Well I’m craving something in this genre but I’m a bit overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time. So many titles and yet I’m not sure what to read. Maybe you can help?
I’m looking for something in a high fantasy setting. I’m not too keen on heavy politics and war driven plots (though, I can read that ). What really gets me is interesting characters, good action and magical creatures.
I’ve loved anything Discworld and I’ve also enjoyed the First Law books by Abercrombie.
I’m finding that Tolkien, Sanderson and George RR Martin appear on every fantasy list I come across, so if you do recommend something I’d appreciate it be something other than that.
you started way too high the quality list imo
Reading Wheel of Time and I’m really enjoying it
Does Stormlight Archive count?
I’d say it counts, but only start that series if you both love LOTR-style epic fantasy and you’re willing to wait for the other 6 books to come out. There’s only 4 released now and while I love them to death, they’re very story thick and not for everyone. I wouldn’t recommend starting Brandon Sanderson with that series for that reason. Try Yumi and the Nightmare Painter or Tress and the Emerald Sea - both came out this year and they are a bit lighter reading, they’re very good, and both are a great introduction to the way Brandon writes. If you liked either of those then you’d probably love Stormlight.
I’ve read Mistborn and I don’t think Sanderson is for me. I know he’s very a very popular author though.
To each their own. However, I’ve read all of Brandon Sanderson’s books and I can definitively say that the writing style changes between Mistborn and other novels that are more recent are massive. Mistborn was good but it was his first published book. The more recent releases are a bit more easy to read. Tress even has a dragon in it. However if you’re not interested at all, try reading the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. It’s great magic fantasy set on Earth. However a similar warning applies - the first few books are a bit of a slog. If you read these, maybe start on book 3 - the first two aren’t as story centric.
Have you considered Kate Elliott novels? Jaran was amazing if you like sci-fi/fantasy crossover, or King’s Dragon if you like pure fantasy. If you prefer easier reading check out the Dragonriders of Pern series.
So many suggestions possible with that prompt.
I might suggest the Vlad Taltos series, starting with Jhereg, by Steven Brust. Reaslistic characters, snappy dialog, interesting premise of human’s status in the society, and a pretty far-out series of villains. It comes down to more or less a first person assassin- / intrigue-based plot with cleverly set-up who-dunnit elements here and there, and an overarching storyline, and a good sense of the universe.
Some good suggestions in this thread. If you want even more options - I have been tapping into this Slashdot thread for a decade now, and it’s still giving me winners - which might not work for you, mind (e.g .“Little, Big” by Crowley, it led me to “To Reign in Hell” also by Brust, “Jack of Shadows” by Zelazny,)
