(Part 2) Best fantasy action & adventure books according to redditors
We found 4,529 Reddit comments discussing the best fantasy action & adventure books. We ranked the 1,144 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Brian's book is just one of the novels in the Orbit Cyber Monday sale. All are $2.99 and a list of the fantasy titles is provided here:
Title|Author|Book #|Series|Rating | # Ratings
:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
The Fifth Season | N.K. Jemisin | 1 | Broken Earth | 4.31 | 34,271
The Black Prism | Brent Weeks | 1 | Lightbringer | 4.24 | 68,494
The Last Wish | Andrzej Sapkowski | 1 | Introducing the Witcher | 4.20 | 58,433
Blood of Elves | Andrzej Sapkowski | 1 | The Witcher | 4.23 | 32,039
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington | 1 | Licanius Trilogy | 4.16 | 9,656
Sins of Empire | Brian McClellan | 1 | Gods of Blood and Powder | 4.47 | 3,727
Promise of Blood | Brian McClellan | 1 | Powder Mage| 4.16| 26,245
The Blade Itself | Joe Abercrombie | 1 | First Law | 4.14| 111,811
Theft of Swords^1 | Michael J. Sullivan | 1 | Riyria Revelations | 4.21 | 38,525
The City Stained Red | Sam Sykes | 1 | Bring Down Heaven | 3.68 | 1,088
The Red Knight | Miles Cameron | 1 | Traitor Son Cycle | 4.12 | 10,607
Skyborn | David Dalglish | 1 | Seraphim | 3.92 | 1,010
--------
^1 In full disclosure - this is a book that I wrote.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Why? There are a lot of books out there that are telling the same story in a different way. That's not always bad, we humans love our classic tales. This story (for me) was so completely different and new. I've never seen anyone write like this. I read it two years ago and since then I've re-read it another 2 times with nearly the same amount of rapture.
EDIT: By the way with the titles you just mentioned (Enders, Dune, etc.) this will probably be right up your alley.
Campbells: BIOLOGY 6.9lbs
https://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Biology-10th-Jane-Reece/dp/0321775651/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485783159&sr=1-1&keywords=biology+textbook
Atlas of the Universe 5.8 lbs
https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Atlas-Universe-Tirion-Garlick/dp/1740893778/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1485782836&sr=8-3&keywords=Atlas+of+the+universe
Universe 5.1lbs
https://www.amazon.com/Universe-Robert-Dinwiddie/dp/0756698413/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485782970&sr=8-1&keywords=Universe+book
The World of Ice and Fire 4 lbs
https://www.amazon.com/World-Ice-Fire-History-Westeros/dp/0553805444/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485782797&sr=8-1&keywords=World+of+Ice+and+Fire
Elements of Ecology 3.2lbs
https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Ecology-6th-Thomas-Smith/dp/0805348301/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485784000&sr=1-1&keywords=elements+of+ecology+6th+edition
Last Words of Notable People 3.2 lbs
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Words-Notable-People-Noteworthy/dp/0976532581/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485782704&sr=8-1&keywords=last+words+of+notable+people
Illustrated Edition of Game of Thrones 3 lbs
https://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Illustrated-Song-Fire/dp/0553808044/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485782765&sr=8-1&keywords=illustrated+edition+game+of+thrones
These are the heaviest books off the top of my head, I'm not home so I can't look at my collection.
Moving my collection of books was not fun when we bought a house. I almost sold them all, but I'm glad I didn't. (I have like, over 1000)
Nah, he just became the Incarnation of Death and has a kickass horse-car.
Source: Piers Anthony
The Erogamer on QQ is probably the best story in that genre that I've read.
Something that borrows some of the elements is Threadbare, by Andrew Seiple, which was first posted as a web serial on SV. Not exactly rationalist, but still a fun read.
I've done something similar a while ago and used books on amazon marketplace is your best bet. It's actually easy to find them there if you know how.
Go to amazon.com, search for Color of Magic, the first book of the series, and look at the list of used books.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0062225677/ref=tmm_mmp_used_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=used&sr=8-1&qid=1394908702
In there, you will find some users with insane numbers of ratings (300k and more). Those are used book shops and they often have entire series available, but list every book individually on amazon. So click on one of them and search for "discworld" in their user shop. The "DailyDeal USA" shop seems to have almost, if not all of the books.
Then you can either add them all to your cart (annoying) or you can try e-mailing them. They might even give you a discount.
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, by Douglas Adams is a book from the much beloved Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. Well worth a read.
You might enjoy this book.
I started as a teenager with:
Piers Anthony Split Infinity
Piers Anthony On a pale horse
Some LitRPG recommendations:
In terms of published Western LitRPGs, I'd say Ascend Online is my favorite. The central protagonist isn't a complete psychopath like a lot of LitRPG protagonists, and he immediately starts treating the highly intelligent AI NPCs as people. That's a huge selling point for me, since it's so rare to see LitRPG protagonists that are friendly to NPCs.
Also, rather than immediately jumping into save the world stuff, it's reasonably paced. The main character doesn't start out with any crazy game breaking abilities, and the setting itself feels largely realistic - it feels very similar to a futuristic version of Everquest.
My other favorite Western LitRPG is Threadbare, which focuses on a bunch of teddy bear (golem) gradually learning about the world around it, and undertaking a determined quest to protect his little girl “owner”. It’s both heartwarming and surprisingly insightful.
In terms of non-Western LitRPGs, Log Horizon is my favorite. The author has clearly played MMORPGs, and the tactics used in there - both by the main character and other characters - feel like the types of things real people would do in a MMO setting. Once again, the main character also takes NPCs seriously and treats them well, which is a big plus for me. Shiroe for Log Horizon is probably the closest character I've seen to someone with my own background in a book.
I also love So I'm a Spider, So What?, which is a hilarious story about a girl who gets reincarnated into an RPG setting as a tiny spider monster. Fortunately, she can grind to get stronger! It's a bit of a strange one, but tons of fun. Note that this one is not strictly going into a VR game - they're just reincarnated in a world with RPG stats. It's a little different, but similar.
If you like the idea of a protagonist exploiting a bunch of bugs, check out Kono Sekai ga Game da to Ore dake ga Shitteiru. I enjoyed the first book a ton. The second book started getting into tropes I didn’t enjoy quite as much.
One of my other recent favorites is The Tutorial is Too Hard, which focuses on a main character transported into a dungeon on “Hell” difficulty that needs to make his way through to the top floor. We see a lot of his analytical process, which makes the story much more enjoyable to someone like me. This is probably my favorite ongoing story.
The consensus will be for the "Disc-world" series. That's a handy link to a recommended reading order. Here is a link to the first novel .
Totally the Dragonlance Chronicles:
Often sold as a big trilogy.
So I have a friend in jail that I regularly send books to. This doesn't cover every situation, but I assume the circumstances will be similar.
He says that the (meager) prison library is very skewed towards religious books, classics, GED materials, and low-difficulty grocery store novels. Anything other than that will be appreciated. The books most requested are thick fantasy books, activity books (sudoku, physics workbooks, etc), science non-fiction, and coffee-table books or magazines with lots of pictures. These will be swapped with other inmates so that anyone interested has a chance to read.
Some things to keep in mind:
Books that have gone over well and can be found in cheap forms:
I've bought a fair amount of ebooks on Amazon recently and I think most of them are books that a lot of people here would enjoy (heck I heard about most of them through here!).
The Preorders:
Underlord - The sixth book in the Cradle series which is described as a Western Xianxia series. A lot of people here don't really like the Xianxia genre and I agree with their criticisms of how many main characters are very villainous, under-developed enemies and female characters, the economies of cultivation aren't logical, poor scaling in conflict as you go from one city to interstellar in scope, and awkward prose. But I bring up all of these flaws to say that the Cradle series completely avoids all of the typical flaws in Xianxia and has a very smart character who sets out to cultivate smartly instead of bullheadedly.
And the sixth book is coming out in March! (Get the box set. It has the first three books and is cheaper!)
Exhalation - Who here hasn't heard of Ted Chiang, the master of short stories that perfectly appeal to the r/rational crowd? The same guy that we literally use as an introduction to rational fiction. Well, if you enjoyed his first collection, Stories of Your Life and Others, you'll love hearing that the second collection is coming out in....May! (Ugh....really May? I don't think I can wait that long!)
The books you can read right now!:
The Beginner's Guide to Magical Licensing - Has a similar start to Unsong where a magical college-graduate, minimum-wage, sweat-shop worker stumbles on a powerful spell and sets out to start his own business competing with the powerful. The parts of the story that follows afterward makes a whole lot more logical sense than Unsong however. (Used to be online for free, but now you'll have to pay the price for your ignorance if you want to read it! (Nah, I lied.))
Six Sacred Swords - If you liked the Arcane Ascension series, but wished there was more dungeonnering and less of school shenanigans, then look no further! In some ways it's a lot like reading a very good DnD session played by really savvy players who never follow the 'standard' way to solve problems.
The author of Six Sacred Swords made a recommendation for The Ruin of Kings. He said that it reads like a Locke Lamora-esque rogue protagonist, telling the story in a style similar to Kvothe, in a setting similar to Game of Thrones. I haven't bought the book yet, but the review was interesting enough that I wanted to include it in my list of recommendations.
Senlin Ascends - I haven't read this yet either, but skimming through it, I see some fair bit of social manipulation/combat that I think people here would like. Plus the Tower of Babel setting is something that appeals very strongly to me.
Polyglot: NPC REVOLUTION - A lot of people here seem to really like LitRPG and Artificial Intelligence, but almost no one seem to ever question the implications of the NPCs in LitRPG stories having human-level intelligence.
Small Medium: Big Trouble - It's by the same author who wrote Threadbare that people here really liked. Similar to Polygot where the NPC is the main character who needs to deal with players, but smaller scale in scope. There's a lot of fast-talking to convince selfish sociopaths to do what you say.
Q is for Quantum - I was going through my older ebook orders when I found this one. It's the single best introduction for quantum mechanics that I have ever read (not that I've read too many of those). It focuses on building an intuition for the subject and once you've read through the book, you will understand on a gut level what superposition means. Note that it's meant as an introduction for the subject, so don't expect it to cover everything, just what's need to get started learning about quantum mechanics. But I'd still recommend it to experts if only for a better way to explain their subject to their peers and laypeople.
Here are a few that I find myself recommending often, which also seem to fit what I think you're looking for:
I typically read, not listen, so I can't speak to the quality of the audiobooks, but I enjoyed all of these a lot.
​
Edit: Cleaned up links
My vote:
It's that start of Chris Claremont's 16 year run on X-Men, and it's worth a read all the way through.
Maybe buy a book on Kindle to go with it. May I suggest the phenomenal Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson.
You're a good friend! Here are some ideas for you that could fit a variety of budgets:
Volume 1: Men & Magic
Volume 2: Monsters & Treasure
Volume 3: Underworld & Wilderness Adventures
Supplement I: Greyhawk
Supplement II: Blackmoor
Supplement III: Eldritch Wizardry
Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes
I hope this helps. Of course peeps also recommended great dice bags and dice, etc. It depends on your friend and his taste. Good luck!
edited for formatting
Have at it:
https://www.amazon.com/Hitchhikers-Guide-Galaxy-Douglas-Adams-ebook/dp/B000XUBC2C/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3SREMW9J62KC6&keywords=hitchhikers+guide+to+the+galaxy&qid=1554482965&s=gateway&sprefix=hitch%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-2
Hi r/Fantasy! Hope all’s well with you! Max Gladstone here, author of the Craft Sequence, of which the most recent volume is Ruin of Angels. And here’s the omnibus of the first five volumes. I haven’t been by the site in a while due to mounting deadlines, but I’ll be around more in the near future. At any rate—to the question!
What do you read that’s not fantasy? Are you a history buff, a mystery nut, do you spend 98% of your time in the travel section or on AO3? Is fantasy your bread and butter all day everyday reading choice, or do you reach for it only under certain conditions? If so, which ones?
It might be helpful if you give us a list of any books you've read that you did enjoy or genres you think you might like.
I have never met a person who didn't love Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy but it may not be your thing if you don't like wacked-out sci-fi so some general idea of your interests could help a ton with suggestions.
A Short History of Nearly Everything is a solid non-fiction
Robot Dreams is a great set of sci-fi short stories
Ender's Game gets a ton of hate but is a pretty great sci-fi
On A Pale Horse is an older series that I'd consider fantasy but with sci-fi elements
Where the Red Fern Grows is well loved fiction
A Zoo in My Luggage is non-fic but about animal collecting trips for a zoo and is hilarious.
When the Borders near me was going out of business, in the first round of store closings before the entire company went bankrupt, they had some (apparently) deep discounts. 30% off the list price on some books I was looking for! That's pretty good.
I guess I'll just check Amazon to see what they have it for... oh, 31% off the list price. And that was the normal price, not some crazy special going out of business stuff.
