Help up choose a book as the July 2010 eBook for the Mobile Read Book Club. The poll will be open for 5 days. We will start the discussion thread for this book on July 20th. Select from the following books.

July 2010 Mobile Read Book Club Vote

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The story takes place in the context of historical events in Middle-earth. Long before the start of the novel the Dark Lord Sauron forges the One Ring to gain power over other rings held by the leaders of Men, Elves and Dwarves. He is defeated in battle, and Isildur cuts off his Ring and claims it as an heirloom for his line. Isildur is later killed by Orcs, and the Ring is lost in the river Anduin. Over two thousand years later, the Ring comes into the hands of the hobbit Sméagol, who hides under the mountains, where the Ring transforms him over the course of hundreds of years into a suspicious, corrupted being called Gollum. Eventually he loses the Ring, and, as recounted in The Hobbit, it is found by Bilbo Baggins. Meanwhile Sauron takes a new physical form and reoccupies Mordor, his old realm. Gollum sets out in search of the Ring, but is captured by Sauron, who learns that Bilbo has the Ring. Gollum is set loose, and Sauron, who needs the Ring to regain his full power, sends forth the Ringwraiths, his fearsome servants, to seize it.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings#Synopsis

His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
In this delightful first novel, the opening salvo of a trilogy, Novik seamlessly blends fantasy into the history of the Napoleonic wars. Here be dragons, beasts that can speak and reason, bred for strength and speed and used for aerial support in battle. Each nation has its own breeds, but none are so jealously guarded as the mysterious dragons of China. Veteran Capt. Will Laurence of the British Navy is therefore taken aback after his crew captures an egg from a French ship and it hatches a Chinese dragon, which Laurence names Temeraire. When Temeraire bonds with the captain, the two leave the navy to sign on with His Majesty's sadly understaffed Aerial Corps, which takes on the French in sprawling, detailed battles that Novik renders with admirable attention to 19th-century military tactics. Though the dragons they encounter are often more fully fleshed-out than the stereotypical human characters, the author's palpable love for her subject and a story rich with international, interpersonal and internal struggles more than compensate. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Sheepfarmer's Daughter: (book 1 of The Deed of Paksenarrion) by Elizabeth Moon
Paksenarrion, a simple sheepfarmer's daughter, yearns for a life of adventure and glory, such as was known to heroes in songs and story. At age seventeen she runs away from home to join a mercenary company and begins her epic life . . . Book One: Paks is trained as a mercenary, blooded, and introduced to the life of a soldier . . . and to the followers of Gird, the soldier's god. Book Two: Paks leaves the Duke's company to follow the path of Gird alone—and on her lonely quests encounters the other sentient races of her world. Book Three: Paks the warrior must learn to live with Paks the human. She undertakes a holy quest for a lost elven prince that brings the gods' wrath down on her and tests her very limits.

Magic Kingdom For Sale — Sold! by Terry Brooks
The advertisement for a fantasy kingdom in a Christmas catalog catches the eye of Ben Holiday, who was recently widowed and dissatisfied with his life; he finds a make-believe world of medieval splendor appealing. But when he arrives in the alternate world of Landover, all is not fun and jousting. Dangers abound, and his actions have a life-and-death reality. The castle is a rusted heap, its army disbanded, and the entire kingdom decayed from the loss of magic. Only a ragtag handful of retainers remain in the castle to serve the new king. Even worse, the feudal lords are in revolt, a dragon ravages the land, and the first pretty girl Ben meets turns into a tree. A demon lord has pledged to kill any king, and the ghostly knight intended to protect the throne is an empty pile of armor. Ben tackles things head on and finds the strength to conquer problems both mundane and supernatural.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Titans clash, but with more fuss than fury in this fantasy demi-epic from the author of Neverwhere. The intriguing premise of Gaiman's tale is that the gods of European yore, who came to North America with their immigrant believers, are squaring off for a rumble with new indigenous deities: "gods of credit card and freeway, of Internet and telephone, of radio and hospital and television, gods of plastic and of beeper and of neon." They all walk around in mufti, disguised as ordinary people, which causes no end of trouble for 32-year-old protagonist Shadow Moon, who can't turn around without bumping into a minor divinity. Released from prison the day after his beloved wife dies in a car accident, Shadow takes a job as emissary for Mr. Wednesday, avatar of the Norse god Grimnir, unaware that his boss's recruiting trip across the American heartland will subject him to repeat visits from the reanimated corpse of his dead wife and brutal roughing up by the goons of Wednesday's adversary, Mr. World. At last Shadow must reevaluate his own deeply held beliefs in order to determine his crucial role in the final showdown. Gaiman tries to keep the magical and the mundane evenly balanced, but he is clearly more interested in the activities of his human protagonists: Shadow's poignant personal moments and the tale's affectionate slices of smalltown life are much better developed than the aimless plot, which bounces Shadow from one episodic encounter to another in a design only the gods seem to know. Mere mortal readers will enjoy the tale's wit, but puzzle over its strained mythopoeia. (One-day laydown, June 19)Forecast: Even when he isn't in top form, Gaiman, creator of the acclaimed Sandman comics series, trumps many storytellers. Momentously titled, and allotted a dramatic one-day laydown with a 12-city author tour, his latest will appeal to fans and attract mainstream review coverage for better or for worse because of the rich possibilities of its premise.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (often shortened to Alice in Wonderland) follows the strange adventures of a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world full of peculiar, yet engaging, creatures. Many of these characters, including the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, and March Hare, have achieved literary fame and are known to almost all of us. The story involves many logic games and examples of "literary nonsense". Popular with adults and children alike, it is a giant in the fantasy genre. This publication of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland includes the original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel and is part of the Qualitas Classics Fireside Series, where pure, ageless classics are presented in clean, easy to read reprints.

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
Gr 7 Up-Jonathan Swift's satirical novel was first published in 1726, yet it is still valid today. Gulliver's Travels describes the four fantastic voyages of Lemuel Gulliver, a kindly ship's surgeon. Swift portrays him as an observer, a reporter, and a victim of circumstance. His travels take him to Lilliput where he is a giant observing tiny people. In Brobdingnag, the tables are reversed and he is the tiny person in a land of giants where he is exhibited as a curiosity at markets and fairs. The flying island of Laputa is the scene of his next voyage. The people plan and plot as their country lies in ruins. It is a world of illusion and distorted values. The fourth and final voyage takes him to the home of the Houyhnhnms, gentle horses who rule the land. He also encounters Yahoos, filthy bestial creatures who resemble humans. The story is read by British actor Martin Shaw with impeccable diction and clarity and great inflection. If broken into short listening segments, the tapes are an excellent tool for presenting an abridged version of Gulliver's Travels.-Jean Deck, Lambuth University, Jackson, TN

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy masterpiece The Hobbit is a tale of high adventure, undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar. Encounters with trolls, goblins, dwarves, elves and giant spiders, conversations with the dragon, Smaug, and a rather unwilling presence at the Battle of the Five Armies are just some of the adventures that befall Bilbo. Bilbo Baggins has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals of children's fiction. Written by Professor Tolkien for his own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when published.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman
What happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince of all time and he turns out to be...well...a lot less than the man of her dreams?

