User Panel
Posted: 9/21/2013 1:21:29 PM EDT
I read a lot... 2-3 books a week.
That said, I am running low on new stuff. I am currently reading Lee Child's Jack Reacher series (17 books) and am on book 15. That should tell you a little about my deplorable taste in books. I love Science Fiction and fantasy, I like military fiction and the occasional spy-thriller. I have read some horror, but it really isn't my genre. I like a good western and every once in a while, a whodunnit mystery. I tend to find an author I like and read everything available. Authors I have already read (And collected in hardback the best of): Robert Heinlein (all) David Weber (All) David Drake (All) Tom Clancy (Most) Robert Ludlum (Most) WEB Griffin (All) Stephen King (Most) Larry Bond (All) Vince Flynn (All) John Ringo (All) David Hackworth (Some) Stephen Hunter (All) Louis L'Amour (All) Arthur Hailey (Some) Mercedes Lackey (All) Anne McCaffery (All) RA Salvatore (Some) Arthur C Clarke (Some) Eric Von Lustbader (Some) Margaret Weis (All) Tracey Hickman (All) John Sanford (All) Steve Perry (All) Robin Cook (Most) JRR Tolkien (All) James Patterson (Most) Zane Grey (Most) So... with that list (not exhaustive, just those I could remember off the top of my head) is there an author or series that you would suggest? Keep in mind that if I put (Some) chances are I didn't get in to the author much or I would have read more. Help a bookaholic get his fix!!! |
|
King's the Dark Tower series. Has everything in it you like.
ETA: It's a sci-fi western fantasy thriller. |
|
"A Higher Call" Adam Makos
True story about the life of a German fighter pilot, and the incident where he escorted a severely damaged B-17 back to the coast. Fascinating story, and extremely well written and researched. ETA: just saw where you wanted series, however this book is worth the time to read. |
|
Patrick O'brian's Master and Commander series, although the series doesn't truly get it's legs until the third book. That one is a masterpiece. In that book, he packs more in the first hundred pages than most authors do in an entire book.4
ETA there's like 20 books in the series so you won't run out soon, but you'll cry when you do because it's so good. |
|
just finished this one - non fiction though
http://www.amazon.com/Enemies-Within-Inside-Against-America/dp/1476727937/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379799219&sr=8-2&keywords=the+enemy+within |
|
Quoted:
King's the Dark Tower series. Has everything in it you like. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Read it, thanks! Quoted:
"A Higher Call" Adam Makos True story about the life of a German fighter pilot, and the incident where he escorted a severely damaged B-17 back to the coast. Fascinating story, and extremely well written and researched. Not a big non-fiction fan since I read to take my mind off of reality, but I will check it out. Quoted:
Isaac Asimov Foundation series. I don't know how I skipped Asimov, but I was a huge fan of his as a kid, read almost everything he has written. Some of it more than once :) Don't have a lot of his books on hand though, not sure why. Thanks for the tips guys, keep 'em coming! |
|
|
Quoted:
Patrick O'brian's Master and Commander series, although the series doesn't truly get it's legs until the third book. That one is a masterpiece. In that book, he packs more in the first hundred pages than most authors do in an entire book.4 ETA there's like 20 books in the series so you won't run out soon, but you'll cry when you do because it's so good. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Patrick O'brian's Master and Commander series, although the series doesn't truly get it's legs until the third book. That one is a masterpiece. In that book, he packs more in the first hundred pages than most authors do in an entire book.4 ETA there's like 20 books in the series so you won't run out soon, but you'll cry when you do because it's so good. Sounds good.. I'll take a look! Quoted:
just finished this one - non fiction though http://www.amazon.com/Enemies-Within-Inside-Against-America/dp/1476727937/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379799219&sr=8-2&keywords=the+enemy+within Hmmm.... I'll put that on the 'maybe' list, thanks! |
|
Quoted:
Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson http://www.amazon.com/Cryptonomicon-Neal-Stephenson/dp/0060512806/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379799328&sr=8-1&keywords=cryptonomicon View Quote That sounds interesting, thanks! |
|
C.J Box......Joe Picket series
Craig Johnson.....Walt Longmire series |
|
|
A few suggestions:
Alan Furst---excellent spy novels set in Europe in pre and inter WWII era. You'll love this guy if you are into history and especially if you've travelled much in Europe. Start with Night Soldiers and read the whole series. Herman Wouk---best known for The Caine Mutiny---which is superb---- many of his other books are excellent as well, especially The Winds of War and War and Remembrance. Nevil Shute---best known for his excellent 1950's doomsday novel On the Beach, many other books of his are good reads as well. Cormac McCarthy---although I really don't care for his earlier work---YMMV---McCarthy is an absolute American literary treasure. Start with the 3 books of "The Border Trilogy"----everything from then onwards is excellent. |
|
Quoted:
A few suggestions: Alan Furst---excellent spy novels set in Europe in pre and inter WWII era. You'll love this guy if you are into history and especially if you've travelled much in Europe. Start with Night Soldiers and read the whole series. Herman Wouk---best known for The Caine Mutiny---which is superb---- many of his other books are excellent as well, especially The Winds of War and War and Remembrance. Nevil Shute---best known for his excellent 1950's doomsday novel On the Beach, many other books of his are good reads as well. Cormac McCarthy---although I really don't care for his earlier work---YMMV---McCarthy is an absolute American literary treasure. Start with the 3 books of "The Border Trilogy"----everything from then onwards is excellent. View Quote My suggestion as well. Read Blood Meridian. |
|
+1 on the Cryptonomicom and any Neal Stephenson book for that matter...
Heroic fantasy...Steven Erickson and Ian Esslemont's Malazan Book of the Fallen will keep you busy for quite a while. Glen Cook- Black Company series and the Dread Empire series. |
|
|
Walter W. Williams
Michael Z. Williamson James Rollins Matthew Reilly Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child Patrick Lee Larry Correia |
|
Quoted:
C.J Box......Joe Picket series Craig Johnson.....Walt Longmire series View Quote Hadn't heard about the Picket series, but I have read the Longmire books. On a related topic (the Longmire reminded me) does anyone else get really annoyed at stupid gun shit that authors and editors fuck up? "There was an audible click as he disengaged the safety on his revolver." "Scared? I'm not scared, you still have the safety on your Glock." |
|
How about Elmore Leonard? He wrote the books that inspired Justified on FX.
|
|
Quoted:
Cormac McCarthy---although I really don't care for his earlier work---YMMV---McCarthy is an absolute American literary treasure. Start with the 3 books of "The Border Trilogy"----everything from then onwards is excellent. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Cormac McCarthy---although I really don't care for his earlier work---YMMV---McCarthy is an absolute American literary treasure. Start with the 3 books of "The Border Trilogy"----everything from then onwards is excellent. That is the No Country for Old Men author, eh? Ok, got the Border Trilogy queued up, thanks! Quoted:
+1 on the Cryptonomicom and any Neal Stephenson book for that matter... Heroic fantasy...Steven Erickson and Ian Esslemont's Malazan Book of the Fallen will keep you busy for quite a while. Glen Cook- Black Company series and the Dread Empire series. Got the Glen Cook, like Black Company very much. I will check out Malazan though, thanks! I have read some of the Conan books, and they are fun, but I have to be honest and say I never really go into Lovecraft. |
|
The four books by Benedict Jacka - Taken, Cursed, Chosen, Fated
|
|
You might take a look at Brent Weeks Night Angel Trilogy.
Also take a look at Preston and Child's Pendergast series. |
|
If you like the Reacher series you really need to check out Robert Crais. He does Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series. Cole is a PI in Los Angeles. Joe Pike is a badass and Cole's business partner. These are my favorite books.
|
|
|
Quoted:
Patrick O'brian's Master and Commander series, although the series doesn't truly get it's legs until the third book. That one is a masterpiece. In that book, he packs more in the first hundred pages than most authors do in an entire book.4 ETA there's like 20 books in the series so you won't run out soon, but you'll cry when you do because it's so good. View Quote O brian's Aubrey/Maturin books are some of the best books ever written Some general recommendations-- Hard sci fi-- Greg Bear and Alistair Reynolds are great Historic fiction: Robert Graves. Gates of Fire is Historic fiction also, its entertaining, but not very accurate Sci fi: Frank Herbert and Vertnor Vinge McCarthy was already mentioned. If you like McCarthy you might try Falkner, they actually remind me of each other. Those George RR Martin books aren't bad. The tv series ones. |
|
IM me your address and I'll send you some of my dad's books, Michael McCollum. He was published through Del Ray. Most of the people who like science fiction like his books. His inspiration for writing is Robert Heinlein, Larry Niven and Isaac Asimov.
|
|
John Grisham - I like him as much as Sandford, but he doesn't keep the same characters. Each book stands on its own.
Orson Scott Card (The Ender Quintet) |
|
Check out Charlie Huston. "Caught Stealing" was an awesome novel.
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson http://www.amazon.com/Cryptonomicon-Neal-Stephenson/dp/0060512806/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379799328&sr=8-1&keywords=cryptonomicon That sounds interesting, thanks! I liked Snow Crash a whole lot better. Did you have William Gibson on there? Neuromancer is a classic. I'm a huge fan of both Tom McGuane (92 in the Shade, Cadence of Grass, The Sporting Club) and Jim Harrison (Dalva, True North). Those guys are genuine literature. |
|
I don't see any Michael Crichton in your list.
