolutely blew me away.  The Man in The Hight Tower is next
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: CONKERSBADFURDAY on Jul 12, 2012, 03:07:06 AM
I can listen to audiobooks at work, so I've been doing that lately as I don't have time for regular books. I have been reading Lovecraft short stories on the weekends though, and those are fantastic.

Anyways, finished The Leviathans of Jupiter by Ben Bova today. Was five bucks on audible so I took a gamble. The book is utter shit though. For a book about going to Jupiter to talk to giant aliens, you'd think that's what the characters would do. Nope. They spend the first 2/3 on the station above Jupiter f**kin around and being annoying and then the last third they go to Jupiter but don't do much there.

It was just...bad. The author did so many things that pissed me off, like random literary references for ego masturbation and nothing else. Or including random religious bouts that were there to be there. C.S. Lewis had reasoning for religion in his sci fi, this guy...it's just there. I don't know why. It bothered me.

The antagonist was all kinds of retarded and completely unneeded.

On the whole, was a long 15 hours.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sinister Serenity on Jul 12, 2012, 06:31:22 AM
Ender's Game.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 20, 2012, 11:34:53 PM
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

Loved this book, just like every other Hemingway I've read. His unique style is always beautiful and moving to read.

Halo: The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund

Halo: The Flood by William C. Dietz

Halo: First Strike by Eric Nylund

Halo: Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nylund

More on those four in the Halo thread.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Jul 24, 2012, 03:27:54 AM
277 Secrets Your Snake and Lizard Wants you to Know

Fun stuff, not a snake or lizard owner yet but some day I plan on it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 24, 2012, 04:07:11 AM
The Savage Tales of Solomon Kane

Old school action adventure by the old master, Robert E. Howard. Kane is definitely my favorite character of his, even more so than Conan.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jul 24, 2012, 10:42:19 PM
The Sun Dog by Stephen King

Okay, so it's not a full book, but rather a short story. It was well worth the read however and it quickly became one of my favorite King stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpreadEagleBeagle on Jul 27, 2012, 12:12:52 AM
The Soft Machine by William S. Burroughs

Great mind rape and total obfuscation of linear story telling along the lines of his cut-ups technique. Menacing loops and cycles and loads of bristling hardcore man-on-man action. Sweaty and drug infused. In other words - awesome!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jul 31, 2012, 02:55:22 AM
The Maze Runner. Pretty good choice for my Summer reading project.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Spaghetti on Jul 31, 2012, 11:00:58 AM
Summer of Night by Dan Simmons

Fantastic stuff. Haven't been this invested in characters and truly saddened when they expire in a long time. Ending was a tad too open-ended for my taste though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Aug 03, 2012, 07:35:01 PM
Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

Absolutely loved it, great characters, uncomfortable in parts, this guy can really tell a good story
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Snowdog on Aug 03, 2012, 08:24:21 PM
"The Hunger Games" I absolutely loved it ;D I started reading it because i really enjoyed the movie. But with the book you have much more insight into the character relations and everything ^^ Now half way through the second one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 14, 2012, 03:00:48 AM
Unfinished Tales by J.R.R. Tolkien

I thoroughly enjoyed this. There were a few stories that I had to skip, but by-and-large, they were all great. The only annoying thing is the obvious "Unfinished" part. So many of the stories I loved and really wanted to see the conclusion to, only to have it abruptly stop.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 14, 2012, 09:01:30 AM
Read A Scanner Darkly by Philip K Dick, which was pretty damn good, but confusing, it helps that I've seen the movie a few times, which by the way is very faithful.

currently reading Book of Skulls by Robert Silverberg, which is pretty cool so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 20, 2012, 11:04:31 PM
V for Vendetta written by Alan Moore, art by David Lloyd

This was... wow. This was utterly fantastic. I've never been a very big fan of the film (I've always seen it as an okay movie), but this thing was simply... a masterpiece. One of the greatest pieces of dystopian fiction I've read, mainly because the Fascist Britain that is set up is so goddamn believable, both in how it functions and (terrifyingly) in how it came to be. And the characters are all wonderful. There's no real hero to this story. Everyone is grey; some are a bit darker than others, but no one is black or white. The best part of it all is your perception of who the darkest and lightest of this gallery of rogues changes as the story goes on, either through finding out more about the character, the character themselves undergoing a transformation, or often times a combination of both. A truly great, nuanced work, and (dare I say) the best comic of Alan Moore's that I've read. Yes, even better than Watchmen.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: CarnalCalligraphy on Aug 21, 2012, 10:34:05 AM
The Moral Landscape by Sam Harris.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Aug 22, 2012, 05:39:22 PM
Mimic by Donald A. Wollheim. Pretty great short story, the basis of the Del Toro film -- although the film strays widely from the storyline. I would love it to be adapted line-for-line in a short film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Aug 22, 2012, 11:34:30 PM
The Taking by Dean Koontz

Halfway through and I'm completely addicted, Koontz has a real ability to creep you out by allowing your imagination to fill in the gaps
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Aug 23, 2012, 12:23:11 AM
Quote from: Novak 1334 on Aug 22, 2012, 11:34:30 PM
The Taking by Dean Koontz

Halfway through and I'm completely addicted, Koontz has a real ability to creep you out by allowing your imagination to fill in the gaps

Oooh, have you read Phantoms? That's a favorite.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rick Grimes on Aug 23, 2012, 02:54:23 AM
Finished World War Z. Thinking about reading Fight Club since i love that movie so much.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Aug 23, 2012, 02:56:53 AM
Quote from: Rick Grimes on Aug 23, 2012, 02:54:23 AM
Finished World War Z.

What'd you think? Despite not being the biggest zombie fan (TWD aside), I really loved it.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rick Grimes on Aug 23, 2012, 02:58:53 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Aug 23, 2012, 02:56:53 AM
Quote from: Rick Grimes on Aug 23, 2012, 02:54:23 AM
Finished World War Z.

What'd you think? Despite not being the biggest zombie fan (TWD aside), I really loved it.

I enjoyed it. Felt very real to me. Loved the style of writing used.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 23, 2012, 10:31:48 AM
Quote from: Rick Grimes on Aug 23, 2012, 02:54:23 AM
Finished World War Z. Thinking about reading Fight Club since i love that movie so much.

I've heard the movie is actually better than the book, but that the author is great on the whole, and has other better books than Fight Club, so YMMV
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Aug 23, 2012, 12:32:18 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Aug 23, 2012, 12:23:11 AM
Quote from: Novak 1334 on Aug 22, 2012, 11:34:30 PM
The Taking by Dean Koontz

Halfway through and I'm completely addicted, Koontz has a real ability to creep you out by allowing your imagination to fill in the gaps

Oooh, have you read Phantoms? That's a favorite.

No, I've only read Watchers, but I've been meaning to pick it up, plus I hear Affleck was the bomb i the movie version  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: VicerExciser206 on Aug 24, 2012, 12:05:02 AM
Just finished the Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker, now I'm re-reading American Psycho. Both are really good books. I'd recommend them for sure!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightlord on Aug 24, 2012, 08:46:22 AM
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini.
Very enjoyable almost like it should be made into a movie, if only Eragon hadn't crashed and burned.
The only thing I disliked was the ending, seriously damn sad but I had a feeling it was going to happen.
I really hope Christopher Paolini continues the story, not to mention that there are a few sidestories that are left to be told too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 24, 2012, 06:51:46 PM
I've recently finished Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons. Great books, but I'm not really sure how to describe them. I just started on Endymion, and will move on to the last book after that. Oh, and I want a pet Shrike so much now. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 26, 2012, 10:51:11 PM
lol, not sure a time bending killing machine would make a good pet, but he's more friendly in the endymion books. I want a cruciform of resurrection if anything.
glad someone else here reads Dan Simmons, I thought I was the only one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 26, 2012, 11:46:36 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Aug 26, 2012, 10:51:11 PM
lol, not sure a time bending killing machine would make a good pet, but he's more friendly in the endymion books. I want a cruciform of resurrection if anything.
glad someone else here reads Dan Simmons, I thought I was the only one.

True, I'd probably end up missing most of my limbs after letting it out of the kennel. :)

And I was wondering why the cover art had the Shrike chilling on a raft with two humans and Dr. Manhattan.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Aug 27, 2012, 02:14:21 AM
The Lions of Lucerne by Brad Thor

It was pretty decent. It's not the best spy thriller I've read, and the characters are a little shallow. The main character seems to be almost too perfect, but it was enjoyable nontheless. There's some pretty good action sequences as well.

11/22/63 - Stephen King

This was really good. Like most of King's works, it features well rounded characters who are distinct from one another. The story is about a man named Jacob Epping who discovers a portal in the back of a diner which transports him back to 1958. I think what I liked most about the novel is that it doesn't rush the Kennedy assassination. There's a fantastic build up to it as Jake is discovering what life was like in the 50s. And King does a wonderful job of detailing 50s lifestyles, attitudes and morals. It's a time period in America that I've always been fascinated with (along with the 80s...) It's a great read, and worth checking out. 

Now that summer is coming to a close and winter is approaching, along with the release of Skyfall -- I might jump back into reading the Ian Fleming Bond novels. I read both Casino Royale and Live and Let Die last winter and really enjoyed them. Have to check out Moonraker and go from there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 29, 2012, 09:17:01 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Aug 26, 2012, 11:46:36 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Aug 26, 2012, 10:51:11 PM
lol, not sure a time bending killing machine would make a good pet, but he's more friendly in the endymion books. I want a cruciform of resurrection if anything.
glad someone else here reads Dan Simmons, I thought I was the only one.

True, I'd probably end up missing most of my limbs after letting it out of the kennel. :)

And I was wondering why the cover art had the Shrike chilling on a raft with two humans and Dr. Manhattan.
lol, iirc the blue guy is an android, like the one in Hyperion, it may be the same android I can't remember.
My copy of Endymion has a more subtle cover
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fwat%2Fimages%2Fnbd%2Fm%2F978057%2F507%2F9780575076341.jpg&hash=063ab9fdfe279002cca736c381ca4c0accb0cc75)


anyway they are good books, you have to read Ilium and Olympos by Dan Simmons afterwards.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Aug 29, 2012, 12:19:42 PM
The Hunger Games trilogy. (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay.) - Suzanne Collins.

Interview With The Vampire and The Vampire Lestat - Anne Rice.

All of them were pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 29, 2012, 01:41:43 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Aug 29, 2012, 09:17:01 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Aug 26, 2012, 11:46:36 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Aug 26, 2012, 10:51:11 PM
lol, not sure a time bending killing machine would make a good pet, but he's more friendly in the endymion books. I want a cruciform of resurrection if anything.
glad someone else here reads Dan Simmons, I thought I was the only one.

True, I'd probably end up missing most of my limbs after letting it out of the kennel. :)

And I was wondering why the cover art had the Shrike chilling on a raft with two humans and Dr. Manhattan.
lol, iirc the blue guy is an android, like the one in Hyperion, it may be the same android I can't remember.
My copy of Endymion has a more subtle cover
http://www.waterstones.com/wat/images/nbd/m/978057/507/9780575076341.jpg


anyway they are good books, you have to read Ilium and Olympos by Dan Simmons afterwards.

Yup, he's A. Bettik from Hyperion. I read Ilium about a year ago, never got around to Olympos.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Aug 29, 2012, 02:12:49 PM
I thought Olympos was better than Ilium.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 30, 2012, 06:43:41 AM
The Children of Men by PD James

A very good book, but I find it one of the rare times when the film is clearly better than the book it was based upon. Really makes me wanna watch the movie again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RagingDragon on Aug 30, 2012, 06:52:20 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Aug 30, 2012, 06:43:41 AM
The Children of Men by PD James

A very good book, but I find it one of the rare times when the film is clearly better than the book it was based upon. Really makes me wanna watch the movie again.

Cool..  I was just talking to my wife about how good of a movie that is, but didn't know there was a book.  Was it a novelization?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 30, 2012, 06:54:44 AM
Nah, came out first. Didn't know it was a book, either, until I saw it on our bookshelf in the front room. It's definitely quite good, although the story is very different between the two. It's only 240 pages, or so, so it's nothing huge either. Worth the read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RagingDragon on Aug 30, 2012, 06:57:25 AM
I will check that out!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 01, 2012, 05:42:03 AM
Robert Louis Stevenson - Treasure Island

it was one of those classics that just sliped me by during my childhood. Loving it so far :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 09, 2012, 02:42:35 PM
From a Buick 8 by Stephen King

This is probably the fourth or fifth time I have read this novel and it's easily my favorite work of Stephen King. It tells the story of Troop D, of the Pennsylvania State Police, which in the 70's became caretakers of a myserious Buick Roadmaster. Left at a gas station by a man dressed in black, the Buick acts like a portal between our world and another. Sometimes, people and objects close to the Buick simply disappears. Other times, it spews forth creatures of such different origin and design that the human brain can not comprehend it. We get to follow the men and women of Troop D throughout the years, as they try to deal with and understand this strange object in the disguise of a car.

Definitely recommended.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Sep 09, 2012, 03:43:32 PM
That sounds very interesting. It sounds like it would make for a good Supernatural episode as well.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 09, 2012, 06:16:27 PM
Halo: Contact Harvest by Joseph Staten

As a Halo fan, I really loved this book. Now, it wasn't the best of the Halo books that I've read (that honour is reserved for Ghosts of Onyx), or even one of the best. But it was a decent entry into the series, giving some great insight into how the war started, the inner-workings of the Covenant, and just what makes Avery J. Johnson tick. I loved that most of the book followed the good ol' sergeant, because I could use his voice in my head. Now, this was Staten's first novel, and you could tell. Some of the dialogue was clunky, a few descriptions were a bit too descriptive, but overall, it didn't take away too much from the story and characters. The final chapter was also very, very good.

If you're a fan of the series, give this a read. If not, I won't recommend it. Doesn't give much to non-Halo people.

Quote from: Laufey on Sep 09, 2012, 02:42:35 PM
From a Buick 8 by Stephen King

Spoiler
This is probably the fourth or fifth time I have read this novel and it's easily my favorite work of Stephen King. It tells the story of Troop D, of the Pennsylvania State Police, which in the 70's became caretakers of a myserious Buick Roadmaster. Left at a gas station by a man dressed in black, the Buick acts like a portal between our world and another. Sometimes, people and objects close to the Buick simply disappears. Other times, it spews forth creatures of such different origin and design that the human brain can not comprehend it. We get to follow the men and women of Troop D throughout the years, as they try to deal with and understand this strange object in the disguise of a car.
[close]
Definitely recommended.


Ooh, that sounds really good. Haven't read a King book in awhile; gonna be keeping an eye out for that one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 09, 2012, 06:26:11 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Sep 09, 2012, 03:43:32 PM
That sounds very interesting. It sounds like it would make for a good Supernatural episode as well.

Romero was supposed to make a movie of it, but that never happened. :(

Quote from: SpaceMarines on Sep 09, 2012, 06:16:27 PMHalo: Contact Harvest by Joseph Staten

Spoiler
As a Halo fan, I really loved this book. Now, it wasn't the best of the Halo books that I've read (that honour is reserved for Ghosts of Onyx), or even one of the best. But it was a decent entry into the series, giving some great insight into how the war started, the inner-workings of the Covenant, and just what makes Avery J. Johnson tick. I loved that most of the book followed the good ol' sergeant, because I could use his voice in my head. Now, this was Staten's first novel, and you could tell. Some of the dialogue was clunky, a few descriptions were a bit too descriptive, but overall, it didn't take away too much from the story and characters. The final chapter was also very, very good.
[close]

If you're a fan of the series, give this a read. If not, I won't recommend it. Doesn't give much to non-Halo people.

An excellent review. I've been meaning to give it a try, as soon as I'm done with the other Halo novels I've got lying around. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 09, 2012, 06:31:18 PM
Yeah, it's a good one. I've only recently started reading the books. Gone through the first five, almost done The Cole Protocol right now. They're all quite good, although The Fall of Reach suffers from the fact that it was rushed. It needed a few more drafts.

Actually, no, they're not all good. The Flood is absolutely dreadful. There's some good things in it, somewhere, but they're buried under the terrible writing and repetition of the Chief killing hundreds of things at once. But if you have the "Definitive Edition" of it, there's some great short stories and stuff in the Adjunct section.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 09, 2012, 08:12:10 PM
The best parts of The Flood are the parts without Chief. The Chief parts were redundant and hard to get through.

Marines, what did you think of the subplot in Contact Harvest with the Grunt and Engineer? That was one of my favorite parts of the book.

This reminds me, I need to go back and finish Glasslands....
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 09, 2012, 10:08:03 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 09, 2012, 08:12:10 PM
Marines, what did you think of the subplot in Contact Harvest with the Grunt and Engineer? That was one of my favorite parts of the book.

Absolutely fantastic. Segments from the Covie perspective are almost always my favourites in the books. So great to see the other side.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Sep 10, 2012, 05:14:55 PM
Finished The Taking, by Dean Koontz, loved it, had me gripped from beginning to end.  Halfway through Dragon Tears now, this one is a little harder to enjoy, too much flitting between characters.  Im not saying its a bad thing having lots of characters but sometimes you lose sight of what is going on when things are a little complicated
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 01:13:22 AM
Re-reading Lord of the Rings because tis' awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1127.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl622%2Fzizi_west%2FNama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg&hash=bb7b2bddfb940e82a83d376a2915d4b457ec7e33)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:10:06 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/zizi_west/Nama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg

-snortgiggle-
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:11:29 PM
Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:10:06 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/zizi_west/Nama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg

-snortgiggle-


You racist?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 14, 2012, 10:11:37 PM
Still working on Endymion... So far it sounds like ice tunnels really suck to push a raft through.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:12:52 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:11:29 PM
Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:10:06 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/zizi_west/Nama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg

-snortgiggle-


You racist?

NO. I hate racism.

It just made me laugh for some reason.
It was just so random, lmao.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:14:24 PM
Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:12:52 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:11:29 PM
Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:10:06 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/zizi_west/Nama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg

-snortgiggle-


You racist?

NO. I hate racism.

It just made me laugh for some reason.
It was just so random, lmao.


Hmm...



Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 09:52:39 PM
Quote from: Effectz on Sep 14, 2012, 09:45:59 PM
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m938gzCuhn1ruz6zso1_500.gif

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FRPmi6.gif&hash=98543e31b35d08c69c099b7dce86d81cce58a74d)
[close]

I can't breathe


!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Sep 14, 2012, 10:16:10 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/zizi_west/Nama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg

Is that good? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:17:45 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:14:24 PM
Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:12:52 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:11:29 PM
Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:10:06 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/zizi_west/Nama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg

-snortgiggle-


You racist?

NO. I hate racism.

It just made me laugh for some reason.
It was just so random, lmao.


Hmm...



Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 09:52:39 PM
Quote from: Effectz on Sep 14, 2012, 09:45:59 PM
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m938gzCuhn1ruz6zso1_500.gif

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FRPmi6.gif&hash=98543e31b35d08c69c099b7dce86d81cce58a74d)
[close]

I can't breathe


!

THE FIRST ONE!! THE FIRST ONE DAMMIT!!

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:19:00 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Sep 14, 2012, 10:16:10 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/zizi_west/Nama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg

Is that good? :)

I'd rate it a 7/10

But it really is the only book I've read that actually deals with the subject in depth, because a lot of the books the author mentions that he says don't talk about the subject that much, are in fact true. I've read many of the examples he points out, and they really haven't.


This book may not be as long as it should be, it's about less than 200 pages, but it does talk about what the relation between Pop culture and Black Superheroes is, so if you ever had any interest in that, then I suggest you read it.


Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:17:45 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:14:24 PM
Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:12:52 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:11:29 PM
Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:10:06 PM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Sep 14, 2012, 10:07:22 PM
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/zizi_west/Nama_cover_SuperBlack.jpg

-snortgiggle-


You racist?

NO. I hate racism.

It just made me laugh for some reason.
It was just so random, lmao.


Hmm...



Quote from: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 09:52:39 PM
Quote from: Effectz on Sep 14, 2012, 09:45:59 PM
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m938gzCuhn1ruz6zso1_500.gif

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FRPmi6.gif&hash=98543e31b35d08c69c099b7dce86d81cce58a74d)
[close]

I can't breathe


!

THE FIRST ONE!! THE FIRST ONE DAMMIT!!

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU


You say that after the fact.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sinister Serenity on Sep 14, 2012, 10:21:21 PM
Pft.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 15, 2012, 01:00:47 AM
Halo: The Cole Protocol by Tobias S. Buckell

A decent enough book. Really interesting to see a different take on the Human/Covenant war; not the all-out frontline assaults, but a behind enemy lines, black ops type situation. Love seeing tensions not only between humanity and the aliens, but within our own ranks as well. Not the best written book, unfortunately. Some rather stiff dialogue and descriptions, but overall, good if you're a Halo fan. Also loved the segments from the Arbiter's perspective.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 05, 2012, 03:07:24 PM
Endymion by Dan Simmons

It's been three centuries, give or take a couple of decades, since The Fall of Hyperion. The Catholic Church, now gone corrupt since the death of Paul Dure, has taken control of the former Hegemony planets and placed them under a new union called the Pax. Meanwhile, on the planet Hyperion, jack-of-all trades Raul Endymion has been chosen as protector of Aenea, humanity's new Messiah. He escorts her across the galaxy, with a Pax ship in close pursuit. Also following the girl is the legendary Shrike, whose motivations are unknown to all.

Given that the story of Hyperion seemed well enough concluded to me in the last book, I didn't quite see the reason for this continuation. However, it proved to be an interesting follow up to the previous story. I liked how everything wasn't quite as hunky dory as the ending of Fall would have us believe. In fact, things went to sh*t pretty quickly. The characters were nice and identifiable, and it was refreshing how far Aenea was from the "holier than thou" type of Messiah. The plot, on the other hand, is an extended chase sequence with lots of planet hopping and close calls. It's well done, but feels like it's not much more than a setup for the next book. The point where it breaks off is also quite an odd choice on the author's part, and feels very strange when reading. The Shrike is well handled this time around. Its appearances are few and far between, but it always feels as if it could show up at any moment. It also gets a pretty epic fight scene towards the end, which is definitely a plus.

Overall, Endymion is a pretty good book. It's not as good as the first two, but it holds up well in it's own right. Here's hoping The Rise of Endymion is a satisfying conclusion.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Oct 05, 2012, 03:18:01 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 05, 2012, 03:07:24 PM
Endymion by Dan Simmons

It's been three centuries, give or take a couple of decades, since The Fall of Hyperion. The Catholic Church, now gone corrupt since the death of Paul Dure, has taken control of the former Hegemony planets and placed them under a new union called the Pax. Meanwhile, on the planet Hyperion, jack-of-all trades Raul Endymion has been chosen as protector of Aenea, humanity's new Messiah. He escorts her across the galaxy, with a Pax ship in close pursuit. Also following the girl is the legendary Shrike, whose motivations are unknown to all.

Given that the story of Hyperion seemed well enough concluded to me in the last book, I didn't quite see the reason for this continuation. However, it proved to be an interesting follow up to the previous story. I liked how everything wasn't quite as hunky dory as the ending of Fall would have us believe. In fact, things went to sh*t pretty quickly. The characters were nice and identifiable, and it was refreshing how far Aenea was from the "holier than thou" type of Messiah. The plot, on the other hand, is an extended chase sequence with lots of planet hopping and close calls. It's well done, but feels like it's not much more than a setup for the next book. The point where it breaks off is also quite an odd choice on the author's part, and feels very strange when reading. The Shrike is well handled this time around. Its appearances are few and far between, but it always feels as if it could show up at any moment. It also gets a pretty epic fight scene towards the end, which is definitely a plus.

Overall, Endymion is a pretty good book. It's not as good as the first two, but it holds up well in it's own right. Here's hoping The Rise of Endymion is a satisfying conclusion.

i think Rise is a great conclusion to the whole series, make sure you get your hands on "Worlds Enough and Time" which has a novella set after Rise I believe.

Also aren't the Pax one of the most awesome villainous organizations in all literature??! :D

anyway I recently read Flowers for Algernon, which was amazing. I'm reading Ubik by PKD at the moment
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The PredBen on Oct 05, 2012, 03:25:02 PM
The Language of God by Francis Collins.

I found the book very interesting. It's pretty much how Francis Collins (a scientist in charge of the human genome project) explains how he became a strong believer in a personal God, after being an atheist until his mid-20s, and how he argues science and faith aren't mutually exclusive. I found the part of the book about his life (and his conversion to being a believer) pretty fascinating, and I like how he mentions various different views throughout his book (theistic evolution, atheism/agnosticism, creationism, and intelligent design). While he did counter some good arguments against religion, he left out a few arguments that I felt he should've brought up. But the point of the book isn't to defend religion, rather to prove how one can firmly believe in science and be a follower of a faith.

While he made a few comments that irked me, I felt the book was very well written and didn't attack anybody. If you're interested in this sort of thing, I'd give it a strong recommendation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 05, 2012, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Oct 05, 2012, 03:18:01 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 05, 2012, 03:07:24 PM
Endymion by Dan Simmons

It's been three centuries, give or take a couple of decades, since The Fall of Hyperion. The Catholic Church, now gone corrupt since the death of Paul Dure, has taken control of the former Hegemony planets and placed them under a new union called the Pax. Meanwhile, on the planet Hyperion, jack-of-all trades Raul Endymion has been chosen as protector of Aenea, humanity's new Messiah. He escorts her across the galaxy, with a Pax ship in close pursuit. Also following the girl is the legendary Shrike, whose motivations are unknown to all.

Given that the story of Hyperion seemed well enough concluded to me in the last book, I didn't quite see the reason for this continuation. However, it proved to be an interesting follow up to the previous story. I liked how everything wasn't quite as hunky dory as the ending of Fall would have us believe. In fact, things went to sh*t pretty quickly. The characters were nice and identifiable, and it was refreshing how far Aenea was from the "holier than thou" type of Messiah. The plot, on the other hand, is an extended chase sequence with lots of planet hopping and close calls. It's well done, but feels like it's not much more than a setup for the next book. The point where it breaks off is also quite an odd choice on the author's part, and feels very strange when reading. The Shrike is well handled this time around. Its appearances are few and far between, but it always feels as if it could show up at any moment. It also gets a pretty epic fight scene towards the end, which is definitely a plus.

Overall, Endymion is a pretty good book. It's not as good as the first two, but it holds up well in it's own right. Here's hoping The Rise of Endymion is a satisfying conclusion.

I think Rise is a great conclusion to the whole series, make sure you get your hands on "Worlds Enough and Time" which has a novella set after Rise I believe.

Also aren't the Pax one of the most awesome villainous organizations in all literature??! :D

I'll have to check that out. BTW, I've started reading Rise, and there could almost be a a novella taking place between the two.

Yes, they're pretty awesome. Made ships so fast they kill the passengers. Then they bring them back to life...

Quote
anyway I recently read Flowers for Algernon, which was amazing. I'm reading Ubik by PKD at the moment

That's definitely a great one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: •ONEYE• on Oct 06, 2012, 02:55:55 AM
Enjoy your stay. Subtitle: Life without parole.
Written by Buford P. Tingler.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sinister Serenity on Oct 12, 2012, 03:52:49 AM
Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers

Moving onto Return of the King.
Second time reading this series, love it so much.


Quote from: •ONEYE• on Oct 06, 2012, 02:55:55 AM
Enjoy your stay. Subtitle: Life without parole.
Written by Buford P. Tingler.

I love your sig man.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 12, 2012, 03:51:56 PM
I'm a few chapters into The Rise of Endymion. Mr. Simmons, will you ever learn how to spell bauxite correctly?  ::) Otherwise, it's pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Oct 16, 2012, 12:05:30 PM
American Psycho. First time reading this and, although I read in this thread that some people didn't find it at all shocking, I have to say I did. I can usually handle graphic violence and gore, but some of the descriptions and things he does in the book are just... well, sickening. Despite that, it is a good read. Really interesting. Funny at times too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Oct 16, 2012, 12:12:51 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 12, 2012, 03:51:56 PM
I'm a few chapters into The Rise of Endymion. Mr. Simmons, will you ever learn how to spell bauxite correctly?  ::) Otherwise, it's pretty good.

how does he spell it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 16, 2012, 02:51:50 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Oct 16, 2012, 12:12:51 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 12, 2012, 03:51:56 PM
I'm a few chapters into The Rise of Endymion. Mr. Simmons, will you ever learn how to spell bauxite correctly?  ::) Otherwise, it's pretty good.

how does he spell it?

He spells it "boxite" at least once in every book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Oct 16, 2012, 03:29:41 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 16, 2012, 02:51:50 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Oct 16, 2012, 12:12:51 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 12, 2012, 03:51:56 PM
I'm a few chapters into The Rise of Endymion. Mr. Simmons, will you ever learn how to spell bauxite correctly?  ::) Otherwise, it's pretty good.

how does he spell it?

He spells it "boxite" at least once in every book.

perhaps boxite and bauxite are not the same thing!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vecrotus on Oct 18, 2012, 03:06:55 PM
The Dark Knight Rises novelisation- Virtually identical to the movie, just a bit deeper with the characters especially with Selina Kyle who I thought was very cold in the movie. Bane was very two-dimensional and bland in the book, I'm so glad that they cast Tom Hardy for he brought a lot to the character.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 22, 2012, 11:15:02 PM
Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard

This was my second Leonard novel and it was fantastic. Rum Punch follows the story of Jackie Burke – an aging flight attendant who brings in money for Ordell Robbie; a gun runner. I really loved this. After reading it, I was surprised at just how close Quentin Tarantino stuck to the source material. There were differences no doubt, and little subplots in the novel which were absent from the movie, but I'd say that 90% of what's in the book was adapted for the screen. Much of the dialogue too. 

Sadly no Delfonics though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Nov 02, 2012, 12:29:54 AM
Choke by Chuck Palahnuik
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Arcangel on Nov 02, 2012, 02:07:29 AM
The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Nov 02, 2012, 03:39:07 AM
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk
Meh not for everyone.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Arcangel on Nov 02, 2012, 04:02:41 AM
I agree.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Nov 02, 2012, 11:47:23 PM
Quote from: Arcangel on Nov 02, 2012, 04:02:41 AM
I agree.
I wasn't bad, in fact some of the stories were insightful but I would never buy it. I guess I was expecting something less like a comic strip in the New Yorker.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 05, 2012, 06:26:27 AM
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

From the very first page, this thing had me hooked. This was, quite simply, one of the best works of hard sci-fi I have ever had the pleasure to read. Incredibly interesting, technically fascinating, socially compelling, emotionally involving, and beautifully character-driven, this book was wonderful from cover to cover. I highly recommend this.

Up next, Green Mars. Really lookin' forward to seeing how this saga continues.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 05, 2012, 10:32:48 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Nov 05, 2012, 06:26:27 AM
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

From the very first page, this thing had me hooked. This was, quite simply, one of the best works of hard sci-fi I have ever had the pleasure to read. Incredibly interesting, technically fascinating, socially compelling, emotionally involving, and beautifully character-driven, this book was wonderful from cover to cover. I highly recommend this.

Up next, Green Mars. Really lookin' forward to seeing how this saga continues.

It's an awesome trilogy, also be sure to check out the short story collection (The Martians) that fills in a lot of gaps.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 05, 2012, 02:58:20 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Nov 05, 2012, 10:32:48 AM
It's an awesome trilogy, also be sure to check out the short story collection (The Martians) that fills in a lot of gaps.

I didn't even know there was such a thing. I'll keep an eye out for it next I'm in a bookstore.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AvatarIII on Nov 05, 2012, 03:00:05 PM
yarp http://www.amazon.com/The-Martians-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0553574019 (http://www.amazon.com/The-Martians-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0553574019)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: bobby brown on Nov 05, 2012, 03:01:26 PM
last book I read was "The Catcher in the Rye"
Now Im reading "we must talk about Kevin"

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 05, 2012, 03:01:57 PM
Quote from: AvatarIII on Nov 05, 2012, 03:00:05 PM
yarp http://www.amazon.com/The-Martians-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0553574019 (http://www.amazon.com/The-Martians-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0553574019)

Looks like I've got one more book to add to my ridiculously long list. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 05, 2012, 03:43:51 PM
I'm currently working my through a sixty page chapter in Rise of Endymion.

Spoiler
What Nemes did to the Cardinal... f**k me, that was brutal.
[close]

After I finish Rise, I'll be moving on to either Tales of the Mos Eisley Cantina or The Werewolf of Paris.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Nov 05, 2012, 05:36:41 PM
I need to read something suggestions? I enjoy more horror and animal related storys.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: stephen on Nov 07, 2012, 03:49:53 AM
I recommend Terry Goodkinds Sword of Truth series - the first novel being Wizards First Rule.

If you like the movie in your signature, you should like Wizards First Rule.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: nano-blob on Nov 08, 2012, 02:21:41 AM
The Hobbit by J.R. R. Tolkien is a great book. In the book a hobbit is joined by thirteen dwarves and a wizard. They go on many adventures and unfortunately they run into a few misfortunes, but someone always saves them from the trouble. On the way through their adventure they meet some mean characters. Goblins, wargs, spiders and huge stone giants are some of the mean creatures that they meet up with. There are many surprises in this book. At the end of the book there is a very cool thing that happens.

I think that this is a great book. I enjoyed reading it very much some days I couldn't even put the book down. This book is probably my favorite book I've ever read. I would give this book 5/5.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Arcangel on Nov 08, 2012, 04:19:25 AM
Well, you gave them the gist. What's the point of reading it now? Now we'll know (somewhat) what's going to happen! :( Good thing i've already read it. ^^
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 14, 2012, 04:08:44 PM
The Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons

After what's felt like f**king ages, I've finally finished this one. It picks up four years after Endymion ended, and Aenea is now starting her mission to save the world, while Raul goes in search of the Consul's ship, and Hoyt/Julius/Urban declares a new crusade, this time against the Ousters. After the last book's build up, sh*t gets real.

Overall, this was a great way to end the series. The story of these last two books, while not as good as that of the first two in my personal opinion, has far more interesting implications for both the characters and humanity at large. It all boils down to a battle over the fate of the human soul, with Aenea and her followers on one side, the Pax and the Core on the other. Most of the plot elements from the series are wrapped up nicely, including a few I wouldn't have thought of in a million years. There were a few things I'm still unsure of, though:

Spoiler
I'm not entirely sure why Father Hoyt went from the decent man he was in the prior novels to the effective dictator of the former Hegemony. I get the impression that he was corrupted by elements of the TechnoCore, but this wasn't explored as much as I would have liked.
[close]

The Shrike is even more badass than before, in all honesty. The way he first shows up, leaping out of the darkness at Nemes, was just too cool. There's only one thing I'm torn about...

Spoiler
What exactly was the point of explaining that the Shrike has part of Kassad's soul built into him? It has next to no effect on the plot.
[close]

I also didn't much care for the way Simmons used certain plot devices. He was little too fond of the unreliable narrator thing, since he used it to retcon the previous books far too much. He also got a bit carried away with the time travel thing, but that worked out for the most part.

He did a great job at developing unique planets/locations. T'ien Shan was particularly breathtaking read about, as were certain other, spoileriffic places.

Spoiler
THE F**KING STARTREE!
[close]

To sum up, the book is a fantastic conclusion to the series, worth the novel length build up that Endymion effectively was.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Le Celticant on Nov 14, 2012, 05:04:00 PM
In Praise of Love by Alain Badiou and right now I'm reading Controversy of the same Author.
A beautiful book that attempts to explain love.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Nov 15, 2012, 09:03:57 PM
Bond on Bond by Sir Roger Moore

No, this isn't an erotic Bond thriller. It's a nice little account of the Bond franchise as a whole by Sir Roger Moore. In the book he talks about the villains, the girls, gadgets and various other Bond lore. I pretty much loved it, as there was information and little facts that I wasn't aware of. Moore's approach to Bond was 'the same but different' – he personified the character as someone who didn't 'like' to kill people, hence why Moore's Bond is a little more flippant and less of a cold blooded killer. The book could have used a chapter on the title songs though and Skyfall. But it's worth a look for any Bond enthusiast. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Nov 15, 2012, 09:15:58 PM
Wow, that Bond book...  8)

Quote from: Le Celticant on Nov 14, 2012, 05:04:00 PM
In Praise of Love by Alain Badiou and right now I'm reading Controversy of the same Author.
A beautiful book that attempts to explain love.

Well, kudos to Badiou for trying. In your opinion, did he succeed? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 15, 2012, 11:34:41 PM
I've started off on The Werewolf of Paris by Guy Endore. It's an interesting read, and quite different from the typical werewolf story, so far. It seems that the werewolf is the way he is because he's a priest's illegitimate rape baby. He was born on Christmas Eve, to boot, so he's twice offended God since his conception. The book reads like a Dumas novel, but without the umpteen-thousand peripheral characters. It's quite well written and pretty darn disturbing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Le Celticant on Nov 15, 2012, 11:58:31 PM
Quote from: Eva on Nov 15, 2012, 09:15:58 PM
Wow, that Bond book...  8)

Quote from: Le Celticant on Nov 14, 2012, 05:04:00 PM
In Praise of Love by Alain Badiou and right now I'm reading Controversy of the same Author.
A beautiful book that attempts to explain love.

Well, kudos to Badiou for trying. In your opinion, did he succeed? :)

Definitely, at least his new conception of love makes it one step closer to what it is in philosophy  ;)
Unicity divides into two
To shorter what he says, love is about the two and not the one as it is most of the time referred.
Love eventually became one to then becomes two after with the procreation of another being (baby).
But I probably explained it not the way it was intended, better read it, it's only 102 small pages.
It's anyway a gold mine when you apply it to art.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 24, 2012, 05:23:22 PM
The Werewolf of Paris, by Guy Endore

The book follows Bertrand Caillet, a young man who was conceived when his mother was raped by Father Pitamont, a priest descended from a family known for its brutality. This sordid conception, in conjunction with a Christmas Eve birth, curses Bertrand to life as a werewolf, a man in which two spirits, one of man and one of beast, vie for control of the body. His adopted uncle, Aymar Galliez, manages to keep his transformations at bay for many years by feeding Bertrand raw, bloody meat. However, an encounter with a prostitute leaves young Bertrand with a taste for human blood, and he runs away from home to live in Paris, where he ends up joining the National Guard when the Franco-Prussian War breaks out. Aymar follows, intent on stopping or destroying him before too many people are killed. 

This novel was an interesting and engrossing read. It was first published in 1933, eight years before The Wolf Man was released to theaters and forever set in stone the "rules" of werewolves. As such, it tells a werewolf story free of the usual tropes and conventions, and makes for a refreshing take on the subject. There are some recognizable elements, such as the brief usage of a silver bullet early on in the story, but other things like the full moon are entirely absent. Bertrand's activities in wolf form are only suggested for the most part, with more focus on the aftermath. The transformations are also kept mysterious, with the exception of one scene where he feels his tongue flattening and extending into a more lupine form.

The book also crosses genre lines. It works as a horror story, a drama, a war story, a historical piece, and a romance. The horror comes in multiple forms, from rifled graves to mutilation. There's also a lot of moments where you'll be genuinely shocked and disgusted at what the characters do. That goes for damn near all of the characters, not just Bertrand. The historical elements are often given center stage. A lot of detail is given about the time period, especially the atrocities committed during the war and the brief existence of the Paris Commune shortly thereafter. The romantic side of the story is fairly well done, avoiding most of the cliches one would associate with a supernatural love story. In fact, the relationship between Bertrand and his lover, the death obsessed Sophie de Blumenberg, is pretty creepy in its own right.

Overall, this book was a very worthwhile read. It paints a bleak portrait of nineteenth century France, and poses an interesting question: In a world where people are reduced to eating rats just to survive, where thousands of people are senselessly murdered and abused, is a werewolf really so bad?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: aliens13 on Nov 25, 2012, 04:18:25 AM
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: stephen on Nov 26, 2012, 01:09:04 AM
Ahh Jurassic Park - A great novel.  Pity the movie didn't follow through with some of the excellent themes and scenes in the book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: aliens13 on Nov 26, 2012, 03:37:23 AM
Quote from: stephen on Nov 26, 2012, 01:09:04 AM
Ahh Jurassic Park - A great novel.  Pity the movie didn't follow through with some of the excellent themes and scenes in the book.
Yeah, the book is much better than the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Invader on Nov 26, 2012, 07:59:23 AM
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Le Celticant on Nov 26, 2012, 11:12:01 AM
Quote from: aliens13 on Nov 26, 2012, 03:37:23 AM
Quote from: stephen on Nov 26, 2012, 01:09:04 AM
Ahh Jurassic Park - A great novel.  Pity the movie didn't follow through with some of the excellent themes and scenes in the book.
Yeah, the book is much better than the movie.

Or maybe the book is a book and the movie is a movie.
Why trying to merge the division that makes through multiplicity the fact the universe is rich?
How boring it was when all atoms were hydrogen at the beginning of the universe  ::)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 01, 2012, 09:17:44 AM
Quote from: aliens13 on Nov 26, 2012, 03:37:23 AM
Quote from: stephen on Nov 26, 2012, 01:09:04 AM
Ahh Jurassic Park - A great novel.  Pity the movie didn't follow through with some of the excellent themes and scenes in the book.
Yeah, the book is much better than the movie.

I'd say they're equal. The book was incredibly interesting in the technical detail it was able to go into since it was, y'know, a book, but I feel the movie handled the characters much better.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 01, 2012, 03:30:57 PM
^I'd have to agree about the characters. Malcolm spent way too much time soap boxing in the book. Crichton really abuses his author surrogates.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 02, 2012, 02:10:58 AM
Persuader by Lee Child

This is the seventh Jack Reacher book in the series, and the seventh novel I've read featuring my favorite drifter. The book follows the story of Reacher going undercover for the DEA to infiltrate a criminal enterprise for both the DEA's reasons and Reacher's own, as he has a very personal stake in it.

As usual Lee Child set things up so beautifully – you think one thing is going to happen, and he turns the novel on its head, and reveals something entirely different. The first couple books in the series are told in first and third person narratives. Persuader is told in the first personal narrative, and I feel I enjoy that type of storytelling much better. You get a better feel for Reacher and his inner thoughts, motivations and macabre sense of humor. I enjoyed the hell out of this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 02, 2012, 06:40:42 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Dec 01, 2012, 03:30:57 PM
^I'd have to agree about the characters. Malcolm spent way too much time soap boxing in the book. Crichton really abuses his author surrogates.

I didn't really mind it too much in JP, though. It was unforgivably bad in State of Fear though. The entire novel was 600 goddamn pages of Crichton telling us that global warming isn't happening. Only book by him that I dislike.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenoscript on Dec 02, 2012, 07:09:45 AM
Finished reading Tough Sh*t by Kevin Smith a few days ago. Well written, funny, breezy and even a little inspiring. Well worth reading, especially for fans of Kevin Smith.

Almost done with Now Wait for Last Year by Philip K Dick. Good, not quite up there with A Scanner Darkly/Flow My Tears as PKDs best but very enjoyable.

Virtual Light or Tarzan and the Forbidden City are next.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Dec 03, 2012, 12:01:57 AM
Quote from: Xenoscript on Dec 02, 2012, 07:09:45 AM
Finished reading Tough Sh*t by Kevin Smith a few days ago. Well written, funny, breezy and even a little inspiring. Well worth reading, especially for fans of Kevin Smith.
Cool, I was wanting to pick that one up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 03, 2012, 12:05:38 AM
Same here. I may check it out after the holidays.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 03, 2012, 06:00:02 PM
My last one was a re-read of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 11, 2012, 03:05:56 PM
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

First time reading this and the first thing that struck me was how short it was. It doesn't matter however, because it's a great read. The story takes place during the Great Depression and we follow two men, George and Lennie, as they look for work on a new ranch. Lennie isn't exactly the brightest man around, but George looks out for him. Together they share the dream of saving enough money to buy their own place and settle down.

Having already seen the '92 movie with Gary Sinise and John Malkovich a couple of times, I was well familiar with the story. Also, back when I was a kid and watched that movie, I was very impressed with Slim (played by John Terry in the movie) and almost kinda looked up to him. He just seemed like the honest, hard working man I was hoping to be myself as an adult. The novel paints an even better picture of him. From the author's first description, you could believe you were dealing with a demi-god.

Definitely recommended for anyone who haven't read it already and want to check out a real classic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: screenwriter805 on Dec 11, 2012, 03:55:29 PM
The shooting script for TEN... Not a traditional book... Traditional book... SK's THE MIST
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 12, 2012, 03:01:58 AM
Green Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

And the bar set by the first book is continually met by the second. Goddamn, this series so far has been one of the greatest science-fiction trilogies I've ever read. Can't wait to sink my teeth into Blue Mars.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 12, 2012, 05:53:54 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Dec 12, 2012, 03:01:58 AM
Green Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

And the bar set by the first book is continually met by the second. Goddamn, this series so far has been one of the greatest science-fiction trilogies I've ever read. Can't wait to sink my teeth into Blue Mars.

Interesting. Never heard of that series before. Think I'll pick up the first one. Thanks! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightlord on Dec 12, 2012, 08:06:00 PM
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien, been years since I last read it so it was almost like reading it afresh, was really suprised by the amount of differences between the movies and this, many of them that I hadn't even noticed before.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: screenwriter805 on Dec 12, 2012, 09:40:42 PM
Quote from: Nightlord on Dec 12, 2012, 08:06:00 PM
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien, been years since I last read it so it was almost like reading it afresh, was really suprised by the amount of differences between the movies and this, many of them that I hadn't even noticed before.
I never could get into owe books. I did try tho. Never had patience for fantasy i guess.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 12, 2012, 11:51:42 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Dec 12, 2012, 05:53:54 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Dec 12, 2012, 03:01:58 AM
Green Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

And the bar set by the first book is continually met by the second. Goddamn, this series so far has been one of the greatest science-fiction trilogies I've ever read. Can't wait to sink my teeth into Blue Mars.

Interesting. Never heard of that series before. Think I'll pick up the first one. Thanks! :)

Oh, you definitely should. It's hard sci-fi at its finest.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightlord on Dec 13, 2012, 12:08:15 AM
Quote from: screenwriter805 on Dec 12, 2012, 09:40:42 PM
Quote from: Nightlord on Dec 12, 2012, 08:06:00 PM
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien, been years since I last read it so it was almost like reading it afresh, was really suprised by the amount of differences between the movies and this, many of them that I hadn't even noticed before.
I never could get into owe books. I did try tho. Never had patience for fantasy i guess.
Well I have been reading it slowly bit by bit for the past three weeks or so, some parts of it (mainly the Frodo and Sam parts) drag so much but then some other parts are over almost too soon.
If you can put away a bit of time for it the book is definitely worth it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 13, 2012, 01:15:49 AM
Moonraker by Ian Fleming

This is my third Bond novel that I've read and the third novel in the series. It was pretty damn good. It's nothing like the movie. Here the plot takes place entirely in England, and within the span of a week. It reads more like a mystery novel, and not a super-charged spy adventure. One of my favorite moments was near the beginning of the book when Bond plays cards with Drax – and tries to catch him cheating. Very cool, and cleverly written scene.

Now, it's on to Ender's Game for the first time. Looking forward to that. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 14, 2012, 04:08:17 AM
Star Wars: Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina edited by Kevin J. Anderson

A collection of short stories set in the Star Wars universe, Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina focuses on the patrons of the titular establishment, specifically those who were present when Luke Skywalker showed up looking for a ride off planet in Episode IV: A New Hope. Overall, the collection is a bit of mixed bag. The majority of the stories were solid, a few were even great. However, the first two stories weren't particularly good, and they almost put me off reading the entire book. I'm glad I stuck with it, because it picked up quite a bit from there.

Here's a brief cross section of the stories:

My Recommends:

The Sand Tender: The Hammerhead's Tale, by Dave Wolverton- This one is the story of an Ithorian priest who was exiled from his homeland long ago. He finds out that the Imperial officer who ruined his life all those years ago is now on Tatooine and wants vengeance, but isn't sure how to go about it.  It's an interesting tale with an unexpected resolution.

Doctor Death: The Tale of Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba, by Kenneth C. Flint- Years after the encounter with Obi-Wan Kenobi in the cantina left his Aqualish companion short an arm, Dr. Evazan continues his morbid medical experiments on another planet. This story was gruesome and fun, like a space opera take on Frankenstein.

One Last Night in the Mos Eisley Cantina: The Tale of the Wolfman and the Lamproid, by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens- Opening midway through the Battle of Endor, this story follows Lak Sivrak, a Shiavanen Wolfman who joined the Rebellion shortly after the cantina incident. As the battle progresses, he flashes back (and possibly time travels) to the time he entered the cantina, as well as other significant events he witnessed. The focus, however, is on his romance with Dice Ibegon, the lamproid he fell in love with and later lost. It's a sweet, touching story with a truly heartwarming ending.

I Hated:

A Hunter's Fate: Greedo's Tale, by Tom and Martha Veitch- I hate, hate, hated this story. Greedo is made out to be a supremely lame character here, a foolish kid who was used and manipulated by those around him. It just didn't jive with the Greedo I had pictured in my head.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Queen on Dec 15, 2012, 05:36:28 AM
Queen of the Damned - Anne Rice

Oldie but very good. She gets caught up in her flowery prose and goes on some odd tangents, but overall it's a chilling, dark, satisfying read. Great stuff: 4/5
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on Dec 24, 2012, 11:51:23 AM
Factotum - Charles Bukowski
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 24, 2012, 03:13:53 PM
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 24, 2012, 04:15:27 PM
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 07, 2013, 11:56:41 PM
Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

And with that, I have finished one of the greatest trilogies I have ever read. Truly a monumental and astounding piece of fiction. Good god, I haven't cried that much for a book in awhile.

At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft

My second reading of this novella, and goddamn, did it still work. Walking to my room in the dark was most unpleasant.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Le Celticant on Jan 08, 2013, 02:09:14 AM
Cinema - Alain Badiou
A brief History of Time - Stephen Hawking

Currently reading several Medition from Being and Event by Alain Badiou.
It is a cave full of diamond, so inspiring for Art.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 08, 2013, 02:59:25 AM
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

The movie got me interested in reading the book again. It's quite a good little fantasy yarn.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jan 09, 2013, 06:09:13 AM
Os Maias - Eça de Queirós
It's a local literary classic from the 19th century. Melodramatic, terribly uninteresting, unlikely coincidences propel the story along, no sense of pacing, female characters are written as ridiculous stereotypes, racism, xenophobia abounds and goes unchallenged.... and the bulk of the story is about the romantic woes of white, entitled upper class people. Spoilers: Main character ends up having sex with his sister, without knowing who she really is. Eh? Eh. It's actually really sad that the academics of my country still see this book as a classic. It's shit.

Now reading
I am Legend - Richard Matheson. Very good so far.. Matheson has a good grasp on the loneliness of the main character and on the grittiness of the world. Wonderful prose.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jan 15, 2013, 04:02:23 AM
The Scorch Trials 8/10

A pretty fun little book that just got me hyped up for the last book in the series.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Jan 15, 2013, 06:52:31 AM
Star Wars: Darth Plagueis
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fts2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DH.4844577930675645%26amp%3Bpid%3D1.7&hash=2e278aa8703f69d157431060d01b943f1d2f27be)

It was good. Had a few boring parts and it's easy to stop reading, but I'm happy I read it all the same.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shinawi on Jan 15, 2013, 11:26:25 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1145.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo506%2Feesang2012%2Favp%2Fgwars.jpg&hash=992310fdcd37bbeda141f6a1a30b74f445e6e293)

"With the publication of Ghost Wars, Steve Coll became not only a Pulitzer Prize winner, but also the expert on the rise of the Taliban, the emergence of Bin Laden, and the secret efforts by CIA officers and their agents to capture or kill Bin Laden in Afghanistan after 1998."

- Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Wars-Afghanistan-September-ebook/dp/B000P2A43Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1358248818&sr=8-3&keywords=Ghost+Wars)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 15, 2013, 01:35:46 PM
Quote from: Shinawi on Jan 15, 2013, 11:26:25 AM
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o506/eesang2012/avp/gwars.jpg

"With the publication of Ghost Wars, Steve Coll became not only a Pulitzer Prize winner, but also the expert on the rise of the Taliban, the emergence of Bin Laden, and the secret efforts by CIA officers and their agents to capture or kill Bin Laden in Afghanistan after 1998."

- Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Wars-Afghanistan-September-ebook/dp/B000P2A43Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1358248818&sr=8-3&keywords=Ghost+Wars)

I had to read that for school a couple summers ago. It was probably good, but I was biased against summer reading in general, postponed most of it until the final week, and didn't like it very much at all :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 14, 2013, 12:50:34 AM
Gai-Jin by James Clavell

Pretty good. Kept me entertained throughout. Shōgun is still his best, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 17, 2013, 11:50:05 PM
The Universe Within by Neil Turok

This was mind-expanding. It brought to question many things that I had always taken for granted (how does math describe the universe, for one thing), educated me more deeply on many modern and classical theories that I had only superficially understood, and underscored the key need to eliminate the disconnect existing between science and society.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 18, 2013, 12:08:54 AM
I'm taking a lengthy break from Les Miserables. I loved the story and characters, but the book was so dense it was getting a bit overwhelming. So now I'm re-reading The Fellowship of the Ring for the first time in years. I'm up to the chapter set in the Old Forest, and I'm convinced Tolkien could have written a truly brilliant horror novel if he put his mind to it. He's a got a great knack for building a creepy atmosphere.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 01:16:41 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 17, 2013, 11:50:05 PM
how does math describe the universe, for one thing

You know, I've actually thought about that a bit, and my mind decided to screw with itself by asking: What if our math applies on Earth but not in the universe as a whole, and there is actually a correct method that can be applied to everything that exists.

I sat there thinking about it for a bit before I noticed my brain leaking out my ears.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Feb 18, 2013, 02:56:15 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 01:16:41 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 17, 2013, 11:50:05 PM
how does math describe the universe, for one thing

You know, I've actually thought about that a bit, and my mind decided to screw with itself by asking: What if our math applies on Earth but not in the universe as a whole, and there is actually a correct method that can be applied to everything that exists.

I sat there thinking about it for a bit before I noticed my brain leaking out my ears.
That stuff can tend to happen when one ponders on such thoughts.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 03:15:43 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 01:16:41 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 17, 2013, 11:50:05 PM
how does math describe the universe, for one thing

You know, I've actually thought about that a bit, and my mind decided to screw with itself by asking: What if our math applies on Earth but not in the universe as a whole, and there is actually a correct method that can be applied to everything that exists.

I sat there thinking about it for a bit before I noticed my brain leaking out my ears.

Well, the mathematics apply to at least the visible universe, so there's a bit of a load off. Beyond what we can see, though...

Just to f**k your mind a little more, many of our key mathematical approximations of physical phenomena rely upon imaginary numbers, like the square root of -1.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 03:18:58 AM
Buh, I hated math in high school (with the exception of geometry). This is just making things harder! :P

But that's OK, because I love screwing with peoples' minds with old-school philosophy. I think, therefore I am and all that fun stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 03:25:51 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 03:18:58 AM
I think, therefore I am

Ah, but are your thoughts simply a diluted and distorted reflection or a projection of something that was far more grand occurring in planes and dimensions of space and existence that we cannot see or comprehend? So, therefore, you would not exist, but simply be the facsimile of the thing that is truly real.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 03:31:00 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 03:25:51 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 03:18:58 AM
I think, therefore I am

Ah, but are your thoughts simply a diluted and distorted reflection or a projection of something that was far more grand occurring in planes and dimensions of space and existence that we cannot see or comprehend? So, therefore, you would not exist, but simply be the facsimile of the thing that is truly real.

But who is to say that those planes and dimensions are real? I can think, so clearly I am here in some form. But who is to say that my body is real, and that my senses as I perceive them allow me to experience true reality? For all I know this shell that I call my body and the world that I think is around me may just be mere projections from my mind.

Now, if I am to assume that you are real (and that's a big assumption on my part) how am I to know that your reality is the same as mine? When you see this color (http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDYD294qssrxfcST7ETuBnlCsCqnNciaWp1IG2fUMflp1NocwRWQ) you call it blue, right? So do I. But what if we both see entirely different things?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 03:57:06 AM
Y'know, that colour thing is something I've actually thought about for awhile. :laugh:

But back to the discussion; you say you think. But are those thoughts truly yours? Or are they the manifestation of something else, some freak accident of cosmic occurrence, refracting through a three dimensional form which just so happens to take the shape of you?

Or am I just talking out my ass?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 04:03:25 AM
Is there anything in the 'vast cosmic arena' to cause such a disturbance, though? And I don't even know that my form is three dimensional, simply because I don't know if it exists in any dimension at all (or if there are even any actual dimensions that it could possibly exist in).

I know my mind relays thoughts, so surely there is something going on in there. But what if everything that I call reality, everything that you call planes of existence, is just my mind which really doesn't even belong to me but instead merely projects the illusion of me so that it has something that it can use as a foundation to build this artificial universe around.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 04:04:20 AM
Now you're just being nihilistic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 04:06:42 AM
Can't be nihilistic if I'm not entirely sure that I am even physically here.

Haha, I think I'm even confusing myself at this point. ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 04:07:43 AM
I'm not even sure if either of us made an actual argument. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 04:08:52 AM
There is no argument to be made because there is nothing to argue about. Because, you know, nothing is real. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 04:10:00 AM
Except for nothing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 04:11:20 AM
In which case everything would be nothing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 04:12:23 AM
Precisely.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 04:13:17 AM
Well, real or not, I love your new avatar and signature!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 18, 2013, 04:23:50 AM
Likewise.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Feb 20, 2013, 12:18:53 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 18, 2013, 01:16:41 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 17, 2013, 11:50:05 PM
how does math describe the universe, for one thing

You know, I've actually thought about that a bit, and my mind decided to screw with itself by asking: What if our math applies on Earth but not in the universe as a whole, and there is actually a correct method that can be applied to everything that exists.

I sat there thinking about it for a bit before I noticed my brain leaking out my ears.

Well, pure math is really just abstractions, so math would be equally vaild (or non-valid) anywhere. ;)

However, if we're talking science and math applied to science in general, well, that's another cookie. By far most things we observe, measure etc. confirm our overall picture of the Universe and the laws that govern it. But there are things out there we know very little about and there are also places where the laws simply collapse.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 20, 2013, 12:20:50 AM
Yup, that's what I was getting at. The crazy things that boggle the mind :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 20, 2013, 12:22:24 AM
Quote from: Eva on Feb 20, 2013, 12:18:53 AM
But there are things out there we know very little about and there are also places where the laws simply collapse.

The Beginning and the End are two very big problem places for that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Feb 20, 2013, 12:31:59 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Feb 20, 2013, 12:22:24 AM
Quote from: Eva on Feb 20, 2013, 12:18:53 AM
But there are things out there we know very little about and there are also places where the laws simply collapse.

The Beginning and the End are two very big problem places for that.

Yep and we will never be able to fully understand either of them. Only as 'theoretical experiments/mindfarts' at best That doesn't mean we won't try, though. But how would you even start to try imagine what existed before the Big Bang? What existed before linear time existed? I have absolutely no idea. There's nothing to observe, measure or analyze from that 'period'. :D

I love reading about this stuff as well and yeah, I bleed from my ears as well, occasionally.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 20, 2013, 12:39:13 AM
You should definitely check out The Universe Within, then. Sounds right up your alley if you enjoy reading about that kinda stuff.

"Before the Big Bang" is an idea that really fascinates me. Some theories are what was before was just another universe, which collapsed in on itself, only to go bang again to make our universe, which will in turn just collapse again... In other words, time is infinite.

Or there's the other ones which are even weirder....
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 20, 2013, 04:33:50 AM
I really think I want to read this book when I'm done with this semester...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 20, 2013, 05:08:44 AM
If you have an interest in physics, it's quite good. Short, too. Only about 250 pages, with large font. Only took me 5 days to get through.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 21, 2013, 06:47:11 AM
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

Second time reading this, but first for many years. A nice, thrilling little novel, with some great tension and characterization (misogynism notwithstanding).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 28, 2013, 10:49:27 PM
Moonraker by Ian Fleming

Holy Christ, this was a lot different from the movie. :laugh:

I really enjoyed this book. It's pure escapism, no doubt about that. There's little to no thematic depth in here; but goddamn, was this a fun book to read. Card games and car chases, deception and destruction, silliness with just the right amount of serious. I really like how Fleming characterizes Bond in his novels, as well, especially when it comes to his relationship with the Bond Girls. Very different from the meaningless flings that are in most of the films. That's something that Craig's films have captured excellently from the novels.

Overall, a very entertaining and exciting little read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 01, 2013, 03:20:04 AM
I completely agree with you. That was a very fun book. Fleming made that card game between Bond & Drax feel tense. Some great writing. It doesn't quite reach the level of daftness that the movie had, but hell if didn't have several silly moments. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Mar 01, 2013, 03:22:31 AM
Any Chuck Palahniuk fans?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 01, 2013, 04:09:53 AM
I'm getting pretty close to finishing Fellowship of the Ring. Fantastic Racism was in full swing last chapter, what with the elves singling out Gimli to blindfold.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 01, 2013, 04:43:40 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Mar 01, 2013, 04:09:53 AM
I'm getting pretty close to finishing Fellowship of the Ring. Fantastic Racism was in full swing last chapter, what with the elves singling out Gimli to blindfold.

That's about where I was when I stopped reading. Hoping to finish it up soon, perhaps once the semester ends.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 01, 2013, 04:48:58 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 01, 2013, 04:43:40 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Mar 01, 2013, 04:09:53 AM
I'm getting pretty close to finishing Fellowship of the Ring. Fantastic Racism was in full swing last chapter, what with the elves singling out Gimli to blindfold.

That's about where I was when I stopped reading. Hoping to finish it up soon, perhaps once the semester ends.

I have to ask, what did you think of Tom Bombadil?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 01, 2013, 04:53:43 AM
He was all right; I could take him or leave him, personally.

His songs/poems were enjoyable to read, but I completely understand and agree with Jackson for not including him in the film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 01, 2013, 05:27:46 AM
I was a bit surprised that there was actually a character named Lindir in Rivendell. I thought Jacson just made that name up so that Figwit guy could haven an actual role in The Hobbit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 01, 2013, 07:55:05 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Mar 01, 2013, 03:20:04 AM
I completely agree with you. That was a very fun book. Fleming made that card game between Bond & Drax feel tense. Some great writing. It doesn't quite reach the level of daftness that the movie had, but hell if didn't have several silly moments. :laugh:

Yeah, the card game was fantastic. Would be even better if I knew how to play bridge. :laugh:

I noticed a lot of parallels with Casino Royale, too. The aforementioned card game, but also the car chase, which played out pretty much the exact same.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpreadEagleBeagle on Mar 01, 2013, 07:59:01 PM
Second time finishing Crime and Punishment. This time I actually enjoyed it for real.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 05, 2013, 01:24:52 AM
From Russia, With Love by Ian Fleming

This has long been one of my favourite Bond films, and now it's one of my favourite Bond books. I'm having a hard time choosing between this and Casino Royale out of the ones I've read. It was just fantastic; it started very slow, everything just building up. Bond himself doesn't even appear until about a third the way through. Before then, it's just the Russians, slowly building up their konspiratsia. After that, things slowly build up, picking up steam and thrills, before everything comes to a head on the Orient Express with the iconic fight between James and 'Nash'. One thing I'll say; I believe the fight was better handled in the film, but it was still fantastic here. And then Mathis shows up at the end! One of my favourite of Bond's international espionage friends.

Overall, a very entertaining book. Really glad I've decided to go through more of Fleming's works, even if I've skipped a few along the way (you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find these things in bookstores).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 06, 2013, 12:03:58 AM
Persuader by Lee Child

My first Jack Reacher novel. It was okay, but nothing spectacular. I have a hard time seeing Tom Cruise as Reacher after reading this. I pretty much picture him as an older Jai Courtney instead. Also, the fight between Reacher and Paulie reminded me a lot of the fight between Paolo and Niederman in The Girl Who Played with Fire.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 06, 2013, 12:05:33 AM
I've started on Two Towers. Not much to say, other than that it's great.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheRaven on Mar 06, 2013, 12:25:15 AM
The last book I read(and still reading) is the halo forerunner saga: primordium.
It's really interesting so far c:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 07, 2013, 08:34:04 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 05, 2013, 01:24:52 AM
From Russia, With Love by Ian Fleming

Spoiler
This has long been one of my favourite Bond films, and now it's one of my favourite Bond books. I'm having a hard time choosing between this and Casino Royale out of the ones I've read. It was just fantastic; it started very slow, everything just building up. Bond himself doesn't even appear until about a third the way through. Before then, it's just the Russians, slowly building up their konspiratsia. After that, things slowly build up, picking up steam and thrills, before everything comes to a head on the Orient Express with the iconic fight between James and 'Nash'. One thing I'll say; I believe the fight was better handled in the film, but it was still fantastic here. And then Mathis shows up at the end! One of my favourite of Bond's international espionage friends.

Overall, a very entertaining book. Really glad I've decided to go through more of Fleming's works, even if I've skipped a few along the way (you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find these things in bookstores).
[close]

Can't wait to give that a read myself. How close to the film would you say it was? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 07, 2013, 11:11:39 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Mar 07, 2013, 08:34:04 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 05, 2013, 01:24:52 AM
From Russia, With Love by Ian Fleming

Spoiler
This has long been one of my favourite Bond films, and now it's one of my favourite Bond books. I'm having a hard time choosing between this and Casino Royale out of the ones I've read. It was just fantastic; it started very slow, everything just building up. Bond himself doesn't even appear until about a third the way through. Before then, it's just the Russians, slowly building up their konspiratsia. After that, things slowly build up, picking up steam and thrills, before everything comes to a head on the Orient Express with the iconic fight between James and 'Nash'. One thing I'll say; I believe the fight was better handled in the film, but it was still fantastic here. And then Mathis shows up at the end! One of my favourite of Bond's international espionage friends.

Overall, a very entertaining book. Really glad I've decided to go through more of Fleming's works, even if I've skipped a few along the way (you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find these things in bookstores).
[close]

Can't wait to give that a read myself. How close to the film would you say it was? :)

It was pretty damn close. In the book, it's SMERSH that's behind everything, not SPECTRE. There's no boat or helicopter chase, either. It also spends a lot more time with the Russians, as I said. But they each follow the same beats, all have the same major plot elements; it's just some details that are different.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Friendly Wise on Mar 10, 2013, 09:37:45 PM
Last book I read was "A Short History of Byzantium" by John Julius Norwich.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gazz on Mar 14, 2013, 10:07:22 AM
It took me a good month to read book #1 of A Storm of Swords but the moment it ended I blitzed book #2 in just under two days. I only put it down to catch my breath and give a moments mourning at the few intervals I made. I was literally fist pumping the air at the actions on one page then nervously biting my nails on the next. Loved it.

Heard it's a little downhill from here on out but I can't wait to get started on A Feast for Crows.

Also read Slaughterhouse 5 and am about to start Cat's Cradle.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JCGAuthor on Mar 14, 2013, 04:50:05 PM
I tried to get through Smonk (http://www.amazon.com/Smonk-Widow-Town-Tom-Franklin/dp/B002BWQ5YK), but it just wasn't for me. It never gave me a character I could like.

The last book I technically read, which was superb, was Into the Wild. It's a breathtaking bit of non-fiction about a young man who decided to literally give everything away he had and take off on a trip into the woods of Alaska (among other places). His remains were found some time later. You can read my full review here (http://jonathancg.net/review-into-the-wild-by-jon-krakauer/), if you wish.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 16, 2013, 08:19:26 PM
Dr. No by Ian Fleming

Well, I didn't really like this. Was good, in parts (Dr. No talking to Bond over dinner really stood out), but the overall... eh. Was kinda boring, and very ridiculous, especially when compared to the previous Bond novels. I mean, Bond fights a giant squid with a knife and an improvised spear, for god's sake!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 17, 2013, 07:14:22 PM
Damn, was hoping that would be a good one. :-[
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Mar 17, 2013, 07:25:40 PM
The Way of Sufi Chivalry by Ibn al-Husayn al-Sulami.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 17, 2013, 10:13:08 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Mar 17, 2013, 07:14:22 PM
Damn, was hoping that would be a good one. :-[

Yeah, same. Always have liked the movie.

It definitely had it's moments, but a lot of the time it felt like a chore to get through.

Dr. No's demise was quite hilarious, though.

Spoiler
Buried alive in guano. :laugh:
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 18, 2013, 02:44:45 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 17, 2013, 10:13:08 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Mar 17, 2013, 07:14:22 PM
Damn, was hoping that would be a good one. :-[

Yeah, same. Always have liked the movie.

It definitely had it's moments, but a lot of the time it felt like a chore to get through.

Dr. No's demise was quite hilarious, though.

Spoiler
Buried alive in guano. :laugh:
[close]

Wow. I mean, his death in the movie is anticlimactic and all, but damn.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Mar 18, 2013, 03:11:33 AM
Old man and the Sea - Hemingway.

Loved it. Simple and thought provoking.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 19, 2013, 03:32:15 AM
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn

I loved this book. I don't really know how to describe it, but I absolutely loved it. If you are interested in philosophy, humanity, life, and the world around us then I highly recommend that you give it a read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 29, 2013, 12:07:13 AM
Ringworld by Larry Niven

My second time reading it, and I think I loved it even more this time through. One of the greatest and funnest adventure stories I've read, filled to the brim with compelling ideas, great characters, and really fun prose. Absolutely fantastic book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rick Grimes on Apr 02, 2013, 02:13:55 PM
Currently reading The Lost World. Rich in detail and character development, I like what I'm reading so far and wish it gets better as I reach the end.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2013, 02:17:29 PM
I'm a huge fan of Michael Crichton, but I've never been very fond of that novel. It's not bad, or anything; there's just always been something about it that didn't quite work for me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Apr 02, 2013, 02:26:51 PM
I love The Lost World. Many times the author 'possesses' a character and talks through him (Malcolm mainly). Some sequences are just spectacular and I could read and re-read them just like I would rewind the scene of a film -- the motorcycle chase with the Tyrannosaurus comes in mind. While I don't have any problems with it, I can see how people could find issues with its pacing (not exactly fast-going in parts).

Despite that, I just think Crichton is at his absolute top with Jurassic Park and Sphere. Amazing pieces of literary art.

Gotta like Congo and Prey too (the latter has an unusual pessimist highlight, I would say).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Rick Grimes on Apr 02, 2013, 02:27:42 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2013, 02:17:29 PM
I'm a huge fan of Michael Crichton, but I've never been very fond of that novel. It's not bad, or anything; there's just always been something about it that didn't quite work for me.

Would it have to do with the novel having the same formula as the first book?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 02, 2013, 02:55:08 PM
Been a long time since I read The Lost World, and I don't remember very much of it. I just read Jurassic Park again a little over a year ago, though, and its one of my favorite books.

Currently reading Frankenstein, and I can't get enough of it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 02, 2013, 02:57:02 PM
All I really remember of TLW was Malcolm talking, and talking, and talking... he even gave lengthy speeches about paleontology. The dude's a mathematician, for f**k's sake.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 02, 2013, 03:04:16 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 02, 2013, 02:57:02 PM
All I really remember of TLW was Malcolm talking, and talking, and talking... he even gave lengthy speeches about paleontology. The dude's a mathematician, for f**k's sake.

Well, maybe after a traumatic, near-death (or resurrection, depending on how literally you take the ending of the first book ;) ) experience on an island filled with dinosaurs, the guy did some research :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 02, 2013, 03:19:41 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 02, 2013, 02:55:08 PM
Been a long time since I read The Lost World, and I don't remember very much of it. I just read Jurassic Park again a little over a year ago, though, and its one of my favorite books.

Currently reading Frankenstein, and I can't get enough of it.
Who is the real monster?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 02, 2013, 03:27:37 PM
Give me time to read a few more chapters and I'll get back to you ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 02, 2013, 04:49:45 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Apr 02, 2013, 02:26:51 PM
Despite that, I just think Crichton is at his absolute top with Jurassic Park and Sphere. Amazing pieces of literary art.

Those are my two favorites from him. Just brilliant. And while not really good, only a guy like Crichton can make time travel seem logically possible in Timeline. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 02, 2013, 05:57:31 PM
I own Sphere, actually...I gotta give that a read sooner or later.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Apr 02, 2013, 06:13:10 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Apr 02, 2013, 03:19:41 PM
Who is the real monster?
Spoiler
Yer face
[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 02, 2013, 05:57:31 PM
I own Sphere, actually...I gotta give that a read sooner or later.
Yesss.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 02, 2013, 07:30:13 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 02, 2013, 05:57:31 PM
I own Sphere, actually...I gotta give that a read sooner or later.
It's sooooo good.

Quote from: OmegaZilla on Apr 02, 2013, 06:13:10 PM
Spoiler
Yer face
[close]
Fight me, bruh.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2013, 10:15:42 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Apr 02, 2013, 02:26:51 PM
Despite that, I just think Crichton is at his absolute top with Jurassic Park and Sphere. Amazing pieces of literary art.

Oh Christ, yes.

I remember reading Sphere for the first time. Absolutely terrified me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 02, 2013, 10:28:11 PM
Dem scenes with Jerry. Ooooh shit that was creepy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2013, 10:32:54 PM
I really liked the movie, too. Very underrated film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 02, 2013, 10:40:01 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Apr 02, 2013, 10:28:11 PM
Dem scenes with Jerry. Ooooh shit that was creepy.
Yesssss
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 02, 2013, 10:48:52 PM
Michael Crichton: conservative blowhard beach reading extraordinaire. :laugh:

Jurassic Park was terrible as a novel, the film is a herculean salvage job. David Koepp is a garbage screenwriter, but somehow the planets aligned and he managed to spin gold with that one. Until The Lost World, anyway... Congo also improves on its shitty source novel by being an entertainingly self-aware parody of it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 02, 2013, 10:51:10 PM
GTFO
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 02, 2013, 10:51:27 PM
Wow. I don't even want to know you right now. Jesus.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 02, 2013, 10:54:52 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FmfrRFL5.gif&hash=1b7e04318abda72fdfbfabbe63428112a296376f)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 02, 2013, 10:59:12 PM
I... I don't want to talk to you anymore.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 02, 2013, 11:00:07 PM
unf, dat butthurt
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2013, 11:00:19 PM
AND of course Cvalda doesn't like him. :laugh:



I agree, he is very conservative. The only novel where that aspect of him really bothered me, though, was State of Fear. Mainly because it made him forget to write a narrative.

One of his I really like, actually is The Great Train Robbery. Loved seeing him tackle something other than his usual technothriller fare.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 12:15:27 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 02, 2013, 11:00:19 PM
AND of course Cvalda doesn't like him. :laugh:



I agree, he is very conservative. The only novel where that aspect of him really bothered me, though, was State of Fear. Mainly because it made him forget to write a narrative.

One of his I really like, actually is The Great Train Robbery. Loved seeing him tackle something other than his usual technothriller fare.

I actually really liked State of Fear, but that may have had something to do with me being 12-13 at the time.

One of his that I really liked was Eaters of the Dead. It basically takes Beowulf and gives it an unusual twist and unlikely point point of view. the film of it was pretty good, too.

Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 02, 2013, 10:48:52 PM
Michael Crichton: conservative blowhard beach reading extraordinaire. :laugh:

Jurassic Park was terrible as a novel, the film is a herculean salvage job. David Koepp is a garbage screenwriter, but somehow the planets aligned and he managed to spin gold with that one. Until The Lost World, anyway... Congo also improves on its shitty source novel by being an entertainingly self-aware parody of it.

You utterly fail as both a judge of literature and as human being with emotions and shit. Go back to the pit from whence you came, unclean spirit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 12:17:21 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 12:15:27 AM
You utterly fail as both a judge of literature and as human being with emotions and shit. Go back to the pit from whence you came, unclean spirit.
Michael Crichton is "literature".

Only on fanboy forums, lol.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 12:32:07 AM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 12:17:21 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 12:15:27 AM
You utterly fail as both a judge of literature and as human being with emotions and shit. Go back to the pit from whence you came, unclean spirit.
Michael Crichton is "literature".

Only on fanboy forums, lol.

"Literature: the profession of a writer or author."

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/literature (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/literature)

You don't get to rewrite reality because you feel like it. Once again, you fail.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 03, 2013, 12:32:44 AM
Just ignore it man.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Apr 03, 2013, 01:05:54 AM
Hey guys, what's everybody been rea--

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgyazo.com%2Fc57c4560e71474adbf2301d5382b6cc9.png&hash=ff0d731d95b54432e326b233c04e488df9a3667e)

oh.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 03, 2013, 01:11:50 AM
I'VE BEEN READING RINGWORLD.

Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 29, 2013, 12:07:13 AM
Ringworld by Larry Niven

My second time reading it, and I think I loved it even more this time through. One of the greatest and funnest adventure stories I've read, filled to the brim with compelling ideas, great characters, and really fun prose. Absolutely fantastic book.

IT'S GUD.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 01:46:24 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 12:32:07 AM
You don't get to rewrite reality because you feel like it. Once again, you fail.
The term "literature" generally connotes artistic importance or relevancy.

Michael Crichton did not write works of literary merit. He wrote airport bookstand staples and tedious potboilers designed to sell movie rights in advance of publishing and entertain bored people at the beach.

It's entertaining guilty pleasure shlock, but ffs don't act like he belongs up there next to Henry James or something. ::)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 01:49:31 AM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 01:46:24 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 12:32:07 AM
You don't get to rewrite reality because you feel like it. Once again, you fail.
The term "literature" generally connotes artistic importance or relevancy.

Michael Crichton did not write works of literary merit. He wrote airport bookstand staples and tedious potboilers designed to sell movie rights in advance of publishing and entertain bored people at the beach.

It's entertaining guilty pleasure shlock, but ffs don't act like he belongs up there next to Henry James or something. ::)

I never once said he was up there with Henry James, I was just disputing your claim that he was a bad writer. Only obnoxious pretentious types insist that everything must have artistic merit or be a guilty pleasure.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 01:50:29 AM
I see Michael Crichton at CVS and at Rite Aid.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 01:52:31 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 01:49:31 AM
Only obnoxious pretentious types insist that everything must have artistic merit or be a guilty pleasure.
...so are you then implying that Michael Crichton's work lacks artistic merit?

So we agree then.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Apr 03, 2013, 02:01:22 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 01:50:29 AM
I see Michael Crichton at CVS and at Rite Aid.

For the treatment of which ailment?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 02:07:04 AM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 01:52:31 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 01:49:31 AM
Only obnoxious pretentious types insist that everything must have artistic merit or be a guilty pleasure.
...so are you then implying that Michael Crichton's work lacks artistic merit?

So we agree then.

Nope, I'm not saying that it doesn't. What I'm saying is that having so called "artistic merit" is neither necessary nor obligatory when examining the overall quality of a work. If it dies what it sets out to do well, it's good. Crichton (mostly) does that well.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:11:56 AM
Quote from: SM on Apr 03, 2013, 02:01:22 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 01:50:29 AM
I see Michael Crichton at CVS and at Rite Aid.

For the treatment of which ailment?


The Andromeda Strain.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 02:14:06 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 02:07:04 AM
What I'm saying is that having so called "artistic merit" is neither necessary nor obligatory when examining the overall quality of a work.
Uh, okay. Then don't go brandishing heavy terms like literature to describe escapist fanboy stuff, especially when you clearly don't care about examining for artistic merit in the first place. It makes you look like an excitable manchild.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
The best books are escapist. Otherwise what's the point of reading stories?

Speaking of which, just finished 'The Bartimaeus Trilogy' by Jonathan Stroud. Highly recommended, awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:22:27 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
The best books are escapist. Otherwise what's the point of reading stories?

Plenty of reasons to read stories, maybe you want to be an inspired by something, so you go and pick up a book in order to be inspired. I myself read Lovecraft, not because I want to escape for a while, but because I want to be inspired to draw something creepy or something when I'm unable to get my mind to click.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 02:22:48 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
The best books are escapist. Otherwise what's the point of reading stories?
What a depressingly narrow viewpoint.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:25:16 AM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 02:22:48 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
The best books are escapist. Otherwise what's the point of reading stories?
What a depressingly narrow viewpoint.


I don't think it's depressing at all, I mean, it could be depending on if that's how you look at it, but I don't believe that it's exclusively depressing to have someone use books as a form of escapism each and every time they pick up something to read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:30:07 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:22:27 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
The best books are escapist. Otherwise what's the point of reading stories?

...to be inspired. I myself read Lovecraft, not because I want to escape for a while, but because I want to be inspired to draw something creepy or something when I'm unable to get my mind to click.
Alright. But when you were first introduced to him, why did you pick up and read the books?

Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 02:22:48 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
The best books are escapist. Otherwise what's the point of reading stories?
What a depressingly narrow viewpoint.
Nah.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:36:05 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:30:07 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:22:27 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
The best books are escapist. Otherwise what's the point of reading stories?

