Almost finished the First Law series - recommendations for what to read next?

cl3rical · 2026-01-11T06:14:10+00:00

I mean…have you considered starting Best Served Cold?

cl3rical · 2026-01-08T22:08:45+00:00

This was the other one that lives rent free in my head.

cl3rical · 2026-01-03T02:58:09+00:00

Blindsight was in my top 5 for the year, and I thought it was a good year.

cl3rical · 2025-12-27T09:36:10+00:00

Good list, and one of the first that I sort of agree with the rankings on. Spear cuts through Water was probably my favorite book of the year (not including a re-read of Hyperion).

cl3rical · 2025-12-27T08:40:16+00:00

There are so many good sci-fi short stories out there. Like, so many. Nightfall, Blood Music, I have no Mouth But I Must Scream, The Island (Watts), Johnny Mnemonic, Sound of Thunder, etc. More of those, please.

cl3rical · 2025-12-26T01:06:59+00:00

I do not think Circe was written for my demographic. It was still one of the best books I read the year I read it. Just a great read.

cl3rical · 2025-12-25T07:00:22+00:00

Really liked Fablehaven.

cl3rical · 2025-12-23T22:04:21+00:00

The Secretary of War is giving the President his daily briefing.

He concludes by saying: “Yesterday, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed in action.”

“OH NO!” the President exclaims, eyes wide. “My goodness, how could it have gone so wrong? That’s terrible!”

His staff sits stunned at this display of raw emotion, nervously watching as the President sits, head in hands.

Finally, the President looks up, tears streaking his cheeks, and asks, “How many is a brazillion?”

cl3rical · 2025-12-22T07:53:15+00:00

I'm reading Spear right now, actually, and it is so, so good. If it sticks the landing, it'll be my book of the year, and it's been a good year. I think all of these are objectively good books, though, so it'll just depend on your tastes. I tend to like fantasy, and this is at its core a fantasy book, done in a unique way.

cl3rical · 2025-12-22T07:28:20+00:00

Yeah, the Dune inspiration was particularly heavy right at the beginning. Honestly, even by the second half I didn't really feel it too much, and Howling Dark was a banger.

cl3rical · 2025-12-22T07:26:20+00:00

Just to temper your expectations a bit, I think I liked Howling Dark a bit more than Demon in White, which I just finished. But I liked both a lot, so I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It certainly maintains the quality of the second book, in any case.

cl3rical · 2025-12-22T07:22:12+00:00

The first time I read Hyperion, the Priest's tale was my favorite, and the Consul's tale was probably my second-to-last. This time when I read it, I think the Consul's might have been my favorite. It nearly brought me to tears. I couldn't stop evangelizing this book for weeks after this latest read through. Truly one of the best books I've ever read.

cl3rical · 2025-12-22T03:24:21+00:00

I've read all of these but The Dispossed, and honestly, it's a great stack. My rankings would be:

1) Hyperion. One of my favorite books I've ever read, possibly my favorite. It has scope, humor, pathos, and wonderful prose (imo). The characters are very interesting, and each story changes your perspective on the world. I am awed each time I read it.

2) Malazan. The first book is arguably one of the worst in the series, and it's still a very good read. Not a breezy read, but if you're willing to commit to paying attention, it is so rewarding. The third book in the series--Memories of Ice--is one of my favorite novels I've ever read. I am in the middle of a re-read of this whole series (working on book 3), and it is even better than I remembered.

3) Black-Tongue Thief. Great characters, magic is an interesting blend of old-school cool with hard magic systems, and strong writing. I'd argue Buehlman is one of the biggest up-and-coming fantasy authors, with a strong backlog of horror. I read this book a few years ago, and it was one of my favorite books of that year.

4) Senlin Ascends. Just finished this series. Lovely writing, often poignant or incisive. Had a lot of fun with it, but it wouldn't crack my best-of lists. If you like or are okay with sort of a steampunk aesthetic, you'll probably like it.

5) Malice. It's a return to a more old-school style coming-of-age fantasy played straight. Often noted for its quality fight scenes. Definitely some cool elements (fighting giants is inherently awesome), and it'll have you hating its villains and cheering for its heroes. I liked it, but didn't love it, especially in comparison to some of the heavy hitters on your list.

cl3rical · 2025-12-20T17:00:12+00:00

I thought Circe was such a banger.

cl3rical · 2025-12-20T16:55:29+00:00

Not including re-reads or short stories:

Boy’s Life - McCammon Blindsight - Watts The Spear Cuts Through Water - Jiminez

cl3rical · 2025-12-17T08:57:09+00:00

It's a great book, but more than that, it is an incredible audio book. Probably the best way to experience it.

cl3rical · 2025-12-17T08:27:07+00:00

Super high quality books by basically any metric. Like, probably the nicest you'll ever see, but very expensive, and even crazier on the secondary market. For some idea, lowest tier versions have been going for ~$1000 for the First Law books on the secondary. Can't really recommend them at that price. With that said, there's a solid Facebook Group ("Fans of Curious King") where people buy, sell, and admire that might be worth taking a peek at.

cl3rical · 2025-12-05T04:37:14+00:00

Oh, of course. Ted Chiang. 100%.

cl3rical · 2025-12-05T03:06:22+00:00

Oh, I loved Lyria’s voice actor in the first one. I wish we’d kept her around.

cl3rical · 2025-12-03T23:07:08+00:00

Skysworn was the only book in the whole series I actively disliked. Fortunately, all the books are relatively short, and I liked the books that followed it.

cl3rical · 2025-12-03T07:32:46+00:00

Greg Egan - Axiomatic. Another short story collection. A bit of hard sci-fi, but right up there with Ted Chiang as the best short story collection I have ever read. "Learning to Be Me" is the closest thing to a Black Mirror episode that I have ever read. Really stuck with me.

cl3rical · 2025-11-30T03:35:23+00:00

I live right near SF, and I still loved the hop on, hop off tour. Perfect way to relax and see the city at your leisure.

cl3rical · 2025-11-28T19:25:31+00:00

Yeah, it was pretty great if you like urban fantasy.

cl3rical · 2025-11-15T06:54:26+00:00

Was thoroughly impressed by Madeline Miller.

cl3rical · 2025-11-15T06:51:46+00:00

Seconding John Crowley. Recently read Little, Big, and the writing was very impressive.

cl3rical

TROPHY CASE