Man, those characters stuck with me since I read the series. Hobbs characters in general are so good in general, but this series really is something else...
@@Bookborn The last Farseer Trilogy Book was the worst of all 13 of these Hobbs Series. I almost stopped. Just start reading. You may keep going to the second Fitz series after...The final book (13) wrecked me.
Sooooo many people have told me to start arcane. idk why I can't just get myself to start it. Haven't been watching a ton of tv so it's so hard for me to just SIT DOWN.
@@Bookborn I understand. I have a long list of TV shows that I need to watch, but I can't bring myself to watch much. Arcane is one of the exceptions. #RatherBeReading
My vote is definitely for Le Guin. I only had read the first Earthsea book until a couple years back, and I was so happy I read books 2 and 3. So very worth it, truly wonderful writing. These are books I'll forever own and will re-read in future. Second vote is definitely for Locke Lamora!! I can't believe you've not read that one. Wonderful writing, great plotting, a bit over the top at times but in all the best ways. Some of the profanity gets a bit much for me at times, but I think that's just a me problem haha. I think you'll love this one, and you totally can just read the first one and be fine.
Liveship Traders is such an amazing trilogy. I think you’ll really love it. The Farthest Shore is my absolute favorite Earthsea book. You’re in for a treat.
I think I'm just going to read a summary of the first two earthsea books - seems like you don't need to remember too many details for book 3 according to other commenters!
Le Guinn!! I read the first earthsea a while back ad didn't continue, but reading the Dispossessed this year, I was blown away. Currently reading the Word for World is Forest to continue it, but the jury is still out. Too many of my friends have praised the later Earthsea books for me to not come back to them.
My first le Guin I didn't love either (the Middle) but really enjoyed the first two earthsea. Maybe you never fully enjoy your first book of her lol. I'm reading her short story collection slowly (so I've read Word for World is Forest) and her philosophical stuff is very good
@@Bookborn It was beautifully written but I didn't really enjoy the Dispossessed. I felt the worldbuilding to be weak actually. I just wasn't really interested in furry humans at 1950s cocktail parties or the furry humans communists on the moon. Which is the whole book.
Yes please continue Earthsea! The Farthest Shore takes place a while after the first two, so you don't necessarily have to reread. As long as you remember who Ged is generally you should be fine. The fourth book Tehanu, which you would LOVE, would benefit from a reread of book 2 since it is a deep dive character study of the main character from that book. (Also book 2 is a short masterpiece, so it's easy to reread 😊)
Ursula is fantastic. Just FYI, since she was so influential and wrote so long ago, if you've read a lot of more modern fantasy and sci-fi (which I know you have), then a lot of her stuff can seem more... uh... parochial? Or maybe more "simple." I'm not sure what word I'm looking for here, but I know a lot of more modern Le Guin readers who seem unimpressed. I think her works, Earthsea in particular, are still well worth the read.
Powdermage Series! Like you, I enjoy slower paced, character driven books. I was pleasantly surprised to find I loved this series! maybe not slower paced but the characters are so good. I also have not read Lies of Locke L yet, but it is on my growing list!
My vote is definitely Ship of Magic. I literally just finished the trilogy last month and based off of things I've seen you like on your channel, I really think you'll enjoy it. In my opinion, it's much better than Farseer and the fact that it is multi-POV shows off Hobb's ability to write deep characters more than farseer
Does it have a better ending than Farseer? That was the one thing that kept Farseer off my favorite series lists. I really enjoyed it, but the ending didn't deliver enough to make it a fav.
@@Bookborn I strongly think so. All the narrative lines converge in the final book and she reveals some things that had been dangling right in front of you the whole time. It felt much more coherent and thought-out than Farseer
Ursule Le Guin! I actually also have and even started but simply didn't continue and finish one of her books. I just know she's a pioneer in her genre and I'd like to know whether she's worth getting into or not.
i would recommend starting with her short fiction or novellas! the first things i read by her were "the ones who walk away from omelas" (short story) and "the word for world is forest" (a novella )! highly recommend both!!
Powdermage is pretty incredible, definitely my vote. Also, I have only ever read the first Gentleman Bastard book and it totally works as a standalone.
Ship of Magic! It's in my top 10 series. Her characters are top tier and following their arcs was such a journey. I think youll love it. Locke Lamora is my second vote. I enjoyed it, but flashbacks aren't my favorite. I still need to read John Gwynn!
Ship of Magic! My best friend kept suggesting the Realm of the Elderlings series for years, and after finishing it, probably my second favorite series of all time. Liveship trilogy is different from the first trilogy, but so very good. And it interconnects subtley in ways with the rest of the series that pays off well. I really need to read Lies as well, that's been on my TBR forever. Gonna put on my Secret Santa wishlist, so maybe if I get a copy it will motivate me :)
Im most interested in seeing Earthsea content. :) The third book doesn't pick up where the last one left off, it's pretty disconnected. As long as you remember Ged and the magic school, almost everything else is new. And it's SO fascinating to experience more of the wider world.
I hope you love Lies of Locke Lamora!! Lynch’s wit, humor, settings, and dialogue are chef’s-kiss good! It does indeed read like a standalone. Liveships-same! I’ve put it off for two years, and I think it’s the length! 😅
I have confidence that book 4 will be released in the not so far feature. Lynch seems to be doing better and has released a new Locke Lamora short story recently (or at least half of it, the second half will come in January). BTW @bookborn This counts as a vote for Lies of Locke Lamora. 🙂
I vote Ship of Magic. I also veer towards slower-paced books. I like to settle in and soak it all up. I don't like to feel rushed. The authors I really want to try this coming year are Anthony Ryan and Christopher Ruocchio
I'm voting ship of magic - cause it's also one that been sitting around waiting for me to start reading - so I'm hoping that you starting it might give me some motivation to start it myself 😂
As a fellow Sanderson Superfan, I think you'll love Powder Mage (and actually I preferred the second trilogy over the first). He was a student of Sanderson at BYU, and it really shows, in particular in his magic system.
