Books, books and more books!

[Immortal Flame]

I am and have been an avid readers for years.  There are so many great books out there from all areas of interest.  I was wondering if anyone wanted to discuss some of their favorites and talk about why they are so great.  Any genre, as I'm always looking for something new!

My favorite author is Anne Bishop.  I absolutely adore her Black Jewels series, especially the original trilogy.  I feel that there is really something special and dark captured in those books that I just haven't come across in quite the same way anywhere else.

I also truly enjoy anything by Rob Thurman.  I'm a big fan of her Cal Leandros and the spin-off Trickster series.  They are another foray in darker fantasy, though these are more modern/urban fantasy.  There are plenty of dark creatures and lots of internal and external conflict.  I also love the relationship between the two brothers in the series.  There is a very interesting dynamic between the two of them, and the concept of sacrifice is a running theme throughout the books that is at time heart-wrenching.

Has anyone else read anything that was just unbelievably good?

[Mobats]

I agree with you on the original trilogy for the  BJS and have to state that the books after that just seem flat and shallow.  It is almost as if she is was just writing them to appease the readers.  I loathe when authors do that.

I am really into the Kushiel books by Jacqueline Carey.  High fantasy with an epic journey, betrayal, court intrigue and BDSM to boot.  It has a little bit of everything in it.  She also has a two book series about man made werewolves.

Beyond that I have a true addiction to a lot of teen series, not Twilight in any fashion, but things like Percy Jackson, The Tapestry, Harry Potter, Poison Study Books, and a few others to boot.

[Immortal Flame]

I agree with you on the original trilogy for the  BJS and have to state that the books after that just seem flat and shallow.  It is almost as if she is was just writing them to appease the readers.  I loathe when authors do that.

I am really into the Kushiel books by Jacqueline Carey.  High fantasy with an epic journey, betrayal, court intrigue and BDSM to boot.  It has a little bit of everything in it.  She also has a two book series about man made werewolves.

Beyond that I have a true addiction to a lot of teen series, not Twilight in any fashion, but things like Percy Jackson, The Tapestry, Harry Potter, Poison Study Books, and a few others to boot.

I feel the same about some of the later Black Jewels.  Mainly the most recent collection of short stories fell a little flat fo rme.  One story in particular, which I won't specifcy in case you haven't read that one yet.  I haven't read Kushiel, but they are on my TBR list.  One of my good friends has read them and absolutely loved the series.

I've also really been wanting to read the Percy Jackson books, and I've obtained the first couple.  Harry Potter is a must read, I think, and not just for all the hype surrounding them.  I really feel like those books are well worth their reputation, and just so well written and plotted.  Who are the Poison Study books by?  I'm not sure that I've heard of them before.

[Oniya]

Two authors that I continually hype are Andre Norton and Charles deLint.  Neither one is a 'new' author - Andre was the 'Grand Dame of Science Fiction/Fantasy' for years, and her CV is vast - at a shelf and a half, I have only a small fraction of her output.  DeLint is a fine voice in the genre of 'urban fantasy'  Elves on motorcycles?  The Mafia being knocked down a peg by the Fae?  He's your guy.

[Mobats]

I have all of Charles De Lint's books.  My favorite of his is Spirits in the Wire.  Its where a website is a living and sucks people in.  It is so good.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

The book I am reading is unbelievably good, well written and well researched.  Non-fiction though and kind of horrifying to read with all the interviews and conclusions the man reaches.  Though I do encourage anyone to read the book figuring the more people aware of what is going on the better.

Sex Trafficking Inside the Buisness of Modern Slavery by Siddharth Kara.

[Mobats]

I heard a little about tha book but hearing someone reading it and liking it is awesome and makes me want to read it now. Thank you.

[Lilias]

My favourite author is Marion Zimmer Bradley. Equally prolific as an author and editor, I learned perhaps 90% of what I know about writing fantasy from her anthology work. I was devastated when she died, in 1999, because I hoped to write for her.

Another perennial favourite is Jim Butcher, Mr Urban Fantasy himself. I'm trying to find time to delve into his more classical fantasy Codex Alera series, but I can hardly keep up with the way he brings out Dresden Files, and Harry Dresden can jump the queue whenever he wants. >.<

[Immortal Flame]

Two authors that I continually hype are Andre Norton and Charles deLint.  Neither one is a 'new' author - Andre was the 'Grand Dame of Science Fiction/Fantasy' for years, and her CV is vast - at a shelf and a half, I have only a small fraction of her output.  DeLint is a fine voice in the genre of 'urban fantasy'  Elves on motorcycles?  The Mafia being knocked down a peg by the Fae?  He's your guy.

I've actually never heard of Andre Norton, but I will definitely look that one up and browse around.  DeLint I have definitely heard of, and even own a few books (even though to my shame I haven't read any yet).  There are a couple that have been on my massive TBR list forever, but from all the positive information I keep getting, I think I need to move them up the list! That Mafia Fae thing sounds awesome to me.

[Immortal Flame]

I have all of Charles De Lint's books.  My favorite of his is Spirits in the Wire.  Its where a website is a living and sucks people in.  It is so good.

I've heard a lot of good things about Charles DeLint, which really makes me want to move the books up my reading list.  I'll have to check out that title, as I don't think I own a copy of that one. :)

[Immortal Flame]

The book I am reading is unbelievably good, well written and well researched.  Non-fiction though and kind of horrifying to read with all the interviews and conclusions the man reaches.  Though I do encourage anyone to read the book figuring the more people aware of what is going on the better.

Sex Trafficking Inside the Buisness of Modern Slavery by Siddharth Kara.

There's nothing wrong with a good non-fiction now and again, especially something well documented and researched.  My educational background is in Sociology and Criminal Justice, so that kind of thing is probably what I might pick up out of the non fiction.  I'll have to take a look at that one.  I once read a book for class that was titled "I Cried, You Didn't Listen," which was an expose on the California Youth Authority written by a child who became a product of a bad system.  It was horrifying at times because it really looked at things that many people tend to shy away from because they don't want to acknowledge such problems.  There were heart-wrenching scenes, and though it was a very short book, it is one that I will always remember.

[Immortal Flame]

My favourite author is Marion Zimmer Bradley. Equally prolific as an author and editor, I learned perhaps 90% of what I know about writing fantasy from her anthology work. I was devastated when she died, in 1999, because I hoped to write for her.

Another perennial favourite is Jim Butcher, Mr Urban Fantasy himself. I'm trying to find time to delve into his more classical fantasy Codex Alera series, but I can hardly keep up with the way he brings out Dresden Files, and Harry Dresden can jump the queue whenever he wants. >.<

Marion Zimmer Bradley was an iconic writer, known by many who had never even read a book by her.  It was such a sad event when she passed.

Jim Butcher is one of my favorites as well!  I haven't read any of his Codex Alera series, but I am in LOVE with the Dresden Files.  I've only read about the first six or seven so far, but they are absolutely fantastic.  The Rob Thurman Cal Leandros books have some elements that are reminiscent of that genre, and I love them as well.

