Anyway, I hate to sound like I think he did a poor job of it. I don’t. It’s just a critique of a minor, subtle character development weakness. It’s probably only glaring to me because Sanderson did such a good job in other regards.

I agree completely about Martin. He does a really great job with character development. Maybe as good as Jordan. Maybe you’re right about the space for character development. Both Jordan and Martin require huge tomes to inch their stories along (they were writing spirits. Jordan recommended Martin for readers, back in the day). I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. For me, a good fantasy/sci novel must be logical (you know what I mean). And there has to be continuity with plot, prophesy, etc. Those things being equal, character development is “the” quality that makes the difference between a good book and a great book…one that you can really experience and step outside reality for a few hours.

Ok, that’s all. Hopefully you were able to sift through all that, because I wasn’t motivated to proof what I wrote; I never am. But I’m not a writer, either.

Yeah Sanderson’s strong suite is systems of magic – if you read some of the (older?) interviews with him, he’ll mention that that is one of the things he likes doing and puts a lot of effort into. Each series has a totally different system. He’s got 2 standalone fantasies you should check out – Warbreaker (still in HC unfortunately) and Elantris – both nice done in ones with wacky magic systems (especially Warbreaker, at times it was a bit much for me, but it was still very interesting and consistent).

Yeah, I think comparing any fantasy characters to Jordan’s is risky, especially given the volume of space Jordan had to work on them. Martin’s are very good though, maybe as good. I found Sanderson’s to be very good, perhaps shy of excellent but not in any way that detracted from my reading. Ham definitely could have used more, but I think he was still pretty peripheral. i suspect the thing with Spook was somewhat intentional in the lieu of ‘nobody rising out of the shadows’ type thing. Although wait, he did have a good amount of space in book 3 didn’t he?

I walked into the book store last night, planning to buy the Song of Fire and Ice series. I was looking forward to a getting into a new, recommended fantasy series. The series title had a familiar sound to it, which is good because that at least means I’m not completely braindead. The series is by George R.R. Martin…I’ve already read it, but I didn’t associate the series title with the books. I only thought of them in terms of book titles. Still waiting for the next one to come out. I think Feast for Crows was the last one I read.

I like Martin. His system of magic is pretty sublte. If not subtle, at least he isn’t gratuitous with his magic. I like that he allows his protagonists to experience some pretty harsh treatment (they don’t always win).

I just finished the mistborn series. It was very good. Not that I could do it any better, but I felt that the characters in the Mistborn books were a little shallow. Sazed and Vin (and maybe Elend, and Kelsier while he was around) developed ok, but I never got the “real” feeling of knowing the characters. Example: Spook and Ham turned out have major roles, but I wasn’t able to fulling accept Spook’s growing into a leader of nation’s role. Anyway, it was a great series. My critique isn’t meant to be harsh. In fact, I’m probably just trying to compare Sanderson to Jordan, subconsciously. No one can develop characters like Jordan (IMO).

All that said, I really liked Sanderson’s creativity in both Elantris and Mistborn…the magic is very unique and pretty logical (as far as magic goes, that is).

Maybe I’ll pick up Night’s Dawn now.

Yeah Rand’s stuff is definitely not for everyone. Those two books are some of the only non-genre fiction I can re-read and still enjoy though. I liked Atlas more than FH, but it’s more of the same really.

You have the added (dis?)advantage of being around me 24/7… I suspect you have contracted some form of musical cancer from me. I am quite thankful that we have a lot in common musically.

And PS. Consider yourself proselytized! Maybe even later today.

Have you read the Night’s Dawn stuff?

Also music-wise… what are you into these days? The Dead still? Without knowing anything other than that you are/were a musician… you might like Morphine, Hum or Airborne Toxic Event.

I didn’t like Anthem at all, IIRC. I seem to recall it being way to transparent or something.

I remember reading the Stranger in high school I think. It wasn’t one of the worst things we had to read.

I liked Rand. I think I’ve read all of her books. I especially like The Fountainhead and Anthem. If you like philosophy mixed with story, try Camus, The Stranger. Weird, dark, but makes you think. Anyway, the Fire and Ice series is next on my list. So, that should get you some extra conversion points, huh? Another soul saved!

As far as music goes: I’ve heard of Starflyer (from back in the Paso days). The rest of the bands…

I’ll take both those as compliments. Tell Josh there are two more books in that series…. it only gets better :).

And I doubt my volume of production can in any way compete with the volume of cool things I find… so, there is that.