Any Fantasy recommendations?

[Headache]

Yup and for the first 200 pages I recommend you just accept you aint getting any answers and accept the "what the hell is going on" nature of it and dive in and accept it. Answers do come but probably not for another 2 books time.

Oh yes, definitely this. You don't get your hand held through the book but I found that made discovering what was going on in the world more exciting and a great sense of satisfaction.

[Sirloin]

Eh, I normal skip GotM and go straight to Deadhouse Gates when I reread it. And it does pretty much keep the quality up, although there are bits of certain books that drag quite a bit.

[Headache]

Eh, I normal skip GotM and go straight to Deadhouse Gates when I reread it. And it does pretty much keep the quality up, although there are bits of certain books that drag quite a bit.

Maybe if you're re-reading it (although I don't think I could do that myself) but certainly if you've never read the books before I think you should read them in order from beginning to end.

[cassidy]

500 pages into Memories of Ice and still loving it. Just so many characters and storylines to keep up with though. I love the BridgeBurners though and Toc, but I'm missing Kalam in this book. Such an hard bastard. Then again Tool is pretty cool as well.

I've already got House of chains pre ordered and Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, as I heard that should be read after book 3. Cant believe they get a spin off book considering their hardly the nicest of people.

[Headache]

500 pages into Memories of Ice and still loving it. Just so many characters and storylines to keep up with though. I love the BridgeBurners though and Toc, but I'm missing Kalam in this book. Such an hard bastard. Then again Tool is pretty cool as well.

I've already got House of chains pre ordered and Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, as I heard that should be read after book 3. Cant believe they get a spin off book considering their hardly the nicest of people.

Hardly the nicest, but certainly two of the funniest characters. That is until you meet Tehol Beddict and Bugg in Midnight Tides.

[Headache]

Both Perdido Street Station and The Iron Dragon's Daughter are fantastic.

Best fantasy I've read in years has to be Heroes Die. The basic premise is that humans from this world have found a place called Overworld where magic works and elves, dwarves and ogres exist. Humans teleport over there (the marginal bit of SF), blend in with the natives and then engage in hijinks that are recorded and sold back on Earth as entertainment. Except someone on Overworld has worked out what is going on, and so our anti-hero Caine is despatched to assassinate him. Carnage ensues.

It works as a standalone, or you can follow up with the sequel Blade Of Tyshalle, though good luck finding it as it's out of print After that, if you still want more, get Caine Black Knife and the sequel to that story His Father's Fist (which isn't actually out yet).

A summary in case that made no sense. You can read the books as follows:

Heroes Die

Heroes Die + Blade Of Tyshalle

Heroes Die + Blade Of Tyshalle + Caine Black Knife + His Father's Fist

Going back a ways here but can I just say thank you for this recommendation. I just finished reading Heroes Die last week, a great book with a great central character and really interesting world/s. What are the sequals like in quality? I sometimes find that authors have a great idea, tell a great story and then are forced to come back to it when they never planned too (2nd movie syndrome.) Is that the case here or are they worth hunting down?

[cassidy]

Hardly the nicest, but certainly two of the funniest characters. That is until you meet Tehol Beddict and Bugg in Midnight Tides.

Not had much humour from them yet but one thing I have noticed with a lot of the supporting characters is there appears to a very Pratchett-esq element to their dialogue and the comedy.

[AndyB]

Can anybody recommend any good fantasy web sites for reviews, short stories etc.

I used to get Realms of Fantasy magazine years ago but looking at their web site it seems a bit naff now.

Thanks.

[chickendolittle]

The best fantasy I've read is the Old World Trilogy by Garth Nix. It's a weird blend of magic and realism which is beautifully realised and not clichéd in any way. It goes Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen, and it's all about necromancy and the reanimation of corpses and going into Death which at times is terrifying.

[Zappster]

Can anybody recommend any good fantasy web sites for reviews, short stories etc.

I used to get Realms of Fantasy magazine years ago but looking at their web site it seems a bit naff now.

Thanks.

