NationStates Jolt Archive

Just curious, what do you consider the best fantasy books you've ever read? For me personally, it has to be the Thomas Covenant books by Stephen Donaldson.

(Apologies for all the other great books I couldn't fit into the list - Conan the Barbarian, Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser, Narnia, Death Gate Cycle, Witch World etc. etc. - that's why I included "other") ;)

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Here's some others people have nominated:

Harry Potter books - JK Rowling
Amber Chronicles - Roger Zelazny
A Song of Fire and Ice series - George RR Martin
Black Company series - Glen Cook
Dark Tower series - Stephen King
Dark Materials series - Philip Pullman
Jhereg series - Steven Brust
The Last Herald-mage series - Mercedes Lackey
Valdemar series - Mercedes Lackey
Dune Series - Frank Herbert
Trollslayer books - William King
Dragon King trilogy - Stephen R Lawhead
Ender's Game series - Orson Scott Card
Tales of Alvin Maker series - Orson Scott Card
Sword of Truth series - Terry Goodkind
Farseer/Tawny Man/Liveship Traders series - Robin Hobb
The Misenchanted Sword series - Lawrence Watt-evans
The Dragoncrown War series - Michael A Stackpole
Empire Saga - Raymond E Feist & Janny Wurts
Riftwar Saga - Raymond E Feist
Lyonesse series - Jack Vance
Dying Earth series - Jack Vance
Redwall series - Brian Jacques
Incarnations of Immortality - Piers Anthony
Xanth series - Piers Anthony
Warlock series - Christopher Stasheff
Myth series - Robert Asprin
Dancing Gods series - Jack L Chalker
Shannara series - Terry Brooks
Lionness series - Tamora Pierce
The Blue Sword/The Hero and the Crown - Robin McKinley
The Gammage Cup - Carol Kendall
Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett

The "House of Amber" series by Roger Zelazny.
Nine reality-warping princes engage in a dynastic war across an ever-changing universe, as their father the King has died... And the City of Amber, from which all that is Order irradiates, is threatened by the Courts of Chaos. Reality may dissolve into chaos. But what is reality, but a construction of the mind?

There are too many to choose from. I've read most/all of the books from the series listed and they all rock. That's an impossible choice in my opinion. In terms of favorite author of those listed that would have to be Edding though.

Either Steven Brust's Jhereg series or Glen Cook's Black Company series

This one is a no-brainer. Although Elric is rather amusing, LOTR wins hands down.

Narnia

Curse you! You didn't even put the Harry Potter series on the list; those were the books that got me into fantasy in the first place, which captured my love and seized my undivided attention until I finished each piece. Shame on you! :mad:

That's easy.

The A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin is the greatest fantasy work. Gritty, tightly plotted, filled with great characters, beautiful language, rich culture, thrilling battles, evil betrayals and a paganistic form of magic. Plus, the good guys most certainly do not usually win, and it's also chock full of graphic sex, violence and swearing.

Love it. :D

Pratchett 0wnz0rrz j00 411!!

"The Last Herald-Mage" series by Mercedes Lackey.

Curse you! You didn't even put the Harry Potter series on the list; those were the books that got me into fantasy in the first place, which captured my love and seized my undivided attention until I finished each piece. Shame on you! :mad:
Sorry, diudn't mean to offend - I just don't read kids books, so it didn't occur to me.

But, GOOD NEWS! Thats why I put OTHER on the list ;) :rolleyes:

You didn't mention the Dune series. those books were amazing.

On a lesser note, if anyone has ever read the Star Wars: New Jedi Order series it was amazing. 19 books... epic stuff. it was VERY good. especially number 13, traitor (you can actually go get that one book, you'll be slightly lost, but its kind of a stand alone novel, just get a little bit of background on how Jacen got into the mess... and you can always ask me for that info.)

Sorry, diudn't mean to offend - I just don't read kids books, so it didn't occur to me.

But, GOOD NEWS! Thats why I put OTHER on the list ;) :rolleyes:
(1) You did not offend me, just shocked me.
(2) The Harry Potter series are NOT children's books. When they were published, J.K. never even imagined that they would be popular with children or even young adults.

You didn't mention the Dune series. those books were amazing.

On a lesser note, if anyone has ever read the Star Wars: New Jedi Order series it was amazing. 19 books... epic stuff. it was VERY good. especially number 13, traitor (you can actually go get that one book, you'll be slightly lost, but its kind of a stand alone novel, just get a little bit of background on how Jacen got into the mess... and you can always ask me for that info.)


Fantasy, not Sci-fi. Otherwise I'll bring the Inquisition War books in (which are rather 'fantasy').

As it is I must point out the Trollslayer books.

You didn't mention the Dune series. those books were amazing.

On a lesser note, if anyone has ever read the Star Wars: New Jedi Order series it was amazing. 19 books... epic stuff. it was VERY good. especially number 13, traitor (you can actually go get that one book, you'll be slightly lost, but its kind of a stand alone novel, just get a little bit of background on how Jacen got into the mess... and you can always ask me for that info.)
Star Wars isn't fantasy, it's sci-fi.

Harry Potter[/I] series are NOT children's books. When they were published, J.K. never even imagined that they would be popular with children or even young adults.

She didn't expect them to be popular. 300 first print run and all...

She didn't expect them to be popular. 300 first print run and all...
I know that, but she thought that if her book would appeal to any crowd, it would be an adult one.


EDIT: APPEAL NOT APPEAR! GRRR...

Although I voted for the LOTR another close runned- up is the Dragon King Trilogy by Stephen R. Lawhead. It's not a very well known, but if you like fantasy then I think you will like these books.

I agree That Harry Potter should be included here. I am also a huge fan of the Dragon Lance Series by Weis and Hickman. In fact it was the Dragon Lance series that got me hooked on the genre. This after many years of D&D soaked weekends.

Cool - I'm getting the names of some new series to check out :D

I voted LOTR cause it was the best on the list but i must say i think that Narnia and Harry Potter should have been on the list :)

Okay, so I had to throw Elric a vote, since I was named after him. And of course, I love the series... Nevertheless, for the record my honest vote goes to Thomas Covenant. I am DYING for Donaldson to finish the series!!!!

