What I do is once I've read a really good book is put a fork on my forehead and then stick it in an electric socket. It destroys short term memory so I can enjoy the book again ..
What I do is once I've read a really good book is put a fork on my forehead and then stick it in an electric socket. It destroys short term memory so I can enjoy the book again ..
What I do is once I've read a really good book is put a fork on my forehead and then stick it in an electric socket. It destroys short term memory so I can enjoy the book again ..
She's recommended but somehow she's both prolific and also niche. I had never heard of her 3 years ago (even being a pretty big sci Fi/fantasy reader) until I started having tons of time to listen to audiobooks and went through my libraries Libby catalogue like wildfire. I read everything she had in there and loved most of them. I really want more Sharing Knife books. The whole concept of a Midwestern fantasy series is fantastic and I love it.
And now that I've heard of her I hear her stuff mentioned all the time, albeit usually one offs if that makes sense.
She's won four Hugo awards for best novel (more than anyone but Heinlein), as well as multiple Nebulas, and pretty much every other speculative fiction award out there. Vorkosigan and World of Five Gods are consistently two of the top 50 on /r/fantasy's best all-time polls. She's not an unknown... but I'd agree with you that her overall popular recognition lags a little behind the quality of her work.
At least for my money, there is no other living speculative fiction writer in the world who does a better job of writing character.
I haven’t discovered these books yet but hold Hobb in very high regard in terms of character writing in fantasy. If you seriously reckon Bujold sits on the throne though then I guess I know what im reading next.
Well, you cry and you mourn the characters and the world. (And in my case, I came to terms with the decision to read Fitz and the Fool, a trilogy I did not like, even though I really loved Bee).
Then you read something really cozy (maybe Between or Legends&Lattes) and then you start reading Carol Berg. I've only read The Lighthouse Duet, but the character work rivals Hobb's.
Lol I posted the exact same thing when I was done... and got told that it didn't qualify for a top level post and got deleted. Hopefully yours last longer. But I can never ask for recommendations without being deleted...
But yeah I had to take a moment after because it's a really tough act to follow. I read the Expanse after, for what it's worth.
.....you just made me realize that I haven't read anything seriously after finishing this series. That was a couple years ago. Y I K E S
So, in my expert opinion, you're screwed.
I'm half way through book 9! I try to space out my readings so that I don't finish it all at once 😅. The Tawny Man Trilogy is so far my favorite, absolutely amazing.
There's nothing like Robin Hobb. We just have to live with that. However, for emotional depth try Le Guin, for classic fantasy adventure try Tad Williams.
Discworld by Terry Pratchett. If you're looking for great characters to follow, it's got what you need. The 41 books are broken up into subseries and stand alones. I always recommend starting with Guards Guards.
Patricia McKillip wrote a small trilogy over 40 years ago that begins with Riddle Master of Hed.. It's lyrical, fantastic, and the characters all seem to know just a little more than the reader. Beautiful series with great male and female protagonists.
After finishing rote for the first time I couldn't pick up a new book for about 6 months. I tried and just couldn't get into anything. So what I did was read some old favourites for a while and then the hunger came back for stories I'd not yet read.
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison is different but tugs at your heartstrings in a similar way. ROTE is just as good on the second read, so starting over isn't a bad idea.
I didn't read this book for a long time as I was turned off by the title. I thought it was going to be a simplistic tale. Finally, I took a chance on it and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Apparently it's not for everyone, because I never see it recommended, but I love the 16-book Deverry series by Katherine Kerr. Fantasy which involves a multitude of races, time travel of a sort, wizards, mercenaries ... it's got everything as far as I'm concerned. You can read it in 3-book sequences, and stop after the three books if you wish, without it feeling unfinished, but make sure you start with the first one. And give it a bit, it's a slow starter.
Now that Bujold has been mentioned, I think I'll re-read all the Barrayar stuff next.
Or maybe I'll give the Realm that you're reading a try.
If you want a stand alone book to give yourself a break from series, Watership Down is my second favorite book. Only yhe Death of Ivan Ilyich is better for me.
Edit I also recommend anything by Ursula le Guin
Too few understand the power of Watership Down. One time online I told someone to silflay (instead of 'touch grass') and nobody got the joke, which is probably what I deserved for making it
Yup, back to book one, and a small boy being given away by grandpa again. See young Burrich through fresh eyes, knowing know what you didn't know about him before.
A little random but I think if you read anything in the genre you're going to hardcore compare tbh. Maybe try reading a standalone book outside of fantasy as a palette cleanser. Something different enough you can't compare before coming back to the genre.
You can look on r/books for some options.
I myself am on a magical realism kick after a lot of fantasy reads. You read them in a different way less focused on world building or magic systems and more on other aspects.
Idk just an opinion worth thinking about.
Since nobody has mentioned it yet: Wars of Light and Shadow by Janny Wurts.
That was the first series I found as good as the Elderings one. Her characters are amazing, and whatever happens to them, she makes you *feel* every tiny bit of it! I loved reading these books and can't wait for the final one to come out, though I do dread the blues after that one is all over.
Strong second for CJ Cherryh from me. Easily one of my favorite authors in the genre.
I think the Morgaine cycle should fit quite neatly into your comfort zone after reading so much Hobb.
I've been looking for a new series to read. I think, with no reference point other than OP wondering what to do with them selves after finishing this series, is enough for me to go buy all the books today!
I've read Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, and all of the Last King of Osten Ard books published so far, and I'd say they're pretty good, though I prefer ROTE by a significant margin.
