Fantasy Book Club discussion
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The Best Fantasy Series You've Read?
The Black Company by Glen CookThe Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
The Vlad Taltos books by Steven Brust
The Arbiter Codex and Elements of Sorcery by CHristopher Kellen.
These are my all time favorite series, aside from some of those already mentioned. Many are older - 'cuz I'm kinda old ;)David Eddings, Belgariad and Mallorean series 1st book Pawn of Prophecy
Raymond E. Feist, Midkemia 1st book Magician:Apprentice
Jack Vance, Lyonesse trilogy 1st book Lyonesse
Katherine Kurtz, Deryni series 1st book Deryni Rising
Sara Douglass, Wayfarer's Redemption 1st book Sinner
K.J. Parker, Scavenger trilogy 1st book Shadow
Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel series 1st book Kushiel's Dart
Michael Scott Rohan, Winter of the World 1st book The Anvil of Ice
Fred Saberhagen, Swords series 1st book The First Book of Swords
Jennifer Roberson, Chesuli Chronicles 1st book Shapechangers
Steven Brust, Taltos series 1st book Jhereg
Tad Williams, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn 1st book The Dragonbone Chair
Mercedes Lackey, Valdemar series 1st book Arrows of the Queen
Mary Stewart, Merlin saga 1st book The Crystal Cave
Melanie Rawn, Dragon Prince series 1st book The Dragon Prince
My top two are LOTR and the Malazan in that order. I'm struggling to come up with titles you guys haven't listed.Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny
I know there are mixed feelings about "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant" but I liked the series. Lord Foul's Bane
I'm not familiar with the Rohan series, just added The Anvil of Ice. Thanks Michele.
Many good suggestions here.But what about the Fahfrd And The Grey Mouser Saga by Fritz Leiber? The first book is Swords and Deviltry.
If you liked Malazan, you might try the Prince Of Nothing trilogy by R. Scott Bakker. The first book is The Darkness That Comes Before.
Also, any of the books from the Realm Of The Elderlings by Robin Hobb. The best place to start is The Farseer trilogy. The first book is Assassin's Apprentice.
Then there's the Bas-Lag books by China Mieville. Start with Perdido Street Station.
If you like something more thoughtful, there's The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin. A Wizard of Earthsea.
For something more literary, try The Book Of The New Sun by Gene Wolfe. The first book is The Shadow of the Torturer.
There's also the original Conan stories by Robert E. Howard, the Elric stories by Michael Moorcock, and The Dying Earth books by Jack Vance.
Well, my favorite, hands down is The Wars of Light and Shadow, by Janny Wurts. Here's the link for the series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/4911.... It's rich and complex, and definitely different. The magic system is based on quantum physics, light, and sound. Fascinating.
Harry Turtledove, "Worldwar," series. Hands down the greatest ever.Lin Carter, "Greenstar," series. If it still isn't in print, it should be.
Robert Silverberg, "Majipoor."
S. M. Sterling/ David Drake, "The General."
Andre Norton, "Witch World."
Did I leave any names out?
I'll add Tanith Lee's Tales of the Flat Earth (beginning with Night's Master) -- they're much more mythic in feel, with gorgeous prose and a vaguely Persian-influenced setting. And the first two books just popped up on Kindle ...
I've been reading fantasy since the Sixties. For me, Tolkien is the best. Le Guin is right there, Lieber is fun, Mary Stewart needs to be mentioned, and of the newer crew, I want to be sure Lian Hearn's Tales of the Otori gets a nod. Don't forget to read the source material either -- The Eddas, the Kalevela (sp?), the Brothers Grimm. And pretty much everything everybody's mentioned above.
My top five... (I linked the first of each series)5. Chronicles of the Black Company - A fantasy apocalypse now. I love the writing style.
4. Daughter of the Empire - Raymond Feist and Janie Wurtz. A fantasy set in the very east asian feeling empire. Very detailed and subtle political wrangling. Excellent series.
3. The Eye of the World - Robert Jordan. Could be number one, with better editing. I love an epic as much or more as the next guy, but this guy wandered too much. Also, I started this series when I was 14. I finished it when I was 34. This and George Martin have made me adopt a new rule... never start a series until it is finished.
2. Dragon Prince - Melanie Rawn. Its a bit utopian, completely opposite of the new Martin/Abercrombie sub genre, but I love the characters, and it has a very interesting system of magic.
1. A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin. I hate to put something new and popular as my number one, but for once, the crowd got it right. This is the best, and it ain't close.
Michele wrote: "These are my all time favorite series, aside from some of those already mentioned. Many are older - 'cuz I'm kinda old ;)" Melanie Rawn, Dragon Prince series 1st book The Dragon Prince
I'm glad to see someone else mention this. It is one of my favorites, but it seems to be unsung. I nominated it for the February read.
