Top 25 Best Fantasy Books
Love fantasy novels? Hate wasting time reading trash? Then read this definitive guide to the top 25 fantasy books in the genre.
This list lists books that are the crème de la crème of the fantasy genre. I've carefully chosen the top 25 fantasy books from hundreds of series and thousands of books. In my 20 or so years of devouring fantasy books, certain fantasy books have really stood out far above the rest. This list contains these books.
The Top 25 Fantasy Books list selects from a wide range of fantasy, from epic fantasy to detective fantasy, from well known fantasy to obscure fantasy, and from old "classic" fantasy books to brand new fantasy releases.
The goal of this list is to present a broad selection of the best fantasy literature from different fantasy subgenres.
To include is to exclude, and alas, this list short and the fantasy books out there many. If my omission of your favorite author offends, my apologies, but I simply can't please everyone. For each fantasy book recommendation given, I try to give some compelling reasons why the book stands out as one of the best fantasy books in the genre rather than just saying "this is the best fantasy book." I acknowledge that judging books is like judging beauty: it's in the eye of the beholder. Some people may like a book while others do not.
If you want to hear what other people are saying about these fantasy books, check out the comment link above each book. From time to time, people weigh in on the book and give their own opinion regarding how they liked or dislike the books. You might also want to check out the new Web 2.0 Community Book Review section. You can view fellow peer reviews on fantasy books, movies, and games; submit new book review suggestions of your favorite book and write small amazon-style reviews that will appear on the site!
For more recommendations, read the Great Fantasy Books list for must-read Fantasy books that almost made the Top 25 Fantasy Books list. If you've read everything on Great Fantasy Books list, then check out the Good Fantasy Books list. Be sure to read the brand new uber huge Top 25 Stand Alone Fantasy Books list. Then take a look at the Best Fantasy Series list to top it off.
These four lists contain some of the best fantasy books out there. But there's also a ton of subgenre recommendation lists for you to peruse as well! And for another treat, check out the Worst Fantasy Book section to see what books to avoid. If you want to become part of our growing fantasy community, feel free to join the fantasy book forums.
The list has been updated again with old books and new books (including a few new authors) and the ranking reordered. Each description I've written of each book on the list has been updated as well with new information.
I've also completely overhauled the similar recommendation sections of every book on the list with even more recommendations. I've added a comment page for reader's to share their personal Similar Recommendations as well! I hope you enjoy the update -- it's taken a weeks of serious work to update this list.
Download/View Concise Version of List: (HTML)
#1: A Game of Thrones (George R.R. Martin)
Comments (243) | Community Book Review
This brilliant series starts with A Game of Thrones. What can I say about this series other then read it! It's well-regarded as
the best fantasy series.
Martin's books have been the top of this list for years and despite his delayed release of the 5th in the series (Dance for Dragons), his works still stand out as some of the best in the genre. You owe it to yourself to read this series. The good news is the Dance of Dragons is finally coming out. HBO is also producing a TV series starting with the first book, A Game of Thrones. Really, if you haven't read the series yet, DO SO.
Martin writes with flair, deftly weaving multiple storylines in a gritty, even brutal, world that consists entirely of gray characters instead of the classic black and white. It's a vast chess game spanning continents, and the pieces are lords, bastards, knights, wizards, ladies, and children. What really stands out in this series is Martin's penchant for axing the major characters. That's right. No character is safe from the author's noose. Despite the demise of major characters, the plot lines continue stronger than ever. Tired of protagonists walking through fire without a scratch, falling hundreds of feet without a bruise, and defeating superhuman creatures with the same amount of effort that one puts into scratching an arm? Then this series is your fix. The sheer unpredictability of the series renders a delectable experience. Dare you to predict the winners and losers? If you haven't read the series yet, read it! Chances are, you're going to be calling in sick the next day. It's that good.
And in case you've been hiding in a rock somewhere, Martin's series is currently being developed into a full blown mini series by HBO (and it looks to be a winner). So if you haven't read the series, READ IT NOW.
Books Similar to A Song of Ice and FireReader Similar Recommendations (2)
If you like Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire saga, try David Anthony Durham's Acacia . It's somewhat similar feel to A Song of Ice and Fire. It's the first of a series, but a very good read. Book two was released last year and carried on the story quite well with some huge twists (read book 2 to find out!). I'm really looking forward to the final part of the series.
And of course, you should watch the new HBO mini series "A Game of Thrones" that's coming out July 2011.
You might also give Patrick Rothfuss's The Name of the Wind a gander; it's also one of my top picks and if you like Martin, I'll bet money you'll also appreciate Rothfuss's book. The sequel A Wise Man's Fear is also out now and delivers a pretty good punch -- Rothfuss has ensured the series is NOT a one book pony.
Of course, Steven Erikson's Mazalan Book of the Fallen is is a must read and it's a finished (10 books long). There are some elements that are similar to Martin's work: it's got gritty and intense battle scenes, a cast of ambiguously grey characters, main character deaths, and unpredictable (and utterly massive) plots.
I would be doing you a disservice if I did not recommend Glenn Cook's The Black Company series. It's gritty military fiction with a cast of grey characters, and great battle scenes. The focus of the series centers around a company of soldiers.
Also read Greg Keyes' The Briar King , the first in his (now completed) quadrilogy which features delicious prose, gritty realism and an enticing plot.
You can also try R. Scott Bakker's The Darkness That Comes Before , which features superlative prose, a unique, but fascinating storyline, and the gritty realism that Martin exhibits. It's also a heck of a lot more philosophical too, which may or may not be something you like.
You might also like Tad Williams newest fantasy saga: Shadowmarch which has some similar plot elements (strange creatures coming down from the north trying to take over the world).
Another series that had a similar feeling to Martin's work is The Godless World trilogy -- there are some similar elements or at least the gritty, dirty feel of A Song of Ice and Fire is present in the books. It's actually more like a gross between Martin and Tolkien, but a good series.
My final recommendation is to give Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy a read. It's witty, intelligently plotted, the characters are all grey, and there's some brutal action in the books. One of the best series that's come out in a few years -- one that actually tries to do something new in the genre.
Another new recommendation on this list: The Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V. S. Redick. Oh man, this series is lovely to read. It’s a dramatic fantasy stuffed with complexities: politics and kingdoms clash in an end of the world struggle that takes place on the vessel of a single ship where characters big and small, powerful and weak struggle against each other.
#2: The Malazan Book of the Fallen (Steven Erikson)
Comments (107) | Community Book Review
Since Tolkien, Fantasy has rarely been revolutionary, instead becoming more of an evolution and reinterpretation of Tolkien's original work.
Well, I can honestly say Erickson's saga is revolutionary. No Fantasy book series is more epic in scope than The Malazan Book of the Fallen. His saga combines both
military and epic fantasy into a delightful mix. Brilliant prose, epic storylines, gritty realism, fascinating mix of gray characters,
Erickson combines the best of George R. Martin with the epic scope of the Greek Classics such as the Iliad and the Odyssey. One word when reading it:
epiphany. A refreshing change from the usual Robert Jordan-esque fantasy clones that pop up like weeds these days.
There are quite a few books out in the series now (as of July 2010, 9 books) but the strength of the series has maintained itself throughout the many books, including the newest one! As of March 2011, Erikson has finally completed the Malazan series with the final book, The Crippled God. So you can start this series from the beginning knowing that you WON'T have to wait years for sequel books to come out. From start to finish, Malazan Book of the Fallen is one hell of a ride and is a MUST read for any fantasy fan. It can take a few books to get into the series, but if you are patient and bear with the worldbuilding the first couple books, the series get's damn good.
About the Malazan Novels
Erikson is a prolific writer. The Malazan Book of the Fallen saga currently has 8 books as of December 2008 and has two more scheduled for release.
Erikson co-created the Malazan world with Ian Cameron Esslemont. Esslemont's novels, which are
set in the same world as Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen, are considered as canonical as Erickson's
own. Esslemont's novels are called Novels of the Malazan Empire. Erikson also wrote several novellas (short novels) set in his Malazan world. His
two novellas follow the storylines of Bauchelain, Korbal Broach and Emancipor Reese, three characters who appear briefly in Memories of Ice.
I've listed all books from the Malazan universe. Read Malazan Book of the Fallen first, and if you can't get enough,
read the Novels of the Malazan Empire books and the Novellas which follow some of Erikson's characters.
Click on the book images to get the Amazon book descriptions.
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Novels of the Malazan Empire Malazan Novellas
   
  
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Reader Similar Recommendations (1)Books Similar to Malazan Book of the Fallen
Similar recommendations: Malazan Book of the Fallen is in a class of its own when it comes to big battles, powerful heroes, and gray morality. There's simply nothing out there quite like it...yet. But here are a few recommendations that you should try out, if you love this series and are a big fan of epic battles, grey characters, genius heroes facing huge military odds yet somehow winning, and huge plots with a specific focus on war.
George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire saga also features an epic scope and the gray characterization that Erickson so loves. Martin's' work is smaller is scale though and tends to be more focused, plot wise. The battles take a while to build up, but when they happen, oh boy!
The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a military fantasy; you might want to read Glen Cook's classic The Black Company series. It's dark, gritty, and has a hell of a lot of battles. It's the book that has forever defined military fantasy and it's probably the "closest" you'll find to Malazan in terms of style and feeling. His recent series (starts with The Tyranny of the Night) is also a military fantasy series -- a series that pits men against ancient demon creatures.
For a "different" sort of gritty military fantasy, you might also want to give Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky a read. Some pretty novel concepts in that the book and series.
You can also try Scott R. Baker's The Darkness That Comes Before saga, a series which has big battles and the black grittiness pioneered by Martin. It's a smart fantasy too with a philosophical twist (some hate this, some love this). Think Jesus Christ decides to take over the world by through war and deceit and that pretty much sums up the series.
Oath of Empires might be something you could try out; it's an alternative history saga, where the Roman Empire has never fallen and magic works. Oath of Empires is epic, featuring massive magical battles and huge opposing armies (Persian and Roman) clashing so hard you can hear the horses scream. It's never become "popular" in the fantasy circles, which is a pity.
