The book discussion thread

[Pifanjr]

I never liked the "Arthur" Stories. PFFFFTTTTTTT men using swords, fall in love, get married and die. Not my kind of thing, but I did like the "Wizard side of things. So did my best to read about Merlin. During my "Quest for knowledge" I found a book by Marion Zimmer Bradley named "Mists of Avalon". What I liked about it is the fact that the whole story was not from Arthur's viewpoint nor Merlin's viewpoint (Which is the general views you get when reading such books), this was written from Morgana's viewpoint. I fell in love with the book. Read it probably 50 times (Since I got it) and is the story about the Lady of the lake. It is a very dark story, but the magic and drama involved in her life from childhood to where she becomes the Lady of the lake is fantastic. I loved it so much that my youngest daughter was named after her.

Several years down the line (reading the book probably twice a year), I found out there was a (UK) 3-part mini-series based on the book also called mists of Avalon. It was not available in my country, but I was able to import it. Still one of the best DVD's I own.

Recently finished "His Dark Materials (Books 1-3) again, and rewatched the 3-season series (Still have about 4 episodes left to watch of season 3)

Some do not like watching a series or a movie about a book since they say that much is changed. I take it as widening the perspective of the story. Giving different insights to the characters. I might not have liked a specific character in a book but might like him or her in a series/movie based on the same book due to actions they take that suddenly makes more sense visually.

My main problem with movie/series adaptations of books are that a lot of them are just bad. Same with adaptations of video games into movies/series and adaptations of movies/series into video games.

Though even if an adaptations is bad, they can sometimes still contain some elements of greatness. Case in point the best opening of a movie I've ever seen:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRIbbxdGATs


I don't remember a single thing from the rest of the movie because it was entirely forgettable, but that opening scene is amazing.

 

[Charagma]

My main problem with movie/series adaptations of books are that a lot of them are just bad. Same with adaptations of video games into movies/series and adaptations of movies/series into video games.

Though even if an adaptations is bad, they can sometimes still contain some elements of greatness. Case in point the best opening of a movie I've ever seen:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRIbbxdGATs


I don't remember a single thing from the rest of the movie because it was entirely forgettable, but that opening scene is amazing.

Awesome, if that is a game trailer I would actually buy the game. Makes me want to go play God of War or even The Witcher 2 (Think was 2, the king slayer one)

 

[Charagma]

If you are interested, this is the opening of mists of Avalon

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-478LswZmA

 

[Johnway]

Another 2 books finished.

First up the 3rd book of the Artesia series Artesia - Afire. Our heroine continues the war in the midlands against the invasion of the thessids. Although Artesia has won a stunning victory and halted the sultan's further advances, the middle land armies have suffered defeat. To make matters worse, the thessids break the truce anyway and thus the invasion continues. Fearing being cut off, the armies including Artesia are forced to withdrawl to the port city and escape.

Another good book, its still continues the good story with plenty of politcal intrigue and fantasy. That said the same problems still exist, the artwork whilst good, everyone looks very samey making identifying key characters very difficult. The juicy lore that enhances the story, is tough to follow at times and needs to be addressed better. Sure the previous books had a mythical lore tales and the 3rd book has a glossary of stuff, its still difficult to follow at times. To make matters worse, the 4 book, Artesia - besieged, is nowhere to be found. its on indefinite hold and we'll never see the end of the saga which apparently would have spanned 6 books in total.



The next book i read, the horus heresy: Siege of terra series: End of an Era. The final book in the HH:Siege of terra spin off is an anthology of stories during the final moments of the siege of terra and at the end. Honestly a bit disappointing, most of the stories were meh, much of the interesting stuff glossed over. We do getanother story from conscript kashiro. The highlight is perhaps the story Homebound, by Chris Wraight where we say goodbye to the elderly Ilya Ravallion (highly respected general serving the white scars Space marine legion) as she spends her final days retiring to her former home.

The anthology has nothing significant, or relevant in the grand scheme of things, i suspect that comes from the next HH book.

