Know of a good read? - 09/13/04 03:01 PM
I'm looking for some good SciFi to read and I need suggestions. Anyone have a favorite?
Re: Know of a good read? - 09/13/04 11:04 PM
Hi Laura!
Science fiction was an area I never really delved into... until I met a writer who works in that genre and introduced me to some of its treasures. I still can't say I like the techie stuff, but I do enjoy some that lean a bit more toward fantasy. I found an author, Midori Snyder, for instance, whose fantasy books were quite remarkable. But have you ever read Gene Wolfe? He moves in both circles, I would say, sci fi and fantasy.
So I guess I would ask... what kind of sci fi do you most enjoy? A bit of magic and fantasy... or time travel... or robotics... or space frontiers... or....??
Zee
Science fiction was an area I never really delved into... until I met a writer who works in that genre and introduced me to some of its treasures. I still can't say I like the techie stuff, but I do enjoy some that lean a bit more toward fantasy. I found an author, Midori Snyder, for instance, whose fantasy books were quite remarkable. But have you ever read Gene Wolfe? He moves in both circles, I would say, sci fi and fantasy.
So I guess I would ask... what kind of sci fi do you most enjoy? A bit of magic and fantasy... or time travel... or robotics... or space frontiers... or....??
Zee
Re: Know of a good read? - 09/14/04 03:51 PM
I'm not too sure myself! I used to read alot of Ray Bradbury and Asimov when I was younger, but I'm looking to broader my reading I guess. Maybe I should just go pick one randomly and read it. I'll look up Gene Wolfe though, sounds like I might enjoy him. Thanks
Re: Know of a good read? - 09/14/04 07:02 PM
I was impressed with Wolfe's rich language and wealth of imagination, although I favor his novels over his stories. I was also impressed with Samuel R. Delany... and Alfred Bester. But I still prefer fantasy, and in that direction I remember being mesmerized by Marion Zimmer Bradley's "Mists of Avalon," giving women the upper hand in the world of King Arthur. More recently, as I mentioned above, Midori Snyder thrilled me with her fantasy novel, "Innamorati." One of the best books I'd read in some time.
If interested, you can read an interview with Samuel Delany here:
http://www.sfsite.com/06b/srd106.htm
Enjoy!
Zee
If interested, you can read an interview with Samuel Delany here:
http://www.sfsite.com/06b/srd106.htm
Enjoy!
Zee
Re: Know of a good read? - 09/17/04 06:26 PM
One of the most recent I read was John Varley's _Red_Mars_, about a group of folks who build their own spaceship. Funny thing was, I was reading it the very same day the first private spaceship flew it's first actual test flight. Very cool....
Another recent read I enjoyed was David Brin's _Kiln_People_, where people can make clay versions of themselves, for a really complex version of multi-tasking. Imagine four version of the detective main character, all taking in first person....
Another recent read I enjoyed was David Brin's _Kiln_People_, where people can make clay versions of themselves, for a really complex version of multi-tasking. Imagine four version of the detective main character, all taking in first person....
Re: Know of a good read? - 09/28/04 01:24 PM
Hello,
I have always been a big fan of Andre Norton's. She has such a wide area to choose from. I am 52 and have been reading her books since I was given my first one at the age of 10. Her witch world series is just wonderful.
Alan Dean Foster is another good writer. The husband introduced me to his Flinx and Pip series. I loved this series and continue to watch for anything that becomes available. From Alan's website it is noted that a new book in this series will be out possibly in November.
There are so many great writers that it is a wonderland for those of us who like to read. Another great writter that I like is Anne McCaffrey. Her Pern series has kept me rooted to my chair more then one day and night.
I have always been a big fan of Andre Norton's. She has such a wide area to choose from. I am 52 and have been reading her books since I was given my first one at the age of 10. Her witch world series is just wonderful.
Alan Dean Foster is another good writer. The husband introduced me to his Flinx and Pip series. I loved this series and continue to watch for anything that becomes available. From Alan's website it is noted that a new book in this series will be out possibly in November.
