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wwwwwww
Learned Scribe
116 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Sep 2006 : 16:29:40
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Paul Kearney's The Monarchies of God series is incredible. One of the most underrated fantasy series' of all time. His prose is second to none.
Sean Russell's Swans War Trilogy is also very well written and quite an interesting tale. |
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EvilKnight
Learned Scribe
USA
162 Posts |
Posted - 21 Sep 2006 : 01:43:05
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Thanks Richard,
I think I will check out a few of Perez-Reverte's books. Some of them sound very interesting.
EvilKnight |
Danali Index |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2006 : 02:28:12
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| Richard Lee Byers, Steve Schend, and Erik Scott de Bie respond. I'm pretty proud of me thread. |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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Mazrim_Taim
Learned Scribe
341 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2006 : 17:06:22
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Someone mentioned Dune so I have to refer anyone interested in a good sci-fi noven to read Enders Game, by Orson Scott Card and the following series if you like it.
Other than that. I really liked The Illuminatus! Trilogy by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson. Hilarious book, often spoken of as the worlds biggest joke. Then if you liked that, read The Schrodingers Cat trilogy. Then touching on that, I really found In Search of Schrodingers Cat; Quantum Physics and Reality very intersting. But that's getting off the topic of what FR readers might like.
I have to second whoever said His Dark Materials was a series. At first I didn't read it because it seemed too, I dunno, kidsy to me. But when I started reading the first book, I coudn't stop. And then had to go purchase the rest later that day. 
Hmm, having hard time thinking of novels that haven't been mentioned yet. I really like the Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever books.
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And if the PCs DO win their ways through all the liches to Larloch, “he” will almost certainly be just another lich (loaded with explosive spells) set up as a decoy, with dozens of hidden liches waiting to pounce on any surviving PCs who ‘celebrate’ after they take Larloch down. As the REAL Larloch watches (magical scrying) from afar. Myself, as DM, I’d be wondering: “Such a glorious game, so many opportunities laid out before your PCs to devote your time to, and THIS fixation is the best you can come up with? Are you SURE you’re adventurers?” -Ed Greenwood
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2006 : 17:27:40
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| IIRC, both Elaine and Ed recommended this novel: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, by Susanna Clarke. It's rather unlike any other book I've ever read, but it is also quite good. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2006 : 17:45:48
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I recommend Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, also.
Up to now, I've mainly recommended sword-and-sorcery- style fantasy (figuring that if we're talking about fantasy for the Forgotten Realms fan, that was the safest bet.) But if we're going to talk about fantasy in general, you can't go wrong with Tim Powers and Peter S. Beagle (come to think of it, some of their stuff does verge on being s&s anyway.) I also recommend The Phoenix and the Mirror, by Avram Davidson, and the "Silver John" stories, by Manly Wade Wellman. |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2006 : 18:19:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
I recommend Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, also.
I haven't read that one yet, but it's on my list. I've heard good things. 
quote:
Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini
Not about the book, per se, but the 1953 movie is hailed as one of the quintessential fencing films, with an excellent duel (though Nadi didn't think so, of course ).
Also, if you want to see a really good duel, check out Tyrone Powers and Basil Rathbone in the Mark of Zorro. (Heh -- we can see where my mind is this morning. )
quote:
Richard Lee Byers, Steve Schend, and Erik Scott de Bie respond. I'm pretty proud of me thread.
Cheers!
(Wow, that was such an irrelevant post. I should follow it up with a recommendation. . . .)
Dave Duncan's The Gilded Chain and it's accompanying series. Not your typical Realmsian style, but sword and sorcery of excellent craftsmanship. Plus, I love the fencing.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2006 : 19:09:55
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Erik's right: For flashy, extravagant, non-realistic but highly cinematic fencing, the climax of Scaramouche is hard to beat.
If you want to go to the other extreme, The Duelists (one of my all-time favorite movies) is, in my opinion, quite realistic.
And if you're interested in the difference between fencing for points and fencing when you can really get stabbed (like in a duel), check out Aldo Nadi's autobiography The Liivng Sword. Nadi was probably the 20th century's greatest fencer, and he fought one actual duel. His reflections on the event are the most interesting part of the book (especially if you're a sword-and-sorcery fan.) |
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
4598 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2006 : 19:43:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Erik's right: For flashy, extravagant, non-realistic but highly cinematic fencing, the climax of Scaramouche is hard to beat.
And that's exactly what I meant!
quote:
If you want to go to the other extreme, The Duelists (one of my all-time favorite movies) is, in my opinion, quite realistic.
Ridley Scott? Based on a Joseph Conrad story?  I should check this one out.
quote:
And if you're interested in the difference between fencing for points and fencing when you can really get stabbed (like in a duel), check out Aldo Nadi's autobiography The Liivng Sword. Nadi was probably the 20th century's greatest fencer, and he fought one actual duel. His reflections on the event are the most interesting part of the book (especially if you're a sword-and-sorcery fan.)
