Fantasy Book Club Series discussion
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Nominations and Poll Invitations
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Nominations for the next series discussion
I would like to nominate the Saga of Recluce series by L.E. Modesitt Jr.. See my thread topic from yesterday for my information on my nomination.
I would like to nominate Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations. I have not read it yet, but it has been recommended to me by some of the best fantasy reviewers I know of at www.FantasyLiterature.com.
I'd like to nominate C. J. Cherryh's Fortress series, beginning with Fortress in the Eye of Time.Reason: this series has enough layers and meat to carry an in-depth sweep. The magic permeates the story and is wonderfully fascinating. It is NOT a coming of age quest, but a very odd twist: a wizard 'creates' the main character and dies in an attack, leaving his 'creation' to find out who he is/was/may have been, and what his purpose is in the world. As he ventures forth, against enemies he knows nothing about, he has intelligence, but is totally unworldly and innocent; and shoved headlong into the conflicts of his master and the human world of politics.
The juxtaposition of a totally innocent view and the shades of manipulative politics and ambitions is awesomely done, and gives the series loads of depth/a lot of human insight.
Each volume carries the story deeper, it does not sprawl. The characters are well drawn, the world is shown with crystal clarity, and it mixes dark themes with hope and redemption, giving a very satisfying balance.
The first book is longest, the sequels are each brought to a solid finale - it's a series written for mature readers that receives far to little mention.
I'll second the Fortress series. This is fantasy at its best. It matches the any of Cherryh's Science Fiction in quality.
I'll second the Riyria Revelations series by Michael J. Sullivan! I've read the first 4 books and have the 5th one ready to start once I've finished the book I'm reading. It's a delightful "light" read, perfect for the treadmill and that new year's resolution to lose weight ;-)
I'll second the Saga of Recluse, one of the best unrated fantasy out there.
How about The Mythago Wood series (also called the Ryhope Wood Cycle)by Robert Holdstock?It starts with Mythago Wood. It iscludes 5 full length books (as well as others with shorts stories, possibly hard to get).
The books which I have read in the series are wonderful. The books center on the last small area of an ancient forest where archetypes of myths and legends exist.
Argh! I'm going to have a hard time choosing but I'll second the Cherryh series AND the Mythago Woods!
Sandra aka Sleo wrote: "Argh! I'm going to have a hard time choosing but I'll second the Cherryh series AND the Mythago Woods!"@Sandra: We probably only want one second per series, wouldn't you agree? :)
Otherwise, we'll just be 'pre-voting' before the poll. :P
Jon wrote: "Sandra aka Sleo wrote: "Argh! I'm going to have a hard time choosing but I'll second the Cherryh series AND the Mythago Woods!"@Sandra: We probably only want one second per series, wouldn't you ..."
Right. I missed the first second.
I'd like to nominate The Windrose Chronicles by Barbara Hambly. The first book is The Silent Tower. They're only available used, but I had no trouble locating them. They're in my TBR pile, hot for me to read. I've heard the series is quite good.
If anyone wishes to continue discussing group posting rules and civilized discourse, please create a new topic.
If I had the ability to move the posts not related to nominating or seconding a fantasy series for our next group read, I would do it in a heartbeat. Sadly, that functionality does not exist.
I'm retiring for the night. I will probably delete any off-topic posts when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Good night.
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All off topic posts were deleted at 5:00 a.m. Central Saturday 8 January 2010.
Sandra aka Sleo wrote: "I'd like to nominate The Windrose Chronicles by Barbara Hambly. The first book is The Silent Tower. They're only available used, but I had no trouble locating them. They're in my TB..."I'll second this nomination. I've read and re-read this entire series at least a half dozen times.
Sandra aka Sleo wrote: "It has been so long since anyone's posted any suggestions here that Jon and I decided to start a new process.Please place nominations here. Any nomination will need to be seconded to be included..."
The top thread in this topic has been closed, "How to recommend a series" and starts with "Make sure a thread does not already exist for this series.".
Is there a list somewhere of what series has been discussed?
Thanks,
Bill
Kernos wrote: "Sandra aka Sleo wrote: "It has been so long since anyone's posted any suggestions here that Jon and I decided to start a new process.Please place nominations here. Any nomination will need to be..."
@Bill aka Kernos: The first (and only) series read and discussed by us is wrapping up this month with the final published novel, Stormed Fortress, part of Janny Wurts' series the Wars of Light and Shadow. Janny is and has been leading the discussions.
We are seeking nominations for the next series to read and discuss in this thread. Our former founder and leader, JJ, resigned from GoodReads due to increased activities and studies at University. We wish him well in his academic pursuits.
