Thanks to Tom Davidson, I discovered "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn." I have even forgiven him, mostly, for not liking Sean Russell.
Thank you!
I am almost finished, and it is the first completion of a novel in almost two years of a reading rut. (I have a pile of at least ten half finished novels.)
I am armed with a 50 dollar gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, and I want to have the next series in hand before I finish this tale.
If someone could just provide me with the link to the old "great fantasy novel" threads, that would be great, but I need something similar to this series. My life is not fun right now, and I need to lose myself in someone else's story.
Thanks!
Liz
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon books, yes there IS more than just one. Linkie And yeah, they aren't exactly happy books, lots of death, dispair and "lets fall upon our sword now" attitudes. But why the need for depressing books?
((Liz))
[ March 06, 2004, 04:27 PM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
Lois McMaster Bujold writes excellent science fiction, and this fantasy series by her is excellent also: 1. The Curse of Chalion 2. Paladin of Souls
Ok, well, I haven't READ Paladin of Souls yet, but I'm told it's as wonderful as the first one.
Posted by Shameless Self-Promotion (Member # 4919) on :
Have you tried anything else by Tad Williams? I quite enjoyed Tailchaser's Song (a fantasy novel about cats), and Otherland (a sci-fi quartet set in the near future, though it has very strong fantasy overtones).
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
Have you tried Robin Hobb, the Magic Ship trilogy ? I finished the first book and am going to buy the two others. It's really great.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Thanks! Valentine, I have read the Avalon series, though, looking at the list, there might be one I haven't read yet.(The Lady of Avalon)(I am so pathetic, I have to look at my reading journal to see what I have read. I used to remember steel-trapwise.) And I'm sorry, I didn't mean I need depressing books, I just need books I can get lost in. My position at work was cut(I teach) and I have to either wait until June 1 when they TELL me where I will be, or I have to get the old resume going again, and I hate the whole process. Well, I hate both processes: waiting AND acting)
I read Tailchaser's Song many moons ago, and LOVED it. I wanted to wait a bit before reading Otherland, just because I will be all sentimental about finishing this series.
Is the Robin Hobb series a definite trilogy? I was so ticked off when the Jordan series just kept going and going and going.
Thanks, all! I am ACTUALLY going to make a file for these this time, like I said I would when the last thread was going.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
As I told you, I haven't read the all serie, so I can't tell. I would say it is finished, but it's just my opinion.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Ah, thank you, Corwin! I haven't been around, and I missed that thread. It is my favorite part of Hatrack, the part where you get to talk about reading fantasy and not be looked at like you are five years old, weird, or worse. (Well, I know I am weird, but I don't like the looks.)
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
In the other thread there was a question about the Discworld series. So, what order should they be read in?
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
Wow, that's a question ! I can't answer right now cause I read it in French, but I think that can be found. Just wait a minute.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
I can be mistaken, but I think that here they are in the good order (at last it's true for the first ten).
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Thanks, Anna. Anna
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
No problem. But I really have to go to bed now ! Good night everybody ! (I can't believe it's just 6 PM in America )
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Good night Anna. It's only 4:30 PM in Arizona
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I once wrote a really, really long and elaborate Discworld introduction, including reviews and suggestions for starting. It might still be somewhere on this site.
Posted by Taberah (Member # 4014) on :
I would *highly* recommend George R. R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice series. It's really phenomenal. The only problem is that he's not yet finished writing it. So far there are three books: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords. The fourth book, A Feast for Crows, is scheduled to come out soon. I think there's at least one more book in addition to that before the series finishes up. In any case, you should absolutely give this one a try if you have not already.
I second the recommendation of anything written by Robin Hobb. Is her series complete? Well, sort of. Her first series is called the Farseer Trilogy (and includes Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin and Assassin's Quest). It's very good, but the ending may leave you unsatisfied. Fortunately, she picks things up with another series about the same character, called The Tawny Man, which so far includes Fool's Errand and Golden Fool. Book 3 comes out this spring. Her chronologically second series may be the one you want to start with. It's called the Liveship Traders Trilogy, and is set in the same universe as her other two series, but features almost entirely different characters. You can read the Liveship Traders series by itself with no problem, although you'll probably be delighted that there are more books in the same setting given the quality of Hobb's writing. The books in the Liveship Trader Trilogy are Ship of Magic, Mad Ship, and Ship of Destiny.
My absolute favorite series of all time is Stephen R. Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle (Consisting of Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail). The series is technically more historical fiction than it is fantasy (and unlike most interpretations of the Arthurian legends you can describe this series as "historical" with a straight face), but either way it's absolutely compelling. These are some of my favorite books of all time. If you want something closer to pure fantasy, also check out Lawhead's The Song of Albion, which is another excellent Celtic-themed series. That trilogy includes The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
I'll second the plug for Stephen R. Lawhead. I love his books. I read them as a kid and they had a HUGE effect on me.
Also, to begin with Discworld, you could start with either "Mort", "Wyrd Sisters", "Guards! Guards!" or "The Colour of Magic", but I'd recommend not starting with that last one, as it's kind of boring.
I'd also recommend Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" sequence, or Garth Nix's "Sabriel." Both are superbly written, and very good reads.
