Capewearers Unite! You have nothing to lose but your staves!

[pocket]

Does anyone else read sci-fi/fantasy? Favorite authors? Series? How do you hide your secret shame?

[curlyjr]

I love Dragonlance books, The Torg books, and most any fanstasy books actually. I wear my cape proudly! :)

[pocket]

guess it's just you and me!

well obviously tolkein
and obviously rowling
then i like robert jordan, wheel of time series
and terry goodkind's sword of truth series
and george r.r. martin's stuff
and the malazan empire by steven erikson is my newest love
i think everyone should read the ender's game series by orson scott card
and i like ursula le guin's wizard of earthsea trilogy
and c.s. lewis' lion the witch and the wardrobe series
i read some stuff by kim stanley robinson that was decent, but then i read red mars and that was a real snooze.
i liked the his dark materials series by philip pullman
lian hearn has an interesting trilogy set in medieval japan that's a lot of fun
i've never gotten into the riftwar books though a lot of peoploe tell me i would love them.
steven king's dark tower series is excellent
recently i read a book by china mieville that was bizarre and very h.p. lovecraft called perdido street station. i think it's a series.

i just like this sort of escapist fiction. as you can see from all the children's books in my list, i've liked it for a long time! rightnow i am waiting not very patiently fot the second to last of the sword of truth series by terry goodkind to come out, and the next george r.r. martin and the next malazan empire book by steven erikson.

[Carrie K]

I like sci fi/fantasy too. Like Connie Willis, Kage Baker, and the old timers like Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg. William Gibson too. Do the Artemis Fowl books count here? I just picked up the first one. Oh, and Marge Piercy's Woman on the Edge of Time.
I keep looking for the His Dark Materials series but I haven't found it in a bookstore yet. Online, yes, but I kind of like hunting for books. It's not like there aren't a kabillion TBR books already in my house.

Neil Gaiman. Charles de Lint. I love his stuff.

I've got The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe series and pull them out every few years.

Have you guys read Judith Tarr? She doesn't write fantasy but she's got a great book out about a modern day woman ending up in Roman times that was just amazing. Well actually, I suppose that is fantasy. Duh.

[pocket]

Have you read Mage Piercy's He, She and It? It's so much better than Woman on the Verge! One of my favorite books ever, but currently out of print.

I really like charles de lint too.

[Lanapoo]

Fastening my cape here...

Okay, got it ;) Here are my favorite authors...

David Eddings (The Belgariad and Elenium series are my absolute favorite re-reads)
Anne McCaffrey (Dragonriders of Pern and other series)
Mercedes Lackey (Valdemaar)
Peirs Anthony (Anytime you want some good Xanth fluffy fantasy)

I've read lots of other fantasy but nothing that I still enjoy like these authors...

[chefker]

I've got my cape and my bracers on. :)

I'm a sci fi/fantasy lunatic. My faves:

Terry Brooks
Morgan Llewelyn
Stephen Lawhead (highly recommend the Pendragon series)
Mary Stewart
Jules Verne
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Tolkien
CS Lewis
Anne Rice (not sure if she counts, but I love the Mayfair witches series)
HG Wells

ETA: I guess I'll add J.K. Rowling too, I just started reading Harry Potter (I know, I just don't keep up with the fads I guess, lol). I thought I wouldn't like the books due to all the hype, but surprisingly I'm enjoying them!

[Vorian's_Leronica]

I'm not BIG on Sci fi-fantasy but I do love:
Katherine Kerr's Deverry Series
Anything by Morgan Llywellyn (except "the horse goddess" could NOT get into that book at all)
Roger Zelazney's Chronicles of Amber
Dune - all 6 by frank and all the prequels, espcially House Atreides.. I love dune so much my son's middle name is Vorian. :p

[magrat]

DH and I are huge Lois McMaster Bujold fans (to the extent of seriously considering naming a son Miles, a name we previously disliked). I never was that into sci fi or fantasy (with the exception of Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett and Robert Rankin which doesn't count), but since finishing reading all of the Vorkosigan books about three times, I've been trying many other authors to find a replacement. Haven't had much success. I like the genre because it's so much more creative than fiction in general (how many more books can be written about the daily life of southern women and how they return to their roots? :gag: ) but I find it's often not that well written or executed. I'd be very happy for suggestions from other Lois fans.

[Amaye]

Woo-hoo!! Finally people are coming out! I have been wondering for a while if anyone loves scifi/fantasy.

My favorite authors include

David Eddings
Margaret Weis/Tracey Hickman (Dragonlance series especially)
Terry Brooks
Terry Goodkind (Still haven't read the last book - it's starting to slightly drag for me)
George R Martin - recently read his series - love it and can't wait for book 4!
Loved the Riftwar series - just finished that.

Used to love Robert Jordan but is it book 12 now??? And each one 1,200 pages? I just can't do it anymore.

I also like other fantasy books with Vampires, etc. My two favorite authors are Laurell Hamilton and Kim Harrison. For some reason, l am not a big Anne Rice fan.

Pocket Thanks for the long list of authors - new people to investigate. For some reason, l have never read "the lion the witch and the wardrobe" series - it's on my list of must-reads.

[pocket]

wow! this is so exciting! i always wanted to do a SFF thread on WC, but I was afraid. I am a secret closet capewearer. I just love fantasy novels so much but no one understands. Thanks for all the new tips!