As a boy, William Goldman claims, he loved to hear his father read the "S. Morgenstern classic, The Princess Bride. But as a grown-up he discovered that the boring parts were left out of good old Dad's recitation, and only the "good parts" reached his ears.

Now Goldman does Dad one better. He's reconstructed the "Good Parts Version" to delight wise kids and wide-eyed grownups everywhere.

What's it about? Fencing. Fighting. True Love. Strong Hate. Harsh Revenge. A Few Giants. Lots of Bad Men. Lots of Good Men. Five or Six Beautiful Women. Beasties Monstrous and Gentle. Some Swell Escapes and Captures. Death, Lies, Truth, Miracles, and a Little Sex...

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
A Game of Thrones is a contemporary masterpiece of fantasy. The cold is returning to Winterfell, where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime. A time of conflict has arisen in the Stark family, as they are pulled from the safety of their home into a whirlpool of tragedy, betrayal, assassination, plots and counterplots. Each decision and action carries with it the potential for conflict as several prominent families, comprised of lords, ladies, soldiers, sorcerers, assassins and bastards, are pulled together in the most deadly game of all--the game of thrones.

What happened to the list of books with the summaries in the first post of the vote thread?

The nominations will run through Jun 27.
Voting (new poll thread) will run for 5 days starting Jun 27.

Huh???

Oh Boy Terry Brooks is tied for the lead. I'm glad i voted for him

Huh???

"When is the Poll?
The poll thread will open at the end of the nomination period, or once there have been 10 books with 3 nominations each. At that time a link to the poll thread will be posted here and this thread will be closed."

Perhaps I should put that in the beginning of the nomination thread too.

BOb

What happened to the list of books with the summaries in the first post of the vote thread?

You're too fast for me. :D

BOb

Cool, I was just questioning the dates seeing as how it is only 25 Jun. But, I'd say it has run it's course and let the voting (for American Gods) begin.

You're too fast for me. :D

BOb

At least I knew better then to ask where the poll was. :D

Cool, I was just questioning the dates seeing as how it is only 25 Jun. But, I'd say it has run it's course and let the voting (for American Gods) begin.

After reading The Graveyard Book and finding it so-so, I'm not voting for American Gods.

Hmm... I've read the Tolkiens and the Books book, which are all excellent.

So... I'll be voting for something I haven't read. Not sure what yet. Hmmm....

BOb

(ps, my vote is for sale like the Magic Kingdom)

If I was to vote for a book I have not read, I'd only have a choice between four books.

His Majesty's Dragon is $100 in Hard Cove at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/His-Majestys-Dragon-Temeraire-Book/dp/1596061464/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277488905&sr=1-1)... WHY?

Although it is FREE in the Kindle store. So I picked it up just in case.

BOb

(ps, my vote is for sale like the Magic Kingdom)

Oh no! Cannot vote for that. I've already read it.

The Deed of Paksenarrion is not available in the Kindle store. Is this available some where as an ebook?

BOb

I did have to vote for The Princess Bride. I've wanted to read that for sometime. The movie is excellent.

...and WOW! A Game of Thrones is 700 pages... a might less than LotR at 1200 pages of course.

so... I might be voting by the process of elimination here.

BOb

Dallas Alice...sounds good....

The Deed of Paksenarrion is not available in the Kindle store. Is this available some where as an ebook?

BOb

If it's not available as an eBook, does this mean the vote has to be canceled and the nomination back on till we get one more third?

If it's not available as an eBook, does this mean the vote has to be canceled and the nomination back on till we get one more third?

Hmm... good question... but I didn't use my nominations so I would just pick one of those that had two noms already. However, I really loath to change the poll after people start voting.

BOb

Hmm... good question... but I didn't use my nominations so I would just pick one of those that had two noms already. However, I really loath to change the poll after people start voting.

BOb

It is an eBook. http://www.webscription.net/p-100-the-deed-of-paksenarrion.aspx But we have a problem. The Deed of Paksenarrion is not a single book but an omnibus. So it doesn't count. The listing and the people who seconded/thirded it may not know it's an invalid nomination.

Deed of Paksenarrion
1. The Sheepfarmer's Daughter (1988)
2. Divided Allegiance (1988)
3. Oath of Gold (1988)
The Deed of Paksenarrion (omnibus) (1992)

The Deed of Paksenarrion is not available in the Kindle store. Is this available some where as an ebook?

BOb

I found it on Amazon for the Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Deed-of-Paksenarrion-ebook/dp/B003PPDC1Q/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=A12MGAGPLUJEQK
It says, though, that the title will be released on July 1st.

It is on Baen to be read online:
http://www.webscription.net/chapters/0743471601/0743471601.htm

Edit:
JSWolf was faster :)

It is an eBook. http://www.webscription.net/p-100-the-deed-of-paksenarrion.aspx But we have a problem. The Deed of Paksenarrion is not a single book but an omnibus. So it doesn't count. The listing and the people who seconded/thirded it may not know it's an invalid nomination.

Deed of Paksenarrion
1. The Sheepfarmer's Daughter (1988)
2. Divided Allegiance (1988)
3. Oath of Gold (1988)
The Deed of Paksenarrion (omnibus) (1992)

Why don't we just say Book One? I will amend it in the poll.

Those that want to read on can.

BOb

Game of Thrones. It's my husband's favorite series. Also, HBO is filming the show at the end of this month...

Why don't we just say Book One? I will amend it in the poll.

Those that want to read on can.

BOb

That works. Good idea. By the way, can you take away the vote for it since it was voted on before it was fixed?

It is an eBook. http://www.webscription.net/p-100-the-deed-of-paksenarrion.aspx But we have a problem. The Deed of Paksenarrion is not a single book but an omnibus. So it doesn't count. The listing and the people who seconded/thirded it may not know it's an invalid nomination.

Deed of Paksenarrion
1. The Sheepfarmer's Daughter (1988)
2. Divided Allegiance (1988)
3. Oath of Gold (1988)
The Deed of Paksenarrion (omnibus) (1992)

Jon, has there every been a monthly book poll where you didn't object to something?

Also do you ever actually read the winning book?

Curious minds are asking? :chinscratch:

That works. Good idea. By the way, can you take away the vote for it since it was voted on before it was fixed?

I can change the vote numbers. But, I can't give that person their vote back. I don't see why they wouldn't still want to vote for it.

BOb

The Princess Bride is excellent. I'm currently in the middle of rereading it. So I voted for it. The Hobbit is my next choice.

I can change the vote numbers. But, I can't give that person their vote back. I don't see why they wouldn't still want to vote for it.

BOb

Maybe that person doesn't want to read it knowing it's a trilogy instead of just a stand alone book.

Ok... so I have narrowed it to three...

The Deed of Paksenarrion, His Magesty's Dragon and American Gods.

I'm leaning towards the first since it is available DRM free from webscriptions. But, I did just "buy" His Magesty's dragon for free from the Kindle store.

Decisions, decisions... I'm hoping for an excellent book this month. The last two month's were a bit disappointing.

BOb

...

Decisions, decisions... I'm hoping for an excellent book this month. The last two month's were a bit disappointing.

BOb


I'm with you there....

Maybe that person doesn't want to read it knowing it's a trilogy instead of just a stand alone book.

Ok...