Also give James Barclay's Cry of the Newborn a whirl which is similar in style and content (though less epic) to Erickson. It's an example of a Fantasy military fiction done right. Barclay also knows how to write damn good battles scenes, giving even Erikson a run for his money.
Also give David Anthony Durham a try. His recent novel, Acacia, is a fantastic read -- big on the epic battles and gritty dark realism of Erickson and Martin with a focus on some heroes. There are some big battles in the series too.
For another series that put a lot of emphasis into tactics and military would be John Marco's Tyrants and Kings.
For a different take on the whole military fantasy subgenre, you could read Naomi Navik His Majesty's Dragon. It's sort of old style naval military fiction, but replace the ships with talking dragons. The series has garnered some impressive reviews over the past couple years -- it's well worth reading if you are in the mood for something different.
A good heroic stand alone fantasy book about a girl who becomes a legendary military leader, read Elizabeth Moon's The Deed of Paksenarrion. There is a great deal of military detail present in the book (fans of The Black Company may be especially interested).
For a standalone fantasy book that's ALL military fantasy, check out Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes and his other standalone, Best Served Cold.
A couple more suggestions for those of you who love military fantasy fiction (I know I do). Paul Kearney's The Monarchies of God could be considered military fantasy. I personally don't care what you call it, this series is one of the most underappreciated fantasy series out there. Don't make the mistake of not reading it! You should also check out his new novel, The Ten Thousand which is military fantasy at its best. A must read if you like Glen Cook or the Malazan novels.
Also give Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series a go. It's a coming of age story set in a roman-inspired fantasy milieu. Lots of action, magic, military tactics, struggles against overwhelming military odds and so on.
And finally, if you are still scrounging around trying to find some good military fantasy books, check out books written by Chris Bunch (The Seer King series and Dragon Master series especially). He's a mixed bag in terms of quality, but you can expect a LOT of military strategy, tactics, and graphic sex in his books.
If all these recommendations are not enough, take some time to check out the Top 25 Best Epic Fantasy Series books list -- the best of the best epic fantasy series are detailed in it.
#3: The Name of the Wind (Patrick Rothfuss)
Comments (104) | Community Book Review
BestFantasyBooks.com Description
Kvothe: Wizard, Villain, Warrior, Slave. Hero and villain of a thousand tales. But behind a legend, there is the simple story of
a boy, a woman, and a world that will never be the same...
In one of the most remarkable fantasy debuts ever, Patrick Rothfuss joins the celebrated ranks of Martin, Erikson, and Tolkien as one of the master tale-spinners. The biography of the legend, The Name of the Wind delves deep into the inner workings of Kvothe, a boy who dares to challenge destiny. The Name of the Wind is Patrick Rothfuss's debut novel, but oh what a powerful debut it is! This is one tale you do not want to miss. I've read a lot of fantasy books in my time, but rarely have I relished a novel as much as I have this one.
Rothfuss has (finally) finished the sequel to A Name of the Wind and by all standards, the sequel (The Wise Man's Fear) a great read that for the most part delivers on the promise of the first book. It takes over half the book for something to happen, but the latter half of the book ends on a very strong note. So while there are mixed feelings about the book, Rothfuss still gives us a very addictive tale that carries on the strong plot.
We shall see how the series turns out with the next (last) book is released. Depending on how good (or bad) the next book is, Rothfuss's position here may plummet or stay. But based on the sheer strength of the first novel and its sequel, this book/series deserves an "interim" 3rd place on the list. Without a doubt, The Name of the Wind has created quite a stir in the fantasy community the past couple years. So read it.
Reader Similar Recommendations (1)Books Similar to The Name of the Wind
If you like The Name of the Wind, the closest you get to a similar series in feeling is Robin Hobb's The Farseer. Though the authors have a different style and radically different plots, both authors really delve deep into the mind of the protagonist. And both series are a coming of age story where the narrator is looking back at their youthful life. Through each series, you really get to know the hero. Both stories are about the rise of a no-name boy into something great.
I would also suggest you read Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora. Like The Name of the Wind, Lies of Locke Lamora jumps back and forth between present and the past of the main character. Both are also coming of age stories. This book is something special and the protagonist (it's a story about a master thief) is an absolute blast to read about. Book two has been out for a while and the third book is coming out this year (2011).
Daniel Abraham's The Long Price Quartet is another fantasy series that you might like -- there's some really good characterization going on in the series, though it's not really your standard "epic fantasy."
You don't want to miss reading The The Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V. S. Redick (book one of three) , which is one of the best fantasy books I've read in a while. What's the plot about? There's two great empires clashing, crazy god kings set on world domination, and a medley of different characters sharing a ship (including talking rats, miniature people, evil mages, princesses, assassins, and ship boys) all fighting over a powerful talisman that could destroy the world. It's a complex, dramatic, and wonderful new fantasy series.
You might also like are Peter V. Brett's The Warded Man -- a book (part of a series of course with book two already out) that delivers on action. Brett does a good job creating the hero, from village boy to bad ass fighter/warder. This book gets my vote as one of the most exciting fantasy books I've read. Trust me, once you start the book, you are not going to want to stop reading it.
Also give Brandon Sanderson's new book, The Way of Kings (the first book of his new mega series The Stormlight Archive) a good read. Sanderson does a stellar job with the characters in the book (particularly the hero, Kaladin who the author spends most of the book building up), and the plot looks to be something that's going to rival Jordan in terms of sheer storytelling (not to mention length). Oh yea, and a lot of military stuff going on in the novel. You can read my review of The Way of Kings. Overall, The Way of Kings was on of the most enjoyable fantasy books I've read in 2010. Of course, you should also check out Sanderson's other big series:Mistborn.
My last recommendation for a character-driven epic fantasy would be Tad Williams' classic Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. Though I do warn you, it can take a while before the plot gets rolling in a Tad Williams novel!
For a standalone fantasy book that's about a hero (with a twist) is Nobody's Son. It's not as well known as many of the other books I've mentioned. The story itself is interesting because it starts where most fantasy tales ends: the hero has conquered the evil and sets out to claim the prize only to find out having everything is not as swell as it's made out to be.
And for probably the best fantasy novel I've read about a "hero" would be Michael Stackpole's Talion: Revenant. It's one of the best books I've read, period.
#4: Lord of the Rings (J.R.R Tolkien)
Comments (52) | Community Book Review
Do I even need to discuss it? The father of modern fantasy, the recreation of the English myth, an apex of English Literature;
Lord of the Rings is more than mere Fantasy, it is both myth and a fictional history so real, so enticing, that it can be read as "real".
Peter Jackson's movies capture the imagination of the books with astounding clarity -- yet at the same time, the books deliver a different
yet equally satisfying experience.
If we look at the sheer contribution these books have made to the genre, the series would rank #1. If you have not yet read this series, it's time to get it over with. And no, the movies are NOT the books.
About Tolkien's Books
Tolkien's spent his life writing in the Lord of the Rings world. Tolkien pretty much has four "novel" type stories
set in middle earth. I have listed them below in chronological order. Click on the book picture to get an
Amazon book description. The Silmarillion is a prequel to the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. It details the
entire history of Middle Earth, how it was formed, describes the history of the First, Second, and Third ages. If you want
to really know the history of Middle Earth, and read some of the old tales, read the Silmarillion --
it's sort of the pre-story of the Lord of the Rings, a history of Middle Earth.
Children of Hurin is Tolkien's old "new" novel that was recently released by his son, Christopher Tolkien.
Christopher edited and completed one of Tolkien's unpublished works. It's a greatly expanded version of
Chapter XXI of The Silmarillion, "Of Turin Turambar." and takes place long long before the Hobbit.
The Hobbit is the precursor to The Lord of the Rings and pretty much a must read if you like Lord
of the Rings. If you have never read Lord of the Rings, I suggest starting with the Hobbit then move on
to Lord of the Rings. You can then read the Silmarillion and Children of Hurin
Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Lord of the Rings
What can I possibly recommend if you like Lord of the Rings? 'Rings' is the progenitor of an entire genre and one can recommend almost anything. Regardless, I'll try and suggest a
couple books based off the "feel" of Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien has always been about the world in which his characters live, never about the characters which live in his world. He created a world
full of myth and legend, starkly real and full of mystery. There is always some strange power deep in a mountain, or some magical glade in
the heart of a forest. There are worlds deep in the world, and worlds high in the heavens. It's a land full
of wonder, a world too large to explore; it's an earth that still has mysteries and unknown lands.
There are several authors who recreate this type of world -- but with stronger characters and more meaningful relationships. Tolkien's characters
were always too perfect, too evil; their motivations are at best unclear and at worst, unrealistic.
Modern fantasy has taken the roots created by Tolkien and grown them into full trees and in some cases grafted those roots to new trees completely.
If you like Tolkien, read Eye of the World by Jordan. This man, when he was alive, claimed Tolkien's world building mantle: Jordan created a massive world,
richly developed cultures, and well-defined magic system. When you read Jordan, you explore an ancient world full of secrets. I have to throw
out a disclaimer though: Wheel of Time is far from perfect; Jordan becomes lost in his own world as it grows too big even for him; (some of) his
characters devolve into caricatures, and Jordan's handling of romance between characters is puerile to say the least. However, many people still find the books great fun, and if you like Tolkien's epic style, Jordan is a must read. Jordan died a few years ago, but the talented Brandon Sanderson is finishing the series and looks to be doing a good job. In fact under Sanderson's finishing touch, the Wheel of Time is finally getting back on track; Sanderson's last two Wheel of Time books were some of the best Wheel of Time books since books 5-6. This year (2011) will mark the final completion of the series when A Memory of Light, the final book, will be released.
For another epic fantasy with an end-of-the-world plot and a coming of age (sorta) story, read Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings (first book in the Stormlight Archive saga). If Jordan took up Tolkien's world building mantle with A Wheel of Time, Sanderson is picking up that epic fantasy mantle with this generation's new epic fantasy series.
If you want a book that's like Lord of the Rings but longer, has strong female characters, and very strong characterization (FAAR better than Jordan's),
read Tad Williams' Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn
saga, another classic.
