Huge props for the shout out and support for our public libraries Grammaticus, thank you! And I have to join you in your adoration of The Hobbit - a classic that sets the standard for classics.
I like that you reserved judgement on Jack of Shadows. Never read it myself but the fact that you felt that it was nuanced enough to deserve a reread means that there's something there. The premise sounds interesting for sure. I believe that our enjoyment of a book partly hinges on WHEN we read it. Sometimes we're not mature enough and sometimes we're just not in the right headspace. Revisiting such a book at a later date can be very rewarding...
Nice reviews Grammaticus. I enjoy your Sunday episodes, being on the West Coast I usually slurp down my first few cups o coffee watching your reviews in the morning. I'm currently only 3 books into the Dresden Files series and looking forward to reading more...I'm 6 books into Glen Cook's Black Company and was wondering about Garrett series, I'm used to Cook's writing style by now, so will probably give that series a try.
I have a copy of Jack of Shadows around here somewhere. I will have to dig it out once I finish Amber in January. That The Hobbit graphic novel is pretty great. I read that when it came out back in the olden days.
Nice job reading 4 books I really enjoy in a short amount of time! Great reviews! White Night felt like one of the weaker books in that stretch of the series. I also need to read Jack of Shadows again. I enjoyed it and it is so short I can get it knocked out in a day. I have a really cool SFBC hardcover. I have that same copy of The Hobbit. The balance between quips and dialogue does improve throughout the Garrett series. ROC has been killing me. Glen Cook was asked about audiobooks and he said that is up to ROC. And they have done nothing and said nothing. Also, he sent them a Garrett PI novel finished and ready to publish FOUR YEARS AGO 🤦 He has another story ready to be written but he said he won't write it until the current one gets published. I don't blame him.
He sent a book to them four years ago and they still haven't published it??? Ouch. Also as soon as I finish up my current list, I intend to get back to Black Company!
I think Jack of Shadows is an evolutionary change in Zelazny's work. Particularly in the Amber series, his formula had been of demigods, whom have fallen, and become more human, lesser than they were before, and having lost their entitled arrogance and ruthlessness. (and just exactly what happened to Ruth, to become so much less?! 😂 ). In Jack, we find the protagonist the weakest among his fellows, who don't even consider him a peer, going mad after gaining absolute power. His treatment of the Lord of Bats, and the woman he professes to love, is something dark, and cruel. The obvious symbolism of his rescue at the end by Morningstar, who is either a Prometheus figure, or analogous to the fallen angel Lucifer, is of a demigod regaining his humanity, after LETTING GO of his absolute power. Very Milton-like story, yet so very Zelazny. Highly recommended. I have read a few pages of Sweet Silver Blues, a few decades ago, and my only takeaway is of the MC and our mutual loathing for Green Bell Peppers. 🙄 (which are vile!)
I haven't read Jack of Shadows yet. Currently reading The Black Company via Kindle. I may have to re-read the Garrett books after this, at least the latest ones. Post a video whenever you can; we'll watch it, and thanks.
@@GrammaticusBooks Full disclosure, this is Ken, using wife Kathy's UA-cam account. I came across the Garrett novels through the Science Fiction Book Club. I'd read one or two, then they sold off inventory and I got 4 volumes with 10 novels. I know Glen Cook wrote other series, I didn't read any other until you piqued my interest about the Black Company. Garrett novels, to me, have an engaging story line, good descriptions without too much detail, though the dialog can be stilted. He, Garrett, grows as a character through the sequence of books being, like Dresden, Croaker, Lazarus Long or similar characters trying to do their best, holding to their moral code. Or Travis McGee, which I first thought of; even the titles follow the naming pattern of McDonald's books. The Black Company is holding my attention. I may look up some of the other books.
I've read the first two Dresden books. I enjoyed them, but I didn't love them. I have the first eight on my shelves. I have ready no Zelazny. I need to rectify that especially after your love of the Amber series. Love The Hobbit! I have The Hobbit graphic novel, and I agree. It is beautiful! I've never read Glen Cook.
Thanks KDJ! And if you try Cook I would recommend starting with book 1 of the Black Company. If you don't care for that one then the rest are probably a pass.
I'm a pretty slow reader these days. I finally finished reading the reprint of "Dark Carnival" by Ray Bradbury, started the collection "No Direction Home" by Norman Spinrad and actually started and finished "The Invincible" by Stanislaw Lem in the same week. That book had me turning pages. I'm also still reading the "I, Robot" collection by Asimov. Not sure where I'm going next... I would have thought that "Jack of Shadows" would've been an Amber novel, on title alone. Sounds interesting. Does it mine the same territory as "This Immortal" and "Lord of Light"?
