tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post2907863868149420389..comments2024-03-22T19:07:21.790+00:00Comments on The Wertzone: The Story So Far...Adam Whiteheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11383677312079611311noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-23546306985285248812011-02-26T11:51:27.151+00:002011-02-26T11:51:27.151+00:00I actually arrived at this page whilst googling fo...I actually arrived at this page whilst googling for a summary of the Malazan books, as I'm about to start the final one. I never start an ongoing series anymore, having been burned by both George R.R. Martin and Robert Jordan. Part of the fun of a huge, sprawling series are the theories one comes up with whilst reading them, and they always disappear between books if more than 6 months pass. Sadly, I was tricked by a friend who said the Erikson books were all separate, finished stories... It was only last year, so I have no desire to reread every single book.<br />Luckily, I found a chapter summary for GoT, but I'm stumped on a Malazan one. I need something more detailed than a plot summary...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10809277435415912029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-56229074922630320892010-04-24T20:09:51.733+00:002010-04-24T20:09:51.733+00:00I'm a bit torn because on one hand, a brief sy...I'm a bit torn because on one hand, a brief synopsis does help get right back into a book, but I don't feel I would need to read something like that with Rothfuss or Lynch, and ironically, where the summaries would be useful, like in Erikson's novels, it is more fun to reread and see what you missed out on a first read through.<br /><br />I read all the books in quick succession when the fifth came out, burned out and now am on my reread of the third to catch up to the last one and while it still remains impossible to retain everything in my head, I do feel that a reread does get you and keep you in a setting, which a synopsis or catch up will not do.Mauricenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-10131297510661596192010-04-24T20:08:39.480+00:002010-04-24T20:08:39.480+00:00I'm a bit torn because on one hand, a brief sy...I'm a bit torn because on one hand, a brief synopsis does help get right back into a book, but I don't feel I would need to read something like that with Rothfuss or Lynch, and ironically, where the summaries would be useful, like in Erikson's novels, it is more fun to reread and see what you missed out on a first read through.<br /><br />I read all the books in quick succession when the fifth came out, burned out and now am on my reread of the third to catch up to the last one and while it still remains impossible to retain everything in my head, I do feel that a reread does get you and keep you in a setting, which a synopsis or catch up will not do.Mauricenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-11126902899949705772010-04-22T19:00:09.328+00:002010-04-22T19:00:09.328+00:00I just picked up Dust of Dreams from my library, a...I just picked up Dust of Dreams from my library, and I know I'm going to have to spend hours on Google trying to remember who characters are , remember their story arcs , motivations etc etc.<br /><br />It seems to be a problem that I and many others are having. I have enjoyed series like ,<b>Shadows of the Apt</b> which come out in 6 monthly intervals , and now finding myself deciding to pass series by until they are complete.<br /><br />There is simply too much to read to go back and re-read Malazan , ASoIaF or Wheel of time every time the next book in the series is released , If it wasn't for the internet then I doubt I would ever start an unfinished multi-volume series.Allanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05976148736801707999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-18615533760099045612010-04-22T14:52:38.199+00:002010-04-22T14:52:38.199+00:00Although I don't think we should exhort author...Although I don't think we should exhort authors to do this, I think it would be nice to have this in long running series, even if it's just detailing main events in the previous 2 or so books, just a little refresher of where we left off. We really don't need to get a whole summary of everything that has occurred in that world, but a refresher of where you left off in the last installment is always nice I think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-37347946276299635602010-04-22T11:49:33.044+00:002010-04-22T11:49:33.044+00:00First of all: Great post Adam!