There are so many great writers that it is a wonderland for those of us who like to read. Another great writter that I like is Anne McCaffrey. Her Pern series has kept me rooted to my chair more then one day and night.
Re: Know of a good read? - 09/28/04 06:46 PM
I love David Brin books Rae! Did you read Glory Season? That was an interesting read about a society of clones. I haven't read Kiln People but you've piqued my interest. William Gibson has always been a favorite of mine. And another lifetime ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Carl Sagan, what an amazing man!
Re: Know of a good read? - 10/07/04 04:58 PM
Robert Jordan writes realllly well. His books are usually 600+ pages and his most recent series(Wheel of the World) is 8 books long so far...I rarely find his books in a used book store.
I just suggested Andre Norton in the Children's area. I have also read her from childhood and read a new one of hers this summer(not that I have a clue of the name!)
Judith Tarr and Weis and Hickman(a sister brother team) write good fantasy/sword and sorcery.
I just suggested Andre Norton in the Children's area. I have also read her from childhood and read a new one of hers this summer(not that I have a clue of the name!)
Judith Tarr and Weis and Hickman(a sister brother team) write good fantasy/sword and sorcery.
Re: Know of a good read? - 10/08/04 01:24 PM
Roni, my husband reads Robert Jordan. He keeps telling me I would like it, but I hate reading more than one series at a time (I start to get things mixed up!) and I'm waiting for George RR Martin's next book in a Song of Fire and Ice. So I may pick it up in the future, after all we already own them all.
I have read some Weis and Hickman (didn't know they were borther and sister. I couldn't imagine writing with my brother, though!) I want to say it was Rose of the Prophet, but I can't remember. I really liked it.
I need to keep a list in my car of authors I should look up. Everytime I get to the library I forget every name anyone suggests. I am about to start a Phillip Dick novel.
I have read some Weis and Hickman (didn't know they were borther and sister. I couldn't imagine writing with my brother, though!) I want to say it was Rose of the Prophet, but I can't remember. I really liked it.
I need to keep a list in my car of authors I should look up. Everytime I get to the library I forget every name anyone suggests. I am about to start a Phillip Dick novel.
Re: Know of a good read? - 02/15/05 05:51 PM
Sharon Lee & Steve Miller co-author the Liaden Universe series. Excellent writers and mesmerizing characters.
Also try Mercedes Lackey: Her Valdemar books are a fun read.
Also try Mercedes Lackey: Her Valdemar books are a fun read.
Re: Know of a good read? - 02/16/05 02:05 PM
I've really enjoyed Mercedes Lackey. I'll have to see if the library has the Valdemar books
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/11/05 12:48 PM
I recommend Robot Soul (of course I'm the author <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )
Available at www.amazon.com
Laura, if you don't like it, I will personally refund you.
James
www.robotsoulthebook.com
Available at www.amazon.com
Laura, if you don't like it, I will personally refund you.
James
www.robotsoulthebook.com
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/12/05 02:50 PM
It sounds good. I just might try it after I finish the book I'm already reading.
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/24/05 03:01 AM
Finding a good read in science fiction is not too easy these days!
I've been reading stf since 1943, and the supply of readable material dwindles year by year; the last good book I found was Hal Clement's "Noise", an examination of life on a planet with no land surface and an ocean a thousand miles deep!
Clarke was great until he discovered collaboration; Heinlein was great until he discovered sex; Niven was great until he discovered fandom; but Clement remained great until the end (he died shortly after finishing this book).
His like will not come again.
I've been reading stf since 1943, and the supply of readable material dwindles year by year; the last good book I found was Hal Clement's "Noise", an examination of life on a planet with no land surface and an ocean a thousand miles deep!
Clarke was great until he discovered collaboration; Heinlein was great until he discovered sex; Niven was great until he discovered fandom; but Clement remained great until the end (he died shortly after finishing this book).
His like will not come again.
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/24/05 02:02 PM
I'll have to check out some Clement. I tried to read a later Heinlein book (the Divine Invasion) and I couldn't get through it. And I wasn't too impressed with the latest Ringworld novel.