If you want the beautiful, almost lyrical writing of Tolkien and a world in which magic is present but still a grand mystery
(i.e. not every character is throwing around magic like kids throwing sand at a beach), Sean Russell's The Swan's War is the answer.
Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle
is also a beautiful tale, full of lyrical, often sad, prose; a tale about a village boy who seeks his destiny.
Patricia A. McKillip's Riddle-Master
is also another series(trilogy) that brings back similarities to Tolkien's style of writing.
For a 12th century version of Middle Earth set in a stark (English) European landscape that's as cold as the world is gritty and brutal where main characters can die at any moment, read
George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire saga tale.
If you want to see some of Tolkien's conventions turned on their heads and enjoy a noir version of a classic high fantasy tale with starkly realized cast of grey characters, read Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy.
#5: The Black Company (Glen Cook) NEW
Book Flap Description
Darkness 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….
Before fantasy became gritty, there was gritty fantasy in the form of Glenn Cook’s Black Company – an influential work that can be felt in many "modern" fantasy books.
The Black Company could adequately be described as “realistic fantasy”, a term applied to Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and Erickson’s Mazalan series.
Fans of Mazalan Book of the Fallen, particularly, may find themselves right at home with The Black Company, as both series follow company of soldier through battle quite closely. Both series feature epic battles with magic and mayhem thrown in a plenty. Both series have ambiguous characters who are neither black nor white. The Black Company is more tightly focused about a small band of characters, rather than a huge cast, as in Mazalan.
What’s particularly intriguing about The Black Company is that the characters are not afraid to make “evil” choices. Too many fantasy books these days have goody goody too-shoes characters who can’t step on an ant for fear that it’s the wrong thing to do. Glen Cook throws all that out the window and creates a group of mercenaries who define their own moral codes – rather than bow to our own. Yet they have their own code of honor, despite the fact that their morality is often suspect (at least according to our own social morays). That means characters often make uncomfortable choices, arguably “evil” choices.
The Black Company really do ask the question: “what’s the difference between evil and good.” And it’s not a simple answer folks. The Black Company end up employed by The Lady, a character who would might be able to show Tolkien’s Sauron a new trick or two.
So for an action packed military fantasy series that was genre busting way back before gritty fantasy was popular, The Black Company takes the cake. This came out in the early 90’s, but despite it’s age, it still beats most of the other “epic” fantasy out there today.
About Glen Cook's Series
If you are interested in reading his Chronicles of the Black Company, start with The Books of the North, which everyone roundly agrees is his best work. The direct sequel series (called Books of the South) continue the story, though the plot is moved 10 years later. The Books of the South are also a great read -- not quite as good as the Books of the North, but pretty close. There is a stand alone book in between these two series (Water Sleeps). After the Books of the South, is the 4 book Glittering Stone series, which most people agree is a bit of a let down.
Glen Cook's Fantasy Series (by chronological order)
The Black Company (Chronological Order)      |
Instrumentalities of the Night
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Reader Similar Recommendations (1)Books Similar to The Black Company
If you like Black Company, you should definitely read his other fantasy series, The Instrumentalities of the Night. It combines an ancient evil coming-back-into-the-world plot, a military genius hero, plenty of conflicts between worldly powers, political scheming, all filtered through Cook's military narrative.
For another "dark" military fantasy, you should read Mazalan Book of the Fallen. It's more epic in scope than The Black Company, but there are enough similarities that you'll find yourself right at home.
Sanderson's awesome The Way of Kings is also another book you might want to read (it's first in the Stormlight Archive series). The main character (Kaladin) has a few similarities to The Black Company main character (Croaker). Both are retired physicians who've given up their profession to become soldiers. Both lead a squad of men (and there is the squad dynamics). Cook's work is more gray and his style more dry, however. The narrator (Croaker), is not a crazy bad ass super hero, while Sanderson's work is more heroic in nature as is the character.
And for a series that's pretty darn gritty in the way of "war is dirty and sucks and everything is going to hell in a hand basket", Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire should be read.
#6 Gormenghast (Mervyn Peake)
Comments (9) | Community Book Review
Description (Book)
A doomed lord, an emergent hero, and a dazzling array of bizarre creatures inhabit the magical world of the Gormenghast novels which, along with Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, reign as one of the undisputed fantasy classics of all time. At the center of it all is the seventy-seventh Earl, Titus Groan, who stands to inherit the miles of rambling stone and mortar that form Gormenghast Castle and its kingdom, unless the conniving Steerpike, who is determined to rise above his menial position and control the House of Groan, has his way.
First, this isn’t fantasy that you are used to. This is not Robert Jordan. This is not George R.R. Martin. This is not Steven Erikson. But yet, this is a novel deserves, no needs, to be read. It’s bizarre, haunting, joyless, Gothic in the extreme and oh so rich in character and detail. The sheer sustained and imaginative power of this novel, the incredible attention to detail, and the stifling rigidity of the castle and cast of characters supersede pretty much every other work in the English language. Peake has been compared to Tolkien and even Charles Dickens – Gormenghast is literature in the purest sense but it’s also another side of the fantasy coin and deserving to be on the list as both one of the great works of the English language and a dizzyingly bizarre novel that refuses to be defined by any one genre. If you have a short attention span, having been weaned on the likes of magic rich, action heavy books like Feist and Jordan, you might not appreciate the richness of these novels. This description of the novel does seem ambiguous, but like the series itself, words cannot capture what it is. There are three novels in the series and the 3rd novel is disappointing, but the first two are like rich custard: delicious and sweet leaving you hungering for me. But if you value yourself as a true fan of the fantasy genre, the incredibly odd and totally endearing world of Gormenghast has to be experienced once. You will never, ever forget the characters. Read it and be changed forever.
Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Gormenghast
For a modern version of fantasy weird, give China Mieville a try. It's not in the same vein as Gormenghast, but Mieville is the head of one of the "new" schools of fantasy that aims for the weird and the bizarre. Oh, and he's a superbly talented author too. You might start with his Perdido Street Station. In fact, Mieville has publicly stated that his Perdido Street Station novel was influenced by Gormenghast.
Another author that's been heavily influenced by Peake is Jeff Vandermeer (read his book Ambergris). You might as well read The Etched City by K.J. Bishop, another book that shares some of the Gothic weirdness of the Gormenghast series.
For another series that's baroque in description, alien in setting and just about as beautiful a series as Gormenghast is Gene Wolf's The Book of the New Sun series. It's a visual feast of the imagination. It's not strictly fantasy, but more of a "science fantasy."
And if you want another literary fantasy series with a rich narrative, dry humor, and a compelling story, all written in flowery language, read Jack Vance's Lyonesse trilogy. For many older fantasy readers, this series is often compared with The Lord of the Rings and Dune in literary scope. Those weaned on filler fantasy of the likes of Brook, Eddings, and Salvatore, may not appreciate the scope and beauty of this work, but for those who love literary fantasy in the epic fantasy tradition, read it.
If you want more suggestions for a similar style of fantasy, take a good look at the new Best Literary Fantasy Books list.
#7: The Blade Itself (Joe Abercrombie)
Comments (46) | Community Book Review
Description (Amazon)
Logen Ninefingers, infamous barbarian, has finally run out of luck. Caught in one feud too many, he's on
the verge of becoming a dead barbarian - leaving nothing behind him but bad songs, dead friends, and a lot of happy enemies.
Nobleman, dashing officer, and paragon of selfishness, Captain Jezal dan Luthar has nothing more dangerous in mind than
fleecing his friends at cards and dreaming of glory in the fencing circle. But war is brewing, and on the battlefields of
the frozen North they fight by altogether bloodier rules.
Inquisitor Glokta, cripple turned torturer, would like nothing better than to see Jezal come home in a box.
But then Glokta hates everyone: cutting treason out of the Union one confession at a time leaves little room for friendship.
His latest trail of corpses may lead him right to the rotten heart of government, if he can stay alive long enough to follow it.
Enter the wizard, Bayaz. A bald old man with a terrible temper and a pathetic assistant, he could be the First of the Magi,
he could be a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he's about to make the lives of Logen, Jezal, and Glotka a whole lot
more difficult.
Murderous conspiracies rise to the surface, old scores are ready to be settled, and the line between hero and villain is
sharp enough to draw blood. Unpredictable, compelling, wickedly funny, and packed with unforgettable characters, The Blade
Itself is noir fantasy with a real cutting edge.
The Blade Itself is a rousing new entry to the fantasy genre and book 1 of the First Law trilogy. Joe Abercrombie takes all the classic fantasy conventions and spins
them into something new. The Blade Itself features reluctant heroes, black humor, and breathtaking action. Seemingly a novel of contrasts, The Blade Itself is defined by its cast: a philosophical Barbarian who hates to kill, a dashing hero afraid to fight, and a crippled torturer with a
heart of gold. The twisted plot and cast of unforgettable characters makes The Blade Itself an absolute must read. The other two books are equally enthralling and there is no dip in the "quality" of the series. This is one of the best trilogies in the fantasy genre. Joe Abercrombie just keeps on getting better and better with every book. His latest book, The Heroes is just one of the most awesome books ever.
About Abercombie's Series
Joe Abercrombie has 4 books written as of July 2010, the First Law trilogy (consisting of the Blade Itself and the two sequels). Best served cold is a very good standalone set in the same world, as is The Heroes, which is not yet released.
   
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Blade Itself
The Blade Itself is a new style of Fantasy that's gaining swift momentum. The quality level demanded of a good Fantasy novel is now very high. Readers are no longer satisfied with the dark lords versus farm boy conceit. This new style of Fantasy takes the old staples of Fantasy and remakes them into something more sophisticated. Strong, witty writing, dry humor, twisted plotting, and full of contrasting elements, this new style makes for some intelligent reading. In this new world of noir Fantasy, shades of gray are the new black and white.
If you like this 21st century upgrade to the Fantasy genre similar to Abercrombie, check out:
Read is Abercrombie's other standalone books set in the same world as First Law: Best Served Cold and The Heroes.