I made the same ex...First of all: Great post Adam!<br /><br />I made the same experience like you and all the other readers who posted their comments.<br /><br />I must admit I can't remember when I re-read a book the last time. <br /><br />My last try: Memory Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams. I read the series around 15 years ago and I read it in German. Last Christmas I got the complete English edition and thought it would be a good idea to read them within the first four month of 2010. But I failed due to several reasons - one was that I was not really in the right mood for it. I will try again later this year.<br /><br />I think it is nearly impossible to re-read all the series I like. <br /><br />Summaries can be helpful. I prefer to read reviews of former books.<br /><br />Last year I read the MISTBORN trilogy back to back and that was most satisfying.<br /><br />Whenever possible I try to read a series when it is completed. <br /><br />Anyway the more I remember of a part of a series I read some years ago the more impressive it must have been.<br /><br />In the end there will be not one solution for all.<br />Too much depends on the individual reading habits.ediFanoBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129248787624088717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-5536184809539520382010-04-22T08:53:17.716+00:002010-04-22T08:53:17.716+00:00Great post Wert. Stephen Donaldson's Thomas Co...Great post Wert. Stephen Donaldson's Thomas Covenant books have "The Story So Far", which is very useful.Jussinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-64450480543408363672010-04-22T02:57:10.745+00:002010-04-22T02:57:10.745+00:00It always gives me great relief to see such a sect...It always gives me great relief to see such a section at the front of a book that I've been waiting a while for (but I make sure to look for one in the back, too!). It's handy, convenient and doesn't require too much time from the quthor to produce. I certainly hope that when Wise Man's Fear comes out there will be a synopsis of Book 1 at the front.The Writerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06995038596311181381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-66591497584164604122010-04-22T00:58:35.727+00:002010-04-22T00:58:35.727+00:00Also there's more than a little debate about w...Also there's more than a little debate about whether "The Judging Eye" synopsis is a true "overview" from an objective standpoint or if it's "Akka's cliff notes."<br /><br />I'm at the point with Big Book Fantasy that re-reads are the only way to go. Even the Dark Tower, which had an 'argument' for most of the series, didn't really do justice to the re-reads. <br /><br />For me, if something from the preceding book is SO important it MUST be remembered for the plot to make sense (not the minutiae that most of us *want but can't* remember, then it's only fair for the characters to make some sort of in-character allusion to said fact at an appropriate time to clue the reader in on the arc.Tarien Colehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07621060769623881644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-45448087999016960002010-04-22T00:51:16.254+00:002010-04-22T00:51:16.254+00:00@Adam
Yes it is strange, both the US MMPB and Hard...@Adam<br />Yes it is strange, both the US MMPB and Hardcover of <b>Shadowplay</b> omit the previous volume synopsis whilst <b>Shadowrise</b> has a synopsis of both <b>Shadowplay</b> and <b>Shadowmarch</b>.RobBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04014122096561992311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-90648066023580730482010-04-22T00:01:32.201+00:002010-04-22T00:01:32.201+00:00Maybe it's not so common (or I'm subtly br...Maybe it's not so common (or I'm subtly bragging) but I find that once I get into a book in a series, maybe 100 pages in, I'm usually pretty much OK with remembering events from previous books and having it "click" for me. I may not remember every single little detail but I must admit I rarely have WTF moments where I am trying to remember an event or character that was written about 4 volumes ago. Maybe it's just my brain's skill at remembering randomly useless crap and nothing of actual importance.<br /><br />Anyway, I do like books that have a synopsis at the start but admit I've barely ever read one. I think David Eddings used to do the same thing with his novels?<br /><br />If I've enjoyed a series a whole lot then I will do the re-read just because it's fun to go back down those paths. I have done that for Ice & Fire and am planning on doing it for Malazan in a few months - Malazan mostly because I don't think I'll be re-reading it for a few years to come just because of its immense size. So even though I'm pretty sure I'd be fine just jumping straight into Crippled God, I want to use this opportunity to go through the series and savour it again before putting it away for quite a few years.<br /><br />For series' that I've enjoyed but not absolutely loved I'll just start the next book and hope for the best, usually with very few hiccups.<br /><br />That all being said, in the last few years I decided to make the concerted effort to only read completed series, and it has mostly worked out for me. I wait until the whole thing is out, or the last book is on the near horizon and only then start it. It has meant I could really get into a series all at once and truly immerse myself in it for sometimes months at a time. This worked really well with The First Law, Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, The Long Price, Prince of Nothing, Cassandra Kressnov, Takeshi Kovacs, Night Angel, Liveship Traders & Tawny Man, and even when I got to read all first 7 Malazan books in a row.