this post was submitted on 08 Sep 2023
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Hi! I am looking to write fantasy, a kind of notoriously overdone genre. I am curious if there are any "hot takes" on it that look at it from a fresh perspective? I have a long plate of titles to read already but I would be happy to learn what titles you have read and would recommend for somebody who wants to see how other people did interesting fantasy novels.

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[โ€“] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Two trilogies by Robert Jackson Bennett if recommend.

The first is the Divine Cities trilogy, which is focused on imperialism and colonialism. There is a nation who had lively, active gods capable of dramatically warping reality and they used that power to colonize the world. Then, those gods cease to exist, and one of their colonial subjects rises to and turns the tables on them. The story begins after all of this, and it focuses on the way cultures and societies interact through imperial relationships. This series is excellent throughout, although I found the very ending just a bit underwhelming. I strongly recommend it.

The second is the Founders trilogy, which focuses more directly on class relationships in capitalist society. There's a big interest in a reality warping magic technology that's at the core of the world. This series starts off lower than Divine Cities, but improves dramatically every book (and the first is still good!) The third book in particular takes the social and technological premises to their natural conclusions and goes in incredible, brave directions. It might be weird to sincerely describe a fantasy novel as "brave", but I think communists would understand and appreciate the final book while liberals find it repulsive and offensive, if the discourse I've seen online is anything to go by. I've never read anything like Locklands, the conclusion to this trilogy. I cannot recommend it enough.

Both series are full of cool worldbuilding, fun twisty plots, satisfying character arcs, and pretty good politics. I'm not sure which series if recommend first. Divine Cities is consistent and every book is very good. Founders doesn't hit as hard in the first book, but again, the third is astounding, challenging, and brilliant. I'd probably go with Founders first just because of that.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago