Great Fantasy Books
"BestFantasyBooks.com guide to Great Fantasy Books"
The Swan's War (Sean Russell)
Highly underated series. This high fantasy saga has flown under the radar for some reason, which is shame. With an amazing story, well drawn characters endemic to a Russell novel, and absolutely gorgeous prose, it's astounding that many people have not heard of The Swan's War or Sean Russell who is one of the better Fantasy writers around. Russell's world is full of mystery and beauty. In many cases, Fantasy books are so overloaded with magic that it soon ceases to mean anything--a simple Pug or Richard gains-new-power and defeats-even-more powerful villain, ad infinity . Russell opts to keep magic mysterious and rare. He never explains how it works. Martin does this in "A Song of Fire and Ice"and Tolkien in Lord of the Rings as well. If you want to read books that will sweep you off your feet with their beauty, passion and superlative plot, check this trilogy out.
Similar recommendations:
J.R.R. Tolkien's A Lord of the Rings. The Swan's War trilogy seems both similar yet different
than Lord of the Rings. The mysterious and rare nature of magic is a trait shared by both books, as is the beautiful prose
that seems half poetry, half fiction (though Russell's work is more "modern"and novelistic). Also give Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea a
try: the book has that sense of mystery and wonder that percolates The Swan's War.
Elantris (Brandon Sanderson)
This fantasy fiction novel will suck you in. It's about addictive as chocolate and a whole lot healthier! Normally, I prefer to avoid novelizations of myths such as Arthur or Atlantis. This book is no rewrite however. I didn't stop reading this one till my eye skimmed the last page. I recommend picking this one up! Brandon Sanderson will soon attain superman status of the fantasy world as he is completing Robert Jordan's final Wheel of Time book, Memories of Light.
Similar recommendations:
If you like reimaginings of old legends, read The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This
is the best retelling of the legend of author from the point of view from the women behind the throne.
It's a powerfull retelling of the Authurian legend and can be easily enjoyed even if you don't like
reading Authurian fiction.
The Second Sons (Jennifer Fallon)
From the Book Flap:On the world Ranadon there is no night as both suns shine brightly. The intervention of Belagren, High Priestess of the Shadowdancers, and the sacrifice of a child of royal blood, has banished the Age of Shadows from the skies. Belagren's position is unquestioned . . . until circumstances begin to tip political rivalries into a deadlier game altogether.
A volcanic eruption rocks the seas separating the Kingdom of Dhevyn and the mainland Kingdom of Senet, and a mysterious sailor is shipwrecked on the island of Elcast. Badly wounded, his arrival stirs up old hatreds and unravels old secrets. His presence is enough to even bring Antonov, the powerful Lion of Senet, to the island and fear to the Keep of the Duke of Elcast. A strong friendship develops between Dirk, second son of the Duke, and Kirshov Latanya, second son of the Lion of Senet. But will they, and their friendship, survive the chain of events set in motion by the ambitions of the ruthless High Priestess of the Shadowdancers and the domineering Lion of Senet?
These books are not "fantasy" in the traditional sense: there's no magic, no demons invading the world from the beyond, no dragons flying around breathing fire. Instead, it's all about the characters. Fallon brings plotting and characterization to a whole new level. Love, treachery, friendship, redemption, and plot twists so twisted they redefine the word, this series keep you on your feet the whole way through. While the series may lack the traditional elements that define fantasy (magic, non-human creatures, etc.) it's still everything a fantasy book should be. Worth reading every sentence. A Fantasy book without a lot of the "fantasy stuff," these fantasy books are unique.
Tales of the Otori (Lian Hearn)
This series is one of my favorite. Not in several years have I read a fantasy book (or any book) this good, and I have read thousands. To tell you the truth, I have read so many books that are trash that I have grown used to, perhaps even expecting poor quality when I read a fantasy novel. Pure drivel like Robert Newcomb's "The Fifth Sorceress"or Terry Goodkind's "The Naked Empire" pop up like weeds these days.But amidst the piles and piles of rubble, sometimes you find that rose of exceptional beauty. And "Across the Nightingale Floor" is that rose. It's vastly different than the usual run-of-the-mill fantasy novels, unique even.
