I'm not a huge fantasy reader but I really want to dip my toes back in. Most of what I read is horror and litfic. I did really enjoy Poppy War if that helps narrow things down a little?
Preferably not looking for YA or middle grade as I read a lot of kids fantasy with my children, and we're reading LOTR as a family soon so no Tolkien please 🙏🏽
by WingComprehensive925
1 Comment
tried the broken earth trilogy? it’s like watching someone rebuild the world from the ground up but the prose cuts deep like good litfic does. jemisin doesn’t hold your hand through the worldbuilding either – you get thrown in and have to figure out the magic system as you go which kept me hooked
also maybe check out the goblin emperor if you want something that feels more intimate and character-driven. it’s court politics but written like you’re actually inside someone’s head dealing with imposter syndrome and family trauma. the fantasy elements are there but they’re not doing backflips to get your attention
both have that weight that poppy war carries but in different ways – broken earth is more brutal and systematic while goblin emperor is quieter but still cuts