 

[Zloth]

Speaking of political intrigue & fantasy, I recently finished Brandon Sanderson's Elantris. It was mostly political intrigue, really, with only a little bit of action, and it worked quite well most of the time. A couple of conflicts were resolved rather abruptly, but they were mid-way through the book, not right at the end, so it didn't damage the story too much.

The basic setup is a little complex (so I guess it's more of an intermediate setup than a basic setup). Before the book starts, there's a city named Elantris that's full of god-like people with magical powers, shining skin and hair, long lifespans, and so on. Their power fades with distance, though, so they were sometimes worshiped in the towns around their city, their influence lessened in distant lands. The people chosen to become these Elantrans were seemingly chosen at random. You would be going about your life and then, one morning, you wake up and find that your skin is golden.

Then, all of the sudden, Elantris... broke. The magic no longer worked. Elantrans skin no longer shined. In fact, their skin got splotchy and wrinkled. Their hair fell out. Instead of being lauded, people that are chosen to be Elantrans are quickly thrown into Elantris and their families pretend that they have died. The book takes place 10 years after this started. One of those distant powers has been rising up, taking over the world.

There are 3 main characters. One is a guy the son of the king of the nation that was left over after Elantris fell, who gets chosen at the start of the book. His soon-to-be-wife, daughter of the king in the neighboring nation, is on her way to marry him, and she is the second main character. The third is a high-ranking religious official from the nation that's taking over the world. He has been tasked with converting this nation to his religion. He's only been allowed three months, though. If he can't get it done, the military invades.

For a Sanderson book, there is really very little magic and very little action. This is more Warbreaker than Mistborn. It still works just fine, though.

 

[Pifanjr]

Speaking of political intrigue & fantasy, I recently finished Brandon Sanderson's Elantris. It was mostly political intrigue, really, with only a little bit of action, and it worked quite well most of the time. A couple of conflicts were resolved rather abruptly, but they were mid-way through the book, not right at the end, so it didn't damage the story too much.

The basic setup is a little complex (so I guess it's more of an intermediate setup than a basic setup). Before the book starts, there's a city named Elantris that's full of god-like people with magical powers, shining skin and hair, long lifespans, and so on. Their power fades with distance, though, so they were sometimes worshiped in the towns around their city, their influence lessened in distant lands. The people chosen to become these Elantrans were seemingly chosen at random. You would be going about your life and then, one morning, you wake up and find that your skin is golden.

Then, all of the sudden, Elantris... broke. The magic no longer worked. Elantrans skin no longer shined. In fact, their skin got splotchy and wrinkled. Their hair fell out. Instead of being lauded, people that are chosen to be Elantrans are quickly thrown into Elantris and their families pretend that they have died. The book takes place 10 years after this started. One of those distant powers has been rising up, taking over the world.

There are 3 main characters. One is a guy the son of the king of the nation that was left over after Elantris fell, who gets chosen at the start of the book. His soon-to-be-wife, daughter of the king in the neighboring nation, is on her way to marry him, and she is the second main character. The third is a high-ranking religious official from the nation that's taking over the world. He has been tasked with converting this nation to his religion. He's only been allowed three months, though. If he can't get it done, the military invades.

For a Sanderson book, there is really very little magic and very little action. This is more Warbreaker than Mistborn. It still works just fine, though.

I read this book probably around 15 years ago and I absolutely loved it, especially the twist about why the magic suddenly disappeared.

 

[Zloth]

I read this book probably around 15 years ago and I absolutely loved it, especially the twist about why the magic suddenly disappeared.

There's talk of a sequel! Not "Emperor's Soul" which takes place on the same planet, but a proper sequel to the story.

 

[lvancrue]

I've been reading The Expanse. Currently beginning Nemesis Games. It's been a blast. The TV show was incredible, and this just makes it better. Highly recommended, and well, Owlcat's releasing an Expanse game so, gotta prepare for it

 

[Zloth]

The TV show was incredible, and this just makes it better. Highly recommended, and well, Owlcat's releasing an Expanse game so, gotta prepare for it

I was reading it then, while on something like the 4th book, started trying to watch the TV show. THAT was confusing!

