Jeremy
Footballguy
This stuff is pretty sweet on a few levels.
The DemonWars stuff is even better...well the 4th-7th books of that series, anyway.
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Fantasy genre authors? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Pick
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The DemonWars stuff is even better...well the 4th-7th books of that series, anyway.
Maelstrom
Footballguy
Just finished the Gathering Storm (WoT book 12). I've read some of Sanderson's other work, so I wasn't worried about him taking over, but I must say I REALLY enjoyed this book. I reread the entire series (except book 2, couldn't find my copy and didn't want to wait for a replacement) before reading book 12, which, while it made me wait 2 months to read the new book (started right around the end of summer, fwiw), left me thinking that Sanderson did a great job keeping everything straight - I didn't pick up on any character inconsistencies (changes yet, inconsistencies, no).
I like the direction it took, although it was worrisome at times, if you are expecting certain things. I really like the way it ended, but I won't say any more about that.
If you ever stopped reading this series (too long, nothing happening, etc.) book 11 would be a great place to pick it back up, and then move right into book 12 (the new one.)
I like the direction it took, although it was worrisome at times, if you are expecting certain things. I really like the way it ended, but I won't say any more about that.
If you ever stopped reading this series (too long, nothing happening, etc.) book 11 would be a great place to pick it back up, and then move right into book 12 (the new one.)
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Sabertooth
Footballguy
I bought an old lot of Conan books on Ebay a few years back. Finally started reading them in the last 6 months. I really like the old Howard stories. They were cookie cutter but he was very good at setting the atmoshpere. I really enjoy them.
Sabertooth
Footballguy
I've been reading The Scourge of God by S.M. Stirling. Very good sequel to the Sunrise Lands. Basically a post technology world with three warring factions. Very gritty and realistic.
He had other stories that were good too. Cormac mac Art, El Borak, Bran Mak Morn, etc. If you look at the body of Howard's work, it's amazing that he managed to put it all out before killing himself at 30.
Angus Lok
Footballguy
Starting to read Joe Abercrombie's third book in the First Law Trilogy.
Fantastic series from the start, some politics, war, inquistion torture ,humor . Language is a little harsh at times if this kind of stuff offends you , but i highly recommmed it.
New Erikson book comes out this week- Dust of Dreams.
Fantastic series from the start, some politics, war, inquistion torture ,humor . Language is a little harsh at times if this kind of stuff offends you , but i highly recommmed it.
New Erikson book comes out this week- Dust of Dreams.
Pick
Footballguy
I feel like I have a pretty good collection of Conan stuff. And you're right they are very cookie-cutter but most authors do a good enough job with it that I find most of them very enjoyable.Howard's other non-Conan books are also pretty sweet.
Pick
Footballguy
Should've read on before responding to the last post. Did he also do the one about the priest? Solomon Kane I think?
Pick
Footballguy
Starting to sour somewhat on this stuff. Salvatore refuses to let any main characters get killed. And if they do get killed they get resurrected somehow. Not to mention there is magic everywhere.This stuff is pretty sweet on a few levels.
The DemonWars stuff is even better...well the 4th-7th books of that series, anyway.
SeveredHorseHeads
Footballguy
If you are a big fan of Erikson and willing to spend about an extra 10 bucks, you can order his new books from Amazon.co.uk about 6 months before they are released in the states.
SeveredHorseHeads
Footballguy
The Black Company basically follows a squad of soldiers during a war. I think at the time, is was a break from traditional fantasy norms ( Farm boy turned king! ). It's gritty and the characters are well written. It is different from epic or high fantasy, whatever you want to call it.I liked them a lot. Erikson says that Cook is one of his biggest influences and one of the most under appreciated fantasy authors of all time.
SeveredHorseHeads
Footballguy
I would like to second whoever reccomended Gene Wolfe. Absolutely amazing author. His books are not
light reading though.
light reading though.
