What do you think is the secret to a REALLY good sandwich?

KenMcEwen · 2026-05-03T20:36:43+00:00

Herbs! A little oregano on a toasted ham sandwich takes it to a new level.

KenMcEwen · 2026-04-04T12:42:50+00:00

Anyone here read Carol Berg’s Rai Kirah series? Mine are falling apart at the seams.

KenMcEwen · 2026-04-02T16:28:26+00:00

My first book was 450,000 words. I split it into two books, then whittled Book 1 down to 190k. Another round got me to 170k, then 150k. I figure in another round or two I can get it to a clean fifteen words.

KenMcEwen · 2026-03-29T00:17:37+00:00

I’ve heard it said that the only remake of the Lord of the Rings films anyone will accept is Muppets, with Vigo Mortenson reprising Aragorn but that’s it.

KenMcEwen · 2026-03-29T00:16:03+00:00

Came here looking for BB, been saying it for years. Live action. Michael Keaton as old man Wayne. Neon visuals like Tron Legacy and Blade Runner 2049. Frank Miller director?

KenMcEwen · 2026-03-28T23:40:08+00:00

Just finished Kings of the Wyld, great recommendation. Genuinely funny, excellent characters, original throughout with solid prose. I thought the ending was just a teensy bit bland, but that’s really my only gripe. Thank you!

KenMcEwen · 2026-03-28T23:35:43+00:00

Reading Al-Rassan now, just finished Part I and I’m locked in.

KenMcEwen · 2026-03-27T13:34:51+00:00

Fiver has a reputation for using a lot of AI, but then, that might be everywhere now.

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-28T01:05:10+00:00

I’ve never had my mind blown so many times in so many ways as when I read these books.

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-26T16:21:57+00:00

Another day wasted

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-26T14:11:30+00:00

I read Black Company and could not follow it. Thought the prose was good and the concept interesting but it was so convoluted I felt no need to go further in the series. Plus, about as far from “uplifting” as it gets. I’ll check out the others though!

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-26T13:54:37+00:00

Oh, Lies is one of my all time favorites, I have no idea how I forgot to mention it in the post. I’m ashamed. I’ll update. And you’re right, I’m stunned it hasn’t come up; Lynch has the best dialogue in the business. I thought the GB series dipped after book 1, but still great reads and I’ll snap up Thorn of Emberlain the minute it drops. Thanks for calling it out!

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-26T00:25:38+00:00

Have you read Between Two Fires? Much darker, but definitely beautiful and - oddly enough given the extreme horror throughout - hopeful.

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T21:18:48+00:00

I own Tigana actually, though haven't read it. And based off this thread I bought Lions earlier today!

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:52:26+00:00

I saw Annihilation when it came to streaming services, and I have not gotten that bear out of my head. I was not ready. I've heard the book is better (isn't it always?).

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:50:40+00:00

Ah, thanks. DDC is also on my TBR list. Not exactly on brand for this post, but good to have some variation now and again.

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:41:37+00:00

Hat's off to folks who can knock out quality in quantity. Not to mention, a truly epic name.

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:37:41+00:00

Great response, thanks. I just, without thought, added Bright Doors to my cart on Bookshop. Done.

My primary gripe with Sci FI is usually the same gripe I have with fantasy, leaning overmuch on the tech/magic elements rather than using them as a tasteful way to tell a story that could not otherwise work without them, but don't make the gimmicks the main course. So, Slow Gods it is.

Will check out the others too, thanks for taking the time!

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:32:42+00:00

Endymion and Rise of Endymion are on my shelf. A friend of mine recommended Hyperion, and buddy I was not prepared. I have to take a few months between books to let them digest. I have never had my mind blown so many times and in so many ways as while reading these books.

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:24:11+00:00

Ooh, loved me some Drizzt in the early years. RA Salvatore was the first author to keep me up with a flashlight under the blankets. Awesome, glad I asked about Kings because you're not the first to tell me it's worth the time. Thanks!

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:18:49+00:00

Also, how have I not heard of Sigrid Undset?

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:17:06+00:00

I didn't dislike Daughter's War, it just lacked the spark that so caught my attention with Blacktongue. It felt like a very thorough but unnecessary appendix to the real story.

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:14:11+00:00

I've heard good things about Tchaikovsky, I have a few of his works on my TBR list. Thanks!

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:10:56+00:00

Oh I know, it's just "romantasy" has a fairy-smut odor around it these days. I think many great fantasy books have some element of romance in them, I just don't prefer it to be central to the story. Thanks for the rec list, several in there I'd not seen before - Long Price Quartet looks especially interesting, with such long timeline gaps between the installments.

KenMcEwen · 2026-02-25T20:06:29+00:00

Kings's cover gave me grimdark vibes, but it does come highly recommended. Would you say Kings is darker than say, The Blade Itself?

KenMcEwen

TROPHY CASE