I'm looking for a good, nonromantic, actiony book.
2006-08-04 07:07:22 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
You could try one of the discworld novels but you probably all ready know about them.
'His Dark Materials' by Phillip Pullman- is a fantastic trilogy of books with alot of fantasy - also a bit of sci-fi. They've been so successful and popular that they will be made into films soon - read them before it happens! The trilogy are as follows:
1. The Northern Lights -UK version (The Golden Compass - USA version)
2. The Subtle Knife.
3. The Amber Spyglass.
Ok, so the titles sound a little cheesy, trust me and the hundreds of thousands who've read these books - these novels are not cheesy. They kind of combine some of the ideas of The Lord of the Rings, Paradise lost and Harry Potter - I don't know if that appeals to you or not? They are packed with action and interesting characters and are all real page turners - in my opinion they are quite beautifully written.
Go on, treat yourself!
2006-08-04 07:22:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The novels by Terry Goodkind are excellent for this kind of thing. They are totally fantasy, with plenty of magic, dragons, special swords, destiny, cruelty etc, but are also surprisingly intelligent. You won't feel insulted once during these books. The first one is called Wizard's First Rule. The first three books are the best, but there are about seven in the series.
I'm so glad to see someone mention Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake. Not strictly fantasy, but certainly exeptional. One of the trilogies of the century; well spotted.
Another man's mentioned Magician by Raymond Feist. That is a very, very good book. Seminal work of fiction. Read that, it's good.
Dragons of Autumn Twilight, that whole Dragonlance series - yes, very good, but I liked them when I was twelve. I wouldn't read them again now, though I loved them then.
2006-08-04 22:21:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have not read The Belgariad Series by Eddings then you are missing out. Starts with Pawn of Prophecy, and ove rthe course of five books, it tells the story of a young boy Garion and his... unusual grandfather and aunt. A good quest story.
George R R Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire is absolutely one of the best there is. The series is not complete yet but is wonderful. So far there are four books beginning with A Game of Thrones.
Ray Feist has written several great series, including Talon of the Silver Hawk. Really good stuff.
None of these has much romance if any. All have lots of action. Enjoy!
2006-08-04 14:23:41 · answer #3 · answered by Robin D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dragonlance series is pretty good for that. Some romance flying around but it's not the main focus. I'm completely addicted to them (I've been trying to find more people are interested in it, coincidently!). Have you read Eragon? The movie is coming out in December for it and it was a really good book. Both are along the lines of LOTR. I haven't really found too much else that I found terribly interesting. Hope that helps some!
Dragonlance (Chronicles is the first set series) - dragons of autumn twilight is the first book
Eragon is the first book of the Inheritance Collection
2006-08-04 14:15:27 · answer #4 · answered by afichick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assassin Series, by Robin Hobb
Discworld, by Terry Pratchett
Sandman, Neil Giaman (they're amezing grapic novels)
also Neverwhere and American Gods, by Neil Giaman
The Princess Bride, by S. Morganstren, is an exelenct romantic satire.
Howl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wyndom Jones was quite good.
Lord of the Hollow Dark, by Frank Russel, I think, was a creepy, actiony sort of book.
Carpe Demon was about a "demon hunting soccor mom". It was funny.
2006-08-04 14:50:39 · answer #5 · answered by mury902 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Green Rider" by Kristin Britain, a good chick kicks butt and saves the day fantasy.
"The outstretched shadow" by mercedes lackey and Jame mallory: only the best recent fantasy series out there, and trust me I know, I've read almost every popular/classic fantasy book and author out there.
Have you ever read anything by Tamora Pierce? her Alanna the Lioness series is excellent. It is aimed at young adults but just like Harry Potter the story is fun for all ages. She has a number of different series out, I suggest you read all of them, they are high magic and action, though with a little romance mixed in as a sub plots, not main plots.
"The traveler" by John Twelve Hawks
Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy series by Dougals Adam. Don't be fooled by the movie which sucked, the books are a great comedy action adventure.
I could probably name a dozen more but this should get you started.
Another librarian and fantasy lover
2006-08-04 14:32:23 · answer #6 · answered by fleetwind141 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. I'm the author of a new medieval fantasy book that you might like. The title is THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY. It's 445 pages of action, adventure, magic, mystery and mayhem. If you like Conan, LOTR or Harry Potter type books, this is one you'll enjoy.
Good luck, whatever you decide to read!
Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)
THE SCYTHIAN STONE (eBook only)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (eBook and hard cover)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (coming fall '07)
Major Media Reviews:
Publishers Weekly
STARRED Review. A fast pace, sly humor, amusing dialogue and a richly researched background lift Baxley's fantasy, the first of a new series set in medieval Britain. When Merlin's long-ago apprentice Kruzurk Makshare (aka the Boozer) receives a dreamlike visitation from the legendary mage, he learns he must destroy another former apprentice, the villainous Seed of Cerberus. To do so will require a visit to the demon-guarded Blackgloom Keep. Enter young Daynin McKinnon, who discovers a curious rune-covered headstone, which may be the fabled Blackgloom Bounty, and brings it to Kruz's attention. Kruz believes it will provide entry into the fortress, while Daynin hopes the sale of the stone will restore his family's fortunes. The colorful cast of good guys and ne'er-do-wells includes the Pictish ghost of Brude McAlpin liberated from his tomb, assorted pursuing Caledonians and a bemused Prior Bede, whose monastery serves as a hiding place for the Blackgloom Bounty. Suitable for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages.
Library Journal
"This series opener...is a good choice for fans of epic-style sagas and Scottish history."
Harriet Klausner, Amazon's #1 Ranked Reviewer!
"This terrific medieval fantasy...will elate readers for its fast-paced, action-thrilled story line starring a strong cast."
Nancy McCulloch, PRWEB Article, March 20, 2006
"Two thumbs up for a colorful cast of characters, nonstop, rapid-fire action and compelling storyline!"
Fantasybookspot.com Review by Tyler, Febuary 2006
"Taking place in Medieval Scotland, this tale of magic, adventure and love really captured my attention..."
2006-08-04 14:52:49 · answer #7 · answered by FiveStarAuthor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Graphic novels from the mid seventies are usually pretty good but tend to play up angles most deem offensive. Here's an idea, if you know of an artist who does that type of work, you get a lot of images on Yahoo Images just over the search bar. Check Moebius.
2006-08-04 14:12:31 · answer #8 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts is a very good fantasy book IMHO.
It combines some sword & sorcery with better writing than your average novel of the same genre.
2006-08-04 14:11:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
King Fortis the Brave is a great book about a pair of twelve-year-old twins that are brought into a magical world where they find themselves caught in a battle for control of the land. Full of adventure and humor, it is perfect for anyone who loves fantasy books.
2006-08-04 23:50:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