i need a book

[Green_Fairy]

soo...i've decided i need a book.
i dig history, fantasy, steampunk, sci-fi, mystery...
any ideas?

[Taboo]

Ender's Game and Dune are both great sci-fi classics, just in case you haven't read them yet. For fantasy, I'm a big fan of Diana Wynne Jones' work.

[AdminAssistant]

I'm just finishing Anthony Bourdain's The Nasty Bits (I also recommend Kitchen Confidential), and I'm about to dig into David Mamet's new one Theatre.

[Elspeth]

Currently reading "The Stepsister Scheme" by Jim C Hines. It is a series. New take on the classic fairy tales. I like it so far

Also The Game of Thrones is suppose to be good (I read it when it first came out, but I don't remember much of it)

Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara is another series. Read the first book and loved it

Dresedn Files Series is very good also Jim Butcher's other series is very good


I will add to this if I think of any more

[Treasure]

the Hollow's Series by Kim Harrison (Also known as the Rachel Morgan series) awsome! (witch bounty hunter w/ a vampier roommate/bus. partner and a pixie who she trusts more than anything! also with werewolves, fairies, elves, demons, etc)

any of the Anita Blakes by Laurell K. Hamilton, she also has a fairy series - all i know is one of the books is called "Lick of Frost"

[Seshat]

Almost anything by Niel Gaimen.

Girl Genius, by Phil and Kaja Foglio. (Yes, it's written/illustrated in comic format - it's a GREAT story, though.)

Tanya Huff's stuff is good. I'm not as fond of her vampire books as her more fantasy stuff, but I'm sure about half her fans say that, and the other half prefer the vampire ones. ;)

[TelephoneAngel]

I'm reading Fragment by Warren Fhy it's about a mysterious island inhabited by creatures never seen before, plenty of intrigue and gore.

[trailerparkmedic]

Fiance is reading Off Armageddon Reef and is enjoying it. It seems to be a Fantasy-ish book.

If you like mysteries, have you ever read any of Janet Evanovich's numbered series (Stephanie Plum books)? They're hilarious and you don't need to read them in order. The only continuous plot line (at least in the ones I read) was the main character's love life. I'd start with One for the Money just so you get an idea of how the main character's story started. I'm not a huge mystery fan and I still liked the books.

[Exaspera]

Fatherland (http://sfreader.com/read_review.asp?book=468&t=Fatherland-Robert-Harris) by Robert Harris. I was so sad when the book was over!

[bookworm]

My all time favorite sci-fi author is Robert Heinlein. My favorites of his are The Cat Who Walked Thru Walls and Number of the Beast (which is much more science-y than most, but is still a good read).

Robert Jordan is another fave of mine, but warning, his Wheel of Time series is LONG. Book 12 is currently out and there's going to be 2 more (he died, but someone else is finishing the series based on his notes. There was supposed to be 1 more book, but they decided to split it up).

Terry Goodkind's Truth series is another good one. It's been a few years since I've read it, so I don't remember the book names, but I know there's a tv show based on the books. The Seeker or some such.

Everything is vampires nowadays, and I'm not much into that, but Sherrilyn Kenyon's DarkHunter series is great. They aren't technically vampires and it's based on Greek/Roman type mythology.

David Eddings has a couple series I liked.

(If you can't tell, I like series and quest type books.)

I second Janet Evanovich - she's laugh out loud funny. To this day I can picture Lulu running down the street with a bag of bacon, being chased by a pack of dogs. That's just an image you never forget!!!

I also like JD Robb, which is a pseudonym for Nora Roberts. It's a futuristic murder detective series. Warning though, it can be sexually explicit and the main character has flashbacks to some severe abuse she suffered as a child. (I always like to warn people about that, just in case).

I'll stop now, but I have several more authors I like if you need more recommendations.

Edited: Mercedes Lackey is a prolific fantasy writer, and her Valdemar series is exceptionally good.

[Whiskey]

The dark half by Stephen king. :devil:

[jedimaster91]

The Dune series is great, although I could only get through the first three. God Emperor of Dune made my head hurt.

I would recommend the New Jedi Order series. It starts with Vector Prime by RA Salvatore. It's deliciously dark and violent and arguable the best Star Wars series ever written. You can still understand it even if you haven't read any of the other books. All you need to know is Han and Leia got married and had 3 kids, and Luke's married to a former Imperial. ;)

[Mishi]

Treasure, TrailerParkMedic and bookworm already mentioned the authors that I was going to recommend so here's a few more.

