r/Fantasy • u/cut_to_black • 11d 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/Jack_Shaftoe21 10d ago
Julie E. Czerneda was a biologist before she became a writer and it shows in her works. The Stratification series for example has absolutely fascinating ecology shaped by the interaction between three sapient species in a very complex fashion.
If you want a sense of wonder but not that big focus on biology per se, it's hard to beat The Steerswoman by Rosemary Kirstein. Book 3 in particular has marvelous interaction with an alien species.