[sueVee]

Hi

I have been busy reading so haven't checked these boards for awhile. I am glad so many people have discovered the Coldfire Trilogy. Now has anyone checked out Mickey Zucker Reichert's Renshai Chronicles? It is sort of a mix of Conan and Norse mythology.

I noticed on the amazonuk board you can pre-order Martin AFFC and Hobb's "The Golden Fool" (Tawny Man Part 2.) Does this mean they will be released soon?

Thanks to these boards I have discovered Sara Douglas (ordered all from amazonuk), Kate Forsyth, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, and the Daughter of Shadows series (the author's name excapes me.) I have also finished James Clemmens, Gemmell's newest, and Elizabeth Haydon. Now, does anyone have any other suggestions for me. I am fairly omniverous in my reading material.

Besides Reichert I would suggest Susan Elgin's old series. I think it is called the Ozark trilogy. It is about a world that was settled by a group of Appalachians who are fed up with the craziness of Earth in the year 2050. At the time of this book the civilization is about 2000 years old. The planet they settled contains 3 sentinent races. Only one race (Mules - mindreading flying equines similiar to the mules on earth except they are fertile) are prominent in the story lines. The other two play a small but pivotal role. The society of humans revolves around three types of magic - Commonsense (available to all), Granny magic (available only to those who have graduated from granny school) and Hifaluting (available only to male magicians of high rank.) Of course there is a nemisis - the Out Cabal. But only the grannies are aware of this threat. This is an old-fashioned fantasy though it is somewhat feminist. It is an easy read.

[Rob B]

suVee, welcome back.

If you liked Gemmell, chances are you'd like James Barclay. His first book Dawnthief is now being distributed in the US.

Hmmm...Try Matthew Stover and John Marco, those are my 2 standard recommendations.

Did you like Dart-Thornton?

Sean Russell writes some excellent fantasy. Try his duology The River into Darkness or The One Kingdom book 1 of his new trilogy The Swan's War.

[sueVee]

FitzFlagg

Thanks for replying so quickly. I have read and enjoyed Marco. Thanks for the tip on Stover. Thorton is okay. The book started out interesting but didn't really grab me, but it did have a lot of unanswered questions that kept me reading. It began with a very interesting premise. The gender of the main character was not defined. Also it set up a society that kept me wondering. Unlike other books, the historical background and mores of this society was developed with the story, not set up in the first few chapters. You don't get a feel up front about the rules governing this world. To enjoy this book you need to be a litte familiar with the seelie and unseeli mythologies. I will get the second book because I am curious. However, because of the ending of the first I think the second will be more mudane.

I have started one book from Sean Russell. Something about a quest for a plant to extend a king's life. The main character was the nephew to an infamous magician. I got half way through but I never developed an interest in his characters so I stopped. I am very character driven in the books I enjoy. But I will try him again.

[This message has been edited by sueVee (edited April 27, 2002).]

[Rob B]

I thought Dart-Thornton was OK, too. Don't feel really compelled to pick up book 2, though. I found myself skimming over some scenes that didn't quite capture me, which is obviously not a good sign.

I think the Russell book you're referring to is World Without End. The River into Darkness is its prequel. I'd say The One Kingdom is more character driven and very good.

[Mithfânion]

Sue, about the release dates, Golden Fool (Tawny Man book II) is still up for an October release in the UK, but Martin's book has sadly been delayed till April 2003.

I personally though Black Sun rising was a bit mediocre. It's why I haven't picked up the second book yet. I may sometimein the future but its not like with Kay's fantastic Fionavar Trilogy that I'm reading right now.



[This message has been edited by Mithfânion (edited April 27, 2002).]

[sueVee]

It was years ago I read the Coldfire trilogy but I really did enjoy it. I didn't care for the priest so much, but I really liked Tarrant. I have read some of Kay's stuff but not that trilogy. I will be looking for it. Also thanks for the update on the books. Any comments on "A Fortress of Grey Ice" yet? I am thinking of ordering it through amazonuk. Thanks again.

[Mithfânion]

Sue, check that same www.amazon.co.uk (http://www.amazon.co.uk) for a couple of reviews on Fortress. I've not seen reviews by other sites though.

[kray3]

Well, i just got an email from Walden-Books (a chainstore in the Eastern US) that a Martins A Storm of Swords will be coming out in paperback in this May, at a price of $14.95, if anyone managed to wait this long without buying the hardcover http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif.

[This message has been edited by kray3 (edited April 29, 2002).]

[sueVee]

FitzFlagg-

Picked up Sean Russell's "One Kingdom" this weekend. Just thought I would let you know I am really enjoying it. I am surprized as I found his "World Without End" fairly dull. I am also reading Gemmell's "Stormrider." I have not been able to find any Stover in our bookstore, but I did pick up David Brin's "The Kiln People" at the library. This is not fantasy but it is very good.

[Rob B]

suVee-glad your enjoyeng Russell.

Stover's Blade of Tyshalle should be fairly easy to find since it was release about a month ago in mass market paperback.