In the vein of book recommendations, it's quite reasonable to recommend non-fiction/biography/autobiography, I think.
I'm also a fan of former Olympic fencer Richard Cohen's By the Sword, which is something of a history of the world, as seen through swordcraft and bladework. If you have any interest in fencing or sword fighting of any kind, it's one to pick up.
Cheers |
Erik Scott de Bie
'Tis easier to destroy than to create.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars" |
Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 26 Sep 2006 17:21:31 |
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Delzounblood
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
578 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2006 : 14:33:28
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Hi, I belive Sage has mentioned books by Terry Pratchett's on Diskworld, For light hearted relief or stuck on a train going to work these are great.
But! if you want something totally different I suggest moving genre altogether, try reading any book by Bill Bryson.
As a brit, I find his observational humour and sarcastic views some of the best written works around!
It makes a change if you want to laugh and giggle at the world rarther than be drawn into plots and intigue, I know these are not novels but it's always good to broaden your outlook.
I hope you get to check out Bill's work though I would suggest getting a copy from a library first rarther than buying one, Some people do not "get" the laughs. |
I'm Back! |
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Ergdusch
Master of Realmslore
Germany
1720 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2006 : 15:23:40
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Has anyone read the Bartimaeus trilogy by Jonathan Stroud? Seen it the other day at my local bookstroe and was wondering how it might be - and since we are already discussing non-FR novels here I thought I m9ght as well ask you guys about it. No offence taken please - dear moderators!
Best regards, Ergdusch |
"Das Gras weht im Wind, wenn der Wind weht." |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2006 : 20:00:27
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A non-fiction novel (if I haven't mentioned it before) that I really love is
On Writing, by Stephen King... I can't really express why this book is so dear to me, but it is like a coach keeping your mind in shape... gotta read it again ... soon! |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 27 Sep 2006 : 00:35:16
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| who else love the Noble Dead books from the Hendees |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 27 Sep 2006 : 02:23:07
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quote:
Originally posted by GothicDan
Well, let's try to remember that the original post was about non-FR novels for an FR-fan.
Specifically, Merrik, which FR novels do you like in particular? Knowing the sort of FR novels you like (and, even with a single genre, they run the gamut) will help us to specify which books to reccommend. :)
I particularly like RA Salvatore's books including his non-FR books. I do not enjoy Ed Greenwood's style. The recently completed Dragon Rage and Yuan Ti trilogies were great. I enjot Elaine Cunningham as well. To name a few. |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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fmacdonald
Acolyte
Canada
33 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2006 : 08:22:18
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| For swords-and-castles style fantasy, try any of the warhammer fantasy books published by black library. Try any of the warhammer 40,000 if you feel like stepping out of the stricly fantasy and more into sci-fi. I'd call it science fantasy... but thats kind of lame. |
www.myspace.com/deathsheadmusic - If you have a myspace account and are into this "heavy metal" and "punk rock" thing the kids are listening to now, check out my band. |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 05 Oct 2006 : 14:13:21
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| I don't see the term science fantasy tossed around too much anymore, but at one time it was used quite a bit to describe a certain type of story, and I think it's still a useful categorization. |
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quajack
Seeker
86 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2006 : 16:31:34
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| BONE by Jeff Smith is an excellent read. A graphic novel containing every issue of the comic has just been released. In my early teens (I'm 26 now) I began reading this wonderful black and white comic and became completely enthralled by the author's storytelling. I've been a fan of BONE since before I cracked the cover of my first fantasy novel and the story still holds up to even the highest fantasy standards. |
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quajack
Seeker
86 Posts |
Posted - 09 Nov 2006 : 15:51:27
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| I ditto Erik Scott de Bie in suggesting American Gods by Neil Gaimon. I'm about halfway through it and can say that it is a treasure for any reader who would like to take a week or two off from sword and sorcery fantasy. |
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Dart Ambermoon
Learned Scribe
Germany
253 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2006 : 00:37:00
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- Anything by David Gemmell
- Richard Lee Byers´ "Dead God" Trilogy
- Greg Keyes´ "Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone"
- Steven Erikson´s "Malazan Books of the Fallen" (if you´re into insanely woven, long-stretched, but brilliant sub-plots, that is) |
~ In Finder I trust, for danger I lust ~ |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jan 2007 : 18:56:37
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| Which non-FR book has an interesting party of adventurers? |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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yargarth
Seeker
USA
58 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jan 2007 : 21:38:19
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The Conclave of shadows series by Raymond E. Feist is good.(so good ap goverment teacher with degrees from standford and harvard recomended it)
The Temerarie series by Naomi Novik, it is a very very orginal story about historical fiction. (it has dragons in the Napolean times)
thoose are two of my recent fav. i do not have time to write all of them down by PM if you want more recomendations |
"You take a step, then another. That's the journey. But to take a step with your eyes open is not a journey at all, it's a remaking of your own mind."