You might want to check out Fantasy Book Critic, although they tend to love everything they review. However, there's generally enough information in each review for me to make up my mind on whether a book is for me. I also use some of the blogs in their blogroll for second and third opinions

[Lovelyman]

The best fantasy I've read is the Old World Trilogy by Garth Nix. It's a weird blend of magic and realism which is beautifully realised and not clichéd in any way. It goes Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen, and it's all about necromancy and the reanimation of corpses and going into Death which at times is terrifying.

Are these kids' books?

[minkee]

garth nix's books are usually for children. the abhorsen trilogy was a really nice read though, if you don't mind there being no rape and swearing in your books.

[Talvalin]

Can anybody recommend any good fantasy web sites for reviews, short stories etc.

I used to get Realms of Fantasy magazine years ago but looking at their web site it seems a bit naff now.

Thanks.

Strange Horizons provides well-written critical reviews, but as a result tend to veer into spoiler territory and occasional over-analysis. Worth checking out however, as a review from SH prompted me to read the rather good The Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner (swashbuckler coming-of-age story with female protagonist). In fact, Nic Clarke's reviews are amongst the best on that site as she combines wit with a lively writing style (apologies for going slightly meta there).

http://www.strangehorizons.com/reviews/200...ivilege_o.shtml

I'd also like to recommend the Garth Nix trilogy although it was a case of diminishing returns as the latter two books didn't really match the quality and verve of Sabriel.

And last but not least for Headache, Blade Of Tyshalle is fantastic (albeit quite different to Heroes Die, as the consequences of Cain's actions come crashing down on him) but damn hard to track down. Last I saw, second-hand copies were going for upwards of £30.

[dreamylittledream]

Personally I'd avoid him, but I've only read a hundred pages or so of Geomancer. That was enough for me though, and I don't usually leave books unfinished. I liked the setting a lot, but found his characters to be one dimensional and really badly written.

I really like Irvine - although I'm not massivley enjoying his new series - he maybe running out of ideas a little.

To be fair you'd be best starting with the View from the Mirror quartet rather then Geomancer which is the opening novel of the follow on series (although I like Geomancer and the characters really grow as that series progresses).

Read and really enjoyed The Name of the Wind on holiday although is it just me or is it really similar to the first Locke Lamora book?

[Hackign]

Nix's Keys to the Kingdom series is far better than the Sabriel series.

EDIT: The last one in the series is out today! Talk about good timing!

[chickendolittle]

garth nix's books are usually for children. the abhorsen trilogy was a really nice read though, if you don't mind there being no rape and swearing in your books.

It's a brilliant series, I love it to pieces.

Strange Horizons provides well-written critical reviews, but as a result tend to veer into spoiler territory and occasional over-analysis. Worth checking out however, as a review from SH prompted me to read the rather good The Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner (swashbuckler coming-of-age story with female protagonist). In fact, Nic Clarke's reviews are amongst the best on that site as she combines wit with a lively writing style (apologies for going slightly meta there).

http://www.strangehorizons.com/reviews/200...ivilege_o.shtml

I'd also like to recommend the Garth Nix trilogy although it was a case of diminishing returns as the latter two books didn't really match the quality and verve of Sabriel.

And last but not least for Headache, Blade Of Tyshalle is fantastic (albeit quite different to Heroes Die, as the consequences of Cain's actions come crashing down on him) but damn hard to track down. Last I saw, second-hand copies were going for upwards of £30.

I agree, Sabriel is outstanding and the later two are merely excellent

Lulwut another series set in the Old Kingdom?

[cassidy]

I finished memories of Ice on the train this morning. What a book, I have spoiler questions I must needs have answers for

Well I was utterly devestated by the end and the Death of Whiskeyjack and most of the Bridgeburners. Itkovian as well what a bloody character and what deeds. Then I was overjoyed by the new body for Toc the Younger and the fact he didnt die, and Tool reborn.

