A trilogy of trilogies - Fantasy Books...

I have been reading so much this year, pretty much anything I can get my hands on. Of late, fantasy / sci-fi books have been what my hands have found themselves holding...

I wasn't the greatest fantasy / sci-fi fan growing up, but for pure escapism and daydream (and night dream) fodder, they really take some beating. I try my best to mix up my reading material, fantasy then a 'real' book, something historical / educational, then a maybe a novel or something (Bukowski is currently being devoured by my late night brain I have to admit, in fact, that could be another hub waiting to happen).

But, back to where I was - Fantasy Trilogies. Here are 3 trilogies, of varying quality, that I have read this year either out of choice or due to them being near me at the time...

When I read the Traveller (or Traveler depending on what side of the pond you live) I was blown away. I really had that childlike excitement picking it up and the feeling of losing a friend as I read the last line. What more could I want ask for in a book? A sexy mysterious lead female who can wield a Samurai sword, a troubled soul as the hero who can leave the world as we know it to venture into other realms. The ultimate enemy in the 'Vast Machine' that watches over us, monitoring our lives. This was a better Sunday afternoon than going out to boys bedroom furniture

The 'off the grid' John Twelve Hawks has written a modern classic, enough realism to induce some paranoia, enough spiritual sense to make 'travelling' seem real and some great characters (Hollis) to keep the story pumping.

Yes, I put the book down (after the 2nd or 3rd read) more than ready for the sequel, The Dark River (I even joined the mailing list so wouldn't miss its' release, a first for me).

However I can't help but admit it disappointed me. I tried to be logical, thinking 'I'm a couple of years older now', much like the Santa effect, loses a little shine each year. However I had to be honest, it felt like a bridging story, just setting up the 3rd book. Now, I don't mind that, it is often the way, setting up a monster finale. It kept my appetite sated, so just wait for the last one, won't be long...

...And then it arrived. I read it in about 2 days, but I had that feeling. You know, when you' reading "it's going to get really good soon", then before you know it, there are 50 pages left and you start to realise it's going to wrap up soon and you're yet to feel the magic.

I half admitted this to myself, but didn't want to believe it. Then, a lovely lovely lady I know asked if she should read the Dark River (which she had borrowed after loving the Traveller) and then the Golden City. Normally I would have said yes, but I had my reputation at stake (she has a big brain and as I said, is lovely lovely!) so out it came - "Honestly, no. Re-read the Traveller, hold that book dear. It will only be ruined by reading the other 2. Worth reading, if you hadn't read the Traveller (I do know of course that isn't possible, but it's true!).

So 10 out of 10 for The Traveller, 7 out of 10 for the trilogy. Fair?

Right, let me begin by saying that the Farseer books are quite possibly my favourite books ever. I just can't fault them in anyway. The characters, the magic, the patience, the passion etc they are just phenomenal.

So, onto the Soldier Son Trilogy. Now for anyone who has read the former but not the latter, be aware - it is completely different. There is a real air of morbid depression within the story, but don't take this the wrong way, these books are certainly not slow or dull, just lacking in the almost juvenile optimism of the Farseer books. Set under a forest canopy, soiled clothes and moss that would challenge the best washing machines, no gas or business electricity out there, bleakness (but not in a negative way) always spring to mind when I think of these books.

It took me a while to adjust to the magic and path of the 'hero'. I had got so used to Fitz and the pattern of his life being 'Hard time, reward. Hard time, reward. Hard time, reward etc' that I was waiting for the reward. And that, for Nevare, is a long time coming. It almost feels like Robin Hobb was writing with some anger and a dark cloud above her head for this trilogy and the result is something completely removed from her other books (liveship traders, dragon keepers etc). But that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a go. The magic is totally original and the story will keep popping into your mind days and months later. This lady can really write an incredible story.

I would give this trilogy 8.5/9 out of 10.

This was referred to me when at an SEO agency seminar and was the only thing interesting to come out of it! This trilogy was like a guilty pleasure, a true fantasy trilogy that took me away. It has the classic ingredients. A young orphan (with a talent that even he doesn't know about) is taken in by the Kings Chancellor, and this move takes him on a whole new path...

The characters are excellent, I really enjoyed them and how they stayed true to their original incarnations (I hate some writers that have given some characters a 180 degree turn by the final book!) and become more and more colourful as the books go along.

There is intrigue, romance, magic, action, everything you need to dissolve yourself for a little while. I did at times find some of the language a little too descriptive (just when something exciting is happening to one character, the next chapter could start far removed and become frustrating. I often find this the case when people try to include too many characters) but the sheer scope of the trilogy and dedication to the characters is something to savour, it is a case of watching the seeds grow. You get a really good, exciting long read from these books and one I would recommend.

I reckon an 8 out of 10..