Just read all of the books in A Tale of Fire and Ice by George R.R. Martin and I'm desperate for some more fantasy that is as gritty and realistic. I've also read The Sword of Truth series recently, and while that was good, it didn't have the character depth that would have made it a great series.
2006-12-12 09:49:55 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Guy Gavriel Kay may be the only traditional fantasy author around today who's in the same category as Martin.
But for something different and very great, try Gene Wolfe's series The Book of the New Sun. It begins with The Shadow of the Torturer.
There's also China Mieville's Perdido Street Station.
Have you read Robert Silverberg's Lord Valentine's Castle?
And finally there's R. Scott Bakker's series The Prince of Nothing, which begins with The Darkness that Comes Before.
None of the books on this list is ordinary fantasy!
2006-12-12 11:21:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have not yet gotten to read George R. R. Martin's books (they're on my list though!), but my suggested reading list would include The Belgariad series by David Eddings, J.R.R. Tolkien's Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and the Shannara books by Terry Brooks. Also the Dragonlance books are pretty good.
2006-12-12 21:55:46 · answer #2 · answered by awanderingelf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always recommend His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The amber Spyglass) by Philip Pullman, one of the best series I have read.
The Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer are ok.
I also liked The Abhorsen trilogy (Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen) by Garth Nix.
2006-12-12 19:53:43 · answer #3 · answered by Gabriela Z 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a new medieval fantasy series in hardcover that you might like. The title of the first episode is THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY. It's 445 pages of action, adventure, magic, mystery and mayhem. If you're a fan of Conan, LOTR or Wheel books, this is one you'll enjoy. A Hollywood producer said it was, "Like Braveheart meets Lord of the Rings." (See other comments & reviews below.)
Good luck, whatever you decide to read!
Major Media Reviews:
Publishers Weekly said in a rare 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 said:
"This series opener...is a good choice for fans of epic-style sagas and Scottish history."
Harriet Klausner, Amazon's #1 Ranked Reviewer said:
"This terrific medieval fantasy...will elate readers for its fast-paced, action-thrilled story line starring a strong cast."
Nancy McCulloch, PRWEB Article:
"Two thumbs up for a colorful cast of characters, nonstop, rapid-fire action and compelling storyline!"
Fantasybookspot.com Review:
"Taking place in Medieval Scotland, this tale of magic, adventure and love really captured my attention..."
Blackgloom @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594144...
2006-12-12 19:32:26 · answer #4 · answered by FiveStarAuthor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harry Potter
Eragon
And Anything by Tamora Pierce
2006-12-12 19:02:49 · answer #5 · answered by f.ireworks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Redwall series by Brian Jacques, Deltora Quest, One for Sorrow, Two for Joy.
2006-12-12 17:54:25 · answer #6 · answered by treehuggingbeastboy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guy Gavriel Kay is the favorite author of someone I know who also loves George R. R. Martin and hates fluffy stuff. Check his books out!
2006-12-12 18:09:55 · answer #7 · answered by Halcyon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercedes Lackey - Any of her Valdemar trilogies.
David Eddings - The Treasured Ones series is his newest but if you haven't read the older ones do so.
Raymond Feist - Start with the "Magician: Apprentice" the rest will follow
2006-12-12 18:07:12 · answer #8 · answered by LAUGHING MAGPIE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.
2006-12-12 23:08:48 · answer #9 · answered by CC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Chronicles Of Narnia by C.S Lewis are good books.
2006-12-13 02:35:49 · answer #10 · answered by RedneckCuitie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