Melanie Rawn - Anyone else like her?

[Tickle]

Does anyone else out there read and like Melanie Rawn. She has 3 different series (that I've read so far). 2 are based in the same world and is like a continuation of the story and the other is a totally different world. She also has stand alone books as well.

The Dragon Prince and The Dragon Star Series (3 books each).
I really love this story.

Her other series still isn't complete. It has been years since I read the 2nd book and I'm still waiting on the 3rd. But it is also a very good story, with a complexity of characters.
Ruins of Ambrai, The Mageborn Traitor, Captal's Tower (still waiting on this one).

I want to know what other people think and if anyone else loved these stories as much as I do.

 

[Cerigwen]

I love Rawn. She's more or less a chick writer but her stories are wonderful and unique. Supposedly she is finally working on Captal's Tower but I won't believe until it is resting in my hands. Her official website is of little use as they do not seem to update more than every other year. I did think that the Sunrunner series was better. The world was less complex with the characters being more well drawn. Ruins of Ambrai seems to be the opposite. Both are very good though!

 

[elvet]

I haven't read any of her series yet, but I did enjoy a book she cowrote with Jennifer Robinson and Kate Elliot called The Golden Key .

 

[Tickle]

I haven't read any of her series yet, but I did enjoy a book she cowrote with Jennifer Robinson and Kate Elliot called The Golden Key .

You should definetly try one. I would suggest read The Dragon Prince series first since that story is completely finished. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Pyan]

What Tickle said.

Had these years, and still re-read them probably about once a year.

 

[Tickle]

Who are your favorite characters or your least favorite?

My favorite are:
Andrade
Sioned
Andrev
Rohan
Rislyn
Meig
Ahzdeen

My least favorite are:
Miyon
Rinhoel
Roelstra
Ianth
Andry

 

[Clansman]

I read Rawn back in 1995-1996, but just the first two trilogies. Quite entertaining, but I haven't returned to her books since, or read any more of her stuff.

 

[Tickle]

I read Rawn back in 1995-1996, but just the first two trilogies. Quite entertaining, but I haven't returned to her books since, or read any more of her stuff.

You should try Ruins of Ambrai, which starts the next trilogy. It is a very good read.

 

[rol7805]

I really enjoyed Ruins of Ambrai. I actually just recently picked up the sequel but haven't read it yet. I liked that she had a matriarchical society. They're not unheard of in fantasy, but it is nice to see something a little different. Also, (IIRC this is the book I'm thinking of), being a gay man I appreciated that she had gay characters in her book. I was impressed to see an everyday fantasy novel have this inclusion (without making a huge deal about it). Little gestures like that of exposure make people so much more comfortable with something they don't run into in their daily lives. I'll have to keep an eye out for her other works.

 

[Rosemary]

I also read and enjoyed some of her books way back in the mid 90s. Her mixture of fantasy and science fiction were intriguing.

 

[Tickle]

I really enjoyed Ruins of Ambrai. I actually just recently picked up the sequel but haven't read it yet. I liked that she had a matriarchical society. They're not unheard of in fantasy, but it is nice to see something a little different. Also, (IIRC this is the book I'm thinking of), being a gay man I appreciated that she had gay characters in her book. I was impressed to see an everyday fantasy novel have this inclusion (without making a huge deal about it). Little gestures like that of exposure make people so much more comfortable with something they don't run into in their daily lives. I'll have to keep an eye out for her other works.

That's good. You should definetly start it. IMO it is the best one so far. Have you read her Dragon Prince and Dragon Star series yet. That is also a great story as well (and it is complete).

 

[The Procrastinator]

I read her Dragon trilogies yonks ago, and enjoyed them - very soap-opera-y, but thats not all bad when you're in the mood (though as Cerigwen said it may make her more of a chick writer ). I bought Ruins of Ambrai ages ago too but never got the sequel, probably because it took ages to appear so I lost interest. If and when the series is finished I will eventually shell out for the other two books (second hand, maybe). I found with the Rawn books I read that they were fun and light, the sort of thing thats well written enough to have around and enjoy, but not so well done that I feel the need to become a compulsive collector.

 

[Lady of Winterfell]

I have Dragon Prince on my shelf (its been there quite awhile), would you say this would be a good book to start with? Or is there something I should read prior to picking it up?

 

[elvet]

You should definetly try one. I would suggest read The Dragon Prince series first since that story is completely finished. You won't be disappointed.

Just received books 1- 3 of the Dragon Prince.

 

[Tickle]

I have Dragon Prince on my shelf (its been there quite awhile), would you say this would be a good book to start with? Or is there something I should read prior to picking it up?

Yes!!! That is the first book. Start there. Let us know if you enjoy it. I think you will.

 

[Tickle]

Just received books 1- 3 of the Dragon Prince.

Enjoy!!!! Give us your feedback!!!

 

[elvet]

Finally sampling Melanie Rawn after getting a taste from the Golden Key.
I started the Dragon Prince on the weekend, and am already into the second book. Its good, but I'm not sure it's in the same caliber as Carol Berg (my current favorite). Of course it's early in the series; apparently there is a second trilogy in the same world as well.

 

[Lady of Winterfell]

Yes!!! That is the first book. Start there. Let us know if you enjoy it. I think you will.

Thanks Tickle! I just started The Skystone by Jack Whyte, so maybe when I finish that one I will pick it up.

 

[Tickle]

Finally sampling Melanie Rawn after getting a taste from the Golden Key.
I started the Dragon Prince on the weekend, and am already into the second book. Its good, but I'm not sure it's in the same caliber as Carol Berg (my current favorite). Of course it's early in the series; apparently there is a second trilogy in the same world as well.

Yes, The Dragon Star series is a direct continuation of the story.

What would you recommend should be read first by Carol Berg?

 

[elvet]

I'm well into the Star Scroll now. I'm enjoying all the characters and working up into anticipating how the dragons are going to have a bigger role in the stories. Rawn is and 'even' writer. She tempers bad things with good parts, so you never get too bogged down. I'm also finding it interesting that some of the characters are starting to question the involvement of the Sunrunners in the politics of the country. Magic will give those in power a great advantage, but you know in your heart that it is ultimately not a good thing. And, you have to feel for Rohan, all he wants is lawfully structured society. Anyhow, you can tell I'm really getting into it now. I've just ordered the Dragon Star trilogy as well.

What would you recommend should be read first by Carol Berg?

I would recommend the Rai-kirah trilogy, starting with Transformation. It is really a rollercoaster ride as the story unfolds. I really appreciated the resilience of the lead character, Seyonne.
I read the Bridges of D'Arnath as well, but found the Rai-kirah more memorable.