Delve into 12 Low Fantasy Books with Strong Character Development
Book RaiderIn the book universe, there exist the spaceships of high fantasy - soaring constructs of imagination, brimming with dragons, magic and impractical sword-fighting techniques. A place where Farmboy Bob could be destined to overthrow the Dark Overlord. Then, there's low fantasy. No destiny-guided farmers here, only average folks tangled in uncanny situations, dealing with extraordinary worlds while remaining, well, reassuringly ordinary.
Packed to the brim with realistic characters, believable dialogues, and relentless action, low fantasy has a certain charm that neither Tolkien nor Martin's high-flying tapestries match. Think less 'fire-breathing dragons' and more 'tab-keeping goblins', if you will. In this blog, we will traverse this grim, magic-dusted terrain, word by word, character by character. Carrying a flickering torch of curiosity, we’ll explore the stone-lined corridors of low fantasy books with strong character development that lead us to hidden gems that pop and glow in the dim light.
Assassin's Apprentice
by Robin Hobb
Why Assassin's Apprentice is on this list: Hobb's novel takes you deep into the world of low fantasy with a strong focus on the intangible - politics, intrigue and personal growth. Not a dragon or wizard in sight, but there's a bunch of complicated humans instead.
Assassin's Apprentice tells the story of Fitz, a bastard son of a prince raised in the shadowy world of the royal court where he is trained to become a lethal assassin. Full of court politics, betrayal, and mysterious abilities, the narrative is shaped by Fitz's struggles and his journey of self-discovery.
What readers like: Readers often praise the depth and complexity of Fitz as a character. Also, they appreciate the realistic, immersive world-building, the tangled web of court politics, and the heart-wrenching moments that make the story so emotionally captivating. Plus, who can resist a story about an underdog navigating the complexities of court politics...and surviving. Mostly.
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The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Why The Name of the Wind is on this list: Low fantasy? Check. Strong character development? Double check. The Name of the Wind lets you explore a world not overrun with magical creatures and spells - instead, the magic is more subtle and grounded. And most importantly, as the story unfolds, so does the main character multi-layered and intricate ways. So buckle up, folks.
The story follows our main guy, Kvothe, a bright and talented young lad with more than his fair share of tragedies. He's got a knack for magic and a burning desire for answers - perfect combo, right? Rothfuss takes us through Kvothe's incredible journey where we experience his highest highs and lowest lows, set against a backdrop of a fascinating, realistic, magic-laced world.
What readers like: Readers absolutely love the rich and intricate storytelling. Kvothe is not just a character in a book, he's someone you'll befriend, root for, and maybe even shed a tear for. And the world that Rothfuss builds around Kvothe? Simply put, it's engrossingly different from other fantasy landscapes. Bonus points for the clever and genuinely interesting magic system.
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The People in the Trees
by Hanya Yanagihara
Why The People in the Trees is on this list:
The People in the Trees is a deeply layered tale that centers around a character named Norton Perina. Perina is a scientist who discovers a mythical Micronesian tribe that seems to have discovered the secret to immortality. But here's the rub - immortality doesn't quite work out the way you'd assume it does. What follows is a dark and twisty exploration into the corners of human nature, ambition, and the toxic aspects of power.
What readers like: Readers adore this book for its exquisite writing style and uniquely fascinating protagonist. They're drawn in by Yanagihara's beautiful prose, her meticulous character development, and the ethical dilemmas that Perina’s discoveries introduce. It's like a mysterious trek through the jungle – you're not quite sure where you're heading, but boy is the journey engrossing.
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The Blade Itself
by Joe Abercrombie
Why The Blade Itself is on this list: It's a low fantasy book, but strong in every sense where it matters. The lines between good and evil are blurred making it perfect for anyone looking for a fantasy book rooted in reality. Plus, the bits of strong character development are the cherries on top.
Front and center of this book are characters like Logan Ninefingers - a barbarian with more than nine problems, and Inquisitor Glokta - a torturer with a nasty habit of self-reflection. Abercrombie's world isn't filled with dragons and magic is just a background noise, instead, it's driven by gritty politics, cunning plots, and well-drawn characters. Each page brings you closer to these people and their intertwining destinies.
What readers like: Readers have praised the book's clear, action-filled writing and the reality of the characters. They're flawed, they're intriguing, and they're so real you might start worrying about them in your sleep. 'Gripping', 'captivating' and 'refreshingly dark' are just a few words that readers have used to describe this gem by Abercrombie.
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The Lies of Locke Lamora
by Scott Lynch
Why The Lies of Locke Lamora is on this list: This low fantasy work perfectly combines a grounded world with intricate characters. Its character development is as deep as the pockets of the thieves that roam its pages.
The book tells the story of Locke Lamora, a con-artist in a setting akin to Venice during the Renaissance. He's an orphan who grows up to be part a band of thieves known as the Gentlemen Bastards. With a plot that revolves more around elaborate heists and cunning schemes rather than mythical creatures or epic battles, the focus is firmly put on the characters and their bonds.
What readers like: Readers rave about the well-crafted characters and their complex relationships, detailed world-building, and unexpected plot twists. It's a story that pulls you in, knocks you about a bit, and leaves you begging for more. It's perfect for those who enjoy a great heist, a bit of subterfuge and characters they can really get invested in.
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Low Town
by Daniel Polansky
Why Low Town is on this list: Diving into the world of Low Fantasy, 'Low Town' is an intricate woven masterpiece where everything is less about the flashy magics and more about the bare-knuckled fighters in a grim gritty realm, talking about some strong character building!
‘Low Town’ by Daniel Polansky takes you through the grim streets of an urban wasteland. Our unlikely hero, the Warden, is a former agent-turned-drug dealer with a knack for getting into trouble. When a child is murder, he's drawn back into the dark underbelly of the town he desperately wants to avoid. The book chronicles his journey through mystery, mayhem and messed-up stuff to find a killer whilst dealing with his tumultuous past.
What readers like: Readers love 'Low Town' for its raw, realistic outlook on the world and its imperfect yet compelling protagonist, the Warden. His character evolution, the unexpected twists, and the perfectly sinister atmosphere of Low Town keeps one glued to the pages. The book's distinctive noir vibe mixed with fantasy is a cherry on a grimly-crafted cake.
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Red Rising
by Pierce Brown
Why Red Rising is on this list: Red Rising is low fantasy at its grittiest, where the magic comes from the characters—compelling and vibrant— not some spell book. Plus, this book packs some serious punch in the character department.
Imagine Mars being colonized and society being divided into a strict color-coded caste system. Our hero, Darrow, starts at the bottom - a Red, forced into a life of labor - until a tragic event leads him to realize the extent of the lies that surround him. Soon, he infiltrates higher society, aiming to dismantle the whole corrupt system from inside. It's a pressure cooker of politics, rebellion, and intense, raw emotion.
What readers like: Readers are pulled in by the authentic evolution of Darrow, as he navigates through this elaborate world. They love Brown's brutal yet immersive writing style, along with the unpredictable turns of the plot. The attention to detail shines through in every page, as does the complexity of the relationships among characters. Warning: this book might make you forget to eat, sleep, and possibly breathe.
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Station Eleven
by Emily St. John Mandel
Why Station Eleven is on this list:
Station Eleven tells the story of a ruthless flu epidemic wiping out nearly the entire world and the survivors twenty years after the outbreak, trying to revive civilization. The book follows an actress in the Symphony, a caravan traveling around the Lake Michigan performing Shakespeare, unraveling her past gradually.
What readers like: Readers find themselves attracted to Mandel's lucid storytelling where a number of storylines intertwine seamlessly. They appreciate the well-crafted characters, relishing the rich human connections and conflicts that their stories bring about in an otherwise bleak setting. Plus, exploring how a collapsed civilization strives to revive arts and culture is something they've really enjoyed.
