Welcome to Goodreads, Matt. We have some great writers here, so you can feel at home. My experience has been that it's useless to aim for a genre. Unless you just want to plug your characters into somebody else's predefined world, which results in mediocre tales at best, creating your own genre is the best way to go. Not that you will know in advance how the editors are going to characterize your work! I have had a Twilight Zone style story published as a mystery and a fantasy published as SF. Your voice will be the definition of your work.

Sorry, typo -- "writing in any genre" -- there is no "ant genre" that I know of.

Matt, et. al.

Neil Gaiman totally rocks, as anyone who has followed modern comics (the non-Marvel/Dell kind) knows. I especially liked Fragile Things because of the theme.
You guys should try Neal Stephenson. An Awesome writer. Read him chronologiacally (Zodiac>Snow Crash>Diamond Age>Cryptonomicon>Baroque Cycle>Anathem) for a mindboggling SF/Fantasy adventure into the future/past/present/parallel world.

These two, Janny Wurts, and Donaldson get my votes for the best folks writin today in ant genre.

Oh, and as for Neil Gaiman, the man cannot fail. Good Omens made me laugh till I hurt. American Gods was perhaps more important to me than any other book ever, excepting The Cat in the Hat and The Zen Environment by Marianne Mountain. Sandman was amazing, and Neverwhere? That taught me what a dark and sinister place can truly be. As for Stardust, I've yet to read it, but I have seen the movie. Deniro as a cross dressing sky pirate? Taxi Driver will never be the same, and I thank Gaiman for allowing me that experience.

Hey all. I've been posting all over these boards for a while, so I figured I should introduce myself. My names Matt, and I write under the Moniker M.A. Algiers. I'm somewhat of a novice to the fantasy game. As a child I read a lot of it; LotR and The Hobbit, Narnia, Oz and Peter Pan, Pooh Bear and Alice's wonderful Wonderland. I'm in my mid 20's now, and I've only read fantasy on and off since about 16. I love all literature, especially Steinbeck, Marquez, Yeats, and Mark Twain. As far as fantasy goes, I'm sadly lacking for a genre I like so much. Mostly Robert Jordan, Tolkien, and T.H. White's Arthur legend. I've read a bit of The Sword of Truth in high school, but found it lacking. Right now I'm gearing up for the final WoT books, Thomas Covenant series by Donaldson, and A Song of Ice and Fire by Martin.

I'm writing a lot, mostly as a hobby, but trying to improve my craft. I'm trying to stay away from the typical Jordan-esque convictions, but my exposure and influences are as yet, limited. I wrote a lot in high school (if i mention those year often, it was the last time I read any fantasy until recently) but I find myself enjoying it again thoroughly. I posted a story on my profile if any one wants to take a look and get to know my style. I'd love any comments of suggestions and I'd eat up a chance to read any other amateur or semi-professional work. I'm still unsure about how to befriend peolpe on goodreads, so hit me up if you like.

Hi. I just joined this group and this site too. I love reading fantasy and am surprised (though I don't know why) and overjoyed to find this group. So many of you enjoy the same books I do - and also don't enjoy the same books I do.
I'm really looking forward to the monthly reads. I missed October's, but I've read the Hobbit so many times I'll take November to read The Blade Itself. I'm really happy to have found this source of book recommendations and discussions.

Yeah the stag is from a vision that Merlin has for the King... I tohught the first one was good, and the second was ok, but I really dragged through the last one. Wonderful story and concept and how it became its own myth and legend as the story went on, but Stewart is a little over detailed and skips climaxes, as well as doesn't give the respect her characters deserve when she kills them off... She will spend 2 pages describing them and one sentence killing them... I don't know, not my style.

There's a white stag and/or white doe scene in several medieval Arthurian stories. Doesn't the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight begin with dogs chasing a white deer through the feast hall?

Landon, I remember the Mary Stewart books with great fondness. They were the first (some would say the best) of the Arthurian wave of their day, and probably worth revisiting if I find the time. *S* Doesn't she have a White Stag scene somewhere? That was a familiar image when it occurred in Harry Potter 3 and I thought, didn't I see that in Mary Stewart's work?

