For the most, I’ll pick up a new novel/graphic novel based on a recommendation. Either from a reader, a friend, a magazine or from an author whose work I enjoy. Very rarely will I pick up a book at random while perusing the shelves at a book store and pick something completely new and unheard of.
Very rarely, but it does happen. It did happen, in fact, quite recently.
A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were in our book store as part of our Sunday night book store ritual, and while looking for something to add to my growing pile of books, I came across the cover of a book that simply demanded to be picked up.
The book I speak of, is Sun of Suns, by Karl Schroeder. Hypnotized, I purchased the book, and immediately began reading it.
Since that fateful day, I’ve read through the 3 books of the Virga series, all by Schroeder, and I’m anxiously awaiting more.
The moral of the little tale?
First, read the series for yourself, and secondly, sometimes judging a book by its cover can lead to something great.
- Because I Can.
Full Version: A Cover
a series id recomend is one called 'A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen' by Steven Erikson, currently 8 books out of the 10 part series are finished it will have you begging for more after the first book as it did for me.
Chuck
Chuck
QUOTE (sohmer @ Jun 3 2009, 12:46 PM) 
First, read the series for yourself, and secondly, sometimes judging a book by its cover can lead to something great.
I agree completely! I quite frequently pick out books at the book store which I have never heard of before. Sometimes the cover catches my eye. Sometimes the synopsis on the back of the novel grabs my attention. And most of the time I love what I find! There are so many books out there that one cannot hear about all of the good ones. So, grab a book and give it a try!
QUOTE (Chazza @ Jun 4 2009, 06:59 AM)
a series id recomend is one called 'A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen' by Steven Erikson, currently 8 books out of the 10 part series are finished it will have you begging for more after the first book as it did for me.
I have to second this recommendation. I have just finished the latest book (Toll the Hounds) and I was greatly impressed. One of the good/bad features is that it doesn't start in "the small village with newbie hero out to find his place in the world and discover his hidden past while rescuing token princess/first love/magic item" It starts in the middle of the story (in the middle of a battle even) with very little explained. The slowly over a the books it fleshes out the history of the world and how it reflects on the present events. There is also no guarantee that any of the characters will survive the story (and that includes the gods involved) which means that you can never guess the final outcome *cough*Eddings*cough*
Back to the original theme of this discussion I can agree that book covers are important...
About a year ago I was dragged to the local "Opportunity Shop" (second hand cloths, books, and junk) by my good wife. While she looked for her potential next big fashion, I checked out the old shelf of books in the corner and found one with an interesting cover. I had never heard of it (or the author) but the cover looked interesting and so I spent my $3 and bought it. The book was called "Enders Game" and it was the best read I had experienced in quite a while.
Geoff.
QUOTE (Geoff @ Jun 3 2009, 05:55 PM)
The book was called "Enders Game" and it was the best read I had experienced in quite a while.
One of the greatest books ever, as are the rest of the books in the 11-book series.
Another series I would suggest is the Death Gate Cycle. The Majipoor Series is also very good.
I've read Sun of Suns as well as it's following two novels.
Loved the series.
Loved the series.
In my youth, a friend was always trying to get me to read the Dragonlance books, but they never piqued my interest, despite my being into D&D and fantasy. One day, however, I just happened to catch the names of a couple of the Dragonlance authors on the spine of a book in the bookstore. Upon picking it up and reading the first few pages I was entranced- It was Forging the Darksword, by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, and just because I noticed the cover, I now have the Darksword trilogy as one of the fondest memories of my childhood. (As much as I read in my childhood, for a book or series of books to have that distinction rather than just be considered just another day of the past means it really stood out.)
I agree on the Dragonlance stories. I wasn't interested in them until I was bored in the library one day and picked one up. It was good times.
