Good Fantasy Books
"BestFantasyBooks.com guide to Good Fantasy Books"
Eyes of a God (John Marco)
Book Flap Description
An exciting new addition to the DAW list, The Eyes of God is the most important work to date from John Marco, the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Jackal of Nar...
The first fantasy book in a major new fantasy series, The Eyes of God is a bold, richly textured epic filled with Arthurian elements, diverse magic, war, intrigue, romance and deception.
Very well written fantasy series. Expect the usual grey characterization endemic to all of John Marco's books. Read the other two sequels "Devil's Armour" and "Sword of Angles."
Weavers of Saramyr (Chris Wooding )
Amazon Description
This is the story of the ancient empire of Saramyr -- an empire that rules over a land overwhelmed by evil. The evil comes from within the empire's center: the Weavers, a sect of male magicians close to the throne, intent on killing any child born with magical powers. But now the Empress has given birth to just such a childand a revolution is brewing.
Written by young publishing phenomenon Chris Wooding, The Braided Path is a dark, manga-influenced fantasy of a terrifying world--a world across which plays a spellbinding plot of power, violence, and betrayal. Still in his twenties, Chris Wooding has published 18 books, including the Broken Sky series, which has sold more than 200,000 copies in the U.S. alone. He is also a winner of Britain's prestigious Silver Smarties Prize for his acclaimed novel, The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray, which he is now adapting for a Hollywood film.
A fantasy series set in an elaborately detailed medieval Asian landscape. The book has two very well drawn female protagonists. These are some great fantasy books that don't get enough recognition.
Seven Sons (Curt Benjamin)
Benjamin does something unique: he creates an epic fantasy based in an Asian
(Chinese mythology) setting. Very good series -- sort of like a Robert Jordan
(not as big though!) type of story in ancient China. It's a trilogy.
The Banned and the Banished (James Clemens)
Book Flap DescriptionOn a fateful night five centuries ago, three mages made a desperate last stand, sacrificing everything to preserve the only hope of goodness in the beautiful, doomed land of Alasea. Now, on the anniversary of that ominous night, a girl-child ripens into the heritage of lost power. But before she can even comprehend her terrible new gift, the Dark Lord dispatches his winged monsters to capture her and bring him the embryonic magic she embodies.
Fleeing the minions of darkness, Elena is swept toward certain doom--and into the company of unexpected allies. There she forms a band of the hunted and the cursed, the outcasts and the outlaws, to battle the unstoppable forces of evil and rescue a once-glorious empire . . .
Those who like their fantasy dark will love this series. Set in a world without hope, where man is prey to terrible monsters, The Banned and the Banished is thrilling (and chilling) ride. The pacing is quite brisk, almost thriller like (if you can ignore the unnecessary apostrophes the author uses).
War of the Flowers (Tad William)
Tad Williams is an amazing writer. His Memory, Sorrow, Thorn books made the Top 25 list. War of the Flowers is an adult fairy tale. Strong writing and a great plot made this novel hard to put down. It's a standalone novel (rare these days in fantasy).
Similar recommendations:
Read Tad William's other works.
Dragon Crown War Cycle (Michael A. Stackpole)
This High Fantasy series has gone under the radar for some reason. It's fantasy in the classic epic tradition. A band of heroes strives against an all-powerful sorceress. Most prominent feature in this four book saga is the graphic violence. These books are full of blood--too much in fact. After a while the constant fighting becomes weary. Still, if you are looking for some epic fantasy that's heavy on the action, and above average characterization, give this saga a shot.
I found this series much better then average and perhaps underated.
Similar recommendations:
If you like the Dragon Crow War, definetly read the prequel book: When Dragon's Rage. If you like the epic tradition of
the Dragon Cron War, you'll love Robert Jordan's A Wheel of Time, which is a much entertaining (but so much longer) series.
Age of Reason (Greg Keyes)
An alternate colonial America where magic works. This book wins the unique fantasy award -- I really haven't seen anything else out there like this series. Most Fantasy worlds are based (somewhat) on Tolkien's world. Keyes's combination of a colonial america with fantasy elements makes this series very interesting. Those looking for some unique fantasy books, give this series a gander.
