One day, after finishing book 2 of Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive, I reflected on how the world itself had as much, if not more, attention than the characters. It was extremely unique and colorful, unlike most fantasy. It seems that the popular thing to do ever since the birth of the genre, was to have your book take place in either unspecified feudal ages, or a middle earth clone. So I'm looking for an author, or a book that does not follow the conventional ways of world creation. A book where it's obvious that the author spent tons more effort making the world, than efforts spent on characters, and manages to still make it readable. What would you suggest?
That is a good suggestion, but unfortunately, I, like many, have already read Harry Potter. Few authors are able to effectively handle the fantasy-grounded-in-reality sub-genre like Rowling did. Most authors use it as an excuse for their book to take place in an already existing world, instead of creating their own.
Hmm. Some more books that have non-generic fantasy worlds, without my analyzing whether the characters or world are better: Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser books. Both the world and the characters are well-done, IMO. Anne McCaffrey's Pern series. Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars books. The Chronicles of Narnia Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. (You're not actually demanding lousy characters, right? Just demanding a good world?)
Larry Niven's Ringworld. As interesting as the characters are, the Ringworld itself is the real star of the story. The Puppeteer Fleet of Worlds is a close second in the same novel.
I thought the world of Nightrunners by Lynn Flewling was very whimsical and alive. The politics a bit loose but rich with culture and great action and emotional bang.
Don't think Diskworld was written by Larry Niven for one thing. ... wow. Of all the things I can say about Harry Potter, nothing comes close to this! I bow to you as a student!
