Seems that this thread is in dire need of resurrection!
Let me provide some Science Fiction and Fantasy suggestions, as this is what I mainly read.
Of course, "A Song of Ice and Fire" is a modern classic in the field, that has likely revived the (fantasy) genre with the HBO series "A Game of Thrones". This series also got me back to reading fantasy books after a long (think 20 years, only interrupted by following the Harry Potter series quite closely since the time the 3rd book was released) break after having enjoyed "The Lord of the Rings" in my youth.
I normally get my inspiration and information on the "Best Fantasy Books Forum" that I have been following for some years now (Hope it is ok that I give a link to another forum here, if not, Administrators, please remove). Their "Best 25 Fantasy Books" list with short descriptions of the books and links to similar books/series is a great starting point.
So, for my first suggestion:
Urban Fantasy (has been mentioned a few times here in this thread, especially by #Dropkick ).
"The Dresden Files" by Jim Butcher is a well-known urban fantasy series that is developing nicely over the course of its books (now on book 15, "Skin Game"). The first book might still be weak, and many feminist-minded readers are not too happy with his rather stereotypical female protagonists, but the series as a whole is a fun, tonge-in-cheek read with lots of suspense. This series does not need much more of an introduction.
To contrast that, I also offer you the series "Night Watch" by Russian author Sergei Lukyanenko.
This series is interesting for a number of reasons.
The first book was already written some time ago (English version published 1998), and it is set in contemporary (ok, 1990's) Russia, which is something that is already a change from the books we "normally" read that hardly ever leave the English-speaking world. There are now a total of 5 books available in English.
Secondly, it depicts a modern world in which sorcery exists, and there are "light" and "dark" wizards. After fighting for centuries, the two sides have agreed to a treaty that should stabilize a balance of power between the two sides, and "watches" set up to monitor that no side can gain an unfair advantage. Of course, this does not prevent the tries by both the light and the dark side to maneouver clandestinely to do get some advantages, while not being too obvious about it in order to get away with it.
And thirdly, the books are written from the perspective of a low-ranking wizard, Anton, who can only try to do his best to not succumb to the intrigues of the mighty "light" and "dark" wizards that treat him as a chess-piece.
They are not so much written in a funny, tongue-in-cheek style like the Dresden files, but make a very good read. The first 2 books in the series were also made into movies, these are among the most popular (in terms of global audience) Russian movies made since 2000. (Granted, I could most likely not give you many more examples of Russian movies I have ever heard about apart from "Battleship Potemkin", but these two movies were quite popular both in cinemas and on TV in many European countries). Nevertheless, as usual, the books are better.
Best regards,
Andy
Let me provide some Science Fiction and Fantasy suggestions, as this is what I mainly read.
Of course, "A Song of Ice and Fire" is a modern classic in the field, that has likely revived the (fantasy) genre with the HBO series "A Game of Thrones". This series also got me back to reading fantasy books after a long (think 20 years, only interrupted by following the Harry Potter series quite closely since the time the 3rd book was released) break after having enjoyed "The Lord of the Rings" in my youth.
I normally get my inspiration and information on the "Best Fantasy Books Forum" that I have been following for some years now (Hope it is ok that I give a link to another forum here, if not, Administrators, please remove). Their "Best 25 Fantasy Books" list with short descriptions of the books and links to similar books/series is a great starting point.
So, for my first suggestion:
Urban Fantasy (has been mentioned a few times here in this thread, especially by #Dropkick ).
"The Dresden Files" by Jim Butcher is a well-known urban fantasy series that is developing nicely over the course of its books (now on book 15, "Skin Game"). The first book might still be weak, and many feminist-minded readers are not too happy with his rather stereotypical female protagonists, but the series as a whole is a fun, tonge-in-cheek read with lots of suspense. This series does not need much more of an introduction.
To contrast that, I also offer you the series "Night Watch" by Russian author Sergei Lukyanenko.
This series is interesting for a number of reasons.
The first book was already written some time ago (English version published 1998), and it is set in contemporary (ok, 1990's) Russia, which is something that is already a change from the books we "normally" read that hardly ever leave the English-speaking world. There are now a total of 5 books available in English.
Secondly, it depicts a modern world in which sorcery exists, and there are "light" and "dark" wizards. After fighting for centuries, the two sides have agreed to a treaty that should stabilize a balance of power between the two sides, and "watches" set up to monitor that no side can gain an unfair advantage. Of course, this does not prevent the tries by both the light and the dark side to maneouver clandestinely to do get some advantages, while not being too obvious about it in order to get away with it.
And thirdly, the books are written from the perspective of a low-ranking wizard, Anton, who can only try to do his best to not succumb to the intrigues of the mighty "light" and "dark" wizards that treat him as a chess-piece.
They are not so much written in a funny, tongue-in-cheek style like the Dresden files, but make a very good read. The first 2 books in the series were also made into movies, these are among the most popular (in terms of global audience) Russian movies made since 2000. (Granted, I could most likely not give you many more examples of Russian movies I have ever heard about apart from "Battleship Potemkin", but these two movies were quite popular both in cinemas and on TV in many European countries). Nevertheless, as usual, the books are better.
Best regards,
Andy
