Fantasy Aficionados discussion

Greetings and salutations, this is my first topic post to this group hopefully I put it in the right thread =)
I'm looking for some multiple or split plot line, imperiled, fast paced, not overly scenery descriptive fantasy reads that you just cant put down till you finish. My favorite author is R.A.Salvatore and his forgotten realms books. Salvatore likes to bring together a party give them an obstacle split them up then keep them on the edge of death as swaps between them. I have enjoyed Terry Brooks, Robin Hobb, Brent Weeks, books I've enjoyed very much although their pace is a bit slow. I've read other authors many people rave about although I find most authors too overly descriptive, I mean seriously who cares what the trees look like, the color of the stone in a keep, or the dust on the table, lets kill something already! I must state I know this probably doesn't belong in the "Epic" thread but I cant seem to find any other place for this post.

Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series beginning with The Furies of Calderon is fast paced. Also Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson begins a very bloody and wild ride through the Malazan Empire.

An oldie series I reread constantly because it is so full of action and surprise is the Pliocene Exile saga by Julian May. First book, The Many-Coloured Land.

Steve wrote: "Greetings and salutations, this is my first topic post to this group hopefully I put it in the right thread =)
I'm looking for some multiple or split plot line, imperiled, fast paced, not overly sc..."

Try Dave Duncan's Gilded Chain, which is first in his King's Blades series. He's done a huge list of these; not recommended to read them in one fell swoop, as the overlaps of the stories in the series' history can feel repetitive.

They move fast, they are light on description, he's got an interesting premise on his magic - I'd say it's a mix of swordbearing Musketeers/swashbuckle, and direct action. The characterization is decent, the plots are well meshed, and they read - yes - like crack. They move extremely fast.

The first three had more adult depth; there was another string of later works that seemed to be aimed to straddle the line for a younger/or faster paced/could be YA adventure/they were a lot shorter.

Shadow's Son by Jon Sprunk is a fast paced, fun read.

The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay. A good trilogy, not overly descriptive yet epic in an understated way.

Assassin's Apprentice Trilogy. If you like it, next comes the Liveship Traders Trilogy, followed by the phenomenal Tawny Man Trilogy!

If you like a little space opera, the Miles Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold is amazing!

Oh, and The Curse of Chalion by Bujold is a favorite!

If you enjoy China Mieville's style (he manages to spin out some rather tortuous sentences that might not be to everyone's tastes!), then I think Kraken would suit your requirements, flitting between numerous characters who are trying to prevent the end of the world.

Hmm...if you're looking for multiple story lines, splits and imperiled situations then I'd strongly recommend George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series...now I wouldn't call them fast paced by any means but they're impossible to put down and I was never left feeling bored nor did I find my mind wandering from the story. The action is gritty and story dark and deep. If it's not quick paced enough for your immediate needs, I would at least look into giving it a read in the future ;) Best of luck!

I would agree. Although that series is more complicated, it is good fantasy crack! It's addictive and makes the reader obsessive.

Don't be shy about adding books to the bookshelf. If you read a fantasy book and loved it, we'd like to know!

Steve wrote: "Greetings and salutations, this is my first topic post to this group hopefully I put it in the right thread =)
I'm looking for some multiple or split plot line, imperiled, fast paced, not overly sc..."

If you're looking for fast paced and imperiled, "who cares what the trees look like, the color of the stone in a keep, or the dust on the table, lets kill something already!" type of action, then I recommend David Gemmell's Drenai Tales, starting with . With very little exception, this series is killing, running, and major fighting. I find them to be very quick reads.

*grins* see...you're leaning towards being a sword and sorcery woman with recommendations like that ;)

;-) I have to admit I loved Thieves' World

Let me go with MrsJoseph here and say that it's very hard to do better than David Gemmell! I love his stuff, Druss is great...one of my favorite characters of his. Another one is Waylander. Waylander (Drenai Tales, #4), Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf, and Hero in the Shadows. But, pretty much you can't go wrong with David Gemmell.

I'm looking forward to reading Gemmell's Jon Shannow series.

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Druss is great...one of my favorite characters of his. Another one is Waylander. Waylander (Drenai Tales, #4), Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf, and Hero in the Shadows."

I love Druss & Waylander, two of my favorite characters! If I had to choose between them, I think I'd choose Waylander.

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "I'm looking forward to reading Gemmell's Jon Shannow series."

I haven't read this one, I'll have to check it out.

I also love Gemell's story lines...and If I go into it any more I'll be doing spoilers. I was jarred when he died a couple of years ago, especially since he was about my age. Legend (Drenai Tales, #1) is about so much more than Druss himself. I hadn't thought about Gemmell in a while. Result of the amount of reading we do here I guess.

Steve wrote: "Greetings and salutations, this is my first topic post to this group hopefully I put it in the right thread =)
I'm looking for some multiple or split plot line, imperiled, fast paced, not overly sc..."

