I just found quite by accident on the bookstore shelves Stephen Dedman's Fistful of Data for Shadowrun. Looks good, but I won't really get into it until I finish Hammerjack (cool new cyberpunk novel)
I
I'll post more when I finish it.
Full Version: Fistful of Data novel is out
PDF?
anyone know anything about it, or any good recommends for the author?
where's bookwyrm?
where's bookwyrm?
I've bought it, will have it read within a week of arrival. (Have to read book 5 first, which is shipping at the same time)
Sorry, I completely forgot about this novel. Been spending a LOT of time with reading the SR4 main book & Street Magic; seeking employment; & of course, time with the new girlfriend. I'll see if I can secure a copy soon.
Edit/Update: Picked up the novel last night, started reading it. I'll have a review as soon as I finish it.
Edit/Update: Picked up the novel last night, started reading it. I'll have a review as soon as I finish it.
OK, finally finished the novel & I have to say....Excellent work! Stephen Dedman has certanly a gift for a good engaging story without overburdening the non-gaming reader with over-simplifiying explaining what happens. 4 1/2 stars!
That was quick...
and short.....
I've finished it too and think it's the best of the new Shadowrun novels out.
May we have some more please?
May we have some more please?
May we have some details please? 
I know vaugeness on the shadowrun boards doesnt fly unless you got something to hide or someone is threatening your life.
I'm just a big fan of a good book, and when that combines is SR, it makes for good times. Bookwyrm usaully has more to say. Guess his priorities changed.
| QUOTE (Bookwyrm) |
| & of course, time with the new girlfriend. |
Not that I can blame him.
Bought it at amazon.de last week, but didn't have the time to read it yet.
It is good. Not Shakespeare, but good.
There were a couple scene changes that lost me for a while, but not a dealbreaker.
The main characters were mostly 3 dimensional, one more than all the others, and the plot stays engaged and engaging. It has a lot of different perspectives: corporate, mob, mercenary, low level runner, prime runner, squatter, crazy, sane. Decking, rigging, contacts, guns, adepts, shamans, mages, toxics, metahumans, cross and double-cross....you get the idea.
All of the concepts of a full and rewarding campaign, in a conveniently bound novel.
I am enjoying it, haven't quite finished it yet, but it has been a good ride so far.
There were a couple scene changes that lost me for a while, but not a dealbreaker.
The main characters were mostly 3 dimensional, one more than all the others, and the plot stays engaged and engaging. It has a lot of different perspectives: corporate, mob, mercenary, low level runner, prime runner, squatter, crazy, sane. Decking, rigging, contacts, guns, adepts, shamans, mages, toxics, metahumans, cross and double-cross....you get the idea.
All of the concepts of a full and rewarding campaign, in a conveniently bound novel.
I am enjoying it, haven't quite finished it yet, but it has been a good ride so far.
Thanks, Fistandantilus. It usually takes me a while to get through a book, and I try to savor it (I am something of a voracious reader). What time I get to myself I use to read (on the train, bus, when nothing watchable is on the tube), so I tend to fairly 'devour' a book sometimes faster than most.
Also, it's rude to just whip out a book when I'm being seduced by my GF.
I keep the reviews short so that the person reading it is interested, but nothing is given away. It's more fun to let a person discover their own likes/dislikes about a book than spoiling it.
Also, it's rude to just whip out a book when I'm being seduced by my GF.
I keep the reviews short so that the person reading it is interested, but nothing is given away. It's more fun to let a person discover their own likes/dislikes about a book than spoiling it.
BW: Just looking for a highlights good/bad, not a book report. 
Jray: nice ta see ya. I like the variety. Does it manage to pull that off without to confusing of transitions or being to hectic?
[ Spoiler ]
Jray: nice ta see ya. I like the variety. Does it manage to pull that off without to confusing of transitions or being to hectic?
I did like this one, though I thought the start was abit slow, and that Dedman seemed to spread out the characters too thin unil later, but it came together well. I liked Book 5 a little better than this one, but overall it was nice to ahve a decent Srun story out there.
You know, I didn't get to go to the writer's forums at GenCon this year, so I have no clue if there will be more novels or not. I'm hoping so... can anyone inside shed some light>?
You know, I didn't get to go to the writer's forums at GenCon this year, so I have no clue if there will be more novels or not. I'm hoping so... can anyone inside shed some light>?
From what I remember it was the three Steve Kenson Duels linked novels first and then Drops of Corruption by Jason Hardy, Aftershock by Jean Rabe and John Helfers and then Fistfull of Data by Stephen Dedman as the confirmed books. After that you'll have to ask Adam or someone whether Roc has decided to pick up the option of doing any more. Unfortunately I don't think they did, I'm having vague memories of someone mentioning that they decided not to but can't find anything concrete now.
Unfortunately FlakJacket is right--Roc did not pick up the option to publish more novels. There is a plan in the works to hopefully get the novels moving again, but it's probably not at the stage where I can provide details yet. However, it's possible that there might come a time when we need fans to send letters or forum posts showing their interest in having more novels--I'll let you know when and where!
Jason H.
Jason H.
Haven't read the new one yet. Just finished Aftershock. If the authors of that book ever write another novel for Shadowrun, their editor should stand behind them as they type and poke them with a cattle prod whenever they attempt to have their characters use too much slang. Having a character use one word of slang over and over isn't colorful, its annoying.
On the other hand, I also just read Drops of Corruption and really liked it. The burnt out mage main character was interesting. One of the better Shadowrun novels IMO.
On the other hand, I also just read Drops of Corruption and really liked it. The burnt out mage main character was interesting. One of the better Shadowrun novels IMO.
I need to get some of the newer books. I started rereading my old collection (starting at Striper Assassin) and was struck primarily by the fact that I'd have to be a youth to find them as cool as they found themselves....
| QUOTE (lorechaser) |
| I need to get some of the newer books. I started rereading my old collection (starting at Striper Assassin) and was struck primarily by the fact that I'd have to be a youth to find them as cool as they found themselves.... |
Ahh, Nyx Smith. A great big plate of shapeshifter weirdness and a little serving of trollrape with every entree. Those were the dayze.
I'll start by saying that you should buy this book I'll explain why later. However...
I can't say that I enjoyed "Fist Full of Data"
With a tittle like that and the plot structure I was hoping for a Cyber-Western. But then Dedman threw in the "Alice in wonderland" crap and it ruined it for me.
Sure It was like "Magnificent Seven". A bunch of Runner "Cowboys" (cowboys is a metaphor not actual cowpunchers), Vs. the hired guns of the Aztechnology "Mexican Banditos". The "cowboys" are protecting the poor people of a small "town" in the barrens from the evil corporate "bandits".
But instead of a snarling gunman with a big black mustache we got a tea-drinking Ponce in a top-hat and coat-tails (the mad hatter), with a buck-toothed elf for a sidekick (the white rabbit). And instead of the super cool Yule Brener we get a bald Dwarf named 8-ball who used to have an afro. WTF?
Much like "Magnificent Seven" I couldn't identify a strong protagonist. In that movie i didn't care because I loved all the good guys and wished there had been a whole movie about each of them. In the book I didn't really care about any of the good guys and started to wish that more of them would die just so I could feel something.
There was one interesting part where two of the female runners kiss
but that was never developed further. IIRC the whole story sadly lacked even one instance of trollrape. (and I was watching for it!.) There was a female troll named BEEF PATTY ( soon to be a classic troll name) but she doesn't rape anyone and she gets hit fairly early in the story to be scenery thereafter.Why you should buy and read this book.
there are about 40 different characters you can reverse-engineer from the text to use as NPC's in your game. Some of the characters are individually cool or based on interesting concepts their abilities and methods are fairly well fleshed out. The problem is that as a group, they don't hang together as well as the "Magnificent Seven". As NPC's they'll work good all you have to do is pick a name, fill out a character sheet and reference the book for the back-story and legwork.