Highly recommended, right along the lines of what you have already been reading. Also check out "The Descent" one of my favorite books. The chapter in the beginning with the tour guide in the Himalayas is.... amazing. |
|
Try some non-fiction such as Peter Capsticks African Library series.
|
|
Also, if you have an e-reader of some flavor, you can hit up Project Gutenberg for free public-domain books in a variety of formats (Kindle, Nook, PDF, TXT, etc).
|
|
Quoted:
The four books by Benedict Jacka - Taken, Cursed, Chosen, Fated View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Found the author page, read an excerpt and this sounds right up my alley! Awesome. Quoted:
You might take a look at Brent Weeks Night Angel Trilogy. Also take a look at Preston and Child's Pendergast series. Brent Weeks trilogy added to the list. I have the first couple of the Pendergast queued as well, sounds like it is worth a shot! |
|
Quoted:
How about Elmore Leonard? He wrote the books that inspired Justified on FX. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Hmm... sounds good. I liked the first season of the show so it is worth a shot! I'll add it to the list, thanks! Quoted:
If you like the Reacher series you really need to check out Robert Crais. He does Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series. Cole is a PI in Los Angeles. Joe Pike is a badass and Cole's business partner. These are my favorite books. Sounds good! The Reacher series is... far-fetched, but it does read quickly and is fairly entertaining, so if these others are like them, they will fit my library just fine. |
|
Quoted:
Some general recommendations-- Hard sci fi-- Greg Bear and Alistair Reynolds are great Historic fiction: Robert Graves. Gates of Fire is Historic fiction also, its entertaining, but not very accurate Sci fi: Frank Herbert and Vertnor Vinge McCarthy was already mentioned. If you like McCarthy you might try Falkner, they actually remind me of each other. Those George RR Martin books aren't bad. The tv series ones. View Quote I have read some of Greg Bear's stuff, and I 'think' I have read Reynolds, but I will have to go and check his bibliography. I have been reading 2-3 books a week since I was 8 (Shit... 40 years!!) so I have read a LOT of books and often find myself picking up a book that looks interesting and half a chapter in, I am like "Oh... yeah, read this." I have read all of Frank Herbert's stuff, though Vertnor Vinge doesn't ring any bells. Same with George RR Martin, have just about all of his. I'll check out Vinge though. |
|
If you enjoy Urban SciFi/Fantasy novels, I really enjoy Larry Correia's books. He's a huge gun nut to boot!
Larry's Amazon Page Larry's Blog |
|
If you end up enjoying the Aubrey/Maturin books by Patrick O'Brian, try the Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell.
Both series take place during the Napoleonic War and are told from the British point of view. The Sharpe books are the infantry side of it, and the Aubrey/Maturin books the naval side. Both series are outstanding. |
|
Quoted:
IM me your address and I'll send you some of my dad's books, Michael McCollum. He was published through Del Ray. Most of the people who like science fiction like his books. His inspiration for writing is Robert Heinlein, Larry Niven and Isaac Asimov. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
IM me your address and I'll send you some of my dad's books, Michael McCollum. He was published through Del Ray. Most of the people who like science fiction like his books. His inspiration for writing is Robert Heinlein, Larry Niven and Isaac Asimov. Cool! IM sent Quoted:
John Grisham - I like him as much as Sandford, but he doesn't keep the same characters. Each book stands on its own. Orson Scott Card (The Ender Quintet) Yes to both, and have read everything I can get my hands on of both! Quoted:
Check out Charlie Huston. "Caught Stealing" was an awesome novel. Doesn't ring any bells, so I will check it out! |
|
Quoted:
Hadn't heard about the Picket series, but I have read the Longmire books. On a related topic (the Longmire reminded me) does anyone else get really annoyed at stupid gun shit that authors and editors fuck up? "There was an audible click as he disengaged the safety on his revolver." "Scared? I'm not scared, you still have the safety on your Glock." View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
C.J Box......Joe Picket series Craig Johnson.....Walt Longmire series Hadn't heard about the Picket series, but I have read the Longmire books. On a related topic (the Longmire reminded me) does anyone else get really annoyed at stupid gun shit that authors and editors fuck up? "There was an audible click as he disengaged the safety on his revolver." "Scared? I'm not scared, you still have the safety on your Glock." I did notice that as the Longmire books progressed the gun derp went down. In some of the latter books he described Walt's .45 as being cocked and locked and none of him continuously cocking and uncocking it. So, maybe Johnson is paying attention and trying to do better. You mentioned Vince Flynn, if you like him you'll probably like Brad Thor. |
|
Anything by George Pelecanos- very gritty DC crime novels. Think "The Wire"
Neal Stephenson Caleb Carr- The Alienist and subsequent works Ed Abbey- Fool's Progress Cormac McCarthy- Blood Meridian (possibly the best book ever) ETA: Forgot Charles deLint's works of urban fantasy. Check him out...awesome |
|
"Leadership Secrets of Atilla the Hun" Weiss Roberts.
