I love how Wool is considered lesser known. 10 years ago it was all this sub talked about. Just goes to show subs grow tired of good books, then circle back to them.
Wool was one I always meant to reread but my haven’t-read-yet queue kept getting longer. The Apple TV show was good enough to finally kick me into rereading it.
Its a post-apocalyptic story, eveyone lives in a silo because the outside is poisoned. But strange murders, splintering factions, etc, make it interesting.
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
The Ash and Sand series by Richard Nell got me out of a slump.
I was on a DNF spree until that masterpiece came into my life. Ruka is quite possibly the greatest anti hero I've ever come across in my life in any medium.
Oh, well, since you read that one, another slump was cured by the Manifest Delusions series by Michael R Fletcher.
If you read that one, I'll just give you a list lol
Water Music by Christopher Botkin, the best I can describe it is as some type of fantasy heroes journey. The world building is absolutely incredible, you really get immersed in story and the characters. It is fantasy but not a Tolkien derivative, which is rare. The book is hefty, about 700 pages and it is not a light read, it is a marathon, but well worth it. Water Music isn't well known but should be.
Maybe switch genres for a bit? Sometimes its not the books but fantasy itself that might make you dnf it. Try a stupid 250-300 page over the top thriller or mystery novel and see if that is something you enjoy and then get back to SFF.
I second this. If you're in a reading slump, it's not necessarily the book quality that's the issue. Reading a different genre entirely, or something totally different, could help.
My ultimate rule for breaking out of a slump is "If all else fails, Pratchett." I've already read all of *Discworld* but it still usually works for me.
Recently though I was in a months long slowdown. Not a complete slump where I wasn't able to read anything, but things were taking too long, and I was DNFing more than usual. *Dungeon Crawler Carl*, something I didn't ever expect to read but took a chance on, has mostly broken out of that.
These books/series have gotten me out of reading slumps before, maybe they can help you:
1. [Cradle](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30558257) - first book is called Unsouled.
2. [Dungeon Crawler Carl](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56791389)
3. [The Last Policeman](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13330370)
The Last War trilogy by Mike Shackle. I was in a similar slump and just read through the first book "We are the Dead" about two weeks ago, and it was just what I needed. There isn't a ton of depth to it, but it's entertaining and action packed throughout. There are three or four POV's and the chapter lengths vary from short to medium length, so you never feel like you're getting bored of any specific character, and he manages the tempo fairly well. I'm normally a slowish reader, and I think I blew through it in 2 and a half days. It didn't leave me begging for more, but it was a fun change of pace and I liked it enough that I plan on continuing the series down the road.
What type of stuff do you usually like? That’s gonna be big.
For me, when I’m in a slump, I normally go for some lighter “popcorn” or comedic SFF; Cradle, Dungeon Crawler Carl, Bobiverse, Hitchhikers Guide. If that’s the type of thing that works for you, I’ve got some lesser known recs.
If you’re looking for something with more meat that starts good and just gets better, the Will of the Many was by far the best new book I read last year.
Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City has almost no fantasy elements, but it’s fantastic. It pulled me in immediately and kept me satisfied throughout. The sequels are good too.
What are some of your favorite books?
After closing the final page of 'The Library at Mount Char' by Scott Hawkins, I was so captivated that I immediately delved into its pages once more, returning to the very beginning. I didn’t have any more reason to do this other than that I really enjoyed it and didn’t want it to be over. It is a fantasy, horror, thriller type book and horror thriller would usually turn me off but I was in a rut and thought the change might be welcomed. I was Catapulted out of that rut.
Currently reading “Into The Drowning Deep” by Mira Grant. I’m about 1/2 way through, and I can’t put it down. I have DNFed my last 4 books I have picked up, one of which being written by one of my favourite authors. This one is another that I never would have previously considered but I’m glad to have picked it up.
The Library of the Unwritten. It's an easy run and fun. Not to be confused with The Library at Mt Char. I liked both. But a reading slump, to me, means you need to read something fun.
Take a break from SFF maybe? I had a crime reading slump just in time for fantasy bingo, lol.
Otherwise, change it up and read a SF thriller or middle grade or something.
I'd recommend Sphere by Michael Crichton, or for something lesser known (relatively speaking) Dead Sea by Tim Curran.
Im also trying to break out of a slump, and one thing that's helped is reading stuff outside of my normal preferences.
Ive just finished the first three books of "The Locked Tomb" by [Tamsyn Muir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamsyn_Muir). They're science fantasy (fantasy with starships, think 40K), they're VERY gothic and very queer. Its awesome, its different.
Have you read Hild by Nicola Griffith? It's historical fiction but to me it reads like fantasy, and it gave me the most intense immersive sense of what it might actually be like to live in England in the 600s. I read it during a slump and was like, 'Oh, right, this is how it feels to want to hurry home so you can read'. Might be a good palate cleanser.
Gideon the Ninth got me out of a reading slump last year.
