What did you think of the Nochnoj Dozor books? I've only read the first one (in Russian) and found it interesting, though I was coming at it from a different perspective, probably.
I liked both! I'm currently reading the third book of Luk'janenko's series (I've forgot it at my father's house XD) and I must say it's a new take on urban fantasy, so I like it. I also like the bits concerning Russian history or the descriptions of Moscow. Not too many, but enough to be interesting for a foreign reader. It's quite catchy and I'm looking forward the fouth book. As for Kushiel, some of my friends didn't appreciate the sex leitmotiv, but I actually wasn't disturbed at all by it, because I think that in the end it makes perfectly sense and is an important part of the main character's adventures and evolution. I must confess I enjoyed Carey's books like I did for Ursula K. Le Guin and other "classic fantasy" novels as a child. There are many characters and they all have a realistic role to play in the story, so I could say it reminds me of Asoiaf a bit. The plot is more simple too, but considering the one-person POV, it fits well the setting. A bit like Dany chapters, just more complex, and, well, french. XD
That's a rather good encapsulation of the Kushiel books! :) I like the Imriel books better, even though they tend to be less complex plot-wise and somewhat rambly, in large part because I really dislike Phedre as a character. But I enjoy these books overall, even if the later ones tend to drag on a bit. I don't mind the sex, even if I don't find it all that well written most of the time, because, as you said, it's integrated into the plot and makes sense in the context.
I keep meaning to catch up on the Lukyanenko books (I think there may be 4 Dozor books, total, including Last Watch after Twilight Watch, but not sure if that one's been translated yet). The English versions keep turning up at the library and mocking me, but it's not like I would read a Russian book in English... and I can't find a Russian copy of Day Watch there... :P
Last Watch has been translated in Italian so I would be surprised if it hadn't in English! I understand it though XD I think probably some references make more sense in Russian.
Well, I'm known for hating the main character in almost every book I read. XD No, well, not every book... but I certainly hated Harry Potter and so on XD I didn't hate Phèdre and this is strange. I know why you're supposed to hate her (she's a Mary Sue, right? XD) but I still like her because she's smart, sympathetic and caring. She does her best so hard in every adventure that you feel it's only fair if she succeeds! XD
I am SO glad to see both The Pillars of the Earth and The Lies of Locke Lamora on this list. The latter is one of my favorite new fantasy books, and the former is very likely my favorite book of all time. What did you think of them? And what are some of your favorites so far (besides ASOIAF, of course)?
Also, I am keeping track of what I read this year too! Though I don't know if I'll post my list until New Year's Day, lol.
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What did you think of the Nochnoj Dozor books? I've only read the first one (in Russian) and found it interesting, though I was coming at it from a different perspective, probably.
And what did you think of the Kushiel books?
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As for Kushiel, some of my friends didn't appreciate the sex leitmotiv, but I actually wasn't disturbed at all by it, because I think that in the end it makes perfectly sense and is an important part of the main character's adventures and evolution. I must confess I enjoyed Carey's books like I did for Ursula K. Le Guin and other "classic fantasy" novels as a child. There are many characters and they all have a realistic role to play in the story, so I could say it reminds me of Asoiaf a bit. The plot is more simple too, but considering the one-person POV, it fits well the setting. A bit like Dany chapters, just more complex, and, well, french. XD
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I keep meaning to catch up on the Lukyanenko books (I think there may be 4 Dozor books, total, including Last Watch after Twilight Watch, but not sure if that one's been translated yet). The English versions keep turning up at the library and mocking me, but it's not like I would read a Russian book in English... and I can't find a Russian copy of Day Watch there... :P
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Well, I'm known for hating the main character in almost every book I read. XD No, well, not every book... but I certainly hated Harry Potter and so on XD I didn't hate Phèdre and this is strange. I know why you're supposed to hate her (she's a Mary Sue, right? XD) but I still like her because she's smart, sympathetic and caring. She does her best so hard in every adventure that you feel it's only fair if she succeeds! XD
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Also, I am keeping track of what I read this year too! Though I don't know if I'll post my list until New Year's Day, lol.
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