[Ulf64]

I'm new to this board, but I'm hoping that someone can recommend my next Fantasy series to read. Perhaps I'm a novice, but so far I've read all of Tolkein (Hobbit, LOTR and Silmarillion) and all of Robert Jordan's WOT series. I started in on Terry Brook's Sword of Shannara and finished the book, but found it too "light" and don't intend to finish the series. The other series I'm considering are: Thomas Covenant series, Song of Ice and Fire, and Sword of Truth. Any suggestions where to start? I'm definitely into the "otherworld" fantasies that take place in a "medieval-like" time period. Not into futuristic or space stuff. I do like the Tolkein-like fantasies, but I'm wondering if I'm getting a little worn out on the "formula". I think if I had never read Jordan or Tolkein, for example, I may have enjoyed The Sword of Shannara.

[Thom]

If you're ready to take on a lot of books maybe you could read Feist's Riftwar and Serpentwar saga. I really liked Gemmell, Goodkind was not so bad but Martin is a must.

[kassimir funk]

Christopher Rowley's "Bazil the Broketail" series. Not very many people know about him but I have yet to hear of anyone who didn't enjoy his work.
I think his imagination will astound you and I guarantee that you will laugh out loud at some point while you are reading.

[Cadfael]

You cannot fail with The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant... by that I mean you will have a very strong opinion... you will love it or you will hate it...

IMO all of your considered 'next' books are good... but if you can get into TC you will not be dissapointed.

[birhutanuh]

i agree about sword of shannara. and almost all small novel-sized books..to me its just like i cant get into a good book if it aint a big meaty mother yea? i like SOT and would recommend it. has anyone ever read the epics about the Anteros by allan cole/chris bunch? i enjoyed the last two but havent been able to find the first ones.

[Thom]

birhutanuh
yes i read the first three books but i don't know if they're is more. I liked the books.

[birhutanuh]

thom
yes i thought there was only three and was dissapionted becaue the one i started on was the last one, then i discovered a little gem in the library called warriors return. its only by allan cole and is the last one. pretty good.

[Kandata]

How about an old/new fantasy series? Try the Earthsea Trilogy by ursula le guin The books are "A Wizard of Earthsea", "The Tombs of Atuan", and "The Farthest Shore" try to read some book reviews here or at sfreader.com http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

happy hunting

[Alucard]

Hey Funk, have you ever read the "Arna" series, which I believe starts with "the ancient enemy," by Rowley (or could this possibly be the same thing)? I saw him at the bookstore down the street and was thinking about picking it up. Any opinions?

[Richard]

If you want gritty, dark epic fantasy, try Glen Cook's Black Company Series.

Just don't get too attached to most of the characters.. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif