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I did a search and all the threads are way old / not exactly relevant. I wanted to make a thread for people to discuss good(yes this is relative to the reader, thats why its a discussion) fantasy / sci-fi reads as well as different types of sub genres. Please make sure to post the reasoning behind your favorite reads too.
I'll start:
I am a huge reader of fantasy and sci-fi and have been for years. Around the 2nd-3rd grade i got into all the traditional old school fantasy/sci-fi (Tolkien, Brooks, Asimov ect..)
and have pretty much devoured them ever since.
As i've read more and more fantasy in particular and as I grew up "true high fantasy" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_fantasy started catching my eye and of late has been my favorite type of fanasy to delve into (particularly Dark high fantasy, which I will point out later, and which im sure most of you have read some of before but just didnt know how to quantify it- I sure as hell didn't before I looked it up).
So I'll start with what I consider to be great reads of current fantasy
1)Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_wheel_of_time
I would consider this the cornerstone of modern high fantasy where they concentrate on a larger storyline and dont just follow 1-2 main characters like older high fantasy. Its extremely long, and still isnt finished (Why did you die on me Robert Jordan?  ) The last book is in the works and my reasoning behind enjoying this series is i would say primarily how Jordan (and subsequently Sanderson who is finishing it for him since R.J died) is very descriptive, yet at the same time doesnt bore you with too much (take Titus Groan as an example of TOO much description). I also enjoy "Logical fiction" now i dont know if there is another word for this but what I mean is that the fiction makes complete sense in the world that it is in. In alot of fantasy its "mystical" magic that is rarely well explained and the protagonist is good "just because" so it doesnt feel like there are true human emotions behind the words but in the wheel of time you see all the reasoning behind everyone's actions and the world makes sense if it was placed in our own world.
If you havent read this and consider yourself a fantasy reader i HIGHLY recommend reading this as it really is the quinticential modern high fantasy series.
2) The King Killer Chronicle (Patrick Rothfuss) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kingkiller_Chronicle
Another series that I am highly looking forward to continue reading (yay 2nd book is coming out) this series is essentially based on the protagonists point of view who is in his story a modern day legend and is telling his side of the story. It is much less welll known than WoT but really it is a series that I identified well with, its this mans crazy life and he wasnt planning on becoming a legend he just happened to have the right abilities and is in the right place at the right time.
3) A Song of Ice and Fire (George R. R. Martin) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_song_of_ice_and_fire
Right now this is tied for favorite series. Its got everything you could want in it : tons of fast paced action, hints at things to come and great twists left and right. What is there not to love? If you have read it I think you will know what I mean. It currently is becoming an HBO series (I am on the fence here, usually transports to different media forms suck terribly with a few exceptions but its HBO, which can if done right i think do it justice.. so I dont really have an opinion yet untill i see it) This is a Dark epic fantasy series, which i was pointing out earlier. It is one of the newest types of fantasy (truly gritty, graphic and engaging which I love)
4) The Stormlight Archive (Brandon Sanderson) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stormlight_Archive
If you dont know who this guy is, you should really aquaint yourself with him especially considering hes finishing The WoT series in R.J absence. Hes got a knack for making everything EPIC. In the first monster book of this series (its over 1000pages) He somehow made me get some crazy nerdchills in the epic battles that happen in the book. I havent figured out exactly how he does it but if you read the book i think you will know what i mean (Kaladin when hes not being emo and Dallinar in particular) this along with aSoIaF are my two most looked forward to books to read and i highly recommend you read both of them.
5) The Prince of Nothing trilogy (R. Scott Bakker) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prince_of_Nothing
This is certainly an interesting trilogy to delve into. It has no holds barred when it comes to being explicit (even more so than George R.R Martin's books, which is quite impressive in itself). My big pull was that the whole story is pretty damn epic between the main Protagonist (Kellhus) who is pretty much the biggest badass ever, think of him as smarter than Ender Wiggin and a better fighter than Rand al'thor (pfft heron marked blade, w/e..) as well as the story line. The whole idea of the NO-GOD and the dreams that introduce the reader to the backstory made this story seem so epic in scope as well as gave it a deepness that you dont often see in books. This is a prime example of Dark epic fantasy, which sidenote, I would love if anyone else knows more of this type of writing as a) I like it alot and b) it is the style of writing that I as a writer am trying to emulate eventually so any info on new writers in this style would be appreciated 
6) On the comedy side of it there is nothing better than: Douglass Adams, but also of note certainly is Terry Pratchett who are the only two authors to actually get me to literally Rofl from reading them at points.
