mark’s review of Witch King (The Rising World #1) > Likes and Comments
97 likes · Like
"I wanted Tanith Lee but I got fantasy John Scalzi"--great line! I'm reading Death's Master now and reveling in it. But I'll read Witch King, too, at some point: not everyone can write prose that sings like Tanith Lee, and I like Murderbot fine, and I like what you say about the gender and race stuff in Witch King.
it was a pleasure to read - I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I should have written more about the book's very original take on possession, which was fascinating.
Death's Master and all of those Flat Earth books are amazing. I really need to reread them!
mark! I believe this is one of the first times in history we must have been in Book Synchrony. That is so cool, that I get to read your thoughts on it in a more timely fashion. IWhat a well-thought out analysis of both the shortcomings and the highlights of her work.
I think she is very much a character creator and world-builder, and while I didn't notice the prose while I was reading, I have to agree with you, for the most part (I mean, it is better than 99% of the urban fantasy I read, so there's that for comparison). Maybe 'Bot and her editors have had an effect, because I feel like she is capable of a little more (see City of Bones), but then again, you make a good point, does it ever sing to me? And I have to admit, judging by my highlights, not really. But I like the humor, which is also very Scalzi-an. Also agree about your strangeness; I think she approached it, but it didn't feel as strange as the Raksura.
Absolutely agree with you about organic non-Western, progressive-type humanistic ideals--really, a hallmark of Wells--that doesn't feel like virtue signaling.
Agree very much with Jefferson that the 'Lee vs Scalzi' line is a great comparison, although I stopped reading Lee when I was younger because I found the lack of plotting annoying, Perhaps it's time to pick her up. Anything you recommend?
Sorry for the long comment(s), but, well, it was fun to read this with you. Metaphysically, at least. ;)
It's funny, despite us having a lot of overlap when it comes to our tastes, we are rarely in sync reading current books. No doubt due to my predilection for past masters. It's nice to at long last be on the same reading schedule! There was just something about this book that forced me to read it right away. It looked so fun and interesting. (and it was.)
Although I do favor prose over narrative, I'm also fine with a book that favors the latter over the former. otherwise I couldn't read so much pulp fiction lol. As far as Tanith Lee goes, it is hard for me to recommend anything, because she has nearly always what you describe: lack of plotting, style over narrative. although she does do good character work, which I know you like. and she was playing with gender, centering female characters, and other progressive tropes well before anyone else (although I would hesitate to call her books humanistic - too cynical and perverse, I think.) her classics are probably within the Flat Earth series (Death's Master, Night's Master, etc.) and the Silver-Metal Lover. as far as the rare times that she gets more plot-oriented and foregoes a focus on style, probably the very fun Kill the Dead and the rather grueling White As Snow.
I have City of Bones! I look forward to reading it. I think I actually picked it up due to your review!
Ah, now that you are saying that, you are reminding me of what challenged me about Lee--the stuff that you lump into 'perverse,' I suspect. I'm older now, however. :) Thanks for the lead.
Go for the new edition of City of Bones. I think she tightened it up.
Makes sense to me - I really don't see 'perverse' as being your thing. But it often is mine!
You must have some very weird colleagues at your work. LOL great review.
I work at a social services agency in SF, so... par for the course!
back to top
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Jefferson
(new)
Jan 31, 2024 02:00AM
"I wanted Tanith Lee but I got fantasy John Scalzi"--great line! I'm reading Death's Master now and reveling in it. But I'll read Witch King, too, at some point: not everyone can write prose that sings like Tanith Lee, and I like Murderbot fine, and I like what you say about the gender and race stuff in Witch King.
reply
|
flag
it was a pleasure to read - I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I should have written more about the book's very original take on possession, which was fascinating.Death's Master and all of those Flat Earth books are amazing. I really need to reread them!
mark! I believe this is one of the first times in history we must have been in Book Synchrony. That is so cool, that I get to read your thoughts on it in a more timely fashion. IWhat a well-thought out analysis of both the shortcomings and the highlights of her work. I think she is very much a character creator and world-builder, and while I didn't notice the prose while I was reading, I have to agree with you, for the most part (I mean, it is better than 99% of the urban fantasy I read, so there's that for comparison). Maybe 'Bot and her editors have had an effect, because I feel like she is capable of a little more (see City of Bones), but then again, you make a good point, does it ever sing to me? And I have to admit, judging by my highlights, not really. But I like the humor, which is also very Scalzi-an. Also agree about your strangeness; I think she approached it, but it didn't feel as strange as the Raksura.
Absolutely agree with you about organic non-Western, progressive-type humanistic ideals--really, a hallmark of Wells--that doesn't feel like virtue signaling.
Agree very much with Jefferson that the 'Lee vs Scalzi' line is a great comparison, although I stopped reading Lee when I was younger because I found the lack of plotting annoying, Perhaps it's time to pick her up. Anything you recommend?
Sorry for the long comment(s), but, well, it was fun to read this with you. Metaphysically, at least. ;)
It's funny, despite us having a lot of overlap when it comes to our tastes, we are rarely in sync reading current books. No doubt due to my predilection for past masters. It's nice to at long last be on the same reading schedule! There was just something about this book that forced me to read it right away. It looked so fun and interesting. (and it was.)Although I do favor prose over narrative, I'm also fine with a book that favors the latter over the former. otherwise I couldn't read so much pulp fiction lol. As far as Tanith Lee goes, it is hard for me to recommend anything, because she has nearly always what you describe: lack of plotting, style over narrative. although she does do good character work, which I know you like. and she was playing with gender, centering female characters, and other progressive tropes well before anyone else (although I would hesitate to call her books humanistic - too cynical and perverse, I think.) her classics are probably within the Flat Earth series (Death's Master, Night's Master, etc.) and the Silver-Metal Lover. as far as the rare times that she gets more plot-oriented and foregoes a focus on style, probably the very fun Kill the Dead and the rather grueling White As Snow.
I have City of Bones! I look forward to reading it. I think I actually picked it up due to your review!
Ah, now that you are saying that, you are reminding me of what challenged me about Lee--the stuff that you lump into 'perverse,' I suspect. I'm older now, however. :) Thanks for the lead. Go for the new edition of City of Bones. I think she tightened it up.
Makes sense to me - I really don't see 'perverse' as being your thing. But it often is mine!
You must have some very weird colleagues at your work. LOL great review.
I work at a social services agency in SF, so... par for the course!
