Best stand-alone Fantasy novel? - Page 5

AndrewH · 05-23-2012, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenMonkey

Funny.. I started reading a Guy Gavriel Kay book - the first book of the Fionvar tapestry - but wasn't that interested and dropped it (which doesn't happen for me very often). Maybe I'll give it another go.

I liked the Fionavar Tapestry, but I didn't think the trilogy was nearly as good as the stand-alone books I named previously. I've really enjoyed everything GGK has written, except Ysabel.

VaporPunk · 05-24-2012, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewH

I liked the Fionavar Tapestry, but I didn't think the trilogy was nearly as good as the stand-alone books I named previously. I've really enjoyed everything GGK has written, except Ysabel.

I never read the Fionavar Tapestry, I had heard that its not his best stuff. You just confirmed it again so thanks for that.

I realize that doesn't mean it isn't good though, considering GGK is one of the best fantasy writers out there. I'll get around to it someday, hopefully.

Freeshadow · 05-24-2012, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Thanks - I'd overlooked that. In that case, I must already have it, given that I've bought every monthly bundle that Baen have ever done.

July 05 the page says

Belfaborac · 05-24-2012, 03:54 AM

I loved Fionavar and would say it's a safe bet you'll enjoy it if you like his other books. I re-read it not too long ago in fact and thought it still delivered, easily.

owly · 05-24-2012, 05:03 AM

[QUOTE=BarnettR;2088803]Lovely story, but not stand alone. See "The Story of the Stone" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen" for further adventures of #1 Ox.

Oooh I had no idea! To the ebookstore!

VaporPunk · 05-24-2012, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belfaborac

I loved Fionavar and would say it's a safe bet you'll enjoy it if you like his other books. I re-read it not too long ago in fact and thought it still delivered, easily.

Cheers again, Belfaborac. I suspect that GGK is one of the few authors who is incapable of writing a bad book. I will get to it, but there's just so much to read out there...

HarryT · 05-24-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaporPunk

Cheers again, Belfaborac. I suspect that GGK is one of the few authors who is incapable of writing a bad book.

I'd add Brandon Sanderson to that (short) list. Very, VERY impressive author.

Latinandgreek · 05-24-2012, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'd add Brandon Sanderson to that (short) list. Very, VERY impressive author.

I quite like him, too. He is actually the reason that I have been considering reading the WoT series.

=X= · 05-24-2012, 02:45 PM

One of my favorite all time Novels is "Hour of the Dragon" by Robert E. Howard. While the story line plot was pretty straight forward his writing style is unsurpassed.

I do consider the Hobbit a stand alone novel since there is not sequel or prequel necessary to get the full story. Just like you don't need to read the Hobbit to understand the story line behind LOTR.

I thought the Hobbit was okay, I've heard many folks say it should not be a Juvenile book, but after reading it I do believe that is the correct classification.

=X=

way8lifter · 05-25-2012, 12:48 AM

I have to go with stephen kings IT ....a thousand 80 pages of awesome

Belfaborac · 05-25-2012, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'd add Brandon Sanderson to that (short) list. Very, VERY impressive author.

And I'll happily second you. Sanderson is excellent too. I'm hoping I can, at some point, gather the resolve to finish Wheel of Time, if only to see what he's made of the ending.

VaporPunk · 05-25-2012, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by =X=

One of my favorite all time Novels is "Hour of the Dragon" by Robert E. Howard. While the story line plot was pretty straight forward his writing style is unsurpassed.

I do consider the Hobbit a stand alone novel since there is not sequel or prequel necessary to get the full story. Just like you don't need to read the Hobbit to understand the story line behind LOTR.

I thought the Hobbit was okay, I've heard many folks say it should not be a Juvenile book, but after reading it I do believe that is the correct classification.

=X=

I would agree that it was (initially at least) aimed at a younger audience than the LOTR. I first read it as a child and well, the words "falling in love" don't do it justice. I adored it. That glow comes back every time I re-read it. For me, it was when my love of fantasy and literature in general was born. Best ever? For me, the hands down winner.

VaporPunk · 05-25-2012, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belfaborac

And I'll happily second you. Sanderson is excellent too. I'm hoping I can, at some point, gather the resolve to finish Wheel of Time, if only to see what he's made of the ending.

Godsdamnit Belfa & HarryT, stop already! I'm gonna start reading my first Modesitt soon (after many recs from the good folks on MR) and my Fantasy TBR list is getting ridiculous. Sanderson was already on that list but still... I'm dying here...

Whats the general MR consensus on Mistborn? Any good stand-alone recs for Sanderson? (Its my thread so I can go OT if I want to

)

HarryT · 05-25-2012, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaporPunk

Godsdamnit Belfa & HarryT, stop already! I'm gonna start reading my first Modesitt soon (after many recs from the good folks on MR) and my Fantasy TBR list is getting ridiculous. Sanderson was already on that list but still... I'm dying here...

Whats the general MR consensus on Mistborn? Any good stand-alone recs for Sanderson? (Its my thread so I can go OT if I want to

)

"Mistborn" is absolutely superb, IMHO. An ideal one (or rather, three

) to start with. But you really can't go wrong with any of his books. The only thing I would say is don't read "The Alloy of Law" before the Mistborn trilogy.

Belfaborac · 05-25-2012, 04:59 AM

Yes indeed, Mistborn is truly excellent. I believe opinions on The Alloy of Law differ somewhat more than they do regarding the original trilogy, but I've not read it myself yet. Other than that I've read all of Sanderson's books and loved them all. Just like Tepper, Sanderson manages to come up with different takes on old material (like magic and how it works), which is a priceless quality when you've read hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of fantasy books....

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05-24-2012, 03:54 AM	#64
Belfaborac Wizard Posts: 1,498 Karma: 5199835 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Norway Device: Sony PRS-505, PRS-950	I loved Fionavar and would say it's a safe bet you'll enjoy it if you like his other books. I re-read it not too long ago in fact and thought it still delivered, easily.

05-24-2012, 05:03 AM	#65
owly Guru Posts: 729 Karma: 3822612 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sweden Device: Paperwhite 2, Kobo Aura H2O	[QUOTE=BarnettR;2088803]Lovely story, but not stand alone. See "The Story of the Stone" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen" for further adventures of #1 Ox. Oooh I had no idea! To the ebookstore!

05-24-2012, 02:45 PM	#69
=X= Wizard Posts: 3,671 Karma: 12205348 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: Galaxy S, Nook w/CM7	One of my favorite all time Novels is "Hour of the Dragon" by Robert E. Howard. While the story line plot was pretty straight forward his writing style is unsurpassed. I do consider the Hobbit a stand alone novel since there is not sequel or prequel necessary to get the full story. Just like you don't need to read the Hobbit to understand the story line behind LOTR. I thought the Hobbit was okay, I've heard many folks say it should not be a Juvenile book, but after reading it I do believe that is the correct classification. =X=

05-25-2012, 12:48 AM	#70
way8lifter Enthusiast Posts: 38 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: Kindle Fire	I have to go with stephen kings IT ....a thousand 80 pages of awesome

05-25-2012, 04:59 AM	#75
Belfaborac Wizard Posts: 1,498 Karma: 5199835 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Norway Device: Sony PRS-505, PRS-950	Yes indeed, Mistborn is truly excellent. I believe opinions on The Alloy of Law differ somewhat more than they do regarding the original trilogy, but I've not read it myself yet. Other than that I've read all of Sanderson's books and loved them all. Just like Tepper, Sanderson manages to come up with different takes on old material (like magic and how it works), which is a priceless quality when you've read hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of fantasy books....

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