Hi 21M here looking for a fantasy book with a strong male protagonist, preferably one with magical powers or assassins. Basically something adventurous with really good world-building and characterisation!
I’m not sure if this helps, but I enjoyed Six of Crows, Project Hail Mary, Sword of Kaigen, The Secret History, These Violent Delights, If We Were Villains.
by No_Wafer_5876
11 Comments
Alex Verus. First book is called Fated. by Benidict Jacka
I would recommend The Wheel of Time. Lots and lots of characters but the main one is a man who is destined to triumph over evil and save the world.
You might enjoy the **Cradle** series by Will Wight, starting with **Unsouled**. The audiobooks narrated by Travis Baldree are especially good, and add to the already great characterization a ton. In a highly magical world, Lindon is forbidden from studying the ‘sacred arts’ of his clan, and must set out on an adventure into the wider world to forge his own path. Fun, fast-paced, progression fantasy. I’d especially recommend it if you were ever into any classic anime like Naruto, AvatarTLA, DBZ etc., though it’s definitely its own thing.
For something a lot grittier and darker, check out **The First Law** series by Joe Abercrombie, starting with **The Blade Itself**. Dark, violent, character-driven fantasy, with a lot of cynical wit/humour. The first book is a little light on overarching ‘plot’ because it just throws you right in with various flawed characters in the middle of their lives, but it’s a lot of fun following them and comes together into a tight, epic story as the first trilogy progresses. 10 books, all excellent, and once again amazing audiobooks, narrated by Steven Pacey.
Bro I got the series for you! lol it’s called Shard of the Cretaceous by William foreman it has a sequel called shard of the Cretaceous 2: universal invasion. The main character is a male named Theo he’s a keeper of time and they have powers similar to those of dragon ball/naruto etc. the second book is better imo but I thought the keepers were great characters and I enjoyed the battles.
Shadow of the Gods
Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson
It doesn’t have one central protagonist, but several of the main cast of rotating perspectives are men, and ones who develop crazy powers over the course of the story.
Very rich worldbuilding as well, epic battle scenes, and cool magic.
Stormlight Archive Series
First book is The Way Of Kings
if you liked six of crows, you’d probably love mistborn by brandon sanderson! amazing magic system, cool heist vibes, and the world building is absolutely top tier.
The Gentleman Bastard trilogy. Clever and fast paced.
I absolutely loved The Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne
The Warrior’s Apprentice, by Lois McMaster Bujold. She’s a great writer, and this book is probably the best entry point to her Barrayar series. Great world-building, plucky young hero with impossible challenges to overcome, and it turns out, yes, he is smart and clever and quick enough! I’m sure your guy will love it.