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
I'll toss the Runelords series in the mix. By David Farland.
And, at four books, the series is complete, so you don't have to worry that you'll be reading 1200 page books for the next twenty years . . .
Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
quote: My absolute favorite series of all time is Stephen R. Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle (Consisting of Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail). The series is technically more historical fiction than it is fantasy (and unlike most interpretations of the Arthurian legends you can describe this series as "historical" with a straight face), but either way it's absolutely compelling. These are some of my favorite books of all time. If you want something closer to pure fantasy, also check out Lawhead's The Song of Albion, which is another excellent Celtic-themed series. That trilogy includes The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
Aw, man! You beat me to it! They are great books, aren't they! Love 'em! (BTW, I've taken to calling them "historical fantasy" ) try: www.stephenlawhead.com
[ March 06, 2004, 08:45 PM: Message edited by: Eruve Nandiriel ]
Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
You might also want to try A Wrinkle in Time and it's sequels by Madeline L'Engle. They're sort of Young Adult/Children's books, but very good.
Posted by Fitz (Member # 4803) on :
If you don't mind the fact that it's incomplete, I would definitely second the recommendation for A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R.R. Martin. So far it's a trilogy, all in paperback, at a great value.
If you want something complete, Robin Hobb has three fantastic trilogies, all complete. I would recommend that you start with the Assassin Trilogy: Book1: Assassin's Apprentice Book2: Royal Assassin Book3: Assassin's Quest
After that she wrote the Liveship Trilogy: Book1: Ship of Magic Book2: Mad Ship Book3: Ship of Destiny
Then, of course, there's the Tawny Man Trilogy, which continues 15 or so years after the Assassin Trilogy: Book1: Fool's Errand Book2: Golden Fool Book3: Fool's Fate
OSC's review of Hobb and one of her books.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I've got to admit that I can't stand Robin Hobb, but will heartily agree that you HAVE to read George Martin. One series I found kind of fun was David Duncan's "A Man of His Word;" it's light reading, but has some very interesting plotting.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Oh my, let's see:
Jennifer Roberson has the Cheysuli Series. Katherine Kurtz and the Deryni series. Mary Stewart and her Merlin/Arthur series. Patricia Kenneally and the Keltiad series . . .
so many books, so little time . . .
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I really like Dave Duncan's "The King's Blades" series.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
I emphatically recommend A Song of Ice and Fire. That to me is the best work of fiction EVER.
But thats just my opinion .
You won't be sorry though I promise. It will make all other fantasy series second tier.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Thanks again.
I think I might start with George Martin, because I have heard of him here before, and it seems the closest to what I think of as "straight fantasy," which is not, necessarily, high fantasy.
I loved the Lawhead series! And I will definitely read the fantasy of his.
Oh, heck, I will read them all, or try! It is so great to be back in the reading saddle again, even though I still haven't been able to write a word.
I love any Arthur interpretation. It is sort of a hobby, so if you know of any other Arthur-based stories, please let me know. (There seem to be a ton lately)
I also like reading young adult and middle reader novels.
I am reading the last section of "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn" at the speed of a snail. I do not want it to end, yet the characters are stuck in such a bad mess, I want it to end for them.
Liz
Posted by Fitz (Member # 4803) on :
If you're a fan of the Arthurian legends, I imagine you've already read Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy. If you haven't, you would probably enjoy it.
Jack Whyte has, I believe, written six books not only about Arthur, but also about Merlin, and also about Merlin's Father and Uncle. I've only read the first four, and I thought they were excellent.
Bernard Cornwell also has a pretty decent trilogy about Arthur.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Well, if it's Arthur you want, definitely check out Mary Stewart.
But also check out Kenneally's Keltaid series. Yummy.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I have read Mary Stewart(I also loved all the mysteries), but I did not know of the others. Thanks.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I really liked Pamela Stewart's "Winter of Magic's Return" when I was in elementary school. I still like it, although it's definately young adult. Quick read, it should only take an hour or two.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Oooh. I haven't read any of this Arthurian stuff. Thanks everyone, I'll be picking it up very soon.
Posted by Emp (Member # 5955) on :
Matthew Stover's Heroes Die duology. If you like cerebral-yet-heavily-violent fantasy/sci-fi, that is.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
My word, Narnia!
Start with Patricia Kenneally (Morrison). Either the "Hawk's Gray Feather" ot "The Copper Crown". Each is first in a different series.
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
Theca you have wonderful taste. I just finished another set of GGK books and must say that he never fails to impress and amaze. Actually GGK is one of the few authors to ever make me cry. And is definately the only one who's made me do so in public. And Paladin of souls is wonderful.
Of course George R.R Martin is wonderful as is Hobb and Bujold. I found them all very addictive.
I'd also recommend Juliet Marillier's series starting with the Daughter of the Forest.
Brust also has a wonderful series I'd recommend buying the The Book of Jhereg which contains the three introductory books to the world.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I really AM going to make a list this time.
I just finished "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn," and I loved it, but am now in mourning. I will have to wait a few days, then off to Barnes and Noble I will go with my list.
