SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

Hey everyone,

I hope I'm posting this in the right section. I keep hearing I should read some GGK, but I'm not sure which of his books I should try first. Any suggestions? For the record, I typically prefer character-driven fantasy to plot-driven. Not sure which category his books fall into.

The Lions of al-Rassan was fantastic, Sarah, and I've heard people say his best. The ending will make you cry. I would say his books are character-driven, definitely. His characters aren't one-dimensional, and their inner struggles are more important than obtaining x relic or defeating so-and-so. It's not boy/quest either.

Well, as a group we'll be reading his book The Summer Tree in June. It's the start of his Fionavar Trilogy. You could join us for that :)


If not, I'll go ahead and second Lions. I've only read it and Tigana so far and enjoyed them both, but Lions was better.


eta: Went ahead and removed the duplicate thread, just an fyi for ya.

I'm the nay-sayer. Forgive me, but I wasn't too crazy about his stuff. He writes better than I ever could, but for me his books were more smoke than fire. He comes right up to the line of greatness, but never crosses it. That's just my opinion of course; I'm not the Burning Bush.

The Last Light of the Sun had some good characters in it, but it also had far too many characters in it. It was also far too preachy. Even when he had a really good point to make, I just wanted him to stop laying down The Word and just get on with the story. Under Heaven was much better, but by the time I was half way through, I was looking forward to finishing it and moving on to something else. There are moments his writing really flighs high, but those moments didn't come enough for me. I'm not saying you won't like his books, but I think there are better writers out there, like Gene Wolfe or Glen Cook.

I haven't read any of his stuff yet, either, but I picked up Sailing to Sarantium (which is one that I've noticed people never seem to mention) a few weeks ago and shall be getting to it soon. :)

I've only read Tigana and I was blown away. I've always been meaning to read more of his work but have never got any of his books at the top of my very long list.

I've wanted to try his stuff for a long while, but never got around to it. Thanks for posting the original question Sarah, and thanks to everyone else for answering!

Talking of another author who's there on my list but not read yet. Colin, I have Fall of Ossard in my bookshelf, but like lots of my paperbacks, I haven't got it yet.

I think in the case of GGK, it's best to begin at the beginning. Start with The Finavar Tapestry, then read his alternate history books: Tigana, A Song for Arbonne and Lions of Al-Rassan, Last Light of the Sun and the Sarantine Mosaic. Finish off with Ysabel.

Well, I wasn't trying to be 100% precise...

I've read and loved all of Kay's work. I believe that the characters are as rich as Robin Hobb's, the language he uses is exquisite, and I love the fantastical twist he takes on our past histories. I'm deeply biased towards all of his works!

The Sarantine Mosaic duology is wonderful. Usually we see a teenage boy heading off on a life changing journey. In this case, it's a man established in his life and craft. This slight change makes for a rich and interesting story. They're a great read!

Lions of Al-Rassan is hands down my favorite standalone. I love the exploration of culture, the action, but most of all, the characters. You really will want to read this over and over again!

Some people dislike Fionavar because it seems too traditional of a fantasy. I don't understand this in the least. It's one of my favorite series of all time! I re-read it every single summer and cry each time. It's epic, it's lyrical, it's filled with action and romance. It's everything you could ever ask for.

Under Heaven, his most recent book, has one of the most beautiful opening premises I've ever read! I was lucky enough to hear him do a reading for Under Heaven, and he explained that the book is based pin a real life family. It tells the story of a man who lives alone at the site of a great and terrible battle. To honor the memory of his father, he is burying the bones of the thousands of soldiers who perished there, putting their souls to rest. Trust me, it's amazing!

Please, give Kay a try! He really is one of the greats!

Wow, I didn't expect so many responses. I think I'll start with The Lions of al-Rassan. That seems to have the most votes and since it's a standalone it'll be a bit less of a commitment for starting out, I think.

Thanks so much for all the advice, you guys!

(Ala: Sorry about the duplicate. Didn't realize that had happened. Thanks for taking care of it!)

Let us know how you like Lions :)

And no worries, it's all part of the job ;)

Cheers Caleb. I hope you enjoy it. :)

Sarah, like I said before, thanks for asking the question. Without the thread and input of everyone else, I could guess that I'd never quite get around to taking up GGK finally. Now I will.

Can't wait to hear what you all think of Kay after the first read!