[curlyjr]

I just finished the Sword of Shannara, it was great, anyone know where to get the sequels?

[Amuse Bouche]

I don't love the genre as a whole, but I do really love some authors.

Diana Wynne Jones -- British, young adult's fantasy. If you read a lot of fantasy, I'd recommend particularly the Dark Lord of Derkholm, since it kind of riffs on the subject, or Deep Secrets, but Archer's Goon, Howl's Moving Castle, any of the Chrestomanci Books, A Tale of Time City are all excellent.

Marion Zimmer Bradley -- I read the Mists of Avalon in 6th Grade and was smitten. Similar, but nobody has heard of it, is the Firebrand, which retells the Iliad from the perspective of Paris's twin sister, but for scifi/fantasy, her Darkover series is amazing. Just wonderfully complex and very readabl.e

Neil Gaiman. Love him. Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods.

[ButterflyJen]

Oh yeah. Got my cape ready, dragon's outside sleeping. ;)

I looooooooooooove Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series. I must reread the series once every five years or so. Love it. Her Crystal Singer series isn't bad either.

Need to read more of the Dune series, and this thread gives me ideas for the next library trip!

[Lanapoo]

ButterflyJen - I'm a rereader of the Dragonrider series too! Love it!

I picked up a short two book series a few weeks ago and really enjoyed them. The author is Alma Alexander and the books are The Hidden Queen and The Changer of Days.

Has anyone read that book Eragon(I think)? It's got a dragon on the cover. It was written by this kid when he was like fifteen years old. It looks good but I'd like to hear from someone who's read it...

[pocket]

Has anyone read that book Eragon(I think)? It's got a dragon on the cover. It was written by this kid when he was like fifteen years old. It looks good but I'd like to hear from someone who's read it...

I read it - it was pretty good! Not amazing blow my socks off good, but considering that he's only 15, it was really very good indeed. the basic plot and the fantasy conventions were great. the characters were also well drawn, but a bit canned in some of the emotions he couldn't have ever experienced. So he had Pride, but not Grief - you see?

[Lanapoo]

Thanks for the info Pocket! That helps, I think I'll just wait until I see it in a used bookstore then rather than buying it new.

[dionysia]

My DH is more of a sci-fi/fantasy fan than I am, but that being said, I like Tolkein, Rowling, Neal Stephenson (though I didn't finish 'Cryptonomicon'), and the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey. I loved "A Wrinkle in Time" and "The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe" when I was a kid and I am so excited about the movie version of the latter which is coming out later this year.

Di

[kemaji]

Pulling my cape out....

I've read Eragon and I liked it enough to put book 2 on my list.

JRR Tolkien is probably my favorite author of all time.

Others that I love are:
JK Rowling
Marion Zimmer Bradley
David Eddings
Anne McCaffrey
Ursula LeGuin
Terry Goodkind
Robert Jordan
Jack Whyte
CS Lewis

There are others, I just can't think of them right now (I'm mentally going though my bookshelves at home).

[keska]

I read fantasy but not sci-fi.

Favorite authors:
Mercedes Lackey (Valdemar is my favorite but I read all the others too)
Katherine Kerr
Guy Gavriel Kay (Fionavar Tapestry series & Tigana particularly)
Terry Pratchett

I like the Belgariad and the Mallorean series by David Eddings but don't care as much for his other stuff.

Anne McCaffrey is sort of hit or miss for me too. I like the dragons but don't like anything that seems to involve sci-fi/space stuff. My favorite series of hers is the Harper Hall series (Dragonsong, Dragonsinger, Dragondrums).

I gave up on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time somewhere around book 6 and I've kept up with Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth but I think the last book was not very good.

[Amaye]

Bumping up - Any other capewearers out there?

I am reading some of the books that people recommended right now.

The Chronicles of Narnia - the first 2 stories were great but for some reason, eeh.. I'm starting to get a little bit bored. I think I had too many expectations for the series as so many people recommended it. Though I read a lot as a child, for some reason l never read this series.

The Traveler by John Twelve Hawkes. So far, very good. Quick spaced and interesting - definitely reads like it was written for a movie though.

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. I've only read 3 chapters but it seems really good. I can't wait to get more into it.

[KarenS]

I am pretty picky about my Sci-Fi and Fantasy, but I'm definitely a closet geek. :)

Fav authors:
Pretty much any of the "Classic Age" of Sci-Fi. Bradbury, Azimov, Clarke, delRey, etc.

Obviously Tolkien and the Rings series. The Silmarillion was tough going for me. I'm glad I read it, but it's not a favorite.

I loved the Pern Series and the Killashandra series by Anne McCaffrey, but I'm not fond of the rest of her stuff in general.

Vonda McIntyre is one I like. Her Dreamsnake novel is one of my favorites.

John D MacDonald (of Travis McGee fame) wrote quite a bit of science fiction, mostly short stories, and I love his stories. "Other Times, Other Places" is one of my favorites.

Orson Scott Card is another favorite. The Ender series is great.

David Eddings is really good, although I got kind of tired of The Belgariad and The Malloreon series after a while. I kind of felt like he did them to death. I loved The Elenium series - but I like that kind of history-based stuff.

Katherine Kurtz is along the same lines - the history based fantasy/sci-fi. Her Deryni novels are some of my favorites and I re-read them every once in a while. She also wrote the Adept series with Deborah Turner and I like those, although not so much the later ones as the earlier ones.

Robert Jordan is another one that I read the first few books and then just sort of gave up. But the first couple of books in his Wheel of Time series, I liked.

Loved the Dune books. I know a lot of people don't like them, but I do.

Absolutely cannot stand Anne Rice! :) I loved the first two vampire books and then they got a little too bondage/sado-masochistic for me.

Along the same lines, I loved the first few Anita Blake books by Laurell Hamilton, but after a while they just got silly and repetitive - like the plot was just an excuse for some soft core porn. I'm not a prude at all and enjoy a good sex scene ( :) ), but good grief!

I know there are others - I read obsessively and have a ton of books. But I'm drawing a blank right now. I'll add more as I think of them.

Karen

[bunnybeth]

I don't read that much scifi/fantasy but mostly because I don't know where to start. This thread certainly is a help.

I've read a lot of Lewis, Tolkien, Rowlings and L'Engle. My current favorite is Neal Stephenson. I loved Cryptonomicon and Snow Crash was just fabulous. Currently working on the "Baroque Cycle."

And, besides the Narnia series, I really enjoyed Lewis' "Space Trilogy."

Not really sure if this fits the genre exactly, but Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is certainly a geek book and a good read.

Considering what a huge geek I am, it really is sad how little scifi/fantasy I've read. :p

[KarenS]

Oh another one that sort of crosses genres is the Dallas & Roarke series by J.D. Robb. J.D. Robb is really Nora Roberts. Dallas is a cop in 2151 or something like that and Roarke is her extremely wealthy husband. The books have a strong "romance" element to them, but they're mostly futuristic murder mysteries. They're well written and I like all of the characters.

Karen

[Elenna]

I wear my cape quite proudly. DH and I love Sci-Fi/Fantasy books.

My favorite authors:
Robert Jordan
Anne McCaffrey
Mercedes Lackey
H.G.Wells
Lovecraft
Hickman and Weis
Eddings
Orson Scott Card
Arthur C. Clarke
Terry Goodkind


Has anyone read that book Eragon(I think)? It's got a dragon on the cover. It was written by this kid when he was like fifteen years old. It looks good but I'd like to hear from someone who's read it...

I've read it. It was good. I'll read the next one once it is out in trade. It wasn't something that I'd read again, though.

For all those that gave up on the Robert Jordan books. I went to DragonCon earlier this month. Robert Jordan was there. He said there will be only one more after this latest one, coming out in October. He said that even if it has to be 1500 pages long he will finish the series with that book. I'm so excited about this latest book. Robert Jordan did a reading from the book. It really wetted my appetite for more.

I really like the Pern series, but I haven't read any of Todd McCaffrey's. He did a reading at DragonCon of his latest Pern book that he's writing. It seemed ok. Has anyone read his Pern books?

Great to see so many other sci-fi/fantasy lovers on these boards.

[pocket]

One of the things I like a lot about audiobooks is that it takes me hell-of long to finish them. Recently I’ve “read” The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks, Eldest by Chris Paolini and now I’m reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

The Traveler was fun, but since my name is Maya it was weird to hear it over and over as the main character’s name. It’s an interesting premise. While I was a bit dissatisfied with this book, it did make me want to read the rest of the trilogy. The time is roughly the present, and the U.S. is part of the Vast Machine, a society overseen by the Tabula, a secret organization bent on establishing a perfectly controlled populace. Allied against the Tabula are the Travelers and their sword-carrying protectors, the Harlequins. The Travelers, now almost extinct, can project their spirit into other worlds where they receive wisdom to bring back to earth—wisdom that threatens the Tabula's power. Maya, a reluctant Harlequin, finds herself compelled to protect two naïve Travelers, Michael and Gabriel Corrigan.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/038551428X.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Eldest by Christopher Paolini continues the story of Eragon, dragon rider to Saphira in the country of Alleghesia. One of the more interesting things about this book is that the author was on 15 when he wrote the book. He is also home-schooled which is really clear in this book. He describes Eragon’s training with the elves and it really is much more like I imagine home-schooling must be than a classroom environment.

The land of Alagaesia is suffering under the Empire of the wicked Galbatorix, and Eragon and his dragon Saphira, last of the Riders, are the only hope. But Eragon is young and has much to learn, and so he is sent off to the elven forest city of Ellesmera, where he and Saphira are tutored in magic, battle skills, and the ancient language by the wise former Rider Oromis and his elderly dragon Glaedr. Meanwhile, back at Carvahall, Eragon's home, his cousin Roran is the target of a siege by the hideous Ra'zac, and he must lead the villagers on a desperate escape over the mountains. The two narratives move toward a massive battle with the forces of Galbatorix, where Eragon learns a shocking secret about his parentage and commits himself to saving his people.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/037582670X.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

American Gods by Neil Gaiman (creator of the Sandman comic) is good so far, but more of a road trip/soul of America story than a real fantasy.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0380789035.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Released from prison shortly after the accidental death of his wife, ex-con Shadow finds himself free, but bereft of all the things that gave his previous life meaning. As he bids his farewell to the fragments of that life, an eerie stranger named Mr. Wednesday offers him employment. Wednesday needs someone to act as aid, driver, errand boy, and, in case of Wednesday's death, someone to hold a vigil for him. Shadow consents and finds himself drawn unsuspectingly into a cryptic reality where myth and legend coexist with today's realities.
Mr. Wednesday, trickster and wise man, is on a quest. The old gods who came over to this country with each human incursion have weakened as their followers have dwindled and are now threatened with extinction by the modern gods of technology and marketing. Wednesday travels from deity to deity, rounding up help for what will be last battle. He engages ancient Russian gods, Norse legends, Egyptian deities, and countless others who have found their way to America in the past 10,000 or so years. Shadow never quite understands what his role is in all of this, but he experiences visions and dreams which promise that he is far more than Wednesday's factotum.

