Book Recommendations

[Ettrick]

This may be expandable to fit all genres if needed but my first recommendations are Steampunk.

I have just finished Steampunk Prime edited by Mike Ashley.  I enjoy the sampler value of an anthology but this was especially rewarding as it collects writers from early 1800's through early 20C.  Only one selection I simply could not get through.

I'm now about 50 pages into Akers' Horns of Ruin.  Interesting setting with vague histories hinted at in conversation, religious conflict between sects dedicated to the 3 Immortal Brothers, undead minions, techno-religious superpowers.  I have ooooo'ed, oooohhhh'ed, and laughed out loud at various points.  Pulp, to be sure, but unlike anything else I've read recently.

Before these I read Sun of Suns by Karl Schroeder.  Another fascinating setting in a purportedly steampunk world.  It's in his Virga series(?) or duology with Queen of Candesce.  I picked it up for the novel world and having finished the first, sent it with a former student who asked to borrow a portion of my library.

Links to each:

http://nonstop-press.com/?p=33

http://booktionary.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-horns-of-ruin-by-tim-akers-pyr.html

http://www.sffworld.com/brevoff/341.html


Recommendations or reactions of your own ?

[Chairface]

Ettrick, there are a few discussions on this very topic if you do a search in the VSF forum. But in the meantime, I'll Suggest the Peshawar Lancers by S.M. Stirling. A ripping good read!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Peshawar_Lancers

[Ettrick]

Cheers.

I did search for a book list before starting this but only found books for sale.   I'll just copy out the titles and descriptions I have here and delete this thread.