And at this point I don't even buy physical books any more, unless I have a really good reason to (like say delicious illustrations or it's a reference book of some sort). There's no point when the ebook reader experience is basically as good, and I can fit a thousand books in something that's only a bit bigger than my phone - and I don't buy my ebooks from a physical store.
The Witcher series... the kindle edition of the 1st book in the series - The Last Wish is currently on sale at $2.99
There are also the 3 games in the Witcher series on Steam and on sale..best buy is probably the GoTY Edition of Witcher 3 for $19.99
I recommend Shantaram. It's about an Australian that escapes prison and goes to live in India. Apparently a true story but I take that with a pinch of salt. http://www.amazon.com/Shantaram/dp/192076920X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253712007&sr=8-2
and also American Gods http://www.amazon.com/American-Gods-Novel-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0060558121/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253712023&sr=8-1
Are all the books (that are published) gonna be realesed in an Ilustrated version like this one?
I see A Clash of Kings also to be realesed in November 4th but is from another author. Any way to get news about this?
Oh boy, I got just the series for you!
The Craft Sequence by Max Gladstone
Each book is it's own story, with some characters reoccurring, making minor cameos. The star of one book might make a brief appearance in the next.
There is a big, over-arching story, but each book stands alone.
It's a world where magic is tied into everything people do. Where Craft users waged war with the gods and won, then had to pick up the pieces after things fell apart.
Anyway, check it out. I think it is very close to what you are looking for.
It seems there's also a pre-order for a bundle containing books I-V. Which is even cheaper than buying them separate:
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Sequence-Books-I-V-ebook/dp/B01MUG3DLM
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/20451/who-says-this-ol-cant-become-a-splendid-slime
Office Lady reincarnated as a slime. A little worried that the author's slowing down is turning into the author stopping this series.
​
https://www.amazon.com/That-Reincarnated-Slime-light-novel-ebook/dp/B076H132D2/ref=pd_cp_351_1/131-0686409-1127854?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B076H132D2&pd_rd_r=1040ec8c-2170-481c-b955-6b04dc76527e&pd_rd_w=glHS3&pd_rd_wg=hzJUj&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=N3XZPC8B5H02AJQ4705Q&psc=1&refRID=N3XZPC8B5H02AJQ4705Q
Office Worker reincarnated as a slime. Really fun series, Eventually City management/politics with big battles.
​
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/20568/tree-of-aeons-an-isekai-story
Guy reincarnates as a sentient tree. Slow paced skill growth into city building/unit management.
​
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CQMYQT5/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title
Reincarnated as a Lovecraftian horror: Yuri princess edition
​
Oh, just noticed you also said born as a monster....
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/8894/everybody-loves-large-chests
MC is a monster, one of the best litrpg monster series I've read, HOWEVER, it does have lots of raunchy NSFW content mixed in there. The Amazon versions (starting with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076NSQ6JT/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title ) toned down the sex scenes but it does still have a lot of them.
​
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NNWZT9M/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3
A skeleton from an world set up like an RPG gets teleported in space and begins a Sci-Fi adventure on an abandoned spaceport.
​
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078KGS4V4?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_pwh_calw_0&storeType=ebooks
Toy Golem leveling up and fighting to rescue his owner.
​
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071LHHY85/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title
A goblin joins a camp of bandits.
​
So, so many reincarnated as a dungeon core novels, but not sure if that fits in with your "monster" request.
Agree with /u/Tur4 and /u/Salaris on their suggestions.
LitRPG I recommend are the following:
Well, my favorites are
The Moviegoer
The Road
A Confederacy of Dunces
Rendezvous with Rama
Watchmen
Snow Crash
Slaughterhouse-Five
Cat's Cradle
The Big Sleep
The Maltese Falcon
American Gods
A Clockwork Orange
Preacher
Fahrenheit 451
1984
Akira
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Lolita
Love in the Time of Cholera
Naked Lunch
Animal Farm
The Sandman
At the Mountains of Madness
The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Tales
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Brave New World
We
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Ahhh, well.. if you're a Pratchett fan than the obvious starting point is Good Omens which is co-authored by the both of them. If you like that I would either go to American Gods if you like the reworking old myths angle or Neverwhere if that 'london' writing feel does more for you. Any way around it you can't go wrong really. I've read everything he's written outside of a few short stories and not a word has been bad.
Read about Johnny Appleseed here.
Google Play - 1, 2
,3
Amazon - 1, 2, 3
The order is not the actual release order of all of the books, but jut the three that have been translated from Polish. The first one is standalone, though I've heard that the second one is one part of an arc, and I have no clue about the third.
>Forty years after the Oblivion crisis, the empire of Tamriel is threatened by a mysterious floating city, Umbriel, whose shadow spawns a terrifying undead army.
>
>Reeling from a devastating discovery, Prince Attrebus continues on his seemingly doomed quest to obtain a magic sword that holds the key to destroying the deadly invaders. Meanwhile, in the Imperial City, the spy Colin finds evidence of betrayal at the heart of the empire—if his own heart doesn’t betray him first. And Annaïg, trapped in Umbriel itself, has become a slave to its dark lord and his insatiable hunger for souls.
>
>How can these three unlikely heroes save Tamriel when they cannot even save themselves?
>
>Based on the award-winning Elder Scrolls® series, Lord of Souls is the second of two exhilarating novels that continue the story from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, named 2006 Game of the Year by numerous outlets, including Spike TV, the Golden Joystick Awards, and the Associated Press.
Link to Amazon, Wikipedia, Random House.
Lord of Souls will be released in North America starting on September 27th. It will be available in the UK on September 23rd.
There is a second book as well, Lord of Souls. I really enjoyed both of them.
http://www.amazon.in/Words-Radiance-Stormlight-Archive-The/dp/0765326361/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414878030&sr=8-1&keywords=words+of+radiance
?
January 2014
I am officially back stateside, and in the last 24 hours I have successfully fixed the water softener, shoveled a fine collection of oak logs, leaves, live plants, and raccoon shit off the roof, made bank tutoring o-chem, and taught the Verizon employee how to connect to their own 4G network. I was unaware the name of their APN was such a secret. Also, that 4 tiers of escalation would be so damn useless. I ended up guessing the name like some sort of movie cracking and then went back and made the guy write it down because I can't be the only person ever to have that problem and it was seriously a 10 second fix. See also: was feeling smug.
I also got a lot of reading done in the past month, apparently. Finished The Lies of Locke Lamora, The Name of the Wind, Matched, Graceling, Sapphique, Assassin's Apprentice, the first Circle of Magic book, and started a bunch of others.
If we're running out of discussion ideas, another book recommendation/rant/rambling thoughts thread might be fun.
Friends still have my MS and are being slow readers and I can't bug them about it because they have real work to do. Argh. I'm planning to cover my office in sticky notes and reorder some scenes that way while I wait on them.
I'm surprised no one has recommended the Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks yet. Definitely fits the bill. https://www.amazon.com/Night-Angel-Complete-Trilogy/dp/0316201286
Whole lotta reading recommendations in this thread. May as well throw my two cents in.
The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie. If you're into Guts' introspective-man-of-violence-looking-for-his-place-in-the-world-thing I'd think you find Logen Ninefingers to be an interesting character. If you're into audiobooks then I highly recommend checking out the audiobook versions. The guy reading them is practically a voice-actor.
The original trilogy:
The standalone novels (available as a single volume in The Great Leveller):
And the most recent Sharp Ends (short story collection).
The Witcher books by Andrezj Sapkowski. Already spawned a popular video game franchise (I've only played the third one and enjoyed it tremendously, but still prefer the books). They're planning to adapt the books into a Netflix series within the next few years.
Short story collections:
The novels:
If anyone wants to start reading The Witcher novels I made a guide over on the "Featured Character" comment section that I'll repost here:
Short stories:
Novels:
Overall:
The short stories are a must-read before the novels because they introduce many characters and plot points for the main saga. There is also a prequel story called Season of Storms which hasn't been officially translated into English yet, but there are fan translations if you can't wait. I haven't read it myself, but I hear that it is best read after the others. If you want to know more about The Witcher lore there is always The World of the Witcher^UK which will give you more backstory and details.
Some older books/series you may like.
On a Pale Horse By Piers Anthony
The first book of the Incarnations of Immortality series. A little quip from the Amazon page: "Shooting Death was a mistake, as Zane soon discovered. For the man who killed the Incarnation of Death was immediately forced to assume the vacant position! Thereafter, he must speed over the world, riding his pale horse, and ending the lives of others."
The Face of Apollo by Fred Saberhagens
Its the first book in the series "Saberhagen's Book of the Gods" (you have to add in the author's name because if you search 'Book of the Gods', you'll never find it). A little about this book: "a battle to the death between Apollo and Hades. Although Hades appears the victor, the face of Apollo is carried off by one of the sun god's human votaries. It ends up entering the body of 15-year-old Jeremy Redthorn, turning him into an avatar of Apollo who possesses many attributes of the god."
Both of these books are really good and have to do with mythology or other aspects of gods. I haven't read all of the series, so unsure how some of the other books are, but even if you just read these two, its well worth it.
You should read Stover's Heroes Die if you liked the RotS novelization. Dude knows how to write a fight scene.
> What's wrong with Kender?
Instead of letting others answer this for you, you should read the Dragonlance books. They're actually pretty ok. :)
My list of authors with first books:
Elizabeth Haydon: Rhapsody; Child of Blood
Elizabeth Kerner; Song in the Silence
Elizabeth Moon: The Deed of Paksenarrion
Kristian Britain: Green Rider
Sara Douglass The Wayfarer Redemption
Robin Mckinley: The Blue Sword
Robin Hobb: Assassin's Apprentice
Mercedes Lackey: Arrows of the Queen
Anne McCaffrey: The Dragonriders of Pern
Meredith Ann Pierce: Birth of the Firebringer
Katharine Kerr: Daggerspell
24% people who view this, go on to buy the Assassin's Apprentice ebook, which costs $0.00.
Yeah, it was the 10th anniversary edition, wherein Gaiman re-released it with some or all of the content he did not leave in the first time at the behest of his publisher. I can't tell you what changed since I never read the original version.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/American-Gods-Tenth-Anniversary-Edition-ebook/dp/B004YW4L5K
It was released in 2011.
The entire Craft Sequence (5 book) series is currently available on Kindle for $12 here, which is incredibly tempting.
What do people on this sub think about that series? I haven't read it yet, but it seems freaking awesome.
I recommend Threadbare which is a series of three books and about ~320K words. Completed and on Amazon, also available on SpaceBattles and Sufficient Velocity.
American Gods is 3 bucks right now.
And the first Outlander is 4 if you like some time travel.
I actually just recommended this in another thread, and it is a great blend of sci-fi and fantasy.
http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Die-Matthew-Woodring-Stover/dp/0345421450
Dystopian society sends "Actors" to an alternate earth using phase shifting technology. Due to the "different physics" (there's a bit of hand-waving here that gets explained a bit better later in the series) magic works on the alternate planet, making it a high-ish fantasy realm.
Caine, the main protagonist, is one of these Actors, broadcasting his experiences from fantasy-land so that people can "live" his experiences back home in scienceville through matrix-esque VR rigs.
It's a neat premise for a book IMO, and a heckuva lot of fun to read.
Just posting some useful tidbits from the Imperial Library.
Here are some comments by Douglas Goodall, a developer, around 2001, before Morrowind was released. There are a few comments about Khajiit there.
The Interview With Three Booksellers, also from 2001, is an interesting, Bethesda-approved commentary on Khajiit in general, including their moonphases.
I'd also recommend taking a look at the Infernal City and the Lord of Souls, as they have interesting sections on the Khajiit, as well as being a general good read for any fan of Elder Scrolls lore.
For the sake of completionism, despite it being mentioned by others here, the Pocket Guide to the Empire's section on the Elsweyr Confederacy and Mixed Unit Tactics are good reads, too.
And finally, here is a compilation of Khajiiti physiology, which attempts to helpfully explains the Lunar Lattice.
I know this is just a post full of links, but I hope this is helpful, and feel free, after having read the lore, to ask any further questions you may have.
I don't think I can say it was definitively the best, as I didn't read all this year's great books, but I loved [Words of Radiance] (http://www.amazon.com/Words-Radiance-Stormlight-Archive-Book/dp/0765326361) by Brandon Sanderson. Great epic fantasy book (#2).
Not in any particular order.
Read Piers Anthony's Incarnations of Immortality (link is Book 1, On a Pale Horse). In it, Satan is not actually a bad person... he just has a job to do. But everyone's perception of him is that he is evil.
Great series of books.
These novels cover a few key points from the last 200 years: Lord of Souls and The Infernal City.
I haven't actually read them so please don't ask for a TL;DR.
https://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Illustrated-Song-Fire/dp/0553808044/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1519069793&sr=8-5
That one, the illustrations are beautiful and help you see what the author intended.
The first set of Dragonlance books are really good. I think there are 3? Maybe 4. They follow the seasons.
https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Autumn-Twilight-Dragonlance-Chronicles/dp/0786915749
The Last Wish: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0010SIPT4/
Sword of Destiny:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0316389706/
The last story in SoD describes how has Gerald and Ciri met, and there's one about her parents.
