It seems we have to disagree about what you did or didn't suggest, then. 
Because "one of the stronger examples" and "a higher quality writing and storytelling than average" sounds to me like you do hold it in fairly high regard, even if you pointed out in the same post that it wasn't all that original or a masterpiece.
Because "one of the stronger examples" and "a higher quality writing and storytelling than average" sounds to me like you do hold it in fairly high regard, even if you pointed out in the same post that it wasn't all that original or a masterpiece. I meant as an indicative fantasy novel... representing the average fantasy story construction and mode. As such, even if I don't hold the work in high regard, I do think it is a great example of fantasy in general.
I'm not so sure that I have. Especially now that you confirm that you read the book a long time ago and haven't reread it since (or did you just mean you didn't reread it specifically for this book club?). As I wrote elsewhere in the thread, my opinion of the Empire series was fairly high based on my memories of reading it - but it's a lot lower now that I actually reread most of it. Then I don't think it's that unreasonable to suspect you might have a similar experience if you reread Magician, or that if you reread it and still liked it a lot, part of the reason why would be nostalgia, like with Eddings for so many people. I might be underrating the book by saying that, but then, neither of us seems to have read it any time recently. 
Nope. I wouldn't rank the book even close to my top 100 fantasy novels. You see, my comments are directed at my stated premise, that Magician is an indicative work of fantasy fiction, and one of the better examples of average. If a person wanted a good example of the fantasy mode and style but not wanting to get caught up in a long series, Magician would be one of the several books that I'd suggest... not the top of the list still.
I admit I may have misinterpreted your reply to Myrdhyn as being more critical of WoT than it actually was. A number of times in recent months, you've made similar comments about not thinking WoT is all that great, and perhaps the contrast between that negative tone and your enthusiastic tone about Magician has made me misjudge your comparative views of the two, when in fact the remarks were made in very different contexts and can't be compared.
I'm not so much critical of Wheel of Time as I am of people who seem to elevate that series to levels that it just doesn't attain. I enjoy the books, and I am perfectly willing to understand that people LOVE them, consider them their favorite fantasy novels. There are just many things that WoT isn't. I try to at least get people to enter into conversation on those areas where our opinions disconnect.
Magician by Raymond E Feist: Book Club now open.
- 18/01/2010 05:13:45 PM
2237 Views
Characters
- 18/01/2010 05:14:59 PM
1310 Views
Re: Characters
- 19/01/2010 12:03:30 AM
1235 Views
Re: Characters
- 19/01/2010 07:32:06 PM
1241 Views
I feel just the opposite
- 20/01/2010 03:10:56 AM
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World building.
- 18/01/2010 05:16:21 PM
1282 Views
I haven't read Magician in ages, so...
- 18/01/2010 10:16:46 PM
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The Hall of Worlds makes a first appearence in...
- 19/01/2010 12:01:19 AM
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Re: World building.
- 19/01/2010 07:58:40 PM
1299 Views
there is a reason for that
- 27/01/2010 06:13:08 PM
1199 Views
Doh! I had completely forgotten that.
- 27/01/2010 07:28:08 PM
1326 Views
that said, it is my absolute favorite setting for D&D style gaming
- 29/01/2010 05:55:02 AM
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Plot.
- 18/01/2010 05:17:30 PM
1311 Views
Is the book too long?
- 18/01/2010 05:20:54 PM
1294 Views
I would be curious to see the original version too.
- 18/01/2010 11:55:06 PM
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*NM*
General stuff &c.
- 18/01/2010 05:21:52 PM
1323 Views
Magician is one of my favourite fantasy books.
- 18/01/2010 05:27:02 PM
1408 Views
A "comfort read". I like that description.
- 20/01/2010 03:14:53 AM
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The Empire series is better than Feist by himself, IMO.
- 20/01/2010 07:55:30 AM
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Hmm. Maybe I will give it another shot. Craig was just trying to talk me into that yesterday.
- 20/01/2010 12:29:25 PM
1179 Views
in that case, you should be wary of the most beautifully written fantasy series of all time
- 27/01/2010 06:32:07 PM
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Oh, I loved that series! At least after the first hundred pages or so. That didn't qualify as dark
- 31/01/2010 07:58:08 PM
1132 Views
I think that my husband made a good choice when he used it to help hook and reel me into fantasy.
- 18/01/2010 11:58:00 PM
1291 Views
It is a very good introduction into the fantasy genre... and a fun read. *NM*
- 19/01/2010 03:26:34 PM
579 Views
Is it, though?
- 20/01/2010 06:32:19 PM
1467 Views
If not Magician, then what?
- 20/01/2010 07:50:35 PM
1287 Views
Absolutely.
- 20/01/2010 08:19:19 PM
1273 Views
May I ask...
- 20/01/2010 10:25:19 PM
1235 Views
I think Feist's writing is superior to Jordan's.
- 20/01/2010 10:29:20 PM
1203 Views
I've reread the original Riftwar books and the Empire series multiple time
- 27/01/2010 06:29:27 PM
1261 Views
yeah, much better intro to fantasy then say David Eddings ** shudders ** *NM*
- 27/01/2010 06:22:51 PM
558 Views
Yes, for more mature readers (ie not children).
- 20/01/2010 08:28:10 PM
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Re: Yes, for more mature readers (ie not children).
- 20/01/2010 08:46:38 PM
1362 Views
Aye, so do I.
- 20/01/2010 08:57:29 PM
1261 Views
Agreed - people who first read him as adults are probably going to find him boring and repetitive.
- 20/01/2010 10:19:05 PM
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I'm pretty sure that that criticism can be levelled at many 'popular' genre writers/series.
- 21/01/2010 06:19:11 PM
1178 Views
if you want to start the kids on fantasy even earlier, try this
- 27/01/2010 06:41:14 PM
1235 Views
Re: if you want to start the kids on fantasy even earlier, try this
- 27/01/2010 07:40:52 PM
1194 Views
Xanth and Shannarra got me hooked on Fantasy
- 27/01/2010 08:20:30 PM
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Re: Xanth and Shannarra got me hooked on Fantasy
- 27/01/2010 10:58:36 PM
1258 Views
I started with Narnia at age 7 and read the Hobbit within a year
- 29/01/2010 06:01:01 AM
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While it has its dark moments, it is much lighter than most fantasy. A very fun, easy read. *NM*
- 19/01/2010 07:50:52 PM
574 Views
Has anyone decided to continue on with the series?
- 29/01/2010 06:12:01 AM
1333 Views
Yes
- 29/01/2010 10:08:20 AM
1275 Views
Prince of the Blood (Original if possible) Why?
- 31/01/2010 04:05:25 PM
1184 Views
Due to some Retcon
- 01/02/2010 11:12:47 AM
1352 Views
you mean there are now THREE versions??
- 05/02/2010 05:45:51 AM
1352 Views
As far as I know, I have read everything
- 05/02/2010 05:39:35 AM
1138 Views