Thanks again, Liz
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
Wow, people recommending Lawhead. And here I thought I was the only one who'd ever read him. I'm assuming you know that he's a christian author. He's the only living christian who's writing I can stand.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
I highly recommend Octavia Butler. Lillith's Brood (also sold as The Xenogenesis Trilogy. It comprises three books - Dawn, Adulthood Rites and Imago.
An Australian ( ) fantasy series I'd highly recommend is Sean William's The Stone Mage and the Sea, The Sky Warden and the Sun and The Storm Weaver and The Sand (which for some reason, I can't find on amazon).
They are great books. And our (increasingly sucessful) friend did the cover art for them.
David Eddings is always fun - though I consider it my 'comfort reading'.
For more challenging stuff, I'd try Sheri S Tepper - Family Tree and The Gate to Women's Country are both excellent.
Posted by Proteus (Member # 794) on :
I really can't believe no-one has mentioned the Thomas Covenant Chronicles yet.
Posted by UofUlawguy (Member # 5492) on :
I thought we had all agreed that Thomas Covenant royally sucks. Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Now you're going to get it, UofU. From Tom, if I remember correctly.
I love these threads. I can write all the books down that I haven't read and have something to look forward to again.
Posted by beatnix19 (Member # 5836) on :
I'm leary to suggest these because of what it may say about my tatstes, but I've always really enjoyed the Redwall books by Brain Jacques. These are intended for younger readers but are always in the adult fantasy section. These are by no means a great work of art but they sure are a lot of fun. I always enjoy reading them.
If your not familiar, they are about a bunch of animals set in a midevil type of setting. you have the peacful loving animals like mice, moles, squirels, hares and badger. They always end up being attack by the nasty critters like, rats, ferrets, stoats, weasels, foxes and snakes. They stories pretty much follow the same formula. There are about 14 of them and they all stand alone but share some commen threads.
So if you get board these are good for some light, no thought needed, reading. I'd actually be interested if anyone else enjoys these.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Beatnix: I actually am reading Martin of Redwall at the moment (It's my little sister's. She is 8 and precocious. But then, I was exactly the same. ) and I'm really enjoying it.
I often re-read books from my teenage years - some of the best speculative fiction books are classified "young adult" just because it's unusual when such a book does well in the adult market. Plus which, I think some books atcually aimed at teenagers are just fantastic. Still. Posted by beatnix19 (Member # 5836) on :
As dorky as this sounds I love the character of Martin. He's the protector of the Abbey and always shows up in time of need, whether it is a vision, dream or reflection in his sword. Oh, well. everyone is aloud to enjoy simple things in life.
edit to add
I read Redwall for the first time when leading a summer reading group at Zaney Brainey Toys while I was working there in high school. Since then I have recomended it to many of my students and have just this last week seen a few of my past students carry around additional redwall novels and it makes me feel all warm inside.
[ March 08, 2004, 11:15 AM: Message edited by: beatnix19 ]
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Not dorky at all!
I still revisit The Tillerman Saga every year or so - not fantasy, but one of my favourite child(and adult)hood series.
(Cynthia Voigt, for those not in the know).
I *love* good comfort reading - not the trash books that get you through an afternoon with the flu but are immediately forgotten. Rather the old favourites - the creamy rice pudding (with a hint of cinnamon) of reading - the books you turn to again and again, and have done so for years.
mmm. Might go and re-read an old favourite now.
[ March 08, 2004, 11:20 AM: Message edited by: imogen ]
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Tom:
I've searched twice now for that intro and haven't been able to find it -- it must be in a thread that no longer exists. Any chance you could give me the short version? I'd settle for a suggested order of reading -- and not for the entire series. Just tell me where I should start.
Thanks.
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
I love Redwall. I picked it up for the first time at about 17 and read through the entire (then) series. I've since accumulated the books that have been recently published, and I still love them.
Oh, and "comfort reading" as a desciption of Eddings is just perfect. I've been looking for the right way to describe him, and that fits just right. Thanks. Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
"I've searched twice now for that intro and haven't been able to find it -- it must be in a thread that no longer exists. Any chance you could give me the short version?"
Sure. And, sadly, I've confirmed that the thread's no longer around. It's a shame, because I listed a whole BUNCH of great books on that thread.
In the Discworld series, you have four or five separate "threads" that each get their own plot. In general, you don't need to read the books in chronological order to get most of what's going on; you just need to read the threads in order. That said, there IS one good argument for reading the books in chronological order: Pratchett has a habit of coming up with a throwaway joke in one book that he later expands into a major plotline in a follow-up book, often in another thread. So if you read the threads out of order, you may stumble across a joke that, as far as you can tell, just restates something he said in much greater detail already. But if you can cope with this, there's no really compelling reason.
The Wizard books: This is the "first" thread, and opens with The Colour of Magic (**) and The Light Fantastic, (***) in which we meet Rincewind the terrible Wizzard and Twoflower the tourist. These were the first two books in the series, and Pratchett was clearly just getting his stride here; a lot of ideas are introduced that he later expanded on or discarded outright. You can start with CoM, or with Sourcery (****) -- a far superior book to either of the previous two. Other books in this thread include Eric (***), Interesting Times (****), and The Last Continent (**). The books Equal Rites, Moving Pictures, and The Last Hero are strongly wizard-influenced, as well. Of all the threads, the wizard books are the most straight-ahead fantasy in tone.
