'Best' SF and fantasy novels list

[vilakins]

From nwhyte via communicator, the 'best' SF and fantasy novels of the 20th and 21st centuries from the Locus poll. Bold means I've read it, italic means I didn't finish it, and struck out means I didn't like it.

Comments

[luinielle]

I remember reading Ann McCaffrey's 'Dragon Flight' books way back in high school - I'm not sure I'd enjoy them now. I do love Raymond Feist's 'Magician' series, especially the first few books. His later books became a bit repetitious and I didn't enjoy anything with the new characters. Neither McCaffrey or Feist are too bleak.
I'm surprised they've included Stephen King in the Fantasy category... especially The Shining. I'd consider that more psychological horror than fantasy.
How did you like 'The Lies of Locke Lamora'?

[vilakins]

I loved 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' and the sequel! I'm hanging out for the next one; same with the Kingkiller series.

I tried McCaffrey when I was a teenager and didn't like it; I should correct that (if that's the first one in the series). Thanks for the Feist rec; I'll see if they're in the library system. What do you think of his other series?

I loved Fred Saberhagen's Empire of the East books though they're not in that list.

[luinielle]

I will add 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' to my tbr shelf.

Dragonflight is the first one in the series. I remember enjoying the dragons and the connection between them and humans. The politics was interesting, too.

The Feist books - apart from the Magician books (Magician Apprentice; Magician Master; Silverthorn; Darkness at Sethanon) I've not really read his other series although a friend who also likes his books does recommend them.

Oh, and I would recommend you stay away from The Road by Cormac McCarthy - it's a bit gruesome and definitely dark book.

[vilakins]

Thank you! I rely a lot on recs these days.

[lolmac]

I personally really liked: The Hunger Games, Old Man's War, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, The Anubis Gates. None of them are laughs and giggles, but they all have enough light to offset the dark and bleak -- even The Hunger Games (which is truly brilliant writing).

I have very fond memories of McCaffrey, although I eventually ditched most of her books (I actually kept Dragonflight, though).

I selectively enjoy Bradbury, Lovecraft and Gaiman for pure style, and The Last Unicorn, Swords of Lankhmar, and Conan the Barbarian as key items from their own moments in cultural history.

I don't read Stephen King on principle -- I simply Do Not Do horror, no matter how well-written.

I won't read GRR Martin for many different reasons, ranging from loathing the books to loathing the author, and I salute you for having the strength to steer clear of him.

[vilakins]

Thanks, I will try some of those, but not the Hunger Games. I doubt it's my thing, esp if the main character drowns a kitten.

I've enjoyed all the Gaiman I've read and really should get my hands on more. I will not read horror unless it's funny like the zombie book set at a con, and I have no intention of reading--or watching--the G R R Martin stuff. I like to be entertained, not depressed or revolted.

[vjezkova]

I am glad I am not the only one who would not read G.R.R.Martin´s book. I share your view of it - dark, depressive...I am possibly that old-fashioned on who demands that the Good wins over the Evil.
So No S. King for me either.
Recently I returned to S.Lem - do you know his Astronauts? Not very optimistic either but full of humanity.
I liked Pullmans trilogy Northerc Lights, The Subtle Knife and Amber Spyglass, very original!
I do have a collection of sci fi and fantasy, some titles from your list too.

[vilakins]

I've read quite a few Stanislaus Lems and this year bought several from the 2nd-hand bookshop. Thanks for reminding me; I must find them.

[zoefruitcake]

Well I really enjoyed '29 Powers, Tim: The Anubis Gates (1983)', I've just finished '43 Feist, Raymond E.: Magician (1982)' for my reading group and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it although it was a serious investment of time.
'7 Collins, Suzanne: The Hunger Games (2008)' I couldn't put down and finished it over night (then reading the entire trilogy in a week).
'11 Mitchell, David: Cloud Atlas (2004)' is good, there is a film coming out soon, but it isn't his best book IMHO
'2 Clarke, Susanna: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2004)' took me a while to get into but I then loved it. I think it took me almost a year to read it as I returned to it infrequently and restarted it a couple of times.

[vilakins]

Thank you! I don't think The Hunger Games is for me but I've heard good things about the others.

[jhall1]

I'm impressed by the thoroughness of your reading, especially that you've read 19 of the top 20 20th century SF books. I've only managed 13

[vilakins]

Thanks! Of course the difficulty with classic SF is finding it at the library as mote and more new stuff swamps it. Maybe getting an e-reader would make it easier. I enjoy short stories too so I'll see if I can find "The Martian Chronicles". Maybe I even read them once and forgot the title. "Lord of Light" sounds interesting too.

I agree: a lot of my favourites aren't there.

[jhall1]

"The Martian Chronicles" was also published under an alternative title, "The Silver Locusts", so you might know it under that name.

[vilakins]

Thanks! I found it in the system as "The Martian Chronicles" and have ordered it. :-)

[jaxomsride]

I too would recommend "Martian Chronicles"
I'd also recommend "The Iron Dragon's daughter" A very good read.
So too is Peter S Beagle

George RR Martin has far too many spaces in this list, his series is not that good that they should all feature. They are also dark, grim and depressive!

I've tried Strange and Norell, but couldn't get into it. The style of writing just sent me to sleep.

I wouldn't recommend Robert Jordan at all. Writing isn't even well edited. The first novel I read of his he'd cut and paste sections so a scarf kept appearing and disappearing!

[vilakins]

I ordered "Martian Chronicles" online at the library, plus "The Last Unicorn". I'll see if they have "The Iron Dragon's Daughter" as well.

I know enough about the Martin books to hold at bargepole length.

Apparently the books were voted for, so some readers must ignore bad writing.