A 30 Question SF/F/H Book Meme
It’s been a while since we did a meme around here, and what better way to talk about books than to ask short questions about the speculative fiction books people are reading?
I separated these questions into science fiction, fantasy and horror sections…because fantasy and horror often get the less coverage here. If you don’t care much for one genre or the other, feel free to skip those questions.
Tell us your answers in the comments!
Science Fiction
- The last science fiction book I read was:
- The science fiction book I am reading right now is:
- The next science fiction book I will read is:
- The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was:
- I didn’t finish it because:
- The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was:
- The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?)
- My favorite science fiction novel is:
- An underrated science fiction author is:
- My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is:
Fantasy
- The last fantasy book I read was:
- The fantasy book I am reading right now is:
- The next fantasy book I will read is:
- The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was:
- I didn’t finish it because:
- The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was:
- The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?)
- My favorite fantasy novel is:
- An underrated fantasy author is:
- My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is:
Horror
- The last horror book I read was:
- The horror book I am reading right now is:
- The next horror book I will read is:
- The last horror book I didn’t finish was:
- I didn’t finish it because:
- The last horror I recommended to a friend was:
- The last horror book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?)
- My favorite horror novel is:
- An underrated horror author is:
- My favorite sub-genre of horror is:
1. The last science fiction book I read was: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
2. The science fiction book I am reading right now is: The third Ketty Jay book, The Iron Jackal by Chris Wooding. This is a great series.
3. The next science fiction book I will read is: The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke
4. The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: The Map of Time… I’m not loving it right now.
5. I didn’t finish it because: It’s slow-going and I wasn’t looking forward to picking it up again.
6. The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: The Ketty Jay series by Chris Wooding…
7. The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Ready Player One, which was fantastic.
8. My favorite science fiction novel is: Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer.
9. An underrated science fiction author is:
10. My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Probably steampunk, although it’s something I’m just getting into. I’m also never sure where to classify zombies… sci-fi because of the “it was caused by a man-made virus” aspect, or paranormal, or fantasy…
1. The last fantasy book I read was: Unless I’m counting my Harry Potter re-reads,
2. The fantasy book I am reading right now is: Just Another Judgement Day by Simon R. Green (part of the Nightside series).
3. The next fantasy book I will read is: Ex-Heroes by Peter Clines
4. The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: Not sure, unless we’re counting The Map of Time again…
5. I didn’t finish it because: …
6. The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: The Nightside series by Simon R. Green, and the Newsflesh trilogy by Mira Grant? Or does that count as sci-fi?
7. The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Ummmm Warm Bodies? Probably doesn’t count, but I’m going with it. And yeah it was great.
8 My favorite fantasy novel is: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
9. An underrated fantasy author is: Patrick Rothfuss, and also Richard Kadrey.
10. My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: Paranormal I guess, which seems to be where a lot of zombie/magic stuff falls.
That was a fun way to kill some time at work 🙂
Science Fiction
1. The last science fiction book I read was: Red Shirts by John Scalzi
2. The science fiction book I am reading right now is: n/a
3. The next science fiction book I will read is: Anathem by Neal Stephenson
4. The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Rama II
5. I didn’t finish it because: The characterisation was awful
6. The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: Anything by Greg Egan
7. The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Can’t remember
8. My favorite science fiction novel is: The Woman at the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy
9. An underrated science fiction author is: Not got a clue
10. My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Social SF
Fantasy
1. The last fantasy book I read was: A Dance With Dragons by you know who
2. The fantasy book I am reading right now is: n/a
3. The next fantasy book I will read is: The Name of the Wind by Pat Rothfuss
4. The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: My third reading of LotR
5. I didn’t finish it because: Got narked at the lack of women
6. The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: The Name of the Wind
7. The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) n/a
8. My favorite fantasy novel is: The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams
9. An underrated fantasy author is: dunno
10. My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: Not sure I have one
Horror
1. The last horror book I read was: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
2. The horror book I am reading right now is: The King in Yellow by Robert Chambers
3. The next horror book I will read is: John Dies at the End by David Wong
4. The last horror book I didn’t finish was: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
5. I didn’t finish it because: I’m Welsh, it’s set in Wales and written by someone who has seemingly never been to Wales. This really irked me and is no real fault of the author’s but I just couldn’t get past the representation of Wales being so far removed from reality.