The Death books: Widely considered the most consistent thread in terms of quality, the Death books start with Mort (*****) -- an EXCELLENT introduction to the Discworld. The follow-ups -- Reaper Man (****), Soul Music (****), and Hogfather (***) -- are all definitely readable, as well. The Death books tend to be highly philosophical in tone, and deal more with the metaphysics of the Disc.
The Witches books: A series that contains some of the best and some of the worst Discworld novels, the Witches thread is extremely strong on characterization and country charm. It KINDA starts with the novel Equal Rites, (***) in which we first meet Granny Weatherwax, but that's more of a wizardy book. The witches find their own tone with Wyrd Sisters (****) and Witches Abroad, (***) and hit a really excellent climax with Lords and Ladies. (*****) Sadly, there's a bit of a drop in quality in the next book, Masquerade, (**) which recovers a bit by Carpe Jugulum. (***)
The Guards books: A lot of people consider the Guards novels to be Pratchett's best; they're certainly the most straightforward, and where he does most of his political satire. If the witches are all about characterization, Death all about angst, and the wizards all about humor, the guards books are all about plot. The first book, Guards! Guards! (****) is a strong early effort, and a must for people in love with Pratchett's imaginary capital city of Ankh-Morpork. It's followed up with Men at Arms (****) and Feet of Clay, (****) both ALSO excellent outings. Jingo (**) is a bit of a disappointment, mainly due to some lacking characterization, and The Fifth Elephant (***) wobbles for the same reason. The Thief of Time, (****) the most recent pure Guards book, is marvelous. Two standalones -- The Truth and Monstrous Regiment -- heavily overlap with the Guards thread, as well.
The Standalone books: Many of Pratchett's best and most accessible Discworld novels are ones that are not actually part of the traditional "threads." Oddly, these benefit the most from reading the series in chronological order -- but can also be read as you find them, since they're not reliant on a larger plot. Some, though, do expect a basic knowledge of one or more other threads in order to make any sense. Pyramids, (****) a relatively early book, is an excellent one -- which sets up running jokes about the assassin's guild and mathematical beasts of burden that you'll see throughout the series. Moving Pictures (****) is great, as well, but it helps if you're familiar with the Unseen University from the Wizards thread (as well as the concept of the Dungeon Dimensions.) Small Gods (*****) is widely considered one of Pratchett's greatest books, and is the one I usually give to non-Discworld readers when I want to hook them. I can't recommend it too highly. READ IT. The Truth (***) is a clear attempt to break out of a bit of a rut late in his career, but still mostly succeeds as a story; Monstrous Regiment, (***) however, is more successful, despite a painfully predictable plot. The Last Hero (****) is an illustrated novel with strong ties to the wizards books; it's definitely worth a read if you miss Rincewind. Both The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents (****) and Wee Free Men (****) are nominally children's books, but they're among the best of his standalones; you don't need to have read any other Discworld novels to dig them, but you'll get a lot more of the jokes.
[ March 08, 2004, 02:59 PM: Message edited by: TomDavidson ]
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I have copied and pasted your entire post onto my reading list.
----- Jatraqueros: Your tastes may differ, but so far I have never gone wrong with following Tom's reading recommendations. I esp. enjoyed Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, the Thomas Covenant Books, and Perdido Street Station.
[I can't give Tom credit for Song of Ice and Fire or King's The Dark Tower because I didn't hear about those from him first].
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
You guys read Perdido Street Station?
I'd like a review I can trust on that one, please, what did you guys think?
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
In a sentence: It was everything fantasy should be and I didn't finish it.
Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :
Perdido Street station was very bizarre. I liked the book. I spent a lot of the book just amazed at Mieville's creativity. And naturally I was even more impressed when I found out he's in grad school too!
If you don't mind characters that take a little while to get used to then you should give it a shot.
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
What about Night Watch, Tom? I enjoyed it more than I have most of his recent efforts, including Theif of Time. Generally different in tone, but a very good read.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Tom - great summary, except The Thief of Time isn't a Watch book.
Or, at least, it wasn't when I re-read it yesterday.
I'd probably consider it a stand alone - though it does have Death (and Susan Death) featuring.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Anyone who remembers me (only a few probably) will find the next part of this post very, very predictable.....I love Guy Gavriel Kays' books; I believe I own all of them.
I highly reccommend the Fionavar Tapestry books (The Summer Tree, The Wandering Fire, and The Darkest Road, in order). I found The Summer Tree to be a very moving book, so much so that I went out and bought the next two in the series, even though the last was only available in hardcover.....and at that time I only owned five or six hardcover books. I have never regretted it either. If you love Celtic-based high fantasy, this series is a must read...
Tigana is a wonderful read, one of the best stand alone books I have ever read. It is based loosly (very loosly) on a pinnisula modeled after Italy, in a fantasy setting, of course. Also god was The Lions of Al-Rassan, based loosly in a desert culture similar to the Arab-muslim culture in Africa and the Middle East.
