I do like the uncertainty aspect. Is the land real or not, is Covenant justified in his unbelief and what does that mean for his actions? All interesting questions. I just wish the narrative vehicle was less clunky.

I agree that some of the elements I’ve criticized are intentional; I’m not entirely convinced that excuses them. The books are not really only from Covenant’s perspective, there are other POV characters. The “side quest” I mention is especially illustrative since its a quest Covenant explicitly refuses to get involved with and is then told by another character in retrospect (with characteristically little detail). Many of the major battles Covenant isn’t even present for and we get another POV character or the omniscient narrator.

So while I agree that the central plot device and the associated moral questions are definitely intentional (and effective), I don’t think the narrative style or lack of atmosphere can be excused in the same way. I’ve no doubt the books were ahead of their time and influential (and I’m glad I tried them for those reasons) but I don’t think they hold up very well. If you do re-read, I’m curious what you think.

From what I read they were quite popular at release but seem to have really fallen out of the zeitgeist. Probably in some part due to these issues, there’s just better books available to new readers.

Lord Foul’s Bane - Stephen Donaldson

Heard of the Covenant series for a long time, never got around to it before now. Seems OK, doubt I’ll read all 10 but we’ll see.

This is a really cool book. I don’t think it’s particularly unique in terms of its structure but the concepts it discusses and the parallels it draws across fields are worth thinking about.

I have no multiple copies, I’ve stopped collecting physical books and almost exclusively use my e- reader. Storing books is so space consuming I just can’t justify it anymore. The only hardcopies I own at this point are gifts from other people that I held on to for that reason.

Man this book was hard for me. I feel like it motivated me to read so much more so that I can go back in 10 years and maybe understand the allusions/references.

Have you read Anathem by Neal Stephenson? It’s got great world building and is pretty weird sci-fi but definitely not “horror” in any sense of the word so may not be exactly what you’re looking for. Fun read though.

Hated hated hated this book. Not to discourage others from reading it, just seconding the sentiment that it’s a book few people finish.

Struggling through the Adventures and Misdaventures of Maqroll - what a drag, feel like I’m reading the same episode over and over again.