Is this author the author for me?

I still believe you could skip the first book, go straight to the second, however, I feel it is important to read the first book before going on to Memories of Ice.
 
Brys said:
Well, the highest testament I can give to Erikson's quality is that he is still my number 1 author - he's maintained that position despite all of the excellent authors I've been reading in fantasy. Martin has slipped to 5th place (I didn't see that coming when I read ASOIAF). But when challenged by the likes of Mervyn Peake, China Mieville and M John Harrison, Erikson can hold on to his position because of the excellent worldbuilding, but Martin may have excellent characterisation and plots, so do all these other authors.
Click to expand...
Whoa Martin is still No. 2 for me but Mieville and Peake are excellent. Can't remember if I've read much of Harrison what's he like Brys, anyone???
 
Harrison is in many ways similar to Peake - particularly in his power of description. However, he has quite a few urban elements, like Mieville - he was, after all, one of the key influences on Mieville. The first two books of the Viriconium sequence are a bit more traditional in style, almost like Moorcock. Then the last two can be safely classified as anti-fantasy. Here's a good article he wrote, and while he mentions Viriconium a lot, there aren't any spoilers

http://www.fantasticmetropolis.com/show.html?ey,viriconium,1
 
Thanks for the info Brys.

I'd heard of the Virconium series but didn't realise or forgot Harrision wrote it. For someone extolling the virtues of classic fantasy looks like I'd better get on my bike with this one, especially when I see it's part of the Fantasy Masterworks series.... :(

Looks like Moorcock might be something of a fan too.... :cool:
 
i went into a bookshop and read the first 6/7 pages of gardens of the moon and it all felt out of place...i didnt understand anything...but i guess ill understand more as the book progresses...or does it remain like that for a long time...really sill qustion sry...

Thnx
Mayhs
 
Like we said, you've really just gotta let it wash over you for the first part of the book. It's not the book to read if you need to know whats going on all the time;)
 
Mayhs said:
i went into a bookshop and read the first 6/7 pages of gardens of the moon and it all felt out of place...i didnt understand anything...but i guess ill understand more as the book progresses...or does it remain like that for a long time...really sill qustion sry...

Thnx
Mayhs
Click to expand...
Don't stress by about 3/4 way through the book things begin to make more sense and by books end most of the main threads of the story are tied together....:)
 
GOLLUM said:
Don't forget Rosemary Book 3 is the one where the magic systems/ideas really kick in and what did it for me as far as proclaimnig Erikson my No 1. fantasy author with GRRM No. 2. Probably fair to say both are excellent series but in different ways.
I'd still agree that the books should be read in order, it'll make more sense if you do... :D
Click to expand...

NEWS OF THE WEEK - I have just purchased Memories of Ice :D

However, it is his last chance!! If this one still does not 'draw me in' to his work, that's it!:p

So you cannot say I haven't tried precioussssssss! ;)
 
Well the thing about the magic in GRRM's ASoIaF is the fact that it does not STAND OUT like it does in other stories. Its more like its just there if you look for it. For instance how the Stark children can become the wolf they have as a pet while in their dreams. The Others are magical, how else could they be considered? I found that I liked GRRM's books because of the fact that it did not rely on magic to tell a good story, magic is there but its not the story.

As for Mr. Erikson's story I think that the way he portays magic in his world, the reader finds that its just the way of life for some of his world, its fantastic but the way he brings it to the story it seems very common. I really enjoyed GOTM, the only book in this series I have read to date. I would rank that story right up there with GRRM's in terms of enjoyment while reading, but its definetly a harder read then ASoIaF.

Rahl
 
Exactly my thoughts Rahl, except I'd also put Bakker's Prince of Nothing series on the same level. I think it being a harder read also makes it a more interesting read overall, once you've read the first two or more books and the world is properly fleshed out by then, but I never really feel that with Martin, and most of what you know about the world comes from either history (ie Britain in the wars of the roses) or from brief descriptions.
 
Personally, I'm sick of the constant comparisons between Erikson and Martin. They are both truly excellent writers, but neither have remotely similar styles, or write about the same kind of things. Impossible to truly compare...
 
caladanbrood said:
Personally, I'm sick of the constant comparisons between Erikson and Martin. They are both truly excellent writers, but neither have remotely similar styles, or write about the same kind of things. Impossible to truly compare...
Click to expand...

Point well taken, I agree with you completely! I was not really comparing the stories or authors I was only pointing out that one story does not really rely on magic to tell the story and the same thing can be said of the other, though in GOTM magic is on nearly every page but the way it is presented makes it seem just part of the world and very common place to the people that inhabit it. Both tell excellent stories no matter the way they do it.

I can't wait for my Feast to begin! :D

Rahl
 
Yeah, sorry, was a bit ratty, I wasn't trying to get at you specifically. Too many people I talk to online can't seem to talk about Erikson without bringing Martin into it somehow;) You make a good point though, yes:)
 
Just to annoy you a little bit more Cal, I prefer Erikson to Martin and no you cant really compare them, their styles are completely different.I do like ASOIF but find The Malazan a more riveting read.
 
Gollum, have to say you've called this one right. GOTM was good better than average, DHG was brilliant I didn't think he could have me made me cry again after Duiker & Coltaine's fate, but MOI was magnificent I read the last few chapters through a mist of tears. I have experienced just about every emotion imaginable. He'll never replace Feist in my affection's but he comes a close second. Before any one Say's it I know Fiest is not as good a writer a lot of others but if I hadn't picked up Magician all those years ago I may never have wandered down the fantasy road:)
 
nixie said:
... but MOI was magnificent I read the last few chapters through a mist of tears. I have experienced just about every emotion imaginable....
Click to expand...

Looks like i had better get the tissues ready. :( I have almost reached that part of MOI and as I have begun to take a liking to certain characters in the book I will feel very upset if something happens to them :eek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread starter Similar threads Forum Replies Date
T Can't remember sci fi book title or author Book Search 0
Cosmic Geoff Amazon author copies Publishing 1
Jubal_Harshaw '80s or '90s - Authors' characters making appearances in other authors' universes Book Search 0
Cosmic Geoff Latest real tech - SF authors take note SFF Lounge 1
G I am searching for a book author and title of a paperback published since 1950 Book Search 9

Similar threads


Back
Top