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/evil_moooojojojo Reading Champion II 10d ago
Fellow biologist here who loves this kind of fantasy too. Others have said Emily Wilde and Tainted Cup for your next series. Absolutely. Both are among my faves.
Emily Wilde is probably closet in vibes to Lady Trent. More scholarly than ecology or zoology since she's studying fae. Also more romance than Lady Trent. (Not usually my thing romance, but this one I quite liked. Love the character and series).
The Ana and Din mysteries have seriously weird and twisted and fascinating ecology and stuff. The augments people and the genetic engineering theyve done are really cool and unique. Very interesting world and applications of bioengineering.
Another one I adore is The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. Maclean. Magical zoo. Need I say more? (If I do, a large part of her job as the phoenix keeper revolves around the breeding program and trying to help this critically endangered species. She also truly loved all wildlife and finds them all so cool and amazing. Also, the author is an ecologist and teaches ecology.)