Book Recommendations

At the moment I am between good books and looking to discover a few good new ones. I figure that odds are a sizable portion of WD enjoys reading as well and might know of a few good books off the beaten path.

My recommendations:

The Stainless Steel Rat series by Harry Harrison - an excellent scifi series, occasionally silly but somehow engrossing

The Wizard of Earthsea Trilogy by Ursula Le Guin - an amazingly good fantasy trilogy that is at least as good as LotR but surprisingly ignored

Anything written by Raymond E. Feist - Prolific writer of some amazingly complex fantasy spanning at least a dozen books over 200 years of a world.

The Stainless Steel Rat series is one the true classics. Jim DiGriz is my hero!!! The same can be said of the Earthsea Trilogy. Ursula Le Guin is a true master. Three other of her books also are of the "classic" variety "The Left Hand of Darkness", "The Dispossessed" and "Rocannon's World". The only novel I've read by R.E. Feist is "Magician".

I'm more of a hard sci-fi fan myself (Larry Niven, Greg Bear, Arthur C. Clark, Asimov, Herbert, Pohl, Dietz, Zahn, Benford, etc.). On the fantasy genre I have enjoyed Robert Silverberg's Majipoor Books (Lord Valentine's Castle is a must read) and I really, really enjoyed Roger Zelazny's Amber series (the series has been continued by John Gregory Betancourt as a prequel). Seems as prequels have been the rage lately with both the Foundation and Dune series being resurrected. (actually the Dune prequels are pretty good).
:thumbs2:

ALL of the following authors are extremely prolific, so if you like one book by them, you can find a lot more that they have written... and with the exception of Roger Zelazny, they are all still writing as well...

Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card - a classic sci-fi, cult favourite of geeks and kids who were gifted and outcast in school. Lots of strategy and tactics.

A Night In The Lonesome October - Roger Zelazny - Sheer creativity - written from the point of view of Jack the Ripper's dog. All the politics of Zelazny, mixed with classic horror, and a little bit of mystery. VERY cleanly written, beautifully plotted and nicely wrapped up at the end.

The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever - Stephen R. Donaldson. Epic fantasy in six books. Depressing main character that some people may not like, but absolutely brilliantly designed fantasy world, and very entertaining storyline...

The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin's Quest - Robin Hobb - Extremely good "character" fantasy, with a protagonist and other players you find yourself caring about. Holds your interest throughout, few or no boring spots. Politics and a little bit of magic.

If you like fantasy/sci-fi ... try anything by Arthur C Clarke or of course the sci-fi master Isaac Asimov... hey why am I bothering? Major kong has listed 'em all, with WC mopping up the rest ! :thumbs:

Discworld, get an education in the oblique. :D

Piers Anthony, all 7 books in the "Incarnations of Immortality" series, "On a Pale Horse" being the first (and best in my opinion).

For those into the older SciFi, try E. E. Smith's "Lensman" series.

I'm halfway thru the Mars series by Jeanne Robinson (Red, Green, Blue Mars books)....interesting read on how Mars may be colonized.

Of course, if you have a kinky flair, then read Anne Rice's "Sleeping Beauty" series :devil:

A couple years ago I picked up The First Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders. I really enjoyed it, and have read the continuation of the series up to The Fourth Deadly Sin. This are murder mysteries set in NYC.

The only books I've recently read are This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti and The Ishbane Conspiracy, Safely Home, Edge of Eternity, and Deadline by Randy Alcorn. This last two are Christian authors that I really enjoy reading...

George RR Martin Fire and Ice Series, all that needs to be said

Or, How Few Remain by Harry Turtledove which is a great standalone but also moves into the Great War series which I am reading now.

For a little fun with the recent religious threads, Dan Brown's Angels and Demons for a science vs vatacin mystery, or Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code brilliant, takes some poetic license from the holy grail and magdalene themes, but loved it. Then you can go off and get Holy Blood, Holy Grail for more insights into that realm.

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Originally Posted by paraflyer

For those into the older SciFi, try E. E. Smith's "Lensman" series.

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A little selfless family plug... For those that are true die-hard older SciFi Fans, Check out George O. Smith. Books to his credit are:

Venus Equalateral
Highways in Hiding
The Fourth "R"
Hell Flower
Scientists Nightares

He was credited back in the 40's by Arthur C Clark and Isaac Asimov as being the First qualified SciFI Author.

And for those that are really hard core, he was also a member or the Black Widowers Club.

Geekhood runs in my blood... :) ;)

Elizabeth Moon - The Deed of Paksanerion, excellent fantasy novel. Get the 3 book compalation.

Right now I am mid-way through The Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King. The Dark Tower series is probably his best work.

More light Fantasy; RA Salvatore. He is very prolific and will keep you in short easy reads for months.

And then there is the 12 year old girl inside me that says go for Harry Potter. My daughter forced me to read these books and they were great entertaining little reads.

- John

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Originally Posted by jmani

And then there is the 12 year old girl inside me that says go for Harry Potter. My daughter forced me to read these books and they were great entertaining little reads.

- John

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Better watch out or the Potter haters will come get you. They have been attacking me for so long, I don't remember what enjoying Potter in peace is like. :sad:

The Dune prequels are my current rage, but for a great read "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant" are a great read. Just thinking of it brings back memories of the Urlord and Unbeliever. On the other hand it also brings back horrible memories of my first wife, maybe thats why I loved it so much I could identify with the main character.

If it's a really different book you are looking for try "Fierce Invalids in from Hot Climates" by Tom Robbins, very funny man. Must be an old stoner.

One of my favorites is Fred Saberhagen's "Empire of the East". His "Sword" books are excellent also.

Steven King Rules!

Last one I read was Bag of Bones... Most Execlent!

