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(I helped save b3ta! rob, Sun 1 Apr 2001, 1:00)
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Not had a book thread for a while
I'm reading this
www.amazon.co.uk/Twelve-Jasper-Kent/dp/0593060644

Vampires mercenaries in Napoleon era Russia. Actually pretty good and quite gripping.

Anyone reading anything good?
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:12, 162 replies, latest was 16 years ago)
That honestly looks like a fuck awful book.

(PsychoChomp, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:15, Reply)
it's acutally quite good
the historical elements are well researched and quite interesting. It's a bit like Sharpe, but with vampires
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:17, Reply)
You're not selling it to me.

(PsychoChomp, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:17, Reply)
we already know that we don't have similar tastes in books

(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:18, Reply)
well I'm sold.
I'll read it.
(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:19, Reply)
If you like Sharpe, try the Flashman books.

(fibonacci_cunt cunt, cunt, cuntcunt, cuntcuntcunt,..., Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:30, Reply)
"I don't like this"

(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:26, Reply)
Currently reading "The City" by China Mieville
Only just started it but I like it so far.
(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:16, Reply)
It's very good.
I need to get me a copy of Kraken.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:23, Reply)
mmmm I'm liking it. My history teacher from last year leant it to me.

(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:28, Reply)
o rly?
see it on his bedside table didja? hehe
(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:32, Reply)
ha, No.
I babysit for him fairly regularly. We traded. I leant him Big Bang Theory seasons one and two.
(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:46, Reply)
I love Meiville
but I've not read either of these yet. A trip to Waterstone's is in order
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:32, Reply)
I'm 3/4 through Stephen Kings "Under the dome"
it's good but it does go on a bit.

It's a bit like a mordern day "Lord of the flies" but with adults. Not one of his best but certainly not his worst.
(I helped save b3ta! Colonel Dracula Two manky hookers and a racist dwarf, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:16, Reply)
that's the main flaw with SK books I've found.
he tends to waffle a bit sometimes.
(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:18, Reply)
I go through phases of enjoying his stuff and not
I've always been more of a fan of his short stories.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:20, Reply)
there's one short story of his in the Skeleton Key collection that proper freaked me out
about a guy who gets stranded on a desert island and eats his own foot.
(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:28, Reply)
don't remember that one
I like Rage and The Long Walk. There are a few other great ones too
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:32, Reply)
I really enjoyed The Mist
and I think I recall MiserableChomp saying it was a good film. Or a really bad film. Probably the latter.
(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:33, Reply)
I've never read Stephen King
but I think I should. I used to read lots of Dean Koontz on holiday (it's easy reading without requiring thought) but gave up after his last few which degenerated into religious bollocks.

The Taking is a prime example.
(I helped save b3ta! K2k6 has a proper job these days, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:37, Reply)
Start with King's short stories
Nightmares and Dreamscapes, 4 past midnight, skeleton key and the Bachman Books are all worth getting hold of
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:39, Reply)
OK, will do.
Might have a wander down to Waterstones in a bit. It's a nice day.
(I helped save b3ta! K2k6 has a proper job these days, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:44, Reply)
I think he said it was good
I enjoyed the book also.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:38, Reply)
I said it was good, with one of the most depressing endings I've ever seen.

(PsychoChomp, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:10, Reply)
I prefer his shorter books
"Salems Lot" and "Pet Semetary" were brilliant, both gave me nightmares.

"It" was too long winded with back stories that didnt add much. I read "The Stand" last year when the media were reporting that we were on the brink of a swine-flu epidemic that was going to kill everyone.
(I helped save b3ta! Colonel Dracula Two manky hookers and a racist dwarf, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:34, Reply)
Oooh Pet Sematary is the creepiest I've read
put me off cats for a while! The Shining was excellent as well, obviously. I've never read his dark towers stuff though.
(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:37, Reply)
I've read the first dark tower one
it was good. not found the second in a charity shop yet.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:38, Reply)
Check out the second hand bookshops on Play.com
I have bought a lot of stuff from them.

