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Alternative History/Fantasy in Europe where magic is a part of live as well as science of that time (15th century). Vampires roam the land and great magic system with wonderfully researched history, but in a world where the Byzantine Empire still reigns and Constantine didn’t set a large segment of humanity down the path of ignorance. |
Fantasy of the highest order. Those of us that have read ‘Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell’ by Susanna Clarke, which was on my prior list, know that Neil Gaiman called it the “unquestionably the finest English novel of the fantastic written in the last 70 years." I was reading John Clute’s (the author of ‘Appleseed’ which is on this list and esteemed critic/reviewer of SF) review of the novel where he divulges (by corresponding with Gaiman) the book that Gaiman was referring back to from 70 years ago, and this is it. This spurned me to go on a search for a nice print of this novel, and upon reading it came by my conclusion you see in the opening sentence. The country of Dorimare is situated near Fairyland which is the considered the source of anything taboo to the sensible population. Upon eating a contraband fruit from fairyland, the son of Nathaniel Chanticleer the mayor must be removed to a remote location to be “cured”. The story turns into Nathaniel having to solve a murder and save Dorimare. Very highly recommend for fans of fantasy. |
Along with there appearances in Matt Stover’s aforementioned novels Michael Swanwick (and some random ‘Discworld ‘sightings) is the only other author whose novels contain elves in them that are worth mentioning on such a list since ‘The Silmarillion’ was published. Swanwick’s classic ‘Iron Dragon’s Daughter’ and ‘Jack Faust’ made my original 101. This is a collection containing 18 short stories, many of which were either nominated for genre awards and some winning. A fine collection by one of the best contemporary SF writers. |
I never see anyone mention these, which either means my taste has failed me in this instance, or everyone else is missing out, my conscious works better with the latter. ‘Archangel’, ‘Jovah’s Angel’, ‘Angel Seeker’, ‘The Alleulia Files’ (if there are others I haven’t read them). Set in a low tech world of Samaria, where some are born with wings (angels) who can control the weather by singing (praying), call for medicine etc and are granted by god, they also act as intermediaries between human factions, and are respected by all. I found all these novels (all dealing with separate issues) to be fascinating if not admittedly treading on new ground. Wonderful allegory, great description on how society developed, and great portrayal of different characters throughout the series, and it’s not dense! Why isn’t Shinn getting pub these days, did she go down feminist path many authors have, writing harlequin romances? I’m going to have to find out. |
Yeah it’s a comic strip, and I had comics on my prior list simply because it is absurd to ignore the genius of some of those works. This is my favorite all time comic strip, whether invoking memories of the classic Pink Panther movies when attacked by Hobbes on coming home from school, or as Spaceman Spiff, or Calvin is an all time favorite of mine. I saw that an omnibus is coming out a complete 1440 page collection coming out in October which reminded me of its necessary inclusion on a list like this. |
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Known for his work on Tarzan (which I hate to admit I haven’t read), I have this bad habit about vintage books and if I can’t get a nice print, in good condition I simply wait until I can, which inhibits my reading of what should be required reading in some cases. Pulp/medieval story of the greatest swordsman in the world, which sounds not like my tastes however there are certain authors who are able to transcend archetypes with flair of writing, Burroughs is one of them Doc Smith in SF. I’m going to have to read Tarzan one day. |
‘The Moon is a Harsh Mistress’ was represented on my prior list, seems inconceivable to have a list of 200 with only one mention off Heinlen. Revered as a classic, a story about the return of Michael a member of the first manned mission to Mars and raised by Martians, this story is about his return to Earth, and his assimilation into society, yet with a Martian philosophy and gifted with special abilities. Many things we take for granted are of course new experiences for Michael, one being relationships with the opposite sex. I really enjoyed this novel as it is known as one of Heinlen’s efforts to beat the wrap of “young adult” writer and write something a bit more meaty which is one thing I mentioned under the heading for ‘The Moon is a Harsh Mistress’ on my prior list. |
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Collection of 30 horror shorts from one of the current horror masters. |
Must have for a fan of Ellison, whose influence spans many genres, not to mention he wrote the script for one of my favorite movies ‘Logan’s Run’. 1250 pages and making up 74 classic stories. |
First comic books series mentioned in the back 99, because I can, and ‘Stray Bullets’ is just that good. I was first exposed to Lapham’s work as an artist doing work for Jim Shooter’s Defiant line in the comic ‘Warriors of Plasm’ (which BTW also included one of my favorite comics ever ‘Dark Dominion’). The absolute master of crime comics, captivating, non-linear story telling, that could not possibly be done better. Start of by getting the HC edition entitled ‘Innocence of Nihilism’ 152 pages of comic books at there best and thank me later as you look to finish you collection. |
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