This Rec League came in from Liz. Thanks, Liz!

I’ve been on a romantic fantasy and sci-fi marathon lately and I’m looking for some recs, please.

So, you know how in many fantasy novels, particularly urban/modern fantasy, there’s a lot of MC’s that go through a culture shock, fish out of water, “ZOMG! Vampires and shifters and magic!?!” phase that’s often at the start of a series? I would like the opposite of that. I’m hoping to find some competent, practical, ideally self-aware MCs that are preferably already integrated into the setting. Doesn’t have to be a Mary Sue or anything, just not the not completely clueless kinda bumbling storyline. Does that make sense?

Some current author favorites include T. Kingfisher, Ilona Andrews, and Heather Fawcett.

Elyse: I would say House of Earth and Blood qualifies but it takes about 100 pages to really get into the book. The author just kind of dumps you think the world so it takes a minute to ground yourself.

Sarah: The Innkeeper Chronicles ( A | BN | K | AB ) would work very well I think. I’m in the middle of book two, but Dina is extremely competent and powerful.

Which books would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!