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/25/05 12:54 PM
Sorry; The Divine Invasion is by Philip K. Dick, and couldn't be more unlike Heinlein in his prime, although it does show some resemblence to his later ramblings.
If you'd like to sample Clement, start with his magnum opus, Mission of Gravity.
If you'd like to sample Clement, start with his magnum opus, Mission of Gravity.
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/28/05 01:53 PM
You know, I knew that. I'm terrible at mixing up names. And now I'm sure everyone is snickering at the SF/Fantasy editor who can't tell PKD from Heinlein <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
If you couldn't tell, I lean more to fantasy, but I'm trying to read more SF to keep the site balanced.
If you couldn't tell, I lean more to fantasy, but I'm trying to read more SF to keep the site balanced.
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/01/06 05:10 PM
Go to the Baen free library . There are a lot of excellent books and series there .
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/01/06 10:59 PM
Here's one to try:
Judith Tarr
I absolutley agree about Heinlein and his HORRID allusions to (or is that delusions about?) sex...ack! I want to keep pornography far away from my casual reading...like in a galaxy FAR Far away.....I notice it more and more in new sci-fi authors. I picked up something recently about vampires with some catchy title(No, I do not know it!) I told the libraian I was surpried it was not behind a door labeled Adults Only. I did not go passed the 4th page...besides that it was badly written; but then IS there well written porn. Ahh, I digress; on the other hand, this does include fantasy..
Judith Tarr
I absolutley agree about Heinlein and his HORRID allusions to (or is that delusions about?) sex...ack! I want to keep pornography far away from my casual reading...like in a galaxy FAR Far away.....I notice it more and more in new sci-fi authors. I picked up something recently about vampires with some catchy title(No, I do not know it!) I told the libraian I was surpried it was not behind a door labeled Adults Only. I did not go passed the 4th page...besides that it was badly written; but then IS there well written porn. Ahh, I digress; on the other hand, this does include fantasy..
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/04/06 02:16 PM
Quote:
Go to the Baen free library . There are a lot of excellent books and series there .
Oh, I love the Baen library!
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/04/06 05:55 PM
Someone already mentioned Mercedes Lackey's "Valdemar" series - I really liked that one - although I did start to get a little tired of it towards the end. I thought she maybe stretched it out a little farther then it should have gone.
Lois McMaster Bujold - she has a couple of series that I really like, one fantasy and one scifi. The scifi is based one her character "Miles Vorkosigan", and they are the perfect mix of adventure, mystery, comedy - you name it. Vokosigan is not your typical hero, either - he's short, slightly physically deformed from having been exposed to a toxin while in utero. But he makes up for his physical limitations with extreme intelligence and hyperactivity! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I never get tired of reading this series - its' just fun!
And then there's Brian Lumley, which along with a vampire series has also written a couple of books called "the House of Doors" and it sequel (can't remember its name right now) but they're both really cool, too!
Lois McMaster Bujold - she has a couple of series that I really like, one fantasy and one scifi. The scifi is based one her character "Miles Vorkosigan", and they are the perfect mix of adventure, mystery, comedy - you name it. Vokosigan is not your typical hero, either - he's short, slightly physically deformed from having been exposed to a toxin while in utero. But he makes up for his physical limitations with extreme intelligence and hyperactivity! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I never get tired of reading this series - its' just fun!
And then there's Brian Lumley, which along with a vampire series has also written a couple of books called "the House of Doors" and it sequel (can't remember its name right now) but they're both really cool, too!
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/04/06 06:03 PM
My latest reads have been a few titles by Ian Banks, although he is also sometimes listed as Ian M. Banks. He's compared to J.G. Ballard sometimes.
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/04/06 10:19 PM
I enjoy The Litrix Reading Room , they have quite a few titles. There is a small sci-fi section, I don't really read sci-fi but I browsed through it. Most of it seems to be HG Wells but there are other authors too. You should def check it out if you are an avid reader. <img src="/images/graemlins/beamedup.gif" alt="" />
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/05/06 02:16 PM
Quote:
And then there's Brian Lumley, which along with a vampire series has also written a couple of books called "the House of Doors" and it sequel (can't remember its name right now) but they're both really cool, too!
