A little late to the party, but I just finished the first book. I found certain parts a little difficult to read based on the writing style and sentence structure, but that usually went away once I got into the groove of it. I found it in a used book store and promptly bought the rest of them. I will say, the covers are what sold me on it. I love the covers on 70s and 80s sci-fi / fantasy novels.

The map in LOTR and The Silmarillion are not the same. The mountains to the right on the Silmarillion-map, are the coastline to the left on the LOTR-map. So Middel earth has changed drastically.

Thanks for being honest and forthcoming in your review. Refreshing. Keep at it Thank you.

Who was the female author he mentioned that he loved? Not Anna Smith Spark, but another one?

This was so fun. He’s on track to become one of my favorite authors.

This was fantastic. What a great bloke Adrian is. I love what he said about sci-fi and fantasy being a continuum as he clearly blurs the lines. Of course I immediately went and bought Guns of the Dawn so that should make Anitha happy. 😅

I am also someone who is INCREDIBLY scared of creepy crawlies and yet I adored his approach when they come in. also I really wish echoes of the fall got a lil more love just as it's such a different vibe that even if it's not his strongest, it's a great example of his range. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. It was so fascinating. My tbr with his author love is certainly larger. thaaaanks *huff* :p so happy to see this man burst in popularity the last few years in the circles I've been around,

Everybody, buy Guns of the dawn!!!! Thanks for this guys, hate that I missed the last few Pubs, hopefully I'm see you soon

It was a toss-up between reading ‘City’ by Simak or ‘Children of Time’ by Tchaikovsky for my next read. Seeing this video pop up on my feed has made me decide on ‘Children of Time’. GREAT!

I’ve heard people compare Gene Wolfe to James Joyce and BotNSun to Ulysses or even Finnegan's Wake. Joyce was intentionally and sometimes obnoxiously esoteric and dense. That being the case, readers often believe that Joyce was fluent in 20 languages and had complete and practical understanding of all Earth's cultures and mythologies. The truth is, however, that he used to know plenty of academics and intellectuals from all realms of art, science, and philology. He'd have parties that he hardly attended since he was writing Finnegan's Wake in the other room. Periodically, he would emerge and ask his guests, “Who knows Cantonese? Who is familiar with Babylonian mythology? Where's my expert of Ancient Etruscan Snoods?” And then he would get back to writing. The end result was a vast piece-work quilt that - when viewed as a whole - might convince many that Joyce knew everything in the world. Which he didn’t. But I don’t think he was trying to fool anyone. This scatter-shot blast of language, mythology, and culture works perfectly for his themes surrounding the Fall of Man, the Tower of Babel, and humanity's desire to repair its fractured form. And same goes for Gene Wolfe. But better.

Cool video. Thanks for info on previous sentient swords in fantasy fiction. The protagonist in my story will face one in the next series. I was afraid it would be too cheesy. But now I know it can work. Thanks.🤔🤨😀

It took me some effort to get into the Silmarillion but goodness, was it worth it! I am 67 now and since about 10, I have reread Hobbit and LotR every 18 months since. It was a gift on my birthday, perhaps because I share a birthdate with JRRT When I got into the Silmarillion 10 years later, that joined them and I now read the Silmarillion, Hobbit and LotR every 18 months or so. In between I dip into the Histories... I have 6 or seven editions - I've lost count. The Folio Society edition is nice but the single volume 2991 edition with Alan Lee illustrations, which is the same as your anniversary edition" is my regular reading version. Yes, I know it's heavy but in my theatre armchair it can rest on the arm while I read. Some say the red version you have has inconsistent page colour? Some oages white and some yellow? If that matters. I have the 75th anniversary blue leather set coming next week... Nice to see your collection, thanks

It didn't hit for me.

I can’t believe that I just got this signature model for $50 used! I had a fifth generation paperwhite 1 and I wanted to upgrade to the seventh generation like you talked about here. I was hoping to spend $35 total but everyone was wanting close to $50 once I added shipping. Then I found this signature model for $50 including a case! The guy who sold it told me said that he got it as a gift and he was so happy that someone would use it! He had no idea that they’re selling so quickly on Facebook marketplace. I got his from OfferUp. Then I sold my fifth generation for $35 instantly on Facebook marketplace! What a deal! I’m trying to tell a friend that she should get a seventh generation like you talked about here. 😊 thanks for the video. It just increases my happiness. 😂

Thank you for having me. I had a blast.

Thank you so much Matt! It is my first time reading the lotr. And i think your little thoughts made this reading experience even better :)

It is so hard to find good malazan breakdowns. Thank you. My feed only pulls up main booktubers giving general reviews. A couple summaries. Not a lot of deep dives, which considering the series’ reputation… I find a bit baffling. Subscribing so I don’t lose track of you. Hope there are more. Im halfway through (audiobook is a poor entry medium btw) but I’m finally starting to keep up

I loved this book read 3 times over the years. I’m a woman loved the story. My other book is Hill House by Shirley Jackson. ❤scary scary

Pooh with the h at the end means something of no substance. Poo without the at he end means faeces. Epic pooh would mean epic but devoid of substance or meaning, which is in line with the content of the essay.

Thank you all. Engaging in conversations like this has truly made my first experience reading Wolfe far more enriching and expansive

Wonderful book ❤

Based on what the word “cacogen” actually means, I think the cacogens started as human and deteriorated into something else over the course of millennia.

Is there one you’d recommend to someone who’s buying their own copies for the first time?

Christ this guy smacks his lips more than the big bad wolf

what is your opinion on Fingerprint! Publishing ( particularly they hardcover deluxe editions) ?

