Fantasy Novels - never read one!

[danogzilla]

where is a good place to start? who are some writers, and are there any MUST READ novels out there?


answer fast! must go to mall!

[Fateweaver-WHA]

Moving to Warhammer

[danogzilla]

Moving to Warhammer

i googled this, and came up with little. so i'm guessing its not a novel title. so.. is it fan fictions, is it a staff member troll, or is it a staff member directive...

in the mean time i googled some other stuff, and found that Robert Jordan or Salvatore are good places to start? does this sound reasonable? any suggestions?


edit: i see it was a staff member directive.. too bad it wasn't a novel title as well.


edit: for those who want closure to this thoroughly epic thread, i got 'the eye of the world' by robert jordan. first book in the wheel of time series. closure granted. you may sleep tonight.

[Dis]

Getting Started
http://www.blacklibrary.com/getting-started/new-reader/

TALES OF THE OLD WORLD
http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281032&type=Book
GOTREK AND FELIX :: THE FIRST OMNIBUS
http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281018&type=Book
THE CHRONICLES OF MALUS DARKBLADE VOL 1
http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281054&type=Book

TALES OF THE OLD WORLD is a great start.
A collection of stories by different writer.
You might find a writer whose writing style and plot you enjoy and decide to start buying his novels.

[danogzilla]

great work!

[gotthammer]

Stuff by Dan Abnett, William King and Sandy Mitchell (tho' I think I've only read Mitchell's WH40k stuff) tend to be the better writers I've encountered. Mitchel Scanlon, too (but only for Fifteen Hours...and that's a 40k novel)

Stuff I'd recommend (asides from those already mentioned):
Empire In Chaos (http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281042&type=Book)
- The book written for this game. Another WAR novel also seems to be in the works.
Matthias Thulmann, Witch Hunter (http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281055&type=Book)
- Not a bad read. Follows the adventures of a Witch Hunter and his henchman.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/wfrp/)
- IMHO, the better alternative to playing WAR (if you find a good/competent GM, that is. Best graphics, ever! :mrgreen: ). Also a nice source for background/lore/fluff (sourcebooks, too...but don't read the adventures if you plan to play)

[Marlaander]

The Wheel of Time series is pretty epic. I enjoyed what I read.

[Gaugamela]

I think he is mentioning Phantasy in general.

Ok you should start with the most obvious of all:

Lord of the Rings from Tolkien.
Then pick The Wheel of Time.
From the Warhammer Universe start by reading Gotrek and Felix and follow with what suits you best after it.

[gotthammer]

Hmm...non-Warhammer Fantasy?
George RR Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire series starting w/ A Game of Thrones) and Guy Gavriel Kay (I particularly liked Lions of Al-Rassan and Song for Arbonne) are quite good, IMHO.
When I was waiting for my copy of Age of Conan to arrive, I got the 3 books compiling the works of Robert E. Howard (The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian, Bloody Crown and Conquering Sword of Conan), and most of the stories were quite good (better than the game? :grin: ).
RA Salvatore...hmm...he's ok. I think I've read most/all of the Drizzt stuff (I now hate Drizzt...I hope someone kills him someday). Dunno about Jordan, I have some of his stuff, bet never bothered to start.

It's hard to say: "start with this" or "this is good", as tastes vary. It sometimes helps to read the blurb at the back and maybe a chapter or two before deciding.

Must read novels? Dune? :grin:

[danogzilla]

good suggestions, keep them coming please :).

[Dis]

D&D = Drizzt
Warhammer = Malus

There is always 1 silly Dark Elf somewhere.
Personally I am loving my Warhammer Novels alot more than D&D Novels.

[ParthianShot]

Riders of the Dead - its got everything; chaos incursion, the Empire, Kislev, how a normal man can turn to Chaos

And its written by Dan Abnett who I think is one of the better writers of WH fantasy stories. Try and avoid Gav Thorpe's books - they're pure meh.

[Dis]

Riders of the Dead - its got everything; chaos incursion, the Empire, Kislev, how a normal man can turn to Chaos

And its written by Dan Abnett who I think is one of the better writers of WH fantasy stories. Try and avoid Gav Thorpe's books - they're pure meh.

Hey, I like Gav Thorne.
FOR SIGMAR!!!
*smack PS with silly Hammer

[gotthammer]

I dunno. I couldn't even finish one of his books ('Grudge Bearer'). That and, as far as rules are concerned, I think a good number of folks don't like Gav Thorpe.

[grayseer]

Nathan Long's books are very good...so are Wargret wies and Tracy Hickman's books from dragonlance

[Mosedeke]

The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien
Dragonriders of Pern series, author's name escapes me
First 4 Dragonlance books (Dragons of Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer)
Wheel of Time
Anything by Terry Pratchet

Those should get you started.

[Ahmon]

Highly recommend the Prince of Nothing series by R. Scott Bakker. All three books are terrific and Achamian is perhaps the portliest badass ever.

[Dis]

Richard A.Knaak
Remember to skip his Warcraft and Diablo Novels.
All of em are terrible.

[Rosebud]

TALES OF THE OLD WORLD
http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281032&type=Book
GOTREK AND FELIX :: THE FIRST OMNIBUS
http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281018&type=Book
THE CHRONICLES OF MALUS DARKBLADE VOL 1
http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281054&type=Book


I agree with these suggestions. Any of the Gotrek and Felix books are incredible; however, I would encourage one to start with the first.

Heldenhammer by Grahma McNeill is also good. It gives the reader some insight as to why Sigmar is such a big deal, and it is well-written.

The Enemy Within by Richard Byers is good for understanding more about Witch Hunters and Chaos cult operations in Altdorf. It isn't as eloquently written as some other novels, but it seems to be a popular book with an interesting twist.

Richard A.Knaak
Remember to skip his Warcraft and Diablo Novels.
All of em are terrible. I agree. I'm not a fan of his either.

[UWSoulReaper]

Robert Jordan: (RIP)

Wheel Of Time

Forgotten Realms:

Making of a Mage (first book of Elminster sieries)

Drizzit Sieries

Ereivs Cale Sieries

Warhammer:

Gotrek and Felix Omnibus 1 & 2

Blackhearts Omnibus

[Timmeh]

Jim Butcher - Dresden & Alera series

[danogzilla]

update: pretty deep into the first Wheel of Time book, by Jordan, and loving it. i see i've been missing a really good time.

at the risk of getting ahead of myself (i understand there are 5ish more books to the jordan series), i might check out a couple warhammer set novels next.

thanks all. keep this thread going!

[Vermin Lord]

at the risk of getting ahead of myself (i understand there are 5ish more books to the jordan series), i might check out a couple warhammer set novels next.


There are more than that. For instance, I hear the tenth one is horrible. Haven't read the series myself so I can't comment on that tho.

P.S.
I would also suggest you read The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. It's an apsolutely brilliant SF/Fantasy series (4 books but very closely connected).

[NoneSuch]

Joe abercrombie - The blade itself

I really like the series, the best thing about it is it gets better with every novel. Thankfully it's only in 3 parts so you don't have a huge collection of books to collect.

It's hard to sum up, it's got alot of dark humour and some pretty awsome characters like Glokta the crippled torturer.

If you just read the back of the book and read a brief description of it, it would seem horribly generic with "berzerkers" and wizards but believe me it's a worthwhile read.

[Sycopat]

There are more than that. For instance, I hear the tenth one is horrible. Haven't read the series myself so I can't comment on that tho.

P.S.
I would also suggest you read The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. It's an apsolutely brilliant SF/Fantasy series (4 books but very closely connected).

I second book of the new sun. It's weird but brilliant.

Other good fantasy books (which i think are better than the wheel of time series, some have been mentioned already):

A tale of the malazan book of the fallen. (Fantasy authors tend to have a thing for long series. This one rivals the wheel of time in length and beats it in scope/writing. With a stick. Until it bleeds.)

A song of ice and fire series.

Prince of Nothing Trilogy.

Anything by Robin Hobb, particularly the farseer/assassin trilogy.

The Chronicles of Amber: Multibook series but available as a single volume

pretty much anything by Micheal Moorcock or Frietz Lieber (Both of whom had a massive impact on making warhammer what it is.)

The Hobbit by Tolkien (I love the lord of the rings but I do not think it makes a good introduction to the fantasy genre. The hobbit however is perfect)

Books I think are debateably as good as the wheel of time:

Belgarath the sorceror,

Legend

Magician

I could probably go on for quite a while...

[Ariwyn-WHA]

I definitely recommend R.A. Salvatore's works--particularly the Forgotten Realms pieces. I started with the Icewind Dale Trilogy (which now comes conveniently packed into one book).

I also recommend David Eddings Belgariad and Mallorean series--might want to start with the prequel, Belgarath the Sorcerer.

Finally, Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series, starting with Wizard's First Rule is good--but in the later novels started to become a little too lewd for my tastes. Some people mind it, like me--others don't. Good series if it doesn't upset you.

I'm not too familiar with the Warhammer novels, but I think these three series are great and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. :D

[Hagis]

I
<...SNIP>
Anything by Robin Hobb, particularly the farseer/assassin trilogy.
<...SNIP>


I love the Robin Hob books but the emo gets on my nerves

Don't forget the Glen Cook books..
The Black Company
The Black Company - 1984
Shadows Linger - 1984
The White Rose - 1985
The Annals of the Black Company - 1985. A compilation of the first three books.
The Silver Spike - 1989
Shadow Games - 1989
Dreams of Steel - 1990
Bleak Seasons - 1996
She is the Darkness - 1997
Water Sleeps - 1999
Soldiers Live - 2000

Terry Brooks. The Sword of Shannara the rest arn't as good as the first but fun reads.

[Cave_Troll]

Elizabeth Moon. The Deed of Paksenarrion

[Bilious]

Stuff by Dan Abnett, William King and Sandy Mitchell (tho' I think I've only read Mitchell's WH40k stuff) tend to be the better writers I've encountered. Mitchel Scanlon, too (but only for Fifteen Hours...and that's a 40k novel)


Dan Abnett's generally good, but avoid Gilead's Blood, it's terrible. Hammers Of Ulric is a favourite of mine.

Star Of Erengrad by Neil McIntosh is great, bad sequels though.

I can back up Sandy Mitchell. CL Werner's good, and Brian Craig, who did the Orfeo trilogy (Zaragoz, Plague Daemon, Storm Warriors iirc)

Gotrek and Felix, of course. The Nathan Long ones don't quite fit with William King's, but he's getting there quickly and is still pretty good. Don't get the Lee Lightner books that finish the Space Wolf series by King though, Lightner should never have been allowed within 10 feet of a pen.

[Bilious]

I definitely recommend R.A. Salvatore's works--particularly the Forgotten Realms pieces. I started with the Icewind Dale Trilogy (which now comes conveniently packed into one book).

Salvatore used to be my favourite author. Since then though I've read a lot more and I can find a lot of flaws in his stuff. It probably didn't help me that I started with, in my opinion, his best book Siege Of Darkness. Good author to introduce the Forgotten Realms setting.

His Demon books are interesting too. Same flaws as his other writng (I won't say what, if you don't notice them all well and good, he's more enjoyable that way :p) but an engaging setting.

[gotthammer]

Gotrek and Felix, of course. The Nathan Long ones don't quite fit with William King's, but he's getting there quickly and is still pretty good. Don't get the Lee Lightner books that finish the Space Wolf series by King though, Lightner should never have been allowed within 10 feet of a pen.

Why did William King stop writing the Gotrek and Felix stuff anyway?

[simonappleton]

Joe abercrombie - The blade itself.

I second this - the best fantasy I've read for a long time...

[halzet]

Lets see:

Steven Erikson - Malazan book of the Fallen series currently consisting of Gardens of the Moon, Deadhouse Gates, Memories of Ice, House of Chains, Midnight Tides, The Bonehunters, Reaper's Gale and Toll the Hounds. (Unfinished, 2 books to go. 'Dust of Dreams' and 'the Crippled God'. So should be finished completely in 2 years.)

Tad Williams - Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series consisting of The Dragonbone Chair, Stone of Farewell and both books that make up To Green Angel Tower.

J.V. Jones -
The Book of Words series, consisting of 'The Bakers Boy', 'A Man Betrayed', and 'The Master and the Fool.'
Also the Sword of Shadows series, starting with 'A cavern of black ice.'

David Anthony Durham - Acacia. New author, first book comes across well.

Also, Glen Cook as mentioned earlier.

Have a huge collection, but immediately to hand, to make too many suggestions.

In regards to David Eddings, and also to Raymond E.Feist if anyone has mentioned the latter. Whilst both authors are a good easy introduction to fantasy, especially at a younger age. They are far from what the best in the genre has to offer, but worth at least one read.

Might I also suggest looking at some Norse and Celtic Myths and Legends? Great stories in their own right and not quite as widely trumpeted as Greek/Roman ones.

Aha, and Fritz Leiber's 'Lankhmar'

Could probably be here all night. :D Best bet is to have a read of a few of the suggestions, and then go out and explore. Charity shops, car boot sales, e.t.c. tend to have lots of books for sale cheaply and you can get some excellent books.

Then again, you could do what I do and read every fantasy book you can get your hands on. (Just don't do what I do and horde them, you run out of space very quickly.)

[danogzilla]

wow, great stuff guys, i'm taking notes, but i have a better idea:

requesting sticky please :D

[deejayvee]

Steven Erikson - Malazan book of the Fallen series currently consisting of Gardens of the Moon, Deadhouse Gates, Memories of Ice, House of Chains, Midnight Tides, The Bonehunters, Reaper's Gale and Toll the Hounds. (Unfinished, 2 books to go. 'Dust of Dreams' and 'the Crippled God'. So should be finished completely in 2 years.)


Best. Fantasy. Series. Ever.

Don't expect it to be all neatly wrapped up by the end of the series though. I've heard there'll be an extra book to tie up those loose ends not tidied up in "The Crippled God" or by ICE (see below). There's also talk of an Anomander Rake trilogy. :D

If you enjoy, be sure to check out his Novella's (Blood Follows, The Healthy Dead and The Lees of Laughter's End) - they are really fun, following a couple of necromancer and their poor manservant around (yes, you meet them in Memories of Ice, but the novellas follow them exclusively).

Also, the Malazan world was created with Erikson's friend Ian C Esslemont. ICE has recently had a couple of books set in the same world published. He's not the writer Erikson is, but gives some good insight to the world. He will also be taking on some of the storylines from the main series.

Other than Erikson, I'd recommend the works of Glen Cook, Joe Abercrombie and, if you don't mind an unfinished series, George RR Martin.

[halzet]

Agreed about best fantasy series ever. Well, so far. Anomander Rake trilogy sounds good. Am hoping that something happens with Whiskeyjack and the Bridge Burners, they feel to me at least, like a loose end. So am hoping that something happens there, beyond the small appearances they've had in one of the books just after their exit, and the latest book.

A few more authors popped in my head today.
L.E. Modesitt. Only read one of his books, but was good. A friend of mine says the rest are good too. :D
James Clemens. Only one book of his I can recommend and that is Shadowfall (Godslayer book 1.) Had some nice ideas and was reasonably well done, the second in the series was quite a let down though.

Mark Chadbourn - The Age of Misrule. A series where Celtic mythology meets the modern world. Not read any of his other books so far, though.

Also, Harry Turtledove has a nice alternate history series in 'Darkness.' Starting with 'Into the Darkness.' Believe it was based on World War 2, but in a fantasy setting. With magic and monsters instead of technology.

[danogzilla]

Best. Fantasy. Series. Ever.




nice. i see a concensus forming on this.

[Aviator]

My favorite fantasy series is A Song of Ice and Fire, by George RR Martin. It's a very interesting deconstruction of the genre, and is more heavily inspired by European military history (like the Wars of the Roses) than most fantasy novels are.

[Ariwyn-WHA]

My favorite fantasy series is A Song of Ice and Fire, by George RR Martin. It's a very interesting deconstruction of the genre, and is more heavily inspired by European military history (like the Wars of the Roses) than most fantasy novels are.

My husband is currently reading this, and thinks it's great. I haven't gotten to it yet because, well, he's reading it :p

[Tarion]

My husband is currently reading this, and thinks it's great. I haven't gotten to it yet because, well, he's reading it :pWell, if you found Goodkind too lewd, Martin will be a chore for you. Very sexually explicit, at times.

I have "The Blade Itself" sat on my desk. May read it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Anyway, I'll support:
Hobb,
Goodkind
Martin,
Jordan,
Moon,

... Most of the ones in this thread, actually.

[deejayvee]

Am hoping that something happens with Whiskeyjack and the Bridge Burners, they feel to me at least, like a loose end. So am hoping that something happens there, beyond the small appearances they've had in one of the books just after their exit, and the latest book.

I want to find out who is still standing, and where, after the last book before I think about what's going to happen to them. I can't explicitly mention it for risk of spoiling it for others, but there was one major change relating to people like them in the last book. So, to my mind, all bets are now officially off!

BTW, can I just say how awesome the Seguleh are?

We first met them when the Seguleh, there is a punitive army consisting of just 3 Seguleh.
Anomanda Rake is only #7.
In ICE's new book you get to see Iron Bars (member of the Crimson Guard from Midnight Tides) fight one. Words can't describe how happy I was when I read that.
In Erikson's latest, the BB's find pickled seguleh in the basement of K'Rul's temple. (hidden because of possible spoiler)
There also seems to be renegades running around all over the place too.

