High hopes for that one, but waiting for a more reasonably priced edition. Currently I see it listed as paperback but at hardcover price in this shop I got the rest from. Actually wasn't even aware it was out as paperback yet, English translation I mean, considering that.

Odd thing though, why are there 2 title translations, Tower of Swallows and Tower of the Swallow?
Oh, wait, make that three: Swallow's Tower. Not sure that's not a fan translation though, since it doesn't list any info. There's a cover image with that title though.

Lyonesse III: Madouc (Jack Vance)

This book concentrates mainly on the adventures of Madouc, Princess of Lyonesse and fairy changeling. A very enjoyable story and highly recommended!

The System of the World - Neal Stephenson. Conclusion of the massive Baroque Cycle trilogy. Gotta say, I've loved Stephenson's works since Snow Crash and he continues to be one of my favorites. Great read, even though each of the books is a tome in itself. Going to miss Bob and Jack Shaftoe, Eliza the Duchess of Arcachon-Qwghlm, Daniel Waterhouse, Isaac Newton, Dappa, Enoch Root, Leibniz, and all the other cast of characters. Really enjoyable read.

Full List.

Now, i think it's time for a sixth readong of Downbelow Station...

* The Enchanted Isles * by Herman Melville

Interesting stories and observations by Herman Meville on the Galapagos Islands in a time when roaming seas and discovering new lands was still an adventure.

Just finished Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence. It was pretty good, will definitely finish the series.

Another update on my list.

Crappy Children's Art by Maddoxx

He actually had some keen observations about how kids are both vain and self centered.

I have the same sort of thoughts when I see artwork I did as a kid.

7 Against Chaos by Harlan Ellison (Graphic Novel)

One of the best living Fantasists doesn't make the easiest transition into the comics medium. His writing is naturally verbose and tends to feels at odds with confined space of a the panels. This was especially true when when I reviewed "Night and the Enemy"but sometimes it seems like large chunks of dialogue were omitted on certain panels. It makes for a really Schizophrenic presentation and thus disrupts the flow of the story. The artwork is sub par too.

Even with it's faults I still enjoyed it. The talent is there even if it arrives disheveled and soaking wet.

having just relapsed into another bookshop pillaging spree, i thought i might share some books as well. Looks like i'm not getting the 6 month clean badge.

Star Wars: Darth Plagueis - James Luceno
Almost makes me forgive the prequels as it makes a rather compelling backstory/buildup. sorta kinda not canon anymore though

Star Wars: Aftermath - Chuck Wendig
The first book of the new canon, not really up to the hype, but far from the worst star wars book i've read. At least there are some fresh characters.

Star Wars: Dark Disciple - Christie Golden
This book makes me sad that the story got cut from the clone wars cartoon. would have been a great way to end the series. reads much like a screenplay at times though. At least i'm over star wars books now.

Old Man's War - John Scalzi
Fantastic easy reading sci-fi book with a well developed universe that feels grounded.

Saga vols 4 & 5 - Brian K Vaughan (graphic novels)
A man and a woman fall in love then have a baby, despite being on opposite sides of a war. A masterpiece in character driven storytelling set in a bizarre sci-fi/fantasy universe. Just like game of thrones, don't get too attached to the characters.

Parker - The Hunter & Parker - The Outfit - Darwyn Cooke (graphic novels)
The graphic adaptions of the Parker novels by Richard Stark. Lovingly rendered, perfectly encompass the 60's period and noir feel of the books. Would recommend for anyone who enjoyed the novels.

Alex + Ada Vols 1 & 2 - Sarah Vaughn (graphic novels)
A near future sci-fi story that tells of a young man given an android by his grandmother. Deals with themes of sentience, human rights and love. mature and moving in places.

Injection Vol 1 - Warren Ellis (graphic novel)
A group of strangers brought together to try and kick-start the next phase in human development into the next century. The only advice i can give is to go in blind and let Ellis deliver yet another masterclass in visual storytelling.

Books finished 2016:

Tad Williams: Shadowmarch 1 - 3
Markus Heitz: Die Legenden der Albae 1 - 3
Still reading:

Robert Harris: Imperium
Terry Pratchett: Voll im Bilde (Moving Pictures)
And, of course, the neverending story of Perry Rhodan :-)

I really haven't been much for book reading, in the past.
This year I grabbed several of the Humble Book Bundles and haven't had a chance to read any of them.

I have read a few ebooks:
Alien Landscapes vol. 1 by Kevin J. Anderson
Past Master by Jeff Carter (quite short, but interesting)
The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh
This Crowded Earth by Robert Bloch

amazing the free books available from sites like Smashwords...

Just finished the Hellhole trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. I had found the first volume at a Dollar General for $2 and at first wasn't sure if I liked it or not. It grew on me though, and I had difficulty putting it down. Didn't have overly great reviews at Amazon, but I did purchase the remaining two volumes and glad that I did. Finished the last just before leaving for work this morning. Now I will have to fill that empty void.

I have another epub, that I hadn't finished... One Against the Moon by Donald A. Wollheim. Guess that will be my next.
My mistake! I actually did read that. Quite the crazy story!

A lot of you seem to be reading Dune. I never cared much for the movie, more of a Trekie I guess, but maybe I'll give the book(s) a read.

There's no comparison. The sets and costumes in David Lynch's movie were good, I thought, but they really butchered some of the elements of the story.

The miniseries was more true to the books, but there's still no comparison, IMO.

* The Impressionnists and Fashion * by Philippe Thiébaut

A small book (nearly a booklet) on the fashion of the late 19th century and how the impressionists painters (Renoir, Monet, etc.) pictured it in their works.

* Russian Myths * by Elizabeth Warner

Like the title says, it's a book about Russian mythology ^o^
It tries to make an overview of the various facets of local popular myths but I found it somehow failed because the book is way too short. Actually, I found that it was reading more like a student thesis than a real educative book as it lacks examples of "fairy tales" and instead emphasizes on analysis. A good example is the last chapter on the famous Baba Yaga which lists most of its characteristics but never provides a sample story which would help the reader to better put the character into context. At least, the book can provide some entry points and "keywords" for further readings if you're interested into this stuff. Not recommended :(

Citadels of Mystery (L. Sprague de Camp and Catherine C. de Camp)

This is a non-fiction book which discusses the archaeology and history behind 12 different locations which are often the subject of crackpot theories, such as the Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge, Troy, Machu Piccu, Easter Island, and others.

Overall it's an enjoyable read, the authors deal with the subjects in a very rational and engaging manner (although due to the age of the book I'm sure there are some archaeological ideas presented which have been later modified).

Just finished:
Flying the Storm by C.S. Arnot