I'd agree with Tycho, after WoT I switched to Prachett while waiting for the new books to come out and he is very good. My favourite one is "The Elf Stones of Shannara" (Spelling?) :-)
CS Friedman's Coldfire Trilogy, particularly the first one, Black Sun Rising.
The underlying idea has some sci-fi threads, but it's a fantasy novel. Idea being that humanity colonizes this world, and weird things start happening - ghosts of lost loves appear, a colonist is found frozen solid, one is found with all her blood gone - sucked out through two holes in her neck...
There's a force on the planet that responds to human thought processes, which almost destroys the colony. Jump forward several hundred years, and you have people who actively manipulate these forces... sorcerors.
And that's not anything to do with the actual plot. One of the central characters is one of the most evil bastages ever. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
<!--quoteo(post=1584855:date=Dec 6 2006, 11:15 AM:name=Lanfear)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lanfear @ Dec 6 2006, 11:15 AM) [snapback]1584855[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> I'd agree with Tycho, after WoT I switched to Prachett while waiting for the new books to come out and he is very good. My favourite one is "The Elf Stones of Shannara" (Spelling?) :-) <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The only thing you misspelled was the author's name: Brooks. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
To be fair it is basically impossible to tell two people apart if they have the same first name. This is why I voted for Bill Clinton: I thought I was electing Bill Cosby.
Ok, big bumping. I tried Thomas Covenant, the first book. I lost interest pretty quickly. So many damn details (especially about background characters/locations/lore) that I lost track. Pages were filled with the main character grumbling about his complete misery. I just couldn't get into it, reading it became a chore, so I stopped halfway through.
Picked up Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy instead. Hooked, can't stop. Now, went through the first book in 4 days <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />.
heh, just tried Thomas Covenant recently too and had similar problems... I don't know why everyone said it was so good as I find the main character totally unlikable and the writing itself is clunky and awkward... rather like Thomas :p Infact, after a certain event in the book I downright hated the main character and lost much of the will to read on. My flatmate still argues it's an enjoyable series but I'm totally unimpressed.
I did, however, find much joy in the twice recommended Raymond E Feist books. I've borrowed magician from a friend which was one of the finest fantasies I've read and I ran out and bought the sequel (Silverthorn) which is proving just as gripping. Great cast of characters, flowing writing and wonderfully interwoven stories set on very, very epic backdrops. I think I've found my new favourite fantasy :3
Re: Thomas Covenant - the entire point of the series is thats hes the quintessential anti-hero...you <i>don't</i> like him for whole sections of it. The novels play off it - a hero doing something heroic isn't unusual, an anti-hero doing something heroic is and is far more profound.
Anyways, something i've not seen mentioned is the Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan. There a good read.
I don't have the problem with Thomas Covenant being a sonova######, I have the problem with the losing track of background lores/characters being shoved into my head and Covenant's endless grumbling.
In other news, David Farland's Runelords is just one awesome read. The new entry, Son of Oak thing took me by surprise, it felt like a completely different world.
<!--quoteo(post=1599773:date=Jan 18 2007, 01:43 AM:name=TheSavior)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TheSavior @ Jan 18 2007, 01:43 AM) [snapback]1599773[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> I can't freaking believe you people haven't mentioned the Dragonlance Chronicles. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Thread necromancy commenced. I've just about to finish the first book of Dragonlance Chronicles. It's... better than I anticipated. I usually shuns a tie-in. But this book, it's fun. I'm a soap romance drama junkie so I'm very hooked on the threesome thing. It also feels like playing a game...defeat boss, get new loots, rinse repeat. For obviously reason I guess.
<a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/index.php?s=568722793723726208&showtopic=101477&st=0" target="_blank">I believe this thread would be a prudent link considering the purpose of the thread I'm posting this in</a>, don't you?