...to be inspired. I myself read Lovecraft, not because I want to escape for a while, but because I want to be inspired to draw something creepy or something when I'm unable to get my mind to click.
Alright. But when you were first introduced to him, why did you pick up and read the books?




I was told I should draw some of creatures from Lovecraft because I apparently could...so I did, and after I did, I came up with some of my best work to date that had nothing to do with Lovecraft.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:38:14 AM
Alright, so you approached the book purely from a drawing perspective. Then I guess the question I should be asking is 'why do you draw?'
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:51:11 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:38:14 AM
Alright, so you approached the book purely from a drawing perspective. Then I guess the question I should be asking is 'why do you draw?'


That's not relevant to the topic about why I think that there are other reasons to read books other than escapism, but I'll answer anyway. I draw simply to get better at drawing, I'll be needing my skillset in the future when I go and fight for a job that requires the skills I will have. I'm an illustrator, not an artist.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:57:17 AM
It is relevant, as the reason you read Lovecraft is your drawing. If you had said fun as the reason for your drawing, I would then have said that drawing, and by extension reading his books, is your means of escapism.

Instead, you brought me to the other reason for reading, which is learning.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Apr 03, 2013, 03:14:44 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:11:56 AM
Quote from: SM on Apr 03, 2013, 02:01:22 AM
Quote from: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 01:50:29 AM
I see Michael Crichton at CVS and at Rite Aid.

For the treatment of which ailment?


The Andromeda Strain.

ZINNNNGGG!!!!

Quote from: ShadowPred on Apr 03, 2013, 02:25:16 AM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 02:22:48 AM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 03, 2013, 02:19:20 AM
The best books are escapist. Otherwise what's the point of reading stories?
What a depressingly narrow viewpoint.


I don't think it's depressing at all, I mean, it could be depending on if that's how you look at it, but I don't believe that it's exclusively depressing to have someone use books as a form of escapism each and every time they pick up something to read.

It is kinda narrow though.  After recently reading Skagboys, I'm re-reading all my Irvine Welsh books.  The Edinburgh schemes is not anywhere I would want to escape to.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Apr 03, 2013, 02:25:10 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Apr 02, 2013, 10:28:11 PM
Dem scenes with Jerry. Ooooh shit that was creepy.
I WILL KILL YOU NOW.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:36:38 PM
Last book I fully read was Reflex by Steven Gould, sequel to Jumper. Currently reading Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz.

My favorite book is Jurassic Park, and favorite author is Michael Crichton. Didn't expect a shitstorm about him the first time glancing at this thread...

A close second favorite book and author is The Shining and Stephen King. Dat book..
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 03, 2013, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:36:38 PM
A close second favorite book and author is The Shining and Stephen King. Dat book..

Read an excerpt from that (the bathtub scene) in class last year and wrote an interesting paper about it, then my friend brought the movie to my house. Been wanting to read the book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 03:46:14 PM
The Shining

Film >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:52:53 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 03, 2013, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:36:38 PM
A close second favorite book and author is The Shining and Stephen King. Dat book..

Read an excerpt from that (the bathtub scene) in class last year and wrote an interesting paper about it, then my friend brought the movie to my house. Been wanting to read the book.

The book is f*****g amazing. It's been a very long time since I've seen the movie, but I favor the book over it because my favorite part of the book didn't happen in the movie. At least not entirely, from what i remember.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Apr 03, 2013, 03:53:55 PM
They are quite different. What part?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 03, 2013, 03:55:05 PM
The bathtub scene, I know, is entirely different in the book and the film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 03:56:12 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:52:53 PM
The book is f*****g amazing. It's been a very long time since I've seen the movie, but I favor the book over it because my favorite part of the book didn't happen in the movie. At least not entirely, from what i remember.
I hope it wasn't the stupid topiary animals attack scene :-X
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 03, 2013, 04:00:04 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:36:38 PM
A close second favorite book and author is The Shining and Stephen King. Dat book..

Yeah that book got pretty terrifying at times. One of my favorite King novels next to Salem's Lot.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 04:00:32 PM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 03:56:12 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:52:53 PM
The book is f*****g amazing. It's been a very long time since I've seen the movie, but I favor the book over it because my favorite part of the book didn't happen in the movie. At least not entirely, from what i remember.
I hope it wasn't the stupid topiary animals attack scene :-X

Oh geez....please don't murder me  :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 04:03:18 PM
Lemme get my croquet mallet lulz axe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 03, 2013, 04:04:05 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 04:00:32 PM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 03:56:12 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:52:53 PM
The book is f*****g amazing. It's been a very long time since I've seen the movie, but I favor the book over it because my favorite part of the book didn't happen in the movie. At least not entirely, from what i remember.
I hope it wasn't the stupid topiary animals attack scene :-X

Oh geez....please don't murder me  :P
She smells your fear.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 04:05:10 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F25.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m6x5b7jiMl1qakrdzo1_250.gif&hash=20d36e3b4a5cd34064ce3688b62328fea36b2a2d)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Apr 03, 2013, 04:07:08 PM
She's not gonna hurt ya. You didn't let her finish her sentence. She said, she'm not gonna hurt ya. She's just going to bash your brains in.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 04:07:35 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Apr 03, 2013, 03:53:55 PM
They are quite different. What part?

Cvalda got it. To avoid spoiling the book for Nightmare,
Spoiler
every scene about the hedges were my favorite.
[close]

Those scenes just terrified me, even though they'd be incredibly silly in a movie if not done correctly. But if it worked for that certain Doctor Who episode...(being purposefully vague)




Quote from: Cal427eb on Apr 03, 2013, 04:04:05 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 04:00:32 PM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 03, 2013, 03:56:12 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 03:52:53 PM
The book is f*****g amazing. It's been a very long time since I've seen the movie, but I favor the book over it because my favorite part of the book didn't happen in the movie. At least not entirely, from what i remember.
I hope it wasn't the stupid topiary animals attack scene :-X

Oh geez....please don't murder me  :P
She smells your fear.

And fresh blood.
Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m8io54RUuI1r9frz3o1_1280.png&hash=55cd57d138f584130cbfe5f3b89e36e146f1b0cb)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 04:48:07 PM
Quote from: xeno-kaname on Apr 03, 2013, 04:07:35 PM
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Apr 03, 2013, 03:53:55 PM
They are quite different. What part?

Cvalda got it. To avoid spoiling the book for Nightmare,
Spoiler
every scene about the hedges were my favorite.
[close]

Those scenes just terrified me, even though they'd be incredibly silly in a movie if not done correctly. But if it worked for that certain Doctor Who episode...(being purposefully vague)

Yeah, the miniseries really f**ked up the topiary animals. And the fire hose, come to think of it. The bathtub scene was pretty well done, though.




I'm going to get started on Return of the King again pretty soon. Looking forward to finishing off the trilogy for the first time in years.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 03, 2013, 09:38:43 PM
I actually saw the bathroom scene (and I think a couple others) from the miniseries as well.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 03, 2013, 10:49:54 PM
The Ringworld Engineers by Larry Niven

Great followup the the first novel. Really enjoyed this; Niven's wit is as sharp as ever, as is his penchant for fantastic speculations.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 11:04:40 PM
I've started on Return of the King. I'm only 29 pages in at the moment, but I have a few thoughts, mostly about the trilogy in general. Overall, I find Tolkien's practice of splitting the books in half between the two groups of characters to be, well, odd. It works fine on its own merits, but it bothers me just a tiny little bit. It's like what George R.R. Martin did with books 4 and 5 of his series, except that here it's two halves of a single novel, so it works out a lot better, IMO.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trunks on Apr 04, 2013, 01:59:06 AM
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Apr 04, 2013, 02:38:04 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2013, 11:04:40 PM
I've started on Return of the King. I'm only 29 pages in at the moment, but I have a few thoughts, mostly about the trilogy in general. Overall, I find Tolkien's practice of splitting the books in half between the two groups of characters to be, well, odd. It works fine on its own merits, but it bothers me just a tiny little bit. It's like what George R.R. Martin did with books 4 and 5 of his series, except that here it's two halves of a single novel, so it works out a lot better, IMO.

It is odd.  I think it adversely affects the pacing - mainly of Two Towers.  Going from Book 3 to 4 feels like you're going backwards.  Essentially because you are.  It's a slog until they meet Faramir.  I didn't get the same feeling with going from Book 5 to 6.  Porbably because there's more going on in Book 6.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Apr 04, 2013, 02:42:02 AM
Nice coincidence, as I finished The Two Towers a few weeks back and I'm nearly halfway through The Return of the King. All I have to say is that I love this series tremendously. I honestly haven't read something this good in a really long time. Tolkien at times does spend too much time describing the world I feel, as it seems like the songs and just general setting descriptions can drag on forever. The battle sequences though really draw me in. They're real page-turners and keep me wanting more.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 04, 2013, 04:33:28 PM
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

I really enjoyed this, despite the lack of a big story arc to tie it all together. I suppose it will feel more complete once I read A Dance with Dragons, but even on its own, it's very good. Like in the previous books, we are treated to some new POV characters and locations. I very much enjoyed reading about what was going down in Dorne and on the Iron Islands in this. Can't wait to see where those story arcs go, seeing as how they're all out to get the same thing (or rather the same person).

Someone on this board said that the only character they never sympathized with, even after getting their own POV chapters, was Cersei. I can definitely see why. She truly is an unpleasant, horrible person and a scheming bitch, and I'm glad she got what was coming to her.

I'm looking forward to picking up A Dance with Dragons next and catching up with Daenerys, Tyrion, Bran and the rest of the gang that were left out of this volume.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Apr 04, 2013, 06:43:53 PM
For some reason I couldn't read past 2 and a half books in the 'Song of Ice and Fire' series. They just bored the tits off me. Which is weird, because I easily handled the LoTR books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 04, 2013, 06:50:53 PM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 04, 2013, 06:43:53 PM
For some reason I couldn't read past 2 and a half books in the 'Song of Ice and Fire' series. They just bored the tits off me. Which is weird, because I easily handled the LoTR books.

Have you watched the TV series?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Apr 04, 2013, 06:56:33 PM
I watched the first episode of Season 1...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 04, 2013, 06:57:22 PM
Quote from: BANE on Apr 04, 2013, 06:56:33 PM
I watched the first episode of Season 1...

That bad? :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 04, 2013, 06:59:14 PM
Well shit, the opening credits didn't even win you over?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Apr 04, 2013, 09:24:46 PM
Meh, reminded me of a simpler version of the world building animation from the Animus in Assassin's Creed
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 17, 2013, 05:12:17 AM
The Ringworld Throne by Larry Niven

Interesting. Really like Niven's style. Start of the book really dragged, unfortunately, and most of it seemed ultimately pointless and a waste of time. But once it got going (around the halfway point), it really got going.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 17, 2013, 05:32:24 AM
Still working on Return of the King, and I've just gotten to the Witch-King's death scene. Question: if he has no body, how in the f**k is it possible to stab him in the "sinew behind his knee"? I get that Merry's sword is one of the barrow daggers, but still, he doesn't have a sinew to stab. Just a little nitpick. The book is still great.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 17, 2013, 06:25:21 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 17, 2013, 05:32:24 AM
Still working on Return of the King, and I've just gotten to the Witch-King's death scene. Question: if he has no body, how in the f**k is it possible to stab him in the "sinew behind his knee"? I get that Merry's sword is one of the barrow daggers, but still, he doesn't have a sinew to stab. Just a little nitpick. The book is still great.

Well, if Tolkien says he does, he does, I suppose. I mean, the wraiths still have some sort of bodies.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Purebreedalien on Apr 19, 2013, 03:34:57 PM
This Book Is Full Of Spiders: Seriously Dude, Don't Touch It by David Wong.  8)

Massively entertaining, hilarious and action packed; as a sequel to John Dies At The End it's also brilliant. I highly recommend both.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Apr 20, 2013, 04:36:49 AM
The Man With the Golden Gun. As is the case with pretty much all movies based on books, the book was way better. Ugh, Roger, Roger, Roger...why couldn't your Bond be this awesome?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 06:31:53 AM
Quote from: DoomRulz on Apr 20, 2013, 04:36:49 AM
The Man With the Golden Gun. As is the case with pretty much all movies based on books, the book was way better. Ugh, Roger, Roger, Roger...why couldn't your Bond be this awesome?

I'd say Dr. No was an exception to that rule. Could barely get through that thing...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Magneto on Apr 20, 2013, 03:07:15 PM
Vampire the Masquerade: Clan Novel Ventrue.

If you're familiar with World of Darkness you might enjoy this. The fifth book in a series of thirteen, each novel centred around one of the thirteen original vampire clans in the World of Darkness.

EDIT:

If you are interested, I'd highly recommend watching this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxYx6p6JqdI#ws). Really great information about everything relating to the World of Darkness.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Apr 20, 2013, 03:24:46 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 06:31:53 AM
Quote from: DoomRulz on Apr 20, 2013, 04:36:49 AM
The Man With the Golden Gun. As is the case with pretty much all movies based on books, the book was way better. Ugh, Roger, Roger, Roger...why couldn't your Bond be this awesome?

I'd say Dr. No was an exception to that rule. Could barely get through that thing...

What surprised me the most about TMWTG was how vastly different it was from the movie. The only similarities were Bond, Scaramanga, and Mary Goodnight. But it might as well have been a totally different story altogether.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 05:18:18 PM
Yeah, it was the same with Moonraker I remember. I should try and find more of the Bond books; I've enjoyed most of the ones I've read immensely.

Doom, have you tried reading any LeCarré? He's pretty much the flipside to Fleming's romanticized version of espionage fiction. Very gritty, very grey, mainly based upon the intrigue and the game than action sequences and beautiful women. I think you might enjoy him.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Apr 20, 2013, 07:57:11 PM
Can't say I have. I'll look into him though, thanks.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Apr 20, 2013, 08:02:20 PM
Quote from: Purebreedalien on Apr 19, 2013, 03:34:57 PM
This Book Is Full Of Spiders: Seriously Dude, Don't Touch It by David Wong.  8)

Massively entertaining, hilarious and action packed; as a sequel to John Dies At The End it's also brilliant. I highly recommend both.

omg yes


Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 05:18:18 PM
Yeah, it was the same with Moonraker I remember. I should try and find more of the Bond books; I've enjoyed most of the ones I've read immensely.

Doom, have you tried reading any LeCarré? He's pretty much the flipside to Fleming's romanticized version of espionage fiction. Very gritty, very grey, mainly based upon the intrigue and the game than action sequences and beautiful women. I think you might enjoy him.

pfft, Ian Fleming has never written anything worth reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 08:37:30 PM
Have you read From Russia with Love? Casino Royale?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Apr 20, 2013, 08:40:36 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 08:37:30 PM
Have you read From Russia with Love? Casino Royale?

Yep. And Dr. No. And For your Eyes Only.





The man's writing is as dry as solidified concrete.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 08:44:00 PM
You're a sad, strange, little man.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Apr 20, 2013, 08:45:43 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 08:44:00 PM
You're a sad, strange, little man.

And you have my pity.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 08:49:21 PM
Quote from: Aspie on Apr 20, 2013, 08:45:43 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 08:44:00 PM
You're a sad, strange, little man.

And you have my pity.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstream1.gifsoup.com%2Fview2%2F1128661%2Fdarth-vader-s-force-choke-o.gif&hash=294fd063d18cd3f906b927a91422b513477d1881)
You have my mercy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Apr 20, 2013, 09:01:09 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 08:49:21 PM
Quote from: Aspie on Apr 20, 2013, 08:45:43 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 08:44:00 PM
You're a sad, strange, little man.

And you have my pity.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstream1.gifsoup.com%2Fview2%2F1128661%2Fdarth-vader-s-force-choke-o.gif&hash=294fd063d18cd3f906b927a91422b513477d1881)
You have my mercy.


(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F208%2F456505567_44a652c9c8_m.jpg&hash=3806fc1b86818dcb1d838803690eaea3161faa15)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 09:03:08 PM
(https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/6538359296/h6ACD7D26/)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpreadEagleBeagle on Apr 20, 2013, 11:38:34 PM
Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Apr 21, 2013, 12:08:34 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 09:03:08 PM
(https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/6538359296/h6ACD7D26/)

...damn you :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 01:25:03 AM
The Mothman Prophecies by John A. Keel

I without a doubt loved this. From the moment I picked it up and started to read the book, I couldn't put it down. It's creepy, hilarious, intriguing and captivating. It has a fair amount of crazy too. But that's good. Crazy is good. It's based on Keel's real life account of visiting Point Pleasant in the late 60s. His investigations led him on the path to investigating bright lights up in the sky, a giant red creature circling the skies in the Ohio Valley and many other weird accounts. There does come a point when you have to separate fact from fiction. I'd like to believe the eye witness accounts of the lights in the sky and the Mothman sightings. But the stories people were telling about how they visited other planets or had alien entities talking through them was just batshit crazy. Let's give a shout out to Princess Moon Owl too! Another card carrying member of the tin foil hat elite. Highly looking forward to diving into Jadoo!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 23, 2013, 01:31:55 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 01:25:03 AM
The Mothman Prophecies by John A. Keel

I without a doubt loved this. From the moment I picked it up and started to read the book, I couldn't put it down. It's creepy, hilarious, intriguing and captivating. It has a fair amount of crazy too. But that's good. Crazy is good. It's based on Keel's real life account of visiting Point Pleasant in the late 60s. His investigations led him on the path to investigating bright lights up in the sky, a giant red creature circling the skies in the Ohio Valley and many other weird accounts. There does come a point when you have to separate fact from fiction. I'd like to believe the eye witness accounts of the lights in the sky and the Mothman sightings. But the stories people were telling about how they visited other planets or had alien entities talking through them was just batshit crazy. Let's give a shout out to Princess Moon Owl too! Another card carrying member of the tin foil hat elite. Highly looking forward to diving into Jadoo!
Can't wait to finish this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 01:34:20 AM
What part are you up to? ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 23, 2013, 01:35:18 AM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Apr 23, 2013, 01:31:55 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 01:25:03 AM
The Mothman Prophecies by John A. Keel

I without a doubt loved this. From the moment I picked it up and started to read the book, I couldn't put it down. It's creepy, hilarious, intriguing and captivating. It has a fair amount of crazy too. But that's good. Crazy is good. It's based on Keel's real life account of visiting Point Pleasant in the late 60s. His investigations led him on the path to investigating bright lights up in the sky, a giant red creature circling the skies in the Ohio Valley and many other weird accounts. There does come a point when you have to separate fact from fiction. I'd like to believe the eye witness accounts of the lights in the sky and the Mothman sightings. But the stories people were telling about how they visited other planets or had alien entities talking through them was just batshit crazy. Let's give a shout out to Princess Moon Owl too! Another card carrying member of the tin foil hat elite. Highly looking forward to diving into Jadoo!
Can't wait to finish this book.

That book is probably one of the most batshit insane things I've ever read. Too bad I seem to have misplaced my copy...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 01:39:41 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 20, 2013, 05:18:18 PM
Doom, have you tried reading any LeCarré? He's pretty much the flipside to Fleming's romanticized version of espionage fiction. Very gritty, very grey, mainly based upon the intrigue and the game than action sequences and beautiful women. I think you might enjoy him.

Been wanting to read John le Carré for a while now. Probably going to look into The Spy Who Came in From the Cold very soon. What other le Carré novels have you read besides that one, Spacemarines? Loved Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Gary Oldman too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 23, 2013, 01:40:37 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 01:34:20 AM
What part are you up to? ;D
I just got to Take the Train. Yeah, I know. I've been reading slowly. I've had too many projects, essays, tests, and practices to get very far into it, but the little I've read has been great.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 23, 2013, 01:43:52 AM
I'd love to see a proper film or miniseries adaptation of The Mothman Prophecies (the Gere film is solid but doesn't really count). Even a full blown TV series. There's enough material in that insane, spooky book for at least a season's worth of material. Or maybe a Keel biopic, like the Capote biopic -- Keel was himself an outsized, eccentric personality (Oscar bait!), and the writing of that book was basically his In Cold Blood.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 01:47:55 AM
Oh yeah, a television series would be amazing. There's so many directions they could go with that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 23, 2013, 01:54:18 AM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 23, 2013, 01:43:52 AM
I'd love to see a proper film or miniseries adaptation of The Mothman Prophecies (the Gere film is solid but doesn't really count). Even a full blown TV series. There's enough material in that insane, spooky book for at least a season's worth of material. Or maybe a Keel biopic, like the Capote biopic -- Keel was himself an outsized, eccentric personality (Oscar bait!), and the writing of that book was basically his In Cold Blood.

Now that would be interesting. I like the movie a lot, but both of those ideas are something I'd go for. I wouldn't envy the screenwriters, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Apr 23, 2013, 01:54:57 AM
A miniseries would be perfect for that sort of story.



I still need to read that.  :-[
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 23, 2013, 01:57:29 AM
Quote from: Aspie on Apr 23, 2013, 01:54:57 AM
A miniseries would be perfect for that sort of story.



I still need to read that.  :-[

This (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810856/) is probably the closest we'll get. It's very thorough on the subject, but is a bit too long. And John Keel isn't even mentioned in it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 23, 2013, 01:58:08 AM
I really want to see a proper, original John Keel "Man in Black" onscreen. Fringe went for it before making them into something more mundane.

Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 23, 2013, 01:57:29 AM
This (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810856/) is probably the closest we'll get. It's very thorough on the subject, but is a bit too long. And John Keel isn't even mentioned in it.
That doc is absolutely dreadful :-X
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 02:00:49 AM
I want to see Woody Derenberger onscreen too. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Apr 23, 2013, 02:05:32 AM
Or the "Tiny" episode :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 23, 2013, 02:06:32 AM
Quote from: Cvalda on Apr 23, 2013, 02:05:32 AM
Or the "Tiny" episode :laugh:

Ohgawd yes. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 23, 2013, 04:05:16 AM
Or the MIB completely failing at cutting a steak.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The PredBen on Apr 23, 2013, 11:51:08 PM
The last book I read was Paper Towns by John Green. I feel I'm slightly older than it's target audience, but I still found it really enjoyable. The characters were pretty interesting, most of them realistic, and it made me want to know the ending really bad. I normally read more fantasy/science-fiction when I read fiction, but this book was just a regular novel, set (for the most part) in Florida, with a regular, real life possible plot.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Apr 24, 2013, 01:29:33 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Apr 23, 2013, 04:05:16 AM
Or the MIB completely failing at cutting a steak.
That part was hilarious.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EEV2650 on Apr 29, 2013, 11:35:30 AM
Titan AE: Cale's story - Havent read it in a terrible long count of years. I had some free time and it's only a 181 pages. I finished after two nights of night time reading. Still a good book, but it was alot more fun reading it when I was 16.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F510BYW66SGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg&hash=c73fa879af4af77dbd4db46ce375a3d3f2262546)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JCGAuthor on Apr 29, 2013, 04:28:25 PM
I finished Steven King's classic, 'Salem's Lot. I'd never read it before and wanted to see if its status as a horror classic held up to a new reader more than thirty years after its original publication.

The verdict? Scary, but not terrifying. But it's wonderfully written and very atmospheric; the sense of escalating dread is the novel's strong suit.

I'll link to the full review over on my blog once (if) I decide to put one up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 01, 2013, 04:17:17 PM
Started reading Macbeth. :)

Next will be Cormac Mccarthy's Blood Meridian..
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 01, 2013, 04:25:25 PM
The works of Cormac McCarthy, where punctuation is an endangered species.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gates on May 01, 2013, 05:10:33 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 01, 2013, 04:17:17 PM
Started reading Macbeth. :)

YES..!

I have no words:
My voice is in my sword
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 01, 2013, 11:17:29 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 01, 2013, 04:17:17 PM
Started reading Macbeth. :)

On of ol' Bill's best.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on May 01, 2013, 11:40:14 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 01, 2013, 04:25:25 PM
The works of Cormac McCarthy, where punctuation is an endangered species.
:laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 02, 2013, 01:31:04 AM
http://www.oprah.com/oprahsbookclub/Cormac-McCarthy-on-James-Joyce-and-Punctuation-Video (http://www.oprah.com/oprahsbookclub/Cormac-McCarthy-on-James-Joyce-and-Punctuation-Video)

Oh.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on May 02, 2013, 01:32:08 AM
Oprah got an interview with him. Of course she did, lol.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Winter_Alekss on May 02, 2013, 03:29:28 AM
ok so the last book i read was Wicked: the life and times of the wicked witch of the west I totally loved it it's amazing I also love the musical but the book is amazing too. the book has this dark atmosphere and the land of Oz is not the happy version of the movie, it's more like a regular society. so the book critisize religion, politics, and racism. and it tells the story of Elphaba Thropp better known as the wicked witch of the west and how she became wicked
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on May 03, 2013, 07:53:32 PM
Aliens: Earth Hive
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on May 10, 2013, 03:27:15 PM
The Importance of Being Earnest
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on May 13, 2013, 10:27:04 PM
Aliens: Nightmare Asylum
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on May 13, 2013, 10:57:54 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on May 10, 2013, 03:27:15 PM
The Importance of Being Earnest
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F24.media.tumblr.com%2Ff0707465f55be4b5498dea6fd40a6142%2Ftumblr_mffemn9JGZ1roa1xxo1_400.gif&hash=4f3d8488719d9ee39b8d5388ec1779d66ccf506e)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on May 13, 2013, 11:34:51 PM
Quote from: First Blood on May 13, 2013, 10:57:54 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on May 10, 2013, 03:27:15 PM
The Importance of Being Earnest
http://24.media.tumblr.com/f0707465f55be4b5498dea6fd40a6142/tumblr_mffemn9JGZ1roa1xxo1_400.gif
:laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on May 13, 2013, 11:41:12 PM
The Ramal Extraction: Cutter's Wars by Steve Perry.

Yes, our very own Steve Perry.  Or at least he was our very own before we chased him away.

Its decent, kinda silly light faire that one can read in one or two shifts.  Perry's always been a decent action novelist, so his stories kind of flow like the old 80's action movies did.  Augmented humans and Aliens join together to form a mercenary group that goes around the galaxy looking for jobs.  This one they work on a kidnapping.  Standard plot twist abound.

Kind of a cross between Cowboy Bebop and Mass Effect in styles and technology.  Not as noteworthy as either, but it kept me entertained.  I'd read a sequel.

Tomorrow I'm going to read new John Scalzi on shift. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 15, 2013, 06:00:34 PM
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Finally, after much delay, I had the chance to finish this book. Needless to say, it was excellent.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on May 15, 2013, 10:37:45 PM
About finished with Scalzi's The Human Divison.


Its the newest entry into his Old Man's War universe.  Old Man's War itself is being made into a movie, and I hope it is as kickass as the book was.  Its by far my favorite future soldier story, and I kind of look at it as our generations Starship Troopers/Forever War.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 16, 2013, 05:30:41 AM
Moby Dick by Herman Melville

I loved this book. It was just fantastic. The start builds up this near-perfect sense of dread and foreboding, which just stays in the back of your mind, looming over all that comes after. It gets quite slow in the middle, but I think that's the point; much like a real-life whaling voyage, there's a lot of downtime and some boredom. But it also dived directly into a maelstrom of spiritual and religious insanity.

Good book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on May 16, 2013, 02:32:44 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 16, 2013, 05:30:41 AM
Moby Dick by Herman Melville

I loved this book. It was just fantastic. The start builds up this near-perfect sense of dread and foreboding, which just stays in the back of your mind, looming over all that comes after. It gets quite slow in the middle, but I think that's the point; much like a real-life whaling voyage, there's a lot of downtime and some boredom. But it also dived directly into a maelstrom of spiritual and religious insanity.

Good book.
Did you read the entire book out loud?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on May 16, 2013, 03:54:12 PM
Dean Koontz: Velocity

Not as creepy as Watchers or The Taking, but still pretty enjoyable
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 16, 2013, 08:56:19 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on May 16, 2013, 02:32:44 PM
Did you read the entire book out loud?

There's no reason to assume he didn't ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on May 16, 2013, 09:01:56 PM
He shoulda recorded that shit! It was hilarious during the skype call! lol  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 16, 2013, 09:03:50 PM
Even funnier in the backdrop of a Halo mission :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on May 16, 2013, 09:05:21 PM
:D

That reminds me that I need to pick that game up sometime.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 16, 2013, 10:08:38 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on May 16, 2013, 02:32:44 PM
Did you read the entire book out loud?

That's the only way I can read.

It's sad that I can no longer continue my dramatic readings of it.

But on the bright side, I can now do dramatic readings of Heart of Darkness!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 16, 2013, 10:09:54 PM
Can't we just watch Apocalypse Now instead? ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 16, 2013, 10:10:46 PM
I will narrate over your cold corpses...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on May 16, 2013, 10:22:15 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 16, 2013, 10:10:46 PM
I will narrate over your cold corpses...
:-X
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 23, 2013, 03:23:34 AM
I couldn't find the Lords of Salem book at the store today, so I picked up BioShock: Rapture. That should be interesting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on May 23, 2013, 05:43:10 PM
The Long Walk- Stephen King (Writing as Richard Bachman)  Brilliant short story, King's ability to flesh out very believable and diverse characters on show again
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 27, 2013, 10:09:32 PM
Finally finished The Return of the King. Something about those Mordor chapters just dragged.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 01, 2013, 09:03:26 PM
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

One of the greatest achievements of english literature, written by a man who couldn't speak or write the language until he was in his twenties. Truly a masterpiece.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 01, 2013, 09:37:46 PM
Bioshock: Rapture by John Shirley

I'm not quite finished with it yet, but it's very good so far. There's a bit of silliness regarding how Fontaine ends up in Rapture, and Tenenbaum's characterization is more than a bit off, but otherwise it's a good adaptation/prequel to the games.

Update: Finished the book, and while I still had a few niggles with it here and there, I still found it immensely enjoyable. The choice to focus on Bill McDonagh was downright brilliant, and the ending was bittersweet and just about perfect for a Bioshock prequel.




The Silmarillion by JRR Tolkien

This is roughly my third attempt to read Tolkien's mythology book. I've gotten through the first two sections, and it's interesting enough so far.

PS: I've been thinking that the Ainur and the Engineers should get together and go on tour. Their music would be awesome live. ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Jun 10, 2013, 06:37:50 PM
^ Melkor Morgoth and Ungoliant would spoil the party then the Engineers would just release some type of virus on them and the Orcs on Utumno! That is my favorite book of all time, no competition btw.

I am currently reading "Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep" by Philip Dick. This copy I found at my local library was a FIRST edition by Doubleday!!!! I think I am going to "lose it when I went on vacation last week" and pay for it...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 10, 2013, 07:18:02 PM
Quote from: FiorinaFury161 on Jun 10, 2013, 06:37:50 PM
^ Melkor Morgoth and Ungoliant would spoil the party then the Engineers would just release some type of virus on them and the Orcs on Utumno! That is my favorite book of all time, no competition btw.

Heh, the we'd have Orc zombies and dragons turning into giant hammerpedes.




I started reading The Lords of Salem by Rob Zombie and B.K. Everson yesterday. If you're one of the precious few (like me) who saw and liked the movie, then you'll probably like this too. The extended witch trial scene was particularly awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jun 12, 2013, 08:35:55 PM
Stephen King "On Writing"  Essential for any writer out there 10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Jun 12, 2013, 08:49:11 PM

I need to get that book by Stephen King.

Last book I read was Heart of Darkness by Joesph Conrad. Deep and very thought provoking. It's loosely based on the movie Apocalypse Now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 13, 2013, 03:10:21 AM
Quote from: echobbase79 on Jun 12, 2013, 08:49:11 PM
It's loosely based on the movie Apocalypse Now.

Other way around, actually :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Jun 13, 2013, 04:01:07 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 13, 2013, 03:10:21 AM
Quote from: echobbase79 on Jun 12, 2013, 08:49:11 PM
It's loosely based on the movie Apocalypse Now.

Other way around, actually :)

LOL! Thank you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 13, 2013, 04:05:01 AM
I'd be amazed at Conrad's foresight, basing his novella on a film that wouldn't be released for another 80 years. :laugh:

Just finished reading that about a week ago, myself. Absolutely loved it. That's one I'll have to come back to, someday. There's just so much meaning packed into every word.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Jun 13, 2013, 04:54:59 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 13, 2013, 04:05:01 AM
I'd be amazed at Conrad's foresight, basing his novella on a film that wouldn't be released for another 80 years. :laugh:

Just finished reading that about a week ago, myself. Absolutely loved it. That's one I'll have to come back to, someday. There's just so much meaning packed into every word.

Yeah, me too. Though there's some good sites out there that go into detail about the themes of the story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 13, 2013, 02:23:50 PM
I'm a little over half way through Lords of Salem now. Some really creepy and f**ked up shit got left out of the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Jun 13, 2013, 04:23:26 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 13, 2013, 02:23:50 PM
I'm a little over half way through Lords of Salem now. Some really creepy and f**ked up shit got left out of the movie.

There's a book for that? I'll have to check it out.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 13, 2013, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: echobbase79 on Jun 13, 2013, 04:23:26 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 13, 2013, 02:23:50 PM
I'm a little over half way through Lords of Salem now. Some really creepy and f**ked up shit got left out of the movie.

There's a book for that? I'll have to check it out.

It's based on one of Zombie's first scripts for the movie, before the necessary cuts due to budget and other issues.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Jun 13, 2013, 05:35:41 PM

Oh, so none of this was shot. Okay I thought it was deleted material they cut out from the movie itself.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 13, 2013, 07:28:34 PM
Quote from: echobbase79 on Jun 13, 2013, 05:35:41 PM

Oh, so none of this was shot. Okay I thought it was deleted material they cut out from the movie itself.

Some of it probably is. I know the witch trial stuff was shot, but not completed due to Richard Lynch's illness.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno-kaname on Jun 13, 2013, 08:13:01 PM
Hmmm this past month I read Odd Apocalypse byt Dean Koontz, The Mist by Stephen King, The Good Guy by Dean Koontz, Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore (I am Number Four series...very simple read but fun to me for some reason),Micro by Michael Crichton, and Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz. Could've read a lot more if I had the money to buy all the books I want.

Want to read Under the Dome by Stephen King but I probably won't be able to buy it for a while.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Jun 13, 2013, 08:54:38 PM

Just finished the Predator novel last night. It was an interesting read, and I liked the predator in this version too. But of course I'm glad things didn't work out and the creature sucked ass. It was interesting that some of the deaths were different. It tells you how Billy died and Mac had a different death. Hawkins got it really bad in the book. The ending was pretty cool too and I liked the death the predator got. So if you want to read a different take on the character of the predator I recommend this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Jun 13, 2013, 09:27:18 PM
High: Confessions of a Pot Smuggler

This was actually my second read-through as I first read it about four years ago. The author is Brian O'Dea, a man who served 10 years in a Terminal Island prison for smuggling 75 tons of weed into the U.S. The book is funny, scary, unsettling, and shocking as he talks about the time served in prison in-between his recounting of his time as a drug dealer. The amount of hypocrisy as told through the words of U.S. prison inmates is very upsetting, to say the least. I had the pleasure of meeting Brian personally when my group in fourth year uni had him come in and speak to our class for a seminar we were leading. He's a wonderful human being and we've kept in touch to this day.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Arcangel on Jun 14, 2013, 04:53:07 AM
About half way through the Halo: Kilo Five series. Reading "The Thursday War" right now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 14, 2013, 07:34:50 AM
Eaters of the Dead (thirteenth warrior if you've seen the movie).

For some reason I remember it very different than what I remember reading as a child.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 16, 2013, 05:56:57 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 14, 2013, 07:34:50 AM
Eaters of the Dead (thirteenth warrior if you've seen the movie).

For some reason I remember it very different than what I remember reading as a child.

Love that book and the movie. The book has a lot of amusing literary in jokes.




I literally just finished Lords of Salem. Overall, I felt it was an enjoyable, creepy little book. While I think some of the scenes and little moment would have been great in the movie, I feel the latter was a bit better in a few respects. It's a lot less random than the book, for one thing. I came out of the book not having a clue what half of the creepy creatures even were, whereas the film was a little more basic. I swear that I thought at least two separate things were meant to be Satan, only to have something completely different fill that role at the last minute. Also, I prefer the trippy sequence of image that concluded the film to what happens in the book. That being said, the book is a damn fine read and well worth checking out if you enjoyed the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 02:04:47 PM
In the process of reading Killing Pablo.  I usually bounce between one fiction story to one non fiction story.  Killing Pablo features Escobar's rise and fall from power.

US government is sending teams in to chase him down as well as supplying people with weapons and tech (that isnt such a good idea).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 16, 2013, 02:54:17 PM
I'm 20 pages into World War Z. I want to be properly outraged when I Redbox the movie in six months' time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jun 16, 2013, 03:18:12 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 16, 2013, 02:54:17 PM
I'm 20 pages into World War Z. I want to be properly outraged when I Redbox the movie in six months' time.
Oh, you will. You will be f**king pissed.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 03:40:18 PM
I don't really care.  I'll judge each on their own merits.


Kind of like JP the novel, vs JP the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jun 16, 2013, 03:42:45 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 03:40:18 PM
Kind of like JP the novel, vs JP the movie.
Not really the same thing.  :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 03:44:44 PM
JP novel is significantly different than JP movie.  Other than the whole we have mutant dinosaurs on an island lol bit.


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jun 16, 2013, 03:46:30 PM
It still has a similar plot, theme, characters, and setting to the book though.

Word War Z doesn't have any at all. Just zombies.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 04:00:56 PM
JP movie vs book was a pretty different thematic experience.  Crichton is notorious for having the opinion that humanity is expanding its technological base without care of what potential consequences could be.  It is brought up in dialogue once or twice in the movie, it is constantly hammered home in the book.  So much so that a few guys like Hammond are caricatures of the greed based villian who doesn't care as much for his own grandchildren over the success of his park over the more misguided but aware of his mistakes Hammond in the movie

We will see whether the same is true for WWZ.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jun 16, 2013, 04:05:54 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 04:00:56 PM
JP movie vs book was a pretty different thematic experience.  Crichton is notorious for having the opinion that humanity is expanding its technological base without care of what potential consequences could be.  It is brought up in dialogue once or twice in the movie, it is constantly hammered home in the book.  So much so that a few guys like Hammond are caricatures of the greed based villian who doesn't care as much for his own grandchildren over the success of his park over the more misguided but aware of his mistakes Hammond in the movie
So, not too different from the book then.

Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 04:00:56 PM
We will see whether the same is true for WWZ.
If you've seen a single trailer you would know that this is not the case.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 04:27:56 PM
That IS pretty different.  When you change characters to fit different themes between incarnation of the story, then it isn't the same thing.

From what I've seen Brad Pitt is battling it out in pretty much the same locals that Max Brooks interviewed his people in.  Instead of a third person perspective that stories are told to him in, it looks like he will be in the thick of it with said characters.  Also running zombies.

Like I said though, I'll grade each of them differently.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 16, 2013, 05:57:03 PM
The JP movie had much, much, much better characters and handled the emotional side very well.

The book went into a fascinating amount of technical detail that I absolutely loved.

On the whole, I think the movie's better. Both are great, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 16, 2013, 07:04:29 PM
Indeed.  Movie is better.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 16, 2013, 08:40:40 PM
I love both.


I wish Crichton got to work on BSG related material.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 16, 2013, 08:43:45 PM
Quote from: Omegazilla on Jun 16, 2013, 08:40:40 PM
I wish Crichton got to work on BSG related material.

Was he supposed to? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Jun 16, 2013, 09:13:24 PM
Not that I know of, no. But I would have loved something on the subject of the reimagined series. The Rise of Cylons, the first Cylon War, the human Cylons... I would have loved to see his take on it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2013, 02:34:57 AM
Neuromancer by William Gibson

This book... I just love this book. I loved it the first time I read it. I love it more, now, after the second time. A tense technothriller; an intrigue of tech-noir mystery; an analytical dissection of humanity and inhumanity; this novel is all of these things, and more. The more I'm thinking about it, the more staggering it is, this sheer triumph of creativity and imagination. Gibson creates a world which, despite many anachronisms, doesn't seem too far off from happening, and in some ways has already occurred; he peoples it with characters from all walks of life, caricatures of different classes and backgrounds that, in spite of exaggeration, feel completely real.

This novel is an exciting, fast-paced adventure wrapped up in a real slow burn of mounting tension, presented with slick style and an undeniable cool, laying bare the ugly that is at the centre of man and civilization.

And it is beautiful.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 20, 2013, 02:36:39 AM
Heard good things about that one (on this very site, I believe). Will have to look into it sooner or later.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2013, 02:38:29 AM
Make it sooner rather than later. I'd put this baby right up there with The Forever War and 2001: A Space Odyssey on my list of sci-fi must-reads.

Man, I really feel like checking our more Gibson, now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 20, 2013, 02:39:21 AM
Still haven't read The Forever War, either :(

Making my way through A Game of Thrones at the moment.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Jun 20, 2013, 02:43:21 AM
Survivor: A Novel

Good ole Chuck, delivering the goods once again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2013, 02:46:24 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 20, 2013, 02:39:21 AM
Making my way through A Game of Thrones at the moment.

Well, can't fault you for that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 20, 2013, 03:39:38 AM
All this love for Gibson makes me sad his Alien 3 script was passed over...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2013, 03:40:42 AM
Ah... I've read a synopsis of that. It sounded kinda shit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 20, 2013, 09:46:19 AM
It would've been better had it not been Aliens related.  It doesn't use Ripley or Newt, and Hicks could've been any Marine with a tramatic past.

I liked the idea, it just wasn't a good Alien franchise idea.


Nueromancer is the shit.

I have it listed with Hyperion, Forever War, and Ender's Game as amongst my favorite scifi.

I'm reluctant to read its quasi sequels though fearing they might go the same way as all the above's sequels.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2013, 01:45:38 PM
Count Zero isn't as good as Neuromancer, for sure, but it is a damned good piece of sci-fi in its own right. Mona Lisa Overdrive I think came very close to touching Neuromancer's level of greatness.

Check 'em out, I say.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jun 20, 2013, 04:44:06 PM
The Running Man.  Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman.  Again King manages to create a very negative world where the working classes have to risk their lives to provide money for their poverty stricken and in most cases, severely ill families.  It's also a stab at corporate greed and more horrifyingly, mankind's thirst for bloodshed within entertainment.  King once again creates a very believable future.  If you've seen the movie but not read the story don't worry, they're very different.  And if you haven't read it, I recommend it highly. 10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jun 20, 2013, 06:30:44 PM
And Hell Followed With it
A great novelistic retelling of the 1965 Topeka Kansas Tornado that cut through the city and killed 16 people, leaving 100 million dollars in damages in its wake. The novel tells the true stories of survivors based on interviews and eyewitness accounts. Filled with stories of selfishness and selflessness, the novel is good at getting one to be concerned for the characters who are after all, real people, as well as building up tension and dread as the storm bears down on the town. Told in the same structure as the book F5, another nonfiction book dealing with tornadoes which I also liked a lot. Also filled with fascinating history on the warning system and how it came to be. Check it out. 8.5/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jun 20, 2013, 06:51:46 PM
Quote from: TheMonolith on Jun 20, 2013, 06:30:44 PM
And Hell Followed With it
A great novelistic retelling of the 1965 Topeka Kansas Tornado that cut through the city and killed 16 people, leaving 100 million dollars in damages in its wake. The novel tells the true stories of survivors based on interviews and eyewitness accounts. Filled with stories of selfishness and selflessness, the novel is good at getting one to be concerned for the characters who are after all, real people, as well as building up tension and dread as the storm bears down on the town. Told in the same structure as the book F5, another nonfiction book dealing with tornadoes which I also liked a lot. Also filled with fascinating history on the warning system and how it came to be. Check it out. 8.5/10

Sounds really interesting, might have to pick it up
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jun 21, 2013, 12:11:58 AM
Check out F5 by Mark Levine as well. It tells the story of one town that got hit by two EF5 tornadoes in under 30 minutes during the Super Outbreak of 74. Also a very well written book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 21, 2013, 12:16:39 AM
Over half way through World War Z already. I like the interview format a lot, and there's been some genuinely scary/disturbing moments. The best thing about it though is that it actually captures the global scale of the outbreak, something that a ton of zombie apocalypse stories don't really do. Hard to believe this was written by Mel Brooks' kid, of all people.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Jun 21, 2013, 01:11:38 AM
The Last Command by Timothy Zahn

Ok, so I'm not entirely finished with it just excited about finishing the series.  Mara Jade still wants to kill Luke, the twins are born, and the smugglers are choosing sides.  Thrawn is ruthless, but he does not have his predecessor's skills.

Timothy Zahn does not disappoint  his fans  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Jun 21, 2013, 02:32:25 AM
Controversy Creates Cash by Eric Bischoff

Eric Bischoff was the former president of WCW in the 90s and this book chronicles what went right and eventually, what went wrong within the company and Turner Networks that ultimately led to WCW's demise. Anyone with an interest in both pro wrestling and the business world should give this a read. Eric is very honest in his writing and pulls no punches when taking about the lunacy of what he had to deal with.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 24, 2013, 03:08:44 PM
So, finished World War Z. Vey good, very unique zombie novel.




Now I'm getting into Unfinished Tales. It's interesting so far, even if I just read versions of these stories a few weeks back.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 24, 2013, 03:11:48 PM
I loved Unfinished Tales, but it really did get frustrating having these great stories end just as they were about to get interesting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 24, 2013, 04:52:06 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jun 24, 2013, 03:11:48 PM
I loved Unfinished Tales, but it really did get frustrating having these great stories end just as they were about to get interesting.

It is rather disappointing that he never got around to a properly written out story of the Fall of Gondolin. The Ecthelion/Gothmog fight would have been epic. I'm also liking the new bits in the Turin story, like his first meeting with Beleg. The story is ungodly long from what I can tell, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jun 25, 2013, 02:43:50 AM
Animorphs, The Hork Bajir Chronicles
I was always a fan of this series, which admittedly has lots of issues. But damn it, teenage shape shifters vs. body snatchers. That's the stuff.
This however is not part of the main series, but a prequel book detailing the origins of one of the many alien species in the series, and my personal favorite, the Hork Bajir. It tells of their falling victim not only to the Yeerks, the pod people wannabees of the series, but also the supposedly good Andelites. A decent book with good moral lessons that also comes off as very bleak, with only the faintest glimmer of hope at the end. All in all, a good re-visitation of my childhood that may have made me a fan all over again.
7/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno-kaname on Jun 25, 2013, 07:10:44 AM
Quote from: TheMonolith on Jun 25, 2013, 02:43:50 AM
Animorphs, The Hork Bajir Chronicles
I was always a fan of this series, which admittedly has lots of issues. But damn it, teenage shape shifters vs. body snatchers. That's the stuff.
This however is not part of the main series, but a prequel book detailing the origins of one of the many alien species in the series, and my personal favorite, the Hork Bajir. It tells of their falling victim not only to the Yeerks, the pod people wannabees of the series, but also the supposedly good Andelites. A decent book with good moral lessons that also comes off as very bleak, with only the faintest glimmer of hope at the end. All in all, a good re-visitation of my childhood that may have made me a fan all over again.
7/10

I read all of them in like 3 days about two years back. I still enjoyed it greatly. That ending...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 26, 2013, 03:43:00 PM
I'm getting into the final leg of Narn I Hin Hurin in Unifnished Tales. It was already a great story in The Silmarillion, and the long form version found here is even better in some respects. However, I'm kind of pissed that some of my favorite parts are missing.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 27, 2013, 02:58:01 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 26, 2013, 03:43:00 PM
I'm getting into the final leg of Narn I Hin Hurin in Unifnished Tales. It was already a great story in The Silmarillion, and the long form version found here is even better in some respects. However, I'm kind of pissed that some of my favorite parts are missing.

I actually have the full novel version of The Children of Hurin. Have yet to read it, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 27, 2013, 03:36:52 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 27, 2013, 02:58:01 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 26, 2013, 03:43:00 PM
I'm getting into the final leg of Narn I Hin Hurin in Unifnished Tales. It was already a great story in The Silmarillion, and the long form version found here is even better in some respects. However, I'm kind of pissed that some of my favorite parts are missing.

I actually have the full novel version of The Children of Hurin. Have yet to read it, though.

I'll have to get that next.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: viendammage on Jun 29, 2013, 04:49:03 AM
Quote from: DoomRulz on Jun 21, 2013, 02:32:25 AM
Controversy Creates Cash by Eric Bischoff

Eric Bischoff was the former president of WCW in the 90s and this book chronicles what went right and eventually, what went wrong within the company and Turner Networks that ultimately led to WCW's demise. Anyone with an interest in both pro wrestling and the business world should give this a read. Eric is very honest in his writing and pulls no punches when taking about the lunacy of what he had to deal with.

Cool, I'll check it out.  I haven't watched pro wrestling for decades but I've watched probably 10 documentaries on Netflix, just such an interesting yet heart breaking business. 


Right now I'm reading The Gods of Mars (John Carter adventure) by Edgar Rice Burroughs on my Kindle app, War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells in an old hardover anthology and finishing up a Dragon Lance novel, The Kinslayer Wars by Douglas Niles.  Read Kinslayer as a kid so it's a trip to go through it again, remembering bits here but rediscovering other bits there.

Anybody read anything from the Dragon Lance universe?  I'd like to check out Legend of Huma or Kaz the Minotaur next.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 30, 2013, 09:38:02 PM
So, I've read most of the Second Age stuff in Unfinished Tales now. It was nice getting a glimpse of Numenor before it was taken over by assholes, but by Illuvatar did I hate Erendis.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 07, 2013, 11:53:31 PM
I've read quite a bit of The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King while I was gone for the 4th. It's really quite good, so far, just like the other Dark Tower books. More of Mid-World is never a bad thing. ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Jul 08, 2013, 01:28:08 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 27, 2013, 02:58:01 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 26, 2013, 03:43:00 PM
I'm getting into the final leg of Narn I Hin Hurin in Unifnished Tales. It was already a great story in The Silmarillion, and the long form version found here is even better in some respects. However, I'm kind of pissed that some of my favorite parts are missing.

I actually have the full novel version of The Children of Hurin. Have yet to read it, though.
I as well.

On topic, starting to read Tales From The Perilous Realm by Tolkien.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 09, 2013, 07:41:29 PM
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

Well... that was something.

Of the three canticles that make up this epic poem, I'd say Inferno is the only one that's really worth reading. Dark and terrifying, Dante's journey through Hell with Virgil as his guide was incredibly fascinating. I love the idea of a man having to pass through the darkest pit of evil in order to find the soul of his dead love, Beatrice.

However, things get a bit worse from there. The Purgatorio was interesting in parts, but the Paradiso was just boring. Descriptions of supremely good things aren't really the most interesting subjects to read about.

The political commentary rifled throughout the entire work was quite fascinating, though. Painted a very interesting (if biased) image of the political and social landscape of Italy during the 14th century.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2013, 04:36:48 PM
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King

This new Dark Tower story opens in the time between volumes four and five, with Roland and the ka-tet sheltering from the fierce storm called the Starkblast, which freezes solid anything in its path. To pass the time Roland tells a story of his youth, when he was dispatched to investigate a series of murders allegedly committed by a shape-shifting "skin-man." During his investigation, he also relates an old bedtime story to a young boy, the titular "Wind Through the Keyhole," about a boy named Tim who goes in search of a cure for his mother's blindness in the Endless Forest.

Overall, this nested story structure is very, very well done. The stories all mirror each other nicely in certain respects, with certain motifs being present all three. The title story is probably the best of the lot, and makes for a good, if very dark and twisted, fairy tale of sorts. The story of Roland's hunt for the Skin-man is also pretty good, and very creepy at times. It's conclusion is also quite heartwarming, especially in light of the all the bloodshed and violence earlier on. The only story that's lacking in my opinion is the framing device, which felt too brief to me. It had to be short for obvious reasons, but it felt so good seeing Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy again that I wished it had been longer.




Now I'm moving on to H.P. Lovecraft: The Complete Fiction. His early works, while not all that impressive, still make for interesting reads.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 10, 2013, 04:40:56 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2013, 04:36:48 PM
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King

This new Dark Tower story opens in the time between volumes four and five, with Roland and the ka-tet sheltering from the fierce storm called the Starkblast, which freezes solid anything in its path. To pass the time Roland tells a story of his youth, when he was dispatched to investigate a series of murders allegedly committed by a shape-shifting "skin-man." During his investigation, he also relates an old bedtime story to a young boy, the titular "Wind Through the Keyhole," about a boy named Tim who goes in search of a cure for his mother's blindness in the Endless Forest.

Overall, this nested story structure is very, very well done. The stories all mirror each other nicely in certain respects, with certain motifs being present all three. The title story is probably the best of the lot, and makes for a good, if very dark and twisted, fairy tale of sorts. The story of Roland's hunt for the Skin-man is also pretty good, and very creepy at times. It's conclusion is also quite heartwarming, especially in light of the all the bloodshed and violence earlier on. The only story that's lacking in my opinion is the framing device, which felt too brief to me. It had to be short for obvious reasons, but it felt so good seeing Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy again that I wished it had been longer.




Now I'm moving on to H.P. Lovecraft: The Complete Fiction. His early works, while not all that impressive, still make for interesting reads.

I need to check this out, always good to see another Tower fan, "Long days and pleasant nights..."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpreadEagleBeagle on Jul 10, 2013, 05:11:36 PM
"Go Tell it on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

Fantastic book, a classic, about two brothers living in Harlem in the 50ies and 60ies, also spans to the rural black South. They're both the sons of a deacon, "a holy man", but neither of them want to follow their dad's path. One of the sons, John, is introverted and analyzes and questions the world around him and outside; he dreams about branching out, exploring his sexuality, exploring identity... Unfortunately for John everyone have high hopes for him, expecting him to become a great man, a leader of his people, since his older brother Roy is a lost cause, a young womanizer, a charming rogue, a lazy man etc. They also have two sisters, both much younger, and a strong mother, trying to cover up for their dad who isn't the hero the sons were raised to respect and never question.

The book is amazingly written with a feverish prose. It's poetic, it's political in a subtle and fluent kind of way, it has a flow and great characters. As great as it is, according to me, I still think that "Another Country" is better though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2013, 07:03:23 PM
Quote from: Novak 1334 on Jul 10, 2013, 04:40:56 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2013, 04:36:48 PM
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King

This new Dark Tower story opens in the time between volumes four and five, with Roland and the ka-tet sheltering from the fierce storm called the Starkblast, which freezes solid anything in its path. To pass the time Roland tells a story of his youth, when he was dispatched to investigate a series of murders allegedly committed by a shape-shifting "skin-man." During his investigation, he also relates an old bedtime story to a young boy, the titular "Wind Through the Keyhole," about a boy named Tim who goes in search of a cure for his mother's blindness in the Endless Forest.

Overall, this nested story structure is very, very well done. The stories all mirror each other nicely in certain respects, with certain motifs being present all three. The title story is probably the best of the lot, and makes for a good, if very dark and twisted, fairy tale of sorts. The story of Roland's hunt for the Skin-man is also pretty good, and very creepy at times. It's conclusion is also quite heartwarming, especially in light of the all the bloodshed and violence earlier on. The only story that's lacking in my opinion is the framing device, which felt too brief to me. It had to be short for obvious reasons, but it felt so good seeing Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy again that I wished it had been longer.




Now I'm moving on to H.P. Lovecraft: The Complete Fiction. His early works, while not all that impressive, still make for interesting reads.

I need to check this out, always good to see another Tower fan, "Long days and pleasant nights..."

It's worth a read, but don't expect of old Roland and company. "I say thankya."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 10, 2013, 08:03:07 PM
I've just begun 11.22.63 by Stephen King.  About a quarter of the way through it and I'm hooked already, but I will be reading The Wind through the Keyhole next
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 10, 2013, 11:00:06 PM
One Shot by Lee Child
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jul 10, 2013, 11:04:27 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 10, 2013, 11:00:06 PM
One Shot by Lee Child

Have you read Persuader? That's the only Jack Reacher novel I've read so far. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jul 10, 2013, 11:07:15 PM
Yes. I've read the first nine books in the series.  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RagingDragon on Jul 11, 2013, 08:26:50 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Jul 10, 2013, 11:07:15 PM
Yes. I've read the first nine books in the series.  :D
I LOVE PEOPLE WHO READ.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Jul 13, 2013, 02:06:35 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2013, 04:36:48 PM
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King

This new Dark Tower story opens in the time between volumes four and five, with Roland and the ka-tet sheltering from the fierce storm called the Starkblast, which freezes solid anything in its path. To pass the time Roland tells a story of his youth, when he was dispatched to investigate a series of murders allegedly committed by a shape-shifting "skin-man." During his investigation, he also relates an old bedtime story to a young boy, the titular "Wind Through the Keyhole," about a boy named Tim who goes in search of a cure for his mother's blindness in the Endless Forest.

Overall, this nested story structure is very, very well done. The stories all mirror each other nicely in certain respects, with certain motifs being present all three. The title story is probably the best of the lot, and makes for a good, if very dark and twisted, fairy tale of sorts. The story of Roland's hunt for the Skin-man is also pretty good, and very creepy at times. It's conclusion is also quite heartwarming, especially in light of the all the bloodshed and violence earlier on. The only story that's lacking in my opinion is the framing device, which felt too brief to me. It had to be short for obvious reasons, but it felt so good seeing Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy again that I wished it had been longer.




Now I'm moving on to H.P. Lovecraft: The Complete Fiction. His early works, while not all that impressive, still make for interesting reads.

Oh, cool. More Dark Tower stories are always good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jul 13, 2013, 05:32:40 AM
The Sons of Bardstown.

Tells the story of deployed Guardsmen to Vietnam in the late 60's, some of their fire missions, their notoriety for being an outstanding firing battery, and the subsequent attack by the NVA to silence them.

The battery is the same one I was attached to in Africa.  C 2-138th.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 13, 2013, 06:16:14 AM
Quote from: echobbase79 on Jul 13, 2013, 02:06:35 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2013, 04:36:48 PM
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King

This new Dark Tower story opens in the time between volumes four and five, with Roland and the ka-tet sheltering from the fierce storm called the Starkblast, which freezes solid anything in its path. To pass the time Roland tells a story of his youth, when he was dispatched to investigate a series of murders allegedly committed by a shape-shifting "skin-man." During his investigation, he also relates an old bedtime story to a young boy, the titular "Wind Through the Keyhole," about a boy named Tim who goes in search of a cure for his mother's blindness in the Endless Forest.

Overall, this nested story structure is very, very well done. The stories all mirror each other nicely in certain respects, with certain motifs being present all three. The title story is probably the best of the lot, and makes for a good, if very dark and twisted, fairy tale of sorts. The story of Roland's hunt for the Skin-man is also pretty good, and very creepy at times. It's conclusion is also quite heartwarming, especially in light of the all the bloodshed and violence earlier on. The only story that's lacking in my opinion is the framing device, which felt too brief to me. It had to be short for obvious reasons, but it felt so good seeing Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy again that I wished it had been longer.




Now I'm moving on to H.P. Lovecraft: The Complete Fiction. His early works, while not all that impressive, still make for interesting reads.

Oh, cool. More Dark Tower stories are always good.

It definitely is. I've still got five or six volumes of comics to read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 13, 2013, 11:32:23 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 13, 2013, 06:16:14 AM
Quote from: echobbase79 on Jul 13, 2013, 02:06:35 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2013, 04:36:48 PM
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King

This new Dark Tower story opens in the time between volumes four and five, with Roland and the ka-tet sheltering from the fierce storm called the Starkblast, which freezes solid anything in its path. To pass the time Roland tells a story of his youth, when he was dispatched to investigate a series of murders allegedly committed by a shape-shifting "skin-man." During his investigation, he also relates an old bedtime story to a young boy, the titular "Wind Through the Keyhole," about a boy named Tim who goes in search of a cure for his mother's blindness in the Endless Forest.

Overall, this nested story structure is very, very well done. The stories all mirror each other nicely in certain respects, with certain motifs being present all three. The title story is probably the best of the lot, and makes for a good, if very dark and twisted, fairy tale of sorts. The story of Roland's hunt for the Skin-man is also pretty good, and very creepy at times. It's conclusion is also quite heartwarming, especially in light of the all the bloodshed and violence earlier on. The only story that's lacking in my opinion is the framing device, which felt too brief to me. It had to be short for obvious reasons, but it felt so good seeing Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy again that I wished it had been longer.




Now I'm moving on to H.P. Lovecraft: The Complete Fiction. His early works, while not all that impressive, still make for interesting reads.

Oh, cool. More Dark Tower stories are always good.

It definitely is. I've still got five or six volumes of comics to read.

I've just begun the Marvel adaptation of The Dark Tower loving it so far
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 15, 2013, 07:52:32 PM
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

This book is a masterpiece.

At some indeterminate point in the late 20th or early 21st century, mankind's destiny was changed utterly. The Overlords came from the stars, their ships descending over every major city. Their power was unimaginable, and their goals unknown. They demanded the end to war, poverty, and famine. Humanity, with some grumbling, obliged. The world is, for all intents and purposes, a utopia. Yet under all this seeming perfection, Clarke is able to weave a subtle yet overbearing sense of dread and foreboding. Just what is the ultimate goal of the Overlords?

Clarke's prose has never been the strongest, I've found. His true literary strength was always in his ideas. And his ideas here were beautiful, piercing my mind with awe, and overpowering me with emotions. Books often can give me a lump in my throat, but seldom do they actually make me cry. This one did that, streaming tears and all.

The book is far from depressing, though. Cry, I did, yet there was optimism mixed in with the sadness, a most poignant bittersweet concoction.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Jul 15, 2013, 08:01:00 PM
By any chance have you read The Hammer of God? Another Clarke novel that served as a loose (very loose) inspiration for Deep Impact. Been interested in that one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 15, 2013, 08:04:14 PM
Alas, I have not. Really need to read more Clarke. He's had a few novels that I'm not so keen on, but when he's good, he's really f**king good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Munkeywrench on Jul 15, 2013, 08:12:42 PM
Under the Dome by Stephen King I thought it was a great book
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Jul 16, 2013, 01:44:03 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 15, 2013, 07:52:32 PM
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

This book is a masterpiece.

At some indeterminate point in the late 20th or early 21st century, mankind's destiny was changed utterly. The Overlords came from the stars, their ships descending over every major city. Their power was unimaginable, and their goals unknown. They demanded the end to war, poverty, and famine. Humanity, with some grumbling, obliged. The world is, for all intents and purposes, a utopia. Yet under all this seeming perfection, Clarke is able to weave a subtle yet overbearing sense of dread and foreboding. Just what is the ultimate goal of the Overlords?

Clarke's prose has never been the strongest, I've found. His true literary strength was always in his ideas. And his ideas here were beautiful, piercing my mind with awe, and overpowering me with emotions. Books often can give me a lump in my throat, but seldom do they actually make me cry. This one did that, streaming tears and all.

The book is far from depressing, though. Cry, I did, yet there was optimism mixed in with the sadness, a most poignant bittersweet concoction.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this.
That's one I've really been looking to read. I've seen it officially cited as inspirations for Destiny and Evangelion, and the initial premise seems akin to the original The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jul 16, 2013, 01:54:47 AM
Time to get onto Blood Meridian. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 16, 2013, 05:34:29 AM
Quote from: Space Sweeper on Jul 16, 2013, 01:44:03 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 15, 2013, 07:52:32 PM
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

This book is a masterpiece.

Spoiler
At some indeterminate point in the late 20th or early 21st century, mankind's destiny was changed utterly. The Overlords came from the stars, their ships descending over every major city. Their power was unimaginable, and their goals unknown. They demanded the end to war, poverty, and famine. Humanity, with some grumbling, obliged. The world is, for all intents and purposes, a utopia. Yet under all this seeming perfection, Clarke is able to weave a subtle yet overbearing sense of dread and foreboding. Just what is the ultimate goal of the Overlords?

Clarke's prose has never been the strongest, I've found. His true literary strength was always in his ideas. And his ideas here were beautiful, piercing my mind with awe, and overpowering me with emotions. Books often can give me a lump in my throat, but seldom do they actually make me cry. This one did that, streaming tears and all.

The book is far from depressing, though. Cry, I did, yet there was optimism mixed in with the sadness, a most poignant bittersweet concoction.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this.
[close]
That's one I've really been looking to read. I've seen it officially cited as inspirations for Destiny and Evangelion, and the initial premise seems akin to the original The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Aye, it's definitely a must read. It truly inspired a huge number of works. The aforementioned Destiny and Evangelion, the V miniseries, District 9 (though it twisted the premise around on its head), even a little bit of Halo. I'm sure there's tonnes of other examples, but I can't think of any right now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno-kaname on Jul 16, 2013, 01:31:24 PM
Quote from: Miker30 on Jul 15, 2013, 08:12:42 PM
Under the Dome by Stephen King I thought it was a great book

Been wanting to read it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 22, 2013, 10:30:04 PM
The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad

This was a simply phenomenal work of espionage fiction.

Set in London during the 1880s, it follows the events preceding and succeeding a botched bombing attempt of the Greenwich Observatory (based upon a real attempt in 1894). The attack itself is never actually detailed, though, something which added a considerable amount to the story. Told from multiple perspectives, semi-linearly, it follows police, terrorists, anarchists, and the relations of those involved in the bombing.

This book was incredibly entertaining and well-written. Felt like a La Carré novel; no good men or bad men, only men.

Highly recommended.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 26, 2013, 09:13:33 PM
11:22:63 By Stephen King

I'm still stunned by this book!

In 2011 English teacher Jake Epping, through a friend discovers a "rabbit hole" that transports you back to 1958, every trip lasts two minutes in 2011, but can go on for decades in 58, and every time you go through it resets itself.  Jake is tasked with preventing the assassination of JFK.  But what would be the consequences?

It's brilliantly written, the first time I've read a King book told from that perspective, the pacing, suspense, the attention to detail everything makes it an absorbing experience to read.  You guys should check it out!
10/10
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Aug 02, 2013, 05:27:55 AM
I finally finished reading A Game of Thrones. It took much me longer to get through than it should have, but I am so glad that I read it. I loved the book just as much as I love the show, and now I actually want to watch the show from the beginning again. I was surprised at just how closely the source material was adapted for TV, with most of the changes simply being expanded roles for some of the more minor players in the book. George R.R. Martin's writing style and the character perspective format of the book wound up working for me a lot more than I thought it would; A Game of Thrones very easily could have been an overly complicated read with its large ensemble of characters and multitude of separate stories spanning over 800 pages, but I found the writing to be simple enough to understand while remaining captivating throughout.

I can't wait to get started on A Clash of Kings!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 02, 2013, 01:28:47 PM
Glad you enjoyed it.

The one thing they left outta the show in the first season that I really missed was the Tower of Joy. That would've been great to see.

And the Blackfish. Though we finally have him now, so s'all good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Aug 02, 2013, 02:04:38 PM
Figured this would be as good a place as any to ask this; has anyone read Martin's novellas/short stories that take place in the world of 'A Song of Ice and Fire'? The three that are currently available (The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight) were published in various anthology books and focus on characters named Dunk and Egg, and a fourth that is coming out this November (The Princess and the Queen) sounds like it is going to be especially interesting, focusing on the Targaryen War.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 03, 2013, 01:57:41 AM
I've never read the Dunk and Egg books, myself, but I've been curious to.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 04, 2013, 11:21:42 PM
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

An alternate history presenting a divided and occupied United States in world where the Axis Powers won WWII.

Absolutely fascinating. Loved it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Aug 05, 2013, 02:03:10 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Aug 02, 2013, 05:27:55 AM
I finally finished reading A Game of Thrones. It took much me longer to get through than it should have, but I am so glad that I read it. I loved the book just as much as I love the show, and now I actually want to watch the show from the beginning again. I was surprised at just how closely the source material was adapted for TV, with most of the changes simply being expanded roles for some of the more minor players in the book. George R.R. Martin's writing style and the character perspective format of the book wound up working for me a lot more than I thought it would; A Game of Thrones very easily could have been an overly complicated read with its large ensemble of characters and multitude of separate stories spanning over 800 pages, but I found the writing to be simple enough to understand while remaining captivating throughout.

I can't wait to get started on A Clash of Kings!

The first season follows the show most closely, but while the second and third do follow close enough to the books I fear they have left so many minor characters out that have potential to be POV characters in the last two books, it may come back to bite them in the end.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Aug 05, 2013, 02:59:18 AM
Isn't Martin involved with the show, though? If so, surely he would advise them to steer in a certain direction, even if he isn't ready to completely unveil the final two books' plot elements in full.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Aug 05, 2013, 08:09:23 PM
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin

I loved it. I had heard that plenty of fans had a problem with this book, but I think it was great. I feel like it's setting up a lot of important things. Victarion and Asha are two of my favorite POV characters, with Daenerys of course being #1. The dragons are truly terrifying in this. It will be interesting to see if Dany gets them under control.

Some thoughts...

Spoiler
The stabbing of Jon Snow was both brutal and surprising. I don't believe he's dead though and if he is, I'm sure Melisandre is going to bring him back. At this point, he seems to be a too important character to just kill off like that.

Ramsay's letter to Jon was interesting. I don't believe for a moment that Stannis is defeated though.

I'm pretty sure that Ser Robert Strong is Gregor Clegane.

Also, I wonder if Daenerys will have to use the horn Victarion is bringing with him to get her dragons under control. She is probably the only one who could use it without dying.

Varys, you sneaky bastard. 8)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 05, 2013, 08:58:14 PM
Aye, it's a fantastic book. I still question the practice of splitting the narrative between characters, but AFFC and ADWD together form an absolutely stellar addition to the saga.

Quote from: Shasvre on Aug 05, 2013, 08:09:23 PM
Spoiler
The stabbing of Jon Snow was both brutal and surprising. I don't believe he's dead though and if he is, I'm sure Melisandre is going to bring him back. At this point, he seems to be a too important character to just kill off like that.
[close]
Spoiler
His oath to the Night's Watch was until death. He's free from that bind now, I suppose.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Aug 06, 2013, 06:59:04 AM
Spoiler
I voiced Victarion in my head with an Arnold voice every since he threw that armored knight off the side of his ship in AFFC.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Aug 06, 2013, 11:56:55 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Aug 05, 2013, 08:58:14 PM
Spoiler
His oath to the Night's Watch was until death. He's free from that bind now, I suppose.
[close]

Ah, yes, I didn't really think of that.

Spoiler
Time for Lord Snow to make a move on another wildling woman then? :D
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMonolith on Aug 06, 2013, 02:53:17 PM
Getting back to reading Lovecraft, the Complete Fiction. Just finished The White Ship and wan't too impressed with it, but this is still more early works. The Transition of Juan Romero on the other hand was very good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 06, 2013, 04:02:35 PM
Quote from: TheMonolith on Aug 06, 2013, 02:53:17 PM
Getting back to reading Lovecraft, the Complete Fiction. Just finished The White Ship and wan't too impressed with it, but this is still more early works. The Transition of Juan Romero on the other hand was very good.

I'm reading the same volume, and am currently working on The Case of Charles Dexter Ward.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Aug 09, 2013, 02:04:15 AM
Over the past month I've read these books:

Puffin Classics The Story of Troy and The Norse Mythologies.
Something Wicked This Way Comes.
Wizard of Oz

And at the moment I'm reading Alice In Wonderland and it's sequel Through the Looking Glass and another great Ray Bradbury book called Fahrenheit 451.

Also, picked up a copy of Dante's Inferno and Canterbury Tales. 

Quote from: KiramidHead on Aug 06, 2013, 04:02:35 PM
Quote from: TheMonolith on Aug 06, 2013, 02:53:17 PM
Getting back to reading Lovecraft, the Complete Fiction. Just finished The White Ship and wan't too impressed with it, but this is still more early works. The Transition of Juan Romero on the other hand was very good.

I'm reading the same volume, and am currently working on The Case of Charles Dexter Ward.


That's my favorite Lovecraft story. After you're done you should check out the movie Resurrection by Dan O'Bannon. It's a very good adaptation of the book even though it's set in modern times. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 09, 2013, 02:20:45 AM
Quote from: echobbase79 on Aug 09, 2013, 02:04:15 AM
Over the past month I've read these books:

Puffin Classics The Story of Troy and The Norse Mythologies.
Something Wicked This Way Comes.
Wizard of Oz

And at the moment I'm reading Alice In Wonderland and it's sequel Through the Looking Glass and another great Ray Bradbury book called Fahrenheit 451.

Also, picked up a copy of Dante's Inferno and Canterbury Tales. 

Quote from: KiramidHead on Aug 06, 2013, 04:02:35 PM
Quote from: TheMonolith on Aug 06, 2013, 02:53:17 PM
Getting back to reading Lovecraft, the Complete Fiction. Just finished The White Ship and wan't too impressed with it, but this is still more early works. The Transition of Juan Romero on the other hand was very good.

I'm reading the same volume, and am currently working on The Case of Charles Dexter Ward.


That's my favorite Lovecraft story. After you're done you should check out the movie Resurrection by Dan O'Bannon. It's a very good adaptation of the book even though it's set in modern times.

It's about my third time reading, actually. And I've seen The Resurrected. Chris Sarandon kills it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: echobbase79 on Aug 09, 2013, 02:49:20 AM

Oh yeah, it's called The Resurrected. :/ I can't really remember Chris's performance but I don't remember being that bad. I'll have to watch it again. Its on Netflix.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 09, 2013, 02:50:54 AM
Quote from: echobbase79 on Aug 09, 2013, 02:49:20 AM

Oh yeah, it's called The Resurrected. :/ I can't really remember Chris's performance but I don't remember being that bad. I'll have to watch it again. Its on Netflix.

He was good, but should have been in it a bit more.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Sep 03, 2013, 08:33:41 PM
Starting to re-read all the Nietzsche Cambridge press books.

Seriously, we all need to read more bc this is the first new post in almost a month ::)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 03, 2013, 09:04:16 PM
Hey! I've got a 1200 page meganovel I'm going through! Those take time, man.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 07, 2013, 01:02:04 AM
I finished H.P. Lovecraft: the Complete Fiction, and loved it, as I knew I would.

Now I'm reading Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach. I'm pretty much in love with all things Arthurian, so the chances of me not liking this are very slim.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 14, 2013, 03:19:34 PM
The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Apart from the writing coming off as a bit simple every now and then, it's all good. Looking forward to finish it off with Mockingjay. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Sep 14, 2013, 11:30:18 PM
How do they compare with the film(s)? Still haven't seen Hunger Games myself yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 15, 2013, 01:36:16 AM
Moll Flanders for school.  I really wanted to throat punch everybody in my general area whilst reading it though. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Sep 15, 2013, 01:37:34 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Sep 15, 2013, 01:36:16 AM
Moll Flanders for school.  I really wanted to throat punch everybody in my general area whilst reading it though.
Why the violence?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 16, 2013, 06:13:27 AM
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Katniss is getting harder and harder to like as the story moves on. The war was interesting and the propaganda with her as the Mockingjay as well. But...

Spoiler
Her vote that the children of the Capital should be used for one final Hunger Game, was that for real or just to fake it in front of Coin before putting an arrow in her? Because if not, she's not really any better than the people they were fighting against. :-\
[close]

Peeta is definitely my favorite character.

Quote from: First Blood on Sep 14, 2013, 11:30:18 PM
How do they compare with the film(s)? Still haven't seen Hunger Games myself yet.

Dude, see it! :laugh:

There are some differences, but nothing major, as far as I can tell.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 16, 2013, 06:29:30 AM
Halfway through Alan Moore's From Hell

gawd.. I just want to take every single one of the Jack the Ripper victims out from this book, hug them and tell them "everything's gonna be ok". :'( Moore writes characters so well that they just feel "alive". Great dialogue, great scenes and great, dark impressionistic artwork. Tons of historic detail about the Ripper murders make it a fascinating, if gruesome read.

The Johnny Depp film was f**king shite compared to this. They really dropped the ball on that one. gah.

There are soo many mindbending scenes:
Spoiler
William Gull having a premonition and seeing a television set through a window... Hitler's mother has a nightmare about a future war. William Gull going around London, explaining the symbolism of architecture and his plans for ritual murders. The Elephant Man's cameo. William Gull seeing "God".
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 16, 2013, 01:36:53 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Sep 16, 2013, 06:29:30 AM
Halfway through Alan Moore's From Hell

gawd.. I just want to take every single one of the Jack the Ripper victims out from this book, hug them and tell them "everything's gonna be ok". :'( Moore writes characters so well that they just feel "alive". Great dialogue, great scenes and great, dark impressionistic artwork. Tons of historic detail about the Ripper murders make it a fascinating, if gruesome read.

The Johnny Depp film was f**king shite compared to this. They really dropped the ball on that one. gah.

There are soo many mindbending scenes:
Spoiler
William Gull having a premonition and seeing a television set through a window... Hitler's mother has a nightmare about a future war. William Gull going around London, explaining the symbolism of architecture and his plans for ritual murders. The Elephant Man's cameo. William Gull seeing "God".
[close]

It gets even weirder, until the final part is nothing but weird stuff you'll need the end notes to explain.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 16, 2013, 05:22:18 PM
Most of it sort of explains itself. The future visions fit in well with the "time = 4th dimension folding into itself" theme.

I just had to use google translate to understand the german dialogue.. that was the only hard bit so far. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JokersWarPig on Sep 16, 2013, 06:02:52 PM
I just finished "The Walking Dead".
Not anything related to Kirman's Walking Dead, it was written by Charles W. Sasser. It's an auto-biography about the writers time as one of the first marines to land in Vietnam in 1965. The book details a lot of different events that took place during his tour, from landing on the beach, to being an adviser to  an ARVN platoon, to patrolling ares where the Vietcong and NVA more or less controlled completely.
It's a good read, the thing I enjoy most about reading books about Vietnam is that they're all so different from one another, especially if the units or the years that are being covered are different from the book you read previously.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Sep 16, 2013, 06:03:27 PM
Began reading Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 16, 2013, 06:04:13 PM
Quote from: Omegazilla on Sep 16, 2013, 06:03:27 PM
Began reading Game of Thrones.

Excellent! You haven't seen the TV series, have you?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Sep 16, 2013, 06:07:22 PM
Nope, not yet. Though I am most likely going to once I finish with the books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 16, 2013, 06:08:46 PM
Very cool.

Will be interesting to hear the thoughts of someone who read the books first.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 17, 2013, 09:50:37 PM
Parzival

I'm in the middle of Book IX, and I'm quite enjoying it so far. I'm not quite as fond of the Gawan portions as I am of the Parzival/Grail ones, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 17, 2013, 09:52:36 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Sep 15, 2013, 01:37:34 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Sep 15, 2013, 01:36:16 AM
Moll Flanders for school.  I really wanted to throat punch everybody in my general area whilst reading it though.
Why the violence?

You'd have to read it for yourself brah.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Sep 18, 2013, 12:06:05 AM
The Dresden Files: Storm Front by James Butcher

Very interesting blend of magic and noir as a wizard P.I hunts down a black mage on a killing spree
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: jeffchow on Sep 20, 2013, 10:05:53 AM
The Forever War
picked it up on a whim read right through til the end in one sitting absolutely floored me
i found the beginning typical military story but with cool dangerous tech i loved the tense and claustrophobic travel through the collapsars  but the first return from the gate was when the story became really special

Spoiler
the moment when William and marygay where separated i cried man tears and the climatic battle on sade with the stasis field my inner geek was screaming with joy as guys with mech suits fighting with medieval weapons and against the taurons when William thought to himself they could walk in her carrying rocks in each and beat the shit out of us had me choking on my Coffey     
[close]


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Sep 20, 2013, 10:45:26 AM
I've been reading The Outlander series, by James Axel. I think I'm about a third of the way through the 60 or so books.

Yes, there's 60+ of them so far. They're not overly short, either. So there's a fair bit of reading, but it's seemed to have gotten away from the connecting plotlines and has just become a setting now.

It's somewhat like Fallout if it included a lot of modern day conspiracy theories, like aliens and hybrids and secret orders using alien technology to rule the world, the Egyptians being run by alien hybrids, that kind of thing. The story takes place after an apocalypse, where whats left of humanity lives in Judge Dredd style cities, or Baronies, where the populations and technology levels are very specifically maintained.

Two Mags (Magistrates, basically Judges) and an Archivest learn the truth behind their leaders and that their whole existence has been a lie imprinted on them from birth, and become the main characters resisting The Barons
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 20, 2013, 07:56:36 PM
Anti-Pamela.  God kill me now.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 22, 2013, 03:57:22 PM
Finished Parzival last night. It was a fascinating little read with a lot of memorable characters sprinkled throughout. i would have preferred less focus on Gawan, even if his later segments tied into the Parzival/Grail portions more strongly than I anticipated.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Sep 26, 2013, 11:32:10 AM
The Myth of Male Power by Dr. Warren Farrell. Here's my review from Facebook:

QuoteI finally finished Warren Farrell's book, The Myth of Male Power. I'm beat. I haven't read a book this heavy in a long time and you know what? I loved it. I loved every bit of it. Dr. Farrell's words (which are backed up by more citations than I can even count) are engaging, interesting, thought-provoking, controversial, and will definitely anger you when you read them. He does an incredible job of questioning the age-old image of "male-as-oppressor".

