[u]Books I like[/u]
* Wheel of Time series - waiting eagerly for book 12.
* The Elenium and The Tamuli
* Discworld series - Although I consider this more humour then fantasy.
* Katherine Kerr's Deverry series.
* Pern - Although I want a break from this author for now.
* A Song of Ice and Fire
* Swordmage
* Princess Bride
* Farseer Trilogy, Liveship Trilogy and Tawny Man Trilogy.
* Soldier Son Trilogy
* Riftwar Saga
[u]Books I dislike[/u]
* Belgariad and Malloren series - the main character was too whiny.
* The Drizzt books - got tired of this character.
* Shannara - Good series, but each book is way too formulaic.
* Lord of the Rings - I found the first few chapters of the first book boring.
So I'm certainly open to suggestions
Some of the best fantasy I've ever read. If you like Sci-fi she has a good sci-fi series as well called the Vorkosigan Saga. (Note: The sharing knife series by the same author is not as good).
Jennifer Fallon: The Immortal Prince.
Part of the Tide Princes series, though I haven't read past this one yet. It's good, though definitely strongly sexualised so it depends whether you're interested in that in your fantasy.
And of course David Gemmel: Everything he's ever written.
On the off chance you haven't already read some of his work
K.A. Applegate: The Everworld Series
If you don't mind a good series written for teenagers.
Sorry, I haven't been reading much fantasy lately so I can't offer much more.
Re David Eddings: Did you read "The Redemption of Althalus"? It's a stand-alone novel and quite fun, although you will notice certain similarities to his earlier series.
You could also take a look at the Eberron novels. Their average qualitiy is pretty high. You should stay away from "Mark of Death" and "Storm Dragon", though.
Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb.
The Black Jewels Trilogy and the landscapes of ephemera series by anne bishop
the axis trilogy by Sara Douglass
The war of light and darkness / alliance of light by janny wurts
the riftwar/serpentwar/conclave of shadows series' by Raymond E Feist (At least read Magician)
I'm re reading thud and the night watch again from discworld, I've always preferred the books that feature the watch and the rise of Sir Samuel Vimes, started as a drunk in the gutter, now he's a duke, a diplomat (...going home in an ambulance. best diplomatic line ever), and the richest man in the city.
For a good list of books, try http://books.google.com/. You can narrow your search to just fantasy if you need.
I also enjoy Vladimir Nabokov. His short stories are really good. You might have heard of tow of his more famous novels: Lolita and Pale Rider.
Emphasis mine. Correction: It's Pale Fire. And it's excellent. Pale Rider - also excellent - was a Clint Eastwood Western. :P Still, Nabokov is a good recommendation. Pale Fire is an odd one, to be sure, but really fun because of it's strange nature.
His Majesty's Dragon and the rest of Temeraire series
Tinker (Techno-magic) and the Wolf who Rules
Best fantasy series I've ever read and that includes most of what's posted here (Although David Gemmel and WOT come fairly close). Eagerly awaiting the 8th book ("Toll the Hounds") later this year.
Another series (although less well known) is the first law series by Joe Abercrombie. It's quite good and the characters are very interesting, It's a bit darker though, none of the "heroes" are all that heroic. I still highly recommend it; the first book is called "The Blade Itself".
Happy Reading in any event!
Try Tad Williams' "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn" and Ursula K. LeGuin's "Earthsea". You can't go wrong with them.
Re David Eddings: Did you read "The Redemption of Althalus"? It's a stand-alone novel and quite fun, although you will notice certain similarities to his earlier series.
You could also take a look at the Eberron novels. Their average qualitiy is pretty high. You should stay away from "Mark of Death" and "Storm Dragon", though.
I would agree. The Don Bassingwaithe Eberron series about the Dragon Below (The Binding Stone, the Grieving Tree and The Killing Son) are all very good novels. He has also just released another new Eberron novel.
Paul Kemp's Cale stuff is very good.
If you are looking for a quick, fun read, the Dresden Files are also good.
Don't bother with other authors, he's the one who created the character. This is one of the oldest and best fantasy series in existence. Should be a prereq for being a DM.
Ill also second the recomandations for karavans, black jewel series, and Farseer and if you like the farseer series make sure you pick up live ship traders and the Tawny Man series.
Also the truth series by Dawn Cook is rather good.
Heralds of Valdamar by Mercedes Lackey, also her tales of the five hundred kingdoms are really good, and she has another series coauthored with someone (again forgot the name) that is absolutley incredible Outstreched shadow, To Light a Candle and When Darkness Falls.
Age of five series by Truddi Cavahnah
Black Company series by Glen Cook
It is a comic book series but I would also recommend the Sand Man series by Neil Gaiman.
I would agree. The Don Bassingwaithe Eberron series about the Dragon Below (The Binding Stone, the Grieving Tree and The Killing Son) are all very good novels. He has also just released another new Eberron novel.
Paul Kemp's Cale stuff is very good.
If you are looking for a quick, fun read, the Dresden Files are also good.
Dresden Files is awsome, as is the Codex of Aloren.
On fantasy in general go for Scott Lynch, 'lies of Locke Lamora' and the sequel. They're totally original and so good to read.
Emphasis mine. Correction: It's Pale Fire. And it's excellent. Pale Rider - also excellent - was a Clint Eastwood Western. :P Still, Nabokov is a good recommendation. Pale Fire is an odd one, to be sure, but really fun because of it's strange nature.
Thanks for the correction. I hadn't read it in so long I thought I was remembering it right. Maybe I should pick it up again.
Thanks for the correction. I hadn't read it in so long I thought I was remembering it right. Maybe I should pick it up again.
NP. It's good stuff. I'd like to go back to it at some point and to also read some more Nabokov but I'm on a Hemigway kick right now. :D Well, sort of. I'm taking a Hemingway break to read Snuff by Palahniuk. I can't wait to start it. Once that's done, it's back to Ernest - in earnest. ;)
Id go with the Kushiel series (forgot the authors name, grrr)
Jacqueline Carey, and I second this recommendation. Great series.
Eragon
Eldist
Various Warhammer Books
Those were just a few. Another I enjoyed, even though it is acctually a book for a younger audience, is The Last Dragon. I really enjoyed that one.
Id
Errant Story
Looking for Group
Perdido Street Station
The Scar
Iron Council
I cannot offer up enough praise for Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell. It concerns the revival of the practice of magic in an alternate 19th century England and the rivalry of the two titular magicians. Part historical fiction, part fantasy, part comedy of manners, and part drama.
Dresden Files is awsome, as is the Codex of Aloren.
I have read through Summer Knight, and have not been disappointed. Another plus for Harry Dresden, Chicago's only resident practicing wizard, is that the books are a "quick" read too!
China Miéville's Bas-Lag books are very weird and interesting although they are not set in the "traditional" type of world, but rather one with a more 19th century feel. Each of them is essentially a stand alone novel and they can be read in any order although the publication order is as follows:
Perdido Street Station
The Scar
Iron Council
I have to agree with Perdido Street Station. I have a hard time getting into novels (I prefer non-fiction or short stories) so I haven't yet finished it but the story so far is very interesting.