<br /><br />I have also stopped reading a couple of series' until they are finished (e.g. Wheel of Time) mostly because I don't want to re-read them over and over again - I like the story but am not so crazy about the books to want to re-read them.<br /><br />Of course there are the staples like Feist and Pratchett that I read as soon as they come out, but that's cause I started them 20 years ago and there's really no point waiting that long.<br /><br />Bit of a ramble there but I think I got my points across.Jebushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00985667608602099242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-19802308119929645802010-04-21T23:29:13.415+00:002010-04-21T23:29:13.415+00:00I think "The Story So Far" should be a r...I think "The Story So Far" should be a requirement for <b>all</b> series.<br /><br />It's the courteous thing to do, after all.DiapsonDealernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-71054960558400162222010-04-21T22:47:44.462+00:002010-04-21T22:47:44.462+00:00I don't mind re-reading, actually. But I'm...I don't mind re-reading, actually. But I'm weird like that. I look forward to dusting of the Song of Fire and Ice (or is it Ice and Fire?) books once the 5th book release date is announced...David Wagnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07594244647778062784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-33653963753904970342010-04-21T22:19:43.905+00:002010-04-21T22:19:43.905+00:00@ Rob: Interesting point about Williams. I was loo...@ Rob: Interesting point about Williams. I was looking at SHADOWRISE and it indeed has the familiar 'Story So Far' bit at the front that I've seen in all his other multi-volume books, so it seems odd that SHADOWPLAY didn't have one.Adam Whiteheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11383677312079611311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-3068430001049339462010-04-21T22:07:39.290+00:002010-04-21T22:07:39.290+00:00I really have this problem with Peter F Hamilton. ...I really have this problem with Peter F Hamilton. I didn't start reading him until after all of Night's Dawn had come out, so that was fine, but the Void trilogy is impossible to follow in real time, especially since it refers back to another sequence entirely... I think I'll just have to wait and whoosh through the lot when they're definitely finished.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-84444823381638054012010-04-21T21:36:24.651+00:002010-04-21T21:36:24.651+00:00I've recently read part two of David Anthony D...I've recently read part two of David Anthony Durhams Acacia trilogy, and the "The Story so far.." part, even though the series is not as complicated as Song of Ice.. or Malazan series, it really helped me a lot getting back into the story.<br /><br />In Song of Ice and Fire I am already grateful for the Lists of Houses/Families/Names in the back...without them I'd porbably given up on the last volume.Seberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13277981125273068429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-33843542013909094412010-04-21T20:42:56.473+00:002010-04-21T20:42:56.473+00:00As always Adam, your thoughts are on the pulse of ...As always Adam, your thoughts are on the pulse of the reader.<br /><br />Brandon Sanderson had a "what came before" in the appendix of his <b>Mistborn</b> series, at least in the US releases, too.<br /><br />Although you mention Tad Williams, I was surprised <b>Shadowplay</b> doesn't have the same what came before as his previous books. That didn't matter too much because even though it has been almost 5.5 years since reading the first volume, many elements of the story did come back to me. Still others didn't but this book is a perfect example of what you mention.<br /><br />This exact problem is why I haven't returned to a series like Kate Elliott's <b>Crown of Stars</b> series since I read the 4th(?) volume about 6 or 7 years ago.<br /><br />All that said, I would love for authors to include such a summary. Speaking from a reviewer standpoint, it would make the task of reviewing a non-first book in a series less daunting. It would also make it more reader friendly to new readers. To put it bluntly, if one of the many books I receive for review is a middle book in the series and it has no recap page, the book automatically goes to the never to be read pile making my selection process of what to read and review all the easier. <br /><br />While a lot of summary information can be found out here on the netherwebs as you indicate, why should the writer/publisher (purveyor of a product) have the reader (his or her potential customer) seek out required information (i.e WORK more than necessary) to enjoy their currently released product?RobBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04014122096561992311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-15441106985439174172010-04-21T20:25:05.744+00:002010-04-21T20:25:05.744+00:00In agreement with JT above. Recently read Shadowr...In agreement with JT above. Recently read <b>Shadowrise</b> by Williams and found the synopses of previous volumes very helpful. The other option you mention, re-reading the series, isn't something I'd be willing to do considering the various multi-volumes epics I'm already in the middle of.