[Athenys]

I recommend you read 'The Waterborn' by Gregory Keyes (http://www.amazon.com/Waterborn-Chosen-Changeling-Book/dp/0345396707) for a refreshing change. It's fantasy without many of the typical cliches and the various human cultures are so well fleshed out that there is no need for dwarfs, elves etc. The gods and spiritfolk are strange to say the least, they really do act like nature incarnate rather than hackneyed immortal ubermensch. Another great series I am surprised no one has mentioned is 'Tales from the Flat Earth: The Lords of Darkness' by Tanith Lee (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tGBMt1H0L._SS500_.jpg). It has a vaguely Moorcockian feel so if you are looking for a happy ending look elsewhere ;). You can still find it on Abebooks (http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=1212846334&searchurl=an%3DTanith%2BLee%26bi%3D0%26bsi%3D30%26 bx%3Doff%26ds%3D30%26sortby%3D2%26tn%3DTales%2Bfro m%2Bthe%2Bflat%2Bearth%26x%3D0%26y%3D0).

[Mieu]

Nathan Long's books are very good...so are Wargret wies and Tracy Hickman's books from dragonlance

Dragonlance is a GREAT series.

You haven't even read Lord of the Rings? You've probably seen the movies already...the books are classics, not as fast-paced as Dragonlance, which really hooks you, but LotR is timeless.

[morskittar]

Why did William King stop writing the Gotrek and Felix stuff anyway?

A money thing, by my understanding. Too bad, though Nathan Long hasn't been bad.

Those still looking for Warhammer specific novels may wish to hit the second link in my sig. Those looking for really good novels should definitely hit up both Howard (especially the Solomon Kane stories, for more Warhammeryness) and Moorcock (for the origin of Warhammer-like Chaos and elves).

[gotthammer]

I've been wanting to read Moorcock's Elric stuff, but I don't think I've seen them in the local bookstore (then again, it's probably coz' that shelf which recently has a fair amount of warhammer novels keeps distracting me...).

Btw, anyone watch the 'Legend of the Seeker'? Feedback?
I tried reading the first book, Wizard's First Rule, about a decade ago, I think, but I never even got halfway. While I think the show is cheesy, I think I now want to give the book another try...(that a good thing? then again, as another poster on another forum said, and I think I feel similarly, he's just watching it coz' of the 'confessor' :D )

[Corbie]

Let me recommend some stuff that is better than what you will usually get from "mainstream" fantasy series (e.g. Wheel of Time, Song of Ice and Fire)

The Black Company by Glen Cook

ANYTHING written by David Gemmell (god rest his soul).. start with "Legend"

The Deed of Paksennarion by Elizabeth Moon


Cant go wrong with these.

If ya want Warhammer stuff.. Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett will win you over to 40k

[morskittar]

The Elric books haven't been published in the US for quite a while, up until the last six months or so; there's a new compilation out (in two volumes) you should be able to find on shelves with horrible cover art.

And Abnett? I enjoy his stuff, but it's not the 40k I grew up with.

[Kriesha]

Song of Fire and Ice series by GRR Martin is superb reading imho. Jordan's Wheel of Time series is also very enjoyable. Something I have not seen mentioned yet, but I quite like the style of David Eddings (I would recommend Elenium and Tamuli for some good humor), Terry Brooks Shannara series should make for a good read as should Stephen Donaldsons The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.

[Corm]

Stuff by Dan Abnett, William King and Sandy Mitchell (tho' I think I've only read Mitchell's WH40k stuff) tend to be the better writers I've encountered. Mitchel Scanlon, too (but only for Fifteen Hours...and that's a 40k novel)

Stuff I'd recommend (asides from those already mentioned):
Empire In Chaos (http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281042&type=Book)
- The book written for this game. Another WAR novel also seems to be in the works.
Matthias Thulmann, Witch Hunter (http://www.blacklibrary.com/product.asp?prod=60100281055&type=Book)
- Not a bad read. Follows the adventures of a Witch Hunter and his henchman.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/wfrp/)
- IMHO, the better alternative to playing WAR (if you find a good/competent GM, that is. Best graphics, ever! :mrgreen: ). Also a nice source for background/lore/fluff (sourcebooks, too...but don't read the adventures if you plan to play)

First off im relatively new to this place so hope im not Necro posting and nothing im about to say hasnt already been pretty much said already.

The above quote is about as accurate as you can get here along with Parthians comments about Gav Thrope's writing. He certainly is enthusiastic and I dont doubt he knows Warhammer pretty well but hes no writer of novels. One or two of the other writers are in a similar vein. Its fine stuff for lore and background but not entertaining or well written enough to pay the price of a novel for. Im biased having met him in person a number of times over the years and disliked him from the off and its probably, mostly an Elf/Dwarf player thing but anyway. Pick and choose your novels with care if you dont want to waste money. ;)

I think, very roughly I must have read about 75% of the Inferno/Black Library/GW and citadel novel and comic range I can only agree with the above named (3 writers) being the best by a long shot. Its not high brow high fantasy but if you want good quality pulp action fantasy and Sci-Fi you cant go wrong with Kings work for GW/BL before he when off to Europe and Abnetts constant work on all thing GW based. Abnetts books almost read like your watching an action film if that makes sense.

In fact I just thought the best place to start is actually with the very early GW novels before the BL took over. The ones that were written with 1st edition WHFRP as the basis. They are mostly discontinued now AFAIK as a fair few of them break the current Canon but they are also proper well written fantasy novels and you can't go wrong with them. The Konrad novels by David Ferring and the Jack Yeovil stuff are fairly spot on along with the poet ones, uhh not Felix the other one, Orfeo possibly i cant quiet recall but Brian Craig wrote those ones. You can still get most of the old ones on Amazon. Oh and as a parting shot Nathan Long took over from William King with the Gotrek and Felix novels but has done a stellar job, hes not quiet as "gritty" as William King but they are still great books and continue the psychotic dwarf nutters saga nicely.