One series I really will recommend (despite its TV adaptation being debatable..) is the Dresden Files Series. If I could spent the rest of my life reading and rereading this series, I would not complain. It's written by Jim Butcher, and it's absolutely fabulous. I'm a notoriously hard-to-amuse person, but these books would make me smile and laugh for minutes on end. The greatest things about the plot is I can never quite tell how it's going to end. The author builds and builds and builds, and then launches one huge epic showdown. I can't really type and give these books justice (though I could try all day). What I can say is: Storm Front - Jim Butcher.
Also, I see you've read the graphic novel of his. It's a fun excursion, but it's nothing at all like his actual books. It's the ant compared to the world.
One series I really will recommend (despite its TV adaptation being debatable..) is the Dresden Files Series. If I could spent the rest of my life reading and rereading this series, I would not complain. It's written by Jim Butcher, and it's absolutely fabulous. I'm a notoriously hard-to-amuse person, but these books would make me smile and laugh for minutes on end. The greatest things about the plot is I can never quite tell how it's going to end. The author builds and builds and builds, and then launches one huge epic showdown. I can't really type and give these books justice (though I could try all day). What I can say is: Storm Front - Jim Butcher.
Also, I see you've read the graphic novel of his. It's a fun excursion, but it's nothing at all like his actual books. It's the ant compared to the world.
Well, thanks to you he just earned my 20 bucks (And as I used your amazon click through I hope you got a few bits as well 
)
)
I love the series, as well as Schroeder's other novel Lady of Mazes. Fantastic writer. I think I actually suggested Schroeder sometime a while ago in the LFG book suggestion thread/page/thing. I'm looking forward to The Sunless Countries, which, according to the website is less a continuation of the previous three and more an unrelated story set in the same universe. Either way. But if you like Schroeder's style, try Lady of Mazes.
I rarely pick up a book on recommendation, as I tend to be the person doing the recommending. XD
Regardless, I've not read anything by Schroeder, so I may indeed investigate that particular series, so many thanks for the recommendation.
To make a personal recommendation though, there is a 'manhwa' (essentially Korean manga) out there, that is far and away one of the best reads I've had. If anyone on this forum has read 'Priest', one, I'll be happy to call you my friend, no matter how much I'd normally dislike you; two, I'm sure you can agree that it is almost the redeeming factor for the terrible company known as Tokyopop (almost being obviously because there really is no redemption for a company like them).
The basic synopsis is a cobbling of a spaghetti Western, Resident Evil-esque horror, a crapton of action, and even manages to throw in some sticky questions about religious faith. And somehow, this works. The artist/writer, Min Woo-Hyung, has a very distinct art style that enhances the gritty, no-holds-barred approach to the storyline.
This is the cover that caught my eye (I understand that not everyone finds gothic horror appealing, but that's what got me on this one):
I will say, until some of the loose ends are explained, you'll feel really in the dark, 'WTF is going on?' kind of thing, but when things start coming together, you see the genius of the story writing.
@Geoff
Ender's Game is probably in the top 10 all-time sci-fi novels, and if you haven't read it yet, it has a parallel story to it called Ender's Shadow. Go get it. Run, don't walk. =P
This be Claen'tor, signing off.
Regardless, I've not read anything by Schroeder, so I may indeed investigate that particular series, so many thanks for the recommendation.
To make a personal recommendation though, there is a 'manhwa' (essentially Korean manga) out there, that is far and away one of the best reads I've had. If anyone on this forum has read 'Priest', one, I'll be happy to call you my friend, no matter how much I'd normally dislike you; two, I'm sure you can agree that it is almost the redeeming factor for the terrible company known as Tokyopop (almost being obviously because there really is no redemption for a company like them).
The basic synopsis is a cobbling of a spaghetti Western, Resident Evil-esque horror, a crapton of action, and even manages to throw in some sticky questions about religious faith. And somehow, this works. The artist/writer, Min Woo-Hyung, has a very distinct art style that enhances the gritty, no-holds-barred approach to the storyline.