My questions are how in the hell did Duiker end up in Darujhistan. He was dead on a cross at the end of Deadhouse Gates. Please tell me that hint of mystery as Quick Ben and Paran left the graves in Moon Spawn means they will be returning and that the surviving Bridgeburners and Paran now back in Daru and the rest of the Daru gang, Kruppe, Coll will be back? Rellick hasnt even appeared since he went into the Finnest House in GOTM, I'm worried about him

[Headache]

I finished memories of Ice on the train this morning. What a book, I have spoiler questions I must needs have answers for

Well I was utterly devestated by the end and the Death of Whiskeyjack and most of the Bridgeburners. Itkovian as well what a bloody character and what deeds. Then I was overjoyed by the new body for Toc the Younger and the fact he didnt die, and Tool reborn.

My questions are how in the hell did Duiker end up in Darujhistan. He was dead on a cross at the end of Deadhouse Gates. Please tell me that hint of mystery as Quick Ben and Paran left the graves in Moon Spawn means they will be returning and that the surviving Bridgeburners and Paran now back in Daru and the rest of the Daru gang, Kruppe, Coll will be back? Rellick hasnt even appeared since he went into the Finnest House in GOTM, I'm worried about him

I know this is going to sound cheap, but just continue reading the books Erikson answers those questions and it'll be much more satisfying reading it in the narrative than getting a spoiler. I have included a non-spoilery reply to your question below too though!

Duiker's appearance in Darujihistan is expained in once of the later books (I think it's explained in book 5, I can't remember for certain which book though. You've not seen the last of Duiker though, nor Quick Ben or any of the surviving Bridgeburners. The Daru gang reappear at a later date too.

I'd love to be able to read through the series again as if I'd never read it before. Easily one of my favourite fantasy worlds.

[csuzw]

Not sure how much of a spoiler or answer this is but:

I don't think any important or powerful person or group of people has been permanently killed off in the Malazan books yet.

[cassidy]

I know this is going to sound cheap, but just continue reading the books Erikson answers those questions and it'll be much more satisfying reading it in the narrative than getting a spoiler. I have included a non-spoilery reply to your question below too though!

Duiker's appearance in Darujihistan is expained in once of the later books (I think it's explained in book 5, I can't remember for certain which book though. You've not seen the last of Duiker though, nor Quick Ben or any of the surviving Bridgeburners. The Daru gang reappear at a later date too.

I'd love to be able to read through the series again as if I'd never read it before. Easily one of my favourite fantasy worlds.

Ok I'll just have to wait to find out. I was mortified by the last 80 odd pages of MOI though just heartwrenching events

[Headache]

Ok I'll just have to wait to find out. I was mortified by the last 80 odd pages of MOI though just heartwrenching events

Oh undoubtedly. I started reading the Malazan books shortly after the release of MOI so when I hit the point you've now reached I had a good 9 month wait to find out what happened next in House of Chains. Count yourself lucky you can carry on straight away.

[Cras]

Not sure how much of a spoiler or answer this is but:

I don't think any important or powerful person or group of people has been permanently killed off in the Malazan books yet.

Mmm. I would suggest that one has

Spoiler for the end of Toll The Hounds

Rake.

Just finished Dust of Dreams. I have no idea how this guy can keep on track such an enormous amount of story threads and a vast dramatis personae and have it all still make sense (though re-reads are very helpful). He's a proper genius.

[Headache]

Not sure how much of a spoiler or answer this is but:

I don't think any important or powerful person or group of people has been permanently killed off in the Malazan books yet.

Mmm. I would suggest that one has

Spoiler for the end of Toll The Hounds

Rake.

Just finished Dust of Dreams. I have no idea how this guy can keep on track such an enormous amount of story threads and a vast dramatis personae and have it all still make sense (though re-reads are very helpful). He's a proper genius.

I can think of a few more but I don't even want to put them down in spoilers!

[Mr.Jeff]

I know this is going to sound cheap, but just continue reading the books Erikson answers those questions and it'll be much more satisfying reading it in the narrative than getting a spoiler. I have included a non-spoilery reply to your question below too though!

Duiker's appearance in Darujihistan is expained in once of the later books (I think it's explained in book 5, I can't remember for certain which book though. You've not seen the last of Duiker though, nor Quick Ben or any of the surviving Bridgeburners. The Daru gang reappear at a later date too.

I'd love to be able to read through the series again as if I'd never read it before. Easily one of my favourite fantasy worlds.