Also, short stories are better IMHO.
I mean, you could continue to be pedantic. Or you could read it like... anywhere that a blurb is available. And yes, that includes descriptions on storefronts.
Hot take: I don't think Bradly Cooper sounded that great at the Oscars. Normally I wouldn't even subject myself to that dreck, but I was visiting family and it was what they wanted to watch.
In other news, American Gods was only $2.99 in the Kindle Store this weekend so I nabbed it up.
The following each only have one book sadly as not many books in the genre have a lot yet, some have second books coming soon.
The Game of Gods by Joshua Kern
The Great Filter by Russell Wilbinski
Advent (Red Mage) by Xander Boyce
Core Punk by Paul Bellow
First Song (Anthem of Infinity) by Blaise Corvin
This next one has three books but it also has a lot of sex, the story is good if you can get past that or enjoy that sort of thing.
Apocalypse Gates by Daniel Schinhofen
This next one is post-apocalyptic but the world ended a long time ago, it has 2 books. I should note that the "system" aspect is new in the book, it didn't happen when the world fell.
Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel
Lastly an honorable mention because while you wouldn't think it's post apocalyptic from the description it absolutely is which may be a spoiler but not big one. Again those the world ended a long time ago. It has three books.
Threadbare by Andrew Seiple
Given time i could probably think of a few others but these were just the ones that came to me the quickest and ones I can say having read them are all good. I also avoided the ones you mentioned or other people have already recommended. Hope this helps!
>It's a risk either way.
You're saying that the risk that someone is lying or woefully mistaken is acceptable. That if one is not provided a promised good or service their only response should be to self-flagellate for believing it would come.
It's okay to mislead the audience. Gotcha.
>My point, however, is that if someone considers it a risk to their reading experience that the series may not be completed, that is a risk they accept when they start reading.
There are risks and there are risks. You specifically mentioned the author dying unexpectedly. That is an acceptable risk. The author losing interest is not an acceptable risk. Him abandoning the project tomorrow after continuously promising its completion would make him an asshole.
>People are blaming GRRM for not getting the experience they expected or were hoping for
THAT HE PROMISED AS LATE AS 3 WEEKS AGO.
>when no such thing was guaranteed
Not guaranteed, just promised over and over and over and over...
>certainly not included in the price they paid
"Don’t miss the thrilling sneak peek of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Six, The Winds of Winter"
>They did not pay for a complete series. They paid for individual books, priced like individual books.
Most on the understanding that the author had pledged to complete the series.
>transfering the risk regarding their reading experience to the author.
This is the reverse of what actually happened. George has constantly, consistently repeated his promise of a) the books, b) a series of [x] length, and c) a conclusion to the series "no matter what". He created the expectation, not the audience.
>Yet, that is how people are acting when they're saying "I bought the book expecting a whole series".
That is what was explicitly promised to most readers during their purchase. And the promise existed for the remainder regardless of their knowledge.
>Is there anything to suggest GRRM does not intend to finish ASOIAF?
His continual announcements of working on other projects in light of his own admittance that working on other projects stymies his work on ASOIAF.
>Again, on the premise that you would only read completed series
Rejected. That's your premise. Not mine, not /u/lichtbogen's. I already clarified this in my first comment and now you're bringing it back.
>No, he's enticing you to buy it
>>And you can still refuse.
And lying is still wrong. And failing to deliver on a promise is still failure to deliver on a promise.
>Simplifying things, if the expected value - given some means of evaluating it - is positive, then the risk is acceptable. If the expected value is negative, then the risk is unacceptable. That is, in the economical sense.
Then we're not talking about the same thing and your original comment was equivocation or, at best, vague. Clearly this isn't Keynes. An acceptable risk is one external to GRRM's will. An unacceptable one is reliant on GRRM's will.
>When you say that GRRM getting bored is an unacceptable risk (or previously, slowing to snails pace or giving up), it does not seem like you're making an economic judgement. Rather, it seems you're talking morally. You object on an ethical basis to GRRM not putting effort in to complete the book. Is that a fair interpretation?
There's no point in answering this question as you already know the answer from my first comment, judging by the way you continue on.
>In which case, by what moral right do you have to dictate what GRRM should work on?
That of a person to hold another to their given word.
>I never said people should not try to keep their promises. I think they should.
And what should happen to those who willfully fail to do so? Because I highly doubt you'd support any social punishment for it, nor even people crying "bullshit" at every subsequent GRRM promise.
>But I also think people on the internet have no right (or privilege) to demand that someone they don't know, likely will never meet, nor have any other direct dealings with, should write the book they please, when they please.
Not any book. Just the ones they promise to write. And no one is picketing GRRM's house or demanding that he be held in contempt of court. Just maybe, possibly asking if we could collectively consider him what he is: someone who has continuously failed to deliver on a promise that he keeps reiterating.
>Regardless of whether or not that someone has promised to work on that book... which, it appears, he actually is doing, albeit not as fast as we or indeed he himself had hoped.
Not "regardless". This is the issue. I have compared this situation to that of Half-Life 3. Half-Life 3 was never explicitly promised. The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring are explicitly promised. He is not working on them as fast as is warranted.
>Firstly, none of us, individually, made ASOIAF anything.
Quite. That's why I said "we", not "I" or "you". This is why marketing exists. To determine the desires of large groups of people. The largest group of GRRM readers were reading ASOIAF, which is why Wildcards and stand-alone novels stopped being written. Unfortunately, he just pivoted towards more lucrative ASOIAF material.
>Secondly, even if we did collectively make ASOIAF hugely successful, why would that give us any privilege?
See above. It's his bread and butter.
>You, and others, are demanding GRRM do very specific work.
That he promised to do.
>I, on the other hand, am not demanding GRRM do very specific work. I hope he will. I hope he will live up to his promise, for our sake and his own.
A promise means nothing if the only consequence for breaking it is that the people you made it to flog themselves for believing you.
>But I do not fool myself into thinking I am entitled to anything. I have no bought a guarantee. I have not received a binding, precise promise which has been broken.
GRRM incurred a social debt when he repeatedly traded on the promise of TWOW and ADOS. That you personally are unwilling to ever call it due does not eliminate it for everyone else.
>I am merely impatient for another instalment in a series I love; this gives me no privilege, but some discomfort.
Hmm. Due you, perhaps, feel entitled to that feeling of discomfort based on the promises that have been made yet unfulfilled? Might you, perhaps, voice that discomfort - say, on an internet forum?
>Accepting the premise of that statement a moment, can you show me were he reneged on that promise, exactly?
The promise is that he's hard at work on TWOW. The breaking of it is him working on other projects and admitting that these other projects distract him from TWOW.
>The book series has gained him fame and fortune because he is really fucking good at writing.
The social debt refers to those works created after ADWD, including the TV show. Those are what brought him fame and fortune. And he continues to trade on the idea of a finished series to get attention for his other projects. It's why he consistently talks about "working hard" on TWOW and ADOS in every interview about the prequel shows.
>And he will remain really good whether he completes it or not.
Remains to be seen. I'm not a prophet and neither are you. I do know that The Silmarillion is still primarily referred to as "the incomplete encyclopedia of Middle Earth".
>No, actually, I'm not even sure if that's true. Arguably, a lot of his fame and fortune is down to the stuff he had already written being so good it became a sensational TV-series.
Surely nobody invested their eyeballs in the TV series (or continued to do so after it passed the book material) under the distinct impression that further books would come out. "I just want to see how this compares to what George will eventually write" definitely wasn't a major sentiment going into seasons 7 and 8 around here.
>Not once have I heard someone say "yeah, I started reading ASOIAF/watching GOT because GRRM promised to complete the series".
Meaningless. Assuming that's true, the fact that you've never heard an idea only means that you have never heard it. It has negligible effect on the prevalence of the idea. We both know that I could find a non-zero number of people who have expressed it. In fact, that was the very sentiment you attributed to /u/lichtbogen above, so I know you believe some people hold to it.
>Except that people like you keep implying it in threads like this.
No, that was you erroneously.
>As if you started reading the first book because he promised he would finish the damn thing, rather than the first book - on its own - being a really enjoyable read.
If you believe that a significant number of people wouldn't have waved this series off knowing what they'd know now about its publication schedule you're crazy. Plenty of people ask things like "I watched the show, is it worth it to start reading these books even though they aren't finished?" on this very forum. The honest answer is "only if you're okay with a series that won't be finished".
>As if you started reading the first book because he promised he would finish the damn thing
Implicitly everyone did. GRRM has consistently promised a continuation, a book count, and an ending.
>See, this is the entitlement that people need to get over. This absurd idea that GRRM owes them anything.
Not anything. Just what he keeps promising. I'm picturing you next George and every time he says "Winds is coming!" you say "not that you should expect it to based on that statement".
>You're on here, wasting your time writing like I am, so presumably it was all worth it and then some.
More likely we're all idiots.
>But here's the final question: Why is it that I can love the books so much and accept that GRRM will do what he will, when he will, whereas you feel entitled to demand he do what you want, when you want?
Ingrained sycophancy vs. objective skepticism?
I'm currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman. It's a really very interesting book about somewhat of a rivalry I guess I would call it between New and Old Gods
American Gods
I am specifically thinking of My Path to Magic and The Road to Magic ( Way of the Demon). There are probably others as well.
Edit: The Way of the Shaman may or may not be Russian in origin.
Check out the way of the shaman series. I think it's probably closest to what you are looking for.
https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Quest-Way-Shaman-LitRPG-ebook/dp/B00VQRW14E
WHere's the link for that? I see this which is $12 for 5 books https://smile.amazon.com/Craft-Sequence-Three-Serpents-Fathom-ebook/dp/B01MUG3DLM?_encoding=UTF8&keywords=max%20gladstone&qid=1495657585&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3
Max Gladstone has a series called the Craft Sequence and it is only $12.00 for the first five on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Sequence-Three-Serpents-Fathom-ebook/dp/B01MUG3DLM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1494792339&sr=1-1&keywords=craft+sequence
And the sixth book comes out in September and is only $2.99 https://www.amazon.com/Ruin-Angels-Novel-Craft-Sequence-ebook/dp/B01MUSGCUG/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=J8G18G6HCZMH5V0BFVGH
Edit: Left the L off Kindle
Threadbare is my favorite example of this genre, though some of the violence in that is replaced by humor. If you're n audio book listener then I highly suggest getting these, if not then it's still more than worth it imo.
https://www.amazon.com/Threadbare-Stuff-Nonsense-Andrew-Seiple-ebook/dp/B078KGS4V4
Shameless plug for my own web-serial on Royal Road, it also takes place in its own world with an "RPGs magic system." Can't claim it's as good as Dante's, but it's free and I love hearing feedback!
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/19452/nameless-ascent
If you don't mind things set in our geography but with fantasy worlds added on there's:
The City and The City by China Mieville. I really didn't like it but lots of people do.
Not to give much away but towards your fantasy point [spoiler](/s"The story is set in a city that overlaps with another. There aren't other races etc though.")
Alternatively his Perdido Street Station has those of other species in something like our modern times.
Also I'm surprised to have not seen American Gods in here.
Some quality suggestions in here
After reading the first law trilogy I jumped into Michael J Sullivans Ryria Revelations trilogy which I really enjoyed. Im currently reading the first book in Brent Weeks' Night Angel trilogy which I am enjoying so far.
The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. FANTASTIC series. Here's the link to the amazon page:http://www.amazon.com/Night-Angel-Complete-Brent-Weeks/dp/0316201286/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370922107&sr=1-1&keywords=the+night+angel+trilogy
The Night Angel Trilogy. You can buy it pretty cheap in one big book here - https://www.amazon.com/Night-Angel-Complete-Trilogy/dp/0316201286/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488307839&sr=8-1&keywords=night+angel+trilogy
I came to RR after I finished NAT. IMO it's the perfect fit for RR fans.
It's not sci-fi, it's fantasy (think GoT but a bit more magic, less politics, less dragons, much more action), and MUCH darker than RR. Like, quite a bit.
Many of the themes are the extremely similar in the book - starting from a nobody, transforming into a hero with the help of others, infiltrating a "higher society" than your birth right, scaling out to focus on bigger scopes of the world with each book, etc.
I will say that RR is faster paced and has more action overall, but NAT goes deeper into the characters getting very dark at times. In RR you feel like you're friends with a lot of the Howlers. In NAT you get to know characters inside and out, so your feelings towards a character will change over time and are often conflicted.
Both are among my favorite fiction series.
Favorite fantasy series is The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. It has a decent hard magic system, but the story telling is what makes it for me. Huge world he paints for you, and characters you love/hate throughout the story.
He has another series in progress called The Lightbringer Series, with a more interesting magic system based on color and light. Again, amazing characters and story telling.
Brent Weeks has so far, been the only modern fantasy series I've found worth the hype my friend talked about. I've read the first Percy Jackson, the Artemis Fowl series, and the Summoner series' first book based on recommendations, but I love Brent Weeks the most. Happy hunting!