[Oniya]

I've actually never heard of Andre Norton, but I will definitely look that one up and browse around.  DeLint I have definitely heard of, and even own a few books (even though to my shame I haven't read any yet).  There are a couple that have been on my massive TBR list forever, but from all the positive information I keep getting, I think I need to move them up the list! That Mafia Fae thing sounds awesome to me.

That one would be Faerie Tale, unless I have my titles mixed up.  (I've read a lot of DeLint.)

[Immortal Flame]

That one would be Faerie Tale, unless I have my titles mixed up.  (I've read a lot of DeLint.)

Thanks! I'll definitely look it up :D

[Mobats]

If you all like WWII books (this one is fiction) I highly recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society I love it so much have had to buy a second copy because the first one fell apart.

[KieraJade]

I devour books like they are candy!

One of my favorite sci-fi and fantasy authors is definitely Timothy Zahn - who first introduced me to the world of sci-fi through his Star Wars trilogy. Along those same veins is Kevin J. Anderson.

In the modern/sci-fi/erotica genre, my favorite authors have got to be Sherillyn Kenyon, Laurell K. Hamilton and J.R. Ward. I've been reading Ward's angel series lately and can't get enough of her characters. They are so real and her dialogue scenes will literally make you laugh out loud sometimes. I also love that she gives her characters real-life challenges. Like being blind or mute.

[Question Mark]

Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, specifically the massive and awesome Wheel of Time series (14th and final book, A Memory of Light, comes out in January!).  I consider it to be the pinnacle of epic high fantasy.  David Eddings' Belgariad and Mallorean were my favorites in this genre before I discovered WoT, and I still retread them (all ten books!) every couple of years.

Robert Nylund's contributions to the Halo expanded universe are great military sci-fi pieces, and although not the best books in this post, they'll always hold a dear place in my heart.  William C. Dietz is another notable author; he's got some fantastic original works (Runner anybody?). Keeping with the expanded universe authors, Richard Knaak's War of the Ancients trilogy (Warcraft universe) was breathtaking, even if the majority of the fan community seems to hate him; he's got great prose, but I suppose Christie Golden's (much) simpler style is easier for casual readers.

Rendesvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke is my favorite book, period.  The sequels weren't that bad either. Keeping to the hard sci-fi genre, I'm also a big fan of Larry Niven, Orson Scott Card, and Heinlein (Ringworld series, Ender series, and Starship Troopers respectively).

Brian Jacques was my first favorite author.  I devoured Redwall books in my early teens.  RIP you brilliant, brilliant man :(

[VicodinRhapsody]

If you care for anything with suspense and a supernatural air, there's always the Odd Thomas books by Dean Koontz. I've read SO many of his books since I was a teenager and this series is one of the best collections of stories he's ever done. Last I'd heard, a movie of 'Odd Thomas' was in the works, but no release date. I'll be interested to see that, since they're forever screwing up Koontz's books with movie versions. The movies always suck.

OR... Don't laugh. Bertrice Small... She's a romance writer with a REALLY good hold on history. A while back, she started a series of modern-day erotica books in the Pleasures series. They involve something called The Channel, which is a PPV channel meant for women to live out their fantasies (whatever they may be). I've read the first 3 but I've fallen behind because I can't afford buying them up like I used to. Not a single one disappointed me.
BUT...there's also her World of Hetar series. Her only fantasy series. Revolves around the half-faerie, Lara, and her lifelong destiny. Again, I've only read the first three, but never was disappointed. Ms Small NEVER lacks for creativity, and her detailing of EVERYTHING in her stories is incredible. Definitely worth a read!

[Immortal Flame]

I devour books like they are candy!

One of my favorite sci-fi and fantasy authors is definitely Timothy Zahn - who first introduced me to the world of sci-fi through his Star Wars trilogy. Along those same veins is Kevin J. Anderson.

In the modern/sci-fi/erotica genre, my favorite authors have got to be Sherillyn Kenyon, Laurell K. Hamilton and J.R. Ward. I've been reading Ward's angel series lately and can't get enough of her characters. They are so real and her dialogue scenes will literally make you laugh out loud sometimes. I also love that she gives her characters real-life challenges. Like being blind or mute.

Oh, I love JR Ward!  I've actually met her a couple of times and she its simply amazing to hear her read aloud from her books.  I've only read the first of the Angel series, though I enjoyed it a lot.  I absolutely adore the Brotherhood books!  Sherrilyn Kenyon is another great author.  I can never get enough of her Dark Hunters :) 

Hamilton, on the other hand, is a bitter-sweet topic.  I loved her books for a long time, but after a point, they just became sort of pointless to me.  Up through about Obsidian Butterfly, she had my full attention, but somewhere around Danse Macabre, I just had to let that series go.   It was extremely dissapointing to me that her main character changed so dramatically without enough cause for me.  As much as I had enjoyed the characters and plots, in Danse, after I had invested all those hours of reading and finally made it to the end... I could even remember who the bad guy was any more because it was bogged down with so much senseless smut that I couldn't find my way out.  I enjoy smut as much as the next girl, but there comes a point when the scales have tipped, you know?  It sort of felt to me like she was letting some factors from her personal life leak onto the page, and that never ends well.   :-( 

[Immortal Flame]

If you care for anything with suspense and a supernatural air, there's always the Odd Thomas books by Dean Koontz. I've read SO many of his books since I was a teenager and this series is one of the best collections of stories he's ever done. Last I'd heard, a movie of 'Odd Thomas' was in the works, but no release date. I'll be interested to see that, since they're forever screwing up Koontz's books with movie versions. The movies always suck.

OR... Don't laugh. Bertrice Small... She's a romance writer with a REALLY good hold on history. A while back, she started a series of modern-day erotica books in the Pleasures series. They involve something called The Channel, which is a PPV channel meant for women to live out their fantasies (whatever they may be). I've read the first 3 but I've fallen behind because I can't afford buying them up like I used to. Not a single one disappointed me.
BUT...there's also her World of Hetar series. Her only fantasy series. Revolves around the half-faerie, Lara, and her lifelong destiny. Again, I've only read the first three, but never was disappointed. Ms Small NEVER lacks for creativity, and her detailing of EVERYTHING in her stories is incredible. Definitely worth a read!

Actually, I have read a Bertrice Small some years ago!  It was definitely enjoyable, and I believe it was one of her historicals.  There's no shame in finding a great author, regardless of the cover models ;)  I actually have the first in the Odd Thomas series, but I haven't read it yet.  Its been on my (rather overwhelming) TBR pile for a while now.  It would be interesting to see it made into a movie, as I always thought the premise was interesting.  I'll have to move it up my reading list!

[Immortal Flame]

Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, specifically the massive and awesome Wheel of Time series (14th and final book, A Memory of Light, comes out in January!).  I consider it to be the pinnacle of epic high fantasy.  David Eddings' Belgariad and Mallorean were my favorites in this genre before I discovered WoT, and I still retread them (all ten books!) every couple of years.

