What other fantasy books do YOU read? - Page 11 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Saraphim · 02-14-2004, 01:10 AM

I like books.

They have words and pretty pictures.

Seriously

, 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.

02-14-2004, 01:25 AM

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 · 02-14-2004, 05:58 PM

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 · 02-20-2004, 11:54 PM

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~

Estelyn Telcontar · 02-22-2004, 12:08 PM

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.

02-22-2004, 03:59 PM

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

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...

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

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

Lhundulinwen · 02-26-2004, 05:24 PM

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.

Quote:

"Eavesdropping Sir? I don't follow you, begging your pardon. There ain't no eaves at Bag End, and that's a fact."

Kransha · 02-26-2004, 05:44 PM

Quote:

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!
[rant]Hrothgar forever! Someone else who knows of the bane of Grendel and his mighty maternity, the timeless halls of Herot! YAY YET AGAIN![/rant]

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 · 02-26-2004, 05:49 PM

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 · 02-27-2004, 10:56 AM

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?

The Perky Ent · 02-27-2004, 11:09 AM

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?

02-27-2004, 04:46 PM

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

Saraphim · 02-27-2004, 04:51 PM

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 · 02-29-2004, 05:55 PM

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 · 02-29-2004, 07:26 PM

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...

Anyways, bak to buisness...I read almost nothing but Fantasy/Sci Fi......AH! "People of the Mist" by Isabelle Allende. YERSH!

rutslegolas · 03-01-2004, 12:15 AM

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 · 03-01-2004, 12:23 AM

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 · 03-01-2004, 12:24 AM

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 · 03-01-2004, 11:16 AM

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 · 03-02-2004, 09:43 AM

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

Kitanna · 05-13-2004, 05:04 PM

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 · 05-13-2004, 07:07 PM

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 · 05-13-2004, 07:25 PM

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 · 06-01-2004, 04:40 PM

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"

Everdawn · 03-02-2004, 02:17 PM

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

al'Thingolfin · 03-13-2004, 12:20 PM

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

ninja91 · 08-06-2006, 10:50 AM

I am reading Harry Potter...again...

ninja91 · 08-28-2006, 07:13 PM

I am sure that some of you have read Eragon and Eldest. Really good stuff.

Oddwen · 08-28-2006, 09:26 PM

I'll have to read Eragon again before the movie comes out. As I recall it was an okay premise, with some characters that weren't all mind-bendingly dull, but was marred by a clunky narrative & clumsy names. I would like to see what sort of writer Paolini matures into, though.

I've spent the past couple of weeks reading the Wheel of Time series. *claws face* I've currently started The Book Where Nothing Happens. If you do happen to pick up this long and somewhat-less-than-stellar series, be prepared for a long list of indistinguishably-named confusing minor characters and pompous, prejudiced, controlling, intolerant, smelly, overbearing, evil, witchy, excruciatingly aggravating women. Too bad Asmodean died.

I need to write me a fantasy that doesn't have a flawed boy-hero who tries to avoid his destiny. Or Aes bloody buttered onions Sedai.

Gil-Galad · 08-28-2006, 09:30 PM

Talon of the Silver Hawk is the last fantasy book i've read so far..., its a great story and i want to get the sequel

The Mushroom · 03-13-2004, 01:50 PM

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

The Mushroom · 03-13-2004, 01:53 PM

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!

Eowyn Skywalker · 03-13-2004, 07:28 PM

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 · 03-14-2004, 12:21 PM

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 · 03-16-2004, 04:57 PM

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

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 · 03-21-2004, 08:09 PM

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 · 03-22-2004, 03:41 PM

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 · 03-22-2004, 04:44 PM

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 · 03-23-2004, 01:55 AM

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

, Highly recommended

ninja91 · 05-30-2006, 05:30 AM

Other than Tolkien, my favorite authors are J.K. Rowling and R.A. Salvatore.
Harry Potter and Forgotten Realms are great, not to mention the "Wheel of Time" by TOR fantasy.