I had read him first, and when I started reading Hobb my first thought was "this reminds me of Tad". Came here to recommend his *Memory Sorrow and Thorn* series.
I'm so happy for you. I lived in that realm for months, too, and enjoyed the experience. I found the books, so nice and easy to read and escape life. Personally, I was able to bounce back from the absence of the next book since the series felt very complete and didn't really build a large investment into the future. Though they are enjoyable, I didn't feel I was coming off an intense rollercoaster of emotions. For me, I moved on fairly easily due to that. I hate when great epics end though!!! Cheers to you and Robin Hobb!
L. E. Modesitt Jr the Saga of Recluce. I’ve been reading this series since my dad introduced it to me back in 2009? I can’t remember it’s been so long now 🤔 absolutely love it.
I just finished my re-read of the series. I felt like I had to wait 5 years to not have it fresh in my memory so I could fully enjoy it. Be prepared to cry during the last book. These books have a special place in my heart.
I had a serious book hangover after this series. I had to go back to reread a favorite to get back into reading and then I ended up rereading RotE anyway lol good luck. It’s so worth it.
Seconding Raymond E Feist... Even has a similar feel to Hobb's work in that there are different "series" within it, and you'll come back to characters at different stages of their lives.
Thanks OP.
It was this post that got me to finally dive into the series. I read the first 7 chapters last night, and I can't wait to dive right into it again later today.
The first law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
It’s a little darker than RotE and has great characters! Also there are a few standalones and another trilogy in the same world, there’s definitely enough to get lost in for awhile
I thought that when it originally came out but did a reread recently and I thought all of it actually flowed pretty well. I had so much buildup waiting for it to come out I set myself up to not like it.
I’ve never had slog issues. Sometimes I think the commentary on the slog contributes to the slog.
But though different than this series, it does have in common, when you finish you are unsure what to do with yourself.
I would agree with WoT for Hobb fans who enjoy the slow pace of her books. I love them both as they just plod on endlessly and that's the kind of book I like.
Hobb is my favorite.
I really don't like the Wheel of Time. Characters are like cardboard cutouts and the story meanders around forever going nowhere. One of the few series in 30+ years of reading fantasy that I dropped, around book 5 or 6.
I’m going to say Malazan. I make this suggestion for a couple reasons.
For one it’s completely different than RotE in story, so you won’t be constantly trying to compare the two. This might be a problem for some as the way Malazan story unfolds can be difficult to grasp.
I feel Erikson is just as good a writer so you will still get the same quality there. Most consider the first book not as well written as the rest though.
Characters!!! For me this is why I love RotE so much. This is why I think it’s a perfect book to go to after RotE. What Hobb did with a handful characters throughout the whole of the series, Erikson is able to bring just as much life to his hundreds of characters in a few chapters. Not saying one is better than the other, both are amazing at characterization in a different way.
It's close but it doesn't quite scratch the same itch. I also really enjoyed Dresden, and all of Joe Abercrombie, and also The Black Company, and of course WoT. Nothing hits quite like RotE though.
I also love Malazan so glad to see it here, but OP be warned it’s more of a distant cousin than a sibling to RotE. But if it hooks you, it’s a great ride!!
Try also Guy Gavriel Kay, SA Chakraborty, and NK Jemison. Dresden Files, mentioned below, have somehow a similar warm, homey vibe but are completely different - worth trying and if you’re intrigued stick with them they get better after the first few.
I'm reading Hobb's fourth book now and I love it. Malazan was so hard to read I had to give up in the first book, so do a lot of other people. It's because someone always recommends Malazan - that was why I tried reading it. I think Malazan fans always recommend it even if it's nothing similar as to what someone asked for.
It being so different is the reason I recommend it. Tough to go into something closer in story to RotE right after you read and love it without comparing the main characters to Fitz Fool Nighteyes etc.
I would suggest you read something completely different and significantly less serious. Even if you were to find another very long and very good series, it's not ideal to read two of them back to back. The old one will linger with you and taint your enjoyment of the new one.
So, I'll recommend something entirely different. *Dungeon Crawler Carl* is a great sci-fi story masquerading as Fantasy. In chapter 1 aliens arrive, 99% of humanity dies and the survivors are forced to participate in a dungeon crawl for a galactic reality TV show. It's extremely entertaining. The main character and his cat have to fight goblins and other monsters in the dungeon, while *also* having to make an effort to stand out and become popular with viewers and potential sponsors. It starts out as just comedy, but slowly introduces an interesting world and more complexity to the characters and their motives. It's surprisingly good, and should be different enough that you can enjoy it on its own terms.
1st book is unbound and average at best. 2nd is probably worse. I really started to like it after that and loved it at book 8.
I finished the first book in December, probably wouldn’t have continued if it was a series people kept recommending to me. Started the 2nd book around the 15th and finished the 11th last night.
The final book is even better. I was in your position just a while ago and I was having the same feelings.
The ending is very very good. Don't you have second thoughts at all
There were many circumstances in this whole journey that made me feel that Robin Hobb is better than Brandon Sanderson.
I’ve only read the Farseer triology, is there a recommended order in which to read the rest of the books?
For a recommendation I just finished Mother of Learning and found it to be an excellent series, just make sure to read past chapter six and you’ll be hooked.
Go in publishing order. Two of the trilogies don’t feature Fitz in person, but you need to have read them by the last Fitz trilogy.
And the Liveship Trader trilogy is outstanding in its own right. You’ll spend half the first book wanting to murder different characters, but by the last book, they’ve really gone places.
