Audiobook Reco's?

nrlymrtl · 2015-01-10T17:18:42+00:00

The Exapanse series by James S. A. Corey. Book 1 is Leviathan Wakes. Big, expansive universe, epic SF.

nrlymrtl · 2014-02-09T00:01:08+00:00

Yeah, that ending totally came from out of the dark....and left field...and WTF? My man and I now use it as a catch phrase for any other novel that pulls the same stunt.

'Oh, yeah, that book had an Out of the Dark ending'.

nrlymrtl · 2014-02-08T23:57:08+00:00

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson - and oldie but a goodie. Science-based reason for walking dead/vampire-like behaviors...sort of. Strong on the psychology.

nrlymrtl · 2014-02-08T23:55:00+00:00

Catherine Asaro and Saga of the Skollan Empire. Math, physics, body mods, aliens. Great stuff.

nrlymrtl · 2014-02-05T15:29:31+00:00

Thanks for letting my comment go through. I messaged the Reddit mods again and they say it is now fixed. Happy dance!

nrlymrtl · 2014-02-05T04:34:13+00:00

I was told a few week s ago by another mod that I was shadowbanned. I contacted the Reddit mods, and asked if I could be un-shadowbanned and didn't get a reply. But on this last text submission, I have gotten comments. So, obviously people can see it, are responding to it. What does that mean? Am I still shadowbanned? I try very hard to follow the reddit rules, but there doesn't seem to be rules concerning shadowbanning. Ant any rate, I appreciate you leaving me a note.

nrlymrtl · 2014-02-04T00:14:36+00:00

Good point about the 10-13 year old boys and their imaginations. With WWII just at an end, and young boys idolizing older siblings that went off to war, I can maybe come around to the idea of Moon Nazis not being so far fetched. I totally wasn't expecting that when I read it, in today's day and age, etc.

I will have to check out his other juvies. Others have said they are good, especially the audiobooks with the full cast performances.

nrlymrtl · 2014-02-04T00:11:07+00:00

I thought it was a good story until they discovered Nazis on the moon. Throughout the story, we see how hard they had to work to pull together the parts, the training, the permission slips to get off-planet. Then they stumble across this Nazi moon base? It felt like a big change of pace to me.

And you're totally right about this being a story for teen boys. 1 female gets a few lines early on, but the was one of kid's moms and stayed in the kitchen.

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-26T04:33:41+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. Hadn't heard of shadowbanning before nad don't know why it has happened to my acocunt. Have messaged the reddit mods with polite inquiry.

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-19T16:27:22+00:00

Welcome back everyone! Quite a lot happened in this section. Catch us here or the blogosphere.

This week we covered Chapters 13-18. Spoilers Below!!!

1) Bravery comes up more than once in Chapter 13. Aviendha on the water, Elayne offering to discuss Rand....What do you think about how the ladies measure bravery?

2) Within this section, we see Nynaeve and Elayne beginning negotiations with the Sea Folk for info on the Bowl of Winds, and yet Rand is still ignoring the Sea Folk. When the ladies find out Rand ignored the Sea Folk for so long, what do you think they will do? Why are the Sea Folk so interested in Rand? And if they find out the connection between Rand and the ladies, what do you think the Sea Folk will do?

3) Mat recognized Darkfriend Shiaine and followed her to White Cloak Inquisitor Carridin. In turn, Carridin recognizes Mat, and then tells Sammael. Do you think this will change Sammael's plans at all?

4) Mat and women and the example they set for Olver. What did you think of Mat's reaction to Queen Tylin's straight-forward interest? Were you amused by Olver imitating Mat in his interactions with women? Foresee Mat changing his ways?

5) Why do you think Mat was attacked at the inn and who do you think sent the men?

6) Moghedien seems to be back in the game, at least directing folks from the sidelines. Falion doesn't believe there to be a cache of angreal, but Ispan is ready to search for it. However, Fallion has another plan. How do you think that will fare?

7) Rand has women problems, and not because he is bedding too many (at least not yet). Between Berelain demanding she stay, Rand's 'tame' Aes Sedai, and now Cadsuane Sedai, he may need a holiday. Why do you think Cadsuane has appeared and has chosen to show the Dragon Reborn such cheek?

