Best tv, movies & game tie-in fiction books according to redditors
We found 2,173 Reddit comments discussing the best tv, movies & game tie-in fiction books. We ranked the 731 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
There were 5 books released yesterday.
Books Released 12/18:
If you want to catch up on the new Star Wars Canon check out my video explaining the new canon.
I imagine conversation will still be lively here
We will have a new book to discuss
And hopefully new scenes to ponder when season 3 is released on blu-ray
That first map is a fan-made version inspired by HBO's map for the TV series.
The second map is the canon map designed by Jonathan Roberts for the books and approved by GRRM. It was first published in The Lands of Ice and Fire.
Read all of his books.
The Demon Haunted World
Cosmos
Varieties of the Scientific Experience
Pale Blue Dot
The Dragons of Eden
Billions and Billions
His novel:
Contact
If you love maps and GoT, you need this http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
These pics don't do them justice and I think its worth the buy, heres a couple that are included (the OP is too)
Braavos
Kings Landing
Just so you know, You can buy that in poster form from amazon.
Click here to actually buy the posters
map book called, The Lands of Ice and Fire.... make sure you frame your favorite before it rips into a million pieces
I actually physically own this map ( as well as many others), and it's from the Lands of Ice and Fire map collection, which predates WOIAF by a year.
I don't own WOIAF, so I can't comment on that. Perhaps it reproduced the maps and made them canon.
At end of each book there is a list of all the characters involved in the books, and their brief one-sentence descriptions. I think in the later books the list is like 20~30 pages.
There is an actual atlas of Westeros and The Known World, that was published back in 2012, The Lands of Ice and Fire.
The Wikipedia article about the world's geography is quite extensive and interesting too
I have the leatherbound paperbacks and really like them. The leather covers make it easy to take with me without worrying about them getting damaged, plus the whole set is only a little more than $50 on amazon and I've seen them in bookstores for as low as $35. The only drawback with the paperback set is the small print, so if you have trouble with that then definitely go for the hardcovers.
Hell no, he's not a good character. Much less 'really good'.
He's a great character. Fantastic even. Andrew Robinson was excellent in portraying him.
In the Pale Moonlight is awesome for just his speech alone... and then Sisko's right behind it.
Did you read the book by Andrew? It's a great read, about Garak, by Garak!
If you're going to provide pirated material, at least give people the source so they can purchase it if they'd like to support the creators!
They are from the official Lands of Ice and Fire map book, which you can buy on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Lands-Ice-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
Check the bottom left corner. It's by George. Also, this map was the main piece in a set of official maps that he released in late October 2012.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
Looking forward to reading Ready Player One, I've been wanting to read that one, glad it was picked. Amazon has it for sale here for only $8 dollars.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, No Country for Old Men, and The Princess Bride also all seem to be fairly cheap buys on Amazon.
Coiling Dragon has a total of 806 chapters if WW charges 3c/ch then if we multiply that by 806 we get U$ 24.18.
Now If we compare it with some blockbuster novels we can see the difference in price
|Novel|Word Count|Complete novel price (Amazon)|Price per Word|
|:-|:-|:-|:-|
|Harry Potter| 1,085,000|U$ 68.17|0.00006|
|Game of Thrones| 1,736,000|U$ 34.49|0.00002|
The total word count of Coiling Dragon is approximately 1,874,000. If we do the same calculation but using the price of 3c/ch then we get this:
|Novel|Word Count|Complete novel price (Aprox)|Price per Word|
|:-|:-|:-|:-|
|Coilin Dragon|1,874,000|U$ 24.18|0.00001|
So from my point of view, that price is completely acceptable.
Go here and click the book cover where it says "Look Inside." That will give you the prologue and a few chapters.
It'll give you a sampling of the text, writing style, and diction to be expected for the rest of the book and series. The text is simple to comprehend and his writing style is pretty easy to follow once you understand some of the less-common phrasing he employs.
Hey man! I totally see where you're coming from there, there's practically a sea of Star Wars novels out there — and more than some that are just way too silly and ridiculous, haha.
You know a few that I think you would really love, though, because I'm kind of in the same mindset about them as you are? Check these out, because these are some of the most gritty, dark and awesome stories I've come across so far! And you really won't believe how incredible some of the writing style is, in a really good Star Wars book... I'm blown away every time.
Yeah, I can agree on some. I own this series as well https://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Ice-Fire-Volumes/dp/0007477155 and it has a sleek look that doesn't look too bland like some other versions, like the ones sold in most bookstores, which are all black with just a symbol on them and a big sticker slapped on them saying "THE ORIGINAL TO THE SUCCESSFUL HBO SERIES GAME OF THRONES"...just ruins the look.
You got a canon answer already, so here we go with legends:
"Throughout the galaxy, it was believed that Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker–the Chosen One–had died on Coruscant during the siege of the Jedi Temple. And, to some extent, that was true. Anakin was dead."
Source: Description of Rise of Darth Vader
>I LOOOVE having this power
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0345535529/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1395539202&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40
Students: The source of his power! All we have to do is read and he will be powerless!
Teacher: Ha! Made them read! I'm a genius! Now for my next diabolical plan to educate young minds.
The Lands of Ice and Fire.
AFAIK, this map is from the media of which we do not speak, as evidenced by the eastern portion which isn’t canon since the release of the TLOIAF maps. The Lands of Ice and Fire is what you’re looking for if you want beautiful and accurate maps.
Here’s a reddit post of the HQ world map from TLOIAF.
Contact by Carl Sagan. (Amazon link)
That is exactly why I bought this version
I'm talking about "The Lands of Ice and Fire" book that was a map compendium released detailing the maps of the world. I was pretty sure when I thumbed through that, that it contained full maps of Essos? Maybe I'm mistaken.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382643364&sr=8-1&keywords=the+lands+of+ice+and+fire
link for anyone interested:
http://www.amazon.com/Illidan-World-Warcraft-William-King/dp/0399177566/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457359858&sr=8-1&keywords=warcraft+illidan+book
So I have a friend in jail that I regularly send books to. This doesn't cover every situation, but I assume the circumstances will be similar.
He says that the (meager) prison library is very skewed towards religious books, classics, GED materials, and low-difficulty grocery store novels. Anything other than that will be appreciated. The books most requested are thick fantasy books, activity books (sudoku, physics workbooks, etc), science non-fiction, and coffee-table books or magazines with lots of pictures. These will be swapped with other inmates so that anyone interested has a chance to read.
Some things to keep in mind:
Books that have gone over well and can be found in cheap forms:
Warcraft Archive includes:
Day of the Dragon (post-Warcraft 2, alliance perspective)
Lord of the Clans (pre-Warcraft 3, horde perspective)
The Last Guardian (non-combat Warcraft 1 perspective)
Of Blood and Honor (pre-Warcraft 3, alliance perspective)
War of the Ancients archive
Well of Eternity, The Demon Soul, The Sundering
Background on the conflict surrounding the Burning Legion that led into their motivation in Warcraft 3.
Rise of the Horde for pre-all Warcraft games, Horde perspective.
George RR Martin: A Game of Thrones
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-Book/dp/0553573403
Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman: Good Omens
http://www.amazon.com/Good-Omens-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0441003257
Both fantastic books, but very different.
Not quite what you're asking but I'm putting in a plug for "A Stitch In Time," which is not a fan novel- it was written by the actor who played Garak. I think it's technically canon- it's definitely an official ST publication.
I enjoyed it partly because the background story is interesting- if I remember correctly, Andrew J. Robinson, the actor, created an intensely detailed background story for the character Elim Garak. Of course, the character's demeanor was so terse and cryptic that the story he'd created mostly served to inform subtle on-screen reactions, and the bulk of the details never made it to the screen. Mr. Robinson wrote the ("auto")biography to get it out of his head, to help make peace with, and let go of, the character.
I also enjoyed it because it was a good read, well-written, carefully thought out and contributed to my depth of experience with the series as a whole.
Silly you, there are no Eve books.
Not a big fan of that flowchart. It's not really a flowchart, it just covers different areas.
Battle Royale is the closest book I've found to the Hunger Games. It takes a while to get used to the names but after a few chapters you know them all well.
The official world map is coming out in October. You may want to wait for that if you can, because according to GRRM, this speculative portions of this map are inaccurate.
I love DS9 and I would be thrilled if someone got me this book as it’s rather rare and expensive for a mass market paperback.
https://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Time-Star-Trek-Space/dp/0671038850
Or even the book Contact!
Basically, they are the same, but obviously very different circumstances. With acting, it's about creating a character, and with the writing it's creating that universe. In the memoir I just wrote I had to create the world of my childhood from memory and it was just as satisfying as creating Garak's world in A Stitch In Time.
There's some lore stuff here on the Eve website.
There's a lot more in EVE: Source
I also recommend EVE: The Empyrean Age which chronicles the events that lead to the Empyrean Wars (and Faction Warfare) and how they all linked together.
Side note, in EVE Source, there's a short story of an interview between I think it was a news reporter or something and a capsuleer that really caught my attention and my favourite part of it was this:
"What about the people under your command?" I ask him. "Do you find a need to reconcile yourself with their deaths?"
He looks down at the table and for a moment he's silent, then he says, "None of those people were unaware of what they signed up for. They know there are risks, same as with any other profession. Sure, the primary goal of my alliance is making money and expanding our influence, but that doesn't mean we don't care about the people in our employ. Our agencies send out personal letters of condolence to the families of every single person who dies on one of our ships. We provide insurance payouts to next of kin for all ship personnel."
"So essentially," I say, "you learn to not care about the people that have to die because you're furthering the aims of your corporate overlords."
"What I'm saying, Mr. Peltast," he replies, not skipping a beat, "is that these independent adventure seekers, having been informed of the risks, willing take their lives into their own hands when they sign up for crew duty. They are amply compensated, make no mistake. More importantly, they know they're playing their part in something that is bigger than they are. As am I. As are you."
Makes you think huh, those folks who signed up to be crews on my Procurer probably didn't intend to sign up for crew duty on a Battle Proc. But they had fun, right? :D
The new book clears up some of that, not in a completely satisfying way but it's better than nothing; there's also a very good reveal that adds much needed clarification to an episode, and is extremely significant to the background of one of the characters.
Not printable but the best map out there.
Technically, the "Illidan" book goes into pretty great detail about our powers, and goddamn are they potent. Every sense is heightened, in addition to being able to "see" just as well as before, and then some. The illidari can actually see the weaves and layers of magic if they focus their spectral sight.
I was super cautious when they introduced the demon hunter class back then, but after reading this book, I've really grown to love the concept. They're basically hardcore witchers.
"A Stitch In Time" is just fantastic. And it's written by Garak so you know it's all true, especially the lies.
"Hollow Men" is also amazing. It takes place just after "In the Pale Moonlight." Focuses on Garak & Sisko, as you'd imagine.
ummm, the book version is out already (well, the kindle; the hardcover comes out Jan)... or did you mean other books?
http://www.amazon.com/The-Force-Awakens-Star-Wars-ebook/dp/B00WCXL1JW
You might even get a kick out of The Hunger Games or Divergent... And of course 1984 :)
Here are some other reasons which explain more about Rey's talents and abilities:
From "Star Wars: The Force Awakens, "Star Wars The Force Awakens: Before the Awakening" and "Star Wars: Force Awakens Incredible Cross Sections"
http://i.imgur.com/14XAgCt.jpg
Other observations
What does all of this tell you?
What does it not tell you?
Personal observations
Additional details
This sample from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary": discusses the helmet and doll briefly as well.
**
Edit: Added links to sources.*
A Game of Thrones / A Clash of Kings / A Storm of Swords / A Feast of Crows / A Dance with Dragons https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345535529/
I had bought this same version a while ago for around $50 but I think it’s on sale.
It is always best to approach any kind of activity with a “moderation” mind set, including video games. If you are concerned that your child is spending too many hours sat in front of a screen playing video games during their free time, you could try to find some inspiration from the games that they play for other kinds of activities. For example, if they like playing sports games maybe they would like to join a team sport? Or attend a live sporting event? If your children like fantasy games, maybe they would like to work on a costume for Halloween next year inspired by their favorite character? Or perhaps they could be enticed to delve in to some fantasy novels such as The Hobbit or A Song of Ice and Fire?
The two main continents in the known world of ASOIAF are Westeros and Essos. There are two more, Sothoryos and Ulthos, but not much is known about them (Sothoryos is mentioned a few times in the books, and is south of Essos, Ulthos is south of Essos as well and is in the grey area between large islands and small continents).
Anyways, as this map shows, Essos, while much wider than Westeros, is not as tall and does not reach as far north. Braavos, the northernmost Free City, is at about the same latitude as the Vale.
Now, the Others come from the lands beyond the Wall, lands that are cold and foreboding. Essos does not seem to have such problems, which is why the people of Essos don't really seem to worry or know about the Others or even winter in general.
This is not to say, however, that the Others may not have an impact on the world beyond Westeros. They may very well, but that is yet to be seen.
*map from The Lands of Ice and Fire by GRRM.
Here's "the most complete" fan-made world map to date. GRRM said that, with the information we have from the books that are out, this is most likely the best a fan could come up with.
Looking for an official world map? George is releasing one this October!
Information dug up from this thread that was posted about 5 days ago. Hope that helps.
> Demon hunters face blindness (but not really) in exchange for awesome power.
There's a lot more to it, actually! They are in an eternal conflict with the soul of a demon that they absorbed into themselves, which is being held back by their willpower and runic branding that covers their skin. They are constantly in a battle of wills, which is physically, mentally, and magically exhausting all just so they can tap into the demonic powers of that soul to unleash the powers they have.
You should read World of Warcraft: Illidan by William King if you want to get a more detailed description of the Demon Hunter struggles. It's pretty good!
> I can't find anywhere
It's not banned, and the only reason you might have trouble finding it is if it's sold out. Here's a copy for $7.50 at Amazon.
