10 Complex Fantasy Books That Reward You For Attention

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10 Complex Fantasy Books That Reward You For Attention

It is Nothing is more satisfying than a dense fantasy novel that rewards the reader for paying close attention. Great imaginations come in all shapes and sizes, and many of the most beloved books and series feature huge ensemble casts that can be difficult to sift through and memorize. In addition, the reader is expected to memorize a fresh world with original political and cultural systems, all while an often complex, multi-layered plot unfolds. Epic like George RR Martin A Song of Ice and Fire Book series require a particular level of attention and understanding, and that knowledge pays off.

In the case of long-form fantasy vi The Wheel of Time book series, stories will often take multiple installments to take shape. Then a book comes along that uses the massive build-up and knocks it all down with pivotal plot twists or reveals. Consider famous events like the Red Wedding or big plot twists in the Mistborn saga And how the author leaves subtle clues in place. These books are incredibly fun to read again, but they can be even more fulfilling for those who pay attention, to begin with, examining the hints that are laid out and compiling the pieces.

10

Words of brilliance

The Stormlight Archive

Words of brilliance is not only commonly regarded as the best book in The Stormlight Archive series; It’s arguably Brandon Sanderson’s best book overall. Brandon Sanderson introduces audiences to a complex fantasy world in Roshar, and there’s such a vast amount of lore that it’s nearly impossible to keep track of every character detail and plot point. But Sanderson likes to tease his readers, and there are plenty of indicators along the way for where the story is heading..

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what Words of brilliance It is so good to take the stories established The way of kings And expand on them by bringing their letters together. In doing so, Words of brilliance Allows for Some of the series’ most significant character reveals, particularly Kaladin and Shallan. The Stormlight Archive is more character-driven than other epic fantasy series, and the novel will be fulfilling for those who have paid careful attention to the main plot.

9

The light of all that falls

The Licanius Trilogy


The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington

James Islington The Licanius Trilogy is a popular series in contemporary fantasy, and they are Often praised for their frequent plot twists. For those who really love a meandering fantasy story that constantly keeps the reader on their toes, any book in the saga could fit the criteria. The light of all that falls is the best reviewed book in the series by readers on Goodreads, with an impressive 4.4/5 stars, much of which is due to its powerful ending.

The light of everything that falls The end is celebrated for being difficult to predictBut those who have carefully followed the four points of connection will be able to put the pieces together. Islington carefully weaves his narrative, and the final volume, while shocking, is absolutely fulfilling the narrative he establishes. Contrary to Sanderson, The Licanius Trilogy is more plot-driven than character-driven, for readers who are more interested in that aspect of fantasy.

8

The Shadow Rising

The Wheel of Time

The Wheel of Time Book series can be a challenge to get through, due to its slower pacing and massive length. book 4 The Shadow Risingis often considered the pinnacle of the series, and it is easily one of the most fulfilling literary experiences. Of course, this book sees various threads throughout the world of The Wheel of TimeAnd it’s always a rewarding experience to be able to follow the broad plot that Robert Jordan creates.

This novel contains one of the biggest plot twists in its Tar Valon plot. Cleverly, the book opens with the perspective of Min, a girl who is able to see visions of the future, showing terrible, violent things happening, establishing the perfect lead-in for what’s to come. There are ultimately about three game-changing climaxes throughout the novelAll of which are foreshadowed and have a long-lasting impact on the series.

7

The Crippled God

Malazan Book of the Fallen


Anomander Rake on the cover of Malazan's first book, Gardens of the Moon.

When you ask a well-read fantasy lover where to start with complex fantasy, chances are they’ll say Malazan Book of the Fallen. It developed its reputation for being relentlessly convoluted, with a sprawling series of events and a massive cast of characters. Costed by minimal to no exposure. Progressing through all ten volumes of Molasses is an achievement for any reader, but fully understanding what Steven Erikson’s story is about is even more impressive.

The end of The Crippled God Is worth reading for any fantasy lover because it is so thematically rich and narratively sophisticated, with a deep, bittersweet resolution. Trying to piece together the events of Molasses The plot is a challenge, but what ultimately matters is the thematic depth that Steven Erikson explores, making the complexity very worthwhile.

6

Assassin’s apprentice

The Farseer Trilogy


Cover art for Robin Hobb's novels Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin and Assassin's Quest.

Robin Hobb The Farseer Trilogy is another set of fantasy novels that offer a truly emotional experience. In this case, it is the first book, Assassin’s apprenticeWhich makes up for its slow pacing with an excellent finish. Assassin’s apprentice offers thick, Complex fantasy paired with hard-hitting emotional resonance.