www.play.com/Books/Books/4-/259782/The-Dark-Tower-Volume-2-The-Drawing-of-the-Three/Product.html?ptsl=1&ob=Price&fb=0
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:43, Reply)
I didn't realise play had secondhand shops
I tend to use amazon quite a lot. I'll hold off for now, and order a load next week after payday
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:46, Reply)
Yeah and it's all free postage
So the prices from is actually the price you pay rather than on Amazon where is says from 1p but it's £8 postage
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:48, Reply)
excellent
that's much better. cheers
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:52, Reply)
I might try his Darktower novels next.
Dammit, i've just been asked if I can take lunch early...I hate having my day messed with.
(I helped save b3ta! Colonel Dracula Two manky hookers and a racist dwarf, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:39, Reply)
you accountants and your routine
I bet you have a spack when people use your pencil and don't put it back on the correct side of the desk.
(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:46, Reply)
NOBODY TOUCHES MY PENCIL
pffft! That sounds rude
(I helped save b3ta! Colonel Dracula Two manky hookers and a racist dwarf, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:54, Reply)
Clive Barker
is like SK, only one who writes better and has more imagination
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:37, Reply)
I read Weaveworld ages ago
didn't really do it for me
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:38, Reply)
really?
Imajica is one of my favourites, but if you didn't like Weaveworld you probably won't like that
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:45, Reply)
Abarat is awesome too,
not least for the main character - Miss Candy Quackenbush, from Chickentown.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:57, Reply)
See how come I don't know books like this exist?
just read the teaser thing on Amazon and it looks right up my street. I don't know where I lost my way but I kind of got stuck on David Gemmell and when he died have been reading random books given to me by friends in between rereading all my Gemmells. I'm going to Waterstones today to buy books.
(I helped save b3ta! SteveFrench Cardio is for homo's. do you even lift bro?, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:16, Reply)
it was on the shelf in the work kitchen.
I've found out about a load of good books from discussions on b3ta, which is why I have attempted to start another one.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:19, Reply)
IN which case may I recommend
The Sparrow, Mary Doria Russell (brilliantly and heartrendingly written sci-fi)
The Lies of Locke Lamora (Swashbuckling fun fantasy, but somehow still has characters you care about)
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow (aimed at teenagers I found out later and will be out of date in 3 years time, but right now it's relevant and gripping)
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:40, Reply)
thanks
I'll add them to my list
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:44, Reply)
Warning:
The Sparrow may break your heart
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:45, Reply)
The Sparrow one looks very interesting.
Now on my list too.
(I helped save b3ta! girlinthehole, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:48, Reply)
There is a sequel, but it's been out of print for ages
which is a crime
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:50, Reply)
Is it not this one?
www.play.com/Books/Books/4-/231384/Children-of-God/Product.html?ptsl=1&ob=Price&fb=0
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:55, Reply)
yes, that one
I think you'll only get it second hand unless they've rereleased it (that was talk of a film)
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:57, Reply)
I have to say
online second hand bookshops are amazing. I love rumaging through actual shops but one winter when I was about 8 my dad made me walk what seemed like 10 miles around a massive bookfayre as he was looking for a book that he had been searching for for a year and we didn't find it and he got angry and it was raining and it sucked.

Now you can type it in whilst drinking wine which I approve of
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:00, Reply)
haha! I agree
It's not worth trying to find something in a second hand bookshop. Those are for happy surprises and nerdy second hand photography books.
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:03, Reply)
that is true
I have the same problem in bookshops as in music shops. as soon as I walk through the door and am presented with a shelf full of books/CDs I no longer have any ability to remember what I'm after, or choose something new based on cover or synopsis.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:06, Reply)
There is a 2nd hand book shop in Hay
(well there are many, but this one in particular) which has a room full of old 50s and 60s sci fi. I lose all sense of taste whenever I go in there and buy anything with time travel in the title
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:11, Reply)
I'll bear that in mind
you have reminded me that I haven't finished reading a series of frankly quite shit sci fi. I'm too far in not to want to know what happens though.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:49, Reply)
what is it?