Agreed..... both can be had for $10.18 USD.... get both, and enjoy the updates, they enhance the game greatly. you will not regret your decision to get the game.... though you may regret decisions made in the games.
Also... get the books... The fan translations and the ones on kindle/amazon (The Last Wish, Blood of Elves, The Time of Contempt )
For the correct order in which to read:
Witcher Wiki
Times of Contempt, the next book that is to be translated is still up for preorder....
It's been up for preorder for almost two years now. It was supposed to have to have released in May last year. Got pushed back to October. Then May this year, then November... OOPS JUST KIDDING WE MEAN August.
The publisher needs to set a god damn date.
I recently bought one of the newest reprints for Blood of Elves and on the back it said it was coming on December 2012.
Amazon also has it for pre-order with the release date set to December 4, 2012.
The hooded man is a better cover than the original one. I've definitely seen that one pop up on some lists of bad covers.
And yes, bump it up the list!
The darkest, AND best dark sf/fantasy book series I've read is (and its arguable whether this sf or fantasy) The Acts of Caine by Matthew Stover.
http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Souls-Elder-Scrolls-Novel/dp/0345508025
Amazon?
That price seems a bit high even for Australia but it might be the illustrated editions coming out here.
There are graphics novels for the first two books. There is an Illustrated edition for A Game of Thrones that was released in 2016: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Illustrated-Song-Fire/dp/0553808044
The illustrated edition of ACOK will be out in November: https://www.amazon.com/Clash-Kings-Illustrated-Song-Fire/dp/1984821156
However I don't believe there is anything in the main series that is illustrated other than locations in the TWOIAF.
I love the Kingkiller Chronicles! Have you read The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson? If you're looking for something to keep you occupied, it's a long book and the beginning of his Stormlight Archive series. The second book just came out Tuesday, and I'm hoping to begin it soon! Another series by Sanderson that I like is the Mistborn trilogy. I also like the Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks. In terms of things I've read recently that weren't epic fantasy, I liked The Golem and the Jinni by Helen Wecker, The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood, NOS4A2 by Joe Hill, and everything by Neil Gaiman.
I'm reading The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel right now, but I'm not loving it.
Given the books you've listed and the fact that you're posting in /r/fantasy then I would like to recommend one of my favorite, (scratch that) my all time favorite, fantasy series - The Dragonlance Chronicles Trilogy.
http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Autumn-Twilight-Dragonlance-Chronicles/dp/0786915749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407581025&sr=8-1&keywords=dragonlance+chronicles+trilogy
That up there ^ is the first book of the trilogy. It's a classic and is simply amazing. After you finish that trilogy give the second trilogy a shot - Legends Trilogy.
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Twins-Dragonlance-Legends-Volume/dp/0786918047/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1247M4J05AVSEACM71A7
^ there's your first book in that. That completes the holy 6 of books in the dragonlance series.
If you like sci-fi at all, I recommend John Scalzi's series that starts with "Old Man's War."
I haven't read them, but I've heard good things about Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy and Tad Williams' Otherland series.
In no particular order:
I just finished the Farseer Trilogy, which starts with Assassin's Apprentice. I enjoyed it, and thought there were a lot of similarities there. Starts with the protagonist as a parent-less child who has some untapped magical abilities, told from the perspective of the main character looking back and telling his story as he grows up.
Robin Hobb - The Farseer Trilogy
Thank you for the contest!!
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, one of the greatest and most hilarious books ever written. Get the actual book and completely ignore the movie of the same name.
If you aren't Familiar with Brandon Sanderson... I'd check him out immediately!
His Mistborn series is amazing and finished (At least the first Trilogy), his other series are just as amazing, but no where close to finished so could be a long wait if you get as engrossed in them as I have.
Books are:
He also finished Robert Jordan's epic tale Wheel of Time when Mr Jordan passed away before completing the last 2 or 3 books.
Swan Song - Robert McCammon Of the books I read last year this was my favorite.
Old Man's War - John Scazi - It's a pretty fun Military Sci-fi series
Leviathan Wakes - S. A. Corey - Near space, space opera.
Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson - Epic Fantasy with an interesting magic system, good place to start with a popular author
The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie - "Grimm Dark" fantasy, he does an interesting thing by playing with a LotR style quest.
The Black Prism - Brent Weeks - Interesting Magic system, one of my favorite ongoing fantasy series. Much better than his first trilogy IMHO
Midnight Riot - Ben Aaronovitch - Funny urban fantasy series that takes place in London
His Majesty's Dragon - Namoi Novik - Napoleonic* war + dragon's, fun quick reads.
Sevenes - Neal Stephenson - Stand Alone sci-fi novel about human's trying to survive in space as the world ends.
I can suggest more if you want, and I assume you've probably read at least some of these. Hope you enjoy some of them at least though.
Because you're an unlettered boor who has never read the Discworld Series? Have no fear. It's never too late to pick up the books.
Lol. If you really don't like reading maybe you should try some different books. My first suggestion for anyone who wants to try something new is Terry Pratchett's The Color of Magic
http://www.amazon.com/Color-Magic-Discworld-Terry-Pratchett/dp/0062225677/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413836312&sr=1-1&keywords=the+color+of+magic
It's the start to his absolutely amazing Discworld series. If you like comedy, amazing worlds, fantasy, sci-fi, and interesting characters, you really need to try it!
Have you tried .. every "pop" fantasy book ever?
The Shannara books are pretty popular. https://www.amazon.com/Sword-Shannara-Trilogy-Terry-Brooks/dp/0345453751
So are the Discworld books (a bit more tongue in cheek).
https://www.amazon.com/Color-Magic-Discworld-Terry-Pratchett/dp/0062225677
Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series is really good. https://www.amazon.com/Wizards-First-Rule-Sword-Truth/dp/0812548051
If you want to branch out into fantasy that isn't swords and wizards, you can move into things like The Deathgate Cycle. https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Wing-Death-Gate-Cycle/dp/0553286390
All of these have pretty interesting worlds with a hero that saves the day.
I've been purchasing the reissued mass market paperbacks one at a time as I finish them (currently reading small gods ). I'm pretty sure they are the only ones I've found to be a complete matching set. So far so good.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0062225677/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486628973&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=discworld+collection&dpPl=1&dpID=51chrfXHMNL&ref=plSrch
Give The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks a shot. By far one of my favorites. Though not an epic like GoT, it's still a very entertaining read.
I came in here knowing I'd see an assortment of DBZ characters and Comicbook heros. So I'll go with one that I know most people in here won't know. Though he is extremely badass in his respective fiction:
Durzo Blint
or
Kylar Stern (more description of his body is defined in the book than Durzo, but they are nearly identical)
For those who don't know the series it's called the Night Angel Trilogy. The first book is incredible. Then much like the Matrix the following 2 are lackluster. But the first book is worth the read by literally anyone who likes badassery.
You can read the first chapter on Amazon as the first chapter is pretty awesome.
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Angel-Complete-Trilogy/dp/0316201286/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414860981&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Night+Angel
Just in case you think about buying them
https://www.amazon.com/Night-Angel-Complete-Trilogy/dp/0316201286 This is for the entire trilogy
https://www.amazon.com/Way-Shadows-Night-Angel-Trilogy/dp/0316033677 And this is for only the first one.
You're welcome! If you're curious about more in depth reviews I would check them out here:
Heroes Die
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001MYA38W?cache=214b96e6bb0303b211d60770e71c3bca&qid=1412089263&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1
And
Night Angel Trilogy
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0316201286?cache=214b96e6bb0303b211d60770e71c3bca&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1412089345&sr=8-2#ref=mp_s_a_1_2
Enjoy man! I really do hope you like them!
The ones that have been officially translated are all available on Amazon:
The Last Wish: Introducing The Witcher
Blood of Elves
The Times of Contempt
There are also some unofficial translations around for the other books.
Sure, a couple notes while I'm downloading BaW :)
The book order is thus:
The Last Wish
Sword of Destiny
Blood of Elves
The Time of Contempt
Baptism of Fire
The Tower of the Swallows
The Lady of the Lake
There's no official english translation of the last book yet, but the one I've linked is the best fan translation I've found. It's the one I read, and I honestly would have had no idea it wasn't a "real" edition if I didn't know better. Fantastic work.
There's also A Season of Storms, which is sort of a midquel for the series. But it was written in the last two years, has no bearing on any of the game's canon, and contain some minor potential spoilers for later books since he expected his readers had finished the series at this point. I recommend you ignore it for now, and if you decide you want to read it down the road pick it up after the series.
The first two books are a short story collections. The series is in chronological order, but the actual novel arc doesn't begin until the third book. Definitely don't skip the first two though, they set up important characters and events in Geralt's life prior to the novel arc beginning.
Lastly, if you really can't be bothered to spend a bit on the amazon paperbacks here's a link to all of them in epub format. I can't vouch for the quality of the fan translations in this pack, nor do I recommend this format. Buying the books supports the author and reading a book is still easier than reading on a tablet in my opinion.
Good luck on your journey into the Witcher!
P.S. - Oh, here is the Witcher 1 recap video I mentioned. DO NOT WATCH THIS until after you finish the books. It will spoil the climax of the series and ruin your reading. You can buy the game dirt cheap if you can handle a playthrough on PC, but you really won't miss a ton of important info if you skip it. I don't want to spoil the end of the books either, but essentially the second and third game don't rely on the first one at all aside from knowing cursory details of the first game.
Then read them in English? Assuming you're American:
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Wish-Introducing-Witcher/dp/0316029181/
http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Destiny-Witcher-Andrzej-Sapkowski/dp/0316389706/
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Elves-Andrzej-Sapkowski/dp/031602919X/
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Contempt-Witcher-Andrzej-Sapkowski/dp/0316219134/
http://www.amazon.com/Baptism-Fire-Witcher-Andrzej-Sapkowski/dp/0316219185/
http://www.amazon.com/Tower-Swallows-Witcher-Andrzej-Sapkowski/dp/0316273716/
Or
http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/The-Last-Wish-Audiobook/B00HWBTIFI/ etc.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Time-Contempt-Witcher/dp/0316219134
Hey, he wrote one of my favorite childhood books.
On a Pale Horse
The Incarnations of Immortality series by Piers Anthony.
Its 7 books, the first one being "On a Pale Horse."
The story is set in a not-so-distant future kind of world (only slightly more advanced technology than us) that has also incorporated magic and mixed magic and science together. There are seven Incarnations: Death, Time, Fate, War, Nature, Good, and Evil. The Incarnations are actually "offices" held by people who were once human but who, upon taking office, gained temporary immortality and special powers along with their office.
By far the first book ("On a Pale Horse" which deals with the Incarnation of Death who is actually a really nice guy) and the 6th book ("For Love of Evil" which deals with the Incarnation of Evil who even more surprisingly started out as a VERY nice guy!) are the best books in the series. I read them as a teen but they were my brother's copies and he took them when he moved out. I was lucky enough recently to find 6 of them at a cheap book sale for 50 cents each, except for book 6 (my favorite!) and so book six is on my wishlist.
This series is so cool and so intriguing, I guarantee if you read book 1 you will be hooked. The nice thing is that the books are not too long and they read easily and they all work in plot details together to weave one giant story of many Incarnations' lives.
Edit: Here is a link to the first book!
On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony.
Off topic but, Heros Die by Matthew Woodring Stover is an amazing book
In many cases author has little to no say so on the cover of the book. The publisher does all that. Naturally there are cases where the artist didn't read the book, and just get a short description of something to draw.
There are authors that get more of a say so, depending on their popularity and such. I mean are there covers that just don't reflect the book? Certainly.
Here is what my first copy of Royal Assassin was. It doesn't really reflect a book at all. Gives off a fantasy Titanic vibe to it while books are not like that at all.
This is a cover for Heroes Die. One of the more smart and brutal violent books out there. The cover gives a hint of cheesy romance. While there is...emphasis on relationship between main character and his estranged wife, this book is not something people should read if they want a romantic story.
I just shrug really. I appreciate a neat cover, but I don't make my judgments based on it.
Read this instead
http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Die-Matthew-Woodring-Stover/dp/0345421450
The cover is supposed to look like a cheesy movie, so don't judge by that.
The only real books there are of TES are "The Infernal City" and "Lord of Souls" which tell of some events between TES IV: Oblivion and TES V: Skyrim.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Elder-Scrolls-Infernal-City/dp/0345508017
http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Souls-Elder-Scrolls-Novel/dp/0345508025/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y
Well I mean theres the OBVIOUS choice
http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Scrolls-Infernal-City/dp/0345508017/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320577705&sr=8-1-spell
http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Souls-Elder-Scrolls-Novel/dp/0345508025/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320577705&sr=8-2-spell
The two Elder Scrolls Novels that bridge some of the gap of the 200 years and also bring a lot of the back story and history into play.