EDIT: A close second-place goes to Zelazny's Amber series... (Thanks go to another poster for mentioning it first!)

A song of ice and fire is the shit. It got it all and it never really makes someone the good or bad guy, each and everyone of them got their bad sides and good sides, also you just have got to love house Bolton, those guys are completely crazy. But Eddings will always have a speciall place in my mind since it was his books that got me hooked on reading at the start, without him it's most likely that I would never have started reading alot and thus never overcome my dyslexia.

As a kid/young teenager my favourite book was A Wizard of Earthsea.

Having said that, I love Pratchett, Tolkien & George RR Martin too.

Edit: Damn, forgot about the Narnia series,

That's easy.

The A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin is the greatest fantasy work. Gritty, tightly plotted, filled with great characters, beautiful language, rich culture, thrilling battles, evil betrayals and a paganistic form of magic. Plus, the good guys most certainly do not usually win, and it's also chock full of graphic sex, violence and swearing.

Love it. :D

Seconded.
Wonderful world, just waiting for more of him.

Wonderful world, just waiting for more of him. He's certainly taking his time isn't he? Wasn't "A Feast for Crows" supposed to be released like a year ago?

He's certainly taking his time isn't he? Wasn't "A Feast for Crows" supposed to be released like a year ago?

Since I live in sweden we get them even later then other englishspeaking countries, very annoying.

I must say, I've read most of the titles that you list, as well as most of the ones mentioned in the ensuing posts and a fair few more. I must say that if there is one author who stands apart from the rest, it's Pratchett. Although they're all quite excellent, there are some qualities about Pratchett that just aren't there otherwise. So my vote goes irrevocably to Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.

The Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey are the best of that group in my opinion. I've read and reread them all lots of times.

I've tried to read Lord of the Rings several times but it just gets too boring. Way to drawn out and way way too much discription. The Hobbit on the other hand is good and I've read it through several times. I just wish Tolkien had written Lord of the Rings in the same style.

The Hobbit on the other hand is good and I've read it through several times. I just wish Tolkien had written Lord of the Rings in the same style. You mean as a children's book?

Why not? :)

The Hobbit is a good read, Lord of the Rings puts me to sleep. All the discription and long drawn out crap in LOTR makes it a very boring book. Thats just my opinion and I know there are plenty of people who will disagree with it. I'm just one of those readers who likes a brisk storyline.

Stephen King's Dark Tower series is my favorite, hands down. Okay, okay, it's part horror, but I think anyone who's read it will attest it fits best in fantasy.

Also - Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series (Golden Compass, Subtle Knife, Amber Spyglass).

And don't forget Ender's Game and its sequels!


And...sorry Potter fans. They're young adult fiction. If Rowling was writing for any other audience, she's an idiot.

He's certainly taking his time isn't he? Wasn't "A Feast for Crows" supposed to be released like a year ago?

It's very frustrating because the books are so good. I re-read the first three earlier this year, in anticipation of the fourth one. Oh well, I'll just have to re-read them again when it is released.

personally mine is Discworld and Narnia

Sure I love J.R.R.Tolkein but I must say that they do not capture my immediate attention whenever reading.

Wheel of Time - it has an interesting enough main message, but I could not, for the very life of me, try and read anymore than the first few. I know, to the pit of my soul, that since J.R.R released his epic novels everyone with half a brain to write a novel "like LOTR" has books almost identical to LOTR. I liked the idea but most of it was far beyond my idealistic book writings too much the same not enough different, thusly why I chose discworld: somewhat the same but much, much more different than every other fantasy series I've read.

plus Narnia was written by C.S.Lewis, an amazing man with talent in fantasy writing and in christian writing.

i dunno, just my opinion (such as whoever said that Harry Potter was only for children [which if you deny to read a great set of books because you interpret them as "childish" you need to sort out your book standards])

Boonytopia and Falhaar: You could order it from UK in the autumn, otherwise you have to wait for it, I think, since you both live in Aus, don't know if the US or the UK edition comes out first though, although it looks like the UK edition is relaesed in october. Hopefully the next comes the year after that since he has written most of it already.

Pratchett for me! Best fantasy without a doubt.

I just thought it was really great to find out i wasn't the only person to read the Thomas Covenant trilogies. Donaldson's not that great otherwise but I loved the TC books!

Boonytopia and Falhaar: You could order it from UK in the autumn, otherwise you have to wait for it, I think, since you both live in Aus, don't know if the US or the UK edition comes out first though, although it looks like the UK edition is relaesed in october. Hopefully the next comes the year after that since he has written most of it already.

Whose autumn? I not so much a problem of supply, I can get it quickly enough when it comes out. It's more that the release date keeps getting pushed back & back.

Stephen King's Dark Tower series is my favorite, hands down. Okay, okay, it's part horror, but I think anyone who's read it will attest it fits best in fantasy.

Also - Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series (Golden Compass, Subtle Knife, Amber Spyglass).

And don't forget Ender's Game and its sequels!


And...sorry Potter fans. They're young adult fiction. If Rowling was writing for any other audience, she's an idiot.
I won't get into the Harry Potter thing with you, but I have to agree with you about the Dark Tower series. My personal favorite is Wizard and Glass

Star Wars isn't fantasy, it's sci-fi.

Its actually more fantasy than anything. WAY too much of it is scientifically impossible.

Anyway, going to have to go with Tolkein’s work. Both because his writing is amazing IMO and because he said the most wonderful thing about writing I have ever heard. When accused of his writing being escapism he said: “Yes, but if we're in prison, to escape is the right thing to do."

Its actually more fantasy than anything. WAY too much of it is scientifically impossible.

Anyway, going to have to go with Tolkein’s work. Both because his writing is amazing IMO and because he said the most wonderful thing about writing I have ever heard. When accused of his writing being escapism he said: “Yes, but if we're in prison, to escape is the right thing to do."
Actually, it is sci-fi, and I'm not going to bulge on that one. Science fiction, by definition, is the genre that uses science or pseudoscience to explain the unrealistic events and occurances.

Actually, it is sci-fi, and I'm not going to bulge on that one. Science fiction, by definition, is the genre that uses science or pseudoscience to explain the unrealistic events and occurances.

