If you were asked to name your five favorite SF\Fantasy writers of all time, who would make the cut? This is the question being posed by SFX magazine in their latest online poll. It's a tough one to be sure, but if you have an answer you can cast your vote here.

-Paul

Alphabetized-

CS Friedman
JV Jones
Scott Lynch
George RR Martin
Tad Williams

JV Jones
George RR Martin
Raymond E Fiest
Lian Hearn
Robin Hobb

Here's what I posted:

1. George R R Martin - Pure genius. Drags me in like no other, and has kept the quality of writing at that level. Red Viper vs. the Mountain. Red Wedding. Ned's death. Jaime's dreams. Arya's changing. Ahhh, too many elements and entities to mention!

2. J V Jones - The Sword of Shadows series is some of the best weaving of awesome that ever has been. Raif at Duffs, Raif killing the wolf, Raif facing Death in the cell. Gold.

3. Neil Gaiman - As has been said, American Gods and Neverwhere. Fantastic.

4. David Gemmell - Favourite because I can still read his books in a couple of sittings and really enjoy them. Druss, Waylander; great characters, great stories.

5. J R R Tolkien - First Fantasy (is Asterix "fantasy"?) I ever read. That, plus it's awesomeness, means it's here.

_________________

Quote:

Death smiled as she withdrew. Kill an army for me, Raif Sevrance. Any less and I just might call you back.

I posted this:

1. JV Jones
2. Robin Hobb
3. Mercedes Lackey
4. Anne McCaffrey
5. Marion Zimmer Bradley

1. Isaac Azimov
2. J.R.R. Tolkein
3. George R.R. Martin
4. J.K Rowling
5. Raymond E. Feist


There are many more I would love to list but these few, I believe, raised the bar higher than most others in their time.

There are so many to choose from, but here are my 5 in no special order:
Julie V Jones
Robert Jordan
Dennis L. McKiernan
Terry Goodkind
Robin Hobb

The poll over at SFX seems to have no closing date. That's actually quite considerate of them really because, as difficult questions go, this one is right up there with the meaning of life.

As for this board, the score card thus far reads:

J. V. Jones = 5
George R. R. Martin = 4
Robin Hobb = 3
Raymond E. Feist = 2
J. R. R. Tolkien = 2
Isaac Asimov = 1
Marion Zimmer Bradley = 1
C. S. Friedman = 1
Neil Gaiman = 1
David Gemmell = 1
Terry Goodkind = 1
Lian Hearn = 1
Robert Jordan = 1
Mercedes Lackey = 1
Scott Lynch = 1
Anne McCaffrey = 1
Dennis L. McKiernan = 1
J. K. Rowling = 1
Tad Williams = 1

As you can clearly see, J.V's doing very well...but she is in her own backyard.

-Paul

J.R.R.Tolkien
Raymond E Feist
Terry Goodkind
Robert Jordan
Terry Brooks

Honorable mentions
J.V Jones
C.J. Cherryh
G.R.R.Martin
R.A. Salvatore(Drizzt anyone?)
Weis and Wickman
Just looking over my bookcase and remember the enjoyment over the years of reading. I could name many others.

Although I would remove J.K Rowlings....loved the series, but her making Dumbledore into a political gambit I hate her for it. If she'd made him gay IN the books I could live with it, but the books just doesn't support it to me.

Code:

THis is a hard topic, its like trying to pick a favorite song, or favorite movie.

Actually in this case I guess it should be favorite rock group or favorite actor.

But here is goes:

George R.R. Martin
JV Jones
Frank Herbert
Robin Hobb
Neil Gaiman

Consolation prizes go to:
Peirs Anthony
Ursula K. Leguin
JRR Tolkein
Christopher Rowley
Jack L. Chalker
Fritz Leiber
Micheal Moorcock
Fred Saberhagen
Patrick Rothfus

_________________
sumigo is just an online handle, my real name is Brandon.

I tend to only read fantasy, Sci Fi isn't for me. Some of my Favs are:

JV Jones
Dennis L. McKiernan
Mary Brown
Harry Turtledove
Elisibeth Moon

Your rant Paul brings up a similar pet peeve of my own, and that’s why do “they” have to lump Fantasy under a Sci-Fi title? Not that I prefer one over the other, but like in bookstores, let’s say your looking for a fantasy book. Where do you have to go to get it; well in the Sci-Fi section, of course. Blah! Personally, I think Sci-Fi and Fantasy should be labeled Speculative Fiction instead. Sounds smoother, I think, and maybe a little more grown-up.

I agree Paul I think that the two genre's have grown enough in their own right to merit a seperation.

Whats further frustrating is with the popularity of the 2 people who enjoy them KNOW the difference.

_________________
sumigo is just an online handle, my real name is Brandon.

I like Speculative Fiction. As you say, Tharon, it's more grown-up and respectful. That said, it's hard to miss the irony when it's abbreviated! It's also a much broader label and could make finding a specific book even more difficult.

I think we're all agreed that the Sci-Fi/Fantasy thing is a sweeping generalization forced upon us by the powers that be. What's even worse is this perception that fans of the two genres are actually the nerds of the literary world.

We should declare war or something!

-Paul