am I the only one on here who doesn't read fantasy?
I read LoTR when I was 11 or something and I read all the HPs...and! hows about this..I even started reading DUNE just fro you! just because you lot are always frothing about it, I started reading it...nah..not my bag though sorry. Does anyone read HST? I recently read Fear and Loathing in America, and would highly recoomend it, although I dunno if I can review a book with no stroy. oh yeah read Generation of Swine...it's his other really fierce on from when he was a lunatic redneck....
ok here is a review:
The Divine Comedy, Dante
Man walks through forest, meets ghost. Ghost takes him through Hell, Purgatory, Heaven. Spirits of many dead people encountered on way. Some very miserable. The end. ***
Book Review - No Spam
TV Guide by anonymous
This is a very good book, though not too big, it is updated on a weekely basis and is stuffed with information.
Now realy-
"Rainbow Six" by Tom Clancy
This is another book in the John Clarck series.
It has been adapted to 3 computor games, and the movie (starring James Brolin) is in the making.
It is a very good book, although the bad guys want to destroy most of the world's population, it still seems to be very realistic.
It starts, like all of Clancy's books, with an action packed prologue that, in this case, deals with a short lived plane kidnapping- which the main characters- John Clarck and Ding Havez end succesfuly.
Then it becomes apparent that, like in all of Clancy's thrillers, the story starts with 5 sub-storys which, eventualy meet to form one big one.
The story deals with John Clarck, an ex Navy SEAL who has been chosen to lead an international counter-terrorism outfit code named 'Rainbow'- his codename being 'Rainbow six'.
'Rainbow' is composed of men from all over the world and is devided into two units.
Imedietly, Rainbow is comissioned to deal with several apparently unconected terrorist assaults.
All the while he does not realise the bigger sceme of things.
Anyway- the writing is Clancy at his best (which is realy great), the story is a bit far-fetched, but enjoyable, and the action is extrimely well described.
P.S. If you liked this- try Clancy's 'Hunt for red October' and 'Cardinal of the Kremlin'
This probably isn't what you were looking for, but I would also recomend Shakespeare's 'Julius Ceaser'. "Friend, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!"- need I say more?
This is a very good book, though not too big, it is updated on a weekely basis and is stuffed with information.
Now realy-
"Rainbow Six" by Tom Clancy
This is another book in the John Clarck series.
It has been adapted to 3 computor games, and the movie (starring James Brolin) is in the making.
It is a very good book, although the bad guys want to destroy most of the world's population, it still seems to be very realistic.
It starts, like all of Clancy's books, with an action packed prologue that, in this case, deals with a short lived plane kidnapping- which the main characters- John Clarck and Ding Havez end succesfuly.
Then it becomes apparent that, like in all of Clancy's thrillers, the story starts with 5 sub-storys which, eventualy meet to form one big one.
The story deals with John Clarck, an ex Navy SEAL who has been chosen to lead an international counter-terrorism outfit code named 'Rainbow'- his codename being 'Rainbow six'.
'Rainbow' is composed of men from all over the world and is devided into two units.
Imedietly, Rainbow is comissioned to deal with several apparently unconected terrorist assaults.
All the while he does not realise the bigger sceme of things.
Anyway- the writing is Clancy at his best (which is realy great), the story is a bit far-fetched, but enjoyable, and the action is extrimely well described.
P.S. If you liked this- try Clancy's 'Hunt for red October' and 'Cardinal of the Kremlin'
This probably isn't what you were looking for, but I would also recomend Shakespeare's 'Julius Ceaser'. "Friend, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!"- need I say more?
"Veni,Vidi,vici!"
(I came,I saw,I conquered!) Julius Ceasar
(I came,I saw,I conquered!) Julius Ceasar
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Georgi
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Re: I decided to revive this thread
But no, I read a bit of children's fantasy stuff when I was younger, and LotR recently... aside from that, I haven't read much.