Actually I meant in-game books, but yes, there are indeed books. Some in-game-like versions in a limited order and the two-parter novel from Greg Keyes I can recommand:
http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Scrolls-Infernal-City/dp/0345508017/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454184380&sr=8-1&keywords=the+infernal+city
http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Souls-Elder-Scrolls-Novel/dp/0345508025/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454184380&sr=8-2&keywords=the+infernal+city
1.) Something that is grey: Sculpy! From my cosplay wishlist! :D
2.) Something reminiscent of rain: This hair accessory from my Silly Fun list! I don't know if they're meant to, but the blue bits remind me of raindrops. <3
3.) Something food related that is unusual: Food picks from my Silly Fun list! Maybe not super unusual in Japan, but here in America I doubt you'd see them often.
4.) Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself: This book off my Books wishlist of course! It's for my husband, who's a huge fan of the Elder Scrolls games. I like them, too, but I doubt I'd ever read this.
5.) A book I should read: The Invisible Gorilla, again, off my Books list. I read almost a third of this book while hidden in a book store one day. It's an absolutely fascinating study (or rather, collection of studies) about how much trust we place in our own faulty intuitions.
6.) An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related: Barely, but this nautical star decal! Unfortunately, it's not on any of my lists.
7.) Something related to cats: Another from my Books wishlist! I'm pretty sure I already know my cat wants to kill me, but this book looks funny anyway.
8.) Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it: Stationary, from my Silly Fun list. I have no one to write to, but I have an obsession with pretty stationary and cards and things. I'm usually too afraid to write on it, even, because nothing ever seems worthy of the pretty paper...
9.) A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life: From my Movies/TV list: Braveheart! Because FREEEDOOOOOOM!!!!!
10.) Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain: Survival knife from my Adventure wishlist! Secluded, unpopulated areas are best for hiding from zombies, and this thing even comes with a firestarter! HOW CAN YOU SAY NO?
11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals: This book which is, strangely, on my Semi-Practical list. I'm a Math/Physics major, but I haven't been in school in quite a while. I'm about to go back very soon, and I'm a little petrified of failing out.
12.) One of those pesky Add-On items: Red Heart yarn from my Crochet wishlist!
13.) The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item: The PS4 from my Video Games list. I'm an avid gamer. Video games are how I relax. It's one of the few things that, no matter how crappy my day was, always manages to raise my spirits and help me forget about it all.
14.) Something bigger than a bread box: Apparently bread boxes are way bigger than I thought, so I'll go with this desk off my Semi-Practical wishlist. Surely that's big enough! XD
15.) Something smaller than a golf ball: Turtle earrings off my Silly Fun list! THEY'RE SO CUTE!
16.) Something that smells wonderful: Teavana's Blueberry Bliss tea off my Silly Fun list (yet again). If you've never been in a Teavana store, go this second and just...inhale. <3
17.) A (SFW) toy: Frog mitt from my Practical list. I'm fairly certain this isn't supposed to be a toy, but I get the feeling I'm going to spend more time using it as a puppet than as an oven mitt.
18.) Something that would be helpful for going back to school: This backpack from my Semi-Practical list! I want it so badly!! IT'S STUDIO GHIBLI HOW AWESOME IS THAT?
19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be: 12 Hole Ocarina from my Ocarina wishlist. It's so beautiful and it comes with a Lord of the Rings songbook and I just LOVE IT SO MUCH.
20.) Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand: Shark sleeping bag from my Silly Fun wishlist! You need me to explain it's awesome?? REALLY? IT'S A SHARK SLEEPING BAG. It looks like the shark is eating you!! Plus it's called the "Chumbuddy" and that just makes me laugh way harder than it should.
Fear cuts deeper than swords!
The 20th Anniv AGOT is illustrated and beautiful
https://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Illustrated-Song-Fire/dp/0553808044/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2D0QQ6RQ6MXD7&keywords=game+of+thrones+20th+anniversary&qid=1565525801&s=gateway&sprefix=game+of+thrones+20th+anniver%2Caps%2C660&sr=8-1
There are illustrated editions of the books.
A Game Of Thrones illustrated edition
This edition only exists for the first novel, it was released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first book.
As for buying the entire series: I prefer the 7 part set where the third and fifth novel are spilt in two parts, because these are a larger format than the 5 part set. But if you don't mind pocket editions, the 5 part set is probably cheaper. Or you could also buy them in hardcover or leatherbound, but those are more expensive, definitely the leather ones.
You can pre-order it now.
Unfortunately it did get pushed back a bit.
http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/0765326361
I'll grab a tissue for you
I don't know if you are from the U.S. but I believe that is the U.S. Cover. Is this link any good for you? http://www.amazon.com/Words-Radiance-Stormlight-Archive-Book/dp/0765326361 sorry for the lack of formatting I'm on my mobile.
One series will keep him occupied for ages. DRAGONLANCE! There's something like 30 books in the series. Start with the book called Dragons of Autumn Twilight
RA Salvatore's recommendation for Drizzt: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152944925124811&id=54142479810
Read the Dragonlance Chronicles: https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Autumn-Twilight-Dragonlance-Chronicles/dp/0786915749
Most people agree those are the best of the Dragonlance series so start there.
Dragonlance Chronicles! Actually based on D&D :D
There are dozens of books. I'm already at my 10th or so book.
Start with theses ;)
http://www.amazon.de/Dragons-Autumn-Twilight-Dragonlance-Novel/dp/0786915749/
http://www.amazon.de/Dragons-Winter-Night-Dragonlance-Novel/dp/0786916095/
http://www.amazon.de/Dragons-Spring-Dawning-Dragonlance-Novel/dp/0786915897/
Dragons of Autumn Twilight. took me 4 months to get through it all, but led to me reading so much more.
http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Autumn-Twilight-Dragonlance-Chronicles/dp/0786915749
Assassin's Apprentice If you like fantasy books this one is great. There is a lot of magic and intrigue.
Trudi Canavan's Black Magician Trilogy fits this criteria, and Robin Hobb's The Farseer series.
Happy Friday. Apparently I really need to read this book
This isn't a series, and isn't so much pew-pew as BOOOM and "oh god, the several centuries of ramifications of that boom" but A Canticle for Leibowitz is my absolute favorite book. Sadly there's no Kindle version, but if your library has it, check it out.
For books that have a Kindle version, have you ever read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? Absolutely hilarious.
As for fantasy, one book I've read recently that I thoroughly enjoyed was The Corpse-Rat King. Bonuses for being a cheap Kindle book and for being an indie author! It reminded me of my favorite D&D campaigns in all the right ways.
I'd say get in at least a few young adult fiction, as they're full of saccharine and angst ridden metaphor:
• The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
• Looking For Alaska
A few historical fictions:
• Wolf Hall
• Memoirs Of A Geisha
Comedy:
• The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy
• Good Omens
Stephen king (just because he's a favorite)
• 11/22/63
• IT
And finally, some objectively "bad" books, to learn what not to do.
• Wild Animus: A Novel
• The Da Vinci Code
• Moon People
All of these books are personal favorites for one reason or another, and some may fit into multiple categories (see: looking for Alaska under YA fiction and "bad,").
That said, this should at least keep you busy for a bit.
Happy reading, and good luck on your novel!
https://www.amazon.com/Hitchhikers-Guide-Galaxy-Douglas-Adams-ebook/dp/B000XUBC2C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502710247&sr=8-1 no excuse now :p
> Think Witcher (of the video game series)
I can't tell if you're aware, but The Witcher is based on a series of books. The first two books are The Last Wish (which I'm currently reading and enjoying) and Sword of Destiny, which are collections of short stories. The first of the novels is Blood of Elves. The novels all take place prior to the first game. I think all but the last novel have official English translations (though it looks like the final official translation is due out in a few months).
EDIT: Here's the kindle link for Last Wish: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010SIPT4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Also, it looks like Blood of Elves for Kindle is on sale for $2.99 right now.
Last Wish, too.
Here are a few in a good variety of genres:
Ahora que aunciaron a serie de Netflix
If you get this one, it's actually a deal on Amazon US right now for $2.99 for the Kindle edition, then you can buy the audiobook for $11.99 whispersync deal. I remembered seeing it on the /r/ebookdeals subreddit earlier today. Depending on how much you pay for your credits (and whether you have any interest in the Kindle edition too), this could be a good deal.
Here is the link to Amazon. The books were created first then CD Projekt asked to create the game and it went over like crazy in Poland.
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Wish-Andrzej-Sapkowski-ebook/dp/B0010SIPT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420836986&sr=8-1&keywords=witcher
You shouldn't gift me, because I consistently leave work 15 minutes early. Mostly to go off and read books like this one.
Like I want anything from YOU.
Want to try some fantasy with grim elements and plenty of action? Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson is an excellent trilogy. Efficient world building and character development that doesn't drag on or leave you behind. Terrific pacing with an engaging story, definitely worth a read. Mistborn: The Final Empire digital
Brandon Snaderson's Mistborn series.
So I would primarily use it for reading, but it doesn't hurt there it can be used for Movies/TV Shows/Comics as well.
The book it would want is A Dance With Dragons I've been working on the series for a while and this is the one book I don't have yet.
O.O wowwwwwwww I love this contest. My name is Corinne, and I'm a bookaholic. I've been wanting a Kindle Fire so bad, but I'm too poor to buy one for myself right now. I love books, and I always have at least one in my purse so I can read whenever I want. But I can't imagine anything more magical than having HUNDREDS OF BOOKS at my disposal in my purse--I'm seriously all shakey and excited just thinking about it hahaha. Guaranteed, if I am the lucky winner of the Kindle, it will be taken EVERYWHERE I go :D
The ebook I'd really like is A Dance With Dragons, because I am dying to know what happens next in the saga! I'm so annoyed that there were no Tyrion or Dany chapters AT ALL in A Feast for Crows--they're my favorite characters!! However, that's one of the more expensive ebooks, so I 100% understand if you'd rather gift me I, Iago :) I'd love to read that because one of my favorite types of books is a retelling of a classic tale from a different point of view--and it doesn't get much more classic than Othello!
Seriously, thank you so much for this contest. Whoever wins is so lucky! You're so sweet to give this away instead of selling it or returning it or whatever. The generosity of this sub never fails to astound me.
I love the idea for this contest and just know that you will make one lucky person happy. :)
I haven't read it yet but if A Dance with Dragons is anything like the others in the series, I know it will be one of my top favorites. I finished the other four books and I'm just dying to see what happens next.
Edit: >.> I forgot to tell you my name. It's Elizabeth. :) I was going to try and be all witty and say, "Hello. My name is Indigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." But I fear, I'm not bad-ass enough to pull it off.
Thank you so much. And good luck to everyone!
I'm absolutely the right person to ask!
There are 5 books in the series, out of a planned 7:
Fair warning, each book seems to take more and more years to be published. The 5th book came out in 2011 and ends on a huge cliffhanger! There are number of fans who are seriously concerned that the 6th book may never come out, or that it may not come out until the author George R R Martin dies and it is then published by another author.
If you get through these and want more, George RR Martin has also published a short story collection about some tertiary characters called Dunk and Egg in 2015 (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), as well as an encyclopedia for the entire history of the world in which that the series takes place (A World of Ice and Fire).
Some fans of the television show therefore may argue that it's not worth reading the books until the series is finished, or ever. I personally recommend them, they add a lot of depth to the show, and are just well-written pieces of prose on their own. The Dunk and Egg collection is also fun. I've not read the encyclopedia yet but I'll get to it some day.
This is an incredible contest!! Thanks for your generosity!!
A Dance With Dragons book 5 of ASOIAF. I have the first 4 in paperback. My name is JJ! Well, everyone calls me that, but I'm a Jennifer on paper.
Hard copy - Scott Pilgrim volume 2 (in color!) I fucking love Scott Pilgrim, it's one of my favorite graphic novels of all time. I picked up the first volume of the colorized version, and it's gorgeous! The coloring is perfect and the binding is even better if that's possible.
Kindle book - Mistborn Trilogy! I adore adore adore high fantasy, and hear consistently good things about this series. It seems a good length and plot, and I really want to get sucked into something like this.
If I were a book, I hope that I'd be a great one.
I found out about Brandon Sanderson from this sub and really enjoyed these two series:
Mistborn
The Stormlight Archive
I also can't recommend Jon Krakauer enough.
I might suggest The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. It's been a while since I've read it, but I feel like the chapters might be a bit long if you wanted to read one or two over a lunch break (depending on how long you have to read on a break). It's not quite as fun of a read as Kingkiller, I would put it between Kingkiller and A Song of Ice and Fire, but I do highly recommend it regardless. Also by Brandon Sanderson I highly recommend the Mistborn Series. Warning about the way of kings, it is part one of a planned 10 part series, with the second part only coming out hopefully next year, so that might be a turn off for you.
I myself have just started reading The First Law series, and while I can't quite recommend it yet, it seems to read and feel very similar to The Way of Kings, but with shorter chapters. I am expecting good things from it, and the lengths of the chapters seem very suitable to a lunch break.
