Jordan, Martin, Erikson etc...

[glen]

My father loves Jordan, and has read all the book out so far multiple times.
He read Martin's game of Thrones, but not furthur. I think he disliked the darkness of the characters. Do you think he will he like Erikson's Malazan better?

 

[theApp]

Mmm, the Erikson characters are fairly dark. The whole world is fairly dark, more than Song of Ice and Fire in my opinion. It is, however, an excellent series and I think well worth the read. I enjoyed it more than the Martin books and as a bonus, it's actually complete.

 

[dainthomas]

I can't comprehend how it's possible for anyone to like WOT better than ASOIAF. He might as well try Erikson. If he hates that too then his failure will be complete.

 

[bigdog1218]

Mmm, the Erikson characters are fairly dark. The whole world is fairly dark, more than Song of Ice and Fire in my opinion. It is, however, an excellent series and I think well worth the read. I enjoyed it more than the Martin books and as a bonus, it's actually complete.

I think it's the exact opposite, I don't see Malazan being really that dark. Other than a few characters "dying" it's pretty much a straight up good guys vs bad guys, good guys win story, and not nearly as gritty or dark as ASOIAF or Abercrombies First Law series.

If the OP is looking for a good read that's less dark than ASOIAF I think the Malazan series fits that.

 

[Maleficus]

The First Law series was absolutely atrocious, a real effort to read through.

Malazan isn't nearly as dark as ASOIF, the atmosphere is more so, but the actual characters and story isn't.

WoT is just plain ol bad.

 

[Bryophyte]

WoT, while fun and easy reading, is really, really formulaic. I'd say it's really aimed at the teen crowd (whether the author intended or not). Malazan is deeper reading, slower to go through with a huge cast of characters who come and go and die and come back. ASOIAF is the dark one. I found myself with a more emotional response to this series than the other two.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Might want to look into Robin Hobb's books
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hobb
The Realm of the Elderlings books are pretty good and lighter than Malazan or Martin's books. Her Soldiers Son books are just ok though.