u/OrcaSalad999

I love me some real-world nature and have always love reading about unique, interesting nature in fantasy.

I think my favorite part about reading fantasy is getting to explore and learn about the given world’s landscapes, ecosystems, environments, and just overall setting. I love when the author commits to detailing the surrounding environment just as much as they do for the plot or the characters.

With that said, what are some books/series that have some of the coolest landscapes or environments that you can think of?

Some examples that stick out for me are:

- LotR (feels like every location mentioned has a deep history and lore connected to it)

- The Shattered Plains in the Stormlight Archive (just a great example of committing to an environment and making it feel like a fully lived-in place)

- Anything RJ Barker has written! (One of the more immersive writers you’ll ever read).

I’ve been wanting to read a book/series that features a prominent wizard/sorceress and would love to know some of the best options. It doesn’t have to be a wizard per se, but just someone who is more skilled in the “magic” of their world.

I just read The Blade Itself (book 1 of The First Law trilogy) and it seems like Baysz could potentially fit this title but I have no idea where it goes from here.

Obviously Gandalf is up there but let me know who else!

My favorite thing in a fantasy book/series is the world-building. I love it when the author really commits to the setting, place, and time of the story so no matter how fantastical it actually is, it always feels believable and lived-in.

One example I have is the show Arcane. I loved how the city was full of magic/tech but still in a fantasy setting. It made me want to see way more of this world (and genre). I’m sure this has some type of “-punk” label but I’m not really sure.

So with that, what are some of the best “punk” genres out there? I know there cyberpunk, steampunk, even silkpunk, but would love to hear as many examples as I can get!