What other fantasy books do YOU read? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Oddwen · 11-21-2006, 10:17 PM

I tried reading Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series, but couldn't choke through the second book. It was fine, an okay little series, until suddenly without warning I got to some really weirded-up sexual bondage mistress women in the tenth chapter. *gag*

In the past few weeks I also read Sabriel, first in the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix, I liked it and I'd read more but my new library is less then stellar in the keeping of the second book of a series on the shelf. Either that or

I also picked up the Tiffany Aching & Johnny Maxwell series by Pratchett, and am looking forward to those.

Eragon...it was okay. Paolini goes into a little too much needless detail I think, and the main character is your average insecure boy who comes into posession of a magical object and is the sole savior of the free world. And magical ability is pretty much treated as video-game-like hit points, which annoyed me to no end. I am looking very much forward to the movie though.

Lalwendë · 11-26-2006, 09:55 AM

Just got to stick this recommendation on here. Some time ago Pio mentioned a graphic novel called The Book of Ballads, illustrated by Charles Vess and written by a number of people including Neil Gaiman and Alan Lee's wife. Anyway I met with davem in Waterstones yesterday afternoon and he'd found a copy. I've already read most of it and it's superb!

It's a collection of tales/strips based on folk songs. There's a tale based on Tam Lin and another on Sovay, both favourite old songs of mine. It's definitely for grown-ups and those of grown-up outlook (as are most folk songs!), but its a beautiful book which sowns how fantastic the stories of folk songs are. As a bonus at the back you get a section detailing where you might find some of these great songs, mostly on folk-rock and acid-folk albums of the late 60s/70s (e.g. Fairport, Pentangle etc but also on modern albums by Kate Rusby and Martin Carthy.

Well worth reading for any fans of Fairy tales, folk songs or graphic novels!

ninja91 · 11-30-2006, 10:43 AM

Homeland , book one of the Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore.

Kitanna · 11-30-2006, 06:27 PM

I just started reading Eragon on the adivce of my friend. I'm having mixed respones to it. It has potential, but thus far I am unimpressed. I'm really hoping it picks up, but it could be so good.

High King Fingolfin · 12-11-2006, 01:20 AM

Oh dear, this list could end up pretty long. I think I'll just list authors. First on the list would be Lewis of course, followed by Robert Jordan, who has started to annoy me lately. I dislike the material by Christopher Paolini and Raymond E. Feist, its just one cliché after another. I was pretty into David Eddings a few months back, but his later series began to irritate me. R.A. Salvatore's all right. I absolutely despise J.K. Rowling, I'm not alone in that. I'm sure there are a bunch of others I could name, but I can't think of them right now.

Huh, that actually wasn't very long. Go figure.

EDIT: Well, I just remembered a few more to give my opinions on. Ursula Le Guin and Susan Cooper are both decent, and surprisingly original.

Brinniel · 12-11-2006, 02:05 AM

I've owned both the Dark Elf and the Icewind Dale trilogies for years and actually even brought them to school with me. I really ought to start reading them. But confound it all, why do those books have to be so darned heavy?

I enjoy R.A. Salvatore's writing, I do, but I can never seem to finish any of his books I start. His series just seem to last forever, and well, I just don't have the time or money to keep reading a 16 book (plus) series....

ninja91 · 12-11-2006, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brinniel

I've owned both the Dark Elf and the Icewind Dale trilogies for years and actually even brought them to school with me. I really ought to start reading them. But confound it all, why do those books have to be so darned heavy?

I enjoy R.A. Salvatore's writing, I do, but I can never seem to finish any of his books I start. His series just seem to last forever, and well, I just don't have the time or money to keep reading a 16 book (plus) series....

I know what you mean. I must have read half of every Forgotten Realms book before having to stop...not that they were bad or anything. But I am on book 2 of the Dark Elf Trilogy, Exile, and I must say that I am screaming through that trilogy. I am really impressed with Salvatore, and this saga is capturing my time.

