Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?
This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.
Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
The Malazan series maybe? personally dnf'd it since it lacked character focus and development for me but if you dig worldbuilding its kinda king.
The Sun Eater series by Cristopher Ruocchio, one book still not out, but you'd have 6 to read to catch up. MC starts out idealistic but things change quickly.
The Bloodsworm saga by John Gwynne recently finished. I'd say it's borderline, characters are mostly following their own motivations, killing is just part of their world, maybe a bit of commentary on slavery but it doesn't feel like a modern sermon it is guilty of the fantasy thing where women have unrealistic combat ability however.
Powder Mage series and it's sequels seemed to mostly avoid this but it's been a while since I've read them so I could be misremembering.
The Witcher series would probably fit this if you haven't read it.
Been recommended The Black Company by Glen Cook a lot for this sort of fantasy, but haven't personally read it yet, on my to read list.
Just started Heroes Die, part of the Acts of Caine series as I was looking for something similar to what you're describing after how guilty of all this Sanderson's latest was. I'll update if it's any good I guess.
If you don't mind manga Berserk fits, and it's not fantasy but I just finished oyasumi Punpun and that story definitely doesn't sanitize it's characters thoughts author might fit your sadism complaint though, even though the characters don't.
this one is quite funny in "The first is that the main characters will go out of their way to virtue-signal some stance or action to appeal to the modern Western audience" category
at the same it has some quite evident targeted attacks and virtue-signalling, but...
Even blatant ethic/racist discrimination stuff is far less jarring as it has more realistic presentation than in a typical modern story (usually both sides did shitty things)
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link