Tolkien, Howard, Moorcock, Martin and now... Deas!
597974
I have read nearly four hundred fantasy genre books. The best authors by far (in my opinion of course) are J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings), George R.R. Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire, Dunk & Egg), Terry Brooks (The Sword of Shannara and the rest of the Shannara series), Michael Moorcock ( Elric of Melnibone novels), Weiss & Hickman (The Dragonlance: Chronicles and Legends) Ursula K. LeGuin (Earthsea trilogy), Robert E. Howard (Conan),Gary Gygax (Gord the Rogue), R.A. Salvatore (Drizzt novels, The Cleric Quintet), Raymond E. Feist (The Riftwar Cycle) and Fritz Leiber (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser novels).
I can now add another name to the list of stellar authors in the fantasy genre. Stephen Deas. He is an author to watch. His writing is crisp, the characters dialogue is terrific and the story is unique and often surprising. His world is richly imagined and filled with believable characters and events. I'm on the third book in this series now and I can't put it down. The fourth book is already winging its way across an ocean and I look forward to this authors work for years to come. Do yourself a favor and buy all four hardcover novels in the series; A Memory of Flames. You won't regret it.
1707742
Tolkien is amazing at each page. How can a 300 pages book contain such a surprinsing adventure? It is full of the most incredible fantasy elements: hobbits, dwarfs, elves, wizards and so on. Love it.
3758280
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett... doesn't get much better than that!
527687
I have no idea how many times I've read this trilogy.  Certainly over 30.  I have also read almost every other fantasy which has achieved any sort of popularity, and nothing really comes close.  (Well, Guy Gavriel Kay and Orson Scott Card, maybe, and George R. R. Martin's new series is shaping up to be very special - but I digress!)  What makes it so re-readable, aside from the unparalleled level of world-building and a story arc that defined modern fantasy pretty well single-handedly, is the WRITING.  Tolkien's love for and mastery of the English language makes LOTR a true work of literature in the best sense of the word.  Every detail of the plot has long since burned itself into my brain, but the sheer pleasure I take from letting the words flow by ensures that I will be reading these books forever.  There are a lot of great plot-spinners out there these days (Eddings, Donaldson, Robert Jordan in particular is taking that to new heights - or depths), but I only read those books to find out what happens next.  Their use of the language rarely (and in some cases never) rises above mere competence.  None of them could have turned me into a voracious life-long reader the way Tolkien did.  If you think the complexity of the language is going to be a barrier, there's lots of other terrific British fantasy you can cut your teeth on.  C.S. Lewis, Joan Aiken, Susan Cooper, Alan Garner and of course J. K. Rowling are just a few.  You have to be ready for this book (which might be considered a criticism these days), but if you are it will be a unique and life-changing experience.  I hope all that wasn't too over the top...
923693
Loved this book - so right now i have one more of these Weta Books to get - the one on the Hobbits - well - that is until November when they come out with the 6th book - on Orcs and the more colorful characters that make up this insane realm! I can't wait!
1105498
Sometimes I wish the fantasy genre didn't exist because some people won't read Tolkien because they say they don't like fantasy.  Please leave that thought at the doorstep and enter the world of adventure and self discovery and humour and so much fun!
683663
Back in the 1970's, when I was just getting into sf and fantasy, everyone told me, "You've got to read Tolkien!"  I read him, and while I could certainly see why he's considered a founding father of modern fantasy (or at least of *high* fantasy; "heroic," or sword-and-sorcery, fantasy derives from Robert E. Howard's Conan), I never really fell in love with his books as so many people do.  (I far prefer David Eddings.)  Dennis McKiernan's world of Mithgar (it even *sounds* a bit like "Middle-Earth") is obviously based somewhat on Tolkien's universe; it has its humans, elves, dwarves, and a halfling race called Warrows (who have, nevertheless, their own unique aspects: though peaceful and retiring, they're noted as archers, can fight valiantly at need (and respond in numbers when the High King calls for warriors to resist the Dark), and are blessed with unusual eyesight), its long-ago war between good and evil, and its blasted, sinister realm of Gron where Modru, the Enemy, broods over his long-ago defeat.  At the same time McKiernan doesn't follow Tolkien slavishly: his world has a good god, Adon, who long ago prevailed over Modru's master, Gyphon, and exiled him to a distant dimension, from which Modru hopes to release him.  Galen King, the analogue to Aragorn, is not a king-in-hiding but (when we first meet him) the Crown Prince, the known heir to King Aurion.  And while Mithgar is clearly a place where magic flourishes, there are no wizards at all in evidence to help resist the Dark Tide that Modru unleashes in his bid to gain enough power to release his master.  But he can't do it until certain elements come together--a solar eclipse and a blood sacrifice, neither of which has any part in LOTR.  (There are no analogs of Gollum or the One Ring, either!)  Some of the dialogue is a bit over the top, but then so is some of Tolkien's.  And while, in the end, the principal Warrow character, Tuckerby Underbank (clearly the equivalent of Frodo Baggins), is required to make a fearful sacrifice, he's never tempted quite the way Frodo was, perhaps because there's no Ring to provide a focus for Modru's evil.

