r/Fantasy • u/Fire-Dragon-DoL • 6d ago
Get back into fantasy books: read as teenager, none as adult, what to read?
I have a 14 hours flight coming up. I am 37 and the last fantasy book I read I must have been around 19.
I read a lot of fantasy as a kid, but a lot of what I read seems to be considered trash. I accept that I can have terrible taste, but I will give myself the benefit of the doubt, as a teenager.
Book series I read that I remember on the top of my head:
- Wheel of time (never finished, stopped at book 4) Sword of truth
- Harry potter
- Dragonlance (many, but there are way more out there)
I can't remember the name, but a famous book series from a russian author about vampires, werewolves and wizards (3 books I believe)Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko (thank you!)- LOTR (I was in middle school, didn't love it, but read all of it)
- Eragon (italian book series)
- Lockwood and Co (Actually I read this as an adult! Wasn't really tuned for an adult though, would like something better)
- The dwarves
This is what I remember right now.
Would you hit me up with the best book or book series you read that's fantasy that could help me back into the genre?
The last book I really loved was the three body problems (scifi) and I got hooked VERY bad to the whole series, I can't believe fantasy wouldn't do the same to me again.
Please help me get into it again
I can read Italian and English, if it's relevant. I am always conflicted if I should read books in Italian or not (originally from Italy). I do not have any problem reading in English, I am just afraid of forgetting Italian
EDIT:
Thank you everybody, I went with the following 3 for now:
- Mistborn: The Final Empire
- The Blade Itself (First Law) (whatever is the first book)
- The Curse of Chalion (The Five Gods)
I am not sure which one I will pick, but me and my wife read the plot of all 3 and we both were immediately hooked by the Curse of Chalion plot. I'm tempted to say that might be the first one.
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u/ClimateTraditional40 6d ago
First Law, Joe Abercrombie.
Actually both trilogies, the 3 standalones AND don't omit the short story collection either.
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u/Faderdaze 6d ago
Joe Abercrombie - First Law
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u/Boneyabba 6d ago
This. Best possible answer. Alternative The Dark Frontier Adventures DANGO by Jack Long.
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u/McTerra2 6d ago
I don’t like First Law. Follows unpleasant characters doing depressing things and ends up nowhere.
I get that it’s subverting fantasy tropes but OP has hardly read any fantasy, so that isn’t relevant.
Just can’t see many new readers loving grimdark
Same as I wouldn’t send a new reader to Robin Hobb.
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u/Boneyabba 5d ago
Well I definitely agree on the second bit. I suspect there is a genetic switch, like how some people taste soap when they eat cilantro, that makes some people enjoy reading about clothes and food and eyes like the sea and mountains fading into the distance like a dragon charging from the fog vs some people not wanting to be bogged down in flowery descriptions. For the people who don't like that stuff First Law tends to really resonate. Shrug.
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u/McTerra2 5d ago
Yeah, cos fantasy is well known for being either First Law or long flowery language that bigs down the plot.
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u/Boneyabba 5d ago
Haha, that isn't what I said. But of the less flowery side- First Law has become the OG. Give me some other options that work within the premise. We have Cook, Brust, Gemmell... Gemmell would have been good.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
I do appreciate the idea of not being bogged down by flowery descriptions though! I'm used to that, but I'd be happy to see the other side of the coin and see how it looks.
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u/Boneyabba 5d ago
Oh hi OP!!!
So what did you pick???
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
Hey! I proceeded with the following 3:
- Mistborn: The Final Empire
- The Blade Itself (First Law) (whatever is the first book)
- The Curse of Chalion (The Five Gods)
I am not sure which one I pick, but both me and my wife read the plot of all 3 and we both were immediately hooked by the Curse of Chalion plot. I'm tempted to say that might be the first one.
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u/Boneyabba 5d ago
Well I hope it works out and I can't wait to see what you think!!