Because of The Force I tend to think it has a fantasy element, but to each his/her own.

The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind.

Whose autumn? I not so much a problem of supply, I can get it quickly enough when it comes out. It's more that the release date keeps getting pushed back & back.

Sorry, forgot about that pesky thing with opposite seasons, HarperCollins Voyager is planning to release it Oct 17 in UK.

Because of The Force I tend to think it has a fantasy element, but to each his/her own.
Well, "The Force" is more like a religious belief of individual characters than it is a fantasy element. It could be said, if one were absorbed in the Star Wars universe, that the characters may believe it is "The Force" that allows them to use mind control and other Jedi tricks, but that there is actually a perfectly good logical scientific or pseudoscientific explaination to it. After all, all the abilities of a Jedi could be considered occurances of ESP. (Telekinesis, telepathy, precognition, etc.)

Well, "The Force" is more like a religious belief of individual characters than it is a fantasy element. It could be said, if one were absorbed in the Star Wars universe, that the characters may believe it is "The Force" that allows them to use mind control and other Jedi tricks, but that there is actually a perfectly good logical scientific or pseudoscientific explaination to it. After all, all the abilities of a Jedi could be considered occurances of ESP. (Telekinesis, telepathy, precognition, etc.)
Actually, midi-chlorians (sp?).

Well, "The Force" is more like a religious belief of individual characters than it is a fantasy element. It could be said, if one were absorbed in the Star Wars universe, that the characters may believe it is "The Force" that allows them to use mind control and other Jedi tricks, but that there is actually a perfectly good logical scientific or pseudoscientific explaination to it. After all, all the abilities of a Jedi could be considered occurances of ESP. (Telekinesis, telepathy, precognition, etc.)

Yeah, but there is an obvious, never explained, mystical difference between the Light and Dark sides.

Lord of the Rings is the archetype of fantasy. I have to choose it in the same way I'd have to choose Hamlet in a thread debating the best play ever. It's the yardstick by which others in its genre are measured.

That being said, I'd also like to note that the Discworld books, while they really shouldn't win here, probably belong in a thread on the best satirical works ever. They're not the most amazing pieces of fantasy writing, but Pratchett is a pearl of the first water when it comes to hysterical and biting satire...

Yeah, but there is an obvious, never explained, mystical difference between the Light and Dark sides.
Actually, the Light and Dark side, to some people's way of thinking, could simply the Jedi and Sith's exaggerated religious views of the concept of good and evil.

Dark side = uncontrolled passion
Light side = reason

It's an oversimplification really, but what fiction isn't?

Actually, the Light and Dark side, to some people's way of thinking, could simply the Jedi and Sith's exaggerated religious views of the concept of good and evil.

I don’t know if you have ever read the books, but this is exactly how many beings in the Star Wars Galaxy think. Thus, there was no outcry when the Jedi were wiped out. People thought the Sith were just a different religion. However, in the books and video games where this view is expressed it is usually expressed by unknowledgeable individuals. Also, in the books and video games, the Sith are always oppressive, while the Jedi support democracy, freedom and understanding. (I can’t believe I am debating this.)

I do like the Wheel of Time Series, The Belgariad and Pratchett but the 3 interconnected trilogies by Robin Hobb, Assassin Series, Liveship Series and the Fool Series are fantastic!

Who's read the Lawrence Watt-Evans books? The Misenchanted Sword, With a Single Spell, The Unwilling Warlord, etc. Those are excellent!

Definitely Lotr and I think the Silmarilllion is ace

Why not? :)

The Hobbit is a good read, Lord of the Rings puts me to sleep. All the discription and long drawn out crap in LOTR makes it a very boring book. Thats just my opinion and I know there are plenty of people who will disagree with it. I'm just one of those readers who likes a brisk storyline.

Pardon me for asking but exactly how far did you get?

When I first tried to read LOTR I must admit that I couldn't get through it, but then later on I tried again and found that the first 200 pages while, seemingly long and drawn out were in fact necessary to the perfection of the following 1000 pages that is so grand you simply cannot put the book down until it's finished.

As such, I've read LOTR in a few days.

So if you're still stuck in the shire, I understand where you are coming from and I urge you to press on... if you've reached the mines of moria and are still bored then you might as well finish and at least get some enjoyment out of it since the pace is still picking up speed at that point. If you made it to helms deep well... I stand corrected. :p

And after reading LOTR, read the Silmarillion, but have your thinking cap on coz it's a complicated one but not as long

His Dark Materials
I think thats what it's called... the golden compass; the subtle knife; the amber spyglass
Lord of the Rings is the most boreing books ever and I'm not quite sure how they managed to become so popular. Sure they're well written, but they just aren't interesting at all. It almost killed me in a non-litteral sence to finish them just so I can say that I read them. My ten pound social studies text book is well written too but there's no way I'm reading that cover to cover willing in my lifetime.

Discworld pwns all. Period.

Pardon me for asking but exactly how far did you get?

When I first tried to read LOTR I must admit that I couldn't get through it, but then later on I tried again and found that the first 200 pages while, seemingly long and drawn out were in fact necessary to the perfection of the following 1000 pages that is so grand you simply cannot put the book down until it's finished.

As such, I've read LOTR in a few days.

So if you're still stuck in the shire, I understand where you are coming from and I urge you to press on... if you've reached the mines of moria and are still bored then you might as well finish and at least get some enjoyment out of it since the pace is still picking up speed at that point. If you made it to helms deep well... I stand corrected. :p

I got about a third of the way in and that was skimming and skipping some sections that I just couldn't force myself to get through :D.

This was several years ago. I haven't tried reading it again after watching the movies. Knowing the basic storyline may make it easier to get through. Perhaps you're right and I should give it another go one of these days. Maybe when I've finished Gone with the Wind which I am rereading now :).

Well, i cant decide between Zelaznys Amber, Leibers Swords against..., and Stackpoles Dragoncrown for a series. But for a single novel Talion: Revenant by Stackpole reigns supreme, even before LotR.

That's easy.

The A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin is the greatest fantasy work. Gritty, tightly plotted, filled with great characters, beautiful language, rich culture, thrilling battles, evil betrayals and a paganistic form of magic. Plus, the good guys most certainly do not usually win, and it's also chock full of graphic sex, violence and swearing.