Gotta hand it to Expanse for giving us aliens that seem ALIEN. In most science fiction, the aliens seem more similar to us than some cultures here on Earth. I get that the authors want them to be relatable so they can make points about how our cultures do/don't work together, but how is it that so many of them want to do that over having something really <ahem> novel wandering around in a story?

 

[lvancrue]

I was reading it then, while on something like the 4th book, started trying to watch the TV show. THAT was confusing!

Gotta hand it to Expanse for giving us aliens that seem ALIEN. In most science fiction, the aliens seem more similar to us than some cultures here on Earth. I get that the authors want them to be relatable so they can make points about how our cultures do/don't work together, but how is it that so many of them want to do that over having something really <ahem> novel wandering around in a story?

Right?? It's another alien-in-scifi take which I like very much, but the Roci's misfits the treat for me and how they handle the situations of eeach disaster. In fact, I'm going to keep reading. Love that in Nemesis Games it's all the crew's POVs

 

[Johnway]

Finished another book at the start of the week, this time its The Stars my Destination by Alfred Bester

Set in a future where quite literally teleportation Quick travel (like in fallout or skyim) is possible (aka jaunting), our story revolves around Gulliver ("Gully") Foyle thirsts for vengeance against the crew of the star ship Vorga who left him for dead during his time of need.

Foyle's thirst for vengeance changes the unremarkable and unambitious man into a different man applying his untapped intelligence and power in the pursuit of revenge that makes him nearly unbreakable mentally and physically. As the story progresses we soon discover the significance of how Foyle got marooned on the nomad and the significance of the cargo onboard the Nomad. But more importantly, how special a person Foyle is, being capable of something that everyone thought was impossible.

The story does have that count of monte chrirsto vibes as Foyle acquires vast wealth and charisma masquarading as someone in high society to get his revenge. In fact its remarkably simiar. lazy or inspiring? you decide.

Did i like the book? i think i lost a lot of the nuiance of the story when i read it at night before bed so i probably didn't get to appreciate it as much as i should.

It is considered by some sci fi authors as one the best books ever written, but the count of monte christo similarities and some flimsy story elements (too spoiler heavy to mention) does take the shine off the story.

 

[Johnway]

More books finished. Nothing too heavy.

First up its Pop kill by Jimmy Palmiotti and Dave Johnson. A 4 part comic series about corporate warfare between 2 rival cola companies owned by 2 former conjoined twins. Our story revolves around john Pyle - a suave assassin who is coerced into working for Fizz one cola company. After paying off his debts, he is immediately hired to either obtain Pepso's new fizzy discovery or destroy it. (Un)fortunately for John, the target is the beautiful Dina lux head of fizz research, which complicates the mission as pepso scrambles its substantial forces to eliminate both john and Dina.

overall i enjoyed popkill, its a light hearted, action packed adventure made possible with John Pyle's wit and the excellent artwork. Its not the longest story but its fun and entertaining.


Next up, a blast from the past Titan - The Fighting Fantasy World by Marc Gascoigne, Steve Jackson & Ian Livingstone. Written like a travel guide, the book details the world of Titan; where the Fighting fantasy game books were set. Detailing the various places in the world, the history, the people, culture and most importantly adventuring tips. its chock full of side inforamtion that isn't entirely useful or relevant in the grand scheme of things. Sure, i do recognize one or 2 things it discusses and i guess it helps to put some context to the various backgrounds etc. i think it might be useful to know which book refers to which bit of history just to appreciate it more, but being written in the 80's i doubt it is up to date as the authors write more books. But still, its well written like a travel guide and well worth a read for those interested in FF series.

 

[Johnway]

More books finished.