Liveship Traders is the best trilogy ive ever read...and id reccomend it to almost nobody. Its the slowest books ive ever read. Seriously. Think Farseer was slow? You dont know slow till youve read this. BUT its a tight knit story with THE GREATEST VILLAIN EVER WRITTEN. Book 3 will make you cry. Paragon. PARAGON. Oh man. Just anbincredibly well written trilogy. But its not for everyone. Its not character first, its character only. Hope you enjoy it!
My mother in law kept asking me when is this book going to start picking up. I told her EVENTUALLY MOM JUST HOLD YOUR HORSES. Eventually she loved it, but yeah it is a slooooooow start
Lies of Locke Lamora works great as a standalone! It's also the only one of these that I've read, and I loved it to 4.5 stars, so it gets an easy vote for me. Though the first Earthsea was a five star read for me, still for some reason I haven't gotten to the sequels for 7 years, it's something I'm way past due for. Not sure why I put it off, but the allure of the new thing to try - I know I'd have to reread Wizard before the others, which ought to be awesome but for how it can feel reductive to my substantial unread library.
lmao from the comment section it seems like loving Earthsea but randomly not reading another Earthsea book is super common 🤣 I think it's because they feel like complete stories! So you can end it and not feel like you immediately have to pick up the next one
@@Bookborn Maybe that's part of it, WoE had a fantastic end, it's a little surprising that the story goes on! I think it's also when an author or series has transcended into beloved classics, potential fans can delay and delay picking them up, or reading another, until the "right moment", if that exists. In the meantime, there's _pleanty_ of current stories that are part of the current conversation - the danger is we never get to the seminal works. I shouldn't be so prissy about it, I'd love to reread WoE, and it won't take too long, even for me.
The Liveship books I can't praise enough. I actually read them after the Tawny Man trilogy, mostly because I didn't want to leave Fitz but it absolutely did not disappoint! The Realm of the Elderlings is my joint favourite book series, alongside ASOIAF, so I hope you read the rest at some point! Lies of Locke Lamora is also VERY good! I've not gotten around to reading the rest of the books in the series though so I need to get on that.
I'd vote for Liveship Traders it is great like all Robin Hobb! I actually just finished re-reading Liveship Traders (and the Tawny Man trilogy). Lies of Locke Lamora is just plain fun and Powdermage is really quite good as well.
I vote Ship of magic! I just finished live ship traders and I liked it even better than farseer, which I loved!! It’s great seeing Hobb open up to more POVs. Personally think you will love Locke Lamora though, surprised you haven’t read that one yet! And I need to finish the 3d earth sea too!!! I just never did? Absolutely love Ursula tho, dispossessed was my fav sci-fi by her.
What a great set of options 😍 I add my votes to Ship of Magic, then Farthest Shore, then Lies of Locke Lamora. Farthest shore is really good, rounds off the original trilogy well.
I bought the trilogy based solely on the cover art and I wasn't disappointed. It wasn't my favorite fantasy series but I liked the idea of revolutionary era fighting and weapon combined with magic.
My vote goes in this order. Cradle is S tier progression fantasy. BTW Have you read Cradle. You have definitely read progression fantasy. DCC is progression/Power fantasy/litrpg/gamelit/System Apocalypse. Progression is not alway about stats,skills and power progression Lies of Lock Lamora: Each book can be read as standalone. If you like heist stories then this one will be a treat. Powder Mage: Really good series. You will enjoy the lore and the magic system Earthsea. It is relatively short and you can jump into it. Ship of magic: You are quite correct about the pacing. If you have read hobb. You will I actually just about recommending Malazn to you while listening to a book club recap yesterday. Malazan Book of the Fallen. It should go into your TBR It is fantasy like you have never read before.
I’m currently reading the last book of the Liveship Traders series and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it soon! 😄 My second vote, if there's something like that, would go to The Lies of Locke Lamora.
Great choices. Lies of Locke Lamora and Liveship Traders is S-Tier Fantasy. Unfortunately, I did read the first two Cradle books and did not enjoy them but hopefully you will! The Powder Mage trilogy is also good (read it this year) but I would definitely prioritise Robin Hobb and Scott Lynch!
Just FYI, the first two Cradle books are kinda stinkers and not at all representative of the rest of the series. I'd at least give it one more. (The best character in the series barely appears in the first two books, for one.)
I'm a littttleee worried that the time for me to enjoy Cradle is passed. I think when I was first getting into adult fantasy and reading a lot more fast paced stuff, I might've enjoyed them more. I'm wondering if they'll feel too shallow, especially after my foray into ASOIAF. But, they are so short, I figure I have to at least try the first 2-3.
I felt very comfortable spanning Liveship Traders over a full year. I think it's a great January choice 🙂 So many wonderful ideas at play thematically, I think you'll find it very rewarding. (Also started Earthsea last week!)
I absolutely loved Farseer. The Liveship Traders series took some time to get into, but then I loved it too (though Farseer is still my favorite of the two). I think you would enjoy Liveship.
I'll race you to Lies of Locke Lamora and Powder Mage :D both are on my reading lists for next year as well, so I'd vote for these two. And I also second some earlier commenters: are you planning on continuing Malazan???
