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When I was younger, the number of books in the series would sway my decision on starting it. The more the better. But I have a wife and kids, so I don't binge read as much as I used to. It's funny, now that I think about it, after my first kid was born was when I started reading a lot of short stories. Would reading Game of Thrones make me hate the show? Or would it give me more of that world to enjoy? Or is there a book or series that you think I should start with before going there?

I think GoT books only add to the show. If you want that gritty sort of fantasy, the First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie is a good one. Definitely a bit on the darker side, if thats what you are going for.

Anything by Brandon Sanderson is good. If you want a standalone then go with Warbreaker, a trilogy go with Mistborn, and a big series go with The Stormlight Archive (a planned 10 books series, only 2 out at the moment which might actually work in your slow reading time favor lol)

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Thank you so much. If GoT adds then I think I might start there, but the Stormlight Archive having only two out sounds promising . The anticipation of a book coming out adds to the enjoyment of a series.

Its definitely epic fantasy, 2 out now, the third is due out in November. I can pretty confidently say that I don't think you will be disappointed. The first book does have a lot of world building but its 1 of 10, obviously it has to have a fair amount lol