Warning: This article discusses topics of violence and sexual assault.
Marcos LourençoHis books are captivating and exciting reads, but some titles stand out more than others. The author is best known for writing several long-running series of fantasy books, including The Red Queen's War and The Broken Empire collections. While there are many fantasy book series with happy endings to enjoy, Lawrence's works typically delve into the struggles and flaws of his characters.
Over the years, Lawrence has continued to introduce all sorts of interesting personalities to the world of fantasy literature. Although some of its protagonists are selfish and hard to find redeeming qualities, the author always finds a way to make readers invest in their characters. Mark Lawrence is already an established author and will likely continue to rise to prominence in the coming years, so it's worth checking out his best books.
10
prince of thorns
The Broken Empire, Book 1 - Released in 2011
Prince of Thorns is the first title of Mark Lawrence's work The Broken Empire series, which follows a boy named Jorg and his gang of marauders. While it's an intriguing read and a decent start to the series, it is worth noting that Prince of Thorns It is not for the fainthearted. Jorg is a complicated character, and for the first half of the book, it's hard to root for him.
The beginning of the book is full of graphic images and there are also scenes depicting sexual assault, which is quite wild and unexpected. While it's difficult to justify Jorg's behavior, his later character arc and parts of his story paint him in a slightly better light. However, Jorg is also the most endearing of the characters, which is a bit disappointing since they are all horrible.
Prince of Thorns is filled with bloody violence, although there could be more action throughout. Even though Jorg is a risky protagonist, who is inspired by Alex de A Clockwork Orange (through Good reads), Prince of Thorns is still attractiveat least enough to warrant checking out the other entries in the series.
9
The girl and the moon
Book of Ice, Book 3 – Released in 2022
The girl and the moon is one of Mark Lawrence's most recent titles and the third in Book of Ice series. The novel finds Yaz again on the planet Abeth, just as the Ice tribe arrives at the Corridor and the Convent of Sweet Mercy. The girl and the moon and the last Book of Ice in installments, and it is also the bestas it demonstrates Yaz's character development throughout the series as her quest reaches its climax. However, much of the narrative depends on the sisters' relationship and Lawrence's world-building.
The girl and the moon is a solid and captivating novel, although there are certain things that pull readers back to reality.
While these qualities are fantastic, they require readers to fully immerse themselves in all three books. The girl and the moon It's a solid and captivating novelalthough there are certain things that pull readers back to reality. Yaz survives death so often it's unrealistic, but how The girl and the moon is a recent fantasy book that will probably be a classic someday, it's easy to tune out and turn a blind eye to it.
8
Osheim's wheel
The Red Queen's War, Book 3 - Released in 2016
The third title in Lawrence history The Red Queen's War series, Osheim's Wheel, focuses on the titular threat and protagonist Jalan Kendethis struggling over what to do with Loki's key. Osheim's Wheel It's a fantastic ending to the trilogy. Jalan's character development is fabulous, and his decision to finally turn away from a life of drinking and flirting to save the world is fascinating to watch.
Although there is no doubt that Osheim's Wheel It's a great story, there are some elements that let it down. While some find it engaging, many struggle with the schedule. The Red Queen's War series intertwines its narrative with several other works by Lawrencewhich is sometimes so complicated that it's hard to mentally put it together and it takes a few readings to fully understand.
Jalan is a comical and likable protagonist, although he shares some parallels with The Broken EmpireIt's Jorg. The journey to the end is also highly anticipated, but some feel the climax plays out too quickly. Despite this, it is still undoubtedly one of the best fantasy books of the 2010s.
7
Holy Sister
Book of the Ancestor, Book 3 - Released in 2019
Holy Sister is the last complete title of Lawrence's work Ancestor's Book series, which sees Nona's story come to an emotional conclusion. The novel is divided into two timelines, one that begins immediately after the events of Gray Sisterand the other defined three years later. Despite the jumps in the narrative, Lawrence does an excellent job of keeping the story concise and well-paced.
The only downside to this, however, is that certain things that happen between books are not explained very well and require the reader to go back for clarification. There are many moments that are incredible and take readers by surprise, but there are also several occasions when the events of the story seem absurd.
Although it is an enjoyable read, Holy Sister misses some of the magic that makes the first two Ancestor's Book such engaging novels. Plot-wise, it's relatively perfect, but with major events happening off the page and Nona's sometimes strange decision-making, there's something missing.
6
The liar's key
The Red Queen's War, Book 2 - Released in 2015
The Red Queen's Warsecond installment, The liar's keyrevisits Jalan after he gets his hands on Loki's key. There are some fantastic examples of well-written action sequences and captivating metaphors, two elements for which Lawrence is often praised. However, The liar's keyThe best factors in romance are also the biggest obstacles in romance.
The liar's key was Lawrence's longest book at the time of publication, but it's brilliant that he takes the time to outline his character's personalities and the details of the novel's fictional universe. At the same time, The liar's keyThe long word count results in some pacing issues.
