Quote:
Originally Posted by treadlightly
Hmmm, I think there is a big difference between bad fantasy and fantasy that you didn't like. [...]
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^ Definitely this. ^
I can understand that some won't like the Thomas Covenant series, but any attempt to call it "bad" ... well, let's just say I have never seen anyone present a convincing argument, all it ever boils down to is "I didn't like it."
I have read some "bad" fantasy, stuff that is obviously poorly done copies, but the truth is that I don't dwell on these very much so rarely remember them (which can be a mistake because I sometimes try to re-read them). The ones I tend to remember are those from authors that have done something I like.
I really like David Eddings' Belgariad and Mallorean series, but thought the Elenium was a disaster. I forced myself through them mainly to give him the benefit of the doubt - but these were awful (I will reluctantly allow that the third wasn't as bad as the first two). An excessively long prologue that throws up a catalogue of names with little useful context, and then a story which reads like a group of Don Quixote type knights (but not as likable as the original) rushing back and forth over the countryside achieving bugger all. Was this really "bad" as opposed to just didn't like? Perhaps others can answer that. Is there anyone out there that liked this series?