I would also like to add that there were some great short story compilations put out a while ago. I would highly recommend (all edited by Asimov):
100 Great Fantasy Short Short Stories
100 More Great Fantasy Short Short Stories
100 Great Science Fiction Short Short Stories
* Lord of the Rings - I found the first few chapters of the first book boring.
They are. It gets better after Rivendell.
Make sure to pick up Witcher books by A. Sapkowski as soon as they get translated. Then you will know why Geralt have been so popular for three decades here.
The first, "The Last Wish" already has an English version I'm sure.
The series ends before the game events.
They are. It gets better after Rivendell.
Make sure to pick up Witcher books by A. Sapkowski as soon as they get translated. Then you will know why Geralt have been so popular for three decades here.
The first story was published in 1986.
The first, "The Last Wish" already has an English version I'm sure.
I read The Last Wish. Hope they get the rest translated quickly.
The series ends before the game events.
Are you sure? I've not played the game but I've seen coverage of it. One of the bits I saw seemed an awful lot like the end of "The Witcher", the first ever published story and the first one in "The Last Wish".
The first story was published in 1986.
My bad.
Though I think most of Polish fantasy is 80.
Are you sure? I've not played the game but I've seen coverage of it. One of the bits I saw seemed an awful lot like the end of "The Witcher", the first ever published story and the first one in "The Last Wish".
They actually had to tweak the story a little to make it look like the game was the next chapter.
Minor spoiler
Let's say the last book doesn't end with Geralt getting an amnesia.
[u]Books I dislike[/u]
* Belgariad and Malloren series - the main character was too whiny.
* The Drizzt books - got tired of this character.
* Shannara - Good series, but each book is way too formulaic.
* Lord of the Rings - I found the first few chapters of the first book boring.
So I'm certainly open to suggestions
I'll have to second the suggestions I've seen for Steven Erickson's Malazan, Book of the Fallen series and Scott Lynch's Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies. In addition, you might check out R. Scott Bakker's Prince of Nothing trilogy; the first book is titled The Darkness That Comes Before.
One series that I always suggest is an old favorite of mine: the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. I read these books as a kid and still like to break them out every once in a while. They've aged pretty well. The first book in the series is The Book of Three.
Now for my mini-rant:
Please, please, tell me that you're basing your dislike of LOTR off a reading of the entire series, or at least the entire first book, instead of quitting the book before they even get to Rivendell. I'm not a fanboy of the series (well, ok, I am) so I know that tastes are going to differ, but you're not even getting the gist of the series if you don't make it at least to Rivendell.
Faelar
P.S. If you read Erickson's Gardens of the Moon, the first 250 pages are going to be a slog, but most of it is just getting used to his writing style. He doesn't really set up his world, but instead throws you into the middle of it like you've been living there your whole life. It can get a little confusing.
The Deeds of Paksenarion (not sure I've spelt this right) by Elizabeth Moon is worth a try too.
Erickson's The Malazan Books of the Fallen
( fair warning... Like Faelar said, he does tend to drop you in the middle of things, and these books are HUGE, each of the eight books are 600+ pages.)
Glen Cook's The Black Company series
Barb + JC Hendee's Dhampir series
One series that hasn't been mentioned yet is Sergei Lukyanenko's Night Watch quartet - Night Watch, Day Watch, Twilight Watch and Final Watch...
The series was originally written in Russian, and the first book was turned into one of the most successful Russian movies of all time. The series is set in modern-day Russia, but it deals with a man caught up in the battle between competing good and evil magical organizations.
It's great to read stuff that wasn't originally written in English - the language of the book and the characters have a much different feel to them.
I love Song of Ice and Fire. ^_^ The Secret Texts by Holly Lisle are awesome, and so are Robin Hobb's books. The Fool books are my favorite.
Ill second the nomination for song of ice and fire, and will third the nomination for the Damphir series, as well as seconding the nomination for Eragon.
I will add the Wind Walker series by Elaine Cunning Ham, set in Forgotten Realms, and the main character is a good alinged drow, but unlike dritz she has a sense of humor, and makes for a much more compelling character.
Also the series is only three books long so yeah not just trying to mooch more money out of the franchise like salvatore.
If you want something a little more scifi go with the Death Stalker series by Simon R Green.
The Pendragon series by Stephen R Lawhead is in my opinion the best take on the Aurthurain legends ever so you might want to check those out.
They are childrens books but the Artemist Fowl series is really funny.
Also anything by Tanya Huff is going to be good.
For more stuff online check out
girlgeniusonline.com
I suggest the Pellinor series. It's a pretty good read and shows some cool examples of bards as heroes.
Is that Alison Croggon? I bought the first one as I love bards and got quite excited reading the back of the book, but I found it a bit of a struggle to finish, although I managed this eventually. Do the other books get better?
Is that Alison Croggon? I bought the first one as I love bards and got quite excited reading the back of the book, but I found it a bit of a struggle to finish, although I managed this eventually. Do the other books get better?
They do, imo. The third one, The Crow, is my personal favorite.
The original conan stories which are available in the following books
The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian
The Bloody Crown of Conan
The Conquering Sword of Conan
these books are AMAZING and between the 3 of them you get every single original conan story ever written.
Forget the comics, forget the movies. These are the real deal.
I seriously dare anyone on this forum, to read one story from these books and not get addicted to them.
stories of exceptional awesomeness
Queen of the Black Coast
Beyond the Black River
The Scarlet Citadel
Another one that I haven't seen recommended is the Vlad Taltos series by Steven Brust. He has a quick, dark, sarcastic sense of humor. Also if you liked the 3 Musketeers, or Count of Montecristo, then try Brust's The Phoenix Gaurds and 500 Years After. Both great fun in the Alexandre Dumas way.
Enjoy!!!
Angel Blade
I'll second the Sword of Truth thing! Although Pillars of Creation didn't really include the main characters that much.
I stopped reading that series after faith of the fallen, just stopped being interesting to me.
Another one I have not seen recomended is Terry Brooks Magical Kindgdom of Landover series. Magical Kindgdom For Sale Sold was amazingly funny.
Its not really fantasy so much as it is alternate history but the Ring of Fire series by Eric Flint is good. Small town in modern day West Virginia is transported to Germany in the year 1632, makes for a very interesting read.
2. Check out Mercedes Lackey. She has a good variety of stuff. Not exactly great literature, but very readable. Her main series is the Heralds of Vladamir. It starts off pretty low-fantasy, but gets more and more magical. Read 'em in order of printing, to avoid spoilers.
3. R.A.Salvatore did a non-D&D series, the Demon Wars. I only read the first one, but it was pretty good.
Look for David Weber. AMAZING author. He mainly does sci-fi, but he's done some fantasy too...Hell's Gate, I think. Warning: this series is kind of depressing.
I'm surprised that no one on a PnP forum like this has mentioned the Joel Rosenburg Keepers of the Flame series. Now out of print, and damn hard to find outside of used book dealers, it's an otherworlds style fantasy where the main characters are college students that find themselves transported into the world they had been gaming in. Really good stuff. The most recent, and still available, books in the series are Not Quite the Three Musketeers and a collaboration with Feist focused on his version of the three musketeers.
Hrum...what else...Simon R Green's Nightside series and the Torq series are also quite good modern fantasy/sci-fi/mystery/thriller/everything else series'.