The setting of the book takes place in a mythical Japanese-like society, though it's not a direct allusion to actual history, and it features a smattering of magic. It's a coming of age story, but not in the usual Robert Jordan type of way. Perhaps the best way to describe it is as a recipe: Take the majestic backdrop of "Shogun", mix it with the cool assassin factor of "Hero's Die", imbue it with the mysticism of Eric Lustbader's "Ninja", then toss in a fabulous plot, superlative characterization, a good dose of pathos, a chunk of romance and you have what I consider to be one of the best books, ever.
If you have read "A Song of Fire of Ice"fifteen times, spun through the "Wheel of Time" more times than Nynaeve pulls her braid, and consumed every Hobb novel, then give this book a shot; it won't disappoint.
It's a sweeping epic of love, betrayal, loyalty, magic, and a high quest for revenge, and so dam fine a read you will want to lick the cover when you're done. I HIGHLY recommend you check this book out.
Similar recommendations:
If you like the martial art themes or are fascinated by the Far East, read Sean Russell's "Brother Initiate". You might
also try Curt Benjamin's epic fantasy with an Asian flavor--a sort of "Wheel of Time"set in china.
Riddle of Stars (Patricia A. McKillip)
This trilogy has been around for a while, but by no means is it any less worth reading. It is one of the "classics" like Lord of the Rings, that every fantasy enthusiast should read. Fear not, the books are not archaic by any means (published 20 or so years ago). The story is gripping, the characters indelible, and the prose lyrical--in the style of say Sean Russell and J.R.R Tolkien. These fantasy books are everything fantasy should be and more -- a true gem of fantasy literature.
Similar recommendations:
J.R.R.Tolkien's A Lord of the Rings. I also recommend Ursula le Guin's classic The Earthsea trilogy,
which features the same lyrical writing style as McKillip, and the hauntingly beautiful tale of a young boy's journey
from boy to wizard. You might also try Sean Russell's The Swan's War trilogy which features lyrical prose, a pervading
sense of pathos and a world full of opportunity, were magic is as mysterious as it is dangerous.
A Kingdom of Thorn and Bone (Greg Keyes)
Keyes stunned the fantasy community with his phenomenal new high fantasy novel, The Briar King, a few years ago. This guy is a master of the English language. His writing is both witty and beautiful; sort of an Oscar Wild meets J.R.R. Tolkien synergy. His plot is thick, rich with interesting characters (and the dialogue is top notch and at times, hilarious), and the world fairly gritty, though less so than George R. Martin's. Keyes takes old fantasy cliches and creates something new. I can't recommend this fantasy series enough. Keyes continues his excellent standard throughout the series.
Similar recommendations:
If you like Greg Keyes' The Briar King, try R Scott Baker's The Darkness that Comes Before,
which features superlative prose, an unique, but fascinating storyline, and the gritty realism that
Martin exhibits. Also try Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice saga and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time saga.
Shadowmarch (Tad Williams)
Amazon DescriptionWilliams opens another of the intricate, intriguing sagas that are his stock-in-trade. In a once turbulently conflicted land of humans, elves, and dwarves, an old truce is starting to unravel. The frontier called the Shadowline, between the Twilight Lands and those of humans, is being breached. The first Marchlands kingdom in the path of Twilight invaders is in disarray, for its king is a prisoner, and not all accept his elder son's regency. What's more, the cruel empire of the south is moving north. So the Marchlands are caught between two foes while having to deal with internal intrigues and inexperienced rulers. When the prince regent is killed, apparently by one of his closest advisors, the surviving regents are an impetuous princess and a disabled prince. Trust at court and in the kingdom dwindles even as Twilight forces attack, and responsibilities the princess never dreamed of or prepared for fall upon her. A page-turner, if you can keep the who, where, and when straight (the appended lists of people and places help).
A great fantasy series that fans of big fantasy epics like A Game of Thrones and Robert Jordan's A Wheel of Time will enjoy. Williams creates a vast world full of ancient mythology and unknown lands. This is High Fantasy at its best. Really, I mean it.
Similar Recommendations:
George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones and Robert Jordan's A Wheel of Time. Like Shadowmarch, these series have massive worlds with highly realized cultures, the clash of kingdoms, and a struggle of humans against other creatures.
