So I've been on a reading/fantasy tear lately, and I'm pleased to report it's all been fantastic. Finished tanglewood and waterbloom. Wonderful. And for some reason, probably because it's a physical copy, I read most of it outside, in the evenings. I think it added to my enjoyment. More thoughts on that when I have time. Followed that up with islingtons will of the many. Holy shit, did not expect that. Ive liked his previous work, but this is a huge step up. Now I'm 60 pages into the tainted cup and I'm already hooked. I was planning on jumping into that rucchio series after seeing all the praise (it should be clear now that I use this thread for a lot of recs), but the Peterson stuff kinda makes me want to 180? Seems unfair but there are more books available than I could ever read, and I guess I'll have to pay attention to that and put it on pause. Also this is a bit of a manic rant, will edit later. Yay bipolar. my edit is that this is actually fine, if a bit ranty.
Re suneater - its a tiny reference that went over my head that blew up a little on reddit. Ive been mulling it over and theres nothing in the series thats right wing, offensive etc or in the authors history in that regard. I still give the series a glowing review on story. Will of the many was awesome! Sounds like the sequel is on track too.
Islington needs to hurry up! Stop getting sick and in accidents! totally kidding but I want the book asap
That makes sense. Thanks for the clarification. I think last I saw it was likely a 2025 release for the sequel? (Islingtons I mean)
His last update in March said he anticipates sending in the final draft manuscript to the publisher for edits this month. Most definitely 2025
I know this post was a while ago, but I just picked this up at Ocean State Job Lot for $3 --> I've never been able to finish Wheel of Time over the decades, but I like his writing and his world-building, so I'm very curious to see him do a relatively short book
Just wanted to say thanks for this! I'm glad you enjoyed it - and had the chance to read a lot of it outside, which I agree is kind of a fun way to experience it. I've done a fair bit of the Garden Knight writing outside as well, when I can manage it. The Will of the Many and The Tainted Cup have also been two of my favorite recent reads. Such good, inventive stuff.
we had a family emergency recently, so I did some retail therapy. The Department of Truth only has four trades so far, but it’s one of my favorite comics. The synopsis on the back of Shadow and Bone sounded good. There was a display at B&N of all the books in the series, so it seems like there’s a lot to dig into if I like it.
I really like the Grishaverse books, especially the later four. Probably some of the best YA offerings out there once you get to Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom.
I read When Among Crows by Veronica Roth last night in one sitting. I hadn't realised it was almost a novella really when I reserved it at the library, but I enjoyed it very much. Set in modern day Chicago and all about Polish / Slavic folklore and magic. Really fun read and not a subject I've had much exposure to before which was really fun to dig into.
I was always too intimidated by The Silmarillion, but now I found this nice Tolkien podcast where they go through it chapter by chapter so I ordered it and will read it now
The Silmarillion has some truly beautiful and haunting storytelling. But reads way more “myth” and “fairy tale” at times, almost Ancient Greek like. I think that makes it feel harder.
I’m usually fine with Ancient Greek texts. I got through the bible (a comparison I also hear) fine too in school for that matter. Maybe this won’t be that hard then.
The LOTR Lorecast, by chance? The Shadow and Bone show (first season) was great! I know that isn’t a guarantee, but it has some cool elements that I imagine are better executed in a novel. I did not know the Shadow and Bone show was based on a book though, so I may have to buy wife that series!
Finished Words of Radiance this morning, that last 200 pages was WILD. Looking forward to starting Oathbringer tonight, especially with the reveal at the end of WoR.
just finished a chapter in Royal Assassin that may become one of my favorite chapters in all fantasy. Why did it take me so long to read Robin Hobb?
Is it towards the end? I probably know exactly what chapter you're talking about. If not, there's a chapter close to the finish that i read heart racing and transfixed. If youre not there yet, and enjoyed an earlier chapter, there's more to come.
I tore through that first trilogy. Loved it. I’ve been meaning to continue on with those books. But it was tough to make the transition into the Ship of Magic.
Would love to hear both of these in spoiler tags since I just finished the first trilogy and I can’t think of what they are!
I'm about halfway thru the first book in Anthony Ryan's Draconis Memoria right now. I absolutely loved Blood Song, but I couldn't get into the second book in that trilogy at all, and I wanted to give him another chance. So far, this book is incredible.
Chapter 8 - 'The Queen Awakens.' It's honestly not that crazy of a chapter, I just enjoyed the way it was written. It was after Queen Kettricken returned from getting lost and Fitz found her getting attacked by Forged Ones. The part that I liked is the day they go out to hunt down the Forged Ones and how the Queen takes command of the situation. She gives a whole speech and they don't take joy in their task or a chance at revenge; the whole thing is a somber affair as they mourn and wash the bodies of the dead because they are of their own people. The whole scene was so beautifully written. And then it ended with Fitz finally telling Molly he loved her so that was awesome.