Posted by Terry on February 08, 1999 at 10:17:31:
In Reply to: Re: Anyone else write like Vance? posted by Mike Berro on February 05, 1999 at 14:12:17:
Second the Barry Hughart nomination. Fantasy mystery tales set in 6th century China with a exotic descriptions to rival Vance. Thanks to Willem and Mike for pointing him out.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Michael Shea, who after all wrote the original sequel to _Eyes of the Overworld_ (_Quest for Simbilis_ 4 stars in my book) and continued with World Fantasy award _Nifft The Lean_ (excellent). I only know of 5 books that Shea has written: Mines of Behemoth (somewhat turgid, but very readable) and In Yana the Touch of the Undying (really well told anti-heroic fantasy). Only _A Color Out of Time_ is in the HP Lovecraft/Poe vein of horror. Good, but not what we're talking about here.
Also eminently readable fantasy is Ray Aldridges 3 book series which are unfortunately out of print, but easily gotten off ABE/Bibliofind: Pharoah Contract, Emperor of Everything, and Orpheus Machine. Vancian settings, characters, and richly told alien landscapes abound. Thanks to someone on this BBS for pointing him out!
Super writing and only occasionally to excess: Peter Hamilton's 4 book series _The Reality Dysfunction_. SF richly told, fine characterization, nifty plot.
Terry