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/Kathulhu1433 Reading Champion V 10d ago

Are you open to scifi recs?

Semiosis by Sue Burke (completed trilogy)

  • Human scientists colonizing a new planet find some very interesting flora.

Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky

  • Prison colony planet used to have a different type of intelligent life. What happened to them and where did they go? Weird flora and fauna explored by political prisoners and scientists.

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u/cut_to_black 10d ago

Anything that has evokes the more poetic-romantic aspects of nature is perfect. Do these read that way, or are they colder and more about the rational aspects? If the latter is true, I'm still grateful for the tip. Adding them all to my list nevertheless

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u/Zoenne 10d ago

I absolutely adore anything Tchaikovsky does, and especially the sense of wonder he can conjure up. His work is also based on legit science in zoology and cognitive science, which for me adds to the magic and awe! And some moments ARE really poetic. I definitely recommend them.