Kate Elliott

[Teresa Edgerton]

Her name has been coming up quite a bit recently, so it seems like it must be time to start a thread.

She moves with ease between science fiction and fantasy. She was first published in 1988, and in 2005 she's still going strong and better than ever.

What's your favorite book/series by Kate Elliott? And who here (aside from yours truly) has read her first four books, published under her real name of Alis Rasmussen?

 

[GOLLUM]

AH.. Kelpie this is like music to my liteary ears!!

I was going to post half a dozen new threads next week on contemporary authors I've noticed haven't yet got much of a mention on this forum who are in my top list of fanatsy writers and Kate/Alis was one of them!

Don't forget to post some feedback on my Classic Fantasy Pre 1980s thread in this Books & Literature forum., which will feature 1 classic fantasy author per week to increase people's awareness of writers of Yore.

I've read her other books under her real name of Alis R. i.e The Jaran series and quite enjoyed it. However being a major fantasy junkie who likes the EPIC stories, I love her current Crown Of Stars series, having read the frist five books.

The final 2 books In The Ruins (due mid 2005) and Crown Of Stars (Feb 2006) was, as you probably know, going to be a final voulme out this year but due to its size and the publishing schedule will be published as 2 books. It is on my list of top fantasy series in the past 25 years under the Your Favoiriute Fantasy Books thread.

Fantastic writing and charaters and story telling on a grand scale in the best tradition of High fantasy. I would thoroughly recommend the Crown Of Stars series to any lover of quality fantasy!!!!

UM.. I was planning to provide some extra info on each of these authors, so I hope it's OK that I post something more later this week on Kate?

Bye for now.

 

[Neon]

I tried to start Crown of Stars, but it seemed too surrounded in religion for me to fully enjoy. Is this the case with the whole book/series? I've heard many good things about her work, and hate to miss out on a good author.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Actually, Jaran was the first Kate Elliott book. The Labyrinth Gate (fantasy) and The Highroad Trilogy (self-described space-opera) are the books published under the Rasmussen name.

Neon, yes, the religious element continues to be important throughout the series, though none of the religions/heresies are exactly the same as anything in our world. Not to everyone's taste, I know, but for me it gives Alis/Kate's worldbuilding a real sense of authenticity, because the Church was so very powerful and pervasive an influence through the entire medieval period.

 

[GOLLUM]

Actually, Jaran was the first Kate Elliott book. The Labyrinth Gate (fantasy) and The Highroad Trilogy (self-described space-opera) are the books published under the Rasmussen name.

Neon, yes, the religious element continues to be important throughout the series, though none of the religions/heresies are exactly the same as anything in our world. Not to everyone's taste, I know, but for me it gives Alis/Kate's worldbuilding a real sense of authenticity, because the Church was so very powerful and pervasive an influence through the entire medieval period.

Thanks for that correction. I haven't read the Highroad Trilogy yet so I'll see if I can track that down.

Neon,

As Kelpie says the religious elements continue thorughout the series but the story is much more than that. It's really well written and on the EPIC scale. One of my favourites of modern time. Do yourself a favour and rediscover her world!

Bye all..

 

[Neon]

Thanks for those clarifications ... I'll definitely put her back on my long list of things to read.

 

[Ailanna]

You mentioned The Labyrinth Gate under the Fantasy of Manners thread, I think. What's it about? Like Neon, I found it difficult to get into Crown of Stars and haven't tried anything of hers since.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

All of the books in the Highroad Trilogy are available used from Amazon here in the US, Gollum. (Quite reasonably priced, too.)

Ailanna -- It's been a long time since I read The Labyrinth Gate and I realize that I don't remember it very well, except that it was sort of a combination of Georgette Heyer and Charles Dickens, with fantasy elements, too, of course. One thing I do remember is that the story centers around a unique Tarot deck.

 

[Blue Mythril]

I've only read her Crown of Stars series (I have every book so far ) and loved it. Her characters are really well written I think, I get drawn to them or repulsed by them so easily... I found her an unusual writer, though she does seem at first glance to be kinda mainstream.

I'm really noticing how I'm drawn to writer's by their characters actually...

 

[GOLLUM]

I've only read her Crown of Stars series (I have every book so far ) and loved it. Her characters are really well written I think, I get drawn to them or repulsed by them so easily... I found her an unusual writer, though she does seem at first glance to be kinda mainstream.

I'm really noticing how I'm drawn to writer's by their characters actually...

Hooray!! another Kate Elliott Crown Of Stars fan!

Yes I'm also driven by characters that are well drawn by their author but also the quality of writing is a big thing for me in terms of whether I classify it as a quality series or not. Kate has no problems in this area I believe.

AHH... just think only 2 books left due mid year and early next year Yipee!!

Thanks for the info on the other series Kelpie!

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Just to enliven the discussion here, a link to a conversation between people who disapprove of Kate Elliott's use of religion in the Crown of Stars books:

http://pub16.ezboard.com/fthesymposiumphantasmagoricmiscellanea.showMessage?topicID=31.topic

Anyone here who has read the books agree? Disagree?

 

[GOLLUM]

That's a very interesting discussion thread you've put up there.

In one sense they're correct when these people say that Kate's world is a little derivative and based to some extent on a sort of Christain Middle Ages but so what! In my mind that actually, in an inverted way, adds a certain gravitas or weight to her work because it's based on real life, an historical fantasy if you will.

I tend to enjoy a book if it's well written and has an interesting story line rather than question why it's set in a certain context or has parralells with the Christain or other religiuos faiths. To do otherwise I feel, is to miss out on something potentially wonderful.

Besides let's be honest here, aren't most contemporary fantasy stories really reinventions or augemantations of previous historical ideas with perhaps a bit of a spit and polish added to them to bring them up to something perhaps more digetsible or relevant for today's reader?

My thoughts anyway..

 

[dwndrgn]

Well, see, now you guys have got me wanting to read her books and I can't find any of them at the library. I'll have to peruse the second-hand store next chance I get.

 

[GOLLUM]

Well, see, now you guys have got me wanting to read her books and I can't find any of them at the library. I'll have to peruse the second-hand store next chance I get.

FYI Daw is the US Publisher for A Crown Of Stars, not sure on others..

In case you don't know the order and wish to:

1. Knig's Dragon
2. Prince Of Dogs
3. The Burning Stone
4. Child Of Flame
5. The Gathering Storm
6. In The Runis (mid year)
7. A Crown Of Stars

Hope this is of some use..

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I agree, Gollum. The parallels and similarities give it weight -- not to mention resonance. The differences are what make it an original work of fantasy.

I think you would enjoy the books, dwndrgn. They are very dense and textured -- but full of action and excitement, too. Multiple plotlines full of unexpected twists and turns, and well-drawn characters.

 

[Alia]

Well, see, now you guys have got me wanting to read her books and I can't find any of them at the library. I'll have to peruse the second-hand store next chance I get.

A good place to start looking dwndrgn is eBay, that's where I have bought most of my Kate Elliott books. They are pretty cheap over there.

I am a Crown of Stars JUNKIE!!! That's where I took my user name was from one of the characters in the series.
I have read the series twice now. Once for pleasure and the second time searching for answers to nagging questions. If you like intrigue you'll find plenty in these books.
Kate has a web site: http://p199.ezboard.com/bkateelliott where people discuss her books. The Crown of Stars Series is a hot area. Everyone is trying to figure out who and what Alain is. If you figure it out dwndrgn let me know.

AHH... just think only 2 books left due mid year and early next year Yipee!!

I agree Gollum!!! I think you can preorder on Amazon, I haven't done it yet, but I think I will.

As far as her other works, I have read Jaran, the first book in the Jaran series and now I'm on the second one, An Earthly Crown. There is a big difference in writing styles. She still has that intrigue going on, but it's not at the same level as the Crown of Stars Series.

 

[GOLLUM]

Ahoy there Alia!

I've had that Kate Elliott discussion board added to my favourites for about 3 years now. It's really good because Kate logs on and informs us mere mortals of here latest updates on the books. They're the kind of authors I like the best, fan friendly!

HMM..didn't know you were that "Alia" WOW you're a bit of a legend IMHO, certainly a Kate Eliott expert!

Speak again soon..

 

[Alia]

you're a bit of a legend

Yeah right! I'm too... well, I have to think of the word and get back to you.

So Gollum what do you think Alain is? lol
I'm serious dwndrgn, or anyone else, if you figure it let me know.

And your right about Kate posting things on the website. She just recently posed chapter 1 of the next book and parts of chapter 2. Also, she has answer questions on the threads, not any of mine. (I wonder why?) lol

 

[Andyhug]

This has gotten me quite interested, but I need a little more. I need to know..well.. I don't know! Is there anything more well known that you can compare this series to? I will my likes and dislikes in hopes that it will help you decide wether or not these books are really for me (I am not a huge reader I have possibly read about 60-70 books in the 9 years that I have been reading). First of all my dislikes... I dislike Terry Goodkind, Terry Brooks, David Eddings, R.A Salvatore, Robin Hobb...those are just off the top of my head. I enjoy George RR Martin, Stephen Donaldson, David Gemmill, Bernard Cornwell, Clive Barker. One thing I have worked out is that themes do not bother me, so the whole religion thing isnt a problem. I think (I say think because I am not entirely sure what makes me enjoy a book) I am more interested in the characters and writing style. So do you think (If it is even possible to make a decision based on the information that I posted) that I will enjoy these books? And please don't just say yes ! heh ^^ Thanks in advance

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Well, I'd say that Kate Elliott has more in common with the last group than with the former, for whatever that's worth. Of course, if we knew what you like/dislike about each of those authors it might be helpful.

She doesn't go easy on her characters. Her worldbuilding is excellent and her knowledge of medieval societies formidable. She keeps you guessing about what is going to happen next.