[Arty]

Hi. I just came here for the first time. I would like to respond to several topics here in one post, if no one minds? Good.;-) I am a married 33 year old woman living in central Illinois (USA). I have been reading fantasy avidly since I was 21. When I was a child I used to read books at the library alphabetically. I started in the A's and worked my way through. The first fantasy I remember reading was a series called The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. I also loved A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle...and Narnia. As a teenager I forgot my love of reading. Once I was out of college and out on my own I "discovered" fantasy again. I was in Waldenbooks and the cover art of Magic's Pawn by Mercedes Lackey caught my eye. I will forever be greatful to Jody Lee for that. I will still read a book simply because she did the art....and I'm not usually dissapointed. I am a sucker for anything Arthurian (note: my Nick. ?)amd adored Mary Stewarts Trilogy. I also liked the Jack Whyte, MZ Bradley, and Dianna Paxon books. As for my favorite books right now? Well ,I never thought there would be anyone better than Jordan.....until I read G RR Martin. There is no comparison! My favorite character in the series is Arya, hands down. And actually, I rather like Dany too. I am also a big fan of Kate Elliot's Crown of Stars series, and the Goodkinds. I did not like Sailing to Sarantium..and I just finished Rhapsody, which did not live up to my expectations either. I am currently reading The Fire Dragon, the concluding novel in Katherine Kerr's Devverry series. Now, there is an author I dont hear much about in fantasy circles, she is Michelle (Sagara)West. I am waiting for the next novel from her called Sea of Sorrows book 4 in the Sun Sword series.According to her it will ship in April (I actually emailed her and got a response!)I like these books alot. Has anyone read them? And lastly, should I read Robin Hobb next? I keep picking her up and she never seems to get to the check out.......thanks for meeting me!!!

[Cadfael]

Hi Arty, very nice to make your aquaintance.

YES, YES and triple YES... read Robin Hobb, her books are brilliant, her plot-lines totally unpredicable, and her writing style is just plain inspired IMHO.

I also agree with you about the Mary Stewart books, I consider them to be a 'plausibe' explanation of the Authurian legend, although I stress I do consider them fiction.

I look forward to many discussions with you on the forum.

[wolfshead]

Hi Arty, Welcome to the group. You read a lot of the same books I enjoy (except Goodkind--don't like him, sorry.)Susan Cooper was one of the first fantasy authors I read too--certain passages still send shivers down my spine. They are supposed to be for kids, but really they are ageless and timeless. I know what you mean about the covers by Jody Lee. did you know they are based on actor Michael Praed? One of them resembled in a very great degree his promo shot for the '84 musical 'The Three Musketeers'.
I still haven't read GRR Martin but I brough the books this Xmas. I haven't started them yet because I'm almost enjoying the anticipation because everyone says they are so terrific.

[FitzChivalry]

Hmm.. about The Fire Dragon... it isn't the concluding book of Deverry, there is one more book forthcoming called The Gold Falcon.

[Arty]

Really? The cover says its the last one! Cool! Thanks!!!

[Cadfael]

FitzChivlary (hey I got yer name right this time)... I thought The Fire Dragon was the concluding book as well, thanks.

Wolfshead.. read the GRRM books dammit http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif, go on... you know you want to... I won't tell anyone, honest <sortof>. You should be sorry, not liking Goodkind (hurumph) http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif