So i need some suggestions..

[Grizzgreen711]

Alright, first off, thanks for looking at my thread. I know you were hesitant at first, but I thank you for clicking on it.

Next, my question. So I'm writing a story at the moment and it deals with a single primary character with special powers with a story that mostly flows around him and his actions. I'm a big fan of the fantasy genre but most of the fantasy i've read has dealt with many different main characters in a story that goes back and forth between each of their lives.

So what i need is a list, if anyone may have such a list, of books that are written in the way i described mine? A single main character with special powers and a story mainly revolving around him and his actions.

[Mouse]

How about Robin Hobb's Assassin books? One main character (told in first person) and he has sort of powers. He's got a telepathy thing going on. It's called the Wit if I remember rightly. (And it's possible that I don't.) Hobb's Soldier Son books are also one main character and this time he's got magic powers.

Also Trudi Canavan's Magician books. One main character with powers.

Garth Nix's Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen might be worth a look too.

I'm sure there's lots more but that's just off the top of my head.

[Grizzgreen711]

Ah, you recommended some good ones. Ive read a few things on most of those. Anymore suggestions would be appreciated, i read fast I'll definitely check into those. Thanks for the quick reply Mouse

[Mouse]

You're welcome. May not be what you want exactly, but I'll recommend it anyway... How about Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. One main character with (sort of) special powers. He doesn't age, I guess that counts!

Or Terry Brooks Running with the Demon (I've only just started reading this, so can't say it fits what you're after exactly) but it seems to be one main character with a special ability.

[Hex]

Er... off the top of my head: Robin McKinley's Damar books, the Patrick Rothfuss books (at least the first one, I haven't read the second yet -- saving it up), um... I blush to suggest it, but the True Blood books (mind-reading waitress), the Magic Strikes etc. books, er... a long long time ago Judith Tarr wrote some books about a monk called Alfred. It's been a long time since I read them, but I think they're told in fairly close 3rd person POV.

You might have more luck looking at YA books -- I think fewer of those do the mind hopping thing than books for grown ups.

[Fantastyfan]

The Drizzt Do'Urden series is one of my favorite. He is Dark Elf who is the best swordsman, and uses magical weapons. The series is mostly about him.

Keys to the Kingdom series is pretty good too.

[Joel007]

I second the Drizzt books suggestion. The main thing that comes to mind for me would be books in first person: they pretty much have to follow a single character. "I, Jedi" was the first example to jump into my head.

[The Judge]

Since this is the Aspiring Writers forum, not the books forum, Grizzgreen, () perhaps you could let us know if there's a particular problem you envisage when writing a single main character** which makes you want to check out other similar books. I can't think of any issues off the top of my head but if there is something troubling you, we might be able to offer suggestions to help there, too.


** which, of course, isn't necessarily the same as a single POV character.

[chrispenycate]

Originally Posted by anthill inside

a long long time ago Judith Tarr wrote some books about a monk called Alfred. It's been a long time since I read them, but I think they're told in fairly close 3rd person POV.

As I remember it the hound and the falcon trilogy (um, isle of glass, the golden horn and -- it has been a long time, hasn't it?) were quite heavily his girlfriend, too. In fact, most of Tarr's books are dual character, except perhaps "Ars Magica".

I suppose it's just easier to get balance into a book if you've got some extra solid characters to contrast with your "superman"; although I have read a 'young Merlin' series that really was monocharacter, episode to episode.

[Hex]

Originally Posted by chrispenycate

As I remember it the hound and the falcon trilogy (um, isle of glass, the golden horn and -- it has been a long time, hasn't it?) were quite heavily his girlfriend, too. In fact, most of Tarr's books are dual character, except perhaps "Ars Magica".

Oh dear, really? I only remembered Alfred (but then I was in love with him, which may explain forgetting his girlfriend). It was such a terribly long time ago...

er the City of Ghosts books, oh and The Hunger Games trilogy -- not that the main character has magical powers, but she's special in other ways. And I recently finished Graceling which I think fits also.

I do wonder, though, if it's likely to be helpful for you to read these books before you write your own story -- I know I would be in terrible danger of being excessively influence by them if I was doing it.

[The Ace]

Well, David Eddings', 'Belgariad,' and, 'Malloreon,' revolve around a character who discovers his, 'Special powers,' along with the reader.

While later segments cover the actions of various supporting characters, the bulk is Garion's gradual discovery of his identity and destiny as he interacts with a cast of strong supporting characters.


Many have said that these books contain just about every cliché in the fantasy genre. While this view has merit, they're also accessible and fun.

[Dravidd]

Not sure which planet you are on. Maybe hitch a ride with a Lord.
Little Irish tavern, Dublin maybe. Outskirts of town.
Kate "Busy day, beer?"
Xron "Tah, this magic business is hard work."
Kate "Do tell."
A pub drink and chat. Most my barmaids are called Kate.
Dravidd.
Bit of one on one dialogue.

[Grizzgreen711]

Originally Posted by The Judge

Since this is the Aspiring Writers forum, not the books forum, Grizzgreen, () perhaps you could let us know if there's a particular problem you envisage when writing a single main character** which makes you want to check out other similar books. I can't think of any issues off the top of my head but if there is something troubling you, we might be able to offer suggestions to help there, too.


** which, of course, isn't necessarily the same as a single POV character.

Hi, sorry if im posting in the wrong forums, still figuring my way around here. I haven't run into any particular problems as of yet, i just realized i haven't read any books with the same kind of style i've decided to write first one as and just thought it might help me out by readin some that are in the same style.

I've read Running with the Demon, its a really good book, as well as Angle fire east if im remembering the title correctly, i think it was the second in the series, i could be wrong.

I'll take a look at all these suggestions! Thank you so much for all the quick help everyone!

[Grizzgreen711]

And you do have a point, it could cause to big of an influence, i just happened to read somewhere that its a good practice to read books that are similar to what your interested in writing. Maybe this is a bad practice for some? Maybe.

I am leaning towards adding some more important characters to support the story a little better because i won't be writing it in first person. Primarly third person limited.

[Dravidd]

David Eddings ; Anne MacCaffery : to name just 2.