Riverworld series - Philip Jose Farmer

Triton, Dhalgren, Driftglass or Nova by Samuel R. Delany - Really spacy stuff!

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Originally Posted by edball

One of my favorites is Fred Saberhagen's "Empire of the East".

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This is indeed an excellent book.

On the subject of Piers Anthony, I also highly recommend the Apprentice Adept series: Split Infinity, Blue Adept, and Juxtaposition. Slightly out of date but brilliantly creative. I would stop reading the series there, however. :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wayward Clam

ALL of the following authors are extremely prolific, so if you like one book by them, you can find a lot more that they have written... and with the exception of Roger Zelazny, they are all still writing as well...

Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card - a classic sci-fi, cult favourite of geeks and kids who were gifted and outcast in school. Lots of strategy and tactics.

A Night In The Lonesome October - Roger Zelazny - Sheer creativity - written from the point of view of Jack the Ripper's dog. All the politics of Zelazny, mixed with classic horror, and a little bit of mystery. VERY cleanly written, beautifully plotted and nicely wrapped up at the end.

The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever - Stephen R. Donaldson. Epic fantasy in six books. Depressing main character that some people may not like, but absolutely brilliantly designed fantasy world, and very entertaining storyline...

The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin's Quest - Robin Hobb - Extremely good "character" fantasy, with a protagonist and other players you find yourself caring about. Holds your interest throughout, few or no boring spots. Politics and a little bit of magic.

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I think "Enders Game" is one of Card's best books, it is excellent Sci-Fi. I didn't like the next books in the series as much. He is writing some books about Enders brother and companions (Enders's Shadow, Shadow Puppets) that are great. Card also wrote the "Alvin Maker" series which is also very good.

I think anyone that likes fantasy should read the "Thomas Covenant" series, it is awesome, once you get past how much he whines about everything.

Is the Covenant series the one where the dude has like leperesy or something? If so, I remember trying to start it, but just didn't get too far.

I just finished Wizard and Glass. I love how he's tying The Stand into it.

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Originally Posted by Cleetus

Is the Covenant series the one where the dude has like leperesy or something? If so, I remember trying to start it, but just didn't get too far.

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That's the one.

It's in two trilogies, and most people I talk to think the second book of each trilogy is where the best writing is.

For something different, try the Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy (actually, 5 books https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif) by Douglas Adams.

Finishing up Mostly Harmless right now.

If you like a little (OK, heaploads) of absurdity in your SF, then those are classics.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by a d e p t

For something different, try the Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy (actually, 5 books https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif) by Douglas Adams.

Finishing up Mostly Harmless right now.

If you like a little (OK, heaploads) of absurdity in your SF, then those are classics.

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My Freakin' problem is I keep throwing myself at the ground, but I keep hitting! :mad:

I do however never, ever, ever leave the house without my towel!!! :thumbs:

I do miss Douglas Adams. :sad:

I recommend playboy for the articles

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Major Kong

My Freakin' problem is I keep throwing myself at the ground, but I keep hitting! :mad:

I do however never, ever, ever leave the house without my towel!!! :thumbs:

I do miss Douglas Adams. :sad:

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Pan Galactic Gargleblasters all around!

Various recipes here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A799419

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Originally Posted by silencio

I just finished Wizard and Glass. I love how he's tying The Stand into it.

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It gets even better in Wolves of the Calla...

I think he is trying to tie all his books to the Tower. I guess in the end the Tower crumbles and he will not publish another book. Just my thoughts and say thankee Sai!

Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court

I know you guys are going to call me crazy but try Tom Clancy's - The Hunt For Red October... Or Rainbow Six is another great book

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Originally Posted by Escape_Driver

I know you guys are going to call me crazy but try Tom Clancy's - The Hunt For Red October... Or Rainbow Six is another great book

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Read both several times. Red October is definitely a book that is good across genres.

try Tom Holt - Snow white and the seven samurai, this guy is from a different planet but the book had me in stiches

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmani

It gets even better in Wolves of the Calla...

I think he is trying to tie all his books to the Tower. I guess in the end the Tower crumbles and he will not publish another book. Just my thoughts and say thankee Sai!

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/me taps his throat three times :)

I've got Wolves on audio CD but I can't listen to it yet. My wife had never read any King and we listened to The Wastelands over the last week (we've been making 8-12 hours trips to Tennessee looking for land so an audiobook was a M U S T). Now she wasn't to hear them all! I picked up The Dark Tower I and II so we can listen to those before moving on to Wolves. I haven't read them in years so it's going to be cool going back again.. But, it's damn hard waiting to listen to Wolves and I don't want to buy the book until it comes out on paperback (I'm getting cheap in my old age ;))

I'm going to be bummed when this story ends. :(

Timeline

by: Michael Crichton

Great book.... The movie wasn't bad but the book was great !!

The book was wonderful, I am afraid to see the movie after the inaccuracies I have already seen in the commercials.

They did a good job of taking the concept... But yes the details in timeline where off... But it was a fun movie

Since I don't know what you have read, my suggestions might be redundant, but here goes. If you don't know L. Sprague DeCamp, you should. I especially love his colaboration with Flettcher Pratt on the Incomplete Enchanter series: The Incomplete Enchanter, Castle of Iron, and Wall of Serpents. Very funny stuff. Check out Frederic Brown, as well. Have you read any C. L. Moore, Henry Kuttner, or (their maried alias) Lewis Padgett? To break into the last half of the 20th century, have you read any Tim Powers? The Drawing of the Dark, The Anubis Gates, On Stranger Tides, The Stress of Her Regard, Full House are wonderful! Expiration Date and Eathquake Weather kinda slump. How about Barabara Hambly, Theresa Edgerton, Harrry Turtledove, Martha Wells...

Jack Chalker....Four Lords of the Diamond...older, but classic Sci-Fi