6. The last horror I recommended to a friend was: The work of HP Lovecraft
7. The last horror book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) n/a
8. My favorite horror novel is: Does the Shadow Over Innsmouth count?
9. An underrated horror author is: Robert Chambers
10. My favorite sub-genre of horror is: Supernatural/Occult/Weird
Science Fiction
The last science fiction book I read was: Wool, Hugh Howey
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: Endless Voyage, Marion Zimmer Bradley (for SF Mistressworks)
The next science fiction book I will read is: Empty Space, M John Harrison
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: The Helix and the Sword, John C McLoughlin
I didn’t finish it because: I found the style of prose really irritating
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: The Wanderground, Sally Miller Gearhart
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) The Explorer, James Smythe (yes, it was very good)
My favorite science fiction novel is: Coelestis
An underrated science fiction author is: Rosemary Kirstein
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: don’t really have one
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: Throne of the Crescent Moon
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: none, I don’t usually read fantays
The next fantasy book I will read is: see above
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: King’s Dragon, Kate Elliott
I didn’t finish it because: lost interest
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: Isles of the Forsaken, Carolyn Ives Gilman
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) The One Kingdom, Sean Russell (not really, it was very slow and dull)
My favorite fantasy novel is: Evening’s Empire, David Herter
An underrated fantasy author is: RA MacAvoy
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: don’t have one
Horror
The last horror book I read was: The Silent Land, Graham Joyce
The horror book I am reading right now is: none, I don’t usually read horror
The next horror book I will read is: see above
The last horror book I didn’t finish was: I don’t recall
I didn’t finish it because: see above
The last horror I recommended to a friend was: I don’t recall
The last horror book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Blood and Grit, Simon Clark (yes, it was good)
My favorite horror novel is: X,Y, Michael Blumlein
An underrated horror author is: John Shirley
My favorite sub-genre of horror is: don’t have one
last SF book: Larry Doyle’s Go Mutants! (re-read)
SF reading now: Alan Dean Foster’s Greenthieves (re-read)
Next SF: Cory Doctorow’s Homeland
Not finished: any one of a number of not-ready-for-prime-time, vociferously and enthusiastically promoted self-published (but apparently uneditied) SF works
Why unfinished? pick any two from column A and any two from column B: too many typos, too many grammatical errors, errors in continuity, unbelievable characters, characters engaging in impossible physical actions, mid-sentence tense changes. #1 fault – too many “new” ideas that would have been revealed as retread if the author were even passingly familiar with the genre. Names withheld to protect future authorial careers
last recommended: body of work by A. Bertram Chandler
Last recommended to me. LIADEN UNIVERSE SERIES
haven’t tried it yet
my favorite SF work? come on, you seriously do not have the time OR the space for my list
Underrated SF author? without a doubt – A. Bertram Chandler, who for a number of years was a top-rated author as voted by the readers of Astounding. 20+ novels and a couple of hundred shorts, most covering a well-thought out and interesting future history of the Rim Worlds. Good, basic, meat-and-potatoes SF of the kind some refer to as the new space opera’s these days, comfortable, easy reads.
favorite sub genre of SF? sub genres? we don’t need no stinking sub genres!
The last science fiction book I read was: light, m john harrison
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: nova swing, same author
The next science fiction book I will read is: empty space, same one again
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: wool, h howey
I didn’t finish it because: it started to get boring, exhausting, slow, pointless
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: dispossesded by le guin
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) lord of light, wasn’t that thrilled as it was promised to me
My favorite science fiction novel is: replay, k grimwood
An underrated science fiction author is: dont know really
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: don’t have one
Science Fiction
The last SF book I read was Take Back Plenty by Colin Greenland
The SF book I am reading right now is The Story Until Now by Kit Reed
The next SF book I will read is The Prophet of Bones by Ted Kosmatka
The last SF novel I didn’t finish was Captain Vorpitrils Allaince by Lois Bujold
I didn’t finish it because I found it tedious and uninteresting. Reading it was like wading thru molasses.
