What other fantasy books do YOU read?

[Eruwen]

Where has this thread been this whole time? I have not seen it once! Anyway, I read many fantasy books...even besides Tolkien. They're pretty much the only things I like reading other than my Bible.

My favorite author other than Tolkien would have to be C.S. Lewis. He is one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time. I've read Out of the Silent Planet, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,, and I have a whole shelf full of his books I havn't read yet.

I also like older books and epic poems from authors such as Homer. Mythology has had a large impact on my life. I have read many types of writings about Greek and Roman Mythology, though I couldn't even begin to tell you what they were called. It was so long ago.

I was going to read the first Harry Potter book, but my mom said it wasn't that good of a book so for some reason I didn't. I might just pick it up and start reading it again though. They sound good to me. There was also this tilogy that my friend at school had. They sounded interesting, but I cannot remember what they were called. They were about this girl and boy who had exotic animals as pets, but I don't think the girl and boy were Human. It was strange, but it sounded cool. If anyone has any idea at to what they might be called, you can inform me. Other than that, I havn't read many other books. I really need to get out more anyway.

[Melephelwen]

She's also my math teacher's friend
EEP!!! smilies/eek.gif Wow... What was the name of your school again? Can I visit, and meet your teacher, and then meet Tamora Pierce, and then and then and then...?
Sorry for this off topic thing, I just wish I knew a writer, or just somebody who knew one (except my mum, but she doesn't count)

Oh, and I just thought up another author, Lene Kaaberbøl.
She's a Dane, but she's actually translated. (Wooo, now there's a sensation!)
Amongst others, she writes on the W.I.T.C.H.-series, main author I believe. She also wrote "The Shamers Daugther", "The Shamer Eyes", "The Serpent Gift" & the Katriona trilogy. Very good books smilies/wink.gif

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Tamora Pierce is really brilliant. Unfortunately most bookshops put her in the 8-12 years section, so I kind of saunter in, looking side to side for staff and little kids. Aaargh! Then I go home and read the stuff it says about, ahem, getting pregnant and wonder why they think just because it's fantasy it has to be childish...

[Amanaduial the archer]

I know, I dont know why she gets put in the kids section. I mean, in one of the books I remember a few lines in particular...*ahem*

The fantasy section in the waterstones near me is great though- its pretty big. But they dont get things in paperback for ages...Im still waiting for the new Maggie Furey book to come out off hardback.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I know, I dont know why she gets put in the kids section. I mean, in one of the books I remember a few lines in particular...*ahem*
My point precisely. Waterstones are planning to corrupt poor innocent 8 year olds!

[Feared Half-Elf]

Has anyone read Tamora Pierce's Song Of The Lioness quartet? I thought that one is the best so far!

[Finwe]

My favorite fantasy authors are:

- David Eddings
- Mercedes Lackey
- Tamora Pierce
- Maggie Furey
- Terry Goodkind
- Piers Anthony

I particularly enjoy Mercedes Lackey books. Somehow, the Shin'a'in always appealed to me. Perhaps it was because they were horse-breeders, and I love horses!

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Not fantasy, but I'm bursting to recommend one of my favorite authors: S. E. Hinton. She wrote 2 moderately "little kid" books, picture ones that is, The Puppy Sister being fantasy, Big David, Little David being... uh, I haven't read it yet, sorry, don't know. But she also wrote a few wonderful books that I recommend to all. One of these is The Outsiders, having a taste of everything, funny and sad, sweet and sour. That Was Then, This Is Now is amazing, but the end is terribly hurting. When I read it I walked around for three weeks in a daze, and reread all the book many times, except for that piece right before the ending, which I never touched again. There are 3 more, but those were my favorites. Not fantasy, and they're not for everyone, but I say they're certainly worth reading. And they make me cry, which is all too rare in the books and movies I read and watch.

~Menelien

[Finwe]

I definitely agree with you about The Outsiders. That book is one of the best that I've ever read, even if it isn't fantasy. It seemed to sum up all of teenage angst in a few chapters, which is something that I've never seen any other author do.

[Dwalin]

I find most fantasy writing to be very poorly written but once I get the book in my hands I enjoy it anyway.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the Belgariad and the Malloreon by David Eddings. They are long (five books each) and not exactly what I'd call "deep" but fun for a little "shallow" pleasure.

I also like Terry Brookes. The Shannara books are ok but "steal" too much from Tolkien (even more than most fantasy). I think Brooke's best writings are his Landover books, despite their ridiculousness. smilies/rolleyes.gif


I like C.S.Lewis mostly for his non-fiction (Mere Christianity) but Narnia is alright

[ May 28, 2003: Message edited by: Dwalin ]

[Elentarimir]

I read the Song of the Lioness Quartet. Tamora Pierce is a great author! Some of my other favorites include Artemis Fowl(Eoin Colfer); Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen(Garth Nix);and The Dark is Rising Sequence(Susan Cooper).

There'e more, but it would take me AGES to write them all out.... smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Mahal]

I have read most books of Raymond E. Feist I think he is a very good writer.

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

I LOVE C.S. Lewis' works, everyone should read The Space Trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia and Till We Have Faces (that last one's very confusing, though). I also like Tamora Pierce, and Madeline L'Engle, especially The Time Quartet. And Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine is a really good book (other books by her are good, too). A Book of Dragons by E. Nesbit is great (I love dragons). Ummm... let me think... the Redwall books are good, but there's just something about them I just can't really get into sometimes... maybe it's just tha fact that there are always a million storylines with at least one of the said storylines doing almost nothing, and it just seems to me that the action is altogether too slow. Not that I think they're bad of anything. smilies/smile.gif

[Frodo2968thewhite]

I'm a Die-hard Tolkien reader! I stick with everything LOTR & Middle-Earth! (and the rest of Arda!) smilies/wink.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

What, you dont read anything but Tolkien? Man...

Hmmm. Terry Pratchett has definitely not been mentioned enough on this thread, so may I just reiterate how incredible the discworld books are. smilies/biggrin.gif Have just finished reading Night Watch- Brilliant!

Are there other Pratchett fans out there? Are you hiding?! *scours crowd with eyes...*

[Wolf Larson]

I in my free time and when I am not involed in one of Tolkeins works enjoy the older Star Wars Novels and The Morgaine novels concerning Gates. Also some classic work such as Moby **** or Huck Fin.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Lets just call it Moby Duck for now, shall we? smilies/wink.gif

[Sapphire_Flame]

Terry Goodkind: The Sword of Truth 1-4
- Terry Goodkind
YES!!! Finally, I've found someone besides me who reads those books! Finwe, al'Thingolfin, you guys are great!!! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif I'm on the sixth book of the Sword of Truth series right now, and smilies/eek.gif. Talk about stress; this guy never gives you a break.

And Helka, there is absolutely nothing wrong with reading the HP books. In fact, I have already reserved my copy of the 5th book (coming out June 21st). smilies/biggrin.gif

Abedithon le!

[Faenaduial]

Everyone has mentioned some great authors and books, most of which I have read. My favorites (after Tolkien, of course) are:

Robert Jordan
David Eddings
Ann Rice

It is extremely difficult to find fantasy books that don't bear some resemblance to Tolkien. I find the truly original stories are the ones I enjoy the most.

I just finished a book by an author I haven't seen mentioned here that I enjoyed. It's The Bone Doll's Twin by Lynn Flewelling. Has anyone read some of her other books?

[Salocin]

And Helka, there is absolutely nothing wrong with reading the HP books.

Yes there is. You ought to be ashamed of your selves smilies/mad.gif (its the closest thing to scolding)

I just finnished the Ender quartet by Olsen Scott Card which I started because of the recomendations I saw here. I found all but the third one (Xenocide) so enthrawling I couldn't put them down. The first one (Ender's Game) seemedt to be for younger readers than the rest, but I liked it just as much. His strange ideas as a Mormon started to come out towards the end of the second book and on though.

Anyone know if the Alvin Maker, Shadow, or Homecoming series by Card are any good?

[ May 30, 2003: Message edited by: Salocin ]

[Sapphire_Flame]

Yes there is.
No, there isn't. smilies/tongue.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

Ah, I can see this getting steadily more and more mature. Now now children, lets all just reserve out views on Harry Potter and the actors therein...

The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddle. I'm reading one of them at the moment - The Curse of the Gloamglozer - and have read most of the others. I would recomend them for anyone who liked fantasy, not just sci-fi, or slight magical references, but completely different worlds and species fantasy.

[Salocin]

My desire to keep this wonderful thread HP free is clashing with my desire to enlighten those who are enslaved to HP. Can't you guys see it is just an atempt to draw people into witchcraft? Rowling is an admitted Wicka. And the books aren't even well writen! THis is what come from the "read a book any book" campains I guess. What ever happened to people being encouraged to read literature instead of just books?

Well I'll try to contain my self now. smilies/cool.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

Spelt Wicca. And she isnt a wicca, shes a wannabe wicca- just someone who has watched too much Buffy and tried to do magic by waving her hands and chanting some funny words in a made up language. Not that I have anything against Buffy, or the made up languages. Just JK Rowling. The books are a spin off of LotR, and also include several themes stolen from other fantasy books, but there are enough threads on this already. Maybe best to leave it.

[ArwenBaggins]

Here are some books I read:
The Redwall Series- Brian Jacques
The Icewall Trilogy- Douglas Niles
Chronicles of Narnia- I Can't Remember! smilies/eek.gif
The Dhamon Saga- Jean Rabe
The Crossroads Series: Dragon's Bluff- Mary H. Herbert
The Inheritance- Nancy Varian Berberick
Dalamar the Dark- Nancy Varian Berberick

Those are just some of my favorites. I have read many more. If I had to recommend one book/series, it would be The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques.

-Fëa

[Sapphire_Flame]

Lady Arwen, the Narnia books are by C. S. Lewis. smilies/smile.gif

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Robert Jordan: The Wheel of Time 1-10

WOT 1-10 is a LOT of reading. al'Thingolfin there is NO WAY you can say you have read little fantasy. And by the way, great combination of LOTR and WOT in your nick! s it just me or have WOT related nicks increased a lot recently?

I just read the Colour of Magic, the Light Fantastic and Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett. They are very VERY funny! So different to Tolkien, but great! Aman have you by any chance read Johnny and the Bomb? Not sure it's fantasy but I used to love it...In fact I may read it again when I have less stuff to do!

[Amanaduial the archer]

I havent no- I borrowed it from the library, forgot about it, came to read it only to find that it was already overdue, I'm afraid. Only You Can Save Mankind is great though - read it?

[Luinalatawen]

As of now, I'm halfway through The Mists of Avalon. Has anyone read any of the Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer??

[Orofaniel]

There isn't wrong reading the HP books, I read them too. I've read all of them about two times actually....

J.K. Rowling is a good writer, but her books are nothing compared to Tolkien's....My opinion though. HP book 1-3, you can read in one day. HP book 4-5, you can read in one weekend. LOTR has of course more pages than HP, but it takes longer time to read to because it's "deeper", if you know what I mean....

And Amanaduial the archer, did you really meet Daniel Radcliffe??? smilies/eek.gif Not that I don't believe you or anything, I just thought I'd ask....
smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/wink.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

Yes. Gloucester Cathedral, last Summer.

Luinalatwen, if you look back a bit, there are several opinions of the Eoin Colfer books, mainly Artemis Fowl, but also the Wish List. Have you read the most recent one?

As for the HP books... HP book 1-3, you can read in one day. HP book 4-5, you can read in one weekend. The reason for that is because they very often hook you. I read The Order of the Phoenix (by the way, has anyone else noticed that the front cover is really completely useless and only related to the title rather than the actual book?!) in about two and half days, but only because I read them until about 1 or 2 O'Clock in the morning. I lost a heck of alot of sleep over that book...

They are excellently written, and when you think about it, despite the fact that she has certainly, ahem, 'borrowed' ideas from several authors, something you really can't ignore, she has got ideas of her own, and by mixing these and her flowing writing and strong, mysterious plot lines, along with a very, very well developed sense of irony, she has created a cult. You can see why.

[Orofaniel]

The reason for that is because they very often hook you.

Well, I agree, HP books do hook you, but so does other books!

I think the main reason is that it's "easy" reading. LOTR is kind of "heavy" and "deeper", if you know what I mean. HP is a book for children and it's therefore natural to have less deatails than books for adults.


They are excellently written, and when you think about it, despite the fact that she has certainly, ahem, 'borrowed' ideas from several authors, something you really can't ignore, she has got ideas of her own, and by mixing these and her flowing writing and strong, mysterious plot lines, along with a very, very well developed sense of irony, she has created a cult. You can see why.



Wwll, I don't think that it's only Rowling "borrowing" things from other authors. All writers need inspiration and I think many of them get them from other books and therefore from other athors.

That's all for now! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Kylan MacConnell]

Hi all,
Second post on here, usually just lurk and read, but this one got me.

Alot of you may not be old enough, or have looked back far enough, to catch some of the earliest Sci-fi/fantasy of A.A. Merritt, Edgar Rice Burroughs, H. Rider Haggard and of course H.G. Wells, all of whom preceeded Tolkien. Burroughs was contempory with him.

These are just a few I grew up reading and was well hooked before I ever saw LOTR.

I have read so many good sci-fi/fantasy over the years I can't begin to list them all. Andre Norton, Marrion Zimmer Bradley (Witch World series as well as the 'Mists of Avalon'), Gordon Dickson, Poul Anderson, David Eddings, Piers Anthony (Adept set), Elizabeth Moon (just finished rereading the Deeds Of Paksennarion), Melanie Rawn's 2 trilogies for a few for you to check out.

Just started 'The Silver Call' one of Dennis McKiernan's Mithgar novels, obviously and acknowledged by him as being greatly influenced by Tolkien, but very well done and hard to put down.

