Fantasy books - by Haruchai on 22:59 30 Jul 2002
I'd like to start out this forum with a discussion about Fantasy books.
I think it is safe to say that all of us here like to read. You may not have as much time for it as you like, but still....
If you would, tell us some of your favorite books in the fantasy genre, who they are by, and a brief synopsis. This will get word of mouth to your friends (us), and also possibly give others ideas for more topics.
I'll start:
Some of my favorite fantasy as a child was the Xanth series of books by Piers Anthony. The Xanth series itself is a mixed parody/serious series. A great read for any age, though there seem to be so many new books in the series since I followed it closely that I don't think I can catch up! The stories I remember did not seem to center around epic struggles of good and evil, but rather, more mundane events. The search for a lost child, looking for a wife, etc.... Still, the stories captured my imagination and kept me occupied for hours, sitting quietly in the basement, reading. *smiles in remembrance*
As I grew older, the Thomas Covenant series by Stephen R. Donaldson was another favorite. The story of a man stricken with leprosy in the real world but who was a legend in another, a savior. More I will not say. *grins evilly* Go check it out!
I also enjoy the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. WhooHoo!
And what about Robert Jordan's works?
I am planning to read some George R.R. Martin soon as well, as I have heard from reliable sources that he is great. Opinions? Any other suggestions?
Haru
I'd like to start out this forum with a discussion about Fantasy books.
I think it is safe to say that all of us here like to read. You may not have as much time for it as you like, but still....
If you would, tell us some of your favorite books in the fantasy genre, who they are by, and a brief synopsis. This will get word of mouth to your friends (us), and also possibly give others ideas for more topics.
I'll start:
Some of my favorite fantasy as a child was the Xanth series of books by Piers Anthony. The Xanth series itself is a mixed parody/serious series. A great read for any age, though there seem to be so many new books in the series since I followed it closely that I don't think I can catch up! The stories I remember did not seem to center around epic struggles of good and evil, but rather, more mundane events. The search for a lost child, looking for a wife, etc.... Still, the stories captured my imagination and kept me occupied for hours, sitting quietly in the basement, reading. *smiles in remembrance*
As I grew older, the Thomas Covenant series by Stephen R. Donaldson was another favorite. The story of a man stricken with leprosy in the real world but who was a legend in another, a savior. More I will not say. *grins evilly* Go check it out!
I also enjoy the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. WhooHoo!
And what about Robert Jordan's works?
I am planning to read some George R.R. Martin soon as well, as I have heard from reliable sources that he is great. Opinions? Any other suggestions?
Haru
Fantasy books - by Brad on 07:44 31 Jul 2002
Donaldson wrote another fantasy series that was quite nice. I think it was two books: "The Mirror of Her Dreams" and "A Man Rides Through".
Of course I really like Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", lots of people have been exposed to it so I won't go into detail, but I recommend it highly.
Glen Cook has two series of books that really stand out: "The Black Company" is a chronical of a mercenary regiment hired by an empire to fight in their wars. The books are told from the perspective of the character "Croaker" who is the regimental phsycian and historian. I really like the originality of the setting and the way the tale is told. The various magical mucky-mucks don't come across as pale imitations of Ring Wraiths but realy are unique, and each has a unique marker ability. Check out some of the names: "Soulcatcher", "The Limper", "The Howler". I highly recommend these to anyone.
Cook's other series all have metals in the titles: "Angry Lead Skies", etc. This is the "Garrett" series. The character Garrett is basically a Chandleresque Private Investigator (think Philip Marlow) who lives and works in a large fantasy city called Tunifaire. These books are humorus as Garrett wise-cracks his way through the stories but Cook actually does tell a story here with a lot of imagination. I do recommend starting with the earlier stores if you can find them.
Raymond Feist is another good author. More later as I thing of them.
Donaldson wrote another fantasy series that was quite nice. I think it was two books: "The Mirror of Her Dreams" and "A Man Rides Through".
Of course I really like Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", lots of people have been exposed to it so I won't go into detail, but I recommend it highly.
Glen Cook has two series of books that really stand out: "The Black Company" is a chronical of a mercenary regiment hired by an empire to fight in their wars. The books are told from the perspective of the character "Croaker" who is the regimental phsycian and historian. I really like the originality of the setting and the way the tale is told. The various magical mucky-mucks don't come across as pale imitations of Ring Wraiths but realy are unique, and each has a unique marker ability. Check out some of the names: "Soulcatcher", "The Limper", "The Howler". I highly recommend these to anyone.
Cook's other series all have metals in the titles: "Angry Lead Skies", etc. This is the "Garrett" series. The character Garrett is basically a Chandleresque Private Investigator (think Philip Marlow) who lives and works in a large fantasy city called Tunifaire. These books are humorus as Garrett wise-cracks his way through the stories but Cook actually does tell a story here with a lot of imagination. I do recommend starting with the earlier stores if you can find them.
Raymond Feist is another good author. More later as I thing of them.
Fantasy books - by Haruchai on 10:44 31 Jul 2002
Yeah, and Stephenson had another set of books that was a space sci-fi series. I cannot, for the life of me, remember the names of the books. I remember that the main character was a woman, and it dealt with pirates and such....
How vague, neh?
Yeah, and Stephenson had another set of books that was a space sci-fi series. I cannot, for the life of me, remember the names of the books. I remember that the main character was a woman, and it dealt with pirates and such....
How vague, neh?
Fantasy books - by din on 13:10 31 Jul 2002
er ... all of the above except the non-covenant donaldson books,
another by Glenn Cook i liked was "All Darkness Met" I think ... a different sort of fantasy and part of a larger series . different in the way "the black Compnay" is different ... but not the same kind of different ...
and "The Urth of the New Sun" books ..
it has been too long since i read those to offer a synopsis ... i will have to dig them out sometime.
er ... all of the above except the non-covenant donaldson books,
another by Glenn Cook i liked was "All Darkness Met" I think ... a different sort of fantasy and part of a larger series . different in the way "the black Compnay" is different ... but not the same kind of different ...
and "The Urth of the New Sun" books ..
it has been too long since i read those to offer a synopsis ... i will have to dig them out sometime.
Fantasy books - by Arislyn on 08:29 01 Aug 2002
I love the Sword of Truth series and Black Company. Very cool stuff. Like you, Haru, I read Xanth when I was younger, but I've gotten so far behind now that I don't think there is any way I could ever catch back up.
A trilogy that I enjoyed immensely was Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams. It's been many years since I've read it, so I don't remember character names or sub-plots. It's about a young servant boy who becomes apprenticed to the castle mage and is then thrown into danger and intrigue....I think that happens when the mage, Dr. Morgenes, dies in a fire...but I could be mistaken. Again, it's been so long that I don't recall all that much.
Another great series is the Assassin's Quest series by Robin Hobb. It tells the tale of the bastard son of a local lord who is taken in and raised by the lord's houndsman but is secretly trained by the court assassin. Of course, this series is rife with court intrigue..and it is all complicated by the fact that the boy is also the heir to an ancient form of magic that is considered vulgar and wrong by the people. So, he has yet another secret to hide.
I love the Sword of Truth series and Black Company. Very cool stuff. Like you, Haru, I read Xanth when I was younger, but I've gotten so far behind now that I don't think there is any way I could ever catch back up.
A trilogy that I enjoyed immensely was Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams. It's been many years since I've read it, so I don't remember character names or sub-plots. It's about a young servant boy who becomes apprenticed to the castle mage and is then thrown into danger and intrigue....I think that happens when the mage, Dr. Morgenes, dies in a fire...but I could be mistaken. Again, it's been so long that I don't recall all that much.
Another great series is the Assassin's Quest series by Robin Hobb. It tells the tale of the bastard son of a local lord who is taken in and raised by the lord's houndsman but is secretly trained by the court assassin. Of course, this series is rife with court intrigue..and it is all complicated by the fact that the boy is also the heir to an ancient form of magic that is considered vulgar and wrong by the people. So, he has yet another secret to hide.
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 00:38 03 Aug 2002
Glen Cook's Black Company books are my favorite series to have come out in the last fifteen years I'd guess. The last three are a subpart of the series called "The Glittering Stone." They are Bleak Seasons, She is the Darkness, and Water Sleeps. From the way it is written I suspect Water Sleeps may be the last of the series.
Cook's other series of serious fantasy is the Dread Empire series. These are also very good, but written in quite a different style from the Black Company books. Some that I have are With Mercy Toward None, Reap the East Wind, October's Babby, and A Shadow of All Night Falling. Cook is excellent.
Another contemporary author of fantasy I like a lot is David Gemmell. I'd recommend his Drenai series with books like Legend in it. Druss of the Axe is his character and he is a powerful one. Gemmell does great sieges.
Although not completely fantasy, William R. Forstchen's series about the Lost Regiment are also great. I really have enjoyed these. There are 8 in the original series and then he's written on in a follow-up series that takes place 20 or so years after the first. The premise is that a group of Union soldiers from the civil war get shifted through a gate to another world where humans are cattle for these mongol type aliens. The soldiers have guns of course, and the aliens don't, but they are far outnumbered. A huge war ensues and Forstchen does it well.
Glen Cook's Black Company books are my favorite series to have come out in the last fifteen years I'd guess. The last three are a subpart of the series called "The Glittering Stone." They are Bleak Seasons, She is the Darkness, and Water Sleeps. From the way it is written I suspect Water Sleeps may be the last of the series.
Cook's other series of serious fantasy is the Dread Empire series. These are also very good, but written in quite a different style from the Black Company books. Some that I have are With Mercy Toward None, Reap the East Wind, October's Babby, and A Shadow of All Night Falling. Cook is excellent.
Another contemporary author of fantasy I like a lot is David Gemmell. I'd recommend his Drenai series with books like Legend in it. Druss of the Axe is his character and he is a powerful one. Gemmell does great sieges.
Although not completely fantasy, William R. Forstchen's series about the Lost Regiment are also great. I really have enjoyed these. There are 8 in the original series and then he's written on in a follow-up series that takes place 20 or so years after the first. The premise is that a group of Union soldiers from the civil war get shifted through a gate to another world where humans are cattle for these mongol type aliens. The soldiers have guns of course, and the aliens don't, but they are far outnumbered. A huge war ensues and Forstchen does it well.
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 00:50 03 Aug 2002
Well those were my comments about newer fantasy. But I'm actually more of a fan of older fantasy. I'm a member of REHupa, the Robert E. Howard United Press Association, which puts out a limited circulation publication about Howard, the creator of Conan and Kull and Bran Mak Morn, and half a hundred other great heroes.
Another of my favorite fantasy writers is Karl Edward Wagner. Wagner created a character named Kane who is, in fact, the Biblical Cain, a great idea for a character in heroic fantasy, I thought. The best Wagner stuff to start with is Night Winds for a collection of short stories, and Dark Crusade or Darkness Weaves for a novel.