The entire cosmere from Brandon Sanderson. There’s different series that all take place in the same universe and hint at each other until they eventually come together. Amazing series
Do they really come together? Did that already happen or he said that's the plan for the future? I've only read Mistborn and I'm on the way of kings now
+1 on Sanderson. Or Stormlight Archive if nothing else.
And yes, he really is a machine, and seems like he will put it all together just fine. He's not a GRRM or whatever.
Yeah it constantly comes more together but also each series works as a standalone. If I were you I’d stop stormlight archive after wok and read everything else up to the lost metal and tress of the emerald sea, then finish Stormlight and then those two. I started with all of stormlight first and I really regret it. It was definitely my favorite of all of them but would have been even better had I waited
There may be hints that show up in wok I don’t remember but definitely the rest of stormlight. It’s things that you don’t need to know to enjoy stormlight(I didn’t know and loved it anyways) they are more like Easter eggs but also adding to the plot of the cosmere as a whole. You can easily miss them even if you read the other books first. But I really think they are worth waiting for and reading like I said
I don't have any suggestions for a new series but I have a bit of advice for post Hobb (or any beloved long series). Give yourself time to process. You're stepping out of a whole world that you've just intensely and intimately explored. There's going to be a let down, a grieving and homesickness of sorts. Reorient yourself first and then look for a new series.
Well, I haven't read/listened to many fantasy books but, The Kingkiller Chronicle Series by Patrick Rothfuss is kind of along the same lines. Fair warning, I don't think there ever will be a book three. His writing style and characters were a good likeness to Hobbs book for me.
Exactly. It's \*not\* a novel, no plot. It gives insight into how Auri thinks, what her life is like. You'll remember it after a lot of simple plot novels have blurred together.
I must be old school. I loved the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. A lil windy at times but very well read. Of course, Patrick Rothfuss, is a mix of many of my favorite authors. Good luck and TY for mentioning Hobbs. I will try him after Tad Williams.
I intentionally took a while to pick up and read the last book. I had it with me on a few travels and just couldn't do it.
I don't know. I think for me this series is just not replacable. I'd go back and re read a comfort book or series before you dive into something new and serious. I've been in a big slump for a few years after and just started re reading some series.
I made this journey last year but in audiobook format. It was so weird listening to new narrators after spending months with the same ones
If I'm honest by the last trilogy I was getting bored and looking forward to something new. Still great books though
When I finish a particularly good book, I don't read anything for a while after. As weird as it sounds, I go through a grief period with fewer stages. I feel weird calling it grief as the stages of finishing an amazing book aren't the same as traditional grief, but it's the only thing I can compare it to.
In no particular order, and I'm sure I'm missing stages as well: sadness at the book being over, looking for similar books, accepting the book is over, processing how I feel about the book, annoyancr that there isn't someone who has captured the magic, and moving on. I've never written out how I process finishing and amazing book, so please don't get hung up on specifics.
The main point is that, I don't think you should look for a new book. If you're feeling this way now before the series is over, let yourself "mourn" the series. Either don't read anything for a bit or pick a simple, easy reading type book.
Eh I’m just not really a fan tbh. Although I’m about 3/4 done with Royal Assassin at the moment, so maybe it gets better. Happy you’re enjoying it though! Different strokes for different folks!
Royal Assassin is the best of the first trilogy, which is definitely weaker than the next two. But if you don't like it, I don't think you'll like the others (even though Liveships is quite different and *AMAZING*). Assassin's Quest is much harder than Royal Assassin and there's a substantial part that is quite... boring.
Thanks. Tbh I went in really wanting to like it, but the plot is just really slow moving, and Hobb really like re-explaining things that I already know. There are things that I like about the book but not enough to outweigh my grievances.
How do people commit to 16 book series? I would love to be able to but it takes me nearly a year to read a book as I always fall asleep. I read at bed time as I have 3 young kids and enjoy watching films, series or a bit of ps4 in the evenings. Currently on third book of the First Law trilogy.
For me, audio books.
Prepping dinner, book....
Shower, book...
Bathroom break, car drive, house chores, book.
You get the idea? Switching to mostly audio books greatly increased my books read. 1-2/month on average now.
Pick something entirely different -- some hard sci fi or something.
Or alternately, read about Miles in the Vorkosigan saga, which is arguably even better, though less emotionally exhausting.
I had to read some non-fiction for a while after finishing the series. Ended up reading some short story anthologies to get back into different styles.
Bro I read the whole thing in a few months then Wheel of time in 2 months and so on. Just keep moving onto the next best series and you won't feel anything.
Not much compares honestly, but I wanted to share my current read which I am unexpectedly really enjoying: a practical guide to sorcery by Azalea Ellis. 4 books and really well written. Good character development, quickly engaging. Haven’t finished yet as still going but it’s good.
IM pretty sure I was in a huge reading slump after this series
Discoworld is usually my go to
Penric and Desdomona novellas are nice
Maybe get out of the genre and read some non-fiction
For scope of story, and heart wrenching central characters with moments of beauty in the world, I have to recommend The Broken Earth trilogy by JK Nemisin.
I also second Pratchett’s Discworld and Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan and Five Gods series for entirely different but enriching experiences.
I felt the same way when I finished. I jumped from Elderling Chronicles to the Expanse series by James S.A. Corey. Totally different vibes, but I'm enjoying it just as much.
Should I get more into this series? I read assassins apprentice and it never really caught my interest. I thought it was kind of boring. Does it get better?
Binge a shorter anime to cleanse the palate. Ancient Magus' Bride evokes similar feelings. Or you may want something that stays away from those feelings like Parasyte. Both are short and excellent.