You mean, like the ones in the movie?Originally posted by Mr Sleep
They are certainly lively characters and infinitely belivable, they have none of the camp and outrageous characteristics of some that we have seen since
Yeah, jeez, I mean, I read that, like, months ago...Originally posted by Bloodstalker
Currently reading Lord of the Rings for the first time. Yeah, I know, I am way behind the times.
Given that this is an RPG game site, it's not really surprising that a lot of the people here read fantasyOriginally posted by frogus:
am I the only one on here who doesn't read fantasy?
But no, I read a bit of children's fantasy stuff when I was younger, and LotR recently... aside from that, I haven't read much.Who, me?!?
Calendar of State Papers and Manuscripts, Relating to English Affairs, Existing in the Archives and Collections of Venice, and in the Other Libraries of Northern Italy vol.II 1509-19.
Also, Renaissance Diplomacy by Garrett Mattingly.
Great read. I don't mind to explain all, but I'm not sure if there's anyone won't be bored to death...
Also, Renaissance Diplomacy by Garrett Mattingly.
Great read. I don't mind to explain all, but I'm not sure if there's anyone won't be bored to death...
"Strength without wisdom falls by its own weight."
A word to the wise is sufficient
Minerva (Semi-retired SYMer)
A word to the wise is sufficient
Minerva (Semi-retired SYMer)
Mayor Of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy:
I liked the book overall, but there are some things that I did not like. For instance, the book relies too much on accidents, I won't give anything away, but for those of you who have read the book, I think you'll know what I mean.
The plot is a soap opera, it's like, who's gonna get married to who? Is that really his daughter? Who will Lucetta marry? It's typically soap opera.
Despite those things that I didn't like, I really loved the characters Hardy created. Michael Henchard in particular is one of my favorite literary characters of all time. His so full of flaws, superstitions, and evil that he's very real. Yet he's not without his virtues and for his faults and virtues I believe him as a real human being, instead of a fabricated literary object. Henchard is probably the best thing in the novel. Trust me, I would've not read the book if there's only Donald Farfrae, man, talk about being a wimp.
I liked the book overall, but there are some things that I did not like. For instance, the book relies too much on accidents, I won't give anything away, but for those of you who have read the book, I think you'll know what I mean.
The plot is a soap opera, it's like, who's gonna get married to who? Is that really his daughter? Who will Lucetta marry? It's typically soap opera.
Despite those things that I didn't like, I really loved the characters Hardy created. Michael Henchard in particular is one of my favorite literary characters of all time. His so full of flaws, superstitions, and evil that he's very real. Yet he's not without his virtues and for his faults and virtues I believe him as a real human being, instead of a fabricated literary object. Henchard is probably the best thing in the novel. Trust me, I would've not read the book if there's only Donald Farfrae, man, talk about being a wimp.
"I find your lack faith of disturbing" -Darth Vader
The Church could use someone like that.
The Church could use someone like that.
Re: I decided to revive this thread
Recently, I read Bram Stokers dracula and I was really surprised to discover how bad it was. I was shocked. I've read most of Laurell K Hamilton's "Anita Blake" vampire hunter series. Good for an hours read before bed or if you are trying to quit smoking and are doing cold turkey.Originally posted by Mr Sleep
Anne Rice: Interview with the Vampire.
I recently picked up Interview with the Vampire after hearing many a good word about it's stylings and characters. So i was pleasently surprised to find that the book was as good as expected.
".I guess soldiers have been killing other soldiers quite a bit; I believe it is called war."
Martin Amis: Times Arrow
Yet another strange book to add to my collection of abstract and surreal novels.
The basic premiss of Times Arrow is quite hard to explain, i will give it a go, it took me about 20 pages to figure out the premiss
Basically there is an entity living within a person, the person seems to be fairly average, he has his hang ups and his problems like all of us. The stranger part begins when we learn that the entity sees his entire life backwards, he can read things forwards but he sees everything backwards.....but to him it is forwards....yeah i know my explanation makes no sense, i know how you feel
It transpires that this person is slightly more than meets the eye, the entity also reveals many different facets of this man's psyche through observation
It is very interesting and somewhat of a change from standard writing, it is however quite a challenge to read and not something i would reccomend to anyone who reads to relax.
