Pixie

If you are interested in fantasy that is not part of a long series that you may or may not enjoy, I can think of a few you might want to try. A Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle The Stolen Child by Keith Donohue Boy's Life by Robert McCammon The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (don't let the horrible movie influence you) and my personal favorite Little, Big by John Crowley All of these would fall under the fantasy category, but don't follow the traditional fantasy formula.

It's been awhile since I have read it, but I always thought he was purple. Am I way off?

I have started on The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I almost forgot that we will be discussing that in March.

I have given up on the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. I am enjoying it less and less with each book. Started Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut and it's quite funny so far.

I'm still reading Wizard and Glass from Stephen King's Dark Tower series. It really has not been holding my attention.

No, it won't completely ruin it. Some things won't make sense, though, unless you have read the Farseer trilogy first. They are two separate stories, but The Liveship Trader trilogy does make a few references to the first trilogy. You definitely can't read The Tawny Man trilogy until you have read the prior two, because that one brings the first two together into a larger story arc. I hope that helps.

You are welcome, Michelle. I don't mind being named after a cat at all. I can understand not liking the first book. I struggled with that one the most, but if you can get through it, Hobb really finds her stride in the second book of the Farseer trilogy. Oh, and I was wrong. The dragons' story does begin in the first trilogy, but towards the end.

Thank you so much for the suggestions, everyone. I know what to look for at the bookstore now.

I haven't read the Dragon Keeper and Dragon Haven yet, but I definitely can say all of the trilogies that come before those two books are excellent. The story of the dragons is fascinating, and it really unfolds in her second trilogy "The Liveship Traders". But, in my opinion, you really should start with the first trilogy to get the full effect of the story, as there is a certain order that the books work best. The Farseer Trilogy first Then the Liveship Trader trilogy Last, the Tawny Man Trilogy From what I remember, the dragons are featured in both the second and third trilogy, but I don't believe in the first.

The Tudor books look fascinating. I also would love a historical mystery, so would also like to check out C.J. Samson. Is there a particular book I should try first by either of these authors? Thanks so much, Karsa and Maureen.

I should be receiving my tax refund this Friday, and I was going to use a bit of that money for a trip to the bookstore. But...what to get? I have so many books. I don't want or need any new sci-fi, horror, or fantasy. I was thinking of maybe looking in the historical fiction section. I have read a bit of that, and I really like the genre. But I don't know who to start with. Who are some good historical fiction authors? Suggestion, please?

No, I don't agree. Here is why. A normal, flawed, conflicted individual is the hero. You cannot have exceptional courage, nobility, or strength without the flaws. If you are never afraid or full of doubts, you are not courageous. If you are always perfect in thought or deed, you are not noble. If you never have a moment of weakness to overcome, you are not strong. I will admit, I have not read a lot of the classics, but if the "hero" was portrayed as being perfect, was there really any story to tell? It seems it would get old and boring fast. I didn't see Bookjumper's post before I wrote this. She said what I said, just much more eloquently. Thank you, Bookjumper.

I've been trying to stay away from epic fantasies. Trilogies are fine, but when there is book after book I am hesitant to start a series. However, your review of this book has really intrigued me, and I am going to give this one a go when it comes out in paperback. Although, I have read it will be 10 books or more, and that kind of depresses me. Oh, well. Thank you, anyway, for this wonderful review.

I am half way through The Waste Lands by Stephen King and finding it rather silly.

I read Charlotte's Web when I was pretty young. I remember loving it, but my favorite by E.B. White was The Trumpet of the Swan. I would suggest to anyone who loves endearing children stories.

I finished The Cream of the Jest by J.B. Cabell and will be starting on The Waste Lands by Stephen King.

The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King Description from Amazon: My quick thoughts: It was better than the first, but I am still not that fond of the characters. I will continue with the series. My rating: 4/6 stars The Cream of the Jest: A Comedy of Evasion by James Branch Cabell Description from Amazon: My quick thoughts: This was my third book by this author, the other two were Figures of Earth and Jurgen. I love his blend of fantasy, philosophy, and humor. He sometimes uses sly word puns that I don't always get, but that's okay. Most of his books take place in the fictional land of Poictesme, but they don't have to be read in any particular order. Highly recommended if this type of fantasy floats your boat. My rating: 5/6 stars

I definitely will try him (some day), but I do not like authors that tend to talk down to the reader, and from what you said, he may be that type. We will see.

Nope. I'm dating one.

Uh oh. I have a few of his books on my shelf. I haven't even opened one yet. Your comment does not bode well.

I have started on The Cream of the Jest: A Comedy of Evasion by James Branch Cabell. It's great so far, and I was so amused by one passage I had to make it my signature.