I want to get into reading books. Here's the kind of stories I like:
- Characters who start weak and grind their way to becoming legends through sheer willpower
- Massive casts with deep rivalries and bonds — the found family/brotherhood angle is huge for me
- Long epic journeys with a clear goal driving everything forward
- Flashy, creative power systems and intense battles
- Lighthearted fun but with moments that actually hit hard emotionally
- Underdog energy or characters who refuse to give up no matter what
- Good world building
- Comradery
- I want something that feels hype and alive, not depressing.
What I don't like:
- I don't do dark, gory, or grimdark.
What books or series would you recommend?
by Emperor-Sabo
1 Comment
Oh man you’re basically describing my reading journey from few years back! Started with manga and anime then moved to books with similar vibes.
You definitely want to check out progression fantasy – it’s like made for what you’re looking for. The whole genre is about characters getting stronger through training and willpower. There’s this series about a guy who gets transported to magical world where he has to climb tower, and another one where mc starts as weakest but becomes op through pure determination.
Also look into some of classic fantasy series – there’s one with fellowship traveling to destroy ring, hits all your points about brotherhood and epic journey. And there’s this massive series about different houses fighting but it gets pretty dark later so maybe skip that one.
Brandon Sanderson writes lot of books with crazy magic systems and characters who never give up. His worlds are incredible and battles are always creative with how powers work together.