Fantasy Books with Action/Adventure Elements

[Jenna]

I read The Deed of Paksenarrion forever ago! I had almost forgotten, but you're right Mike, it is a great book/trilogy!

With trilogies on the brain I have two more reccomendations:
The Axis Trilogy

[Jenna]

Opps....posted too soon.
The Axis Trilogy by Sara Douglass
Battleaxe
Enchanter
StarMan

The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay
The Summer Tree
The Wandering Fire
The Darkest Road

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Okay, I'd add the book I'm reading now to this list..

by Bradley P. Beaulieu

[C.S. Splitter]

One of my favorites authors in Michael J. Sullivan. His series that starts with the Crown Conspiracy has good action and adventure but is not dark like Game of Thrones. He is also an indie author who "made it" and is now with Orbit in thw big time.

Zelazny's Amber Chronicles is classic.

Dresden Files, of course.

Clen Cook's Annals of the Black Company is one of the best series EVER! I don't mind admitting that I used his method of character description, which means that he never spelled out what the main character looked like. Amazing books.

Brent Week's books are good.

Lies of Lockemora is great, but the series hit a major snag due to author health.

Malazan is....complicated. I admit that I did not finish the series when I heard that you needed tp read the whole thing twice to get it.

Mab....i have read so much in this genre, I am sure more will come to me. But do check out Sullivan's books...your kids can even read them.

Splitter

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

I appreciate the list of recommendations, CS. I have read The Black Company, four of the Dresden novels, and The Lies of Locke Lamora off the list. I have the others on my tbr list/pile.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

The second Dresden Novel Fool Moon is really good. The Chronicles of Amber was one of the first fantasy novel's I've read and they are fantastic. I've even read some Gleen Cook the black company too.

Another fun one, is The Drawing of the Dark by Tim Powers which has some wonderful battle scenes in it with cannons etc and a siege, you name it. Lots of fun there.

[Sharon]

I'd think one of the series I've discovered recently would fit as well, tough lady, rogue vampire killer by trade, rides a motorcycle and dresses in black leathers. I really love the descriptions of the weaponry she arms herself with going out on a job.

Skinwalker

[Eileen]

That sounds interesting, Sharon. I added to my list, thanks.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

I like the protaganist already.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

Thumbs up on Skinwalker!

[Sharon]

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Thumbs up on Skinwalker!"

Every time I read about Jane Yellowrock, I can't help but picture Jane and Eve Dallas (from the In Death) series, back to back combating werewolves or something like that ... Jane in her black motorcycle leathers and Eve in her long black leather trenchcoat (I don't even know that she has one but that's what she's wearing in my image).

And Eve is snarling at Jane, I don't believe this crap ... they don't exist!

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

Sharon, the standout characters come to life for me too. I'd argue with anyone that said they weren't real!

[Sharon]

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Sharon, the standout characters come to life for me too. I'd argue with anyone that said they weren't real!"

This is why I can re-read a favorite book over and over again, they are like a visit with an old friend. You know what the old friend is going to say before they say it, but you still enjoy the visit and the connection.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Sharon wrote: "Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Thumbs up on Skinwalker!"

Every time I read about Jane Yellowrock, I can't help but picture Jane and Eve Dallas (from the In Death) series, back to back c..."

LOL... that sounds like fun, and I've never read either of these.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

Sharon wrote: "Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Sharon, the standout characters come to life for me too. I'd argue with anyone that said they weren't real!"

This is why I can re-read a favorite book ove..."

Sharon, that's a good point. I don't get much time to reread, but I do pine to spend time with my favorite characters from my favorite books. I should reread more!

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

Hugh, I've only read the first book so far, but I am buying them all because I really like the ideas and the execution in this series.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/96...

This I'm getting close to finishing it, and the action keeps on going. There is a wonderful, strong female character...again, as discussed in many places, not the lead, but a co-lead in that she has her own segments.

And lots of action...besides, who doesn't like Sailboats that FLY! whoo... a new use for fire and air elementals... every body needs a job, no matter what spiritual essence or parallel dimension they come from.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

That looks good, Hugh.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "That looks good, Hugh."

It's enjoyable. It'll probably come out to a 3-4 star read. Definatley recommendable. The magic is reminscent of the Old Elric Series (Morcock). (or maybe the old role playing game (table top) made from the Elric series, which I am probably one of 6 people that ever played it outside of the test group. Oh... the mispent hours of my imaginative youth.)

It qualifies as a new and interesting magic system here but ...I can't help it... other than Deja Thoris and her wardrobe, the flying boats where the best thing in the Barsoom Series...(Edgar Rice Burroughs)

And Cannons! It's like the age just before steam punk! Pirates of the air.. wood ships, Iron men and it's a LONG WAY DOWN!

okay, maybe it'll be a 4.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

I definitely liked the Elric that I read, so that's a good sign for me enjoying this book.

[Markm]

The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant is an excellent A/A involving fantasy. Donaldson wrote it back in th 80's.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

This shows a huge difference in taste. Not only would I not call the Thomas Covenant Chronicles "action" I absolutely hate the books. I'm always interested in the different way books hit different people. I'll have to look at you books Markm.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Crispan Magicker by Mark M. Lowenthal. It didn't rate well and I'm not sure why, but it was a fun read for me.

A Storm Upon Ulster This one was a rollicking mix of Celtic Heroes Mythos Magic and Battle. An Oldie bit a goodie.

[Jonathan]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "This shows a huge difference in taste. Not only would I not call the Thomas Covenant Chronicles "action" I absolutely hate the books. I'm always interested in the different way books hit different ..."

I agree...hated the first and never gave it another look.