7) Coldfire Trilogy (C.S Friedman) My big pull to this series was I liked the conflicted realistic characters as well as the whole idea of fae, Which is essentially magic in this series, is an extention of peoples unconcious. So fears, beliefs and feelings become real based on how much and how many people think. It was a great read and I would even recommend any of her books (she does a mix of sci-fi and fantasy) but certainly coldfire is my favorite of all of her books.
Edit: I was going to list "Classics" for people who are interested in perhaps getting into reading Sci-fi/Fantasy for me the "sci-fi/fantasy 101" would most definately be something like:
1)Enders Game (SF)
2)Lord of the Rings (ofc) (Fantasy)
3)R.A Salvatore's Drizzt series (yes its still "current" but it really is a classic fantasy storyline)
4)Dune (yes i know some people dont like it.. but still its a good read and original plus a classic) (SF)
5)Sword of Shannara (cant really comment on his newer stuff but this was another of my introductions to fantasy)
Do note I wouldnt mind if someone disagreed about the "classics" that are must reads for new readers kinda just a list of stuff i read when I was young getting into fantasy.
Following is some recommended reads from other people, I either haven't read them, am not the hugest fan or it's just my cup of tea, but I would like to keep a large list for everyone to come back to later and since my recommendations arent the only reads that people like. Especially since the thread is starting to get bigger, it would be easier to have it all on the front page IMO. Anyway heres the basic list of books that other people have recommended in no particular order:
-Night Angel Trilogy (Brent Weeks)
-The Black Prism (Brent Weeks)
-A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen (Steven Erikson) - this comes highly recommended by more than one person in the thread so far as well as my next planned series to read (thx TL )
-Iain M. Banks - Various works, not really in a series like the other authors stated (as I stated ive only read about 3 or so of his books, very deep and though provoking, i do like him)
-Robin Hobb - I sort of spaced on her when writing up my initial list shes a very good writer and is worth reading some of her trilogies (she seems to always write trilogies)
-Gene Wolfe - check out "Bwenjarin Raffrack" comments on him on page two. My point of view is that I usually like reads with lots of everything going on (action, intrigue, questions raised and answered ect) but if you like the more cerebral slow paced books it certainly sounds like a good read.
-The Dresden Files (Jim Butcher)
-Sword of Truth (Terry Goodkind) I used to be a fan but his later books sort of lost their steam for me but some people like him alot, also in the end.. I got really annoyed.
-The First Law (Joe Ambercrombie) I personally haven't read any of his books however he certainly is on my list of books to read after the numberous recommendations.
-Best Served Cold (Joe Ambercrombie) See above.
-The Heroes (Joe Ambercrombie) See above.
-Neil Gaiman- i've read his Sandman Chronicles (comicbook series) which i really liked but i havent really read too many of his books but he certainly is a good writer and many people in the thread have recommended it.
-Katherine Kerr - A couple recommendations, havent read myself so i cannot comment on it.
-Raymond E. Feist- some people rave about him, I like him, but i just like certain other series' over his, all of his books iirc are in one large well thought out universe.
-Chronicles of Thomas Covenant (Stephen Donaldson) - Some people seem to like his writing, for some reason it irritated me after awhile (The whole negative disblieving anti-hero thing) and i couldn't get through the whole thing.
-Chronicles of Amber series (Roger Zelazny)
-The Black Company novels (Glen Cook)
-The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldrich (Phillip K Dick)
-Breakfast of Champions (Kurt Vonnegut)
-Cat's Cradle (Kurt Vonnegut)
-Out of the Silent Planet (C.S Lewis)
-VALIS (Phillip K. Dick)
-Tales of a Dying Earth (Jack Vance)
-Black Magician Trilogy (Trudi Caravan)
-Vlad Taltos Novels (Stephen Brust) I have actually read a good amount of his books. Pretty amusing at times but in my opinion not usually as funny as Douglass Adams nor Terry Pratchett.