- Clive Cussler: easy to read and I like the way he writes about alternate historical events.

- Kerry Greenwood: for the dicotomy between the two mystery series she writes (A 1920's ex-model lady detective and a present day size 20 baker that has mysteries sneak up on her).

- Kylie Chan: Chinese gods and Martial Arts in a present day setting.

- Dick Francis: Mysteries centred around the horseracing industry.

- Terry Pratchett: for laugh out loud funny.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Shadow Divers (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Shadow-Divers/Robert-Kurson/e/9780375508585/?pwb=2) by Robert Kurson (History, WWII, and adventure to boot).

I met the author and the 4 main "characters" (it's a true story) the week before I read the book, and there is a section that still had me on the edge of my seat (so to speak) waiting to find out if the guy makes it out. Afterwards, I said to myself, "Duh! You just met the guy!" Great book.

[ArcticChicken]

Tanya Huff's stuff is good. I'm not as fond of her vampire books as her more fantasy stuff, but I'm sure about half her fans say that, and the other half prefer the vampire ones. ;)

I just picked up The Enchantment Emporium, and am enjoying the hell out of it.



Robert Jordan is another fave of mine, but warning, his Wheel of Time series is LONG. Book 12 is currently out and there's going to be 2 more (he died, but someone else is finishing the series based on his notes. There was supposed to be 1 more book, but they decided to split it up).

Brandon Sanderson is the guy who's finishing Wheel of Time, and he's and awesome writer. Elantris was OK, but the Mistborn and it's sequels were absolutely brilliant.

Mercedes Lackey is a prolific fantasy writer, and her Valdemar series is exceptionally good.

I just arranged my books and discovered that I have two entire shelves of Lackey.

Naomi Novik has the Temeraire series, which is historical fantasy, and on my "Must Own" list, the first book is His Majesty's Dragon.

Jim Butcher is good. While I enjoy the Dresden Files, I really love his fantasy series, which he just finished.

Louis McMaster Bujold has both sci-fi and fantasy series that I love.

I can't recommend Orson Scott Card enough.

P.N. Elrod has a vampire detective series that's pretty fun.

Neil Gaiman is on my personal list of deitys.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is brilliant, it's sequel, Red Seas Under Red Skies, less so, but worth reading once.

If you like young adult fiction, Tamora Peirce has some fun series, but I'm not sure how much of my attachment is related to fond childhood memories.

Diana Wynne Jones is also a young adult author, but I know I don't just like her because of memories, my particular favorites are Howl's Moving Castle and The Dark Lord of Derkholm.

I just picked up The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson, and I'm loving it, the other book I've read of his is Snowcrash, which I also loved.

If you're looking for more classic fantasy I highly recommend The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams, and, of course, the sequels.

That's all I can think of right now, but I'll post again if anything else occurs to me.

[bookworm]

If you're looking for more classic fantasy I highly recommend The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams, and, of course, the sequels.

Oh, I forgot about that series. Off to search the bookshelves..........

[ArcticChicken]

Oh, I forgot about that series. Off to search the bookshelves..........

My BF introduced me recently, and as soon as I'm done I'm off to collect every thing else he's ever written.

[Riesie]

Phillippa Gregory's books for a bit of history,

Terry Pratchett / David Eddings / Anne McCaffrey / Neil Gaiman for fantasy/sci-fi

I like Beverly Barton's books too. I'm not sure what I'd describe them as, but they tend to be under 'crime' in bookstores/libraries, and the jacket claims they're half thriller, quarter romance and quarter justice, as a general rule.

[Teysa]

Elizabeth Haydon's Rhapsody series is very good. If you want light humor, Robert Asprin's Myth series is just plain fun.

[KaeZoo]

ArcticChicken mentioned Lois McMaster Bujold. Her books "The Curse of Chalion" and "Paladin of Souls" are probably my favorite fantasy novels. She also does some Sci-Fi, including the Vorkosigan saga; it's not "hard" sci-fi, but it's a lot of fun.

Dave Duncan's "The Seventh Sword" trilogy is also one I'd recommend.

[Becks]

The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Very good reading.

If you like mysteries, have you ever read any of Janet Evanovich's numbered series (Stephanie Plum books)? They're hilarious and you don't need to read them in order. The only continuous plot line (at least in the ones I read) was the main character's love life. I'd start with One for the Money just so you get an idea of how the main character's story started. I'm not a huge mystery fan and I still liked the books.

