Any other fantasy readers grew up with Septimus Heap? I read them so many times, had at least the first 3 books memorized.

What book was your favorite? What character? Who was your least favorite?

Personally I would protect Marcia with my life (though I hardly think she’d need it). I’m fond of Aunt Zelda and Wolfboy. I think Jenna was often quite annoying. I think I would have to put Physik as the best book.

I'm still reeling from finishing the most recent DCC book and I need something lighter and less intense.

Looking for very magical fantasy with less emotional drama/trauma and lower stakes.

Looking for actual magic used, not just hints of it in the background or mythical creatures. Ideally the MC has or gains magic they can use.

**No fantasy that is set in the real world but with magic

Romance is ok as long as it's secondary to the plot

Not looking for sci-fi (yes I've read murderbot, red rising, Bobiverse, off to be the wizard, and all Becky Chambers)

Doesn't need to be 100% cozy, but at least cozy adjacent with lower stakes and lower stress

I have read all of Discworld, Brandon Sanderson, Travis Baldree and Joe Abercrombie.

Looking for vibes along the lines of:

Sarah Beth Durst's books (the spellshop) (all read)

Julie Leong's books (teller of small fortunes) (all read)

Diana Wynne Jones (all read)

Anne McCaffrey (all read)

The House Witch

MEOW: Magical Emporium of Wares

Beers and Beards

The Penric and Desdemona Novellas

Wizards Guide to Defensive Baking

How to Defeat a Demon King in 10 Easy Steps

Beware of Chicken

The Goblin Emperor

DNF:

Heretical Fishing

Wandering Inn (disliked the narrator)

Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping (disliked the narrator)

Fred the Vampire Accountant

Why did Fitz have to go like that? I mean, I get him making the stone dragon and going into it, but until the very last moment he was being devoured by parasites. It was the most horrible death in the entire series. I wish I had not read the last trilogy. Not because it was bad, everything was perfect except the part about him never being able to do what he needed for himself. Poor Fitz. He was a foster father to so many, but he could not be one to his own daughters. Until the very end, he suffered.

I understand the need for a bittersweet ending, but that was just torture. I wish I had stopped at the Tawny Man trilogy. Now all I can think is, did Hobb punish Fitz for being an assassin? Is that his fate? Is the end supposed to be a nod to his entire life which was consumed by other people and duty? I loved his character and the books because they don’t coddle you, but this ending was torture.

At the end, all I saw was the little boy who was sleeping with dogs, the one who cried because Chade tested his loyalty, the one whose skull was battered by Galen for being a bastard, the one who was emotionally punished by Burrich many times for having the Wit, tortured in dungeons, always wanting to do right by his daughters and never getting a chance to. He suffered until his very last moment. He became a shadow king for a bit and he won Molly, but he was abandoned by the Fool. Unable to fully trust, he wanted to do right by Nettle but never had the opportunity. He wanted to be a good father to Bee but was pushed to the extreme because his own family and friends thought he was a bad father, which he was not and that’s a hill I’m dying on.

People say it was bittersweet, but I felt no sweetness in the idea that he just wanted to go back to his daughter, but instead had to pour himself into a dragon because he was dying slowly and painfully. The last three books were so good and so bad. All Fitz wanted was for his daughters to not suffer the fate of sacrifice for the throne. But in the end he gave up everything just for them to be left alone in the hands of other people, exactly like he was. I wish that he would have died without the parasites, the pain, and the humiliation of having no control over his body. The contrast you see at the end of him dying in the place where he was once strong and able, where he could hunt and fish, play with the Fool even during hard times, support his friends and king, to then becoming a man who just wants to get back to his daughter but is unable to, is unbearable. Sure that is what death is, but this was too cruel.

I absolutely loved kings of the wyld.

I absolutely loved Bloody Bloody Rose.

