Recommendations for a good read?

[Mistwell]

Terry Pratchett and more Terry Pratchett.

His later work is the best, but his earlier work is essentially satire on modern fantasy. Needless to say, he's the Douglas Adams of Fantasy...and he writes more books.

Maybe that's because Douglas Adams is DEAD?

 

[Jaws]

Gaiman

I enjoyed Gaiman's writing on Sandman, but his Neverwhere read like Dunsany Lite. If you enjoyed Neverwhere, I heartily recommend Lord Dunsany's The King of Elfland's Daughter.

I'm a big fan of Gaiman. I enjoyed mostly his comics but I liked Neverwhere and Good Omens with Terry Pratchett. I was lucky enough to see his BBC series of Neverwhere before the novel was available in America. American Gods was ok but not his top stuff. I think he works better under pressure. He tends to drag things out if given too much time.

I'll have to give The King of Elfland's Daughter a look see.

Peace and smiles

 

[GreyOne]

I'll second Mistwell's recommendation. Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series is fantastic. Gritty as Martin and Cook.

I had a promotion thread on here a few months ago, but can't find it.

 

[bloodymage]

Thomas Covenant

I can't believe no one has mentioned "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever" by Stephen R. Donaldson. There's a lot of great stuff out there but I'm surprised this one hasn't been touted.

For somthing a little different (at the time anyway) try the "Sanctuary" series edited (generally) by Robert Lynn Asprin. If you're not familiar with the concept, a wide variety of authors were encouraged to create their own characters to populate the seamy city of Sanctuary and then to write stories based on those characters and their interactions with the city and its denizens, including other authors' creations.

 

[LightPhoenix]

I've really enjoyed Tad Williams' Otherland series - it's very strange, almost a sci-fi fantasy in a way.

 

[Tobold Hornblower]

Looks like most of what I'd recommend is covered.

While you're waiting for your new books to be delivered, read some Lovecraft right now: http://www.gizmology.net/lovecraft/works/index.htm

 

[Wicht]

Everyone has given the staples of the genre so now for something completely different...

Brian Lumley has a series out on adventures in Lovecraft's dream-cycle... It is lighthearted adventure, a decent read. I believe there are at least three in the series, though I have read only the second, Frozen on ??? (The name escapes me at the moment). Lumley's Titus Crow series is also an interesting take on Lovecraft.

Not exactly high fantasy, but two good books I have read of late are southern/vampire/psychic/mystery stories. They are Dead until Dawn and Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris. Not heavy stuff, but it fills an evening with reading material.

Another light read, this one fantasy, if you can find it - Karena Brush's The Pig, the prince and the unicorn

Patricia A McKillip's Harpist series, beginning with Riddle Master of Hed I always find somewhat enjoyable. Likewise Terry Brook's works normally pass the time.

And then finally, if you want a thought provoking yet well written book you can't beat White's Once and Future King

 

[discjacker]

Sanctuary, Sanctuary, Sanctuary.......
great books lots of big authors before they were big, great dark fantasy feel, a real page turner.

Right now I am reading "Bloodstone" by Karl Edward Wagner great gretty fantasy

 

[Asmo]

I can´t belive that no one mentioned David Duncan.
He has written really impressive stuff over the years.
I started my travels with " A man of his word" ( 4 books) and continued with the amazing " A handful of men" (4 books) These books is an absolute must for every fan of heroic fantasy.
His storytelling is gripping, and the characters are as real as your own flesh and blood. And he has some truly great ideas, wich I´ve never encountered before.
I also have to mention Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts incredible "Empire" serie. Easily among the top 5 best fantasy reads ever made. A must.
Asmo