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Re: Stand-alone novels Kylia Skydancer Send a noteboard - 03/09/2009 10:53:46 AM


Lions of Al'Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay--beautiful, lyrical, alterna-history; no apparent 'magic' system. Marvelous.


To be quite technical, Lions isn't completely standalone...The Sarantine Mosaic books take place within that world, though during a different time period. As does "The Last Light Of The Sun" I believe.

"Tigana" would be my pick from Guy Gavriel Kay. Hving read pretty much all his books and it's still my favourite.


The Princess Bride by William Goldman--it's inconceivable not to love it. Also, it isn't a book about animals or with an animal in the title.


Abridged or unbridged? Because I'm told the unabridged version can get really boring at times.



Standalone Novels I'd recommend:

Dexta by C. J. Ryan - sexy uninhibited science fiction

Nemesis by Isaac Asimov - I'm think I read somewhere that the book was so well-received he had decided to take another venture into its verse but died before he could do so. More sci-fi obviously.

A Fistful of Sky by Nina Kiriki Hoffman - Reality with a bit of magic thrown in. Half coming-of-age, half I'm-not-sure-what.

Duchess of Milan by Michael Ennis - historical fiction. A look at the politics and goings on of 1490 Italy from the female point of view.

Growing Wings by Laurel Winter - A novella really. Reality with a bit of the fantastic. Not so much a coming-of-age story as the main character is quite young. But it's stark and magical and makes you think.