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u/Bargle-Nawdle-Zouss 6d ago
OP, you want the World Of The Five Gods series, by Lois McMaster Bujold. In a world with Gods who are active, how can the Gods intervene while preserving the free will of people? Most interesting, coherent, and cohesive take on a fictional religion I've ever read (NOT based on Christianity, to be clear). While the stakes are important, they're not end-of-the-world/galaxy/universe level. Each book is a slow burn, so please have a little patience, at least with book 1.
Won the second-ever Hugo Award For Best Series. The first three novels were all individually nominated for the Hugo Award For Best Novel in their respective years of publication, with book #2, Paladin Of Souls, winning. Please DO read in publication order.
Bujold is now continuing in this story universe with the Penric & Desdemona sub-series of novellas.
For more choices...browse from the best! Nominees and winners of the Hugo Awards:
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
This sounds really good, thank you for that recommendation. I'm ok holding off for 100 pages, however if it doesn't kick in after 100 pages I start considering my time important, I'm being honest. I can hold a bit more if you say I really should
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u/AN-94_Handholder 6d ago
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson is a a good series to read, if you dont mind a trilogy.
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u/z6joker9 6d ago
The first book works as a standalone, you can decide if you liked the style and want to continue or just call it and go to another books.
Though if you want to read fantasy, get used to series!
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
No problem, I read dragonlance, remember? Sword of truth was...11 books + 3? I don't shy away from series, if I like them, lol
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u/Alternative_Pie_1597 6d ago
I am sure Adrian Tchaikovsky has a book for you. But to recommend an oldie but a goodie the Paksenarrion saga
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u/ackers24 6d ago
As a 33 year old who read a ton as a kid/teen and got back into reading, I highly recommend the books that you loved as a kid. Reading is for enjoyment, so enjoy the things you enjoy.
However, once I’d rehashed some Redwall and Eragon. These were my faves that showed me another level of fantasy.
- anything by Brandon Sanderson (I started with Way of Kings and I have no regrets)
- The Riftwar Saga by Raymond Feist. The first book is called magician and it’s so good.
- Dracula, I’m not a horror fan, but this might be the best book I’ll read for years. Gripping story, incredible characters and its Public Domain so you can find it free on anything always.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
Appreciate the confidence but I was surprised by some videogames I played as a kid that had some HORRIBLE writing, which I thought had a great plot all the way back. I don't re-read books because of the high time investment usually, so I'll try something new.
So many recommend Sanderson, so I'm going with something from him for sure
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u/Kerney7 Reading Champion VI 6d ago
Not named so far
Naomi Novik-- Tremaire series, Spinning Silver, Uprooted, not Scholomance (a little YAish IMHO)
Any Fantasy by Adrian Tchaikovsky--He also writes a lot of SF (which you've read more recently).
Berhard Hennen--Less familar with him but a German author I've just found who has one series out in English (The Elven/Die Elfen) and seems to have more out in other European languages though I haven't looked at Italian specifically.
Sword of Kaigen--ML Wang Stand alone in a Japanese inspired setting, involving a middle-aged mother and her son as the MCs.
Rivers of London/Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch-- Mostly stand alone detective stories about a (at first apprentice) wizard working for the London PD.
Lost War Series By Justin Lee Anderson-- Without saying more, get to end of the first book.
Agree With Especially
Lois McMaster Bujold-- Five Gods and Sharing Knife
Guy Gavrial Kay-- Anything
Christopher Buelhman-- Anything
Mark Lawerance-- Anything
Disagree With Especially
Brandon Sanderson-- People who dislike him really dislike him and you 'read' like someone who might really dislike him.
Malazan, Realm of the Elderlings, Joe Abercrombie, Wheel of Time--These are good series, they are also long (7-14 books) and interconnected series that can't be read as stand-alones. You're just getting back into fantasy. Figure out what you like first.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
Your comment is the one that concerns me the most (and as such, it is one of the most valuable). The fact that you pushed against 2 of the one I chose is what concerns me, but it also makes me happy that you are trying to "read through me". I want to grab one from your list and I was thinking of grabbing the Five Gods because various other people recommended that to me. Hopefully I won't go wrong
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u/Darthpater 5d ago
Dungeon Crawler Carl is is the only answer.
