learnbyexample

I started reading progression fantasy on Royal Road earlier this year (a site for posting web serials). Here’s my current follow list (excluding stories that are on hiatus):

• The Runic Artist — isekai, rune-based crafting, good mix of action and slice-of-life
• The Broken Knife — Kobold MC with a dragon companion, dark but compelling read, excellent worldbuilding
• Demon World Boba Shop — cozy isekai, nice characters
• Dual Wielding — slow burn, tale of two friends (both very talented), writing is good, action scenes get dark and intense
• Legends and Librarians — cozy romance, magical library (not litrpg/progression), plenty of cute creatures
• An Otherworldly Scholar — isekai, teacher MC, good worldbuilding, nice romance, great characters, plenty of twists, adventure and danger, especially enjoyed the slice-of-life stuff
• Archmage from Another World: Gaining Administrator Access — isekai from another fantasy world, lighthearted fun with good set of characters, no looming world-level threats so far
• Underkeeper — MC is a recent magical academy graduate, good at magic but works as underkeeper (no money/connections to join adventurer groups), got darker than I’m comfortable with, but loved the characters and the demon companion
• Immovable Mage — good worldbuilding, characters, plot twists and detailed magic system, clever use of plot events pushes MC towards OP, would suggest to read at least till the end of 2nd arc
• Level One God — likeable MC, cool magic stuff I haven’t seen before, some bad moments are really dark, good writing
• Spire’s Spite — criminally underrated with only 100+ followers, mostly been spire climbing so far, good magic system, dark and has some stuff I don’t like but overall I’ve enjoyed it
• Blood Curse Academia — overall I enjoyed the combination of action, learning and mystery, but a lot of weird coincidences and stuff didn’t make sense
• Mana Mirror — loved the concept of mana garden and the myriad customization options, writing and plot was easy to follow, third volume is the best so far
• The Maid Is Not Dead — writing felt like traditionally published epic fantasy with progression elements, slow burn but events are starting to escalate
• Dark Lord’s Last Call — MC’s soul is swapped with the dark lord, plans to open a tavern, enjoyable light-hearted read
• Orphan — I usually ignore the litrpg math but this one takes it a bit too far! characters all have flaws (though sometimes it becomes a bit too irritating), good worldbuilding and mystery
• Rules of Biomancy — 70 year old herbalist MC with a secret past comes across two isekai-ed people in danger of dying and decides to help, enjoying a lot

Check out https://novelwriter.io/

I’m not familiar with such softwares (I use pandoc for technical writing), but might help you…

I’m a bit active on book-related forums. I post reviews of books I’ve read, give book recommendations, etc. In this case, the author contacted me based on my reviews.

Like alpha, beta, gamma readers. Used by authors to get feedback at various stages of their book before it is published. Alpha stage is very rough, like first draft. Not sure where the line lies between beta and gamma stage, but they are close to finished works - only typos and minor changes would be made based on reader feedback.

For indie authors, beta readers often help to get a few reviews out close to book publication.

I’m doing a beta-read. Well written, great ideas, etc. Unfortunately, the book is turning out to be much darker than I’m comfortable with. I’ll probably try to get to the halfway point before deciding to give up.

Bobiverse by Dennis E. Taylor is a fun and easy read

Stormlight Archives can be daunting to those not familiar with Sanderson’s works, especially since the books are long (1000+ pages) and the first book is setting up a long 10-book series (plus other stuff from a wider universe).

If you’d like something smaller and standalone to try first, check out “Emperor’s Soul” (novella) or Warbreaker (novel).

+1 for Murderbot!

True, perhaps a case of doing too much of anything over a long period ;)

When I was younger, I’d read slowly, trying to visualize the setting, keep track of character preferences, look up words I don’t know, etc. I’d remember a book well enough to talk about it even a year or so after.

These days, I just skim over descriptions and read as fast as I could while still getting the main plot. I get attached to characters only if the book is really good and savor them during rereads.

I mostly read fantasy and sci-fi, which tend to have multiple books in a series. If they are easy-to-read and short (300-400 pages per book), it becomes easy to consume. Also, I read for escapism, so I don’t read too closely.

Hopefully less than this year. I’m reading too many (100+) and that’s reflecting in my reduced time on actual work (self-employed).

+1 for Cradle already mentioned. I’d add

• The Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan
• Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

Check out https://github.com/auctors/free-lunch (list of free Windows software)

See also https://www.nirsoft.net/ (freeware, not open source)

Cradle by Will Wight is a page-turner. 12 book completed series and audio is great based on gushing reviews I’ve come across.

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Krakauer examines what it is about Everest that has compelled so many people – including himself – to throw caution to the wind, ignore the concerns of loved ones, and willingly subject themselves to such risk, hardship, and expense. Written with emotional clarity and supported by his unimpeachable reporting, Krakauer’s eyewitness account of what happened on the roof of the world is a singular achievement.

“To Kill a Mocking Bird” is great.

I’ve read his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy. Epic dark fantasy, great characters and worldbuilding. The plot is good too, but the pacing goes off rail sometimes.

Thanks, that looks interesting, added to my TBR.

Also, just remembered The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester as another candidate for your request. This is also sci-fi.

If you don’t mind sci-fi: Red Rising by Pierce Brown

And there’s the classic The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas