It's summer, and for some reason, all the hot sun and outdoor activities make me feel like reading fluff. So I have spent a good part of the summer thus far reading different fantasy novels. I've come to the following conclusion: most fantasy writers are thieves.
I just read the final book in Sharon Shinn's Twelve Houses series, titled "Reader and Raelynx." It was entertaining, it wrapped up the series nicely, and, in true Sharon Shinn style, there was a satisfying romance as well. So, two thumbs up. I moved on to "The Blue Sword" by Robin McKinley, which I read in 9th grade and loved. After reading a few chapters I started recognizing certain elements that I had just read in Sharon Shinn's books. Sharon Shinn's books are newer, so I suppose she's the guilty one in this particular theft. Both books have heroins that have mysterious pasts and powers that are unexplained, cause them to overheat, and tend to cause things to explode. There are King's Riders in both authors' books, who are more loyal to the king than to their own families. I suppose both authors followed a formula that dates back to Tolkien, since both of them have a lot of elements that seem to come straight from his books as well. I've also read the first two Fablehaven books this summer (Brandon Mull), which I thought were excellent, but, once again, they stole elements from other novels that came before them. I guess when there are 5 million fantasy writers out there, things get repeated. It helps you know what to expect. Bad guys are usually black, reptilian creatures with foul breath; evil magic makes you cold, good magic burns and crackles; the hero/heroin is usually the unlikely figure (clumsy, poor, untalented, or 8 years old); there are at least 4 books to read. (Don't get me started on the Wheel of Time series--I made it to book 3 and got too tired of keeping track of things, plus decided I'd just reread Lord of the Rings because it's the same with better writing.)
I'm not going to stop reading fluff. I just finished "The Blue Sword" and have started "The Hero and the Crown", also by Robin McKinley. I have the third Fablehaven book (Brandon Mull) on my hold list at the library, and Stephenie Meyer's final vampire book is coming out in a few weeks. Once it's cold again and I'm trapped inside to read I'll pick up something substantial like "1776" or "Les Miserables." For now I'll read my fantasy novels and enjoy the thievery.
By the way, if you like reading fantasy, here are some authors I enjoy:
Sharon Shinn (she may have stolen a little, but her books are very enjoyable)
Robin McKinley (I recommend "Beauty")
Brandon Mull
Robert Asprin
Orson Scott Card (sci-fi, not fantasy, but they are in the same section at the bookstore)
Diana Wynne Jones (Witch Week is my favorite)
Back to my book.
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8 comments:
I wasn't a huge fan of Witch Week, but I did love Robin McKinley's Beauty and others. You will have to try out Elantris because it is pretty original. Not too much stealing there. Orson Scott Card writes a ton of fantasy, too. My favorite is "Enchantment" because the storytelling is superb. Loved it loved it loved it.
You're like the ultimate fantasy librarian right now. I've barely read any of it (my dad, who greatly influenced my reading habits, can't stand it) but I have noticed this trend of stealing from others and have been really surprised by it. Because it seems that if any genre would be new and original, simply because of its nature of dealing with entirely made up things, fantasy would be it. It just proves again that it boils down to the talent of the writer.
And I would like to agree with Enchantment. I loved it.
Okay, Enchantment is on my list now, and I'm third in line at the library for Elantris. I think I may have read Enchantment years ago, but can't remember a thing about it. Fun reads for the summer!
HEY RACH! Welcome to Blogdom! It's quite addicting, I must warn you! Can't wait to see some pics of Jacob!! Our link is
http://benandmariwilkinson.blogspot.com
Woohoo - new authors to try! I am a HUGE fan of Robin McKinley - The Blue Sword being pretty much my all time favorite book that I have read more times than I can count.
Really.
And I can count pretty high.
And I just got introduced to Dianna Wynne Jones lately. She writes really interesting stuff!
Also Tamora Pierce I rediscovered lately - the Lioness Quartet - about Alanna, the girl who dresses up like a boy so she can learn to be a knight.
Fun times!!
Hey I'm glad you joined the blogger world..I thought I'd never do it either-but it's fun and I don't have to feel bad for never sending pictures of the boys to family that isn't close-everything's done in 1 shot!
Thanks for the recommendations. Is Sharon Shin the one who wrote the books about angels? Loved those.
Jenna, Sharon Shinn did write the Angel books. They are my favorite. Totally original.
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