Introductions - tell us a little about yourself Showing 2,351-2,400 of 3,618

[Ryan]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to say I'm excited about this group and cant wait to get started. My favorite authors include George R. R. Martin, Raymond E. Feist, Jim Butcher, and Patrick Rothfuss.

Also feel free to friend me cause I like seeing opinions on everything! :)

[Pauline]

Deborah wrote: "Just finished the Riyria Revelations series this week - fantastic! Read Rise of Empire and Heir of Novron in 2 days, just couldn't put them down. My house was a complete shambles due to small children left to run riot and I burnt the dinner but I haven't read something that pulled me into another world so completely in a while."

Michael J Sullivan pops up on Goodreads from time to time, so next time he does, tell him he owes you an unburnt dinner :-)

[Hanne]

hi deborah - that sounds familiar. i stumbled upon goodreads about a month ago and discovered huge amount of books to be read asap :)
not good for my wallet, nor for my poor bookshelves, but i'm loving it :)

[Hannah]

Hello all!

I am very excited to have found this group - it's taken me months but I finally found the one for me! I have only read a few of the books that have been discussed here, but I did enjoy the ones I have read (except for Her Fearful Symmetry). My new project is to catch up to you guys :) I even made a bookshelf with all the books that you have covered and I'm psyched to start reading them!

Hannah

[Ash]

Hi! My name is Ash, and I am a reader. :D I started down this path when I was four and I am showing no intentions of stopping.

I love fantasy books most of all--and I'm proud to say I love it so much I wrote an emotional letter to Michael Moorcock when I was in college, upset and confused about the then-latest Elric Melnibone story. He wrote back...and gave me more credit than my intelligence deserved. lol And a bookmark.

I also like Stephen King...and caught the August flu the summer I started reading The Stand. I have no intention of writing to him because I fear the power he has over me.

Nobody ever said the patch of a reader would me an easy road to traverse.

Nice to meet you all...

Cheers, Ash

[Nicky]

Hello everybody reading this topic!

I'm Nicky, 28 (for a couple more weeks) and I live in Belgium. *hands out chocolates*

While I love to read, other life stuff tends to get in the way of a good reading stretch, so I basically joined goodreads to keep myself motivated and find some good recommendations.
I find myself drawn to many different genres, but escaping into a Fantasy realm has been a constant over the years.

I realy enjoyed works by Greg Keyes,Robin Hobb; Neil Gaiman and Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman.

I generally don't like the doom/gloom/woe R us kind of stories, lest the author brings it with a kind of self-relativation. I need a little break from all the seriousness every now and then!
I'm a big Joss Whedon fan and tend to look for similar amazing storytelling in the stuff that I read.

Happy to meet you all!

[Amanda]

Nicky wrote: "Hello everybody reading this topic!

I'm Nicky, 28 (for a couple more weeks) and I live in Belgium. *hands out chocolates*

While I love to read, other life stuff tends to get in the way of a good..."


omg i love Robin Hobb if you enjoyed those books you might like Anne McCaffery if I spelled the last name wrong I am sorry

[Nicky]

Thanks Amanda! I'll look her up sometimes!

[Steve]

Hello. I am Steve from Canada. I was never into the fantasy genre till last year I picked up R.A. Salvatore's Legend Of Drizzt : Homeland and I was instantly hooked. My wife gave me the rest of the series this past Christmas, and I plowed through them over the next few months.
I just finished reading Prince of Thorns this morning, and while searching reviews for the next book King of Thorns I came across Good Reads...so here I am. I joined the The Fantasy Book Club to learn about and discuss new books with like minded people.

R.A. Salvatore
Richard K Morgan
Mark Lawrence

[Roberto]

Hi there,

My name is Roberto. I read science fiction and fantasy almost exclusively when I was growing up. I branched away from fantasy and started working as a reporter, then a magazine editor.

But five years ago I started reading fantasy again and was inspired to write my own fantasy novel, The Beast of Maug Maurai. I'm reading all the fantasy I can get my hands on now and working on my next novel.

Favorite authors:
George R.R. Martin
Bernard Cornwell
Frank Herbert
Tolkein
Kurt Vonnegut

Thanks for listening!

Roberto

[Neil]

Greetings!
I am from Michigan (I miss winter...), but I am currently living in Indiana with my beautiful wife. We are both high school teachers.

I grew up reading Frank Herbert, Orson Scott Card, Issac Assimov, and others in SciFi. My love of SciFi started of course with an obsession in Star Wars.

As I got older my reading tastes spread into Historical fiction, biography, and classical literature. Now, since I spend all my day working in reality with the joys and pains thereof, I am now enamored with fantasy.