In no particular order the series that I've enjoyed the most (and some I read 30 years ago without ever doing a reread so I'm going on emotion and memory)David eddings the belgariad
Raymond feist - magician (can't remember the official series name)
Tad Williams memory sorrow and thorn
Robin hobb Assassins apprentice is the book in the series
J.v. Jones again I can't remember the series but re first book is the bakers boy
Nobody ever mentions this one:Black Sun Rising
The Coldfire trilogy will always be one of my favourites. :)
Without a pause for thought, Terry Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" series. I would say "Mistborn" as a close second, but you've already read that.
Here are my top three:The Wars of Light and Shadow, Janny Wurts
The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Stephen R. Donaldson
I see many old favorites here that I need to read again. Rawn and Friedman in particular.One of my favorite series that I don't see mentioned is The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. The first book is kind of boring (to me) but I loved the rest of the series. Its kind of a blend of Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia. And Camelot.
Nienna wrote: "I see many old favorites here that I need to read again. Rawn and Friedman in particular.One of my favorite series that I don't see mentioned is The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. ..."
Wow... it's been a pile of years since I read The Dark is Rising! That brings back memories.... :)
Raymond Feist's Riftwar Saga, epic fantasy. Larry Correia's Grimnoir Chronicles, urban fantasy/alternate history.
Harry Turtledove's Videssos Cycle, military fantasy
By far my favorite series is The Wars of Light and Shadow by Janny Wurts.Others I like and will read over and over are:
The Harry Potter books
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams
The first written 3 sets of Shannara books by Terry Brooks.
The Pelmen the Powershaper trilogy by Robert Don Hughes.
The Black Company by Glen CookThe Codex Alera by Jim Butcher
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
The Nightside series by Simon R.Green
The Sandman Slim series by Richard Kadrey
The Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchviosky(need to finish)
The Sevenwater Saga by Juliet Marillier
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
A Song of Fire and Ice by George R.R. Martin
Reading the comments on this thread made me realize I'm way behind and have to catch up..From what I've read my favorites are:
The Mistborn series.
The Lightbringer series.
And one I'm surprised no one mentioned is The Dark Tower series, I liked some books more than others, but those I liked were amazing...
Matt wrote: "LOTR - Wheel of Time - Mistborn - Lies of Locke Lamora - Malazan Empire - Harry Potter - Anything Salvatore with Drizzt - Song of Fire and Ice (game of thrones) - Chronicles of Narnia - Riyria Revelations/Chronicles - Stormlight Archive - The First Law - Bartimaeus - KingKiller -"Rick Riordan's books since you liked Harry Potter.
Chronicles of Prydian since you liked Narnia.
Tara wrote: "And one I'm surprised no one mentioned is The Dark Tower series, I liked some books more than others, but those I liked were amazing... "I'm not entirely sure if those are science fiction, western, horror, or fantasy.
I think it has a little bit of all except the horror...
Sword-Dancer Jennifer Roberson is an old favorite of mine. Her Cheysuli Chronicles are probably my favorite.Shapechangers
My newest love is herKaravans.
Wow. So many great series. Everything from Sword-Dancer to Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Thomas Covenant, and Black Sun Rising. Newer works like Martha Wells Books of the Raksura.
My #1 favorite has to be Malazan-Pure grittiness and a huge scope!#2 is Carol Berg's Rai-Kirah
#3 is probably Abercrombie's First Law series
#4 is probably Meiville's Bas-Lag
#5 is a tie between Dresden Files and The Devil You Know
Oh yes! Carol Berg's Rai-Kirah is superb.
I have yet to read any of Carol Berg.I...must.... add....must.....add....
Ooo...facepalm...ALREADY.... added..
whew....
I suggest The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. Especially with you being a fan of Mistborn.
My favorite so far:Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Lightbringer by Brent Weeks
Coldfire by C.S. Friedman
Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett
Felix Castor by Mike Carey
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Does anyone else wait for a series to be completely finished before evaluating it as a whole? The reason I ask is that so many series have a tendency to fall apart at the end, so it can be difficult to see how good a series really is until it's done.
L.G. wrote: "Does anyone else wait for a series to be completely finished before evaluating it as a whole? The reason I ask is that so many series have a tendency to fall apart at the end, so it can be difficul..."I do. I'm always astounded when incomplete works make "the best of" lists.
MrsJoseph (taking back my data & giving GR the middle finger) wrote: "L.G. wrote: "Does anyone else wait for a series to be completely finished before evaluating it as a whole? The reason I ask is that so many series have a tendency to fall apart at the end, so it ca..."
Way of Kings is guilty of this. There is only one book out, but people proclaim this to be the best series EVAR.
