One book I do not recommend is Android Game Programming for Dummies. I tried to make the crazy 8 game and there was a lot of errors in the code and didn't have the know how to fix it. - It teaches you Java. For Java books I have yet to find a good one. Let me know if you do as I'm looking for a good C#/Java programming book.
Talking about C++ I have started this one and works for me is beginning C++ through game programming, third edition. If you choose C++ this is a good one to get!
If you are a beginner and somewhat comfortable with C# then switching to Java is a good progression. The Java language is very popular across most fields and is probably the language that stands head-to-head with C++, but for different reasons such as speed verses ease of use. Also, there is the Android platform everyone is talking about, so games-wise its no longer a poor choice.
As for learning Java, then just go with something like SAM's "Teach Yourself Java in 21 Days" or if you really want to take the bull by the horns, consider an evening, college or university module. If you are in the UK or nearby then I would recommend the Open University's M250 module which takes the beginner programmer from a gentle start in Java to a surprising depth of knowledge one could learn in a mere 9 months. LOL, I was a bit of a die-hard C++ programmer when I took that module(actually it was M255 its previous presentation) and even I was won over by the module! But that's just another option to choose from and might not be for you. Education is expensive these days and all....
If you are very first to programming, you should start with Head First Java.Or If you have some programming background,this book is my recommendation for you.
Beginning Android Games
After you read this book., you have good foundation for Creating Advanced Games.
I've recently ran into this book: Developing Games in Java
I know it's not recommended for people who never worked with java before and might have a steep learning curve at the begining, but I've heared from several people that it's the best book on the topic and is ahead of others by miles.
I just oredered it myself, so I have no idea if it's true or not, but I thought I'd share it so that it sits in this topic as well. :)