I loved the Robin Hobb books, at least the Farseer books, and the Tawney Man. The Liveship Traders were very interesting in concept, but I felt let dowm by the writing a bit. I liked them, but didn't love them.
I also really like Laurell K. Hamilton's series, especially the Anita Blake series (it starts with Guilty Pleasures, The Laughing Corpse, and Circus of the Dammed). These books are great, but are a little different from my normal reading habits. I usually read just fantasy (or the classics, but that's another thread ), but the Anita Blake stories are different. Have you ever noticed that when an author tries to combign genres, say mystery with fantasy, the result usually isn't very good buy the standards of either genre? This is the exception to the rule. Hamilton combigns supernatural/horror with detective/mystery, all in a magical setting that loosly resembles our own. She also doesn't ignore the moral ramifications of actions, something that most authors are guilty of, and she isn't preachy. She doesn't push a specific religion, as a matter of fact her books are non-denomanational to a fault, but she looks at situations that are potentionally morally corrupting and shows the concequences of those actions, both good and bad. Most of all, her characters grow and change, both for the good and for the bad, with each book.
I also love George R.R. Martin's books, and as of yesterday the release date for A Feast of Crows is still April of this year. I can't wait!
Kwea
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
*grin* The two of you, between you, managed to zero in on my error.
What I would have said, had I access to my brain, is that Night Watch (****) was a return to the quality of the earlier guards books, and Thief of Time (***) was a decent Death book that borders on being a standalone. The reason I got my wires crossed, of course, is that Night Watch is highly dependent on both Small Gods and Thief of Time for the bigger picture.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I just read Peridio Street Station, and I found it to be a good, if somewhat different read.....good overall concepts, but the writing was slow paced in spots. I will probably read The Scar next, whenever I feel like reading Meville again.
It would take a miracle to have it out by April when he is still writing the thing, much less revising, editing, printing...
Don't believe anything you hear from anyone except the man himself.
Edit: August has been thrown around as a possible release time, but that is still awfully optimistic
[ March 09, 2004, 01:04 AM: Message edited by: Xavier ]
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
He does a Robert Jordan on me and I'll kill him.....
Posted by JenniK (Member # 3939) on :
I agree with Kwea about Laurell K. Hamilton. He told me for months that I should read this series because I would like it. I ignored him and when a friend told me about these books that she couldn't put down and loaned me one of them (actually the first 3 in one volume), I found that i had the same problem. I couldn't put the damn things down. They aren't anything I would normally read... I like smutty romance novels (mindless entertainment!), not fantasy or sci-fi. Yet she combines fantasy,mystery,action, and smutty romance novel very well. I can't wait to read more of her stuff!
Hi Kwea! Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Isn't my wife silly???
Still, she agrees with me.....lol
Kwea
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I have not gone to B and N yet, but I am going today. Thanks to the helpfulness of this group, I am now totally bamboozled as to what to get. I went into mourning for a couple of days after finishing MSAT(it feels cool to do that) I really felt that Maegwin was going to return from the dead. Poor Eolair! He was my favorite character. I knew she wouldn;t, and I would have thought it hokey if she had, but dang it...
I am reading The Da Vinci Code now and loving it. It will tide me over until I can choose.
Question: if I do make a list of everyone's favorite fantasy novels/series, could we archive it? I find them so helpful, and then I come back and they are buried too deep to find.
[ March 09, 2004, 10:24 PM: Message edited by: Elizabeth ]
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Well, I picked the first three books of "Game of Thrones." I also got a Peter Trmemayne book(Celtic mysteries featuring the kick-a** Sister Fidelma), a Captain Underpants book for my son, and "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" for my daughter. I even got four bucks back from the 50 dollar card. I feel great!
It was a tough choice, but I made it. Thank you all for your suggestions. I am, at least, going to copy thses pages for future reference.
Liz
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I think you'll really enjoy those books, they are some of the best fantasy I have ever read, and I read a lot.....
I just went through my books, and my book collection is now well over 700 books! Probably 650 of those are fantasy, from LOTR (in a red leather bound collectors edition) to Martin, Kay to Roberson, and Llyodd Alexander and Susan Cooper......HP I-V....just to name a few...you get the picture....
If you ever want more suggestions, feel free to ask me. Not that my suggestions are perfect, or anything like that, but I am very, very well read in the field, and I LOVE to discuss fantasy novels with others who enjoy them. It's one of my passions, fed by the fact that I go through about 3-5 books a week....I even worked at B&N for 3 1/2 years just to feed my addiction...
Kwea
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"I LOVE to discuss fantasy novels with others who enjoy them. It's one of my passions, fed by the fact that I go through about 3-5 books a week"
My favorite part about hatrack is that I can freely discuss fantasy novels. It is like a sigh of relief. there are very few people who really get it.
As for your collection, do you have some sort of databas with the books in it? In my classroom library, I have all the books in Exel, so the lids can go in and sort the data so they can pick a book in by genre, author, and a short dscription. I am eventually going to add a review section. A friend of mine's computer-head som made me a cool program, too, but the Excel was easier to put the books into.
So, Kwea, make a list and send it!
Again, COULD we archive such a list? Can archives be added to?
