[DLaw3000]

OK, I am pretty new to the whole fantasy novel scene; one of my friends suggested Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. I read all four books and loved them.

Another friend, who also likes Martin, recommended Sara Douglass' Wayfarer Redemption series. I picked it up and am about 200 pages into it. I must say, the style is far removed from Martin - much more fantastical and less historical fiction. This at first is a turn-off for me... I kind of like things to at least seem plausible. I'm sticking through it for now, at least until the end of the first book.
Can anyone who is familiar with the series shed some light on whether or not the series continues along the lines it's going? (spirits, magic, mysterious prophecies, strange capitalized words) Perhaps without giving too much away? I guess I'm just deciding whether it's worth it to keep going with this series, or to maybe start something else, like the Farseer trilogy, which I have been told more closely resembles Martin.

[Mexal]

What was it you liked about Martin that you are looking for in the books? Strong characterization (giving you grey characters)? Epic story? Historical fiction? Politics and intrigue? His descriptive style of writing?

Just trying to get a sense for what exactly you're looking for in a book.

[MaCinJay]

You may want to check out The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson. It's perhaps slightly more "other-wordly" than ASOIAF but, like Martin's work, Erikson's fantasy has a distinctly harder edge to it.

[Self]

Haven't read Douglas, but as far as Hobb goes, nowhere near as compelling as Martin IMO. Hobb has alot of fans who may disagree.

Erikson - more of a military theme than Martin, not really the same either IMO.

Can't say I've read anything with the superb intrigue / characterisation of Martin. If other readers know of books in a similiar style, I also would love to know.

[JBI]

From my experience with Douglas, I personally found her writing style to be very beautiful, but her names god awful. Couldn't connect with the characters because of those hideous names.

For stuff like Martin, I recommend reading outside of the genre. You may be surprised at how good some non-fantasy literature is (laughs to himself quietly).

Besides that though, really nothing compares to his style (in my opinion). I would recommend either finding something else that you enjoy and working your way around from there, or perhaps re-reading Martin so many times that he ceased to amuse you, and you are finally ready to move onto other stuff. The choice is yours: either experiment with other stuff, or bore yourself to the point where he doesn't interest you anymore, and you are ready to move on.

On a lighter note, check the recommendations thread. You should find one of those "If you like this you may like" type threads with Martin comparisons. I haven't read every book, so perhaps there may be something that compares.

Hope that helps; ~JBI

[Beleg]

There's nothing like A Song of Ice and Fire saga in fantasy fiction.

Sara Douglas, however, is about as far as you can get from Martin in terms of quality without bringing up Christopher Paolini or fan-fictions.

A lot of people consider Dorothy Dunnett's historical fiction stuff to be very similiar to Martin's work (sans the magical stuff and the children). I haven't read her but you might want to check it out, seeing as I can't think recall reading a single negative review of the Lymond Chronicles.

[Werthead]

Douglass is one of the very many 'McDonalds Happy Meal' fantasy authors out there. Okay during the experience, but afterwards you may feel guilty and slightly ill.

For comparisons to Martin, I think you'll find Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora is a reasonable comparison, Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself probably as much. Scott Bakker's The Darkness That Comes Before compares very well to Martin, but be warned that it is even darker than ASoIaF. Otherwise Erikson is indeed the way to go.

[Beleg]

Sigh...

I dislike disagreeing with opinions but in this case I feel I have to put in a contrary opinion here. All the books Werthead mentions are no where near the same as Martin. And I am not talking about the quality, that nonwithstanding, the feel of the above mentioned series is completely different from what I get when I read Martin. None of the elements in any of those books (apart from the gritty realism in Bakker's stuff and the epicness of Erikson) remind me of any characteristic inherent in aSoIaF.

[bearhat]

D Law 3000,

Just wondering if you read Sara Douglas' Axis trilogy? Wayfarer Redemption is a sequel to that series. It's a generation later.

Be warned, WR gets worse as it progresses, not better. That's my opinion anyway. So if you're having trouble with book one, I'd stop and try something you'll enjoy. Some people love it but with Douglass you can normally tell right up if it's your cup of tea or not.

I agree with Werthead. The Happy Meal comment is apt. You can feel great reading it but feel ashamed of yourself afterwards. This is a matter of taste. Some people love Douglas' style. Some people love happy meals.

Also, if you're not sold on it by now, the ending will make you completely irate at yourself for having wasted your time. I found it way too "convenient", with one of the worst deux es machina moments in modern fantasy I've yet encountered.

You mentioned Robin Hobb's Farseer. Having just read that in the last few months I'd say try that. It's less political than Martin but very rewarding. You'll get an idea within the first 3 or 4 chapters if it's something you're into or not.

I'd actually say J.V Jones Sword of Shadows would be one of the closest matches to Martin in terms of icy northern world, conflicted characters and theme, but on a slightly smaller scale and with less politics. I loved that series, even though book 3 is not yet out.

Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow and Thorn is definitely worth a read. A finished trilogy and very strong characters, with a lot of politics, action, depth. One of my favourites.

I agree with others. At present, Martin stands alone in the style of fantasy he's writing. Erikson and Bakker are fantastic, but their worlds are nothing like Westeros, and Erikson has sorcery magic galore.

Hope this helps.

[ChrisW]

Beerhat, from memory the two trilogies were published as one series in the USA under the Wayfarer Redemption name.

DLaw if your after fantasy with a historical fiction slant perhaps try Kay or Lawhead.