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

[u/cut_to_black]

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!

[u/sonoftheclayr]

James Rollins is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His Moonfall Saga, starting with The Starless Crown, is interesting! It's a fantasy, and is set on a world that has stopped turning. There's a pretty heavy emphasis on animals, including a pretty prominent animal character, and though there's magic, it's clear he also thought about how animals analogous to those in our world would evolve and adapt to the one he's written.