There are large sections of the book that are somewhat boring and little happens on the page. In fact, many of the events in the first half of the book feel recycled. While there are plenty of interesting bits of narrative sprinkled throughout, including some heartwarming stories, it can feel like an effort to get to them. One thing that helps redeem this, however, is the intense cliffhanger that sets up the events of Osheim's Wheel.
5
King of thorns
The Broken Empire, Book 2 - Released in 2012
Jorg is far from a better character in The Broken Empiresecond title, King of thornsbut at least Lawrence leans fully into his protagonist's anarchism this time around. Jorg realizes that he is not a good king, and although he begins the book as the violent, angry teenager that readers know him to be, the reflections he makes later provide layers to his characterization.
King of thorns It can be considered a book that mixes fantasy and horror. Certain parts can be difficult to read, like a specific scene involving an innocent dog. Sometimes it can be difficult to follow the multiple timelines and narratives, but if readers can keep up, it's worth it.
The sections of Katherine's diary are particularly interesting, especially since much of the Prince of Thorns and King of thorns focuses on Jorg. While Jorg is the worst thing in the book, he's also the best, and his sociopathic behavior is undoubtedly heartwarming regardless of how readers view him. However, King of thorns is not as good as The Broken Empirelast installment.
4
Gray Sister
Book of the Ancestor, Book 2 - Released in 2018
Gray Sister is the highlight of Ancestor's Book series, mainly because of Nona's character development. The second title in the collection follows Nona as she decides what kind of Sister to become. Nona is a powerful protagonist with many things going for her, although her incredible abilities are often so strong that it seems she has no suitable obstacles in her journey.
he's not the same character as before, but even with the two year jump between Red Sister and Gray SisterNona is still quite familiar. Sherzal is a fascinating fantasy book villain, but she occasionally overshadows Nona's story because of how compelling she is.
The most notable development in Gray Sister of Red Sisterhowever, it is the structure of the book. Gray Sister jump between multiple points of viewand while each is intriguing enough, the characters' voices start to sound too similar later in the book. However, this is just a minor issue, and Lawrence's development Ancestor's BookThe world makes up for it.
3
prince of fools
The Red Queen's War, Book 1 - Released in 2014
Prince of Fools is the first in The Red Queen's War series and the story that introduces Prince Jalan Kendeth to readers. The other two titles can be enjoyed without reading Prince of Foolsbut it is not advisable, as the first novel provides a lot of essential knowledge and character details. Meeting Jalan for the first time and witnessing his growth from a lazy, irrelevant royal to someone who questions his surroundings is very endearing.
Some of Lawrence's best attempts at world-building are evident throughout the book. Prince of Foolswhich sets a beautiful Nordic setting. Although much of the time is devoted to Jalan's travels, which can sometimes slow down the pace of the book, there are still many poignant moments.
Jalan is supposed to be an annoying and unpleasant character, at least at first, but It's hard not to invest in his story. He's a bit of a coward and is sometimes out of touch, but that also makes him a relatable character. Jalan's unlikely friendship with Snorri is also unique, and their bond plays a significant role in Prince of Fools'popularity.
2
The book that wouldn't burn
The Library Trilogy, Book 1 – Released in 2023
The library trilogyfirst title, The book that wouldn't burnis an incredible book that perfectly combines the science fiction and fantasy genres. The novel jumps between the points of view of poor Livira and Evar, a young man who spent his entire life locked in a huge library. Compared to some of Lawrence's other works, The book that wouldn't burnthe narrative and themes of are much deeper.
Although Lawrence's fantasy novels often focus on war or the search for justice, The book that wouldn't burn investigates the mystery of personal memories and escapism. Lawrence's choice of language is beautiful from beginning to end and makes Livira and Evar's stories even more compelling.
The two main characters' lifestyles are completely different, but faced with a society in collapse, they manage to establish a connection in this dystopian book. Although The book that wouldn't burn faces minor criticisms about its length and development of supporting characters, for the beginning of such an ambitious trilogy, it is surprising.
1
Emperor of Thorns
The Broken Empire, Book 3 - Released in 2013
The last complete entry in The Broken Empire series is Emperor of Thornswhich stands as Lawrence's best book to date. The 2013 novel ends Jorg's story brilliantlyand after two books and hundreds of pages, the payoff is worth it. Jorg would make a brilliant anti-hero film in a film adaptation of Emperor of Thornswhich is so well written that it's easy to imagine it on the silver screen.
His behavior is unpredictable, and although there are times when it seems like Jorg has improved for the better, he proves otherwise to readers. This fantasy book contains shocking twists that are incredibly unexpected, and with every turn of the page, it's hard to guess what will happen next.
Lawrence's use of language and sentence structure is beautiful, and it makes Jorg's development from boy to man throughout. The Broken Empire much more attractive series.
Lawrence's use of language and sentence structure is beautiful, and it makes Jorg's development from boy to man throughout. The Broken Empire much more attractive series. The epilogue alone proves that Emperor of Thorns is the jewel in the crown of Marcos Lourençohis works, as well as why he is such a powerful and intelligent author in general.