I want to read something in the fantasy genre, but all the recent books I've read seem monotonous and boring in terms of character motivation and overall plot. ( Didn't really like "The will of the many", "Wicked Saints" or "The Atlas Six")
It would be great if the book focused more on the characters' internal and external conflicts and their interactions with each other. I'd like to read something with more complex and mature characters whose interactions with each other are thoughtfully constructed. Romantic lines are ok, but written believably and passing in the background of the story.
It would be great if the book had some philosophy, metaphors, and a generally traceable main idea of the story. Chekhov's guns in the story, allusions to real history or mythology would be a huge bonus! Really want something going a little further than the typical YA stories about teenagers wanting revenge on someone, killing the bad guy, banging the darkly handsome prince etc.
Books I really like in this genre:
Kazuo Ishiguro's The Buried Giant – Lovely old couple as the main characters, heartbreaking drama and a controversial idea as the basis for the plot! Really want to read something like this again
Terry Pratchett's "Monstrous Regiment" and "Wintersmith" – both were a bit naive and predictable, but I really like the variety of characters in Pratchett's books and his humour. Pratchett seems to be writing more for a children's audience and I miss some of the darkness and realism in his books.
Li Bardugo's "The Six of Crows" – The relationships between the characters and the multiple POVs were interesting, isn't the strongest in terms of the author's writing style or philosophy, but I love the setting and the fact that there are several character arcs in it.
ASOIAF – Unfortunately I only read the first book as I had watched the TV series before. But the variety of characters and their interactions are interesting.
Thanks in advance!
by Natural_Secretary461
3 Comments
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