A Song For Abalion (Steven Lawhead)
This is, in my opinion, the best "cross" over fantasy book ever, right on par with Gavel Guy Kay's Fionauar Tapestry and CS Lewis's
Chronicles of Narnia series. Lawhead's hero, a rather plain and ordinary London citizen, is accidentally transported into the
Celtic times via a magic portal. He is forced to survive and adapt to a hostile culture. It documents his journey from normal
to extraordinary, from a warrior to hero. Characterization is top notch here. The protagonist is portrayed as a living and
breathing man. Lawhead knows how to write, and he holds nothing back in the phenomenal fantasy trilogy. This trilogy is Lawhead's best work. If you want some fantasy books
that will rock your world, pick these ones up!
Godless World trilogy (Brian Ruckley)
The Godless World is a new fantasy series by Brian Ruckley. It? an amazing debut that delivers everything epic fantasy fans are looking for. This series feels somewhat similar to George R.R. Martin? A Song of Ice and Fire. It? got that same sort of gritty world and cast of grey characters (though less grey then Martin? characters) that Song of Ice and Fire has. There is also a sense of ancient history and myth that pervades the novel. For those wanting to read a gritty fantasy epic with a wonderfully drawn world and really exciting plot, the Godless world delivers.
Boreal Moon trilogy (Julia May)
Fabulous trilogy that hasn? received the acclaim or popularity it deserves. Julian May has written a fantastic saga of love, treachery, war, and magic. Magic has a definite sense of mystery in this series but also retains a strong presence. In addition, the magic system is one of the most interesting ones I?e encounter. If you want a ripping good yarn, compelling characters, and lots of politics, adventure, and fighting, read this book. If you like Robert Jordan, but hate the pedantic pacing of his books, this series is for you.
Crown of Stars saga (Kate Elliot)
Similar recommendations:
Tad William? Memory, Sorrow, Thorn saga. William? has beautifully reinterpreted Tolkien? Lord of the Rings (and no it is not in the least bit a clone, and no, there is no One Ring), creating a vast world of mystery and magic. Characterization is top notch.
Deathgate Cycle (Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman)
Similar recommendations:
Robert Jordan? Wheel of Time. Farland? Runelords. Raymond E Fiest? Magician books.
Oath of Empires saga (Thomas Harlan)
The Runelords (Dave Farland)
I love this series. The magic system, next to Jordan?, is perhaps the most comprehensive and unique of all the fantasy books I have read. Of course, having a cool magic system is not enough to guarantee a great book. The plot grips tight, the characters strong, and the action fantastic. If you like Robert Jordan and Raymond Fiest, you?e going to gorge yourself to bliss on Farland? Runelords.
Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)
A magnificent novel of adventure, magic, and revenge with one of the most unique magic systems in the fantasy genre. Mistborn is the story of a band of wizards fighting a hopeless battle against an invincible mage tyrant. The interesting cast of characters and strong plotting makes this one book you have to pick up. Those looking for a strong epic fantasy series should check this one out.
Rise of Moontide and Magic (Sean Russell)
Sean Russell writes books for people who like to read. Ponderous, slow, and often steeped in mystery, his worlds are rich with characterization and plot. His "Moontide and Magic" is set in a world not unlike the Victorian era. The Farrlands, once home to the mysterious mages, is now steeped in the ways of empiricism. Magic is gone from the world, with the passing of the last mage. Or is it? Rich, complex, and beautifully written, these are fantasy books you don't want to miss. If you want to read well-written novels, Russell can deliver them magnificently. One can never accuse Russell of holding to the standard Tolkien cliches. Fans of David Gemmell's fast paced "beat-em-up-and-leave-em" or Jordan's "so-much-magic-you-breath-it" type of writing will probably bemoan the pacing. But for those of us who like to read well-written fantasy literature that emphasizes character and plotting over action, make sure you check this one out.
Similar recommendations:
If you like the combination of science and magic co existing, check out Gregory Keyes "Age of Unreason" saga. Another book that retains the same style as Russell's "Rise of Moontide and Magic" is Ian Mcdonald's "The Light Age". You should also read Beneath the Vaunted hills, the prequel to the Rise of Moontide and Magic. Those of you familiar with Russell trademark style won't be disappointed. These books are every bit as good as his Moontide and Magic books.
Tyrant and Kings (John Marco)
Starts first with The Jackal of Nar. Military fantasy at its best! Marco's characters are never black and white. Each character, even the supposed "bad guys", are portrayed as "human" as opposed to just "the requisite bad guy". And you can viscerally emphasize with them all, even if you don't agree with their actions. Add to this a healthy mix of action, a fantastic plot, and these books are a must read by every Fantasy fan.