Links to kindle editions to take advantage of the reading samples:
Way of Kings
Mistborn
First Law
I think he's talking about this version. The page count isn't a reliable number, just make a decision based off the reviews, none of which complain about missing content.
I have bought that exact version from your second link here. I can confirm that it is all three books in one file, with nothing missing.
I don't know whats up with the pagecount, it is definitly more than just a 1000 pages.
Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. Honestly some of the best fantasy I have ever read!
If you're into fantasy, I really love the Death Gate Cycle Series. I think Death Gate Cycle is fairly underrated as a fantasy series and would like more people to read it. It's funny, heartbreaking, and just has amazing characters that unfold throughout the series. You think you have it all figured out, but then things end up being very grey and you no longer know who to trust and things. The first book is hilarious, second is thrilling, third and fourth books are a little slow but important for character development, and the last three are really fantastic.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman is also fantastic and along the same lines of young adult fantasy. I would actually probably recommend that over Death Gate given the other books you said you like, but both are pretty quick reads and worth checking out.
I just finished reading American Gods and really enjoyed it. It's about old Gods being every day people and there's lots of twists and turns.
Here's a good review: Released from prison shortly after the accidental death of his wife, ex-con Shadow finds himself free, but bereft of all the things that gave his previous life meaning. As he bids his farewell to the fragments of that life, an eerie stranger named Mr. Wednesday offers him employment. Wednesday needs someone to act as aid, driver, errand boy, and, in case of Wednesday's death, someone to hold a vigil for him. Shadow consents and finds himself drawn unsuspectingly into a cryptic reality where myth and legend coexist with today's realities.
Amazing!
[American Gods] (http://www.amazon.com/American-Gods-Anniversary-Edition-ebook/dp/B004YW4L5K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=36V58PM2YWEKL&coliid=I3OQ30F0I7KD34) is a book that I've been wanting to read. It has been recommended to me about a dozen times from different friends and even people at Half Price Books. I love reading and fly through books.
I am currently reading James Patterson's, Alex Cross series. I usually read more romantic comedy/popular fiction, but the crime drama appeals to me since it is written so well. It feels like immersing yourself in an action movie. For me, they are an adventure to read. I'm reading Double Cross currently. I usually get them used at Half Price Books. I also have a few John Green novels on my kindle that I just finished. I really enjoyed Paper Towns. There are a lot of internal struggles that the main characters go through. There is a coming of age theme that almost anyone can relate to.
I do have a first generation kindle and have really been wanting to get my boyfriend a kindle so that we don't have to share anymore. That probably sounds very lame- but it's a fight over it at night before bed since we both enjoy reading- That's part of why I've been buying paperbacks again. Also his birthday is coming up so that's a bonus! Thanks so much for an awesome contest.
This is a very generous contest. Thank you for gifting!
After loads of reading on the bus to work every day, here follows my reading list for military aviation:
Modern
Vietnam
WWII
Overall/Other
Bonus non-military aviation
I highly second the recommendations of Snow Crash, Cryptonomicon, and Diamond Age. I would also recommend:
Check out American Gods by Neil Gaiman:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YW4L5K/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
It is also a mini series on Starz.
You are trying to figure out who Mr. Wednesday is, and other people you meet that are actual Gods.
They are all well written.
The Old Gods are threatened by the New Gods. Media, Mr. World, and Tecnology/Internet/Whatever the boy represents.
Mr. Wednesday has a plan for war, he's a bit of a con-man, has two ravens spy for him, set events in motion to meet Shadow Moon once he left prison, etc. Meets with other Old Gods to see if they would join him to fight the New Gods.
Even if he looks like an old man or Columbo with a glass eye, he is more powerful and dangerous than you think he is, and things always seem to fall in place for him. Once he gets a Sword he is a badass with it.
I think there is even a comic on it now:
https://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/30-430/American-Gods-Shadows-1
The Land is pretty ok, you just have to get past A.K.'s writing idiosyncrasies. Everybody Loves Large Chest is an online serial. It's very gory, weird, and weirdly sexual. Ascend online is a great fantasy mmorpg. Really well written. Awaken online is very good book from the perspective of the "villain". Dark. Survival quest is pretty good Russian translated litrpg. Patch 17 is from a guy stuck in a mmorpg hell. Dragon's wrath is kind of just a town building litrpg, but is enjoyable enough. Unbound deathlord is pretty good dark book about the underdark, or whatever he calls it in that book.
Here are some good litrpg books on kindle for newbies to the genre:
And this is where I clean the cobwebs out of my brain, because wow I botched that title.
The entire series is on sale super cheap right now: https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Sequence-Three-Serpents-Fathom-ebook/dp/B01MUG3DLM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505858322&sr=8-2&keywords=craft+sequence
Or if you don't like ebooks, they're available in dead tree as well. The two starting points are either Full Fathom Five or Three Parts Dead (I liked Full Fathom a tad better, but I think Three Parts Dead is the first one published). The only ones more than loosely connected are Two Serpents Rise / Last First Snow (and Last First Snow is a prequel to Two Serpents Rise, so you really could read them in any order).
I think that chronologically they might work in number order (so Last First/Two Serpents/Three Parts/Four Roads/Fathom Five), but I need another rereading to try and work it out.
I went to scout this out on Amazon, and found the first five books bundled for $18.
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Sequence-Three-Serpents-Fathom-ebook/dp/B01MUG3DLM
My bad, I misspelt the title. Here's the first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Threadbare-Stuff-Nonsense-Andrew-Seiple-ebook/dp/B078KGS4V4
This is a book based on that theme
https://www.amazon.com/Threadbare-Stuff-Nonsense-Andrew-Seiple-ebook/dp/B078KGS4V4
International Amazon links:
.com | .ca | .co.uk | .com.au | .in | .de | .nl | .fr | .it | .es | .com.br | .co.jp | .cn | .com.mx
*****
^(This comment was created automatically by a bot. Links to all Amazon international sites are provided, but availability of ebooks in your country is not guaranteed. If this bot is misbehaving or you have suggestions, please contact its creator, /u/FleetSpark.)
Pedantic Definition of Terms! Steel tools are for the birds! We’ve got an X-Men situation on our hands! Real life has plot holes! Magic as body of knowledge! Hogwarts is a segregationist fantasy! The world is run by a secret cabal of….. Wizards….Gross! Ladies are magic, better lock ‘em up! We arrive at a legitimate question about the human condition!
Recommendations:
Kraken by China Miéville
Final Empire (Mistborn Book 1) by Brandon Sanderson
(we might receive a commission if you buy these)
Music by PANDAS
Amazon has them for Kindle.
Ebook please! Sandhouse just got prime! Thank you for the contest!
Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
I'm currently on #2, and I love it. excellent series.
Edit: Sorry, I missed the zero romance part. Mistborn has a little bit, but to me it wasn't distracting.
How is including a "boxed set" style eBook lazy? Especially when you can also find eBook versions of each one individually?
Happy Birthday! I hope that your day is the best day.
I would love this or this
We both have this book Match!
Also I have Miss Peregrine's on my list, but the 2nd book. I've read the first and it's delightful :)
supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
I have been on a reading marathon and just finished book 4 of A Song of Ice and Fire. I'm so excited to move on to the next book, A Dance of Dragons but it's the only book I don't have on my kindle. Still, I'm elated to be finally so far in the books after Season 1 of Game of Thrones hooked me. It's shaping up to be one of my favorite fantasy series ever.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003YL4LYI/ref=mp_s_a_2?qid=1310401118&sr=8-2
Given that I can't sell or lend ebooks, I'm not willing to buy them until they cost significantly less than their physical counterparts. I mean at least 50% less than the paperback. I don't find any of the other advantages (portability, accessibility, etc.) to be worth the expense.
Some current pricing examples on Amazon:
You need this. NEED.
When I need to get happy, when I've had a shitty day, I read. This trilogy is what I'm reading now, and it is SUPERB. As in, top-ten series of all time.
Also, I eat chocolate, play with my kitty, and watch shitty TV on netflix.
He gifted me those three, and intro'd me into the Mistborn series by Sanderson. My husband had recommended I read them, but I never got around the getting them...and now I have a love for Sanderson's books. The Mistborn Trilogy is another you should read, if you haven't already. Highly highly highly recommend it.
Here's the link to it. Still only $5.75. It is an all in one omnibus deal.
I JUST BOUGHT THE TRILOGY E-BOOK ON AMAZON, WAT.
The trilogy separately is $20 something or rather. Together, here, they are $5.75.
Here is my review of the first book on Good Reads. Looks like I was correct in my review! Friend me if you're on Goodreads!
Common in fantasy genre: Example ¹ Example ²
I've been told this is a good book
Reading Rainbow
An ebook would be great, beautiful :)
Try some LitRpg? The Way of the Shaman is pretty good. I'm waiting for the 3rd book to finish being translated.
You might enjoy the LitRPG novels or Rational fiction. Try Play to Live, Survival Quest or Two Year Emperor.
You said you weren't looking for fiction, but other people might come to your thread looking for those kinds of suggestions, so sorry to leave you hanging, but I'll put a few out there, because I've enjoyed this genre.
Opening Moves Aliens have taken over and ostensibly done away with war, but the main character finds out the stakes in the aliens' "Game" may be just as high.
Solarversia We've got a sort of reality show VR game where a hundred million players duke it out over the course of a year to win a big prize. It's easy to get sucked into this one as a gamer, because the author really captures this sens of video game action. There's pseudo-ai personality modeling based on social media, and even a fanatical AI doomsday cult.
Survival Quest Don't let the name turn you off here. In this trilogy the biggest MMO has become so big that prisoners are actually sentenced to server their time in VR capsules mining resources for paying non-prisoner characters. Where standard players get to choose their class and have access to outside materials like guides and wikis, the protagonist here (who's unjustly charged, of course!) gets his class selected for him, and must learn the nuances to this underplayed Shaman class, as well as figure out how to earn respect, while simultaneously earning his way out of prison. The third book just came out on the 10th, and I wouldn't have found out about it if not for writing this, so thanks! And enjoy!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQRW14E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_88-4CbAKJAZY9
[Sufficiently Advanced Magic]
[Survival Quest]
[Occultist]
[The Completionist Chronicles]
If you haven’t read any of the Russian LITRPG, I’ve found I really enjoy them in Audible. Like many, Way of the Shaman was my entry-level but recently I’ve loved the Disgardium series and the Npc Path series.
https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Rogue-NPCs-Path-LitRPG-ebook/dp/B07B4Y1WJ9
https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Quest-Way-Shaman-LitRPG-ebook/dp/B00VQRW14E
https://www.amazon.com/Class-Threat-Disgardium-Book-LitRPG-ebook/dp/B07N33S8C6
Well , no so far fetched now the world of Way of the Shaman
You might enjoy the Craft Sequence by Max Gladstone. It's not exactly this but similar.
Max Gladstone's The Craft Sequence Kindle US - 5 book omnibus has a great, gritty world where the Gods are at war, their churches are corrupt, the cities dependent on the Gods to survive. Necromancy is part of 'The Craft', and practitioners of 'The Craft' are in high demand. Like lawyers or accountants in our world, international corporations practice 'The Craft'.
For anyone new to the series, it's worth noting that it looks like there's also a compilation of the first five coming out soon: £5.39 uk / $6.75 us which is a steal. I definitely recommend the series - just finished Four Roads Cross myself, and will definitely be picking up this one.
Ebooks! I'm not sure it'll differ for you, but in Australia, the bundle is currently $8 for 5 books. Craziness!
You should give us a little insight as to what genre you like, since every reader is different. Here are a few of my favorites from some random genres.
Fantasy: A Song of Ice and Fire, Harry Potter, Neverwhere, American Gods.
Sci-Fi: The Illustrated Man, Gold.
Dystopian Fiction: The Stand, The Road.
Classic Fiction: Flowers For Algernon,
Philosophy: Thus Spake Zarathustra, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Whatever Else: Fight Club, Fast Food Nation
edit: formatting
Toss up between Stephen King's The Gunslinger and Neil Gaiman's American Gods
Some of my favorites:
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
What about A Short History of Nearly Everything? Or Seal Team Six? Or The Magicians? What about American Gods, Hyperspace and The Grand Design
What I'm saying is 18 is too few. Get cracking.
Boomerang
Thanks for the raffle!
So I'm not the best book snob out there, but what I got from your post is that you want an honest book with none of the fucking whiney bullshit that so many books have, and you want to avoid the shitty cliches that many authors use to just follow trends and try to cash in.
I'm not sure how interested you are in fantasy/sci-fi, but I would check out Terry Pratchett's Discworld, here is the first book in the series.
I love Pratchett, I feel like his stories are genuine, and are also both thought provoking and comedic. If you're fed up with stuff like Catcher in the Rye, Pratchett is an excellent reprieve from whiny bullshit.
Quick warning, his writing style is unique. Some don't like it, some do. I absolutely love it.
If not that, check out George R. R. Martin's other books that aren't GOT. Specifically, check out 'Fevre Dream', 'Windhaven', or 'Tuf Voyaging'
Shameless plug : Also, I'm a new author. Normally I wouldn't suggest my book unless I think someone might like it.
