Seek non-YA fantasy novel with a balance of whimsy, tension, and adventure

[Mister]

LotR and the Dragonlance novels immediately come to mind. I'd read LotR over and over and Dragonlance is a little too young for me; unfortunately.

I'm an older person, losing loved ones. I overshare this fact because I'm looking for a hopeful escape. An adventure that features a festival or moments of cheer.

Some of the modern fantasy I've read leans on the darker, grittier side. Does anyone have recommendations of fantasy from any era?

Thanks so much in advance. Have a wonderful day.

[Melanie, the neutral party]

Theft of Swords is exactly what your looking for.

[Michelle]

Melanie wrote: "Theft of Swords is exactly what your looking for."

I agree with Melanie!

[Mister]

Thank you so, so much!!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I'll add The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima! heroics, magic, friendship!

[Mister]

Thank you, thank you!

[Cheryl]

Thank you for this thread. For similar reasons I will also be looking at the recs.

The Demon King for the link.

Interesting that both titles already recommended sound dark to me, but I'm glad to check 'em out!

[Ian]

You might want to try L. Sprague de Camp’s Novarian stories, set in a universe for which our own is the afterlife. The three Jorian novels are available in a Kindle omnibus as “The Reluctant King.” You don’t find too many adventures featuring (for perfectly logical reasons) a flying bathtub.

[Sarah]

Maybe Terry Pratchett’s Discworld would fit - if you haven’t already tried it.

[CBRetriever]

Kings of the Wyld is very slightly gritty, but it's funny, the main characters are older men and it is hopeful

[Mister]

Kings of the Wyld! Being older, I picked it up because of that aspect. And darn did I love the book. I read the sequel isn't as good, but woof, did I love that novel!

As for everyone else, I can't thank ya'll enough.

[Kaia]

You might also like Luck in the Shadows by Lynn Flewelling. I thought it was very exciting, and I liked the camaraderie between the characters. The second book is good, too, but has some darker parts. I think you could easily read Luck in the Shadows on its own without continuing with the series, though.

[Mister]

Kaia, I'll check this out. I don't mind dark parts - it accentuates the light - I'm just looking to avoid grim dark.

Thanks!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

oh! well in that case, Stormlight Archive starting with Way of Kings is absolutely wonderful. does have darkness, but also humor and courage and whimsy

[Mister]

Thanks so much Allison. Checking this out too!

[Histrio]

For a great deal of whimsy, you could try the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C Wrede. The characters are "new adults" dealing with marriage and such, but it doesn't have that YA feel. And if you want whimsical adventure there's nothing better!

[Eva]

I also read all those old Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms novels back in the day! ☺️

A word of caution re Kings of the Wyld: there is a bit of the pain of losing loved ones in that one, it’s one of its themes. While it has a happy ending overall and many cheerful moments, it may not be perfect for this request.

Something that reminded me a bit of the more romantic side of the Dragonlance novels and is beautifully written, immersing you in a lush Asian fantasy world is Daughter of the Moon Goddess. There’s adventure, monsters, dragons, and war, but also a lot of beauty and calmer moments.

If you’re okay with cursing and gory fights, I’d recommend The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, in which a retired legendary pirate (female in this case) gets the old gang back together to rescue someone’s granddaughter, and gets into a huge adventure. It’s really fun and has a lot of eccentric characters and monsters.

If you’re willing to try some science fiction, I’d recommend Artifact Space because it’s heart-warming and even cozy (about someone finding a new family/place to belong), while also having fun and adventure without too much grittiness.

[Eva]

Seconding the recommendation for The Stormlight Archive!

[Nicky]

Retribution Falls and subsequent books in the series are amazing. It's a delightful mix between steampunk sci-fi and fantasy, and the characters are fleshed out so well, especially in book 2 of the series (The Black Lung Captain). The books are very much adventurous, of course with the occasional screw-up and danger, but it's not grim. There is plenty of humor in the balance, which makes for a bunch of hilarious and engrossing reads. I cannot recommend them enough.

[Michelle]

Nicky wrote: "Retribution Falls and subsequent books in the series are amazing. It's a delightful mix between steampunk sci-fi and fantasy, and the characters are fleshed out so well, especially i..."

I loved that series!!

[Nicky]

Michelle wrote: "I loved that series!!"

I know right! It's just chef's kiss. I'm planning to buy/read The Ember Blade next year. That's gotta be great too!

[Michelle]

Nicky wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I loved that series!!"

I know right! It's just chef's kiss. I'm planning to buy/read The Ember Blade next year. That's gotta be great too!"

I've been meaning to get to that one. I hope it is just as good!

[Colin]

If you want to flip the script, try The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher by E.M. Anderson, in which Edna, age 83 and living in a nursing home, is told she is The Chosen One and has to save the world from a crazed sorcerer. It does have some dark themes, but it is a very different take on that trope.

[Mister]

This site/discussion forum is the absolute best. Big thanks and virtual hugs to all the thoughtful posts. I am checking out all suggestions - in order.

I'm a few chapters into Thief of Swords and adoring it. Thanks you Melanie and Michelle!

[Melanie, the neutral party]

:) !!!!

We need all your book reports. Just sayin'.

[Michelle]

Oh, good!

[A]

Try A QUICK SPIN AROUND THE GALAXY by J. A. Freely. I recently read this book and it made me laugh out loud. Whimsy, tension, adventure.....it's all there. It's a "buddy story" -- think Hope/Crosby -- nothing untoward -- terrific characters -- great dialogue -- and just a fun story all around.

[Jeff]

Thanks for this thread. I'm definitely going to read some of these.

[Rick]

Hmm. If you want shorter stuff, the Penric novellas from Lois McMaster Bujold are quite entertaining.

Penric’s Demon is the first.