Fantasy Book Club discussion
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Introductions - tell us a little about yourself
Hey I'm Greg, I enjoy reading, running, and swimming. AS you can see from my picture I am in to Harry Potter and enjoy the series a lot. Some of the other authors I enjoy are Raymond E. Feist and D.J. Machale. I also enjoy historical non-fiction and biography.
Welcome to the group Greg and Niranjana
Welcome Niranjana and Greg. Glad to have you here with us.
Great to have you aboard, Niranjana and Greg.Niranjana, Botswana is a country I've wanted to visit for a long time, but have yet to get to. You may know the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith was recently made into a TV series for HBO. I loved the series and it just drove home to me how much I want to visit your country. Hopefully, when things get better for me financially, I'll be able to travel again. Since you enjoy epic fantasy, let me recommend one of the very best books in the genre: The Curse of the Mistwraith by our very own Janny Wurts. It's the first of a majesterial series that spans many volumes. In fact, we are discussing the book this month as our July group read. Janny is a regular contributor to our forum and has increased my enjoyment of the book--and I'm sure others would agree--with her commentary.
Hy, everyone!! My name is Tina, I'm from Croatia. I love reading, and my favorite books of all time are the ones about Harry Potter. =) But there are many other books I love, u can see them on my profile page. My favorite genre is fantasy, but I also like all the others... My big wish is to travel and travel, and hopefully, one day it will come true. =)
Welcome to the group Tina. I'm sure you will get to travel one day. It takes willpower more than anything :)
Welcome, Tina. Nice to have you here with us. I hope we can point you towards a lot more great fantasy novels.
Hey, Leslie! I do know The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, but I'm sorry to say I haven't been able to read even one. I should. The Curse of the Mistwraith, you say? I shall indeed check that one out. Thanks!
Welcome to the group, Jana. If it's recommendations which you seek, you've certainly come to the right place. If there's one thing we're steeped in, that's it.It sounds like you're relatively new to the fantasy scene, so I'd start with some of the more mainstream stuff to give you a feel for the genre. If you're looking for old fashioned sword and sorcery style fantasy, I'd suggest looking up Robert Jordan, David Eddings, Brandon Sanderson and Terry Brooks.
If you're up for something a bit darker and more adult, I'd say try Terry Goodkind and George R.R. Martin. If you want something lighter, Terry Goodkind's Discworld is a good place to start.
Like I said, these are all really mainstream books, and you should be able to find out about them anywhere. They make for good primers to the genre, too. Meanwhile, I'd say look over some of the threads in this group. We've got hundreds of recommendations on various "great fantasy novels" threads. Let me know if that's any help, and once again, welcome to the group.
Hi I am Stuart. I am 48 and a social care support worker. I have joined this group as I am keen to update my knowledge of fantasy, which is largely based on the works of Michael Moorcock read as a teenager. Subsequently I have read some Harry Potter and "The Dark Materials Trilogy". My feeble excuse for not reading more is that I have gone into Waterstones and always found the second book of a trilogy of an author who I am not familiar with. My present read is hopefully going to give me some pointers. I look forward to any advice or recommendations.
Stuart wrote: "Hi I am Stuart. I am 48 and a social care support worker. I have joined this group as I am keen to update my knowledge of fantasy, which is largely based on the works of Michael Moorcock read as a ..."Hi Stuart - I looked at your profile, and if (as you said) you are looking for books with psychological depth and resonance, I'd try Carol Berg's first trilogy, starting with Transformation, or, her newest duology, beginning with Breath and Bone, followed by Flesh and Spirit (or maybe I have that order backwards). These books have superb characters, elegant writing, and a plot that is not neatly carved into dogmatic niches. Thoughtfully done, and thought provoking, and satisfying in their conclusions. She doesn't play the predictable game, and her characterizations are genuine.
I guess I will say something short, although I have little to nothing to show for myself. My name is Justin I live in NJ, I just started reading less than a year ago. My father was a huge reader of all types of books it passed his time. I am currently going to school to become a Network Management Consultant. I have little experiences with reading books, but I enjoy mostly and only Fantasy, occasional Sci-fi. I truly have no favorite authors, my top books would rank at Beowulf, The Hobbit, and the Seventh Tower by Garth Nix Series. If anyone is interesting in being my friend, and recommending some great books or just to have a chat that's welcome. :]
Welcome to the group, Stuart and Justin. Look forward to talking to you both about the horde of excellent fantasy novels out there :-).
Janny wrote: "Stuart wrote: "Hi I am Stuart. I am 48 and a social care support worker. I have joined this group as I am keen to update my knowledge of fantasy, which is largely based on the works of Michael Moor..."Thank you for the recommendations. My current read is basically a ripping yarn so far. Very plot driven, quite fun, but feels like a film screenplay. It's no wonder it was turned into a film. I like to read books like this from time to time, but I also look for that certain something that makes me look at the world and my value system. I will add those books you mention to my list.