[Cali_Katy]

DH is on the road a lot and is looking for some new fantasy series to read on his long plane trips. He's read and enjoyed the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, the Sword of Truth series by Robert Jordan, and the Death Gate Cycle by Weis and Hickman.

Any suggestions on others he might enjoy?

[Elenna]

Cali_Katy: I recommend any of the books from Mercedes Lackey's Valdamar series. I think there are over 20 of them, so far. The series is broken up into almost standalone trilogies or singlets that take place in the same world. Really good reading.

Pocket: The Traveler sounds very interesting. I'm really wanting to read Eldest. I'm just waiting for it to come out in trade paper.

Right now I'm reading Magician by Raymond Fiest. I'm liking it. It is very Tolkienish.

[Elenna]

The new Robert Jordan book, Knife of Dreams, is out! DH and I picked it up last night. Can't wait to get started reading it.

[keska]

Cali Katy - If you're going to read the Valdemar series, I'd start with either The Mage Wars trilogy or the Last Herald-Mage trilogy. The reason I recommend this is that they are the oldest chronologically in Valdemar history, so some of the later series build on some of that knowledge. It's totally not necessary to go in order (they weren't even written that way) but it will give you a more complete understanding. I think the Last Herald-Mage and the Mage Winds trilogies are my favorite, although the Vows and Honor series is a crossover that's good (it's on the same world and some of the books involve meeting up with people from Valdemar). The Oathbound and Oathbreakers were the first two I read and I still reread them occasionally.

Note: Some of Lackey's books touch on homosexuality either in passing or as part of a main story line, just in case that is a consideration for you.

[pocket]

Note: Some of Lackey's books touch on homosexuality either in passing or as part of a main story line, just in case that is a consideration for you.

This is an unusual comment. Do you mean the books are upsettingly homophobic? I felt that way with a few of Grisham's books... Or are there graphic sex scenes?

Elenna oh wow, you just made my week..... i've been waiting for this one for YEARS.

[Elenna]

Pocket: Glad I could make your week! DH and I have fought over it all weekend. Finally, I gave in and he's reading it while I'm re-reading the last book to refresh my memory (and his).

The homosexuality in Mercedes Lackey's books isn't graphic or upsetting. Almost all fantasy books have love/romance in them. It is just that in her books some couples are the same sex. I find it quite refreshing.

[pocket]

Well I suppose it’s all for the best that we had this little conversation since now I will read Lackey. Where should I start? Take a Thief?

Keska, forgive me if I misunderstood the intent of your comment. I just prickle at a warning of homo content especially in a book that likely also contains severe violations of the laws of physics and biology. It reeks of homophobia and methinks the lady doth protest etc.

Along those lines, anyone read the Left Behind series? Is it any good?

[Elenna]

Pocket: I think the first books written in the series are the Heralds of the Queen series, which starts with the Arrows of the Queen. But if you want to start reading the books in order using the chronology of the world of Valdamar then you want to start with Mage Wars series, which starts with the Black Gryphon. If I'm wrong, please someone correct me.

I started reading the Valdamar books with the Last Herald Mage series, which starts with Magic's Pawn. By far my favorite in the whole series.

[keska]

pocket

I don't mind your comment. I obviously don't have a problem with the books as I recommended them. Mercedes Lackey is my absolute favorite writer. I think the Last Herald-Mage books are her best. The main character happens to be gay and a part of the first and last books' storylines deal with his falling in love. It's very emotional and not extremely graphic and I cry buckets every time I read it. It's also only part of the overall major plot.

However, some people, homophobic or not, might not be comfortable reading that storyline; hence the comment. I tend to do that more now since someone gave me a scolding after I recommended Harry Potter (apparently, it dealt too much with dark magic for her taste).

ETA - Did you know there's a whole line of books about using Harry Potter to teach your kids about Christian values?

[Cali_Katy]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll pick up one for my husband and see what he thinks. We just got back from a long trip, and he was so busy beforehand he asked me to go to the bookstore and pick him up a new book. Fantasy is not a genre I'm very familiar with, so it was a shot in the dark. I ended up picking up the first book by Brian Jacques, Redwall, on the theory that there were at least two shelves of them at the bookstore, so they must be pretty popular. ;)

Along those lines, anyone read the Left Behind series? Is it any good?

Caveat: I am not exactly the target audience for these books. I am probably exactly the opposite of who they are intended for. I read the first two or three in the series out of sheer curiousity -- walking a mile in someone else's shoes, so to speak. Politics aside, I did not think they were very well-written books, but they were compelling in the way that, say, a John Grisham novel can be. You know it's not that great, but yet you read to the end to find out what happens anyway.

[keska]

I read the first 2-3 of the Left Behind series too and thought they were very interesting. They gave me nightmares, though. I don't even like to watch movies about the end of the world. It freaks me out.

