Well well well, my Middle Earthling! You’ve got a taste for the fantastical with a dash of the mysterious, don’t you? When your literary cravings stretch from the dragon infested lands of Westeros to the futuristic mind-bending world of Ender’s Game, I’d say you’re a reader after my own ink-stained heart!
Alrighty, keep your bookmarks at the ready! We’re going on a magic carpet ride to the realm of fantasy literature that’ll make these endless pages feel like a Rivendell feast! Here are five spellbinding suggestions that promise to transport you to worlds you’ve never dreamed of, but promise to love just as much!
- The Name of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
- Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
- Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Can you say, “Enthralling?” Rothfuss’s first novel in ‘The Kingkiller Chronicle’ trilogy is a symphony unto itself! With a narrative as enchanting as the lute played by our leading man, Kvothe! Oh, and did I mention this guy is a wizard? Well, technically, he’s an arcanist – but who’s splitting unicorn hairs? Rothfuss weaves a complex yarn where music and magic intertwine in a melodic masterpiece that’ll have you leafing through the pages faster than a lightning bolt striking a storm giant!
Grab the reigns of your reading steed and gallop down to Jordan’s larger-than-life series, ‘The Wheel of Time.’ It’s an epic that spans not one, not two, but a staggering four-oh! That’s right, 40 entire continents! Talk about an armchair tour guide’s dream come true. From farm boy to world-saving warrior, our hero Rand al’Thor’s journey is filled with prophecies, politics, and a generous sprinkling of supernatural elements. It’s an expansive narrative that might weirdly remind you of Martin’s multiple POV storytelling approach.
Got your hang-gliding shoes on? Hang on, they don’t exist yet! Well, not in our world at least. But in Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Mistborn’ Trilogy, hang-gliding on mist is a pretty commonplace activity. It’s as delightful as it sounds bizarre. Just like the series’ magic system that’s uniquely built around (wait for it), burning metals! It’s got political intrigue worthy of any Game of Thrones aficionado and showcases Sanderson’s knack for creating relatable yet extraordinary characters in a brilliantly original world.
Here’s a story where wit, cunning, and a skilled hand (or two, if you’re lucky) are mightier than the sword. Gifting us the ultimate team of con-artists, Lynch’s ‘The Gentleman Bastards’ series is as much about brotherhood as it is about outsmarting your opponents. It’s a tale sprinkled with humor, twists, and grit – all set within a dynamic city that’s convincingly alive! Spellbinding and sharp-witted, it’s a narrative that encapsulates the kind of intricate world-building and nuanced characters beloved by fans of Martin’s work.
With a name like ‘Robin,’ how can we go wrong here, my dear reader? This tome marks the beginning of ‘The Farseer Trilogy’, where witness the life of Fitz — a royal bastard turned assassin under the watchful eye of his gruff mentor. With richly drawn characters and an immersive realm, Hobb’s literary concoction is a heady mix of intrigue, magic, and the challenges of growing up. Think of it as “Ender’s Throne,” a delightful blend of Ender’s coming of age and Westeros-style political machinations.
Now, while all these novels promise a captivating journey, the ultimate choice depends on what really tickles your fancy. Based on your love for A Game of Thrones and Ender’s Game, I’d heartily recommend The Assassin’s Apprentice as the perfect tall tale to dig into. Hobb’s intricate character development, layered plot, and suspenseful storytelling style have a deliciously similar flavor to your favorites.
Hobb paints a visual feast à la George RR Martin with conspiracies and court intrigue dense enough to give the Iron Throne a run for its money! And like Orson Scott Card’s psychological tableau, Hobb skilfully navigates Fitz’s internal struggles, making you root for the “small guy” against towering odds. Not to mention, there’s enough magic and action to keep every cottage lit in a long, Westerosi winter. Settle back with a goblet of Arbor gold; here’s a fantastical journey that’ll leave you wanting more, faster than you can say “Valar Morghulis”.
Hop onto this apache ride, kiddos! Let’s experience the magic, one book-bound adventure at a time!
