I know you’ve read Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin, but have you read Left Hand of Darkness? I’m reading it right now and the sheer amount of weird/interesting ideas and dense worldbuilding all fit into 300 pages is unbelievable. And she writes it all in such a beautiful way. This book has the single greatest/most beautiful passage of prose I have ever read. And this book came out in the 60s! I did have to use LitCharts (a chapter-by-chapter summary/analysis website) just to fully understand what was going on; it is certainly a challenging book. But so worth it as well. If you’re ever in the mood for a hard science fiction book/speculative exploration of gender/bizarre love story/you just want to read more Le Guin, I super recommend this one. It seems right up your alley in my opinion. Happy reading Ed!
The King of Elfland's Daughter, and other pre-Tolkien fantasies, are more like fairy tales and folklore than anything that came after. It's fine if you don't like them, but I think there was a mismatch of expectations. Nevertheless, I always enjoy your videos and this one was no exception! (P.S. Glad to see someone else that also doesn't like The Little Prince 😆)
Thank you. True about the fairy-tale-character of old fantasy. My expectations going in were blanc, and it was good to get to know these older books. But I can't help being a 20th/21st-century reader... 😃
Another fun video! The non fantasy selections are very enticing. A visit to Australia in 1991, which included a short trip into the outback, puts the Morgan book on my radar. Feist is already on my TBR. There are so many wonderful reads in my future!! The montage of your fantasy journey at the end of your wrap-up is an impressive visual! So glad you are still having fun 🙂.
Thanks BJ. If you've been into the outback, you should really check out this book. This final tribe has a very special reason for picking this 'mutant' to come along with them. She is to convey a very important message to the world, hence the title: Mutant Message. And yes... Empire. Very curious what you think about that trilogy.
That explains the controversy. Although I believe the author respects this, and she hasn’t revealed real secrets. But I’m sure the Aboriginal people find that she has.
So glad you enjoyed the Empire trilogy!
One with a golden rim for sure...
I know you’ve read Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin, but have you read Left Hand of Darkness? I’m reading it right now and the sheer amount of weird/interesting ideas and dense worldbuilding all fit into 300 pages is unbelievable. And she writes it all in such a beautiful way. This book has the single greatest/most beautiful passage of prose I have ever read. And this book came out in the 60s! I did have to use LitCharts (a chapter-by-chapter summary/analysis website) just to fully understand what was going on; it is certainly a challenging book. But so worth it as well.
If you’re ever in the mood for a hard science fiction book/speculative exploration of gender/bizarre love story/you just want to read more Le Guin, I super recommend this one. It seems right up your alley in my opinion.
Happy reading Ed!
Thanks for the recommendation. Don't know that one, but you've made me curious. It is now on my TBR - if and whenever I get around to it...
The King of Elfland's Daughter, and other pre-Tolkien fantasies, are more like fairy tales and folklore than anything that came after.
It's fine if you don't like them, but I think there was a mismatch of expectations.
Nevertheless, I always enjoy your videos and this one was no exception!
(P.S. Glad to see someone else that also doesn't like The Little Prince 😆)
Thank you. True about the fairy-tale-character of old fantasy. My expectations going in were blanc, and it was good to get to know these older books. But I can't help being a 20th/21st-century reader... 😃
Another fun video! The non fantasy selections are very enticing. A visit to Australia in 1991, which included a short trip into the outback, puts the Morgan book on my radar. Feist is already on my TBR. There are so many wonderful reads in my future!! The montage of your fantasy journey at the end of your wrap-up is an impressive visual! So glad you are still having fun 🙂.
Thanks BJ. If you've been into the outback, you should really check out this book. This final tribe has a very special reason for picking this 'mutant' to come along with them. She is to convey a very important message to the world, hence the title: Mutant Message. And yes... Empire. Very curious what you think about that trilogy.
Australian Aboriginal people can take great offence when secret or sacred knowledge is publicised without permission.
That explains the controversy. Although I believe the author respects this, and she hasn’t revealed real secrets. But I’m sure the Aboriginal people find that she has.