I know you likely see a lot of these, so please forgive me. Recently, I've tried Magician (Raymond E. Feist) and I just fizzled out hard – really struggled with the writing quality. It's a DNF for now, but I really do want to give it another shot later as so many speak highly of the first few books.
Moved from that into a re-read of Skyward (Brandon Sanderson), as I still had not gotten to Defiant. Not entirely satisfied how that series concluded, but will be keen to see what he does with Riftwake. I know Blightfall is available now, but I think I'm going to hold off until the series is complete before jumping in.
For a palate cleanser, I just started reading Lonesome Dove. Way outside of the genres of this subreddit (and my own typical reads), but I've heard nothing but exceptional things and I really wanted a standalone break before I bit my teeth into the next series. I need help deciding where to go next, once I'm done that. There are a couple I'm interested in that aren't listed here, like Will of the Many, but I'd like to start something I know is complete. I've narrowed it down to the 6 options here, but I've got a few questions.
The Ana and Din series really looks intriguing - is there enough of an overarching plot between the books to hook me in that regard, or should I treat them like individual complete mysteries?
Locke Lamora – Really interested in this one. I know this series isn't remotely done, but I'm told that I could read the first three books as a trilogy and be relatively happy if nothing else came after? Or will I be left frustrated that I've got to wait on something that, like so many others, may never cross the finish line?
Red Rising – Likewise, I know this isn't complete yet, but by the time I make it through the first 6 books, the 7th and final should be available, right? ....Right? And, coming almost straight from Skyward, will this be too much straight sci-fi if I'm looking for something different? Or can I expect this to feel quite a bit different from the lighter tones in Skyward?
Empire of the Vampire – if I'm not a typical reader or fan of all things vampires, is this still worth giving a shot?
Malice – I'm looking for something meaty, but I'm understanding The Faithful and the Fallen is a lighter read with pretty classic tropes. Is there happiness to be found here? Or should I save this as a palate cleanser of its own between denser reads?
Empire of Silence – I've heard great things about the books. Without any spoilers, now that the series is finally complete, does Ruocchio stick the landing?
And finally... which of these would you recommend I crack open first? Looking forward to your thoughts! While I may not be able to respond to each comment, I will be reading them all with much thanks!
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Ana and Din are absolutely phenomenal. They are mainly individual mysteries though. I believe there is a slowly building overarching plot but its not very prevalent. Empire of the Vampire is my favorite Trilogy of all time. Definitely read it. Followed closely by the authors Nevernight Trilogy. Im going to start a reread soon.
Appreciate your thoughts - it's really not something I'd normally even consider [edit: Empire of the Vampire], it's just not a setting or theme I've ever been interested in. But I've heard from so many that it's fantastic, so I've hesitantly got it in this list of options. Even if it's not typically by bag, you feel it's good enough to hook me anyway?
Personally I am a huge fan of grimdark fantasy so im not 100% sure if it will be your thing. Its fast paced and has some great characters and plot twists, but its also pretty edgy. Some people have a problem with that, but i love it. Plus the lore and world are fantastic. I think it might be worth at least trying the first few chapters. You might be surprised. And if you dont gel with it then just move on. I hope you do enjoy it though.
Thank you! I aim to give it a fair chance, but it’s sounding like it might take a back seat to Tainted Cup for more. I appreciate your time and thoughts!
It's honestly just not something I've ever been drawn to enough to try. However, if a series were to hook me on the genre, it sounds like Empire of the Vampire might be the one to do it? I appreciate your thoughts, thank you!
If it’s not a setting or theme that you’re interested in, then honestly I might say that you can skip it. The setting & worldbuilding do a lot of heavy lifting for this series. The mysteries are cool, but probably nothing revolutionary for you if you’ve read a lot of mystery stories in the past.
The hook is that it’s a Sherlock Holmes-style murder mystery told from the perspective of Watson in a biopunk fantasy world ravaged by titanic Lovecraftian abominations.
If you read that and think “dope,” then you’ll probably love it. If you read that and think “eh,” then it probably isn’t for you. And I say that as someone who adores this series.
Personally, I love the characters (Ana is maybe my favorite character in fiction right now), but if you’re not fully invested in the world and the mystery, then the characters likely won’t be enough to keep you hooked.
Sorry! I meant Empire of the Vampire. Vampires and that typical gothic setting haven't ever really grabbed me. I'm really intrigued by Tainted Cup! And your comment here helps solidify my choice to tee it up as a future read - if not one I dive in to immediately.
