The Tao of Nicholas Linnear

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:22 am

If you've never read this six book set, let me recommend it to all N&SS fans.
In order, the books are The Ninja, The Miko, White Ninja, The Kaisho, Second Skin, and The Floating City.
There is one related book featuring a character from the series named Lew Croaker, which I cannot recall the title of.
The author is Eric Von Lustbader.
I just re-read the entire series...Mmmmmm. Lust-bader...

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:38 pm

Actually, I believe there's more like 8 or 9 books in the series (of course it's so hard to tell when he has side stories, books written where basically the characters' names are changed, and a whole bunch of related books). I know, I've read all of them and most of Lustbader's (or was that Lust-inciter...he seems to spend half his time writing steamy sex scenes) books.

While they do fit the N&S genre, I can't really recommend them, the books often get bogged down with titillating sex scenes and at least half of the series is devoted to the huge background series Lustbader offers (read "bores") us with. The quasi-mystical aspect of Japanese society started out all right, but later went downhill in a bucket, basically boiling down to, "I'm even more powerful than the last book, but so is my opponent and he just hit me with a super whammy that makes my powers a weakness instead of a bonus."

My overall impression was that the series is a good first read, but lacks too many factors to be a really great idea generator.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:31 pm

Lustbader? Ew. Try reading "The Man Who Never Missed" series from Steve Perry, or the John Rain trilogy from Barry Eisler. Both of them are better written.

I used to use the copy of "The Miko" my friend gave me as a doorstop.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:07 am

Doorstop?

Man, that is harsh.

:eek:

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 7:08 pm

I've got another series you could try, the Jack Reacher series from Lee Child. I've read the first three books, and I think there are three more. I'm slowly working my way through the series and enjoying every book.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:23 pm

David Morrells' The Fifth Profession is an excellent read as well.

In the way of Non-Fiction, I recommend David Lowrys' Persimmon Wind, Autumn Lightning, and Moving Towards Stillness.

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 11:26 pm

I recommend checking out Streetlethal, Gorgon Child, Firedance, The Kundalini Equation all by Steven Barnes or Heroes Die and Blade of Tyshalle by Matthew Woodring Stover.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:56 am

I recommend the Destroyer series by Murphy and Sapir.

Slag · Unread post by **Slag** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 11:42 am

Kuseru Satsujin wrote:I recommend checking out Streetlethal, Gorgon Child, Firedance, The Kundalini Equation all by Steven Barnes.

Amen.

Barnes is THE most underrated author, IMHO. He's great for combining martial arts, mysticism, and espionage. Perfect N&S stuff. Other great Barnes books for N&S include Blood Brothers and Iron Shadows.

Another excellent N&S read, though it's a long and complex one, is Trevanian's Shibumi.

Sgt Anjay · Unread post by **Sgt Anjay** » Sat Apr 09, 2005 6:19 am

lost them all to water damage in a house fire

Does a statement get more transcendent? There should be Taoist hermits studying that phrase....

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:57 pm

Zylo wrote:I read much Lustbader years ago. I thought the Ninja was a great book, but half of that was probably the porn since I was young. I haven't read those last two, I wasn't aware he kept adding onto the series.

Last book of his I read was Angel Eyes, which I didn't like much. It was just like that movie The Astronauts Wife...not sure if it was based on the book.

I do remember reading The Shan, which I thought had N. Linnear as a character, but it's been years. Plus, Zero wasn't a bad book either. Was Lew Croaker in Sirens? Heck, I'm getting them all mixed up now.

Thanks for the reminder, I'll keep an eye out for his other books.

Dark Homecoming was the name of the Lew Croaker book.
Jian was also a good read, although I liked the Nicholas Linnear series much more.
The Ninja trilogy ended up being a six-parter, collectively referred to as The Tao of Nicholas Linnear.
Von Lustbader also wrote a Batman novel, but I haven't read it, so I can't comment on it.