This is the cover that caught my eye (I understand that not everyone finds gothic horror appealing, but that's what got me on this one):
I will say, until some of the loose ends are explained, you'll feel really in the dark, 'WTF is going on?' kind of thing, but when things start coming together, you see the genius of the story writing.
@Geoff
Ender's Game is probably in the top 10 all-time sci-fi novels, and if you haven't read it yet, it has a parallel story to it called Ender's Shadow. Go get it. Run, don't walk. =P
This be Claen'tor, signing off.
I love trying new authors. Mostly because I've read just about every series/trilogy from the authors that I already enjoy. Sometimes they're great, very rarely do I ever find a book that I didn't enjoy reading. I've found authors like Patrick Rothfuss, John Marco, Kim Stanley Robinson, and Jennifer Roberson just because I continually kept seeing the books on the bookshelves and I got to the point where I was either caught up on all my series or just decided to be spontaneous and go for it! It's definitely worth doing!
Not 20 minutes ago I finished a book by Clive Cussler: Polar Shift which is part of THE NUMA FILES series. One of the characters is named Karl Schroeder and I thought it sounded familiar when I first started reading.
The book was quite good if one likes espionage, techie, or navy type rags. I repeatedly read until I could simply read no more and occasionally woke up with the pages stuck to my face. It is that hard to put down.
The book was quite good if one likes espionage, techie, or navy type rags. I repeatedly read until I could simply read no more and occasionally woke up with the pages stuck to my face. It is that hard to put down.
QUOTE (sohmer @ Jun 3 2009, 03:46 PM)
The moral of the little tale?
First, read the series for yourself, and secondly, sometimes judging a book by its cover can lead to something great.
First, read the series for yourself, and secondly, sometimes judging a book by its cover can lead to something great.
I couldn't help but be reminded of Phineas and Ferb's joke about this, "if book's weren't meant to be judged by their covers then why do they put so much time into them" brilliant
I was thinking more like Slayers or GTO covers
^Having pictures of each Volume with a single main or secondary character
^Having pictures of each Volume with a single main or secondary character
If it weren't for covers I wouldn't have picked up Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth or any of David Eddings books.
Thank you, Erisianmonkey, for reccomending the book. Appriciate it. I'm not a big Sci-fi reader. Like the movies alot more. not much of a reader either. but i may check it out once, if ever, it were to apear in sweden.
The Cover is always what catches you. then, atleast, I Read the backside and quickly scan the contents. Before i pick the book.
____________________
I've got 2 Series of books I'd like to recommend.
The First one is the 'Farseer Trioligy' containing the books 'Assassin's apprentice', 'Royal Assassin' & 'Assassin's Quest'.
Written by Robbin Hobb.
The Farseer Trilogy follows the life of FitzChivalry Farseer (Fitz), a royal bastard and trained assassin, in a kingdom called The Six Duchies while his uncle, Prince Verity, attempts to wage war on the Red-Ship Raiders from The OutIslands who are attacking the shores of the kingdom by turning the populace (primarily the coastal people) into Forged ones; a form of zombification which makes them emotionless.***
When i first picked it up it was as a essey in school, English class. we were supposed to read a short story, less then 200 pages, I found no interesting books in the library except this one.
I loved the way she told the story, it keept me wanting more and more... till i sat up all night reading it.
the story also mixes alittle bit of fantasy aswell as medival times.
Highly recommended. I'd also reccomend reading the 'The Tawny Man Trilogy' as it is a continue to were the 'farseer trioligy' left off.
***Disclamer: some info was taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Farseer_T...Farseer_Trilogy
Sorry for my bad 'grammar' I hope you can read it.
The Cover is always what catches you. then, atleast, I Read the backside and quickly scan the contents. Before i pick the book.
____________________
I've got 2 Series of books I'd like to recommend.
The First one is the 'Farseer Trioligy' containing the books 'Assassin's apprentice', 'Royal Assassin' & 'Assassin's Quest'.
Written by Robbin Hobb.