I've read Lumley (the Necroscope series and then the vampire ones-- I want to say Blood Brothers is the series) I also read House of Doors and I tried to read the sequel, but just couldn't get into it.
I just finished a book last night, so now I have to find a new one to read <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I've been thinking of looking up some Lois McMasters Bujold, but I may slip in a Terry Pratchett since I haven't read one in a while.
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/06/06 02:59 AM
I really recommend Greg Egan, although his books are seriously hardcore Science Fiction. Schild's Ladder is my favourite but is so intense he's included scientific diagrams in one part. I would suggest starting with Terranesia which is an interesting look at genetic mutation and biology.
Another book I recommend is Greg Bear's Darwin's Children, a story of evolution in the near future. I found it an easy read - my only criticism of the book is that as soon as the story gets interesting in terms of character development Bear seems to lose interest and skips ahead in time a few years to continue the "storyline". Since the characters he introduces are absolutely fascinating I was very disappointed by that.
Oh, and have you read any Asimov? Start with Prelude to Foundation. (I'm hooked on that series, and his Robot books - Caves of Steel is good if you're into robots, but Prelude to Foundation will help you to understand CoS a little better.)
Another book I recommend is Greg Bear's Darwin's Children, a story of evolution in the near future. I found it an easy read - my only criticism of the book is that as soon as the story gets interesting in terms of character development Bear seems to lose interest and skips ahead in time a few years to continue the "storyline". Since the characters he introduces are absolutely fascinating I was very disappointed by that.
Oh, and have you read any Asimov? Start with Prelude to Foundation. (I'm hooked on that series, and his Robot books - Caves of Steel is good if you're into robots, but Prelude to Foundation will help you to understand CoS a little better.)
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/12/06 02:12 PM
I should reread some Asimov. I used to read him a lot in high school, but I'm sure I didn't get it all back then. I've been meaning to pick up Darwin's Children. I'll have to test out Greg Egan, though. Sometimes I have trouble with really hardcore SF. I don't have a huge science background <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/24/06 01:55 PM
Any book by Terry Pratchett is worth a read if you like humor and fantasy (Diskworld novels especially, and Good Omens that he collaborated on with Neil Gaiman is also an excellent read), umm Stardust by Gaiman also is among my favorites...lol i could go on forever as my husband and I have a large collection of fantasy (not so much sci-fi) books, but i'll quit right here before the post is 2 miles long <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/24/06 02:23 PM
Baen Books has a great free library. I'd also check out the writers and mags at SFReader.com for new authors.
Re: Know of a good read? - 04/24/06 06:05 PM
I particularly like Michael Moorcock (steady, no tittering at the back). More science fantasy than science fiction, but he does have a cracking beard.
Re: Know of a good read? - 01/09/07 05:10 PM
My favorite Sci-Fi fantasy writers (in no particular order) are:
1. Anne McCaffrey - she has many different series, but my favorite is The Crystal Singer. You could also try her Dragon books, the brainship books (ex The Ship who sang) the "Acorna" books, "The Rowan" series or "The Powers that be" series.
2. Raymond Feist - start with Magician: Apprentice (book 1 of The Riftwar Saga)
3. David Eddings - start with Pawn of Prophecy (book 1 of The Belgariad)
4. Mercedes Lackey (mentioned previously) - in addition to the Valdemar books, I also like her Bardic Voices books (Book 1 is "The Lark and the wren") and the Obsidian Trilogy (book 1 is called "The Outstretched Shadow").
1. Anne McCaffrey - she has many different series, but my favorite is The Crystal Singer. You could also try her Dragon books, the brainship books (ex The Ship who sang) the "Acorna" books, "The Rowan" series or "The Powers that be" series.
2. Raymond Feist - start with Magician: Apprentice (book 1 of The Riftwar Saga)
3. David Eddings - start with Pawn of Prophecy (book 1 of The Belgariad)
4. Mercedes Lackey (mentioned previously) - in addition to the Valdemar books, I also like her Bardic Voices books (Book 1 is "The Lark and the wren") and the Obsidian Trilogy (book 1 is called "The Outstretched Shadow").