I'd recommend, as well, the three books by Poul Anderson in his "Last Viking" series. These are The Golden Horn, The Road of the Seahorse, and The Sign of the Raven. They tell the story of Harald Hardrede, who was an actual Viking king and is sometimes called the real life Conan. Although Anderson fictionalized the stories there is a lot of truth here, and one of the greatest last stand scenes ever written in the last of the three books.
Well those were my comments about newer fantasy. But I'm actually more of a fan of older fantasy. I'm a member of REHupa, the Robert E. Howard United Press Association, which puts out a limited circulation publication about Howard, the creator of Conan and Kull and Bran Mak Morn, and half a hundred other great heroes.
Another of my favorite fantasy writers is Karl Edward Wagner. Wagner created a character named Kane who is, in fact, the Biblical Cain, a great idea for a character in heroic fantasy, I thought. The best Wagner stuff to start with is Night Winds for a collection of short stories, and Dark Crusade or Darkness Weaves for a novel.
I'd recommend, as well, the three books by Poul Anderson in his "Last Viking" series. These are The Golden Horn, The Road of the Seahorse, and The Sign of the Raven. They tell the story of Harald Hardrede, who was an actual Viking king and is sometimes called the real life Conan. Although Anderson fictionalized the stories there is a lot of truth here, and one of the greatest last stand scenes ever written in the last of the three books.
Fantasy books - by CorellianRogue on 01:27 03 Aug 2002
I guess we've all read the same books.
My favorite authors of fantasy are Michael Moorcock (Elric novels) and Tanith Lee (although her works may be considered horror.)
I almost didn't read the first book I picked up by Lee because her writing style was unfamilure to me. But it is strangely simple and poetic after the first chapter.
I guess we've all read the same books.
My favorite authors of fantasy are Michael Moorcock (Elric novels) and Tanith Lee (although her works may be considered horror.)
I almost didn't read the first book I picked up by Lee because her writing style was unfamilure to me. But it is strangely simple and poetic after the first chapter.
Fantasy books - by Brad on 07:06 03 Aug 2002
Good choices so far.
Howard is fun. And Poul Anderson is a wonderful author.
Morecock, now I was never a big Elric fan, but I did like the Dorian Hawkmoon and Castle Brass series a lot. They were a great read.
I have not read the newest Black Company books, I lost count somewhere along the line of the newer stories.
I mentioned the Raymond Feist series, the first one, I think starts with Wizard Apprentice. That is a good series, and bases upon the blending of two RPG's I might add.
(D&D and Empire of the Petal Throne.)
I did read Sword of Shanarra. It was okay, and it filled the need for something Tolkienesque. But I really think there are better stories out there.
The Tad Williams series that Arislyn mentioned was decent.
Good choices so far.
Howard is fun. And Poul Anderson is a wonderful author.
Morecock, now I was never a big Elric fan, but I did like the Dorian Hawkmoon and Castle Brass series a lot. They were a great read.
I have not read the newest Black Company books, I lost count somewhere along the line of the newer stories.
I mentioned the Raymond Feist series, the first one, I think starts with Wizard Apprentice. That is a good series, and bases upon the blending of two RPG's I might add.
(D&D and Empire of the Petal Throne.)I did read Sword of Shanarra. It was okay, and it filled the need for something Tolkienesque. But I really think there are better stories out there.
The Tad Williams series that Arislyn mentioned was decent.
Fantasy books - by Haruchai on 21:21 03 Aug 2002
I've never read the Elric books. Are they worth picking up?
Also, I'll give a cookie to anyone who can name which series of books mentioned I got my nick from.....
Haru
I've never read the Elric books. Are they worth picking up?
Also, I'll give a cookie to anyone who can name which series of books mentioned I got my nick from.....
Haru
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 23:53 03 Aug 2002
I liked the elric books pretty well. The first few created an interesting universe and I liked to see it explored. The character has a tendency to "whine" on occassion, though, which I find rather irritating. I thought the best Moorcock books were "The Ice Schooner," followed by the Castle Brass books. I like Dorian Hawkmoon as a character better than Elric. Still, they are entertaining.
I liked the elric books pretty well. The first few created an interesting universe and I liked to see it explored. The character has a tendency to "whine" on occassion, though, which I find rather irritating. I thought the best Moorcock books were "The Ice Schooner," followed by the Castle Brass books. I like Dorian Hawkmoon as a character better than Elric. Still, they are entertaining.
Fantasy books - by din on 23:53 03 Aug 2002
Haruchai was the name of the people of which some became the Bloodgaurd in the donaldson's covenent books ... been waiting for you to ask
... hope i'm correct ... i like cookies and would feel foolish if i was wrong
a few others i've been thinking of ... i enjoyed most of what i read by barbara hambly ... the walss of air, and the sun wolf series , there was an interesting vampire book by her and a few incedental books here and there.
The Earthsea books are ones i can read over and over. I only have the Tombs of Atuan (sp?) now
Moorcock writing is love or hate, he has a very short story type of style, everything is quick and to the point ... but his Champion Eternal, Law and Chaos universe / multiverse mythos is and interesting place to read in his fantasy style is a lot like.
there are a lot of stories he has done i've liked, Glorianna is a thinly disguised histroical piece about England . as in some ways is the Melnebone` books ... there was an interesting one where the hero decided that to end human hatred of other races he had to (and did ) end the human race ..
i read a couple of Jordon's books, the were enjoyable but long
There was a series by Rosenberg ? i think, the silver flame or something, about a group of role-players getting sent, in character, to the world they had been playing in ... It had some interesting plot devices and some very clever thinking.
