Fantasy Aficionados discussion
Reading Recommendations
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Looking for fantasy with an unlikely hero/heroine
How about Household Gods - the MC is a female lawyer from today who gets bounced somehow back to medieval times.
That sounds interesting, Carolyn. Thanks.
Thanks, MrsJ. Can I read these out of order if I'm not a stickler?
Not sure if this is exactly what you're after, but a book I think is full of rather unlikely characters is The Anvil of the World. I guess Smith, who is male and an ex-assassin, is pretty typical of fantasy, but he ends up doing some very a-typical things, and he actually has introspective moments.
For an unlikely hero, I would recommend Magic Kingdom for Sale--Sold. Ben Holiday is just a normal business man who takes the amazing opportunity of buying a magic kingdom, all pros and cons included. Very amusing, as well!
Both sound good, Chelsea and An!
For me, I would recommand The Crystal Shard because if anyone who has read my review, Drizzt was not suppose to be in the main character or the hero in the book when the book was written.
Cool. I have both of those, Jean.Kevin, it's annoying when the main character gets sidelined. Makes me wonder if the author was ready to write the main character's story afterall.
Jean wrote: "Oh I should also add Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick which is a terrific read."That's an amazing book, but I don't think Drothe is an unlikely hero. He has a lot of nobility under his rogue exterior.
Kevin wrote: "For me, I would recommand The Crystal Shard because if anyone who has read my review, Drizzt was not suppose to be in the main character or the hero in the book when the book was writ..."I'm not exactly sure that is what she was going for. Drizzt is the epitome of hero in Salvatore's books.
Chelsea wrote: "Kevin wrote: "For me, I would recommand The Crystal Shard because if anyone who has read my review, Drizzt was not suppose to be in the main character or the hero in the book when the..."Not when he was writting The Crystal Shard or when it was published.
Chelsea: I agree, but Drothe is gobsmacked by his own success so he seems to see himself as entirely unlikely. At least that's how I read it.
Jean wrote: "Chelsea: I agree, but Drothe is gobsmacked by his own success so he seems to see himself as entirely unlikely. At least that's how I read it."That's true. Good point, then! That's a great book, I hope more people read it.
An wrote: "For an unlikely hero, I would recommend Magic Kingdom for Sale--Sold. Ben Holiday is just a normal business man who takes the amazing opportunity of buying a magic kingdom, all pros an..."Definitely have to agree with this one, An. I thoroughly enjoyed Ben's adventures in Landover. Lots of great characters and humour.
I think Blue Moon Rising falls into this category. Sure Rupert was a prince, but he wasn't much of a warrior or adventurer. And some other things which would be spoilers. :)
Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "I think Blue Moon Rising falls into this category. Sure Rupert was a prince, but he wasn't much of a warrior or adventurer. And some other things which would be spoilers. :)"Oooh, I really want to read this.
I really loved it, Chelsea. I think it's very funny, but also dark, and sad too. I like how Rupert grows over the book, and his friend (a unicorn) and Princess Julia and the dragon are all good characters.
Chelsea wrote: "Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "I think Blue Moon Rising falls into this category. Sure Rupert was a prince, but he wasn't much of a warrior or adventurer. And some other t..."Yay Magic Kingdom for Sale-Sold. I love those books :)
And now it looks like I might have a few more to add to my tbr pile!
Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "I really loved it, Chelsea. I think it's very funny, but also dark, and sad too. I like how Rupert grows over the book, and his friend (a unicorn) and Prince Julia and the dragon are all good chara..."Prince Julia? Hehehe.
Oops. I made a correction. No crossdressing involved. :)
Leighann wrote: "Chelsea wrote: "Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "I think Blue Moon Rising falls into this category. Sure Rupert was a prince, but he wasn't much of a warrior or adventurer. ..."Did you read A Princess of Landover, Leighann, and, if so, what did you think of it? I'm sad to say I was quite disappointed in it. The beloved characters from the first few books in the series hardly make an appearance at all and the afore-mentioned princess, Mistaya, is a spoiled, unlikeable brat, in my humble opinion. Hard to believe she is a progeny of Ben and Willow.
Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Thanks, MrsJ. Can I read these out of order if I'm not a stickler?"Ummmm, I would say yes. Kerowyn's Tale is all about her so you learn her world as she does. She's sort of inserted into the timeline.
The same thing with Songsmith. It deals more with one particular person. IIRC Andre Norton's world building is rather thorough. It might be difficult only because sometimes I think she takes her previous world-building as if you [the reader] are already familar. I need to re-read it to be sure.
BTW, it's never super complicated things that will make the story hard to understand, it tends to be subtle things like religion.
Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Oops. I made a correction. No crossdressing involved. :)":(
Cheryl wrote: "Leighann wrote: "Chelsea wrote: "Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "I think Blue Moon Rising falls into this category. Sure Rupert was a prince, but he wasn't much of a warrior..."I did and I agree. It just wasn't the same. While it was a good book...I missed many of the characters that were there all along. I also felt that the solution was just a little too easy.
