book recommendation

[txfirefighter]

33 A.D. (Bachiyr, Book 1) by David McAfee

If you like vampires (and not ones that sparkle) then you might like this one.

**My review from Amazon**


First off I want to say that the idea of combining vampires with Christ can be a difficult thing to do but McAfee does a great job with an original idea. I was a bit skeptical at first fearing it might not keep to the Biblical story of Christ but I was pleasantly surprised after reading. So, if you are worried about that, as I was, don't be.

Now, as for the story here goes.

It was good... The dialog was a bit bland as with the characters and the whole story was a bit predictable. There was some word usage that did not fit the era of the story and some minor grammar/typo errors. It was easy to look over those and quite entertaining leaving me wanting to finish it.

The ending, however, was my favorite part of the whole story. The characters suddenly explode with personality and I definitely want to find out what happens to them because... the ending left it so open! I will be buying book two.

So, if you are looking for an easy to read, action packed and gory book then you will find it here! Get it and enjoy.

[Blxz]

Unfortunately not much into vampires or Christ very much. But I am looking for interesting books since I got back home. If I see it around I'll make sure to keep your recommendation in mind.

How big are the individual books? I've become accustomed to 600-1000+ page books and have trouble settling into anything smaller than that.

[txfirefighter]

well, it is very small. i used it as a break in between clash of kings and feast for crows. (george r r martin)

a game of thrones is the first major reading i have ever done in terms of length. i tend to stick to series that are about 250 - 400 pages.

[Blxz]

I only read that series late last year. Pretty interesting. but I wonder how long the next book is going to take.

[txfirefighter]

i think i remember reading somewhere that Winds of Winter is in its final stages.... but i cant confirm that (thats book 6)

[Blxz]

i think i remember reading somewhere that Winds of Winter is in its final stages.... but i cant confirm that (thats book 6)

Great to hear. I know book 5 took years to come out. All the people reading it now have the right timing. Other people have had to wait for ages and may be forgetting some of the characters (there are a lot).

Can't wait!

[Dem1]

Loved books 1-3 of the "A song of ice and fire series". but after the fourth one, I kind of took a break from reading series(I think I know why, but not dropping any spoilers). also it's going to be years before the last two come out

I've been reading multiple series, but I don't have time to finish them all. so here's what I'm currently reading and going to read eventually. *sigh* time.

Malazan series by Steven Erikson
Farseer Trilogy & Liveship series by Robin Hobb
Silmarillion by J.R.R Tolkien(I've already read both the hobbit and lord of the rings, so thought I would give this one a try).
Asian Saga by James Cravell
and
The Black Company series by Glen Cook

I'm currently going through a fantasy phase, but looking for some great Cyber Punk/Sci Fiction novels if anyone has any recommendations.

[wolfwood296]

martin is a great writer and has created a great plot, but why the huge walls (said to be 40ft tall )

i have also read benard cornwell's sharpe series which had a great character and history (it was a historic-fiction series).

right now i am reading orason scot card's series ender's game which has great tactics and thinking. (i have only gotten as far as xenocide)

[Blxz]

I found enders game to be average at best. It seems really hyped up by some people and maybe its the semi twist at the end or the fact that the whole story feels like it was written by an 8 year old (the main character).

Who knows, maybe I am not able to appreciate fine writing; I don't really like Shakespeare either.

[txfirefighter]

what walls are you referring to?

i bought the first book of malazan but i could not connect with it at all. now its at halfproce books :\ should have given it another try.

im buying quite a bit of indie authors from amazon and im getting more nad more disappointed in them. most are average at best.

[Dem1]

I think he might be talking about Harrenhal.

[spoiler]I think the walls are that tall to keep tidal waves out*at least that's what I remember* The Wall is even bigger though. can't remember how much exactly, but I want to say 800ft high. probably a unnecessary spoiler, but better safe, then sorry.
[/spoiler]

i bought the first book of malazan but i could not connect with it at all.