If any of the former series nomination threads (from several weeks/months) ago appeal to you, please don't hesitate to (re)nominate them in this thread. Nominations will remain open until the end of next week.
Janny wrote: "I'd like to nominate C. J. Cherryh's Fortress series, beginning with Fortress in the Eye of Time.Reason: this series has enough layers and meat to carry an in-depth ..."
I agree. This series, by one of the best all time SFF authors, is one of my top 5 favorite Fantasy series. I have been sitting on the last 2 books (of 5) until I have time to re-read the 1st 3. I have distinct mind-pictues of Tristen in book one and how he "came of age" (trying to avoid spoilers here). Cherryh paints memorable scenes and characters.
I guess this is a 3rd for this series.
Kernos wrote: "I guess this is a 3rd for this series. ":)
So it is.
:)
I would like to nominate the Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop, first book:Daughter of the Blood. It is imo one of the most original fantasy series.
Betelgeuze wrote: "I would like to nominate the Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop, first book:Daughter of the Blood. It is imo one of the most original fantasy series."Another excellent suggestion and a series I've been meaning to try. I even have the first one or two books on one of my bookshelves here at home gathering dust.
Any seconds for this nomination?
I see L. E., Jr. Modesitt's Recluse series has been nominated. Since it's his best known, I've discussed it in other groups before, so I'd like to nominate his Corean Chronicles. There might be some discussion about both series on where to start discussing them. The author prefers published order, which is not chronological.Question: Can I mention this in the LE Modesitt group or is that considered 'promotion'? I don't want to get the series barred or myself publicly called down for inappropriate behavior.
No, that would be fine. There's a difference between that and sending vote solicitations to 600 people. Thanks for the nomination.
Jim wrote: "I see L. E., Jr. Modesitt's Recluse series has been nominated. Since it's his best known, I've discussed it in other groups before, so I'd like to nominate his Corean Chronicles. ..."Is the Corean Chronicles a fantasy series, or science fiction? I've only read one of his SF novels, Haze, but I thought I'd read all of his fantasy offerings.
@Sandra: Thanks for jumping in there and clarifying that. Since I nominated the other Modesitt series I was a bit torn.
Jon wrote: "Jim wrote: "I see L. E., Jr. Modesitt's Recluse series has been nominated. Since it's his best known, I've discussed it in other groups before, so I'd like to nominate his Corean ..."It looks like fantasy to me. Sounds good.
How long will nominations be going on? Just curious... Trying to decide if I want to nominate something, and if so what, but I don't want to wait too long and miss my chance.
Dawn wrote: "How long will nominations be going on? Just curious... Trying to decide if I want to nominate something, and if so what, but I don't want to wait too long and miss my chance."Nominations are open until January 15th (next Saturday). Then we'll post the poll, leaving it running probably until the 20th. That will give everyone at least ten days to find the first book in the next series to join in the group read.
It's also fantasy, Jon. I like it better than his Imager or Soprano Sorceress series, not quite as well as Recluse. It's done in trilogies, with the first taking place last, the next taking place first & the 3d (of which I only have the first book, I don't think the rest are written yet) taking place not long after the 2d trilogy (I think) chronologically.Oh, that looks confusing! Did it make sense?
;-)
I've been thinking about my nomination, and have decided to try for something more light and easy. Sooo... I'm going to nominate Raymond E. Feist's Magician series (just the first four-set I guess, Magician: Apprentice, Magician: Master, Silverthorn, and A Darkness at Sethanon). Feist was one of the first fantasy authors I read, and he holds a fond place in my heart because of that. I've been wanting to reread the series, this would be the perfect opportunity!
Jim wrote: "Oh, that looks confusing! Did it make sense?"A bit confusing, but I'm sure we can figure it out if it's selected.
Here's the author's list from his website for that series: http://www.lemodesittjr.com/the-books...
Dawn wrote: "I've been thinking about my nomination, and have decided to try for something more light and easy. Sooo... I'm going to nominate Raymond E. Feist's Magician series (just the first fou..."I remember reading the first book while I was still in high school, but I never continued the rest of it because by the time the second book was published in 1986, I was a mother of a rambunctious boy (took me about five years and a daughter to recover). :)
Excellent nomination(s) everyone!
It doesn't look like the Black Jewels series has had a second, so I'll second it.There are some great choices here. I would love to have a prompt to reread Hambly's Windrose Chronicles, and I'll happily reread the Black Jewels any time. Some of the ones I haven't read look good too.
Sandra aka Sleo wrote: "I seconded Mythago Wood.."Thanks ... updated list.
Feist's Magician series contains the Empire trilogy he wrote with Janny Wurts. I like reading the trilogy after the second book, "Magician: Master". All excellent. That means I'm seconding Feist's series.
