jenn- Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Any suggestions? Before anyone assumes I don't think adults can read HP, I've been through the series once already and we are currently working through the audiobooks as a family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amey311 Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 What is it about HP that you like? Are there things you definitely want to avoid? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaydreamingMama Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Have you ever read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, by Susanna Clarke? I'd call this Harry Potter for adults. AMAZING book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted May 23, 2011 Author Share Posted May 23, 2011 Have you ever read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, by Susanna Clarke? I'd call this Harry Potter for adults. AMAZING book. Thank you for the suggestion. Even better my little library claims to have a copy. I'm not sure why I enjoyed the series so much. I do like easy to read books and I am currently interested in the BBC series about Merlin so guess I am just in the mood to read some magical books. I would like to avoid anything super confusing. Keeping up with 15 random characters POV is hard for me (a recently read UGH!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angel Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 David Eddings!! His series, The Belgariad, is awesome. The first book is Pawn of Prophecy. He is funny and the characters just come to life. I was hooked on his books before there was a Harry Potter :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Ooh, beaten to those two suggestions. Strange and Norrell is especially good. Also, Game of Thrones? But it does depend on what you like about Harry Potter. Good adult fantasy doesn't necessarily mean like Harry Potter, I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I will be the odd one out who does not enjoy Eddings, lol. I will definitely check the other title though.... (I have some books I read that fit the bill but they were my old roommate's so I'm trying to remember the names....) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Not all series and/or adult books, but I really liked the following: Enchantment by Orson Scott Card Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea Trilogy (I think this is classified as young adult) Doomsday Book by Connie Willis Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins (another children's series) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 The Arthurian series by Mary Stewart: The Crystal Cave The Hollow Hills The Last Enchantment The Wicked Day The Prince and the Pilgrim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 anything by jim butcher, laurell hamilton, patricia briggs, kim harrison... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted May 24, 2011 Author Share Posted May 24, 2011 Thank you for the continued suggestions. I am adding as many as I can find at my little library into their virtual book bag to remember for later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 (edited) The Arthurian series by Mary Stewart: The Crystal Cave The Hollow Hills The Last Enchantment The Wicked Day The Prince and the Pilgrim Ah, dottieanna beat me to it!!! These are my all-time favorite books. I take them anywhere that I know I'll need to be carried away completely (e.g., airplanes, long lines). I think my next set will have to be hardbound because I've worn through two paperback sets already :D Definitely read these! Edited May 24, 2011 by melissel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted May 24, 2011 Author Share Posted May 24, 2011 Ah, dottieanna beat me to it!!! These are my all-time favorite books. I take them anywhere that I know I'll need to be carried away completely (e.g., airplanes, long lines). I think my next set will have to be hardbound because I've worn through two paperback sets already :D Definitely read these! This might just help me decide which of these great options to try first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah C. Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 My dh loves The Dresden Files series. They have magic and such, but are a lot darker than HP imho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I was think of the Ursula Le Guin books as well. I'm starting _Dark is Rising_ and _Gregor the Overlander_ which I hear are similar books, though aimed at the teen audience. As a heads up, the George R.R. Martin series _Game of Thrones_ is, um, very adult in content. I sent the book back to the library as I was afraid ds_9 would pick it up and begin reading something he shouldn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Governess Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 :lurk5: I adore Harry Potter. And I have the Strange and Norrell book sitting on a shelf in my living room, unread. Guess I will start there. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhgillil Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Harry Potter isn't for adults?! :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 How noir can you go? If you want to keep it lighter Mary Stewart's Arthurian series is good. There are also a whole host of mystery and contemporary series authors that showcase magic -- Shirley Damsgaard, Casey Daniels, Madelyn Alt are all light on the noir. For epic magic saga there is Terry Brooks and Robert Jordan. For middle of the road, leaning to a darker shade: Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Melanie Rawn, Kim Harrison, George R. R. Martin, some of Laurell K. Hamilton. But Hamilton leans even a little darker in some places. If you're not shy of the truly noir Simon R. Green is good, but you've got to have a pretty strong stomach. I love the Nightside series, especially. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Laurell K Hamilton gets pretty erotic, fyi. Can be very graphic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orangearrow Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Agreeing with Stewart's Arthurian series... George RR Martin is brilliant - but the books are definitely more "adult" than Harry Potter. Jim Butcher's Dresden Files is entertaining. I'd also highly recommend Brandon Sanderson - especially his Mistborn series. It's wonderful. And Patrick Rothfuss - love him - The Name of the Wind is the first book - Wise Man's Fear is the second (it's an incomplete series, though). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lailasmum Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 These are not exactly the same, being more fantasy comedy, but any of Terry Pratchett's books. There are a lot of them. They are supposedly older teenagers books but I think they work better for adults as some of the jokes are quite adult really. The Tiffany Aching series he wrote recently are a good read. For an adult they are are light fun easy reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I liked Marion Zimmer Bradley's books. The Mists of Avalon is one of my all time favorites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Robin Hobb's Assassin trilogy is excellent and magical, but it's dark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 There is a YA series that I like. The Magician is the first book, by Michael Scott. Followed by The Sorceress, The Necromancer, and The Warlock. They aren't ground shaking or anything, just entertaining. I actually think they would be pretty good for older kids as no one actually seems to be killed, there are no sexual overtones, and I don't recall any particularly horrid language. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onceuponatime Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers. Highly recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 The Arthurian series by Mary Stewart: The Crystal Cave The Hollow Hills The Last Enchantment The Wicked Day The Prince and the Pilgrim I second these!