If whomever voted for Deed wants to change their vote... let me know and I will change it.

I will trust that you are actually the one that did the vote. I forgot to tell it to make votes public and have no way to change that option.

BOb

I have read His Majesty's Dragon and it is quite good.

I voted for His Magesty's Dragon as the other ones I would like to read I've actually read already (Game of Thrones is AMAZING). So I'd rather read and discuss a book I haven't read but heard many great things about. Plus, huge bonus for being legally free!

The Deed of Paksenarrion is not available in the Kindle store. Is this available some where as an ebook?

BOb

Baen Free Library :smack:

Maybe that person doesn't want to read it knowing it's a trilogy instead of just a stand alone book.

It was I who voted for it and I know damned well what it is ;).

No question....Lord of the Rings...:2thumbsup :thumbsup: :dtw:

I've voted in The Sheepfarmer's Daughter

BTW, you can get it for free in Suvudu's Free Library: http://www.suvudu.com/freelibrary/#download_sheepfarmer

It is an eBook. http://www.webscription.net/p-100-the-deed-of-paksenarrion.aspx But we have a problem. The Deed of Paksenarrion is not a single book but an omnibus. So it doesn't count. The listing and the people who seconded/thirded it may not know it's an invalid nomination.

Deed of Paksenarrion
1. The Sheepfarmer's Daughter (1988)
2. Divided Allegiance (1988)
3. Oath of Gold (1988)
The Deed of Paksenarrion (omnibus) (1992)

Sigh. Didn't we already discuss it in the nominations thread?



The first book is in the Baen Free Library or you can buy the trilogy for $6 from Webscription. The whole trilogy is no longer than LotR and has been sold as one volume for over a decade.

His Majesty's Dragon is $100 in Hard Cove at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/His-Majestys-Dragon-Temeraire-Book/dp/1596061464/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277488905&sr=1-1)... WHY?

Because it's from Subterranean Press. They do HC special editions for collectors.

That particular book is sold out at the publisher. They printed...
Limited: 500 signed numbered copies
Lettered: 52 signed deluxe bound copies, housed in a custom traycase, with art not in the Limited Edition
http://www.subterraneanpress.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=novik&Category_Code=OP&Product_Count=199

The Deed of Paksenarrion is, by far, one of the best stories I have ever read.

His Majesty's Dragon is $100 in Hard Cove at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/His-Majestys-Dragon-Temeraire-Book/dp/1596061464/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277488905&sr=1-1)... WHY?

Although it is FREE in the Kindle store. So I picked it up just in case.

BOb

Free dragon's egg with every purchase.

The Deed of Paksenarrion is, by far, one of the best stories I have ever read.

I agree.

i liked deed of paks: sheepfarmer's daughter better than her majesty's dragon.

hi , first post for mi here , had to post after seeing that paks is almost taken out.

"The Deed of Paksenarrion" is a really good trilogy and shouldnt be miss. its unique in its own way in the way its written , different from other types of fantasy books.

the first book's free and the whole trilogy's is cheap , go for it !

Well, I could not propose any book, but I just voted for the Princess Bride, I have read it twice and it's so funny and delicious... I didn't mind to re-read again.

No question....Lord of the Rings...:2thumbsup :thumbsup: :dtw:

Yes! I can't remember how many times I've read it, but have enjoyed it every time. If it get's chosen I'll even buy the ePub version - presuming I can find it in Australia.

Regards, Alex

Another tough choice this month. I've actually read (and enjoyed) most of the books in the poll, so I decided to go for something I haven't read - Paksenarrion.

His Majesty's Dragon is an excellent read. I've read all five books in the series and are waiting for the 6th Tongues of Serpents released July 13th. Since I've already read it I voted for A Game of Thrones.

Voted for "American Gods". Would like to read it again anyway, and it could be fun to discuss it.

But who on earth is it that called "His Majesty's Dragon" by Naomi Novik first part of a trilogy? :p The sixth novel in the series will be released in a few weeks... I can recommend them BTW - lots of good old-fashioned fun and brilliantly drawn characters (esp. the dragons).

It is an eBook. http://www.webscription.net/p-100-the-deed-of-paksenarrion.aspx But we have a problem. The Deed of Paksenarrion is not a single book but an omnibus. So it doesn't count. The listing and the people who seconded/thirded it may not know it's an invalid nomination.

Deed of Paksenarrion
1. The Sheepfarmer's Daughter (1988)
2. Divided Allegiance (1988)
3. Oath of Gold (1988)
The Deed of Paksenarrion (omnibus) (1992)

Isn't LotR a trilogy too? 3 volumes with 2 books each? Then I guess the poll should only mention "The Felowship of the Ring".

Isn't LotR a trilogy too? 3 volumes with 2 books each? Then I guess the poll should only mention "The Felowship of the Ring".

No, it isn't. Please see:

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=973399&postcount=21

No, it isn't. Please see:

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=973399&postcount=21

I know this, but the fact is that the novel is published in three books and we are supposed to choose a book. I think there are omnibus versions that include everything in a single volume, though, like the previously mentioned Moon's works. But then, the same principle should be applied to both cases.

I know this, but the fact is that the novel is published in three books and we are supposed to choose a book. I think there are omnibus versions that include everything in a single volume, though, like the previously mentioned Moon's works. But then, the same principle should be applied to both cases.

If you don't wish to read it all, nobody is forcing you to do so, but the fact that "The Lord of the Rings" is sometimes published in three separate volumes doesn't change the fact that it's a single book. Would you consider "The Encyclopaedia Britannica" to be 30 (or however many it is) separate books, or one book published in 30 volumes?

When LOTR itself says "this is not a trilogy but a single novel", I honestly don't see that there's any valid case to answer ;).

If you don't wish to read it all, nobody is forcing you to do so, but the fact that "The Lord of the Rings" is sometimes published in three separate volumes doesn't change the fact that it's a single book. Would you consider "The Encyclopaedia Britannica" to be 30 (or however many it is) separate books, or one book published in 30 volumes?

When LOTR itself says "this is not a trilogy but a single novel", I honestly don't see that there's any valid case to answer ;).

I can't wait for the next non-fiction month, so I can nominate The Encyclopaedia Britannica! :p

The word 'book' is used in different ways. It can refer both to a whole work and to subsections of the work. Think of the Bible, which is spoken of as 'the Good Book' and which consists of several very different books - the Book of Psalms, the Book of Job, the Book of Genesis and so on.

The six books of LOTR recount one single story, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. The end brings to resolution all the different lines of the story in what most readers regard as a satisfactory conclusion. One would not advise anyone to read, say, Book 4 and Book 4 alone. Nor would one be satisfied with reading only the first Book. LOTR is a book made up of several books.

who on earth is it that called "His Majesty's Dragon" by Naomi Novik first part of a trilogy? :p The sixth novel in the series will be released in a few weeks
I can understand if someone thought it was a Trilogy since you can by the book: In His Majesty's Service (http://www.temeraire.org/index.cgi?pagetype=writing)
An omnibus edition of the first three volumes in the Temeraire series, His Majesty's Dragon, Throne of Jade, and Black Powder War.

hi , first post for mi here , had to post after seeing that paks is almost taken out.


No, there wasn't really a chance of that... even if it wasn't available as an ebook... I really would probably not have changed the poll and disenfranchised the nominations and votes it has received.