Killer Cyborg · Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:15 am

I've read a number of Lustbader novels, but I've missed a couple of the Linnear books.
The first book seemed pretty solid and serious, but the later books got pretty pulpy (but still weren't bad).
I think it would work well to inspire N&S ideas.

I also have the first book of his (relatively) new fantasy series, The Ring of Five Dragons.
Which is also pretty good, although the plot's skeleton (at least for the first half of the book) seems to have been ripped out of Dune.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:13 am

Killer Cyborg wrote:I've read a number of Lustbader novels, but I've missed a couple of the Linnear books.
The first book seemed pretty solid and serious, but the later books got pretty pulpy (but still weren't bad).
I think it would work well to inspire N&S ideas.

I also have the first book of his (relatively) new fantasy series, The Ring of Five Dragons.
Which is also pretty good, although the plot's skeleton (at least for the first half of the book) seems to have been ripped out of Dune.

I picked that one up, but I haven't had time to read it yet. I'm hoping it's a good read. I need to finish my JLA novel, read Wonder Woman, then get through two Destroyer novels, and finish Dracula and Jeckyll and Hyde again (I hadn't read those two in years).

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:14 pm

Writers Block wrote:
ash_wednesday wrote:
Sentinel wrote:I recommend the Destroyer series by Murphy and Sapir.

They made that into a book? I thought it was just a comic from marvel. It is a good one though..has a N&SS feel to it.

Dude....The Destroyer series has been around for decades....WAAAAAAY before Marvel optioned it...

As with many things, the older books are better than the newer ones (yes, it's an on-going series still), but the later books are still entertaining reads.
They are not as cerebrally challenging as say, War And Peace, or The Fountainhead, but still fun reads.

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:51 am

There's another series that might be of some interest, by Laura Joh Rowland (the Sano Ichiro series), though it's set in Tokugawa Japan, it's still got some pretty interesting themes that would relate well to N&S.

Unfortunately I've only read one or two books in the series (been catching up on tons of other series, haven't had time to pick up her whole series yet).

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Wed Apr 27, 2005 11:04 pm

Originally posted by Kuseru Satsujin.
There's another series that might be of some interest, by Laura Joh Rowland (the Sano Ichiro series), though it's set in Tokugawa Japan, it's still got some pretty interesting themes that would relate well to N&S.

I've read the first book. It's good, and I'm sure it's historically accurate. But the protagonist (I'm not going to call him a hero) is second only to Thomas Covenant as an unrelateable-to character.

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:10 pm

Mantisking wrote:
Originally posted by Kuseru Satsujin.
There's another series that might be of some interest, by Laura Joh Rowland (the Sano Ichiro series), though it's set in Tokugawa Japan, it's still got some pretty interesting themes that would relate well to N&S.
I've read the first book. It's good, and I'm sure it's historically accurate. But the protagonist (I'm not going to call him a hero) is second only to Thomas Covenant as an unrelateable-to character.

I didn't have any problem relating to him, I just didn't particularly care for him as much as some of the other characters. It's refreshing to see a protagonist who doesn't have to be a BAMF and isn't a WAB get the job done.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Mon May 16, 2005 8:51 pm

One book I would highly reccomend is "Sensei" by John Donohue. The author knows what he's talking about, and has a good feel for action. Apparently there is a sequel calld "Deshi", which I am going to track down at the soonest opportunity.

Prince Cherico · Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:46 pm

I cant seem to find the books here in fresno :-(

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 3:38 pm

Originally posted by Lord Cherico.
I cant seem to find the books here in fresno

Which books?

Gallahan · Unread post by **Gallahan** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:36 am

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

I'd read the first half of The Ninja when I was a kid, in sixth or seventh grade perhaps. It's been in the back of my mind ever since, like one of those things you want to do (finish the book) but just never have the time to. Heck, I probably still have that old copy lying around somewhere.

Yeah, hah, it's a great read. I remember *DISTINCTLY* one scene, maybe it was the puberty. And all of you who've read The Ninja know what scene I'm talking about: was it "Gerda?" and her water pistol? All I can say is that explains the title of this reply: Oh. My. Goodness.