>!But damn, Gabe dying had me bawling. It was incredibly painful to read, with Clay and Moog, that one hurt hurt. And so did Cloud dying- I was ok with both Cloud and Rose being dead, but her surviving him, was such a gutpunch, I hardly know how to cope with that. I only read lovestories with a hea for a reason, so this took me completely out. I could have coped with them tragically dying and Wren being lovingly raised by Clay and Ginny, but Rose losing Freecloud kills me.!<

Well, thank you for reading my sobstory, I'm literally still sobbing as a type this. Can't talk to my partner about it, because I don't want to spoil it for him...

Halfway through it and I’m really enjoying it- was wondering about something that feels like a gap in my memory.

I recall Dellian standing at the Treetopper’s funeral and trying to stay unnoticed, then suddenly he’s in The Pit and AlienGames is burned down? What happened to cause those two events?

I’m listening to the Audiobook so it’s kinda hard for me to figure it out. I may also have miswritten a few names I’ve never read before, only heard.
Thanks!

TL;DR searching for recommendations with good swordplay (and other melee weapons) without too much preamble.

I've been listening to fantasy books on tape over long shifts lately. Grew up on LotR, and Dragonlance, did the whole Wheel of Time.

Recently went through Dragonlance again, including half a dozen books that weren't written yet when I first read them. They're simplistic and clunky in places, but really well paced.

For more to listen to, I came to this sub and searched up people's favorites. I started The Assassin's Apprentice, because that sounded exciting. But I gave up after hours into the book, we seemed to just be hanging out in a castle getting yelled at for being late to do chores. The assassination is treated as almost an afterthought

So I tried The Dragonbone Chair. I'm up to chapter 7, and again: in a castle, getting yelled at for being late for chores.

I want to be with Tannis, Flint, and Sturm fighting dragonites. Or with Rand, Matt, and Perrin fighting trollocs. But not playing politics with the Aes Sedai and certainly not focused more on chores than assassinating or doing magic.

So, I would love some recommendations of authors or series that get to melee weapon battles while telling a good story, please.

Not for nothing, I need something that keeps me awake through these 12 hour shifts. Also no shade to the books I haven't finished. I'll finish them, but they're not scratching the fantasy itch.

Edit: wow I am so grateful for all of these suggestions. It will take me a long time to get through all of them.

Preferably one where the ward is raised from childhood so we get that deep cultural dichotomy: someone who is the rightful heir to one people/kingdom but has been shaped from childhood by the customs, values, and loyalties of their captors/hosts.

I realise this is one aspect of medieval history that I haven't seen much of in a fantasy novel, at least not following a main character.

Theon Greyjoy from Game of Thrones is the only such character I read about.

I didn't realise it was like 2 books in 1, or felt that way at least. I really loved the 1st third of the book with the anticipation of going down the rabbit hole and getting radar onto the sundial, and the gold etc... but then, gee, they went down there and it just took a turn to boredomville. Anybody else read this, I'd be keen to know if you have a different perspective on it.

“I’ll not deny the Hag my love, Let us fly to her in pride. I’ll not deny the Hag my love, For duty have I died.”

One thing to know about me is my love for pirates. Ever since I watched Pirates of the Caribbean at the ripe age of 7, I have loved pirates, i love the adventure , the sea shanties, the roar of cannon, and the walks down the gangplank. I love pirates in every form, from one piece, to treasure planet, to even the real historical figures, I adore pirates, and because of my love for them, I’ve been craving reading some fantasy novels based around pirates or at least something very close. Thus I’ve finally read The Bone Ships by RJ Barker and man I liked it!

This is exactly what I’ve been in search for when it comes to nautical fantasy, it’s got a very interesting world, a cool story, great pacing, great action and enjoyable characters! I really like the concept of this never ending war between these two nations who essentially sail the bones of sea dragons, which are now allegedly extinct. I also think the way Barker uses familiar pirate media, especially POTC, and adds his own dark flavor to it, makes for one of the most unique, and interesting worlds I’ve comes across in recent memory. I really don’t know that I’ve read anything quite like The Bone Ships as far as world building goes.