[Elenna]

pocket

I don't mind your comment. I obviously don't have a problem with the books as I recommended them. Mercedes Lackey is my absolute favorite writer. I think the Last Herald-Mage books are her best. The main character happens to be gay and a part of the first and last books' storylines deal with his falling in love. It's very emotional and not extremely graphic and I cry buckets every time I read it. It's also only part of the overall major plot.



I cry buckets, too, when I read those books.

Have you read Mercedes Lackey's Obsidian Trilogy? The first book is The Outstretched Shadow. They aren't part of the Valdamar books, but they're still really good. Different magic system, world, etc. I've read the first two and can't wait to read the third.

[keska]

Elenna

Yes, I've read them. I think they are good. What did you think of Alta and Joust? I thought they were OK. Not as good as some of her other works. She has a good trilogy with Andre Norton called The Halfblood Chronicles that I like.

[bunnybeth]

The Left Behind series was written... ok. Not anything great. But, I only read a couple because I just couldn't get over how very anti-Catholic they were. I think I only read past book 1 because a couple of my friends love them.

[Elenna]

Elenna

What did you think of Alta and Joust? I thought they were OK. Not as good as some of her other works. She has a good trilogy with Andre Norton called The Halfblood Chronicles that I like.

I haven't read Joust or Alta, yet. I keep looking at them in the bookstore, but just haven't been compelled to buy them yet.

I haven't seen the Halfblood Chronicles books. But after looking on Amazon they look interesting.

Left behind series: I haven't read them. I saw an interview with the writer that turned off any interest I had.

[bunnybeth]

Has anyone read any Michelle Sagara West novels?

I just finished reading an essay by her that I really liked (in the Finding Serenity compilation) and it was noted that she writes novels. I looked them up and they all appear to be scifi/fantasy.

[keska]

I haven't read her but I looked up some of her books on Amazon and they got great reviews. I think I'll look for some of them at the used bookstore.

[pocket]

Oh man, I loved it! As usual it was WAY too long, and way too much description of various kids of embroidery. He is totally obsessed with women's clothing. But at least the plot progressed and thank goodness book 12 is the last one!

[Elenna]

I still haven't read it. :( DH is taking a long time to read it. I can tell who is in it by the questions DH is asking. He laughed when he came across the Robert Jordan famous phrase "crossed her arms under her breasts" for the first time on pg.93 of that book. He was looking for it. We joke all the time about where else would you cross your arms.

[pocket]

Reread the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman recently, and now I am reading the new George R. R. Martin book from his Song of Ice and Fire series. So far, so good, but they switched narrators on the audiobook and it's very disappointing.

[Elenna]

I finished Knife of Dreams. I was so glad stuff finally happened in the book. I can't wait to read the next, and last, one when it comes out.

I'm not really reading anything right now. It is getting to be crunch time at school. Got one more project to finish up and then finals.

Pocket: Is the first book in that trilogy the "Golden Compass"? If so, I really enjoyed the first two books. The last one disappointed DH and I.

[pocket]

I was also disappointed in the last Pullman book. I want a sequel!! But he's said there won't be a sequel, so that's that.

I finished Feast for Crows last week, I listened to it on audiobook, so it took a long time. I liked it, but it left me feeling unsatisfied.

[pocket]

And now I am reading the Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay. Keska, you said you liked these...I want to like them, but though I am almost through book 1 it seems a bit thin on motivation for the 5 main characters. Tell me it gets better!

ETA - Boy howdy does it ever get better! I would recommend this series highly. It was great.

[Photobug]

I also enjoy sci-fi / fantasy. I've read most of the series mentioned here and just got Feast of Crows, but I'm re-reading the other books first because it's so easy to miss little things of great significance in that series.

There is a great fantasy spoof series by Robert Asprin that I highly recommend for people who like "fluffy" fantasy. The M.Y.T.H. Inc. books are really very funny, although the last few actually got a little dark for my taste, hopefully if there are any more, they'll lighten up a little.

And I don't know if this counts as fantasy or horror, but if Anne Rice counts, then I'll put in a plug for the Count St. Germain series by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro.

[GeekGirl]

Just finished Knife of Dreams. I totally agree with pocket's comment about Robert Jordan's fascination with women's clothing and the golden fleur de lis daintily embroidered against a red silk background scrolling up the bodice to her impressive bosom where she had her arms crossed and........

Whoops. Sorry. Had a flashback to, like, every scene in the book. :o :p

It was very good, however - much much much much much better than Book 10!! I'm glad that some of the plot is starting to be wrapped up. I can't wait to find out more about how the whole Egwene situation is going to be resolved - mostly I think I just want to see Elaida get what's coming to her. :D

And it's too bad Faile didn't die. God, I hate that woman. Perrin deserves so much better!

[Elenna]

GeekGirl: I'm with you on wanting Elaida to get what's coming to her.

DH's major complaint about the books is that he doesn't like any of the major people in the books anymore. He says that they're all just way too arrogant for him to like them. I agree that they're arrogant, but I still like some of them.

This weekend I read Mercedes Lackey's Bardic Voices v.1: The Lark and the Wren. I hadn't read it before. It was good. I want to read the others in the series now.

[GeekGirl]

DH's major complaint about the books is that he doesn't like any of the major people in the books anymore. He says that they're all just way too arrogant for him to like them. I agree that they're arrogant, but I still like some of them.


