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Joined: 2/27/2011
Posts: 353
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Okay, folks. Jump in here and recommend two Book Country projects that you've read. (Two projects that aren't your own, please!) Danielle and I would love to get pointed toward some great new projects to read. It's always fun getting recommendations from you guys!
GO!
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Joined: 3/16/2011
Posts: 279
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I'll play! Here are two titles I've read but haven't had a chance to review yet due to NaNoWriMo craziness. I loved both of them and I'm looking forward to seeing more content added.
Technical Difficulties by Jamie Wyman
http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=120183
Winter Wolf by RJBlain
http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=121661
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Joined: 3/13/2011
Posts: 102
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Many of the best stories I've read and reviewed on this site have since disappeared, I hope for publication, and not for lack of interest from other members.
Two of the many projects that I enjoyed, and would love to read more of are:
Co-Pilot by Leslie Dow
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=101557
Betrayer's Truth by RJ Blain
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=105534
Also, I have not read this story myself, but I understand that Jim K is looking for some professional female opinions on how to feminize his lead character. I'm sure he would appreciate your help:
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=104269
Marcie
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Joined: 3/13/2011
Posts: 222
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This is a really, really hard one for me. Only two? Eeech. I will give this a stab. I think I'm going to have to settle on three though, because these three all stood out to me and I really can't decide on which one to cut. Sorry, I know, it isn't me following instructions 
Maradaine Constabulary is a story I quite enjoy, and I love watching how it has been improved between the two times I've read it. This is a story that -- if I get time -- I'll read and review again once enough time has passed.
http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=103872
Technical Difficulties is a story that, frankly, had me giggling in my chair while also thoroughly entertaining me. I thought it was well worth the time spent reading. Still needs work in places, but that is what we're here for!
http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=120183
Finally, Salem / The older version of Salem -- I like the creativity of these witches and the ruthless of the organization that tries to destroy them. It nods to history while also nodding to the modern world.
http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=116493
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Joined: 8/13/2011
Posts: 272
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Off the top of my head I'd pick Liason and Proof of Self. Both are interesting original sci-fi stories I greatly enjoyed reading.
Liason (LilySea)
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=112153
Liason is flat out one of the best stories I've read on Book Country (far eclipsing my own to be honest). The story of two very different women gathered together by a mission into deep space, it's got some very good character development in its early chapters and sets up for a very interesting long term story line.
Proof of Self (RenegadeScribe)
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=102492
Proof of Self has one of the most interesting set ups I've seen on Book Country: a powerless demigod serving in a space fleet with their full knowledge. It works surprisingly well and the first chapter gives us a very clear dynamic between the goddess and her mortal co-pilot, along with some interesting suggestions of where the plot is going.
There's a number of other stories I've also greatly enjoyed, but these are the two that stick out the most in my mind.
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Joined: 7/21/2011
Posts: 40
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CHOICE OF THE NARMS
If you'd like to escape into the realms of Contemporary Fantasy, I highly recommend Choice of the Narms by Katherine Webber. This story draws you in right away.
http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=119263#reviews
AUTHOR'S PITCH: Popular athlete Owen Flynn and shy outcast Michelle Whistler don't have very much in common until they are both invited to attend prestigious Wellington Academy. One day a funny little man who goes by Mulch comes to take them to their new boarding school. Except there is no Wellington Academy and Owen and Michelle are about to have more in common than either of them could have ever imagined. They are part of an ancient magical race of earth and water guardians called Narms. The two factions of Narms, Etts the Earth Guardians, and Wawras the Water Guardians, have been at war for hundreds of years. Owen and Michelle need to learn to master their magic and bring the two groups together against the adversity of a group of power hungry elders. And an enemy far more treacherous than the elders is also watching Michelle and Owen's every move.
HEARSAY
If you're looking for a 'Who Done it', and Hard Boiled/Noir tickles your fancy, I heartily recommend Hearsay by Susan Elizabeth. I've read several chapters, but haven't had the pleasure of reviewing it just yet.
http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=120061
AUTHOR'S PITCH: Everyone knows that Allie Mitchell’s father murdered her mother. Allie’s only been reminded of it since she was two years old. It’s why she resents her father, why she refuses to see him even after his execution date has been set. When Allie stumbles upon a series of deaths – “accidents” – that took place that summer of ’96, she is determined to prove that they were linked to her mother’s murder. If her father were guilty for not one – but four murders, she can prove that her decision to shut him out of her life was the right one. Doubts arise when she uncovers a manuscript hidden away by her caretaker. Written by Meredith, it claims to be “the true story of the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Danielle Harris Mitchell.” When pieces of Meredith’s story start to line up with Allie’s investigation, she begins to unravel a web of lies so tangled she may be unable to extract the truth about the murders before it’s too late.
Enjoy!!
Michelle
~Willow Lake Manor~
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Joined: 5/12/2011
Posts: 240
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I don't like to do this, for fear folks I don't include will be hurt. I've read many more than two great projects! And some of the best things I've read here already have a lot of feedback.
So, I will almost randomly give you two of many that I find interesting and worth a look that also don't have much feedback yet.
Agony of the Gods: http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=113157
SPARTAN: http://www.bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=119908
Again, almost at random. There are many others I really like, too! MANY!
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Joined: 3/7/2011
Posts: 55
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Thanks, RJ!
Let's see, to pick just two:
Forever Girl (InkMuse)
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=112246
Star Child (Amy Sterling)
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=108546
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Joined: 5/10/2011
Posts: 88
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Hmm. This is definitely a difficult choice because I've read quite a few great WIPs since I joined! My "top" choices, in the sense that I remember them really well and still enjoy them when I think back are:
One Night in Nashville (Danielle Bowers)
I'm not usually a mystery reader, sticking to fantasy/sci-fi genres, but I thought I'd branch out and One Night in Nashville is a WIP I look forward to reading through again. (especially since the draft I reviewed was just a few chapters!)
