Introductions

[Jeremy]

Hello all...I am Jeremy and I am of course, a fantasy fanatic. I have currently written the first two books of my Stonewood Trilogy and I am about nearly finished my third book.
I read fantasy almost exclusively...love anything set in the Forgotten Realms and anything to do with Conan the Barbarian.

[Shaad]

Welcome Jeremy! Look forward to discussing some great fantasy books with you!

[Jeremy]

Thanks Shaad

[D]

Welcome, Jeremy! Another Realms fan here too (and author). Hope we can connect :)

[Jeremy]

Thanks Darren...well met :-)

[Brightlord]

Hello everyone, My name is Sabri and Obviously i'm a fantasy fanatic. And looking forward to discuss stuff with you all :D

[Zak]

Hey Sabri, welcome :)

[K.]

Hi everyone, I'm K.James Carters, writer of the Eryan series of books. Eryan is available as a download for free currently and I'm looking to meet fellow fantasy fans and garner some support for my efforts.

I also feel like I've lapsed in fantasy slightly with all my reads coming before 2000 (safe for Mortal Engines) and so I feel I need to get back into the swing and get some recommendations. I've not even read Game of Thrones yet! (please don't kick me out!)...

[saad]

Hello everyone,

I am Saad. I love Fantasy genre books especially Epic-Fantasy. Some of my favorite authors are J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Christopher paolini, Steven A. Tolle, Sarah J. Maas, Cinda Williams Chima, Shannon Messenger and Rick Riordan.

I would love any recommendations.

[Angie]

Hi Saad are you looking forward to Words of Radiance in a couple of weeks?

[Stephen]

Hello Saad, I recommend Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastards series, the first is Lies Of Locke Lamora, Funny, sad and keeps you guessing.

[Kat]

Hi All,

My name is Kathryn Buckley. I'm from Ontario, Canada. I love everything there is about fantasy novels. I guess you can say I'm a Fantasy Fanatic. Some of my favourite authors are: Christopher Paolini, Karen Miller, George R. R. Martin, and many others. This is the first group I have joined on GoodReads, and I am super excited to read some books with other fantasy fans.

[Drake]

Welcome Kathryn! I hope you love it here.

[Shaad]

Kathryn wrote: "Hi All,

My name is Kathryn Buckley. I'm from Ontario, Canada. I love everything there is about fantasy novels. I guess you can say I'm a Fantasy Fanatic. Some of my favourite authors are: Christop..."

Welcome to the group! Its awesome to welcome a fellow Ontarian to the group! Hpefully you enjoy the experience!

[Tom]

Hi everyone -- I'm Tom Hoffman, a ten year old boy cleverly disguised as a 63 year old grandpa and the author of The Eleventh Ring, the first book in the Bartholomew the Adventurer series. I've been fan of fantasy and a creative my whole life, working with ad agencies and freelancing for 35 years. And I love Goodreads. Such an awesome site! I'm looking for readers to review The Eleventh Ring. The one thing I've heard over and over from readers is "this is not your normal fantasy adventure book", and I would have to agree. This is not swords and dragons. Please read my bio before you start reading this book, and also the reviews. Oh, I also have a degree in psychology from Georgetown University. Here's the blurb:

The Eleventh Ring is a new full-length surreal metaphysical fantasy adventure novel chronicling the very strange world of Bartholomew Rabbit and his transformation from a sedate and naive country rabbit to Bartholomew the Adventurer, the most powerful shaper on the planet Earth. Set in the far distant future long after humans have vanished, this is a new world where rabbits and rodents have evolved to become the highest form of intelligence. If you like heroes, intrigue, talking trees with a thousand eyes, evil kings with villainous schemes, weird science, metaphysics, 10 foot tall robotic rabbits, infernal machines, dismal swamps, mystical islands, and the ever popular True Love – then this is the book for you.

Sooooo... if this sounds like fun to you... let me know and I'll give you a .mobi Kindle file of the book. I can't even tell you how much fun I had writing it. I'm having even more fun writing book 2 in the series, titled The Seventh Key. Bring on the Blue Monks! Ha!

Thanks so much for reading,

Tom Hoffman

PS I don't want to brag or anything, but The Eleventh Ring won first place on Listopia for "Best Books with a Green Rabbit on the Cover". Sweeeet!

