Rich_L said:
Umm the Wheel of Time series? Is like 12 books or something so should keep you busy for a while
Personally, although I've read them all so far, I wouldn't say this are a particularly good saga. The formula for each book has been practically identical aside from the first book, and the latest one released.
FTM said:
Gemmels stuff is much more immediate and in your face...anti hero's who always end up dead before the end of the book usually
I'm sorry but I'm going to have to disagree with you a little here. Personally I've found all of Gemell's work (and I'd say I've read about 20) to be simplistic to the point of bordering on boring. They're a perfect train journey read, but more often than not you'll finish them in an afternoon, and if you're hungry for depth and excellent story lines, you'll probably find these wanting.
Robin Hobb is without doubt one of my favourite authors, she's fantastic. I take it you've read the The Liveship Traders, The Farseer,
and The Tawny Man trilogies? All of them are absolutely wonderful (although I'd say the Tawny Man was the worst by a fair way)
EDIT: Sorry, read the thread properly and realised you have indeed.
If you like the sound of a less magic based, very satyrical and excellently written trilogy, I suggest you check out K.J Parker, she's just writing the second book of her third trilogy, and the first two were absolutely excellent (although the second trilogy, I forget the name, was far superior). Parker is an excellent author and I highly recommend her.
Trudy Canavan's trilogy was good, but not great, you could tell it was her first, her next trilogy shows a fair bit of promise, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first book. The Black Magician was a touch run-of-the mill and lacked anything particularly original for my liking.
I definately recommend the aforementioned Reymond E. Feist trilogy, it's a milestone against which many other fantasies are judged, and for it's time it was VERY good. Although I totally have to disagree with them being overwhelming, if you've read Robin Hobb's stuff it should be fine.
Fiona McIntosh is still, I believe, in the process of finish her 'The Quickening' Trilogy, and whilst she's a good rather than great author, I think the story is exceptionally original, and I'd really recommend reading it.
I haven't got most of my library here and I can't remember the names of some of my other favourites, I'm swinging by home this weekend so I'll make a note of some others for you
Oh and were I you, I'd suggest you steer clear of Pratchett. He may be to some peoples tastes, but I find the humour both drab and unimaginative. If you want humour in a fantasy book, that doesn't detract at all from both superb storylines and wonderful writing, check out Parker as I mentioned earlier.
EDIT: Ah, how could I forget! Steph Swainston has written two books, the second (and in my humble opinion, the weaker) book was called 'No Present Like Time'. The ideas in this again, are far removed from generic fantasy and a thoroughly good read, although in a completely different vein to Hobb. I really recommend them though, even if they are rather short.
Happy Reading,
Ant
