Does anyone have any recommendations on good fantasy books? I love them but am reluctant to start reading something from an unfamilar author as I have started a lot of books, only to discard them after a few chapters.

I've read and loved the following series/books:
David Eddings - The Belgariad
Anne Bishop - Black Jewels series
Robin Hobb - Farseer, Liveship and Tawny Man series (haven't read last book of the Tawny Man series though)
Raymond Feist - The Riftwar Saga
JV Jones - Barbed Coil
Jim Butcher - Dresden Files
Sara Douglass - 1st 2 books of the Troy Game
Trudi Canavan - Black Magician series

I did not enjoy these much:
Robert Jordan - I stopped with the 3rd book
Raymond Feist - all sequels of the Riftwar Saga
Sara Douglas - The Axis Trilogy
JV Jones - Baker Boy series

Have you read anything by Neil Gaiman? He is my favorite fantasy author.

Fantasy/scifi is a difficult genre, very hit-or-miss. There are a lot of fantastic books out there, but unfortunately for every great one there are 100 that are absolute crap.

You may have seen the movie, but you'll probably going to love Lord Of The Rings. Sorry i can't be much of assistance. I haven't read fantasy for quite some time. SciFi is what i prefer best. ;)

Lord of the Rings - I have to worn you, it can be dry at times but it's enjoyable nonetheless.

:thumbsup: Reading is my passion. I read lots of fantasy as well as scifi, historical, mystery. Some favourite fantasy authors that come to mind are
1. Carol Berg - the first series was the best (tho they are all good) The titles are Transformation, Revelation, and Restoration
2. Sharon Shinn - any of hers -- my faves are archangel, jovah's angel, the alleluia files, angelica, and angel-seeker
3. Judith Tarr
4. Stephen Donaldson
5. Guy Gavriel Kay
6. George R.R. Martin
There are so many -- happy reading :)

D'oh! How can I mention Neil Gaiman and not even have Tolkein, the founder of the fantasy genre, enter my mind?! :headsmack:

I've read American Gods (excellent) and the Sandman comics (cried when the series ended).

You are correct, Fantasy seems like a hit and miss thing, either you love the book or you absolutely hate it (no middle ground for me). I do not like Sci Fi much, which is unfortunate given the large number of Sci Fi books around.

I have had the LOTR and the Hobbit for more than 10 years already and I have had difficulty getting through the first few chapters (a bit slow for me) but I have decided that I have to finish them as they are the seminal Fantasy books.

I love Carol Berg - I love both of her series, the first one more than the second (I have yet to read the last one, though). My favorite Berg book though is the stand alone Song of the Beast.

I have Tarr's Hound and the Falcon series, but have been bogged down with the first few chapters.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

The only fantasy book series I have ever read (and absolutely loved) was the Heritage of Shannara series by Terry Brooks. It includes four books: Scions, Druid, Elf Queen, and Talismans. Somebody gave me the first one in the series when I was in 7th grade, and I have since re-read them twice.

Read the Incarnation of Immortality series by Piers Anthony.... first book is about death and is called On a Pale Horse.
I really enjoyed those books... although the God one show just how much of a pervy pedophile Piers is :clubbed:

My gosh, he is? I noticed that the main characters of the Xanth series have always been children/teens, but him being a ped...?

I've read most of the Xanth books, although I've noticed that they somehow have become repetitive, and I hate that just when you've begun to enjoy/appreciate a certain character, he/she's nowhere to be seen in the next book. I've stopped with Roc and a Hard Place.

WOW! Finding a thread about Fantasy...any Sci FI Readers?

Say, the original poster wanted book suggestion, however, I am wondering about her/his age...some books are more appropriate for older readers, like the Fire & Ice series by G R R Martin.

I have quite a few recommendations no one has metioned previously, plus I can second some of the ones mentioned. Let me know if anyone wants any suggestions either in fantasy or Sci Fi. As for other types of books, history, literature, biography, and many books that come from my obscure and eclectic tastes.

I usually say that I am an addict and reading is my addition...if nothing else is available I will read the back of the cereal box !

Don't worry, I'm old enough to read anything I want. I've read only a few sci fi books (Blue Adept by Piers Anthony and one of the Ringworld books a long time ago). I've had difficulty reading sci fi because I tend to question the science behind what I'm reading and I'm the type who wants to be entertained and escape for a while while I'm reading (too much analysis is taxing), although I would appreciate suggestions on really good sci fi books.