Ah ! the Dread Empire ! yes All Darkness Met , and another i cannot remember the title of i've read .. hrrm .. very different
the last couple i've read are Harry Potter books .. they are nice in that in only takes a couple hours to breeze through one and they are entertaining . a good read for an insomnia night :|
Haruchai was the name of the people of which some became the Bloodgaurd in the donaldson's covenent books ... been waiting for you to ask
... hope i'm correct ... i like cookies and would feel foolish if i was wrong a few others i've been thinking of ... i enjoyed most of what i read by barbara hambly ... the walss of air, and the sun wolf series , there was an interesting vampire book by her and a few incedental books here and there.
The Earthsea books are ones i can read over and over. I only have the Tombs of Atuan (sp?) now
Moorcock writing is love or hate, he has a very short story type of style, everything is quick and to the point ... but his Champion Eternal, Law and Chaos universe / multiverse mythos is and interesting place to read in
his fantasy style is a lot like.there are a lot of stories he has done i've liked, Glorianna is a thinly disguised histroical piece about England . as in some ways is the Melnebone` books ... there was an interesting one where the hero decided that to end human hatred of other races he had to (and did ) end the human race ..
i read a couple of Jordon's books, the were enjoyable but long
There was a series by Rosenberg ? i think, the silver flame or something, about a group of role-players getting sent, in character, to the world they had been playing in ... It had some interesting plot devices and some very clever thinking.
Ah ! the Dread Empire ! yes
All Darkness Met , and another i cannot remember the title of i've read .. hrrm .. very differentthe last couple i've read are Harry Potter books .. they are nice in that in only takes a couple hours to breeze through one and they are entertaining . a good read for an insomnia night :|
Fantasy books - by Haruchai on 03:43 04 Aug 2002
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! *hands a big cookie to din*
Indeed, the Haruchai are the people who live in the Westron Mountains and spawned the Bloodguard, protectors of the Council of Lords. They do not sleep. They are patience and vigilance personified.
*feels bad and hands everyone else a cookie as well.... though much smaller than din's*
Yes, I do like Jordan's writing. The Wheel of Time series is a good series, but is a bit long in some spots. Jordan has a tendency to.... overly describe things sometimes. If that's possible.
Oh! Another few authors I forgot to mention. David Eddings. His Belgariad series was great. And David Gemmel is growing on me.
The Shannara series is good too, though I only read the first coupla books. There are better series out there, Brad, but it does fill a niche for readers not desiring something too in-depth.
I'm sure I'll think of some more later.
Haru
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! *hands a big cookie to din*
Indeed, the Haruchai are the people who live in the Westron Mountains and spawned the Bloodguard, protectors of the Council of Lords. They do not sleep. They are patience and vigilance personified.
*feels bad and hands everyone else a cookie as well.... though much smaller than din's*
Yes, I do like Jordan's writing. The Wheel of Time series is a good series, but is a bit long in some spots. Jordan has a tendency to.... overly describe things sometimes. If that's possible.
Oh! Another few authors I forgot to mention. David Eddings. His Belgariad series was great. And David Gemmel is growing on me.
The Shannara series is good too, though I only read the first coupla books. There are better series out there, Brad, but it does fill a niche for readers not desiring something too in-depth.
I'm sure I'll think of some more later.
Haru
Fantasy books - by Brad on 11:11 04 Aug 2002
I agree Kainja, had a hard time relating to Elric.
Steven Brust is another good author. His Vlad Taltos series is excellent. He has also written some good stand alones: To Reign in H*ll, Brokedown Palace were both excellent.
I agree Kainja, had a hard time relating to Elric.
Steven Brust is another good author. His Vlad Taltos series is excellent. He has also written some good stand alones: To Reign in H*ll, Brokedown Palace were both excellent.
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 14:26 04 Aug 2002
Concerning Robert Jordan, I've never read any of the Wheel of Time books. I read a couple of the Conan pastiches that he did years ago and, personally, thought his writing sucked. I don't know if that was because he was writing too fast to a deadline or what, but they were not well written, although the stories were not too bad. That's the main reason I haven't read any of the Wheel of Time books. Plus, they are so long. Seems to me a writer should be able to say what he or she has to say in a bit of a shorter form.
Brad, if you thought Elric was kind of a wussy, as I did, then what did you think of Thomas Covenant in Donaldson's books? I enjoyed that series, read every one, including the excerpt Gilden-Fire, but I literally could not stand that character. He irritated me to no end.
Concerning Robert Jordan, I've never read any of the Wheel of Time books. I read a couple of the Conan pastiches that he did years ago and, personally, thought his writing sucked. I don't know if that was because he was writing too fast to a deadline or what, but they were not well written, although the stories were not too bad. That's the main reason I haven't read any of the Wheel of Time books. Plus, they are so long. Seems to me a writer should be able to say what he or she has to say in a bit of a shorter form.
Brad, if you thought Elric was kind of a wussy, as I did, then what did you think of Thomas Covenant in Donaldson's books? I enjoyed that series, read every one, including the excerpt Gilden-Fire, but I literally could not stand that character. He irritated me to no end.
Fantasy books - by Brad on 15:07 04 Aug 2002
I approached Covenant differently, with differenmt expectations. Elric had the trappings of a hero and what you ended up with was not my idea of a heroic being.
Covenant was different. The character had his entire life destroyed by his illness. Now he's filled with self revulsion and hate. Then he gets transported to this magical world where he is cured of leprosy. He's terrified that it is all just a dream and if he believes in it and then wakes up he will be insane. The hope and expectation will destroy him completely.