Anyway enough for now. Just had to put in something from an 'OLD' fantasy/sci-fi reader. smilies/wink.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

Yes, but I'm not talking about things like using centaurs and mandrake roots, both of whom are creatures of myth, and are therefore, you could argue, created by others. Frankly, that would be ridiculous. No, what I'm talking about is when she has used some thing which are very close to, to take a topical example, Lord Of The Rings. Sauron is often referred to as the Dark Lord; Voldemort is always referred to in exactly the same way by Snape. Grima Wormtongue was a traitor in Lord of The Rings; one of the four animagi, Peter aka Wormy, betrayed Lily and James Potter.

I disagree on the point of details. Her writing isn't like that of a primary school child who has just discovered adjectives, true enough, but its certainly nowhere near spartan on that front either. She has quite a good balance I think. The descriptions she gives her characters are quite memorable really, such as that of Sirius Black when he was fifteen- "His hair flopped into his eyes with a sort of casual elegance that James and Harry's could never manage." (I'm sorry if that quote is a few words out, I wasn't using the book. Its in the chapter named Snape's Worst Memory if you really feel the need to check- I just find the HP books easy to quote after a first reading) This description, and the others around Sirius, weren't very long, and were relatively quite simple, I suppose, but the words are very well chosen to fix that image in your head. I have a photographic memory, and when I just think of a character, especially one with a description in the Order Of The Phoenix, I can immediately come up with a clear image of them (apart from Voldemort, for some reason I can't place him).

And her use of irony, in the last chapter of the fifth book for example, is far from childish.

[Kylan MacConnell]

smilies/eek.gif I blew it there!

Andre Norton, Marrion Zimmer Bradley (Witch World series as well as the 'Mists of Avalon'),

Andre Norton wrote the 'Witch World' series, Bradley wrote the 'Darkover' novels. Got in too big of a hurry there! smilies/mad.gif

Anyway thats fixed and there are so many more out there to explore, check out as many as you can, I'm sure you'll find many that will suit you all.

[Maylin]

Brian Jaques, CS Lewis, Terry Brooks( probably a lot of people here who dont like him) and madaline L'engle are some of my favorites

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

I read the Xanth series, by Piers Anthony. They are pretty cool, because they take names of objects from our world and give them a literal meaning in the world of Xanth. For example, (sorry if this has been done before...I'm too lazy to go back and check. smilies/tongue.gif) a burr will make you very cold if you touch it, and water chestnuts are nuts filled with water. Ha ha.

Also good is the Dark Portal series, by Robin Jarvis. I read these too long ago to give a description. And who can forget C.S. Lewis. Narnia, Narnia, Narnia! NARNIA!

[Gorwingel]

Where do all of you find the time?
For me it seems that I have barely enough time to get through the books just by Tolkien. Though I just did read The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman, which I read because it was a book that was suggested long ago in elementary school to me and I had just never had got to reading it. I enjoyed it immensely, but I have never gotten to the library to get the second and third books in the series. Which even though I have been forgetful about it I really want to read them.

This area of literature is so broad, that when you go to the bookstore you just don't know what direction to go towards. But I will try my best to read as much as I can.

[Beruthiel]

Where do all of you find the time?
I always read before I sleep, I can't sleep properly if I haven't! And if I'm far enough into a book, I usually stay up and finish it... Harry Potter for example, read it in two days, hardly slept at all that weekend!
has anyone else noticed that the front cover is really completely useless and only related to the title rather than the actual book
JK Rowling didn't give the illustrator any details at all about what the story was, she only gave him an idea of what she wanted on the cover and that was it, I think she was afraid that they would spill the beans and make a profit by ruining the story...

Anyway, back on topic I started reading this fantasy series by Isobelle Carmody, I don't think their very famous and I've only read the first book (Obernewtyn...Took me a while to realise how to pronounce it) and its really quite good but my friends tell me that the rest in the series are much better.

Other than this series, Harry Potter and LoTR of course I haven't really found any other fantasy or even sci-fi books that have caught my eye. I did try to read a Star Wars book but it bored me out so quickly I haardly got through the 2nd chapter... smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

JK Rowling didn't give the illustrator any details at all about what the story was, Oh, well that was very bleedin useful. Poor guy, come to think of that, what was he supposed to do?

[Orofaniel]

No, what I'm talking about is when she has used some thing which are very close to, to take a topical example, Lord Of The Rings. Sauron is often referred to as the Dark Lord; Voldemort is always referred to in exactly the same way by Snape. Grima Wormtongue was a traitor in Lord of The Rings; one of the four animagi, Peter aka Wormy, betrayed Lily and James Potter.

Yes, Amanaduial the archer, I totally agree with you here. smilies/biggrin.gif

I disagree on the point of details. Her writing isn't like that of a primary school child who has just discovered adjectives, true enough, but its certainly nowhere near spartan on that front either. She has quite a good balance I think. The descriptions she gives her characters are quite memorable really, such as that of Sirius Black when he was fifteen- "His hair flopped into his eyes with a sort of casual elegance that James and Harry's could never manage." (I'm sorry if that quote is a few words out, I wasn't using the book. Its in the chapter named Snape's Worst Memory if you really feel the need to check- I just find the HP books easy to quote after a first reading) This description, and the others around Sirius, weren't very long, and were relatively quite simple, I suppose, but the words are very well chosen to fix that image in your head. I have a photographic memory, and when I just think of a character, especially one with a description in the Order Of The Phoenix, I can immediately come up with a clear image of them (apart from Voldemort, for some reason I can't place him).

I would say that the details are more "worked out" in Tolkien's books. When you think about it, Tolkien used many many years on his works. Rowling didn't use that many I think. I also feel that each character has more detailed and "deeper" history in LOTR. Characters in HP has history too, but I don't think thay are developed that much as Tolkien's character.

And her use of irony, in the last chapter of the fifth book for example, is far from childish.



I think you misunderstood me. I have never said that she writes childish and her books are like that. I'm only saying that HP is originally a children's book. I saw an interwiew with her, where she said it herself. smilies/biggrin.gif

Then again, I heard some stuff about LOTR. It was said that Tolkien first told the story to children as a "good night" story, but I don't know if that's true. smilies/smile.gif So would that make LOTR a children's book? I don't know the answer, I only feel after reading the HP books a couple of times each, and LOTR too that LOTR is much "deeper" and detailed.

EDIT: My 450th post!!!! yay
smilies/wink.gif

[ July 08, 2003: Message edited by: Orofaniel ]

[Måns]

I would not say that I have read much fantasy at all, never liked the genre at all. It seems to me that Tolkien is not fantasy at all, no, indeed it is according to himself a historical novel about a prehistorical Europe and it seems silly to ignore that. What one has got to keep in mind is that it is supposed to be a tale, a tale from a time when magic was held possible to exist and seemed like a natural part of the microroom world, the empirical world. In those days the own views were very tiny for most people compared to todays epic views. In many years people will say the same about the today faraway parts of the universe, the proximity to those will then seem natural. We have got to put htings in a perspective, even thoguh there is really only one person who has published works on the aspects of room in earlier times, and he has not been translated. To get back to the subject, I have read fantasy but what I did not like is that they felt very much as constructions, developed by mind, and not like the works of Tolkien by heart. No disrespect to other fantasy writers, but Tolkien is still the best and will be as long as he is the only one that understands this.

Messy post, it was a while since I was on an internet forum and I guess it is pretty obvious.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Welcome to the Downs, Mans.

Where do all of you find the time?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I always read before I sleep, I can't sleep properly if I haven't! And if I'm far enough into a book, I usually stay up and finish it... Harry Potter for example, read it in two days, hardly slept at all that weekend!
Ditto that, Beruthiel, ditto that.

[Theoric Windcaller]

I enjoy a lot of Terry Brooks and R.A. Salvatore. I reccomend "The Cleric Quintet" Series by R.A. Salvatore, "The Icewind Dale Trilogy" and the Shannara series by Terry Brooks.

[Rimbaud]

Dossiers on Middle-East weaponry.

Alternatively, Senseless Acts of Violence, the majority of Ballard, Schismatrix by Bruce Sterling, William Gibson, and on an almost entirely unrelated note, The Dark by John McGahern, a superbly written book, which I have just completed for the second time. A further plethora, with which I choose not to tire you.

[ July 08, 2003: Message edited by: Rimbaud ]

[Brinniel]

About time I post in this thread. smilies/smile.gif

Fantasy is the only genre of books I read for fun anymore, and I've come across some good ones.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: Yes, I'm another HP fan, but I find those books so enjoyable. And I think I got my family hooked on it. My mom read Book Five not long after I finished and my sister (who never reads) is currently reading the book. Now, only if I could get them hooked on LOTR...

Shannara series by Terry Brooks: I am a huge Shannara fan. I've read every single Shannara book that exists and am currently reading The World of Shannara, which is basically the history and background of people, places, and objects in the Shannara series. The author's next addition to the series comes out in September.

The Obsidian Chronicles by Laurence Watt-Evans: This isn't the best trilogy I've read, but I have found it quite fascinating. It's certainly different than the other fantasy books I've read. I'm still awaiting the third book, which comes out in September.

The Sword, The Ring, and The Chalice by Deborah Chester: These books were fairly good, though I found them a bit dull at times. The Chalice ended up being my favorite out of the three, because it seemed to have a little more action in my opinion.

[Elrowen Greenleaf]

Redwall and Star Wars, Star Wars, Star Wars!

[Arwen Imladris]

I have read: the Chronicals of Narnia, Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Dune, and The Hitchhickers guide to the galaxy. O.k., so maybe some of these aren't fantasy, but Sci-fi is pretty close.

[Kates Frodo Temp]

To echo Horse-Maiden, Narnia, Narnia, Narnia! NARNIA!!! Brian Jaques, C.S. Lewis, Susan Cooper (The Dark is Rising Sequence,) Bruce Coville (The Unicorn Chronicles,) Emily Rodda (Australian author of Rowan of Rin,) Gail Carson Levine (The Princess Tales, The Two Princesses of Bamarre.) The list goes on and on. And I still read nonfic sometimes! smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif Hope I inspired someone to look up these great books/authors, even though they can't compare to Tolkien for passion and depth! smilies/wink.gif

~Kates~

[Orominuialwen]

I like the Redwall books(Brian Jacques) and Eoin Colfer's stuff(the Artemis Fowl books). Tamora Pierce is also okay. Another good author is Garth Nix.

I know many people like Robert Jordan, but I am boycotting his work because he has totally plagerized words Tolkien made up. These include calma, galad, Moria, Hurin, Eldar, and Andor. I'm not faulting those who do read The Wheel of Time, but I won't myself.

[william]

hey man it is just another point in our favor the man respected tolkien enough to put his work in his own. i personally am anne mcaffery Pern brian jaquces is cool and so is Terry Brooks i also enjoy david gemmel and some stephen donaldson oh my word i forgot HP anyways add it

[ August 04, 2003: Message edited by: william ]

[Lyta_Underhill]

Hmmmmmm...fantasy books, come to think of it, my other reading is scattershod and in lots of different genres, although I must be counted among the HP thralls smilies/biggrin.gif . When Order of the Phoenix came out I stayed up almost til dawn reading it each night for a couple days...haven't read much fantasy besides Tolkien lately. Another old favorite is Mervyn Peake's "Gormenghast", also "Riddley Walker" by Russell Hoban (see sig quote) could be sci-fi or fantasy and is kind of like a primitive post-apocalyptic Huck Finn, I suppose. Also read "Shibumi" by Trevanian, not fantasy, but interesting philosophically, also a autobiographical recollection of C.S. Lewis' early life, "Surprised by Joy" wherein he recounts the steps in his life that led to his acceptance of Christianity. Less recently: Fritz Leiber's Swords series and about everything else he ever wrote, lots of H.P. Lovecraft, lots of Star Trek novels back when there was only ONE motion picture and one series....Dune series up to 6th book, but then quit 'cause it was getting silly, read Dragonlance novels like bon bons a long time ago to get through a research paper on dinitrogen complexes...ah, but you didn't need to know that! smilies/biggrin.gif Oh yes, and Clark Ashton Smith, who was one of the most lyrical fantasy writers I've ever read! Especially one called "Genius Loci," about a particular spot in a forest with strange powers...
I'm sure there are others but I can't remember them right now!

Cheers,
Lyta

[Samwise]

Been a long time since I posted here. Some of the later threads brought up memories.

I remember reading a lot of H.G. Wells' work in High School, and hearing that upon hearing "War of the Worlds" after it had already started on the radio, many people thought that Earth REALLY was being invaded and that they were listening to a news broadcast.
While I never read the entire thing in a class, once a requirement was to read an excerpt from Ray Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles". It was one chapter, titled something like: "Usher: April 2005". I think Bradbury may have meant it to cross a bit with his Farenheit 451, as it had to do with books being "against the law". Very creepy it was, but a good short story on its own.

[Genevieve]

I enjoyed His Dark Materials Series thinga mo-bob(The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass). I think those are my favorite besides LOTR. I also like HP and The Chronicles of Narnia. That's all I can think of at the moment.

[Eglaladiel]

i highly recommend the wheel of time books...but some of the names are cheesey! smilies/smile.gif
also...Phillip Pullman's(sp?) books are my fav. too!

[ August 03, 2003: Message edited by: Eglaladiel ]

[Elennar Starfire]

I read The Order of the Phoenix (by the way, has anyone else noticed that the front cover is really completely useless and only related to the title rather than the actual book?!) in about two and half days, but only because I read them until about 1 or 2 O'Clock in the morning. I lost a heck of alot of sleep over that book...

I did it in three days without losing sleep. smilies/biggrin.gif

I really don't mind if people copy names, as long as they don't copy the plot, I don't care.

I like:
Narnia
Redwall
Forgotten Realms by R. A. Salvatore
The Belgariad
Watership down
The Book of Night with Moon
The Claidi Journals
The Wrinkle in Time series
Nightworld
and a lot more that I can't think of right now.

I am currently reading The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, it's fun!