Hello,

Alright so I'm new here. I've kinda been on a reading kick recently, though I've read alot before. My tastes seem to have moved towards fantasy, as its all I've been reading recently. I started with the Mary Stewart Merlin Trilogy, and found it progressively worse as it went along, and then I read George R R Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice, and loved it. Now that I'm the waitlist for A Dance with Dragons, I am currently reading The Name of the Wind, though I'm almost done with that, and I plan on reading Lies of Locke Lamora next. I like what I see around here, and wish to include myself in the little discussions going around, so hopefully I'll be getting to know all of you.

-Landon

Don't feel bad, Priscilla, you are not the only one relying on the library for books! I cannot afford to buy very many, plus I'm out of space!

I just want to say hi. I am a SAHM with 3 wonderful boys. I am big reader and I have been reading fantasy books since high school when I was introduced to the Hobbit. I find that fantasy books give me the escape that I am looking for in books plus gives me an adventure. I will say that I tend to get books that deal with wizard, magic, or another time/ place. I am not a big vampire book reader so I might stay clear of those books. I will say that I will try to participate with the book discussion as long as the book is in my library but right know our library is not buying any new books so there might be times that I can not join in.

Welcome Chris! Good to have you. Personally I enjoy the detail oriented writing of Jordan, but I realize that it's not for everyone. :)

Goodkind and Eddings are also very good. I really enjoyed the Belgariad myself. Hope you appreciate the discussions. Oh and there is a discussion on Eddings in the Author section. If you really like Pawn of Prophecy, you may want to check it out. :)

Neverwhere is dark, but I thought American Gods was more so, so if you enjoyed that you would probably be fine with Neverwhere also.

I also liked Mirrormask, but I know many people did not.

Hello everyone I just joined the group and I'm very excited to get started with this and get some good books recs! Just going to tell you all a bit about my literary tastes now :p

My favorite book is actually Eragon!! I love that series even if tons of people tend to bash it. I read the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. It was fantastic at times and boring at other! But all around a great read. I've read the first 5 books of the Wheel of Time series. And I do not recommend this series for anyone unless you like tiresome details about clothes and room decorations! It was unbearably boring at time and I had to force myself to read it through to the end. I'm currently reading Pawn of Prophecy and it is good so far. Very short and simple, but its exactly what im looking for after the trauma of Wheel of Time.

Anyways, look forward to reading and discussing some great fantasy books you all of you!

Chris

Hey all,

I have recently been able to get back into reading since having my energy to do so was killed by assigned reading in college. I liked The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny and read them a few times over. I am just looking around and reading reviews, which will hopefully save me from having to make myself get through something average. I already see some books that have caught my interest.

For those that don't mind reading from e-book there is a free Coraline from Haper Collins here.

-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)

Hi Caleb! Thanks for the recommendation. I'm glad to get any that you might recommend. I really enjoyed American Gods, and think that Gaiman is a unique and talented writer.

Oh stardust really wasnt that great I agree its one of the only books Ill admit to the movie being better but one of my favorites written by Neil Gaimen was Coraline it basically is a childrens book but it has that aspect of dark fantasy and its very enjoyable....

Bobbie wrote: "Do you have any recommendations for Gaiman's books or any other books you've read that you think I'd like? Thanks. "

I highly recommend the Sandman series, starting with The Sandman Vol. 1 Preludes and Nocturnes. It's an excellent comic series (oh, sorry - graphic novel ;) )

Also Neverwhere A Novel, which has been mentioned, is one of my favorite novels of his as far as pure story goes. I mean, I love American Gods - the characters and ideas and philosophies - but I think Neverwhere is more of a pure story, if you see what I mean. (I also don't think it's all that dark, really. I would probably say 'American Gods' is darker, actually, but it's all very subjective.)

Anyway, he also has a few short stories collections, which are sort of hit and miss, but Fragile Things Short Fictions and Wonders has some excellent stories, my favorite of which being 'A Study in Emerald' (a free pdf version of which is available here, on his website, along with another excellent, and funny, short story 'I Cthulhu'). 'Fragile Things' also has a short novella about Shadow - a plus for any 'American Gods' fan. :)

hi i am chris and i am new and i love books yeh

hi im chris i am new so hello

Stardust was also never one of my favorites of his, for similar reasons. I think when I read it I was expecting something more like Neverwhere, and was rather disappointed in it. I thought the movie was done very well, though.