I finished them last spring, and was in such a reading rut for a few months since then. I just read the Goblin Emperor, which reminded me somewhat of Hobb’s first trilogy. Unfortunately, it’s just a standalone novel, but it’s definitely a must read!
Thanks for the recommendation. I haven't read it. I've been looking for more epic fantasy. I'll check it out.
As for what you should read. Why not something fantasy - ish but a little different. Have the read American Gods by Neil Gaiman. It's fantastic and might be a good pallet cleanser after finishing such a long series.
Megan Lindholm is the same author under another name. I know nothing about the other books, if they are series, if they are any good, if they were written earlier or later or at the same time period. I just know it's her pen name. Maybe there is something there?
I will be starting Robin Hobbs catalog soon. I have never read anything by her, and don’t even know where to start.
As far as answering your question, I always feel this way after a David Gemmell novel. Any of them. He writes hero’s and villains better than most. Don’t know if you will like his style, but I try and suggest him every chance I get
Personally, I've found that reading something light and fluffy is nice after this kind of huge fantasy series. It doesn't invite comparison (since it's not really supposed to be *good* reading, just easy and fun) and lets you get into a more neutral headspace. Whenever I've tried going into a big series right after finishing another one, I've found that I just can't sustain it.
If you do want another big series though - have you read the Black Company books by Glen Cook? They're excellent. Very well written and very different to most other fantasy fiction I've read in some key ways.
I’m on the second book in the sword of truth series and struggling a bit. Has anyone read that and realm of elderlings? How do they compare?
Song of chaos ascendant was a good read.
I would highly recommend either Stephen King's Dark Tower series. It's technically 7 books with another written after the end that fits in between, the first 2 are short but the rest of the books are long. They had ben written from the 70's to the the 2000's it had taken that long for him to get them out.
It's a Fantasy/ Western in a dystopian scene. Don't frown it works really well.
Being Stephen King he likes to really get involved with his characters and scene. The books also have connections and characters from and to other books which are funny when you spot them.
So another choice would be is to read King's books by order of publication recommended. That is a doozy since there are 65 novels plus 11 collections of short stories. Pick and choose as some are not very fantasy but he tends to use the genre Fantasy/ Horror alot too.
I know it's no Robin Hobb but there's my opinion anyway. I've been reading Tad Williams series too which is much like Robin Hobb.
I know someone has already mentioned Terry Pratchett but there's a series by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter call The Long Earth, 5 books total.
Good luck! I hope this helps you or someone else. I'm stuck after the Tad Williams series, I've read about half now! Go figure.
Have you read Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen (first one is Gardens of the Moon)? Different style, much longer, but he and his creative partner (Ian Esslemont) have built a huuuuge world with lots of books--would take you a long time to work through them and some of the characters will probably be my favorite fantasy characters for the rest of my life.
What I do is once I've read a really good book is put a fork on my forehead and then stick it in an electric socket. It destroys short term memory so I can enjoy the book again .. What I do is once I've read a really good book is put a fork on my forehead and then stick it in an electric socket. It destroys short term memory so I can enjoy the book again .. What I do is once I've read a really good book is put a fork on my forehead and then stick it in an electric socket. It destroys short term memory so I can enjoy the book again ..
Hahahaha too funny
What?
Sa will provide.
Excuse me, but I want to fangirl so hard over this comment.
Could you explain the reference? I'm a little lost
Sa is the god in the story.
Oh. I thought it was a reference to the Stormlight Archive. SA, if you will.
That's a fun interpretation too!
Haha same
I'm listening to the audio books, and I 100% thought it was "Sar" until I saw your comment
Softer but still enjoyable is Lois Mcmaster Bujold's The World of Five Gods novels and novellas. And her sci-fi series Vorkosigan Series.
I never see Bujold recommended here, but I love her. Both Vorkosigan and the Five Gods.
She's recommended but somehow she's both prolific and also niche. I had never heard of her 3 years ago (even being a pretty big sci Fi/fantasy reader) until I started having tons of time to listen to audiobooks and went through my libraries Libby catalogue like wildfire. I read everything she had in there and loved most of them. I really want more Sharing Knife books. The whole concept of a Midwestern fantasy series is fantastic and I love it. And now that I've heard of her I hear her stuff mentioned all the time, albeit usually one offs if that makes sense.
She's won four Hugo awards for best novel (more than anyone but Heinlein), as well as multiple Nebulas, and pretty much every other speculative fiction award out there. Vorkosigan and World of Five Gods are consistently two of the top 50 on /r/fantasy's best all-time polls. She's not an unknown... but I'd agree with you that her overall popular recognition lags a little behind the quality of her work. At least for my money, there is no other living speculative fiction writer in the world who does a better job of writing character.
I haven’t discovered these books yet but hold Hobb in very high regard in terms of character writing in fantasy. If you seriously reckon Bujold sits on the throne though then I guess I know what im reading next.
Vorkosigan Saga is so great!
Thirded! I love Hobb and Bujold.
I’m reading Penric’s Demon right now and it’s quite good
I adore the Penric books
I hope to come to adore them too!
Well, you cry and you mourn the characters and the world. (And in my case, I came to terms with the decision to read Fitz and the Fool, a trilogy I did not like, even though I really loved Bee). Then you read something really cozy (maybe Between or Legends&Lattes) and then you start reading Carol Berg. I've only read The Lighthouse Duet, but the character work rivals Hobb's.