Praise for The Farseer Trilogy Often highlights the relationship between Fitz and Burrich as incredibly rich and nuanced. Hobb uses a rare first-person perspective, allowing the reader to be integrated into Fitz’s life, and it contributes to the rewarding experience. A major aspect of following Fitz in the first person is that he is not the most reliable narrator. It is easy to follow what he says and feel, but the most intelligent readers will notice what he does not See what makes this series so rewarding.

5

Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows

Harry Potter

The final volume of the Harry Potter series is among the most widely read fantasy books ever, and it maximizes on everything that came before. throughout the series, Severus Snape is the biggest question mark, with his loyalties constantly questioned. Harry is convinced that he is a villain in The Sorcerer’s StoneAnd his trust in the professor continues to erode as the series progresses.

The Half-Blood Prince Sees Snape doing an unspeakable act, which leads to his role in the final volume of the series. The twist in The Deadly Hallows will reshape the entire view of the Harry Potter BooksAnd it’s fascinating to reflect on how clues and motivations are laid out in each novel. There are several reasons why millions of fans continue to read these Harry Potter Series religious, and one is that the ending is executed perfectly.

4

The return of the king

The Lord of the Rings

“The Scouring of the Shire” is known for being the most significant chapter left in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy

JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings Books are not the first saga one can think of for plot twists. Compared to the likes of A Song of Ice and FireTolkien’s books are considered quite simple, with black-and-white heroes and villains. But that’s why Read The return of the kingEspecially after seeing the movies, it is such an effectively rewarding experience, How the ending completely changes the perspective on the saga.

“The Scouring of the Shire” is known for being the most significant chapter left in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, and this is because it drastically changes the ending of the final volume. Rather than the hobbits returning to peace in the Shire, they return to a fresh new conflict, leading to another final battle. The return of the king Not rewarding his readers for paying attention to plot elements that build up to a twist, but instead for paying attention to what the quest and the story have always been about.

3

Last argument of kings

The first law


Covers of the First Law Trilogy books by Joe Abercrombie

One of the many brilliant aspects of The first law Trilogy is that Joe Abercrombie doesn’t really stop to tell the reader what’s going on. Some stories are quite straightforward, but they don’t all come together until the third volume, Last argument of kingsWhen the multi-decade scheming efforts of a main character are revealed. The first law It challenges its readers to follow some despicable characters, but what’s surprising is the amount that people end up rooting for them against even worse antagonists.

Joe Abercrombie wrote all three volumes before they were published, so the clues for each reveal were planned carefully

Due to the lingering effect of The Lord of the RingsThe reader spends much of The first law Trilogy tends to trust the wise wizard, although he’s clearly keeping some secrets. This leaves so much of the meaning of the trilogy in the hands of Bayaz, whose motives are unclear from the start. Joe Abercrombie wrote all three volumes before they were published, so the clues for each reveal were planned carefully, and It all ties together so neatly that it leaves the reader equally depressed and impressed..

2

The Last Empire

Mistborn

Brandon Sanderson is among the most popular contemporary fantasy readers, and much of his success has ridden on the lasting impact of his most widely read works. Mistborn Is not quite as dark as A Song of Ice and Fire Or The first lawBut his third volume delivers a superbly crafted bittersweet fantasy ending, leaving a lasting emotional impact. Few authors can make their readers care about the protagonists as Sanderson does, and increase the impact of The Last Empire.

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Perhaps what is most impressive about Sanderson’s novels is how he pits his heroes against insurmountable odds, but puts them in positions to overcome their antagonists in believable ways. At the beginning of the trilogy, It’s hard to imagine Vienna rising to be such a powerful hero, and while her strength increases organically, the ultimate tool at her disposal is carefully planted all along.leading to a major plot twist in the climax.

1

A storm of swords

A Song of Ice and Fire

While the future of A Song of Ice and Fire stay safe, A storm of swords is still undoubtedly one of the best and most fruitful works of fantasy ever written. There is simply so much to unpack, with several plot threads established within A game of thrones Pay off in crazy ways. Between the Red Wedding, the Purple Wedding, and the Mountain and Viper fight, there are so many climactic, game-changing moments in this volume.

One of the best parts of George RR Martin’s writing is that He sets up massive threads but leaves clues and symbolism available for the reader to piece everything together. The Red Wedding may be arguably the most shocking fantasy book plot twist ever, but the truly incredible part is reflecting on how blatant the foreshadowing is. Martin practically laid out the details in Daenerys’ House of the Undying Vision, but it is almost impossible to comprehend such a twist until it actually happens.

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