We read a lot of speculative literature, the catch-all phrase for science fiction, both hard and soft, and fantasy, no elves, please, but alternate universes accepted. In our spec-fic section, we also have a large selection of Arthurian, and let me tell you, some of the contemporary Artie writings are sooooo much better than Malory. Here are some of our recommendations:
Fantasy
Piers Anthony: The Immortals Series
If you know about or remember the old Catholic
church teachings about Heaven, Hell, and
Purgatory, you’ll have a leg up on this series.
Quite interesting and engaging through book five,
then rather trite.
George R.R. Martin: Two Series
The Wild Cards series is great fun for mutant fans.
His feudal fantasy series, starting with A Game of
Thrones, is true high fantasy, but not a series to
read when you’re feeling down. Quite dark and
bloody.
Robert E. Howard: Conan the Barbarian
What Arnold Schwarzenegger wanted to be when he
grew up. And was. The ultimate fantasy hero,
complete with horned helmet and sword. Don’t
overlook the titles completed by other authors, but
read the Howard originals first.
Leo Frankowski:The Cross-Time Engineer
Blatant rip-offs of L. Sprague deCamp’s feudal
fantasies, but sufficiently separated in time of
publication so you really don’t notice. DeCamp never
set anything in Poland, either ! Perhaps a bit sexist
except for polygamists, but great reads, nonetheless.
This series could easily be considered Science
Fiction. Engineers of all persuasions love Uncle Leo!
Science Fiction
Robert A. Heinlein: Any Before 1965.
Heinlein was at his best with his juvenile titles from
the 1950s. Although a bit fascist at times, these
young adult tales are some of the best scifi you’ll
ever read. His future history compendia are also well
worth the read, but are mostly short stories.
Sharon McCrumb: Bimbos of the Death Sun
Technically a mystery, as it won her an Edgar Award,
but set at a science fiction convention. The newer
printings have an introduction by the author out-
lining the book’s raison d’etre. The semi-sequel,
Zombies of the Gene Pool, isn’t nearly as much fun,
as it is more like her standard, gloomy mysteries.
E.E. “Doc” Smith: The Lensman Series
Space Opera at its finest ! Science Romance at its
best. Old time writing at it’s most readable. Step
right up and meet the giant heads who will save
Mankind because we are Worthy ! Luckily, one of
the book clubs has republished these oldies-but-
goodies in a two-volume set.
David Feintuch: The Seafort Saga
If you can buy the premise that a Midshipman in
the Space Navy winds up in command of a ship of
the line within the first 60 pages of a 400 page book,
and then things really start getting bad, then this is
a series for you. The first four books are the series,
the last three or four are really lame. Buy these -
you’ll re-read them.
Arthurian
T.H.White: The Once & Future King
The Sword in the Stone - yes, that one - The Queen of
Air and Darkness, The Ill-Made Knight, The Candle in
the Wind are all contained in this wonderful volume,
which is only matched by Mary Stewart’s work.
Mary Stewart: The Crystal Cave et seq
It all begins with the Crystal Cave - Merlin and young
Arthur. Actually, it begins in the crystal cave, and the
tale unfolds from there through The Hollow Hills, The
Last Enchantment, The Prince and the Pilgrim, and
even a novel of Mordred, The Wicked Day. When people
praise Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Faulkner, I know
they haven’t read White or Stewart, and haven’t been
exposed to truly good writing.
Bernard Cornwell: Two Series
The Warlord Chronicles. Rather sad take on the
Arthurian tales. The Grail Quest Series. Again, rather
dark, but Cornwell never fails to draw the reader into
any of his tales.
Jack Whyte: The Camulod Chronicles
The first book in this series, set in late Roman Britain,
is titled The Skystone. Give you any ideas ?
Cochran & Murphy: Arthur Blessing Series
Arthur Blessing, a ten-year old, is the custodian of the
Grail, but for how long ? If you start with The Forever
King and progress through the series, you’ll know. And
if you don’t, shame on you.
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