Anyone with a serious interest in gender relations needs to read this. Feminists, that means you too. Dr. Farrell does NOT, I repeat, DOES NOT, apologize for rape, sympathise with rape, bash feminism (heck, he spends a good deal of time in the opening chapters, and also at the end, praising it), hate on women, or do ANY of the other things you've all so casually and violently accused him of. But to everyone, read this book. You will never look at male/female relations the same way again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 05, 2013, 10:38:58 PM
The Hard Way by Lee Child


Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

The Shining has always been one of King's most popular and terrifying novels. When I first read The Shining a few years ago, it left me in a cold sweat. King has that wonderful ability to create and breathe life into characters whilst at the same time creating heart pounding suspense (and horror...) His newest novel, Doctor Sleep is a sequel to The Shining and its every bit as good as the original book. We're following Dan Torrance who's all grown up and battling alcohol addiction. King who was an alcoholic himself paints a fascinating and horrifying picture of what it's like to battle the bottle. And like vintage King, he injects some great humor in otherwise terrifying situations. His macabre sense of style is one of the things I enjoy most about his writing. Without giving the plot away, he created some fantastic new characters; Billy Freeman being on of my favorites. Also the shit the True Knot community does to children is f**king horrible.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Oct 06, 2013, 11:19:20 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 05, 2013, 10:38:58 PM
The Hard Way by Lee Child


Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

The Shining has always been one of King's most popular and terrifying novels. When I first read The Shining a few years ago, it left me in a cold sweat. King has that wonderful ability to create and breathe life into characters whilst at the same time creating heart pounding suspense (and horror...) His newest novel, Doctor Sleep is a sequel to The Shining and its every bit as good as the original book. We're following Dan Torrance who's all grown up and battling alcohol addiction. King who was an alcoholic himself paints a fascinating and horrifying picture of what it's like to battle the bottle. And like vintage King, he injects some great humor in otherwise terrifying situations. His macabre sense of style is one of the things I enjoy most about his writing. Without giving the plot away, he created some fantastic new characters; Billy Freeman being on of my favorites. Also the shit the True Knot community does to children is f**king horrible.

Nice! I love Stephen King's books and the Shining too - will be sure to pick this one up!
Did you also read Joyland?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 06, 2013, 11:30:11 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Oct 06, 2013, 11:19:20 AM
Did you also read Joyland?

I have not! How is that one? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Oct 07, 2013, 09:32:00 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 06, 2013, 11:30:11 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Oct 06, 2013, 11:19:20 AM
Did you also read Joyland?

I have not! How is that one? :)

I reall liked it, before Doctor Sleep I thought it was nice return to form after the not-so-good 11/22/63. A slow-burn, but in a good way. Very character-driven and the set of Joyland Carnival and the characters there is a really interesting one. Slight connotations of horror, the supernatural and romance spice up a great, and very American, coming of age novel in King's style.

Which is favourite book by King man?  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Oct 07, 2013, 02:45:34 PM
Jurassic Park.

It's a timeless classic that will forever be in my list of Top 10 Favourite Books. I really wish more of the book's material made it into the movie. The Dilo attack scene in the book is so f**king gruesome that it needed to be in the movie!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 07, 2013, 05:42:13 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Oct 07, 2013, 09:32:00 AM
Which is favourite book by King man?  :)

Salem's Lot.

One of the best vampire stories out there, let alone King novels. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Oct 07, 2013, 05:48:57 PM
Quote from: DoomRulz on Oct 07, 2013, 02:45:34 PM
Jurassic Park.

It's a timeless classic that will forever be in my list of Top 10 Favourite Books. I really wish more of the book's material made it into the movie. The Dilo attack scene in the book is so f**king gruesome that it needed to be in the movie!

The book is much graphic.  I'm not going to diss the movie because I still think it is awesome, but the dinosaurs are much more predatory in the book.  Like you didn't want those guys after you because only gruesome death would occur.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Oct 07, 2013, 06:12:57 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Oct 07, 2013, 05:48:57 PM
Quote from: DoomRulz on Oct 07, 2013, 02:45:34 PM
Jurassic Park.

It's a timeless classic that will forever be in my list of Top 10 Favourite Books. I really wish more of the book's material made it into the movie. The Dilo attack scene in the book is so f**king gruesome that it needed to be in the movie!

The book is much graphic.  I'm not going to diss the movie because I still think it is awesome, but the dinosaurs are much more predatory in the book.  Like you didn't want those guys after you because only gruesome death would occur.

'ken oath. But I will say that so far, to me, Jurassic Park is the best novel-made-into-a-movie yet. That's likely because Crichton himself worked on the script.

I gather if James Cameron had won the rights to JP, his film would've as violent as the book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Oct 08, 2013, 08:02:40 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 07, 2013, 05:42:13 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Oct 07, 2013, 09:32:00 AM
Which is favourite book by King man?  :)

Salem's Lot.

One of the best vampire stories out there, let alone King novels. :)

Mine is Cujo, but damn Salem's Lot is a fine book. With Pet Semetary it's in my top 3.

Also Doom, I'm unsure of that, that Cameron would have made JP so violent.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 08, 2013, 01:14:43 PM
My favorite is The Stand. And I liked 11/22/63. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Oct 08, 2013, 03:07:16 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 08, 2013, 01:14:43 PM
My favorite is The Stand.
Haven't read that suprisingly! A good 'un?

Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 08, 2013, 01:14:43 PM
And I liked 11/22/63. :P
...
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fth04.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2FPRE%2Ff%2F2011%2F288%2Fd%2F6%2Fpoker_face_2_by_rober_raik-d4cxlfn.png&hash=b3598362150d404574a3a9f88fb5cbd1f95ea97d)

Nah, it wasn't that bad.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 08, 2013, 03:23:41 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Oct 08, 2013, 03:07:16 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 08, 2013, 01:14:43 PM
My favorite is The Stand.
Haven't read that suprisingly! A good 'un?

Very, very good.

Quote
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 08, 2013, 01:14:43 PM
And I liked 11/22/63. :P
...
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fth04.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2FPRE%2Ff%2F2011%2F288%2Fd%2F6%2Fpoker_face_2_by_rober_raik-d4cxlfn.png&hash=b3598362150d404574a3a9f88fb5cbd1f95ea97d)

Nah, it wasn't that bad.  :laugh:

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmemecrunch.com%2Fmeme%2FD9LX%2Fgettin-real-tired-of-your-shit%2Fimage.png&hash=eced98868285987123054490616bbc11e33b7c14)

:laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Oct 08, 2013, 03:54:46 PM
Uhg... this is the first Outlanders book I can't finish.

So, take a series about X-Files meets Judge Dredd meets Fallout. What does that sick combination of conspiracy theorist science fiction camp inspire in you?

Why, the main characters becoming Aztec Godsb and using their magic powers to have a battle royale with the other Gods for the fate of a rebuilt Mexico of course!

Sure, lets take a grim realist Judge Dredd and make him The Sun Lord, shooting beams of fire with his sword and deflecting bullets with his Solar Shield. That's totally science fiction, since something something slow moving radiation something penial gland.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Oct 08, 2013, 03:58:54 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 07, 2013, 05:42:13 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Oct 07, 2013, 09:32:00 AM
Which is favourite book by King man?  :)

Salem's Lot.

One of the best vampire stories out there, let alone King novels.

yessir.

Doctor Sleep any good?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 08, 2013, 04:02:07 PM
Very good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Oct 08, 2013, 04:05:38 PM
Gonna give From a Buick 8 a go as well? 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 08, 2013, 04:07:27 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Oct 08, 2013, 04:05:38 PM
Gonna give From a Buick 8 a go as well? 8)

Most likely. Been wanting to give that a spin as well as Bag of Bones.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Oct 09, 2013, 07:26:51 PM
Wolf in Shadow and The Last Guardian by David Gemmel

The first two books of the Jon Shannow trilogy, about a gunslinger wandering a post apocalyptic world searching for the fabled City of Jerusalem, if you like westerns and horror fantasy then I highly recommend these books by the late David Gemmel, great action, wonderful dialogue.

Waiting on the delivery of Bloodstone to complete the trilogy
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predator Queen on Oct 09, 2013, 08:39:19 PM
Anyone have any recommendations of a good book to read that I might like.  The last thing I read was a biography about Vincent Price and two books about Jungian Psychology.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 09, 2013, 10:36:00 PM
Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

A classic and memorable retelling of the Arthurian legend, the Morte is a pretty entertaining read. Unfortunately, it gets kind of boring near the middle when it shifts focus to Sir Tristram. His story goes on forever and doesn't really go anywhere for the longest time. Hell, even the book gets bored with Tristram and focuses on Lancelot for a while. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 10, 2013, 12:37:19 AM
I've been wanting to read that for awhile, but I can't find a copy of it anywhere.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 10, 2013, 02:44:35 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Oct 10, 2013, 12:37:19 AM
I've been wanting to read that for awhile, but I can't find a copy of it anywhere.

I got mine on Amazon for a reasonable price.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Oct 18, 2013, 04:22:34 AM
A Clash of Kings

Took me way too long, but I finally finished this. Thought it was really great!

Now to tread into (mostly) uncharted waters with A Storm of Swords 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 18, 2013, 04:35:49 AM
I've been reading a book called Mohawk Saint by Allan Greer for my Indians of North America class. It's about Catherine Tekakwitha, one of the first American Indians to be considered for sainthood, and the Jesuit priest who first claimed that she was a saint. It's actually quite an interesting look at the two disparate cultures, but I'm not making as much progress as I should be. :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Oct 18, 2013, 04:42:13 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Oct 18, 2013, 04:22:34 AM
A Clash of Kings

Took me way too long, but I finally finished this. Thought it was really great!

Now to tread into (mostly) uncharted waters with A Storm of Swords 8)
I don't know why I haven't obtained these yet.  :(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Oct 18, 2013, 11:11:18 AM
Halfway through Salem's Lot, engrossed doesn't even come close to describing how much I love this book
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Oct 18, 2013, 12:53:33 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Oct 18, 2013, 04:42:13 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Oct 18, 2013, 04:22:34 AM
A Clash of Kings

Took me way too long, but I finally finished this. Thought it was really great!

Now to tread into (mostly) uncharted waters with A Storm of Swords 8)
I don't know why I haven't obtained these yet.  :(

You can get the first four for a pretty good price on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Song-Ice-Fire-Vols-Thrones/dp/0345529057/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382100700&sr=1-2&keywords=a+song+of+fire+and+ice). The mass market paperback version of the fifth book is coming out later this month and they are doing another boxset (http://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-5-Book-Boxed/dp/0345535529/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382100700&sr=1-3&keywords=a+song+of+fire+and+ice), but it'd cost you less to get the older boxset and the new book separately.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 18, 2013, 01:35:00 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Oct 18, 2013, 12:53:33 PM
The mass market paperback version of the fifth book is coming out later this month.

Better late than never, I guess.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Oct 18, 2013, 02:29:38 PM
From what I've noticed, almost all big book releases take at least a year before the mass market paperback comes out.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Oct 18, 2013, 04:14:04 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Oct 18, 2013, 12:53:33 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Oct 18, 2013, 04:42:13 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Oct 18, 2013, 04:22:34 AM
A Clash of Kings

Took me way too long, but I finally finished this. Thought it was really great!

Now to tread into (mostly) uncharted waters with A Storm of Swords 8)
I don't know why I haven't obtained these yet.  :(

You can get the first four for a pretty good price on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Song-Ice-Fire-Vols-Thrones/dp/0345529057/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382100700&sr=1-2&keywords=a+song+of+fire+and+ice). The mass market paperback version of the fifth book is coming out later this month and they are doing another boxset (http://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-5-Book-Boxed/dp/0345535529/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382100700&sr=1-3&keywords=a+song+of+fire+and+ice), but it'd cost you less to get the older boxset and the new book separately.
Shit, that's a steal.  8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Nov 27, 2013, 12:49:23 PM
The Big Lebowski and Philosophy: Keeping Your Mind Limber with Abiding Wisdom (http://www.amazon.ca/Big-Lebowski-Philosophy-Keeping-Abiding/dp/1118074564/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385556290&sr=8-1&keywords=the+big+lebowski+and+philosophy)

This book was incredible. It made me appreciate the film on an even deeper level and offered a whole new way of looking at it. It also helped clarify things about the movie like why the Stranger mentions the film is set during Operation Desert Storm or what the significance of the phrase, "that rug really tied the room together", meant.

SpaceMarines, Space Sweeper, OmegaZilla. Pick this one up as you three gents especially will really enjoy it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 27, 2013, 05:01:25 PM
I'll keep an eye out for it. May throw it atop my ever-growing tower of books I've got on backlog.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Nov 27, 2013, 07:37:54 PM
God yes. I totally need that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 02, 2013, 12:33:52 AM
Thinking about
giving
House of Leaves
another go.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 13, 2013, 10:15:33 PM
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

Well, then. This was exceedingly weird. But in a good way. This was a very thought-provoking, very entertaining novel. I'm not entirely sure what happened, and I don't really understand the book, but that's alright. It worked.

I still have no idea why I found out about it through a cyberpunk forum, though. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Dec 16, 2013, 03:03:45 PM
Who Moved My Cheese?

It's the shortest book I think I've ever read and really struck a chord with me. The more I read it, the more I saw myself in it. Anyone who is nervous about change in their life should give it a read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 16, 2013, 11:12:10 PM
Inferno by Dan Brown

In this latest adventure we find the good professor, Robert Langdon racing across Florence, Italy deciphering clues relating to The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. I thought this was pretty good. It was a step up from the undercooked The Lost Symbol. One can sense Brown's love for Italian art and sculpture as he's describing these magnificent objects and places in great detail. I couldn't help but Google most of the things he's talking about, and be in utter awe of their beauty. In a sense it was a history lesson in itself. There is a twist however that comes 3/4th of the way through the novel which makes the whole adventure feel...contrived and artificial. Those who have seen David Fincher's The Game will understand what I am talking about. It more or less annoyed me and took me out of the story for a bit.

If anything, it's only increased my desire to visit Italy someday.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Dec 20, 2013, 12:02:17 AM
Last Chance to See

Douglas Adams - Short, as in classic Adams style with that famous quote of his on deadlines, he left it's writing to the last minute and as a result the (planned only) final two chapters were never written or indeed published. But still a well-written, adventurous romp across the globe in search of endangered species. If you like such animals, or anything by Douglas Adams, then I imagine you'll highy enjoy it. It's also refreshing to get a non-naturalist's point of view with the writing, though by the end Adams seemed to consider himself a converted conservationist.

Mark Carwardine, 2009 edition - This one is written from a naturalist, and non-writer's point of view. But Cawardine is still a pleasant author and the new edition is much more photo-packed and better planned than the old one. It also features the awkward antics of Stephen Fry joining him, which never fail to amuse. Though to any who watched the original Tv series of it, only hardcore fans of wildlife, Fry, Carwardine or the original book should consider buying it as it deviates less than I was expecting from the programme.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 20, 2013, 07:17:55 AM
Halo: Cryptum by Greg Bear

An absolutely fascinating travel into the seldom-seen history of the Halo universe, offering many insights into Forerunner culture and their interactions with other races. Highly recommended to any fan of the series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 07:20:26 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Dec 20, 2013, 07:17:55 AM
Halo: Cryptum by Greg Bear

An absolutely fascinating travel into the seldom-seen history of the Halo universe, offering many insights into Forerunner culture and their interactions with other races. Highly recommended to any fan of the series.
Wait, you read a book?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRsPheErBj8# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRsPheErBj8#)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 20, 2013, 07:23:19 AM
I started this motha'uckin' thread. 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 01:14:27 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Dec 20, 2013, 07:17:55 AM
Halo: Cryptum by Greg Bear

An absolutely fascinating travel into the seldom-seen history of the Halo universe, offering many insights into Forerunner culture and their interactions with other races. Highly recommended to any fan of the series.

Yeah, Cryptum was really cool. Never did get around to reading the sequels, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Dec 20, 2013, 02:12:18 PM
The Mark of Athena
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 03:11:35 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Dec 20, 2013, 02:12:18 PM
The Mark of Athena

Bro, I know a cool
Series with a character named Athena that you could continue watching. It's
Great stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Sweeper on Dec 20, 2013, 03:23:58 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgyazo.com%2F0a7d1f7c31607b282a1de49584c9166d.png&hash=9f916c08591180762b50223829973f2365a5ea07)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Dec 20, 2013, 03:24:50 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 03:11:35 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Dec 20, 2013, 02:12:18 PM
The Mark of Athena

Bro, I know a cool
Series with a character named Athena that you could continue watching. It's
Great stuff.
..............?.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 03:39:01 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Dec 20, 2013, 03:24:50 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 03:11:35 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Dec 20, 2013, 02:12:18 PM
The Mark of Athena

Bro, I know a cool
Series with a character named Athena that you could continue watching. It's
Great stuff.
..............?.

!.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Dec 20, 2013, 03:44:32 PM
I really don't know why it's taking me so long to get into a rhythm with the show because I really like it. I just keep getting distracted by other shit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 04:34:52 PM
Not finished with the book yet, but I just hit the Red Wedding chapter in A Storm of Swords...

:'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 04:40:15 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 04:34:52 PM
Not finished with the book yet, but I just hit the Red Wedding chapter in A Storm of Swords...

:'(

Yup. Seeing it on screen was kind of hard.

How much of it did you know before reading it?

Spoiler
Now there's the other wedding to look forward to. ;)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 04:40:15 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 04:34:52 PM
Not finished with the book yet, but I just hit the Red Wedding chapter in A Storm of Swords...

:'(

Yup. Seeing it on screen was kind of hard.

How much of it did you know before reading it?

Spoiler
Now there's the other wedding to look forward to. ;)
[close]

Spoiler
All I knew beforehand was that Robb died. Had no clue about Catelyn :'( Despite not witnessing the events, I'm really looking forward to seeing where Arya and the Hound go from there.

The next wedding is referred to as the 'Purple Wedding', right? Between Joffrey and Margaery? Something tells me that's not gonna go well.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 04:48:02 PM
That would be the one.

How do you like Daenerys's story arc so far? She was fantastic in ASoS, in my opinion. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 04:53:55 PM
Really enjoying it so far, and looking forward to seeing what it builds to. Has a lot more momentum than her story did in A Clash of Kings. I'm also really liking the dealings beyond the wall, and getting Sam as a POV character. Last chapter I read of his left me on a really interesting cliffhanger.

I think one of the biggest surprises of the book so far was a certain other wedding.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 04:55:02 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 04:53:55 PM
Really enjoying it so far, and looking forward to seeing what it builds to. Has a lot more momentum than her story did in A Clash of Kings. I'm also really liking the dealings beyond the wall, and getting Sam as a POV character. Last chapter I read of his left me on a really interesting cliffhanger.

I think one of the biggest surprises of the book so far was a certain other wedding.

Spoiler
Sansa and Tyrion? I know, it's a shame. I had such high hopes for...

Spoiler
Sansa + Margaery

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F25.media.tumblr.com%2F769d1401ee88fb5fb2b5a1cf57d631a5%2Ftumblr_mmrg9p93jf1spnvgeo1_500.gif&hash=abd69a4f99f2ac724988110fde4dd1dfcbf4b58e)

:-*
[close]
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 04:55:39 PM
 :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 04:57:09 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 04:55:39 PM
:D

GIF added. ;) :D

What cliffhanger were you referring to? I can think of a pretty awesome one with Sam, but I don't want to reveal it unless it's the same you meant.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 05:00:58 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 04:57:09 PM
GIF added. ;) :D

Love it :D

Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 04:57:09 PM
What cliffhanger were you referring to? I can think of a pretty awesome one with Sam, but I don't want to reveal it unless it's the same you meant.

Spoiler
A mysterious horseman rescued Sam and Gilly, and Sam noticed that the horseman's "hand was black and cold, with fingers hard as stone."
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 06:15:11 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 05:00:58 PM
Spoiler
A mysterious horseman rescued Sam and Gilly, and Sam noticed that the horseman's "hand was black and cold, with fingers hard as stone."
[close]

Spoiler
Ah, Coldhands. Yes, he is an interesting character.

Sam had become the "slayer", yes? I forgot if that happened in ACoK or in ASoS.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2013, 06:16:59 PM
Yeah, that happened early on in this book. Awesome stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 20, 2013, 06:53:36 PM
Also, trust me when I say that the ending to ASoS is something special. 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 25, 2013, 03:24:52 AM
A Storm of Swords

Oh my God... :o Just when I thought this book couldn't get any more insane, it got crazier and crazier and crazier, right up until the very last page. The Red Wedding was just the tip of the iceberg. This book was bloody insane (emphasis on the "bloody") and by far the best of the three so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 25, 2013, 06:07:00 AM
House of Leaves

Great, great novel. It works equally well as a creepy horror story and touching love story. I even enjoy Johnny Truant and his drugged up, oversexed digressions.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Dec 25, 2013, 06:39:49 AM
Yup, I got the book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 08:44:43 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 25, 2013, 03:24:52 AM
A Storm of Swords

Oh my God... :o Just when I thought this book couldn't get any more insane, it got crazier and crazier and crazier, right up until the very last page. The Red Wedding was just the tip of the iceberg. This book was bloody insane (emphasis on the "bloody") and by far the best of the three so far.

Yes, it's amazing.

Spoiler
The battle for the Wall and Lady Stoneheart, can't wait for those in Season 4. ;D

What did you think of Joffrey's wedding and Tywin's fate?
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 25, 2013, 01:16:54 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 08:44:43 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 25, 2013, 03:24:52 AM
A Storm of Swords

Oh my God... :o Just when I thought this book couldn't get any more insane, it got crazier and crazier and crazier, right up until the very last page. The Red Wedding was just the tip of the iceberg. This book was bloody insane (emphasis on the "bloody") and by far the best of the three so far.

Yes, it's amazing.

Spoiler
The battle for the Wall and Lady Stoneheart, can't wait for those in Season 4. ;D

What did you think of Joffrey's wedding and Tywin's fate?
[close]

Spoiler
The Purple Wedding may have been the best-written sequence in the books so far. I loved it, and can't wait to see how people react to it on TV ;D He definitely had it coming :P Tywin's fate was also a huge surprise, but I'm loving the new Tyrion. Felt really bad for him after Jamie's confession.

The battle at the Wall was also fantastic. The part where Stannis' men come charging in was so surreal, I felt like I was there. Loved all of the conversations with Jon and Stannis and Mellsandre afterwards, too.

I'm dying to follow-up with Bran's and Arya's stories, but I guess I'm going to have to wait for A Dance With Dragons for those.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 02:54:43 PM
Arya is a POV character in A Feast for Crows as well. :)

Spoiler
What did you think of Whitebeard? One of the biggest badasses in Westeros.

I think the Purple Wedding might be one of the few times when I almost felt sorry for Joffrey. That shit was brutal.

Very much looking forward to see the Red Viper vs. The Mountain in the show. 8)
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Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 25, 2013, 03:02:05 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 02:54:43 PM
Arya is a POV character in A Feast for Crows as well. :)

Ahh, that's good!

Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 02:54:43 PM
Spoiler
What did you think of Whitebeard? One of the biggest badasses in Westeros.

I think the Purple Wedding might be one of the few times when I almost felt sorry for Joffrey. That shit was brutal.

Very much looking forward to see the Red Viper vs. The Mountain in the show. 8)
[close]

Spoiler
Whitebeard was great. Wasn't expecting his reveal at all. Or Jorah's, for that matter.

And yeah, after PW I had to put the book down for a second and get a drink of water. Brutal indeed.

Red Viper vs The Mountain was great. I really thought Red Viper was gonna come out on top. Probably would have, if he didn't hesitate for a second at the end.

And speaking of the Cleganes, I love The Hound. One of my favorite characters, and this book solidified that even more.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Dec 25, 2013, 06:19:33 PM
Dove straight into A Game of Thrones. Loving it so far!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 06:21:31 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Dec 25, 2013, 06:19:33 PM
Dove straight into A Game of Thrones. Loving it so far!

Sweet, those books are great. Expands a lot on what is shown on TV as well. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 25, 2013, 06:26:06 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Dec 25, 2013, 06:19:33 PM
Dove straight into A Game of Thrones. Loving it so far!

Hope you enjoy 'em as much as I am! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Dec 25, 2013, 07:11:51 PM
Cheers guys. One thing I'm noting early on is the direwolves in particular have much greater roles, which is pretty cool.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 07:36:10 PM
Yeah.

Spoiler
All the Stark children are connected to their wolves, not just Bran.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 25, 2013, 07:40:01 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 07:36:10 PM
Yeah.

Spoiler
All the Stark children are connected to their wolves, not just Bran.
[close]

Spoiler
Because we're connected
Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FIqxFcNPJ7mw%2Fhqdefault.jpg&hash=272f1113ece0e13d0b453f80a793504ddb3face5)
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[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Dec 25, 2013, 08:57:20 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Dec 25, 2013, 07:36:10 PM
Yeah.

Spoiler
All the Stark children are connected to their wolves, not just Bran.
[close]

Quite literally for Robb... :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 26, 2013, 10:20:00 PM
Halo: Primordium by Greg Bear

And the plot thickens.......

Really good yarn. Bear's style of writing really suits the Forerunner Saga. Has this almost mythic quality to it, while still keeping everything very personal. Manages to encapsulate the grand scope of this space opera while still retaining a very focused narrative heart centred around only a few characters. Not a fan of some of the revealed histories, and I don't like how it contradicts and retcons much of what was learned from the Terminals in Halo 3. However, I do appreciate that those inconsistencies are directly addressed, and not just swept aside and ignored.

Overall, have been very much enjoying this voyage into the ancient history of Halo. Looking forward to finishing up the Saga soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 28, 2013, 03:51:55 PM
House of Leaves

Holy f**k. I'd forgotten about the crazy shit that goes down towards the end of the book especially regarding Johnny Truant.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Dec 28, 2013, 06:32:39 PM
Outlanders: Successors, by James Axler.

The Outlanders series started out so strongly, and has devolved over time into a very hit or miss series. The new authors don't really seem to understand the source material. It's supposed to be a campy sci-fi/post-apoc/conspiracy theorist adventure. It's a series where the main character has had a fist fight with a Reptilian consciousness in a humanoid cyborg in a UFO that exists in all dimensions at once. What happened to that? Now the stories are all very dull.

This one was okay though. Lab made swarm animals destroying the world to pave the way for a Bill Gates like pre-war genius to restart  civilization.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 28, 2013, 08:11:56 PM
Currently reading Solo by William Boyd. Now I know Bond likes to get his whistle wet every now and again, but Christ, Boyd is just shy of making him out to be a horny alcoholic pervert. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Dec 31, 2013, 07:09:00 PM
Not sure if comics count but I'm on issue 30 of The Walking Dead.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Dec 31, 2013, 10:34:27 PM
Halo: Silentium by Greg Bear

The final volume in the Forerunner Saga, and in my view the best. Detailing the closing years of the Forerunner/Flood War, it sheds light on one of the most important and mysterious sequence of events in the Halo universe. A very good, very well-written, and very entertaining read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 01, 2014, 01:30:49 AM
Starting up on Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Haven't read enough to give any fully formed impressions, but I like it so far. I'm still not sold on McCarthy's "lolz quotation marks and apostrophes are teh suck man" attitude, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jan 05, 2014, 11:25:28 PM
Solo by William Boyd

In this latest novel, it's 1969 and James Bond has just celebrated his 45th birthday. M sends him on a mission to a fictional country in Africa to stop a civil war. I liked this quite a bit. This adventure is more of a slow burner. And Bond is up to his old tricks by constantly smoking, drinking and having outrageous amounts of sex. Boyd tries his best to write the novel in Fleming's style, and for the most part succeeds. That means you're going to get a detailed account of what 007 is eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

The novel is divided into two major parts. The first being Bond's mission in Africa and the second part is him going 'solo' to get revenge on those who betrayed him in Africa. By the way the dust jacket for this book is f**king sexy, seriously. It captures the style and elegance of the 60s nicely.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 07, 2014, 11:23:12 PM
A Feast For Crows

I loved it. It felt a bit different than the previous three books, but I think different was warranted. If A Game of Thrones was our introduction to this world and A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords heightened the intensity of the conflict to the insane levels that it did, then it makes sense that A Feast For Crows would slow down a bit and pick up the pieces, and it did a really great job with that. I can't wait to catch up with the rest of the characters in A Dance With Dragons!

Some random thoughts/comments/speculation up to this point:

Spoiler
I thought Brienne died when Biter got at her, but was so happy when she popped up again after that. I was even more shocked after her encounter with Lady Stoneheart. I wonder what the word that she screamed was, and if it was enough to save her life. I'm leaning towards yes right now, but I'm just not sure.

Speaking of Lady Stoneheart, talk about a fantastic addition to the story. I can't wait to see more of her and what role she plays.

I know he's supposedly dead, but I'm not sure if I'm buying it. I really hope that Sandor Clegane returns in a future installment.

Sam's upcoming adventures should be really interesting, especially with the surprise reintroduction of Pate form the prologue.

When Jaime ordered Cersei's letter begging for help to be thrown into the fire, I couldn't help but to smile. Reading i her point of view made me hate her even more (in a good way, of course).

I personally believe that it is Daenerys that Mellisandre's prophecy is referring to, not Stannis as she believes.

I'm thinking that Coldhands may be Benjen Stark.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 08, 2014, 05:29:12 AM
Finished Blood Meridian. That was one great book, repetition aside. The Judge is easily one of my favorite characters ever.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jan 10, 2014, 05:23:20 PM
I forgot to ask you, Nightmare. After reading A Storm of Swords, what did you think of...

Spoiler
Sansa's story arc and the revelation that Littlefinger was behind the death of Jon Arryn? Also, the "unfortunate" demise of a certain Lady Arryn. ;D
[close]

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 07, 2014, 11:23:12 PM
Spoiler
I personally believe that it is Daenerys that Mellisandre's prophecy is referring to, not Stannis as she believes.

I'm thinking that Coldhands may be Benjen Stark.
[close]

I have been thinking this from the very start as well.

Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 07, 2014, 11:23:12 PM
Spoiler
I know he's supposedly dead, but I'm not sure if I'm buying it. I really hope that Sandor Clegane returns in a future installment.
[close]

Spoiler
Some seems to believe that he is living with the monks Brienne encountered.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 10, 2014, 11:00:06 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Jan 10, 2014, 05:23:20 PM
I forgot to ask you, Nightmare. After reading A Storm of Swords, what did you think of...

Spoiler
Sansa's story arc and the revelation that Littlefinger was behind the death of Jon Arryn? Also, the "unfortunate" demise of a certain Lady Arryn. ;D
[close]

Spoiler
Loved it. The stuff with Sansa and Littlefinger in the last two books has been excellent, especially their final moments in AFfC when he revealed his plan. The Lysa Arryn thing in ASoS was also pretty huge, though just a few moments later the Lady Stoneheart reveal kind of blew my mind, so I forgot to make mention of what came before :D

Keeping on topic with Littlefinger and Sansa, the scene with Sansa building the snow castle representation of Winterfell in ASoS was beautifully written. I really, really hope that sequence makes it to the TV show.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 10, 2014, 11:03:10 PM
Cabinet of Curiosities

That Hellboy chapter was massive.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jan 15, 2014, 12:20:15 AM
A Game of Thrones

Only about a hundred pages in so far but I'm really liking it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 15, 2014, 12:36:55 AM
Very nice. Looking forward to hearing your opinions as you move forward with the books! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jan 15, 2014, 02:04:51 AM
The Purge of Kadillus by Gav Thorpe

Haven't read 40k fiction in a while, it was okay, characters were a little flat apart from Namaan, but he bowed out a little early
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Jan 15, 2014, 02:24:03 AM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Jan 15, 2014, 12:20:15 AM
A Game of Thrones

Only about a hundred pages in so far but I'm really liking it.
:laugh:

Spoiler

It's going to kill off all your favourite characters and leave you to follow around ones you hate for books on end, dangling dragons in front of your face like a carrot is dangled in front of a donkey. And the journey is loooooooooooong, while you start to get angrier and angrier at that motherf**king carrot  >:(.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 15, 2014, 02:37:02 AM
I'm on the most recent book and have yet to see characters I like get replaced by characters I hate. I've had a lot of characters I love (or love to hate-- looking at you, Cersei ;) ) pop up and become POV characters, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jan 15, 2014, 03:12:18 AM
Quote from: BANE on Jan 15, 2014, 02:24:03 AM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Jan 15, 2014, 12:20:15 AM
A Game of Thrones

Only about a hundred pages in so far but I'm really liking it.
:laugh:

Spoiler

It's going to kill off all your favourite characters and leave you to follow around ones you hate for books on end, dangling dragons in front of your face like a carrot is dangled in front of a donkey. And the journey is loooooooooooong, while you start to get angrier and angrier at that motherf**king carrot  >:(.
[close]
Maybe you just have shit taste.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Jan 18, 2014, 05:20:17 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Jan 15, 2014, 03:12:18 AM
Quote from: BANE on Jan 15, 2014, 02:24:03 AM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Jan 15, 2014, 12:20:15 AM
A Game of Thrones

Only about a hundred pages in so far but I'm really liking it.
:laugh:

Spoiler

It's going to kill off all your favourite characters and leave you to follow around ones you hate for books on end, dangling dragons in front of your face like a carrot is dangled in front of a donkey. And the journey is loooooooooooong, while you start to get angrier and angrier at that motherf**king carrot  >:(.
[close]
Maybe you just have shit taste.

:laugh:

Just finished Game of Thrones. About 100 pages into A Clash of Kings.
Liking the series a lot. I think the biggest difference between the book and the show is that the book handles little things much better and the show handles big events much better. The books are riddles with small details that can't be restricted with budget or screen time that influence characterization and the impact of big events. An example off the top of my head being in Game of Thrones Stannis is made out to be very cold and frigid, dead loyal to his wife, never visiting brothels at all. Then we he sleeps with Melisandre it comes as a much bigger hit than it did in the show.
But then huge events - Eddard's death, the Red Wedding, etc, I felt were done excellently in the show and were more hard-hitting than their seemingly rushed scripts in the book.
Also like the Direwolves having a bigger role, connection to their owners and essentially being more badass.
Finding Daenery's chapters a real drag though.  :-X

Can't wait to get further in and also move past the show.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 18, 2014, 10:43:08 PM
Huge spoiler for A Storm of Swords that hasn't happened yet in the show:

Spoiler
I kind of agree about some of the death sequences feeling a bit distant, but the big death at the Purple Wedding was fantastically handled in the book. The descriptions of him choking, his face changing color... I actually had to put the book down after that part, and honestly found myself really sympathizing with the little asshole. :-\
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Jan 19, 2014, 10:25:56 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 18, 2014, 10:43:08 PM
Huge spoiler for A Storm of Swords that hasn't happened yet in the show:

Spoiler
I kind of agree about some of the death sequences feeling a bit distant, but the big death at the Purple Wedding was fantastically handled in the book. The descriptions of him choking, his face changing color... I actually had to put the book down after that part, and honestly found myself really sympathizing with the little asshole. :-\
[close]

I read through a lot of Storm of Swords after Season 3 in a mad rush to see what happened.  :laugh:
I read that bit indeed and I agree, it was described pretty well.
Spoiler
As was Tyrion's last meeting with big daddio in his privy.
Man I actually liked Twyin.  :-\
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Jan 21, 2014, 09:53:49 AM
Been listening to Graphic Audios Vampire Earth audiobooks. If anyone is looking for an interesting alternative to post apocalypse/alien invasion stories, try this. I'm completely in love with them.

To give a spoiler free synopsis...

Spoiler
An alien race of energy leeching shape shifters have broken into civil war over the treatment of sentient species. The Kurians want to use them primarily as a food source, while the Lifeweavers have decided to protect them. Their portals have been closed down and they have been separated long enough to evolve into different species. The Kurians have become completely dependent on sentient life energy. The Lifeweavers are on the verge of extinction.

Through a combination of super zombie viruses (you heard me), induced natural disasters and economic collapse (all the work of Kurian conspiracies throughout human history) Earth has been rendered a wasteland under Kurian control. There's plenty of Nazi/holocaust symbolism, with some Red Dawn vibes. The Kurians have created Reapers (think the unholy fusion of Agent Smith from the Matrix, the Reaper vampires from Blade 2, able to sense life energy, and black poisonous tar for blood that makes melee weapons useless) and oversee affairs by using Reapers as avatars. During the day, Reapers revert to an animal like state and become groggy and sluggish. This is when the humans fight back.

Lifeweavers have unlocked the potential of human DNA, creating 3 separate classes of super human based off of their previous interactions with ancient humans, Wolves, Cats and Bears. The Wolves are standard soldiers, super fast and strong, heightened senses and quick minds. Cats have greater agility and senses, and are mostly spies in the Kurian Zone. Bears are Berserkers, the same killers of Viking myth, able to fight through multiple 'fatal wounds', and die more from their hearts exploding during battle then actual enemy fire. They've even been known to just come back to life after pronounced dead.

All of them can mask their life energy, making them the only way to operate without Kurian awareness.

The books chronicle David Valentines life in the Free Territory, becoming a Wolf and eventually leading the resistance against the Kurians.
[close]

Fantastic books, definitely look into them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 23, 2014, 03:45:24 PM
The Strain

I'm only a chapter or two in, but the book is interesting so far. The buildup to opening the plane is actually pretty suspenseful.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Jan 23, 2014, 08:39:23 PM
A Clash of Kings
Liked it even more than the first. Fewer Daenerys chapters (woo) and John's are really excellent. They flesh out the lands beyond the Wall really well. The riot in King's Landing wasn't quite as extreme as in the show, but still good. Battle of Blackwater was interesting, having a much greater focus on the naval part of the battle than the land part as the show did. I also think Cersei in the show is a much more sympathetic character, and Theon much less so. With his POV he is often distressed over his actions at Winterfell, didn't get it quite as much in the show.
Onwards to Storm of Swords!
Spoiler
R.I.P half my favourite characters.  :'(
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MoonerSK on Jan 26, 2014, 05:51:07 PM
Star Wars The Old Republick: Revan

the first star wars book i've ever read also first book i've read in english. really enjoyed it, thinking about buying some of the following books
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jan 26, 2014, 05:53:09 PM
Quote from: MoonerSK on Jan 26, 2014, 05:51:07 PM
Star Wars The Old Republick: Revan

the first star wars book i've ever read also first book i've read in english. really enjoyed it, thinking about buying some of the following books
What's that like compared to the game?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MoonerSK on Jan 26, 2014, 06:03:22 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on Jan 26, 2014, 05:53:09 PM
Quote from: MoonerSK on Jan 26, 2014, 05:51:07 PM
Star Wars The Old Republick: Revan

the first star wars book i've ever read also first book i've read in english. really enjoyed it, thinking about buying some of the following books
What's that like compared to the game?

milion times better :) it takes place around 300 years before the game. i do not often read books which can not be said about playing games :D but the book was incomparably better than the game and i actually enjoyed the game(besides firstly being pay to play and now have the restrictions to f2p players). the reason i bought the book was because i like Revan as a character even though i never played any of the knights of the old republick games  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jan 26, 2014, 06:26:00 PM
I meant how did it compare to KOTOR but it seems you never played them.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MoonerSK on Jan 26, 2014, 06:32:12 PM
after i posted it i thought that maybe you meant KOTOR but sadly i didn't play it :( i wanted for many times but somehow i never get myself to buying and playing old games :) but the book is amazing, you surely wouldn't be disappointed(if you would you can blame it on me  :laugh: )
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 26, 2014, 08:18:43 PM
You should pick up KOTOR if you get the chance; could probably find it pretty cheap, nowadays. Played it for the first time over the summer; one of the greatest games I've ever had the pleasure to experience.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MoonerSK on Jan 26, 2014, 09:37:16 PM
it's not like i don't have the chance i just somehow never convince myself to buy it :) i would like to play it but i'm probably scared i woudn't like it that somehow after all the new games i just wouldn't be used to something older or i don't know, maybe i'm just weird  ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jan 27, 2014, 12:21:22 AM
The gameplay and combat is certainly a bit clunky, and takes some getting used to. But the writing, the characters, the story, and the setpieces more than make up for that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 02, 2014, 07:05:12 AM
Nostromo by Joseph Conrad

A tragic tale of greed and the terrible things it can lead too. Fitting reference in Alien now that I know the source.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 02, 2014, 10:11:45 PM
KiramidHead, how is The Strain so far? Thinking of picking it up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 02, 2014, 10:23:37 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 02, 2014, 10:11:45 PM
KiramidHead, how is The Strain so far? Thinking of picking it up.

I'm liking it. The characters are a bit thin, and it can get repetitive, but overall it's very good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Feb 03, 2014, 04:18:14 AM
Rescuing Our Underachieving Sons: Raising the Aspirations of Underachieving Boys

A fantastic and quite disturbing book about the current state of boys' education in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. Anyone with an interest in education and/or gender issues should give this one a read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 03, 2014, 02:49:52 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 02, 2014, 10:23:37 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 02, 2014, 10:11:45 PM
KiramidHead, how is The Strain so far? Thinking of picking it up.

I'm liking it. The characters are a bit thin, and it can get repetitive, but overall it's very good.

Alright cool. Reason I am asking is they showed a teaser for it during the Bowl last night. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 03, 2014, 03:45:08 PM
Just finished parts of Tales of Mos Eisley from Kevin Anderson which leave me sad for Greedo  :-\

Spoiler
Poor kid still a teenager, trying to find his place in the galaxy, only to set up by his own kind.  Awe  :(
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 05, 2014, 08:01:34 PM
The Strain

I'm definitely looking forward to the TV show now. One of the characters is a badass exterminator, who's gonna played by Kevin Durand. :laugh:

Oh, and this happened:

Quote...it was said that the owner before that was a Satanist who held black masses on the rooftop altar around the turn of the twentieth century.

Ghostbusters, much? :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 05, 2014, 08:51:55 PM
Yeah, gonna have to pick that one up in the near future. Are you going to persue the sequels, The Fall & The Night Eternal?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 06, 2014, 08:44:45 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 05, 2014, 08:51:55 PM
Yeah, gonna have to pick that one up in the near future. Are you going to persue the sequels, The Fall & The Night Eternal?

Eventually, but not for a little while.




Okay, I finished The Strain less than an hour ago, and went and wrote out a ridiculously raving review over at Goodreads. In fact, I think I'll copy/paste it here in spoiler tags. I don't actually spoil anything, though.

Spoiler
From the moment I heard a trilogy of vampire novels was to be co-written by Guillermo del Toro, one of my favorite living filmmakers, I knew I was down for it. Having finally read the first installment of the trilogy, I got about what I would have expected. It's not exactly a deep, thoughtful piece like Pan's Labyrinth, nor as over the top and fun as much of his other work, The Strain is a delightful read nonetheless.

The plot is your basic contagion/apocalypse story, only featuring vampires instead of a traditional plague or the ever popular zombies. We follow the "outbreak" from its arrival on board Flight 753, and we see the event s from the perspectives of the CDC doctors who first show up when the plane mysteriously stops on the tarmac, as well as various other people who come in contact with the vampires as they spread throughout NYC. This basic outline is nothing all that special or original, and I actually thought of the beginning of Fulci's Zombie while reading he opening chapters, but overall, I felt that it worked.

For the most part, I found the characters to be rather thin, but largely likeable. For I example, I didn't really care about Eph Goodweather's custody battle, but I genuinely liked the guy and enjoyed following him. Thin as they may be, though, I found some of them to be highly memorable and entertaining. My favorites were Abraham Setrakian, holocaust survivor and veteran vampire hunter, and Vasiliy Fet, badass exterminator who kicks rodent butt for the city of New York. They were both immensely fun to read about.

Of course, few of us came here looking for original plot or three dimensional characters, now did we? For my part, I was drawn to the novel because I wanted to read about del Toro's new take on the vampire mythology, and boy does it deliver. Del Toro has made previous forays into vampire territory with the films Cronos and Blade II, both of which were highly enjoyable for me, but the vampires in The Strain stand out from those two interpretations. They are also highly distinct from the currently popular "sexy" vampires, popularized by Anne Rice in her sometimes excellent novels and beaten like a dead horse by Twilight and its imitators. These vampires are dirty, grimy, and disgusting, more animal than human. You definitely wouldn't want to French kiss them, and you'll want to avoid taking them home to meet the parents, as they'll most definitely make a mess on the carpet. Now, I normally prefer my vampires to have personality and remain distinct from their rotting cousins, but the majority of the vampires here are newly turned, and it's made clear that they change as they mature. These changes are embodied in the Master, a brilliant character who makes up for his lack of screen time by being both awesome and somewhat scary whenever he shows up. I shant be spoiling anything, but I will say that he exits this first novel with a stunning display of badassery that I can't wait to see Robert Maillet act out on the small screen come July.

Overall, this was a very satisfying and entertaining book. The thrilling new take on the vampire and the fast pace make the book well worth reading. In short, if you're a horror fan and want an entertaining romp with an interesting new take on a genre mainstay, definitely check this out. Also, it ends in a place that makes you want to go out and buy the sequel straight away.

4/5

P.S. I'll briefly give a mention to Chuck Hogan, a man I've unfirtunately sidestepped in my review due to my fanboy love of del Toro. As del Toro has said, the book would never have been written without Hogan so I'll thank him as well.
[close]

Yeah, I may end up changing "not for a little while" to "as soon as I'm done with the next book on my list." :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 06, 2014, 08:02:30 PM
Oh shit, nice review. Love the character names btw. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 07, 2014, 06:56:24 PM
It by Stephen King

Just taking the time to reread one of my favorite books from one of my favorite writers. I love the book to death.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Feb 07, 2014, 08:14:39 PM
Waging Peace by Rob Schultheis.  Follows multiple civil affairs teams through Afghanistan and Iraq as they help rebuild what the coalition forces help destroy.  Its a pretty interesting look into a misunderstood side of the Army.  CA is charged with looking out for the civilian populace during war times.  They start projects that help feed, cloth, and shelter displaced civilians, help re establish or start up fresh water supplies, inoculate livestock against diseases, teach farmers how to grow crops more effectively, organize shoe and clothing drives and a million other projects that the rest of the Army doesn't have time for and sometimes look down on.  Many times soldiers that are in the combat arms profession kind of look down on CA as working with the enemy.

They also seem to attract some pretty highspeed guys.  From former Army Special Forces guys and former tabbed and scrolled Army Rangers.  One of the CA teams followed even has a former Marine Scout Sniper in its ranks. 

You can argue about their effectiveness and even about whether or not the Army needs them but its still a pretty fascinating look into a different side of the US Army.

I'm considering going CA after this contract is over.  I've never heard of anybody really complain about the CA mission whilst they were in, and I've worked with three different CA teams in Africa.  Two in Ethiopia where we were the force pro for them, and one at a flightline that doesn't officially exist where they used their translator to ward off Somalis and Djiboutians from our AO.

Have two other CA books I might read right after this, one where a reserve infantry unit became a CA company and were later used by 20th Special Forces group at the start of the war to augment their forces and another where a reserve CA Major (can't remember right) caught more high value targets in Iraq by not being a douche than a combat arms battalion that he was attached to.

Fascinating shiznit to me my friends.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 12, 2014, 07:03:20 AM
Still rereading It. I'm working through the "One of the Missing" chapter." There's a part that punches me in the feels every time. The thing is, I somehow manage to forget about between readings, so it's like it's happening for the first time.  :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 12, 2014, 05:30:44 PM
Just finished  Tales of Mos Eisley from Kevin Anderson.  Kind of had a "24" feel to it, it was written around the moment Obi Wan cut off the arm with a back story of what was happening to each patron at that moment.  A fun read.

On to Bloodlines.  First chapter has me hooked  :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MoonerSK on Feb 12, 2014, 05:34:00 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 12, 2014, 05:30:44 PM
Just finished  Tales of Mos Eisley from Kevin Anderson.  Kind of had a "24" feel to it, it was written around the moment Obi Wan cut off the arm with a back story of what was happening to each patron at that moment.  A fun read.

On to Bloodlines.  First chapter has me hooked  :o

this makes me want to get more star wars books, i have just one :( any advise which are the best ones or with which should i start?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 12, 2014, 05:53:25 PM
Quote from: MoonerSK on Feb 12, 2014, 05:34:00 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 12, 2014, 05:30:44 PM
Just finished  Tales of Mos Eisley from Kevin Anderson.  Kind of had a "24" feel to it, it was written around the moment Obi Wan cut off the arm with a back story of what was happening to each patron at that moment.  A fun read.

On to Bloodlines.  First chapter has me hooked  :o

this makes me want to get more star wars books, i have just one :( any advise which are the best ones or with which should i start?

The best EU writers, in my humble opinion are: Timothy Zhan, Steve Perry, and Kevin Anderson.   I just started Bloodlines from Karen Traviss, so far she is next on the favorites list.  She came in strong, and really kept the characters "in character."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MoonerSK on Feb 12, 2014, 06:05:15 PM
will check them out and hopefully some local store will sell stuff from them as thing like this are kinda hard to get in my country
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 12, 2014, 06:15:23 PM
Quote from: MoonerSK on Feb 12, 2014, 06:05:15 PM
will check them out and hopefully some local store will sell stuff from them as thing like this are kinda hard to get in my country

Or try Ebay/Amazon.  Kindle might be your best bet :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 13, 2014, 11:42:00 PM
Under the Eagle and The Eagle's Conquest, the first two parts of Simon Scarrow's Eagle series, dealing with the invasion of Britain by the Roman Empire. Our two main characters, Macro (Centurion) and Cato (Optio) are soldiers in the Second Legion. So far it's been good. Exciting, easy to read through and nothing to mind blowing. Just a fun read, that's all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 07:43:00 PM
Just finished the Second Interlude in It. That Dick Halloran cameo was pretty boss.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 14, 2014, 08:04:39 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 07:43:00 PM
Just finished the Second Interlude in It. That Dick Halloran cameo was pretty boss.

It is why I am terrified of clowns to this day  :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vakarian on Feb 14, 2014, 08:07:42 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 14, 2014, 08:04:39 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 07:43:00 PM
Just finished the Second Interlude in It. That Dick Halloran cameo was pretty boss.

It is why I am terrified of clowns to this day  :o

This
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 14, 2014, 08:12:32 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 14, 2014, 08:04:39 PM
It is why I am terrified of clowns to this day  :o

What is?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 08:13:24 PM
Quote from: Vakarian on Feb 14, 2014, 08:07:42 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 14, 2014, 08:04:39 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 07:43:00 PM
Just finished the Second Interlude in It. That Dick Halloran cameo was pretty boss.

It is why I am terrified of clowns to this day  :o

This

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages5.fanpop.com%2Fimage%2Fphotos%2F26600000%2FPennywise-GIFs-pennywise-26624034-483-281.gif&hash=b08106e897e8dd12555a38e4c352f80a6550f73f)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 14, 2014, 08:30:50 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 14, 2014, 08:12:32 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 14, 2014, 08:04:39 PM
It is why I am terrified of clowns to this day  :o

What is?

This It
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMpa2WouMHU# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMpa2WouMHU#)

Seriously, if someone ever showed up at my house with this costume on they are getting a face full of lead. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vakarian on Feb 14, 2014, 08:34:36 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 08:13:24 PM
Quote from: Vakarian on Feb 14, 2014, 08:07:42 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 14, 2014, 08:04:39 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 07:43:00 PM
Just finished the Second Interlude in It. That Dick Halloran cameo was pretty boss.

It is why I am terrified of clowns to this day  :o

This

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages5.fanpop.com%2Fimage%2Fphotos%2F26600000%2FPennywise-GIFs-pennywise-26624034-483-281.gif&hash=b08106e897e8dd12555a38e4c352f80a6550f73f)

I'm going to guess that is an image of a clown?  :laugh: (Picture isn't showing up)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 08:40:54 PM
Quote from: Vakarian on Feb 14, 2014, 08:34:36 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 08:13:24 PM
Quote from: Vakarian on Feb 14, 2014, 08:07:42 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 14, 2014, 08:04:39 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 14, 2014, 07:43:00 PM
Just finished the Second Interlude in It. That Dick Halloran cameo was pretty boss.

It is why I am terrified of clowns to this day  :o

This

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages5.fanpop.com%2Fimage%2Fphotos%2F26600000%2FPennywise-GIFs-pennywise-26624034-483-281.gif&hash=b08106e897e8dd12555a38e4c352f80a6550f73f)

I'm going to guess that is an image of a clown?  :laugh: (Picture isn't showing up)

Yep.

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fboard.jokeroo.com%2Favatars%2Fpennywise.gif%3Fdateline%3D1338473366&hash=9e01b8e43a285bf070d7d469c7fc13288d721f22)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 19, 2014, 10:49:52 PM
Finished When the Eagle Hunts, the third book in Simon Scarrow's Eagle series. Still a fun read, though some of it seem a bit repetitive at this point. Will read on however. Boudica and Prasutagus were nice additions to the characters and I hope we haven't seen the last of them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 20, 2014, 06:03:58 AM
I may be giving The King in Yellow a read while I'm between portions of It.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 21, 2014, 08:58:18 AM
I'm about 200 pages into Ender's Game. I loved the film so I thought i'd try the book and I'm loving it too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 25, 2014, 08:13:14 PM
Call for the Dead by John le Carré

A wonderful piece of espionage fiction. This novella marks le Carré's first published long-form writing, and the introduction of the iconic George Smiley. A small story of needless death and violence surrounding various characters illustrated through many shades of grey. It sets up and foreshadows the moral ambiguity and futility of the Cold War which becomes a major theme throughout his work in the 60s and 70s. Highly recommended to any fan of spy stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 25, 2014, 09:23:27 PM
^ Sold.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 26, 2014, 01:06:20 AM
It's right up your alley, FB.

You should really check out The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, as well. A complete masterpiece.

Can't wait to sink my teeth into the Karla Trilogy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RagingDragon on Feb 26, 2014, 06:34:44 AM
The Horror From Red Hook.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 26, 2014, 06:37:13 AM
Quote from: RagingDragon on Feb 26, 2014, 06:34:44 AM
The Horror From Red Hook.

dat HPL racism
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Feb 26, 2014, 02:26:37 PM
Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman

This is one of the most beautiful and poetic books I've ever read. It's not so much a story, as it a collection of short stories, maybe poetry depending on how you read them, which chronicle what Einstein thought about time in the months leading up to his publishing of the theory of relativity. It had three interludes which feature exchanges between Einstein and his best friend Michele Besso and serve as lead ins (I think) to the subsequent stories. In each story, time operates in a different manner. In one world, it is static and in another, people live in the past, and in another, with no conception of the future, and so on. SpaceMarines, you might like this one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Feb 26, 2014, 09:14:12 PM
^ Sounds interesting!

Once I get to the airport tomorrow I plan to finally start Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Philip Dick. Still can't believe I found this ULTRA rare copy at the library and accidently spilled tea all over it
Spoiler
;D
[close]
and paid the 8$ for it. I just had to rescue it from being forgotten and do not plan on selling it. If I do, I will donate the money to the library. Granted this copy is beat up, but it still can fetch at least 1,000$ just for being a first edition with the dustcover jacket. Here's a picture of its epicness:

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fe%2Fee%2FDoAndroidsDream.png&hash=931f28b072022c301dafbd5f8628d70eb3e09391)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Feb 26, 2014, 11:18:27 PM
Quote from: DoomRulz on Feb 26, 2014, 02:26:37 PM
Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman

Sounds cool.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Zenstoren on Feb 28, 2014, 06:32:55 PM
God is not Great by Christopher Hitchens.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 06, 2014, 04:04:35 PM
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Read it for class, but yeah, not bad at all. I liked it a lot, actually.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 06, 2014, 04:05:44 PM
I like the version with zombies.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 06, 2014, 04:07:12 PM
Having grown quite fond of the book and the 2005 movie, I feel that reading the zombie version would spoil it a bit. :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 06, 2014, 04:08:01 PM
It also has ninjas. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 06, 2014, 09:54:44 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Mar 06, 2014, 04:05:44 PM
I like the version with zombies.

That's one of the stupidest books I've ever read. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 07, 2014, 03:19:51 AM
Does this smiley denote affection toward its stupidity?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 14, 2014, 06:38:45 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 07, 2014, 03:19:51 AM
Does this smiley denote affection toward its stupidity?

You're damned right.




Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson

Read it for English class. This was a very good book. Well written, wonderful prose, and a beautifully melancholic and poetic story. Unfortunately, that last bit also made it very depressing, which made it kinda hard to motivate myself to read it.

But it's done now, and I'd say it was worth it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 07:13:54 PM
Carrie by Stephen King
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Mar 15, 2014, 07:25:20 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 07:13:54 PM
Carrie by Stephen King

Thoughts on it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 07:58:05 PM
I liked it. The writing wasn't as good as what I have came to associate with King, but since it's one of his earliest works, that is perfectly understandable. I enjoyed the layout of the book, being written as a series of excerpts from books, reports, interviews and so on, mixed with personal thoughts from Carrie herself. I also liked that we got a closer look at pieces of Carrie's childhood and some background info on her mother. The finale at the prom was a lot more violent and destructive than I remember from any of the films, so that came as a bit of a surprise. All in all, it was very good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Mar 15, 2014, 10:00:53 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 07:58:05 PM
I liked it. The writing wasn't as good as what I have came to associate with King, but since it's one of his earliest works, that is perfectly understandable. I enjoyed the layout of the book, being written as a series of excerpts from books, reports, interviews and so on, mixed with personal thoughts from Carrie herself. I also liked that we got a closer look at pieces of Carrie's childhood and some background info on her mother. The finale at the prom was a lot more violent and destructive than I remember from any of the films, so that came as a bit of a surprise. All in all, it was very good.

Pretty much mirroring my thoughts on it too; delved into much more of King's stuff?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 10:16:57 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Mar 15, 2014, 10:00:53 PMPretty much mirroring my thoughts on it too; delved into much more of King's stuff?

Oh, yes. Out of King's work, I have read:

Carrie
Night Shift
The Stand
Skeleton Crew
It
The Tommyknockers
Nightmares & Dreamscapes
The Green Mile
Desperation
Dreamcatcher
From a Buick 8
Cell
11/22/63


From a Buick 8 was my favorite King story, but 11/22/63 might just have stolen the top spot. An excellent story about time travel and love. I really enjoyed that one a whole lot more than I thought I would. Have you read it? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Mar 15, 2014, 10:28:53 PM
It's on my list..... whenever I get finished with this f**king Dan Brown book...

I've got a couple of occult thrillers collecting dust as well that I've borrowed for a year now... :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 10:31:16 PM
Quote from: Eva on Mar 15, 2014, 10:28:53 PMIt's on my list..... whenever I get finished with this f**king Dan Brown book...

Are you still fighting that one? Let it go. :laugh:

Spoiler
Preferably into a trash can.
[close]

Quote from: Eva on Mar 15, 2014, 10:28:53 PMI've got a couple of occult thrillers collecting dust as well that I've borrowed for a year now... :P

"Borrowed"

Which ones?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 15, 2014, 10:34:05 PM
I'm actually just coming to the end of It myself. I love how the crazy the book gets in the final stretch.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Mar 15, 2014, 10:52:54 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 10:31:16 PM
"Borrowed"

Which ones?

Yeah, as in actual paperback made of paper. :)

Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson and Eco's Foucault's Pendulum (a re-read). I have another one with 'four' or '4' in the title, but I can't remember the exact tile, nor the author and I can't be bothered to get out of my couch and look for it right now. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 10:56:01 PM
Quote from: Eva on Mar 15, 2014, 10:52:54 PMYeah, as in actual paperback made of paper. :)

I thought you were talking about library books, in which case borrowed for a year might have been more than borrowed. :D

Reading a book on the computer is a pain in the ass.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Mar 15, 2014, 11:04:20 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 10:56:01 PM
Quote from: Eva on Mar 15, 2014, 10:52:54 PMYeah, as in actual paperback made of paper. :)

I thought you were talking about library books, in which case borrowed for a year might have been more than borrowed. :D

Reading a book on the computer is a pain in the ass.

Ah, no our libraries aren't that generous. And no, I don't like reading novels on my laptop either. My eyes/mind just can't 'do it'.

Been long since I read King, so I hope this one will be worth it.... when I eventually get around to it. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 11:06:57 PM
Did you read It? Because a major part of 11/22/63 is taking place in Derry.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenodog on Mar 15, 2014, 11:09:33 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 10:16:57 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Mar 15, 2014, 10:00:53 PMPretty much mirroring my thoughts on it too; delved into much more of King's stuff?

Oh, yes. Out of King's work, I have read:

Carrie
Night Shift
The Stand
Skeleton Crew
It
The Tommyknockers
Nightmares & Dreamscapes
The Green Mile
Desperation
Dreamcatcher
From a Buick 8
Cell
11/22/63


From a Buick 8 was my favorite King story, but 11/22/63 might just have stolen the top spot. An excellent story about time travel and love. I really enjoyed that one a whole lot more than I thought I would. Have you read it? :)

From a Buick 8 is one that's escaped me so far, but one I want to read. 11/22/63 was good but...I prefer a lot of King's other stuff.
I've got a large non-fiction reading list, but this Easter I'm going to read Doctor Sleep, then I'll probably get Buick.

I read Joyland in the summer, really liked it. Up there with my faves of Cujo, Pet Semetary and Salem's Lot.
Got a tonne of others though, including a lot of his short stories. Only I genuinely didn't like was The Tommyknockers. Eh.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 11:11:03 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Mar 15, 2014, 11:09:33 PMI read Joyland in the summer, really liked it. Up there with my faves of Cujo, Pet Semetary and Salem's Lot.
Got a tonne of others though, including a lot of his short stories. Only I genuinely didn't like was The Tommyknockers. Eh.

I thought I had read Salem's Lot. Turned out it was Jerusalem's Lot.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 15, 2014, 11:11:57 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 11:11:03 PM
Quote from: Xenodog on Mar 15, 2014, 11:09:33 PMI read Joyland in the summer, really liked it. Up there with my faves of Cujo, Pet Semetary and Salem's Lot.
Got a tonne of others though, including a lot of his short stories. Only I genuinely didn't like was The Tommyknockers. Eh.

I thought I had read Salem's Lot. Turned out it was Jerusalem's Lot.

That was quite a good short story. One of King's most overtly Lovecraft-inspired works.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 15, 2014, 11:16:10 PM
Most of King's shorter stories are great. I remember reading a weird one where a woman was obsessed with finding new shortcuts with her car, bending time and space itself in the process.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 15, 2014, 11:18:15 PM
I liked "N." a lot, myself. The OCD thing was handled in an interesting way.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 15, 2014, 11:22:03 PM
I really need to read some King. Never did read any of his stuff :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Mar 15, 2014, 11:23:35 PM
I need to get going with Rose Madder as well. Only got a third into it when I got sidetracked by whatever. That's at least a couple of years ago. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 19, 2014, 04:55:47 PM
Wasn't sure where to post this... guess this thread is most appropriate:

JRR Tolkien translation of Beowulf to be published after 90-year wait

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/mar/19/jrr-tolkien-beowulf-translation-published (http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/mar/19/jrr-tolkien-beowulf-translation-published)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Mar 19, 2014, 04:58:33 PM
I am very much looking forward to that. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 19, 2014, 05:15:51 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 19, 2014, 04:55:47 PM
Wasn't sure where to post this... guess this thread is most appropriate:

JRR Tolkien translation of Beowulf to be published after 90-year wait

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/mar/19/jrr-tolkien-beowulf-translation-published (http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/mar/19/jrr-tolkien-beowulf-translation-published)

What a lovely coincidence; I was just in the process of looking up which translation of Beowulf I should get! I'll see what the reaction to this one is.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 19, 2014, 05:20:07 PM
I already own two translations, so I may end up passing on this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 19, 2014, 05:21:15 PM
I've actually never read Beowulf. Maybe this'll be a good entry point :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 19, 2014, 05:22:44 PM
His translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was quite nice, so this should be good for those who don't have it already.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 19, 2014, 05:27:25 PM
I read Grendel first then out of curiosity read Beowulf when I was about ten.  Both stories are pretty awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 19, 2014, 05:34:08 PM
I keep hearing things about Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf. Consensus seems to be that it does a great job of making the language contemporary while staying true to the poetic metre, at the expense of some of the subtleties and literal meanings of the Old English being lost.

I'm curious to see what the feedback on Tolkien's will be. If very positive, I may just have to buy this thing. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 19, 2014, 05:51:36 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Mar 19, 2014, 05:34:08 PM
I keep hearing things about Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf. Consensus seems to be that it does a great job of making the language contemporary while staying true to the poetic metre, at the expense of some of the subtleties and literal meanings of the Old English being lost.

I'm curious to see what the feedback on Tolkien's will be. If very positive, I may just have to but this thing. ;D

I have the Heaney and Raffel translations, but since I don't speak Old English, I can't say anything about the subtleties and such.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Mar 19, 2014, 09:20:54 PM
Cosmos by Carl Sagan. Yeah, I read it when it was first published, but the new TV show made me want to read it again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 24, 2014, 06:01:29 AM
Back to Our Future: How the 1980s Explain the World We Live in Now by David Sirota

I'm reading this one for my History of Pop Culture course. It's a very interesting book so far, and Sirota makes some intriguing points, even when I disagree with him. That being said, his description of A Nightmare on Elm Street and the Ghostbusters series as anti-government in theme just strikes me as being so much pretentious college essay nonsense. Oh, and he claims to have seen Ghostbusters II over forty times, but doesn't understand why they needed the Statue of Liberty at the end. *facepalm*
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 24, 2014, 06:21:16 AM
Nightstalkers the book of truths.


Bob Mayer is my nig for sci-fi military action.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Mar 25, 2014, 12:58:23 AM
The Art of Peter Max by Charles A. Riley II and Peter Max. It was mostly pictures, so it was a quick read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 25, 2014, 01:44:31 AM
Finally started reading The Forever War. 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 25, 2014, 01:45:22 AM
IMO best scifi war story ever.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Mar 25, 2014, 03:10:27 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 25, 2014, 01:44:31 AM
Finally started reading The Forever War. 8)

Good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Mar 26, 2014, 12:05:38 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 25, 2014, 01:44:31 AM
Finally started reading The Forever War. 8)

Thoughts so far? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 26, 2014, 02:46:58 AM
Liking it very much so far :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 28, 2014, 10:09:18 PM
Casino Royale

I love how much of a dick Bond is in this. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Mar 30, 2014, 05:16:14 PM
Culo by Mazzucco by Raphael Mazzucco.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 31, 2014, 02:54:06 AM
I finished Casino Royale. It's not the most action-packed narrative in the world, but it more than made up for that as a superb character piece on James Bond himself. The ending is frankly heartbreaking even if Bond is even more of a misogynist dickbag than he was in the early movies. Also, it's interesting to see how largely faithful the movie was given the different expectations of that franchise.

Now I'm going to give Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier another read. It's been ages since I first made my way through it, but I remember loving the crap out of it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 03, 2014, 08:04:51 AM
River Thieves by Michael Crummey

Read for an English Literature class. I really enjoyed the book. It follow the lives of various characters, sporadically jumping across decades of time and spanning across oceans, but primarily focused on the northwest coast of Newfoundland in the 1810s. It follows group of characters (many of them historical figures, though heavily fictionalized) and their ill-and-good-intended interactions with the dying race of the Beothuk. The story is great in its ambiguity. The untrustworthiness of memory is played with quite a bit (certain events are often recounted several times in different ways), as well as the inherent moral greyness in everybody. The ending chapter in particular was very effective. A melancholy story about the genocide of a people, and a fascinating look at one of the darker aspects of Canadian history. I wouldn't say this book was amazing, but I would still recommend a read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 10, 2014, 03:00:38 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 21, 2014, 08:58:18 AM
I'm about 200 pages into Ender's Game. I loved the film so I thought i'd try the book and I'm loving it too.

This was the last non-franchise book I finished (I'm reading Aliens - Labryinth and before that finished an SG-1 novel) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love these kind of sci-fi novels that play with morals. I've got Speaker for the Dead and Earth Unaware to read soon too. But I've also got another SG-1 novel, the last Halo novel and the most recent Song of Ice and Fire book to get through. Not sure what to pick next!!!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 14, 2014, 07:56:43 AM
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré

A wonderfully crafted, nuanced masterpiece of espionage fiction. I had a lot to say about this one. Now I'm sitting here, and I can't think of much to say. It's very, very, very good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 14, 2014, 09:02:47 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Apr 14, 2014, 07:56:43 AM
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré

A wonderfully crafted, nuanced masterpiece of espionage fiction. I had a lot to say about this one. Now I'm sitting here, and I can't think of much to say. It's very, very, very good.

I want to read that as well. The movie was awesome at least.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Apr 14, 2014, 07:55:42 PM
Yeah, I loved the movie. Had some wonderful source material, too. Highly recommend it. Planning to check out the original BBC series soon. Of the Le Carré books I have read, I'd say The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is my favourite.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RobThom on Apr 14, 2014, 08:47:41 PM
Chopper.

Had to get it sent over from an Amazon 3rd party in Angland.

Its a good trashy read.

Cant get enough of Unkle Chop.


Since I'm not  good reader, I like to re-read things that I liked.

And visualize them better.

I plan on re-reading my PKD's,
although I still cant muster any interest in Valis.

I still haven't read the mid 80's Powers.

And anything Annie Proulx writes.
Annie Proulx is the only Female writer I like.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nitishajack on Apr 19, 2014, 06:08:36 PM
Finished ASOIAF book 5, A Dance With Dragons.

Started reading a biker book by Richard "deadeye" Hayes called My Life at Full Throttle
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 19, 2014, 09:41:08 PM
Quote from: Nitishajack on Apr 19, 2014, 06:08:36 PM
Finished ASOIAF book 5, A Dance With Dragons.

What'd you think? I think I'd consider it my favorite of the five. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 30, 2014, 08:19:42 PM
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Outstanding. I will definitely check out some of her other work.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: maledoro on Apr 30, 2014, 09:36:49 PM
Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. I read this years ago in high school. It's the book that Tarkovsky's film, Stalker (and the video games) was based on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on May 01, 2014, 03:25:24 AM
The $3.25 How To Gold Pan Book by Sam Radding. Very easy to understand, even with the degree variations of hand motions in the steps of panning. Always remember: Gold is where you find it! :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on May 01, 2014, 11:29:15 AM
This,

http://instagram.com/p/nEcsudFEqu/ (http://instagram.com/p/nEcsudFEqu/)

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on May 01, 2014, 02:47:48 PM
How Misguided Feminism is Harming Our Young Men  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on May 01, 2014, 02:54:31 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on May 01, 2014, 02:47:48 PM
How Misguided Feminism is Harming Our Young Men  :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

/walkingcliche
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on May 01, 2014, 04:22:11 PM
Quote from: Cal427eb on May 01, 2014, 02:47:48 PM
How Misguided Feminism is Harming Our Young Men  :laugh:

It was the subtitle for the first edition of the book, yeah. Christina rewrote it though because people were seeing it as an attack on the women's movement, which is the furthest thing from the truth. It makes mention of feminism yes, but doesn't say feminism is a bad thing. If you're at all interested in the issues surrounding boys in America's education system, give this one a read. It's really good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on May 04, 2014, 04:52:15 AM
Xenozoic.  All this JP talk made me want to read the dinosaurs so I read them.


Good book.  Am tipsy.  dinosaurs be biting people like nanananam
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 04, 2014, 04:53:59 AM
I've got The Secret Pilgrim by John Le Carre lined up for after I finish All-Star Superman.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 04, 2014, 06:15:57 AM
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré

The second in the Karla Trilogy. This was a great read. Felt almost like le Carré was channeling a bit of Fleming in this book, though of course much more grounded and bogged down in the gruelling futility and diplomatic bureaucracy of Cold War espionage. The Far East setting was very interesting, following field agent Jerry Westerby though Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, all while frequently stopping back with the Circus in London, and George Smiley's toil through endless amounts of documents and red tape.

Overall, a great continuation to the Karla arc. Can't wait to read the finale.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on May 04, 2014, 09:38:25 PM
Outlanders 48: Serpents Tooth, by James Axler.

Another disappointing entry into the Outlanders series. It's a far cry better then some of the nonsequiter books which just take the characters and place them in inappropriate settings for no reason. One of them even started with a single paragraph justifying why they were in steampunk middle ages.

This one at least continued some of the long running plot points of the series, which is getting rarer and rarer as the series goes on. Even that wasn't handled particularly well either, with the returning villain being very out of character.

Basically feels like the series is spinning it's wheels. They set up so much and seem to have realized they wrote the story into a corner and just swept all the stakes away and now are left with singular stories and barely any continuity.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 06, 2014, 06:44:06 AM
Well, I was going to be reading The Secret Pilgrim, but a quick wikipedia check informed me that the first few pages essentially spoil two of Le Carre's other novels. f**k.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on May 07, 2014, 02:33:24 PM
The Wind through the Keyhole: A Dark Tower Novel.

A filler between Wizard and Glass and Wolves of the Calla.  Stephen King is both a phenomenal writer and storyteller, I couldn't put it down was I began reading.  Highly recommend this, especially to any Dark Tower fans, say thankya
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 08, 2014, 03:03:34 AM
I picked up The Spy Who Came in From the Cold today. Since the other Le Carre book is a no go for now, I decided I'd read the most famous one first. I also grabbed Dune Messiah. I read the first ages ago, and figured I'd try out the sequels.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on May 08, 2014, 03:34:57 AM
I've read the graphic novel of the first Dark Tower book and found it to be very interesting, but my attention span isn't what it used to be, so I don't really read now. I imagine it would be fairly easy to find Dark Tower as an audiobook. Is the series worth getting into?

The graphic novel was very careful about not giving away too much exposition, so the rare mystical element that showed up remained pretty mysterious, which I liked.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 08, 2014, 03:36:25 AM
Quote from: Sabby on May 08, 2014, 03:34:57 AM
I've read the graphic novel of the first Dark Tower book and found it to be very interesting, but my attention span isn't what it used to be, so I don't really read now. I imagine it would be fairly easy to find Dark Tower as an audiobook. Is the series worth getting into?

The graphic novel was very careful about not giving away too much exposition, so the rare mystical element that showed up remained pretty mysterious, which I liked.

I loved the books themselves a lot. Never got into the graphic novel prequels/adaptations, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on May 09, 2014, 07:38:40 AM
Does anyone here own a copy of Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on May 11, 2014, 11:15:49 PM
Making a Killing by James Ashcroft.

Really cool first hand account of a security contractor in Iraq. Seriously couldn't put it down, it only lasted me two days.

I'm currently reading Jurassic Park for the first time (I know, I know) while I wait for Ashcroft's follow up book to arrive.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 11, 2014, 11:25:08 PM
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

I'm not very far into this yet, but I am enjoying it a lot. The chapter with Leamas meeting Control felt kind of like Bizarro Bond, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on May 12, 2014, 07:35:31 AM
Quote from: severen76 on May 11, 2014, 11:15:49 PM
Making a Killing by James Ashcroft.

Really cool first hand account of a security contractor in Iraq. Seriously couldn't put it down, it only lasted me two days.

I'm currently reading Jurassic Park for the first time (I know, I know) while I wait for Ashcroft's follow up book to arrive.

I have making a killing but didn't get very far into it.  Prefer straight military books over mercs.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: severen76 on May 12, 2014, 06:53:20 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on May 12, 2014, 07:35:31 AM
Quote from: severen76 on May 11, 2014, 11:15:49 PM
Making a Killing by James Ashcroft.

Really cool first hand account of a security contractor in Iraq. Seriously couldn't put it down, it only lasted me two days.

I'm currently reading Jurassic Park for the first time (I know, I know) while I wait for Ashcroft's follow up book to arrive.

I have making a killing but didn't get very far into it.  Prefer straight military books over mercs.

I loved it. I've not read many military books though. Try Sniper One by SGT. Dan Mills. I thought that was pretty cool.

After I've read those two I'm going to be giving The Circuit a try.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 15, 2014, 10:29:46 PM
Smiley's People by John le Carré

The conclusion to the wonderful Karla trilogy, and quite possibly le Carré's greatest work (that I've read). The ending was one of the most purely poetic and beautiful endings to any narrative piece I've ever read. I went over it at least a half dozen times before finally closing the cover and putting the book down. A truly powerful, and truly great piece of literature.

The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury

Goddamn, I needa read more Bradbury. A collection of 18 wonderful short stories, some dark and gruesome, others light and fanciful, but all great and entertaining reads. The standout stories would be "Kaleidoscope" (basically Gravity with more people) and "Rocket Man", both of which I was hard-pressed not to cry during. Bradbury's vision was astounding and, in many ways, prophetic. One of the truly genius writers of our time. I'm proud to say that he was, however briefly, a contemporary of my own.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 15, 2014, 10:31:44 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 15, 2014, 10:29:46 PM
Smiley's People by John le Carré

The conclusion to the wonderful Karla trilogy, and quite possibly le Carré's greatest work (that I've read). The ending was one of the most purely poetic and beautiful endings to any narrative piece I've ever read. I went over it at least a half dozen times before finally closing the cover and putting the book down. A truly powerful, and truly great piece of literature.

I'm still reading The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, myself.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 15, 2014, 10:35:17 PM
That was my first foray into his fiction. That one is also quite probably his best work. It's a bit of a toss up. Tremendously skilled writer, though. I wanna burn through all his other tomes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 15, 2014, 10:36:26 PM
I was going to be reading The Secret Pilgrim, but thankfully wikipedia saved me from spoiling two of his other books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 16, 2014, 05:39:38 PM
VALIS by Philip K. Dick

Well, that was... something. Theological and philosophical musings on the nature of mankind and evil and the universe, analyses of psychological trauma and mental illness, and a few pulpy sci-fi elements thrown in for good measure. I'm not quite sure what to make of this novel. I think it's a discussion on madness and how difficult, impossible even, it can be for reality and truth to be determined by a man suffering from the memories and the mental aftermath of psychological diseases and emotional traumas. But then again, maybe it's not.

I'm not sure if I can really recommend this book to, well, anyone, really. But it was definitely a fascinating, if somewhat dense, read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 17, 2014, 07:53:02 AM
I just finished The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. That has to be one of the most haunting, soul searing books I've read. If there were any liquor in the house, I'd pop open a bottle and keep it open for quite a while. Well f**king played, Le Carre. :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 17, 2014, 03:48:25 PM
I gotta give that one another read. One of the best books I've ever had the pleasure to experience.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 05:36:20 AM
I want to re-read Dune before jumping into Dune Messiah, but I can't find my copy anywhere. >:(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 06:17:03 AM
Bah, I'm almost done with the Outlanders Audiobooks, and they're a resounding meh. I miss the old books.

Does anyone have any recommendations for fun Post Apocalypse science fiction? Preferably something with an Audiobook version.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 06:20:24 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 05:36:20 AM
I want to re-read Dune before jumping into Dune Messiah, but I can't find my copy anywhere. >:(

I think you can jump straight ahead. The book reintroduces characters well.

Dune is Lawrence of Arabia
Dune Messiah is The Godfather
Children of Dune is Superman ;D ...Get ready for the weirdness. At a certain point Frank Herbert's books got a lot crazier than what Jodorowsky had planned to do for his adaptation of the first book. Children of Dune is "that" moment.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 10:57:04 AM
I have the Children of Dune SyFy series, just haven't watched it yet... you're not making me want to xD
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 18, 2014, 01:51:36 PM
Quote from: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 06:17:03 AM
Bah, I'm almost done with the Outlanders Audiobooks, and they're a resounding meh. I miss the old books.

Does anyone have any recommendations for fun Post Apocalypse science fiction? Preferably something with an Audiobook version.

Not sure if you've read/listened to it already, but I heard that the audio book version of World War Z is excellent. They got a really great voice cast and everything.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 01:54:22 PM
Nah, not really into zombies. I'm basically just looking for another Outlanders, which might be tough because it seems rather niche. Think Fallout if it dealt more in 21st century conspiracy theories, like Annunaki/Ancient Aliens.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 03:12:46 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 06:20:24 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 05:36:20 AM
I want to re-read Dune before jumping into Dune Messiah, but I can't find my copy anywhere. >:(

I think you can jump straight ahead. The book reintroduces characters well.

My OCD tendencies when it comes to things like this might make that a bit difficult.  :laugh: And there's the fact that it's been years since I read it.

QuoteDune is Lawrence of Arabia
Dune Messiah is The Godfather
Children of Dune is Superman ;D ...Get ready for the weirdness. At a certain point Frank Herbert's books got a lot crazier than what Jodorowsky had planned to do for his adaptation of the first book. Children of Dune is "that" moment.