I haven't given up on Malazan yet!! I just needed a break, especially after getting SO into ASOIAF. I can't promise it'll be soon, but I do think I'll return.
@Bookborn definitely not an easy read, I'd say - had to take two breaks while reading the main series lol. But I'd definitely be interested to hear your thoughts about these books.
Great choices you and your husband have! If I had to pick anything I'd vote for Lies of Locke Lamora. I'd be super interested to see what you think of this series, or at least the intro to it.
Ship of Magic is my vote! Different from Farseer in that it's multi-POV, but still has Hobb's amazing character work and really expands the world of the Realm of the Elderlings!
Those are all excellent series to read. Lies of Locke Lamora is my vote. I think either it or Ship of Magic will be your favorite. A caution on Cradle that the first book or two is not quite as good IMHO so push through and don't bounce if you don't love the first book.
I absolutely loved Liveship traders! I thought it was far better than anything in the Fitz saga (which I actually thought was a bit overrated). Lies of lock Lamora I do actually want to get to eventually. I actually loved Cradle to death, maybe one of my favorite series, but honestly as I was reading it I thought about how the reason I loved it so much was because it appealed to my Shonen Dragonball Z/Naruto anime nostalgia. So I’d be very curious to see what you think, especially with a new book coming out this Thursday to those who backed the kickstarter! Also I usually tell people that it’s a progression fantasy, so the whole point of the first few books is that the character is pretty weak, which can be annoying to read but the longer you stick with it the better it gets because he keeps finding more and more clever ways to power up. Series I’ve put off forever was Wheel of Time, and I’m on book 4 and honestly I don’t know if I’ll ever finish it. It just is a bit of a slog and I’m supposedly in the best one. I also have been putting off Malazan, just because it’s Malazan. It will forever be the series that I’ll get to eventually
John from Talking Story is making his way through Realm of the Elderlings and I believe will soon be starting Ship of Magic-maybe you two could join forces. As for me, my current priority is finishing Legend of the Galactic Heroes. I have the last three books waiting for me back home in the States, so I'll need to grab them when I return. I just finished Children of Time, which is bound to make it into my top ten books of the year. I was so hooked that I immediately bought the second book in the trilogy and plan to start it once I finish The King Must Die by Mary Renault, which I'm currently reading. Beyond that, I'm hoping to begin His Dark Materials, Masters of Rome, and Shadows of the Apt. Happy Reading! 📖
I would love for you to read Liveship Traders. In comparison to Farseer, it's much more action-driven in its narrative (still great character work though!) and it's multi-perspective (with third person point of view writing). The first time I read the Liveship Traders trilogy, I finished the entire trilogy in just under a month, including the few days I spent reading a book between Ship of Magic and Mad Ship and another book between Mad Ship and Ship of Destiny. I really liked--and even loved as time goes on, the more and more I think about it--the story that I read authored by Scott Lynch in the Book of Magic anthology, so it makes me interested in trying his series because his writing was just lovely to read. Next year, I have plans to read series with Allen (Alchemy Wars by Ian Tregillis, Boudica by Manda Scott, and Scavenger by K. J. Parker) and hope to read Tad Williams's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy and at least start Adrian Tchaikovsky's Shadow of the Apt series. We'll see if any of that actually happens!
Of course you'd be reading a KJ Parker with Allen 😂 Yeah, I need to remember that "slow" books don't always mean it's "slow" reading. After all, I raced through Feast for Crows which most people say is the slowest book. Thank u for giving me hope
Not really a series but Guy Gavriel Kay is a must read if you are into fantasy. Most of his books are stand alone or duologies. His settings start with a real historical setting and he adds his own twist (Imperial China, Spanish moors, ancient Britian, etc.).
I read(listened) Dresden book 1 so based on that and that you didn’t like it much either I think you should try “Iron Druid Chronicles”. It has a much better atmosphere/sense of humor. I would say listen to the audiobook though - my mom said all the Irish names made it confusing for her. I think letting the narrator read “Siodhachan“ might be less jarring than parsing it visually each time? Personally I guess I will read the Stormlight Archive… someday lol I will vote for Ship of Magic since I also read Farseer but it did not hook me into reading the rest. Maybe you can convince me to continue.
That’s a great list! I think you would like Liveship traders you did just say you like slower paced books and you really get to marinate in the world Hobb creates.
Lies of Locke Lamora is a great series! Scott Lynch has been open talking about his mental health/ anxiety. He says he's been writing but his anxiety was so bad that he couldn't give it to anyone to read. He said he has made progress with medication and therapy to get a point that he can publish his works again. He has some short stories set in the world of Locke Lamora coming out and hopefully we'll get a main book too announced
The Lies of Locke Lamora is such a pleasant read that you breeze thru it. So many twists and turns that keep you turning the pages (or swiping to the next if on an e-reader) that you'll wonder why you waited 7 years to start it.
I wish you would start mine.... 🌿🐯🔥⚔That would really make me proud. Since you have such a philosophical and thoughtful mind. It's called KUARILAND (By F.L. Rosenthal) I just put in out for the Americas in English. I'd call it: "Indigenous low magic Fantasy" It has lots of: unsolved mysteries, megafauna, intrigues, chases through dark woods and one female character you have never encountered before and another one you will absolutely love. The 2. book (440p) is finished and will be translated and available in English early 2025. The 3. book is on its way. Have a good weekend!
Cradle is great! First book is the weakest but it continues to get better. Wight is really good at character work, which tends to be listed as a weakness for a lot of progression fantasy. (And yes I'm a Sanderson Fan 😂)
Powder Mage is the only other series I’ve read that feels like First Law, and it gets better with each installment! Also Locke Lamora is a lot of fun and one of my faves, so both of these are highly recommended!