Amazing haul! I now have 7 books from Folio and have been impressed by all of them!

One of my favourite books!!! Favorite if you live in Canada like I do.

Very good review

I have the signature. Only complaint was that it doesn't do color. I have illustrated books that only appear in b/w. I do have the kindle app on my phone to view in color, but defeats the purpose of having a standalone reader. Yes, I could've gotten the fire, but that's a tablet...and I already have one. Im just waiting for a color version of this.

Sorrow, from Memory, Sorrow, & Thorn. Blended by unholy means, made of Witchwood (deadly to Men) & Iron (stereotypically poisonous to Faeries). Imbued w/ an array of mystical capabilities. It has a palpably malevolent aura

More live videos would be awesome

There is a great rendition of "The Sword of Welleran" Lord Dunsany on youtube if you like listening rather than reading. This isn't a typical reading in that it has sound effects etc in the background. It is on the AGM Storytime youtube channel.

You guys, I know this video hasn't got tons of "engagement" from the stats youtube will give you, but I wanted you to know that I really value this type of discussion and I really enjoyed it. More typology and narratology please! I regret that I have only one like to give! Some things I thought could have used a little more attention (because they are still confusing to me): what happened in the chaos on the wall before Severian left the city in between books 1 and 2? What are the implications of Severian's consumption of Thecla's memories on him as a narrator? (I know this gets modified in book 4.) And I wish the conversation had picked up on Paul's point about _The Dispossessed_ at 1:16:25, because it seems relevant. Anyways, thanks!

Matt, you should read Weaveworld by Barker for Spooky Season.

Catching it on the replay. I get what Raf is saying and agree that Patreon can be problematic. I think it all depends on the creator's motivations for having a Patreon and what they provide to Patrons.

Source for these books en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballantine_Adult_Fantasy_series#:~:text=Meanwhile,%20the%20series'%20lapsed%20mission%20of

I get judged often for this but my first set was the scholastic book fair boxset. It was amazing but since its scholastic i guess. but it got me into the series!

English is not my first language, so I didn't read the great English classics or whatever, what I did read in English is some Sci-Fi and fantasy. This book for me has the most beautiful writing that I ever encountered in a book. At times I felt like every sentence is metaphor, yet it flowed like molten gold in a diamond chalice. I read somewhere that they called him "a writer's writer", and I think I can see why. Edit: I don't completely like the cover because it's not perfectly accurate.

If I purchase anything from Folio it will be this.

love the st pauli hoody, is it for the football club??

You explained this very well! The best guide/review of this book.

My favorite will always be the sword of the rivan king from the belgariad by David eddings

I bought one just because my old paperwhite wasn't maintaining battery life after constantly losing it and letting it completely run down. I love the larger screen, but other than that it doesn't really do anything much more useful. What I'd REALLY like to see is a chess app. I think an older version had one available at some point. I probably own 5-6 of them scattered (lost) around my house. I de-activated most of them so it's hard for me to know for sure. 😃 Regarding the wireless charging. I already have a "dock" built into my couch, so I do actually find that feature somewhat handy. Traditionally, the USB jack is the most common point of failure for any device. This has been mitigated somewhat with USB-C, but it's still susceptible to wear and is the most likely thing that will cause you to have to replace it.

I have been reading science fiction for over 45 years, and since the 1980s when I first encountered it, Lord of Light has remained my unmatched favorite. Its distinctive qualities and atmosphere have earned it a dedicated fanbase. It's worth noting that George R.R. Martin is also a huge admirer of Zelazny! One thing I’ve noticed about many reviewers of the book is that they often overlook a key aspect of its writing style: it’s not written for a general audience but rather more like a religious text. This is a major factor behind the unique blend of technology and magic throughout the story. If you imagine a fictional author as a disciple of Sam or a chronicler of the events, the writing style makes perfect sense. By the way, there once was a great audio book version online here on KZbin - read by Victor Bevine. The way he gives each character a distinct and believable voice is absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately I can't find this version any longer - but if somebody succeeds it would be highly appreciated to share a link. Don't settle for any other version here on KZbin!! And to be quite honest... It is one of only two books that reliably moves me to tears at its end... The other one being 'Downward to the Earth' by Robert Silverberg. No. 2 on my all time favorites list of science fiction books... One more thing: the original book cover might as well be one of the Rakasha, don't you think so? 🔥

I have several sets. A second edition 3 book set. The Hobbit and LOTR full cassette sets in wooden cases produced by the Minds Eye. And of course of special editions on DVD that I have the statues. Also have the leather bound Hobbit published 2001.

Thanks for keeping me company while I reorganize my garage 😅

Thanks for your commentary. I think you were factual, where appropriate, and you appropriately identified your opinions when giving your personal thoughts. And, like you, I don’t understand the wireless charging. No. Wireless is where you plug a USB C cable into your device and plug the outlet into the wall. Hence the wire. But wireless systems are plugged in to a charging port, which is plugged into the wall. My point is that there is still a wire. Anyway, thanks for a fair and honest presentation.

I reread this book of the series the most. Jonas is such a cool dude along with the big reveal.

Re: your question at 5:00 in the video about the coloured page edges on the top but not sides and bottom: if a book is to stand on a shelf it exists in a room with atmospheric particles (dust) that settle onto it from above. Gilded pages on the top of a book resit the dust entering the pages, allowing a careful owner to wipe a book clean before opening it, preserving its physical integrity. Now, Folio Editions tend to come in a box, obviating the necessity for this precaution. Maybe they just do it out of tradition?