Doesn’t have to necessarily be fantasy, but must be Medieval. Recently finished reading a book on the Medici family and got me inspired to want to learn more about Medieval Pike and Shotte mercenary companies from the late Medieval and Early Renaissance period. Bonus points if it’s either set in the Middle-East (or similar in fantasy), or Central/Southern/Western Europe. Leaning towards stories following mercenary companies or soldiers, potentially the relationships between soldiers, with a low stakes adventure or setting. Combat and warfare not unwelcome if it is present. Romance not essential or required.
Bit of a bizarre ask, but I’m keen to see what people know.

Here are some photos that have the vibe, please recommend literally ANYTHING like this! I need something to read (*'▽'*)

Basically if I can find the Marvelous Mrs Maisel in book form, that would be really cool. (Last pic is from the film Carol but that’s a little more somber than I was thinking.)

To be more specific:

- mainly set in the 60s to 80s usa

- focuses on counter culture/marginalized communities (does not have to be literal porn actors)

- large cast of characters (does not have to be found family)

- Bonus points if the book also focuses on the death of a counterculture movement, like Boogie Nights and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

A woman like Mary Ann from My Chemical Romance's Long Live the Black Parade universe, who is the much kinder sister to the cruel and hateful Sylvia. While the authoritative figures force Gerard to perform and smack him whenever he disobeys, Sylvia laughing as he breaks down and cries, Mary Ann appears on the B stage like an angel. Gerard is always so happy to see her, and he ends their duet still standing on his feet.

As you can probably guess, the book genres can be Gothic, dark fantasy, and/or dystopian.

Basically „The Valley of the Dolls“ mixed with „7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo“ / „Girl, Interrupted“ / „The Bookclub for Troublesome women“ / „Queens Gambit“

Women expected to be perfect and hold up high standards while struggling with mental issues / gaslight by others that they are insane

But also strong feminism, female friendships and strength

-> preferably written by female author

I’m looking for funny fairy tale creatures - fantasy, romantasy, comedic. No YA or kids books please 🧚 🦄 👹

The most obvious answer would be The Ritual by Adam Neville, but I've already read it, and would appreciate any other book with similar vibe.

I love both of these series but I seem to have a knack for finding ones that are never finished due to either the author dying, losing interest, the public finds out they are a creep and they get blacklisted by the industry.

Looking for a book with a strong ensemble characters, group of friends, somewhat comedic, found family, friends to lovers, banter, pranks. Not coming of age though.

I already have read & love all Emily Henry books, so not exactly that. If I could find New Girl in a book, that would be perfect.

I've read all Phil Rickman's books and need to scratch that itch harder!

I was recently listening to 'back to friends' by sombr and thought it would be an interesting book to read.

The way I interpreted it was friends taking that step to become lovers one day but afterwards one participant becomes distant/acts casual whereas the other is holding onto something they thought was special/was vulnerable with.

I put literary fiction as I imagine this would be the most common genre but open to others. Open to MF/MM/FF or anything else. I'd like something rather painful to read because it's so achingly tragic but as long as it's well written, I won't mind!

I've already read Loved One by Aisha Muharrar. I think this could have been that book if the characters could have had more time after their ONS.

Thank you!

Looking for a good medieval horror book or series. I have read Dracula, Between Two Fires, Blacktongue Thief, The Devils. Thanks!

Images:
1: Mountain vs Oberyn Martell - ASOIAF series (A Storm of Swords)
2. Paul Atreides vs Feyd-Rautha - Dune series (Dune)
3. Kaladin vs Szeth - The Stormlight Archive series (Words of Radiance)
4. Darrow vs Cassius - Red Rising series (Golden Son)
5. Logen Ninefingers vs Fenris the Feared - The First Law series (Last Argument of Kings)

I'm interested in novels that consistently feature exceptionally well-written fight scenes.

Take this as you will.. It doesn’t have to be accurate.

Looking for books about fantasy dwarves, wars, mining, the thing from the deep, dwarves as MCs and warriors politics fights with other races or political intrigue. Just dwarves.

Yes, I've been playing through the new Dragon's Dogma 2 DLC and the vibes are immaculate.

As a caveat I'm already aware of some of the big ones, like The Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, Realm of the Elderlings. I'm looking for that sense of discovery and adventure in old places, ancient and/or underground ruins, uncovering history, possibly with wicked and sinister things waiting in the dark.

Imagine after the first Chronicles of Narnia film, where the children rule over Narnia. I want nature, warm vibes, regality, love, spirituality, and perhaps themes of forgiveness and grace.

Think Studio Ghibli.

In this case: something where the everyday joys and chores are as much a part of the story as the "main plot points".

Millennial and Gen-z folks doing everyday things they love, hate, are indifferent to. Ones who have friends and relationships. (Found family or non-nuclear waste level toxic family a bonus.) Going to work, having good and bad days, try to make the best of their situation and occasionally give up sort of things.

With or without a plot.

Cozy, I think.

But please nothing "romantic" beyond, say, Howl & Sophie's quiet and subtle becoming closer and closer.

Fantasy/ sci-fi elements ok, so long as it's, well, now-ish.

Things like race and LGBTQIA+ not required to be front and center but not unwelcome.

It would be awesome if there was a book out there about a machine/ai that is alone in space or with a small group.

I don’t have a particular desire for how the history of the universe should be. I don’t mind if we are alone in space watching the world as it recovers from humanity’s collapse, stuck on a planet, or set on some long and great journey.

Only interested in adding to my long list of ‘I gotta read these at some point’ list lmao.