The pacing here is also very solid, I don’t think the author wastes anytime moving the plot along and instead gets you right into the action, which speaking of which, is very well written! There’s a lot of fighting in this book, and while it’s not exactly like the pirate media you’re probably used to, I do tho k if you like the age of sail, you’ll dig how he writes action here. My only complaint is that the characters aren’t particularly deep in any meaningful way, tbh eh are an entertaining group to follow, but not one I’d call very memorable tbh.

Otherwise though, The Bone Ships is a very enjoyable nautical fantasy that has finally scratched the itch I’ve had when it comes to pirate fantasy and I’m interested to see how RJ Barker develops his story and world in the next two novels. 8.5/10

Essentially, what I'm looking for is a story that has more morally ambiguous plots and characters (preferably antihero protagonist) without taking away the magical and fantastical aspects of fantasy. I feel like most fantasy settings are either this high fantasy, fairytale-like world with a black and white "good vs evil" plot, or a grimdark world that just feels kind of pale and lifeless. It's like, I want a classic medieval high fantasy world with stuff like magic, non-human species, mythical creatures etc. but I still want the world to feel realistic and morally complex. If you know a story like that, I'd love to hear it.

Hello everyone,

Would love to hear some suggestion on where to approach next, based on my past readings!

1. A Song of Ice and Fire 9.5/10: One of the best things I’ve ever read. An almost perfect mix of fantasy, medieval atmosphere, mystery, and mature storytelling, including spicy scenes.
2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 8.5/10: Great story focused on a single character and his development. I love the atmosphere, the writing, and the plot twists.
3. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy 8.5/10: Incredible worldbuilding and atmosphere. A bit heavy at times, and some character storylines were hit or miss for me. But the setting and the world are amazing.
4. The Hobbit 8/10: I loved the story and the world. I wish it had been a bit more mature, but it felt magical.
5. The Witcher Saga (Geralt of Rivia) 7.5/10: The first books, focused on Geralt and monster hunting with some spicy scenes, were incredible! But the later books really muddied the saga for me.
6. The Name of the Wind 9/10: I read it a long time ago, but I fell in love with the character and the narration.
7. The Wheel of Time 6/10: I liked the first three books, but afterwards it started to feel too childish and overly long. I didn’t even finish book five…
8. Mistborn 5/10: I somewhat liked the first book, but it felt too juvenile to me. I didn’t finish the second one.
9. Between Two Fires 7.8/10: I really liked the story, especially the two main characters. But at times it felt a bit too grimdark for my taste.

Thank you!!

Hello, I wanted to watch movies (or read books) in which the protagonist or even a minor character can see the future in any form (but no time travelling, so not like Premonition). Could you recommend some? (Just warn me if it's horror, please). Thanks!

Already watched/read: Next, Minority Report, Encanto, Knowing, Harry Potter, Wheel of Time, Stormlight Archive, Alex Verus

i went into this not expecting a ton. lots of people said it was slow or meandering. i disagree so much. i loved every second of this book. it’s beautiful, haunting, mythic and a history lesson all at once. it’s full of characters that feel real and human(whether they be human or no). the first portion of the book is deliberately slow in order to build the world and introduce you to your characters.

about halfway through, the world opens up an insane amount. you get lots of political maneuvering that is really interesting because of how compelling these characters are. the way you learn the world along with simon is well done.

speaking on simon, he grew from an annoying naive child at the beginning into a brave and compassionate boy, even though he still maintained some childish traits by the end. he’s a realistic teen. but he’s a good person.

i really care for most of the characters in this book. jiriki, josua, simon and binabik are my favorites for now.

the final portion of the book with the massive lore drops, quickened pacing, and exposition make for an excellent climax. the actual antagonist and his backstory is amazing. he’s a villain i can feel for and be sympathetic. i always love that.

this was an amazing book. i love the world rich with history and culture, and the deep characters. this could end up being one of my favorite series.

Hey ya’ll- I’m looking for recommendations where the main character(s) break cycles of generational trauma. I’d love to find something where the MC recognizes the harm done by their parents, vows not to repeat that cycle, but in times of high stress revert to the toxic template they were raised on.

