I've tried to get into fantasy, i just can't get into the worlds with the witches, magic, fairies, dragons, etc. I think I was the only person in grade school who didn't like Harry Potter or Narnia. Change my mind!
ETA a few people have asked what kind of books I enjoy so I'm gonna paste a comment I made earlier:
I feel like I enjoy practically any genre other than maybe historical fiction. I like a good thriller, mystery, or dystopian novel. I like sci-fi and I'm currently reading the red rising series, so I don't mind the world building either. I enjoyed Blake Crouch's take on sci-fi, as well. I'm definitely a mood reader so sometimes I'll read a trashy thriller if I'm in the mood to be mindless. I enjoy nonfiction as well, especially ones that are science-heavy. I'll pretty much pick up any other genre 😅
by avmist15951
14 Comments
Do you like murder mystery? If so I recommend the Shadow of the Leviathan series.
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede. It’s flips a lot of the fantasy topes.
What kind of stories do you like?
Broken Earth by NK Jemisin
Most Chuck Palahniuk books have fantasy elements without being a fantasy setting. Try Lullaby or Survivor first and if you like either of those, Rant is great. I don’t recommend you start with Rant.
What kind of books do you usually like? Do you have any favorite books? Fantasy is an enormous genre, so it would be easier to recommend something that fits with a little more of an idea of your taste in books in general.
Maybe you should try some science fiction fantasy. I loved Anathem by Neal Stephenson
The Earthsea series by Ursula Le Guin is rocking my world so far. Definitely not the typical hero story where the protagonist gains glory and fortune and happily ever after
Penric’s Demon by Lois Macmaster Bujold.
Watership Down will change your mind
Wheel of Time and Wizard of Earthsea were very different fantasy wise, imo! Both very good
The lies of Locke Lamora
I’d highly recommend Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke.
She’s not for everyone, but I love her humor and writing style. I’d say it’s more of a slow paced book, not really filled with action. So if you are looking for something more thrilling, it may not be for you. But it’s a very different take on fantasy than a lot of the more “traditional” fantasy books out there.
Tress of the Emerald by Sea Brandon Sanderson
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
And if you want the full on fantasy:
Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett
Guards Guards, by Terry Pratchett.
He uses fantasy to parody real life and has some great humor in it.
Theres a large city thats essentially a melting pot of all these different species of dwarves, vampires, trolls, etc.
The dwarves and their petition for equal heights is pretty hilarious, his books make me laugh out loud most times.