Robert Nylund's contributions to the Halo expanded universe are great military sci-fi pieces, and although not the best books in this post, they'll always hold a dear place in my heart.  William C. Dietz is another notable author; he's got some fantastic original works (Runner anybody?). Keeping with the expanded universe authors, Richard Knaak's War of the Ancients trilogy (Warcraft universe) was breathtaking, even if the majority of the fan community seems to hate him; he's got great prose, but I suppose Christie Golden's (much) simpler style is easier for casual readers.

Rendesvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke is my favorite book, period.  The sequels weren't that bad either. Keeping to the hard sci-fi genre, I'm also a big fan of Larry Niven, Orson Scott Card, and Heinlein (Ringworld series, Ender series, and Starship Troopers respectively).

Brian Jacques was my first favorite author.  I devoured Redwall books in my early teens.  RIP you brilliant, brilliant man :(

I have always wanted to read the WoT books, as I've heard such great things about that series.  Brandon Sanderson has also been on my reading list for quite some time!  There are so many great books that I collect, usually more quickly than I can ever actually consume them! lol I have read some Orson Scott Card; those books are pretty classic from my childhood.

[Immortal Flame]

If you all like WWII books (this one is fiction) I highly recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society I love it so much have had to buy a second copy because the first one fell apart.

Thanks for the recommendation! I haven't read much in the way of WWII fiction, but I have heard some great reviews from things in this genre.  I have some friends who are into alternate history fiction.  Harry Turtledove I believe is one of the authors I've heard of that writes in that genre, mostly with Sci-Fi elements thrown in. 

Thanks again for the recommendation, I'll definitely have to check those ones out!

[PuckThePlayful]

Wow, so many authors, and books I haven't read yet. So many to try. I'm glad I popped in here, not that I really need to add anything to my reading queue.

Since discovering his work, one of my favorites has to be H P Lovecaft. He and his contemporaries built an incredible word of dark gods and horrors man was not meant to know, and so far has been one of the only authors to give me nightmares. I've read a little Steven King, and a little of Dean Koontz work, but not as much as I'd like yet. It always seems there are too many books, and never enough time.

Lately, I've actually been reading classic science fiction. Going back to Jules Verne and HG Wells. I've also been really enjoying Asimov's work, specifically the Foundation trilogy. I haven't started reading the iRobot stories yet, but they are on the list. Heinlein is another one I'd like to get into, but haven't yet.

[finewine]

If you like dragons,  Anne McCaffey's  Dragonriders of Pern series is excellent.

[Shire Wolfe]

Right, since I'm a huge bibliophile, I figure I should make my mark here...

Anything by Dan Abnett is golden. Just utterly golden. Be it his Horus Heresy work, Gaunt's Ghosts, Eisenhorn, Ravenor, or his new Bequin trilogy. Though he works mostly in Science Fiction right now, and has even written a Doctor Who novel!

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. Any Fantasy series that can strech for 13+ books and still captivate you is worth a look!

Dragonlance. It's one of the Fantasy classics! A must-read for anyone that likes fantasy and D&D.

The Deeds of Paksenarrion, by Elizabeth Moon. Three novels, but extremely well written, with a fantastic main character that draws you into the world of medieval mercenaries in a fantasy setting. A genuine page-turner.

The Night's Dawn Trilogy, by Peter F. Hamilton. And we're back in Sci-Fi country. This trilogy is very well written and exceedingly creative, and shows you just how weird human culture can become. But it's an adult's only series, as it shows sexual scenes between men and women, and hints at a bit of transexual as well, but nothing overt. It's also got some faintly disturbing themes at times, but it's a brilliant and quite fun series.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Bible of the Fantasy lover. He created the modern Fantasy genre as we know it. He defined the Elves, Dwarves, and Halflings/Hobbits, as well as Orcs and Trolls, and told us just how wonderful the Medieval fantasy universe can be! A must-read for, well, anyone. The Fellowship of the Ring was the first novel I ever read, at the age of 12. And I've re-read the entire trilogy once a year.

Dune, by Frank Herbert. Sci-Fi's equivalent of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. THE greatest Science Fiction series ever, (in my opinion of course), and all of it without even a single alien! It's a great novel, and a wonderful series. Political intrigue, plots within plots within plots, mystery, awe, and wonders.

I'll post here again when I can remember some more and taken a look at my library.

[Immortal Flame]

Wow, so many authors, and books I haven't read yet. So many to try. I'm glad I popped in here, not that I really need to add anything to my reading queue.

Since discovering his work, one of my favorites has to be H P Lovecaft. He and his contemporaries built an incredible word of dark gods and horrors man was not meant to know, and so far has been one of the only authors to give me nightmares. I've read a little Steven King, and a little of Dean Koontz work, but not as much as I'd like yet. It always seems there are too many books, and never enough time.

Lately, I've actually been reading classic science fiction. Going back to Jules Verne and HG Wells. I've also been really enjoying Asimov's work, specifically the Foundation trilogy. I haven't started reading the iRobot stories yet, but they are on the list. Heinlein is another one I'd like to get into, but haven't yet.

I've not actually read much in the way of horror, though I have a friend who is Stephen King devotee for sure.  There are a couple Dean Koontz books on my To Be Read Shelf, as the plots always sound quite interesting to me!

I really have to be in the mood for some hardcore science fiction, as usually I prefer it interspersed with fantasy elements.  I attended RavenCon in Virginia back in 2011 and John Ringo was the Guest of Honor, so it was great to attend all of the panels that dealt with Science Fiction, Fantasy, and even some Lovecraft.  Getting authors going on those topics is always fun, and can give an insight into the books that I might not have seen before.

[Immortal Flame]

Right, since I'm a huge bibliophile, I figure I should make my mark here...

Anything by Dan Abnett is golden. Just utterly golden. Be it his Horus Heresy work, Gaunt's Ghosts, Eisenhorn, Ravenor, or his new Bequin trilogy. Though he works mostly in Science Fiction right now, and has even written a Doctor Who novel!

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. Any Fantasy series that can strech for 13+ books and still captivate you is worth a look!

Dragonlance. It's one of the Fantasy classics! A must-read for anyone that likes fantasy and D&D.

The Deeds of Paksenarrion, by Elizabeth Moon. Three novels, but extremely well written, with a fantastic main character that draws you into the world of medieval mercenaries in a fantasy setting. A genuine page-turner.

The Night's Dawn Trilogy, by Peter F. Hamilton. And we're back in Sci-Fi country. This trilogy is very well written and exceedingly creative, and shows you just how weird human culture can become. But it's an adult's only series, as it shows sexual scenes between men and women, and hints at a bit of transexual as well, but nothing overt. It's also got some faintly disturbing themes at times, but it's a brilliant and quite fun series.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Bible of the Fantasy lover. He created the modern Fantasy genre as we know it. He defined the Elves, Dwarves, and Halflings/Hobbits, as well as Orcs and Trolls, and told us just how wonderful the Medieval fantasy universe can be! A must-read for, well, anyone. The Fellowship of the Ring was the first novel I ever read, at the age of 12. And I've re-read the entire trilogy once a year.

