Abercrombie vs Lynch vs Rothfuss

[nubins]

Interesting, I was recommended the Lies of Locke Lamora by a friend (who I had recommended Abbercrombie to and it was his way of trying to return the favour). He had really enjoyed it, but I could not get past the beginning on gave up. This thread makes me think I should persevere.

 

[thaddeus6th]

I hope you do, nubins. The start was a bit iffy, but the middle and end are extremely good.

 

[Dante DiBenedetto]

When I heard that Abercrombie's RED COUNTRY was going to be a stab at a gritty Western, I had low expectations for the transition from his Heroic Fantasy/Epic gritty that his previous novels encompassed.

I was actually pleasantly surprised. I even gifted my hardback to a friend who never read Abercrombie before, and usually sticks to things in the vein of Jim Butcher. Long story short, he loved it.

I've yet to read the other two authors, but I've heard great things. I couldn't comment on who is best, but you really can't go wrong with Joe.

 

[Bick]

A question about these three authors, who seem to be at the top of the modern fantasy genre:

My experience of fantasy is mainly old-school. I've read Tolkien, Eddings, Feist, Donaldson, etc. I have started reading Martin (just bought second book in his GoT). While I really enjoy GRRM's books, I am missing from them something I like in my fantasy - non-human races - which I think is (for me) more integral to fantasy than 'magic' in the wizardy sense (which he doesn't seem to have either). So, my question is, of these three top modern authors Abercrombie, Lynch and Rothfuss, who has the most fantastic elements in their novels? I don't just want grit and medieval humans fighting each other.

 

[HoopyFrood]

Interesting, I was recommended the Lies of Locke Lamora by a friend (who I had recommended Abbercrombie to and it was his way of trying to return the favour). He had really enjoyed it, but I could not get past the beginning on gave up. This thread makes me think I should persevere.

Yeah, as I said earlier in the thread, it seems almost everyone has this reaction to the book (I think I even stopped the first time through, then went back to it and kept going this time and I'm so glad I did!) It's a shame because it probably has put off people who would otherwise enjoy the book. Because it is awesome!

 

[ratsy]

I have read all of books by all 3 authors. I wouldn't really compare them. All three are totally different kind of writers writing different types of books. I really like Lynch's books but waiting for 4 years for another has soured me. Abercrombie on the other hand keeps them coming and I think they get better every time.

Rothfuss is a little long winded but the story still gets me into it and even the boring parts are a good read IMO.

All three very good, all three very different.

Edit: saw Bicks question after. Bick I also love the old school fantasy and really enjoy some good magic in my reads too. None of these are huge into magic, which seems to be the new trend. I would have to direct you towards Rothfuss if you are looking for that but even so, they make it more of a science and alchemy than "magic". For good old magic I rely on the Sandersons of the world to fill that void.

 

[williamjm]

My experience of fantasy is mainly old-school. I've read Tolkien, Eddings, Feist, Donaldson, etc. I have started reading Martin (just bought second book in his GoT). While I really enjoy GRRM's books, I am missing from them something I like in my fantasy - non-human races - which I think is (for me) more integral to fantasy than 'magic' in the wizardy sense (which he doesn't seem to have either). So, my question is, of these three top modern authors Abercrombie, Lynch and Rothfuss, who has the most fantastic elements in their novels? I don't just want grit and medieval humans fighting each other.

None of them has much in the way of non-human races and they're all relatively light on magic. GRRM and Abercrombie do have The Others and the Shanka but the former are seen relatively rarely in the books and although the latter are their world's equivalent of orcs there aren't any equivalents of the other typical fantasy races.

If you want lots of magic and races in a modern fantasy series then you might want to take a look at Steven Erikson's Malazan series

 

[Grunkins]

If you want lots of magic and races in a modern fantasy series then you might want to take a look at Steven Erikson's Malazan series

I was going to recommend this too. It's classic fantasy cranked up to 11. The first book is not all that indicative of what is to follow, so if you attempt the series, have some patience. The second and third books are two of the best fantasy novels I've ever read.

 

[Bick]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[Tansy]

Ratsy pretty much summed up what I was about to say, I'm up to date with all 3 authors and have enjoyed their work. Abercrombie is a quick enjoyable read for me, I tend to race through then, loved best served cold and Red Country. Lynch I really enjoy though book 1 has the edge, Rothfuss is a little long winded but still enjoyable.