Given that, he irritated the heck out of me. But I knew that that was the challenge the author was laying down. And I understood Covenent. I could understand his reasoning, even if he did irritate me. That is quite an accomplishment. Also Donaldson, created some really good charcaters and a fabulous world. So those two things helped make up for Covenant.
There was a lot of depth to that world and it seemed original, not another Tolkien copy.
I did not like The Second Chronicals nearly as much as the first because the land had been destroyed. Without the world building it was not nearly as compelling.
I approached Covenant differently, with differenmt expectations. Elric had the trappings of a hero and what you ended up with was not my idea of a heroic being.
Covenant was different. The character had his entire life destroyed by his illness. Now he's filled with self revulsion and hate. Then he gets transported to this magical world where he is cured of leprosy. He's terrified that it is all just a dream and if he believes in it and then wakes up he will be insane. The hope and expectation will destroy him completely.
Given that, he irritated the heck out of me. But I knew that that was the challenge the author was laying down. And I understood Covenent. I could understand his reasoning, even if he did irritate me. That is quite an accomplishment. Also Donaldson, created some really good charcaters and a fabulous world. So those two things helped make up for Covenant.
There was a lot of depth to that world and it seemed original, not another Tolkien copy.
I did not like The Second Chronicals nearly as much as the first because the land had been destroyed. Without the world building it was not nearly as compelling.
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 15:42 04 Aug 2002
Oh I agree, the world building by Donaldson was excellent, and there were so many great characters on the fantasy side that I couldn't put the books down. It was just Covenant himself who irritated me. Though I could understand his motivation.
Oh I agree, the world building by Donaldson was excellent, and there were so many great characters on the fantasy side that I couldn't put the books down. It was just Covenant himself who irritated me. Though I could understand his motivation.
Fantasy books - by Arislyn on 07:31 05 Aug 2002
I tried reading Jordan's Wheel of Time, but after about the third book I couldn't force myself to keep wading through it all. The only thing I could think was, "Where will it end? Is this actually going somewhere?" That is honestly the only impression I have retained of the books. I have gleefully disposed of any other memories concerning it.
Elric, I liked. Yeah, he was a tragic hero who could've had a bit more in the way of a spine, but I still liked Moorcock's writing style. Mostly, I enjoyed the feeling of reading a darkly epic fairytale. So much about it struck me as a fairytale where the hero isn't really all that heroic and the fair maiden doesn't happily wed to the prince in the end.
Speaking of dark fairytales, you need to listen to Snow Glass Apples at the Hearing Ear Theatre at Sci-Fi.com. I know, I know...it's not technically a book, but it's well worth mentioning. It tells the story of Snow White from the queen's perspective and you find out that Snow White is not the innocent you thought, nor is the queen the wicked sorceress you had assumed.
If you liked Eddings Belgariad and Mallorean, you need to read "The Redemption of Althalus". It's a very fun read that, as far as I can tell, is a stand-alone novel. So, there is no having to keep up with yet more books.
I tried reading Jordan's Wheel of Time, but after about the third book I couldn't force myself to keep wading through it all. The only thing I could think was, "Where will it end? Is this actually going somewhere?" That is honestly the only impression I have retained of the books. I have gleefully disposed of any other memories concerning it.
Elric, I liked. Yeah, he was a tragic hero who could've had a bit more in the way of a spine, but I still liked Moorcock's writing style. Mostly, I enjoyed the feeling of reading a darkly epic fairytale. So much about it struck me as a fairytale where the hero isn't really all that heroic and the fair maiden doesn't happily wed to the prince in the end.
Speaking of dark fairytales, you need to listen to Snow Glass Apples at the Hearing Ear Theatre at Sci-Fi.com. I know, I know...it's not technically a book, but it's well worth mentioning. It tells the story of Snow White from the queen's perspective and you find out that Snow White is not the innocent you thought, nor is the queen the wicked sorceress you had assumed.
If you liked Eddings Belgariad and Mallorean, you need to read "The Redemption of Althalus". It's a very fun read that, as far as I can tell, is a stand-alone novel. So, there is no having to keep up with yet more books.
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 15:01 05 Aug 2002
Thanks for the heads up on "The Redemption of Athalus." I'll keep my eyes open.
Does anyone here read what I've always called "Sword and Planet" books? I'm talking about the kind of books like ERB's John Carter of Mars series, or Alan Burt AKers' Dray Prescot books? MIchael Moorcock wrote three Sword and Planet books set on Mars (after ERB's popularity). They were, I think, some of his earliest writings and are really very weak in my opinion.
Thanks for the heads up on "The Redemption of Athalus." I'll keep my eyes open.
Does anyone here read what I've always called "Sword and Planet" books? I'm talking about the kind of books like ERB's John Carter of Mars series, or Alan Burt AKers' Dray Prescot books? MIchael Moorcock wrote three Sword and Planet books set on Mars (after ERB's popularity). They were, I think, some of his earliest writings and are really very weak in my opinion.
Fantasy books - by Brad on 15:54 05 Aug 2002
I missed the Sword and Planet books by Morecock. I don't think I was aware of them. Love ERB's John Carter.
One author who is hard to categorize but has some fantasy books, steampunk/dark fantasy/contemporary fantasy books is author Tim Powers who I think very highly of. "Drawing of the Dark" was the first book I read by him and I loved his characters, plot and magical system. "Anubis Gates" is another great one. "The Stress of Her Regard" was simply wonderful. I can't recommend him too highly.
I missed the Sword and Planet books by Morecock. I don't think I was aware of them. Love ERB's John Carter.
