Timstar

I've heard good things about this recently as well, I had previously dismissed it as another Game of Thrones rip-off. Looking forward to seeing what you think

Sums it up nicely I will probably listen to the 2nd and 3rd but haven't bought them yet.

Look out for the Doctor... two of them in fact

Red Mars - Kim Stanley Robinson (Audio book narrated by Richard Ferrone) Synopsis Mars – the barren, forbidding planet that epitomises mankind’s dreams of space conquest. From the first pioneers who looked back at Earth and saw a small blue star, to the first colonists – hand-picked scientists with the skills necessary to create life from cold desert – Red Mars is the story of a new genesis. It is also the story of how Man must struggle against his own self-destructive mechanisms to achieve his dreams: before he even sets foot on the red planet, factions are forming, tensions are rising and violence is brewing… for civilization can be very uncivilized. Review It begins with 'the first 100'. 100 men and women of varying nationalities and backgrounds, chosen for their select skills to colonize and terraform Mars. The first quarter of this substantial book takes us through the selection process then their training and voyage before descending to Mars. For me, this seemed to read like a Stephen King book (his more recent work anyway), with the events taking a back seat to the characterisation, seeing normal people thrust into an extraordinary situation and watching how they cope. The ship and then the following areas they inhabit are described in vivid detail but only when it is important to story which stops it getting bogged down in pages upon pages of description. KSR never forgets that it is Science Fiction; the science is profound, accurate (to my knowledge) and integral to the plot, he doesn't shy away from describing the science behind things that don't exist (and probably never will) so even when you think 'that's impossible' he gives a solid explanation describing how it is possible. KSR frequently sets up interesting philosophical arguments between the main characters, which ultimately become the basis for the in-suing conflict and thus we see the continual disagreement between those who believe Mars should be utilised as a resource for the struggling Mankind (Terrans) on Earth and those who believe there is intrinsic value in a barren but untouched landscape, and that it should be left well alone. This is certainly one of the heavier SF I have read (there hasn't been tonnes though) and really enjoyed it. The characters are well flushed out and likeable yet like GRRM, Robinson isn't afraid of disposing of them casually. As well as the fore-mentioned science there is also plenty of philosophy, sociology, politics, economics. I believe a strong message is also conveyed in-directly about the nature of mankind; with Mars came a chance for a fresh beginning but the same old problems quickly arise leading to greed, famine, war and ultimately death. The issue I had with it is that despite all the above it wasn't particularly exciting, even when something major happens that makes you sit up and pay attention, it kinda happens in an almost casual way as if it's just an inevitable event that the characters must go through. However I would give KSR the benefit of the doubt as it could of somewhat been down to the narrator never changing his tone or speed regardless of events, but some of it was certainly down to the writing. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't expect a book like this to read like a thriller and I'm glad it doesn't, but the occasional step up in tempo, accompanied with a flare of emotions would really get you caring a bit more about the characters and the outcome. A great book, but not perfect. Narration 6/10 Overall 8/10

Great review, glad you enjoyed it. I agree it was a bit speedy! I have CoMC on audio book, looking forward to starting it I have most of Robert Harris' books as my Wife likes them and can never be bothered to start them.

TA DA!!! http://screenrant.com/neil-gaiman-american-gods-hbo-6-seasons-mcrid-119432/ Not sure if it is official yet, Gaiman denied claims that it was back in June. Not much info since.

About half way through The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, it's very short and barely just enough words to classify it as a novel, but very good and worth reading!

That's a good question, I'm not sure to be honest. I'd say my single favourite fantasy so far is The Lies of Locke Lamora, which I guess falls somewhere in the middle but more towards the grittier end... I really enjoyed The Belgariad and feel like I could get more into The Wheel of Time, but certainly won't enjoy it as much ASOIAF.

Ah OK, might check it out then

Yeah, it just seems to grow through the eyes of the characters. Still haven't read any Gemmell yet

Steve might be the better person to ask, having read 5 out of 6 I believe. I certainly enjoyed Red Country more, but that may be because it is a whole story whereas The Blade Itself is the first 1/3. I have also heard great things about The Heroes.