I love the writings of Sanderson, Jordan, Bakker, Martin, and many others. I am excited to have found this website and this group! I am learning about authors and books that I have never heard of before.

[Ian]

Hey, I'm Ian! I'm a college student from Texas and I love fantasy.

I love fantasy that places a lot of emphasis on myth and legend and old things. I also love character driven stuff.

[Jamie]

Hi, I'm Jamie. I've been a big fan of fantasy literature since I was a kid. Some of my favorites include Mercedes Lackey, Jim Butcher, and Tonya Huff.

[Amanda]

curiosity is the Darkover series any good?

[J.D.]

Amanda wrote: "curiosity is the Darkover series any good?"

My very much younger self thought so. I haven't re-read them, so I can't say what I'd think of them now.

[L. L.]

Hello! I'm Lester. I produce a morning show for an NBC affiliate. I'm also a musician, artist, and aspiring author. I'm a lifelong fantasy and horror fan. My favorites fantasy authors are, in no particular order:

Terry Pratchett
Jim Butcher
Robert E. Howard
Terry Goodkind
David Farland
George R. R. Martin
Andre Norton
J.K. Rowling
Terry Brooks (lots of good Terry's in fantasy lol)

[Sandra]

The usual suspects!

Welcome all new folks.

[Harriett]

Hi all my name is Harriett and im from N.Ireland..I'm so glad Ive found this wee tresure of a site..I am relatively new to the fantasy genre but have to admit that im totally hooked. When choosing a new book to read I cant bring myself to pick anything but fantasy, not sure if that's a good or bad thing!!. Recent reads that I have really loved have been.

The Name of the wind series
A Game of Thrones
The Painted man series.
Tolkien

Thats to name just a few. Cant wait to hopfully make some new friends.

[J.D.]

Welcome to the group, Harriett. I hope you'll find lots of great books and great people to share them with here.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Welcome.

[Hannah]

Welcome Ellathina! I'm in Nova Scotia too :)

[[deleted user]]

Hi everyone. My name's Mona and I'm from Australia. My favorite genre to read is fantasy by far - I grew up reading Roald Dahl and read a lot of Diana Wynne Jones in high school. I loved the Harry Potter books, although I was in my twenties and thirties when I read those! I like to read YA fantasy the most, and prefer the books to have romance. I have joined this group to learn about new fantasy books, and see what people are reading.

Thanks, Mona

[Sandra]

Frank wrote: "Hi Mona,

From a fantasy writer to a fantasy fan, welcome. I seem to have a lot of friends in Australia. Do you like YA that matures to adult -- that's my thing."

Hello, both of you. Frank, I'm sure you'll not forget you're here as a fantasy fan -- not as a writer. All self promotion belongs in the folder labeled as such.

[Frank]

Sorry, Sandra,

Didn't realise I was doing so.

[John]

Hello everyone, I've only recently joined Goodreads, and am still finding my way around. This is an obvious place for me to start, though, as fantasy is my reading passion. I dip my toe into historical fiction occasionally but fantasy swallows the bulk of my reading time.
Authors - so many - narrow it down a little, ok. Tolkien of course (ever since my sister recommended that I read this great book about magic rings and dark riders and giant spiders - I was 11 years old). George R. R. Martin, Tad Williams, J. V Jones, Peter V. Brett, Brian Ruckley, Joe Abercrombie, Mark Lawrence, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Ben Aaronovitch, Patrick Rothfuss, the list really is endless.
Anyway, I'm glad to be here and I look forward to many interesting conversations with like-minded people.

[Dan]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the group also.

My name is Dan and I'm from Wales, UK.

I'm really looking forward to being a part of this group as no-one I know really reads fantasy books. I'm also looking forward to the group reads, and finding books I wouldn't normally find.

I've loved Terry Pratchett since I was about 13, but now realise I really didn't understand much of what I was reading! Other favourites include Patrick Rothfuss, George R.R. Martin, Kevin Hearne (really enjoying The Iron Druid Chronicles at the moment), Brandon Sanderson and Stephen King.

I've never got around to reading 'Legend', so am looking forward to the group read next month!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi all who've shown up since I was by last, welcome.

[John]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Hi all who've shown up since I was by last, welcome."
Thanks Mike. Glad to be here.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I dropped back and found that there'd been a "rush" since I was here, LOL.

You didn't mention Elizabeth Moon (not counting her space opera stuff). Have you read The Deed of Paksenarrion? (I know the omnibus edition says it's vol. 3-5 but what they call vol.1 and 2 are prequels and don't really effect the trilogy).

All my friends knew I'd recommend these. LOL

[John]

No I haven't read those. Going straight on the to-read list. Thanks for the tip.

