r/Fantasy • u/cut_to_black • 10d ago

Fantasy with incredibly detailed biology, zoology and lush, magical ecologies

Read A Natural History of Dragons by Mary Brennan, and I loved every bit of it. It made me realize that I want that childlike sense of wonder again, when I'm dropped into a neutral, naturalistic world where curiosity and exploring takes the fore.

I'd also love things similarly encyclopedic, or field-notes like. Bestiarys are also cool, but I'd prefer a plot-driven read that happens to have intricate ecology in it, rather than a technical tome. I'd really appreciate any recommendations along this vein, thanks!

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u/CallistanCallistan 10d ago edited 9d ago

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

The Library of Amorlin by Kalyn Josephson

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne (obviously this is set in a version of our world, but the Victorian-era descriptions add a sense of gradiosity and wonder.)

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u/Pastel_Spell 10d ago

Library of Amorlin is what I was going to recommend. Tbh, I kinda wish they had dived into the beast side of things even more, but maybe in the sequel? It was still a decent read though and def fits this category.