Tag: epic

A Novel Ian Appreciates: Quest For Lost Heroes by David Gemmell

David Gemmell sprang to almost immediate attention with the publication of his first novel, Legend, in 1984. In the years after that he wrote twelve more novels about the Drenai, the people who were defending their land from the incursions of Ulric, the Nadir Warlord. These sequels and prequels cross centuries of time and space … Continue reading A Novel Ian Appreciates: Quest For Lost Heroes by David Gemmell →

A Novel Ian Likes: The Hour Of The Dragon by Robert E. Howard

I normally open each column with a summary of the story or premise of whatever it is I like that month, but this time I’m jumping straight in with an extract, because it’s the only way to do The Hour Of The Dragon justice. Conan (of "The Barbarian" fame) is making his way home to … Continue reading A Novel Ian Likes: The Hour Of The Dragon by Robert E. Howard →

A Cultural Juggernaut Ian Likes: The Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

It’s one of the most famous stories in all of twentieth century literature: Frodo Baggins, a hobbit, is given a ring by his uncle Bilbo, who came by it during his adventuring days when he was younger. However, Frodo is informed by the wizard Gandalf that is in fact the Ring of Power, forged by … Continue reading A Cultural Juggernaut Ian Likes: The Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien →

A Novel Ian Likes: The Sunne In Splendour by Sharon Penman

Richard idolises his brother, Edward. When Edward becomes king, though, he worries that he won’t have any time left to be notice his little brother anymore. However, Richard hasn’t counted on growing up and becoming one of Edward’s most dependable and trustworthy advisors.  So much so, that when Edward suddenly dies and leaves behind a … Continue reading A Novel Ian Likes: The Sunne In Splendour by Sharon Penman →

A Novel Ian Likes: Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin

Peter Lake is a cat burglar. One night he breaks into the mansion of Isaac Penn, newspaper magnate and whaling enthusiast, and meets Beverly, Isaac’s daughter. They instantly fall in love and embark on a mad, whirlwind romance that they know will end in tragedy… because Beverly has tuberculosis, for which, in late Nineteenth Century … Continue reading A Novel Ian Likes: Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin →

A Series Ian Likes: The Chronicles Of Amber by Roger Zelazny

Corwin wakes up in a hospital. He’s clearly been in an accident but he has no memory of it… nor of his life up until this moment. Escaping from the hospital he learns that he was put in it by people posing as family members, so he goes in search of them. Discovering a woman … Continue reading A Series Ian Likes: The Chronicles Of Amber by Roger Zelazny →

A Trilogy Ian Likes: Helliconia by Brian Aldiss

Helliconia is an unremarkable planet. Its primary orbit is around Batalix, with a year equal to about 480 Earth days. But Batalix is in an irregular orbit around Freyr, a larger star. This orbit causes some unusual fluctuations in Helliconia’s climate, with the result that it experiences a second year, which the inhabitants refer to … Continue reading A Trilogy Ian Likes: Helliconia by Brian Aldiss →

A Novel Ian Likes: Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle

Ash is an orphan girl who has become the leader of a respected mercenary company in late 15th Century Europe. Her company enjoys its success because of the “voices” in her head. These voices advise her on battle tactics and strategy. While other women might be taken as being insane, Ash is seen as touched … Continue reading A Novel Ian Likes: Ash: A Secret History by Mary Gentle →