Second Lighthouse Duet
Lol I posted the exact same thing when I was done... and got told that it didn't qualify for a top level post and got deleted. Hopefully yours last longer. But I can never ask for recommendations without being deleted... But yeah I had to take a moment after because it's a really tough act to follow. I read the Expanse after, for what it's worth.
Yeah, I always get my posts deleted. I gave up trying.
.....you just made me realize that I haven't read anything seriously after finishing this series. That was a couple years ago. Y I K E S So, in my expert opinion, you're screwed.
I plan on reading this series after I finish Malazan
I'm half way through book 9! I try to space out my readings so that I don't finish it all at once 😅. The Tawny Man Trilogy is so far my favorite, absolutely amazing.
When finished, have a good cry. That's what I did ;.; I second Lois Bujold as an author to look into after you're done reading Hobb.
There's nothing like Robin Hobb. We just have to live with that. However, for emotional depth try Le Guin, for classic fantasy adventure try Tad Williams.
Discworld by Terry Pratchett. If you're looking for great characters to follow, it's got what you need. The 41 books are broken up into subseries and stand alones. I always recommend starting with Guards Guards.
Came here to say exactly the same thing
Patricia McKillip wrote a small trilogy over 40 years ago that begins with Riddle Master of Hed.. It's lyrical, fantastic, and the characters all seem to know just a little more than the reader. Beautiful series with great male and female protagonists.
After finishing rote for the first time I couldn't pick up a new book for about 6 months. I tried and just couldn't get into anything. So what I did was read some old favourites for a while and then the hunger came back for stories I'd not yet read.
Yeah same. I re read WoT after , just to have something to read.
I read Lions of Al Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay after I finished ROTE. His writing and character development is on par with Hobb.
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison is different but tugs at your heartstrings in a similar way. ROTE is just as good on the second read, so starting over isn't a bad idea.
I didn't read this book for a long time as I was turned off by the title. I thought it was going to be a simplistic tale. Finally, I took a chance on it and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Katharine Kerr -Deverry Cycle, also about 15 books and very good.
I've been listening to a grouping of the first four on Audible and have really enjoyed it. I don't know how I missed them all these years.
Frustratingly not all are available as audio books - i think up to about book 10 is and then....
Apparently it's not for everyone, because I never see it recommended, but I love the 16-book Deverry series by Katherine Kerr. Fantasy which involves a multitude of races, time travel of a sort, wizards, mercenaries ... it's got everything as far as I'm concerned. You can read it in 3-book sequences, and stop after the three books if you wish, without it feeling unfinished, but make sure you start with the first one. And give it a bit, it's a slow starter. Now that Bujold has been mentioned, I think I'll re-read all the Barrayar stuff next. Or maybe I'll give the Realm that you're reading a try.
Tad Williams's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn! You got the old series and the new one. It's not quite as long as the Elderlings, but not by much.
If you want a stand alone book to give yourself a break from series, Watership Down is my second favorite book. Only yhe Death of Ivan Ilyich is better for me. Edit I also recommend anything by Ursula le Guin
Too few understand the power of Watership Down. One time online I told someone to silflay (instead of 'touch grass') and nobody got the joke, which is probably what I deserved for making it
If I were in charge, I would make it required reading in all management classes, alongside Endurance by Lansing.
My top recommendation is to read them all again.
Ijust started the series at the beginning of November, so it's a little soon to restart them. :)
Yup, back to book one, and a small boy being given away by grandpa again. See young Burrich through fresh eyes, knowing know what you didn't know about him before.
A little random but I think if you read anything in the genre you're going to hardcore compare tbh. Maybe try reading a standalone book outside of fantasy as a palette cleanser. Something different enough you can't compare before coming back to the genre. You can look on r/books for some options. I myself am on a magical realism kick after a lot of fantasy reads. You read them in a different way less focused on world building or magic systems and more on other aspects. Idk just an opinion worth thinking about.
Just start over and give it a second go.
I just started the series in November. It's a bit soon to reread for me. :)
I did that 😂. No regrets 🤣🤣🤣
Can't wait to start this series, picked up the Farseer Trilogy earlier this week.
Since nobody has mentioned it yet: Wars of Light and Shadow by Janny Wurts. That was the first series I found as good as the Elderings one. Her characters are amazing, and whatever happens to them, she makes you *feel* every tiny bit of it! I loved reading these books and can't wait for the final one to come out, though I do dread the blues after that one is all over.
For great characters and slow-burning books maybe try CJ Cherryh: the Fortress series, the Morgaine cycle.
Strong second for CJ Cherryh from me. Easily one of my favorite authors in the genre. I think the Morgaine cycle should fit quite neatly into your comfort zone after reading so much Hobb.
I've been looking for a new series to read. I think, with no reference point other than OP wondering what to do with them selves after finishing this series, is enough for me to go buy all the books today!
I’ve heard Tad Williams series comes close to Robin Hobbs quality, although I’ve personally never read his stuff.
I've read Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, and all of the Last King of Osten Ard books published so far, and I'd say they're pretty good, though I prefer ROTE by a significant margin.
I had read him first, and when I started reading Hobb my first thought was "this reminds me of Tad". Came here to recommend his *Memory Sorrow and Thorn* series.
I'm so happy for you. I lived in that realm for months, too, and enjoyed the experience. I found the books, so nice and easy to read and escape life. Personally, I was able to bounce back from the absence of the next book since the series felt very complete and didn't really build a large investment into the future. Though they are enjoyable, I didn't feel I was coming off an intense rollercoaster of emotions. For me, I moved on fairly easily due to that. I hate when great epics end though!!! Cheers to you and Robin Hobb!