I could have sworn there's a bit near the end of

whichever book Duiker is in(I really can't remember) where someone was looking for Duiker on the cross and can't find him. Then there's some mention of him going off somewhere.

Been awhile since I read that book but I'll have another look tonight to double check.

[Headache]

I could have sworn there's a bit near the end of

whichever book Duiker is in(I really can't remember) where someone was looking for Duiker on the cross and can't find him. Then there's some mention of him going off somewhere.

Been awhile since I read that book but I'll have another look tonight to double check.

I mentioned this to some friends and they said the same thing. It's been a long time since I read the books so I'm probably wrong!

I've just finished Tales of Bauchelain & Korbal Broach. The first three collected short stories from Steven Erikson, I think you could read them anytime after book 3, possible even before their introduction in the main series since these shorts take place before then. All three are great but like all good things, it ends too soon. Worth picking up if you like the series now it's in paperback and a sensible price!

[footle]

Mmm. I would suggest that one has

Spoiler for the end of Toll The Hounds

There's more than just him who died in that book, and there's been a number of characters who've been "removed from circulation" as it were.

In fact, come to think of it, there's quite the body count in terms of major characters who've taken a hit.

---

Following the post on Penny Arcade (I know...) I bought "The Name of The Wind". It was good, if not the revolution in fantasy that the idiotic Strange Horizons reviewer posted about.

[Zappster]

I finsihed off the Book of Words series the other day. It's a pretty solid trilogy, which is an easy read. Hard to put down once I got going with it. I could have finished it much earlier but I took side ventures into other book series before coming back. Things are bleak but not quite as bad as Abercrombie can get. Quite light in places too, thanks to characters like Bodger and Grint. I mainly read the first book just to get a feel for the author because I heard her latest series, Sword of Shadows, is much better and has some cameos from characters in this series (It takes place North of the area that the Book of Words is set in). Ended up really enjoying it. Some events were repetitive and frustrating, and it could be a tad predictable. I suppose largely because of the whole "Fate works in mysterious ways" thing it has going, you can see events coming from a mile off. Everything is mostly tied up by the end of the series, other than what happens to one or two characters. guess those are the ones making a cameo in the new series. She has written a standalone fantasy book which I'm tempted to try as well, called The Barbed Coil.

[Mr.Jeff]

I mentioned this to some friends and they said the same thing. It's been a long time since I read the books so I'm probably wrong!

Just had a look through the final pages of the book. There is indeed a mention of

how Duiker is saved but it's very very obscure. Mappo comes upon the marine trio looking down all the soldiers for Duiker's body. They say that they almost thought they saw his body but that it wasn't him and leave soon after. Couple of scenes later, two random named imps one behalf of Baruk go are looking for a body on the croses and find one with a glass vessel thing round his neck and say that this is the one and that "he is inside". They then take that and the body back to Darujisthan. Since Duiker was the only one with that round his neck you're left to deduce that it was him!

Long story short, it's there but fairly obscure!

[cassidy]

Just had a look through the final pages of the book. There is indeed a mention of

how Duiker is saved but it's very very obscure. Mappo comes upon the marine trio looking down all the soldiers for Duiker's body. They say that they almost thought they saw his body but that it wasn't him and leave soon after. Couple of scenes later, two random named imps one behalf of Baruk go are looking for a body on the croses and find one with a glass vessel thing round his neck and say that this is the one and that "he is inside". They then take that and the body back to Darujisthan. Since Duiker was the only one with that round his neck you're left to deduce that it was him!

Long story short, it's there but fairly obscure!

Ah thats right cos that vial on the necklace was meant for Coltaine IIRC. But he made duiker wear it. I'm just starting The Lees of laughters end from the Bauchelain and Korbal Broach tales. Loved the first one.

[Talvalin]

Any K J Parker fans here? I've just started Devices and Desires and I'm liking it a lot, despite somewhat epic length chapters (though the quality has been high in just the first two chapters so I kept on reading whilst in Waterstones, despite the knowledge that I had a train to catch).

I'll post something more coherent (and descriptive) once I've got a better handle on what the book is about.