(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:50, Reply)
Kevin J Anderson - Saga of Seven Suns
I wouldn't recommend it
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:52, Reply)
oh god!
I won't go near them after what he did to Dune. Bastard, it still hurts
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:53, Reply)
his own stuff isn't much better believe me

(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:55, Reply)
Hahahahahahah I read some of that.
Cocking awful, it was. It's very much a charity-shop-only series.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:58, Reply)
I can't believe he was allowed near Dune at all
Dune is a complex, intelligent and elaborately textured world. He got a mallet at it and just wrecked the lot. :(
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:00, Reply)
I hope he's on fire right now.
It's the least he deserves.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:04, Reply)
it is
what made anyone think that someone who had written some of the post-film Star Wars books would be any good at tackling Dune.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:05, Reply)
Because any decent author would have said no.
On a related note, anyone read the new HHGTTG?
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:07, Reply)
The one of the film?
I was bought it but never read it for some reason
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:07, Reply)
I can't bring myself to
I may make my dad read it and see how angry he gets
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:07, Reply)
good point
I have not. This may be sacrilegious, but I'm in two minds about Douglas Adams, on one hand he is brilliant, and on the other he is guilty of what cougar-related incident said about sci-fi/fantasy authors. He got to the point of seeming to write weirdness for its own sake.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:11, Reply)
Mostly Harmless?
Which is my least favourite book
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:14, Reply)
Nah, some kids author called Eoin Colfer had a crack at a sequel.
I have the fear.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:23, Reply)
yeah, s/he wrote the Artemis Fowl stuff
my ex used to read them. Pretty guff.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:26, Reply)
I'll get the pitchforks
you guys get the burning torches

WHO'S WITH ME?!
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:07, Reply)
Would you like to borrow my gravel?

(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:07, Reply)
I've just finished a biography of Michael Faraday.
It was electrifying and magnetic at the same time.

Just added Twelve to my Amazon wish list. Ta, it looks very good.
(I helped save b3ta! Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:18, Reply)
I'm reading
Death de Jour by Kathy Reichs
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:19, Reply)
are you finding it to be "Death de Bore" as one of the reviewers puts it?

(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:21, Reply)
no I really enjoy her books

(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:22, Reply)
I think my mrs may have one or two
she's into crime type stuff

you read any michael connelly? my brother really rates his stuff (I think that's who he's always banging on about)
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:23, Reply)
oh, I just read that
I like her stuff, and it doesn't yet seem to be going the way of patricia cornwell with her one woman against the world crusades. I've just got 206 bones yesterday for holiday reading.

I'm currently reading Cutting Edge by Alison Brennan, which has some hilarious sex scenes, but is otherwise OK. And Dream Babies, by some woman - it's a history of childcare books, sounds like a dull premise for a book, but is absolutely fascinating.
(I helped save b3ta! ascorbate, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:26, Reply)
I'm enjoying
'The Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man' by Thomas Mann. It's a fun read but I only realised halfway through that this is only Vol. 1 and Mann died before completing it, which is a shame.
(Zoz prayed for twink on, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:26, Reply)
I'm reading Jumping Ships
about some guy who was a cadet in the merchant navy, like my dad used to be. It's all about his escapades. He's pretty funny. I bought it during my obsession with learning to sail week because they didn't have any sailing books in WHSmiths.
(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:26, Reply)
I also re-read
Earth, Air, Fire and Custard last week. Which amused me greatly.

Also Dice Man is still a favourite
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:30, Reply)
would you recommend Tom Holt?
not read any
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:33, Reply)
NO NO NO
Tom Holt is toss as is Robert Rankin
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:34, Reply)
OVER RULED WITH THE GRAVEL OF JUSTICE

(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:35, Reply)
Yes I would.
Some of his stuff I found a little hard to get started with but the humour in them is pretty dry which amuses me
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:35, Reply)
I think, like a lot of fantasy/sci fi comic authors
he gets a bit impressed with his own funniness, forgets to write the plot and keeps on at things that aren't all that funny
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:36, Reply)
Tom Holt is Brill.
If you haven't read any, probably best to start with The Portable Door. Otherwise, Paint Your Dragon!, Who's Afraid of Beowulf?, Here Comes the Sun and Flying Dutch are all good ones too.