This is an omnibus volume of what were originally three separate books, "the Dark Tide," "Shadows of Doom," and "The Darkest Day," published individually in 1984.  Though not easy reading, it does maintain pace and suspense, and I actually found it somewhat more to my taste than LOTR was.  Certainly I'm intrigued enough that I plan to track down some of the other titles in the series.  Since I've never so much as picked up a copy of&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Silmarillion/dp/0618391118/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Silmarillion</a>&nbsp;or any of the other offshoots of LOTR, that says something positive about the Mithgar series.
2255372
The story of , "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, has taken on a life of it's own. From its first publication in the late 1930's as an obscure children's tale written by a little known professor  of Anglo-Saxon history  that, as the story goes, has grown greatly in its telling. This pop culture fad of the 60's and 70`s has morphed into the basis of the blockbuster LOTR films by Peter Jackson and its own films in the near future, (sure to also be blockbusters). Professors Tolkien's Hobbits, Elves and Dwarves have become a fixture and icon of Western Culture.  I find it fascinating that he, (Tolkien) remarked to a friend, in 1937 that, "I don't much approve of, "The Hobbit", myself....". I think it's possible that he changed his mind as the years went on.

 I won't go into reviewing the story that so many already know by heart and that others have spoken of at nausea, other than to say that it is a great book for both children and adult's, nuff said.

 I will however, say a bit about this Edition. I have been lusting after this Edition of, "The Hobbit", ever since I was sale's clerk at a Walden's in the early 1970's. I think that even then it cost around $20. For those of you who can't recall any President prior to a Bush or Clinton, let me tell you, when you're 16 years old and making just under $2 an hour, that was a  sum that only old Smaug himself could afford!
  This edition is beautifully bound and printed. The illustrations and drawings could be considered a bit unspectacular by today's, "razzal-dazzle", standards but, they are none the less very enchanting in their own right and done by the author, I think that counts for something.
  The hard cover box/sleeve that the work comes in both protects the volume and does nothing that detracts from its beauty. If you ever have an evening to spare, translate the ruins that encompass the book, it's a bit of an inside joke.
 This is a work of heirloom quality. I am greatly looking forward to reading this beautiful edition to the prolific number of grandchildren that our children have produced and seem to drop off with greater regularity, :).

All and all this work and this edition come very highly recommended.

Spence the Elder
"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc"
  -M. Addams-
4658028
This book was to most epic Fantasy what ginger is to sushi. Why? Because when my metaphorical reading mouth was tired of the Eurocentric re-hashed sword & sorcery epics, it came through and said "Hell with that stuff!" (note: I'd be using stronger language if Amazon Reviews allowed it) "Here's an entirely different worldview, demographics, and magic system! Oh, and how about some REALLY well-written close-quarters combat scenes that AREN'T based around the Crusades!" It was a long and satisfying read, with characters I cared about and the hints of mysteries and the Big Bad Thing That No One Notices Heading Their Way and basically, I wish he'd get that second book out. This is Great Stuff. Read it.
2411725
This book is the answer to a question that had occurred to me when I was reading the previous entry in the series - Mort. The question was: how can Mr Pratchett possibly top the disc-threatening events of that book? The answer is Apocralyptic! Welcome to the apocryphal Apocalypse of the Discworld, a judicious mix of Ragnarok, whimsy, power mad Wizards atop towers, three of the Four Horsemen losing their horses to unlikely thieves, and one hapless Wizzard and his sapient pearwood Luggage.

This was a brilliant read, and a rather profound meditation on Power, as the usually harmless and kooky Wizards of Unseen University are led into all out war to dominate even the Gods by a sort of uber-wizard called a Sourcerer, a child born add the 8th son of a Wizard not paying mind to his view of celibacy...

The characterization and world building are top notch, as we get some delightfully quirky characters like 'Nijel the Destroyer' - a barbarian hero so hapless, he makes Rincewind look good. Also Conina, the daughter of Cohen the Barbarian, who had appeared in The Light Fantastic as Rincewind's friend. We finally get to see a glimpse of the gods of Cori Celesti, and visit the empire of Klatch, which is like Egypt, but funnier. The ending nicely sets up Rincewind's next adventure, which is great.

