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Stand-alone novels Comet Sedai Send a noteboard - 01/09/2009 02:31:07 AM
Seeing as the 'Stand-alone' subthread was my favorite, I'm going to start it off myself this time :)

Here is a list to get things going:

Lions of Al'Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay--beautiful, lyrical, alterna-history; no apparent 'magic' system. Marvelous.

Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams--My aunt gave me this book when I was a preteen because it is a fantasy story about cats, and I was a 'cat person' and despite this dubious introduction it is a terrific 'coming-of-age' story, including a 'story of the how the world came to be' from the point of view of cats. I really enjoyed it. It's the reason I later read TW's Memory, Sorry, and Thorn series, which is very different.

Watership Down by Richard Adams--I read this after Tailchaser, mainly because the reviews printed within Tailchaser kept saying it was 'Watership Down with cats' (which it isn't, really). So, Watership Down is an adventure story about rabbits struggling to survive when their home is destoryed, and it too is beautifully told. "...where the first primroses were beginning to bloom"

The Last Unicorn by Peter Beagle--As great as the cartoon movie was, the book is 10 times better. And it's got more satirical bite.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman--it's inconceivable not to love it. Also, it isn't a book about animals or with an animal in the title.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain--Arthurian legend meets biting social commentary. Also not a book about animals.

Neverwhere and Stardust and Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Three excellent stand-alones I'd never heard of before wotmania. I actually listed to a CD version of Stardust, read by Gaiman, and it was excellent.

OK, that's enough for now. Your turns.