You've listed two of my favourite series of all time (Earthsea and Liveship Traders) so making me choose which to vote for is an act of violence! But I think I'm gonna give it to Ship of Magic because it's the one I think you'll like the most. My series I really need to start: - Broken Earth - Dandelion Dynasty - Book of Dust
Cradle is definitely progression fantasy. It’s mostly really good, but I do think it won’t be a favorite for you. Powder mage is fun! The sequel trilogy as well. And he’s started an even better series since!
Locke Lamora for sure. It is one of my top 5 favorite series. All three books are great in their own way. I am also less distressed about it not being finished than A song of Ice and Fire or Kingkiller, because those series have so many unresolved mysteries, whereas the Gentleman Bastards has mysteries, but it isn't so central to the storytelling.
LeGuin or Hobb would be amazing to hear your opinions on. I'd lean more towards Hobb, personally. I'm nearing the end of Realm of the Elderlings and it is the best long form epic fantasy I've read.
I'm definitely voting got Ship Of Magic in regards to which series you should prioritize, I was kind of hoping you maybe give Memory, Sorrow And Thorn a chance unless you've already read it? If you like slow books it doesn't get much slower than that and I mean that as a compliment to the series.
@@Mightyjordy Did you finish book 7 already? I’ve only just started, but it’s already great. Have you checked out the 2toRamble DCC content, incredible stuff. On the side, Bookborn’s episode with those dudes is pretty funny as well.
@@bookdmb yes, yes, and yes! I'll have to think on it a bit before I decide if I like it better than butcher's masquerade, but it's definitely either first or second on my favorites in the series. And I watch all the 2 to Ramble stuff, they're super fun!
The Farthest Shore, as it will take you just a few days. Followed by Locke Lamora. It's easy to read, and is superb. And yes, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Ship of Magic! I can already picture the classic bookborrn deep dive video on this trilogy. You have 1000 things to say haha.
Ship of Magic seems to be the winner. Whiiiichhh will validate every person who has tried so hard to get me to read it 😂
Ship of Magic! Prepare to feel all the feelings, it's sweeping and consuming and so rich (and SLOW).
Man, those characters stuck with me since I read the series. Hobbs characters in general are so good in general, but this series really is something else...
One of my all time favorites books ever
ok ok okkkkkk heard loud and clear!
@@Bookborn
The last Farseer Trilogy Book was the worst of all 13 of these Hobbs Series. I almost stopped. Just start reading. You may keep going to the second Fitz series after...The final book (13) wrecked me.
I'd like to thank everyone for all the support in the comments saying to read Ship of Magic. If we unite we can fight against the lies of Bookborn
You have my sword
We thank you for your service!
People really united against me here and for you Jake. I guess it's the legless privilege showing
@@Bookborn I think it is inspiring to see people unite against injustice
Lies of Locke Lamora! Right up your alley, it’s the only choice!
Ship of Magic is winning by far, but I already promised I'd read this this year so It'll happen too lol
@ they’re just wrong! 😂
@@Bookbornbut sheet Ship of Magic you will have to read 12 more books
Something you also NEED to start is Arcane, I'd love you talked about it cause i can't think of anything else right now 😭🙏
I second this! Bookborn would love arcane! Another series I can picture her doing deep dives on
thirded. I'm sitting on nails waiting for the end of Season 2
Sooooo many people have told me to start arcane. idk why I can't just get myself to start it. Haven't been watching a ton of tv so it's so hard for me to just SIT DOWN.
@@Bookborn I understand. I have a long list of TV shows that I need to watch, but I can't bring myself to watch much. Arcane is one of the exceptions.
#RatherBeReading
Farthest Shore is my favorite in the Earthsea series
I'll def read a summary - I remember the broad strokes anyway, but I figure a summary will be enough to jog my memory
Bookborn you’ll LOVE Liveship Traders I’m working through it right now, I’m in the back half of ship of destiny!
You'll have to report if the final book ends it well! I didn't LOVE the ending of Farseer, even though I thought it was a solid series overall.
My vote is definitely for Le Guin. I only had read the first Earthsea book until a couple years back, and I was so happy I read books 2 and 3. So very worth it, truly wonderful writing. These are books I'll forever own and will re-read in future.
Second vote is definitely for Locke Lamora!! I can't believe you've not read that one. Wonderful writing, great plotting, a bit over the top at times but in all the best ways. Some of the profanity gets a bit much for me at times, but I think that's just a me problem haha. I think you'll love this one, and you totally can just read the first one and be fine.
Liveship Traders is such an amazing trilogy. I think you’ll really love it. The Farthest Shore is my absolute favorite Earthsea book. You’re in for a treat.
I think I'm just going to read a summary of the first two earthsea books - seems like you don't need to remember too many details for book 3 according to other commenters!
@ yes that’s true. If you already read them, you should be good to read a summary.
Le Guinn!! I read the first earthsea a while back ad didn't continue, but reading the Dispossessed this year, I was blown away. Currently reading the Word for World is Forest to continue it, but the jury is still out. Too many of my friends have praised the later Earthsea books for me to not come back to them.
I didn't love the first book when I read it, but I loved the second and enjoyed the rest of the series
I loved Earthsea but I've got mixed feelings about the Dispossessed.