[ August 03, 2003: Message edited by: Elennar Starfire ]

[Vardadurwen]

I never thought of myself as a Fantasy fan, but looking at my books, I guess I sort of am haha. Of course I like Lord of the Rings, but I really enjoy the books by Madelaine L'Engle *A Wrinkle in Time*.

I'm a big Harry Potter fan too. I've read all those books, although I was very very disappointed in this last one. I didn't feel it went anywhere; that prophecy was pretty useless...no offence J.K.Rowling haha.

I'm also finishing Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy *A Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass*. I highly recommend them - they are quite interesting!!

[ August 03, 2003: Message edited by: Vardadurwen ]

[Imladris]

I mainly read fantasy/fiction, but now I can't think of any really good titles. Isn't that the way it is? smilies/rolleyes.gif

Anyway, I really like Tolkien and Lloyd Alexander. I especially liked Alexander's Westmark Trilogy. I thought it was very well written and thought provoking.

I've never really read Harry Potter, just one chapter that freaked me out. I watched the first movie and I thought it was rather boring. No offense, HP fans. smilies/smile.gif Narnia's good, too. smilies/smile.gif

[Amarantha_Daisy]

Hmmm... I like the Redwall series, by Brian Jaques. They're pretty long books, but easy reads. Thy're directed toward kids younger than me, but hey. They're still good. I'd say they're for all ages, even though the concept sounds little kid-ish. I actually haven't read them in a while...

I like Harry Potter, too. ...Yep. My friends are into Anne Rice. I dunno if vampires are considered fantasy, but... yeah. I haven't read any of her books but I'm sure my friends will beg me too. Of course they haven't read any Tolkien... I sense a deal coming on... smilies/evil.gif

[Lush]

Just picked up Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. It shall grace my dorm room like a paean to a not-entirely-lost childhood. And who cares if the Dementors are reminiscent of the Nazgul? smilies/wink.gif

[Meela]

I simply adore The Narnia Chronicles. They're stunning, and they're not as conventional as some fantasy works, as in the storylines. They're quite inventive and original.
Other than that, I'll have to say Harry Potter, simply because they're such cheerful books.

[Finwe]

I started reading books by Dale Brown and there was this book called "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" or something like that, which I really really want to read. If you are interested in that kind of stuff, modern religious fiction/mysteries are really good. Just read "The Da Vinci Code" by Dale Brown, that man is amazing!

Other authors that I recommend are David Gemmell and Raymond E. Feist, along with my second-favorite author, Mercedes Lackey. Her Elemental Masters series is very very good.

[Måns]

I guess neither Manstein's or Zhukow the great's memoirs count as fantasy... Even if the latter was fantastically impressive! Well anyway, I read little or no fantasy... actually none at all since I don't count Tolkien as fantasy, of course I have read some earlier but no, not one whole book, they tend to bore me too much for me to keep on reading them when I have got so much funier things to read! Anyone else having this emotion?

Måns

[Fyara]

i read everything that deals with fantasy. i was curious if anyone has heard of the other robert jordan. some critics say he is a better author than tolkien and im also agreeing with them because he is a really good author

[Galadel Vinorel]

I LOVE fantasy books.

My favorite series, besides LOTR of course, is the Dark is Rising. It is a terrific and fascinating set of books written by Susan Cooper. There are 5 books in the series. It is not, though, about sorcerers, etc., but a moving series about Light against Dark, where the main characters are trying to stop the dark forces of the world from taking over the earth. I LOVE IT! smilies/biggrin.gif

Another good fantasy book is called, Ella Enchanted. I really like that book too.

Has anyone ever read these books before?

[Snowdog]

I'll have to check out Susan Cooper's books.

I have been reading Glen Cook's Black Company series (http://www.shout.net/~bburgner/covers.html) and have finished the first four. Like the Silmarillion, the first one is a bit hard to start, but after getting through the first couple chapters it went well. Even learned a new card game from these books. I am currently reading Bleak Seasons, which is book 1 of the 'Glittering Stone' series. May be a bit dark for some who prefer the lighter Tolkienesque fantasy, but well worth the read in my opinion. Kudos to Moonbiter who prompted me to started reading them a few years back, though I didn't start until last year.

[Ashton]

First of all, I absolutely love Harry Potter. I read the first book in about 24 hours. I lost a lot of sleep over that book. The Third one is my absolute favorite, and I really dislike the End of the Fifth book because of it. (Saying no more here). But I would recommend them for Anybody who likes to read fantasy.

I also love the Dark is Rising Series. It is absolutely fascinating how the author mixes Welsh legends, and a lot of fantasy and other cool little bits of history together. It is a really, Really good series. I would recomend it to anybody.

I am currently reading anything of Michael Crichton's. I got hooked when I read the Andromeda Strain for the first time and I just keep Reading them. I am currently reading the Terminal Man for the first time, Besides reading the LotR books for the 15th time. I like to read three or four books at once. It is actually quite fun.

Lets see, other books That are my all time favorite are: The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander. (Funnily enough those are written kind of like the Lord of the Rings, exept for in a more kid kind of way.), The chronicals of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, And anything written by Patricia C. Wrede or Gail Carson Levine. I could give you a million more if I wanted.

[Imladris]

Yes, I know I've already posted on this thread, but there are a lot of titles that I forgot to mention.

The Westmark Trilogy by Lloyd Alexander is superb. It doesn't have magic or dragons, or anything else in a normal fantasy book, but it does take place in a land that does not exist so I thought I'd mention it. Compared to Tolkien, Alexander isn't "hard food" but he's still good.

I read a particularly good Star Wars trilogy in my avid SW fan days. They are by Timothy Zahn and are called

Heir to the Empire
Dark Force Rising
The Last Command

But of course "Star Wars" by Lucas is the best... smilies/biggrin.gif

Another one of my favourites is The Faerie Queen by Edward Spencer. Now I know that is just one big poem and allegory at that, but it still has seductresses, dragons, the pure lady (Una) and, above all, knights! And faeries of course!

The Wrinkle in Time books are also good too, as has been said above.

[Arcuwen]

Ah yes, fantasy books smilies/biggrin.gif . There are quite a few I could mention, but I'll just mention my favorites here:
-The Immortals series and The Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce. They are much "lighter" reading than Tolkien, but fun and well written. Something I would strongly recommend to girls. There is another series I have yet to read by Tamora, The Protector of the Small, which I hear is also very good.
-The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I won't go into depth because I saw it was mentioned before, but they are some of my all-time favorites, and I never tire of reading them.
-The Phantom Tollbooth: My absolute FAVORITE book! I don't know why, but it is on the top of my list. More of an elementary level read but wonderful all the same.
-Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen: Next to the Tollbooth and Tolkien's works, these are the best. Very well done by Garth Nix. They appear to be long (well Lirael anyway being 700 pages or so) but I read each in a period of 2 days. Couldn't put them down, not even to eat! A fantasy series you'll remember.
-Inkheart: I'm reading it right now, and I truly adore it. It's all about the love of books...and you should read it to find out more.
-On my list: On my booklist at this time are Eragon and The Thief Lord, which were recommended to me by friends who know good books.

Have fun reading!
~Arcuwen

[Osse]

I also read a lot of fantasy... what else is there?

I read a lot of Terry Pratchet... his stuff is awesome! Eric Van Lustbaders stuff is phenonimal... if you like japanese history etc, you'd love them. I read other things of course... but these are the fantasy series I follow... lots more, but these are the most recent authors that I enjoy smilies/smile.gif


WOW- 100 posts smilies/biggrin.gif

Osse

[Samwise]

Congrats on the 100th, Osse

[Angry Brandybuck]

I don't know if this has already been mentioned because, well this thread is nine pages and I can't really be bothered to read it.

My favourite fantasy author who isn't Tolkien is Tad Williams because he, as well as creating a reasonably realistic and convincing world, manages to portray the human and emotional side of his characters throuughout the books.

If you wanna check him out, the best books are a 'trilogy' (which is more like four books- the last one is slpit into two parts) called 'Memory, Sorrow and Thorn.'

This is highly recommended by myself.

[Galadel Vinorel]

Favortie Fantasy Book List (Besides Tolkien's works)

-Dark Is Rising Series by Susan Cooper~ great books. Interesting and funny. VERY believeable and moving. Makes you want to fight against the Dark, rooting for Will and the Light (the Old Ones) all the way.

-Wrinkle in Time Series~ love all of the books, except for the VERY new ones (too much romance for my taste). Anyways, an ingenious invention. A total masterpiece.

-Phantom Tollbooth~ book for all ages. ABSOLUTELY ingenious. Challenges the mind to "think outside of the box."

-Ella Enchanted~ a moving and exciting book. A romance novel (not too much), yet with a good deal of fast pace action that sweeps you off your feet and makes you want to read more. There is a movie, I believe, being made that is based upon it. Yet, from the commercials, it does not look like the movie will be much like the book. smilies/frown.gif Oh, well. smilies/smile.gif


These are a few of my favorite books and series. I recommend them for you all to read. They are all beautifully crafted and total works of art. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Samwise]

VERY new ones (too much romance for my taste).
VERY new ones? Which would those be?
In that series I very much enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time and A Swiftly Tilting Planet, but the ones "In the middle", so to speak, AWind in the Door and Many Waters, I didn't really care for. Come to think of it, the ones where they're all "older" (ie: Arm of the Starfish) I didn't care to much for, either.
Weird...the characterization wasn't as good, it seemed. smilies/frown.gif

[Galadel Vinorel]

VERY new ones? Which would those be?

Those would be the ones after the books that you have mentioned in your post, Samwise. Have you seen them in the bookstore before? They are about that red-headed girl's (what's her name? forgot. smilies/redface.gif) daughter and all of her 'adventures' and 'romances'. They are not very good at all. Too much romance for my taste. smilies/tongue.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

[Samwise]

AFTER those? Whew...hm...I think her name was Polyhimnia([sp?]Poly). Adventures and romances? Echh....dosen't sound like my kinds of stories, either. smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/tongue.gif

[vartalion]

Druss the Legend
and the 'Empire' trilogy (Fiest)
and many other Feist books
smilies/evil.gif

[rutslegolas]

ya i ahve read many fantasy books before

one of my favourite is harry potter written by j.k.rowling

it as lotr takes us into a magical fantasy world

[Roa_Aoife]

I personally enjoy:
The books of Pern (though wether it's fantacy or sci-fi is debateable)
The Green Rider Series- Brilliantly composed series. Can't wait for the nest one.
The Dealing With Dragons series- brings a practical aspect to the old Fairy Tales(For once the main charchter isn't doing anything completely idiotc)
And if you haven't read it, I suggest the Tough Guide to Fantacyland. It's absolutely hysterical and pokes fun at all those fantacy stereotypes.
Other than that I'm an Anime fan. Very seriously. I'm going to a support group (club).

[Finwe]

Ah... Raymond E. Feist... brilliant, brilliant man!

[Bill]

O dear! How could we have forgotten about Stephen King, one of the world's greatest horror writer?!
I loved his The Dark Tower series!!
You gotta check out his books if you haven't done so!

[Linnahiril Tinnufinwen]

The only other fantasy novels I've read are the the Harry Potter series, and the novel Eregon, which, although slightly reminicent of LOTRs, due to to the presence of Elves, Dwarves, and Men, it is interesting to think that the book was written by a nineteen year-old.

[Samwise]

How could we have forgotten about Stephen King

Ergh... smilies/tongue.gif sorry, Mister Bill, sir, that man's work is just not my cup of tea, so to speak... smilies/rolleyes.gif

Welcome to the thread an' th' 'Downs.

[Kransha]

20th Century

-Redwall, Brian Jacques
-Narnia Series, CS Lewis
-Read Pyrdain, Artemis Fowl, others.

Older

-The Idylls of the King, Sir Thomas Mallory
-Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift
-The Oddyssey, Homer

[Gilwen]

I've read every Brian Jaques but one, and they're alright-although he does seem to reuse his plots. I've also read some Garth Nix
Anything and everything Tolkien is great, and EVERYONE SHOULD READ FARMER GILES OF HAM!
C.S. Lewis is awesome too. I love Narnia and his space/si-fi trilogy:Out of the Silent Planet, Peralandra(a personal favorite), and That Hideous Strength, but I can't seem to find anyone else who's read them
In short, I read just about anything that I can get my hands on. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Kronos]

Having read the whole thread I am amazed that so few people have mentioned George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.

I have read a great many fantasy works and this is the best by far. And yes that includes Tolkien. Put simply his characterisation, the complexity of the plot, the differing shades to his characters, the differing viewpoints exposed to the reader, and the surprises all surpass Tolkien by a fair degree. In fact with the characterisation by a massive degree.

I can heartily recommend it to anyone.

[Jjudvven]

Well I didn't see it listed above so I'll mention it here.

The Dragonlance Trilogy by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman is a very good fantasy series. I've read about 20 of their other books and have been very impressed by them. Nothing close to Tolkien, but very good nonetheless and I heartily recommend it to fantasy fans.

Anything at all by Tolkien--the Tolkien Reader, the Silmarillian, etc. Farmer Giles of Ham is one of my favorite of his short stories.

C.S. Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength are also excellent books, although more sci-fi than fantasy.

I've read the first two books of the Dark Tower series by Stephen King, but was moderately impressed by the change between the first and the second book. I hope to get the rest of the books soon.

Charles Williams is also an excellent writer. I have only read one of his books, War in Heaven, and that recently, but my dad has just about everything that he has ever written so I hope to get around to more of them soon.

[Lathriel]

I love Ella enchanted, that's a good book

Anyway Raymond E. Feist rules I have read so many of his books

The there is Melanie Rawn. I liked her books a lot although some of them are a little sad.

I like all of Robin Hobb's trilogies and I can't wait til Fool's Fate comes out.

Of course I like C.S Lewis a lot

The Pern series by Anne McCaffrey are good.

Who else?

David Eddings (I love Belgarath, not at all like a normal sorcerer )

Juliet Marrilier wrote the Sevenwaters trilogy which I really liked. It has a bit of fantasy in it.