Yeah I have seen these on Amazon, they are really small and chubby but covers look good.
https://www.amazon.ca/George-Martins-Thrones-Leather-Cloth-Boxed/dp/1101965487/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481566320&sr=8-1&keywords=a+song+of+ice+and+fire+leather
The picture on the front is different. That is the only difference. The actual content is the same.
I should warn you though that if you plan on buying the whole series in paperback, they have recently changed the height of the books which is really annoying. The two aDwD books are only available in the larger format, so I would try and get the reissues published in 2011 rather than the ones from 2003.
EDIT: FYI this is a great deal. Maybe wait for that.
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader
Edit: please tell me then that you have or are reading Darth Plageus and the Darth Bane books, all fantastic, they really make you like Bane even though he's a monster.
Two books come to mind - the Episode 3 Novelization (which is, in my opinion, a better envisioning of the Episode 3 story, as you get to see Anakin's inner turmoils far better) and then Dark Lord of the Sith: The Rise of Darth Vader -
http://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Sith-Star-Wars-Episode/dp/0439139295
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lord-Rise-Darth-Vader/dp/0345477332
Granted, he isn't like he is in these pictures, but still a good look at Vader before he was force chokin' bitches and choppin' off family members' hands.
Probably not a big help to you, but for the record, the high resolution version of the map is contained in the World of Ice and Fire App as well as in the "The Lands of Ice and Fire" Map collection.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
It's a whole set of maps. There are many of just different regions of Westeros, city maps of Braavos and King's Landing, different sections of Essos, and then one of the entire known world (pictured).
Not about the Dominion War, but Andrew Robinson (the actor who plays Garak) wrote a book about his character's backstory, and his time after DS9, and it's actually quite good! It's called A Stitch in Time. I'd definitely recommend it!
Did you read the Garak backstory book written by Andrew Robinson, A Stitch in Time? It's excellent.
There are the novels
Then the limited editions of:
And
Is there anything in particular you're leaning to?
Author Cherie Priest has a couple excellent books.
The Dresden Files series, by Jim Butcher, is a wonderful series. It's about a wizard-for-hire in the modern world, and delves into the wonderful magic environment that Jim has created. Jim likes to put his characters through trouble and turmoil, and it's good for character development! The series starts off with Storm Front.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is another great series. It's a post-apocalyptic/oppressed setting, centering around something called 'The Hunger Games' - an annual battle that captivates the capitol and all twelve remaining districts. There is a movie releasing next year, as well.
The Name of the Wind is a terrific book by Patrick Rothfuss, the first entry into his series The Kingkiller Chronicles. It's a fantasy setting, and is about a character named Kvothe recounting his life. The writing style has an absolutely artistic writing style that is captivating to read, and such interesting and progressing events that make you eagerly turn the page. I have not yet read the sequel, The Wise Man's Fear, but I'm told it's even better in every way.
Terry Pratchett is an amazing and renowned author. He has been knighted, an event for which he created his own sword for by hand, battles against Alzheimer's in a most respectable and commendable way, and has created such an interesting and provoking world that provides a lot of laughs and curious perspectives on matters. Where you start is a more difficult choice. A couple choice options might be as follows (I haven't read others yet, so I can't attest to others, but there are many!).
I haven't started this book yet, nor looked into it, but I have heard terrific reviews. The Lies of Locke Lamora, by Scott Lynch, is his first book in his Gentleman Bastard Sequence series.
And of course, if you haven't entered George RR Martin's world of Westeros, the series A Song of Ice and Fire could be a wonderful read. It's very complex and very long and not yet complete (five books so far). It starts off with Game of Thrones, which is what the recently-aired HBO series was based upon.
In the science fiction sphere, I would recommend Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. It's the first in his Ender's series, and there are quite a few books set in the world. I have only read the first one, and it was an excellent read, insightful and thought-provoking.
...anyway, that should be a few to peek at!
PSA:
If you haven't read it yet, Game of Thrones is down to $2.99 on Kindle... that's the lowest I've ever seen!
EDIT: Also great prices on:
The Princess Bride -- $2.99
and
Discovery of Witches -- $2.99
Is it a great movie? Probably not. But it's a fairly unique one. I think it's worth a watch, particularly if you play Battle Royale games. It's mostly a shock film though (Middle School kids killing each other!).
The novel, on the other hand, was really great through and through. I can only vouch for the original translation, but the updated version sounds good from reviews!
i mean, i say give the books another shot because i can't imagine enjoying the movies but not the books. but to each their own. if you don't want to go down that road, what do you mean things that might interest you? do you mean in the harry potter universe? if so, the other stuff is fun but the original seven are her magnum opus IMO and to get my fix, i had to go outside the Harry Potter universe.
some books that I just inhaled and read in one sitting will sound super corny, but...
If you just want some good fantasy that isn't just Lord of the Rings rip offs, these are the ones I like.
The Force Awakens... it's the novelization of the movie:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Force-Awakens-Star-Wars-ebook/dp/B00WCXL1JW
This says that each book is indeed split into 2 in german: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Das_Lied_von_Eis_und_Feuer#Deutsche_Taschenb.C3.BCcher
I've got the British English paperbacks and ASOS and ADWD are both sold in 2 parts too (the rest one book each) so you could buy the UK paperback. Logic tells me that they're probably split at the same chapter but I'd have to check when I get home tonight. Also available in the german amazon: http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85Z%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=a+storm+of+swords&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aa+storm+of+swords but be carefull because it seems they have the split UK AND the complete US version.
I highly recommend The Princess Bride by William Goldman, the book on which the movie was based.
This list needs more Neil Gaiman.
Children/YA books: Coraline, The Graveyard Book, and Stardust are my favs. Do yourself a favor and read the version illustrated by Charles Vess, it is far superior to the (non-illustrated) mass-market paperback. I would link to it, but I can't seem to find it on Amazon. Sorry.
Now, at no point did you ask for short-fiction, though I would think it fits your criteria of being able to pick up and set down at a moment's notice, so I'm gonna rec some fine short fiction as well. Smoke and Mirrors is quite good, as is Fragile Things.
Now as long as I'm here I would be remiss if I did not at least mention The Princess Bride and the Discworld novels of Terry Pratchett. I linked to the first one in the series, but it has been my experience that you can read them in just about any order you want with very little trouble. I usually just go to my local library and grab whichever one strikes my fancy. Terry Pratchett is an amazing storyteller and he also made a sword out of metal ore mined from a meteor after being knighted. That is a true thing that happened. I kid you not. Read his books. They will make your life better. Also to bring this comment full circle, he co-authored a book with Neil Gaiman called Good Omens that is just fantastic.
http://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-5-Book-Boxed/dp/0345535529/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394553163&sr=8-1&keywords=a+song+of+ice+and+fire
The book covers don't have any HBO art. Only the box itself has it.
Here's a link to a box set of all 5, also on Amazon.
There's also this book, which is a little on the pricey side but filled with awesome maps like the one you're looking for.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1371156474&sr=8-26&keywords=game+of+thrones
You can find a lower-quality scan of the "Known World" map from the Land of Ice and Fire map book over thisaway. I recommend buying the collection on Amazon -- it's well worth it. I've spent hours pouring over the maps.
Sounds like you're being excessively fixated on accuracy of a world purposefully written to be vague. Westeros is approximately the length of South America, per Martin's statements and this is generally accepted by the community.
If you want more info, feel free to check out the official book of maps.
There is a Illidan Novel out since april this year: Illidan: World of Warcraft
only have the german link: https://www.amazon.de/Illidan-World-Warcraft-William-King/dp/0399177566
Or a novel?
Watched the show, want to get into the books.
Thought of getting a nice copy, has anyone picked up the leather-bound edition?
They look a lot less boring than the Mass-market Paperback and only for $10 more.
It's the leather bound case, got it on amazon.
Here's the link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1101965487/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_GZQfz7WFyBsox
I bought this today!
>>>>A lot of them do.
>>>Here, have some examples of novelizations (both source material and "based on screenplay") where the exact phrase is used.
>>I clearly said a lot of them use the wording "now a major motion picture". You've thrown a pile of links at me to prove nothing.
>Those are called "sources." They're what people use to prove their point when someone tries to argue with them.
I see you've failed basic logic. Six cherry-picked images don't do anything to prove your point.
For you to prove your point, you would need a source that showed a vast majority of novelizations say "now a major motion picture" on the cover. You have provided no such source.
>So put up or shut up.
Okay, let's play stupid games. Maybe there's stupid prizes to be won.
Godzilla. The Dark Knight Rises. Suicide Squad. Interstellar. The Nice Guys. The Cabin in the Woods. Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Crimson Peak
The closest I came across while poking around was Star Trek (2009), which says "A major motion picture from Paramount Pictures".
Not one occurrence of your universal phrase in a pile of recent novelizations of popular works chosen semi-randomly from an Amazon search. Which solidly supports my point that it is "hardly 'every'". In fact, it appears to be even less common than I thought it was.
Now I'm fucking done. I can't believe I wasted time on this stupid argument.
Both will presumably be explained in the book released in October, Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier
It says so in the official promotional description on Amazon.
>While The Secret History of Twin Peaks served to expand the mysteries of the town and place the unexplained phenomena that unfolded there into a vastly layered, wide-ranging history, Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier tells us what happened to key characters in the twenty-five years in between the events of the first series and the second, offering details and insights fans will be clamoring for. The novel also adds context and commentary to the strange and cosmic happenings of the new series. For fans around the world begging for more, Mark Frost’s final take laid out in this novel will be required reading.
Books 1-5.
Get all 7 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0007477155/?coliid=I2MRQNSTOIXK7G&colid=YE3LOAU2DAVI&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
It's the same covers as this set. You can't actually see the covers there, but it's basically just the object depicted on the spine, but a bit larger. If you search "a song of..." on amazon.uk, you can see the covers on the individual books. I'm on my phone now and it's a pain to link everything, sorry.
You're better off reading the original novel. The frame tale of the film has dated a bit, and the "annotative" material in the book is funnier than the grandpa/grandson mechanic of the film that the book only alluded to. The book also adds an entire third layer of story-within-story related to the "original" version of the book. (Which is sadly reduced to a simple prop in the film.)
That said, I think the big thing with this film/book is that it is so quotable. While Douglas Adams had made obsessing and pouring over each and every little word his goal when writing the various versions of Hitchhiker's, William Goldman actually pulled it off with this one work.
I too am poor, but I do work at a bookstore and you can get a solid price on the books by buying the mass market box set. Amazon sells it for $30 online.
[Egyptian cat necklace] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003V0XV20/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1EQQ739RBKHKV&coliid=I3DAD3VKICPQ6Z) 29.00
[game of thrones box set] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0345535529/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1EQQ739RBKHKV&coliid=IHCDEZY3PUH6D) 28.86
I’m gonna ask a question, hopefully it’s not dumb. I just bought a set on amazon but it was only 5 books. Am I getting the whole story here?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345535529/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QvE5CbR72FNC9
Reading the books is maybe too obvious of a suggestion here, but, you know, they have even more world building in them. Although right now the books end at book 5 which is roughly season 4 or season 5 of the show I believe.
https://www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/0345535529/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=book+game+of+thrones&qid=1558396283&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Thanks, I'm looking. Problem is, that the cheap versions are some HBO edition crap with pictures from the show on the cover.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345535529/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1N0NR3TR3OML6&psc=1
It is coming
Ask me again on October 30th.
I feel like I recommend these books every time I post in a /r/books thread.
If you want another long epic fantasy series I'd recommend A Song of Fire and Ice(6 books, 4 released) or Malazan(10 books) above all else. If you want the full immersion effect of entering a more intricate and detailed world than just about any other world out there than try Malazan. For amazing characters and a kick ass plot try aSoFaI. Malazan is completed whereas aSoFaI won't probably be finished for probably another decade.
Fellow fan of series here! Let me see...
Young Adult
Percy Jackson series is fun (and finished, too, I think).
Artemis Fowl series isn't quite as good as Percy Jackson IMHO, but it's got a following.
Fantasy
Harry Dresden series This is one of my favorites. Harry is Chicago's only professional wizard. There are a ton of these books and they are still going strong.
Game of Thrones These are great...but unfinished. If you watch the show, reading the books does help you get even more out of the story, I think.
Wheel of Time Another good series. There is a LOT of this series and it's finished. (Thank you, Brandon Sanderson!)
Mistborn Speaking of Brandon Sanderson... This one is very good. I highly recommend reading the Mistborn books before trying the Stormlight Archive, but only because as good as Mistborn is, Stormlight Archive is even better.
Stormlight Archive Amazing. Man, these are good. The series isn't finished, but the two books that are available are some of my favorites ever.
Kingkiller Chronicles I loved the first book. I could not freakin' believe I enjoyed the second one even more. The third one is still pending.
Temeraire Dragons in Napoleonic times. Super cool premise! This one is not finished (I don't think, anyway).
Gentlemen Bastards Con men in a fantasy realm. It's pretty light on the fantasy elements. Very light, I'd say. I'd also say that it has some of the very best swearing that I've ever come across. :D
Scifi
Old Man's War I'm almost finished this one--it's amazing!
Horror/Thriller
Passage Trilogy I've heard these described as vampire books...maybe zombie books... It's apocalyptic for sure. Great books!
Mysteries
Amelia Peabody Egyptology + murder mysteries. Super fun, but trust me...go with the audiobooks for these. They are best when they are performed.
Stephanie Plum Total popcorn reads. If that's your thing, shut off your brain and just enjoy.
Walt Longmire These get particularly good as it goes along. The main character is a sheriff in modern day Wyoming. (Side note: The TV show is also great--just don't expect them to stick to the books.)
Graphic Novels (Everything recommended can be gotten in a "book" format instead of only in comic form, in case that matters. I've gotten most of these from my local library.)
Locke & Key Eerie as crap. Love the art! This one is on-going.
