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Mudge · Post by **Mudge** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 7:57 pm

Hi I'm a new poster here. I have read Lord of the Rings and am a fan of Terry Brook's as well. Several people have recommended I try Donaldson's books, but I haven't yet. I was wondering if anyone would let me know what is special about Stephen Donaldson's books.

Thanks,
Mudge

Post by **dANdeLION** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 8:22 pm

The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant are tons better than Shanarra, and are comprable to Tolkein. What makes Donaldson unique is the type of characters he uses as his main protagonist. Thomas Covenant is quite different than Frodo, but still manages to be the person he needs himself to be in the end. I would read the books before getting too deeply into the discussions on this list, unless you want to know the whole story before you read it!

Post by **hierachy** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 10:30 pm

two words: The land. If for nothing else, read TC for the land.

Post by **Landwaster** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 11:32 pm

Its the character dishevelment.

Wed Dec 17, 2003 1:08 am

It's obvious, read the books!

Post by **theDespiser** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 1:11 am

the Shanarra books are killer books, as are SRD's, as are Tolkien's, as are Jordan's, and so on and so forth...all good series'...just so happens TCTC are my fave...

just wanted to say that

Post by **variol son** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 2:29 am

The thing about SRD is that most of his key characters (maybe with the exception of Geraden) aren't really particularly heroic in the established sense. Also, you get to ride around inside the head of the key players. It is the personal experiences and thoughts of his characters that SRD uses to make his works so cool.

Sum sui generis
Vs

Post by **Furls Fire** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 2:36 am

For me, what sets the Chrons apart from those others is the way Donaldson makes a "hero" out of someone so completely unlikable as Thomas Covenant. You will hate him at first, Mudge. But, in the end you will be crying over him. I ended up loving him, understanding him, pitying him (of course that would send him into a rage). I don't want to spoil the story for you. Just know, this isn't a light hearted romp thru fairyland. It's hard, it's deep, it's heartbreaking at times, but it is also filled with such beauty and joy, that your heart will sing as you drink in the words. Donaldson is a genius. No word is wasted, no event unnecessary, and there is no pause to the pace. It's as epic as epic fantasy can get..and then some.

Oh, and it has GIANTS!! "Joy is in the ears that hear."

Post by **Damelon** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:45 am

If you can get through the first few chapters of Lord Foul's Bane, you'll be hooked.

Post by **Blue_Spawn** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:51 am

Don't read them.
They totaly suck!

J/K!

--Of the part of the series that I have read so far, I was especially intruiged by the psychological and more serious notions of life that I did not find in LOTR.

Post by **Landwaster** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:53 am

Blue Spawn does have a valid reason that causes her to question the books, though. There is some very heady material within, and it almost feels dirty to follow the exploits of the "hero".

It's a challenge in its own way.

Post by **Loredoctor** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 4:44 am

Blue_Spawn wrote:Don't read them.
They totaly suck!
J/K!

--Of the part of the series that I have read so far, I was especially intruiged by the psychological and more serious notions of life that I did not find in LOTR.

You had me there for a moment, BS. Yes, the books are amazing. I love them. My favourite fantasy books.

Post by **variol son** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 7:34 am

Blue_Spawn wrote:Of the part of the series that I have read so far, I was especially intruiged by the psychological and more serious notions of life that I did not find in LOTR.

Exactly what I was quite inexpertly try9ing to say. You rock my world Blue.

Sum sui generis
Vs

Post by **DukkhaWaynhim** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:30 pm

To me, the biggest differences between Brooks and SRD are in writing style and the emotional impact of the story.

The Shannara series is very well-crafted, and provides a very entertaining read for those interested in the Fantasy genre. Brooks is a great author, and I have enjoyed all the Shannara books BUT no author has made me care about the characters or a fantasy world as much as SRD.

Writing style wise, Brooks tends to be spare with his descriptions, and I even noticed he seems to make a point of using short main-character names to save space. He uses dialogue to get most of his bigger points across. This works for Shannara.

SRD uses large words (have a dictionary/thesaurus handy) and tends to wax long on getting the point across.

This really pays off if you are the kind of reader that imagines the pictures in your head as you read. In those terms, Brooks is a skilled photographer, and SRD is a master painter.

Just my

DukkhaWaynhim
[Weird and Proud of It]

Post by **AMOK** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:52 pm

There are many things that hooked me on this series. SRD is such an excellent writer. The mythology and the magic are so rich and original. Original, I say?

There are a lot of basic story elements and themes that every story teller draws from - thats why some feel that SRD "borrowed" from Tolkien - at least that's my opinion. Hmmm, that might be a good discussion topic...

I really got into the emotion of the characters - it was quite painful at times. I don't know if you have ever tried to describe a place for someone but SRD does such a masterful job of describing the land. I want to go there. The story pace never slows - I find myself reading like a mad man to get to the end then wishing it wouldn't have ended.

I highly recommend the story. Jeesh, it's been about 5 years since I read them - maybe more.... If you do it now, you will be ripe for the 3rd Chronicles coming out in a year or so.

Post by **Loredoctor** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 11:11 pm

Someone once called Terry Brooks' Sword of Shannarra, a 'War Crime of a novel'.

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