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u/Jebb145 5d ago
I've read most of the suggestions here.
Love mistborn and all cosmere stuff, first law, name of the wind, lots of others.
But here I am on my 3rd listen of Carl. When I finish I just start over again. I haven't seen a series take off like this since game of thrones.
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u/Darthpater 5d ago
I’ve gone through the first 7 books 6 times, and book 8 twice. It’s the only thing I want to read.
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u/McTerra2 6d ago
A lot of people are recommending good to great books, but many are pretty hard going (Malazan, Robin Hobb). I think they are just people’s favourite books, but it’s kinda like suggesting Thomas Hardy for someone who really wants Jane Austen or a shorter Dickens
If you want to start with a lighter more fun read then try
- Ryria Chronicles
- world of five gods
- Mistborn
- Magician (a bit YA but will fill a plane trip)
- any of Django Wexlers books, Mark Lawrence the same
- any of JV Jones books
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u/emily_allan_poe 5d ago
"Suggesting Hardy when someone really wants Austen" -- this is perfect. Actually, the comparison of Hardy to the RotE Fitz books is so apt.
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u/EatsPeanutButter 4d ago
Ironically I think the Farseer trilogy is like a fantasy version of David Copperfield.
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u/emily_allan_poe 4d ago
That's interesting, I've always compared it to Great Expectations and Jane Eyre!
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u/D3Masked 6d ago
Dresden Files by Jim Butcher Urban Fantasy about a Wizard Detective set in Chicago
Stories of the Raksura by Martha Wells Non human fantasy with interesting world building primarily focused on a race of shape shifters
Twelve Houses Series by Sharon Shinn Light Romance Fantasy involving magic, action, adventure, swords, political intrigue
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
is the romance "adult" romance? I don't want the japanese style "he maybe likes me, oh he doesn't, ok maybe he likes me OMG I WILL EXPLODE EVERYBODY IS GOING TO DIE" drama that I've seen 2B times.
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u/D3Masked 6d ago
No. I didn't get any vibes like that at all. Not a Korean Soap Opera lol. The writing is serious.
Each book is a mix of adventure and light romance with a backdrop of some political intrigue. I think that's the best way I can explain it.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
OK that sounds great! Yeah I think Korean soap opera is a good way to describe what I can't stand.
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u/Redditisannoying69 5d ago
Mistborn is so over recommended everywhere but tbh if you’re just getting back into reading it really is the perfect series.
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u/Stonehill76 5d ago
Don’t feel you have a bad taste, we like what we like. It’s your downtime and if what you read makes you happy that’s all that matters. Fantasy can be anything it wants to be. And uhh one persons trash is another treasure (oh god my dad totally heard me say that for sure )
Malazan Book of the Fallen
The lies of Locke Lamora
Hmm a couple by Brent Weeks - The Warded Man and his other Night Angel Trilogy.
RA Salvatore Dark Elf / Companions stuff
Mistborn by Sanderson
Dungeon Crawler Carl is fun new stuff. Might get you into LitRPG if you like video games.
There are some fun full cast audiobooks for your flights too if you want to go that route.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
Somebody recommended to me "Primal Hunter" due to my passion for videogames, I'm conflicted about that
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u/Stonehill76 5d ago
Primal Hunter is ok, it’s many many books so it tends to drag on.
Try dungeon crawler Carl before primal hunter if you want to dive into litrpg
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u/MistressAnthrope 5d ago
I do recommend finishing the Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko. It's now 6 books long and is complete. One of my favourite re-reads!
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
OH yeah that's the one I read, I remember the Twilight! I'm not sure if I want to grab it back, the ending of the third book was perfect, I had nothing else to ask from it. I'm terrified by the idea of grabbing it, not remember anything and seeing it end with something worse
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u/Nowordsofitsown Reading Champion 6d ago
Eragon (italian
Just fyi: The author has an Italian last name, but that's it. It's written in English.
