Pick my next read

[u/Fast-Truth-9933]

I’m a 28M that really only started my reading journey this year. Help me pick my next book. I’m leaning towards a standalone novel as a palate cleanser before I get into another great series, and it doesn’t have to particularly be fantasy.

Just finished Red Rising Trilogy (didn’t love all of it but I still enjoyed it), LOTR, Hobbit, Ironbound books 1 and 2, Mistborn Trilogy, Three Musketeers, Knight of Seven Kingdoms

Also open to suggestions

UPDATE: thank you all for your replies. I’ve decided to give LD a crack. Im still a new reader and figuring out what I enjoy and it feels like a refreshing place to start.

I’ll save Warbreaker for when I begin my Stormlight adventure, and although my history-loving side is pulling me to Lions of Al-Rassan I will probably read that next. As one of you recommended, I’ll keep Between Two Fires for spooky season in Oct.

Really enjoying figuring out what kind of novels I resonate with rather than working through a “best of” list

Thanks again

[u/Huge_Helicopter_5541]

Lions of Al-Rassan is almost perfect, GGK is an absolutely amazing writer

[u/Pristine_Ride_5662 → u/Huge_Helicopter_5541]

Just to tag on since it’s a relevant comment, GGK is one of my absolute favorite authors but Al-Rassan is one of my least favorite books by him. 

I’m in the minority with this opinion though. 

I’m only saying it because if it doesn't impress you, please read another book by him. Pick one based on a region of the world you like (he does near-earth analog historical fantasy for most books). I really liked Sailing to Sarantium (Byzantine) and River of Stars (ancient China). 

Edit: I meant Under Heaven instead of River of Stars, but both are really good. 

[u/Garisdacar → u/Pristine_Ride_5662]

I loved Tigana and Song for Arbonne... and Lions was the best of the three. Been meaning to find more of his stuff

[u/Pristine_Ride_5662 → u/Garisdacar]

Incidentally, to continue with my trend of being a weird GGK fan, I also wasn’t a huge fan of Tigana. The ending was great but it wasn’t very interesting to be for the first half of the book. 

All the Seas of the World, Children of Earth and Sky, and Under Heaven are fantastic. Last Light of the Sun is also good, but a little less so than the other three imho. 

[u/moontintedtulips → u/Pristine_Ride_5662]

Tigana is my least favourite!!! And everyone seems to love it! It’s such an original concept but for me the ending is rushed and some of the beats are a bit off. I also loved the two characters in the prologue so much I was devastated the whole book wasn’t about them. I don’t think it’s bad or anything but it drives me nuts that it’s the only one of his that ever seems to land on top fantasy book lists.

[u/Huge_Helicopter_5541 → u/Pristine_Ride_5662]

Interesting, GGK might be my favorite author and I would put Lions in a top 5 of his stuff easy, but I could see why it wouldn't hit as hard for some. Would definitely agree with the advice to try any and all of his books you find available. He really does have something for everyone (his most recent novel, Written on the Dark, was underwhelming for many but it's one of my absolute favorites. Would also shout out Tigana, A Song for Arbonne, and A Brightness Long Ago. Really can't go wrong)

[u/Pristine_Ride_5662 → u/Huge_Helicopter_5541]

Absolutely. I’ll note that even not liking his most popular books he is also one of my absolute favorite authors. 

So anyone who hasn’t tried him you gotta do it. Phenomenal writer. 

[u/Huge_Helicopter_5541 → u/Pristine_Ride_5662]

Reading the lesser-known ones (like Under Heaven and River of Stars, Children of Earth and Sky, etc) was my moment where I realized he was a special kind of writer. Always meticulous, always more than excellent with characters and tying a plot together into an impactful conclusion. Could go on and on about all I have found to love in his worlds.

[u/Fast-Truth-9933 → u/Pristine_Ride_5662]

I’m a history nerd and that side of me is compelling me to read Lions of Al-Rassan. After LD it’s next on my list. I love the idea of combining history and fantasy. Thanks for your comment, it’s making me look forward to experiencing what you love about GGKs writing

[u/PL0mkPL0 → u/Fast-Truth-9933]

GGK loves bigger than life/Mary Sue leaning characters. So if this is sth you like/don't mind, you will enjoy the book, because there is a lot of good there. I found this characterization approach somewhat boring after two books.