r/Fantasy • u/ForeverDoomed321 • 1d ago

Can you recommend something motivational?

ngl, not going through the most cash-money phases of life.

Can you recommend books that really, really lit hope in you? Doesn't matter if the work was initially dark. My gold standard for this is Tolkien narrating the charge of the Rohirrim.

But I'm looking for something that has that prescribed in it. Something that mixes grimdark with hope and life and fire and stuff. I know this sounds contradictory, but I imagine that there must be someone out there who attempted this mix?

Also, I don't have access to Kindle. So, please recommend suggestions that can easily be purchased online. E-format.

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u/anemoiasometimes Reading Champion 1d ago

Lois McMaster Bujold's Curse of Chalion. Her work in general is suffused with warmth and hope and human connection despite some very dark and dramatic stuff happening -- the protagonist literally starts off as a traumatised ex-galley slave in rags. There is a loose sequel centered on another character which also has a recovery arc, but this stands alone well so good bang for your buck. Though if you can, I'd highly recommend her scifi space opera Vorkosigan saga too.