I have Game of Thrones by GRR Martin, though I haven't found time to get to read it. As it seems like a Fantasy which is heavy on intrigue and politics, I need to have enough spare time to hunker down and read it. I like Fantasy books that have a lot of magic (wizards, dragons, etc) in them.

Any suggestions on books of different genre are welcome. I also like Ludlum, Lindsey Davis, history and biographies, and regency romance.

If you like historical romance/fantasy then perhaps Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is for you. It is set mainly in the years 1763-1800. There is explicit sexual content...just want to warn you.

I notice you do not mention that you have read any of Anne McCaffey's "Dragon Riders of Pern" series. You might want to check out her website for her bibliography.

Melanie Rawn's Dragon Star series is very good with both magic and dragons.
C J Cherryh's Fortress Series is a good read with magic.

Those are just a couple of recommendation. To provide more specifically about magic and/or dragons, I will need to check my reading list...I seem to devour books at an alarming rate!!!

The George R R Martin series is in a class by itself, I should mention. It is a work of literature not just fantasy. George has an incredible ability to form dialogue and interesting individuated characters from his long stint in Hollywood as a script writer.

You also do not mention whether or not you have read another favorite of mine, "The Golden Compass." Ostensibly a children's series like Harry Potter, like Harry Potter it is far more than that.

Another wonder book (really three books in one) is Elizabeth Moon's
The Deed of Paksenarian." Elizabeth states she wrote this because she saw so many books written about so-called paladins, and she wanted to write a story showing what a paladin (a holy warrior) really is.

I hope these remarks are helpful. I have devoured books all my life and consider myself on a first name basis with every one from Dostoyevski to Faulkner and every place else by reading voyage takes me.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I too am a voracious reader although I've gone through phases in my reading habits. I went through a classics phase (Crime and Punishment, Bronte) a horror phase (Stephen King, anything with vampires in them), a spy thriller phase (Ludlum and Clancy), and a crime/mystery thriller phase (Ann Rule, James Patterson). I've never given up on reading romance novels (regencies), and fantasy is a relatively new love (I started only 6 years ago after reading a borrowed copy of Feist's Magician), though I've had the LOTR series for around 12 years already and haven't read it yet. I read biographies now and then, but I prefer historicals over pure biographies.

I've so wanted to read McCaffey's Pern series but I prefer to read series starting with the first book. I have to order these where I'm from.

The same way with LOTR, I have the His Dark Materials series in my book stack but haven't started on them yet. I do love the Harry Potter series.

I have read the first book of Rawn's Dragon Prince series and for some reason, have become irritated with the characters (I do not remember why now as I've read it long ago) which is why I did not finish the rest of the series and did not start on Dragon Star (a sequel of Dragon Prince).

Will check out the rest of your recommendations. I'm glad to recommend stuff.

I find that recommendations are a great start point. I, too, am obsessive about reading a certain way. I MUST start with an author's first book chronologically, no matter what, and continue on through their last. I like to see how their thinking and writing develops. I am interested in effective writing so will read almost anything that follows into that category regardless of genre, although, I admit to a firm belief that the publication of literature came to a noticable and abrupt end around 1969. This is due to a number of factors that I am more than willing to elucidate if asked. Anyway, I believe a lot of effective writers migrated to genre writing because they could get published and establish a following. And, of course the best of sci fi is ALWAYS a discussion of ideas, which is what literature is, as well.

I seem to power through everything so quickly, how about you? I loved Balzac because there is just so much OF him to read! I love George Elliott (HA); Somerset Maughn; Dorothy L. Sayers; Thomas Mann; Robin Hobbs; Willa Cather (someone people say I am very much like the lead character in Song of the Lark); Ayn Rand; Joseph Conrad; George R R Martin; Frank Herbert (Dune is an incredible work of art if you have not read the five books written by Herbert himself; Dan Simmons' "Hyperion"--another work of art from a scholar.

History wise (history is my area of scholarship, in particular American HST), Paul Johnson is not to be missed. His "Birth of the Modern", and "The Intellectuals" are outstanding!

Anyway, please give me your recommendations with a brief description, if you would be so inclined.

:yes: MizLynn "Any suggestions on books of different genre are welcome. I also like Ludlum, Lindsey Davis, history and biographies, and regency romance."

