The top 5 maritime epic fantasy novels
Maritime epic fantasy is a genre of fiction that combines elements of high fantasy with tales of adventure and exploration on the high seas. The result is a captivating blend of magic, sea monsters, and swashbuckling action that has captivated readers for decades.
One of the primary reasons why maritime epic fantasy is so fun to read is the sense of wonder and adventure it evokes. These stories often take place in expansive and intricate worlds that are full of mystery and intrigue. Readers can lose themselves in the vastness of these fictional worlds, exploring new lands and meeting fantastical creatures along the way.
Additionally, maritime epic fantasy often features themes of exploration and discovery. As the characters sail the seas, they encounter new lands, cultures, and people, often leading to exciting discoveries and unexpected plot twists. The element of discovery keeps readers engaged, as they eagerly anticipate what lies beyond the next horizon.
Another reason why maritime epic fantasy is so enjoyable is the emphasis on action and adventure. These stories are full of daring escapes, epic battles, and thrilling chases on the high seas. Readers are swept up in the fast-paced action, rooting for their favorite characters as they face impossible odds and overcome incredible challenges.
Finally, maritime epic fantasy often explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and redemption. The characters in these stories are often outcasts, misfits, or lost souls, but they find a sense of purpose and belonging on the high seas. Through their adventures, they learn to trust one another, work together, and ultimately become heroes. These themes of camaraderie and redemption are inspiring and uplifting, leaving readers with a sense of hope and optimism.
Maritime epic fantasy is a genre that is both fun and inspiring to read. With its sense of wonder, exploration, action, and themes of loyalty and redemption, it has captured the hearts of readers around the world. Whether you're a fan of high fantasy, adventure, or simply enjoy a good swashbuckling tale, maritime epic fantasy is sure to satisfy.
There are many great maritime epic fantasy novels out there, but here are five of the most highly recommended ones:
"The Liveship Traders" trilogy by Robin Hobb: This series follows the lives of the Vestrit family and their sentient, magical ships as they navigate treacherous waters and political intrigue in a world filled with dragons, sea serpents, and pirates.
"The Scar" by China Miéville: Set in the same world as his novel "Perdido Street Station," "The Scar" takes place on a floating city made from ships and is full of Miéville's trademark strange creatures and inventive world-building.
"Red Seas Under Red Skies" by Scott Lynch: The second book in the "Gentleman Bastard" series, "Red Seas Under Red Skies" follows Locke and Jean as they attempt to pull off a daring heist on a luxurious gambling ship while navigating deadly waters and dealing with political intrigue.
"The Sea Watch" by Adrian Tchaikovsky: This standalone novel in Tchaikovsky's "Shadows of the Apt" series follows a group of characters aboard a ship as they journey to a mysterious island that may hold the key to defeating the insectoid invaders threatening their world.
"The Bone Ships" by RJ Barker: In this series, a crew of condemned criminals are given a chance at redemption by becoming the crew of a legendary ship made from the bones of a sea dragon. But their mission to protect their people from an ancient threat is complicated by internal power struggles and the dangers of the sea.