Dark World (ME Chick)
My first space opera and it's intriguing. I'm about half way through (ME Chick just recently posted quite a huge chunk of it) and the plot has me hooked.
Forbidden (Nefasti)
This was the first Book Country book I reviewed... A YA contemporary fantasy, it has some snags that need cleaning up, but overall it's an entertaining, quick read.
Willow Lake Manor (Michelle Mills)
This one's been mentioned already, but I just wanted to mention it again. I haven't had a chance to review the most recent draft but the story line is quite interesting and the imagery vivid.
That's all for now, I guess. Those are the ones that popped up in my head. 
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Let's see. Two huh? Okay.... Eenie, Meenie, Miney Mo
The Waking World by decalino
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=114954
I liked this one because the descriptions were real enough to be right there. I was captivated right to the end of the offering.
Monkey Feet by Jay Greenstein
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=109759
I liked this one because he created an interesting job with the ice-jockeys. I really enjoyed the storyline for the morsel he gave us.
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Joined: 8/13/2011
Posts: 272
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This has been nagging me ever since I read it, so I'm going to add a third book to my recommendations:
Geekomancy (Michael R Underwood)
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=123793
In a word: Wow. A brilliant central premise (monsters and magic that are created by our imagined worlds) merged with a central voice that's just astounding. Pretty much the book sat in my favourites section.
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Joined: 1/23/2012
Posts: 36
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I second Tim's suggestion of Geekomancy! Michael is very talented.
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Joined: 4/26/2011
Posts: 26
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I really loved "DIVINITY DOWN" by Francesco Pianfetti.
It's military sci-fi/cyberpunk...
And - what are among the most popular films these days?
AVATAR.
The ALIEN series (PROMETHEUS, the prequel by Ridley Scott is of course coming soon)
JOHN CARTER OF MARS...
STAR WARS
Videogames?
The HALO series
DEAD SPACE
XCOM
And - the classic SF novels?
NEUROMANCER
SNOW CRASH
STARSHIP TROOPERS
This work slots right in with the above classics.
I've been a successful sci fi writer for 20 years (have written & designed million-seller videogames) - and a Judge for the national Writer's Guild - and simply haven't come across something this fantastic in years.
It has the satirical wit of "Brave New World" - and yet the action and `attitude' (and mass appeal) of a James Cameron film - and even has zombies... (currently a huge meme - and likely to stay there awhile, with Brad Pitt in `WORLD WAR Z' coming out soon)
So, yeah... Just amazing writing...
All in my opinion, of course!
(I don't know the author BTW...)
Cheers!
JoeTV
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Joined: 12/16/2011
Posts: 2
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I just began The Paris Wife about Hadley Richardson and her life with Ernest Hemingway in Paris. So far it is very exciting. L have always felt it would have been "swell" to have run around with Hem back then.
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Joined: 1/31/2012
Posts: 1
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TOUCH by Rommel Luna H.
This is a serious philosophical novel disguised as a YA story, but don't be deceived, the message between the lines is very powerful. The idea that memories are everything (or at least the most important part of our selves) in the shape of a mystery/urban fantasy that involves psychic powers, drugs and a lot of angst. I'm reading the whole novel (bought it through Amazon Kindle). Love it so far, almost finished!
Another book I read here (a short story, actually) is BECAUSE THE PLEASURE by S. MacKenzie. A dragon story very well written.
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Joined: 1/9/2012
Posts: 67
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I recently read READY PLAYER ONE. As a child of the eighties, I was hooked -- and more than slightly nostalgic. I also couldn't put down UNDER THE DOME.
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Joined: 1/9/2012
Posts: 67
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I just realized I totally misread the purpose of this thread, Colleen. I blame baby-induced sleep deprivation. Sorry.
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Joined: 8/13/2011
Posts: 272
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One more book to suggest has to be Divinty Down by Francesco Pianfetti.
http://bookcountry.com/Books/BookDetails.aspx?bookId=117489
Absolutely brilliant fun cyberpunk setting with zombie cyborgs enslaved to the warlord AIs that run China. Great fun.
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Joined: 5/5/2011
Posts: 37
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A few good books out there depending on your tastes:
a coming of age story: Toni Wyatt
Blooming Circle: Book id: 119222
Paranormal romance: Tori Schindler
Be Careful What You Wish For: Book Id: 104971
(for some reason the copy paste fuction isnt working right now in the response box)
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Joined: 5/8/2011
Posts: 13
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If you're still looking for a good read, I recommend Ellie Isis' Threadbare. Very visual and a good read.
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Joined: 6/7/2013
Posts: 1356
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I just read and reviewed Alys Arden's excerpt of her YA novel The Casquette Girls. Check it out--it's great!
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Joined: 6/7/2013
Posts: 1356
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I recommend this historical novel, FIRES OF HALCYON by BC member RCGravelle, as well. It reminded me a little of Geraldine Brooks, whom I love.
What else has everyone been reading on the site?
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Joined: 6/7/2013
Posts: 1356
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I have been reading AWESOME WIPs on Book Country this summer!
If you are looking for  ROMANCE, check out ORDER OF THE GARTER and REACHING FOR THE MOON.
If you are looking for magic and an epic journey, read KINGS OF CARNIN: Rise of Ari.
If you want to feel a lot of literary feels, check out THE SOJOURN.
Want a witty, hard-boiled Florida mystery? Check out DEAD MAN'S FLOAT.
Ready for some paranormal activity? Head over to THE CASQUETTE GIRLS and THE ROMEO CATCHERS.
What have you been enjoying on Book Country this summer?
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