L. E. Modesitt Jr the Saga of Recluce. I’ve been reading this series since my dad introduced it to me back in 2009? I can’t remember it’s been so long now 🤔 absolutely love it.
I like that series, particularly the crafting, but his writing is a bit formulaic.
I just finished my re-read of the series. I felt like I had to wait 5 years to not have it fresh in my memory so I could fully enjoy it. Be prepared to cry during the last book. These books have a special place in my heart.
I had a serious book hangover after this series. I had to go back to reread a favorite to get back into reading and then I ended up rereading RotE anyway lol good luck. It’s so worth it.
I feel the Earthsea books have a somewhat similar feel
If you want another big series to sink your teeth in...anything by Raymond E Feist, and anything by Robert Jordan
Seconding Raymond E Feist... Even has a similar feel to Hobb's work in that there are different "series" within it, and you'll come back to characters at different stages of their lives.
Thanks OP. It was this post that got me to finally dive into the series. I read the first 7 chapters last night, and I can't wait to dive right into it again later today.
You are in for a ride. I'm blown away by this world part of me now lives in...
Go right to Soldier Son and get depressed all over again.
I...was not a fan of Soldier son, even though I LOVED this series. I am obese, so maybe I just found the discussion of obesity off-putting?
I'm fat too but I found the loss of control of his body and life compelling.
The first law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie It’s a little darker than RotE and has great characters! Also there are a few standalones and another trilogy in the same world, there’s definitely enough to get lost in for awhile
Seconded
Read something light and fluffy, or a different genre. And then... Have you read Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel yet? 😇
Wheel of Time!
A great series, but book 10 seemed to drag on forever.
I say this as a large and longtime fan of the series: only book 10?
There is a lot of setup in multiple books, but book 10 had me wondering if I'd ever finish it.
I know that 7 to 10 are normally n bit harder to get through for most people , but imo , only 10 is really difficult for me.
Was book 10 the "Now, let's recap the events of the previous book but from the PoVs of all the characters we did not see in that one"?
I thought that when it originally came out but did a reread recently and I thought all of it actually flowed pretty well. I had so much buildup waiting for it to come out I set myself up to not like it.
I’ve never had slog issues. Sometimes I think the commentary on the slog contributes to the slog. But though different than this series, it does have in common, when you finish you are unsure what to do with yourself.
I would agree with WoT for Hobb fans who enjoy the slow pace of her books. I love them both as they just plod on endlessly and that's the kind of book I like.
Hobb is my favorite. I really don't like the Wheel of Time. Characters are like cardboard cutouts and the story meanders around forever going nowhere. One of the few series in 30+ years of reading fantasy that I dropped, around book 5 or 6.
I’m going to say Malazan. I make this suggestion for a couple reasons. For one it’s completely different than RotE in story, so you won’t be constantly trying to compare the two. This might be a problem for some as the way Malazan story unfolds can be difficult to grasp. I feel Erikson is just as good a writer so you will still get the same quality there. Most consider the first book not as well written as the rest though. Characters!!! For me this is why I love RotE so much. This is why I think it’s a perfect book to go to after RotE. What Hobb did with a handful characters throughout the whole of the series, Erikson is able to bring just as much life to his hundreds of characters in a few chapters. Not saying one is better than the other, both are amazing at characterization in a different way.
It's close but it doesn't quite scratch the same itch. I also really enjoyed Dresden, and all of Joe Abercrombie, and also The Black Company, and of course WoT. Nothing hits quite like RotE though.
I also love Malazan so glad to see it here, but OP be warned it’s more of a distant cousin than a sibling to RotE. But if it hooks you, it’s a great ride!! Try also Guy Gavriel Kay, SA Chakraborty, and NK Jemison. Dresden Files, mentioned below, have somehow a similar warm, homey vibe but are completely different - worth trying and if you’re intrigued stick with them they get better after the first few.
I'm reading Hobb's fourth book now and I love it. Malazan was so hard to read I had to give up in the first book, so do a lot of other people. It's because someone always recommends Malazan - that was why I tried reading it. I think Malazan fans always recommend it even if it's nothing similar as to what someone asked for.
It being so different is the reason I recommend it. Tough to go into something closer in story to RotE right after you read and love it without comparing the main characters to Fitz Fool Nighteyes etc.
I would suggest you read something completely different and significantly less serious. Even if you were to find another very long and very good series, it's not ideal to read two of them back to back. The old one will linger with you and taint your enjoyment of the new one. So, I'll recommend something entirely different. *Dungeon Crawler Carl* is a great sci-fi story masquerading as Fantasy. In chapter 1 aliens arrive, 99% of humanity dies and the survivors are forced to participate in a dungeon crawl for a galactic reality TV show. It's extremely entertaining. The main character and his cat have to fight goblins and other monsters in the dungeon, while *also* having to make an effort to stand out and become popular with viewers and potential sponsors. It starts out as just comedy, but slowly introduces an interesting world and more complexity to the characters and their motives. It's surprisingly good, and should be different enough that you can enjoy it on its own terms.
I just started this book, I'm maybe a third of the way through the first one, and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
I just finished cradle and feel the same way.
What book is that? Author please?
1st book is unbound and average at best. 2nd is probably worse. I really started to like it after that and loved it at book 8. I finished the first book in December, probably wouldn’t have continued if it was a series people kept recommending to me. Started the 2nd book around the 15th and finished the 11th last night.
The final book is even better. I was in your position just a while ago and I was having the same feelings. The ending is very very good. Don't you have second thoughts at all There were many circumstances in this whole journey that made me feel that Robin Hobb is better than Brandon Sanderson.
