this post was submitted on 30 Oct 2023
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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.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I cannot for the life of me get that image to load at a readable resolution. Imgur how far you have fallen...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Should get out of that habit.. Hopefully this is better.

https://pixelfed.social/p/thelastknowngod/624885702810365387

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

The Eragon series? It's not that heavy fantasy, but the world is pretty nicely built IMO.

Also, on the wizardy side, I can recommend the Bartimaeus books, too, if you liked Discworld. Again, nothing super serious, but they are fun reads. (Best to read from physical books, they are heavy on footnotes and I found it reading on e-readers kinda awkward)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I'd recommend David Eddungs' Belgariad. Got me into fantasy genre. Then there's Robin Hobb, Trudi Canavan, Raymond, E Feist (brilliant), Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus Trilogy. So many good things out there. If you enjoyed Discworld you'll enjoy these too even though they're not comical like Pratchett novels are.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

There is a book anthology called Rogues, complied by Phyllis Eisenstein. It is a compilation of short stories from various writers across many disciplines. While there is a lot of different stories, they all come back to a character who is deceitful in character you can't help but root for them a bit.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Mistborn is great, less dragons and more alchemical science. Begins with a satisfying tale of overthrowing the government, and then tackles some of the “okay… now what” with tons more interesting stuff along the way

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've read it an it's not my cup of tea. The worldbuilding and premise were solid, but the characters fell flat and so did the plot by end of the book. I finished it and felt relieved it was finally over. I think I might try other authors before reading Sanderson again, that's why I've listed him as a please don't recommend.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Sorry m8 didn’t expand the read more to see that. Good luck

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

One for the Morning Glory by John Barnes

The King of Elfland's daughter, by Lord Dunsany

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The Dragonbone chair it has the politics and war but the world also has quite a few different types of races that are not your typical Human/elf/dwarf.

I am enjoying the first book and it is series.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I came to recommend this. I love that series and never see anyone talking about it.

Tad Williams is the author.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Check out dungeon crawler Karl and he who fights with monsters! Can also find them in audio book format 👌

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Dungeon Crawler Carl was great, I'm waiting for the next book. Lol. Haven't read He Who Fights, why is it good?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

You say fantasy, but while technically sci fi, I'd like to suggest the galactic milieu series by Julian May. It starts out sci fi and I guess constantly has sci fi elements but leans pretty heavily into bridging the gap to fantasy (elves, dwarves, shapeshifting monsters, magic etc)

[–] XBannedx 2 points 1 year ago

Irene Radford The Dragon Nimbus series. I read it ages ago and have fond memories.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

You should get on goodreads and look up books you loved to see what else is recommended from people who also read that book. I find great ones that way!

Otherwise I absolutely could not put “Forth Wing” down by Rebecca Yarros! The second book (five are expected) comes out in a week or two. A friend recommended it and it was so good I fell into a slump afterwards trying to find something as exciting.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

you started way too high the quality list imo

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Assassin's Apprentice trilogy by Robin Hobbs

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's very polarizing, as in some people love it and some people absolutely hate it, but Stephen Donaldson's "Thomas Covenant" books are among my favorite. Not so keen on the later volumes, but the first two trilogies are amazing.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I know he said specifically no heavy politics, but Thomas covenant is pretty heavy and dark. The tale is good, it can be hard reading in parts though given the protagonist. If you like the exploration of the antihero, the gap series by Stephen Donaldson is pretty solid too.

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