ThansalThe New ScumJoin Date: 2002-08-22Member: 1215Members, Constellation
<!--quoteo(post=1631139:date=Jun 4 2007, 10:52 AM:name=DrSuredeath)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DrSuredeath @ Jun 4 2007, 10:52 AM) [snapback]1631139[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> Thread necromancy commenced. I've just about to finish the first book of Dragonlance Chronicles. It's... better than I anticipated. I usually shuns a tie-in. But this book, it's fun. I'm a soap romance drama junkie so I'm very hooked on the threesome thing. It also feels like playing a game...defeat boss, get new loots, rinse repeat. For obviously reason I guess. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Umm, the actual run down for Dragonlance is sometihng like this this: Weis and Hickman come up with a world run a campaing in it turn said campaing into novels Officaly publish campaign setting
As some one who LOVES the dragon lance books I will chime in with this: They are trash. They are at the level of flavor text in RPG books. They are not well written, the character development is rather lacking, and it is all cliched.
HOWEVER. They manage to get you attached to the characters, interested in what they are doing, and create a wonderful world with alot of interestign stuff in it (an actual Lawful Evil group? AWSOME!).
I suggest pickign them up. I am hard pressed on saying how they should be read. You can read them in date printed or in chronilogical order.
Oh, and avoid the Legends Trillogy (Test/Time/War of the Twins) as they suck something horrible <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
good tycho, bumb for great justice!
I will toss a few things in here.
I agree compleatly with Gem on the Thomas Covenant books (my hatred for the main character made me stop reading).
If you are willing to end up relatively depressed at points (due to bad crap happenign to good characters) I would suggest reading Robbin Hobb's books in "The Realm of the Elderlings" world. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hobb#The_Realm_of_the_Elderlings" target="_blank">Link to WP</a>.
I also suggest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Hood" target="_blank">Daniel Hood's</a> Fanuilh books. Basicly they are something along the lines of Fantasy murder mysteries. Very fun.
I also love the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Brust#Dragaera" target="_blank">Vlad Talto</a> books by Steven Brust. I havn't gotten my hands on all of them yet, and I also have not read Khaavren Romances either, but I want to.
Lemme see....
I will post up more as I can think of them.
Oh, I am currently rereadting the WoT books (for sometihngl ike the 20th time). I don't know WHY I like them so much, but I do.
I will join in on Scythe in sayign that Pratchet is a WONDERFUL writer. Between my GF and I we own all of the Disc world books save for Winter Smith.
I will also second the note on Gaiman, he is another modern day clasic.
And this brings us to Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch. A book co written by the 2 of them. Go. Buy it. <b>NOW</b>.
as I am now thinking of other favorite books I will also toss in my love for Fool on the Hill by Matt Ruff. Modern day fantasy that takes place (mostly) at Cornell. Shakesperian Faries (one of the common oaths is Jesus, Troilus, and Cressida), a Greek Original, a Proffessional Lier, and other assorted characters.
<!--quoteo(post=1631170:date=Jun 4 2007, 11:26 AM:name=Thansal)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Thansal @ Jun 4 2007, 11:26 AM) [snapback]1631170[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->If you are willing to end up relatively depressed at points (due to bad crap happenign to good characters) I would suggest reading Robbin Hobb's books in "The Realm of the Elderlings" world. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hobb#The_Realm_of_the_Elderlings" target="_blank">Link to WP</a>.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Robin Hobb's Fool's Fate made me go "Huh?" The book spent so long to wrap up, and the ending was super duper sugar sweety ending. It's so unlike Robin Hobb.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Oh, I am currently rereadting the WoT books (for sometihngl ike the 20th time). I don't know WHY I like them so much, but I do.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Good lord, I must have read Shadow Rising like a 100th time just for Perrin's sections.
ThansalThe New ScumJoin Date: 2002-08-22Member: 1215Members, Constellation
buggert it, I can't remember the ending to the Tawny Man series (I have only read it once so far, and it was a year or so ago). Though I will remind you that the ends of all of his trillogies are relatively happy, however I do admit to thinking that he might have mellowed with age after reading the Tawny Man books....
TBH, I like Perrin as a character alot, but Faile ticks me off to no end, personaly I prefer Mat's stories, however Shadow Rising IS one of my favorite books in the series. However I always read the series from start to finish when ever I read it.
As for why I like Mat's parts? Fewest number of anoying women (I am sure that man hates women), good action, fun fate twisting, interesting stuff, etc etc.