I would suggest the Shannara series by Terry Brooks. If you do I would start with the Word and the Void set.
http://www.terrybrooks.net/works/read...

hey anyone out there who has read the Thomas Covenant series, i have a question. an embarrassing one.

so, does Thomas have leprosy throughout this series? i've always wanted to read this because of its classic status, but for some reason, reading the details of the main character's condition has always been a turn-off and i've avoided the series. as i actually type these words down, i'm aware that that may make me sound tragically shallow. i guess i am just not a big fan of having to read all about leprosy over the course of a dozen books.

i know this is a spoiler-type question, but hey, there's a handy new spoiler thingamabob that will cover any answer up, right?

I would not let his leprosy disturb you. IMO, it was primarily metaphorical.

On the other hand... there are other things in the books you may find profoundly disturbing, some do. The leprosy while not detailed is an excuse for so much in the book. I won't put spoilers here but they are available in reviews of the works.

In the spirit of "full disclosure" I really dislike this series. I thought about posting links to my reviews. If you like I will. But, I've been in some very...animated, discussions about these books. Some like them a lot, others (like me) almost detest them. I read them with a "group" of friends. That is probably the only reason I finished the first trilogy. One of them really loved the series, another was more or less in the center and I disliked them...so, look at a couple of reviews and see what you think.

will do! thanks mike & kernos.

Another new series that I love and read thru like it was crack was Mortal Coils by Eric Nylund. But it's considered young adult so you may not like it.

@Mike: In the spirit of "full disclosure" I really dislike this series.

It has been awhile since I read the 1st 2 Chronicles. I have a love/hate relationship with the series and could not figure out if I was enjoying myself. I figure any series that has so much discussion and diverse opinions if probably worth a reread. I hope I find the time. I have a feeling it is good Literature.

I despised the series as well, Mike. Ive never understood the positive reviews of Donaldson's works.

Me, either. The only Covenent book I read was loaned to me by a guy I was dating at the time. Gag. Both of them had to go! I think we broke up around the time I finished that book. BTW, I made sure to give it back to him.

I would add Monster Hunter International to the Fantasy Crack list. :-)

mark wrote: "hey anyone out there who has read the Thomas Covenant series, i have a question. an embarrassing one.

so, does Thomas have leprosy throughout this series? i've always wanted to read this because..."

He does...kind of. You really have to read it to see what happens to him.
There has been some discussion about the series recently. I seem to be in the minority as I feel it's one of the best series I have ever read in my 45 years of reading!
There are some brutal and very disagreeable scenes, but you can't allow yourself to lock on to that. There is a deeper meaning for what happens throughout the series and I will say again, it's well worth reading.

I forgot to mention another author and series you might look into. Roger Zelazny wrote a long series titled 'The Chronicles of Amber'. The main series consists of two story arcs, each five novels in length. Plus there are a few anthologies of short stories.
It's a fun read. One of my favorites.

An oddity note here...where I almost detest the Covenant series, I love the Amber books, especially the first series. So, Brett we disagree on one and agree on the other.

I didn't care for Amber at all.

Slightly off topic -

Mike! I just found a copy of Sheepfarmer's Daughter in the Baen Free Library!

Love that book MrsJoseph...as I guess anyone who who's read much from me knows. LOL

Hey Mike, That's cool. That's the way it should be. I'll bet we have more in common than not when it comes to books though. Especially since I'll read nearly anything...at least once! -grin-

I was ecstatic when the new Amber series was started by John Gregory Betancourt. They are a prequel to the series by Zelazny so the different style isn't too bad.

The Thomas Convenant series absolutely does have some very ugly scenes but, taken in context, they're understandable (to an extent) and they do have consequences. That, to me, is the important part.

I loved the first trilogy, and even though parts of the second were very repetitive, I loved how things changed. I haven't read the latest series yet, but it's high on my TBR list.

THAT's how I look at it! Thomas is meant to be an ugly man that does some bad things. But the changes he goes through and everything else that happens makes the series exceptional. You're not supposed to like what he does, but locking in on that one event is a loss to the reader.

Now, I'm not trying to start any arguments, just stating my opinion as best I can.

I really don't understand the reactions to this series by some. Not completely. I'm not an idiot and I am quite capable of seeing both sides, but this is odd.
Most crime thriller books today deal with much, MUCH worse subjects than this. As does TV and the theatre. What I wonder is do these people who object to the Covenant series, as is their right, also object to all the other media which is so much more violent and explicit?

I've probably gone off topic here, but I am truly curious and totally, completely non-judgmental in any way. I just like to understand different viewpoints. It's how I learn, broaden my awareness and all that jazz.

Well, a large percentage of women have either been sexually abused or have been threatened with sexual abuse. Sorry to say that those statics make it hard for a lot of people to appreciate a "hero" who rapes "just because."