The Temeraire series is a definite must for alt-history fantasy buffs, though the most recent one kinda...yeah... Let's just say that I'm very, very eager to get the next one.
I'm surprised that no one on a PnP forum like this has mentioned the Joel Rosenburg Keepers of the Flame series. Now out of print, and damn hard to find outside of used book dealers, it's an otherworlds style fantasy where the main characters are college students that find themselves transported into the world they had been gaming in. Really good stuff. The most recent, and still available, books in the series are Not Quite the Three Musketeers and a collaboration with Feist focused on his version of the three musketeers.
Hrum...what else...Simon R Green's Nightside series and the Torq series are also quite good modern fantasy/sci-fi/mystery/thriller/everything else series'.
I cannot believe I did not think of those, but personally I thought the last Temmraire book was quite good, morality and what is right VS expediency and what is good for his country. Personally I cannot wait till the next Temraire.
Try the Death Gate Cycle by Weise and Hickman!
Yeah that one was really good as well. Though I really really was not a fan of dragonlance at all. (ducks the incoming flames.)
In that same vein, the Vlad Taltos books by Steven Brust have a really good dry wit to them.
The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss came out just last year, and it's the first in a planned trilogy. The premise is that a folk legend is setting the record straight and telling his actual life story. Starts out a bit slow, but stick with it.
As far as Tad Williams goes, I much preferred War of the Flowers and the Otherland series to the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy.
Also, throw in yet another vote for Song of Ice and Fire. It's amazing.
Finally, I would skip the Sword of Truth series. The first few books are passable page-turners, but aren't good enough to bother slogging through the incredibly preachy and tedious later books. I wouldn't know if it picks up again, and really don't want to bother finding out.
The Gentlemen Bastards series by Scott Lynch. So far only the first two books (The Lies Of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies) are out, but it's really good. The pacing is interestingly constructed--many short 'scenes' make up a chapter, and between chapters are flashbacks. It makes for very few slow parts. Also, every time you think the dialogue can't get any cleverer, it does.
In that same vein, the Vlad Taltos books by Steven Brust have a really good dry wit to them.
The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss came out just last year, and it's the first in a planned trilogy. The premise is that a folk legend is setting the record straight and telling his actual life story. Starts out a bit slow, but stick with it.
As far as Tad Williams goes, I much preferred War of the Flowers and the Otherland series to the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy.
Also, throw in yet another vote for Song of Ice and Fire. It's amazing.
Finally, I would skip the Sword of Truth series. The first few books are passable page-turners, but aren't good enough to bother slogging through the incredibly preachy and tedious later books. I wouldn't know if it picks up again, and really don't want to bother finding out.
Reading Name of the Wind right now its pretty good, as for Tad Williams havent read any of his are they really good?
You didn't like Fellowship of the Ring, but did you ever try The Hobbit? Fun, easy read.
I also have to give the thumbs' up to Jonathan Strange et al. Absolutely wonderful book. Then it doubles as an effective doorstop, or perhaps a step stool.
I don't know what Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere is classified as, I think it is fantasy though modern, but you just have to read it.
Cynthia Voigt's On Fortune's Wheel is a "young adult" novel, but it will always be a favorite of mine.
The Kushiel series (haven't read the whole series, just the first couple I think) was too racy for my religious beliefs, so I couldn't keep going. (Betcha never heard that one before!) The Pendragon series...I think I read some of Merlin a long while ago and I seem to remember enjoying it, but Taliesin, the first book of the series, egads. Couldn't get through it, but I'm glad I tried again with the second one. I didn't read anymore but maybe part of the third book after that so I can't comment.
It's late and I'm exhausted but I feel like I'm missing stuff, if I think of anything really good once I'm more awake I'll try to edit it in. Thanks for posting this, it's fun getting some new ideas and remembering all this great stuff.
OH yeah- The Princess Bride!
I haven't posted in here to thank you all for the suggestions until now because I didn't want to discourage further posting.
Raymond Feist's The Riftwar Saga.
OH yeah- The Princess Bride!
I forgot to include both of these. I've already read them
Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb.
I also forgot to include this in my initial list. Although I noticed no-one mentioned the Soldier Son trilogy from her. I'd highly recommend it if anyone here hasn't read it.
You didn't like Fellowship of the Ring, but did you ever try The Hobbit? Fun, easy read.
I read it as a kid and enjoyed it. Although I'm unsure if I'll enjoy it as an adult so I've never re-read it.
Please, please, tell me that you're basing your dislike of LOTR off a reading of the entire series, or at least the entire first book, instead of quitting the book before they even get to Rivendell.
It doesn't matter how much gold there might be at the end. If I have to drudge through **** to get to it, its not going to be worthwhile.
[/just my opinion. Obviously how much **** someone's willing to walk through differs from person to person, and what they consider **** also differs]
I will also recommend the Sword of Truth series...just try it and see if you like it, is all I can say. No, it's not everybody's cup of tea. And yes, there is incessant preaching later in the series, one book in particular but I'm not sure of the title. However I skimmed it ;) and moved on. Worth a look, IMO.
Too each their own to me it was obvious he was just milking the series for money.
You didn't like Fellowship of the Ring, but did you ever try The Hobbit? Fun, easy read.
The hobbit is an easier read than LOTR, though it does have some of the same issues.
I also have to give the thumbs' up to Jonathan Strange et al. Absolutely wonderful book. Then it doubles as an effective doorstop, or perhaps a step stool.
I have not read those but will have to give them a shot.
I don't know what Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere is classified as, I think it is fantasy though modern, but you just have to read it.
Anything by Gaiman is guaranteed to be good.
Cynthia Voigt's On Fortune's Wheel is a "young adult" novel, but it will always be a favorite of mine.
Another good young adult series is the Alanna books by Tamorra Pierce.
The Kushiel series (haven't read the whole series, just the first couple I think) was too racy for my religious beliefs, so I couldn't keep going. (Betcha never heard that one before!)
Oh I have, do not understand it because I would never allow my religion to dictate my choice in literature, but to each their own, personally I loved it that it was different then most other fantasy books.
The Pendragon series...I think I read some of Merlin a long while ago and I seem to remember enjoying it, but Taliesin, the first book of the series, egads. Couldn't get through it, but I'm glad I tried again with the second one. I didn't read anymore but maybe part of the third book after that so I can't comment.
I did not really find Taliesien all that hard to read, it was at least easier to read than LOTR. Also Lawheads historical fiction Patrick is a very good read and somewhat acurate about Saint Patrick.
It's late and I'm exhausted but I feel like I'm missing stuff, if I think of anything really good once I'm more awake I'll try to edit it in. Thanks for posting this, it's fun getting some new ideas and remembering all this great stuff.
Same here its always good to trade ideas with other sci fi/fantasy fans.
OH yeah- The Princess Bride!
Reading Name of the Wind right now its pretty good, as for Tad Williams havent read any of his are they really good?
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn is OK. Otherland starts out very good but gets a little slow in book 3 (out of 4). A lot of people really hate the ending, but I don't, really. War of the Flowers is bloody amazing. I haven't read Shadowmarch.
Raymond Feist's The Riftwar Saga. Simple, but good. I went in thinking I'd not find them entertaining and was pleasantly surprised. Give 'em a try.