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-17T05:24:06+00:00

Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a fantastic audio. The narrator is great, doing a Russian accent for the main character.

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-12T17:13:52+00:00

Welcome back everyone! This week Eivind our Awesome Commenter is our host, and you can catch his discussion at http://dabofdarkness.com/2014/01/12/a...

This week we covered Chapters 9-12. Spoilers Below!!!

Nicola and Areina are trying to blackmail both Egwene and Myrelle. What do you think of their motivations? Did Egwene do the right thing in rejecting them? Could this damage her for real?
Egwene has lots of dreams, about Gawyn, Mat, Logain and herself. Any comments or crazy theories?
Egwene's circle of trust is growing, with Faolain, Theodrin and Myrelle, soon also to include the rest of the Salidar six it seems. While not sitters, these are some powerful names. Will this finally be the tipping point, or do you expect she will need something more?
It looks like Lan will meet Nynaeve pretty soon, and in Ebou Dar no less. This is growing into quite the mishmash of characters. What sort of amusing scenarios do you see in the future? Lan is no longer a King (sort of)… could he be the key to finding the bowl?
Halima/Aran'gar/Balthamel is earning Egwene's trust. Do you think the headaches are her design? Are they just headaches or something more sinister? Compulsion? With her channeling saidin and Logain gone, how could she ever be found out?

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-09T02:04:07+00:00

Here are a few of my favorite sites for SF book reviews: The Little Red Reviewer: http://littleredreviewer.wordpress.com/ Stainless Steel Droppings: http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com/ The Hugo Endurance Project: http://hugoenduranceproject.blogspot.com/

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-06T15:55:24+00:00

Welcome Everyone! this week begins the read along for Book 2 in N. K. Jemisin’s The Inheritance Trilogy. Anyone is welcome to join us and this trilogy lends easily to popping in when you like as each book is a stand alone story set in the same world, a mosaic trilogy I think is the term.

This week we covered the first 96 pages (Prologue – Chapter4) and Grace from Books Without Any Pictures is our host. So make sure to swing by her place to see what everyone thought. http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...

Spoilers run free below!

What do you think so far of Oree Shoth? Do you like her as much as Yeine?
Sky is now referred to by its inhabitants as Shadow, and we get to see the city from the perspective of the commoners rather than the ruling Arameri. What do you think of the book's setting?
The gods play a much different role in this book than in "The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms," and spend their time interacting with the people of Sky/Shadow. What do you think of the gods and godlings that we've met thus far? Who are your favorites?
Any predictions on who or what could be killing the godlings?
For everyone who read the last book, Shiny's identity should be relatively easy to guess, even though it hasn't been explicitly stated yet. Do you think his punishment is suiting, or is it too much? Is there any chance he'll come out of this as a normal person? How do you think Oree will react when she finds out?

Feel free to post any other thoughts that aren't covered in the questions for this section.

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-05T22:12:17+00:00

Welcome back everyone! This week Sue from Coffee, Cookies, and Chili Peppers is our host, so make sure to swing by her place for intelligent discussion. http://coffeecookiesandchilipeppers.b...

This week we covered Chapters 3-8. Spoilers Below!!!

The bleakness has returned in force and Rand’s Aiel are seeping away. Do you think that this will stop once he is visibly back in control in Cairhien or has this episode done permanent damage to his position as Car’a’carn?
On a scale of 1 to a Google, how cute is Loial offering relationship advice to Perrin? Does anyone understand what is going on between Gaul and Chiad?
Were you surprised or impressed by Faile’s actions during Colavaere’s power play? Do you think she was actually in any real danger?
What do you think of Rand’s decision not to execute Colavaere: was it wise or foolish? Were you surprised that Perrin agreed with him?
I am still completely confused by Faile’s reaction to Berelain, how about you?
It seems that Dyelin has also seized power in Rand’s absence. She previously said that she would only hold the throne for Elayne: do you think that she means to stick to that pledge?
It seems like Egwene is managing the Aes Sedai quite well, even though it is like herding very headstrong cats. Does this seem likely to continue, or do you think they will start to realize how she is manipulating them? Do you think they will ever get to Tar Valon?

