What are you reading right now?

I've been on a bit of a non - fiction binge lately. Currently reading "failed states" by Noam Chomsky. An exploration into the hypocrisy of American foreign policy and the integrity of the institution of democracy as a whole
 
I've recently finished reading Warbreaker, and The Rithmatist, both by Brandon Sanderson.

Warbreaker is another fantasy epic with an interesting living deity concept, along with an intriguing color and breath based magic system. A story of war about to break out between two nations, and a peace treaty that hinges on a betrothal between a God king (exactly that, the king of Gods) and the weaker nation's eldest princess.

Anyway, this one the few surprising Sanderson books where the magic system plays second fiddle to the politics and relationships, the espionage, and the character studies, and I quite enjoyed that shift. The action, when in play, is still well paced, and the kind of action you'd expect when Sanderson uses one of magic systems as a vehicle for his action sequences.

The Rithmatist?

Here's my short goodreads review:

Never have I ever been thrilled, terrified, and immersed in the concept of drawn imagery coming to life. Sanderson has achieved this feat with The Rithmatist, once again proving how versatile he is as a writer, and just how ambitious and meticulous he is when he develops a new magic system (can I call Rithmatics a magic system? I'm calling it a magic system).

The pacing is topnotch, while the protagonist and a lot of the main characters are compelling, and almost all of them make a pretty good case for why you should get to know them even better. The magic system is well thought out and rather ambitious, it presents some mystery in the form of it's origins (which are explored throughout the book), it slightly presents an air of terror in the ways it can be utilized, and I must say terror isn't something I normally associate with Sanderson's previous magic systems, it also carries the wonder and awe which is to be expected of his magic systems.

The plot's use of Rithmatics and the protagonist, is probably why there's an air of terror with this particular magic system, because it takes a bold author to create an amazing magic system, but not give the protagonist conventional access to it. Yet, Sanderson, the master weaver that he is, makes it work, especially when you see it play out in Sanderson's signature action sequences.

All in all, this is great book with a greatly paced plot that offers mystery, compelling characters, a satisfying resolution, and a wondrous and equally terrifying magic system.
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Started Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad a little while ago. It takes some getting used to his style, but it's pretty good so far.
 
Ok, I'm not currently READING it (busy with Salem's Lot, pretty good so far considering I had ZERO idea what story was about beforehand), but I thought I'd post I bought Raising Steam tonight, and its with a heavy heart that I can say I now own the complete collection of Discworld novels...:cry: (if you don't include Eric(*), the maps/cookbooks and children's books :P)
 
I've just finished reading The Wise Man's Fear, after quickly ordering it once I had finished The Name of the Wind. Both by Patrick Rothfuss. Man I got sucked into the books big time. Many a day I would find it hard to return to reality after reading chapter after chapter after chapter. Absolutely loved it!

Thanks [MENTION=8104]Saint_Dee[/MENTION] for recommending the series in this thread, I'm grateful that you introduced me to Mr. Rothfuss. That's now the 2nd time I've benefitted from one of your recommendations (Sword Art Online was the first). I think I may again bow to your infinite wisdom and pick up Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy - if you enjoyed it so much I am sure I will too :D
 
Just finished Salem's Lot...not bad :)

Starting EVER so slowly on Raising Steam...because, well...there aren't gonna be any more of those :cry:
 
DarthMol said:
I've just finished reading The Wise Man's Fear, after quickly ordering it once I had finished The Name of the Wind. Both by Patrick Rothfuss. Man I got sucked into the books big time. Many a day I would find it hard to return to reality after reading chapter after chapter after chapter. Absolutely loved it!

Thanks [MENTION=8104]Saint_Dee[/MENTION] for recommending the series in this thread, I'm grateful that you introduced me to Mr. Rothfuss. That's now the 2nd time I've benefitted from one of your recommendations (Sword Art Online was the first). I think I may again bow to your infinite wisdom and pick up Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy - if you enjoyed it so much I am sure I will too :D
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Colour me intrigued! Think I need to check out the series :)
 
Goodness, where to start? This year has probably been the most word filled year for me.

I recently read The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson, and I must say, never have I ever been thrilled, terrified, and immersed in the concept of drawn imagery coming to life. Sanderson has achieved this feat with The Rithmatist, once again proving how versatile he is as a writer, and just how ambitious and meticulous he is when he develops a new magic system (can I call Rithmatics a magic system? I'm calling it a magic system:rolleyes:).

The pacing is topnotch, while the protagonist and a lot of the main characters are compelling, and almost all of them make a pretty good case for why you should get to know them even better. The magic system is well thought out and rather ambitious, it presents some mystery in the form of it's origins (which are explored throughout the book), it slightly presents an air of terror in the ways it can be utilized, and I must say terror isn't something I normally associate with Sanderson's previous magic systems, it also carries the wonder and awe which is to be expected of his magic systems.

The plot's use of Rithmatics and the protagonist, is probably why there's an air of terror with this particular magic system, because it takes a bold author to create an amazing magic system, but not give the protagonist conventional access to it. Yet, Sanderson, the master weaver that he is, makes it work, especially when you see it play out in Sanderson's signature action sequences (maybe signature isn't the word since these sequences are new ground even for him).

All in all, this is great book with a greatly paced plot that offers mystery, compelling characters, a satisfying resolution, and a wondrous and equally terrifying magic system.

I also read Warbreaker, Legion, Skin Deep, all by Sanderson (yes, I have Sandersonitis, as the fans call).

I then followed it up with The Painted Man, The Desert Spear, The Daylight War, The Skull Throne, all by Peter. V. Brett (The Demon Cycle 1,2,3,4). This series in particular is great but isn't for everyone. The big overarching plot feels more like a backdrop in favor of letting the individual character stories shine. The magic system is also very cool yet mysterious so you won't see the mechanics being fleshed out as Rothfuss or Sanderson normally would. The plot does move at good pace but the character development is where it's at.

After that, I read The Magician, Silverthorn, and A Darkness at Sethanon by Raymond. E. Feist (Riftwar Saga 1,2,3). Pretty good in terms of the scale of the overall plot and some of the characters are a treat (Pug, like seriously, freaking Pug!!!).

I'm about to start reading The Lost Conspiracy by Frances Hardinge... Finally, [MENTION=12130]Snare[/MENTION]!
 
Office Work. Catch up as much I can. My daughter had exams next week, so ill also be keeping her motivated and working through some of the material with her.
 
Interactive Project Management: Pixels, People, and Process.

In aid towards a better tomorrow :D
 
Anyone that has read Kings "The Dark Tower", how is it? Say for instance, vs Lord Of The Rings. I've started with the first, but lost interest. Yet, its always been on my mind to read....
 
VirtualForce said:
Anyone that has read Kings "The Dark Tower", how is it? Say for instance, vs Lord Of The Rings. I've started with the first, but lost interest. Yet, its always been on my mind to read....
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I couldn't read it, maybe I should try again for my book reading challenge. I just couldnt get past the first chapter, I tried about 4 times already
 
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