The book, 'Failure', deals with mature themes such as community vs. individuality, the moral boundaries of science, and insanity. HOWEVER, no one waxes poetic or has angsty meltdowns. There are meltdowns, but more of the insane kind because their consciousness is literally being ripped in two. Check it out here
*ps - I'm not sure if I'm allowed to recommend my own books. I found this sub a bit ago, but just lurked until now cause usually I don't comment/post cause social media is intimidating to me.
https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Johnson-Oxford-Worlds-Classics/dp/0199538336
https://www.amazon.com/Color-Magic-Discworld-Terry-Pratchett/dp/0062225677/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1550233194&sr=1-1&keywords=DiscworldI highly recommend both of these.
Mortal Instruments is fantasy, right? Does she dig humorous books? If yes, the Discworld series is perfect. The first couple set the world, but I much prefer the witches or Night's Watch series.
LOL..no worries, probably jsut different than what you like.
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett (awesome satirical sci-fi series.
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. Classic about the Civil War -- very graphic and humanizing!
I think you should start reading the Discworld series, but I'd love to see your dog wearing this, because just looking at the pictures made me laugh out loud.
Check out my WL and feel free to get what you like if you like my suggestions.
If he doesn’t have much in the way of 3rd party content, I’d get him the [Tome of Beasts](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1936781565/ref=mp_s_a_1_1 ie=UTF8&qid=1523552464&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=tome+of+beasts&dpPl=1&dpID=61%2BwXcuEGfL&ref=plSrch) from Kobold Press. It’s full of enemies that are lacking in the Mm and VGtM, like high CR monsters and Fey.
Alternatively, if he likes reading, get him Matt Coville’s book [Priest](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0615512151/ref=mp_s_a_1_1 ie=UTF8&qid=1523553476&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=priest+matt&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZD3imHCkL&ref=plSrch). I haven’t read it, but I’ve heard nothing but good things. There’s also the Drizz’t series by R.A. Salvatore starting with Homeland, the Dragonlance series by Weis and Hickman, Discworld by Terry Pratchett, etc.
If he’s more into games, you could get him Divinity: Original Sin 2 on Steam. It’s basically DnD the game, if I had to describe it in a sentence.
All the books are normally around $6-10 dollars, and both the Tome Of Beasts and the game go on sale for around $30 fairly often.
Try the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks.
As already mentioned by other posters, the Lies of Locke Lamora will probably also be right up your alley, and Perdido Street Station is amazing.
Try the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. Fast paced action, super original magic system, amazingly well done characters, and lots of little scenes that make your jaw drop.
Hm, here are some recommendations of my favorite Dark/Gritty Fantasies that immediately come to mind:
Joe Abercrombie is one of my favorite new authors, his books are incredibly gritty dark and original, but the characters are simply amazing. The best starting place is The Blade Itself, but you can read his two other books that aren't part of the trilogy and can be read without losing too much, though they are in the same world and there's more to like about it if you already read the First Law Trilogy. Out of his two stand alone books I'd recommend Best Served Cold which is a Fantasy revenge story in the vain of Kill Bill.
One really good book I read recently is Daniel Polansky's Low Town which is a really cool gritty noir fantasy novel. Where the main character is a former detective for a Fantasy city, but at the beginning of the book he's a drug dealer. Then when murders start to occur, he gets drawn back into the politics of the city, resulting in a great story and multiple plot twists and revelations.
One of my favorites books I've read recently has to be Brent Week's Black Prism. It has some really unique world building, where the magic powers are based on light/colors, and the different magic users have different really unique powers based on their color wavelength. His previous work, the Night Angel Trilogy is also great and it's a little more gritty, with the main character being an assassin.
Next I'll go a little indie here, with the author Jon Sprunk's Shadow's Sun. It features an assassin with slight magical powers and the conscience of a beautiful invisible woman (a real imaginary friend) that is always following him around. There's a lot of things to like in this book, even if they are a little shallow.
Two books from different authors (both of which I really loved) that have kind of similar settings featuring thieves running amok in the underbellies of fantasy cities with a decent amount of grit (without being too dark) are The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch and Doug Hulick's Among Thieves.
There's also Ari Marmell's [The Conqueror's Shadow] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Conquerors-Shadow-Ari-Marmell/dp/0553593153/ref=la_B001JSDH98_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1340785404&sr=1-20), the main character is a former evil warlord who gave it all up to live a mundane life with a woman he kidnapped. He then has to put back on his fear inducing armor, when someone else is out in the world impersonating him. There is no evil force in this book, and there's a lot of interesting stuff here, the guy actually has a demonic amulet as a partner that provides him with magical abilities, and the demon is hilarious.
The next series isn't too gritty but it's awesome, so I'd still recommend the author Michael Sullivan, a DIY author that was so successful Orbit picked up his 6 book series to release as three larger books (he's also done some great AMA's on Reddit), the first of which is Theft of Swords. The characters in his book are absolutely superb. It's about these two master thieves that are brought into the conspiracy that they wanted no part of, but will see it to the end no matter what the cost.
Robin Hobb technically isn't real gritty, but she is one of my favorite authors, and in her books serious and horrible things can happen to the characters at times, but the endings of some of her trilogies are some of my favorite endings I've ever read. You could start with her first book about the bastard son of a king (that can bond with animals) being trained as an assassin, Assassin's Apprentice, or my favorite trilogy of her's set in the same universe but a different continent, Ship of Magic that has some awesome pirate settings, talking ships, and dragons. I also love one of her other trilogies set in a different universe than the rest of her books, Shaman's Crossing, the first book has kind of a Harry Potter-esque academy setting without the magic, and the rest of the trilogy gets into some really interesting stuff that's too weird to attempt to explain.
I think that's all I got, and you wouldn't go wrong reading any of these books, all of the pages I linked to are the book's Amazon page, so you can read further descriptions that I'm sure are better than mine. :)
Linky
I've owned about a quarter of these books since high school, and I read two to three books a week, so your math isn't far off! I'd say I'm closer to maybe two thousand books, maybe 2500. I want to get an accurate count at some point! I also want to catalog them so that I can tell what I own without having to call home and have my SO tell me if I've forgotten (I forget pretty often). Just haven't gotten around to doing that yet. But someday!
Ready Player One is set in the near future, in the year 2044. It's a dystopian novel that deals with a virtual reality world. The guy who created the world died, and whoever solves his puzzle gets ownership. The puzzle is solved through a bunch of easter eggs hidden in the world, all of which involve 80's pop-culture and video game references. The first couple of chapters are kind of slow, but by about a quarter of the way in, it just sort of hooks you. I finished most of it in one night before passing it off to the SO. He's not a big reader, but he practically inhaled the book. We've been buying copies from my store when they come in, and just handing them out to friends ever since.
Indy is surprisingly graceful. He corners on a dime! My SO actually nicknamed him "Indy 500" because of his speed, although I'd say the cornering ability is more akin to that of an F1 car. Scott, on the other hand, has some slight brain damage and is pretty derp. He doesn't know how to retract his claws all the way, so they stick to the area rug in the living room as he walks across it. And his tail throws him off balance a lot when he flails it around, so he falls off the furniture when he's excited. Aw, dog! What's his (her?) name? What kind of dog? Also, dog tax.
So jealous of your weather right now! Mid-seventies is perfect. It's been in the forties and fifties this past week. 38º right now, but that's because it's five AM. Sleep is totally important! I don't do mornings. At all. Like, if I'm awake before noon, it's because someone's paying me to be. (Side note: maybe the military isn't the best idea for someone who likes to sleep in late, dude.) Field training should be interesting, if nothing else! Accepted for what?
Pressure cookers can be fun! Slow cookers might be what you're after, in the beginning. Pressure cookers can lead to accidents like this if you're not careful though. Slow cookers don't have, y'know, pressure, so they cook slower (hah, words), but it's the same principle. I've got a slow cooker, but I'm a little nervous to pick up a pressure cooker just in case! Don't want to lose my security deposit on this apartment so spectacularly. XD You should totally ask him! I bet he'd love to teach you. What kind of food does he make?
Yeah, dude, it was a pretty sad thing to watch. The guy stole a book that we paid $100 for, which we priced at $400 (Sex, by Madonna-- unopened, still in the mylar wrapping, and in perfect shape), and he got $20 for it at a pawn shop. I checked online and it doesn't look like the guy has any more convictions after that one (this was in 2013), so there's hope. His defense attorney gave a story about how the guy was abused by his father, made to steal just so he could eat... I don't doubt it. Coming from that sort of background, it's no wonder he'd turn back to theft whenever times were tough.
Jesus, our government sounds kind of like my store. We've spent so much money replacing the broken, leaky AC units that half our computers are still running WinXP while connected to the internet. Thankfully, with PCI compliance, at least they're not the POS terminals! Those are running Win7 and have no internet access. Hooray for F-35s?
Oh man, I've heard so many good things about The Witcher series! I've been meaning to pick them up, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm re-reading Discworld because SO is supposed to start them soon and I want to refresh my memory a bit. Next on my list is The Blood Mirror, by Brent Weeks. It's the fourth book in the Lightbringer series and it's a really well-done fantasy series. You should check out the Night Angel trilogy by the same author; it's good, and it's finished so you don't have to wait.
Holy crap I'm watching DS9 right now too! I'm halfway through season six! The SO and I started watching it together a few months ago, but I've been on leave because of my hysterectomy (I go back on Friday, woo!) so I powered ahead of where he last saw. Been trying to catch him up this past week. We also just finished Stranger Things, which was phenomenal. Highly recommended, especially if you liked The X-Files at all, or suspense-type stuff. After that, I don't quite know what we'll end up watching. Maybe we'll pick up Voyager? Or we might go back and actually finish TNG. I've seen lots of bits and pieces, but we never watched like, full seasons in a row. The SO grew up watching it with his dad, and has the science officer badge tattooed on his chest! I'm trying to catch up to what all he's seen, I guess.
all 3 in one book
For (currently) free Kindle books, David Weber's On Basilisk Station is the first book in the space-opera Honor Harrington series. The second book The Honor of the Queen, is one of my favorites in the entire series. Eric Flint's 1632 turned into a massive and awesome alternate-history series. If you'd like to delve into Alaskan-based murder mysteries, give Dana Stabenow's A Cold Day For Murder a try as the first in the some eighteen book Kate Shugak series.
For paid Kindle books, there's Hugh Howey's Wool Omnibus is the beginning of the dystopian Silo series; the followup Shift Omnibus is actually a prequel trilogy that I haven't gotten yet but is very readable. Naomi Novik's first novel in the alt-history Temeraire series, His Majesty's Dragon, is currently $.99.
In print, Elizabeth Moon's military fantasy The Deed of Paksenarrion is available used for a very affordable price and is an epic series. The Cage was my introduction to a fantasy universe written by SM Stirling, Shirley Meier, and Karen Wehrstein. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander is a sort of alternate history/light romance series set in Scotland that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Brent Weeks' assassin-based (excuse me, wetboy) fantasy Night Angel Trilogy was recently released as an omnibus edition. Empire from the Ashes collects Weber's Dahak sci-fi trilogy into an omnibus edition. Weber and John Ringo co-wrote March Upcountry and the other three novels in the sci-fi Prince Roger quadrilogy. If you haven't tried Harry Turtledove's alt-history sci-fi WW2 'Worldwar' series, In the Balance starts off a little slow plot-wise but picks up good speed. EE Knight's sci-fi/futuristic fantasy Vampire Earth starts off with Way of the Wolf. Mercedes Lackey wrote the modern-fantasy Born to Run with Larry Dixon, and the rest of the SERRAted Edge books with various other authors. Neal Stephenson's cyberpunk and slightly dystopian Snow Crash is hilarious and awesome. Maggie Furey's Aurian is the first of a fantasy quadrilogy that I enjoyed many years ago.
If you're at all familiar with the Warhammer 40k universe, the Eisenhorn Omnibus is Dan Abnett's wonderful look into the life of an Imperial Inquisitor. He's also written a popular series about the Tanith First-and-Only Imperial Guard regiment starting with The Founding Omnibus. He also wrote the first book in the Horus Heresy series, Horus Rising (I highly recommend reading the first three novels together as a trilogy and then cherry-picking the rest).
... and if you've read all that already, I'll be impressed.
Edit: Why yes, I do read a lot. Why do you ask?
It's really weird it is translated so slowly, cause in Poland it's like the most famous saga and personally i think that what Andrzej Sapkowski created is genius. Interesting fun fact: The Witcher (game series) take off where the books have ended and are officially approved by the author.
Anyway, you're in luck!
Ok, so i'll try to give You some help, whether You like it or not. Sapkowski first started to publish The Witcher stories in a magazine between 1986-1990. Then they've been assembled in books. So, to this day there have been 7 stories compilations released (In Poland), but what we're interested in are the following: The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny in that order (these 2 are the introduction to The Witcher world)
THE WITCHER - INTRODUCTION
But no worries, you already know what is going on and You're ready to jump in The Witcher Saga! (ok, you'll lose some of the flow, since there's a bunch of characters introduced here that later appear in The Blood of Elves.)