There are not many hero's the characters are real people, they have good and bad points, in the end it is exceptional as a character story, but as a standard story it is a little lacking.
Yet another strange book to add to my collection of abstract and surreal novels.
The basic premiss of Times Arrow is quite hard to explain, i will give it a go, it took me about 20 pages to figure out the premiss
Basically there is an entity living within a person, the person seems to be fairly average, he has his hang ups and his problems like all of us. The stranger part begins when we learn that the entity sees his entire life backwards, he can read things forwards but he sees everything backwards.....but to him it is forwards....yeah i know my explanation makes no sense, i know how you feel
It transpires that this person is slightly more than meets the eye, the entity also reveals many different facets of this man's psyche through observation
It is very interesting and somewhat of a change from standard writing, it is however quite a challenge to read and not something i would reccomend to anyone who reads to relax.
There are not many hero's the characters are real people, they have good and bad points, in the end it is exceptional as a character story, but as a standard story it is a little lacking.
I'd have to get drunk every night and talk about virility...And those Pink elephants I'd see.
Survivor - Chuck Pahlaniuk
Tender Branson is the last survivor of a religious suicide cult. He is propelled from a life of white domestic servitude to mass media puppet with the accoutrements of fame, before crashing back down in spectacular fashion.
I read Fight Club and really enjoyed it (and the movie rocks). Survivor gives the same treatment to a different topic. The cynical might say its more of the same. The superior might not like the "gimmicky" writing style (I do think it is a little simplistic in places). However, there are some fantastic and memorable lines and scenes. Celebrity gets the Fight Club treatment and you can expect astute observation and satire.
I read it interspersed with my Database revision.
Tender Branson is the last survivor of a religious suicide cult. He is propelled from a life of white domestic servitude to mass media puppet with the accoutrements of fame, before crashing back down in spectacular fashion.
I read Fight Club and really enjoyed it (and the movie rocks). Survivor gives the same treatment to a different topic. The cynical might say its more of the same. The superior might not like the "gimmicky" writing style (I do think it is a little simplistic in places). However, there are some fantastic and memorable lines and scenes. Celebrity gets the Fight Club treatment and you can expect astute observation and satire.
I read it interspersed with my Database revision.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his pants for his friends."
Enchantress is my Goddess.
Few survive in the Heart of Fury...
Gamebanshee: [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/"]Make your gaming scream![/url]
Enchantress is my Goddess.
Few survive in the Heart of Fury...
Gamebanshee: [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/"]Make your gaming scream![/url]
A suitable boy - Vikram Seth
An epic novel about India a few years after Gandhi's death, told through the eyes of three families and their indiviual struggles towards personal, political and social goals. One family is ruled by a dominant, self-victimising widow whos ultimate goal of existance is to get her daughters married to suitable men, and her youngest daugther struggles for independence when she falls in love with a highly unsuitable young man. The second family belongs to the brahman and all the five children go their own ways, living more modern lives. The father in the third family is a politican, and the author has used some of the real transcripts from political debates from the 1950's.
Many real events are vowen into the story, still the polical background, the conflicts between different religious groups and India's newly found independence does not take anything away from the stories of the individuals in the novel.
It's a masterpice.
An epic novel about India a few years after Gandhi's death, told through the eyes of three families and their indiviual struggles towards personal, political and social goals. One family is ruled by a dominant, self-victimising widow whos ultimate goal of existance is to get her daughters married to suitable men, and her youngest daugther struggles for independence when she falls in love with a highly unsuitable young man. The second family belongs to the brahman and all the five children go their own ways, living more modern lives. The father in the third family is a politican, and the author has used some of the real transcripts from political debates from the 1950's.
