I’ve been between books for a while now, and have been casting about for what to read next. My next book I’m now good for — I can’t think of the title right now, but Candice loaned me a book last night that explores many of the different religions and/or cults (depending on your point of view) in the world today, from Mormonism to Scientology, should be interesting reading.

Today I was reading this thread on the Home Theater Forum where they’re discussing some of the reviews that have been coming out for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. On [page two of the thread conversation turned to whether or not the film would capture that near-undefinable “magic” or “epic” feel of really good fantasy or science fiction. In the course of the discussion quite a few books and series were mentioned, and I thought I’d jot some of them down so I can pull from this list next time I need to find a book to dive into. Here’s what they’ve mentioned so far:

Fantasy:

  • the first two trilogies of the Dragonlance series, by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (which always looked somewhat cheesy to me, but I may have been selling them short);
  • The Wheel of Time novels by Robert Jordan (I’ve read all that are currently in paperback and am anxiously awaiting more);
  • the Shannara books by Terry Brooks (the first few I remember liking, but that was years ago);
  • the Thomas Covenant novels by Stephen R. Donaldson (Royce has been telling me to read these for years);
  • the Krondor novels by Raymond E. Feist (I know nothing about these);
  • The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (I’ve read them, but again, it’s been years)
  • the Belgariad series by David Eddings (I’m more into sci-fi, but this was the one of the first major fantasy series that I really enjoyed);
  • Barbara Hambly’s fantasy series (the name of the series isn’t known, but the last book is titled The Dark Hand of Magic);
  • Zelazny’s Amber series (don’t know much about these either);
  • The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin (again, no personal knowledge here).

Sci-Fi:

  • Asimov’s Foundation series (while Asimov is my all-time favorite sci-fi author, I’ve actually yet to read this series);
  • Frank Herbert’s Dune series (I’ve read the first, but none of the others);
  • some of Iain Banks’ science fiction work (a name I’m not familiar with);
  • early Greg Bear and Gregory Benford (I think I’ve read some of each author…I at least know the names);
  • Niven’s Ringworld series (Niven’s another personal favorite, I’ve read a few of the Ringworld books);
  • Peter F. Hamilton’s Reality Dysfunction series (not a clue, again).

So…it’s a good start. Any comments on any of these, or any suggestions for other material? I’m all ears!

[See also: Aaaah! I wanna see it! I wanna see it now! | The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien | Some silly fantasy series | A.I. (Absolutely Incredible) | The Complete Chronicles of Narnia ]

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