Now let us just hope that he lives to finish the series........
ThansalThe New ScumJoin Date: 2002-08-22Member: 1215Members, Constellation
ahh, good point.
I sorta stoped paying attention to the gender of Fantasy authors after the GIANT number of maly "Terry"s (the only Terry I know IRL is female, and pratchet, goodkind, brooks et all confused the heck outta me when I was a little kid).
ShockehIf a packet drops on the web and nobody's near to see it...Join Date: 2002-11-19Member: 9336NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
Steven Erikson. I cannot stress this enough. The Malazan Books of the Fallen are without a doubt the best fantasy I've ever read, and that includes reading all of a Song of Ice & Fire.
George R R Martin - See above. Only surplanted in my estimations because I love SE so much.
Dan Simmons - Illum, I've not read Olympus or Endymion yet.
Neil Gaiman - Never quite 'fantasy', but little quirks of the fanastic put into our own world. Anansi Boys is genius. Sandman is an obscenely expensive series to collect, but worth it. Lucifer is also amazing.
The Fall of Atlanta - I'm STILL waiting on my copy to arrive, despite having a go at the Amazon store who sold it me 2 months ago, I still don't have it.
Funny, I have 20 something Pratchett books, and as I grew older I started to simply hate them. He's basically written 3 stories, 25 times, including reusing jokes many times. I want to like Pratchett, I really do. I've invested so much time & money into it, yet I just don't. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
Deeply over done by now, but the Drizzt Do'Urden books by R.A.Salvatore are at least a fun read, though a little too 'generic fantasy' for me now.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> Dan Simmons - Illum, I've not read Olympus or Endymion yet.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ilium and Olympos are brilliant, the Endymion trilogy is not related to them. They're related to Hyperion Saga, of which I've read the first (and reportedly best) book of. Extremely good. Read Hyperion.
ThansalThe New ScumJoin Date: 2002-08-22Member: 1215Members, Constellation
<!--quoteo(post=1631276:date=Jun 4 2007, 07:49 PM:name=Shockwave)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Shockwave @ Jun 4 2007, 07:49 PM) [snapback]1631276[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> Funny, I have 20 something Pratchett books, and as I grew older I started to simply hate them. He's basically written 3 stories, 25 times, including reusing jokes many times. I want to like Pratchett, I really do. I've invested so much time & money into it, yet I just don't. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" /> <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Have you read his more recent stuff? Specificly The Bromiliad (Tricker/Diggers/Wings) and the Tiffany Aching books (Wee Free Men, Hat Full of Sky, Wintersmith). They are a bit of a departure from his core Disc World books for 2 reasons: 1) They introduce new characters (The Bromiliad actualy is not Disc World) 2) They are technicaly Children's Novels.
I can understand where you would have problems with Pratchett tbh (though I love everything I have read of his save some of the Rincewind books). And they are worth checkign out (rent em from your library)
I still havn't actualy read the Bromiliad yet my self, but I plan picking them up.
<!--quoteo(post=1631276:date=Jun 4 2007, 07:49 PM:name=Shockwave)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Shockwave @ Jun 4 2007, 07:49 PM) [snapback]1631276[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> Deeply over done by now, but the Drizzt Do'Urden books by R.A.Salvatore are at least a fun read, though a little too 'generic fantasy' for me now. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> [rant] Stuff like Salvator/Hickman&Wiess/any of the TSR books are the closest thing that our generation (and it spans a number of 'generations' tbh) has for Pulp Fiction.
Pulp is actualy somethign that I think we are mising as a society. Books that honestly are not good, they are not well written, they are not great works of litterature that we should heap praise on.
But they are fun. Pure, unadulterated, nononsece about some deeper meaning, FUN! mkay [/rant]
so yah, this thread has reminded me of a number of things I want to get so I am gona make up a list and head to Strand this weekend (18 miles of Books FTW!)
Comments
The underlying idea has some sci-fi threads, but it's a fantasy novel. Idea being that humanity colonizes this world, and weird things start happening - ghosts of lost loves appear, a colonist is found frozen solid, one is found with all her blood gone - sucked out through two holes in her neck...