[[deleted user]]

Hello everyone, my name is M.T. Magee and I would like to present my new book The Treasure of Gwenlais, a epic romantic medieval fantasy.It is the first of a series I have entitled The Rinefield Chronicles.
I currently have eight 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The world I have created, comes from the inspiration of both my Scottish heritage and my husband’s Irish descent, with pride and respect for both cultures. The beauty of the Scottish Highlands, as well as the lush rolling meadows of Ireland, serve as a backdrop for the mythical realm of Rienfield. Many of the names of villages and towns that are used are actual names of towns and villages of Scotland and Ireland. They are used in direct correlation for what their rich past made them known for and is applied with loving respect for their history in the story. Many of the names of the characters are Irish, Scottish, or Gaelic, again showing my love and admiration for our heritages. The characters also speak Old Irish, from time to time, referring to it as ‘old speak.’ I hope you will find this as fascinating and beautiful as I did. You will find the Kingdoms of Gwenlais and Heathwin filled with wonder, danger, adventure, romance, love of family as well as betrayal. The people, races, and beings, will beckon you to return and visit, over and again, sharing in their joys, sorrows, tragedies and triumphs.So my friends, find your comfortable reading place, and immerse yourself in the lives of the warm, courageous, humorous, and sometimes frightening characters, which make up the world of Rienfield.
Here are my links and I look forward to meeting all of you. My website is under construction, when live I will post the link.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015...
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
https://twitter.com/Mtmagee1013M
https://www.pinterest.com/frumpyfarme...
https://www.facebook.com/therienfield...

[Lewstherin14]

Oh cool I'm from a highland clan so that's awesome.

[Dan]

Hello, my name's Dan and I'm glad to join some other fanatics. I'm a fan of epic fantasy (WoT and AGoT) and modern fantasists (Rothfuss, Abercrombie, and Lynch). Good to meet you!

[Dascen]

Hello, I joined this group some time ago but didn't spend much time here so am still kinda new to it...
I have a question:
In Discussions, can I start a thread based on a question of mine - not for entertainment but for something I myself need to know about a fantasy book?

[D]

Hey Kai, welcome.

You could also try Reddit Fantasy at r/fantasy - an excellent community for questions on fantasy authors and books.

[Dascen]

Darren wrote: "Hey Kai, welcome.

You could also try Reddit Fantasy at r/fantasy - an excellent community for questions on fantasy authors and books."

Right, thanks
I'll ask here first though, if that's ok

[Pam]

Hi people! My name is Pam and I am now getting back into reading after a LONG hiatus. I guess I'm old-school. My favorite authors are Terry Brooks, Terry Goodkind, Piers Anthony, Robert Jordan, and RA Salvatore.
I look forward to learning about the newer authors and finding lots of new series' to follow!

[Michael]

GREETINGS EVERYONE, my name is Michael Kennedy and I am currently a graduate student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I joined this group because I am looking for new fantasy books to read, and I am having difficulty finding things that really appeal to me or have what I am looking for. Some of the books and series have reads are:
-The Shannara Books (all of them)
-The Wheel of Time serires
- A Song of Fire and Ice
- The Earth Sea Cycle
- Various Michael Moorcock books
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- The Harry Potter Series
- Necromancer
- The Sword of Truth Series
- Middle Earth Books
- Ender's Game
- Prince of Fools
- Half a King, Half the World and Half a War
- The Dark Elf Trilogy
- The Blade Itself
- Steve Erikson's books
- The Witcher series

I am here looking for some good recommendations on either some high/epic fantasy and swords and sorcery fantasy novels that include other races prominently. The other races don't have to be the traditional ones like elves or dwarfs, but I would like to read something with a lot of world building, magic and epic quests as well. I heard the book The Dwarfs was a good read, but I don't want to waste my time by starting a new book and ending up becoming bored. If any of you have any at all, it would be greatly appreciated!!! I have been disappointed by the books Prince of Fools and Shattered Sea trilogy because they aren't true fantasy novels in my opinion, but simply futuristic post-apocalyptic. I am looking forward to being a part of this group!!!!

[T.K.]

The Dark Eve series epic adventure, fantasy world, pirate story, major creatures, will leave your mind buzzed for awhile.

[Peter]

In a similar vein to Narnia, my wife's first novel, Habitan Book I The Parallel Place is pure fantasy. It tells the story of the world of Habitan, one world of many in a universe filled with parallel world's. There are many kinds of life in Habitan, people, some with magic and many types of creatures including animals and others only found in Habitan.

The language of Habitan is based on my wife's grandmother's native tongue, Cree. The world view centered on harmony with nature is taken from her grandmother's views having been raised close to the land. The animals and plants are all inspired from the flora and fauna of Canada and the USA.

Habitan was created orally from years of bedtime stories Cheryl made up on the spot and told to our children each night. She actually has been running two other worlds for the past 5 years and I keep asking her to write those down as well. I love Habitan for the moral struggles that the characters go through in learning to choose the path that is in keeping with their chosen values.

The books' theme is "Stand Up, Believe, Be Brave". Is there a point at which doing the right thing is too costly? Do you give up? How do you hold on to that inner strength when all seems lost? Why do you?

