Recommendations? - by Arislyn on 08:51 04 Jan 2005
Well, I've run out of reading material.
I finished up Jude Fisher's second book in the Fool's Gold trilogy and like it well enough to read the third....but that's not coming out for another few months.
Terry Goodkind's newest book, Chain Fire, should be out in the next few days but I can't get myself excited about it. Naked Empire was so bad....gah! The preaching! *sighs* Well, it wasn't the preaching itself that bothered me. That's fine. I like some philosophy in my books. It was the fact that he repeated the exact, same philosophical speech 200 times that got old. (Hey! This evil guy needs to be enlightened. *2 pages later* Hey! This random peasant needs to be enlightened. *2 more pages later* Hey, this lady and her 30 cats need to be enlightened....ad infinitum. I got it the first time. Get back to the plot, dang it!) I'm really afraid that Chain Fire is going to be more of the same.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince won't be out until summer. I'm looking forward to that, though!
I've read George R.R. Martin's books, don't like Robert Jordan, read all of David Eddings...I'm at a loss!
Anybody have any suggestions? I need some more books!
Well, I've run out of reading material.
I finished up Jude Fisher's second book in the Fool's Gold trilogy and like it well enough to read the third....but that's not coming out for another few months.
Terry Goodkind's newest book, Chain Fire, should be out in the next few days but I can't get myself excited about it. Naked Empire was so bad....gah! The preaching! *sighs* Well, it wasn't the preaching itself that bothered me. That's fine. I like some philosophy in my books. It was the fact that he repeated the exact, same philosophical speech 200 times that got old. (Hey! This evil guy needs to be enlightened. *2 pages later* Hey! This random peasant needs to be enlightened. *2 more pages later* Hey, this lady and her 30 cats need to be enlightened....ad infinitum. I got it the first time. Get back to the plot, dang it!) I'm really afraid that Chain Fire is going to be more of the same.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince won't be out until summer. I'm looking forward to that, though!
I've read George R.R. Martin's books, don't like Robert Jordan, read all of David Eddings...I'm at a loss!
Anybody have any suggestions? I need some more books!
Recommendations? - by Kainja on 18:04 04 Jan 2005
You've probably already read the six original Stephen Donaldson "Thomas Covenant" books, but if not, they are excellent. The first is "Lord Foul's Bane."
If you can find them, Paul O. Williams wrote a series that started with "The Breaking of Northwall" that was very good. These were published years ago but are supposed to be being republished soon. I think there are five or six in that series.
I've heard that Kenneth Flint is good, but I only tried to read his very first book and didn't care much for it. HIs later books are supposed to be much better.
For classics, Ursula LeGuin wrote a fine series that started with "earthsea." I also know people who really recommend the first few of anne McCafferey's Pern series, but you may have read those as well.
You've probably already read the six original Stephen Donaldson "Thomas Covenant" books, but if not, they are excellent. The first is "Lord Foul's Bane."
If you can find them, Paul O. Williams wrote a series that started with "The Breaking of Northwall" that was very good. These were published years ago but are supposed to be being republished soon. I think there are five or six in that series.
I've heard that Kenneth Flint is good, but I only tried to read his very first book and didn't care much for it. HIs later books are supposed to be much better.
For classics, Ursula LeGuin wrote a fine series that started with "earthsea." I also know people who really recommend the first few of anne McCafferey's Pern series, but you may have read those as well.
Recommendations? - by Haruchai on 19:14 04 Jan 2005
I also highly recommend the Thomas Covenant series by Donaldson. He has also just released a new one in that series...
I don't know if anyone here likes R.A. Salvatore, but I have enjoyed some of his books. Most people are usually turned off by the Drizz't stuff, but I can't deny that I enjoyed that first trilogy.
I've also started, but not finished, the Magic of Recluse by Modessit. (I think that's how it's spelled.) It's decent.
I also highly recommend the Thomas Covenant series by Donaldson. He has also just released a new one in that series...
I don't know if anyone here likes R.A. Salvatore, but I have enjoyed some of his books. Most people are usually turned off by the Drizz't stuff, but I can't deny that I enjoyed that first trilogy.
I've also started, but not finished, the Magic of Recluse by Modessit. (I think that's how it's spelled.) It's decent.
