What other fantasy books do YOU read?

[Hammerhand]

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

I read Feist a loong time ago (just the four of the Riftwar Saga). It seemed good enough to me at that time, nowadays my taste has developed to that point that I'd probably dump it together with all the "braque fantasy"... I wasn't as picky back then. However I remember I really, really hated how Feist stole Elvish words from Tolkien! Man, that was really nasty! And what more, he did not even attempt to cover it! I remember vividly (and it's some eight years since I have read it) when Tomas calls the elven queen Aglaranna "Shining Moon"; followed by the explanation that it's "in her own ancient language". And also the name Valheru. I remember I had the urge to beat my head against the wall. But besides that, it was a good read.

And welcome, Hammerhand!

Good day sir , i have no defence whatsoever for Feists "borrowing" tendencies lol. Off topic, a guy that gave my class a lecture on Chaucer (major snore) was a student of Christopher Tolkien's at university, i forget which one, a distinguished one if memory serves correct. He said much the same as you (after the lecture) concerning Raymond Feist, and a few other authors that were alien to me.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Hammerhand

Good day sir , i have no defence whatsoever for Feists "borrowing" tendencies lol. Off topic, a guy that gave my class a lecture on Chaucer (major snore) was a student of Christopher Tolkien's at university, i forget which one, a distinguished one if memory serves correct. He said much the same as you (after the lecture) concerning Raymond Feist, and a few other authors that were alien to me.

Well, on the other hand, using the "familiar" language might have served its purpose for curious readers (for example one who knew Elvish - or more precisely, had the dictionary at the end of Silmarillion nearby - could translate some of the words which are not even translated in the book, and have fun with it). I even believe the reason for using it may be sort of a tribute to Tolkien from the author - but, honestly, if I wrote something, I'd try to come up with my own language; I'll probably consider "borrowing" Sindarin/Quenya/whatever too "high" to put in my book. Feist did this with more things than just language - now I remembered that monster in the dwarven tunnels at the end of the first volume... yes, that obvious balrog... as I said, the author might have meant it to be a tribute to Tolkien, but the reader (like me) may consider it as lack of his own creative thoughts and simply copying... Nevertheless, as I said, the Riftwar Saga was a good read - or that's how I remember it.

[Hammerhand]

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

Well, on the other hand, using the "familiar" language might have served its purpose for curious readers (for example one who knew Elvish - or more precisely, had the dictionary at the end of Silmarillion nearby - could translate some of the words which are not even translated in the book, and have fun with it). I even believe the reason for using it may be sort of a tribute to Tolkien from the author - but, honestly, if I wrote something, I'd try to come up with my own language; I'll probably consider "borrowing" Sindarin/Quenya/whatever too "high" to put in my book. Feist did this with more things than just language - now I remembered that monster in the dwarven tunnels at the end of the first volume... yes, that obvious balrog... as I said, the author might have meant it to be a tribute to Tolkien, but the reader (like me) may consider it as lack of his own creative thoughts and simply copying... Nevertheless, as I said, the Riftwar Saga was a good read - or that's how I remember it.

Aye i agree it is a fantastic read. I believe you are referencing the mines of Mac Mordain Cadal, where Dwarves once lived until some travesty i can't remember occured. Doesn't the familiarity sting you? i agree also that there were multiple Tolkien references, 'Elvandar - Elvendom'. I can't really comment on the Sindarin or Quenyan languages because it's a shady patch of my knowledge:P Nonetheless Riftwar was commendable.

[Gil-Galad]

The Dwarves were too few in number to continue using the mines at great capacity, that was the reason, plus dark elves and goblins kept wandering through the mines making it more dangerous

i loved Feist's works, and when i read two different fantasy, i don't compare them, i just pretend that i am new to the world and go from there. by looking at it that way they are both great reads, though Feist tends to pile up "important" characters and then kill most of them in one book...

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Gil-Galad

i loved Feist's works, and when i read two different fantasy, i don't compare them, i just pretend that i am new to the world and go from there.

Yes, but the things I mentioned are just what makes me unable to do this. As you said, I just pretend that I am new ti the world, but suddenly - "Ha! A balrog! Now what are you doing here?" I can't pretend I haven't seen him before. "Uh-huh, I remember now, this is not the first world I have been to!" And that degrades the world to me, by making it unoriginal, which is quite sad. I can't hope to made the world my home, as I made the Tolkien's, because I know there is something in it that does not come from there.

Just to add, one interesting idea (sort of a mind-probe on Feist)... does that creature have wings? (Personally I think not, there is not any reference, or is it?)

[Hammerhand]

Originally Posted by Gil-Galad

The Dwarves were too few in number to continue using the mines at great capacity, that was the reason, plus dark elves and goblins kept wandering through the mines making it more dangerous

i loved Feist's works, and when i read two different fantasy, i don't compare them, i just pretend that i am new to the world and go from there. by looking at it that way they are both great reads, though Feist tends to pile up "important" characters and then kill most of them in one book...

I think that is a great philosophy to have. I try to do the same - but you must have felt the deja vu when reading Feists work?

[Gil-Galad]

Originally Posted by Hammerhand

I think that is a great philosophy to have. I try to do the same - but you must have felt the deja vu when reading Feists work?

all the time, but it is easier to go off of something someone created then try to risk creating something brand new and go no where, tolkien laid down the basics of fantasy with the humans, goblins, elves, dwarves etc. every other fantasy reader builds off of it and adds into the mix

in regards to legates question, what creature are you talking about that compares to the Balrog?

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Gil-Galad

in regards to legates question, what creature are you talking about that compares to the Balrog?

That creature from Mac Mordain's... I don't know how it's called in English.