There's a force on the planet that responds to human thought processes, which almost destroys the colony. Jump forward several hundred years, and you have people who actively manipulate these forces... sorcerors.
And that's not anything to do with the actual plot. One of the central characters is one of the most evil bastages ever. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
I'd agree with Tycho, after WoT I switched to Prachett while waiting for the new books to come out and he is very good. My favourite one is "The Elf Stones of Shannara" (Spelling?) :-)
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The only thing you misspelled was the author's name: Brooks. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
Picked up Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy instead. Hooked, can't stop. Now, went through the first book in 4 days <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />.
Infact, after a certain event in the book I downright hated the main character and lost much of the will to read on. My flatmate still argues it's an enjoyable series but I'm totally unimpressed.
I did, however, find much joy in the twice recommended Raymond E Feist books. I've borrowed magician from a friend which was one of the finest fantasies I've read and I ran out and bought the sequel (Silverthorn) which is proving just as gripping. Great cast of characters, flowing writing and wonderfully interwoven stories set on very, very epic backdrops. I think I've found my new favourite fantasy :3
Anyways, something i've not seen mentioned is the Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan. There a good read.
In other news, David Farland's Runelords is just one awesome read. The new entry, Son of Oak thing took me by surprise, it felt like a completely different world.
I can't freaking believe you people haven't mentioned the Dragonlance Chronicles.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Thread necromancy commenced.
I've just about to finish the first book of Dragonlance Chronicles. It's... better than I anticipated. I usually shuns a tie-in. But this book, it's fun. I'm a soap romance drama junkie so I'm very hooked on the threesome thing. It also feels like playing a game...defeat boss, get new loots, rinse repeat. For obviously reason I guess.
Thread necromancy commenced.
I've just about to finish the first book of Dragonlance Chronicles. It's... better than I anticipated. I usually shuns a tie-in. But this book, it's fun. I'm a soap romance drama junkie so I'm very hooked on the threesome thing. It also feels like playing a game...defeat boss, get new loots, rinse repeat. For obviously reason I guess.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Umm, the actual run down for Dragonlance is sometihng like this this:
Weis and Hickman come up with a world
run a campaing in it
turn said campaing into novels
Officaly publish campaign setting
As some one who LOVES the dragon lance books I will chime in with this:
They are trash. They are at the level of flavor text in RPG books. They are not well written, the character development is rather lacking, and it is all cliched.
HOWEVER.
They manage to get you attached to the characters, interested in what they are doing, and create a wonderful world with alot of interestign stuff in it (an actual Lawful Evil group? AWSOME!).
I suggest pickign them up. I am hard pressed on saying how they should be read. You can read them in date printed or in chronilogical order.
Oh, and avoid the Legends Trillogy (Test/Time/War of the Twins) as they suck something horrible <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />
good tycho, bumb for great justice!
I will toss a few things in here.
I agree compleatly with Gem on the Thomas Covenant books (my hatred for the main character made me stop reading).
If you are willing to end up relatively depressed at points (due to bad crap happenign to good characters) I would suggest reading Robbin Hobb's books in "The Realm of the Elderlings" world. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hobb#The_Realm_of_the_Elderlings" target="_blank">Link to WP</a>.
I also suggest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Hood" target="_blank">Daniel Hood's</a> Fanuilh books. Basicly they are something along the lines of Fantasy murder mysteries. Very fun.
I also love the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Brust#Dragaera" target="_blank">Vlad Talto</a> books by Steven Brust. I havn't gotten my hands on all of them yet, and I also have not read Khaavren Romances either, but I want to.
Lemme see....
I will post up more as I can think of them.
Oh, I am currently rereadting the WoT books (for sometihngl ike the 20th time). I don't know WHY I like them so much, but I do.
I will join in on Scythe in sayign that Pratchet is a WONDERFUL writer. Between my GF and I we own all of the Disc world books save for Winter Smith.
I will also second the note on Gaiman, he is another modern day clasic.