John wrote: "Welcome to the group, Stuart and Justin. Look forward to talking to you both about the horde of excellent fantasy novels out there :-)."Thank you for your welcome.
Stuart wrote: "Janny wrote: "Stuart wrote: "Hi I am Stuart. I am 48 and a social care support worker. I have joined this group as I am keen to update my knowledge of fantasy, which is largely based on the works o..."For long ripping yarn, try The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, but be warned, it wants the sequel, and that is in the works.
For short ripping yarn try The Crown Conspiracy, which was a group discussion here. That one has a sequel too, but it stands quite alone.
Hi everyone!I'm Catja an 18 year old nerd from Denmark and I'm new to this site.
Fantasy is my favorite genre and my favorite fantsy books has to be the Harry Potter series. I love them with a passion.
I am currently reading the fourth book of the Twilight saga - Breaking Dawn - but I'm not that far yet.
Welcome to the group, Catja. It sounds like you prefer YA fantasy, and you'll be pleased to know there's a lot of it out there :-). Just let us know if you want any recommendations.
Welcome to the group, Stuart, Justin, and Catja....
Janny wrote: "Stuart wrote: "Janny wrote: "Stuart wrote: "Hi I am Stuart. I am 48 and a social care support worker. I have joined this group as I am keen to update my knowledge of fantasy, which is largely based..."Just added them thank you
Catja wrote: "Hi everyone!I'm Catja an 18 year old nerd from Denmark and I'm new to this site.
Fantasy is my favorite genre and my favorite fantsy books has to be the Harry Potter series. I love them with a p..."
Hi Catja, welcome hope you enjoy the site and this group.
John wrote: "Welcome to the group, Stuart and Justin. Look forward to talking to you both about the horde of excellent fantasy novels out there :-)."Thank you very much :] and welcome to everyone else as well.
Greetings Stuart, Justin, and Catja! Welcome to the group. Feel free to add me as a friend if you wish, Justin. Never hurts to have more people. :)I hope you all enjoy the group as much as I do. :)
Thank you everybody. (:John wrote: "Welcome to the group, Catja. It sounds like you prefer YA fantasy, and you'll be pleased to know there's a lot of it out there :-). Just let us know if you want any recommendations."
I'd love some recommendations.
My list of books to read is pretty long but there's always room for more. (:
Catja,If you like YA fantasy, you may want to check my list at:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/...
Hello! Richard Knaak checking in! Became a Goodreads author a short time back and have started to add a couple of groups. Best known for my fantasy work in Dragonlance, WarCraft, Diablo, and my own Dragonrealm series.In regards to the last, I have a giveaway in progress for the new LEGENDS OF THE DRAGONREALM omnibus coming out from Pocket Sep. 1! Some of you may already be registered.
I'm really impressed with Goodreads and hope to pop in whenever possible!
My name is Karen. I'm 12 years old and I love fantasy/paranormal fiction books. My favorite authors are Cassandra Clare, J. K. Rowling, Garth Nix, Cinda Williams Chima, and so much more! I live in L. A. I hope that being in this club will help me get some new great books!-Karen
My name is Emilie (username here on goodreads is teacup). I´m 27 (soon 28) from Stockholm, Sweden. I've been reading fantasy since I was a little kid, started with CS Lewis' Narnia books, later moved on the books by Eddings, LeGuin, Tolkien. I don't read as much fantasy as I used to, but GRR Martin, Tolkien, Katharine Kerr are among my favourite authors.
Karenn wrote: "My name is Karen. I'm 12 years old and I love fantasy/paranormal fiction books. My favorite authors are Cassandra Clare, J. K. Rowling, Garth Nix, Cinda Williams Chima, and so much more! I live in ..."Have you tried Tamora Pierce? My daughter (14) has read most of them and just loves them. I would also recommend the Cynthia's Attic series by Mary Cunningham but you sound as if you're already an advanced reader.
Richard wrote: "Hello! Richard Knaak checking in! Became a Goodreads author a short time back and have started to add a couple of groups. Best known for my fantasy work in Dragonlance, WarCraft, Diablo, and my ..."Hi Richard! Know your books...!
Richard, I read your Dragonrealm series a while back. Rather enjoyed it. I do want to get the omnibus since it's been so long since I read them, but there are a lot of other people who want it too!
Welcome to the group Richard, Emilie and Karenn. I'm shocked by how many new members we keep getting. Most excellent :-).
Janny wrote: "Richard wrote: "Hello! Richard Knaak checking in! Became a Goodreads author a short time back and have started to add a couple of groups. Best known for my fantasy work in Dragonlance, WarCraft,..."Hi, Janny! And I know yours!
John wrote: "Welcome to the group Richard, Emilie and Karenn. I'm shocked by how many new members we keep getting. Most excellent :-)."Thanks! Seems a very active group.
David wrote: "Richard, I read your Dragonrealm series a while back. Rather enjoyed it. I do want to get the omnibus since it's been so long since I read them, but there are a lot of other people who want it too! "Glad you've enjoyed the series. This omnibus has the first ever map. I'm glad so many people are trying for it, after all, it's free to enter.
All I can say is good luck to you and anyone else on the Giveaway!
Welcome Emilie, Karenn, and Richard...good to see more and more each day...
Marc wrote: "Karenn wrote: "My name is Karen. I'm 12 years old and I love fantasy/paranormal fiction books. My favorite authors are Cassandra Clare, J. K. Rowling, Garth Nix, Cinda Williams Chima, and so much m..."Yes! I love Tamora Pierce! Although most my friends don't like it, I love it.
I'm Lee ^-^ I'm 19, starting college this fall (hope it doesn't cut into my reading time too much ;_;) and from Missouri. My favorite fantasy authors are: Mercedes Lackey, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Tad Williams, Jim Butcher, George R.R Martin, Tolkien (almost mandatory for a fantasy fan xD) Alexandra Erin, and R.A Salvatore. Robert Zelazny, and Lynn Flewelling. Oh, and Garth Nix, though for some reason I've never really thought of his stuff as fantasy :P
Oh, and I really like the Sanctuary anthology series thing. Thieves World or whatever <3
Welcome to the group, Lee. Sounds like you have pretty eclectic taste. Have you tried any Gaiman?
Welcome all you newcomers! It's very nice to see more pro authors joining our ranks as well--special shout-out to Richard! I am really looking forward to some stimulating and lively discussions in future!
Richard - Welcome to the FBC! I look forward to any contributions you can make to our discussions. Excellent to see you here!Karen - It always makes me happy to see younger readers. Thank you for your introduction!
Emilie - Welcome to the group! I hope we can catch your interest with some of our monthly readings here. We have some great books and great discussions. :)
Lee - Having recently finished a BA myself, I can assure you that it WILL cut into your reading time! But if you are as hooked as I am on fantasy, you will manage to get a couple books in during the year. :) Glad you joined us!
Carmen wrote: "Val wrote: "Thank you so much for the welcome and the recommendations. Carmen- I just read "Wildwood dancing". Loved it.
I am looking forward to some new reads. I will be scanning through the l..."
Val,
I just finished Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier and loved it. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Hi! I'm Zach. Decently new to the group but it looks like tons of fun. I'm a 19 year old college student from Southern Oregon. I love to read (obviously), write, study martial arts, and waste time on video games. My introduction into fantasy began with The Hobbit Or There and Back Again, which my grandmother gave to me when I was 12 years old. I was happily ensnared and from then on I have had such a hard time breaking free from the fantasy genre.
My Favorite Fantasy Author would have to be:J.R.R. Tolkien
My current favorite book is: The Name of the Wind
I am currently reading Chronicles of The Black Company.
Welcome, Zach! I made a comment on the Black Company topic about it being one of my all time favorite fantasy series. I hope you enjoy all the characters...the ones that manage to survive, anyway. :)
Welcome to the group, Zach. Nice to have you here.
Welcome to the group Zach. Looking foward to hearing from you.
Hi, I'm fairly new to the group but have been lurking. I've been a Goodreads author for a while. I write Young Adult Fantasy, my first series being the Heir Chronicles (Warrior Heir, Wizard Heir, Dragon Heir). I have a new series launching in October with The Demon King. I came to fantasy with Tolkien; I remember sitting up late at night afraid to go to sleep because the Black Riders would come. I'm also a GRRM fan, Neil Gaiman, Janny Wurtz. In YA, Tamora Pierce, Cassandra Clare, Melissa Marr, Rowling, Kristin Cashore, Suzanne Collins. I joined to try to better keep up with what's going on in "adult" fantasy because I read so much YA.
Hi Cindawelcome to the group. I am going to check out your books.
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Fantasy Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Name of the Wind (other topics)The Fault in Our Stars (other topics)
Prince of Fools (other topics)
The Whitefire Crossing (other topics)
To Ride Hell’s Chasm (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Michael J. Sullivan (other topics)Robin Hobb (other topics)
Patrick Rothfuss (other topics)
Daniel Abraham (other topics)
George R.R. Martin (other topics)
More...
David Eddings
David Gemmell
Anne Rice
Jonathan Stroud - The Bartimaeus Trilogy
Holly Black
Patrick Rothfuss - The Name of the Wind
Terry Goodkind - The Sword of Truth Saga
Joseph Delaney - The Wardstone Chronicles
AND I ABSOLUTELY WORSHIP CHRIS BUNCH!!!
I especially love epic fantasy. However, fantasy isn't my only favourite genre - I love historical romance and certain kinds of sci-fi too.