page turning either magical land, parallel universe, post poc, or dystopia

[Haley]

I usually read young adult and I want to get into more grown up scifi/fantasy but then I find myself putting the book down.

I don't care about pacing as long as I'm motivated to keep reading.

Things I like and want more of: cool magic system, parallel universe stuff (dark materials), survival or fighting back in post poc/dystopia (tomorrow series, HG, divergent).

ender's game, into the forest by hegland, stardust, tomorrow series by marsden, divergent, hunger games, harry potter, eragon series, dark materials series. No icky romance/twilight stuff.

I hate to post all of those because I sound like a tween. I just enjoy reading for leisure, not to challenge myself - i know thats bad, which is why i'm looking for more. I don't really like politics within my fantasy (to an extent).

Thanks for any help! Sorry if there has already been a post similar to this - i couldn't find one.

[Meredith]

You might like The Lathe of Heaven, by Ursula K. Le Guin. I have kind of similar problems with the sf/fantasy directed to adults, and I have not cared for a lot of other Le Guins on that level, but I really loved Lathe. It doesn't try to get really elaborate on the world and politics, but sticks to a simpler story, and I really loved it.

Another that a lot of people really enjoy is Bitter Seeds. It is really well written, and has a cool world and magic system. It takes place in WWII, so I don't know if it would get too political, but it's not super elaborate in constructing an alternate political reality. It was not absolutely for me, but I can see how it is a good book.

[Haley]

Thank you! Lathe of Heaven looks like a great choice. I have tried reading Le Guin before and didn't really enjoy Earthsea or some of her short stories but I REALLY want to like her.

[Christy]

Neil Gaiman's American Gods or Neverwhere might work for you. They're grownup novels but they read quickly and have interesting fantasy worlds. Blake Charlton's Spellwright features a really interesting magic system. And I adore Guy Gavriel Kay's Fionavar Tapestry (begins with The Summer Tree).

Also, this doesn't quite fit your list of things you're drawn to above, but I'll suggest it anyway because it's a fun read and drew me (and my students) into it: Karen Traviss's Wess'har series. It's science fiction set on a distant future world with humans and multiple alien species. I taught the first book this semester and my students really liked it - many of them went on to read the rest of the 6 book series!

[Meredith]

Haley wrote: "Thank you! Lathe of Heaven looks like a great choice. I have tried reading Le Guin before and didn't really enjoy Earthsea or some of her short stories but I REALLY want to like her."

Same! I really loved Lathe, though. It is still similar to the other stuff I've read by her, but I don't know, it worked.

Looking at Lathe reminded me of another one I haven't thought of in a really long time. So, I know people have really strong feelings about him, and that totally makes sense, so this one might not be for you, but I've always really loved Till We Have Faces, but C.S. Lewis. It is a retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche, and while I'm sure there is an overarching Christian thing going on in the story, it is not so loud as in any of his others. I think he tells the story really prettily.

[Elena]

I'm with you! I love YA, and I struggle sometimes with adult SF/F--it usually seems too heavy or boring, somehow. Here are some that I love. Hopefully one or more will spark your interest!

Feed is my absolute favorite, and it fits almost all your criteria (there is some politics! But it isn't at all didactic). Feed has a lot in common with YA as far as style and pacing are concerned, but it's definitely a book for grown-ups.

Paladin of Souls is a fantastic adult fantasy with a great religion/magic system.

Poison Study is a borderline title--was originally marketed as adult, then moved to YA, then sort of moved back again? It's another favorite, with a great world. Her newest one, Touch of Power, is also great, and similar--technically adult, but definitely feels a lot like YA.

Melusine - characters you will alternately love and love to hate, intricate world, interesting plot.

[Christy]

Elena wrote: "Feed is my absolute favorite, and it fits almost all your criteria (there is some politics! But it isn't at all didactic). Feed has a lot in common with YA as far as style and pacing are concerned, but it's definitely a book for grown-ups."

Yes, I loved Feed, too!

Also, Haley, it's the first book in a trilogy and the third book is due out in the next couple of weeks, so if you like it you'll have two more books to read.

[Kay]

The Book of Lost Things may interest you. It's a darker fantasy that inverts a lot of fairy tales (e.g. Snow White is fat and the dwarves try to get rid of her).

For a sci-fi that is extremely readable, I recommend Timeline by Michael Crichton. Get past the first couple of chapters, and it's non-stop action from then on. No magic, but there are mentions of parallel universes.

This may not be what you're exactly looking for as it is a historical romance/fantasy, but Daughter of the Forest is amazingly written. It will cause you some heartache, but it's worth it.

Also, I'd like to second the Paladin of Souls rec. I haven't read the book yet, but it's the second book in a series, The Curse of Chalion being the first. The magic and religion system is extremely well written, and while there is some political intrigue, it isn't too intricate or heavy.

