Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion
Best Reads and Recommendations
>
Click Here to ask for Book Recommendations
Gaea wrote: "@NirkatzeJust found out and not sure if it counts but.. apparently Sarah J. Maas wrote A Court of Thorns and Roses in 2009 (when she was 23) but it wasn't published until 2015.
And it's not on t..."
Thank you for that!
message 453:
by
Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker
(last edited Mar 17, 2024 02:16AM)
(new)
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I need help... so I've had the worst 2023 (obligatory others have it worse, but damn, the universe was trying to chop me down) and my mental health is in the gutter, and I cannot focus on books. I've been playing Baldur's Gate 3, and I've watched all of Grey's Anatomy twice (that alone should tell you I need help) - I'm now watching Criminal Minds...I want to read books again! The other day I thought maybe I'd finally get into Robin Hobb, since Fitz is about as miserable as I am...
But, seriously, I cannot focus on anything complex, which seemingly rules out most of fantasy, but at the same time I crave a good story that just sucks me in and lets me forget that the universe is trying to chop me into pieces.
Does anyone have any recommendations? (I read all genres, I just want a gripping plot!)
Mod
Isekai fantasy with a bunch of Earthers sucked into a fantasy LitRPG world of classes and levels and skills, with tons of factions and threats...
The story is building to some epic fantasy payoffs, but along the way it's LitRPG / Slice of Life Cozy, interspersed with moments of great action/tragedy...
You could say each Earther POV is playing out a different LitRPG storyline...
Erin: becomes and Innkeeper and shakes up the status quo...
Ryoka: refuses to participate in the RPG mechanics, and stays classless and finds alternate sources of power...
Laken: City/Empire-building LitRPG
Geneva: bit more the survival horror, being a battlefield doctor
And that doesn't even touch on the Innworld characters...
Give it a shot... it's like 5x as long as wheel of time, and only 1/3 of it has been turned into audio so far... visit the Wandering Inn Common Room thread if you try it and want to discuss with superfans... we recently read audiobook #11, and will be reading the spinoff Gravesong at some point soon, and eagerly awaiting the release of Witch of Webs #12 over the summer...
The Wandering Inn: Book 1
https://wanderinginn.com/table-of-con...
https://www.audible.com/series/The-Wa...
Olivia wrote: "I need help... so I've had the worst 2023 (obligatory others have it worse, but damn, the universe was trying to chop me down) and my mental health is in the gutter, and I cannot focus on books. I'..."I agree with Iain. I'd recommend trying Slice of Life/Cozy fantasy. Other options could be Legends & Lattes, Beware of Chicken and The Wizard's Butler.
Olivia wrote: "I need help... so I've had the worst 2023 (obligatory others have it worse, but damn, the universe was trying to chop me down) and my mental health is in the gutter, and I cannot focus on books. I'..."I agree with Iain and Narilka and their recommendations of cozy feel-good fantasy. My own recommendation is Tooth and Claw. It's a Victorian novel with dragons. They wear fancy hats and squabble over inheritance :)
Mod
Thank you! I loved Tooth and Claw.
Is the Wandering Inn rewrite very different from the version published on Kindle? Should I read the re-write or just go with the old versions?
Mod
I loved Tooth and Claw.
Is the Wandering Inn rewrite very different from the version published on Kindle? Should I read the re-write or just go with the old versions?"
Audio for the rewrite hasn't released yet (because it's going to cause issues with Audible, I think... people will have to rebuy unless Pirateaba can come up with a solution)... I don't think the ebook has been replaced either... it mostly adds some extra chapters and revises/combines a few...
Since the entire series hasn't been rewritten, you can just read the ebook/audiobook as is, to avoid waiting (definite releases of the rewrite are still up in the air)...
The main reason to wait is because the first part of v1 can take awhile to pick up pace and be as awesome as fans promise (myself included)... I asked people to try and make it through about 300 pages before giving up, last time we did a buddy read... which can be alot for some people...
This link visualizes the changes of old/new chapters: https://inndex.omg.lol/rewrite
One of the biggest changes that becomes normal later on on the website, is no longer starting from 1.1 / 2.1 / etc when alternating POV chapters... instead just including a letter to point out Ryoka/etc chapters...
Olivia wrote: "Thank you! I loved Tooth and Claw.
Is the Wandering Inn rewrite very different from the version published on Kindle? Should I read the re-write or just go with the old versions?"
Argh, I should have checked your read bookshelf.
Virginie wrote: "Olivia wrote: "Thank you! I loved Tooth and Claw.
Is the Wandering Inn rewrite very different from the version published on Kindle? Should I read the re-write or just go with the old versions?"..."