Thanks for initiating this post and reminding me of a GREAT book to finish, after all these years.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:55 am

Gallahan wrote:OH. MY. GOODNESS.

I'd read the first half of The Ninja when I was a kid, in sixth or seventh grade perhaps. It's been in the back of my mind ever since, like one of those things you want to do (finish the book) but just never have the time to. Heck, I probably still have that old copy lying around somewhere.

Yeah, hah, it's a great read. I remember *DISTINCTLY* one scene, maybe it was the puberty. And all of you who've read The Ninja know what scene I'm talking about: was it "Gerda?" and her water pistol? All I can say is that explains the title of this reply: Oh. My. Goodness.

Thanks for initiating this post and reminding me of a GREAT book to finish, after all these years.

Her name was Gelda.

Finish the book, then the series.

Gallahan · Unread post by **Gallahan** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:50 pm

Thanks, Sent. I'm scouring Amazon for these books now.

If I recall, E.V. Lustbader has written many more books, some of the fantasy and sci fi aspects.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:51 am

Gallahan wrote:Thanks, Sent. I'm scouring Amazon for these books now.

If I recall, E.V. Lustbader has written many more books, some of the fantasy and sci fi aspects.

He's got quite a few, to be sure.
I liked Jian pretty good, and we've covered most of the others earlier in this topic.
He also did a Batman novel which I haven't read yet, but which supposed to be pretty good.

DBX · Unread post by **DBX** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:39 pm

Gallahan wrote:Thanks, Sent. I'm scouring Amazon for these books now.

If I recall, E.V. Lustbader has written many more books, some of the fantasy and sci fi aspects.

the fantasy setting, i think is the Sunset warriro trilogy. i think this letter got developed into another 3 books, with the sunset warrior as one of the characters in it. Beneath the Opal Moon i think is a book in the second trilogy of the sunset warrior.

i had totally forgotten about his books, and yes some appear to fit really well into a N&SS setting. good mixture of modern day world, espionage, Private Eyes, martial arts, and of course mystical martial art powers

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 3:08 pm

DBX wrote:
Gallahan wrote:Thanks, Sent. I'm scouring Amazon for these books now.

If I recall, E.V. Lustbader has written many more books, some of the fantasy and sci fi aspects.

the fantasy setting, i think is the Sunset warriro trilogy. i think this letter got developed into another 3 books, with the sunset warrior as one of the characters in it. Beneath the Opal Moon i think is a book in the second trilogy of the sunset warrior.

i had totally forgotten about his books, and yes some appear to fit really well into a N&SS setting. good mixture of modern day world, espionage, Private Eyes, martial arts, and of course mystical martial art powers

Also see teh Bourne Legacy, which I have not read, but was told is good.
Also there is the Pearl Saga, which is a separate fantasy series.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:56 pm

Originally posted by Mantisking.
I've got another series you could try, the Jack Reacher series from Lee Child. I've read the first three books, and I think there are three more. I'm slowly working my way through the series and enjoying every book.

I was wrong. It's more like nine books. Killing Floor, Die Trying, Tripwire, Running Blind, Echo Burning, Without Fail, Persuader, The Enemy, and One Shot.

Greg Rucka also has a new Queen & Country novel coming out in October of this year.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:41 pm

And the next Atticus Kodiak book from Mr. Rucka? Patriot Acts due out sometime next October.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:55 pm

Looks like I'll be going back to the library sometime soon, there's a new Barry Eisler book on the shelves. Killing Rain is the title.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:04 pm

I borrowed Killing Rain from the library on Monday afternoon, finished it by Tuesday afternoon. Barry Eisler just keeps getting better.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 4:15 pm

Finally got to read Greg Rucka's Private Wars. Excellent. While I was reading, I kept waiting for it and waiting for it because you know someone around Tara Chase is going to die. It wasn't who I thought it would be.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 3:52 pm

Mooyaeja wrote:The Linnear Cycle was good fun. My friend terms it "martial arts erotica" rather than martial arts fiction.

