[Crysania]

Hello, I'm obviously new. I won't bother introducing myself here as I see there's a thread
http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000255.html

for that already. And I've posted my intro there.

I know there are many threads already dealing with book reccomendations. I'm quite picky and it's funny how one person will suggest an author that I love and an author that I loathe in the same breath. Perhaps if you knew my taste, as stated below, someone might be able to grasp the pattern of what I enjoy and suggest something to read next? Because I can't grasp the pattern! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

As a child, I cut my teeth on Susan Cooper - Dark is Rising series & Lloyd Alexander - Prydain Chronicles. Another fave was a book called Drujienna's Harp by Ellen Kindt McKenziebv

My mature list consists of:

Lord of the Rings - Tolkien -- the master. But some of my reasons for liking it so much are: the high, proud, poetic style of writing, the epic scale of it all, the grandness, Pippin (cynical & ironic) and the heartbreaking tale of the Elves.

Thomas Covenant - Donaldson - Dark. Fabulous anti-hero, lots of hard lessons to ingest in this one. It really felt like I was being pulled through a key-hole reading this. The imagery is fabulous as well (the dance of the wraiths in Andelain, the rearing of the Ranyhyn to Covenant). I'm inlove with Mhoram.

Song of Ice & Fire - Martin - Realistic but fantastic, and utterly shocking. You just NEVER know what's going to happen next. Arya is my fave. the imagery here is amazing as well -- when she's practice-fighting up in the trees in Clash of Kings...

Memory, Sorrow, Thorn - Williams - Love the Sithi and the Maegwin storyline. Phenomenal. The ending did not satisfy me, as it did not many others. There's something about the poigency of the Sithi's history and the dialogue between them and the humans that just completley captures another alien time and place. I'm inlove with Jiriki.

Wheel Of Time - Jordan -- Liked the way he took familiar concepts and twisted them in the first few books. I hated books 7&8 but thought 9 was a bit promising. I love and have been known as Nynaeve in her initial days. Sadly, the latter books have made the characters quite plasitc and obnoxious. It's not a personal story anymore. I'm not sure he's lost sight of the story but it's just too HUGE and I don't care about most of the characters as they seem spoiled and infallible at this point.

Farseer - Hobb. Lovely and twisted tale. The ending didn't bother me as it did some. I think the Fool is one of the most UNIQUE characters I've ever come across. The relationship between him and Fitz was worth the
whole story, if you ask me. The 'environment' of the story was just incredible. The tragedy and redemption of Fitz is incomparable.

Earthsea - LeGuin. Well-done high-fantasy that is simplistic all the same. Some hated Tehanu, I loved it. I liked seeing almight Ged powerless. The prose of the story put it on another plane. It was...grander than pulp fantasy even if the plots weren't so 'fantastic'.

Legends - Weis & Hickman. Oh my God. Just recently finished this trilogy on a tip from a friend. Broke my heart in 102392099320983 pieces. I'm still walking wounded. What an INCREDIBLE characterization in Raistlin. This is the Wuthering Heights/Catherine & Heathcliff of the fantasy genre. I'm not sure there's anything that can get me over this.

I also have enjoyed these fantasy novels:
The Darkling Hills: Lori Martin -- currently out of print. There was something Mystical and Mists of avalon-like about this tragic story. Has ANYONE other than myself read it?
First Shannara Triology - Elfstones, especially.

Here's what I dislike...

I HATE Goodkind's writing with all my soul -- I tried three times to get through Wizard's first rule... INSIPID. The dialogue was worse than laughable, the characters one-dimensional and story obnoxiously trite. I'm sorry if I offend -- believe me, people insult my faves every day. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/frown.gif
Couldn't get through L. E., Jr. Modesitt's Recluse stuff either - I found it boring
I find Eddings is boring
GG Kays' Lions of Al-Rassan was a snoozer, though I did finish it since I love Medieval Spain
I do not enjoy Science Fiction for the most part either although both Donaldson and Williams have branched into that sector.

I guess I like GRANDEUR but it can be understated Granduer...my major was in film, after all..