One author who is hard to categorize but has some fantasy books, steampunk/dark fantasy/contemporary fantasy books is author Tim Powers who I think very highly of. "Drawing of the Dark" was the first book I read by him and I loved his characters, plot and magical system. "Anubis Gates" is another great one. "The Stress of Her Regard" was simply wonderful. I can't recommend him too highly.
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 16:07 05 Aug 2002
I've never read Tim Powers, though I've seen his books. I'll have to give one a try.
Moorcock's Sword and Planet books were originally published under the name Edward P. Bradbury, though later they were reissued under his name. They featuered a character named Michael Kane.
The original titles were "Warriors of Mars," "Blades of Mars," and "Barbarians of Mars."
Under Moorcock's name they were published as "City of the Beast," "Lord of the Spiders," and "Masters of the Pit."
I've always loved Sword and planet. I've even written two of them that were serialized in magazines. I'm working on the third one now for the same mag and am also starting to submit the first one to publishers in hopes of a regular book deal. My planet is called Talera and the two finished ones are "Swords of Talera" and "Wings Over Talera." The one I'm working on is "Witch of Talera."
Sword and planet is a lot of fun to write. Mostly straightforward adventure in imaginative settings.
I've never read Tim Powers, though I've seen his books. I'll have to give one a try.
Moorcock's Sword and Planet books were originally published under the name Edward P. Bradbury, though later they were reissued under his name. They featuered a character named Michael Kane.
The original titles were "Warriors of Mars," "Blades of Mars," and "Barbarians of Mars."
Under Moorcock's name they were published as "City of the Beast," "Lord of the Spiders," and "Masters of the Pit."
I've always loved Sword and planet. I've even written two of them that were serialized in magazines. I'm working on the third one now for the same mag and am also starting to submit the first one to publishers in hopes of a regular book deal. My planet is called Talera and the two finished ones are "Swords of Talera" and "Wings Over Talera." The one I'm working on is "Witch of Talera."
Sword and planet is a lot of fun to write. Mostly straightforward adventure in imaginative settings.
Fantasy books - by Brad on 17:26 05 Aug 2002
I am splitting a Branch conversation off on swords and planets pulps in general and Kainja's Talera series too.
Here:
http://shadowdark.org/ib....1;&#top
| Quote (Kainja @ Aug. 05 2002,16:07) |
| I've never read Tim Powers, though I've seen his books. I'll have to give one a try. Moorcock's Sword and Planet books were originally published under the name Edward P. Bradbury, though later they were reissued under his name. They featuered a character named Michael Kane. The original titles were "Warriors of Mars," "Blades of Mars," and "Barbarians of Mars." Under Moorcock's name they were published as "City of the Beast," "Lord of the Spiders," and "Masters of the Pit." I've always loved Sword and planet. I've even written two of them that were serialized in magazines. I'm working on the third one now for the same mag and am also starting to submit the first one to publishers in hopes of a regular book deal. My planet is called Talera and the two finished ones are "Swords of Talera" and "Wings Over Talera." The one I'm working on is "Witch of Talera." Sword and planet is a lot of fun to write. Mostly straightforward adventure in imaginative settings. |
I am splitting a Branch conversation off on swords and planets pulps in general and Kainja's Talera series too.
Here:
http://shadowdark.org/ib....1;&#top
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 17:00 07 Aug 2002
I thought I might throw out, for the fun of it, the categories I tend to split fantasy into on my shelves. And see if this sparks discussion.
I tend to use the term Heroic Fantasy (HF) for all the kind of fantasy we've discussed here, ranging from Conan to Lord of the rings, but I actually divide HF into four separate categories. (there's a lot of overlap, of course)
1. Sword and Sorcery: Conan, Karl Wagner's Kane, Gemmel's Druss. Here we have a barbaric warrior as the key player. He seldom has "sidekicks" and he is not always an upstanding, law-abiding citizen. There is a lot of focus on how he cuts his way through his enemies, and while magic is there it is not as central to the story as the main character. Set in an alternate world, or sometimes in a future world where future technology has been largely forgotten.
2. High Fantasy: Lord of the Rings, Donaldson's Covenant series. The focus is less on a single character and more on a group of characters who must work together to save the day. The goals of the stories are larger. The characters are usually trying to save the world from the dark rather than, as Conan was often doing, trying to line his own pockets. Tends to feature beings like Elves and dwarfs, or their equivalents, and magic is absolutely key to the stories. Often has a "Quest" aspect. Set in an alternate world.
3. Heroic Historical: Books like Ivanhoe, and Captain Blood fall here. They may or may not be based on actual events, but they take place in an historical earth landscape. Yet, they are full of adventure and swordplay and daring deeds.
4. Sword and Planet: ERBs John Carter books, Lin Carter's Green Star series. Has an individual hero like Sword and Sorcery, but the hero is not in it for himself. He is a force of order and law in a world where many want to create chaos. His adventures are more individual than those of High Fantasy. There isn't really a "Quest" feel to it. Set on another planet in an age where Swords rule and technology is secondary or non-existent.
Well, those are my opinions. I'm sure others have differing ones
I thought I might throw out, for the fun of it, the categories I tend to split fantasy into on my shelves. And see if this sparks discussion.
I tend to use the term Heroic Fantasy (HF) for all the kind of fantasy we've discussed here, ranging from Conan to Lord of the rings, but I actually divide HF into four separate categories. (there's a lot of overlap, of course)
1. Sword and Sorcery: Conan, Karl Wagner's Kane, Gemmel's Druss. Here we have a barbaric warrior as the key player. He seldom has "sidekicks" and he is not always an upstanding, law-abiding citizen. There is a lot of focus on how he cuts his way through his enemies, and while magic is there it is not as central to the story as the main character. Set in an alternate world, or sometimes in a future world where future technology has been largely forgotten.