I know this list is starting to look long and sort of unwieldy but I am collecting the whole list before i seperate it into general genres (sci-fi, hard sci-fi, Dark fantasy, High Fantasy ect.)
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I'll have to agree with all of your suggestions. I also highly enjoyed the Night Angel Trilogy from Brent weeks.
From Wikipedia "The Night Angel Trilogy is a fantasy series written by Brent Weeks. The story follows the life of Azoth (later Kylar Stern) as he struggles as a guild rat to become the ultimate wetboy (an assassin with slight magical talent, such as the ability to muffle sound, or to block an attack with your mind), then tries to leave it all behind and finally becomes the avatar of retribution: the Night Angel."
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On April 08 2011 10:17 IronFenix wrote:
I'll have to agree with all of your suggestions. I also highly enjoyed the Night Angel Trilogy from Brent weeks.
From Wikipedia "The Night Angel Trilogy is a fantasy series written by Brent Weeks. The story follows the life of Azoth (later Kylar Stern) as he struggles as a guild rat to become the ultimate wetboy (an assassin with slight magical talent, such as the ability to muffle sound, or to block an attack with your mind), then tries to leave it all behind and finally becomes the avatar of retribution: the Night Angel."
Hmm i havent read that series yet. (in fact ive never seen it in any of the mainstream bookstores ive been to before) but it sounds interesting I definately will take a gander on it.
I have more recommendations I just dont feel like finishing it this second hehe, I'll put more later, also likely organize my list into sub genres.
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On April 08 2011 10:17 IronFenix wrote:
I'll have to agree with all of your suggestions. I also highly enjoyed the Night Angel Trilogy from Brent weeks.
From Wikipedia "The Night Angel Trilogy is a fantasy series written by Brent Weeks. The story follows the life of Azoth (later Kylar Stern) as he struggles as a guild rat to become the ultimate wetboy (an assassin with slight magical talent, such as the ability to muffle sound, or to block an attack with your mind), then tries to leave it all behind and finally becomes the avatar of retribution: the Night Angel."
I'll add onto this by putting forth The Black Prism. Same author and writing style but a different kind of story. Many, many twists in the story and it kept me up many nights.
A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen (Steven Erikson)
Yes, this is a long series. Yes, it is amazing. Yes, go buy it. 5 books in at the moment and every book follows multiple story lines from different characters, ultimately converging near the end of the books. The scope of these books is almost unimaginable and the style was a little daunting at first, but after getting over the unease I loved them - particularly Memories of Ice. The books are also fairly stand alone, however reading them in order lets you delve deeper into the story (I've had many moments of OH SHIT, THAT'S why that happened, or finding out the stories behind characters in previous books)
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On April 08 2011 10:37 TheYukoner wrote:Show nested quote +On April 08 2011 10:17 IronFenix wrote:
I'll have to agree with all of your suggestions. I also highly enjoyed the Night Angel Trilogy from Brent weeks.
From Wikipedia "The Night Angel Trilogy is a fantasy series written by Brent Weeks. The story follows the life of Azoth (later Kylar Stern) as he struggles as a guild rat to become the ultimate wetboy (an assassin with slight magical talent, such as the ability to muffle sound, or to block an attack with your mind), then tries to leave it all behind and finally becomes the avatar of retribution: the Night Angel." I'll add onto this by putting forth The Black Prism. Same author and writing style but a different kind of story. Many, many twists in the story and it kept me up many nights. A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen (Steven Erikson) Yes, this is a long series. Yes, it is amazing. Yes, go buy it. 5 books in at the moment and every book follows multiple story lines from different characters, ultimately converging near the end of the books. The scope of these books is almost unimaginable and the style was a little daunting at first, but after getting over the unease I loved them - particularly Memories of Ice. The books are also fairly stand alone, however reading them in order lets you delve deeper into the story (I've had many moments of OH SHIT, THAT'S why that happened, or finding out the stories behind characters in previous books)
Thats actually the next series I was planning on reading when I get a stable paycheck to buy some more books (for some reason i always have to own the book, i guess thats a good thing for people who want me to buy their book  )
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God I love TL community, there is a thread for everything. <3 Fantasy (no, not you  Fantasy, fantasy).
