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Well, it has been June for 5 days now...

I just finished Good Omens and a couple of shorter works. I'm not really sure what to tackle next. I have The Curse of the Mistwraith to reread, but that will wait another week or so...then the rest of the series. Maybe I will read the copy of 300 (graphic novel) that I just received.

I'm finally starting A Game of Thrones. I'm only about a hundred pages into it and haven't decided what I think about it yet.

The Curse of Chalion and Lud-In-The-Mist are on deck.

Still have barely dented The Curse of the Mistwraith, but it's going pretty good so far. It's very well written. :)

Going to finish [Book: Moonchild] if it's the last thing I do, then I want to start on [Book: The Curse of the Mistwraith].

I just finished Westmark last night, and am currently working on Utopia. I am determined to get back into The Name of the Wind and finish this month. It's on my must do list. It's not that I wasn't enjoying it. I really was, but then I stopped to finish a couple other books, and the further I get from it the less I'm interested.
I'll probably re-read Howl's since it's a favorite and it's been a couple years.

Right now, I'm reading Diamond Star by Catherine Asaro and The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan. There were some books I wanted to read before The Steel Remains, but the copy I reserved at the library came in and I may not be able to renew it if someone else wants it, so it moved to the top of my list. On my library trip, I also checked out The Curse of the Mistwraith, The Accidental Time Machine, Mendoza in Hollywood, Liberation Being the Adventures of the Slick Six After the Collapse of the United States of America, and Howl's Moving Castle. I also have a nightstand drawer full of books to be read.

I just paid $25 for a library card at a neighboring city's library and I kind of went nuts. The county library branches near me suck and I haven't had a card to the city library since they started charging non-residents for them. I should have done it long ago because that library has such a great collection and they get all kinds of books that I want to read soon after they're published. The county library wouldn't have had any of the books I checked out.

I am reading Making Money by Terry Pratchett. It's been on my list for quite awhile, but I only just got a copy about a week ago. I've also got Emissaryby the bed - I'm almost done with it, but I'm bogged down and not sure I want to finish it (or read the next one, either.) So MM it is for now.

I'm reading Kushiel's Dart - only about 200 pages in (which isn't much for a 900 page book) but I'm getting pretty caught up in it. Also on deck are Assassin's Apprentice and City of Bones.

Finished Cordelia's Honor - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... - yesterday and started The Moon is a Harsh Mistress this morning.

My reading plan for June can be found here: http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/4...

I'm only a few chapters in to The Curse of the Mistwraithby Janny Wurts and I knew from the first paragraph that this will be on my all-time favorites list. Yes, it's that good.

Can you read Kushiel's Dart and just stop there? I think it looks really good, but I don't particularly want to be sucked in to another series.

I moved last July to a new area. I went to the library near me and ask for their science fiction section.The lady responded with science what. I knew I was in trouble. Another person said Science who? I did not try asking for Fantasy. So I went into the city to the library. They had just built a beautiful new spacious library to replace the small old one.The new one was beautiful on inside new furniture art work. But no science fiction and fantasy books. I looked up old titles and authors and more current ones no luck. When I ask why there were so few books the libriaran said we do not have money in the budget for any books. Beautiful building to house books, no books, what is a library for. HELP

The Twilight Herald Book Two of the Twilight Reign The Twilight Herald (Gollancz S.F.) Book Two of the Twilight Reign

I have too many "big thick books" right now. It happens sometimes and it makes me not read anything because I know I'll be a long time into any of them. I might have to miss some of the discussions and make up on them after the fact.

Pat wrote: "I moved last July to a new area. I went to the library near me and ask for their science fiction section.The lady responded with science what. I knew I was in trouble. Another person said Science w..."

That's one of the saddest things I've ever heard...

Robin wrote: "I have too many "big thick books" right now. It happens sometimes and it makes me not read anything because I know I'll be a long time into any of them. I might have to miss some of the discussion..."

