World Without End

Author: Russell, Sean

Sean Russell writes books for people who like to read. Ponderous, slow, and often steeped in mystery, his worlds are rich with characterization and plot. His "Moontide and Magic" is set in a world not unlike the Victorian era. The Farrlands, once home to the mysterious mages, is now steeped in the ways of empiricism. Magic is gone from the world, with the passing of the last mage. Or is it?Â Rich, complex, and beautifully written, these are fantasy books you don't want to miss. If you want to read well-written novels, Russell can deliver them magnificently. One can never accuse Russell of holding to the standard Tolkien cliches.Â Fans of David Gemmell's fast paced "beat-em-up-and-leave-em" or Jordan's "so-much-magic-you-breath-it" type of fantasy will probably bemoan the pacing of Russell's series. But for those of us who like to read well-written fantasy literature that emphasizes character and plotting over action, make sure you check this one out.Â Certainly if you appreciate the style of writing of say Guy Gaverial Kay, Tad Williams, or Susanna Clarke, you'll absolutely love this series.

Similar Recommendations

The Swan's War trilogy

And for more of a Tolkien style epic fantasy by the same author (so expect the same luscious writing style), read Sean William's The Swan's War trilogy. Bonus recommendation, read Russell's Bother Initiate duology.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

Susanna Clarke's work is very similar in style -- slow, pedantic and character rich. it's also the same sort of story -- an world set in a pseudo era where magic has gone from the world with a few people trying to find a way to bring it back.

The Magicians

The Magicians by Lev Grossman. Grossman's work is not the same in theme and scope, but it does feature a world where magic is ostensibly rare with a group of people who find out the rules of the world (magic) are not as they seem.

Guy Gaverial Kay's Books

Many of his books are similar in the style of writing. Kay, like Russell is a beautiful wordsmith and knows how to tell a beautiful tale. Many of his books would fit here as a recommendation, but perhaps the closest in plot would be Last Light of the Sun, a nordic-inspired fantasy where magic is mysterious.

Booklists having this book

Top 100 Fantasy Books

This list continues directly from where  the Top 25 Best Fantasy List ends, starting from #26 and ending at #100 (yes, I know the list shows #1, but 1 = 26).Frankly, there are... Read more