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Post by fanuidhol on Sept 24, 2016 16:25:35 GMT -6
You'd think it would degenerate into Lord of the Flies just because they were boys at the time of the "Change" but, one of the points Stirling makes is that a society/culture is molded by its early leaders. Since it is based on boy scouting, the most important thing is how many badges you have (I think, with the limited knowledge I have so far with that society). I had to laugh when I recognized the basis. Stirling gave heavy hints, but did not come out and say boy scout.
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Post by fanuidhol on Sept 29, 2016 10:44:07 GMT -6
On book 6, Sword of the Lady and wanted to share this: Not including names, just (person) 1, (person) 2, etc.
"You Rangers are Numenoreans, then?" [1] added. "I never got that part straight. I've heard of those stories....Histories....but never read 'em." "Well, we are descended from Numenoreans," [2] said..... ..."But, that was two Ages of the World ago---at least. So probably everyone is descended from them by now." "[3] thinks we're more descended from them than most people," [4] said. "Because the Histories speak to our hearts, you see." "That's logical. She's very smart and learned," [2] continued. [4] nodded. "Of course, some people think she's also crazy." (pg 129-130, paperback)
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Post by fanuidhol on Oct 27, 2016 15:34:28 GMT -6
Now on book 8 of the Emberverse series, by S M Stirling. Tears of the Sun Still enjoying the heck out of it. It is not without faults though as I previously mentioned. I love the Tolkien references and I think that is one reason why I am enjoying the books so much. But, there are other references that are funny, simply because the differences in generations, those either adult or approaching adulthood before the "Change" and those too young or born after the "Change". The babies born a year or two post "Change" are young adults at this point. For instance: An army is gathering. The Royal Canadian Force joins up. An older adult says "The force is with us." The young adults look at him quizzically. He says "Nevermind...a classical reference."
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Post by Stormrider on Oct 27, 2016 17:07:01 GMT -6
Wait! The younger generation still knows what the force is! But perhaps not in your story ... the time might be much further into the future than we are! However, that makes we wonder: Would Star Wars diminish in its cultural fame and would Tolkien's LOTR diminish as well? Wow! That is a scary thought. I cant imagine Tolkien's works ever diminishing (like the elves).
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Post by fanuidhol on Oct 27, 2016 18:30:09 GMT -6
The "Change" happened in 1998?. It is now 25 years later. Parents, of those born after, did tell stories about the movies they were fond of. But, the difference between Star Wars and Tolkien is that books still exist and movies don't. Though I do realize that there are Star Wars books, they are not widely read compared to "classic" literature. And very few of these people have the leisure time to devote to extensive reading of literature past their school years. The exception are the Dunedain Rangers who often read aloud from the "Histories".
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Post by fanuidhol on Nov 28, 2016 20:10:09 GMT -6
Still reading the Emberverse series by S.M. Stirling. Just finished #9? #10? Got to wait on the next couple of books from Amazon, expected tomorrow. Now 46 years since the "Change" and on to the next generation. Stirling added parts of Asia to the mix, but, still getting some Tolkien references here and there.
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Post by Stormrider on Nov 29, 2016 17:09:33 GMT -6
How many books are in this series! I am going to have to look into it because wht you are describing here does sound intriguing.
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Post by fanuidhol on Nov 30, 2016 5:49:01 GMT -6
There are 13 books, currently. The last of those is till just hardcover. Number 14 is due out in September of 2017. I finished #10 the other day.
If you choose to read them, remember that I did say they had some faults. Repeated backstory often, for new readers. Battle descriptions that are too much and too long. I tend to skim quite a bit of that.
Stirling has strong female characters and interesting themes. I can imagine living in this world he created. And of course, if I was "studying" this series, I would have written down every Tolkien related passage, whether obvious or vague and come up with several pages worth (both sides). My handwriting is not large.
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Post by fanuidhol on Jan 22, 2017 7:55:29 GMT -6
On #12 of the Emberverse series. I found #11 to be a bit different than the others. There was less backstory, or either better presented or I'm soooo used to it. LOL We are definitely on the third generation. A number of the 1st generation have died and the 2nd generation will take a back seat in this one, since it involves a quest initiated by the third generation. In #11, there was a minor character named Faramir. I am sure he'll be involved in the 12th novel, but, the Tolkien references are declining. #12 is over 800 pages and I think I am still below pg 100. I've been reading a book of short stories by different authors, based on the series, too. And like all anthologies it is uneven in writing quality. Another complaint I have is that I wish they were in chronological order. But, overall, I am enjoying this immensely, also.
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Post by fanuidhol on Feb 19, 2017 18:22:39 GMT -6
I have been stalled on book #12. I wanted to finish the book of short stories, first. I knew that Stirling liked a character in one of the stories so much, that he asked permission of the author, Diana L Paxson, to include the character in #12. (Freddie mentioned Paxson earlier in this thread, regarding the Avalon Series which she took over. Love that series, btw.) Long story short, (pun intended), the short story was the last one in the anthology. Now I can move forward on the novel.
I re-read this thread, a few minutes ago. A couple of people mentioned Piers Anthony. His "Incarnations of Immortality" series is one of my favorites. Not so much Xanth but, I did read roughly 15 of them. They are kind of like potato chips that way. I read the first three of the Geodyssey series. That series was like nothing I ever read. It got me reading about some historical instances that I never knew about.
I have the Game of Thrones series waiting in the wings. I started watching the HBO series recently. Looking forward to it.
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Post by Stormrider on Feb 20, 2017 6:47:35 GMT -6
The Game of thrones TV series does an excellent job but there are differences from the books. I can't wait for George RR Martin to finish writing it to see how he finishes it himself. The last TV episode went further than what he has written! He takes about 5 to 6 years between books to get them published.
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Post by Stormrider on Jan 24, 2018 10:04:21 GMT -6
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Post by Andorinha on Jan 25, 2018 6:12:56 GMT -6
Read all three, probably like U. LeGuin's Earth-Sea trilogy best… Zelazny's Nine Princes in Amber was also very good, and liked Jack of Shadows, too.. L'Engle's books, the ones I've read, Wrinkle in Time series were more aimed at juvenile readers -- but just greatl!
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Post by Stormrider on Jan 25, 2018 6:29:50 GMT -6
My cousin did say he read soe of the while he was growing up and into his adult years, so that makes sense that at least one of them was aimed more for younger readers. Thanks for the tips. I will seek those out when I finish the book I am reading now is done!
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Post by fanuidhol on Jan 25, 2018 13:20:00 GMT -6
I've read Wrinkle in Time and it's my husband's favorite book. Probably the only book he's ever read.... The movie is due to come out in March 2018. Hopefully, Disney won't ruin it. Trailers look good. Here's one: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhZ56rcWwRQI have the Time Quartet, the four books in the series. But, haven't read the other three. The Amber Series from Zelazny is Glorfindle's favorite, if I remember correctly. I read most? of them years ago. I don't remember much, other than I did like them. I'm sadden by le Guin's death. Her short story "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" has haunted me since....since...the mid to late 70s. I haven't read any of her novels, much to my chagrin.
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