I felt the same why through the first few chapters. there's something about his writing style that takes some getting use to. once you do, you'll find a pretty decent high-fantasy story.then again, a friend of mine just hated it(that's how I got the book ). so my taste in books might be of the poop-poop.

differently going to add those to my check out list wolf, thanks.

[wolfwood296]

@blxz i don't get the 8 year old thing. ender only looks like he is 8 years old but mentaly he is an adult (which is the reason he goes into space in the fist place). the twist at the end is great in a military view and by any bystander (spolier (idk how to do the spolier thing)) the goverment people put him on what he thought was a war against an IA so he would play without remorse. that made him the most efficent commander ever. also noone could outright blame him when he exterminates the bug race because he did not know he was until he destroyed their last queen.

@firefighter the ice wall is 400 ft tall and the barbariens climb it (again ) his books are great exept his view of walls. also is the malzen book by cornwell (only heard of the sharpe series (idk all the names of books of the series))

@dem1 you are welcome for the list hope you enjoy the books

[Blxz]

By 8-year old, i mean that the story is told through enders view. This lends the whole book a sort of childish writing style. i don't like it but I appreciate that might be some of the charm and immersion.

As for the twist... its average at best. Omgzorz, ender was killing real things when he ordered the fleets to attack instead of just a simulation.... meh.

The sad thing is, this is supposed to be the best of the series and it supposedly goes downhill after book one. Does not bode well when you start going downhill from an already low height. But then, I haven't read the rest so this is only second-hand news.

[Diruk]

Blxz,
Personally I enjoyed the Enders series, I have read the main 3-4 ish books.
And am out on the hunt for the rest of the books.
"Speaker for the Dead" was a torture, but in the end it was worth reading.
"Children of the Mind" was awesome in my point of view, very touching ending.

Please tell me there are people here that have read the Ciaphas Cain series. I really enjoyed the Ciaphas Cain books, it kept to a well placed level of vocab and grammar style, although some faults are noted it was still awesomes.
Speaking of vocab and grammar level, Eragon was a well done series. I really enjoyed the progression of style in the books, simply because the writer started out young.
I'm trying to finish the trilogy of Paul Kearney's Macht series. Some good knowledge in Greek military structure, equipment, and chain of command is recommended but well pleasing. Finished "The Ten Thousand" and "The Kings of Morning", but am hesitant on reading "Corvus" (accidentally skipped)
My next aim is to read "The Dark Tower", a friend recommended me that book for my story writing.

[Blxz]

Eragon was a well done series.

We have totally different taste.


What I can offer to this thread though, apart from my brilliant criticism, is the 'Night Angel Trilogy' by Brent Weeks. 3 books, each 500-700 pages but a well told story with some great characters and depth that just keeps unfolding all the way to the end. Not new books but not too old, the 3rd one was published in 2008. It is about killing and politickin' and all the funstuff in a lightly fantasy atmosphere (as in, magic exists but its not over the top). I hesitate to compare it to Game of thrones but they are similar STYLES of fantasy. The main focus is on real people not over the top magic.

[Diruk]

True give, Eragon was quite light weight on the first book.
But the final one, was quite an eye opener to how his writing style has improved.

[Nephos]

*Snip*

[Nephos]

I've read a lot of books, and have likely forgotten many, but I'll try and put down as many as I can.
In no particular order of course.

The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks: This has already been mentioned but I enjoyed this series a lot, it's a trilogy about the assassin protagonist Kylar Stern, It's pretty great and I recommend it.

The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Fiest: Probably one of my favorite authors of all time, there are at least 19 books written by Raymond based in the World of Midkemia and they are all excellent, hearty recommendation here.

The Ancient Future trilogy by Traci Harding: Great book series about lots of different time settings, mostly Medieval England though (I think.)

The Quickening and Trinity trilogies by Fiona McIntosh: The two trilogies are mostly unrelated, completely different set of characters and different time, but still the same world and their both excellent.

The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander: Pretty great, old, cool, blargh.