u/Immediate_Poet324

Anyone got recommendations for books, novels, or short stories that capture that classic 80s dark fantasy energy
the kind of grim, muscular, pulp-heavy shit that feels like it belongs on a Frazetta cover? Think sweaty barbarians, ancient evil, blood and sorcery, heavy atmosphere, not modern polished fantasy.

Hey everyone,
I’m a 100% disabled veteran currently living in the Hudson, Florida area with my wife and our three kids. We’re starting to seriously consider a move to the Pacific Northwest and would really appreciate honest input from people who live there (or who made a similar move from the South/Florida).
What we’re looking for:
• Small(er) town with some walkability
• Access to temperate rainforest / natural beauty
• More consistent sunshine and way less sticky humidity than Florida
• Ideally more affordable than coastal Florida
Places that keep coming up: Sequim, Port Townsend, and the Olympic Peninsula in general, plus Bend, OR as a sunnier/drier option.
Background:
• Wife is an RN
• I’m working toward becoming a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• 100% VA disability
• Three kids
• Grew up in the South — the culture, people, and pace here feel familiar, so the idea of leaving is a little intimidating
• Honestly worried about whether we’ll fit in or make friends
Questions:

1. How are the schools in Sequim / Port Townsend / Bend (or nearby)? Any experiences with special needs, quality, or class sizes?
2. How safe do these areas feel for families?
3. For people who moved from the South or Florida — how different is the culture really? Is it hard to make friends as an outsider?
4. Climate reality check: Does the lower humidity and occasional sunshine outweigh the gray periods, or does it get old?
5. Cost of living and housing for a family of five right now?
6. Job market for RNs and Nuclear Medicine Technologists in those areas?
7. Anything else a Southern family with kids should know before considering this?

Gun culture? Food? Traffic?

1. I’m not looking for sugarcoating — the good, the bad, and the realistic would all be helpful. Thanks in advance.