Fantasy Book Club discussion

I was about to coninue after book one of GRR Martin's series and someone told me I might like Abercrombie's First law trilogy as a short break. Any suggestions? Like him?

Most people really like him, but I personally found the books really lacking. Maybe its because I listened to the audiobook (though I did that for WoT and still liked them), but there wasnt much of a plot. I would still check it out and see for yourself since the majority of people love him.

I listened to the audiobook and actually enjoyed it a lot. Out of curiosity, would you mind elaborating on what you disliked about them?

Regardless of that matter, I liked the books quite a bit. If you can stomach some graphic violence and torture, give them a try, I'd say.

I moved this to favorite authors. If you want to change the name of the thread to this author.

Max wrote: "I listened to the audiobook and actually enjoyed it a lot. Out of curiosity, would you mind elaborating on what you disliked about them?

Regardless of that matter, I liked the books quite a bit. I..."

I mean I basically said it up there. Sometimes people just don't like books that are popular. I hated American Gods and still don't understand why it's ranked as one of the best fantasy novels, so I guess I understand your feeling.

I liked the 2nd book ok because there was some character development and things actually happened. In the first and last there was little plot, characters were interesting but a little annoying at times (and sometimes unlikeable too). Glokta had potential but all he did was mope around. I could be a bit traditional because I expected Gloka to kind of transform into more of a good guy (though it's obviously the point of the book not to). Too much politics also. I didn't particularly love the language used but it was amusing at times.
For me to enjoy a book it either has to have a good plot, or good at developing characters. This didn't satisfy either of those needs and was disappointed how little the last book followed up on the 2nd. I had to give up partway through the last book, though I did check out some of the ending. I was really surprised I didn't like these books because I like all the series dubbed as "similar". Then again, the books might be trying to make a point against the optimistic Sanderson/Weeks-esque style where characters transform, and that's why I didnt like them ;p

I like Joe Abercrombie's work. I read the first instalment of the First Law trilogy, The Blade Itselfand marked it three stars - enjoyable but not earth shattering. I am listening to the second instalment but the audio presentation isn't really working for me this time around.

I like the fact that the plot is much darker than traditional fantasy that I had been reading up until then.

Ellen wrote: I mean I basically said it up there. Sometimes people just don't like books that are popular. I hated American Gods and still don't understand why it's ranked as one of the best fantasy novels, so I guess I understand your feeling.

I seem to have misunderstood you then. I thought you were saying you did not like the audiobook format, as opposed to not liking the book itself.

I never read anything after the First Law Trilogy. Now, I think Abercrombie's only got 1 other book besides that, but I'm not sure. Still, I ran into the same problem with R. Scott Bakker. I didn't read anymore books by him after his first series.

They are enjoyable reads and I liked the character of Glotka especially, but not enough to find out what other characters Abercrombie has created.

I've also had Abraham, Sanderson, Hobbs, Malazan series all as recs as comparable to ASOIF or at least for someone who enjoyed that series. Also, Scott Lynch's series.

Boy, I've been wanting to read Red Seas Under Red Skies ever since I first saw that cover.

Ed wrote: "I've also had Abraham, Sanderson, Hobbs, Malazan series all as recs as comparable to ASOIF or at least for someone who enjoyed that series. Also, Scott Lynch's series."

Personally I'm not a huge fan of Sanderson, or Erikson, who wrote Malazan. Much prefer Janny Wurts series, to make an understatement.

What don't you like about Sanderson?

Ed wrote: "What don't you like about Sanderson?"

I've only read The Way of Kings, and it didn't turn me on at all. Too much going on. Kind of superficial, character-wise. Plot too sprawling. Magic only marginally interesting, at least to me. The world was kind of interesting. Don't actively dislike, just not a fan.