Recs if you like The Hands of the Emperor...

SFF with worldbuilding that informs the plot, prose, characters, and underlying narrative in deeply meaningful, intentional, and complex ways, so much so that changing the world means changing the shape of the story itself. Or: worldbuilding that goes beyond simple set dressing and becomes a vehicle for the story and narrative. Always open to recs and suggestions! ❤️

Do you feel like you've read everything there is to read? Or get annoyed that the same books are on all the rec lists? Well, here are some more obscure masterpieces!

Some of the covers are terrible - especially among the older or self-pubbed books; there's a few YA in here; and some that are science fantasy rather than 'pure' fantasy. But trust me: they're all EXCELLENT. (And if you already love a bunch of these, let's be friends!)

less of the usual culprits if you please!

The heroes prevailed years ago, and now they're back on another quest.

The top 100 fantasy novels according to the r/fantasy list as voted on by the community - this includes series (represented by the first book in the series) and standalones.

The list is in order with Middle Earth ( represented by Lord of the rings) being number 1 going down to the 100th.

(Note: Mistborn is position 8 while Cosmere is position 35 - as Mistborn is within the Cosmere I lumped it in with the 35th position so it is lower down than on the original list)

red tape but make it fantasy

If you tell me it's political fantasy, I don't need to hear more, thank you

(I might add a few historical fiction as well if it's heavily political -in my opinion, or if it's recommended as such)

Fantasy which exists within the confines of an elaborate hierarchical society, often with lots of rules attached. Lots of crossover with historical fiction and historical fantasy; might be good for fans of Austen, Wilde, &c!

Fairy tale and folklore-inspired narratives as well as atmospheric/quiet/light fantasy with canon aspec characters, aspec-readable themes such as rejection of relationship hierarchy and meaningful companionships, or simply excluding elements of either sexuality or romance. Limiting these to books aimed at adults but will include kidlit that may resonate with older audiences too, such as classics or kidlit with older protagonists.

Book that feature prominent character(s) who's on asexual/aromantic spectrum. I've read most of these.

For my fellow asexual community. Go forth and conquer, er, read. 💜🖤🩶🤍 Books featuring canonically asexual main characters and perspectives from demi, gray, sex positive, sex neutral, to sex repulsed. Includes nonfiction recs as well.

Independently published fantasy & Scifi that deserve more love

A civil servant's fave Spec Fic featuring politicians, rulers and government workers

All of Victoria Goddard's Nine Worlds books ordered by in-world time. (Earliest book at the top of the list.) As per the reading order page on Goddard's website.

(Upcoming release not yet included: Bubble and Squeak, Greenwing and Dart #7)