I can understand your feelings about Hallowed Hunt, it's one of the more... grotesque/visceral books I think Bujold's ever written. Not surprising, maybe, when the main god in that book is of war and the hunt, neither of which is for the squeamish. Great (if bloody) imagery, though.
I know these're by Pratchett, but it's a totally different theme/voice sorta thing from the Discworld series. Try Only You Can Save Mankind (set in our world, 21st century) and the Wee Free Men series (Discworld), which starts with Wee Free Men and has a second book called A Hat Full of Sky.
There're prolly excerpts on the Harper Collins website. They're more children's/young adult books, so there's little of the usual Vimes cynicism/innuendos/satire you may be tiring of in Jingo. Pratchett pokes all sorts of fun into the old 'wicked witch'/fairy tales theme in the Wee Free Men series, and the gaming industry in the Johnny book. I found them a refreshing change, anyway. Maybe when Eric grows up, you'll be reading these to him. :)
The Deed of Paksenarrion (omnibus that collects the trilogy) by Elizabeth Moon is one of my favorite books. Okay, it does have elves (and dwarves) in it, but not the cutesy-wutesy ones with wings types. Mostly it's about a sheepfarmer's daughter who doesn't exhibit OMG sparkleponyprincess unicorn healing touch powers right at the get-go. Not to say she does (or doesn't) do this later, but it's quite believable as she progresses through life as a common soldier recruit, battle against pretty ordinary foes, etc. You have no trouble believing this, an ordinary person, can overcome life's obstacles. If you don't want to spring for the omnibus, flip through the first book, maybe, at the bookstore (Sheepfarmer's Daughter).
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Date: 2006-08-22 10:41 pm (UTC)I know these're by Pratchett, but it's a totally different theme/voice sorta thing from the Discworld series. Try Only You Can Save Mankind (set in our world, 21st century) and the Wee Free Men series (Discworld), which starts with Wee Free Men and has a second book called A Hat Full of Sky.
There're prolly excerpts on the Harper Collins website. They're more children's/young adult books, so there's little of the usual Vimes cynicism/innuendos/satire you may be tiring of in Jingo. Pratchett pokes all sorts of fun into the old 'wicked witch'/fairy tales theme in the Wee Free Men series, and the gaming industry in the Johnny book. I found them a refreshing change, anyway. Maybe when Eric grows up, you'll be reading these to him. :)
The Deed of Paksenarrion (omnibus that collects the trilogy) by Elizabeth Moon is one of my favorite books. Okay, it does have elves (and dwarves) in it, but not the cutesy-wutesy ones with wings types. Mostly it's about a sheepfarmer's daughter who doesn't exhibit OMG sparkleponyprincess unicorn healing touch powers right at the get-go. Not to say she does (or doesn't) do this later, but it's quite believable as she progresses through life as a common soldier recruit, battle against pretty ordinary foes, etc. You have no trouble believing this, an ordinary person, can overcome life's obstacles. If you don't want to spring for the omnibus, flip through the first book, maybe, at the bookstore (Sheepfarmer's Daughter).