Y: The Last Man All the men on the planet drop dead in a day...except for Yorrick. REALLY good. This is the series that got me reading graphic novels. Plus, it's finished!
Walking Dead I am not a zombie fan...but I like these. They're not done, but I've read up through volume 22 and am still enjoying them.
Other
OutlanderI have no idea how to categorize these or even give a description that does them justice. I refused to pick it up for AGES because it sounded like a bodice-ripper romance and that's not my bag. But these are good!
I hope there's something in there that'll do for you. Have fun and read on!
Edit: Apparently, I need to practice formatting. :/
Edit 2: I forgot to add the Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentlemen Bastards #1).
If a side character leaves you wanting more, then the writers and actor did their jobs perfectly.
If you want more, Andrew Robinson did write a book focusing on Garak
Read a book
Edit: I just finished The Empyrean Age and it was pretty good. It gives a great background to why things are the way they are between the four separate races. I am currently reading Templar One (which is the second book of the series) and it is definitely superior and I am enjoying it a lot more. I am a huge fan of sci-fi and it's my main genre of book that I read so I am a bit biased but if you're into scifi as well I recommend the books.
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-The-Empyrean-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765363909
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-Templar-One-Eve-Universe/dp/B00AK3AR9Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374061242&sr=1-1&keywords=templar+one
theses are the only 2 worth reading, there's also burning life, but yeah, don't read that one. Not worth your time.
I'm really confused why CCP made this particular stance...
EVE's lore has detailed accounts of the following...
...The list goes on! And this is from one book (chapter) of a EVE Novel!
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/0765363909/
So, why is CCP getting their panties all in a twist over an Alliance name?
Just splurged on a gift for myself. I have really been wanting to read the Song of Fire and Ice Series but George R. R. Martin. I don't know if I could stomach the violence from Game of Thrones but have heard nothing but great things about the books as well. Found this beautiful set on Amazon for a fantastic price!
Leather Box Set
If you're a fan and collector and haven't seen this set, I would highly recommend it for the price Amazon currently has it selling for!
I can't wait until it arrives to start reading!
Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier will be released October 31st, 2017 according to Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250163307/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_d0lEzbSB3G3G5
I think it depends on what you're looking for. Mark Frost is putting out a second book in October that is what I think most people (including myself) thought this one would be, namely the story of what happened to various characters in the 25 years between seasons 2 and 3. This one is a lot more about aliens and the occult, and focuses more on peripheral characters like Douglas Milford (the mayor's brother) and the Bookhouse boys in high school, so if that sounds like your cup of tea, I'd say it's worth it.
It definitely shades this current season differently, but I don't think reading it necessarily tells you much that the season won't (though who knows). I've enjoyed it, but if you're looking for answers about what happened after season 2, I'd say wait for the upcoming one.
Amazon has A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One- kindle edition for only $2.99 today!
That's the Kindle app brotato, probably a legit copy. There's a version with all 5 books for $20.
I got the Kindle version of the movie novelization, but the hardcover might not be in stores yet:
http://www.amazon.com/Force-Awakens-Star-Wars-ebook/dp/B00WCXL1JW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1450459785&sr=8-4
Other than that it looks like it's actually just this children's book that's out: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Awakening-Digital-Picture-ebook/dp/B00XJKK8FK/ref=pd_sim_351_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51kO8vVisEL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=1WWQPPFAE2EG16PKEJWF
Plus there are several short stories that came out a few weeks ago.
Novel adaptation of the movie
If you want to know what happens between now and the start of WoD, you should definitely read "War Crimes" by Christie Golden.
If you'd like to go further back, I suggest the "War of the Ancients" Saga which explains how the Elves initially interacte with Demons and what caused the Maelstrom. I believe that this trilogy edition contains all 3 books together.
You have got several options here:
| Book/Bundle | Content |
|:------------|:----------------|
| Chronicle: Volume 1 | "This definitive tome of Warcraft history reveals untold stories about the birth of the cosmos, the rise of ancient empires, and the forces that shaped the world of Azeroth and its people." |
| War of the Ancients Trilogy | This trilogy covers the initial invasion of the Burning Legion some 10,000 years before the First War/Warcraft 1. Eventhough it is slightly tainted by Knaak's infamous writing and it has become hard/expensive to get your hands on a new copy; it remains essential in WoW's canon. |
 
 
| ALSO: | |
|:------------|:----------------|
| If you are looking for a recommended reading list before Legion hits | Go to our friends at Blizzard Watch |
| If you are looking for a nerd with a soothing voice, summarizing lore for you | Go watch all Nobbel's videos |
| If you are looking for a subreddit full of helpful lorewalkers | Go visit r/warcraftlore ! |
To get addicted? I would say the War of the Ancients trilogy, it covers a period in Warcraft known as the sundering but from a different perspective from Warcraft 3 as it focuses on 3 characters 'created' by the author (technically you can say it was blizzard/knaak) which in turn heavily influence the current story and timeline in World of Warcraft (WoD excluded to a point).
If you aren't looking for a long read, as mentioned by /u/disaace, Arthas: Rise of the Lich King is fantastic and covers Arthas Menethils descent in to 'madness' as he takes up the mantle of 'The Lich King'. The internal struggle in that book was one of the best things in any of the Warcract/WoW series i've read.
If you enjoy either of those, you can go in a few directions but i'd recommend covering the history of/between Orcs and Humans which you can read in World of Warcraft: Chronicles of War which covers 4 books and gives you a really solid grounding.
Some people have issues with some of the writing styles but if you just take the story for what it is and you've grown up around the Warcraft games then it's hard to not geek out a bit!
Probably the War of the Ancients trilogy.
Hmmm... paranormal/supernatural tween reads with strong girl characters (not that Twilight had a strong female lead in it, but you may as well steer her in a better direction).
You really can't go wrong with the Hunger Games. Or you could get her the Japanese novel Battle Royale. It's also a dystopian novel about teenagers forced to battle each other to the death.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is worth checking out. It starts to lose some oomph towards the end, but is still a solid read with actual substance to the storyline. I'd get the hardback - the photography in it is just genius. Male lead, but there's a pretty cool chick who throws fireballs.
I enjoyed Anna Dressed in Blood. It's a bit like Supernatural, only with one male ghost hunter as the protaganist. He falls in love with a ghost, but she's a homicidal maniac.
The Rise of Renegade X - a boy raised by his evil supervillain mom discovers that he's the product of her one-night-stand with a superhero. That was pretty enjoyable...
Poison Study is a great book about a girl who's been sentenced to death and is offered a reprieve if she becomes the king's food taster. Her handler ends up subjecting her to a litany of poisons so that she can build up immunity. Didn't read the sequels, but the first book was pretty good.
Graceling is set in a world where certain people are born with random talents - the ability to hold their breath underwater for long periods of time, musical or dancing abilities, cooking the best food imaginable, etc. The main character is born with the talent to kill & becomes her uncle's assassin.
Stardust - Neil Gaiman... really nuff said, eh?
Howl's Moving Castle - A girl is turned into an old woman by an angry witch & takes refuge in the mysteriously moving castle of an "evil" wizard.
Okay. I'll stop now. :)
I might be a little late, but Battle Royale by Koushun Takami is so much like the Hunger Games, but it's way gorier. But it is a really excellent read.
Battle Royale is essentially a more adult version of Hunger Games set in Japan.
And while we're addressing the history of your account, I'll answer a question you asked of /r/books and never got an answer.... Battle Royale. It is a book that both of the other two books were based off of.
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723/ref=pd_sim_b_3
I suggest the paperback since you're young and the hardback is kind of expensive for a book... I found my copy of this book at Hastings, but you should be able to find a copy or have a copy shipped to most book stores.
My suggestion when reading this book: Do NOT jump to the end and skip the exciting parts near the end... This is a great book.
Gonna state the obvious but... You can't beat A Game of Thrones for cast diversity. If you haven't read it, you have to try it out. It's not for everyone, but if you love it, you loooooove it.
Enjoy!
There is always the Kindle + Amazon route. E-books are dirt cheap, like getting The entire "A Song of Ice and Fire" series for $25. It does require that you invest in a kindle, or already have a tablet of some sort.
And it's not real books. That might be the biggest deal breaker.
Start with "A Game of Thrones" and go from there to "A Clash of Kings", "A Storm of Swords", "A Feast for Crows" and "A Dance with Dragons".
https://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-5-Book-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00957T6X6/ref=sr_1_2?__mk_pt_BR=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&keywords=A+Game+of+Thrones&qid=1556679904&s=digital-text&sr=1-2
The US store (google cached copy): http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:7JM4pcJIRS0J:www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-5-Book-Series-ebook/dp/B00957T6X6+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au
The AU store: http://www.amazon.com.au/Game-Thrones-Continues-Swords-Dragons-ebook/dp/B007B5EDEG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1419500797&sr=1-3&keywords=a+song+of+ice+and+fire
OK, so I have a friend in jail serving a lot more time and the rules are probably even stricter (separate receipt needs to be sent in a different shipment or else even new books from Amazon will be destroyed).
Anyways, he says that prison libraries skew towards religious books, former crappy bestsellers (dime-a-dozen bestsellers, the crappy sort of chicklit, etc), and classics. Books that deviate from that are better.
Some general rules: books that cost less are better (at a certain point, you can receive 3x $10 books or 1x $30 book), 3-books-in-1 are better (you can have x many objects).
Books that have gone over well:
Mass appeal/tradeability is a big thing: Harry Potter, His Dark Materials, and Percy Jackson are popular.
Books with lots of nature photography are also big.
Ooh, I adore this movie, but I've never read the book! Can I still enter? I've heard good things about the book and would love to read it.
If so, and if I didn't link properly, here is a link to the list it's on. I didn't know you could link an item and have it have your wish list info. If I did it wrong, please let me know. Thanks for the contest!
The Princess Bride has been on my To-Read list forever and I keep forgetting about it. If I had a copy, though, I'd definitely be done reading it by the weekend, because I'm sure it's that good of a book! :) This is such a cute contest idea. I love used books, so I think it's great when people gift them! :)
Buying a book is not about obtaining a possession, but about securing a portal.
You could read the book instead...
This is the book you're looking for. It will answer all those questions, pretty well written too. Starts just after RotS IIRC.
Eventually yes, but not for some time after he'd gotten into the suit. Time enough for Anakin, who had a long history of overestimating himself, to admit he needed Palpatine. and this book is my source.
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lord-Rise-Darth-Vader/dp/0345477332
Rise of Darth Vader
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0345477332?pc_redir=1412264393&robot_redir=1
It came out in 2006 so it has some conflicts to canon, but is an interesting read to the events after episode 3.
Mass Market Paperback is probably your best bet if you want a physical copy. As for e-reader, that link has poor reviews because all 5 books are combined into 1.
I ordered the set off amazon for $30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345535529/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iPeTzbPSV7CBS
All five books currently out for ≈$30
There's a large map (poster sized) of the entire world in this book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
edit: here it is for cheaper than $300: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lands-of-ice-and-fire-george-rr-martin/1109483352?ean=9780345538543
Here ya go!
If you like Game of Thrones and maps, you should check out "the Lands of Ice and Fire". It's an official map pack and they look great on walls. Amazon link (just 23,43$ right now)
Great collection btw!
This is a really great scan from "The Lands of Ice and Fire". If you like this map I would highly suggest getting the whole physical set. I plan to laminate some of them and maybe get one framed.
The Lands of Ice and Fire. Highly recommended if you like Game of Thrones. and maps.
https://www.amazon.com/Lands-Ice-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
There is one more, the map folio
Here's the link to pre-order on Amazon.
You could pick the one you like the most from The Lands Of Ice & Fire, scan it at a copy shop and then convert it to B&W digitally.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341501044&sr=8-1&keywords=maps+game+of+thrones
Four more months...
I didn't find that to be true in what I read. And as for being "really light on world-building," I'm not sure that's true if you can charge $40 for maps: http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544/
Amazon lists Gardens at an average of 3.7 and GoT at 4.3. Goodreads lists GoT at 4.4 and Gardens at 3.8. Are you saying only fanboys use two of the biggest book sites on the internet?
I admit I have judged Erikson purely on the first book in the Malazan series. IMO anybody who finishes that book and wants to read another book from him is likely to be overly charitable regarding the sequels. The numbers back you up though, Memories of Ice clocks at 4.4 on Goodreads, which is higher than Feast's 4 or Dance's 4.1, but a hair lower than the score for Storm of Swords.
The screencap is CGI from a recent episode of the TV version of Game of Thrones. The castle is called Pyke and it is in The Iron Islands, a small, fierce raider society.
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-Book/dp/0553573403
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-Book/dp/0553573403/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1334465335&sr=8-2
The series as a whole is called A Song of Ice and Fire. Here are the books in order:
A Game of Thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords
A Feast for Crows
A Dance with Dragons
They also exist in audiobook format, narrated by Roy Dotrice, which I can recommend.
Some of the (non-technical) books I've recently read:
Though, a lot of these quotes are from journals of mine. But many of the above books are great spring boards to other readings (especially the "Infinite in All Directions" book).
Or Contact could happen. That would be sweet.
Sorry, Garak is book related.
you forgot the 1st book
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-The-Empyrean-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765363909/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y
If you’re wanting to read the rest, there’s a great leather bound set on amazon i just recently got. Just in case you’re interested, I’ll post the link below.
I found it here
The official novelization: http://www.amazon.com/Force-Awakens-Star-Wars/dp/1101965495/
i am guessing no. the upcoming mark frost book says it's his "final take".
https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307/
Here. I don’t recall if I could use my existing Amazon account or if I had to create a new one for the UK site.
Barnes and Nobles, or Target or Amazon.com.
Amazon has all five but they are more expensive and will take a while. Here is the box set for them which includes a few extra stories in the same universe.
And here is Amazon's box set for just the five books.