Maggot Brain
Footballguy
Spot on here. Went back and reread WOT from bk 6 LoC through Knife of Dreams(bk12) just to get back up to speed on characters and plot after a 3 year hiatus. I then read the Mistborn series by Sanderson-very good and very different
. Although I notice a distinct switch in styles, there's definitely good flow to the overall characters. Thought his depiction of Matrim Cauthon was the least accurate. Just seemed that Mat's character became a little petulant/whiny compared to before. It seemed that Jordan's wry humor writing style where Mat was concerned got turned a little off track. Just my 2cents. Still overall, very good and can't wait for the final 2, as well as the eventual cinema versions.
commisholio
Come out with your pants down!
WOT 13 is out. It is very good - Sanderson did a lot better with Mat this time and the character development is very well done. I can't wait for the final book.
mad sweeney
Footballguy
You finished already?! I just got mine from amazon yesterday. I'm reviewing the last book chapter by chapter online and hope to start it tonight or tomorrow. Just started Well of Ascension from the library and will probably just turn it in and get it again later. The Dragon Reborn takes precedence. Unfortunately The Passage is apparently being sent to my local branch so I hope ToM is a quick, awesome read.
Twilight
Footballguy
My Amazon shipment comes tomorrow. Besides the ToM, there's also Side Jobs, all the short stories Butcher has written about Harry Dresden, including a couple bridging the gap between the big ending of the last one and next year's Ghost Story. Also Cryoburn, where Bujold finally returns to writing about Miles Vorkosigan. I've been rereading that series in anticipation, and there is no change in opinion that Miles Vorkosigan is one of the most interesting SF characters ever written.
mad sweeney
Footballguy
I keep seeing those on the rack at the library, maybe I'll pick some up. I never saw the show but really like the actor, Paul Blackthorn. I was working with him years ago and tried to get him to have his agent look into doing Crowley from Good Omens, which Gilliam was trying to get going at the time. Drop was supposedly going to do it but Paul would be a better Crowley.
Twilight
Footballguy
I'll give a huge
to the Dresden series, and strongly recommend you pick them up. The SciFi series wasn't horrible, and Blackthorn did a decent job, but it didn't hold a candle to the books. I will say to definitely read them in order though. And I would definitely love to still see a Good Omens movie. And I agree that Blackthorn would be a solid Crowley.
Maggot Brain
Footballguy
Ordered mine Friday.....can't wait! can't wait! can't wait!!!!
And good that he appears to be back on track with Mat. Looking forward to checking out the differences
Maelstrom
Footballguy
I finished up ToM last night 
, enjoyed it quite a bit. I'll probably pick it back up in a few months and reread it a little bit slower. That being said, it reads fast but it is still very good. I like the way even some of the minor plot threads are pulled back in and tied up, less to finish off in the last book. There is quite a lot of answers in this book, closing up a lot of the little things people wondered about or that Jordan had left unanswered. A comment by a character here or there, a flashback or memory - it's almost like Sanderson spent a bit of time perusing the unanswered questions message boards - heck, maybe he did.
Don't want to say too much or post any spoilers, but it is definitely an enjoyable read.
, enjoyed it quite a bit. I'll probably pick it back up in a few months and reread it a little bit slower. That being said, it reads fast but it is still very good. I like the way even some of the minor plot threads are pulled back in and tied up, less to finish off in the last book. There is quite a lot of answers in this book, closing up a lot of the little things people wondered about or that Jordan had left unanswered. A comment by a character here or there, a flashback or memory - it's almost like Sanderson spent a bit of time perusing the unanswered questions message boards - heck, maybe he did.Don't want to say too much or post any spoilers, but it is definitely an enjoyable read.
commisholio
Come out with your pants down!
