What other fantasy books do YOU read?

[Lalwendë]

I've had a quick look at Naomi Novik's (I think that's how its spelled...) Temeraire, and so far it looks to be a decent 'young adult' fantasy novel. Out on the blog circuit we've been talking about Eragon too, as I'm tempted to read this, with the new film coming out. Opinion seems divided over whether it's good or just a 'Rings-rip-off'. Anyone else here care to let me know if its worth a go? After all, I do like dragons...

The Books Of Magic compilation was very good, and had some absolutely stunning illustration, so that's worth finding - it groups together the first four tales, all written by Gaiman. It made me a little suspicious of where the idea for Harry Potter came from though...

[Brinniel]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

Out on the blog circuit we've been talking about Eragon too, as I'm tempted to read this, with the new film coming out. Opinion seems divided over whether it's good or just a 'Rings-rip-off'. Anyone else here care to let me know if its worth a go? After all, I do like dragons...

I have heard negative feedback on Eragon, which surprises me since I absolutely loved the book. I originally read it because I knew the movie would be coming out in December- a film I am now looking forward to more than anything. While it may be no work of Tolkien, the novel is exciting and fast paced. I couldn't put the book down and though I don't normally buy hardcovers and usually wait for the paperbacks, I knew there was no way I could wait until March to buy the next book Eldest, so I ordered it before I finished Eragon. I still find it amazing that this author was only fifteen when he started the book- while his writing may not be the most original, he still does a good job and knows how to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The way dragons are portrayed in the novel is different than what I'm used to reading- Paolini gives them very humanistic qualities. If you like dragons, then I definitely recommend giving Eragon a try. But beware, the trilogy is not yet finished, so if you like it, you will be left hanging until the final book is published.

[Oddwen]

I tried reading Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series, but couldn't choke through the second book. It was fine, an okay little series, until suddenly without warning I got to some really weirded-up sexual bondage mistress women in the tenth chapter. *gag*

In the past few weeks I also read Sabriel, first in the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix, I liked it and I'd read more but my new library is less then stellar in the keeping of the second book of a series on the shelf. Either that or

I also picked up the Tiffany Aching & Johnny Maxwell series by Pratchett, and am looking forward to those.

Eragon...it was okay. Paolini goes into a little too much needless detail I think, and the main character is your average insecure boy who comes into posession of a magical object and is the sole savior of the free world. And magical ability is pretty much treated as video-game-like hit points, which annoyed me to no end. I am looking very much forward to the movie though.

[Lalwendë]

Just got to stick this recommendation on here. Some time ago Pio mentioned a graphic novel called The Book of Ballads, illustrated by Charles Vess and written by a number of people including Neil Gaiman and Alan Lee's wife. Anyway I met with davem in Waterstones yesterday afternoon and he'd found a copy. I've already read most of it and it's superb!

It's a collection of tales/strips based on folk songs. There's a tale based on Tam Lin and another on Sovay, both favourite old songs of mine. It's definitely for grown-ups and those of grown-up outlook (as are most folk songs!), but its a beautiful book which sowns how fantastic the stories of folk songs are. As a bonus at the back you get a section detailing where you might find some of these great songs, mostly on folk-rock and acid-folk albums of the late 60s/70s (e.g. Fairport, Pentangle etc but also on modern albums by Kate Rusby and Martin Carthy.

Well worth reading for any fans of Fairy tales, folk songs or graphic novels!

[ninja91]

Homeland , book one of the Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore.

[Kitanna]

I just started reading Eragon on the adivce of my friend. I'm having mixed respones to it. It has potential, but thus far I am unimpressed. I'm really hoping it picks up, but it could be so good.

[High King Fingolfin]

Oh dear, this list could end up pretty long. I think I'll just list authors. First on the list would be Lewis of course, followed by Robert Jordan, who has started to annoy me lately. I dislike the material by Christopher Paolini and Raymond E. Feist, its just one cliché after another. I was pretty into David Eddings a few months back, but his later series began to irritate me. R.A. Salvatore's all right. I absolutely despise J.K. Rowling, I'm not alone in that. I'm sure there are a bunch of others I could name, but I can't think of them right now.

Huh, that actually wasn't very long. Go figure.

EDIT: Well, I just remembered a few more to give my opinions on. Ursula Le Guin and Susan Cooper are both decent, and surprisingly original.

[Brinniel]

I've owned both the Dark Elf and the Icewind Dale trilogies for years and actually even brought them to school with me. I really ought to start reading them. But confound it all, why do those books have to be so darned heavy?

I enjoy R.A. Salvatore's writing, I do, but I can never seem to finish any of his books I start. His series just seem to last forever, and well, I just don't have the time or money to keep reading a 16 book (plus) series....