Fantasy Fiction

[Deleted]

We already have threads for individual authors, but what about a thread to help separate good fantasy from the crap - because there's a lot out there.

So I'll start. I enjoy reading Jennifer Fallon, an Australian author who's also a friend of a friend (and I feel really geeky for being excited about that even though I've never met her). Her works include the Demon Child trilogy, the Hythrun Chronicles and the Second Sons trilogy. (Also published in North America and the UK for northern hemisphere-Greecies). The books focus very heavily on political and strategic wheelings and dealings, without a great deal of magic and non-human creatures. They're very entertaining and easy to read, if a bit over-dramatic in parts.

I'm frustrated by Robert Jordan and the endless Wheel of Time saga. I just don't care enough to read them any more. Between Robert Jordan and Laurell K. Hamilton I'm over my 'must finish series' compulsion.

Does anyone else have any favourite or least favourite authors or series to add?

[Malle Babbe]

China Mieville Rocks. His work is more steampunk-flavored, kind of like Jules Verne with dashes of H.P. Lovecraft. No elves or Tolkien/Arthurian knock offs to be seen. He is part of a new crop of writers grouped in the "New Weird" genretrying to get fantasy out of its "quest for the Magick Thingy" rut.

[Deleted]

I am so over Robert Jordan and his hair-tugging, sniffing female characters and his bumbling idiot male characters and all the not-so-delightful misunderstandings between the two. They all need to be slapped.

And the fact that in the last one of the series that I read (7? maybe 8) NOTHING HAPPENED. It took like 1000 pages to advance a single day. If he ever finishes the series I might pick up the last book just for closure.

I haven't read any fantasy that's really grabbed me lately. I do love the Song of Ice and Fire, but my experience with Robert Jordan makes me nervous about where that series is going. Please, GRRM, finish it within a reasonable amount of time!

[thecupcakekid]

Does Jasper Fforde count as fantasy fiction? I love his Thursday Next series. The books are hilarious and just really fun reads.

[Deleted]

Does Jasper Fforde count as fantasy fiction?

I don't see why not, I love the Thursday Next series too. Has anyone read his Nursery Crime series?

[petals]

Terry Pratchett, Terry Pratchett, Terry Pratchett.

His fantasy novels, especially his Discworld series, are the only fantasy novels I've been able to bring myself to read--well, except for Tolkien, of course.

He creates this great world, and it's full of satire. Half of the fun of the books is figuring out the references to our world. They're funny, but they also have major fantasy elements.

Though, I'd start out with the stories about the witches. Granny Weatherwax is my favorite, but you can't really beat perverted old Nanny Ogg. They are women who don't ever need to be saved, and they certainly don't tug their hair and cry.

I could keep gushing, but I'm making myself sick, so I'll stop. ;D

[Margo]

I also need recommendations.

I love the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. Martin, and the Thursday next series by Jasper Fforde.

I also liked Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke.

I liked the first 8 books in Laurell Hamilton's Anita Blake series - they were pretty enjoyable light reads, but then it all went downhill.

[iceblink]

I really love Sharon Shinn, especially her Samaria books. If you like some romance tossed in with your fantasy any of her books are a good bet, and she excels at creating believable societies.
Terry Pratchett is of course The Man, and Neil Gaiman...well, he has his own thread, that's how good he is!
And I don't know if I'd classify Elizabeth Hand as fantasy, but I *would* classify her as a total literary goddess who should be WAY more famous than she is. I am literally counting days until her next one comes out.

[petals]

iceblink said:

Terry Pratchett is of course The Man, and Neil Gaiman...well, he has his own thread, that's how good he is!

Gaiman is the route I took to Pratchett. And yes, they are both great. If anyone wants a great fantasy epic and is willing to try a comic, get Gaiman's Sandman comics. You will not be disappointed.

[indygirl]

petals said:

Terry Pratchett, Terry Pratchett, Terry Pratchett.

A thousand times yes. I have read almost all of the Discworld books more than once.

I'd start out with the stories about the witches. Granny Weatherwax is my favorite, but you can't really beat perverted old Nanny Ogg. They are women who don't ever need to be saved, and they certainly don't tug their hair and cry.

I love Wyrd Sisters and Lords and Ladies especially.

But my heart belongs to the lads of the Night watch. Guards! Guards!, Men at Arms, Night Watch--love 'em! Sam Vimes and Carrot make me happy.

And Mort and Hogfather. I need to stop before I list them all. Here's a great link to a Pratchett site for anyone intrested.