Used to read Ludlum. Also read early Stephen King until his books started to read like movie scripts.
I also enjoy Lindsey Davis. If you like period mysteries, you must check out Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries. Well worth reading. Candace Robb has a series of mystery novels set during medeival times. Also very good.

And of course, if you are a fan of regency romance - if you haven't already, you must read Georgette Heyer. She is the Queen of regency romance. I've been reading and rereading her books for 37 years. I run through them every few years. They still entertain. Another quite good writer of regency is Clare Darcy.

I see you like historical novels, too. Better leave that one for another time.

Nice to meet fellow book lovers. And E lovers! :cheerleader:

[QUOTE]
Meta -- if you want to throw some names my way, I'd appreciate it. Sci-fi, fantasy, historical, period mysteries. I have a very hard time finding new, well-written books -- I am a prodigious reader - have been for 45 years.
Have you read any of C.S. Friedmann's books? (does fantasy and sci-fi)
And C.J. Cherryh's Foreigner series are marvelous. to quote a Barnes & Noble review .."one of the foremost series exploring the complex and delicate relationships between human and alien cultures." Does that whet your appetite?
I have a million more authors to recommend, Do you also have a list and a burning desire to share it? I think this could be fun and very helpful.:D

CanadianFan - I have read all of CJ Cherryh. It you only read the Foreign series, I would be happy to list some of her others that are favorites if you would like. Have you been introduced to the Liaden Universe, yet? If not, I envy you! Susan Lee and Steve Miller write an elegant series not to be missed.

I can see you have a similar reading addiction to mine...it is ALL good! I love to get recommendations. I have to admit I am not for the smarmy kind of book...I rarely pick up books or go to movies that are TRYING to manipulate my emotoins -- I gave that up with "Old Yaller."

I would love to see some of your favs to compare our reading tastes. If you have any authors you think are effective writers, then I want to hear about them.

Jus curious, but where in Canada do you hail from? I live in the Pacific Northwest at the "outskirts" of so-called civilization. We have a lot of connections with Canada due to its proximity. Vancouver has to be the west coast's most beautiful city.

:D META - I have read everything available by Cherryh. I will certainly look out for the Liaden Universe that you recommended.
I hail from the Prairies, and sad to say, have never yet visited BC. Have a sib in Alberta.
I could recommend many authors -- I've probably read a million books (and I really don't think that's an exaggeration).
Because of your profession, and electic taste in books, I will recommend my favourite author. For sheer depth of character, plot, history, complex love stores, and spell-binding mystery, Dorothy Dunnett has no peer. The "Lymond" and "House of Niccolo" series are absolutely enthralling.
Her stand-alone novel, "King Hereafter" is definitely a must-read. :thumbsup:

:D MizLynn - I series that I highly recommend is Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman's "Death Gate Cycle". The duo have written other series that you might prefer - they prominently feature dragons. If you do a search on Margaret Weiss's website, you can see all she's written. Both authors are prolific writers, together and singly.

CanadaianFan, Thanks for the recommendation. I have one of the middle books (I believe there are 7 books in total? My local bookstore does not carry the complete series so I haven't had the opportunity to start (I have to have them shipped from abroad). I've been fishing for suggestions as the books suggested may be available.


Meta, am trying to come up with a list that may fit your eclecting tastes in books.

I agree with you about Ludlum's books starting to read like movie plots. I've stopped reading him with the 3rd Bourne book. Matarese Circle is my favorite and I have the sequel but haven't started reading yet. I seem to have a lot of books that I mean to read but don't around to as I'm the type who has to have a certain mood for a certain genre. As I've been busy juggling work and grad school, any extra reading for me during the past 2 years have been for stuff you can finish in a day or two and those that do not cause any stress.

Lindsey Davis is so funny. It's unfortunate that the only books by her available where I'm from are the ones that came after Three Hands in the Fountain. I have been lucky to have found The Silver Pigs at a second hand bookstore. Will try to get hold of some Heyer as you suggested.