The Farseer Trilogy follows the life of FitzChivalry Farseer (Fitz), a royal bastard and trained assassin, in a kingdom called The Six Duchies while his uncle, Prince Verity, attempts to wage war on the Red-Ship Raiders from The OutIslands who are attacking the shores of the kingdom by turning the populace (primarily the coastal people) into Forged ones; a form of zombification which makes them emotionless.***
When i first picked it up it was as a essey in school, English class. we were supposed to read a short story, less then 200 pages, I found no interesting books in the library except this one.
I loved the way she told the story, it keept me wanting more and more... till i sat up all night reading it.
the story also mixes alittle bit of fantasy aswell as medival times.
Highly recommended. I'd also reccomend reading the 'The Tawny Man Trilogy' as it is a continue to were the 'farseer trioligy' left off.
***Disclamer: some info was taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Farseer_T...Farseer_Trilogy
Sorry for my bad 'grammar' I hope you can read it.
I´ve got two recommendations for all of you:
1. Karen Miller
Her Works include as of now the two part Series "Kingmaker/Kingbreaker" with Part 1 "Innocent Mage" and Part two "Awakened Mage". A gripping tale about an unlikely friendship, deceit and sacrifice for a Kingdom in peril.
As these are her first two novels, we come across a small bit of "deus ex machina", but that doesn´t stop the books from being amazingly readable, fun and sometimes even truly moving.
Her newest and by far superior Work is the three part "Empress" Series. Wherein we follow the lives of and fates of two Kingdoms and their leaders. Book one describes the rise to power of Empress Hekat of Mijak, from starving, unwanted child to slave, to consort of the Warlord, to warlord herself and finally to Empress of her people and chosen of their god.
Book two describes to us the island Kingdom of Ethrea, where after the unfortunate death of her brothers and father, young princess Rhian is caught in a deadly struggle for the crown against a corrupt spiritual leader and gains some very unlikely friends and supporters to help her stay alive and on the throne. We also learn more of the fate of Hekat and her two sons.
Book three was just released and finally pits the two nations against each other. Amidst a veritable storm of political lies, deceit and the struggle to prevent the slaughter of millions by those who´re out for personal power.
Wonderfully written and each book had me awake, reading for hours deep into the night.
My second recommendation may come as a bit of a surprise:
Stephenie Meyer: "The Host"
Yes, it´s the same Woman who brought us the "Twilight Series"... I´ll leave you to think of that whatever you like.
But her less known book "The Host" shows us that this woman does not only write for a teenage audience, but can also tell a tale of psychological intricacy that seeks its equal.
In a very near speculative future, the "Invasion of the Bodysnatchers" has happened and was overall successful.
Only a very few humans are still left un-introduced to their new "Soul", that is what the Aliens for the lack of a better word like to call themselves.
Now we earn the perspective of one of these Aliens calling itself "Wanderer" as it awakens in a new Body on earth.
Its "Doctors" inform it that its new body is female and that there´s only been a slight problem with it.
It´s damaged, but nothing beyond their ability to repair. The body only fell down an elevator shaft while on the run from the catchers...
So while recuperating from the injuries sustained in "her" fall Wanderer has time to think and explore "her" new identity.
And realizes that it is not alone in this body.
The former occupant is still there and not subdued as would normally be the case.
From this point on a masterpiece of psychological writing and storytelling takes off and the reader is forced on a roller coaster ride between the will to survive and what it means to be human and humane. As the new leaders of earth notice "Wanderers" sometimes erratic behavior they appoint a "helper" to it/her to help it/her come to terms with the new existence. And that´s where the story really takes an unexpected turn and made me read whole nights. So that I finished the 617 page book in three days.
The best SciFi Novel I´ve read in years!
Enjoy!
CU
SaM
1. Karen Miller
Her Works include as of now the two part Series "Kingmaker/Kingbreaker" with Part 1 "Innocent Mage" and Part two "Awakened Mage". A gripping tale about an unlikely friendship, deceit and sacrifice for a Kingdom in peril.
