Active Users:1973 Time:01/08/2026 01:14:36 PM
Back to Messageboard Post New Thread Search Help Stats Rules
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
Reply to message
So you've read X and you want to read more books like it: Part Two Larry - 30/08/2009 06:35:01 PM 3419 Views
Janny Wurts has a couple of epic fantasy series. Rebekah - 30/08/2009 06:57:52 PM 1747 Views
I like The Cycle of Fire. *NM* StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:15:04 AM 919 Views
Well, here are a couple I don't think have been mentioned: Screen Name - 11/09/2009 09:46:21 AM 1741 Views
Historical fiction. Chas - 30/08/2009 07:00:35 PM 1645 Views
Patrick O'Brian snoopcester - 30/08/2009 07:03:35 PM 1597 Views
You know Chas - 30/08/2009 07:08:50 PM 1552 Views
REally? snoopcester - 30/08/2009 07:11:06 PM 1829 Views
Re: REally? Chas - 30/08/2009 07:19:38 PM 1616 Views
Did you read the Horatio Hornblower series? Tashmere - 02/09/2009 12:17:00 AM 1521 Views
Oh, there are Hornblower books? Legolas - 02/09/2009 12:24:31 AM 1498 Views
They're very enjoyable. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:10:44 AM 899 Views
I saw the first of the mini-series. Good casting. Tashmere - 02/09/2009 02:44:48 PM 1745 Views
Tash has it..these books are wonderful. *NM* Missa Sedai - 25/09/2009 01:30:34 AM 961 Views
The first half. I've never been able to find the rest of them. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:10:11 AM 855 Views
It would be worth it to watch for the rest. Tashmere - 02/09/2009 02:46:21 PM 1746 Views
A couple that I enjoy Jacob - 31/08/2009 04:06:52 PM 1865 Views
I've read the Gates of Fire. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:29:42 PM 1711 Views
These two rock. Vodalus - 31/08/2009 06:15:14 PM 1662 Views
Perhaps not exactly the same... StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:16:18 AM 1376 Views
Wars of Light and Shadow definantly need to be added to the list *NM* Ryan - 30/08/2009 07:04:15 PM 874 Views
Re: Wars of Light and Shadow definantly need to be added to the list marekj - 31/08/2009 11:35:00 PM 1661 Views
Slash, please! rebelaessedai - 30/08/2009 08:13:33 PM 1679 Views
I'm assuming you already know about this one. Chas - 31/08/2009 01:44:39 AM 1768 Views
Oh, and Skin Folk Chas - 31/08/2009 01:52:58 AM 1707 Views
I knew about A Companion to Wolves. rebelaessedai - 31/08/2009 03:22:38 AM 1728 Views
I guess I need to broaden my horizons. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:24:07 PM 1652 Views
LOL! rebelaessedai - 02/09/2009 03:28:33 PM 1750 Views
So, I've read Shadow of the Wind ascott4321 - 30/08/2009 10:06:30 PM 1652 Views
I haven't read that one yet kcf - 31/08/2009 05:39:52 PM 1688 Views
Re: I haven't read that one yet ascott4321 - 31/08/2009 07:26:16 PM 1600 Views
Which aspect of the book are you talking about in particular? Legolas - 31/08/2009 06:34:26 PM 1830 Views
maybe various combinations of all those? ascott4321 - 31/08/2009 07:20:57 PM 1715 Views
The Historian Crink - 05/12/2011 04:56:40 AM 1589 Views
Thanks for your contribution, but not many people are likely to find it here. Legolas - 05/12/2011 10:14:04 PM 1628 Views
Then mayhaps a new thread? Crink - 06/12/2011 04:50:33 AM 1596 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 1629 Views
The Holy Grail of recommendation requests. Chas - 31/08/2009 12:59:50 AM 1866 Views
give Ken Scholes a shot kcf - 31/08/2009 05:37:11 PM 1769 Views
Will do. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:26:57 PM 1721 Views
I didn't think the characters were particularly week or one-dimensional kcf - 01/09/2009 03:42:06 AM 1703 Views