Target has the first four for 7 bucks each. And apparently their boxset for the first four is only 25 bucks.
And here is r/gameofthrones after you've caught up and maybe watched the TV series.
Odd, where did you get your copy? Mine was on preorder from amazon.co.uk so I just assumed that when it was released :/
> Publisher: Harper Voyager (12 July 2012)
And furthermore that it is based on an amazing book.
by William Goldman
The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure https://www.amazon.com/dp/0156035219/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9SoxzbA4FMQ62
I would high recommend The Codex Alera by Jim Butcher. This is a sword and sorcery fantasy series that has a very strong back story of the main character finding true love. It is 6 books long so not to big to get into and I know that Jim's books have been used several times to get people either back into reading or to get them hooked on reading in the first place.
Another classic book is The Princess Bride most folks have seen the movie but I am always surprised at how few have read the book. It is just as good if not better than the movie.
Enjoy
I didn't watch any Star Wars movies until like 6 or 7 years ago (I'm 24). Since, I've watched the movies through like a zillion times. I became obsessed with the psychological transformation Anakin went through to become Darth Vader. I'm reading my first novel: Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader. It's fantastic....I can't wait to broaden my SW knowledge :)
I know how you feel :[ but upbeat music helps.. usually this one works for me. Oh, and cats and snuggles.
What makes me feel better
this
The Narnia series. I read this series over and over as a child. Its the reason I read so much today. I had read books before that series but I wansnt into reading untill I read this series. It just had everything I was into at the time, Travel, adventure, danger, fictional characters. It also paved the way for me to be into book series more than single books. I think they can go into more detail and make you feel like your part of the story more than one book can and when they are over you almost feel as if a part of you is over. Like its a part of your past life.
a few of my favorite series are:
LOTR
The earths childrens series which is my favorite
The song of ice and fire
The touchstone trilogy
I did the Audiobooks first but I was so hooked I read them too. Cheap on Amazon for the paperback collection
Great for referencing
Starting on the 29th they're also going to include ADWD in a box set as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/0345535529/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502094091&sr=8-2&keywords=a+song+of+ice+and+fire+leather
Just get this. They're cheap and you'll tear through the books without caring what they look like. They're fine to read. When the series is over, buy a box set.
You can get the entire set for $30 shipped.
Kindle for only $20.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345535529/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d6_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=13J5570MWCMZVK54F30Y&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846
The box has Peter, but not the individual books
Large poster-sized maps of various lands are available for purchase via the Lands of Ice and Fire. Thus, you won't find any large images of them online (legally).
There is a whole book of maps called [Lands of Ice and Fire]
(http://www.amazon.com/Lands-Ice-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544)
https://www.amazon.com/Lands-Ice-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
But you can just copy them; I'm sure the original artist wouldn't mind the loss of income!
Already happened.
http://www.amazon.com/Lands-Ice-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407305394&sr=1-1&keywords=lands+of+ice+and+fire
There is a history book I listened to in audiobook form while at work. It has no real main characters, but is instead much a history book from school. All told to Tommen by a Maester (I forget who specifically) as a history lesson. It can be a bit boring and fascinating at the same time. Some chapters/histories are so many steps removed from show/books that it got a little slow at times. Definatly worth it though. Made my re-watch of the show VERY different because I knew so much more about the world.
While it doesn't cover everything, it covers everything that is known to the Citidel. Entire histories of small islands north of the Dothraki Sea called Ib, and the islands between Valyria and Sothoros called the Basilisk Isles. But it's all accumulated knowledge, and so even in the book, there is doubt cast on a lot of it as well acknowledging the missing pieces.
There is also an official atlas that has very detailed maps. I would suggest finding one or on the internet to glance at at the same time. It helped me A LOT in understanding what was going on in these histories.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
If you decide to get real nerdy, there's a book that came out that has poster size maps of every area. The Known World, Westeros, The Free Cities, Bravos, King's Landing, Beyond the Wall, Slaver's Bay, The Dothraki Sea, The West, The East, Central Essos, and Journeys (Which shows the travels of major characters).
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
They dont symbolize anything. They are binding spells, that serve to imprison an actual demon inside demon hunters' bodies.
I recommend reading the new Illidan book if you're interested in demon hunter lore.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Illidan-World-Warcraft-William-King/dp/0399177566
Illidan
War Crimes concludes Mists of Pandaria cycle. There weren't any novels written for Warlods of Draenor, only few comics and short stories.
This makes Illidan next novel both chronologically and factually. It's quite distant from War Crimes in style and plot.
Might be better without the refer part, right?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399177566?keywords=illidan&qid=1458243520
Ahh! This is such an awesome contest and you are awesome!
Personally, ever since I was little I've been a huge bookworm. One summer growing up i think i averaged 8 books a week. im pretty sure my mother took away my harry potter books. it was no joke. Hahahaha but now with that silly thing called life in the way, I rarely get to read as much as i would like but whenever i do it really is a treat.
This summer however I will have more time than usual to read. I'm currently living in NJ so that I can commute to NYC for an internship... Thaaaat I just found out is mostly online and I only go in 1-2x a week. So now I'm living in a town with my aunt where I don't know anyone or anything so I don't have a whole lot to do since no one will hire someone for the summer :(
Anyhooooo, winning a Kindle Fire would be so great so I don't have to lug around a ton of books ;) I had one about two years ago until the screen mysteriously broke (aka my brother got ahold of it). Since then, I didn't know anything about a warranty and I never got to have another one. It really was a glorious twoish weeks while I had one.
My favorite ebook that I don't have yet would have to be A Song of Fire and Ice, Book 1. I have a feeling this will be mentioned a lot but I've been meaning to read it forever and well that's the one I'd like! I am absolutely HOOKED on the series and I just need to start reading the books. Orrrrr possibly Jodi Picoult. Growing up, her books were an escape of sorts for me. I always like to stay up to date with her novels :)
Either of those books are sure to keep me reading for days! This post is getting obscenely long somehow so I'm just going to stop now.... Stay fabulous :)
YA Horror/Fantasy - Anything by Darren Shan
YA Drama/Literary - 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
YA Romance/Mystery/Paranormal - 1-800-Where-R-U Series by Meg Cabot
YA Fantasy - The Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Flanagan
Urban Fantasy - The Kate Daniel's Series by Ilona Andrews
Urban Fantasy - Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs
Mystery - Miss Marple Mysteries by Agatha Christie
Mystery/Western - Holmes on the Range by Steve Hockensmith
Fantasy - Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
Romance - Wedding Survivor by Julia London
Historical/Paranormal - Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger
Zombie/Romance - Living with the Dead Series by Jesse Petersen
Zombie - Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
Horror - Whispers by Dean Koontz
Nonfiction - And the Band Played on by Randy Shilts
Manga - Library Wars
Manga - Future Diary
Sorry...got carried away. I read a lot and couldn't pick just one to recommend. What are some of your favorite books?
ERMAHGERD!! I have been wanting Limbo so, so, so badly! =D I watched a friend's friend play it, and immediately I knew it was a game I'd like. Not only is it a platformer/puzzle game (which are my absolute favorite!), but the art is beautiful. I love it!
As for something entertaining, why not take a minute and look at these adorable baby skunks? =D
And ERMAHGERD I LOVE READING! It is the ultimate de-stressing activity for me, although I don't get to do it often during the school year because I have to read my textbooks and stuff instead. I've really been wanting to read A Game of Thrones! I have just heard such good things, and it really seems like a book I'd love. =)
Thanks for doing this awesomely awesome contest! =D
EDIT: Oh, I almost forgot, here's a gifting that I have done!
If you are willing to give it a shot and you have 16 hours to kill, I'd recommend starting the series A Song of Ice and Fire. Guaranteed to keep you engaged.
If you are looking for a short read about small time crime in Boston and trying to sleep for 14.5 hours I'd recommend The Friends of Eddie Coyle.
Also if you have not read Ender's Game or the companion series Ender's Shadow this would be your other option. A fantastic sci-fi series, just realize that the author is kind of a dick.
*edit added links
amazon might be your best bet, most convenient and probably much cheaper than a bookstore. (I looked up the actual book for you, because I'm cool like that.)
I quite liked eragon, actually, (book, NOT film. that was a disgrace not worth talking about.)
at the moment I'm struggling through the wheel of time series. it has its (major) flaws, but I'm at book 10 and too stubborn to give up after I've made it this far.
My cheapest is this book for $6.74.
My most expensive is this bed which s $200. I don't actually own a bed yet...
Of course they will. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-Book/dp/0553593714/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1504119654&sr=1-1&keywords=game+of+thrones
Change HBO to Netflix, and the Night King to Netflix Geralt. DONE.
This is a thingy I would like to read.
Contact by Carl Sagan http://www.amazon.com/dp/0671004107/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_LAl7tb06FZF2P
# | Book | Links
---|----|----
1 | Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson | (Powells) (Amazon)
2 | Contact by Carl Sagan | (Powells) (Amazon)
3 | Bellwether by Connie Willis | (Powells) (Amazon)
4 | 2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson | (Powells) (Amazon)
5 | The Dispossessed, Ursula K. Le Guin | (Powells) (Amazon)
6 | The Lifecycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang | (Free)
7 | The Practice Effect by David Brin | (Powells) (Amazon)
8 | A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan | (Powells) (Amazon)
9 | The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell | (Powells) (Amazon)
10 | As She Climbed Across The Table by Jonathan Lethem | (Powells) (Amazon)
Yes. I strongly encourage reading it. The film is good, but it had a few shortcomings that weren't in the book.
I usually prefer to get people interested in reading philosophy obliquely, through pop. philosophy or fiction with philosophical themes. So much depends on what you are interested in...
Fiction:
A good overview like Sophie's World
Military Ethics / Social Responsibility Starship Troopers
Science and Faith Contact
Somewhat easy philosophy
Ethics: The Basic Writings of John Stuart Mill
Mind: Consciousness Explained
War: Just and Unjust Wars
I would have switched TOS and ENT in your order, but everything else looks pretty good. Since Garak is your favorite character, I would recommend A Stitch In Time which is basically a bunch of letters from Garak to Bashir written by the actor who plays Garak. I am part way through it and it's pretty good especially reading it in his voice.
I would suggest anyone interested in learning how humble Garak is, should read A Stitch In Time.
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-The-Empyrean-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765363909 book 1
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-Templar-One-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765326191/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y book 2
This one looks slightly less expensive:
https://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-Leather-Cloth-Boxed/dp/1101965487/ref=pd_sim_14_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51o4SafxrCL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=3XFJ5EVKZZFDNK5P317D
Deal is over though
It's the leather bound set.
https:// www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/1101965487/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1478479714&sr=8-1
Yup! These ones. As nice as they look/feel I think I'll end up regretting them....unless the last two books will have a version released to match.
If you'd like something nicer than the regular hardcopies, perhaps wait until the series is done (will it ever happen tho? lol) to buy a nice edition such as the leather.
You're welcome tho. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have been.
https://www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/1101965487/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Google Cardboard is Awesome.
Why not get the Leather Bound set for $5 more?
And I found an awesome 5TB drive on sale last summer... definitely can't have too much!
I got it from Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1101965487/ref=oh_aui_i_d_rec_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They're fairly small though. I travel for work, so I was fine with this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1101965487/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1501953126&sr=1
I have these, very nice leather bound set.
This is the listing I purchased from on Amazon. And here is what they look like in real life. I like them, my only complaint is that they're smaller than I anticipated. Like, short and kinda stubby books idk.
This one.
Here's the Amazon page http://www.amazon.com/The-Force-Awakens-Star-Wars/dp/1101965495
There is a novelization of the movie, and it contains a lot more details than the movie, though it also spoils things. (http://www.amazon.com/The-Force-Awakens-Star-Wars/dp/1101965495)
Read my comment again: the published copy does not come out for a few days (Jan. 5th Amazon confirms)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Force-Awakens-Star-Wars/dp/1101965495
The digital version has been out since the movies release.
This is awesome! After I saw this pic, I ended up arranging my collection in a similar manner - give us periodic updates as more canon media is released!
Couple of questions:
Have you seen this?
https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497901813&sr=8-3&keywords=mark+frost
And here is a non-affiliate link to the same product: https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307
https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307
Yup!
I would say read Rise of the Horde then Lord of the Clans then Day of the Dragon then the War of the Ancients trilogy. Those are the best of the books in my opinion
I would ask for their the Warcraft archive or War of the Ancients Trilogy.
That ends up being 7 books for around $10-15 total, so it wouldn't eat up the whole budget, and all of them are great.
Well, as many are posting already, you can go through them in a very stringent chronological order if you'd like to... or, you could do what I did, and try to dive right in to the core-lore, the oldest and most central stories: [Warcraft Archives] (http://us.blizzard.com/store/details.xml?id=110000002) is a book containing 4 original stories that cover topics ranging from the origin of Thrall to Medivh and the opening of the Dark Portal. I loved all of them! The next one I plan to read is the [War of the Ancients Archive] (http://www.amazon.com/WarCraft-Ancients-Archive-Warcraft-Series/dp/1416552030) which contains the three War of the Ancients books. Lot's of Night Elf lore! I personally find these collected tomes a perfect way to satiate my hunger for the real meat of Warcraft lore.
It's not the best to start with because two of the characters come from a previous book.
I recommend starting with the [WarCraft Archive] (http://www.amazon.com/WarCraft-Archive-WORLD-OF-WARCRAFT/dp/1416525823). It has four books in it:
You can get all 4 of those books individually, but if you're going to read War of the Ancients, read at least Day of the Dragon first.
From there, read War of the Ancients (it's a trilogy, but they have a "single print" edition).
And as a stand alone, read Rise of the Horde! It tells the story of the original Horde and how the developed on Draenor. Makes a lot of the events in WoD make more sense.
From there, there are tons of books, I can't say they are all good, but I've not been disappointed in any of them. But those are what I started with, in that order, and it gave me a MUCH better sense of the lore pre-Warcraft III.
hipster exoskeleton That's so great for you.