Love it. :D

A song of ice and fire is the shit. It got it all and it never really makes someone the good or bad guy, each and everyone of them got their bad sides and good sides, also you just have got to love house Bolton, those guys are completely crazy.

seconded and thirded :cool:

Robin Hobb's books are way cool, too

my personal favourite is the Empire Saga by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts, followed by the Riftwar saga, which was written purely by Raymond E Feist. Everyone loves Milamber.

The Lyonese series by Jack Vance. I love the writing style, it's so whimsical and imaginative. His 'Dying Earth' books are also great relaxation aids.

my personal favourite is the Empire Saga by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts, followed by the Riftwar saga, which was written purely by Raymond E Feist. Everyone loves Milamber. :)

His Dalk Materials. WHY arn't they on the list?

The Lyonese series by Jack Vance. I love the writing style, it's so whimsical and imaginative. His 'Dying Earth' books are also great relaxation aids.
Haven't read the Lyonese series, but I love the Dying Earth books - especially because D&D totally rips off it's spell system from them :p

my personal favourite is the Empire Saga by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts, followed by the Riftwar saga, which was written purely by Raymond E Feist. Everyone loves Milamber.

Damn, got to the last page without seeing Feist and i come too late to mention him. Decent heroic fantasy/high fantasy, easy read too :) Perfect for holidays and long trips IMHO. Makes the time fly.

Just thought of another great series:
"The Book of the new Sun" series by Gene Wolf (first book called "The shadow of the Torturer"). Set millions of years in the future, it details the adventures of a Torturer's apprentice, who is exiled from his guild for helping a prisoner commit suicide rather than be executed.

Discworld, nothing's better

I chose LOTR out of the choices, but Harry Potter and The Dark Tower by Stephen King have to challenge, if you count The Dark Tower as fantasy...it kind of is.

His Dalk Materials. WHY arn't they on the list?

Yeah, and that :D

It seems ironic that His Dark Materials, Harry Potter and The Dark Tower arent around though they are by far some of the best

You forgot Redwall!

Why not? :)

The Hobbit is a good read, Lord of the Rings puts me to sleep. All the discription and long drawn out crap in LOTR makes it a very boring book. Thats just my opinion and I know there are plenty of people who will disagree with it. I'm just one of those readers who likes a brisk storyline.

totally agree. it's a lovely story and all, and it certainly paved the way for a lot of great authors, but it's too dry. no color whatsoever.

The Chronicles of Narnia

by C.S. Lewis

I chose Tolkien, but you forgot the Valdemer Series by Mercedes Lackey. While not as good as Tolkien, Lackey's still pretty good.

dune IS fantasy. it's just kind of a mix of the two. either way, fantasy and sci-fi are very linked and similar, at least sometimes. espeically in the way of DUNE. sandworms and spice how leto morphs into a worm isn't very "sci-fi" if you ask me.

Piers Anthony's incarnations of immortality is a great fantasy series and Steven Kings dark tower series is also a great fantasy series you left out along with Piers Anthony's Xanth series the list goes on and on there's way to many good series to just pick one.

And if we get into Scifi there's , In Death Ground and The Shiva Option by Steve White and David Weber and so many more.... ok im not gonna keep on listing things because its just a waste of time but you get the piont theres so many good series its mind boggeling.

Have read the following:

The Wheel of Time series by Jordan is great - just wish he would hurry up and release the rest of the series before he dies!
The Thomas Covenant series is also good and i'm looking forward to the last two books.
Terry Pratchett's discworld books are probably one of the best and funniest series out there.
The Feist books are good though I havent read some of the more recent ones.
Havent heard anything good about the George R.R. Martin ones until the earlier posts.
Philip Pullmans 'His Dark Materials' are good too.
Wasn't keen on Robin Hobbs books - especially the Liveship Traders (boring)

Plus a number of other series and stand-alones.

Anyone suggest any other good series that I could read?

Yeah, and that :D

It seems ironic that His Dark Materials, Harry Potter and The Dark Tower arent around though they are by far some of the best
His Dark Materials came 3rd on the greatest book of all time list and Potter 5, yet they've been sadly overlooked.

A Song of Ice and Fire

by George R R Martin

I don’t know if you have ever read the books, but this is exactly how many beings in the Star Wars Galaxy think. Thus, there was no outcry when the Jedi were wiped out. People thought the Sith were just a different religion. However, in the books and video games where this view is expressed it is usually expressed by unknowledgeable individuals. Also, in the books and video games, the Sith are always oppressive, while the Jedi support democracy, freedom and understanding. (I can’t believe I am debating this.)
Well, rather than it being exclusively a fantasy aspect, I think it's more George Lucas' way of having a very clear "good" and "evil". I can't believe you're debating me on this, either. :p

Anyway... I'll leave this subject alone from now on as I am tired of the arguement.

I have to go with the Dark Tower series. Each book is a little different but gripping.

Orson Scott Card's Alvin Maker
Christopher Stasheff's Warlock
Robert Asprin's Myth
Jack L. Chalker's Dancing Gods
Terry Brooks' Shannara

But I voted for Elric... :D

I must admit to being a complete His Dark Materials Triology fan. Th author is Phillip Pullman and the books are, The golden compass, The subtle knife and The amber spyglass.

Chronicles of Narnia-GREAT!
His Dark Materials-GREAT!
Incantations of Immortality-GREAT!
Once again, Harry Potter-RULER OF MY LITERARY UNIVERSE!

I don't know if anyone mentioned the Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce yet, but they're a good fantasy series (specifically for young adults, I do believe.) Also, The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley are great. There's also The Gammage Cup by Carol Kendall. Does The Giver by Lois Lowry count as fantasy? If so, I have to give it props. And as far as children's fantasy goes, Roald Dahl is king. Anything he has written is most definitely a classic. Another good children's fantasy book is The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards.

As you can see, I love fantasy... a lot! :p

However, I'm ashamed to say that I haven't gotten around to reading Tolkien's books yet. *Scolds self.* Based on comparing LotR movies with Harry Potter ones and then comparing Harry Potter movies to books, I suspect it'd be a great read once I got into it.

I must admit to being a complete His Dark Materials Triology fan. Th author is Phillip Pullman and the books are, The golden compass, The subtle knife and The amber spyglass.
I got The Golden Compass for a gift around Christmas. When I finally got around to reading it, it was great. Usually fantasy/sci-fi crossovers piss me off.

Sword of truth series by Terry Goodkind

I've only read the first book and a half, but I love it

Terry Brooks' Shannara
I've read "Magical Kingdom For Sale -- Sold!" by Terry Brooks when I was much younger. It was one of my first fantasy readings, and I have fond memories of this book. It is funny, witty and very well written.

any series by Glen Cook especially The Dread Empire series.

I won't get into the Harry Potter thing with you, but I have to agree with you about the Dark Tower series. My personal favorite is Wizard and Glass
Really? I thought most of that was quite dire. Mejis was an unwelcome side story. My favourite is Wolves of the Calla so far, havent read beyond it yet though.

Curse you! You didn't even put the Harry Potter series on the list; those were the books that got me into fantasy in the first place, which captured my love and seized my undivided attention until I finished each piece. Shame on you! :mad:

My view exactly. ;)

I got The Golden Compass for a gift around Christmas. When I finally got around to reading it, it was great. Usually fantasy/sci-fi crossovers piss me off.
It's Northen Lights over here, and it's great. But the Amber Spyglass is even better, the greatest book I've ever read, the only pne to move me to tears. thats how powerful it is.

George R R Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire. My favorite series by far. A feast for Crows will be out later this year, finally.

Pullman's His Dark Matierials is amazing.

Loved the Harry Potter series. It has a lot in it for adult readers, so I'd highly recommend it.

Hated, oh boy I hated, the Wheel of Time. All it was was a bland LOTR rip-off. At least the first book was. Couldn't get past that. I think it was built up too much for me by friends, but ooh boy it blows.

It's not fantasy, but historical fiction, but Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is one of my favorite books I've ever read. It's set around the building of an English catherdral. Check it out!

Sword of truth series by Terry Goodkind

I've only read the first book and a half, but I love it
finish the second book and then STOP READING! The rest is utter garbage.

It's Northen Lights over here, and it's great. But the Amber Spyglass is even better, the greatest book I've ever read, the only pne to move me to tears. thats how powerful it is.

I have all 3 of them but only read a bit of the first. Got caught up with The Dark Tower - when I'm done I'll go to that though. With a Harry Potter 6 interlude however

Discworld > you all. I mean, seriously. It manages to remain consistantly funny while also managing good character development and the occasional philosophical tangent.

FFS, to everyone who said "why isn't such and such on the list"...let me make it really simple: polls only allow 10 choices. I put "other" for anything else people wanted to pick. Did you really think I could fit every signle fantasy series ever written into 9 slots? :rolleyes:

FFS, to everyone who said "why isn't such and such on the list"...let me make it really simple: polls only allow 10 choices. I put "other" for anything else people wanted to pick. Did you really think I could fit every signle fantasy series ever written into 9 slots? :rolleyes:
No, of course not. We're just giving you a hard time for the sake of giving you a hard time. :p

No, of course not. We're just giving you a hard time for the sake of giving you a hard time. :p
Duly noted :D

Mike-achusetts!!! Pillars of the Earth was a very good book. I don't think I've run across anyone else who has read it though!

I voted LOTR this time...I've read the series every year around Christmas time since I was 14 years old, and I usually tack on the Silmarillion if I have time. Okay, 2001 and 2004 don't count because I'd given birth in October and November and if anyone out there has kids...well I'm sure you remember your first two months with a new baby!

I really liked the Dark Materials trilogy as well. I think I read somewhere it's been optioned for a movie. Anyone with more info?

I just got into Discworld. Love it people, LOVE IT.

Has anyone read the Sandman series? Waiting to get that as a gift for Christmas hopefully.

And last but not least in my heart - Guy Gavriel Kay's masterpiece 'Tigana'. I love this book. Political intrigue, interesting religious and magical systems, rebellion, war and yes, there's some smut too. 'Tigana' is far better than his other 'historical' novels that are based loosely on different civilizations. I've read both 'A Song for Arbonne' and 'The Lions of Al-Rassan' and didn't enjoy them nearly as much. Also, what is his obsession with redheads? And talk about someone having something against the matriarchy!

Here's an update of "other" category -

Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
Amber Chronicles - Roger Zelazny
A Song of Fire and Ice series - George RR Martin
Black Company series - Glen Cook
Dark Tower series - Stephen King
Dark Materials series - Philip Pullman
Jhereg series - Steven Brust
The Last Herald-mage series - Mercedes Lackey
Valdemar series - Mercedes Lackey
Dune Series - Frank Herbert
Trollslayer books - William King
Dragon King trilogy - Stephen R Lawhead
Ender's Game series - Orson Scott Card
Tales of Alvin Maker series - Orson Scott Card
Sword of Truth series - Terry Goodkind
Farseer/Tawny Man/Liveship Traders series - Robin Hobb
The Misenchanted Sword series - Lawrence Watt-evans
The Dragoncrown War series - Michael A Stackpole
Empire Saga - Raymond E Feist & Janny Wurts
Riftwar Saga - Raymond E Feist
Lyonesse series - Jack Vance
Dying Earth series - Jack Vance
Redwall series - Brian Jacques
Incarnations of Immortality - Piers Anthony
Xanth series - Piers Anthony
Warlock series - Christopher Stasheff
Myth series - Robert Asprin
Dancing Gods series - Jack L Chalker
Shannara series - Terry Brooks
Lionness series - Tamora Pierce
The Blue Sword/The Hero and the Crown - Robin McKinley
The Gammage Cup - Carol Kendall
Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett

you forgot Narnia

Although I liked the Thomas Covenant Chronicles by Donaldsen, the best Fantasy series in my eyes would be the Belgariad. It's a series of five books by David Eddings.

I haven't read any of those on the poll (which is kinda bad I guess) and I usually read more science fiction than fantasy.

The one that sticks to my mind though is "The Griffon" by Wolfgang Hohlbein.

It's been years ago that I read it but can still recall how thrilled I was :D

I see several people have suggesrted Feist's Empire and Riftwar series. Are any of you aware that it was based on M.A.R. Barker's Tekumel? Have you read any Barker? I'd put his work in world creation up against Papa Tolken....