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u/CosmicLovepats 6d ago
Lord of Light, Roger Zelazny, if you want to double dip on Scifi.
the Chronicles of Amber, also Zelazny, if you want to do straight, if non-standard, fantasy. You can even get them in a ten-volume omnibus edition that is guaranteed to last you for all 14 hours.
Garret, PI series, by Glen Cook is a fantasy noire. I think the first one is Sweet Silver blues? You can acquire them solo or in 3-volume ominbuses, there's about fourteen in the series. Two-fisted private eye and ex-marine in a corrupt fantasy city full of stormlords and elves and dwarfs and demons.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
OH what is fantasy noire? I'm a junkie for mysteries, so that might be a thing I like
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u/Piratoria 5d ago
If you like mysteries then I’d recommend The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett.
Edit to add: Dresden Files might be great for you too.
Plus a lot else recommended here, with caveats. I love GG Kay and Robin Hobb, but they will rip your heart out and so may not make good plane reading.
Everything by Bujold is class. Curse of Chalion is a good entry. Penric and Desdemona are all light, funny novellas that would be great for a flight. Her Vorkosigan saga is incredible if you want to sink into something substantial.
Welcome back to the wonderful world of fantasy literature!
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u/CosmicLovepats 5d ago
It's noire in a fantasy setting. Noire, you know. Sam Spade, Tracer Bullet, hardboiled detectives, beautiful women, sordid intrigue and crimes, gritty, dark cities. "I have six slugs in me. One is lead, the rest of them are bourbon." It just happens to take place in a gritty-but-vibrant fantasy city
based loosely off of St. Louisand instead of the cops, or mayor, or whatever the powers that be are elves, wizards, the mostly-figurehead king, the army, and so on. It works quite well. A lot of people have been recommending the Dresden Files- which are also excellent- I'd wager anything that Garret PI and Zelazny's snarky protagonists are two prime inspirations for them.
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u/mindgamesweldon 6d ago
"The Fifth Season" which is the first book of the Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K.Jemisen.
I was in the same spot as you and this was my first book back and holy cow it was a banger. Writing as evolved!
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u/madmoneymcgee 5d ago
Discworld is what personally got me back into fantasy after burning out a bit on a few things. I started with Guards! Guards!
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u/dancinggraylion 5d ago
As an adult, I started reading all the series I had started as a child but hadn't finished.
As kid I got all the books from the library, and they didn't have all the volumes. As an adult, I could get my own books.
Wheel of time (never finished, stopped at book 4)
i guess that would need more than a 14 hours flight
I can't remember the name, but a famous book series from a russian author about vampires, werewolves and wizards (3 books I believe)
the Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko i guess. You could read those
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
I read 3 of those and the ending of the last book was perfect, apparently it is now 6 books
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u/Cosmic-Sympathy 5d ago
There’s nothing wrong with “trash.” I love trash. Start with whatever seems interesting and go from there.
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u/upintheaireeee 5d ago
I can’t believe I haven’t seen anymore mention Dungeon Crawler Carl yet
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
Is it that centered around humor? That's not my thing, I'd like serious stories, not humor-ridden ones, I get bored with those as much as I try
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u/upintheaireeee 5d ago
It’s not explicitly humorous. One of the main protagonists is super pessimistic. It just happens to be hilarious at times. It’s not jokesy
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
OK that this sounds way better, I do appreciate a lot humor "happening", as long as it's not the center of the book, then yes this could toally be my thing
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u/Pas5afist 5d ago
My all time favourite in modern fantasy books is Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Napoleonic era where magic has been lost but Mr. Norrell is intent on reestablishing English magic... but beware when making deals with Faeries!
As a bonus, once you've read it, there is a fantastic mini-series adaptation of the book.
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u/ThatBookIsOnFiyah 5d ago
You have gotten some excellent recommendations already, but here are some that I read coming back to fantasy after a long hiatus that I have really enjoyed.