Similar recommendations:
You might want to give Chris Bunch's Seer King trilogy series a shot. If you like Marco's refusal to pigeon-hole characters as either black or white, try his other series, The Eyes of a God and the sequel, Devil's Armor. If you like military setting of "Tyrants & Kings", check out Glenn Cook's Black Company saga.
The Amtrack Wars (Patrick Tilley)
Ten centuries ago the Old Time ended when Earth's cities melted in the War of a Thousand Suns. Now the lethal high technology of the Amtrak Federation's underground stronghold is unleashed on Earth's other survivors - the surface-dwelling Mutes.
Phenomenal books. Action, love, adventure, magic. And a damn damn sweet plot. Thesee Fantasy Books are a bit old and maybe out of print, but if you can manage to get you hands on this six volume series, you're in for a real treat.
Sword-Dancer (Jennifer Roberson)
These fantasy books are fantastic. Witty, humorous, action packed, and romantic, these books are worth anybody's time. Great interaction between the two, sometimes diametric protagonists.
Similar recommendations:
Deborah Chester's The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice Trilogy. Like The Sword Dancer Saga, Chester's Sword & Sorcery trilogy is full of rich characterization.
Furies of Calderon (Jim Butcher)
Classic fantasy done right. Good story, good plot, terrific action, and fantasy set in a Roman milieu (something unusual in fantasy). This book features one of the more interesting magic systems. Done by the author of the Dresden Files (which is a good recommendation on its own merit indeed).
The Initiate Brother (Sean Russell)
Russell turns his considerable narrative powers to far east with a unique fantasy set in an Asian milieu. Plot, as per usual in a Russell novel, starts off slow, but more than makes up for this in strength of plot and characterization. The world he creates here is just so damn interesting. If you are in the mode for something different, check this fantasy duology out. These fantasy books will not dissapoint.
Similar recommendations:
Read Lian Hearn's Across the Nightingale Floor for a Japanese-flavoured fantasy. Ninja assassins with magic. Need I say more?
Talion: Revenant (Michael A. Stackpole)
This is some of the best heroic fantasy out there, and it's Stackpole's best work yet. It's also his first fantasy book. What sets it apart from other similar books is the heavy dose of pathos pervading the novel. It's not a "happy" type novel; there is a deep sadness that rings through the prose. But the characterization of Nolan, the hero, is fantastic, and it features a good plot. Nolan is forced to choose between love and honour.
The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice (Deborah Chester)
Elves and Dwarfs have become the new byword for unoriginality in a fantasy book. Every time I see the word "Elf" or "Dwarf", I cringe. Chester however does something original. She writes a Sword and Sorcery trilogy, but unlike Conan, the characters actually have emotions and a brain as opposed to pure brawn or thigh. Characterization is very well done. Who ever thought there could be a Sword & Sorcery with depth? Well Chester's done it! Make sure you acquire of all three books in the series before you start on the first, because when you finish the first, you will want to tear through the rest.
Similar recommendations: Jennifer Roberson's Sword Dancer saga. Also try her Realm of Light trilogy, which reads is similar (though not as good) to The Sword, The Ring, and the Chalice.
Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)
Harry Potter. What fantasy fiction fan has not read these books? Harry Potter has introduced millions of people to the fantasy genre.
With a protagonist and plot that appeals to many people (Harry, an awkward kid with special powers who goes to a new school and tries to fit in),
Harry Potter is a fun read. The books start of lighthearted, but I found Potter starts to get really interesting from the fifth book onward;
the series gets darker and there is a stronger "grown up"element to the books at this point. If you haven't read them (not too many of these left),
you should. While Harry Potter is vastly different the classic fantasy most people are used to, there are a worthy addition to the fantasy genre,
and should be read.
A Curse of Chalion (Lois Mcmaster Bujold)
A Curse of Chalion won the World Fantasy award. Bujold is a fine writer, able to create realistic characters and well-spun plots. Bujold likes to write about anti-heroes, or at least unassuming heroes. And there is always a strong romantic subplot. Bujld is a top-notch characterization writer who can spin a great romantic tale.
Similar Recommendations
Read "Paladin of Souls" which is a follow up book set in the same world as A Curse of Chalion. You might also want to check out her Miles Vorskian Science Fiction series. Julian Marriat and Jaques Keary are also two authors who write romantic fantasy. You might like their books if you like Lois's handling of romantic relationships.
