These 3 fantasy novels are at the top of my list
5.3.2024
Translation: machine translated
In this series, I introduce you to a few books from our range every month that make me curious. This time it's about fantasy novels. I've found stories with eternal life in an online game, overtaxed knights and an escaped novel character.
I think an exciting book is like a new life. If you're always on the lookout for new reading material, stay tuned. Every month, I scour the Galaxus range for books in one genre and present you with a small selection of books that I would like to read myself (and hopefully will). This month it's the turn of fantasy books. Maybe there's something for you too?
Typical Tolkien-style fantasy books have as their topic the rise of an evil force and then someone has to fix the misery. I do love Tolkien's worlds, but it's always boring to follow the same "formula". I've never really warmed to vampire and romantic novels either. That's why I'm specifically looking for stories that could be a bit different.
"Eternity Online": Afterlife in an online role-playing game
This is the dream for all gamers: to live on in a huge online role-playing game for all eternity after death. Rob apparently died recently and now finds himself in the game "Eternity Online" with no memory of his former, real life. From the description, the game sounds like a "World of Warcraft" or similar fantasy MMORPGs. But Rob realises that something is wrong: Everyone seems to be hostile towards him and he doesn't know why.
- Author: Mikkel Robrahn
- Published: February 2024
As a passionate gamer, books like this are a must for me. I assume that Rob, the dead hero, gradually discovers where he comes from. And that the memories of his past life also influence his afterlife in the game. The book description also made me think of the much older "Otherland" saga by Tad Williams, in which the boundaries between real life and the game are also blurred.
"The Old Guard": Knights of the Round Table in over their heads
The Knights of the Round Table from the Arthurian legend really do exist: they are powerful, immortal beings. Whenever Britain is threatened, they rise from their graves and help the population to put down the danger. And they have been doing so for centuries. Then they go back to their graves and wait until they are needed again. But now (too) many centuries have passed and the knights wake up in a time they don't understand: our near future. The text on the back of the book speaks of rising sea levels and Chinese investors - and dragons awakened by fracking.
- Author: Thomas D. Lee
- Published: February 2024 (German first edition)
This can only be interesting: Undead knights from the Middle Ages find themselves in our modern, globalised society. Worlds collide here. How do they deal with smartphones, aeroplanes and modern weapons? I'm hoping for a pinch of social criticism with an ironic undertone. How can a story like this end? Normally the good guys win - but here? Who knows.
"The escaped story": living book characters on the run
In the city of Kapitolo, where many writers live, it is completely normal for their imaginary book characters to come to life. The characters often simply escape from the stories - and the authors are responsible for the actions of their characters. One day, author Kate also has to deal with the fact that one of her creations has apparently committed murder. Now she has to solve the mess.
- Author: Kate Kowalski
- Published: January 2023 (German first edition)
I'm not quite sure what to expect here, but I find the idea of characters from books coming to life in the real world exciting. In the reviews I've skimmed so far, it's often mentioned that the story crosses many genre boundaries and reads more like a thriller at times. Definitely a "want-to-read" for me.
Do you like this selection of books? Do you think other recent fantasy stories are missing here? Then let us know your tip!
Header image: Heyne, TOR, Shutterstock/Triff
Feels just as comfortable in front of a gaming PC as she does in a hammock in the garden. Likes the Roman Empire, container ships and science fiction books. Focuses mostly on unearthing news stories about IT and smart products.
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