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The Carpet People
The Carpet People
Terry Pratchett | 2013 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
In the 'Author's Note' at the start of the edition I read (published in 1992), it is explained that this novel is really a joint effort between Terry Pratchett, aged 17, and Terry Pratchett, aged 43.

It's interesting to try to spot which aspects of the books belong to which period of life: which of them from the original (published in 1971, and written by a 17 year old) and which are from the more contemporary period. While understandably not as polished as Pratchett's later works - he himself says it's not the book he would write now - it's still impressive that the basis for this work was written by a (then) 17 year old.

You never know what goes on under your feet ...
  
Last Argument of Kings
Last Argument of Kings
Joe Abercrombie | 2007 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Excellent conclusion and the realisation of so much hard work in the previous 2 books. Excitement abounds as the story moves between siege and political manoeuvring in the capital and good old fashioned, sword swinging savage battle in the North as Logen looks to teach the king of the north a lesson.
The endings of each of the main characters are a little bitter-sweet as some much loved characters die, some are presumed dead and others end up miserable in a job they didn't want with next to no power/control.
Excellent story telling and world building and setting up the three follow on standalone books set in the same world.
  
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William Finnegan recommended My Brilliant Friend in Books (curated)

 
My Brilliant Friend
My Brilliant Friend
Elena Ferrante | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
3.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"The first volume in the Neapolitan quartet, this one changes in the mind’s eye if you’re pulled, as I am, helplessly through the subsequent books, with its primal scenes from early childhood deepening throughout. Is there a better portrait of friendship in literature than the story of Elena Greco, the narrator, and her brilliant friend, Lila Cerullo? Elena escapes the old neighborhood, and the poverty of postwar Naples, through education, but Lila remains the incandescent figure. The tormented power of their relationship never flags, through “The Story of a New Name,” “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay,” and the devastating “The Story of a Lost Child.” I hear the TV series is good. The books are a universe."

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