I dislike most of the women in the WoT series....with the possible exception of Egwene and Aviendha. I also have tended to like Min. I especially dislike most of the Aes Sedai, Faile, Nynaeve, and Elayne. Of the male characters I like Lan and Mat, and possibly Logain. But liking Mat took a while - he was too much of a player for too long. I liked Perrin until he married Faile, and Rand just whines too much. It sucks having to be the savior of the world, but he puts up with too much BS from people.

[Amaye]

I'm in the midst of reading Raymond Feist's Midkemia stories. I started out with the Riftwar Saga and just finished the Serpentwar Saga. I think I'm going to now read the Mistress of the Empire storyline.

So far, I'm ready enjoying these books. The Riftwar Saga is my favorite though.

[Elenna]

I liked the Riftwar books. I haven't read the Mistress of the Empire, yet. Let us know if it is just as good.

I haven't really read anything recently. Just Eldest. I enjoyed the story. Though, I kept feeling like the author was trying to point out his own beliefs through the story (ie: the elves not believing in God(s), etc). Maybe I'm just being too critical.

[pocket]

well he did write it when he was 15 so that is probably why the morality felt simplistic to you.

[Elenna]

Yeah, I tried to keep it in mind while reading.:o Other than that the story and writing were good.

[pocket]

i'm not trying to be critical of him. definitely a huge accomplishment and really a great story with enough about it that was unique for it to be engaging. but some parts of the stories were *young*, you know? like some of the emotions were a bit canned.

[Amaye]

I am on book three of the Daughter of the Empire Saga and this series is amazing. l love love the writing and the storyline is so engrossing. I would definitely recommend this series.

[keska]

Who is the author, Amaye?

[Amaye]

Sorry for the late response - just saw this.

It is by Raymond Feist. He wrote the Riftwar Saga series which was really good. There is a storyline that entwins the 2 series but you don't have to have read the Riftwar saga before reading the Daughter of the Empire one.

Definitely a great read - could not put the books down till l read all 3 books.

[Amaye]

I just started reading Wit'ch Storm by James Clemens - the first book was very engrossing so I just started the second one.

So far, so good. I can't wait to read the last book. The series starts off with a preview of the present with the books going back to the past.

[raven077]

I really prefer the fantasy to sci-fi myself. Let's see here, what can I think of off the top of my head?

Melanie Rawn (everything)
Neil Gaiman (everything)
A. A. Attanasio (Dragon & the Unicorn)
Jack Whyte (everything)
Marion Zimmer Bradley (everything)
Anne Bishop (Black Jewels Trilogy)
Deborah Chester (Sword, Ring, Chalice Series)
Felicity Savage (Humility Garden, et al)
R. A. Salvatore (just about everything, but esp. the Homeland series)
and of course, Tolkien.

There are definitely more, but these guys, I try to snap up a lot.

[pocket]

Time to come clean. I ordered the UK paperback edition of The Bonehunters (Malazan Empire book 6) and paid for international shipping. That's what obsession looks like.

[Amaye]

Time to come clean. I ordered the UK paperback edition of The Bonehunters (Malazan Empire book 6) and paid for international shipping. That's what obsession looks like.

LOL! Love it!

[pocket]

oh man the Bonehunters was SO GOOD! If you like George R.R. Martin and you havent' started Tales of the Malazan yet, you should get moving. It's very thick and very long. (but not uncut - LOL - I crack myself up.)

[Amaye]

Really like George Martin but I have started the Tales of the Malazan. I think I'm a little scared by the 10 book storyline. I don't know if l could follow that long. I've finally given up on Robert Jordan and I'm almost done with Terry Goodkind.

Maybe l will get the first book from the library. l have a bad feeling I'm going to get caught up! oh well!

[raven077]

Hey all,
I have a friend who's started her own, online book store. Hopefully this is a preliminary, beginning step before she opens a brick and mortar shop.

She has new and used books and a ton of SciFi/Fantasy. Her site just launched: The BookShoppe (http://www.ibookshoppe.com). Hopefully she might have some stuff you're looking for. :)

[pocket]

The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Baker

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Canadian author Bakker's impressive, challenging debut, the first of a trilogy, should please those weary of formulaic epic fantasy. Bakker's utterly foreign world, Eärwa, is as complex as that of Tolkien, to whom he is, arguably, a worthier successor than such established names as David Eddings and Stephen Donaldson. Bakker creates an extraordinary cast of nationalities and races involved in an enormous holy war set off by an unseen prophet, Maithanet. (Appendices help keep the history and personalities straight.) He casually drops for half the story an increasingly important character, Anasûrimbor Kellhus (aka "the Prince of Nothing"), who finally returns without a breath of exposition. The amiable and wise sorcerer spy Drusas Achamian binds the myriad narrative threads together. Drusas's love for Esmenet, a too-experienced prostitute, provides some tenderness amid the abundant slaughter. In the book's most harrowing scene, which fans of gentler fantasy will find too graphic, Esmenet is raped by a creature who, despite its human appearance, is likely demonic. If this ambitious novel lacks the beauty of Tolkien as well as the sense of pure evil that suffused Middle-earth with genuine terror, its willingness to take chances and avoid the usual genre clichés should win many discriminating readers.