I can't wait for the next non-fiction month, so I can nominate The Encyclopaedia Britannica! :p

:rofl::rofl: Is that available as an ebook?

BOb

Ok.. I made my choice, Deed of Pak. and if it wins I will be springing for the $6 at webscriptions even though it can be had for free at the Bane CD archive site to support DRM free books and the Author.

BOb

:rofl::rofl: Is that available as an ebook?

BOb

Yes. The 1913 edition of EB is at PG. Not yet complete - it's up to the letter "E" in volume 9.

Yes. The 1913 edition of EB is at PG.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :thumbsup:

If it's nominated, I'll vote for it!

Ok.. I made my choice, Deed of Pak. and if it wins I will be springing for the $6 at webscriptions even though it can be had for free at the Bane CD archive site to support DRM free books and the Author.

BOb

It is an absolutely superb book. Even though I nominated LOTR, I voted for Paksinnarion. It has a "prequel", "The Legacy of Gird", which personally I didn't enjoy nearly as much.

Yes. The 1913 edition of EB is at PG. Not yet complete - it's up to the letter "E" in volume 9.

Ok... then it's off the table. If the full book (all the volumes) aren't available right. Phew...

BOb

It is an absolutely superb book. Even though I nominated LOTR, I voted for Paksinnarion. It has a "prequel", "The Legacy of Gird", which personally I didn't enjoy nearly as much.

Yeah, I didn't like the prequel stuff as much either. Haven't read the first of the new sequel books that are out yet.

Yeah, I didn't like the prequel stuff as much either. Haven't read the first of the new sequel books that are out yet.

I haven't seen those. What's the title? Are they being published by Baen?

I can understand if someone thought it was a Trilogy since you can by the book: In His Majesty's Service (http://www.temeraire.org/index.cgi?pagetype=writing)
An omnibus edition of the first three volumes in the Temeraire series, His Majesty's Dragon, Throne of Jade, and Black Powder War.
Well, yeah,okay, I can see that. Still, I'd think anyone who'd looked up the series must have noticed there were more than three books (and a series with three books is not necessarily a trilogy - says the pedant in me). I think it's sloppy :D

Well, yeah,okay, I can see that. Still, I'd think anyone who'd looked up the series must have noticed there were more than three books (and a series with three books is not necessarily a trilogy - says the pedant in me). I think it's sloppy :D

Oooh.....you have a pedant in you? You might want to see someone about that. :rofl:

Oooh.....you have a pedant in you? You might want to see someone about that. :rofl:
:blink: What's wrong about the statement? Should I have used a different word?

There's nothing wrong with it. Kenny's just being silly.

Thanks :) I just thought I'd missed a joke on my behalf.

I haven't seen those. What's the title? Are they being published by Baen?

Unfortunately Moon hasn't published anything with Baen for quite some time (IIRC they had some kind of disagreement and she left for a new publisher).

The first new "Paks World" book is Oath of Fealty and came out from Del Rey as a Hardcover in March...
http://www.amazon.com/Oath-of-Fealty-ebook/dp/B0030DHPAC/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2


She's one of those authors who I'll pretty much automatically buy anything she puts out.

:blink: What's wrong about the statement? Should I have used a different word?

Sorry... Just a joke....didn't come across well.

I'll go back to my corner now.

Unfortunately Moon hasn't published anything with Baen for quite some time (IIRC they had some kind of disagreement and she left for a new publisher).

The first new "Paks World" book is Oath of Fealty and came out from Del Rey as a Hardcover in March...
http://www.amazon.com/Oath-of-Fealty-ebook/dp/B0030DHPAC/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2


She's one of those authors who I'll pretty much automatically buy anything she puts out.

Thanks, Brian - I'll have to look out for that.

I haven't seen those. What's the title? Are they being published by Baen?

The Deed of Paksenarrion

* The Deed of Paksenarrion omnibus (February 1992), hardcover (October 2003)

1. Sheepfarmer’s Daughter (ISBN 978-0-671-65416-0, June 1988)
Free online copy (HTML) from the Baen Free Library.
2. Divided Allegiance (ISBN 978-0-671-69786-0, October 1988)
3. Oath of Gold (ISBN 978-0-671-69798-3, January 1989)

* Those Who Walk in Darkness (March 1990) – short story set during Oath of Gold, included in the collections Lunar Activity and Phases

The Legacy of Gird

* The Legacy of Gird omnibus (ISBN 978-0-671-87747-7, September 1996)

1. Surrender None (ISBN 978-0-671-69878-2, June 1990) – prequel to The Deed of Paksenarrion
2. Liar's Oath (ISBN 978-0-671-72117-6, May 1992) – sequel to both Surrender None and The Deed of Paksenarrion

Pending trilogy

1. Oath of Fealty (ISBN 978-0-345-50874-4, March 2010)
2. untitled work in progress
3. unstarted third book

There you go.

Thanks, Jon.

Sorry... Just a joke....didn't come across well.

I'll go back to my corner now.
It's fine - you just confused me. I'm okay.

No, there wasn't really a chance of that... even if it wasn't available as an ebook... I really would probably not have changed the poll and disenfranchised the nominations and votes it has received.



:rofl::rofl: Is that available as an ebook?

BOb

You can buy it for your computer, as I did for several years before the Wikipedia was available at a better price (free). And you can copy and paste the articles, so it should be a simple matter for folks to pay the bucks, copy everything to their word processor article at a time, and feed it to calibre for conversion to a form suitable for their readers. If we all download the Britannica and start start now, we should be finished with our individual projects and ready to discuss it oh, say ... around 2099.

You can buy it for your computer, as I did for several years before the Wikipedia was available at a better price (free). And you can copy and paste the articles, so it should be a simple matter for folks to pay the bucks, copy everything to their word processor article at a time, and feed it to calibre for conversion to a form suitable for their readers. If we all download the Britannica and start start now, we should be finished with our individual projects and ready to discuss it oh, say ... around 2099.

Uh.............no.

Just remember, if you do vote for The Lord of the Rings, you who voted will have to read it all before the discussion starts. So that means, all the other books you want to read will have to wait a good long time.

Just remember, if you do vote for The Lord of the Rings, you who voted will have to read it all before the discussion starts. So that means, all the other books you want to read will have to wait a good long time.

Guess that depends on how fast a read you are now doesn't it?

Guess that depends on how fast a read you are now doesn't it?

Yes, it does. But I am just warning people since it is a LONG read regardless.

Just remember, if you do vote for The Lord of the Rings, you who voted will have to read it all before the discussion starts. So that means, all the other books you want to read will have to wait a good long time.

Guess that depends on how fast a read you are now doesn't it?

I'm not that fast...nor interested.

I'd like to re-read it again (think I've read it twice...maybe only once though)....but not for a monthly selection.

Last time I read The Lord of the Rings was before I saw the movies so I would be updated on the books again.

Currently re-reading LOTR for the first time in *YEARS*. Saw the movies and am discovering all the parts that were changed. It was a struggle the first time through, but I'm thoroughly enjoying this time.

I voted for American Gods since it's one I've had for about 2 years and haven't read yet.