[karen, future RA queen]

you can try Pure. it might be a nice transition novel for you; the characters are mostly teenagers, but the story is definitely a little creepier than usual YA stuff - i liked it a lot. it has survival elements, post-apoc/dystopian elements, fantasy-detailing, and not specifically parallel worlds, but there are people who live in a dome, protected, and people who live outside of the dome, in a blasted and scorched world... it is slower-paced than YA, but the writing is really great, and you keep wanting to know more, so you never feel bogged down in detail.



City of Bohane is kind of a futuristic ireland, where there are gangs and ancient feuds and survival, of a sort... you may want to check out my review, because it is written in a strange slang-dialect, and i copies a few examples of it, so you can see if it would bother you to read a book in that style.

i will keep thinking, though.

[Kristen]

You might like Mistborn: The Final Empire. It has a really cool magic system, a strong, young, female character and a evil emperor with god-like powers. The series can get kinda violent, so be forewarned.

[Dree]

I think you should try some Margaret Atwood (Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood, The Handmaid's Tale) or China Mieville (Kraken).

Mieville's new book Railsea is geared more YA, I haven't read it yet. My favorite Mieville is The City and the City, but it is less science fiction-y, more dystopic.

Atwood's O&C an YotF are a "series" (different perspectives on the same happenings, so the order you read them in doesn't matter so much). They are post-apocalyptic and rather funny (and quite disturbing, as they hit a little close to home). Handmaid's Tale is dystopic, I first read it in high school and LOVED it.

[Amit]

You might try Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. Its a pretty long book (over 800 pages) and it takes a little while to get into it since the author spends quite a bit of time laying the foundation for the story she wants to tell but once you do you'll find it hard to put down.

[Kaph]

I've got to back up the last two posts, especially Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. As a rule I don't have a favourite book, but if I did this would be it. Don't let the length scare you. Remember, nothing worth having is easy.

A close contender for my non-existant favourite book would be China Mieville's The Scar. As an author I find him a bit hit and miss at times (didn't quite enjoy The City and the City as much as Dree) but The Scar is truly brilliant and Kraken is certainly worth a read.

[Steven]

Try reading Starters by Lissa Price. It's dystopian and a little YA but I think you'll like it. Personally, it's one of my favorite books. Tell me what you think!

[Jonas]

I second Christy's motion for you to read Neil Gaiman. He writes in my genre, and that sounds like what you're after.

[Mike]

I second Neverwhere. Dark in places but a very interesting secret world layered within our own story.

Some other thoughts:
Guardian The first in a series of YA novelettes that has an interesting twist on magic and fairies living in parallel world secretly protecting humans. Some teen romance elements.

The Stepsister Scheme A fantasy world exploring a different take on classic fairytales, centered around adventuring protagonists Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

The Icarus Hunt A little off of your preferred requirements, but could be good to check out based on the stuff you listed you liked. A sci-fi adventure with mystery elements that has a cobbled together crew trying to get a spaceship back to Earth with an uncovered artifact several unknown forces are trying to take from them.

[Peter]

i was going to say the tomorrow series but you've read that...another australian ya author you might like is ivan southall
it's not ya, but memoirs of an invisible man by hf saint sounds right down your alley (though i should admit every recommendation i ever make includes moaim)

[Peter]

oh yes, and it's going back a bit, but "the tripods" trilogy (i think there are four now though) by john christopher is a galloping collection

[Mir]

More fantasy, some a bit older:

The Secret Country
Nine Princes in Amber
The Wizard Hunters
Sabriel

A bit darker:

The Marbury Lens
Snake Agent
The Myth Hunters
Abarat
The Strange Adventures of Rangergirl

[Haley]

Kay - I am a few chapters into Timeline and was just looking back on this thread for new inspiration because I was thinking of giving up on Timeline. I'm glad I saw your comment because I will keep going! Thank you :)

[Jace]

I would recommend a book called 'Green Rider' by kristen Britain, probably a new favorite one for me.

[Jason]

Second The Handmaid's Tale for this posting. def a good one.

[Kay]

Haley wrote: "Kay - I am a few chapters into Timeline and was just looking back on this thread for new inspiration because I was thinking of giving up on Timeline. I'm glad I saw your comment because I will keep..."

I'm glad my rec is helping--a little, at least! I remember having a hard time getting into Timeline, but once the setting changes to the medieval times, the book gets much faster and better. If you're still struggling to get through the book after a few chapters the medieval setting, though, I would think about stopping because the rest of the book is very similar.

[Betsy]

You might want to check out Brandon Sanderson's new release, The Rithmatist. Sounds like it has several of your preferences: YA, unusual creative magic system, dystopia.

[Ashok]

Haley, I feel a lot like you do. I shouldn't be reading YA novels but I don't care because I love them.
I tried reading more adult books, like The Shack but had to quit because I was getting bored.
I love dystopian books. After I read The Hunger Games trilogy and the two Divergent books, I was looking for more of the sort and read Slated, by Teri Terry. It's dystopian, though no fantasy or parallel universe or anything of the sort. The beginning is a bit slow but the story gets better and better - believe me! I really enjoyed it and went on reading the second book: Fractured. I think it was even better! But the third book of the trilogy isn't out yet :-(
Hope you enjoy!

[Catherine]

I also like YA fantasy or sci-fi, but can't get into the adult versions. I think I just don't have the necessary attention span.

I really liked The Magicians and The Magician King by Lev Grossman. Grossman basically took ideas from Harry Potter and Narnia, but put in the ultimate angst-ridden anti-hero for a protagonist. Very dark, but very good.

[Gea]

Hi Haley! Don't feel guilty for your taste in books. You've listed some great ones. You might like Wool Omnibus by Hugh Howey. It's an exciting page turner and extremely readable with a badass heroine living in a dystopian world.

Another one of my favorites is by Alden Bell. It's marketed as young adult, but I don't agree with that classification. It's written wonderfully and I think it's only labeled young adult because the heroine is a teenage girl.

Laini Taylor writes young adult but her writing is so beautiful and skilled (she was nominated for a National Book Award) that I can always read her completely guilt free. And as others have mentioned is a great choice too.

So many wonderful suggestions here. They should keep you busy for awhile. Good reading!

[Vardan]

If you would like to read a post-apocalyptic adventure/coming-of-age novel and support a good cause in the process, you could try my novel:



The After/Life

[Harmony]

Dystopia/Action/Adventure:
Sanctum by Sarah Fine
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

[scherzo♫]

Patricia McKillip's Riddle Master series (on your TBR shelf):
http://www.goodreads.com/series/44605...
The Riddle-Master of Hed
Harpist in the Wind
Heir of Sea and Fire


Louise Cooper's Time Master series
http://www.goodreads.com/series/49484...
The Initiate
The Outcast
The Master


David Brin's Uplift series:
http://www.goodreads.com/series/41134...
Sundiver
Startide Rising
The Uplift War
If Sundiver seems too much of an uphill read, give the others a chance anyway. So many great characters and great stories.

[Trevor]

You could try this one.

The Remarkables

Nicely woven parallel universe themes in a contemporary setting. If anything, the plot skips along too quickly, but its great fun anyway.

[Erin]

Lots of good suggestions above. One adult book (but leans YA with ages of main characters and general writing style) that might fit is the wonderful INTO THE FOREST by Jean Hegland. I listened to an audio recording read by Natalie Portman and enjoyed it so much I bought the book and re-read.

[Haley]

you're very right; i even listed it above. its so good. i had no idea natalie portman did the audio!

[Sam~~ we cannot see the moon, and yet the waves still rise~~]

What about Solaris? It's a little different from what you've been reading, but it really is like a parallel universe kind of novel.

[Jace]

"A confusion of princes" by Garth Nix is a preferable one...

[Sara]

Deep Secret is one of my favorite books by Diana Wynne Jones (I've reread it at least twice) and it has parallel worlds. Howl's Moving Castle is another good one.

Do you mind a bit of horror? I read the excerpt for Child of Fire online and was instantly hooked.

(Also, I'll third Paladin of Souls. Really, just about anything by Lois McMaster Bujold is awesome.)

[scherzo♫]

Dark, dystopian, parallel universe:
Stephen R. Donaldson's The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series

http://www.goodreads.com/series/42944...

[Betsy]

I second the recommendation of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant very much; I read them at least twice. Not what I would call dystopian, but definitely very dark in tone.

[Sarah]

The Maze Runner This book was my favorite of the three, but the whole series is interesting. UnspokenThis book has a very interesting plot and it's hilarious.Cinder This book is an interesting new modern twist to an old fairy tale. I was originally super skeptical, but it's actually quite interesting. Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception and Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie are phenomenal books. Written beautifully with very interesting worlds. Hope this helps!

[Algernon (Darth Anyan)]

I think Dark Eden by Chris Becket fits all the criteria you mentioned: cool magic, survival, young protagonists but with adult concerns, post apocalyptic, fast read.

[RachelAnne]

Sara wrote: "...(Also, I'll third Paladin of Souls. Really, just about anything by Lois McMaster Bujold is awesome.) "

YES! Paladin of Souls is wonderful fantasy. Also, the first three Vorkosigan Saga books (sci-fi) have a lot of YA appeal factors. Shards of Honor is romantic and soul-searching as well as action-packed and jolly good fun. The Warrior's Apprentice is deliciously intense, non-stop action, with humor and heart as well.