Those are all great books Joe! And I need to reread Lem soon! Regarding Jack of Shadows, it’s a standalone novel. I’ve not read Immortal but I have read Lord of Light and they’re completely separate.
Haven't read any of those. I cant see myself trying Butcher. If it takes a few books for the series to get better, that's taking up time I need to devote to higher priority books on the TBR shelf. Also, authors that leave everything to the last 50 pages, hmmmm, I get very cross when they do that. But it's also why when browsing in book shops I read the first AND last pages of a book. You get a feel for the book and the author - sometimes ! (MKV is very critical of me for doing this) 🤭
Reading the last page first???... Heresy DDB! Lol. I do consider Dresden a bit of a guilty pleasure. But I'll give the next book a shot even though this last one was a bit iffy.
I'm glad for everyone who enjoys the Dresden Files, but I just can't get into them even though, in theory, it has so many of the elements that I enjoy. The Hobbit is always a great choice.
I read and loved Jack of Shadows when it first came out, and have reread it several times. But it has been a long time since the last read. Based on your comments, and also on User's comments in this section, I think I will read it again. I think of it as being on the level of Eye of Cat and Doorways in the Sand, not quite up to Lord of Light and "...And Call Me Conrad". In other words, excellent but not fabulous.
@@GrammaticusBooks Okay, I read it again. Still love Jack of Shadows, and now I'm moving it up with the top level Zelazny. I enjoyed it more than last year's re-read of the Corwin books, which seemed just a little thin and drawn-out in spots. (And I'm a guy who used Corwin as a loginID for about 40 years, and bought a signed print of Tom Canty's portrait of Corwin back in 1976.) It seems like an inspired combination of SF, Fantasy, Fairy Tale and Parable. I love the humor, and the completely unbelievable world Zelazny created. I love Jack, who keeps getting worse and worse. I love the little glimmers of love that show up. I love Morningstar and Jack's soul. I read that Zelazny said he was a lapsed Catholic. He may have been aware that Lucifer is not the only one called 'Morning star' (Rev. 22:16). Anyway, thanks for prompting the re-read!
@@rickcantrell5302 That's awesome Rick! And I did not know Lucifer was also called Morningstar. Thanks for checking out the video and I'm glad you enjoyed the reread!
I haven't had a good reading experience with The Dresden Files. I did enjoy reading The Black Angel by John Connolly, though. His character Charlie Parker is an occult detective of sorts. I've only read one of them so far but Parker is much more hard-boiled than Dresden. Worth checking out.
@@MysteryandMayhem-gr7nn People seem to either love or hate Dresden. And I think some critics do tend to look askance at him. But admittedly, Butcher can get a bit formulaic.
@@GrammaticusBooks I think Dresden is his first published work, and the early books are... a bit rough. His style improves for the most part as they go along, though I think the most recent ones, too much battle, not enough WHY battle. and the power levels of everyone rise, so it is huge scale.
Is that blurb how you dress to read? You clean up well... I think Dresden is Butcher's first published work. He was rough early on like an apprentice still learning his craft. Increasingly he is getting away from PI, I kind of miss that. Maybe I should try Cook. I have that slipcase Hobbit too. Think it was joining BOMC at one time. I am not a huge Hobbit fan. i think it is good, and should be read, but....maybe not up to its billing
Hobbit not up to its billing? Heresy! Lol. If you try out Glen Cook I'd recommend starting with the Black Company. Thanks for checking out the video Fionam!
Huge props for the shout out and support for our public libraries Grammaticus, thank you! And I have to join you in your adoration of The Hobbit - a classic that sets the standard for classics.
Gotta love a good library system! So many benefits.
Love the Hobbit as well! Looking forward to your reread and review of Jack of Shadows. Great video!
Thanks Liminal!
I like that you reserved judgement on Jack of Shadows. Never read it myself but the fact that you felt that it was nuanced enough to deserve a reread means that there's something there. The premise sounds interesting for sure.
I believe that our enjoyment of a book partly hinges on WHEN we read it. Sometimes we're not mature enough and sometimes we're just not in the right headspace. Revisiting such a book at a later date can be very rewarding...
Thanks Smiler. And I completely agree about the ‘when’ of reading a book and your enjoyment of it.
