[krazydawg005]

One thing that has always kept me back from reading fantasy is that I never could really get into LOTR. The pages of long drawn out descriptions bored me to tears, and I'll honestly admit that I never finished the trilogy. Does that mean I'm doomed from liking fantasy at all?

Much of fantasy sounds interesting to me, but I've always held back out of fear that if I didn't care for LOTR (thought of as the best fantasy series ever by many), then theres no point.

Thoughts? Advice?

Note: I'm not trashing Tolkien or LOTR. I can see why its considered a good work, but it just wasn't for me.

[Evil Agent]

Although I love LOTR, and it was the reason I started reading fantasy, you are definitely not alone. There are, in fact, many members on this board who don't really like LOTR. And they have read loads of other Fantasy.

It could be Tolkien's style just wasn't for you, but you might love some other epic writers like Martin or Erikson or Hobb. You might like lighter or more action-packed fantasy. There are so many good authors, and this site is an excellent way to find them.

So don't let the fact that you didn't love LOTR discourage you!

[krazydawg005]

That makes me feel better. I didn't know if I was alone or not in my reaction to LOTR. Hopefully after reading A Game of Thrones and possibly Storm Constantine's trilogy for the book club, I'll have a better sense of what I like in regards to fantasy.

[Evil Agent]

Well, what Fantasy besides Tolkien have you read? There are lots of subgenres of fantasy, some of which you may prefer over others.

Martin is one of my very favorite authors (I'm gonna see him tomorrow night at a signing!), but he is also considered somewhat adult fantasy, with a very complex plot and huge cast of characters, and is not necessarily the best fantasy for a beginner reader.

Have you read the recommendation thread and stuff?

[krazydawg005]

To be honest with you my fantasy resume is pretty slim. Its something I've always wanted to read.

I've read a good amount of science fiction, but only a handful of fantasy. The only one recently has been Newton's Cannon (i think that was a BOTM discussion) which i enjoyed.

I want to try out the BOTM's for Febuary (just read a little of Martin earlier), or at least one, depending on how much reading time I get in the next few weeks. Martin's series seems very well liked, and while I've hardly started it, it seems like something I could get into. Constantine's trilogy seems a bit different, but we'll see if I have time to give it a shot.

About the recommendation thread, I haven't looked at it in detail yet. There are so many threads its a bit overwhelming right now, since I don't really know much except for the big authors (the ones who have their own forums etc..).

[Hieroglyph]

No, youre far from doomed. Youre only doomed if you never read anything ;) just kidding!!!

Theres sooo much out there, that in itself can be the problem. We're spoilt for choice. We'd need to know a lot more about you to be able to advise on any particular read. Nearly all of what Ive read (these last 25 years... sheesh!) in the SFF genre, I am glad I did read, one way or another. So, no need to regret not enjoying LoTR. For now its a matter of finding works you can appreciate... blah blah... the advice is endless.

Just read :D
And enjoy it!
HG

[AaronM1989]

I would recomend Raymond E. Feist as his writing is very fast paced and he uses a small cast of relativley easy characters. If you like that then in my opinion George R R Martin is the best Fantasy writer out there.

[Thirdeye_77]

You're not alone out there. I gave up when the walking and talking trees appeared. Though I can understand why people like this books so much, I have to admit I liked the movies better!

Guess I'll be banned now having said this. :(

[Hobbit]

Nope. What a strange idea you have about banning people!

As has already been said, there's enough out there for everyone. You can admire Tolkien's influence on the genre without having to actually like his stuff; or dislike Tolkien without dismissing all Fantasy.

You just have to find what you like.

Hobbit

[Thirdeye_77]

I was just kidding!

I know that there are a lot of people who think alike, but in general it seems that Tolkien always is the best and no one comes near.