I've already read them
I would recomend that you read (if you haven't already) the rest of Feist's stuff that followes on from the Riftwar. The Serpentwar Saga didn't captivate me that much (maybe because I ended up reading the books out of order), but I recently finished the Darkwar Saga and it blew me away.
The Gentlemen Bastards series by Scott Lynch. So far only the first two books (The Lies Of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies) are out, but it's really good. The pacing is interestingly constructed--many short 'scenes' make up a chapter, and between chapters are flashbacks. It makes for very few slow parts. Also, every time you think the dialogue can't get any cleverer, it does.
This is really good advice. I've never been more pleasantly surprised by an author. These are both really good books, and are very clever, witty, and well written. If you can read them, do.
I will also recommend the Sword of Truth series...just try it and see if you like it, is all I can say. No, it's not everybody's cup of tea. And yes, there is incessant preaching later in the series, one book in particular but I'm not sure of the title. However I skimmed it ;) and moved on. Worth a look, IMO.
I was a huge fan of this series when it started. I've read all but the very last book, and got gradually more and more dissapointed as I went on. Wizard's First Rule was great. The second book (I forget the name) and Blood of the Fold I also enjoyed. From that point on I it just went bad, in my opinion. Soul of the Fire was just unbearable. It briefly picked up with Faith of the Fallen, despite how preachy it was. After that it became unbearable for me. I am in two minds as whether or not to read the last book. I know I won't enjoy it. I just know. But after suffering through the rest of the series, I almost want to finish it just for the closure of seeing it end.
One final piece of advice. If you want to read Tolkien, read the Hobbit, but never for the sake of all that is just and pure, NEVER go anywhere near the Simarillion. That was a very painfull experience for me.
The Sword books by Fred Saberhagen is also worth a read. At least the first few are. After they they got pretty dull IMO, but I loved the first ones.
If I have to recommend a particular series, though, I'd go with the Gotrek and Felix novels.
Dragonlance?
like, duh
Read the Conan books by Robert Howard.
Don't bother with other authors, he's the one who created the character. This is one of the oldest and best fantasy series in existence. Should be a prereq for being a DM.
Robert Howard's Conan those are some great stories. I am also a fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan in particular. I didnt think I would like Tarzan, but I was mistaken. Tarzan is one brutal Mo-Fo. Also of fan of Michael Moorecock, Elric Saga is great, but dont forget is other eternal champions.
Another book I would reccomend is Captain Blood, by Rafeal Sabatini (not sure on the spelling) Its a pirate tale and isnt fantasy, but its a good read none the less.
I will have to read some of the titles is see listed here, I always get so overwhelmed when Im in the B&N
Saga of Old City (Greyhawk Adventures #1) by E. Gary Gygax
Artifact of Evil (Greyhawk Adventures Novels, Book 2) by E. Gary Gygax
Dragonlance Chronicles Vol 1-3
Otherwise for just good or decent reads I recommend:
Guardians of the Flame: The Warriors (Books 1-3) by Joel Rosenberg
First King of Shannara by Terry Brooks
The Sword of Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks
THE PENDRAGON CYCLE by Stephen R. Lawhead
King Raven Trilogy by Stephen R. Lawhead
The Eternal Champion By Michael Moorcock
The Prince with the Silver Hand By Michael Moorcock
Hawkmoon By Michael Moorcock
Von Bek By Michael Moorcock
Elric of Melniboné By Michael Moorcock
Stormbringer By Michael Moorcock
Glory Road by Robert A. Heinlein
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel) by Terry Goodkind
Sword of Truth trilogy by Terry Goodkind
To name a few.
For something a little darker anything by C.S. Friedman. The newest one which starts a whole new series is Feast of Souls. Trust me that book is made of the sheer essence of awsome.
David Gemmell: sword in the storm and midnight falcon, the sequel. brilliant sword and sorcery.
Seconded.
My Favorites:
Wheel of Time
Sword of Truth
Song of Ice and Fire
Anything by Carol Berg
Anything by Robin Hobb
Name of the Wind (that's the first book in what will be a series)
Someone mentioned Lois McMaster Bujold - She's good
Heck, there's too many more. I've read so many books I can't even remember half of them any more.
To the people that think the "Sword of Truth" series got too preachy:
Well, I can't deny that the series does get pretty preachy, but I must say that it's still one of the best fantasy series out there. And the Wizard's Rules are just great; from the moment I read the part about "People are stupid" I was hooked.
I really hope that "The Wheel of Time" get's finished. You all heard that Robert Jordan died (rest his soul), eh?
Oh, and "The Lord of the Rings" is probably one of the only books I'll ever say is not as good as the movies. Man I love those movies, but the books just seem to drag. Yes, I read the books before I saw the movies. Yes, I've read the books since I saw the movies. Yes, the books are good and without them we'd never have any of the other series we so enjoy. But the books aren't great and the movies really are.
The Soldier Son Trilogy is one of the craziest series I've read. It's like meeting someone, becoming good friends with them, and then being forced to watch that person get the crap kicked out of them for a week straight. I almost feel like Robin Hobb just wanted to beat up on someone and made Nevare for that purpose only. I read the entire second novel in two days (I usually read more leisurly and make a book last at least a week) but I just had to know why all the horrible stuff was happening to Nevare. It's a page turner, but almost in a bad way...
I'm currently reading Breath and Bone by Carol Berg. I didn't realize until this very second that it's not a trilogy (just looked it up) and now I'm all disappointed. Oh well. I enjoyed the first book and I'm enjoying this one too.
Also Hans Bemman's "The Stone and the Flute"
Also as a reference Heinrich Hein's "Elemental Spirits" has loads of pre-Tolkien, pre-D&D Dwarfs, Elves and Salamanders - stuff like:
Dwarfs (Tolkien changed the plural to dwarves) have goose-feet
Kobolds are part spirt of the dead and part demon
Also "Gansbrook Tales" by me.
World War Z. Not fantasy but an awesome read if you have ever enjoyed a zombie movie. Very realistic take on how the world would deal with a serious zombie threat.
Otherwise there have been a multitude of great books suggested.
Wow, I thought I'd come in here and have a few books that no one else had mentioned, but I was wrong. I guess we're all fantasy book geeks.
My Favorites:
Wheel of Time
Sword of Truth
Song of Ice and Fire
Anything by Carol Berg
Anything by Robin Hobb
Name of the Wind (that's the first book in what will be a series)
Someone mentioned Lois McMaster Bujold - She's good
Heck, there's too many more. I've read so many books I can't even remember half of them any more.
To the people that think the "Sword of Truth" series got too preachy:
Well, I can't deny that the series does get pretty preachy, but I must say that it's still one of the best fantasy series out there. And the Wizard's Rules are just great; from the moment I read the part about "People are stupid" I was hooked.
I really hope that "The Wheel of Time" get's finished. You all heard that Robert Jordan died (rest his soul), eh?
Oh, and "The Lord of the Rings" is probably one of the only books I'll ever say is not as good as the movies. Man I love those movies, but the books just seem to drag. Yes, I read the books before I saw the movies. Yes, I've read the books since I saw the movies. Yes, the books are good and without them we'd never have any of the other series we so enjoy. But the books aren't great and the movies really are.
The Soldier Son Trilogy is one of the craziest series I've read. It's like meeting someone, becoming good friends with them, and then being forced to watch that person get the crap kicked out of them for a week straight. I almost feel like Robin Hobb just wanted to beat up on someone and made Nevare for that purpose only. I read the entire second novel in two days (I usually read more leisurly and make a book last at least a week) but I just had to know why all the horrible stuff was happening to Nevare. It's a page turner, but almost in a bad way...
I'm currently reading Breath and Bone by Carol Berg. I didn't realize until this very second that it's not a trilogy (just looked it up) and now I'm all disappointed. Oh well. I enjoyed the first book and I'm enjoying this one too.
Heh agree with you for the most part except about sword of truth. The first couple were awsome, after that though, serious problems.
I really hope Robin Hobb writes another series, though it did seem that both Navre and Fitz got dumped on, but both of them had happy endings in the end.
One series I have not seen recomended is the Dark Hunter series, fantasy and romance books, tying in were wolves, vampires, atlantis with all other kinds supernatrual baddies, the last one Acheron was amazing.
Terry Pratchett: DiscWorld and Good Omens
Piers Anthony: Xanth Books and the Incarnations books
The Chronicles of Amber are OK (I for get the authors name but it starts with a Z)
The Wizard in Rhyme books by Christophe Stacheff (I think that is his last name)
I've recently discovered Warhammer novels and so far haven't read one that I disliked.
If I have to recommend a particular series, though, I'd go with the Gotrek and Felix novels.
I agree that there are some really great ones there in the Warhammer books - I loved Gotrek and Felix.
I particularly enjoyed the tales of Orfeo the Minstrel: “Zaragoz,” “Plague Demons,” and “Storm Warriors” by Brian Craig.
Also “Witch Hunter” by C.L. Werner.
“Fell Cargo” by Dan Abnet (Pirates!!!)
“Drachenfels” by Jack Yeovil
I liked “Death’s Messenger” by Sandy Mitchell… right up until the end, at which point I hated it. (I just really hated the ending)
I’m reading “Dying Earth” by Jack Vance (with the infamous “Vancian Magic”) and its pretty cool. There’s apparently three more books in the series: “The Eyes of the Overworld,” “Cugel’s Saga,” and “Rhialto The Marvelous.”
Many years ago I read a book called “The Weirdstone of Brisingamen” by Alan Garner. Its maybe, kinda kid-ish? But I enjoyed it just the same.
Also - other than Conan, I was always partial to Solomon Kane.
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
A Game of thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords
A Feast for Crows
Probably the best books I have read lately.
The Soldier Son Trilogy is one of the craziest series I've read. It's like meeting someone, becoming good friends with them, and then being forced to watch that person get the crap kicked out of them for a week straight. I almost feel like Robin Hobb just wanted to beat up on someone and made Nevare for that purpose only. I read the entire second novel in two days (I usually read more leisurly and make a book last at least a week) but I just had to know why all the horrible stuff was happening to Nevare. It's a page turner, but almost in a bad way...
Soldier Son is nothing compared to what Robin Hobb does to Fitzchivalry Farseer in that particular series. She's a sadist of the highest order, but I can't seem to put the bloody books down.
Oh by the way, anyone else read the lost regiment series? very interesting series about an american civil war regiment who get transported to another world while on a naval transport.
Oh, and OP, that particular series (curse of the mistwraith) has about eight books in it so it will keep you going for quite a while. Dakar the mad prophet is awesome.
Forgot about the rigante books (not to mention the drenai and the jon shannow novels) by Gemmel. I think the third is called Ravenheart, and there's a fourth one too.
Not strictly fantasy, but the necroscope and vampire world series by Brian Lumley are worth checking out.
"The Deed of Paksenarrion", by Elizabeth Moon
"Song of Fire and Ice" series, George R. R. Martin.
The entire "Discworld" series of novels, Terry Pratchett
and yes, "The Lord of the Rings" & "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Highly recommended.
A little known (and presently unfinished) series called "The Song of Naga Teot" by Heather Gladney
"Silverglass" and it's sequels, by J.F.Rifkin.
"The Paladin" by C.J. Cherryh
The "Black Company" series by Glen Cook
Soldier Son is nothing compared to what Robin Hobb does to Fitzchivalry Farseer in that particular series. She's a sadist of the highest order, but I can't seem to put the bloody books down.
Oh by the way, anyone else read the lost regiment series? very interesting series about an american civil war regiment who get transported to another world while on a naval transport.
Oh, and OP, that particular series (curse of the mistwraith) has about eight books in it so it will keep you going for quite a while. Dakar the mad prophet is awesome.
Forgot about the rigante books (not to mention the drenai and the jon shannow novels) by Gemmel. I think the third is called Ravenheart, and there's a fourth one too.
Not strictly fantasy, but the necroscope and vampire world series by Brian Lumley are worth checking out.
Yeah I really liked lost regiments those were pretty good books.
They get really wierd and some of them devolve into nothing but sex, however the Anita Blake series by Laurel K Hamilton is pretty good.
Its Scifi but a must read for anyone is Enders Game by Orson Scott Card.
Also Elven Bane (forgot the names of the writers) is really interesting fantasy reading.
They're more young adult books, but they're pretty cool for a first-time author.
They're also self-published by the author, who just happens to be a friend of mine and could use the money.... :D
SONG OF ICE AND FIRE SERIES
BOOK1- GAME OF THRONES
2-CLASH OF KINGS
3-STORM OF SWORDS
4-FEAST FOR CROWS.
The story of A Song of Ice and Fire takes place in a fictional secondary world, primarily upon a continent called Westeros but also on the vast, unnamed continent to the east. Most of the characters are human but as the series progresses other races are introduced, such as the engimatic and threatening Others and a towering race of giants from the far north. There are three principal storylines in the series: the chronicling of a dynastic civil war for control of Westeros between several competing families; the rising threat of the Others who dwell beyond an immense wall of ice that forms Westeros' northern border; and the journeys of Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled daughter of the rightful king who was murdered in another civil war fifteen years previously and now seeks to return to Westeros and claim her rightful throne.
The series is told in the limited third-person through the eyes of a number of POV characters. By the end of the fourth volume, there have been twenty-five such characters, although these include eight who only appear once apiece. Martin is noted for his ruthlessness towards his characters. By the end of the fourth volume eight of the POV characters have been killed.
While the series is set in a fictional secondary world and Martin has acknowledged his debt to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien[3], Jack Vance[4] and Tad Williams[5], the series differs from these earlier works in its greater interest in and use of realistic elements. While Tolkien was inspired by mythology, A Song of Ice and Fire is more clearly influenced by medieval history, most notably the Wars of the Roses[6]. This has led to the series being cited as a forerunner of a 'gritty' new wave of epic fantasy authors that followed, including Scott Lynch[7], Joe Abercrombie[8], Steven Erikson and Scott Bakker. On his website, Martin has acknowledged historical fiction authors such as Bernard Cornwell and George MacDonald Fraser to be influences on the series.
The growing popularity of the series has led to it being optioned by HBO for a possible television adaptation[9], while there are popular board[10] and role-playing games[11] based on the books available, as well as a collection of artwork based on and inspired by the series[12].
