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Diana's Little Bookstore<P>
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<FONT SIZE="+3" COLOR="#FF0000">
<CENTER>
BEST Science Fiction and Fantasy Books<P>
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Looking at this list, I can't believe I actually read all these books.
(Plus a whole lot more, which I didn't list because they weren't as good).
I guess I do a lot of reading.<P>
If you're wondering why so many of these books are long series, it's because
that's what I like best. When I find an author I like, I want to read
everything he writes. One book is never enough.<P>
Occasionally, a series can turn disappointing. The first few books may be
great, and the end of the series may sound forced, as if the writer were doing
it to pay the rent rather than from the love of the story. Orson Scott Card
did that with
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812550706/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
Ender's Game</A>, for example. The books below are ones I enjoyed
from beginning to end -- worth the time investment to read the whole set. I
hope you enjoy them as much as I did.<P>
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<FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#0000F0">
Wheel of Time series<BR>
</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#F00000">
Robert Jordan<P>
</FONT>
</CENTER>
This series has everything -- magic, adventure, treachery,
complicated characters (the good are not always that good,
but the evil are truly evil), sweeping landscapes, worlds within
worlds. If you like to read A LOT (I mean about 6,000 pages)
and really get lost in a fantasy world then this series
very satisfying.
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<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812500482/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
<IMG SRC="dragon.gif" WIDTH="92" HEIGHT="140" BORDER="0"><P>
</A>
</TD>
<TD>
Eye of the World (Vol. 1)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812500482/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312850093/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
The Great Hunt (Vol. 2)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812517725/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312851405/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
The Dragon Reborn (Vol. 3)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812513711/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312852487/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
Shadow Rising (Vol. 4)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812513738/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312854315/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
The Fires of Heaven (Vol. 5)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812550307/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312854277/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
Lord of Chaos (Vol. 6)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812513754/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312854285/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
A Crown of Swords (Vol. 7)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812550285/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312857675/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
The Path of Daggers (Vol. 8)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312857691/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
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<FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#0000F0">
Sword of Truth series<BR>
</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#F00000">
Terry Goodkind<P>
</FONT>
</CENTER>
If you liked the Robert Jordan series, you will love this one.
The characters are endearing, the scenery vivid, and the
storyline compelling.. Some of the more violent images are
disturbing, but overall I found the series to be gripping.
I couldn't put it down.
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<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812548051/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
<IMG SRC="wizard.gif" WIDTH="85" HEIGHT="140" BORDER="0"><P>
</A>
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Wizard's First Rule (Vol. 1)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812548051/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312857055/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
Stone of Tears (Vol. 2)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812548094/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312857063/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
Blood of the Fold (Vol. 3)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812551478/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312890524/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
Temple of the Winds (Vol. 4)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0812551486/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312890532/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(hardcover)</A>
<BR>
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<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886776244/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
<IMG SRC="world.gif" WIDTH="87" HEIGHT="140" BORDER="0"><P>
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<CENTER>
<FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#0000F0">
Moontide and Magic Rise series<BR>
</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#F00000">
Sean Russell<P>
</FONT>
</CENTER>
If you think fantasy series are starting to stagnate, you should
try this one. It is very original, and captivating, full of plot twists
and new ideas. A real page turner. Only 2 very fat books in this
series, but they are highly satisfying.
<P>
World Without End (Vol. 1)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886776244/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Sea Without a Shore (Vol. 2)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886776651/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
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<FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#0000F0">
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever<BR>
</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#F00000">
Stephen Donaldson<P>
</FONT>
</CENTER>
Are you tired of heroes who are handsome and dashing? How about a hero
who is human and flawed, who saves the universe in spite of himself? It
sounds unlikely, but Stephen Donaldson pulls it off. This is a glorious
epic by a master craftsman. Buy the expensive version, you're going to
want to read it more than once.
