Books
In the last couple of weeks I have posted a lot concerning books that I bought and ordered. This week, I had to cancel my pre-order of the German edition of Best Served Cold (2009) [US][UK] by Joe Abercrombie because the publishing date has been postponed. I still wanted the book though, so I ordered the hardcover at Book Depository UK. You won't believe me but, I also found time for reading. I finished Bloodheir (2008) [US][UK] by Brian Ruckley. This middle book in The Godless World trilogy is strong, dark, vivid, harsh, and powerful. Next up on the reading list, The Angels's Game (2009) [US][UK] by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
US-Cover followed by UK-Cover
Have you ever read a book by Karen Miller?
I must admit that I own all the books in the Godspeaker trilogy - unread. It seems there is a some hype surrounding her new book The Prodigal Mage (2009) [US][UK]. I have read several reviews by Mad Hatter, Kimberly Swan, John, a preview by Robots and Vamps and an intermediate reading impression by Jeff C which all praise the book, without exception. A little icing on the cake, I give you a link to a Karen Miller interview and the opportunity to read an exclusive excerpt. In case you have read it please let me know your impression. I'm also interested in your opinion on her other books.Blogosphere
You may remember that I briefly touched on author Cherie Priest who is going "steampunk" with her upcoming book Boneshaker. How would you define steampunk? In case you don't have your own definition handy, you should refer to wikipedia steampunk entry which is a suitable starting point. But if you want more, then I highly recommend Steampunk: What it is, why I came to like it, and why I think it’ll stick around" by Cherie Priest.
And now I want to draw your attention to a special post over at SF Signal who asked several people (authors and blogger) What book or books hold special memories for you? What are they? I promise you interesting and entertaining posts. I read about a number of books I never heard of before.
Reality - Fantasy
Last week, I talked about how elements that we find in fantasy novels derive their origin from reality. This is not unusual. But when we can see, smell, and touch things in reality it helps our imagination along. In a lot of fantasy novels you find cities, towns, and hamlets. Maybe some of you read Nights of Villjamur (2009) by Mark Charan Newton [US] [UK]. For me the town Villjamur is the secret star of the book. Mark Charan Newtons depiction of Villjamur is one of the best I have read in the past years. That leads me to walled cities. There are a lot of old walled towns around the world. You know some of them? I highly recommend a look at The Walled cities post over at Dark Roasted Blend which I recommended some time ago. There are 890 properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And the list contains walled cities. The World Heritage Site posted a list of walled cities including vistor impressions. I couldn't resist showing you a video about the famous German town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber:
Quotes
This week I offer you quotes related to war. I have been inspired by the walled cities.
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought,
but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein (1879 -1955)
but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Albert Einstein (1879 -1955)
"The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it."
George Orwell (1903 -1950)
George Orwell (1903 -1950)
"What difference does it make to the dead,
the orphans and the homeless,
whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism
or the holy name of liberty and democracy?"
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)
the orphans and the homeless,
whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism
or the holy name of liberty and democracy?"
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)
5 comments:
Excellent post!
@Shellie,
thanks for compliments. It is always a challenge to write a good post. It takes more time than you expect.
Wow, that's a lot to look at. Awesome post! I'm definitely checking out Prodigal Mage. Truth be told, I don't know who the author is, but I'm crazily attracted to good cover images and that one's pretty cool.
Haha, I know what you mean Jam. A lot of the time I pick up a book simply based on the cover. In a way it makes sense, since better books generally get better cover artists.
Michael, the more I learn about your book selection process, the more I am amazed... It seems you spend almost as much time reading as organizing your reading lists! Tell me, how many unread book are you your shelf at the moment?
@Jam indeed a lot to look at. But for the was the right way to show you and other readers that there is some hype around the book. Unfortunately I failed to find out who is the artist of the cool cover.
Alec, I don't know exactly - I know that's unusual for me but that is the only figure which I don't want to know - but I estimate around 165 unread books :)
And every month I buy 5 to 7 new books.
So I'm pretty sure that I will still have enough books to read after my retirement. That means a modest pension will not hinder me to read books.
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