Dune, by Frank Herbert. Sci-Fi's equivalent of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. THE greatest Science Fiction series ever, (in my opinion of course), and all of it without even a single alien! It's a great novel, and a wonderful series. Political intrigue, plots within plots within plots, mystery, awe, and wonders.

I'll post here again when I can remember some more and taken a look at my library.

I love LotR, as many others before and after surely will!  I've not read Dune, though its been on my TBR for some time now.  Have you ever heard of Brent Weeks?  I absolutely adore his Night Angel Trilogy, and he has a new series out that I am ready to dive into.

[Aida]

I've read several good things lately! I seem to choose books that make me cry like a baby as I read, oddly.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell.  A beautiful book about a Jesuit priest and a small group of experts who make the first trip to a planet inhabited by aliens.  It's also very much about the priest's loss of faith, as what he thought was God's plan turns out to be pretty awful.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  It's about the Holocaust, told from Death's perspective.  You'll cry, promise.

Just about anything Jonathan Safran Foer has written, although I believe he only has three books out at the moment.

Room by Emma Donoghue.  A young woman is kidnapped and imprisoned for several years.  In this prison, she gives birth.  The story begins when the child is five, and has lived in the room for all of his life.  Fascinating novel.

[Shire Wolfe]

I love LotR, as many others before and after surely will!  I've not read Dune, though its been on my TBR for some time now.  Have you ever heard of Brent Weeks?  I absolutely adore his Night Angel Trilogy, and he has a new series out that I am ready to dive into.

No, I haven't. But I'm always interested in getting into new series.

And oh, I completely forgot the A Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R. Martin, which I began to read long before the Game of Thrones TV series (which I also adore)

[Sublime]

If you like dragons,  Anne McCaffey's  Dragonriders of Pern series is excellent.

I absolutely adore that series; I read them as a child. I suppose you could say they were my first love :)

[Sublime]

I am a huge Steven King fan, though I prefer his less frightening stories like; Bag of Bones, Hearts in Atlantis and Dark Tower series. I also enjoyed Vladimir Nobokov's Lolita, Gregory McGuire's Wicked, Kurt Vongut's Happy Birthday Wanda June, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series. Of course there are many more, but this is a short list of books I have really enjoyed.

[Immortal Flame]

I am a huge Steven King fan, though I prefer his less frightening stories like; Bag of Bones, Hearts in Atlantis and Dark Tower series. I also enjoyed Vladimir Nobokov's Lolita, Gregory McGuire's Wicked, Kurt Vongut's Happy Birthday Wanda June, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series. Of course there are many more, but this is a short list of books I have really enjoyed.

I've always been a fan of Stephen King movies, though (much to my shame) have never indulged in the books!  I'm not much a reader of horror, though I do enjoy the genre as a whole.  Wicked has been on my reading list for some time, and I actually pulled it down from the shelf the other day!  From the samples that I've read of it, it seems absolutely wonderful both in prose and plot.

[Immortal Flame]

I've read several good things lately! I seem to choose books that make me cry like a baby as I read, oddly.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell.  A beautiful book about a Jesuit priest and a small group of experts who make the first trip to a planet inhabited by aliens.  It's also very much about the priest's loss of faith, as what he thought was God's plan turns out to be pretty awful.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  It's about the Holocaust, told from Death's perspective.  You'll cry, promise.

Just about anything Jonathan Safran Foer has written, although I believe he only has three books out at the moment.

Room by Emma Donoghue.  A young woman is kidnapped and imprisoned for several years.  In this prison, she gives birth.  The story begins when the child is five, and has lived in the room for all of his life.  Fascinating novel.

Oh, there are some nice titles in there that I'd like to check out!  The only one I am currently familiar with from your list is The Book Thief, and I have heard that it is a heartwrenching read.  That last one by Emma Donoghue sounds like a very interesting read as well!  I will definitely be looking up some new titles :)  Thank you for the post!

[Sublime]

I've always been a fan of Stephen King movies, though (much to my shame) have never indulged in the books!  I'm not much a reader of horror, though I do enjoy the genre as a whole.  Wicked has been on my reading list for some time, and I actually pulled it down from the shelf the other day!  From the samples that I've read of it, it seems absolutely wonderful both in prose and plot.

Actually, the Dark Tower series is excellent and is not of the horror genre. If you are a fan of Stephen King I would emphatically suggest this series! It is glorious and you will want to read it over and over again. I would consider it more of a scifi-fantasy book series.

Wicked is a wonderful read, I was pleased by how they humanized Elphaba and shined a new light on a classic. I have probably read that book six times and it never gets old.

[Oniya]

Actually, the Dark Tower series is excellent and is not of the horror genre. If you are a fan of Stephen King I would emphatically suggest this series! It is glorious and you will want to read it over and over again. I would consider it more of a scifi-fantasy book series.

King's horror has sort of faded on me, but I would add Talisman and Eyes of the Dragon to the list of Stephen King books that I would recommend.

[Sublime]

King's horror has sort of faded on me, but I would add Talisman and Eyes of the Dragon to the list of Stephen King books that I would recommend.

I actually can't read his scarey stuff either, my imagination is too vivid to handle it.

What a coincidence you would mention the talisman... I actually just started reading that book yesterday :P

[wouldjakoindly]

I don't actually consider Stephen King horror. Then again, I'm pretty anti-King... not that I want anyone to quit liking him or anything crazy like that. I just can count the books I like of his on one hand. And two fingers. Maybe it's because my mom kept on pushing me to read him and screaming at me every time I put his books down because they were boring me.

My favorite author is definitely H.P. Lovecraft. Pessimistic, dreary, terrifying in their scope. Let's see, should I be more scared of Slenderman, Jigsaw, long-haired Japanese chicks, or a color out of space that can turn you into ash and you can't even see it. What about a squid-headed giant who is dead but can still fuck yo' shit up?

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr is another one. Witty, with an amazing grasp on human nature. His death was too sudden, he shall be missed in the realms of literature. Although Slaughterhouse Five is probably his most well known work, honestly, my favorites are Galapagos and Cat's Cradle.

H.G. Wells must be mentioned as well - rather like Lovecraft in his world view, except he rights more fantastical stuff than straight up horror. Are you a Morlock or an Eloi?

The Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card is excellent sci-fi fiction, for the most part. I dislike how he handles romance, but my favorite book in the series is probably Xenocide.

I guess the most modern author I like is Pratchett. People rave him about him, and he's certainly funny, but I cringe when female characters are brought in. He plays the "they're hot and blonde and busty so everyone thinks they're attractive" card way too much, which gets on my nerves. Not everyone has the same physical interests, Terry Pratchett, trust me. Just because someone has a +20 in charisma doesn't mean they're going to be my type...

