Two great book series for interested readers!!

[ringsyde]

I just finished book one of Dean Koontz's FRANKENSTEIN trilogy. While I'm not a fan of Dean Koontz (I prefer the British horror master, James Herbert), I have to say this is the best re-telling of the Frankenstein story I've ever read. Here's a (real) brief synopsis:

Set in modern day, suburban Louisiana, Victor Hellios (Frankenstein) has begun the creation of a master race, using modern anatomical and biophysical technology and the work of a mad serial killer to realize his plan of creating a "perfect" master race. Duecallion, the original monster, along with two tough-as-nails Louisiana homicide detectives are allied in an effort to stop him.

Book one has been out for about a year, and book two just released last week. This story is a page-turner of the highest order because it's faithful to Mary Shelley's work while innovatively improved by modern science and culture. It's scary, suspenseful and engrossing. A must read.

Another great series I just started reading is AGE OF CONAN, THE HYBORIAN ADVENTURES; LEGENDS OF KERN by Loren L. Coleman. Set in the era of Conan, this story focuses on Kern, the Wolf Eye, a young hero who emerges in the Cimmeria that Conan left behind during his days of high adventure.

So far, this series is as solid as any Conan saga ever wrote (even coming close to the original grit and grandeur of Robert E. Howard's work), and it reads very similarly (in style and appeal) to the current Dark Horse Conan comic series. Three volumes of the series are currently available. Any Conan, sword & sorcery, adventure or fantasy fan should grab this series.

I'm reading one novel a week for the rest of the year, so if anyone has any other novel / series suggestions, post 'em right here.

[Tournament Master]

I have to second Ringsyde's recommendation of Dean Koontz's Frankenstein. I had never read a Koontz book before, but picked it up on a friend's reccommendation. The book really captivated me and I am about half way through the second book and can't wait to see how it turns out.

I myself have been going through a book a week recently. Of course some selections haven't been as intellitually stimulating (i.e. Harry Potter, Wrestlecrap), but fun nonetheless.

[Wildfire]

I've been pondering the Conan books... thanks for the info...

the original REH stuff was recently repackaged.. if you haven't read t, you should

If you looking for book series here are a few:

For Straight Fantasy:
George RR Martin "Songs of Fire and Ice" series.. the 4th one is coming out soon.. first three are great!
There's of course the standards, like Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks, David Eddings, and Terry Goodkind, but I find they are all a bit formulaic, but they're all decent straight fantasy.

For Military Sci Fi:
Honor Harrington Series by David Weber.. fantastic series, especially if you like naval books.. the space fights are depicted as Navy.. the main series is 10 books, then there's a few short stories collections by various authors, and a couple spin off novels.

For Mysteries:
Anne Perry's Victorian books are good for period type stories, if a bit contrived

Other stuff is that is good:

Tales of the Otori (samurai type story set in a fictional version of Feudal Japan)

Orson Scott Card - Original Ender books (great character driven near future sci-fi), or Alvin Maker series (good alternative history)


That should keep you busy for a while

[ringsyde]

Thanks for the list, Wildfire. I've read tons of Jordan books, and I have virtually everything Robert E. Howard has written, including the Conan and Solomon Kane books that were recently re-released. I've had Songs of Fire and Ice in my hands a few times. Guess it's time to buy them.

[Wildfire]

I haven't read any of REH's non Conan stuff, how is it? I get the impression is sorta similar.....

[ringsyde]

Believe it or not, the guy wrote some mean pulp fiction and crime noir stuff. Unfortunately, most of it is extremely brief.

Perhaps my favorite Howard character (other than Conan) is Cormac Mac Art. He and his fearless Viking companion, Wulfhere, come close to what I'd expect Conan partnered with Marvel's Thor would be like. One's a master swordsman who has all the cunning and fighting svagery of "The Wolf" (Cormac's nickname), and the other is a fearless, axe-wielding norseman that hasn't met a foe he wont take on. Most of their adventures take place at sea, so this adds an interesting dynamic to the stories. Cormac, Solomon Kane and Conan are the best stuff Howard gave to us, and that's saying a lot considering he also gave us the aforementioned crime noir, Kull, Bran Mac Morn and a host of other series and characters.