It was a good rec!! :D
Dittoing pretty much everyone's recommendations... adding a few more...For crazy shenanigans in a book, I'm tossing in Dragon Heist and Dungeon Crawler Carl to the recommendation lists too--both of which have so many LOL and WTF moments in them...
For tea-cosy with dragons the Baking Bad (Beaufort Scales) books have been a really nice surprise... Cinnamon Bun was another super cozy cuddle... with a LitRPG bend...
Upcoming we've got Project Hail Mary next month... and I've heard good (but not necessarily cosy) things about The Will of the Many this month....
I'd like to read something released in 2024(as in already released that you yourself have read and can recommend.)Here's some thing that hopefully will help you recommend something to me.
-I'm looking for something either fantasy, or soft sci-fi.
-I'm a LOOOT more focused on characters, atmosphere, and intense moments. I usually like to read something with a lot of combat, although I've loved several combat free novels that I've loved. My favorite book is
-I'm not big on world building and lore, and too much of it, especially early on kills a book for me.
-I need the my books to be consistently well paced, it doesn't need to be a constant roller coaster, but It can't be slow either.
-I have a VERY hard time reading something over 500 pages, and Brent Weeks and Brian Mclellan are the only two authors that have gotten me to finish a 600+ page novel.
-Some things I love in fantasy are really interesting magic, and magical assassins. I also love really clever characters that outsmart their opponents, especially if they don't realize that they're clever.
Here's a list of my favorites:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
My top faves of the list are probably Dark Matter By Blake Crouch, Poster Girl by Veronica Roth, The Way of Shadows (Night Angel, #1), Tress of the Emerald Sea (The Cosmere, #28), Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicle, #1), Sins of Empire (Gods of Blood and Powder, #1), and Nine Princes in Amber (The Chronicles of Amber, #1)
Oh, and I do immersive reading, so I need something with a decent audiobook.
If you don't mind ya I thought Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear was good. The audiobook as well.
Christine wrote: "If you don't mind ya I thought Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear was good. The audiobook as well."Sounds interesting, but I generally don't enjoy YA fantasy(Unless it's improperly mislabled as YA fantasy like Nevernight.)
I've also been recommended some promising Sci Fi Fantasy, and Fantasy horror, from this year but I haven't been recommended any straight soft sci-fi like Dark Matter or Poster Girl, or straight fantasy like Tress of the Emerald Sea, Nevernight, The Way of Shadows, or Sins of Empire.
@Baz--you like Kristoff, have you read Empire of the Vampire? Book 2 just came out this year... they're longer than Nevernight, but short chapters, and very similar vibe, but even more grown-up (to me Nevernight feels YA even with the violence).I haven't read a lot of 2024 books so far this year--and most, like Empire of the Damned, have been sequels, and probably not up your alley, but I'll go ahead and give a describe anyway...:
The Warm Hands of Ghosts has the character-driven focus and ambiance you mentioned liking, but very little action and the magic is fairly subtle. More history and some hints of the demonic.
Sunbringer, sequel to Godkiller--very unique fantasy world concept, fun mysteries to unravel, and Kissen is one of my favorite kickass characters now.
Those Beyond the Wall 2nd book in the world of The Space Between Worlds. Could probably be read without reading #1, but will get more out of the world with it. Raw & brutal world and story lots of show-not-tell, and I loved the MC--though a lot of reviewers did not enjoy her. Very politically minded though--inspired by the author's involvement in the BLM movement--so if that's a touchy subject you won't enjoy it.
The Malevolent Seven is 2023, but if you haven't tried any Sebastien de Castell I'd bet you enjoy him... irreverent humor, great characters, lots of action, clever characters and twisty plots.
I'd also recommend Benedict Jacka--2023 he released the first in a new series An Inheritance of Magic and it was so much fun! His Alex Verus series has Dresden vibes--short books, lots of action, characters that really grow on you.
Sorry not a lot of 2024s in there, but give it a few months...
Hello. I'd like to simply ask for a beginner standalone/series recommendation to get into fantasy. Preferably no romantasy.
HI Cosmos, Welcome to the group. If you're looking for a fantasy novel or series that is easy to jump into, I might go with:
Wheel of Time - Jordan
Anything Sanderson- Mistborn would be a good starting point.
Belgariad - Eddings
Dragonlance Chronicles - Weis and Hickman
Those are all good basic, kinda classic, starting points. Nothing too dark and low on romatansy.
If you're looking for something a bit darker, then
First Law by Abercrombie
Anything by Brent Weeks
Kristoff- Nevernight Chronicles
Powder Mage - McClellan
Let us know your tastes and we can tailor it a bit more, but I think those are all good starter points that aren't too dense.
