Jazzfanz Bookclub

[devin_c]

Last two:

Just bought and read Hear the Wind Sing/Pinball. I'm in love with his writing, about to read Norwegian Wood.

 

[franklin]

I'm reading the Wheel of Time series. I'd say I'm meh on it. On the one hand, it has unbelievably rich world-building and mythology. On the other, the main characters are mostly 17 year olds with "large bosom". But I'm 7 books in, so I might as well finish it.

I can't decide if Jordan is terrible at character development or if he simply has way too many. Some of the characters are somewhat likable (Mordeth, Matrim, Thom Merrilin, and even Nynaeve). Many of the rest are pretty bleh.

 

[Siro]

I can't decide if Jordan is terrible at character development or if he simply has way too many. Some of the characters are somewhat likable (Mordeth, Matrim, Thom Merrilin, and even Nynaeve). Many of the rest are pretty bleh.

To me, the worst thing about the novels is that everything feels safe. There was one surprise death so far, and I'm still waiting for her to come back with an explanation about how she REALLY didn't die. The forsaken are all talk, and are just not very threatening. I am hoping Rand turns to the shadow, but I don't have high hopes of that happening.

 

[Duck Rodgers]

Just bought and read Hear the Wind Sing/Pinball. I'm in love with his writing, about to read Norwegian Wood.

Right on. I think I've read 7 of his books now, and only didn't like 2(1Q84 and After Dark).

 

[Miggs]

Anyone read Anne Rice? I just finished:

I liked it enough that I might pick up her famous series The Vampire Chronicles (Interview with the Vampire; Queen of the Damned).

Looked up to see who posted this. Was expecting Kinkkk.

Oof.

 

[franklin]

To me, the worst thing about the novels is that everything feels safe. There was one surprise death so far, and I'm still waiting for her to come back with an explanation about how she REALLY didn't die. The forsaken are all talk, and are just not very threatening. I am hoping Rand turns to the shadow, but I don't have high hopes of that happening.

That doesn't bother me nearly as much as a) how boring it is for 800 pages building up to a mediocre climax, and b) how incredibly predictable it is. I don't think this is a spoiler -- I think anyone who read up to the point you did knew where that character went and that it will some day return. I haven't read that far yet but I'm sure it will happen eventually. The other main parts are all so damn obviously predictable (i.e. Tom Marilyn).

Fishon pretty much said this in a simpler manner months ago.


The only interesting portion of the book to me is trying to guess where all the factions will line up, and hoping Jordan throws some serious monkey wrenches in causing utter chaos, tyranny, subversion, in every kingdom. But then again, he's definitely being Jordan predictable in building that exact scenario so I'm sure it will disappoint.

 

[fishonjazz]

I'm reading the Wheel of Time series. I'd say I'm meh on it. On the one hand, it has unbelievably rich world-building and mythology. On the other, the main characters are mostly 17 year olds with "large bosom". But I'm 7 books in, so I might as well finish it.

I've said it before and I will say it again
I hate those books.
I hate that the main characters are so predictable. But most of all I hate how when the story is told from the female characters pov they are always saying men are all ____. And same goes for when it's told from the male pov. Women are always ____.

They just constantly speak about the opposite sex in stereotypes.

Also, the good guys are good guys and the bad guys are bad guys. There is no ambiguity with the characters. (Not sure that I used ambiguity right btw)


I agree about the world building and mythology being well done though

 

[fishonjazz]

To me, the worst thing about the novels is that everything feels safe. There was one surprise death so far, and I'm still waiting for her to come back with an explanation about how she REALLY didn't die. The forsaken are all talk, and are just not very threatening. I am hoping Rand turns to the shadow, but I don't have high hopes of that happening.

Nailed it.

I did like matrim allot though and perrin was kind of cool

 

[leftyjace]

Wheel of Time....

There are some wrinkles in the last book that make things not quite so black and white.

The last book is worth it. It makes the whole thing worth it.

And if you don't think Jordan/Sanderson will consider harming or killing main characters - just wait.

 

[fishonjazz]

Wheel of Time....

There are some wrinkles in the last book that make things not quite so black and white.

The last book is worth it. It makes the whole thing worth it.

And if you don't think Jordan/Sanderson will consider harming or killing main characters - just wait.

Hmmm maybe I should have stuck with it.
I read 6 or 7 of them

 

[Siro]

Wheel of Time....

There are some wrinkles in the last book that make things not quite so black and white.

The last book is worth it. It makes the whole thing worth it.

And if you don't think Jordan/Sanderson will consider harming or killing main characters - just wait.

A lot of stories that play it safe kill off a couple of major characters at the end for heightened drama. We are talking about a 14 book series, with 13 books that hide little surprise (I assume, not quite there yet). Well, there are surprises. But those are only surprising due to their absurdity. For example, the rebel Aes Sedai's choice for Amyrlin Seat. I didn't see that coming, but only for its laughable stupidity.

But like I said, I'm so deep into it, I might as well finish it. So I'll wait before issuing a final verdict.

 

[gregbroncs]

A lot of stories that play it safe kill off a couple of major characters at the end for heightened drama. We are talking about a 14 book series, with 13 books that hide little surprise (I assume, not quite there yet). Well, there are surprises. But those are only surprising due to their absurdity. For example, the rebel Aes Sedai's choice for Amyrlin Seat. I didn't see that coming, but only for its laughable stupidity.

But like I said, I'm so deep into it, I might as well finish it. So I'll wait before issuing a final verdict.

I liked the series well enough. But out of all the books by Sanderson I have read these were by far the worst. Most of his other writing is more entertaining to me. It's funny because without him finishing this series I may have never known who he was.
.
Interesting bit My brother in law worked with Sanderson's sister and got me 3 signed books and one of them is a limited edition leather bound book. That was pretty cool.