First up, understanding comics: The invisible art by Scott Mccloud . Essentially its more a thesis on the Comic medium such as the history, how peoples perceptions of comics changed, how comics manipulate time from each frame and how to control it among other topics. pretty interesting and insightful even at times it does get very meta and complex in places. For example, he argues that writing or words are just drawings with meaning. i mean each letter is just a load of lines in a particular design that makes it meaningful and point to the oldest languages were pictures (he highlights the ancient eygptions as a prime example).

The other book was Out of the pit: monsters of advanced fighting fantasy. not really a book more an encyclopedia of all the monsters in the Fighting fantasy books. So if you were to make your own adventures, you can have a reference to ensure your monsters are appropriately used. its illustrated with pics from the f&f books. Not really for reading tbh.


Anyway, for my next book, i'm reading the long walk by stephen king (when he wrote scifi as richard bachman). saw the trailer for the movie and thought that it might be worth reading the book as well.

 

[Charagma]

Read a University Thesis today. Must add was a partially religious thesis but the points made in it actually very good.

Something that stood out to me was when he wrote about the problems we are having today, and he compared it to the tower of Babel. Very weird analogy but let me put some clarity on it.

As per the Bible the Tower of Babel's construction was stopped when the workers could not understand each other anymore. Each spoke their own language. Many say this is where all the different languages of the world originate from.

The Author then comes back to "Us, today, now" and says "How can a world resolve their problems if they cannot even agree publicly on simple terms like religion, Race, gender and sexual orientation." If you say any of those then someone will be offended. How can a world be healed and be peaceful if they cannot use a singular language to describe something without offending someone.

Just figured I will tell you guys about it since it was really some food for thought.

 

[Johnway]

Another book finished as mentioned in my previous post its the long walk by stephen king/richard bachman.

The story revolves around Ray Garraty along with 99 other young men who take part in the yearly competition to fulfill their wishes that they desire. The contestants are made to walk non stop (at least 4mph) until one man is left standing. Those who fail/struggle to keep pace or give up are executed by the soldiers watching over them.

Overall i did find the story quite absorbing, its been a while since i've remained focus before bed reading it. usually i read books to relax before sleeping and partly through i would nod of whilst reading.

The story / plot isn't that eventful, as its the contestants walking generally chatting with each other, commenting on their surroundings, the weather, feet hurting etc. if you were expecting some deep meaningful lesson/narrative or back story you won't find it. Sure, we get some idea as to why some of the boys were willing particpants to the deadly game, but you won't find out what kind of america this event takes place or who the major is or what being squaded means etc. On the flip side, we do get to know some of the contestants and there is a morbid curiosity finding out who dies next. We watch garraty et al develop friendships, comaradrie (even as saving each other from dying) and watching them fade away and eventually executed (aka "getting their ticket"). Some just fade, others go nuts and go out in a blaze of glory or horrific ways.

The only negative is that the ending is very abrupt, non sensical and crap. it gives no real closure and made me do a double take thinking that i was missing a few pages.

Spoiler: Spoiler ending

Ultimately Ray garraty does emerge the victor of the long walk but rather then actually stopping and claiming his prize, for some reason he keeps walking. he sees a black figure in the distance and keeps walking and feels like he could in fact run for the first time. thats it.

Would i recommend a read? i would say so. its not a long book and not a hard read. With the recent movie out i don't see why not. I believe the recent movie does try and put things into perspective to the dystopian future (that the book never mentions or discusses) and the ending is significantly different. Different victor, different ending.

 

[Johnway]

Another book finished this time its How to Survive a Horror Movie by Seth Grahame-Smith

Picture the scene, one day you were minding your own business when suddenly you get trapped in a Horror movie. Now you're trapped in the terrorverse and the script writers have just written you into the story and there's a good chance you're going to die!

How will you survive? The good news this book will give you guidance on how to survive a horror movie and how to beat the wide variety of scenarios from serial killers, aliens, zombies, et al. After all, its not the monsters that kill you, its ignorance.

The book covers generally the main horror troupes including the big movie ones. Hint: don't take summer jobs as camp councilor, don't take baby sitting jobs etc. Generally anything to frustrate the script writers and not following the script or trying to steer the story towards a different type of movie.