One of my favourite fantasy authors who as far as I can see is not that well known is Robin Hobb. She has written several trilogies, all set in the same world but in very different settings, though some are connected. They also kind of reference each other within the book, and personally I love it when books do that.
Anyway onwards. As I have said, she has written several trilogies, the one I would most highly recommend is called the Liveship Trilogy. I feel like it's the most balanced of the two trilogies of hers I've read, with so much character development and an awful lot of ups and downs.
Each book is pretty long, and it is a trilogy so the whole thing really has so much time and space to become an absolutely epic storyline. And I think we all know it doesn't feel like fantasy unless it's an absolutely humongous book
Robin Hobb is also continuing to write more books, so she has one trilogy which is 2/3rds done which is actually a sort of follow on from the Liveship Trilogy.
Also, the covers of the book are absolutely epic.
I'd also like to recommend Iain M. Banks (also known as Iain Banks, it's the same guy, the M. used to distinguish his 'normal' fiction from his sci-fi fiction - the fiction stuff is excellent, but a bit grim, whereas the sci-fi is just... mind-blowing). I know this is a fantasy thread, but you mentioned Asimov in the title so I couldn't help but recommend Banks, he is one of my absolute favourite authors.
Although what he writes is technically sci-fi, I fail to see how anyone who appreciates fantasy could not enjoy the scale and comprehensive awesomeness that his books are. Moreover, the plot is unfailingly brilliant, and I can pretty much guarantee you that he will put in a twist at the end of every book that will just... explode your brain.
Crikey, that's alot of hyperbole in one paragraph. But the man is just so good. Thoroughly recommended, even though y'all have probably heard of him. I'm reading one of his books atm, but when I finish it I will check back on this thread for inspiration ^^
<3 fantasiers
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+ Show Spoiler +On April 08 2011 10:57 wristuzi wrote:God I love TL community, there is a thread for everything. <3 Fantasy (no, not you Fantasy, fantasy). One of my favourite fantasy authors who as far as I can see is not that well known is Robin Hobb. She has written several trilogies, all set in the same world but in very different settings, though some are connected. They also kind of reference each other within the book, and personally I love it when books do that. Anyway onwards. As I have said, she has written several trilogies, the one I would most highly recommend is called the Liveship Trilogy. I feel like it's the most balanced of the two trilogies of hers I've read, with so much character development and an awful lot of ups and downs. Each book is pretty long, and it is a trilogy so the whole thing really has so much time and space to become an absolutely epic storyline. And I think we all know it doesn't feel like fantasy unless it's an absolutely humongous book Robin Hobb is also continuing to write more books, so she has one trilogy which is 2/3rds done which is actually a sort of follow on from the Liveship Trilogy. Also, the covers of the book are absolutely epic. I'd also like to recommend Iain M. Banks (also known as Iain Banks, it's the same guy, the M. used to distinguish his 'normal' fiction from his sci-fi fiction - the fiction stuff is excellent, but a bit grim, whereas the sci-fi is just... mind-blowing). I know this is a fantasy thread, but you mentioned Asimov in the title so I couldn't help but recommend Banks, he is one of my absolute favourite authors. Although what he writes is technically sci-fi, I fail to see how anyone who appreciates fantasy could not enjoy the scale and comprehensive awesomeness that his books are. Moreover, the plot is unfailingly brilliant, and I can pretty much guarantee you that he will put in a twist at the end of every book that will just... explode your brain. Crikey, that's alot of hyperbole in one paragraph. But the man is just so good. Thoroughly recommended, even though y'all have probably heard of him. I'm reading one of his books atm, but when I finish it I will check back on this thread for inspiration ^^ <3 fantasiers
I've read almost all of Robin Hobb's work (and own all the books almost, gf has one or two that i dont have) Shes pretty good, my favorite series actually was her earlier trilogy The Farseer trilogy, I think i liked reading Fitz's coming of age story and his fight against the odds primarily.
So yes, she is a good writer, I was actually going to add her in a bit later when I make the initial list more comprehensive. I could perhaps make a large list of what (fairly unanimously) is good fantasy reads taking other people recommendations and just have it be the big list of things for everyone to read. That is if that's alright with everyone.