I'm having the same problem myself with "big thick books". The majority of my "to read" books are 600+ pages and I keep wanting to go for something shorter. But I guess if I keep doing that, all I'll have left is those doorstoppers. :P

Allison wrote: "Can you read Kushiel's Dart and just stop there? I think it looks really good, but I don't particularly want to be sucked in to another series."

I don't think I can stop at one - in fact, I bought the second installment yesterday! It's really good, and the story is unique and well-done. I think there's 6 in the series?

Sandi wrote: "Right now, I'm reading Diamond Star by Catherine Asaro and The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan. There were some books I wanted to read before [book:The Steel Remai..."

thoroughly enjoyed The Steel Remains - looking forward to more in the same 'world' by this author.

Pat wrote: "I moved last July to a new area. I went to the library near me and ask for their science fiction section.The lady responded with science what. I knew I was in trouble. Another person said Science w..."

good Lord! Where do you live?

Martha wrote: "Pat wrote: "I moved last July to a new area. I went to the library near me and ask for their science fiction section.The lady responded with science what. I knew I was in trouble. Another person sa..."

That is a sad, terribly sad comment about our time. I'm lucky - LA County has a really tremendous collection of books, if you're willing to wait a bit sometimes for interlibrary loan, and (unlike the city) they're not bankrupt so the system should be able to remain open (crossed fingers).

As to what I'm reading this month - I haven't a clue. I'm in the middle of rereading Lewis' Narnia books but that won't take me through the end of the month. Lord knows there's enough on my To-Read list but nothing is crying out "read me! read me!"

Last month, I read The Judging Eye, by R. Scott Bakker, the first book in the follow up to The Prince of Nothing series. If you've read those first three novels, you'll definitely want to pick up this one. And another recommendation from last month has to be anything by Edgar Pangborn; in the case of last month, his short-story collection Still I Persist in Wondering.

Allison wrote: "Can you read Kushiel's Dart and just stop there? I think it looks really good, but I don't particularly want to be sucked in to another series."

You probably could stop there, but you won't want to. I'm fairly sure there are a few loose threads, but the big stuff wraps up pretty well. From what I recall. I think you'd like them all though, whenever you do have time for a new series.

Just finished Before They are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie and started Last Argument of Kings, the final volume in The First Law trilogy.

I liked the second half of Before They are Hanged more than the rest so far. Powerfully emotional at some places.

Just began The Forever War. After that I'll be reading Beyond the Shadows, the conclusion of the Night Angel trilogy which is becoming one of my new favorite fantasy series. After that......not sure yet. I kind of want to read Assassin's Apprentice/Royal Assassin but not sure if I'll be ready for another "assassin" series. I'll probably either go with Winterbirth, The Black Company, or The Judging Eye

I'm reading a whole bunch of books this month.

The Curse of the Mistwraith

Assassin's Apprentice

A Game of Thrones

Wizard and Glass

The Lies of Locke Lamora

King's Dragon

The Silmarillion

Something Wicked This Way Comes

The Caves of Steel

The Annotated Chronicles

I tend to read a chapter a day from each book. Unless I find a boo kthat is really good and then I read that one exclusively until it is finished. Like "Howl's Moving Castle" which I read in about 2 days at the beginning of the month.

I just finished Playing with Fire, the second Skulduggery Pleasant book. Next up is Gene Wolfe's An Evil Guest. Hmm, I noticed just now when getting that link that there is a work of the same title by Sheridan LeFanu, anyone read that?

David wrote: "I'm reading a whole bunch of books this month..."

Wow David - that is an impressive list of books for a single month - enjoy ;-)

I just started Farthing, and I've got the two sequels on my shelf as well. Besides those, I want to get the first Vorkosigan book read - I have the newer book Cordelia's Honor, which has the first two books in the series.

Pat, hope you have found some way to get the books you love. Have you tried Amazon's used book services? You can get good titles really cheaply. So sad that your nearby libraries don't have good F & SF.

