K J Parker - The engineer trilogy

[DiapDealer]

That's where Parker is most often shelved, Harry. Yes. The settings for her books are not "our world."

[HarryT]

Thanks!

[Pangolin]

But not dragon-ish fantasy.

The world depicted in the Engineer Trilogy in particular is just slightly skewed, the world is very recognizable, pre industrial revolution. That's relevant since one of his/her strengths, if you like that sort of thing, is the writer's love of machines, engines, structures. It's sometimes like looking at medieval 'art of war' images.

Ach, its just something to try as a sample and see. S/he provokes strong reactions. I lent a hard copy of devices and desires to a friend and she struggled with the first chapter or so and then found she couldn't put it down. It is heartless tho' - very chilling. I think that's what makes it so exceptional. There are scenes of real violence with absolutely no romance at all - dead flat.

Do give it a go, sample first. And the style overlaps with the Baroque Cycle, by Neal Stephenson, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Baroque_Cycle] Cool that you liked that too Dia.That's got a lot of the history of science in it, so there's an overlap there regarding the development of science and tech. If anyone is into audio books, Audible have the Baroque Cycle, read by the mighty Simon Prebble - a truly great match of reader to material. The writer has an eyebrow raised much of the time, which is perfectly reflected in the reader's voice.

[Pangolin]

Oh and Diap, that point you made about not scoffing but savouring, I find that Parker just can't be scoffed, its rich stuff. One of the very few authors I just have to read at a reasonable pace, and one of the few I splice with other writers because i need to step back.
Half way through Belly of the Bow now.

[jgaiser]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Can I just clarify that these are fantasy? It's not entirely clear from the description.

Yes. All of his/her novels are fantasy.

[DiapDealer]

Wanted to mention that I did take the time finish off The Fencer Trilogy recently.

I found it was cynical, smart, cheeky, and exhibited a willingness (maybe even an eagerness at times) to poke fun at itself.

So in other words; it's like these books were written just for me!
(And yes, I realize I may be stretching the definition of at least one of those qualities )

I did think the first two books of the series were a little stronger, overall, than the final installment, but it was in no way a let-down.

Not an every-day meal, by any means, but as tasty, occasional, rich indulgence? Yes please.

[jgaiser]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Wanted to mention that I did take the time finish off The Fencer Trilogy recently.

I found it was cynical, smart, cheeky, and exhibited a willingness (maybe even an eagerness at times) to poke fun at itself.

Wow... The Amazon reviews for books 2 are interesting. Reviewers either hated it or loved it. 9 reviews don't make a consensus, just interesting. I've got book 1 and should give it a try --- once I'm done with book 2 of Mazalan.

[Pangolin]

Jgaiser, sorry to bring this thread back up to the top, but just to say I thought Engineer Tril was the best - Fencer was very good too but, for me, the Engineer trilogy was a real knock out.

[DiapDealer]

For anybody interested; rumour has it that Parker will be peeling back the pseudonym tomorrow. Supposedly, Jared Shurin (of Pornokitsch fame) gets the honor of revealing it.

Don't know when; don't know where, though.

Not sure if I want it to happen at this point, to tell the truth.

Reddit discussion:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comm...kers_identity/

[DiapDealer]

So apparently:

Spoiler:

Tom Holt.
Kind of disappointing since "connected somehow to Tom Holt" has been the prevailing theory for some time now.

After seventeen years, it just seems a little odd to reveal such unspectacular news. Ah well, perhaps the inability to attend cons (other than incognito) and participate in "normal" marketing stuff got too restrictive.

I'll miss the mystery.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Spoiler:

Tom Holt.
Kind of disappointing since "connected somehow to Tom Holt" has been the prevailing theory for some time now.

Not an author I've ever heard of. Strange to have heard of the pseudonym, but not the real person.

[DiapDealer]

A 2010 interview where interestingly enough (now), the "real person" interviews their own alter-ego!
https://subterraneanpress.com/magazi...er_by_tom_holt

[mgbino]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

So apparently:

Spoiler:

Tom Holt.
Kind of disappointing since "connected somehow to Tom Holt" has been the prevailing theory for some time now.

After seventeen years, it just seems a little odd to reveal such unspectacular news. Ah well, perhaps the inability to attend cons (other than incognito) and participate in "normal" marketing stuff got too restrictive.

I'll miss the mystery.

So anticlimactic... 17 years and K.J. Parker was exactly who most people thought he was initially.

I like Parker's books, and I liked the one historical fiction book I read of his as Thomas Holt, but I can't stand his Tom Holt "humorous" fantasy.