Re: Fantasy characters which are not black and white?


Ian Galbraith wrote:
On 5 Apr 2006 21:27:47 -0700, Giles wrote:


It's fascinating that these two have been mentioned together in this
thread so many times. I devoured Martin and completely froze on
Erikson halfway through the second.

Thats not the usual reaction, which is to freeze on Gardens of the Moon.

I probably would have, but the person who lent them too me told me the
second one was more accessible, so I held out for a bit longer.

The comments upthread, I think, helped crystallise my problem. I'm
just really not that much into history, even fantasy history (i'm not a
big non-fiction reader either, but nobody's perfect). Backstory in
Erikson is races and wars, whereas Martin is bloodlines and people.
Obviously they overlap in places, but I think the distinction holds
generally. Vive la difference and all that, but I know which side I
prefer.

Possibly another hangup is Names. I'm pretty good with romance
languages and terrible with japanese - it's hard to get my head round
the invented language(s) of Erikson because the sounds seem alien - the
western style nomenclature of Martin is easier to keep track of, for
me, despite his huge cast.



Martin's style seemed so much
lighter even when scenes were violent or unpleasant

I find that unfathomable. IMHO the lack of humour and hope makes Martin a
hard slog. Its Erikson with the humour that undercuts the horror when
needed, especially with his favorite character archetype: Kruppe, Pust and
Tehol.

Fascinating (raises eyebrow). I like the way Martin puts wit into his
character's mouths in their own styles - no mean feat to do well.
Erikson seemed less about the witty, but had occaisional brushes with
slapstick, which I've never really appreciated.

-Giles

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Why do I like these authors?
    ... George R.R. Martin ... I would recommend Erikson, then (Malazan series). ... Two series by Lisle I'm working on: The Secret Texts, ...
    (rec.arts.sf.written)
  • Re: Cant put it down authors (semi-spoilers)
    ... yeah I read it from time to time when I'm bored at work. ... RASFWRJ? ... You really should read Martin and/or Erikson. ...
    (rec.gambling.poker)
  • Re: Todays idle question
    ... yes, I do mean you, Messrs Miller (dcsd.) and Bisson, Erikson, Martin, ...
    (rec.arts.sf.written)
  • Re: What about Bob lines that get under your skin in a not so good way?
    ... then again I've always fancied myself in Bob Dylan boxer shorts ... ground OK without gender politics taking over..... ... I was missing the humour a bit - but pretty snide ... ripostes - but we wouldn't have it any other way Martin!) ...
    (rec.music.dylan)
  • Re: How many.............
    ... In reply to Martin who wrote this in ... gvm4h21usel487kid339v43fpgkh9sno1d@xxxxxxx, I, Marvo, say: ... some humour. ... Why not invite Dave Mayall to write a column? ...
    (uk.rec.waterways)
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