Ah, and Fannie Flagg. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe and I Can't Wait to Get to Heaven are equally wonderful heart-warming books. That's some lovely down home country spirit.

[Immortal Flame]

I don't actually consider Stephen King horror. Then again, I'm pretty anti-King... not that I want anyone to quit liking him or anything crazy like that. I just can count the books I like of his on one hand. And two fingers. Maybe it's because my mom kept on pushing me to read him and screaming at me every time I put his books down because they were boring me.

My favorite author is definitely H.P. Lovecraft. Pessimistic, dreary, terrifying in their scope. Let's see, should I be more scared of Slenderman, Jigsaw, long-haired Japanese chicks, or a color out of space that can turn you into ash and you can't even see it. What about a squid-headed giant who is dead but can still fuck yo' shit up?

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr is another one. Witty, with an amazing grasp on human nature. His death was too sudden, he shall be missed in the realms of literature. Although Slaughterhouse Five is probably his most well known work, honestly, my favorites are Galapagos and Cat's Cradle.

The Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card is excellent sci-fi fiction, for the most part. I dislike how he handles romance, but my favorite book in the series is probably Xenocide.

There are always lots of opinions on King, though I can't honestly speak to any except to say that I like the movies. *ducks the screaming fans of his books for speaking such blasphemy*  I have read and enjoyed some Vonnegut.  Some years ago I read "Welcome to the Monkey House," but I've never actually read Slaughterhouse Five.

I have read Ender's Game, and found it enjoyable enough, though I've never fallen into the die hard fans of the series.  I read the first actually for school (before it was pulled from the curriculum for being too "controversial.")

Most of your selections seem pretty dark (excepting the last couple).  Bishop's Black Jewels are definitely more fantasy than science fiction or horror, but their plot gets pretty dark at times and there is some controversial subject matter in the series.  I've always loved them, and actually re-read them at least once a year.

[HVBill]

I simply devour books. On average I read about two to three books a week as I have time to read at both work and home.  I have recently finished a 21 book series by Patrick O'Brian that begins with the book 'Master and Commander'.  The series revolves around the sailing lifestyle of members of the English navy during Napoleonic times.  The realism and focus that the author uses when describing events aboard the ships and tactics used really draws you into the story, as well as the dynamic between many of the crew members that you get to become familiar with as the series goes on.  The major dynamic involves the captain and his closest friend, the ship's surgeon.  The stories also touch on life outside of the navy and away from the wars ad fighting.  They are an amazing piece of historical fiction.

Fahrenheit 451 is also an all time favorite of mine.

Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft are two of my favorite horror authors.

[Immortal Flame]

Fahrenheit 451 is also an all time favorite of mine.

Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft are two of my favorite horror authors.

Ah, the old classics.  You can never go wrong there! I've never actually heard of Robert Howard.  What sort of things does he write?

[Oniya]

Robert E. Howard wrote the Conan books, and others in the same universe.  There's some suggestion that his mythos connects in some way to HPL's, especially with stories like 'The Thing in the Cave'

[Nadir]

My favourite book series is The Doctrine Of Labyrinths series by Sarah Monette. It's a mix of steampunk, horror and a few other things. The plot is enrapturing, the characters are deep and agonisingly flawed and constantly developing and the worldbuilding is gorgeous. The series needs a few trigger warnings for torture, rape and off-screen paedophilia, but the author handles her dark themes masterfully. It's not a series I would recommend to everyone, but I love it.

A gentler book which is also high on my list is Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner. It's a low fantasy, regency era novel with an interesting alteration of the culture - no one cares about the gender of the person you boink. There is still a lot of sexism (which the author jabs at in the sequel) but the women are not without power. 

[phoenyx]

Besides Anne McCaffery, a good author I loved when growing up was Roger Zelazny and his Chronicles of Amber series.

[Trystia]

Just finished reading Reamde recently, which was an awesome book, though exceptionally long. I burst into uncontrollable fits of laughter at so very many points while reading it. I really need to pick up some more books now, since there's nothing left in my 'to-read' pile, and it looks like a few authors I've been collecting the complete works of have gotten new books published recently.

[Immortal Flame]

My favourite book series is The Doctrine Of Labyrinths series by Sarah Monette. It's a mix of steampunk, horror and a few other things. The plot is enrapturing, the characters are deep and agonisingly flawed and constantly developing and the worldbuilding is gorgeous. The series needs a few trigger warnings for torture, rape and off-screen paedophilia, but the author handles her dark themes masterfully. It's not a series I would recommend to everyone, but I love it.

A gentler book which is also high on my list is Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner. It's a low fantasy, regency era novel with an interesting alteration of the culture - no one cares about the gender of the person you boink. There is still a lot of sexism (which the author jabs at in the sequel) but the women are not without power.

I've never heard of Sarah Monette series you mentioned, but it sounds very intriguing!  I'm going to go do a google search on that one.  I don't mind a dark plot, as long as it is handled well. 

[Nadir]

She has another series going with another wonderful author, Elizabeth Bear. Their series sort of vikings-meets-pern, where instead of being bound to dragons, they are bound to dire wolves (or Trellwolves). That one also needs a gang-rape warning (one of the wolves goes into season and the bond-brother of the wolf in question was under her influence, which put him in a position he otherwise would never get into willingly)

It's not as dark as the Doctrine Of Labyrinths series, but still has stunning world building and characterisation.   

[Immortal Flame]

Just finished reading Reamde recently, which was an awesome book, though exceptionally long. I burst into uncontrollable fits of laughter at so very many points while reading it. I really need to pick up some more books now, since there's nothing left in my 'to-read' pile, and it looks like a few authors I've been collecting the complete works of have gotten new books published recently.

Haha, my "to-read" pile is always growing.  Some days it intimidates me to see how many books I really want to read but haven't had the time yet!  I've read a lot of great series, and I'm always stumbling upon something that looks interesting to me.  I'm currently behind on a couple of series, including the last Mercy Thompson, and a healthy  handful of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters that I haven't caught up to yet.  JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood books are pretty lively, as well.  And though I haven't read one in quite awhile, I very much enjoy John Sandford's Prey Series.  Another one worth looking at might be F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack Series.  I think they are quite well written, and unique from many other books that I've looked into.

[Immortal Flame]

She has another series going with another wonderful author, Elizabeth Bear. Their series sort of vikings-meets-pern, where instead of being bound to dragons, they are bound to dire wolves (or Trellwolves). That one also needs a gang-rape warning (one of the wolves goes into season and the bond-brother of the wolf in question was under her influence, which put him in a position he otherwise would never get into willingly)

It's not as dark as the Doctrine Of Labyrinths series, but still has stunning world building and characterisation.

Hmmm, that sounds quite intriquing as well!  I have heard of Elizabeth Bear (I even have a few of her books on my shelf), and I've heard some wonderful things about her library. 