The series has been placed as the number 2 rated series at the Internet Book List as of November 12th, 2007.[13]
The background to A Song of Ice and Fire is revealed through the lengthy appendices which follow on from each volume, with additional information revealed through the novellas, the text of the novels themselves and the role-playing game.
The narrative is set primarily in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, a large, South America-sized[14] continent with an ancient history stretching back some twelve thousand years, and where the seasons last for years. The original inhabitants of the land were the children of the forest (whose old gods are still worshipped in the North), a dimunitive race who lived in harmony with nature and employed powerful magic. The First Men, a civilisation of primitive warriors wielding bronze weapons, crossed over from the eastern continent via a land bridge (destroyed in the resulting conflicts) and fought a series of wars against the children which ended with the Pact of the Isle of Faces being signed, with the First Men taking control of the open lands and the children remaining in the forests.
The Pact was weakened after four thousand years by the emergence of the Others, an enigmatic race from the furthermost north, who swept south into Westeros and caused great death and destruction, bringing about a night that lasted a generation and a winter that lasted decades. In the War for the Dawn, the Others were thrown back by the First Men and the children of the forest, and the vast Wall was raised to bar their passage south should they come again. In the following centuries the children gradually disappeared, and it was presumed that they died out or left Westeros altogether.
Approximately two thousand years after the War for the Dawn, the Andals crossed the narrow sea from the eastern continent. The Andals wielded iron weapons, had tamed horses to use in battle and brought with them the Faith of the Seven. They landed in the Vale of Arryn and over the course of several millennia subjugated the southern kingdoms. However, they could not take the North due to natural defences. Over time six great and powerful kingdoms were forged across Westeros: the Kingdom of the North, the Kingdom of the Iron Islands, the Kingdom of Vale and Sky, the Kingdom of the Rock, the Kingdom of the Storm Kings and the Kingdom of the Reach. A seventh kingdom - that of the Riverlands - was repeatedly conquered by its neighbours and eventually was destroyed altogether, whilst the small desert kingships in the far south of Westeros were divided by constant struggle and war. One thousand years prior to the events of the novels, a great host of refugees from the region of the River Rhoyne on the eastern continent - displaced by the growing power of a distant empire called Valyria - crossed the narrow sea under the warrior-queen Nymeria and landed in the southern-most part of Westeros. The Rhoynar allied with the native Lord Mors Martell and conquered the southern peninsula of Dorne, forging another powerful kingdom.
By five centuries later the expanding Valyrian Freehold had reached the far coast of the narrow sea and established links with Westeros, using the island of Dragonstone as a trading port. However, a mere century later the Valyrian Freehold was destroyed by a titanic disaster known as the Doom. The Valyrian family that controlled Dragonstone, the Targaryens, spent a further century in preparing their forces, and then launched a devastating invasion of Westeros under Aegon the Conqueror. Although their forces were tiny, they had with them the last three dragons in the western world and they were able to use these to subjugate the continent. Six of the Seven Kingdoms were conquered in this initial war, but Dorne resisted so fiercely that Aegon agreed to let them remain independent. The Targaryens adopted the native Faith of the Seven (although they still married brother to sister in the ancient Valyrian tradition in defiance of the Faith's teachings) and Westerosi customs, and within a few decades had crushed all resistance to their rule. The last dragons died out a century and a half into the Targaryen rule, but by this time they had become the ruling power on the continent and their rule was not challenged at this time.
Fifteen years prior to the beginning of the novels, the Targaryens were displaced from power in a civil war brought about by King Aerys II's (called "the Mad King") insanity and cruelty. An alliance of houses under the leadership of Lord Robert Baratheon, Lord Jon Arryn and Lord Eddard Stark successfully destroyed the Targaryen armies, slew King Aerys and his heirs and wiped out most of the line, aside from Aerys' pregnant wife and his son Viserys, who fled to Dragonstone. Aerys' wife died giving birth to Daenerys Targaryen, who was taken to safety in the Free Cities beyond the narrow sea by loyal retainers. In the meantime, Robert Baratheon took the Iron Throne and married Cersei Lannister, whose father Tywin had delivered Robert the capital of King's Landing through treachery.
A Game of Thrones is set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, a land reminiscent of Medieval Europe. In Westeros the seasons last for years, sometimes decades, at a time.
Fifteen years prior to the novel, the Seven Kingdoms were torn apart by a civil war, known alternately as "Robert's Rebellion" and the "War of the Usurper." Prince Rhaegar Targaryen kidnapped Lyanna Stark, arousing the ire of her family and of her betrothed, Lord Robert Baratheon (the war's titular rebel). The Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, had Lyanna's father and eldest brother executed when they demanded her safe return. Her second brother, Eddard, joined his boyhood friend Robert Baratheon and Jon Arryn, with whom they had been fostered as children, in declaring war against the Targaryens, securing the allegiances of House Tully and House Arryn through a network of dynastic marriages (Lord Eddard to Catelyn Tully and Lord Jon Arryn to Lysa Tully). The powerful House Tyrell continued to support the King, but House Lannister and House Martell both dragged their feet due to insults against their houses by the King. The civil war climaxed with the Battle of the Trident, when Prince Rhaegar was killed in battle by Robert Baratheon. The Lannisters finally agreed to support King Aerys, but then brutally turned against him, sacking the capital, King's Landing. Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard executed King Aerys and House Lannister swore loyalty to Robert Baratheon. The Tyrells and remaining royalists surrendered and Robert Baratheon was declared King of the Seven Kingdoms. Unfortunately, during the war, Lyanna Stark had died, apparently of illness; Robert Baratheon instead married Cersei Lannister to cement the alliance. Despite Robert's victory, the Mad King's youngest son Viserys and youngest daughter Daenerys were taken to safety across the sea by loyal retainers. After the war House Martell chose a path of isolation, since Prince Doran's sister Elia (Prince Rhaegar's wife) and her young children had been killed by Lannister armsmen during the storming of the capital.
Six years later King Robert proved his resolve by defeating a rebellion by Lord Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands. Balon's two eldest sons were killed and his youngest son, Theon, was given to the care of Eddard Stark as a ward.
First there's the Bazhell series that starts with War God's Own, if I remember order right.
Second there's his newest stuff, which is kind of a combo fantasy/sci-fi/historical blend, with Off Armegeddon Reef as the first book. An excellent series that I want more books from.
Really, I could use more Weber books in general.
I like his stuff more than Martin's.
No need to write essays about the series. And please, at least read the first post in a thread.
Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy.
Yes I second this nomination, also second the david webber nomination, Hells Gate, and Hell hath no Fury are also awsome books.
Ill also recomend Jane Linskolds Fire Keeper series a very good take on the old story of child raised in the wild.
Pierce Anthonys imortals series is really good as well, To Ride a Pale Horse has the third best portrayal of death ever.
And anything by Tanya Huff is going to be good, try Wizard From the Grove first should be able to find both books in one volume (second best portrayal of death ever)
Katherine Kurtz's Deryni books (if they weren't already mentioned).
Mercedes Lackey also has a series called Bardic Voices (I think, been a while since I read it).
Fred Saberhagen's Books of Swords, not great literature but an easy read. My gaming group has learned to fear black-hilted swords.
Some of the original Ravenloft novels, in particular: The first 3-4 were very good, sketchy after that. I Strahd was great also.
