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.

  • count_borrell@mander.xyz
    4·
    11 months ago

    I highly recommend the Earthsea book by Ursula Le Guin (I actually recommend all of her books) and the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser by Frtiz Lieber. Especially if you are looking for something that is a quick read and not a 20 book, 50 billion page series.

    Also the Drizzt novels by R. A. Salvatore, while not the same level of quality, are fun.

    • Mothra@mander.xyzOP
      2·
      11 months ago

      I’ve read only The left hand of Darkness by Le Guin and I totally didn’t cry, you understand? If at any point anyone tells you that, they’re disgusting liars trying to tarnish my reputation. That aside, I really enjoyed the book and Earthsea was on my list of potential reads. I’ve never heard of the other recommendations, will keep in mind. Thanks

  • FATMANinnaOVERCOAT@lemmy.ml
    2·
    11 months ago

    The Name of the Wind By Patrick rothfuss.

    Still waiting on that third book 5o come out though. It’s only been 17 years. It’ll happen any day now. 🥲

  • red_concrete@lemmy.ml
    1·
    11 months ago

    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,)

  • Dagwood222@lemm.ee
    1·
    11 months ago

    ‘Glory Road’ by Robert A. Heinlein. Takes all the common fantasy tropes and kicks them in the nads.

  • ChiefSinner@lemm.ee
    1·
    11 months ago

    Eyes of the dragon by Stephen King. Its an excellent fantasy novel … Not a horror novel. The antagonist, Flagg, is the same wizard in the dark tower series and the stand, though those don’t have dragons and such in them.

    • Nuggsy@lemmy.world
      2·
      10 months ago

      A little late to this post, but I re-read those again during COVID. One of my favourite series :)

      First I’ve hears of a series though…

  • kyle@lemm.ee
    1·
    11 months ago

    I’ll add a +1 to some mentioned:

    • Cradle series - progression fantasy, basically DBZ or Naruto style progression with a magic system, intelligent beasts/dragons, demigods, etc.
    • Night Angel Trilogy - street rat turned assassin with magic. I feel like it leans pretty heavily into fantasy tropes, but they’re fun reads.
    • Kings of the Wyld - this book is fucking hilarious. The main characters are basically a kickass D&D group but it’s 20 years later, they’re old and fat, and have to go on one last epic adventure.
  • learnbyexample@programming.devEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    +1 for Cradle already mentioned. I’d add

    • The Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan
    • Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames