The 9 Top Low Fantasy Novels for Philosophical Minds
Book RaiderYou've clocked in formidable hours traipsing through realms infested with dragons, bantering with snarky elves, and shaking your head at senseless magic wars. High fantasy with its magical spells, mystical creatures and fierce battles for kingdom supremacy can be downright intoxicating. But let's face it, sometimes you yearn for a fantasy that’s... well, a bit more lowkey.
Enter the world of low fantasy - a genre that dances on the edges of reality. It keeps one foot grounded in our tired and true (and sometimes boring) universe, while the other tiptoes into worlds only a brilliant author's mind could sculpt. Here's the kicker, these books often have a philosophical undertone that makes you question your very existence (in between chuckles, of course). It’s the perfect escape for those who like their fiction served with a hearty side of metaphysical introspection.
The Magicians
by Lev Grossman
Why The Magicians is on this list: This book is a perfect fit for the philosophically-minded bunch because it allows its readers to delve into the paradoxes of reality and fantasy, the contrasts of joy and sorrow, and the complications of personal growth.
Putting a realistic spin on fantasy, 'The Magicians' follows the life of Quentin Coldwater, a Brooklyn teenager, who finds himself absorbed into a world of magic he earlier read about in books. Quentin's mental and emotional journey, alongside his exploration of magic and discovery of its dark side, offers a solid base for philosophical discussions. It's like Harry Potter meets a bunch of mid-life and existential crises.
What readers like: Readers tend to appreciate the depth and intricacy of the characters, the wit and wisdom of the book’s philosophical commentary, and the relatable depiction of Quentin's struggle. Also, for fans of fantasy, the magical elements and plot twists serve as the cherry on top of this thought-provoking sundae.
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The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
Why The Name of the Wind is on this list: This book is a perfect blend of a low fantasy world with philosophical undertones that are sure to pique the interest of those who like to ponder on life's big questions, all while navigating the adventures of a magical and fantastical world.
The Name of the Wind introduces us to Kvothe, a mysterious and infamous figure who goes by many names. The story unravels as he narrates his life to a chronicler over the course of three days, recounting his humble origins, his rise to prominence, and his struggles with the 'Chandrian' - beings of myth and legend. It is more than just an adventure, it's a meandering journey through Kvothe’s life, full of philosophy and intricate world-building that keeps you hooked.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the interpersonal relationships between the characters, the intense storytelling, and the way magic is used as a metaphor for more profound philosophical concepts. The book also serves up a rich plot full of unexpected twists and turns. All this is delivered with Patrick Rothfuss's well-crafted and engaging writing, that will make you chuckle, make you frown, but above all, make you think.
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Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
by Susanna Clarke
Why Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is on this list: It's a low fantasy book with a deep philosophical bent, exploring the idea of change, personal ambition, rivalry, and what magic can mean in the world. If you enjoy having your cerebrum tickled while you're immersed in a captivating story, this book fits the bill perfectly.
Set in 19th century England during the Napoleonic wars, this novel tells the story of two magicians: the meticulous Mr Norrell and the daring Jonathan Strange. As they rediscover old forms of magic and strive to make England great again, their differing views evolve into deep-seated rivalry which raises complex philosophical questions.
What readers like: Readers have raved about the historical detail and delicate exploration of magic in an otherwise recognizable world. Most cannot resist the delicious tension between Strange and Norrell and the way their personal philosophies shape their magical practices. Plus, fans appreciate the humor sprinkled throughout, because who doesn't like a good laugh amidst deep thought, right?
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Uprooted
by Naomi Novik
Why Uprooted is on this list: This book, my friends, winds the thrill of low-fantasy with the thought-provoking layers of philosophical contemplation. It's a rare, but delicious blend of realism within a magical setting, forcing us, humble wanderers in the labyrinth of ideas, to question the very nature of power, identity, and choice.
Our protagonist, Agnieszka hails from a quiet village livin' the pace of nature. But there's a thorn (a literal magic-filled forest) in their idyllic existence. This dark entity demands a tribute every decade: a poor girl to serve the powerful wizard Dragon. When Agnieszka is chosen over her neat, perfect best friend, things go sour, then sweet, then philosophical. The novel keeps you questioning till the end, does power corrupt or merely bids the corruptible to come hither?
What readers like: Hardcore bookworms and cerebral wanderers will find the narrative riveting with its complex characters, dramatic plot and periodic eureka moments. Readers love Agnieszka's tangible growth from a wallflower to a hero. They tout the unique magic system where casting a spell feels as organic as baking bread - and equally prone to catastrophic failure if not done right. So, grab a copy if you enjoy fantasy with a hearty dose of brain-tickling enquiries.
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The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern
Why The Starless Sea is on this list: This beguiling book dabbles in bending the realms of reality, but remains grounded in human experience, hence drawing the bridge between low fantasy and philosophy. It challenges readers to question their perceptions about the world, love, and ultimate truths.
The Starless Sea is a beautiful tapestry of metaphor and symbolism packed into a story that's as enchanting as a moonlit, starless night. It revolves around the character, Zachary Ezra Rawlins, who discovers a mysterious book in his university library that contains a story from his own childhood. This sends him on an arresting quest that leads him to a hidden library, sea-bound ships in cavernous halls, star-crossed love and, most importantly, stories inside of stories.
What readers like: Readers love the unique narrative style, layered depth, rich details, and the constant dance between fiction and reality. It's a kind of book you can sink into like a warm bath, guessing about the metaphors. Morgenstern's prose is gorgeous, with readers applauding her ability to turn a phrase into a masterpiece. Also, it's incredibly quotable so philosophy buffs, get ready to update your list of favourite quotes.
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The Bear and the Nightingale
by Katherine Arden
Why The Bear and the Nightingale is on this list: This book dives deep into the world of low fantasy, exploring philosophical questions about faith, freedom, and the choices we make. It's more than a story,'s an exploration of life's big questions, served with a side of magic and folklore.
Set in the wilderness of medieval Russia, The Bear and the Nightingale portrays Vasilisa - a young girl who honors the olden spirits of home and forest. As conflict arises between age-old traditions and the new regime’s religious beliefs, Vasilisa is hurled into a battle of both mortal and immortal foes. She's got to bridge realities of sense and superstition, questioning what we believe and why we believe it.
What readers like: Readers laud the exquisite writing, the expansive and fresh world-building, and the rich, complicated characters. They appreciate how Arden seamlessly blends Russian folklore with a coming-of-age story. Fans of hard-hitting philosophy and ethereal magic alike will find lots to love in this captivating tale.
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Circe
by Madeline Miller
Why Circe is on this list: Circe is as low fantasy as it gets: it's a book that takes place in a mythos most of us are familiar with (good old Greek mythology), but it throws a big philosophical wrench into it, inviting readers to ruminate on the nature of power, isolation, and transformation. No gods, monsters or talking animals are going to do a tap dance in these pages; instead, you'll find yourself pondering over your own human nature and the ambiguity of good and evil.
The novel is a reimagining of Circe, a minor character from Homer's Odyssey. Miller transforms her from a small bit-player into a complex, compelling protagonist. Banished by the gods to a deserted island, Circe learns to tap into her latent magical powers and interacts with many famous figures of Greek legend. Throughout the novel, Circe has to navigate the treacherous waters of the Greek pantheon and overcome the constraints placed on her.
What readers like: Readers love the depth of Circe as a character, and the way her isolation and personal growth resonate with today's world. Miller's retelling of Greek mythology is masterful, blending ancient lore with a refreshingly modern perspective (without modernising the setting, because that would be weird in this case). Prepare to get sucked into a mighty labyrinth of moral conundrums - no minotaur included, sadly.
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The Golem and the Jinni
by Helene Wecker
Why The Golem and the Jinni is on this list: Joining the ranks of the best low fantasy books, this is a mind-stirring tale which presents philosophy right in the heart of its storyline. It deeply explores human nature and the struggles of self-awareness and personal identity.
This is a tale about a female golem, a creature made of clay, and a male jinni, a fire-controlling entity. Their paths cross in 1899 New York City where they try their best to fit in, with very little success. The struggle of the golem and the jinni to understand their own existence while trying to navigate the human world gives plenty of food for your contemplative mind to feast on. And it's not like they're debating the meaning of life over a cuppa - they've got the challenge of surviving in a world that's not exactly keen on fantastical creatures.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the uniqueness of the storyline, the impressive attention to detail, and the beautiful way the narratives of the golem and the jinni intertwine. Fans rave about the philosophical musings that pop up when you're least expecting them, which make you look at everyday life from new angles. And there's a heavy dose of 'just trying to fit in' which anyone who's ever been the new kid, or just felt a bit out of place, can relate to.
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American Gods
by Neil Gaiman
Why American Gods is on this list: If you're the philosophical type who enjoys pondering about faith, belief and identity, all while engulfed in a low fantasy narrative, this book hits the spot perfectly.
In 'American Gods', Neil Gaiman delivers a blend of Americana, fantasy, and various strands of ancient and modern mythology, all centering on the mysterious and taciturn Shadow. Following his release from prison, Shadow finds himself employed by a man named Wednesday, who's far more than he first appears. As they journey across America, Shadow becomes entangled in an ongoing conflict between the old gods and spirits of traditional mythology and a new generation of deities reflecting society's modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs.
What readers like: Readers often rave about the 'meaty' philosophical debates, the wacky road trip through an American landscape tinged with the surreal, and the fascinating mythology Gaiman incorporates. They also love how he explores the interplay between cultural identity and belief. And if you're the kind of person who sits and thinks for hours about a single sentence, odds are you'll enjoy Gaiman's writing style - it's loaded with beautiful, thought-provoking metaphor.
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