Fantasy Book Club discussion

Hey all, I am currently looking for something in the vein of traditional medievalish fantasy genre hero stories that I can actually stomach. I go to fantasy novels in order to get positive feelings and life affirming messages, so current trends have left me a little cold and distant.

I would like something in the vein of:
- Memory, Sorrow, Thorn
- The Chronicles of Prydain
- The Belgariad
- The Princess Bride (Which, once you dig past the snark, is very much in the traditional vein).

Good old heroic fantasy, Good vs. Evil, coming of age, save the world type stuff.

Extra points if it isn't schlocky and trite.

The Shannara books probably fit the bill, but given the early ones are a similar age to some of those series you've mentioned, you may well have come across them already.

How about something by Brandon Sanderson? I'll admit I'm only halfway through the first Mistborn book, but it's definitely more hopeful and less cynical than a lot of current fantasy. Maybe someone who's read more of the series will be able to weigh in.

Ah, I've thought of another one! Not much like Tolkien, but maybe that's something you'd prefer: The Relic Guild by Edward Cox. It really stood out to me as being a bit different to a lot of what I've read recently, but without the grittiness of modern fantasy.

Fortress in the Eye of Time by C.J. Cherryh, starts one of my favorite series. I think if you liked Tad Williams, you will like this one.

Rachel wrote: "Happy, optimistic fantasy I've read recently:

Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Chasing Ravens by Jessica E. Paige
Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho

Like Mich..."


And it's against the rules of the group. We have many authors in this group and ask them to ONLY post in the proper self promotion folder. Please edit your posts.

I'll second Brandon Sanderson

Also, Carol Berg. Her characters suffer a lot, but they face their troubles with a lot of strength, courage, and sense of honor and right and wrong. And her writing is gorgeous.

Finally, Riddle-Master : The Complete Trilogy. Also more old school, very magical, with a heroic, hopeful angle.

You might want to try some of the books by Michael J. Sullivan. His books are a lot of fun and tend to be more positive. Plus one of them is the read for next month. I actually recommend starting with Theft of Swords the first book in his Riyira Revelations series. This series is fantastic.

Rachel I deleted your post as we do not allow self promotion outside of the proper folder.

Definitely second Sullivan's Riyria books. Sounds like something up your alley. Start with the Revelations

You may have already read this one, but I would recommend The Iron Tower Omnibus. It is basically a rewritten Lord of the Rings but I found it quite good. Also, try Foundling. It's a children's book and it's written kind of different, but I loved the main character.

One for the Morning Glory by John Barnes may interest you.

Also The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher despite the steampunk tech

The Curse of Chalion

Shari Kay wrote: "How about Butcher's Furies of Calderon? it's one of my favorites. I think it might be exactly what you're looking for"

nice one! Had a great time with that series

Kevin wrote: "The Curse of Chalion"

Absolutely!

Stewart, let us know what you think of the books, if you read them.