Liz
PS Check out the Sister Fidelma series by Peter Tremayne! History-mystery, and very interesting info on the early Catholic Church in Ireland.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I had a list, but that was years ago, and even if I could find it the list would be very outdated. Now that I have a computer again I might do a new list, but it's not real high on my to-do list right now. I can, and will, discuss fantasy at the drop of a hat though, with anyone who cares (and sometimes with those who don't if they aren'y careful!) to do so.
What are some of your favorite stories? I love Tolkien, of course, and Guy Gavriel Kay; but I also loved easier reads such as Joel Rosenberg's Warrior books (The Sleeping Dragon, The Silver Chain, etc.). They are fluff, but thoroughly entertaining. Tom Dietz wrote a very well thought out Celtic/Amerindian series that I really enjoyed, starting with Windmasters Bane and continuing with Fireshapers Doom. I use to like Eddings, but then I realized he just kept writing the same stroy over and over again, just changing the names and settings a bit. I still like him a bit, but find his writing very simplistic.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I liked the first Eddings series, but I got really bored with his sense of humor.
My favorite books/series are usually the ones I just finished, so right now it is "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn."
Have you read any of Sean Russell's works? If not, please ignore anything Tom Davidson has to say about him.(hee hee) I just love his stuff, especially "The Initiate Brother" and "Gatherer of Clouds."
One of my very favorites was C.J. Cherryh's "Fortress" series. (which, actually, has a similar feel to Sean Russell's new high fantasy trilogy, I just realized)I also enjoyed "The Faded Sun," which is more sci fi. However, I did not love the Morgaine series so much.
I am also an Arthur Legend Addict, and a middle reader fantasy addict. I use my teaching job as an excuse to read these books, some of which are my very favorites("Chronicles of Prydain," "The Dark is Rising," etc) Liz
Posted by Rhaegar The Fool (Member # 5811) on :
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Posted by Rhaegar The Fool (Member # 5811) on :
Did I get my point across?
Posted by UofUlawguy (Member # 5492) on :
Eh. It's an okay series.
Posted by Rhaegar The Fool (Member # 5811) on :
*Thwacks UofU with pickaxe* Insolent dog, thou darest insult my heaven? Gaaaaaaaaaaah!
Rhaegar
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
You have left out three of my favorites.
Charled De Lint has created some powerful female characters in his attempt to mix music, art, and modern city life with goblins, fey, and myth. All of his books are stand alone reading, though they fall into two different main worlds.
Raymond Feist created a good true fantasy series with his Magician series. Then he "Dragonlanced" it, creating more books than his world required. They are OK, but do not meet with the first series power, or the second series--the "Daughter of the Empire" series, that he wrote with his daughter I believe.
Then there is the Alvin Maker series. I forget the author's name, but it takes place in some silly named town-- Hat-trick? Hot-rack? Tacky Ha? It will come to me later.
Posted by UofUlawguy (Member # 5492) on :
Rhaegar, unless that pickaxe was made of obsidian, you have done absolutely nothing to me.
Posted by Kamisaki (Member # 6309) on :
Amen to the Song of Ice and Fire suggestions. I finally got around to reading them and right now I'm nearing the end of A Game of Thrones. Great stuff so far.
One of my favorite series is Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. Some of the books are much better than others, though, and lately he's been slipping a little bit into the Jordan syndrome of stringing out your series as long as possible (but not near as bad).
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Rhaegar, Got it! That was the series I picked up yesterday. I called the whole series by the first book's name, though. How disrespectful of me! Liz
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
blacwolve:
quote:In a sentence: It was everything fantasy should be and I didn't finish it.
sarah:
quote:Perdido Street station was very bizarre. I liked the book. I spent a lot of the book just amazed at Mieville's creativity. And naturally I was even more impressed when I found out he's in grad school too!
If you don't mind characters that take a little while to get used to then you should give it a shot.
I think that these two reactions to Perdido Street Station are very telling. The work is a mish-mash of steam punk and fantasy with apocalyptic undertones -- very cool, imo. As Sarah, mentions it contains some great world-creation stuff. His various species (all humanoid but some seem to be have hybridized with other fauna -- there are insectoid, bird-like and amphibian species as well as 'normal' humans) are well thought out and interesting. The setting -- the Byzantine, belching, dense city of New Crobuzon -- is compelling and adds to the action and plot development. The writing is very good, very evocative. The characters are complex with layers of motivations for doing the things they do. And Mieville is not afraid to put them through the ringer. There are some surprises. Overall, I think it succeeds -- it's a very good piece of speculative fiction.
At the same time, I think I could best describe the narrative as thick -- much like the city it takes place on. Mieville's prose tends to be dense in places -- I wouldn't say overwritten, but he certainly doesn't hold back on the detail. There is plenty of plot and lots of action, but it is slow to develop. The book requires patience. I think that it's patience that is rewarded, although there's part of me that doesn't quite like the way the main action is played out -- which basically comes down to the main characters fighting some super powerful entities. I think I like the characters and the setting better than the plot.
