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[goddessdster]

So here's the deal.  When I read a book about the love of books, as I recently did, and books I have not read are mentioned, it makes me want to read those books.  As was the case in Among Others regarding Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber.  It so happens that I have been holding onto a copy of the Complete Chronicles, a loaner from my brother (also a

Comments

[kimboosan]

It's been a looooong time since I tried Zelazny, so I can't say at this point why I did not like his work; what I DO know for fact is that I tried several times to read his books, and never finished a single one. (Something I can say about Greg Bear too, for the heretical record.)

For hard-core sf, I'll stick with CJ Cherryh, thanks.

[goddessdster]

I actually read one Greg Bear novel that I remember very little of. Then again, I've never been huge into hardcore SF novels myself, so it takes a lot to get me interested in the first place.

I appreciate your input. It's validating! :)

[basric]

If you are looking for a strong female in this compilation of novels in this book you are going to be sadly disappointed. It IS well written lots of purple prose. They say most books are written for an 8th grade reading level-the average American reading comprehension...this is not one of those books. This is a 'book' about men for men--putting females in their place as supporters you know behind every good man there is a woman.

It IS a good read but I don't think you are going to be happy with it in what you say is your current reading preferences. They say our taste in food, reading, life in general changes about every 7 years. Maybe you should hold on to it until then.

[goddessdster]

The first line of your comment is pretty much all I needed. Thank you so much for being honest with me. It's true I have gotten pickier lately, so while I can recognize a book may be great, it simply may not be the book for me at that time.

Thanks!

[basric]

Sorry, I got carried away.

[goddessdster]

Oh no! Your whole comment was relevant, I'm just saying the first line was all I needed to read to know this book isn't for me at the moment. Thank you!

[dr_tectonic]

I would say you should probably pass on it not because of the lack of awesome female characters, but because of the lack of ANY awesome characters.

Seriously, it's an interesting premise and the plot is fine, but when I read it (long enough ago that, I will admit, my memory is a bit sketchy, so grain of salt) I was perpetually flipping to the back of the book to refer to the diagram of the family tree because I could not, for the life of me, keep track of which character was which. They're *all* kinda wishy-washy and barely there.

Still enjoyable if you're into plot and setting, but I think you are not in the book's target audience.

[goddessdster]

I was having issues with whether or not I even liked Corwin? but I thought he would grow on me.

I think everyone's saying what I already know, but I'm trying to figure out how to tell my bro I don't think I can stand his favorite book (and I've got very smart people to back me up!).

[annlarimer]

For what it's worth, everyone I knew who loved Zelazny also loved the late 70s/early 80s SF/F I outright hate (e.g. Donaldson).

[goddessdster]

Though in their defense, what else was there to read in the 70s/early 80s? I mean, once you've read Tolkein and Le Guin. (and I'm paritally asking because I really don't know)

I will say if you hated it, chances are I will as well.

[annlarimer]

I haven't read enough of him to love or hate, I'm afraid.

Let's see, who was around then (spelling approximate): Piers Anthony, Heinlein was still churning them out, Kathryn Kurtz, Suzy McKee Charnas, Joanna Russ (\o/), Joan D Vinge, Gor, Horseclans, Clarke, Silverberg, Terry fucking Brooks, Donaldson, Anne Rice, Delaney... Okay, a lot of these don't suck, because I've blotted out some of the really heinous shit. I fail. Never mind. But seriously, horseclans. >.<

[goddessdster]

Okay, I just looked up Horseclans and suddenly understand things so much more clearly now...