Worringly, the theme and storyline to the original book (that the films and in turn the gaming genre is based on) is similar...
For the curious:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723
> I'm wrestling with finding meaning in my life and I know there's no one solution like traveling, but for some reason I feel like if I don't try this now I never will. Any advice is appreciated.
If you're MGTOW, there's really no reason you can't travel a year or ten years from now. If you're just looking to support yourself, you can live obscenely cheap for the rest of your life. Money should never be a problem.
My two cents - meaning is internal, not external. It doesn't matter where you go or what people say to you if you don't grapple with hard questions and take the time to think. So my suggestion is to get a few books, ignore everything job-related for a while (if your field's in-demand, getting back on the grind is easy, especially if you've worked internships), live cheap, and get reading.
Not sure where to start? I think a great, accessible introduction to philosophy and thinking about important issues is George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones. Of course, if there's books you've been meaning to read, start with those.
I wish you well on your journey, brother.
I want to get my parents a kindle for their 25th anniversary.
I want to get them this book :D http://www.amazon.ca/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-ebook/dp/B000QCS8TW/ref=tmm_kin_title_0
It's really cool of you to give this away instead of just returning it. I have an old Sony e-Reader and its ancient, has no special features to it and is difficult to use. For instance, when I want to lay in bed but my hubby needs to go to sleep, I can't read it because he wants the lights off...and it has no back light. If I want to read when I sit outside then there is too much light, its really just a pain!
If I were to win, I would want to start reading A Song of Fire and Ice because I was told by the hubs that I am missing out on a bunch of stuff by only watching the show.
You are so sweet for doing this!
I would absolutely love it if I were to get the ebook A Song of Fire and Ice: A Game of Thrones. I have wanted to start reading the series and what better way than by ebook?
I ain't birthed no babies! XD
Pokemon and video games in general make me so happy and help me destress. :)
I recommend trying the Game of Thrones series. Happy Birfday!!!!!
I'm reading Hyrule Historia by Akira Himekawa! It's basically a book about funfacts/trivia of the Legend of Zelda games!
I'd love to be able to start The Game of Thrones!
Thanks for the contest! You ALL still have Zoidberg!
I'm absolutely the right person to ask!
There are 5 books in the series, out of a planned 7:
Fair warning, each book seems to take more and more years to be published. The 5th book came out in 2011 and ends on a huge cliffhanger! There are number of fans who are seriously concerned that the 6th book may never come out, or that it may not come out until the author George R R Martin dies and it is then published by another author.
If you get through these and want more, George RR Martin has also published a short story collection about some tertiary characters called Dunk and Egg in 2015 (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), as well as an encyclopedia for the entire history of the world in which that the series takes place (A World of Ice and Fire).
Some fans of the television show therefore may argue that it's not worth reading the books until the series is finished, or ever. I personally recommend them, they add a lot of depth to the show, and are just well-written pieces of prose on their own. The Dunk and Egg collection is also fun. I've not read the encyclopedia yet but I'll get to it some day.
Many publishers are incredibly lazy when it comes to eBooks.
Game of Thrones is a good example; 5 books in one large ass eBook.
Other problems with many ebooks include:
What's sad is that most of these problems are easy fixes, hell, you can download Calibre (free and open-source eBook management software) and edit non-drm epub files and fix these issues yourself.
That's what I did with Open Road Media's digital publish of Harlan Ellison's: I Have No Mouth & I Must Scream
My edit on the left while the original the right
http://imgur.com/7sPEyXD
The german book prices of game of thrones.
It is absolute ridiculous. Via the german Amazon you can order the english box set with all books for around 26€.
All translated books will cost you around 120€.
Vinyl: Not sure what type of music you're into, but i personally love Daft Punk They are.. amazing!
$17.99 w/ free shipping on orders over $35 (which with the lipstick and kindle books would be over that)
Books: I'm in love with the Game of Thrones series, always have been (before the show came out). It has an amazing plot, awesome characters, and shocking twists and turns the whole way through.
$41.67
Makeup:
Hmm my favorites would have to be...
NYX Snow White just because it's an AMAZING color. (not indie but, still awesome) $5.25 w/ free shipping
Anything from AFK Cosmetics (shameless promotion of a_wild_dena_appears new line!).
A sample bag off all of her new shadows would be $17 + shipping. Not sure how much shipping is in the US, but we'll just say 5 bucks to be safe. So $22 ish.
That leaves 13 dollars left, so I would honestly (if it were me) grab 11 samples from ANY collection on Victorian Disco.
Sample baggie shipping is $1.75 so that would afford you a lot of samples!! Total on that would be $12.75
Complete Total: $99.66 :)
Get busy living!
You can get them for Kindle on Amazon for 39.99. And you don't have to have a Kindle; the app works just as well if you're reading from a iPad or phone.
Join us brother.
Join us
Actually, if Amazon thinks you live in Australia, it automatically adjusts the Amazon US prices to match the Australian ones (I discovered this when people would link to books that were $3 in the US store, but all I'd get was a "Pricing not available" message). I've set my account's location to the US, and this is what the book's page looks like to me. Link to the page
>I don't know how to look up quotes and my nook won't let me copy paste them.
Not sure if nook has a PC app but Kindle does and the 5 book set is really reasonable at 20 bucks. I've used the search/copy/paste to death. Though the chrome widget doesn't let you copy paste, the windows app does.
Kindle's got you.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Force-Awakens-Star-Wars-ebook/dp/B00WCXL1JW
Like this: http://www.amazon.ca/Force-Awakens-Star-Wars-ebook/dp/B00WCXL1JW/ref=sr_tnr_p_1_5790319011_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450747005&sr=1-1&keywords=the+force+awakens
https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504537101&sr=8-1&keywords=final+dossier
Also
WarCraft War of the Ancients Archive https://www.amazon.com/dp/1416552030/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IZyGAbCYPGT9Q
All three in one binding. This is what I have, but it makes for a large unwieldy book IMO
my favorite lore books are in trilogy format - war of the ancients.
http://www.amazon.com/WarCraft-Ancients-Archive-Richard-Knaak/dp/1416552030
Whatever order you choose to do, I definitely recommend picking up The WarCraft Archive as it contains 4 books: Day of the Dragon, Lord of the Clans, The Last Guardian, and Of Blood and Honor. Saves you a little bit of money as opposed to buying them individually.
Edit: It looks like there's a second WarCraft Archive for the War of the Ancients Trilogy as well.
The War of the Ancients trilogy is amazing. You can buy it in a paperback form that has all three in it.
http://www.amazon.com/WarCraft-Ancients-Archive-Warcraft-Series/dp/1416552030/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373381529&sr=8-1&keywords=war+of+the+ancients+trilogy
Great starting point for anyone who wants to get into WoW Lore.
Legends of the Dragonrealm series are a great first start. I started with just getting the volumes, which includes about 3 books per volume. You'll see the unique style he has there. If you have any interest in diving into Blizzard lore (Starcraft, Warcraft, etc), which personally I'm a sucker for some good lore, check out those series. They do a great job of putting a story behind the games.
I dunno how you read but here are some Amazon links:
War of the Ancients
Dragonrealm Vol. 1
That seems very similar to the book battle royale. Is it very close?
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723/ref=sr_1_1/185-8656308-7417306?ie=UTF8&qid=1394753540&sr=8-1&keywords=battle+royale
I love Edward Gorey so much. I know that one's expensive though, so I'd also really love to read this!
Thank you for the contest!
This one?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372620035&sr=1-2&keywords=battle+royale
that was easy
thanks :>
It's a great read, and translated well. Enjoy!
If you love this movie, check out the Book or the Manga.
They are both really good.
The book https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723 is pretty good.
The comic follows the book pretty faithfully - to the point where you probably don't need to read the manga if you read the book. I read it back when the manga was still being released in NA and I wanted to know what happened :) It was a hard book to track down back then, I think had to get it special ordered.
Now it's pretty easy, they republished it a few years back when hungergames was all the rage.
To be honest, these are just some dystopia themed books I recommended because of Hunger Games. However, I could give better recommendations if you tell me more of what she wants. Young adult? Fantasy? Romantic aspect?
Battle Royale
I had this translation of Battle Royale and thought it was fantastic. I could not put the book down. I highly recommend it.
If you like Lord of the Flies, you might also want to check out Battle Royale, by Koushun Takami. You may have heard of the movie, which is based off of this book.
This is the one I have.
And I know, I always do. I do it just because, no other reason.
It’s a Japanese movie before the Hunger Games
https://www.amazon.com/Battle-English-Subtitled-Tatsuya-Fujiwara/dp/B008VZG30M/ref=sr_1_2?crid=23JT9A0HX5D63&keywords=battle+royale&qid=1554950545&s=gateway&sprefix=Battle+ro%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-2
Based off an earlier book
https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723/ref=sr_1_12?crid=23JT9A0HX5D63&keywords=battle+royale&qid=1554950545&s=gateway&sprefix=Battle+ro%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-12
Both are named Battle Royale!
Note that some novels are cheaper on Amazon than they are on RightStuf.
For instance: Battle Royale is more than $1 cheaper. http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723
What ceci said, it's an older much darker and uniquely japanese take on the genre. I promise, no tentacles. They made a pretty good movie of it about 10 years ago.
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723
Yep. https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Royale-Novel-Koushun-Takami/dp/1421527723/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1525374343&sr=8-6&keywords=battle+royale
How is including a "boxed set" style eBook lazy? Especially when you can also find eBook versions of each one individually?
I've never read the books but would love to. I'd like the Kindle book.
Awwe your kids are so precious! Just adorable!!
I'm sorry your husband upset you this morning. Guys have a tendency to do that on occasion. :hugs:
My husband and I are rewatching the seasons of Game of Thrones again in preparation for the next season, and we were talking about how great the show is, and how we haven't read the books.
Thank you for the contest. :)
Aww this is very sweet of you! Thank you for the opportunity.
For me I would really like one because well, i'm a broke college student. I live on campus in a very small dorm room and have little room to store my actual books. I always thought an e-reader would solve that problem though. I've just never had the money to buy one. I've heard good things about both the Kindle and Nook from family members who own them! An e-reader would work perfectly because I could finally begin to read again! The lack of space prevents me from being able to purchase new books and find that little piece of happiness i've been missing.
A book I would really like to read is: A Game of Thrones - I'm dying to read this series before I dive into the television series. Because as readers know ... BOOKS ARE ALWAYS BETTER <3 Unfortunately the lack of space and cash prevents me from buying the collection.
Hi! My name is Dillon, awesome contest, thank you for doing this! George R.R. Mofoing Martin ( I didn't wanna swear) his first Game of Thrones book. I've wanted to read the rest of the books so bad but haven't had the money for them which is okay because I can watch the show but I have had a huge lust and love for medieval scifi and I have lost touch with reading books and I would love to start again so bad.
Great contest!
I want to get into reading the game of thrones books . I hear such great things about the show, and everyone tells me I should definitely read the books. I've been meaning to find a good series to get into now that I've finished school and have time to read for fun lol.
Awesome contest!
would read game of thrones, and watch alot of movies
You could buy it off Amazon for $8.
Books! I feel like this is my element! Can I suggest multiple books or does that not count?
You can never go wrong with A Song of Ice and Fire (which starts with the book, A Game of Thrones) if you haven't read it yet.
These next two I got for free from Amazon as part of the Kindle First program, and I really liked both of them! They're both the first books in their respective series, so I haven't got around to reading the rest of the books in each series but they have potential.
The Paper Magician is about a girl who has just graduated from Magician School, and has been sent off to do her apprenticeship with a paper magician, who only works magic through paper. The girl is a little miffed as she doesn't think paper magic has any worth.
The Line is about a girl who is the only non-magical member in her family of extremely powerful witches who live in Savannah, GA.
In no particular order:
Honorable mention to The Legend of Eli Monpress.
Your answer is very good, but I think you missed a part of it. Audible is far overpriced, in general. The audiobook market is overpriced. I don't know if it's an issue of not enough people interested in audiobooks, or what.
Case in Point: Game of Thrones book 1 on Audible: $31.50
Game of Thrones book 1 on Amazon: $11.56 on paperback and $6.99 on Kindle
Sorry, but these prices have nothing to do with the cost. You might argue that it's a lot of extra effort for a guy to sit there and read 1,000+ pages and give a decent performance with multiple voices and a good reading. But even if it takes the voice actor 1-2 months per book, a Hollywood movie takes far more people far longer working full time. And I can buy those for $10-$20. Even more damning... I can buy this guy's book for $5 on Kindle and add the complete Audible version for $2 more. It even has Whispersync, which means I can seamlessly switch between the Audible version and Kindle version and it will update to the latest location. And you don't need to have an Audible subscription to get that price. I only bought Game of Thrones on Kindle, but I buy all my BV Larson books with the Audible version and listen while driving or read when I'm at home or in public. It's freaking amazing and I would buy all my books like that if it were that cheap.
So the upshot is that Audible is overpriced like crazy unless the publisher wants reasonable prices. Why they do this, I don't know. Maybe to avoid audiobook prices cannibalizing sales numbers for the hardcopy? Maybe to force people to get Audible subscriptions, which is when prices start getting reasonable?
Edit: looks like you can get the Audible version of some of the Game of Thrones for $13 per book if you buy the Kindle version of that book. The later GoT books are $10, so if you combine them that's $23 to get both Kindle and Audible. However the Audible version for any of these books alone ranges from $35 to $55!!
A Song of Ice and Fire, if she hasn't checked it out yet. I haven't actually read the series, but my friends reccomend it to me a lot.