2. High Fantasy: Lord of the Rings, Donaldson's Covenant series. The focus is less on a single character and more on a group of characters who must work together to save the day. The goals of the stories are larger. The characters are usually trying to save the world from the dark rather than, as Conan was often doing, trying to line his own pockets. Tends to feature beings like Elves and dwarfs, or their equivalents, and magic is absolutely key to the stories. Often has a "Quest" aspect. Set in an alternate world.
3. Heroic Historical: Books like Ivanhoe, and Captain Blood fall here. They may or may not be based on actual events, but they take place in an historical earth landscape. Yet, they are full of adventure and swordplay and daring deeds.
4. Sword and Planet: ERBs John Carter books, Lin Carter's Green Star series. Has an individual hero like Sword and Sorcery, but the hero is not in it for himself. He is a force of order and law in a world where many want to create chaos. His adventures are more individual than those of High Fantasy. There isn't really a "Quest" feel to it. Set on another planet in an age where Swords rule and technology is secondary or non-existent.
Well, those are my opinions. I'm sure others have differing ones
Fantasy books - by Brad on 09:37 08 Aug 2002
I think your classifications are about as good as they can get. I particularly like your definitions of Sword & Sorcery and High Fantasy it clarifies the distinct difference between the two.
I never really thought of Sword & Planet as being a seperate category. I always lumped it under "pulp-scifi" But I think you category is really much better. Much of S & P is about world building. (One would think they would be well suited to role playing games.)
I think your classifications are about as good as they can get. I particularly like your definitions of Sword & Sorcery and High Fantasy it clarifies the distinct difference between the two.
I never really thought of Sword & Planet as being a seperate category. I always lumped it under "pulp-scifi" But I think you category is really much better. Much of S & P is about world building. (One would think they would be well suited to role playing games.)
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 13:48 08 Aug 2002
You're right, Brad, much of Sword and Planet (I've heard people also call it "Interplanetary Adventure") is about World building. To me that is pretty much the purest form of written creativity. Sure is a lot of fun.
You're right, Brad, much of Sword and Planet (I've heard people also call it "Interplanetary Adventure") is about World building. To me that is pretty much the purest form of written creativity. Sure is a lot of fun.
Fantasy books - by MoonHunter on 06:51 14 Aug 2002
My fantasy books tend to be grouped by author, but if I grouped them by subgenre, my system would pretty much fit what you expressed....
I have read a great deal of fantsy through the years, though the percentage is less through the years. Other genres are creeping into my reading lists. I also seem to have the habit of picking up one book wonders... authors who write one book and seem not to write anything else. Hard to generate a following with just one book.
Charles DeLint's modern fantasies are wonderful. Nice stories, good twists, the narration/ prose are a little long/dry sometimes, but they evoke a feeling... an etherealness which is important to the subject matter.. which can be forgiven. MoonHeart is still one of my favorite books.
I really loved Donaldson's The Mirror of Her Dreams" and "A Man Rides Through". They were filled with good deep characterization and wonderful plots. If we could just force him to write single books (which will probably be split into two because of length) with somewhat likeable protagonists, I think he would be everyone's favorite author.
Neil Gaimen. Everything he has written- book or comic. If you have not read this "modern master of fantasy" you should. I recomend "Neverwhen" and "Stardust", but American Gods is currently on the shelves.
Now I will commit Herasy or social suicide... I really like Mercede Lackey's books. She is currently my favorite fantasy author. She actually replaced Ann McCaffery a few years back. I like her style and the way she presents a scene. I like her ploting (which is good because the first (chronologically) book of every series is more or less the same). I like Vangarth/Valdemar stories and eat them like popcorn. I LOVED Diana Trigard series. I even like the Serrated edge books. Perhaps she is not producing "literature" but she produces good solid stories, with solid writing, that will stand the test of time... much like Krantz and many of the pulp writers.
My fantasy books tend to be grouped by author, but if I grouped them by subgenre, my system would pretty much fit what you expressed....
I have read a great deal of fantsy through the years, though the percentage is less through the years. Other genres are creeping into my reading lists. I also seem to have the habit of picking up one book wonders... authors who write one book and seem not to write anything else. Hard to generate a following with just one book.
Charles DeLint's modern fantasies are wonderful. Nice stories, good twists, the narration/ prose are a little long/dry sometimes, but they evoke a feeling... an etherealness which is important to the subject matter.. which can be forgiven. MoonHeart is still one of my favorite books.
I really loved Donaldson's The Mirror of Her Dreams" and "A Man Rides Through". They were filled with good deep characterization and wonderful plots. If we could just force him to write single books (which will probably be split into two because of length) with somewhat likeable protagonists, I think he would be everyone's favorite author.
Neil Gaimen. Everything he has written- book or comic. If you have not read this "modern master of fantasy" you should. I recomend "Neverwhen" and "Stardust", but American Gods is currently on the shelves.
Now I will commit Herasy or social suicide... I really like Mercede Lackey's books. She is currently my favorite fantasy author. She actually replaced Ann McCaffery a few years back. I like her style and the way she presents a scene. I like her ploting (which is good because the first (chronologically) book of every series is more or less the same). I like Vangarth/Valdemar stories and eat them like popcorn. I LOVED Diana Trigard series. I even like the Serrated edge books. Perhaps she is not producing "literature" but she produces good solid stories, with solid writing, that will stand the test of time... much like Krantz and many of the pulp writers.