[Songbird]

Yay! A thread about books! :D

I am a rapacious reader, and I tend to read several different books at the same time. My favorite genres are the classics, mythology, history, fairy tales and folklore, poetry, mystery, true crime, horror, fantasy, roleplaying books, and textbooks. Yes, I actually read textbooks for fun! ;D Lately I have been brushing up on my Dungeons & Dragons source books, as well as reading the deliciously creepy tales of H.P. Lovecraft and M.R. James. I love a good scare. I've yet to find an author of fictional mysteries who satisfies me as well as Agatha Christie, but I would love recommendations. Ann Rule would have to be my favorite true crime author. She writes with such amazing poignancy and eloquence that really stays with you after you've finished reading.

I've fallen a bit behind in the fantasy genre, and I'm not sure which book or series to try. If anyone has any recommendations, I would love to hear them! :-)

[Oniya]

Songbird - I'm also a Christie fan - I liked Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse mysteries, and the adaptations of Henning Mankell's 'Kurt Wallander' mysteries.

[Songbird]

Songbird - I'm also a Christie fan - I liked Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse mysteries, and the adaptations of Henning Mankell's 'Kurt Wallander' mysteries.

I've watched the TV shows based on the Inspector Morse and Kurt Wallender series, but I've never read the books before. I'll have to check those out! :D

Which of Agatha Christie's books is you favorite? I'm torn between "And Then There Were None", "Lord Edgware Dies", "Peril at End House", "Evil Under the Sun", and "Ordeal by Innocence." I also enjoy "The Mysterious Mr. Quinn" but that's more of a collection of short stories.

[Oniya]

My first, and still a favorite, is 'The Mirror Crack'd', although I also dearly love 'Murder on the Orient Express' (It could be because David Suchet is just so darn cute as Poirot.) 

[gaggedLouise]

Someone asked me if I knew any good recent detective novels that felt real, enveloping and not jampacked with graphic, lengthy violence perpetrated by sadistic serial killers. I replied: "Without Fail by Lee Child" - it's one of the best sleuth thrillers I've read in the last couple of years. Found it back in 2008, during the U.S. primaries season, and that added a bit of topical interest to the story of how the loner Jack Reacher and a female FBI agent try to track down somebody who is clearly, but silently, planning to kill the U.S. vice president. But what really makes it so good is its grey, windy and wintery evocation of U.S. plains and cities, the gritty, tight dialogue and the tense hunt for an unknown and faceless adversary, and how the duo and the cops they're working with are trying to second-guess and outwit their foes out there somewhere. Like The Day of the Jackal, it's more about the methods of committing a crime, and of preparing against it, than about the killing itself. I'll have to look up more books by that guy.

[Slywyn]

I just wanted to point out(In case it hasn't been before), that Warcraft's fanbase doesn't hate Knaak because he's a bad writer. he's actually pretty decent.

They hate him because of how he treats the material.

He's literally destroyed, completely changed the characterization of several characters, and he makes changes to the lore and the setting willy-nilly.

He has actually admitted to doing zero research when writing a Warcraft novel, and just churns out whatever Blizzard hands him.

As far as books I only have one or two that haven't already been mentioned.

War of the Flowers(Though I don't remember the author), and Beyond the Blue Moon(And other books) by Simon R. Green.

Also, You Suck - A Vampire Story(though I don't have the book on hand to get the author's name) if you like funny books about vampires.

[Songbird]

My first, and still a favorite, is 'The Mirror Crack'd', although I also dearly love 'Murder on the Orient Express' (It could be because David Suchet is just so darn cute as Poirot.)

I've been meaning to read "The Mirror Crack'd"! :D I like that its title is from Alfred Lord Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott." What romantic doesn't love that poem? :-)

[Oniya]

I actually learned about the poem from the book, and later got a copy of Loreena McKennit's rendition of it.

[Songbird]

I actually learned about the poem from the book, and later got a copy of Loreena McKennit's rendition of it.

I love both! :D It's such a sweetly tragic tale. :-)

Speaking of which, I really should brush up on my Arthurian legends! ;D

[Deamonbane]

Forgive me for saying this, but Robert Ludlum(The Bourne Trilogy, The Matarese Circle), Tom Clancy(Without Remorse, The Bear and the Dragon, Clear and Present Danger), Fredrick Forsyth(The Avenger), Vince Flynn(Term Limits), W.E.B. Griffin, Stephen Hunter (Bob Lee Swagger Trilogy) are the top dogs in the authoring business... David Gemmel and Terry Goodkind are also good, if a bit too fan-oriented...

[Lilias]

Forgive me for saying this, but Robert Ludlum(The Bourne Trilogy, The Matarese Circle), Tom Clancy(Without Remorse, The Bear and the Dragon, Clear and Present Danger), Fredrick Forsyth(The Avenger), Vince Flynn(Term Limits), W.E.B. Griffin, Stephen Hunter (Bob Lee Swagger Trilogy) are the top dogs in the authoring business... David Gemmel and Terry Goodkind are also good, if a bit too fan-oriented...

If we're talking sales, the top dogs are probably James Patterson and Stephen King. :P

Adventures and thrillers have naturally broad audiences and few demands in knowledge or attention, that's why they sell. More niche genres tend to have more fans than casual readers.

[Deamonbane]

No...*Shakes head* No... no... no!!!!!

*grins*

Stephen King has his moments, but I tend to dislike most of his work... James Patterson...*shakes head* Never liked him much either...

[Lilias]

I like old Stephen King, and I mean old - like the first 15 of his 40 writing years. I don't think I've read anything he wrote post-accident... (I have to get started on the Dark Tower series, though.)

[Slywyn]

Even if you don't like King or Patterson, you have to admit that they're pretty successful.

Probably moreso than most other authors out there.

[Deamonbane]

Even if you don't like King or Patterson, you have to admit that they're pretty successful.

Probably moreso than most other authors out there.

Oh, no doubt... they are extremely talented, no question there... I just don't particularly like their books, is all...

[Oniya]

King and Barker both fell into the 'how badly can we drown the scene in body fluids' trap.  The early stuff was better.

[Deamonbane]

That's an interesting way to put it, although I agree... Ludlum had something of a problem with making sequels where none were needed.... Goodkind just goes on, and on, and on... he is good, but, honestly, he should have finished it with the first book, Max the second...

[Lilias]

It's frustrating when your favourite author doesn't sell as much as you'd like (I know, my favourite author is someone few people under 40 have even heard of, with just one lasting mainstream work, and several of her older ones out of print), but the market is the market. Every time I pass a 50 Shades display I have to remind myself 'this too shall pass'. :D

[Deamonbane]

Well... one can only hope...*grins*

[Lorrigan of Trost]

Every time I pass a 50 Shades display I have to remind myself 'this too shall pass'. :D

I am so sick of being recommended that book I doubt I'll ever even pick it up to see if it's worthy of all the hype.  I feel like someone took a chance in publishing it, and then the thousands of people who have never been exposed to erotic literature had a revelation of sorts, and that's the only reason it's selling as well as it is. 