My first le Guin I didn't love either (the Middle) but really enjoyed the first two earthsea. Maybe you never fully enjoy your first book of her lol. I'm reading her short story collection slowly (so I've read Word for World is Forest) and her philosophical stuff is very good
@Bookborn I also read Forest and was really intrigued by it. I ought to check out more of her scifi
@@Bookborn It was beautifully written but I didn't really enjoy the Dispossessed. I felt the worldbuilding to be weak actually. I just wasn't really interested in furry humans at 1950s cocktail parties or the furry humans communists on the moon. Which is the whole book.
SHIP OF MAGIC! Liveship Traders is one of the most impactful series for me as a person. I love hearing people talk about it.
Not the first seven comments here all being Ship of Magic. OK OK I've heard it loud and clear, time to prioritize it
Yes please continue Earthsea! The Farthest Shore takes place a while after the first two, so you don't necessarily have to reread. As long as you remember who Ged is generally you should be fine. The fourth book Tehanu, which you would LOVE, would benefit from a reread of book 2 since it is a deep dive character study of the main character from that book. (Also book 2 is a short masterpiece, so it's easy to reread 😊)
Ship of Magic for sure! You will love it and have SO much to discuss!!
Ursula is fantastic. Just FYI, since she was so influential and wrote so long ago, if you've read a lot of more modern fantasy and sci-fi (which I know you have), then a lot of her stuff can seem more... uh... parochial? Or maybe more "simple." I'm not sure what word I'm looking for here, but I know a lot of more modern Le Guin readers who seem unimpressed.
I think her works, Earthsea in particular, are still well worth the read.
Powdermage Series! Like you, I enjoy slower paced, character driven books. I was pleasantly surprised to find I loved this series! maybe not slower paced but the characters are so good. I also have not read Lies of Locke L yet, but it is on my growing list!
My vote is definitely Ship of Magic. I literally just finished the trilogy last month and based off of things I've seen you like on your channel, I really think you'll enjoy it. In my opinion, it's much better than Farseer and the fact that it is multi-POV shows off Hobb's ability to write deep characters more than farseer
Does it have a better ending than Farseer? That was the one thing that kept Farseer off my favorite series lists. I really enjoyed it, but the ending didn't deliver enough to make it a fav.
@@Bookborn I strongly think so. All the narrative lines converge in the final book and she reveals some things that had been dangling right in front of you the whole time. It felt much more coherent and thought-out than Farseer
Ursule Le Guin! I actually also have and even started but simply didn't continue and finish one of her books. I just know she's a pioneer in her genre and I'd like to know whether she's worth getting into or not.
i would recommend starting with her short fiction or novellas! the first things i read by her were "the ones who walk away from omelas" (short story) and "the word for world is forest" (a novella )! highly recommend both!!
@ thank you so much! will do
Powdermage is pretty incredible, definitely my vote. Also, I have only ever read the first Gentleman Bastard book and it totally works as a standalone.
Ship of Magic! It's in my top 10 series. Her characters are top tier and following their arcs was such a journey. I think youll love it.
Locke Lamora is my second vote. I enjoyed it, but flashbacks aren't my favorite.
I still need to read John Gwynn!
I was thinking the same. Liveship first. Gentleman Bastard's second.
The Lies of Locke Lamora is incredible. It totally worked for me as a standalone and I actually never got around to any of the sequels 😂
I've heard this a lot which is great because it makes starting it less overwhelming lol
Yes! Your husband is right on the Lies of Locke Lamora, so fun. Going to start book 2 soon.
Lies of Locke Lamora has my vote. I think you will really enjoy it.
Ship of Magic! My best friend kept suggesting the Realm of the Elderlings series for years, and after finishing it, probably my second favorite series of all time. Liveship trilogy is different from the first trilogy, but so very good. And it interconnects subtley in ways with the rest of the series that pays off well. I really need to read Lies as well, that's been on my TBR forever. Gonna put on my Secret Santa wishlist, so maybe if I get a copy it will motivate me :)
Can't wait to hear any book reviewer talk about the final book in that series. Will never get over it
Ship of Magic please & thank you so I can edit shorts of you talking about my favorite Author lol
Lmao not the editor pick 🤣
The Lies of Locke Lamora is fantastic and definitely my vote!
YES SHIP OF MAGIC
Im most interested in seeing Earthsea content. :)
The third book doesn't pick up where the last one left off, it's pretty disconnected. As long as you remember Ged and the magic school, almost everything else is new. And it's SO fascinating to experience more of the wider world.
I hope you love Lies of Locke Lamora!! Lynch’s wit, humor, settings, and dialogue are chef’s-kiss good! It does indeed read like a standalone.
Liveships-same! I’ve put it off for two years, and I think it’s the length! 😅
I have confidence that book 4 will be released in the not so far feature. Lynch seems to be doing better and has released a new Locke Lamora short story recently (or at least half of it, the second half will come in January). BTW @bookborn This counts as a vote for Lies of Locke Lamora. 🙂
@ How exciting! I love that series!!!
Maybe you and I need to just jump in and read Liveships together to overcome our fear Johanna
Ship of Magic. You'll love Althea and Wintrow and Brashen. The goings-on and dialog among the sea serpents is ick, though. Thank you.
Powder Mage and Lies of Locke are both major ones on my to read next year! I can't wait to start them!
I vote Ship of Magic. I also veer towards slower-paced books. I like to settle in and soak it all up. I don't like to feel rushed. The authors I really want to try this coming year are Anthony Ryan and Christopher Ruocchio
Anthony Ryan has also been on my list because my husband really liked his trilogy! I did Ruocchio this year and really enjoyed Empire of Silence!
You ought to be just fine picking up The Farthest Shore. Read Le Guin; keep the rest of those books on the back burner, especially Lock Lamora.
