The Fantasy/Sci-Fi Books Thread Book • Page 105

Yeah I was going to say I wasn't taking print into account when I mentioned it. I love the idea of having a map up on your site though, especially since I print out all my maps anyway, that makes it easy for me. I've seen authors say things like "go to the website for a map" or whatever in the actual book itself.

 

Yeah I think that’s what Ryan Cahill did? I know at least I was using my phone to look up his map while reading. Cool that you print them out, I hadn’t thought of doing that.

We’re of one mind about maps for sure. One day I’ll put some resources together and do a beautiful hardcover with a full-color map on the boards. Maybe the next series I publish.

But yeah I just need to see how things work for print. Ebook should be fine, hosting it on the website should be fine. But for print, if there’s any interior color it changes the setup, and even in black and white I’ll have to make sure it embeds properly and is legible and stuff. I’m for sure working on it though. Maps are cool.

 

Oh, maybe he was the recent one I read that I was thinking of. Tchaikovsky's done it before too, but he's got a lot of extra stuff on his site.

Yeah and I never throw them away either so I have a giant folder full of printed out maps lol

There's also something to be said about series that hold off on their maps for a book or two. Not the level of David Gemmell...fucking book 10 in an 11 book series...but a reasonable level. It allows the reader to really focus on the names of places and creating their own mental map and its rewarding when you do finally get to see a map. But at the same time, I'll always take a map if I have the choice.

 

My friend who writes urban fantasy hired someone to do a city map for her recently. The indie community is such a vast network that’s really cool to see at this point.

I did most of my poetry book alone, but it’s nice to know if I ever return to fiction there’s a place with so many resources and helpful folks, too.

 

Yeah, the indie community is amazing. Budget constraints are literally the only reason I’ve handled so much myself; otherwise, there are people willing to help with everything.

 

I finished Leafdust & Deadwood last night. I loved it and I cant wait to get Tangleweed next month.
This really didnt read like a first book. Im excited for your future!

 

I just bought the hell out of it

 

This is really kind of you, thanks!

 

Starting the final Saxon Stories/Last Kingdom book. It's dedicated to the lead from the show. That's gotta be like the ultimate praise. Especially since their Uhtreds have some very strong differences and I wasn't sure how the author would feel.

 

shared in the writing thread too but fits here!!

 

Thanks for grabbing it dude! I hope you like it!

 

The second novella of Derry and Barrow might be my favorite of the lot!

 

Can't believe I forgot to post it in here, but John Gwynne has a finished manuscript for the final book in the Bloodsworn saga.

I had no idea his daughter died, absolutely heartbreaking.

 

What's on everybody's watchlist for 2024 releases, now that we're a couple months in?

Already out:
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (excellent)
The Tapestry at Briarmount Abbey by Bradley P. Beaulieu (starting this novella tonight)

Already out but I need to catch up first:
The Slain Divine by David Dalglish
The Hidden Guardian by JDL Rosell
The Cloud Roost by Travis M. Riddle

Upcoming:
The Silverblood Promise by James Logan
The Crimson Court by Brendan Noble
The Sword Unbound by Gareth Hanrahan
A Memory of Song by Scott Palmer
The three God Eater books by Rob J. Hayes
Into the Rift by Clay Harmon
Dragons of Eternity by Weis & Hickman
The Mercy of Gods by James SA Corey
Between Dragons and their Wrath by Devin Madson
Not a Speck of Light by Laird Barron
The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Sanderson
The Navigator's Children by Tad Williams
The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne
Wind & Truth by Brandon Sanderson
The Strength of the Few by James Islington

I've got a bunch of others on my list, but these are the books that I'm definitely planning to read, ideally as they come out. We'll see haha.

also definitely Tangleweed & Waterbloom by Justin Greer, probably Garden Knight #1.5 as well, and very possibly Secret Epic Fantasy #1 if things go well

 

Are they back and at it with the OGs?!

 

They sure are! This will actually be the conclusion of the new trilogy, Dragonlance Destinies. Books one and two came out the last two years. They're quite good, very nostalgic but also with some cool new characters and adventures. I really enjoyed the first two.

 

I need to start my OG character reread eventually. It’s on my list for 2024-2026. Because I bought too many books. Oops.

 

Basically all of these but i can confirm the ones in bold are very good!! I haven't heard of this Justin Greer fellow but i'm assuming it's going to be amazing !!

I'm also excited for RR Virdi's The Doors of Midnight, sequel to The First Binding. I've got an ARC but i want to re-read the series before starting that one. I also have an ARC of Disquiet Gods by Christopher Ruocchio so looking forward to that The Book that Broke the World by Mark Lawrence. I can't think of any more of the top of my head.

I'm reading the Empire of the Wolf series by Richard Swan. I read book 1 and now the 3rd is out so I want to get caught up.

Also Winds of Winter by George RR Martin

 

Gwynne didn't have to go this hard on his covers, but I'm glad he did. Hoping The Broken Binding does the series, I need the hardcovers.

 

I absolutely love this cover, series and author and cannot wait. My first 2 are signed and am really hoping i get this too, A re-read soon!

 

I'm reading The Tainted Cup right now because OwainGlyndwr is making me wait until 4/19 for TANGLEWEED & WATERBLOOM.

 

I LOVE The Tainted Cup, and im in the same boat. Shame on you @OwainGlyndwr but also can't wait!!

 

I'm about ⅓ in right now and it is absolutely incredible so far. The Divine Cities trilogy is one of my all time favorites, but I just could not get into The Founders trilogy. I took the first book out 3 or 4 times from the library and always ended up returning it. I even tried the audiobook but had no luck there either.

 

Lol I guess there are quite a few similarities between the two, I hadn't thought about it. But I have been drawing some inspiration from The Tainted Cup for future Garden Knight books.

And you have my sincerest apologies haha. I'm going as fast as I can! If it helps tide you over, I put up a Spotify playlist on the website with songs that inspired/influenced Tangleweed. Help you pregame a little.

The Tainted Cup was excellent. Exactly what I hoped it would be. It was my first RJB, so I'm definitely going back and trying out his other books as well.