Would you read a Zelda *Novel*?

Aye, you heard it. However, this is like my 'Zelda Book; Possible and Readable, or Impossible and Terrible?', with the addition of a *poll* for once. I'm asking due to the fact I enjoy seeing opinions.

So, what do you think?

I would read it, because I collect and experience every Zelda product or game... or try to, at least.

I would NOT like it.

Yeah I'd read it, but I don't really think it would be any good. They'd probably commission a really bad author to write it, and it'd be something like...

Link entered the Dodango's Cavern. Instantly, the heat struck him, but still a shiver ran down his spine. He took a few cautious steps inside and looked around him. He thought that what he saw would be a difficult task, but knew he had the fate of Hyrule in his hands. Link took two small steps onto the hot stoney surface and gazed around him.

'Hmmm', he said to himself. 'Which way shallst I go?'

et cetera.

I would defenitly buy it as soon as i could, read it right away. Though i suppose depending on what it covered would be the basis on my enjoyment of it.

If it was a soel adventure of one man or one small band of people, I wouldn't enjoy it. Now if it was a culmlative novel based ina story telling fashion about the history of Hyrule or the planet and lands featured and set a logical progresseion of the tiemline that added soemhting to the series, I might.

Well, I don't think Nintendo *would* hire a bad writer, because Zelda is top-notch material and not worth being made *totaly boring*. I mean, was Jason Rich's verison of OoT pretty dull? No surprises at all? Well, heh, I hope they don't make that mistake again.

If they were to hire any writer, I'd say it's a tie between Robert Jordan (Wheel of Time) and Philippa Boyenz (Screenplay for Lord of the Rings), but if it was really up for grabs, I'd comission something.

-Tenial.

Robert Jordan doesn't have the talent, IMHO. He seems to have lost it during the last few years. He was never all THAT great of a writer, either. His strength was in his world-creation ability, and how he could invision his story from start to finish well enough toput hints of things that will happen in the 10th book in the 1st book.

Those skills won't help him in a Zelda book, however, and he'd be left with his fairly average writing abilities.


And screenwriters tend to have styles designed for... well, screenwriting. Doesn't translate well to novels.

Those skills won't help him in a Zelda book, however, and he'd be left with his fairly average writing abilities.

I'd have to agree with you there, lord-of-shadow. I consider myself a Robert Jordan fan, but there are many I would choose before him. He is, by his own admission, limited in personal vocabulary, and the "hints of things that will happen in the 10th book in the 1st book" often leave one with the impression that it's taken ten books to get to the point.

I'd probably read a Zelda novel if it were published. I read enough fan fiction as it is. Not as much as I'd like, mind you, but it'd be interesting to see the results of Nintendo choosing an author. That said, if it's another Sybex book...

That in mind, though, what'd be more interesting than the author would be the publisher, assuming Nintendo would pass publishing rights to an outside source as with before. This in itself could hold significant sway over which author or work is chosen.

I would read it, but like LoS, I'm positive I would not like it.

If there were ever to be a Zelda novel, it would have to be a completely original story, and not just a novelisation of the games. Fanfics are all well and good for re-writing the game stories, but for a published and sold book, it's not really the best thing. Look at (for blazing example) the Star Wars books. Original Novels are fantastic, the Novelisations of the films.. not so good.

I'd probably read one though, just for the sake of reading it. Though whether I would continue to read any further developments would hinge solely on the quatility and interest of the first book.

Originally posted by epyoncstm
I would read it, but like LoS, I'm positive I would not like it.

How can you say that for certain without even reading it?

Yes, it'd unlikely that it will capture the magic of the games, but that doesn't mean that it will suck!

You never know, it could be a really captivating read. I've read a few very well written Zelda fanfictions in the past, and they would be excellent for a novel, if only there were a little longer.

I don't know if I can say I'd like it, but I would definitely read a novel of Zelda.

I thank you all for your honest opinions. More would be good.

Believe me, there are some people who have the talent to *not* bore you even if the story is based on one of the games. I'm positive of it.

Originally posted by H'ey
How can you say that for certain without even reading it?

I havn't eaten a fistful of dog crap but I'm certain I wouldn't like it.

I havn't broken my leg but I'm certain I wouldn't like that either.

there are just some things you know you wouldn't enjoy before doing them

-Rick

Originally posted by GlowingMeChoke
I havn't eaten a fistful of dog crap but I'm certain I wouldn't like it.

I havn't broken my leg but I'm certain I wouldn't like that either.

there are just some things you know you wouldn't enjoy before doing them

-Rick

A book can be good, whereas breaking your leg can't. You used that comment in the wrong context. A book will not automatically suck, because it is based on Zelda.

But it probably will, because Nintendo will get an author who won't know anything about Zelda.

That is not true at all; they could go to me. HOpe always endures.

-Tenial.

Well, it depends who wrote it. Personally I'd like to see it taken from different points of view than just Link, like the original Star Wars novels (the ones based on the screenplays). They'd have to hire respectable authors who would work hand in hand with the creators. It would be a complicated task. I still stick by my idea that we should have writing contests for each 'chapter' of each Zelda game, taking different perspectives on each part of the story. It'd be like writing a history of Zelda, and plus it'd be good for the ZU community! :-D

- edit - We *already have some pretty good takes on the games storylines in the Fan Works sections :-D

*nods* I think that could be a wonderful idea for the Zelda Community. Who's willing to help me get a hold of the webmasters and start this contest?

Ermmmm.....maybe me......but like many have said.....I would Read....and probably not enjoy....a Zelda novel.....oh well

I would read it but I doubt it would be good.

Yeah i'd try it.