Recommend me a good medieval fantasy novel
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Umberto Eco's Baudolino. It's definitely fantastical, has a sort-of happy ending, and isn't dark fantasy.
Keep an open mind going in, though.
Keep an open mind going in, though.
I believe the Kingkiller Chronicles (The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear) count. They're really light on the fantasy and while they're not 100% upbeat they're not even nearly as dark and gritty as Dragon Age: Origins either.
Best thing about them is that they do really read like an adventure. It's one of the most immersive literary experiences I ever had. I got completely sucked in the world, laughed and cried with the main character, held my breath and tense moments. It's definitely amongst my favorites.
Best thing about them is that they do really read like an adventure. It's one of the most immersive literary experiences I ever had. I got completely sucked in the world, laughed and cried with the main character, held my breath and tense moments. It's definitely amongst my favorites.
For really light (and I mean light) reading I'd go with the Forestwife trilogy by Theresa Tomlinson. It's a fantasy take on the Robin Hood story (don't be put off by the girly title - it is an adventure story). I studied it at Uni for a Robin Hood assignment and it was really enjoyable.
In a similar vein, have you read any Tamora Pierce? I'm looking into the dim and distant past of my teen-lit days but most of her stuff was set in a vaguely medieval world with highly fantastical elements. The series' I can remember are 'Song of the Lioness' and 'The Immortals'. Again, though, they are both a bit female-centric ('Lioness' more than 'Immortals')and aimed at teen readers (probably the same demographic as The Hunger Games).
In a similar vein, have you read any Tamora Pierce? I'm looking into the dim and distant past of my teen-lit days but most of her stuff was set in a vaguely medieval world with highly fantastical elements. The series' I can remember are 'Song of the Lioness' and 'The Immortals'. Again, though, they are both a bit female-centric ('Lioness' more than 'Immortals')and aimed at teen readers (probably the same demographic as The Hunger Games).
The Belgariad by David Eddings is so light fantasy that it's practically a comedy at times. I found the books a very good read.
Ah, but you don't know whether it has a happy end as the conclusion is yet to come. We still don't know the full story of what made Kvothe a shadow of the man he was, except that some king he apparently/ allegedly killed has something to do with it. I suspect that there will be significant "darkness and despair" to wade through. But I guess there is still hope.Cowabungaa said:
How about A Song of Fi-
Okay, then. If you don't mind the kid-friendliness of it, try the Septimus Heap, and Artemis Fowl series.
-or not.Misterian said:
Okay, then. If you don't mind the kid-friendliness of it, try the Septimus Heap, and Artemis Fowl series.
If somebody hasn't mentioned it; try anything from the Dragonlance series that doesn't include anyone named the Majere Brothers (their stuff can get depressing.)
Heck, that series can get downright absurd, what with the insanity of the gnomes. I'm fairly sure that one accidentally invented the atomic bomb, and consequently the world lost knowledge of said bomb when a dark paladin tried to test it (in a rather humorous "so you've told me how powerful it is...what happens if I push this button?" situation.)
Heck, that series can get downright absurd, what with the insanity of the gnomes. I'm fairly sure that one accidentally invented the atomic bomb, and consequently the world lost knowledge of said bomb when a dark paladin tried to test it (in a rather humorous "so you've told me how powerful it is...what happens if I push this button?" situation.)
The Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan.
Good series, but IMO the last book in the series (Book 10) has a horrible ending.
EDIT: There's also Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen for Robin Hood fans.
Good series, but IMO the last book in the series (Book 10) has a horrible ending.
EDIT: There's also Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen for Robin Hood fans.