11-21-2006, 10:17 PM	#1
Oddwen Drummer in the Deep Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Next Sunday A.D. Posts: 2,145	I tried reading Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series, but couldn't choke through the second book. It was fine, an okay little series, until suddenly without warning I got to some really weirded-up sexual bondage mistress women in the tenth chapter. gag In the past few weeks I also read Sabriel, first in the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix, I liked it and I'd read more but my new library is less then stellar in the keeping of the second book of a series on the shelf. Either that or I also picked up the Tiffany Aching & Johnny Maxwell series by Pratchett, and am looking forward to those. Eragon...it was okay. Paolini goes into a little too much needless detail I think, and the main character is your average insecure boy who comes into posession of a magical object and is the sole savior of the free world. And magical ability is pretty much treated as video-game-like hit points, which annoyed me to no end. I am looking very much forward to the movie though. __________________ But all the while I sit and think of times there were before I listen for returning feet and voices at the door

11-26-2006, 09:55 AM	#2
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Just got to stick this recommendation on here. Some time ago Pio mentioned a graphic novel called The Book of Ballads, illustrated by Charles Vess and written by a number of people including Neil Gaiman and Alan Lee's wife. Anyway I met with davem in Waterstones yesterday afternoon and he'd found a copy. I've already read most of it and it's superb! It's a collection of tales/strips based on folk songs. There's a tale based on Tam Lin and another on Sovay, both favourite old songs of mine. It's definitely for grown-ups and those of grown-up outlook (as are most folk songs!), but its a beautiful book which sowns how fantastic the stories of folk songs are. As a bonus at the back you get a section detailing where you might find some of these great songs, mostly on folk-rock and acid-folk albums of the late 60s/70s (e.g. Fairport, Pentangle etc but also on modern albums by Kate Rusby and Martin Carthy. Well worth reading for any fans of Fairy tales, folk songs or graphic novels! __________________ Gordon's alive!

11-30-2006, 06:27 PM	#4
Kitanna Child of the West Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Watching President Fillmore ride a unicorn Posts: 2,132	I just started reading Eragon on the adivce of my friend. I'm having mixed respones to it. It has potential, but thus far I am unimpressed. I'm really hoping it picks up, but it could be so good. __________________ "Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." - Mark Twain

12-11-2006, 01:20 AM	#5
High King Fingolfin Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Where the Wargs thrive, a.k.a. Madison, WI Posts: 437	Oh dear, this list could end up pretty long. I think I'll just list authors. First on the list would be Lewis of course, followed by Robert Jordan, who has started to annoy me lately. I dislike the material by Christopher Paolini and Raymond E. Feist, its just one cliché after another. I was pretty into David Eddings a few months back, but his later series began to irritate me. R.A. Salvatore's all right. I absolutely despise J.K. Rowling, I'm not alone in that. I'm sure there are a bunch of others I could name, but I can't think of them right now. Huh, that actually wasn't very long. Go figure. EDIT: Well, I just remembered a few more to give my opinions on. Ursula Le Guin and Susan Cooper are both decent, and surprisingly original. __________________ "Outside of a Warg, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a Warg, it's too dark to read." - Wargo Marx Last edited by High King Fingolfin; 12-11-2006 at 01:24 AM. Reason: Forgot a few

12-11-2006, 02:05 AM	#6
Brinniel Reflection of Darkness Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Polishing the stars. Well, somebody has to do it; they're looking a little bit dull. Posts: 2,983	I've owned both the Dark Elf and the Icewind Dale trilogies for years and actually even brought them to school with me. I really ought to start reading them. But confound it all, why do those books have to be so darned heavy? I enjoy R.A. Salvatore's writing, I do, but I can never seem to finish any of his books I start. His series just seem to last forever, and well, I just don't have the time or money to keep reading a 16 book (plus) series.... __________________ Nolite te bastardes carborundorum

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