book

Book Review Section

I have always been a big fan in books, and love to read. I also consider myself somewhat of a critic at least so far as my scope of interest is concerned, which would be Fantasy and SciFi. Some non-fiction is also good, but covers such a large range of topics I usually leave it alone.
Anyway this section will contain, when finished, book reviews of books I have been reading. They will probably only be short so as to not give much away (and I am very very lazy). Reviews will most likely contain a short critique, a rating and if I would suggest it. I will also keep two top ten lists, one of fav books, and the other of fav authors.

Here are two great resource links:
Top 200 Sci-Fi Books of all time
Top 100 Fantasy Books of all time

Ok I have decide to take a stab at this now. I know I have forgotten many, but in no particular order here are some of my favorite book series of all time.

1) Lord of the Rings (3 Books) by J. R.R. Tolkin
     'nuff said.
2) Chronicles of Thomas Covenent the Unbeliever (3 Books) by Stephen R. Donaldson
      An Epic Fantasy series, compaired to Tolkin quite a bit. Has elements of both Lord
      of the Rings and also the Cronicles of Narina. Interesting players, and imaginitive
      story. If any of you are wondering where the VAIN in DarthVain came from,
      well read this series. Has nothing to do with me being worried about my apperance.
3) Mordant's Need (2 Books) by Stephen R. Donaldson
      A fantasy book that again uses the Narina example of a 'real' world and 'fantasy'
      world. This one is based on mirrors, reflection, and illusion. Excellent premis,
      great imagry, and some of the best developmenet and complex players I have
      ever seen. My favorite is the Kings advisor, is he really crazy, or does he have
      a real agenda.
4) Dark Elf Trilogy (3 Books) by R.A. Salvatore
     A true fantasy genre series. Somewhat a lighter read, but with some serious thought
     put into it. This fisrt of its kind to introduce the inner thoughts of the main player
     before each chapter. Really lets you understand his thinking and get into his
     perspective. One of the most entertaining reads I have ever read. Definatly worth
     a look by anyone. One of my favorite series ever.
5) Dragonlance Legends (3 Books) by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
    A true fantasy series. A modern classic. This is the series that really got me interested
    in reading in the first place. So I owe it a debt in that. This is the definitive series of
    the 'Dragonlance' world. Light enough that I could read it in grade 7 no problem, yet
    still interesting enough to make me want to re-read it again. Thanks.
6) Uplift Saga (3 Books) by David Brin
    I never heard of him before I read this book. I have read all his stuff since. This is a
    great SciFi genre book, that has a great premis, explores some interesting possibilities,
    and has great imagry and imagination for the universe. I personal favorite off the top
    of my head were the race call "Tandu" whose spaceships used unique "probability"
    drives. A great story.
7) The Sword of Shanara Trilogy (3 Books) by Terry Brooks
     The other series I ofter hear compaired to Lord of the Rings. This is another Epic
     Fantasy type genre of books. A very unique series that has depth and is expansive.
     Uses several elemenets, time jumping (story not actual), hints of post great war,
     uses some SciFi to bolster story, one of the best series ever, easy. Players have
     depth and are vivid. What more can I say?
8) Dune Chronicles (6 Books) by Frank Herbert
     Epic SciFi typ genre. Cannot fully explain books in sort. Great Premis, story and
     players are imaginitive. One of my favorite elements is some books jump ahead in
     time a couple of years, or even decades. Try 40,000 years. That takes balls. Anyway
    goes without saying some of the best SciFi ever written. Read it. Read it NOW!
9) Star of the Guardians (3 Books) by Margaret Weis
    An excellent SciFi saga. Kinda rips off Star Wars, but if you can get past that, it is one
    of my favorite books in this genre. Good political intrigue, and excellent player
    developement. Great premis, and just a great story. Very entertaining.
10) The Elenium (3 Books) by David Eddings
      I also like to call this the "Sparhawk Series" for its main player. A great book, with           an intricate story line. Well developed players, particulary the knights, and the troll I
      think. My favorite part of this story is the dry sardonic humor of Sparhawk and his
      knights. This is true fantasy genre at its finest.
11) A Song of Ice and Fire (3 Books) by George R.R. Martin
      One of my favorite series, and quite unique. It is like "real" fantasy, so not for kids
      where sometimes things happen that may surprise you. A very brutal story, but
      great. This one is a complex and intricate story about kingdoms fighting for
      dominance, in political intrigue and civil war, while the whole time an acient evil
      is approching from the north, and you get the idea that if not all unified all will
      fall. Next book is *supposed* to be out Nov 2005, and I can't wait. I love this
      series!