I really want to read some classics, but I don't know to start. Any suggestions?
'The Wind In The Willows' is tops!
The Hobbit.
For me... I found great inspiration in these excellent works:
'The Very Hungry Gatorpiller'
'The Owl and the Pussycat's Hooters'
and my favorite..
'The Hair of the Tortoise'
My writing here would not have progressed at all, if I hadn't been traumatized by these!
Lol. Thanks a lot! I'll definitely give those a read. What about Science Fiction? I'm hoping to get into that too...
The only one I read was: 'The Ozard of Wiz' - but I didn't get to finish it on account of the Thinman!
I really liked A Wrinkle In Time when it comes to sci-fi.
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
These two are the original classics of the genre. Modern classics include:
'Magician' by Raymond E. Feist + 20 sequels, but original is best.
'Belgariad' by David Eddings. Starting with 'Pawn of Prophecy'
'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan, starting with 'The Eye of the World'
'A Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin
David Gemmell, Terry Brooks & Robin Hobb are also good authors to try.
If you are after comic fantasy, Terry Pratchett is a great starting point. Try 'Mort' first.
In terms of fantasy, the Wizard of Earthsea series by Ursula Le Guin is so superior to Harry Potter, Unfortunately, Ursula Le Guin never got selected for the advertising hype given to the tedious crap spewed out by Rowling.
Does anyone other than me remember the Lord of the Rings series?
I agree that J. R. R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Robert Jordan are great examples of amazing fantasy authors. I would like to add Brandon Sanderson to the list with his Mistborn trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed those books.
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
The Death Gate Cycle series
Great fantasy, dragons, other worlds type of series.
Of Course J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are wonderful, not sure if 20 years ago counts as classic but I really enjoyed Piers Anthony and R.A. Salvatore (forgotten realms novels).
R.A. Salvatore was a model in my early writing.
A Song of Ice and Fire is pretty good. George R. R. Martin
It's aimed at young adult readers, but I strongly suggest Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising series drawing on Celtic and Arthurian mythos. It's one of the most well-written fantasy series out there. I still reread it from time to time, much like Tolkien (although obviously he's a writer of a different caliber.)
Also, every lover of fantasy should read Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn, if only for Molly Grue, the best Maid Marian ever.
What about the Pern series by Anne McCaffery? It's Science Fiction in that it's set on another planet, But the culture and the existence of Dragons has always thrown this into the Fantasy genre for me.
Another old series that is firmly in the fantasy end of the spectrum, I'd recommend is the Mary Stewart "Arthurian Saga." This is about the life of Merlin and the Camelot legend, but told from a perspective of when it might really have happened (shortly after the roman period) if it were real. Book 1 is "The Crystal Cave" and my copy has been read over a dozen times.
I am totally with you here - the Pern series was fantastic - might even say - out of this world!
Tolkien as well, obviously, and there is another trilogy I read years ago that was wonderful too (sci-fi) - Donaldson? Does that ring a bell with anyone?
Ahhh, good old Google - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chroni … s_Covenant
I really enjoyed the Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis.
Out of the Silent Planet
Prelandra
That Hideous Strength
But I guess it's more sci-fi. I was never that into fantasy.
by Sarah 10 years ago
What's a really good book series to read?I've enjoyed The Hunger Games and about to start The Maze Runner but looking for some more. Thanks
by larryfreeman 13 years ago
Who is the greatest writer of Fantasy Novels and what is that person's best work?With the great popularity of Harry Potter and the Twilight series, Fantasy fiction is on the rise. Who are the best writers of this genre?
by chip1775 12 years ago
What is your favorite scifi/ fantasy novel or series? Who is your favorite author?
by isabelamadaun 12 years ago
So what's your favorite fantasy or scifi author?For me, I love Diana Wynne Jones. Howl's Moving Castle or the Chronicles of Chrestomanci are just so much fun that they could brighten the darkest day! Not to mention her more serious works. So awesome! But I love Jim Butcher...
by robbell 16 years ago
Hi everyone,I love Terry Pratchett's fantasy comedy novels - although set in his fantasy Discworld, they often take on real world issues. It could be said that Terry is the greatest satirist of the 20th and 21st centuries.I'm also a big fan of David Eddings' Belgariad and Mallorean series, and...
by Will English 11 years ago
What Fantasy/Sci-fi book series would make a good RPG?I'm curious. What Fantasy and/ or Sci-fi book series do you guys think would make a good RPG? I'd say the Wheel of Time, Stephen King's Dark Tower series and The Legend of Drizzt myself.
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