Similar recommendations:
If you like the alternative American history theme of the novel, then read Orson Scott Card's Alvin Maker series which is
also set in an alternate colonial america where magic works. If you want the alternate American history without
magic, give Harry Turtledove a try.
Shadow of a Lion (Mercedes Lackey, Dave Freer, Eric Flint)
Book Flap Description
Venice, 1537...A rampaging monster sent by the Lord of Demons is terrorizing the masses. Now, a failed magician, a reluctant prince, an orphaned outcast, a dangerous beauty, and a conflicted priest must make an uneasy alliance beneath the shadow of the great winged Lion--or all will be consumed by an evil greater than anyone has ever known.
Rich and complex high fantasy, set in an alternate Venice. Somewhat slow, especially at the beginning, but a nice long read for that rainy day. Book gets very good if you stick with it. I'm generally not a fan Lackey's books (I feel they are cliche and not very well written). Of all her fantasy books, this one is, I feel, is her best.
Book of Words saga (J.V. Jones)
Great read, though inferior to her latest saga: Sword of Shadows. A merge between epic fantasy, heroic fantasy, and sword & sworcery. An obscure baker's apprentice finds he has the extremely rare gift of sorcery. Sounds like your standard "epic fantasy clone" but Jones draws her characters more clearly than most sword & sorcery novels and the story, at its core, sucks in your interest. The books are well paced with a heavy impetus of action. An addictive series that's very much worth the read -- just as long as you know you are getting the standard fanasy epic.
Similar recommendations:
Read Jones' Sword of Shadows saga, a complex and brutal fantasy series that's made my Top 25. It's much better then her
Book of Words series and shows how much Jones has improved as an author.
Aldebreshin Compass (Juliet E. Mckenna)
This saga is a nice change from standard fantasy. It's set in a Mediterranean milieu -- rich, complex, and full of exotic mystery. Overall, a great read.
British author McKenna, already known for her Tales of Einarinn series, is bound to earn plenty of new fans with her U.S. hardcover debut. Although the folk of the vast Aldabreshin Archipelago live by portents and auguries, they fear magic, to the point of executing those felt to be tainted by it. After brutal magical attacks from the south push the Archipelago's citizens to near panic, fair-minded warlord Daish Kheda strives to forge an alliance with his fellow warlords, but petty squabbles stand in the way. When another warlord attempts to murder Kheda and his family in their sleep, Kheda disappears, letting his enemies as well as allies assume he's dead. An original and intriguing setting, impressive world-building and compelling writing set McKenna's work apart from a field thick with far less ambitious fantasy works. Fans of Rosemary Kirstein and Robin Hobb will enjoy this book.
Saga of Recluse (L. E. Modesitt Jr.)
A really, really big fantasy saga, were each story is discrete. Interesting magic system. The books even include sound effects! Worth reading. I recommend you start with The Death of Chaos, then if you like the series, go back and read the entire thing sequentially. If you like his ?ecluse books, also try his ?orean Chronicles series. You will find, if you read his saga, most of the books follow the same pattern: callow, powerless lad sets out in the world, learns to use magic, becomes hero. He certaintly won't be accused of being origional, but if you enjoy that sort of tale, give him a shot. He writes good, if unorigional, books. His magic system is an origional one, and very interesting.
Wizard? First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
Despite Goodkind? ever increasing decent into the lowest tiers of quality, his first book is pretty good?f you can live with the author? almost juvenile writing skills. Regrettably, Goodkind has a disturbing fascination of rape and the torture of women--which he practically shoves down your throat every few pages; though to be fair, it? within the context of the greater story. Not recommended for the kiddies! His first 6 books are worth reading, after that, you will have more fun mowing the lawn.
The Sun Sword saga (Michelle West)
Epic in the tradition of Robert Jordan. The characters are well drawn, at cost of the story? pacing. You will either love West or hate her style. If you are the type of person who likes characterization over fast pacing, you will probably like West? epic saga. Her books are unique and worth reading (if you can stomach her ponderous writing style).
