Within the next period of reading, most likely in the 90’s but while i was still reading lighter fantasy books, these tended towards a darker or more complex fantasy worlds. These reads came with more mixed results compared to the early years, some i loved and others not so much.
Thomas Covenant Chronicles – Stephen Donaldson (1977)
I was absolutely caught up by this six book series, following the story of the man with leprosy transported to a fantasy world, but refusing to be seen as its saviour. At times it may not be the easiest read around, but for engagement, world building and character i hold it in such high regard and have read the series through twice, and hopefully will be returning again soon.
Heritage of Shannara – Terry Brooks (1990)
The follow up to the opening trilogy, this four book series was equally another high point for me, as i really like the Shannara world. This series comprises four chapters of one complete storyline rather than individual stories. Elf Queen remains one of my favourite books by this author alongside Sword and Elfstones.
Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkien (1954)
In terms of influence and ideas this is the number one trilogy series, and i read this series much later on. It remains a definitive fantasy storyline but its ranking position is more reflective of how i felt while reading it, as i do not really hold any long term nostalgia value, and it can be slow paced at times.
Word and the Void – Terry Brooks (1997)
A break from the many Shannara books, this series of three books provided a darker fantasy world and a battle between good and evil with demon creatures. It has a more real world feel and is definately more menacing. It was linked back into the timeline eventually, but is more of a stand alone series to me.
Riftwar Saga – Raymond E Feist (1982)
This series included Magician, Silverthorn and A Darkness at Sethanon, and reveals a world where rifts can be opened between planets. It begins the story of an apprentice magician, and where the onset of war is very much at the forefront of the threat here. I enjoyed the books but they were a diversion from my normal classic fantasy setting and theme for me.
Memory Sorrow and Thorn – Tad Williams (1988)
An epic fantasy trilogy which i have to confess i never actually completed. This is the tale of a young man growing up in a castle environment. The opening book is well written but is pretty slow paced, which meant i paused and am still aiming to return to the others in the series. It comes highly rated by many readers that i must give it its proper read through by starting the series again.
Avalon – Marion Zimmer Bradley (1983)
Wanting to read an Arthurian legend series i settled on this which is told from the female character perspective. There are seven in the series, and i only remember reading a couple, as it was not the easiest to get through, but they gave me a chance to experience a more real world fantasy setting.
Saga of Exiles – Julian May (1981)
This series of four books featured a pliocene earth world where humans are ruled by tanu and torcs are worn enhancing metaphysic powers. It is an interesting story around time travelling arrivals to this epoch and their resulting impact, but i can recall it being a bit hard to get through after the brilliance of reading Thomas Covenant, which was a hard act to follow.
Sword of Truth – Terry Goodkind (1994)
There are over twenty books in the series but i only read three i believe, and whilst the first book Wizard’s First Rule was fine, further books felt very much a repeating story pattern. This may not be a fair reflection, and is a somewhat distant memory now but it was not one i ever would have recommended to anyone.