I would however read another if he put it out - just to see if he goes back to the basics. :)
Ummmm, I would say yes. Kerowyn's Tale is all about her so you learn her world as she..."Good to know, MrsJ!
Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Thanks, MrsJ. Can I read these out of order if I'm not a stickler?"Hey, Just sticking my nose in here a bit. As MrsJ says, yes, it's okay to read out of order but I think you'll miss some of the background story if you do.
This is the 4th book in the Vows and Honor series with Kerowyn being the granddaughter of Kethry who is featured in the first 3 novels.
And...you can see it was actually written before the third book.
Valdemar : Vows and Honor
1. The Oathbound (1988)
2. Oathbreakers (1989)
3. Oathblood (1998)
4. By the Sword (1991)
Even so, it is a great story right along with ALL of the Valdemar books. I have everything Mercedes Lackey has written and read it all multiple times. I enjoy her writing as much as my all time favorite, Andre Norton.
As for books with unusual 'heroes', what about the Amber series by Roger Zelazny? Not sure if it's quite what you want but the lead character is certainly different.
Amber
1. Nine Princes in Amber (1970)
2. The Guns of Avalon (1972)
3. The Sign of the Unicorn (1975)
4. The Hand of Oberon (1976)
5. The Courts of Chaos (1978)
6. Trumps of Doom (1985)
7. Blood of Amber (1986)
8. Sign of Chaos (1987)
9. Knight of Shadows (1989)
10. Prince of Chaos (1991)
Danielle-Paladin of Soulsby Lois McMaster Bujold comes immediately to mind. Ista is middle aged, has a grown daughter who is a queen. Was depressed and considered insane (her Gods used her to break a curse and she botched the job). This is the second book in the The Curse of Chalion series and Bujold's prose is peerless. You don't have to read the first book, but it is just an enjoyable.
Tina wrote: "Danielle-Paladin of Soulsby Lois McMaster Bujold comes immediately to mind. Ista is middle aged, has a grown daughter who is a queen. Was depressed and considered insane (her Gods..."
Total co-sign, Ista is a fantastic anti-heroine. Can't wait for a book about The Bastard god - that'll be a great read too.
If you like the comedic fantasy, Rincewind in the Discworld books by Terry Pratchett is pretty fun to go adventuring with since he'd much rather be anywhere but out there 'saving the world'
Tina wrote: "Danielle-Paladin of Soulsby Lois McMaster Bujold comes immediately to mind. Ista is middle aged, has a grown daughter who is a queen. Was depressed and considered insane (her Gods..."
The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls both rule, and perfect for what you're looking for. Cazaril, the main character of Chalion, is middle aged and physically handicapped by time spent as a slave.
I can see what you mean Brett but I really consider Kerowyn's Tale to be a stand alone. She did not know Kethry & Tarma until she was almost an adult - so the reader gets to know the characters as she does. Plus Oathblood was written after By The Sword.
Thanks for the recs, guys!
MrsJoseph wrote: "I can see what you mean Brett but I really consider Kerowyn's Tale to be a stand alone. She did not know Kethry & Tarma until she was almost an adult - so the reader gets to know the characters as..."That's true. It really can be read either way. I'm just the fanatical type that likes to read everything!
Anymore, I'm simply unable to read a series any way but in order. I have many series on my shelves waiting for me to find number one.
I've been planning to reread the Valdemar and Belgariad/Mallorian series again but am a bit daunted by the sheer size of the project!
There are around 23 Valdemar books and 11 or so of the Eddings series.
Then I want to read the Darkover series again, all of Andre Norton....sigh....
I really liked the first 10 of the Chronicals of Amber by Zelazny. I thought I'd mention one most often thought of as a classic, but not on this list.
The Sword of Shannaraby Terry Brooks
That whole series and the one that followed it all seemed to start with an unlikely hero, but Flick, Shea and Menion Leigh (Sp) were all unlikely hero types.
The main character in the Spellsong Cycle by Modesitt that starts with The Soprano Sorceressis a rather unlikely heroine. She is a middle-aged music professor at a small midwest college that is transported into another world. The first three books in the series deal with her specifically and they are on my "re-read often" shelf.
The last two follow on with characters that were in the first trilogy and unfortunately I didn't care for the direction they went there.
Hugh (A.K.A. Hermit the Curmudgeon) wrote: "I really liked the first 10 of the Chronicals of Amber by Zelazny. I thought I'd mention one most often thought of as a classic, but not on this list.
The Sword of Shannaraby [aut..."
Very good! I can remember reading this when it came out and it was one of those I got totally lost in. Very cool!
Reminds me somehow, I believe most of the stories by Andre Norton have unusual characters. I know I enjoy reading them over and over to this day.
Another one comes to mind, not really Fantasy, but what the heck.
