[dormisher]

Hi, just wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of any interesting fantasy series. I am a big fan of Erikson, Martin and Abercombie so anything along these lines is great.

I am asking because I have found that my tastes obviously are a lot different to a lot of people who read fantasy so research on the net tends to lead to bad ends.

I never want a repeat of even looking at a novel as bland as some Eddings that I read or as immature and stunted as Donaldsons Covenant novels (which recieve glowing reviews all over the place much to my bemusement).

Anyway, you guys on here will definitely know a lot more than me so hopefully you can help me find something to suit my tastes!

[Thelonious]

Try R.Scott Bakker?

I was completely bowled over by Erikson and Bakker. Discovered them both shortly after each other.

[dormisher]

cheers man, never heard of bakker but after a quick look - (multilayered / complex), it sounds like the kind of thing I would like! i'll be checking it out...

cheers man

[LaMattie]

cheers man, never heard of bakker but after a quick look - (multilayered / complex), it sounds like the kind of thing I would like! i'll be checking it out...

cheers man

As I understand it you prefer high, realistic, gritty fantasy.
Martin and Erikson definitely qualify, there're others however whose work you might greatly appreciate, such as:

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scoot Lynch.
The Way fo Shadows by Brent Weeks.

And finally, you might want to try The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
Though it's less gritty than the other two, it's still one of the best new fantasy out there IMO.

[Rulkez]

Glen Cook's Black Company series(now available in handy omnibus editions) is a must read for any fan of Erikson (especially bridgeburner fans).

The Ten Thousand by Paul Kearney : Excellent military focused , gritty fantasy .

I would also second Name of the Wind, it is an excellent book.

Oh , also , one that doesnt seem to get thrown around much ;

The Red Wold Conspiracy by Robert V S Reddick

[Jon Sprunk]

Glen Cook's Black Company series(now available in handy omnibus editions) is a must read for any fan of Erikson (especially bridgeburner fans).

Seconded. If you like Erikson, check out Cook's works, starting with this.

[chokipokilo]

Greg Keyes "Kingdom of Thorn and Bone Series" is also pretty good thus far, but I've only read as far as the second book.


I wouldn't say you're out of the norm at all for disliking Eddings and Donaldson while liking Martin and Erickson.

[Rob B]

All good recommendations so far, probably the best match for Erikson would be Glen Cook and either his Black Company or Dread Empire series.

Gemmell might work if you like Abercrombie.

As for Martin, this thread might help: Help me!! I'm having a hard time find good fantasy books post Martin (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9874)

This thread might help you in general:
If you like ^^^^^ then you might like ##### (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285)

[chokipokilo]

Seconded. If you like Erikson, check out Cook's works, starting with this.

Gotta ask, does the opposite apply? I read the first Black Company book and didn't like it at all. Would that mean I wouldn't like the Malazan series?

[Jon Sprunk]

Gotta ask, does the opposite apply? I read the first Black Company book and didn't like it at all. Would that mean I wouldn't like the Malazan series?

Hard to say. I think I see a lot of Cook in Gardens of the Moon (the first Malazan book), but Erikson definitely has his own style, and the story is completely different.

My advice would be to try Gardens anyway and see for yourself.