[Belgarion]

Who is the best out of these clashes?

GRR Martin Vs Tad Williams

John Marco Vs Matthew Stover

Stephen Donaldson Vs Tolkien (Yes, I want to compare them!)

These 3 pairings are very deliberate, I just want to satisfy my curosity in who will win out of these 3 battles.

[Rob B]

Tad Williams

I can't decide between Marco and Stover. Stover's Overworld/Caine books were better than Marco's Tyrants and Kings but Marco's Eyes of God nudged out Stover's tales of Barra.

Donaldson, I've read more by him.

[kaseryn]

Dunno if its still alive or archived but there was a considerable thread on the Covenant - Tolkien debate...

[polgara]

Tad Williams is good but I suppose what your into.

Don't read those two.


Tolkien there is no one who you can compare him to.


P.s Belgarion I have just converted my mate Lauren aka Beldaran(she came on the forum earlier this year)from a Gemmal fan to a Eddings fan!!!!!

[allanon]

Oh, great news, Pol!
About the duels:
1 Tad Williams
Better language, better characters, better world, better style- BETTER
2 Don't read them
3 Tolkien
Donaldson sometimes is boring to me...Tolkien too, but...

[ChrisW]

Jordan
Jordan
Erikson

http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[LeMort]

Hmm... It's hard to say, but if I was forced to choose I'd go with:

GRR Martin
Matthew Stover
J.R.R Tolkien

That's more a case of personal preference though, because they can't really be compared.

[Rob B]

Jordan
Jordan
Erikson


Thought you might have thrown Kate Elliott in there Caldie. What no "martin sooks" comment? http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Myrah the witch]

I don't know the first two sets, sadly.

Donaldson or Tolkein, gotta go with Tolkein, Donaldson is very depressing, Tolkein (inspite of the movie) is beyond messure.

[Ladijen]

1. Tad Williams

2. (haven't read either)

3. Stephen Donaldson

Number 1 and number 3 are tough, though. It is difficult to compare either pair of authors because they are all wonderful storytellers. However, I think Tad Williams better combines full, rich characterization with gripping story lines. While Tolkien will always be the "master", sometimes the student can surpass the master. Stephen Donaldson is much better at creating a full, real (if sometimes depressing) world, I think.