Like Narnia, it contains many of these great lessons that I was so happy to see our children hear at bedtime for years and then was thrilled to see rendered so well in the finished culmination on paper. It always made me feel very lucky and clearly the experience of seeing the story unfold over many years verbally right in front of you that is hard to communicate in this post, but perhaps give it a chance and see if it moves you in some of the ways it did me.

It is a great book to inspire children and teens, predominately targeted at middle grades, but I have been at several books shows with Cheryl and we have seen it resonate strongly (like raving) with adults of all ages who loved Narnia and Harry Potter and lastly it is pretty much an instant hit with Grandparents purchasing for their grandchildren. I am mentioning it here because your note struck me as someone wanting more of the good moral, old fashioned perhaps epic, adventure style qualities that I associate with Habitan.

I should mention, Cheryl loves puzzles and so the plot has quite a few twists, many have subtle clues so pay attention. Here is my favorite scene, the core lesson of which I think is really especially relevant in today's world:

Scene: Kabtepwas is the King of the animals of Habitan, he is a Lynx. A major battle has just been fought, one of several. Michael is a young prince who is learning to deal with defeat and tempted not to go on. The scene deals with the age old struggle of being human.

Chapter 16:
“And now? What do you believe now?” asked Kabtepwas, keeping his voice calm.

“All I know is that a lot of good people and animals died today, and you and I are largely to blame! We don’t even know if Annabelle is alright!” retorted Michael, the anger disappearing from his tone as his voice cracked, his heartbreak evident across his ashen face.

The lynx remained seated, not reacting to the boy’s initial aggressive outburst. “I understand why you may feel that way, and why you would feel a little lost at this moment, young prince. In many ways, we are all lost in this life. All of us are searching for our personal truth, our reason for being.

“The story does not change regardless of surrounding events or the individual living it. Many of us stumble forward through life as we try to collect pieces of that truth along the way.”

The handsome lynx now turned to meet Michael’s gaze for the first time, as he continued resolutely, “I told you before the battle began that we must all find our own reasons to be brave.
Similarly now, we must each find our own reasons to be at peace with today’s events, regardless of the outcome.”

Michael stared in disbelief at the senior lynx, then said, “How is that possible? How can you even say that? So many of your friends, your family, died today…. we lost so many good people….”

His tone solemn, Kabtepwas replied, “I believe that everything happens for a reason, that all events have a purpose. Today was as it was meant to be. It falls upon us to accept that, and to figure out how to move onward from this point, so that we can lead our people in the ongoing challenges that await us.”

The lynx’s voice grew more resolute as he said, “There is a line in all our hearts where anger and bitterness stand. You mustn’t linger there with them, my son. Step over that line and leave them behind. Choose happiness. Step through that part of you, and continue the journey into the supportive arms of the light. Choose to move onward on the side of the good….”

His tone rising once again, Michael yelled, “The side of the Good? How much of that is even left? You don’t understand.

“You told me to lead them into that battle. They trusted me, they trusted you, they trusted Pihteyas, and Sakihiwe…. I thought we would be successful, that together we would be unstoppable. I thought I had an important role to play, that Habitan needed us! Instead, I lead them to their deaths!” A tear rolled down his cheek, as Michael ended despairingly, “We did that! I did that!”
Kabtepwas paused a moment before answering, saddened by Michael’s guilt and anguish over the day’s events. When he spoke again, his tone was sympathetic yet firm. “You are right. Many perished today. As their leaders, we must shoulder some of the responsibility for that. However, everyone who followed us into battle wanted to be there, and wanted to make their own stand against Oskana. They all made that choice on their own, and together we all faced our fate.

“Furthermore, there was no way that we could have foreseen that one of our own would betray us in such a heinous manner. To think someone helped Oskana gain control of the Tree of Understanding, helped her garnish the stone spell, knowing it would seal our fate….

“Certainly such insight could not fall to you, nor Melissa, nor Annabelle. It was up to us, the elders, to advise and guide you, to foresee such a risk. You cannot blame yourself for the unexpected selfish actions of one traitor, nor the failing of your mentors.”

The lynx turned to stare back into the village, musing, “I had some reservations when Pihteyas first returned. Her escape from Oskana’s jail seemed so improbable….

“But if Pihteyas did lift us all to safety, then that concern must have been misplaced. I have no instinct now as to who could have betrayed us all. We will need to proceed carefully until we can ascertain who amongst us is assisting Oskana.”

Kabtepwas now turned his eyes intensely back towards Michael, advising earnestly, “Regardless, you must make peace with yourself, young prince, and peace with this land that is your true home.

“As leaders and role models to our people, we carry the responsibility to fight for what is right, even when we realize that we will lose.

“We miscalculated today, and for that our people paid a heavy price. Yet we still believe in the Good, in the unity and peaceful co-existence between man, animal and nature, and so we go on, regardless.

