Which book series should I start?

[catsclaw227]

I want to start reading a new fantasy series and I am considering either:

1. Tad Williams - Shadowmarch books: I guess there are only 2 of them so far, Shadowmarch and Shadowplay, but I have heard good things.

2. Gene Wolfe - Book of the New Sun series: There are a pair of dual books, Shadow & Claw, and Sword & Citadel.

I've never read anything from either of these two authors, but I have heard they are both stellar fantasy writers.

Any thoughts anyone? You can give some general info, just no spoilers!

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

I read book 1 of Shadowmarch last year. Have not picked up book 2 yet. I thought book 1 was good, but it didn't suck me in like some of Tad Williams' other works. I was not able to put my finger on exactly why, but something about the book bugged me a little. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and I am planning on reading book 2, but it didn't rock my world.

I have not read any of Gene Wolfe's books, so I can't offer an opinion.

 

[Storm Raven]

2. Gene Wolfe - Book of the New Sun series: There are a pair of dual books, Shadow & Claw, and Sword & Citadel.

This one.

 

[Wombat]

Tad Williams isn't bad, but he has never really turned my socks blue either. I tend to forget large sections of the books within a month of reading them.

Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun series is a mind-bender and mind-blower, one of the best examples of speculative fiction in the latter 20th century. He is an acquired taste for some, but he rewards patience and thought. Severin is a powerful and fascinating character.

 

[catsclaw227]

Thanks gang -- it looks like I will give Wolfe a try.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Gene Wolfe is one of my favorite authors, but his books are really dense. I find that reading his books through twice really helps give a better understanding of them. Even the Wizard Knight series, which wasn't nearly as dense as any of the "Sun" books.

 

[catsclaw227]

Gene Wolfe is one of my favorite authors, but his books are really dense. I find that reading his books through twice really helps give a better understanding of them. Even the Wizard Knight series, which wasn't nearly as dense as any of the "Sun" books.

Would the Wizard Knight series be a better one to start?

I have heard that he is a great read, but a tough read.

 

[RaceBannon42]

Would the Wizard Knight series be a better one to start?

I have heard that he is a great read, but a tough read.

Wolfe is very cerebral. I thought the Wizard Knight was great, but its definately not for everyone.

Williams, I've met and is a really nice guy. I've heard lots of good things about hi, but also that his books tend to have a rather glacial pace to them. I've only read one of his Novellas. I will get to his novels eventually though.

 

[HeavenShallBurn]

1.) The Runelords by David Farland. Good series, the fifth book just came out I'm waiting for the paperback on it, but the first four were very good. It breaks new ground and still keeps the familiar fantasy tropes interesting.

2.) The Crossroads by Kate Elliott. So far only the first book is out but even though I'll pass on most of her other stuff this series is off to a great start. Somehow the first thing that came to mind when I started to read it the setting reminded me of a lower-powered version of Exalted.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Would the Wizard Knight series be a better one to start?

I have heard that he is a great read, but a tough read.

I don't know about better - Wizard Knight is fairly different than New Sun or Long Sun, but I did find it to be an easier read. It's also more squarely medieval-ish fantasy, as opposed to New/Long/Short Sun, and that may make it a bit easier to read as well, depending on your tastes. Finally, it's his shortest series (two books), so there's a bit less to keep track of. I don't really think it matters which you read first in the long run though.

What you've heard is spot on. It requires a fair degree of thought to read his books, but it ends up being very rewarding, in my opinion.

I actually like Tad Williams as well, but I think he does a lot better with his stand-alone books, specifically Tailchaser's Song and The War of the Flowers, than his series, precisely because, as people have pointed out, he tends to go on a bit.