Brian Jaques is always fun to read.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (I heard this trilogy is going to be made into a movie)

The Neverending story by Michael Ende

Tamora Pierce wrote some good stuff too

There are some more, but I can't think of them. GRRR Oh well this is quiet a big list already

[Finwe]

I recently re-read Stephen Lawhead's Avalon and loved every moment of it! That author is absolutely gifted! I also loved his series on Merlin.

[Saraphim]

I like books. :D They have words and pretty pictures.

Seriously :p , though, I do tend to fail some of my classes because I read and don't pay attention. Here are some of my favorites:

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series
Gulliver's Travels
Dante's Inferno, Puragatory, and Paradise
Beowulf
Good Omens

I am also partial to Ann Rice's Vampire Chronicles. Some of them have immense amounts of deep philosophical meaning. I also enjoy telling that to those annoying people who read the books because they are so 'dark'. They gape at me with open mouths when I tell them that the deaths of so many mortals is really quite a blaise metaphor for the fragility of human life.

I do the same thing with LotR. It is amazing how many people (girls) I have found who read only the parts with Legolas in them.

*shakes head sadly* oh well...

P.S: Gilwen I have read Out of the Silent Planet , and I think it is quite good, I just can't find the last two.

[silma]

It's nice to see Feist and Gemmel mentioned, they are probably my next two favorites after Tolkien.
I'm also keen on The Black Company books but I can't remember who wrote them ( I lent them to my brother 3 years ago and I don't think I'm ever going to get them back.)
Lets see, who else.... Stephen Donaldson, David Eddings, Clive Barker, Ursula Le Guin, there are more but then I'd be going on for ages!!!! and of course Terry Pratchett, how could I forget him!!

[Finwe]

Saraphim: Anne Rice is a great author, isn't she? It's amazing how one can find hope in such seemingly "dark" books. I enjoyed every page of every book in her Vampire Chronicles series. I do deem it unfortunate that she won't be writing any more. Those books were truly amazing.

[warrenerd]

as much as i love this subject, my required readings demand otherwise. however, i have been abled to sneak a few, like the chronicles of narnia, lotr, *whispers* all the roald dahl books... the brothers grimm. wow. that's just about it. don't worry. i'll work on that list. i need to get these nonfics and realfics out of the way first.
~wannanerd?warrenerd~
:smokin:

[Estelyn Telcontar]

This thread has been around for a long time and really belongs on the Novices and Newcomers forum. I'm moving it now; please continue to read and post there.

[Lindowen]

I love reading but lately I have been on a shortage for books
Here is my list

The Time Quartet - L'Engle -I loved these books :)
The Once and Future King- T.H. White- I have only read the first
book and part of the second so far :o
Out of the Silent Planet- C.S. Lewis- cool book I'm now working
on the second (Perelandra)
I want to read the Wheel of Time series but I haven't had a chance I have the first book luckly
another book that I have always like is well...
:o Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

... and that is just my list for now [SIZE=3][FONT=century gothic][COLOR=darkblue]

[Lhundulinwen]

I like Terry Brooks books too, though I really feel there are too many similarities between LOTR and the Sword of Shannara. Really loved it though!
I am also a myths and fables junkie. I love D' Aulaires's *double checks spelling* Book of Greek Myths. Beautiful drawings (perfect for beginner myth buffs!) and fabulous stories.
I used to be really into Harry Potter, but its gotten kinda *cough* juvenille for me. But I'll go and buy the 6th one when it comes out.
C.S. Lewis is awesome! I cried at the end of the Narnia series. Seriously. It was so beautiful.
LOTR official nut too. (couldn't be any others out there either. Right? ;) )
Um, also love Robert Frost, Hemingway(even if he was *cough, cough* odd in life), & Jane Austen on occasion.
Started the Dune series, but I think I started on the wrong book, and I was really confused.
I am a book worm and will read just about anything, but am currently writing my own fantasy story, and am avoiding reading fantasy (though I love it!!) so I don't go and cheat the story subconsciously or blatantly.
My favorite TV shows are Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, *blushes*, Early Edition (Kyle Chandler starred. kinda old show now), Diagnosis Murder, anything on BBC, and almost all classic movies are game."Eavesdropping Sir? I don't follow you, begging your pardon. There ain't no eaves at Bag End, and that's a fact."

[Kransha]

Originally posted by Saraphim
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series
Gulliver's Travels
Dante's Inferno, Puragatory, and Paradise
Beowulf
Good Omens


You, my friend, have particularly good taste.

I never counted Dante Alleghieri's Divine Comedy as fantasy since it is technically religious, although I'm pretty sure even Dante himself wasn't convinced that what he wrote about existed. Must to research *researches*. Hitchiker's Guide, good reading. More comedic than fantastic, although it is pretty fantastic in the long run. Gulliver's Travels is fantasy, on the other hand, and good fantasy at that. Jonathon Swift's works are always interesting.

BEOWULF! SOMEBODY'S READ BEOWULF! YAY!
Hrothgar forever! Someone else who knows of the bane of Grendel and his mighty maternity, the timeless halls of Herot! YAY YET AGAIN!

Other books that are good, in my opinion are:

In the Classical Genre primarily:
-Bullfinch's Greek Mythology
-General Works of Sir Thomas Mallory
-Thom More's Utopia (allegorical mainly)

Other Stuff, more modern:
-Dragonlance Series (good, not great)
-Dark Tower Series by King (not a fan of horror myself)
-Books (too many to recount) by Raymond E. Feist
-Books by Esther M. Friesner (not great either)
-Books by George R. R. Martin
-Rod Serling series, though those are more sci-fi

[Saraphim]

The first real medieval-type fantasy book I ever read was the Hobbit (shortly followed by LotR, the Sil, ect.) when I was very young. After that, any books that seem to copy or derive from Tolkien's works I find boring, and they kind of make me angry. I can't help it.

I honestly want to read that Eregon book, but one look at the map inside and I have to put it down. I'm sure the kid has alot of writing talent, but I just can't get my will past that Melian Forest (or whatever) long enough to find out.

[The Perky Ent]

If you're reading fantasy and you like the LOTR, stay away from Eragon. You will spend years screaming at the book because it copied ever name and place in LOTR. And it doesn't even give it credit! Don't make my mistake! Don't buy the book and never read it....if you like lord of the rings, which i think you should, as you are on this forum! OR ARE yOU here for other reasons? :eek:

[The Perky Ent]

If you're reading fantasy and you like the LOTR, stay away from Eragon. You will spend years screaming at the book because it copied ever name and place in LOTR. And it doesn't even give it credit! Don't make my mistake! Don't buy the book and never read it....if you like lord of the rings, which i think you should, as you are on this forum! OR ARE yOU here for other reasons? :eek:

[eamane]

I have read:
The Narnia chronicles
Harry Potter
Lioness rampent quartet
And many more

[Saraphim]

Wow Perky Ent. You're pretty adamant about that. I would be too. I already am with other things, like Dungeons and Dragons , for example. I'm sure I would be like that about Eragon, but I never read it. I borrowed my friend's copy and read the acknowledgements (I probably spelled that wrong) and there was no mention of LotR or Tolkien.

It looked as though he just picked random names from LotR and the Sil and masqueraded them off as his own, with an occasional letter switch here and there. That's not good writing.

[Lathriel]

I read Beowulf too! At my scholl we have an english honours class where you can read more books and have more advanced discussions. We read part of Beowulf and I really liked it, however we didn't finish the whole thing so I want to do that some day.

I also like Jane Austen and Susan Cooper is good too.

I only looked at Eragon read the flap and put it down because I immediatly knew it would be one of those pretend books.

I have read two books by Terry Brooks and although his first book is a clone of LOTR I still thought it was fun to read. I think his books are more the kind you lend from the library.

I love this thread since I am such a bookworm!

Did you know The Lion, the Witch and the wardrobe is being made into a movie again. It is being filmed in New Zealand too.

[galadriel'smaiden]

Garth Nix's "Abhorsen" Trilogy was sooo cool. I lurved it.

Meredith Ann Peirce's "darkangel" Trilogy is a great read with a BAD ending. Its isnt even a happy ending...stupid realistic undertones...:rolleyes: Anyways, bak to buisness...I read almost nothing but Fantasy/Sci Fi......AH! "People of the Mist" by Isabelle Allende. YERSH!

[rutslegolas]

ya i agree with you kransha ,eragon i think was tottlay copied from tolkien its outrageous that authors just intend to copy whole books and as kransha said:-

WE HATESSSSSS IT PRECIOUSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Everdawn]

I read no other fantasy books, ive read Harry Potter, but in the same way I read a text book. Im just not into ther books of the fantasy genre.

[rutslegolas]

ya i agree with you kransha ,eragon i think was tottlay copied from tolkien its outrageous that authors just intend to copy whole books and as kransha said:-

WE HATESSSSSS IT PRECIOUSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Finwe]

Why can't we just accept good stories for what they are, good stories, instead of harping on about how they were blatantly copied from J.R.R. Tolkien? The best form of flattery is imitation. I don't see Christopher Tolkien raising a hue and cry about Eragon? Why should we? Remember, he is the one who was adamantly against the movies, so against them that he even disowned his own son. If he isn't upbraiding the book, then I don't think that we should either. Just accept and appreciate the book for being a good, diverting tale, and just leave it right there. Don't take it into your head to pass judgment and play Eru, because you're not.

[Finwe]

I've read Beowulf already and I'm currently working on Idylls of a King.

[Everdawn]

But thats literature! I read a tonne of that... **shock horror** and I like it.

[al'Thingolfin]

The last months I've been reading the Dune series by Frank Herbert. Great books!

[The Mushroom]

I'll always love the Narnian Chronicles and Lewis' Space Trilogy, but I don't read very much fantasy other than Tolkien.

[The Mushroom]

Ooops... I'm really sorry for double posting here, but I read George MacDonalds fantasy stories too. Argh! How could I forget about George? I've got a quote from one of his stories in my signature!:rolleyes:

[Eowyn Skywalker]

There are so many other fantasy books out there that are as good as Tolkien's.

Narnia is good for Children and Teenagers... I should know.

The Death Gate Cycle is really well done, and reminds me of Tolkien's very much. I would suggest it to anyone who likes reading magical fantasy.

The Shadow Wars (I think that's what it's called) are also quite well done. They aren't LotR, but still are very good fantasy books.

Acorna is very interesting. It's a Sci-fi fantacy type book, and I'd recomand it to anyone. They are very well done.

At the moment, those are the only other books that I've really been reading that fit into this catagory, though though the Star Wars books are really cool too.

It's cool to see that other people read the same books as me.

-Eowyn Skywalker

[Lalwendë]

I was brought up on fairy stories, myths and legends so I suppose I was always going to like LOTR, but as I read it at a fairly young age, it made a really big impression and I found I couldn't 'get on' with much fantasy afterwards. It's almost as though I can only have one alternate world to get into. But, there's a few fantasy works I do like, although these all seem to be more on the 'children's' side, apart from Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast.

I loved His Dark Materials - I can't stop telling people how good this is. After I finished it I felt very disappointed that there were no more books in the series to read. I've also enjoyed Harry Potter; yes, she does seem to 'steal' things, but the plotlines keep me wanting to read more. I do tend to wind up Potterites a fair bit, but I secretly enjoyed the books!

I'm thinking of trying 'Shadowmancer' - I hope it's good.

From my younger years I liked the Earthsea books, which I must read again soon. No-one here has mentioned Alan Garner. Did anyone read 'Weirdstone of Brisingamen'? That was a fantastic book, recommended for kids of all ages. And Watership Down was great, an especially well read book growing up in the 70s and 80s!

In the realms of sci-fi, I'm a big fan of Kurt Vonnegut - recommended are Slaughterhouse-5, Breakfast of Champions, Slapstick. I also like JG Ballard, and Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' is a must for everyone! Read it now!

And for something completely different, some other books I do like to harp on about would include 'Possession' by AS Byatt (recommended for fans of Victorian poetry), 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks (disturbing), 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt. Also, I enjoy Jane Austen, the Brontes, and Thomas Hardy (all available at bargain prices so no reason not to read them!). I also like some travel and political books, and I especially enjoy poetry!I could go on for ever here....

I'm beginning to get on a bit, that's my excuse for having read so much! And yes, I have read Beowulf.

[Lhundulinwen]

I thought I had posted this already, but I guess I didn't. :cool:

I really like the Anita Blake vampire hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Its NOT for kids, but older teenagers and adults would like it, if they're ok with slightly gory scenes every now and then, light romance scenes and a lot of action! I like it anyway. ;)

[Oddwen]

Well, besides Tolkien, I have read...

Terry Brooks, all of his "original" works. But I've found repeated readings get very annoying. The endless endless descriptions!

His Dark Materials: I was thinking of Discworld when I picked this up. I hated it. I felt it was blasphemous, and I didn't really understand it.

Discworld-I've only read the first one, but it's great! Can't wait until the other books come in.

Narnia-They were good, but I got less and less impressed as I went along.

ALL of the Redwall books...boy do they get monotonous. And those stupid hares!!

My Dad's very big on sci-fi, so I've read some Heinlein.

George MacDonald, The Princess and the Goblin, and The Princess and Curdie, and also a book of short tales. Very nice.

Ursula LeGuin, read "Wizard of Earthsea" and own the third volume but am waiting for the second to come along.

There's other stuff too...I just can't remember...

[Finwe]

Lhundulinwen, the Anita Blake books are a tad bit more than "light romance." They talk about things in there that even most adults would find scary.

[Sirithheruwen]

Eek! :eek: Just as I was getting used to the old layout!
I've grown up with fantasy as a part of me. When asked (in 2nd grade) if trees could talk, without hesitation I said "yes," even before I read about the ents in LOTR. Needless to say, I would probably give you the exact same answer! ;)

Anyways, here are some of my fantasy faves:

1) The Chronicles of Narnia: I read these when I was younger, and I liked them a lot. I havn't read them recently though...hmmm...*scribbles something on already large "To Do" list*

2) His Dark Materials: Yes, it seemed a bit blasphemous to me to (or at least to my religion). It was very good writing/plot. However, to my consternation, i recently picked up these books and found them mindnumbingly boring. I don't know what happened, but I didn't get past the middle of chapter two.