Daughter of the Empire (Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts)
Fiest has got a ton of books out, however, several stand out above the rest. His Magician dualogy made my top 20 list. His Empire Saga, which he co-wrote with Janny Wurts, is a fabulously entertaining series. If you like his Magician books, then definitely read the sequels: the Serpent War saga. I also enjoyed Talon of the Silverhawk and Exile's Return. The other, I feel, are mediocre.
Black Company (Glenn Cook)
Amazon DescriptionDarkness wars with darkness as the hard-bitten men of the Black Company take their pay and do what they must. They bury their doubts with their dead. Then comes the prophecy: The White Rose has been reborn, somewhere, to embody good once more.
This is the man who pioneered military Fantasy. A great cast of characters struggling to survive (and profit) in a war-torn milieu. A highly recommended read.
Similar recommendations:
Steven Erikson's Gardens of the Moon.
The Seven Waters Trilogy (Juliet Marillier)
Celtic fantasy that rocks. Marillier's books have some of the best female characterization in fantasy. These books have a decidedly romantic bent to them. Then again, what books don't? Similar recommendation:
Similar recommendations:
For another series with fantastic female protagonist, read Jaques Carry's Kaishendia's Dart. If you like the celtic fantasy aspect of the series,
try Stephen Lawhead's "The Endless Knot" series. Marillier also has several other celtic fantasy books (Wolfskin) which are highly recommended if you like her
Seven Waters trilogy. And you must read Robert Holdstock's Mythago Wood, which I feel is the most superlative celtic fantasy novel ever written. It's stunning and
also a literary masterpeice.
The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)
These books are classics. CS Lewis, the great English novelist, and friend of JR Tolkien, penned this series for kids. He masterfully creates an extended metaphor for Christianity in his Chornicals of Narnia. However, one does not have to be a Christian to appreciate his tales. Set in a world full of nymphs, dryads, fawns, giants, heroes, and kings, these books will draw you into a fascinating world. This is a tale for all ages. Don't call yourself a fantasy aficionado until you have read this series along with Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
Similar recommendations:
The following are some of the best YA (Young Adult) novels written: Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials, Garth Nix's Abhorson trilogy, and Jonathon Stroud's Bartimaous Trilogy. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter.
Don't let the YA tag sway you from reading them however. They are every bit as enjoyable to adults as they are for kids, and each series is actually rather dark!
The Light Ages (Ian R. MacLeod)
Amazon DescriptionSet in a Age of Industry a bleak and gritty England, , the wealth that comes from magic is both revered and reviled. Here, an ambitious young man is haunted by his childhood love--a woman determined to be a part of the world he despises. This is steampunk fantasy ? fantasy where technology and magic are woven together. I found this was a fascinating novel about a humble man's quest to change the world. The world is an alternate gritty London during the industrial revolution (but with magic instead of electricity). Those who like books in the vein of Neil Gaiman and China Mieville will be entertained by this novel.
Similar recommendations:
J.R.R. Tolkien's A Lord of the Rings. The Swan's War trilogy seems both similar yet different
than Lord of the Rings. The mysterious and rare nature of magic is a trait shared by both books, as is the beautiful prose
that seems half poetry, half fiction (though Russell's work is more "modern"and novelistic).
Vampire Earth (E.E. Knight)
Picture a dark, apocalyptic world set in the near future. A world conquered by vampyric aliens, where humans are kept as nothing more than feeding and breeding stock. This is not your normal post-apocalyptic novel. Knight creates a rich milieu, almost reminiscent of an epic fantasy world. Make no mistake, this novel cannot be pigeon-holed into a single genre, it has elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. This is one hell of a thrill ride with a dark tension that keeps you pinned from the moment you open the cover to the second you wipe your eyes at 3 in the morning
Similar recommendations:
If you like the Vampire Earth series, you may like Glen Cook's Instrumentality of the Night series.
Those books sort of have the same feel (a world that has been conquered by an inimical enemy.
Ascendants of Astoria (James Barclay)
Epic struggle. Battle scenes so real you can hear the clash of bronze on bronze and the scream of dying men. Those who love Erickson's Malazan saga should pick up Barclay's Ascendants of Astoria. Military fantasy at its peak.
Similar recommendations:
Barclay has some other great heroic fantasy out there (I suggest trying Dawnthief). Barclay's style is a bit like
the late David Gemmel's.
Kushiel's Dart (Jacqueline Carey)
Amazon DescriptionThe land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Ph??dre n?? Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Ph??dre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Ph??dre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair...and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Ph??dre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear. Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart-a massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new.
A superbly drawn romantic fantasy. Love, treachery, heartbreak and triumph, this novel has all the elements that make a book great. Jacqueline Carey creates the most well-drawn female protagonist in the fantasy genre. The book won the Locus Best Fantasy award. All the characters have realistic motivations and the villains aren't exactly villains. All in all, this is some complex and compelling fantasy. For many of you, this book
Similar recommendations:
Carey's other Kushiel books are must reads if you like Kushiel's Dart (the first in the series). If you like the whole
strong female protagonist of Carey's world, then you should read Live Ship Traders by Robin Hobb, which
features a very richly drawn world (same world as Hobb's Farseer series) and strong, interesting
female protaganists. You might also Like Laura Resnick's In Legend Born, which is high fantasy with
some compelling females characters with realistic motivations.
Black Jewel (Anne Bishop)
Bishop takes the Heaven and Hell archetypes and flips them around. Satan is the "good" guy, and Hell is the place to be. Features a strong cast of characters, a strong, well-drawn female protagonist. A warning, these books are extremely sexually explicit, as rape, torture, violence are the foundations of Bishop's world. Any chicks who dig the romance genre will enjoy these. I don't pride myself on being any sort of romance connoisseur, but this trilogy was very entertaining.
Similar recommendations:
If you like Bishop's new spin on Heaven and Hell, you might enjoy Wayne Barlowe's God's Demon. Inspired by John Milton's vision of
Heaven and Hell, God's Demon follows the exploits of Sargatanas, a fallen angle who to rejoin the ranks of Heaven will overthrow hell...
Legend (David Gemmell)
Amazon Description
Druss, Captain of the Axe, was the stuff of legends. But even as the stories grew in the telling, Druss himself grew older. He turned his back on his own legend and retreated to a mountain lair to await his old enemy, death. Meanwhile, barbarian hordes were on the march. Nothing could stand in their way. Druss reluctantly agreed to come out of retirement. But could even Druss live up to his own legends?
Gemmell was a prolific writer and a good one at that. His books are fascinated with the concept of
heroism and sacrifice ? these always playing key themes in his novels. He delights in telling the
story of a broken man (often a man past his prime who just wants peace) who tries to find meaning through sacrifice. Here are his "best" books--though
all of his books tend to be pretty good. Some people love his style, while some find he writes the
same tale over and over. His best books are Legend, Waylander, and Lord of the Silver Bow.
I though the Coldfire Trilogy by CS Friedman was very good - particularly the first novel Dark Sun Rising. Great main characters, good story, well written.
Seriously? People think that the Sword of Truth series and the Inheritance series are good? Obviously you people haven't read enough actual quality work.
In the Name of the Wind should be included somewhere on this list, though.
The night angel trilogy is a brilliant read. From the time I picked the first one up I could'nt put them down. I agree with Kody about the inheritance trilogy, really enjoyed them but they dont deserve a place on the list.
The books of Pellinor were to slow paced and were just copies of much better books- well thats my opinion.
Also I was kinda wondering whether anybody has read Night Angel series because it is one of the best series I have read in a long while
Hes not on there because hes not good enough to be on there. But don't get me wrong I am not bashing on him because I don't like the books or anything. I do like them. But just because you like the books doesn't mean the best out there.
WHERE IS THE INHERITANCE CYCLE?????Christopher paolini's book series should be in here!I highly recommend it to anyone who likes dragon fantasy.I will admit it is a little too much like star wars but it is still astonishing!
I have just started reading a series called the Books of Pellinor, by Alison Croggon. I think she is a new author and these books are really good. They are written for young readers and are a little kiddish but they are still really good.
lol at people recommending sword of truth...lol. That series is so awful it makes me cringe.
I may have missed something but don't find this wonderful writer on your list. (I'm getting kind of dotty in my 70's!) I have read three of her series and am going on to my fourth which is her first. How is it that she is not on your list here and why oh why has she never rceived an award?