I'm voting ship of magic - cause it's also one that been sitting around waiting for me to start reading - so I'm hoping that you starting it might give me some motivation to start it myself 😂
LOL the OUTSOURCING
I’ve been told I’m not a real high fantasy fan until I’ve read The Wheel of Time. So guess what I’m starting after Wind and Truth?
Ehhh I hate when people say things like that. You can def be a fantasy fan without it. That saiiiidddd I love wheel of time so 🤣
As a fellow Sanderson Superfan, I think you'll love Powder Mage (and actually I preferred the second trilogy over the first). He was a student of Sanderson at BYU, and it really shows, in particular in his magic system.
Liveship Traders is the best trilogy ive ever read...and id reccomend it to almost nobody. Its the slowest books ive ever read. Seriously. Think Farseer was slow? You dont know slow till youve read this. BUT its a tight knit story with THE GREATEST VILLAIN EVER WRITTEN. Book 3 will make you cry. Paragon. PARAGON. Oh man. Just anbincredibly well written trilogy. But its not for everyone. Its not character first, its character only. Hope you enjoy it!
My mother in law kept asking me when is this book going to start picking up. I told her EVENTUALLY MOM JUST HOLD YOUR HORSES. Eventually she loved it, but yeah it is a slooooooow start
@Mightyjordy id say ship of magic never picks up. Mad ship and ship of destiny for sure do though
@@ashleyholbird4287 really? I actually thought that by about Chapter 10/11 once Kyle became a big force of opposition, it really picked up
Liveship Traders - also plan on starting this soon so would be hype to get some content on it
I loved Cradle! I blew through that series. Also Will Wight went to my college so that was cool to find out.
Lies of Locke Lamora works great as a standalone! It's also the only one of these that I've read, and I loved it to 4.5 stars, so it gets an easy vote for me.
Though the first Earthsea was a five star read for me, still for some reason I haven't gotten to the sequels for 7 years, it's something I'm way past due for. Not sure why I put it off, but the allure of the new thing to try - I know I'd have to reread Wizard before the others, which ought to be awesome but for how it can feel reductive to my substantial unread library.
lmao from the comment section it seems like loving Earthsea but randomly not reading another Earthsea book is super common 🤣 I think it's because they feel like complete stories! So you can end it and not feel like you immediately have to pick up the next one
@@Bookborn Maybe that's part of it, WoE had a fantastic end, it's a little surprising that the story goes on!
I think it's also when an author or series has transcended into beloved classics, potential fans can delay and delay picking them up, or reading another, until the "right moment", if that exists. In the meantime, there's _pleanty_ of current stories that are part of the current conversation - the danger is we never get to the seminal works.
I shouldn't be so prissy about it, I'd love to reread WoE, and it won't take too long, even for me.
The Liveship books I can't praise enough. I actually read them after the Tawny Man trilogy, mostly because I didn't want to leave Fitz but it absolutely did not disappoint! The Realm of the Elderlings is my joint favourite book series, alongside ASOIAF, so I hope you read the rest at some point! Lies of Locke Lamora is also VERY good! I've not gotten around to reading the rest of the books in the series though so I need to get on that.
Robin Hobb Ship of Magic!
Ship of magic!! I need to read the third for my reread
I'd vote for Liveship Traders it is great like all Robin Hobb! I actually just finished re-reading Liveship Traders (and the Tawny Man trilogy). Lies of Locke Lamora is just plain fun and Powdermage is really quite good as well.
the "two years ago" whisper got me🤣
Poor Jake 🥲
@ poor Jake indeed
I vote Ship of magic! I just finished live ship traders and I liked it even better than farseer, which I loved!! It’s great seeing Hobb open up to more POVs.
Personally think you will love Locke Lamora though, surprised you haven’t read that one yet!
And I need to finish the 3d earth sea too!!! I just never did?
Absolutely love Ursula tho, dispossessed was my fav sci-fi by her.
Lies of Locke Lamora!!!
I’d be very interested to see if you liked Ship of Magic or if you have the same experience I did.
Yesss you really didn't like it right?? Which was surprising since I feel like everyone in our corner always raves and raves about it
@@Bookborn Nope, I had a pretty negative reaction to it and DNFed the trilogy. I'm going to continue with Tawny Man next year, though!
Cradle is so good for busy seasons! They are like crack, the pages turn themselves!
Two of the leads from the Liveship trilogy are among by favorite characters. Very well-developed characters overall.
CRADLE is amazing it reads like a anime feels in the best way ossible
What a great set of options 😍 I add my votes to Ship of Magic, then Farthest Shore, then Lies of Locke Lamora.
Farthest shore is really good, rounds off the original trilogy well.
I would love to see content on the powder mage trilogy! I've always been so curious and it might be the push I need to start it myself
I bought the trilogy based solely on the cover art and I wasn't disappointed. It wasn't my favorite fantasy series but I liked the idea of revolutionary era fighting and weapon combined with magic.
My vote goes in this order.
Cradle is S tier progression fantasy. BTW Have you read Cradle.
You have definitely read progression fantasy. DCC is progression/Power fantasy/litrpg/gamelit/System Apocalypse.
Progression is not alway about stats,skills and power progression
Lies of Lock Lamora: Each book can be read as standalone. If you like heist stories then this one will be a treat.
Powder Mage: Really good series. You will enjoy the lore and the magic system
Earthsea. It is relatively short and you can jump into it.
Ship of magic: You are quite correct about the pacing. If you have read hobb. You will
I actually just about recommending Malazn to you while listening to a book club recap yesterday.
Malazan Book of the Fallen. It should go into your TBR It is fantasy like you have never read before.
