I took the advice of many on these forums and got back together with the girl I like. Admittedly, she took the first step and said that she did not rule out a long term thing as I initially thought, but she was terrified of rushing it. We are back together, happy, and taking things slow. She knows that I am a fantasy nut, but she does not know the depths of it. She wants to know more, which I give her credit for, and wants to read a fantasy book. What does everyone recommend for a first time female reader? Here are the fantasy series I know and my thoughts. DragonLance: This is the series that got me hooked when I was a preteen. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world at the time. However, reading the first book , Dragons of Autumn Twilight, as an adult I see that the writing quality is slightly subpar. My friend's wife read the book as well and she thought that it contained too much action, not a lot of personality and depth. I understand her critique since they basically wrote the book as a group of friends played through a D&D campaign. The large amount of action makes me fear she will be turned off. Legend of Drizzt: Amazing series, Drizzt is an amazing character, but I dont know if it is a good first read. I wouldnt know which book to start her with, and starting her in the drow city might be confusing to a new comer. Wheel of Time: I like the series, and I feel the writing style is opposite of DragonLance in regards to action. I see WoT as having action few and far between, with a lot of dialogue in a person's head. Without trying to be sexist, a female may like all the inner dialogue to understand people's emotions and thoughts, but it is one long ass book. I dont want to bore her on the first book. Lord of the Rings: Good first book I would say. The books are different from the movies, but it turned on generations of people so it might be a good start. If I go this route, should I start her with Lord of the Rings or The hobbit? What is everyone's thoughts and recommendations?
Well, I told you something stupid earlier, so you may ignore my comment but I think 'The Hobbit' might be a better start than LoTR. It's much easier to go through, even though it seems a bit kiddish(?) at times. If she likes it she'll read it during one or two evenings and who knows, maybe she'll get hooked?
The Seven Swans series by Juliet Marillier is a really good fantasy series that features a female heroine and is well written. It is based upon the fairy tale of 7 brothers turned into swans. http://www.skyehidesigns.com/books/marillie/daughter.html This link has a brief description of the first book, Daughter of the Forest. There are 3 books in the series. She should like this series. The Darkover Series by Marion Bradley is good, if old, and so is her book about Merlin. I think her book about Merlin is probably her best writing. And, of course, there are all the Pern novels by Anne McCaffrey. That should keep her busy for awhile. Maybe you, too. heh. I totally forgot the novels by Orson Scott Card. Every one of them is well worth reading. The Ender's Game series is excellent, but so are his other books.
I second The Hobbit (the only one on your list I've actually read). It's easy - no three book commitment, which would be a drag if she's not really interested - and it's mainstream as far as fantasy goes. Everybody's read Tolkien, so she won't feel like a weirdo for doing so. Bet you feel better for getting back together. Peace of mind is a good thing.
I not only recommend the following books to your girlfriend but to every human being walking the face of this planet. If she or any other person can say with a skosh of conviction that they do not like even one of the books, then I would have to say that they are not human. I recommend the Belgariad and the Mallorean as well as The Elenium and The Tamuli series. David and Leigh Eddings are without a doubt, two of the most skilled and intuitive fantasy writers in the last 2000 years. They write stories from a real down to earth level and that everyone can identify with on many levels. Very common sensical. They combine everything in their stories, comedy, fantasy, love, satire and everything else not mentioned. Each book is roughly 300-400 pages. If anyone don't have all 10 books read within 2 weeks time, I'll enter the priesthood and become a cloistered monk for the rest of my days. I'm that positive of people's conversion. The Belgariad 1. Pawn of Prophecy (1982) 2. Queen of Sorcery (1982) 3. Magician's Gambit (1983) 4. Castle of Wizardry (1984) 5. Enchanters' End Game (1984) The Mallorean 1. Guardians of the West 2. King of the Murgos 3. Demon Lord of Karanda 4. Sorceress of Darshiva 5. The Seeress of Kell * Belgarath the Sorcerer (1995) (Prequel) with Leigh Eddings * Polgara the Sorceress (1997) (Prequel) with Leigh Eddings * The Rivan Codex (1998) with Leigh Eddings The Elenium series * The Diamond Throne (1989) * The Ruby Knight (1990) * The Sapphire Rose (1991) The Tamuli series * Domes of Fire (1992) * The Shining Ones (1993) * The Hidden City (1994)
I humbly submit, what I believe is the first book in one of the best series ever. Magician: Apprentice, by Raymond Feist. A wonderful tale and easy read, the series (the first 4) is, in my consideration, the best Fantasy series ever. Period. And I have read quite a few, to include dozens of Dragonlane, The Wheel of time, everything with Drizzt, etc... Feist writes great "tales" like Salvatore, but better, and his books (at least the first 4- there are other series later set inhis worl(s)- they are also very good) do not drag as much as Salavtores seem to do in some spaces... Don't even think about LoTR- start with Hobbit! FoTR was rather terrble to get through, though of course, a great story.
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: I can't say enough (and Necro said tons already) about how great these series are. Start her with Pawn of Prophecy, if she doesn't beg you for the rest of the Belgariad then fantasy just isn't in her blood.
Women sometimes have a different take on novels than men do. Try the Swans. I don't know of any women that I know who didn't love them. The Hobbit is good also. So is Bradley's novel about Merlin/King Authur. All of the other books mentioned are also quite good, but maybe not for a first read for a woman who has no intro to fantasy. Just my opinion, of course. You'd do best to read whatever it is at the same time, so you can discuss it. Edit: here I recommended a book that I shouldn't have. Do not get Grass by Tepper. It's the one that is so far out there that it will turn her off. The book I was thinking of is Dreamsnake by Vonda McIntyre. The 1st chapter is the novelette Of Mist and Grass and Sand, which is the story that I will never forget, even if my memory doesn't keep the right title and author. I believe McIntyre has that first chapter available online to read, free. I'll see if I can find it. I found it, here's the link : http://www.vondanmcintyre.com/McIntyre-MistGrassSand.html
Wow thanks everyone. Right now I am torn between The Hobbit and The Seven Swan series. I havent read the Hobbit personally, but I did see the animated movie many times as a young lad... I am learning about all sorts of good books. Keep them coming!
Day late and A dollar short as they say. Previous post got it right covered. Agree with most, if not, all recommendations and now have even more titles to check out personally! :thumbsup:
I'd say the Hobbit, for sure. Otherwise, Nine Princes In Amber. Dude wakes up in an asylum, no idea who he is, and finds he's one of the princes of the universe? Most epic plot since Dune, and stomping ending. So good I've spent two years convincing the wife to name our first son 'Bleys'. Reasonable follow-up books too.