Meh. Not so good. I didn’t even finish it, and I just didn’t care.

Tales of the Otori by Lian Hearn – Harsh Cry of The Heron

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Australian writer Gillian Rubinstein, writing as Hearn, concludes her bestselling Otori fantasy epic (Across the Nightingale Floor, etc.) with another magical tale of life and death in feudal Japan. Thanks to his enlightened leadership, 15 years of peace and prosperity have passed since Otori Takeo united the Three Countries, but his enemies continue to plot their revenge—including the Tribe, a ninja-like group of assassins, and the duplicitous Lord Zenko, one of Takeo's retainers. Perhaps the greatest threat, however, is the prophecy of a holy woman that Takeo will die only at his son's hand; his only son, an unacknowledged bastard, is being raised by his sworn enemy Kikuta Akio, the head of a Tribe family. With his beautiful (and legitimate) daughter and heir Shigeko by his side, Takeo must navigate these treacherous shoals to save his lands and his legacy from destruction. Hearn seamlessly fuses fact and fantasy to create a sprawling, bewitching realm of magic. There's enough background in this fourth installment that a new reader will have no problem following along, and fans will be heartened to know that this "Last Tale" will be followed in 2007 by a prequel. (Sept.)

This was OK – actually the first two were great, but the last one leaves fantasy too far behind and tries for speculative historical fiction.

Pliocene Exile Series by Julian May

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When a one-way time tunnel to Earth's distant past, specifically six million B.C., was discovered by folks on the Galactic Milieu, every misfit for light-years around hurried to pass through it. Each sought his own brand of happiness. But none could have guessed what awaited them. Not even in a million years....

THE SAGA OF PLIOCENE EXILE
Volume I:THE MANY-COLORED LAND
Volume II:THE GOLDEN TORC
Volume III:THE NONBORN KING
Volume IV:THE ADVERSARY
. . . and don't miss A PLIOCENE COMPANION

Intervention Series by Julian May

I - Surveillance
II - Metaconcert

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In 1945, the technology of death was mastered, and Mankind entered a new era that could well be its last. But Nature evolves its own defense, and since that time, unnoticed throughout the world, children with amazing mental talents have been born. They are the metapsychic operants--and they have the power to rule the world.

But superhuman ability misguided can be as sure a weapon as the deadliest bomb. Will the new humans lead us to utter destruction? Or will they show us the way to take our place among the truly intelligent races of the universe?

Galactic Mileau Trilogy by Julian May

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May's newest series, following from her two Intervention titles, begins by combining galactic-scale intrigue with the smaller but no less turbulent affairs of the powerful Remillard family. In the mid-21st century, earth's humanity, led by the mentally gifted Remillards, is awaiting acceptance into the vast Galactic Milieu, a political and telepathic alliance of alien races. But some beings on earth, even some among the Remillard clan, are wary of the aliens. At this delicate juncture, Teresa, wife of clan leader Paul Remillard, conceives a child who promises to be the most powerful mental talent ever, but whose genetic defects condemn him to death under Milieu law. Meanwhile, a demonic force calling itself Fury has begun to kill off Remillards and others with "metapsychic" powers, creating a chaos that threatens to delay humanity's admission to the Milieu. The plot is engaging and May's prose adequate to it, but the story is marred by its unbroken focus on elites, with no attention paid to ordinary people, and by its aliens, who seem too much like humans.

I - Jack the Bodiless
II - Diamond Mask
III - Magnificat

These were all really unique and interesting. Most are out of print, so you have to dig them up on ebay or the library.

The Family Trade by Charles Stross (3 books so far)

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Best known for his Accelerando novels (Singularity Sky, etc.) of an ever-speedier techno-Singularity, British author Stross mixes high-tech with medieval trappings in this highly entertaining science fantasy in the "misplaced modern" mode. Reporter Miriam Beckstein, recently fired for exposing a money laundering scheme and threatened by the criminals involved, finds that staring at her mother's antique brooch can move her from contemporary America to a Viking-settled parallel universe, where she discovers her true heritage as a countess among the world-walking, goods-smuggling Clan. Struggling to master the mores and politics of her new family, Miriam discovers trust to be the rarest commodity in which they deal. Earl Roland, her new love, may be too loyal to her uncle, Duke Angbard, while Roland's intended, the Baroness Olga, is much more than a silly heiress waiting to be married off. Miriam schemes to update the Clan's ancient business and make herself invaluable to their interests, before one of the many assassins after her succeeds. Stross makes much of the incongruity of modern technology alongside old-fashioned costumes and customs, and many will be reminded of Roger Zelazny's Amber books, which had similar dizzying intrigues.

I liked the protagonist, and the premise. But the latest book got a bit boring.

Upcoming:

Terry Goodkind - Sword of Truth - Final Trilogy

He’s finally finishing this series with a trilogy. I’ve read all but the last one which isn’t out yet. I can’t say I am enjoying them very much, but at least it’s almost over. I loved this series at first. The first 5 or so are great.

Robert Jordan – Wheel of Time – Book 12

Robert Jordan was really sick and almost died. I partially was hoping he would never finish this series since it’s really gotten grindingly slow and ridiculous. Again, the first 7 or so books are completely awesome. Then they just get stupid. He’s promising that this will be the last book.

And of course the last Harry Potter book!