I'm so happy that a lot of Etrainers seem to be sensible, mature and smart individuals regardless of their ages. This bodes well for E's career as we are the types that won't be fickle. :hello:

:yes: MizLynn -- "stuff you can finish in a day or two and those that do not cause any stress" exactly describes Georgette Heyer's works. Amusing, and easily read. But not simple -- she has great descriptive skills. If you come across any, let me know what you think. Three of my faves were April Lady, These Old Shades, Devil's Cub.
Two are not Regency romances - Beauvallet, is set in 1500's Spain. Lord John is about King John so is a medieval setting (actually never finished that one).
The rest are Regency and Victorian.
It's so nice to share authors with like-minded people. :glomp:

FYI: Robert Ludlum died in 2001. He left a bunch of outlines so others could work from those. Even before he died he was running a "shop" with ghost writers doing the majority of the work. A number of these popoular fiction writers do the same because that way they can get more titles out faster.

Even though I am a girlie girl, I have always been a warrior woman. My name is actually, Bronwen Fitzhugh (originally, fitzHugh, an Anglo/Irish name), so you can see that I have mayhem in my blood what with the other half Wlech. Regrettably, we women most often have to "translate" ourselves into male heroes in most books (which is why I love Sci-Fi) yet I do for the of the stories. Here are a few of my favorite authors following that line ( also love love love anything to do with the sea:

Patrick O'Brian -- Jack Aubrey/Steve Maturin and everything best friends ought to be; and Patrick is a writer's writer in every way. A master. His books take place during the Napoleanic Wars.

Bernard Cornwell -- There is Sharpe, of course, yet if you love the Arthurian legend, then the best ever written is his realistic The Warlord Chronicles.

David Weber -- Honor Harrington is Horatio Hornblower in a space. We follow her career in the Royal Mantacorn Navy. For those of you who are worried about the science...David is one of the best at the science, as you will soon discover. A lot of his books are irreverent...if you are a libertarian (as I am), you love his attitude...nothing like firepower! He often has a LADY as his hero.

Elizabeth Moon -- I previously mentioned her "The Deed Of Pakenarrian." I also wanted to recommend her Heris Serrano Series. Elizabeth's background includes officers training in the marines. Yet, her Serrano series provided her with the opportunity to do horses, her passion. Her inital premise is so outrageous you do not think she can bring it off -- a book about riding to the hounds set in space! She has a lovely way of letting all generations be heroes, I live that!

Thanx for this recommendation. I look forward to discovering another author. It is so exciting to find someone new! Part of my life I grew up in Northeastern Idaho...the closest to the prairie I ever was other than driving trips to St. Louis. I mentioned somewhere that Willa Cather is one of my all time favorites along with Laura Ingalls Wilder, so I THINK I've seen the prairie even when not. The only book I ever read about Canada was "True North"--now there was one strong woman! I do not know if I could shoot a moose and then dress it.

A part of my family (oneo f my grandmother's sisters) emigrated to Canada and set up a ranch in Calgary where they and there off spring still reside. Another cousin was up in Calgary as an petroleum geologist...they loved it.

Me, I am a woman of the west...when generations of pioneers behind me starting in colonial days. I have heard that the prairie lands of Canada are much like here, more so than other areas of Canada farther east. BC is just like here with different trees. Portland is far more like Vancouver than Seattle even though we are not on a bay. If you ever have a chance to get out here, you would love it.

I just thought--how can you live so far from the ocean!!!! I am having withdrawal pains just thinking about it!

:hello: Meta - "I just thought--how can you live so far from the ocean!!!! I am having withdrawal pains just thinking about it!"
Never having lived near the ocean, I don't know what I'm missing! I have been to Florida and California so have certainly seen the ocean. I always imagined it would be magnificent to live near -- however, with all of the catastrophes caused by the ocean -- being relatively safe in the middle of Canada is okay by me! Our worst natural disasters are floods and blizzards.
I love Bernard Cornwell -- haven't read any of his Sharpe series, but have read the Grail Quest series, the Warlord and Newgate Chronicles.
For sci-fi, I must mention Julian May's series -- the Pliocene Exile, followed by Intervention and the Galactic Milieu (9 books total). Here's a quote from the SF Chronicle ... "Of all the authors since The Lord of the Rings appeared, May has most closely matched J.R.R. Tolkein's achievement...
From Asimov's Science Fiction Mag - "Outrageously original". :yes:

Thanks for the recommends, looks like we like the same writers. You did not mention whether or not you are interested in certain topics. I am very topically oriented...my brain functions that way for some reason. So, I think of books under topics like "military" or "theological" -- which reminds me, have your read any of Lois McMaster Bujold? She lives over there in Minnesota.