[Paul]

Hello everyone, this looks like a great group. Although I've had a Goodreads account for a while I'm only now beginning to explore it.
I am from Dublin, Ireland, I'm a reader, writer and lover of epic fantasy. My obsession began, like many, by reading The Hobbit, as an 11 year old. I moved onto Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. When I first read Legend by David Gemmell I was completely smitten.
Having said that, I am choosy about my fantasy, I like my heroes to be flawed, I don't like black and white, as in life I like the edges blurred.
I'm looking forward to some great recommendations.

Paul :)

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Welcome Paul.

[Paul]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Welcome Paul."

Thanks Mike :)

[Mike]

Hello, everyone! Like Paul above, I joined Goodreads over a year ago, but until recently, I've simply been using it as a glorified "to be read / to consider reading" list. I recently decided to start taking advantage of the rest of the site's features, including getting involved in some of the groups that seemed interesting (and active -- very important!) to me.

I'm a fantasy fan, but I also enjoy other genres. I like to mix things up, and I never stick with one genre (or even series) for long -- meaning I might read a fantasy novel, then move on to a historical fiction novel, then move on to a classic, then move on to a science fiction novel, and so on. It all depends on my mood.

For me, George R.R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire, 5 Book Set Series, A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons is the pinnacle of fantasy writing. It might not be a good idea to admit this, but I'm not a fan of Tolkien at all. Try not to hold that against me! Heh.

I look forward to getting involved with this group!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Okay...well welcome anyway in spite of your poor taste...Martain the peak???? You don't like Tolkien???? You poor deluded child. Well anyway, welcome and we'll try to help you.

:)

[Paul]

Mikebfd wrote: "Hello, everyone! Like Paul above, I joined Goodreads over a year ago, but until recently, I've simply been using it as a glorified "to be read / to consider reading" list. I recently decided to sta..."


Hi Mike, newbies together :). I love The Game of Thrones series, I adore the gritty nastiness of it. In some ways it reads a lot like historical fiction, another genre I love, I supppose that is the skill of Martin to build such a believable world. I know what you are saying about Tolkein, I suppose a lot of people feel if they like fantasy it is a mortal sin not to love Tolkein. But LOTR was written in the middle of the last century, when book reading tastes were very different, dare I say more innocent. I suspect if Tolkein wrote it now it would be not a million miles from GoT, with all the gritty realism

[John]

Hi Mike and Paul - I'm a newbie that loves both Tolkien and Martin. Think they're both geniuses of their time. Lots to love about both of them.
Paul - I agree with your comment that Tolkien was writing in a more innocent time.
Mike - I love historical fiction too, Cornwell, Iggulden, Scarrow etc., and yeah, I think Martin writes in a similar way. A Song of Ice and Fire feels like history.

[Paul]

John wrote: "Hi Mike and Paul - I'm a newbie that loves both Tolkien and Martin. Think they're both geniuses of their time. Lots to love about both of them.
Paul - I agree with your comment that Tolkien was wr..."

Yep, I agree with all that. I think in many instances fantasy and hist fic are close cousins. The Oathsworn series by Rob Low is another great hist fic series. In GoT you can clearly see where each nation has it's roots in ancient kingdoms.

[John]

I love Robert Low's Oathsworn series. Just brilliant, and I agree, a lot of similarities with fantasy - a quest, hints of the supernatural. Another one thats pretty closely related is Cornwell's take on Arthur. Historical but still mystical.

[Paul]

John wrote: "I love Robert Low's Oathsworn series. Just brilliant, and I agree, a lot of similarities with fantasy - a quest, hints of the supernatural. Another one thats pretty closely related is Cornwell's ta..."

Oh yeah I read that years ago, he touched on druidic magic without actually making it obvious. I'm loving his Alfred series

[John]

Yes I love the Alfred series. Great characters and brilliant battles.
If you like your fantasy with a historical feel may I suggest you look at Brian Ruckley's 'The Godless World' trilogy, and/or J. V. Jone's 'Sword of Shadows' series.

People seem to love or hate the Brian Ruckley books, but I have enjoyed both of these series. Of course, and there's always Mr Abercrombie, but I would imagine you've read some of his already.

[Paul]

John wrote: "Yes I love the Alfred series. Great characters and brilliant battles.
If you like your fantasy with a historical feel may I suggest you look at Brian Ruckley's 'The Godless World' trilogy, and/or J..."

Oh I'll check them out thanks. Yeah I've read all of Abercrombie's, they're well written and I loved the first one, but the more I read, I don't know the humour is getting a bit tiresome for me, I think he needs to freshen it up a bit.