The last SF novel I recommended to someone was The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
The last SF book recommended to me:Captain Vorpituils Alliance by Lois Bujold-see above
My favorite Sf novel is The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolf
An underrated Sf author is Matthew Hughes
My favorite sub genre-don’t have one-least favorite Military SF
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was The Rise of Ransom City by Felix Gilman
The fantasy book I am reading right now:rereading Weaveworld by Clive Barker
The next fantasy book I will read is Abarat: Absolute Midnight bk 3 by Clive Barker
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish Little Big by John Crowley
I didn’t finish it because I found it written in a manner I found irritating
The last fantasy book I recommended to someone was Tales of the Dying Earth by Jack Vance
The last fantasy book recommended to me was The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss-I liked it a lot
My favorite fantasy book is Weaveworld by Clive Barker
An underrated fantasy writer is Felix Gilman
My favorite sub genre of fantasy-don’t have one but detest paranormal romance
The last horror novel I read was Last Days by Adam Nevill
The horror book I am reading right now-Scream Quietly-The Best of Charles L. Grant
The next horror book I will read is-N0S4A2 by Joe Hill
The last horror book I didn’t finish-I don’t remember
I didn’t finish it because-see above
The last horror novel I recommended to a friend-The Pilo Family Circus by Will Elliot
The last hooror novel recommended to me was Mr Shivers by Robert Bennett Jackson-and I liked it a lot
My favorite horror novel is Last Days by Brian Evenson(yeah, same title as the Nevill)
An underrated horror author is:Adam Nevill
My favorite sub genre of horror-don’t have one
Science Fiction
Last SF I read was: GREAT NORTH ROAD BY PETER HAMILTON
Next SF book I will read is: COLDEST WAR BY TREGILLIS
Last SF I recommended to a friend was: GREAT NORTH ROAD!!!
My favorite SF novel is: GATEWAY BY POHL
An underrated SF author is: PETER F HAMILTON and ROBERT SAWYER
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is:
MYSTERIES IN SPACE ala Asimov or McDevitt’s Alex Benedict novels.
Fantasy
Last fantasy book I read was: LIBROMANCER by JIM HINES
Next fantasy book I will read is: SCOURGE OF THE BETRAYER by JEFF SALYARDS
Last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: THE LIES OF LOCK LAMORA
Favorite fantasy novel is: THREE HEARTS AND THREE LIONS BY POUL ANDERSON
An underrated fantasy author is: POUL ANDERSON
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: MEDIEVAL (ARTHURIAN) ROMANCES
Horror
Last horror book I read was: ODD INTERLUDE BY DEAN KOONTZ
Horror book I am reading right now is: WALKING DEAD: ROAD TO WOODBURY
Next horror book I will read is: GROUND ZERO REPAIRMAN JACK 13 BY PAUL F WILSON
Last horror I recommended to a friend was: BREED BY CHASE NOVAK
My favorite horror novel is: THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD BY ZELSTERMAN
An underrated horror author is: ALEXANDRA SOKOLOFF
My favorite sub-genre of horror is: GOTHIC
Last SF book read was Alarm of War by Kennedy Hudner
the last SF book I recommended was Thomas Deprima’s series “a Galaxy Unknown”
Favorite Fantasy novel is Joshua Palmatier’s Cracked Throne series
an underrated Fantasy novel is Nick O’Donohoe’s Magic and the Healing
my favorite sub Genre is SF MILITARY
Science Fiction
The last science fiction book I read was: Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: The Fractal Prince by Hannu Rajaniemi
The next science fiction book I will read is: 2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
I didn’t finish it because: the library wanted it back
My favorite science fiction novel is: The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K le Guin
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Dystopia
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake
The next fantasy book I will read is: City of Dragons by Robin Hobb
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: The Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts
I didn’t finish it because: never really got into it, wasn’t going anywhere
My favorite fantasy novel is: The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K le Guin
An underrated fantasy author is: Robin Jarvis (YA)
Horror
The last horror book I read was: Blackout by Mira Grant
Science Fiction
The last science fiction book I read was: American Elsewhere, by Robert Jackson Bennett
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: alt.human (aka Harmony), by Keith Brooke
The next science fiction book I will read is: probably Falling Out of Cars, by Jeff Noon
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Light, by M. John Harrison
I didn’t finish it because: I just don’t have the time right now to read it carefully and appreciate its many layers of recursion. I’ll get back to it after the semester ends!
