I've started reading Terry Brook's The Sword of Shannara......?

Question

.....and somehow I find the going rather slow. Can anyone suggest a better alternative from the fantasy genre? I usually finish a book in one or two days but I'm losing steam with this one, and on an unbelievable 6th day!

Answer 1

I also find Brooks' fantasy novels more along the lines of LoTR rip offs than anything new, fresh, or exciting. Check out the following for some better reads:

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin: This is a new classic in the genre, and the first in Martin's acclaimed Sword of Ice and Fire series. Martin tells each chapter from the viewpoint of a different character. These voices all come together to paint a very realistic picture of the upper class in a kingdom thrown into turmoil. It's gritty, character-driven and one of the best fantasies on the market today.

The Dark Glory War by Michael A. Stackpole: This is also the first in a series. This one's somewhat underrated, and I have no idea where it's not more popular. It's fast-paced and explores a very unique culture. I like Stackpole because he has no qualms about ending a book on an unsettling note, leaving you desperate for more.

Nightwatch by Sergei Lukyanenko: This is a new import from Russia, recently translated into English. Set in modern Moscow, it introduces us to the Others: magicians, shapeshifters, and vampires all walking among us. Though strictly divided into the Light and Dark Ones, the two groups are more alike than either likes to admit. Very dark, very well-written, and works as something of an allegory for the current political situation in Russia.

Jonathon Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clark: Great fantasy, very witty and clever. Clark's two main characters are the last two wizards in Britain during the war with Napoleon. It's very funny, and I'm sure you'll find it anything but boring.

Weapon of Flesh by Chris A. Jackson: Pick up this independent book at http://www.jaxbooks.com. This is a very engaging read about a boy raised from birth to be an assassin, until his master dies and he's allowed for the first time to make his own decisions. It's exciting and character-driven, and this is an author to watch in the future.

Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts: I read this one recently and was impressed with the style. I haven't read the other books in the series yet, but if the first book is any indication, it should be quite a good series. Wurts has a clear, expressive style and interesting characters, two half-brothers (same mother, different fathers) who never knew each other and are now thrust together in an unfamiliar time and place.

Transformation by Carol Berg: This is the first book in a unique trilogy. It explores a culture similar to the Mongols or even the Greeks under Alexander the Great. Very interesting, dark narration. This another that definitely should bore you.

Hopefully that'll get you started. You can also check out the masters Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind, though Goodkind seems to have lost his focus in his latest novels (his first three or four are absolutely great, though).

Answer 2

I too have had that same problem. Someone recommended that series to me as well and I don't think I ever got past the first 100 pages. I keep picking it up every once in a while hoping I'll find something I missed. If you don't mind walking into the Young Adult section I can recommend the Pendragon Series by DJ MacHale....it is an excellent series and the 8th book is coming out in May. Also the Ranger Apprentice series by John Flanagan is excellent, with books 3 & 4 comming out in June and September of this year.

I have found a number of great reads through my teens! Don't limit yourself to the "adult" section of the bookstore or library!!!

Answer 3

I have also read this series of books, continue to struggle through the slow parts because it does get much better farther in!! Really. And the other books in the series are all about the same-some slooow spots, relieved by some sections which seem to fly past quickly. Just continue to read and it reallt does get better.

Answer 4

Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan

Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind

Answer 5

Try Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series his site is
http://www.terrygoodkind.net

Answer 6

Yeah, I picked up some Terry Brooks and couldn't get into it either.

I can recommend the trilogy that begins with "The Butlerian Jihad" by Brian Herbert. These are spin offs of Frank Herbert's "Dune" but I think Brian Herbert's stuff is better than Frank's.

Answer 7

Try Stephen R. Donaldson's Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.

I saw one in the library, 30 years ago, had to take a week off from school to read the rest, the rest of the week.