02-14-2004, 01:10 AM	#1
Saraphim Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of freezing. Posts: 404	I like books. They have words and pretty pictures. Seriously , 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. __________________ I drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters! ~ Always remember: pillage BEFORE you burn. Last edited by Saraphim; 02-14-2004 at 01:14 AM.

02-14-2004, 05:58 PM	#3
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	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. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.

02-20-2004, 11:54 PM	#4
warrenerd Animated Skeleton Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 32	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~ __________________ as soon as you're born, you start dying. so you might as well have a good time.

02-22-2004, 12:08 PM	#5
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	moving... 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. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

02-22-2004, 03:59 PM	#6
Lindowen Guest Posts: n/a	other fantasy books 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 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... Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh ... and that is just my list for now [SIZE=3][FONT=century gothic][COLOR=darkblue]

02-14-2004, 01:25 AM	#2
silma Guest Posts: n/a	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!!

02-26-2004, 05:49 PM	#9
Saraphim Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of freezing. Posts: 404	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. __________________ I drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters! ~ Always remember: pillage BEFORE you burn.

02-27-2004, 10:56 AM	#10
The Perky Ent Maniacal Mage Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Setting sail for Umbar, with Firefoot at my side! Posts: 3,297	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? __________________ 'But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.'

02-27-2004, 11:09 AM	#11
The Perky Ent Maniacal Mage Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Setting sail for Umbar, with Firefoot at my side! Posts: 3,297	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? __________________ 'But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.'

02-27-2004, 04:46 PM	#12
eamane Guest Posts: n/a	I have read: The Narnia chronicles Harry Potter Lioness rampent quartet And many more

02-27-2004, 04:51 PM	#13
Saraphim Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of freezing. Posts: 404	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. __________________ I drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters! ~ Always remember: pillage BEFORE you burn.

02-29-2004, 05:55 PM	#14
Lathriel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wandering through Middle-Earth (Sadly in Alberta and not ME) Posts: 612	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. __________________ Back again

02-29-2004, 07:26 PM	#15
galadriel'smaiden Haunting Spirit Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Vilnius Posts: 73	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... Anyways, bak to buisness...I read almost nothing but Fantasy/Sci Fi......AH! "People of the Mist" by Isabelle Allende. YERSH! __________________ "For God's sake Ed, just take the stupid call!" said Justin. "Hello, Mum, I'm on stage," said Ed casually. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGH!" screamed Justin.

03-01-2004, 12:15 AM	#16
rutslegolas Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In Elven Lands of India Posts: 533	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 __________________ If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with the bull - The Phantom.

03-01-2004, 12:23 AM	#17
Everdawn Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: On the sand dunes outside of Ilium, watching it burn. Posts: 1,291	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. __________________ "Athena, stepping up behind him, visible to no one but Achillies, gripped his red-gold hair. Startled he made a half turn, and he knew her upon the instant for Athena." ~The Iliad~ ~My lord, Éomer~

03-01-2004, 12:24 AM	#18
rutslegolas Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In Elven Lands of India Posts: 533	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 __________________ If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with the bull - The Phantom.

03-01-2004, 11:16 AM	#19
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	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. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.

03-02-2004, 09:43 AM	#20
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	I've read Beowulf already and I'm currently working on Idylls of a King. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.

05-13-2004, 05:04 PM	#21
Kitanna Child of the West Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Watching President Fillmore ride a unicorn Posts: 2,132	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 __________________ "Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." - Mark Twain

05-13-2004, 07:07 PM	#22
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	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.

05-13-2004, 07:25 PM	#23
Eowyn Skywalker Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Somewhere far, far away. Eh. Posts: 402	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 __________________ Sometimes worlds collide. This time, they got their own webpage. Join Middle-earth: Insanity forums today.

