Post by friartook on Jan 31, 2017 16:22:13 GMT
Hey all, there may be a thread like this already, but I couldn't find it.
I am a long time book hound and fan of Fantasy, Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction novels. At any given time I tend to be in the midst of 3-5 books that I alternate through, sometimes physical books, sometimes audiobooks, most often e-books these days.
So, what is everyone reading right now? I'm gonna make some lists below. Would love to see yours!
Currently Reading:
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu: Epic fantasy fiction heavily influenced by Asian culture and myths.
Two Serpents Rise by Max Gladstone: Creative and unique urban fantasy. Great worldbuilding!
The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle: Lovecraftian horror from a black cultural perspective.
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin: Just started this one, not sure where its going yet, but what a unique writer's voice!
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow: Biography of Alexander Hamilton. Heavy reading.
Shogun by James Clavell: Historical fiction; problematic in its euro-centrism, orientalist overtones, and "white savior" plot, but a fun, action packed story for all that (re-reading).
The Mongoliad: The Foreworld Saga book 1 by <a whole bunch of authors>: Historical Fiction in the tone of Epic Fantasy; takes place during the Mongolian invasion of Europe; collaborative writing project by 5-6 authors.
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher: Urban fantasy; Dresden files; these books are fun and action packed, but not deep or moving; Dresden is a sometimes great, often annoying character.
(...I guess that's more than 5...and that's not a complete list...and it doesn't include comic books/graphic novels...I may have a problem)
Recently Finished:
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey: Solar system centered space opera; basis for the show The Expanse; good, but there's an annoying dissonance between the strong female characters and how the male character think about them/treat them (casual objectification); a fun concept, lots of action, and a compelling central mystery.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch: 10/10; amazing Fantasy Fiction; if Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels were a Fantasy story, it would be this (re-read).
American Gods by Neil Gibson: a modern classic; if you haven't read it, remedy that (re-read)
Sevenves by Neal Stephenson: Amazing epic Speculative Fiction; high concept and deeply nerdy; an amazingly plausible vision of humanity's possible future in an extreme circumstance.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab: Excellent Fantasy Fiction; rogues and wizards; mystery and magic; alternative worlds; fun action and lovely worldbuilding.
(There's more, but those were my recent favorites)
Excited to Read:
Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho: recommended by a blog I follow (http://medievalpoc.tumblr.com/); sold as political fantasy.
Siege Perilous by <multiple authors>: Next in the Foreworld Saga; re-reading earlier books to get back up to speed.
The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson: Strongly recommended by Saladin Ahmed
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: Haven't read it since high school; a strategic re-read for the current political climate
A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab: Sequel to A Darker Shade of Magic
So...what are you reading right now? What did you recently finish? What are you excited to read next?
I am a long time book hound and fan of Fantasy, Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction novels. At any given time I tend to be in the midst of 3-5 books that I alternate through, sometimes physical books, sometimes audiobooks, most often e-books these days.
So, what is everyone reading right now? I'm gonna make some lists below. Would love to see yours!
Currently Reading:
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu: Epic fantasy fiction heavily influenced by Asian culture and myths.
Two Serpents Rise by Max Gladstone: Creative and unique urban fantasy. Great worldbuilding!
The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle: Lovecraftian horror from a black cultural perspective.
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin: Just started this one, not sure where its going yet, but what a unique writer's voice!
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow: Biography of Alexander Hamilton. Heavy reading.
Shogun by James Clavell: Historical fiction; problematic in its euro-centrism, orientalist overtones, and "white savior" plot, but a fun, action packed story for all that (re-reading).
The Mongoliad: The Foreworld Saga book 1 by <a whole bunch of authors>: Historical Fiction in the tone of Epic Fantasy; takes place during the Mongolian invasion of Europe; collaborative writing project by 5-6 authors.
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher: Urban fantasy; Dresden files; these books are fun and action packed, but not deep or moving; Dresden is a sometimes great, often annoying character.
(...I guess that's more than 5...and that's not a complete list...and it doesn't include comic books/graphic novels...I may have a problem)
Recently Finished:
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey: Solar system centered space opera; basis for the show The Expanse; good, but there's an annoying dissonance between the strong female characters and how the male character think about them/treat them (casual objectification); a fun concept, lots of action, and a compelling central mystery.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch: 10/10; amazing Fantasy Fiction; if Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels were a Fantasy story, it would be this (re-read).
American Gods by Neil Gibson: a modern classic; if you haven't read it, remedy that (re-read)
Sevenves by Neal Stephenson: Amazing epic Speculative Fiction; high concept and deeply nerdy; an amazingly plausible vision of humanity's possible future in an extreme circumstance.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab: Excellent Fantasy Fiction; rogues and wizards; mystery and magic; alternative worlds; fun action and lovely worldbuilding.
(There's more, but those were my recent favorites)
Excited to Read:
Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho: recommended by a blog I follow (http://medievalpoc.tumblr.com/); sold as political fantasy.
Siege Perilous by <multiple authors>: Next in the Foreworld Saga; re-reading earlier books to get back up to speed.
The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson: Strongly recommended by Saladin Ahmed
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: Haven't read it since high school; a strategic re-read for the current political climate
A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab: Sequel to A Darker Shade of Magic
So...what are you reading right now? What did you recently finish? What are you excited to read next?