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City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare
Why City of Bones is on this list: City of Bones fits the low fantasy genre like a glove. The story gives us an unmatched journey of self-discovery through a series of supernatural elements, yet remains grounded in the real-world setting of New York City. Cassandra Clare doesn't just create characters, she builds personalities that you're going to genuinely care about.
In this tale, our protagonist Clary Fray, a seemingly normal teenager, has her world turned upside down when she stumbles a hidden world of shadowhunters, demons, and other supernatural beings that lurk right beneath the surface of our mundane existence. The real crunch? She herself is a part of this world. The way she navigates this new life and deals with her true identity forms the heart of this riveting story.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the richly developed characters, the blend of urban reality with supernatural elements, and of course, the rollercoaster of emotions that come with it. The characters grow, evolve, and weave their way into reader's hearts. Clare's gripping narrative style keeps the readers dangling deliciously at the edge of their seats, wanting to know more, yet fearing what they might discover next.
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Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Shadow and Bone is on this list: Shadow and Bone is resplendent with well-rounded characters who grow and evolve as the series progresses. Leigh Bardugo has a knack for creating a universe that exists in a light-gray fog of morality, instead of the traditional black and white of '' and 'evil'. The is low-fantasy - because even though it contains magical elements, it is grounded in reality and relatable themes.
This book introduces us to a war-torn world inspired by Tsarist Russia, where our orphaned protagonist, Alina Starkov, discovers a latent, unique power that can potentially turn the tide of war. Just remember: along with that power comes a world of politics, intrigue and a charming but dangerous mentor. Sweet deal, right?
What readers like: Fans of Shadow and Bone love it for its lush world-building, unpredictable plot twists, and most importantly, its characters – who are flawed, multi-dimensional, and will tug your heartstrings more often than not. But it’s not just about the sorrow – there is a good deal of sarcasm, wit, and even some romance to lighten the mood. All in all, Shadow and Bone is like a cozy blanket on a cold night - expect you're wrapped in a whirlwind of emotions, and that blanket may just occasionally try to strangle you.
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An Ember in the Ashes
by Sabaa Tahir
Why An Ember in the Ashes is on this list: Reality can be stranger than fiction, a fact Sab Tahir embraces with open arms. She always keeps you grounded, despite the fact that you're reading about a world filled with intrigues rebellions, and edgy dusk-to-dawn battles. Plus, you'll fall in love with the characters as they grow and learn about themselves - and isn't that the dream?
Welcome to a world that feels like ancient Rome but with a dash of fantasy. An Ember in the Ashes focuses on two characters, Laia and Elias. Laia is a slave, fighting for her family, and Elias is a soldier, fighting against the empire he's supposed to serve. Buckle up folks, because their paths cross in the most unexpected ways for a truly captivating read.
What readers like: Readers find the dual perspectives intriguing, giving an intimate understanding of both our central figures. They appreciate the believable stakes and the tight narrative knots that keep the pace rolling. Moreover, fans love how every character, no matter how secondary, grows and evolves. Just like any good Netflix series, you'll want to cancel your plans and read it in one sitting.
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The Philosopher's Flight
by Tom Miller
Why The Philosopher's Flight is on this list: The Philosopher's Flight is a perfect fit on this list as it masterfully blends low fantasy with meaningful character development. Journey with the characters as they evolve in a world subtly sprinkled with fantasy elements, struggling with real emotions, relationships and self-discovery.
Set in an alternate version of World War I America, this book stars a young man, Robert Weekes, who dreams of becoming a 'philosopher' - a member of the elite, mysterious, and almost entirely female cadre of flying medics. Filled with wild adventures, wartime exploits, philosophical mysteries, and gender dynamics, Robert's journey is a roller coaster ride of emotion and growth.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the unique twist on magic, gender roles and the concepts of history and wartime. They are especially drawn to the frequent, quiet moments of self-realization and personal growth, lauding the deep and relatable character development. The wit and humor that infuse Tom Miller's writing style also add an engaging touch of charm to the storyline.
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