I'm currently reading Zombies vs. Unicorns. I've read about 3/4 of the stories, and I've liked them so far. But I like anthologies, so... XD

Next thing they'll come out with is a Ninja vs. Pirates anthology... actually, that would be pretty awesome. ^.^

So I hadn't been reading much fantasy lately, but I am currently reading Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb. I had read her earlier books about the Rain Wilds (The Liveship Traders Trilogy) and had sort of a love/hate relationship with them. I do like this book so far, but to really appreciate them, it will help if you have read the earlier series.

Okay, if anyone wants a really creative fantasy book that has awesome characters, good writing, and an interesting cohesive world, they should read the Abhorsen Trilogy. They're among my favorite books ever, and they're also pretty deep and thought-rovoking. There's a little bit of romance, but it's not like that's the focus. Mostly adventure-fantasy type books. Just amazing. =D

Oh, and there's a fourth book apparently on the way. <3

Ah, I love that trilogy! I find Garth Nix's take on necromancy quite creative. I'm looking forward to the next book. I haven't been able to get my hands on the 'Across the Wall' short story collection though, which is a pity.

I think the Maximum Ride books are beginning to count as fantasy, because to me they're getting farther and farther away from science or reality.

Just went on Amazon to listen to an album preview and stumbled upon the pre-order for the final Inheritance Trilogy book by Christopher Paolini. It is cleverly titled Inheritance. They're cool books I guess, but Brisingr was so useless and full of fluff that I got really annoyed. About two hundred pages of story in a seven hundred page book. Blegh.

But yeah, this was the first confirmation of the title and the first real announcement of the book.

Eh, eragon = bleh. Read a few pages and dumped it. Sis read up to book two before dumping it.

I'm guessing youth/teenager books aren't doing anything for me now

I read Eragon when I was younger and got kind of into it, despite its cliches. Then there was the first sequel, which I like well enough, but this one was even more cliche. (Luke, I am your father! much?) But they were satisfying for mindless epic fantasy junk, and I was happy. I mean, the only other "epic" fantasy I can think of that is still being written is that Game of Thrones series which I tried and then literally dumped in the trash.

Anyone have some good recommendations for just plain fantasy? I haven't read a good book in ages. Right now I'm just waiting for the next book in The Alchemyst series, and how desperate is that? XP

@KTC: Also, if you haven't read them yet, you should try the Abhorsen Trilogy (soon to be series). They're amazing books and my favorite fantasy, as I said earlier on the page. XD They focus on two different young women who each go on an adventure to save the world and find their place. I suppose it could be considered a YA novel, but it's a lot more mature. A little bit of romance, but it's handled really well. I love those books. <3

@ipink: women protagonists in a fantasy setting? I might check them out when I have time. (Which looks like summer time *le sigh*)

@KTC: Yup, and very strong women at that. There are male characters that are also very important, but they definitely don't dim the spotlight on the main girls. Your comment just made me realize how rare female protagonists are in the deep fantasy realm. There's Twilight and its knock-offs/followers, and that's where most of the girls are. Kind of depressing.

Twilight protagonist = bella = *facepalm*
spineless, weak, idiotic, bimbo with a skin problem (arizona = lots of sun= how the heck are you vampire pale? Even in SF, with mild sunlight, you will get some tan).

*goes off to rant bout the lack of strong women w/o males taking over 1/2 in for literature*

So how is Abhorsen Trilogy? I might try and buy it but unless it's very famous, I don't expect it to be in most bookstores here in Pakistan.

Like I said, they're my favorite fantasy books ever. I'm not sure that you'd be able to find them in your country's bookstores, but if you can find them anywhere, I'd strongly recommend them.

there's ebooks of them around the net too.....
google's your friend.

Abhorsen trilogy? Ooo, sounds interesting.

Positive thing about Bella: she has flaws, which make her more of a realistic character. jk

Maybe it's the fact that she's always right next to the sparkly, perfect vampires that she feels inferior or something?
I myself started reading bits of Twilight and immediately put it down. The movies were ok.
The only high fantasy that I could ever read and finish was LOTR.

Anyone have any really easy pick up and read kinds of books? I just want some light stuff where it doesn't feel like a commitment just to try and get through it (that leaves Lord of the Rings out of the question, although I've contemplated picking it up a lot today). Recommendations?

Candide by Voltaire always makes me laugh. Pretty easy read i think.

Try novels by Meg Cabot, Avalon High or The Mediator

Percy Jackson is SO not ripped off! I personally think Riordan wrote it really well. I also recommend the Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan, Septimus Heap by Angie Sage, and Alcatraz vs. by Brandon Sanderson. Technically, the Ranger's Apprentice and Alcatraz vs. aren't fantasy books, but in the Ranger's Apprentice, there are unusual creatures, and in Alcatraz vs., the people have strange powers.

BTW, book list (in chronological, not numerical, order):

Ranger's Apprentice:
Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan
Book 2: The Burning Bridge
Book 3: The Icebound Land
Book 4: The Battle for Skandia
Book 7: Erak's Ransom
Book 5: The Sorcerer of the North
Book 6: The Siege at Macindaw
Book 8: The Kings of Clonmel
Book 9: Halt's Peril
Book 10: The Emperor of Nihon-Ja

Septimus Heap:
Book 1: Magyk
Book 2: Flyte
Book 3: Physik
Book 4: Queste
Book 5: Syren
Book 6: Darke

Alcatraz vs.:
Book 1: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
Book 2: Alcatraz vs. the Scrivener's Bones
Book 3: Alcatraz vs. the Knights of Crystallia
Book 4: Alcatraz vs. ????