I got my copy the day it came out and finished 2 days later. In my younger days, I would have stayed up all night and finished the first night, but I got a little more responsible somehow. The pace was very fast indeed; there are a lot of threads to tie up, a lot of timelines to synch up, and a ton of characters to move around to get everyone in place for Tarmon Gaidon. In some respects, it suffers from middle book syndrome, where storylines are moved along, but ultimately the book is setup for the payoff in the final novel of the trilogy. Still, stuff happens, the story moved along, and things that have been long foreshadowed finally happen, ultimately in a pretty satisfying way.I finished up ToM last night, enjoyed it quite a bit. I'll probably pick it back up in a few months and reread it a little bit slower. That being said, it reads fast but it is still very good. I like the way even some of the minor plot threads are pulled back in and tied up, less to finish off in the last book. There is quite a lot of answers in this book, closing up a lot of the little things people wondered about or that Jordan had left unanswered. A comment by a character here or there, a flashback or memory - it's almost like Sanderson spent a bit of time perusing the unanswered questions message boards - heck, maybe he did.
Don't want to say too much or post any spoilers, but it is definitely an enjoyable read.
Rustoleum
Footballguy
I read a couple of Black Compay books. My memory may be fuzzy, but I thought they were a mercenary company, with most of their core having been around for hundreds of years, and the wars revolved around a bunch minor god/demigods types basically having a civil war (with names like the Hanged Man, the Nightstalker, etc.)They had a really different feel to them, but I liked them a lot. The overall "mood" of the stories kinda reminds me of Moorcock and the Elric books.EDIT: Just realized I was responding to an ancient post in this thread, so in addition to there not being the jubilant "George R.R. Martin finally finished the book!" notice I was hoping for, I've gone and done that as well.
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JGalligan
Footballguy
Just started Patrick Rothfuss' "The Name of the Wind". I guess he's the "next big thing" in fantasy and I must say, from what I've read so far (55ish pages in or so), he's the real deal. Will update when I'm done but it's fantastic so far and practically everyone and their brother's plumber is recommending it.
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Pick
Footballguy
No, I'm glad you did. I'm deep into the Black Company stuff. I think I'm almost done. Pretty well done books IMO. Characters are well-developed and surprising. I mean that peripheral characters become main characters. I like how everyone has a little dirt on them. No perfect heros running around.I read a couple of Black Compay books. My memory may be fuzzy, but I thought they were a mercenary company, with most of their core having been around for hundreds of years, and the wars revolved around a bunch minor god/demigods types basically having a civil war (with names like the Hanged Man, the Nightstalker, etc.)They had a really different feel to them, but I liked them a lot. The overall "mood" of the stories kinda reminds me of Moorcock and the Elric books.EDIT: Just realized I was responding to an ancient post in this thread, so in addition to there not being the jubilant "George R.R. Martin finally finished the book!" notice I was hoping for, I've gone and done that as well.
JGalligan
Footballguy
I'm planning on moving on to the BC series books after I finish the first two Rothfuss books. Looks like the best place to get the Black Company books is used via Amazon, I see? Pretty cheap -- especially for the first few one's in the series that were released some time ago (the 80's, right?).No, I'm glad you did. I'm deep into the Black Company stuff. I think I'm almost done. Pretty well done books IMO. Characters are well-developed and surprising. I mean that peripheral characters become main characters. I like how everyone has a little dirt on them. No perfect heros running around.I read a couple of Black Compay books. My memory may be fuzzy, but I thought they were a mercenary company, with most of their core having been around for hundreds of years, and the wars revolved around a bunch minor god/demigods types basically having a civil war (with names like the Hanged Man, the Nightstalker, etc.)They had a really different feel to them, but I liked them a lot. The overall "mood" of the stories kinda reminds me of Moorcock and the Elric books.EDIT: Just realized I was responding to an ancient post in this thread, so in addition to there not being the jubilant "George R.R. Martin finally finished the book!" notice I was hoping for, I've gone and done that as well.
Maelstrom
Footballguy
I buy books I feel I will reread a few times. It helps support the authors (I know they don't get squat per book, but still...) I still spend time at and check out books from my local library, often will try a new author or series there first, but once I know I like an author, I'll buy the book(s) at that point.
Ripley
Footballguy
Just finished this. Highly recommended. Hope he keeps writing it.