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: Count to Infinity, by John C. Wright
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: I’m not really sure….SO many people recommend stuff to me that I can never remember who suggested what.
My favorite science fiction novel is: The Golden Age Trilogy, by John C. Wright
An underrated science fiction author is: Sean Williams
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: transhumanist sci-fi with lots of AIs and weird post/para/quasi/abhumans!
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: Imajica, by Clive Barker (for the hundredth time)
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: No Return, by Zachary Jernigan
The next fantasy book I will read is: probably The Secret History of Moscow, by Ekaterina Sedia
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: Robert Jordan’s incredibly bloated Wheel of Time series.
I didn’t finish it because: It just went on…and on…and on…and on…and on…and on…and on…and never seemed to be going ANYwhere.
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories.
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: Again, too numerous to single any one volume out.
My favorite fantasy novel is: Imajica, by Clive Barker/Perdido Street Station, by China Mieville (tie)
An underrated fantasy author is: Ekaterina Sedia
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: steampunk/pseudo-scientific
Horror
The last horror book I read was: Blood Oranges, by Kathleen Tierney (Cait Kiernan)
The horror book I am reading right now is: Edge, by Koji Suzuki
The next horror book I will read is: the complete works of H. P. Lovecraft…for the 900th time.
The last horror book I didn’t finish was: The Dark, by Jason Brant
I didn’t finish it because: Brant is an absolutely horrible writer. Full of great ideas, but he writes like a third-grader.
The last horror I recommended to a friend was: The Light Is The Darkness, by Laird Barron.
The last horror book someone recommended to me was: The Light Is The Darkness, by Laird Barron! And it was AWESOME!
My favorite horror novel is: Swan Song, by Robert McCammon.
An underrated horror author is: Laird Barron.
My favorite sub-genre of horror is: anything involving monsters or ancient, incomprehensible gods.
Science Fiction
The last science fiction book I read was: Legion by Brandon Sanderson
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: None, currently reading a fantasy novel.
The next science fiction book I will read is: The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: I almost didn’t finish Brasyl by Ian McDonald, but I did, and I regret that.
I didn’t finish it because: I hated all the characters and thought the plot was boring. The only reason I kept going was periodically something mildly interesting would pop up and I’d go, oh, maybe this will get better once we get past all the set up. It didn’t.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: Wool by Hugh Howey
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) We read Spin by Robert Charles Wilson for book club recently, so I assume someone recommended that. I thought it was pretty good, enjoyed the world and am considering picking up the second book in the series.
My favorite science fiction novel is: The Hyperion series by Dan Simmons
An underrated science fiction author is: I guess Hugh Howey? Because he is new and was self-published for awhile, he didn’t get out there as easily. But Wool was my favorite book last year hands down.
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: I’m pretty diverse in my sci fi reading, so I will say in general I just enjoy my science fiction to be well-written, have interesting characters and ideas, and use technology well.
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: Bonehunters by Steven Erikson
The next fantasy book I will read is: Probably Reaper’s Gale by Steven Erikson, I’m getting really into that series.
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: I finished The King’s Blood by Daniel Abraham, but decided at the end I would not continue with the series.
I didn’t finish it because: What I liked about the first book was the banking system, and the merchant class being an important factor in the society as a whole, which I felt was an interesting and new idea. The second book didn’t have as much to do with that and I was only reading the book for the 2 characters I liked, and that wasn’t enough.
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) The Night Circus, which…I didn’t read.
My favorite fantasy novel is: Hmm….I really enjoyed the Patrick Rothfuss books, and have been forcing them on unsuspecting people. I’m enjoying the Steven Erikson series right now.
An underrated fantasy author is: I don’t know, I don’t think I veer too far off the common path in fantasy.
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: Probably sword and sorcery, but I also enjoy epic fantasy when it’s done well, and have been reading more urban fantasy lately. Again, mostly I just enjoy things that are well written, with interesting characters and story lines, and in fantasy specifically, I will always enjoy a good magic system and interesting world building. I also enjoy having a little humor in fantasy as well, particularly when the books are very long.