Welcome Cosmos!I'd recommend "The Realm of the Elderlings" by Robin Hobb. It's for people who like a slower building character driven story. The author writes the books in trilogies. So you could start anywhere really. Assassin's Apprenticeis a good place to start with Fitz's journey. Or if you're looking for some fun multiple pov writing try Ship of Magic! Or you can read them all in order XD
Katie wrote: "Welcome Cosmos!I'd recommend "The Realm of the Elderlings" by Robin Hobb. It's for people who like a slower building character driven story. The author writes the books in trilogies. So you could ..."
I heartily recommend Hobb as well.
Rob wrote: "I heartily recommend Hobb as well.."Oooh yay! She's seriously one of my favorite fantasy authors at the moment!
Oh! @Cosmos The Sword of Kaigen is a fantastic standalone as well! Different author, but such a good book!
If you want cozy fantasy then check out The House in the Cerulean Sea, it's like a hug in book form and there is a sequel coming out in a few months <3
Cosmos wrote: "Hello. I'd like to simply ask for a beginner standalone/series recommendation to get into fantasy. Preferably no romantasy."You could try the Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan.
Katie wrote: "Rob wrote: "I heartily recommend Hobb as well.."Oooh yay! She's seriously one of my favorite fantasy authors at the moment!
Oh! @Cosmos The Sword of Kaigen is a fantastic standal..."
I adore Sword of Kaigan. one of my favorite stand-alones.
If you like asian urban fantasy though - check out the Jade Bone Saga.
I have a challenge where I need to find a book for the following prompt and thought you all might have some ideas: Read a book about rivals. Two people that hate each other with every bone in their body.
I prefer to read books that are on the more cozy side without lots of graphic violence, sex, language, etc. which can also make this a challenge. Thanks!
RachelG. wrote: "I have a challenge where I need to find a book for the following prompt and thought you all might have some ideas: Read a book about rivals. Two people that hate each other with every bone in the..."
Nimona comes to mind.
RachelG. wrote: "I have a challenge where I need to find a book for the following prompt and thought you all might have some ideas: Read a book about rivals. Two people that hate each other with every bone in the..."
What about Divine Rivals? They may not hate each other though.
Thanks Christine and Tammie! I am thinking that Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell or Matilda would work for me. I am going to pass these ideas on to the others.
A Deadly Education might work for rivals... but it'd be an inventive interpretation--it was loosely inspired by Harry Potter/Malfoy relationship. The Hurricane Wars the MCs are definitely rivals and hate each other, but it was very emo romantasy, so I don't really recommend it unless you're already a romantasy fan... Jade City series, two families are serous gut-hating rivals... excellent series but definitely not cozy. Soooo good though. All I can come up with off top of head.
I could use some help trying to find books that my mom might like--I'm having the hardest time. She doesn't read a lot--well, she reads newspapers, but doesn't really read books--but I've managed to get her into audiobooks lately because she's been doing a lot of long-distance driving. It's hard to find stuff for her though, 'cuz she's not giving me a lot to work with.She liked Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood but had to put it down frequently when it got dark. She's really enjoyed St. Mary's (Just One Damned Thing After Another), but nothing else has been a success... though she did love Harry Potter. She wants something light and funny but when I suggest the books that have made me laugh (like anything by Alexander C. Kane) she turns up her nose at my SFF collection. She likes BBC mysteries and historical fiction shows, but when I show her what I have that fits those categories, she's not interested. Her idea of what is "well written" doesn't match mine. She actually asked me to put Fourth Wing on her reading list because she's been seeing all the hype. We always have the hardest time trying to find something to watch together too.
Gah! This is all over the place. I think she'd really just like something that is another St. Mary's. Something with good characters, quirky humor, and a touch of history.
Mod
With Fourth Wing, I guess you just let her try it, and learn for herself whether to trust/ignore hype...
The only suggestion I kinda have is maybe The Invisible Library... the series has Fae and Dragons, but it's mostly story archetypes and different worlds in different time periods, like Sherlockian London, or Renaissance Venice...
Are you trying to traumatize your mom???? Fourth Wing???? Do you hate your mom????
Mod
But really if she is open to SFF maybe The Quamtum Curator series, but all are not yet on audio which is dumb but the first few were solid.
Nirkatze wrote: "I could use some help trying to find books that my mom might like--I'm having the hardest time. She doesn't read a lot--well, she reads newspapers, but doesn't really read books--but I've managed t..."For my family that's only semi-into SFF I got them started on the audio of Project Hail Mary. They ended up loving it so much they bought physical copies :) It has a bit of everything - humor, heartwarming, mystery, drama, mild action and a happy ending.