My only criticisms are that we won't see Nijel or Conina again apparently :( and the end felt a bit frantic and could've been better explained, perhaps. Minor quibbles though, these are... I literally can't wait to start the next book in the series. Already bought it!
2146005
Here, There Be Dragons has made it onto my 'high fantasy' shelf for dozens of reasons. Characters you can befriend, a plot and storyline both tangled and exciting, literary references to blow your mind - I only have one reservation to prevent me from demanding all of my friends read this amazing book. I doubt many have the background to fully understand it. Don't let the Young Adult tag fool you, anyone old enough to understand will enjoy this book.

Sure, my boyfriend would love it for the adventure and rollicking humor - but he'd miss all the tie-ins that can really blow your mind. Another friend would catch some - mainly Greek mythology - but the J. M. Barrie stuff would pass completely over his head.

Read this book; it's absolutely wonderful. Everything I could have ever wanted. But before you do, brush up on your Greek, Welsh, Celtic, and even Egyptian mythology, your Tolkien, your C. S. Lewis, your Hugo Dyson, your Lloyd Alexander and Jules Verne and Lewis Carroll and H. G. Wells and Charles Williams and maybe a little Sir Arthur Conan Doyle too. And Heaven forbid you forget your Arthurian legends!

This book is a bit like the movie 'Inception', in the sense that it will absolutely rock your world if you have but the sense to understand. If you can't grasp the threads, then enjoy it purely on face value. You won't be dissappointed. But if you can keep them straight, if you can watch the author weave them as surely as the Three Who Are One and their tapestry of fate - well, then this will end up on your favorite bookshelf, too.
1144263
Wow... besides Tolkien's stuff these have been the best books I've ever read. It goes without saying that the writing is superb, the plots engaging, and the allegorical elements, whether they be subtle or obvious, are all deeply profound and well-symbolized. I'll give you my personal views on each of the books, for lack of a better way at going about this. And I'll go in chronological fashion, though they should be read in the intended order.

The Magician's Nephew- Probably my least favorite one, though the scene near the end involving Digory and the fruit I absolutely loved! All in all, a great prelude.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe- the most famous book, and it might have once been my favorite. However, I'd seen the animated movie so many times as a child that I just found the others to be a more interesting read. Still, a very haunting and thought provoking book
The Horse and his Boy- Slows down in some spots, in general it's an fascinating look into the golden years of Narnia. Quite humorous and adventuresome throughout, it remains one of my favorites. And for all the nay-sayers ou there who call it bigotted and rascist, settle down! Geez, one of the major characters in here is a Calormen, and she's painted in a VERY positive light. The Calormens are treated as normal people, and just because a few of them are evil doesn't mean you need to tie your underwear in a knot. You did the same to good ol' Tolkien with is nation of Harad. So just chill out.
Prince Caspian- A high action tale with many battles and fast paced scenes. While it's slow at the beginning, the remainder of the story never lets up. Two extremely haunting and dream-like scenes will remain forever etched in my memory. They are Cornelias' conversation with Caspian in the tower, and Lucy's midnight walk through the forest where she finds... but I can't be giving spoilers, can I?
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader- Great! This is also one of my favorites, due to the great action and the feel of the unknown. The fact that they are sailing in uncharted seas is enough to get you hooked; Caspian makes a strong return as a classic Lewis character. And with Reepicheep, possibly my favorite Narnia character, you can't go wrong!
The Silver Chair- Many of the previous reviewers disliked this one. It happens to be my favorite, simply because of the high fantasy feel. It's much more quest-oriented then any other Narnia title, with some incredible imagery and a great cast of characters. No matter what you think of the book, you can't deny that Puddleglum wasn't awesome.
The Last Battle- Probably my second favorite. It has it all, conspiracy, espionage, rescue missions, revolutions, fights, epic battles, and a general settling of old accounts. We get a great adventure with appropriate closure to a wonderful series.
1557415
Good stuff here.. I haven't been so entertained by a "fantasy" novel in years. I've already bought and given away several copies to friends. Mind you, it may not be terribly deep or intellectual... but it's a ton of fun.

Fans of Moorcock's "Elric" anti-hero and David Gemmell's "Skilgannon the Damned" should pick this up immediately.
3802197
This Conan Saga is all Robert E. Howard! If you've never read a REH story you're in for a real treat! Look inside, download the Free Sample, and then you'll be hooked! Beyond the Black River and Red Nails are two of my favorites!!