They're funny as hell. (Ranger's MINE!!!!!!!) Still trying to get Bella to read them...

[Eric the Grey]

Two different books (from each other). One is my personal favorite, the second one I read recently:

Robert Asprin & Neil Gaiman - Good Omens. A story about the biblical apocalypse. As someone said earlier, laugh out loud funny.

Roger Zelazney - A Night in the Lonesome October. - a fantasy story revolving around numerous horror movie characters (not a horror story), as told by the dog.


:cool: Eric the Grey

[Green_Fairy]

so...went to the local library to pick up books. had a handy dandy list, too! wrote down all of the books you kind people suggested. and guess what!

...they didn't have a single one.
nope.
notta one.

well, they had authors like terry pratchett (5 books, not a single one was the first of a series), anne mccaffrey (a handful, again not one was the first of a series), neil gaiman (3 books. and guess what! notta one was the first of a series)
and i have issues starting half-way through a series.

i have lost faith in my library. luckily there's another library about a half hour away that's much bigger that should have the books.

gr. stupid library.

doesn't even have "interview with a vampire"! i mean common...

[ArcticChicken]

Robert Asprin & Neil Gaiman - Good Omens. A story about the biblical apocalypse. As someone said earlier, laugh out loud funny.

I believe you mean Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, unless there's another version I'm unfamiliar with.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

History, fantasy, and sci fi?

Pastwatch by Orson Scott Card (http://www.amazon.com/Pastwatch-Christopher-Orson-Scott-Card/dp/0812508645) is the clear choice here. Could not put it down.

Also, if you like history and fantasy, you can get a nice dose of both in the Alvin Maker series by the same author. Seventh Son (http://www.amazon.com/Seventh-Tales-Alvin-Maker-Book/dp/0812533054) is the first book. Give him time to tell the story, he starts off a little slow, but believe me it picks up. This is my most favorite series of books...and considering I don't tend to read series, that is saying something.

Also, On Stranger Tides by Tim Powell (http://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Tides-Tim-Powers/dp/1930235321/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278133439&sr=1-1) It was obvious to me from the get go Pirates of the Carribean was based on this book, and now what, four movies later they are finally getting around to admitting it.

[ArcticChicken]

well, they had authors like terry pratchett (5 books, not a single one was the first of a series), anne mccaffrey (a handful, again not one was the first of a series), neil gaiman (3 books. and guess what! notta one was the first of a series) and i have issues starting half-way through a series.

I too have the same issues, so trust me when I say, most Terry Pratchett's can be read out of order. While they are part of a series, they aren't really in the traditional sense, they are written in the same world, and reference other books, but that is usually a minor thing and not at all necessary to the humor or understanding the story.

Also, Neil Gaiman only has one series, and it only has two books in it, so unless all they have is three copies of Anansi Boys, you're good.

[Eric the Grey]

I believe you mean Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, unless there's another version I'm unfamiliar with.

Why yes, yes I did. :rolleyes:

Tonight is my night for mis-quoting things.



:cool: Eric the Grey

[Jester]

As far as history goes, I recommend any of the following:

"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson.
"Warrior Queen" by Alan Gold.
"The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William L. Shirer.

For fiction, I recommend Carl Hiaasen, Tim Dorsey (I am re-reading Dorsey's books currently), and Piers Anthony. The first two are kind of crime/comedy/political blends, great reads, fun stuff. Piers Anthony is Piers Anthony...the Xanth series is amusing fantasy, with more puns than you can throw a stick at. Coincidentally, all three authors are Florida residents.

[Becks]

Phillippa Gregory's books for a bit of history,

No. Just...no. I can handle historical fiction (one of my favorite genres), but she does not acknowledge any known historical FACT. Plus, she seems to have an incest fetish that I find disturbing and disgusting.

[trailerparkmedic]

Green Fairy, check out worldcat.org (http://www.worldcat.org). You enter your location and search for a book. It tells you what libraries near you have the book.

[lupo pazzesco]

As far as history goes, I recommend any of the following:

"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson.


Love! Love, love, LOVE!!

(Actually...I think I recommended it to you once upon a time, but can't remember. I've slept since then. :p)

If you like true crime, I recommend the body farm books by Bill Bass. Everyone so far has hit on my favorite fantasy/sci fi. Plus, I found some new ones and took a list of my own to my local library. :D

[Jester]

I think I recommended it to you once upon a time, but can't remember.

I think you did, but that I already had it and had read it by then.

If you like true crime...

I recommend Harold Schechter, Ann Rule, and John Douglas as authors.

[AccountingDrone]

so...went to the local library to pick up books. had a handy dandy list, too! wrote down all of the books you kind people suggested. and guess what!

...they didn't have a single one.
nope.
notta one.

well, they had authors like terry pratchett (5 books, not a single one was the first of a series), anne mccaffrey (a handful, again not one was the first of a series), neil gaiman (3 books. and guess what! notta one was the first of a series)
and i have issues starting half-way through a series.

i have lost faith in my library. luckily there's another library about a half hour away that's much bigger that should have the books.

gr. stupid library.

doesn't even have "interview with a vampire"! i mean common...

If you don't mind reading online Webscriptions.net has a free library of current ebooks, downloadable in multiple formats or read online.

[CaroPhoenix]

I like J.D. Robb. Her "in Death" series is based in the future (2059 or so), but it's an alternate earth PLUS it's a mystery series. (Fun side note: J.D. Robb is the pen name for Nora Roberts).

For Historical fiction/romance, I'd recommend Bertrice Small. She describes the outfits of her characters is wonderful detail. She does research into the the eras/parts of history she is writing about. I'd recommend reading "Skye O'Malley" (which is the start of the "Skye O'Malley series"). She also have modern erotic/romance and she does have a fantasy series (the Hetar series, I think the first book is called "Lara").

I'd also recommend Anne Bishop. I don't like her Fey series (I have no clue what the books are called), but I like her Black Jewels trilogy/books. Read Daughter of the Blood (the first book in the Black Jewel series). Also, I'd recommend her Ephemera series (Belladonna and Sebastian are the 2 titles in that series).

Good luck hunting!

[sms001]

i have lost faith in my library. luckily there's another library about a half hour away that's much bigger that should have the books.


Besides worldcat.org already mentioned, you might try

http://www.boisepubliclibrary.org/default.shtml

and see if starting an account there lets you do online interlibrary loans.

Whenever I want any book, I go to my local version and it looks through all the libraries in NE Wisconsin and then sends the version I pick to my local branch, and sends me an email saying so. No muss, no fuss.

[Red_Dazes]

Hmm with the genres you like I would recommend...

Simon R. Green's - NightSide Series

And perhaps-
Patricia Brigg's- Moon Called series


but definitely Simon R Green. It is a long series, but the individual books are not a daunting size and they go buy fast and fun.

[Magpie]

http://www.baen.com/library/1011250002/1011250002.htm got my mom hooked on Bujold. She actually made my dad go back to the library and get the anthology out again so she could see who the author was.

My husband is into fantasy, and somewhat into Sci-Fi, he likes cyberpunk if he's reading Sci-Fi, and modern urban fantasy. His recent discoveries are Emma Bull, Howard V. Hendrix and Seanan Macguire. Seriously, get the Seanan MacGuire books. She's a new author, and I'm hooked. Her third book doesn't come out until October. Grrrrr.

Just a warning - Anne McCaffery doesn't seem to believe in continuity. I like her stuff, but even within one book she seems to have just picked numbers out of thin air for time scales, she'll change names, etc. Mercedes Lackey does a bit of this too, but that's more variation from book to book, and it's a case where she (most likely) forgot about a single line in one of the earlier books. Marion Zimmer Bradley, on the other hand, seems to have very good continuity (as far as I can tell) in her Darkover series. Her throwaway lines in earlier books DO match the later books. It is old fiction, so some of the attitudes are really odd, just like with any science fiction from the '60s and '70s, especially by a feminist author.

[Mikkel]

Marion Zimmer Bradley, on the other hand, seems to have very good continuity (as far as I can tell) in her Darkover series.

She has some problems with travel times and distances, in some books they can reach places in an afternoon which in other books take a weeks travel.
It doesn't retract from the enjoyment of the books.

[Jester]

If you like fantasy, one of my all time favorite books is "Hawk of May" by Gillian Bradshaw. It is the first in a trilogy of Arthurian books that are simply full of awesomeness. (The other two are "Kingdom of Summer" and "In Winter's Shadow.") A higher recommendation I cannot make than these three fine books.

[tollbaby]

Cowboy Feng's Space Bar and Grille (http://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Fengs-Space-Bar-Grille/dp/0765306646)

[Shangri-laschild]

S.M. Peters has two books, Whitechapel Gods and Ghost Ocean. The first one is somewhat steampunky and they are both very good reads.