Many real events are vowen into the story, still the polical background, the conflicts between different religious groups and India's newly found independence does not take anything away from the stories of the individuals in the novel.
It's a masterpice.
"There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance." - Hippocrates
Moderator of Planescape: Torment, Diablo I & II and Dungeon Siege forums
Just finished reading a book today....
The Collector - John Fowles
From the back of the book: "Withdrawn, uneducated and unloved, Frederick collects butterflies and takes photographs. A chance pools win enables him to capture the art student Miranda and keep her in the cellar of the Sussex house he has bought with the windfall. The situation is seen first from the collector's point of view: he thinks the chloroform pad no more vicious than his butterfly net, and patiently waits for the barriers of class and taste that inhibit their love to break down in the limbo of their isolation. She, the creator, desperate for her freedom tries to be understnding but cannot banish her contempt for everything anti-life the collector stands for."
I don't know if anyone here has read the book, but for me, I found it quite intriguing and impacting. It's the first book I've read where the author writes as two different characters (from the first-person perspective) and I felt that he really hit both (basically the only characters in the book) right on. By the end of the book I had felt disgust, intrigue, pity, outrage...for me the story really touched on a lot of psychological and social issues; it got me thinking.
If I had to rate it out of five I'd give it 4/5.
BTW - I hate sad endings, but the conclusion of this story really hit home the points that the book made with me. Others might feel differently.
The Collector - John Fowles
From the back of the book: "Withdrawn, uneducated and unloved, Frederick collects butterflies and takes photographs. A chance pools win enables him to capture the art student Miranda and keep her in the cellar of the Sussex house he has bought with the windfall. The situation is seen first from the collector's point of view: he thinks the chloroform pad no more vicious than his butterfly net, and patiently waits for the barriers of class and taste that inhibit their love to break down in the limbo of their isolation. She, the creator, desperate for her freedom tries to be understnding but cannot banish her contempt for everything anti-life the collector stands for."
I don't know if anyone here has read the book, but for me, I found it quite intriguing and impacting. It's the first book I've read where the author writes as two different characters (from the first-person perspective) and I felt that he really hit both (basically the only characters in the book) right on. By the end of the book I had felt disgust, intrigue, pity, outrage...for me the story really touched on a lot of psychological and social issues; it got me thinking.
If I had to rate it out of five I'd give it 4/5.
BTW - I hate sad endings, but the conclusion of this story really hit home the points that the book made with me. Others might feel differently.
"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's if you get back up."
The Fall of Hyperion (by Dan Simmons)
This being the third time I have read this book (I like to reread after a while)
I will sum this book up as a fight between Advanced A.I and a pestilence spreading Human species. The end.
From the back cover:
Now, in the stunning conclusion to the epic adventures begun in Hyperion, Simmons returns us to a far future resplendent with drama and invention. On the world of Hyperion, the mysterious Time Tombs are opening. And the secrets they bear mean that nothing - nothing anywhere in the universe - will ever be the same.
This being the third time I have read this book (I like to reread after a while)
I will sum this book up as a fight between Advanced A.I and a pestilence spreading Human species. The end.
From the back cover:
Now, in the stunning conclusion to the epic adventures begun in Hyperion, Simmons returns us to a far future resplendent with drama and invention. On the world of Hyperion, the mysterious Time Tombs are opening. And the secrets they bear mean that nothing - nothing anywhere in the universe - will ever be the same.
"Vile and evil, yes. But, That's Weasel" From BS's book, MD 20/20: Fine Wines of Rocky Flop.
