What are you currently reading?

[CameronJohnston]

@CameronJohnston have you come across Shadow of a Dead God: A Mennik Thorn Novel by Patrick Samphire? Think it's in the current SPFBO. I haven't read it but from looking at the blurb, it seems like it has lots of parallels to your books, right?

I hadn't read the blurb on that one, but yeah seems to be a fair few similarities. As they say, nothing new under the sun, just different takes and twists. I'm sure it's very different.

[Bender]

Ofc, would be harsh to jump to conclusions without having read the book. I liked yours, so have his on TBR too. Fingers crossed, it's as good!

[S. K. Inkslinger]

Ofc, would be harsh to jump to conclusions without having read the book. I liked yours, so have his on TBR too. Fingers crossed, it's as good!

Hah. Thanks for the indirect recommendation, I just added the novel to my TBR list too. I guess it's the same issue as with Nevernight and Red Sister. Both with badass female assassin protagonists who went to train at some assassin training place. They both came out relatively around the same time too.

[isos81]

Finished The White Rose (The Black Company #3)

I think I'll start Dune by Frank Herbert (or maybe Foundation by Isaac Asimov)

[Bender]

Ofc, would be harsh to jump to conclusions without having read the book. I liked yours, so have his on TBR too. Fingers crossed, it's as good!

Hah. Thanks for the indirect recommendation, I just added the novel to my TBR list too. I guess it's the same issue as with Nevernight and Red Sister. Both with badass female assassin protagonists who went to train at some assassin training place. They both came out relatively around the same time too.

Right back at you. I didn't know of Nevernight and that looks super interesting. Have added to my TBR. 

[isos81]

Ofc, would be harsh to jump to conclusions without having read the book. I liked yours, so have his on TBR too. Fingers crossed, it's as good!

Hah. Thanks for the indirect recommendation, I just added the novel to my TBR list too. I guess it's the same issue as with Nevernight and Red Sister. Both with badass female assassin protagonists who went to train at some assassin training place. They both came out relatively around the same time too.

Right back at you. I didn't know of Nevernight and that looks super interesting. Have added to my TBR. 

Xiagan strongly suggests Nevernight

[Bender]

Halfway through Lord of Light by Roger Zelanzy and it's pretty intriguing till now. Settlers from earth find new world and assume status as Hindu Gods ruling over population because of their technological superiority. 

[xiagan]

Xiagan strongly suggests Nevernight

More blood and sex than in Red Sister (take that as you want). The series are not really comparable, though.
Both have interesting world building, I think I find Lawrence's a bit more intriguing.

[S. K. Inkslinger]

Ofc, would be harsh to jump to conclusions without having read the book. I liked yours, so have his on TBR too. Fingers crossed, it's as good!

Hah. Thanks for the indirect recommendation, I just added the novel to my TBR list too. I guess it's the same issue as with Nevernight and Red Sister. Both with badass female assassin protagonists who went to train at some assassin training place. They both came out relatively around the same time too.

Right back at you. I didn't know of Nevernight and that looks super interesting. Have added to my TBR. 

Xiagan strongly suggests Nevernight

S. K. Inkslinger strongly suggests Nevernight too. 

[isos81]

Started Paternus: Wrath of Gods by Dyrk Ashton.

Couldn't resist Bender's praises

[Neveesandeh]

Started a re-read of the Blade Itself. It's interesting to read it trying to pick up on hints about the ending of the series.

[ScarletBea]

It's interesting to read it trying to pick up on hints about the ending of the series.

That's the best thing of re-reads, I do that as well.

[Cherie]

I've been slowly re-reading the Dresden Files. And when I say slowly, I picked up Storm Front for the 2nd time in 2015 (I had to check Goodsreads!) and I'm up to Cold Days.

[Bender]

Lord of Light
- Roger Zelazny

Overall: +9

Oh, my! What a book. Blends Hindu and Buddhist mythology and mysticism smoothly within a sci-fi world and yet also manages to pack an taut and twisting plot to keep readers guessing to boot.

Writing/Plot/Pace: +8

The writing style is completely in line with the theme of the book. Feels very Buddhist. It's delightful how he even manages to convey the adrenalin of a battle with the calm of meditation. They should contradict each other by all means, but the author really makes it work. There's a lot of flowery prose and mystical musings like you'd hear from any guru or priest but these blend in well without detracting from the plot or slowing the pace.

There are a lot of terms (like 'atman') from Hindu mythology, but most have explanations next to them to prevent the need to google up for those not versed in the mythology. The book would really work well and does not need any prior information on Hinduism/Buddhism, though having that helps appreciate the plot better.

The book is essentially broken into 3 segments, a prelude in current times, a backstory and climax set in current time with the backstory taking the bulk of pace space. The mythology is given scientific backing in a very realistic fashion, a new lens to see the stories.

Characters: +9

Story obviously follows Buddha, but the supporting cast are given amply page time and play significant roles. every character is etched well and sticks well to the story. Though there is a maudlin tone to the characters, they are all unique and highly interesting.

[S. K. Inkslinger]

I've been slowly re-reading the Dresden Files. And when I say slowly, I picked up Storm Front for the 2nd time in 2015 (I had to check Goodsreads!) and I'm up to Cold Days.

I've just recently finished Cold Days as well. What do you think about the book? Personally, I still prefer the pre-Changes Dresden Files all the way.