Also get&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Robert-E-Howard-Omnibus-99-Collected-Stories-Halcyon-Classics/dp/B003O86R5M/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Robert E. Howard Omnibus: 99 Collected Stories (Halcyon Classics)</a>&nbsp;and

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Blood-and-Thunder-The-Life-and-Art-of-Robert-E-Howard/dp/1304031527/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Blood and Thunder: The Life and Art of Robert E. Howard</a>

I've read thousands of books in all genres and REH is one of a kind! He put himself in each and everyone of his passionate stories with the written word literally leaping out and grabbing you. He was a great wordsmith and could sure tell a yarn. His other creations to name a few are Kull, Red Sonja, Solomon Kane, Bran Mak Morn, horror stories, boxing stories, adventure stories, tales of the orient, etc.

He mainly wrote for the pulps especially Weird Tales where he would collect I believe 1 cent or 2 cents per word. He made more the the school principle back in the thirties.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/One-Who-Walked-Alone-Robert-E-Howard-the-Final-Years/dp/093798678X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">One Who Walked Alone: Robert E. Howard the Final Years</a>is an outstanding book about REH's girlfriend Novalyn Price Ellis.

Enjoy!
219152
Not since my discovery of Tolkien have I thoroughly enjoyed a work of fiction to the extent that I did The Worm Ouroboros, with the possible exception of some of Howard's Conan stories.  The Worm Ouroboros was the longest fantasy epic before the publication of Lord of the Rings and has had a pervasive impact on all subsequent fantasy literature, either directly or by way of Tolkien and Howard themselves.  Some great fantasists, such as Fritz Leiber and Michael Moorcock claim to actually prefer Eddison to Tolkien!  Now, I can't go as far as that, but Worm Ouroboros is definitely his closest competitor, together with Howard.

  Nevertheless, many modern readers shirk from Worm Ouroboros for stylistic reasons.  The book is written in a faux Elizabethan(Shakespearean) "high style" which some readers find unreadable.  For me, the style is a major draw of the work, but also for me, style does not make up for other deficiencies.  If Worm Ouroboros were written in colloquial English, it would cease to be a great work, but on the other hand, if some hack modern author were written in Miltonics, that would in no way elevate them.  The characterization is in some ways wanting in Worm Ouroboros, but this has to do with the epic nature of the story.  Eddison was not trying to write modern psychological novel, but was rather writing in the epic style of the Icelandic sagas or that of the Iliad or Odyssey.  Again, this element was a major draw of the book for me, as I appreciate it as the latest installment in that tradition.

  The fantasy works subsequent to Tolkien for the most part devolved into genre fiction which holds very little interest for me.  Authors like Eddison, Tolkien and Howard maintain a connection to the real world in philosophy and subject matter which gives their writing a more elemental, immediate feel.  Worm Ouroboros is fraught with philosophical meditations and political subtext which entertain the reader at many levels.  The conflict between the imperialistic Witchland(the bad guys) and republican Demonland(good guys) embodies Eddison's own opinion about the course of English history, and carries an unforseen commentary on the subsequent course of American history as well.  Eddison was an English civil servant during life.  The symbolism surrounding Lord Gro, a courtier trying to win favor in an imperial country to win back a homeland he was exiled from, and the dwarf ambassador contain meditations on another perrenial "question".  The perceptive reader will note musings on religion, and many other life riddles as well.

  They don't write 'em like this anymore!
2486400
This ranks up there with "the Wheel of Time", "A Song of Ice and Fire" and "The Lord of the Rings"!
930811
Tolkien geeks will absolutely love the Silmarillion. Everything you wanted to know about the background and origins of Tolkien's world is there, albeit much of it briefly stated.
For the average person who really liked LOTR and just wants some more background, might I suggest that having lit bamboo splints shoved under your eyelids is less painful than trying to plow through this book. Many, if not most characters in this morality play have a number of names they are known by and you never know which name they are going to be referred to by. I found myself constantly going to the name in the back of the book to refresh myself as to which name went with who. There are many characters and much information that you ask, "SO?" about after reading it. It doesn't take long to see that the Nordor (Deep Elves) are one bunch of dumb bunnies. They are reminiscent of the Isrealites. Etc. etc.  Anyway, if you are Joe Blow and just want to pick up some additional info on the bigger Tolkien world, might I suggest there are several internet sites that will make it much easier. If you insist on trudging through this book, allot 2 packs of yellow post-it notes and 3 months to fully read, remember and digest it. I made it through but I'm not sure why.....