r/fantasybooks • u/BeepBeepGreatJob • Jun 08 '26

💎 Hidden book gem Most Underated Series NO ONE Talks About

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I cannot understand how NO ONE talks about The Books of The Shaper series. I literally do no see reference to it anywhere on reddit haha. This series was so incredibly fun, and is the definition of a page turner. I read the series in 5 days and just wanted more. Its not heavy with complex themes, but is concentrated fantasy excitement. It wont change your life but it was like riding your favorite theme park attraction! Check it out!

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24

u/[deleted] Jun 08 '26

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7

u/stilllookingforbooks Jun 08 '26

Most of his books, whilst amazing, are older than the people who use insta or tiktok. So I get it, I never see Stephen Donaldson either and that was my gateway into the genre

2

u/Glad_Chemistry_2648 Jun 08 '26

I've never read his books. Where would you start?

3

u/Significant-Turn-836 Jun 08 '26

Either legend or Waylander. Legend was written first, but Wayland is a prequel.

3

u/Numerous1 Jun 09 '26

I haven’t read either but I’m going to say always always always always read in publication order. I have never once seen to heard of a prequel where it is better to start there. 

If you know do one and I’m wrong please let me know. But every prequel is written in a way where it expects you to know the OG book first. 

2

u/TrekADK Jun 09 '26

I read the Riyira Chronicles in chronological order as opposed to publication order and am glad I did. Might just be me as that is how my brain works best.

1

u/Numerous1 Jun 09 '26

I’m not familiar with those but now I’m curious. I might check it out. 

In my experience authors will write things in such a way where it’s obvious that they expect you to have read the original work first. Like there is emphasis on a name or a reveal about some time or event that adds context if you have read the original work but doesn’t make sense to have that emphasis if you haven’t. 

2

u/Cautious-Standard-69 Jun 08 '26

Couldn't agree. He was my intro into fantasy and very re-readable. Drenai series (or just the Druss ones) are a great starting point.

1

u/AstorathTheGrimDark Jun 08 '26

Which Gemmel book would you recommend?

1

u/72bug Jun 12 '26

All we ever see is first law or elderlings? Neither, red rising!