Recommendations? - by Arislyn on 19:40 04 Jan 2005
You know, I tried to read Lord Foul's Bane" a long time ago, but I didn't get into it. (When I say "a long time ago", I'm talking about 10 years ago.) I may have to try it again. Tastes change over the years and, honestly, I don't remember what it was about it that I didn't like then. I'll give it another chance.
Thanks for the suggestions, guys!
You know, I tried to read Lord Foul's Bane" a long time ago, but I didn't get into it. (When I say "a long time ago", I'm talking about 10 years ago.) I may have to try it again. Tastes change over the years and, honestly, I don't remember what it was about it that I didn't like then. I'll give it another chance.
Thanks for the suggestions, guys!
Recommendations? - by Brad on 17:41 05 Jan 2005
I agree on Donaldson. Lord Fouls Bane is just the appetiser, read it then try the Illearth War - that is where he really takes off.
Also, Raymond Feist's original Riftwar Saga (4 books) is quite good. It was based on a DnD and Empire of the Petal Throne RPG.
I would also put in a recommendation for Glen Cook's first The Black Company series. Fantastic stuff.
I agree on Donaldson. Lord Fouls Bane is just the appetiser, read it then try the Illearth War - that is where he really takes off.
Also, Raymond Feist's original Riftwar Saga (4 books) is quite good. It was based on a DnD and Empire of the Petal Throne RPG.
I would also put in a recommendation for Glen Cook's first The Black Company series. Fantastic stuff.
Recommendations? - by Kainja on 18:36 05 Jan 2005
Agreed, Brad. The Black company books are awesome. I wish he'd write more.
Agreed, Brad. The Black company books are awesome. I wish he'd write more.
Recommendations? - by Arislyn on 08:47 06 Jan 2005
I've read some of Feist's other stuff and liked it. I forget what the series was called, but I think the first book was Magician: Apprentice. At least, I think that was Feist. Hehe! I suppose I could check Amazon to make sure that I'm remembering correctly...
Edit: I just checked Amazon and that was the beginning of the Riftwar Saga. Hah! I'll have to dig that book up and give it a re-read and maybe continue with the series.
I've read part of the Black Company series and really liked it. Didn't Cook also write another series...something with a metal theme? The titles were something like Cold Copper Tears or somesuch. Any good?
I've read some of Feist's other stuff and liked it. I forget what the series was called, but I think the first book was Magician: Apprentice. At least, I think that was Feist. Hehe! I suppose I could check Amazon to make sure that I'm remembering correctly...
Edit: I just checked Amazon and that was the beginning of the Riftwar Saga. Hah! I'll have to dig that book up and give it a re-read and maybe continue with the series.
I've read part of the Black Company series and really liked it. Didn't Cook also write another series...something with a metal theme? The titles were something like Cold Copper Tears or somesuch. Any good?
Recommendations? - by Brad on 10:32 06 Jan 2005
>>Cold Copper Tears
Those are hard boiled detective stories in sort of a typical high fantasy city. They are amusing and fun. However I think the earlier ones are better so if you can find those early books on Amazon or ebay used, I would suggest that.
>>Cold Copper Tears
Those are hard boiled detective stories in sort of a typical high fantasy city. They are amusing and fun. However I think the earlier ones are better so if you can find those early books on Amazon or ebay used, I would suggest that.
Recommendations? - by Haruchai on 15:19 06 Jan 2005
I really liked James Clavell's series of books as well. You may or may not be familiar with SHOGUN. Each book is set is Japan, mainly, and they really aren't for everyone. But, if you like that type of historically based fiction they're really good. Most are set during the shogunate/daimyo periods of Japan's history.
I really liked James Clavell's series of books as well. You may or may not be familiar with SHOGUN. Each book is set is Japan, mainly, and they really aren't for everyone. But, if you like that type of historically based fiction they're really good. Most are set during the shogunate/daimyo periods of Japan's history.
Recommendations? - by Kainja on 07:26 07 Jan 2005
I liked Shogun but it was a huge book. I never read any others by Clavell.
I never read any of the Glen Cook detective series. However, Cook's Dread Empires series was also very good. The first three are "A Shadow of All night falling," "October's Baby," and "All Darkness Met."
