The prompt: For EACH of the following questions, name 1 or more science fiction, fantasy or horror book titles.
The questions, with my answers:
- The last sf/f/h book I read and enjoyed was: Fulgrim (part of the Horus Heresy series. I enjoyed the first three, then it dropped off a little, Fulgrim is the 5th in the series. By the way, the opening trilogy is excellent. I am on the 8th now, and getting better again. I could write more on this later).
- The last sf/f/h book I read and did not enjoy was: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. (To this day I hate this book, and I mean that in a visceral, fiery way. If someone ever made a list of books that need to be burned, not that I advocate book burning, I would make an exception to light the fire with this one. I had to read in library school for a readers' advisory class. No, I am not linking it. You want it, you find it. I do not recommend it).
- A sf/f/h book that I would recommend to new sf/f/h readers is: The Manhattan Projects (graphic novel. I really liked this, and I discovered it recently), Old Man's War (Scalzi has done sequels to it, which I have not liked as much, but this first is very good).
- A sf/f/h book that I would recommend to seasoned sf/f/h readers is: I would recommend Old Man's War to seasoned readers too. It has been compared positively some of Heinlein's good early works. To add something else, I would recommend the American Vampire series (comics) and Shadows Over Baker Street (this is one of the best anthologies I have read recently. Horror). If they have not read it, Alfred Bester's work would be one I would recommend to seasoned readers. For this, I figure that seasoned readers have read "the basics," so recommending may take some time and thought.
- The sf/f/h book I most want to read next is: There are few choices here. For one, I need to catch up on the Ciaphas Cain series (Warhammer 40K, link to list of novels so far. Emperor's Finest is the next one for me. See next list item).
- My favorite sf/f/h book series includes: Ciaphas Cain.
- I will read anything by this sf/f/h author: I am fairly eclectic here. I will read some authors because they are "classic" or have good reputations, and I will try new ones if the work in question looks intriguing enough. Since discovering Warhammer 40K, I can say I would read almost anything in that setting (the 40K setting. I don't care much for Warhammer fantasy). Also, some Star Wars fiction (though this can be trial and error).
- The first sf/f/h book I read was: Master of the Five Magics is one of the first I remember reading and enjoying in my youth. I recently reread it as an adult, and while I can see the appeal, did not hold up as well for me. The Sword of Shannara is another one I remember as being one of the first.
- The sf/f/h book I’m most surprised that more people don’t like is: See above for The Sparrow. I have found people either love it or hate it (and to be honest, I don't understand people who like it).
- The sf/f/h book I’m surprised so many people do like is: The Twilight series. The Hunger Games (seems to me a rip off of Battle Royale, which is a much better work, but I won't rant further).
- The most expensive sf/f/h book I own is:I do have some hardcovers, but they were often bought used or as clearance/remainder items. I don't have any big collector books. I do have one of Marvel Comics big omnibus volumes, but I bought that used, and I got a very good deal for it (about 25 bucks on an almost 80 bucks volume had it been new). Now, if you ask what is the item I plunked out most money on in one instance, that would be my hardcovers of Battle Royale, ultimate editions (link to first volume; it is a five-volume set, which if my house goes on fire, I am running back in to get given how rare it is now. Needless to say, no, you cannot borrow them).
- The number of sf/f/h books I own and have yet to read is:Way too many, and this includes prose and graphic novels and comics that fit the category.
2 comments:
I totally agree with you when it comes to Twilight. The whole time I read the books (I read three, I could not bring myself to read the fourth), I kept thinking why am I reading these. I read them because I wanted to understand what all the fuss was about. Apparently, the fuss wasn't about great literature, but rather about unrequited love and sexual tension. I guess I should be happy when anyone reads a book, but really!!
I love horror books, I am a huge fan and I'm always looking for new reads to experience. Which of these books do you suggest I start with? My favorite horror writer of all time is Stephen King.
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