<P>
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<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345348656/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
<IMG SRC="foul.gif" WIDTH="84" HEIGHT="140" BORDER="0"><P>
</A>
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Lord Foul's Bane (Vol. 1)<BR>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345348656/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(cheap paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345418433/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(expensive paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Illearth War (Vol. 2)<BR>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345348664/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(cheap paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345418441/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(expensive paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Power That Preserves (Vol. 3)<BR>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345348672/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(cheap paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/034541845X/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(expensive paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Wounded Land (Vol. 4)<BR>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345348680/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(cheap paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345418468/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(expensive paperback)</A>
<BR>
The One Tree (Vol. 5)<BR>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345348699/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(cheap paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345418476/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(expensive paperback)</A>
<BR>
White Gold Wielder (Vol. 6)<BR>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345348702/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(cheap paperback)</A>
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345418484/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(expensive paperback)</A>
<BR>
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<FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#0000F0">
Shannara series<BR>
</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#F00000">
Terry Brooks<P>
</FONT>
</CENTER>
It's easy to criticize books. Some people say this book is too
Tolkeinesqe. I don't know why recurring themes bother some people.
I _like_ recurring themes, and so do many people I suppose because
this series sells well. In any event, books are to be enjoyed, and
I enjoyed these very much. If you want to once again venture into
a land of unlikely heros, magic tokens, foreboding evil and ancient
mysteries, this is a good choice. Don't analyze it, just enjoy it.
<P>
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<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345314255/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
<IMG SRC="brooks.gif" WIDTH="81" HEIGHT="140" BORDER="0"><P>
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Sword of Shannara (Vol. 1)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345314255/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Elfstones of Shannara (Vol. 2)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345285549/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Wishsong of Shannara (Vol. 3)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345356365/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Scions of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 1)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345370740/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Druid of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 2)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345375599/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345375580/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 4)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345386744/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
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<FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#0000F0">
Magic Kingdom of Landover series<BR>
</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#F00000">
Terry Brooks<P>
</FONT>
</CENTER>
Sometimes fantasy books can get a bit heavy. After reading about saving
the world from something truly evil, you may want to lighten up a little. I found
this series to be just plain fun. The images of a semi-competent magician waving
his arms around like a windmill, and a dragon who pretends he doesn't enjoy
rescuing maidens rather than eating them, are delightful. A great vacation
read. Sit around the pool and drink pina coladas with this one.
<P>
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<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345317580/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
<IMG SRC="sold.gif" WIDTH="85" HEIGHT="140" BORDER="0"><P>
</A>
</TD>
<TD>
Magic Kingdom for Sale - Sold! (Vol. 1)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345317580/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Black Unicorn (Vol. 2)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345335287/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Wizard at Large (Vol. 3)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345362276/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Tangle Box (Vol. 4)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345387007/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
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<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0553283685/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
<IMG SRC="simmons.gif" WIDTH="85" HEIGHT="140" BORDER="0"><P>
</A>
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<CENTER>
<FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#0000F0">
Hyperion series<BR>
</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#F00000">
Dan Simmons<P>
</FONT>
</CENTER>
Enough fantasy. Let's talk science fiction. This series actually has
four books, but it is complete in the first two. The second two spoil it.
Which would make it ineligible for this list, except that the first two
are SO GOOD that they more than make up for whatever mistakes came later.
This book explores elements of space and time, politics and religion, and
improbable physics. Not exactly light reading, but satisfying for hard
core sci-fi fans.
<P>
Hyperion (Vol. 1)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0553283685/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
The Fall of Hyperion (Vol. 2)
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0553288202/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
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<FONT SIZE="+2" COLOR="#0000F0">
(various works)<BR>
</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="+1" COLOR="#F00000">
C. J. Cherryh<P>
</FONT>
</CENTER>
If you are not familiar with the works of C.J. Cherryh, you are in for a treat.
She writes both science fiction and fantasy books, but I like the science fiction
best. The universe she creates is gritty and believable, based on wars, space
stations and interplanetary trade. The following books don't have to be read in any
particular order, each is a story within itself.
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<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886774314/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
<IMG SRC="station.gif" WIDTH="83" HEIGHT="140" BORDER="0"><P>
</A>
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<TD>
Downbelow Station
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886774314/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Cyteen
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446671274/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Merchanter's Luck
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886771390/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Hellburner
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446364517/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Tripoint
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446602027/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Forty Thousand in Gehenna
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886774292/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<BR>
Finity's End
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446520721/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
(paperback)</A>
<P>
If you are hooked on Cherryh and can't get enough, try the
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886772923/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
Chanur</A> series and the
<A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0886774497/tedgrubersoftwarA/">
Faded Sun</A> series. All great.
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