Robert Rankin is toss, though, I'll agree on that point.
(I helped save b3ta! Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:07, Reply)
I'll give him a go then
thanks
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:09, Reply)
Also, he has written some historical fiction under Thomas Holt.
'Meadowland' is quite good. Takes a while to get going but it's a good Viking tale...
(I helped save b3ta! Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:11, Reply)
Yay book thread
this looks pretty good - although I don't trust vampire books what with all the twilight and vampire porn about (although I did read a Poppy Z Brite book - man that was rude)

I'm reading Allaister Steele's Coyote Novels. Just finished Debateable Space by some other guy too, that was really really fun
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:33, Reply)
it's not pornographic at all
even the bits where the main dude is shagging a prostitute. The well-written historical element of it makes it good. It's more of a horror than the recent spate of vampire stuff. The vampires aren't misunderstood emo wankers, they are vicious nasty motherfuckers.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:36, Reply)
awesome
Horror needs a kick up the arse - when I was working the bookshop it was hard to tell the romance from the horror section :(
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:38, Reply)
In waterstones now they have a whole subsection for "Dark Romance"
Makes me so angry. Fucks sake. Get that soppy shit out of my horror section.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:17, Reply)
God damn!
For a while, I had to look after the romance section. It started off with twee pink books with lords and ladies (and a secondary cover with said lords and ladies slightly undressed), but then there were more and more vampires and werewolves. It's not a good sign for society when you have to check on the computer if it's horror or romance. My friend's theory about Twilight is that feminism was wrong all along, women must be shit, otherwise why do they read this crap?
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:21, Reply)
I am currently reading...
...Flashforward by Robert J. Sawyer.

It is poorly written and the author seems to have no idea what to do with the concept he has created. In that respect, the series was a fine adaptation.
(ThomsonsPier consumes, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:34, Reply)
I am trying to think of the name of a book I read
where the main character is able to create people with his mind into his world (I forget if anyone else ever sees them). He brings back Alexander the Great and Picasso and a security guard and Swampy. Oh and he's gay so he fucks them. Then he meets the real swampy who is going out with his ex and I am making it sound shit but it's pretty good.

If you prefer sci-fi to gay books I suggest Ben Bova as a good author.
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:38, Reply)
I read a Ben Bova recently
and I don't think we are ever going to agree on books at this rate. I found it full of stereotypes with a hackneyed plotline.

EDIT: there must be something we can agree on
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:43, Reply)
Hitchhikers?
Pratchett? Brookmyre?
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:50, Reply)
Brookmyre is great

(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:51, Reply)
Yay for hitchikers
and Pratchett (in moderation). Not read any Brookmyre, though, doesn't he write for kids?
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:54, Reply)
his books are far too gory to be for kids

(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:55, Reply)
I must be thinking of someone else

(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:56, Reply)
One of his books is called
Fuck this for a game of soliders
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:56, Reply)
Have you read Attack of the Unsinkable Rubber Ducks?

(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:57, Reply)
I've read the first half 3 times
for various reasons never got to the end
(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:02, Reply)
I'm not actually sure that was the one I meant to ask about
the names are so silly and unrelated to the subject matter that I get them confused
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:04, Reply)
I haven't read a snowball in hell yet

(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:09, Reply)
I've read A tale etched in blood and hard black pencil
Unsinkable rubber ducks
One fine day in the middle of the night
and another one whose name escapes me
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:25, Reply)
I shall see if there are any of his next time I
go to the library
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:58, Reply)

B D
(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:47, Reply)
On a kind of related note
I once read a short story called 'Build Up Logically' where the two main characters struggle for control of the universe by taking over the narrative of the story and using it to do horrible things to each other. There was also a time machine in there too for good measure, no gayness though.
(Zoz prayed for twink on, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:00, Reply)
this sounds wicked!
any idea who the author was?
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:04, Reply)
Howard Schoenfeld.
It was in a Penguin sci-fi omnibus.
(Zoz prayed for twink on, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:10, Reply)
The bourne trilogy
So much better than the films.
I'm also re-reading good omens by gaiman/pratchett, I'd forgotten just how funny it is.
(I helped save b3ta! M o D, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:42, Reply)
Good Omens is excellent
I found the Bourne Triolgy really hard work. Good books, but a real chore to read.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:45, Reply)
how can it be good if it's a chore to read?

