Calling Sci-Fi and Fantasy Readers!!!

[ChinaCat]

Looking for book ideas for my DH for Christmas.

He is very into sci-fi and fantasy.

He loves Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, the Dune series by Frank Herbert, the Dark Tower series by Stephen King, Phillip Pullman.

Any ideas???? I know I''ve read a few of you mention some series you liked, but think they were buried in other threads and can''t find them.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rhea]

From DH,

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R R Martin is his favourite series. Martin is taking forever to write the current book though.

The series A Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan isn''t near as good and gets worse with each book. It''s a 12 book series and Jordan died before finishing it so it''s pretty bad to start on.

He''s working on The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb right now and likes it so far.

Sci-fi and Fantasy are very different and DH would like me to write that he''s into fantasy, not sci-fi, which is what all the above series are.

 

[ksinger]

Lessee....off the top of my head (and swivelling around to see my bookshelves)...

Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy by Tad Williams, the first of which is "The Dragonbone Chair". I read those in ''93 when I had a long bout with mono and couldn''t do anything else.

Pretty good.

The Quest of The Riddle-Master trilogy by Patricia A. McKillip, the first of which is "The Riddlemaster of Hed". I truly LOVED these. Can''t quite put my finger on what it is...an almost atmospheric quality of the writing....something. Not a hugely long trilogy.

The Foundation series by Asimov, of course. I''ve got a hankerin'' to read them again. I think they''re packed away though. I read them in highschool.

"The Dragon Prince" by Melanie Rawn. It''s the first in a 6 book series that is just pretty darn good.

"The Dispossessed" by Ursula K. LeGuin. A classic, and has an interesting theme.

"Children of The Star", by Sylvia Louise Engdah, a compilation into one volume of several books ("This Star Shall Abide" and "Beyond the Tomorrow Mountains") that were originally marketed to young adults, but she finished the stories further ("The Doors of The Universe"), and they are now available in one volume. Excellent. Also by her and in that same "universe" is, "Enchantress From The Stars". I read that and the first 2 in junior high, and they are NOT childish at all. The last one in the compilation volume is quite complex from a human standpoint. A really good read.

Hope that helps!

 

[Tuckins1]

Does your hubby like Lord of the Rings? Because the Dragonlance series is really good! The authors of the original books (Dragonlance Chronicles) are Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. The first trilogy is "Dragons of Autumn Twilight", "Dragons of Winter Night", and "Dragons of Spring Dawning". They really are great stories!!

 

[ChinaCat]

Thank you Addy, Ksinger, and Tuckins!

These are all excellent suggestions, and I am pretty sure he hasn''t read any of those. I will check them out.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

I''m re-reading one of my Terry Pratchett books now!

I would second the Asimov Foundation suggestion - those are great books.

Mainstream suggestions:

- Hitchhiker''s Guide series
- Ender''s Game by Orson Scott Card (or if he''s already read the Ender books, there''s a new one out called "Ender In Exile";
- Ray Bradbury''s short stories
- Asimov''s I Robot series;

More hardcore Sci-fi suggestions:

- Illium/Olympos by Dan Simmons (as a lit major and a sci-fi lover, I was pretty staggered by those)
- Hyperion by Dan Simmons (this is the book he''s really known for but it''s darker than Illium)
- Player of Games by Iain Banks
- Starship Troopers by Heinlein
- And if your hubby is into Star Wars at all, he should read the Rogue Squadron series by Michael Stackpole - they''re very good


Wow I am a sci-fi dork

 

[Aloros]

I second the recommendation for the Farseer Trilogy - Robin Hobb is an EXCELLENT author. I also very much like Melanie Rawn - she''s more along the vein of George R.R. Martin with the epic scope of her books. She has two trilogies that are meant to be read back to back that are done, I wouldn''t touch the Mageborn Trilogy (though I think it is the best one) because it has been forever and she hasn''t written the last book yet.

The Princess Bride is HILARIOUS. I read it very quickly; it was so delightful. It''s a true high fantasy tale blended with made-up personal anecdotes and a ton of good humor.

Cory Doctorow''s Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom is a little off the beaten track but a very fun read. I can''t say as much for his other books.

I''ve read one of Asimov''s Foundation trilogy. I liked it, but I really think his collection of short stories I, Robot is AMAZING. I''ve read it 3-4 times. Very clever.

If he hasn''t yet read Hitchhiker''s Guide to the Galaxy, he should.

Tad Williams is good. I''ve heard great things about his Otherland series, though I haven''t read it yet. His other trilogy, the straight fantasy one (can''t remember the name right now), is good but fairly standard - except for a twist near the end.

Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins is classified under literary fiction, but with the god Pan and a man whose life spans centuries...I think this leans towards fantasy. IS set in our world with some scenes in modern days. Very, very cleverly written (and very funny!) though, and I''ve given it as a gift twice - both people loved it.

Orson Scott Card, Ender''s Game. A classic, and well-deservedly so.

That''s all I can think of for now. Hope that helps!

 

[laurel25]

I really like the Elemental Masters series by Mercedes Lackey and also anything by Tanith Lee.

 

[partgypsy]

My husband also really dug the song of fire and ice by Martin. He tore through those (and now he keeps referring to our younger child as a "Lannister" because of her complexion...
We both enjoyed "Name of the Wind" by I believe Rothkuss? It''s approachable that even if the only fantasy you like is Tolkien you''d still enjoy it. Unfortuntaly it''s the first of a series and the next book is not due till next April.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

My DH is a huge sci-fi fan and his favorite author is Asimov.

 

[Rhea]

This thread is great for more ideas! I hardly understand why he chooses to read what he does, but I recognise some of the names here.

 

[ladypirate]

It's more sci-fi than fantasy, but I'm going to throw Neil Stephenson's name out there. I'd recommend starting out with "Snow Crash" or "Diamond Age" to get a feel for his writing style. "Cryptonomicon" and "The Baroque Cycle" series are all great books as well, but they're a little more dense (and also closer to technologically themed historical fiction) than the two above.

 

[ksinger]

Grrr!! So many of my books went into the attic to make room for HISTORY books. Hmph. I just wish I had them to peruse, since some of them I read decades ago.

Yes to I, Robot, Hitchhiker''s Guide, Hyperion. I really need to re-read Hyperion... You guys are jogging my memory.

And I liked StarDance by Spider and Jeanne Robinson.

Oh, and The Keltiad series by Patrica Kennealy-Morrison, an interesting blend of fantasy AND sci-fi.

Fun thread!!

 

[dragonfly411]

Terry Goodkind''s Sword of Truth Series 100% all the way. They are awesome!

 

[geckodani]

Woo hoo! My favorite authors and series at the moment (I''ve gotten DH hooked on all of these too!) I''ve included Amazon links to the first books, so you can see what they look like.

David Eddings, The Belgariad. Classic Fantasy. There are several books in this series, but the Belgaried is the first set. Looks like you could get the first 5 books for around $20 bucks right now, thanks to the compilations!
http://www.amazon.com/Belgariad-Vol-Books-1-3-Magicians/dp/0345456327/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758532&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Belgariad-Vol-Books-Wizardry-Enchanters/dp/0345456319/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758532&sr=1-2

Jim Butcher, The Codex Alera (Furies of Calderon, Acedem''s Fury etc.) Smart fantasy with a good dose of humor.
http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=266&rn=1191&action=show_detail

Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files. Hilarious. Great reads. Wizard books. These things make me laugh out loud all the time!
http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Dresden-Files-Book/dp/0451457811/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758483&sr=1-1

Let me think about it for a bit for others. Some of my tastes run a little girly sometimes. The ones above are the ones DH loved too.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 12/8/2008 12:28:46 PM
Author: dragonfly411
Terry Goodkind''s Sword of Truth Series 100% all the way. They are awesome!

I got ticked off after Chainfire and stopped reading.

 

[geckodani]

Oh! These are GREAT and more SciFi then Fantasy:

Timothy Zahn, the Conquerors Trilogy. Fascinating, fun stuff.
http://www.amazon.com/Conquerors-Trilogy-Heritage-Science-Fiction/dp/B000OST4SC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228759014&sr=1-2

 

[ChinaCat]

You guys are awesome- but why am I surprised, it is PS after all!

These are all fantastic ideas, they are all going on my list, which will keep DH in books for quite awhile! We are both big readers, so I like to get him a book for every occasion and this will come in very handy!

He has read I, Robot, Hitchiker''s Guide (is re-reading it now actually) but not many of the rest, as far as I know.

Aloros- I am so glad to see you mentioned Jitterbug Perfume- it''s one of my favorites, and I keep telling DH he''d like it but so far he''s not convinced. I made him read Still Life With Woodpecker, which he liked but didn''t love, and now he''s resistant to Jitterbug. Still Life is so much more the romantic lovestory (in a weird way) but I think Jitterbug is right up his alley.

Hopefully this thread can keep going and you guys can just discuss your faves!

Thanks again!!!!!!!

Also, I am quite excited to read a few of these myself!!!!

 

[peachster]

I concur on George RR Martin''s Ice and Fire Series and Ursula LeGuin''s Earthsea series. They are a pleasure to read and re-read. Tad Williams has some good stuff too.