I would still recommend it. It's a well-written, daring achievement in the field, and it has it's moments.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Okay, I'm a little freaked out by the intense way both Xavier (and now Rhaegar) have insisted that all Hatrackers must read and worship the Song of Ice and Fire books, even so, I have decided to pick up A Game of Thrones, so far so good.
[ March 10, 2004, 07:32 PM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by LockeTreaty (Member # 5627) on :
I'm just too lazy to check through all of these posts. So this might be reduntant. The Song of Ice and Fire.
(ducks his head, while trying to avoid the thrown tomatoes) Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Did anyone ever read a kids' fantasy called "Stowaway to the Mushroom Planet?" That was the second book, but I can;t remember the name of the one that came before it.
It was awesome. I read it as a youngseter in the 70's, then found it by accident at a BEd and Breakfast. I begged the owners to let me have it, and they did.
Two little boys build a rocket. There is a sort of mushroom-headed dude, Mr. Tyco Bass, who is from this mushroom planet.
Anyone?
[ March 10, 2004, 07:51 PM: Message edited by: Elizabeth ]
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
It's been a long time since someone has completely stumped me, but you just did. I have never heard of it, not even a whisper.
I like Sean Russell, but I understand why some people don't care for his writing style. Some of his stuff was very slow paced; I felt like it had some really cool visuals but not much happened.I have read all of his books, and I like his latest, but the Brootherhood books were by far his best work. In my opinion, of course.
Have you read any C.S. Friedman, in particular the Coldfire trilogy? I loved them, they were some of the best books I have ever read. The world was fresh, and the magic was very complex. The first book is Black Sun Rising, then When True Night Falls, and it concludes with Crown of Shadows. I just started to reread Crown of Shadows tonight (for the 9th or 10th time) and I really like it a lot. I read some of her earlier work, and while it was well thought out and I liked some of the storyline I wasn't all that impressed with the writing style. These three books hang in there with anything I have read.
Yes, I have read the Fortress series by Cherryh, and I liked the characters a lot. The books were very good, much better than the Moraine books. Keep in mind that the Gates series was begun 20-25 years ago as short novellas, and the novel form that you probably read was a modern grouping of a couple of those put together in one volume. That is why they don't flow as her more recent books do.
Speaking of old school books, have you read any of the Amber books (9 Princes in Amber, The Guns of Avalon, etc.) by Roger Zelazney (sp?)? They hold up very well considering they were written 20-30 years ago, and he wrote a second series in the same setting years later that I enjoyed a lot.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I was really into the Amber series for a while, but i got tired of it. I think I have about six of the books. i also liked Michael Moorcock, especially the Elric Saga and the Messiah at the End of Time. Now, I can't stand it! Go figure.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Not suprising, as those two authors began repeating themselves. I LOVED The Eternal Champion , but I got tired of him after reading all 6 of the Corum books.
Also, they wrote most of those 30 years ago, and both of them had come from the serial magazines, so they weren't as polished as the newer writers. Their concepts are still amazing though, particularly when you conside that they were writing in a void. What I mean by that is that the were truly original, and no one else (or at least not many) were writing the same types of stories back then.
I love Andre Norton's Witch World novels because of their depth, but they aren't seamless compared to today's authors. They would write, and then later on they would write more, and have to edit the later stories to remain internally consistant with their earlier works. The market is so much more developed today that a lot of publishers are looking for multi-book series, so authors can often graph and plan out more than one book at a time. Or they can plan a whole series plot development and story arc so that not only does each book have a start, the building of tension, and then a resolution, but the whole series does as well! That is why the older group of writers work seems to move in fits and starts.....from beautiful to boring in the same book....
The later Amber books were easy reads, but I loved them even better than the frist series. You should read some of his stand alone works, they are brilliant. This Immortal and Lord of Light come to mind right away....
Kwea
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I did not realize the Amber books were so old.
Posted by :Locke (Member # 2255) on :
Perdido Street Station...I read it a few weeks ago, and I still don't know what to think. Really, I loved it. There's a sort of invented slang in the gigantic city where it takes place, and I still have occasions where I think in this made up language. It's a sprawling, steampunkish, urban fantasy sort of novel.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
It's funny. I don't think i would like Perdidio Street Station now(just from the descriptions)I also think I would dislike Elric and The Messiah at the End of Time, now. About the only constant in genre over my life has been high fantasy, and a good, funny, lit novel like "Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man" and "Quite a Year for Plums." Other than those styles, I tend to read myself out of genres. Hard sci fi is not really interesting to me, anymore, and I used to love it. I don't really know why.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
See, now, this is why :Locke is my homey. The kid has good taste.
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
quote:The later Amber books were easy reads, but I loved them even better than the frist series. You should read some of his stand alone works, they are brilliant. This Immortal and Lord of Light come to mind right away....
My personal all-time favorite Zelazny is his short story, "For a Breath I Tarry," which draws inspiration from a different tradition.
quote:"Do you know my servant Frost...?"