The last science fiction book I read was: “Ramal Extraction: Cutter’s Wars” by Steve Perry
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: “Miles, Mutants & Microbes” by Bujold …Also reading serial “Human Division” by Scalzi
The next science fiction book I will read is: “Miles in Love” by Bujold
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: don’t know
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: “Wool” by Hugh Howey
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: “Ready Player One” (didn’t read it cause I’m not a gamer)
My favorite science fiction novel is: currently “Wool”
An underrated science fiction author is: Nathan Lowell (does he count?)
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Space Opera
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: “Midnight Blue-Light Special” by Seanan Mcguire
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: (currently reading SF see above)
The next fantasy book I will read is: “Unspoken” by Sarah Rees Brennan
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: “A Game of Thrones” by Martin
I didn’t finish it because: I didn’t like the characters
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: “Frost Burned” by Briggs
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: “Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell”(haven’t tried yet)
My favorite fantasy novel is: “Codex Alera” Series By Jim Butcher (cheatin’)
An underrated fantasy author is: Nina Kiriki Hoffman
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: Urban Fantasy
Science Fiction
The last science fiction book I read was: The Fractal Prince by Hannu Rajaniemi
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: Wool by Hugh Howey
The next science fiction book I will read is: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: The Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons
I didn’t finish it because: It was plodding and pretentious.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
My favorite science fiction novel is: The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe
An underrated science fiction author is: Michael Flynn
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Space Opera
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: Goblin Secrets by William Alexander
The next fantasy book I will read is: Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin
I didn’t finish it because: I became apathetic about the characters and didn’t care if anyone lived or died. Also, the gloom and gratuity became tiring.
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: The Order of Odd Fish by James Kennedy
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: High House by James Stoodard
My favorite fantasy novel is: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: Heroic Fantasy
Horror
The last horror book I read was: Pines by Blake Crouch
The horror book I am reading right now is: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The next horror book I will read is:NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
The last horror book I didn’t finish was: Under the Dome by Stephen King
I didn’t finish it because: I got distracted.
The last horror I recommended to a friend was: This Book is Full of Spiders by David Wong
The last horror book someone recommended to me was: The Matrix by Jonathan Aycliffe
My favorite horror novel is: This Book is Full of Spiders by David Wong
My favorite sub-genre of horror is: Psychological
The last science fiction book I read was: “Starship Spring” by Eric Brown
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: “A Great North Road” by Peter F Hamilton
The next science fiction book I will read is: “Redshirts” by Scalzi
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: 2310 and Blue Remembered Earth
I didn’t finish them because: Well, actually I contemplated not finishing them, but did finish them nonetheless. I should have saved my energy. No plots.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: “A Talent for War” by Jack McDevitt
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: “Old MAn’s War” by Scalzi
My favorite science fiction novel is: “Starman Jones”
An underrated science fiction author is: Joan Hunter Holly, Michael Coney
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Post-apocalypse
The last science fiction book I read was: The Killing of Worlds by Scott Westerfeld.
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: Ex-KOP by Warren Hammond
The next science fiction book I will read is: Wool by Hugh Howey
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Voices by John Vornholt.
I didn’t finish it because: It was terrible. I enjoyed Babylon 5, but the writing in the book was just awful.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: The Killing of Worlds.
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Wool. I haven’t read it yet.
My favorite science fiction novel is: Ouch….I’ll go with Dune.
An underrated science fiction author is: Poul Anderson
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Space Opera
Science Fiction
The last science fiction book I read was: Stargate Atlantis : Inheritors
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: None
The next science fiction book I will read is: I’m not sure.
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Metro 2033
I didn’t finish it because: Couldn’t get into it, too slow moving.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: Leviathan Wakes
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?): Leviathan Wakes (I loved it)
My favorite science fiction novel is: Some questions are too hard to answer.
An underrated science fiction author is: Melissa Scott
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Space Opera
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: The Alloy of Law (Mistborn #4)
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: None
The next fantasy book I will read is: I’m not sure.
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: The Waters Rising
I didn’t finish it because: When you actually wish for everyone to drown, you’re clearly not invested in the story.
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: The Alloy of Law (Mistborn #4)
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?): World War Z – an oral history of the Zombie War (haven’t read it yet).