I’m currently reading the last book of the Liveship Traders series and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it soon! 😄 My second vote, if there's something like that, would go to The Lies of Locke Lamora.
Live ship! The realm of the elderlings is my all time favorite story.
Great choices. Lies of Locke Lamora and Liveship Traders is S-Tier Fantasy. Unfortunately, I did read the first two Cradle books and did not enjoy them but hopefully you will!
The Powder Mage trilogy is also good (read it this year) but I would definitely prioritise Robin Hobb and Scott Lynch!
I read two Will Wight books and thought they were stinkers
Just FYI, the first two Cradle books are kinda stinkers and not at all representative of the rest of the series. I'd at least give it one more. (The best character in the series barely appears in the first two books, for one.)
I'm a littttleee worried that the time for me to enjoy Cradle is passed. I think when I was first getting into adult fantasy and reading a lot more fast paced stuff, I might've enjoyed them more. I'm wondering if they'll feel too shallow, especially after my foray into ASOIAF. But, they are so short, I figure I have to at least try the first 2-3.
@@Bookborn They're definitely popcorn reads.
Read GRRM’s “In the Lost Lands” before the movie coming in 3months!
Of these 5.. Cradle. Just since liveship already has enough votes.
I felt very comfortable spanning Liveship Traders over a full year. I think it's a great January choice 🙂 So many wonderful ideas at play thematically, I think you'll find it very rewarding.
(Also started Earthsea last week!)
The Liveship books are my favorite trilogy in the Elderlings series. Definitely read SoM
I absolutely loved Farseer. The Liveship Traders series took some time to get into, but then I loved it too (though Farseer is still my favorite of the two). I think you would enjoy Liveship.
I'll race you to Lies of Locke Lamora and Powder Mage :D both are on my reading lists for next year as well, so I'd vote for these two. And I also second some earlier commenters: are you planning on continuing Malazan???
I haven't given up on Malazan yet!! I just needed a break, especially after getting SO into ASOIAF. I can't promise it'll be soon, but I do think I'll return.
@Bookborn definitely not an easy read, I'd say - had to take two breaks while reading the main series lol. But I'd definitely be interested to hear your thoughts about these books.
Do audio books to increase the amount of books you finish. But be selective of which books you choose to read or listen to.
Ship of Magic
I can soo relate, I was completely like that too with the Robin Hobb.. so I vote Robin Hobb to read!! Have fun, happy reading!! 😃📚
Live ship for sure!! I’m excited to prioritise Dandelion Dynasty next year :)
I vote Locke Lamora!
Great choices you and your husband have! If I had to pick anything I'd vote for Lies of Locke Lamora. I'd be super interested to see what you think of this series, or at least the intro to it.
You and me both with having Lies of Locke Lamora on the tbr for YEARS. I swore I would get to it this year... next year for sure 😅
Ship of Magic is my vote! Different from Farseer in that it's multi-POV, but still has Hobb's amazing character work and really expands the world of the Realm of the Elderlings!
Ship of Magic.
Those are all excellent series to read. Lies of Locke Lamora is my vote. I think either it or Ship of Magic will be your favorite. A caution on Cradle that the first book or two is not quite as good IMHO so push through and don't bounce if you don't love the first book.
Cradle! Such quick reads
I absolutely loved Liveship traders! I thought it was far better than anything in the Fitz saga (which I actually thought was a bit overrated). Lies of lock Lamora I do actually want to get to eventually. I actually loved Cradle to death, maybe one of my favorite series, but honestly as I was reading it I thought about how the reason I loved it so much was because it appealed to my Shonen Dragonball Z/Naruto anime nostalgia. So I’d be very curious to see what you think, especially with a new book coming out this Thursday to those who backed the kickstarter! Also I usually tell people that it’s a progression fantasy, so the whole point of the first few books is that the character is pretty weak, which can be annoying to read but the longer you stick with it the better it gets because he keeps finding more and more clever ways to power up.
Series I’ve put off forever was Wheel of Time, and I’m on book 4 and honestly I don’t know if I’ll ever finish it. It just is a bit of a slog and I’m supposedly in the best one.
I also have been putting off Malazan, just because it’s Malazan. It will forever be the series that I’ll get to eventually
John from Talking Story is making his way through Realm of the Elderlings and I believe will soon be starting Ship of Magic-maybe you two could join forces.
As for me, my current priority is finishing Legend of the Galactic Heroes. I have the last three books waiting for me back home in the States, so I'll need to grab them when I return.
I just finished Children of Time, which is bound to make it into my top ten books of the year. I was so hooked that I immediately bought the second book in the trilogy and plan to start it once I finish The King Must Die by Mary Renault, which I'm currently reading.
Beyond that, I'm hoping to begin His Dark Materials, Masters of Rome, and Shadows of the Apt.
Happy Reading!
📖
My vote is on Ship of Magic!
Liveship Traders is sooooo good.
I would love for you to read Liveship Traders. In comparison to Farseer, it's much more action-driven in its narrative (still great character work though!) and it's multi-perspective (with third person point of view writing). The first time I read the Liveship Traders trilogy, I finished the entire trilogy in just under a month, including the few days I spent reading a book between Ship of Magic and Mad Ship and another book between Mad Ship and Ship of Destiny.
I really liked--and even loved as time goes on, the more and more I think about it--the story that I read authored by Scott Lynch in the Book of Magic anthology, so it makes me interested in trying his series because his writing was just lovely to read.
