Coldfire Trilogy

[Elena, Daughter of Lena]

I'm strictly a Fantasy reader, but was urged to give this trilogy a try. I'm nearing the end of book one, Black Sun Rising, and I think I like it a lot. Anyone else reading it? I'm surprised to never had heard of it before, having read Donaldson, Silverberg, Eddings, Jordan, Goodkind, Williams, etc., etc., etc.

[Cellandros]

I read that trilogy about three years ago, and quite frankly, I think it may be the most underrated set of novels out there.

The feel of world created in the story is incredible; and the characters are excellent. I wish Friedman would write some more in that world.

[Rob B]

I just finished the trilogy a few days ago, and I thought it was pretty damn good. The world that Ms. Friedman created was great, and came alive. The characters seemed very real as well. Tarrant was a great "bad guy" in that you were rooting for him, and despising him at times. Damien Vryce whined a bit too much though.

[FitzChivalry]

Heh, Gerald Tarrant is a "cult" character, i know people who worship him.

[Azurehero]

I read the entire trilogy, but I didn't go straight through. Some parts are fuzzy . . . but I think Mrs. Friedmen is a great writer. I also read Madness Season. Which was also great. It was kind of a love story . . . but don't let that put you off. Read it. Now.

[Lady Fox]

I think I've read everything written by Friedman, and I've not been disappointed yet. My fav book by her is In Conquest Born.

[Azurehero]

I've seen "In Conquest Born" a few times, and have thought about getting it. What's it about?

Also, did Friedman just have a new book come out? Like with in the last year? I think Michael Whelan did the cover art again . . .

My brain's not working so well right now . ..

[FitzChivalry]

The Cold Fire Trilogy was great, but i didn't enjoy In Conquest Born, it was pretty boring.
So if you think that because you liked The Cold Fire you will surely like In Conquest Born, don't count on it too much.

[Rob B]

Azurehero:

Friedman most recent book came out in 1998 This Alien Shore.

Just picked up a week ago, and it is on my to-read pile, probably after I finish Winter's Heart.

[Crysania]

I am two thirds of the way through the first book and I must say I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Impressed! How different! How cool!

Slightly insipid dialogue here and there, but certainly not enough to matter in the grand scheme of things! No spoilers please, but I just had to tell someone how fun it is reading this series so far!!!!

Are there three books? Or Four?

[Lady Fox]

There are 3 books - hence the term TRILOGY

[Crysania]

Oh, gee, thanks for explaining that... is that, perhaps, why someone else on another board mentioned FOUR books. Memory, Sorrow, Thorn has four volumes in paperback - the third split up into two -- I was curious if the same thing was happening with this series. It's so nice of you to clarify.

[Zsinj16]

The Coldfire Trilogy is gothic dark fantasy isn't it?

[Cygnus]

We're all supposed to be friends here, right? No snapping or condescension
allowed!!

The Hitchiker's Guide is also known as a trilogy despite containing well over 3 books.

Anyhoo.. there are just three in this case:
1. Black Sun Rising
2. True Night Falls
3. Crown of Shadows

I also think that this is a great series.. definitely in my top five of all time favorites. Friedman is an amazing author who writes characters that you can hate and love at the same time. Tarrant does some pretty nasty things, but I still wanted him to be okay. I can't figure it out, especially since I can't stand Thomas Covenant though he didn't kill anyone.

[Rob B]

I really enjoyed Coldfire as well.

I think the main difference between Covenant and Tarrant is that Tarrant is a driven person, he has ultimate goals that he wants to acheive.

Covenant is a bit more negative, to say the least.

Zs-not exactly gothic, but very dark and definitely fantasy.