It’s the first Wednesday of the month again, time for a post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
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JULY QUESTION: If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?
MY ANSWER: Most books I know – I read primarily speculative fiction – outline a world that throbs with a strife of some kind. Political intrigues. Wars. Rebellions. Oppressors. I wouldn’t want to live in any of those stories. Frankly, I want to live in a utopia, but alas, almost no speculative fiction novel follows its heroes into a world with no problems.
The most idyllic would be the small country of Welce from Sharon Shinn’s ELEMENTAL BLESSINGS fantasy series. It starts with Troubled Waters and includes 3 other books: Royal Airs, Jeweled Fire, and Unquiet Land. I wouldn’t mind living in Welce. Its ruler is a decent guy. It doesn’t have corporations. It doesn’t involve itself in an armed conflict of any kind. It doesn’t have slavery. It seems relatively peaceful and sort-of democratic – a good place to settle if you’re not ambitious. Which I’m not. So, Welce it is.
Here are the books:
Olga Godim writing 
You have a winner! Yeah, most fantasy series are not set in a place you’d want to live.
Yeah, I’d totally go for living in a peaceful world. Leave the strife for the books!
Thank you for introducing Sharon Shinn to me.
Looks like a great choice. I agree that there are usually big dangers in fantasies and speculative fiction.
This sounds like an almost utopian setting. I wonder where the conflict comes from. The last cover, despite its name, looks like I place I would enjoy visiting.
I’d agree that most fantasy/sci fi are not places you’d want to live!
My TBR list just got longer! I’m not a fan of conflict either – give me peaceful any day!
Most fantasy worlds would not be my choice. Wouldn’t we all like to live in Utopia?
These books sound fascinating! Great choice, Olga.
Ha ha! I like your reasoning for where you want to live. A decent leader sounds tough to find these days.
Those covers are stunning! Good choice!
Welce sounds lovely. I think I could live there, too!
I had no idea about Welce. I don’t read much fantasy or sci-fi , so my book world is pretty real. Welce sounds idyllic.
I’ve never heard of that series. Thanks for mentioning it.
Ooh, I hadn’t heard of these books before! Off to take a look…
Honestly, a magical place that’s mostly peaceful does sound appealing to me too. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Wow, this series of books sounds rather intriguing. Thank you for sharing this 😀
I haven’t heard of that series. It sounds like a great place. They also sound like a great read. Thanks!
Ooh – great choice! I agree, most utopian settings have something sinister going on behind the scenes.
Books added to my TBR!
Thank you for stopping by my blog on IWSG day. I hope we’ll keep visiting each other.
J Lenni Dorner (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
I’m with you, Olga. Give me peace and prosperity.
I find myself reading a lot more romantic suspense these days to escape reality. Welce sounds like a perfect destination. Thank you for highlighting Sharon Shinn’s work. Now, how about coffee on Granville Island? I sent you a message via your website. Hope to hear from you! Beth
Hi Olga,
Please excuse my tardy visit.
I’m thinking the world you described in speculative fiction is very much today’s world. I agree, Welce sounds like a vast improvement; even over today’s stressful world.
Lynn @ la-vita.us