TSF Book Club

jegga

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="550155" data-time="1451541337">Any of you blokes read <a class="bbc_url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodlands">Bloodlands</a>? Supposed to be extremely good, but I don't know if I want to read something that thoroughly horrific.</blockquote><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="550155" data-time="1451541337">Any of you blokes read <a class="bbc_url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodlands">Bloodlands</a>? Supposed to be extremely good, but I don't know if I want to read something that thoroughly horrific.</blockquote>
 
If you want to round things out after reading that there's a couple of books about unit 731 , the worst part is most of them got away with it.

taniwharugby

Recently finished Killing Pablo (after watching Narcos on Netflix) by Mark Bowden, and was pretty good, I think the series kinda follows it, in that the first part shows Pablo as a charming and down to earth Colombian lad trying to do good, which is what I guess was the image he pushed through the media to ensure he had the public on his side for some of his 'reign' so will be interesting to see if the 2nd series they paint him out more as the tyrant he was.
 
Recently picked up the 2 part doco from History channel, The True Story of Killing Pablo which is based on the book.

jegga

Partway through this <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Horse-Custer-Parallel-American/dp/0385479662'>http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Horse-Custer-Parallel-American/dp/0385479662</a>
 
As usual with Ambrose its pretty wordy but a decent read. The ways the indians fought with each other is interesting, it was more about face and respect than actual body counts.

dK

Just finished a very good trilogy by Miles Cameron, The Traitor's Son Cycle. If you enjoy Sword Fantasies with a mix of Medieval European History (of sorts) then this would be a great start
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13616278-the-red-knight?ac=1&from_search=1&from_nav=true'>https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13616278-the-red-knight?ac=1&from_search=1&from_nav=true</a>
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17737893-the-fell-sword?from_search=true&search_version=service'>https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17737893-the-fell-sword?from_search=true&search_version=service</a>
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23129080-the-dread-wyrm'>https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23129080-the-dread-wyrm</a>
 
I have read a lot of Cameron's Historical fiction (written under Christian Cameron) which would appeal to people who enjoy Conn Igglugden. He has 4 main series
1) the Tom Swann short novellettes are Kindle only books, set around the late Medieval Era and the encroachment of the Ottoman Empire into to Eurpoe
2) the Tyrant series, which is based on a post-Alexandrian Mediterranean world
3) the Long War series, which explores the Persian invasion of Greece, around the Battel of Plataea
4) the William Gold series, about the stories of a donat of the Order of St John and his adventures in France, Italy and now the Crusades to fight the Saracen
 
All great reads for the nerds among us

SammyC

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="dK" data-cid="559487" data-time="1455846897">
<div>
Just finished a very good trilogy by Miles Cameron, The Traitor's Son Cycle. If you enjoy Sword Fantasies with a mix of Medieval European History (of sorts) then this would be a great start
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13616278-the-red-knight?ac=1&from_search=1&from_nav=true'>https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13616278-the-red-knight?ac=1&from_search=1&from_nav=true</a>
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17737893-the-fell-sword?from_search=true&search_version=service'>https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17737893-the-fell-sword?from_search=true&search_version=service</a>
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23129080-the-dread-wyrm'>https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23129080-the-dread-wyrm</a>
 
I have read a lot of Cameron's Historical fiction (written under Christian Cameron) which would appeal to people who enjoy Conn Igglugden. He has 4 main series
1) the Tom Swann short novellettes are Kindle only books, set around the late Medieval Era and the encroachment of the Ottoman Empire into to Eurpoe
2) the Tyrant series, which is based on a post-Alexandrian Mediterranean world
3) the Long War series, which explores the Persian invasion of Greece, around the Battel of Plataea
4) the William Gold series, about the stories of a donat of the Order of St John and his adventures in France, Italy and now the Crusades to fight the Saracen
 
All great reads for the nerds among us
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Thanks heaps for this mate, I love Iggluden so am all over this

Paekakboyz

Mate at work has been lending me books by Ben Aaronovitch - Peter Grant is a junior copper in London who finds out a magic investigation division/unit exists. Gets involved and becomes an apprentice. Self aware and full of piss takes about Hogwarts etc and the mash up of technology and magic. He goes into the history of London and other parts of the UK as part of the story telling and I find that really cool. Good stuff and he's up to book 5 with number 6 coming out soon. Love finding a new author that's got a good body of work to get stuck into.

jegga

Apparently a movie of the girl with all the gifts is out this year.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_Who_Brings_Gifts'>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_Who_Brings_Gifts</a>

Stockcar86

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Paekakboyz" data-cid="559496" data-time="1455849160">
<div>
Mate at work has been lending me books by Ben Aaronovitch - Peter Grant is a junior copper in London who finds out a magic investigation division/unit exists. Gets involved and becomes an apprentice. Self aware and full of piss takes about Hogwarts etc and the mash up of technology and magic. He goes into the history of London and other parts of the UK as part of the story telling and I find that really cool. Good stuff and he's up to book 5 with number 6 coming out soon. Love finding a new author that's got a good body of work to get stuck into.
</div>
</blockquote>
Not sure if it has been on here before, but on a similar secret magic division note, Charles Stross Laundry series is pretty damn good. Instead of police, it is a secret government department.
 