I've started reading his works, what i've read (of his sci-fi anyways) have been pretty awesome - The Algebraist and Matter thus far. I definately plan on reading more of him too.
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On April 08 2011 11:19 sc14s wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On April 08 2011 10:57 wristuzi wrote:God I love TL community, there is a thread for everything. <3 Fantasy (no, not you Fantasy, fantasy). One of my favourite fantasy authors who as far as I can see is not that well known is Robin Hobb. She has written several trilogies, all set in the same world but in very different settings, though some are connected. They also kind of reference each other within the book, and personally I love it when books do that. Anyway onwards. As I have said, she has written several trilogies, the one I would most highly recommend is called the Liveship Trilogy. I feel like it's the most balanced of the two trilogies of hers I've read, with so much character development and an awful lot of ups and downs. Each book is pretty long, and it is a trilogy so the whole thing really has so much time and space to become an absolutely epic storyline. And I think we all know it doesn't feel like fantasy unless it's an absolutely humongous book Robin Hobb is also continuing to write more books, so she has one trilogy which is 2/3rds done which is actually a sort of follow on from the Liveship Trilogy. Also, the covers of the book are absolutely epic. I'd also like to recommend Iain M. Banks (also known as Iain Banks, it's the same guy, the M. used to distinguish his 'normal' fiction from his sci-fi fiction - the fiction stuff is excellent, but a bit grim, whereas the sci-fi is just... mind-blowing). I know this is a fantasy thread, but you mentioned Asimov in the title so I couldn't help but recommend Banks, he is one of my absolute favourite authors. Although what he writes is technically sci-fi, I fail to see how anyone who appreciates fantasy could not enjoy the scale and comprehensive awesomeness that his books are. Moreover, the plot is unfailingly brilliant, and I can pretty much guarantee you that he will put in a twist at the end of every book that will just... explode your brain. Crikey, that's alot of hyperbole in one paragraph. But the man is just so good. Thoroughly recommended, even though y'all have probably heard of him. I'm reading one of his books atm, but when I finish it I will check back on this thread for inspiration ^^ <3 fantasiers I've read almost all of Robin Hobb's work (and own all the books almost, gf has one or two that i dont have) Shes pretty good, my favorite series actually was her earlier trilogy The Farseer trilogy, I think i liked reading Fitz's coming of age story and his fight against the odds primarily. So yes, she is a good writer, I was actually going to add her in a bit later when I make the initial list more comprehensive. I could perhaps make a large list of what (fairly unanimously) is good fantasy reads taking other people recommendations and just have it be the big list of things for everyone to read. That is if that's alright with everyone.
Yeah the Farseer trilogy was the one I found a bit too heavy and depressing. It might just have been a timing kinda thing, as I read that and the Liveship trilogy one after the other. Both are very much coming of age stories though, so good reads as a young teenager ^^
I also feel like the Liveship trilogy was a more complete-feeling trilogy, with so much more of the lore introduced actually being tied up at the end, whereas I felt like the Farseer trilogy just ended up petering out and becoming almost relentlessly oppressive/depressing/can't think of the damn word.
I know there is the Fool's trilogy and another about a tribe (or something?) - are they good? How would you compare them to the ones I've read (read more, fool!)?
I've read the first book of the latest Dragon trilogy, Dragon Keeper I think, was kinda waiting for the whole thing to come out before I got too into it and got upset about not being able to finish it
Opinions on Banks? And your favourite Asimov? The last book of his I read was End of Eternity, was pretty great (and an interesting comparison to Banks).
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Sydney2287 Posts
On April 08 2011 10:17 IronFenix wrote:
I'll have to agree with all of your suggestions. I also highly enjoyed the Night Angel Trilogy from Brent weeks.
From Wikipedia "The Night Angel Trilogy is a fantasy series written by Brent Weeks. The story follows the life of Azoth (later Kylar Stern) as he struggles as a guild rat to become the ultimate wetboy (an assassin with slight magical talent, such as the ability to muffle sound, or to block an attack with your mind), then tries to leave it all behind and finally becomes the avatar of retribution: the Night Angel."