I voted for American Gods since it's one I've had for about 2 years and haven't read yet.
I hope it wins since I'd like to discuss it (and re-read it, too). But the second runner-up is my other favourite - so I'm good either way I think :)

Sorry... Just a joke....didn't come across well.

I'll go back to my corner now.

I liked your joke. (pedant/pendant)

We have a winner!

The Deed of Paksenarrion: The Sheepfarmer's Daughter (book 1) by Elizabeth Moon

Go forth and read. I am really happy this one won.

BOb

We have a winner!

The Deed of Paksenarrion: The Sheepfarmer's Daughter (book 1) by Elizabeth Moon

Go forth and read. I am really happy this one won.

BOb

Super... Good book. Looking forward to a re-read.

Wonderful.....Downloading now...

http://www.webscription.net/p-587-sheepfarmers-daughter.aspx

Awesome. A book I've actually read and might even be able to go back over and discuss, this time around.

But now I'm kind of curious. Will parts 2 & 3 of Deed of Paksenarrion end up in the noms for next month, just to see if the discussion could be continued?

In any case, one of the other nominations, Naomi Novik's "His Majesty's Dragon" is currently a promo freebie download at Random House's Suduvu Free Library (http://www.suvudu.com/freelibrary/) site. It'll probably disappear in a few days, so get it while it's still there if you want it (or know someone who does).

They've also a couple of free short stories by Elizabeth Moon set in the Paksenarrion world. WARNING: the descriptions are a bit spoilery for some stuff that apparently happens in "Deed".

But now I'm kind of curious. Will parts 2 & 3 of Deed of Paksenarrion end up in the noms for next month, just to see if the discussion could be continued?


It could be, next month is free for all. However, if book 1 is good, I plan to read the full trilogy... since I will be getting all three books for $6. (yes I know there is a way to get them from free on the bane CD archives).

BOb

I would suggest reading the whole thing if you're able to. I enjoyed the final book in the trilogy the most.

I would suggest reading the whole thing if you're able to. I enjoyed the final book in the trilogy the most.

I agree. The whole thing is shorter than LotR. It's got a good healthy page count, but it's not too bad.

We have a winner!

The Deed of Paksenarrion: The Sheepfarmer's Daughter (book 1) by Elizabeth Moon

Go forth and read. I am really happy this one won.

BOb

Excellent. I shall enjoy the re-read. And then I might go on to the sequel.

Good stuff... Now where can I find this book?

Yes, I just checked my Kindle and to my surprise I already got the book on my Kindle. Must have gotten it from Amazon when it was a freebie or bought it and forgot about it.

Good stuff... Now where can I find this book?

It's free.

http://www.webscription.net/p-587-sheepfarmers-daughter.aspx

Available in HTML, RTF, Mobi/Kindle, EPub, Microsoftv .lit, Sony LRF and ebookwise/Rocket formats...

All DRM-free.

I just started reading it. The first 3 chapters rock.

I started it this morning. Seems okay, but I think I may have lost my taste for fantasy (been years since I read any).

I loaded it onto my reader, the opening seems promising....I'm not a big fantasy reader either though...we'll see...

I started reading it yesterday, and even though fantasy is not my preferred genre at all, I really got into the book very quickly and, being halfway through, pretty much decided to buy the other parts of "The Deed of Paksenarrion".

In any case, one of the other nominations, Naomi Novik's "His Majesty's Dragon" is currently a promo freebie download at Random House's Suduvu Free Library (http://www.suvudu.com/freelibrary/) site. It'll probably disappear in a few days, so get it while it's still there if you want it (or know someone who does).

They've also a couple of free short stories by Elizabeth Moon set in the Paksenarrion world. WARNING: the descriptions are a bit spoilery for some stuff that apparently happens in "Deed".

Hi,

I followed that link, and I only got a glimpse of the front page before I was redirected to a sign-in page. Is this normal? I don't like it much. I like to have a look at a site and decide whether or not I trust it, before I give them my e-mail address (which I assume is necessary to sign on).

Sorry for being off topic :o

scratch that...

Hi,I followed that link, and I only got a glimpse of the front page before I was redirected to a sign-in page. Is this normal? I don't like it much. I like to have a look at a site and decide whether or not I trust it, before I give them my e-mail address (which I assume is necessary to sign on).

Argh. It looks like they've done something to the website so that if it's your first visit on a particular browser, it redirects you to the front page instead.

Idiots. It's like they're trying to drive people away.

Anyways, no need to fill out any email info. Just click on the "Free Library" link on the blue navigation section across the centre-top of their content on the homepage, just below the giant "Suduvu" animation and the ad banner and right above the Search box, and then scroll past the box on the actual "Suduvu Free Book Library" page which asks you for your email to "New Titles This Month", and merrily download away.

"His Majesty's Dragon" is no longer free in the affiliated Kindle/Sony/Nook stores, but you can still download the PDF version (if you can't, please PM me).

The Elizabeth Moon Paksenarrion tie-in stories are under "More Suduvu Free Books". They're PDF only, and the descriptions next to them are spoilery for the Deed of Paksenarrion, so don't read them when you right-click/save if you haven't finished the original trilogy.

They've also some Star Wars novellas and a short story from the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction if anyone's interested.

Hope this helps.

Argh. It looks like they've done something to the website so that if it's your first visit on a particular browser, it redirects you to the front page instead.

Idiots. It's like they're trying to drive people away.

Anyways, no need to fill out any email info. Just click on the "Free Library" link on the blue navigation section across the centre-top of their content on the homepage, just below the giant "Suduvu" animation and the ad banner and right above the Search box, and then scroll past the box on the actual "Suduvu Free Book Library" page which asks you for your email to "New Titles This Month", and merrily download away.

"His Majesty's Dragon" is no longer free in the affiliated Kindle/Sony/Nook stores, but you can still download the PDF version (if you can't, please PM me).

The Elizabeth Moon Paksenarrion tie-in stories are under "More Suduvu Free Books". They're PDF only, and the descriptions next to them are spoilery for the Deed of Paksenarrion, so don't read them when you right-click/save if you haven't finished the original trilogy.

They've also some Star Wars novellas and a short story from the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction if anyone's interested.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, I did download the pdf. Possibly what happened to me was due to a Firefox plugin I use to disable scripts. After I enabled them completely (and not only the ones on suvudu.com), the sign-in page doesn't seem to appear.

Ebookwise/Rocket Format, Mobi, EPUB, MS Reader, Sony, RTF
http://www.webscription.net/p-587-sheepfarmers-daughter.aspx

EPUB, Mobi, RTF
http://www.suvudu.com/freelibrary/#download_sheepfarmer

I started to skip this month as fantasy isn't my thing, either; but I started The Sheepfarmer's Daughter yesterday and so far I'm really enjoying it.

I started to skip this month as fantasy isn't my thing, either; but I started The Sheepfarmer's Daughter yesterday and so far I'm really enjoying it.

So you are saying you stopped skipping it?

A good read is a good read no matter the genre.

BOb

I've got my e-books loaded, including Deed of Paksenarrion so I'm going to be starting that. Excited, I've read a bunch of Moon's books but this one I hadn't made the time for yet so I'm looking forward to that.

So you are saying you stopped skipping it?...

Uh, yeah, I suppose so. Getting to the part now where elves, dwarfs, and gnomes are being introduced into the story.