I'd have to say that from what I've read of his Brandon Sanderson does an excellent job at writing his action sequences. Perfectly mixes magic and action. Particularly in his Mistborn novels.

Also would have to say The Painted Man and The Silver Skull also had a fair amount of action in them. And would have to say A Game of Thrones (even though I'm of the unpopular opinion and did not like the book).

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Burned out on GoT also. I have Silver Skull on the shelf waiting.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Hugh The Great Curmudgeon wrote: "Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "That looks good, Hugh."

It's enjoyable. It'll probably come out to a 3-4 star read. Definatley recommendable. The magic is reminscent of the Old Elri..."

an update, I still recommend this, but it's stock plumeted a half a point to 3. Read the review if you are interested in reading it.

I still love the flying ships though!

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

This has been focusing on Epic Fantasy up till now, but, Definately have to add Monster Hunter International to this list.

[Jonathan]

Or Prodigal Son and the original Frankenstein. They possess both elements - the fantasy and the action.

[new_user]

Hmmm. I think Ilona Andrews' books would have the most action out of the fantasy I've read thus far. She writes urban fantasy with some slight horror element, but the protagonist carries a big sword. LOL.

[Checkman]

The Dragon Waiting by John M. Ford

Ariel:A Book of the Change and Elegy Beach by Steven R. Boyett.

Dragon is set in an alternative history 15th century Europe in which magic is common and Christianity is an obscure sect. Ariel takes place on an Earth in which the laws of physics have been overturned (guns and automobiles no longer work) and swords and magic have become commonplace.

[Jonathan]

I've been reading Theft of Swords and there seems a great deal of action in there too. Certainly it is a lot of fun so far.

[C.E.]

Curmudgeon wrote: "If your looking for a good "best of both worlds" thing, with lots of action, at least at the end, there's a cool series about a Civil War Regiment (Union) that finds itself some how in a strange wo..."

Possibly one of the best series since Edgar Rice Burroughs. Great Call.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

C.e. wrote: "Curmudgeon wrote: "If your looking for a good "best of both worlds" thing, with lots of action, at least at the end, there's a cool series about a Civil War Regiment (Union) that finds itself some ..."

Thank you C.e. The battle at the end is really good. There's also the Riftwar Saga (many books and trilogy groups with that).

And "Lost World" (though it's more sci-fi than fantasy.

[C.E.]

"Ranks of Bronze" by David Drake was similar. More scifi than anything. I need to track down the sequel.

[Kevin]

Has anyone tried David Gemmell's books?

I enjoyed the Rigante books.

Sword in the Storm

Midnight Falcon

Ravenheart

Stormrider

[Kevin]

Markm wrote: "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant is an excellent A/A involving fantasy. Donaldson wrote it back in th 80's."

I loved the series. I feel some readers have a hard time dealing with an anti-hero.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Gemmell is/was one of my favorite writers. I don't think I've ever disliked one of his books. I still have to read the last series (Troy) that his wife finished after he died.

[Jonathan]

I have to read some Gemmell but I don't know where to start. Can anyone provide clues or reference points?

[Mike (the Paladin)]

There are several short series some within the larger series. Legend is a good place to start. It's considered the first in the Drenai Saga.

There are also some good stand alone novels. Morningstar is one of my favorites. It touches the Drenai books tangentially but is it's own story.

I think my favorite series of books are the Waylander books Waylander is the first though it's considered Drenai 3. There are 3 books about Waylnder. WaylanderIn the Realm of the WolfHero in the Shadows.

I could go on, but you get the idea. :)

[Bev]

Hi I also loved Morningstar and Legend.

[Jonathan]

Thanks for that. I've picked up Legend to read and I'm hoping to enjoy it. Gemmell has come with high recommendations from people I trust so...

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

If you want to go "Old School" I'd throw in The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny. This was a wonderfully fun series that had a lot of fantasy parts to it from Urban Fantasy to good ol' grab your sword and Charger (horse) and ride to battle!. It's a book I got my hands on in the late 1970s and early 1980s and enjoyed more than most books I read during that time. Really cool stuff.

[Patricia]

I, Curmudgeon wrote: "If you want to go "Old School" I'd throw in The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny. This was a wonderfully fun series that had a lot of fantasy parts to it from Urban Fantasy to good ol' grab y..."

I loved The Chronicles of Amber. I'm sure you got me into them, probable in the 80's. At that time I needed distraction.

I find that McDermott writes a rip-roaring action adventure, but he is a little short on reality--you know, things like 'water runs downhill only', and nueclear explosions tend to burn up anything within miles. As an author I think we should do a little research. Bringing tanks to fight on the island of Crete might not work very well. Just saying.

[Patricia]

How do you spell 'nueclear'? Never said I can spell.

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Who said you couldn't use tanks on Crete? even Newcliahr (that's new-clee-ahr for the phonetically imposed) ones.

(Everone knows I cain't spell fer nothin... and we ain't gettin' into those synonomaniacal thangs again are we?

[Patricia]

Well, you could bring the tank to Crete, but the beaches are very small and backed by verticle cliffs. The older towns are on top and reached by lots and lots of steps. The thing used to be a volcano.

[Jonathan]

In fantasy action adventure anything can happen. Nuclear explosions lose against magical systems apparently...

[Chris]

I am about 2/3 done with Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy and I love it!

[The Pirate Ghost, Long John Silvers Wanna-be]

Isn't Brando Sanderson finishing The Wheel of Time series for the late Robert Jordan (if not then who?)

[Ctgt]

Chris wrote: "I am about 2/3 done with Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy and I love it!"

I read this trilogy a couple of months ago and also loved it. I have The Way of Kings on my shelf but haven't tackled it yet.