Fantasy books - by Brad on 11:16 14 Aug 2002
General:
One reason I pretty much quit buying new fantasy books is because of the series syndrome in the publishing industry. Many time I will find a promising looking book, by a newish author, only to find out it is the second or third book in a series and that the preceeding books are already out of print! If I can't find those preceeding books in the used section forget it - no sale for any of them. The publishing industry is now about the book of the moment. My attitude is if they can't keep the backlist in print then don't expect me to buy. I'm honestly giving all the small press and POD books more serious consideration.
DeLint - comes up with some nice stuff.
Gaiman - I read some of the Sandman graphic novels and enjoyed them. I have not read his books. I'll have to try them.
I'm not familier with Lackey. I'm not a huge McCaffrey fan. She's okay but nothing super special IMO.
"Mythago Wood" books by Robert Holdstock were quite good.
"Malacia Tapestry" by Brian Aldiss is an interesting book in that it has almost no plot yet still manages to be interesting. "Helliconia" manages with almost no plot either. Still Aldiss is interesting in both fantasy and scifi.
General:
One reason I pretty much quit buying new fantasy books is because of the series syndrome in the publishing industry. Many time I will find a promising looking book, by a newish author, only to find out it is the second or third book in a series and that the preceeding books are already out of print! If I can't find those preceeding books in the used section forget it - no sale for any of them. The publishing industry is now about the book of the moment. My attitude is if they can't keep the backlist in print then don't expect me to buy. I'm honestly giving all the small press and POD books more serious consideration.
DeLint - comes up with some nice stuff.
Gaiman - I read some of the Sandman graphic novels and enjoyed them. I have not read his books. I'll have to try them.
I'm not familier with Lackey. I'm not a huge McCaffrey fan. She's okay but nothing super special IMO.
"Mythago Wood" books by Robert Holdstock were quite good.
"Malacia Tapestry" by Brian Aldiss is an interesting book in that it has almost no plot yet still manages to be interesting. "Helliconia" manages with almost no plot either. Still Aldiss is interesting in both fantasy and scifi.
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 00:20 20 Aug 2002
Well I'm back from Canada and will have a report on some of the books that I bought there that you can't normally get in the states. But that may have to wait until after I sleep a day or two to catch up.
Well I'm back from Canada and will have a report on some of the books that I bought there that you can't normally get in the states. But that may have to wait until after I sleep a day or two to catch up.
Fantasy books - by Brad on 19:05 20 Aug 2002
Welcome back Kainja. Glad you are back.
Welcome back Kainja. Glad you are back.
Fantasy books - by Kainja on 01:19 24 Aug 2002
Mercedes Lackey was at the Crescent City Con here in New orleans in early august and she was great as a guest. Her husband was there too, and was also very nice. I've never read any of her stuff either, though I bought one to get her signature and will get around to reading it eventually.
They did a midnight reading that I attended at the con. Mercedes lackey's story was great and those who were in the audience who really knew the series liked her husband's story too, though I didn't get it as much since I think I was missing references that many others in the audience knew.
Mercedes Lackey was at the Crescent City Con here in New orleans in early august and she was great as a guest. Her husband was there too, and was also very nice. I've never read any of her stuff either, though I bought one to get her signature and will get around to reading it eventually.
They did a midnight reading that I attended at the con. Mercedes lackey's story was great and those who were in the audience who really knew the series liked her husband's story too, though I didn't get it as much since I think I was missing references that many others in the audience knew.
Fantasy books - by Arislyn on 09:05 30 Aug 2002
I bought a new book over the weekend called "Kushiel's Dart" by Jacqueline Carey and, I must say, it is quite good. If you enjoy books that focus almost entirely upon political intrigue (which I do), then you'll find this enjoyable, I think.
The book focuses upon a young girl named Phedre who was born of an unsanctioned marriage within the Night Court. Her parents eventually had to sell her into indentured servitude in order to keep their own heads above water. This is the tale of her life growing up within a society that is, on the outside, seemingly beautiful and perfect, the people of the land having been descended from angels and humans who followed the heavenly child born of Mother Earth and Mary Magdelene's tears as she cried over Christ. What you find out is that, despite the common edict of the land, "Love as thou wilt", there is much anger and jealousy among the nobelmen, just as there is among all people.
A word of warning, though, to parents. This book is highly erotic, not something that you want to let your 13 year old get ahold of. While nothing is gratuitous (there is a point to any sex scene), sex is common and encouraged by the society as one of their saints was a "holy prostitute" who sold herself to save their lord, Elua. So, those following in her service...well....they're well treated, are well respected and /very/ open.
I bought a new book over the weekend called "Kushiel's Dart" by Jacqueline Carey and, I must say, it is quite good. If you enjoy books that focus almost entirely upon political intrigue (which I do), then you'll find this enjoyable, I think.
The book focuses upon a young girl named Phedre who was born of an unsanctioned marriage within the Night Court. Her parents eventually had to sell her into indentured servitude in order to keep their own heads above water. This is the tale of her life growing up within a society that is, on the outside, seemingly beautiful and perfect, the people of the land having been descended from angels and humans who followed the heavenly child born of Mother Earth and Mary Magdelene's tears as she cried over Christ. What you find out is that, despite the common edict of the land, "Love as thou wilt", there is much anger and jealousy among the nobelmen, just as there is among all people.
A word of warning, though, to parents. This book is highly erotic, not something that you want to let your 13 year old get ahold of. While nothing is gratuitous (there is a point to any sex scene), sex is common and encouraged by the society as one of their saints was a "holy prostitute" who sold herself to save their lord, Elua. So, those following in her service...well....they're well treated, are well respected and /very/ open.