Just had this emailed to my Kindle from Baen free library. if I like it I will buy the trilogy from webscriptions. Well, off to read.

BOb

Uh, yeah, I suppose so. Getting to the part now where elves, dwarfs, and gnomes are being introduced into the story.

Stick with it... Not much of any of the three in the first book.

Well, that was, without a doughnut, a very strange book. All I'll say at this point is “Percy Jackson after three several shots of tequila.”
Wait a minute, it was “American Gods" in the lead when I checked. Nuts. Good read though, I've already recommended it to one of my friends that likes "strange."

Well, that was, without a doughnut, a very strange book. All I'll say at this point is “Percy Jackson after three several shots of tequila.”
Wait a minute, it was “American Gods" in the lead when I checked. Nuts. Good read though, I've already recommended it to one of my friends that likes "strange."

Okay, so now you have to tell us which book you are talking about. :blink: :blink: :blink:

"American Gods", I imagine.

Well, that was, without a doughnut, a very strange book. All I'll say at this point is “Percy Jackson after three several shots of tequila.”
Wait a minute, it was “American Gods" in the lead when I checked. Nuts. Good read though, I've already recommended it to one of my friends that likes "strange."
It's a great book - I'll have to re-read it soon.

... Wait a minute, it was “American Gods" in the lead when I checked. Nuts. Good read though, I've already recommended it to one of my friends that likes "strange."

Last edited by Poppa1956; Today at 04:27 AM. Reason: Another notch on the “most embarrassing moments” belt. —Geez.

Heck! I have more of those notches that I do belt! :rofl:

I even bought American Gods only because I thought it would win!

I even bought American Gods only because I thought it would win!
If there's enough people interested in reading and discussing "American Gods", I wouldn't mind starting a discussion thread in, say, 2 or 3 weeks?

If there's enough people interested in reading and discussing "American Gods", I wouldn't mind starting a discussion thread in, say, 2 or 3 weeks?

I'm up for it. As strange as American Gods is, I'm sure we can have a lively discussion. :rolleyes:

I'm up for it. As strange as American Gods is, I'm sure we can have a lively discussion. :rolleyes:
We can always have a lively discussion :D

We can always have a lively discussion :D

Ain't it the truth!

:rofl:

I even bought American Gods only because I thought it would win!

If you're like me, you'll find it money well spent. And in my humble opinion, based on the few pages from the winning book that I read, American Gods is not in the same league as far as writing style is concerned.

If you're like me, you'll find it money well spent. And in my humble opinion, based on the few pages from the winning book that I read, American Gods is not in the same league as far as writing style is concerned.
Surely you mean the winning book is not in the same league as "American gods"? (i.e. AG has better writing style - at least I think so :))

Ain't it the truth!

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:
You just answered yourself :p Was that on purpose? :blink:

You just answered yourself :p Was that on purpose? :blink:

Yes it was....for you and Flo! :smack:

Surely you mean the winning book is not in the same league as "American gods"? (i.e. AG has better writing style - at least I think so :))

Well yes, I meant that AG is better (way way way better), but both sentences say the same thing :blink:

Well yes, I meant that AG is better (way way way better), but both sentences say the same thing :blink:
Perhaps I have an incorrect understanding of the term 'not in the same league', but while they certainly technically (logically) say the same thing, it's my understanding that, for example, 'P is not in the same league as B' implies that P is worse than B - or in a lesser league. So to me, you first said that 'Paksenarrion' was in a higher league than AG.

It's like a double negation, which technically (logically) cancels itself, but it does change the actual meaning of a sentence. Well, it does in Danish - it might be why I apparently got this wrong in English?

BTW, Florence, would you be interested in an AG discussion thread?

BTW, Florence, would you be interested in an AG discussion thread?

Well, to be honest, I feel a bit uneasy about "discussing" a book, especially if I liked it :p I feel that reading is basically a private experience, and although I love talking about books and sometimes exchanging impressions, I wouldn't have much to say in a discussion centered on one book, especially a work of fiction. But I could try :)

If there's enough people interested in reading and discussing "American Gods", I wouldn't mind starting a discussion thread in, say, 2 or 3 weeks?

Sorry, I'm not even interested in reading it. I only bought it because I thought it would win. It will probably languish in my To Be Read folder for the next five years. It may be a great book, but I need a huge push to read fantasy. The only reason I'm over a third of the way through The Sheepfarmer's Daughter is because of the Club.

It's like a double negation, which technically (logically) cancels itself, but it does change the actual meaning of a sentence. Well, it does in Danish - it might be why I apparently got this wrong in English?


Too many people assuming that the rules of Boolean logic apply to English. They don't. In English double negatives are often used for emphasis.

However, the use of double negatives in English is now generally considered improper, and is occasionally ambiguous.

So don't use no double negatives. :)

T..

So don't use no double negatives. :)

That should be, "So don't never use no double negatives." :D

It may be a great book, but I need a huge push to read fantasy.

Both Gaiman and his friend, Terry Pratchett, use the fantasy genre in ways that raise the game considerably. And they are a lot funnier than the usual fantasy writers are. Their collaboration on 'Good Omens' is a wonderful book. Pratchett's writings should appeal to the philosopher in you: "Small Gods" is perhaps one of the best pieces of (anti)theological writing of the last fifty years. If Dennet, Dawkins and co had his lightness of touch, they'd make a lot more headway.

Well, to be honest, I feel a bit uneasy about "discussing" a book, especially if I liked it :p I feel that reading is basically a private experience, and although I love talking about books and sometimes exchanging impressions, I wouldn't have much to say in a discussion centered on one book, especially a work of fiction. But I could try :)
That's perfectly fine - and thanks for explaining why :) I only wanted to find out if there were any basis for starting a discussion thread about it. So far it's only one more than me.

You've all now left me wondering whether I understood something incorrectly with regards my interpretation of the expression: 'not in the same league'.

Too many people assuming that the rules of Boolean logic apply to English. They don't. In English double negatives are often used for emphasis.

However, the use of double negatives in English is now generally considered improper, and is occasionally ambiguous.

So don't use no double negatives. :)
Yes, logic =/ meaning in language ;)

Sad that double negatives have begun to be improper in English - they can be quite meaningful in a subtle way.

There are many threads about many books in the Reading Reco forum. So, start one for American Gods any time you want. It just won't be tagged as Book Club.. that's all.

BOb

There are many threads about many books in the Reading Reco forum. So, start one for American Gods any time you want. It just won't be tagged as Book Club.. that's all.

BOb
No problem. Please. I just wanted to find out if there were any prior interest before I started it. Just like I did with the "The road" discussion thread once a long while ago. Hope I haven't over-stepped any rules - sorry if I have :(

Hope I haven't over-stepped any rules - sorry if I have :(

No not at all. ;) The book club is here to encourage discussions.

BOb

Don't know if it's "au fait" to bump my own post, but I really wanted to know about this:
You've all now left me wondering whether I understood something incorrectly with regards my interpretation of the expression: 'not in the same league'.

Don't know if it's "au fait" to bump my own post, but I really wanted to know about this:

My understanding is the same as yours. :)

If X is not "in the same league" as "Y" means that X is significantly less than, not as good as Y.