I'm reading the 4th volume of a series I've really enjoyed. It's a little different from the typical sword and sorcery fantasy, a little grittier, maybe "mildly" reminiscent of George Martin's series. It doesn't make my top 5 of all time or anything but I've looked forward to each new volume.
Twilight Reign by Tom Lloyd
http://www.tomlloyd.co.uk/
Just got the 4th volume from the library.
Twilight Reign by Tom Lloyd
http://www.tomlloyd.co.uk/
Just got the 4th volume from the library.
Pick
Footballguy
I've never been but I worry about selection at local libraries (some of the books I get are rare). Also, I buy most of my books online. I'm not a rereader guy but I have a nice book collection I'm proud of. The big reason is my kids are picking up on the same stuff now.Tangent point but the biggest indicator of advanced reading skill is casual reading (meaning someone is reading on their own and not for an assignment or something).Spike said:
I used to always buy books too. I also have a nice book collection, several hundred. Always envisioned having a nice dedicated library with nice wood shelves, big desk, maybe some medieval decorations thrown in.The reality turned out to be maybe 3 or 4 cheap "value" shelving units and the rest of my books in boxes. And no dedicated library. I get all my books from the library now. I shudder to think of all the money I've spent over the years in Sci-Fi bookk clubs, at waldens/Barnes and Nobles, etc.
But I do envy the people who are able to put nice collections together.
Pick
Footballguy
I hear thee. Definitely some serious money, but I think it's a good investment (especially if you have kids). I have two full 5-shelfers of the fantasy stuff and 1 of history (History teaching major) and 1 of kids books and other books. If I got to the point where I was boxing up books I would just sell them or throw them away.That could be a subject for a whole new thread.
mad sweeney
Footballguy
Enjoyable but substantially "less" than Jordan. I still think Snaderson's writing style is leagues below Jordan's. Even little things like using "got to" instead of "must" bother me. He's just not as polished as an adult writer, he still seems college level writing for college level to me. Still, enjoyable. I didn't like how a LOT of the 837 loose threads got solved, but I understand why some of them were resolved so swiftly and apparently easily. At this point, considering I started WoT within a year of EoW coming out, I just want freaking answers so it'll have to do. But like some people said, stuff happens, so that's good. Without giving spoilers out, because believe me, many things that were around at the start of the book aren't by book's end and vice versa, everything seems lined up for a smash bang finale.Overall, one of the better books of the latter half of the series but nowhere near as good as the first several. RJ's presence is sorely missed but i like to think that most of the stroylines are still his and for that I am grateful to read and enjoy it.I finished up ToM last night, enjoyed it quite a bit. I'll probably pick it back up in a few months and reread it a little bit slower. That being said, it reads fast but it is still very good. I like the way even some of the minor plot threads are pulled back in and tied up, less to finish off in the last book. There is quite a lot of answers in this book, closing up a lot of the little things people wondered about or that Jordan had left unanswered. A comment by a character here or there, a flashback or memory - it's almost like Sanderson spent a bit of time perusing the unanswered questions message boards - heck, maybe he did.Don't want to say too much or post any spoilers, but it is definitely an enjoyable read.
Angus Lok
Footballguy
His Second book - Wise Man's Fear due to be released in March 2011 - Also check out his website- http://www.patrickrothfuss.com- his blog is pretty entertaining . He also does a huge fundraiser for Worldbuilders, you donate cash and get a chance to win a ton of books and things.Just finished The Black Company Chronicles - Glen Cook. Three book omnibus . Great story, fantastic characters. Moving on to the next set, Stories from the South.
Also reading Sanderson's The Way of Kings.