Alan Dean Foster's 'Pip and Flinx'. First in the series - The Tar-Aiym Krang. [book:The Tar-Aiym Krang]
Temi wrote: "Total co-sign, Ista is a fantastic anti-heroine. Can't wait for a book about The Bastard god - that'll be a great read too."I don't think Bujold can write a *bad* book. I'm another that is waiting not-so-patiently for the next Chalion book. I'd like to see one about the soldier who has a demon. I absolutely burst out laughing when reading the description of him getting his demon to make flies drill like a squad of soldiers.
Sharon wrote: "I don't think Bujold can write a *bad* book. I'm another that is waiting not-so-patiently for the next Chalion book. I'd like to see one about the soldier who has a demon. I absolutely burst out laughing when reading the description of him getting his demon to make flies drill like a squad of soldiers. "Did you read the Hallowed Hunt, and if so, how did you like it?
What would y'all say the standard characteristics of a "typical" hero are? I would say:
Male
Unattached, which allows him to Go On A Quest (either by orphanhood, bachelorhood or widowerhood)
Fairly young, or at least definitely under the age where things start to break down
I believe that includes almost all of the protagonists of Lord of the Rings, Joe Abercromie's books, Kvothe, Drizzt et al (except Cattie-Brie, so is a non-entity anyway...), and almost everyone from the Belgariad...
Chelsea wrote: "What would y'all say the standard characteristics of a "typical" hero are?..."I would add:
Male or Female trained as a warrior or magician, or who goes into training as either of the above in the first half of the book.
Agree with you on the rest...
Chelsea wrote: "Did you read the Hallowed Hunt, and if so, how did you like it? "Yes, I read it and it is by far my least favorite. Takes place in a different time frame and totally different people and a completely different 'feel' to it as well.
It isn't a bad book. I certainly had no trouble finishing it and I have re-read it very occasionally, but it is one of maybe half a dozen of Bujold's books that I would probably not replace in the event of a fire or flood.
Sharon wrote: "Chelsea wrote: "Did you read the Hallowed Hunt, and if so, how did you like it? "Yes, I read it and it is by far my least favorite. Takes place in a different time frame and totally different peo..."
Aw boo. The reviews seem to agree that it's not as good as the other two. I really hope she writes more in this world, though.
Chelsea wrote: "MaleUnattached, which allows him to Go On A Quest (either by orphanhood, bachelorhood or widowerhood)
Fairly young, or at least definitely under the age where things start to break down"
Carolyn wrote: "I would add:
Male or Female trained as a warrior or magician, or who goes into training as either of the above in the first half of the book. "
Also with some sort of "special" heritage - royal, magical, etc - that isn't revealed until later.
Valerie wrote: "Also with some sort of "special" heritage - royal, magical, etc - that isn't revealed until later. "YES. Use the Force, Harry!
Chelsea wrote: "What would y'all say the standard characteristics of a "typical" hero are? Ditto what Valerie said.
I see very little "Prince Charming wins the day" kind of books, and many more of the 1) cross into a new world/existence and discover it, and 2) discover some previously unknown magic/power part of identity.
In that sense, many fantasy and urban fantasy fit into those two categories, and I would argue that most of the suggestions in this thread aren't particularly unusual types of heroes. Garion in the Belgariad, Flick/Shea in the Sword of Shannara fit the type of the reluctant heroes needing to come to terms with their own powers. Terry Brooks Magic Kingdom is white dude crossing into magical world--seen it quite a few times, even read another trilogy where the protag was a lawyer as well (talk about fantasy of leaving your current life!). A lot of the current UF/PNR is a supernatural riff on #2.
Carol wrote: "Chelsea wrote: "What would y'all say the standard characteristics of a "typical" hero are? Ditto what Valerie said.
I see very little "Prince Charming wins the day" kind of books, and many more ..."
Yeah, just because a hero does his heroic duty reluctantly doesn't mean he's an unlikely hero. Another good unlikely hero is the main character of The Broken Kingdoms. Oree is a blind artist, and is a minority in her world.
Sharon wrote: "Chelsea wrote: "Did you read the Hallowed Hunt, and if so, how did you like it? "Yes, I read it and it is by far my least favorite. Takes place in a different time frame and totally different peo..."
Ooh, with this I am in agreeance! I was bummed because I was all...Where's Cazaril? Where's Ista? Where's The Bastard God?1? So yeah, a bit of a let down. But....I actually 're-read' it on audio-book and it was a different experience. The reader did a fantastic job and made the story come alive in a way it hadn't when i read it.
Fantasy Aficionados
Books mentioned in this topic
The Darkangel Trilogy (other topics)The Outstretched Shadow (other topics)
Servant of the Bones (other topics)
I Am Not a Serial Killer (other topics)
The Broken Kingdoms (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Terry Brooks (other topics)Terry Pratchett (other topics)
For instance, I would consider Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit an unlikely hero. He's a homebody, but he ends up going on a great adventure.
Also, I thought of Locke Lamora from The Lies of Locke Lamora as an unlikely hero.
Thanks.