Way of Kings is guilty of this. There is only one book out, but people proclaim this to be the best series EVAR.
I'm guilty of that (tWoK is my favorite book to date). Although, you could say that since Sanderson is amazingly consistent, that it's pretty logical to assume that his series will do well overall.If Rothfuss messes up the third Kingkiller Chronicle I'll cry myself to sleep.
L.G. wrote: "Does anyone else wait for a series to be completely finished before evaluating it as a whole? The reason I ask is that so many series have a tendency to fall apart at the end, so it can be difficul..."If we are talking about series with less than 3 books released (like Kingkiller Chronicles) - I think you are right. It's a bit early to put a stamp on and call it best series - maybe best books or the best start.
But if we look at the neverending series like Dresden Files or Wheel of Time - I think it's fair enough to judge them from what is already out there.
To think of it: in my opinion anything over 5 books is a fair game.
Back to topic: I noticed 2 of my favourite series haven't been mentioned here yet.My old favourite in sword and sorcery genre - series about The Witcher - starting with
And newly found and well loved urban fantasy series 'Peter Grant' by Ben Aaronovitch starting with
(These series are not finished - so I'm judging by the 4 books that are released)If you don't mind an element of horror I quite enjoyed 'Demon Cycle' (epic fantasy) and black humour/horror in 'Sandman Slim' urban fantasy series. (neither finished)
I'm right there with you on 'The First Law' and 'Gentleman Bastards' by the way :) Great books.
Milda wrote: "If we are talking about series with less than 3 books released (like Kingkiller Chronicles) - I think you are right. It's a bit early to put a stamp on and call it best series - maybe best books or the best start.But if we look at the neverending series like Dresden Files or Wheel of Time - I think it's fair enough to judge them from what is already out there.
To think of it: in my opinion anything over 5 books is a fair game. "
I have to disagree.
A series can be destroyed at any point in the series. Haven't yall heard the hullabaloo over the ending of some series where the author went in a different direction than expected? She's received death threats.
I just think it's silly to proclaim something "the best ever" when it's not complete. Until a series is complete, it has a lot of potential...but "the best?" I need proof.
MrsJoseph (taking back my data & giving GR the middle finger) wrote: A series can be destroyed at any point in the series. Haven't yall heard the hullabaloo over the ending of some series where the author went in a different direction than expected? She's received death threats.O.O death threats? Gee! Over the book ending? Thats a scary thought.
I have to admit never heard of it. Out of pure curiosity could you post a link to series. GR comes up with 4 pages of random stuff with just a 'hullabaloo' in search.
Series can be destroyed. Anita Blake just popped in my mind (I haven't read it, just about it) Apparently it had a very good start and after 6 books went down the drain. So, I guess it can go all wrong... Shit happens.
But we digress. To be honest I think the issue is in the phrasing. Judging from the list of examples author of this tread has given - he doesn't mind unfinished series. Maybe 'Your favourite series' or 'the series you liked the best' would have been better way of putting it?
MrsJoseph (taking back my data & giving GR the middle finger) wrote:I just think it's silly to proclaim something "the best ever" when it's not complete.
I totally agree with you on that. 'The best ever' is a very strong statement. I think I've read enough to realise how much I haven't read yet. I'd never be comfortable saying 'best ever' (unless jokingly) - 'I liked the most' is much better phrase.
Milda wrote: "MrsJoseph (taking back my data & giving GR the middle finger) wrote: A series can be destroyed at any point in the series. Haven't yall heard the hullabaloo over the ending of some series where the..."Sorry - the author is Charlaine Harris and the series is her Sookie Stackhouse series.
http://www.examiner.com/article/autho...
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013...
The Sookie Stackhouse series
A lot of people thought this was the best series ever...until the author finished it up the way she wanted. Then people went batshit crazy and she even got death threats.
And what about the BS over the Allegiant series?
MrsJoseph (taking back my data & giving GR the middle finger) wrote: "Milda wrote: "MrsJoseph (taking back my data & giving GR the middle finger) wrote: A series can be destroyed at any point in the series. Haven't yall heard the hullabaloo over the ending of some se..."Good grief! Really? I hadn't heard that about Harris. I was disappointed, but hardly that OTT. I thought the quality declined some in the last few books, but there were still some hysterically funny parts.
Sandra wrote: "Good grief! Really? I hadn't heard that about Harris. I was disappointed, but hardly that OTT. I thought the quality declined some in the last few books, but there were still some hysterically funny parts. "I was surprised myself.