[Slywyn]

We can only wish they'd been exposed to something better.

[Lilias]

We can only wish they'd been exposed to something better.

Like Jacqueline Carey's work.

[Oniya]

Or Elliquiy! ;D

[Tsenta]

I just recently picked up The Hobbit, the LOTR trilogy, and six books from the Dragonlance sagas. I'm like a little kid again.

[Deamonbane]

If you are into LOTR, I would recommend the 'Unfinished Tales' and the 'Silmarilion'... very great books...

[Cayen Aleva]

If you are into LOTR, I would recommend the 'Unfinished Tales' and the 'Silmarilion'... very great books...

My mother is just reading The Simarillion now, she's been a massive fan of Lord of the Rings since she was a kid and I swear she's going to find reading too slow, tear off the pages, eat them to gain their knowledge, and then throw the spine behind her like an orange rind.

I've just picked up part two in Catherynne M. Valente's Prester John series, The Folded World. (The first book is Habitation of the Blessed.) I love her work, she's nigh-unknown but her style is lyrical and poetic and challenging. She's supremely High Fantasy, and is very good at taking old folk tales or legends and updating them with her own markings, like the Russian tale of Marya Morevna in Deathless. I found her when I picked up Palimpsest at the behest of a serial fiction author I stalk follow who is also in love with her.

I'm also a big fan of Asimov. I've read Nine Tomorrows and of course I, Robot, but my favourite story of his is Gold, from the book of the same name, which nobody seems to know.

I went through Iain M. Banks' The Algebraist recently, too. That one is incredibly lush science fiction, written in a slightly different style depending on which character is being followed at the moment, always spinning their actions in a supportive light whether the obvious Big Bad Villain or the main protagonist.

Also I want to weigh in on 50 Shades of Grey, because I have strong feelings about it: It's Twilight with BDSM. Not only is the abusive relationship at the core of the books exactly the same, 50 Shades was originally Twilight fanfiction. No, really. Check Wikipedia. There's even a third trilogy coming that keeps the pseudo-BDSM elements and adds back in the vampires, called Gabriel's Inferno.

I'm not passing (too much) judgment on the method by which it was written. I love fanfiction at the best of times. But yeah. The source of it all is incredibly questionable.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Started up Dresden Files again and just finished Death Masks.  Just started the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan and also going to read Sword of Shanara (sp?).

[Lilias]

Jim Butcher is made of awesome, and can make a reader get out of breath just trying to keep up with him. Honestly, sometimes I think it takes him less time to write a book than it takes me to read it. >_>

[Deamonbane]

I was looking around, and I was wondering if anyone would recommend the 'Wheel of Time' books? I just bought them at the behest of a friend (Christmas gift) and I was wondering if I should get my own?

[Lilias]

The general consensus among those I know who have read them is that the world-building is awesome but the books themselves are massively overwritten. They could have been half the size each without the story itself suffering, and the saga could have been told in half the volumes. The first 4-5 are supposedly great, then it becomes clunky.

Mind you, I haven't read them myself, but I intend to. All the way to the end, because I'm OCD like that.

[Moraline]

I was looking around, and I was wondering if anyone would recommend the 'Wheel of Time' books? I just bought them at the behest of a friend (Christmas gift) and I was wondering if I should get my own?

I've read them all at least 2x (some more then that.) 

I am a total fan of the series. You'll get some people complain about the complexity of the character interactions and the immense detail he puts into seemingly mundane things like a woman's dress for instance. That leads many people to believe that the books could be "cut in half."

However, the reality is that those details all hold meaning. They convey levels of politics, personalities, and often subtle variations that can easily be overlooked. A stripe on a dress can tell you if a person has switch sides or has particular political leanings. A detail in the way they interact might tell you if they are a "dark-friend." That doesn't even take into consideration that fact that several of the characters also slowly descend into madness.

There are a few books in the middle of the series that seem to cover middle ground and don't have satisfying conclusions but they are essential to the series.

Ideally, the books should be read as one complete epic. It's not like picking up a Jim Butcher: Dresden Files series book. The Wheel of Time is equal to a 3 part LotR style epic fantasy. It just happens to cover the span of 15 books instead (with optional - Prequel book and World book.)



Notes about what to expect when reading:

The books at first, involve a lot of running and struggling to survive. The heroes take a long time to come into their own and be a force that can fight back. Each character in the book takes a long time to discover the ways in which they will be able to fight back against the evil that's coming. As they journey each one has their own epic story line (which is a big part of the reason the series is so long.)

The books highlight magic, epic military battles, love, friendship, armed combat, the world history, and philosophy.

[Deamonbane]

Okay, sounds like something I would enjoy to read.... thanks for the recommendation...

[Moraline]

Okay, sounds like something I would enjoy to read.... thanks for the recommendation...

I forgot to mention. Don't bother reading the prequel book until after about book 10, same with the World book. If you choose to read them at all.

The prequel book doesn't really mean much or seem very deep until you know the characters involved. It's very satisfying reading it though after about book 9 or 10.

The World Book, I wouldn't recommend reading until you've read the whole series. The art work in the World Book is terrible at best. Most importantly all of the stories/history of the world in it, ruin the back story reveals that you get as you make your way through the series. They are very enjoyable to read though if you go back to them later - they fill in levels of details and touch on things that are never seen in the book series.

So if/when you start the series, start at Book 1: The Eye of the World

[Deamonbane]

I will keep that in mind, thanks...

[Pumpkin Seeds]

The first book in the series is pretty good so far, but I have a tolerance for slow reads as well.  Hardest part for me was the start because I had just finished a Dresden book.  I was at page 100 going, "we haven't even left the village yet!  Harry would've killed ten people by now!"

[Moraline]

Yeah there's a big difference between a Dresden Files book and Wheel of Time.

If you had in a Dresden Book, with like 10 Dresdens and made them all main stars then made the plots infinetly more complex, watched all the bad guys from their perspectives as well... then you'd end up with series of books like the Wheel of Time.

I won't lie to you. It's a hefty read.

[Deamonbane]

So long as it isn't boring hefty reading... The Song of Ice and Fire is awesome, but the guy tends to go on and on a bit... elaborating on too many characters at the same time...

[Moraline]

I can't speak for the Song of Fire and Ice series by Martin but you might find the Wheel of Time will do that as well quite a bit. The good news is that the author Robert Jordan doesn't kill off everyone like Martin does. As well everything you read about will come back later in the books. Robert Jordan is the king of foreshadowing.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

Meh, it was just a humorous gear shift to me.

[Petrichor]

How are the Dresden Files books? That's a name that I've heard off and on for the past five or so years, but I'm not sure if it's wise for me to commit to an entire series at this point. I am familiar with both A Song of Ice and Fire and the Wheel of Time, though.