FYI: In Oregon, we do not have significant meteorlogical events. We rare have any cyclonic action, for example. The last storm was the FAMOUS Columbus Day storm of 1962. The most exciting event around here in recent history is the erruption of Mt. St. Helens, of course. That was spectacular! After that, volcanoes became a favorite topic for research. As a result of that research, I understand the climatology a lot better, and understand why we humans just could never do anything to harm the planet in comparison to natural events--those who think we can really are egocentric. LOL

Anyway, I think we all like a certain kind or kind sof landscapes best. Growing up on the high plateau, I love its desert and the mountains. Growing up the other half in the rain forest of the west coast, I love all our greenery. Portlands proximity to both ocean, Columbia Gorge, high desert, mountains, and international cities, is way cool. That said, I know this place, so am far more curious to hear about where you live and what you love about it.

As you can probably guess, I am the outsides type, in that, I love to outdoors.

Just my cup of tea! Look forward to reading her.

Meta -- :P Lois McMaster Bujold was the next author I was going to recommend. I love her Miles Vorkosigan series. She's also written a few good fantasy books.
I don't categorize books other than in broad generalities such as sci-fi, historical, etc. I guess I'm not topically oriented. I will read anything that catches my fancy.
Portland sounds absolutely gorgeous - maybe someday I'll get there.
Manitoba is pretty flat -- we have some small mountains (a joke compared to the Rockies etc.) but they suffice for a bit of skiing. We do have thousands of lakes -- some with beautiful white sand beaches. We also get tons of snow -- temperatures can go as low as in the -40's Celsius, and as high as the low 30's sometimes. (Don't remember what that translates to in Farenheit.)
This is a province with miles of boreal forest, acre upon acre of crops, those aforementioned lakes -- and mosquitoes galore! They are the most negative aspect of living here.
Winnipeg is a smallish city with a large arena, concert hall, museums, -- I have never lived anywhere else, so have no comparison to make. I like it -- don't know if I love it -- but family and friends make it home.
I too love the outdoors -- feel most alive with wind in my face!!
I wonder how many other authors we have in common?? This is interesting.
I'll throw another one your way -- Stephen R. Donaldson's "Into the Gap" series. This shows his really twisted side. Makes fascinating reading

I read through the entire thread--did I miss something, or has no one recommended fantasy author Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels yet? Terry Pratchett is one of the most intelligent authors of any genre that I have ever read. His books are witty and heavy on satire, funny, creative, and his Discworld is a place I'd sure like to visit! There are about twenty-five books (probably more by now; he seems to write one a year) and you will come to love the Discworld and all its inhabitants! I can't recommend them highly enough.

I'm glad to see that others have read and liked George R.R. Martin's Fire & Ice books. I had the honor of meeting him when he came to a local bookstore to promote A Feast for Crows. He gave a great talk, and he said that many people have asked him to please not die before he finishes the books! He said that because of this, he has avoided buses, so he won't be run over by one, LOL!


Karen :)

Ha! about the bus and George R R Martin...I just hope he gets enough exercise.

Thanks, Karen, for posting another writer I never heard of *she rubs her hands like a kid in a candy store*. I am giving the names out piecemeal over here because I have so many and do not want to look TOO much more ridiculous.

Bronwen

Ha! The wind IS the thing, oh, my yes. Standing anywhere on this earth all alone with the wind as my lover...this is the timelss time when I spread all my moleculres as far apart as they can go and let the world of light and shadow, fragrance and particle, flow through. This is why I love the beach...the Oregon Coast is the Coast of Winds. Let alone the Columbia Gorge, for goodness sakes! I sometimes think I am either a woman of the past or the future...when it feels right to be alone for a good bit of the time. Are you aware of the fact that alone is a contraction of ALL ONE? Kool!

That is not to say I do not have my household: no children but three dogs and a nice man about. I

As for Stephen R. Donaldson: I thing his writing is haunting. I believe Thomas Convenant to be the most elucidating discussion of self-despise I ever read. It taught me much, AND is one of a kind...no way really to explain it; you just have to read it. Same with the Gap series. It is not anything that can be explained...his exploration of his own perverse fantasy is yet somehow heroic. How can you even describe it to anyone else? He is pretty special as a writer...one of the reasons I believe fantasy and sci fi writers sometimes do write literature (the discussion of ideas) and not just fluff.