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher hands down my very new favorite series It has a fabulous Harry, diverse and more importantly witty, supporting characters. These literally got better book by book. I call it my Harry for grownups. :) (NOT to be judged by the horrid tv show of the same name) I also adore the Belgariad series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 anything by jim butcher, laurell hamilton, patricia briggs, kim harrison... I am a Dresden Files fan in the fanatical sense. The Patricia Briggs I am reading now and I am enjoying them, but they are no Dresden Files, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 The Arthurian series by Mary Stewart: The Crystal Cave The Hollow Hills The Last Enchantment The Wicked Day The Prince and the Pilgrim I enjoyed these but if she is looking for something along the lines of Harry Potter, I don't think they have the warmth and wit. They are grand fantasy but they don't have the same "feel". Just my .02, ignore me. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda in TX Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I immediately thought of the Belgariad by Eddings as well. I found that Pawn of Prophecy (the first one) took a bit of time to get into, but after that the fun and adventure don't stop. Love them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsbaby Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Someone here mentioned the Trylle trilogy by Amanda Hocking a while ago. I was skeptical after reading the description, but I totally was sucked in. Such fun reads:). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I liked Marion Zimmer Bradley's books. The Mists of Avalon is one of my all time favorites. I liked this book. It's an adults only book imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Harry Potter isn't for adults?! :confused: Obliviate. Of course Harry Potter is for adults. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angel Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 As a heads up, the George R.R. Martin series _Game of Thrones_ is, um, very adult in content. I sent the book back to the library as I was afraid ds_9 would pick it up and begin reading something he shouldn't. :iagree: Though I made it through two of the books before they had to go. Way too adult for this adult :D For epic magic saga there is Terry Brooks and Robert Jordan. I am a huge fan of Robert Jordan and am anxiously awaiting the last book this fall!! The only reason I didn't mention him is that Robert Jordan's book have multiple characters and plots going on. I think the OP said she didn't want to keep track of too many characters ;) I immediately thought of the Belgariad by Eddings as well. I found that Pawn of Prophecy (the first one) took a bit of time to get into, but after that the fun and adventure don't stop. Love them! Have you finished The Belgariad and the Mallorean? There is also The Elenium series that starts with The Diamond Throne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted May 24, 2011 Author Share Posted May 24, 2011 Thank you everyone for all the suggestions and agreements. I knew I could count on all of you to point me in the right direction. Now I just need to convince my daughter to hurry up and finish The Magician's Nephew so we can go to the library (she just has a few more chapters). How noir can you go? If you want to keep it lighter Mary Stewart's Arthurian series is good. There are also a whole host of mystery and contemporary series authors that showcase magic -- Shirley Damsgaard, Casey Daniels, Madelyn Alt are all light on the noir. For epic magic saga there is Terry Brooks and Robert Jordan. For middle of the road, leaning to a darker shade: Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Melanie Rawn, Kim Harrison, George R. R. Martin, some of Laurell K. Hamilton. But Hamilton leans even a little darker in some places. If you're not shy of the truly noir Simon R. Green is good, but you've got to have a pretty strong stomach. I love the Nightside series, especially. Is Terry Brooks a series writer or do his books stand alone? My library seems to have a few, but didn't know if I needed to start somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angel Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Is Terry Brooks a series writer or do his books stand alone? My library seems to have a few, but didn't know if I needed to start somewhere. Series writer. I believe "The Sword of Shannara" would be the first book. I've been meaning to read this again. I started the series many years ago but then found Robert Jordan and never came back to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 And Patrick Rothfuss - love him - The Name of the Wind is the first book - Wise Man's Fear is the second (it's an incomplete series, though). :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punchie Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I will add my voice to Robert Jordan, but it is very complex. I used to have a spreadsheet keeping track of various characters/subplots so I would know what was happening in later books. Also Tad Williams - the first in the trilogy is called the Dragonbone Chair. For David Eddings, I've only read the Elenium trilogy and the Tamuli (??) trilogy that's set after it. I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted May 24, 2011 Author Share Posted May 24, 2011 I will add my voice to Robert Jordan, but it is very complex. I used to have a spreadsheet keeping track of various characters/subplots so I would know what was happening in later books. Yes, anything that needs a spreadsheet to keep up with is more complicated than I need right now. Thanks for the information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelanieM Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Love, love, LOVE The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. I also think his Codex Alera series is amazing. He does such a wonderful job with his characters, and his stories are never over the top with sex or violence in a way that seems irrelevant to the story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 (edited) More YA than adult, you may enjoy The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper if you haven't already read it. It's set in mid 19th century Wales but has an Arthurian twist. ETA - The fourth novel in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance series is coming out in November (F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!), you may want to read to reread the first three before then. Edited May 24, 2011 by AuntieM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 I liked this book. It's an adults only book imo. Definitely. As of this morning, I have checked out of my library four of the books mentioned in this thread. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 Any suggestions? Before anyone assumes I don't think adults can read HP, I've been through the series once already and we are currently working through the audiobooks as a family. I don't know if this is a direction you'd want, but I really like HP and I've really enjoyed Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series. It is science fiction, not fantasy, but I think she has a similar ability to write vivid characters. I read the books very out of order. Cordelia's Honor (comprised of Shards of Honor and Barrayar novelas) is the first chronologically. The character Miles shows up around book 3 and is the main character from then out. There are some vivid torture scenes in later books and a lot of variety on gender and s*xual issues (typical for modern sci fi). But I have really enjoyed them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 The Discworld series I know it's goofy, but it's also good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted May 24, 2011 Share Posted May 24, 2011 The Discworld series I know it's goofy, but it's also good. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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