Juanita Coulson also wrote a couple of decent fantasies, "The Web of Wizardry" and "The Death God's Citadel."
I liked Shogun but it was a huge book. I never read any others by Clavell.
I never read any of the Glen Cook detective series. However, Cook's Dread Empires series was also very good. The first three are "A Shadow of All night falling," "October's Baby," and "All Darkness Met."
Juanita Coulson also wrote a couple of decent fantasies, "The Web of Wizardry" and "The Death God's Citadel."
Recommendations? - by holsfisher on 12:38 09 Jan 2005
Hmm, its worth having a look at JV Jones' books. I really like them, thought they are undeniably a little cliche! Makes sure and read the right series first though - it's the "Book of Words" starting with "The Bakers Boy". The second trilogy (still waiting for book three) is probably a bit better, but it does give away a lot of the first series.
And if ou've never read them, "The Wizard of Earthsea" series, by Ursula K Le Guin, is fantastic. The hewest oe just came out last year, but book one was written in 1968. Its a great series, well written and very thoughtfull. I read it for the first time when I was only seven, and it was just a great fairy tale type fantasy, but rereading it at 18 I realised just how much deeper it was than I could have picked up at seven! The best of the series is "Tehanu" but again, its really important to read all the books in order!
Hmm, its worth having a look at JV Jones' books. I really like them, thought they are undeniably a little cliche! Makes sure and read the right series first though - it's the "Book of Words" starting with "The Bakers Boy". The second trilogy (still waiting for book three) is probably a bit better, but it does give away a lot of the first series.
And if ou've never read them, "The Wizard of Earthsea" series, by Ursula K Le Guin, is fantastic. The hewest oe just came out last year, but book one was written in 1968. Its a great series, well written and very thoughtfull. I read it for the first time when I was only seven, and it was just a great fairy tale type fantasy, but rereading it at 18 I realised just how much deeper it was than I could have picked up at seven! The best of the series is "Tehanu" but again, its really important to read all the books in order!
Recommendations? - by NoonChild on 05:35 12 Jan 2005
Have you read Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy? It good. Not for anyone who doen't like children as main characters though.
There is a nice amount of detail about these alternative worlds the books are set in, but it is done as the stories progress so there is no trawling through pages of flouncy description that has too many adjectives. Also as the books progress so does the philosophy - and we all love a bit of philosophy.
Have you read Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy? It good. Not for anyone who doen't like children as main characters though.
There is a nice amount of detail about these alternative worlds the books are set in, but it is done as the stories progress so there is no trawling through pages of flouncy description that has too many adjectives. Also as the books progress so does the philosophy - and we all love a bit of philosophy.
Recommendations? - by Arislyn on 07:29 12 Jan 2005
I've picked up "His Dark Materials" and looked at it when I was at the bookstore, but I haven't bought it.
Thanks for all the great suggestions, guys. Now, I just need to bop over to Amazon and make a choice....
I've picked up "His Dark Materials" and looked at it when I was at the bookstore, but I haven't bought it.
Thanks for all the great suggestions, guys.
Now, I just need to bop over to Amazon and make a choice....Recommendations? - by holsfisher on 16:40 13 Jan 2005
Mmmm, I would agree with the Dark Materials, but apparently it is offensive to many Christians - I don't realllllyyyyy understand quite why, but some of my friends are quite vitriolic about it..... Fantastic series though, especially the alternative Oxford - not nearly as alternative as it should be!!!!
Mmmm, I would agree with the Dark Materials, but apparently it is offensive to many Christians - I don't realllllyyyyy understand quite why, but some of my friends are quite vitriolic about it..... Fantastic series though, especially the alternative Oxford - not nearly as alternative as it should be!!!!
Recommendations? - by NoonChild on 09:56 14 Jan 2005
Yeah I saw some things in the third book that I thought might be seen as controversial - there is a lot about the nature of God and death - and it aint too kind if you have a very traditional existing view. Apparently it has some elements of Milton's Paradise lost, but I wouldn't know as I haven't read it (philistine that I am).
Yeah I saw some things in the third book that I thought might be seen as controversial - there is a lot about the nature of God and death - and it aint too kind if you have a very traditional existing view. Apparently it has some elements of Milton's Paradise lost, but I wouldn't know as I haven't read it (philistine that I am).