My favorite fantasy novel is:
An underrated fantasy author is: Charles de Lint
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: anything that avoids mushy vampires.
Horror: not my thing really
Science Fiction
1.The last science fiction book I read was: The Island and Other Stories- Peter Watts
2.The science fiction book I am reading right now is: Wool Omnibus Hugh Howey
3.The next science fiction book I will read is: The Best of All possible Worlds- Karen Lord or Bad Monkeys by Matt ruff
4.The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Maelstrom – Peter Watts
5.I didn’t finish it because: Because I returned the copy to the library and will finish it on the Kindle
6.The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: The Uninvited- Liz Jensen
7.The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Wool and yes it lives up to the hype
8.My favorite science fiction novel is: Blindsight Peter Watts
9.An underrated science fiction author is: Tough one – we’ll go with Robert Charles Wilson- almost all his novels are worth investigating but I get the impression that his work is not as appreciated as other more prolific writers.
10.My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Varies but currently I feel more in tune with space opera than anything else.
Fantasy
1.The last fantasy book I read was: Alif the Unseen – G Willow Wilson- I think it is much more fantasy than SF – and Wilson’s appearance as an unnamed character throughout the book annoyed me intensely. Very disappointed with it.
2.The fantasy book I am reading right now is: none at the moment
3.The next fantasy book I will read is: not sure- possibly The Chronicles of Amber
4.The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: Galveston – Sean Stewart
5.I didn’t finish it because: I need to be able to focus on a novel that involving and I couldn’t make suitable time
6.The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: The Lyonesse Saga Jack Vance
7.The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Perfect Circle- Sean Stewart
8.My favorite fantasy novel is: little, Big John Crowley tied with Winters tale- Mark Helprin
9.An underrated fantasy author is: Don’t read enough fantasy to comment fairly
10.My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: Conan, Kull- Robert E Howard basically
Horror
1.The last horror book I read was: Pet Semetary Stephen King
2.The horror book I am reading right now is: none
3.The next horror book I will read is: most likely, Coldbrook by Tim Lebbon
4.The last horror book I didn’t finish was: The Ritual- Adam Nevill –
5.I didn’t finish it because: simply put I couldn’t keep which character was which straight in my head
6.The last horror I recommended to a friend was: House of Leaves- Mark Z Danielewski
7.The last horror book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Pet Semetary – yes I did, I’ve fought against reading King for years- worth the wait but the size of most of his major work is extremely intimidating
8.My favorite horror novel is: Voice of Our Shadow – Jonathan Carroll
9.An underrated horror author is: Gary A Braunbeck
10.My favorite sub-genre of horror is: – the scary kind! Vampire romance level “horror” is a complete turn-off to me
The last science fiction book I read was: The Heart Valor by Tanya Huff
The science fiction book I am reading right now is:Crossover by Joel Shepherd
The next science fiction book I will read is:Valor’s Trial by Tanya Huff
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Control Point by Myke Cole
I didn’t finish it because: bored, whiney, slow moving.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?)
My favorite science fiction novel is: Ender’s Game
An underrated science fiction author is:
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Military Sci-Fi
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: The Magician’s Guild by Trudi Canavan
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
The next fantasy book I will read is: The Green Rider by Kristen Britain
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
I didn’t finish it because: Just too much and too long (will pick back up later)
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: Inheritance Trilogy N.K. Jeminsin
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) James Barclay’s Raven series, haven’t read it yet.
My favorite fantasy novel is: Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
An underrated fantasy author is: Peter V. Brett
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: Epic Fantasy
Horror – Don’t Read
The last science fiction book I read was: The Postman, by David Brin
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: catching up on recent issues of Clarkesworld and Lightspeed magazines
The next science fiction book I will read is: I have a couple candidates in the queue. I usually decide spontaneously, but the contenders are Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, Embassytown by China Miéville, or Orxy and Crake by Margaret Atwood.
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Titan, by Ben Bova
I didn’t finish it because: I recall thinking the characters were more like caricatures, with very transparent motivations. Probably didn’t help that I was simultaneously reading Pride and Prejudice, which, by comparison, is all nuanced dialog and character development.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: I gave my copy of Roger Zelazny’s Lord of Light to a friend.