Just adding my support for this series, it was amazing. Unfortunately my copy of book 1 is currently at a friend's place and I have to wait a while before I can read it again . Unique world, with a non-cliche storyline.
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Series:
Wheel of Time
Colors of Chaos
A Game of Thrones
I'll edit this with opinions about WoT later, the others I've been recommended by my friend who reads a shit load, so I recommend them as well.
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Anyone who liked the "Malazan Book of the Fallen" novels should read "The Black Company" novels by Glen Cook ^^
As someone who has read every novel mentioned in this thread as well as probably all novels which will be mentioned later, I have to say that my favorite fantasy series of all time is "A Song of Ice and Fire". It is simply the most well written, very dramatic and many other good things
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On April 08 2011 11:31 wristuzi wrote:Show nested quote +On April 08 2011 11:19 sc14s wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On April 08 2011 10:57 wristuzi wrote:God I love TL community, there is a thread for everything. <3 Fantasy (no, not you Fantasy, fantasy). One of my favourite fantasy authors who as far as I can see is not that well known is Robin Hobb. She has written several trilogies, all set in the same world but in very different settings, though some are connected. They also kind of reference each other within the book, and personally I love it when books do that. Anyway onwards. As I have said, she has written several trilogies, the one I would most highly recommend is called the Liveship Trilogy. I feel like it's the most balanced of the two trilogies of hers I've read, with so much character development and an awful lot of ups and downs. Each book is pretty long, and it is a trilogy so the whole thing really has so much time and space to become an absolutely epic storyline. And I think we all know it doesn't feel like fantasy unless it's an absolutely humongous book Robin Hobb is also continuing to write more books, so she has one trilogy which is 2/3rds done which is actually a sort of follow on from the Liveship Trilogy. Also, the covers of the book are absolutely epic. I'd also like to recommend Iain M. Banks (also known as Iain Banks, it's the same guy, the M. used to distinguish his 'normal' fiction from his sci-fi fiction - the fiction stuff is excellent, but a bit grim, whereas the sci-fi is just... mind-blowing). I know this is a fantasy thread, but you mentioned Asimov in the title so I couldn't help but recommend Banks, he is one of my absolute favourite authors. Although what he writes is technically sci-fi, I fail to see how anyone who appreciates fantasy could not enjoy the scale and comprehensive awesomeness that his books are. Moreover, the plot is unfailingly brilliant, and I can pretty much guarantee you that he will put in a twist at the end of every book that will just... explode your brain. Crikey, that's alot of hyperbole in one paragraph. But the man is just so good. Thoroughly recommended, even though y'all have probably heard of him. I'm reading one of his books atm, but when I finish it I will check back on this thread for inspiration ^^ <3 fantasiers I've read almost all of Robin Hobb's work (and own all the books almost, gf has one or two that i dont have) Shes pretty good, my favorite series actually was her earlier trilogy The Farseer trilogy, I think i liked reading Fitz's coming of age story and his fight against the odds primarily. So yes, she is a good writer, I was actually going to add her in a bit later when I make the initial list more comprehensive. I could perhaps make a large list of what (fairly unanimously) is good fantasy reads taking other people recommendations and just have it be the big list of things for everyone to read. That is if that's alright with everyone. Yeah the Farseer trilogy was the one I found a bit too heavy and depressing. It might just have been a timing kinda thing, as I read that and the Liveship trilogy one after the other. Both are very much coming of age stories though, so good reads as a young teenager ^^ I also feel like the Liveship trilogy was a more complete-feeling trilogy, with so much more of the lore introduced actually being tied up at the end, whereas I felt like the Farseer trilogy just ended up petering out and becoming almost relentlessly oppressive/depressing/can't think of the damn word. I know there is the Fool's trilogy and another about a tribe (or something?) - are they good? How would you compare them to the ones I've read (read more, fool!)? I've read the first book of the latest Dragon trilogy, Dragon Keeper I think, was kinda waiting for the whole thing to come out before I got too into it and got upset about not being able to finish it Opinions on Banks? And your favourite Asimov? The last book of his I read was End of Eternity, was pretty great (and an interesting comparison to Banks).
Woah there cowboy thats alot of questions.