I also prefered the movie version of Howl's - though it's harder to compare the two, since they are very different. I do like Diana Wynne Jones Chrestomanci series, though some in the series are better than others... but was somewhat disappointed in the book, looking for answers to the movie that weren't there...

I do want to reread both books, however, and see if maybe I appreciate them more without trying to impose my expectations on them...

Robin wrote: "Bobbie wrote: "Hi Robin! Thanks so much for the recommendations. What was it about Stardust that you did not like? Do you know any other fantasy writers who write similar to Gaiman?"..."

Stardus..."

I really enjoyed Stardust but Robin is correct - its written in true Fairytale form so its a matter of preference. It is very lighthearted if you enjoy lighter novels.

Bobbie wrote: "Hi Robin! Thanks so much for the recommendations. What was it about Stardust that you did not like? Do you know any other fantasy writers who write similar to Gaiman?"..."

Stardust was too "fairytale-ish" for me. It was obvious to me that was his intent so I think he did it wll - I just couldn't get into it because it didn't (imo) have alot of depth. I could see things coming a long way off (he goes to get a star for a girl and ends up falling in love with the star) - I didn't think there was a real connection between the two main characters just thought they "got togehter" because they traveled together for awile.

Personally I liked "Howl's Moving Castle" better - and I found it very similar to Stardust.

Hi Robin! Thanks so much for the recommendations. What was it about Stardust that you did not like? Do you know any other fantasy writers who write similar to Gaiman?
Robin wrote: "Bobbie wrote: "Do you have any recommendations for Gaiman's books or any other books you've read that you think I'd like? Thanks..."

hey Bobbie, and welcome - for me I was not a fan of Stardust ..."

Libby wrote: "I wish Neil would write more novels but he doesn't have too many. Check out Anansi Boys A Novel and The Graveyard Book. "

Hi Libby! thanks for the recommendation. I appreciate it. I loved American Gods, but like I said it's the first Gaiman book I've read. I've heard Neverwhere is rather dark, so I'm not sure I'd like it.

Libby wrote: "I wish Neil would write more novels but he doesn't have too many. Check out Anansi Boys A Novel and The Graveyard Book. "

American Gods has stayed with me for a couple of years now, as it really opened my eyes to so much in human thinking and belief. But just for fun, I recommend Anansi Boys. It's much lighter and just a good read.

Bobbie wrote: "Do you have any recommendations for Gaiman's books or any other books you've read that you think I'd like? Thanks..."

hey Bobbie, and welcome - for me I was not a fan of Stardust but I did enjoy Neverwhere and loved Good Omens.

I wish Neil would write more novels but he doesn't have too many. Check out Anansi Boys A Novel and The Graveyard Book.

Hi Libby! I'm new here, but I see we share some ofthe interests. I love to talk about books and look forward to participating in some discussions. I'm glad to be here on goodreads and to be a part fo this group. Just recently I read my first Neil Gaiman book- American Gods- wow! was it good. Do you have any recommendations for Gaiman's books or any other books you've read that you think I'd like? Thanks.
Angel
Libby wrote: "I've been commenting left and right so I guess I should make an introduction. My name is Libby and I'm a book junkie. I was a literature major in college and love Goodreads because it’s like being ..."

Guess I worded that badly - nice thing about Goodreads is that you can have an endless number of topics in the group so its easy to find pertinent discussions. This is a intro type thread. I thought if we created a de Lint topic that we'd get more responses because it stands out. That way people can talk about de Lint in a separate area and the topic won't get lost. If you go to Group Main for this group there is a topic for this question.

Libby wrote: "I'm going to start a new topic re Charles De Lint to see who has some resources so we don't bog down the Welcome thread"

How is this bogging down the discussion if we are talking about a very popular fantasy writer? Isn't that what a discussion is supposed to be?