Again you have a good body of work to get through if you haven't started yet

<span>The Laundry Files</span>

<ul><li><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Atrocity_Archives' title="The Atrocity Archives">The Atrocity Archives</a> (2004)</li>
<li><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jennifer_Morgue' title="The Jennifer Morgue">The Jennifer Morgue</a> (2006)</li>
<li>Down on the Farm (2008 novelette)</li>
<li>Overtime (2009 novelette)</li>
<li><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fuller_Memorandum' title="The Fuller Memorandum">The Fuller Memorandum</a> (2010)</li>
<li><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Apocalypse_Codex' title="The Apocalypse Codex">The Apocalypse Codex</a> (2012)</li>
<li>Equoid (2013 novelette)</li>
<li><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rhesus_Chart' title="The Rhesus Chart">The Rhesus Chart</a> (2014)</li>
<li><a class="" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Annihilation_Score&action=edit&redlink=1" title="The Annihilation Score (page does not exist)">The Annihilation Score</a> (2015)</li>
</ul>

gollum

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="jegga" data-cid="559505" data-time="1455851949">
<div>
Apparently a movie of the girl with all the gifts is out this year.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_Who_Brings_Gifts'>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She_Who_Brings_Gifts</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Its a bit weird in that they've cast Gemma Arterton as the teacher. Who is black in the book... but still... fricking loved that book.
 
Great read

jegga

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="gollum" data-cid="559626" data-time="1455884131">
<div>
Its a bit weird in that they've cast Gemma Arterton as the teacher. Who is black in the book... but still... fricking loved that book.
 
Great read
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Looks like theyve changed a few things from the book, Glenn Close was a good choice for the scientist.

Siam

Any of you fullas and fullaesses read The Dark Tower by Steven King?
 
7 books about a gunslinger called Roland
 
I'm up to book 4 (no spoilers please) and quite like it.
 
Seem to remember a bit of a following and conversations about it in the 90's - remember when people read books and talked to each other properly?

taniwharugby

JUst finished <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zero-Six-Bravo-Special-Explosive/dp/1782060804'>Zero Six Bravo by Damien Lewis</a>, based on the true account of British SF M Squadron sent into Iraq with the plan to talk the Iraqi Army 5th Corps into surrendering.
 
As is highlighted in the book, plenty of parallells with Bravo Two Zero's messed up mission, but as soon transpires, like B2Z, this mission was doomed pretty much from the get go!
 
Makes you wonder if those who plan and authorises these missions, based on what seems some pretty flimsy intel, expecting that SF can just guy in and tough it out to accomplish things, are ever held to account?

jegga

I've got another Damien Lewis book here if you want it , it's about this <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Qala-i-Jangi'>https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Qala-i-Jangi</a> 
Operation certain death is another good one of his .

jegga

Finished the book about Crazy horse and Custer,as usual with an Ambrose book it was pretty long . Custer was a bit of a rockstar in his day and was on the verge of announcing that he was about to run for president as a democrat when got back from on last battle with the Indians .

mariner4life

Have now finished two Max Hastings WWII books, "All Hell Let Lose" and "The Secret War"
 
All Hell Let Loose is a narrative of the entire conflict, from origins through to victory and aftermath of both theatres. While there isn't much there that's new for someone who has read as many history books as me, i still enjoyed it. To tell the story of the war he attempts to make it smaller and more personal by using extracts from letters and journals from people involved in major episodes. It helps to provide a more human story than a basic run-down of dates and places. I actually really enjoyed it, it's well written.
 
The Secret War is the story of the intelligence and secret services of each major player, and how they evolved and developed over the war. It's okay, but lacks any real depth of feeling to it, and i found i finished it out of a sense of duty than i desire to keep reading.
 
A thing i've noticed with modern WWII historians, Hastings especially, is they are a lot more critical of the western allies now than the romanticised views of victors from the past. He is pretty scathing about their leadership, and their skill in battle. It's fairly obvious he holds the performance of the Wehrmacht in high esteem, but holds nothing but contempt for the German leadership. He also uses the benefit of hindsight to wonder how the west fell for Stalin's bullshit. 
 
I would recommend All Hell Let Loose, but The Secret War is only for those with a specific interest. 
 
