Why, Simon R. Green? Why?
Simon R. Green has long been one of my favorite authors. The Deathstalker Saga is excellent sci-fi. The original books, at least. Blue Moon Rising was a fantasy I read straight through the first time I picked it up. Blood and Honor is one of my favorite books. His books have always had a wry sense of humor and an excellent subtlety to them. His latest books have been about as subtle as a brick to the face, though. Instead of trying to convey any kind of message or point or theme through the story, he just flat out says it. There's no charm or amusing discovery. I picked up Drinking Midnight Wine on a brief foray into Barnes and Noble before school got out so that I had something to read on the plane. I just finished it. More because I felt like I should than because I really wanted to. His earlier books were so good that I kept hoping this one would suddenly stop being horrible. Even the title seemed more like an afterthought than like a part of the story. I feel like I need to go read a high quality book now. Fortunately I think there are a couple I brought with me out to Seattle. Maybe I'll finish Zen or reread Contact.