In Legend Born (Laura Resnick)
Outstanding characterization. Resnick really knows how to write realistic characters. Most of the characters are painted in shades of grey. Her plot is enticing, and after the first few chapters, moves along with the speed and intensity of a freight train. I would hesitate to call this ?pic fantasy, although it does contain trace elements of the epic cliques. This series is unique enough to stand apart from the ?pic clone crowd and the characterization is some of the best you will find in fantasy literature. If you are in a mood for an action packed thrill ride, full of deep characterization, you can? go wrong with this trilogy.
Drenai tales, waylander series? Sippstrassi tales?
Need I say more?
Goodkind and the sword of truth series is either hated or loved by anyone who reads it. remember that for every time you trash it there is someone else who is recommending it to all of their friends. I'm not saying it doesnt have some major writing inequities but the storyline is gripping and, in my opinion, different from anything i've ever read. I understand your dislike (mostly the dislike of some of the commentors) but you've got to respect the books' thousands of fans and the fact that it can sell an eleventh book of an already 8,500 page series
First off so glad I ran into your list. Since I picked up fantasy and scifi 15 years ago I've gone through a lot of books. It was becoming increasingly harder to find a good book. I would like to also add here that I'm no English major I just love a great story and I love how dark and gritty books r becoming. I am currently working my way down your top 25 with the books I have never read. So far so awesome! Just finished Scott lynch books and they were def cool. I'm also glad to see Dune at the top bc I thought everone I talked to never appreciated that wonderful story. I was wondering where Naomi novaks would fall on your list if they would at all. I thought they were pretty good. Also besides this list the next best thing was the kindle for iPhone. Haven't touched my real kindle since I got it. Thanks for the list
I think there is a serious omission on all these lists and that is Sergei Lukyanenko's Brilliant Night Watch Trilogy. One of my all time favourite's after Mistborn and His Dark Materials.
terry goodkind is leet sauce........... and know tales of alvin maker that was a awsome series orsan scott card was a good writer
Very comprehensive, great list keep adding more for all fantsay lovers out there.
I think the review was SPOT ON. Terry Goodkind's books were palatable when I was 14... now? I tried re-reading one and could barely make it past the awful choppy idiotic "JUVENILE" as you said... I couldn't even make it 50 pages into a book... his "skill" at conversations is pathetic. It's like watching a 5th grade play written by students. Anyone with any literacy or college english courses would disdain these books.
Your so-called recommendation of Terry Goodkind was hardly a glowing review. First off, what was with all the question marks? I'm hardly an expert on fantasy, but to say the man has a fascination with the rape and torture of women is unfair and unwarranted. The protaganists in the novels strived constantly to put a stop to it, and let's face it, the real world is going to seep into fantasy now and again, and rape and torture are a part of the real world. The books were brutal, I'll give you that, but at least they were honest and full of characters you could care about. Memorable, too. I'll ALWAYS remember Richard & Kahlan.
all 3 lists are very good. curious about opinions regarding Trudi Canavan's Age of the Five trilogy- it's nothing special but it remained in my memory for some reason.
apart from that I can't see any other fantasy book worth included(haven't read all things here but I know a good part of them). I also like the fact that terry goodkind was included. read the first and just had to find out the ending so i ended up reading 6 hours a day for 2 weeks
Missing from these lists: the Elric books by Michael Moorcock.
I'm glad to see Terry Goodkind included. True, he's not a good writer; but he is a good storyteller (i.e. the plots are great, but the prose is not). All in all, I think his books are well worth reading (even the slog through the couple of later ones that are low quality). And I think he ended the series in a fascinating and fitting manner (which is always hard to do, and thus earns him bonus points.
I'm also glad to see the Deathgate Cycle by Weis & Hickman mentioned so often on these lists. I love those guys, and think that they would be regarded in a much different (and more positive) light if their names weren't so associated with Dragonlance.
Well now. Look at that. This section has gotten its own comments feature with the site update. How splendid.
To briefly reiterate a comment I left when there was only a 'Top 25 List' available, I will remark that surely the Belgariad and Fred Saberhagen's works (at least Empire of the East, if not The Book of Swords et al.) deserve inclusion on the 'Good' list, based on the criteria mentioned in its introductory paragraph.
