Books matching: standalone high fantasy
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- #1
Save:'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon is an immersive and expansive high fantasy novel that presents a world where women of diverse backgrounds take center stage, breaking away from traditional tropes. The book delves into a world without sexism, homophobia, and racism, while exploring themes of religious intolerance, political intrigue, and the balance of power. The story follows multiple characters as they navigate conflicting political currents and eventually unite to confront an ancient evil threatening their world.
The book offers a feminist reboot of Arthurian legend with LGBTQ representation and a focus on strong female characters. Despite some pacing issues and slow world-building, the novel weaves together a complex narrative with dragons, magic, and diverse cultures, creating a unique and engaging fantasy world that challenges traditional fantasy norms.
Every morning she kept the same routine. To be predictable was to be safe. First she went to the Master of the Posts, who confirmed he had no letters for her. Then she went to the gates and gazed out ... - #2
Save:Elantris is a unique fantasy novel that follows the story of a country on the brink of destruction, where the city of Elantris and its god-like inhabitants have fallen from grace. The plot revolves around Prince Raoden, an Elantrian struggling to survive in the decaying city, a high priest named Hrathen seeking to convert and conquer Arelon, and Princess Sarene determined to thwart Hrathen's plans. The book combines elements of political intrigue, magical mysteries, and well-developed characters to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers on edge until the final chapter.
The writing style of Elantris is praised for its detailed world-building, multiple character points of view, and engaging plot progression. The intricate magic system, distinct characters, and well-imagined world of Elantris provide a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. Despite a slow start for some readers, the story gains momentum as it unfolds, offering a blend of mystery, political intrigue, and character development that keeps readers immersed in the narrative.
Prince Raoden of Arelon awoke early that morning, completely unaware that he had been damned for all eternity. Still drowsy, Raoden sat up, blinking in the soft morning light. Just outside his open ba... - #3
Save:The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Sybel, a secluded wizard woman living with legendary animals. When a man brings her a child to raise, her solitary life changes as she learns about love, hate, and revenge. The book reads like a fairy tale, with stylized characters, idealized settings, and a plot that delves into themes of romantic relationships and human emotions.
The wizardHeald coupled with a poor woman once, in the king’s city of Mondor, andshe bore a son with one green eye and one black eye. Heald, who had twoeyes black as the black marshes of Fyrbolg, came... - #4
Save:"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.
The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her... - #5
Save:'Warbreaker' by Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy novel that introduces a unique magic system called BioChroma or 'Breath'. The story revolves around two sisters from a kingdom with different destinies, one of whom is sent to marry the God King while the other is unexpectedly drawn into political intrigue. The plot is filled with twists and turns, political shenanigans, and well-developed characters, all set in an intricate world where breath and color play a significant role. Sanderson's writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and full of humor, with a complex and well-developed fantasy world that keeps readers hooked from the beginning.
True, by many people’s standards, Siri wasn’t “unimportant.” She was, after all, the daughter of a king. Fortunately, her father had four living children, and Siri—at seventeen years of age—was the yo... - #6
Save:'Tigana' by Guy Gavriel Kay is a fantasy novel set in a world where a sorcerer has cast a spell that causes a province called Tigana to be forgotten by everyone except its inhabitants. The story follows the people of Tigana as they plot to overthrow the sorcerer and reclaim their land's name and memory. The book delves into themes of memory, revenge, and love, with complex characters navigating moral dilemmas and political intrigue. The writing style is described as rich and engaging, with subtle world-building and emotional storytelling that draws readers into the intricate plot.
IN THE AUTUMN SEASON OF THE WINE, WORD WENT FORTH from among the cypresses and olives and the laden vines of his country estate that Sandre, Duke of Astibar, once ruler of that city and its province,... - #7
Save:'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison follows the story of Maia, the overlooked and despised half-goblin son of the emperor, who unexpectedly becomes the emperor after a tragic accident claims the lives of his father and brothers. Thrust into a world of court intrigue and political maneuvering, Maia must navigate his new role as emperor, facing challenges of betrayal, loneliness, and the complexities of ruling a kingdom. The writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on interpersonal tensions, political negotiations, and a subtle touch of fantasy elements to explain cultural differences.
“Get thy clothes on.” Setheris shoved yesterday’s clothes at him. Maia dropped them, fumbling with the strings of his nightshirt, and Setheris hissed with exasperation as he bent to pick them up. “A m... - #8
Save:The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher is a dark and eerie retelling of the Bluebeard fairy tale, featuring a miller's daughter, Rhea, who is forced to marry a mysterious sorcerer lord. As Rhea navigates the sorcerer's mansion filled with strange and sinister characters, she must complete impossible tasks to avoid the same fate as his previous wives. The book blends elements of horror, fantasy, and fairy tale, creating a captivating story that explores themes of courage, friendship, and the fight against evil. The writing style is described as imaginative, with a good mix of pragmatism and invention, creating a unique and enthralling atmosphere throughout the book.
Her father said that she had been named after a great and powerful goddess of the old days, the queen of all the gods, but in that country at that time, there weren’t many books about gods. There were... - #9
Save:Steel Crow Saga by Paul Krueger is an Asian-inspired fantasy novel that explores themes of colonialism and magic. The story follows characters from different kingdoms, each with their own unique form of magic, as they navigate a world filled with political intrigue and racial tensions. The writing style is introspective and detailed, with multiple perspectives providing insight into the characters' backgrounds and motivations. The novel delves into the impacts of war, the complexities of relationships, and the journey of self-discovery for each character.
The kingdom of Shang had never expected much from women like Lee, and she’d never expected a whole lot from Shang, either. All she’d ever wanted was enough room to slip about, pulling the small jobs a... - #10
Save:Gloriana by Michael Moorcock is a tale set in an alternative history version of Elizabethan England, where Christianity and Islam do not exist, and pagan feasts are celebrated at court. The story unfolds in a huge palace filled with interlinked buildings, hidden rooms, and secret passages, creating a perfect backdrop for courtly intrigue, spying, and seduction. The book is a sprawling, dense jungle of a narrative that wears its affection for Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast on its sleeve, delving into themes of sex, sycophancy, tunnels, intrigue, secrets, debauchery, and honor.
In Which Is Presented the Palace of Queen Gloriana Together with a Description of Some of Its Denizens and a Brief Account of Certain Activities Taking Place in the City of London on New Year’s Eve En...
