A Salad of Masterminds (Top Ten Authors)

Member Name: regal_eagle

Product:	Top Ten Authors
Date:	11/08/06 (173 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: They each give a unique perspective to life

Disadvantages: None!

I love reading, have done so since when I was about 8 when I discovered Enid Blyton. One of my friends still remembers how I used to read under the table during lessons in early Junior school, and I still do it during lectures that would otherwise send me to sleep!
So over the years I’ve read and loved many books and been through phases where different authors or genres pleased me. At this moment in time, the following are the most memorable authors I can come up with in no particular order.

1. David Eddings
I only started reading his books about a year ago. He has written the acclaimed Belgariad series which is followed by the Mallorean, among others. But I can speak for the first two series. I like him because his writing is very clever, his characters are life-like and fully formed with their own peculiarities that stick in your mind. The dialogue is fresh and humorous, and very well structured. Like many fantasy writers he knows how to stretch a story, stretch a single journey over five, thick books!
I read all of the Belgariad (five books), but for the Mallorean (also five books) I just read the first and last book in the series and it didn’t make too much of a difference! A writer I admire.

2. Sherryl Jordan
For those of you who read my review on ‘The Raging Quiet’ know I really love and admire the works of this author. I have also read ‘Secret Sacrament’ and experienced a whole new approach and style of writing. Her creative abilities are so amazing; she uses a seemingly chance incident and makes everything that happens in the book be because of that one incident. In both books I have seen her deal with problems in society but in very different worlds. A writer not well known but should be.

3. William Nicholson
I found this author when I discovered the Wind in Fire Trilogy, and they are quite good books, proving him to be a talented writer. However, I just love his latest book Seeker of the Noble Warriors Trilogy. His intense characterisation is memorable, and you can’t easily forget the Wildman and his cry of ‘Heya Bravo, do you looooooooove me?’ (or something like it). I can hardlt wait for ‘Jango’, the second book following ‘Seeker,’ which is coming out next month.

4. Anthony Horowitz
When I was really young I discovered ‘Public Enemy Number Two’ by Horowitz, and it made me go into fits of laughter. And now when I’m a little older, Horowitz has created the Alex Rider series, which never fails to bring to the edge of my seat in suspense. Alex is a mini James Bond, carrying out similar stunts and bizarrely saving the world every other week from crazy men who want to rule the world. These books are great for teenagers; Horowitz has brilliant style.

5. Charles Higson
Did I say mini James bond? Higson really writes about Bond- as a 14 year old. I started the first book ‘Silverfin’ with some apprehension, thinking it would be childish. But the prologue alone totally creeped me out, so powerful was the writing. I preferred it over the Alex Rider books because it was not all action based. Instead Higson explores the characters and the blend of emotional drama, with an intense plot and action really makes the flavour of the book. When I’d finished the book, I felt it was one of the best I’d read for ages. I followed it up with the sequel ‘Bloodfever’ but it was not as intense and creepy as the first. I will still wait for the third book!

6. Eoin Colfer
The Artemis Fowl books are not as well known as Harry Potter but I think they might even be better! For those of you who haven’t read them yet, Arty is a rich child criminal, bent on cheat world, when he finds a richer target- the fairy world. That sounds silly but Colfer has created a world not only of magic but superiorly advanced technology. I’ve never seen anyone make fairyland look so believable! I can’t wait to get my hands on the latest one!

7. Mark Robson
I recently read ‘Imperial Spy’ by Robson and really enjoyed it. I understand there is a whole series before this book but it did not diminish my enjowment or make me feel like I was missing something. The twist in the story was pretty artistic, and I’ve never seen an author make another character appear guilty so convincingly, when it was someone else. Blending in a murder mystery with fantasy and a whole lot more, makes this book worth your while. I will be reading more of Robsons books.

8. Frank Beddor
Beddor has written only one book, to my knowledge: ‘The Looking Glass Wars.’ This book is an absolute treasure! I recently reread it and enjoyed it as much as the first time. Beddor insists it’s a true story but every reader must decide for himself. Apparently, Lewis Carrols Alice in Wonderland is a fabrication of the truth. The truth is that Alice was a Wonderland princess whose parents have been murdered. Beddor shows a world of bloodshed and stark realities, of rebellion and dictatorship. It’s an original book despite the fact that it is obviously related to Carrols book. I love it and wish there was a sequel.

9. Brian Jacques
How many will admit to have read any of the Redwall books? About vegetarian animals who sometimes find it acceptable to eat fish. About walking, talking animals who live in red brick building. About animals with their own code of honour, of nobility. How many of you will admit it? Well, I do. Because despite the fact that nature of the novels seem unserious, I greatly enjoy Jacques Redwall books, because they are funny and the characters show nobility, love and companionship. The plot is always good, with plenty of interesting characters and types of animals. The dialect of each animal is particular to it. And the food described is yummy!
Yes, this is a writer to be admired for communicating issues that human beings face in the guise of animals.

10. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
I have read all of Sherlock Holmes, and I need not say how good they are. Agatha Christie is also very engaging, but I think I like Holmes more. ‘The Hounds of Baskerville’ is my favourite novel of the four, and the short stories are amazing. I wish I could write like that though it’s probably ‘Elemental, my dear Watson!’

Summary: I love Reading