Comments on: Friday Top 5: Epic Fantasy

By: Amber

Amber — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:25:59 +0000

I did read Stephenie Meyer’s books. That’s the only young adult literature I’ve been able to consume since I was younger than a young adult. And the overwhelming teenage angst that permeates those books had me rolling my eyes more than once.

By: Amber

Amber — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:24:12 +0000

I’m not one for young adult books myself—I can’t get into Harry Potter to save my life—but I don’t doubt there is some great young adult literature out there.

I’ve heard good things about Prachett, but haven’t picked up any of his books to date.

By: Kirsten

Kirsten — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:33:56 +0000

Wow. Apparently my fantasy tastes run WAY out of line with all of yours. Frankly, a bit younger. But seriously, Chronicles of Narnia would be near the top of my list. Also on the list – The Dark is Rising from Susan Cooper. I mean, c’mon – Arthur’s in it!! I think I also need to mention and encourage all to read Terry Pratchett. I’ve only read two…but wow. Out there. I absolutely loved “Maskerade,” loosely based on the Phantom of the Opera but with witches and of course, existing in the Discworld which exists somewhere on the back of a turtle or elephants or all of the above…(I can never keep it straight). Oh, and I can’t forget the fantasy love I have with all things Tamora Pierce that started with an accidental finding at the library when I was 11.

By: Nick Burns

Nick Burns — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:40:42 +0000

I recommend Hobb wholeheartedly, she has a talent for making characters that one can relate to.

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:55:38 +0000

I have not need for robots or lasers. Lightening Bolt! Sleep!

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:55:29 +0000

The problem with fantasy / medieval lit is that there aren’t enough robots in it.

Or lasers.

By: Amber

Amber — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:50:43 +0000

But yeah, I have to reiterate that Goodkind does bad really well. If only more fantasy authors could figure out how to create worthy opponents.

By: Amber

Amber — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:49:33 +0000

What I think Eddings does well is humor. I still laugh when I re-read “The Belgariad,” and even though it is essentially the same five books a second time over, “The Mallorean” as well. And I think his Kheldar is one of the most memorable characters ever written into any series.

I also like that Eddings is big on strong female characters. His work is lightweight next to others, but he was a lot of fun for me as a kid, and he created female characters that inspired me.

That said, after all six Sparhawk books I stopped reading Eddings. Those books are basically his first ten epic fantasy novels over again in another universe. The characters can even be mapped on to one another. It grew tiresome despite the fact that he still made me laugh.

By: Amber

Amber — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:45:33 +0000

I enjoyed the first couple Goodkind books, but tired of the series pretty fast. Hobb I have yet to read.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:41:59 +0000

Its true I have not read Goodkind. I own the first five books of the series, but have never opened them. They were in my queue to read but I got some really bad reviews from friends. The biggest bad review was from my wife whose reading preferences are very close to mine.

Although I do think the next set of novels I want to read are those by Robin Hobb.