Jim - I was just nominating the first four-set, which wouldn't include the Empire trilogy. The Feist series goes on and on and on and on... We'd never be done if we didn't limit it, lol :)
Well, I liked it, too. I haven't read it in a decade or so. It would be a good excuse. Besides, you can't stop me from reading the Empire trilogy in between!;-)
Is someone gonna beat me about the head if I nominate Steven Erikson's "The Malazon Book of the Fallen" series? I've just started it, and I am completely swept up in this world and its characters. I am absolutely blown away by the intensity and intellectual creativity that Erikson has brought to bear with this series. Whee-doggie!
Christopher wrote: "Is someone gonna beat me about the head if I nominate Steven Erikson's "The Malazon Book of the Fallen" series? I've just started it, and I am completely swept up in this world and its characters...."I love that series. I'll second it. (pffft @ Dawn)
Christopher wrote: "Is someone gonna beat me about the head if I nominate Steven Erikson's "The Malazon Book of the Fallen" series? I've just started it, and I am completely swept up in this world and its characters...."No, I don't think you'll be beaten :D.
Chris wrote: "Christopher wrote: "Is someone gonna beat me about the head if I nominate Steven Erikson's "The Malazon Book of the Fallen" series? I've just started it, and I am completely swept up in this world..."Chris, thanks for the second! What really amazes me about this series is how Erikson has drawn upon the classics. I see shades of "The Iliad", Aeschylus' "The Oresteia", "Beowulf", and nods to Tennyson, T.S. Eliot, Tolkien, the pathos of Thomas Hardy, and the characterization of Dickens and Tolstoy. Frankly, I think it is my reading, or re-reading, of the classics over the past few years that has allowed me to completely wallow and immerse myself in this series (bearing in mind I am only in the first volume).
Chris wrote: "(pffft @ Dawn)"*shakes fist*
Jon wrote: "...Magician (aka Riftwar Saga) by Raymond E. Feist (seconded)..."OT question: How does one find a series link?
Kernos wrote: "OT question: How does one find a series link?"Search for any book of a series (I usually search for the first book).
On the book page, in the section under the book blurb, under the ISBN line, there is a series URL.
Hope that helps!
Dawn wrote: "I've been thinking about my nomination, and have decided to try for something more light and easy. Sooo... I'm going to nominate Raymond E. Feist's Magician series (just the first fou..."I would also nominate the two follow up books,
Prince of the Blood and The King's Buccaneer.
Fantastic Fiction is always a good, quick resource for finding out what is part of a series. I had thought the Rift War series ended with A Darkness at Sethanon, but apparently not.Riftwar
1. Magician: Apprentice (1982)
2. Magician: Master (1982)
3. Silverthorn (1985)
4. A Darkness at Sethanon (1985)
5. Prince of the Blood (1989)
6. The King's Buccaneer (1989)
Riftwar : The World On the Other Side (with Janny Wurts)
1. Daughter of the Empire (1987)
2. Servant of the Empire (1989)
3. Mistress of the Empire (1989)
There are a lot of other spin-offs in this world. You can see them all here:
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/r...
Prince of the Blood & The King's Buccaneer as strange animals. They're kinda their own subseries, and kinda part of the Riftwar Saga. They do happen several years after the original Riftwar books, and serve as a nice bridge to the next series.Here's the GoodReads series page for the whole kit and kaboodle: Riftwar Cycle - Complete.
There are also links on the Riftwar Saga (the 1st series) that Jon linked above.
Yeah, I personally always saw Riftwar as being the first four... And then Janny's three of course, but those are also their own separate thing. I just said the first four because a line has to be set somewhere, otherwise if they won we'd be reading them for years.
Hehe. Well, if Feist wins, we might have to have a followup poll to see which way to go.1. 4 Riftwar Saga novels only
2. Include Janny's
3. Include the Krondor's Sons books (Prince&Buccaneer)
4. Include both Janny's & Krondors Sons
5. Read the whole freakin' Riftwar mucho series.
Something like that.
It's a big "if" though, so I guess we can leave it at that :)
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Fantasy Book Club Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Inda (other topics)The Lords of Darkness (other topics)
Night's Daughter (other topics)
Magician (other topics)
Magician (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Robert Holdstock (other topics)Barbara Hambly (other topics)
Anne Bishop (other topics)
Raymond E. Feist (other topics)
Sherwood Smith (other topics)
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Please place nominations here. Any nomination will need to be seconded to be included in the poll. If there are more than ten series nominated, we may have to have a run off for the final choice.
Any spamming or promotions of a particular series will automatically disqualify it. This will be our policy from now on. See the rules on the group home page for appropriate conduct.