I just wanted to reiterate what Alyssa said about the "Sword of Truth " series. My 12 year old daughter and I read the series over the summer, and now she gobbles up fantasy novels faster than I can get them from the library. It left quite an impact on me, personally. Richard & Kahlan are now my favorite fantasy couple.
I seriously wish the Terry Goodkind books were on this list. The series is one of the best I have ever read. I am obsessed with it and still re-read them till this day. He really makes you care for his characters. He also paints a beautiful world to get lost in for a while. I recommend that you guys give him a chance and pick up Wizards First Rule, the start of the Sword of Truth series. I think you wont be disappointed. 
Where is the sword of truth series? I mean Terry Goodkind over does it sometimes but he should still be in the top 25. His books were so addicting that I read the whole series in a week. The size of his books should not make true fantasy reader blanch at the sight. The ending made me cry. 
Terry Goodkind blends romance, lots of action, humor, and something that makes you so addicted you wont put down the series until you collapse with weariness. Anyway that is my opinion . Love LOTR!
I think that The Chronicles of Narnia should definitely be in the Top 25, as should Harry Potter. Narnia is one of the greatest classics of all time and I am a confessed addict. Harry Potter also has one of the best storylines and best characters I have ever seen. Lord of the Rings also should have placed higher.
Here are some of my recommendations...
I am constantly in search of a good fantasy book, and I am sick of finding nothing but Twilight knock-offs and uninteresting novels. So I can recommend some books to you.
Gail Carson Levigne books are really good. The endings are a little unusual, which some may find satisfying or others may be bothered by. However, they are very good nonetheless. 'Ella Enchanted' is probably her crowning jewel. 'Two Princesses of Bamarre' makes a good second, with a good female heroine, an actually developed love interest, and an interesting plot. 'Fairest' is good, but not her best. Parts of the book drag along, her prince doesn't have hardly any depth, and things get a little sketchy at the end. 'Ever' was also a bit of a let down, although not a complete failure. The plot was good, although the romance was a little too sudden and made it seem like Levigne was rushing somewhere.
Margaret Peterson Haddix is also a very good writer. I have only read two of her books, however: 'Just Ella' and 'Palace of Mirrors'. Palace of Mirrors is supposed to be a return to the world of Just Ella, although the second book is much better than the first. Just Ella takes the Cinderella story and puts a twist on it, picking up after her bethrothal to Prince Charming. Although Haddix does a fairly nice job with the plot, the characters could be better. The love interest does fall a little bit flat, with Ella undecided and Jed's character a little bit flat and undefined. Palace of Mirrors and a little more well done. The female heroine, Cecilia, has grown up in a small town village knowing all the while that she is the true princess of her country. Her tutor, Sir Stephen, has explained to her that Princess Desmia is merely a stand-in until the unnamed enemies of the crown are vanquished. Until Cecilia can take up the throne, the orphan is sent to live with an older lady in a small town in the middle of nowhere. That is where she becomes best friends with Harper, who's name is also his destiny. His father was killed in war, so his mother forces him to learn to play the harp so that he cannot be sent to fight. (Of course, Harper wants to be a soldier.) The age old friends get into a fight and after a series of events, Cecilia sneaks out to reveal everything to Harper. While she is out, Cecilia's house is attacked and Cecilia and Harper decide to flee and meet with Sir Stephen. However, the two decide to take a detour towards the capitol so that Cecilia can take up her throne first. The characters are considerably well done, although not all fantasy superfans may not be crazy about the simplicity of the book. Good if you want a happy ending.
Shannon Hale books are also fairly good, but again, somewhat simplistic. It depends on how much you want to read into the books.
Mistborn should be in the top 25. Sanderson was hand picked to finish the Wheel of Time series and not only is the book doing well it's on the best seller list. Plus, Brandon Sanderson's own works, the Mistborn trilogy, Elantris, and Warbreaker are constantly rated and review as some of the best fantasy work yet. Check out Amazon's reviews of his stuff.
I have not read most of these books, if not all. However, I'm disappointed that you have not added The Inheritance Cycle as 'worthy of mention' at the very least. Christopher Paolini, the author at the age of 15 started to write this cycle and his debut novel Eragon is thriving with description and the clarity of thought is immense, surpassing a majority of teenagers. He has managed to captivate readers at such a young age as if he were a thirty year old with an english major. However, other than this, I think your list is excellant and thank you for taking your time to help all fantasy loving bookworms around the world, such as myself.