[edit:] I was just looking through the book again and I have to say that the flash back to 8-ball loosing his afro was a good bit of writing. I remember that I actualy *saw* the sceen in my head and there were some litterary triggers that made me *feel* the character. That's probably my fave part it was good.
| QUOTE (OneTrikPony) | ||
Ahh, Nyx Smith. A great big plate of shapeshifter weirdness and a little serving of trollrape with every entree. Those were the dayze. |
Never mention this author and his crappy novels again, please. Shifters = Uber-killers? Please.
This thread should stay ontopic, there are a lot of "which novels I hate/ enjoy" threads.
(sniffles:) but Grinder I wrote a whole book report, didn't you even read it? let me try again without mentioning whether I hate/enjoy the book
"Fist Full of Data" is a rip-off of "The Magnificent seven" (a movie I really enjoyed
), While the Lawless American West premise has strong potential in the Shadowrun setting, the author confuses the reader by mixing the western metaphors with actual characters from "Alice in Wonderland" then further confounds the reader by failing to include any instance of non-consensual insertion of Troll phallus, of which further discussion is unnecessary because this sentence is all ready very long.Many players, and especially GM, may find the book useful. There are many characters developed by the author that may be plagiarized and use in games at home.
Regardless of whether I hate/enjoy the book I give it 3 stars and a thumbup
Now is the seting 3rd ed or 4th.
I'm pretty sure it's pre-crash, they were using cyberdecks, and one character is actually called a decker
Yes, the novel is set in October of 2063. The date is mentioned later in the book.
wow you think you would support the current edition to help get it going. Just seems that shadowrun sure gets put on the back burner against everything else that fanpro does.
I liked your book report OTP. I give you a B+.
Thanks guys, I like having a few differnet points of view before I go in and potentially waste hours of my life on a bad book. That' s what the internet is for after all.
Thanks guys, I like having a few differnet points of view before I go in and potentially waste hours of my life on a bad book. That' s what the internet is for after all.
What? Are you saying you wouldn't read it anyway just 'cause it's Shadowrun... even if every single person here said it sucked?
Yup, that's what I'm saying. There have actually moments where I have been at the (used) book store, picked up a SR novel, and put it back down.
Actually, did that with Fallen Angels too. Just couldn't finish the trilogy. Too painful
Actually, did that with Fallen Angels too. Just couldn't finish the trilogy. Too painful
| QUOTE (fistandantilus3.0) |
| Yup, that's what I'm saying. There have actually moments where I have been at the (used) book store, picked up a SR novel, and put it back down. |
Can't relate to that. I love the World too much, and don't really mind looking past whatever poor writing may or may not be present.
I've read every single thing Shadowrun-related that is available (and some that isn't
) except the new books, which I just haven't been able to find as yet. And that is just not enough! I want more! Much more!
I've read bad stuff just becuase it had the logo on it. Not interested in doing it again. it makes me upset about the whole thing ,like I jsut wasted hours of my time and I get turned off to SR for a while. My wfie loves it. House work gets done. Screw that. 
I think it's that little bit of 'Ancient History' in me, that can't stand the thought of missing out on even the littlest tidbit of info, however deeply hidden or bady described. 
Well , did I miss anything important in Lone Wolf or Who Hunts the Hunter of Fallen Angels?
Fluff, but fluff stuff's enough.
I'm good with just fluff if it's well written or especially fluffy. They didn't seem to be either to me. Am I wrong? were they worth it?
It's really subjective. If you're hesitant, then probably not, but I think that they are all worth the read. Each little tidbit gives you a deeper insight into the Sixth World, maybe in ways you've never thought of. Even if you find something you don't like, it usually starts you thinking about what that certain something would be like 'in your World', and that's never a Bad Thing™.
That I understand. Striper Assassin for instance. I hated the book, but the idea of the assassin that didn't really know what was going on and the (I assume) shadow spirit and the soulwell or whatever were interesting. I may pick them up if I find them (with the exception of Fallen Angels), but I don't think I'll put a lot of effort in to getting them. At least not without a couple of good recommends. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of my SR-soul BTW.
No problem.
By the way, I've been meaning to comment, but since there's never going to be an appropriate (public) forum, I'll just do it here ... You've always protested about being called a specific name, yet what do we find listed under your Nickname?
By the way, I've been meaning to comment, but since there's never going to be an appropriate (public) forum, I'll just do it here ... You've always protested about being called a specific name, yet what do we find listed under your Nickname?
| QUOTE |
| Fisty of Doom |
I'm never going to hesitate in shortening your nom-de-plume again!
It's a... well it's not a long story, but I don't feel like telling it. Blame Adam.
And you must type it completely, or I will bring down the Fist(y) of Doom!
(or just ad "of Doom" in parenthasies if ya do)
And you must type it completely, or I will bring down the Fist(y) of Doom!
(or just ad "of Doom" in parenthasies if ya do)
| QUOTE (fistandantilus3.0) |
| That I understand. Striper Assassin for instance. |
OOOO!
fistandantilus3.0 you said... I'm telling!GRINDER! fistandantilus3.0 mentioned those books AND that author again. It wasn't me either, I wasn't even there when he said it!
I have an almost complete set of shadowrun fiction, I'm missing the last Smedman book about the wolf guy and the spirit, and Secrets of Power Volume 2.
None of this fiction is great. That's not what I'm looking for, I can't think of an SR book that I'd give more than 3 stars out of 5.
I take that back, "Night's Pawn" and "Worlds Without End" were both pretty good writing I'd give them 3.5 stars maybe 3.5 stars and a Thumbup.
So you see while I found "fist full of Alice" a boring read I actualy rate it fairly high on the list of shadowrun fiction.
two words: less caffeine
| QUOTE (fistandantilus3.0) |
| Blame Adam. |
I always blame Adam!
Night's Pawn is still my favorite Shadowrun novel.
That was the one where Alamaise got zapped, right? that's one I'm looking to get again. Been years since I read it.
That's the one.
| QUOTE (OneTrikPony) |
| (sniffles:) but Grinder I wrote a whole book report, didn't you even read it? |
Sorry, my fault. I read your review and it gave me a good impression of the book, it's characters and the story. Thank you for that
But everytime I read "Striper, Nyx Smith" I have to rant about it. Even if it's only a little rant.
| QUOTE (OneTrikPony) |
| GRINDER! fistandantilus3.0 mentioned those books AND that author again. It wasn't me either, I wasn't even there when he said it! |
*insert rant about the book here*
Just what is it about Nyx Smith's books about Striper that you object to? Is your dislike merely limited to Striper: Assassin, or does it extend to Who Hunts the Hunter as well? Is your ire directed mainly towards the Striper books by Nyx Smith, or do you also include Fade To Black and Steel Rain on your hate list?
| QUOTE (Casper) |
| wow you think you would support the current edition to help get it going. Just seems that shadowrun sure gets put on the back burner against everything else that fanpro does. |
As I understand it all...
1) The novel line was originally started up prior to 4th edition really being in teh works. Novel publishing requires an enormous lead time, as I understand it, and thus even the last couple authors had to start and plot out their books before the 4th edition changes were planned out.
2) The novel line was handled by WizKids and not FanPro.
3) The novel line was originally supposed to tie into SR Duels, which is why the characters in the first three books seem familiar to anyone who checked out the Duels toys.
4) The 6 books that are now out were the initial publication deal. Had Wizkids been a bit more finanically stable, and the initial books sold a little better, the plan was to continue the novel line, with the 7th and future novels taking place in 2070+.
Bull
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