Very short read, but interesting for anyone desiring to be a leader, or just live their life. You can actually download it online for free. |
|
Quoted:
I read a lot... 2-3 books a week. That said, I am running low on new stuff. I am currently reading Lee Child's Jack Reacher series (17 books) and am on book 15. That should tell you a little about my deplorable taste in books. I love Science Fiction and fantasy, I like military fiction and the occasional spy-thriller. I have read some horror, but it really isn't my genre. I like a good western and every once in a while, a whodunnit mystery. I tend to find an author I like and read everything available. Authors I have already read (And collected in hardback the best of): Robert Heinlein (all) David Weber (All) David Drake (All) Tom Clancy (Most) Robert Ludlum (Most) WEB Griffin (All) Stephen King (Most) Larry Bond (All) Vince Flynn (All) John Ringo (All) David Hackworth (Some) Stephen Hunter (All) Louis L'Amour (All) Arthur Hailey (Some) Mercedes Lackey (All) Anne McCaffery (All) RA Salvatore (Some) Arthur C Clarke (Some) Eric Von Lustbader (Some) Margaret Weis (All) Tracey Hickman (All) John Sanford (All) Steve Perry (All) Robin Cook (Most) JRR Tolkien (All) James Patterson (Most) Zane Grey (Most) So... with that list (not exhaustive, just those I could remember off the top of my head) is there an author or series that you would suggest? Keep in mind that if I put (Some) chances are I didn't get in to the author much or I would have read more. Help a bookaholic get his fix!!! View Quote There are some writers on ARFCOM. Give Larry Correria (sorry if not spelled correctly ) Monster Hunters International. |
|
Quoted: If you like the Reacher series you really need to check out Robert Crais. He does Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series. Cole is a PI in Los Angeles. Joe Pike is a badass and Cole's business partner. These are my favorite books. View Quote |
|
Eric Flint's 1632 series.
Matthew Bracken's Enemies Foreign and Domestic. |
|
|
Here's what I do.
Every day I check here. I download whatever looks good. Hell, they're free. You don't need a Kindle, you can get an app for your phone. |
|
Quoted:
I have read some of Greg Bear's stuff, and I 'think' I have read Reynolds, but I will have to go and check his bibliography. I have been reading 2-3 books a week since I was 8 (Shit... 40 years!!) so I have read a LOT of books and often find myself picking up a book that looks interesting and half a chapter in, I am like "Oh... yeah, read this." I have read all of Frank Herbert's stuff, though Vertnor Vinge doesn't ring any bells. Same with George RR Martin, have just about all of his. I'll check out Vinge though. View Quote Bear is hit or miss. His good stuff is really good, his bad stuff is crap. Hardfought and Anvil of stars are some of the best sci fi books I've read. Vitals was terrible. Reynolds is pretty new. His characters are lacking in his earlier books, but his sci fiction is incredible. Some of the most clever, imaginative stuff I've read, but still generally based on known science and not fantasy science. I'm actually about to get some Greg Egan books. Hes supposed to be really, really good. |
|
Quoted:
I liked Snow Crash a whole lot better. Did you have William Gibson on there? Neuromancer is a classic. I'm a huge fan of both Tom McGuane (92 in the Shade, Cadence of Grass, The Sporting Club) and Jim Harrison (Dalva, True North). Those guys are genuine literature. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
I liked Snow Crash a whole lot better. Did you have William Gibson on there? Neuromancer is a classic. I'm a huge fan of both Tom McGuane (92 in the Shade, Cadence of Grass, The Sporting Club) and Jim Harrison (Dalva, True North). Those guys are genuine literature. I have read Gibson's stuff, cool, but he gets weird is some spots if I remember correctly. Haven't heard of the other two so I will check them out! Quoted:
I don't see any Michael Crichton in your list. Highly recommended, right along the lines of what you have already been reading. You know, I have read a couple of his and I remember liking one, hating the other. I'm willing to give Descent a shot though, since you recomend it. Quoted:
If you enjoy Urban SciFi/Fantasy novels, I really enjoy Larry Correia's books. He's a huge gun nut to boot! Larry's Amazon Page Larry's Blog Checked out his blog and he sounds interesting! Quoted:
, try the Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell. Both series take place during the Napoleonic War and are told from the British point of view. The Sharpe books are the infantry side of it, and the Aubrey/Maturin books the naval side. Both series are outstanding. Huh... why don't I know about these? I have his Warlord trilogy and his Grail Quest trilogy plus a couple of others. I will definitely check the Sharpe books out! |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.