My name is Kayla. :) and my favorite books are the ASOFAI books. All of them. I love them and the show so much. I flew througb the first three. I just couldn't put them down. They made me laugh, they made me cry, they made rage, and they made me feel good about myself. I am so glad I discovered these books. I will continue to reread them until I am an old, withered woman yelling at passerbys, "WINTER IS COMING!" :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000QCS8TW/ref=mp_s_a_1_sc_3?qid=1370565099&amp;sr=8-3-spell&amp;pi=SL75
Go.
I've seen the oposite, but for older books.
A Song of Ice and Fire(Game of Thrones) book 5 is a fucking 1000+ page tome and does costs much more than the kindle version.
Here's the full set, and look at the price difference.
This would be my happy dance if I got the book(s) below!
Frank and Beans!
Thanks for the contest! :D
This picture of my son and I. Always makes me smile.
If I win I'd like this ebook collection of the Song of Ice and Fire series. I've never read them(or seen the show).
Yeah, five books are out now, and they covered them in seasons 1-5. This last season was ahead of the books. Sixth book is due "soon", and then if history is a guide... many years until the final book.
Elephant Barber
I want this because I like reading something interesting and long when my wife drags me places.
$19.99 on Kindle
Here
https://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-5-Book-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00957T6X6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=a+song+of+ice+and+fire+set&amp;qid=1558704862&amp;s=gateway&amp;sprefix=a+song+of+ice+and+fire+&amp;sr=8-3
George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series): A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00957T6X6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zWwSAbP1C4GDV
And where exactly was GRRM's legally binding promise that he would write seven books?
I don't see it here.
Or here.
So I'm curious, who promised you, when you bought the earlier books, that you would be entitled to read seven books in that series? If GRRM died tomorrow, would you sue his estate?
This argument is ridiculous.
Common in fantasy genre: Example ¹ Example ²
The Force Awakens
yep! IIRC it's only available in digital format right now, and the printed one will be available in january. I'm reading it to get ready for my second view of the movie
It does not meet the definition of a novelization. A novelization is literally a book describing the movie in detail and would be boring as fuck if you watched the movie. This is the Disney marketing machine at work. How do you get people to buy the book? Present information and scenes that are not in the movie.
Edit: maybe some do not know it exists. Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WCXL1JW/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&amp;btkr=1
"seduced by the enemy" seems (at least to me) to heavily imply Kylo's perspective is Luke manipulated/"turned" Anakin to the light (much how we view Anakin's fall to Palpatine and Vader's attempts to turn Luke).
Can't say for sure since I don't remember the exact quote from the movie so either of us my be interpreting the scene correctly (someone who has a script or just saw it may be able to weigh in)
As for the book vs. screen I'm of the opinion the screen carries more weight but since Disney just got done wiping the EU (now "Legends") and officially signed off on the book as canon it seemed definitive enough to mention
Personally I like the idea that he knows exactly what happened but a combination of Dark Side influence and denial/cognitive dissonance twisted it into Luke "seducing" him away from the "righteous" dark side
I think they mean the novelization.
This one. It's been out for over a week on digital and audiobook.
Worth mentioning that some UK editions have two of the books (Feast & Dance) split in half, with different colors used for the two halves. So they've already gone through 7 colors, including black.
Like so.
No. The US paperback of ADwD has not been released.
The UK version is available, but note that both ASoS and ADwD have been published in two volumes.
No
Riddle one : wine to keep me going till I can head to the village for sweeties!
Riddle 2: vacuum until I learn my spells, I will have to keep things tidy somehow!
Riddle 3: umbrella for all those quidditch games I will be going to, who knows what the weather will be like!
Riddle 4:Books for studying and getting to know the world around me!
Riddle 5: Trunk top store all of my supplies in!
Bonus: Cape for general wooshing around the castle.
Mischief managed!
Where can I get a box set like this? I'm trying to get one without the HBO branding.
Edit: Nvm. I found it. This set wasn't available when I looking for one a while back.
Here are the books listed on amazon.
I got it myself, it's great. All 7 volumes for quite a cheap price plus you get a free map of Westeros, what's there to lose?
There are only 5 books, the editor of the set you posted above just chose to split a couple of them for, I reckon, ease of use. So yeah OP's set is complete! Amazon lists it with 5280 pages versus 5264 pages for yours.
Aici gasesti si-ti poti comanda
Mate, I don't decide what box sets sell on Amazon. I only reported the price of what I found: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0007477155/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iQq5Cb461X9N3
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Ice-Fire-Continues-complete/dp/0007477163/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1345157189&amp;sr=8-9
Seems like it is an export only version of this one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Ice-Fire-Volumes/dp/0007477155/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1345157189&amp;sr=8-3
I read The Thousand Orcs by Salvatore a few years back and thought it was alright. But my favorite series by far is ASOIAF. I would also recommend The Forever War and Anathem.
I also have this one with 7 books, it's nice.
The one without split ADWD has in fact smaller sized books (so I supposed there is smaller font). Its on the amazon page:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Ice-Fire-Volumes/dp/0007477163
The dimension of the box set is 178mm x111mm.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Ice-Fire-Volumes/dp/0007477155
The dimension of the box set is 197mm x 130mm.
What about those of us the other side of the pond? I don't know if there's very much of a difference between products on the UK and US sites.
Edit: We both have this and also I have this except you have all (or some) of them separately. We match!
Thanks for the contest! ♥
Aren't there 7 books already? I have never read any, but amazon lists a boxset with 7 books. What's going on with that?
https://www.amazon.in/Song-Ice-Fire-Thrones-Complete/dp/0007477155?tag=googinhydr18418-21
Deal of the day £22 for prime members
I think that prime is US doesnt qualify as prime in the UK vice versa unfortunately, although I might be wrong.
Ah that's a good point! These ones here http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0007477155?pc_redir=1408932841&amp;robot_redir=1
I pre-ordered this collection, only came out on Friday.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0007477155/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
I've yet to read the book
I know a guy that's around 19 years old that JUST watched Princess Bride this weekend. I don't know how these people live!!
I have not read the book. I have seen only bits and pieces of the film. Thank you for the contest.
Book
I've never read the book
How does it compare to the movie????
I haven't read that myself, but based on the description and notes elsewhere in the thread I might recommend these:
While I agree that most of the EU books are poorly written, I would make a few exceptions. These are ones I've read and can personally vouch for:
Deceived is optional, but Dark Lord is where you really see Anakin embrace and become Vader. Darth Bane is a cool series to see how the Sith turned from being many to just Master and apprentice.
I'm currently reading Darth Plagueis but haven't finished, so I can't comment yet. But it's also supposed to be one of the greats, and also essential to understanding the movies from what I've read.
Shatterpoint, Traitor, and Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover also seem to get rave reviews here on Reddit. I've gotten about halfway through RotS, and what I can say is that it explains things much better than the film did.
Whoa, there's an audiobook of Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader which sounds awesome. Character actors and sound effects.
No I've read "the rise of darth Vader" it's good as well.
I'm talking about the YA book "the Rise and Fall of Darth Vader" Easy to mix up lol
Wikia Entry http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_Darth_Vader
Amazon listing https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Rise-Darth-Vader/dp/0439681324
Listing for the book you are talking about
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lord-Rise-Darth-Vader/dp/0345477332/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=4EZPXBJ0WJM6SYEMZ7ZN
If I remember right, there was some in Dark Lord (no longer canon). Has some scenes about him dealing with his new conditions.
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lord-Rise-Darth-Vader/dp/0345477332
I'd highly recommend this book. It's one of my favorite Star Wars books ever. This combined with Labyrinth Of Evil make you appreciate RoTS so much more. You definitely won't watch episode III the same way again - much how Rogue One changed episode IV for many people. I don't care what they say this series is still canon to me until proven otherwise
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lord-Rise-Darth-Vader/dp/0345477332/ref=pd_sim_14_17?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=69JVPASRCBPMEM7MDYKX
I highly recommend:
I have to recommend A Song of Ice and Fire! They'll keep you busy forever.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345535529/
the full 5 book collection is only 30 dollars on amazon.ca
http://www.amazon.ca/George-Martins-Thrones-5-Book-Boxed/dp/0345535529/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1405464941&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=game+of+thrones
^^^^^Bee!
Read them!!! Even if it doesn't get finished, its still debatably some of the best literature of our generation and gives SO much insight into the story and the characters. Especially in the fifth book, there is a ton of plot points and awesome characters that never made it to the show. I imagine reading it now would be a nice bit of healing/closure after the catastrophe of S8
Only $35 for all five on Amazon -
I can recommend:
You can get the mass paper back editions in a set on amazon fairly cheap, unless you’re a hardback junkie (totally understandable).GoT series on Amazon
The twitter link you posted has an amazon link that contains affiliate tags. That means the person who created the link makes money on each purchase. You may resubmit your post but use a clean amazon link instead:
https://www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/0345535529/
Full program here:
https://www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/0345535529/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=game+of+thrones+books&qid=1571108202&sr=8-1
I haven't read anything good in years and the things I have read are usually due to finding new books for my kids or reading the books that have been adapted to tv/film.
One of my all time favorite series was from Robin Hobb. Starting with Assassin's Apprentice. This was a difficult read for me at the time, but I loved the story behind the characters.
I started reading less fantasy after reading Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Millennial Series. I read these after watching the original films. It is fantastic. Just don't buy the fourth book, it wasn't even written by him as he has been dead for a while now.
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. I didn't start reading those until Game of Thrones premiered on HBO.
Now for some really old school, Dragonlance by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. The fourth book came out years later and was fantastic. I have read more than a few of the side stories, but the main books are the best in my opinion, probably would not hold up well today.
Currently, I have The Martian by Andy Weir and Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan waiting for me to read.
The Five People You meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom is a book that I consider a must read. I don't consider it a spiritual book, but it did change my perspective on how I view my life in this world.
I only have 3 suggestions:
https://www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/0345535529
https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Blood-Thrones-Targaryen-History/dp/152479628X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2DQWE4ERVXNM2&amp;keywords=dunk+and+egg&amp;qid=1556622006&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=dunk+%2Cstripbooks%2C126&amp;sr=1-3
https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Seven-Kingdoms-Song-Fire/dp/0345533488/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DQWE4ERVXNM2&amp;keywords=dunk+and+egg&amp;qid=1556622024&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=dunk+%2Cstripbooks%2C126&amp;sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/World-Ice-Fire-History-Westeros/dp/0553805444/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2DQWE4ERVXNM2&amp;keywords=dunk+and+egg&amp;qid=1556622024&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=dunk+%2Cstripbooks%2C126&amp;sr=1-2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0DhLQqsZQw&amp;list=PLCsx_OFEYH6uDx4PBx6uAH_Pbfc5Sg1EQ
Leather Bound here
Paperback
Like I said in reply to someone who has now deleted their post, the map I posted is not the speculative one. It's an official map released as part of the atlas "The Lands of Ice and Fire", as seen here. It's the map labeled "The Known World" and is the largest in the set. It differs from the speculative map in that it contains areas much further east.
There's a whole book of them!
http://www.amazon.com/Lands-Ice-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
I have that big poster in my room, as well as a Braavos map and another one of the whole world.
They came in an awesome pack, I have like another 4 - 5 that didn't fit on my walls :)
EDIT: I think it's this one http://www.amazon.com/Lands-Ice-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544
Like an actual physical copy, you mean? If so, then here.
The Lands of Ice and Fire
Yes, it is. It's in Bastards.
Here
Or Here
I am not aware of a place where you can get it for free (legally)...but there may be a place and I just don't know it.
John Howe's maps of Middle-earth (available in a big box set) are pretty good, and his map of Middle-earth is definitive as far as I'm concerned.
Jonathan Roberts created a set of maps for A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones called The Lands of Ice and Fire which are excellent. I have the big map of the entire world on my wall.
Terry Pratchett has a whole set of maps for his Discworld books, including the entire Discworld itself and the city of Ankh-Morpork (both twice, in fact, in The Streets of Ankh-Morpork, The Compleat Ankh-Morpork, The Discworld Mapp and The Compleat Discworld Atlas).
You can buy a map of Roshar from Brandon Sanderson's website and one of Temerant from the Worldbuilders Store.
I feel like this would be a little cooler, but it doesn't ship until Halloween.
Nope it is out. http://www.amazon.com/Lands-Ice-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1425402946&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=the+lands+of+ice+and+fire
I enjoy the graphic novels that have been put out, but haven't felt they really affected the story much. Related, but not really, I was given the big map book as a present ( http://www.amazon.com/The-Lands-Fire-Game-Thrones/dp/0345538544 ) It has helped a lot with figuring out the story.
The Lands of Ice and Fire
World of Warcraft: Illidan
> This is covered in the Illidan novel which released in March this year.
Are you referring to this book?
And ok.. so in the CGI trailer, it's Illidan that Gul'dan is resurrecting?
Pretty sure the Titans imprison Sarg, with Illidan there as a jailer just to be a speed bump in case he gets out.
Also, if you really want to get into the lore, Illidan was beaten by Arthas when he was fully empowered by the Lich King specifically to beat Illidan. They originally tied when they fought 1v1 right after Illidan broke free. Since being beaten, Illidan has pretty much been consuming demon essence nonstop to get strong enough to face the leaders of the Burning Legion. There's a great book called Illidan that explains a lot around his story.
Answer wasn't snappy and I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion and I'm sorry if you felt that way. But if you want effort, here you go.
Of course you can't kill a demon that isn't in the twisting nether. Illidan was slain on the physical plane only, so it all depends on YOUR definition of dead. His body was empty at the time and I and many therefore say dead. OP of the thread appeared to state that he was still alive when maiev imprisoned him. If you had read my initial comment you would notice that we are on the same page.
Bottom line is, Maiev only imprisoned Illidan's body, as his soul was in the twisting nether.
If you need additional sources for where it is stated that Illidan is dead, I can point them to you. "As he dies" - "Corpse of the Lord of Outland" - "Illidan Collapses and dies" - "MAIEV STOOD OVER THE corpse of Illidan." - Excerpt From: William King. “World of Warcraft: Illidan."