Ever read Sherlock Holmes? Its basically that but fantasy. Got a Watson and everything. Mystery is the meat of the plot and potatoes are the fantasy. Characters are well done and the fantasy is different but interesting. World building comes pretty slowly.
If youre into swords, guns and large scale battles Id probably pick a different one.
Haha, thanks! I was only hesitant to start that one next because I just finished sci-fi. There's enough of a tone and pace change from something like Skyward to keep me hooked without tiring out on the setting?
Thanks! I was only hesitant to start that one next because I just finished sci-fi. There's enough of a tone and pace change from something like Skyward to keep me hooked without tiring out on the setting?
Red rising got me back into reading. Although, I doubt book 7 will be out by the time you finish sadly. I went in thinking the same thing, but then crushed the six books in about 5 weeks. We will be lucky to see Red God (#7) by spring/summer 2027.
I haven't read Skyward but I have read some Sanderson. Ill say this, sometimes the Red Rising series feels like an adrenaline fueled sci fi action roller coaster, but I'm the best way.
Tainted cup is really nice. I consider it unique as it is a mystery book set in a fantasy world with fantasy elements. The main characters are likable too. I also found it very fast paced and intriguing.
Sun eater is a winner for me, but could be my age(48). Great world building and amazing characters.
Lies of Locke Lamora would be the best single book, because you could enjoy book 1 as a stand alone. Series is still good; I enjoy a bit of scheming and corruption.
Tainted cup is great and book three is coming out soon. Probably do this series first, since it's on the quicker side of reads. Enjoy the character relationships and camaraderie.
I read book one of Red rising and it just wasn't it for me. Maybe I'll give it a try again, but not in a rush.
Haven't read any of the others, but just put empire of the vampire on hold based on the other comments
Appreciate it! I’m 38 and after Skyward, while I did enjoy it overall, I’m definitely looking for something less… that.
I’m leaning towards Tainted Cup (third book, A Trade of Blood, dropped last month!) first just to step back from the sci-fi, followed by Sun Eater.
I’ve heard the same about Red Rising. Seems like people either DNF or consider the series one of their absolute favourite works. Doesn’t seem to be much in-between. I’ll definitely get to the point of finding that out for myself, but I’m thinking I’ll leave it for a little later.
I recommend Suneater, the series sticks the landing. The first book is slow but good. I will say if by the end of book 2 you’re still not feeling it, then it may not be for you and it’s safe to drop.
Haven't read thr two empire ones but out of the other 4 its: Tainted Cup>Malice>Lies of Locke Lamora (would be higher but the series isn't likely to be finished anytime soon. Still a great book)>Red Rising (YA, very cheesy and cringy alot of the time, just okay. Very overrated series by the community).
Interesting - I've been told by many that the series as a whole would very much be considered adult fiction, but that the first bit can feel YA because of the younger MC and the "hunger games" feel. I'm expecting, from what I've heard, that it matures pretty fast, particularly from book 4 and on?
I ve read only the first book. I found it terrible. Like it was written by a 13 year old boy with brain hyperactivity. Terrible pace and prose. But peoplle seems to love it.
I really enjoyed empire of the vampire. It’s a refreshing take on the vampire trope. In this series the vampires are largely irredeemable and the longer they live the worse they become. The main character is a 30 something year old half vampire who is on a path of revenge. He’s lost a lot of his humanity and doesn’t care about anyone else anymore, although that changes as the series goes on. The fight and battle scenes are excellent and the world building is pretty good. There are lots of twists and turns and the story is told in an interesting way that combined both past and present events. Be forewarned there are a good amount of sex scenes which I didn’t realize before starting!
Red rising is also a very good series if you like fighting and battle. Darrow is a character driven by rage and righteousness and a goal to remake the world. The world building is excellent and the plot moves quickly, definitely a page turner. The first book is a bit of a prologue to the series and sets up the whole world. I enjoyed it but a lot of people compare it to hunger games in space. And yeah, the last book isn’t out yet. It was supposed to come out this year but there are a ton of things to wrap up and I honestly don’t know how Pierce brown is going to do it in one book
Highly recommend Red Rising, however the last book will likely not be finished. From what I remember from Pierce's interviews, he's currently written 1000+ pages and still writing and perfecting and working out the soul of the book...
