What does everyone think of James Barclay?

Strange that, when reading the Gemmell and Barclay novels I always felt that I did not really care about the characters myself at the beginning. After moving through them (have read all of Barclay's, and three of Gemmells) I found that I did care about the characters. Perhaps more so with Barclay's raven crew.

I also liked how both authors move quite quicker, without packing out the book with 'too much' descriptive prose. I still love slower moving novels (like Mieville), but I always go back to these authors for a fix.

I would keep with them. Barclays form his first novel (Dawnthief), and maybe try "Knights of dark renown" by Gemmell.
 
Originally posted by Dystran Hart

I would keep with them. Barclays form his first novel (Dawnthief), and maybe try "Knights of dark renown" by Gemmell.
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Thanx I'll get it a go :)
 
Some advice please. Never having read Barclay before which book would be the best one to start? After reading this thread it seems to me that The Legends of Raven is a better series that The Chronicles because the author is more experienced - or is that a misinterpetation on my part? Can I start with The Legends? It is complete within itself? Are they all available in the US or will I need to order them from Canada?

Thank you suev

The Chronicles of the Raven
Dawnthief
Noonshade
Nightchild

Legends of the Raven
Elfsorrow
 
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To be fair, I am perhaps not the best person to give advice since I'd have you read them all in order then encourage everyone you know buy them afterwards. But, for what it's worth, a couple of things...

Elfsorrow is designed to be read without having to have read the entire Chronicles series (or indeed any of it). On the other hand, if you read the Chronicles, you will get the detail of all that has gone before, what makes The Raven tick and why they have reached where they are.

I think it's fair to say that Dawnthief has its rough edges and clumsy moments and that experience is the best teacher of how to iron these things away. But popular opinion suggests that if you want heroic action fantasy then they will all do the job for you and if you engage with The Raven, you'll want to read the lot.

So either start with Dawnthief, knowing that the style and characterisation improves as the series goes on and the action never lets up. Or start with Elfsorrow, knowing that if you want to go back later you can, but that some of the mystery and tension will be missing (because you'll know who lives and who dies...)

And the thing I forgot when I posted this just now is... There is no publishing deal in the US but there are distributors for the Chronicles series and the SF bookclub in the US is planning to take them too. Amazon.com has Dawnthief at a reasonable price. Other than that, you might have to orderto get hold of them in Canada - not sure how the export market is set up for your country.

I hope that helps
NOM
 
Thanks Nom

I believe I will start with Elfsorrow. I am the kind of person if I get hooked on an author I will buy everything, until I tire of his/her style of writing. I have checked with Amazon.com and they do have all of your books available. They run around $10.50.

My taste is fairly eclectic and I am not hard to please. I cut my teeth on Heinlein, Asimov, Clark, Dickson, leGuin, Cherryl, McCaffey, and Tolkien. The authors that I will buy hardbacks from are Martin, Erikson, Brin, Simmons, Haydon, and Hobbs, occasionally a Duncan book. I do enjoy Gemmell, Resnick, Asprin, Brust, and Simon Green. I do not like Mercedes Lackey, I am to old for Norton anymore, and Tepper has become to preachy. I find Fiest and Rosenberg to be so-so, meaning I can put them down and come back later and not feel the need to finish. Jordan, I now wait for the library to become available. I no longer await his books with anticipation. When I read Gemmell, I am usually assured of a good read. I am reminded of the western writer Louis L'Amour, whom I always enjoyed. From what I have read on this board your writing compares very favorably with Gemmell.

I really enjoy books that totally draw me in and I can't put down. Lately that has been Erikson. I need to find some new authors for this summer reading and I am looking forward to your books with great anticipation. sue
 
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New to Barclay, just started Dawn thief, finding it a little tough however I am more used to Gemmell and Martin with a whole heap of historic non fiction.

I find the world a little bare and the conversation somewhat stilted, some phrases have struck me as awkward, however on the whole I am enjoying the plot and can see potential for a gripping and exciting story. Sorry if this sounds too negative, I have a tendancy to be critical.

G'day to Kater, I seem to recall you from the Gemmellmania Forum some time ago.
 
Not negative at all Pommie. Honest criticism always gratefully received and you make some valid points about Dawnthief - like I mentioned above, it does have some rough edges. It settles down the further in you go.

Hope you stick with it and want to read more Raven.

sueVee - thanks for wanting to read Elfsorrow. Don't forget to report back on the forum or direct. Always interested in comment and opinion either way.
 
I am reading Dawnthief for the second time and it is much more enjoyable when you are familiar with the group dymanic and used to so many characters. Those first 100 pages or so that had me a little confused first time round were great to re-read. Surprisingly, knowing when Barclay is going to heartlessly kill off one of the main characters does not ruin it one bit.

I have to say, despite NOM frequenting this board, that it is excellent.

The action and no-nonsense approach to dialogue was especially good. I think Hirad's first encounter with the Dragon, and his response, is great and also one of the best lines of dialogue in Fantasy I have ever read, I actually laughed out loud.

I never played Dragonlance or D&D so have no background or experience with the magic systems, but I really enjoyed the mana-based offensive/defensive approach to magic in this book.

One aspect of the book that I feel is particularly well written is the relationship between the men in the Raven, especially dealing with grief. This was very realistic and I have rarely seen an author tackle the loss of a friend with such impact.

