HELP!!! - I've read every Gemmell book!

[fungi from Yuggoth]

Try 'The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian' and 'The Bloody Crown of Conan' by Robert E Howard. David Gemmell is himself a great fan of Howard's:

“I adore these books. Howard had a gritty, vibrant style–broadsword writing that cut its way to the heart, with heroes who are truly larger than life. I heartily recommend them to anyone who loves fantasy.”
–DAVID GEMMELL

[hedgeknight]

Originally Posted by Lacedaemonian

Terry Brooks is a Hack.

Well, when you and Grievance write books that sell HALF as many copies and make the NY Times Bestseller lists, let me know.
-g-

[$pikes]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. A friend gave me the Conan books by Coleman.. They are pretty good and "gemmell'ish" so far. Nothing's as good as the master though.

Best.. $pikes

[GOLLUM]

Originally Posted by $pikes

Thanks for all the advice everyone. A friend gave me the Conan books by Coleman.. They are pretty good and "gemmell'ish" so far. Nothing's as good as the master though.

Best.. $pikes

Actually I've always considered Howard to be the Master, at least the originator of Sword and Sorcery..

If you can afford it get the most authentically produced publications of Howard's Conan by Wandering Star publications in Hardback Editions and in Trade PB by Ballantine Books that's your best bet.

Genuine collector's items.

[Brys]

I'm sorry, but why haven't I seen the name Fritz Leiber mentioned? Or Jack Vance? How can we even talk about the Sword and Sorcery subgenre when two of the three "founders" for lack of better word, aren't even mentioned (the other of course being Robert Howard).
I have to admit, I haven't yet read Howard (he's on my shelf, for when I feel like more sword and sorcery novels), but I no longer read much Gemmell because IMO he simply can't compare to Leiber or Vance.

[Allanon]

Originally Posted by Lacedaemonian

Terry Brooks is a Hack.

i disagree lace, i think hes very good. you may not like him but you cant insult him, hes too acomplished to be written off mate.

[fungi from Yuggoth]

Originally Posted by Brys

I'm sorry, but why haven't I seen the name Fritz Leiber mentioned? Or Jack Vance? How can we even talk about the Sword and Sorcery subgenre when two of the three "founders" for lack of better word, aren't even mentioned (the other of course being Robert Howard).
I have to admit, I haven't yet read Howard (he's on my shelf, for when I feel like more sword and sorcery novels), but I no longer read much Gemmell because IMO he simply can't compare to Leiber or Vance.

I personally didn't mention either of the above authors because I didn't think that a fan of Gemmell would automatically dig these guys. Both Leiber and Vance have a much more flowery, romantic style as opposed to the 'blood n thunder' action of Howard, Gemmell, Wagner etc. In Vance's case often the imagery, the setting, take centerstage to the action. Certainly both pillars of the S&S genre and of fantasy in general.

On a side note, the third volume of the Del Rey Conan collections "The Conquering Sword of Conan" is out now.

[Nathan'yal]

Robin Hobb is a must, the Farseer trilogy and the tawny man trilogy. Amazing, blew me away. Another although not fantasy is Steven Pressfields 'gates of fire' about the battle of thermopolae (excuse spelling). brilliant, gemmell says so himself. Ive only a few gemmell books left to read. Iron hands daughter series is it,the jon shannow books and the stones of power. I look forward to reading them, when i have time.

[Brys]

Another essential series I forgot to mention:
Elric by Michael Moorcock - one of the staple series when talking about Sword and Sorcery, and having just finished Stormbringer its reminded me of why its such a good series.

[jacko]

howz about stephen donaldson

[Allanon]

i just bought 15 gemmel books on ebay for £26 inc delivery.
how good is that!!! i got all the drenai books apart from legend which i already have plus more, and they look like the spines are hardly broken.

[Brys]

Originally Posted by jacko

howz about stephen donaldson

Stephen Donaldson's a very good author, but he has very few similarities to Gemmell. Donaldson's novels tend to be slow moving and about complex pyschological/physical problems and character development, with the action in them being put to the background. Gemmell's are pretty much the opposite - very fast paced, very little description and all about the action, with a few "heroic" characters.

[ladyflorange]

I know Eddings is pretty formula a lot of the time, but I started off reading only Gemmell and then moved on to Eddings. It was an easy transition. Although it's less... brutal than a lot of Gemmell...

[cairnsbythesea]

Originally Posted by $pikes

Gemmell is by far my favorite author. Please post other authors and series suggestions that are as good as David is. I've just finished reading every one of Gemmell's books and need some advice!

Thanks much!

David Gemmell writing as Ross Harding, Black Knight White Swan. I am probably sending coals to Newcastle telling you this, though the book is out of print and I have been unable to get a second-hand copy to read. People I have corresponded with say it is as compelling as Mr. Gemmells other book, though set in modern history. Reportedly to be based on this Step-father, Bill, and, I believe, shows and insight into the developing and character of Mr. Gemmel himself. Should you ever come across the book or know where it might be obtained I should be grateful. If you also know how "Druss" is pronounced, as according to Mr. Gemmell, I should be gratefully.
Mr. Fiests novels, as replied by a member, are good, as long as the you skip the first, which, in a personal opinion only, had I read first I would not have read any-more. Conan book, although written long ago, by Robert E. Howard, (beware of imitations!) have the same sense of human fragility within the heroes.
Hoping that somewhere in this drivel is a nugget you may find,
Regards,
Kristine cairnsbythesea

[cairnsbythesea]

Originally Posted by Brys

I'm sorry, but why haven't I seen the name Fritz Leiber mentioned? Or Jack Vance? How can we even talk about the Sword and Sorcery subgenre when two of the three "founders" for lack of better word, aren't even mentioned (the other of course being Robert Howard).
I have to admit, I haven't yet read Howard (he's on my shelf, for when I feel like more sword and sorcery novels), but I no longer read much Gemmell because IMO he simply can't compare to Leiber or Vance.

Are you over 15years old? I'm not being sarcastic, simply wondering if you have not been a reader for very long. If you are a long-time reader, please accept my appologise if I have offended you, it was not my intention. We all differ, which is why there are so many great books out there