3) The Magic Circle and The Circle Opens Series: I found these books wonderful and facinating! I have yet to read Pierce's other books, but I can't wait to do so! A very highly recommended read!

4) The Edge Chronicles: Home to my most favorite book character ever: Twig! (I know, not LOTR, but he's so cool!) THese books are amazing! Plus, they have illustrations here and there, spattered across the pages, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

5) The Enchanted Forest Chronicles: For younger readers, but I take every chance to read them to my sisters. A twist on your average fairy tale!

And lastly,

6) Faerie Wars: Very enchanting book. Newly published (I think). Wonderful!

Well, I think that's quite enough for the moment! Bye Bye!

[HerenIstarion]

Currently I'm stuck on Terry Pratchett. I'm swallowing his books every night, can not lay those down until my eyes water, to be honest (that's why poor me is always so sleepy in the office every morning)

But they definitely have good read on them :D, Highly recommended

[Lhundulinwen]

You are right Finwe! I was only on the 2 or third book when I wrote the post. Later on in the series, it gets really gory and rather dirty. But I still like them. I'm on "Bloody Bones" right now, and it is one of the stranger books. It has some really gross scenes, but there is a really great scene where some of the characters are explained a little better. Definitely an R rated series, I think. Great dialogue, and the characters are really believable. Wouldn't read if scare easily!!!

[The Mushroom]

Oddwen- Ah, nice to see another person who actually knows who George MacDonald is. :) No one I talk to seems to have heard of him. And I know what you mean about the Redwall series! Brian Jaques needs some new material. How many times can he write the same plot over and over? The first few were pretty good though. Heh, hares... (I think I'll sing about food now, wot wot!) :p

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I am currently reading The Mists of Avalon, and I recently finished The Once and Future King.
I am very much enjoying Avalon. This is the first book I've read in a while that I hold up high with LOTR. The way that it is written just allows the imagery to flow, unforced, into my mind. I've finished part 1 of the book, and I'm on my way through the rest of the story. I just love the perspective that the book gives... not your typical view of Arthurian Legend.
King, on the other hand, I really disliked. Well, I liked the first part, but after that I think it went down hill. My complaint about this book is that I don't like the style in which it was written, and I don't like how most of the characters were written. Too many of them seem like spoiled brats in this book, and they are very two dimensional. I don't mean to be rude to those who like this book, this is just my opinion.

[starkat]

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Great books!

[TheBladeThatWasBroken]

Hmm hmm... let's see...

The Chronicles of Narnia-Wonderful, wonderful books... all except The Last Battle, that one really bored me. My favorite ones in the series are The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Silver Chair.

Harry Potter-Read this before Tolkien, though after I first read TLotR, it was replaced. I used to read it, but...The Order of the Phoenix was just so, so bad that I hated it! (Plus she killed Sirius)

David Eddings-Read his books a few years ago after my friend's mom recommended it to me, and I really liked it, especially "The Elenium" series.

Terry Brooks-Though I've only read The Sword of Shannara, and thought it was pretty good, but I'm too lazy to read the others =p


Anyone have any good must-reads? I need some more fantasy to read... all I've been reading lately are manga and Sherlock Holmes =_=

[Gil Galad]

I read haldir potter...

[Mad Baggins]

I've read The Chronicles of Narnia, the Xanth series by Piers Anthony, and a few books a series about dragons, but I can't remember their titles. One was Heart's Blood, I know that much. I forget the author too, but they were rather good.

[Silmarwen_Ancalime]

Well, I've read a few. Here they are:

Weis and Hickman's Dragonlance: Chronicles, Legends, The War of the Souls, and just starting the Raistlin Chronicles

and

Mists of Avalon

Not a bunch. But I hope these count.

[Amanaduial the archer]

4) The Edge Chronicles: Home to my most favorite book character ever: Twig! (I know, not LOTR, but he's so cool!) THese books are amazing! Plus, they have illustrations here and there, spattered across the pages, making it an easy and enjoyable read. Sirithheruwen, I could not agree more! They are brilliant, although I think actually all the 'heroes' of the seperate books begin to resemble Twig - for example, Rook Barkwater in 'The Last of the Sky Pirates' and 'Vox'. Twig is brilliant though - I also like Maris in 'The Last of the Sky Pirates' and 'Vox'.

HerenIstarion - have you tried The Monstrous Regiment? It has to be one of the best books even from Terry Pratchett - plus it includes the excellent Vimes, another book character who I can't get enough of. Night Watch is another of the best Discworld books, as is Mort.

[elfearz1]

I loved the Chronicles of Narnia and I am just getting into the Heritage of Shanara series by Terry Brooks. I also read a really good one called "something rich and strange"

[Lady Alasse]

Let's see! There are so many fantasy books I enjoy. some of my favorites are


The Chronicles of Narnia
The Space Trilogy (also by C. S. Lewis)
Books by Mckillip (I don't know the authors first name but they are very good)
The Star Wars series (my brother got me started on those)
Books by Levine (Ella Enchanted is great! You should hear the book on tape)
Books by Geaorge Mcdonald (Lilith, The Princess and the Goblin, ect...
Roses Daughter by Mckinley (she is an awesome writer to!)
ect...

[Vanya]

I read Hobbit and Lotr 15 or soyears ago, but Silmarillion only seven years ago. The unfinnished tales were translated this year, so I only finished reading of it, and now I'm confused about some characters and events, since there are several very different versions of them ( like Galadriel's story)

After Lotr, I read lots of SF, and for fantasy books, I can recommend several series:
- The cronicles of Amber - R.Zelazny (great fantasy books, there are 10, but I read only 5)
- The annuals of Thomas Covennant - Donnaldson ( different, but good. 6vol)
- The Book of the new Sun - G. Wolfe ( 5vol, great, but dark. Feels a bit like you are in a nightmare, and can't wake up!)
- Earthsea - U.LeGuin (original)
- Discworld, but you all know it well
I don't remember all the original titles, sorry

Now I'm in dilema whether to start Tolkien's HoME (I don't have heart to start 1-10, so you can recommend the realy importat ones. if you want), or to start Jordan's "Wheel of time" serial, which is also demanding, since they only translated the first two vol., and when I think about reading it in english...
In Serbia, in this moment, Martines's serial "The songs of Ice and Fire" are very popular, but I havent read those yet. People mostly read the firs two vol. since the other two aren't published yet here (but will be very soon)and say it's very interesting, fast, in different style completely (not so epic, more realistic). I'll read it soon, for sure.

[Gothmog]

The first books in the fantasy-genre that I read when I was younger was the Chronicles of Narnia, so of course Aslan has a special place in my heart :)

Since my eyes were opened for the world of fantasy I've read a lot of different series, but my favourite (after Tolkien of course) author is David Eddings. He's really good at making the reader feel as if one knew the main characters. After finishing 10 books with them, you feel as if you've lost a friend. Besides, sometimes the books are very funny (at least for the ones who know the main characters).

I also like the books of Harry Potter. I know it's a bit childish but I don't care, they're good :p

[Lathriel]

I read several of the Xanth novels by Piers Anthony but I thought they got so boring becaus the story was always so close that of the other books that i read that I gave up on him. Eventually his "jokes" got on my nerves.

[Kitanna]

The Chronicles of Narnia~ Of course most people have already mentioned it, but it deserves repeating, great books!
The Fifth Sorceress~ I'll admit this isn't the greatest fantasy book ever written. If my friend hadn't bought it for me I probably never would have read it. While it starts out slow it gets better and better as it goes on. I recommend reading it if you're really into wizards and prophecies and stuff like that.
The Alanna Series~ Great "girl power" books if that's a good term for it. All about a girl who wants to be a knight and disguises herself as a boy so she can make her dream come true. All four books are great, but I think the first one is the best. I say read them espicially if Eowyn is your favorite character.
Any Star Wars book~ I love Star Wars as much as I love LOTR and I'd read anything related to Star Wars in a minute.

[Eowyn Skywalker]

Ah, yes, Star Wars. New Jedi Order. Very good books.

And, I don't think that this was mentioned, but Passages are very good. I think that's what they're called.

I'll vouch for Narnia any time!

-Eowyn Skywalker

[Sirithheruwen]

Sirithheruwen, I could not agree more! They are brilliant, although I think actually all the 'heroes' of the seperate books begin to resemble Twig - for example, Rook Barkwater in 'The Last of the Sky Pirates' and 'Vox'. Twig is brilliant though - I also like Maris in 'The Last of the Sky Pirates' and 'Vox'.

Yes, Rook did seem to resemble Twig quite a lot, and unfortunately, I haven't been able to get my hands on "Vox" yet. :( Grr. I hate living in the U.S.

[LuthienNenharma]

I have read Chronicles o/ Narnia, First two wrinkle in time books, harry potter, a book by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey called "Elvenbane", and teh Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey, also some SW books.

[Moderator's note: Images included on this forum must be related to the topic of the post to which they are attached. Image removed.]

[Eowyn Skywalker]

Oh, Dragon Riders of Pern... forgot about those. I just finished The White Dragon. Also, read the Acorna books... very good. I started on the Eye of the World... and boy, that book is LONG. But good. That's Robert Jordan, if you were wondering.

Interesting pic. But I'd suggest putting it n the 'What happens when I am bored' thread. That's what to do with those things, as our little group of LotR picture makers see fit to share them. That's Middle-earth Mirth, if you please. I don't feel that this is the place to post pictures.

Star Wars is good. Not fantasy, but good. Read it!

-Eowyn Skywalker

[Quicksilver_Sprite]

The Dragon-Riders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey, His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman, Sabriel etc. by Garth Nix, Neverwhere and Stardust by Neil Gaiman, Ombria in Shadow by Patricia A. McKillip, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson and Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling are my favorite fantasy/fiction books.

I also used to read the Wheel of Time series, but didn't get farther than the fourth book because the slow pace of the plot was irking me.

[Mahal]

I've gotten a few new ones. These are about the World of Darkess an Rpg game, set in modern times(does that count?). Their written, by Greg Stolze, its a trilogy. Ashes of Angel Wings, The Wreckage of Paradise, and the Seven deadlies. The first few chapters are good so. The books about Exalted are also good books to read, I recommend them.

[Kitanna]

Douglas Adams is awesome! Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a must read and when you're done with that check out his Dirk Gently series

[Firefoot]

I just started The Eye of the World as well. That is long, but it is really good so far. I also like the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. I started the Chronicles of Narnia, but I don't like them very much.

[Eowyn Skywalker]

I'm working on the Eye of the World, and have determaned that it must be about as long as the entire Lord of the Rings... each book, that is. But it's really good so far.

Also, the book, Borderlands, is really good. Check it out.

-Eowyn Skywalker

[Rilwen Gamgee]

All of these books sound so interesting... I need to get to the bookstore or library and read some of them! :)

Some of the books I have read are:

~ "The Lost Years of Merlin" series- the stories of Merlin as a teenager (quite humorous, but wonderful just the same), with interesting foreshadowing of his older years.

~ The Enchanted Forest books, including the "Book of Enchantments", consisting of other, smaller stories from the same fantasy land

~ "A Wrinkle in Time"

~ many "Star Wars" books- as Eowyn Skywalker stated, are very good

~ and some of "Harry Potter"

[Angadraug]

Well I've read almost every book by Raymond E. Feist. I have enjoyed every book I've ever read by him. Also I've read all the Harry Potters and enjoyed them all, they keep getting better. His Dark Materials is a good series, that I've just recently read. Artemis Fowl and the Chronicles of Narnia are also very good. I also like the book Eragon, but the other two books haven't been written yet so I dont' know how good the series is going to be.

[Lathriel]

I LOVE Raymond E. Feist. I read Magician several times and I read all of the books that take place in Midkemia.

Also after seeing Harry Potter I decided to read the third book again. I think the third book is my favourite though it can change.

[Lady Kealin]

Greetings and Salutations.
I suggest you try David Eddings "Belgariad" series, Mercedes Lackeys "Heralds of Valdemar" series, Jennifer Robersons "Chronicles of the Cheysuli" series. . ..........Lady Kealin :)

[Vanwatholiel]

i love The Golden Compass trilogy by Philip Pullman and The Sabriel Trilogy by Garth Nix. um... im also a big fan of the adult Left Behind books by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. Those books are totally awesome. weeee!!! three cheers for fantasy novels!!!!!! :rolleyes: hip hip hooray!!!!! im so silly. im sorry. forgive me. :D

[Elennar Starfire]

I recommend wandering aimlessly through the library and reading whatever catches your eye. I've found some great books that way.

Also, The Hounds of the Morrigan by Pat O'Shea is excellent.

[Lady Gamgee]

I really enjoyed reading all 4 of "The Enchanted Forest" Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede. Most would consider these children's books, but believe me, adults will love these. I was so wrapped up in them, it was hard to put them down. I highly recommend them.

I've been wanting to begin reading some of Robert Jordan's books ... they just look so interesting & intriguing, but there are so many he's wrote, I don't know where to start ... anyone have any suggestions??

[Encaitare]

I too love Garth Nix's "Sabriel" trilogy. I'm currently reading the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind, and one of my favorite fantasy novels *ever* is "Song in the Silence" by Elizabeth Kerner.

[Elennar Starfire]

I recommend Wheel of Time for Robert Jordan...I've never read any others, but the first three books at least are good.

[Isowen]

Not much, can you count the silmarillion, as it is by Tolkien. I like the Chronicles of Narnia, The mabinogion (welsh fairy tales, i think thats how you spell it), Harry Potter could be counted as fantasy but I think its more just fiction.

[Elennar Starfire]

I thought it was spelled Maboingion...do you know where I might find it to read? I've been wanting to for quite a while...

EDIT: Isowen's right on the spelling.

