Spud

The only book of Rutherford's that I did not love was New York. There wasnt as much substance as the other books. It just didn't feel the same. The only one I haven't read is Russka, think that will be my next read.

I am just finishing 'The Empty Throne' now ...... I'm disappointed! This series started brilliantly, so much happened in each book and the story was gripping. The last few that I have read feel as though he isn't putting in any effort at all! Hardly anything happens in the books. In this book all that has happened is a witan (meeting) in Mercia, a visit to Wales and I'm guessing that the book is going to finish with a battle ..... that's it! Plus I think I could have easily finished it in one day (if I had a day to sit down and read!), I'm reading it on a kindle so I don't know if the amount of pages has reduced. Shame, i really liked this series .....

Hello! I have just today finished reading 'Pagan Lord' (I think that it is book 7). I have really enjoyed this series so far. I have found them all gripping as they follow Uhtred through the events of history surrounding Alfred the Great's reign of Wessex. Have you read all of the books? Or just those two? I would recommend (if you haven't) that you start at the beginning with how Uhtred got to where he is now. That being said, I was a bit disappointed with 'Pagan Lord'. I felt that not a lot happened and that the Uhtred character had . . . changed . . . that could be attributed to him being 10 years older than he was in the previous book, but I definitely noticed a difference in the way he was written. But it has not turned me from the series. I looking forward to the next instalment.

The Land of Painted Caves ruined the entire series for me. It was just awful. It read as though she really couldn't be bothered to write it. The story line followed the same path as TMH and the actions of the characters did not fit with there personal development throughout the series. It made no sense! Such a shame . . . .

The Chronicles of Narnia will always have a special place in my heart. It was my first step into the wonderful world of fantasy and I still enjoy rereading them now. I had a lovely set of them growing up which I kept in top condition until my sister gave one to her friend and who lost it (10 years later and I am still not over it!). Also, 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett. A wonderful childrens book that I read again recently. I am also guilty of having a book that I don't not touch. For christmas a few years ago my boyfriend got me a 50th anniversary edition of Lord of the Rings. It is gorgeous with a leather cover, gold page edges etc. If I see anyone even stand near it I feel a bit on edge haha

Wow, feeling very welcome now Thanks all!

1. Who was your favourite character and why? My favourite charachter was Peter. He is the perfect big brother, always trying to protect everyone. 2. Was there a particular part you enjoyed/disliked more than the rest? I love it when Edmund is brought back from the Queen, when he is accepted back by Peter, Susan and Lucy. 3. Was this the first book you've read in this genre/by this author, has it encouraged you to read more? It was a very long time ago, but I don't think this was the first book I have read of this genre. I had a particular liking for adventure books as a child 4. Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with? hmmmmmm it has been a long time since I have read the book, so nothing springs to mind . . . 5. Overall, was reading the book an enjoyable experience? Most definitely yes. It is bok of those books (series) that I imagine I will revisit many times. Also, I am very surprised to read that people could not see the christian references in the book. I remember when I did my first reread as an adult I was shocked by the fact that when reading books 1-7 I felt as though I was reading a childrens version of the bible (I hadnt noticed as a child). Adding to the similarities that Chrissy pointed out there is the fact that Aslan died in place of Edmund (died for his sin) and that the women were the ones to witness the sacrifice and then they were also the ones to witness the resurrection. I have not read the book for a long time so I would have to do a reread to point out any more. Then again, as christian mytholgy is largely based on older pagan traditions I suppose it could be viewed as being based on either . . .

Chrissy & Chesilbeach thank you so much for responding. I will have a look at the areas you both suggest, I'm sure I will be able to find my way around in no time. The reading circle sounds great. I have been wanting to join a reading group for a long time now but havent found any local to me. Chrissy, thanks for your help with the spoiler tags, I couldnt find them anywhere!

Hi everyone I'm new to the forum and thought I would introduce myself. Female, mid 20's from London. As you can probably guess I'm a complete bookworm (hopefully I'm in good company!). I also love talking about books which is how I ended up on this forum. I am yet to have a thorough look around but from what I have seen so far I think I will enjoy posting here. If I had to pick a favoruite genre then I would say Fantasy. However I also love historic fiction and true english history. So far I have only made a few small comments on some threads as I am trying to find the section of the boards where people talk in depth about particular books. All of the threads I have seen so far have been more about book recommendations and general observations and due to not knowing how to use the 'spoiler tags' I didnt want to say too much. If anyone can point me in the direction of the threads I am after I would appreciate it!! Thanks!

I have to say that Edward Rutherford is one of my favourite writers. Like most here I just love the way he can make the reader connect with the charachters and the effortless way he incorporates the country's constantly evolving history without you even feeling it!

I'm a big fan of Bernard Cornwall's historic fiction. I absolutel love his 'Saxon Stories' series. Follows the life of a Saxon born boy who is raised by the Vikings and then throughout his life fights on both side of the ongoing conflict. Another series I would recommend is Manda Scott's Boudica books. The first is called 'Dreaming the Eagle'. Tells the legend of Boudica from a personal persective and does a brilliant job of it!

I regularly start series that are only half written and wait years between books. It doesnt bother me at all. If I like the series that much then it is worth the wait. Plus, I tend not to read the same author's books one after another (don't want too much of a good thing!). An extra bonus is that when after the long wait the latest book is about to be released, its a perfect excuse to go back and reread the other books for a recap!

Romance novels - they make me gag Martina Cole - don't know why but they just look tacky/trashy

As soon as I saw the title I thought of a series called 'Earth's Children Series' by Jean M Auel. It is set in prehistoric times and follows the life of the main charachter called Ayla. Over the 6 books (another in the making) she has to deal with so many struggles and most readers can't help but love her! One warning that I would give before you read is that the author LOVES anthropology, therefore she does tend to write very long descriptive passages of all the flora & fauna from that time.

For some reason 2012 for me has awoken an Anne Rice obsession. I have reread the entire Vampire chronicles this year and have absolutely loved them. Lestat is such an interesting charachter and I just love her style of writing.