LBH
Footballguy
Sandersons writing style is leagues below Jordan? No way. Sanderson is still developing as a writer. Book 1 of the Stormlight Archive is superior to anything Jordan has ever written. After book 8 of the WoT I gave up. The characters just got on my nerves. I can kind of understand your opinion if you haven't checked out Way of Kings yet. Books 1-5 of WoT were great and I'd rank them above Sandersons mistborn trilogy which I liked a lot but I think Sandersons Stormlight Archive will end up being better than the WoT series. Sanderson has better pacing and the action sequences are better than Jordans IMO. I also think that his character development(at least in Way of Kings) is better than Jordans.Enjoyable but substantially "less" than Jordan. I still think Snaderson's writing style is leagues below Jordan's. Even little things like using "got to" instead of "must" bother me. He's just not as polished as an adult writer, he still seems college level writing for college level to me. Still, enjoyable. I didn't like how a LOT of the 837 loose threads got solved, but I understand why some of them were resolved so swiftly and apparently easily. At this point, considering I started WoT within a year of EoW coming out, I just want freaking answers so it'll have to do. But like some people said, stuff happens, so that's good. Without giving spoilers out, because believe me, many things that were around at the start of the book aren't by book's end and vice versa, everything seems lined up for a smash bang finale.Overall, one of the better books of the latter half of the series but nowhere near as good as the first several. RJ's presence is sorely missed but i like to think that most of the stroylines are still his and for that I am grateful to read and enjoy it.I finished up ToM last night
LBH
Footballguy
I thought Name of the Wind was good but vastly overrated by the reviews I read online. Wise mans fear was a good follow up. I will read book 3 when it comes out
LBH
Footballguy
I read Gardens of the Moon which I liked but it took a little time to get into it. Very confusing at first but starts making sense after you get into it. I jumped over book 2 and went to book 3 since i wanted to follow the same characters from GotM. I've stopped reading the Malazan series but I think I'll tackle it again shortly. Quick Ben is my fav character in that series so far
I need some new authors to start reading.
dharmapunk
Footballguy
His best work is called The Riftwar Saga.Magician: Apprentice
Magician: Master
Silverthorn
Darkness at Sethanon
Also notable is a little novel called Faerie Tale. It has a contemporary setting. A family moves into a rural New England farmhouse. Then, of course, things go awry. The forest next to the house is populated by Irish folk-myth figures. Changlings. Oberon, Titania, etc. It's a pretty well written and gripping tale.
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The Flying Elvis
Footballguy
Just kinda getting into the realm of fantasy authors... In the past month an a half or so I have read the Song of Ice and Fire series and the Kingkiller Chronicles. I thoroughly enjoyed both and am looking for another series to jump into while I wait for the next books to come out. Fortunately A Dance with Dragons comes out in a month or so but I have no idea of when the next Kingkiller book will be published. A friend recommended the Wheel of Time series but I'm not sure about it. I liked the gritty realism of GRRM's series but also enjoyed the Kingkiller Chronicles. I'm not really looking to read the Lord of the Rings or anything of that sort and would like to stick to more modern books. I can deal with reading about elves etc but would prefer a series where the majority of characters are human like in Song of Ice and Fire and for the most part Kingkiller. Any suggestions?
The Flying Elvis
Footballguy
Just wanted to bump this up...
Big fan of the Kingkiller Chronicles and am hopeful the third one comes up in a more timely fashion than the 2nd one did.
Big fan of the Kingkiller Chronicles and am hopeful the third one comes up in a more timely fashion than the 2nd one did.
commisholio
Come out with your pants down!
Feist's Daughter/Servant/Mistress of the Empire Trilogy are very good, better than the Riftwar Saga IMO. If you liked the Riftwar stuff, check out those three.
commisholio
Come out with your pants down!
The Wheel of Time should be right up your alley. It's long, but that's a feature, not a bug, and by the time you get through it the last book will be out.
Pick
Footballguy
Maelstrom
Footballguy
By the time you need a little break from the Wheel of Time, A Dance with Dragons will be out, then you can pick WoT back up after that.
Twilight
Footballguy
NPR has a poll going on the top 100 SF/Fantasy books/series right now. If you want to search through for recommendations, Here's the NPR link, and here's the Fark thread full of other recommendations