I'm also reading "The Last Argument of Kings" by Joe Abercrombie. I'm just past the halfway mark, and so far it is the bloodiest, most gritty one of the series, IMO. Nasty stuff! But it's also very emotional. I think Abercrombie will become a new favorite of mine.

I'm also reading "Crown of Swords" by Robert Jordan. I'm trying to catch myself up for the release of the 12th and final installment.

David: That is indeed an impressive list of books to be reading at one time!

I am currently reading RA Salvatore, The Legend of Drizzt Series. I am currently about to finish the Silent Blade and start on the next one

Just finished The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein -

Next up - Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts.

I'm not going to make a list, because the last two times I've done that I've ended up not getting to half the books I listed because I picked up something else instead...

I am currently reading The Naming The First Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon. Has anyone else read this series? Does it get better? It's an ok-ish story, though rather stereotypical - but it's so slow going... It's sort of confirming for me that epic fantasy just doesn't seem to be my thing - but I will continue with the series if it picks up a bit. Anyone?

Can't help you Blackrose -- I didn't try that series precisely because it looked like a stereotypical epic fantasy. What would be more to your taste?

It's not somethng I would've normally picked up, but a co-worker of mine recommended it to me because both she and her daughter really liked it, and she thought I might, too. Then again, she also really liked Eragon, which I found rather dull and cliche. (I just spoke with my coworker and she assures me the pace does pick up, so we'll see.)

I'm not really sure what I'm in the mood for right now. Something dark, I think, peppered with some grim humor, perhaps. But dark is so vague and subjective, so it's probably rather useless as a descriptor.

I think maybe I'll give straight fantasy a rest for awhile. I could go for a good historical or fiction... something along the lines of The Poe Shadow A Novel, or alternative history like Anno Dracula. Alternative history with magical realism, like book Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell would be ok, too. Another coworker of mine is currently reading The Historian, so maybe I'll read that when she's done with it. I'll just have to pester her to finish it now. *grins*

Does anyone know any good books which combine mystery/suspense and fantasy? (Not like Dresden, though - more heavy on the suspense and less heavy on the action sort of thing?)

Anyone heard of this book - looks interesting. Love some feedback before I buy.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

blackrose wrote: Does anyone know any good books which combine mystery/suspense and fantasy?

I loved The Dante Club A Novel but was very disappointed with The Poe Shadow. I'm curious to try Pearl's new one - The Last Dickens A Novel. While Dante Club was well written and researched, the Poe Shadow felt forced - like a follow up book written solely to meet the publishers demand.

The Historian was also alright. I really enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale.

I too love a solid mystery w/ a mix of fantasy - and not the "action" type novels. There aren't enough of these around. I've been enjoying P.D. James for straight up, classic mystery. Same with Daphne du Maurier. If by chance you haven't read Rebecca - try that one. Great gothic romance / mystery.

Love to hear of any other books you find along these lines!

@Blackrose For dark with some humor, if you haven't read some of these you might try Mckinley's Sunshine, Gaiman's Neverwhere A Novel or American Gods, or if you can find a copy Bull's Bone Dance A Fantasy for Technophiles. Those are all more modern in tone and setting. For a more historical fantasy setting maybe Kushner's Swordspoint or Martha Wells' The Element of Fire. Some how I can't think of anything right now that is more high fantasy with dark humor -- maybe The Lies of Locke Lamora? I didn't read that one but I know a lot of people liked it.

p.s. and this may sound a bit odd, but for mystery -- The Idylls of the Queen A Tale of Queen Guenevere is set in the court of king Arthur. A knight is poisoned and the queen is accused. I don't remember if there was any magic in it. It focuses on the personalities and psychology of the knights, who all have secrets they want to keep hidden.

Waiting for The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha to arrive tomorrow. They are next up on my list.
I also am waiting the arrival of Nights of Nights of Villjamur.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've added some to my ever expanding to-read list.

