Book Suggestion

[Farseer]

chop away enough details, and almost any two stories can be judged similar...

Yes, I have to admit that this is so, which is why I think I may be being a bit harsh !

Possibly some of these similar elements are also shared extensively throughout the fantasy genre (?) and, as I said to my boys, it's difficult to write or create something entirely original (in any genre) as, essentially, we all experience, or are exposed to, similar life experiences no matter where or when we've lived. Even if the characters or settings change somewhat, many themes must still exist to make it relevant or understood and are therefore not 'new' but 'made over'.

No doubt you'll all go out and read these now, and LOVE them and though I don't overly like them myself, I could see why others would, and why they are quickly acquiring a broad fan base.