Craig Shaw Gardner, The Exploits of Ebenezum and The Wanderings of Wuntvor (both are trilogies). They are parodies of traditional fantasy that are quite entertaining. Rather old and probably tougher to find.
One series that hasn't been mentioned yet is Sergei Lukyanenko's Night Watch quartet - Night Watch, Day Watch, Twilight Watch and Final Watch...
The series was originally written in Russian, and the first book was turned into one of the most successful Russian movies of all time. The series is set in modern-day Russia, but it deals with a man caught up in the battle between competing good and evil magical organizations.
It's great to read stuff that wasn't originally written in English - the language of the book and the characters have a much different feel to them.
I love this series!! Definitely read. He has a deceptively simple way of writing with an amazing effect. Everyone I have leant these books to has told me they love the series too.
Aside from this: It has been already mentioned but David Gemmell was a great writer. Some series are better than others in terms of setting but the characters are always interesting. My favourite is the Jon Shannow series.
You didn't say what age bracket you were looking at but one of my favourite series is The Dalemark Quartet by Diana Wynne Jones. It has interesting ideas for the magic use. I still enjoy reading it and I am 26 (although that being said I liked most of Harry Potter too).
If you are even considering reading that crap Eragon and Eldest; don't! It is an interesting story (according to my flatmate) but the worst written book I have ever read more than three chapters of! No literary technique at all!
Outside of fantasy: Read Iain M Banks for SciFi or just Iain Banks (no M) for his general fiction. I recommend Feersum Endjin, Away The Crow Road, The Player of Games (or indeed anything from the Culture setting), or Dead Air for starters.
I love this series!! Definitely read. He has a deceptively simple way of writing with an amazing effect. Everyone I have leant these books to has told me they love the series too.
Aside from this: It has been already mentioned but David Gemmell was a great writer. Some series are better than others in terms of setting but the characters are always interesting. My favourite is the Jon Shannow series.
You didn't say what age bracket you were looking at but one of my favourite series is The Dalemark Quartet by Diana Wynne Jones. It has interesting ideas for the magic use. I still enjoy reading it and I am 26 (although that being said I liked most of Harry Potter too).
If you are even considering reading that crap Eragon and Eldest; don't! It is an interesting story (according to my flatmate) but the worst written book I have ever read more than three chapters of! No literary technique at all!
?? Eragon and Eldest have a much better teqnique than Harry Potter, especially Eldest, rember he was sixteen when he wrote Eragon.
Really, anything British is teh pwn.
?? Eragon and Eldest have a much better teqnique than Harry Potter, especially Eldest, rember he was sixteen when he wrote Eragon.
I realise he was 16 but I am not comparing his writing style to other 16 y/os writing styles. I am comparing to other books meant to appeal to the same audiance regardless of age of author. Also, Harry Potter is comedy/drama so it's difficult to compare the styles of writing directly. Maybe you should take a look at Amazon.com. If you look at the reader reviews you can see there is much better support for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone vs. Eragon (the first books of both series).
I guess 'to each his own', so I'm not going to try and convert you but the fact that there is more support on amazon.com should give you an idea of how the majority of people feel. Aside from that if anyone wants to read examples of the writing of both these books then they can check out http://www.bookbrowse.com and judge for yourself.
Read the Conan books by Robert Howard.
Don't bother with other authors, he's the one who created the character. This is one of the oldest and best fantasy series in existence. Should be a prereq for being a DM.
I second that; Howard really added a level of grittiness and moral ambiguity to shake up the swords & sorcery genre. Michael Moorcock's Elric saga, and Fritz Lieber's Lankhmar stories, also. Someone else mentioned H.P. Lovecraft, another of my favorites.
Well there some of my Favorites
Piers Anthony: Xanth Books and the Incarnations books
The Wizard in Rhyme books by Christophe Stacheff (I think that is his last name)
In total agreement...I LOVE the xanth series, but if you hate puns you may want to avoid.
The Wizard in Rhyme books are equally awesome...it's Christopher Stasheff tho
I realise he was 16 but I am not comparing his writing style to other 16 y/os writing styles. I am comparing to other books meant to appeal to the same audiance regardless of age of author. Also, Harry Potter is comedy/drama so it's difficult to compare the styles of writing directly. Maybe you should take a look at Amazon.com. If you look at the reader reviews you can see there is much better support for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone vs. Eragon (the first books of both series).
I guess 'to each his own', so I'm not going to try and convert you but the fact that there is more support on amazon.com should give you an idea of how the majority of people feel. Aside from that if anyone wants to read examples of the writing of both these books then they can check out http://www.bookbrowse.com and judge for yourself.
See I dont care what other people think, I happen to think that he created a fairly unique world, and wrote a very good story thats all that matters in a fantasy book as far as Im concerend if I want something written with better prose Ill read Jaquline Carey, or Trudi Cavanah, or maybe Elizabeth Moon.
Post note
Orphans of Chaos, and Fugitives of Chaos by John C Wright are very good but confusing books.
Raymond E Feist
Riftwar Saga
Magician
Silverthorn
A Darkness at Sethanon
Krondor's Sons
Prince of the Blood
The Kings Buccaneer
Riftwar Stories
Daughter of the Empire
Servant of the Empire
Mistress of the Empire
Serpent War
Shadow of a Dark Queen
Rise of a Merchant Prince
Rage of a Demon King
Shards of a Broken Crown
Riftwar Legacy
Honoured Enemy
Murder in LaMut
Jimmy the Hand
Legends of the Riftwar
Krondor: the Betrayal
Krondor: The Assassins
Krondor: Tear of the Gods
Conclave of the Shadows
Talon of the Silver Hawk
King of Foxes
Exile's Return
Other Titles
Faerie Tale
Mark Anthony
Last Rune Saga
Beyond the Pale
The Keep of Fire
The Dark Remains
Blood of Mystery
The Gates of Winter
The First Stone
L E Modesitt Jnr
Saga of Recluce
The Magic of Recluce
The Towers of Sunset
The Magic Engineer
The Order War
The Death of Chaos
The Fall of Angels
The Chaos Balance
The White Order
Colors of Chaos
Magi'i of Cyador
Scion of Cyador
Wellspring of Chaos
Ordermaster
Terry Goodkind
Sword of Truth Series
Wizard's First Rule
Stone of Tears
Blood of the Fold
Temple of the Winds
Soul of the Fire
Faith of the Fallen
Philip Pullman
His Dark Materials
Northern Lights (Golden Compass)
Subtle Knife
Amber Spyglass
Christopher Paolini
Eragon
1. Steven Erikson’s Malazan Empire series (best I’ve ever read!). Canadian writer, UK based. Compared to Homer by some critics for sheer scope and complexity of storyline. Great storytelling especially for his first venture into this genre!!!!