[shia'tan]

Far too many books to recomend, but briefly;

Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Song of Ice and Fire by George R Martin
Red, Green, Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
Dune (et al) by Frank Herbert
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Willaims
Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett
Hichhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (the Trillogy of Five) by Douglas Adams

Just a few than spring to mind as favourites that get re-read, as many other works of fantasy get read once, and then never seen again.

NB, when mentioning Dune, I am NOT including any of the prequals written by Kevin J Anderson and Brian Herbert, which in my humble opionion are little better than candyfloss fantasy.

[Amrod the Hunter]

The Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin-one of the best books i ever read and they are all big so you can really read as long as you want
The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams-At first it is a bit boring,but later it's great
Forgotten Realms-You really have many books,and they are all great
Harry Potter-good competition to LoTR

[Lachwen]

Like shia'tan, I enjoy the Hitchhiker's Guide (they're making a movie!! *glee*). But that's just the tip of the iceburg...
The Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey.
Windhaven. I can't remember who wrote it, and I don't feel like tracking down the book right now to find out...
The Area 51 series by Robert Doherty.
The Halfblood trilogy (Elvenbane, Elvenblood, and Elvenborn) by Mercedes Lackey (I swear, I'd marry the character Zed if I could).
Well, just about everything by Mercedes Lackey, really...
The Myth series by Robert Asprin.
And, as I count science fiction to be a kind of fantasy... Anything by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Greg Bear, Ben Bova, or Michael Crichton (Timeline is one of his best).

[Kitanna]

Like shia'tan, I enjoy the Hitchhiker's Guide (they're making a movie!! *glee*).

Are you serious?! The Hitchhiker's Guide is one of the best books I've ever read.

[Lachwen]

Yup. Quick, before we're yelled at for being off-topic, here's the official movie website! (http://hitchhikers.movies.go.com)

[Kitanna]

Thanks so much! Ok that was the last of off-topicness!

[Lolidir]

Besides tha greatest books ever written, those being the ones by Tolkien, i read a little bit of other stuff.

These are ones like LOTR ( and these are also very good books)
-The Redwall series
-The Shannara series
-The Chronicles of Narnia was a favorite
-The Cold Fire Trilogy

These are other books
-The Harry Potter books were pretty good
-The Lemony Snicket series ( i thought the movie was a little better)

if you have any questions about any of these books let me know by IMing me or emailing me, or however you can get a hold of me.

[Mithalwen]

I have read very little fantasy because they seem to be so often Tolkien rip-offs (I have read Hitch-hikers, Narnia and Pratchett) but although a lot of the names and concepts are clearly Tolkien inspired, I have just read and really enjoyed "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini. It has a gripping plot even if Alagaesia is not as richly drawn as Middle Earth.

[Lalwendë]

I've a recommendation for you all: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark. Ignore most of the reviews, because it's nothing like any of the books the reviewers compare it to, but if you are interested the website is here. (http://www.jonathanstrange.com/) Beware though, it's not one you can read in bed because you'll end up breaking your arms, and if you want a first edition, I think they are about to go ona second print run already!

[aelithes]

I highly recommend the Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud (only the first two instalments have been released thus far: The Amulet of Samarkand and The Golem's Eye). There seem to be quite a few young adult fantasy novels about magicians set in London/Britain lately, but these truly stand out above the rest.

Stroud has a very sharp wit and his writing is lively without being banal or repetitive. The plot is quite compelling and action-packed throughout, so much so that I've stayed up till 2am a few nights in a row because it's so incredibly difficult to put it down! Bartimaeus is simply divine!

Cecily

[AragornII]

I agree with lots of you. I like:
Redwall
Bartimaeus
Eragon
The Wheel of Time was pretty good too.
I would recommend the Artemis Fowl Trilogy and the Dark is Rising Sequence. Artemis Fowl is like the Bartimaeus Trilogy, except it's more modern and technologically advanced.

[Faramir]

i read alot of the forgotten realms seris by R.A Salvatore.
my favorite trilogy is IceWind Dale:
The Crystal Shard
Streams of Silver
The Halflings Gem

(of course none of those comes close to lotr)

[Soronumë]

David (& Leigh) Eddins:
The Belgariad, The Mallorean, The Eleneum, The Tamuli, Althalus, POlgara, Belgarath, Rivan Codex, Elder of Gods
J.K Rowling:
All Harry Potters
Marion Zimmer Bradly:
The forest house or something like that and Mists of Avalon is in progress
Katherine Kerr:
The Deverry-thing
Annie McCaffrey (or something similar):
Dragon riders of Pern

[yavanna II]

Dan Brown:
1. Da Vinci Code
2. Angels and Demons

JKR:
~ALL HPs~

Ysabel Allende
1. Eva Luna
2. House of the Spirits

Oh. And all the Star Wars I could find in the local bookstore. :rolleyes:

Is there any fantasy book referring to the Vatican Secret Archives? Please tell me; after reading Dan Brown I got so curious about what the Citta del Vaticano hides in that Archive thing.

[Kitanna]

After looking through this thread I got to thinking about how many fantasy movies there are out there. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in posting on a thread that would be like this one only about fantasy movies instead of books.

[Encaitare]

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in posting on a thread that would be like this one only about fantasy movies instead of books.

I would. :)

[Elonve]

Hi

I am New over here! Well the books I've liked...
Dan Brown: The DaVinci Code and Angles and Daemons
C.S. Lewis : the Narnia Series.
Douglas Adams: all of the Five books
Tolkien: LotR, The Hobbit, Simalirion, The lost Tales of middle earth.
Phillip Pullman: His dark materials trilogy, I was a Rat, The Tin Princess, Ruby in the Smoke...
There was this book that I read called the Mists of Avalon and its sooo amazing its written from the perspective of Morgana LaFay, George RR Martin is good too and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I sort of like the book Ella Enchanted, And Witch Hall was good. Harry Potter. This amazing book called Walking the Boundries...which isnt really Fantasy Except this guy meets his dead grand-ma when shes young...
:D A series of unfortunate events and last but not least Dr. Suess!

Peace
Elonve
________
porn star Webcams (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/pornstars/)

[Encaitare]

I heard Mists of Avalon was great... I ought to read that when I'm done with all the other books I'm halfway through... no wonder I can never find a bookmark!

And welcome to the Downs, Elonve. :)

[Ainaserkewen]

Originally posted by Amarantha_Daisy post #309
My friends are into Anne Rice. I dunno if vampires are considered fantasy, but... yeah. I haven't read any of her books but I'm sure my friends will beg me too.

Originally posted by Belethfacwen post #171
I'm going a bit off topic, but you can't really consider Anne Rice fantasy, which is my latest kick.
Why isn’t Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles considered fantasy?

Like Belethfacwen said, it’s my latest kick too. Ms. Rice is an artist because of how she leads the reader around and then by slowly giving clues you're given the whole picture or only a frustrating portion. “Queen of the Damned” which I am currently reading is the most complex so far. It jumps around and can get pretty confusing but slowly towards the middle it starts to make sense. Anne Rice’s books have always been a satisfying read. She also writes very good fiction worth checking out.

[Luinalatawen]

I very, very highly recommend the Bitterbynde trilogy by Cecilia Dart-Thornton. She has a new trilogy (of which the first book has just been released this month in the US) set in the same world as her first trilogy. I'm really looking forward to delving into it. Currently, I'm reading Dracula. It's a classic, so I really do recommend that one too.

[Imladris]

The Pendragon books by Stephen R. Lawhead.

Very mythological in tone.

And who can resist the Arthurian legend combined with the legend of Atlantis?

[Thinlómien]

I've read so many fantasy books that I won't list them all... :)
My favorites (except Tolkien) are Robin Hobb's books and Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea -stories.

[Kitanna]

I'm reading The Sight right now by David Clemens-Davies (or some name close to that, my spelling may be off) and it's a good book, though rather sad.
I recently finished Tamora Pierce's Wolf Speaker which was an excellent book.

[Gurthang]

I know its probably already been mentioned, but I really like the Wheel of Time. They're pretty long, but I would definitely recommend them. I've also been looking at the Bartimaeus Trilogy, but they won't bring the last WoT book back to the library. Guh! :mad:

[Shelob]

Encaitare, Mists of Avalon is well worth the read. And I know how you feel about being unable to find a bookmark...

Elsewise I would suggest Brave New World (Aldous Huxley), anything by H.G. Wells (including When the Sleeper Wakes...even though that has the worst ending ever.) and any short stories by Ray Bradbury (though especially The Exiles and The Long Rain.)

While those are top on my list I've also enjoyed:
David Eddings (suggested to me by my very tolkien-geeky friend)
Katharine Kerr (suggested to me by a friend...or 'borrowed' *coughstolencough*...whichever...)
The increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker's Trilogy by Douglas Adams
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Blindness by Jose Saramago (Warning on this one though...read with caution)

as well as a ton more I can't write out in full but will gladly name if requested to.

[Soronumë]

Oh yes, Mists of Avalon is something wonderful!!! (that's still in progress but i'm alreafy on page 626...)
AND Eddings... *nods* In my top three. :D
Katharine Kerr's books are also good. ^^

.. Now, I might add to my list there somewhere also I have read books from Douglas Adams... And Philip Pullmans Golden compass and the two others and theNarnia series. :)

[bookworm]

i love Narnia! and Terry Brooks, (i've only read his Shannara books, but i want to read his others). i also like T.A. Baron, and Stephen Lawhead. And of course, LotR, Silmarillion, Hobbit, etc... i wanted to read the Mists of Avalon, but i can't find it at my library :( and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials is v.v. good too. oh, and some of the Star Wars books are ok, too....

[alatar]

I would recommend anything written by Frank Herbert, who is best known for his 'Dune' books. In all of his works FH tries to make a point, using the story as a vehicle (unlike some authors who put the story first then decorate it with some 'big' idea). He runs a *little* deep, and so you will need to use your noggin a little. Also, his stories don't end up with everything back in place and happy (i.e. Asimov), as like in the real world things change and there are always consequences (mostly unforeseen and unintended).

Note that the books written by his son, Brian Herbert, are garbage and demonstrate that talent isn't always inherited.

Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are long time favorites.

Not really big on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time and I cringe :mad: anytime someone compares WoT to LOTR. Please!

Robert E. Howard's "The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian" was a good light read.

Neil Gaiman's Sandman grapic novels are different but thought provoking.

D'Aulaires "Book of Greek Myths" is great, and can't wait to start sharing it with my kids as I remember reading it as a child.

[Shelob]

D'Aulaires "Book of Greek Myths"!

Forgot about that...I've been reading for longer than I can remember...and still read it regularly, so much so that it can only be handled carefully...Thanks for reminding me of it...except now I can't do anything else until I go read it again...*meanders off to find the book and whittle away the hours in wonderful, colourful Greek Myth*

[Encaitare]

Oh, yes, Dune was amazing. It's not only a great story, but it's beautifully written, very quotable. When I read it I had a pencil in hand most of the time, bracketing off passages I liked. Hopefully I'll get around to reading the next two in the series soon -- I've heard that the first three are the best.

[alatar]

Oh, yes, Dune was amazing. It's not only a great story, but it's beautifully written, very quotable. When I read it I had a pencil in hand most of the time, bracketing off passages I liked. Hopefully I'll get around to reading the next two in the series soon -- I've heard that the first three are the best.

The first three are indeed great. Four is okay, and five and six start to drop off a little as some stuff gets rehashed.

If you like Frank Herbert's style, then I would suggest the following:

The Dosadi Experiment - a psychological experiment gone very awry.
The White Plague - a new world emerges when a man-made biological kills all women.
Eye - a collection of thought-provoking short stories.

I've found that the 'wisdom' espouced by the characters within the books to be applicable to today's world/life.

[alatar]

D'Aulaires "Book of Greek Myths"!

Forgot about that...I've been reading for longer than I can remember...and still read it regularly, so much so that it can only be handled carefully...Thanks for reminding me of it...except now I can't do anything else until I go read it again...*meanders off to find the book and whittle away the hours in wonderful, colourful Greek Myth*

Cool!

Remember reading it ages ago and so tracked it down and purchased it. It was just as good as I remember it being, and again, I can now start sharing the same with the kids.

[Encaitare]

Thanks for the suggestions, alatar! *scribbles down names*

I'm a Sandman fan too -- amazing art, storylines, everything, and plus I love Dave McKean.

[shia'tan]

The first three are indeed great. Four is okay, and five and six start to drop off a little as some stuff gets rehashed.

I concur with the assessment of the Dune series, but all I can say is avoid the 'prequels' like the plague. The Butlerian Jihad is ok, Machine Crusade is lacking, the final book is a real let down, although one does discover the reason for the fude between Atradies and Harkonen :smokin:

[Lalwendë]

Last night I was talking about how some lengthy serial fantasy works seem to decline in quality the longer they go on. Most of my favourites seem to be relatively restricted in length, and fairly self contained. I came to the conclusion that in many cases the writer has created an amazing world, but appears to have run out of stories, thus proving that the story is always the mainstay of any novel. I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing Tolkien had written more about Middle Earth, but I'm glad he didn't pursue this to the extent that many writers today do. Wringing every last drop out of the secondary world you have created isn't always a good move for a writer.

[alatar]

Last night I was talking about how some lengthy serial fantasy works seem to decline in quality the longer they go on. Most of my favourites seem to be relatively restricted in length, and fairly self contained. I came to the conclusion that in many cases the writer has created an amazing world, but appears to have run out of stories, thus proving that the story is always the mainstay of any novel.

Agreed. I also think that it depends on the 'original' works - were they meant to be self-contained with every loose thread wrapped up, or were they just part of another bigger story that the author was trying to tell but initially couldn't sell? Like a movie sequel, does the 'continuation' follow logically from the initial story, or does my brain need to go fuzzy, do a few flips and maybe just disconnect for a while while a new 'story' is set up. For example, if in the original the Dark Lord is defeated and everything is bliss, and the next story starts out with the Dark Lord's older brother (never mentioned nor alluded to previously) shows up so that our protagonists can have something to do, yet again, then there's a problem.