06-01-2004, 04:40 PM	#24
Rilwen Gamgee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At home. Posts: 135	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"

03-02-2004, 02:17 PM	#25
Everdawn Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: On the sand dunes outside of Ilium, watching it burn. Posts: 1,291	But thats literature! I read a tonne of that... shock horror and I like it. __________________ "Athena, stepping up behind him, visible to no one but Achillies, gripped his red-gold hair. Startled he made a half turn, and he knew her upon the instant for Athena." ~The Iliad~ ~My lord, Éomer~

03-13-2004, 12:20 PM	#26
al'Thingolfin Pile O'Bones Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Norway Posts: 13	The last months I've been reading the Dune series by Frank Herbert. Great books! __________________ -Thingolfin

08-28-2006, 09:26 PM	#29
Oddwen Drummer in the Deep Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Next Sunday A.D. Posts: 2,145	I'll have to read Eragon again before the movie comes out. As I recall it was an okay premise, with some characters that weren't all mind-bendingly dull, but was marred by a clunky narrative & clumsy names. I would like to see what sort of writer Paolini matures into, though. I've spent the past couple of weeks reading the Wheel of Time series. claws face I've currently started The Book Where Nothing Happens. If you do happen to pick up this long and somewhat-less-than-stellar series, be prepared for a long list of indistinguishably-named confusing minor characters and pompous, prejudiced, controlling, intolerant, smelly, overbearing, evil, witchy, excruciatingly aggravating women. Too bad Asmodean died. I need to write me a fantasy that doesn't have a flawed boy-hero who tries to avoid his destiny. Or Aes bloody buttered onions Sedai. __________________ But all the while I sit and think of times there were before I listen for returning feet and voices at the door

08-28-2006, 09:30 PM	#30
Gil-Galad Psyche of Prince Immortal Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Above a Parapet Obvious exits are: North, South, and Dennis Posts: 4,734	Talon of the Silver Hawk is the last fantasy book i've read so far..., its a great story and i want to get the sequel __________________ Love doesn't blow up and get killed.

03-13-2004, 01:50 PM	#31
The Mushroom Animated Skeleton Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hobbit hole in Western WA Posts: 31	I'll always love the Narnian Chronicles and Lewis' Space Trilogy, but I don't read very much fantasy other than Tolkien. __________________ "Don't jest, please your majesty." "Not jest! And with you? Why, you do nothing but jest. What are you?" "The Shadows, sire. And when we do jest, sire, we always jest in earnest."

03-13-2004, 01:53 PM	#32
The Mushroom Animated Skeleton Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hobbit hole in Western WA Posts: 31	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! __________________ "Don't jest, please your majesty." "Not jest! And with you? Why, you do nothing but jest. What are you?" "The Shadows, sire. And when we do jest, sire, we always jest in earnest."

03-13-2004, 07:28 PM	#33
Eowyn Skywalker Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Somewhere far, far away. Eh. Posts: 402	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 __________________ Sometimes worlds collide. This time, they got their own webpage. Join Middle-earth: Insanity forums today.

03-14-2004, 12:21 PM	#34
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	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.

03-16-2004, 04:57 PM	#35
Lhundulinwen Wight Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wishin' and hopin' in the Shire Posts: 139	I thought I had posted this already, but I guess I didn't. 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. __________________ ~Just call on me, and I'm there. I'll always be your Sam~

03-21-2004, 08:09 PM	#36
Oddwen Drummer in the Deep Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Next Sunday A.D. Posts: 2,145	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... __________________ But all the while I sit and think of times there were before I listen for returning feet and voices at the door

03-22-2004, 03:41 PM	#37
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	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. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.

03-22-2004, 04:44 PM	#38
Sirithheruwen Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wind's Road Posts: 467	Fantasy is Your Friend! 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! __________________ "My name is Mallard, but you can call me Duck." ~Random Saying, compliments of Sirith and her best friend, concerning a book.

03-23-2004, 01:55 AM	#39
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,244	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 , Highly recommended __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!