It does have as many "erotic interludes" as a romance novel.

Now Rucka, I can't wait for his new book.

Finally got to read Greg Rucka's Private Wars. Excellent. While I was reading, I kept waiting for it and waiting for it because you know someone around Tara Chase is going to die. It wasn't who I thought it would be.

Someone else I know recommended that author to me. When I clear off my reading shelf a little bit, I'll have to get into it.

Blight · Unread post by **Blight** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:59 pm

Sentinel wrote:I recommend the Destroyer series by Murphy and Sapir.

I read every one of those still have like 4. It's like a guilty pleasure :oops:

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 1:14 pm

I just finished The Musashi Flex by Steve Perry. It gives us an inside look at the Flex and some of the players. There's also a treat for longtime fans of the Matador series.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 3:15 pm

Blight wrote:
Sentinel wrote:I recommend the Destroyer series by Murphy and Sapir.

I read every one of those still have like 4. It's like a guilty pleasure

When I read my last one, they were up to 108. I do not know if they are still doing any new ones.
I have managed to retain the vast amjority of my collection, although I am missing a few that were borrowed when I was young, generous and foolish. I am now none of these things, and I have more of my stuff as a result.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:24 am

Originally posted by me.
Finally got to read Greg Rucka's Private Wars. Excellent. While I was reading, I kept waiting for it and waiting for it because you know someone around Tara Chase is going to die. It wasn't who I thought it would be.

Originally posted by Sentinel.
Someone else I know recommended that author to me. When I clear off my reading shelf a little bit, I'll have to get into it.

He's worth it. You've got quite a few books to choose from too.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:16 am

Barry Eisler's Rain series was reviewed in this quarter's Journal of Asian Martial Arts (15.1). He's also got another book coming out this year. Although I don't know if it's part of the series or not.

Mantisking · Unread post by **Mantisking** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 12:06 am

Just finished Kung Fu High School by Ryan Gattis. The story was okay, but the guy has to learn how to describe a fight scene. Several of the things he wrote made no sense.

Damian Magecraft · Fri Mar 31, 2006 5:55 pm

Sentinel wrote:
Blight wrote:
Sentinel wrote:I recommend the Destroyer series by Murphy and Sapir.

I read every one of those still have like 4. It's like a guilty pleasure

When I read my last one, they were up to 108. I do not know if they are still doing any new ones.
I have managed to retain the vast amjority of my collection, although I am missing a few that were borrowed when I was young, generous and foolish. I am now none of these things, and I have more of my stuff as a result.

they are at 140 now...
book 135 has a good joke in it...
the Cure group are discussing the current baddie (an ex-pulp hero) who had a series of books written about him the series concludes at book 135...
Remo's response "Who the hell would want to read 135 books about the same guy?"
loved it!
have all destroyers from #25 on up to #140 (hmm that reminds me...i have to catch up my collection again...)

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:48 pm

Damian Magecraft wrote:
Sentinel wrote:
Blight wrote:
Sentinel wrote:I recommend the Destroyer series by Murphy and Sapir.

I read every one of those still have like 4. It's like a guilty pleasure

When I read my last one, they were up to 108. I do not know if they are still doing any new ones.
I have managed to retain the vast amjority of my collection, although I am missing a few that were borrowed when I was young, generous and foolish. I am now none of these things, and I have more of my stuff as a result.
they are at 140 now...
book 135 has a good joke in it...
the Cure group are discussing the current baddie (an ex-pulp hero) who had a series of books written about him the series concludes at book 135...
Remo's response "Who the hell would want to read 135 books about the same guy?"
loved it!
have all destroyers from #25 on up to #140 (hmm that reminds me...i have to catch up my collection again...)

That would leave me with a lot of catching up to do.
I should look for the few early ones I need: I have most of the early run, including the first two, and four (need three). Need to replace my copy of Challenge of the Master also.