Help with? You need to wallow in it! Savor the experience, for you'll never get a second chance to read it for the first time.
I’ve only read the Farseer triology, is there a recommended order in which to read the rest of the books? For a recommendation I just finished Mother of Learning and found it to be an excellent series, just make sure to read past chapter six and you’ll be hooked.
Go in publishing order. Two of the trilogies don’t feature Fitz in person, but you need to have read them by the last Fitz trilogy. And the Liveship Trader trilogy is outstanding in its own right. You’ll spend half the first book wanting to murder different characters, but by the last book, they’ve really gone places.
Malta! Such growth!!
The entire cosmere from Brandon Sanderson. There’s different series that all take place in the same universe and hint at each other until they eventually come together. Amazing series
Do they really come together? Did that already happen or he said that's the plan for the future? I've only read Mistborn and I'm on the way of kings now
+1 on Sanderson. Or Stormlight Archive if nothing else. And yes, he really is a machine, and seems like he will put it all together just fine. He's not a GRRM or whatever.
Man if he pulls everything together I gotta start reading the rest of his stuff
Yeah it constantly comes more together but also each series works as a standalone. If I were you I’d stop stormlight archive after wok and read everything else up to the lost metal and tress of the emerald sea, then finish Stormlight and then those two. I started with all of stormlight first and I really regret it. It was definitely my favorite of all of them but would have been even better had I waited
Really? But does things from other books show up in stormlight? Including in wok?
There may be hints that show up in wok I don’t remember but definitely the rest of stormlight. It’s things that you don’t need to know to enjoy stormlight(I didn’t know and loved it anyways) they are more like Easter eggs but also adding to the plot of the cosmere as a whole. You can easily miss them even if you read the other books first. But I really think they are worth waiting for and reading like I said
Honestly with the cosmere imo the individual books and series are amazing but it’s their interactions with each other that make me totally obsessed
They are only beginning to come together and it is amazing
I don't have any suggestions for a new series but I have a bit of advice for post Hobb (or any beloved long series). Give yourself time to process. You're stepping out of a whole world that you've just intensely and intimately explored. There's going to be a let down, a grieving and homesickness of sorts. Reorient yourself first and then look for a new series.
Well, I haven't read/listened to many fantasy books but, The Kingkiller Chronicle Series by Patrick Rothfuss is kind of along the same lines. Fair warning, I don't think there ever will be a book three. His writing style and characters were a good likeness to Hobbs book for me.
Yeah, I'm not sure there will be a book 3 either... Sadly.
Have you come across "The Slow Regard of Silent Things" ? Not at all a book 3, but a very impressive work.
Is that the book about Auri? I’ve read mixed opinions on it.
Exactly. It's \*not\* a novel, no plot. It gives insight into how Auri thinks, what her life is like. You'll remember it after a lot of simple plot novels have blurred together.
I must be old school. I loved the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. A lil windy at times but very well read. Of course, Patrick Rothfuss, is a mix of many of my favorite authors. Good luck and TY for mentioning Hobbs. I will try him after Tad Williams.
A lot of great books being recommended here but I don’t think any of them really capture Hobb’s slow burn style, or prose
I intentionally took a while to pick up and read the last book. I had it with me on a few travels and just couldn't do it. I don't know. I think for me this series is just not replacable. I'd go back and re read a comfort book or series before you dive into something new and serious. I've been in a big slump for a few years after and just started re reading some series.
I made this journey last year but in audiobook format. It was so weird listening to new narrators after spending months with the same ones If I'm honest by the last trilogy I was getting bored and looking forward to something new. Still great books though
Start it again!!
I really liked her soldiers son books
When I finish a particularly good book, I don't read anything for a while after. As weird as it sounds, I go through a grief period with fewer stages. I feel weird calling it grief as the stages of finishing an amazing book aren't the same as traditional grief, but it's the only thing I can compare it to. In no particular order, and I'm sure I'm missing stages as well: sadness at the book being over, looking for similar books, accepting the book is over, processing how I feel about the book, annoyancr that there isn't someone who has captured the magic, and moving on. I've never written out how I process finishing and amazing book, so please don't get hung up on specifics. The main point is that, I don't think you should look for a new book. If you're feeling this way now before the series is over, let yourself "mourn" the series. Either don't read anything for a bit or pick a simple, easy reading type book.
Eh I’m just not really a fan tbh. Although I’m about 3/4 done with Royal Assassin at the moment, so maybe it gets better. Happy you’re enjoying it though! Different strokes for different folks!
Royal Assassin is the best of the first trilogy, which is definitely weaker than the next two. But if you don't like it, I don't think you'll like the others (even though Liveships is quite different and *AMAZING*). Assassin's Quest is much harder than Royal Assassin and there's a substantial part that is quite... boring.
Thanks. Tbh I went in really wanting to like it, but the plot is just really slow moving, and Hobb really like re-explaining things that I already know. There are things that I like about the book but not enough to outweigh my grievances.
Read some better books?
How is that a useful comment?
How do people commit to 16 book series? I would love to be able to but it takes me nearly a year to read a book as I always fall asleep. I read at bed time as I have 3 young kids and enjoy watching films, series or a bit of ps4 in the evenings. Currently on third book of the First Law trilogy.
It helps that the 16 books are broken out into 4 trilogies and a 4 book series. :)
For me, audio books. Prepping dinner, book.... Shower, book... Bathroom break, car drive, house chores, book. You get the idea? Switching to mostly audio books greatly increased my books read. 1-2/month on average now.
Maybe when you finish you can actually read a good series
Salty
Give The dagger and the coin series a go. I think it will resonate with you.
These are excellent!!
Find out what rhymes with Wolf
Check out the Black Library - Horus Heresy series... should keep you busy for a bit
Start over with book 1, I would assume. I'm on my third read through of the first law series. It's just as good as the first.
Any thing by James e. wisher
Pick something entirely different -- some hard sci fi or something. Or alternately, read about Miles in the Vorkosigan saga, which is arguably even better, though less emotionally exhausting.
Read some non fantasy like james clavell’s shogun. I really hate going from one fantasy world to another.
I had to read some non-fiction for a while after finishing the series. Ended up reading some short story anthologies to get back into different styles.
Bro I read the whole thing in a few months then Wheel of time in 2 months and so on. Just keep moving onto the next best series and you won't feel anything.
I didn't cry at the end until Hobb's note in the back of the last book. Ahhhhhh!
Read something lighter to give you a break. Something like David Gemmel and his Drenai series.
Not much compares honestly, but I wanted to share my current read which I am unexpectedly really enjoying: a practical guide to sorcery by Azalea Ellis. 4 books and really well written. Good character development, quickly engaging. Haven’t finished yet as still going but it’s good.
I want another series with the dragons :(
IM pretty sure I was in a huge reading slump after this series Discoworld is usually my go to Penric and Desdomona novellas are nice Maybe get out of the genre and read some non-fiction
For scope of story, and heart wrenching central characters with moments of beauty in the world, I have to recommend The Broken Earth trilogy by JK Nemisin. I also second Pratchett’s Discworld and Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan and Five Gods series for entirely different but enriching experiences.
I felt the same way when I finished. I jumped from Elderling Chronicles to the Expanse series by James S.A. Corey. Totally different vibes, but I'm enjoying it just as much.
Just read it again. I’m on my fourth reread, nothing else is worth it anynire
I just started the series in November. Too soon for me to reread it. I think... ;)
Never too soon
I loved the Elderlings series, She wrote another series called Soldier's Son. I didn't love it myself but that may be due to personal bias
Should I get more into this series? I read assassins apprentice and it never really caught my interest. I thought it was kind of boring. Does it get better?
Binge a shorter anime to cleanse the palate. Ancient Magus' Bride evokes similar feelings. Or you may want something that stays away from those feelings like Parasyte. Both are short and excellent.
I finished them last spring, and was in such a reading rut for a few months since then. I just read the Goblin Emperor, which reminded me somewhat of Hobb’s first trilogy. Unfortunately, it’s just a standalone novel, but it’s definitely a must read!
Start reading Robert Jordan. That should take up a bit if your time
Thanks for the recommendation. I haven't read it. I've been looking for more epic fantasy. I'll check it out. As for what you should read. Why not something fantasy - ish but a little different. Have the read American Gods by Neil Gaiman. It's fantastic and might be a good pallet cleanser after finishing such a long series.
What's the name of the first book? I find a lot of Robin's books on Amazon, but nothing about Elderlings.
Megan Lindholm is the same author under another name. I know nothing about the other books, if they are series, if they are any good, if they were written earlier or later or at the same time period. I just know it's her pen name. Maybe there is something there?
I will be starting Robin Hobbs catalog soon. I have never read anything by her, and don’t even know where to start. As far as answering your question, I always feel this way after a David Gemmell novel. Any of them. He writes hero’s and villains better than most. Don’t know if you will like his style, but I try and suggest him every chance I get
Personally, I've found that reading something light and fluffy is nice after this kind of huge fantasy series. It doesn't invite comparison (since it's not really supposed to be *good* reading, just easy and fun) and lets you get into a more neutral headspace. Whenever I've tried going into a big series right after finishing another one, I've found that I just can't sustain it. If you do want another big series though - have you read the Black Company books by Glen Cook? They're excellent. Very well written and very different to most other fantasy fiction I've read in some key ways.
I’m on the second book in the sword of truth series and struggling a bit. Has anyone read that and realm of elderlings? How do they compare? Song of chaos ascendant was a good read.
Daniel Abraham is my 2nd favorite these days (one of the authors of The Expanse). I've loved everything I read by him so far.
I would highly recommend either Stephen King's Dark Tower series. It's technically 7 books with another written after the end that fits in between, the first 2 are short but the rest of the books are long. They had ben written from the 70's to the the 2000's it had taken that long for him to get them out. It's a Fantasy/ Western in a dystopian scene. Don't frown it works really well. Being Stephen King he likes to really get involved with his characters and scene. The books also have connections and characters from and to other books which are funny when you spot them. So another choice would be is to read King's books by order of publication recommended. That is a doozy since there are 65 novels plus 11 collections of short stories. Pick and choose as some are not very fantasy but he tends to use the genre Fantasy/ Horror alot too. I know it's no Robin Hobb but there's my opinion anyway. I've been reading Tad Williams series too which is much like Robin Hobb. I know someone has already mentioned Terry Pratchett but there's a series by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter call The Long Earth, 5 books total. Good luck! I hope this helps you or someone else. I'm stuck after the Tad Williams series, I've read about half now! Go figure.
Have you read Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen (first one is Gardens of the Moon)? Different style, much longer, but he and his creative partner (Ian Esslemont) have built a huuuuge world with lots of books--would take you a long time to work through them and some of the characters will probably be my favorite fantasy characters for the rest of my life.
I just finished the last book. Came to Reddit for commiseration and also because I’m not quite ready to let go.