Hopefully some of those catch your fancy.
This message last edited by Kylia Skydancer on 03/09/2009 at 10:55:51 AM
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So you've read X and you want to read more books like it: Part Two Larry - 30/08/2009 06:35:01 PM 3109 Views
Janny Wurts has a couple of epic fantasy series. Rebekah - 30/08/2009 06:57:52 PM 1437 Views
I like The Cycle of Fire. *NM* StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:15:04 AM 777 Views
Well, here are a couple I don't think have been mentioned: Screen Name - 11/09/2009 09:46:21 AM 1423 Views
Historical fiction. Chas - 30/08/2009 07:00:35 PM 1349 Views
Patrick O'Brian snoopcester - 30/08/2009 07:03:35 PM 1277 Views
You know Chas - 30/08/2009 07:08:50 PM 1249 Views
REally? snoopcester - 30/08/2009 07:11:06 PM 1511 Views
Re: REally? Chas - 30/08/2009 07:19:38 PM 1304 Views
Did you read the Horatio Hornblower series? Tashmere - 02/09/2009 12:17:00 AM 1218 Views
Oh, there are Hornblower books? Legolas - 02/09/2009 12:24:31 AM 1210 Views
They're very enjoyable. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:10:44 AM 715 Views
I saw the first of the mini-series. Good casting. Tashmere - 02/09/2009 02:44:48 PM 1433 Views
Tash has it..these books are wonderful. *NM* Missa Sedai - 25/09/2009 01:30:34 AM 823 Views
The first half. I've never been able to find the rest of them. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:10:11 AM 698 Views
It would be worth it to watch for the rest. Tashmere - 02/09/2009 02:46:21 PM 1469 Views
A couple that I enjoy Jacob - 31/08/2009 04:06:52 PM 1548 Views
I've read the Gates of Fire. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:29:42 PM 1396 Views
These two rock. Vodalus - 31/08/2009 06:15:14 PM 1359 Views
Perhaps not exactly the same... StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:16:18 AM 1070 Views
Wars of Light and Shadow definantly need to be added to the list *NM* Ryan - 30/08/2009 07:04:15 PM 707 Views
Re: Wars of Light and Shadow definantly need to be added to the list marekj - 31/08/2009 11:35:00 PM 1343 Views
Slash, please! rebelaessedai - 30/08/2009 08:13:33 PM 1383 Views
I'm assuming you already know about this one. Chas - 31/08/2009 01:44:39 AM 1457 Views
Oh, and Skin Folk Chas - 31/08/2009 01:52:58 AM 1381 Views
I knew about A Companion to Wolves. rebelaessedai - 31/08/2009 03:22:38 AM 1378 Views
I guess I need to broaden my horizons. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:24:07 PM 1309 Views
LOL! rebelaessedai - 02/09/2009 03:28:33 PM 1452 Views
So, I've read Shadow of the Wind ascott4321 - 30/08/2009 10:06:30 PM 1375 Views
I haven't read that one yet kcf - 31/08/2009 05:39:52 PM 1389 Views
Re: I haven't read that one yet ascott4321 - 31/08/2009 07:26:16 PM 1269 Views
Which aspect of the book are you talking about in particular? Legolas - 31/08/2009 06:34:26 PM 1520 Views
maybe various combinations of all those? ascott4321 - 31/08/2009 07:20:57 PM 1406 Views
The Historian Crink - 05/12/2011 04:56:40 AM 1298 Views
Thanks for your contribution, but not many people are likely to find it here. Legolas - 05/12/2011 10:14:04 PM 1315 Views
Then mayhaps a new thread? Crink - 06/12/2011 04:50:33 AM 1311 Views
Re: So you've read X and you want to read more books like it: Part Two sarasedai - 30/08/2009 10:20:05 PM 1351 Views
The Holy Grail of recommendation requests. Chas - 31/08/2009 12:59:50 AM 1571 Views
give Ken Scholes a shot kcf - 31/08/2009 05:37:11 PM 1446 Views
Will do. Chas - 31/08/2009 11:26:57 PM 1420 Views
I didn't think the characters were particularly week or one-dimensional kcf - 01/09/2009 03:42:06 AM 1396 Views
That's good to know. *NM* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:20:40 AM 690 Views
Well, Kay is very distinct... jh - 31/08/2009 11:37:45 PM 1365 Views
I've read the first one. Chas - 02/09/2009 02:15:38 AM 1307 Views
Well, it depends on which aspect of Kay you are looking at. StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:19:42 AM 1190 Views
comedic sci-fi mystery? *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 31/08/2009 03:57:52 AM 709 Views
Dirk Gently kcf - 31/08/2009 05:34:55 PM 1332 Views
Be careful with Rankin though Stephen - 31/08/2009 08:19:00 PM 1368 Views
I'd have said John Zakour and Lawrence Ganem *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:16:06 AM 648 Views
Something like Michelle West's Sun Sword? *NM* *NM* Nyrende - 31/08/2009 04:49:51 AM 686 Views
Re: Something like Michelle West's Sun Sword? *NM* marekj - 31/08/2009 11:36:31 PM 1330 Views
The Cast In series... Nyrende - 01/09/2009 03:28:12 AM 1303 Views
i've always kind of wanted to make a website that does this sorta thing Mr. Gnome - 31/08/2009 10:12:26 AM 1403 Views
that would be awesome. *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:17:36 AM 627 Views
Librarything does it Camilla - 21/09/2009 04:02:54 PM 1368 Views
Their system isn't great. jh - 26/09/2009 10:14:30 PM 1307 Views
Re: Their system isn't great. Camilla - 27/09/2009 10:07:53 AM 1398 Views
Yeah, but the accuracy is way off.... jh - 27/09/2009 04:34:07 PM 1270 Views
Re: Yeah, but the accuracy is way off.... Camilla - 28/09/2009 08:51:14 AM 1363 Views
Human error? You are being way too nice. Btw, I have a link for you. jh - 29/09/2009 10:02:35 AM 1627 Views
Hehehehe. Heheheheheheheheheeheheheeheeheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheheh Camilla - 29/09/2009 10:05:26 AM 1383 Views
Something with a good magic system. *NM* Kronin al'Sulc - 31/08/2009 01:57:00 PM 706 Views