Who's read the Lawrence Watt-Evans books? The Misenchanted Sword, With a Single Spell, The Unwilling Warlord, etc. Those are excellent!


Yes indeed, they are. Although they've gone a bit downhill the last few books. Have you read the Garth the Overman series? Also very good.

In terms of sheer amounts of enjoyment rendered, the Discworld series has to come top.

I really liked the Dark Materials trilogy as well. I think I read somewhere it's been optioned for a movie. Anyone with more info?


They sacked the director, I'll see what i can find out.

any series by Glen Cook especially The Dread Empire series.


I assume you've read the Black Company books. Have you read the Darkwar books?

there's alot.

Diana Tregard series - Mercedies Lacky
Over Sea, Under Stone (Dark Is Rising) - Susan Cooper
Forgotten Realms
Blood Series - Tanya Huff
Keeper's Chronicals series - Tanya Huff


Oh, and Technically, Anne Mcaffery's Pern series is actually Sci-Fi.

Sword of Truth series- Written by the most disturbed person on earth...

Song of Fire and Ice, no question.

I used to love Wheel of Time, but then the plot just fizzled out, and I started to get very annoyed with the characters (anyone else get tired of someone calling someone else a woolhead?).

Song of Fire and Ice has beautiful, well developed characters and the best plot twists of any series. He's also not afraid to kill of characters - you'd be surprised what that does for the suspense, not knowing whether or not your favorite character will make it out of a jam, whereas in, say, Wheel of Time, you know Rand is gonna find a way out.

Oh, and as for a Feast for Crows, here (http://www.georgerrmartin.com/nextbook.html)

What the defination of Fantasy cause I want Dresden Files.
Contemporary wizard as a Chicago P.I. that fight Demons, Vampires, Werewolfs, Faeries, and stops two apolcalypses with magic and sarcastic humor. Also lists himself in the phone book for when you need a wizard now.
Protector of adult film sets, foo dog puppies, baby wards and dispatcher of monkey demons and fallen angels.

Hmm, Id have to say the Adventures of Solomon Kane, and the Bas Lag series of book by China Mieville. (Perdido Street Station, The Scar, Iron Council)

Sword of Truth series- Written by the most disturbed person on earth...
he's not even trying to write fantasy anymore, just keeps spouting his political drivel

Pterry, Pterry, Pterry all the way!! Delphinum came from Delphine Angua Von Uberwald... an Ankh Morport city watch sergeant...
They're the only books I've ever laughed out loud at... particularly embarrassing on public transport... ;)

I got about a third of the way in and that was skimming and skipping some sections that I just couldn't force myself to get through :D.

This was several years ago. I haven't tried reading it again after watching the movies. Knowing the basic storyline may make it easier to get through. Perhaps you're right and I should give it another go one of these days. Maybe when I've finished Gone with the Wind which I am rereading now :).

lol :D

Well in that case you should definately give it another go. 200 pages might seem a hard slog, but the info at the beginning is key to understanding the books.

And if you feel really motivated go ahead and read "Silmarillion" although that's more of a history book than a story, and is really only for those of us who read the index section of LOTR and actually found it interesting (guilty :rolleyes: ).

Narnia

/Signed :D

"A Song of Ice and Fire" by George Martin.

Has anyone out there read "Chronicles of the Cheysuli" by Jennifer Roberson? She first wrote a short story about a race of shapechangers for the Marion Zimmer Bradley anthology series Sword and Sorceress and the story was so popular she created a series about this race of people and their journey to fulfilling a prophecy in their tribe. Quite interesting, and she takes you through about four generations of this family attempting to make the prophecy come about.

Also, Christopher Paolini's "Eragon"? It's really good. I didn't know a 15-year old had written it!

Anyone with any urban fantasy favorites? Mine would have to be Charles DeLint's Newford stories. Not really a series, just that the stories all take place in the same town, so the characters will intersect. I think my favorite is "Jack of Kinrowan", but "Spiritwalk" and "Memory and Dream" are very good as well.
I've read two Diana Tregarde short stories and they were okay, but the characters seemed forced. Maybe because of the format. I may have to check them out again.

I've read the Belgariad more times than any other series (or any other single books either)...in fact, I've worn out three sets, and have just replaced it again in hardcover. The Mallorean...I didn't care for it as much. It recycled too much from the original series, and I REALLY hate all the single character books like Polgaria and so on.

Ahhh...the Belgariad...I used to be in love with Silk:). I first read it in Grade 4, and I've read it about once a year since then. It's weird...every couple of years I noticed things in the story I didn't quite get earlier. Anyway, for me, this is the series I treasure the most, that sparked my imagination earliest. So, thanks David (and Leah) Eddings!

Has anyone out there read "Chronicles of the Cheysuli" by Jennifer Roberson? She first wrote a short story about a race of shapechangers for the Marion Zimmer Bradley anthology series Sword and Sorceress and the story was so popular she created a series about this race of people and their journey to fulfilling a prophecy in their tribe. Quite interesting, and she takes you through about four generations of this family attempting to make the prophecy come about.


I LOVE the Cheysuli! I have a core set of books that I read over and over again. Did she ever write anything past the Flight of the Raven in that series?

I loved the Servant of the Empire trilogy by Raymond Feist and Janny Wurts. Awesome parallels to traditional Japanese culture.

Guy Gavriel Kay rocks too...Tigana being my favourite, the Lions of Al-Rassan (I had it for years and couldn't get past the first three chapters...but I finally read it and LOVED it), the Sarantium triology...he's just good.

SM Stirling's the Cage and all the surrounding books (Shadow's Daughter, Shadow's son etc) rock.

Elizabeth Moon, the Deeds of Paksinarion and the Surrender None book, also wicked.

Claudia Edwards wrote A Horsewoman in Godsland which I picked up on a whim one day...and I read it about once a year as well. Fantastic story about a man trying to dominate a willful woman, and it looks at freedom versus security in a very interesting way.

So many wonderful books out there...

my personal favourite is the Empire Saga by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts, followed by the Riftwar saga, which was written purely by Raymond E Feist. Everyone loves Milamber.
One of my favourites!!!!!!!! I liked the Empire series more than the Riftwar saga though. But I hate everything else Janny Wurts has written.

