Richard Nell > Recent Status Updates

I happen to be reading two excellent indie books at the same time, which are actually very different reads. This is an absolutely wonderful thing. Onward!

1) Reading fantasy is generally not a relaxing experience for me. The inner critic rages, and if the book is poor or just mediocre, I spend the entire time trying to improve it (and myself). But with very good books I can relax and just enjoy. 2) Reading this book has been relaxing.

Just an FYI for anyone reading Kings of Paradise that there is a discussion about first impressions happening on Reddit, so if you'd like to take part, the link below is the place.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comm...

Bogging down. Getting worried. Damnit sci-fi always does this to me!

Wow. Three quick things. 1) I'm only a sporadic reader of sci-fi. 2) This is my first Adrian Tchaikovsky book. 3) I couldn't put it down and read until like 2am.

Fairly blown away by the first couple of stories. I'm probably the exact target reader, but so far this is great.

There's quite a lot going on, but I'm usually thinking 'OK, what will Hulk, er, Task smash the hell out of next? Let's get to it. Task smaash!'

Rather enjoying this. Has an almost fantasy-warhammer feel of the empire against greenskins and vampire counts. Erm, if that means anything to anyone except me and a few neck-beard wielders. Small delay to read Priest of Bones!

This is a weird, crazy (but creative) read. I was pretty lost for 10% which I'm never a fan of (damn you malazaaan!). I like the writing but honestly I'm surprised this thing got published. Will explain more when I'm done...

I expect this book could be cut down by about half, and I can see how the biblical references might rub people the wrong way. But actually it's quite interesting. The rules are certainly very good.

Two favorites for sure so far: Mr. Ashton's story (I haven't read anything from him before, but this was unique and great), and Ms. Greylock's Palesword. Onward...

This is a hell of an ambitious book. That's probably the first thing to say.

Mr. Hogan did not drop it. Enjoying this quite a lot, actually so much so that I'm wondering why I don't read more anthologies and might seek more out in future. Some I skim a bit, some I savor, but that's what's great about so many stories/authors. Mostly it's very dark stuff, but that's appropriate to the topic, and there's lots of variety and shades. Onward...

I have snagged an advance copy! With deceit and trickery, and exclamation marks! OK I asked semi-politely and someone begrudgingly gave it to me.

Just read the first story now - a fine, doom and gloom start from Ed McDonald. Now don't you drop that baton, Mr. Hogan...

I'm actually quite enjoying this. The Kirkus review has the right of it - this is a pleasant break from my usual Grimdark, and well written thus far. Onward...

OK I've got a new baby and about 20 books I've promised to review. Time to be ruthless. Er, but not with the baby. I mean with my time. Probably.

The prologue basically won me over. So weird. So interesting.

Wow. Writing is great. It's also a first person pov that switches between 3 characters, which is certainly different, but threw me a little. Onward...

Getting a real Steven Erikson mixed with Robert Jordan kind of vibe. Took awhile to get my feet under me for sure, partially because this is the 3rd book in the series and I haven't read the others. Anyway, onward!

Whew! There's a lot going on. Probably what I get for starting on #3 in a series, but I think I'm getting things figured...

The (revenge) plot thickens. Seems most appropriate for a book about Norsemen. Still very much enjoying it.

Really enjoying it. The writing itself is the star at this point, and I'm happy to go wherever the story leads.