253 replies to this topic

[Migey]

Hey.

I remember hearing someone say something about this series, and thus, when i was in a bookshop today, and i saw it, i picked it up and looked at the back. It looked interesting, and then i turned it over and saw GRRMs stamp of approval, and bought it.

I've just started reading it, and it seems intriuging, (if confusing. But im sure that wont be a problem for long). But is it worth continuing to read?

Thanks

[Slick Mongoose]

Yes, one of the best series around.

[Bellis]

The search function is your friend, my friend. There have been many discussion on this series.

[Mr. X]

Slickan Yakin, on 26 June 2010 - 02:22 PM, said:

Yes, one of the best series around.

Absolutely.

[Migey]

Whoops sorry

[Liffguard]

Definitely worth reading. I personally preferred it to ASOIAF, though that's partly because it's a completed series so there was the closure of a story started and finished. The characterisation is excellent. The later books have their fair share of action but the real strength of the whole series is the intrigue and politics. I also the exploration of the consequences of magic on a society.

[Bellis]

Migey, on 26 June 2010 - 02:29 PM, said:

Whoops sorry

I should add to the chorus  - it's an above-average series and worth reading. Keep in mind, though, that is is quite different from most epic fantasies, focusing on a somewhat different culture and with few flashy battles or magic (though there is some of that) and more on the characters and politics and trade. It may be one of the first or few "economic fantasies" out there.

[Errant Bard]

One thing bugs me: you bought the book, you began reading it, you found it interesting, so why do you need someone else's opinion? Read the book and form your own.

Also, considering what you shared of your likes and dislikes on this board, I will go out on a limb and disagree with most of the others, I think you might find the story boring, full of stupid intricacies and overall not very interesting: it's definitely not like a Sanderson book, at all. (Even if, speaking for myself I love this serie.) Plus, there has got to be something bothering you, when you start to wonder if you should continue reading something, and it probably won't go better.

[The Evil Hat]

Though I won't deny that it's weird to ask about a book you've already started (unless you're having serious trouble with it), but there's nothing impossible about liking Sanderson and Abraham, seeing as I really enjoyed both.

[Migey]

Its just a habit. There are quite a few times when ive started a book, thinking it was good and then realised after that it was a total waste of time.

Also, since i have so many books to read, i like to know from proper readers if its worth commiting myself to a series.

And just because i like Sanderson doesnt mean i wont like this book. I dont really care what kind of book it is, to be honest, as long as its well written, has good characters, and a plot that doesnt feel like it was inspired by a 3 year olds crayon drawing.

Also, i like to know other peoples opinions about any book i read. I like to know if i like a book everyone else hates, or if i dislike a book that everyone else loves, and if so, then why. Etc.

And yes Errant Bard, i found the prologue (although in my version it spells it 'Prolog', intended???) interesting, but from what little ive read i can tell that in the hands of a marginally unskilled author, you have a book with enormous potential to go wrong and end up being confusing. From what people are saying, it looks like Daniel Abraham knows how to write, so il go ahead and see if i like it.

Sorry for the rant

I just like to know peoples opinions.

Edit : Also, while i do like Sanderson, il be the first (well...) to admit that he has alot of faults, but there are some authors who manage to keep me interested despite mediocre prose, somewhat irritating protagonists, etc.

Sorry if im going off on a tangent here...

Edited by Migey, 26 June 2010 - 03:40 PM.

[Inigima]

I loved the crap out of that series. Highly recommended.

[Migey]

By the way, whats all the 'He took a pose of <insert word here>' ??? Are they hand gestures or what? Becuase if they are not, i cant imagine what half of them would look like.

[Maltaran]

Migey, on 26 June 2010 - 04:22 PM, said:

By the way, whats all the 'He took a pose of <insert word here>' ??? Are they hand gestures or what? Becuase if they are not, i cant imagine what half of them would look like.

It seems to be some sort of formalised body language - presumably mostly hand gestures. Evidently quite complex, since even foreigners who've been there for years can't get the hang of all the subtleties.

[Alpha13]

Another great thing about the series is each book is better than the last. Easily the best finished series that I have read.

[Imp]

Quote

Worth it?

Yes.

Great series. Love it to bits.

I think the poses are meant to be left up to the readers imagination, but milage seems to vary. Personally I had no problems with them and felt they added a distinctive feeling to the culture he'd created.

Also the series isn't a huge timesink if you're worried about the time investment. All of the books combined aren't too much longer than one of your standard epic fantasy doorstops.

[Memory Lane]

While I think it ran into some issues in the third book (but I seem to be a minority in that - most fellow readers of the series I've spoken to like the third book a lot), I really enjoyed reading this series overall. It is probably  #3 on my list of favorite series, behind A Song of Ice and Fire and The Prince of Nothing series.

[beniowa]

It's definitely worth it.  The Long Price is one of my favorite all-time series.

[RedEyedGhost]

Migey, on 26 June 2010 - 04:22 PM, said:

By the way, whats all the 'He took a pose of <insert word here>' ??? Are they hand gestures or what? Becuase if they are not, i cant imagine what half of them would look like.

You're over thinking it.  Don't worry about the movements of the poses, just concentrate on their meaning.

Alpha13, on 26 June 2010 - 07:17 PM, said:

Easily the best finished series that I have read.

This.

It's an absolutely amazing series - partly because it is so unique (like Bellis said it could be classified as an "economic fantasy").

[Tears of Lys]

I'm pretty excited.  I've finally decided that THIS is going to be the next fantasy series I read.


You have no idea how momentous this decision is.  I've been rereading and rereading the Dune series and Bakker's PoN, et al. just waiting for something new.

/insert Snoopy Happy Dance smilie.

[RedEyedGhost]

Tears of Lys, on 26 June 2010 - 09:55 PM, said:

/insert Snoopy Happy Dance smilie.

I'm rewatching this on dvd and just had to link this which was on my tv not more than ten minutes before I read your post.