syrianrue Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 Let me being by giving a quick introduction about myself. I'm not an avid reader by any means; most of the books I have read in the past were either due to necessity or because they were required as part of my past education. However, one day I stumbled across a book on amazon called "A Game of Thrones", which is the first book of a fantasy series by George R. R. Martin. Now, what captivated me was the customer review left by the first commentator. As we all know, the fantasy genre, regardless if it's in book form or in televised program, can be often time, very predictable in nature. But, that's not the case here, the book is full of surprises and very well written. But, here lies the problem: This book is honestly the first fantasy novel I've read, and I have been truly spoiled to have discovered such a gem, but now I'm left with the question of what else to read?!?! Has anyone read this series by any chance? If so, what's your thoughts on the series? What do you think of Martin's writing style? Finally,what other fantasy novels would you recommend? (but please no Lord of the Rings or The Silmarillion by Tolkien) for some reason, I could never find myself to read a book after having already know story) cheers, rue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookJumper Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 Note: I have not read any George R.R. Martin. However, I am an avid reader of fantasy, and would hands down, no question about it recommend Keith Miller's shamefully little-known The Book of Flying as the most beautifully written book I have ever read within the genre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karsa Orlong Posted April 5, 2010 Share Posted April 5, 2010 (edited) Has anyone read this series by any chance? If so, what's your thoughts on the series? What do you think of Martin's writing style? I'm currently halfway through George RR Martin's A Storm of Swords 2: Blood & Gold and, yes, you really have been spoiled - it is one of the best fantasy series I've read. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that it feels more like a historical novel: there are fantasy elements in there, but they take a back seat to the characters, the politics, the relationships and betrayals etc. His writing style has a wonderful flow to it, and I like that each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. He gets you inside their heads and manages to leave each one on a mini-cliffhanger so that you can't wait to get back to them and find out what happened. If I have one complaint it's that he sometimes throws so many names at you it can be a bit bewildering. I just wish he'd hurry up and write the remaining books, as it's going to be a long wait for the last one. Some others you might like, with excerpts so you can try before you buy: The Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb, starting with Assassin's Apprentice. Excerpt: http://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Apprentice-Farseer-Trilogy-Robin/dp/0006480098/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270474599&sr=1-1#reader_0006480098 The Riftwar trilogy by Raymond E Feist, starting with Magician. Excerpt: http://www.amazon.com/Magician-Apprentice-Riftwar-Raymond-Feist/dp/0553564943/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270474641&sr=1-1#reader_0553564943 The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, starting with The Blade Itself. Excerpt: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/reader/0575079797/ref=sib_rdr_ex?ie=UTF8&p=S00F&j=0#reader-page The Black Company by Glen Cook, the first three of which are available in one volume called Chronicles of The Black Company. Excerpt: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Company-Chronicles/dp/0812521390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270474718&sr=1-1#reader_0812521390 Legend by David Gemmell. Excerpt: http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Drenai-Tales-Book-1/dp/0345379063/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270474765&sr=8-1#reader_0345379063 The Malazan Book of The Fallen by Steven Erikson, starting with Gardens of The Moon. Excerpt: http://www.amazon.com/Gardens-Moon-Malazan-Book-Fallen/dp/0765322889/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270464761&sr=8-1#reader_0765322889 I'd heartily recommend all of those but especially the last one. Steven Erikson's not for everyone - he's like Marmite - but if you do get into it there's no looking back. And he's the only one I'd currently rate above Martin Edited April 5, 2010 by Karsa Orlong Edited to add links to excerpts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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