Re: Know of a good read? - 01/15/07 07:14 PM
I can't believe that I forgot Janny Wurtz!
I adore the "Empire" trilogy that she wrote with Raymond Feist.
Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire and Mistress of the Empire are all awesome. The main charater Mara is a strong, intelligent woman who uses all of her resources to fight for her family and for the Empire that she loves. The characters are so rich that you get very attached to them. I try to read this trilogy every other year or so. Be prepared to get sucked in.
Note: I think that if you have read the "Riftwar" trilogy from Raymond Feist that you will have some background for understanding the "Empire" books, but I think that you will still enjoy if you have not read the "Riftwar" books.
I adore the "Empire" trilogy that she wrote with Raymond Feist.
Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire and Mistress of the Empire are all awesome. The main charater Mara is a strong, intelligent woman who uses all of her resources to fight for her family and for the Empire that she loves. The characters are so rich that you get very attached to them. I try to read this trilogy every other year or so. Be prepared to get sucked in.
Note: I think that if you have read the "Riftwar" trilogy from Raymond Feist that you will have some background for understanding the "Empire" books, but I think that you will still enjoy if you have not read the "Riftwar" books.
Re: Know of a good read? - 01/18/07 01:28 PM
Wow! Lots of great recommendations here. My list is getting very long 
Re: Know of a good read? - 01/19/07 12:44 AM
Wow! Why in the world have I not found this site before? I now have a list of authors for when I go to the used book store tomorrow. Going to a bookstore for me is like getting lost in time. I am a book-a-holic, but sci-fi is my favorite. I cannot give up my Asimov or Andre Norton-did you know she wrote over 200 books? I think she was a role model for women in sci-fi. I just read an author that I thought was refreshingly original (is that an oximoron?). Tony Daniel. The book was "Warpath". I had to look up on the internet to see if he had written any more. Warpath was his first but he has written three more. Am looking for those, too. Sigh-bet I come back tomorrow laden down with books.
Glenda
Glenda
Re: Know of a good read? - 01/19/07 09:16 AM
I know what you mean, I just love the feeling that I'm not going to run out of good books to read anytime soon. What a luxurious feeling.
Re: Know of a good read? - 02/06/07 12:10 AM
I would recommend books by Ben Bova
Ben Bova books I like include:
MARS
RETURN TO MARS
MOONRISE
MOONWAR
I would also recommend the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffery. These include DRAGONFLIGHT, DRAGONQUEST, WHITE DRAGON and many more.
For fun and laughs I recommend the Myth Adventures series by Robert Asprin. These include ANOTHER FINE MYTH, MYTH CONCEPTIONS, MYTH DIRECTIONS, HIT OR MYTH and many more. These books are a very funny parody of fantasy books.
I also highly recommend
DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS by John Wyndham
CLONED LIVES by Pamela Sargent
CONTACT by Carl Sagan
WOLVES OF MEMORY by George Alec Effinger
Ben Bova books I like include:
MARS
RETURN TO MARS
MOONRISE
MOONWAR
I would also recommend the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffery. These include DRAGONFLIGHT, DRAGONQUEST, WHITE DRAGON and many more.
For fun and laughs I recommend the Myth Adventures series by Robert Asprin. These include ANOTHER FINE MYTH, MYTH CONCEPTIONS, MYTH DIRECTIONS, HIT OR MYTH and many more. These books are a very funny parody of fantasy books.
I also highly recommend
DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS by John Wyndham
CLONED LIVES by Pamela Sargent
CONTACT by Carl Sagan
WOLVES OF MEMORY by George Alec Effinger
Re: Know of a good read? - 02/08/07 03:11 PM
Ben Bova is one of those authors that I always mean to read, but never got to. I'll have to see what my library has.
Same with Dragonriders. I've noticed my library now offers download of audio books, so I might have to check out Dragonriders and listen on my MP3 player.
Same with Dragonriders. I've noticed my library now offers download of audio books, so I might have to check out Dragonriders and listen on my MP3 player.