The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo.
This message last edited by Comet Sedai on 01/09/2009 at 02:32:39 AM
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So you've read X and you want to read more books like it: Part Two Larry - 30/08/2009 06:35:01 PM 3477 Views
Janny Wurts has a couple of epic fantasy series. Rebekah - 30/08/2009 06:57:52 PM 1801 Views
I like The Cycle of Fire. *NM* StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:15:04 AM 955 Views
Well, here are a couple I don't think have been mentioned: Screen Name - 11/09/2009 09:46:21 AM 1799 Views
Historical fiction. Chas - 30/08/2009 07:00:35 PM 1704 Views
Patrick O'Brian snoopcester - 30/08/2009 07:03:35 PM 1645 Views
You know Chas - 30/08/2009 07:08:50 PM 1633 Views
REally? snoopcester - 30/08/2009 07:11:06 PM 1897 Views
Re: REally? Chas - 30/08/2009 07:19:38 PM 1672 Views
Did you read the Horatio Hornblower series? Tashmere - 02/09/2009 12:17:00 AM 1568 Views
Oh, there are Hornblower books? Legolas - 02/09/2009 12:24:31 AM 1570 Views
They're very enjoyable. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:10:44 AM 937 Views
I saw the first of the mini-series. Good casting. Tashmere - 02/09/2009 02:44:48 PM 1800 Views
Tash has it..these books are wonderful. *NM* Missa Sedai - 25/09/2009 01:30:34 AM 995 Views
The first half. I've never been able to find the rest of them. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:10:11 AM 881 Views
It would be worth it to watch for the rest. Tashmere - 02/09/2009 02:46:21 PM 1801 Views
A couple that I enjoy Jacob - 31/08/2009 04:06:52 PM 1934 Views
I've read the Gates of Fire. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:29:42 PM 1769 Views
These two rock. Vodalus - 31/08/2009 06:15:14 PM 1716 Views
Perhaps not exactly the same... StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:16:18 AM 1440 Views
Wars of Light and Shadow definantly need to be added to the list *NM* Ryan - 30/08/2009 07:04:15 PM 901 Views
Re: Wars of Light and Shadow definantly need to be added to the list marekj - 31/08/2009 11:35:00 PM 1714 Views
Slash, please! rebelaessedai - 30/08/2009 08:13:33 PM 1736 Views
I'm assuming you already know about this one. Chas - 31/08/2009 01:44:39 AM 1846 Views
Oh, and Skin Folk Chas - 31/08/2009 01:52:58 AM 1771 Views
I knew about A Companion to Wolves. rebelaessedai - 31/08/2009 03:22:38 AM 1792 Views
I guess I need to broaden my horizons. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:24:07 PM 1707 Views
LOL! rebelaessedai - 02/09/2009 03:28:33 PM 1807 Views
So, I've read Shadow of the Wind ascott4321 - 30/08/2009 10:06:30 PM 1705 Views
I haven't read that one yet kcf - 31/08/2009 05:39:52 PM 1739 Views
Re: I haven't read that one yet ascott4321 - 31/08/2009 07:26:16 PM 1666 Views
Which aspect of the book are you talking about in particular? Legolas - 31/08/2009 06:34:26 PM 1883 Views
maybe various combinations of all those? ascott4321 - 31/08/2009 07:20:57 PM 1781 Views
The Historian Crink - 05/12/2011 04:56:40 AM 1642 Views
Thanks for your contribution, but not many people are likely to find it here. Legolas - 05/12/2011 10:14:04 PM 1723 Views
Then mayhaps a new thread? Crink - 06/12/2011 04:50:33 AM 1655 Views
Re: So you've read X and you want to read more books like it: Part Two sarasedai - 30/08/2009 10:20:05 PM 1679 Views
The Holy Grail of recommendation requests. Chas - 31/08/2009 12:59:50 AM 1919 Views
give Ken Scholes a shot kcf - 31/08/2009 05:37:11 PM 1818 Views
Will do. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:26:57 PM 1778 Views
I didn't think the characters were particularly week or one-dimensional kcf - 01/09/2009 03:42:06 AM 1761 Views
That's good to know. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:20:40 AM 879 Views
Well, Kay is very distinct... jh - 31/08/2009 11:37:45 PM 1727 Views
I've read the first one. Chas - 02/09/2009 02:15:38 AM 1665 Views
Well, it depends on which aspect of Kay you are looking at. StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:19:42 AM 1523 Views
comedic sci-fi mystery? *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 31/08/2009 03:57:52 AM 928 Views
Dirk Gently kcf - 31/08/2009 05:34:55 PM 1684 Views
Be careful with Rankin though Stephen - 31/08/2009 08:19:00 PM 1755 Views
I'd have said John Zakour and Lawrence Ganem *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:16:06 AM 825 Views
Something like Michelle West's Sun Sword? *NM* *NM* Nyrende - 31/08/2009 04:49:51 AM 864 Views
Re: Something like Michelle West's Sun Sword? *NM* marekj - 31/08/2009 11:36:31 PM 1731 Views
The Cast In series... Nyrende - 01/09/2009 03:28:12 AM 1646 Views
i've always kind of wanted to make a website that does this sorta thing Mr. Gnome - 31/08/2009 10:12:26 AM 1795 Views
that would be awesome. *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:17:36 AM 823 Views
Librarything does it Camilla - 21/09/2009 04:02:54 PM 1705 Views
Their system isn't great. jh - 26/09/2009 10:14:30 PM 1665 Views
Re: Their system isn't great. Camilla - 27/09/2009 10:07:53 AM 1776 Views
Yeah, but the accuracy is way off.... jh - 27/09/2009 04:34:07 PM 1616 Views
Re: Yeah, but the accuracy is way off.... Camilla - 28/09/2009 08:51:14 AM 1710 Views
Human error? You are being way too nice. Btw, I have a link for you. jh - 29/09/2009 10:02:35 AM 1985 Views
Hehehehe. Heheheheheheheheheeheheheeheeheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheh Camilla - 29/09/2009 10:05:26 AM 1739 Views
Something with a good magic system. *NM* Kronin al'Sulc - 31/08/2009 01:57:00 PM 935 Views
gotta be more specific kcf - 31/08/2009 05:35:47 PM 1688 Views
