Is this author the author for me?

[Rosemary]

Originally Posted by Mayhs

thnx Brys and other posters...just what i wanted to know

i guess ill finish reading GRRM and hop onto this guys work...i want some magic

I like magic as well Mayhs! Bring on the wizards and mages I say!

Strange though, I have enjoyed reading GRRM's books more than the Malazan books (so far). I didn't think that GRRM's books had that much magic in them to be honest and yet I had trouble putting the books down.
Although I must admit I have only read the first two books of the Malazan series, IMHO I found that there was very little magic in them either, just the occasional bit here and there. I have been advised by many of our co-Chronicles identities, especially those that think Mr Erikson is 'The Best Author", that it is worth continuing as the series gets better with each book. I'm still thinking about it! As I always say 'it's usually a case of personal preferance'. No harm in giving his work a try!

[hodor]

I must agree with knivesout on this; you CAN break the cycle and read book 2 ahead of Gardens of the Moon. They are not particularly linked until later in the series.

[Green]

Except some of the major characters are introduced in the first book, as well as some of the major premises of the Empire and the relationship with Shadow. If you don't read GotM first, you (i.e. whoever plans to skip the first book) won't understand the Apsalar/Crokus relationship, among others.

Do the author a favour and read them in the order they are intended to be read.

[GOLLUM]

Originally Posted by Rosemary

I like magic as well Mayhs! Bring on the wizards and mages I say!

Strange though, I have enjoyed reading GRRM's books more than the Malazan books (so far). I didn't think that GRRM's books had that much magic in them to be honest and yet I had trouble putting the books down.
Although I must admit I have only read the first two books of the Malazan series, IMHO I found that there was very little magic in them either, just the occasional bit here and there. I have been advised by many of our co-Chronicles identities, especially those that think Mr Erikson is 'The Best Author", that it is worth continuing as the series gets better with each book. I'm still thinking about it! As I always say 'it's usually a case of personal preferance'. No harm in giving his work a try!

Too true...

Don't forget Rosemary Book 3 is the one where the magic systems/ideas really kick in and what did it for me as far as proclaimnig Erikson my No 1. fantasy author with GRRM No. 2. Probably fair to say both are excellent series but in different ways.

I'd still agree that the books should be read in order, it'll make more sense if you do...

[Brys]

Well, the highest testament I can give to Erikson's quality is that he is still my number 1 author - he's maintained that position despite all of the excellent authors I've been reading in fantasy. Martin has slipped to 5th place (I didn't see that coming when I read ASOIAF). But when challenged by the likes of Mervyn Peake, China Mieville and M John Harrison, Erikson can hold on to his position because of the excellent worldbuilding, but Martin may have excellent characterisation and plots, so do all these other authors.

[hodor]

I still believe you could skip the first book, go straight to the second, however, I feel it is important to read the first book before going on to Memories of Ice.

[GOLLUM]

Originally Posted by Brys

Well, the highest testament I can give to Erikson's quality is that he is still my number 1 author - he's maintained that position despite all of the excellent authors I've been reading in fantasy. Martin has slipped to 5th place (I didn't see that coming when I read ASOIAF). But when challenged by the likes of Mervyn Peake, China Mieville and M John Harrison, Erikson can hold on to his position because of the excellent worldbuilding, but Martin may have excellent characterisation and plots, so do all these other authors.

Whoa Martin is still No. 2 for me but Mieville and Peake are excellent. Can't remember if I've read much of Harrison what's he like Brys, anyone???

[Brys]

Harrison is in many ways similar to Peake - particularly in his power of description. However, he has quite a few urban elements, like Mieville - he was, after all, one of the key influences on Mieville. The first two books of the Viriconium sequence are a bit more traditional in style, almost like Moorcock. Then the last two can be safely classified as anti-fantasy. Here's a good article he wrote, and while he mentions Viriconium a lot, there aren't any spoilers

http://www.fantasticmetropolis.com/s...y,viriconium,1

[GOLLUM]

Thanks for the info Brys.

I'd heard of the Virconium series but didn't realise or forgot Harrision wrote it. For someone extolling the virtues of classic fantasy looks like I'd better get on my bike with this one, especially when I see it's part of the Fantasy Masterworks series....

Looks like Moorcock might be something of a fan too....

[Mayhs]

i went into a bookshop and read the first 6/7 pages of gardens of the moon and it all felt out of place...i didnt understand anything...but i guess ill understand more as the book progresses...or does it remain like that for a long time...really sill qustion sry...

Thnx
Mayhs

[Rane Longfox]

Like we said, you've really just gotta let it wash over you for the first part of the book. It's not the book to read if you need to know whats going on all the time

[GOLLUM]

Originally Posted by Mayhs

i went into a bookshop and read the first 6/7 pages of gardens of the moon and it all felt out of place...i didnt understand anything...but i guess ill understand more as the book progresses...or does it remain like that for a long time...really sill qustion sry...

Thnx
Mayhs

Don't stress by about 3/4 way through the book things begin to make more sense and by books end most of the main threads of the story are tied together....

[Rosemary]

Originally Posted by GOLLUM

Don't forget Rosemary Book 3 is the one where the magic systems/ideas really kick in and what did it for me as far as proclaimnig Erikson my No 1. fantasy author with GRRM No. 2. Probably fair to say both are excellent series but in different ways.
I'd still agree that the books should be read in order, it'll make more sense if you do...

NEWS OF THE WEEK - I have just purchased Memories of Ice

However, it is his last chance!! If this one still does not 'draw me in' to his work, that's it!

So you cannot say I haven't tried precioussssssss!

[Rane Longfox]

Can't say fairer than that

Hope you enjoy it!

[Rahl Windsong]

Well the thing about the magic in GRRM's ASoIaF is the fact that it does not STAND OUT like it does in other stories. Its more like its just there if you look for it. For instance how the Stark children can become the wolf they have as a pet while in their dreams. The Others are magical, how else could they be considered? I found that I liked GRRM's books because of the fact that it did not rely on magic to tell a good story, magic is there but its not the story.

As for Mr. Erikson's story I think that the way he portays magic in his world, the reader finds that its just the way of life for some of his world, its fantastic but the way he brings it to the story it seems very common. I really enjoyed GOTM, the only book in this series I have read to date. I would rank that story right up there with GRRM's in terms of enjoyment while reading, but its definetly a harder read then ASoIaF.

Rahl