what should I read as a begginer?

[Damark_Ifrit]

I have read "The Hobbit" of Tolkien and its great. But thats all the fantasy books I have read so far ( I read "Harry Potter" too, but I dont think that counts ). So any idea what should I read next?

[Halo]

Totally depends on what you're interested in there is plenty of good reading material out there. My advice is to read the author reccommendations in the other posts here and hit your local library pick up one of their books there and read it , see what you think. My personal favourites are ; George RR Martin- A Song of Ice and Fire ; Guy Gavriel Kay-The Fionavar Tapestry , The Sarantine Mosaic ; Robert Jordan- Wheel of Time ; Tad Williams- Memory , Sorrow and Thorn ; Stephen Donaldson- The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant ; Kate Elliott- A Crown of Stars ; David Gemmell- Waylander ; Raymond Feist + Janny Wurts- Tsurani trilogy ; Older authors like Jack Vance , Lord Dunsany , Robert Howard , E.R. Eddison.
This is some of the better fantasy fare there is of course much more.


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"if you whistle while you’re pissing, you have two minds where one is quite sufficient.
If you have two minds, you are at war with yourself" (Illuminatus. 405).

[This message has been edited by Halo (edited 04-10-2001).]

[Damark_Ifrit]

I just ordered LotR, I will check out WoT after that, thanks for the info

[Khanar]

Try R.A. Salvatore (I'd say start with the Dark Elf trilogy if you do ever read him). I also HIGHLY reccomend David Eddings. Robert Jordan's WoT is also very good although certain characters really annoy me.

[RudeDawg]

I just mentioned "The Riddle-Master" trilogy, by Patricia A McKillip in my other thread. I REALLY recommend it...
What are you looking for? Fantasy or Sci-Fi? Long, short? Adult, youth? Happy, dramatic?

So much to choose from !!!

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The RudeDawg
Known in these Forgotten Realms as Perin LightEyes

[Aurican]

It pretty much depends on what type or style of fantasy books you want. For light funny stuff, I recommend Piers Anthony's Xanth series. It is kinda corny at times but it was hilarious.
For more serious stuff try the Death Gate Cycle by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, they helped make Dragonlance but this series has nothing to do with it, I don't even think its in the same style of writing. Its a sort of dark multidimensional magic meets hell type of thing and the main character is a good/bad guy. Those types always make the best stories.
Mickey Zucker Reichert's Renshai trilogy is a good Norse Fantasy. Battles between mortals and gods, only in Norse mythology, if the hero is strong enough he could defeat the god.
Roger Zelazny's Amber series is great, one of my favorites.
Uh, for Forgotten realms the typical fare.. Dark elf trilogy, Cleric Quintet, Avatar Trilogy.
There is alot of stuff on these books already just read through or post if you have any more questions.

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Can an elf get a break anywhere these days?

[RudeDawg]

Originally posted by Aurican: Roger Zelazny's Amber series is great, one of my favorites.

AW YEAH !!! gotta love Zelazny, his other stuff besides Amber is also great. "Lord of Light", "Eye of Cat", "Doorways in the Sand" and "Roadmarks" are not fantasy like Amber, but awesome reads just the same.

Fred Saberhagen's "Book of Swords" series is a different story with a familiar mythology.

Does anyone else remember the "Thieve's World" series?


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The RudeDawg
Known in these Forgotten Realms as Perin LightEyes

[Fljotsdale]

Originally posted by Damark_Ifrit: I have read "The Hobbit" of Tolkien and its great. But thats all the fantasy books I have read so far ( I read "Harry Potter" too, but I dont think that counts ). So any idea what should I read next?

You might like Anne McCaffrey's Dragon books. I love Dragons and her's are rather special, especially certain dragons, like The White Dragon. They do not have the 'epic' feel of Tolkien, nor the fun of Harry Potter (which counts so far as I am concerned!) but they have warmth and humanity as well as good storylines and interesting characters and adventure.
If you want fun, try Terry Pratchett!


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Smile! Life is too short for bitching!

Fljotsdale

[Damark_Ifrit]

I think my taste go with dramatic scene like Tolkien's, also a feel of Arthur and Knights of The Round Table also helps. Besides, I like elf too !!! I dont mind long book, as long as they arent boring.
Oh yeah, anyone have a book that talk about Arthur? I have seen Excalibur and The First Knight, and now I have no idea which one should I believe in.

[Fljotsdale]

Originally posted by Damark_Ifrit: I think my taste go with dramatic scene like Tolkien's, also a feel of Arthur and Knights of The Round Table also helps. Besides, I like elf too !!! I dont mind long book, as long as they arent boring. Oh yeah, anyone have a book that talk about Arthur? I have seen Excalibur and The First Knight, and now I have no idea which one should I believe in.

ERRrrrrmmm.... I don't think you should believe in either....!!
However, if you REALLY TRULY want Arthur in all his glory you should read Mallory's 'Mort d'Arthur'. Which you may find heavy going till you get the feel of the style.
You could also try 'The Crystal Cave' by Mary Stewart. It's actually from the viewpoint of Merlin, and starts with Merlin's childhood. Brilliant book! The first of a Trilogy, and the best one.

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Smile! Life is too short for bitching!

Fljotsdale