Something in-depth, and well used. Kronin al'Sulc - 31/08/2009 07:16:54 PM 1532 Views
Have you read Coldfire? Legolas - 31/08/2009 11:33:18 PM 1664 Views
Re: Have you read Coldfire? marekj - 31/08/2009 11:41:36 PM 1766 Views
Re: Have you read Coldfire? ascott4321 - 01/09/2009 12:15:48 AM 1647 Views
Ah, yes, now that you mention it. Legolas - 01/09/2009 12:17:41 AM 1857 Views
Re: Something with a good magic system. Jove - 01/09/2009 01:23:07 AM 1745 Views
I really liked the magic in: StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:23:50 AM 1530 Views
I like what Sanderson did in the Mistborn series *NM* Mossman - 26/09/2009 02:01:55 AM 847 Views
Re: Hi, I want a book that seems like it was written on acid? mother of pearl - 01/09/2009 12:24:01 AM 1745 Views
Re: Hi, I want a book that seems like it was written on acid? Corporal Crusty - 01/09/2009 07:08:23 AM 1603 Views
Not really sci fi or fantasy Nyrende - 01/09/2009 08:30:45 AM 1752 Views
Try M. John Harrison. *NM* jh - 01/09/2009 01:49:43 PM 834 Views
Move Under Ground by Nick Mamatas kcf - 02/09/2009 12:21:32 AM 1730 Views
Meditations in Green by Stephen Wright Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:20:45 AM 1635 Views
Have you read any William S. Burroughs yet? Larry - 07/09/2009 11:12:42 PM 1655 Views
People who say use the phrase "on acid" have rarely tried acid Ouranid - 29/09/2009 03:07:45 AM 1725 Views
Agree with this list... I would have typed one very similar. *NM* Jacob - 01/10/2009 03:21:31 PM 890 Views
Stand-alone novels Comet Sedai - 01/09/2009 02:31:07 AM 1685 Views
Master of Whitestorm ~ Janny Wurts Rebekah - 01/09/2009 01:52:27 PM 1726 Views
Lavinia by Ursula LeGuin. *edit* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:19:54 AM 1549 Views
Here are a few that I enjoyed Bryce - 03/09/2009 03:09:35 AM 1779 Views
Re: Stand-alone novels Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:53:46 AM 1709 Views
Well, yes and no and sequels Comet Sedai - 03/09/2009 12:46:50 PM 1662 Views
Re: Well, yes and no and sequels Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 02:18:40 PM 1909 Views
Regarding Tigana (spoilers) Comet Sedai - 03/09/2009 03:33:08 PM 2030 Views
Re: Regarding Tigana (spoilers) Kylia Skydancer - 04/09/2009 01:09:04 AM 1730 Views
Pretty much. *NM* Chas - 04/09/2009 03:22:26 AM 878 Views
By definition almost all of Kay's books are standalones. Chas - 03/09/2009 11:54:16 PM 1579 Views
All except for these. *looks amused* *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 04/09/2009 01:09:57 AM 817 Views
*shrug* I probably should have said half his books are standalones. Chas - 04/09/2009 03:21:25 AM 1569 Views
I'll just copy/paste this 2006 list posted on the OF Blog (all but one are available as one-vol.) Larry - 07/09/2009 11:10:26 PM 1440 Views
Various Recommendations Meona Goodday - 03/09/2009 06:00:39 AM 1831 Views
hehe, so you like Lois's fantasy too eh? *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:57:37 AM 762 Views
Yep yep! *NM* Meona Goodday - 03/09/2009 01:46:53 PM 861 Views
Have either of you read her Vorkosigan/Barrayar series? *NM* Tashmere - 04/09/2009 09:20:59 PM 775 Views
Nope. Have you? Meona Goodday - 05/09/2009 12:39:14 AM 1880 Views
~Forces self to remain calm and understated~ Tashmere - 05/09/2009 03:22:37 AM 2159 Views
~holds out library card~ Meona Goodday - 05/09/2009 03:34:25 AM 2172 Views
~Grins like a fool~ Tashmere - 06/09/2009 01:54:22 AM 1404 Views
Hehehe Meona Goodday - 06/09/2009 04:15:48 AM 1597 Views
I remember you!! Tashmere - 08/09/2009 03:58:53 AM 1553 Views
Re: I remember you!! Meona Goodday - 08/09/2009 02:37:11 PM 1579 Views
Kylia Skydancer - 08/09/2009 07:33:17 AM 1494 Views
You are interesting now that you have finally answered. Tashmere - 08/09/2009 11:20:50 PM 1464 Views
I've read Diplomatic Immunity... Kylia Skydancer - 08/09/2009 07:30:52 AM 1527 Views
No, no, no. You have to read them in order! Tashmere - 08/09/2009 11:18:47 PM 1526 Views
Anything similar to Neil Gaiman's American Gods? *NM* Soggy - 07/09/2009 10:34:45 PM 809 Views
Ekaterina Sedia, The Secret History of Moscow Larry - 07/09/2009 11:03:18 PM 1620 Views
Kate Griffin, A Madness of Angels Perdita - 19/10/2009 11:23:43 PM 1920 Views
Since I'm now a big fan of Angela Carter's work... Larry - 07/09/2009 11:04:30 PM 1722 Views
Well... StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:26:31 AM 1503 Views
No, I haven't read anything by her. jh - 23/09/2009 08:53:27 PM 1745 Views
I think you'd enjoy some of Angela Carter's works; I've managed to get one at this site to enjoy her Larry - 28/09/2009 12:19:39 AM 1701 Views
Perhaps. I will see after I finish my project. jh - 28/09/2009 06:19:31 PM 1737 Views
Horror Ouranid - 08/12/2009 03:07:00 PM 1624 Views
Thomas Ligotti! Larry - 11/12/2009 05:32:31 AM 1716 Views
Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes is excellent. Rebekah - 05/06/2010 04:07:26 PM 1468 Views
If you want a spec fic/fantasyish book where characters actually tell each other what they know... Rebekah - 05/06/2010 04:39:01 PM 1490 Views
After two years, I wonder if we should revise this thread and edit in newer books. Thoughts? *NM* Larry - 20/11/2011 10:37:27 PM 777 Views
Probably better to start a new one, people aren't huge fans of reviving old threads... *NM* Legolas - 21/11/2011 10:21:31 PM 855 Views
These days, people here aren't fans of anything outside of expressing political opinions *NM* Larry - 22/11/2011 12:45:42 AM 783 Views
And Skyrim. Don't forget Skyrim! *NM* rebelaessedai - 08/12/2011 08:02:54 AM 867 Views
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