And on the Cheysuli series, I found this out:

http://www.cheysuli.com/author/a.cheysuli.html

I’m very pleased to announce that I have signed with DAW Books to write three new Cheysuli novels. These will be set in the timeframe of the original eight books. The first one will tell the tale of Carillon’s and Finn’s exile from Homana, fitting between Shapechangers and The Song of Homana. The second will be a prequel to the series, the story of Hale’s and Lindir’s romance and the beginning of the qu’mahlin. The third will be set in Erinn and Atvia, relating the adventures Keely and Corin encountered in their new homes.
I don't know if I'm going to like these new books...so often, authors don't just leave things alone when they should. I mean...all of us might wish a book or series to end differently, or to never end period...but really. I think Piers Anthony has shown us how bad a series can get (the Xanth series) when an author just keeps flogging the crippled golem for cash...

What the defination of Fantasy cause I want Dresden Files.
Contemporary wizard as a Chicago P.I. that fight Demons, Vampires, Werewolfs, Faeries, and stops two apolcalypses with magic and sarcastic humor. Also lists himself in the phone book for when you need a wizard now.
Protector of adult film sets, foo dog puppies, baby wards and dispatcher of monkey demons and fallen angels.


I dont know if anyone mentioned Laurell K.Hamilton's "Anita Blake-vampire hunter" series yet?

The Kings Blades series by Duncan should get a little mention.

I've read the Belgariad more times than any other series (or any other single books either)...in fact, I've worn out three sets, and have just replaced it again in hardcover. The Mallorean...I didn't care for it as much. It recycled too much from the original series, and I REALLY hate all the single character books like Polgaria and so on.

Ahhh...the Belgariad...I used to be in love with Silk:). I first read it in Grade 4, and I've read it about once a year since then. It's weird...every couple of years I noticed things in the story I didn't quite get earlier. Anyway, for me, this is the series I treasure the most, that sparked my imagination earliest. So, thanks David (and Leah) Eddings!
have you ever read The Redemption of Althalus? It's a stand-alone novel written by David and Leigh Eddings.

have you ever read The Redemption of Althalus? It's a stand-alone novel written by David and Leigh Eddings.
Yeah yeah yeah...I knew I was spelling it wrong, but I didn't feel like checking it:). Anywho, David finally admitted that LEIGH had a big role in the creation of the Belgariad, which is why I credited her as well.

Nope...haven't read that one yet. I haven't like any of his other series, so I kind of just stuck with the Belgariad...I think I'll pull that one out of the library to see if it's shelf-worthy:)

I liked Weis & Hickman's Death Gate Cycle, but my overall favorite is a modern fantasy edited by George R.R. Martin and featuring many great writers: The Wild Card series.

It's a 12-book epic about Spetember 16, 1946 -- Wild Card Day. On that day, an alien virus was released on New York City as a test for the genetic enhancement of its species, using us as guinea pigs. It was dubbed the Wild Card because 90% of those who were exposed drew the Black Queen and were mutated to unsurvivable extremes. 8.5% Drew the Joker and were horribly mutated but into survivable forms. .5% were mildly gifted by their draw. Called Deuces, they have very minor "powers" such as synesthesia, prescience (but only for things like public transit or green lights) and the like. The top 1% drew the Ace and were granted powers such as those in the comic books: everything from flight and telekinesis to indestructibility and all kinds of other phenomenal abilities.

The story arc includes how history as we knew it from Wild Card Day forward changed as a result of the actions of Aces and Jokers. It's a masterful shared-world/alternate universe story. I highly recommend it.

I loved the Servant of the Empire trilogy by Raymond Feist and Janny Wurts. Awesome parallels to traditional Japanese culture.

Actually they aren't based on traditional Japan at all. The Tsurani are "loosely based"* on Professor Muhammad Abd-al-Rahman Barker's Tekumel (as I've already said once in this thread ;))

Tekumel is based on India, SW Asia, Aztec, and Mayan cultures, among others. Prof. Barker started working on it in much the same way JRRT did middle earth - as an exercise in conlangs. It eventually developed into a highly detailed and realized world. There are several RPGs and a handful of novels set in Tekumel.

If you like the Servant of the Empire series, I highly reccomend the root source for the Tsurani. Check it out! http://www.sfbookcase.com/author.asp?authorid=1343

(*And by "loosely based on" I do mean blatantly ripped off and watered down. :mad: REF apparantly was a member of Barker's RPG sessions for some time. He should have at least nodded his head to Barker.)

Elizabeth Moon, the Deeds of Paksinarion and the Surrender None book, also wicked.

I found the first half of Paksinarion very good, but it seemed to just go all PC about 1/3 through the second book. :(

I'd reccomend Glen Cook's books to you.

Actually they aren't based on traditional Japan at all. The Tsurani are "loosely based"* on Professor Muhammad Abd-al-Rahman Barker's Tekumel (as I've already said once in this thread ;))
Meh, that's the way I read it, so whadever. Though I will definately check this series out:)


I found the first half of Paksinarion very good, but it seemed to just go all PC about 1/3 through the second book. :(
In what way? It's been about a year since I last read it, so it's not that fresh in my mind (the one good thing about having a crappy memory is that books a year usually wipes most of my memory clean [in terms of literary details] so the book seems new again:))

Sinuhue, you are my girl!! Yes, Jennifer Roberson wrote one more after Flight of the Raven, it's called A Tapestry of Lions and it concludes the series.

I also LOVE "The Deed of Paksennarion"! Paks rocks. I'm going to have to re-read the Belgariad. I think I started it a while ago, but was missing the last book and gave up on it. I still kind of wonder what happened though.

If you liked "Tigana" you should really read "A Song For Arbonne". I didn't like it as much as "Tigana" but I liked it better than "The Lions of Al-Rassan". You might want to locate his Fionavar Tapestry series, it's excellent.

Daistallia, you should really try to tough it out, just so you can get to "Oath of Gold". There's a horrifying torture sequence that makes her redemption all the more amazing. Really.

My personal favorites are the Adept series, by Piers Anthony and the Shannara series, by Terry Brooks.