Oh lawd. :laugh: I've been told to stop after God-Emperor if I want to maintain my sanity, but I don't know if my morbid curiosity can be stopped. :laugh:

Quote from: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 10:57:04 AM
I have the Children of Dune SyFy series, just haven't watched it yet... you're not making me want to xD

I saw that ages ago when it first aired.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 03:26:45 PM
I think you may have quoted the wrong post, unless your referring to the movie Outlander.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 03:39:38 PM
Quote from: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 03:26:45 PM
I think you may have quoted the wrong post, unless your referring to the movie Outlander.

Fixed it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 04:15:42 PM
Ah, thanks. Yeah... I tried to watch the original Dune movie. I made it half an hour. Thought a modern mini-series might be a bit more comprehensible.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 04:19:46 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 03:12:46 PM
Oh lawd. :laugh: I've been told to stop after God-Emperor if I want to maintain my sanity, but I don't know if my morbid curiosity can be stopped. :laugh:

DONT STOP! The other books are INSANE but are pretty damn decent as well... they just arent up to the standard of the first 3. :P They actually show a human society that has advanced past the morals and abilities of today's humans.. and has become slightly "alien" and exotic (even more so than in the time of Paul Muad'ib). You just need to intake the weirdness with that thought in mind. 

They still manage to have lots of cool characters and action... Murbella (martial arts fighting badass), Miles Teg (who is The FLASH, basically.) , Darwi (an Atreides descendant)...

The last 2 books by Frank Herbert's son finish the Dune saga in a "ok" but not great fashion... and are based on Frank's notes for the end of the series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 04:24:12 PM
Quote from: Sabby on May 18, 2014, 04:15:42 PM
Ah, thanks. Yeah... I tried to watch the original Dune movie. I made it half an hour. Thought a modern mini-series might be a bit more comprehensible.

The first mini series was very, very... cheap. That's the best wa to describe it. I remember liking both of them, but I was 11 at the time. :laugh:

Quote from: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 04:19:46 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 03:12:46 PM
Oh lawd. :laugh: I've been told to stop after God-Emperor if I want to maintain my sanity, but I don't know if my morbid curiosity can be stopped. :laugh:

DONT STOP! The other books are INSANE but are pretty damn decent as well... they just arent up to the standard of the first 3. :P They actually show a human society that has advanced past the morals and abilities of today's humans.. and has become slightly "alien" and exotic (even more so than in the time of Paul Muad'ib). You just need to intake the weirdness with that thought in mind. 

They still manage to have lots of cool characters and action... Murbella (martial arts fighting badass), Miles Teg (who is The FLASH, basically.) , Darwi (an Atreides descendant)...

The last 2 books by Frank Herbert's son finish the Dune saga in a "ok" but not great fashion... and are based on Frank's notes for the end of the series.

Ah. I may finish all the sequels, but I'm going to stay away from the prequels/interquels/whatever.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 04:41:10 PM
Get ready for the feminazi kung fu fighting slut army in Heretics and Chapterhouse. ;D (who actually manage to be cool and badass villains).

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F37.media.tumblr.com%2Fc435e43ddf222ec85064505a29e8c221%2Ftumblr_mxvf3bv8p41qkyafqo1_500.jpg&hash=e95793f0a31fb5c6219130de366e541e67f29e63)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 05:01:57 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 04:41:10 PM
Get ready for the feminazi kung fu fighting slut army in Heretics and Chapterhouse. ;D (who actually manage to be cool and badass villains).

http://37.media.tumblr.com/c435e43ddf222ec85064505a29e8c221/tumblr_mxvf3bv8p41qkyafqo1_500.jpg

An army of Cvaldas, you say? ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 11:10:37 PM
...

SHADE.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on May 19, 2014, 06:10:26 AM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 04:41:10 PM
Get ready for the feminazi kung fu fighting slut army in Heretics and Chapterhouse. ;D (who actually manage to be cool and badass villains).

http://37.media.tumblr.com/c435e43ddf222ec85064505a29e8c221/tumblr_mxvf3bv8p41qkyafqo1_500.jpg
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 05:01:57 PMAn army of Cvaldas, you say? ;D
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 11:10:37 PM
...

SHADE.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-8EP94smK_Eg%2FURF795-z3SI%2FAAAAAAAAJZY%2FFaSS3PtwaQY%2Fs1600%2Ffight-in-shade.gif&hash=9c1866675361ce840c23f5e8d8429e0af49f06fa)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 20, 2014, 06:31:48 AM
Got the first chapter of Dune Messiah done. First impressions? Scytale is awesome.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 26, 2014, 02:34:12 AM
The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling

This was a greatly fascinating, and very entertaining, book. While not a masterpiece on the level with Gibson's Neuromancer, this novel is nonetheless a triumph in its own right. The product of two of cyberpunk's greatest authors tackling the similar though very different beast of steampunk, it presents an alternate history in which Charles Babbage succeeded in making his analogue computer, the Analytical Engine, thus ushering in the computer age a century ahead of schedule. The majority of the book takes place in London in 1855, one in which newly developed line-streamed gurneys zip around in speeds in excess of 20mph, where the paleontological discoveries of massive and ancient creatures grasp the attention of the masses, where information on every citizen is sorted through punch-cards and gearworks. I am no huge fan of this particular subgenre, but the worldbuilding that has occurred here is fascinating. Numerous characters' lives are tied together through the tread of stolen and important punch-cards, containing a supposedly powerful mathematical formula, and specially made for the French Great Napoleon ordinateur. The plot of the story is entertaining and occasionally though-provoking, the characters are varied and interesting, but it is the societal and geopolitical ramifications of this new technology that truly shine through. Great Britain pulled through Luddite rebellions and radical revolutions with the aristocracy's power eliminated, lordships instead presented to great men of science and business, a meritocratic society in place. The Americas are kept divided through political dealings, the Union, Confederacy, Texas, and California all separate and powerless, kept in check by a great Franco-British alliance. Karl Marx and his followers control Manhattan. The Japans have been forcibly opened by British fleets. All-in-all, the world constructed is incredibly detailed and wonderfully nuanced.

I recommend this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 26, 2014, 02:56:18 AM
About half way through Dune Messiah at the moment. It's very, very good so far. The political intrigue surrounding the Atreides is actually quite interesting. The conspirators seem to be leaving a lot of crap up to chance, though. And I can't quite get over the fact that the Guild steersmen are basically Abe Sapien on crack. :laugh: Oh, and Paul has perved on his sister once already. Yeah, that's a thing. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on May 26, 2014, 03:01:02 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 05:01:57 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 04:41:10 PM
Get ready for the feminazi kung fu fighting slut army in Heretics and Chapterhouse. ;D (who actually manage to be cool and badass villains).

http://37.media.tumblr.com/c435e43ddf222ec85064505a29e8c221/tumblr_mxvf3bv8p41qkyafqo1_500.jpg

An army of Cvaldas, you say? ;D
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi0.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Foriginal%2F000%2F711%2F580%2F71b.jpg&hash=7c77ca67ef8ecd61949cd181df33a1e3e1fb88b7)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 26, 2014, 03:05:00 AM
Quote from: Cvalda on May 26, 2014, 03:01:02 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 18, 2014, 05:01:57 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 18, 2014, 04:41:10 PM
Get ready for the feminazi kung fu fighting slut army in Heretics and Chapterhouse. ;D (who actually manage to be cool and badass villains).

http://37.media.tumblr.com/c435e43ddf222ec85064505a29e8c221/tumblr_mxvf3bv8p41qkyafqo1_500.jpg

An army of Cvaldas, you say? ;D
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi0.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Foriginal%2F000%2F711%2F580%2F71b.jpg&hash=7c77ca67ef8ecd61949cd181df33a1e3e1fb88b7)

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffrybreadwhitebread.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F08%2Ffurby.jpg%3Fw%3D812&hash=32d63dd47ed08a70d10143cd80f0019f632df168)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on May 26, 2014, 03:09:35 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdata2.whicdn.com%2Fimages%2F106375130%2Flarge.gif&hash=aead93cc0609b45678377a23bc27e7de952f52fa)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on May 26, 2014, 03:11:56 AM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on May 26, 2014, 02:34:12 AM
The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling

Spoiler
This was a greatly fascinating, and very entertaining, book. While not a masterpiece on the level with Gibson's Neuromancer, this novel is nonetheless a triumph in its own right. The product of two of cyberpunk's greatest authors tackling the similar though very different beast of steampunk, it presents an alternate history in which Charles Babbage succeeded in making his analogue computer, the Analytical Engine, thus ushering in the computer age a century ahead of schedule. The majority of the book takes place in London in 1855, one in which newly developed line-streamed gurneys zip around in speeds in excess of 20mph, where the paleontological discoveries of massive and ancient creatures grasp the attention of the masses, where information on every citizen is sorted through punch-cards and gearworks. I am no huge fan of this particular subgenre, but the worldbuilding that has occurred here is fascinating. Numerous characters' lives are tied together through the tread of stolen and important punch-cards, containing a supposedly powerful mathematical formula, and specially made for the French Great Napoleon ordinateur. The plot of the story is entertaining and occasionally though-provoking, the characters are varied and interesting, but it is the societal and geopolitical ramifications of this new technology that truly shine through. Great Britain pulled through Luddite rebellions and radical revolutions with the aristocracy's power eliminated, lordships instead presented to great men of science and business, a meritocratic society in place. The Americas are kept divided through political dealings, the Union, Confederacy, Texas, and California all separate and powerless, kept in check by a great Franco-British alliance. Karl Marx and his followers control Manhattan. The Japans have been forcibly opened by British fleets. All-in-all, the world constructed is incredibly detailed and wonderfully nuanced.

I recommend this book.
[close]

Actually, upon thinking about the novel a bit more, and reading some commentary by the two authors, this is growing on me. It's a very, very good book. Highly recommended. The ending is one of the most powerful I can think of. It just some time for it to truly sink in what it meant.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on May 27, 2014, 02:06:05 AM
Up the Walls of the World by James Tiptree, Jr.

An Army ESP research group in the 70s, headed by a kindly, middle aged doctor, a mysterious African woman and a band of lonely, misfit test subjects, retreat to a remote base for a series of psychic tests -- and end up making contact with a race of sentient, manta ray-like beings on a far off planet on the brink of annihilation by a rogue disturbance in space. The final passages drag a bit, but its visionary, intelligent scifi that ends up being very moving.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 27, 2014, 02:07:17 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 26, 2014, 02:56:18 AM
About half way through Dune Messiah at the moment. It's very, very good so far. The political intrigue surrounding the Atreides is actually quite interesting. The conspirators seem to be leaving a lot of crap up to chance, though. And I can't quite get over the fact that the Guild steersmen are basically Abe Sapien on crack. :laugh: Oh, and Paul has perved on his sister once already. Yeah, that's a thing. :laugh:

Get ready for your heart to be broken in itty bity little pieces... HARD.  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(


Quote from: Cvalda on May 27, 2014, 02:06:05 AM
Up the Walls of the World by James Tiptree, Jr.

An Army ESP research group in the 70s, headed by a kindly, middle aged doctor, a mysterious African woman and a band of lonely, misfit test subjects, retreat to a remote base for a series of psychic tests -- and end up making contact with a race of sentient, manta ray-like beings on a far off planet on the brink of annihilation by a rogue disturbance in space. The final passages drag a bit, but its visionary, intelligent scifi that ends up being very moving.

Need to read that. :p
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on May 29, 2014, 02:53:09 PM
This:

http://instagram.com/p/oj2jIDFEqa/ (http://instagram.com/p/oj2jIDFEqa/)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on May 29, 2014, 03:36:56 PM
After clicking on the link, i finally checked out your new JP arrivals. DAMN SON.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on May 29, 2014, 03:44:01 PM
Haha, you knew you were going to see them eventually ;) don't deny it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on May 29, 2014, 03:45:33 PM
I don't deny it :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 29, 2014, 06:09:56 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 27, 2014, 02:07:17 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 26, 2014, 02:56:18 AM
About half way through Dune Messiah at the moment. It's very, very good so far. The political intrigue surrounding the Atreides is actually quite interesting. The conspirators seem to be leaving a lot of crap up to chance, though. And I can't quite get over the fact that the Guild steersmen are basically Abe Sapien on crack. :laugh: Oh, and Paul has perved on his sister once already. Yeah, that's a thing. :laugh:

Get ready for your heart to be broken in itty bity little pieces... HARD.  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(


Yeah, I can see that coming already. :-\  :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on May 29, 2014, 07:34:39 PM
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 29, 2014, 07:46:29 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 29, 2014, 06:09:56 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 27, 2014, 02:07:17 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 26, 2014, 02:56:18 AM
About half way through Dune Messiah at the moment. It's very, very good so far. The political intrigue surrounding the Atreides is actually quite interesting. The conspirators seem to be leaving a lot of crap up to chance, though. And I can't quite get over the fact that the Guild steersmen are basically Abe Sapien on crack. :laugh: Oh, and Paul has perved on his sister once already. Yeah, that's a thing. :laugh:

Get ready for your heart to be broken in itty bity little pieces... HARD.  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(


Yeah, I can see that coming already. :-\  :'(

How far along are you? :P I finished the book in 4 days mang...  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 29, 2014, 08:36:55 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 29, 2014, 07:46:29 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 29, 2014, 06:09:56 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on May 27, 2014, 02:07:17 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 26, 2014, 02:56:18 AM
About half way through Dune Messiah at the moment. It's very, very good so far. The political intrigue surrounding the Atreides is actually quite interesting. The conspirators seem to be leaving a lot of crap up to chance, though. And I can't quite get over the fact that the Guild steersmen are basically Abe Sapien on crack. :laugh: Oh, and Paul has perved on his sister once already. Yeah, that's a thing. :laugh:

Get ready for your heart to be broken in itty bity little pieces... HARD.  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(


Yeah, I can see that coming already. :-\  :'(

How far along are you? :P I finished the book in 4 days mang...  :laugh:

Two chapters from the end.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 29, 2014, 09:03:00 PM
Real sad shit about to go down any time now. :/
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 30, 2014, 12:55:51 AM
Dune Messiah

Fantastic book, and a great continuation of the first.

Quote from: Blacklabel on May 29, 2014, 09:03:00 PM
Real sad shit about to go down any time now. :/

"There are problems in this universe for which there are no answers."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on May 31, 2014, 05:22:20 PM
all my feels! :'( :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on May 31, 2014, 08:13:56 PM
Finally started on the Dark Tower series. This is a... strange story, so far. A lot of fiction I read seems just itching to give me it's lore and show me how interesting it's world is and how in depth it all is. This seems like the complete opposite, but not so much that it's like "Lol, figure it out". Shit just makes sense, for the most part, but it's all so restrained and mysterious.

Very interested to see where this goes, and how they cock it up by eventually just dumping lore on me by the truckload due to eventual writers block.

Or maybe that's just paranoia after Outlander...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 02, 2014, 06:55:43 PM
I'm currently re-reading Misquoting Jesus by Bart D. Ehrman. It's a fascinating look into the field of New Testament textual criticism and the difficulties of reconstructing the original text after after countless scribal errors and alterations. It also contains an interesting account of various translations of the Bible throughout history.

On the Dune front, I made a bookstore run today, and I rebought Dune, and picked up Children of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune. They didn't have God Emperor or Heretics, so they put them on order for me. :)

Quote from: Sabby on May 31, 2014, 08:13:56 PM
Finally started on the Dark Tower series. This is a... strange story, so far. A lot of fiction I read seems just itching to give me it's lore and show me how interesting it's world is and how in depth it all is. This seems like the complete opposite, but not so much that it's like "Lol, figure it out". Shit just makes sense, for the most part, but it's all so restrained and mysterious.

Very interested to see where this goes, and how they cock it up by eventually just dumping lore on me by the truckload due to eventual writers block.

Or maybe that's just paranoia after Outlander...

I loved that series, and I never felt the lore went too in-depth at all. There's only two places where I can recall any great amount of explanation in all eight books. I still haven't read the prequel comics, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Jun 03, 2014, 12:01:59 PM
Just finished the first book.

Wtf did I just read? It wasn't bad, just... a lot of build up, then it just ends :/
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 04, 2014, 02:31:24 AM
The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene

A layman's explanation for superstring theory. I found this book incredibly fascinating; I still don't really understand the theory, but based on Greene's descriptions, no one really does. He has a fantastic knack for describing incredibly complex and complicated mathematical and physical concepts in terms that are easily (or almost) understood. He also gave what I think is the best description of Einstein's theories of relativity that I've ever read. I believe I truly understand how those work conceptually. I'd recommend this book for any with an interest in science.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Jun 06, 2014, 02:27:54 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 02, 2014, 06:55:43 PM
On the Dune front, I made a bookstore run today, and I rebought Dune, and picked up Children of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune. They didn't have God Emperor or Heretics, so they put them on order for me. :)

I found the first editions of six books, the last three signed by Herbert...
Spoiler
Spoiler
On ebay for $13,000  :o
[close]
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 06, 2014, 04:00:57 AM
Quote from: FiorinaFury161 on Jun 06, 2014, 02:27:54 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 02, 2014, 06:55:43 PM
On the Dune front, I made a bookstore run today, and I rebought Dune, and picked up Children of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune. They didn't have God Emperor or Heretics, so they put them on order for me. :)

I found the first editions of six books, the last three signed by Herbert...
Spoiler
Spoiler
On ebay for $13,000  :o
[close]
[close]

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lethal1320.com%2Fimages%2Ffunny%2Fcomment-friday-damn.jpg&hash=90ef3f9414cb869bc8963a30a654e13e1e3a557c)

Oh, and I've gotten started on Children of Dune. I know I can't be the only one who finds Leto and Ghanima to be creepy as f**k. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 08, 2014, 10:15:13 PM
Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney

An ancient poem of great power, brought into modern language and verse by a very talented man. This was a very enjoyable read. I filled me with similar feelings as reading a work of Tolkien.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Jun 08, 2014, 11:34:33 PM
If you'd got this your mind would have exploded.

http://www.tolkienbeowulf.com/ (http://www.tolkienbeowulf.com/)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 09, 2014, 12:19:59 AM
I got that. Reading it next. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 09, 2014, 04:53:49 PM
Currently reading Stephen King's latest romp Mr. Mercedes.

Who doesn't love a psychopath that drives into a crowd of people and thinks about that whilst masterbating.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Jun 10, 2014, 01:46:30 AM
Been listening to Dark Tower: Drawing of the Three while I wait for my order. I think I'm half way through. The first book was a little strange, but not unenjoyable. This, however, feels kind of out of place. Doesn't help that King spends a little too much time on tangents and unimportant details. It's really dragging.

Hope it improves, as I did like the restraint the first book showed.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 11, 2014, 09:16:28 PM
Just finished Children of Dune. It was very good for the most part, but the endless plotting and counter plotting got a bit overwhelming after a while.

Spoiler
And Leto is now condom man. I think. :laugh:
[close]

Oh, and I saw this just now:

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1076.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw459%2FKiramidHead%2Fcod_zps9eb2166c.png&hash=658bd1f5eb2eaeee029fcce9df1e258c10d75c04)

*facepalm*
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jun 14, 2014, 10:12:06 AM
The Affair by Lee Child

The origin story of Jack Reacher. It's the second novel I've read with Reacher as the main character and I enjoyed this a whole lot more. Good suspense throughout the whole thing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Jun 14, 2014, 12:35:31 PM
Dark Tower 2 reminds me far too much of Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time. Not really a fan of the whole "Fantasy person doesn't understand modern times" trope. Doesn't help that Steven King will devote an entire paragraph to a man from another world trying to comprehend what a 'Pepsi' is, yet just walks over things like-

Spoiler
The abortion of whats hinted to be Christ or the Antichrist
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 15, 2014, 09:40:17 PM
Quote from: Castiel on Jun 14, 2014, 10:12:06 AM
The Affair by Lee Child

The origin story of Jack Reacher. It's the second novel I've read with Reacher as the main character and I enjoyed this a whole lot more. Good suspense throughout the whole thing.

Oooh. Glad to hear that's good. Gonna get to that one at some point. I tend to read them in release order. So up next would be Bad Luck and Trouble. Got a ways to go yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jun 16, 2014, 04:03:34 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Jun 15, 2014, 09:40:17 PMOooh. Glad to hear that's good. Gonna get to that one at some point. I tend to read them in release order. So up next would be Bad Luck and Trouble. Got a ways to go yet.

I'm Reading 61 Hours at the moment, but I'm not Reading them in order.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 16, 2014, 06:59:18 PM
Now that you have a couple books under your belt, how do you like the character and the series itself? Child tends to switch from first person to third person narrative depending on which book it is. I am a fan of the third person perspective myself.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jun 16, 2014, 09:29:30 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 11, 2014, 09:16:28 PM
Spoiler
And Leto is now condom man. I think. :laugh:
[close]

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc03.deviantart.net%2Ffs70%2Ff%2F2010%2F250%2F9%2F6%2Fdune__birth_of_a_god_by_gorrem-d2y7h2s.jpg&hash=5b38b1a04106845bdf0d3c64f953d48e71ea44e7)
Yeah it was a bit of a superhero origin story.  :laugh:
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 17, 2014, 01:04:22 AM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Jun 16, 2014, 09:29:30 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 11, 2014, 09:16:28 PM
Spoiler
And Leto is now condom man. I think. :laugh:
[close]

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc03.deviantart.net%2Ffs70%2Ff%2F2010%2F250%2F9%2F6%2Fdune__birth_of_a_god_by_gorrem-d2y7h2s.jpg&hash=5b38b1a04106845bdf0d3c64f953d48e71ea44e7)
Yeah it was a bit of a superhero origin story.  :laugh:
[close]

Spoiler
So that's what the long term effects of Xavier's serum are. :laugh:

I have to say, the ending was a little abrupt. "Ima marry mah sister, but you get to f**k her, Farad'n. K thanx bye." Farad'n was pretty cool on the whole, though. 8)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gates on Jun 17, 2014, 04:49:43 PM
Quote from: Sabby on Jun 14, 2014, 12:35:31 PM
Dark Tower 2 reminds me far too much of Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time. Not really a fan of the whole "Fantasy person doesn't understand modern times" trope. Doesn't help that Steven King will devote an entire paragraph to a man from another world trying to comprehend what a 'Pepsi' is, yet just walks over things like-

Spoiler
The abortion of whats hinted to be Christ or the Antichrist
[close]

But, lobstrosities..!?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jun 18, 2014, 11:17:56 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Jun 16, 2014, 06:59:18 PM
Now that you have a couple books under your belt, how do you like the character and the series itself? Child tends to switch from first person to third person narrative depending on which book it is. I am a fan of the third person perspective myself.

The three I've read are all first person perspective and I like it. I also enjoy the series so far, as well as the character. A no nonsense tough guy. Reacher got an interesting background and a hard way of dealing with things. I find it interesting that he does not shy away from killing, even when it's not in self defense. Not many "heroes" have that attitude. I think Lee Child got a nice eye for details and with shorter chapters, the books are usually a very fast and entertaining read.

But now that I've read some of them, I can't help but think how miscast Cruise was for the film. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Jun 18, 2014, 04:31:07 PM
Needed to clear space on my phone, so deleted Dark Tower. Wasn't enjoying it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trunks on Jun 19, 2014, 04:03:27 AM
Mobile Suit Gundam Volume 1 The Origin
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Jun 19, 2014, 11:38:16 PM
Quote from: Castiel on Jun 18, 2014, 11:17:56 AM
But now that I've read some of them, I can't help but think how miscast Cruise was for the film. :D

Yeah looking back it is an odd casting choice, but I enjoyed the movie regardless. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 19, 2014, 11:51:07 PM
I've been reading God Emperor of Dune. I'm liking it so far, but just kind of three me in the Deep end without a life preserver. 

Spoiler
And Leto seems to have changed his phallic symbol mind about the whole "bringing back the sand thing," since Arrakis now has f**king forests and rivers and shit.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2014, 03:12:53 AM
Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien

The Anglo-Saxon epic that inspired much of Tolkien's work, finally brought into modern tongue by his hand. Needless to say, his style of prose fit the tale well. Now, he never intended to publish his translation, and as a result it is sometimes hard to read or long-winded. However, the overall effect of his words is never lost.

The real gem of this book, though, is the commentary mentioned in its title. Three hundred-odd pages of Tolkien's lecture and personal notes on the poem, delving into the historical and etymological nuances of various lines and words of the work, tying it into a much larger (and largely lost) framework of Old English myth, giving some picture of the cultural clashes between the heathen days of legend and the Christian present of the poem's composition.

If you're a fan of the poem, or of Tolkien, highly recommended.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 20, 2014, 03:17:12 AM
Well, you sold me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 20, 2014, 03:18:43 AM
Makes me want to re-read his translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 20, 2014, 03:23:01 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 20, 2014, 03:17:12 AM
Well, you sold me.

I'd check out Seamus Heaney's translation while you're at it; much easier to read, and keeps it in a verse form more-or-less similar to the original.

Basically, Heaney placed more emphasis on structure (and accessibility), leading to a modern poem that is powerful in its own right. However, as a result of this, some of the nuances and literal meanings in the original are lost or replaced with Heaney's own. Which is where Tolkien steps in, providing a prose translation that keeps the meaning and nuance as close as it can get, but at the expense of the structure.

I found they complemented each other very nicely.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jun 20, 2014, 03:30:05 AM
Noted. I'll be sure to check both out.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jun 30, 2014, 02:16:18 AM
Halo: Glasslands by Karen Traviss

A highly entertaining novel, exploring the aftermath of Halo 3 and Ghosts of Onyx, dealing with how humanity and the Covenant races behave after the end of the war and the collapse of the Prophets. Espionage, subterfuge, and grey morals mix in the Halo universe very well. Probably one of the more interesting of the novels since The Cole Protocol. Very recommended if you're a fan of the franchise.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Jun 30, 2014, 06:49:35 PM
Working through Dean Koontz The Taking, which I am incredibly torn on. On one hand, the concept is something I've always wanted to see and is very creepy, but the execution isn't quite as good. The people don't speak like real people at all, and when it starts actually answering it's questions, it's in a Steven King TV miniseries style exposition, and it turns out to be not as interesting as the mystery promised.

Basically, if the whole book was like the first half, I'd recommend it so damn hard.

The basic story is that some mysterious event has happened to the world, destroying communications and creating a global flood, while some evil presence hangs over everything, unexplainable and full of dread. The story follows a small mountain town completely isolated and trying to both protect themselves from ghostly visitors and unravel the ominous signs of whats happening.

Then they find out what it is -.-
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jul 01, 2014, 04:27:13 AM
Just finished Guillermo del Toro: Cabinet of Curiosities. If you're a fan of the man and his films then this comes with my highest recommendation. The book is 260 or so pages of interview, commentary, and art that brings to light his creative processes, his influences, his inspirations, and so much more.

Also, I really wish that he had made Meat Market. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 08, 2014, 02:25:02 AM
Halo: The Thursday War by Karen Traviss

ONI intrigue and espionage continues, set against the background of an intense all-out civil war amongst the Elites. Again, highly entertaining and interesting book, and serves as a great companion piece to Halo 4. Recommended to any fan.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 18, 2014, 11:24:29 PM
God Emperor of Dune

Well, this was quite an interesting book. It was definitely something different when compared to the previous three. The story was a bit difficult to get into at first, but this new form of Leto was too fascinating to give up on, and his relationships with those around him were quite well done, especially Hwi. I found the ghola more annoying than anything, though. It honestly got to the point where it felt like he was just being emo for the sake of it. Other than that, though, this was a fine entry to the series, without all of the insane plotting/intrigue that bogged down Children of Dune.

Spoiler
All of that being said, what the f**k was up with the bit where Nayla orgasms over Duncan climbing a cliff? And the bit where Duncan throws a temper tantrum over the Fish Speakers making out?
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Jul 21, 2014, 01:46:39 AM
Just finished Nekropolis 1. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Dresden Files. It's very similar, focusing on an undead detective who lives in Nekropolis, a pentagram shaped city under a black sun in another dimension, made for all the creatures of human 'mythology' to escape persecution.

It's a wonderfully creative and detailed world. I especially loved the imitation of and even fusing of imported Earth technology, so we end up with things like organic computers that get literal viruses, flesh phones with actual mouths on them to talk to you, cyberpunk vampires, designer Lich bodies and technology intolerant witches secretly importing hair treatment and game consoles.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Randomizer on Jul 21, 2014, 11:37:39 AM
 The Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 24, 2014, 07:42:15 PM
Dracula's Guest and Other Weird Stories by Bram Stoker

I've been rereading this nice little short story collection in between Dune novels, and I still like it a fair bit. The stories are all great at best, decent at worst, so it doesn't fall into the same quagmire as a lot of these collections do. That being said, there is a slight problem in that the three best stories are all at the beginning, but that's a minor a niggle at worst. Oh, and my copy also contains Stoker's final novel, The Lair of the White Worm, so I suppose I'll be rereading that as well. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jul 24, 2014, 08:31:48 PM
Trying to finish Footfall but man you'd think an Alien invasion story would be more interesting than it has been.




But when the Aliens are basically space elephants it kind of kills the mojo. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jul 25, 2014, 03:54:59 AM
Working my way through Carmilla by Sheridan le Fanu

Interesting and moody. Surprised at its fast pace, actually.

+ It's very "LES-YAY". (lol) Some really nice weird scenes in this. The prose has a clear, succint "conversational" style that i like (It's in first person. Narrator is the lead character.)
- The Ocasional bit of old timey racism. A "black woman" is described as ugly and villainous. Ugh.

So far... ok.


Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 18, 2014, 11:24:29 PM
God Emperor of Dune

Well, this was quite an interesting book. It was definitely something different when compared to the previous three.

Haha YUSSS. It's very much Frank Herbert taking whatever "formulas" he had used for the first 3 books and throwing them out the window.

Expect even more weird and exotic sex practices in the next 2 books!  :laugh: (And some XMEN style stuff, too.)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 25, 2014, 03:58:50 AM
Stoker has a touch of that racism as well. There's a black man servant in Lair of the White Worm who is the embodiment of the stereotypical native. Hell, a gorilla could have played his part, no problem. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jul 25, 2014, 04:06:29 AM
lol

Most racist book i've read was "The Book of the thousand nights and and a night" by Richard Francis Burton.. it's a sort of half-rewrite/half translation of the arabian nights stories...

Right in the beginning.. there's a married princess that meets a black slave in the garden for a little "sexy time"..
The black guy is hidden in the tree, jumps down "like an animal".. then he f**ks the princess and goes back up the tree.

jesus..

I stopped reading at that point and jumped to another translation of the arabian nights.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 25, 2014, 04:08:29 AM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Jul 25, 2014, 04:06:29 AM
lol

Most racist book i've read was "The Book of the thousand nights and and a night" by Richard Francis Burton.. it's a sort of half-rewrite/half translation of the arabian nights stories...

Right in the beginning.. there's a married princess that meets a black slave in the garden for a little "sexy time"..
The black guy is hidden in the tree, jumps down "like an animal".. then he f**ks the princess and goes back up the tree.

jesus..

I stopped reading at that point and jumped to another translation of the arabian nights.  :laugh:

Burton's end notes for that scene claim that women of that region would often take black slaves for lovers... because of their massive dicks. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jul 25, 2014, 04:09:56 AM
lol. Yeezusss  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 27, 2014, 02:34:59 PM
Halo: Mortal Dictata by Karen Traviss
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jul 28, 2014, 03:48:29 AM
Done reading Carmilla... fun, short.. but it doesnt feel "classic" or essential as far as vampire literature goes.

Nothing here feels as memorable as the many scenes written by Stoker.. and the final confrontation is weak weak weak sauce.

I'd say that.. right now, it's only interesting as a piece of literary history.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 29, 2014, 05:38:33 AM
The Lair of the White Worm

I just finished this for the second time, and um, it's still really f**king weird. The book has a series of largely disconnected subplots, and consists of psychic battles, giant kites that scare off birds and makes the local populace depressed, and a local woman who is pretty much a giant prehistoric snake in human form. Speaking of which, our heroes accept an invitation to said snake woman's home for tea, which is followed by a rather hilarious attempt to dump them down her smelly hole in the basement.  Oh, and the local lord, the guy responsible for the kite, sends it messages and treats it like a god. And he has an African man servant who only seems to exist so the various characters can all call him a n***er several times. Yeah...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 29, 2014, 07:09:03 AM
22/11/63

It's the third time I've read this book this year I think, can't help it though I absolutely love it.  Seriously need to pick up Mr Mercedes this week
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jul 29, 2014, 07:31:43 AM
Quote from: Novak 1334 on Jul 29, 2014, 07:09:03 AM
22/11/63

It's the third time I've read this book this year I think, can't help it though I absolutely love it.  Seriously need to pick up Mr Mercedes this week

I love this one. One of King's best, in my opinion. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 29, 2014, 09:20:14 AM
Definately, it's up there with the Dark Tower and Salem's Lot
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 29, 2014, 11:36:18 AM
I'm currently halfway through Speaker for the Dead and am loving it. Thoroughly enjoyed Ender's Game before it too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 29, 2014, 12:12:25 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 29, 2014, 11:36:18 AM
I'm currently halfway through Speaker for the Dead and am loving it. Thoroughly enjoyed Ender's Game before it too.

Ender's Game is on my to read list
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 29, 2014, 01:17:35 PM
I flew through Ender's Game. I kinda wished I hadn't seen the film going into it but I still couldn't put it down. The second one, Speaker for the Dead, was a little harder to get into but now I'm into it I'm loving it. Very interesting books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 29, 2014, 06:32:02 PM
Just getting started with Heretics of Dune. I quite like where it seems to be going, and the set up is fairly intriguing. Frank's hard on for Ducan Idaho is kind of starting piss me off, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 30, 2014, 07:45:40 AM
I was told not to read the rest of the Dunes as they were bad. Would you agree?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 30, 2014, 07:53:22 AM
I've been liking Frank Herbert's sequels fine so far. Children of Dune was a liitle too mired in plotting and intrigue, and God Emperor of Dune kind of vanished up its own ass at times, but none of them have been bad in my estimation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 30, 2014, 10:56:11 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 29, 2014, 01:17:35 PM
I flew through Ender's Game. I kinda wished I hadn't seen the film going into it but I still couldn't put it down. The second one, Speaker for the Dead, was a little harder to get into but now I'm into it I'm loving it. Very interesting books.

I loved the first two books very much as well. Personally, I feel Game held up better on a second read than Speaker, though.

Unfortunately, I felt like none of the other books in the series were really all that good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 30, 2014, 11:04:49 AM
I can see that - the second is being written as mystery and they don't always hold up so well after you know. Sure, Ender's Game had the big twist but it was still a solid story.

I've not got anymore. I've brought the first of the spin-off for the Bugger War though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 30, 2014, 09:48:51 PM
Haven't read any of the Bugger War spinoffs, actually, so can't really comment on them.

But Xenocide and Children of the Mind, as well as the Shadow series, were all various degrees of disappointing. Card's religious and social views really came to the forefront and took over the novels.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Jul 30, 2014, 10:19:10 PM
tons of right wing stuff and homophobia? Eeek.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 30, 2014, 10:21:46 PM
I thought you had to read his version of Hamlet for that. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 31, 2014, 01:44:09 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Jul 30, 2014, 10:19:10 PM
tons of right wing stuff and homophobia? Eeek.

Oh. Was he one of those? Shame.

I finished Speaker last night and was still impressed with it. I really loved some of the ideas he puts across and what he does to the characters.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Jul 31, 2014, 09:54:34 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 31, 2014, 01:44:09 PM
Oh. Was he one of those? Shame.

Oh, yeah. He's a completely homophobic and intolerant prick. Which is strange, since Ender's Game -unquestionably his most well-regarded and influential work- has a core message of tolerance and acceptance.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Jul 31, 2014, 11:20:45 PM
It's secretly an ironic comedy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Aug 05, 2014, 02:25:51 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jul 31, 2014, 09:54:34 PM
Oh, yeah. He's a completely homophobic and intolerant prick. Which is strange, since Ender's Game -unquestionably his most well-regarded and influential work- has a core message of tolerance and acceptance.

I find that quite surprising due to...well the reason above. I never once got the impression he was intolerant when reading this books. That's a real damn shame.

Well I'm taking a break and am reading Star Trek: Titan #1 atm.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 06, 2014, 02:35:13 AM
The Bhagavad Gita translated by Gavin Flood and Charles Martin

A beautiful poem and piece of philosophy, rendered into English with great skill.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Aug 06, 2014, 05:17:10 AM
Weapons cleave it not, Sri SpaceMarines.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Aug 06, 2014, 06:30:28 AM
Now I have become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Aug 17, 2014, 11:03:23 PM
Read all of the Menage A 3 manga rom com. FANTASTIC manga about LGBT culture and other stuff inbetween, Check it out:

http://www.ma3comic.com (http://www.ma3comic.com)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wrecktangle on Aug 22, 2014, 01:55:31 AM
A good portion of Richard Dawkins The God Delusion.

QuoteThe God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg2.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20130807201645%2Fnickfanon%2Fimages%2F1%2F17%2FNot-bad-meme.jpg&hash=f87400273a46356078ae8507afba055848b6eb98)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 12:58:04 AM
King Solomon's Mines by Henry Rider Haggard

Inevitable 19th-century imperialistic racism aside, this was a pretty entertaining and exciting adventure novel. Nothing incredibly compelling, but a pioneering piece in lost world fiction. Worth a look if you've got some free time and feel like looking at the popular culture of a century and a half ago.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 23, 2014, 02:27:05 AM
I was getting nowhere with Heretics of Dune, so I've been rereading Dracula instead. These Transylvania chapters are god damn creepy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Aug 23, 2014, 04:35:17 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Aug 23, 2014, 02:27:05 AM
I was getting nowhere with Heretics of Dune, so I've been rereading Dracula instead. These Transylvania chapters are god damn creepy.

I'm reading that as well. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 05:05:21 PM
Read Dracula a few years ago. Remember being disappointed in it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Aug 23, 2014, 05:06:29 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 05:05:21 PM
Read Dracula a few years ago. Remember being disappointed in it.

BOOOO!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 05:10:24 PM
Don't get me wrong, it was still very entertaining. Just something about that late-19th century writing style makes it hard for me to take things seriously.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Aug 23, 2014, 05:20:45 PM
Van Helsing going on a long passionate rant about Mina's every virtue every now and then is part of the charm, damn it. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 05:25:12 PM
I seem to recall skimming over those bits.

One thing I do recall, though, is Helsing was badass.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Aug 23, 2014, 05:26:46 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 05:25:12 PM
I seem to recall skimming over those bits.

One thing I do recall, though, is Helsing was badass.

Quincey was always my favorite, but reading it again, I kind of like Arthur and Lucy as well.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 05:29:06 PM
I don't recall too well. Been a good three or four years.

I do love the artwork on my copy, though.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51f%252BDkjOo%252BL._SS500_.jpg&hash=8a1f141aad4698c3b42a7d01c801992a244715ec)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Aug 23, 2014, 05:32:30 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 05:29:06 PM
I don't recall too well. Been a good three or four years.

I do love the artwork on my copy, though.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51f%2BDkjOo%2BL._SS500_.jpg
Very nice. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 23, 2014, 07:37:56 PM
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

A brilliant collection of short stories, each building upon the sociological and technological speculations of the ones before it.

I immediately regret not reading Asimov before.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Aug 24, 2014, 01:04:29 AM
Hopefully you were listening to The Alan Parsons Project album (of the same name) whilst reading! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Aug 25, 2014, 02:42:50 PM
I'm 15 pages into Moby Dick.. and i already love Ishmael...

he's a bit like that old guy that has a lot of stories to tell.. and he rambles on a lot... but somehow he keeps making it all sound entertaining.

Beautiful prose by Melville.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Aug 25, 2014, 04:17:11 PM
It's even better when SpaceMarines reads it to you. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Aug 25, 2014, 04:23:53 PM
I'm planning on releasing an audiobook.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cal427eb on Aug 25, 2014, 04:26:58 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Aug 25, 2014, 04:23:53 PM
I'm planning on releasing an audiobook.
Please f**king do it. I remember hearing you read it a long time ago and it was hilarious.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 13, 2014, 02:49:00 PM
a reread of Children of Dune

In the first Dune book... the less human Paul Atreides became... he became less fascinating and interesting.
In this book, the less human Leto II becomes... the more fascinating and badass he is.
Herbert utterly avoided falling into that trap again.

I'd forgotten how absolutely riddled with conspiracies and counter plots it was. "Feint within a feint within a feint"....
It plays out exactly like a very paranoid science fiction/fantasy conspiracy thriller... with a bit of Superman superheroics in there... and it pulls all those elements off with ease, actually.

Not without its flaws
Spoiler
Leto using his superstrength to swing Alia over his head. What were you thinking Frank Herbert? :laugh:
[close]

but i love it. Satisfying (and tragic) ending to a classic trilogy.

RIP to
Spoiler
Paul Atreides, Alia and Duncan Idaho.
[close]

:'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2014, 05:55:56 PM
1 million steps. 

It focuses mainly on a single US Marine platoon at war in Afghanistan.  Their battalion had the most casualties of any Marine unit in the war on Afghanistan.  It reminds me a little of They Fought For Each Other which is the US Army story of soldiers in Iraq who had the most casualties of any US Military unit since Vietnam. 

Both stories are depressing looks at modern war. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 13, 2014, 05:58:36 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Sep 13, 2014, 02:49:00 PM
a reread of Children of Dune

In the first Dune book... the less human Paul Atreides became... he became less fascinating and interesting.
In this book, the less human Leto II becomes... the more fascinating and badass he is.
Herbert utterly avoided falling into that trap again.

I'd forgotten how absolutely riddled with conspiracies and counter plots it was. "Feint within a feint within a feint"....
It plays out exactly like a very paranoid science fiction/fantasy conspiracy thriller... with a bit of Superman superheroics in there... and it pulls all those elements off with ease, actually.

Not without its flaws
Spoiler
Leto using his superstrength to swing Alia over his head. What were you thinking Frank Herbert? :laugh:
[close]

but i love it. Satisfying (and tragic) ending to a classic trilogy.

RIP to
Spoiler
Paul Atreides, Alia and Duncan Idaho.
[close]

:'(

It got to a point where I had completely lost track of what the hell Jessica and Gurney were even trying to do.:laugh:

Spoiler
Nah, don't mourn Duncan too much. He comes back like a million times. He's a whiny emo douche in God Emperor, but still. :laugh:
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Sep 13, 2014, 06:05:34 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2014, 05:55:56 PM
1 million steps. 

It focuses mainly on a single US Marine platoon at war in Afghanistan.  Their battalion had the most casualties of any Marine unit in the war on Afghanistan.  It reminds me a little of They Fought For Each Other which is the US Army story of soldiers in Iraq who had the most casualties of any US Military unit since Vietnam. 

Both stories are depressing looks at modern war.
What the f**k I didn't know you could read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 06:12:29 PM
Quote from: BANE on Sep 13, 2014, 06:05:34 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2014, 05:55:56 PM
1 million steps. 

It focuses mainly on a single US Marine platoon at war in Afghanistan.  Their battalion had the most casualties of any Marine unit in the war on Afghanistan.  It reminds me a little of They Fought For Each Other which is the US Army story of soldiers in Iraq who had the most casualties of any US Military unit since Vietnam. 

Both stories are depressing looks at modern war.

What the f**k I didn't know you could read.

Shut up, Malfoy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2014, 06:18:34 PM
wouldn't he be a weasley
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BANE on Sep 13, 2014, 06:36:24 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2014, 06:18:34 PM
wouldn't he be a weasley
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FP0yLSut.gif&hash=a9f309448df22d9353ce675103875216578c7572)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 06:37:46 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2014, 06:18:34 PM
wouldn't he be a weasley
He would, but his words betray him.

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2F4938370035ebae78047d18ce224ebffb%2Ftumblr_inline_muh6r16RRW1qj3ir1.gif&hash=2aeb71f7b77cf59b9b9b7ad0d9ebdebbd53ba61e)
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Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 13, 2014, 07:16:12 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Sep 13, 2014, 05:58:36 PM
It got to a point where I had completely lost track of what the hell Jessica and Gurney were even trying to do.:laugh:

I think....  (lol :D) they were trying to get Leto II to be the new Kwisatz Haderach (via the spice overdose)... make sure that he wasnt an abomination... .and prepare his eventual return so that Alia would lose her power as a regent. Farad'ns marriage to Ghanima would help tip the power balance to their side, too. It's never said outright... but with Farad'n on their side they would have the Sardaukar to fight against Alia's forces.. should things come to that.

Leto sped up their plan, doe. A BIT.

How's the read of Heretics going? Or isnt? lol.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 13, 2014, 08:05:19 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Sep 13, 2014, 07:16:12 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Sep 13, 2014, 05:58:36 PM
It got to a point where I had completely lost track of what the hell Jessica and Gurney were even trying to do.:laugh:

I think....  (lol :D) they were trying to get Leto II to be the new Kwisatz Haderach (via the spice overdose)... make sure that he wasnt an abomination... .and prepare his eventual return so that Alia would lose her power as a regent. Farad'ns marriage to Ghanima would help tip the power balance to their side, too. It's never said outright... but with Farad'n on their side they would have the Sardaukar to fight against Alia's forces.. should things come to that.

Leto sped up their plan, doe. A BIT.

How's the read of Heretics going? Or isnt? lol.

Isn't lol. I was enjoying it and all, but reading ten pages of two jackasses talking in circles before one finally kills the other annoyed me something fierce. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 13, 2014, 08:11:03 PM
lol :D

Moby Dick is even more long winded.

AND SPEAKING OF BOOKS!

http://io9.com/alan-moore-just-wrote-a-novel-so-enormous-people-cant-p-1633693800?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_twitter&utm_source=io9_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow (http://io9.com/alan-moore-just-wrote-a-novel-so-enormous-people-cant-p-1633693800?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_twitter&utm_source=io9_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow)

1 Million words, y'all! A man does what he can and Moore can do more than the rest of us.

The book already has a publisher.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 13, 2014, 10:47:50 PM
I find his prose to be stomach churningly bad, but eh.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2014, 10:50:00 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 06:37:46 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2014, 06:18:34 PM
wouldn't he be a weasley
He would, but his words betray him.

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2F4938370035ebae78047d18ce224ebffb%2Ftumblr_inline_muh6r16RRW1qj3ir1.gif&hash=2aeb71f7b77cf59b9b9b7ad0d9ebdebbd53ba61e)
[close]

I don't watch Potter of the Rings.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 10:51:23 PM
You could always read them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Sep 13, 2014, 11:05:18 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 10:51:23 PM
You could always read them.
Yeah... or borrow Shas' personal, easy-readable retelling of the books. ;)

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi60.tinypic.com%2F332xwfd.jpg&hash=30ed4b83d7c6663c04d0df199b400e402d9dd264)
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Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 11:13:36 PM
Sure, if he could get the pages to open.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Sep 13, 2014, 11:17:13 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 11:13:36 PM
Sure, if he could get the pages to open.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F33.media.tumblr.com%2Fa31fef590eb90e6f0b45204900faefb8%2Ftumblr_n8zgesCU8h1sqly9fo6_250.gif&hash=e1ecfbec7f6044e235c202a0c17d5bbd163bfb3f)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 11:20:13 PM
So, tell me, what's the source of this new wave of Eva Approved GIFs? :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Sep 13, 2014, 11:29:52 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 11:20:13 PM
So, tell me, what's the source of this new wave of Eva Approved GIFs? :D
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqlZGYdS.gif&hash=e221b83fbcb5fb41dde167aa1d7c70b4f546b1cd)

'Dude, it just comes... right out of my freaking head'
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 11:39:35 PM
Well, that explains the blank look.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eva on Sep 13, 2014, 11:57:32 PM
Well, this is all very interesting and I wish I had the time to debate this all night,
but... uh, I have some sock drawers that needs to be sorted.


Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ferdyonfilms.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F08%2FPassion96.jpg&hash=971632d44f76691f6a607e665abd0efa6f7a3439)

[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Sep 13, 2014, 11:59:55 PM
Quote from: Eva on Sep 13, 2014, 11:57:32 PM
Well, this is all very interesting and I wish I had the time to debate this all night,
but... uh, I have some sock drawers that needs to be sorted.


Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ferdyonfilms.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F08%2FPassion96.jpg&hash=971632d44f76691f6a607e665abd0efa6f7a3439)

[close]
Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fy4uvisF.gif&hash=26e5f5e67c7c36961dcd85a9e8057cc5247409b4)

Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FH9tg0hL.gif&hash=e91879b2592fe456a7f6a0e2160940295f62d37e)
[close]
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MoonerSK on Sep 14, 2014, 04:56:32 PM
Finished The Silmarillion today :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 15, 2014, 02:31:47 PM
Now onto

God Emperor of Dune.

Poor Duncan Idaho has been crushed a million times by the God Emperor.  :laugh:

This illustration is the closest to what i imagine Leto II's metamorphosis to be:

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc01.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2Ff%2F2014%2F083%2F3%2F8%2Fleto_atreides_ii__god_emperor_of_dune_by_gorrem-d7bfwcm.jpg&hash=7d53feb90ed5f894df7f844620b71ae5438f83f2)

Also, THIS:
http://imgur.com/gallery/oJSVq (http://imgur.com/gallery/oJSVq)

:laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 15, 2014, 07:06:55 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Sep 15, 2014, 02:31:47 PM
Now onto

God Emperor of Dune.

Poor Duncan Idaho has been crushed a million times by the God Emperor.  :laugh:

This illustration is the closest to what i imagine Leto II's metamorphosis to be:

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc01.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2Ff%2F2014%2F083%2F3%2F8%2Fleto_atreides_ii__god_emperor_of_dune_by_gorrem-d7bfwcm.jpg&hash=7d53feb90ed5f894df7f844620b71ae5438f83f2)

Also, THIS:
http://imgur.com/gallery/oJSVq (http://imgur.com/gallery/oJSVq)

:laugh:

Bahahaha
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Sep 17, 2014, 02:01:39 AM
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

A beautiful interweaving of five separate stories, each written in a very unique style, but with powerful thematic and narrative overlaps and parallels. I absolutely loved this novel. From thoughtful Depression-era drama to post-apocalyptic cannibals, chances are you'll like at least some of the book.

Wanna read it again, already. Also wanna rewatch the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 17, 2014, 02:18:08 AM
Loved the film. Will have to check that out eventually.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Sep 17, 2014, 11:39:18 PM
Looks like wet shit
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 17, 2014, 11:52:34 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Sep 17, 2014, 11:39:18 PM
Looks like wet shit

no u
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Sep 17, 2014, 11:58:04 PM
wet shit
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Sep 18, 2014, 01:14:19 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Sep 17, 2014, 11:58:04 PM
wet shit
Don't be so hard on your face.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Sep 18, 2014, 01:22:56 PM
dry shit
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 18, 2014, 05:26:57 PM
Finished rereading Dracula last night, still one of my all time favorites. I'm moving on now to a reread of The Cage by Kenzo Kitakata. I'm in the mood for all dat Japanese hard boiled stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 20, 2014, 03:18:47 AM
Progressing with the God Emperor reread.

Duncan Idaho and his sexist, homophobic remarks.... :P agh. but the character is quite well rounded. Moneo interrupting Duncan's dumb homophobic rant with an angry STFU is great. :laugh: As is the very militaristic macho Duncan finding out that the all female army is better than his old male army because "male armies have a tendency to be predatory rapist immature assholes." :laugh:

The book has very "weird" thoughts about male homosexuality... it is both accepting and critical.. Wich was quite in line with Frank Herbert's thoughts. His son, Bruce, was gay and died of AIDS in the 90's. :/ Apparently, they had a rough relationship precisely because of Frank's beliefs about homosexuality.

If only Frank had been as accepting of human diversity as some of his lead characters...

Still a very fascinating book, doe.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 20, 2014, 03:23:04 AM
Yeah, Duncan sucks in that book. I was rooting for Leto to squash him after the first or second tantrum he threw over something petty or stupid.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 20, 2014, 03:26:30 AM
haha yup. Hayt/Duncan in Dune Messiah and Children of Dune ruled, doe. Favourite "iteration" of the character.

Him and Alia... the feels, mang.  :'(

God Emperor focuses on the worst aspects of his personality. on purpose, i think.. as Leto has to get Duncan to "rebel" against him.

Btw.. .big spoiler for the Brian Herbert sequels... Wanna know about Duncan?
Spoiler
The last Duncan Idaho in Heretics, Chapterhouse, Hunters and Sandworms,  is the ultimate Kwisatz Haderach.... as a by product of the countless times that he was cloned by the Tleilaxu.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 20, 2014, 03:28:27 AM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Sep 20, 2014, 03:26:30 AM
Hayt/Duncan in Dune Messiah and Children of Dune ruled. Favourite "iteration" of the character.

Him and Alia... the feels, mang.  :'(

Yep. Ten year old Duncan in Heretics wasn't bad from what I read... too bad Herbert had to go and ruin my love/hate for the Tleilaxu by making their leader obnoxious to read about.  :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 20, 2014, 03:31:41 AM
That book gets much better (and crazier) as it goes along. Keep at it.  :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lovely Maggot on Sep 22, 2014, 08:29:30 PM
Blindsight by Peter Watts, was pretty confusing and complicated novel to read but gotta love the unique alien design.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 22, 2014, 10:48:19 PM
Blindsight was amazing. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lovely Maggot on Sep 22, 2014, 10:57:58 PM
Oh you read it? Awesome :) Did you like the aliens' design?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 22, 2014, 11:03:30 PM
Not particularly.  I just imagined big starfish tumbling around.


Their abilities were cool though. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Lovely Maggot on Sep 22, 2014, 11:11:24 PM
They had a pretty alien morphology though.

You need to try Fragment by Warren Fahy, it's like Jurassic Park on steroids ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 23, 2014, 06:57:11 PM
These arrived in the mail today. I'll get started with these sometime after I finish The Cage.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.imagesbn.com%2Fp%2F9781932234114_p0_v1_s260x420.jpg&hash=d49bb0aa133db4bff55035921ce68a1065fd3a5e)

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.time4rpgs.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F04%2FParasite_Eve_us_bookcover.jpeg&hash=8cc35282d1ddc04366b89121e9e3633149fca1c2)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Sep 25, 2014, 07:07:43 PM
http://avidly.lareviewofbooks.org/2014/06/19/kanye-west-presents-dune/ (http://avidly.lareviewofbooks.org/2014/06/19/kanye-west-presents-dune/)

;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 25, 2014, 08:35:21 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Sep 25, 2014, 07:07:43 PM
http://avidly.lareviewofbooks.org/2014/06/19/kanye-west-presents-dune/ (http://avidly.lareviewofbooks.org/2014/06/19/kanye-west-presents-dune/)

;D

Oh my f**king god. :laugh:




The Cage by Kenzo Kitakata

Brilliant little piece of hardboiled fiction.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 25, 2014, 08:57:30 PM
Is it about Nicolas?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 25, 2014, 09:03:33 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 25, 2014, 08:57:30 PM
Is it about Nicolas?

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F25.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_mdjtq5b6w51qg39ewo1_500.gif&hash=b37ee49ae00b042ea67148f162cdb00060d24c05)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Sep 25, 2014, 09:22:29 PM
It's about Nicolas.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Randomizer on Sep 27, 2014, 08:15:49 AM
Halo : The Fall of Reach

  Very interesting . It also filled me a LOT with the story .

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   I want to read Dead Space Aftermath but I will be able to understand it just by having played the first game?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 02, 2014, 04:02:13 AM
The Crimson Labyrinth by Yusuke Kishi

This was a quick read, and pretty compelling. It's a survival thriller crossed with Battle Royale crossed with... I'm not sure what. :laugh: It got pretty intense, and was a good read, but I'm not sure how I feel about the whole thing yet. Nothing was quite as weird or mind-bending as advertised, nor did it feel like much of a horror book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 02, 2014, 05:07:21 AM
Quote from: Randomizer on Sep 27, 2014, 08:15:49 AM
Halo : The Fall of Reach

  Very interesting . It also filled me a LOT with the story .

That was a book written in a couple months. Kinda shows, unfortunately.

Wish that Nylund had had more time to write it; a few more drafts, and it would've been fantastic. As it is, a good story that was rushed to the printers before the prose could be worked over.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Russ on Oct 02, 2014, 01:17:57 PM
I am re-reading my own books. Because I can't remember half of what happened and I'm late on the threequel.

That's effing shoddy, I know, but coming to this site has made me afraid of canon and continuity.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 07, 2014, 08:17:37 PM
Parasite Eve by Hideaki Sena

This book... this f**king book. It spends a good long time on a steady build up, consisting of a step-by-step guide to kidney transplants, discussions of evolutionary science and mitochondria, as well as flashbacks establishing the relationship between Toshiaki and his dead wife.

Then, in the last hundred pages or so, shit really hits the fan and it hardly ever slows down. It gets all gross and disturbing in semi-Cronenbergian fashion, and somehow manages to top itself in that respect multiple times. You really have to read it yourself to believe it.

Now I may just go ahead and try out the video game...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Oct 08, 2014, 03:26:05 AM
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

Very interesting memoir. A lot more self-helpy than I'd expected (though based on the title, I should have), but it was fascinating to get a glimpse into the life of an astronaut. What kind of a life leads someone to do that, what are the day-to-day tasks they complete, plenty of things.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Oct 08, 2014, 04:32:49 AM
Mark Bowden's Killing Pablo.


Details the hunt for Pablo Escobar, the worlds first major narco-terrorist and the US and Columbian efforts to get him.

Basically Pablo did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, however he wanted until he caught the major attention of the US by killing US civilians on Columbian flight.

The US paid for and supported the effort to bring him to justice and the book speaks on the ensuring clusterf**k that happened.

Delta Force, the Intelligence Support Activity (here Centre Spike), the DEA, the CIA, etc all get involved supplying intelligence to the Columbians to help bring him to justice.  The main police search parties (Search Bloc) instead create hunter-killer groups most likely supported by Escobar's chief cocaine rivals using this intelligence to pick off his support until basically he's down to just him and his personal courier/driver. 

There is so much confusion in the short firefight afterwards that your not sure if Pablo was simply gunned down by the Search Bloc, he was shot and then executed by the Search Bloc, or if Delta Force snipers in the neighborhood (the neighborhood had been narrowed down to the one he was hiding in, at the time they didn't have the technology to narrow down the building) were drawn to the gunfight and shot him themselves.  He had an entry wound that basically entered one ear canal and exited the other.  Either it was a remarkable shot, he was executed at point blank range, or Delta got him (which is somewhat implied at the end but who f**king knows) as they have some of the best trained snipers in the world.

The book kind of ask the question on whether or not you have to cross over into badguy territory to catch bad guys and whether or not the US was justified supporting this for so long when all it did was make the drug trade stronger because it taught Pablo's rivals what NOT to do to arouse US wrath overseas.  After Pablo's empire was in ruins, there was so much cocaine in the US that prices actually dropped because the market was oversaturated with it. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Cvalda on Oct 08, 2014, 04:36:16 AM
tl;dr
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Aspie on Oct 08, 2014, 04:37:18 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Oct 08, 2014, 04:32:49 AM
Mark Bowden's Killing Pablo.


Details the hunt for Pablo Escobar, the worlds first major narco-terrorist and the US and Columbian efforts to get him.

Basically Pablo did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, however he wanted until he caught the major attention of the US by killing US civilians on Columbian flight.

The US paid for and supported the effort to bring him to justice and the book speaks on the ensuring clusterf**k that happened.

Delta Force, the Intelligence Support Activity (here Centre Spike), the DEA, the CIA, etc all get involved supplying intelligence to the Columbians to help bring him to justice.  The main police search parties (Search Bloc) instead create hunter-killer groups most likely supported by Escobar's chief cocaine rivals using this intelligence to pick off his support until basically he's down to just him and his personal courier/driver. 

There is so much confusion in the short firefight afterwards that your not sure if Pablo was simply gunned down by the Search Bloc, he was shot and then executed by the Search Bloc, or if Delta Force snipers in the neighborhood (the neighborhood had been narrowed down to the one he was hiding in, at the time they didn't have the technology to narrow down the building) were drawn to the gunfight and shot him themselves.  He had an entry wound that basically entered one ear canal and exited the other.  Either it was a remarkable shot, he was executed at point blank range, or Delta got him (which is somewhat implied at the end but who f**king knows) as they have some of the best trained snipers in the world.

The book kind of ask the question on whether or not you have to cross over into badguy territory to catch bad guys and whether or not the US was justified supporting this for so long when all it did was make the drug trade stronger because it taught Pablo's rivals what NOT to do to arouse US wrath overseas.  After Pablo's empire was in ruins, there was so much cocaine in the US that prices actually dropped because the market was oversaturated with it.


hmmmm might pick this up actually
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Oct 08, 2014, 04:42:11 AM
Bowden picks interesting subject matter but writes without any sort of emotion.


He's also responsible for Black Hawk Down. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 12, 2014, 09:48:28 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Oct 08, 2014, 04:42:11 AM
He's also responsible for Black Hawk Down.

Excellent book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 15, 2014, 08:20:05 AM
I'm halfway through Prince of Thorns. The librarian at work gave it me last year but I just never got around to reading it. Having finished Alien Berserker, I fancied something original - not related to a franchise I'm already interested in, as my other option was going to be the first book in the Ender's Game, Formic War prequel series.

I'm, surprisingly, really enjoying it. Especially considering the main character is essentially a twisted little f**k. It's turning into an intriguing revenge story with some medevially twists.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 16, 2014, 01:36:48 AM
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

No one generates nightmare fuel quite like Clive Barker. The book that inspired the Hellraiser films, its 160 pages of gory sadomasochism. I liked it though. The book was short and to the point. These are f**ked up characters tampering with power beyond their control. What we see as pain, the Cenobites see as pleasure. I was a tad disappointed though. Kept waiting for the famous Pinhead Cenobite to show up, and he didn't. Barker may have created him specifically for the movie. Although, there is one Cenobite who is described as The Engineer and it goes no further than that. He could be that character perhaps.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 16, 2014, 01:45:12 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Oct 16, 2014, 01:36:48 AM
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

No one generates nightmare fuel quite like Clive Barker. The book that inspired the Hellraiser films, its 160 pages of gory sadomasochism. I liked it though. The book was short and to the point. These are f**ked up characters tampering with power beyond their control. What we see as pain, the Cenobites see as pleasure. I was a tad disappointed though. Kept waiting for the famous Pinhead Cenobite to show up, and he didn't. Barker may have created him specifically for the movie. Although, there is one Cenobite who is described as The Engineer and it goes no further than that. He could be that character perhaps.

There was a cenobite described in detail, pins included.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 16, 2014, 03:43:25 AM
Huh, guess I was drunk.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Oct 16, 2014, 09:59:24 PM
Finished my reread of

God Emperor of Dune.

Very flawed.. and very ambitious and interesting book by Frank Herbert... loaded with many memorable characters.. none more so than the God Emperor himself. :P

oh and eff Siona and eff Duncan. Bunch of emo idiots. :P

You did it, Leto.. you sunafabeachh.. you did it.  :'(

lol.

Now more seriously... this is probably the book in wich Frank Herbert tried to place as much of his personal philosophies and ideas as possible... some of wich quite interesting... and a lot of it just a bunch of nonsense.. or as character Duncan Idaho so eloquently puts it.. "mumbo jumbo". The accusation that armies composed of mostly males (focused on adolescent-like behaviour as frank herbert put it) are havens for sexual predators is pretty much on the nose.

now to finish Moby Dick...

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 16, 2014, 10:00:34 PM
Quote from: Blacklabel on Oct 16, 2014, 09:59:24 PM
God Emperor of Dune.

Very flawed.. and very interesting book by Frank Herbert... loaded with many memorable characters.. none more so than the God Emperor himself. :P

oh and eff Siona and eff Duncan. Bunch of emo idiots. :P

You did it, Leto.. you sunafabeachh.. you did it.  :'(

lol.

Every scene with him was basically "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah, I don't like what's happening!"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Oct 16, 2014, 10:04:58 PM
Poor Nayla.

Christ. Her death is the exact moment where i go... "you suck, Duncan Idaho.. you suck a bag of dicks".
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 16, 2014, 10:07:39 PM
And then there's the moment where he goes, "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, I don't like lesbians. Y u do dis?!?" :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blacklabel on Oct 16, 2014, 10:09:38 PM
The
QuoteOh Shut up.
by Moneo. Lawl. Moneo was kewl. His daughter doe.. eh...

And Malky! Christ! This book needed a LOT MORE of that little character.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 18, 2014, 10:41:27 PM
The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan

Well that was a lot fun. The show thus far has stayed pretty true to the novel, with a few changes here and there. I love the way they describe the master in this. f**king creepy. I kept picturing that giant cloaked creature from Peter Jackson's Frighteners. :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Oct 21, 2014, 09:04:56 PM
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

A very good read. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sabby on Oct 25, 2014, 02:23:58 PM
Demon Cycle series, by Peter V Brett.

I usually don't go for fantasy settings, but this one surprised me with how enjoyable it was. Lots of very engaging character arcs, interesting setting, very vivid action scenes, and one of the more sympathetic and even likable villains I've seen.

It takes place in a world where Demons rise every night. Killing them is almost impossible, but they can't pass anything that's Warded. This means human civilization is essentially stuck in place, unable to expand and only able to die a little more every night.

That is, of course, until someone finds a Ward to kill Demons. I won't spoil how this Ward is used and the repercussions of finding it, but it is a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Oct 28, 2014, 01:25:29 AM
The Fall by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

The second book in The Strain Trilogy and it was a lot of fun. Things go from bad to worse for our cast of characters. It's essentially the Empire Strikes Back of the books, in a sense that the villains win and leave our heroes defeated. I found the parts about the Ancients to be fascinating. Also, the flashback scenes with Setrakian were particularly good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 04, 2014, 05:58:47 PM
I'm rereading bits of Kull: Exile of Atlantis while I wait for all my new Punisher comics to arrive.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 06, 2014, 12:31:01 AM
Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan

Morgan presents us with a slick post-Singularity cyberpunk world, viewed through the lens of a hardboiled noir novel, intermixing jargon and metaphor in ways that were infinitely entertaining to read. It was cool almost to a fault, action-packed and exciting, following a protagonist who I'm not sure I liked, and left me with that oddly poignant and empty feeling that only the best works of noir and cyberpunk leave me with.

A damned good book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Nov 06, 2014, 12:35:53 AM
Goddamn you can sell a book. That sounds intriguing as hell.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 06, 2014, 12:38:57 AM
Kull: Exile of Atlantis

It's a very... interesting collection. Some stories are based around action and political intrigue, others muse on philosophical subjects, and a good number of them are unfinished fragments. Great stuff, really show's Howard's range as a writer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpaceMarines on Nov 06, 2014, 12:43:39 AM
Quote from: First Blood on Nov 06, 2014, 12:35:53 AM
Goddamn you can sell a book. That sounds intriguing as hell.

I can say with nigh-certainty you'll like it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 21, 2014, 08:44:08 PM
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

This was very, very good. It's all fairly simple but the characters are decently sketched out and their motivations all work. And Barker's prose... damn. You'll either love the intricacy of it, or find it incredibly overwrought. I'm in the former camp. And damn, the print in this edition is huge. I can practically read it from across the room. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Nov 21, 2014, 09:43:45 PM
Do you have the Harper edition with the Pinhead skull on the front? That's the one I have.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 21, 2014, 09:56:35 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Nov 21, 2014, 09:43:45 PM
Do you have the Harper edition with the Pinhead skull on the front? That's the one I have.

Yep, that's the one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 27, 2014, 06:32:46 PM
The Once and Future King

Just finished off the first part, The Sword in the Stone. Still an incredible novel, even all these years later on a third read. And the communist ants? Hilarious. It only gets darker from here, though...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 03, 2014, 08:30:55 AM
Continuing my reading of The Once and Future King with its second part, The Queen of Air and Darkness.

You know the tone has taken a darker turn when one of the first things that said Queen does is boil a cat alive for no good reason. It also covers some nasty subject matter, such as a child's implied incestuous feelings for his mother, and other such things. That being said, the whole thing can still be rather whimsical and fun, especially as far as the Questing Beast is concerned. But, the whole thing ends on a rather tragic note as well.

Spoiler
QuoteIt is the tragedy, the Aristotelian and comprehensive tragedy, of sin coming home to roost. That is why we have to take note of the parentage of Arthur's son, Mordred, and to remember, when the time comes, that the king had slept with his own sister. He did not know he was doing so, and perhaps it may have been due to her, but it seems, in tragedy, that innocence is not enough.
[close]

That part really sticks with me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 05, 2014, 02:17:53 AM
The Once and Future King Cont'd- The Ill-Made Knight

I had honestly forgotten how good this part of the story was. White's take on Lancelot is unique and utterly compelling, ad his affair with Guenever is imbued with a fair amount of psychological depth. Also, it takes place over something like 25-30 years, and the passage of time is definitely felt. The changes in Arthur's kingdom helped that out immensely. It really feels as though a new generation is taking over in the last several chapters here.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 06, 2014, 06:22:35 PM
The Once and Future King (Cont'd)- The Candle in the Wind

A sad, utterly brilliant finishing piece. Dem feels, man. Dem feels.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Dec 18, 2014, 02:27:43 PM
The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey

Written in 1966 after seeing first-hand the hypocrisy that Christianity breeds, Anton LaVey decided to form a new religion, based on what Christianity deemed as sinful. His feeling was that if something is bringing you mental and physical gratification, why is it demonised by the Catholic church? The answer to that is control. By telling people what is right and what is wrong when it comes to pleasure, you exercise control over the masses. In this case, he's referring mostly to sex, which Christianity labels as the Original Sin, or fornication.

The book is very interesting and engaging. It's nothing like what most people assume it is based on the title. There's nothing about worshiping Satan, summoning demons, f**king virgins, practicing black magic, and so on. The only times those things are referenced is in jest. It's a great read and one that is starting to change my life. The book advocates for indulgence and being kind to people who deserve it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: orchidal on Dec 20, 2014, 06:31:27 AM
Quote from: DoomRulz on Dec 18, 2014, 02:27:43 PM
The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey

Written in 1966 after seeing first-hand the hypocrisy that Christianity breeds, Anton LaVey decided to form a new religion, based on what Christianity deemed as sinful. His feeling was that if something is bringing you mental and physical gratification, why is it demonised by the Catholic church? The answer to that is control. By telling people what is right and what is wrong when it comes to pleasure, you exercise control over the masses. In this case, he's referring mostly to sex, which Christianity labels as the Original Sin, or fornication.

The book is very interesting and engaging. It's nothing like what most people assume it is based on the title. There's nothing about worshiping Satan, summoning demons, f**king virgins, practicing black magic, and so on. The only times those things are referenced is in jest. It's a great read and one that is starting to change my life. The book advocates for indulgence and being kind to people who deserve it.

^This. Great philosophical self-help book in a way; personally important too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: p1nk81cd on Dec 20, 2014, 12:14:30 PM
Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of The THING. Damn it, there's so much that should've been in the movie!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: orchidal on Dec 20, 2014, 02:45:43 PM
Quote from: The Other Mr. Runner on Dec 20, 2014, 12:14:30 PM
Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of The THING. Damn it, there's so much that should've been in the movie!

^this
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2014, 02:54:29 PM
What's in the book that's not in the film?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: orchidal on Dec 20, 2014, 04:11:03 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 20, 2014, 02:54:29 PM
What's in the book that's not in the film?
Many spoilerish details and xenobiology stuff

Also recommend Peter Watt's Things
point of view of the things'/aliens' perspective; gives unique insight into it's thought process, nature, and survival instincts; confirms who has "turned", which characters' have been absorbed -that the film only alludes to or doesn't allude to. It's also so well written.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 22, 2014, 02:09:54 AM
Ooh, I'm intrigued.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 22, 2014, 04:08:40 AM
Eh, I actually prefer not knowing the biological details. The less technobabble, the better.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 22, 2014, 04:23:13 AM
I was actually referring to the thing POV book, not the novelization.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 22, 2014, 04:27:25 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Dec 22, 2014, 04:23:13 AM
I was actually referring to the thing POV book, not the novelization.

Oh yeah, I actually read that short story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Dec 22, 2014, 12:27:30 PM
Quote from: orchidal on Dec 20, 2014, 06:31:27 AM
Quote from: DoomRulz on Dec 18, 2014, 02:27:43 PM
The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey

Written in 1966 after seeing first-hand the hypocrisy that Christianity breeds, Anton LaVey decided to form a new religion, based on what Christianity deemed as sinful. His feeling was that if something is bringing you mental and physical gratification, why is it demonised by the Catholic church? The answer to that is control. By telling people what is right and what is wrong when it comes to pleasure, you exercise control over the masses. In this case, he's referring mostly to sex, which Christianity labels as the Original Sin, or fornication.

The book is very interesting and engaging. It's nothing like what most people assume it is based on the title. There's nothing about worshiping Satan, summoning demons, f**king virgins, practicing black magic, and so on. The only times those things are referenced is in jest. It's a great read and one that is starting to change my life. The book advocates for indulgence and being kind to people who deserve it.

^This. Great philosophical self-help book in a way; personally important too.

Which section was your favourite, assuming you had one?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 22, 2014, 03:22:10 PM
I've just started reading The Lost Fleet: Dauntless. I'm about 110 pages in. Has anyone else read this one yet?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 29, 2014, 09:42:31 AM
I finished reading The Lost Fleet: Dauntless last night. Really enjoyed it. I loved the detailed militaristic naval battles in space. I've always been more interested in that kind of submarine warfare than the dog-fighting aspect (don't get me wrong, I still love that!).

I also loved the basic story of the novel - and the idea behind the main character - of a long lost hero brought back to fight the future wars with old tactics long forgot. I really enjoyed seeing Commander Geary, the main character's, journey into accepting command of the fleet. However, the book was definitely just the first small part in a long saga and so the story isn't finished. But I felt like Geary's rise certainly was. I look forward to reading the rest.

I'm quickly running out of book space though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 31, 2014, 06:35:59 AM
Books of Blood, Volumes One to Three by Clive Barker

This was a very good collection of short stories on the whole. Not all of them were amazing, but most were solid, with only a few really losing me or turning me off. "Dread," "Pig Blood Blues," and "Human Remains." On the other hand, I wasn't overly fond of "In the Hills, the Cities," which a lot of people seem to like for reasons I can't really fathom.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 07, 2015, 12:30:33 AM
The Damnation Game by Clive Barker

This was mostly a very interesting modern take on the Faust archetype. Whitehead and Mamoulian were both pretty interesting analogues for Faust and Mephistopheles and the whole thing gets rather creepy and disturbing in the usual Clive Barker fashion. That being said it could have gotten to the point a little quicker and Marty Strauss wasn't exactly the most interesting lead out there. Also some elements of the backstory were kept annoyingly vague. Still a pretty good read though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: razeak on Jan 19, 2015, 05:25:06 AM
For work: Use of Deadly Force - a book of case laws ugh.....


For fun: Aliens: River of Pain

Up next: Lovecraft collection
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Bloodee Jacob on Jan 21, 2015, 03:34:22 PM
"Remember Me" by Christopher Pike. The first book was a fairly fun and intriguing read, but after the initial first story I sort of lost interest. At first I thought the other books centered around different main characters completely, but found out Shari Cooper and Peter from the first book return in the second and are again the centers in the third. Still was only interested in the story in the first book, so just read up on what went down with Shari for the last two.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 22, 2015, 05:51:55 PM
Weaveworld by Clive Barker

This book was utterly fantastic for the most part. Barker's prose is beautiful as always, and he successfully evokes the feeling of how memories fade over time, and the melancholy goes into overdrive. It does lose a few points though, mainly due to my favorite characters only appearing sporadically and getting a bit on the repetitive side with some of the plot points in the second half.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Darkblade 25 on Feb 05, 2015, 04:35:01 PM
The last one I Read was werewolf of fever swamp.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Feb 08, 2015, 04:28:01 PM
Not really a book, but I read the latest edition of The Arctic Sounder. Look at this grocery store's prices in Kotzebue, Alaska... YIKES!

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FS09jGwq.jpg%3F1&hash=7ba532fea333f3d9383c7a9c7e2cb3e48818b2fe)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ash9426 on Mar 03, 2015, 09:19:25 AM
I just finished reading Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Enjoyed it very much. There's plenty of scenes in there that are a great movie material  ;D And I just started The Martian by Andy Weir, also a good read a bit too scientific at times but grabs the attention from the first page.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Mar 03, 2015, 09:21:39 AM
That's what Scott has just finished adapting, isn't it? Hadn't realized it was a book until just now. I'll have to add that to the list of books to pick up. Thanks.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: ash9426 on Mar 03, 2015, 09:24:20 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 03, 2015, 09:21:39 AM
That's what Scott has just finished adapting, isn't it?

Yes it is. Grab it, it's a very quick read. Should also make a good movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Jun 29, 2015, 09:55:20 AM
The Nome Nugget newspaper from June 18.

Finally started my Cape Nome/Norton Sound geographic book from the federal government in 1900, very interesting so far!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 29, 2015, 09:24:30 PM
Halfway through Anno Dracula by Kim Newman. It's really, really f**king good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gazz on Jun 30, 2015, 05:56:13 PM
I've never read any fiction by Kim Newman but his Nightmare Movies was an exhaustive and informative look at Horror trends in cinema from the 60's onwards. If his fiction work is half as good, it should make for an interesting read.

In the last couple of days I've finished The Church of Fear by John Sweeney. It's mostly built around the reporters first encounter with scientology for the popular BBC documentary Panorama, the making of which lead to an outburst that made Sweeney something of a youtube sensation. It goes into far more depth about the way in which he was manipulated into loosing his cool than a 30 minute documentary can afford, detailing how he was constantly stalked and harassed throughout the programmes production and beyond (tactics that have certainly contributed to the suicide of one the Church's outspoken critics). It's a disturbing look at the world of scientology and makes you appreciate the sacrifices that those who speak out about the cult must face. For if you in any way dare to speak critically about the church within their earshot they will make your life hell.  One minor criticism I did have is that there are a few Alan Partridge esque-moments that litter Sweeney's account and at several points I swear I was reading entire paragraphs in the fictional Norfolk radio host's voice. I half expected that famous outburst to go something like this:



I also read Frank by Jon Ronson, a minor story that concerns the inspiration of the popular film starring Michael Fassbender. I grew up with Frank Sidebottom as a character so this gained my interest and it was interesting to hear where the real life stopped and fiction began. There are far more inspirations poured into the final film than just Ronson's dealings with the real Frank, with particular mention of Daniel Johnson. Recommended.

And finally I read Timequake by Kurt Vonnegut, the third of his work I've read and the one I've appreciated least. By the final pages it became something of a chore due to the story's repetitive back and forth, which should come as no shock considering the subject matter (a Timequake forces everyone on Earth to relive the last 10 years exactly as they had before). Though it's lacking in story Timequake still featured a few notable small stories, typical of Vonnegut's work, that linger in the mind long after I'd finished reading. Ting-a-ling indeed.

I've just started Breakfast of Champions, another by Vonnegut and have already lined up The Scarlet Gospel by Clive Barker afterwards. Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 04, 2015, 05:20:13 AM
Anno Dracula by Kim Newman

Okay, I can sum up most of my reactions to the book like this:

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/4a/c7/53/4ac75325e19a3ca32d5273adad46d62f.jpg)

Seriously, Newman packs in so many shout outs to vampire fiction and Victoriana in general that I pretty much was doing that the entire time I was reading it. The highlights of the references:

-Lord Ruthven is Prime Minister under Dracula's rule, whines about how he doesn't like the job, but rattles off a list of literary vampires and explains he's the only one qualified.

-Francis Varney is too crazy, even for Dracula's regime, so they pack him off to India.

-"We need a particularly brutal vampire to run our new vampire prison in the Tower of London." "How about Orlok, he doesn't even look human." "Perfect!" :laugh:

-Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Moreau do research together and share similar theories. 8)

The overall plot and original characters are cool, too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: THE CITY HUNTER on Jul 09, 2015, 03:47:32 PM
From hope to hatred the falls curfew.Forget the author name really good book about Northern Ireland. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 01, 2015, 07:40:05 AM
I picked up The Martian on Saturday. I've been meaning to but with the film releasing soon more and more people have been talking to me about it and telling me to read it. I'm about 2/3s of the way through it already. It's a really engaging book. All the science is being mixed well with Watney who is just f**king hilarious. I can't wait to keep on reading!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 08, 2015, 10:38:29 AM
I finished reading this on Sunday. Absolutely loved it. They really blend the science in with Watney's wit and humor and it just works so well. If the film is half as good as the book I'll be happy!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Topazora on Sep 15, 2015, 07:36:52 PM
Currently reading Divergent, but I had just finished reading Starship Troopers and Enders Game.  I have not see the Starship Troopers movie, so I can't make a comparison.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 22, 2015, 12:07:45 PM
It's a completely different experience. The book is almost a leaflet for why a military-style government is amazing. The film rips the shit out of it - completely satirical.