Also, all these women who have either been sexually abused or threatened with sexual abuse? They have fathers and brothers and uncles and cousins and children who were raised to respect women and not abuse them. For most men who were raised with those standards, abuse in all its forms is repugnant. Even criminals in jail take rapists and child molesters to task.

I do watch TV – including murder mysteries (if you can call it that). I have noticed that – as I’ve gotten older – the shows have changed. Now the main victim is a woman about 90% of the time. I refrain from watching this “programming.” I live in a large city where people get snatched, raped, and killed on a rather regular basis. There is NO reason for me to read or watch anything that will make me feel uncomfortable. I prefer something a little less geared to making me feel unsafe in my own home.

And that’s just the rape. We won’t even get into the fact that Thomas Covenant was a whining bitch who was beyond annoying. I hated the character and I hated the character’s actions.

MrsJoseph wrote: "We won’t even get into the fact that Thomas Covenant was a whining bitch who was beyond annoying.

LOL - you are so right!

MrsJoseph wrote: "There is NO reason for me to read or watch anything that will make me feel uncomfortable. "

I think this is key, personally. There's no right or wrong answer - it comes down to individual taste. I thought the first Thomas Covenant trilogy was excellent, but everyone has different limits on how far they want to move out of their comfort zone.

To me, one of the functions of literature in general is to take one outside of one's comfort zone, and I don't see any reason why that shouldn't apply to fantasy as well as recognized "literature," but genre fiction is read mostly for escapism and entertainment, and for that people tend to want to remain within their own personal boundaries of comfort.

It doesn't bother me at all that others can enjoy the series. A lot of people do. :)

Each to his own, of course, but I figure is I'm never made to feel uncomfortable or have my assumptions challenged, I get stuck in my certainty. I'll even watch Fox news to see what the 'adversaries' are saying.

Careful Kernos...I'm what you'd call a "conservative", but I don't consider you my enemy. All "us readers" are of the same mind set. :)

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Careful Kernos...I'm what you'd call a "conservative", but I don't consider you my enemy. All "us readers" are of the same mind set. :)"

lol!

Or not. Maybe all us readers actually think for ourselves? :)

Did anyone suggest the Amber books by Zelazny? They first series (first 5) are especially good.

Christopher Rowley's Bazil Broketail series are quick with a different adventure and a different sword in each book.

Christopher Stasheff's Wizard and Rhyme series are also quick with a lot of play on words and different adventures.

Has anyone mentioned these?

Banned and the Banished
by James Clemens aka James Rollins
1. Wit'ch Fire (1998)
2. Wit'ch Storm (1999)
3. Wit'ch War (2000)
4. Wit'ch Gate (2001)
5. Wit'ch Star (2002)

Dragon and the George
by Gordon R. Dickson (he also wrote the 'Childe Cycle' series which is fantastic!
1. The Dragon and the George (1976)
2. The Dragon Knight (1990)
3. The Dragon on the Border (1992)
4. The Dragon at War (1992)
5. The Dragon, the Earl, and the Troll (1994)
6. The Dragon and the Djinn (1995)
7. The Dragon and the Gnarly King (1997)
8. The Dragon in Lyonesse (1998)
9. The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent (2000)

Last Rune
by Mark Anthony
1. Beyond the Pale (1998)
2. The Keep of Fire (1999)
3. The Dark Remains (2001)
4. Blood of Mystery (2002)
5. The Gates of Winter (2003)
6. The First Stone (2004)

They are all good, IMHO, and all quite different. The Dickson series is especially fun.

Lol @ Mike. I'm a fierce conservative too Mike but even I can't stand Fox News! I despise anybody that takes their viewpoint to an extreme and is Never willing to admit that their counterparts have a fair idea. Lol...of course the liberal media is equally disgusting in my opinion ;)

Brett, I'm not familiar with Dickson. What do you like about his series?

Mike, Grant - have you ever heard of Dave Ramsey? I really like him a lot. Since I live in DC I hate all politicians and don't really have an affiliation. I tend to go with the guy who makes the most sense at the moment.

I really wish I could get my news from Comedy Central but here in DC news & politics = national past time. During presidential campaigns I'm always on the verge of ripping out my hair.

Grant? Have you ever heard of Shepherd Smith Fox's mid-day liberal? How about Alan Combs (not sure he spells his name "combs" but he's still on Fox "left wing commentating") I won't say Fox is infallible or anything, but they are not right wing only. Ask E.D.Hill who got fired because she slipped up and "commented" on candidate and Mrs. Obama's fist bump. Even after an apology Fox still fired her. The "left" hates Fox precisely because they at least attempt to give both sides. The people they always point to, Beck, O'Reilly etc. are commentators not reporters or news people.

I won't go on as I don't want to star a "left-right" controversy here.

I'm not familiar with him. Is he one of our newest presidential candidates? *sigh* I keep voting for Ron Paul like an idiot.