As these are her first two novels, we come across a small bit of "deus ex machina", but that doesn´t stop the books from being amazingly readable, fun and sometimes even truly moving.
Her newest and by far superior Work is the three part "Empress" Series. Wherein we follow the lives of and fates of two Kingdoms and their leaders. Book one describes the rise to power of Empress Hekat of Mijak, from starving, unwanted child to slave, to consort of the Warlord, to warlord herself and finally to Empress of her people and chosen of their god.
Book two describes to us the island Kingdom of Ethrea, where after the unfortunate death of her brothers and father, young princess Rhian is caught in a deadly struggle for the crown against a corrupt spiritual leader and gains some very unlikely friends and supporters to help her stay alive and on the throne. We also learn more of the fate of Hekat and her two sons.
Book three was just released and finally pits the two nations against each other. Amidst a veritable storm of political lies, deceit and the struggle to prevent the slaughter of millions by those who´re out for personal power.
Wonderfully written and each book had me awake, reading for hours deep into the night.
My second recommendation may come as a bit of a surprise:
Stephenie Meyer: "The Host"
Yes, it´s the same Woman who brought us the "Twilight Series"... I´ll leave you to think of that whatever you like.
But her less known book "The Host" shows us that this woman does not only write for a teenage audience, but can also tell a tale of psychological intricacy that seeks its equal.
In a very near speculative future, the "Invasion of the Bodysnatchers" has happened and was overall successful.
Only a very few humans are still left un-introduced to their new "Soul", that is what the Aliens for the lack of a better word like to call themselves.
Now we earn the perspective of one of these Aliens calling itself "Wanderer" as it awakens in a new Body on earth.
Its "Doctors" inform it that its new body is female and that there´s only been a slight problem with it.
It´s damaged, but nothing beyond their ability to repair. The body only fell down an elevator shaft while on the run from the catchers...
So while recuperating from the injuries sustained in "her" fall Wanderer has time to think and explore "her" new identity.
And realizes that it is not alone in this body.
The former occupant is still there and not subdued as would normally be the case.
From this point on a masterpiece of psychological writing and storytelling takes off and the reader is forced on a roller coaster ride between the will to survive and what it means to be human and humane. As the new leaders of earth notice "Wanderers" sometimes erratic behavior they appoint a "helper" to it/her to help it/her come to terms with the new existence. And that´s where the story really takes an unexpected turn and made me read whole nights. So that I finished the 617 page book in three days.
The best SciFi Novel I´ve read in years!
Enjoy!
CU
SaM
If you're soon to be looking for a new book series to read. Look for the Odd Thomas books by Dean Koontz. There are four novels so far and one comic. It's pretty good reading. A guy sees dead people and he helps them. Ghost Elvis is there. It's pretty neat.
In order they are Odd Thomas, Forever Odd, Brother Odd, Odd Hours.
And the comic is "In Odd we Trust".
In order they are Odd Thomas, Forever Odd, Brother Odd, Odd Hours.
And the comic is "In Odd we Trust".
Hmmm...since we all seem to be recommending books...The GameWorld Trilogy by Samit Basu.
The sheer scale of the plot, and the sheer number of literary works it parodies alludes to and pays homage to is simply mind boggling- from LoTR to hindu Mythology to Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
A book for fantasy veterans and newcomers alike. Besides, you gotta love a book where the protagonist(Indeed, the hero) just so happens to be *MAJOR SPOILER* the Dark Lord.
The sheer scale of the plot, and the sheer number of literary works it parodies alludes to and pays homage to is simply mind boggling- from LoTR to hindu Mythology to Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
A book for fantasy veterans and newcomers alike. Besides, you gotta love a book where the protagonist(Indeed, the hero) just so happens to be *MAJOR SPOILER* the Dark Lord.
When i took my first step into the fray that is sci-fi books. i was told only two things; Enders Game, and RA Salvatore.
