Patricia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles
I just wanted to know if anyone else had ever heard of this series of juvenile/young adult fiction before. The first book was called "Dealing with Dragons" and the others were "Calling on ..." "Searching for ..." and "Talking to..." Dragons. I stumbled over it back in high school and read all four books (plus a random collection of short stories in the same world) and loved them. Funny, clever and remarkably practical fantasy. They skew female in the first book, the most intelligent and useful people are all women, and even the smart guys are prone to random acts of stupidity, but more balanced male characters get introduced later on. Usually when I read a book, any book, once I finish I don't reread it. Even books I enjoy I can rarely get myself in the mood to read again, but this series is one of the few that I periodically read over, I love it.
I think lately I've been appreciating books for younger people because they are often quick reads. Adult-level fantasy books can get dense, or worse, be part of epic series. I don't think I'll ever read the "Wheel of Time" books for that very reason, I just don't have the time.
So, anyone heard of or read these books too?
My memory must be failing
I could have sworn that I mentioned this series in an earlier children's book discussion. I have read all of Wrede's work. It's fantastic! Don't read the Wheel of Time series because of the stereotypes. The first three books had great potential and there are great characters in the series, however, Jordan writes everyone as cardboard cut-outs. The women have very stereotypical views on men and the men have very stereotypical views on women in the novels. I gave up after book 5.
For adult series good reads: Mercedes Lackey (Valdemar, 500 Kingdoms); Patricia Briggs; Catherine Asaro; Laurell Hamilton; Elizabeth Moon; and David Eddings.
Loved the books!!
I read the books too, and simply fell in love with them! I had a nearly impossible time finding the fourth book of the series, which irritaded me, cause I wanted to find out what happened!! I reconmend them to ANYONE (Young or Old) who is intrested in the fantasy/comedy genre.