Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenMonkey
Out of the initial list I'd say GRRM as he's my runner-up favorite but there's a long wait for the rest of it.
|
Well that's the problem. GRRM is the main reason I've basically decided not to start on a series until it is complete. Which can be painful: Steven Erikson is writing a trilogy featuring one of my favorite characters in the Malazan series and it is going to take awhile: volume 1 was published in 2012 and volume two is scheduled to come out this fall. As for volume three, who knows. I hope he speeds things up! He wrote the Malazan series rather quickly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenMonkey
I've read the first Malazan book once, and then waited and read it again (because I felt like I didn't *get it* completely, and then book 2, but I wasn't a huge fan of the "what the *** is going on, I have no idea, I have no idea even how this magic works" feeling of being thrown in the river with no setup. I still plan to read more / revisit down the road, but to me these made GRRM's complex line up of characters seem simple.
|
I think Book 2 in the series is one of the stronger entries, But I too had difficulties with Book 1.
I agree that in comparison GRRM's books are "simple." But it's a great series and I really wish the series would be completed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenMonkey
I liked Glen Cook's Black Company books but they are very dark but a bit whimsical at the same time. I feel like Joe Abercrombie does this same sort of thing better now.
|
Joel Abercrombie is one reason I'm revisiting this thread (besides seeing what series other readers recommend that I don't know about). Kept on thinking that I should have mentioned him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenMonkey
If you're just looking for recommendations...have you read Feist/Wurts's Empire Trilogy? Those are some of my favorite character-driven fantasy, although I guess you would want to start with Magician. Or if you're feeling like a bit darker, C.S. Friedman's Coldfire or Magister trilogies?
|
Don't know why I've neglected the Feist/Wurts book. I've always read good things about them. Friedman sounds intriguing.
Other possible series to consider:
1) L. E. Modesitt's "Recluce" series. Lots of entries but most can be read as standalones. A lot of people might argue there's too much description and talking and not enough action and that if you have read one (he is very profilic--lots of series) you've read them all. Which to a certain extent I would agree with. But I think some of the ideas he writes about are interesting. I enjoy his methodical (for others: slow) approach.
2) Barbara Hambly. Probably primarily known for her Benjamin January mystery series, but before that she wrote a lot of fantasy. Many involve people from our world being transferred to another world (okay with me). I particularly like the Darwath Trilogy, the Sun Wolf books and the Windrose Chronicles. These read rather quickly and are entertaining.
3) The Long Price Quartet series by Daniel Abraham. Another darker, more complex series but there are only four books and they aren't huge.
4) David Eddings' Belgariad series. Nothing too heavy here, but engaging characters and lots of humor. Highly entertaining. Perhaps too "light" for some, but sometimes that works perfectly. For me at least.
5) Jeffrey Barlough's Western Lights series. Combination of fantasy/mystery/horror. Ongoing but can be read as stand alones. Unique and kind of weird. Sometimes I'm not sure what I think of the series. But are any available as ebooks? I don't think so.
I could go on (and on and on and on ..... ) but will stop.