(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:48, Reply)
hard to explain

(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:49, Reply)
See now I don't find them a chore to read
Read the first one in two late night sittings.
The only book I can think of like that was James Clavells Shogun, I love that book but always struggle to finish it when re-reading it.
(I helped save b3ta! M o D, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:01, Reply)
I kind of started reading Tai-pan a couple of weeks back
I have to work myself up to reading things that aren't sci fi or fantasy really, unless they are particularly short and fast-paced like Twelve, or Brookmyre's stuff.

It's weird, but true.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:04, Reply)
There's a Chinese restaurant
called Tai-Pan where I work. Trufax.
(I helped save b3ta! Kroney, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:09, Reply)
Tai pan is the second of six books in the Asian Saga
The books don't really tie up other than being in chronological order.
I think shogun is my favourite of the lot but that's probably down to seeing the TV show when I was a nipper.
(I helped save b3ta! M o D, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:12, Reply)
Just finished
Green River Rising - fantastic read
(Monkey the Chicken Twitter: death_stairs, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:43, Reply)
last read The Painted Man which was brilliant.
by Peter Brett I think. Before that it was Apathy And Other Small Victories by Paul Neilan which was comedy genius and reminded me a little of Office Space.

Both recommended.
(I helped save b3ta! The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:45, Reply)
Just finished reading the First Law series by Joe Abercrombie
For about the millionth time because I love it so much.

Now reading The Lies of Locke Lamora again, which is ace, and the highway code which is mind numbingly dull.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:46, Reply)
Good choices!
I only read the first First Law book, then I divorced my husband and didn't manage to stow the second one amongst my books. Have you read Red Seas under Red Skies? He's taking ages for the third one, though
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:48, Reply)
Yes!
I loved it, I'm itching for the next one, I wish he'd damn well hurry up. If I fancied a literary character, it would so be Locke.

And you should fully get the second and third ones, they're amazing.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:54, Reply)
Hahah
Yeah - there is something about rogues...
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:55, Reply)
first law is on my previous list of books
working my way towards it
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:49, Reply)
Work faster.
It's all kinds of awesome.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:54, Reply)
there was a lot on the list

(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:55, Reply)
Well shift it up the list then.

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:58, Reply)
after scrabbling through the post it notes on my desk
it appears that I have lost that list :-/
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:58, Reply)
Write a new one,
And put Joe Abercrombie right at the top.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:09, Reply)
I'll put it at the bottom of list two
so it comes above all of list 3. there are only 3 things on list 2 so it'll be ordered next week probably
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:24, Reply)
That will have to do.

(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:29, Reply)
ooh the Highway Code
what's it about?
(I helped save b3ta! Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:50, Reply)
Cars and shit.
Not really stuff I'm interested in.
(Applebite Uh! A cow!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:55, Reply)
It's meant to stop you getting killed or arrested.
I wouldn't recommend you read it.
(PsychoChomp, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:56, Reply)
I am currently reading "The Passage" by Justin Cronin.
It was unputdownable for the first 200 pages but it's flagging a bit at the moment.
(I helped save b3ta! Ping_Pang_Piddley_Dee couldn't give a big shiny fuck., Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:48, Reply)
OOOO!
Raw Shark Texts

just brilliant
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:49, Reply)
Just read Down to A Sunless Sea by David Graham.
Nuclear war breaks out while a plane is flying from America from the UK. It's basically the pilot's story about how he saves everyone.

Good premise for a story but very dated, (written in the late seventies). Too much flying technical jargon, too much macho posturing and not enough background to the characters. It would make a good film though.

I'm into zombie/apocolypse/horror type stuff at the moment. I think I might take The Stand to read again on holiday.
(I helped save b3ta! girlinthehole, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:55, Reply)
sounds interesting
and yet not.