Perhaps I have an incorrect understanding of the term 'not in the same league', but while they certainly technically (logically) say the same thing, it's my understanding that, for example, 'P is not in the same league as B' implies that P is worse than B - or in a lesser league. So to me, you first said that 'Paksenarrion' was in a higher league than AG.


Absolutely right. Saying "A is not in the same league as B" means "B is a lot better than A".

Both Gaiman and his friend, Terry Pratchett, use the fantasy genre in ways that raise the game considerably. And they are a lot funnier than the usual fantasy writers are. Their collaboration on 'Good Omens' is a wonderful book. Pratchett's writings should appeal to the philosopher in you: "Small Gods" is perhaps one of the best pieces of (anti)theological writing of the last fifty years. If Dennet, Dawkins and co had his lightness of touch, they'd make a lot more headway.

That reference to Pratchett along with a video I saw today on the BBC News site (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10502324.stm), my love of Gaiman's Sandman graphic novel series, and a PM from someone who shall remain anonymous have all conspired to convince me that Neil Gaiman's American Gods should be moved up several places in my To Be Read folder. Still, with all else I have on my plate, I don't really wish to read it soon enough to participate in a discussion outside the Book Club. (Sorry, Ea!)

I liked this months book better than the last one, and will be reading the continuation. Divided Allegiance. It's not nail biting but entertaining enough.

I'd be interested in a discussion thread for American Gods. I'll re-read it as soon as I'm done my exam on Wednesday.

I'd be interested in a discussion thread for American Gods. I'll re-read it as soon as I'm done my exam on Wednesday.
Good luck with the exam!

That reference to Pratchett along with a video I saw today on the BBC News site (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10502324.stm), my love of Gaiman's Sandman graphic novel series, and a PM from someone who shall remain anonymous have all conspired to convince me that Neil Gaiman's American Gods should be moved up several places in my To Be Read folder. Still, with all else I have on my plate, I don't really wish to read it soon enough to participate in a discussion outside the Book Club. (Sorry, Ea!)
I hold no grudge ;)

I liked Gaiman's comment about gutters and drains (in the video) :p

Okay, so now you have to tell us which book you are talking about. :blink: :blink: :blink:

It was, indeed, "American Gods." I may or may not apologize for any ambiguity.

Good luck with the exam!

Thank you!

I've started on the second book in the Paks series and it involves more fantasy than the first one. More elves, orcs and magic.

I've finished the second book and find it more dark than the first one but at the same time a more interesting read.

I know we can't discuss the book proper yet, but I'm curious:

Are the folks who usually like fantasy digging this one?

I haven't read fantasy in novel-length form in awhile, and I'm only ever able to get mildly interested, before the narration jerks to a boring stop. I'm wondering if it's me, who just isn't in to fantasy anymore, or if it's the book.

I know we can't discuss the book proper yet, but I'm curious:

Are the folks who usually like fantasy digging this one?

I haven't read fantasy in novel-length form in awhile, and I'm only ever able to get mildly interested, before the narration jerks to a boring stop. I'm wondering if it's me, who just isn't in to fantasy anymore, or if it's the book.

I'm a 1/3rd into it and I'm finding nothing special about it so far. It seems to be formulaic with nothing special about it. They are now marching with the Duke and boy is that getting dull.

I know we can't discuss the book proper yet, but I'm curious:

Are the folks who usually like fantasy digging this one?

I haven't read fantasy in novel-length form in awhile, and I'm only ever able to get mildly interested, before the narration jerks to a boring stop. I'm wondering if it's me, who just isn't in to fantasy anymore, or if it's the book.
I share your sentiments and have been wondering as well if it was just me who've "grown away" from sword and sorcery fantasy.

I share your sentiments and have been wondering as well if it was just me who've "grown away" from sword and sorcey fantasy.

I still like a good fantasy book. Just this is not it (yet?).

I still like a good fantasy book. Just this is not it (yet?).
I lasted until 85% in when I finally gave up. It doesn't get any better IMHO.

I will say there are flashes that interest me. But slogging through so much to get there just doesn't make me think I want to try book 2.

In my case, once I get to page 100, I always try to finish. But I can't blame anyone who bailed.

Is there another Baen book in the same genre I can try that others found more interesting, so I can see if maybe it's the book and not the genre?

I'm a 1/3rd into it and I'm finding nothing special about it so far. It seems to be formulaic with nothing special about it. They are now marching with the Duke and boy is that getting dull.

I share your sentiments and have been wondering as well if it was just me who've "grown away" from sword and sorcery fantasy.

I will say there are flashes that interest me. But slogging through so much to get there just doesn't make me think I want to try book 2.

In my case, once I get to page 100, I always try to finish. But I can't blame anyone who bailed.

Is there another Baen book in the same genre I can try that others found more interesting, so I can see if maybe it's the book and not the genre?

I think the author builds too slow. I wonder about Pacs' destiny, but so far, only hints have been given. Chapter 26 (the last one I read) was interesting. Chapter 27 begins the 84% mark. Will I last to the 85% mark at which Ea quit? Yes, I've invested this much into it, so unless a house falls on me, I'll see it through to the end.

Is it a coincidence that in Latin Pax, a homophone of Pacs, means peace?

I think the author builds too slow. I wonder about her destiny, but so far, only hints have been given. Chapter 26 (the last one I read) was interesting. Chapter 27 begins the 84% mark. Will I last to the 85% mark at which Ea quit? Yes, I've invested this much into it, so unless a house falls on me, I'll see it through to the end.

I haven't started the book yet and after reading some of these post I'm wondering if I should even attempt it. Reading a boring book annoys me b/c not only is it a waste of time but it keeps me from reading something truly enjoyable...to read or not to read?!! LOL

ohh.. the book starts n builds slow to get the readers to empathize and follow pak's growth from small sheepfarmer's daughter -> what she is at the 3rd book.

As the story follows her point of view and she only sees the events that involved her ( she's jus a grunt/recruit intially) so it might be boring to some readers.... until you read to a point where "certain" thing happen to Paks (2nd or 3rd book) , then it ties up neatly and u will notice that everything happens for a reason :D

I haven't started the book yet and after reading some of these post I'm wondering if I should even attempt it. Reading a boring book annoys me b/c not only is it a waste of time but it keeps me from reading something truly enjoyable...to read or not to read?!! LOL

After reading "Sheepfarmer's Daughter" and really getting into it, I even bought the complete big book and am now just starting Book 3. I find it very entertaining and, for the most part, quite interesting - only the parts that describe weapons practice could, according to my taste, be a bit shortended ;)
And that in view of the fact that I usually never read fantasy books.

So, I would recommend you start reading it and decide for yourself, as tastes are different. And, after all, it is free :)

Book 2 and 3 are better than the first which is a bit slow.

This is one of my all-time favourite fantasy series. Just goes to show that different things appeal to different people. Book 3 is the real "core" of the story. Very, very dark, but absolutely gripping stuff (for me at least).

It was the prose that did me in. Not "bad" as such, just dull, bland and flat. Serviceable, but without life.

I confess I've only read the prologue and half the first chapter. Something puts me off. I don't know if it's the style of the author or if I just can't resonate with the female character (although I love some other books with female protagonists from female authors, so I guess it isn't a male vs female thing).