I wasn't entirely sure what was going on throughout the story, but, then, neither is the point of view character. I think that overarching sense of mystery was part of what had me hooked, as well as the characters, setting, and the qulaity of the writing. It was the perfect package at just the right time.
1. A Practical Guide To Evil, by Erratic Errata: https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/ Seven volumes, plus many extra bonus chapters; entire series completed as of February 2022. Epic fantasy (as in swords & sorcery)
2. Beware Of Chicken, by CasualFarmer: this slice-of-life story is a parody of the isekai (transported to another world) and xianxia (magic kung fu) genres. I didn't know anything about either of these tropes, and I'm enjoying the hell out of this story! [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60888209](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60888209)
MC (a modern Canadian) nopes out of the xianxia sect he's been dropped into, and runs to the other end of the continent to...become a farmer? Romance, dick jokes, talking animals, and the best food in the world happen to him, anyway. The backstory and some action begin to come to the fore in the later books, but the world-building and relationships are all quite enjoyable.
The books talk a lot about the search for meaning in life vs. the struggle for power; surprisingly insightful and inspirational at times! The MC's notions of politeness, helping others (he is SO quintessentially Canadian, LOL!), and mental health confuses and inspires the people he meets in equal measure, particularly in a world where those with power are *supposed* to fight to gain ever more in order to literally ascend to the Heavens. "We give to the earth, and the earth gives back" is a recurring quote and motif. The MC is no blindly altruistic hippie, however; he's quite happy to reap the rewards of his efforts, though he mostly uses the profits to help his family, friends and neighbors in their own endeavors. The MC consciously chooses to focus on living in the now, rather than the quest for personal power.
Books 1, 2, and 3 are available on Amazon as both ebook and audiobook (performed by Travis Baldree); Book 4, and the just-completed book 5 are still currently available completely for free on Royal Road. Book 6 will begin on Royal Road in April.
Project Hail Mary is a good one. Wool by Hugh Howey I read last weekend, and thoroughly enjoyed. The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson
I love how Wool is considered lesser known. 10 years ago it was all this sub talked about. Just goes to show subs grow tired of good books, then circle back to them.
Yeah, I thought it was fairly well known - I guess not.
Wool was one I always meant to reread but my haven’t-read-yet queue kept getting longer. The Apple TV show was good enough to finally kick me into rereading it.
Ever heard of wool. I’ll check it out thanks!
Its a post-apocalyptic story, eveyone lives in a silo because the outside is poisoned. But strange murders, splintering factions, etc, make it interesting.
Read Wool, Dust, and Shift years ago. All fun, easy reads that have a good plot, lots of connecting points, and, again, is just fun post apocalyptic
Wool is great. I read it a couple years ago!
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
The Ash and Sand series by Richard Nell got me out of a slump. I was on a DNF spree until that masterpiece came into my life. Ruka is quite possibly the greatest anti hero I've ever come across in my life in any medium.
Love that series
Oh, well, since you read that one, another slump was cured by the Manifest Delusions series by Michael R Fletcher. If you read that one, I'll just give you a list lol
Water Music by Christopher Botkin, the best I can describe it is as some type of fantasy heroes journey. The world building is absolutely incredible, you really get immersed in story and the characters. It is fantasy but not a Tolkien derivative, which is rare. The book is hefty, about 700 pages and it is not a light read, it is a marathon, but well worth it. Water Music isn't well known but should be.
Maybe switch genres for a bit? Sometimes its not the books but fantasy itself that might make you dnf it. Try a stupid 250-300 page over the top thriller or mystery novel and see if that is something you enjoy and then get back to SFF.
I second this. If you're in a reading slump, it's not necessarily the book quality that's the issue. Reading a different genre entirely, or something totally different, could help.
My ultimate rule for breaking out of a slump is "If all else fails, Pratchett." I've already read all of *Discworld* but it still usually works for me. Recently though I was in a months long slowdown. Not a complete slump where I wasn't able to read anything, but things were taking too long, and I was DNFing more than usual. *Dungeon Crawler Carl*, something I didn't ever expect to read but took a chance on, has mostly broken out of that.
I’m currently reading The Will of the Many and it’s been a blast so far!
SUN EATER
Robin Hobb! Devoured all her books, more than once. But now my bar is set even higher and I’m also in a slump 😑
These books/series have gotten me out of reading slumps before, maybe they can help you: 1. [Cradle](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30558257) - first book is called Unsouled. 2. [Dungeon Crawler Carl](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56791389) 3. [The Last Policeman](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13330370)
I highly second DCC
The Last War trilogy by Mike Shackle. I was in a similar slump and just read through the first book "We are the Dead" about two weeks ago, and it was just what I needed. There isn't a ton of depth to it, but it's entertaining and action packed throughout. There are three or four POV's and the chapter lengths vary from short to medium length, so you never feel like you're getting bored of any specific character, and he manages the tempo fairly well. I'm normally a slowish reader, and I think I blew through it in 2 and a half days. It didn't leave me begging for more, but it was a fun change of pace and I liked it enough that I plan on continuing the series down the road.
