Walter’s Comments (group member since Nov 20, 2024)

Walter’s comments from the Fantasy group.

Ah, The Witcher. Do you like it, Charlton?

Hey Charlton, I’ve never read any of Raymond Feist’s books, but I’ve heard great things about them. Do you enjoy them?

@Mathew
I’m really enjoying ASOIAF — and yes, I’m clinging to the hope that I’ll get to read the remaining books before I join the Night’s Watch myself. If your theory is right and they’re already finished, let’s just hope George is guarding them less closely than a dragon guards its gold. 🐉📚

@Kristina
I’ll give the series another try once I’ve finished the books — and most likely spend the whole time muttering, “The books are better,” like some sort of grumpy maester. 😄 Still, I’m curious enough to see how they handled it all… and maybe even brace myself for House of the Dragon with a strong drink in hand.

This year I seem to have developed a habit of finally reading books I’ve always meant to, but somehow never got around to. My current quest? A Song of Ice and Fire, book two: A Clash of Kings.

I tore through the first book and am now happily embracing the second. Oddly enough, I never really connected with the TV series (don’t call the Night’s Watch on me just yet), but the books? Pure gold. The politics, the twists, the characters — it’s like discovering a whole new realm I didn’t know I’d been missing.

Welcome, Julia! It's great to see you here—enjoy your book!

Welcome Jo, Lovelyn and Zoeslibrary.

Welcome Jessica.

Welcome Brad!

1. The Last Watch;
2. Haggis;
3. Adequin;
4. Rake.

Welcome Alayna!

Oh, and P., The Sword of Kaigen has caught my eye! I’m curious to hear your final thoughts on it once you’ve finished!

Thanks, Jabotikaba! I always enjoy your thoughtful posts, so no need to apologize for writing a lot—it’s always an interesting read for me. 😊

I’m glad you enjoyed Enemy Mine so much; it’s amazing how certain books can shape our minds early on. I can see why you’d enjoy Starkissed if it has a similar vibe but with more romance and action. Sounds like a fun read!

As for The Ill-Made Mute, I totally get what you’re saying about detailed descriptions helping you immerse yourself in a world. I think it’s a matter of taste—kind of like mushrooms! I love them, but I know not everyone does. Doesn’t mean the mushrooms are bad, just that we’ve got different palates. That said, I don’t think I’ll be picking up the second book in the trilogy anytime soon, but that’s okay—different strokes for different folks, right?

I will definitely dive into some of your other recommendations, though. You always have such great suggestions, and I’m excited to see where they take me. Thanks again for sharing! 😊

Ah, Morwen, you've inspired me! My 2025 resolution is officially set: I’m embracing the art of the DNF. Life’s too short to wrestle with books that make me question my sanity—or worse, my taste.

From now on, if a book starts giving me "maybe I’m the problem" vibes, it’s getting the boot. No more literary guilt trips or reading slumps for me. Thank you for showing me the light, book warrior!

Ah, the dreaded DNF.
A concept I admire in theory but have yet to embrace in practice. For some reason, I have this unshakable compulsion to see every book through to the bitter end. Call it stubbornness, call it loyalty—heck, call it a weird form of masochism.

Sometimes, it’s a good quality. Other times, it feels like I’m punishing myself for sins I don’t remember committing. Because let’s face it: life is too short to slog through poorly written prose or characters so flat they make cardboard seem dynamic.

So, to answer the question: No DNFs for me this year. Not because I haven’t encountered any questionable books, but because I apparently enjoy suffering. Maybe next year I’ll finally learn to let go... or at least develop the courage to DNF something truly dreadful.

If I could re-read a book for the first time, it would be De donkere kamer van Damokles by Willem Frederik Hermans. I first read it as homework, but it completely floored me! I was flabbergasted by how much it impacted me. After finishing, I realized I had read it the wrong way and immediately had to read it again. It was hands down the best homework assignment I’ve ever had in my life.

Hi Jabotikaba,

Yes, I did enjoy Enemy Mine! It was a powerful and thought-provoking read. The idea of enemies becoming friends in such a hostile environment really resonated with me. It's definitely one of the best books I've read in 2024.

I'm also reading The Ill-Made Mute. The author has a unique style and is clearly talented, but for some reason, the book just isn't clicking with me. The main character is fine, but I can't quite pinpoint why it feels like it's not the right fit for me.

Welcome Mary!

Hi Me!
Thank you for the suggestion! Keeper of the Lost Cities sounds intriguing just from your enthusiasm—"AMAZINNNG" is high praise! 😊

I’m curious, what makes it such a great book in your opinion? What’s it like? I’d love to know what stood out to you—whether it’s the characters, the world-building, or something else entirely!

Hi Jabotikaba,
Wow, we definitely seem to have similar tastes in fantasy! Thank you so much for such a detailed post—it’s great when someone takes the time to explain things in depth. Tad Williams’ series sounds amazing, especially with all those fascinating creatures and cultures like the gold-eyed Sithi and their Norn cousins. I also love the idea of seeing generational stories play out across Memory, Sorrow and Thorn and The Last King of Osten Ard. It’s going straight on my list!

As for The Bitterbynde, I’m starting it this weekend, and now I’m even more excited after your description of its poetic style and Celtic influences. It sounds like exactly the kind of lush, immersive fantasy I’ll enjoy. I’ll let you know how I find it!

And if you ever feel like writing one of those “gigantic posts,” I’d love to read it—your recommendations are fantastic! 😊