[Gary XI]

After some recommendations and advice

The only GGK book I've read is Tigana, while I thoroughly enjoyed it I’ve since been looking for further works of his.
But after reading the blurbs of the others nothing seems to stand out or draw my attention.
I understand that GGK may be described as writing Historic Fantasy but I’m rather concerned that the stories may focus too much (for my liking) on the historic parallels and dilute much of the fantasy content. The novelty of picking out real world comparisons wears out pretty swiftly for me I’m afraid.

For anyone who has read a few of GGK’s books can we recommend any that struck a really nice balance between fantasy and the history base, much like Tigana?

[Michigan]

I wouldn't worry about that too much, just stay away from Fionavar and you should be fine. Fionavar actually has the most fantasy elements but are by far his worst books. Other then that they are all excellent.

1)Lions
2)Sarantium
3)Tigana
4)Arabonne
5)Last Light of the Sun
.
.
.
.
999999999)Fionavar

haven't read 1 or 2 of them yet.

[Darksbane]

Sounds to me like you actually should give The Fionavar Tapestry a shot (even though I myself really did not like it and didn't finish the first book), if you are looking for more fantasy elements. Outside of that, Last Light of the Sun (of the ones I've read) is probably one of the more prominent in terms of fantasy elements. Under Heaven had a few, but wasn't heavy on the fantasy side.

But I'd give his other work a shot, anyways. My order of preference (there are a couple I haven't read yet):

Lions of Al-Rassan
Under Heaven
Sarantine Mosaic
Song for Arbonne
Tigana
Last Light of the Sun

Lions probably has the least amount of fantasy elements, but to me was just such an excellent book. Tastes differ though, so it's possible that you won't like it at all.

[chokipokilo]

Lions of al Rassan is the best single-volume fantasy novel I've read, though it's got almost nothing in the way of the fantastic. I'd say give it a try regardless of your reservations about historical parallels. It's only one book, so it's not a huge commitment in the event you don't like it. But when you do like it, you'll be able to move on to his other great work with no reservations.

[suciul]

For me The Sarantine Mosaic is #1 by far, next a Song for Arbonne and Lion of al Rassan - this last would have made a great historical romance when those were in vogue (up to say the 60's) and it is still an excellent novel but so romanticized (in the big words like "honor" and the like sense not in the love sense btw) that if I did not like the characters i could have mercilessly satirized it. And it has one of the best twist endings ever

Under Heaven is beautifully written but very flawed - especially the ending -

[Mithfânion]

I understand that GGK may be described as writing Historic Fantasy but I’m rather concerned that the stories may focus too much (for my liking) on the historic parallels and dilute much of the fantasy content

I think all of his work is superb, let me put that first.

The Fionavar Tapestry is a favorite of mine, it is his first work , and his only epic fantasy. Clearly, if you want undiluted Fantasy, in this case mixed with various mythalogies, coupled to characters from our world who are transported into a grand fantasy land, this is your pick.

Away from that, Lions of Al-Rassan is simply a fantastic book. Very little Fantasy, very big on superb storytelling.

Under Heaven, Last Light of the Sun, Sarantine Mosaic, Song for Arbonne, all great reads, but ranking slightly below Lions.

[Daddy Darth]

I loved Fionavar - very engrossing.

[Evil Agent]

I'm one of the people who thought Fionavar was pretty awful... but I didn't give up on Kay because I'd heard that his later works were better. They were... but they're still pretty flawed, in my opinion.

Some moments of brilliance... and other moments of excessive romanticizing and overly melodramatic sentimentality.

For some reason, I enjoyed Arbonne the most.

[Palfrey]

I would suggest Fionavar as well if a more fantasy-ish series is what you want. Don't be put off by what people say about it - It's only melodrama if it's not convincing, and plenty of people found Fionavar convincing.

[saintjon]

The appeal of Kay's books isn't in picking out the historical parallels it's in the beautiful prose and compelling characters. I'm sorry but I can't NOT recommend Lions of Al-Rassan to someone because it has the least fantastic elements of all his novels. It's an insanely good book I would recommend to anyone.

Ysabel was probably my least favourite of Kay's books, personally but I really can't say I thought any of his books were bad or even average, they're all good it's just a question of good or outstanding I guess.