If I had one criticism, it is that sometimes the dialogue seemed a little forced, especially when a character is providing information to the rest of the Raven when it is clearly a vehicle used to update the reader. This is so minor though, especially as I feel the dialogue on the whole is the strength of the book and indeed the author. In particular, Ilkar's dialogue is used to give history lessons halfway through the book on the magic colleges.

Anyway, I would recommend Dawnthief to anyone who wants an action-packed, fast-paced fantasy novel with strong characters, magic, dragons and minus the thee, thou and usual wanketh associated with some fantasy work.

I have seen Gemmell comparisons before and whilst Gemmell is still my favourite author I feel Barclay deserves better than that. He adds his own flavour to a saturated genre and a refreshing approach to the interaction between characters in an intense world.

Thumbs up from the King of men and I am looking forward to the second installment of the Raven.

Oh, and I love the Unknown Warrior, how dare you.
 
Oh I forgot to mention just one other complaint, but again I will stress that it is a great book.

When the Raven attempt to find the first catalyst, I was very disappointed that the ambush was kind of rushed through. We have the remaining warriors wake up a little sluggish to find Denser and Ilkar missing. I was like "Eh? What the hell happended there?"

I don't like invulnerable characters but this felt a little too easy, especially without more details of what happened. Also, quite why the warriors were not simply killed is a mystery, especially as Travers (sp?) would expect them to attempt a rescue.

I suppose the fact I would want to know MORE, is a sign that I care about the characters, so job done NOM.
 
Hey juzzza,

Blimey, had to go back and remind myself about that particular incident. I think it comes under the 'rough around the edges' heading. Put it this way, it isn't something I'd do now in the same way. Like you intimated, all a little too convenient and that's not really my style.

Having said that, the reason for the drug is to ensure they down everyone at the same time (or try to). You have to imagine some kind of flask or drug-bomb going off in the middle of the fire. And even then, Denser gets two of them before he's taken. The reason they aren't killed is a typical piece of Black Wing bravado. They really didn't think they needed to. And even though an attack might be expected, they thought they'd win. (Would have made for a short series if they'd been right...:) )

I grant you, it's far from perfect but I like to think I've learned a lot since then. Written back in 1998, that was... (sniffs as he reminisces)

Glad you enjoyed the book nonetheless.
NOM
 
What do I think of James Barclay?

Quite a lot actually. :D (How's that for Brit understatement! :) :D))

Thought I would bump this one up because James' new book is out, AND to bring it to people's attention (because James won't!) that he obviously thinks a lot about us at sffworld too.

Both Fitz and Sammie (at sffworld) are given a 'Thank you' by NOM/James in the dedication of his latest Raven novel (Shadowheart). Don't even know if it's out in the States yet, Fitz!

I thought that was really nice.

If you're near a copy, have a look (prove me wrong!), or even better buy it. (How do you think got my copy? :D) I know James is doing a signing today and was hoping to go see him, but unfortunately was not to be. :(

Looks like another cracker though...and that cover IS growing on me... :)

Hobbit
 
Cool. I think the massmarket paperback of Elfsorrow will be ou there in Canada at the end of August. I really liked watching how his storytelling got better from his 1rst novel to the end of Nightchild.
 
This thread is frustrating me! I just finished Dawnthief last week. I've been looking for Noonshade since that day, but I can't find a single copy. Anywhere.

I really liked Dawnthief, it perfectly fit my cravings for style action and pace. But now that I can't find the second book I feel a bit miffed...
 
Hey Lifino,

Where are you based? If it's UK you shouldn't have too much trouble. All The Raven books are out in their re-jacketed forms now and most half-decent bookshops have most of the range. Ottaker's, Waterstones and Books Etc particularly

If you're elsewhere in the world, let me know and I'll find out what the export situation is.

Cheers

NOM

PS - Hobbit - thanks mate, much appreciated. Which signing were you going to come to, by the by? Got a sore hand today but had a great time. Glad the cover is growing on you... (excellent, he says, steepling his fingers, Monty Burns style)
 
James Barclay

I could not be bothered reading all the 4 + pages of posts so I will cut in with my 2 pennies worth!

Mr Barclays books are great, there are currently 5 books out in the UK (not sure about US) I am currently reading book 5, which is book 2 of Legends of the Raven. It's quality! The new cover designs are great even if the red ink rubs of on my fingers!

This new book, to me at least, is so far the strongest in terms of writting in style. I can not yet comment on the story as I have only just started on it after labouring through Eddings last peice of tosh!

Read them! They are great!

:o
 
Originally posted by Hobbit
Thought I would bump this one up because James' new book is out, AND to bring it to people's attention (because James won't!) that he obviously thinks a lot about us at sffworld too.

Both Fitz and Sammie (at sffworld) are given a 'Thank you' by NOM/James in the dedication of his latest Raven novel (Shadowheart). Don't even know if it's out in the States yet, Fitz!

I thought that was really nice.
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James: THANKS!
 
PS - Hobbit - thanks mate, much appreciated. Which signing were you going to come to, by the by?
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I spend far too much money at Andromeda Bookshop, which is where I was hoping to get to. Unfortunately real life got in the way, though I'm pleased it all went well. Next time! :)

Hobbit
 
I read the books in order and loved them that way. I remember picking up the first book from the library and getting hooked. I loved that the characters seemed more real and weren't typical "heroes"

(Great idea with Elf-merc-mage too! That's almost the perfect fantasy character! (Would have to be a thief to make it perfect). I cried in Elfsorrow :sniff:)

New one?! Kewlies I'll just have to wait 6 months before I can get it here like Elfsorrow (Oz)
 
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