Book Fail (plus sneaky, fabulous giveaway!)

A few days back I was talking on Twitter (as is my wont) and the idea came up about #bookfail. This is the idea that there are books you haven't read that the whole of the rest of the world has read and raved about.

My particular #bookfails are the following:

1) Joe Abercrombie



I don't even know why I haven't read these books. They sound just up my street (some people have compared him to a more ambiguous David Gemmell, which is just so exciting for me); I actually own all three books; I've spoken to the guy (albeit briefly) and watched him on panels, and thought the books would be ever so entertaining based on his own personality. Why haven't I read them? Really not sure. Maybe because of the hype, and the fact I'm worried that they won't live up to the billing.

2) Patrick Rothfuss



When The Name of the Wind was released, I distinctly remember being on an historical fiction reading stint. Every book I picked up was historical fiction. I diligently brought The Name of the Wind, stuck it on my TBR pile, and continued reading in other genres for a while. By the time I moved back to fantasy, I found other books I wanted to read more. So, again, despite the hype, I haven't managed to give this guy a go.

3) Scott Lynch



Shamefully, I didn't even buy this guy's books! I heard the first book was excellent and the second book didn't live up to it. I now know the third book has been delayed but should be released next year. I have been interested in reading it, but never quite got around to it!


Amusingly, when I announced on Twitter that I had not read Scott Lynch, I received the following email from Mr Simon Spanton, editor supreme of Gollancz:

Amanda, Amanda, Amanda,

Do I gather from Twitter that you haven’t read Scott Lynch? As in, you know, not read Scott Lynch?

It’s distressing enough being referred to as Uncle Simon by various young bloggers without actually being forced into ‘stern uncle’ mode by a lapse like this . . .

This state of affairs simply cannot stand. What’s to be done?

Do I, for example, send you a very rare first edition of his first book for use a competition prize on your blog, said competition to accompany the review of same first book which I will also send you an even rarer proof of and a pb to, you know, actually read?

As in reading Scott Lynch’s first book. You know Scott Lynch? One of the most important new fantasy authors of the last ten years?

What do you think?

All the best

Simon

So, I have been challenged to read Scott Lynch. Which I will be doing over the next week or so!

The above also means I have TWO AMAZING AND RARE books to give away: a hardcover first edition of The Lies of Locke Lamora and a rare proof of same. Seriously, these two books arrived over the weekend and they look so shiny and glorious. In fact, you should all be dead proud I am, in fact, giving these away and not hoarding them! So pretty!

The giveaway is very simple. I want to see comments on this post - lots and lots of comments. Basically, if you comment telling me about your personal #bookfail (the book you really feel you *should* have read) and leaving your email address, you will be entered into the draw to win one of these two wonderful books (rare, doncha know?!) The competition is open worldwide! Get commenting! I'll let this run for a week before picking my winners.

p.s. I will also accept lambasting comments towards the fact I haven't read the above three authors - tell me all the reasons why I should!