Book Suggestions

**Jimmysolo** · October 9th, 2008, 07:40 PM

Hello,

I read my first fantasy book this week (Fiona McIntosh- Betrayal) and thought it was good so wouldn't mind getting into the whole fantasy book lark and reading some more.

Now having read a few of the threads and discussions you all seem like seasoned veterens of the whole fantasy scene so I was wondering if you could pass on any suggestions of books I should read......

Cheers guys.....

**Shayna** · October 10th, 2008, 10:27 AM

You might have a try at either Melanie Rawn or Robin Hobb. I think you might like their series of books.

**Rob B** · October 10th, 2008, 10:27 AM

You read all those threads and couldn't find anything you wanted to read?

What type of story do you want? What type of Fantasy?

You want Sword & Sorcery like Robert E. Howard's Conan?

You want Epic Fantasy like Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time

Mythical Fantasy like Neil Gaiman?

Help us help you.

**Seak** · October 10th, 2008, 03:20 PM

Read George R R Martin's A Game of Thrones and you'll be hooked.

**aminge37** · October 10th, 2008, 03:40 PM

If I were you I'd start with the Riftwar Saga by Raymond Feist

Magician: Apprentice
Magician: Master
Silverthorn
A Darkness at Sethanon

Martin would be a good place to start at too but just don't expect all fantasy books to be as good as his, because most of them aren't.

**Seak** · October 10th, 2008, 03:46 PM

Very good call Aminge37, love those one's too.

**Whiskeyjack** · October 10th, 2008, 04:47 PM

A third vote for Feist's Riftwar Saga as a good starting point for new readers of fantasy. Also think Terry Brooks' Shannara books would be good (especially for teen readers). Starting with some of these older series will allow the new reader to see what the "fantasy tropes" are and will pave the way for the so-called "grittier" books popular these days.

**KatG** · October 10th, 2008, 11:27 PM

Hey Jimmy, welcome. What did you like about McIntosh's novel particularly?

**aminge37** · October 13th, 2008, 11:03 AM

And actually, you might not want to read A Song of Fire and Ice quite yet. As of now the series is unfinished (the 5th of 7 is scheduled to come out in Fall 2009) and it takes GRRM 3-4 years to write/edit each one, which means that it will be a while before the series is finished.

But don't get me wrong, the novels themselves are friggin amazing, it's just that since you're new to fantasy it would be better for you to read series that are actually complete, and it really is a pain in the ass to wait years and years for the next novel of a series you're into to come out.

**Rob B** · October 13th, 2008, 11:04 AM

Jimmysolo, where did you go?

**Jimmysolo** · October 16th, 2008, 01:52 AM

Hey there team.

Sorry I haven't had internet access for the last couple of days as work revocked my internet rights, they have a knack of doing this its just not fair how they expect you to literally work all day while your here is beyond me. I also have no internet at home yet as I have just moved house and haven't got round to sorting it yet so if I don't respond sometimes that'll be why.

Thanks for all the information you've given me its much appreciated I might give that riftwar saga a go and give some robin hobb books a read. I'm not sure what i'm into yet as i have only read that one book so far but as I said before I really enjoyed so figured I'd get involved but there's so many out there I didn't know where to start.

I'll get out there this weekend and go book shopping and let you know what I purchased. Thanks team your the best........

Holla

Ranke Lidyek · October 16th, 2008, 03:19 AM

The most consistent author I've read--and arguably the finest--is David Gemmell. I'd recommend The Sword in the Storm, Winter Warriors, Dark Moon, the Shannow books and so forth (his novels never disappoint). His best book was Hero in the Shadows (the 3rd Waylander novel). I cannot recommend him enough. His characters are very alive, much like those of Louise La'mour, the immortal western author. There was no writer more focused in the genre.

I like the suggestion of Feist as well. Magician Apprentice is great stuff.

And for all the Terry Brooks bashers, he's written some very good novels. Wishsong of Shannara is a great novel, in my opinion, and he's progressed as a writer. It's definitely a series to consider. Believe it or not, Tanglebox (from the Landover, Kingdom for Sale) might be one of his best novels. I'm not a fan of the other books in that series, but the concept of Tanglebox was brilliant.

Like others, I say you should wait on George R. R. Martin to finish his series. Though after the last novel, I feel he's lost the narrative thread. At this point the series has turned into a bit of a soap opera. His work is also low in terms of magic, and less fantastical than other novels.

I hesitate to recommend Erikson (who I like because I'm a Glen Cook fan and I love Zelazny). If you like his vibe, you'll love the series. But the fabric is different from most fantasy novels.

The Chronicles of Amber is a must-read as well. Roger Zelazny is a genius.

I know I'm forgetting others....

**Alex** · October 16th, 2008, 04:11 AM

I will definatly second David Gemmell as he is easily my favourite author. His books are fast paced with a characterisation that doesn't have any equal in any authors works that I've read (and I've read alot).

I would have to dissagree with Ranke that Hero in the shadows is his best work (I've read the book somewhere between 5-10 times so I still think it's very good ofcourse). I would have to say his last work, the Troy trilogy, is by far his greatest achievement. If those 3 books doesn't move you to tears every now and then you are the terminator=)

His books are characterised by strong notions of friendship, loyalty and honor mixed together with a large dose of action. David Gemmell is the only author whos works I've read over and over again. (Currently reading the troy series for the 3d time)

**Hobbit** · October 16th, 2008, 06:08 AM

Go the Gemmell team...

Think they're pretty good choices so far. Jimmysolo, please let us know what you buy and what you thought about them: we're nosy interested!

Mark / Hobbit