Melkor, until banished into the Void, was always around to start some trouble, and Sauron just didn't show up in the Third Age...

Plus, how much care is taken when writing the sequels? Are you contracted to slap something together every year or two, or are you passionately creating something that will be finished when *you* think it is (or maybe it's never finished, but gets pried from your cold dead hands)?


I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing Tolkien had written more about Middle Earth, but I'm glad he didn't pursue this to the extent that many writers today do.

I wish Tolkien would have fleshed out more stories in the Sil. They would not have affected LOTR, and as they all were preconceived, I don't think that they would become stale. Plus Tolkien's writing style is *much* better than average. I'm confident that JRRT would have put the whip down before the horse was dead.


Wringing every last drop out of the secondary world you have created isn't always a good move for a writer.

Robert Jordan seems to be doing this with WoT. I started reading the books at the suggestion of a coworker to whom I had suggested LOTR (I lost on that exchange!). Jordan's first few books were okay - not at the level of LOTR, but what is? - but then they seemed to become more redundant, confusing and a chore to read. Like when watching late night TV, I continued 'viewing' just in case something interesting would happen, but was continually disappointed.

I quit and will not read any more of his books - how else can we get a message to him and his publisher?

Another issue is having someone 'take over' after the author has gone on to his reward. Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson have done this with Frank Herbert's Dune works. If Brian did not have access to the Dune/Herbert legacy, no one would read the garbage that he spews. I even made excuses for the first prequel that he wrote, knowing that it may have been hard to sync up to the original works. The pre-prequels, where Brian had a free hand, were even worse. To add another nail, there were some gross inconsistencies that made it seem that he hadn't bothered to read his father's works. Imagine that in a LOTR sequel Gimli is suddenly an Elf.

I wish that these new works were never written, as they begin to taint the original for those who know no better.

At least Christopher Tolkien had the sense to publish and not write.

[Essex]

regarding the Wheel of Time series - I've got the whole series of them when I joined a book club a couple of months back. Can I ask a query to those who have read them?

Should I start with No 1 the Eye of the World, or is it best to start with the 'prequel', New Spring?

[alatar]

Should I start with No 1 the Eye of the World, or is it best to start with the 'prequel', New Spring?

Didn't read New Spring, as I gave up at either "Crossroads of Twilight" or "Winter's Heart" - so little happened in the last book I read and the later books are so unremarkable that I have trouble telling them apart! So not sure what advice to give regarding where to start (except not too ;) ).

Give them a go, see what you think and let me know - I'd like to hear your opinion as you're already are a Tolkien fan prior to reading WoT.

[Snorri Swifthammer]

regarding the Wheel of Time series - I've got the whole series of them when I joined a book club a couple of months back. Can I ask a query to those who have read them?

Should I start with No 1 the Eye of the World, or is it best to start with the 'prequel', New Spring?

Start with number one and read in the order they are published in. As I understand it New Spring actually reveals alot that will spoil some things if you haven't read the books that came before it in publishing order.

Good luck on the series! I read into Book 6 and then dropped it because of the lack of plot advancment. Maybe when the final book comes out I'll take a look again, but the series is now something like 15+ years and going with no end in sight. That is too long to drag readers along with no closure. At least in long series like Pern or Redwall you get closure on certain characters and story arcs.

[Makar]

Robert Jordan is thief and a hack. He rips off Tolkien, Herbert, and history.
Tolkien rip offs:

1. RJ has "Dark Lord" who never manifests himself physically, but works through his minions and lives in wasteland surrounded by mountains.

2. The main characters are from a backwater area unaware of the turmoil that is comming to the world and are led away by magic-user and borderguard.

3. The scene in the Eye of the World where rand encounters the Myrdraal on the road is much like the Black Rider scene in FotR.

Herbert Rip Offs:

1.The main character has lots of powers and he is the savior of mankind.

2. His people are a desert people

3. There is a group of woman sorcerers working to control the world and the main character

History Rip offs:

1. The Seanchan army is called the Ever Victorious Army, the exact name of a mercenary group in China during the Taiping Rebellion

2. There is a legendary High King, named Artur Hawking Paendrag. Doesn't that sound like Arthur Pendragon?

3. There is a Green Man, much like in ancient Celtic society

Literary stuff:
He is boring. His characters don't interact like real people. His female characters are all rightious ******* and he is afraid to kill main characters off. he takes the names of existing monsters and changes them. Trollocs, Ogier, etc.

[Thinlómien]

Awww, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time is horrible. I read the first one and couldn't continue any longer. Book made of clichées. And done that in a terrible way.

[Essex]

oh dear. lucky the wheel of time books only cost me about £5 for the complete set as an introductory offer the world books fantasy book club. oh well, I'll give eye of the world a go sometime.

thanks for the replies

[Firefoot]

Personally, I didn't find them as bad as all that. The first few were interesting enough, Books 5 and 6 were okay and the endings were quite good, but Books 7-10 nothing new really happened. They just sort of dragged on, being largely repetitive of each other just with new names and places. If he had condensed those four into one book it would have been a whole lot more interesting - he just needs to say it, not make a single day drag on for 600 pages. And Makar is right, he is definitely afraid to kill off main characters. But I did enjoy the first few, for what it's worth.

Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series is pretty good, though it sometimes seems that the main character is rather lacking in flaws. In the first couple books there were a few things that seemed to be rip-offs of other books, but it got much better - he seemed to come up with more original ideas as he went.

Recently I started reading some books by Tamora Pierce and am finding them pretty interesting, in particular her newest two, Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen (Yes, I'm reading the series out of order... something I very rarely do). She certainly doesn't beat her world and characters to death; the series are quite short but interesting nevertheless.

[Kitanna]

Recently I started reading some books by Tamora Pierce and am finding them pretty interesting, in particular her newest two, Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen (Yes, I'm reading the series out of order... something I very rarely do). She certainly doesn't beat her world and characters to death; the series are quite short but interesting nevertheless.

If you haven't read them already, you should read her Alanna series, they're quite good.

[Lathriel]

I actually have the first book of The Wheel of Time but I decided not to begin reading them untill Robert Jordan has finished the series. (I might be waiting forever :D )

I really enjoyed the Tamora Pierce books, however, lately I haven't enjoyed them as much as I used to. I'm afraid I've grow out of them since the plotline etc. is a little simplistic and predictable. But I will always remember them fondly.

[Encaitare]

I'm afraid I've grow out of them since the plotline etc. is a little simplistic and predictable.

I'm starting to feel the same way about Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. I think it peaked around book 4 and then just went downhill. It starts getting verrrrrrry repetitive, and not only in the plot. Even the writing style starts to get old after a while; he uses the exact same phrases and things over and over.

Oh well... all the more power to Mr. Goodkind, seeing as he has a great many books published and I can't even seem to think of a plot for these characters who are bouncing around in my head...

[Dragon Reborn]

Before I start I must say that Tolkien was a mastermind, and the first to ever develop this level of fantasy-based books. Other authors will come and go, but none can compare to what he achieved.

Quoting from english writer Terry Pratchett, "Most modern fantasy just rearranges the furniture in Tolkien's attic."
So true.

But in concern to Robert Jordan, I thought the first book and even the next couple were very exciting- in places. They had their moments, but in other parts were quite dull.

From there on it did get worse, and it has become too complicated. Not only is he afraid to kill off any main characters, he is afraid to put the stories to rest. Even though he has been running out of ideas for about the last four books, he is still determined to make as many as he possibly can. I just want the issues to be resolved that have been hanging around like dead flies for the last four thousand pages!

Let it go, Rob, let it go. ;)

PS. Lathriel, you WILL be waiting forever, i say read the books now, because he'll probably have passed away before he can ever finnish them and will dissappoint us all... :rolleyes:

[Lathriel]

I'm beginning to think the same way Dragon Reborn. However, I'm just way too busy right now to read such a large book. Right now I'm reading the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Although my english teacher says there is a lot more to the book then meets the eye all I've seen so far is just an adventure book.

As for Terry Pratchett, my friend talks about his books so often that I'm getting tired of them. They are practically the only books she's reading right now. Can you believe it, she reads the book, finishes it and then begins to read it all over again. She does this for about three to four times with all of them!!!! :eek:

[Encaitare]

I bought Pratchett's "The Color of Magic" because I had heard great things about the series, and from what I had read about it, it seemed really interesting. I started reading it but the first few pages really failed to entertain me -- plus, I had bought a bunch of Tolkien books at the same time and decided to read those instead. That's okay, though... I'll read it eventually.

[Shelob]

The Colour of Magic isn't his best anyway...I liked it least of all of them (and yes I've read all of them...I think...the vast majority anyway). Interms of Most entertaining I suggest:
The Truth
The Fifth Elephant
Guards! Guards!
and Moving Pictures

Also the book Good Omens (written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett) is probably the funniest book ever...it's about what happens when the appocalypse has come but they've lost the antichrist.

[Encaitare]

Also the book Good Omens (written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett) is probably the funniest book ever...it's about what happens when the appocalypse has come but they've lost the antichrist.

That sounds interesting... I am a big fan of Neil Gaiman's Sandman so I'll have to check that one out. Yay!

[Kitanna]

I started to read this book called The Green Rider and while it's not absolutely fabulous, it's not all that bad. There's a lost race of people called Eltish, they seem a lot like elves, but every time they're mentioned I think of Entish. And the main character reminds me of Alanna and Eowyn.

[Firefoot]

I recently read a cat-centric book called "Tailchaser's Song" by Tad Williams. In general I thought the plot was original and the characters believable. There were a few elements in it that I found similar to LotR - a couple of circumstances and such, but the plots were quite different so it didn't really bother me. I wouldn't call it fantastic but I'd certainly recommend it as an enjoyable read (if you like cats, that is).

And a particular source of enjoyment for me... one of the cats was named Firefoot! :D

[AragornII]

Here's some more:
1.Firebringer Trilogy
2.Alex Rider Adventures(modern)
3.The Seventh Tower (OK :o )
4.Inheritance Trilogy
5.Spy High(modern)
6.Dragon Chronicles(OK)
I recently started reading Star Wars too. Not the movies turned book, but some of the stuff that happened after the movies. I'ts actually pretty good.

[Kitanna]

I recently started reading Star Wars too. Not the movies turned book, but some of the stuff that happened after the movies. I'ts actually pretty good.
Ah yes, SW books are very good...usually.
Also I started to read Good Omen due to Enca (I'm pretty sure it was Enca who I first heard it from...) Anywho, so far it is a most excellent book.

[Encaitare]

Also I started to read Good Omen due to Enca (I'm pretty sure it was Enca who I first heard it from...) Anywho, so far it is a most excellent book.

Probably, since I wrote about how awesome a book it is on my LJ. Glad you're enjoying it. :)

[Valier]

I know these books are not quite fantasy but still VERY enjoyable. The Ender Saga written by Orson Scott Card an incredible fantasy/sci-fi writer all his stuff will blow your mind.

[Holbytlass]

A few months ago I read Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Palioni and am quite pleased with it. I can't wait 'til the final book.
He wrote Eragon when he was fifteen and obviously was inspired by Tolkien since many names of people and places are or sound like Tolkien's names. And he has followed Tolkien's view of how certain creatures/ beings ought to be. Some people think it's a rip-off but I find it to be a homage to Tolkien.

The story is defintely a person of lowly status who unexpectedly finds themself caught up in a quest that encompasses this world. I like the secondary storylines, and is easy to follow. The story has some great twists in it, too. I highly recommend it and give ****.

[BlackRiderofAngmar]

Fantasy...Do the old Greek Myths count? Because I love the Iliad, and I like how it captures vengence, honor, and patriotisim.

[Elu Ancalime]

ive recently read a lot of greek mythology, but mainly just short stories. i read the entire Odyssey, and also ive read the Icewind Dale trilogy by RA Salvatore. alough i have only read three books, there are about 30 books in this series. I recomend them to any Tolkien reader, as one will find many similarities since Salvatore read Tolkien's literature. Thers so many to list! Perhaps a new thread such start on them......Also, the books of Star Wars are good reading. The Rouge Squadron are a bit Tom Clancy i think. And there is so much stuff happening after the movies......its great! like the Lost Road to LotR. I read the Harry POtter books, but im not a fanatic. After reading Tolkien they seem a bit childish. Ill probably get attcked for that :rolleyes: And im not fond of manga/anime. i will probably get stabbed for that also :p
________
Vaporizer shop (http://vaporshop.com)

[Salacia Deloresista]

As frustrated as I am with the extrememly slow pace of the books, I don't think I could stop reading the Wheel of Time series if I tried. There was something about the first few books in the series that just pulled me in, and ever since then, I've been hooked. Yes, they do obviously rip off of other wonderful books, but Jordan does it in such a detailed way that it pulls at the imagination.

I've been reading Tamora Pierce since I picked up Alana: The First Adventure at a third grade book fair. With the exception of her newest three books (which I have read) I own all the others. The rest of them are Ok, but The Song of the Lioness Quartet will always be my favorites.

I loved The Color of Magic. Terry Pratchett is another favorite. I haven't counted exactly how many of his books I've read, but it's well over half of the Diskworld novels. My favorites are Hogfather and any of the Sam Vimes books. The Color of Magic wasn't the best, but it was still better than Eric.

Some of my other favorite authors include Tad Williams, Orson Scott Card, Piers Anthony, Anne McCaffrey, Alan French, Howard Pyle, Mary Stewart, C. S. Lewis....the list goes on.

[Thinlómien]

I'm quite upset that so few 'downers have read (or liked so much that they would nominate) Robin Hobb's books, because they're so brilliant.

And if someone has problems to find books that could really move him/her after reading Tolkien, I recommend Le Guin. She's also brilliant.

(I have the feeling that I've made a just identical post earlier on the thread. I hope not.)

[Lathriel]

I have read Robin Hobb's books and I really like them.
I especially liked her new book Shaman's crossing.