 
After reading nothing but non-fiction since christmas i needed some fiction, so i started Fallen Dragon by Peter Hamilton. Funny to see the first chapter set in Cairns and Kuranda. At least i know it will still be here in 250 years, and so will Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Rail. Doesn't look good for tourism though.

jegga

I enjoyed all hell broke loose but Hastings can be a miserable bastard at time. I'm reading Catastrophe at the moment, its a bloody good read too. Its interesting how people rant about what a fucked up place the world is now , pre world war one Europe wasn't much better if at all.
 
If you haven't read Nemesis put that on your list, theres a lot of stuff in there like how the yanks screwed the french and poms over and how China screwed over everyone that tried to help them . Also he goes into a fair bit of detail about the Russian and Japanese fighting towards the end.
The aussies do not come out of it well even though he went into great pains to explain why they still whined when the book came out.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nemesis-The-Battle-Japan-1944-45/dp/0007219814/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51pvzwQpoYL&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR104%2C160&refRID=168JEYRTQM3EG96Q1FG9'>http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nemesis-The-Battle-Japan-1944-45/dp/0007219814/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51pvzwQpoYL&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR104%2C160&refRID=168JEYRTQM3EG96Q1FG9</a>
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.amazon.co.uk/Catastrophe-Europe-Goes-War-1914/dp/0007519745/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=61Ltw7cYlBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR104%2C160&refRID=168JEYRTQM3EG96Q1FG9'>http://www.amazon.co.uk/Catastrophe-Europe-Goes-War-1914/dp/0007519745/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=61Ltw7cYlBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR104%2C160&refRID=168JEYRTQM3EG96Q1FG9</a>

mariner4life

That Catastrophe looks fantastic, I'll give that a crack. 
 
 
The Yank command were pretty vehement in their anti-imperialism, and that affected a huge amount of their thinking in the Pacific, and also lead them to making a few decisions about what intelligence to share late in the war. They for damned sure weren't fighting a war to "liberate" these countries only for the poms and the French to just waltz back in and reclaim their rights. From what i understand, European prestige was too badly tarnished by the Japanese success to every make that a reality any way. I assume that book goes in to that in a fair bit more detail though.

jegga

The french rose up against the japs as the yanks got closer expecting them to help, they didn't and the japs crushed them. They also did their best to try and exclude the poms from the naval war, India had their land troops tied up anyway. 
 
The end of the book goes into the double dealing and back stabbing in a bit more detail. The spell the europeans had over their colonies was broken which influenced people like Lee Kuan Yew , the Phillipines elected a Japanese sympathiser as their leader after the wars end due in no small part to the yanks abandoning them. The dutch got the British to re arm the Japs to fight against pro independence forces in Indonesia and they did in Viet Nam too. I think the messiest part was probably former Wermacht ncos and officers leading foreign legion troops against Vietnamese troops led by ncos and officers from the IJA.
 
Theres a nice summary here <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.armchairgeneral.com/british-and-japanese-troops-cooperate-in-se-asia-1945.htm'>http://www.armchairgeneral.com/british-and-japanese-troops-cooperate-in-se-asia-1945.htm</a>
 
Anyway I scored this the other day,<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Valley-French-Vietnam/dp/0306814439'>http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Valley-French-Vietnam/dp/0306814439</a> it looks good but its as long as Catastrophe. It'll take a while to get through it.

JC

The Crow Girl by Erik Axl Sund. It's a thriller about the hunt for a serial killer in Sweden. You get to know (or at least suspect) who the killer is pretty quickly but they are pretty ingenious and manipulative in the Hannibal Lecter vein. It's nearly 800 pages long so it needs a bit of commitment but it's pretty fast paced with some really clever twists and turns. Fairly rough at times. The author is in fact a couple of young Swedish blokes who write together.
 
I enjoyed it and read it in one weekend. It's the kind of book that will be made into a cracking Scandi movie or TV series before being watered down into a so-so Hollywood remake 3 years from now.

Chris B.

I happened to read Peter Fitzsimons' Gallipoli book a couple of months ago. It's a reasonable book, though perhaps errs a bit on the emotive, blame the British generals, side of the story. Compared to various other, older books, I've read - he also attributed Keith Murdoch quite a bit more influence in ending the campaign than I'd seen previously.
 
Then, the other night, on TV, I watched an Australian docu-drama on World War 1. I think it's going to be a three or four part series, but this first episode dealt mainly with the lead-up to war and Gallipoli. And bugger me, if Keith Murdoch didn't feature prominently as a mover and shaker of policy on Gallipoli again.
 
The Keith Murdoch we're talking about isn't, of course, the disgraced AB prop - it's Rupert Murdoch's father. I'm afraid I can't help but be fairly cynical that Rupert might be trying to build his family's legacy. 
 
Edit: The docu-drama was called Changed forever: The making of Australia - it was on the History Channel.

The Silver Fern

TSF Book Club