Posted by beatnix19 (Member # 5836) on :
I read Robert Newcomb's The Fifth Sorceress It's boo one in a series and It was really good. But it's a new series and only has one other part out right now. I saw an outline for the books and I thin k there are like six of them planned. If you don't mind waiting I would definately recomend it.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I finally picked up Jack Whyte's The Skystone, the first of his Arthurian legend series last week. I'd added it to my list when this thread was new, but had never managed to find a copy. Good stuff. The second doesn't seem to be quite as strong as the first, and some of the sex in it seems a bit...tiresome and irrelevant actually, and the exposition is a little less clean than it was in the first book, but it's still good enough that I'll read the third.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
I'm just about done with Tad William's Otherland series. I have enjoyed it, but it's starting to seem like work getting through the 4th book. It seems like he dragged it out much farther than it needed to go.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Funny this thread came back to the surface.
I have a total dilemma right now. I am two books in to the Rhapsody series(Elzabeth Haydon) and loving it. Sean Russell's third book of The Swan Wars trilogy is due at my house any day. I have been waiting for it for two years.
What do I do? I really am stumped. I guess if I waited this long...but then again, I might rush through book 3 of Rhapsody to get to Russell.
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
Try the Duncton Tales series by William Horwood. They're about moles (!), a la Wateship Down, but are extremely powerful stories, and quite beautiful, about the nature of good and evil and the struggle to stay true (classic fantasy themes), and are very well written. Horwood's also written 'one-offs' like "The Stonor Eagles", "Skallagrigg", and "Callanish" which are interweavings of fantasy and reality. He has a beautiful writing style.
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
Robert Newcomb's The Fifth Sorceress is the worst fantasy I've ever read. I gave it 250 pages and then chucked it, it's very badly written, cliche ridden and don't waste your money, please.
Posted by Moenan (Member # 7171) on :
Elizabeth, if I were you I'd try to speed through the third book before Russel's book arrived.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I think it is coming tomorrow! I am not a fast, but rather a steady, reader, and since I am home recovering from an illness, time is on my side.
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
Beatnix19, apologies that my comment about Newcomb's book was rudely dismissive. It was a kneejerk reaction. Didn't mean to sound rude.
[ December 30, 2004, 04:14 PM: Message edited by: Cashew ]
Posted by Cashew (Member # 6023) on :
You should also definitely try The Galactic Milieu series by Julian May.
Posted by Traveler (Member # 3615) on :
A fantasy series that I just read a little while ago that I'd recommend is "The Black Magician Trilogy" by Tudi Canavan.
Traviler, I wanted to try that series but no one I know has read it. I take it you liked it?
I have read most of May's Series, and I found them to be very good. I got tired of it after a while....I thin the last book I read was Jack the Bodiless, and then I stopped. I REALLY liked the first three books though, I thought they were very well written.
I got a cpoy of The Princess Bride for Christmas, and am reading it now. I love the movie, but have only skimmed the book in the past, so I am looking forward to finishing it.
My next book will probably be more Russell, the book Liz is waiting for at her home now.
Kwea
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
(this is completely off topic, but it did remind me....Elizabeth, did you get what I sent you or did it go to the hospital instead or did stupid Amazon not include my note, or did stupid Amazon not even get it to you? Just checking and hoping that it's not lost somewhere in snail mail space... )
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
I just want the third page.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Narnia, I did! I sent you a thank you email, and I wondered if you had gottn it. In fact, i was just thinking I needed to send another. My initial plan to hand write thank you notes went up in the smoke of reality, unfortunately, so i went with the emily Post-forbidden email thank you, which you never even got.
Anyway, it is beautiful! I looked for your name as a singer...
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Don't worry about it Elizabeth my email has been acting strange, which is probably why I didn't receive your email. I'm just relieved to hear that it got to you ok. (I was just going to send you an email, but I seem to have lost your address too! I'm really on a roll here!)
I'm not on the singers list, though friends of mine are. I have performed a few of those pieces with other choirs though...they're amazing. Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Bump.
Kama, if you are still looking, this was a great suggest-o-series thread.
I keep threatening to compile a list. Maybe Kristine would let us keep one in the archives? But could we add to it if it was in the archives?
Posted by Danzig (Member # 4704) on :
I really enjoyed the Gormenghast trilogy by Mervyn Peake. Unfortunately, the third novel is not as polished as the first two due to Peake's deteriorating health, although it is still worth the read. If possible, get The Gormenghast Novels which includes all three in a single volume, as well as two introductions and some critical assessments. The individual novels are Titus Groan, Gormenghast, and Titus Alone. The books are also illustrated by Peake.
Edit: This is not a series, but The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle is a beautiful stand-alone novel.
[ February 12, 2005, 08:26 PM: Message edited by: Danzig ]
Posted by Chris Kidd (Member # 2646) on :
the young Wizard series is a good light read by Diane Duane. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Elizabeth, I just finished Elegy for the Star, the fifth Rhapsody novel. Like, five minutes ago. Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Belle, how are the later books? I read the first three, but not the last two, so I was wondering..
Kwea
[ February 13, 2005, 12:53 AM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Belle, you are a truly evil woman. Did you read my blame-placing post in my other thread? Now I have purchased the hardcover of "Elegy," which means I will have to purchase the paperback just to keep it a paperback-only series. Either that, or wait until this summer for the paperback.
Anyway, I blame you fo this. I was so happy with the stand alone trilogy of my imagination.
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