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Can’t remember last direct recommendation, but I do add books to my queue if I read a lot of interesting references to it. Last such example was probably Triplanetary by E E “Doc” Smith. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it at all.
My favorite science fiction novel is: Dune, by Frank Herbert. (My favorite book, overall, is Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes, but I’m not sure what genre it’s considered to be.)
An underrated science fiction author is: out there right now, writing mind-blowing books that have yet to be picked up by fad-obsessed publishers.
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: hard to say. Space operas and planetary romances, yes. “Sociological” sf – dystopias, but also broader cultural puzzles (le Guin). Whatever Paolo Bacigalupi writes – eco-grunge? I struggle to differentiate “top level” genres sometimes, let alone sub-genre.
—
Abridged answers for fantasy and horror:
Favorite fantasy I read recently: Perdido Street Station by China Miéville
Least favorite: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
I’ve never really identified as a horror reader, but I have to credit a couple short fiction venues (Pseudopod, Tales to Terrify, Nightmare mag) for challenging my preconceptions about the genre. Their eldritch hooks have lodged in my brain.
1. The last science fiction book I read was: The Prefect by Alistair Reynolds
2. The science fiction book I am reading right now is: Great North Road by Peter Hamilton
3. The next science fiction book I will read is: The Best of Henry Kuttner
4. The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: The B-Team by John Scalzi
5. I didn’t finish it because: I have trouble with Tribbles
6. The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: Palace by Katherine Kerr and Mark Kreighbaum
7. The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) 2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson – No
8. My favorite science fiction novel is: The Mote in God’s Eye
9. An underrated science fiction author is: Christopher Rowley
10. My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Mystery
1. The last fantasy book I read was: Clark Ashton Smith anthology
2. The fantasy book I am reading right now is: Rhialto the Magnificent by Jack Vance
3. The next fantasy book I will read is: The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
4. The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin
5. I didn’t finish it because: Artistically austistic – perhaps original in 1930
6. The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: Lyonesse by Jack Vance
7. The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss – No
8. My favorite fantasy novel is: Eyes of the Overworld by Jack Vance
9. An underrated fantasy author is: Jack Vance
10. My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: prose stylists
Science Fiction
1.The last science fiction book I read was: Redshirts by John Scalzi
2.The science fiction book I am reading right now is: Every Day by David Levithan
3.The next science fiction book I will read is: Something by PKD
4.The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: The Unincorporated Man by the Kollin bros.
5.I didn’t finish it because: I lost interest in the fate of the protagonist.
6.The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
7.The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Hunger Games trilogy (yes, very much)
8.My favorite science fiction novel is: American Gods by Neil Gaiman (that’s my pick for today, anyway…)
9.An underrated science fiction author is: Audrey Niffenegger
10.My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: End-of-world / post-apocolyptic / dystopic
Fantasy
1.The last fantasy book I read was: Honoured Enemy by Raymond Feist & William Forstchen
2.The fantasy book I am reading right now is: None
3.The next fantasy book I will read is: Murder in LaMut by Raymond Feist & Joel Rosenberg
4.The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: Can’t recall.
5.I didn’t finish it because: N/A
6.The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: Magician by Raymond Feist (sensing a theme here?)
7.The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Game of Thrones by GRRM (haven’t read it yet)
8.My favorite fantasy novel is: Magician by Raymond Feist
9.An underrated fantasy author is: (duh) Raymond Feist
10.My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: good, ol’ fashioned Sword & Sorcery
Horror
1.The last horror book I read was: World War Z by Max Brooks
2.The horror book I am reading right now is: N/A
3.The next horror book I will read is: Dunno…maybe some more Joe Hill
4.The last horror book I didn’t finish was: Can’t recall
5.I didn’t finish it because: N/A
6.The last horror I recommended to a friend was: Horns by Joe Hill
7.The last horror book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) The Stand by Stephen King (LOVED it)
8.My favorite horror novel is: The Stand by Stephen King
9.An underrated horror author is: Joe Hill
10.My favorite sub-genre of horror is: Mindf*** horror. And zombies.