I really enjoyed both of those books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 06, 2015, 11:28:09 PM
Uzumaki by Junji Ito

A small coastal town in Japan becomes haunted/possessed whatever buy... not ghosts... not demons... but spirals. That premise could so easily have been incredibly silly or stupid, but it never takes the weirdness too far, making for one bizarre, creepy, and f**ked up reading experience. It even has a very Lovecraftian feel that becomes more noticeable the longer it goes on. There certain elements in the last third or so that didn't quite click for me, but on the whole this was an excellent manga.

There was also a chapter that reminded me of the Voyager episode where Janeway and Paris devolve into lizards and make little lizard babies... only it's not terrible like that was. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 02, 2015, 06:19:27 PM
Currently reading The Quest of the Holy Grail, the Penguin Classics edition. It's interesting coming back to this version after my lengthy Perceval/Parzival fascination.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: THE CITY HUNTER on Dec 02, 2015, 06:30:59 PM
In search of identity by Anwar Al Sadat.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 18, 2015, 03:14:12 AM
Currently reading Le Morte d'Arthur. In spite of its very apparent age, the stories therein still have a great amount of resonance for me. I'm on Sir Balin's story right now, which is honestly one of my favorites. Now, it still remains to be seen whether I'll make myself read the entire endurance test that is the Sir Tristram portion of the book, or if I'll just skim it. :laugh: Valaquen probably has some idea of what I mean by that. ;)

Also, the first volume of the Lancelot-Grail arrived in the mail today. I plan on slowly collecting all ten volumes of it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: razeak on Dec 24, 2015, 12:25:14 AM
Predator Incursion 3.5/5

Star Wars The Force Awakens 3.5/5
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Randomizer on Dec 24, 2015, 10:09:48 AM
Quote from: razeak on Dec 24, 2015, 12:25:14 AM
Star Wars The Force Awakens 3.5/5

I'm afraid of touching the book until I get to see the movie. No idea why.

------------------------------------------

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Interesting, but not a big fan of Ender's Game, so I'm not too motivated on reading the others. (3.5/5)

Currently reading Aliens: Earth Hive by Steve Perry (50 pages left). I don't have that much time to dedicate to it, but really enjoying it. As much as I like Alien 3, I would've wanted this to be a movie. Sadly, from what I heard, the new Alien novels (Out of the Shadows, Sea of Sorrows, River of Pain) overwrite all of the older books, so it's a shame. But hey, I'll make up my own headcanon !  ::)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 24, 2015, 05:28:56 PM
Quote from: Randomizer on Dec 24, 2015, 10:09:48 AM
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Interesting, but not a big fan of Ender's Game, so I'm not too motivated on reading the others. (3.5/5)

That's a shame. I really enjoyed Ender's Game. Loved the concept.

QuoteCurrently reading Aliens: Earth Hive by Steve Perry (50 pages left). I don't have that much time to dedicate to it, but really enjoying it. As much as I like Alien 3, I would've wanted this to be a movie. Sadly, from what I heard, the new Alien novels (Out of the Shadows, Sea of Sorrows, River of Pain) overwrite all of the older books, so it's a shame. But hey, I'll make up my own headcanon !  ::)

I wouldn't let that bother you. I'm very much conming to the conclusion that canon really doesn't matter.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: razeak on Dec 25, 2015, 08:33:32 PM
Force Awakens is just your typical movie novelization. Good but not amazing.

Predator: Incursion was good, but the predators were mostly treated as fodder.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Dec 27, 2015, 06:26:40 PM
Re read 'The Road' by Cormac Mcarthy.  Trully a masterpiece, it reads like poetry, stark, disturbing visuals.  A lack of 'he, she said'.  Still gripping, on what must be my ninth read of it. 

Next up, Nightmares and Dreamscapes by Stephen King
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 20, 2016, 04:59:53 PM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Easily one of the best vampire books ever written.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 21, 2016, 10:04:28 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 20, 2016, 04:59:53 PM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Easily one of the best vampire books ever written.

I brought that ages ago but I just never got around to reading it.  :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 22, 2016, 11:13:09 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 21, 2016, 10:04:28 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 20, 2016, 04:59:53 PM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Easily one of the best vampire books ever written.

I brought that ages ago but I just never got around to reading it.  :-\

It's great, if a tad dated due to being written in 1954.

Also, I'm now reading Visions Deferred, which contains Matheson's unmade screenplay of I Am Legend that he wrote for Hammer in 1957. It's pretty interesting so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpreadEagleBeagle on Jan 22, 2016, 11:56:57 PM
"All My Friends Are Superheroes" by Andy Kaufman, and before that one I read "Just Above My Head" by James Baldwin.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mrcreosote on Jan 23, 2016, 10:25:55 AM
Last thing I read was the eragon series. Bought for my daughter and saw it on the coffee table after she had gone to bed had a quick flick and quite liked it, ended up buying all four, even as a fully grown bearded man I enjoyed it! Which is a tad worrying!!!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 23, 2016, 01:49:19 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 22, 2016, 11:13:09 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 21, 2016, 10:04:28 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 20, 2016, 04:59:53 PM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Easily one of the best vampire books ever written.

I brought that ages ago but I just never got around to reading it.  :-\

It's great, if a tad dated due to being written in 1954.

I don't tend to mind the older novels. I love Holmes and War of the Worlds, for example.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Thanatos ZHE on Jan 24, 2016, 05:46:08 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 23, 2016, 01:49:19 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 22, 2016, 11:13:09 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 21, 2016, 10:04:28 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 20, 2016, 04:59:53 PM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Easily one of the best vampire books ever written.

I brought that ages ago but I just never got around to reading it.  :-\

It's great, if a tad dated due to being written in 1954.

I don't tend to mind the older novels. I love Holmes and War of the Worlds, for example.
An amazing book. Definitely one of my favourites.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 24, 2016, 10:43:27 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 23, 2016, 01:49:19 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 22, 2016, 11:13:09 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 21, 2016, 10:04:28 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 20, 2016, 04:59:53 PM
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Easily one of the best vampire books ever written.

I brought that ages ago but I just never got around to reading it.  :-\

It's great, if a tad dated due to being written in 1954.

I don't tend to mind the older novels. I love Holmes and War of the Worlds, for example.

Yeah it's not a pervasive thing at all. It only really makes itself obvious when things like Neville mentioning "a Negro at work."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mpavlic on Jan 25, 2016, 12:03:54 PM
We Don't Need Roads by Caseen Gaines.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mrcreosote on Jan 28, 2016, 04:29:25 PM
Quote from: SpaceMarines on Jan 24, 2010, 03:25:31 AM
The title sort of explains it all. What was the last book you've read? What were your thoughts on it? Was it good? Terrible? Mediocre?

I'm going to start with the last two books that I've read.

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 10/10

This book was amazing. It is one of the greatest things I have ever read. The characters are well developed, and you really get a feel for what William Mandela must have been going through and feeling while all of this is happening. It is right up there with 2001 as the greatest science-fiction book I've read. The plot engrossing and never loosens its grip on you. The themes are deep and meaningful. The settings are very plausible and believable. I can't even properly describe how mind-blowingly awesome this novel was. I cannot wait for Ridley Scott's film adaptation. If you enjoy science fiction, or just reading in general, you must read this book.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane 8.5/10

A very creepy and engrossing novel. The story and the setting are compliment each other perfectly. The characters are well thought-out, especially Teddy Daniels, the protagonist. Everything just comes together in a very effective and spine-chilling manner. This has one of the best endings in anything I have ever read, watched, or played. The film will be very good. I also recommend this book to all those who enjoy curling up with a good book.
anyone know if a film of this great book the forever war is still being made?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 28, 2016, 10:21:27 PM
Last I remember hearing Scott was attached to it? I really enjoyed that book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jan 29, 2016, 02:42:14 PM
Doctor Who : The Bodysnatchers by Mark Morris

up next

Doctor Who : Genocide by Paul Leonard

both EDA's
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jan 29, 2016, 07:01:26 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 28, 2016, 10:21:27 PM
Last I remember hearing Scott was attached to it? I really enjoyed that book.

I heard James Cameron was interested at one point too
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Matrika on Feb 07, 2016, 10:44:08 AM
The last book I have read was Behind Closed Doors. Can only recommend it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Randomizer on Feb 07, 2016, 06:08:09 PM
Aliens: Nightmare Asylum by Steve Perry

An enjoyable read, the relationships between Billie-Hicks and Spears were interesting. One thing I didn't enjoy were the sexual scenes depicted by Perry. While I found them amusing (in all their silliness), they were unnecessary and distracting. Perhaps shape the story a bit so "nude Billie" won't appear next time, eh? Perry gone sexual

I'd rate it the same as Earth Hive - 4/5

Right now I've started Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexeivich. I'll need to read some more before I can make an impression. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 07, 2016, 08:37:41 PM
Currently rereading The Blood Crown of Conan by Robert E.. Howard.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 08, 2016, 09:23:55 AM
Quote from: Randomizer on Feb 07, 2016, 06:08:09 PM
One thing I didn't enjoy were the sexual scenes depicted by Perry. While I found them amusing (in all their silliness), they were unnecessary and distracting. Perhaps shape the story a bit so "nude Billie" won't appear next time, eh? Perry gone sexual

I've always found Perry's sexual scenes to be quite poorly written and unnecessary. I hated the unneeded tension he tried to inject into the end of the book.

QuoteI'd rate it the same as Earth Hive - 4/5

Ooohhh, no. Earth Hive is lower for me.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Feb 08, 2016, 01:34:11 PM
Alien Bodies by Lawrence Miles.

Definitely the best Doctor Who Book i have read so far
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 08, 2016, 07:32:19 PM
Was it Perry's novelizations where the android guy had an inflatable dick? :laugh: I remember hearing something like that about that character.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 09, 2016, 09:14:51 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 08, 2016, 07:32:19 PM
Was it Perry's novelizations where the android guy had an inflatable dick? :laugh: I remember hearing something like that about that character.

I don't believe it was said to be inflatable per-se. But he was definitely anatomically correct  ;). Can't blame Perry for that aspect though - that came from the comic. And the whole conflict Billie/Newt ends up having as a result is quite interesting. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Feb 09, 2016, 09:46:13 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 08, 2016, 09:23:55 AM
Quote from: Randomizer on Feb 07, 2016, 06:08:09 PM
One thing I didn't enjoy were the sexual scenes depicted by Perry. While I found them amusing (in all their silliness), they were unnecessary and distracting. Perhaps shape the story a bit so "nude Billie" won't appear next time, eh? Perry gone sexual

I've always found Perry's sexual scenes to be quite poorly written and unnecessary. I hated the unneeded tension he tried to inject into the end of the book.

QuoteI'd rate it the same as Earth Hive - 4/5

Ooohhh, no. Earth Hive is lower for me.

Specifically, 'I take your point.'

'No sweetie, I'll take yours' always made me cringe
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ratchetcomand on Feb 18, 2016, 09:36:21 PM
Reading A Scanner Darkly right now. Total mind f**k so far!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 18, 2016, 10:00:07 PM
The Bloody Crown of Conan by Robert E. Howard

Excellent collection of stories here.

Working on Bran Mak Morn: The Last King, also by Howard, also pretty damn good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Feb 19, 2016, 01:05:04 PM
Kursaal by Peter Angilhedes

Not as good as Alien Bodies in the EDA series, but when you're following Alien Bodies then thats to be expected
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: THE CITY HUNTER on Feb 19, 2016, 03:52:18 PM
Of Mice and Men,Always makes me cry.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ratchetcomand on Feb 22, 2016, 05:33:45 AM
I also have to read Finders Keepers from Stephen King for a book report. I have no idea that it was a sequel to another book. Too bad my college library does not have it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Invader on Feb 22, 2016, 07:50:26 AM
Plutonia by Vladimir Obruchev
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Feb 22, 2016, 01:47:09 PM
The Taint by Michael Collier
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 28, 2016, 01:15:00 AM
I've gotten started on El Borak and Other Desert Adventures by Robert E. Howard. These stories definitely have a different vibe to them from his fantasy works, but they're still pretty damn cool. It helps that a good chunk of the art is done by Tim Bradstreet, who is always cool. And maybe it's just me, but Bradstreet totally draws El Borak to look like Thomas Jane:

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.splashpageart.com%2FImages%2FCategory_2%2Fsubcat_2%2FHeader.3.Three.Bladed.Doom.F.jpg&hash=5bc6aefd1d09e248ba22ff443dcdf6ccdf3d8403)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ratchetcomand on Mar 03, 2016, 05:39:47 AM
So far with A Scanner Darkly, I'm not sure if I like it better than the movie. I like both equally so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Mar 03, 2016, 10:49:38 AM
Quote from: Hellspawn28 on Mar 03, 2016, 05:39:47 AM
So far with A Scanner Darkly, I'm not sure if I like it better than the movie. I like both equally so far.

Ooh, it's on my reading list for this year.  Just started Hearts in Atlantis by Stephen King, so far so good by the maestro
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Mar 03, 2016, 12:26:53 PM
Hearts in Atlantis is a great book. When is a novel not a novel......when its Stephen King :)

Currently reading Escape Velocity by Colin Brake
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 03, 2016, 07:02:18 PM
"Three-Bladed Doom"

I'm not finished with the story yet, but it feels a bit too long. That being said, it still gets a thumbs up from me because El Borak fights and kills a goddamn yeti with nothing but a long dagger. 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JungleHunter87 on Mar 03, 2016, 08:40:31 PM
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e2/Maneaters_and_Jungle_Killers_-_Book_Jacket.jpg)

It's was a pretty good read. I'm currently reading the DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978) novelization by Susanna Farrow and George A. Romero. I have to say so far, not liking it too much. It has it's moments, but they are few and far between. When I got to a part in the story that described Peter Washington as " a Tall White Man " I stopped reading. That irked me. It's not like this novel was done BEFORE DOTD was released. So that kind of mistake is just laziness on the part of the adapter. Makes me wonder if Ms. Farrow ever SAW the movie, before being given the task of novelizing it. ::)

Ken Foree as Peter Washington in DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978)

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages1.westword.com%2Fimager%2Fken-foree-will-forever-be-peter-to-generat%2Fu%2Foriginal%2F6503759%2Fkenforee.jpg&hash=c73d92e0584cb56ea9b635545398ab29097ab2f8)

Does that LOOK like a white guy too you? I digress though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Mar 04, 2016, 01:18:50 PM
Just had a picture in my head of him holding the gun to the adapters head going "Get it right, bitch" lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JungleHunter87 on Mar 04, 2016, 08:46:06 PM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Mar 04, 2016, 01:18:50 PM
Just had a picture in my head of him holding the gun to the adapters head going "Get it right, bitch" lol

  :D that image you described had me rolling.

Sh*t, when I read that I was like " Get it right, bitch"!  ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 04, 2016, 10:27:26 PM
A lot of the time, novelization writers go off of early drafts of the script, and may never even see the movie beforehand because they have to get them out there in time for the movie's release. Peter may very well have been described as white in the script, hell, even Ben in Night was written as white.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JungleHunter87 on Mar 05, 2016, 03:47:43 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Mar 04, 2016, 10:27:26 PM
A lot of the time, novelization writers go off of early drafts of the script, and may never even see the movie beforehand because they have to get them out there in time for the movie's release. Peter may very well have been described as white in the script, hell, even Ben in Night was written as white.

While I see what you're saying. I have to disagree. Whether or not Susanna Farrow saw the movie is certainly up for debate. However, we are in agreement she had to have at least read the DAWN OF THE DEAD script? So that being the case, she must of skipped this important moment in the script where he is described by color for 6 pages straight. It starts on page 61 of the script-
QuoteRoger slings his rifle, so the Trooper relaxes and lowers his
   gun. He removes his gas mask. He is Black.
and then even if she somehow didn't know it was Peter. Due to the lack of name in those pages, other than " Black Trooper ". Then she couldn't have missed page 101-

QuoteRoger:   YOU OK?

   Stephen:   (nods)
         WHO'S HE?
         (referring to the big Black)

   Roger:   HIS NAME'S PETER. HE'S ALRIGHT.


So to me that is just plain BAD as adaptations get. I mean I quoted just two instances in which Peter is referred to by color. So that was just ignorance on her part.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 05, 2016, 05:41:30 AM
Okay, I had never read the script.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JungleHunter87 on Mar 05, 2016, 06:40:02 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Mar 05, 2016, 05:41:30 AM
Okay, I had never read the script.

I apologize if I sounded rude or came off as belligerent. That was not my intention. I'll let you guys know my thoughts on the rest of the book when I finish reading it.

EDIT:
So as to not double post. here is my thoughts on of DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978) novelization by Susanna Farrow and George A. Romero

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zombieplace.com%2Fzombiebooks%2Fdawn-of-the-dead.jpg&hash=5033a0befc604c603dfa5b690121342c0de516e0)

This book was an okay read. There are more negative things to its credit than positive. Even for a Die Hard DOTD '78 fan as myself. For those expecting a direct film adaptation, well all I can say is you have my sympathies. The book, best I can tell, is based mostly off the original treatment by George Romero. There are a few exceptions, but without going into spoilers it defiantly took some last minute cues from the film in terms of plot. it also is horribly edited there are no breaks between scenes, so you know you're in a different setting following different characters. that is until till page 390 and the book is 490 pages long! As for characterizations? They are schizophrenic at the best of times and outright nonsensical at the worst. I'll go through each character and try and be as spoiler free as possible in my little synopsis of their personalities in this novelization.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CoGWD67kyTA%2FVig_n8y9xBI%2FAAAAAAAAEUE%2F545jW2dAhgQ%2Fs1600%2Fhot10.jpg&hash=fbbedcb3a01f4d68c4f3286eed4a476eb0221785)
Steven ' FlyBoy ' Andrews: WGON Helicopter pilot and reporter. Like in the film, flyboy is an incompetent everyman with false bravado. However, where the book divergence  from the film, Steve is portrayed as a complete and utter pansy. Shown to be more afraid of the living dead than his even his girlfriend Francine Parker. Now onto the running theme of this book, inconsistent characterizations. Steven's character bounces back and fourth between completely cowardly and then, strangely, extremely self assured. He is shown this way several times to the point of pondering whether he even needs Roger or Peter... Yeah, It really doesn't make any sense in the context of the. As there are multiple scenes in the book that show without Roger or Peter he'd have been dead long ago. Also it was apparently his idea to bring Roger along... So why ask him to come with, if he never needed him? Anyway back to the similarities with the film. His need to fit in with the two other guys in the group is intact. As is his rather passive aggressive relationship with his
Spoiler
pregnant
[close]
girlfriend Fran.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imfdb.org%2Fimages%2Fthumb%2Fd%2Fdf%2FD78strange.jpg%2F600px-D78strange.jpg&hash=ac173a903b751385a6a84474c5fa444d70a2e6a7)
Francine ' Frannie ' Parker: Station Manager at WGON. As in the film, Fran is shown to be the (then) new archetype of the leading woman in horror films. Which was the strong female lead. Before Sigourney Weaver portrayed Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley, Actress Gaylen Ross made allot of changes on set to her character to make her less like the lead female Barbra from Night of the Living Dead (1968). Who started out frightened and then went catatonic for the remainder of the film, until the very end. Susanna Farrow writes Fran as more head strong and demanding in the beginning of this book. Which is a sharp contrast to her portrayal in the film. Where Fran's character arc was starting out slightly unsure of herself, then due too circumstances, she becomes the strong female heroine shown in the book. Her character in this book smacks of the 60's-70's Women's Liberation movement. She is very stubborn to the point of being unrealistic at times. She is also very cold to all the male characters especially her boyfriend Steven Andrews. However she isn't made of stone and when of the characters gets injured she is very much caring of their plight. Other than her more aggressive attitude, she stays relatively the same as in the motion picture. Although without the growth that she experiences in that film. Overall she is the one character that isn't played around with in puzzling ways. She is headstrong and stays that way.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi70.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi107%2Fmitzi_rossy%2FDawn%2520of%2520the%2520Dead%2520and%2520Scott%2520Reiniger%2F19.jpg&hash=d7f4d4494dcde38eb96e35a87c2756c15363a2dc)
Roger Demarco: A former US Marine and Vietnam Vet, Currently apart of the Philadelphia SWAT. Roger is portrayed as an easy going SWAT guy who can never sit still. He enjoys action and cares for his friends. That is very much true of his character as played by Scott Reiniger in the movie. However, just like Steven, he suffers from a form of character bipolarism. Roger, while shown as competent, resourceful and the glue that keeps the team unified. Is also shown to be someone who desperately needs that constant reassurance from everyone (especially Peter) that they value him and his skills. Unlike the film as well, he bounces from feeling a bit of sympathy for the zombies. To seeing them as only obstacles for him and his friends taking of the mall. Ultimately his arc from the film is intact. Well to a degree. It's just that the road there is less nuanced and more zig zaggy.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv34%2FHobbitglomper%2Froger%2520and%2520peter%2520picspam%2FDawnoftheDead19780113.jpg&hash=e1f214343c464eb6e54a974c64b8940925b9fabe)
Peter Washington: A former US Marine and Vietnam Vet, Currently apart of the Philadelphia SWAT. Peter is probably the BIGGEST (no pun intended) change in character in the novel, from the film. To start, instead of being the 6'5 African American SWAT guy. Who initially starts out as suspicious of Steven and later becomes the de facto leader of the group. Showing himself to be the most level headed and caring in the group. Becomes the Tall Caucasian American SWAT trooper/ex-Marine. Who is reserved from start too finish. He is emotional only 3 or 4 times and by emotional I mean he tears up slightly. Instead of starting out doubting flyboys abilities. Then later trusting him and becoming good friends with the pilot. Here he out right loathes Steven, suspecting him of utter incompetence, elitism and as someone who would leave him for dead without a second thought. He constantly jockeys with Steven in a D**k measuring contest. This changes towards the end, then instantly revives out of nowhere once the finale begins. He also seems to see Roger as just a guy that he can depend on in battle, but barely. This also changes later on. Then once again disappears. Only to show up one last time and luckily stay that way for the remainder of the novel. Which of course is in stark contrast to the film. Where he and Roger are good friends and comrades in arms. The only constant (slightly) is that he has a an implied attraction to Fran. I say implied because of the way its described. When he talks to her his tone changes to a soft understanding one. Minus the attraction part, he acts similar to Fran in the film. He is also portrayed as something of a sociopath. Once he gets his scoped rifle he never leaves it. It almost shown like he gets off on how big the gun is and the damage it can do. He describes Steven and Fran as ' Neophytes ' and the mall as a castle... So he goes from ultra serious Military/SWAT guy to a...D&D player? Yeah, Peter is probably the worst character translated to page from film to novelization I've seen so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DoomRulz on Apr 12, 2016, 01:47:23 PM
In Defense of Selfishness by Peter Schwartz

A really good read about why altruism can be harmful and even destructive in many ways and why we should always be more interested in protecting our own interests, in lieu of society's demand that we always give away what we've worked for.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 07, 2016, 04:32:57 PM
The Stars My Destination

Definitely an interesting book. Something felt off about the structure and rhythm of the first half, though, and one of the twists fell a bit flat for me. The ending and overall climax were f**king gold, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jun 08, 2016, 10:53:41 AM
The Resurrection Casket by Justin Richards

The Nightmare on Black Island by Mike Tucker
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 14, 2016, 06:23:53 PM
A Canticle for Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller, Jr.

Well, that was one damn f**king good story. It was also damn interesting to read a science fiction book that has religion front and center, and actually important to future development, not totally extinct for no good reason. It's a different approach, and I liked that. I also liked that the possibly/maybe supernatural elements aren't explained away with a half-assed scientific rationalization.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: MoonerSK on Jun 29, 2016, 06:24:28 PM
Started reading Metro 2035. I was a bit worried considering it was suppossed to be a game sequel rather than book sequel, but in the couple of chapters I read so far it does a good job blending the two worlds together and not mentioning anything from the games that would contradict the books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 29, 2016, 07:11:53 PM
The Gunslinger

Yeah, I finished this about a week ago. Great book, but a massive dose of WTF is going on. XD
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jun 30, 2016, 11:43:22 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 29, 2016, 07:11:53 PM
The Gunslinger

Yeah, I finished this about a week ago. Great book, but a massive dose of WTF is going on. XD

Just wait till you get further in the story
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 30, 2016, 01:52:16 PM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Jun 30, 2016, 11:43:22 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 29, 2016, 07:11:53 PM
The Gunslinger

Yeah, I finished this about a week ago. Great book, but a massive dose of WTF is going on. XD

Just wait till you get further in the story

This is a re-read. ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 01, 2016, 03:04:53 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 30, 2016, 01:52:16 PM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Jun 30, 2016, 11:43:22 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jun 29, 2016, 07:11:53 PM
The Gunslinger

Yeah, I finished this about a week ago. Great book, but a massive dose of WTF is going on. XD

Just wait till you get further in the story

This is a re-read. ;)

Ah right lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 01, 2016, 07:18:04 PM
Doing what I like doing when I go on holiday, murder a bunch of books. Just read Star Trek Titan #3 - Orion's Hounds. The latest Stargate SG1 novel (next day delivery to get it in time for going away) Kali's Wrath. Just finished the 5th book in the Lost Fleet series. Absolutely loving this more detailed militaristic sci-fi.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KillCrites on Jul 01, 2016, 09:54:39 PM
Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 03, 2016, 04:43:41 PM
The Drawing of the Three

So Roland has basically the worst trip to the beach in human history. :laugh: Great book on the whole, though, and an effective introduction for most of the supporting cast. Detta got seriously annoying, though, to be frank, but I guess that's the point. My favorite parts on this reread were definitely the Jack Mort chapters, mainly because Roland just gives zero f**ks in them. I also thought it was interesting how King referenced the film version of The Shining multiple times without going out of his way to crap on it. :laugh: Oh, and nice Eyes of the Dragon tie-in. Too bad he never did more with that bit.

And now I'm just starting up on The Waste Lands...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 04, 2016, 11:24:50 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 03, 2016, 04:43:41 PM
The Drawing of the Three

So Roland has basically the worst trip to the beach in human history. :laugh: Great book on the whole, though, and an effective introduction for most of the supporting cast. Detta got seriously annoying, though, to be frank, but I guess that's the point. My favorite parts on this reread were definitely the Jack Mort chapters, mainly because Roland just gives zero f**ks in them. I also thought it was interesting how King referenced the film version of The Shining multiple times without going out of his way to crap on it. :laugh: Oh, and nice Eyes of the Dragon tie-in. Too bad he never did more with that bit.

And now I'm just starting up on The Waste Lands...

I always thought he had planned to do more with Eyes of the Dragon in later books, but then turned left after his accident


Currently reading Beautiful Chaos by Gary Russell. Its a NSA Doctor Who book featuring 10 and Donna
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 04, 2016, 03:54:31 PM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 04, 2016, 11:24:50 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 03, 2016, 04:43:41 PM
The Drawing of the Three

So Roland has basically the worst trip to the beach in human history. :laugh: Great book on the whole, though, and an effective introduction for most of the supporting cast. Detta got seriously annoying, though, to be frank, but I guess that's the point. My favorite parts on this reread were definitely the Jack Mort chapters, mainly because Roland just gives zero f**ks in them. I also thought it was interesting how King referenced the film version of The Shining multiple times without going out of his way to crap on it. :laugh: Oh, and nice Eyes of the Dragon tie-in. Too bad he never did more with that bit.

And now I'm just starting up on The Waste Lands...

I always thought he had planned to do more with Eyes of the Dragon in later books, but then turned left after his accident


Well, to be completely fair, there is a brief mention of Delain in Book VII.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 05, 2016, 12:19:34 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 04, 2016, 03:54:31 PM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 04, 2016, 11:24:50 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 03, 2016, 04:43:41 PM
The Drawing of the Three

So Roland has basically the worst trip to the beach in human history. :laugh: Great book on the whole, though, and an effective introduction for most of the supporting cast. Detta got seriously annoying, though, to be frank, but I guess that's the point. My favorite parts on this reread were definitely the Jack Mort chapters, mainly because Roland just gives zero f**ks in them. I also thought it was interesting how King referenced the film version of The Shining multiple times without going out of his way to crap on it. :laugh: Oh, and nice Eyes of the Dragon tie-in. Too bad he never did more with that bit.

And now I'm just starting up on The Waste Lands...

I always thought he had planned to do more with Eyes of the Dragon in later books, but then turned left after his accident


Well, to be completely fair, there is a brief mention of Delain in Book VII.

That's true. He did cram a lot of references into the series
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EJA on Jul 10, 2016, 06:07:59 PM
I just finished The Island of Doctor Moreau, by H.G. Wells.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2016, 08:52:58 PM
Quote from: EJA on Jul 10, 2016, 06:07:59 PM
I just finished The Island of Doctor Moreau, by H.G. Wells.

I actually have an audio book CD of that, read by Richard Stanley.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 11, 2016, 11:04:30 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2016, 08:52:58 PM
Quote from: EJA on Jul 10, 2016, 06:07:59 PM
I just finished The Island of Doctor Moreau, by H.G. Wells.

I actually have an audio book CD of that, read by Richard Stanley.

Nice. Is that the one thats also available with the Moreau Documentary on Blu-ray?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 11, 2016, 02:10:30 PM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 11, 2016, 11:04:30 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2016, 08:52:58 PM
Quote from: EJA on Jul 10, 2016, 06:07:59 PM
I just finished The Island of Doctor Moreau, by H.G. Wells.

I actually have an audio book CD of that, read by Richard Stanley.

Nice. Is that the one thats also available with the Moreau Documentary on Blu-ray?

Yep, that's where I got it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 11, 2016, 02:23:23 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 11, 2016, 02:10:30 PM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 11, 2016, 11:04:30 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 10, 2016, 08:52:58 PM
Quote from: EJA on Jul 10, 2016, 06:07:59 PM
I just finished The Island of Doctor Moreau, by H.G. Wells.

I actually have an audio book CD of that, read by Richard Stanley.

Nice. Is that the one thats also available with the Moreau Documentary on Blu-ray?

Yep, that's where I got it.

Thought so. Should be getting that soon, so should be fun
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 11, 2016, 11:34:42 PM
The Dark Tower:  The Gunslinger. 

I've lost count of how many times I've read this book.  I love it more each time I read it
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 12, 2016, 10:47:48 AM
Quote from: Novak 1334 on Jul 11, 2016, 11:34:42 PM
The Dark Tower:  The Gunslinger. 

I've lost count of how many times I've read this book.  I love it more each time I read it

That the original or the 2003 Revised edition?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Novak 1334 on Jul 14, 2016, 12:31:45 AM
The 2003 revised edition
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Perfect-Organism on Jul 14, 2016, 02:37:36 AM
Elon Musk, by Ashlee Vance.  Pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 15, 2016, 07:41:59 PM
The Wastelands

This one is actually really good, especially the first half with Jake's journey. I will say, though, that way too much time was spent running around in the tunnels underneath Lud, especially with the repetitive Gasher stuff.

And now I'll take a bit of a break and go reread The Stand... 8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 15, 2016, 09:02:30 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 15, 2016, 07:41:59 PM
The Wastelands

This one is actually really good, especially the first half with Jake's journey. I will say, though, that way too much time was spent running around in the tunnels underneath Lud, especially with the repetitive Gasher stuff.

And now I'll take a bit of a break and go reread The Stand... 8)

Original or Epic Revised version of The Stand? lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 16, 2016, 02:06:52 AM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 15, 2016, 09:02:30 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 15, 2016, 07:41:59 PM
The Wastelands

This one is actually really good, especially the first half with Jake's journey. I will say, though, that way too much time was spent running around in the tunnels underneath Lud, especially with the repetitive Gasher stuff.

And now I'll take a bit of a break and go reread The Stand... 8)

Original or Epic Revised version of The Stand? lol

Revised. No point in reading an incomplete version.

Oh, I also ordered a few of the peripheral Dark Tower books so I can do a xemi-complete read through:

The Wind through the Keyhole
Insomnia
Hearts in Atlantis
Everything's Eventual (for the title story and Little Sisters of Eluria)

And I just remembered I forgot to order Salem's Lot... shit.

One of these days I'll do the full, extended reading order here (http://thetruthinsidethelie.blogspot.com/2012/04/the-dark-tower-suggested-reading-order_2128.html), but this won't be the time for it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Jul 17, 2016, 08:26:46 PM
The last novel I read was Star Wars Battlefront: Twilight Company, which is part of the new canon. I really enjoyed it and I personally think its the best to that point when it comes to the new SW expanded EU. Currently on my 2nd read through of one my favourite Star Wars novels, Shadows of the Empire, which is currently Legends but I feel could easily fit nicely into the new EU/stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 16, 2017, 02:27:55 AM
I've been reading a bunch of things lately:

The Dark Country, by Dennis Etchison - A wonderful series of creepy, atmospheric short stories.
Tristan & Iseult, by Rosemary Sutcliff - An effective, simplistic retelling of the legend. The decision to omit the love potion puts a new, interesting angle on it.
The Hunter, by Richard Stark -  a fantastic, badass slice of noir crime fiction. Parker is an awesome character, if not a bit scary.

Currently working on The Lantern Bearers by Rosemary Sutcliff. I read this ages ago in Middle School, and it's just a great as I remembered.

On the pile: Red Dreams by Dennis Etchison, Anno Dracula 1999 by Kim Newman, and Sword at Sunset by Rosemary Sutcliff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Jul 16, 2017, 02:47:59 AM
Almost one year between posts, we all need to read more. Shame I am just reading medical books, still interesting tho.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 16, 2017, 02:52:09 AM
I've read a bit since my last post, but I always have a hard time finding this thread for some reason.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Topazora on Jul 17, 2017, 02:15:51 AM
Quote from: FiorinaFury161 on Jul 16, 2017, 02:47:59 AM
Almost one year between posts, we all need to read more.
agreed, I know I need to read more.  I've downloaded so many books onto my kindle, but I've had to study so much, the idea of just looking at words is exhausting.  But I've been reading the Wasteland Chronicles: Xenofall, by Kyle West.  Post apocalyptic, got dragons, aliens, zombies... etc.  I'd enjoy it a lot more if I weren't tired all the time, but even when I am tired, I really enjoy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jul 17, 2017, 10:40:50 AM
Currently reading Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

and yeah ive read a few books since my last post, but couldn't find the thread lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Aug 16, 2017, 08:15:59 AM
Recently I've read Ready Player One and I just finished The Lost Fleet, Beyond the Frontier series. I flew through RPO - I didn't get every single reference but I thought it such a charmingly written book with some really engaging characters. Really looking forward to the film now.

Beyond the Frontier...I'm kinda sad it's over. There's a couple of other spin-offs but I've spent about 10 books with the same core characters, it'll be weird moving on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BigDaddyJohn on Aug 26, 2017, 04:53:28 PM
It from Stephen King.

One of my favorite book from him, along with The Stand, The Mist and Gerald's Game.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Aug 29, 2017, 07:48:44 AM
I've had IT for years but never got around to reading it. Was just such a fat book, looking at it. Is it easy to get into?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 29, 2017, 04:03:10 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 29, 2017, 07:48:44 AM
I've had IT for years but never got around to reading it. Was just such a fat book, looking at it. Is it easy to get into?

The six phone calls chapter can be rough going, but once you get past that the book is a breeze.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Aug 30, 2017, 07:46:18 AM
Thanks, Kira. Will add it to the actual to-read pile. Next up, after I finish the Stargate Atlantis book I'm reading, is Neuromancer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Oct 12, 2017, 11:27:06 AM
Ages ago I was helping to clear out a factory and came across copies of the original Star Wars trilogy novelisations (the first of which, despite crediting George Lucas on the cover, was actually written by Alan Dean Foster). Nabbed them on the off chance they might be worth something (probably not, they aren't original prints) and only just got around to starting A New Hope last night. I'm struck by how it's considerably more violent than the film so far. Also it's weird reading ADF's quite adult prose style in a novel adaptation of what I've always considered a kids' film, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Oct 15, 2017, 05:09:52 PM
Master of Mankind

http://www.blacklibrary.com/all-products/the-master-of-mankind-ebook.html
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 24, 2017, 01:00:18 AM
Finished up Revival by Stephen King, and I very much loved it. I'm moving on to The Bachman Books soon enough.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 26, 2017, 08:34:01 AM
Just started to read Neuromancer. It's been on the list for ages, picked it up a month or two ago and have no finally started it! Only half a chapter in but enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Oct 26, 2017, 08:06:02 PM
I did read Neoromancer ages ago and frankly speaking couldn't understand everything.

At the moment I'm struggling a bit with first part of The Raven Rings trilogy, titled Odin's Child (no English translation yet but there is Polish) by Norwegian Siri Pettersen. As soon as I finish I'm gonna start The Liberation by Ian Tregillis. It's the last book of The Alchemy Wars trilogy. If you like steampunk just read it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space7Horror on Oct 28, 2017, 02:31:40 PM
I'm currently reading Authority
I'm trying to finish The Southern Reach trilogy before Annihilation comes out next year.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 28, 2017, 07:56:09 PM
Finished reading Rage by Stephen K--- er, Richard Bachman. It had some good qualities, but ultimately didn't work.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ratchetcomand on Nov 04, 2017, 12:37:15 AM
Currently reading William Burroughs' Naked Lunch
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 04, 2017, 12:51:45 AM
Working on The Long Walk at the moment.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Nov 04, 2017, 02:10:32 AM
Still reading Medical Terminology and the ICD-10-CM and CPT books :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Nov 04, 2017, 01:06:48 PM
Quote from: Rhoys Wiggins on Sep 13, 2017, 11:28:55 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 29, 2017, 07:48:44 AM
I've had IT for years but never got around to reading it. Was just such a fat book, looking at it. Is it (https://vogueplay.com/dk) easy to get into?

It's a great book! I re-read it before the new movie. Well, IT 2017 is one of the best King adaptations.

IT is a great read, it's always a good idea (IMHO) to read King's books before or after watching his movies since there is so much more depth in the books, they just can't capture all in a movie.  Happy they broke IT into two parts, there is just too much story for one film. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Nov 04, 2017, 06:27:32 PM
Quote from: Hellspawn28 on Nov 04, 2017, 12:37:15 AM
Currently reading William Burroughs' Naked Lunch

Enjoy the trip!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Nov 06, 2017, 12:45:17 AM
Flow, My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K Dick was the last one I finished. Not started anything else yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Nov 10, 2017, 07:14:04 PM
Rocket Man: Elon Musk In His Own Words

Great read. Yes he wins, but these are hard wins.



Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Redmond on Nov 13, 2017, 09:49:21 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 28, 2017, 07:56:09 PM
Finished reading Rage by Stephen K--- er, Richard Bachman. It (https://pokiestar.com) had some good qualities, but ultimately didn't work.

Agreed. It also reminds me Anthony Burgess's book Earthly Powers a bit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Nov 16, 2017, 11:30:37 AM
Currently rereading House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski. I borrowed it from the library ages ago and finally got myself a copy.
Brilliant book, I highly recommend it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2017, 10:23:49 AM
Picked up and started reading Artemis yesterday. Couple of chapters in and I'm digging it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: PierreVW on Nov 17, 2017, 10:45:43 PM
I'm reading THE CARTEL by Don Winslow. It's a great book but very complex. It demands a long movie. At least, 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 17, 2017, 10:46:28 PM
I've started The Great God Pan, by Arthur Machen.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2017, 04:43:27 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2017, 10:23:49 AM
Picked up and started reading Artemis yesterday. Couple of chapters in and I'm digging it.

And finished! Enjoyable, easy read, much in the same vein as The Martian. I wouldn't say it was as good as the Martian but I still thoroughly enjoyed it enough to blast through it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlackMatter169 on Nov 18, 2017, 04:49:18 PM
Currently reading Larry Correia's Monster Hunter Vendetta, the second book in his Monster Hunter series. Fun read, very good action.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: PierreVW on Nov 18, 2017, 08:49:25 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2017, 04:43:27 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2017, 10:23:49 AM
Picked up and started reading Artemis yesterday. Couple of chapters in and I'm digging it.

And finished! Enjoyable, easy read, much in the same vein as The Martian. I wouldn't say it was as good as the Martian but I still thoroughly enjoyed it enough to blast through it.

I read a negative review about Artemis. The critic said it was worse than The Martian. But the setting is great. So, it could work as a blockbuster.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Delta Echo Alpha Delta on Nov 22, 2017, 12:54:33 AM
Currently listening to the Alien 1979 Audio Book, good so far. Currently reading Earth Hive as part of the Book Omnibus, up to chapter 13.

Have read or listened to the audio books for:
Alien 1979 original Story by Dan O'Bannon
Alien 3 Scripts
Prometheus Scripts
Alien: Covenant Script
Alien: Covenant Novelisation
Dead Orbit #1+#2
Fire & Stone

I just spent about $150 on Kindle buying comics and books recently so I have a bunch to read while flying back and forth this Xmas.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Nov 22, 2017, 05:47:19 PM
Quote from: PierreVW on Nov 18, 2017, 08:49:25 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2017, 04:43:27 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2017, 10:23:49 AM
Picked up and started reading Artemis yesterday. Couple of chapters in and I'm digging it.

And finished! Enjoyable, easy read, much in the same vein as The Martian. I wouldn't say it was as good as the Martian but I still thoroughly enjoyed it enough to blast through it.

I read a negative review about Artemis. The critic said it was worse than The Martian. But the setting is great. So, it could work as a blockbuster.

That bad huh?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Nov 24, 2017, 02:14:17 PM
Reading Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin. Great book for software developers, goes well alongside Clean Code and Clean Coder.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Nov 27, 2017, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Nov 22, 2017, 05:47:19 PM
Quote from: PierreVW on Nov 18, 2017, 08:49:25 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2017, 04:43:27 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2017, 10:23:49 AM
Picked up and started reading Artemis yesterday. Couple of chapters in and I'm digging it.

And finished! Enjoyable, easy read, much in the same vein as The Martian. I wouldn't say it was as good as the Martian but I still thoroughly enjoyed it enough to blast through it.

I read a negative review about Artemis. The critic said it was worse than The Martian. But the setting is great. So, it could work as a blockbuster.

That bad huh?

You weren't a fan?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Nov 27, 2017, 03:53:20 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 27, 2017, 09:26:41 AM
You weren't a fan?

Laugh no, I was just ribbing the critic (or perhaps rather our hyperbolic Pierre) who makes it sound so bad.

Unrelated question, as a big Halo fan have you ever read Consider Phlebas (1987) by Ian M. Banks?

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Nov 27, 2017, 04:03:57 PM
Fair enough.  :laugh:

I have not. I've read the Ringworld novels but never Consider Phlebas. Would you recommend?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Nov 27, 2017, 04:16:37 PM
It's probably my favourite sci-fi novel after Dune.

It features a huge artificial ringworld, power armour, massive space ships (with inventive names) and space pirates set against an interstellar war against a religious fanatical alien race. Sound familiar? IIRC Bungie also acknowledged the book's influence on Halo. Ian M. Banks was probably also one of the greatest British writers of the 20th century.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Nov 28, 2017, 09:46:09 AM
Hmmm. That does sound familiar.  :P Thanks for the recommendation, 8th. I've ordered a copy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 02, 2017, 09:17:54 PM
Working on Anno Dracula: One Thousand Monsters, by Kim Newman. It's good so far, but I was promised Anno Dracula 1999: Daikaiju back when the 1899 collection came out, so this feels a bit like more filler to please Titan Books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space Invader on Dec 04, 2017, 11:03:20 PM
Finished reading some Lovecraft: A Shadow Over Innsmouth and Call of Cthulhu. Really liked it, especially A Shadow Over Innsmouth.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: windebieste on Dec 04, 2017, 11:18:26 PM
I love 'Shadow Over Innsmouth' and have read it several times.  Most recently was earlier this year.  Under the influence of post treatment pain killers and other prescribed drugs while I was recovering from surgery. 

Trippy experience, that was.  Great story all the same. 

My favorite Lovecraft piece is 'Shadow out of Time'.  There's so much to like about that one.   

-Windebieste.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Dec 07, 2017, 04:32:33 PM
I picked up Aliens: Omnibus Vol. 1 to replace my missing Aliens novels so I'm starting on that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 13, 2017, 08:57:36 AM
Finally finished Anno Dracula: One Thousand Monsters. It's not my favorite in the series, and obviously just leading into the next book, but it was entertaining enough. It also featured motherf**king Sanjuro as a vampire, complete with his habit of picking random objects to serve as his surname. :laugh: I am getting a tad sick of being cockteased, though. It's been years since Johnny Alucard's cliffhanger ending and I feel no closer to resolution.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jan 16, 2018, 10:28:21 AM
Finished Alien: River Of Pain and ordering some new Alien & Predator books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 19, 2018, 06:12:37 PM
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, by Nicholas Meyer
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jan 19, 2018, 06:24:14 PM
Reading Predator Omnibus: Volume 2. Big Game was a great story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 22, 2018, 01:56:05 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Nov 27, 2017, 04:16:37 PM
It's probably my favourite sci-fi novel after Dune.

It features a huge artificial ringworld, power armour, massive space ships (with inventive names) and space pirates set against an interstellar war against a religious fanatical alien race. Sound familiar? IIRC Bungie also acknowledged the book's influence on Halo. Ian M. Banks was probably also one of the greatest British writers of the 20th century.

I started reading this. I'm about 100 pages in and am enjoying it so far!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jan 25, 2018, 10:13:35 PM
Reading Predator Omnibus: Volume 3. Now I know what Bad Blood is about and where these Necas figures came from.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 25, 2018, 10:42:44 PM
Hollywood Gothic: The Tangled Web of Dracula from Novel to Stage to Screen, by David J. Skal

Very good so far, even if I think Skal could have spent a bit more time on the making of Nosferatu, instead of giving the majority of that chapter to the legal battles. And I always roll my eyes at how critics love to apply overdone sexual readings of the original novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 26, 2018, 06:26:36 AM
I finished Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse 5 a couple of days ago, and started We Can Build you by Philip K Dick a few hours ago. I'm interested to see how close the link is to Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BigDaddyJohn on Jan 27, 2018, 01:50:21 AM
Making Movies by the late Sidney Lumet.

Great book, very informative, no double-talk, very straight forward, and a lot of anecdotes on actors, movie sets etc...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 29, 2018, 08:23:50 AM
Has anyone here read Mortal Engine? I think Peter Jackson has adapted it into a film. Wondering what people's opinions are here.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 03, 2018, 01:12:52 PM
Now reading the final Predator Omnibus. Nemesis was a good idea for a story and it's basically a crossover with Sherlock Holmes (although he is not present himself).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 03, 2018, 03:56:12 PM
I love seeing them play with the timeframes for the Predator stories. He works well all over the place.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 03, 2018, 04:48:05 PM
Not loving the fact that about 90% of the Predators in these stories get killed. There's one whos wounded by a bear and blows himself up because he is dishonored by it. But I guess it's being in line with the movies. The new movie could actually have a Predator that's not killed off.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 03, 2018, 05:35:28 PM
That's one of the things I love about If It Bleeds. They don't all die.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 03, 2018, 06:39:21 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 03, 2018, 05:35:28 PM
That's one of the things I love about If It Bleeds. They don't all die.
That is good to hear. I am just about to read that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: PredBabe on Feb 13, 2018, 01:23:40 AM
Currently trying to finish up House of Leaves, I've had this book for a while now and bought it because Silent Hill was inspired by this story. I was a lot younger when I first purchased the book and didn't get into it so much for one reason or another. But I've recently picked this book back up and can't put it down. It's such a creepy and fantastically written haunted house story. I'm about halfway through it and get chills at how eerie it gets. Also that poor little Pekinese.  :'(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 13, 2018, 11:05:55 PM
Now reading Predator: If It Bleeds. The Stonewall story was a nice piece of "history".
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: PredBabe on Feb 14, 2018, 01:24:35 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Feb 13, 2018, 11:05:55 PM
Now reading Predator: If It Bleeds. The Stonewall story was a nice piece of "history".

Bought this book the other day, looking forward to reading it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 14, 2018, 08:30:24 AM
There's not a single story in that I disliked. It's a nice exploration of what you can do with the Predators.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 14, 2018, 08:57:26 AM
Getting ready to wrap up "Hannibal" by Thomas Harris. Then I'm thinking about re-reading either "a night to remember" by Walter Lord or "Who goes there" by John Campbell.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 14, 2018, 01:26:56 PM
"A night to remember" sounds great, I have seen the movie. I think a good companion to that book would be "Lifeboat No. 8: An Untold Tale of Love, Loss, and Surviving the Titanic". It's really short but hard to find for some reason.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Feb 14, 2018, 03:18:57 PM
Quote from: PredBabe on Feb 13, 2018, 01:23:40 AM
Currently trying to finish up House of Leaves, I've had this book for a while now and bought it because Silent Hill was inspired by this story. I was a lot younger when I first purchased the book and didn't get into it so much for one reason or another. But I've recently picked this book back up and can't put it down. It's such a creepy and fantastically written haunted house story. I'm about halfway through it and get chills at how eerie it gets. Also that poor little Pekinese.  :'(

Such a good decision. Best undertaken if you have a lot of freetime to get through some of the lengthier chapters in one sitting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 14, 2018, 08:44:07 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Feb 14, 2018, 01:26:56 PM
"A night to remember" sounds great, I have seen the movie. I think a good companion to that book would be "Lifeboat No. 8: An Untold Tale of Love, Loss, and Surviving the Titanic". It's really short but hard to find for some reason.

Never read Lifeboat 8. Definitely going to check it out. A night to remember is a fantastic book. Lord truly was the man. "Titanic: A survivors story" by Archibald Gracie with John Thayer's account is a good one as well. Both were passengers and Gracie began interviewing and investigating immediately after the disaster, until his death shortly thereafter. I believe Lord actually used some of Gracie's research when writing "a night to remember". Thayer was also one of the few people that swore he saw the ship break apart when it was sinking, if I remember correctly.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 15, 2018, 01:23:29 AM
Just finished Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 15, 2018, 08:53:47 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Feb 14, 2018, 08:44:07 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Feb 14, 2018, 01:26:56 PM
"A night to remember" sounds great, I have seen the movie. I think a good companion to that book would be "Lifeboat No. 8: An Untold Tale of Love, Loss, and Surviving the Titanic". It's really short but hard to find for some reason.

Never read Lifeboat 8. Definitely going to check it out. A night to remember is a fantastic book. Lord truly was the man. "Titanic: A survivors story" by Archibald Gracie with John Thayer's account is a good one as well. Both were passengers and Gracie began interviewing and investigating immediately after the disaster, until his death shortly thereafter. I believe Lord actually used some of Gracie's research when writing "a night to remember". Thayer was also one of the few people that swore he saw the ship break apart when it was sinking, if I remember correctly.

I will check out the other Titanic books.  At the rate that "If it Bleeds" is going, there will be a story about the Predator on the Titanic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Feb 15, 2018, 03:34:42 PM
Musui's Story
Aliens Omnibus: Vol. 1 - I'm on Nightmare Asylum now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 16, 2018, 12:45:13 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Feb 15, 2018, 08:53:47 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Feb 14, 2018, 08:44:07 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Feb 14, 2018, 01:26:56 PM
"A night to remember" sounds great, I have seen the movie. I think a good companion to that book would be "Lifeboat No. 8: An Untold Tale of Love, Loss, and Surviving the Titanic". It's really short but hard to find for some reason.

Never read Lifeboat 8. Definitely going to check it out. A night to remember is a fantastic book. Lord truly was the man. "Titanic: A survivors story" by Archibald Gracie with John Thayer's account is a good one as well. Both were passengers and Gracie began interviewing and investigating immediately after the disaster, until his death shortly thereafter. I believe Lord actually used some of Gracie's research when writing "a night to remember". Thayer was also one of the few people that swore he saw the ship break apart when it was sinking, if I remember correctly.

I will check out the other Titanic books.  At the rate that "If it Bleeds" is going, there will be a story about the Predator on the Titanic.

I gotta admit, I'd read that story. I was in the process of re-watching the Alien films while I was reading a night to remember for the first time. Lo and behold, I had a dream about the Titanic being overrun and turned into a massive floating hive. The fatal damage to the vessel being the result of gunfire from the colonial marines. I would've thought wolf would be involved, but what're you gonna do? I was in the process of running towards the lifeboats, the sounds of gunfire and alien shrieks thundering through the depths of the ship, when reality came knocking and it was time to wake up for work.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Delta Echo Alpha Delta on Feb 16, 2018, 11:56:31 AM
Just finished reading the first draft of Alien: Resurrection (which is pretty much exactly like the movie except for the ending and same with the novel by AC Crispin)and the final draft of Alien 1979. I still haven't finished Earth Hive, it's a tough slog cause I feel like the writing could be better. I have to finish Alien and Philosophy soon and I am going to start on the second draft of Alien: Resurrection to see what the differences are.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: PredBabe on Feb 16, 2018, 08:44:16 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 14, 2018, 08:30:24 AM
There's not a single story in that I disliked. It's a nice exploration of what you can do with the Predators.

Nice I was hoping to hear this from fans, looking more forward to reading some later.

Quote from: Hudson on Feb 14, 2018, 03:18:57 PM
Quote from: PredBabe on Feb 13, 2018, 01:23:40 AM
Currently trying to finish up House of Leaves, I've had this book for a while now and bought it because Silent Hill was inspired by this story. I was a lot younger when I first purchased the book and didn't get into it so much for one reason or another. But I've recently picked this book back up and can't put it down. It's such a creepy and fantastically written haunted house story. I'm about halfway through it and get chills at how eerie it gets. Also that poor little Pekinese.  :'(

Such a good decision. Best undertaken if you have a lot of freetime to get through some of the lengthier chapters in one sitting.

It's impressive how much detail and depth was put into writing this book. I feel like not enough people know about it. Love the messed up Johnny Truant character.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Jacku on Feb 16, 2018, 08:58:58 PM
Just read 'The House of Shattered Wings'
It's a drama/political/murder mystery/fantasy set around fallen angels ruling over a worn-torn 1930's Paris (it's set decades later but it's not like they rebuilt so...)
Really good world building and interesting characters. I'm glad I picked it up.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 16, 2018, 09:22:39 PM
Reading the Red draft of Alien 3... help. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Delta Echo Alpha Delta on Feb 17, 2018, 01:37:06 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 16, 2018, 09:22:39 PM
Reading the Red draft of Alien 3... help. :laugh:

You have my sympathies
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 17, 2018, 01:43:36 AM
Quote from: muthur9000 on Feb 17, 2018, 01:37:06 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 16, 2018, 09:22:39 PM
Reading the Red draft of Alien 3... help. :laugh:

You have my sympathies

At least it's relatively short. I remember the Oliver Stone Conan script that felt like it went on forever.




Still working on Phantom by Susan Kay. I thought the Persia chapter was excellent, and the one between it and the original story is pretty good, too. Erik's interactions with Charles Garnier have been gold so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 17, 2018, 08:05:35 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 16, 2018, 09:22:39 PM
Reading the Red draft of Alien 3... help. :laugh:

Oh dear. Not the Alien Chickens. I had to re-write that script myself just to be able to stand it. As you can imagine, not alot stayed the same.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 17, 2018, 11:27:58 AM
Quote from: Shasvre on Feb 15, 2018, 01:23:29 AM
Just finished Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Are you reading for the first time?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 19, 2018, 09:12:30 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 17, 2018, 11:27:58 AMAre you reading for the first time?

No, I've read it several times before. Just felt like getting back into the Potterverse. On that note, I also finished The Deathly Hallows, and now I'm sad there's no more.

I'm also a few chapters away from finishing A Game of Thrones. When it was first released over here (Sweden), they split it into two books. I only read the second half before getting into the show, so this is my first time reading the whole thing and in English. All caught up on the rest of the books though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 20, 2018, 08:57:07 AM
Quote from: Shasvre on Feb 19, 2018, 09:12:30 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 17, 2018, 11:27:58 AMAre you reading for the first time?

No, I've read it several times before. Just felt like getting back into the Potterverse. On that note, I also finished The Deathly Hallows, and now I'm sad there's no more.

There's also the script for The Cursed Child!

QuoteI'm also a few chapters away from finishing A Game of Thrones. When it was first released over here (Sweden), they split it into two books. I only read the second half before getting into the show, so this is my first time reading the whole thing and in English. All caught up on the rest of the books though.

Enjoy! I read them through about 5 years back! The first few books were simply stellar!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 20, 2018, 11:59:12 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 20, 2018, 08:57:07 AMThere's also the script for The Cursed Child!

Yeah, I read that when it was released. Didn't care for it at all, I'm afraid. :-\
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 21, 2018, 11:13:07 AM
Fair enough.  :-\ I've not read it myself. Have you had a chance to see the play?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 21, 2018, 11:41:55 AM
I have not. Truth be told, I think I'd like the play even less, given my disagreement with the casting choices.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Feb 22, 2018, 07:13:51 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Feb 19, 2018, 09:12:30 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 17, 2018, 11:27:58 AMAre you reading for the first time?

No, I've read it several times before. Just felt like getting back into the Potterverse. On that note, I also finished The Deathly Hallows, and now I'm sad there's no more.

I'm also a few chapters away from finishing A Game of Thrones. When it was first released over here (Sweden), they split it into two books. I only read the second half before getting into the show, so this is my first time reading the whole thing and in English. All caught up on the rest of the books though.

I've honestly never read a Harry Potter book nor seen any of the films. I tried one of the books many, many years ago but never made it past the first twelve pages or so. Not my cup of tea. Probably because I'm not in the same generation that grew-up with those books. Loved The Hobbit and Fellowship of the Ring as a kid though.

I first read A Game of Thrones (and later A Clash of Kings) just after they were released in the mid 90's. And was like, "damn... it's pretty good, but why is no-one raving about it?"  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Feb 23, 2018, 07:42:40 PM
QuoteI've honestly never read a Harry Potter book nor seen any of the films. I tried one of the books many, many years ago but never made it past the first twelve pages or so. Not my cup of tea. Probably because I'm not in the same generation that grew-up with those books. Loved The Hobbit and Fellowship of the Ring as a kid though.

I haven't read all of them or seen all the movies, but I re-read the first couple in the series two years back. Actually very lovely writing at the sentence level, especially for a genre book with a middle-grade target reader. I was pleasantly surprised and a peripheral 'goal' of mine is to eventually get through all these books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: XenoScorcher on Feb 27, 2018, 04:13:14 PM
Currently re-reading the Alien film novelizations 1-4. Prior to that I read The Mote In God's Eye by Larry Niven and The Gripping Hand by Larry Niven. Two fantastic Sci-Fi novels. Highly recommended!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shinawi on Feb 28, 2018, 04:30:47 PM
I'm reading someone's Fire and Fury book. I was kind of disappointed. Anyone who pays attention to the news already knows most of what were mentioned in the book. And the things that Wolff revealed were not that shocking. On the other hand, it seems that he's being unfairly criticized over Nikki Haley. Wolff didn't mention her having an affair with Trump. There seems to have been an innuendo that wasn't about Haley, but I missed it. I'll have to reread the later part of the book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheRaven on Mar 01, 2018, 12:27:21 AM
currently I'm finishing up the novel version of Revenge of the sith - and also the fifth of the dark horse alien comic omnibuses.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 01, 2018, 03:28:51 PM
Finished Predator: If It Bleeds. Great collection of stories, hard to pick a best one. Starting with Aliens: Bug Hunt.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Mar 02, 2018, 08:01:57 AM
It's not as good over all as If It Bleeds but there's still a few really good ones in there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 08, 2018, 02:53:00 PM
Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child (2018) by S. Craig Zahler (director of Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 08, 2018, 02:55:03 PM
A Congregation of Jackals (2010) by S. Craig Zahler.

QuoteIn 1888 Oswell Danford is living a hard but satisfying life as a rancher in Virginia when he receives an unexpected telegram. A wedding invitation should be cause to celebrate but not when it means he'll have to face past deeds that he's deeply ashamed of.

Now he and his brother, along with their ex-compatriot, an inveterate gambler from New York, will have to travel to Montana Territory to settle an old score they'd nearly forgotten. They will join the expectant congregation at the small town church for the marriage of their former brother-in-arms. But while everyone else will be wishing a blissful future for the happy couple, these men will be praying the darkness from their past doesn't devour the entire town. A Congregation of Jackals is an unrelenting tale of betrayal and revenge told with a precise brutality that will leave you breathless and haunted.

While Zahler is not a stranger to the Western genre he brings his own unique twist to the Wild West. He wrote and directed Bone Tomahawk, the breakout Horror/Western crossover film of 2015 and his novel Wraiths of the Broken Land is being adapted for the screen by Ridley Scott and Drew Goddard. Although these three works don't share characters or plotlines he considers them to be something of a thematic trilogy. All three share his fascination with revenge, betrayal and extreme violence in the defense of innocence.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2018, 03:42:18 PM
I'm reading Predator: South China Sea at the minute. Blasting through it. Absolutely love this novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Jonesy1974 on Mar 09, 2018, 12:45:58 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2018, 03:42:18 PM
I'm reading Predator: South China Sea at the minute. Blasting through it. Absolutely love this novel.

I really want to read this but a copy costs an arm and a leg. I'm hoping it may get reissued in the near future.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BigDaddyJohn on Mar 19, 2018, 01:46:38 PM
White Fang by Jack London

Great book, it's been a while since i first read this, good to get back to it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 19, 2018, 04:48:48 PM
Reading Alien: Covenant - Origins. Although the story isn't that interesting, ADF writes so well that it's a joy to read.
A nice change from Aliens: Bug Hunt which was a mess.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Russ840 on Mar 19, 2018, 06:36:25 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2018, 03:42:18 PM
I'm reading Predator: South China Sea at the minute. Blasting through it. Absolutely love this novel.

Im jealous.

Im reading  Ask An Astronaut by Tim Peak along with 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson.

Also listening to Alien 3 Novelisation audiobook by ADF.   
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BigDaddyJohn on Mar 20, 2018, 12:37:17 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 08, 2018, 03:42:18 PM
I'm reading Predator: South China Sea at the minute. Blasting through it. Absolutely love this novel.

Heard only good things about this one. In fact i'm quite interested in buying it but i can't find it in french, and on amazon it is at a very high price (75 euros which is almost 66 pounds !!)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Delta Echo Alpha Delta on Mar 20, 2018, 12:39:43 AM
I am re-reading Dan O'Bannon's first draft of Alien, I had previously read the digital copy that came with my Alien Evolution set. There's illustrations in this script that are very interesting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Mar 20, 2018, 01:10:12 AM
Australia and the Indonesian Incorporation of Portuguese Timor 1974-1976 (http://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/historical-documents/Documents/australia-and-the-indonesian-incorporation-of-portuguese-timor-1974-1976.pdf)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Jonesy1974 on Mar 20, 2018, 09:49:07 AM
Has anyone read Ship of Fools by Richard Paul Russo? I've just finished it and thought it was great, very Alien influenced or at least by the Derelict/Space Jockey part.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 28, 2018, 08:29:29 PM
Reading Alien: Covenant Origins. Not impressed and I think it's one of the worst Alien books (if you can even call it that).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Mar 28, 2018, 10:17:36 PM
It's got characters from an Alien movie in it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 30, 2018, 08:10:39 PM
Just started and I'm already loving it.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41jr6OA2YDL._SX328_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 02, 2018, 02:53:42 AM
Aliens Omnibus Vol. 3. Rogue and Labyrinth. It's been years since I read these stories. Halfway through Rogue now. Much better than I remember. I'd love an audible drama of this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FenGiddel on Apr 02, 2018, 06:21:54 PM
For a little contextual research for things that might be extrapolated forward to 2122, I found this gem:


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/511--TItXsL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)


I'm barely two chapters in and finding loads of good stuff!  :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Apr 02, 2018, 06:42:28 PM
Now reading the Alien: Covenant novelization. Disappointed to hear that there is not much tie-in to the prequel novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Apr 07, 2018, 12:18:14 AM
American Gods by Neil Gaiman. It's extremely good. Very clever
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 07, 2018, 12:30:08 AM
Earlier today I finished David J. Skal's publication of the classic 1920s Dracula play, both the Hamilton Deane and John Balderston versions. It was a pretty interesting read, seeing how they both differed from the original novel and from each other, and the extent to which they influenced the Universal film. Deane's was a bit closer to the original Stoker, but Balderston's read a lot better and felt more polished. I did kind of do a double take at how Van Helsing and company throw Renfield at Dracula as bait, and get the poor guy killed in the process. Like seriously, what the f**k, guys? :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Perfect-Organism on Apr 08, 2018, 02:51:07 AM
Quote from: Stitch on Apr 07, 2018, 12:18:14 AM
American Gods by Neil Gaiman. It's extremely good. Very clever

I couldn't get through this novel.  I like Gaiman well enough but this didn't catch my imagination at all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Apr 25, 2018, 08:32:29 PM
Reading Star Wars: The Paradise Snare, the first in the Han Solo Trilogy in preparation for the upcoming movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Apr 26, 2018, 05:09:07 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Apr 25, 2018, 08:32:29 PM
Reading Star Wars: The Paradise Snare, the first in the Han Solo Trilogy in preparation for the upcoming movie.

Have you (or anyone) read Splinter of the Mind's eye? I bought a copy earlier in the year with a plan to check it out this summer.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Apr 26, 2018, 07:59:14 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Apr 26, 2018, 05:09:07 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Apr 25, 2018, 08:32:29 PM
Reading Star Wars: The Paradise Snare, the first in the Han Solo Trilogy in preparation for the upcoming movie.

Have you (or anyone) read Splinter of the Mind's eye? I bought a copy earlier in the year with a plan to check it out this summer.
I have read the comic book version which was part of the Star Wars: Early Victories Omnibus. Don't remember much about it but I think they changed the story a bit from the book to fit the continuity of the later films.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FenGiddel on Jun 09, 2018, 03:22:01 PM

(https://images.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9781594205811)

I picked up The Dawn Watch by Maya Jasanoff (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/315029/the-dawn-watch-by-maya-jasanoff/9781594205811/), which is really turning out to be a "silver mine"* of fodder for the site. The author is currently (where I'm bookmarked) giving a very readable background of Conrad's formative years. If she's half as good at discussing his writings, this will have been money well-spent.


Cheers!




*extra credit given if you 'get' this reference.



Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 09, 2018, 04:07:07 PM
Reading The Good Sleeper by Janet Krone Kennedy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jun 10, 2018, 04:46:57 PM
Alien: The Cold Forge by Alex White. About halfway through now and it's pretty good. Interesting links to prometheus.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 10, 2018, 05:01:12 PM
Star Wars: Shatterpoint by Matthew Stover

I'm loving this so far. Aside from my man Mace kicking ass and being cool, it's an unflinching look at the ugliness of war. If Rogue One was the SW equivalent of The Dirty Dozen, this is Apocalypse Now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jun 10, 2018, 11:14:32 PM
One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey.

Written from the journals of Dick Proenneke. This is the third time I will have read it in my life. Such a masterpiece. Anything to do with Proenneke always seems to level me out and remind me of the important stuff. I feel like I know where I'm going and what's truly valuable in life, everytime I read that mans words.

Maybe after I'm done, I'll finally be able to finish the "More Readings" book after all this time. There's supposed to be a third book coming out near the end of the year I believe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 26, 2018, 08:19:37 AM
Finally got around to reading Predator: Incursion, the first book in the Rage War trilogy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 26, 2018, 08:23:08 AM
It's a rather different feel to Alien and Predator but I really dig that series. The Predators are a little too underpowered in that one for my liking but they're badass in the next 2.

I'm currently reading the first Expanse book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 26, 2018, 08:40:15 AM
I like that the author "spinned-off" on the story in Aliens: Bug Hunt and Predator: If It Bleeds.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 26, 2018, 08:44:07 AM
Yeah, it's nice to see related stories like that. Alex White said he'd love to do a short about how they got the eggs in Cold Forge if they did another anthology.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FenGiddel on Jun 26, 2018, 02:13:30 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 26, 2018, 08:44:07 AM
Yeah, it's nice to see related stories like that. Alex White said he'd love to do a short about how they got the eggs in Cold Forge if they did another anthology.
He's certainly a brave soul...   ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 27, 2018, 08:23:28 AM
Would be great as long as they dont get caught up in endless fan service like Bug Hunt did.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jun 27, 2018, 04:07:05 PM
I'm making my way through the original Aliens comic novel adaptations (in original print form, not the new omnibuses). Currently up to Genocide. They're as good as I remember.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 30, 2018, 02:39:42 PM
Also received Aliens: Dead Orbit from the post office today. It's a lot shorter than imagined but looks great!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 02, 2018, 08:13:16 AM
It doesn't break any molds with story-telling but it's damn fun story telling. Very good series.

I finished Expanse Book 1 at the weekend! Really enjoyed it! Eager to read more but trying to hold off buying any more of the series so I can try and get through more of my pile. I received the new Halo book at the weekend too and made a start on that. Enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Jul 03, 2018, 03:03:48 AM
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (1st edition, 1st print hardcover)

First time reading the novel byCrichton. All I can say is "wow". So much different from one of my favorite all time films, and just wow. The Trex was a real sob in this book, and the raptors were great. The dilphosaurs were also much different (yet similar) than the film and the death of Nedry is far more gruesome here. Now I can see where some of my JP dreams come into play, maybe it's a alternate universe where we get Cameron instead of Spielberg and I swear some of the scenes in the book are former dream scenes. Weird eh? What a great book, onto The Lost World!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jul 03, 2018, 03:08:03 AM
Quote from: FiorinaFury161 on Jul 03, 2018, 03:03:48 AM
a great book, onto The Lost World!

Talk about a book that was different from the movie. It's been a few years, but I remember it was a completely different experience.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 03, 2018, 04:16:44 AM
Lost World is... okay. It very much feels like a paycheck book from Crichton, and rather clumsily tries to follow both the movie and the book at the same time. Malcolm's resurrection is particularly silly. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 03, 2018, 07:18:00 AM
I've only read the original JP but I remember it being brutal! And Hammond being an absolute dick. I loved it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Jul 03, 2018, 05:07:06 PM
http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Fulgrim_(Novel) (http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Fulgrim_(Novel))
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 03, 2018, 05:11:07 PM
Did Muldoon survive and use a bazooka on the raptors? Might have been one of my dreams.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 03, 2018, 08:04:00 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Jul 03, 2018, 05:11:07 PM
Did Muldoon survive and use a bazooka on the raptors? Might have been one of my dreams.

He did. Gennaro got to be a badass, too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xiggz456 on Jul 03, 2018, 08:40:05 PM
I enjoyed both JP and Lost World and I'm considering re-reading them as I'm currently reading "The Great Zoo of China" by Mathew Reilly which is basically Jurassic Park with dragons. It's a bit over the top sometimes but action packed and entertaining nonetheless.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FiorinaFury161 on Jul 03, 2018, 11:09:57 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 03, 2018, 08:04:00 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Jul 03, 2018, 05:11:07 PM
Did Muldoon survive and use a bazooka on the raptors? Might have been one of my dreams.

He did. Gennaro got to be a badass, too.
Spoiler
The guy survived a juvenile Trex and a raptor attack, he's so different from the movie version. I love how Grant flips on him at the end and Muldoon threatens him if he doesn't go into the raptor nest.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 04, 2018, 09:56:30 AM
That sounds cool but the Clever Girl scene is really memorable and makes the raptors better villains
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Necronom IV on Jul 07, 2018, 04:32:38 PM
Presently, another careful study of the original Necronomicon making my own notes. They have begun to figure in my dreams again.

I think I am going to order a copy of H.R. Giger's ''Alien Diaries'' (Tagebuecher -- although a translation is provided, if you have a spare few hours a week, I suggest you buy an old pre-1950s accidence-and-syntax grammar, not a ''reform'' grammar or reading-grammar of any sort, still less a modern textbook (from my own experience the romantic or infantile-acquisition model, learning a language through examples rather than brute rote work, never worked with a single classmate of mine),  and devote yourself to learning German: you will need to learn every paradigm by heart, something I did while at school by reciting them to my neighbour's dog!) from Edition Patrick Frey. It only recently came to my attention.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 07, 2018, 09:19:04 PM
Started with Rage War: Book 2, aka. Alien: Invasion.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: D88M on Jul 07, 2018, 09:52:08 PM
Man and its Symbols, by Jung.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Necronom IV on Jul 07, 2018, 10:12:51 PM
Quote from: D88M on Jul 07, 2018, 09:52:08 PM
Man and its Symbols, by Jung.

Interesting book. Have you read some of the works of Freud? Another good piece of background for our mutual friend from Zuerich.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: calculatingbetterworlds on Jul 21, 2018, 11:25:21 PM
Currently, I read ,,Solaris" by Stanislaw Lem, which is pretty good. I really like the mass of details and the scientific background information.
This is perfect to imagine how this world looks like and it has a couple of philosophical aspects too. So I am totally addicted to these philosophical sci-fi novels.

Besides, I read a nonfictional book called ,,The Death Of Expertise" by Tom Nichols.

Well, I consider both of them worth reading, but obviously I can't give a final review yet. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SpreadEagleBeagle on Jul 22, 2018, 01:08:37 AM
"An Unfortunate Woman" by Richard Brautigan
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 26, 2018, 09:25:55 AM
Rage War: Book 3. Things are gearing up for the finale.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 26, 2018, 12:01:33 PM
Re-reading The Cold Forge.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Jul 26, 2018, 12:42:20 PM
Halfway through Capital vol 1. by Marx, and started Jack London's The Iron Heel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Delta Echo Alpha Delta on Jul 27, 2018, 04:43:00 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 26, 2018, 12:01:33 PM
Re-reading The Cold Forge.

Such a great book I love it
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 28, 2018, 08:26:46 AM
Quote from: muthur9000 on Jul 27, 2018, 04:43:00 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 26, 2018, 12:01:33 PM
Re-reading The Cold Forge.

Such a great book I love it
The hype is through the roof on this one, will read it next.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Aug 10, 2018, 07:58:03 PM
Just finished Emperor of the Eight Islands and Lord of the Darkwood by Lian Hearn.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3HsFlSXgAEQtd_.jpg)

If you're a fan of Japanese culture, samurai movies/manga and Legend of the Five Rings then read it. Beautifully written novels. Simply epic.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Aug 11, 2018, 05:20:00 PM
Loving Alien: The Cold Forge so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Aug 11, 2018, 05:47:50 PM
Just started The History of Bees by Maja Lunde. So far very promising.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fd28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net%2Fbook_images%2Fonix%2Fcvr9781471165689%2Fthe-history-of-bees-9781471165689_hr.jpg&hash=91f3595478dd39a5789b3ce1922eb3296e152688)

QuoteEngland, 1851. William is a biologist and seed merchant, who sets out to build a new type of beehive—one that will give both him and his children honour and fame.

United States, 2007. George is a beekeeper and fights an uphill battle against modern farming, but hopes that his son can be their salvation.

China, 2098. Tao hand paints pollen onto the fruit trees now that the bees have long since disappeared. When Tao's young son is taken away by the authorities after a tragic accident—and is kept in the dark about his whereabouts and condition—she sets out on a grueling journey to find out what happened to him.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Aug 16, 2018, 08:44:14 AM
Mostly been reading Alien/Predator stuff lately, but I've taken a break to read James Bond, the Spy Who Loved Me by Christopher Wood.

This, despite being a novelisation of a film, has a reputation of being one of the best post-Fleming Bond novels, and so far I'd say it's living up to that reputation. Wood has somehow managed to take what is a ridiculously over-the-top movie (not intended as criticism) and dial it back so that the book reads more like a Fleming story. There are also a lot of callbacks to Fleming's continuity, like the return of SMERSH, who take over the role of the far more amicable Russians in the movie. Speaking of the more aggressive Russians, the book in general is a lot more violent than the film - in particular, the scene where Stromberg feeds his assistant to a shark for betraying him is incredibly gory, while there's also an added sequence where Bond is captured and tortured by having a battery hooked up to his genitals, which makes for grim reading.

I'm two-thirds of the way through it, but honestly this might be the best film novelisation I've ever read, just because it feels like a genuine novel rather than an adaptation (probably has something to do with the fact Wood was also the co-author of the screenplay); if you didn't know, I doubt you'd be able to tell it was based on a movie. Tonally, it just feels so fundamentally different from the film, even if the plot and scenes are essentially the same.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Valaquen on Aug 16, 2018, 08:58:46 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Aug 10, 2018, 07:58:03 PM
Just finished Emperor of the Eight Islands and Lord of the Darkwood by Lian Hearn.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3HsFlSXgAEQtd_.jpg)

If you're a fan of Japanese culture, samurai movies/manga and Legend of the Five Rings then read it. Beautifully written novels. Simply epic.

The author's name reminds me of Lafcadio Hearn.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 16, 2018, 11:04:04 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Aug 16, 2018, 08:44:14 AM
Mostly been reading Alien/Predator stuff lately, but I've taken a break to read James Bond, the Spy Who Loved Me by Christopher Wood.

This, despite being a novelisation of a film, has a reputation of being one of the best post-Fleming Bond novels, and so far I'd say it's living up to that reputation. Wood has somehow managed to take what is a ridiculously over-the-top movie (not intended as criticism) and dial it back so that the book reads more like a Fleming story. There are also a lot of callbacks to Fleming's continuity, like the return of SMERSH, who take over the role of the far more amicable Russians in the movie. Speaking of the more aggressive Russians, the book in general is a lot more violent than the film - in particular, the scene where Stromberg feeds his assistant to a shark for betraying him is incredibly gory, while there's also an added sequence where Bond is captured and tortured by having a battery hooked up to his genitals, which makes for grim reading.

I'm two-thirds of the way through it, but honestly this might be the best film novelisation I've ever read, just because it feels like a genuine novel rather than an adaptation (probably has something to do with the fact Wood was also the co-author of the screenplay); if you didn't know, I doubt you'd be able to tell it was based on a movie. Tonally, it just feels so fundamentally different from the film, even if the plot and scenes are essentially the same.

Sounds better than Fleming's Spy Who Loved Me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Aug 16, 2018, 01:40:15 PM
Yeah, but then there's a reason Fleming banned them from using anything other than the title from his novel for the film lol.

I've also got the next book, James Bond and Moonraker (also by Wood), which I've had for ages but been holding off on until I managed to get a hold of the Spy novelisation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Aug 16, 2018, 09:03:16 PM
Quote from: Valaquen on Aug 16, 2018, 08:58:46 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Aug 10, 2018, 07:58:03 PM
Just finished Emperor of the Eight Islands and Lord of the Darkwood by Lian Hearn.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3HsFlSXgAEQtd_.jpg)

If you're a fan of Japanese culture, samurai movies/manga and Legend of the Five Rings then read it. Beautifully written novels. Simply epic.

The author's name reminds me of Lafcadio Hearn.

Your observation is probably valid. Just found out, thanks to you, that Greek writer Lafcadio Hearn, known as Koizumi Yakumo, was one of the first Western writers who tackled Japanese mythology. Maybe that's why Gillian Rubinstein writes under the pseudonym Lian Hearn.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Aug 18, 2018, 12:26:36 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/j8s0cSc.jpg)
It's from 1998 so the science is a bit dated, and it's only about 200 pages long, but it's a pretty good read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 18, 2018, 01:07:04 AM
I had that one a long time ago. I remember chuckling at the description of digging for amber next to a New Jersey highway,
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Aug 19, 2018, 03:15:39 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Aug 18, 2018, 01:07:04 AM
I had that one a long time ago. I remember chuckling at the description of digging for amber next to a New Jersey highway,
Yeah, the delivery of information is done very well. Very informative whilst also being amusing and almost friendly.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Aug 19, 2018, 05:39:00 PM
Started with Aliens: Defiance. Great artwork and a nice cameo by Amanda Ripley.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Sep 04, 2018, 03:06:42 PM
(https://panmacmillan.azureedge.net/pml/panmacmillancorporatesite/media/panmacmillan/cover-images/douglas-adams/__thumbnails/9781509808335the%20restaurant%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%20universe_5_jpg_264_400.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 04, 2018, 07:50:56 PM
Hellblazer Vol. 9: Critical Mass
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Sep 04, 2018, 11:58:35 PM
The Predator: Hunters and Hunted

Made it to chapter 17. Not too bad so far. I give it 2.5/5 at this point.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 05, 2018, 08:11:07 AM
Just finishing up The Predator: Hunters and Hunted, about 50 pages to go. I like it a lot although the escape was perhaps a bit too easy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 08:16:30 AM
Well...
Spoiler
he was assisted to a point
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 05, 2018, 09:01:03 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 08:16:30 AM
Well...
Spoiler
he was assisted to a point
[close]
That is true, although the motivations behind that were left a bit unclear to me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 09:49:16 AM
Spoiler
So Traeger could then re-capture it and prove it was him and his men that should be in command of the project. It's all manuevering to have him as director as per the film.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 05, 2018, 10:16:47 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 09:49:16 AM
Spoiler
So Traeger could then re-capture it and prove it was him and his men that should be in command of the project. It's all manuevering to have him as director as per the film.
[close]
Seems a bit convoluted but I understand now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Sep 05, 2018, 10:21:16 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 05, 2018, 10:16:47 AMSeems a bit convoluted but I understand now.