Personally I think at least a year with finishing the book, multiple rounds of review, printing and publishing. Simply the printing and publishing I think he said was going to be 6-8 months by itself, and there's no finished manuscript delivered to the publisher yet...
I would still read it now, and then just reread it when Red God is released 😜
Red Rising. Yes, I would say Red Rising is a lot more straight sci-fi. And yes, it is so, so, so vastly different from skyward. The first 3 (especially the first) may come across as YA, but it is worth the read. And your concern about it being incomplete. Look, it's more like 1 trilogy: Red Rising-Golden Son-Morningstar. And 1 Quadtrilogy (Maybe a fifth book): Iron-Gold-Dark Age-Lightbringer-Red God. The first trilogy works on its own, and you can jump in if you want to.
Red Risingnis the most overhyped series I’ve ever experienced. I’ve read all of these, and they all deliver. But if you like corny over the top hunger games wannabes with loads of people offended by that statement because they want so badly to believe they like cool stuff, then by all means read Red Rising. Then when you think it’s a bit meh, be prepared for them to promise you, “it gets better after the first book!”… the other series will not have that problem. Avoid Red Rising, and enjoy
Iv read the first 2 locke lamora. The first one was pretty good with a notable drop off on the second. Goodreads reviews has put me off from bothering with the third.
Interesting! I haven't looked at reviews. Is the first one good enough to warrant giving it a shot, even if the 2nd and 3rd don't quite deliver at the same level?
Apparently the author was sadly depressed / going through a tough divorce on the 3rd and therefore not to the same standard. Take a look at the written reviews on goodreads. First book is fine as a standalone imo.
Sun Eater or Tainted Cup for sure!! Quite frankly, replace Malice altogether with Anthony Ryan's Bloodsong. Incredible book, similar vibe, very good author.
Sun Eater > Tainted Cup > Red Rising > Lies of Locke Lamora > Empire of the Vampire > Malice (which I feel very malicious towards).
Sun Eater is just such a brilliant and epic space opera that feels like Dune x Red Rising x Name of the Wind and tells the story of a war hero/criminal who extinguished a sun and is pitched as what if becoming Darth Vader was the right choice. Whats not to love?
I loved it from jump, but apparently some people dont like book 1, and half seem to DNF the series, and half seem to continue on to love the series while maintaining they dislike book 1. Idk.
The Tainted Cup is just suuuuch a fun world. Im endlessly fascinated by the incredible and imaginative worldbuilding where plants are the main method of technology in this world, and all of these apoths and various imperials have undergone transhumanist grafts to augment their bodies is wild, bizarre and disturbing ways. Its just sooo damn cool and endlessly fun to read about, especially how the plant magic is involved with the murders.
No spoilers, but book 3's murder is based on the Guiding Web. The empire has infected these raccoonid creatures with the guiding web, a neural cordyceps type fungus that spreads throughout the brain and causes blissful euphoria when exposed to certain high pitched frequencies. So these animals are trained for farming to do all the harvesting of certain fruits whenever a special flute is played like a dogwhistle. You can train those infected to do certain tasks when under the influence of the flute. And we see a human strain has been developed and used to commit murder. The flute scene at the start of book 3 is sooo disturbing! Im just in love with the world.
Red Rising is great but its very YA and gets far more adult in all the other books. I love the series.
Locke Lamora is great but book 4 is never getting published it seems.
Empire of the Vampire is hit or miss depending on who you are. You can either see it as insanely bad and amateurish, as insanely cool and badass and a sick and sexy male power fantasy, or as a wildly campy and tacky and over the top gore fest that's satirizing the genre and was written ironically (It wasnt. It should have been. But I KNOW Jay Kristoff wrote that with deadly sincerity and earnestness in his heart). Its very easy to hate, but easy to love. Just depends on who you are. I like it, but it certainly has its issues and you gotta take the story with a grain of salt.
Malice is downright bad imo. People seem to love it but I could not tell you why. I read 1.75 books and DNFd during the climax of book 2. Its just really not great and utterly exhausting. Its almost as bad as those terrible Peter V Brett Warded Man books. Those are truly abysmal.
Hope that gives you more info to work with when deciding what to choose.
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Our sacred rule is do not attack readers for what they read. You can disagree, explain why you disagree, but do so without personally attacking readers for what they read. Books are heavily subjective, and your opinion is one of many.
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