[Valada]

Just wondering if many of you had encountered the work of Sara Douglass, and if so, what you thought.

I've only read one book, The Nameless Day, and have to say that I didn't think very highly of it. The idea behind the book is great, but I think that her writing is quite poor. I found the style of storytelling to be very predictable, and her descriptions full of cliches. Clearly I haven't read her work widely, and am therefore interested to hear what other people have to say about her. Have I been too quick to judge? What is your opinion of the work of Sara Douglass?

[Cadfael]

I am currently reading her Axis trilogy... I have to confess I have put it to one side to read the new Hobb book... but I do intend to return to them.

IMHO this is a very good series given what I have read so far, but not having read the book you mentioned I can't really answer your qustion with any confidence.

However... a very nice Australian lady will be along shortly to make all become clear. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Bardos]

E-Morgana?...

[dendol]

I've read both the Axis and Wayfarer trilogies and didnt find anything special. i thought the story line was predictable and cheesy at times.. i prefer books that have twists and turns and leaves me guessing..

[ChrisW]

::wonders why you bothered with the second trilogy if you didnt like the first one::

I found both trilogies to be pretty good though they did drag in places. Oh and where did those two end up at the end of Wayfarer trilogy?

[e-Morgana]

Here I am!!!

Better late than never.

Now here's an author who everyone is no doubt sick of hearing me prattle on about. I love Sara Douglass and have read all her fantasy stuff I can get my hands on. To be honest, I did prefer the Axis/Wayfarer trilogies to the latest Crucible one (which even I admit can be a tad cheesy at times).
The Axis trilogy, especially, I found anything but cheesy. I thought they were very gritty, complex, compelling and damn unpredictable. The ending was definately not what I expected. The Wayfarer Redemption tends to get a little more soppy in parts but I love that in a story so it wasn't a problem for me.

Perhaps, you could get your hands on a stand alone novel Threshold by the lady which is quite different to her series work and is based on ancient Egyptian-ish culture. Its one of her earlier attempts and isn't as polished as the later efforts but a great read anyway. (Warning - it also contains some soppy bits)

Now I can't assure you that you will find her work as rivetting as I do, (its all a matter of taste after all), but perhaps you would enjoy the Axis Trilogy more than her most recent book. I loved the Nameless Day as well, of course, but it is very obviously an introductory book and as such can be a bit confusing working out all the characters and their relationships to each other. It would probably help if I knew a little more about the War of the Roses period in history which the story is loosely based around.

Anyway, my point is, don't give up on her after reading only 1 book (and that one, not her best). I admit I nagged DennizM relentlessly, but I'll refrain from doing it again to you. (Favouritism hey DennizM http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif) Try the Axis Trilogy and if that's not to your liking, well that's fine. I would say that's her best effort though. (I'm reserving final judgement on the Crucible till the third book comes out).

[Valada]

I'll certainly try some others (after the thesis, after the thesis *my new mantra*). I think, though, that this time I'll pop down to the local library rather than shelling out my hard-earned cash. I have a friend who is also passionate about Sara Douglass, but another (with more similar tastes to my own) stated that he used BattleAxe to try to knock down a ball that was stuck in a tree - and this from a guy who loves books... Hence this thread, since I've heard quite conflicting opinions.

Threshold sounds interesting.

Just so you know, she does happen to have a pretty good website, http://www.saradouglass.com.au - I found the section on writing fantasy very interesting, although after reading The Nameless Day I did kind of feel that she should heed her own advice a little more.

Interestingly enough, she states that she isn't a fan of sf/f herself - maybe this is reflected in the superficiality of her writing?

[wolfshead]

I like her quite a lot, but I don't like the romance angles very much when she uses them , and her characters' names are Yuck! Axis the Axe Weilder--urgh!And those winged people with names like bad new-agers!She's better than a lot of others though....

[Shehzad]

(runs for cover to avoid nagging)

[e-Morgana]

Have I said 1 word, Shehzad???!!!