Something Epic?
- cjohns105
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Something Epic?
These would be books covering huge swaths of time or space. They are complex, intricate, and well thought out. Many include some sort of internal or external journey.
For me, it doesn't really matter what genre a book might be in. It could be historical, sci-fi, mystery, romance, even non-fiction.
I would love to hear what you guys think of when you think of an epic novel. If anyone has reading suggestions, those would also be welcome.
Thanks everybody!
- bturrill
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Don't be daunted by it's length, though, the beginning might seem a bit slow to some people, but once the story picks up you fly through it. It is worth every page.
- Ste J
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- ylisa7
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"When four classmates from a small Massachusetts college move to New York to make their way, they're broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition. There is kind, handsome Willem, an aspiring actor; JB, a quick-witted, sometimes cruel Brooklyn-born painter seeking entry to the art world; Malcolm, a frustrated architect at a prominent firm; and withdrawn, brilliant, enigmatic Jude, who serves as their center of gravity. Over the decades, their relationships deepen and darken, tinged by addiction, success, and pride. Yet their greatest challenge, each comes to realize, is Jude himself, by midlife a terrifyingly talented litigator yet an increasingly broken man, his mind and body scarred by an unspeakable childhood, and haunted by what he fears is a degree of trauma that he’ll not only be unable to overcome—but that will define his life forever."
You can also try Edward Rutherfurd whose books were recommended to me today.
New York
"Edward Rutherfurd celebrates America’s greatest city in a rich, engrossing saga, weaving together tales of families rich and poor, native-born and immigrant—a cast of fictional and true characters whose fates rise and fall and rise again with the city’s fortunes. From this intimate perspective we see New York’s humble beginnings as a tiny Indian fishing village, the arrival of Dutch and British merchants, the Revolutionary War, the emergence of the city as a great trading and financial center, the convulsions of the Civil War, the excesses of the Gilded Age, the explosion of immigration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the trials of World War II, the near demise of New York in the 1970s and its roaring rebirth in the 1990s, and the attack on the World Trade Center. A stirring mix of battle, romance, family struggles, and personal triumphs, New York: The Novel gloriously captures the search for freedom and opportunity at the heart of our nation’s history."
and
Sarum: The Novel of England
"A masterpiece that is breathtaking in its scope, SARUM is an epic novel that traces the entire turbulent course of English history. This rich tapesty weaves a compelling saga of five families who preserve their own particular characteristics over the centuries, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the future."
and others!!
Oscar Wilde
理沙
- Erik
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This is a trilogy, but the first two are absolutely the best of the lot. This is an epic read in all definitions of the word. Peake writes as if he is painting a detailed image, setting the scene meticulously. If, when you read, you experience a sort of mind-movie, this would be a great series for you.
- cjohns105
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I am excited to here more suggestions, and I am definitely going to try and read as many of these books as I can. Thanks and keep the posts coming!
- DATo
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― Steven Wright
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Not only has Sanderson written books/series set in several different fantasy 'worlds', he has also connected many of these worlds into the same 'cosmere' (universe) with overarching story lines and characters that pop up in several worlds. Epic!
My favourite of his is the unfinished 'Stormlight Archive' series (2 books so far of a possible 10). History, religion, politics, magic, diverse characters and creatures (plus a great story of course); if this sounds like your cup of tea I would highly recommend having a look.
Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' series is another epic fantasy with deep world-building that really sucks you in. Though some people feel it is a little wordy in some books of the series (14 books in total!).
Anyhow, good luck and I hope you find something you enjoy!
- Vickyoreo86
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Length, complexity and character amount. World building, creating cultures, religion, races, history. For me you can't get this without a lengthy novel like Redemption of Althalus by David and Lee Eddings and those close to, or pushing over, 1000 pages.
The second is multiple stories set within the same world over a series of books. Not always focusing on one, or a group of, characters but have stories set within the timeline of the fictional world. A different kingdom, a different side to war, past and present and future. Examples being David Gemmel's Drenai series and Reganti series. I love to see old characters being mentioned or make appearances along the way.
Eddings Belgariad series is a great set of books too if you are looking for something older. That is really an epic timeline, from young boy to teen to adult to aged. Truly brilliant work.
This can be any genre I guess but I mainly associate epic with Fantasy, Sci fi, Historical, YA fantasy
I find it hard to see romances as 'epic' unfortunately. Maybe epically written with great talent but not the way I use the word in this sense.
― David Gemmell
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