Spoiler
Yeah, it seemed to me he had a good shot of taking over with his funding proposal alone - the ploy to let the Predator out then have his CIA boys recapture it came across as unnecessary and a little contrived.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Sep 05, 2018, 11:20:24 AM
I'm about 1/3 of the way through this...

(https://i.imgur.com/JWv0Noq.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 05, 2018, 01:04:04 PM
How are the new Star Wars EU books in general? Anything worth reading?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FenGiddel on Sep 05, 2018, 02:37:19 PM
Alien Covenant: David's Drawings.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Sep 05, 2018, 07:08:06 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 05, 2018, 01:04:04 PM
How are the new Star Wars EU books in general? Anything worth reading?

Darth Bane Trilogy, & Darth Plagueis.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Sep 05, 2018, 10:56:33 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 05, 2018, 01:04:04 PM
How are the new Star Wars EU books in general? Anything worth reading?

The Darth Vader comics are awesome.  The various novels are kinda meh.

Quote from: The Old One on Sep 05, 2018, 07:08:06 PM
Darth Bane Trilogy, & Darth Plagueis.

But those are the old EU and no longer canon.  Like K2.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Sep 05, 2018, 11:17:15 PM
Oh I thought he just said EU, there's nothing really worthwhile in the new EU.

Lost Stars and Thrawn get a lot of praise but I ultimately found them mediocre.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Sep 06, 2018, 12:46:40 AM
I'm actually part way through AvP: Prey, from Wayyyy back when. I got the Augmented Reality Survival Guide for my birthday, and David's Drawings arrived earlier today, but I'm going on holiday Friday, so figured I'd read them then.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Sep 06, 2018, 01:43:12 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 05, 2018, 11:17:15 PM
Oh I thought he just said EU, there's nothing really worthwhile in the new EU.

Lost Stars and Thrawn get a lot of praise but I ultimately found them mediocre.

I thought Tarkin (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Tarkin_(novel)) and Lords of the Sith (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lords_of_the_Sith) were okay.  I surprisingly enjoyed the Aftermath novels too and I think they're more interesting than the actual sequel films.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Sep 06, 2018, 03:21:33 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 05, 2018, 01:04:04 PM
How are the new Star Wars EU books in general? Anything worth reading?

I liked Lords of the Sith.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 06, 2018, 09:15:22 AM
I am having trouble keeping up with the Alien/Predator EU, adding Star Wars to the mix would be quite a challenge. I have read some of the old EU stuff though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 08, 2018, 04:15:45 PM
(https://s.s-bol.com/imgbase0/imagebase3/large/FC/5/3/3/0/9200000094340335.jpg)

Started reading last night. Nice to see the Chief back.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 08, 2018, 06:40:41 PM
Reading Alien: Augmented Reality Survival Manual.
Lots of small mistakes in the book but dumb fun overall.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Sep 09, 2018, 10:55:33 AM
I never did pick that up.

Worth it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 09, 2018, 11:02:32 AM
The ARG stuff is pretty fun. Otherwise, it's nothing really new - https://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/the-book-of-alien-augmented-reality-survival-manual/
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Sep 09, 2018, 11:16:25 AM
I did read your review back when you posted it :)

Just wondered what Wweyland's own take on it was.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 09, 2018, 11:17:24 AM
Alright. I'll shut my damn mouth.  :-X
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Sep 09, 2018, 04:36:05 PM
The AR bits keep freezing in my phone, and so the interactive elements get stuck. It's a bit hit or miss as to whether you'll be able to complete the minigames. HTC U11 has no problems with power so it's gotta be the app itself. Kinda nullifies the selling point of the book, despite the rest of the content being pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 09, 2018, 04:38:30 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 09, 2018, 10:55:33 AM
I never did pick that up.

Worth it?
It is similar to the Weyland-Yutani report, in a sense that it is very pretty, the pages are well designed and some of the information is very similar.
There are a lot of factual errors and it even contradicts itself with the dates - says that Aliens occurred in 2178 is some places, mislabels the Sulaco, etc. It takes a lot of material from the Colonial Marines video game for some reason but ignores some other EU sources. For example, some Alien types and weapons are from the game.

Haven't tried the VR stuff yet but I heard it looks very nice, I guess that is fun for 15 minutes perhaps.
I picked it up because I want to read all the EU stuff and it wasn't expensive, about 15 pounds at Amazon.
I think the book is a good representation of the state of the series canon - nobody really knows what is canon, you choose what you like, have fun with it and hope nobody complains.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Sep 09, 2018, 07:41:18 PM
Ugh.

I thought it was awful and a representation of things in the EU being taken far too seriously,
literally ACM is a joke for instance.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Sep 10, 2018, 02:30:39 AM
Does that mean you didn't buy it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Sep 10, 2018, 02:35:16 AM
One copy, passed around between friends. I didn't buy it myself.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Sep 10, 2018, 08:06:21 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 09, 2018, 11:17:24 AMAlright. I'll shut my damn mouth.  :-X

:P

No offence intended, it's always helpful to get a second opinion!

Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 09, 2018, 04:38:30 PMIt takes a lot of material from the Colonial Marines video game for some reason but ignores some other EU sources. For example, some Alien types and weapons are from the game.

I wonder if the game was still considered a big part of the canon when they started to put the book into production.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 10, 2018, 08:33:06 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 10, 2018, 08:06:21 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 09, 2018, 11:17:24 AMAlright. I'll shut my damn mouth.  :-X

:P

No offence intended, it's always helpful to get a second opinion!

I was playing.  :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Sep 10, 2018, 09:57:15 AM
"You Play the Girl", a series of essays about the depiction of women across various media. As depressing as it is informative.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 10, 2018, 12:03:36 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 10, 2018, 08:06:21 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 09, 2018, 11:17:24 AMAlright. I'll shut my damn mouth.  :-X

:P

No offence intended, it's always helpful to get a second opinion!

Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 09, 2018, 04:38:30 PMIt takes a lot of material from the Colonial Marines video game for some reason but ignores some other EU sources. For example, some Alien types and weapons are from the game.

I wonder if the game was still considered a big part of the canon when they started to put the book into production.
That is likely.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Oct 10, 2018, 09:50:30 PM
Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/410nNc5es2L._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Oct 10, 2018, 11:09:44 PM
Various Anti-Federalist writings, primarily Brutus and Agrippa
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 11, 2018, 12:31:03 AM
The Nth Doctor, by Jean-Marc and Randy Lofficier

An interesting look at the different attempts at a Doctor Who movie from 1987 to 1996. The authors do have an annoying tendency to be a bit fanboy-ish, though, like insisting on referring to a villain original to a script as The Master for incredibly weak reasons.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Oct 11, 2018, 02:33:29 AM
About halfway through the novelization of "The Predator." It is a very special book so far.

Quote from: Stitch on Sep 06, 2018, 12:46:40 AM
I'm actually part way through AvP: Prey, from Wayyyy back when. I got the Augmented Reality Survival Guide for my birthday, and David's Drawings arrived earlier today, but I'm going on holiday Friday, so figured I'd read them then.

Month delay in responding to this, but what are your thoughts on re-reading Prey? I read it again in the spring after years, and I loved it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 11, 2018, 07:09:35 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/uEsLTrS.jpg)

QuoteThe warship Trouble Dog was built and bred for calculating violence, yet following a brutal war, she finds herself disgusted by conflict and her role in a possible war crime. Seeking to atone, she joins the House of Reclamation, an organisation dedicated to rescuing ships in distress. But, stripped of her weaponry and emptied of her officers, she struggles in the new role she's chosen for herself. When a ship goes missing in a disputed system, Trouble Dog and her new crew of misfits and loners, captained by Sal Konstanz, an ex-captain of a medical frigate who once fought against Trouble Dog, are assigned to investigate and save whoever they can.

Meanwhile, light years away, intelligence officer Ashton Childe is tasked with locating and saving the poet, Ona Sudak, who was aboard the missing ship, whatever the cost. In order to do this, he must reach out to the only person he considers a friend, even if he s not sure she can be trusted. What Childe doesn't know is that Sudak is not the person she appears to be.

Quickly, what appears to be a straightforward rescue mission turns into something far more dangerous, as Trouble Dog, Konstanz and Childe, find themselves at the centre of a potential new conflict that could engulf not just mankind but the entire galaxy.

If she is to survive and save her crew, Trouble Dog is going to have to remember how to fight.

Picked up on a whim last month after I came across an article about the next book's cover art and they were calling this thing amazing. I finished it off last night. I had been struggling to get into it but it eventually picked up to the point where I was just turning pages.

It was first person - which I'm not a huge fan of - but it also flicked between different characters in the 1st person perspective which I didn't really like. Had a nice pace to it, short chapters kept it moving but it took time to really get moving. Some interesting ideas around the guilt of the ship and ship AI but I don't think I'm bothered with continuing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Oct 11, 2018, 03:50:25 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Oct 11, 2018, 07:09:35 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/uEsLTrS.jpg)

QuoteThe warship Trouble Dog was built and bred for calculating violence, yet following a brutal war, she finds herself disgusted by conflict and her role in a possible war crime. Seeking to atone, she joins the House of Reclamation, an organisation dedicated to rescuing ships in distress. But, stripped of her weaponry and emptied of her officers, she struggles in the new role she's chosen for herself. When a ship goes missing in a disputed system, Trouble Dog and her new crew of misfits and loners, captained by Sal Konstanz, an ex-captain of a medical frigate who once fought against Trouble Dog, are assigned to investigate and save whoever they can.

Meanwhile, light years away, intelligence officer Ashton Childe is tasked with locating and saving the poet, Ona Sudak, who was aboard the missing ship, whatever the cost. In order to do this, he must reach out to the only person he considers a friend, even if he s not sure she can be trusted. What Childe doesn't know is that Sudak is not the person she appears to be.

Quickly, what appears to be a straightforward rescue mission turns into something far more dangerous, as Trouble Dog, Konstanz and Childe, find themselves at the centre of a potential new conflict that could engulf not just mankind but the entire galaxy.

If she is to survive and save her crew, Trouble Dog is going to have to remember how to fight.

Picked up on a whim last month after I came across an article about the next book's cover art and they were calling this thing amazing. I finished it off last night. I had been struggling to get into it but it eventually picked up to the point where I was just turning pages.

It was first person - which I'm not a huge fan of - but it also flicked between different characters in the 1st person perspective which I didn't really like. Had a nice pace to it, short chapters kept it moving but it took time to really get moving. Some interesting ideas around the guilt of the ship and ship AI but I don't think I'm bothered with continuing.

I think a good example of multiple first person narrators working successfully is The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis. The way they interact with each other and misunderstand what each other say or intend (although the reader is in on it) is pretty entertaining.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Oct 20, 2018, 07:11:16 PM
Finished The Predator novelization. Basically was glad that it was over.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Oct 30, 2018, 06:41:18 PM
I admire you. In my opinion life's too short to read such "masterpieces".
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 30, 2018, 07:33:35 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Oct 20, 2018, 07:11:16 PM
Finished The Predator novelization. Basically was glad that it was over.

Unbelievably, I still haven't read it, and I've had the damn thing for like 6 weeks. I guess the negative aspects of the film have me in no hurry.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Oct 30, 2018, 09:12:03 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Oct 30, 2018, 06:41:18 PM
I admire you. In my opinion life's too short to read such "masterpieces".
I really enjoyed the prequel novel. Was hoping for a continuation of that.
Reading Aliens: Music Of The Spears now, a bit on the fence about it but starting to like it more and more.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 31, 2018, 08:10:47 AM
I haven't read that for some time but it's a story I remember loving because it was so different!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 31, 2018, 02:16:11 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Oct 30, 2018, 09:12:03 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Oct 30, 2018, 06:41:18 PM
I admire you. In my opinion life's too short to read such "masterpieces".
I really enjoyed the prequel novel. Was hoping for a continuation of that.
Reading Aliens: Music Of The Spears now, a bit on the fence about it but starting to like it more and more.

It gets a lot of flack, but I loved it. Just read it for the third time a few months ago.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Nov 12, 2018, 10:21:28 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Oct 31, 2018, 02:16:11 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Oct 30, 2018, 09:12:03 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Oct 30, 2018, 06:41:18 PM
I admire you. In my opinion life's too short to read such "masterpieces".
I really enjoyed the prequel novel. Was hoping for a continuation of that.
Reading Aliens: Music Of The Spears now, a bit on the fence about it but starting to like it more and more.

It gets a lot of flack, but I loved it. Just read it for the third time a few months ago.
Finished Music Of The Spears. It was certainly one of the most unique Alien novels and I mostly enjoyed it.
It actually reminded me of the Cold Forge with getting into the heads of the characters a lot.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: razeak on Nov 15, 2018, 02:02:34 PM
I'm working on book 3 of the Rage War. I'm also reading the Aliens 30th Anniversary hardcover. Winter is when I can catch up the most on reading, but I still rarely have enough time. I coach wrestling from November through the last day of March. Football is August through November. My kids stopped playing baseball so March through July was free this year. It was amazing to have free time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Nov 21, 2018, 10:02:45 PM
Read Predator: Prey To The Heavens which basically got no reaction from me. A rather empty story.
Also started on AvP: Hunters Planet. Would like to know what the deal is with the Hunters Planet and War discontinuity issue.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Nov 22, 2018, 08:29:57 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Nov 21, 2018, 10:02:45 PM
Also started on AvP: Hunters Planet. Would like to know what the deal is with the Hunters Planet and War discontinuity issue.

I'm curious about the "alternate" sequel angle too. I don't think I've ever seen it spoken about.

I'm currently reading AvP War. I'd re-read the original AvP in prep for our next podcast but found I kept reading through Omnibus #1.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Nov 22, 2018, 03:07:09 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Nov 21, 2018, 10:02:45 PMWould like to know what the deal is with the Hunters Planet and War discontinuity issue.

Made all the more strange by the fact Hunters Planet was the only original story Bantam put out - all their other Alien/Predator books were comic adaptations.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Nov 22, 2018, 07:47:56 PM
My Hunters Planet has a disclaimer that it is based on the "Dark Horse graphic story by Randy Stradley" but I guess they mean the AvP series in general and not a specific comic.

I also just finished Berserker the novel, which was great. Some of the character stuff and the soldiers pondering on their deaths and later accepting it was really good.  While Jess was black in both the comic and novel, he was suddenly "whitewashed" in the War comic. Nice mess.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Dec 01, 2018, 04:04:56 AM
About to start my second read-through of "A Night To Remember" by Walter Lord.

One of my favorites.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Dec 01, 2018, 09:33:57 AM
Finished Nineteen Eighty-Four recently, which was a pretty distressing read.

Now reading a book my dad recommended called King Solomon's Curse. To give you some idea of the genre - the heroes are adventurers called Wilde and Chase, they've previously discovered Atlantis and the Ark of the Covenant, and when Chase beat a man unconscious in a kitchen, he poured baked beans over him and said, "You've bean done, mate." It's exactly the kind of mad, dumb shit I needed after the bleakness of Orwell's classic :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 07, 2018, 11:16:31 AM
Reading Aliens: Genocide. Daniel Grant is basically a future version of Donald Trump, along with the pussy and tit grabbing among the other obvious similarities.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 08, 2018, 07:46:11 PM
I remember rather enjoying that novel. It was a nice character journey for Grant.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Dec 08, 2018, 07:56:01 PM
Yeah, I fully expected him to be just another evil corporate cliché when he was introduced, so I was pleasantly surprised when he came good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Dec 12, 2018, 04:27:21 PM
Red Moon by Benjamin Percy. Excellent.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Dec 13, 2018, 05:51:09 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Dec 07, 2018, 11:16:31 AM
Reading Aliens: Genocide. Daniel Grant is basically a future version of Donald Trump, along with the pussy and tit grabbing among the other obvious similarities.
Except the part where he turns into a decent human by the end. :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Dec 13, 2018, 06:03:30 AM
And somehow beats Henriksen, the one man killing machine in a fist fight.

No bone spurs on our Danny boy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shinawi on Dec 13, 2018, 04:41:04 PM
Quote from: SM on Dec 13, 2018, 06:03:30 AM
And somehow beats Henriksen, the one man killing machine in a fist fight.

No bone spurs on our Danny boy.
Like this?

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 19, 2018, 07:23:46 PM
Just finished the ADF Alien Novelization. Great reading, especially the opening about the dreamers with the ship waking up and the final conversation with Ash.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Dec 24, 2018, 05:12:25 AM
Titanic: A Survivor's Story - by Colonel Archibald Gracie

Featuring: The Sinking of the S.S. Titanic - by John B. Thayer
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 24, 2018, 05:22:24 AM
The Man Who Died, by D.H. Lawrence

The moral of the story is: give up your lofty aspirations and f**k a hot pagan chick. I think. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Dec 24, 2018, 12:21:37 PM
Finally started on The Revenant, having decided to read the book ahead of the film.

The bear attack sequence made for pretty grisly reading (no pun intended).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 24, 2018, 10:23:55 PM
Reading Aliens by ADF. Compared to the elegance of Alien, it's really clunky. The added dialogue feels off and removing all profanities (including words like "bullshit")  doesn't help.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Dec 24, 2018, 10:26:47 PM
Yeah, that was a really odd call, and one that hurt the book a lot for me. It just made everything sound... so not like it was soldiers talking.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 24, 2018, 10:27:47 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Dec 24, 2018, 12:21:37 PM
Finally started on The Revenant, having decided to read the book ahead of the film.

The bear attack sequence made for pretty grisly reading (no pun intended).

On film the bear attack is a real kodiak moment... I'll see myself out. XD
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wysps on Dec 24, 2018, 11:42:46 PM
I'm reading a Faerie Magazine (Outlander issue), and made my first bannock today from one of the recipes that was provided inside.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Dec 25, 2018, 10:36:27 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Dec 24, 2018, 10:27:47 PMOn film the bear attack is a real kodiak moment... I'll see myself out. XD

Lol.

I've got the film too, but like I said I wanted to do the book first.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 29, 2018, 07:09:50 PM
Reading Alien 3 by ADF. The profanities are back and the book is quite good (although slow like the movie).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Dec 30, 2018, 05:04:56 PM
That starts of brilliantly, but you can really tell he'd lost interest by the end.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nostromo on Dec 30, 2018, 05:53:01 PM
Hudafuk, from the recent Aliens releases, which one do you find best?

I've pre-ordered every new TPB but don't think I can wait that long. About to order all the available issues for Dust to Dust, Gibson's A3, Resistance?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Dec 30, 2018, 06:00:58 PM
Quote from: Nostromo on Dec 30, 2018, 05:53:01 PMHudafuk, from the recent Aliens releases, which one do you find best?

Books or comics? I'm not really into comics, the only recent ones I own are Defiance (which I thought started really well, but seemed to go off the boil partway through and wound up leaving me really dissatisfied) and the Gibson adaptation (which I'm enjoying a lot).

As for the novels, by far the best of the recent ones (or indeed any of the Alien books) is Alex White's The Cold Forge. I also really enjoyed Tim Lebbon's Rage War trilogy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nostromo on Dec 30, 2018, 09:50:48 PM
Cool, ok thought you were buying all the comics now lol.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 31, 2018, 08:55:44 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Dec 30, 2018, 05:04:56 PM
That starts of brilliantly, but you can really tell he'd lost interest by the end.
Yeah, it moves very fast in the end. Would say that the Alien novelization is the best.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Dec 31, 2018, 10:41:19 AM
Quote from: Nostromo on Dec 30, 2018, 09:50:48 PMCool, ok thought you were buying all the comics now lol.

Ha, it's on my to-do list, not made a start yet though.

Quote from: Wweyland on Dec 31, 2018, 08:55:44 AMWould say that the Alien novelization is the best.

I'd probably agree, although ironically I really enjoyed Resurrection because, out of the four, I think it did the best job of expanding on the film in a beneficial way.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jan 01, 2019, 10:19:16 PM
Now reading The Complete Predator Omnibus (which is not really complete as it's missing the DH Press novels). Concrete Jungle started fun.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 06, 2019, 08:59:27 PM
(https://dynamic.indigoimages.ca/books/0771038518.jpg?altimages=false&scaleup=true&maxheight=515&width=380&quality=85&sale=38&lang=en)

I recently finished Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Harari. Time for another one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Jan 08, 2019, 11:25:05 PM
Archie vs. Predator.  Great fun.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vermillion on Jan 09, 2019, 12:50:57 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190109/1b446f0555c9e7a354a207cf55df2156.jpg)

I have the original 1988 Aliens comics. But still this is a must.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 09, 2019, 12:58:09 AM
Are those the unedited versions? I have the short omnibus with the name changes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Vermillion on Jan 09, 2019, 12:59:32 AM
Yeah. It's newt and Hicks.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Frosty Venom on Jan 09, 2019, 04:35:33 AM
Currently reading the fourth book of The Horus Heresy - Flight of the Eisenstein.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jan 09, 2019, 05:47:27 AM
The Loss of the S.S. Titanic:

It's Story and It's Lessons
By One Of The Survivors

Lawrence Beesley
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 27, 2019, 09:01:51 PM
Pet Sematary - well that was f**ked up.

Moving on to A Congregation of Jackals by S. Craig Zahler soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jan 27, 2019, 09:04:54 PM
Alien Omnibus Vol 5.

Reading through Original Sin right now. It's been years since I read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jan 28, 2019, 08:34:59 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 27, 2019, 09:01:51 PMPet Sematary - well that was f**ked up.

(https://images2.imgbox.com/c7/56/BXGbXXxK_o.gif)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 28, 2019, 08:42:17 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Jan 28, 2019, 08:34:59 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 27, 2019, 09:01:51 PMPet Sematary - well that was f**ked up.

https://images2.imgbox.com/c7/56/BXGbXXxK_o.gif

Seen the movie once or twice, but this is a first time read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Jan 28, 2019, 11:48:05 PM
Treasure Island
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Steveymc1 on Jan 30, 2019, 08:31:28 PM
Currently reading 'the passage by Justin cronin. Decent so far and I believe there is a tv show out for it now,about 3 episodes in.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AhabPredator on Feb 01, 2019, 05:04:36 PM
I want to pick up Aliens: Defiance. It has some good xenomorph concepts I need to explore. I shall re-read Fire and Stone & Life and Death because Ahab is the bestest boy.  ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: JokersWarPig on Feb 01, 2019, 06:50:16 PM
I went to the comic shop to pick up Golden Angel by NECA but they didn't have it...so I walked out with Three World War and Defiance instead. I'll probably start one of those when I get home
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 02, 2019, 10:39:55 PM
Reading through the DH press Alien novels, starting with Cauldron. Hasn't started that good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 03, 2019, 12:16:04 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 27, 2019, 09:01:51 PM
Pet Sematary - well that was f**ked up.

Watch out for the loons.

Currently reading Christine by Stephen King.

About 150 pages to go before I reach the end, and it's clear John Carpenter's film cut a lot out. But it's still a great film in its own right. It's not his best work, but I do love that crazy macabre sense of humor King brings to his books. A haunted car. Only King can come up with a batshit idea like that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Feb 03, 2019, 08:56:49 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Feb 02, 2019, 10:39:55 PMReading through the DH press Alien novels, starting with Cauldron. Hasn't started that good.

There's a big, DH Press-shaped hole in the middle of my AVP novel collection, I really need to start filling it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Frosty Venom on Feb 04, 2019, 05:55:54 PM
Just started Aliens: Alien Harvest. I've read the comic but this is my first time with the novel. I actually really enjoyed Genocide so I'm hoping it delivers.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 12, 2019, 04:21:11 PM
Finished:

Christine
Cujo


Now Reading:

IT
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 12, 2019, 04:44:35 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 12, 2019, 04:21:11 PMIT

That will take you some time, I'd wager. A fascinating read, but massive and slow.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 12, 2019, 05:49:07 PM
Yeah, about the 260 mark. And it's been slow going but I am giving the book complete attention. King is going into a wild amount of detail with this book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 12, 2019, 05:51:27 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 12, 2019, 05:49:07 PMYeah, about the 260 mark. And it's been slow going but I am giving the book complete attention. King is going into a wild amount of detail with this book.

My favorite parts are Mike's interludes that delve into the history of Derry and IT's presence there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 12, 2019, 08:46:57 PM
Wraiths of the Broken Land by S. Craig Zahler

This book is f**ked up. In a good way.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Feb 12, 2019, 08:53:32 PM
I'm actually reading the novelisation of Devil May Cry 4. It was never released in English, so I'm reading a translation of it. There's a fair amount of Engrish in there. It's fairly amusing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 12, 2019, 09:35:26 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 12, 2019, 08:46:57 PM
Wraiths of the Broken Land by S. Craig Zahler

This book is f**ked up. In a good way.

Amazing book. Will Scott ever direct it? I hope so!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Feb 13, 2019, 12:03:10 AM
Pol Pot - The History of a Nightmare by Philip Short
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 13, 2019, 01:10:15 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 12, 2019, 09:35:26 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 12, 2019, 08:46:57 PM
Wraiths of the Broken Land by S. Craig Zahler

This book is f**ked up. In a good way.

Amazing book. Will Scott ever direct it? I hope so!

If Scott had trouble making Blood Meridian thanks to the violence, then this would have that problem magnified by ten. And I'm not really sold on Drew Goddard doing the script.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 13, 2019, 09:23:42 AM
Have you read it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 13, 2019, 12:22:59 PM
Nah, it's not out there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 13, 2019, 05:02:08 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 13, 2019, 01:10:15 AM
If Scott had trouble making Blood Meridian thanks to the violence, then this would have that problem magnified by ten. And I'm not really sold on Drew Goddard doing the script.

Cormac's book is much more savage that Wraiths. It's literally hell on earth. If Tarantino could make Kill Bill then I don't see a problem about Scott adapting Zahler's novel. Drew Goddard did a great job with The Martian. I don't read scripts so what's wrong with his writing. You don't like it or maybe it's not suitable for Western?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Feb 13, 2019, 05:08:13 PM
Finished:

Alien: Cold Forge

The Predator: Hunters and Hunted

Now:

The Predator: Novelization

Predator: South China Sea
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 13, 2019, 05:14:03 PM
Started few days ago. Murakami is one of my favourite writers ever.

(https://images.foyles.co.uk/large/books/img/6/0/0/9786001003219.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 13, 2019, 05:21:13 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Feb 12, 2019, 05:51:27 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 12, 2019, 05:49:07 PMYeah, about the 260 mark. And it's been slow going but I am giving the book complete attention. King is going into a wild amount of detail with this book.

My favorite parts are Mike's interludes that delve into the history of Derry and IT's presence there.
How long ago did you read it?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Feb 13, 2019, 05:29:14 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 13, 2019, 05:21:13 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Feb 12, 2019, 05:51:27 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Feb 12, 2019, 05:49:07 PMYeah, about the 260 mark. And it's been slow going but I am giving the book complete attention. King is going into a wild amount of detail with this book.

My favorite parts are Mike's interludes that delve into the history of Derry and IT's presence there.

How long ago did you read it?

I have been reading it on and off for the last couple of months. Been a few years since the last full readthrough though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Feb 13, 2019, 05:57:10 PM
Ah, I see.

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/bf02bb01-7ba7-4d79-9ddd-04749a965960
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 13, 2019, 09:55:59 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 13, 2019, 05:02:08 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 13, 2019, 01:10:15 AM
If Scott had trouble making Blood Meridian thanks to the violence, then this would have that problem magnified by ten. And I'm not really sold on Drew Goddard doing the script.

Cormac's book is much more savage that Wraiths. It's literally hell on earth. If Tarantino could make Kill Bill then I don't see a problem about Scott adapting Zahler's novel. Drew Goddard did a great job with The Martian. I don't read scripts so what's wrong with his writing. You don't like it or maybe it's not suitable for Western?

I like Goddard's writing, I just dunno if he can handle the dark tone.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 13, 2019, 10:02:25 PM
He's got great source material. Besides, Scott can handle the dark tone ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 14, 2019, 09:17:03 PM
Finished Aliens: Cauldron. One great moment of gore (Aliens playing a guy like a flute to lure others) but otherwise boring.
Why introduce us to the first ship when they totally shift focus later and everyone is forgotten.
Started with Steel Egg and it seems interesting from the "First First Contact" perspective.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Feb 19, 2019, 02:47:06 AM
Of Beren and Lúthien.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 19, 2019, 02:50:18 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 13, 2019, 10:02:25 PM
He's got great source material. Besides, Scott can handle the dark tone ;)

I had forgotten that Goddard wrote some of Daredevil Season 1, so I change my mind slightly about the tone. And I change my mind about the Blood Meridian comparison, too. Wraiths was looking like it might go that far for a lot of the first half, but ultimately didn't, especially once Catacumbas is left behind.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Feb 20, 2019, 10:22:33 PM
I've been on a sci fi binge since Christmas

The Lost Fleet: Dauntless by Jack Campbell

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

Sleeping Giants and Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel

Currently reading Leviathan Wakes by James S.A Corey.  The first book in the Expanse Series



Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 20, 2019, 10:49:52 PM
Started the official movie novelization of the predator. Made it five pages in and had to quit . It's the first time I've ever had to put a book down that fast. What kind of junior high writing is this?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 28, 2019, 09:55:58 PM
I've started Corpus Chrome, Inc. by S. Craig Zahler, and it's definitely a change of pace from his westerns. A totally whacked out vision of the future.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Feb 28, 2019, 11:48:42 PM
Quote from: Huggs on Feb 20, 2019, 10:49:52 PM
Started the official movie novelization of the predator. Made it five pages in and had to quit . It's the first time I've ever had to put a book down that fast. What kind of junior high writing is this?

I have been trying to finish that one for a while.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 01, 2019, 12:20:27 AM
Quote from: Samhain13 on Feb 28, 2019, 11:48:42 PM
Quote from: Huggs on Feb 20, 2019, 10:49:52 PM
Started the official movie novelization of the predator. Made it five pages in and had to quit . It's the first time I've ever had to put a book down that fast. What kind of junior high writing is this?

I have been trying to finish that one for a while.

I was counting on it to salvage the experience for me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 01, 2019, 10:51:53 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 28, 2019, 09:55:58 PM
I've started Corpus Chrome, Inc. by S. Craig Zahler, and it's definitely a change of pace from his westerns. A totally whacked out vision of the future.

It's on my list. You should read his Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child which he's going to direct soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 01, 2019, 12:36:31 PM
Reading Aliens: Tribes. Says on the cover that it's the first in a series of new graphic novels in the same format. Seems like that didn't happen.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Mar 01, 2019, 12:40:16 PM
Alright concept, Beautiful illustrations though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 01, 2019, 12:41:25 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Mar 01, 2019, 10:51:53 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 28, 2019, 09:55:58 PM
I've started Corpus Chrome, Inc. by S. Craig Zahler, and it's definitely a change of pace from his westerns. A totally whacked out vision of the future.

It's on my list. You should read his Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child which he's going to direct soon.

I have that and Mean Business on North Ganson Street in the pile.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Mar 01, 2019, 12:47:21 PM
I've got a bunch of Doctor Who and Clive Cussler books i really need to get back to reading lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 03, 2019, 06:43:19 PM
Dead Wake: The last crossing of The Lusitania

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 09, 2019, 04:50:57 AM
I'm terrible about starting multiple books and finishing them way after I start them.  Starting them, putting them down, picking them up and reading huge chunks, then putting them down again.

I like military history about particular units, and military memoirs by individuals.

I also read my fair share of fantasy and scifi. 

The closest book to me right now that I've done this too is We Were Soldiers Once and Young.

I'm sure some of have seen the movie.

But thats one of about a dozen. 

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Mar 09, 2019, 09:16:33 AM
I just can't do that :laugh:

I have to read one book at a time, and that's it :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Mar 09, 2019, 09:27:30 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 09, 2019, 09:16:33 AM
I just can't do that :laugh:

I have to read one book at a time, and that's it :P

Same.  And even if turns out to be a book I don't like, I have to finish it before I move on to the next
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 09, 2019, 09:57:30 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 09, 2019, 09:16:33 AM
I just can't do that :laugh:

I have to read one book at a time, and that's it :P

Same. I'm insanely picky about what I read, and I have to finish a book before I can move on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 09, 2019, 06:51:27 PM
I'm not sure where it started because I used to be the same way, I think it probably has to do with time. 

This is the first two day weekend I've had in about a month, so I just don't have time to read a book I don't like.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 09, 2019, 07:54:34 PM
Over the past several years I've developed the habit of losing interest in books I'm enjoying and just leaving them unread. I'm trying to rectify that.

I'm still working on Corpus Chrome Inc. It has a much slower, deliberate rhythm to it than Zahler's western novels, but still very good. And Zahler must have been writing this around the same time as his script Breaking the Empire State, as the terrorist plot in that mirrors the Battle for the Empire State that's mentioned in the book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Mar 09, 2019, 08:07:27 PM
Currently halfway through Stalker by Boris and Arkady Strugatsky.
It's pretty cool. Kinda retro futuristic as you'd expect from a 1972 novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Frosty Venom on Mar 10, 2019, 02:36:34 PM
Finished reading The Fisherman by John Langan a month or so ago. A wonderfully written modern lovecraftian tale centred around loss of loved ones and fishing.

First novel to actually creep me out in a while.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Mar 10, 2019, 11:18:38 PM
I'm just coming towards the end of Star Wars Aftermath: Empire's End, really enjoying it and plan on it being my first book review for my channel. I plan on reading more as its something I used to do a lot of when I was younger, my next book will be Dune and will hopefully finish it before the new film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlazinBlueReview on Mar 11, 2019, 12:27:35 AM
Aliens: The Essential Comics.

Trying to figure out what novel to read after in any of the Alien - Predator novels.

Have lot more of the comics to read as well. Predator Omnibus 1-4, AVP 1-2, Aliens Omnibus 2-6, Dead Orbit, Defiance, Fire and Stone, Life and Death, Hunter I and II
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Mar 11, 2019, 12:49:38 AM
Quote from: BlazinBlue88 on Mar 11, 2019, 12:27:35 AM
Aliens: The Essential Comics.

Trying to figure out what novel to read after in any of the Alien - Predator novels.

Have lot more of the comics to read as well. Predator Omnibus 1-4, AVP 1-2, Aliens Omnibus 2-6, Dead Orbit, Defiance, Fire and Stone, Life and Death, Hunter I and II

Aliens: The Essential Comics is something I plan on purchasing very soon, looking forward to it. I do also plan on getting all the Alien and Predator novels, eventually.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 11, 2019, 12:52:36 AM
I have all the old stuff.  It is stuff I collected when I was growing up, and I grew up when all the individual issues were being released.

On the present runs I wait for the tpbs, so I can buy them all at once, read them, then store them in the collection box. 

Missing the aliens series about the boy and his mom and an infestation, the Gibson Alien 3, and the Ripley and Zulu Hendricks comics. 

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Space_Dementia on Mar 11, 2019, 01:10:49 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 11, 2019, 12:52:36 AM
I have all the old stuff.  It is stuff I collected when I was growing up, and I grew up when all the individual issues were being released.

On the present runs I wait for the tpbs, so I can buy them all at once, read them, then store them in the collection box. 

Missing the aliens series about the boy and his mom and an infestation, the Gibson Alien 3, and the Ripley and Zulu Hendricks comics.

Its something I wish I'd done growing but never really got into reading comics until recently, I've got the Gibson Alien 3 on pre-order and plan on getting all the omnibus's.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 11, 2019, 06:56:02 PM
It's one of the few hobbies I ever had.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSurvivor92 on Mar 11, 2019, 07:21:26 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 11, 2019, 01:10:49 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 11, 2019, 12:52:36 AM
I have all the old stuff.  It is stuff I collected when I was growing up, and I grew up when all the individual issues were being released.

On the present runs I wait for the tpbs, so I can buy them all at once, read them, then store them in the collection box. 

Missing the aliens series about the boy and his mom and an infestation, the Gibson Alien 3, and the Ripley and Zulu Hendricks comics.

Its something I wish I'd done growing but never really got into reading comics until recently, I've got the Gibson Alien 3 on pre-order and plan on getting all the omnibus's.

In comparison to the actual films I thought most of the novelizations fell short. ESPECIALLY the Aliens novel which sensors and edits out all of the cussing. Both Alien and Alien 3 novels were semi-descent but the one that surprisingly shines the most from the movie novelizations is Resurrection. The way A.C. Crispin wrote the novel was phenomenal and it even expands on somethings we don't see in the film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 11, 2019, 08:54:38 PM
Reading Predator: Forever Midnight. Was surprised I could find the book so easily and cheap.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Mar 11, 2019, 10:51:01 PM
Quote from: LastSurvivor92 on Mar 11, 2019, 07:21:26 PM
Quote from: Space_Dementia on Mar 11, 2019, 01:10:49 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Mar 11, 2019, 12:52:36 AM
I have all the old stuff.  It is stuff I collected when I was growing up, and I grew up when all the individual issues were being released.

On the present runs I wait for the tpbs, so I can buy them all at once, read them, then store them in the collection box. 

Missing the aliens series about the boy and his mom and an infestation, the Gibson Alien 3, and the Ripley and Zulu Hendricks comics.

Its something I wish I'd done growing but never really got into reading comics until recently, I've got the Gibson Alien 3 on pre-order and plan on getting all the omnibus's.

In comparison to the actual films I thought most of the novelizations fell short. ESPECIALLY the Aliens novel which sensors and edits out all of the cussing. Both Alien and Alien 3 novels were semi-descent but the one that surprisingly shines the most from the movie novelizations is Resurrection. The way A.C. Crispin wrote the novel was phenomenal and it even expands on somethings we don't see in the film.

Yeah, I liked the alien pov.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Mar 12, 2019, 03:15:13 AM
Finishing up The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. Creepy. As. Hell. And so so good.

Quote from: Wweyland on Mar 11, 2019, 08:54:38 PM
Reading Predator: Forever Midnight. Was surprised I could find the book so easily and cheap.

It must have sold poorly. I found a brand new copy about two years ago at MSRP. Right on the shelf.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Mar 12, 2019, 03:17:59 AM
Still not as cheap as it deserves to be.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 21, 2019, 12:14:16 AM
The Terror - by Dan simmons

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Mar 21, 2019, 05:10:11 PM
Aliens: The Cold Forge

Thirty pages in and I absolutely hate the main characters
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Mar 21, 2019, 05:26:20 PM
Alien* The Cold Forge.

Why?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Mar 21, 2019, 05:33:11 PM
Dorian is a douche so far, and a creepy one at that, aside from that, I'm enjoying the book
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Mar 21, 2019, 05:36:44 PM
Oh, Dorian Sulder right.  ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/G0ZI1LD.png)
That's Correct!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Mar 21, 2019, 05:41:01 PM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Mar 21, 2019, 05:33:11 PMDorian is a douche so far, and a creepy one at that, aside from that, I'm enjoying the book

You're meant to hate him. He's absolutely vile.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 21, 2019, 05:47:16 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 21, 2019, 05:41:01 PM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Mar 21, 2019, 05:33:11 PMDorian is a douche so far, and a creepy one at that, aside from that, I'm enjoying the book

You're meant to hate him. He's absolutely vile.

He's a freakin' hero and the only good thing about that book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Mar 21, 2019, 06:36:11 PM
Quote from: Huggs on Mar 21, 2019, 05:47:16 PM
He's a freakin' hero and the only good thing about that book.

That's new. So is "Dorian Sudler did nothing wrong" a thing?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Mar 21, 2019, 06:43:34 PM
Quote from: The Old One on Mar 21, 2019, 06:39:40 PM
Griffith did nothing wrong.

Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/DjmHizB.jpg)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 21, 2019, 07:03:29 PM
Quote from: Samhain13 on Mar 21, 2019, 06:36:11 PM
Quote from: Huggs on Mar 21, 2019, 05:47:16 PM
He's a freakin' hero and the only good thing about that book.

That's new. So is "Dorian Sudler did nothing wrong" a thing?

Sudler is the man. If he would've escaped, it would've been a perfect story.

I also like David, Ash, The Company, and Megatron.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for the bad guys.  ;D

Except for Burke. Burke was weak.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Mar 22, 2019, 03:01:14 AM
Agreed.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 22, 2019, 03:06:10 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Mar 22, 2019, 03:01:14 AM
Agreed, despicable.

Burke would've been better served screwing people over on wall street. He was all software and no hardware.

David can back it up, so could Dorian. Burke was just...a disappointment to me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Mar 22, 2019, 03:24:16 AM
A sleaze.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 22, 2019, 03:25:32 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Mar 22, 2019, 03:24:16 AM
A sleaze.

Guy was way out of his league.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 22, 2019, 03:30:02 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Mar 22, 2019, 03:06:10 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Mar 22, 2019, 03:01:14 AM
Agreed, despicable.
Burke was just...a disappointment to me.

(https://i.imgur.com/m50Z5Pd.gif)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 22, 2019, 04:06:35 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Mar 22, 2019, 03:30:02 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Mar 22, 2019, 03:06:10 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Mar 22, 2019, 03:01:14 AM
Agreed, despicable.
Burke was just...a disappointment to me.

https://i.imgur.com/m50Z5Pd.gif

It's really sad.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 22, 2019, 05:11:45 PM
Quote from: Huggs on Mar 22, 2019, 04:06:35 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Mar 22, 2019, 03:30:02 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Mar 22, 2019, 03:06:10 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Mar 22, 2019, 03:01:14 AM
Agreed, despicable.
Burke was just...a disappointment to me.

https://i.imgur.com/m50Z5Pd.gif

It's really sad.

Maybe that's why he was left out of the wedding photo in Diner. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Mar 23, 2019, 11:58:03 AM
Just started A Bad Deal for the Whole Galaxy. Enjoying it so far. As easy to read as Cold Forge and Big Ship.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Mar 23, 2019, 01:00:23 PM
I've changed my mind, Dorian is a wonderful bastard!

(https://orig00.deviantart.net/744b/f/2012/207/e/2/e2ed89616a0cd905841e060c8b6f17cb-d58rkpz.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Mar 23, 2019, 09:22:38 PM
;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 27, 2019, 10:35:18 PM
Finished Corpus Chrome Inc, and now I'm working on The Scarlet Gospels. Time to see just how bad this is. ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Apr 06, 2019, 09:36:00 AM
Finished Predator: Flesh and Blood. It was great and much better than Forever Midnight.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 06, 2019, 07:30:53 PM
Still reading the terror. Long book.

Looked at a copy of IT in a store the other day and suddenly didn't feel so overwhelmed. Good Lord, that thing was the size of a cinder block.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Apr 07, 2019, 08:53:05 PM
Quote from: Huggs on Apr 06, 2019, 07:30:53 PM
Still reading the terror. Long book.

Looked at a copy of IT in a store the other day and suddenly didn't feel so overwhelmed. Good Lord, that thing was the size of a cinder block.

Wait til you read his final book of the Dark Tower series, or the Stand.  It should have its own book shelf
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 08, 2019, 04:28:03 AM
I just finished Doctor Sleep, by Stephen King. Interesting enough, though far from King's greatest work.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Apr 09, 2019, 04:13:51 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Apr 08, 2019, 04:28:03 AM
I just finished Doctor Sleep, by Stephen King. Interesting enough, though far from King's greatest work.

Yeah, apparently they're filming a movie. Curious to see if it will actually be the sequel to Kubrick's Shining.   
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 09, 2019, 05:50:28 PM
Quote from: First Blood on Apr 09, 2019, 04:13:51 PMYeah, apparently they're filming a movie. Curious to see if it will actually be the sequel to Kubrick's Shining.

With Ewan McGregor and Rebecca Ferguson. I'm very much looking forward to that one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Frosty Venom on Apr 09, 2019, 06:08:22 PM
Last book I read was Aliens: Alien Harvest and now I'm onto Dune. Some unintentional similarities between these books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: [cancerblack] on Apr 09, 2019, 07:26:35 PM
Waiting for my new modem over the weekend I read

- The Annihilation Score, Charles Stross
- Annihilation, Jeff VanderMeer
- For the Emperor, Sandy Mitchell
- Caves of Ice, Sandy Mitchell

So three comedic but ultra-violent books and one melancholy sci-fi introspection.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Apr 10, 2019, 03:52:33 AM
I just finished the novelisation of Terminator 2, and I'm now partway through the first book of T2 The New John Connor Chronicles.

Will probably finish these and then read the T2 trilogy.

It's just prep for Dark Fate. Let's see if they're better than it will be...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Apr 10, 2019, 07:29:36 AM
Alien Isolation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Apr 10, 2019, 08:19:32 AM
You tease.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 10, 2019, 11:28:53 AM
Quote from: [CANCERBLACK] on Apr 09, 2019, 07:26:35 PM
- Annihilation, Jeff VanderMeer

How'd you like this? Haven't read the book but the movie was one of my favorites last year.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Apr 10, 2019, 03:31:04 PM
The book's a part of a trilogy, the film adapts the whole trilogy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Apr 10, 2019, 08:05:09 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Apr 10, 2019, 11:28:53 AM
Quote from: [CANCERBLACK] on Apr 09, 2019, 07:26:35 PM
- Annihilation, Jeff VanderMeer

How'd you like this? Haven't read the book but the movie was one of my favorites last year.

The first book is fantastic, one of the most bizarre reads I've ever experienced

The Haunting of Hill House, Shirley Jackson

Pet Semetary, Stephen King
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: [cancerblack] on Apr 11, 2019, 12:51:38 AM
I REALLY liked it actually. Quite different to the film but you can see the origins of stuff. Eager to read the other two books in the trilogy but i've heard mixed things about those.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Apr 11, 2019, 02:15:21 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Apr 10, 2019, 08:19:32 AM
You tease.
I agree  >:(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Apr 25, 2019, 09:55:54 AM
Finished Aliens: Criminal Enterprise. Thought it was pretty good and one of the better DH Press novels.
Now reading Aliens: No Exit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 25, 2019, 04:21:56 PM
Alien: The Archive.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Frosty Venom on May 01, 2019, 12:54:20 PM
Alien: Echo

Ya digg?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on May 04, 2019, 04:30:24 PM
Hannibal: The art and making of the television series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on May 05, 2019, 09:00:21 PM
Reading Aliens Omnibus 3 and currently going through Rogue. Read it the first time 18 years ago so it's a nice trip down memory lane.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on May 06, 2019, 09:11:10 AM
Almost Human - Sylvain Neuvel
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Kurgan on May 06, 2019, 09:39:37 AM
Brian K. Vaughan und Fiona Staples's Saga.

Wanted to see what all the fuzz was about myself and damn, totally pulled into this weird space opera\scifi\fantasy thing. Never read something quite like it and absolutely love it so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on May 06, 2019, 05:55:25 PM
Fantastic!
It's brilliant isn't it?

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Kurgan on May 06, 2019, 06:04:36 PM
It absolutely is.



Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BishopShouldGo on May 10, 2019, 03:42:53 PM
Rereading Stephen King's The Shining.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on May 10, 2019, 08:32:22 PM
Reading Superman vs. Aliens II: God War
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on May 12, 2019, 09:57:31 PM
Quote from: Frosty Venom on May 01, 2019, 12:54:20 PM
Alien: Echo

Ya digg?

Just started that today.

After finishing "Horrorstor" by Grady Hendrix, which was a strong 3/5, but lost its way in terms of the humorous tone during the final act. Still a fun book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on May 12, 2019, 11:23:16 PM
Times of Trouble, book 3 of Terminator 2: The New John Connor Chronicles. Read them ages ago and remembered them being good. They still hold up pretty well.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on May 27, 2019, 05:00:26 PM
Currently reading the most recent Bond novel, Forever and a Day by Anthony Horowitz.

I thoroughly enjoyed his last one, and this is just as good so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on May 27, 2019, 08:54:47 PM
Loss of Seperation by Conrad Williams. 

Pet Semetary by Stephen King

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on May 28, 2019, 07:15:06 AM
I'm currently reading Battle Royale. Always loved the film, after a rewatch last week I decided to finally get the book. It's a nice sized thing. I'm about 300 pages in and halfway through.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on May 30, 2019, 03:17:15 AM
The Joy of Less: by Francine Jay
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jun 04, 2019, 02:12:13 AM
Godzilla KOTM: The official movie novelization
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 04, 2019, 03:08:57 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 28, 2019, 07:15:06 AM
I'm currently reading Battle Royale. Always loved the film, after a rewatch last week I decided to finally get the book. It's a nice sized thing. I'm about 300 pages in and halfway through.

I skimmed a few pages and thought it read mostly stale.


The movie is pure magic and first introduced me to Gogo Yubari. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 04, 2019, 07:45:29 AM
Finally got my hands on Predator: South China Sea and started reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 04, 2019, 07:53:33 AM
God damn it! >:(

:laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 04, 2019, 08:33:47 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 04, 2019, 03:08:57 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 28, 2019, 07:15:06 AM
I'm currently reading Battle Royale. Always loved the film, after a rewatch last week I decided to finally get the book. It's a nice sized thing. I'm about 300 pages in and halfway through.

I skimmed a few pages and thought it read mostly stale.


The movie is pure magic and first introduced me to Gogo Yubari.

It was certainly a struggle at times - I really struggle when books stop for a chapter, introduce a character, lay out their backstory, then kill them - but when it was going, I really enjoyed it. I do think I'd rather watch the film though. f**king love the film.


Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 04, 2019, 07:45:29 AM
Finally got my hands on Predator: South China Sea and started reading.

How you doing with that one remaining leg?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 06, 2019, 12:12:03 PM
Currently reading The Cold Forge for the third time.

I f*cking love this book so much.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 07, 2019, 01:36:49 PM
Urban fantasy Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko:

Night Watch (1998)
Day Watch (2000)
Twilight Watch (2004)
Last Watch (2006)
New Watch (2013)
Sixth Watch (2014)

I'm finishing Last Watch at the moment. If you're fan of Neil Gaiman then give it a go. Urban fantasy at its best. It's dark, gritty, humorous and epic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 07, 2019, 09:52:15 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 04, 2019, 07:53:33 AM
God damn it! >:(

:laugh:
It was something like 60 EUR though. And it partly fell apart during reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FenGiddel on Jun 07, 2019, 11:51:17 PM
Finished "Caliban's War", by James S. A. Corey
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jun 08, 2019, 02:46:23 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 07, 2019, 09:52:15 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 04, 2019, 07:53:33 AM
God damn it! >:(

:laugh:
It was something like 60 EUR though. And it partly fell apart during reading.

I know for a fact the day I'd buy a copy, they'd announce the omnibus and I'd be sitting there with an $80 paperweight.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 08, 2019, 04:48:36 PM
Quote from: FenGiddel on Jun 07, 2019, 11:51:17 PM
Finished "Caliban's War", by James S. A. Corey

I freaking flew through that one! I've got 3 waiting for its turn but I'm currently reading Triumphant, the last of the Genesis Fleet books. Only just started this one.

Quote from: Huggs on Jun 08, 2019, 02:46:23 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 07, 2019, 09:52:15 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 04, 2019, 07:53:33 AM
God damn it! >:(

:laugh:
It was something like 60 EUR though. And it partly fell apart during reading.

I know for a fact the day I'd buy a copy, they'd announce the omnibus and I'd be sitting there with an $80 paperweight.

Take one for the team and freaking buy one then!!!  >:(

Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 07, 2019, 09:52:15 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 04, 2019, 07:53:33 AM
God damn it! >:(

:laugh:
It was something like 60 EUR though. And it partly fell apart during reading.

Literally?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Jun 08, 2019, 04:50:06 PM
Aliens: Berserker.

S. D. Perry really managed to improve on the source material, am quite enjoying this one.

Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 07, 2019, 09:52:15 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 04, 2019, 07:53:33 AM
God damn it! >:(

:laugh:
It was something like 60 EUR though. And it partly fell apart during reading.

The used copy I got a few years back also got some cuts. Heck its this or nothing. At least it ended up being my favorite Predator novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 08, 2019, 05:05:05 PM
Quote from: Samhain13 on Jun 08, 2019, 04:50:06 PM
Aliens: Berserker.

S. D. Perry really managed to improve on the source material, am quite enjoying this one.

I'm always surprised at how much she elevates that comic. Berserker is probably one of my top Alien novels. Very good book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Jun 08, 2019, 05:19:45 PM
I'm on the last half and its already on my top 5. Not a fan of the books with her dad but her Aliens: Labyrinth novel is my favorite of all. I quite enjoy her writing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 08, 2019, 05:27:46 PM
Yeah, I much prefer Stephani over her father.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wysps on Jun 09, 2019, 06:52:57 PM
Same.  There definitely is a notable difference between when she writes solo and when she shares the writing with her dad, though I still find Prey an enjoyable read  :) 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 09, 2019, 08:40:59 PM
Stephani is less all that is man.


I dont mind Steve but also prefer Stephani.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 09, 2019, 09:04:13 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 08, 2019, 04:48:36 PM
Quote from: FenGiddel on Jun 07, 2019, 11:51:17 PM
Finished "Caliban's War", by James S. A. Corey

I freaking flew through that one! I've got 3 waiting for its turn but I'm currently reading Triumphant, the last of the Genesis Fleet books. Only just started this one.

Quote from: Huggs on Jun 08, 2019, 02:46:23 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 07, 2019, 09:52:15 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 04, 2019, 07:53:33 AM
God damn it! >:(

:laugh:
It was something like 60 EUR though. And it partly fell apart during reading.

I know for a fact the day I'd buy a copy, they'd announce the omnibus and I'd be sitting there with an $80 paperweight.

Take one for the team and freaking buy one then!!!  >:(

Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 07, 2019, 09:52:15 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 04, 2019, 07:53:33 AM
God damn it! >:(

:laugh:
It was something like 60 EUR though. And it partly fell apart during reading.

Literally?
I left it in the car during a big heatwave. I think that loosened the glue and pages 1-50 fell out during reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 10, 2019, 07:15:39 AM
That is just f**king harsh. Sorry to hear.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 10, 2019, 01:43:38 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 10, 2019, 07:15:39 AM
That is just f**king harsh. Sorry to hear.
Not a big issue, I am almost through the book and enjoying it a lot. Still, I think I loved Turnabout and If It Bleeds more.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Jun 10, 2019, 07:00:22 PM
Currently working on The Mezzanine by Nicholson Baker. The one where the action of the whole thing takes place while a guy goes up an escalator during his lunch break and investigates his tangential interiority via footnotes and digressions. It's actually way cooler and more readable than it sounds. Also plenty of laugh out loud moments w/r/t verbal interactions in office culture.

Quote from: Samhain13 on Jun 08, 2019, 05:19:45 PM
I'm on the last half and its already on my top 5. Not a fan of the books with her dad but her Aliens: Labyrinth novel is my favorite of all. I quite enjoy her writing.

I was planning on getting through the Rage War trilogy next, but I might have to check out Labyrinth first. I think that's the last Perry book I haven't yet read. The graphic novel is one of my favorites for sure, so I've been curious about the book but neglected it even though it's been on my shelf for a while.

Quote from: Ingwar on Jun 07, 2019, 01:36:49 PM
Urban fantasy Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko:

Night Watch (1998)
Day Watch (2000)
Twilight Watch (2004)
Last Watch (2006)
New Watch (2013)
Sixth Watch (2014)

I'm finishing Last Watch at the moment. If you're fan of Neil Gaiman then give it a go. Urban fantasy at its best. It's dark, gritty, humorous and epic.

The movies were super cool, but I did not realize there were 6 novels in the series. Damn! I might have to check that out eventually.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 10, 2019, 07:21:19 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2019, 07:00:22 PMI was planning on getting through the Rage War trilogy next, but I might have to check out Labyrinth first. I think that's the last Perry book I haven't yet read.

Honestly the Rage War trilogy are among my favourite AVP EU novels, if only because they made such a big break from the standard format.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Jun 10, 2019, 07:37:54 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 10, 2019, 07:21:19 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2019, 07:00:22 PMI was planning on getting through the Rage War trilogy next, but I might have to check out Labyrinth first. I think that's the last Perry book I haven't yet read.

Honestly the Rage War trilogy are among my favourite AVP EU novels, if only because they made such a big break from the standard format.

I probably wouldn't be as excited for them if it wasn't Tim Lebbon at the helm, but as I continue to iterate no matter how much people are tired of me saying it, I love Out of the Shadows. Not to mention he's reached kind of an entirely new level of relevancy with the Netflix adaptation of his book.

Glad to hear someone else is a fan of the trilogy. I missed the discussion when it came out but haven't heard much about it since.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 10, 2019, 08:49:00 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2019, 07:00:22 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Jun 07, 2019, 01:36:49 PM
Urban fantasy Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko:

Night Watch (1998)
Day Watch (2000)
Twilight Watch (2004)
Last Watch (2006)
New Watch (2013)
Sixth Watch (2014)

I'm finishing Last Watch at the moment. If you're fan of Neil Gaiman then give it a go. Urban fantasy at its best. It's dark, gritty, humorous and epic.

The movies were super cool, but I did not realize there were 6 novels in the series. Damn! I might have to check that out eventually.

Books are amazing. Way better than movies. No comparison! Just started the fifth one today.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 11, 2019, 02:28:50 AM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2019, 07:37:54 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 10, 2019, 07:21:19 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2019, 07:00:22 PMI was planning on getting through the Rage War trilogy next, but I might have to check out Labyrinth first. I think that's the last Perry book I haven't yet read.

Honestly the Rage War trilogy are among my favourite AVP EU novels, if only because they made such a big break from the standard format.

I probably wouldn't be as excited for them if it wasn't Tim Lebbon at the helm, but as I continue to iterate no matter how much people are tired of me saying it, I love Out of the Shadows. Not to mention he's reached kind of an entirely new level of relevancy with the Netflix adaptation of his book.

Glad to hear someone else is a fan of the trilogy. I missed the discussion when it came out but haven't heard much about it since.

I liked Out of Shadows alright.  Of the NEW EU I probably like it 2nd best of the newly released stuff. 

I liked the first book in Rage War, but thought it lost a lot of steam going into the second one.  I began to get some halo vibes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 11, 2019, 07:32:05 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 10, 2019, 01:43:38 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 10, 2019, 07:15:39 AM
That is just f**king harsh. Sorry to hear.
Not a big issue, I am almost through the book and enjoying it a lot. Still, I think I loved Turnabout and If It Bleeds more.

That's a problem when something is as hyped as this, but so hard to get hold of! Though I 100% think Turnabout and If It Bleeds are fantastic. Along with SCS, all are 10/10s IMHO.


Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 10, 2019, 07:21:19 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 10, 2019, 07:00:22 PMI was planning on getting through the Rage War trilogy next, but I might have to check out Labyrinth first. I think that's the last Perry book I haven't yet read.

Honestly the Rage War trilogy are among my favourite AVP EU novels, if only because they made such a big break from the standard format.

That was something I really loved about the Rage Wars too. I loved how they had a completely different feel to all the other EU. They're or 7 or 8s out of 10 for me, but I did thoroughly enjoy them. I'm wanting to re-read those at some point too.


Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 11, 2019, 02:28:50 AM
I liked the first book in Rage War, but thought it lost a lot of steam going into the second one.  I began to get some halo vibes.

I can see that. I always thought of them as a sort of soft hard/militaristic sci-fi and the Halo universe is very much in that vein.


And very nearly finished my book! I fly through these Lost Fleet books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 11, 2019, 08:27:53 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 11, 2019, 02:28:50 AMI liked the first book in Rage War, but thought it lost a lot of steam going into the second one.

The second one did suffer a bit from middle chapter syndrome. The first and last books were much better. But as a whole I thoroughly enjoyed them trying something markedly different with the licence. A very welcome breath of fresh air.

Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 11, 2019, 02:28:50 AMI began to get some halo vibes.

If anything it's more of a copy of the Mass Effect universe. Drop holes = mass relays, the Rage = the Reapers etc.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 12, 2019, 09:22:43 PM
Now reading the Predator 2 novelization. I like the Predator POV perspectives and the fact that he analyzed the first Predator's hunt (the ship returned along with the information when the Jungle Hunter was killed).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 13, 2019, 08:32:24 AM
I really liked the Predator bits in that. They managed to shed some light on them without over-humanising them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 13, 2019, 09:14:12 AM
Yeah, I enjoyed those parts too. Some really interesting insights. I need to buy myself an actual copy of that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Jun 13, 2019, 08:46:19 PM
Finished The Mezzanine. What a trip. Very odd, almost an anti-novel really if you're interested in form and structure. Super funny though. Will definitely be further investigating Nicholson Baker's work.

Moving on to Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot.

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 13, 2019, 09:14:12 AM
Yeah, I enjoyed those parts too. Some really interesting insights. I need to buy myself an actual copy of that.

Yeah you do! It's a solid adaptation of the film in novel form. I think my favorite aspect is the deleted parallel relationship between Harrigan and Heinemann which occurred in the first movie between Dutch and Dillon. The Thomas brothers really hate bureaucrats. That seems to be kind of the subtext of their screenplays, based on what we get in the novelizations.

I really want more people to read the first film's novelization though. It's not really good per se, but it's fecking odd and really compelling because of how different it is from the movie. And the fact that the author was a poetry writer who ended up winning the National Book Award for a memoir.

I wish the P1 and P2 books didn't seem so hard to come by though. Predator books in general really, other than the 3 Bantam books. I think I probably paid around $20-$25
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 14, 2019, 02:33:38 AM
I don't have either of the predator novels but I did get Resurrection when I was a kid and Res was out in theaters (it subsequently had bits told from the Alien perspective that were interesting) and then way later picked up a copy of Alien by ADF that was also WAY different from the movie.  So much so that I got no enjoyment out of reading it. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 14, 2019, 02:38:59 AM
The Encyclopedia of Monsters by Jeff Rovin

Poor Hicks doesn't even get mentioned as one of the survivors in the Alien entry. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 14, 2019, 02:51:34 AM
well............he didn't survive.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Jun 14, 2019, 02:58:54 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 14, 2019, 02:33:38 AM
I don't have either of the predator novels but I did get Resurrection when I was a kid and Res was out in theaters (it subsequently had bits told from the Alien perspective that were interesting) and then way later picked up a copy of Alien by ADF that was also WAY different from the movie.  So much so that I got no enjoyment out of reading it.

I think the Alien novelization is mostly just okay. Way too many switches in focalization via the 3rd person omniscient POV. It happens multiple times per page in some cases which is a bit much. It's not even that great at the sentence level, and the way he opens each of the books in the abstract way he does is repetitive and annoying. It's been a while since I read it though.

I thought AC Crispin's Resurrection was straight up awesome. It gave us so much more from every character, and chapter by chapter used a 3rd person limited focalization which worked really well. I'd call it a top 5 Alien novel, period.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 14, 2019, 02:59:38 AM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Jun 14, 2019, 02:51:34 AM
well............he didn't survive.

This was written before Alien 3, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Jun 14, 2019, 03:34:59 AM
CHECKMATE
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 14, 2019, 07:43:46 AM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 13, 2019, 08:46:19 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 13, 2019, 09:14:12 AM
Yeah, I enjoyed those parts too. Some really interesting insights. I need to buy myself an actual copy of that.

Yeah you do! It's a solid adaptation of the film in novel form. I think my favorite aspect is the deleted parallel relationship between Harrigan and Heinemann which occurred in the first movie between Dutch and Dillon. The Thomas brothers really hate bureaucrats. That seems to be kind of the subtext of their screenplays, based on what we get in the novelizations.

I really want more people to read the first film's novelization though. It's not really good per se, but it's fecking odd and really compelling because of how different it is from the movie. And the fact that the author was a poetry writer who ended up winning the National Book Award for a memoir.

I wish the P1 and P2 books didn't seem so hard to come by though. Predator books in general really, other than the 3 Bantam books. I think I probably paid around $20-$25

To be fair, I have read it (borrowed a copy off HuDa) but I don't own it myself. I found the original Predator novelization easier to come by when I brought it but Predator 2 is just ridiculous to get hold of.


Quote from: Hudson on Jun 14, 2019, 02:58:54 AM
I thought AC Crispin's Resurrection was straight up awesome. It gave us so much more from every character, and chapter by chapter used a 3rd person limited focalization which worked really well. I'd call it a top 5 Alien novel, period.

Honestly, like Covenant, I prefer the Resurrection novelization over the actual film. The book was so much more entertaining and came off less of a parody.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jun 14, 2019, 12:37:21 PM
Maybe they'll re-release the Predator novelisations in a omnibus. We can hope
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 15, 2019, 12:03:19 PM
I still find it a bit strange that Titan reissued the Alien novelisations but not the Predator ones. I guess Alien's just considered a bigger draw. Unless it's somehow a rights thing?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jun 15, 2019, 12:19:44 PM
Could be, but its a pain if it is
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 15, 2019, 05:45:53 PM
The Predator movies don't even get decent features compared to Alien.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jun 15, 2019, 06:18:15 PM
Yeah, unfortunately.

Working my way through The Last Wish at the minute, absolutely fantastic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 15, 2019, 06:42:04 PM
Have you read whole The Witcher saga?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jun 15, 2019, 06:48:26 PM
Only Season of Storms so far, as it released and earlier The Witcher, the first story from The Last Wish novel, back when I first attempted to play the first game. The one they provided for free with the game and created a very faithful animation of.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 15, 2019, 07:39:56 PM
You're talking about The Witcher, the first ever short story about Geralt written by Sapkowski and published in Polish science fiction and fantasy magazine Fantastyka in 1986. Sapkowski wrote it for a contest held by the magazine and won third place. At that time he wasn't even bother about writing anything else about Geralt.

Season of Storms is good but so-called saga (Sapkowski doesn't like to call it that way) is way better.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jun 15, 2019, 07:41:04 PM
Oh, that's interesting I didn't know that.
I recently bought all the rest of them, and plan on reading through them all before replaying The Witcher 2 and 3. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 15, 2019, 07:57:47 PM
Word witcher doesn't exist in Polish dictionary. It's neologism. Sapkowski created it from wiedźma (female witch) as male equivalent of witch in Polish language isn't wiedźmin but czarnoksiężnik or czarownik (based upon verb czarować which means to cast spell, to hex). Polish word czar means spell.

So basically, wiedźmin (witcher) is male equivalent of wiedźma (female witch). He just made it masculine. By the way, Sapkowski prefers wiedzmin to be called hexer. I prefer witcher.

http://www.terminally-incoherent.com/blog/2010/04/12/the-witcher-first-impression/


Quote from: The Old One on Jun 15, 2019, 07:41:04 PM
I recently bought all the rest of them, and plan on reading through them all before replaying The Witcher 2 and 3.

Enjoy reading. It's a long journey but it's worth it!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jun 15, 2019, 08:34:15 PM
Hexer is good, but I indeed prefer Witcher.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 19, 2019, 09:24:14 AM
Reading the Colonial Marine Tech Manual again. Previously have only skimmed it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jun 19, 2019, 06:15:45 PM
I don't find it invigorating but it's a neat collection of trivia.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Jun 19, 2019, 08:59:18 PM
Almost Human by Sylvain Neuvel

The final book of the excellent Themis Files trilogy
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 20, 2019, 08:21:08 AM
Also finished all the Predator novels for my list of best Predator books (https://www.avpcentral.com/top-10-predator-books).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 20, 2019, 08:25:30 AM
Surprised to see Concrete Jungle so high on the list. I honestly struggled to finish that one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 20, 2019, 08:26:53 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 20, 2019, 08:25:30 AM
Surprised to see Concrete Jungle so high on the list. I honestly struggled to finish that one.
Yeah, it's not great, not terrible. But still a classic and probably the best from the "original trilogy".
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 20, 2019, 08:53:31 AM
I really didn't get on with the early Predator novels. Found the writing totally lacklustre, but thinking back I read them off the back of marathoning the entire Bantam Aliens series, so maybe I was just a bit burned out by generally-not-all-that-inspired film tie-in novels. I should probably give them another go at some point.

Also, Predator novelisation but no Predator 2? :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 20, 2019, 08:54:42 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 20, 2019, 08:53:31 AM
I really didn't get on with the early Predator novels. Found the writing totally lacklustre, but thinking back I read them off the back of marathoning the entire Bantam Aliens series, so maybe I was just a bit burned out by generally-not-all-that-inspired film tie-in novels. I should probably give them another go at some point.

Also, Predator novelisation but no Predator 2? :P
Predator novelization is more interesting and did not want to include both. I do mention it though!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 20, 2019, 08:57:26 AM
Fair. It is pretty whack. Suffered for me though because it felt as though everything that was different made the story objectively worse. It's a neat curio but I didn't think it was an especially good book.

Second was a far better read in every regard, I thought.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jun 20, 2019, 05:01:35 PM
The life-changing magic of tidying up: The Japanese art of decluttering and organizing
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 21, 2019, 09:38:57 AM
Been reading Alien and Predator stuff for 1,5 years nonstop and am actually almost finished and kind of fed up as well.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The1PerfectOrganism on Jun 21, 2019, 12:32:12 PM
Mass Effect Revelation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Jun 21, 2019, 05:15:39 PM
Finished Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot. 5/5 from me, super engaging memoir. Really intense.

Also read The Sarah Book by Scott McClanahan. Another 5/5. Heartbreaking depiction of a divorce with such crazy detail. Both of these books were hard not to finish in about a day each. They're not super long or short, but extremely engaging and entertaining. Almost to the degree of Cherry by Nico Walker.

I started There There by Tommy Orange and also Frozen Hell, the extended version of "Who Goes There?" which was recently discovered in some archives. Not bad so far.

I've been checking out some graphic novels too. The White Donkey, the book-length piece by Maximilian Uriarte, was incredible. His comic strip, Terminal Lance, is pretty integral, but I found this full-length deployment narrative to encompass a lot of true things about the Marines and deploying, and then coming home. He really nailed it.

I got the DC/Darkhorse Aliens book and re-read the Batman/Aliens books. The first one was decent, it's the one I read a few times as a kid. The characters are memorable but the whole story is kind of self-contained. I haven't read other Batman comics really so I don't know how much it remains in the spirit of that material. Batman/Aliens II kinda sucked. The first two issues were interesting, but the third just went totally nuts and ended up being goofy.

I've looked at some of the other new comics too. I thought Dead Orbit was alright, cool art but not much to it. I didn't like the ending. Dust to Dust I preferred some more. I thought they both did a great job of staying in the spirit of the films instead of going off the rails like so many of the other graphic novels do. Still need to investigate plenty more of these.

Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 21, 2019, 09:38:57 AM
Been reading Alien and Predator stuff for 1,5 years nonstop and am actually almost finished and kind of fed up as well.

I've only ended up reading a few of the books per year on average. I get burned out if I read too many at a time.

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 20, 2019, 08:57:26 AM
Fair. It is pretty whack. Suffered for me though because it felt as though everything that was different made the story objectively worse. It's a neat curio but I didn't think it was an especially good book.

Second was a far better read in every regard, I thought.

Not to mention the first book is pretty damn racist throughout. I don't remember how close the second one came (beyond the obvious plot elements), but maybe this is why Titan aren't reissuing them.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 22, 2019, 10:15:27 AM
How many books do you read in a year?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jun 22, 2019, 10:31:08 AM
Quote from: Hudson on Jun 21, 2019, 05:15:39 PMNot to mention the first book is pretty damn racist throughout.

Yeah, that was as bizarre as it was unpleasant.

Quote from: Hudson on Jun 21, 2019, 05:15:39 PM...maybe this is why Titan aren't reissuing them.

That's actually not a bad suggestion.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 22, 2019, 09:09:01 PM
I've started reading The Eye of the World. I hope to have a least a good chunk of the Wheel of Time done before Amazon airs the show next year.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jun 23, 2019, 12:05:07 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 22, 2019, 10:15:27 AM
How many books do you read in a year?

If this is a general question, then 1-3 per week.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jun 24, 2019, 01:20:59 PM
I require a good bookmark.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Jun 24, 2019, 10:27:08 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Jun 22, 2019, 10:15:27 AM
How many books do you read in a year?

I fell off a bit last year but I've kept it around 30 per year on average recently.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 27, 2019, 01:24:36 PM
Started to read Tarzan vs. Predator, quite fun (and cheap!) and ties into other Hollow Earth stories by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jul 04, 2019, 12:28:53 AM
Escape from Alcatraz - by J. Campbell Bruce
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jul 05, 2019, 12:40:11 AM
I attained a good bookmark.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 05, 2019, 01:14:27 AM
The Eye of the World

Really kicking into high gear. Great stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jul 06, 2019, 04:50:08 AM
Spartacus - by Howard Fast
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Kurgan on Jul 06, 2019, 11:29:15 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Jul 06, 2019, 04:50:08 AM
Spartacus - by Howard Fast

Would you recommend it?

I am in the mood for historical novels and the Spartacus uprising is a very interesting subject.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jul 06, 2019, 03:27:30 PM
Quote from: The Kurgan on Jul 06, 2019, 11:29:15 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Jul 06, 2019, 04:50:08 AM
Spartacus - by Howard Fast

Would you recommend it?

I am in the mood for historical novels and the Spartacus uprising is a very interesting subject.

I don't know yet. I got about 2 pages in and fell asleep because it was so late.  :laugh:

But I believe it's not strictly historical. It's more of a dramatization that led to the film. I had to track down an old copy on eBay. But hey, $5 plus free shipping. Not too bad really. I hear it was so full of questionable material, the author had to sell it himself at first. I'll see if I can get a good feel for it, and I'll get in touch with you.

But I hear what you're saying. I prefer historical stuff. I've got "Inside Hitler's Bunker: The Last Days of the Third Reich" by Joachim Fest and "I heard you paint houses" by Charles Brandt lined up next. After that I've got a couple of novels on 9/11 and The Commission Report that I'd like to order and read.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Jul 07, 2019, 03:37:42 PM
Monolith - Shaun Hutson
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jul 10, 2019, 08:42:36 PM
Started Predator: Forever Midnight yesterday. So far it's been a slightly odd mix of scenes that are really good, and scenes that are really amateurish, but overall I'm quite enjoying it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jul 11, 2019, 03:56:39 AM
Still reading Spartacus. It's slow going though. Normally, I could've read a book twice by now.

A little odd. Definitely different from the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jul 11, 2019, 08:31:46 AM
The Hobbit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 11, 2019, 10:59:24 AM
Just received Predator: Hunters II from Amazon. Excited to read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jul 11, 2019, 12:16:17 PM
Currently re-reading Alien: Echo.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jul 11, 2019, 02:49:48 PM
Still haven't seen a copy of that in the shops.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Jul 15, 2019, 03:49:33 PM
Aliens: Original Sin and Aliens: Sea of Sorrows.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Jul 16, 2019, 12:52:20 PM
First one's good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jul 22, 2019, 02:25:10 PM
Predator: Flesh and Blood

So much better than the previous one. The family intrigue was nicely done and kept it refreshingly grounded despite the future setting, the lead human and Predator characters were engaging, and the Predators in general were handled far better than in Forever Midnight. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jul 22, 2019, 04:29:53 PM
Inside Hitler's Bunker: The Last Days of the Third Reich
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Jul 22, 2019, 05:39:34 PM
I Am Behind You - John Ajvide Lindqvist
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 22, 2019, 05:50:26 PM
Reading Arnhem by Antony Beevor (about Operation Market Garden)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Aug 21, 2019, 01:59:17 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61z9a6pfbLL._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Aug 21, 2019, 02:17:47 PM
Watched Hold The Dark on Netflix recently, so I'm reading the novel it's based on. It's really good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Aug 21, 2019, 05:47:08 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fprodimage.images-bn.com%2Fpimages%2F9780062316110_p0_v5_s1200x630.jpg&hash=fdf15d95d9a987c26265d6541b653d330732c0b5)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Aug 21, 2019, 05:55:13 PM
Wolf in Shadow - David Gemmel
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Sep 02, 2019, 05:51:11 PM
Godzilla 1998: The official movie novelization - By Stephen Molstad
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 03, 2019, 07:32:05 AM
Started Abaddon's Gate, Expanse Book 3.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 03, 2019, 10:11:11 AM
Reading Alien: Isolation and it's quite good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Sep 05, 2019, 03:11:40 AM
The last half of Godzilla 98. So far, it's almost better than the movie. "Almost"

"She looked like a sexy jungle librarian"

Lord have mercy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Samhain13 on Sep 05, 2019, 03:13:41 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Sep 05, 2019, 03:11:40 AM
"She looked like a sexy jungle librarian"

That's a new one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Sep 05, 2019, 07:52:32 AM
I don't know what a jungle librarian looks like, sexy or otherwise.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 17, 2019, 07:47:35 PM
Reading up on some Terminator EU stuff in preparation for the movie. Currently T2: Infiltrator and Terminator Comics Omnibus 1.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Sep 21, 2019, 11:19:34 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 17, 2019, 07:47:35 PM
Reading up on some Terminator EU stuff in preparation for the movie. Currently T2: Infiltrator and Terminator Comics Omnibus 1.
I'm also reading Infiltrator, since I finished the New John Connor Chronicles not long ago.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 22, 2019, 09:58:14 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Sep 21, 2019, 11:19:34 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 17, 2019, 07:47:35 PM
Reading up on some Terminator EU stuff in preparation for the movie. Currently T2: Infiltrator and Terminator Comics Omnibus 1.
I'm also reading Infiltrator, since I finished the New John Connor Chronicles not long ago.
How was the New John Connor Chronicles?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Oct 01, 2019, 05:25:25 PM
Paul Monette's Predator novelisation. Always struck me as bizarre how he seemed to want to make Dutch and his men genuine pricks.

Also Rex Pickett's draft of Alien 3, which is proving quite interesting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 01, 2019, 05:58:28 PM
The Massett/Zinman draft of the first Tomb Raider film. Which it has basically nothing to do with since Simon West more or less rewrote the script himself from scratch.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Oct 01, 2019, 07:23:26 PM
Reading the DevOps Handbook.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Jacku on Oct 02, 2019, 02:09:22 AM
Just reread The Shining. It really is so amazing to me. Probably my favourite book. Gonna have to read Doctor Sleep before the new film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 02, 2019, 07:57:59 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Oct 01, 2019, 05:25:25 PM
Paul Monette's Predator novelisation. Always struck me as bizarre how he seemed to want to make Dutch and his men genuine pricks.

Yeaaahhhh...I really struggled through that one.

QuoteAlso Rex Pickett's draft of Alien 3, which is proving quite interesting.

:o But you don't read scripts!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Oct 02, 2019, 09:59:02 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Oct 02, 2019, 07:57:59 AMYeaaahhhh...I really struggled through that one.

I'm finding it easier than I remember first time around but it's still a really odd and unsatisfying read. Aside from the fact the Predator itself is so whack compared to what we're used to, I don't recall reading another novel where every protagonist is so thoroughly unlikeable. The open racism from most of the team towards Dillon is especially head-scratching ???

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Oct 02, 2019, 07:57:59 AM:o But you don't read scripts!

I finally pulled my thumb out and forced my way through the various Alien 3 shooting drafts :laugh:

Pickett's one was especially strange in that it was mostly the same events, but the leading characters all had markedly different personalities. In particular, Ripley really didn't feel at all like Ripley and Clemens came across as kind of a creepy dick. Maybe Pickett had been reading Monette's Predator :P

Also read the earlier Giler/Hill draft where the bait-and-chase actually takes place in the middle of the movie. That was some weird shit. All those inmates get killed luring it into the waste tank but then at the end Ripley and Aaron basically beat it up by themselves :laugh: Aaron's death in that one was nasty, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Oct 02, 2019, 11:51:36 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 22, 2019, 09:58:14 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Sep 21, 2019, 11:19:34 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 17, 2019, 07:47:35 PM
Reading up on some Terminator EU stuff in preparation for the movie. Currently T2: Infiltrator and Terminator Comics Omnibus 1.
I'm also reading Infiltrator, since I finished the New John Connor Chronicles not long ago.
How was the New John Connor Chronicles?
Expensive! Well, book 3 was, anyway.

It's decent, but gets a bit overstuffed by the finale. Worth a read, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 03, 2019, 12:28:46 AM
The Giler/Hill draft of Alien, with the human jockey. Interesting stuff, even if I find their writing style very strange, like they wanted to write haiku and fell into filmmaking by accident.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Oct 03, 2019, 07:09:28 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 03, 2019, 12:28:46 AM
The Giler/Hill draft of Alien, with the human jockey. Interesting stuff, even if I find their writing style very strange, like they wanted to write haiku and fell into filmmaking by accident.

#F***Giler
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Oct 03, 2019, 10:35:02 AM
Nah, Giler, Hill and O'Bannon all deserve respect for their work.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 03, 2019, 01:38:45 PM
Quote from: Fiendishly Inventive on Oct 03, 2019, 10:35:02 AM
Nah, Giler, Hill and O'Bannon all deserve respect for their work.

#f**kGiler is just a running joke between us, heh.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 04, 2019, 04:31:09 PM
River Monsters: True Stories Of The Ones That Didn't Get Away
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Oct 06, 2019, 10:11:15 PM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FiQrxFgK.jpg&hash=28d6c9c0f1f826657d2bc19dc324f4b9da2c982f)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 09, 2019, 08:04:49 PM
The Ice Man: Confessions Of A Mafia Contract Killer
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Oct 11, 2019, 02:11:38 PM
Four Doctor Who Virgin New Adventures Books

Time's Crucible, Warhead, Witch's Mark & Nightshade
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Oct 12, 2019, 11:47:32 AM
Timothy Zahn is always a win.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 12, 2019, 07:47:53 PM
Just read through Giler and Hill's script for a remake of The Killer. Not bad overall, even if I'm not wild about the changed ending.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Oct 14, 2019, 05:09:00 PM
The Last Duel by Eric Jager. It's apparently the next Scott's project starting Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Jodie Comer.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/512JMFNP2XL._SX325_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 15, 2019, 05:56:07 PM
Alien: The Illustrated Story
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Oct 15, 2019, 07:29:58 PM
Scrolling through Alien: The Blueprints, amazing stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Oct 16, 2019, 10:16:43 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 12, 2019, 07:47:53 PM
Just read through Giler and Hill's script for a remake of The Killer. Not bad overall, even if I'm not wild about the changed ending.

The original is one of my favourites, and the ending is bleak as f*ck.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Oct 16, 2019, 12:02:16 PM
Finally finished the first book of the S M Stirling T2 trilogy. On to the second!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 16, 2019, 03:57:10 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Oct 16, 2019, 10:16:43 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 12, 2019, 07:47:53 PM
Just read through Giler and Hill's script for a remake of The Killer. Not bad overall, even if I'm not wild about the changed ending.

The original is one of my favourites, and the ending is bleak as f*ck.

Yeah, they changed it to a happy ending, but it more or less worked on the page. And at least there was nothing as weird as the bit from their Alien draft where Ripley and Lambert start suspecting Ash is a robot because he hasn't f**ked either of them. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Oct 17, 2019, 12:17:43 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 16, 2019, 03:57:10 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Oct 16, 2019, 10:16:43 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 12, 2019, 07:47:53 PM
Just read through Giler and Hill's script for a remake of The Killer. Not bad overall, even if I'm not wild about the changed ending.

The original is one of my favourites, and the ending is bleak as f*ck.

Yeah, they changed it to a happy ending, but it more or less worked on the page. And at least there was nothing as weird as the bit from their Alien draft where Ripley and Lambert start suspecting Ash is a robot because he hasn't f**ked either of them. :laugh:

#F***edbyGiler lmao  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 23, 2019, 12:20:02 AM
I'm switching between "The old man and the sea" and "The complete works of Edgar Allen Poe".
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Oct 23, 2019, 08:38:17 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Oct 16, 2019, 12:02:16 PM
Finally finished the first book of the S M Stirling T2 trilogy. On to the second!
Same here, the second and third books are a bit harder to acquire though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Delta Echo Alpha Delta on Oct 23, 2019, 10:26:50 PM
I am currently reading Alive by Scott Sigler, I always read a book of an upcoming Alien author release to familiarise myself with their writing style. It is pretty good despite reading spoilers on twitter.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Oct 25, 2019, 02:55:58 PM
Just finished Sharp Ends: Stories from the World of The First Law by Joe Abercrombie, my favourite fantasy writer at the moment.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61YRjCK1wYL._SX323_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)

And just started A Little Hatred (also set in the The First Law universe), first book of The Age of Madness trilogy by Abercrombie.

(https://www.foyles.co.uk/cms-uploaded/events/3968.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 30, 2019, 10:36:44 PM
Paradise Lost
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Delta Echo Alpha Delta on Oct 31, 2019, 12:31:36 PM
Started Alien: Prototype on Audible, of course, I have bought the digital book for research as well. I am really enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Nov 05, 2019, 08:35:43 PM
Alien: Prototype.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Nov 08, 2019, 06:13:22 PM
The Night Lives On - Water Lord
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Nov 08, 2019, 08:20:45 PM
Just finished BONE in Black and White.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: [cancerblack] on Nov 08, 2019, 08:41:32 PM
Nice.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Nov 09, 2019, 02:03:33 AM
Quote from: Wweyland on Oct 23, 2019, 08:38:17 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Oct 16, 2019, 12:02:16 PM
Finally finished the first book of the S M Stirling T2 trilogy. On to the second!
Same here, the second and third books are a bit harder to acquire though.
Really? I had no issues picking them up for peanuts. Nothing like the problems trying to get the third in the New John Connor Chronicles series!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Nov 10, 2019, 09:04:03 AM
BONE is so good, really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Nov 10, 2019, 10:41:18 AM
Can you guess my question?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: [cancerblack] on Nov 10, 2019, 06:11:42 PM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Nov 10, 2019, 10:41:18 AM
Can you guess my question?


Spoiler

(https://comicvine1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/square_small/0/574/89141-49074-thorn.jpg)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Nov 10, 2019, 08:01:52 PM
Reading Star Wars: Heir to the Empire in preparation for the new movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Nov 10, 2019, 09:01:37 PM
 :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Dec 05, 2019, 02:20:17 AM
The Grapes of Wrath - By John Steinbeck
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Dec 05, 2019, 11:48:09 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Dec 05, 2019, 02:20:17 AM
The Grapes of Wrath - By John Steinbeck

An excellent book. :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Dec 05, 2019, 11:54:43 AM
One of my School English Literature books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: razeak on Dec 06, 2019, 05:42:40 AM
I remember liking the Stirling T2 series many years ago. I still have the hardbacks.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jan 14, 2020, 09:38:45 PM
Alien: Prototype

100 pages in as of now. I give it a 1/5 so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 14, 2020, 09:49:18 PM
The Creature Chronicles: Exploring the Black Lagoon Trilogy

Excellent stuff so far, overall. The somewhat lengthy, overly detailed sections about each movie's musical score are dreadfully dull, though. And I really don't get why all three main writers take the time to shit on poor Clint Eastwood's first acting performance in Revenge of the Creature. It's like, come on, he was 24 and new at this, and it's only like thirty seconds of the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Walter2104 on Jan 15, 2020, 11:30:57 AM
Started reading "The Making of Alien" by J.R. Rinzler again.  What a good book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 15, 2020, 11:56:12 AM
I can't recommend that book enough.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Jan 15, 2020, 02:17:55 PM
Sherlock Holmes vs Cthulhu: The Adventure of the Neural Psychoses
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jan 16, 2020, 11:41:15 PM
Finished Alien: Prototype last night.

The necromorph was interesting, but I didn't care for the fact that it was basically just breathing on people and killing them. Didn't really care for any of the characters either.

I give it a 0.5 out of 5.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 25, 2020, 10:14:17 PM
Just finished off Wiseguy, by Nicholas Pileggi. I'm pretty amazed by just how closely Scorsese stuck to the facts with Goodfellas. There are sections of the book that are translated word for word to the screen. Even the crazy shit like cooking their own meals in prison really happened. Just about the only crazy bit the movie made up was dangling the one guy over the lion pit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Jan 31, 2020, 12:27:24 AM
The Cold Forge
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jan 31, 2020, 12:39:04 PM
Really need to finish Doctor Who: Nightshade
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: The Old One on Feb 03, 2020, 01:24:18 PM
Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Feb 07, 2020, 10:50:42 AM
Recently finished 1984 and Animal Farm again.  I think 1984 is possibly my favourite book ever.

Now reading Voices from S-21.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Feb 07, 2020, 10:51:53 AM
I think I preferred Animal Farm of the two.

Both amazing, but 1984 was just a little relentlessly bleak for me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 07, 2020, 04:29:37 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 07, 2020, 10:51:53 AM
I think I preferred Animal Farm of the two.

Both amazing, but 1984 was just a little relentlessly bleak for me.

Animal Farm also doesn't spend ages giving you an excerpt of a book within the book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: FenGiddel on Feb 07, 2020, 09:05:00 PM
Quote from: SM on Feb 07, 2020, 10:50:42 AM
Recently finished 1984 and Animal Farm again.  I think 1984 is possibly my favourite book ever.

Now reading Voices from S-21.
Margaret Atwood thinks the coda's Standard English implies Big Brother's regime fell...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Feb 07, 2020, 09:23:12 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 07, 2020, 04:29:37 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 07, 2020, 10:51:53 AM
I think I preferred Animal Farm of the two.

Both amazing, but 1984 was just a little relentlessly bleak for me.

Animal Farm also doesn't spend ages giving you an excerpt of a book within the book.

That was part of what makes it great.  Spend time establishing the world, creating questions in the readers mind how we got here - then telling them.

Quote from: FenGiddel on Feb 07, 2020, 09:05:00 PM
Quote from: SM on Feb 07, 2020, 10:50:42 AM
Recently finished 1984 and Animal Farm again.  I think 1984 is possibly my favourite book ever.

Now reading Voices from S-21.
Margaret Atwood thinks the coda's Standard English implies Big Brother's regime fell...

Yeah a few people have said that over the years.  I don't really buy it though.  There's no one to challenge the party.  They've created this 'perfect' regime where they control so much that unless someone nuked the entire inner party at once, they can't be removed.

We were going to use the party as model for the USM at one point.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Feb 07, 2020, 09:27:17 PM
Quote from: SM on Feb 07, 2020, 09:23:12 PMYeah a few people have said that over the years.  I don't really buy it though.  There's no one to challenge the party.

What about the Proles?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Feb 08, 2020, 02:47:11 AM
There is no hope in the Proles.  I only have love for Big Brother.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Feb 08, 2020, 09:39:56 PM
Alien 3 unproduced screenplay comic.
Pretty fun read
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 12, 2020, 01:30:17 AM
The Shootist

We Were Soldiers Once...And Young
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Feb 12, 2020, 03:11:56 AM
On We Were Soldier's Once and Young

At one time Hal Moore called for artillery fire in Vietnam from his home town National Guard unit.  One of only two NG battalions to deploy in Vietnam.


Pretty coincidental. 

I know this because I deployed with that NG unit. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 14, 2020, 12:47:38 AM
The Road
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 14, 2020, 09:37:44 AM
Started re-reading the Prince of Thorns again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Feb 16, 2020, 04:58:32 PM
The Bone Garden by Heather Kassner

Aliens : Genocide by David Bischoff
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Feb 16, 2020, 05:38:00 PM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Feb 16, 2020, 04:58:32 PMAliens : Genocide by David Bischoff

Remember that being quite enjoyable.

In fact I remember liking it far more than the opening trilogy that seems to get so much love.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Feb 17, 2020, 08:17:39 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 16, 2020, 05:38:00 PM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Feb 16, 2020, 04:58:32 PMAliens : Genocide by David Bischoff

Remember that being quite enjoyable.

In fact I remember liking it far more than the opening trilogy that seems to get so much love.

I haven't read it since my high school days.  It's a lot of fun
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Feb 18, 2020, 04:36:05 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 16, 2020, 05:38:00 PM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Feb 16, 2020, 04:58:32 PMAliens : Genocide by David Bischoff

Remember that being quite enjoyable.

In fact I remember liking it far more than the opening trilogy that seems to get so much love.

To me the original trilogy is better in comic form than in novel form. 

Genocide was alright in both versions. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Feb 18, 2020, 12:21:28 PM
Quote from: Kimarhi on Feb 18, 2020, 04:36:05 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Feb 16, 2020, 05:38:00 PM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Feb 16, 2020, 04:58:32 PMAliens : Genocide by David Bischoff

Remember that being quite enjoyable.

In fact I remember liking it far more than the opening trilogy that seems to get so much love.

To me the original trilogy is better in comic form than in novel form. 

Genocide was alright in both versions.

Yeah i agree with this
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 18, 2020, 12:55:30 PM
Despite how phenomenal Beauvais' artwork is, I think Nightmare Asylum the novel is just much better. It puts more onto the success of the characters, rather than how incidental it felt in the comic. I think Spears is much more interesting fleshed out in there (I know you disagree HuDa).

And Female War is much more improved to, especially with the lack of Keith's artwork. Though I still f**king hate that little romance sub-plot between Wilks and Billie. I do think Outbreak/Book One/Earth Hive is about on par in both though.

Genocide I really enjoyed the novel, more so than the comic.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Feb 18, 2020, 06:42:56 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 18, 2020, 12:55:30 PMI think Spears is much more interesting fleshed out in there (I know you disagree HuDa).

Yeah, well, you wrong, innit :P

I remember wondering whether I should bother continuing with the books after the first three (unless I'm forgetting something, they were the first EU novels I read). I just found them kinda lacklustre, uninspired and overly cliched. But then I got to Genocide and liked it a lot.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 23, 2020, 11:01:39 PM
Burning Bridges - By Catherine K.

I Heard You Paint Houses - By Charles Brandt
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheSailingRabbit on Feb 23, 2020, 11:11:59 PM
Quote from: Huggs on Feb 23, 2020, 11:01:39 PM
Burning Bridges - By Catherine K.

I've read that. It's horrible.

Spoiler
;)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Mar 03, 2020, 03:25:56 PM
The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford

Source material for Full Metal Jacket. I'm about halfway through and can say definitively that Full Metal Jacket is only scratching the surface in terms of the kind of raw, transgressive material that Hasford throws at the reader. This book feels super dangerous, which is probably why it's been out of print. It's also the most addictive book I've read since Nico Walker's Cherry.

EDIT:

Also, hard to find. I've never seen it in a used bookstore. You will pay between $55-$60 for a used mass-market on Amazon it looks like. The copy I'm reading is from the university library system, which I'm lucky enough to have access to. There's not a single copy of this anywhere in the local public library system.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 03, 2020, 09:00:08 PM
Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas, by Nicholas Pileggi

Not as immediately attention grabbing as Wiseguy, but still good. I wish the movie had found a way to include the bit where Lefty takes the fifth thirty-seven times in a row. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 04, 2020, 08:15:48 PM
I'm listening to the audiobook of Resurrection and I don't know why.

Hope's narration makes it tolerable, and even a little enjoyable.

But there are certain parts you should never listen to while eating.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Mar 05, 2020, 05:38:10 PM
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 04, 2020, 08:15:48 PM
I'm listening to the audiobook of Resurrection and I don't know why.

Hope's narration makes it tolerable, and even a little enjoyable.

But there are certain parts you should never listen to while eating.

You're talking about the novelization? I thought Resurrection was the best of the first four movies by a long shot.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 05, 2020, 06:07:50 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 05, 2020, 05:38:10 PM
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 04, 2020, 08:15:48 PM
I'm listening to the audiobook of Resurrection and I don't know why.

Hope's narration makes it tolerable, and even a little enjoyable.

But there are certain parts you should never listen to while eating.

You're talking about the novelization? I thought Resurrection was the best of the first four movies by a long shot.

I've gotten further into it since writing that.

Haven't read or listened to the Alien 3 one yet, but I'm starting to like the Resurrection novel alongside the first two, maybe even more so. The silliness of the movie is there, but feels . . . more muted, if that's the correct term. I like the way Crispin gets in the heads of the characters.

Spoiler
And I have yet to read Cold Forge and Phalanx. I've had Cold Forge for two weeks and haven't picked it up yet.

Don't tell Hicks.
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Mar 06, 2020, 10:22:18 AM
I'm partway through Phalanx right now. It's an interesting take.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Mar 06, 2020, 10:24:20 AM
I'm with Hudson, I think Resurrection's the best of the original novelisations. It's still based on the weakest film of the four and unavoidably suffers from a lot of the same problems, but Crispin really did a wonderful job with it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Mar 06, 2020, 10:43:21 AM
For sure. The novel is much better than the film IMHO as it doesn't suffer from the acting or the visuals. Not perfect still, but a better experience for me.


Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 05, 2020, 06:07:50 PM
Spoiler
And I have yet to read Cold Forge and Phalanx. I've had Cold Forge for two weeks and haven't picked it up yet.

Don't tell Hicks.
[close]

That's as bad as not opening your Anthology.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 06, 2020, 12:13:03 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 06, 2020, 10:43:21 AM
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 05, 2020, 06:07:50 PM
Spoiler
And I have yet to read Cold Forge and Phalanx. I've had Cold Forge for two weeks and haven't picked it up yet.

Don't tell Hicks.
[close]

That's as bad as not opening your Anthology.

If Gorman read Cold Forge, maybe I could be moved a little faster on it, haha.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Mar 06, 2020, 02:28:29 PM
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 05, 2020, 06:07:50 PM
Haven't read or listened to the Alien 3 one yet, but I'm starting to like the Resurrection novel alongside the first two, maybe even more so. The silliness of the movie is there, but feels . . . more muted, if that's the correct term. I like the way Crispin gets in the heads of the characters.


Exactly! I loved how so many of the characters had their time in the limelight and they all felt very well developed. I also loved the in-depth Purvis backstory that carried through. However, I do think the later parts of the book suffer from the exact same stuff the movie does for me: Lack of interesting characters and I still hate the Newborn. Although I can't remember exactly what was different about the Newborn in the book now that I think about it.

Alien 3 might be the weakest of Foster's original three in some ways, but in other ways I don't mind it. I like that it's a quick, short read, but the ending sequence unfolds in very few pages, like ten pages. Peter Guinness's reading of it is pretty damn good though. He conjures Brian Glover.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Mar 06, 2020, 02:41:22 PM
I love the opening stuff in ADF's Alien 3, but it totally falls off towards the end. It's not that the final act is badly written, it's that it feels completely passionless. You can really tell he was sick of the assignment by then :laugh:

Forgot to mention that I gave Rematch another look after reading Turnabout. It's OK, but the way it gets into the Predators' heads in typical Perry fashion puts it quite a few rungs lower down for me. I much preferred the way you never hear from them in Turnabout, it made them seem far more unknowable and threatening. Thinking about it, they were barely in the novel, yet their presence was constantly felt. They were just some terrible force lurking in the trees.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Mar 06, 2020, 02:44:43 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Mar 06, 2020, 02:41:22 PM
I love the opening stuff in ADF's Alien 3, but it totally falls off towards the end. It's not that the final act is badly written, it's that it feels completely passionless. You can really tell he was sick of the assignment by then :laugh:

Forgot to mention that I gave Rematch another look after reading Turnabout. It's OK, but the way it gets into the Predators' heads in typical Perry fashion puts it quite a few rungs lower down for me. I much preferred the way you never hear from them in Turnabout, it made them seem far more unknowable and threatening. Thinking about it, they were barely in the novel, yet their presence was constantly felt. They were just some terrible force lurking in the trees.

It seemed like in Rematch he was going for a parallel between Sloan & his GF (forget character's name) and the two Predator characters, but yeah the stylistic departure made it feel less seamless in terms of connection to the book. I liked Rematch but the antagonistic human characters being meth-cooks wasn't all that interesting. The bad guy in the book feels pretty dangerous by comparison.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 07, 2020, 12:53:05 AM
Casino wasn't fully grabbing me, so I shifted over to The Island of Doctor Moreau. H.G. Wells has a direct simplicity to his writing that I very much appreciate. Side note: Moreau isn't slathered with makeup and riding around in a Popemobile in the book. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Mar 07, 2020, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Mar 07, 2020, 12:53:05 AM
Side note: Moreau isn't slathered with makeup and riding around in a Popemobile in the book. :laugh:

Thats a shame  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 12, 2020, 12:52:07 PM
Finished the Resurrection audiobook.

I actually didn't want it to end, I got a lot of enjoyment out of it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Mar 12, 2020, 02:19:03 PM
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 12, 2020, 12:52:07 PM
Finished the Resurrection audiobook.

I actually didn't want it to end, I got a lot of enjoyment out of it.

Preach it!  :D

It makes me want to eventually check out AC Crispin's other books, particularly her Star Wars/Star Trek work.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 12, 2020, 02:54:17 PM
Quote from: Hudson on Mar 12, 2020, 02:19:03 PM
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 12, 2020, 12:52:07 PM
Finished the Resurrection audiobook.

I actually didn't want it to end, I got a lot of enjoyment out of it.

Preach it!  :D

It makes me want to eventually check out AC Crispin's other books, particularly her Star Wars/Star Trek work.

I think my dad has some of her Star Wars books.

And I need to see if Bill Hope has recorded any other books, aside from Aliens.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Mar 12, 2020, 05:13:22 PM
Quote from: TheSailingRabbit on Mar 12, 2020, 12:52:07 PM
Finished the Resurrection audiobook.

I actually didn't want it to end, I got a lot of enjoyment out of it.

So did I. It's great novelisation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 13, 2020, 08:49:34 PM
Reading Starcraft II: Heaven's Devils
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 13, 2020, 09:16:06 PM
Hellblazer Vol 22

There's a single issue story collected here called "The Long Crap Friday". :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 15, 2020, 08:10:33 PM
Second volume in The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss. Top tier fantasy!

(https://wordery.com/jackets/c00cc69c/m/the-wise-mans-fear-patrick-rothfuss-9781473223721.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 15, 2020, 08:26:21 PM
I Heard You Paint Houses, by Charles Brandt

So far it's more engaging than the few chapters I read of Casino. Frank Sheeran may very well have been full of shit, but a good deal of his story so far feels real enough. Well, maybe not the bit about him losing his virginity to a pair of show girls in a carnival. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Apr 02, 2020, 07:22:06 PM
Anno Dracula by Kim Newman
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Praetorian Guard on Apr 03, 2020, 03:54:39 PM
Reading Warhammer: Headtaker. Currenly on Page 41, chapter 4.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51iDpLMF6tL.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 03, 2020, 04:42:47 PM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Apr 02, 2020, 07:22:06 PM
Anno Dracula by Kim Newman

That's a crazy series. The first three are very good. The fourth and fifth are okay, and I haven't read the latest one yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 06, 2020, 04:15:54 AM
The Invisible Man - by H.G. Wells
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 12, 2020, 08:06:17 AM
Currently 230 pages in Cibola Burn, Expanse 4. These books are just so easy to read and addictive to get into to.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Apr 12, 2020, 10:34:56 AM
I keep thinking of trying those, but I've got so many unread books piled up beside my bed I really don't need to start on a completely new series :(

Started Alex White's A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe the other night. Been wanting to read this ever since Cold Forge. I'd completely forgotten it has magical elements in it, which threw me a bit at first, but I'm quite liking what little I've read thus far!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 12, 2020, 03:38:46 PM
Started Mean Business on North Ganson Street by S. Craig Zahler. Gritty crime writing at its finest and most brutal.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 14, 2020, 08:24:11 PM
I just finished The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 14, 2020, 08:25:19 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Apr 14, 2020, 08:24:11 PM
I just finished The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.

Better than the show?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Apr 14, 2020, 09:19:18 PM
Quote from: Huggs on Apr 14, 2020, 08:25:19 PM
Quote from: Shasvre on Apr 14, 2020, 08:24:11 PM
I just finished The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.

Better than the show?

I quite like the show. Only saw about a season and a half though. The book is good. The writing could have been better, but the story and the mythology is very engaging.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 15, 2020, 12:52:22 AM
Thanks. I've been thinking about checking it out.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 18, 2020, 10:41:23 PM
I Am Legend - Richard Matheson
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 21, 2020, 02:05:30 AM
Finished Doctor Sleep and Gibson's Alien 3 Graphic Novel.

Followed up watching DS movie after reading the book and though I liked the movie on its own, the book was far better. I kind of wished I would've watched the movie first and then read the book.

I'm not really into reading comics or graphic novels so the Alien 3 book was kind of all over the place and a little hard to follow. I did like it although I'd rather have read it in novel form.

Started reading Earth Hive and will follow the book series from there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 21, 2020, 12:41:50 PM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Apr 21, 2020, 02:05:30 AM
I'm not really into reading comics or graphic novels so the Alien 3 book was kind of all over the place and a little hard to follow. I did like it although I'd rather have read it in novel form.

Have you tried reading the script itself?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 21, 2020, 06:33:50 PM
I have not, although I did a search and found the draft online. That's on my list to read after I'm done with a Earth Hive.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Janek on Apr 21, 2020, 10:52:24 PM
Just started Alien: Prototype, its promising.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Apr 22, 2020, 06:46:19 AM
I finished Cibola Burn last night. I love the Expanse books. I'm entertained pretty greatly by both the show and the books equally.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Apr 22, 2020, 07:29:12 AM
Finished off A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe last night, and I enjoyed it very much. As with The Cold Forge the characters were all wonderfully written and developed!

Was planning on reading some Alien next, but I couldn't resist South China Sea any longer. Only a chapter in but even so it's fired a pretty awesome opening salvo.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 22, 2020, 06:11:48 PM
Finished Earth Hive and for my first read of an Alien book, I really enjoyed it. I liked the whole messiah thing which led to earths demise. And I kind of wished they'd expand on that. It would've been interesting to see what happened to people when the outbreak happened, although I know that wasn't the main story of the book.

Characters were pretty interesting and I'm digging Billies and Wilks relationship. Not sure how I feel about the whole android thing with Billie.

Started Nightmare Asylum and I can already tell the pace is different.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Apr 23, 2020, 07:46:13 AM
Valdor: Birth of the Imperium
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Apr 23, 2020, 01:18:26 PM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Apr 22, 2020, 06:11:48 PM
Finished Earth Hive and for my first read of an Alien book, I really enjoyed it. I liked the whole messiah thing which led to earths demise. And I kind of wished they'd expand on that. It would've been interesting to see what happened to people when the outbreak happened, although I know that wasn't the main story of the book.

Characters were pretty interesting and I'm digging Billies and Wilks relationship. Not sure how I feel about the whole android thing with Billie.

Started Nightmare Asylum and I can already tell the pace is different.

You mean the relationship she has with Bueller (sp?)?

I really enjoyed that particular trilogy in novel form (I also have difficulties with graphic novels) and I think it has a lot to do with Steve Perry's writing. He seems like such an oddball, but his work never feels boring to me. I'd love to check out Shadows of the Empire at some point!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Apr 23, 2020, 03:01:35 PM
The whole android Marines sub-plot in that felt really tacked-on and illogical.

If you're (presumably) sending android soldiers because there's a high probability everyone's going to be killed and you don't want to risk actual human lives, why not just tell them they're androids? There's nothing to gain by programming them to think they're human.

It felt like little more than a really forced attempt to get an Alien-style robot plot twist in there, but unlike Alien, where Ash made sense, in Earth Hive it doesn't seem to make any sense at all.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 23, 2020, 04:25:47 PM
Glad I'm not the only one where that seemed to have been thrown in there. The relationship makes no sense and as of right now, doesn't do much for the overall story being continued in Asylum.

I understand wanting to include androids in the book as they were a big part in the movies, but maybe it could've been handled better.

Other than that the book was well done!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 23, 2020, 09:27:46 PM
I thought it worked fine in the comic, but I've not read the novelization.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 24, 2020, 03:16:17 AM
The Things - By Peter Watts

Always a fun read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on Apr 27, 2020, 03:40:38 AM
Quote from: Huggs on Apr 24, 2020, 03:16:17 AM
The Things - By Peter Watts

Always a fun read.

Have you checked out the full version of "Who Goes There?" recently published as Frozen Hell? I guess it was a longer manuscript discovered within the past few years. It has 2 or 3 more chapters tacked on to the front. I thought it was a fun read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Apr 27, 2020, 03:46:07 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Apr 23, 2020, 03:01:35 PM
The whole android Marines sub-plot in that felt really tacked-on and illogical.

If you're (presumably) sending android soldiers because there's a high probability everyone's going to be killed and you don't want to risk actual human lives, why not just tell them they're androids? There's nothing to gain by programming them to think they're human.

It felt like little more than a really forced attempt to get an Alien-style robot plot twist in there, but unlike Alien, where Ash made sense, in Earth Hive it doesn't seem to make any sense at all.

I'm pretty sure they knew they were androids, but androids who were supposed to blend in with the human population.  Its been a long time since I read the trilogy, but I'm fairly certain it is mentioned in the novels that they knew.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: HuDaFuK on Apr 27, 2020, 08:43:29 AM
I confess to not having read the comic, but I distinctly remember Bueller being shocked when he discovers his true nature in the novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 27, 2020, 05:51:05 PM
In the book Bueller (Mitch) meant to tell Billie he was an Android but of course, shit went down and she only discovered it when he was attacked by an Alien on the Aliens home planet.

I really didn't mind the Android introduction but it was the "love" story that seemed pushed with Billie, that I think could've dealt without.

I finished Nightmare Asylum and started The Female War. I'm still not sure how I feel about Asylum. It's not bad but felt slowed down compared to Earth Hive, where there was multiple things happening in the book. Asylum was one continued story, which isn't bad.

I know in Resurrection they had mentioned wanting to "train" the aliens and in Asylum, Spears did that. I know the book was before the movie came out so it was interesting to read how Spears went about doing that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Apr 28, 2020, 12:20:05 AM
My copy of Gears of War Bloodlines has arrived, so I will be starting that shortly. I'm currently in the middle of the HP Lovecraft collection on audio book, Frankenstein on another audio book, and Drafts of Dracula, which is a transcription of Bram Stoker's notes which formed the basis of Dracula, showing how the book evolved and what ideas were dropped before publishing. It's very interesting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Apr 28, 2020, 09:54:14 AM
The Uninvited by Paul Cornell
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 02, 2020, 06:45:12 PM
Paris in the Twentieth Century by Jules Verne

An interesting attempt to forecast the future, with a surprising amount of accuracy in places, but it's ultimately a bit thin story wise and the main character is kind of an idiot.




Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child by S. Craig Zahler

Just got started on this one but it's quite good so far, and very different from Zahler's usual material.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 07, 2020, 07:29:08 PM
Gonna be starting on Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff Vandermeer soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on May 07, 2020, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 07, 2020, 07:29:08 PM
Gonna be starting on Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff Vandermeer soon.

Let me know what you think. I adore the movie and I want to check the books out.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on May 07, 2020, 11:12:24 PM
Finished Gears of War: Bloodlines, and now onto the Halloween 2018 novelisation
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 09, 2020, 06:54:38 PM
Finished Annihilation. Overall it's very, very different from the movie, but still an interesting read in its own right. Garland basically reshaped the narrative completely, and I can see why. It's a very vague, almost dreamlike narrative, exclusively told as a journal kept by the Biologist. There isn't as much going on, as well, with only two or three locations within a small portion of Area X being focused on. I'm curious to see how the trilogy plays out now, at any rate.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on May 10, 2020, 08:28:08 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 09, 2020, 06:54:38 PM
Finished Annihilation. Overall it's very, very different from the movie, but still an interesting read in its own right. Garland basically reshaped the narrative completely, and I can see why. It's a very vague, almost dreamlike narrative, exclusively told as a journal kept by the Biologist. There isn't as much going on, as well, with only two or three locations within a small portion of Area X being focused on. I'm curious to see how the trilogy plays out now, at any rate.

It's one of the most surreal books I have ever read.

Salem's Lot

It is my favourite book of all time.  I read it once a year
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 14, 2020, 06:49:16 PM
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

Hmmmm, not sure how I feel on this one. There's a fair amount of interesting stuff here, a couple of very creepy scenes, some interesting background on Area X, and really well done bit near the end once shit really starts hitting the fan. But it's also a bit slow and a little repetitive, with endless space allotted to Control clashing with the Assistant Director and musing on his mommy issues. And there's one really annoying part later on where Control uses a computer program where he has to push CTRL over and over again, and VanderMeer insists on hammering in the irony of Control pushing CTRL to the point where I wanted to throw the book at the wall. But it ends in a really interesting place and I'm curious to see where Book 3 goes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on May 15, 2020, 10:08:31 AM
Morningstar by Peter Atkins

Debut novel by the Hellraiser 2 & 3 scriptwriter. its an interesting story, but let down by some of its focus
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on May 16, 2020, 10:08:31 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 14, 2020, 06:49:16 PM
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

Hmmmm, not sure how I feel on this one. There's a fair amount of interesting stuff here, a couple of very creepy scenes, some interesting background on Area X, and really well done bit near the end once shit really starts hitting the fan. But it's also a bit slow and a little repetitive, with endless space allotted to Control clashing with the Assistant Director and musing on his mommy issues. And there's one really annoying part later on where Control uses a computer program where he has to push CTRL over and over again, and VanderMeer insists on hammering in the irony of Control pushing CTRL to the point where I wanted to throw the book at the wall. But it ends in a really interesting place and I'm curious to see where Book 3 goes.

If you're not into Kafka, Authority might be a tough sell. The good news is Acceptance is much more straightforward in the spirit of the first book. But, as no book does, it still doesn't remotely approach the creep-factor of Annihilation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 17, 2020, 12:37:30 AM
Quote from: Hudson on May 16, 2020, 10:08:31 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 14, 2020, 06:49:16 PM
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

Hmmmm, not sure how I feel on this one. There's a fair amount of interesting stuff here, a couple of very creepy scenes, some interesting background on Area X, and really well done bit near the end once shit really starts hitting the fan. But it's also a bit slow and a little repetitive, with endless space allotted to Control clashing with the Assistant Director and musing on his mommy issues. And there's one really annoying part later on where Control uses a computer program where he has to push CTRL over and over again, and VanderMeer insists on hammering in the irony of Control pushing CTRL to the point where I wanted to throw the book at the wall. But it ends in a really interesting place and I'm curious to see where Book 3 goes.

If you're not into Kafka, Authority might be a tough sell. The good news is Acceptance is much more straightforward in the spirit of the first book. But, as no book does, it still doesn't remotely approach the creep-factor of Annihilation.

I like some Kafka.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on May 29, 2020, 03:16:52 PM
Jaws
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on May 29, 2020, 03:53:17 PM
The Nightwalker by Diane Guest
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hudson on May 29, 2020, 04:01:41 PM
Quote from: Huggs on May 29, 2020, 03:16:52 PM
Jaws

How is that? It's on my list.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on May 29, 2020, 04:19:57 PM
Quote from: Hudson on May 29, 2020, 04:01:41 PM
Quote from: Huggs on May 29, 2020, 03:16:52 PM
Jaws

How is that? It's on my list.

A lot different from the movie, but not necessarily in a bad way. I read it for the first time about 2 years ago and gave it a C+. I guess I just had a hard time embracing the extra human interest that the novel allowed for.

But I literally couldn't put it down last night. That's probably the fastest I've ever read a book. Really, really enjoyed it this time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 29, 2020, 04:26:22 PM
Still on Acceptance, but I'm also listening to an audio book version of Solaris.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jun 01, 2020, 03:11:54 AM
MEG: A Novel of Deep Terror
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Russ840 on Jun 02, 2020, 05:53:46 PM
Just finished my 4th read of Jurassic Park. My fav book.

I read Meg: Angel of Death Vol 1 Survival, today.  Very short and more of the same but I love the meg novels.

Tonight I'm starting Primitive War. Anyone read it ?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Whiskeybrewer on Jun 02, 2020, 07:17:06 PM
The Nestling by Charles L. Grant
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ivan The Insect on Jun 04, 2020, 09:09:23 AM
Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jun 18, 2020, 10:53:21 PM
The War of the Worlds
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jun 19, 2020, 12:21:21 AM
Quote from: Huggs on May 29, 2020, 04:19:57 PM
Quote from: Hudson on May 29, 2020, 04:01:41 PM
Quote from: Huggs on May 29, 2020, 03:16:52 PM
Jaws

How is that? It's on my list.

A lot different from the movie, but not necessarily in a bad way. I read it for the first time about 2 years ago and gave it a C+. I guess I just had a hard time embracing the extra human interest that the novel allowed for.

But I literally couldn't put it down last night. That's probably the fastest I've ever read a book. Really, really enjoyed it this time.
I have also read Jaws in a single sitting. It's great. Highly recommend it.

I'm currently reading The Un-dead. It's Dracula but with some of Stoker's unused ideas added back in posthumously by Joel Emerson. It's pretty good so far, but then again, it's Dracula, so even though there are changes, it's still essentially the same book!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: j0nesy on Jun 19, 2020, 04:41:57 AM
re-reading alien: prototype to see how i feel about it this time around, not the best or worst in the series, think it'll be remembered as "the one with the necrosis-ridden xeno"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jun 23, 2020, 01:22:44 AM
Finally finished Nightmare Asylum to end the trilogy of the Earth War series. Once I was done I was really able to take in the three novels and ultimately really enjoyed them. I also liked reading about Billie and Wilks relationship throughout.

I still don't know how I feel about the ending though, a few questions I have about characters but I just started Genocide so we'll see if anyone gets mentioned.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TC on Jul 10, 2020, 11:35:26 AM
Quote from: Russ840 on Jun 02, 2020, 05:53:46 PM
Just finished my 4th read of Jurassic Park. My fav book.

If you like Crichton's Jurassic Park you might like Cold Storage by David Koepp. Yes, that David Koepp. This is his first novel, and it has a lot of Andromeda Strain tension, with the Jurassic Park novel's horror, but with the movie's sense of humour.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/books/review/david-koepp-cold-storage.html

TC
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Janek on Jul 14, 2020, 12:17:39 PM
Atm I am reading Bag of Bones by Stephen King. Half way through it and I really like it so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlazinBlueReview on Jul 16, 2020, 02:27:16 AM
Started reading Predator: Hunters and Hunted.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jul 16, 2020, 02:09:10 PM
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins.

A fantastic read. We got to follow a young Coriloanus Snow before becoming President Snow, as he mentors a young girl from District 12 in the 10th Hunger Games. Not only are the new characters fascinating, but it's so interesting to see the state of Panem, the Capitol and the Hunger Games as a show this early, and how much it differs from what we have come to know in the Hunger Games books.

If you liked the books or the movies, give this one a chance.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 23, 2020, 08:20:00 PM
Just finished Predator: Stalking Shadows. Was expecting better from the author, this was a disappointment.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Aug 01, 2020, 04:05:37 PM
Cowl by Neal Asher.

Hard, biting, acidic Cyberpunk.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Aug 01, 2020, 04:58:58 PM
Getting ready to crack open some Poe
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: scottsigler on Aug 14, 2020, 05:27:33 PM
Quote from: Undeadite on Jul 16, 2008, 09:14:29 PM
There may be a thread of this nature already but I cant find it. The question is simple, what books are you reading at the moment, what are they about, and would you recommend them to anyone?

I'm reading HELLDIVERS BOOK VII by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. Post-apocalyptic mutated monsters and humanity fighting off extinction. Basically BSG in a hellicarrier. I love the series and VII is the best since I.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Aug 23, 2020, 02:36:35 AM
The More Of Less
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Aug 23, 2020, 02:52:11 AM
Carnosaur by Harry Adam Knight. The book the the low budget dinosaur movie was based on. It's very dated, and very expensive! Entertaining, though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Sep 05, 2020, 06:00:46 AM
The Warren Commission Report
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Sep 05, 2020, 08:32:05 PM
Terminator 2: Hour of the Wolf
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: guymelfe on Sep 06, 2020, 02:34:31 AM
In the last ~2 weeks I've read: Aliens: Earth Hive/Asylum/Female War, Beyond 30, and (with my little guy) we read The Return of Tarzan and Castle of the Carpathians. For our collaborative read we just started The Lost Property Office and only my own I'm reading the fourth Amelia Peabody Mystery (Lion in the Valley)

Revisting the first three Aliens Books since my teenage years was...interesting. Overall they're ok, kind of a guilty pleasure read. Interesting they hold up significantly better than Dragonlance which I had to bail on as it is unreadable tripe once you are a fifteen year old D&D-er, lol.

Return of Tarzan was really good other than one way too convenient series of events. If you've never read any of Burrough's original Tarzan books they're worth a look. Fairly well written and almost nothing like any of the film versions and the first book does not end with the happily ever after ending that most of the other media versions do. Also some interesting content in terms of Tarzan learning how to fit in with society, overcoming prejudices, discerning that the animals are in many ways more noble than mankind, etc.

Castle of the Carpathians was a fun read with some amusing Verne-level-absurd characters. Won't have the wow factor that it did over a hundred years ago but still a solid story although the chapter on the opera singers goes into too much details and kind of drags. Still my little guy enjoyed it and deduced the cause of the "apparitions" of the castle pretty well for his age.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Darwinsgirl on Sep 07, 2020, 06:34:36 PM

Just curious?

Was your "Castle of the Carparhians" one of the Fitzroy paperback editions? I collected those years ago. I loved the cover art on the Verne series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Sep 08, 2020, 11:37:45 AM
Having finished T2 hour of the wolf (fairly good, continues the story from the John Connor Chronicles trilogy, feels like a setup for a sequel that never happened), I'm now reading The Raw Shark Texts.

It's kinda weird. Good. Weird.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Tichinde on Sep 08, 2020, 12:08:49 PM
The Silmarillion for the 4th of 5th time lol.

I come back to it like once every few years
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 08, 2020, 07:44:28 PM
Listening to the audio book of Roadside Picnic.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Sep 09, 2020, 07:40:40 AM
Just in the final few chapters of Nemesis Games, The Expanse book 5. First time I've overtaken the TV series. I enjoy the books, they're as entertaining as the show. I did struggle a little bit with this one early on but it got going eventually.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Sep 13, 2020, 08:10:25 PM
Back to military non fiction.

The 300, about US intercontinental missile defense.

One National Guard full time battalion and its command of 300 people protecting the entirety of the US against nuclear missile attack.  I wouldn't say its technical, its pretty easy to follow whats going on, but it is a little dry because the unit has obviously never been tested.  Still interesting though.  Before reading this I would've thought the US would have more such units. 

The unit finds the only vulnerable time in its flight path (the midcourse) and then launches kill vehicles at it to knock it off course/destroy. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Sep 26, 2020, 12:17:00 AM
I Heard You Paint Houses
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shinawi on Sep 26, 2020, 01:16:55 AM
The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth's Past Mass Extinctions (including asteroids)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Sep 28, 2020, 11:32:39 PM
The Road
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Sep 29, 2020, 12:48:41 AM
Tales of 1001 Nights Vol. 1 - Malcolm Lyons translation
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Sep 29, 2020, 04:16:17 AM
Boy's Life by Robert McCamon

Just finished.... have you ever read a book, that you enjoyed, but felt like you should've liked it more? For me, this was one of those books!

I liked the characters, the atmosphere, the multiple stories going on throughout the town and the writing. I feel like I should've liked it more, though, and I'm not sure why..?

Maybe because I was coming off of 5 months of Alien novels and then whiplashed myself into a long book about a boy and his town...I don't know...nonetheless, a good read. I think I might revisit it in 10 years when I'm a little older ha.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 03, 2020, 11:17:55 PM
No Country For Old Men
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Oct 04, 2020, 01:53:21 AM
The Descent.

Not at all like the film. Trying to decide if I like it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 05, 2020, 07:59:44 AM
Just finished The Making of Aliens, onto Predator 2 novelization then, Hunters Planet and then I think I'll be revisiting Starship Troopers.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 06, 2020, 08:37:38 PM
On top of still reading the 1001 Nights, I'm now listening to the audio book of The Egyptian, by Mika Waltari.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Oct 10, 2020, 09:37:19 PM
Schindler's List
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Oct 20, 2020, 08:38:58 PM
A dark fantasy The Poppy War by Rebecca F. Kuang. So far so good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Oct 21, 2020, 09:25:54 AM
Finished Jaws 2 by Hank Searls in one sitting at work. It's not bad. Slightly odd in that it's a novelisation of the film, but has extra subplots, and appears to be set in the novel continuity, rather than the film.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Oct 22, 2020, 08:26:01 PM
Currently reading The Boys Omnibus Vol 1. Much different to the show, but still enjoying.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 22, 2020, 08:41:06 PM
Still listening to The Egyptian. Sinuhe is the ultimate simp. In three days he trades away all of his property and all of his parents', including their tomb and embalming fee, just to bang a hot chick. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Oct 22, 2020, 08:44:20 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 22, 2020, 08:41:06 PM
Still listening to The Egyptian. Sinuhe is the ultimate simp. In three days he trades away all of his property and all of his parents', including their tomb and embalming fee, just to bang a hot chick. :laugh:

Well, was it worth it!?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 22, 2020, 08:48:07 PM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Oct 22, 2020, 08:44:20 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 22, 2020, 08:41:06 PM
Still listening to The Egyptian. Sinuhe is the ultimate simp. In three days he trades away all of his property and all of his parents', including their tomb and embalming fee, just to bang a hot chick. :laugh:

Well, was it worth it!?

It really doesn't sound worth it, she even ignores him in the middle of the act to watch her own reflection, American Psycho style.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Oct 22, 2020, 09:29:43 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 22, 2020, 08:48:07 PM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Oct 22, 2020, 08:44:20 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Oct 22, 2020, 08:41:06 PM
Still listening to The Egyptian. Sinuhe is the ultimate simp. In three days he trades away all of his property and all of his parents', including their tomb and embalming fee, just to bang a hot chick. :laugh:

Well, was it worth it!?

It really doesn't sound worth it, she even ignores him in the middle of the act to watch her own reflection, American Psycho style.

Girl power!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fulcrum29SMT on Oct 27, 2020, 12:45:57 PM
Right now, I'm reading... news about Greek real estate, because my company's looking at these (https://tranio.com/greece/attica/athens/detached/) Athens homes for when the pandemic is over and tourists will be looking for airbnb's again, it isn't the most thrilling thing out there, but hey, it pays the bills.

But outside of that, I'm re-reading the Jericho comics (the ones that took after the end of season 2 of the 2006-08 series and continue the story) because I recently visited my parents' place and found them there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Nov 02, 2020, 02:16:08 AM
I was reading Herbert's Dune (about 30% through it according to my Kindle) but I'm taking a break from it to read Peter Watts' Rifters Trilogy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Nov 02, 2020, 03:43:29 AM
I'm shocked that you don't have the physical book.  I picture your place as being wall-to-wall bookcases filled with physical media.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Nov 02, 2020, 03:49:52 AM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Nov 02, 2020, 03:43:29 AM
I'm shocked that you don't have the physical book.  I picture your place as being wall-to-wall bookcases filled with physical media.
Well I mean, I would have the physical book if I didn't get the kindle version on a sale with Amazon credit and stuff. :P

And I do have a lot of physical media taking up wall to wall bookcases in my computer room.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Nov 02, 2020, 03:52:24 AM
I don't like bookcases.  Living in California has put off of owning any tall furniture that can fall on me during an earthquake.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Nov 02, 2020, 04:02:49 AM
Meanwhile, I am sitting here on the East Coast with three full shelves of Blu-rays directly to my left.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Nov 02, 2020, 04:13:11 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Nov 02, 2020, 04:02:49 AM
Meanwhile, I am sitting here on the East Coast with three full shelves of Blu-rays directly to my left.
Do you catalogue your collection? I use blu-ray.com
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Nov 02, 2020, 04:45:38 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on Nov 02, 2020, 04:13:11 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Nov 02, 2020, 04:02:49 AM
Meanwhile, I am sitting here on the East Coast with three full shelves of Blu-rays directly to my left.
Do you catalogue your collection? I use blu-ray.com

I used to, but fell off of doing that a while ago. Really should get back into it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Nov 02, 2020, 09:10:23 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Nov 02, 2020, 04:45:38 AM
Quote from: Xenomrph on Nov 02, 2020, 04:13:11 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Nov 02, 2020, 04:02:49 AM
Meanwhile, I am sitting here on the East Coast with three full shelves of Blu-rays directly to my left.
Do you catalogue your collection? I use blu-ray.com

I used to, but fell off of doing that a while ago. Really should get back into it.

This is my collection: https://www.blu-ray.com/community/collection.php?u=299446
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Nov 02, 2020, 10:01:19 PM
Can you do the same with all your non-canon Alien media as well?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Nov 02, 2020, 10:02:16 PM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Nov 02, 2020, 10:01:19 PM
Can you do the same with all your non-canon Alien media as well?
Do what?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Nov 02, 2020, 10:04:56 PM
Catalogue it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Nov 02, 2020, 10:18:56 PM
Canon war relics...

(https://i.ibb.co/bJCv7rM/images.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Nov 02, 2020, 10:19:56 PM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Nov 02, 2020, 10:01:19 PM
Can you do the same with all your non-canon Alien media as well?

Don't go there.

(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ScornfulFamiliarAddax-max-1mb.gif)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Nov 03, 2020, 01:44:47 AM
Well if it's non canon stuff, the list would have 0 items in it ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Prince Vegeta on Nov 04, 2020, 01:53:49 AM
I've started re-reading my Harry Potter books. I'm reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jan 05, 2021, 06:34:19 PM
Just finished Ship of Fools and although I liked it, I went into it under the pretense of it being a great sci-if/horror book and yes it did have some of those things, but I was expecting more I guess..?..

I'm on the lookout for some really dark and gritty s I-fi horror novels so any and all recommendations would be helpful!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 05, 2021, 06:55:17 PM
Currently Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover, the prequel to the PS4 game. I'm about 1/4 through and it's not bad so far.

Next up will be Spiral by Koji Suzuki. I just finished Ring, which is awesome, and I have the first three books of the series to read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 05, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
I finished listening to The Egyptian. Overall an excellent, if incredibly bleak story. You could kind of tell going into the second half where the translation dropped some stuff, too. I've begun listening to The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester. An intriguing premise, to be sure.

Physical copy wise I'm rereading The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub.

Quote from: Stitch on Jan 05, 2021, 06:55:17 PM
Next up will be Spiral by Koji Suzuki. I just finished Ring, which is awesome, and I have the first three books of the series to read.

Oh boy, you're in for some insanity, to say the least.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jan 08, 2021, 05:47:12 PM
Finished Devolution...
What an intriguing book and I'm happy that I wasn't bored with the notion of Bigfoot/Sasquatch. The author gave just enough information about possibilities of the animals migration and why exactly they might have travelled over to the North Americas.

The characters were nicely developed and I enjoyed Katie and Dan's relationship and growth throughout! Mostar is such a great character and once again, I'm happy the author didn't delve too much into her past and made enough subtle hints for us, the reader, to figure out!

I'm not use to Brooks' type of style regarding writing, so it took me a little to get into the groove. I hadn't read his previous WWZ book although I might after this.

Overall a great, fun and easy read!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Jan 12, 2021, 01:21:43 PM
Divergent series by Veronica Roth.

Honestly the movie was a bit boring, however I found the first book in a thrift store and gave it a read.  Three books in and the series itself is an excellent read! 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 12, 2021, 11:19:42 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 05, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 05, 2021, 06:55:17 PM
Next up will be Spiral by Koji Suzuki. I just finished Ring, which is awesome, and I have the first three books of the series to read.

Oh boy, you're in for some insanity, to say the least.
Well, I've already seen Rasen, which I believe is fairly true to the source material, so I have a decent idea of where the story goes. Is Loop the insane one?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 12, 2021, 11:26:33 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 12, 2021, 11:19:42 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 05, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 05, 2021, 06:55:17 PM
Next up will be Spiral by Koji Suzuki. I just finished Ring, which is awesome, and I have the first three books of the series to read.

Oh boy, you're in for some insanity, to say the least.
Well, I've already seen Rasen, which I believe is fairly true to the source material, so I have a decent idea of where the story goes. Is Loop the insane one?

Rasen follows the book up to a point. Loop basically rewrites the rules of the series, I'm trying not to give away too much.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jan 15, 2021, 03:23:20 AM
Finished Blood Meridian...

...that was a book alright. It was great at some points and absolutely maddening to read at others. I read The Road before so I was familiar with McCarthy's writing style but nothing could've prepared me for this book in how it was layed out and written.

I've maybe read two other "western" style books but I don't think I've ever come across a movie, book, tv show or even music, that's as western as this. It took me about 100 pages to finally start "getting it".

The characters, like the landscapes in the book are just there, which I'm fine with. What kinda threw me off was it was supposed to be told from The Kids interaction with the The Judge and others, but he just fell out of story for at least half the book before McCarthy brings him back in...Maybe change the synopsis to something other than what's on the back of the book.

I'm not sure if I'd recommend it as I feel you absolutely gotta be in a particular mindset to read it. It's definitely not bad, but I did prefer The Road.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deathbearer on Jan 15, 2021, 11:15:56 PM
Dracula

Interesting structure, I like how it's told through journals and stuff
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 15, 2021, 11:19:49 PM
Song of Kali by Dan Simmons

Effectively creepy and moody, with some good shocking moments.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 16, 2021, 12:26:06 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 12, 2021, 11:26:33 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 12, 2021, 11:19:42 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 05, 2021, 10:04:59 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 05, 2021, 06:55:17 PM
Next up will be Spiral by Koji Suzuki. I just finished Ring, which is awesome, and I have the first three books of the series to read.

Oh boy, you're in for some insanity, to say the least.
Well, I've already seen Rasen, which I believe is fairly true to the source material, so I have a decent idea of where the story goes. Is Loop the insane one?

Rasen follows the book up to a point. Loop basically rewrites the rules of the series, I'm trying not to give away too much.
OK cool.  Thanks. I will get onto that soon, then. Got sidetracked by my delivery of the Blade Runner sequel novels.
Quote from: Deathbearer on Jan 15, 2021, 11:15:56 PM
Dracula

Interesting structure, I like how it's told through journals and stuff
I love Dracula. It's a great book. I have copies of the Icelandic adaptation, and the expanded 'director's cut' version co-authored after the fact, as well as the drafts, and the sequels/prequels penned by Dave Stoker.
There's an English translation of the Swedish version being released next year, which is apparently the full version of the expanded Icelandic one. Can't wait for that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 25, 2021, 11:15:01 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 12, 2021, 11:26:33 PM
Rasen follows the book up to a point. Loop basically rewrites the rules of the series, I'm trying not to give away too much.
What the absolute f**k did I just read? I liked Ring, thought Spiral was even better, but Loop, instead of following the trend, just kinda shits the bed.

About halfway through, it made me feel like the previous two books were pointless, and then it starts getting all philosophical, and then... Wow. Just... I don't even know. It's just kinda stupid.

I bought Birthday, because I enjoyed the first two so much, and now I don't know if I even want to read it.

Considering the film series has made movies based on every book except this one, (possibly for a good reason, although I haven't read the last 3 books, obviously) I'm wondering whether it would have been better just to skip it entirely.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 25, 2021, 08:57:48 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 25, 2021, 11:15:01 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 12, 2021, 11:26:33 PM
Rasen follows the book up to a point. Loop basically rewrites the rules of the series, I'm trying not to give away too much.
What the absolute f**k did I just read? I liked Ring, thought Spiral was even better, but Loop, instead of following the trend, just kinda shits the bed.

About halfway through, it made me feel like the previous two books were pointless, and then it starts getting all philosophical, and then... Wow. Just... I don't even know. It's just kinda stupid.

I bought Birthday, because I enjoyed the first two so much, and now I don't know if I even want to read it.

Considering the film series has made movies based on every book except this one, (possibly for a good reason, although I haven't read the last 3 books, obviously) I'm wondering whether it would have been better just to skip it entirely.

The only real reason they never adapted Loop was because the Spiral movie was a major bomb in Japan, and they basically rebooted the series with Ringu 2 and pretended Rasen never happened. I'd recommend reading Birthday all the same, only one of the three stories is directly tied to Loop. One takes place during Spiral, the other is a prequel story that Ring 0 is based on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 26, 2021, 06:37:44 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 25, 2021, 08:57:48 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 25, 2021, 11:15:01 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 12, 2021, 11:26:33 PM
Rasen follows the book up to a point. Loop basically rewrites the rules of the series, I'm trying not to give away too much.
What the absolute f**k did I just read? I liked Ring, thought Spiral was even better, but Loop, instead of following the trend, just kinda shits the bed.

About halfway through, it made me feel like the previous two books were pointless, and then it starts getting all philosophical, and then... Wow. Just... I don't even know. It's just kinda stupid.

I bought Birthday, because I enjoyed the first two so much, and now I don't know if I even want to read it.

Considering the film series has made movies based on every book except this one, (possibly for a good reason, although I haven't read the last 3 books, obviously) I'm wondering whether it would have been better just to skip it entirely.

The only real reason they never adapted Loop was because the Spiral movie was a major bomb in Japan, and they basically rebooted the series with Ringu 2 and pretended Rasen never happened. I'd recommend reading Birthday all the same, only one of the three stories is directly tied to Loop. One takes place during Spiral, the other is a prequel story that Ring 0 is based on.
Ironically, despite Ring 2 being a replacement sequel, the following movies don't go on from that continuity. Sadako 3D & Sadako 3D 2 follow Rasen and are supposed to be adaptations of S, the 5th book. Although Sadako (2019), is theoretically a follow on from Ring 2, and is supposedly in adaptation of Tide, the 6th.

Tide hasn't been translated to English, and however much I like Birthday will decide if I read S.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jan 26, 2021, 10:33:44 PM
Star Wars: The Truce At Bakura
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jan 27, 2021, 06:49:01 AM
The Troop by Nick Cutter...

.... If you don't like worms, bugs, gore or some animal cruelty, steer hard left and clear!

This was a well written and played out book. The news reports, magazine articles and interviews with military and scientists papered in throughout the book was a huge plus. It carried the story along and helped fill in gaps regarding how this "infection" was being handled.

I liked the basic setup of people being isolated on a small island due to a infectious individual who shows up during a camping trip and completely spirals down from there. And being able to focus on 4-5 characters was nice as you want to know how these kids go about thinking and doing the things they do.

I can also say that this was a pretty intense book at times. There is detailed explanations of how this altered "worm" affects ones mind and body, usually ending in gory fashion.

The book reminded me slightly of the kids from Lord of the Flies and the gross out factor of the movie Cabin Fever. Nonetheless, it was a great read!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jan 27, 2021, 04:17:18 PM
The house on garibaldi street
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 05, 2021, 08:33:58 PM
Corpus Chrome, Inc. by S. Craig Zahler. It's his fourth book I'm reading and as always I'm not disappointed.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 05, 2021, 09:11:23 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 05, 2021, 08:33:58 PM
Corpus Chrome, Inc. by S. Craig Zahler. It's his fourth book I'm reading and as always I'm not disappointed.

It's arguably his most ambitious book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 05, 2021, 09:45:22 PM
My favourite so far is Wraiths of the Broken Land, unfinished Ridley Scott's project (I hope I'm wrong).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 05, 2021, 09:47:44 PM
Wraiths and Congregation are my favorites. Not that Corpus, Hug, or Ganson Street were bad.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 05, 2021, 09:56:40 PM
My second favourite is Hug but Congregation is also great. Haven't read Mean Business yet. There is also The Slanted Gutter, the newest one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 05, 2021, 10:07:56 PM
Yeah I've had that one on my to read list for ages but it slipped my mind as of late.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: kwisatz on Feb 06, 2021, 12:27:38 AM
Deleuze/Guattari: Anti-Oedipus

Pretty out there from time to time but compelling.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Feb 06, 2021, 12:35:45 AM
The Road
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Feb 06, 2021, 11:45:32 AM
Blade Runner 3: Replicant Night

A sequel to Blade Runner 2, obv.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 06, 2021, 02:30:58 PM
Drood by Dan Simmons

So far I'm getting that Dickens was kind of a prick.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Feb 06, 2021, 03:32:45 PM
Little Star by John Lindqvist....

.... This was an interesting book as it starts out amazing and by the time you reach the end, you feel like you've read three different books and wish the author would've stuck with the first half.

The first two hundred pages or so, I was pretty engaged to the story. I really like the atmosphere and character development of Lennart, Leila, Jerry and ultimately Theres.

But what derailed it, for me, was the introduction to the next main character, Teressa. Now, I really like how the author went in to such detail of her story and how we end up where we do with her, but it was very hard for me to really care all that much.

I wanted to know more about what was going on with Theres, how she ended up in the forest, why she is the way she is, etc. That was why I continued and finished this book and was definitely dissatisfied. I feel like the book turned into a YA novel and about 450 pages into it, I was ready to be done.

I enjoyed the writing style and for those first 200 or so pages. There was some interesting things after the first half of the book that were fine, but sifting through 300+ more pages to get through them was not worth it.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Feb 08, 2021, 12:42:32 PM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Feb 06, 2021, 03:32:45 PM
Little Star by John Lindqvist....

.... This was an interesting book as it starts out amazing and by the time you reach the end, you feel like you've read three different books and wish the author would've stuck with the first half.

The first two hundred pages or so, I was pretty engaged to the story. I really like the atmosphere and character development of Lennart, Leila, Jerry and ultimately Theres.

But what derailed it, for me, was the introduction to the next main character, Teressa. Now, I really like how the author went in to such detail of her story and how we end up where we do with her, but it was very hard for me to really care all that much.

I wanted to know more about what was going on with Theres, how she ended up in the forest, why she is the way she is, etc. That was why I continued and finished this book and was definitely dissatisfied. I feel like the book turned into a YA novel and about 450 pages into it, I was ready to be done.

I enjoyed the writing style and for those first 200 or so pages. There was some interesting things after the first half of the book that were fine, but sifting through 300+ more pages to get through them was not worth it.



Thank you for the honesty, I hate getting started into a read; only to find that it wasn't worth the time.

I have a few favorite authors and was really excited for a new book from one, and I couldn't even finish the first 5 chapters.  Predictable and boring, what a real disappointment.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Feb 08, 2021, 04:04:55 PM
Quote from: AliceApocalypse on Feb 08, 2021, 12:42:32 PM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Feb 06, 2021, 03:32:45 PM
Little Star by John Lindqvist....

.... This was an interesting book as it starts out amazing and by the time you reach the end, you feel like you've read three different books and wish the author would've stuck with the first half.

The first two hundred pages or so, I was pretty engaged to the story. I really like the atmosphere and character development of Lennart, Leila, Jerry and ultimately Theres.

But what derailed it, for me, was the introduction to the next main character, Teressa. Now, I really like how the author went in to such detail of her story and how we end up where we do with her, but it was very hard for me to really care all that much.

I wanted to know more about what was going on with Theres, how she ended up in the forest, why she is the way she is, etc. That was why I continued and finished this book and was definitely dissatisfied. I feel like the book turned into a YA novel and about 450 pages into it, I was ready to be done.

I enjoyed the writing style and for those first 200 or so pages. There was some interesting things after the first half of the book that were fine, but sifting through 300+ more pages to get through them was not worth it.



Thank you for the honesty, I hate getting started into a read; only to find that it wasn't worth the time.

I have a few favorite authors and was really excited for a new book from one, and I couldn't even finish the first 5 chapters.  Predictable and boring, what a real disappointment.

...Yeah, it's a shame because it started out with such a bang and I really don't mind reading such extensive books. But the payoff was pretty weak. But I do like his writing style and still want to check out Handling the Undead...


The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum....

...I knew what I was getting into before I started this book, I'd read some reviews and grasped what was ahead of me which was good, as this book isn't intended for a 'enjoyable' read. Almost like watching one of those series you see on TV about despicable crimes except this time, your mind creates the images from the authors description of the events and wonders.

I'm glad that the sole focus of the book wasn't on what happened to Meg and her sister, Susan. But incorporates a first hand narrative from the boy next door, David. It was interesting to read his thinking at the beginning of these girls getting abused as he puts himself in the curious and victim blaming category. Luckily he does start realizing that things aren't right and try's to fix things. Although there were times I found it hard that he'd sit, watch and wanted to see where it went...but who knows.

I think if the book didn't incorporate more of his first hand account and some of the history with neighbors then this could've been a straight up Hostel type of book.

This is a different type of book as it's not about monsters, the supernatural, aliens or some unspeakable force from the grave, but real life people doing real life horrible things to a young girl for no reason other than to see what happens next...Not for the faint of heart.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: kwisatz on Feb 13, 2021, 12:49:07 AM
The Forever War


rIdLeYs nExT fIlM jajaja
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 13, 2021, 01:25:05 AM
Cool read.

Quote from: kwisatz on Feb 13, 2021, 12:49:07 AM
rIdLeYs nExT fIlM jajaja

The man is a national treasure  8)

"I will tell you why – it's all the things you just said and the fact that I had these epic Monopoly battles with my family when I was young" ~ Ridley Scott

https://twitter.com/CinemaBlend/status/5639504997
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Feb 13, 2021, 02:59:01 PM
The Fishermen by John Langlan...

...What an odd book this was, in a good way though. I knew little to nothing going into this book which was probably a good thing, however, I would also like to let anyone else who decides to read this know that the first part of this book is kinda hard to get through. It's slow...and honestly, the main character of Abe is boring. But once you get past that first 60 pages or so, the story jumps out at you.

It was nice to read a book that seems to have placed itself into several genres that the author was able to wrap into one. Now, it can be disjointed at time, but it's still very much worth the read.

Parts horror, folklore, cosmic horror, you don't know how to classify this book which makes it pretty cool. You'll want to go fishing in search of odd fisherman tales of magic, leviathans and nymphs, but want to stay away for the same reason. I promise you'll never look at casting a rod and wonder what's at the end of the line the same again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 14, 2021, 02:36:33 PM
First Person Singular, a collection of eight stories by Haruki Murakami.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Feb 14, 2021, 05:52:25 PM
Das Kapital
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Feb 14, 2021, 06:40:46 PM
A book on capitalism?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Feb 14, 2021, 06:45:07 PM
Yes. We must know our enemy\s strengths and weaknesses
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eighty-Five on Feb 16, 2021, 12:53:26 PM
It's a 26 year old book. Well-worn as you can see. Reading it again for the first time in a decade.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 16, 2021, 10:47:17 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 14, 2021, 06:45:07 PM
Yes. We must know our enemy\s strengths and weaknesses

Better read Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty. It's more contemporary.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 16, 2021, 10:49:18 PM
Still working on Drood, but things have gotten f**king nuts these past few chapters.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Feb 17, 2021, 12:13:32 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 16, 2021, 10:47:17 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 14, 2021, 06:45:07 PM
Yes. We must know our enemy\s strengths and weaknesses

Better read Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty. It's more contemporary.

I'll read it as soon as our wise and can-do-no-wrong censorship approves it
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 17, 2021, 08:45:33 AM
Quote from: Eighty-Five on Feb 16, 2021, 12:53:26 PM
It's a 26 year old book. Well-worn as you can see. Reading it again for the first time in a decade.

Oh I love that cover! My first Aliens novel was an omnibus of the first two books, but a less exciting cover. I don't have it anymore though.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eighty-Five on Feb 17, 2021, 10:25:31 AM
The cover is what drew me to it. They also had Female War when I picked it up in a Hammicks bookshop in the 90s iirc. I ended up going for this and a copy of AvP Eternal.

Still haven't read any other Perry novels all these years later. Kinda hesitant to tbh since I heard a lot of people who generally have similar opinions on EU stuff to me shitting on his work.  But I still rate these pretty highly for spinoff stories.

Some of that may be due to nostalgia, guess I'll have to see how this latest read goes, only about 40 pages in so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 17, 2021, 10:38:34 AM
Some of his work just feels immature to me. But to be fair, he doesn't have any more pieces on his own and his stuff with his daughter and her solo work is generally good. His Predator novel for DH Press is one of the best.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eighty-Five on Feb 17, 2021, 11:36:13 AM
Isn't Perry&Perry the origin of the Yautja concept?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Feb 17, 2021, 12:04:54 PM
Finished Koji Suzuki's Dark Water. Decent anthology of stories. Ostensibly horror, but half of them are more about humanity's reaction to things.

Now on to Blade Runner 4: Eye and Talon.
Supposedly something about Tyrell's owl. Only one chapter in so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 17, 2021, 02:30:51 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 17, 2021, 12:13:32 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 16, 2021, 10:47:17 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 14, 2021, 06:45:07 PM
Yes. We must know our enemy\s strengths and weaknesses

Better read Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty. It's more contemporary.

I'll read it as soon as our wise and can-do-no-wrong censorship approves it

Censorship? We are you from?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Feb 17, 2021, 02:42:41 PM
Quote from: Eighty-Five on Feb 17, 2021, 10:25:31 AM
The cover is what drew me to it. They also had Female War when I picked it up in a Hammicks bookshop in the 90s iirc. I ended up going for this and a copy of AvP Eternal.

Still haven't read any other Perry novels all these years later. Kinda hesitant to tbh since I heard a lot of people who generally have similar opinions on EU stuff to me shitting on his work.  But I still rate these pretty highly for spinoff stories.

Some of that may be due to nostalgia, guess I'll have to see how this latest read goes, only about 40 pages in so far.

Last time I read Perry's trilogy was 2-3 years ago. But I remember enjoying it a lot. While I think about it, it's pretty similar to Dark Knight trilogy. Earth Hive is Batman Begins - pretty good, but not perfect. Nightmare Asylum is definetly the best of the three and feels the most like self-contained stand-alone story. I absolutely adore the character of general Spears (Joker stand-in of that story with his own share of madness and unique philosophy lol) and how Perry was able to flesh him out - he feels much more threatening, calculative and "two steps ahead" than he does in the comic. Female War was for me what for the most people was Dark Knight Rises - frustratingly underwhelming in comparision to its predecessor.

Idk, concepts introduced in the third book just do not work for me . The idea of Mother Queen is just so over-the-top and silly for me. And 'cause the whole plot revolved around our heros going to the planet of Aliens to capture her, the plot itself doesn't quite work for me. I understand that Perry had to work with pre-existing material but the novel had its own share of problems. Like the idea of synth Ripley - to this day I'm not sure what's the purpose of it was. And without Keith's artwork already kinda "meh" story becomes just bland and uninspired. Yes, I prefer Female War comic over its novelisation because for me Keith's artwork elevates it quite a bit. IMO his grotesque high-contrast almost abstract in places style suits the story's depressing "universe is absurd" tone quite well, especially when we move to the scenes of destroyed Earth and people trying to survive in post-apocalyptic world overrun by Aliens.

And here lies my main problem with that trilogy. It's such a cool idea of Aliens coming to Earth, of people surving a la Terminator Future War but neither Verheiden or Perry were able to realise its full potential. Earth parts of that trilogy is some of my favourites in whole Alien EU but they're so few and far between, feel so secondary to the main plot it's almost like they're accidental. I think if not set entirely on Earth that story should've focused on it much more because IMO it was its most interesting and novel idea

Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 17, 2021, 02:30:51 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 17, 2021, 12:13:32 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 16, 2021, 10:47:17 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 14, 2021, 06:45:07 PM
Yes. We must know our enemy\s strengths and weaknesses

Better read Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty. It's more contemporary.

I'll read it as soon as our wise and can-do-no-wrong censorship approves it

Censorship? We are you from?

Dude, chill. It's just the last few days I took on persona of a communitic nuthead who reads Das Kapital as his Bible, blindly trusts his "leaders" and threatens to kidnap people for not accepting ketchup

For fun, of course. I'm from Ukraine, btw
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 17, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Quote from: Eighty-Five on Feb 17, 2021, 11:36:13 AM
Isn't Perry&Perry the origin of the Yautja concept?

They are. In AvP Prey and War.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eighty-Five on Feb 17, 2021, 03:38:00 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 17, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
They are. In AvP Prey and War.

I feel my respect for the author diminishing...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Feb 17, 2021, 04:41:22 PM
By the minute? lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Feb 17, 2021, 09:16:30 PM
A head full of ghosts by Paul Trembly...

....Easily the most disappointing book I've read in awhile. Had an interesting premise that turned into a rehash of characters, plot and "scares" that have all been done before, and better.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 07:47:28 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 17, 2021, 02:42:41 PM
I'm from Ukraine, btw

I'm Polish.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Feb 18, 2021, 07:54:50 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 07:47:28 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 17, 2021, 02:42:41 PM
I'm from Ukraine, btw

I'm Polish.

I am a meat popsicle...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Feb 18, 2021, 08:20:16 PM
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Feb 18, 2021, 08:21:07 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 07:47:28 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 17, 2021, 02:42:41 PM
I'm from Ukraine, btw

I'm Polish.

We have quite a story together, don't we ?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 08:30:31 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 18, 2021, 08:21:07 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 07:47:28 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 17, 2021, 02:42:41 PM
I'm from Ukraine, btw

I'm Polish.

We have quite a story together, don't we ?

Not personally but yes :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Feb 18, 2021, 08:32:19 PM
Yes, that's what I meant
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 08:39:32 PM
I know :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 18, 2021, 09:06:56 PM
Half Polish, a quarter German.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 09:18:14 PM
What about the second quarter? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Feb 18, 2021, 09:21:54 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 18, 2021, 09:06:56 PM
Half Polish, a quarter German.

What a mix

"cough"1st of September"cough"1939"cough"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 18, 2021, 09:37:29 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 09:18:14 PM
What about the second quarter? :)

It's a mish mash of a few things. Some Dutch, etc.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Feb 19, 2021, 02:32:32 AM
Alien Into Charybdis soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shinawi on Feb 20, 2021, 07:46:27 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Feb 18, 2021, 09:37:29 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Feb 18, 2021, 09:18:14 PM
What about the second quarter? :)

It's a mish mash of a few things. Some Dutch, etc.
Did your grandfather burn the R... nah, j/k
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Feb 20, 2021, 07:48:52 PM
My grandfather placed USSR flag at the top of it

Spoiler
(https://memegenerator.net/img/images/12458857.jpg)
[close]
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Feb 23, 2021, 03:37:34 AM
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn...

.... Was recommended this and I really liked it. Her style of writing was nice and was quite surprised I'd be digging a mystery thriller as I usually don't read those. I'll have to check out the movie now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Feb 23, 2021, 03:10:40 PM
Alien The RPG Corebook.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Feb 23, 2021, 05:27:54 PM
Quote from: Trash Queen on Feb 23, 2021, 03:10:40 PM
Alien The RPG Corebook.

Does this read like an actual novel or more of a how to?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Feb 23, 2021, 05:44:20 PM
It reads like a field of study book.
A unfolding narrative's absolutely present in a way but it's not the primary focus. It's so multi-layered it nearly deserves it's own wiki.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Feb 24, 2021, 09:22:42 PM
Night of the Living Dead by John Russo
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Feb 27, 2021, 09:46:42 PM
The 33 Strategies of War
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Mar 13, 2021, 01:29:06 AM
It's a good read and it's a bad read, but mostly bad.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/

(https://i.ibb.co/px2WLb6/84af4040b5fdf0d10bf1238cfa647490.gif)

Edit: Despite the subreddit name, they are good for putting me to sleep  8)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Mar 14, 2021, 12:24:39 AM
The Living Dead by George Romero & Daniel Kraus.

It's a really cool continuation of Romero's Living Dead movie series. I like the characters and kinda wished we got this instead of Survival of the Dead.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Mar 15, 2021, 04:37:27 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Mar 14, 2021, 12:24:39 AM
The Living Dead by George Romero & Daniel Kraus.

It's a really cool continuation of Romero's Living Dead movie series. I like the characters and kinda wished we got this instead of Survival of the Dead.

I've had this on my to read list for awhile now. Would you say it's worth reading? I'm always hesitant of movie related books...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Mar 16, 2021, 12:10:23 AM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Mar 15, 2021, 04:37:27 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Mar 14, 2021, 12:24:39 AM
The Living Dead by George Romero & Daniel Kraus.

It's a really cool continuation of Romero's Living Dead movie series. I like the characters and kinda wished we got this instead of Survival of the Dead.

I've had this on my to read list for awhile now. Would you say it's worth reading? I'm always hesitant of movie related books...
I'm 2/3 through and enjoying it
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 19, 2021, 09:21:06 PM
Just finished Corpus Chrome, Inc. (2014) by S. Craig Zahler.

Just started Storm Front, first book of The Dresden Files, detective urban fantasy series by Jim Butcher. I'm hooked.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71viqo3dLrL.jpg)

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Mar 23, 2021, 04:20:57 PM
Blindsight by Peter watts...

...What a great book, but what a challenging book at that. I won't even pretend to really comprehend some of the paragraphs in the book and for that, I applaud.

Out of all the books I've read over the years, this is one I WILL be reading again because not only is it good, but I guarantee I'll interpret things differently then this first time.


The Hematophages by Steve Kozeniewski....

.....This book went from a solid 1 star to a 3 out of 5, solely because of the last 125-150 pages. 

The first 2/3 of the book are unremarkable and characters are very miss. But this author has some great ideas, just maybe needs to flesh it out more.

I'd love to see him evolve on the actual flesh planet. I never once felt scared for the people who arrived. The concept of no men is great, but no other details other than a passing phrase. The bloodsuckers are vicious towards the end and that's where the meat and bones of this book are. I just wish the first 200 pages could've focused more on dread than a YA type of novel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 24, 2021, 04:00:47 AM
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 26, 2021, 03:43:27 PM
An artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 26, 2021, 06:26:53 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Mar 24, 2021, 04:00:47 AM
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

If you can make it through Control without wanting to throw the book across the room, you're a stronger man than me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Mar 26, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
This thread.

And some John Campbell.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Mar 26, 2021, 09:10:17 PM
Still The Living Dead. Last third has lost the pace of the start. Hopefully it'll pick up again by the end.

I read You Should Have Left by Daniel Kehlmann in two sittings the other day. It's short, well paced, and  just realistic enough to be creepy without being scary. Better than the movie that was adapted from it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Mar 27, 2021, 04:36:35 PM
The Siberian Incident by Greig Beck...

.... What a great, well written and thought out book! I had no clue there was going to be a military and mafia aspect to this and that could be why I'm giving it such praise, it caught me by surprise!

The author does a good job of keeping the underlying menace present and accounted for as he introduces aspects to the story I wouldn't have seen work. I'm beyond impressed with how seemingly easy and workable this overall story was put together and will definitely check out the authors other work now.

I'd describe it as action horror, definitely had a The Thing movie vibe going on which was great, but image people with more guns and the mafia. Eastern Promises meets The Thing meets Predator.... great fun!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Mar 31, 2021, 08:05:35 PM
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel....

.... What a beautifully written book. Very character driven and well thought out. It was nice to read something different from my usual tastes and was happy with this choice.

If you're looking for a grim written post Apocalyptic novel than this isn't for you as the author uses the setting as a backdrop. This is a book about people.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Mar 31, 2021, 08:44:10 PM
The Living Dead has a good ending. Worth the long read.

Now onto S by JJ Abrams and Doug Dorsch. It's a non-linear ergodic novel, similar to House of Leaves, with a lot of 'feelies' inside. It's fairly good so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Apr 01, 2021, 12:10:40 AM
Quote from: Stitch on Mar 31, 2021, 08:44:10 PM
Now onto S by JJ Abrams and Doug Dorsch. It's a non-linear ergodic novel, similar to House of Leaves, with a lot of 'feelies' inside. It's fairly good so far.

As someone who enjoyed House of Leaves, I was wondering if there are recent books of this Matryoshka doll-like format.  8)

Edit ~

I am curious of whether this kind of literature can be adapted in the form of a TV series, because the film format does not seem to be the one.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Apr 01, 2021, 10:09:54 PM
Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Apr 01, 2021, 12:10:40 AM
I am curious of whether this kind of literature can be adapted in the form of a TV series, because the film format does not seem to be the one.
I doubt it. It could maybe be done on blu ray, or possibly interactive streaming (like bandersnatch). You have so many ways of reading the book, that it's almost a choose your own adventure style. If you could do something similar with interactive subtitles and choices of scenes, then maybe, but a standard series would have no chance. You could adapt the 5 1/2 minute hallway, possibly.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 01, 2021, 10:15:06 PM
Someone could probably make a decent film out of the events of The Navidson Record, but a lot of the rest of House of Leaves just wouldn't work.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Apr 02, 2021, 12:14:23 AM
Well, maybe, but I think you can simulate the experience of reading this type of book through interactive art.

Quote from: Stitch on Apr 01, 2021, 10:09:54 PM
Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Apr 01, 2021, 12:10:40 AM
I am curious of whether this kind of literature can be adapted in the form of a TV series, because the film format does not seem to be the one.
I doubt it. It could maybe be done on blu ray, or possibly interactive streaming (like bandersnatch). You have so many ways of reading the book, that it's almost a choose your own adventure style. If you could do something similar with interactive subtitles and choices of scenes, then maybe, but a standard series would have no chance. You could adapt the 5 1/2 minute hallway, possibly.

Well with lockdowns, quarantines, and all of this new normal, ergodic literature turned into interactive audiovisual arts wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 07, 2021, 04:37:43 PM
Little Heaven by Nick Cutter....

.... This was my second novel of Nick Cutters that I've finished, The Troop being the first, and I'm officially sold on this author.

I really enjoy his storytelling, characters and the vivid pictures he paints with his words.

Now, this book is not The Troop, so don't go looking for it here. It does have creepy creatures and detailed gruesome accounts of what's happening but the overall feel is different and I applaud him for doing something different.

I instantly loved the interaction of our three main characters of Micah, Minerva and Eb. My only complaint would be that I wish there was more story of the three of them together. A good chunk of the book is what happens at Little Heaven, which makes sense considering it's the title of the book.

Give it a try but go in knowing it's a different tone than The Troop!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Apr 09, 2021, 11:48:56 AM
Julie Garwood

Historical romance book series  :P
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 12, 2021, 05:55:33 PM
The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch....