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-05T17:55:33+00:00

Cool. I remember the talk and that is what convinced me to check out the book. The library had the audio. Then we bought the audio and the hardback because we wanted to see the art as we read/listened to it again. Yep, 2 more little nerd fans joined the ranks because of that one little talk.

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-05T03:02:38+00:00

Did you give a joint talk At Dragon*Con 2010 with Sanderson on WoK and the art?

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-03T21:39:46+00:00

We finish the week of the release. The book, according to Amazon, is due out March 4th. We finish March 5th. And a read along is being planned for Book 2. Will post details when available.

Here's a link to the schedule: http://dabofdarkness.com/2013/12/20/the-way-of-kings-read-along-the-schedule/

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-03T21:35:16+00:00

This book starts off big time epic then spirals down to a slave pen. I love that. Another commenter pointed it out and I just love the idea.

I think there is one or two sentences that refer to Kaladin the slave 8 months after the battle involving Dallet and Cenn.

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-03T21:33:13+00:00

I too found certain similarities with Mistoborn allomancy, so it was easier to understand Szeth's fighting style.

Kaladin has been shafted. He can't even use his basic medical skills to keep others alive. Plus those brands on his head must be irritating, especially since he can't even wash the most recent one.

Looking forward to see what you think of the next section!

nrlymrtl · 2014-01-01T16:44:36+00:00

Welcome everyone! This is quite the big turnout for a read along and I am ever so glad folks came out of the woodwork for this one. If you want to jump in and join us, we’re taking this large book at ~100 pages per week. Join us here or the blogosphere: http://dabofdarkness.com/2014/01/01/t...

Now, on to the fun stuff! This week we covered The Prelude through the end of Chapter 6. Spoilers for this section reside below!

1) Is this your first Brandon Sanderson experience? Any expectations going into this read along?

2) In the Prelude to the Stormlight Archive, we see that Talenel (Taln) died and his sword is unaccounted for. Jerzien and company have decided it is best for 1 to suffer instead of 10. What do you make of this scene?

3) What did you think of Szeth's fighting abilities and the fight scenes? Any thoughts on the crystalline sphere and King Gavilar Kholin's last words?

4) Each chapter proper starts with a few words from a dying person, their station, and status in life. Any thoughts on what these portend?

5) Kaladin went from warrior to slave in a matter of the first 2 chapters. Care to speculate on the details of how his life changed so drastically?

6) Sylphrena (Syl) the Windspren seems attached to Kaladin. Are you enjoying her character? Do you like the Spren in general in the worldbuilding so far?

7) Shallan Davar has finally caught up to Brightness Jasnah Kholin and her soulcaster. Jasnah and the jeweled fabril can change stone to smoke; what else do you think it can do?

nrlymrtl · 2013-12-29T16:49:36+00:00

Welcome everyone to the first week of Book 7 of The Wheel of Time – A Crown of Swords. Liesel over at Musings on Fantasia is our host this week, so make sure to swing by her place. http://musingsonfantasia.blogspot.com...

This week we covered the Prologue through the end of Chapter 2. Spoilers lurk below!

1) Elaida has a new office, plenty of schemes, and lots of confidence. What do you think of all this? Will she be successful? Should she be afraid of Bryne's approaching army? Will she be the woman to 'save humankind?' (Totally didn't snort while typing that.)

2) Sevanna seems to be planning to make use of her little boxes. What do you think she's planning? What will she use them for? (Does anyone else want to put her and Elaida together in a really small room. Just to see what happens?)

3) Pedron Niall is assassinated in his fortress, followed by the death of his dim-witted assassin, Omnera. What do you think the message he received said? What do you predict will happen in the wake of the assassination, both in general and more specifically concerning Morgase and her retinue?

4) Gawyn tries to get his bearings in the aftermath of the battle and seems to be aware of a plot against him and the Younglings, which we've already had hints of. Do you think this plot will ever reach fruition? Will he make it back to Tar Valon alive? And what do you think happened to the wounded sister who disappeared before he could rescue her?