Nice reviews Grammaticus. I enjoy your Sunday episodes, being on the West Coast I usually slurp down my first few cups o coffee watching your reviews in the morning. I'm currently only 3 books into the Dresden Files series and looking forward to reading more...I'm 6 books into Glen Cook's Black Company and was wondering about Garrett series, I'm used to Cook's writing style by now, so will probably give that series a try.
Thanks BSA! And I did enjoy Garrett. But I would rate Black Company slightly higher. At least based off of the first Garrett novel. Enjoy your coffee!
That Glen Cook novel seems like something I'd be interested in. Thanks Grammaticus!
It's a decent read Steven. Although I would rate Cook's Black Company as slightly better.
I have a copy of Jack of Shadows around here somewhere. I will have to dig it out once I finish Amber in January. That The Hobbit graphic novel is pretty great. I read that when it came out back in the olden days.
Thanks Michael, I can't make up my mind on Shadows...I keep waffling on whether I like it or not!
If I don't get a chance to say it before then have a great thanksgiving 🍽️
You too Doc!
Nice job reading 4 books I really enjoy in a short amount of time! Great reviews!
White Night felt like one of the weaker books in that stretch of the series.
I also need to read Jack of Shadows again. I enjoyed it and it is so short I can get it knocked out in a day. I have a really cool SFBC hardcover.
I have that same copy of The Hobbit.
The balance between quips and dialogue does improve throughout the Garrett series. ROC has been killing me. Glen Cook was asked about audiobooks and he said that is up to ROC. And they have done nothing and said nothing. Also, he sent them a Garrett PI novel finished and ready to publish FOUR YEARS AGO 🤦
He has another story ready to be written but he said he won't write it until the current one gets published. I don't blame him.
He sent a book to them four years ago and they still haven't published it??? Ouch. Also as soon as I finish up my current list, I intend to get back to Black Company!
I think Jack of Shadows is an evolutionary change in Zelazny's work. Particularly in the Amber series, his formula had been of demigods, whom have fallen, and become more human, lesser than they were before, and having lost their entitled arrogance and ruthlessness. (and just exactly what happened to Ruth, to become so much less?! 😂 ).
In Jack, we find the protagonist the weakest among his fellows, who don't even consider him a peer, going mad after gaining absolute power. His treatment of the Lord of Bats, and the woman he professes to love, is something dark, and cruel. The obvious symbolism of his rescue at the end by Morningstar, who is either a Prometheus figure, or analogous to the fallen angel Lucifer, is of a demigod regaining his humanity, after LETTING GO of his absolute power. Very Milton-like story, yet so very Zelazny. Highly recommended.
I have read a few pages of Sweet Silver Blues, a few decades ago, and my only takeaway is of the MC and our mutual loathing for Green Bell Peppers. 🙄 (which are vile!)
Green Bell peppers....Hah! Good stuff User!
I keep hearing good things about the Garret PI series. Ugh! I need to get around to Glen Cook sometime soon.
I'd recommend starting with Black Company Tim. That would be a great book for your Elusive Exclusive Book Club!
"I need to get around to Glen Cook sometime soon." Me too, I have some but never read it.
I haven't read Jack of Shadows yet. Currently reading The Black Company via Kindle. I may have to re-read the Garrett books after this, at least the latest ones. Post a video whenever you can; we'll watch it, and thanks.
I need to get back to the Black Company Kathy. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Glen Cook!
@@GrammaticusBooks Full disclosure, this is Ken, using wife Kathy's UA-cam account. I came across the Garrett novels through the Science Fiction Book Club. I'd read one or two, then they sold off inventory and I got 4 volumes with 10 novels. I know Glen Cook wrote other series, I didn't read any other until you piqued my interest about the Black Company. Garrett novels, to me, have an engaging story line, good descriptions without too much detail, though the dialog can be stilted. He, Garrett, grows as a character through the sequence of books being, like Dresden, Croaker, Lazarus Long or similar characters trying to do their best, holding to their moral code. Or Travis McGee, which I first thought of; even the titles follow the naming pattern of McDonald's books. The Black Company is holding my attention. I may look up some of the other books.
I've read the first two Dresden books. I enjoyed them, but I didn't love them. I have the first eight on my shelves. I have ready no Zelazny. I need to rectify that especially after your love of the Amber series. Love The Hobbit! I have The Hobbit graphic novel, and I agree. It is beautiful! I've never read Glen Cook.
Thanks KDJ! And if you try Cook I would recommend starting with book 1 of the Black Company. If you don't care for that one then the rest are probably a pass.