So, what do you think of Frank Herbert's Dune, anyway? I mean the original five books? I would like to hear your take on him and Foundation, which I recently reread. I also just recently reread "Brave New World" because I hread the comment that this is a far truer vision than 1984. I concur, we are living in the times of Brave New World.

You know what Emerson said about travel: he said people wanted to go places when they did not even know the place they were. My take on it is that if you have seen one strip mall you have them all--I yearn to learn the topography of everywhere, preferably from space in my own private craft swilling wine and reading yet abother delicious book. I have got to come up with a new one for you, though...just to set your heart aflutter.

Karen, have you read any George Macdonald Fraser? I haven't but want to.

Bronwen- I was going to recommend the Aubrey/Maturin novels as a series you might be interested in. I've read Master and Commander and have started on Post Captain. The books are much more exciting than the movie, though I'm glad the movie gave me an idea as to what type of music was being played onboard.

Have you read Tad Williams' Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series? Also, I recommend Robin Hobb's fantasy novels.

It seems that most of my favorite books are from female authors (Lindsey Davis, Robin Hobb, JV Jones, JK Rowling, Anne Bishop). I guess I like the way they write about flawed characters who you end up loving despite of or because of those flaws.

I'm from the Philippines. At this time of year, it's alternately hot and humid or rainy and damp. You have to wear light clothing but at the same time be prepared and have an umbrella ready as you never know when a downpour may come. I love reading and I discovered that you can get transported somewhere and be entertained more than when watching TV when I for some reason started reading an old copy of Gone With The Wind that my grandfather owned.

Karen - I am intrigued by Discworld. I was so intimidated though, when I saw a set being sold at a bookstore. It was so huge, I did not know where to start, that I did not buy any book from the series. I will make sure to get the first of the series the next time I go to that particular store.

Lynn

:D Meta - once again. "Karen, have you read any George Macdonald Fraser? I haven't but want to."
His Flashman books are, at times, laugh out loud funny. The most amusing coward ever -- with lots of historical insight to boot. Definitely worth reading.
I have read the Dune books. This was quite a while ago, however, so I can't give you my fresh "take" on Herbert. I do remember that I enjoyed them - but after reading one of the newer Dune books, I lost interest.
Have never read Brave New World but will certainly check it out now.

:) MizLynn -- i recently finished a stand-alone novel - which I find rather rare in the Fantasy genre. I thought it quite entertaining. It's called "Elantris" by Brian Sanderson .. a snip from Publisher's Weekly (starred review) states ..."refreshingly complete unto itself and free of the usual genre cliches, offers something for everyone: mystery, magic, romance, political wrangling, religious conflict, fights for equality, sharp writing, and woinderful, robust characters."
The only element missing is dragons!

Lynn, I have read the Aubrey/Maturin series twice through and will read it again. I am sure that in another life I AM Jack Aubrey...no, wait, I'm Stephen Maturin..., no, wait, I'm Jack...I can never make up my mind they are each a facet of my own personality it would seem. Since I love military history, as in battles, because one of my strengths is stragetic thinking, I also love the Sharpe books from Bernard Cornwell. While Jack and Stephan battle Napolean at sea, Sharpe is battling him with Wellington all over the Iberian penninsula and then at Waterloo. I doubt anyone ever wrote the Battle of Waterloo more clearly than Mr. Cornwell. A bit of historical trivia you may not know: The Duke of Wellington refused to discuss Waterloo ever. He is quite a favorite of mine, along with Winston Churchill ( my childhood role model, if you can believe it), Dwight D. Eisenhower, and of course George Washingtion. These men all have something in common but I will not bore you with that list at present.

Talking about historical novels remindes me of one of my favorite writers of all times--anoldie but a goodie-- Kenneth Roberts. Anyone else a fan of his? Also, what about Thomas Costain--we just reread The Tontine which is one of our family favs.

One fantasy writer I see no one mentioned is Gene Wolfe. His Long Sun and Short Sun series are rather fascinating, not for the illiterate, if you know what I mean. The duology, The Wizard and the Knight are an interesting "What if?" and he has many stand alone novels.

:D Lynn, C anadianFran--It is so exciting to me that you are in different places! I love to track weather so if you tell me your closest location I will set up my weather station so I can see what you are experiencing every day.

:) Karen, you did not mention your locale, Where do you hail from?

It is really fun to talk books with everyone!