Books matching: high fantasy world
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- #1
Save:A daring, unforgettable blend of fantasy and sci-fi with brilliant world-building and powerful themes - worth reading if you’re ready for something bold and boundary-pushing.
The Fifth Season is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction set in a geologically unstable future Earth. The story follows individuals with the magical ability to control the earth's structures, known as orogenes, who are feared and oppressed by society. Through multiple perspectives, the book weaves together a tale of survival, discrimination, and the impending end of the world. N.K. Jemisin's unique writing style, intricate world-building, and complex characters create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of power, oppression, and resilience.
For the past ten years you’ve lived as ordinary a life as possible. You came to Tirimo from elsewhere; the townsfolk don’t really care where or why. Since you were obviously well educated, you became...August 2015•509 pages - #2
Save:A captivating, slow-burn fantasy romance packed with complex characters and rich lore - worth diving in if you love enemies-to-lovers tropes and immersive, epic worlds (just mind the editing quirks and be ready for a long ride!).
Winter Gods & Serpents in 'The Auran Chronicles' series by Wendy Heiss is a gripping enemies-to-lovers story filled with intricate world-building and well-developed characters. Snow and Killian, the main characters, have a slow-burn relationship that unfolds amidst a backdrop of detailed kingdoms, magic, and morally grey decisions. The book is a mix of beautifully written scenes and surprising plot twists that keep readers hooked until the very end. Despite some grammatical errors and pacing issues, the story is engaging and immersive, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
October 2021•649 pages - #3
Save:A spectacular, ambitious epic for true fantasy lovers - massive in scope, dense in detail, but totally worth the journey if you’re ready to invest the time. This is the gold standard for modern high fantasy.
'The Way of Kings' in 'The Stormlight Archive' series by Brandon Sanderson is an epic fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world filled with unique magic systems, intricate world-building, and deep character development. The plot revolves around multiple main characters, each with their own complex storylines that eventually intertwine. The magic system in the book is innovative and tied to gems that capture stormlight, which powers magical armor and various other elements in the world. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of slow-paced world-building and action-packed sequences that keep readers hooked throughout the 1000+ pages of the book.
“You’ve killed me. Bastards, you’ve killed me! While the sun is still hot, I die!” —Collected on the fifth day of the week Chach of the month Betab of the year 1171, ten seconds before death. Subject... - #4
Save:Guardians of the West is a warm, familiar return to Eddings’ world - more comfort food than groundbreaking feast. Fans of The Belgariad will likely enjoy catching up with favorite characters, but those seeking novelty or a radically different story may want to look elsewhere.
'Guardians of the West' is the first in 'The Malloreon' series by David Eddings, serving as a sequel to 'The Belgariad'. The story picks up several years after the events of the previous series, following Garion and Ce'Nedra as they rule the island nation of Riva and await the birth of their heir. However, a new prophecy emerges, leading to mysterious events and threats. The plot unfolds with court intrigue, kingdom wars, and the introduction of new characters, while exploring the themes of destiny, magic, and the eternal struggle between Light and Dark. The writing style is described as easy to read, humorous, and engaging, with a rich cast of characters that readers have come to love.
It was late spring. The rains had come and passed, and the frost had gone out of the ground. Warmed by the soft touch of the sun, damp brown fields lay open to the sky, covered only by a faint green b...1985•444 pages - #5
Save:A darkly original epic with assassin nuns and rich worldbuilding - perfect for fantasy fans who crave atmosphere, sisterhood, and a slow-burning plot. Not your typical magic school book, but the ride is worth it!
'Red Sister' by Mark Lawrence follows the journey of Nona Grey, a young girl rescued from a dire fate to become a sister at a convent of warrior nuns on a planet facing a dying sun and encroaching ice. The story unfolds in a world filled with magic, conflict, and complex characters, reminiscent of works by acclaimed authors like Robin Hobb and Patrick Rothfuss. The book balances action with character development, focusing on Nona's growth as she navigates her new life and uncovers the mysteries of her unique abilities and the threats surrounding the convent.
No child truly believes they will be hanged. Even on the gallows platform with the rope scratching at their wrists and the shadow of the noose upon their face they know that someone will step forward,...April 2017•490 pages - #6
Save:A charming, accessible portal fantasy full of fun adventure - ideal for when you want to escape reality without needing to keep track of sprawling epics. Not revolutionary, but an enjoyable, comforting read if you’re in the mood for magical escapism.
"Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" by Terry Brooks follows the story of a Chicago lawyer named Ben Holiday who feels like something is missing from his life. When he comes across a listing in a Christmas catalog for a magical kingdom, he decides to take a chance and purchases it. Upon arriving in the magical kingdom of Landover, Ben discovers that the kingdom is in disarray with no money in the treasury, no army, and enemies lurking. The story delves into Ben's journey of trying to restore the kingdom to its former glory, facing challenges, and balancing a sense of responsibility without proper authority. The writing style is described as clever and escapist, with an engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in the world of Landover.
The plot of "Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" revolves around Ben Holiday's unexpected acquisition of a magical kingdom and his subsequent struggles to bring order and magic back to Landover. explores themes of escapism, responsibility, and the challenges of leadership in a fantasy setting accessible through a Christmas catalog. The writing style, while dated due to being published in 1986, is noted for its clever storytelling and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.
Ben Holiday stood frozen before the open cubicle of his mailbox, eyes slipping across the gaily decorated cover of the catalogue to the white address label and the name of his dead wife. The lobby of...1984•380 pages - #7
Save:A bold, harrowing, and unforgettable debut - The Poppy War is perfect for fans of grimdark fantasy and history-inspired epics, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Check content warnings before diving in!
'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is a fantasy novel based on Chinese history, featuring a protagonist named Rin who rises from being an orphan to excelling at a prestigious military academy. The story takes unexpected turns diverging from typical YA fantasy tropes, delving into themes of tragedy, war, and morality. The book incorporates elements of Chinese culture and history, drawing parallels to real-world events such as the Japanese occupation and the Second Sino-Japanese War. The writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and thought-provoking, providing a fresh take on epic fantasy with strong themes and messages.
Rin crossed her arms tightly across her chest and walked toward the second proctor. She was led behind a screen, patted thoroughly to make sure she hadn’t packed test materials up any orifices, and th...May 2018•544 pages - #8
Save:A warm, witty deep dive into the past of a beloved character - best enjoyed by established fans of Eddings’ classic fantasy tale.
Belgarath the Sorcerer, the 2nd last book in the Belgariad & Malloreon series by David Eddings, serves as a prequel detailing the backstory of the entire series. The book follows the autobiography of Belgarath, a lazy sorcerer who unexpectedly writes his story, revealing his journey from birth in a small village to becoming a disciple of Aldur. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the events leading up to the Belgariad series, delving into the history of the land, characters, cultures, and traditions in a witty and entertaining manner.
The problem with any idea is the fact that the more it gets bandied about, the more feasible it seems to become. What starts out as idle speculation – something mildly entertaining to while away a few...1995•761 pages - #9
Save:A modern fantasy classic with imaginative worldbuilding and quirky charm; a magical, slightly dark adventure beneath the city – as long as you’re not looking for a hard-boiled action hero.
In "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman, readers are taken on a fantastical journey through the parallel worlds of London Above and London Below. The protagonist, Richard Mayhew, finds himself invisible to the people of London Above after helping a woman named Door, leading him to navigate the dangers and mysteries of London Below. The book is described as a dark fantasy filled with creepy and atmospheric elements, featuring a cast of eccentric characters and a captivating storyline that delves into power struggles and hidden realms beneath the surface of the familiar city.
SHE HAD BEEN RUNNING for four days now, a harum-scarum tumbling flight through passages and tunnels. She was hungry, and exhausted, and more tired than a body could stand, and each successive door was...1996•418 pages - #10
Save:A gritty, character-first fantasy with sharp wit, memorable antiheroes, and brutal battles - a slow burn start, but worth it if you value clever writing and layered personalities over epic plot fireworks.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie is a dark fantasy novel that delves into a world filled with political intrigue, impending war, and morally ambiguous characters. Set in a medieval-like world, the story follows multiple characters such as Logen Ninefingers, Inquisitor Glokta, and Captain Luthar, each with their own unique perspectives and motivations. The plot weaves together their stories as they navigate through a world on the brink of change, with war looming and alliances shifting. Abercrombie's writing style is characterized by its gritty realism, grounded characters, and a focus on the inner thoughts and struggles of the protagonists.
Logen opened his eyes a crack. Light, blurry bright through leaves. This was death? Then why did it hurt so much? His whole left side was throbbing. He tried to take a proper breath, choked, coughed u...2006•555 pages
