One popular town building fantasy novel is 'Stronghold'. It focuses on building a fortified town in a magical world filled with various races and magic systems. Another is 'Settlement Stones' where the main character has to use special stones to build and develop a town while fending off threats. 'Town of Destiny' is also great, it involves the growth of a town against the backdrop of a prophesied doom and the characters' efforts to change the town's fate.
Well, 'Castle Builder' is a town building fantasy novel that stands out. The story revolves around a young architect who is tasked with constructing a grand castle - which is also like a large town - in a land full of mythical creatures. 'Village in the Vale' is another good one. It's about a small, forgotten village in a valley that the protagonist tries to turn into a prosperous town through magic and strategic planning. And don't forget 'City of the Sky' where a floating town is being built in the clouds.
There are quite a few. 'Founding a Fantasy Town' is a novel that really delves into the details of town building. It shows how resources are gathered, buildings are constructed, and relationships with neighboring areas are developed. 'Rise of the River Town' is set along a magical river, and the town's growth is closely tied to the power of the river. In this novel, you can see how the town adapts to floods, uses the river for trade, and deals with river - based monsters. 'Forest Hamlet to Town' is also interesting as it tells the story of a small hamlet in the forest gradually expanding into a full - fledged town while facing challenges from the forest itself.
Another is 'Overlord'. In this light novel, the main character takes control of an NPC -laden world and starts building his own domain. It shows how the interactions between the overpowered main character and the various NPCs play out in the context of building and expanding his territory.
One popular one is 'The Lord of the Rings' series. It features the building of kingdoms in Middle - earth, with detailed descriptions of different races like elves, dwarves, and men creating their own territories and governance. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. It has various kingdoms vying for power, and we see the rise and fall of different ruling houses which is an aspect of kingdom building in a very complex and political way. There's also 'The Chronicles of Narnia' where the different lands within Narnia have their own unique kingdoms and ways of ruling.
The key elements include the town layout. It's not just a normal town layout. It could have concentric circles of different functions, like the inner circle being the place of magic governance, and the outer areas for normal living. Creatures are important too. There could be friendly fairies helping with gardening and menacing dragons that the town has to fend off. And of course, the idea of growth and development. The town starts small and through various quests and events, it expands and becomes more powerful.
Well, 'Throne of Glass' series by Sarah J. Maas is a great example. It has a detailed and expansive world with different kingdoms, magic systems, and races. The romance in it is intense and develops gradually as the story progresses. Then there's 'Caraval' by Stephanie Garber. The world of Caraval is a magical and mysterious place, and the romance between the two main characters is filled with twists and turns. Also, 'The Winner's Curse' by Marie Rutkoski has a well - built world where the romance is a central part of the political and social intrigue.
Typically, they start with the initial concept of the town, like a character getting the idea or being given the task to build it. Then, they face challenges such as lack of resources, hostile neighbors, or magical threats. As the town grows, new characters might be attracted, and more complex political and social structures develop within the town. For example, in 'Town Builders' the main character starts with just a plot of land and a few tools. As he tries to build, he has to deal with bandits and then later with a powerful wizard who wants to claim the land for himself.
Often, it's an outsider who comes to the town. This could be a young wizard who has lost his way and ends up in the town. He then uses his powers to help build and protect it.
NPCs can contribute in various ways. For example, they can provide labor. In many light novels, NPCs are the ones who build the physical structures of the town, like houses and shops. They have the skills and knowledge specific to the game world for construction.
One popular kingdom building novel is 'The Lord of the Rings'. It involves the building of kingdoms in Middle - earth, with different races like Men, Elves, and Dwarves having their own territories and forms of governance. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. There are various kingdoms vying for power, and characters constantly strive to build, defend, or take over these kingdoms. 'The Wheel of Time' also has elements of kingdom building as different nations and regions develop their own political and social structures.
Well, 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling has a great world building. Hogwarts School and the wizarding world with its different spells, creatures, and classes are really fascinating. Then there is 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King. It creates a strange and multi - faceted world that blends different genres. Also, 'Earthsea' by Ursula K. Le Guin has a beautifully crafted world of magic and islands.
I would recommend 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson. The world has a unique magic system based on the ingestion of metals, and a complex social structure. The landscape is also interesting, with ashen wastelands and great cities. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also a good one. Hogwarts and the wizarding world it exists in is full of charm, with hidden alleys, magical creatures, and a history that dates back centuries.