Alexandre Dumas - The Count of Monte Cristo
Well after having seen the movie and falling in love with it I remembered a line from the Shawshank Redemption when they're cataloging new books and one of the inmates read from the front of a book, "The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumbass." I then remembered that there's a classic piece of literature that got made into an amazing film, why not read it. So in classic fashion reading a few pages at a time before I fall asleep(I have this problem with reading anything in book form and staying awake) each night and finally finished it a few days ago. If you liked the movie, or if you haven't seen it and just love a good thick plot you can cut with a knife go for it. It's not like other books turned movie, where they used it as a guideline, they stuck to it pretty well making tweeks here and there for the sake of keeping things rolling. False Accusations, Jailbreaks, Burried Treasure, Treason, Paris High Society, and more Revenge than you could ever think one man capable of. I'd say it's defiantely a must read.
I've just started reading Dante's Divine Comedy and I love it. I'm not usually one for classic literature but when something's good you can't deny that.
Well after having seen the movie and falling in love with it I remembered a line from the Shawshank Redemption when they're cataloging new books and one of the inmates read from the front of a book, "The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumbass." I then remembered that there's a classic piece of literature that got made into an amazing film, why not read it. So in classic fashion reading a few pages at a time before I fall asleep(I have this problem with reading anything in book form and staying awake) each night and finally finished it a few days ago. If you liked the movie, or if you haven't seen it and just love a good thick plot you can cut with a knife go for it. It's not like other books turned movie, where they used it as a guideline, they stuck to it pretty well making tweeks here and there for the sake of keeping things rolling. False Accusations, Jailbreaks, Burried Treasure, Treason, Paris High Society, and more Revenge than you could ever think one man capable of. I'd say it's defiantely a must read.
I've just started reading Dante's Divine Comedy and I love it. I'm not usually one for classic literature but when something's good you can't deny that.
"I'll take the stupid one who decided to threaten us, instead of shoot us when he had the chance" - Bao-Dur
The Green Odyssey (By Philip Jose Farmer)
Quick summary, if someones customs are different from yours, don't be quick to judge.
Some parts from the back cover.
"It was not enough that he had the misfortune of landing on a feudal planet. Alan Green had to serve the Duke of Tropat as kitchen-slave -- and his wife, the beautiful but unwashed Duchess Zuni,"
Quick summary, if someones customs are different from yours, don't be quick to judge.
Some parts from the back cover.
"It was not enough that he had the misfortune of landing on a feudal planet. Alan Green had to serve the Duke of Tropat as kitchen-slave -- and his wife, the beautiful but unwashed Duchess Zuni,"
"Vile and evil, yes. But, That's Weasel" From BS's book, MD 20/20: Fine Wines of Rocky Flop.
[QUOTE=thantor3]Seeing that there were no new Harry Potter books this summer ( )[/QUOTE]
I'm glad I'm not the only fan here
For me it's not an obstacle that there are no new ones yet, I'm re-reading the series all over again for the fourth time I just love that story.
Actually, reading CorelDraw 12 takes the rest of my time nowadays. I'm taking a course in it so I have to learn as much as I can
)[/QUOTE]I'm glad I'm not the only fan here
For me it's not an obstacle that there are no new ones yet, I'm re-reading the series all over again for the fourth time
I just love that story.Actually, reading CorelDraw 12 takes the rest of my time nowadays. I'm taking a course in it so I have to learn as much as I can
Up the IRONS!
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Rob-hin
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- Contact:
The Da Vinci code - Dan Brown
GREAT book!
It has a good story that unfolds nicly throughout the book. Doing this, it lets you get the clues just before the book explains them to you.
Plus, it contains many historical facts, it's all very connected in ways you may never have realised. you actually feel like you learn from reading this book.
There are many riddles in the book, in the beginning they are a bit strange as you know little of the history, but later you get them and can even solve them yourself.
No. 1 bestseller, and for a reason.
Read it now!
GREAT book!
It has a good story that unfolds nicly throughout the book. Doing this, it lets you get the clues just before the book explains them to you.
Plus, it contains many historical facts, it's all very connected in ways you may never have realised. you actually feel like you learn from reading this book.
There are many riddles in the book, in the beginning they are a bit strange as you know little of the history, but later you get them and can even solve them yourself.
No. 1 bestseller, and for a reason.
Read it now!