[chefker]

I forgot about this thread! ;)

Anyone read Kurt Vonnegut? A few of my friends think I would *really* like his stuff. I can't believe I've never read anything of his, and I consider myself to be well read! I think I will see if the library has Slaughterhouse Five. That's supposed to be one of his best.

This one might be more historical fiction than sci-fi, but I love Stephen Lawhead, and I think this will be my next Amazon order:

Hood (King Raven Trilogy Book 1), by Stephen Lawhead

From Publishers Weekly
Lawhead (Byzantium), known for his historical and fantasy fiction, reimagines the tale of Robin Hood in his latest novel, the first in the King Raven Trilogy. Based on detailed research, Lawhead places the folk hero (whom he names Bran) in Wales in 1093, at a time when the land was under constant assault from the new Norman rulers of England. When Bran's father, the king, is killed in an ambush along with nearly all his warriors, the land of Elfael is overtaken and its citizens subjected to great oppression. Though Bran should be king, he has lost faith (in both himself and whatever God he once knew) and decides to flee instead. Through agony and adventure, aided by a ragtag group of colorful characters, his sense of justice grows, along with his commitment to leading the people of Elfael and his creative strategies for dealing with the enemy. Lawhead examines questions of faith from both sides of the conflict, so readers see Welsh monks praying for deliverance and Norman rulers asserting their divine right to the land. The story's tone is uneven—by turns sweet, violent, and funny—and it gets a bit bogged down in the middle, but overall it's a fun read that will leave readers anxious for the next installment. (Sept. 5)


Hey, is anyone over on LJ and part of the 50 Book Challenge? The goal is to read 50 books in 2007, I've got 5 down so far. If anyone is interested in that, PM me and I'll friend you on LJ and add you to my book CFG.

[Niobe]

I'm more of a cloak-wearer, really. :p I've been reading mostly historical fiction lately, but I still read a fair amount of fantasy novels also. I just recently found Connie Willis, and am just in love with To Say Nothing Of the Dog. Doomsday Book was wonderful too, but boy was it a downer.

Favorite book will always be Mists of Avalon, but Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel Series has been absolutely captivating to me.

from Amazon (http://http://www.amazon.com/Kushiels-Dart-Legacy-Jacqueline-Carey/dp/0765342987/sr=1-2/qid=1171078543/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-6555803-9902812?ie=UTF8&s=books)
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From Library Journal
Trained from childhood to a life of servitude and espionage, Phedre no Delaunay serves her master, Anafiel, as a courtesan and spy, ferreting out the dangerous secrets of the noble houses of Terre d'Ange. When she uncovers a treasonous conspiracy, however, her life takes on a new and deadly purpose. Set in a world reminiscent of late medieval and early Renaissance Europe, Carey's first novel portrays a society based upon political and sexual intrigue. The author's sensual prose, suitable for adult readers, should appeal to fans of Tanith Lee, Storm Constantine, and Terry Goodkind. Recommended for adult fantasy collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


They really aren't kidding about the adult readers thing. There are some rather graphic S&M sex scenes, and homosexuality and prostitution are openly accepted in the society. It's a beautiful story though, nothing is used gratuitously and it all has a place in the plot (which is wonderous complex, especially in the first two books). There are currently four books in the series, and a fifth is due this summer. The books borrow heavily from ancient and medieval history and religion, as well as pure fantasy elements. Some of the ancient religion is fascinating and shows an incredible amount of research (the third book heads to Persia and a horrific take on Zoroastrianism). But don't expect elves or dwarves - those are in the author's other books. And the books are *not* for those with weak stomachs.

Jacqueline Carey has also written Banewrecker and Godslayer, which also sell as one volume called The Sundering. They're very different from the Kushiel series, told from multiple third-person viewpoints, and much more battle-driven, less sexual. And they're more typical fantasy (with the elves and dwarves).
Book Description
This is a two-in-one volume with both of Jacqueline Carey's top sellers Banewreaker and Godslayer. (Inside jacket: with her successful Kushiel series, Jacqueline Carey proved herself a force to be reckoned with in the fantasy field. Now she returns with another extraordinary epic, a shattering tale of gods at war and the mortals they use in their deadly game.) Once the Seven Shapers dwelled in accord. First-born among them was Haomane, Lord-of-Thought, and with his six sibling gods, they Shaped the world and its children to their will. But Haomane was displeased with Satoris' Shaping, for he thought his younger brother too generous in his gifts to Men, who made war upon Hoamane's Children, the Ellylon. Though the First-Born asked his brother to withdraw his Gift, Satoris refused. So began the Shapers' War, which sundered the world and cast Satoris and his kindred to opposite ends of a vast ocean.

I've heard the books described as Lord of the Rings from Sauron's point of view, and that's not entirely inaccurate. But it makes for an interesting morality play.

I read some sci fi - Neal Stephenson, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Philip K. Dick. But most of it I just can't really get into.

[chefker]

*bumping* as I am looking for some reading recommendations in this genre. :) Anyone read anything awesome lately that I might enjoy?

[joanne511]

My husband recently got me to read The Name of the Wind (http://www.amazon.com/Name-Wind-Kingkiller-Chronicle-Day/dp/075640407X) by Patrick Rothfuss. It's the first in what will be a trilogy. The other books have been written, just not released yet. :) I enjoyed it.

I was a huge Anne McCaffrey fan too, as well as Madeleine L'Engle, when I was a kid.