Ectoplasmic Bidet · Mon Apr 03, 2006 10:31 pm

I bought the Ninja on your recommendation and enjoyed it quite a bit. Getting the Miko is proving difficult for some reason. Two vendors I've ordered it from have ended up not having it in their inventory contrary to their listings on Amazon. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 9:04 am

Ectoplasmic Bidet wrote:I bought the Ninja on your recommendation and enjoyed it quite a bit. Getting the Miko is proving difficult for some reason. Two vendors I've ordered it from have ended up not having it in their inventory contrary to their listings on Amazon. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

The Miko is quite good.
The third book, White Ninja, was my least favorite of the original trilogy, but it wasn't lousy.
It's worth it to read all six, one after the other if possible.

Overlord Rikonius · Tue Apr 04, 2006 1:04 pm

Sentinel wrote:
Ectoplasmic Bidet wrote:I bought the Ninja on your recommendation and enjoyed it quite a bit. Getting the Miko is proving difficult for some reason. Two vendors I've ordered it from have ended up not having it in their inventory contrary to their listings on Amazon. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

The Miko is quite good.
The third book, White Ninja, was my least favorite of the original trilogy, but it wasn't lousy.
It's worth it to read all six, one after the other if possible.

Does the White Ninja comic follow the book closely?

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:28 pm

Overlord Rikonius 360 wrote:
Sentinel wrote:
Ectoplasmic Bidet wrote:I bought the Ninja on your recommendation and enjoyed it quite a bit. Getting the Miko is proving difficult for some reason. Two vendors I've ordered it from have ended up not having it in their inventory contrary to their listings on Amazon. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

The Miko is quite good.
The third book, White Ninja, was my least favorite of the original trilogy, but it wasn't lousy.
It's worth it to read all six, one after the other if possible.
Does the White Ninja comic follow the book closely?

I've never seen a comic version of Lustbaders' stuff.

It's possible however that there are two White Ninjas' that have nothing to do with each other.

Ectoplasmic Bidet · Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:39 pm

Sentinel wrote:
Overlord Rikonius 360 wrote:
Sentinel wrote:
Ectoplasmic Bidet wrote:I bought the Ninja on your recommendation and enjoyed it quite a bit. Getting the Miko is proving difficult for some reason. Two vendors I've ordered it from have ended up not having it in their inventory contrary to their listings on Amazon. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

The Miko is quite good.
The third book, White Ninja, was my least favorite of the original trilogy, but it wasn't lousy.
It's worth it to read all six, one after the other if possible.
Does the White Ninja comic follow the book closely?

I've never seen a comic version of Lustbaders' stuff.

It's possible however that there are two White Ninjas' that have nothing to do with each other.

Chris Farley and Nick Linnear...spiritual brothers separated by genre...

Overlord Rikonius · Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:00 am

Sentinel wrote:
Overlord Rikonius 360 wrote:
Sentinel wrote:
Ectoplasmic Bidet wrote:I bought the Ninja on your recommendation and enjoyed it quite a bit. Getting the Miko is proving difficult for some reason. Two vendors I've ordered it from have ended up not having it in their inventory contrary to their listings on Amazon. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

The Miko is quite good.
The third book, White Ninja, was my least favorite of the original trilogy, but it wasn't lousy.
It's worth it to read all six, one after the other if possible.
Does the White Ninja comic follow the book closely?

I've never seen a comic version of Lustbaders' stuff.

It's possible however that there are two White Ninjas' that have nothing to do with each other.

the White Ninja comic

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:12 am

Frightening. :shock:

Overlord Rikonius · Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:13 am

Sentinel wrote::shock: Frightening.

Does it follow the book very closely?

Sentinel · Unread post by **Sentinel** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:02 am

Overlord Rikonius 360 wrote:
Sentinel wrote::shock: Frightening.
Does it follow the book very closely?

If you let me do this :thwak:

Long enough, you can't tell them apart.

Guest · Unread post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:44 am

According to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Van_Lustbader, The Ninja is seriously being considered for being made into a movie.

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The Tao of Nicholas Linnear

The Tao of Nicholas Linnear

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

Re: OH. MY. GOODNESS.