-Orson Scott Card
Ender in Exile |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2007 : 03:50:55
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quote:
Originally posted by yargarth
The Conclave of shadows series by Raymond E. Feist is good.(so good ap goverment teacher with degrees from standford and harvard recomended it)
I'm a huge fan of all of Feist's books. He is one of the very few authors who can sell me a book by putting his name on the cover. But, if you're going to read those books, I'd recommend starting at the beginning, with the Riftwar Saga. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2007 : 06:35:29
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quote:
Originally posted by MerrikCale
Which non-FR book has an interesting party of adventurers?
Well, most of the older (pre-80's)fantasy writers have a tendency to focus on one or two individuals. Those that have larger groups, such as Dickinsons The Dragon and the George and Moorcocks Runestaff series, are of a sort I would not compare to the idea of the adventuring party.
With the newer authors, like Feist, Eddison and Jordan you get more of the "group of adventurers" but my knowledge of these writers are somewhat limited. What I have read of Eddison I have liked, you might also like Donaldson's Thomas Covenant books, but these are not to everyone's taste. |
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Virendar
Acolyte
29 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2007 : 16:36:56
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Dragonlance Novels ALL THE WAY !
i wud recommend Dragon's of Autumn's twilight to get you going...then keep reading from there :) |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2007 : 17:57:42
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| It's been years since I read them, but I believe I dimly recall that Tad Williams's "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn" trilogy has a likable fellowship of adventurers. I definitely remember that I enjoyed the series a lot, so even if you read it and it doesn't really have the adventuring band that I think is in there, maybe you won't feel that I've led you too far astray. |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2007 : 01:21:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
It's been years since I read them, but I believe I dimly recall that Tad Williams's "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn" trilogy has a likable fellowship of adventurers. I definitely remember that I enjoyed the series a lot, so even if you read it and it doesn't really have the adventuring band that I think is in there, maybe you won't feel that I've led you too far astray.
not to sound too fanboyish, Dorn and crew are exactly the kind of "party" I'm looking for. Fun to read and maybe spawn some campaign ideas |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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Mark S.
Forgotten Realms Author
60 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2007 : 17:08:37
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quote:
Originally posted by MerrikCale
If you are a big forgotten realms novel fan, what non-FR novels would you recommend and why?
George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series.
George R.R. Martin's Fevre Dream. One of the best vampire novels ever written.
David Gemmell's stuff is good "tough guy" fantasy.
I second Mr. Byers' recommendation of Tad Williams's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series. Great Fantasy. Rightly called the War and Peace of Fantasy.
I pity the fool who hasn't read F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack books. Start with The Tomb and go from there.
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Edited by - Mark S. on 23 Jan 2007 17:12:33 |
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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2007 : 18:15:20
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Here's Ed Greenwood's answer to "Who are your favorite authors now?" in 2005:quote:
Those still living (hoping I don’t jinx anyone, and just in the order they come to mind): Guy Gavriel Kay, Terry Pratchett, Spider Robinson, Patricia McKillip, Robin McKinley, Julian May, Dana Stabenow, Catherine Aird, Jack Vance, Katherine Kurtz, Ursula K. LeGuin, Caroline Stevermer, Steven Brust (the Khaavren romances), Alexei Panshin (the Anthony Villiers books), Julian May, Peter S. Beagle (The Folk of the Air), George R.R. Martin, Lynn Abbey, Elaine Cunningham—and yes, I could go on!
And the late greats: Roger Zelazny, Lord Dunsany, P. G. Wodehouse, J.R.R. Tolkien, Fritz Leiber, Leslie Charteris, Clark Ashton Smith, Randall Garrett (the Lord Darcy stories), Colin Watson (the Flaxborough novels), Edith Pargeter (“Ellis Peters”), John Bellairs (The Face In The Frost), Avram Davidson, Lin Carter (his never-completed Khymyrium fragments), James H. Schmitz, Kyril Bonfiglioli (the Charlie Mortdecai mystery novels)—and obviously, I could continue this list for dozens of names, too!
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camm91
Acolyte
Australia
2 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jan 2007 : 13:36:46
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Wow, noone's mentioned Asimov's foundation series yet?! :0
I'd really love to recommend
Cecelia Dart Thornton - Bitterbynde Trilogy
Sara Douglass - Axis trilogy
Katherine Kerr - Deverry trilogy (freaking awesome!)
Ian Irvine (Lengthy but well worth it)
Jean M Auel - Clan of the cave bears children of the earth series!
Any of these wont dissapoint :) give em a burl! |
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Zaknafein
Seeker
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jan 2007 : 04:50:50
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The Shannara Trilogy - Terry Brooks
VERY long and in-depth but very good nonetheless.
I'm really torn by Dragonlance...I've never even tried to get into them but it does interest me some, but I don't want it to pull me away from FR. haha |
Zaknafein Do'Urden: mentor, teacher, friend....To Zak, the one who inspired my courage. -Drizzt Do'Urden
Full plate and packing steel. |
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Non FR Novels for Big FR Novel fans?
