I'm looking for a good Sci-Fi/Fantasy book...?
Carries Story.
Looking for dark fantasy books....?
The Lies of Locke Lamora fits this perfectly. The protagonist, Locke, is a thief and gang leader in a cut throat society reminiscent of medieval Venice. He lies, cheats, swears, kills people, and is generally an amazing character. Check out A Game of Thrones, The Black Company, The Blade Itself, and Gardens of the Moon also. Hope that helps!
What are some good Sci-Fi/Fantasy books?
Here is a bit of a sampling of recommendations: Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett – historical fiction Shogun, by James Clavell – historical fiction Red Storm Rising, by Tom Clancy - thriller Pawn of Prophecy, by David Eddings – first of the Belgariad - fantasy Destiny’s Road, by Larry Niven – sci-fi Footfall, by Larry Niven – sci-fi Inferno, by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournell – sci-fi Mote in God’s Eye and The Gripping Hand, by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournell – sci-fi A Forest of Stars, by Kevin Anderson – first of the Saga of the Seven Suns – sci-fi Crystal Shard, by RA Salvatore – First of the Drizzt Saga - fantasy Watchers, by Dean Koontz - thriller Lightning, by Dean Koontz - thriller From the Corner of His Eye, by Dean Koontz - thriller Band of Brothers, by Stephen Ambrose - historical Tarot, by Piers Anthony - fantasy Captain Nemo, by Kevin Anderson – sci-fi Prey, by Michael Crichton - thriller Timeline, by Michael Crichton - thriller Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara - historical Gods and Generals, by Jeff Shaara - historical Last Full Measure, by Jeff Shaara – historical A Time to Kill, by John Grisham – thriller The Firm, by John Grisham - thriller Elric of Melnibone, by Michael Moorcock – Fantasy Dragonflight, by Anne McCaffrey – first of the Dragonriders of Pern series – Fantasy All are great reads.
SciFi Fantasy: What are some good books for those who like Anne McCaffrey?
Books by Mercedes Lackey are probably a great fit for people that like Anne McCaffrey. Similar writing styles and narrative structures. Same genres, of course.
What are some huge fantasy sci-fi books (400+)?
David Weber's Safehold series are on the large side, especially the recent books.Peter F. Hamilton's The Night's Dawn Trilogy is also rather large.
Can you recommend a Sci-Fi/Fantasy book?
Black Company by Glen Cook Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb Any Discworld by Terry Pratchett
What is your favorite sci-fi/fantasy book?
Narrowed down to one? I’m not sure that’s possible.Anything by Robert A. Heinlein belongs on that list. Admiral Bob taught me to think, to get my data before I made a decision, and gave me my faith in our species. Heinlein may be the single greatest SF author ever to put pen to paper. He certainly was the most influential.All of the writings of Spider Robinson belong there as well. He wrote about pain, joy, loss, love and music. A consummate punster, he remains a rarity - a sane man in this age of lunatics.The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams. Sometimes, you just need to accept that if you simply shove this fish in your ear, it will all be alright.The Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazny. I have loved Corwin and his world since I was 13. Some 25 years later, I still reread these with joy.The Ringworld Saga by Niven. Fleet of Worlds, Juggler of Worlds, Destroyer of Worlds, Ringworld, Ringworld Engineers, Ringworld Throne, Betrayer of Worlds. Niven populates the galaxy with exotic species and colossal, fantastic works of engineering and evolution both.The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher. Gandalf, on crack, with and I.V. of redbull and a .45 in his hand. A mage in a trenchcoat, standing up against the things that go “bump” in the night, simply because evil NEEDS to be opposed.
What was the first sci fi/fantasy book you read as a child, and how did it influence you?
I don’t recall which of the Myth books I read, but it was written by Robert Asprin.I was a somewhat normal eleven-year old when my family was transplanted to Germany. My dad worked on post, in little America, and we would go to school there once summer vacation was over, but that was a long way away. All of our stuff was still in transit, and we had no way to entertain ourselves. I was BORED. I had never been very fond of reading, but when my mom asked if I wanted to go to the library on post, I was so bored that I went. There was a book sitting out on display with an intriguing cover (maybe this one?).I took it home with me, and began to read. It seems odd to me now that I don’t remember much of the content, but I distinctly remember how much fun I was having. WHILE READING. That had never happened to me before. I realized that I could watch the story in my brain. When I finished the book, I asked my mom if we could go back and get another. I brought home every Robert Asprin book they had. When I read all of those, I moved on to Piers Anthony’s Xanth series,Brian Jacques Redwall SeriesAnd eventually found myself reading JRR Tolkien.I can’t imagine how much worse off I would be if I had never moved to Germany, and discovered how wonderful reading can be.PSMy first Sci Fi book was Ender’s Game. My aunt sent me a copy for Christmas when she found out how much I had come to love Fantasy.
What is the best sci-fi/fantasy book of all time? Why?
Does Gravity's Rainbow count? It is one of the best books of all time and it was nominated for the Nebula award. Perhaps if it had won (the winner that year was one of the Rama books, which I read and which I think is in a lesser universe quality wise) it could have had an interesting effect on Science Fiction (my speculation and I think the speculation of others as well). I'm not really sure if I can nominate this book, as my understanding of it is tremendously lacking, but reading it was a unique experience and it is highly regarded.If I am not allowed Gravity's Rainbow I will nominate a vastly different book, Anathem. When I read this book I was constantly shaking my head in amazement at how good it was. Neal Stephenson understands scientists and mathematicians very well, better than any other author which I have read. This book was beautiful for its portrayal of scientists, for the crazy world which it created, and also for the way it used scientific ideas to create a fascinating story. It pushed the realms of plausibility but still taught something. Definitely my favorite traditional Sci-Fi book (and actually an influential book for me because I started reading a lot more after reading this book, because it was such a great experience).Links to these two books:http://www.amazon.com/Gravitys-R...http://www.amazon.com/Anathem-Ne...My other favorite books within this genre:Dune, Ender's Game (all of them), Ringworld, CryptonomiconI did not mention any fantasy because I am not extremely knowledgeable in this area (I have only read the Hyperion series (a cross between fantasy and sci-fi) and the Lord Valentine's Castle series).