Science Fiction
The last science fiction book I read was: The Space Willies/Six Worlds Yonder by Eric Frank Russell
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: (not currently reading an SF book)
The next science fiction book I will read is: Metahuman by Ian Wood
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
I didn’t finish it because: Too much talking, not enough happening.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: Solis by A.A. Attanasio
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) Altered Carbon (haven’t read it yet)
My favorite science fiction novel is: Dune
An underrated science fiction author is: Tom Gauld
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: space opera
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: When We Were Executioners by J.M. McDermott
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: Valentine Pontifex by Robert Silverberg
The next fantasy book I will read is: Walking the Tree by Karron Warren
The last fantasy book I didn’t finish was: The Book of Jhereg by Steven Brust
I didn’t finish it because: Talky.
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: Last Dragon by J.M. McDermott
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) The Book of Jhereg, no
My favorite fantasy novel is: Red Nails by Robert E. Howard
An underrated fantasy author is: me! 😉
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: sword & sorcery
Horror
The last horror book I read was: Hikikomori by Lawrence Pearce
The horror book I am reading right now is: (not currently reading a horror book)
The next horror book I will read is: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
The last horror book I didn’t finish was: Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk
I didn’t finish it because: I LOVE Chuck Palahniuk, but just didn’t connect with this one.
The last horror I recommended to a friend was: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
The last horror book someone recommended to me was: (Did you enjoy it?) can’t remember
My favorite horror novel is: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
An underrated horror author is: Melanie Tem
My favorite sub-genre of horror is: not sure I have a favorite sub-genre
Science Fiction
The last science fiction book I read was: Ubik-Philip K.Dick (Rereading my classics)
The science fiction book I am reading right now is: La Compagnies des Glaces – GJ Arnaud
The next science fiction book I will read is:The Fall of Hyperion-Dan Simmons
The last science fiction book I didn’t finish was: Nope. I finish them, alright.
The last science fiction I recommended to a friend was: Old Man’s War-Scalzi
The last science fiction book someone recommended to me was: Flatland, not read yet
My favorite science fiction novel is: The Foundation Cycle and the Ender Series
An underrated science fiction author is: Not too sure.
My favorite sub-genre of science fiction is: Cyberpunk, steampunk, and I’m a sucker for space op.
Fantasy
The last fantasy book I read was: Storm of Swords- Martin
The fantasy book I am reading right now is: Otherland-Tad Williams
The next fantasy book I will read is: Red Country-Abercrombie
The last fantasy I recommended to a friend was: The Song of Ice and Fire Series
The last fantasy book someone recommended to me was: Alvin the Maker, haven’t started yet
My favorite fantasy novel is: The Silmarillion
An underrated fantasy author is: Not sure about that one either.
My favorite sub-genre of fantasy is: I love meself Alternate Universe, and Science Fantasy
Horror
The last horror book I read was: Just Before Sunset-King
The horror book I am reading right now is: The Call of Cthlhu (Told ya, rereading my classics)
The next horror book I will read is: I’d say Night Circus, but I’m not really sure about the genre
The last horror I recommended to a friend was: World War Z. Actually gave it to them.
The last horror book someone recommended to me was: Ancient Sorcery and other weird stories-Algernon Blackwood. Haven’t started yet.
My favorite horror novel is: The Cat
An underrated horror author is: Brian Lumley
My favorite sub-genre of horror is: Creepy Kids, Lovecraftian, Gothic, Psychological
Science Fiction
1. Greener Grass by Michael J Sullivan
2. none
3. Hollow World by Michael J Sullivan
4. Foundation by Asimov
5. Wasn’t in the mood for it at the time will try again later.
6. can’t remember.
7. can’t remember.
8. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
9. I haven’t read a lot of underrated sci-fi authors
10. Military
Fantasy
1. The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
2. Blood Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski
3. Gauntlgrym by RA Salvatore
4. Blood’s Pride by Evie Manieri
5. blah
6. Theft of Swords by Michael J Sullivan
7. Sojourn by RA Salvatore
8. Michael J Sullivan
9. High
Horror
1. I Am Grimalkin by Joseph Delaney
2. The Spook’s Blood by Joseph Delaney
3. Knight of the Black Rose by James Lowder
4. It was too slow for me.
5. I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
6. none
7. I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
8. Don’t know
9. supernatural that isn’t lame.