I'm halfway through Mark Helprin's Winter Light, which is definitely fantasy. I also think Stephen King's The Stand is fantasy, as opposed to his horror novels, like The Shining.

Hi - I have been lurking for a while, so I figured I would introduce myself. I am a huge reader and consume books like they are food. I'm not sure why, but I have gone through 3 major phases in my life so far in terms of reading. I started out in middle school through the middle of high school reading almost all mysteries. Then I progressed to romances towards the end of highschool and college (hello! hormones) By the end of college til now, I have been firmly in the fantasy genre.

This isnt to say that I don't read other styles of books. I still read mysteries, the occasional romance, and a lot of general fiction, histories, and biographies. But I LOVE fantasy.

My favorite authors/books in the genre are:

Anne Bishop - Black Jewels Trilogy
Kelly Armstrong - Women of the otherworld
Kim Harrison - Rachel Morgan series
Jasper Fforde - Both Nursery Crime and Thursday Next
Mark Danielewski - House of Leaves
Lord of the Rings
Harry Potter
Laurell Hamilton - Anita Blake 1-8
i love vampire/faery/werewolf/witch stories too.

I havent really quite progressed to the more 'stereotypical' fantasy novels. (I know that's the wrong term!)By that I mean the Robert Jordan's and the George R.R. Martin's of the genre. It's strange, because I know I would like them, but haven't really broken that barrier yet. I have had Eye of the World sitting on my shelf for about a year and hope to crack it open during the summer.

In the meantime, I am looking to interact more with the community here and see what other great books I may be missing out on.

Libby wrote: "I'm going to start a new topic re Charles De Lint to see who has some resources so we don't bog down the Welcome thread"

If I would only pay attention Robin beat me to it.

I'm going to start a new topic re Charles De Lint to see who has some resources so we don't bog down the Welcome thread

Tom wrote: "Libby wrote: "Jo wrote: "Tom wrote: "QUESTION: I noticed that Someplace to be Flying by Charles De Lint is very highly ranked on the best Fantasy list. It's #8 in the series. Do I have to read the ..."

I did find a list once upon a time - let me snoop around. If you are newer to Fantasy De Lint is a great start. It's wonderful urban fantasy with rich characters. Contemporary or Urban Fantasy is a great starting point.

Libby wrote: "Jo wrote: "Tom wrote: "QUESTION: I noticed that Someplace to be Flying by Charles De Lint is very highly ranked on the best Fantasy list. It's #8 in the series. Do I have to read the first 7 or can..."

Can someone point me to a website that lists De Lint's work in chrono order? I tried his website but wasn't too successful.

(too bad there isn't a www.stopyourekillingme.com for fantasy, which lists all T/M writers' works in chrono order. or maybe there is and i don't know about it.)

As I'm a novice in Fantasy, this thread has definitely got my curiousity going and I am very intrigued by de Lint. If you can judge a book by its cover, then Someplace to be Flying is a sure winner.

Jo wrote: "Tom wrote: "QUESTION: I noticed that Someplace to be Flying by Charles De Lint is very highly ranked on the best Fantasy list. It's #8 in the series. Do I have to read the first 7 or can I just jum..."

Agreed - I also started with The Onion Girl (Newford Book 11) and then went onto Widdershins (Newford Book 16). When I later develed into some the early stories, the ones I had read made more sense and things fell into place but I don't think reading the later works first was a problem.

Tom wrote: "QUESTION: I noticed that Someplace to be Flying by Charles De Lint is very highly ranked on the best Fantasy list. It's #8 in the series. Do I have to read the first 7 or can I just jump in?"

Hi Tom,

I had no problem jumping into the middle of this series. I actually started with Onion Girl which was written after Someplece to be Flying and worked my way through the series sideways. The series does have some continuity in the fact that they generally move forward in time and there is a group of major characters, the MAIN character is often different in different books so its not the type of series that is so dependent on reading a then b then c. And Someplace to Be Flying is definitely a wonderful book. It took me a little while to get into it, but the payoff was weel worth the wait.

QUESTION: I noticed that Someplace to be Flying by Charles De Lint is very highly ranked on the best Fantasy list. It's #8 in the series. Do I have to read the first 7 or can I just jump in?

