Fantasy craziness
November 27th 2006 07:48
I've mentioned this in blogs before, but I really enjoy a lot of 'kids' fantasy. There's something about fantasy books written for a teen or all-ages market (ala 'Harry Potter', 'His Dark Materials', 'The Hungry City Chronicles', etc, etc) that makes them really fun and engrossing... I don't know whether it's because they're more accessible, less pretentious or whatever, but there's a lot of good stuff out there that a lot of fantasy fans are probably missing out on - simply because they're too snobby to look in the 'kids' section of the bookstore occasionally.
Here are some books from said genre that have caught my eye lately (or a while ago and I'm still yet to get around to reading them) and sound cool...
The Ink Trilogy, by Cornelia Funke
Inkheart, Inkspell & Inkdawn
This is a trilogy of books by a German author. The books centre around a girl whose father is a bookbinder, and he also has the somewhat magical ability to bring characters from books into the real world. The first book, Inkheart, is set to be released as a film early next year, and will star Brendan Fraser, Jim Broadbent, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren and Andy Serkis.
The Prydain Chronicles, by Lloyd Alexander
The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, The High King
These five books are now considered children's fantasy classics, and were first published in the 60s. They're medieval-styled fantasy books that draw on Welsh/Celtic mythology. The hero of these books is Taran, assistant pig-keeper to the enchanter Dallben. The second book, 'The Black Cauldron', was made into an animated film by Disney in the mid-80s.
The Inheritance trilogy, by Christopher Paolini
Eragon, Eldest, and an as-yet-untitled third book (possibly called 'Glaedr' or 'Empire')
Reputed to be highly derivative and not as much chop as a lot of people make them out to be, I just know I won't be able to resist reading these. The hype is too much, it's sucked me in, and I need to read them for myself. All I do know is that Christopher Paolini is a little shit... I wish my parents could afford to self-publish a book by me when I was 15! And he did the artwork on the covers too - motherfucker!
Larklight, by Philip Reeve
This one looks really cool. It's the first in a new trilogy by Philip Reeve (who wrote 'The Hungry City Chronicles') and it appears to feature a fantasy version of the solar system, where all the planets have breathable atmospheres and their own lifeforms. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun.
Here are some books from said genre that have caught my eye lately (or a while ago and I'm still yet to get around to reading them) and sound cool...
The Ink Trilogy, by Cornelia Funke
Inkheart, Inkspell & Inkdawn
This is a trilogy of books by a German author. The books centre around a girl whose father is a bookbinder, and he also has the somewhat magical ability to bring characters from books into the real world. The first book, Inkheart, is set to be released as a film early next year, and will star Brendan Fraser, Jim Broadbent, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren and Andy Serkis.
The Prydain Chronicles, by Lloyd Alexander
These five books are now considered children's fantasy classics, and were first published in the 60s. They're medieval-styled fantasy books that draw on Welsh/Celtic mythology. The hero of these books is Taran, assistant pig-keeper to the enchanter Dallben. The second book, 'The Black Cauldron', was made into an animated film by Disney in the mid-80s.
The Inheritance trilogy, by Christopher Paolini
Eragon, Eldest, and an as-yet-untitled third book (possibly called 'Glaedr' or 'Empire')
Reputed to be highly derivative and not as much chop as a lot of people make them out to be, I just know I won't be able to resist reading these. The hype is too much, it's sucked me in, and I need to read them for myself. All I do know is that Christopher Paolini is a little shit... I wish my parents could afford to self-publish a book by me when I was 15! And he did the artwork on the covers too - motherfucker!
Larklight, by Philip Reeve
This one looks really cool. It's the first in a new trilogy by Philip Reeve (who wrote 'The Hungry City Chronicles') and it appears to feature a fantasy version of the solar system, where all the planets have breathable atmospheres and their own lifeforms. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun.
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Comment by The Voices in my Head
The Voices in my Head
I agree! I read all of my kids fantasy books...it's just wonderful. I have read several and I will come back with some names..."The Dark Hill Divide', I think the name of the series is but will check and let you know. Isn't it great to immerse yourself in books like that? Reminds you not to take life so damn serious.
Voices~
Comment by Adele
Lost Fanatic
Day Break TV
Comment by Keira
Keira's Blog
Agree with the fact that most times childrens books in general are better than some adult books. It is like the childrens books don't have the pressure to try as hard, therefore make good books without all the stuff you 'have' to put in to win an award...
And now Im just rambling
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
And I think that's exactly it... I agree with you all!
Comment by SoniainMN
One note though, Christopher Paolini wrote those great books, and did the more minor artwork (but still amazing) of the endpapers and poster details. But a favorite artist of his (John Jude Palencar) which he named Eragon's hometown after -Palancar Valley, is the actual creator of the jacket art. I love Paolini and think he is an incredible author and person, but I'd hate to pass over the creator of the dragons on the covers.