.... What a great, at times confusing, well thought out book. The only reason I wouldn't give this book a 4/5 star rating and instead a 3.5/5 would be because I had a hard time following at some points and one character....

Now I'm not saying that's the authors fault, necessarily, but when dealing with detailed environments caught in a time like vortex and the overall theme of the book being time travel, it got kind of chunked up at times.

I normally don't read detective,crime thrillers unless the story involves some kind of horror/sci-fi aspects to it and this book delivers on all fronts. It's definitely a mash up of different genres and felt the author did a great job of achieving that. Think True Detective and 12 Monkeys....

My only complaint, which could be a big one considering, would be the main character. The first half she was written very formal and once she seems to shed that aspect, I'd find her almost naive/silly at times.

I've read two books this year which I can say I definitely plan on reading again because I feel I'd appreciate them more down the road. That would be Blindsight and now, this book!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Apr 15, 2021, 11:49:43 AM
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

What really happened to Chris McCandless?  The guy held his own for four months in the wilderness, but why did he do this?

I'm looking forward to reading it  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 15, 2021, 09:27:06 PM
The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher.... 2/5

.... I feel bad for giving almost any book lower than a 3/5 rating but this was just not doing it for me. I never quit a book no matter how much I don't like it and this one really challenged me to break that rule.

It took me about 150-200 pages before I realized I didn't care for this story at all. So the last 100+ pages was a chore.

There just wasn't a story here, IMO, or maybe it would've been better as a short because I feel I got more out of the cat that's in this book than actual story.

I DID enjoy how the author writes in general, though. And I did enjoy Carrot and Simon as characters. But that's all I kind of enjoyed, unfortunately.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Apr 16, 2021, 02:02:36 AM
Godzilla vs Kong: the official movie novelization
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 20, 2021, 03:06:16 AM
The Traveling Vampire Show by Richard Laymon....

.... This was a great coming of age tale in the day of three teenagers that just so happen to have a traveling vampire show appear for a one night only event in their small town.

I read this 400+ page book fairly quickly and give props to the author for making it an easy read, but also engrossing.

It's told from the main character of Dwight, a 16 year old boy who constantly hangs out with his two best friends, Rusty (boy) and Slim (girl).

I really got the feel of these three and the closeness they have. Being a teenage boy in another life (ha) I was able to understand some (not all) of Dwights thinking behind some things that occur.

Ultimately you find out what's really going on with this vampire show at the end and although it might not be a surprise, I was still happy with it.

(Slim was probably the best character in the book, loved how she wasn't your typical teenage typecast kind of girl)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Apr 28, 2021, 04:22:31 PM
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Apr 28, 2021, 04:26:21 PM
Summer of Night by Dan Simmons

So far it's a bit like Simmons' answer to It, but the overall feel is different.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 28, 2021, 04:52:41 PM
14 by Peter Clines... 4/5

.... Fantastic book! I really couldn't put this book down and the author does a great job in describing the characters and setting. This is a cosmic type thriller I'd say.

I felt apart of this apartment building at times, as if I was going up to the roof and have beers with the rest of the tenants. There was one worthless character who could've done without but the character building of the others was in depth and mysterious.

It's definitely a slow moving thriller and although I wouldn't say the payoff is surprising, I would say it's worth the read and enjoyed the overall experience of what the hell is going on in this apartment building.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Apr 28, 2021, 05:11:28 PM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Apr 28, 2021, 04:52:41 PM
14 by Peter Clines... 4/5

.... Fantastic book! I really couldn't put this book down and the author does a great job in describing the characters and setting. This is a cosmic type thriller I'd say.

I felt apart of this apartment building at times, as if I was going up to the roof and have beers with the rest of the tenants. There was one worthless character who could've done without but the character building of the others was in depth and mysterious.

It's definitely a slow moving thriller and although I wouldn't say the payoff is surprising, I would say it's worth the read and enjoyed the overall experience of what the hell is going on in this apartment building.
I love this book. The ending and the sequels go a little far into the mythology and lore, but the majority of this is a great supernatural mystery.


I'm currently 1/3 through Alien Infiltrator. It's amazing how many times the word infiltrator is used in Alien Infiltrator.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Apr 28, 2021, 05:21:23 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Apr 28, 2021, 05:11:28 PM
Quote from: Gentleman Death on Apr 28, 2021, 04:52:41 PM
14 by Peter Clines... 4/5

.... Fantastic book! I really couldn't put this book down and the author does a great job in describing the characters and setting. This is a cosmic type thriller I'd say.

I felt apart of this apartment building at times, as if I was going up to the roof and have beers with the rest of the tenants. There was one worthless character who could've done without but the character building of the others was in depth and mysterious.

It's definitely a slow moving thriller and although I wouldn't say the payoff is surprising, I would say it's worth the read and enjoyed the overall experience of what the hell is going on in this apartment building.
I love this book. The ending and the sequels go a little far into the mythology and lore, but the majority of this is a great supernatural mystery.


I'm currently 1/3 through Alien Infiltrator. It's amazing how many times the word infiltrator is used in Alien Infiltrator.

Yeah I think he did a great job with it and noticed there were some more of the Threshold series. After my next few reads I'll definitely be picking up the others.

Yeah that word infiltrates the story a few times...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on May 04, 2021, 05:07:13 AM
The Deep by Nick Cutter....2.75/5

.... I loved The Troop and Little Heaven and with that being said, this was a tough one to get through and not in a good way.

There was a few things going on in this book that get skimmed over and ultimately focuses on the main character of Lucas which is unfortunate because there were some really cool things in this book.

I think this story would've worked out better if a few things were done but my main issue was the length. It could've easily shaved off 150+ pages.

Out of his three books, this probably had the most potential but ended up being his weakest.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Deadmeat on May 04, 2021, 04:37:57 PM
Just started "A Roadside Picnic" since the stalker nostalgia was hitting me hard lately lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on May 04, 2021, 05:12:56 PM
Great book. Read it years ago.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on May 08, 2021, 11:27:37 PM
Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins...3/5

.... When "The Umbrella Academy" and "The Boys" collide you'll get this kind of book...


Sightings by Mark Lukens...... 2.75/5

..... A quick and fun read of an encounter with something not of this world. It was like the Blair Witch Project, but with UFOs and Aliens.

Wasn't expecting an ending like that, however. I'd be curious to see if anything happens with this story moving forward.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on May 12, 2021, 06:24:26 PM
The Dover Demon by Hunter Shea.... 3.25/5.....

...... A fairly normal first half of an 'Alien' book gets darker and better along the way.

The author was able to add some freshness to this genre and having characters you genuinely liked and could relate with definitely helped in a genre that could get tiresome.

"We've always been looking up to the sky for them, instead we should've been looking down..."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on May 12, 2021, 08:55:58 PM
Starcraft: Devil's Due, a bit of Expanded Universe cheese in the SC universe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on May 13, 2021, 02:27:03 AM
If audiobooks count, I just finished Monster Hunter Legion by Larry Correia. It's book... 5? I'm thoroughly invested in this series by now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on May 17, 2021, 03:40:31 PM
Night in the Lonesome October by Richard Laymon...... (3/5)

..... Not much is given as to why such oddness happens in the month of October other than that's when the weirdness is at its peaks.

It's a book where Our main character, Ed, is going through a breakup and decides to go out at night and comes across crazy homeless trolls under a bridge, a bicycle riding old gag, a van wanting him to get in for some 'fun', a young girl named Casey who travels from house to house because that's just what she does, a psycho guy named Randy and honestly, the list could go on.

With Laymon, the writing was an easy read and slightly 'trashy' at times and I'm starting to get when others have said the same thing about his novels, which so far, are a good break between my normal reads.

Two issues I had was the length and the main character. The book could've easily shed 100 pages as there were times I'd be reading pages of Ed's thoughts on what he should do or not. Now, that's a given in a book but not 10 straight pages in a row if it.
And the main character just did some really stupid stuff. Ah times he'd be extremely witty and smart, the next he'd act as if he didn't know up from down.

This was my second Laymon book and so far I'd be willing to continue with some more. He definitely has an interesting way of keeping the reader continuing, wanting to know more.

(Reminded me of the movie After Hours and the pacing of a Tarantino movie)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on May 18, 2021, 11:07:18 PM
Numenera Corebook by Monte Cook.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on May 23, 2021, 05:05:29 AM
AVP: The official movie novelization
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on May 23, 2021, 05:10:00 AM
Do the expository passages accurately describe Scar's crustacean facial traits?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on May 23, 2021, 05:14:37 AM
Just started it. The apocalypto-style opening was pretty good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on May 24, 2021, 05:53:58 PM
We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor (4/5)....

.... This was a great science fiction book and if I had one word to describe it then it'd be fun!

A man named Bob pays money to have his head frozen and after dying, wakes up 100+ years later only to find out he's been 'installed' as an AI mind for a space probe. From there the novel just gets plain fun to read.

Imagine a book of space travel told through the eyes, ahem lens, of an AI/Replicant aboard a space probe that's goal is to find a planet worthy of human inhabitants. Lots of travel to find minerals, a key ingredient to create more probes, spaceships and of course, more Bobs.

The book reminded me of the Michael Keaton character in Multiplicity, who clones himself and each time, a different version of him comes out which is exactly what Bob does. All Bobs are the same in only that they come from the same design but each is different in characteristic.
If you've played a game where you search for habitual planets and minerals to be used for various reasons, this would be right up your alley.

Now there is more to the story than that but saying it would simply give it away, even though it's not necessarily a secret, some things are best to just read.

The author does a really good job of mixing slick, dry humor with science fiction. I wouldn't call it a hard sci-fi but you'd need to know some basics. This is the first of three books in the Bobiverse and I'll be checking out the others later on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on May 26, 2021, 11:04:36 PM
The Cipher by Kathe Koja.....(4/5).....

..... "I was becoming a process.."

What a great line, one that stuck with me throughout this novel and stayed with me after.

I've read a few "holes" found in random buildings books recently and I have to say that this one was the most entertaining, bleak, dirty, grimy, grungy and dark that I've read in this field of genre.

There isn't any backstory as to why or how the main characters act  and for the most part, aren't remotely like able against all. I found that to be extremely valuable in a book like this. They are, who they are. This book is about the Funhole.

The book got to me, in a good way, with the setting, the atmosphere that the characters of Nicholas and Dakota are constantly putting themselves through. It was bleak but just like the funhole, entertaining.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 29, 2021, 03:31:00 AM
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Giving the Tolkien translation a reread before the movie comes out.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on May 29, 2021, 04:41:51 AM
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZNpye6r.jpg&hash=13468b9254c6f194b79c1083f08abfabe50be8a6)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on May 29, 2021, 03:31:44 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 29, 2021, 03:31:00 AM
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Giving the Tolkien translation a reread before the movie comes out.

I read the Roger Lancelyn Green version the other day. It's aimed at children so it reads more easily in prose form.

Trying to recall if Tolkien's book had the original Middle English poem included with his translation or not?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 29, 2021, 03:51:15 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on May 29, 2021, 03:31:44 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 29, 2021, 03:31:00 AM
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Giving the Tolkien translation a reread before the movie comes out.

I read the Roger Lancelyn Green version the other day. It's aimed at children so it reads more easily in prose form.

Trying to recall if Tolkien's book had the original Middle English poem included with his translation or not?

My copy doesn't, but he did two different versions. One academic, one popular.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on May 30, 2021, 08:38:12 PM
Fantasticland by Mike Bockhoven (2.75/5).....

.....This was an entertaining book but never really picked up in the suspense/thriller aspect.

A premise of a Lord of the Flies type of book or Battle Royale, it's major error for me was not capitalizing on the true terror of the kids' situation and the fact that I simply couldn't understand, and the other tried at the end, why only after 24-48hrs of the hurricane hitting, murder would be almost instantaneous.

The book WAS entertaining and i really enjoyed how it was written, through transcripts of interviews done by the survivors and other figures associated with the park. The backstory was straight and to the point and the interview towards the end of the book was really intriguing and smart.

However, for me, I just couldn't get past the instant killing. Maybe if the author had done a slow burn of days, I could somewhat fathom it more. And some other loose ends never got finished.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on May 30, 2021, 11:05:00 PM
Christine by Stephen King

(https://images2.imgbox.com/cc/51/PMM3suWo_o.jpg)

My first time reading this. I have seen John Carpenter's movie several times and always loved it. The film does a good job of covering the broad strokes of the book. The book however had a more developed story when it came to what made Christine tick and her relationship to the previous owner, LeBay. More of a possession and less of a car coming alive (though there is that too). Also a much larger body count than the movie. I quite enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jun 02, 2021, 03:45:16 AM
Negative Space by BR Yeager (4/5)....

This was an extremely different and well written book. I was pretty much hooked within the first 50 pages and it was hard to stop.
I think it's because the book is told from the perspective of 3 different people throughout the story and it starts from high school, through to college with quick jumps in between.

I did my my last two and a half years in high school living in a small town and could instantly relate to what these kids were doing. The use of drugs and even the language/terms spoke by them was dead on! The author did a great job of setting the feeling of the town.

Now, what the story is about..?... it's kind of hard to describe as there are times when the story is told in dreams and several plots are intertwined. In the end, I didn't know how to describe this book other than horror. It has some cosmic touches here and there, suicides that are alarming as no one knows why it's happening and a drug that could make them see the world through another lens. Now, we're they really seeing and experiencing these happenings? I think that's for the reader to decide!

It's dark, crazy, fun, twisted and exciting. I can honestly say I haven't read a book like this.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Jun 06, 2021, 02:29:35 AM
A brochure.

Kinda disappointing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AliceApocalypse on Jun 11, 2021, 12:12:35 PM
In the Skin of a Jihadist by Anna Erelle

The actual accounts of the journalist who cat-fished an ISIS recruiter for a story.  I saw the movie and wanted to read the book, it's interesting how the conditioning works. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 13, 2021, 10:36:24 PM
Artemis by Andy Weir
The Future of Humanity: Terraforming Mars, Interstellar Travel, Immortality, and Our Destiny Beyond Earth by Michio Kaku
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 13, 2021, 10:47:12 PM
Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos

A pretty solid collection of Lovecraft inspired fiction so far, my current favorite being Robert E. Howard's The Black Stone.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 13, 2021, 10:58:24 PM
I only have read At the Mountains of Madness.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jun 14, 2021, 01:57:48 AM
One Rainy Night by Richard Laymon (4/5)


Well, I think I might've found my guilty pleasure author and it's Richard Laymon. This is the third book I've read and I'm still really enjoying these.

Imagine a Grindhouse type of film, but in written form, and you'll get this type of book.

It's violent, sleezy and over the top which makes it such a great novel.

Could've done without the character of Trevor but other than that, great book!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Shasvre on Jun 20, 2021, 11:15:44 PM
The Wolfen by Whitley Strieber

(https://images2.imgbox.com/76/17/HcUUcyct_o.jpg)

I haven't read this in many years. It's a werewolf story like no other. Hard boiled 70s cops meet canine hunters. Only these werewolves are not humans turning into wolves, but their own breed - a superb predator hidden in cities around the world. It's very interesting when the authors lets us have a fair bit of the book seen from their perspective, showing us how their pack works and how they view humans.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 21, 2021, 12:04:06 AM
I'm actually listening to an audio book of a werewolf story myself, The Wolf's Hour by Robert R. McCammon. Entertaining stuff, about a WWII era spy who also happens to be a werewolf.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Jun 26, 2021, 01:04:06 AM
Finished Blood Of Elves, onto Time Of Contempt, not sure if I rate them as highly as The Last Wish so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jul 07, 2021, 04:20:30 PM
Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica (5/5)

This is a gut punch of a book and easily the best I've read this year, maybe even clinches my top 3 of all time.

Imagine all animals are wiped out in earth due to virus, and replaced by humans who are born and raised to be slaughtered like cattle. That's this book. Definitely not for the squeamish.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jul 07, 2021, 09:38:16 PM
Quote from: Trash Queen on Jun 26, 2021, 01:04:06 AM
Finished Blood Of Elves, onto Time Of Contempt, not sure if I rate them as highly as The Last Wish so far.

Just wait for Baptism of Fire which is my favourite.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jul 19, 2021, 09:27:49 PM
Between two Fires by Christopher Buehlman (4/5)

This was such an unexpected find, and read! It's completely different from any that I've personally read. I tend to stay away from medieval type of books, it's usually because of historic, religious or most of them have magic which is not my thing.....but I guess you could categorize this as horror and it's amazing.

If there's more books that could incorporate horror and monsters and actually seem believable ( here's looking at you Witcher) than sign me up because this book killed it. Now, it is religious based, but it doesn't drown you in the subject like so many others of the genre can.

My only complaint would be that I didn't feel really connected to the main characters. With a book this size and scope, I thought it could've contained more personal touches with the main characters.

Other than that, I can honestly say I'll be reading this book again in the near future. I can't say that about 3/4s of the books I read. Well done!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jul 19, 2021, 09:55:18 PM
Finished S by Koji Suzuki. After the weird disappointment of Loop, this was much more interesting, although it did feel like it was leading to a larger story that never happened. Maybe it's continued in the next book, Tide, but that hasn't been translated into English yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 19, 2021, 10:16:11 PM
Yeah I'm still waiting on Tide. Definitely read the Birthday collection if you can get it, one of the stories sheds light on events that happen after Loop.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jul 19, 2021, 11:02:57 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 19, 2021, 10:16:11 PM
Yeah I'm still waiting on Tide. Definitely read the Birthday collection if you can get it, one of the stories sheds light on events that happen after Loop.
Finished Birthday a while back. I can't quite recall, but I thought the story that connected with Loop was contradictory to the events of S, so it makes me wonder what's supposed to be canonical.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 19, 2021, 11:38:00 PM
Quote from: Stitch on Jul 19, 2021, 11:02:57 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 19, 2021, 10:16:11 PM
Yeah I'm still waiting on Tide. Definitely read the Birthday collection if you can get it, one of the stories sheds light on events that happen after Loop.
Finished Birthday a while back. I can't quite recall, but I thought the story that connected with Loop was contradictory to the events of S, so it makes me wonder what's supposed to be canonical.

Sounds like Suzuki is finally doing what the movies did years ago: contradict all over the place. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: City Hunter Yautja on Jul 20, 2021, 08:24:06 AM
Aliens vs Predator: Prey.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jul 22, 2021, 06:49:56 PM
Earthworm Gods by Brian Keene (4/5)

I went in thinking this was a 'creature feature' type of book as it was recommended under a similar title. I gotta say that there's so much more going on with this book then just worms. In fact, there really only 2/3 of the book.

This book has an almost mythos quality going for it as there's worms, mermaids, cults, huge fish, etc. I mean, I seriously thought it was only going to be about worms and was very happy that it wasn't.

You truly get invested in these characters which is a huge part in this kind of book. A lot of authors struggle with focusing on one or the other but Keene does a great job in visualizing these 'things' and hoping that characters don't die.

I was so surprised by how much I liked this book that I instantly bought the second and will continue the story!

Do yourself a favor and ignore the title of the book and give this a read because it really is a treat!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jul 23, 2021, 11:31:53 AM
The Fellowship of the Ring
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jul 28, 2021, 09:59:49 PM
The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman (3/5)

I'm not much into vampire books but with how Buehlman writes and tells a story, he turns a genre that's been done to death (get it?) into a fresh tale of vampires in the dirty landscape of 1978 NYC.

The first half was a little rough to get through as the narration jumps back and forth but once it finds its footing, delivers an enjoyable dark read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jul 28, 2021, 10:55:17 PM
Children of the Night by Dan Simmons

Part vampire story, part overview of how f**ked up post-Ceausescu Romania was.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Jul 29, 2021, 03:12:00 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jul 28, 2021, 10:55:17 PM
Children of the Night by Dan Simmons

Part vampire story, part overview of how f**ked up post-Ceausescu Romania was.

I hate to admit but I've never read any of his books. I know of his writings, but never actually picked any up. I'm constantly reading about recommendations of his work.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 21, 2021, 09:29:07 PM
Catching up on some old Star Wars books, namely X-Wing: Wraith Squadron.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wysps on Sep 27, 2021, 02:24:27 PM
A book about how to overcome analysis paralysis (or choice paralysis, as I refer to it).  I knew I needed it when I debated for a solid 10 minutes on whether I needed it or not  :(
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Oct 07, 2021, 08:29:02 AM
Reading Alien 3 by Pat Cadigan, quite good actually.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Oct 26, 2021, 12:53:38 PM
Reading the T2 Novelization. Includes some nice stuff that was deleted from the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Oct 26, 2021, 08:50:40 PM
Finished The Institute by Stephen King. Really good book. It's very much his oeuvre, and Constant Readers will enjoy it.

Currently on Shadowplay by Joseph O'Connor. Fictionalised story about Bram Stoker and his life while writing Dracula. Pretty good so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Oct 31, 2021, 12:14:44 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/ahiVmCA.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Oct 31, 2021, 04:22:21 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Oct 26, 2021, 12:53:38 PM
Reading the T2 Novelization. Includes some nice stuff that was deleted from the movie.

I read that along time ago. Was okay I think.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 31, 2021, 07:31:58 PM
The Gods of Mars

Barsoom is like a nesting doll, the cannibalism has layers. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Huggs on Nov 06, 2021, 07:34:27 PM
The More of Less
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Nov 06, 2021, 09:53:28 PM
The Joys of Hoarding
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Nov 06, 2021, 10:39:23 PM
Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman (4/5)

This book caught me completely by surprise with how much I enjoyed it! I'm also happy I didn't have any spoilers read or told to me about this prior to reading because I think that would've taken the wtf is going on aspect completely away from fully enjoying it.

The book has it all, southern charm, rituals, weird characters, moonshine, war trauma...and one very real and crazy ....well, I best not say. But I'd highly recommend it.

I picked this up after reading the authors other two book of The Lesser Dead and one of my favorites, Between Two Fires. I'm not disappointed and will continue to read anything else he puts forward!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Nov 07, 2021, 11:04:38 PM
Reading The Adventures of Lando Calrissian. I love classic Star Wars.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Nov 08, 2021, 01:54:25 PM
Dmitry Glukhovsky's (Metro series, Futu.re) newest post-apocalyptic Outpost.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Nov 15, 2021, 08:50:37 PM
Actual reading is currently on hold for NaNoWriMo.

Lots of driving so if audiobooks count I've finished Dark Country by Dennis Etchison, Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven, and have started Ghost Stories volume 2 by M R James.

Fantasticland I recommend. Very much like a modern lord of the flies.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Dec 02, 2021, 12:01:01 AM
Reading this short nautical horror story made me want to see The Lighthouse again.  :laugh:

More than 100 years ago, three lighthouse keepers disappeared off of the coast of Scotland. Beware bright ships - Part 1 (https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/r4vvav/more_than_100_years_ago_three_lighthouse_keepers/)

More than 100 years ago, three lighthouse keepers disappeared off of the coast of Scotland. Beware bright ships - Part 2 (https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/r5njds/more_than_100_years_ago_three_lighthouse_keepers/)

https://youtu.be/IYbXJjm1bIw
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Gentleman Death on Dec 28, 2021, 04:25:36 AM
Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (3/5)
A book about killer mermaids/sirens? Sure...why not?

I had a love hate relationship with this book. It would draw me in and just as quickly push me away.

Loved how Grant gets into the details of aquatic life and the science. But the dialogue and characters did absolutely squat for me which is pretty important in a book.

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman (4/5)

Once again Buehlman delivers a funny , violent, magical and imaginative experience with his newest book.

I still don't like books about magic and fantasy and mages and blah blah...but this is the second book where these things are apart of the story and I'm starting to see that when it's done seriously and somewhat "real", I can somewhat get my head into this dark world where magic is a side character, not the main force.

Only reason I didn't give this a 5/5 would be because the last 100 pages felt rushed, like the author realized he only had a few pages left to wrap things up.

Side note; he also wrote another book I read earlier in the year called Between Two Fires which is definitely my number one book of the year, check it out!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 28, 2021, 07:21:48 AM
X-Wing: Solo Command.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Jan 01, 2022, 12:34:52 PM
Hound of Baskerviles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 

I find setting of an old mansion in the middle of a giant swamp to be extremely appealing
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 04, 2022, 09:10:41 AM
I finished reading Alex White's first novel the other day. Every Mountain Made Low. One of the things I enjoy about falling in love with an author is then trying their other work, stuff you might not ordinary be interested in, but give it a shot based on the author. I'm glad I did here too. Very very very interesting, and very much in Alex's style so if you like Alex, you'll like Every Mountain. They got some emotions out of me too - slammed the book shut in anger at something taking place relatively early on. Which then just reminded me it was Alex's book and world and that I enjoyed how they portray their world.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 08, 2022, 12:15:07 PM
I was reading the political thread.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Darwinsgirl on Jan 08, 2022, 12:30:16 PM

                      Ditto
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Jan 08, 2022, 01:39:27 PM
The thread that keeps on giving
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Jan 08, 2022, 04:57:05 PM
The political thread ought to be nuked from orbit. There is a good reason forums like this don't usually allow them. @Corporal Hicks

Quote from: Kradan on Jan 01, 2022, 12:34:52 PM
Hound of Baskerviles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 

I find setting of an old mansion in the middle of a giant swamp to be extremely appealing

The professor is a man of refined taste.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 08, 2022, 05:17:57 PM
As much as I agree with most things you say 8th I have to disagree with nuking political thread out of orbit. "Discuss current politics. Keep it civil and keep it respectful" it says on the thread. Why I have never had any issues discussing things with you? Because we keep it civilised. I don't have to agree with everything you say and vice versa (it's simply impossible to have the same opinions about everything) but we don't insult each other, unless I've forgotten, but I don't think we ever had. When I mentioned that I'm libertarian (and I have right to say that) .. then it started. Like I'm some kind of leper :) I'm more than certain that if I told you that I was libertarian you probably wouldn't attack me despite your own political views (which I don't know anything about) and vice versa.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Jan 08, 2022, 05:38:37 PM
QuoteKeep it civil and keep it respectful" it says on the thread.

And that's the problem, while I rarely look into that particular shithole, it almost always boils down to people making disparaging remarks about other members political beliefs, both left and right.

Interesting also to note that the thread is only visible to registered members and not the general public. Skeleton in the closet and all that. :D

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 08, 2022, 05:41:06 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 08, 2022, 05:38:37 PM
QuoteKeep it civil and keep it respectful" it says on the thread.

And that's the problem, while I rarely look into that particular shithole, it almost always boils down to people making disparaging remarks about other members political beliefs, both left and right.

I wish I knew that. I went there to have a chat. I like politics. Never again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Jan 08, 2022, 05:52:20 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 08, 2022, 05:38:37 PM
Interesting also to note that the thread is only visible to registered members and not the general public. Skeleton in the closet and all that. :D

Literally today I've logged out, checked the "Recent Posts" and when none of the posts from "Political discussion" showed up, I thought to myself "Oh God, somebody said something so outrageous Hicks had to shut down the whole thread. I hope it wasn't me"   :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Jan 08, 2022, 06:25:04 PM
I've seen political forums on many other message boards and the admins all allow them for the same reason: if they don't provide an outlet somewhere, the posters will just air their political opinions everywhere.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Crazy Rich on Jan 08, 2022, 10:24:53 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 08, 2022, 05:52:20 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 08, 2022, 05:38:37 PM
Interesting also to note that the thread is only visible to registered members and not the general public. Skeleton in the closet and all that. :D

Literally today I've logged out, checked the "Recent Posts" and when none of the posts from "Political discussion" showed up, I thought to myself "Oh God, somebody said something so outrageous Hicks had to shut down the whole thread. I hope it wasn't me"   :D

I think at a point most just have better things to do.... for now.

That and the ignore fiction is good for de-escalation, though I am surprised the mods didn't show up SWAT style.


Anyway I was actually reading about Greece during WW2.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 08, 2022, 11:01:31 PM
I'm trying to read through all of the Cormac McCarthy novels, working on Child of God right now. And I'm listening to the audio book of Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini. Excellent pirate fun so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 09, 2022, 11:51:58 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 08, 2022, 11:01:31 PM
I'm trying to read through all of the Cormac McCarthy novels, working on Child of God right now.

Child of God is dark as hell. My favourite is The Road.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 09, 2022, 06:24:34 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Jan 09, 2022, 11:51:58 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 08, 2022, 11:01:31 PM
I'm trying to read through all of the Cormac McCarthy novels, working on Child of God right now.

Child of God is dark as hell. My favourite is The Road.

Before this read through, I'd read No Country, The Road, and Blood Meridian. I don't know if BM will be topped for me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 09, 2022, 10:08:48 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 09, 2022, 06:24:34 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Jan 09, 2022, 11:51:58 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Jan 08, 2022, 11:01:31 PM
I'm trying to read through all of the Cormac McCarthy novels, working on Child of God right now.

Child of God is dark as hell. My favourite is The Road.

Before this read through, I'd read No Country, The Road, and Blood Meridian. I don't know if BM will be topped for me.

I've read No Country and Blood Meridian as well but The Road is still my fav. Did you know that Craig Zahler (A Congregation of Jackals and Wraiths of the Broken Land) doesn't like Blood Meridian?

QuoteFilmmaker: What are your favorite westerns?

Zahler: When I was 13 or 14, I started watching a lot of older movies and The Wild Bunch really resonated with me. I've been interested in westerns from that point on. The truth is a lot of what drove me to start writing westerns was around 2005 there was a revival of western movies at Film Forum (in New York) and I went and saw 18 or 19 of them in a two-week period and I didn't like a lot of them. Around that time someone recommended that I read Blood Meridian, which I know is this beloved western and certainly one of the most popular western books written recently, but I didn't like Blood Meridian. So after that combination of experiences, I figured out a lot of what I wanted to read and see in a western. I never really try to just follow behind something I enjoy, because that thing already exists. I try more to look at things that I think are lacking in a genre and what I can do to fill that gap.

Since that time I've delved a lot deeper into the genre. I watched a lot of the Anthony Mann westerns and the Budd Boetticher films — The Man From Laramie, Man of the West, The Tall T, Seven Men From Now. Those are pretty terrific westerns. And I really enjoy The Shootist and Red River. Those are my favorite John Wayne movies. Seeing Once Upon a Time in the West for the first time on the big screen in New York was also a really memorable experience. That movie and The Wild Bunch remain my favorite westerns.

https://filmmakermagazine.com/96324-if-you-move-in-a-hasty-manner-ill-put-a-bullet-in-you-s-craig-zahler-on-bone-tomahawk/#.Ydtb8mjP1PY
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 09, 2022, 10:20:53 PM
Huh, didn't know that.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 09, 2022, 10:58:48 PM
Well, now you know ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 18, 2022, 01:04:20 PM
The political thread again. It's like it has a plot or something.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 18, 2022, 07:48:14 PM
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey (pane name of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck). The first book from The Expanse. I literally started and I'm hooked already.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: EJA on Jan 18, 2022, 09:04:21 PM
TWILIGHT EYES by Dean Koontz, one of my favourite authors.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kradan on Jan 22, 2022, 10:11:47 PM
Aliens: Earth Hive/Nightmare Asylum

Switching between chapters of two books, interesting way to read, like two timelines running along each other simultaneously. 

Perry's writing has some jarring aspects.  For example, he likes repeating things: like Billy constantly thinking about how conflicted she is about Buller and why he didn't tell her and how much she still loves him and blah blah blah. Or Wilks thinking how he should've died way back when with his squad and how he has been leaving in debt for many years and blah blah blah blah. Also, author gets quite horny and probably bit too descriptive for my taste in few places. Reading about General Spears first sex was really uncomfortable  :-\

But there's still a lot of good in these books. I like how dystopian, hopeless this world feels, how simple people are constantly getting screwed over by goverments and companies which have no regards to the ideas of law and human rights. Aliens seem like only one amongst many terrible ways to die in this universe

Oh, and General Spears is probably still my favourite human villain from any Alien media. He's so deliciously over-the-top: constantly thinking about how great of a soldier he is, how nobody can outsmart him (and credits where credits  is due  - he has lots of reason to think so), how his victories are gonna set glorious examples for a future military conflicts and ruthlessly feeding his soldiers to the Aliens for the smallest of mistakes. Gotta love the man
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Feb 02, 2022, 12:18:39 AM
Finished listening to Captain Blood. Overall it was an excellent pirate adventure, even if the last quarter or so was a bit dragged out with typical misunderstanding drama among other things. The battle of Maracaibo is just the best.

Also got started on Suttree while I was away on vacation, will pick it back up soon. Moonlight Melonmounter. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 28, 2022, 01:58:37 PM
Currently splitting time between Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True History of Mad Max: Fury Road by Kyle Buchanan and Kull: Exile of Atlantis, a collection of all of Robert R. Howard's Kull stories.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Feb 28, 2022, 02:03:18 PM
Starting Caliban's War, the second book in The Expanse series. Really loved the first one, Leviathan Wakes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Apr 20, 2022, 04:20:15 PM
Blackout, second book in crime fiction Dark Iceland series by Ragnar Jónasson.

(https://cdn.waterstones.com/bookjackets/large/9781/9106/9781910633465.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Apr 20, 2022, 08:49:23 PM
Powers of Darkness: The Unique Version of Dracula

By Bram Stoker and A__e

The extended Swedish version of Dracula, translated finally into English. It's really cool. But I am a bit of a Dracula fan.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Apr 21, 2022, 01:00:08 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/DZcgaFj.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: VN1X on Apr 25, 2022, 04:26:58 PM
Incredibly minor spoilers (if that) but:
I'm reading Sea of Sorrows and isn't it kind of silly that in relation to Night Vision Goggles the writer makes it seem as if they are still dependent upon ancient technology? At least in terms of that they heavily reduce peripheral vision and that 'more advanced tech' would be very expensive (which makes no sense considering how far we're into the future and that it would only get cheaper and smaller lol).

Also the fact that they still use .com addresses across millions of kilometres or light years away is kinda ridiculous no? 😅
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Apr 25, 2022, 08:41:15 PM
Rupture, third book out of six in Icelandic noir Dark Iceland series by Ragnar Jónasson. First one was great but the second was true masterclass.

(https://blackwells.co.uk/jacket/l/9781910633571.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 26, 2022, 09:15:50 PM
Live and Let Die

The audio book is really good so far, Rory Kinnear does an excellent job voicing every character. And I'm dying laughing every time they bring up shark repellent.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jun 22, 2022, 01:29:09 PM
Cryptonomicon

Probably about the 5th time I've read it since it was published. Great book.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jun 27, 2022, 05:32:53 AM
"The Business" by Iain Banks.

Re-read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jun 27, 2022, 07:05:43 AM
Revisiting one of Fandemonium's Stargate novels. Reading Angelus currently.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 27, 2022, 10:47:45 AM
Reading Book 1 of the Jedi Academy Trilogy.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jun 29, 2022, 07:51:54 AM
"Doctor Who - The Eleventh Tiger" by David McIntee (also author of an unauthorised ALIEN/Predator guide book IIRC).

I seem to be on a bit of a reading kick at the moment.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jul 13, 2022, 10:31:38 AM
"Palimpset" by Cathryn M Valente.

Poetic and strange, like the best of Clive Barker, Neil Gaiman and Mervyn Peake.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jul 22, 2022, 08:05:07 PM
My reading has screeched to a halt. The Double pain of Alien: Colony War and Jedi Academy Book 1 has killed it off, hopefully temporarily.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Jul 25, 2022, 03:26:19 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/ZvqEyY0.jpg)

@[cancerblack] The Necrons in this book sure talk a lot.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jul 25, 2022, 07:22:21 AM
The Quarry, by Iain Banks.

Not bad so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: [cancerblack] on Jul 25, 2022, 09:13:25 AM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jul 25, 2022, 03:26:19 AMhttps://i.imgur.com/ZvqEyY0.jpg
@[cancerblack] The Necrons in this book sure talk a lot.

The leadership are supposed to, rarely. Anything else, less so.

#retcon5thforward
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Jul 26, 2022, 01:47:07 AM
I wonder if @Xenomrph has read it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Jul 26, 2022, 02:06:41 PM
Not yet.

Also I dunno about the leadership talking "rarely", I'm pretty sure they can talk as much as they want.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Jul 27, 2022, 01:24:22 AM
I'm gonna go ahead and tap that "report to moderator" button and move on.

Also the leadership talked as much as they wanted pre-lore change too. It happens in the video games, and the book Xenology, off the top of my head.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Jul 27, 2022, 01:30:36 AM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jul 26, 2022, 08:43:10 PM
Quote from: Xenomrph on Jul 26, 2022, 02:06:41 PMNot yet.

Also I dunno about the leadership talking "rarely", I'm pretty sure they can talk as much as they want.

You know that I mean "before the lore changes I very publicly dislike" you twat
You said they rarely speak and he said they could speak as much as they want. They are not mutually exclusive.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Jul 27, 2022, 03:20:14 AM
I mean, like, he's not even correct by 3rd edition lore standards. The closest the 3rd edition Necron codex comes to addressing the topic of Necron intelligence and talking is saying that Necron Lords are silent (pages 2 and 16) but also saying that some Necrons retained their intelligence albeit in a diminished capacity (page 25). It doesn't say all Necrons are mute, or even that they rarely speak.

I'm currently getting some 40k lore-hounds to fact check whether or not they were silent in other pre-5th edition lore.

To actually contribute to the thread though, I recently re-read my favorite sci fi story "Virgin Planet", by Poul Anderson from like 1959.

The basic premise is a space explorer lands on a planet populated only by women - the planet had been part of a colonization project centuries prior where the women were on a separate ship from the men, and the men's ship never made it, and the women's ship crashed and left most of their technology in ruins so their society is basically medieval-level tech. The women reproduce via cloning machines (their only surviving tech) so there's, like, 100 different women who all get cloned so all the women on the planet are one of those 100 at various ages, and each woman "type" is something of a specialist or personality type in the society (warrior, builder, artisan, diplomat, leader, cook, etc).

So these women have been waiting centuries for the coming of The Men, these mythical creatures that they know exist but have never seen, and this space explorer lands on their planet not knowing anything about it, and since he's just some dude they completely don't believe he's A Man because he's not bold and smart and perfect and a warrior and superhuman and noble (and they have no idea what A Man looks like), and it turns into a civil war between the women who start to believe he's A Man and the women who are convinced he's not. On top of that, there's a ruling class of women who actively never want the Men to show up because they know it would screw up their power dynamic, so they try to discredit the space explorer and ideally kill him so no more Men show up.

The space explorer, being a guy, tries to sleep with pretty much anyone he can but there ends up being exactly zero sex scenes in the whole story because he either botches it or gets hilariously interrupted or something every time. Even among the women who believe he's A Man, they constantly have to save his ass because he's largely inept and no good in a fight.

He falls in love with two of them (they're genetic twins so it's easy to do) and it turns into a humorous love triangle, and in the end the space explorer helps overthrow the ruling class with the promise that he will bring more Men, and the final page is one of my favorite final pages in any story ever and always makes me smile.

There are elements that haven't aged perfectly (it's a 65 year old story) and some plot elements I think could have been stronger but on the whole it's a lot of fun and doesn't take itself too seriously and plays around with some tropes you'd expect to see in a story like this, and I absolutely love the final page of the narrative.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Jul 27, 2022, 02:19:27 PM
I'll just go ahead and press that Report button again. I'm pretty sure calling me a twat and telling me to f**k myself are against the rules - if my posts bother you so, you're welcome to put me on ignore instead of being verbally abusive.

Also Xenology is very much canon, just because it disagrees with your narrative doesn't suddenly mean it's "non canon" lmao. You're just upset that the actual fiction you hold so dear doesn't conform to your headcanon about how Necrons "should" be. You yourself even named a source with talking Necrons that I hadn't even thought of.

Believe whatever headcanon you want, GW strongly supports that, but getting verbally abusive when someone disagrees with you ain't okay.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: RidgeTop on Jul 27, 2022, 03:28:19 PM
Yeah, that's uncalled for Cancerblack. No personal attacks.

We have enough sniping in here over just Alien/Pred lore so let's cool it, yeah?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ivan The Insect on Aug 07, 2022, 09:11:28 AM
In a twist of irony I anticipated the new Love, Death and Robots episode Swarm so much I ended up finding and reading the original story by Bruce Sterling it's based on only to then hate the adaptation when compared to the novelette.

Sterling's Swarm ended up being one of my most favourite short sci-fi stories I've read and the concepts presented in it are unique but sadly underutilised anywhere else in fiction.

If you've seen the LDR episode and liked the overall premise but felt something was lacking or it was too generic in a typical Hollywood/Gamey way then the short story is something I believe would be one helluva an adventure for you.

That being said I'm now reading the other books set in Sterling's Shapers and Mechanists world (mainly Schismatrix Plus).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wysps on Aug 09, 2022, 07:29:25 PM
Starting to read Predator: South China Sea for the first time.  Feel very lucky to have gotten my hands on a copy, despite the extravagant price  :-X
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Aug 10, 2022, 08:30:37 AM
Quote from: Wysps on Aug 09, 2022, 07:29:25 PMStarting to read Predator: South China Sea for the first time.  Feel very lucky to have gotten my hands on a copy, despite the extravagant price  :-X

Oh that should be interesting. Always wanted to read that one. Jeff Vandermeer writes about the experience of writing the novel (https://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2008/01/15/how-to-write-a-novel-in-two-months/).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Aug 10, 2022, 10:02:47 AM
Started Gears Of War: Ephyra Rising yesterday. Sat in the garden, in the summer sun, with some cider.

Good experience.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wysps on Aug 10, 2022, 01:20:41 PM
Quote from: NecronomIV on Aug 10, 2022, 08:30:37 AM
Quote from: Wysps on Aug 09, 2022, 07:29:25 PMStarting to read Predator: South China Sea for the first time.  Feel very lucky to have gotten my hands on a copy, despite the extravagant price  :-X

Oh that should be interesting. Always wanted to read that one. Jeff Vandermeer writes about the experience of writing the novel (https://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2008/01/15/how-to-write-a-novel-in-two-months/).

Very nice!  I think I'll print that out and put it in the back of the book, for future reference.  Good little nuggets of wisdom.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Seedkiller on Aug 12, 2022, 02:11:35 PM
Jus reread predator homeworld. Still have no real idea of why there is 3 predators fighting with 1. Story wasn't bad, but jus didn't go anywhere really and plus maybe I jus didn't really understand what they were going for. Toby cypress art is pretty cool also.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Aug 12, 2022, 08:34:28 PM
Quote from: Seedkiller on Aug 12, 2022, 02:11:35 PMJus reread predator homeworld. Still have no real idea of why there is 3 predators fighting with 1. Story wasn't bad, but jus didn't go anywhere really and plus maybe I jus didn't really understand what they were going for. Toby cypress art is pretty cool also.
As far as I remember, they were bad blood young bloods and the ancient Predator was sent to hunt them down.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Aug 15, 2022, 07:31:28 PM
Just started The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Aug 18, 2022, 03:57:24 AM
Reading the Batman: Knightfall comic book arc from start to finish.

I'm 200 pages in.

Out of 2,000.  :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 18, 2022, 04:02:42 AM
I'm alternating between The Last Temptation of Christ and the omnis of B.P.R.D.: Plague of Frogs.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Aug 28, 2022, 02:00:27 AM
Just watched Annihilation (2018) AD Version. Now doing a re-read of The Southern Reach Trilogy. Up to Authority, which a lot of people hate, but I still find I love the paranoia vibe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: [cancerblack] on Aug 28, 2022, 02:26:25 AM
Good stuff.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Aug 28, 2022, 08:39:01 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Aug 18, 2022, 04:02:42 AMI'm alternating between The Last Temptation of Christ and the omnis of B.P.R.D.: Plague of Frogs.

Plague is mint.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Aug 28, 2022, 10:59:03 PM
Quote from: NecronomIV on Aug 28, 2022, 02:00:27 AMJust watched Annihilation (2018) AD Version. Now doing a re-read of The Southern Reach Trilogy. Up to Authority, which a lot of people hate, but I still find I love the paranoia vibe.

The vibe was cool in Authority, but I found Control to be a thoroughly irritating character to the point that being stuck in his head and hearing about his mommy issues constantly drove me nuts.

Quote from: Ingwar on Aug 28, 2022, 08:39:01 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Aug 18, 2022, 04:02:42 AMI'm alternating between The Last Temptation of Christ and the omnis of B.P.R.D.: Plague of Frogs.

Plague is mint.

I'm enjoying it even more on the second read, not sure why some of fell flat the first time around. And I'm definitely reading Hell on Earth this time, should be fun.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Sep 04, 2022, 01:28:07 PM
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulkes.

It's a literary WWI story set in France. It's the book I was reading in 2007 when I met my wife. I don't remember much about it, and I was thinking of discarding it (I never have enough space on the bookshelves) and I figured I'd better re-read it first, just in case.

Seems okay so far. Well written at any rate.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: OmegaZilla on Sep 05, 2022, 12:20:52 AM
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/79/5b/9b/795b9b8665b9b6ab0ed5593d20b49052--comic-covers-comic-books.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Sep 24, 2022, 06:40:31 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/qC77omB.jpg)

@[cancerblack] No sign of any Necron chatterboxes yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Sep 26, 2022, 02:28:42 AM
The Crystal World by J. G. Ballard.

Not dissimilar in many ways to Annihilation, and you can see it was a real influence for the film (references to refraction, cancer, and even a shared character name "Ventress"). Read it years ago and am enjoying the re-read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Sep 26, 2022, 04:14:20 AM
People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry.

Interesting true crime story about a woman who went missing in Tokyo in 1999, and a dive into the world of hostessing and everything else that goes along with it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Predboy on Nov 13, 2022, 08:48:55 PM
Picked up the illustrated edition of The Lord of the Rings and have started reading it. Quite a historical moment indeed for me. Never read the books but always loved the movies and the Shadow of Mordor/War games.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Nov 14, 2022, 08:21:32 AM
The final part of the Jedi Academy Trilogy: Champions of the Force.
These books are quite bad, but the information there is pivotal to some of the better later books (I, Jedi and Thrawn Duology).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Nov 14, 2022, 06:36:13 PM
Cibola Burn, fourth book in The Expanse series and The Dark Forest, sequel to The Three-Body Problem (trilogy Remembrance of Earth's Past). Sci-fi at its best.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Nov 16, 2022, 09:01:21 AM
I've asked for the 6th Expanse book for Christmas. I really enjoyed the books (as well as f**king loving the show). Really good reads.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Nov 18, 2022, 06:02:29 PM
Off topic kinda question: why 'what are you reading?' thread is part of General topics and 'what are you listening to right now?' is part of Recreational Area? Isn't reading a recreation activity? :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlazinBlueReview on Dec 08, 2022, 01:06:12 AM
Working on Alien Covenant Origins.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 08, 2022, 02:24:44 AM
I've been listening to the Bond series on Audible. Recently, Thunderball was great, Spy Who Loved Me very much wasn't.  :laugh:

And with real books I've gotten started on the Witcher books, working on Sword of Destiny now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Elliott on Dec 08, 2022, 03:16:34 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/512mMdNxMnL._AC_SY780_.jpg)

I just finished the Horus Herey #1, #2, & #3, now I'm swapping over to this before some of the other books arrive.

I must say, as someone who didn't like Warhammer suddenly giving it a chance, and netted me a whole lot of trouble as I rest my feet currently on the "Age of Darkness" table-top box set under my desk.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Kimarhi on Dec 08, 2022, 07:58:29 AM
Lots of John Keel.  This stuff is fascinating. 

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Dec 09, 2022, 05:02:56 PM
Alien: Inferno's Fall

Also still slowly making my way through Shadowplay by Joseph O'Connor. It's not as engaging as I'd hoped so it stays unread for long periods of time.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: First Blood on Dec 20, 2022, 05:20:24 PM
Venom by Donny Cates
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Dec 21, 2022, 09:14:03 PM
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms aka Tales of Dunk and Egg by GRRM. I will always enjoy his style.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Dec 22, 2022, 03:09:17 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Dec 21, 2022, 09:14:03 PMA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms aka Tales of Dunk and Egg by GRRM. I will always enjoy his style.


Yeah, I read that about 2 years ago. Fun collection of short stories, GoT without all the weight and luggage, beautifully illustrated.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Dec 22, 2022, 09:43:29 PM
Yeah and apparently HBO is planning to make tv series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Dec 23, 2022, 08:57:14 AM
Currently halfway through Dr Moreau. I struggle to get into the older ones these days, takes me a while to get used to the language. But I've settled and I'm enjoying it. Moreau is explaining the why currently. Only ever read War of the Worlds from Wells before.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 03, 2023, 12:42:43 AM
Currently reading Predator: Eyes of the Demon. Not as great as "If it Bleeds", but has some good stories.
Would have liked to see some stories set in the past, but this does not have them.
A little puzzled by the "every Predator is now female" part, and if there is an in-universe explanation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 11, 2023, 03:31:36 PM
Last Days by Adam Nevill

This just might be one of the best, and scariest, horror novels I've read in a while.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Mar 11, 2023, 09:23:31 PM
Finished Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. Decent cyberpunk story, with a better metaverse than Zuckerberg.

Just over halfway through Ryu Murakami's Audition which, so far, is almost exactly the same as the movie. Good movie, so I'm hoping the book is, too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 11, 2023, 09:30:12 PM
Reading Star Wars: X-Wing: Starfighters of Adumar
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Acid_Reign161 on Apr 02, 2023, 11:00:21 PM
Just finished reading the first two 'Judges' novellas; I really enjoyed these! (Looking forward to starting the next one)! 😁👍
(https://i.imgur.com/40agA6g.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZV4VEpZ.jpg)

Also just binged the 6-issue comic book 'Starhenge: Book One'- beautiful artwork throughout and perfect blend of futuristic sci-fi mixed with fantasy Arthurian legend (recommended!) 😊

(https://i.imgur.com/p4xFPun.jpg)

Currently several chapters into 'Alien: The Cold Forge' after hearing so many here recommend it - will post thoughts after finishing. 😁👍
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Apr 03, 2023, 12:02:45 AM
The Apocalypse by Jeffrey Konvitz

Got The Sentinel from a used book store and enjoyed it enough that I thought I'd try the sequel. Not far enough in to make a judgement yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno_alpha_07 on Apr 12, 2023, 04:41:56 PM
Started reading Alien by Alan Dean Foster last night.  It's been a while since I've read any of the novels.  I plan on reading all the movie novels in order.  I even found in a box a copy of the Alien Resurrection novel @Corporal Hicks kindly sent to me years ago!  I was wondering where that went.

Been enjoying reading Alien again.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Apr 12, 2023, 06:08:49 PM
Just finished X-Wing: Starfighters of Adumar
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TrueXeno on Apr 20, 2023, 10:55:02 PM
Finally got round to reading Alien Revival. Finished Darth Plagueis (again) , about to start Salvation by Peter Hamilton.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: xeno_alpha_07 on Apr 20, 2023, 11:19:47 PM
Just finished Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. 

I loved this book!  ;D  8)

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on May 04, 2023, 05:16:06 PM
Recently finished:

The Two Towers by Tolkien obviously.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Tales from the Café and Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. Magical realism. Very quick read. Cafe in Tokyo that allows its customers to travel back in time, as long as they return before their coffee gets cold. I literally cried.

(https://blackwells.co.uk/jacket/l/9781529029581.jpg)

People From My Neighbourhood by Hiromi Kawakami. Weird stuff.

I finally have read Frankenstein. Beautiful nightmare. Classic gothic fiction. Technically speaking fist science fiction ever written.

Reading right now:

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
The Return of the King
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Sarahlyn35 on May 04, 2023, 07:15:25 PM
Currently reading Fairy Tale by Stephen King.. this is a very long book! After that I have a couple of James Lee Burke novels lined up..
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 04, 2023, 08:08:14 PM
In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

Nothing super creepy has happened yet, but there's been some unbearable tension. And he may be too old for the part as specified here, but I keep picturing current Brendan Fraser as Frank.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on May 04, 2023, 08:20:13 PM
It's somewhere on my long list.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Topper on May 08, 2023, 04:07:46 PM
Just finished Dark Stars: New Tales of Darkest Horror, just started My Heart Is A Chainsaw. This is a very horror-heavy year for me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Corporal Hicks on May 10, 2023, 08:18:02 AM
I'm trying to read Neuromancer but I just can't get into it. This is my second attempt. At least I've made it to page 100 this time around. It's not pulling me in, and I'm not sure why.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on May 10, 2023, 08:51:26 AM
It's the language and awkward style. I struggled as well. It's not a cozy read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Topper on May 10, 2023, 09:34:15 PM
I got some later Gibson for my birthday, and... those were rough reads. It was like someone writing a writer writing an antisocial character. I guess they were good STORIES, lots of neat little ideas, but it was a slog to finish.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on May 10, 2023, 10:02:15 PM
I've only read Neuromancer in the form of Vincenzo Natali's script, but I liked it well enough.

In the Miso Soup just had a very f**ked up moment that reminded me of Only God Forgives a bit (in a good way).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on May 11, 2023, 09:37:57 AM
Quote from: KiramidHead on May 04, 2023, 08:08:14 PMIn the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

Nothing super creepy has happened yet, but there's been some unbearable tension. And he may be too old for the part as specified here, but I keep picturing current Brendan Fraser as Frank.
Read that recently, it's really good. I pictured someone more like Seth Rogen.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on May 29, 2023, 08:04:44 AM
Reading Heat 2. Great follow-up/prequel to one of my favorite movies.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 07, 2023, 08:58:56 PM
Just finished Annihilation (2014) by Jeff VanderMeer, the first from Southern Reach Trilogy. Weird but compelling story. Must re-watch movie again as I don't remember much but I can tell it's different than the novel. I'm also intrigued about next two novels.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jun 16, 2023, 11:45:48 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Jun 07, 2023, 08:58:56 PMJust finished Annihilation (2014) by Jeff VanderMeer, the first from Southern Reach Trilogy. Weird but compelling story. Must re-watch movie again as I don't remember much but I can tell it's different than the novel. I'm also intrigued about next two novels.

A lot of people seem to not like the 2nd book, but I loved it. I think it's because it's different and doesn't pick up the thread of the biologist's continuing adventures in body-horror-creepy-eco-world, instead focusing on a toxic and wierd and hostile office environment instead.

Vandermeer plays a great literary trick in the book too ... but spoilers.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Commander Blitz on Jun 16, 2023, 11:59:12 AM
Just finished aliens Vasquez and I'm now starting alien prototype
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Darwinsgirl on Jun 17, 2023, 03:17:58 PM
Quote from: Colonel shipp on Jun 16, 2023, 11:59:12 AMJust finished aliens Vasquez and I'm now starting alien prototype

How did you like them?



Im Reading Patricia Cornwell's. "Blow Fly"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jun 18, 2023, 01:09:04 PM
Just finished Tamsyn Muir's Gideon the Ninth.

Crazy book. Loved it. The ebook version I have made it hard to keep track of the characters though, it's not trivial to "flip to the front" to look up who's who.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Necronomicon II on Jun 19, 2023, 01:43:57 PM
I have the Southern Reach Trilogy sitting on the shelf, I ought to get on it lol
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: [cancerblack] on Jun 19, 2023, 02:35:02 PM
Quote from: Necronomicon II on Jun 19, 2023, 01:43:57 PMI have the Southern Reach Trilogy sitting on the shelf, I ought to get on it lol

I've only read the first one but it was really good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jun 19, 2023, 04:01:21 PM
The first one is really good. The second has some great moments but is a total slog, to the point I lost interest in reading the third.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jun 20, 2023, 12:41:17 PM
The Wilder Girls by Rory Power.

A bit Annihilation meets Lord of the Flies, but distinct and interesting enough, with interesting characters, and it's nicely creepy. Definitely kept me turning the pages.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jun 24, 2023, 12:07:20 AM
ALIEN: The Cold Forge by Alex White.

Heard good things about it, and it's interesting so far. I like Blue, she leaps off the page as a distinct and complex character. Dorian on the other hand is instantly someone I want to see die horribly in an ironic way, preferrably on the next page I read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jun 25, 2023, 08:14:15 PM
Started on Children Of Dune. I read Dune Messiah 10 years ago and would like to finish the saga (at least the original 6 books).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Eal on Jun 26, 2023, 03:48:26 AM
Quote from: NecronomIV on Jun 24, 2023, 12:07:20 AMALIEN: The Cold Forge by Alex White.

Heard good things about it, and it's interesting so far. I like Blue, she leaps off the page as a distinct and complex character. Dorian on the other hand is instantly someone I want to see die horribly in an ironic way, preferrably on the next page I read.

Him and
Spoiler
Duncan
[close]
from Into Charybdis are pretty hateable villains imo.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jun 27, 2023, 05:19:14 AM
Finished Cold Forge. Alongside Destroying Angels and Hive, probably one of my favourite EU works. Some of the action was a little muddy (maybe I was reading too fast), but the character work was what kept me turning the page.

Just as Prey was a more interesting film for having a relatable protagonist who, while athletic, was not a super-fit film-star body-builder soldier, this book was fascinating for having Blue, a character for whom every day is a struggle, even before adding sociopathic HR people and free-roaming xenomorphs. We all have the experience of disability -- you only have to roll your ankle and hobble around for a couple of days, or have a bad flu to know that you're subject to human frailty, that suddenly there's a range of activities that you are excluded from, and you are dependant on other people and your medical care.

I had flu last year that, if I were a hunter-gatherer, would probably have killed me. And I'm not unfit, and I eat well.

This novel really bought home that world, and how permenent and challenging it can be ... and how resourceful and resiliant you have to be to survive and flourish on an ordinary day.

Give me characters like that for the next film. Give me something that's about people, something that will teach me something about them, and not just pulse-rifles and chestbursters.

Onto the next one. The bar is now very high!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jun 27, 2023, 03:58:58 PM
Listening to Wardruna and reading Norse inspired fantasy, The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne.


Don't judge the book by its cover.

(https://pictures.abebooks.com/inventory/31538779025.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Jul 12, 2023, 10:20:02 AM
High Rise by J.G Ballard.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Aug 17, 2023, 11:48:42 AM
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, 2nd book in the "Locked Tomb" series. The book is all kinds of gloriously weird so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Aug 17, 2023, 01:00:29 PM
Reading an overly long work email.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Sep 19, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, book #3 of the locked-tomb series.

I'm amazed I can read this book: where people can be more than one person, can have more than one name, can be alive or dead, or somehow dead then alive. Can't say I follow it exactly, but I'm enjoying it. Wierd, but cool.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Sep 19, 2023, 10:31:08 AM
Reading AvP: Rift War, getting through it very slowly, although there are things happening at least.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Sep 19, 2023, 06:33:04 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rmb46i3HL._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Sep 28, 2023, 11:03:18 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/PIE4NS0.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Acid_Reign161 on Sep 28, 2023, 02:17:59 PM
(https://www.blackgate.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Stephen-King-The-Outsider-UK.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 04, 2023, 01:42:48 AM
Currently about half-way through The Prestige by Christopher Priest. It's pretty different compared to the movie, but I'd say they're on par with each other, even if the book seems to be heading in an even more out there direction.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Oct 04, 2023, 02:00:51 PM
AvP: Rift War has effectively killed off my reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Oct 21, 2023, 02:57:33 PM
Currently listening to The Beach by Alex Garland. Wasn't really expecting a detailed description of a Street Fighter 2 match, or one of the game over screen from the Alien 3 video game.  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Thatguy2068 on Nov 13, 2023, 01:49:11 AM
I listen to a story called Borrasca and the last 30 to 20 minutes hit you like a f**king truck that is covered with freshly cut lemons
(https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/011/307/Screen_Shot_2012-09-13_at_9.39.39_AM.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Nov 22, 2023, 11:54:04 PM
I'm reading ALIEN tabletop by Free League and listening to Isolation soundtrack. Any decent books from Alien universe? I've never read any.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Nov 23, 2023, 12:35:59 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 22, 2023, 11:54:04 PMI'm reading ALIEN tabletop by Free League and listening to Isolation soundtrack. Any decent books from Alien universe? I've never read any.

Cold Forge, Into Charybdis, Phalanx.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Nov 23, 2023, 09:39:09 AM
Cold Forge sounds interesting.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Nov 25, 2023, 03:05:56 PM
It is.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Nov 26, 2023, 09:47:24 PM
I'll give it a go. Need some inspiration for my game-mastering.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: AccomplishedShoe12 on Nov 27, 2023, 04:56:53 PM
Quote from: Ingwar on Nov 22, 2023, 11:54:04 PMI'm reading ALIEN tabletop by Free League and listening to Isolation soundtrack. Any decent books from Alien universe? I've never read any.

A few years back I read Alien: Out of the Shadows by Tim Lebbon. I really liked it.
But I would recommend listening to the audiobook instead, I haven't yet myself but I plan to. They went the whole nine yards with the production. It's got a great cast including the women that plays Ripley who everyones says sounds just like Sigourney Weaver. Then its got a crazy soundtrack and effects that really immersive you into it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Nov 27, 2023, 09:42:58 PM
Finally finished Carrion Comfort. It's not bad, but not my favorite Dan Simmons book. I went in expecting a horror story, and got a trashy thriller with Bond movie elements and a supernatural angle. I also reread Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton, a very solid read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Acid_Reign161 on Dec 06, 2023, 05:52:40 PM
(https://i1.wp.com/www.theterminatorfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/T2-Infiltrator-Terminator-Novel-by-S-M-Stirling.jpg?w=1280&ssl=1)

Really good so far! Giving 'The Sarah Connor Chronicles' a serious run for its money as the only acceptable T2 sequel. 😊
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Dec 06, 2023, 06:55:48 PM
Fairy Tale (20220) by Stephen King

The Hunger of the Gods: Book Two of the Bloodsworn Saga (2022) by John Gwynne

and in the meantime ...

(https://d2lzb5v10mb0lj.cloudfront.net/covers/600/30/3008916.jpg)

(https://d2lzb5v10mb0lj.cloudfront.net/common/salestools/previews/3008916/3008916p4.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Dec 06, 2023, 10:44:22 PM
I hear good things about the graphic novels.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 07, 2023, 12:12:20 AM
Recently wrapped up Guard! Guards! by Terry Pratchett in audio book form, it's very funny, if a bit long for what it is.

And now I'm listening to Heat 2 by Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner. I'm not very far into it so far, but I'm very much enjoying it.

And in regular books I'm rereading The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy. It's a great little noir story, with some twisted shit going on.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 07, 2023, 10:29:36 AM
Quote from: Acid_Reign161 on Dec 06, 2023, 05:52:40 PMhttps://i1.wp.com/www.theterminatorfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/T2-Infiltrator-Terminator-Novel-by-S-M-Stirling.jpg?w=1280&ssl=1
Really good so far! Giving 'The Sarah Connor Chronicles' a serious run for its money as the only acceptable T2 sequel. 😊
This one was great! You could say its the "true" T3. The two sequels for it were a letdown though.
Regardless, its the best Terminator book there is, but that's not saying much.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Dec 07, 2023, 01:26:34 PM
Quote from: BlueMarsalis79 on Dec 06, 2023, 10:44:22 PMI hear good things about the graphic novels.

As a witcher fan I can confirm.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Dec 09, 2023, 12:36:54 AM
Salems Lot - Stephen King

My annual reading once a year has come around again

Arguably King's best work. Certainly my favourite of his collection

Fragile Things - Neil Gaimen

His creativity knows no bounds
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 09, 2023, 09:43:33 AM
Getting to the final pages of Rift War! They are not out of the rift yet but there's not much of a war happening.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: NecronomIV on Dec 10, 2023, 04:14:05 AM
A bit of a drought this year, reading wise, but I am now reading two books.

Having just watched the profoundly bizarre Doctor Who serial known as The Web Planet (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Web_Planet), I'm reading the EU book Twilight of the Gods (https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Twilight_of_the_Gods_(MA_novel)), written by Christopher Bulis, who was definitely one of the best writers for the range, and his particular strong point was nailing the characterisations. Enjoying it.

Also, a few years ago I picked up More Spike Milligan Letters, in a box of books from an auction.

He has a fantastic command of language and a palpable fury and sadness about the world and its problems that comes out alternately in biting wit or delightful lunacy.

I particularly enjoyed his description of "muzak" as "appalling musical dysentery".
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Acid_Reign161 on Dec 10, 2023, 02:51:04 PM
Quote from: NecronomIV on Dec 10, 2023, 04:14:05 AMA bit of a drought this year, reading wise, but I am now reading two books.

Having just watched the profoundly bizarre Doctor Who serial known as The Web Planet (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Web_Planet), I'm reading the EU book Twilight of the Gods (https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Twilight_of_the_Gods_(MA_novel)), written by Christopher Bulis, who was definitely one of the best writers for the range, and his particular strong point was nailing the characterisations. Enjoying it.

Also, a few years ago I picked up More Spike Milligan Letters, in a box of books from an auction.

He has a fantastic command of language and a palpable fury and sadness about the world and its problems that comes out alternately in biting wit or delightful lunacy.

I particularly enjoyed his description of "muzak" as "appalling musical dysentery".

I loved the Zarbi as a kid! Would rewatch the Web Planet over and over on VHS :-D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Dec 13, 2023, 12:37:37 PM
Neuromancer by William Gibson.

I've read it around 20 years ago. Just started again and it's way better than I remember. Classic!



Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 15, 2023, 06:57:49 PM
A little over half way through Heat 2, some thoughts:

-Hanna's prequel story is really good.

-The McCauley and crew prequel story is mostly good, but McCauley's characterization ain't it, chief.

-The sequel story with Shiherlis in South America is terminally uninteresting. What in Tom Clancy's ghost is this tech thriller crap? Is this what Blackhat is like?  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Dec 15, 2023, 09:01:56 PM
Currently 3/4 of the way through John W. Campbell Jr's 'Frozen Hell' (the expanded version of his "Who Goes There?"). After that I'll be reading the 'Short Things' anthology.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Dec 15, 2023, 10:34:07 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Nov 27, 2023, 09:42:58 PMFinally finished Carrion Comfort. It's not bad, but not my favorite Dan Simmons book. I went in expecting a horror story, and got a trashy thriller with Bond movie elements and a supernatural angle. I also reread Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton, a very solid read.

Is that the book The 13th Warrior was adapted from?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 15, 2023, 11:20:26 PM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Dec 15, 2023, 10:34:07 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Nov 27, 2023, 09:42:58 PMFinally finished Carrion Comfort. It's not bad, but not my favorite Dan Simmons book. I went in expecting a horror story, and got a trashy thriller with Bond movie elements and a supernatural angle. I also reread Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton, a very solid read.

Is that the book The 13th Warrior was adapted from?

Yes, Eaters of the Dead is.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Dec 16, 2023, 07:23:15 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Dec 15, 2023, 06:57:49 PMA little over half way through Heat 2, some thoughts:

-Hanna's prequel story is really good.

-The McCauley and crew prequel story is mostly good, but McCauley's characterization ain't it, chief.

-The sequel story with Shiherlis in South America is terminally uninteresting. What in Tom Clancy's ghost is this tech thriller crap? Is this what Blackhat is like?  :laugh:

I felt the same.
McCauley's character doesn't even mention his time in jail or the main motto of "have no one in your life" that somebody mentions to him in the yard. Did that happen later in the timeline? Probably not.
Hanna's character is spot on though, you can feel Pacino reading the dialogue in your head.
Shiherlis story felt like something from another book the author wanted to write but shoved Shiherlis in there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 16, 2023, 08:17:46 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Dec 16, 2023, 07:23:15 PM
Quote from: KiramidHead on Dec 15, 2023, 06:57:49 PMA little over half way through Heat 2, some thoughts:

-Hanna's prequel story is really good.

-The McCauley and crew prequel story is mostly good, but McCauley's characterization ain't it, chief.

-The sequel story with Shiherlis in South America is terminally uninteresting. What in Tom Clancy's ghost is this tech thriller crap? Is this what Blackhat is like?  :laugh:

I felt the same.
McCauley's character doesn't even mention his time in jail or the main motto of "have no one in your life" that somebody mentions to him in the yard. Did that happen later in the timeline? Probably not.
Hanna's character is spot on though, you can feel Pacino reading the dialogue in your head.
Shiherlis story felt like something from another book the author wanted to write but shoved Shiherlis in there.

His time in jail is mentioned, and his motto comes up early on, attributed to what happens in 1988.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Dec 19, 2023, 04:37:40 PM
Oh god, still reading Heat 2 and Shiherlis just quoted Doors lyrics. Does Mann know that Kilmer played Jim Morrison, too?  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 07, 2024, 07:51:05 AM
Finished up rereading The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy for the first time in over 15 years. Overall it's quite good.

Now I'm listening to Poe's The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym and it's not grabbing me. So far it's been a lot of stock lost at sea stuff.

And in physical books I'm starting up on Alexander of Macedon by Peter Green. Dense, but very interesting so far, providing some context for Alexander's reign that I was unaware of before now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jan 07, 2024, 01:19:35 PM
Black Dahlia was excellent and a good prequel to the LA trilogy, I also read it about 12 years ago.
I'm currently reading Vasquez, it's pretty good after Rift War.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 09, 2024, 10:02:36 AM
Still reading Neuromancer (I'm taking my time) but also started The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. Brilliant, weird and dreamlike.

Now I know what I'm gonna spend £135 for ;D

(https://www.foliosociety.com/media/catalog/product/b/k/bkn_book.png?quality=80&fit=bounds&height=700&width=700&canvas=700:700)

https://www.foliosociety.com/uk/the-book-of-the-new-sun-2-volume.html?srsltid=AfmBOop2UkF24UaMFtlL0_ynVua1CvhZN9hbWOkxjqPONiSXnGT1gmmiWuU
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 18, 2024, 11:46:33 PM
Started the year off with Raymond Chandler's first couple Philip Marlowe novels: The Big Sleep and Farewell, My Lovely.

Will be resuming with these soon, but going to take a little break before starting the next one I think. Going to reread Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep next. Haven't read it in quite a few years, and I feel like it'd follow nicely after some hard-boiled detective fiction.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Jan 19, 2024, 12:34:09 AM
I finished listening to The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, and for me it ended just as it was getting interesting. Now I'm listening to Timeline by Michael Crichton, which is very entertaining so far.

On the physical front I'm still working on Alexander of Macedon, which is endlessly fascinating, and full of stuff I didn't know before.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Xenomrph on Jan 19, 2024, 01:23:43 AM
Trying to finish Dune before the part 2 movie comes out. Currently about 55% of the way through according to my kindle.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Acid for Blood on Jan 19, 2024, 07:39:30 AM
I'm currently half way through William Gibson's Alien 3.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Retropocalypse on Jan 19, 2024, 08:01:28 AM
I'm halfway through Mickey7, soon to be a movie directed by Bong Joon-ho (and retitled Mickey 17).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: LastSonofKrypton on Jan 19, 2024, 04:19:21 PM
Wolf In Shadow - The John Shannow Trilogy. Book 1 - David Gemmell (Audio Book) My favourite fantasy novels as a child/teenager - A great way of passing the 1 hour forty five minute walk to and from work

Neverwhere - Neil Gaimen - My morning book (One of my all time favourites)

The Witcher - Last Wish - Andrzej Sapkowski - My lunchtime break book (Thoroughly enjoying it so far)

Salem's Lot - Stephen King - My before bed book. Salem's Lot is hands down my all time favourite novel. I read it at least three times a year
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Jan 23, 2024, 09:43:37 AM
Quote from: LastSonofKrypton on Jan 19, 2024, 04:19:21 PMNeverwhere - Neil Gaimen - My morning book (One of my all time favourites)

The Witcher - Last Wish - Andrzej Sapkowski - My lunchtime break book (Thoroughly enjoying it so far)

Thumbs up!

I just finished Neuromancer by Gibson and utterly weird but fascinating The Shadow of the Torturer (first volume of The Book of the New Sun) by Gene Wolfe.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Jan 23, 2024, 12:16:42 PM
Finally got around to reading Vasquez
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: VodouSpartan on Jan 23, 2024, 04:13:49 PM
Just started reading "The Three-Body Problem" series by Cixin Liu, in prep for the new Netflix Show of the same name. It comes out in March I think so I have some catching up to do before then😅
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 23, 2024, 04:25:35 PM
food for thought
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 30, 2024, 12:45:36 AM
Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier

Not a long book, but a really good companion to the final season of TP.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Jan 30, 2024, 02:13:27 AM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 30, 2024, 12:45:36 AMTwin Peaks: The Final Dossier

Not a long book, but a really good companion to the final season of TP.

And when you introduce her to Twin Peaks, you can tell her what's going on when it gets weird and confusing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 31, 2024, 01:06:09 AM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jan 30, 2024, 02:13:27 AM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 30, 2024, 12:45:36 AMTwin Peaks: The Final Dossier

Not a long book, but a really good companion to the final season of TP.

And when you introduce her to Twin Peaks, you can tell her what's going on when it gets weird and confusing.
Wait, you think I know what's going on when it gets weird and confusing? I'm not sure David Lynch even knows what's going on when it gets weird and confusing...
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Jan 31, 2024, 02:54:41 AM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 31, 2024, 01:06:09 AM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jan 30, 2024, 02:13:27 AM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 30, 2024, 12:45:36 AMTwin Peaks: The Final Dossier

Not a long book, but a really good companion to the final season of TP.

And when you introduce her to Twin Peaks, you can tell her what's going on when it gets weird and confusing.
Wait, you think I know what's going on when it gets weird and confusing? I'm not sure David Lynch even knows what's going on when it gets weird and confusing...

You read the book.  You have all the answers now.  You're like the SM of Twin Peaks.

I'm counting on you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Stitch on Jan 31, 2024, 04:07:25 PM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jan 31, 2024, 02:54:41 AM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 31, 2024, 01:06:09 AM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Jan 30, 2024, 02:13:27 AM
Quote from: Stitch on Jan 30, 2024, 12:45:36 AMTwin Peaks: The Final Dossier

Not a long book, but a really good companion to the final season of TP.

And when you introduce her to Twin Peaks, you can tell her what's going on when it gets weird and confusing.
Wait, you think I know what's going on when it gets weird and confusing? I'm not sure David Lynch even knows what's going on when it gets weird and confusing...

You read the book.  You have all the answers now.  You're like the SM of Twin Peaks.

I'm counting on you.
I genuinely do not know how to respond to this. I'll have to rewatch all of Twin Peaks, maybe Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet, and then get back to you.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 01, 2024, 06:23:14 PM
The Secret History of Twin Peaks and Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier are both definitely very interesting reads and I'd highly recommend the both, but I'd add that they definitely come across more as Mark Frost's sole take on Twin Peaks, rather than Lynch's (much like how Fire Walk With Me was all Lynch, sans Frost). It's absolutely a valid take, but it is worth stating that the books do have a different flavor from (and some [very intentional] discrepancies with) the show. The books are much more rooted in "real world" history, myths, and belifs, and feel more tangible, almost like something akin to The X-Files-esque conspiracies than the total dream logic of the show and Lynch's work in general.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: KiramidHead on Mar 23, 2024, 03:16:23 AM
Borne by Jeff VanderMeer

Not super far into it, but this is a compelling sci-fi yarn so far.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Mar 23, 2024, 03:18:56 AM
Dune

Tried it ten years ago and kind of let it slip. Just over halfway through and enjoying it.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheDerelict on Mar 23, 2024, 08:43:02 AM
Just finished reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy and Hiroshima/Nagasaki by Paul Ham.
Currently coming to the end of the audiobook "The Ruins" by Scott smith.

In the mood for something a little more light hearted now.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 23, 2024, 01:48:27 PM
Second time reading Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep. So many sub-plots not in the movie.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Mar 23, 2024, 11:51:13 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Mar 23, 2024, 01:48:27 PMSecond time reading Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep. So many sub-plots not in the movie.
Do you prefer one or the other? I found I liked the book a lot more.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 24, 2024, 12:03:39 AM
Recently finished book 2, 3 and 4 from The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe which is probably the weirdest stuff I've ever read from sci-fi/fantasy genre.

The Claw of the Conciliator
The Sword of the Lictor
The Citadel of the Autarch


Also

Count Zero by William Gibson

Reading super-slowly Dune at the moment and gonna start Piranesi by Susanna Clarke soon.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Local Trouble on Mar 24, 2024, 01:48:44 AM
You should read Trylogia Księżycowa by Jerzy Żuławski.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 24, 2024, 09:46:39 AM
Quote from: SiL on Mar 23, 2024, 11:51:13 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Mar 23, 2024, 01:48:27 PMSecond time reading Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep. So many sub-plots not in the movie.
Do you prefer one or the other? I found I liked the book a lot more.
The book is much more thoughtful and explores different ideas.
The animal subplot is especially interesting.
Mercerism, Buster Friendly, the fake police station, all missing from the movie.

My only criticism of the book is that the movie made the androids more likable and capable.
The final battle with Roy Baty in the book is something like this:
Roy prepares a trap, but it has no effect.
Roy shoots Decard twice, missing both times.
Decard shoots Roy, killing him.

The "Tears in rain" scene is of course iconic, but the epilogue with Decard finding a robotic frog in the wasteland is awesome as well (reminded me of some scenes from Blade Runner 2049).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Mar 24, 2024, 09:52:43 AM
I felt like the movie sort of missed the point that the androids are psychopathic, and it's literally the only way to distinguish them from humans. Having them care for each other to the level they do in the movie undermines that what makes us human is our ability to be compassionate.

The animal stuff is so crucial to the book and it feels so weird having it missing in the film. The Voigt Kampff test in the movie just feels like vague sci fi bullshit, but the novel makes it very clear what they're actually looking for and why the specific questions are asked.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 24, 2024, 10:32:42 AM
Quote from: Local Trouble on Mar 24, 2024, 01:48:44 AMYou should read Trylogia Księżycowa by Jerzy Żuławski.

Are you trying to tell me something? First volume of The Lunar Trilogy is called ... On the Silver Globe :)


Quote from: SiL on Mar 24, 2024, 09:52:43 AMI felt like the movie sort of missed the point that the androids are psychopathic, and it's literally the only way to distinguish them from humans. Having them care for each other to the level they do in the movie undermines that what makes us human is our ability to be compassionate.

The animal stuff is so crucial to the book and it feels so weird having it missing in the film. The Voigt Kampff test in the movie just feels like vague sci fi bullshit, but the novel makes it very clear what they're actually looking for and why the specific questions are asked.

Because Blade Runner is not an adaptation in 1:1 ratio. It mostly focuses on an idea that Dick was obsessed with: what it means to be human (other one was: what's reality). It's an empathy test for the audience.


Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Mar 24, 2024, 11:09:29 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Mar 24, 2024, 10:32:42 AMBecause Blade Runner is not an adaptation in 1:1 ratio.
No adaptation is, but the argument the book makes is human empathy cannot be synthesised, only imitated. I prefer this to the film's vague wishy-washiness. The Voigt Kampff test doesn't make any real sense in the movie, it's sort of just hand waved as a test that can catch them but the clarity of the novel is gone.

I think that's what I like about the book. It's weird, but it makes sense, whereas the movie relies too much on vibes.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 24, 2024, 11:14:27 AM
I've read the book ages ago so cannot comment on that, however I just look at Blade Runner as a masterpiece of cinema. I don't focus too much on the difference in details between the source material and the adaptation.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Mar 24, 2024, 11:18:16 AM
Quote from: Ingwar on Mar 24, 2024, 11:14:27 AMI've read the book ages ago so cannot comment on that, however I just look at Blade Runner as a masterpiece of cinema. I don't focus too much on the difference in details between the source material and the adaptation.
That's fair! I just found the novel basically addressed all of my problems with the film in terms of the story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ingwar on Mar 24, 2024, 11:25:23 AM
I will read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? again. It's waiting in the queue. 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SM on Mar 24, 2024, 12:11:20 PM
Quote from: SiL on Mar 24, 2024, 09:52:43 AMI felt like the movie sort of missed the point that the androids are psychopathic, and it's literally the only way to distinguish them from humans. Having them care for each other to the level they do in the movie undermines that what makes us human is our ability to be compassionate.

The animal stuff is so crucial to the book and it feels so weird having it missing in the film. The Voigt Kampff test in the movie just feels like vague sci fi bullshit, but the novel makes it very clear what they're actually looking for and why the specific questions are asked.
I found the setting of Electric Sheep utterly different from the film. Dry, dusty, largely abandoned rather than wet and crowded.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SiL on Mar 24, 2024, 12:14:21 PM
Quote from: SM on Mar 24, 2024, 12:11:20 PMI found the setting of Electric Sheep utterly different from the film. Dry, dusty, largely abandoned rather than wet and crowded.
There was also that. Electric Sheep is desolated, Blade Runner is a mosh pit.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Wweyland on Mar 24, 2024, 01:12:50 PM
I will be reading the semi-official Blade Runner sequel novels next, starting with The Edge of Human.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Mar 24, 2024, 02:54:44 PM
I much much prefer Blade Runner to the novel, one particular scene's score aside.