I've read a couple of books (the names of which escape me for the moment) that would have worked much better if they were written now rather than 30 years ago.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 12:56, Reply)
I know. It looked like it would be a great story but it was a let down. I still finished it though.
I was dissapointed by the middle but I hate not finishing books so persevered.
(I helped save b3ta! girlinthehole, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:01, Reply)
I'm the same
there are few books I've stopped reading through choice.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:03, Reply)
I never used to give up on books
but then I realised I was wasting my life on shitty stuff when there are thousands of good books. Don't feel guilty, just find something better
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:06, Reply)
good attitude
I was chatting to a mate of mine a couple of weekends back who is as passionate about books as I am, and while we have tastes that cross over I'd say his is for more action film type ones. Peter F Hamilton vs Iain M Banks sums our views up.

He was lamenting that he hadn't read anything good in ages, where through a combination of luck and good recommendations, I haven't read more than one or two bad books in at least a year, and most have been downright excellent.
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:08, Reply)
Iain M Banks is THE MAN
The problem I have with Peter F Hamilton is that Reality Dysfunction. It was gripping, brilliant stuff. In the house I live in we bartered washing up duties to read the next one first. Then there was that ending. Bastard.
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:15, Reply)
that ending was annoying
hmm, what happened to the rest of what I wrote here....

summary: Judas Unchained, massive book, put off reading for months, cursed all the way through because it was so big
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:18, Reply)
As each person in the house reached the ending
you could see it the dissapointment in their faces
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:23, Reply)
Seriously?
You liked Al Capone In Space?
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:25, Reply)
yeah! it was great fun
not a classic, but entertaining and exciting nonetheless

PLus, everything is better in space
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:29, Reply)
I was unimpressed.
See also Dan Simmons - Catholics In Space.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:33, Reply)
I read Hyperion which I quite liked
But the second one was a bit lame, didn't bother with any others after that
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:35, Reply)
Buying "Naked" by Megan Hart on the 1st
hoping it will be as great as her other books
I ♥ her
(I helped save b3ta! Lisette von Falcon, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:09, Reply)
I've just finished Every Dead Thing by John Connolly.
And it were Reet Good. Next in the list is 'Fool' by Christopher Moore, then 'Storm Front' by Jim Butcher, and then I might finally get around to 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest'. And then, back on to the Inspector Wallander books.

I think I need a reading holiday.
(I helped save b3ta! Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:09, Reply)
Is that the third one in The Girl with/who series?

(I helped save b3ta! TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:15, Reply)
That's the fella.
It's HUGE though. Too big for tube reading.
(I helped save b3ta! Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:17, Reply)
i DEMAND to know if that
Jim Butcher one is any good once you've read it.
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:17, Reply)
Well, I've already read 'Dead Beat', and that was very good...
So, if he's consistent, this should be as well.
(I helped save b3ta! Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:18, Reply)
I always liked the covers
but I've never read them.
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:22, Reply)
I've mainly been reading history books recently
Partly because I'm interested in history, but primarily because I've turned in to a really fucking boring cunt. Dark Age history, if you're interested. Anglo-Saxon England and the Byzantine Empire and that.
(I helped save b3ta! Kroney, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:11, Reply)
Currently reading 'The Book of Negroes'
it's a bit dull and rather sub-'Roots' stuff. Before that it was 'The girl who played with fire' which I loved. I've got the last one in the trilogy sitting waiting. I'm also listening to an unabridged version of 'Jane Eyre' on my iPod when I go to the gym.
(I helped save b3ta! chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:34, Reply)
I'm thinking audio books must be good for the gym
it gets so dull in there
(I helped save b3ta! Citizen Cavy Admires your passion for conformity, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:36, Reply)
they are good for long journeys too
I had some james bond ones for when I drove to the lake district.

I've got 27 terry pratchett ones (perfectly legal honest) that I have never listened to
(I helped save b3ta! Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:39, Reply)
They're excellent for the gym
I wanted to work my way through some of the classics that I've never read and going to the gym is so boring. It's the ideal opportunity to listen and it keeps me on the machines for longer because I usually want to hear the end of the chapter.
(I helped save b3ta! chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Wed 28 Jul 2010, 13:55, Reply)

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