Views from a new member

» mystykal26 - Some opinions from a new member

Just a few comments on my experience navigating this site, discussions, and articles. I must say, first off, that I was pleasantly surprised to come across this site, as I have been interested in fantasy fiction for a long time and have not seen that reciprocated in many of my peers - having been in an academic setting might explain some of that however!

A few comments on some of the reviews. Mercedes Lackey seems to be a popular writer on this site. I, too, was very interested in Lackey's work, especially when I was younger, because she wrote about such interesting and to-date themes. However, as I re-read many of her novels (I own them all) I find her writing a bit heavy-handed - good for dealing with adolescents, but I don't think I would recommend her books for serious discussions between adults. I was especially surprised to see her work labeled "subtle" in Brightly Burning as I felt completely overwhelmed by her message of 'bullying is bad.'

Also, having noted the articles on historic fantasy, I find it interesting that there is no discussion of the recently expanding genre of what some authors are calling historic fiction - using the myths/folklore and history of different cultures for the setting and then creating a story within that world. Two (relatively) recently published works include Juliet Marillier's Seven Waters trilogy and Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel trilogy.

A final note - I was disappointed to find there were no articles on the above mentioned authors or on Terry Goodkind. An author who, I believe, is much more subtle than Lackey when applying themes and is also more political - if that's what one is interested in. I understand that both Goodkind and Carey may be a bit more graphic in some cases than some readers may hope for, but both provide an interesting read, at the least.

These are just some of my thoughts on what I've seen so far from this site. Hope I haven't been too long (or overbearing!).

-- posted by mystykal26

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» Freedomstar - Re: Some opinions from a new member

In response to message posted by mystykal26:

Mystykal26,

Thank you for your opinions. I didn't find it overbearing. In fact, I welcome opinions and suggestions to help improve the site.

In response, I would like to make a few comments to yours. As to the authors, I'm working on an article on Terry Goodkind for the future. I also plan to write future articles about Jacqueline Carey and Juliet Marillier.

I try to keep the site to fill a wide spectrum of Fantasy. Many of the readers range from children to adults. I can't allow myself to get too academic in my articles.

We do have some agreement on Lackey. Some of her books are a little overwhelming in her messages. I like her books though and review them here for younger readers.

Please continue to add your opinions. I found them helpful. Also, please check out my class at Suite University on Fantasy.

-- posted by Freedomstar

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» mystykal26 - Re: Re: Some opinions from a new member

Not that I wish to scare off some previous members, but since this is a fantasy discussion site, I don't see why some of your articles couldn't be more academic in nature - I'm not saying all of them, but they might appeal to some of your older readers, possibly some academics who check out this site. On the other hand, it could just be that I'm looking for someone who might share some of my opinions on the fantasy genre, primarily concerning how it is viewed in the academic world.

Another comment - I remember one of your articles discussing the negative views some people have towards fantasy - one in particular about it being atheistic or against religion. A good series that would refute that claim would be the Death Gate Cycle by Weis and Hickman. By the third book, it's incredibly obvious that one of the major themes in the book is that the characters acted on the belief that they were demigods and nothing else was above them, and suddenly, they now have to deal with a presence they never thought existed.

M. Stacey

-- posted by mystykal26

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