I Was Asked for Book Recs. I Wrote a Novel Instead

So you’re here for some fantasy book recommendations?

Fantastic. Let me just write you a book about books—because that’s apparently what this turned into.

What started as a short list of favorites turned into a full-on tour through my reading history, with all the twists, tangents, and emotionally scarring unfinished trilogies you’d expect. If you’re still with me by the end, I hope you walk away with a few new titles to check out—and maybe a few to avoid if you’re prone to obsessing over series that may never end.

Now let’s turn the first page…

We’ll begin with classic high fantasy—the kind with swords, magic, deep lore, and worlds that unfold one map page at a time. It’s where my journey started, and where a lot of readers fall in love with the genre.

Fantasy First Loves

I got there through a strange, heavy, deeply challenging book called Lord Foul’s Bane—the first volume in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson. It’s the kind of book that leaves a mark, even if you’re not entirely sure how to feel about it.

Enter: Thomas Covenant

In Lord Foul’s Bane, the main character is a modern man suffering from leprosy. His life has fallen apart—his family is gone, and he’s physically and emotionally isolated. Then, in classic portal fantasy fashion, he’s transported to another world… where his disease is cured, and he is named the Wielder of the White Gold—a prophetic figure with immense power.

The worldbuilding in this book is dense, thorough, and incredibly imaginative. At the time, I loved it. I had never seen that level of detail in a fictional world before. I didn’t even know stories could do that. For a first exposure to epic fantasy, it opened my eyes.

But it comes with baggage.

Thomas Covenant is the textbook definition of an anti-hero—and not the fun kind. He’s deliberately off-putting. The author wants you to struggle with him. And while that’s intellectually interesting, it makes the book hard to recommend. I’ve tried. Most people bounce off within a few chapters. Honestly? I don’t blame them. On re-reading it myself, the pacing and character choices drag the story down.

It taught me how big a world could feel—WoT showed me how big a story could move.

Then Came The Wheel of Time

Picking up The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan felt like someone saying, “Hey, what if you had all that deep worldbuilding you loved—but also a story that actually pulled you in?”

And pull me in it did.

The characters felt real. The lore unfolded slowly and with purpose. The scope expanded from a quiet village to something vast and ancient. And by the time I got to Book 3 (The Dragon Reborn), I couldn’t put it down. Literally. I read it straight through.

That book was a turning point—not just in the series, but for me as a reader. It was the moment I realized that epic fantasy could be both immense and incredibly entertaining. That a good story doesn’t need to sacrifice momentum for complexity. And that characters you care about will carry you through even the most expansive worlds.

A Recommendation (With Caveats)

I’ve read The Wheel of Time all the way through. Twice. It’s a massive commitment—14 books, plus a prequel, spanning millions of words. But if you’re on the fence, I give everyone the same advice:

Read the first three books. If you’re not hooked by the end of The Dragon Reborn, it’s okay to walk away. You’ll still have gotten a complete arc.

But if you are hooked? Buckle up. The scope, the politics, the mythologies—it just keeps expanding. And when Brandon Sanderson steps in to finish the series after Robert Jordan’s death, he sticks the landing better than anyone could have expected. In many ways, Sanderson became the bridge that connected the legacy of The Wheel of Time to his own vast body of work.

Why It Still Matters

A lot of books come and go. But The Wheel of Time is the one I keep coming back to in conversations, rereads, and reflections on storytelling.

It gave me the worldbuilding I fell in love with through Thomas Covenant—but combined it with a cast of characters I cared about, a story that gripped me, and a structure that respected the reader’s time and investment, even when it sprawled.

Some books challenge you. Others entertain you. The best ones do both. For me, The Wheel of Time is one of the best.

Brandon Sanderson’s role in finishing the series naturally led me to explore his own original worlds, which opened up an entirely new chapter of fantasy for me.

The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.

Discovering the Cosmere

When the Wheel Stops Spinning… Start the Cosmere

When The Wheel of Time wrapped, I went straight from admiring Sanderson’s finish to diving into his own universe: the Cosmere.

So What Is the Cosmere?

The Cosmere is Sanderson’s shared universe—a set of stories that mostly stand alone, but all tie together behind the scenes. Each book or series happens on a different planet, with its own magic system, culture, and characters… but if you read enough of them, you’ll notice the threads that connect them.

Don’t worry: you don’t need to know any of that to enjoy them. But once you do know, it’s like discovering a secret layer behind your favorite stories.

Where to Start? Mistborn.

If you’re new to Sanderson, the best starting point is:

Mistborn Era 1
- The Final Empire
- The Well of Ascension
- The Hero of Ages

This is a self-contained trilogy with a brilliant magic system, great characters, and one of the most satisfying arcs I’ve ever read. It’s approachable, complete, and if it clicks for you, there’s a ton more to explore afterward.

And if it doesn’t click? You’ve still read a fantastic trilogy, and you’re done. No harm, no cliffhangers, no commitment.

