I'm only a cool kid because as a bartender and someone who used to work as an assistant manager in a book store- I know what I like and I ask others who read what I like for any good scifi that isn't all about outer space and the future.
I'm more of a fantacy kinda girl than strictly scifi. It's weird because I'm not a complete geek, just a little weird. Being a pisces helps.
My friend Taij and I were talking one morning. He had been up all night driving cab and I was as usual serving him his umpteeth rum and coke at 8am in the morning while I tended bar. We're both into Laurel K Hamilton books, and I was complaining that as much as I like romance and don't mind reading the occasional "romp" scene - it gets kinda old. I want to read about the monsters and the spells. I want to get down to the nitty gritty with cheesy yet familiar humor. I want to read a book that makes me want to forget everything that's going around me, and devour a story that leaves me feeling thrilled and fulfilled. Not wading through the murk of simply pretty words and how sweat beaded and glistened off someone's back or thigh or whatever.
Taij recommended Jim's books to me, and actually went home and got the first two for me to borrow. I've been hooked ever since!
I think Jim throws just enough heat in there, but without turning it into a porno. I like sex, but some of these authors just leave out such good potential "Meat" (not that kind of meat) and replace it with a chapter full of crap!
I've read 6 of the books, and not all mainly because everytime I pick up one of his books I'm done in two days. I'm trying to let it linger if you will.
Reading books after watching a movie has always left me a little off. I try very hard to find things I like by searching the internet or asking my "trendy" Powell books employees what they think . But I guess if a movie or show can bring someone to a series they like- it's all good.