MrsJoseph (taking back my data & giving GR the middle finger) wrote: Sorry - the author is Charlaine Harris and the series is her Sookie Stackhouse series. Doh! I thought 'the hullabaloo' was actually the part of the name. I even typed it in search engine. LOL
I'm following True Blood on TV, haven't read the books though. Didn't know this happened to author. It's somewhat both scary and funny (I possibly have a sick sence of humour) But if people go that batshit crazy - doesn't that mean that they just really looved the books and care about the characters more than it's healthy? In a way it's perfect for advertising and PR. (not that I'd want to be in Ch.Harris shoes - my sympathies)
What happened over Divergent series? I'm not much into YA stuff, but my friend read it and she loved the series. Didn't mention anything dissapointing.
Milda wrote: "MrsJoseph (taking back my data & giving GR the middle finger) wrote: Sorry - the author is Charlaine Harris and the series is her Sookie Stackhouse series. Doh! I thought 'the hullabaloo' was act..."
Hmmm, well...
I think that the response clearly shows that people were emotionally invested (maybe a little too emotionally invested?) which is a credit to the author. But I would also say that the ending of the series ruined it so much for a lot of readers that it greatly impacted its popularity*. I feel that TV Shows and books are different animals so I *wouldn't think* that the show would be impacted.
*I think readers will warn other readers away or only recommend it with serious caveats.
You know, this reminds me of the Anita Blake series. From what I've heard the beginning of the series was great UF...but over time the series devolved into PNR Porn.When anyone tells me to read Anita Blake it's either "only read the first 4 books!" or it's "OMG, the guys and sex in this book is HWAT. Especially the later books. Read it for the sex."
Luke wrote: "If Rothfuss messes up the third Kingkiller Chronicle I'll cry myself to sleep."I heard he already messed it up with book 2. Never read it so I don't know. The first book was OK but didn't drag me to the bookstore for the second.
Anita Blake was good in the beginning, the idea of a zombie raiser was pretty unusual, but then she got into a vampire-werewolf romantic triangle and the unique parts of the story were left behind.
I stopped reading Potter at book 4. I had no desire to see wizardly factionalism and character assassination when we have so much of it in real life.
The best SF series I read, which could easily be taken for a fantasy series, is Jack Chalker's original Well of Souls series. 5 great books. Then he started to extend it years later, but I loved the first 5 so much I didn't poison my memories. Another great fantasy series is Dave Duncan's Seventh Sword trilogy. The best story of technology impacting a primitive world I've ever read.
Milda wrote: "What happened over Divergent series? I'm not much into YA stuff, but my friend read it and she loved the series. Didn't mention anything dissapointing. "Missed this. Sorry!
Welp, there was a big to do over the ending of the last book.
The internetz went insane - lots of people swore to never read Roth again and some even wanted to punch her in the face: http://bookriot.com/2013/10/24/hell-h...
Later the media tried to claim that the reaction Roth received due to her last book cause her to develop an anxiety disorder.
Apparently, Veronica Roth was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder based on ” the amount of nasty Internet commentary her writing had generated” (of which the article’s author must admit she is herself participating). Compare this piece to the news of Penguin’s newest young author.
But then later it has been discussed that Roth already had anxiety disorder:
That article is distorting facts to fit its point. Roth had anxiety problems long before she entered the writing profession and received reviews: http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.de/...
Fantasy Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
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Empire of the East (other topics)
Dragons of Autumn Twilight (other topics)
A Spell for Chameleon (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Anne Macaffery (other topics)Marion Zimmer Bradley (other topics)
Tad Williams (other topics)
Ian Irvine (other topics)
David Eddings (other topics)
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I'm wicked new to the Goodreads community but have already found it to be the best place a reading junky could go to fine new books. I have serfed through hundreds of books and tried many first books of series but i have not found a new series that i can look forward too every day after work. I am looking for my fellow Fantasy lovers to PLEASE give me the genuinely best series of the genre you've read. We all know how many cliche fantasy series there are out there. I'm tired of poeple who have read around two fantasy books telling me to read such and such because its the best ever when i come to find its nothing special or ive already read it. While we may not have the same mind set of what great fantasy is ill give you a list of my all time fav's so that we can get around the major ones and hopefully others will find new book series to read. While i love Fantasy books ive always loved fantasy series more. i love connecting with a character and taking that adventure with them so if it can be helped please do series over single books! :) thanks for your help guys:
My Favorites in no specific order: LOTR - Wheel of Time - Mistborn - Lies of Locke Lamora - Malazan Empire - Harry Potter - Anything Salvatore with Drizzt - Song of Fire and Ice (game of thrones) - Chronicles of Narnia - Riyria Revelations/Chronicles - Stormlight Archive - The First Law - Bartimaeus - KingKiller -
For those who havent read the ones ive posted as my favorite - youve gotten a head start on the find of a new series. As a fantasy lover i can promise you theyre all great in their own ways and amazing!
For those who have some of their own that arent on the list PLEASE POST!!! ive been desperately searching for that new series that will keep my up all night!
Thanks!