The Name of the Wind discussion

I didn't really get the hype for Rothfuss's prose, it didn't seem that special.

Either way, The Long Price Quartet would be worth a look I think. The writing is excellent, it's often compared to other authors like Guy Gavriel Kay who are famous for their prose quality. It's a slow burner, imo the third and fourth books are a lot better than the first two, but as a whole it's one of the best fantasy series I've read. The world is unique and unusual, the magic system is fascinating, and the characterisation is pretty strong. It's worth a look at least!

Since you like fantasy, I'll also recommend the Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb. They're head and shoulders above the vast majority of fantasy series imo, and have the most memorable and realistic characters I've come across. The Liveship Traders trilogy in particular is just incredible.

While Guy Gavriel Kay's books aren't part of a epic series/scope like the ones you mentioned, definitely would recommend him from a prose standpoint. You can try Fionavar Tapestry, that was a trilogy of books if you really want something more than a stand alone. If you do read Malazan, make the two book commitment and read Deadhouse Gates, because some people are thrown off by Gardens of the Moon. :)

Have you tried Mark Lawrence? I really enjoyed his prose style. He currently has one completed trilogy-Broken Empire and the 2nd book of his current trilogy the Red Queen's War just came out. Both series are beautifully written, witty, well-paced, and extremely engaging.

I'm not really into epics and I didn't much like Rothfuss either, so at the risk of totally missing the boat I'll take a stab at this. How about The Sword Of Shannara? It was accused of being a rip off of Tolkien, but I enjoyed the first book when I read it years ago. Just don't expect Tolkien if you try it. Despite the comparison, it really isn't like Lord of the Rings in writing style. There will be a TV series starting in January that looks good too.

The blood song.

I enjoy Rothfuss' writing, too. Like many fantasy authors he occasionally falls into the "I have to keep up with the Wheel of Time" mentality and he gets longwinded.

IMO one of the best written epic series is the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy by Tad Williams. Book #1 is The Dragonbone Chair and it is superb. Book #2 is Stone of Farewell. Not quite as outstanding as The Dragonbone Chair but still excellent. Book #3 is To Green Angel Tower. It is divided into two books (so it's really NOT a trilogy) and they are very good...a bit longwinded but if you like an epic then they are probably perfect for you. The four books together are fantastic.

I will second Robin Hobb and Tad Williams. Also Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel books.

The Earthsea Cycle is a good fantasy series.

I recommend The Lies of Locke Lamora (and the rest of the series). While the books are shorter, they are fast-paced, complex, and with excellent prose. They are by Scott Lynch.

The Golem and the Jinni - It's not a epic fantasy but the prose is simple and beautiful.

Raptori wrote: "I didn't really get the hype for Rothfuss's prose, it didn't seem that special.

Either way, The Long Price Quartet would be worth a look I think. The writing is excellent, it's often compared to o..."

I agree with the op that Rothfuss does have talent but Robin Hobb is just a way better storyteller. She really has so much more depth in her books and even though Rothfuss's writing is good I thought his story was poorly plotted and became stale very quickly. So definitely try Hobb.

Sarah wrote: "I recommend The Lies of Locke Lamora (and the rest of the series). While the books are shorter, they are fast-paced, complex, and with excellent prose. They are by Scott Lynch."

Never read these but I heard the Rothfuss being compared to Lynch a lot.

William wrote: "While Guy Gavriel Kay's books aren't part of a epic series/scope like the ones you mentioned, definitely would recommend him from a prose standpoint. You can try Fionavar Tapestry, that was a trilo..."

I'd say that Kay's Under Heaven hits that epic scope and amazing prose requirement pretty well. It's also the first in a trilogy (though I JUST finished Under Heaven, so I can't speak to the others, but if they hit anywhere near the quality this one does, they'll be amazing, too).

Nishan wrote: "The Earthsea Cycle is a good fantasy series."

You really can't go wrong with LeGuin. A Wizard of Earthsea is the first in the series, and her prose is breathtaking. Highly recommend.

Why hasn't the belgariad/mallorean been mentioned yet? David Eddings, 12 books of fun :)

I agree Rasha. I'm on book 3 of the Belgariad and it's a terrific series.

Rasha wrote: "Why hasn't the belgariad/mallorean been mentioned yet? David Eddings, 12 books of fun :)"

I agree. Fun books!

Try Scott Lynch - his Gentlemen Bastards series is excellent. Seriously good prose too.

I may get roasted for suggesting it, but you'd probably like the Inheritance Cycle by Paolini. Most of the hate is undeserved, It's certainly on about the same level as The Name of The Wind in style, scope etc.

Again. It's not perfect, but hipsters like to pretend like it's the worst crap ever. Similar to people who swear Avatar and Star Wars are bad movies. Don't listen them. I read that saga, then The Kingkiller Chronicles. If you love one, you'll enjoy the other.