Can you recommend a series based on these criteria?

[Thomas]

I love fantasy, but my "problem" is that too much politics and action will ruin it for me. It may sound strange, but I prefer adventure, magic, descriptions, mystic and spectacular scenery over politics and action. It may have something to do with the fact that English is not my native language, and I usually get a bit lost if there is page after page with descriptions of a fight (f.ex).
I tried A Song of Ice and Fire. Great story, but too much politics. Same with WoT (although I try to continue that one).
I was thinking of maybe the Shadowmarch or Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series by Tad Williams as my next fantasy reading project. What do you think? Or do you have other recommendations?
As a reference I can say that my favorite author is Stephen King. I am also a big fan of the imagination of Clive Barker, although his writing style can be a bit challenging for me.

[Martha]

Not a series, but if you like King, Dean Koontz is EXCELLENT! One series I like a lot is Butcher's Harry Dresden starting with Fool Moon

[Ctgt]

Hmmm. Tough one.

Maybe Mythago Wood

or

Perdido Street Station

I recently read and loved

Tigana , I don't remember a ton of action but there was politics, although not as political as say, ASoIaF.

[Kirk]

You could try the Belgariad, very good story or Myth Adventures, a little simple but one hell of a laugh.

[Matina (Alassra)]

i second The Belgariad. Easy and fun read, nice characters without a lot of drama or politics.

[Lindi]

Try out the Odd Thomas-books by dean koontz. I love stephen king too, and even though the Odd Thomas books have nothing to do about scary, I enjoyed them a lot

[Noelle]

Try Michael SUllivan's Riyria Revelations or Jon Sprunk's Shadow trilogy or even Tom Lloyd's Twilight Rein series ... THey are really entertaining.

[Martha]

Jane Fancher's Ring trilogy is really good and she's finally getting Rings of Change done as another 3 book series.

[Thomas]

Hi! And thanks for all the recommendations. I will check out some of these. Dean Koontz I know very well. Also one of my favorite authors. But now I was mostly looking for fantasy books/series. Great suggestions from you here. I will take a closer look at them. :-)

[Akshay]

Try The Lies of Locke Lamora. I won't say it doesn't has its share of action and politics but its relatively less. Its more of a heist novel set in fantasy world.

[Martha]

Akshay wrote: "Try The Lies of Locke Lamora. I won't say it doesn't has its share of action and politics but its relatively less. Its more of a heist novel set in fantasy world."

Oh, yeah! followed by Red Seas Under Red Skies and Republic of Thieves is finally coming out.

[Thomas]

Thanks again for all the recommendations. I have done some research, and Michael J Sullivan's Riyria series seems like something I would love. Already ordered an omnibus of the first two novels in that series. :-)
Have also read great things about several of the other authors you mention.

[Maria]

I'm reading 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' by Kevin Hearne right know. The books are really entertaining so far, and they're taking place in a pretty cool version of our world - a world that has magic in it! But without normal people knowing about it.
I love it, and even though I don't believe it's particularly Stephen King-y, I think it's a really good read.

[Carolyn]

Hi Thomas - I have just started reading a series by Katharine Kerr - the first book is called Daggerspell. I am really enjoying it and have read some great reviews about the rest of the series. Give it a try - i think you will enjoy it - starts off pretty simple - then gets into some really interesting ideas.

[Jeannette]

You might want to check out Ursula K. Le Guin's work, starting with A Wizard of Earthsea.

You might also like Andre Norton.

I agree with everyone who has recommended Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria books.

Terry Pratchett writes books that are easy, light reads, have good storylines, ceaselessly play with fantasy tropes, and mercilessly poke fun at nearly every sacred cow you can think of.

If you are interested in looking at indie authors, you might look into M. Todd Gallowglas and J.D. Hallowell.

None of these are anywhere near as dark as King and Barker, BTW, so if dark is essential to what you are looking for, you might want to pass on all of them.

[Martha]

McCaffrey's Pern books are pretty good, too

[K.A.]

Martha wrote: "Akshay wrote: "Try The Lies of Locke Lamora. I won't say it doesn't has its share of action and politics but its relatively less. Its more of a heist novel set in fantasy world."

Oh, yeah! follow..."

I absolutely loved 'Lies', one of my favorites in a long time, so I'll second this. There are some great descriptions and the characters are the driving force - although there are some complicated plot devices as well.

[Martha]

K.A. wrote: "Martha wrote: "Akshay wrote: "Try The Lies of Locke Lamora. I won't say it doesn't has its share of action and politics but its relatively less. Its more of a heist novel set in fantasy world."

Oh..."

After Lies, Red Seas Under Red Skies and, ta da! coming soon FINALLY Republic of Thieves!!

[Reign]

Riyaria is awesome but pretty action packed.

I'm almost finished with The Name of the Wind and can't wait to get to the next book.

It's very descriptive, has magic, and there's not a ton of action or politics.

[Martha]

Oh, more sci-fi than fantasy but Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series is really good. Naomi Novik's Temeraire series is great fun, too - starts with His Majesty's Dragon. That series has been optioned by Peter Jackson and I can't wait to see what he does with it.

[Ellen]

Anything by Guy Gavriel Kay and Tad Williams should be up your alley. I think Pat Rothfuss and Robin Hobb would also fall in here (both have more focus on characters and relationships). I would also consider Rhiannon's Ride by Kate Forsyth.
Brandon Sanderson does awesome world-building and is not heavy on politics, but overall it's probably too much action.

[Thomas]

I am well into Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan now, and I really like it. Thanks again to those who recommended it. I think Noelle was the first that mentioned it here. :-)

[Tad]

I think Bridge of Birds: A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was by Barry Hughart fits the bill. It is a wonderful adventure and just beautiful language. One of my favorite books.

[Judy]

Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb would be my recommendation. It's all about action--there are politics, but more in a "us vs. them" simplistic way.

[Lára]

Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett

The Painted Man is one of my favourites and I am a demanding reader.

0-10:
Originality: 7
Journey: 6
Politics: 1
Romance: 0.5
Erotica: 0
"Dark": 0
Demanding: 1

The words I´d use to describe this jewel:
good
original
adventure
freedom
present (with a feel of something medieval)

I gave it 4 stars only because the author rated his own book

[[deleted user]]

, , , , ,one of my most favorite series.

[Sam]

DEFINITELY try one of Julliet Marillier's series! I really think you would like them.

[Martha]

I like the series that starts with Daughter of the Forest, I think. Haven't been able to finish Foxmask yet for some reason

[M Todd]

Hey Jennette, was just talking with Michael J. Sullivan this evening and he told me you mentioned me. Thanks for the shout out.

As for my votes, I'll give some writers that I don't see mentioned very often:


Patricia Bray
James Clemens
Steven Brust

[Carol]

Try Rusch, Kristine Kathryn series.