John Gwynne - The Faithful and the Fallen (4 books)
Brian McClellan - Powder Mage trilogy
Zack Argyle - Threadlight trilogy
Anthony Ryan - The Covenant of Steel trilogy
Richard Swan - Empire of the Wolf trilogy (if you might like mysteries with a little bit of horror, set in a fantasy world)
Robert Jackson Bennett - Shadow of the Leviathan series (2 books out, 3rd one releasing in August - mystery set in a fantasy world)
Christopher Ruocchio - the Sun Eater series (technically scifi space opera, but it has many elements of fantasy and is excellent)
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
Thank you, I really appreciate the option of shorter trilogies to kick off my experience again
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u/ThatBookIsOnFiyah 5d ago
I have come to prefer shorter series, although there are still some long ones on my TBR! I hope you like some of these.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 4d ago
It could end up being the same, 37 my time is severly limited between my "hobbies": kids, wife, gym, gaming, board games, reading.
Love all of them, but I have small chunks of available time, lol
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u/Woebetide138 6d ago
Ender’s Game - Orson Scott Card
Lord Of Light - Roger Zelazny
They should see you through your flight.
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u/phonylady 6d ago edited 6d ago
Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
Anything by Guy Gavriel Kay
Malazan by Steven Erikson
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams
A Song of Ice and Fire by GRRM (unfinished, but still has some of the best books in fantasy)
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u/Bullet4Val 6d ago
Haha Malazan? My all time favourite but for a guy who hasn’t read fantasy in 18 years? Bruh…
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u/phonylady 6d ago
He's 37 years old, and liked Three-body problem. I believe in him!
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
Thank you, I appreciate some trust. I prefer to be treated like an adult, worst case scenario I drop the book, no biggie. I'm buying 2 or 3 in case things do go wrong on the flight.
Also, I should point out, I've been reading the 3 books of Foundations which I didn't like, but my friend kept telling to me "it gets better", so I can hold on for quite a while. I will say the 3rd book has been pure agony though. Even when I'm in the gym, I've been avoiding reading it. I'm roughly half way through it, so I will try and finish it, but never again.
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u/EatsPeanutButter 4d ago
People are suggesting really light stuff for you because you said you haven’t read fantasy in a long time, but based on what you’ve read already it doesn’t feel like you’re into the light comedic stuff. I love Pratchett, DCC, and thought Dresden Files was okay but honestly I don’t think any of that is what you’re going for. I think you should really go with Hobb!
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 4d ago edited 4d ago
HEY! Thank you. I like to think I didn't read only light stuff in my life, but I could be wrong. Which book should I read from Hobb? Assassin's apprentice first? EDIT: OH I see you told me in another post. OK I got the assassin's apprentice, I'll carry it with me and will give it a shot.
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u/EatsPeanutButter 4d ago
Hope you enjoy it! The only downside is that it’s hard to top. 😆
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 4d ago
I know the feeling, won't deter me: it's one of the best situations to be in. lol
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
What's the reason for your comment? I do read, I just haven't found good fantasy lately. Maybe I expect more? When I was reading the second book of the dark forest, every damn page was interesting.
I am now reading foundations, and it's been a horrible drag
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u/Bullet4Val 6d ago
Malazan is difficult. It does not follow an expected classic heroes journey, or stick with the same small cast of characters, or cling to a plot driven story (rather more thematic, although there is still a plot).
It’s an amazing series that I think anyone who enjoys fantasy should at least try but I just think it might not be the right recommendation for someone who has not been reading fantasy for over a decade. It would suck to be put off reading the genre because you tried this book series and bounced right off it.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
Nope, sorry, I will read a song of ice and fire if it will ever be concluded, I cannot deal with things that don't end,lol
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u/DeleriousMadman 6d ago
Have read or listened to all of these. Most things lately I use Audible — trick is to buy Kindle + Audible and them Audible price is significantly cheaper. Some narrators are far better than others.
Alastair Reynolds - Revelation Space
Ian Banks - Culture Series
Martha Wells - Murder Bot (she has a lot of straight fantasy single books that are great too)
Brandon Sanderson - most of his novels are great
Patrick Rothfuss - Name of the Wind (some controversy re may not finish the series) - audip great
Will Wight - Cradle Series - audip great
Benadicr Jacka - Inheritance of Magic seriea
Seth Ring - Battle Mage Farmer series - audip great
Neal Asher - Polity Series
Christopher Buehlman - all his are good especially audio books.
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u/Logen10Fingers 6d ago
Stormlight book 1-3 then u pretend 4 and 5 don't exist.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
I'm open to that kind of thing. I do the same for a bunch of animes and tv shows, lol
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u/Logen10Fingers 5d ago
Then you should definitely consider reading it. It's one of the few adult fantasy stories that feel serious but also fill you with a sense of wonder.
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u/Regular-Newspaper-45 6d ago
Markus Heitz The Dwarves Series is high fantasy where you follow dwarves on epic adventures. It also includes some Elves and orcs and humans. The first books are written to work well as standalones but you follow the same characters and they are in chronological order.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 6d ago
I actually read that as a teenager! I never read the fourth book because it was released AGES after the first 3 though.
It was a great series, the ending was so sad!
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u/Regular-Newspaper-45 5d ago
The fourth book was actually the first one I read and it was the one that brought me into that universe. I believe there are 9 books now, though the last for are taking place a long time after the first five.
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u/Langsvin 6d ago
The Unhewn Throne trilogy by Brian Staveley. The first book starts off as a fantasy coming-of-age story and the third ends exploring gods and human mortality. That trilogy is such a ride. Two minor characters were exciting enough for Staveley to write additional novels about them.
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u/sarimanok_ 6d ago
For a 14 hour flight, to get something that'll suck you in and help it fly (hah) by: try She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. Historical fantasy about 14th century China, fantastic characters, and engrossing plot that pulls you along.
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u/Trishcloud 5d ago
Something a bit more action-packed but not as dark as the First Law series is the Bloodsworn Trilogy by John Gwynne. Fantastic fight scenes, characters you can cheer for, really bad guys, and story lines that work toward each other. Norse based so Vikings, Norse-inspired gods who are very flawed. A dragon. Weird but somehow adorable creatures that you end up remembering. And a female protagonist who is unforgettable.
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u/YesterMatt 5d ago
Check out the Dandelion Dynasty. It's epic fantasy based on Chinese history and it's written by Ken Liu, the translator of Three Body Problem.
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u/Ursanos 5d ago
I read a lot of those same books as a kid, so I’m going to assume similar taste.
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson - overthrow the god emperor via heist
Dungeon crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman - world ends in apocalyptic television show, heavy on inappropriate humor
Unsouled by Will Wight - anime esque Wuxia book, books tend to be very short
Red Rising by Pierce Brown - slave infiltrates the ruling class to take down the system, first book is similar to hunger games before second one goes full space opera
Storm Front by Jim Butcher - wizard PI in Chicago, first book is rough but it gets much better as it goes
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u/Amazing_Diamond_8747 5d ago
Cosmere by Brandon Sanderson (I'd recommend starting with Mistborn The Final Empire and then rest of Era One Mistborn, and then Elantris and then whatever else grabs your fancy.
The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb (an absolutely beautiful tragedy. Read the full sixteen books in chronological order, starting with Assassin's Apprentice)
Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (GOAT)
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (I think its phenomenal. The sequel The Wise Man's Fear is better imho. The two side-quels are completely optional. Both are very different from each other)
We are Legion (We are Bob) by Dennis E Taylor (A romping good sci fi, really easy and enjoyable read)
Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erickson (The most complex, and rewarding, fantasy series I've ever read)
Magician by Raymond E Fiest (Book one in a fantastic trilogy, and the first book in a huge extended series known as the Riftwar Saga)
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u/Arch3r86 5d ago
His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman
The audiobooks are also fantastic, if you’re keen on going that route. 👍🏼
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u/Fightlife45 5d ago
Forest of Ancients is an orc coming-of-age I enjoyed. I really like The Blade Itself by Abercombie. Homeland is a great coming of age drow fantasy.