I feel as though I'm completely behind on popular fiction, quite simply because I've been drowning myself in the works of Charles Dickens, Robert Browning, and Oscar Wilde. So...if any of you are ever intrigued by literature but don't know where to start, I may be of use.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

The Dresden Files is a fun read with good characters.  A bit ridiculous at times but still a fun read.  I wouldn't go in expecting enlightenment, but a good time.  As for commitment, the books are an easy and light read.

[Moraline]

I agree with Pumpkin. The Dresden Files books are fun to read. Each one is a completely self contained story so there's no major commitment.

[Lilias]

There are story arcs, though, so they are better read (roughly) in order. I jumped from #1 to #10 and it was a jar. *chuckles* Lots of inbetween story to catch up with.

[Petrichor]

I will have to look into them. I prefer entertainment over enlightenment from my pleasure reading, anyway. It's nice to take sentence for what it is every one in a while.  :-)

It's especially good to know that they're mostly individual story arcs per book. That also simplifies things.

Though, I just remember that I still have not read The Casual Vacancy, and this seems like an intolerable mistake on my part.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

I would be careful reading them out of order.  The individual adventures do end with each ending of the book, but the characters have continual development and growth throughout the novels.  So if you jump around they will "grow" out of order essentially.

[Deamonbane]

*takes notes of these books*

[Sasquatch421]

I would be careful reading them out of order.  The individual adventures do end with each ending of the book, but the characters have continual development and growth throughout the novels.  So if you jump around they will "grow" out of order essentially.

About the same way as the Anita Blake books. Most of the cases are stand alone, but the character development spans them all. Then a theme came in when they started dealing with Marmee Noir. I will admit I enjoy some of the characters, especially how Nathaniel grows as the series goes on. Then when you learn more about Micah...

[Immortal Flame]

About the same way as the Anita Blake books. Most of the cases are stand alone, but the character development spans them all. Then a theme came in when they started dealing with Marmee Noir. I will admit I enjoy some of the characters, especially how Nathaniel grows as the series goes on. Then when you learn more about Micah...

I have to say that once upon a time I truly enjoyed the Anita Blake series, and though that there were a lot of great plots and character development.  After the whole Marmee Noir I feel like everything sort of went downhill, and it was tragic losing a really good series like that.  Even though I am a fan of Micah, it always seemed to me that the book where Anita just sort of jumps his bones without warning was sort of a turning point, after which LKH jumped off a cliff and never really looked back.  I haven't been able to read one since Danse Macabre, and haven't even picked one off the shelf in ages.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

After I finish the first in the Robert Jordan series, I might have to switch to non-fiction.  Virgins and Martyrs seems like such a wonderful topic.

[Faustus]

I have to say that once upon a time I truly enjoyed the Anita Blake series, and though that there were a lot of great plots and character development.  After the whole Marmee Noir I feel like everything sort of went downhill, and it was tragic losing a really good series like that.  Even though I am a fan of Micah, it always seemed to me that the book where Anita just sort of jumps his bones without warning was sort of a turning point, after which LKH jumped off a cliff and never really looked back.  I haven't been able to read one since Danse Macabre, and haven't even picked one off the shelf in ages.

Here, Here.

[Pyana]

Wow...favorite books. I have a few. :)

The Dresden Files - mentioning these because I have seen them mentioned quite a few times in this thread. I actually just picked up the first two about a month ago, and finally fit them in when I was sick last week with the flu. They are good, but they don't rate as favorites. Well-written, entertaining. I'd read the rest if I found them in a used book store, but I won't buy them new, and I won't keep them after I am done.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - one of my top two favorites. I read it every year. I can quote the book. This is about a little girl growing up in the depression era, but has such a wonderfully varied and oh-so-real array of characters in it.

Alas, Babylon - my second top favorite book. Another one I read every year. An nuclear war fiction novel. I honestly don't know why I love this book so much, but I do.

Mercedes Lackey - just about anything, but particularly the Valdemar books. I am not a huge fan of some of her earlier works, but all of her work is good.

The Deathgate Cycle - by Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. An amazing fantasy series, strongly recommended.

Stephen Lawhead - anything, but particularly the Pendragon Cycle. Very few books - and even fewer series - can entertain me, educate me, and inspire me all at the same time. This guy is one of them.

A Girl of the Limberlost - this one sat on my shelf for months. I would pick it up and look at it. "Oh, a girl goes to school from selling moths. Boy, that sounds like a fun read" - *puts it back*. Finally I got sick of looking at it and made myself read it. One chapter in and I was hooked, staying up to all odd hours of the night reading. HIGHLY recommended.

Education of a Wandering Man by Louis L'Amour - not a western, but an autobiography. L'Amour was a very intelligent man, extremely well-read. The books he has read, the stories he has to tell - all fascinating.

The Pillars of the Earth - by Ken Follett. Again, on my bookshelf for ages. "Oh, a book about building a cathedral. Fun times." *puts it back* But then a friend recommended it, and I read it, and like with the Girl of the Limberlost I was hooked. I have the sequel, but need to find time to read it. Now that I am on this website, that is likely to be awhile. :)

Those are some of my favorites:)

[Murphy Sez]

The Vampire Earth series by E. E. Knight is a great one. They're not the typical vampires of myth, but alien creatures who send out their biological constructs to harvest people and bring nourishment back. They've created a new society with traitorous humans managing the world for them, and rebels fighting back. There's also a race of four armed, chewbacca-ish slaves who were brought in by the vampires, many of whom join the resistance, or go feral.

And let's not forget... the Warhammer 40K universe. Mmm, I'm getting all warm and toasty just thinking about the Space Marines with flamethrowers.

[Pumpkin Seeds]

:: takes Murphy's Space Marines and replaces them with Sisters::

[Sasquatch421]

I've gotten back into The Hallow's series by Kim Harrison... It take a little bit to get started, but they are good books and I love the covers. While I like the main character Rachel Morgan, I fell in love with Ivy the living vampire who becomes Rachel's business partner. Then there is the pixie Jenks... All his curses have to do with Tinkerbell and faeries...

[Caeli]

Mercedes Lackey - just about anything, but particularly the Valdemar books. I am not a huge fan of some of her earlier works, but all of her work is good.

I just wanted to chime in and say that I adore Mercedes Lackey's books. Which one I'll read at any given time will depend on my mood (if I'm looking for something more serious, I'll usually pick up her Bardic Tales titles; something more humorous, the 500 Kingdoms books; Valdemar & world titles if I'm looking for feel-good magic and happy endings and a bit of the exotic), but I really love all of her work.

[LilyRoseBlack23]

One of my favourite authors will always be JRR Tokein, not only did he create an entire world, but entire languages from scratch, and his son did an excellent job finishing his father's works so they were able to be published.

[Cyclone Havoc]

House of scorpions is amazing book, and the author is finally writing a sequel to it.

[Monica]

Wow, Nancy Farmer is writing a sequel? I read that book when it came out in 2002. Damn.

[Cyclone Havoc]

Lol that's what I said when I found out.  It's called THE LORD OF OPIUM