THE WITCHER SAGA
Well, with Witcher 3 coming soon and with the hype around it i guess they will continue the releases. I highly recommend it to everyone! Also it gives a better perspective on the game series, its characters, plots, etc.
There's also one Witcher story (The Spellmaker) in this: The Polish Book of Monsters
You can read the Witcher series: [fantasy]
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Wish-Introducing-Witcher/dp/0316029181/
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Elves-Andrzej-Sapkowski/dp/031602919X/
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Contempt-Witcher-Andrzej-Sapkowski/dp/0316219134/
http://www.amazon.com/Baptism-Fire-Witcher-Andrzej-Sapkowski/dp/0316219185/
There are few that are not published yet, so, yes, we have to wait :/ But these four are really great.
If you're interested, here's the chronollogical order of the books (with links to buy them on Amazon):
--------
Season of Storms is an upcoming book set in between the short stories of The Last Wish. It will be released in English on March 2018.
The translation of the next book (the Time of Contempt) comes out in August. Source
Got them individually off of Amazon Prime:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316029181/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316219185/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316219134/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031602919X/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316273716/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316389706/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My favorite might be the way he is depicted in "On a Pale Horse" by Piers Anthony.
Apparently, it's being turned into a mini-series.
You certainly aren't the only one. You might like these.
Our Name is Melancholy, by Leilah Wendell
and
On a Pale Horse, by Piers Anthony
They're about a few different people that take on the mantle of the 'Incarnations'; including, but not limited to: Chronos, or father time; Mars, the god of war; and the three sisters of fate, just to name a few :)
Edit - Linky to amazon page.
[](/rderpwizard "I'm me.... Aren't I?" )
Matthew Woodring Stover - Heroes Die
You're welcome.
Heroes Die.
"Page turner" isn't even really a good word because sometimes it was so violent and intense that I had to put it down to calm my nerves. The subsequent books are also great.
The Twelve Kingdoms is Japanese. You can find the translations here:
http://www.eugenewoodbury.com/downloads.htm
or get the out of print Tokyopop releases.
Each book focuses heavily on character vs self conflict and using other conflicts as a means for developing that.
It is steeped in Chinese mythology. Also, most of the serious conflict is internal to the country, not between countries.
Matthew Stover writes really hardcore, violent, fantasy / sci-fi crossovers. Lots of moral grey areas and a unique setting make it worth looking at.
https://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Die-Matthew-Woodring-Stover/dp/0345421450/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1481223987&sr=8-4&keywords=matthew+stover
Ah, I've heard that quote before. I like it. :)
The inspiration is from the sci-fi/fantasy novel Heroes Die, by Mathew Stover. First of a series. I highly recommend it/them/him.
Heroes Die by Matthew Woodring Stover. It and its sequels would be, I believe, classics in the fantasy genre were it not for the realistic and gut wrenching depictions of violence. If you can stomach such things, these books are not to be missed.
The Infernal City and it's sequel Lord of Souls.
http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Scrolls-Infernal-City/dp/0345508017
http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Souls-Elder-Scrolls-Novel/dp/0345508025/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319648547&sr=1-1
For real ?
I found 2 Novels:
@https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Souls-Elder-Scrolls-Novel/dp/0345508025
@https://www.amazon.com/Elder-Scrolls-Infernal-City/dp/0345508017/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0345508017&pd_rd_r=Y3FGAMZWWSPXRJEZMGAJ&pd_rd_w=WjoFf&pd_rd_wg=9lJLz&psc=1&refRID=Y3FGAMZWWSPXRJEZMGAJ
And there're Titan Books which I've already placed the order.
There are Elder Scrolls books.
The Infernal City
Lord of Souls
Lord of Souls I just realized I bought the sequel -__-
I think it's this one?
this illustrated Game of Thrones just came out a few months ago but I'm not sure if it's fully illustrated like Harry Potter or just has the occasional illustration.
When I was a kid my parents had this copy of the Hobbit which had full-page illustrations from the cartoon movie that came out in the 70s. (I wonder if my parents got rid of that when they moved because if they have it and don't care about keeping it, I want that shit). I can't find the copy of Lord of the Rings that I have on Amazon, but it had full-page, color illustrations before each chapter. Not on every page or anything, but still really nice.
What the difference between the two illustrated editions? Why is there a price difference b/w the two?
https://www.amazon.in/Game-Thrones-Illustrated-Song-Fire/dp/0553808044/ref=sr_1_2?crid=39JU7DYR52PPX&keywords=game+of+thrones+illustrated&qid=1554680331&s=gateway&sprefix=game+of+thrones+illu%2Caps%2C415&sr=8-2
The other one is out of stock currently but costs lesser than the first one.
If you want me to pitch you something, I'd way recommend The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson instead. It's only 2 books in so far (The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance), but they are seriously just so good that I can't even do it justice giving you a synopsis, but here goes: There are a few different POVs, but mostly it focuses on Kaladin, a slave who gets assigned to this bridge crew in the military where they have to carry these giant, heavy bridges around so the assault troops can cross these giant chasms to fight the Parshendi--creepy bastards with shell-like armor that grows out of their skin. Eventually Kaladin finds out he can suck in stormlight from certain stones and do some neat magic stuff with it (don't want to give too much away here). There are also these knights called shardbearers who can summon these giant blades from thin air, which cut through just about everything like a lightsaber through butter, and if they cut through a person, their eyes burn out and their soul dies. The book is just so imaginative and awesome--it's unlike most other fantasy books I've read--plus, it has artwork every few chapters detailing the creatures, plants, etc.
Wheel of Time on the other hand, supposedly really bogs down in the middle (before the original author died and the series was taken over by Brandon Sanderson). But basically it starts out as a kind of Lord of the Rings clone, where these 3 kids from a small village set out across the world after it turns out they're the only ones who can stop the Dark One, who sends trollocs (basically orcs) and Myrddral (basically ringwraiths) after them, and they've got an Aes Sedai witch along with them to keep them from dying. It comes into its own by the 2nd book, and I've really been enjoying it so far (I'm only on book 4/15), so if that sounds at all interesting to you, check out book 1, The Eye of the World (link to the first half of the book, free on tor.com).
There're plenty of good recommendations over at /r/Fantasy, and many people (myself included) have asked your same question there.
It's on Amazon now too: http://www.amazon.com/Words-Radiance-Stormlight-Archive-Book/dp/0765326361
January 21 to be precise...
... For now
ooh man, what? stormlight book 2
Do you like the fantasy genre at all? If so, I highly recommend Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series. Absolutely amazing.
http://www.amazon.com/Words-Radiance-Stormlight-Archive-Book/dp/0765326361
I'd also recommend The Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis. It's been a million years since I read them, but I vividly remember enjoying them. :)
Here are some fantasy/sci-fi books that I liked at that age, or would have liked had they been published. A couple of them have some sexual content, but nothing overly detailed.
DEFINITELY "The Dark is Rising" series. They're short, but excellent. Also The Hunger Games is a good bet (never read the sequels, but that first book is great). Other suggestions: The Name of the Wind, Waylander, Rose of the Prophet, 1984, To Your Scattered Bodies Go, The Strain, any of the Dragonlance books (I would start at the beginning, with Dragons of Autumn Twilight), or nearly anything by Stephen King.
No problem.
https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Autumn-Twilight-Dragonlance-Chronicles/dp/0786915749
Why not start with the Dragonlance series? Dragons of Autumn Twilight is a pretty good start - an epic type story. Or The Cleric Quintet by R.A. Salvatore - story about a young cleric on an epic quest. These might be exactly what you are looking for. You might also check out Gotrek & Felix series for more hardcore fantasy. Well, anything Warhammer is awesome :) - especially if you'd like to check out the WH40K universe - The Horus Heresy series is just amazing.
Just got off of work and working out so a little late on the reading schedule, but here it is for the first book of the end of the year series, Assassin's Apprentice (which is free from the library and only $2 off amazon for the free Kindle app)
October 3rd- read chapters Prologue-4
October 10th- 5-9
October 17th- 10-14
October 24th- 15-18
October 31st- 19-end
The posts for the Assassin's Apprentice will not be with the Literature off topic, but rather their own stickied post at 6:00pm
/u/carluun is helping me out with this, so if it is not up at that time PM him and he will make sure it will be up
On this note
https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Apprentice-Farseer-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B000FBFMG6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1488123779&sr=8-3&keywords=robin+hobb
On special. Couple of bucks atm
Looks like all of her first in series are on sale in the US, except Fool's Assassin.
Assassin's Apprentice - Book one of the Farseer Trilogy $2.99
Ship of Magic - Book one of the Liveship Traders Trilogy $2.99
Fool's Errand - Book one of the Tawny Man Trilogy $2.99
Dragon Keeper - Book one of the Rain Wild Chronicles $3.99
Fool's Assassin - Book one of the Fitz and the Fool Trilogy $7.99
Just to belabor the point, I've noticed a huge difference in the words I use in everyday speech when I'm reading fantasy novels or other fiction. Don't worry about books they make you read in English classes, any modern non-YA fiction will do.
If you like fantasy, I recommend Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice and the other books in the series.
The Farseer Trilogy Book 1, Book 2, Book 3 Total Cost $17.97
And the Mountains Echoed $10.99
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy $10.00 & The Hobbit $6.98
All of the above books are from ebooks over $10
The Threshold Child book 2 $2.99 on $5-$10 ebooks list
Here's a sneak peek of /r/ebookdeals using the top posts of the year!
#1: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams -- Kindle ($2.99) | 1 comment
#2: Hyperion by Dan Simmons / $1.99 on Kindle | 5 comments
#3: The Scorching by Libbi Duncan - FREE ebook for Cyber Monday | 0 comments
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I've been meaning to read this book.
Ah I've seen your comment below. read maybe:
Joe Abercrombie - Best Served Cold
Max Berry - lexicon
Dürrenmatt - Suspicion
Gaiman - Good Omens
Kafka - The Trial
Sillitoe - The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner
Adams - Hitchhiker's Guide ( no way you haven't read that - but who knows )
Branderson - Way Of Kings
Libba Bray - The Diviners
Nietzsche - Thus Spoke Zarathustra ( there is a really ugly bible style translation - beware!!! )
Lynn Kurland - Star Of The Morning ( your sex and age is of interest )
Schwab - Vicious
Bakker - The Darkness That Comes Before
Robert Thier - Storm and Silence
Eco - Name Of The Rose ( no way you haven't read it but u know the drill ) + Foucault's Pendulum
Lord Of The Rings ( duh )
Sanderson - Mistborn
Sanderson - Alloy of Law
Harris - Hannibal
Rothfuss - The Name Of The Wind
Bukowski -Ham on Rye
Burroughs - Running With Scissors
Wong - John Dies at the End
It's from Douglas Adams' Hitchiker's guide to the galaxy.
Douglas Adams has that dry, sarcastic, self-deprecating British humor down. He basically wrote a fun book, or perhaps even a series, around the idea that "What is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything" is a malformed question.
does this count?
thanks for the contest! aliens have always been interesting we actually almost went to the area 51 exhibit thing while i was over in vegas pretty big stuff :)
Great: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Wish-Introducing-Witcher-ebook/dp/B0010SIPT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523567240&sr=8-1&keywords=introducing+the+witcher
The first book.
The kindle book: The Last Wish: Introducing the Witcher is on sale for $2.99 today.
The Last Wish: Introducing the Witcher https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010SIPT4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_74T-BbF0ZVYTF
I'm reading through the first one and it's decent. You'll recognize some events from the first game. It appears to be a collection of not-really-related vignettes. As far as fantasy fiction goes, it's interesting subject matter that's passably written. But it's about Geralt so it's interesting.
Amazon US links:
The Last Wish - $2.99 - Goodreads page
Blood of Elves - $2.99 - Goodreads page
I would like The Thin Red Line by James Jones or The Last Wish by Andrzei Sapkowski.
Lately I have been listening to a lot of Blind Pilot and Dirty Heads but Tom Petty has always been my favorite musician.
rock out
This one looks better. Still looks like something a high school student would draw with one year of art class behind his belt. Something like this I'd consider a great cover art for a fantasy novel. Not just mishmash of generic stuff with some filters all around, but something that tells a story and looks great as a stand-alone piece. Or something that shows the character, like one of the Mistborn's covers. In the end, it's your choice. I'd consider spending a bit to attract people. Minimalistic style seems to be in fashion nowadays, so you might want to look into it too.
Guys! This isn't the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy! This is from the Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett!
You should definitely read the book if you like this kind of humor.
Piers Anthony is waaaay ahead of you.
The Incarnations books touch on most of this threads discussion.
Direct link
The only way to read ^_^
I generally don't read manga. If I want to go whole-hog words-on-paper, Brandon Sanderson just released a sequel to The Way of Kings and I found a new author with a semi-interesting generic action shounen to read through.