3.48
Part of "Ethshar" series
"Taking Flight," by Lawrence Watt-Evans, is a captivating and thrilling fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young thief named Oskar. The story is set in a world where magic exists, but is feared and misunderstood by many. Oskar, who has the ability to fly, is forced to use his powers to steal in order to survive. However, when he is caught and given the choice between death and serving in the army, he chooses the latter. It is here that Oskar's life takes a turn for the better, as he is trained in the art of combat and magic, and begins to understand the true potential of his abilities. As the story progresses, Oskar becomes embroiled in a larger conflict, one that threatens the very existence of his world. He must use all of his skills and knowledge to save those he cares about and protect the world from destruction. Watt-Evans' writing style is engaging and descriptive, bringing the world of "Taking Flight" to life in vivid detail. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Oskar's journey from thief to hero being particularly compelling. The pacing of the story is excellent, with a perfect balance of action, adventure, and character development. One of the standout aspects of "Taking Flight" is the exploration of the theme of acceptance. Oskar, who has always been different, must learn to accept himself and his powers in order to truly become the hero he is meant to be. This theme is explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way, making "Taking Flight" not just an entertaining read, but also a deeply meaningful one. Overall, "Taking Flight" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. Its engaging characters, thrilling plot, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout addition to the genre...
Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World
Fans of 'Taking Flight' who are looking for a new fantasy series to dive into should try 'The Eye of the World' by Robert Jordan. This epic fantasy novel follows a group of young friends as they journey through a world filled with magic, danger, and adventure. Like 'Taking Flight', 'The Eye of the World' features well-developed characters, a richly imagined world, and a page-turning plot.
Learn MoreRosemary Kirstein
The Steerswoman
If you enjoyed the blend of fantasy and science fiction in 'Taking Flight', you'll love 'The Steerswoman' by Rosemary Kirstein. This novel follows a steerswoman, a member of a guild of explorers and scientists, as she investigates a mysterious artifact and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens her world. With its strong female protagonist, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, 'The Steerswoman' is a must-read for fans of 'Taking Flight'.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Left Hand of Darkness
For readers who appreciated the thoughtful world-building and exploration of gender and identity in 'Taking Flight', 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a natural next read. This groundbreaking science fiction novel takes place on a planet where inhabitants can choose their gender, and follows a human envoy as he tries to persuade the planet to join an intergalactic alliance. Le Guin's elegant prose and nuanced characters make this a standout in the genre.
Learn MoreMarion Zimmer Bradley
The Mists of Avalon
Fans of 'Taking Flight' who are interested in exploring the Arthurian legend from a new perspective should check out 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This novel retells the story of King Arthur from the point of view of the women in his life, including his mother, his wife, and his sister. With its richly detailed world-building and complex characters, 'The Mists of Avalon' is a captivating read for fans of 'Taking Flight'.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Dispossessed
Readers who enjoyed the political intrigue and exploration of social structures in 'Taking Flight' will find much to love in 'The Dispossessed' by Ursula K. Le Guin. This science fiction novel tells the story of a physicist who travels between two planets with very different societies, and explores themes of politics, ethics, and identity. Le Guin's elegant prose and thought-provoking ideas make this a standout in the genre.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Hainish Cycle
If you enjoyed the imaginative world-building and exploration of social issues in 'Taking Flight', you'll love 'The Hainish Cycle' by Ursula K. Le Guin. This series of science fiction novels and stories is set in a universe where humans have colonized multiple planets, and explores themes of culture, politics, and identity. Le Guin's elegant prose and nuanced characters make this a must-read for fans of 'Taking Flight'.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Lathe of Heaven
Readers who appreciated the philosophical themes and exploration of reality in 'Taking Flight' will enjoy 'The Lathe of Heaven' by Ursula K. Le Guin. This science fiction novel tells the story of a man whose dreams can change reality, and explores themes of power, responsibility, and the nature of reality. Le Guin's elegant prose and thought-provoking ideas make this a standout in the genre.
Learn MoreMary Doria Russell
The Sparrow
Fans of 'Taking Flight' who are interested in exploring the intersection of science fiction and religion should check out 'The Sparrow' by Mary Doria Russell. This novel tells the story of a group of Jesuit priests who travel to another planet in search of extraterrestrial life, and explores themes of faith, culture, and the nature of humanity. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, 'The Sparrow' is a must-read for fans of 'Taking Flight'.
Learn MoreKurt Vonnegut
The Sirens of Titan
Readers who enjoyed the satirical elements and exploration of humanity in 'Taking Flight' will find much to love in 'The Sirens of Titan' by Kurt Vonnegut. This science fiction novel tells the story of a wealthy man who travels to other planets in search of meaning, and explores themes of free will, fate, and the human condition. Vonnegut's witty prose and absurd situations make this a standout in the genre.
Learn MoreLiu Cixin
The Three-Body Problem
For readers who appreciated the imaginative world-building and exploration of science in 'Taking Flight', 'The Three-Body Problem' by Liu Cixin is a natural next read. This science fiction novel tells the story of a group of scientists who discover a alien civilization that is on the brink of collapse, and explores themes of science, politics, and the nature of reality. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking ideas, 'The Three-Body Problem' is a must-read for fans of 'Taking Flight'.
Learn MoreIain M. Banks
The Culture
Readers who enjoyed the imaginative world-building and exploration of social structures in 'Taking Flight' will find much to love in 'The Culture' by Iain M. Banks. This series of science fiction novels is set in a post-scarcity society where artificial intelligence and advanced technology have transformed human life, and explores themes of politics, ethics, and the nature of consciousness. Banks's imaginative world-building and nuanced characters make this a must-read for fans of 'Taking Flight'.
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