Dream a Little Dream With Me (Top Ten Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books)

Member Name: QuinnElaine

Product:	Top Ten Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books
Date:	19/05/03 (463 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Boundless imagination captured in ink

Disadvantages: This genre continues to be treated like the red-headed stepchild of the literary family

Fantasy fiction is possibly the fastest growing literary genre in the past 30 years. Mention fantasy fiction and most folks will think immediately of the works of Tolkien, and rightly so! Tolkien's epic adventure has touched the hearts and minds of millions, and perhaps done more for this genre of fiction than any other work. Yet fantasy fiction has expanded now beyond Middle Earth and can, in fact, contain stories in which elves do not even make a guest appearance. (Try not to gasp in shock.) Magic of some sort usually does seem to shape this genre, but I believe fantasy is becoming a more widely written, more popularly read field of literature simply because it has no boundaries. In the end, fantasy fiction is defined only by the dreams of those who read it, and those possibilities, light or dark, are boundless. For years 'fantasy' has been lumped in with Sci-Fi, and while the two genres share similarities, they most definitely stand alone. Fantasy fiction, for some odd reason, has found it harder to be acknowledged than Sci-fi though. Therefore, this top ten list will deal exclusively with Fantasy.

In case you haven't guessed by now, I will openly state that Fantasy is my bread and butter. From fairy tales, myths, legends and lore all the way through to the humorous, more sci-fi flavoured works like Hitchhiker's Guide, fantasy fiction is an ever-changing, endlessly fascinating area of literature that has long held my attention, admiration, and affection. One of my greatest joys is to share a well loved book, and chances are it will be a work of fantasy. Asking me to name ten best in this genre is both a delight and yet almost cruel! Authors and titles flit through my mind in a maelstrom, and I've had to wait for the first eager winds to subside before I could hope to make any sense at all.

I?ve decided to keep Tolkien out of this list altogether, as he is the most obvious of choices and certainly doesn't need My humb
le recommendation. Likewise, the works of the late Douglas Adams need no mention from me. If you have never read their works, then I can't imagine where you have been hiding yourself! These authors transcend any list, and it is almost a moral imperative for you to devour their works before beginning on any of the other authors I might suggest!

Some of the titles or authors I've selected will probably come as no surprise to any who have read reviews I have posted prior to this, but I do hope that I have managed to share at least one new work or author with you, the reader. All that being said, without further ado and in no particular order, here are ten of the greatest fantasy books currently nestled on my shelves?

10. The Wizard of Earthsea trilogy by Ursula K. LeGuin

No library should be without this charming and thought provoking trilogy comprised of: A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, and The Farthest Shore. The first is my personal favourite as I found myself completely drawn into Ged's marvelous world. Ged discovers his penchant for magic at an early age, and it isn't long before he is sent off to the infamous wizards college on the Isle of Roke. His quiet, steadfast master sent him more, perhaps, to save Ged from his own youthful pride and brash nature than to further Ged's already considerable talents. However in the manner of all foolhardy youths out to prove themselves, Ged manages to only get himself into deeper trouble than he could have imagined by summoning up a shadow creature with no name to bind it, a being intent on claiming Ged's body and soul, and there is no where in all this oft times dangerous and mysterious world that Ged can hide.

As with most of LeGuin's work, the characters and world enfold the reader effortlessly, sweeping us off in a heady cloud of possibilities. Her collection of short stories, The Wind's 12 Quarters, for example is simply astounding in its div
ersity and beauty. This author has the most amazing ability to depict everything in enthralling detail, until you feel you know her worlds as well as you know your own hand. Then she sweeps in from nowhere with startling new ideas you hadn't even considered!

Others in series: The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore,


9. The Warlock in Spite of Himself from The Warlock series by Christopher Stasheff

In a distant future, an agent for democracy takes the name of Rod Gallowglass when first he lands on the planet of Gramarye. His mission is simple, encourage the current government of this Lost Colony onto the road of Democracy. Thus begins perhaps the greatest, most bizarre political battle in all of history. Time traveling counter agents pushing for either Anarchy or Totalitarian governing systems, an epileptic robot companion disguised as a horse, projective telepaths of all sorts labeled "witches" and "warlocks", entire faerie courts sprung ages ago from the minds of witches and a curious local growth called "witchmoss", power-hungry nobles, an uncertain and arrogant Queen, the Queen's lover in exile, semi-medieval peasantry, and the Gramayre chapter of the Order of St. Vidicon all play their part in labeling our reluctant hero a Wizard of the greatest power, much to his chagrin. Rod's only trying to do his job, but it seems that the fate of this one planet will determine the future for mankind throughout the galaxies.

I have yet to read any other work that combines so many fascinating topics and diverse characters into such a cohesive and entertaining whole. I really couldn't say which aspect of Stasheff's works I enjoy most. I'm excessively fond of the Medieval era, and I love a good political intrigue. My current favourite from this series is book three, The Warlock Unlocked. As if all else that poor Rod has to deal with isn't enough, now he's got the most pote
nt of Gramarye's witches and warlocks to deal with...his kids! Best to start at the beginning though, as things on Gramarye are Never boring.

Others in series: Escape Velocity, King Kobold Revived, The Warlock Unlocked, The Warlock Enraged, The Warlock Heretical, The Warlock is Missing

8. The Sleeping Dragon from the Guardians of the Flame series by Joel Rosenberg

A group of university students meet regularly to play a popular sword and sorcery role-playing game. At first they don't cope well when they are suddenly thrust into the world they have been playing in, and find all those swords and magic all too real. It doesn't help matters much to find that their Gamemaster is actually a legendary wizard from this universe who has his own reasons for sending them into the bodies and world of their characters. When the first of their party comes to a rather messy end, it doesn't take much longer for them to decide that they just want to go home. Unfortunately, the only way back lies just past the nose of the oldest largest dragon ever to breathe flame, and legend has it that he's rather a light sleeper.

This simple beginning cannot illustrate to a potential reader the beauty and complexity of Rosenberg's characters nor the world he creates around them. Each character is brilliantly displayed in all their individual splendor and human fallibility, making them utterly fascinating, infinitely dear as the reader delves further into their lives. When playing a fantasy role-playing game, it is quite easy to say "I'll run that slaver through with my blade!" or "Ignoring the burns covering me, I cast a Lightning bolt at the dragon." How many of us would find it so easy if our dabbling in such a game suddenly became reality? How many of us could truly adapt to having our very bodies changed to those of our invented characters?

For example, the character Jason found it nearly impossible
to remain true to himself once he found himself in the body of Einar Light-fingers who had lost a hand for his thieving ways. His inability to reconcile these two diverse personalities eventually cost him his life. At the other end of the spectrum is James Michael Finnegan. In our world, his brilliant mind is confined in a diseased body that won't obey his will. In this new world, he may be a dwarf but the freedom he finds in a body that Works is instantly addictive. He feels obligated to help the others get home, if he can, but is more than willing to give up his "real" life for this one. Throughout the series, many of the original players wonder if James is really still James, or if he has surrendered completely to his game persona.

All very interesting questions, and watching each of them come to recognize and deal with their unique internal struggles makes their reality gritty and vivid. I have wept over the lives and losses of these characters, and found myself feeling lonely when I finish one of these novels. Can there be a greater tribute to a writer than this?

Others in series: The Sword and The Chain, The Silver Crown, The Heir Apparent, The Warrior Lives, The Road to Ehvenhor (my personal favourite)

7. Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey

Menolly lives in an isolated fishing hold on a world where ravenous alien beings fall periodically from the sky to devour every living thing they touch. Only the Dragon riders can keep the land safe from Thread. Menolly soon finds that she would rather live without the protection of the hold's thick walls, far from the protective wings of dragons than give up the music her parents say isn't suitable as she is "just a girl". Everyone knows that Harpers are always boys, but no one knows that the tiny, near mythic fire lizards have a cave not far from Half Circle hold. Menolly flees her stern, unfeeling parents to live in joy with these tiny cousins of the great d
ragons of Pern, where she can give free reign to the great love of music that lives within her. Can she survive alone?

McCaffery's Pern series has been read and loved by numerous people the world over. I thought about excluding her from this list for the same reasons I kept Tolkien and Adams separate, but took a gamble that there may be enough readers out there who Haven't entered the marvelous world of Pern to make leaving her out dangerous to your growth as a fantasy reader. Dragons have enthralled mankind for centuries, yet they are usually portrayed as dangerous, treacherous, powerful beasts. How could any dragon lover resist a world where dragons are loyal companions who become almost an extension of the person they bond with? For those who have read the Pern series, I also recommend
The Rowan series, a fascinating look at telepaths in futuristic society.

I would say that the only drawback to these works is that they have such an abundance of characters, main and minor, that you might have a difficult time keeping everyone straight. Most readers find it easiest to start with the first trilogy, which is a bit lighter and easier to follow than the second set.

Others in series: Dragonsinger, Dragondrums, Dragonflight, Dragonquest, The White Dragon, The Renegades of Pern, and All the Weyrs of Pern (my personal favourite)

6. The Riddlemaster of Hed: first in a trilogy by Patricia A. McKillip

In this world, ancient knowledge was discovered by wizards who then vanished and left all they had learned hidden in riddles. Did they uncover too much? Morgon is the Prince of Hed, the smallest, least sophisticated of all the lands. Those of Hed are far more concerned with the practicalities of life than any mysteries lurking in the shadows. Like all the Land Rulers, Morgon is tied by unique magical bonds to his land and answerable only to The High One. Unlike any other ruler of Hed though, he was born with a curious
nature and marked by Fate with three blue stars across his brow. When the High One's harpist, Deth, comes to ask him a riddle it seems Morgon's destiny has begun to unravel. Who was the Starbearer, a
nd what shall he bring?

Marvelous characters and a well sustained air of mystery keep your attention riveted in this work. The very thought that ones destiny may have been conceived and set in motion years before you were born is a daunting one, but curiosity is much like fire. It can be a tool that helps one achieve amazing things, or it can be the death of you in less than a moment. I suppose, for my part, it was sheer inquisitiveness that kept me going, peeling away layer after layer as I followed Morgon and Deth on their travels. I felt myself growing hungrier for truth with the turning of each page, much like Morgon, although I thankfully had far less at stake than our hero. McKillip's descriptive powers are enthralling, and the bones of her world are made of a magic older than any we know now.

Others in set: Harpist in the Wind, Heir of Sea and Fire

5. So, You Want To Be a Wizard: 1st in the Young Wizard series by Diane Duane

Nita is just your typical brainy girl. She doesn't fit in or wear the right clothes. She blows the grading average and she reads too much. Nita spends much of her time avoiding the local bully and her gang, not very successfully. Things are about to change for our heroine though. Hiding out in the children's section of the library, her hand is snagged by a book as she idly roams the isles. The title, "So, You Want to be a ...Wizard?", takes her breath away. It couldn't be real, right? If only it could be though, all her troubles would be over! Ahh, everything seems so easy at first, doesn't it? Nita, Kit (her new partner in wizardry), and their new friend, Fred (a lost star with important news), soon find themselves going toe to toe with the Lone Power himself! She
can't help wondering how they ended up hip-deep in trouble when they only set out to look for her lost pen!

This series is one of the most moving, inspirational, and uplifting works I have ever had the pleasure to read. Too many people, readers and authors alike, think that if it's for kids there must not be too much substance to it. Diane Duane is one of those few who know better! While often amusing (Fred's embarrassing hiccups that produce everything from 30 back issues of T.V. guides to 1957 Buick!), there are real issues dealt with here. What brings meaning to our lives? Are we willing, or able to continue on in the face of impossible and depressing odds? Can death be a gift? Can anything, even death, ever truly separate us from those we come to love? Can we recover from our worst errors and choices? Can anyone ever be as alone and bereft as we oft times feel amidst this teeming sea of life? Love whispers to us between each line as we read, and our hearts swell with possibilities. With each new book in the series, Duane allows her characters to recreate themselves, to make mistakes and learn from them, to see the world around them in a new light, essentially...to live. These works aren't just for "young adults", they are for everyone who ever had a love affair with the written word.

Others in series: Deep Wizardry, High Wizardry, A Wizard Abroad, The Wizard?s Dilemma, and A Wizard Alone

4. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

A unicorn lives happily in her forest until she discovers that she may be the very last of her kind. Where have her people gone? Are they waiting somewhere for her? Do they need her? Is she alone in the world? She cannot have a moments peace until she finds them, so she sets out on the road. In her travels she discovers true friends, cunning tricksters, folly, wisdom, mortal and immortal enemies, humanity, loyalty, love and at that which no other unicorn has ever known...regret
. "No sorrow shall live in me as long as they roam the world, save one?and I thank you for that too, Magician."

I believe this to be the pinnacle of Beagle's work to date, and have worn out five copies of this novel over the span of 16 years. Filled with whimsical lines and achingly real characters like:

Shmendrick, last of the Red Hot Swamis: "I'll set your toenails growing inward if you mess with me! I'll turn you into green grass and all you love into sheep!"

"He tried to look stern, but could feel his nose being bewildered."

"What's the new password then?"
"You call three times like a giraffe, one long and two short."
"You ninny! Giraffes don't make any sound!"
"I know! That's the clever bit. That way we'll never forget the password! The chief thought of it."
"Ah well, it's no worse than the time we had no password at all and just shot everyone who rode up."

"I'd be more honest with if I could, but no cat anywhere ever gave anyone a straight answer."

Or Molly Grue who cries out, "How dare you come to me now, when I am This!" when she finally finds her unicorn. "It would be the last unicorn in the world to come to Molly Grue!"

Dream-like, poetic, humorous, full of the joys and despairs of every human heart The Last Unicorn is a stunning work that will capture you heart, mind and soul. Even after all these years, I can't help but be awestruck by its beauty and perfection.

Other Works: A Fine and Private Place, Lady Death

3. The Darkangel: 1st in a trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce

Aeriel is just a simple servant girl in a dark and dangerous world. She often feels clumsy, pale, stupid and ugly beside her young mistress, Eoduin. Yet it is for love of her mistress and sometimes friend that she climbs once more the
mountain where the Darkangel stole Eoduin away. Determined to kill the vampire, she waits? only to be captured and put into a far more horrific servitude. Alone in a abandoned castle at the edge of a desert, Aeriel must brave the tauntings of the Darkangel as she waits upon his "brides". So alike are the wraithlike, hideous beings that she cannot even tell which of them was once Eoduin. Soon the vampyre will take his final bride, kneel before the White Witch and then he and his icari brothers will wage war upon the world! Once the Lons, fierce and powerful guardians of the Lands would have stood between the Icari and victory...but they have nearly become legend. Is Aeriel brave enough to unravel the ancient prophesies and bring Hope back to the people of her world? Is her love, kindness, and patience enough to save all the world?

This was one of those lucky finds in a dusty old bookshop hidden in a tangled maze of backstreets. The artwork caught my eye and the teaser on the back of the jacket sold me?or sold the book depending on how you look at it! This is one of the most unique worlds I have ever stumbled into, and its people, creatures, and history unfolded before my eager gaze like a vivid tapestry. Little hints are dropped throughout the tale that make the reader wonder at the True origins of Aeriel's world. Pierce teases us with unanswered questions until the begin to pile in our minds like hoarded treasure. Where are the Guardians? Who is the White Witch and why is she making Darkangels? Who was Prince Irrylath and why does the name trouble Aeriel's new, dark-winged master? Why are the waters of all the lands disappearing and where have they gone? Most importantly, will Aeriel find the courage to do whatever she must to save them all?

This work has an almost gothic feel to it with its moments of terror, intensity and suspense, yet there are also subtle undertones of science fiction. Undeniably a unique fantasy novel, The
Darkangel weaves us an enthralling, beautiful, sometimes tragic tale that builds with each book. Meredith Ann Pierce is truly a wizard with words. I was torn over which of Pierce's works to share as I have been unable to choose any of the books in this trilogy or her other phenomenal work, The Woman Who Loved Reindeer, as my favorite! While the trilogy certainly goes together as a complete work, I must say that Woman Who Loved Reindeer was equally as riveting and just as compellingly unique.

