Ah, just my kind of topic. I devour books like a Slann devours Itxi grubs!
I can recommend
- Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind. Awesome book about a boy genius who has a hard childhood but ends up at university and uses his wits and intelligence, along with his musical talent to fund and complete his first year's education (I think thats the broad plot line). Told in an interesting way with a lot of different aspects to the story and a nice twist at the end that has left me eagerly anticipating the next book.
- Raymond Feist, anything but especially the Empire trilogy with Janny Wurts. A young girl becomes the lady of the house in a world where men are in control and has to survive a harsh political environment through various schemes and shear determination. Most of his books are worth reading although a couple of the latest ones have been a little disappointing.
- Robert Jordan, The Wheel of Time. A LONG series which appealed to me. The characters are interesting if sometimes a little similar in their traits (especially the women) but it's been good enough to keep me reading through all 12 or so books.
- Terry Goodkind, The Sword of Truth. Another long series that I've enjoyed . Especially the one where Richard carves the statue and leads the people in revolt. Also a TV series for the first couple of books at least which, although not great is entertainig.
- Brent Weeks, Night Angel trilogy. Assassin based series which I've been meaning to read for a second time as I have forgotten a lot of it but as I remember it was enjoyable.
- Scott Lynch, The Gentlemen Bastard sequence. I would HIGHLY recommend this series (only 2 books released so far). I had never heard of him before but the story, revolving around a couple of thieves come confidence tricksters is ingenious, funny and exciting. Less magic than other fantasy books which makes it stand apart in a good way. The heroes have only their minds and bodies to achieve the seemingly impossible.
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes. I've recently bough a couple of books which contain all the Sherlock Holmes stories and they've been very entertaining. 19th Century writing is very different to modern!
- David Gemmell, anything. I've read all his books and I have not been disappointed. Amazing fantasy writer who sadly passed away recently. Legend is possibly my favourite but most books (actually, probably all) revolve around a larger than life character, sometimes with dubious morals, who do what they have to to change events.
- Peter V. Brett, The Painted Man. Only read the first book but thoroughly enjoyed it. Demons are coming into the world at night and can only be held off by ancient runes that people don't fully understand. Brings together 3 story lines of children who are sick of being afraid and preyed on and who grow up to try and fight. Well written and I'm hoping the second book is as good.
- Terry Brooks, The Shanara series and others. Lots of good books with the classic good vs evil plot. Characters are well written and the series all link into each other. Not read them for a while but would recommend it if you haven't.
- Neil Gaiman, Anansi boys and Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett) especially. Really good, if sometimes (often) bizarre. Deals a lot with old gods from other religions but not exclusively. Really, really odd sometimes. In a good way.
- Trudi Canavan, The Black Magician trilogy. Orphan slum girl discovers magical powers in less than ideal circumstances which raises thorny issues with the magicians guild who didn't realise the poor could have magical talent. Sonea struggles to fit in and deal with the power she never dreamt of.
- William King, Gotrek and Felix. All fantasy players should read this. Only the ones by William King, the others are not that great to be honest.
- Various, The Horus Heresy. I started this last week and I'm on book 6. It's awesome. Even if you don't enjoy 40k I'd recommend it.
- Conn Iggulden, The Emperor series. Julius Caesar's life from childhood to death in a series of novels. Very well written and even though you know the ending you probably don't know any/all of what comes before it. Historically accurate but possibly with a little (but not unbelievable) artistic license for conversations and emotions. Haven't read his Genghis Khan series but I've heard very good things about it. Have also been to see an interview with him. Amazing speaker.
- Simon Scarrow, Macro and Cato series. Another Roman based series following grizzled veteran Macro and new recruit Cato through a number of adventures as they are posted from Germany, to England, to Israel and more. Intrigue and bloody battles throughout and a good impression of life as a Roman soldier.
There's loads more I could suggest but that's probably more than enough for now.
I'm reading Shadow king right now by Gav Thorp. Good book so far, I'm on Chapter 5. I actually Haven't Read Malekith (First in the series) Either lol weird, me and Strew are in the same boat here.