“We step forward beyond anger, bitterness, and hate. We choose faith, happiness, and hold on to the belief that it will get better. Believing and choosing faith is a triumph in itself, my son, even if the surface battle is lost, even when life seems unbearable, even when such faith may seem foolish to some.

“Choosing to believe is the easy part; nurturing and sustaining that belief despite whatever fate brings is the challenge.

“We do it anyway; we step forward to face even the darkest of futures, knowing we hold on to our beliefs in doing so. We must not go quietly.… we cannot give up our faith, our right to believe in the power of the Good, of love, peaceful co-existence, and compassion.”

When Kabtepwas finished, Michael was silent for a moment. Then he replied softly, “That all sounds wonderful, sounds righteous and brave, and I want nothing more than to continue to fight for what we all believe in.

“But in the end, are we not all doomed? Who knows what other powers Oskana might have gained from the Tree of Understanding! Her army’s still strong, and she has the wealth of numbers. Unless you know how to turn stone people back into living beings, we’ll remain just a shadow of what we once were…. It would be insane to hold on to the belief that the few of us remaining can continue to stand against Oskana’s will.”

Kabtepwas turned to face the young prince, bringing his own face closer to Michael’s own. “Then let us be insane. At least we shall still be true to ourselves and to our beliefs; we will still be free until the very end.

“I feel that it is the only choice that I can make. I would rather die fighting Oskana, fighting for the true and free Habitan, than bow down to the rule of that monster.”

Kabtepwas held Michael’s gaze as he continued, “I believe that in your heart, that is the only choice that you can see too. I see the man inside the boy, and he is strong, loyal, and loving. He will always fight for fairness and for what is right. You will be a great king someday, Michael, and I know your grandfather would be very proud of the leader you already are if he were here.”

[Patytrico]

Hello, everyone! I'm Patricia, from Uruguay ;) I love Fantasy books, I grow up reading Verne, Burroughs, Salgari and Howard. The jump to science fiction was an easy one for me, thanks to Asimov, Clarke, Rodenberry and Dick, but I always return to fantasy land, running in the Middle Earth or riding dragons in Krinn and Pern. I'm a native spanish speaker/reader, but King and his Dark Tower make learn english by force, because in my country the books take so much time to be at the stores. For some of the introductions that I just read this group has much to offer me ;) New Worlds! New Civilizations! I'm so gratefeful for Internet and the invention of eBooks! ;)

[Greg]

Michael wrote: "GREETINGS EVERYONE, my name is Michael Kennedy and I am currently a graduate student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I joined this group because I am looking for new fantasy books to re..."

Hi Michael,

A few awesome series I don't see on your list, and still true fantasy are:

The Night Angel Trilogy (Brent Weeks; starts a bit dark, but don't give up on it as it's amazing)

Codex Alera series (Jim Butcher; easy read, and page turner)

Lightbringer series (Brent Weeks; reading this series now, and it's great)

[Patytrico]

Greg wrote: "Codex Alera series (Jim Butcher; easy read, and page turner)"

Oh, yes, it has surprising twist of elements! I totally agree, Alera is a place to visit!

[Michael]

Those all sound great, I'll be sure to read them!

[TheLawbster]

Good day Group! My name is Law, this is the first group I am in and I am really excited about the possibilities to network with fellow fantasy fans! Good meeting you guys!

[Will]

Hello all! I'm Will. I am currently reading Game of Thrones and have Way of Kings to read as well. Looking into reading the Wheel of Time. Thoughts on that series

[S.A.]

Hi Folks!

Simon here. Wholy unsuccessful yet persistent Epic Fantasy author!

I'm a big fan of rich and complex fantasy/sci-fi - worlds where I can escape to, where the issues of the protagonist/a outweigh the BS of my day to day workload! Worlds with issues and people, where I can happily say, "Damn, I am glad I'm not that guy/girl/thing!"

I still feel that Dune is probably my go-to book as a favourite. And the Silmarillion.

Also, I shall say with as little shame as possible, that I am scrounging for reviewers/raters/trolls/haters to read my accursed tome! I have great reviews from the likes of Kirkus, but it means squat when it comes to real people actually reading it, discussing it, etc!

I look forwarding to discussing all matters of the weird and mundane with you!

[Byonder]

Hello everyone,
I am a fantasy/SciFy nerd and i have read a lot of fantasy series and standalone books. And i am always looking for more.
What i like even more, is talking to other fantasy lovers about those books!

[Garnett]

Hi, my name is Garnett. I really enjoy fantasy books/tv shows. I have been getting into audiobooks again recently and looking for some good recommendations. It is nice to meet everyone

[Wade]

Hello all, looking forward to talking all things, Fantasy. Yes, I'm also an author. :)