cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/52922540

I’m finishing the Stormlight Archive series right now and I think I need something with a bit less of the murder / war / violence aspect that many fantasy books have.

Does anyone know some (not necessarily fantasy) fiction books that are less ‘depressing’ and are easy to read?

  • Azralyn@literature.cafeEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    If you don’t mind some romance, then I recommend The Selection series (I know, perhaps overrated, but it’s just an enjoyable easy read; I do have to mention that later in the series there will be issues with revolutionaries, but the more violent parts are only brief) and The Siren, both by Kiera Cass.

    If you like fairytale retellings and/or Japanese mythology, Six Crimson Cranes is another amazing series by Elizabeth Lim. It has enough adventure to make it interesting, but it’s not heavy. Curses, dragons and magic mixed in with great storytelling, at least in my opinion.

    Lastly, another book based on Japanese mythology is The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh. If you happened to watch Ghibli Studio’s Spirited Away movie and liked it, then I believe you should also like this book.

    I think all the aforementioned ones are worth a try, but tastes differ. Hope you’ll find more books that you’ll happen to like^^

  • Eq0@literature.cafe
    1·
    6 days ago

    Outside of fantasy, actually very far from it: « Consider the lobster » is a collection of essays on mundane stuff, highlighting the weirdness of everyday (or not really everyday) life, such as fairs and cruises and porn.

    I loved it, it’s very reflexive - that some people find hard to read, others relaxing. If you think it might be your style, it’s absolutely worth a read !

  • hactar42@lemmy.world
    3·
    14 days ago

    Discworld books by Terry Pratchett. The best description I’ve ever heard is they are JRR Tolkien mets Mel Brooks. There are 41 books with multiple story lines but every book is written to be stand alone. Most are around 300 pages with plenty of good stopping points, making them easy to pick up and put down.

    I read them in publication order, but there are multiple guides on recommended reading orders if you want to read specific story lines.

  • Contrariwise@literature.cafeEnglish
    3·
    15 days ago

    Cozy fantasy got you.

    A common recommendation is Travis Baldree’s “Legends & Lattes”, or if you prefer a space setting, try “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers.

    Even if they’re not quite what you’re looking for, they’re definitely a tonal shift from epic fantasy to cleanse your palate before the next series.

    Edit: you already received these recommendations in your cross-post, sorry.