@Libby: It's funny, I was the opposite with Pearl's books. I loved 'Poe Shadow' but was disappointed in 'Dante Club'. It might be because I read Poe first, or because I'm semi-obsessed with the man himself. It did take me awhile to get into the style of the narration, but once I did I loved it. I'm interested in the new one, tho I don't know much about Dickens except that I don't much like his books! I'm a bit lukewarm from the write-up, though, and mightn't not pick it up if I didn't like his other two.

I'm also interested in Drood A Novel by Dan Simmons, which is along a similar theme.

I've also been back and forth about 'Thirteenth Tale'. It looked interesting, but then I heard lots of bad reviews. Maybe I'll have to give it a go, tho.

@Miriam: Lies of Locke Lamora and Swordpoint both seem interesting. And good taste in things Gaiman ;)

Quick question about the Bull book - I read War for the Oaks, but wasn't that impressed. Would you say 'Bone Dance' is along the same vein as War, or might I like this one regardless?

Thanks again :>

I really enjoyed Thirteenth Tale as well. Another mystery series that's a little different is SPQR by John Maddox Roberts.

This month: I just finished Fragile Eternity. I'm reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to refresh before the movie. The Curse of the Mistwraith is sitting temptingly on the top of my pile. And I'm waiting impatiently for Warbreaker to get here from Amazon.

Jason wrote: "I'm also reading "Crown of Swords" by Robert Jordan. I'm trying to catch myself up for the release of the 12th and final installment..."

Just a quick note for Jason: The installment coming out this fall is actually not the final. Memory of Light got too huge for practical binding purposes, so they're splitting it into three more books. The next one is The Gathering Storm.

@Blackrose Thanks! As to Bull, I guess whether you might enjoy Bone Dance it would depend what you didn't like about War for the Oaks. War was her debut novel, I believe. I liked it when it came out but it might seem dated now. If you just aren't into fairies no worries, Bone Dance has none. It is a more post-apocalyptic, cultural fusion type of thing, and is more interested in raising issues of identity (eg, what difference does it make if you have no gender? who are you if your body gets stolen?). If you prefer a more historical setting you might consider Freedom and Necessity which she co-authored with Steve Brust. It is longer, denser, and has less fantasy and more philosophy.

BTW, I have to cast my vote against 13th Tale. Didn't even make it halfway through.

Jon wrote: "Next up - Curse of the Mistwraith "

Jon, Based on your reading preferences I predict you are really going to enjoy this!!

-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)

Robin wrote: "Jon, Based on your reading preferences I predict you are really going to enjoy this!!"

It's all I can do not to keep reading while at work. :P

I'll be lucky if I get to bed by midnight if the pace and plot keep pushing the pages through my fingers. :)

Rob wrote: "Waiting for The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha to arrive tomorrow. They are next up on my list.|.."

;-) !!

Definitely looking forward to hearing what you think - good bad or indifferent ;-)

I just picked up....Body of Knowledge by a fellow Good Reads Author from a recommendation by Heather (here on Good Reads). Very good reading so far!

Shannon wrote: "Jason wrote: "I'm also reading "Crown of Swords" by Robert Jordan. I'm trying to catch myself up for the release of the 12th and final installment..."

Just a quick note for Jason: The installment..."

Are you serious?

That's insane! I should read Sanderson's blog a little more often...lol.

Thank you for the heads up!

blackrose wrote: "@Libby: It's funny, I was the opposite with Pearl's books. I loved 'Poe Shadow' but was disappointed in 'Dante C..."

That is funny - I love Poe but didn't enjoy the book. Interesting.

I've also got The Meaning of Night A Confession on my to be read shelf - know anything about that one?

Have you read teh Night Watch series? Night Watch

I'm currently rereading The Outlaw Demon Wails. On tap is Valor's Trial, the graphic novel of Jim Butcher's the Dresden Files Storm Front. In other genres, I'm working on James Lee Burke's Burning Angel, and The Three Musketeers.

Kate