Favourite fantasy/sci-fi novels!

I see your point, but I suppose I ought to stop tangenting a book thread with movie inclinations, even though there are books based off of it. I'd say it is a Science-Fiction that is characterized by highly fanciful or supernatural elements, which makes it part fantasy as well, judging by many definitions of the word itself.

Science fiction would contain things that are conceivably possible in a technological sense (such as the spaceships, lasers, etc), but fantasy comes in when the supernatural elements (such as the Force) arise. Which would be why it is a split genre for that particular story. The original person mentioning it just reminded me of when it first came out and studios tried to market it as a Sci-Fi when all he wanted it called was fantasy. Then again, most people try to coin anything "futuristic" as possible and therefore science fiction and leave fantasy purely to the midevil knights and such.

Pern's by Anne McCarffey. Another work whose genre is dubious.

C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, particularly the concluding installment of the series, That Hideous Strength. Really marvelous juggling of various concepts of time, space and science, but delves into spiritual issues as well. Been forever since I read them though, should revisit them one of these days.

Also Madeleine L'Engle, whose books A Wrinkle in Time and its two sequels, which are very much indebted to the above mentioned trilogy, but which are rather brilliant in their own right.

Lord of the Rings, of course, and thank goodness they're such good books, because if not saying so would be so cliché.

some of L'Engle's other books are great, too, for instance A Swiftly Tilting Planet; i've read it a few times.

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Originally Posted by amuse

some of L'Engle's other books are great, too, for instance A Swiftly Tilting Planet; i've read it a few times.

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Definitely agree, and also recommend many of L'Engle's books that don't necessarily fall under the "fantasy" genre. I'm thinking Many Waters (which revolve around the twin brothers in the Wrinkle books) and Ring of Bright Water in particular.

I found this list on google, thought I'd add one while gathering possible books to read in the near future.

The Coldfire Trilogy by C.S. Friedman. Has some sci-fi but is primarily a fantasy IMO.

first post..

Later,
DK

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Originally Posted by Dyrwen

I see your point, but I suppose I ought to stop tangenting a book thread with movie inclinations, even though there are books based off of it. I'd say it is a Science-Fiction that is characterized by highly fanciful or supernatural elements, which makes it part fantasy as well, judging by many definitions of the word itself.

Science fiction would contain things that are conceivably possible in a technological sense (such as the spaceships, lasers, etc), but fantasy comes in when the supernatural elements (such as the Force) arise. Which would be why it is a split genre for that particular story. The original person mentioning it just reminded me of when it first came out and studios tried to market it as a Sci-Fi when all he wanted it called was fantasy. Then again, most people try to coin anything "futuristic" as possible and therefore science fiction and leave fantasy purely to the midevil knights and such.

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We believe that the term you are searching for is "Science fantasy"

my fave's are:
the Darkover series and Mists of Avalon by MZB...
Discworld...
L'Engle: wow, i thought i was the only person in the world who's read her books in the past twenty years ;) i do admit that they are kinda schmaltze and have a certain Christian element to them, but i love them anyways :)
LotR

hum,, i've never really tried reading any of the others though, so... :confused:

My favorite is The Born Loser and The Royal Theater by Jonathan Titchenal. Those are his only published stories so far. He has other stories on the website lit.org by the pseudonym Beckett Grey.

what, no C S LEWIS? zooey mentioned him and i think he should be on the list. his chronicles of narnia books are brilliant fantasy, albeit they are based on the bible. also what about philip pullman? i've not read his books but i hear he's quite a good fantasy writer.

i'd have to say george r r martin because his books are just pure brilliance, outshines tolkien any day.

and terry pratchett just for his legendary discworld with such amazing characters. god bless him! and the luggage!

:banana:

I grew up on the Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms DND serieses (serii :confused:?). Margret Weis and Tracy Hickman's books (Chronicles, Legends trilogies) were the best. Once you get into the background trilogies and sextets they get a little dry and stupid. RA Salvatorie's Forgotten Realms books rule the saga in the same way.

Can anyone help me come out of the fog I have been in trying to remember a series of teen science fiction/ fantasy books. ( I think there were 3) I don't know the author, but I vaugly remember a magic pig, runes, and a game that was being played by a girl.....and there was a mysterious guy in with her......if anyone knows what I am talking about, I would love to know! Thanks! :confused: :idea:



i forgot to mention they were young adult/teenage books from sometime in the 90's......sorry!

Prydain Chronicles?

Stephen King - The Dark Tower series

Starting with The Gunslinger

"Lord of the Rings" goes without saying but I loved "Neverwhere" and "American Gods" both by Neil Gaiman (I really, really, really, really, really loved "Neverwhere"). "Good Omens" is also wonderful and Terry Pratchett's genius was added on to Gaiman's making for one hilariously dark and meaningful--despite the story's light-hearted air--book.