Guinness is good for you.
Gives you strength.
Gives you strength.
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Ideal Maxima
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- Contact:
Catch22 - Joseph Heller
I'v just started it so I'm up to page 36 (out of 679). It's about... well so far... it's about a guy named Yosarian who is in the second WW and it's near the end. He thinks people are out to get him and only him out of the WHOLE army. So he's kind of a nut job... and that's all have read up to this point.
I'v just started it so I'm up to page 36 (out of 679). It's about... well so far... it's about a guy named Yosarian who is in the second WW and it's near the end. He thinks people are out to get him and only him out of the WHOLE army. So he's kind of a nut job... and that's all have read up to this point.
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[url="http://www.eksquad.org"]www.eksquad.org[/url]
Elite Killing Squad
[url="http://www.bolt.com/xxoxsaf1xoxx/video/"]New Halo 2 Montages[/url]
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moltovir
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Jefferey Deaver - Wespenval (this is the dutch translation, i think in english it's "wesp trap" or something like that)
In the book a famous but totally handicapped forensic researcher (he can only move on finger and his neck) is called to aid a sherrif from a little village in North Carolina, where a strange kid from town with an affinity for insects has kindnapped 2 girls and disappeared into the swamps. The local sherrif needs him (the forensic specialist, Lincoln Rhyme) to track down the kid and get the girls back. The book has some major plottwist that you never would have seen coming and is very well written.
My next book will be "Magiër" of Robert Feist, the translation is either "wizard", "mage" or "sorcerer" (not sure)
In the book a famous but totally handicapped forensic researcher (he can only move on finger and his neck) is called to aid a sherrif from a little village in North Carolina, where a strange kid from town with an affinity for insects has kindnapped 2 girls and disappeared into the swamps. The local sherrif needs him (the forensic specialist, Lincoln Rhyme) to track down the kid and get the girls back. The book has some major plottwist that you never would have seen coming and is very well written.
My next book will be "Magiër" of Robert Feist, the translation is either "wizard", "mage" or "sorcerer" (not sure)
"We are at a very serious moment dealing with very serious issues and we are not focusing on the name you give to potatoes" - Nathalie Loisau
The ''His dark materials'' trilogy by Philip Pullman.
I read this trilogy over my hols and i absolutly loved it, i honestly couldn't put it down, i gave up simming and sleeping for it!
Edit: Damit i forgot my reveiw,
This trilogy is about a girl called lyra whos so called ''uncle'' decides that he's going to try and get to another world through the ''northern lights'', thats what the first books called.The second is ''The subtle knife'' it starts off with a boy called will from our world (lyra is from a world not unlike ours except quite different) who kills a man and must leave his crazy mother with a friend, he ends up finding the notes of his lost father and also a window to another world where he meets lyra from the first book and becomes the bearer of the knife.The third book is the best by far and lyra and will find lyra's ''father's'' plan to destroy the almighty authority and must travel to the land of the dead.
I read this trilogy over my hols and i absolutly loved it, i honestly couldn't put it down, i gave up simming and sleeping for it!
Edit: Damit i forgot my reveiw,
This trilogy is about a girl called lyra whos so called ''uncle'' decides that he's going to try and get to another world through the ''northern lights'', thats what the first books called.The second is ''The subtle knife'' it starts off with a boy called will from our world (lyra is from a world not unlike ours except quite different) who kills a man and must leave his crazy mother with a friend, he ends up finding the notes of his lost father and also a window to another world where he meets lyra from the first book and becomes the bearer of the knife.The third book is the best by far and lyra and will find lyra's ''father's'' plan to destroy the almighty authority and must travel to the land of the dead.
And lo ye must learn of the great war that raged fo a couple of posts and brought the citadel momentaraly to its knees
Lookie!
I tend to appear briefly and disappear very quickly after that, try not to let it bother you.
Lookie!
I tend to appear briefly and disappear very quickly after that, try not to let it bother you.
