The Sword and Laser discussion

How did Brent Weeks get from Montana to writing novels on napkins to becoming the bestselling author of the Lightbringer Series? We'll ask him about that, find out his favorite word and whether he still has those napkins.

http://swordandlaser.com/home/2014/4/...

As I was struggling in picking something from Audible, this episode got me intrigued and I'm picking up The Way of Shadows!!

Hillsdale! My undergrad considered Hillsdale our rivals because they were always stealing our profs (and occasionally transfer students).

(Seriously though I did a study abroad with a bunch of hillsdale students and they were all incredibly smart, wonderful individuals. That amazing-sounding interdisciplinary course he talked about is the kind of stuff they do, it's marvelous)

A combination of whole hard-fantasy magic system discussion (which was delightful) and a desire for more Mediterranean reads is persuading me to give the series a try,

Jeff wrote: "As I was struggling in picking something from Audible, this episode got me intrigued and I'm picking up The Way of Shadows!!"

I enjoyed Way of Shadows in audio form--I remember listening to it while shoveling from Snowmageddon (in 2010). That said, I do remember feeling like it was a definite "first book" from an author, I remembered thinking I recognized many of Weeks' influences as I read it. I hope that doesn't turn you off of it. I really enjoyed listening to the entire trilogy and I hope to start the Lightbringer books this year.

I liked this guy...

Me too. But I've been burned before reading books by authors I liked. :p

terpkristin wrote: "Jeff wrote: "As I was struggling in picking something from Audible, this episode got me intrigued and I'm picking up The Way of Shadows!!"

I enjoyed Way of Shadows in audio form--I remember listen..."

It's starting off a little rough around the edges (only 1.5hrs in), but I'm attributing that to it being the "first book".

I'm happy to have contributed to the parade of Rob's.

I've read all the way of shadows books, since book one I've had all his books on pre-order prior to their release, they are excellent. Book one really intrigued me, it felt fresh and new. A very strong series with a good balance of action, humour, character development, heart warming, and intrigue. I found the second book a bit cumbersome at first then that too took off. The Lightbringer series is even better so far.

I also listened to book one via audible. I felt it was well narrated as well as well written.

His writing style reminds me of Lawrence Watt-Evans (who needs to write more).