Karsa Orlong

See, I'm already in this position with George R. R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice & Fire' series. It's five years since the last one of those was released, and there's supposedly another two to come after the next one - so I don't particularly want another series like it on my hands at the moment. I know I'll eventually give in to temptation, though

I've picked this book up a few times and considered buying it but have been put off by the lack of further books in the series. I made a decision a while ago not to buy into a series unless it's complete or at least nearly complete, so it's a no go for me at the moment, but I'm intrigued by the idea that it's written like a biography. It's definitely one I'll consider in the future.

I got the Fantasy Masterworks edition of this. If I enjoy it and have to go and buy the other books you mentioned above I will blame you

I bought Tales of the Dying Earth today. Looking forward to reading it

Just finished Empire In Black And Gold, the first in the 'Shadows of The Apt' series by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Slightly confused by this one. I thought the first hundred pages was very pedstrian then, for the next three hundred or so, I thought it was brilliant, and then it kind of lost its way towards the end. Bit of a problem with the pacing. Still, it's understandable, being his debut novel. I shall still read the next one with interest. Also bought a load more books today: Tau Zero by Poul Anderson Non-Stop by Brian Aldiss Tales of the Dying Earth by Jack Vance Elric by Michael Moorcock The Killing Floor by Lee Child The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi Three of them were planned, two of them were impulse buys

Raven, have you considered Glen Cook's 'Black Company' books? They seem to fit a lot of the criteria you mention. They're of reasonable length, are composed of shorter story arcs (each arc is currently available in its own omnibus edition), contain none of the cliches mentioned, and - wait for it - there are NO maps!! They're different and quite gritty. To me, they always come across as what fantasy would be like if written by James Ellroy. You can read the start of the first book here: http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Black-Company-Glen-Cook/dp/0765319233/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277152770&sr=8-4#reader_0765319233 Highly recommended

That's a shame. Most of the top-notch fantasy novels I've read are fairly huge - and parts of larger series, as well - so they do require something of a commitment, fortunately/unfortunately (depending upon personal tastes).

*cough* Hermione Granger *cough*

I've been trying to get hold of Tigana (didn't he play for France??) but it seems to be difficult to get hold of at the moment in the UK. Apparently it's being re-released next year, though ...

You've got no hope, then :D

In order, they're: A Game of Thrones A Clash of Kings A Storm of Swords A Feast For Crows There are three more books due in the series, but he's taking his time about it! It's currently five years since the last one, so that might be a bit offputting.

Going by your list, you should definitely seek out: David Edding's series called 'The Belgariad', starting with Pawn of Prophecy Tad Williams' 'Memory, Sorrow & Thorn' series, starting with The Dragonbone Chair Raymond E. Feist's 'Riftwar Saga', starting with Magician. If you want a book that stands on its own, I can't recommend David Gemmell's Legend highly enough - it's fantastic. You could also try Robin Hobb, although she's not my personal favourite. At the risk of sounding like a scratched record (anyone remember those??), if you want something more challenging you should try George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice & Fire' series, or Steven Erikson's 'Malazan Book of The Fallen'. These are definitely aimed at older readers, though, so you might want to check out the extracts available on Amazon.com before diving in. I'll also go out on a limb - as I'm only half way through the first book - but I am thoroughly enjoying Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky, the first novel in his 'Shadows of the Apt' series.

My Empty Room by Queensryche

I read a lot of both. It's hard to pick between them, to be honest, although I think there's more variety and a lot more fresh and exciting ideas in sf. When fantasy's done well, like with Steven Erikson or George RR Martin, very little can beat it, imo. It has to bring something new and inventive to the genre to really grab me, and both of those have done that in spades. With sf it's easier to find a book you can read, enjoy, and then not have to go out and buy another ten books in order to see the end of the story, which is a bonus

That's my favourite song Buying New Soul by Porcupine Tree

Out On A Limb by Lunatic Soul

Over the weekend I finished Arthur C. Clarke's Rendezvous With Rama and have now started Lee Child's Gone Tomorrow.

Vincent And The Doctor - the best episode since Blink, and best episode since the series return apart from Blink, imo. Matt Smith is brilliant

Drawing The Line by Porcupine Tree

Quality choice! Not only that, but what about the awesome keyboard solo. Amazing Red Barchetta by Rush

Over the weekend I finished Robin Hobb's Ship of Magic, which I found extremely disappointing (bit of a pain as I'd already bought the following two books), and read Cormac McCarthy's The Road almost in one sitting - amazing book, the definition of 'unputdownable'. And I've just bought a couple more: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch Chasm City by Alastair Reynolds

Sure, but only if I feel like traipsing into central London. I get to Forbidden Planet a couple of times a year, maybe. My local Waterstones had a pretty decent sf/fantasy section this time last year. It's all changed now. If I see Stephanie Meyer I will be sure to throw something at her

Mesrine Pt 1: Killer Instinct. Brilliant!