I approve of this topic idea, but sadly, I haven't read either of those!
But I'll add one of my own. I'm kind of interested in the book Dragonspell, by Donita K. Paul, but I know it's got some Christian themes. Is preachy at all? Or is it more Christian in the "in line with Jesus' morals, and possibly there are references to God, but overall it's not trying to convert anybody" way?
edited 1st Aug '12 10:08:47 PM by FreezairForALimitedTime
"Proto-Indo-European makes the damnedest words related. It's great. It's the Kevin Bacon of etymology." ~Madrugada![]()
It has God, Jesus, and Satan walking around. They just have different names, and Jesus is more badass. Even though I'm an atheist, I was able to tolerate the series because of Toopka and Ninja Jesus.
Ninja Jesus sounds like a good time. And I don't mind allegorical figures, just proselytizing.
To put it in Narnia terms, it doesn't bother me that Aslan is Jesus. The implications of The Last Battle do bug me, though.
"Proto-Indo-European makes the damnedest words related. It's great. It's the Kevin Bacon of etymology." ~MadrugadaI have read Dragonspell and I have to say I was a little disappointed with it. I'm a Christian myself and I found the allegorical themes and characters to be both transparently simple but confusing at the same time. While I believe that the Jesus proxy character had a very respectable personality (he may just have been the best character in the book,) I don't think his role as a fairly militant character did the Christian tradition justice. I also thought the book fell a bit short from a purely literary standpoint. In my opinion, the main character is boring and quite flat, and for as noble and dire the plot, there's an agrivating lack of haste in how its carried out. For all my criticism I wouldn't say its a bad book, just not one I'd reccommend.
Now I'm pondering reading Divergent by Veronica Roth. Does anyone have an opinion on this series?
As for Dragonlance, I'd say it's a little below Drizzt Do'urden in quality. Fun but not particularly ground-breaking by today's standards.
Wheel of Time is a series you really have to devote yourself to. Spend a lot of time reading and considering the fairly complex world and character interactions, but it's incredibly worth it. Without a doubt, it has some of the greatest payoffs in literary history.
Earthsea is a beautiful series, at least the original trilogy. Within the trilogy, the first novel A Wizard of Earthsea is the best. A polished story that accomplishes so much in just under 250 pages. Le Guin's lyrical style really shines and it's one of the greatest fantasy tales I've ever read. Like the Silmarillion, I can reread it many times and still find something new in it.
The second book isn't as good, but it does provide a look at an antagonist briefly mentioned in the first novel and is a interesting character study. Good, but not great.
The third novel of the trilogy the Farthest Shore is a return to form providing an epic tale with a bittersweet tone that nonetheless is very satisfying.
The others are debated. I'd say they're decent, if flawed books where social commentary really hampers a potentially great story. Still, if you'd like to see more of Earthsea and can look past some of the flaws, it does provide a good story.
I'd say yes. Very, very yes. The first book is slow (compared to the rest of the series) but the rest of just magnificently clever and tops it's own HSQ every couple of chapters. Go for it. And give us your thoughts.
It's got an good blend of clever, fun, fight scenes, very, very clever, very likable characters, a somewhat morally grey plot that still manages to avoid getting grimdark, or inducing Darkness Induced Apathy, and Tavi is one of the better guile heroes that I've read.
edited 10th Jun '13 8:34:26 AM by DrTentacles
For pulpy D and D fun, you can't beat Gord the Rogue from father Gygax. Hickman and Weis are good writers, but it's pretty obvious dragonlance were their first novels.
And for best D and d novels, you can't go wrong with Elaine Cunningham's Counselors & Kings.
Damn you spellplague for killing the setting.
I think Guardians Of Gahoole will be an interesting read.
edited 11th Jun '13 12:32:45 AM by KlarkKentThe3rd
Yes, read Codex Alera. I'm currently rereading the series in order, and it's still excellent.
Dopants: He meant what he said and he said what he meant, a Ninety is faithful 100%.Well....Tristram Shandy is...odd....really odd...and I really doubt that anyone who isn't into analysing literature can enjoy it. You need a lot of background knowledge about the time when it was written to even understand what it is about. So if you read it, pick an edition with commentary. With Ulysses I suspect you mean James Joyce and not the original by Homer?
edited 1st Jul '13 9:24:51 AM by swanpride
I think Homer's version is usually known by its title in Greek.
ERROR: The current state of the world is unacceptable. Save anyway? YES/NOI really want to re-read Peter Langeris's Watchers series "Lab 6" but I have a theory that it will involve some Mind Screw towards the end
In an anime, I'll be the Tsundere Dark Magical Girl who likes purple MY own profile is actually HERE!

Here is a thread where people can post the titles of series or novels that they'd like to read in order to get second opinions from those who have. Those who reply with their thoughts then post books/series that they're interested in, and so on down the line. Talk about what you liked and what you didn't like when you read them as well as anything that stood out. Keep it spoiler free please.
I'm interested in two series by Richard Morgan, A Land Fit For Heroes and The Takeshi Kovacs Series. Has anyone read those?
edited 1st Aug '12 8:34:59 PM by Conumbra