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-55911220926571674022010-04-21T20:02:58.386+00:002010-04-21T20:02:58.386+00:00This is a terrific post Wert - and i'd recomme...This is a terrific post Wert - and i'd recommend a re-read of "The Red Wolf Conspiracy" myself. I started The Ruling Sea and realized I couldn't remember where things stood, and had to go back and reread TRWC. It was well worth it, though, as the events in The Ruling Sea follow so immediately upon the first book, it requires some recall at least. It really is a shame more authors don't follow the examples of the few you listed, as I've found the synopsis by Williams and JV Jones especially helpful with their series.JThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03854173087224194851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-43246775586441804052010-04-21T19:10:39.877+00:002010-04-21T19:10:39.877+00:00I've resorted to waiting for many series to co...I've resorted to waiting for many series to complete for just this reason. I read books 1 & 2 of Martin's series back to back, but then couldn't keep up, so I'm waiting for him to be done, then I'll read the whole series in one go. I won't start Rothfuss or Lynch until they're complete. Erikson is the only one that I haven't done this with. I had to reread books 1-4 before I read 5. It's been a slog but worth the time with so many story lines and characters. <br /><br />On the plus side I can wait until the books are in paperback, or find them used. On the downside, I can't interact with everyone on the interweb who have read the newer stuff.BrianKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08829105221811578651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-41611699373701899312010-04-21T19:05:53.776+00:002010-04-21T19:05:53.776+00:00Yea, it was the same for mine. I used the summarie...Yea, it was the same for mine. I used the summaries at the end of each book to get me through, though, because the one in TJE was a weird overall mythos-defining summary rather than an actual story.plot/character synopsis.frantihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09404149956854982725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-38789076229321917442010-04-21T19:05:13.473+00:002010-04-21T19:05:13.473+00:00This is one of the main reasons why I've cut d...This is one of the main reasons why I've cut down reading multi-volume epic fantasies. I simply don't have the time nor interest to read thousands and thousands of pages over and over again every time a new volume comes out.<br /><br />There are some few writers (Martin & Bakker) I'm still willing to follow, but I've decided to read their sagas when they are finished. <br /><br />Give me stand alone books, thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-42613702153173359702010-04-21T18:24:59.403+00:002010-04-21T18:24:59.403+00:00Even if they are included I always skip them. I th...Even if they are included I always skip them. I think Martin's got the right idea here. When I read one of those summaries I read what someone else thinks the book was about, or what I should have picked up, which is almost never how I experienced it. I prefer taking a few chapters for things to fall into place again over reading a summary.Valashainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13766127527509268224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-20302339919767255702010-04-21T18:10:42.260+00:002010-04-21T18:10:42.260+00:00Interesting topic, and one I struggle with quite a...Interesting topic, and one I struggle with quite a bit. I even blogged about something similar <a href="http://fantasybookreviewer.blogspot.com/2010/02/question-how-do-you-approach-reading.html" rel="nofollow">here</a> back in February. I've come to the conclusion I need to change my reading habits for some series..to just wait until they are complete. Like you mentioned, some series are too large to re-cap. And I don't have time to do lots of re-reads..so the only real solution is to wait until the series is complete to read it. Either that, or just accept the fact that a lot of little things from previous books will be forgotten when I read later books.Jeff Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00865412847796927368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703856341303488608.post-40468654663356783662010-04-21T17:57:39.418+00:002010-04-21T17:57:39.418+00:00THE JUDGING EYE does have a story so far as well, ...THE JUDGING EYE does have a story so far as well, although in my edition it is tucked in the back of the book instead of the front and is more of a bare bones summary of PoN only focusing on elements relevant to TJE (so no mention of Cnaiur or his storyline, for example, as it was fully resolved within PoN itself).Adam Whiteheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11383677312079611311noreply@blogger.com