I've read a ton of fantasy thats pretty much primarily not as dark in the fact that it always has the "And they lived happily every after." blah blah kind of thing. So for me I tend to gravitate towards darker fantasy i think for a couple of reasons: a) its refreshing to be less able to predict the outcome (thus making it more gripping, wanting to know what happens next) and b)It is to some extent more realistic because the real world really is pretty damn dark. So I think thats why i preferred the Farseer Trilogy over the rest of her books thus far.
Are you talking about Soldier's son trilogy? It was... Interesting but I would say actually so far it's my least liked of any of her books that i've read I think the problem is it really is like too depressing and the whole magic system is weird.. even if it makes sense. I don't know its hard to say the exact reasons why but its my least liked of her books, not to say that its bad persay but..yeah just my least liked (havent gotten the chance to read her latest - Rain Wild Chronicles yet just btw)
If you want my exact ranking of all her books thus far that ive read it goes:
1)Farseer
2)Liveship Traders
3)Tawny man
4)Soldier's son
again note i haven't read her newest two books yet so i wont comment either.
Bank's I really do like alot and I have read a few of his books, Reasoning behind me liking him so much is linked to how massive a world he has created, thats one of my main premise's for books, there really has to be a huge base to make the world really feel real when im reading it. As you know real life is always complicated.. so therfore without the books feeling complicated they dont feel like they are real.. and no i'm not saying i am mistaking my reality or anything silly like that, but i really like to be totally engrossed in the story and when the story is really complicated it makes it feel more realistic thus more entertaining to read.. if any of that makes any sense let me know.)
My favorite Asimov is easily The Foundation Trilogy. He has tons of good ones but I loved the idea behind it about how Harry seldon (iirc thats his name.. been years) could predict the future through science, when I was like 13 it was totally mindblowing and made me really start reading some sci-fi (I started looking for sci-fi books in particular for awhile and stumbled upon Enders game.. another great modern classic book)
I would say Asimov set the stage for authors like Banks just as Tolkien did for fantasy.
Anyways.. long post I think i got everything.
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My roommate got me into "The Lost Fleet" series. It's a sci-fi military story about a space armada and their reluctant new leader.
I've only read the first book so far, but I really appreciate the fresh and interesting take on space combat and also the very human protagonist.
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On April 08 2011 12:08 Paper117 wrote:
My roommate got me into "The Lost Fleet" series. It's a sci-fi military story about a space armada and their reluctant new leader.
I've only read the first book so far, but I really appreciate the fresh and interesting take on space combat and also the very human protagonist.
sounds vaguely Battlestar Galactica'ish.
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I'm reading the Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson right now. If you like that book, I absolutely recommending reading his Mistborn Trilogy. One of the best series I've ever read.
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Sci-fi/fantasy fans should really, really check out Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun. Amazing series of five books, easily some of the smartest and strangest fiction of any genre. It might not be for everyone, since it's pretty demanding and you need to read it very closely to get the most out of it, but it's very worth it. It's so deep that there are 2 or 3 published books of nothing but analysis of the series, and an active mailing list discussing the series that dates back to 1997.
I don't wanna overhype it too much but I really think sci-fi/fantasy people owe it to themselves to check it out.
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Book 2 of Rothfuss' is already out man, go and read it NOWISH. All in all not as good as the first but still a must read. I feel like it didn't answer questions, it just continued the narrative, which is OK but it makes me hunger for book 3.
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned The Dresden Files series. I'd definitely recommend them they're always really interesting I've only read the first 2 books and that was awhile ago but I know a lot of people who are huge fans.
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On April 08 2011 12:21 Zim23 wrote:
Book 2 of Rothfuss' is already out man, go and read it NOWISH. All in all not as good as the first but still a must read. I feel like it didn't answer questions, it just continued the narrative, which is OK but it makes me hunger for book 3.
I knew it was coming out nowish <.< just hadn't looked at the exact date.
Isn't that how 2nd book in a trilogy usually go? basically its always the quiet before the storm because 1st book starts with being really interesting to hook the reader as well as introduce everyone where the 2nd just continues the basic story along to line it up for the climatic ending no?
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Sword of Truth series, I didn't see it mentioned.
I've read just about everything. Might have to start writing books for something to do. lol
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EPT
