Romantic SF & Fantasy Novels

You ask: Would any of you care to vouch for the stories on these lists?

The Bartimaeus Trilogy was uneven. The first book was interesting; good worldbuilding, interesting characters, involving plot. In the second book, the “hero” was a complete self-absorbed jerk. The heroine was interesting and likable, but not compelling enough for me to like the book. I quickly skimmed the third book just for closure and the ending was surprising and unsatisfying. So … it’s not a trilogy I would recommend. At all. I am baffled that it won the Mythopoeic Award. By These Ten Bones by Clare Dunkle was much better. Haven’t read the other two, so can’t say whether they should have won, though I doubt I would have liked the Black (too dark for my taste).

Left by Ita on August 13th, 2006

I quite liked POISON STUDY. Maria V. Snyder is a new author to watch. If you like fantasy with lots of court intrigue, this would be a good pick.

And I always like what Carol Berg writes though this isn’t my favorite series from her. Also DAUGHTER OF ANCIENTS is fourth in the The Bridge of D’Arnath Series and I would not read it without the background of the first three.

Bunty

Left by Bunty on August 14th, 2006

I read (and reread) Gabriel’s Ghost way back when it first came out as an e-book. It was fantastic then and I suspect it’s even better now, though I haven’t read the print edition which I think may have been expanded somewhat for Bantam. There’s a sequel coming which I will pick up on the day it releases.

I enjoyed Anansi Boys. Gaiman does a great job blending myth into a kind of urban fantasy. I read American Gods before I read this one and couldn’t put it down.

Left by Jory Strong on August 14th, 2006

Very briefly: Loved ANANSI BOYS (though it’s definitely “light” Gaiman); liked POISON STUDY (some first-novel roughnesses, but engaging); couldn’t finish GABRIEL’S GHOST (execution didn’t live up to a great premise); have heard good buzz about THE COMPASS ROSE so it’s on my TBR list now.

IMO, YMMV etc etc.

Left by Danielle on August 17th, 2006

I thought POISON STUDY was an excellent first book. I particularly liked the female protagonist. And I like the Bartimeus trilogy. I agree the first book was the best, but the others were very interesting. I thought the world building was very good here.

ml

Left by Mary Lynne on August 23rd, 2006

Agreed about Gaiman’s Anansi Boys. Very light and fun, so don’t read it expecting to find the same type of dramatic story as American Gods or the Sandman series.

Left by SK on September 6th, 2006

I thought the Bartimaeous trilogy wasn’t bad at all. The first book is brilliant, witty, engaging and fast paced. The second admittedly was a little disappointing but the third managed to tie it all in together be quite brilliant. The ending was perfectly satisfying and definitely worth reading.

Left by Jacqui on June 1st, 2008

The Bartimaeous trilogy was brilliant. I agree parts of the series dragged on, but the premise of the book being narrated from the point of view of a djinni who has served masters throughout history is the only book of its kind (to my knowledge). The djinni’s sense of humour was wonderful and the world the author creates is very unique in fantasy literature.

Left by Bob on June 18th, 2008