Just finished Stephen Donaldsons Runes of the Earth. I'd definitely give it a 5/5 for any fans of the original books and the cliff-hanger ending leading into the next book is brilliant and frustrating in equal measure. Being almost two decades (time flys!) older than when I finished the original series there is a certain nagging suspicion about the language and way in which the author phrases his text that can make you squirm a little. Still can't detract from an excellent story. If anyone finds Stephen Donaldson text flowery or his characterisations one dimensional they should try his sci-fi 'Gap' series or 'Mordants Need' series - much grittier writing (the 'Gap' series is almost shocking compared to his fantasy stuff).

Prior to that I polished off Neil Gaimans 'Anansi Boys' which was also an excellent book - if you enjoyed 'American Gods' you'll enjoy this one. Its very tame in comparison but its still a wonderful story of two brothers coming to terms with their fathers legacy.

Now I've just started 'Absolution Gap' the last in the Inhibitors series by Alastair Reynolds. I find it tough going getting into his books but usually by the half-way point it becomes pretty riviting stuff. Certainly some of the best sci-fi I've read since Iain Banks 'Culture' stuff.

I also hear Stephen Pressfield has jumped on the Alexander bandwagon with his latest novel - ' Alexander: The Virtues of War'. His 'Gates of Fire' was inspired but his followups were a little dry - I'll still check this one out though.

Saw 'Little Fish' on the weekend - first grown-up movie we've seen in awhile (ie the average age of the audience must have been 35+). Its not really a warm-fuzzy feel good type movie but it has a realistic story, down to earth characters and great acting (stars Cate Blanchett, Sam Neill, Hugo Weaving). Definitely recommended if you like low-key Australian films.