Umm apologies for rambling a bit I got carried away. Anyhoos off to read Nagash! :D

[Sulla Cain]

Honestly the only Warhammer Fantasy I have read are the Malus Darkblade books, The Vampire Counts and the new Nagash book.

I'm more of a 40k man myself and I have read almost all of them. So here is a short list that will / should get you hooked to the gritty universe of warhammer 40k:

I would start with all the Comissar Gaunt novels, because this man and the Tanith First and Only are probably some of the most badace gaurdsmen you will ever see.
Move on over to the Caiphas Cain novels since it shows that being lucky helps when your life is filled with war.
For space marine books you could read the Horus Heresy set, but personally I don't like how most of those read, so I would go with the Souldrinkers Omnibus. Introduces you to space marines and is a good read.
For those that love seeing daemons get squished, any of the Grey Knights novels are fantastic, it gives you a sense of where the real battle in the galaxy is fought.

Other fantasy that i have enjoyed over the years would be the Sword of Truth series, not really wheel of time, because once you hit book 6 it turns into politics and the story really strays from the central theme. Also look for any of the "Kane" novels. That dude is pretty awesome, even though he gets screwed at every turn.

All in all i would say my favorite book as of now would have to be any 40k novel because let's face it, any book that portrays billions of beings fighting across thousands of planets... = cool

[gotthammer]

Honestly the only Warhammer Fantasy I have read are the Malus Darkblade books, The Vampire Counts and the new Nagash book.

I'm more of a 40k man myself and I have read almost all of them. So here is a short list that will / should get you hooked to the gritty universe of warhammer 40k:

I would start with all the Comissar Gaunt novels, because this man and the Tanith First and Only are probably some of the most badace gaurdsmen you will ever see.
Move on over to the Caiphas Cain novels since it shows that being lucky helps when your life is filled with war.
For space marine books you could read the Horus Heresy set, but personally I don't like how most of those read, so I would go with the Souldrinkers Omnibus. Introduces you to space marines and is a good read.
For those that love seeing daemons get squished, any of the Grey Knights novels are fantastic, it gives you a sense of where the real battle in the galaxy is fought.

Other fantasy that i have enjoyed over the years would be the Sword of Truth series, not really wheel of time, because once you hit book 6 it turns into politics and the story really strays from the central theme. Also look for any of the "Kane" novels. That dude is pretty awesome, even though he gets screwed at every turn.

All in all i would say my favorite book as of now would have to be any 40k novel because let's face it, any book that portrays billions of beings fighting across thousands of planets... = cool

IMHO, the Gaunt books are good, though I think one could stop w/ Necropolis.
The Ciaphas Cain books = best Warhammer 40k novels ever! Must read! Of course, knowledge of the dark/grim feel of WH40k makes the series so much better.
Soul Drinkers = This is by Ben Counter, right? Sorry, I kinda hated them (to the point that I was rooting for the IG and Crimson Fists on crushing them in the 3rd or so book).
Grey Knights = I enjoyed the first book a lot (tho' there are some bits that could've been better); I particularly liked the litanies/chants they used. The 2nd book was extremely disappointing. Haven't read the 3rd book, Hammer of Daemons.

A book that I'd recommend for 40k 'Fifteen Hours', especially if you're interested in the 'typical' (as opposed to the larger-than-life characters of Gaunt and Cain) Guardsman.
'Bringers of Death' (or whatever that anthology was called) also has short stories featuring Ciaphas Cain and characters from Fifteen Hours.
I'd also throw in 'The Conquest of Armageddon' (or the 2nd book of the 2 novels featuring the Black Templars in Armageddon). It was better than the contrived work which was the first book, and I enjoyed the ending (that and it featured one of my favourite Space Marine chapters...and they're not the Templars :D ).

For fantasy: I'm really enjoying the Gotrek and Felix stuff (finished the first omnibus in under a week, and am now into the 2nd novel of the 2nd omnibus), IMHO, it's worth grabbing. (if you don't end up liking Snorri and wincing/cringing at Bjorni, you're a Chaos Worshipper!!!)
The Witch Hunter/Mathias Thulmann series is also ok, if you're interested in Witch Hunters (in which case, you may also want to get the WH's manual thingy from Black Library)

[MrProphet]

If only The Dark Library wasn't under 'code review' for the past 21129084709 years. Damn you RevenantsKnight.

All of the diablo II books are fantastic fantasy novels and don't require much prior knowledge of the universe to make sense of.

THAT, or I would recommend starting where EVERYTHING started, the Tolkien Lord of the Rings series.

[gotthammer]

I think one of the problems w/ Tolkien, particularly Lord of the Rings, is that it started slowly (I actually kept falling asleep until past the Barrows, if memory serves. Never got around to reading Silmarillion. I think the Hobbit was evenly paced, though). That said, it's still recommended reading as far as fantasy is concerned.

If you want to go a bit older than that, then there's Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft (not really 'fantasy', per se, but still good reading...that and no real prior knowledge needed, too, as most of them are short stories)

[saidor]

The two best series of fantasy books I have read are the Dragonlance Series and The Belgariad (David Eddings) - though the Belgariad is a clear rip off of lord of the rings, its still a great set of books.

The Dragonlance initial trilogy called the Chronicles (Dragons of Autumn Twighlight, Dragons of Winter Night, Dragons of Spring Dawning) are by far the best books ive ever read for character development and storyline. If your a fan of fantasy fiction, these are a must read. - Never, ever, ever buy the animated movie though - you have been warned!

There are well over 100 books under the dragonlance title now, some good, some bad. Along with the Chronicles the best are:

Time of the Twins (A Trilogy)
The Elven Nations (A Trilogy)
The Legend of Huma
Kaz the Minotaur

I see Richard A Knaak got a bit of a rough deal in this thread. I've not read any diablo stuff but I have tried to read his Warcraft stuff. It is not that good I admit, however, his Dragonlance novels are first rate. He wrote the Legend of Huma and Kaz the Minotaur as well as a great Trilogy on the Minotaurs called The Minotaur Wars. I rate him very highly as a fantasy writer and am more than willing to take a gamble on his works.