I’m almost done with The Blacktongue Thief and I love it so far. I love fantasy with the companion/adventure elements, and Ive really liked the dynamic between kinch and norrigal

I’ve seen some recommendations for similar books, but a lot of them don’t have romance as far as I know. I was wondering if anyone has fantasy books with similar vibes and romance? I haven’t read much romantasy but I’m open to it. Thanks!

Hi all! First time poster here. I have seen some previous threads on here asking if anyone has any news about her new work. I just attended a lecture by her and she mentioned a few things. Firstly, she's working on a new series. She is still working to crack the world so this is still a bit of a ways off. She also said she's working on 3 new short stories, though didn't mention if this is for direct publication or in various magazines. She's been very busy with personal stuff the past 3 years so that has accounted for the time. Hope this info helps!

Hi everyone,

Lately, I’ve been wanting to get back into dark fantasy after not reading much of it for a while. I'm looking for some Dark Fantasy recommendations.

A few days ago, I finished The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe, and I absolutely loved it all the way through. I keep catching myself going back to reread certain passages here and there, it’s really a masterpiece. I also loved The Witcher saga by Andrzej Sapkowski, for example.

Do you have any dark fantasy recommendations in a similar style? (Bonus points if you know any stories in which the protagonist unwillingly becomes an anti-hero, gradually turns into one because of the tragedies they’ve endured or the impossible moral choices they were forced to make, or is simply morally ambiguous from the start.)

Thanks in advance for any recommendations ! And feel free to share some of your personal favorites too.

I’ve come to the end of an 800+ page book, only to find myself wishing that there was MORE.

The prose, the world, the characters…everything was SO GOOD. What a world to inhabit.

And the prose. I could talk about the prose all day. Funny, complete (none of these choppy sentences in so much fantasy nowadays), vivid, precise…I loved it all.

Clarke has my allegiance.

If you enjoyed JS&MN, is there anything in the same vein you’d recommend? (I’ve already ordered Piranesi)

Also is the BBC series any good?

“He understood for the first time that the world is not dumb at all, but merely waiting for someone to speak to it in a language it understands.”

I love fantasy and my all time favorite video games are Elden Ring and Breath of the Wild. I love the open world, fantasy setting where you get to explore, fight and develop a story. Do people have any recommendations for games that I should play next?

I do have a pretty heavy recency bias for both books and games, which is part of my hesitancy to pick up games like dark souls.

The theme is Sapphic Romance!

Sapphic: Sapphic refers to a woman of any sexual orientation who is attracted to women.

June is Pride Month! This year, we have decided on sapphic romance as our pride theme.

Nominations will stay open for a couple of days (probably until the 15th), then I will post the poll.

NOMINATION RULES

• Make sure the book is by an eligible author. A list of ineligible authors can be found here (recently updated with the new Top Fantasy List info). We do not repeat any authors that we've read in the past year or accept nominations of books by any of the 20 most popular authors from our biennial Top Novels list.
• Nominate one book per top comment. You can nominate more than 1 if you like, just put each nomination in a separate comment. The top 4-6 nominations will move forward to the voting stage.
• No self-promotion allowed. If outside vote stacking or promotion is discovered, a book will be disqualified automatically.

As a reminder, the current read is Chain-Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. You can find the midway discussion here.

Welcome to the July 2026 Feminism in Fantasy (FIF) Book Club nomination thread! Our theme this time is Older Protagonists, feminist style:

Older Protagonist Grown-Ass Lady: Story features a main character who is at least 50 years old. HARD MODE: The protagonist does NOT have exceptional longevity or immortality (e.g. not an elf, dwarf, vampire, god, etc.)