Daistallia, you should really try to tough it out, just so you can get to "Oath of Gold". There's a horrifying torture sequence that makes her redemption all the more amazing. Really.
Oh, and not just that, but the whole "Fallen Hero" mythos is there between books 2 and 3.

A Song of Ice and Fire wins the day, any day.

I've read pretty much every well known fantasy series ever out, and no fantasy writer to date has equaled George RR Martin's excellent writing. His novels bring fantasy to a respectable level again, to a higher level of quality than the low standard most novels have been setting for ages.

In my view, he has made fantasy a literature to be respected by all. The realistic approach he takes to characters and world they inhabit makes them seem a blend of the fantasy stereotypes I've come to love and a realistic medieval setting from our own world. He also actually makes magic be INTERESTING, and not just commonplace, and I cannot say strongly enough how great an achievement I believe that to be.

All in all, I recommend everyone who hasn't read it, read it ASAP. He's the new standard I set for myself in anything I attempt to write, for good reason. :)

Actually they aren't based on traditional Japan at all. The Tsurani are "loosely based"* on Professor Muhammad Abd-al-Rahman Barker's Tekumel (as I've already said once in this thread )
Meh, that's the way I read it, so whadever. Though I will definately check this series out

Please do. Barker's books are so much richer in detail.

I found the first half of Paksinarion very good, but it seemed to just go all PC about 1/3 through the second book.
In what way? It's been about a year since I last read it, so it's not that fresh in my mind (the one good thing about having a crappy memory is that books a year usually wipes most of my memory clean [in terms of literary details] so the book seems new again)

Hmmm... It's been a while since I've read them myself (more than 2 years at least), and I tend towards the same sort of forgetfulness. :D
And reading over somne of the reviews to refresh my memory, maybe PC wasn't quite what exactly the word I was looking for - in your face goody-goody Christian perhapse (a la Narnia).

Daistallia, you should really try to tough it out, just so you can get to "Oath of Gold". There's a horrifying torture sequence that makes her redemption all the more amazing. Really.

Not only have I made it all the way through all three books, I've done so at least three times. ;)

Maybe it's just a matter of my tastes - if you've read the Black Company books I mentioned earlier, you'll understand. If you haven't, check them out.

And since not many seem to be familiar with the series, Here's my Black Company Capsule Review:

The series covers ten books. The main thread is the Black Company, a mean, nasty, and hardcore mercenary company, with a long and slightly mysterious history (they are the last of the free companies of Khatovar, which isn't really explained ubtil the last book). The story's told first person by the keeper of the annals. The first three books are set in a vauge mileu, with a fairly standard European feel, with a nod to Papa T (but sans the elves, dwarves, hobbits, orks, goblins, etc.). The conflict they are involved in is a three way battle between the Dominator (an evil wizard who created an empire, but was defeated and buried alive in the barrowlands), the Lady (his wife - who's trying to keep him down while reestablishing the old empire for her own self), and the rebels (who are just as mean and nasty as the Imperial forces).
The fourth book is a side story that ties up some loose ends .
The next six books are the tale of how the Black Company return home and discover their (unpleasant?) roots. The settings are more specifically earthly , but still interesting. They draw heavily from Africa, India, China, and SE Asia.
Overall, the stories tend towards gritty and nasty realism. The "good guys" are not at all goody-two-shoes. It is highly likely your favorite side character will be killed off. A fair bit of the books, especially the latter ones, seem to be highly enfluanced by the authors experiences as a US Navy corpsman serving in Vietnam with Marine Force Recon units.
One of his other series is a fantasy hard-boiled detective series very similar to Chandler's Philip Marlow. The black Company books have a similar hard-boiled feel.

Trollslayer books - William King
Riftwar Saga - Raymond E Feist
Redwall series - Brian Jacques



Thats what I think

Sorry about that D! It sounded like you hadn't been able to finish them, so I retract my statement. The stuff about Gird does get a little annoying, but I think it's funny that the other orders and religions always get up and remind people of their importanct as well. I suppose you can't have your main character go off to a religious academy and not have anyone talk about that religion! ;)
I also tend to read books multiple times. I've read LOTR probably 16 or 17 times, the Silmarillion close to that, Tigana I've read probably going on 10 to 12 times...it goes on and on. And yes I'm a huge bookworm. :)
It's my favorite thing to do, especially when weather is bad (which in the Seattle area, that can be anytime) I like to curl up in a comfy chair with some hot chocolate and a good book. Usually a familiar one but I do like new stuff. *sigh* I'm going to have to get a piece of paper and write down the names of all these series that I haven't read so I can check them out. I'm sure I'll get to them at some point...when my 8 month old and three year old let me!

Sorry about that D! It sounded like you hadn't been able to finish them, so I retract my statement. The stuff about Gird does get a little annoying, but I think it's funny that the other orders and religions always get up and remind people of their importanct as well. I suppose you can't have your main character go off to a religious academy and not have anyone talk about that religion! ;)
I also tend to read books multiple times. I've read LOTR probably 16 or 17 times, the Silmarillion close to that, Tigana I've read probably going on 10 to 12 times...it goes on and on. And yes I'm a huge bookworm. :)
It's my favorite thing to do, especially when weather is bad (which in the Seattle area, that can be anytime) I like to curl up in a comfy chair with some hot chocolate and a good book. Usually a familiar one but I do like new stuff. *sigh* I'm going to have to get a piece of paper and write down the names of all these series that I haven't read so I can check them out. I'm sure I'll get to them at some point...when my 8 month old and three year old let me!

No worries. (And you may have enjoyed the last 3 weeks here - it's the monsoon season. I'm looking for my copy of Genesis, and trying to figure out what a cubit is so I can build my ark... ;))

Ugh! I can't stand rain! I used to live in Eastern Washington which is in the rain shadow of the Cascades and I'm used to four seasons, not two! (rain and less rain, for those of you unfamiliar with Western Washington) After living here for 15 years I'm still not used to it.

I have gone back and written down many of the titles and authors listed...now where to start?
:(

I voted for earthsea by Le Guin but her Hainish books are much better imho.

...no surprise that Tolkien is leading...in a way, LOTR is the template for most modern fantasy series...