Book Recommendations

originally posted by Frank T Davis

Hi Selene,
You are correct, the final two books were written as one novel but due to length, she had to publish it as two or else "eliminae so many pages that the remaining story wouldn't have made any sense". This last is quoted from the Author's Note contained in the second book, "The Destroyer Goddess"

In the same note she indicates that with "The Destroyer Goddess" ends for the forseeable future any writing involving Sileria, the island on which the three books are set. Further she indicates that she is working on two additional books set in the same world though in different countries. They are "Arena" set in The Moorlands and "The Palace of Heaven" set in THE Kintisk Kingdoms.
Frank

originally posted by Cheryl Detmer

I have those books and they do look good. They are on my to read list. I keep them because they look really good. I wondered too if the series was finished or not with White Dragon. Thanks

originally posted by Selene

Wayne and Frank,

Thanks! I'll pick them up then!

/Selene

originally posted by Bruce

Just finished "Shaman's Crossing" by Robin Hobb and I'm disappointed with the main character in this book, the character just seemed like a archetype and not much a character of all. I did like all the other characters, but I have never been disappinted with a character by Hobb before.

Just started Harry Potter 5 and am enjoying it so far. I waited a while with this book, because I already know who dies in it and it killed my excitement for the book for a while.

Bruce

originally posted by Frank T Davis

Just finished reading Jacqueline Carey's "Kushiel's Dart" and it was fantastic. The first 50 pages or so of the 901 of the book were a bit dry as she had much background info with lots of somewhat difficult names to address. After that it just got better and better. I will definitely purchase the other books in the series.

The book is a fantasy filled with much intrigue and scheming. In that vain it read much like an international spy novel which is one of my other loves. Carey is a master of description and she really puts the heroin/hero through many, many stressful situations. And it had forbidden love, and other very intense love that ended happily.

All in all, I'm glad I found her. Much good reading to come.

Frank

originally posted by Cheryl Detmer

I've heard others say that's really good. I don't know if it would interest me though. I might take another look at it. A lot of people recommend that book. Thanks Frank.

originally posted by max

Just finished 2 books connected with Storm Constantine's 'Wraeththu Mythos'. the first was 'Breeding Discontent' by Wendy Darling, [yes, that's her name] and the second was called 'Terzah's Sons'. both were actually very touching And the Wraeththu is a series alot of people seem to identify with. Not sure why that is but maybe because even with magic problems, human problems always get to the forefront of any conflict. So these are good reads too. [smiling at ya]

originally posted by Sandtiger

I'm currently reading the Horatio Hornblower books by C.S. Forester. A friend of mine gave me a copy of the A&E miniseries, and after watching, I really wanted to read the books.

I've finished Mr. Midshipman Hornblower and Lieutenant Hornblower, and am now about to read the Omnibus "Captain Hornblower, RN".

So far so good.

Sandtiger

originally posted by Memory

Oh, I've been meaning to read the Hornblower series for a long time, since I enjoyed the dramatisations so much. Must go to the library and get them out.

I've just finished Jeremy Paxman's book, 'The English' - interesting, amusing and informative. I've also just started Manda Scott's 'Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle', which is number two in her series. I've dropped it for a little bit until I can bring myself to keep reading. It's so depressing so far! I was filled with hope for my two favourite characters after the last book, but now they're barely talking! I can't take it…

originally posted by Auna

A coworker of mine turned me onto the Hornblower series (he's rather a fanatic about it, hehe). Very good stuff, well written, and gives you a very excellent sense of what being on a ship was like in those days.

originally posted by Auna

I broke down and bought/read Jordan's prequel - It doesn't require any knowledge of the existing series and gives you some some background into how the two main Aes Sedai got involved in the search and some of the troubles within the Aes Sedai. It's not required reading for the main series, but if you enjoy Jordan, it's something to read while waiting for his next book(s).

originally posted by Cheryl Detmer

Thanks Auna, I wondered what those prequels were about and whether to beging there or with Eye of the World. I'm meeting him at Dragon Con and will bring two of my books for him to sign. It will be an honor to meet him even if I haven't read his whole series. I know he's a great writer and I enjoy Rand.

originally posted by Richard

ok, take into account here I am currently being starved. Love books, and have read all the books of all the authors I like 3-8 times at this point.
I've usually read all the books mentioned here … but Kate Elliot's Crown of Stars … have I been missing something?

How good is this series compared to say Mercedes Lackey, Raymond Feist, J V Jones, Terry Goodkind, C.S. Friedman. I dont mention Janny as I'm pretty sure everyone here has already found your work! You are my favourite author … so also being "enthusiastic" about your next release! :smiley:

P.S. If you are looking for another read … one of my favourites is C.S. Friedman's Coldfire Trilogy.

originally posted by Andy

If you like Janny, you'll definitely like Elliot. Although their writing styles are quite different, I find the two series have some similarities re politics, intrigue, cataclysm etc. Happy reading.

originally posted by Nora

Opinions here:

Mercedes Lackey's stuff tends to be fairly light. Haven't read any of it in some time, so I'm sure she's written tons more, but I remember it as pretty straightforward. There are nods to complications, but not much. I'd put some of it into the YA fantasy category.

I read Terry Goodkind's Wizard's First Rule and then wanted those hours of my life back. If you don't mind his hero being Mr. Objectivism, you might enjoy them. I haven't read any of the others, so your mileage may vary…

originally posted by sheena

Richard have you read the 'wheel of Time ' series- Robert Jordan.? Also excellent. The other excellent series is George RR martin's -first in that series is A game of Kings.

originally posted by Trys

quote:

If you like Janny, you'll definitely like Elliot.

Not necessarily. And that's all I'll say.

originally posted by Frank T Davis

Richard,
I put Kate Elliot's work on par with the authors you mention. To date her "Crown of Stars" series has 5 volumes. They are well written and they tend to be long, e.g., volume 5 has 903 pages. You should also consider reading "The Golden Key", written by Kate, Melanie Rawn and Jennifer Roberson. After reading this, read the works of Melanie Rawn and that of Jennifer Roberson. They each have lengthy series that are very enjoyable and they have been compoleted. NO waiting!
Frank

Welcome Here, Eve

I too liked Friedman's Coldfire trilogy but it took twice or three times for me to get over the hump - the beginning's SO harsh…worth the read as you see where she's taking it…definitely. But that beginning, steel your stomach…hang on to your heart, the tale is NOT without heart…she did as she did for a reason.

originally posted by Trys

Golden Key was excellent, especially the part written by Jennifer Roberson (this book has three distinct sections each section written by one of the authors, rather than a collaborative effort on the entire book). I also recommend anything by Jennifer, from her Cheysuli books to the Del & Tiger books to her stand alone romantic histories (Lady of the Glen and Lady of Sherwood.

Trys