Discussion: The lead topic is discussing the passing of Robert Jordan. For all our arguments and nitpicks about what transpired in the later novels in the series, there is no denying that he could deliver a range of stories that appeal to a wide range of readers.
Michael and Michael discuss, including the recent passings of Madeleine L’Engle and Fred Saberhagen as well.
Who would you nominate as the new demi-gods of SF/F literature? What works of theirs would you present as evidence supporting that nomination?
Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know!
Link: Cover to Cover #189: Robert Jordan / Sheri L. McGathy
Promo: Fortress Draconis
new pantheon must be some people who have showed longterm excellence, at least a few books more under their belt then a dalzzing first novel…and they must be relatively young people(under 60), naming people like George rr martin, vernor vinge and ben bova cannot be conisdered…they are already in the pantheon and have been there longer then most readers of this post have been alive or able to drive a car.
I think the new pantheon must include Charles Stross and Charles De Lint. De lint has never really been given a lot of credit in the field…yet he seems to have long mastered teh art of the surreal urban fantasy tale. Long before Niel gaiman was ripping off ideas in the sandman comics about myth in modern day…there was de lint telling very personal stories that moved and were in every meaning of the word…fantastic.
Charles Stross is a ‘future of society’ writer. It isnt enough to mention words out of wired magazine(or hp lovecraft works) like singularity….its about what that is going to effect the society that has them in its presence.
I hear alot of noise about china melville, but frankly i am underwhelmed so far and it seems more a imitation of david lynch doing scifi then anything of actual substance or longterm value.
Just FYI, Robert Jordan died at home, so there was no danger of any outside interference. He was scheduled to return to Mayo about a month from his death.
Thoughts on the new Pantheon.
I guess we’d have to define who’s old. Where do we draw the line? The old pulp masters? The “New Wave” masters? The Cyberpunk Era?
The big 3 of course (Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein.)
Tolkien.
Silverberg.
McAffrey.
Tiptree.
Stross.
Niven.
Gibson.
Butler.
Shattner (tek war forever!)[sarcasm, sorry]
Drake.
Bujold.
Turtledove.
Bova.
Anderson.
Zelazny.
Aldis.
Martin.
Haldeman.
Ellison.
Vance.
Benford.
Pohl.
Resnick.
Gaiman.
Adams.
Robinson.
Salvatore.
Bester.
Farmer.
de Camp.
Reynolds.
Blish.
Vinge.
Kress.
Stephenson.
Card.
Kelly.
Varley.
Sagan.
Brin.
Willis.
Moorcock.
Egan.
Zhan.
Vonnegut.
Banks.
Bear.
Baxter.
Stackpole (no, I’m not sucking up.)
Sterling.
LeGuin.
Bradburry.
Beagle.
Dick.
Rowling. (Maybe, lets see what else she can do post Potter)
and Now, let’s push the limits:
Ronald D. Moore (BSG)
Joss Whedon (you have to ask?)
King (Scarry!)
Koontz (More scarry!)
Steven Moffat (Writer from DR WHO)
Hope there is a lot of room in our pantheon because I have hardly scratched the surface.
Alas I have not made an effort to seperate the old from the new. In most cases I’d be lucky to tell you what decade these ladies and gentlement did their work in. I’d be happy to get to +/- 10 years on my guesses.
HI
I wanted to give some names for authors who are great.
Elizabeth Haydon
Tamora Pierce
Lois McMaster Bujold
Anne McCaffrey
Susan Cooper
Charles de Lint
Lloyd Alexander (who also passed away)
Melanie Rawn who needs to finish her Exiles series (10 years fans have been waiting)
I do not think Rowling will make it because she did some huge things wrong in her series by not understanding the genre.
Authors people should read
Joanne Bertin Her novel The Last Dragonlord is wonderful and moving
Stephen Lawhead his Pendragon series is one of the best
Steven Erikson His Malazan series is a powerhouse
Melanie Rawn both her series are amazing
Kristen Britain The Green Rider series