Fantasy Epics

For the past couple of years (make that seven years to be exact), I have been reading some really interesting and great fantasy epics. I've read the J. R. R. Tolkein's Lord of the Ring trilogy, C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, and almost done reading Philip Pullman's Dark Material. And yes I would definitely add J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter to these books. However I would not call Harry Potter an epic in the true sense. But it is sure one of the better fantasy books that are currently out.

I guess movies is what got me reading all these books. I remember after watching the Fellowship of the Ring in the theater I so eagerly wanted to know what happens to Frodo and the ring that it drove me o purchase the book and find out. And I was sure wasn't disappointed. For like the movie the book is highly entertaining (however there are place where the book does drag). Nevertheless I rate this as one of the best books I've read.

Well as for the Chronicle of Narnia I guess what got me reading this book was the fact that though I hadn't watched the movie as yet and was curious to read a book by one of the contemporaries of Tolkien. Also the curiosity about the Christian allegory in the lion Aslan.

Well recently began to read Philip Pullman's Dark Material out of curiosity to learn about the movie that will star one of my favourite female actor Nicole Kidman. Currently finishing the Amber Spyglass and I must say I've not been disappointed.

That brings us to J. K. Rowling and her boy wizard Harry Potter. I must admit that I started reading the series from the third book, The Prisoner of Azakaban, after borrowing the book from friend's sister. But then got hooked on the series and have purchased each and every book and also movie CD anad DVD since then. Recently completed reading the final book. And should say she more than made up for the mediocre (according to me) Half Blood Prince. More action, better plot line, a whole lot of revelation. But in a way you can say no main characters from Harry's side (you know what I mean) dies. I guess she gave her fans what they wanted, and boy did she raked in the mullah in the bargain. However still to watch the current film.

Well from all these books that I've read if I would have to pick up a favourite I would definitely pick up the Lord of the Rings. There is something really great the way Tolkien created his character and in the process created a whole new world (Middle Earth), and the way he kept the reader engrossed through the three books. What's more astonishing is the creation a whole new language in Elven , for the book. Next I would say Philip Pullman's Dark Material. As the name suggested the topic in a way is pretty dark. On first reading the Northern Lights I realised that the book had an anti-church theme to it, and this flowed through the remaining books, that is the Subtle Knife and the Amber Spyglass. But then you got read the book for its content and the literature and not putting your faith in between. If going by all the controversies the Da Vin Code raised I wonder what it would be when the Dark Materials are adapted to movies. Well next is the obvious Harry Potter. For almost seven years I've read about Harry and his friends Ron and Hermoine and their battle with the dark lord Lord Voldemort. The books were definitely interesting, though I felt for two books that Rowling may have lost her charm, but then she redeemed herself with the last book. Well finally comes the C. S. Lewis' chronicle of Narnia. It's not like that I didn't like the look. May major bone of contention is that not all the books are interesting and on the whole the book is not as interesting as the above mentioned ones. Found the book a bit childish. But on the whole not a bad book.

Well these are sorely my views of the books and is not applicable to anyone who reads any of these epics. I know in future the list is definitely going to expand to newer books.