Ok, I feel like reading something a little “older” than usual. CR has focused predominantly on newer titles – partly because I am myself relatively new to reading genre fiction – but there are hundreds of novels that were released before I really started paying attention to the fantasy and sci-fi genres at large. There are a few in particular that have caught my eye, and while they are not necessarily old by, say, Tolkien or even Gemmell standards, they’ve nevertheless been around for a fair while. (Actually, speaking of Gemmell, I should try Legend at some point, too…)
I’ve narrowed the choices for the next round of Latecomer reviews down to three titles, and I’d like you to help me choose which to read and review first. Here are the choices:
Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice (Book One in the Farseer Trilogy)
James Barclay’s Dawnthief (Book One in The Chronicles of the Raven)
Neal Asher’s Gridlinked (the first Agent Cormac novel)
Which one should I read first, and why? I’ll probably go with the one that gets the most recommendations, unless someone writes a particularly compelling reason to read another.
Go with Robin Hobb's novel, even though I haven't read it - I'm looking for a good reason to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I haven't read any of them, so to be honest, I wouldn't really mind which one you went for.
I too have Hobb's novel on my bookshelf - just waiting for a good reason to get started.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Ulrik Christiansen
Denmark
Hobb is a standard. Get to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the rest! Go with Hobb, she's a genre standard, especially her Farseer trilogy. And I'd love to see what you think of it!
ReplyDeleteHobb is great. One of my top three Fantasy writers. So I think you really should read that one.
ReplyDeleteWell. That's all rather one-sided...
ReplyDeleteTwitter and here have spoken unanimously for Assassin's Apprentice. Right you are.
(I should point out, I bought all three of these novels, so they will all be read at some point.)
Dawnthief find the sypmosis fun.
ReplyDeleteThe Raven have fought together for years, six men carving out a living as swords for hire in the war that has torn Balaia apart, loyal only to themselves and their code. But when they agree to escort a Xesteskian mage on a secret mission they are pulled into a world of politics and ancients secrets. For the first time The Raven cannot trust even their own strength and prowess, for the first time their code is in doubt. How is it that they are fighting for one of the most evil colleges of magic known? Searching for the secret location of Dawnthief; a spell that could end the world? Aiming not to destroy it but to cast it . . . DAWNTHIEF is a fast paced epic about a band of all-too-human heroes.
Evil colleages of magic and all-too-human heroes.
Sounds pretty good.
I'll definitely be reading it soon as well - I've wanted to for ages (true for all three novels mentioned), but I always get distracted by pretty new shiny ones. But I decided "No longer!", and shall start educating myself of older, much-beloved fantasy and sci-fi series.
DeleteI've heard good things about Robin Hobb, so I suggest Assassin's Apprentice.
ReplyDeleteI have all three, but haven't read them either. Hobb is definitely a top priority this year.
ReplyDeleteOh well - I guess I'd be in the minority here with my recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI'd highly recommend Gridlinked too. Tech, strange and terrifying alien life forms, superb action, wonderful plot, cool characters... and Horace Blegg! What more could you want?
ReplyDeleteWell of the two I've read, I enjoyed Dawnthief more - Hobb's was ok but I felt a bit meh about the whole thing whereas Barclay was just good bloody fun.
ReplyDeleteCiao Stef! Go with Robin Hobb - I enjoyed the Assassin's trilogy, and thought the following two trilogy (Liveships and Tawny Man) were even better! Barclay's Raven series were fun too, but start with Robin Hobb! Smile! Sophy :-)
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