Books: 4-6
Books 2011 - all three were great reads.
#6: Hyperion by Dan Simmons
This book has been in print since the early 90s, which means I've seen it in the bookstore a thousand times. Somehow it escaped my radar. Thankfully, I listened to a podcast that recommended it and I'm so glad they brought it to my attention. The book was one of the better ones I've read in a while (certainly in the run so far for my favorite of the year, despite having only read 6 books). It's a sci-fi version of Canterbury Tales. It's about 7 pilgrims from 7 very different walks of life all making a pilgrimage to the remote planet Hyperion and it's mysterious Shrike. It's said the Shrike will grant 1 wish of the 7 pilgrims and will kill the rest, so the pilgrimages don't happen often. Each of the pilgrims get a chance to tell the others their story and each are told with a very different voice and a very different circumstance. I loved the book so much that I ran out and bought the sequel the day after I finished it, despite having a stack of books to read at home. If you haven't read this, go read it!!
#5: The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy Vol. 1 edited by Darin Park and Tom Dullemond
This is another wonderful book. Each chapter is written by a different author. There are typical novel-writing chapters on things like viewpoint, character, setting, style, etc. Then there are also chapters specific to fantasy writing including Medieval food, clothing, weapons, armor and medicine. It also included a chapter on defining rules of magic. The book had so many helpful tips and hints. It's 1 of 3, so expect the other 2 soon.
#6: Magic at the Gate by Devon Monk
This is the 5th book in the Allie Beckstrom series. It's urban fantasy and set in Portland. Book #4 left off at a hell of a cliffhanger, which was picked up immediately at the start of this one. The book is fast-paced and easy to read. I really enjoy this author's storytelling. I said before that her books read like she's very much aware of an overall plot to her series, rather than just the normal monster of the week style. I'm looking forward to the next one.
#6: Hyperion by Dan Simmons
This book has been in print since the early 90s, which means I've seen it in the bookstore a thousand times. Somehow it escaped my radar. Thankfully, I listened to a podcast that recommended it and I'm so glad they brought it to my attention. The book was one of the better ones I've read in a while (certainly in the run so far for my favorite of the year, despite having only read 6 books). It's a sci-fi version of Canterbury Tales. It's about 7 pilgrims from 7 very different walks of life all making a pilgrimage to the remote planet Hyperion and it's mysterious Shrike. It's said the Shrike will grant 1 wish of the 7 pilgrims and will kill the rest, so the pilgrimages don't happen often. Each of the pilgrims get a chance to tell the others their story and each are told with a very different voice and a very different circumstance. I loved the book so much that I ran out and bought the sequel the day after I finished it, despite having a stack of books to read at home. If you haven't read this, go read it!!
#5: The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy Vol. 1 edited by Darin Park and Tom Dullemond
This is another wonderful book. Each chapter is written by a different author. There are typical novel-writing chapters on things like viewpoint, character, setting, style, etc. Then there are also chapters specific to fantasy writing including Medieval food, clothing, weapons, armor and medicine. It also included a chapter on defining rules of magic. The book had so many helpful tips and hints. It's 1 of 3, so expect the other 2 soon.
#6: Magic at the Gate by Devon Monk
This is the 5th book in the Allie Beckstrom series. It's urban fantasy and set in Portland. Book #4 left off at a hell of a cliffhanger, which was picked up immediately at the start of this one. The book is fast-paced and easy to read. I really enjoy this author's storytelling. I said before that her books read like she's very much aware of an overall plot to her series, rather than just the normal monster of the week style. I'm looking forward to the next one.