Its not a long book, some of it is obvious and its humorously written with a dollop of cynicism for horror movie cliches and straight to video/cheap movies. That said some of the stories or info might fall flat and some of the jokes don't land (for example, to beat satan, the book suggests showing your penis. you can't beat the Devil, but you can try and derail the horror movie as horror movies don't show full male nudity, if anything they prefer nude ladies).

Would i recommend the book? its ok, interesting and perhaps useful font of knowledge if you were to write or watch a horror movie and see how many mistakes the survivors make.

 

[Johnway]

A quick book finished, this time its the popular Strange pictures by Uketsu (translated by Jim Rion). Its a chilling mystery/horror written by japanese youtuber Uketsu a (man?) who hides his identity behind a mask and voice modulator. his books have been wildly popular in japan and have been translated in multiple languages and looks like its going to be just as successful.

Anyway, i digress the story begins when 2 members of the paranormal club come across a final cryptic entry on a dead blog. The boys become fixated by the message and begin investigating the truth behind it. As we piece through various seemingly unrelated short stories, we get a better picture of events behind the message and the persons family that led to this final entry. its a tale of murder, betrayal, mystery, tragedy and horror.

As mentioned, the book consists of several short stories that are both standalone yet offer a parts of the overall events. Along the way, readers have also the opportunity to try and figure out the mystery themselves as they go through the story and see the visual evidence itself. Although its unlikely that you'll solve it before the end of each story...

Whilst its not exactly complex reading (partly because of its japanese/english translation) its very captivating/engaging book as its easy to understand and has sparks of brilliance throughout. As you read each story it answers some questions only to throw up more questions. Sometimes it does feel abrupt only to be answered in the next standalone story. But by the final chapter it wraps the entire story together answering any lingering questions. The killer does make for an interesting character as we discover back history, the motives behind the crimes and its a mix of tragedy and madness.

Would i recommend it? i certainly liked it and i'm jumping straight into the sequel book: Strange houses (more on that next time) . its not a long book (its only 4 chapters long) so it won't take long to read and its filled with good mysteries.

 

[Johnway]

So more books finished. First up, A graphic novel The life and times of Martha Washington in the 21st century written by Frank miller and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. As the title explains we follow the life of Martha Washington, a black female who was born in what is best described as a walled off ghetto for blacks. This is the complete collection of her life, her struggles and adventures throughout her life. Over the course of the book we get to see how she is forged into many things; a survivor, a soldier, liberator, rebel, astronaut, space captain, explorer and savior of mankind.

A cracking series. i liked the setting and the character as Martha herself is an interesting heroine set in a fascinatingly messed up dystopian 00's slowly being torn apart by corruption and war. Its especially compelling how she succeeds over adversity especially being a person of color and the odds are always stacked against her as she is constantly thrown against overwhelming odds and surviving by the skin of her teeth. i would say by the 3rd volume it goes ott the as she goes into space and the final chapter where we say goodbye to martha is weak, but otherwise can't fault it.

 

[Johnway]

We go to the main book i was reading, Strange Houses by Uketsu.

Our story begins when the author (free lance journalist) is asked by his friend to give his opinion on a house that's on sale. The author concurs that something is off with the house but decides to reach out to his architect friend Kurihara for a professional opinion on the property. its not long before Kurihara finds even more strange things about the house, joking that the property's unusual features would make it the ideal home to murder someone. The jokes all end when a chopped up body missing its left hand is discovered nearby...

Sensing that there maybe more to this, the Author decides to investigate further and uncovers a story of horror revolving around a murderous ancestral tradition involving a curse.

A great book, just like before, Ukestsu story is written in such a way that makes it easy to understand the complex theories or concepts. I found it quite compelling as i tried to figure out what made the house so strange and/or solve the mystery how a murder was made possible.

Again, not the longest book but i found this one more captivating and more importantly coherent compared to strange pictures. its got me fired up for the 3rd book, strange buildings.