I know the title isn't helpful, but I'll try to explain.
I'm a grown man in my 20s but, most of the books I've read are Redwall or Warrior cats books. Now, I know there is nothing wrong with that, but I'd really like to read books made for someone my age. But I don't think I can just change genres completely.
I definitely want to read fantasy, and I prefer when the the story centering around a group of people rather than a singer person. I also don't want a book that's centered around violence or battles, I do like combat, but I just don't want it to be the whole book. Also, please no grimdark recommendations, I can handle darker themes but if the world is too sad it's not enjoyable for me.
It would definitely help if the book is easier to read, as I haven't really challenged myself with a book since high school. Lastly, I don't think I need to say this, but the book doesn't need to have talking animals, I promise I read books with human characters.
Thanks is advance!
P.S. I am not reading discworld please don't say discworld
by Knight_Viony
9 Comments
**Curse of Chalion**, by Lois Bujold. Not sure how to explain it – her fantasy is definitely more intricately written but not hard to follow at all, still fast paced, just more nuanced than a lot of YA if that makes sense
**Mercedes Lackey**’s *Bardic Voices* series, or the *Elemental Masters* series (starting with *The Fire Rose*)
The Spiritwalker Trilogy *(****Cold Magic*** is book #1), by Kate Elliott. Alternate reality SFF where the world’s mini ice age never ended, descendants of dinosaurs work as lawyers, and an interesting system of magic. One of those that feels fully fleshed-out but a quick read.
worth noting: for some of these series, each book may follow a specific protagonist more, but they all have multiple POV iirc
The Dresden Files
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher
The Last Unicorn
The Earthsea books are considered YA today, but came out before YA was really a genre, and are very well written.
I think Riyria Revelations is a good intro-to-fantasy type series. It starts with a book called Theft of Swords, and is a medieval fantasy that follows two mercenaries, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater.
The first book begins with them being hired to steal a sword from a noble to prevent a duel, but they end up framed for the King’s murder instead. What follows is a swashbuckling adventure that takes them across the kingdom as they try to clear their names and set things to rights. They meet loads of interesting characters along the way, and the camaraderie between Royce and Hadrian is fantastic.
There is some mild violence, but it’s not overly graphic. The joy of this book is definitely in the characters and the plot. The book (and the whole series really) are great because while they’re fantasy they aren’t really high brow. The writing is straightforward and easy to read, and while there are elements of traditional fantasy, it’s not cluttered with lengthy info dumps like Lord of the Rings and other fantasies.
As someone who was heavily into Warriors as a kid, Riyria Revelations was a great first step into the world of fantasy. If you think it’s still not maybe what you’re looking for, you could also try Ranger’s Apprentice. This is still medieval fantasy and it’s geared towards older kids, but it’s maybe the first series I ever read after Warriors and I think it really helped with the transition into reading fiction geared towards older audiences.
First book in Riyria Revelations series:
[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10790290-theft-of-swords](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10790290-theft-of-swords)
Here are a cluster of novels that are at adult but beloved by teens:
Mistborn by Sanderson
Dragons of an Autumn Twilight
The Crystal Shard by RA Salvatore
These are all easy popcorn adventures.
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. It’s a huge series but the first book at least has more of a YA vibe than adult. Could be a good way to ease yourself into adult fantasy. If you do audiobooks Rosamund Pike has done a phenomenal job with the first 4 books.
Typically I prefer middle grade and YA fantasy but I love The Wheel of Time.
Anything by Jeff Wheeler.
Kingfountain series is a great place to start.
The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner
Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King. Fantasy novel about the royal family if a kingdom. Light, easy read and super satisfying with just a touch of creepiness.
I’m gonna lean into a couple YA recommendations that stayed with me as very well written and I consider more mature than middle grade fiction, basically stuff I was reading in my 20s.
The Demon King – Cinda Williams Chima, this is a 4 book series with a fun magic system and lots of characters.
Finniken of the Rock – Melina Marchetta, this book is pure melancholy but a lovely fantasy world and beautiful writing style
The Thief – Megan Whalen Turner, twisty but straightforward, grounded but mythical, this is a special series that doesn’t much remind me of anything and I loved reading it. Great characters.
Eragon – Christopher Paolini, less ensemble than the others but it’s a great LOTR Lite style of storytelling.
Graceling – Kristin Cashore, these are really emotionally deep about damaged and conflicted characters finding a way to heal. The world and magic system is also quite fun. I personally prefer the 2nd book most out of the trilogy.
Finally the oldschool Dragonlance Chronicles series is just DnD in story form, I read these as a kid but they’re not considered YA even still, I guess they are a little dry.