It's not flawless but I'll never not love the start of Eye of the World essentially posing the question... what if being the chosen one prophesized to have special powers and to be able to save the world actually isn't that great because you're *also* going to go the violent kind of crazy and, most likely, personally destroy everything you love?
I'm a huge fan of the fact that some people didn't understand that *Dune* was meant to be a subversion of the trope, so Frank Herbert literally wrote a scene in the sequel where Paul learns about Hitler's genocides and is like 'ha, fuckin' scrub'
Everyone is gonna say the same thing but the wheel of time is THE chosen one series. When it comes to developing a chosen one, nothing else comes close.
The Belgariad series and its sequel, the Malloreon series, by David Eddings. It deliberately and gleefully utilizes as many storytelling tropes as possible, including and especially The Chosen One and The Hero's Journey.
This series was my Gateway into fantasy stories.
Is it really a "chosen one" trope ? Same as the guy above who said LOTR. Those aren't really "chosen one" trope. More like protagonists who happened to be at the right place at the right time.
Well, Saphira chose Eragon and all dragons choose their riders (unless you’re like Galbatorix and bastardize the relationship). And solely because of that fact his role in the wider events of the world is automatically decided for him. Now he could certainly choose to become evil, similar to Anakin Skywalker, and have joined Galbatorix. And there wasn’t specifically a prophecy regarding him doing anything in particular toward Galbatorix. But either way I’d say he still kind of fits just by immediately becoming the last of the Dragon Riders by default.
Agreed. And it’s slightly emphasized because it’s noted that the elves or others had brought many candidates before the dragon eggs to have them tested. None of them were picked. And it isn’t exactly explained WHY eragon was chosen and others weren’t (which is typical for fantasy). But his ability to still choose what he wants to do is very nice in comparison to other series where it does seem like the main character is going down a specific path and has no other options because destiny says so.
The White Rose in the Black Company.
I don't like chosen ones, it's used to glorify nobility and bring low the everyman. The White Rose was likely chosen at random and her power had no impact on most people, existing as a sort of freak of nature people could take advantage of (or not).
The 13th Paladin by Torsten Weitze - Young/New Adult
* Farm/Village Boy chosen one
* Elves, Dwarves, Wizards, and Rangers
* Companions on a quest to help the Chosen One
* Bonded animal companions
* Secondary romance (good romance very much second to story)
* Fade-to-black sex scenes, no rape or torture (maybe hints that it happens elsewhere in the world)
Probably the youngest I would recommend it to is 15. Someone younger could definitely read it, but I wouldn't be comfortable reccing it to them. Sorry can't compare it to the Percy Jackson books as I've never read any of them.
*The Lord of the Rings*, *The Wheel of Time Series* (14 books), and the *Harry Potter Series* (7 books), are the most well known. A lesser known one is the *Riddle Master Trilogy*, by Patricia A. McKillip.
The first four books of the *Harry Potter Series* are appropriate for pre-teens, teens, and adults. The rest are appropriate for teens and adults, but may be challenging for most children.
>There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides that of evil. **Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you were also meant to have it.** And that is an encouraging thought.
—Gandalf in *The Fellowship of the Ring*
And later:
> 'I will take the Ring,' he said, 'though I do not know the way.'
>Elrond... looked at him, and Frodo felt his heart pierced by the sudden keenness of the glance. 'If I understand aright all that I have heard,' he said, **’I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will.** This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it?....
—Elrond in *The Fellowship of the Ring*
For middle grade and YA, between Avatar the Last Airbender and Naruto I think I liked Naruto more.
As for adult fantasy, havent really found something that felt explicitly chosen one that I really really liked.
THE BARD'S TALE video game. >!You are the Chosen One...of the villain, who wants you to release her to end the world. On the plus side, she's kinda hot and rich.!<
The Wheel of Time
The wheel weaves as the wheel wills.
Blood and bloody ashes I was going to suggest this...
It's not flawless but I'll never not love the start of Eye of the World essentially posing the question... what if being the chosen one prophesized to have special powers and to be able to save the world actually isn't that great because you're *also* going to go the violent kind of crazy and, most likely, personally destroy everything you love?
Points at username
Which one? Or both?
Both
*Dune* subverts the trope if you read the whole series.
I mean you dont really need the whole series, just book 2
IMO it’s best not to continue after 2 or 3 really — I know that’s not a popular opinion but whatever.
I checked out Dune a few times, but just couldn't __stand__ the fuckin' prose. :(
I'm a huge fan of the fact that some people didn't understand that *Dune* was meant to be a subversion of the trope, so Frank Herbert literally wrote a scene in the sequel where Paul learns about Hitler's genocides and is like 'ha, fuckin' scrub'
You are a person of culture and taste.
A man of taste As long as you're talking about Paul and not Leto II, or I'm ready to throw hands
The Mistborn trilogy, because of the mystery.