I'm a pretty slow reader these days. I finally finished reading the reprint of "Dark Carnival" by Ray Bradbury, started the collection "No Direction Home" by Norman Spinrad and actually started and finished "The Invincible" by Stanislaw Lem in the same week. That book had me turning pages. I'm also still reading the "I, Robot" collection by Asimov. Not sure where I'm going next...
I would have thought that "Jack of Shadows" would've been an Amber novel, on title alone. Sounds interesting. Does it mine the same territory as "This Immortal" and "Lord of Light"?
Those are all great books Joe! And I need to reread Lem soon! Regarding Jack of Shadows, it’s a standalone novel. I’ve not read Immortal but I have read Lord of Light and they’re completely separate.
Haven't read any of those. I cant see myself trying Butcher. If it takes a few books for the series to get better, that's taking up time I need to devote to higher priority books on the TBR shelf. Also, authors that leave everything to the last 50 pages, hmmmm, I get very cross when they do that. But it's also why when browsing in book shops I read the first AND last pages of a book. You get a feel for the book and the author - sometimes ! (MKV is very critical of me for doing this) 🤭
Reading the last page first???... Heresy DDB! Lol. I do consider Dresden a bit of a guilty pleasure. But I'll give the next book a shot even though this last one was a bit iffy.
I'm glad for everyone who enjoys the Dresden Files, but I just can't get into them even though, in theory, it has so many of the elements that I enjoy. The Hobbit is always a great choice.
Can't go wrong with the Hobbit Seth!
I read and loved Jack of Shadows when it first came out, and have reread it several times. But it has been a long time since the last read. Based on your comments, and also on User's comments in this section, I think I will read it again. I think of it as being on the level of Eye of Cat and Doorways in the Sand, not quite up to Lord of Light and "...And Call Me Conrad". In other words, excellent but not fabulous.
I get the impression it was a quick work but with excellent ideas....maybe some ideas I didn't pick up on the first time through!
@@GrammaticusBooks Okay, I read it again. Still love Jack of Shadows, and now I'm moving it up with the top level Zelazny. I enjoyed it more than last year's re-read of the Corwin books, which seemed just a little thin and drawn-out in spots. (And I'm a guy who used Corwin as a loginID for about 40 years, and bought a signed print of Tom Canty's portrait of Corwin back in 1976.) It seems like an inspired combination of SF, Fantasy, Fairy Tale and Parable. I love the humor, and the completely unbelievable world Zelazny created. I love Jack, who keeps getting worse and worse. I love the little glimmers of love that show up. I love Morningstar and Jack's soul. I read that Zelazny said he was a lapsed Catholic. He may have been aware that Lucifer is not the only one called 'Morning star' (Rev. 22:16). Anyway, thanks for prompting the re-read!
@@rickcantrell5302 That's awesome Rick! And I did not know Lucifer was also called Morningstar. Thanks for checking out the video and I'm glad you enjoyed the reread!
I haven't had a good reading experience with The Dresden Files. I did enjoy reading The Black Angel by John Connolly, though. His character Charlie Parker is an occult detective of sorts. I've only read one of them so far but Parker is much more hard-boiled than Dresden. Worth checking out.
I'll give Connolly a look Jim. And I put Dresden into my 'guilty pleasures' category!
I could definitely give The Dresden Files another chance.
@@MysteryandMayhem-gr7nn People seem to either love or hate Dresden. And I think some critics do tend to look askance at him. But admittedly, Butcher can get a bit formulaic.
Yeah, he seems to be very divisive.
@@GrammaticusBooks I think Dresden is his first published work, and the early books are... a bit rough. His style improves for the most part as they go along, though I think the most recent ones, too much battle, not enough WHY battle. and the power levels of everyone rise, so it is huge scale.
The only one I read was the hobbit good yarn.
I love the Hobbit Officer! My one annual read book.
Is that blurb how you dress to read? You clean up well...
I think Dresden is Butcher's first published work. He was rough early on like an apprentice still learning his craft. Increasingly he is getting away from PI, I kind of miss that. Maybe I should try Cook.
I have that slipcase Hobbit too. Think it was joining BOMC at one time. I am not a huge Hobbit fan. i think it is good, and should be read, but....maybe not up to its billing
Hobbit not up to its billing? Heresy! Lol. If you try out Glen Cook I'd recommend starting with the Black Company. Thanks for checking out the video Fionam!
@@GrammaticusBooks hey, if I say Junior Griffey isn't the best centerfielder ever, it doesn't mean he stinks. But it means he ain't Mays.