[mulder]

Hello All,

I have been a sci-fi fan for the most part. I am actually starting to get tired of reading some of it and I wanted to venture off into some new areas. So, I thought Fantasy would be a good place to start. Someone suggested I read the Wheel of Time series, which I think I am going to do. I have made a list of different books to read including the WoT, Sword of Truth, and some others.

Here is where I need some help and it may show my ignorance not only of the series mentioned above but as well for the genre of Fantasy. I have it in my mind to read something that includes magic, wizards, etc. Something where the characters can perform spells or acts above a regular human.

Do the WoT, SoT, or any other series contain these elements? Your insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Gooch]

Yes, WoT and SoT both have magic and wizard types, so you should be pretty happy with those. Another series is the Exiles trilogy from Melanie Rawn. It deals heavily with Magic and Mages.

[cassandra]

Another series that might interest you is Piers Anthony's Incartations of Immortality series. There is a lot of mythology and magic in them, combined with some futuristic elements. Anthony's writing doesn't thrill me, but he has great ideas, and I guiltily admit to enjoying most of his stuff. The first book of the series is called "On a Pale Horse."
I would also recommend his Apprentice Adept series, a very neat blend of sci fi and fantasy. The first in that series is "Split Infinity."
You could also try Anthony's Xanth series, which are humorous, but 20-some-odd novels filled to the gills with puns got old real fast for me. The first book in that series is "A Spell for Chameleon."

[FitzChivalry]

The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist is another great series with lots of magic involved.

But from all mentioned i think The wheel of time is the right series to read for a begnner fantasy fan. It's lots of fun and it's easy to get into (hard to get out though).

[Paul_Ashaman]

WoT is very good, you will have difficulty putting it down. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

Also try David Eddings Belgariad, its a little less complicated than WoT, but it has loads of magic.

[Sojourn]

Firstly I like to extend mulder a warm welcome to the fantasy fraternity! ^_^

Secondly, with a few posters recommending WoT, I'd just like to say that it's a good series, but careful that mulder doesn't become a WoT (or fantasy!) cynic by the time he gets to Book 5 (or 6, or 7...)

IMHO... ^_^

[mulder]

Awesome! Thanks so much for all the kind replies and the warm welcome. I went to the bookstore tonight to do some more research and I came back with no books, yet. I was torn between the Dragonlance Chronicles or the Wheel of Time. The Chronicles looked very tempting. I don't think I could go wrong with either set. In fact, since Chronicles is only 3 books long, I am thinking of going there first, then on to the WoT. As for the other suggestions...I'll add them to my reading list.

[This message has been edited by mulder (edited October 06, 2000).]

[Keyoke]

Hiya...and welcome..=)

Personally, I thinkt he WoT (Wheel of Time) is a bad place to start.. To long, plus, it's a series that may turn ya away..=) Dont get me wrong, try it, but, if you are venturing into this new realm, I think their are much better choices out there..

I think the Riftwar Saga by Raymond Feist is perfect.. 4 books long, and a wonderful series.. and personal favorite of mine..=)

And, you could move from their to the Empire Trilogy by the Feist and Wurts..

If you want a more sprawling epic, read the Ship of Magic series by Hobb (THough, the last of the series is still HC).. Or the Assassin series by the same author, but, it isnt quite Wizards and Monster type thing..

I have yet to read this author works (Just started today actually), but, Barbara Hambly Darwath Trilogy might be a good start..

And, starting with the Dragonlance Chronicles is a other excellent choice.. =)

Keyoke

[Lady Fox]

Welcome fellow fantasy fan!! There are quite a few wizard/magic based series out there. I agree with most of what everyone else has already posted. Although I am a complete Wheel of Time addict, I wouldn't start my fantasy reading there. It's just too big and too involved as a starting point. Keyoke mentioned a good one - The Darwath books by Barbara Hambly. They actually have been expanded to 5 books now, a trilogy and then a couple of sequels to the trilogy. I would also recommend the Fionovar Tapestry trilogy by Guy Gavriel Kay. I recently read a book titles Transformation by Carol Berg and it was really good.

[Rob B]

A few have mentioned it including yourself:

The Dragonlance Chronicles by Weis and Hickman is a pretty good place to start, that is one of my first sojourns into fantasy. I would stick mainly to the Chronicles and Legends series, though. Most of the other Dragonlance stuff is by different authors, and I have not read them or heard too many good things about thom, either.

Secondly, if you want a series that is complete (to avoid the anxiety of many of us Wheel of Time fans) and an excellent example of fantasy, I would have to say the best is probably MEMORY, SORROW AND THORN by Tad Williams. The first book is THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR. The series is 4 books in paperback (originally 3 in hardcover) and has some magic swords, great characterization and overall is a fantastic read.