If You’re In, You’re In

If Mistborn hooks you, the rabbit hole opens up:

Mistborn Era 2 – A steampunk/western sequel series
Warbreaker – A standalone that’s secretly very important
The Stormlight Archive – Sanderson’s magnum opus: massive, layered, and full of heart
Tress of the Emerald Sea – Light, whimsical, and poetic (but still part of the Cosmere!)
The Sunlit Man, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and more

What’s incredible is how each of these books is enjoyable on its own—but the more you read, the more rewarding it gets. You start to notice recurring characters, crossover events, and themes that transcend worlds.

Why I Keep Reading Sanderson

He finishes what he starts.
His magic systems are rules-based and logical. They’re fun to explore, and always tied to the story, not just spectacle.
He respects the reader. You’re not being strung along—you’re being brought along.

If you like stories that are epic without being overwhelming, full of deep lore but also full of momentum, Sanderson is your guy.

TL;DR: Wheel of Time Made Me a Fantasy Fan. Sanderson Made Me Stay.

Reading The Wheel of Time was like discovering a new genre of music I never knew I loved. Reading Sanderson was like finding the band I’d follow forever.

If you’re looking for a long-form commitment with incredible payoff? Start the Wheel.

If you want something fresh, wildly imaginative, and designed for both new and long-term readers? Start with Mistborn and let the Cosmere pull you in.

The wheel turns, the worlds shift, and the books just keep getting better.

But just when you think you’ve got a handle on modern fantasy, here comes a curveball from a master of a different genre…

Fantasy That Surprised Me

A Gunslinger Walks Into a Fantasy World…

There’s one series I didn’t expect to love. Honestly, I didn’t even expect to read it. But a friend recommended it, and I’m glad they did:

The Dark Tower by Stephen King

When you hear Stephen King, you probably think horror—It, The Shining, Misery, etc. So I had serious doubts going into The Gunslinger, the first book in his Dark Tower series.

But wow. This is decidedly fantasy, even if it wears a trenchcoat and smokes a cigarette while doing it.

The Dark Tower blends genres—western, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, even meta-fiction—but at its heart, it’s a hero’s journey across worlds. The worldbuilding is strange but fascinating. The characters are broken but gripping. And the story? It gets more ambitious with every book.

King’s reputation is well earned, and this series proves he can do so much more than scare you. He can haunt you in the best literary way.

From a finished epic to one that haunts me because it isn’t.

Okay, this next one comes with a warning label.

I loved it. I still think about it. I’ve recommended it to friends, family, coworkers. But recommending it is a tiny act of cruelty to your future self—because the series is… unfinished. And might stay that way. And no, I’m not talking about A Song of Ice and Fire. (Though yes—I recommend that too.)

The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind
The Wise Man’s Fear
Book 3 (which does not exist)

These two books are incredible. Rothfuss’s prose is poetic without being overwrought. The magic system is thoughtful. The world feels real. And Kvothe—the protagonist—is one of the most compelling characters I’ve ever read.

But… it’s been over a decade, and we still don’t have the final book.

That said: the journey is still worth it. The first two books hold up incredibly well as a standalone experience. Just know going in that the ending is still TBD.

Fantasy That Stays With You

Some books are fun in the moment. Others linger.

The Wheel of Time taught me the power of immersive worldbuilding and character-driven storytelling.
Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere showed me how to balance epic scope with satisfying narrative momentum.
The Dark Tower reminded me that genre boundaries can be blurred to create something uniquely haunting.
And Kingkiller revealed the beauty—and the frustration—of stories that live in the spaces between completion.

Whether you’re just getting into fantasy or are years deep into your TBR list, these are the ones I come back to—physically or mentally—again and again.

And if you’ve read any of them? I’d love to know what you thought. Drop a comment, shoot me a message, or just recommend me something you think I’d love in return.

The reading list never ends. And honestly, that’s kind of the point.

Bonus Fantasy Picks

Also Unexpected, Also Excellent

Sometimes the best fantasy comes from authors you don’t expect. One that caught me off guard was:

The Mithermages Trilogy by Orson Scott Card

Yes, that Orson Scott Card—the one who wrote Ender’s Game. This series is something totally different: a modern-day portal fantasy where ancient magic, hidden worlds, and family legacies collide. It’s fast-paced, imaginative, and way more fun than I expected going in.

Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians

A quirky, fourth-wall-breaking middle grade series about a boy with a talent for breaking things. This series is delightfully weird and clever, and makes for a perfect palate cleanser after a heavy epic fantasy binge. It’s Sanderson having fun—and it shows.

A Few More Worth Mentioning

There are always more to read. A few that haven’t made the full list (yet) but are absolutely worth your time:

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch – Gritty heist fantasy with unforgettable characters
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin – Yes, the HBO one. Yes, it’s good.
14 by Peter Clines – A modern mystery-thriller that opens into something much bigger; technically part of the Threshold Universe, but works great as a standalone.

Sci-Fi with a Soul

Stepping Into the Stars

If epic fantasy is about long-lost prophecies, magical powers, and sprawling maps, then science fiction is its sibling with spaceships, AI, and interstellar empires. For me, good sci-fi scratches a lot of the same itches—just with warp drives instead of wizards.

