[JohnH]

This might require a two-part answer.
Basically what is the best stand alone fantasy novel that you have read?

To make this a bit more interesting, what book (first installment) in a series was written well enough to standon its own?

Answer to the first? Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay.

The rest of his stuff gets honorable mention as well as Patricia K. McKillip.

Answer to the second?
Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Dart was excellent, and though it left a few doors open, resolved itself quite nicely.

Oddly enough, The Eye of the World also did so even though it begged to be continued.

[Erebus]

Well, this comes out of the archives - and from way back in the dark recesses of my brain. But I'm going to say Wyvern by A. A. Attanasio.

If not that one, going even further back, I always thought Glory Road by Robert A. Heinlein was a great fantasy adventure, though some may argue it was borderline Science Fiction! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

As to the second question...Ummm...I'm still thinking on that one!

Oh...Welcome to the Forum, btw!

[This message has been edited by erebus (edited September 21, 2001).]

[Barbarossa]

Welcome on the Forum,

as to your first question:
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay, of his three stand alone novels Lions of Al'Rashan is actually my least favorite, which means it's just superb http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Caly]

I think I am going to jump on the band wagon and go with Lions of al-Rasson as well. Inversions by Iain M. Banks is a very close runner up, though, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a GGK fan. Definetly one of the best books I've read this year.

As for a series start that could be a great stand alone......hmmmmm. That is very tough. I think I'll have to go with Daughter of the Empire by Feist and Wurts. It is the worst of the series, but it is totally wonderful.

Caleyna http://www.fantasyfreaks.org

[Rob B]

Non Series book
The King of Elfland's Daughter

1st book of a series
Tie.
Lord Foul's Bane
The Talisman

[This message has been edited by FitzFlagg (edited September 21, 2001).]

[Lady Fox]

My fav fantasy stand alone is The Barbed Coil by J.V. Jones.

First book in a series - Eye of the World

[Shehzad]

FF: I'm sure you saw this one coming!

Favourite stand-alone:
Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

Favourite first book in a series:
(tie)
Magician by Raymond E. Feist
Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen Donaldson

[FitzChivalry]

favorite stand-alone:
A Night in The Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny (possibly my all time favorite book overall)

favorite first book of a series:
Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny
tied with
Magician by Raymond E. Feist (had to go with you on this one Shehzad)



[This message has been edited by FitzChivlary (edited September 21, 2001).]

[Cadfael]

I am with Lady Fox, The Barbed Coil by JV Jones for my fave stand-a-lone book.

Of course I am with FitzFlagg with the series opener The Talisman, maybe the best book I have ever read.

[Shehzad]

Dennizm -- don't tell me you still haven't read Perdido??!!