[juzzza]

Most of you have great taste (except those that dismiss Gemmell):D .

As informed and well read fantasy fans with strong opinions and a real understanding of what you like and dislike in a novel, tell me what makes a GREAT fantasy novel. Give me a wish list if you will, describing the elements that you love in a good book. Think about the way you want it to build, the types of characters and so on.

Before anyone says 'If we all knew the formula, we would all be writing full time...' Give it a try.

:D

[GreyWulph]

Well for me, I have to care about the characters. Each must have a distinct personality, flaws...in other words be "real" and not cookie cutter. For instance, the book I just started began with the king who was handsome, long flowing hair, and muscles bigger than any other man, honorable etc, etc, etc...YAWN...It is so typical I can't pick up the book again. I tend to think if an author can't make an interseting, unique character, what are the chances the story is any more original.

Next the story has to give you a sense that the characters you have come to like are actually in danger and might fail or die. That gives you the urge to keep reading. That was the problem with the Redemption of Althalus. The characters were so powerful and the villains so lame their was no tension, and thus no drama.

I also like a fully realized world. Even if the author doesn't go into extreme detail, some authors give you the impression that they have fully thought out the history, religions, and cultures of their world.

Finally, I like an interesting villain, one who isn't maniacal for the sake of being evil. They have to have reasons for what they do, not just because it's the evil thing to do. It's even better if there is no difference between the "good guys" and the "bad guys", and they are just two different shades of grey.

I'm sure I have other criteria, but those are the ones that really hook me into a story.

[Jon Shannow]

What I enjoy most about a story, if there is already good plot character and writing, is building it could be anything design and building a masterpeice sword or crossbow or spell maybe a town or civilization or just a house or cabin.
A nice detailed desciption of the constuction of something. Sadly few Authors can do this without making it a dull as paint drying.

[milamber_reborn]

Thoughts. In my novel, I really get into what the characters are thinking about each other and their own feelings. And sometimes they kid themselves about their true feelings, which can be kinda funny.

[Aidan Aasarin]

I will expand a little further on GreyWulph post above about "shades of grey". I also like villians who have realistic reasons for their actions as well as having heroes with serious character flaws. I have read few books that do this well but not many.
I would also like to read a book with an original ending twist as well, perhaps where the ultimate goal of the protag. is met, but upon reflection maybe realize that though the world is a better place, the price perhaps was too high in obtaining it. So many books spin off making right a wrong or bringing balance where their is imbalance. I would like to see an author step up to the plate and show the protagonist that the bodies he left behind him may impact the world further with imbalance instead of righting it so.
Character death. So many novels i have read seem to introduce characters just for the sake of the author killing them later. When a character dies in a novel i'm enjoying, i want it to hurt me. I want to say "Oh my God!, He actually killed off Perrin!" Feist is one of the few that really hit me with this and I love him for it. Call me deranged if you will. Jordan has done it with one character so far, and I can think of half a dozen more he should....I mean could do this too. :)

[Shanoncia]

For me there the perfect formula consists of a few musts and a few lacks.

+ must be a terifying villian
- can't be weakness on either side
+ should be a minor romance
- definatly no 'cheesy' love scenes
+ must be a creative ingenious world seperate from anywhere
I've ever been
+ the hero should overcome ridiculous odds by the traits good
men need to really be considered good men (i.e. - bravery,
valour, and also intelligence, cunning, compassion, etc. )
- No stupid women that are stronger then all men but still skinny
as a toothpick, that is so cliche and overdone
+ has to be multiple obstacles, not just one villian

I don't know what else to write... it's late (as usual ) and I'm too weary to think of all this. :)

[cgw]

I prefer situations where the the protagonist and antagonist are in a grey area, not straight good verses evil.

I want to be able to identify with the main character on some level.

I do not like the "reluctant hero" or a main character that is an idiot.

I lke some sort of magic or power in fantasy.

[juzzza]

This 'Grey Path' has been mentioned a few times and David Gemmell does this a lot with his characters. Often his anti-heroes are facing demons from the past and become heroes simply because they are the most unlikely to show such heroism. (Waylander & Waylander 2, are great examples)

I address this in my Fantasy MS, see my post 'Quote'.

http://www.sffworld.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3021

Thanks

[Shanoncia]

I prefer situations where the the protagonist and antagonist are in a grey area, not straight good verses evil.

It's interesting you should mention that. I love that sort of battle because it really takes you as the reader for a ride and allows you to interpret yourself like you never could before, if I may so. The fact the I like Gary heros is apparant in my own writings because the hero of my story is evil, evil, evil...! it's not completely her fault though. She was under the power of... oh nevermind...I really can't get into it here. Just take note that she is a blood and Lord lusting freak, and nothing gets in her way when she wants something. :D

[juzzza]

When do we/I get to read some Shan, it's sounds great. Do you include elements of your music magic in this work?