I admit that they both are really good books, but the first real choice i made was in the form of The Books of Confluence series. Sometimes just the cover can make all the difference.
I admit that they both are really good books, but the first real choice i made was in the form of The Books of Confluence series. Sometimes just the cover can make all the difference.
Well I'm certianly gonna take a look into all of the books mentioned here, I love to read books (screw the Kindle) so I hope these will entertian me for the days to come.
Also I will recommend one book, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, it is a wonderful novel and just recently he had completely the second book, it will be awhile before it comes out but I cannot wait for it.
Also I will recommend one book, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, it is a wonderful novel and just recently he had completely the second book, it will be awhile before it comes out but I cannot wait for it.
I hope Orson Scott Card makes more parrallel stories like "Ender's Shadow". XD I would love to know more about some of the characters
I am not sure if it has been mentioned, or if you read it, but I recently read The Pride of Baghdad. Really interesting story.
I Highlly Highly HIGHLY suggest a series called "The Banned and the Banished" by James Clemens. I've never read a book with so many twists and plot. It's truly a roller coaster ride till the end of the fifth book and leaves you wishing you never finished it. It's the only book I couldn't put down so bad I've found myself reading all 560 pages of the thrid book in one day.
Beyond that, another thrillride made by James Clemens would be "The Godslayer Chronicles" but is yet unfinished. He's only two books into that one where the second is way more gripping than the first.
Cheers
Beyond that, another thrillride made by James Clemens would be "The Godslayer Chronicles" but is yet unfinished. He's only two books into that one where the second is way more gripping than the first.
Cheers
I have to agree 100% as well. Several times, I've picked up books just because they happen to have interesting artwork. This happens for both my Tabletop RPG stuff (my favorite game series to date I was introduced to just because I picked up a cool looking book from the counter), and my regular reading fancy.
For those of you that do the Tabletop RPG stuff, if you haven't heard of it, check out Exalted. Really, it's amazing.
For the regular reading, I've had a few incidents like this.
Lord of the Fire Lands by Dave Duncan was an amazingly lucky pick for me. I grabbed it at an airport book store while waiting for a transfer flight in Toronto. I've now read the entire "Tales of the Kings Blades" series. There's alot of them.
The Cassini Division by Ken MacLeod was another such lucky choice on my part. I haven't picked up more from this author, but that's partly because I picked up this book shortly before I started Exalted.... the 1400 dollars worth of RP manuals on my book shelf should explain enough.
Legend of the Five Rings: Clan War is the last suggestion I'll make. The authors are all different in this one, but all the books are absolutely fantastic. The first book is "The Scorpion", and there are 7 all together. Really fantastic read.
Good books aren't hard to come by. You just have to have the cajones to take a chance.
For those of you that do the Tabletop RPG stuff, if you haven't heard of it, check out Exalted. Really, it's amazing.
For the regular reading, I've had a few incidents like this.
Lord of the Fire Lands by Dave Duncan was an amazingly lucky pick for me. I grabbed it at an airport book store while waiting for a transfer flight in Toronto. I've now read the entire "Tales of the Kings Blades" series. There's alot of them.
The Cassini Division by Ken MacLeod was another such lucky choice on my part. I haven't picked up more from this author, but that's partly because I picked up this book shortly before I started Exalted.... the 1400 dollars worth of RP manuals on my book shelf should explain enough.
Legend of the Five Rings: Clan War is the last suggestion I'll make. The authors are all different in this one, but all the books are absolutely fantastic. The first book is "The Scorpion", and there are 7 all together. Really fantastic read.
Good books aren't hard to come by. You just have to have the cajones to take a chance.
If I were to make any book suggestions, they would be anything from Dennis L. McKiernan. So far, every single one of his books that I have read have been absolutely amazing. Into the Forge and Into the Fire and amazing, but mostly his books are stand alones, but if you read them in the right order, follow a time line. If not, the books you read can take place thousands of years apart. What I love most about him though are the immortal characters in his books that keep showing up.
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