Next year, I have plans to read series with Allen (Alchemy Wars by Ian Tregillis, Boudica by Manda Scott, and Scavenger by K. J. Parker) and hope to read Tad Williams's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy and at least start Adrian Tchaikovsky's Shadow of the Apt series. We'll see if any of that actually happens!
Of course you'd be reading a KJ Parker with Allen 😂 Yeah, I need to remember that "slow" books don't always mean it's "slow" reading. After all, I raced through Feast for Crows which most people say is the slowest book. Thank u for giving me hope
Not really a series but Guy Gavriel Kay is a must read if you are into fantasy. Most of his books are stand alone or duologies. His settings start with a real historical setting and he adds his own twist (Imperial China, Spanish moors, ancient Britian, etc.).
I read Under Heaven last year! I did a live about it on Read by Kyle's channel. I'm def planning on reading more, I enjoyed Under Heaven a lot.
I read(listened) Dresden book 1 so based on that and that you didn’t like it much either I think you should try “Iron Druid Chronicles”. It has a much better atmosphere/sense of humor. I would say listen to the audiobook though - my mom said all the Irish names made it confusing for her. I think letting the narrator read “Siodhachan“ might be less jarring than parsing it visually each time?
Personally I guess I will read the Stormlight Archive… someday lol
I will vote for Ship of Magic since I also read Farseer but it did not hook me into reading the rest. Maybe you can convince me to continue.
That’s a great list! I think you would like Liveship traders you did just say you like slower paced books and you really get to marinate in the world Hobb creates.
Will you complete malazan?
Lies of Locke Lamora is a great series! Scott Lynch has been open talking about his mental health/ anxiety. He says he's been writing but his anxiety was so bad that he couldn't give it to anyone to read. He said he has made progress with medication and therapy to get a point that he can publish his works again. He has some short stories set in the world of Locke Lamora coming out and hopefully we'll get a main book too announced
Powder mages trilogy! I want to try and start Malazan next year 👀
The Lies of Locke Lamora is such a pleasant read that you breeze thru it. So many twists and turns that keep you turning the pages (or swiping to the next if on an e-reader) that you'll wonder why you waited 7 years to start it.
I wish you would start mine.... 🌿🐯🔥⚔That would really make me proud. Since you have such a philosophical and thoughtful mind. It's called KUARILAND (By F.L. Rosenthal) I just put in out for the Americas in English. I'd call it: "Indigenous low magic Fantasy"
It has lots of: unsolved mysteries, megafauna, intrigues, chases through dark woods and one female character you have never encountered before and another one you will absolutely love.
The 2. book (440p) is finished and will be translated and available in English early 2025.
The 3. book is on its way.
Have a good weekend!
Cradle is great! First book is the weakest but it continues to get better. Wight is really good at character work, which tends to be listed as a weakness for a lot of progression fantasy. (And yes I'm a Sanderson Fan 😂)
I’d like to see more Earthsea cycle content. 🐉
Yes, Cradle!
I've read one book before you did! Read The Gentleman Bastards this year. It's your style for sure. You will love it
Oooh! I read all of Realm of the Elderlings this year. You will like those too
Thanks for those ideas. I read Locke Lamorra; it is awesome. I hope that he can write more when he feels well enough.
I've also been kicking lies of locke lamora down the road for about 2 years! Definitely on my list as well!
Powder Mage is the only other series I’ve read that feels like First Law, and it gets better with each installment! Also Locke Lamora is a lot of fun and one of my faves, so both of these are highly recommended!
You've listed two of my favourite series of all time (Earthsea and Liveship Traders) so making me choose which to vote for is an act of violence! But I think I'm gonna give it to Ship of Magic because it's the one I think you'll like the most.
My series I really need to start:
- Broken Earth
- Dandelion Dynasty
- Book of Dust
Cradle is definitely progression fantasy. It’s mostly really good, but I do think it won’t be a favorite for you.
Powder mage is fun! The sequel trilogy as well. And he’s started an even better series since!
Locke Lamora for sure. It is one of my top 5 favorite series. All three books are great in their own way.
I am also less distressed about it not being finished than A song of Ice and Fire or Kingkiller, because those series have so many unresolved mysteries, whereas the Gentleman Bastards has mysteries, but it isn't so central to the storytelling.
Robin Hobb is one of my all time favorite authors and your definitely need to keep reading and record your thoughts
LeGuin or Hobb would be amazing to hear your opinions on. I'd lean more towards Hobb, personally. I'm nearing the end of Realm of the Elderlings and it is the best long form epic fantasy I've read.
I'm interested in hearing more about the Earthsea or Cradle series (hopefully both!) 📚
I'm definitely voting got Ship Of Magic in regards to which series you should prioritize, I was kind of hoping you maybe give Memory, Sorrow And Thorn a chance unless you've already read it? If you like slow books it doesn't get much slower than that and I mean that as a compliment to the series.
I was going to mention Dungeon Crawler Carl. It really “levels up”!
Since finishing the last book I’m on a DCC high and watch literally anything about it. Was happy she’s continuing with the series!
@@Mightyjordy Did you finish book 7 already? I’ve only just started, but it’s already great. Have you checked out the 2toRamble DCC content, incredible stuff. On the side, Bookborn’s episode with those dudes is pretty funny as well.
@@bookdmb yes, yes, and yes! I'll have to think on it a bit before I decide if I like it better than butcher's masquerade, but it's definitely either first or second on my favorites in the series. And I watch all the 2 to Ramble stuff, they're super fun!
I'm going to start DCC 2 this month! My husband is reading the seventh right now, he's really loving the series.
The Farthest Shore, as it will take you just a few days. Followed by Locke Lamora. It's easy to read, and is superb. And yes, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Liveship Traders!