There is already a Warhammer Fantasy book written about the Age of Reckoning. I've been hesitant to buy this because previous books based on games have been awful (Dawn of War, Firewarrior). They basically tell the story exactly how it appears in the game, so having played it you know exactly whats going to happen. That may well be more difficult to achieve with WAR, but im still weary of it.

Gav Thorpe. His early works are possibly the worst books I have ever had the misfortune to read. A GW manager tried to get me to buy his books once and I replied, I Prefer Andrex thanks (Thats a type of toilet paper for you slow folk out there). However, his latest 40k book is much improved.

[celdiruen]

A Song of Ice and Fire by GRRM, and A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, by Steven Erikson. It's just as epic and awesome as ASoIaF.

[Ariwyn-WHA]

Song of Fire and Ice series by GRR Martin is superb reading imho. Jordan's Wheel of Time series is also very enjoyable. Something I have not seen mentioned yet, but I quite like the style of David Eddings (I would recommend Elenium and Tamuli for some good humor), Terry Brooks Shannara series should make for a good read as should Stephen Donaldsons The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.

I totally said that on page 2. :D But I recommended Belgarath the Sorcerer. Loved that book.

Also, Donaldson's series is another good suggestion. That was my father's first fantasy series, and he became hooked on fantasy. Then he hooked me. And I hooked my husband. And the chain goes on. :D


EDIT: Also, not a series, but a good fantasy novel for us gals or lovers of Arthurian Legend (of which I am both)--Mists of Avalon. Lady of Avalon is its prequel, and while not based in the particular Arthurian Legend as much as Mists, it does give a nice background to the Avalonian customs of priestesses.

If you want to get into archaic "fantasy," Beowulf (no, not the movie. It's very different than the story), and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are fun reads. Just don't get the Middle English translation, get a modern one. I think Penguin's editions are fine.

One more Arthurian Legend tale--but with a fun modern twist: The Once and Future King. This is where we get Disney's "The Sword and the Stone." Takes the tradition and spins it on its head! :D

I love Arthurian Legend, and am much more familiar with the classical medieval works than modern representations. If you know of any tales that have strong ties to the tradition (like Mists does), I'd love to hear them! :D

[Direlord]

Honestly the only Warhammer Fantasy I have read are the Malus Darkblade books, The Vampire Counts and the new Nagash book.

I'm more of a 40k man myself and I have read almost all of them. So here is a short list that will / should get you hooked to the gritty universe of warhammer 40k:

I would start with all the Comissar Gaunt novels, because this man and the Tanith First and Only are probably some of the most badace gaurdsmen you will ever see.
Move on over to the Caiphas Cain novels since it shows that being lucky helps when your life is filled with war.
For space marine books you could read the Horus Heresy set, but personally I don't like how most of those read, so I would go with the Souldrinkers Omnibus. Introduces you to space marines and is a good read.
For those that love seeing daemons get squished, any of the Grey Knights novels are fantastic, it gives you a sense of where the real battle in the galaxy is fought.

Other fantasy that i have enjoyed over the years would be the Sword of Truth series, not really wheel of time, because once you hit book 6 it turns into politics and the story really strays from the central theme. Also look for any of the "Kane" novels. That dude is pretty awesome, even though he gets screwed at every turn.

All in all i would say my favorite book as of now would have to be any 40k novel because let's face it, any book that portrays billions of beings fighting across thousands of planets... = cool

Can't believe you haven't read Heldenhammer yet. That is one of my favorite books.
Gaunt's ghost are pretty good but i've only read the first 2 omnibuses and not sure if i would read more seems like it is being dragged out.
My first book was actually the Eisenhorn omnibus and i would recommend this it is writen be Dan Abnett. Ravenor was ok i almost had to force myself to finish it though.

I fully support anything with Ciaphus Cain i recently got his latest and plan to read it after i finish re-reading the space wolf series.
Horus Heresy has some good books but with so many authors each book can be hit or miss. The next in the series Mechanicum comes out nov 28 i believe.
Soul drinkers i thought was ok i read the omnibus and i think they have a new book coming out.
Grey knights i liked the first 2 but hammer of demons had a odd story but was still ok
The ultramarine novel i think has it's moments except for the 3rd book Dead sky black sun. If you read the omnibus make sure to read Storm of Iron inbetween the 2nd and 3rd. Haven't read killing ground since only hardcover and there is another one coming out soon.
I do really like the Space wolf books especailly the first 2 really shows process of making a space marine.
Double Eagle isn't bad, 15 hours is short but decent for a guardsmen story.
Faith and Fire isn't bad only book on Sisters of battle that i know of.

fantasy wise
I've read the vampire novels, Malus Darkblade, Grudgebearer and oathbreaker, Masters of Magic, a book bout a wizard infiltrating a chaos cult something with enemies in the title, and all the witch hunter books. I've never read any of the gotrek and felix novels just don't have a interest but i probably should pick up the first omnibus at least.

Out of those i would recommend the Darkblade series, the witch hunter series, the von carstein vampire series, and whatever book has the wizard infiltrating the chaos cult.

[Aiteal]

If you like WH
And I'm assuming you do ;)

Go to the source and read Michael Moorcock
Start with the Elric series of novels

Warhammer would be nothing but another generic fantasy setting withour Moorcock's influence.

[Neb]

Terry Brooks is good fantasy to start with. Him and Tolkien were my first Fantasy authors I read.

[morskittar]

If you like WH
And I'm assuming you do ;)

Go to the source and read Michael Moorcock
Start with the Elric series of novels

Warhammer would be nothing but another generic fantasy setting withour Moorcock's influence.

Throw in a bucket of Howard (especially Solomon Kane) and I'm with you 100%. Warhammer has vastly more in common with these two than with Tolkien or D&D.