Let me know if you need more info.
It has the hardcover for illidan on a seperate Amazon page for the UK but its unavailable to preorder so i assume they arent sure on how many copies they'll get or such and plan to wait
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Illidan-World-Warcraft-William-King/dp/0399177566/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1457389122&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=illidan
'tag' represents Amazon's referral program, not 'ref'.
If you were simply attempting to clean up the link, then why not go all the way?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399177566
A few fiction suggestions -
George R.R. Martin - Game of Thrones
Philip K. Dick - Do Android Dream of Electric Sheep
Frank Herbert - Dune
Max Brooks - World War Z
As for non-fiction-
Confessions of a Yakuza
Hunter S. Thompson - Hell's Angels
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)
lol, I had no idea they sold stuff like this http://www.amazon.com/BLACK-Handcuffs-Cuffs-COMBO-Package/dp/B002R1OMOA/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&amp;colid=1BA21CVUG4K22&amp;coliid=I3O8R8MDYOVDNA on amazon (page 17 of your wishlist). Thanks for the info ;)
If you add http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Called-Mercy-Thompson-Book/dp/0441013813/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1373863282&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=mercy+thompson to your wishlist I'll send it to you. It's one of my favorites. Although I am currently in the middle of this fabulous book and highly recommend it http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-Book/dp/0553386794/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1373863555&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=game+of+thrones+book
My wishlist: supras
something to kill time
something awesome
something artsy
something practical
something for summer
I could do this all day! But I'll leave it at that.
The books I'm currently reading, I'm totally in love with "the old breed" right now, can't put it down!
A helmet for my pillow
With the old Breed
For whom the bell tolls
The Gay Science
Metro 2033
A game of thrones
And don't go on the reddits until you've finished (if you try, which I totally reccommend; I don't like epic fantasy either and I love the books). The reddits all have spoilers, even /r/gameofthrones.
If you're not into the whole genre, start by watching the show. By the end of the second episode if you're not at least interested in how it goes on, then you're soulless and probably an Other (it's a GoT thing). After the first season, when you need to know more, READ THE BOOKS. DO NOT WATCH THE SECOND SEASON. I've found that it's easier to watch the second season after reading the books, since there is some deviation in the show.
Anyway, after you finish 'A Game of Thrones', 'A Clash of Kings', 'A Storm of Swords', 'A Feast for Crows', and 'A Dance with Dragons', you will finally be ready to watch the second season, and wait with baited breath for 'The Winds of Winter' (warning: links to Wikipedia, which has spoilers for the first five books and beyond), and Season 3 of HBO's Game of Thrones.
And now that I've gone to all the trouble to outline your next month of time, you had better go through with it. Believe me, I'll follow up.
After watching the first Season, I was looking for a book to read. I decided to go for GOT after reading this review on Amazon.
It's still the best description I've encountered. It lists both the strengths/weaknesses of the series, applies for both the books and the show.
I haven't gotten to read the books. I'm disappointed in myself.
I need the first one, so i can start. Used paperback is more than okay. My Nook no longer works, so no digital for me. D:
And those two kids are adorable! I love his little knight costume. <3
I'd love to have the first book but the ebook would would be fine as well.
The kiddos look awesome!
unicorn
book
I think you should buy this for yourself.
Then possibly THIS for me since, well, they kind of go together.
Buy yourself a copy of Game of Thrones! It's sooooooooooooo amazing--you really have to read it :D You're going to love it!
As for myself, I'd love a gift card to add to my Kindle Fire fund. I have a long ways to go before I can afford it, but I'm super excited for it!! And every little bit helps :)
It's a little over $10 - but you have this on your WL, and you NEED it..like...right NAO
and I would want a surprise, because that's just how I roll.
A Song of Fire and Ice - George R.R. Martin.
I'm not sure what version of the book you have, but page 703 in this version shows that after taking off the poultice and putting mud on, the wound had become infected.
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-Book/dp/0553573403
If you're not used to the large cast of characters, keep in mind it may feel a little slow. Keep reading, once you get used to it you'll be very impressed. And the superfluous details here and there usually are for a reason, they'll come back at later books to make you want to reread again.
A Song of Ice And Fire (Book One is Game of Thrones). Try the free "Look Inside" sample and decide for yourself.
I am OBSESSED---> Game of Thrones, I admit I hopped on the bandwagon a little later than most but I absolutely love this series.
It has a great title.
The rest might need some work. I don't think it's bad, it's just rough. Go back through, make every word earn its place. Cut any that don't need to be there.
If you're going to open on a dialog, commit to that. See open for A Clash Of Kings. Don't stuff exposition between the spoken lines. At every opportunity, turn that exposition into dialog.
On the subject of GRRM--it's fine to be inspired by his work, but think hard on what you can bring in addition.
> it is only proving the point that he, as an writer, doesn't care for sales number.
>He SHOULD be worried more than anyone if someone doesn't buy his books because they will think it is a game adaptation.
Either sales matter or they don't. Make up your mind.
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> If sales number matters in a discussion about popularity and not flat fee profitability, it is because this discussion is ours, not Sapkowski's.
You started this discussion by quoting sales figures in response to my post regarding the games' popularity in relation to the books.
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> But I'm discussing about what Sapkowski thinks, and not about what you or me think.
No, you're discussing what you think he thinks.
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> I was not happy at book fairs or conventions, when the fans took my books in my hand, looked at the covers and scornfully put them away. Game related. Games are not interested in us, we will rather have something original, new Abercrombie, Aaronovitch or Tregillis.
What is he describing here? Do they actively go up to him and say out loud to him that they are not interested in his books because they think they are game related, or is he simply attributing their disinterest to that idea?
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> He is talking about the games covers on his books, and not the games themselves nor CDPR;
In that interview. In the one I linked and many others he is talking about the games. From the article:
"I have nothing against the game itself. I think it's a high-level product. All the benefits CDPR received for it are absolutely well-earned. I have nothing against video games in general. I have nothing against the people who play them, even if I don't and never will," Sapkowski says. "The whole animosity started when the game began to spoil my market."
That's him saying the games have started spoiling his market. Not the game art on the cover or the publishers, the games. Yes, he has nothing against the games as products, but he seems to focus more on the negatives their success brings him more than the positives.
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> He EXPLICITLY took off all the blame from CDPR in that regard in other interviews, making sure it is foreign publisher's fault.
Yet, he says this in this interview that was published last month:
"How are some of them supposed to know—especially in Germany, Spain or the US—that my books are not game related? That I'm not writing books based on games? They may not know that, and CDPR bravely conceals the game's origins. It's written in fine print, you need a microscope to see it, that the game is 'based on' [my books].""
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> If he is talking about "losing readers", he is clearly referring, by definition, to people who HAVE NOT bought his books. Of course that if someone bought his books even with that games covers, then this comment does not extent to them.
And just what are you referring to here? What do you think I wrote that would warrant this clarification?
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> But do you think that these game covers will help the books sell for those who have not played the games or aren't gamers themselves? The non-gaming public, which is a far larger target audience, never takes seriously what they consider to be a game adaptation.
This is where you lose me. Yes, the American covers for the Witcher series published by Orbit look like shit, and they do use assets from the games. I disagree about them "looking like adaptations". There are other books that use 3D models on their cover, without it being based on anything else. If you don't know the games well enough to recognize the character models, you're probably not going to make the connection that it is related to a game until you read the back where it says the books inspired the games, and not the other way around.
The covers aren't bad because they use assets from the game. They are bad because they are bad covers. You know what other covers are bad?
http://www.fantasyshop.cz/gfx/upload/fs_ob_200742311542.jpg
https://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/279-6489234-9877263?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps&amp;field-keywords=Sapkowski
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/19/ac/92/19ac92959047dc057381d622be9730df.jpg
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/witcher/images/6/61/Blood_of_Elves_UK.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110601235454
That last one can't seriously be an actual cover, can it?
Everybody knows the idiom "don't judge a book by its cover" and anyone who's serious about reading abides by that. We've all seen books we know are good with terrible covers, and we've all bought books that looked good on the surfaces that turned out to be shit. Have you been in a fantasy section of a bookstore recently? If you can't look past tacky cover art chances are you aren't that heavily invested in the genre.
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> Tell me, what do you think is a larger public: those who played the games or the average fantasy reader like the ones from LotR, ASOIAF, Harry Potter, Narnia etc. etc?
How modest of you to bring up the absolute biggest fantasy books series as if the Witcher books were destined to be among them, or if interest in those books would translate into interest for the Witcher series if the covers were just differnt.
LotR and the Hobbit popularized the fantasy genre and has as such become somewhat of a definition of . If you have any interest in the genre you are probably going to read it.
Here it is being sold with assets from the movies on the cover.
ASOIAF had sold 60 million copies over 5 books and 3 novellas in 2015 (latest numbers available), while the Witcher game series has sold 25 million copies over 3 titles.
Here it is being sold with assets from the HBO series on the cover.
Harry Potter and Narina are children's books that are well written enough to be enjoyable by those who are older, so naturally they have a much wider demographic that the Witcher series could ever reach without changing it at its core.
Books like that don't become huge hits because of their covers or impulse purchases, but by word of mouth. If a friend recommends a book to you and you see it has a bad cover, will you not read it? If you like it would you not recommend it to your other friends, telling them to ignore the bad cover art?
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> I mean, why do you think he should not worry about his reputation as a serious and authentic fantasy writer, instead of someone who seems to only write games novelizations?
Because as I wrote earlier I think people who don't play the games probably won't make that connection, and in any case anyone qualified to pass that judgement wouldn't be making that mistake. Confused gaming fanboys are not any authority of literature. There are people out there that don't know that the movie Titanic is based on a real event. As any audience grows the amount of idiots within it will also grow.
If someone is looking for serious and authentic fantasy, they look for it by doing research and fishing for recommendations among friends or online, not picking up books at based on cover art because that's just a shot in the dark. A book cover is just an ad, and anyone looking for quality products know to look past the ads and check out the reviews for any quality issues.
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> That other quote about walking through the woods and talking to a squirrel means the same thing that when he says that no adaptation can match the original in terms of storytelling. He is not detracting any medium, he is just stating a well known fact.
That's not a fact, that's an opinion. You can't do it exactly the same, but that doesn't mean you can't do it just as good or better (not saying whether or not the games did do it better in the case of the Witcher). As an example, many of the works of Shakespeare are old folk tales and stories modernized (for the day) and adapted for the stage. Now they are held up as classics because of how he was able to present those stories.
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> Ask it to any book reader, especially to ASOIAF or LotR readers. Likewise, there's no way for a movie or a game to nail the omniscient description of a character's feelings, thoughts or any other circumstance with the same depth that a written word can. Everyone knows it, what is wrong about that?
Again, opinions. By people who identify as readers about their favorite medium. Pictures, movements, sounds, dynamic interactivity, etc can express and reveal things that would be to impossible or trite to put into text. Just because you and a lot of other people might favor depiction in written form does not mean it is an absolute fact.
Paperback is only $6.74
This is the set that I have.
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Song-Fire-Book/dp/0553593714
I'VE BEEN GOOD I SWEAR AND I WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK USED.
You rock :)
Sometimes everyone needs a hug.
internet hug
For me it is all the amazing adventures that I plan on having and the knowledge that to get there I have to go through this. Some days it works better than others.
Hope you feel better!
And for the contest a used version please!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0553593714/ref=tmm_mmp_used_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&amp;condition=used&amp;sr=&amp;qid=
Wow, that short story was awesome. It's great that there's still so much Greg Egan I haven't encountered.
You're right that this idea feels like a deus ex machina. When I first read "Permutation City" I walked around for a few days in a euphoric haze, imagining simulations running without their substrates. But then reality hit. I was running huge microprocessor simulations in those days, and I remembered that you can't simulate their instructions out of order. There are dependencies that have to be respected[1]. And Egan had glossed past that in a single page, so slickly that I never noticed. This feels similar. It's dangerous to introduce too much fiction into one's worldview.
[1] Though it's possible you can sidestep dependency constraints, using something like maximum entropy to simulate a set of particles at far enough time steps without simulating the intervening steps, simply by estimating the probabilities of different kinds of interactions. It might work better if you have a goal in mind to train for using reinforcement learning. Then you could leave the fundamental laws of the simulated universe open and part of the weights to train, and select the simulation that gives you what you want. But all this is probably like Borges's library[2], or at least way beyond our computational capacity. Or maybe you need to imagine your goal to such depth that.. what's the point of finding a simulation that yields it? The world has never been easy, so better to assume it never will be until one is proven wrong.
[2] When I first read Carl Sagan's "Contact", the final chapter left me in a similar euphoric haze for a few days. Inside the infinite digits of pi in all bases you could find all possible patterns, all truths. Then I discovered the insight of Borges's library for myself.
I highly recommend anything Carl Sagan has written. The book Contact is a good start since it's fiction. It's basically Sagan's love note to science. I also enjoy many of his non-fictions since he has a way of explaining things so that even an ignoramus like myself can understand.
My favorite is The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, but the first one I read was The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal view of the Search for God. I really attribute this book with making me want to learn more about science. It's the first non-fiction book I ever enjoyed.
Oh yeah, and watch any interview you can find with Richard Feynman. He has such a great way of looking at everything!
Upvoted for a really great response.
I would second crillbilly's recommendation of reading Dawkins', specifically The God Delusion. He deals with pretty much every question you've asked here. Complexity and mystery don't necessarily equal a God. If that were true, you could throw anything into those "gaps" in our knowledge. I believe that's where the infamous "spaghetti monster" came from. I could tell you he existed, and if you never find him, that just means you haven't looked in the right place.
There will always be things we won't know, and one can always hold those "unknowables" hostage as proof that there's just one more layer we've yet to peel away in our search for God. But my philosophy on that is: belief is what you want it to be. Its importance is only what you ascribe to it. You don't need it to live a happy life, only if you've talked yourself into believing that you do.
tl;dr - Read Contact by Carl Sagan. Striking a balance between faith and science is pretty much all he did, and he did it well.
