I used to be really into fantasy when I was a kid (or more into the idea of it, I guess. I only ever finished Harry Potter, PJO, and The Hobbit), but now I have a really hard time finding books or series that sound appealing to me.
I know the mainstream series (Wheel of Time, Mistborn, ASOIAF, etc.) are probably great literature, but for some reason I just can't seem to get excited about any of them. I think it's because the classic sword and sorcery thing just isn't very interesting to me, which is what I imagine most of those series feel like. Maybe one day I'll be in the mood for it, but for now I'd like to explore something weirder, more unique.
Most recently I read Mort by Terry Pratchett, which I enjoyed a lot and it definitely got me in the mood for fantasy, but I don't know what to read since any popular series I see recommended just doesn't seem that interesting to me. I'm also not going to continue Discworld right now, since I'm more in the mood for something serious.
Books with South Asian, Middle Eastern or African inspired settings in particular would scratch an itch right now! Also, no YA, please 😊(Alternatively, I would also take arguments as to why I should read the above mentioned series… I wish I could join the huge amount of people that love them!)
by zyooble
3 Comments
The Poppy War by RF Kuang (might seem like its YA at first, it’s not) or The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (technically there is one nation that is European inspired, but it is definitely not the focal point of the story.)
Dreamblood series by N.K. Jemisin may be a good fit. Well written fantasy based on Arabic culture.
Check out the writings of Nnedi Okorafor (Nigerian American writer of Africanfuturism), especially her {{ Binti }} series.