Welcome back to my blog series where I ramble about the fantasy and sci-fi books I have read recently! It has been a while since my last blog, and I am happy to report that I have many series to speak on. First, I have a little update on a couple of series I have mentioned before, and then I will jump into some new series I have been reading recently.

I am finally all caught up on The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson and absolutely cannot wait for the 5th book, whenever that is (sometime in 2024, according to the latest update from Sanderson himself). While Oathbringer was good, it definitely feels like a slump compared with Rhythms of War. If you are in on Brandon Sanderson, then you are in, but if you like modern fantasy and haven’t checked out The Stormlight Archive, let this be another voice urging you to do so.

The second in Marlon James’ Dark Star Trilogy, Moon Witch Spider King expands on the story of the first book, telling the entire story from Sogolon’s point of view. It does a great job of upending expectations while also giving new insights into some characters from the first book that didn’t get as much time. James has said you can read these in any order, and after checking it out, that’s true. In fact, this one might be even better than the first. It is still a dense read, but it is worth it.

Now, for some more in-depth looks at other series! 

The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

How many have you read?: The first 4, which constitutes the first “arc”!

What’s its deal?: These are novellas (usually less than 200 pages) about a rogue Security Unit who calls itself Murderbot and just wants to be left alone to watch its soaps, but keeps getting pulled into the orbit of–mostly–stupid humans who seem hellbent on getting themselves killed.

What’s the draw here?: Murderbot’s inner monologue is hilariously dry and biting, and the writing alone is enough to make these stories worth it. The fact that you can comfortably read each one in a day or two means I’m all in.

The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

How many have you read?: The first trilogy and the first two of the “Wax and Wayne” sequel series!

What’s its deal?: In the Final Empire, ruled over by the tyrannical Lord Ruler, people called Allomancers can burn metals within their bodies to enhance their physical or mental faculties. Those who are especially powerful are called Mistborn, and one, named Kelsier, is merely a thief, but he gets a crew together to plan the biggest heist of all: stealing from the Lord Ruler and bringing down the Final Empire.

What’s the draw here?: Sanderson’s first series at times feels like the thing he had to write to get to the more fully realized Stormlight Archives, but it is still complete with fully-realized and well-drawn characters who make you want to care about them. The magic system is, of course, complex and completely thought-out, in the way you might expect from Sanderson. The 2nd and 3rd novels have a different vibe from the first, but they are all good and well worth reading.

Sequel Series? If you like the Mistborn series and/or like a more standalone vibe in a series, you will probably enjoy the sequel “Wax and Wayne” series, which is set in the same world 300 years after the events of the first series.

The Band series by Nicholas Eames

How many have you read?: The first, Kings of the Wyld 

What’s its deal?: In the world of this novel, bands of adventurers are treated like rock stars, literally. This is a “getting the band back together” story about Saga, who were the best adventuring party in the land…20 years ago.

What’s the draw here?: Eames isn’t going to win points for originality, necessarily. This truly is “What if D&D and rock’n’roll?” But it is also very fun, and if you have any interest in either of those two topics, this might be your next favorite book.

Teixcalaan Series by Arkady Martine

How many have you read?: The first, A Memory Called Empire

What’s its deal?: A sci-fi novel about an ambassador from a small station who is called into the heart of the Teixcalaan empire when the previous ambassador mysteriously dies. It is part whodunnit, part political intrigue.

What’s the draw here?: Martine is a Byzantine historian during her day job, and it shows here, as the Teixcalaan culture feels completely distinct from that of Lsel Station. The writing is smart, the story is well-paced, and the novel has a wonderful sense of “everyone here is queer,” which is always nice to see in contemporary sci-fi.

Monk & Robot Series by Becky Chambers

How many have you read?: The first, A Psalm for the Wild-Built; The second, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy came out on July 12th and I am excited to read it soon.

What’s its deal?: It’s what you get on the tin! A nonbinary monk and a robot travel the world and talk philosophically about life, the universe, and everything!

What’s the draw here?: This is really a cozy story about what it means to be content and whether or not that’s even possible. Also, importantly, this is another novella series that reminds me of Nghi Vo’s Singing Hills Cycle. The story is short but the impact is deep.

Gentleman Bastard Series by Scott Lynch

How many have you read?: The first, The Lies of Locke Lamora (2 others are out, 7 total are planned, but Lynch hasn’t published a new novel in the series since 2013. Good luck, Scott!)

What’s its deal?: Look, this is a novel about thieves doing a bunch of thievery. It is, for the most part, a fun little story about the best thieves in a town full of thieves and criminals. 

What’s the draw?: Locke Lamora is a fun character to be in the head of, and the ways that Locke continues to outsmart his enemies throughout the novel never ceases to be fun. If you want a swashbuckling tale about a group of bastards-with-a-heart-of-gold, look no further.

Have you read any of these series? Do you have any suggestions for what I should read next? Leave a comment below!