I'm also about to do a road trip with two other scientists! Here are some awesome books that either I've read, or I plan on reading on my trip:
Contact - Carl Sagan. This book is absolutely my favorite science-y fiction, ever.
Cat's Cradle or Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, if you haven't read them already.
Anything by Ray Bradbury - specifically Fahrenheit 451, also if you haven't read it already.
If you're into full-on science fiction, I can totally recommend the Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card and the Hyperion series by Dan Simmons.
Yeah, she likes Garak. I do too, but damn, that book is expensive!
Dr. Bashir: Of all the stories you've told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't?
Garak: My dear doctor, they are all true
Dr. Bashir: Even the lies?
Garak: Especially the lies
Apparently Andrew J Robinson wrote a novel from Garak's view that fills in a lot of the back-story on him and shows events from his point of view. It got plenty of good reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Time-Star-Trek-Space/dp/0671038850
Read this. Written by Andrew Robinson who portrayed Garak
Definitely do!
Frankly, after trying a few on many years ago, I don't think there are any good novelizations.
Novels contain more information than their movie adaptations in terms of character development, plot, background details, etc. There's simply too much stuff to cram into 2 hours. As a matter of a fact, the easiest stories to adapt to movies are short stories, not novels. Most movie scripts read more like short stories than novels.
So to take a movie based on an original script and try to translate that into a short story is relatively easy. Trying to make it into a novel...well, there's just not vital material. Sure the poor SOB contract writing the thing can create details to fill out the book, but the more they stray from what was portrayed in the film, the more they risk arousing the reader's frustration.
There are some franchise fiction novels that are fair to good, but those aren't novelizations of films, they're just set in a commercial universe. At least the writers have some leeway to be creative.
I think you're always better going with original material. Authors who make up their own worlds are much more emotionally connected to their writing, and jazzed about what they're doing.
Kenobi.
Prime Directive.
A Stitch in Time by Andrew Robinson.
Uhura's Song.
I have a some personal favorites I can recommend:
DS9's Terok Nor Trilogy
DS9's A Stitch in Time
TNG's The Romulan Prize
TNG's Imzadi
TNG's Kahless
I.K.S. Gorkon Trilogy
Note: I think all of these are available for the Kindle, which is handy because so many are out of print.
"They" being the guy that played Garak (http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Time-Star-Trek-Space/dp/0671038850).
check out Eve: The Empyrean Age
Eve backstory
and
This book (Though some of it is outdated)
I highly recommend reading the Lore Survival Guide linked from the site. It covers a great deal of lore information.
The EVE Fiction link on the site is the new portal CCP has put up and contains the old lore articles, Chronicles and short stories. The bulk of the theories are derived from information across the various Chronicles and the novels "The Empyrean Age" and "Templar One" which can be found on Amazon. I also spent several week re-reading the news articles found on the EVE World News pages.
https://www.amazon.com/EVE-Empyrean-Age-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765363909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1491225895&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=eve+empyreAN
https://www.amazon.com/EVE-Templar-One-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765326191/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1491225909&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=eve+templar+one
They're mainly their own legitimate books, so you'd need to buy them off Amazon or something.
I haven't read them but i've gotten parts here and there and would honestly consider getting it if I wasn't a broke student.
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-Templar-One-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765326191
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-The-Empyrean-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765363909/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y
I thought that EVE The Empyrean Age had a nice ending with some surprises afte ran epic tail.
Maybe?
George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones Leather-Cloth Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series): A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1101965487/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3rhqDbY4YQ81M
Here's leather-bound: https://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-Leather-Cloth-Boxed/dp/1101965487/ref=pd_sim_14_5?ie=UTF8&amp;dpID=51o4SafxrCL&amp;dpSrc=sims&amp;preST=_AC_UL320_SR320%2C320_&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=QDGYMXA617TB0KSWH4WY
Oh, man!! Sorry you missed it!
/u/kak09k found a decently priced one on Amazon, if you want to try that one?
>https://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-Leather-Cloth-Boxed/dp/1101965487/ref=pd_sim_14_5?ie=UTF8&amp;dpID=51o4SafxrCL&amp;dpSrc=sims&amp;preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=3XFJ5EVKZZFDNK5P317D
You have swayed me, maybe I'll go ahead and get this beauty just to have until TWOW comes out:
https://www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/1101965487/ref=sr_1_1_twi_lea_5?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1473452731&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=a+song+of+ice+and+fire
This is the set i got when i wanted a physical copy. I like it a lot. I also have the woiaf, which is awesome too.
Probably this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1101965487/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1556931310&amp;sr=8-3
If you want some blanks filled in, try the Force Awakens novelization. I haven't read it myself, but I've heard from a lot of people that there's some information in there that wasn't in the movie, as well as further developed character relationships.
I also suggest The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary. After seeing the movie the first couple of times, I had a ton of questions. This book answered a great deal of them.
It sucks that the comic isn't good. I wasn't expecting much, simply because it was a 4-issue mini-series. That seemed really short, so I basically expected them to speed through the plot, rather than adding to it.
I had really hoped that Disney would take this opportunity to really streamline the Star Wars universe, and keep everything consistent and in-continuity across the board. I'd hoped they'd put people in charge who really cared about the quality of the stories they were telling and the products they were releasing. But that hasn't really been the case. Between low quality releases and completely ignoring The Old Republic, I haven't been terribly happy with the new expanded universe.
Assuming you mean the book http://www.amazon.com/Force-Awakens-Star-Wars/dp/1101965495/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1450587365&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=The+force+awakens
http://www.amazon.com/The-Force-Awakens-Star-Wars/dp/1101965495
> novel
this one?
http://www.amazon.com/The-Force-Awakens-Star-Wars/dp/1101965495
You can get the kindle and audible/audiobook off amazon now. Print edition comes out in january.
http://www.amazon.com/Force-Awakens-Star-Wars/dp/1101965495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1451370741&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+force+awakens
Amazon?
Reading Rainbow
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1101965495/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_14?colid=26IW6Y9KKNGU9&amp;coliid=I3REBDGGX8F2KX
I am a nerd and I'm not ashamed.
I definitely like Kylo more than Rey. I'm super HAPPY with the entire cast including Rey. But my heart has always been with the bad guys. I knew I was going to love Kylo the most the moment I saw him. In fact the moment I saw him I looked at my boyfriend and said "You're costuming that." like he didn't have an option, I'm making him a Kylo and he's going to be mine and that's that!
But I LOVE the point you brought up that this movie really makes you sympathize with the bad guys and I loved that. You feel for Finn who is freaked out by the power and cruelty of the first order and you actually feel for Kylo who is struggling between light and dark. Watching the promos and getting hyped, I never imagined I would feel for Kylo. I assumed I'd sit there and think he was amazing but I didn't think I'd connect with him, it was actually kind of nice! I'm circle jerking, I know, I can't help it.
Here's a list of shit you need to pick up:
The visual dictionary
The Art of Star Wars the Force Awakens
And you mentioned having a book with layouts of the death star and such so you may like Incredible Cross Sections.
And from what EVERYONE I know has been telling me, The Force Awakens novelization is a must read if you want juicy little details that weren't made crystal clear in the movie!
Also, if you are not reading the comics. STOP. RIGHT. NOW. AND. READ. THEM!!
In order of priority:
Darth Vader
Star Wars
Princess Leia
Shattered Empire
And read Kanan if you're a Rebels fan. I HAVE the comic I just haven't read that one yet!
But no seriously that Darth Vader comic. The stuff that happens. UGH. NERDGASM. After reading them and re-watching the movies in preparation for TFA I fell in love with the originals all over again. It was like that fresh awesome new love I had for them the first time! So good!
Well, of course there's the companion The Final Dossier.
https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307
to be released after s3 concludes
:-) all https://www.amazon.com/We-Learn-Nothing-Tim-Kreider/dp/1439198713 https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0796QV121/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8 https://www.amazon.com/Complex-PTSD-Workbook-Mind-Body-Regaining/dp/1623158249/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=ptsd&amp;qid=1550856112&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/Gone-Girl-Gillian-Flynn/dp/0307588378/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=gone+girl&amp;qid=1550856163&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-2 https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Unleashed-Unapologetic-Lisa-Lister/dp/178180754X/ref=mp_s_a_1_10_sspa?keywords=wicca&amp;qid=1550856223&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-10-spons&amp;psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Unleashed-Unapologetic-Lisa-Lister/dp/178180754X/ref=mp_s_a_1_10_sspa?keywords=wicca&amp;qid=1550856223&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-10-spons&amp;psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0875421180/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8 https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Diary-Laura-Palmer-Peaks/dp/1543643256 https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307 https://www.amazon.com/Secret-History-Twin-Peaks-Novel/dp/1250075580 offering 8USD via PayPal invoice. Please pm!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twin-Peaks-Dossier-Mark-Frost/dp/1250163307
Indeed :)
http://www.amazon.com/George-Martins-Thrones-5-Book-Boxed/dp/0345535529/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1421040129&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=song+of+ice+and+fire
I'm pretty sure that it's this one, got the same paperback set but from a different online vendor.
There is no way to purchase that version of the map - if you need a map right now, you will have to go to FexEx-Kinkos.
If you are patient, you can wait until October 30 2012, when the official maps get released in the form of "The Lands of Ice and Fire."
If you decide to go to Kinkos, can you please reply to me (or send me a PM) with how much you ended up paying? I might be willing to do something similar if the price isn't too bad.
A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin
A Game of Thrones is the first book in the Song of Ice and Fire saga.
Relax, it's not a religion.
> "Hey, Harry Potter/A Game of Thrones/Northern Lights/American Psycho were written 20+ years ago! I shouldn't have to pay 11.99 for copies! They should be 3.99 at most they're so old! Only new stuff should be expensive!"
Ummm....yes, actually. Would you pay $10,000 for a 1992 Ford Taurus, even if it still "runs well"? Would you pay $25 a The Dark Knight Blu-ray, even though it was one of the best movies of the 2000s and, arguably, the best movie of 2008? Would you pay $40 for A Link to the Past, a game considered the greatest of all time? No, you wouldn't. Despite those items still holding up and being great, you would not pay that expensive price for them, precisely because they were old.
There's such a thing as depreciation, and the market determines that (go to any used game store and CoD4 will be $5-7, whereas a black label copy of, say, Marvel vs Capcom 2 will be like $50, due to rarity). They're keeping the price artificially high to make it seem like a "premium" product that's still "in demand". If that were truly the case and people were still gobbling this game up (I'm not saying the community isn't still there, I'm talking about new consumers. That's what 'demand' addresses), they would continuously be bragging about the sales and that would justify its price point. You wanna know why GTAV is still $60? Because millions of people are still buying the game, to this day, and some milestone achievement is announced every 6 months or so. That obviously isn't true for CoD4, despite how good the game is.
Oh, and btw, I really don't know what point you were trying to make mentioning any of those books, considering:
Harry Potter
A Game of Thrones
Northern Lights
American Psycho (This one appears to hold up, but apparently it's a rare book)
I intentionally sorted by new, because if I picked used, the price would literally be a penny for 3 of those books, and $0.74 for the last.
Yeah here's a comprehensive list of plotlines that got fucked up
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1101965495/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?qid=1450752989&amp;sr=8-1-fkmr0&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&amp;keywords=star+wars+episode+7+novelization
Let me help
I wonder if this is what sparked Contact..
Pure SCi Fi books:
EVE: The Empyrean Age
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-The-Empyrean-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765363909
EVE: The Burning Life
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-Burning-Life-Hjalti-Danielsson/dp/0765325292/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=1K200B7J7NT1FV8AJJEK
EVE: Templar One
http://www.amazon.com/EVE-Templar-One-Tony-Gonzales/dp/0765326191/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=1K200B7J7NT1FV8AJJEK
These are based on the same universe as the MMO EVE Online. I'll admit being a player of the game probably enhances the enjoyment of these books. EVE is pure science, no magic or co-habitation with aliens. Try the game if you like. It might hit that SCi Fi spot you want to scratch. The normal trial is 14 days, this link will get you 21 days and get me a game bonus if you sub.
https://secure.eveonline.com/trial/?invc=c68e96e4-d4f7-407a-bb5e-434e305a1627&amp;action=buddy
I'm a big fan of EVE and also a big SCi Fi - Fantasy book reader. These books were enjoyable and worth reading I felt. And they are among a smaller pool of pure SCi Fi books so thought I would point them out.
All GoT maps are available on Amazon (among other shops, no doubt).
>I see you have the William Goldberg edition, rather than the original S Morgenstern.
William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay.
http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Bride-Morgensterns-Classic-Adventure/dp/0156035219/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1409225286&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=the+princess+bride
I'm pretty sure they are published. I've read them all numerous times. Here's a link to Amazon. Really good deal for the book set.
https://www.amazon.com/Thrones-Clash-Kings-Swords-Dragons/dp/0345535529
I don't read enough books to know where to look for reviews, but I'll do my best. I got like 200 pages into ADWD before no longer caring, whereas with the first 3 I finished them all in days. It's like he looked at the last books and thought "hmm, people like seeing bad things happen to the characters. I'll just keep throwing bad things at them over and over again and they'll be so shocked they love it!"
AGOT - 4.5 stars. Top reviews are all of praise.
ACOK - 4.5 stars. Most of the top reviews are praise, some notice a dip in quality. I agree, though still a great book.
ASOS - 4.6 stars. Top reviews are praising it, much deserved.
AFFC - 3.8 stars. Top reviews say "it's okay, but..."
ADWD - 4.0 stars. Top reviews are even worse, despite the higher score.
Good books? Maybe, but they're not on the quality level of the Harry Potter books and the first 3 asoiaf books, which was what most people were expecting again.