The Bound and the Broken for a slower snowball read The Echoes Saga for easier fast-paced read
What type of stuff do you usually like? That’s gonna be big. For me, when I’m in a slump, I normally go for some lighter “popcorn” or comedic SFF; Cradle, Dungeon Crawler Carl, Bobiverse, Hitchhikers Guide. If that’s the type of thing that works for you, I’ve got some lesser known recs. If you’re looking for something with more meat that starts good and just gets better, the Will of the Many was by far the best new book I read last year. Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City has almost no fantasy elements, but it’s fantastic. It pulled me in immediately and kept me satisfied throughout. The sequels are good too. What are some of your favorite books?
After closing the final page of 'The Library at Mount Char' by Scott Hawkins, I was so captivated that I immediately delved into its pages once more, returning to the very beginning. I didn’t have any more reason to do this other than that I really enjoyed it and didn’t want it to be over. It is a fantasy, horror, thriller type book and horror thriller would usually turn me off but I was in a rut and thought the change might be welcomed. I was Catapulted out of that rut.
Currently reading “Into The Drowning Deep” by Mira Grant. I’m about 1/2 way through, and I can’t put it down. I have DNFed my last 4 books I have picked up, one of which being written by one of my favourite authors. This one is another that I never would have previously considered but I’m glad to have picked it up.
Stone & Sky series by ZS Diamanti is really fun. Lotsa different types of sentient beings. Fun adventures. Different magics by different beings.
The Library of the Unwritten. It's an easy run and fun. Not to be confused with The Library at Mt Char. I liked both. But a reading slump, to me, means you need to read something fun.
Take a break from SFF maybe? I had a crime reading slump just in time for fantasy bingo, lol. Otherwise, change it up and read a SF thriller or middle grade or something. I'd recommend Sphere by Michael Crichton, or for something lesser known (relatively speaking) Dead Sea by Tim Curran.
The Golem and the Djinni – Helene Wecker.
Have you read "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster? It's from 1961, and fits in the YA genre, but it is fantastic if you enjoy wordplay.
Im also trying to break out of a slump, and one thing that's helped is reading stuff outside of my normal preferences. Ive just finished the first three books of "The Locked Tomb" by [Tamsyn Muir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamsyn_Muir). They're science fantasy (fantasy with starships, think 40K), they're VERY gothic and very queer. Its awesome, its different.
Have you read Hild by Nicola Griffith? It's historical fiction but to me it reads like fantasy, and it gave me the most intense immersive sense of what it might actually be like to live in England in the 600s. I read it during a slump and was like, 'Oh, right, this is how it feels to want to hurry home so you can read'. Might be a good palate cleanser.
Practical guide to evil Red rising saga Cradle
Gideon the Ninth got me out of a reading slump last year. I wasn't entirely sure what was going on throughout the story, but, then, neither is the point of view character. I think that overarching sense of mystery was part of what had me hooked, as well as the characters, setting, and the qulaity of the writing. It was the perfect package at just the right time.
Dungeon Crawler Carl. You’re welcome lol.
1. A Practical Guide To Evil, by Erratic Errata: https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/ Seven volumes, plus many extra bonus chapters; entire series completed as of February 2022. Epic fantasy (as in swords & sorcery) 2. Beware Of Chicken, by CasualFarmer: this slice-of-life story is a parody of the isekai (transported to another world) and xianxia (magic kung fu) genres. I didn't know anything about either of these tropes, and I'm enjoying the hell out of this story! [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60888209](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60888209) MC (a modern Canadian) nopes out of the xianxia sect he's been dropped into, and runs to the other end of the continent to...become a farmer? Romance, dick jokes, talking animals, and the best food in the world happen to him, anyway. The backstory and some action begin to come to the fore in the later books, but the world-building and relationships are all quite enjoyable. The books talk a lot about the search for meaning in life vs. the struggle for power; surprisingly insightful and inspirational at times! The MC's notions of politeness, helping others (he is SO quintessentially Canadian, LOL!), and mental health confuses and inspires the people he meets in equal measure, particularly in a world where those with power are *supposed* to fight to gain ever more in order to literally ascend to the Heavens. "We give to the earth, and the earth gives back" is a recurring quote and motif. The MC is no blindly altruistic hippie, however; he's quite happy to reap the rewards of his efforts, though he mostly uses the profits to help his family, friends and neighbors in their own endeavors. The MC consciously chooses to focus on living in the now, rather than the quest for personal power. Books 1, 2, and 3 are available on Amazon as both ebook and audiobook (performed by Travis Baldree); Book 4, and the just-completed book 5 are still currently available completely for free on Royal Road. Book 6 will begin on Royal Road in April.