Frank SkorniaDec 20, 2024

This week I finished 'The West Passage' by Jared Pechachek

This book was wonderfully weird with a bizarre world filled with oddities and miracles and body horror and beautifully crafted characters.

I highly highly recommend it if you're looking for a fantasy novel that is different.

#FridayReads @bookstodon

Show threadFrank SkorniaDec 20, 2024

Having finished that book, I started 'Witch King' by Martha Wells.

Still in the "getting to know you" phase with this book, but I'm enjoying it so far.
#FridayReads
@bookstodon

Show threadFrank Skornia

Finally, I'm still listening to 'Kushiel's Mercy' by Jacqueline Carey and closing in on the end.

Not much to say that I haven't already said before about this book and series (it happens when you're listening to a 30 hour audio book). Still a great read/listen.

#FridayReads
@bookstodon

Dec 20, 2024 at 3:25pmWeb
Show threadChristin WhiteDec 20, 2024
@fskornia one of the most powerful series of books I’ve ever read, I really need to pick up Cassiel’s Servant.
Show threadFrank SkorniaDec 20, 2024
@ChristinWhite The first Kushiel trilogy has been one of my favorite fantasy series for years. I recommended it to a friend long ago and she actually got a briar rose back tattoo inspired by Phaedre's.
It's also among my top choices for books I want to see adapted to TV. It's perfect for the lush trappings of an HBO or Starz series
Show threadChristin WhiteDec 20, 2024

@fskornia I’ve been thinking about getting a briar rose tattoo myself for a while,
Jacqueline Carey is a gift to fantasy that far too few people know about. They may be the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I am cautious about recommending it to a lot of people though, they’re challenging.

I’d never thought about an adaptation but I could absolutely see it on a mature channel if crafted with the care the series deserves.

Show threadFrank SkorniaDec 20, 2024
@ChristinWhite Yeah, it's a series I don't recommend often, because, as you say, they can be challenging.
I do feel that the rise of romantasy has opened people's eyes a bit more (the same way 50 Shades did in the romance genre), so I leave it as an option for someone looking for what's next after 'The Fourth Wing' or something.
I think they're also a good fit for folks that liked Anne Rice and want to try something a little different
Show threadChristin WhiteDec 20, 2024
@fskornia I agree, the genre is maturing but the series has a weight to it I’ve not seen elsewhere, it’s certainly more than just kinky or spicy. While 50 Shades was more explicit it was nowhere near as deep or extreme, Anne Rice is a good comparison. I haven’t Fourth Wing yet, is it good?
Show threadFrank SkorniaDec 20, 2024
@ChristinWhite I didn't like it, but that's because I really don't like romance much, despite trying several variations of it. The fantasy part of it was okay, but offset too much by the romance part.
Ironically, the reason I don't like romance is that it often challenges my suspension of disbelief more than a fantasy or SF book does.
Show threadChristin WhiteDec 20, 2024
@fskornia I enjoy occasional romance books but yeah, they’re usually far more fantastical than SF/fantasy.
Show threadFrank SkorniaDec 20, 2024
@ChristinWhite Funny enough, I started rereading the series when Cassiel's Servant came out and it actually diminished my desire to read that book, since it's all the same stuff as Kushiel's Dart, but without Phaedre's viewpoint, which is one of the things that makes that series special to me.
Show threadChristin WhiteDec 20, 2024
@fskornia I worry about that too, Phaedre is special but I trust that she made the change in perspective meaningful.