That's good to know. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:20:40 AM 851 Views
Well, Kay is very distinct... jh - 31/08/2009 11:37:45 PM 1674 Views
I've read the first one. Chas - 02/09/2009 02:15:38 AM 1608 Views
Well, it depends on which aspect of Kay you are looking at. StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:19:42 AM 1475 Views
comedic sci-fi mystery? *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 31/08/2009 03:57:52 AM 900 Views
Dirk Gently kcf - 31/08/2009 05:34:55 PM 1631 Views
Be careful with Rankin though Stephen - 31/08/2009 08:19:00 PM 1682 Views
I'd have said John Zakour and Lawrence Ganem *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:16:06 AM 800 Views
Something like Michelle West's Sun Sword? *NM* *NM* Nyrende - 31/08/2009 04:49:51 AM 833 Views
Re: Something like Michelle West's Sun Sword? *NM* marekj - 31/08/2009 11:36:31 PM 1673 Views
The Cast In series... Nyrende - 01/09/2009 03:28:12 AM 1588 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 1715 Views
that would be awesome. *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:17:36 AM 793 Views
Librarything does it Camilla - 21/09/2009 04:02:54 PM 1652 Views
Their system isn't great. jh - 26/09/2009 10:14:30 PM 1612 Views
Re: Their system isn't great. Camilla - 27/09/2009 10:07:53 AM 1716 Views
Yeah, but the accuracy is way off.... jh - 27/09/2009 04:34:07 PM 1566 Views
Re: Yeah, but the accuracy is way off.... Camilla - 28/09/2009 08:51:14 AM 1654 Views
Human error? You are being way too nice. Btw, I have a link for you. jh - 29/09/2009 10:02:35 AM 1928 Views
Hehehehe. Heheheheheheheheheeheheheeheeheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheh Camilla - 29/09/2009 10:05:26 AM 1689 Views
Something with a good magic system. *NM* Kronin al'Sulc - 31/08/2009 01:57:00 PM 908 Views
gotta be more specific kcf - 31/08/2009 05:35:47 PM 1608 Views
Something in-depth, and well used. Kronin al'Sulc - 31/08/2009 07:16:54 PM 1482 Views
Have you read Coldfire? Legolas - 31/08/2009 11:33:18 PM 1607 Views
Re: Have you read Coldfire? marekj - 31/08/2009 11:41:36 PM 1711 Views
Re: Have you read Coldfire? ascott4321 - 01/09/2009 12:15:48 AM 1591 Views
Ah, yes, now that you mention it. Legolas - 01/09/2009 12:17:41 AM 1741 Views
Re: Something with a good magic system. Jove - 01/09/2009 01:23:07 AM 1690 Views
I really liked the magic in: StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:23:50 AM 1479 Views
I like what Sanderson did in the Mistborn series *NM* Mossman - 26/09/2009 02:01:55 AM 819 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 1696 Views
Re: Hi, I want a book that seems like it was written on acid? Corporal Crusty - 01/09/2009 07:08:23 AM 1538 Views
Not really sci fi or fantasy Nyrende - 01/09/2009 08:30:45 AM 1702 Views
Try M. John Harrison. *NM* jh - 01/09/2009 01:49:43 PM 802 Views
Move Under Ground by Nick Mamatas kcf - 02/09/2009 12:21:32 AM 1674 Views
Meditations in Green by Stephen Wright Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:20:45 AM 1581 Views
Have you read any William S. Burroughs yet? Larry - 07/09/2009 11:12:42 PM 1605 Views
People who say use the phrase "on acid" have rarely tried acid Ouranid - 29/09/2009 03:07:45 AM 1669 Views
Agree with this list... I would have typed one very similar. *NM* Jacob - 01/10/2009 03:21:31 PM 863 Views
Stand-alone novels Comet Sedai - 01/09/2009 02:31:07 AM 1635 Views
Master of Whitestorm ~ Janny Wurts Rebekah - 01/09/2009 01:52:27 PM 1673 Views