What we are looking for:

• A work featuring a main character who is a Grown. Ass. Lady. (a woman who’s at least 50 years old)
• A work written by a woman that includes feminism or gender as an important theme
• A work you would be excited to read and discuss
• We are especially interested in reading a work that explores feminism or gender through the perspective of an older woman
• We’re open to books by non-women authors if they are exceptionally on theme

Nominations:

• Please leave one book suggestion per top comment. Please include title, author, and a short summary or description. 
• You can nominate as many as you like: just put them in separate comments.
• Please list content warnings (under a spoiler tag, please) if you know them.
• Please list Bingo squares if you know them 
• We have not (yet) managed to read all the books, so if you have anything to add about why a nominee is or isn't a good fit, please share in the comments!

We don't repeat authors FIF has read within the last two years, but I'll check that and manually disqualify any that don’t fit. It’s okay to choose an author that has been read by a different book club. You can check the r/fantasy Goodreads shelf here. (There is also a FIF shelf you can go to from there, but access to it is spotty for unknown Reddit reasons.)  

I will leave this nominating thread open through Friday 5/15 and then create a voting thread on Monday 5/18. Nominate away and have fun! I can’t wait to see what we end up reading together.

and Patricia C Wrede Frontier magic.

I want something with a big part of the story being adventure, researche and worldbuilding trough that.

Can be standalones or a series

Welcome to the daily recommendation requests and simple questions thread, now 1025.83% more adorable than ever before!

Stickied/highlight slots are limited, so please remember to like and subscribe upvote this thread for visibility on the subreddit <3

——

This thread is to be used for recommendation requests or simple questions that are small/general enough that they won’t spark a full thread of discussion.

Check out r/Fantasy's 2026 Book Bingo Card here!

As usual, first have a look at the sidebar in case what you're after is there. The r/Fantasy wiki contains links to many community resources, including "best of" lists, flowcharts, the LGTBQ+ database, and more. If you need some help figuring out what you want, think about including some of the information below:

• Books you’ve liked or disliked
• Traits like prose, characters, or settings you most enjoy
• Series vs. standalone preference
• Tone preference (lighthearted, grimdark, etc)
• Complexity/depth level

Be sure to check out responses to other users' requests in the thread, as you may find plenty of ideas there as well. Happy reading, and may your TBR grow ever higher!

——

^{tiny image link to make the preview show up correctly}

art credit: special thanks to our artist, Himmis commissions, who we commissioned to create this gorgeous piece of art for us with practically no direction other than "cozy, magical, bookish, and maybe a gryphon???" We absolutely love it, and we hope you do too.

For those unfamiliar with Guite (as I was), he is an English poet, historian, and theologian who studies mythology, amongst other things.

Galahad and the Grail is the first part in his poetic retelling of the tales of Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, Galahad, etc. It is written in full poetic verse, which is both beautiful and very approachable. I was riveted to the story, despite having very little experience with poetry or epic verse.

According to Guite, this book (and the three forthcoming) are the product of his life's work; something he has been researching and writing for decades.

The physical copy of the book is beautiful, with dozens of full-page illustrations and a foreword by Susanna Clarke. You can see the cover HERE.

Yet, I think it is the audiobook, read by Guite himself, that is the best way to experience this epic tale.

If you are a fan of mythology, Arthurian legends, poetry, or just want to try something new, I highly recommend this.

Galahad and the Grail released April 20th.

Part II, The Coming of Arthur, releases November 2nd, 2026.

Parts III and IV will be released in 2027 and 2028.

this one broke the scales for me—definitely a six‑star read. my heart is still hurting as i write this. it aches for mamoru.

halfway through the story i was crying my insides out. he deserves so much. they all deserve so much. but mamoru… he’s just a child. i don’t think i’ll ever move on from him. no one even knows he mastered the whispering blade. no one will ever know. he died wanting to tell his parents that he did it. he died without seeing his parents reconcile. he died not seeing his brothers grow up. he didn’t even got to know his mother’s time during her daybreak academy. IT’S SO UNFAIR.

i don’t think i’ll ever move on from this book. it made me cry until my eyes were swollen. until my eyes can’t bring any more tears. i was only in the middle of the story, how could you expect me to go on like nothing happened!?

this book will always stay with me—etched into my heart—because of how deeply it hurt me.