gotta be more specific kcf - 31/08/2009 05:35:47 PM 1325 Views
Something in-depth, and well used. Kronin al'Sulc - 31/08/2009 07:16:54 PM 1201 Views
Have you read Coldfire? Legolas - 31/08/2009 11:33:18 PM 1297 Views
Re: Have you read Coldfire? marekj - 31/08/2009 11:41:36 PM 1417 Views
Re: Have you read Coldfire? ascott4321 - 01/09/2009 12:15:48 AM 1280 Views
Ah, yes, now that you mention it. Legolas - 01/09/2009 12:17:41 AM 1447 Views
Re: Something with a good magic system. Jove - 01/09/2009 01:23:07 AM 1398 Views
I really liked the magic in: StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:23:50 AM 1170 Views
I like what Sanderson did in the Mistborn series *NM* Mossman - 26/09/2009 02:01:55 AM 653 Views
Re: Hi, I want a book that seems like it was written on acid? mother of pearl - 01/09/2009 12:24:01 AM 1372 Views
Re: Hi, I want a book that seems like it was written on acid? Corporal Crusty - 01/09/2009 07:08:23 AM 1270 Views
Not really sci fi or fantasy Nyrende - 01/09/2009 08:30:45 AM 1391 Views
Try M. John Harrison. *NM* jh - 01/09/2009 01:49:43 PM 648 Views
Move Under Ground by Nick Mamatas kcf - 02/09/2009 12:21:32 AM 1355 Views
Meditations in Green by Stephen Wright Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:20:45 AM 1246 Views
Have you read any William S. Burroughs yet? Larry - 07/09/2009 11:12:42 PM 1312 Views
People who say use the phrase "on acid" have rarely tried acid Ouranid - 29/09/2009 03:07:45 AM 1354 Views
Agree with this list... I would have typed one very similar. *NM* Jacob - 01/10/2009 03:21:31 PM 691 Views
Stand-alone novels Comet Sedai - 01/09/2009 02:31:07 AM 1324 Views
Master of Whitestorm ~ Janny Wurts Rebekah - 01/09/2009 01:52:27 PM 1361 Views
Lavinia by Ursula LeGuin. *edit* Chas - 02/09/2009 01:19:54 AM 1189 Views
Here are a few that I enjoyed Bryce - 03/09/2009 03:09:35 AM 1420 Views
Re: Stand-alone novels Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:53:46 AM 1340 Views
Well, yes and no and sequels Comet Sedai - 03/09/2009 12:46:50 PM 1277 Views
Re: Well, yes and no and sequels Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 02:18:40 PM 1559 Views
Regarding Tigana (spoilers) Comet Sedai - 03/09/2009 03:33:08 PM 1666 Views
Re: Regarding Tigana (spoilers) Kylia Skydancer - 04/09/2009 01:09:04 AM 1365 Views
Pretty much. *NM* Chas - 04/09/2009 03:22:26 AM 674 Views
By definition almost all of Kay's books are standalones. Chas - 03/09/2009 11:54:16 PM 1227 Views
All except for these. *looks amused* *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 04/09/2009 01:09:57 AM 627 Views
*shrug* I probably should have said half his books are standalones. Chas - 04/09/2009 03:21:25 AM 1238 Views
I'll just copy/paste this 2006 list posted on the OF Blog (all but one are available as one-vol.) Larry - 07/09/2009 11:10:26 PM 1098 Views
Various Recommendations Meona Goodday - 03/09/2009 06:00:39 AM 1444 Views
hehe, so you like Lois's fantasy too eh? *NM* Kylia Skydancer - 03/09/2009 10:57:37 AM 577 Views
Yep yep! *NM* Meona Goodday - 03/09/2009 01:46:53 PM 677 Views
Have either of you read her Vorkosigan/Barrayar series? *NM* Tashmere - 04/09/2009 09:20:59 PM 592 Views
Nope. Have you? Meona Goodday - 05/09/2009 12:39:14 AM 1496 Views
~Forces self to remain calm and understated~ Tashmere - 05/09/2009 03:22:37 AM 1814 Views
~holds out library card~ Meona Goodday - 05/09/2009 03:34:25 AM 1802 Views
~Grins like a fool~ Tashmere - 06/09/2009 01:54:22 AM 1061 Views
Hehehe Meona Goodday - 06/09/2009 04:15:48 AM 1234 Views
I remember you!! Tashmere - 08/09/2009 03:58:53 AM 1213 Views
Re: I remember you!! Meona Goodday - 08/09/2009 02:37:11 PM 1208 Views
Kylia Skydancer - 08/09/2009 07:33:17 AM 1156 Views
You are interesting now that you have finally answered. Tashmere - 08/09/2009 11:20:50 PM 1080 Views
I've read Diplomatic Immunity... Kylia Skydancer - 08/09/2009 07:30:52 AM 1141 Views
No, no, no. You have to read them in order! Tashmere - 08/09/2009 11:18:47 PM 1178 Views
Anything similar to Neil Gaiman's American Gods? *NM* Soggy - 07/09/2009 10:34:45 PM 614 Views
Ekaterina Sedia, The Secret History of Moscow Larry - 07/09/2009 11:03:18 PM 1258 Views
Kate Griffin, A Madness of Angels Perdita - 19/10/2009 11:23:43 PM 1461 Views
Since I'm now a big fan of Angela Carter's work... Larry - 07/09/2009 11:04:30 PM 1366 Views
Well... StoneDogAiel - 08/09/2009 02:26:31 AM 1158 Views
No, I haven't read anything by her. jh - 23/09/2009 08:53:27 PM 1369 Views
I think you'd enjoy some of Angela Carter's works; I've managed to get one at this site to enjoy her Larry - 28/09/2009 12:19:39 AM 1368 Views
Perhaps. I will see after I finish my project. jh - 28/09/2009 06:19:31 PM 1391 Views
Horror Ouranid - 08/12/2009 03:07:00 PM 1290 Views
Thomas Ligotti! Larry - 11/12/2009 05:32:31 AM 1363 Views
Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes is excellent. Rebekah - 05/06/2010 04:07:26 PM 1140 Views
If you want a spec fic/fantasyish book where characters actually tell each other what they know... Rebekah - 05/06/2010 04:39:01 PM 1139 Views
After two years, I wonder if we should revise this thread and edit in newer books. Thoughts? *NM* Larry - 20/11/2011 10:37:27 PM 605 Views
Probably better to start a new one, people aren't huge fans of reviving old threads... *NM* Legolas - 21/11/2011 10:21:31 PM 675 Views
These days, people here aren't fans of anything outside of expressing political opinions *NM* Larry - 22/11/2011 12:45:42 AM 593 Views
And Skyrim. Don't forget Skyrim! *NM* rebelaessedai - 08/12/2011 08:02:54 AM 617 Views
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