As he deals with Military fantasy on the grand scale he's fairly hard edged as well as being brilliantly conceived and written. As I've told other people Book 1 Gardens Of The Moon is the weakest of the series BUT still very good. You need to persist with this book beyond the first 200 pages, although there's plenty of grittiness up to then. The point is Erikson drops you into his world in the middle of what is obviously an EPIC series but whilst it is not easy to follow early on he does tie most threads by books end. The last 200 pages is action packed, what one critic very aptly put as a 'machine gun finish" I've never read a book that was so packed in those last few hundred pages. WOW!!!! Book 2 Deadhouse Gates and the future books reach a high water mark in fantasy writing that never goes down. Anyone I know who has read Erikson immediately places him at the top of the list ahead of Martin as great as he is. Steven must write 1 book/year as it is part of his contract to do so, so you won't be waiting X years like some authors we could mention... He obviously thought the entire series through extremely well from the beginning. He has a background as an anthropologist and archaeologist and it sure shows in his world building. Epic, gritty, grey characters along the lines of The Black Company, amazing complexity and magic systems!! 10 Books, Book 6 due Feb 2006. He produces approx 1 book/year so very reliable. Books 1,2 already out in US.
2. George RR Martin Song Of Ice and Fire (No 2. in my hit parade of all time). Similar to Erikson in terms of plenty of grey characters and grittiness. Set in a mediaeval type setting like a lot of the so-called High Fantasy/EPIC series seem to be. Book 4 A Feast Of Crows due later this year. US author, after a fast start slowed down a bit in terms of completing the books i.e. waited 2-3 years for Book 4 now BUT do not be put off, very good!!!
3. Greg Keyes Kingdoms Of Thorn and Bone series. Very good series, a level below Martin and Erikson but still well written and on the big scale. I think is intended as a 4 books series, book 3 due by midyear. US author.
4. Glenn Cook The Black Company. Very good, gritty realism along the lines of Erikson. Completed series. Military fantasy. US author.
5. Robert Jordan Wheel Of Time series. I’m sure you’ve heard of these, they have dragged along a bit but the early books are top class. 12 books in this series. Book 11 Knife Of Dreams is due out October 2005, so nearing the end. Vast scope and array of charters along the lines of Erikson and Martin BUT not as well maintained/balanced over the journey as those two. US again…
6. JV Jones Sword Of Shadows Trilogy, Book 3 due later this year. Very well written and quite a bit darker than her earlier stuff. The first of my female authors!! UK Writer. On a par with Keyes.
7. Tad Williams, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series. Good stuff, very well written in a medieval setting, more your traditional fantasy like Tolkien than Erikson, Martin, Cook etc.. UK writer.
8. R. Scott Bakker’s Prince Of Nothing trilogy. Canadian writer like Erikson. Very good, Final Book 3 The Thousandfold Thought due later this year. Plenty of philosophy and politics.
9. Kate Elliott Crown Of Stars series. Very good, well written Epic. Great Stuff set like most EPICS in a medieval setting. Book 6 is due midyear. Book 7, which is the final book is due by Feb 2006. US writer. On a par with Keyes. Her and J.V. Jones my top two female fantasy authors aside from Janny Wurts.
10. Jude Fisher - Fools Gold Trilogy Book 3 just out in US, due midyear in UK. Enjoyable read. Her first go as author, an enjoyable read. Not as vast in scope as Erikson, Martin etc.. but has a strong female lead. Nice for a change.
11. Paul Kearney - Monarchies Of God 5 book series. Completed series, only issue here is some of the books out of print, so may have to track down second hand or from local library. From what I’ve read of extracts, review very good, gritty realism and just receiving the series in the post now from friends. Just finished Book 1 of the Sea Bggars, a new series that is very nicely written!!! Erikson places Glen Cook and Kearney in his top 2-3 fantasy authors. Deals with buccaneers/adventurers in wooden ships and distant lands, a bit like the Capt. Horatio Hornblower tales in a fantasy setting.
12. Stephen Donaldson’s – Thomas Covenant series. Don’t’ know if you’re familiar with these. There is two Thomas Covenant series already out. Book 1 Runes Of The Earth of the final t Covenant series out now and I’m reading it YEH!!. Great series but more on the psychological level a study into the human condition. Can be heavy going and not appealing to everyone, as the main character is a leper in real life with a house-sized chip on his shoulder who gets transported to a magical land to fight the baddies. A recognised great of the genre. US author.
13. John Marco - Tyrants and Kings trilogy very good, gritty military fantasy like Erikson. His first series as an author and very good for a first effort. US writer.
14. Robert Silverberg - Majipoor books. Great series of seven books, not the typical fantasy read but enjoyable. One of the recognised great writers of the genre, a writer of great imagination.
15. J.R.R Tolkien Lord Of The Rings. Along with CS Lewis perhaps recognised as the father of modern fantasy. Certainly one of the major pioneers. Couldn’t leave this one out!!
16. Anne Macaffrey Dragons Of Pern series. Another recognised great of the genre. Only read some of her stuff, pretty good. US author.
17. Janny Wurts – Wars Of Light and Shadow. Very good series but can be heavy going and not easy to follow conceptually. Highly intelligent author with a very sophisticated style of writing albeit somewhat stilted in delivery, which I like. Has a personal interest in the metaphysical and books tend to focus on this in terms of concepts discussed etc.. Not your average fantasy read. US author.
18. Mickey Zucker Reichert -Renshai Series. The renshai books follow the trials of a warrior elite swordsman known as Colbey Carlistinsson who battles humans and the Norse gods with some of the action taking place at Valhalla. Heavily immersed in the Norse mythology this series is really enjoyable. It’s a very well written series and a favourite of mine. I know I read somewhere recently that she was planning to write some more Renshai books, as the last one came out in 1998. US Author.
I would suggest you give LOTR another try, though. It is essentially the one when it comes to High and Modern Fantasy, seeing as it is the one that started it all
.As it stands, a lot of the D&D-based novels are actually quite lame as fantasy books. There is so much more beyond the realms of Dungeons and Dragons that people miss. The Dark Tower series being an example. Ultimately, it's your choice as to what you like. Some people love the traditional high fantasy (LOTR and every D&D novel), some like Sword-and-Sorcery (Conan) and others love a bit of grit (Erikson's Malazan Empire).
I recently came across The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. It's his only book but will be part of a trilogy called The Kingkiller Chronicle. Great writing style.
I liked the Sun Sword Sextet by Michelle West. It does have a bunch of cliches but did get me thinking of bard / assassins...
I will also add props for Janny Wurts and I agree that her style can be stilted as well.
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams definately gets a nod as well. I can't recommend the Shadowmarch trilogy though.
I really enjoyed The Death Gate Cycle by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_Gate_Cycle)
I couldn't get into George RR Martin... as soon as I found a likable character they were killed in some horrible fashion.
Just about anything by Robin Hobb
Chronicles of amber by Roger Zelaszny
The shadowmarch series and war of the flowers by Tad Williams
Malazan books of the fallen by Steven Erikson
A song of ice and fire by George rr Martin
And in recent times I've read:
The first law series by Joe Abercrombie
The gentleman bastard sequence by Scott Lynch.
And that is what I consider to be the best of about 300 or so fantasy books :P (hmm, need a life).
Matthew Woodring Stover: Heroes Die, Blade of Tyshalle, Iron Dawn, Jericho Moon
Scott Lynch: The Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Seas Under Red Skies
Patrick Rothfuss: The Name of the Wind
Guy Gavriel Kay: Tigana, A Song for Arbonne, Sailing to Sarantium, Lord of Emperors
Steven Erikson: Malazan Book of the Fallen series
George R. R. Martin: A Song of Ice & Fire series
~Konphujun