 

[Tuckins1]

Date: 12/8/2008 12:51:32 PM
Author: geckodani
Woo hoo! My favorite authors and series at the moment (I've gotten DH hooked on all of these too!) I've included Amazon links to the first books, so you can see what they look like.


David Eddings, The Belgariad. Classic Fantasy. There are several books in this series, but the Belgaried is the first set. Looks like you could get the first 5 books for around $20 bucks right now, thanks to the compilations!

http://www.amazon.com/Belgariad-Vol-Books-1-3-Magicians/dp/0345456327/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758532&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Belgariad-Vol-Books-Wizardry-Enchanters/dp/0345456319/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758532&sr=1-2


Jim Butcher, The Codex Alera (Furies of Calderon, Acedem's Fury etc.) Smart fantasy with a good dose of humor.

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=266&rn=1191&action=show_detail


Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files. Hilarious. Great reads. Wizard books. These things make me laugh out loud all the time!

http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Dresden-Files-Book/dp/0451457811/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758483&sr=1-1


Let me think about it for a bit for others. Some of my tastes run a little girly sometimes. The ones above are the ones DH loved too.

Oh my god!! These books are awesome!!! Did you read Belgarath the Sorcerer or Polgara the Sorceress? My neighbors gave me both to read, and now I am totally hooked on these books!!! I just bought the first 2 of the Belgariad for my hubby for Christmas...

 

[geckodani]

Date: 12/8/2008 5:42:35 PM
Author: Tuckins1

Date: 12/8/2008 12:51:32 PM
Author: geckodani
Woo hoo! My favorite authors and series at the moment (I''ve gotten DH hooked on all of these too!) I''ve included Amazon links to the first books, so you can see what they look like.


David Eddings, The Belgariad. Classic Fantasy. There are several books in this series, but the Belgaried is the first set. Looks like you could get the first 5 books for around $20 bucks right now, thanks to the compilations!

http://www.amazon.com/Belgariad-Vol-Books-1-3-Magicians/dp/0345456327/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758532&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Belgariad-Vol-Books-Wizardry-Enchanters/dp/0345456319/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758532&sr=1-2


Jim Butcher, The Codex Alera (Furies of Calderon, Acedem''s Fury etc.) Smart fantasy with a good dose of humor.

http://www.knoxjewelers.biz/index.htm?crn=266&rn=1191&action=show_detail


Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files. Hilarious. Great reads. Wizard books. These things make me laugh out loud all the time!

http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Dresden-Files-Book/dp/0451457811/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228758483&sr=1-1


Let me think about it for a bit for others. Some of my tastes run a little girly sometimes. The ones above are the ones DH loved too.

Oh my god!! These books are awesome!!! Did you read Belgarath the Sorcerer or Polgara the Sorceress? My neighbors gave me both to read, and now I am totally hooked on these books!!! I just bought the first 2 of the Belgariad for my hubby for Christmas...

LOL. I have read them ALL. Have them all. Love them all! The man writes good stuff!

 

[pjean]

Anything by Lois McMaster Bujold. She wrote the most fantastic space opera series in the 80s and 90s, about a character called Miles Vorkosigan. The series is a standout because of her amazing characters. It''s pretty classic sci-fi, but with richly drawn characters and backgrounds.

Then she moved on and in recent years has written more fantasy-ish books, starting with the Chalion. Actually, my best recommendation for your DH is probably the first of those books, Curse of Chalion. Again, phenomenal writing and characterization, but coupled with really imaginative world building. If he likes George R. R. Martin, he should like this.

I would also recommend Steven Brust, especially Cowboy Feng''s Bar and Grill for off-beat humor and insight, and an old series that has recently been re-released that is more fantasy/George R. R. Martin-like, the Vlad Taltos series. It starts with Jhereg.

Fun thread!

 

[pjean]

I should also second the recommendations for Cory Doctorow''s Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, Patricia McKillip''s Riddlemaster of Hed series, and Hyperion by Dan Simmons.

Snow Crash and Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson are good recommendations too - both classics.

 

[AmberWaves]

Totally agree with Jim Butcher! I can''t get enough of the Harry Dresden series.

Also, not really sure if it''s either one (sci-fi or fantasy), but Christopher Moore is HILARIOUS. His books are so funny and usually about demons, Death (the person, not the act), Monsters and random creatures. Seriously, so FUNNY.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 12/9/2008 4:21:06 PM
Author: AmberWaves
Totally agree with Jim Butcher! I can''t get enough of the Harry Dresden series.

Also, not really sure if it''s either one (sci-fi or fantasy), but Christopher Moore is HILARIOUS. His books are so funny and usually about demons, Death (the person, not the act), Monsters and random creatures. Seriously, so FUNNY.

Isn''t Jim Butcher great!!!