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.
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.
I appreciate the information! I might try again sometime with Sanderson but not right now. I’ve heard others recommend me Dresden too, it sounds interesting.
I too do not enjoy Sanderson. GRR Martin has a series of books called the hedge knight. They are not exactly fantasy but medieval fiction taking place in the game of thrones universe. The tone and writing is very different from aSoIaF so don’t shy away if you aren’t into those. Pretty short but I found them to be very endearing books and might scratch the itch.
It’s weird I can’t recommend a single ‘traditional’ fantasy book despite being quite interested in the genre. I’ve never found one that combines good world building with a writing style I enjoy. Quite sad to think about tbh.
Alright, which ones have you read that would fit the category but you didn’t enjoy?
Wheel of time, Name of the wind, Malazan, the broken sword, eyes of the dragon, the gilded chain, wizard of eathsea.
Admittedly not that many, I guess part of the problem for me is finding ones that look interesting.
Dresden is great, though it starts weak. Like the first 3-5 books are merely OK. But if you get through those, Butcher gets pretty awesome IMHO.
nothing wrong with not caring for a book or author that everyone else seems to love. I have a list of books I DNF’d that are VERY popular. It is what it is.
His 1st written book elantris was way way too rough for me. But so far that’s the only one of his books i didn’t care for.
If you can get past the first 700 pages of book one then yes.