[Aiteal]

Throw in a bucket of Howard (especially Solomon Kane) and I'm with you 100%. Warhammer has vastly more in common with these two than with Tolkien or D&D.

Funny things is that Moorcock is very down on Games Workshop as a company.

Given that Moorcock initaited us to the concept of Chaos as a malignant, ambitious scheming force in fantasy literature, and designed the eight-pointed Chaos Star that appeared on his book covers decades before GW (mis)appropriated it, he finds it distasteful that they have now claimed copyright on the eight-pointed chaos star when he never enforced his own copyright on the symbol.

I guess if he was concerned with money he could take GW to the cleaners :)

He has stated that GW steal too much from authors and give them no credit, financial or otherwise, but are very quick to sue the arse of anyone they believe has infringed their own IP.

God forbid, but when Moorcock dies, and if his body of work is held by a less forgiving family or purely business based trust, GW could go bust overnight ;)

I dunno if you read Moorcocks website http://www.multiverse.org/
But even his little day to day ramblings are great to read

If I could just get him, Iain Banks and Gibson out for a few drinks and a chat some night, I'd die a happy man :)

[morskittar]

Somewhere I saw Moorcock's thoughts on GW; he loathes them and considers them "consummate rip-off artists". He also lamented the fact that he didn't copyright the star or go after them originally.

At this point, he can't. Such is IP law (in general, though I speak from minimal US knowledge and even less British) that an entity generally has to visibly and actively defend an IP or else the lose the right to do so. It's been long enough that there's little Moorcock could do now, having not defended the concept and symbol in the last few decades.

It's under the same concept that GW can't go after Blizzard at this point, despite the company wholesale appropriating their (once, the only truly unique thing GW had) artwork and distinct visual characters (green orcs, giant shoulder plates, etc, etc...). The studio thought Warcraft was a cute homage and in a market they hadn't considered, so did nothing until the steamtank and gyrocopter stuff for WCIII. GW-style orcs were once unique in form as Superman or Mickey Mouse. GW didn't defend it, so now Blizzard, Wizards, and whomever else uses the look freely.

On Moorcock, I could care less about his wishes. I appreciate his work, but he never produced something that allowed his concept of Chaos to be pitted against 15th C. Germans using toy soldiers. Companies like GW aren't "rip-off artists" so much as entities that forcibly remove concepts from authors' egos and opens them up for the rest of us plebes to play with. It wouldn't hurt GW to give some credit though; I'd love to see current editions give thanks to Moorcock, Lieber, and the rest of their influences, if just to hook fans then send them on to these artists' work.

[Sarkasm]

Best. Fantasy. Series. Ever.

Don't expect it to be all neatly wrapped up by the end of the series though. I've heard there'll be an extra book to tie up those loose ends not tidied up in "The Crippled God" or by ICE (see below). There's also talk of an Anomander Rake trilogy. :D

If you enjoy, be sure to check out his Novella's (Blood Follows, The Healthy Dead and The Lees of Laughter's End) - they are really fun, following a couple of necromancer and their poor manservant around (yes, you meet them in Memories of Ice, but the novellas follow them exclusively).

Also, the Malazan world was created with Erikson's friend Ian C Esslemont. ICE has recently had a couple of books set in the same world published. He's not the writer Erikson is, but gives some good insight to the world. He will also be taking on some of the storylines from the main series.

Other than Erikson, I'd recommend the works of Glen Cook, Joe Abercrombie and, if you don't mind an unfinished series, George RR Martin.

Quoted for truth my friend. If you like your novels cliche free and intelligently written then pick up this saga as soon as possible. Simply. Epic.

[Xney]

I've read many hundreds of fantasy books. The "top shelf" series:



George R R Martin - A Song of Ice and Fire. 1st Book: A Game of Thrones. Best fantasy being written right now, in my opinion. In progress, slowly.
Lynn Flewelling - Nightrunner Series, and Tamir Trilogy. 1st Nightrunner book: Luck in the Shadows. 1st Tamir book: The Bone Doll's Twin. Kind of dark and quickly paced fantasy.
David B. Coe - Wind of the Forelands. 1st Book: Rules of Ascension. There's also a second series in the same world being done right now. The first 5-book series is completed.
Jim Butcher - Codex Alera series. 1st Book: Furies of Calderon. A relatively new series, it's gotten better with each book, now up to 5.
Michelle West - The Sun Sword. 1st Book: The Broken Crown. Also there's two earlier books in the same world, Hunter's Oath and Hunter's Death.

Enjoy!

[ThickJohnson]

nice. i see a concensus forming on this.

Yeah it is a rock solid series. I don't know about best ever, but easily the best in the last 20 years.

One note, the first book can be a bit confusing to get you bearings, stick with it however it will all make sense in the long run.

[Darant]

This is a very short list of what I think are the must read fanstasy novel series (not in any particular order).

The Belgariad series - David Eddings
The First Law series - Joe Abercrombie
The Lord of the Rings - J R R Tolkien
The Dark Elf Trilogy - R A Salvatore
The Arthur Books - Bernard Corwell

[Darant]

Joe abercrombie - The blade itself

I really like the series, the best thing about it is it gets better with every novel. Thankfully it's only in 3 parts so you don't have a huge collection of books to collect.

It's hard to sum up, it's got alot of dark humour and some pretty awsome characters like Glokta the crippled torturer.

If you just read the back of the book and read a brief description of it, it would seem horribly generic with "berzerkers" and wizards but believe me it's a worthwhile read.

Have to echo this statement here, The First Law is a very good series of books.

[kdanger]

Highly recommend the Prince of Nothing series by R. Scott Bakker. All three books are terrific and Achamian is perhaps the portliest badass ever.

quoted for truth.

It shocks me that this series has been mentioned so sparingly. It really is the best stuff that hardly anyone's heard of.

[Vaeronthar]

I'd recommend anything by Neil Gaiman. Especially The Sandman.

Yes, I know it's a comic book. Stop looking at me like that.

[HKGavman]

Ive read loads of fantasy books the one author I would recpmmend above all others:-

David Gemmell :- Legand, Warlander, Lion Of Macedon and not quite sword and sheild but a brilliant highly recommend:- Wolf In Shadow anyone who aint read that do so.

Second author Raymond E Fiest:- Shadow Of A Dark Queen, Rise Of A

[HKGavman]

Sorry that was suppose to say Rise Of A Merchant Prince.

[Aiteal]

I'd recommend anything by Neil Gaiman. Especially The Sandman.

Yes, I know it's a comic book. Stop looking at me like that.

Sandman had more intelligent writing and compelling characters than most fantasy "novels" released these days

[Veilside]

quoted for truth.

It shocks me that this series has been mentioned so sparingly. It really is the best stuff that hardly anyone's heard of.

Noone's noticed that my sig contains part of the prologue for Bakker's next book in the series.

[Bilious]

Noone's noticed that my sig contains part of the prologue for Bakker's next book in the series.

Can't say it makes me eager to go find it.

[Gerd]

Well since the only person who mentioned it hadn't read it I'll chime in and say The Silmarillion.

So good. And not like the LotR trilogy or The Hobbit, it reads more like a history I guess.

Overall an amazing book.

[mongoose]

My fellow Skaven brother knows of what he speaks.......I would start with Moorcock myself simply because he is one of the best (and one of his books arent as thick as a bible :rolleyes:)

to name a few (including Moorcocks books)..........

/looks at book shelves

Moorcock (incarnations of the Eternal Champion)

- The Elric Saga (6 original books and 8 individual additions)
- The Runestaff series featuring Dorian Hawkmoon
- The Chronicles of Corum
- The Count Brass series

Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser series (a total of 7 books I believe)


Robert Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber (an epic saga consisting of two, 5 book series. They are similar to Moorcock's books in length and thus you can probably pick them up in complied form)

Stephen R Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series (2, 3 part series currently and he is part way through writing the third and supposedly past 3 part installment now)

Ursela LeGui's Earthsea trilogy

Katherine Kurtz - High Deryni series

Patricia McKillip's - Riddle-Master series


Is that enough? :cool:

[Vaiai]

Lets see:

Tad Williams - Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series consisting of The Dragonbone Chair, Stone of Farewell and both books that make up To Green Angel Tower.

In regards to David Eddings, and also to Raymond E.Feist if anyone has mentioned the latter. Whilst both authors are a good easy introduction to fantasy, especially at a younger age. They are far from what the best in the genre has to offer, but worth at least one read.

I would agree with the Eddings and Feist comment - I read them when I was younger and loved them - they are pretty easy going and the characters are so likeable - but it does ALL feel like LOTR remix!

One Feist book I would pick out though is "Magician". Just brilliant.
I'd forgotten about Tad Williams - thx for the reminder :) An epic series.

Since you all like your books - One of the most impressive and creative series I read (apart from Weaveworld!) was Saga of the Exiles by Julian May. A wonderfully clever concept which had me hooked and awaiting the delivery of the next book every time.

To the poster above - The Thomas Covenant series was really heavy going IMHO - never really got into it although most ppl I know who have read it, rave about it. I may try again now I am older ;)

[Raxxman]

If you want a retelling of Arthurs legend, I'd recommend Bernard Cornwells

The Winter Kings, Enemy of God, and Excalibur

Simply the best Arthur tail I've ever read.

[Balamoor]

Somewhere I saw Moorcock's thoughts on GW; he loathes them and considers them "consummate rip-off artists". He also lamented the fact that he didn't copyright the star or go after them originally.

At this point, he can't. Such is IP law (in general, though I speak from minimal US knowledge and even less British) that an entity generally has to visibly and actively defend an IP or else the lose the right to do so. It's been long enough that there's little Moorcock could do now, having not defended the concept and symbol in the last few decades.

It's under the same concept that GW can't go after Blizzard at this point, despite the company wholesale appropriating their (once, the only truly unique thing GW had) artwork and distinct visual characters (green orcs, giant shoulder plates, etc, etc...). The studio thought Warcraft was a cute homage and in a market they hadn't considered, so did nothing until the steamtank and gyrocopter stuff for WCIII. GW-style orcs were once unique in form as Superman or Mickey Mouse. GW didn't defend it, so now Blizzard, Wizards, and whomever else uses the look freely.

On Moorcock, I could care less about his wishes. I appreciate his work, but he never produced something that allowed his concept of Chaos to be pitted against 15th C. Germans using toy soldiers. Companies like GW aren't "rip-off artists" so much as entities that forcibly remove concepts from authors' egos and opens them up for the rest of us plebes to play with. It wouldn't hurt GW to give some credit though; I'd love to see current editions give thanks to Moorcock, Lieber, and the rest of their influences, if just to hook fans then send them on to these artists' work.

Actually the upcoming printing of WHFB will read: "This edition is dedicated in part, "to Michael Moorcock… whose fault it all is. "

MM has recounted a great deal he said about GW after talking at length to a lot of WH fans and to Andy Chambers of GW (Now Blizzard) I think he grocked that all of this was a huge dedication to the work he created and I think that sufficiently stoked his already enormous ego.


I like MM work, and recognize his importance in the genre but I do not care for the man personally. He is a drunken, drug-addicted, loud mouthed narcissist who is in dire need of having his "Butt" :rolleyes: kicked..... at least that was the impression I got both times I met him....even Stephen King says pretty much the same thing and they are best of friends.

I'm sadden no one mentioned Roger Zelanzny;(Edit* correction Mongoose did :) ) If Moorcock is the Jimmy Hendrix of Fantasy, then Roger Zelanzny is the Buddy Holly.

Also Steven R Donaldson, Andre Norton, Meredith Ann Pierce......Yes Children there was fantasy before Bob Salvatore ripped off a BBC series called Crossbow. :P