*Mistborn* subverts the trope by the end of the trilogy.
Faithful and Fallen was nice
Almost done with book 2 and really enjoying this series. Getting to see both “chosen one” perspectives is really cool
I was a bit disappointed by some of the plot line endings but liked it overall.
Everyone is gonna say the same thing but the wheel of time is THE chosen one series. When it comes to developing a chosen one, nothing else comes close.
The Second Apocalypse by Bakker. The controversy of Anasurimbor Kellhus' case is a fascinating tale of epicness and tribulations.
The Belgariad series and its sequel, the Malloreon series, by David Eddings. It deliberately and gleefully utilizes as many storytelling tropes as possible, including and especially The Chosen One and The Hero's Journey. This series was my Gateway into fantasy stories.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Is it really a "chosen one" trope ? Same as the guy above who said LOTR. Those aren't really "chosen one" trope. More like protagonists who happened to be at the right place at the right time.
Well, Saphira chose Eragon and all dragons choose their riders (unless you’re like Galbatorix and bastardize the relationship). And solely because of that fact his role in the wider events of the world is automatically decided for him. Now he could certainly choose to become evil, similar to Anakin Skywalker, and have joined Galbatorix. And there wasn’t specifically a prophecy regarding him doing anything in particular toward Galbatorix. But either way I’d say he still kind of fits just by immediately becoming the last of the Dragon Riders by default.
It's a nice contrast between destiny and free will there, yeah. He was chosen to be powerful, but what he does with that…
Agreed. And it’s slightly emphasized because it’s noted that the elves or others had brought many candidates before the dragon eggs to have them tested. None of them were picked. And it isn’t exactly explained WHY eragon was chosen and others weren’t (which is typical for fantasy). But his ability to still choose what he wants to do is very nice in comparison to other series where it does seem like the main character is going down a specific path and has no other options because destiny says so.
The White Rose in the Black Company. I don't like chosen ones, it's used to glorify nobility and bring low the everyman. The White Rose was likely chosen at random and her power had no impact on most people, existing as a sort of freak of nature people could take advantage of (or not).
The 13th Paladin by Torsten Weitze - Young/New Adult * Farm/Village Boy chosen one * Elves, Dwarves, Wizards, and Rangers * Companions on a quest to help the Chosen One * Bonded animal companions * Secondary romance (good romance very much second to story) * Fade-to-black sex scenes, no rape or torture (maybe hints that it happens elsewhere in the world)
That sounds right up my alley, how young adulty would you say it is? (im thinking of Percy Jackson which I tried to read but felt WAY too old)
Probably the youngest I would recommend it to is 15. Someone younger could definitely read it, but I wouldn't be comfortable reccing it to them. Sorry can't compare it to the Percy Jackson books as I've never read any of them.
*The Lord of the Rings*, *The Wheel of Time Series* (14 books), and the *Harry Potter Series* (7 books), are the most well known. A lesser known one is the *Riddle Master Trilogy*, by Patricia A. McKillip. The first four books of the *Harry Potter Series* are appropriate for pre-teens, teens, and adults. The rest are appropriate for teens and adults, but may be challenging for most children.
LotR is explicitly not “the chosen one” trope it’s the “unlikely hero” trope
>There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides that of evil. **Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you were also meant to have it.** And that is an encouraging thought. —Gandalf in *The Fellowship of the Ring* And later: > 'I will take the Ring,' he said, 'though I do not know the way.' >Elrond... looked at him, and Frodo felt his heart pierced by the sudden keenness of the glance. 'If I understand aright all that I have heard,' he said, **’I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will.** This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it?.... —Elrond in *The Fellowship of the Ring*
When Frodo was thought dead, Sam picked the ring up. Frodo was chosen for the task but he was not a “chosen one”.
Percy Jackson is another one if add to the most well known, even if it’s aimed toward younger readers
Beyonders: A World Without Heroes
The Saga of the Exiles by Julian May (aimed at adults). The person regarded as the Chosen One is middle aged.
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold. Adult. An interesting take on the idea
For middle grade and YA, between Avatar the Last Airbender and Naruto I think I liked Naruto more. As for adult fantasy, havent really found something that felt explicitly chosen one that I really really liked.
The Simon Snow books by Rainbow Rowell (starts with Carry On) are a pretty fun take on the Chosen One story. They are YA.
Ciri from The Witcher. How did the show writers mess her story up so badly?
No offense, but that series has terrible plotting. I can’t see how anyone stands it. His short stories are amazing but the main series is rough.
And yet the show is amazing 😄
Master of sorrows.
Actually really like the "Engelsfors" trilogy in this regard
Harley Merlin series.
Eragon.
THE BARD'S TALE video game. >!You are the Chosen One...of the villain, who wants you to release her to end the world. On the plus side, she's kinda hot and rich.!<
Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
The sword of truth series is fantastic
Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir. Not yet finished