Friday Night Lights, meh, typical American underdog story (Even though they are not quite the Underdogs it still felt like that type of film, making it even more pointless) What does the series have that the film doesn't?

The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie Synopsis Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled and increasingly bitter relic of the last war, former fencing champion turned torturer extraordinaire, is trapped in a twisted and broken body - not that he allows it to distract him from his daily routine of torturing smugglers. Nobleman, dashing officer and would-be fencing champion Captain Jezal dan Luthar is living a life of ease by cheating his friends at cards. Vain, shallow, selfish and self-obsessed, the biggest blot on his horizon is having to get out of bed in the morning to train with obsessive and boring old men. And Logen Ninefingers, an infamous warrior with a bloody past, is about to wake up in a hole in the snow with plans to settle a blood feud with Bethod, the new King of the Northmen, once and for all - ideally by running away from it. But as he's discovering, old habits die really, really hard indeed . . . . . . especially when Bayaz gets involved. A bald old man with a terrible temper and a pathetic assistant, he could be the First of the Magi, he could be a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he's about to make the lives of Glotka, Jezal and Logen a whole lot more difficult . . . Review I have been looking forward to starting this trilogy for a while, having listened to Red Country by Abercrombie before and read enough reviews about The First Law I knew what to expect... grittiness and lots of it. Having read (listened to) and loved his latest novel, I was interested to go back to his debut and see how they compare. I wasn't disappointed, Abercrombie's style throws you right between fighting characters, making you feel every punch, kick and decapitation. It is refreshing to read a fantasy series with less world building and more character building, for that is definitely Abercrombie's strength with Inquisitor Glokta worth a special mention as my personal favourite but there are plenty of great characters to choose from. A certain amount of the book was clearly devoted to setting up the rest of the trilogy and it feels Abercrombie was still trying to find his feet, I am looking forward to continuing with the series and seeing how it pays off. Overall 8/10

Yep, that guy

...Ben Affleck http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23806756 A bit controversial as he as already played a superhero for Warner Bros. and it didn't work out so well. Also a bit surprising as no one was expecting the announcement to be made for at least 6 months and no one suspected Ben Affleck, mainly because his Directing career is just starting to take-off. It's certainly an interesting choice, although I know he is unpopular amongst some. I have always been a fan (I just have to pretend Pearl Harbour never happened). What are your thoughts? Good choice or not?

I have this issue as well! I've had Emperor's Soul on my Kindle for since it was released but keep forgetting about it. If it's as good as you say then I should read it soon

Went to a talk and signing with Neil Gaiman today at Ely Cathedral. Beautiful building and brilliant talk. He did readings from both Ocean at the End of the Lane and Fortunately, the Milk and answered some questions. He talks very much like he writes. Two choice Q&As: Q - What profession would you want to be in if you weren't a writer? A - A Professional Religion Designer (with a brief explanation as to how this would work) Q - What are your biggest fears? A - *nonchalantly* You know, the same as everyone... something bad happening to my Wife... something bad happening to my Kids...being on the Underground and my eyeballs liquefying in their sockets and seeping out onto the floor like giant tears.

Yeah you're probably right, I have yet to read as much science fiction as i'd like and nothing as long as this yet so it is quite new to me.

You know what I mean! The science is accurate (or as accurate as can be at the time of writing) and is integral to the story and characters. Thanks, I only listen to my audio books at work and I have some time off soon so will be a couple of weeks.

Thanks, I am about half way through now, it is pretty good, very scientific as well which always gets more points from me

Yay, glad you liked it! This tends to be the general consensus amongst fans. Can't wait to start them

Thanks that does look good and some great review, I was also interested in the history going back further, basically from the Romans or at least the Normans. That may be asking too much though...

Cool, I remember it being a good one, hope you enjoy it!

I wish! No, I mean your personal money to spend on books. Which for many on here is quite substantial.

Have you read any of the other Sharpe books?