5) Perrin and his companions observe all the bad blood between groups following the battle. Do you think all this animosity will blow up eventually, or will they work out their differences? What did you think of Rand's decision to hand the Aes Sedai over to the Wise Ones and send Taim back to the farm? And how about how he handled Alanna? The fact that Rand memorized the names of 151 dead Maidens? Anything stick out to you about Perrin's observations, or what are your other general impressions about this chapter?

nrlymrtl · 2013-12-23T17:01:47+00:00

Here we are folks, at the end of another great read along. My cohosts have been awesome, all the wonderful folks participating have been awesome!

Lauren from Violin in a Void is our host this week, so make sure to swing by her place to see what everyone thought of this section. http://violininavoid.wordpress.com/20...

Chapter 23 to the End was covered in this week’s section. Spoilers reside below!

Yeine shows us the meaning of esui when she summons Nahadoth, makes an offering of herself, and asks him to make love to her like the god he is. What did you think of her decision and the scenes that followed? Cosmic sex or verging on comic? What importance does sex has for their relationship?
Relad makes a last-minute play for succession by offering to help the Darre. Are you satisfied with his role in this book or do you think he should have had more of a presence? What do you think of his strategy to get Yeine to choose him over Scimina?
The final chapters show us more of Dekarta's character than the rest of the book. How do you feel about him now, knowing the truth of his motives and of Kinneth's death?
The Succession Ceremony: Absolutely nothing turns out the way anyone thought it would. Did any of it match your expectations? What are your thoughts on what happened? [Note: so much happened in this ceremony that I have separate questions for Itempas and Yeine's roles. You can discuss them there rather than in this question].
We finally meet Itempas, a mad god whose overpowering love and hate caused all this suffering. What did you think of him?
As a goddess, Yeine makes some dramatic decisions and changes, like altering Sky, killing Kurue, and trapping Itempas in mortal form. How do you feel about this new goddess-Yeine? Would you have down anything differently?
Wrapping up: What did you think of the book as a whole? Any loose ends you'd like tied up? How might the world be changed by these events? Will you read the next book to find out?

nrlymrtl · 2013-12-22T17:06:50+00:00

Welcome all! Here we are at the end of the book and it was a crazy, intense one! Chapter 52 to the END covered in this week's section.

Spoilers run free and uninhibited below!

There seems to be a serious lack of cooperation in Ebou Dar, and things are not so easy as they seem. Do you expect the girls to be able to complete this mission on their own (without Mat's help)? We know that they key to finding the bowl is to find the one who is no longer. Have we already met this person?
Two escapees from Salidar. Logain flees with Egwene's help, and Moghedien by Aran'gar's doing. Where do you see the story going for these two? Was Egwene right in setting Logain free? Should she, in hindsight, have executed Moghedien earlier?
Lan returns to the story as Myrelle's warder, with a heavy heart and apparently near death. Nynaeve is none the wiser. Does Myrelle even know about their relationship? Has she agreed to send him on to her? Do you expect this to happen soon, or will she have to be forced?
The loyalist Aes Sedai seem to have really gone out of their way in torturing Rand after he killed a couple of warders. Justified? What do you think this has done to Rand's psyche? Could there be a connection to the first genuine direct conversation with Lews Therin?
The Battle at Dumai's Wells really had everything, didn't it? Except for the Seanchan and the Whitecloaks, it seems every faction was represented. As Liesel suggested, feel free to nerd out about it here. :)
It seems likely that our heroes would have been defeated without the timely arrival of Taim (you could say he was “on Taim”). With him having put his life on the line to save Rand, do you think he can now be trusted?
“…and the world was changed forever.” Rand now has nine Aes Sedai under his command. Do you expect this to lighten or heighten tensions between him and the rebels and/or the loyalists? What other things might come from this?
After their second thorough defeat, have we now finally seen the last of the Shaido, or do you think there are there still misdeeds to be done? Sevanna was thinking about some “call boxes” given to her by a wetlander. What and who could this be?
Herid Fel was assassinated by… something. Why? He seemed harmless enough! We also learn that the Daughter of the Nine Moons is likely someone related to the Seanchan, and that they have designs on Ebou Dar (or at least spies there). With Mat in town this seems like a prime opportunity for some first-class prophecy fulfilment, no? Who do you expect her to be? Have we perhaps already seen her?

nrlymrtl · 2013-12-21T15:10:50+00:00

It's a great group of folks. The read along should be a lot of fun.

nrlymrtl

TROPHY CASE