So here are a few of my favorite science fiction reads. The tone changes a bit, but the heart—great stories, great characters, and imaginative worlds—remains the same.

The Bobiverse by Dennis E. Taylor

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) kicks off one of the most fun sci-fi series I’ve read in years. It’s lighthearted, clever, and full of the kind of nerdy humor and optimism that scratches a very specific itch for me.

The concept? A tech CEO dies and wakes up as a self-replicating AI in space. From there: humor, philosophy, engineering, galactic colonization, and pop culture references abound.

If you like your science fiction with a sense of humor and heart, give Bob a try.

Trader’s Tales from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper

by Nathan Lowell

This series might be the coziest sci-fi I’ve ever read. The Trader’s Tales follow Ishmael Wang, a young man who joins a merchant crew after tragedy strikes back home. Over time, he works his way up through the ranks, and by doing so, learns a lot about people—and so do we.

These books are not space battles or alien invasions. Instead, they’re about personal growth, leadership, and what it means to build a career (and life) with integrity.

I’ve recommended this series to people in management and leadership roles—not because it’s a business book, but because it shows what aspirational leadership looks like from the ground up.

The Martian and Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

If you somehow missed The Martian, it’s the gripping, sarcastic, survival story of a man stranded on Mars. The science is crunchy but digestible, and the tone is hilariously grounded. The movie adaptation is excellent, but the book has more jokes. You should read it even if you’ve seen the film.

Project Hail Mary (movie coming soon at time of writing) is… better? Maybe? It’s different, but it might be Andy Weir’s best. There’s heart, mystery, discovery, and one of the best inter-species friendships in sci-fi.

Weir is writing for nerds like me—and maybe you too.

Ender’s Game

by Orson Scott Card

A classic for a reason. Ender’s Game is the story of a gifted child recruited into a military training program to prepare for an alien threat. It’s fast-paced, thought-provoking, and emotionally powerful—especially as the deeper implications of the training reveal themselves.

Even if you know the twist, it’s still worth reading. And while there are sequels that explore what happens next, for me, Ender’s Game stands alone as a complete and satisfying narrative—I never felt the need to go further.

Ready Player One

by Ernest Cline

A love letter to geek culture wrapped in a dystopian VR adventure. Ready Player One is fast, nostalgic, and packed with ‘80s references—and it still holds up as a high-energy, imaginative romp through virtual worlds.

Ready Player Two isn’t quite as strong, but still worth a read if you enjoyed the first.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing and A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor

by Hank Green

A brilliant first-contact story told through the lens of internet fame and identity. Hank Green (yes, John Green’s brother) brings humor, urgency, and emotional depth to a story about alien artifacts, online communities, and what it means to matter.

If you want sci-fi with a modern voice and a very human heart, this duology is excellent.

Skyward Series

by Brandon Sanderson

A young adult sci‑fi adventure about a girl who dreams of becoming a fighter pilot in a war‑torn world. Great pacing, strong characters, and a story that evolves from “Top Gun in space” to something much bigger. Not part of the Cosmere, but still full of Sanderson trademarks.

Self-Development and Leadership Books

It’s not all magic and spaceships—sometimes I pick up books to help make sense of the real world too. Here are a few that have stuck with me (or are sitting on my nightstand waiting to be read):

Getting Things Done by David Allen

A foundational productivity book that teaches a system for organizing your tasks, thoughts, and responsibilities. Some parts feel a bit dated (especially the tech references), but the core concepts are timeless—and the updated edition helps. It’s a great skillset for anyone juggling a lot.

The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety by Timothy R. Clark

A fantastic book for anyone in a leadership role—or working in teams that need more openness and trust. It outlines a clear model for understanding how teams move from silence to innovation, and how leaders can foster safety at every stage.

On My TBR List:

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – A deep dive into how modern technology impacts kids’ development and mental health. Recommended by Steph.
Tiny Humans, Big Emotions by Alyssa Blask Campbell & Lauren Stauble – A practical and compassionate guide for parenting through emotional intelligence. Also a Steph recommendation.
Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields – Mindful parenting strategies; Steph recommendation.

Other Contemporary Fiction That Stuck With Me

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Technically dystopian, The Giver is one of those books most people read in school—and it stayed with me ever since. It’s quiet, unsettling, and powerful in its simplicity, and it sparked a love for stories that peel back the surface of “perfect” worlds.

Turtles All the Way Down and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

John Green has a talent for writing emotionally grounded characters in extraordinary (or extraordinarily normal) circumstances. Turtles All the Way Down explores mental health with authenticity, while The Fault in Our Stars finds beauty and heartbreak in young love and mortality. Both are excellent.

On My TBR (To Be Read) List

These are books or series that have been highly recommended to me but I haven’t gotten around to reading yet:

The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie – Grimdark fantasy with razor-sharp wit

That’s where I’m at for now. Some of these books changed how I think. Some just gave me a good escape. And some? They’re still waiting on my shelf.

What’s your favorite book you always recommend? Drop it in the comments—I’m always feeding the TBR monster.