Lavinia by Ursula LeGuin. *edit* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:19:54 AM 1505 Views
Here are a few that I enjoyed Bryce - 03/09/2009 03:09:35 AM 1715 Views
Re: Stand-alone novels Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:53:46 AM 1645 Views
Well, yes and no and sequels Comet Sedai - 03/09/2009 12:46:50 PM 1587 Views
Re: Well, yes and no and sequels Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 02:18:40 PM 1850 Views
Regarding Tigana (spoilers) Comet Sedai - 03/09/2009 03:33:08 PM 1971 Views
Re: Regarding Tigana (spoilers) Kylia Skydancer - 04/09/2009 01:09:04 AM 1668 Views
Pretty much. *NM* Chas - 04/09/2009 03:22:26 AM 837 Views
By definition almost all of Kay's books are standalones. Chas - 03/09/2009 11:54:16 PM 1516 Views
All except for these. *looks amused* *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 04/09/2009 01:09:57 AM 785 Views
*shrug* I probably should have said half his books are standalones. Chas - 04/09/2009 03:21:25 AM 1507 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 1389 Views
Various Recommendations Meona Goodday - 03/09/2009 06:00:39 AM 1775 Views
hehe, so you like Lois's fantasy too eh? *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:57:37 AM 732 Views
Yep yep! *NM* Meona Goodday - 03/09/2009 01:46:53 PM 832 Views
Have either of you read her Vorkosigan/Barrayar series? *NM* Tashmere - 04/09/2009 09:20:59 PM 744 Views
Nope. Have you? Meona Goodday - 05/09/2009 12:39:14 AM 1816 Views
~Forces self to remain calm and understated~ Tashmere - 05/09/2009 03:22:37 AM 2100 Views
~holds out library card~ Meona Goodday - 05/09/2009 03:34:25 AM 2120 Views
~Grins like a fool~ Tashmere - 06/09/2009 01:54:22 AM 1349 Views
Hehehe Meona Goodday - 06/09/2009 04:15:48 AM 1541 Views
I remember you!! Tashmere - 08/09/2009 03:58:53 AM 1508 Views
Re: I remember you!! Meona Goodday - 08/09/2009 02:37:11 PM 1520 Views
Kylia Skydancer - 08/09/2009 07:33:17 AM 1435 Views
You are interesting now that you have finally answered. Tashmere - 08/09/2009 11:20:50 PM 1415 Views
I've read Diplomatic Immunity... Kylia Skydancer - 08/09/2009 07:30:52 AM 1467 Views
No, no, no. You have to read them in order! Tashmere - 08/09/2009 11:18:47 PM 1476 Views
Anything similar to Neil Gaiman's American Gods? *NM* Soggy - 07/09/2009 10:34:45 PM 778 Views
Ekaterina Sedia, The Secret History of Moscow Larry - 07/09/2009 11:03:18 PM 1559 Views
Kate Griffin, A Madness of Angels Perdita - 19/10/2009 11:23:43 PM 1864 Views
Since I'm now a big fan of Angela Carter's work... Larry - 07/09/2009 11:04:30 PM 1661 Views
Well... StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:26:31 AM 1452 Views
No, I haven't read anything by her. jh - 23/09/2009 08:53:27 PM 1677 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 1650 Views
Perhaps. I will see after I finish my project. jh - 28/09/2009 06:19:31 PM 1688 Views
Horror Ouranid - 08/12/2009 03:07:00 PM 1561 Views
Thomas Ligotti! Larry - 11/12/2009 05:32:31 AM 1651 Views
Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes is excellent. Rebekah - 05/06/2010 04:07:26 PM 1419 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 1435 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 742 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 828 Views
These days, people here aren't fans of anything outside of expressing political opinions *NM* Larry - 22/11/2011 12:45:42 AM 753 Views
And Skyrim. Don't forget Skyrim! *NM* rebelaessedai - 08/12/2011 08:02:54 AM 842 Views
Back to Messageboard Post New Thread Search Help Stats Rules

Reply to Message

Block Quote Paragraph Quote
Formatting
Smiley Codes