And this brings us to Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch. A book co written by the 2 of them. Go. Buy it. <b>NOW</b>.
as I am now thinking of other favorite books I will also toss in my love for Fool on the Hill by Matt Ruff. Modern day fantasy that takes place (mostly) at Cornell. Shakesperian Faries (one of the common oaths is Jesus, Troilus, and Cressida), a Greek Original, a Proffessional Lier, and other assorted characters.
ok, that should be it for now...
Robin Hobb's Fool's Fate made me go "Huh?"
The book spent so long to wrap up, and the ending was super duper sugar sweety ending. It's so unlike Robin Hobb.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Oh, I am currently rereadting the WoT books (for sometihngl ike the 20th time). I don't know WHY I like them so much, but I do.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Good lord, I must have read Shadow Rising like a 100th time just for Perrin's sections.
TBH, I like Perrin as a character alot, but Faile ticks me off to no end, personaly I prefer Mat's stories, however Shadow Rising IS one of my favorite books in the series. However I always read the series from start to finish when ever I read it.
As for why I like Mat's parts? Fewest number of anoying women (I am sure that man hates women), good action, fun fate twisting, interesting stuff, etc etc.
Now let us just hope that he lives to finish the series........
I sorta stoped paying attention to the gender of Fantasy authors after the GIANT number of maly "Terry"s (the only Terry I know IRL is female, and pratchet, goodkind, brooks et all confused the heck outta me when I was a little kid).
George R R Martin - See above. Only surplanted in my estimations because I love SE so much.
Dan Simmons - Illum, I've not read Olympus or Endymion yet.
Neil Gaiman - Never quite 'fantasy', but little quirks of the fanastic put into our own world. Anansi Boys is genius. Sandman is an obscenely expensive series to collect, but worth it. Lucifer is also amazing.
The Fall of Atlanta - I'm STILL waiting on my copy to arrive, despite having a go at the Amazon store who sold it me 2 months ago, I still don't have it.
Funny, I have 20 something Pratchett books, and as I grew older I started to simply hate them. He's basically written 3 stories, 25 times, including reusing jokes many times. I want to like Pratchett, I really do. I've invested so much time & money into it, yet I just don't. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
Deeply over done by now, but the Drizzt Do'Urden books by R.A.Salvatore are at least a fun read, though a little too 'generic fantasy' for me now.
- Shockwave
Dan Simmons - Illum, I've not read Olympus or Endymion yet.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ilium and Olympos are brilliant, the Endymion trilogy is not related to them. They're related to Hyperion Saga, of which I've read the first (and reportedly best) book of. Extremely good. Read Hyperion.
Funny, I have 20 something Pratchett books, and as I grew older I started to simply hate them. He's basically written 3 stories, 25 times, including reusing jokes many times. I want to like Pratchett, I really do. I've invested so much time & money into it, yet I just don't. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Have you read his more recent stuff? Specificly The Bromiliad (Tricker/Diggers/Wings) and the Tiffany Aching books (Wee Free Men, Hat Full of Sky, Wintersmith).
They are a bit of a departure from his core Disc World books for 2 reasons:
1) They introduce new characters (The Bromiliad actualy is not Disc World)
2) They are technicaly Children's Novels.
I can understand where you would have problems with Pratchett tbh (though I love everything I have read of his save some of the Rincewind books). And they are worth checkign out (rent em from your library)
I still havn't actualy read the Bromiliad yet my self, but I plan picking them up.
<!--quoteo(post=1631276:date=Jun 4 2007, 07:49 PM:name=Shockwave)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Shockwave @ Jun 4 2007, 07:49 PM) [snapback]1631276[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Deeply over done by now, but the Drizzt Do'Urden books by R.A.Salvatore are at least a fun read, though a little too 'generic fantasy' for me now.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
[rant]
Stuff like Salvator/Hickman&Wiess/any of the TSR books are the closest thing that our generation (and it spans a number of 'generations' tbh) has for Pulp Fiction.
Pulp is actualy somethign that I think we are mising as a society. Books that honestly are not good, they are not well written, they are not great works of litterature that we should heap praise on.
But they are fun.
Pure, unadulterated, nononsece about some deeper meaning, FUN!
mkay
[/rant]
so yah, this thread has reminded me of a number of things I want to get so I am gona make up a list and head to Strand this weekend (18 miles of Books FTW!)