[John]

Yes Abercrombie's definitely more tongue in cheek, with extra shock value thrown in. I loved his first three books, not so keen on Best Served Cold, but really enjoyed his last one, The Heroes. Just bought his latest, Red Country, but haven't read it yet. Think he is a masterful writer of character and dialogue.

[Paul]

John wrote: "Yes Abercrombie's definitely more tongue in cheek, with extra shock value thrown in. I loved his first three books, not so keen on Best Served Cold, but really enjoyed his last one, The Heroes. Jus..."

Oh yeah no doubt there, the dialogue and inner musings really bring his characters to life. I'll buy the next one too.

[Amy]

Hi, I'm Amy. I live in North Texas. I've loved fantasy ever since I can remember since myths and fairy tales were an integral part of my schooling, even in learning math. The first "real" fantasy book I remember reading was The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle.

Favorite fantasy authors include, but are not limited to:

* Gene Wolfe
* Orson Scott Card
* Mercedes Lackey (her 500 Kingdoms series)
* Peter S. Beagle
* Robert Asprin
[edited to add]
* Madeleine L'Engle
* C.S. Lewis

It's not a series, but I love Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show (online mag).

I can't think of any series I enjoyed long term. Sorry.

Looking forward to reading and discussing with everyone. :)

[Olivia]

Hi, my name is Olivia and I hail from Kentucky. Fantasy is my go-to genre for the majority of my reading fixes. The first fantasy book I truly remember reading was The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley, given to me by one of my favorite teachers in middle school. After that I kind of went nuts and read anything I could get my hands on.

The first authors that come to mind for favorites are:
Brandon Sanderson for his magic systems
Neil Gaiman for his overall brilliance
Patrick Rothfuss for his storytelling
Garth Nix for his world
Robin McKinley for her heroines

Series are bit tricky for me, since I have a love/frustrate relationship with the longer epics. Sanderson's Mistborn Trilogy was the last one I finished and it was marvelous.

[[deleted user]]

I've always loved to read. My first exposure to fantasy was a copy of The Hobbit at my sister's house when I was babysitting her kids. I was probably 12 or 13. I was hooked. I went on to devour any fantasy I could find - Terry Brooks, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster, Roger Zelazny, Neil Gaiman, RA Salvatore, and more recently Patrick Rothfuss and George RR Martin. I also loved Isaac Asimov back in the day. I subscribed to his magazine and read every word of the short stories.

I have tried to get back into fantasy books recently but have been disappointed in the main. I find the genre seems to be overtaken by fan-fic style writing. I loved Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel series and had recommended to me to read Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series, but I am not enjoying it at all. So I'm hoping to find others with tastes similar to mine to fine-tune my selections in the future and perhaps have some entertaining discussions.

I am currently a stay at home mom. I live in the southeast with my husband, three kids and three cats.

[T.P.]

I am T.P. Grish, I prefer fantasy novels, but occasionally horror. R.A. Salvatore is my favourite fantasy author, he writes great stories based around friendship, and with terrific characters.

I also enjoy Robin Hobb, Elaine Cunningham, and greatly respect Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Novels.

As for horror, I like best collections of horror stories, especially older ones.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Welcome.

[Devan]

Hello Everyone. My name is Devan and I live in Utah. I have been in the fantasy club for awhile now and never got around to introducing myself. I started out reading Lloyd Alexander's "Chronicles of Prydain" and I was hooked from that point on. My favorite authors include:

Michael Scott Rohan: Anvil of Ice series
Patrick Rothfuss
Jim Butcher
Simon R. Green: The Nightside series and Shadows Fall
Ursula K. LeGuin: Earthsea trilogy
Roger Zelazny: The Chronicles of Amber
Brandon Sanderson
R.A. Salvatore: (just the older Drizzt series)
(don't judge!) Louis L'Amour: Walking Drum
Robert Jordan
Raymond E. Feist: Riftwar saga
Eric Van Lustbader: The Sunset Warrior cycle
Patricia McKillip: Riddlemaster of Hed series....
Kevin Hearne: Iron Druid series
J.C. Fiske: Renegade series

Young adult
Henry Neff: Tapestry series
Matt Myklusch: The accidental hero series
Rick Riordan: The Kane Chronicles
Alexander Smith: Escape from furnace series
Harry Potter
Diane Duane: So you want to be a wizard series
Lloyd Alexander

Science Fiction
Ernest R. Cline: Ready Player One (awesome book!)
E.E. "Doc" Smith: The Lensman series
Orson Scott Card: Ender's Game
Pittacus Lore: I am number four series

Wow, there are so many others I love, but I realize I need to end this. Pleased to meet everyone and thanks for all of the good book recommendations!