Another book I recommend is Enchantment by Orson Scot Card.

[Thinlómien]

I have read Robin Hobb's books and I really like them.
I especially liked her new book Shaman's crossing.
Me too, though I like the older ones better.

[AragornII]

Anyone ever read any of Dragonlance books? I read the Chronicles and thought they were pretty good. It has somewhat of an LOTR theme, with a group of friends who travel throughtout the world of Krynn to fight the dragonarmies of the Queen of Darkness. I enjoyed them as an alternative to LOTR. It's sort of a mix between LOTR and the Inheritance trilogy, with dragons and such.

[Salacia Deloresista]

I started one of the Dragonlance books (I don't remember which one it was) on the recommendation of a friend, but somehow I could never really get into them. I found a better book half-way through the Dragonlance one and I still haven't finished reading it.

[Encaitare]

Perhaps it's more science fiction than fantasy, but I'm in the middle of reading 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and all I can say is that it's amazing. Wholly recommended. :)

[alatar]

Perhaps it's more science fiction than fantasy, but I'm in the middle of reading 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and all I can say is that it's amazing. Wholly recommended. :)

Jules Verne. Cool. Can remember buying a copy as a youngster for a quarter (dollar), and possibly still have it. I'd add to the list "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." Another 'classic' author of note (at least to me) is H. G. Wells, and you'd do ahh...good..by reading his works such as The Time Machine, The Invisible Man and The War of the Worlds.

And need I mention Poe?

[Carhilion]

I really like Barbara Hambly's earlier works, The Darwath Trilogy & The Ladies of Mandrygn. The internal logic of magic in her universe is the best I've read.

[JennyHallu]

Honestly, if I'm not reading Tolkien, my fancies tend to lean to Sci-Fi.

For example, while I enjoyed Tad Williams' Osten Ard trilogy, I found Otherland to be much better.

I've read fantasy by Orson Scott Card: Enchantment, among others. My favorite OSC, however, will always be Ender's Game.

Sometimes I fear that fantasy authors get too caught up in cashing in on Tolkien. Fantasy novels just feel like long strings of Tolkien clones, but without the depth, and the magic, that gives Middle-Earth its fascination. I have occasionally been fascinated by other fantasies, but I can't think of any off the top of my head that have the power to hold me in the same way.

EDIT: One major exception: Steven Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle is amazing (the first book is Taliesin, if anyone's interested in finding it). However I have tried a science fiction tale by the same author and have never read a worse thing in print. I also have a soft spot for Mercedes Lackey, though I am sure her novels will rot my brain.

[Salacia Deloresista]

I must have been in a really good mood a few days ago when I added Tad Williams to my list of favorite authors. I read Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, and the Otherland series, and by the end of both of them the only thing I felt was sick and frustrated. They've got some good spots, but mostly I just found them to be long. Very long. Much longer than they had to be. I read them because they were big and cheap (-ish) and I was starved for anything fluently English. I'll give Williams credit for them being ok, but I will never, ever read them again.

Ender's Game rocks my world. Ender's Game and the Shadow series. The rest of the Ender's series was amazing, but a little hard to deal with. Bean is my hero.

I read a couple of books over the summer that had me dorking out for months, they were that good. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell, and it's sequel Children of God were absolutely........I'm speechless just thinking about them. Definitely worth looking up. Larry Niven's Ringworld series wasn't half bad either.

[JennyHallu]

I have a thing for long books, probably, at least in part, because I read very fast. I enjoyed Ender's sequels very very much. I found the philosophy he goes into in them really seemed to have a strong element of truth. But you can't look at them in the same light as you read Ender's Game. It's the same character, maybe, barely, but it's not the same story. It's about something else.

[Encaitare]

Jules Verne. Cool. Can remember buying a copy as a youngster for a quarter (dollar), and possibly still have it. I'd add to the list "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." Another 'classic' author of note (at least to me) is H. G. Wells, and you'd do ahh...good..by reading his works such as The Time Machine, The Invisible Man and The War of the Worlds.

And need I mention Poe?

The copy I have belonged to one of my parents and cost 60 cents. If only you could still get lovely books for less than a dollar! Journey to the Center of the Earth was spiffy too. As for Wells... I've seen the movie versions of all those books! (Okay, so it was "Abbot and Costello Meet the Invisible Man...) Those books are on my "To-Read" list, though, and I'm pretty sure there's a copy of the Invisible Man floating around here somewhere.

Poe is just a given. ;)

[Eonwe]

Lets see...Ursula Le Guen's Wizard of Earthsea, I have yet to finish...
What was that one...Silver on a Tree...Over Sea Under Earth...those? I can't remember the series title...something about Greenwitch...
I'm sorry to say...Dragonlance... :o . Com'n they were good as a kid...
Bit of si-fi...my uncles seventies era Star Wars books...Star Trek (just a little), and various others on his shelf...

There's this one though, fellow by the name of Tolkien. I tell you what, he's the one to beat em all...yes sir...

[Nogrod]

Even though I don't like the basic philosophy of Dan Simmons (seems to be quite 9/11 panicked "we'll have to learn to fight once again" -kind of stuff). His new ones': "Ilium" and "Olympos" are surely worth reading... It's kind of sci-fi / Greek mythology poured together. Sounds terrible, reads great! He's very crafty in knitting the web together and making a story take you with it.

Well probably someone has already mentioned those in this thread, but read this then just as an affirmative yes-vote... ;)

[Valier]

Has anyone read the Earth Children's series by Jean M Auel? She is an amazing writer, so descriptive and inspiring. I guess it is a little bit of a "girlie" series. If you haven't read them you should they are very informative in healing lore and practices, as well as fire starting, food collecting...pretty much stuff that would mostly work for Middle Earth stories.(Starts with Clan of the Cave Bear.) You may have heard of this one or seen the movie, but there are four more that come after. They are brilliant!:)

[Nogrod]

Just looked a bit backwards with this thread.

If you like sci-fi, do look at the books by Iain M. Banks (the same guy who writes "traditional" novels without the "M." in the middle). There sure is some fantasy!

I myself started with the "Use of weapons", but many think that the "Player of games" is the classic. His newer one's ("Look to windward" and "The Algebraist") are probably even better...

[Lalwendë]

If you like sci-fi, do look at the books by Iain M. Banks (the same guy who writes "traditional" novels without the "M." in the middle). There sure is some fantasy!

I wouldn't call The Wasp Factory traditional though! :eek: That's got to be one of the strangest and most horrible books I've ever read, but it's one of my favourites too.

Has anyone read the Earth Children's series by Jean M Auel? She is an amazing writer, so descriptive and inspiring. I guess it is a little bit of a "girlie" series. If you haven't read them you should they are very informative in healing lore and practices, as well as fire starting, food collecting...pretty much stuff that would mostly work for Middle Earth stories.(Starts with Clan of the Cave Bear.) You may have heard of this one or seen the movie, but there are four more that come after. They are brilliant!

I bought these in a set, second hand for about £6. I enjoyed the first three but then I got to the fourth one and stopped, as it became a bit dull, it was mainly about travelling and without the plot of the other novels, which had been pretty gripping. But I might pick them up again and carry on from where I left off, as I hear a sixth book is planned. They are fascinating reading, and you do find yourself getting involved with the characters, but they can be very adult too, so be warned! ;)

[Nogrod]

I wouldn't call The Wasp Factory traditional though! :eek: That's got to be one of the strangest and most horrible books I've ever read, but it's one of my favourites too.


That's probably the reason I wrote the word "traditional" in parentheses... "The Wasp Factory" really is weird, and a good one. Of these "traditional" ones I've also enjoyed "the Bridge", f.ex.

Banks sure is one of the best there is!

[Firefoot]

I'm really glad this thread has become active again. It's one of my favorites for finding new books to read when I'm at a bit of a loss.

Just today I finished the "Otherland" series by Tad Williams and I quite enjoyed it. The middle two books sometimes felt like they dragged on a bit, but I would not say they were boring - far from it. The first one was definitely my favorite but all were good, and there were plenty of plot twists to keep it going. Definitely recommended.

I have read the first two of the Earth's Children books at my English teacher's recommendation - they were interesting and I agree that the author is quite good. I may yet pick up the next book. However, I did find that the books really were a bit too... graphic, I guess, for my taste. Especially towards the end of the second book it seemed like all there was, and that was ultimately what made me put them down. It's just not the kind of thing I like to read.

[Valier]

Ha ha I totally forgot about all the naughty stuff in The Earth's Children series! I first read the book at like 15, I was ahead of my times I guess. I just skip past that stuff now. The details of the flora and fauna she uses are fantastic! I think they are a good read still!! Just flip through all that...ok the first couple of books have ALOT,, But I swear it gets better!

[Encaitare]

Let's just say anything and everything that Neil Gaiman has ever penned. Well, everything I've been able to get my grubby little hands on, anyway. :D

[Lalwendë]

Let's just say anything and everything that Neil Gaiman has ever penned. Well, everything I've been able to get my grubby little hands on, anyway. :D

I'd recommend the 4th (?) volume of Sandman, as it has an excellent story about the real origins of A Midsummer Nights Dream, as being a play first performed exclusively for the King and Queen of Faerie and their retinue. It's slightly scary but also wonderful. ;)

I've still to make my way through the whole series as I don't want to read them all at once (and indeed, that would also be expensive as graphic novels are not cheap), but they are fantastic. I might sample some of his novels next.

[Encaitare]

Sandman is love. Unfortunately, the stores never have Volume 8, which is the only one I need to complete the series. :mad:

I might sample some of his novels next.

All of Gaiman's novels are fantastic. One book that you absolutely must not miss, though, is the short story collection Smoke and Mirrors. Each one is a gem and it makes me jealous of his brain for coming up with such nifty ideas.

[Bêthberry]

an online sampler of Neil Gaiman's work is available here (http://www.neilgaiman.com/works/ebooks/ebookdownload)

[Lalwendë]

Sandman is love. Unfortunately, the stores never have Volume 8, which is the only one I need to complete the series. :mad:



All of Gaiman's novels are fantastic. One book that you absolutely must not miss, though, is the short story collection Smoke and Mirrors. Each one is a gem and it makes me jealous of his brain for coming up with such nifty ideas.

I saw Smoke and Mirrors in a second hand bookshop today so I bought it on your recommendation! First I've a couple of other books to finish - I wonder if I can resist sampling a story before I've finished them?

I got volume 1 of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen cheap the other day too, and that's also fantastic. There are only two volumes with this, so a bit cheaper than getting into Sandman... I can't believe I'm beginning to discover comic books at my age! The last one I must have been into was Rupert the Bear! :eek:

[Thinlómien]

I just rememberd Guy Gavriel Kay's (the same guy who helped Christopher Tolkien to collect and organise Silmarillion) Tigana. It's a very good book, which I can warmly recommend. Has anyone read it?

I also just finished Abhorsen by Garth Nix. I enjoyed it quite a lot and I wonder if anyone has read it...

[Kitanna]

Let's just say anything and everything that Neil Gaiman has ever penned. Well, everything I've been able to get my grubby little hands on, anyway. :D
Yes, thanks to you and the prodding of my friend, I picked up volume one of The Sandman. In a few hours I was already half-way through volume two. I haven't finished the series yet, but so far I've claimed volume six (Fables and Reflections) as my favorite.

[JennyHallu]

Lommy...I've read both of those, and enjoyed them. There are two sequels to Abhorsen; keep reading, they're both good.

Tigana was excellent. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the same magic in the other books I've found by Kay. I think the strength of Tigana was the loyalty to a single theme, that of patriotism, and I felt the book had a strong philosophical flavor. I really enjoy books that ask me to think.

As for Neil Gaiman...I have a number of friends who swear by his work...but I never really got into it so much.

[Thinlómien]

Lommy...I've read both of those, and enjoyed them. There are two sequels to Abhorsen; keep reading, they're both good. Abhorsen is the last one, and I've read the previous books (Sabriel and Lirael) already. I think the last book was the best and the second the worst. What about you, Jenny?

Tigana was excellent. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the same magic in the other books I've found by Kay. I think the strength of Tigana was the loyalty to a single theme, that of patriotism, and I felt the book had a strong philosophical flavor. I really enjoy books that ask me to think. That's one of the reasons I enjoyed Tigana so much; it made me think. I also loved some of the characters, Dianora for example. I have a CD (Dido's Life for Rent) and some of the songs remind me so much of Tigana, especially Dianora, and I just can't understand why.

Connie Willis' Domesday book(?) is a masterpiece, though I'm not sure if it's fantasy...

[Lalwendë]

Yes, thanks to you and the prodding of my friend, I picked up volume one of The Sandman. In a few hours I was already half-way through volume two. I haven't finished the series yet, but so far I've claimed volume six (Fables and Reflections) as my favorite.

Yay! Another fan! What did you think of the re-telling of Midsummer Night's Dream?

I've still to start on Smoke and Mirrors though. I bought Peter Ackroyd's Albion - The Origins of the English Imagination and have been reading that; it's not fantasy, nor is it fiction, but it's excellent, and recommended for understanding more about Tolkien. ;)

[Lathriel]

I also really like Garth Nix, that is the Sabriel trilogy. I also read Across the Wall. It is a series of short stories and only one of them takes place in the Kingdom but the others ones I really good too. I really recommend it.

[Kitanna]

Yay! Another fan! What did you think of the re-telling of Midsummer Night's Dream?
I wouldn't put it on my favorites list, but it was still really good. A very interesting take on the play, that's for sure.

[Encaitare]

What did you think of the re-telling of Midsummer Night's Dream?

I wouldn't put it on my favorites list, but it was still really good. A very interesting take on the play, that's for sure.

The funny thing is that now whenever I'm reading Shakespeare and a character is talking about dreams, my ears sort of perk up and I think "What? Dreams? Morpheus? Yay!" :p

[Lalwendë]

I'm going to make Encaitare jealous now. I've just got a signed copy of Anansi Boys! ;)

I hope my reading pile gets smaller soon so I can make a start on it!