Or maybe because I'm also reading pillars of the earth, which is completely absorving.

The Sheepfarmer's Daughter reminds me of the novels of earlier eras when authors would take their time developing the characters and plots. Perhaps the fault--if fault there be--lies in our modern expectation of instant gratification in all things. For better or worse, our current pace of living has apparently caused us to lose patience with anything that takes time to fully develop.

What do you think?

The Sheepfarmer's Daughter reminds me of the novels of earlier eras when authors would take their time developing the characters and plots. Perhaps the fault--if fault there be--lies in our modern expectation of instant gratification in all things. For better or worse, our current pace of living has apparently caused us to lose patience with anything that takes time to fully develop.

What do you think?

Well after the comments so far which have turned me away (I haven't actually started it other than reading the first few pages) this actually make me MORE interested in reading it. A big reason I bought a Sony Reader was the availability of Classic Novels and I've read quite a few of them since getting it....maybe I'll give reading this a big push. :) and see what I think compared to a yous guyses...

The Sheepfarmer's Daughter reminds me of the novels of earlier eras when authors would take their time developing the characters and plots. Perhaps the fault--if fault there be--lies in our modern expectation of instant gratification in all things. For better or worse, our current pace of living has apparently caused us to lose patience with anything that takes time to fully develop.

What do you think?
I don't think an "it was better in the old days" explanation is enough, and I don't think it covers my case. One thing I enjoy about "Lord of the Rings" (an obvious example) is the slow pace, and in general I find that a book does not necessarily have to be fast paced for me to enjoy - I even find I enjoy a slow pace more and more, so I can enjoy the prose and the multiple layers in it. In this case, I find the prose flat, bland and boring, and honestly only suited to bring the story forward. And when the story is developed as slowly as it is, and with fairly flat characters, too, I've found very little in it to enjoy. It's not "bad", just "meh".

I am among those who find the book too slow-moving for my tastes, and what you say about it's style rings true. For what it's worth, those who have read past the first book in the series say the follow-ups are much more enjoyable.

I don't think an "it was better in the old days" explanation is enough, and I don't think it covers my case. One thing I enjoy about "Lord of the Rings" (an obvious example) is the slow pace, and in general I find that a book does not necessarily have to be fast paced for me to enjoy - I even find I enjoy a slow pace more and more, so I can enjoy the prose and the multiple layers in it. In this case, I find the prose flat, bland and boring, and honestly only suited to bring the story forward. And when the story is developed as slowly as it is, and with fairly flat characters, too, I've found very little in it to enjoy. It's not "bad", just "meh".

That is my opinion too, and the reason I stopped reading it. I can't judge the story because I didn't read enough into the book, but the story is not what interests me in a book anyway. I do like believable characters with a depth of their own and that you can identify with (even the villains), and from the little I've read I'm not sure this book offers them.

But really I'm just chiming in to say that it's hard to judge a book from what others say about it, because there are so many different aspects to books, and different people will enjoy, or expect, or dislike, different aspects. Even among the people who didn't much like this book, we do it for different reasons, so that doesn't mean that we will all like or dislike the same books generally.

I think someone here, or in another thread, mentioned Pillars of the Earth, and although I did read it through, I thought it was OK but rather clumsily written. Just an example that mileage will differ :p

I do intend on finishing the book, because it does have redeeming qualities, but I did need to take a break from it. Perhaps it just doesn't currently suit my mood. I find that happens sometimes.

But really I'm just chiming in to say that it's hard to judge a book from what others say about it, because there are so many different aspects to books, and different people will enjoy, or expect, or dislike, different aspects. Even among the people who didn't much like this book, we do it for different reasons, so that doesn't mean that we will all like or dislike the same books generally.

That's a very good point.

At the end of this volume, there are a few questions that might - just - make me look at the subsequent ones. The author sets up two heavily drawn villains, and then just seems to throw them away. I would suppose that they will turn up again in later installments. There is also the question of why the various bad hats drew attention to themselves by going on the attack when they were, apparently, not sufficiently equipped to follow through. And why did they fight so badly? During one of the battles, halberdiers threw their halberds like javelins before the battle had been fully engaged. Military folly. Why did they do that?

I imagine that the various villains know something about the heroine that neither she nor her friends have yet discovered. It is to clear up these mysteries that one might go on reading.

But the prose is terribly wooden, and the characterization remains at the level of a book for adolescents: there's something terribly schooly about it all. I found myself reading as quickly as possible, in order to get it over and done with. If I had put it down, I don't think I'd ever have picked it up again. So on balance, I doubt very much that I will read on.

P.S. I have read six of the other books on the original list: all of them are in an entirely different world in so far as the writing is concerned. I'm afraid Elizabeth Moon simply should not be in competition with Tolkien or Gaiman. And Swift????

But the prose is terribly wooden, and the characterization remains at the level of a book for adolescents: there's something terribly schooly about it all.
As I read it I was thinking it was written by the book*. And I thought I'd have loved it if I was 15-25.

*i.e. a book on how to write

So is Sheepherders Daughter? Or Americann Gods. I'm late, as always.

So is Sheepherders Daughter? Or Americann Gods. I'm late, as always.
Sheepfarmer's Daughter won, but some of us have found the prose a bit bland and the story a bit slow. Others like it very much. Personally, I find American Gods a superior novel (and will start a non-bookclub discussion thread on it on next Friday in case you are interested).

Sheepfarmer's Daughter won, but some of us have found the prose a bit bland and the story a bit slow. Others like it very much. Personally, I find American Gods a superior novel (and will start a non-bookclub discussion thread on it on next Friday in case you are interested).


Thanks! And I'll get cracking on SHDaughter.

But we should not have to read two slow books to get to the good stuff in book 3.

But we should not have to read two slow books to get to the good stuff in book 3.

There's lots of good stuff in book 1. I am reading it and it is a good story. There was a bit where it slowed down for a while about 1/3 of the way in... but once you get to a certain spot

Paks and her two friends, Canna and Saben, escape the attack and set off to tell the Duke what happened.


...I think it picks up and moves quickly again. I am a bit more than 1/2 way through and I am pretty sure at this point I will read the whole trilogy.

BOb

...I think it picks up and moves quickly again. I am a bit more than 1/2 way through and I am pretty sure that this point I will read the whole trilogy

While I agree that the writing isn't at the level of "To Kill A Mockingbird", I throughly enjoyed the book and have already picked up the second and third novels.

Waiting for the start of discussion on "American Gods" and about to finish "His Majesty's Dragon" :thumbsup:

I can't say I've found the pace too slow, but then I've only had a little bit of time to read the book. Whenever I do pick it up to read I've found it absorbing and interesting.

American Gods discussion (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91091)

I finished the book. I found it slow at times but it is a good start to a story. In other series by Moon I found slow spots. In some ways she is trying to develop the characters or the story.

I enjoyed the book. I'm not really a fantasy reader, I didn't know about this book before but I liked it. I bought the trilogy and am reading the rest now

Waiting for the start of discussion on "American Gods" and about to finish "His Majesty's Dragon" :thumbsup:
Loved to read His Majesty's Dragon and I'm now on the 6th book in the Temeraire series, but I'm a bit dissapointed. It moves even slower than Sheepfarmers daughter and at this point I'm more than halfway through.