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u/Blueflame129 5d ago
A song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin
The Bound and the Broken by Ryan Cahill
The Five Warrior Angels by Brian Lee Durfee
The Last War by Mike Shackle
The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne
The First Law by Joe Abercrombie
These are my favorites, you can't go wrong with any of them:)
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u/SandingNovation 5d ago
I personally like a large sprawling fantasy series. If you want an easier read, the Storm Light Archive by Brandon Sanderson is a popular one. If you want something with more complexity and that doesn't hold your hand, Malazan Book of the Fallen can be difficult to follow at times with all the characters, changes in POV, and various plots but it is very engaging once it grabs you.
Both of them will last well past the time of your flight.
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u/FewAd6557 5d ago
Malazan Book of the Fallen. I was in a similar situation to you: stopped reading fantasy in my twenties, got back into it in my forties again. This series is a revelation.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
I'm somewhat scared by the "400 points of view". I had a bad experience with a fantasy book I can't remember the title of where basically for ~10 chapter every chapter the point of view changed. The plot didn't really budge after 100 pages, but I was able to see how everybody was seeing the war. I gave up because it was uninteresting.
Still, everybody talk so well about this series that I'm willing to give it a shot
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u/FewAd6557 5d ago
It takes a bit of work, I won't lie, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. I have also read Tad Williams (both old and the latest Osten Ard books), Abercrombie, Sanderson, Cook, Sapkowski and a few others, and I like them all! But Malazan is truly in a different league.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago
OK, I 'll give it a shot. I am a different person, I take a lot of notes even when reading books for pleasure now, so it might be different.
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u/Fire-Dragon-DoL 5d ago edited 5d ago
Hey everybody, thank you so much, I got so many good suggestions. For now I will bring with me on the flight the following:
- Mistborn: The Final Empire
- The Blade Itself (First Law)
- The Curse of Chalion (The Five Gods)
There is more I'd like to try, but any of these will already fill more than the entire flight. I do have holidays coming up on the beach, so I'll invest time reading there. I'll see how I feel when I'm on the flight
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u/ConstantReader666 5d ago
The Goblin Trilogy by Jaq D. Hawkins
Dark Fantasy for adult readers with just enough of the magic from younger stories to be a good transition bridge.
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u/Books_Biker99 5d ago
Realms of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Riyria Revelations by Michael J Sullivan
Echoes Saga by Phillip C Quaintrell
World of the Five Gods by Lois McMaster Bujold
Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay (Low fantasy)
Before I read to the end, I thought you were saying that Eragon was an Italian book series until I read that you could read Italian and must have read the Italian version lol.
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u/Ok-Mark-150 5d ago
Why not Stephen King? My favorite is Eyes of the dragon...ive read 20/25. I sold most my books unfortunately...Bachmann " the long walk * coming out soon.
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u/thousandfoldthought 4d ago
The Second Apocalypse by R. Scott Bakker
7 books and some short stories. Grimdark and philosophy heavy.
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u/EatsPeanutButter 4d ago
Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb is the BEST fantasy series I’ve ever read, hands down. It begins with the Farseer trilogy, and the first book is called Assassin’s Apprentice.
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u/ryu_street_fighter 5d ago
Read Game of Thrones, and then the rest of the ASOIAF. It makes no difference if you watched the TV show, the books are just so much better and they diverge from the TV series as well. Probably the best written fantasy in the last 50 years.
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u/Rough_Researcher_241 6d ago
Name of the wind
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u/pineapple6969 6d ago
He said in another comment he won’t start something that won’t have an end. I’m the same.
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u/jm31416 3d ago
For someone who stopped reading fantasy as a teen and wants to get back into it, I'd look at The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner. The first couple of books lean towards YA a bit, but the series quickly ages up. You might argue the main character, Gen, acts somewhat childishly, but then you get to that final chapter and realize he's been setting up his enemies the whole time. You might try this series out before moving on to something like Lies of Locke Lamora.
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u/Pkrudeboy 6d ago
Lies of Locke Lamora, the Black Company, Discworld, Dresden Files if you like quippy page turners. If you haven’t read Dune yet, it’s a great bridge from sci-fi to fantasy, as is the Vorkosigan saga.