Earthsea and 9 more epic sci-fi and fantasy series to read in lockdown

6. Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan

Although he was a relatively new name in fantasy not that long ago, by now Michael J. Sullivan has established himself as an incredibly prolific writer with an enormous following. Sullivan’s first novel series, The Riyria Revelations, was an absolute blast of a yarn that followed partners in crime Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater on daring heists and epic adventures into long-abandoned ruins.

Legends of the First Empire is a prequel series set 3,000 years before the events of the Riyria books. Unlike Sullivan’s prior work, which focuses heavily on Royce and Hadrian’s friendship, First Empire is a sprawling ensemble tale. It follows a myriad of characters and features many classic fantasy races like elves, dwarves, goblins and dragons. These books are very much in the Tolkien tradition of fantasy.

At the start of the series’ first book, Age of Myth (2015), humans are considered to be lesser beings by the immortal Fhrey (elves). But when a series of unfortunate events leads young Raithe to kill one of the ruling Fhrey, the world of Elan is thrown into disarray. It’s not long before Raithe is forced to bear the mantle of God Killer, even as the different vying factions plan to use the opportunity for their own gain. The balance of power shifts. Battles are won and lost, tragedies weathered.

All six books of Legends of the First Empire were complete as of this past May, when Age of Empyre — the final book — hit shelves. And one of the nice things about it is that, since the books are set so far before Riyria, you really don’t need any knowledge of Sullivan’s prior work to dive right in and enjoy yourself.