Others in set: A Gathering of Gargoyles, and The Pearl of The Soul of The World

2. The Adept: 1st in a series by Katherine Kurtz and Deborah Turner Harris

Sir Adam Sinclair wears many guises. He is a scholar, a nobleman, a physician, a Huntsman, and an Adept in the service of Light. Aside from all his mundane responsibilities, it is Adam's duty to use his unique gifts to heal even those wounds of the soul and to bring down those who break the Laws of both Man and Adept. When a sensitive, deeply troubled and exceptionally talented artist, Peregrine Lovat, comes into his life, Adam begins to feel the first hints of dreadful storm brewing. When mysterious assailants first steal the sword of Michael Scot, an ancient and powerful Adept, and then work the darkest of magics by using that sword to summon Scot's soul...Adam's worst suspicions are confirmed. The game is afoot, but the enemy remains hidden! Who are these dark, ruthless and cunning practitioners of the Black Arts? What is their goal? Can Adam help Peregrine understand his own gift of True Sight and can this fledgling Adept come into his own soon enough to help bring these Dark Adepts to justice?

This brilliant novel combines some very unique flavours. Elements of Sherlock Holmes blended with very informative metaphysical and philosophical concepts in a modern day setting make for an utterly *ahem* spellbinding tale. Past lives, The Hall of Akashic Records, Freemasons,
Scotland Yard, the Faerie Court, the Templar Knights and necromantic arts all find a place in this well paced, flawless, absorbing tale. I find it utterly beguiling each time I read it, and can still sit on the edge of my seat in anticipation after several reads. Personally, I find writing to be both rewarding and endlessly challenging. I can't imagine how Two people managed to collaborate and give us such seamless, flowing work! Truly an awe inspiring and inspirational thought.

Others in series: The Lodge of the Lynx, The Templar Treasure, Death of an Adept and Dagger Magic


1. Svaha by Charles DeLint

Somewhere in the future, man has managed to poison our planet almost beyond recognition. You either live in the 'Plex (huge cities), make do living in the slums just outside the 'Plex, or take your chances in the Badlands between 'Plexes...which are slim to none! Unless, of course, you believe all that talk about the Enclaves. Legend has it that through good fortune and hard work the Nations (collective Native American People) were able to forward their technological know-how and stave off the ravages with which mankind had brutalized Mother Earth. Discouraged by the rest of society's blindness and uncaring, they sealed themselves off with that technology on their lands in the Enclaves. There they don't have to deal with acid rain and other symptoms of pollution. Nor do they have to deal with the crimelords that rule the 'Plex, or the crazies in the Badlands. Who knows if they are real? Who cares if they are, because they aren't sharing and life is tough all over!

In this tale, we follow Gahzee, a dog-scout of the Anishnabeg/Huron Enclave as he leaves his home forever to find truth. Another Enclave has stopped transmitting and they need to know why. Above all, the People and their technological wonders must be kept safe until the time comes for them to emerge and heal the sorrows of our w
orld inflicted by those thoughtless "others". But sometimes, no matter how wise or well intentioned one is, the truth isn't what you wanted to hear, or thought you knew. Gahzee finds truth in the most unlikely of places...Svaha, the moment between thunder and lighting...a moment filled with Hope and Potential.

Charles DeLint is, in my opinion, second only to Tolkien in the fantasy genre, and some days I honestly question whether or not I'm underrating him! Each of his works is astounding in its insight, depth, creativity, heart, and sheer entertainment. Here, he blends Native American beliefs with a variety of Asian cultures and modern problems. I'd say this particular work is a bit heavier on the sci-fi end than most of his works that I have read, yet it still remains as a shining example of an innovative fantasy novel. A true Bard in every sense, DeLint never fails to delight, astonish, and enlighten me. He excels in showing us the best and worst of our nature, making the reader think while he entertains us. He is always the first author I turn to when someone asks me what else there is in the fantasy genre besides Tolkien. I can't find greater words to recommend him to anyone who finds sastisfaction in opening a book.

Other works: The Little Country, Dreams Underfoot, The Ivory and The Horn, Jack of Kinrowan, Memory and Dream, The Onion Girl, Moonlight and Vines, Wolf Moon, and Spiritwalk



Well, I hope I've given you some new worlds to explore and if you've made it this far without skimming...My Hearty Congratulations! I won't ramble on any further as this is quite long enough, but I will close by simply saying...Thank you for your time and Dream True!

Summary: Read more, Dream more!