Classic Trash discussion

This topic is for those who wish to discuss the book in progress. No spoilers please.

I got the book from inter-library loan and picked it up last night. Fantasy is the genre I have the most trouble getting into. I am giving this book a try, because I do want to expand my reading horizons. I'll be interested to see what fantasy lovers think of the book. Sometimes I try a fantasy novel and don't like it but wonder if it's because I don't like fantasy or because it just was a poorly written book. So I am looking forward to reading other people's comments.

I like fantasy, but I haven't read this one yet. I'm looking forward to checking it out.

I was worried about finding this book, but I remembered I had a stash of my grandfather's sci fi and fantsy books, and of course this was in it. He had quite a few Andre Norton (who was a lady btw) books in his collection, so he must have been really into her. He died when I was 10, so every time I read one of his books I think about him.

That is so great, Adelaide, that you have your grandfather's books. It'll make the reading a special experience for you.

I am sticking with the book, so far. It is plot centered, not character centered, with action scenes and fighting. I've always had trouble reading battle scenes, probably because I want to read them faster than my mind can process the info. This time I am forcing myself to slow down, so I can appreciate the action better.

I am enjoying part 2, Venture of Verlaine, more than part 1. This section does have more character development. I like Loyse and am interested to see what happens to her.

I'm waiting to get done with 3001 Space Odyssey first. I didn't realize there was such a history to the series until I wiki'd it. Looks like several different authors contributed to the series - love that! I might have to read more than one.

Well,I got halfway through it. This book is just not for me. I hope others read it, though. I am interested to see what others think of it.

Yeah not loving this as much as I hoped. The language is killing me... Only a little more to go....

Sarah wrote: "Yeah not loving this as much as I hoped. The language is killing me... Only a little more to go...."

So it's not just me. My eyes would glaze over after awhile, so then I'd try to just skim-read the book. Then I gave up.

I'm about 50 pages in. I'm enjoying it, but bored with the battle. I am probably not going to like it as much as I hoped either. But, not hating it. Yet.

So, what fantasy novels would you recommend for someone like me to try? Something where the writing style is different from this book (less formal dialogue)?

Cheryl wrote: "So, what fantasy novels would you recommend for someone like me to try? Something where the writing style is different from this book (less formal dialogue)?"

I know you really love character-driven books, so you might really enjoy the The Goblin Emperor. It's all character and court intrigue. It's been nominated for a ton of awards. I also recently loved City of Stairs and A Darker Shade of Magic. These are very recent and can be read as stand alone novels.

Thanks, Adelaide! I was trying to remember fantasy novels I read and liked. There aren't many. I also prefer stand-alone books, as opposed to a series. Not many of those in Fantasy, I guess. Court intrigue is good. I've read the first Game of Thrones book and liked it, but not sure I want to read more. (Looks like more battles in book two - not a favorite.) I read book 1 and half of book 2 of The Lord of the Rings. I stopped because of the many battle scenes in book 2. (I did see all of the films. Battles are better to watch than read.)

I am about half way through. The first part was fine until the battle stuff started and then my eyes started to glaze over. However, I really enjoyed the second part about Loyse. We're back to Simon again, so we'll see.

Adelaide wrote: "I am about half way through. The first part was fine until the battle stuff started and then my eyes started to glaze over. However, I really enjoyed the second part about Loyse. We're back to Simo..."

I liked Loyse, too. I just couldn't get into the parts with Simon.

I really liked Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea (same gal who wrote Lathe of Heaven). Also, Peter S. Beagle's the Last Unicorn is a fantastic read.

Thanks, Sarah! I will look for these at my library.