I've been commenting left and right so I guess I should make an introduction. My name is Libby and I'm a book junkie. I was a literature major in college and love Goodreads because it’s like being in a GIANT lit class. I simply love being able to discuss so many books and see other reader’s thoughts.

Fantasy is my favorite genre followed by Mystery & Suspense, then SciFi . I generally lean towards satire and also enjoy Young Adult literature. My #1 favorite author is Terry Pratchett who I don't believe has been mentioned yet in this thread. Terry Pratchett I think the man is simply genius. His wit is unmatched.

I also love Neil Gaiman and Jasper Fforde. I've read the works of Terry Brooks, Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind, and while I love Fantasy some of the sword play adventure novels are a bit too graphic for me. Of course, I adore the classics - Lewis and Tolkien. I'm a sucker for Arthurian tales and loved Marion Bradley's work in the Mists of Avalon books - superb female characters there. Finally, I also enjoy urban fantasy such as Charles deLint.

Best thing so far about Goodreads is finding new authors and new books! I have already found many great books I otherwise would not be aware of and/or purchase. I especially like that GR is a platform for authors who are not as well known to showcase their work. A prime example is The Crown Conspiracy. I would have completely missed this book if not for GR and I loved it. Can’t wait for the rest of the series and now I’m sharing my copy with others.

I'm really enjoying the chats since most of those commenting really know their books and truly share the love of literature.

Hi I'm Rob,
I've been into fantasy / science fiction books ever since I was a small child, and I'm still reading them now that I'm a fully grown child. To be up front I've also just published my first fantasy book but I'll try to refrian from plugging unless anyone directly asks me.

Thank you Chris!

Janny, now I'll have to dig out my Finovar books to see which covers I do have. I think one was pink and one was blue... I really enjoyed Hobb's Fool and Assassin trilogies and I'm waiting on the last book to come out in paperback on her newest series (to add to my ever growing collection of course). I will definately have to look up her works as Lindholm.

This is going to be a fun group!

Welcome to the group, Jennifer...

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Janny! I love talking books and I'm just so over joyed to find others that enjoy the same authors. I've also enjoyed your collaborative trilogy with Raymond Fiest as well!

Thank you for the s..."

Jennifer, thank you.

I remember discovering Katherine Kerr very well - and I bought Kay's The Summer Tree when the second two were not published, yet. Always a favorite, and it started me on a lifelong Kay binge. There is a bit of an inside joke about the Fionavar covers, if you have the newer Roc trade paperback editions. ;)

Around the same period, Megan Lindholm published The Limbreth Gate. Did you ever encounter this little trilogy? This is the same person, who later became Robin Hobb. If you haven't, I'd think those stories fit right there with Kerr and Kay's early series.

Hi Janny! I love talking books and I'm just so over joyed to find others that enjoy the same authors. I've also enjoyed your collaborative trilogy with Raymond Fiest as well!

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm always on the look out for new authors to devour, I mean read. I will certainly check those out. I do love Guy Kay's writing. A friend turned me on to the Summer Tree trilogy and we actually attempted some role playing with it as a model. It was a good time with a fun group. Katherine Kerr is another favorite of mine and as soon as I see her new work on the shelf I grab it up without a second thought.

I suppose there are worse vices than developing my own library....

Hi Jennifer - we share lots of reading in common.

Have you also heard of these? Based on your list, you may well also enjoy Jennifer Roberson's Karavans #1 and sequel, or her Tiger and Del series, and also Sarah Zettel's Isavolta series. Both have great unpredictable plots, superb character building, and lovely prose. I these authors would follow closest to your stated preference for Katherine Kerr, Robin Hobb, Patrick Rothfuss, and Guy Kay in particular. If the list goes on, you may know of these already!

I generally tell Martin readers to check out the earlier fantasy titles by Matthew Woodring Stover, though his latest was in another league altogether - for that one, you'd need more than a thick skin, probably bunkered armor. His earlier books are edged, but the latest - absolutely not for the squeamish. The one I actually had in mind to start with is Jericho Moon if you can find a copy.

Welcome Jennifer - that is a fine list of favorite authors. I'm sure you will find people of like minds here.