Edit to add I also got my mother in law into the book and she's not a SFF fan at all. A good story is a good story :)
Mod
The book's always better, right ;)
I tried pitching Project Hail Mary and she was like "No. No SFF." And then she's like "But you can put Fourth Wing in there." Gah!!Mostly I think I'm looking for things with a bit of history, well written, and with good characters and quirky humor... Maybe more mysteries? I tried suggesting Beaufort Scales and she tried it and was like "It was ok. Too light." AND SHE TOLD ME SHE WANTED LIGHT DAMMIT.
I could try Sherlock Holmes but I bet she'd find the originals boring...
I thought of Quantum Curators too, but I have those on Chirp instead of Audible... probably just need to install chirp on her devices as well...
Sometimes I think I just need ideas, and I'll secretly add them to her collection on Audible, and then she can try them out without getting an explanation from me... Half the time I think *I* might be the reason she says no, lol.
Mod
When I get my family to listen to books I really don't give them a choice lol We'll be in the car on a drive and I'm all "let me put on a book..." and they just listen to whatever I start lol So far it's worked out though if they ever really disliked something I'd change it. Nirkatze's idea to secretly add books to her mom's collection is likely what I'd do for Project Hail Mary to see if she ended up liking it anyway while also trying to tempt her with things.
The last book I recommended to a family member was my BIL and I gifted him the First Law trilogy but yeah, I do not recommend that for Nirkatze's mom lol(He loved it btw, so much so he bought the standalones, anthology and second trilogy and is very much looking forward to The Devils lol)
Before that was House in the Cerulean Sea, my mom and sister loved it <3
Yeah, I feel kind of like I just need to throw things at a wall and see what sticks... not enough puzzle pieces to make any kind of picture guessing yet. Who knows, my mom could end up loving Abercrombie for all she tells me she wants something "light"...
Woof, that's tough! Honestly I think throwing things at a wall and seeing what sticks is indeed your best option here, because I don't think she knows what she wants lol
Tonari no Emily wrote: "Woof, that's tough! Honestly I think throwing things at a wall and seeing what sticks is indeed your best option here, because I don't think she knows what she wants lol"Hah, good point. ^^;
Please, please, please, please, please hear me out before recommending anything. I feel like almost every time I ask for recommendations on any forum, no one will do that.Looking for more recent, medium to fast paced fantasy novels with compelling characters and great action from the past 3 years. I am ESPECIALLY interested in titles that came out this year.
I'll let you decide what's medium and fast paced entail. Please, please, please don't overthink it to the point that you don't know what to recommend to me.
I thrive on likable and/or compelling characters with a lot of good, memorable dialogue, and well written action. I especially love great, descriptive combat.
I don't really care that much about lore and world building most of the time.
I'm down for multiple settings, be it medieval and modern day urban fantasy, ancient asia, or wherever. The pacing and characters are a lot more important to me than the setting.
I'm not currently looking for Romantasy or Young Adult, and I can't stand cozy fantasy, or LITRPGs.
If you're willing, please recommend at least 3 titles that are not by Sanderson.
Savage Legion by Matt Wallace(This has become my favorite fantasy novel.)
Cage of Dreams by Rebecca Schaeffer
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty
The Sword Defiant by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan by Julia Vee
Mod
Looking for more recent,..."
The New Year New Books threads have long lists of books that came out each year:
2025: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
2024: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Personally, I'm a big fan of Craig Schaefer and his heist books... alot of the books are older than 3 years, but both Daniel Faust and Harmony Black have had new releases in the past year, and Ghosts of Gotham / Midnight Scoop had a release last year... s/he released so fast, that even the oldest books are only 10 years old, which is pretty fast for an author with 30-40 books...
Another author I'm a big fan of is Rachel Aaron, and the past year she's been releasing Hell for Hire, a 5 book series about demon mercenaries in a world where Gilgamesh killed the gods and rules the world...
For a 3rd explicit recommendation, I'm a fan of Ilona Andrews, and The Inheritance just came out as an ebook... audio isn't expected until October, so I haven't read it yet, but I hear it's tangentially connected to the Innkeeper Chronicles series, so with UF/Sci-fi hybrid elements...
Fantasy Buddy Reads
Books mentioned in this topic
Blood Over Bright Haven (other topics)Kings of the Wyld (other topics)
The Devils (other topics)
He Who Fights with Monsters (other topics)
Unsouled (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Rachel Aaron (other topics)Craig Schaefer (other topics)
S.A. Chakraborty (other topics)
Matt Wallace (other topics)
Rebecca Schaeffer (other topics)
More...
Just found out and not sure if it counts but.. apparently Sarah J. Maas wrote A Court of Thorns and Roses in 2009 (when she was 23) but it wasn't published until 2015.
And it's not on the buddy read list but she was 16 when she started the original version of Throne of Glass, several chapters of which were published on a fiction website.
I guess it depends on how loosely you want to interpret the prompt haha