Outside of fantasy I like medieval historical novels pertaining to Britain - especially Wales (Sharon Kay Penman, comes to mind). And I enjoy tried and true literature -- Bronte sisters, Capote, MM Kaye, Thomas Hardy, Forster, Marquez, Jane Austen, James Joyce, etc.

If anyone can see a pattern tying all this together and make a suggestion.. well... I'll, er, I'll be your best friend?!

http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif
Crysania

[This message has been edited by Crysania (edited July 28, 2001).]

[lior]

Hi crysania
you've mentioned you have read LEGENDS and liked it a lot, but didn't you read the CHRONICLES before that? if you did, wasn't it one of your favourites also? and if you haven't, well.... I envy you.

[azaz]

Crown of Stars by Kate Elliott*
The first volume in 'A Crown of Stars', 'King's Dragon' leaps right into the thick of things. Elliot creates a rich and deatiled world sure to draw any reader in. The story begins in the Kingdoms of Wendar and Varre, united under a single King, Henry. Varre desires independence of Henry's rule, and his half-sister, Sabella, begins to forment rebellion. Meanwhile, the unhuman Eika have attacked the kingdoms again, yet this time, it is not to raid, but appears to be a war of conquest, as several Eika tribes have been united under a single leader, Bloodheart. We are introduced to our two protaganists, Liath, and Alain.

Liath is a the more unusual character. Her father and her have been running for years since her mother's death, and he harbours many secrets, some of which he has taught to Liath. These are knowledge of the stars, and the beginnings of sorcery, outlawed outside of the province of the church centuries ago. After her fathers death, Liath is sold to Hugh, a dubious churchman who seeks to use her physically, and to steal her forbidden knowledge of magic.

Alain lives a simple life, with his foster father. His father is sending him to be Sworn to the church, he'd rather (of course) explore the mysteries of the world. Nevertheless, as he sets out to present himself to the church for service, he is accosted by a prophetic vision of the Lady of Battles, and his path to greatness is paved. Regardless of the familiar construct, Elliot manages to turn Alain into an excellent character, and develops him throughout the book. I really liked the visions and dreams he has.

In addition to our heroes, Elliot's world is filled with intriguing characters, the immortal Sanglant, bastard son of Henry, the despicable Hugh and more grace the pages of this book.

A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson*
- Gardens of the Moon: This is a superb book, and is quite challenging to read. But once you get used to the way the writer writes, you will be surprised. This is a book full of action, there is always something happening, and you don't just see it through one persons view-point but several. There are several characters it is based around, not just one main character.

The story is a fantastic one and can be quite complex. You try to work out what will happen or why it happens before you are told. The beginning may be a bit confusing but later on you start to understand it more clearly. I would say this is probably one of those books where there are some people who will get hooked on it and then those who may not like it at all. But I would say give it a try.

I had loads of fun reading this book and recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy books and it is a challenging one. I would also recommend it to any other book reader. This is my second favourite book of all time, and I can't wait to start reading Deadhouse Gates which is a follow on from this one. Well Done Steven Erickson, keep the excellent work up.

Overall: Fast pace, astonishingly detailed, innovative, powerfully engaging, massive, panoramic and highly intelligent. An author to watch out for.

You'll really be interested in the creatures and the history. Here's a good review http://www.sfsite.com/06a/gard58.htm

Sword of Shadows by J V Jones*
- Cavern of Black Ice:
This was a superb and entertainment book. Set in a harsh cold environment, a world where there are several different creatures, and sorcery is rare. The detail in the book and the world created is astonishing. The story starts off abit slow, but really speeds up as you move along. The characters have been drawn out very well, the action description is excellent where it is described, though I hope to see much more. I really liked the idea of the 'Heart Kill' by Raif. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait till 'A Fortress of Grey Ice' is released, the follow on.
Overall: Astonishingly detailed, innovative, powerfully engaging, massive, panoramic and highly intelligent. Can become an addictive series, but depends on how well the next book will do after the set up in this book.

The Sword, the Ring and the Challace by Deborah Chester
This was an very good series. The characterisation really got to me. The story is good, but it is Character Driven all the way. Its you can say and easy read, which you finish in short time and want more after. But I'll recommend it.

Others worth checking:
A Tale of the kings blade by Dave Duncan
Harry Potter by J K Rowling* - nice read.
The Hedge Knight by George Martin - its a short story but very good.
Runelords by David Farland* - is good but I'm not sure if you would like it.
The Swan's War by Sean Russell* - quite good, a lot of dialogue, probably more than any other book I have read.
Rhapsody[b] by Elizabeth Haydon* - I heard its suppose to be good, but I'm still awaiting for mine to arrive in hardback as in UK they are still in the reprinting stage.
[b]Sevenwaters Trilogy by Juliet Mariller* - I've just started reading this, about 1/4 of way through 'Daughter of the Forest' and so far it has been very good.

from the ones you've listed i read, Tad Williams, George Martin, Tolkien, and Robin Hobb, which I enjoyed immensely.

-----------------------
Where I've put a * it means that it is an ongoing series, and I have only reviewed the first book, so not to spoil the series for you.
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[Lord Soth]

If you liked the Dragonlance characters then I seriously recommend anything written by David Gemmel. Great reads that will hurl you through a range of emotion like nothing else. Try Echo's of the Great Song (a great stand alone book concentrating around the fall of an Atlantis type society) or any Of the Rigante series (a bastardised history of the Scottish set over a very large time span, including the Romans though to muscet toting Brits; although not described as such). The series starts with Sword in the Storm?? and the 3rd book (by far the best so far) is called Ravenheart.

If you do try any of his stuff let me know what you thought http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Crysania]

THANK YOU so much! I've printed this whole thing out and will take it with me to the bookstore! Believe me, I'll let you know how it goes. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif Let me know if I can help y'all out! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

PS Hey Lior, I have read Chronicles already. It just didn't resonate like the others. But at least it led me Legends and I did enjoy it. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Eventine]

Crysania,
You're list nearly reads exactly the same as mine, I haven't read legends however. I'll agree with Azaz and recommend Kate Elliott Crown of Stars. Another of my favourites is Janny Wurts, Wars of Light and Shadow.
And if you liked Thomas covenant and aren't afraid of sf read Donaldsons Gap series.

[sueVee]

azaz was dead on with the recommendations. You would probably also enjoy the Jaran series by Kate Elliot. Elizabeth Haydon's series Rhapsody is very complicated but is worth taking the time to get into. I have just started the Ash series by Mary Gentle as recommended on this board and it is great. Not sure yet if it is fantasy or science fiction. It has the warriors and epic theme but with a twist combining a past history with a present one, no magical weapons or devices yet. There seems to be two distinct voices in this series, both with mysteries to answer.

[This message has been edited by sueVee (edited July 30, 2001).]

[FitzChivalry]

I must say that after finishing Ash, i think it's more science fiction than fantasy.
But anymore on that will get into spoilers zone.

[Hobbit]

SueVee - You are in for a real treat, Sue! There are things in that book that left me truly amazed. It is one of the best books I've read in a long long time - if you can cope with the brutality... http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

Crysania - been giving this some thought. Have just finished the first Kate Elliott (King's Dragon) and would suspect as recommended above that you would like that. If you like romantic/Celtic type fantasy (as I suspect you do) then I've heard that Celtika by Robert Holdstock is good. There is always the Marion Zimmer Bradley series (Mists of Avalon) which gives a different slant to the Arthurian legend from a female perspective. I have read the first - IMHO it was good but a little slow, but I know people wo love them. Katherine Kerr's Deverry series is very similar to the Kate Elliott if I remember right. Start with Daggerspell there. I would recommend the Bernard Cornwell 'Winter King' series, though it too is a little brutal. Lastly again another author I've not read but heard they're good is the Juliet Marillier series of Daughter of the Forest and Son of the Shadows, with more to follow.

There are quite a few pages there...

Hope this helps! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hobbit

[Winterland]

I have read and liked quite a few from your lists...

Have you checked out C. S. Freidman's Coldfire trilogy?

Also, there's this new guy... you might check out his work "Awareness: Book I of Mindsight" by C. E. Winterland. B&N.com and several other online booksellers have it in stock.

Hehehe, just a suggestion.

C. E. Winterland