R. Scott Bakker's The Prince of Nothing series. In short, an epic fantasy about a fake Jesus Christ with some of the same powers comes back to "rescue" mankind from evil. But this savior’s goals are questionably self centered. The books are full of raw action, grey characters, with an interesting hero.
Scott Lynche's The Lies of Locke Lamora. This hero is in fact a thief. And not a thief that steals from the rich to give to the poor, but rather steals from the rich to get rich -- filthy rich. Full of some sharp and witty writing often hilarious with a dark edge to book as you progress.
George R.R. Martin. His A Song of Ice and Fire is as grey and gritty. Really, I've talked enough about him here. Just read him, dammit!
Steven Erickson's Mazalan Book of the Fallen -- dark epic fantasy on a grand grand grand scale.
If you like the epic-fantasy-turned-on-it's-head that mark's Abercrombie's effort is to read Richard Morgan's The Steel Remains. Morgan writes some interesting science fiction but has turned his writing chops to the fantasy genre with a new epic fantasy series. Like Abercrombie, Morgan flips some of the standard fantasy conventions on their side (including a gay hero).
You might also want to check out Stephen Deas fast paced, ultra violent fantasy Memory of Flames. Like some of the mentioned recommended books above, there are no real heroes. Everyone is willing to betray another to reach their goals. The story has some great action, though less character development. You can think of this series as a more gritty and unfeeling version of Naomi Termerak.
Sam Sykes' Tome of the Undergates is another novel in the same vein as the Blade Itself. The book subverts some of the standard fantasy conventions. Overall I quite enjoyed it as it's a creative and witty take on some of the standard fantasy conventions.
And finally, a new book on the fantasy scene by Daniel Abraham, one of the most gifted writers in the genre (author of The Long Price Quartet), is The Dragon's Path. It's a new fantasy series that's fresh and innovative, challenging quite a few of the fantasy assumptions that most people take for granted. Definitely up your alley if you appreciate authors like Abercrombie, Bakker, and Lynch.
#8: The Way of Kings (Brandon Sanderson) NEW
Fantasy has a new face with this novel. This is a hugely epic series that’s casting an eye on the Mazalan throne for “epicness”. With an opening 1000+ page novel in a purported 10 book series, The Stormlight Archive is about as epic as they come. Not only epic, but also good. This is one of the best fantasy books of 2010, hands down.
The Way of Kings does everything right as an epic fantasy. There’s a world-ending plot in the backdrop, a cast of interesting characters that are starkly realized, a unique magic system, different races with a lot of tension between them, huge and epic battles, and some of the best action in the fantasy genre.
Characterization is also fantastic. Sanderson has done a particularly well job at building up the character of Kaladin, who spend the majority of the novel enduring the fantasy genre’s worst “Dirty Job” ever. Through the nightmare that is Kaladin’s life (and various flashbacks to his childhood), Sanderson does a great job explaining the character’s motivations and present actions. These flashbacks are also used in great effect as a way to throttle up the dramatic tension as the story progresses. The action, when it happens, explodes – and what a ride it is!
So if you are a fan of Sanderson’s work, you love epic fantasy, or you just want to read one of the best damn fantasy books out there, The Way of Kings will blow you out of the water. All in all, a fantastic start to what’s looking to be a great epic series (a series that’s looking to be far superior to The Wheel of Time). The Way of Kings is Sanderson's best work so far, which is why I've replaced Mistborn with it.
If you have not yet read The Way of Kings, this should be the next book you read.
About Sanderson's Books
Sanderson has been a prolific author since he was published only a few years ago. Elantris was his first book -- a book I was thoroughly impressed with and highly recommend. It's actually on the Top 25 Best Stand Alone Fantasy books list. His Mistborn trilogy is a completed epic fantasy series. Warbreaker is another (possibly standalone but with a definite sequel) novel set in a different world, with the trade mark unique magic system that Sanderson is becoming famous for with each new series/book. In my opinion, Sanderson's newest book, The Way of Kings (Book 1 of the Stormlight Archive) is hands down his best work to date. It's got an awesome hero, an end-of-the-world plot, different races, a great magic system that's unique and detailed (Sanderson has a knack for creating well thought out magic systems), and some heart pumping action once you get into the book.
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Way of Kings
Sanderson has written a lot of other good epic fantasy that you should read. The Mistborn Trilogy series is a given. His Elantris stand alone is also great. Warbreaker, I wasn't too fond of. The last three Wheel of Time books have been finished off by him as well.
For more rolling epics in the high fantasy style of The Way of Kings, The Wheel of Time is probably the closest you'll find in terms of "style." Mazalan Book of the Fallen is also another huge epic fantasy series, but the characters are more gray (and there are a lot more of them). Still, it's one of the best epic series out there right now. And for a fantasy series that doesn't focus as much on magic and dark lords but more on character relationships and complex politicking (and some epic sword battles), Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire should be read.
For more epic fat fantasy recommendations, check out the Best Epic Fantasy Recommendation list.
#9: The Farseer (Robin Hobb)
Comments (56) | Community Book Review
Description (Publisher)
Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill--and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.
Hobb is one of the best characterization writers in the Fantasy genre. Her characters are
vividly real, leaping out of the pages into our minds as living characters. She has no
qualms about allowing her protagonist to suffer. If her protagonist falls into a pit, no Dues Ex Machina breaks
the fall -- the protagonist will break both legs -- and likely the arms too. Her Farseer
books are full of fantastic characters and an interesting, mysterious world to explore. Toss
in a gripping plot, and these books make for some fantastic reads. Hobb's The Farseer trilogy is perhaps her greatest work (and she has written quite a few books). Even now with the fantasy genre being moved in new directions with the likes of Bakker, Martin, and Lynch, Hobb's works are still worthy to be on anyone's Top 10 fantasy book list.
About the Farseer Series
Hobb has written 4 trilogies set in the Farseer world, which are listed below (click on the appropriate image to get an Amazon book description). The Tawny Man trilogy is a direct sequel to the Farseer trilogy. Liveship Traders takes place in the same world as Tawny Man and Farseer, but in a different country. There is one character present in Liveship Traders that is present in the two Fritz trilogies. The Rainwilds Chronicles is Hobb's newest series and her latest foray into the Farseer world. It's a new story set in the Liveship Trader's part of the Farseer world with a new cast of characters (and some guest appearances). She also has a different series, Soldier's Son, which was less well received than her Farseer work.
  
 
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Farseer
It's a no brainier to read her other books set in the same universe: Live Ship Traders trilogy (set in the same world, but different protagonist), and Tawny Man trilogy (direct sequel to the Assassin trilogy). Also try her Soldier's Son Trilogy ; it has a similar (yet different) feel to her Farseer series (less well received by fans and reviewers though).
Guy Gaverial Kay's Tigana. This book is packed with emotion. If you like the emotional intensity and pathos of Hobb, you will love Tigana.
Also, if you are bedazzled with the Assassin mythos of her world, try reading Brent Weeks The Way of Shadows. Weeks is a new force in the fantasy scene and his Night Angel trilogy. With all the action, magic, and adventure, Weeks is like the John Woo of the fantasy scene but with a grittier edge. I can't say the books are really "deep" by any means, but if you are looking for a series that's a bit dark with over the top action, magic, romance, and a teen hero full of angst, read it.
For some of the best fantasy about a bad ass assassin, you must read the Heroes Die series by Matthew Stover. Some of the best stuff written in the Fantasy genre and there are no other books as viscerally action packed. Caine, the hero, takes violence to a whole new universe. It's not all just violence though. The Caine novels are sharply written and the plot is strong as steel.
For a book with a young, scrappy female protagonist/assassin, you can't do better than Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study.
The Crown Conspiracy by Michael J. Sullivan tells a good tale about a thief falsely accused of being an assassin.
You may also like Mistborn by Sanderson -- the main character for the first book is sort of like a bad ass magical assassin/thief/terrorist.
And finally, read any The Book of Jhereg by Steven Brust. They are a different but still pretty straightforward pulp fantasy fiction series: there's a ton of humor with a strong anti-hero. Don't expect the level of complexity of some of the other recommendations, but the series is a full adventure to follow.
#10: Lies of Locke Lamora (Scott Lynch)
Comments (16) | Community Book Review
Description (Book Flap)
Lies of Locke Lamora is a grand adventure following the exploits of master thief and fraud, Locke Lamora.
Leader of the Gentleman Bandits, Locke's flamboyantly carefree life of grand larceny comes to a crashing halt
when someone who covets his talents forces Lamora to put his life on the line to protect all he holds dear...
A web of schemes and frauds weave the pattern that makes up the Lies of Locke Lamora. Scott Lynch establishes
himself as a fearless storyteller, thrusting his characters into a world doused with intricate historical and
cultural information. The writing is witty, the plot twisted, and the characters real. One of the most refreshing (and unique) novels to arrive on the fantasy scene, Lies of
Locke Lamora is an entertaining read that delivers on every promise it makes. Those fantasy fans riding the new
wave of fantasy, pioneered by George R. Martin, China Mieville, Steven Erikson, and Scott Bakker will be delighted
with Scott's effort.
Two books out with the third soon to come.
Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Lies of Locke Lamora
Of course, it's a given that you should read the sequel books to Lies of Locke Lamora. The newest one (third book), Republic of Thieves is due out this year.
Give The Name of the Wind a try for another book with a very strongly characterized protagonist.
Robin Hobb's The Farseer Trilogy trilogy is also coming of age story which features some of the same conventions used by Lynch such as a strong protagonist, flashbacks to younger years, a troubled childhood, the journey from nothing to something, etc.
You might also like the
Mark Charan Newton's Nights of Villjamur for a similar style of fantasy (in tone, not plot). Along the lines of gritty fantasy made into a non-epic fantasy, read Sam Skyes' Tome of the Undergates.
#11: The Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan)
Comments (188) | Community Book Review
The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend.
Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth
returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang
in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow...
I can truthfully say that Jordan is the King of Fantasy, if not in complexity, then in page count.
This monstrously big series spans over 13 massive books (each at least 700 pages). Including "A Wheel
of Time" on this list invariably riles certain people and it's probably, for some, the most controversial addition to this list. Why? The past several years a new type of fantasy has
come to the fore of the genre: gone are the hopefully optimistic village boys wielding magic swords
on a quest to defeat the impossible; in their place, a gritty fantasy has arisen; a stark genre where the
very conventions of what it means to be a hero are challenged: worlds are made of gray not black and white;
heroes may be both a villain and savior; love is powerful, but ultimately ephemeral; heroes die and villains live.
It's complex stuff that is often genre blending.
Robert Jordan harkens back to the old
school days where village boys and dark lords chase each other endlessly across a landscape.
However, I (still) strongly feel that Jordan still deserves a place amongst the top of the genre if nothing more than the enormous contribution the man has made to the fantasy genre itself. You can call the WOT pulp fantasy or not, you can endless spend hours debating whether Jordan's efforts fell to pieces part way through the series, you can moan about how typecast some of the characters become. It's all moot! Jordan whether you like him or not had a profound impact on fantasy.
Jordan
takes the classic fantasy trappings laid out by Tolkien, and weaves together a massively complex
tapestry of politics, kingdoms, and magic. You won't find another author that breaths as much life and depth
into a fictional world. In many ways, Jordan, like Tolkien,
has defined (for better or worse) one aspect of the modern fantasy tale. And he's perhaps one of the
most popular fantasy writers in the market now. Love him or hate him, you owe it to yourself to at least read
the first book.
Yes, this book is still on the Top 25 list, despite the vehement protests left by people attacking or defending Jordan in the comment section for this book (some of the comments are quite humorous).
Jordan has left a lasting legacy on the fantasy genre and if you ignore some of his later flaws (and his handling of relationships between men and women for one), has written a worthy epic fantasy tale. The good news is that Brandon Sanderson has done a very good job of wrapping up Jordan's series (for those 2 people who don't know, Jordan died a few years ago leaving the series a few book short of complete) with the last two Wheel of Time releases that he's penned. The final book, A Memory of Light, will be released this year and the Wheel of Time series will, at last, be completed.
If you are a fan of audiobooks (I am, I prefer audiobooks over reading!) you will definitely want to check out
the Audiobook version (Eye of the World).
I bought them and the Wheel of Time came alive an a whole new way.
Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Wheel of Time
Give George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire a try. It's a massive epic like Jordan's The Wheel of Time (but not as long), and it's universally held in the highest esteem, a sort of paragon of what all Fantasy books should strive to be. You thought those "Dragonlance" books were good? Feast on Martin for a taste of what Fantasy books should be like.
If you loved The Wheel of Time, you absolutely must read Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings, first book in his Stormlight Archive saga (a 10 book epic fantasy saga). Way of Kings is Sanderson at his best. This is HIS version of The Wheel of Time (and the man's certainly got the resume to write it, having directly penned the last 3 Wheel of Time books). This is the closest series you'll find to Jordan's, hands down.
You might also try Tracy Hickman & Margaret Weis's The Death Gate Cycle, a monolithic seven book saga that's reminiscent of Jordan's style: heavy on the magic, tension and action, but unique enough not to be a banal hack. By far it's the best stuff both authors have done up to this day (they usually write the sort of hack fantasy that I rail against on this site).
Also try Michelle West's The Sun Sword, another large epic fantasy saga (six books) that shares some similarities with Jordan's Wheel of Time. West's writing style is drastically different that Jordan's, however -- far more subtle, and often ponderous. If you are an action freak, The Sun Sword pacing will probably be a bit too slow for you.
You might also try Raymond E. Feist's Magician, as he writes in a style and flavor similar to Jordan (heavy on politics, action, and magic).
For a different style of epic fantasy, you may want to give Mazalan Book of the Fallen a read. It's also a massive series like WOT, spanning 10 books. As of this year (2011), the entire series is complete too. The series has a huuuuge cast of characters, magic galore, and features large scale battles that are as vicious as they are exciting to read. But don't expect the WOT; Mazalan is a different sort of fantasy that provokes strong feelings -- you will love it or you will hate it.
Jim Butcher's Codex Alera is also another magic-packed, plot driven, epic fantasy feast of a series you might like. It's got a really unique magic system and it's fantasy set in an alternate roman empire where magic actually works.
And don't forget Dave Farland's The Rune Lords series -- action galore, the most unique magic system I've seen, and a pretty entertaining story to boot.
For a darker less "epic" fantasy where all the characters are completely grey (and evil is not necessary evil), give The Black Company by Glen Cook a read. There are a number of books in the series, but I recommend reading the (best) first series (called "The Books of the North") of the Black Company followed by the next best series (The Books of the South).
And for my final "epic fantasy recommendation," read Steven King's The Dark Tower. It's a 7 book monstrosity that's taken King several decades to finally finish. In fact, many of King's books indirectly tie into the The Dark Tower in some way or the other. It's sort of like a cross between the western genre, the post apocalyptic genre, and the fantasy genre. Well worth reading for a different take on the whole epic fantasy thing.
For more epic fat fantasy recommendations in the vein of The Wheel of Time, check out the Best Epic Fantasy Recommendation list.
#12: Cold Fire Trilogy (C.S. Friedman)
Comments (18) | Community Book Review
Description (Amazon)
The Coldfire trilogy tells a story of discovery and battle against evil on a planet where a force of nature exists that is capable of reshaping the world in response to psychic stimulus. This terrifying force, much like magic, has the power to prey upon the human mind, drawing forth a person's worst nightmare images or most treasured dreams and indiscriminately giving them life. This is the story of two men: one, a warrior priest ready to sacrifice anything and everything for the cause of humanity's progress; the other, a sorcerer who has survived for countless centuries by a total submission to evil. They are absolute enemies who must unite to conquer an evil greater than anything their world has ever known.
This is epic fantasy with a different face. Think a mix of epic fantasy, Gothic, horror, and mystery. I like to call it dark fantasy. Dark fantasy does NOT follow the standard (arguably tired) fantasy conventions of protagonist saves the world get's the princess/hero always wins. The main characters may die, the hero may die, evil may in fact win. The hero may in fact do questionable things to gain victory. It's fantasy that's morally ambiguous.
If you read this series, you can rest assured it's free from that taint of unoriginality present on 95% of the fantasy fiction out there. The world created by Friedman is quite unique -- a landscape where your own imagination crafts the very essence of reality. Of course, human imagination being what it is, instead of a paradise of the mind, the world is rather a vivid and starkly real nightmare. Only men of supreme will are able to bend the world -- and their imagination -- to their desires. It's an interesting premise that Friedman fully explores over the series. The hero, or rather anti-hero, is one of the more compelling protagonists in the fantasy genre.
The Coldfire Trilogy   
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Coldfire Trilogy
I can't recommend anything directly similar to The Coldfire Trilogy -- it's a unique series. It's a dark fantasy world with a strong anti-hero and many elements of "horror" to it. But I'll try and make a couple suggestions.
You might like Friedman's newer series (Magister Trilogy) which has some darker elements to it (one must suck the life out of a person to use magic). It's not nearly as dark as The Coldfire trilogy though and there is no anti-hero.
The Coldfire Trilogy has a very strong anti-hero. For epic fantasy with a strong anti-hero, you probably can't more anti hero than The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.
You should also read Glenn Cook's The Black Company books -- I would count these books as dark fantasy. The characters are morally ambiguous and in fact fighting for a side that many would consider "evil" or the "dark lord" (in this case, a "dark lady"). His new series, The Tyranny of the Night, also has some of those dark fantasy elements too -- like the ColdFire world, dark spirts come out at night to attack humans. For one more recommendation that features a world somewhat like the Coldfire one (in that monsters come creeping out of the shadows at night), read The Warded Man.
For another epic fantasy series that's character and plot driven with some anti hero elements and morally ambiguous characters, Abercrombie's The First Law series comes to mind. The same goes for Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire -- a huge cast of completely amoral "hero" characters. Good and evil are not clearly delineated.
I would also suggest Steven King's The Talisman, which is about a young boy who must enter into a dark fantasy world to save his mother. There is a strong delineation between good and evil, but the world itself is pretty dark. Of course, if you like the Talisman, then King's The Dark Tower (would has some dark fantasy elements to it), is a given read too.
If you don't mind novels that are not your standard heroic fantasy, but have a strong element of "Gothic" to them and a cast of bizarre characters you might find in any horror novel, you can check out some of China Mieville works (The Scar).
Finally, if you like the whole partial "vampire" aspect of the main hero, you might want to read George Martin's stunning Fevre Dream.
#13: The Long Price Quartet (Daniel Abraham) NEW
Sometimes you need a break from the regular fantasy. Sometimes you might want to lose yourself in a rich fantasy tapestry
Abraham builds an impressively realized world in this series with unique characters and a truly imaginative setting. This is not your standard fantasy fare – those looking for The Wheel of Time Part 2, look elsewhere.
Seedy docksides come to life, impressive noble houses sparkle and glitter with wealth and raggedy beggars roam the streets begging for coin. This is a world that’s alive folks, a world that beckons. And it’s a world that you want to lose yourself in – utterly.
And I’m just describing the author’s skill with building a living world. The plot and story are equally as enthralling too. It’s a story that’s not about dark wizards trying to take over the world and reluctant farmhands stepping up to prevent them. No there are a different set of heroes here and a completely different sort of “threat” if you can call it that. There’s a marvelous cast of sympathetic and realistic characters – each imbued with a realism that will leave you breathless. The people, like the world, are fully fleshed out, rather than simple cardboard characters with the verisimilitude of real life. Characters are not just shoved into the plot merely to advance it. Motivations and relationships are realistic and malleable and changing.
If you want to read one a truly unique (and surely one of the best) fantasy series debuts the past couple years, read A Shadow in Summer (first book of The Long Price Quartet). All four books have been released now and they are all great.
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Long Price Quartet
You may want to check out Abraham's newest fantasy series, The Dragon's Path. Quite a few people are saying it's nearly as good as his The Long Price Quartet series and it's a more "standard epic fantasy" which many of you are used to by know (dragons, elder gods, trolls, magic).
If you like the whole economic aspect of The Long Price Quartet, you should take a hard look at KJ Parker's works. Start with his Colours in the Steel. Both JK Parker and Daniel Abraham both write what's called economic fantasies -- fantasy that deals with economics in some major way.
#14: The Etched City (K.J. Bishop) NEW
Those weary of the traditional fantasy can find respite in KJ Bishop’s The Etched City. Bishop writes with a style that’s all her own. There are no spoon-feeding of answers here, no easy-to-follow character quest. Rather, it is a novel that just IS.
Certain words come to mind when reading this novel: lush, decadent, grotesque, dark, and baroque. It’s a novel that’s not easy to define or even understand, but it’s a book that’s even more rewarding simply because of that.
And the characters, oh my. The characters themselves refuse to fit into the standard cutout that most fantasy characters abide by. Killers may be honest, and gentle, and caring; yet they will still kill with ruthlessness. Characters that are caring and compassionate on the surface are empty. If I had to cast the characters into a category to describe them, I would say they are anti-heroes.
This is a novel of both substance and style, a dark journey through a strange world. Many people have described this work as a combination between Stephen King’s Dark Tower and China Mieville’s Perdido Street Station. Like the Dark Tower, there’s a gunslinger character who moves through a desolate, magical, and dark wasteland. But it’s also more than that too, the environment is just a means to an end and not the end itself. It’s a decadent place that’s an interesting place to find yourself in.
So if the thought of village boys and dark lords makes you sick and you want a change of pace from the normal fantasy fodder, you can’t find anything more different (and wildly imaginative) than KJ Bishop’s The Etched City. I'm only sad that this is the ONLY novel the author has come out with.
Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Etched City
You should read works by China Mieville. Mieville writes in what's called the fantasy "New Weird" subgenre. The Etched city is influenced by Mieville's works. I would recommend starting with Perdido Street Station.
You'll also probably like Jeff Vandermeer, also another "New Weird" writer. Start with his City of Saints and Madmen.
And for yet another writer who writes in this New Weird style, give M. John Harrison's Viriconium a go.
Steph Swainston's The Year of Our War might fit your taste too.
For an atmospheric mishmash of steampunk, fantasy, and fairies, give Michael Swanwick's Iron Dragon's Daughter a read -- I've got a feeling you'll love it if you like KJ Bishop.
And for more books with atmospheric and dreamlike settings that make for intelligent reads: Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake, Michael Moorcock's Gloriana, Jack Vance's Dying Earth, Edgar Allen Poe, Lord Dunsany, and J.G. ballard of Vermillion Sands.
If you want more suggestions for New Weird/Literary fantasy, take a good look at the new Best Literary Fantasy Books list.
#15: A Sword of Shadows (J.V. Jones)
Comments (13) | Community Book Review
Description (First Book)
As a newborn Ash March was abandoned--left for dead at the foot of a frozen mountain. Found and raised by the Penthero Iss, the mighty Surlord of Spire Vanis, she has always known she is different. Terrible dreams plague her and sometimes in the darkness she hears dread voices from another world. Iss watches her as she grows to womanhood, eager to discover what powers his ward might possess. As his interest quickens, he sends his living blade, Marafice Eye, to guard her night and day.
Starts with A Cavern of Black Ice. Gritty, cold fantasy, with a flair for the gruesome. This fabulous series is jam packed full of goodness. Characterization is great, and Jones, like Robin Hobb and George R. Martin, is gives no quarter to her heroes. Plot, too, is superlative. This is Sword and Sorcery the way it's meant to be. Jones has really come into her own the past few years and Sword of Shadows is her masterpiece. This series seems to be underrated for some reason; it certainly does not get the attention it deserves. Yes, some really good fantasy books have been released the past couple years, but Sword of Shadows can hold it's own. This is one of my favorite epic fantasy series; if you like the gritty flavor of a A Song of Ice and Fire, you owe it to yourself to read this series.
J.V. Jones' Series Information
There was an awful five year wait between her second and third book, however, she's resumed writing at a normal pace now. The fourth book was released this year and is every bit as good as the previous three. Book 5 (the final one) should be out this year sometime. The Sword of Shadows series is set in the same world as Book of Words, though it's in a different place and there are completely new characters. Book of Words is inferior to Sword of Shadows, but it's a decent fantasy series, better than most in fact.
  
  
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Sword of Shadows
Try George Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, which features a brutal, gritty world set in an ice-filled milieu. Characters are realistic and Martin holds nothing back. It's a superlative epic fantasy saga. You might also try J.V. Jones's other series Book of Words fantasy saga (starts with The Baker's Boy). It's not as good as Sword of Shadows, but a good series nonetheless.
Steven Erikson's Mazalan Book of the Fallen is also a gritty epic fantasy series, though it's more epic in scope than Sword of Shadows. I would also recommend the Acacia series.
Give Sanderson's Mistborn series and his Stormlight Archive series a read -- less "dark" of a fantasy series than J.V. Jones, though darker than many of the other series out there. Both series are some of the best epic fantasy out there with well realized heroes (I prefer Stormlight Archive's heroes over the Mistborn ones, however).
And if you want the standard fantasy series that everyone recommends when the word epic comes up, read The Wheel of Time.
You might also like James Enge's Blood of Ambrose which features grim prose and a dark world -- something you might appreciate if you enjoy the Sword of Shadows.
#16: Acacia (David Anthony Durham)
Comments (18) | Community Book Review
Book Description (from book flap)
Leodan Akaran, ruler of the Known World, has inherited generations of apparent peace and prosperity, won ages ago by his ancestors.
A widower of high intelligence, he presides over an empire called Acacia, after the idyllic island from which he rules.
He dotes on his four children and
hides from them the dark realities of traffic in drugs and human lives on which their
prosperity depends. He hopes that he might change this, but powerful forces stand in his way. And then a deadly assassin
sent from a race called the Mein, exiled long ago to an ice-locked stronghold in the frozen north, strikes at Leodan in
the heart of Acacia while they unleash surprise attacks across the empire. On his deathbed, Leodan puts into play a plan
to allow his children to escape, each to their separate destiny. And so his children begin a quest to avenge their father's
death and restore the Acacian empire?this time on the basis of universal freedom.
ACACIA is a thrilling work of literary imagination that creates an all-enveloping and mythic world that will carry readers away.
It is a timeless tale of heroism and betrayal, of treachery and revenge, of primal wrongs and ultimate redemption. David Durham has
reimagined the epic narrative for our time in a book that will surely mark his breakthrough to a wide audience.
George R.R. Martin, take heed, you have a new challenger for the throne of kingdoms! David Anthony Durham. The new kid on the fantasy
block has some new moves that may even impress the old timers. Durham, a well known historical fiction author, brings his writing prowess
to the fantasy genre. And what an effort it is! Acacia has all the elements that make A Song of Ice and Fire so compelling. Unpredictability?
Check. Mysterious magic? Check. Fantastic world building and myth? Check. Political maneuvering? Check. Massive Battles. Check.
Great characterization. Check. Fantastic writing? Check. A plot that grips and won't let go? Check. Should you read it? Double Check.
The sequel (The Otherlands) has been out for a bit now and is every bit as good as the first book. The perspective of the book changes and some of the characters are rather unlikable, but it's all worth it for the ending! I can't wait to see what's done in book 3 as the author has opened a serious can of worms with the plot.
The Acacia series has not gotten as much attention as it rightly deserves in my opinion. So if you like epic fantasy that follows (but doesn't copy) in Martin's footsteps to some degree, Acacia and it's sequel are exactly what you are looking for.
  
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Acacia
Acacia is written in the epic Fantasy tradition that Tolkien pioneered. Epic Fantasy is probably the most popular type of Fantasy and the real "poster boy" for the Fantasy genre (something that I personally believe should not be the case).
If you like Acacia, then it's a sure bet that you will love these other series.
You should definitely read George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, which is the best epic fantasy series currently out there (and my top pick) and probably the closet series you'll find to Acacia (royal kids forced to flee their kingdom because of treachery). Both series are sophisticated, gritty, and realistic. Characters, rather than straight "good" and "bad" are shades of grey.
If you are looking for more epic gritty fantasy, then read Steven Erikson's Mazalan Book of the Fallen. If you want epic Fantasy that's brings new meaning to the word "epic" them Erikson's works are the best you'll find. They are also pretty gritty. And if you want some gritty epic Fantasy that really breaks or twists in some way most of the standard conventions of epic Fantasy, read Joe Abercrombie's The First Law Trilogy.
I have a suspicion you'll like Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora, which is not exactly a traditional epic fantasy, it certainly meets the "gritty" requirements.
#17: Elric of Melinbone (Michael Moorcock)
Comments (7) | Community Book Review
Description (Amazon)
It is the color of a bleached skull, his flesh; and the long hair that flows below his shoulders is milk-white. From the tapering, beautiful head stare two slanting eyes, crimson and moody... He is Elric, Emperor of Melnibone, cursed with a keen and cynical intelligence, schooled in the art of sorcery and the hero of Michael Moorcock's remarkable epic of conflict and adventure at the dawn of human history.
Be prepared for a real treat if you have not yet read this series. Without a doubt, Elric of Melnibone is an outstanding fantasy, truly one of the "great" works up there with Rings, Gormenghast, and Martin. So, why should you give this series a chance? This is a dark fantasy through and through where things don't happen the way you think they should. The characters are complicated, multidimensional, easy to love but far too often, easier to hate. The brooding hero Elric is perhaps one of the most complicated and fascinating characters in the fantasy genre. The plot never drives in a straight line, keeping you on your toes. And this, folks, makes the Elric novels delicious. This is another book on this list that tends towards the literature side of things, but for those with short attention spans, there is plenty to love for you. It's rare to find a fantasy book that can satisfy those intellectual types and those pop-corn chewing readers who love action. This is one of the most unusual and philosophical fantasy series written. It's also one of the greatest. This series is not as "popular" as some of the so called big names of fantasy. But don't make the mistake of letting that fact that you've probably never heard of this author stop you from reading this book. If you want complex, non-traditional high fantasy, read Elric. It's good. Damn good.
Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Elric of Melinbone
For similar recommendations, check out the Best Literary Fantasy books list.
#18: The Darkness That Comes Before (R. Scott Bakker)
Comments (22) | Community Book Review
BestFantasyBooks.com Description
In a world saturated by religious fanaticism, Maithanet, enigmatic spiritual leader of the Thousand Temples, declares a Holy War against the infidels. Ikurei Conphas, military genius and nephew to the Nansur Emperor, embarks on a war to conquer the known world in the name of his emperor...and himself. Drusas Achamian, spy and sorcerer of the mysterious northern sorceries, tormented by visions of the great apocalypse, seeks the promised one, the savior of mankind. Anasurimbor Kellhus, heir to the shattered northern kingdom, whose ruins now lay hidden in the deepest north, a place now desolate, home to only the No-Men. Gifted with extraordinary martial skills of hand and foot, and steering souls through the subtleties of word and expression, he slowly binds all - man and woman, emperor and slave - to his own mysterious ends. But the fate of men--even great men--may be cast into ruin. For in the deep north, the hand of the forgotten No-God stirs once more, and his servants tread the lands of men...
Those looking for more of the "boy becomes wizard and defeats dark lord" books that litter the bargain bins of any bookstore,
look elsewhere; The Darkness That Comes Before (and the two sequels) is fantasy for grownups. Gritty and cerebral to its core, The Darkness
That Comes before is a new type of fantasy -- a philosophical meandering about existentialism. Oh, and it has enough action and
bloodletting that even Rambo fans would appreciate.
Combining the gritty realism of George R.R. Martin and epic scale of Steven Erikson, The Darkness That Comes Before will grip
you harder than a vice. Rest assured that the two sequels, The Warrior King and The Thousandfold Thought maintain the excellent
standard set by the first book. Scott Bakker has established himself as one of the genre's top fantasy authors.
About Scott Bakker's Series
Bakker has completed the two sequels to the Darkness that Came Before. He's currently working on a sequel trilogy Aspect Emperor, of which TWO book has been released (the second being out by the time your read this). The new series shows a lot of promise and is a great continuation to the Prince of Nothing series. It's less philosophical and more "plot" and story which I found refreshing. There is still plenty of what made Prince of Nothing a good read, however.
   
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Darkness That Comes Before
The vast scope of The Darkness That Comes Before is very redolent of Steven Erickson's Malazan Book of the Fallen saga, though the characters are less gray, and the story more focused.
Also try George R.R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, which is very epic and very gritty.
Another series that does that is Abercrombie's First Law series (starts with The Blade Itself) and Richard Morgan's The Steel Remains. I'd say you'll also probably find Acacia by David Anthony Durnham a good read too.
For another fantasy about war, look at John Marco's Tyrants and Kings trilogy. It's a great read with a cast of grey characters.
Another gritty military fantasy you'll probably like (though it's less cerebral than The Prince of Nothing) is The Black Company by Cook.
The Godless World series by Brian Ruckley is dark, atmospheric and very gritty, though it lacks some of the polish of the other series, it's a rough cut gem still.
#19: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (Susanna Clarke)
Comments (24) | Community Book Review
What would happen if you locked Tolkien, Dickens, and Jane Austen in a room? Why, Susanna Clarke's masterpiece Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell of course! Like the Victorian era the book is situated in, the story ambles along at a sedate pace. But what starts out as a jolly stroll down Oxford Street transforms into the darkly disturbing decent into the madness of two magicians.
Fabulously written, dark, fully of mystery and wonder, Susanna Clark's masterpiece is owed a read by every fantasy fan. A complete reimagining of English history, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is the story of two English magicians in a world where magic exists only in the annals of English history. It starts slow but keep reading--the tale soon envelopes you. This a different sort of read then the Robert Jordan type of fantasy, but it's a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre. You can't always eat the same meal every day right? Why not try something different? If you are in for something new that's very tasty, give Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell a shot.
Note to readers: a lot of people complain how tedious the book is, how flowery the language is, how boring the plot is, etc. Here's what to expect: it may take you 3 months to get through the first half of the book and 3 days to finish the second half. It takes until the second half of the book for things to get going. Once the book gets going, it really gets going! So read the WHOLE book before you say it's boring!
Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
Are you a fan of fairies in a fantasy tale? Another book that deals with old fairy folk tales is Keith Donohue's The Stolen Child. A novel about the search for identity, The Stolen Child makes for a compelling read. The Stolen Child, like Susanna Clarke's work, is very well written. These books are sort of your "out of the box" fantasy. It's quite refreshing to see the fantasy genre has more to it then epic fantasy. For an epic fantasy series about fairies, you could read Shadowmarch by Tad Williams.
Want more good books about 'magicians'? You may also find that you like Sean Russel's Moontide Magic Rise duology. It's kind of the same premise: magic has vanished from the world, a couple people trying to bring magic back to the world, etc. In my opinion, this is the closest book/series that you'll find to Susanna Clarke's work. For a grown up book about the cost of being a magician, look at Lev Grossman's The Magicians. It's not your usual fantasy fare and a refreshing change. Of course, you could also read the standard epic village boy to might magician in Feist's Magician.
#20: Chronicles of Thomas Covenant (Stephen R. Donaldson)
Comments (47) | Community Book Review
Description (Publisher)
He called himself Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever because he dared not believe in the strange alternate world in which he suddenly found himself. Yet he was tempted to believe, to fight for the Land, to be the reincarnation of its greatest hero....
Stephen R. Donaldson changed the face of fantasy in 1977 with the publishing of Lord Foul's Bane (book one in The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant). It took the world by storm. Hailed as a masterpiece of fantasy literature, TC went on to sell over 6 million copies. And for good reason. Donaldson's magnum opus is regarded as one the most emotionally compelling fantasy works ever created. Covenant is through and through an antihero. From anti-hero to hero, from tragedy to victory, this is one man's quest to save The Land from Evil and in the process, find his own redemption? If you love fantasy, READ THESE BOOKS. Donaldson is one of the best characterization writers, ever. Donaldson is not afraid to explore the darker side of humanity, however. If you're looking for a saccharine fairly tale that brings a feely-good smile to the table, look elsewhere. If you want a riveting, darkly realistic tale about a flawed man's quest for redemption, you won't do better than Thomas Covenant.
About the The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Series
Stephen Donaldson has three Thomas Covenant series: First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, and
the recent series, the Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. Each series is chronological and follows
the exploits of Thomas Covenant. )'ve listed the series by chronological order. Click on the pictures to
read the amazon descriptions.
  
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Chronicles of Thomas Covenant
If you like his Donaldson's First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever, then you should read his Covenant trilogies listed above.
His new trilogy (The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever) is a riveting read that will please both old and new fans.
Thomas' old lover, Linden, returns to The Land, only to find it changed beyond recognition... And Thomas the Unbeliever? Read the books to find out!
Also read his Mordant's Need duology -- some people argue it's his best work.
If you like the characterization of Thomas Covenant, you may like Tad William's epic fantasy Memory, Sorrow, Thorn
saga which really follows
the transformation of the protagonist over the course of the series. Read Robin Hobb's The Farseer Trilogy
for another story with
magnificent characterization set in a fantasy landscape (though Farseer is not exactly epic fantasy).
Donaldson is unique in fantasy
because his character is whole and whole an anti-hero instead of a hero. For another fantasy tale about a doubting hero (he's way less of a selfish jerk than Thomas, however), you can read Brandon Sanderson's magnificent The Way of Kings.
If you like fantasy series that take "bad guys" and turn them into something interesting anti-heros here are some recommendations. You may like George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire;
there are some detestable main characters (anti-hero types) that become more agreeable as the series progresses; You see a slow
evolution of these characters.
You should also read The Coldfire Trilogy by C.S. Friedman. The main character is wholly an anti-hero who sometimes does, bad, bad things.
Donaldson also has a very interesting (and dark dark) science fiction series
(Gap) that you will like if you liked
the antihero aspect of Thomas Covenant.
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie features some pretty interesting antihero characters: you've got a torturer with a heart of gold, a bloody barbarian who hates killing yet is infamous for his bloody murders, a wizard that looks and acts like Gandalf, but is worse than Sauron, and a "hero" who's really a coward.
Gene Wolf's The Book of the New Sun features an rather interesting anti-hero. Severian, the "hero" of the story has a rather dubious occupation: he tortures people.
And for the antithesis of every standard sword and sorcery hero you've read, Elric of Melinbone takes the crown here. He's a physical weakling that takes drugs to kick ass. He's the emperor of a dying kingdom, and his power comes for a bunch of evil demons. In any other series, Elric WOULD be the bad guy.
#21: American Gods (Neil Gaiman)
Comments (12) | Community Book Review
Description (Amazon)
Released shortly after his wife's death, Shadow finds himself adrift without ties.
Things change when Wednesday, trickster and wise man who just may or may not be a god,
convinces Shadow to be his driver and errand boy. They journey from place to place,
across the rural landscapes of America, rounding up Egyptian deities, Norse gods, and a host of
other entities in preparation for what will be the Last Battle -- a battle between the old gods
who have found themselves in America over the past 10,000 years and the new gods of the digital
age. Shadow finds himself drawn into a world where myth and legend coexist with today's realities.
American Gods is triumph of storytelling and a real look into the underlying, hidden assumptions
of what it means to be American. A scary, somewhat strange hallucinogenic road trip, American Gods
is quest to find the American identity. During the novel Gaiman captures the quintessential American truth: every
person in America has roots from somewhere else.
A crossover fantasy, American Gods is also a literary triumph. It's also more than just an intelligent novel about a bunch of homeless gods, but rather a cerebral fantasy that's also a damn good tale.
If you want some well-written, addictive fantasy that digs into the fabric of American society,
American Gods delivers.
I suggest the Audiobook version
of the story. The narrator does a fantastic job of bringing Gaiman's creation to life.
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to American Gods
You should read Anansi Boys by Gaiman -- features one of the same characters from American Gods and is about the same sort of story. Really though, any of Gaiman's novels are good. His next best recommended is probably Neverwhere. Many people will tell you that Gaiman's best work of his career is his The Sandman graphic novels -- which are probably the best graphic novels ever written, IMHO.
For other Fantasy concerned with myth and legends coexisting (or struggling) with the modern world, read Robert Holdstock's Mythago Wood. Kay's very good Ysabel also deals with a similar theme. You will also enjoy Tim Power's The Anubis Gates which is a rip-roaring adventure that incorporates some of the same themes (myths coming to life). Another (quite funny) take on the same theme is Marie Phillips' Gods Behaving Badly.
Keith Donohue's The Stolen Child is another book that grapples with the reality of folk tales (fairies) effect on the modern world. It's also a deep look into a man's search for his identity. China Mieville also explore the same theme (old myths living amongst and struggling with today's realities) in his latest (as of July 2010) novel, Kraken. Another popular author that also likes to juxtapose myth and modern society is Charles de Lint. Myth existing in today's world does seem to be a common them with the Urban Fantasy subgenre, but the above books are the best written that feature myths living in the modern world.
#22: Abhorsen Trilogy (Garth Nix)
Comments (13) | Community Book Review
Ostensibly these books are for Young Adults, but don't let the age restriction deter you.
This is one of the best fantasy tales out there. As a bonus, the books are not monstrously
big like many of the fantasy books these days. This is a good thing. Many fantasy books meander
into nowhereland; Nix, however, is a phenomenal writer, able to fully harness the power of the
English language. The Abhorson trilogy is a mix of fantasy and horror. If you want some fantasy
that gives you the chills while delivering a rousing, action packed tale, you won't go wrong
with Abhorson. Buy the book, curl up on your favorite sofa, dim the lights, and be prepared
for a chilling fantasy tale.
If you want a really chilling feeling, get the Audiobook version
of the series. The narrator does a superb job and the tale seems even more scary.
Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Abhorsen Trilogy
A classic series kids around the world have grown up reading is The Chronicles of Narnia. While Narnia is very clearly a Christian allegory, it can be enjoyed without reading too deep into the Christian subtext. The writing is decent and it's a great magical adventure for both kids and adults.
You should also read Garth Nix's newest series, Keys to the Kingdom, is also a great read, both for the kiddies and adults, one of the better series for kids.
Don't forget to read Jonathan Stroud's very impressive The Bartimaeus Trilogy. It's an action packed thrill ride about a magician's apprentice who manages to summon a powerful genie (Bartimaeus). Bartimaeus is less then pleased with this turn of events and tries to sabotage his young master at every opportunity. Hilariously funny, at times very dark, with great writing, a great cast of well-developed characters, and an interesting world, Bartimaeus is a must read series (for both kids and adults).
You might want to take a gander with Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. It's uber famous and with good reason.
For a great steampunk fantasy for young adults/kids, read Scott Westerfield's Leviathan. I'm not usually into YA fantasy, but some of the concepts and the action present in the book had me hooked.
You absolutely must read Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn. It's a fantasy tale set in a Japanese milieu. It's got all you want in an epic fantasy WITH the addition of samurai's, ninja's, and magic!
And finally, Harry Potter. I won't bother explaining why. If you are specifically looking for books your kid might like, i suggest you visit The Top 10 Fantasy Books for Kids list.
#23: Memory, Sorrow, Thorn (Tad Williams)
Comments (23) | Community Book Review
Memory, Sorrow, Thorn is William's answer to Lord of the Rings. But his answer in not a clone, but a challenge. Get ready to explore a vivid world and journey to the far yonder. William's characterization is top notch; you follow the journey of young Simon from boy to man, from kitchen scullion to hero. The plot is thick and often crawls at a snail's pace, but the series is an undisguised jewel. A must for any fantasy aficionado! There is a reason why after so many years, Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn remain near the top of many fantasy lovers' list. Read it to find out why!
About Tad Williams' Fantasy Series
Tad's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series has been completed for many years. It's four books long and over 1600 pages collectively. He's completed another epic high fantasy series called Shadowmarch which is epic fantasy in all the ways I like. Well recommended (and moves at a faster pace than his Memory, Sorrow, Thorn saga). For another series that's science fiction with some fantasy aspects, read his Otherland series.
  
  
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Memory, Sorrow, Thorn
I'm going to give my recommendations on works of similar "style" to Williams. Williams writes with almost a pedantic eye -- every little detail is lovely detailed -- to practically everything. This includes characters, settings, and even pots. Everything down to the minutest detail is lovingly rendered into prose. It can take a long while before things happen in a Tad Williams book, which may turn off those who love instant action with no patience for slow pacing.
For a series (and author) who's often a bit slower paced with an attention to beautiful, sometimes lyrical prose, give works by Sean Russell a read. I would start with his Moontide Magic Rise duology. If you like his work, give his The Initiate Brother (an Asian fantasy) a go. For a high fantasy in the tradition of Tolkien with gorgeous and lyrical prose, read Swans' War.
You should read Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien, if you have yet not. Tolkien is a writer that loves to write. The pacing is quicker than Memory, Sorrow, Thorn, but the language is gorgeous as is the setting portrayed by Tolkien
Another book that shares some similarities with Memory, Sorrow, Thorn is Michael A Stackpole's The DragonCrown War Cycle , which features an epic, black & white struggle, struggle between good and evil. Also read William's new fantasy saga Shadowmarch. Wonderful prose and a strong plot.
I also recommend reading Tad William's other works. His Shadowmarch series is really good (and completed). His other series, Otherland is a stellar read too. It's science fiction, but there are quite a few fantasy elements too; it's kind of like the Matrix. Otherland is of the best Science Fiction books, IMHO.
#24: Magician: Apprentice and Magician (Raymond E. Feist)
Comments (20) | Community Book Review
This book (you can also get it as two separate books, Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master) are the books that launched the career of super popular fantasy author Raymond E. Feist.
And this book is classic fantasy at its best! You're not getting anything new here (like the efforts of Steven Erickson, Susanna Clark, or Scott Bakker), but what Magician does, it does superbly well: the classic transformation tale of village boy to powerful magician. Yes, it's cliche. Yes, every author since the dawn of sword carrying barbarians and pointy-haired elves has used the village boy conceit. But despite this, Magician stands out above all the rest of the wannabies.
What hurls Magician above the rest of the pack is the really compelling plot and world, tons of action, and a cool butt kicking hero. The book is just so damn fun to read. So if classic fantasy is the apple of your eye, and you are weary of the gritty realism creeping into fantasy and long for some of the "good old stuff", then this book is your fix.
I have what I consider two "classic" fantasy tales on this list: Wheel of Time and Magician. If I had to pick between the two, Wheel of Time gets my vote for its sheer scope. But for those who still love those old fantasy conventions without the requisite reading of 10+ volumes, Magician is heartily recommended.
Note: If you don't want to muck around with this "classic fantasy stuff", then go straight for Feist's BEST work (co authored with Janny Wurts) which is the "Empire Trilogy." The writing, plot, and characterization really does make the Magician series seem amateurish by comparison -- I kid you not. It's my "favorite" work by Feist. It lacks the boy-becomes-man-and-kick's-serious-ass superheroness of the Magician series (which is what some readers love to see), but it's a damn good story and just flat out better written. And that's my plug for the Empire series.
About Raymond Feist's Midkemia series
Feist has so many series, it's downright confusing where to start. He's been getting worse and worse as he writes, I'm sad to say.
So I'll make it simple for the average fantasy reader with a guide to what Feist is actually worth reading:
- Read his Riftwar Saga (it's the best he's wrote).
- Read his Empire Trilogy cowritten with Janny Wurts (it's the best he's going to ever write).
- Read his Conclave of Shadows trilogy
- All the rest of his books: skip
Ok, if you are really a fan of his Midkemia world, then read his Serpentwar, followed by his Conclave of Shadows, followed by his Darkwar, followed by his Demonwar saga, then followed by his newest series, Chaoswar. Whew, done.
Raymond Feist's Series by Chronological Order
I've listed his Midkemia books in chronological order by series. Each series is set in the same world that Magician is and are sequels, sort of. Feist has even more books, but I've only listed the series that I feel are actually worth reading. His best by far are the two Magician books and his Empire Trilogy as I've stated about 10 times now.
   
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to Magician
Feist's books always emphasize the heavy use of magic (some might say over the top use of magic) and loads of political tensions. If you like Feist's style of storytelling and his use of heavy magic, read Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time. Jordan's books are rampant with magic use.
Also give Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's The Death Gate Cycle a whirl. it's a good story (better than anything else they've written) with lot's of tension, lots of mystery, and lot's of powerful magic in the vein of Jordan and Feist. Hickman and Weis are responsible for populating the fantasy genre with the worst sort of fantasy tripe (Dragonlance), but surprisingly, their Death Gate Cycle is a much much better effort -- the best of their work and likely will stay that way.
If you really like Magician, try Feist's other novels of Midkemia. All of them are set in the same world, though most of them fail to match Magician. The one exception is his The Empire Trilogy, coauthored with Janny Wurts. The Empire Trilogy is a fantastic read, and I whole heartedly recommend it; the quality of the prose (perhaps due to Wurt's influence) is far superior to Magician.
Also read the The Runelords series by David Farland. Same style of writing as Feist (lots of magic, lots of powerful characters, lots of action, not that much characterization), but with a more interesting magic system. The problem with Feist is that he tends to make his character's too powerful and Feist is forced to find ridiculous ways of handicapping them.
And for another epic fantasy series with some sweet magic, an awesome hero, huge world building, and some kick ass action scenes, read Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings
And of course, how can you go wrong with some traditional sword & sorcery from Robert E. Howard's Conan The Barbarian. These are the tales that started the entire Sword & Sorcery genre and influenced writers like Robert Jordan AND Raymond E. Feist.
#25: Dresden Files (Jim Butcher)
Comments (22)| Community Book Review
Description (Taken from Butchers website)
The Dresden Files are Jim's first published series, telling the story of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I.
Harry Dresden, a Sherlock with kick-ass attitude and wizard powers. This is some damn addictive detective fantasy. The series contains everything a fantasy book lover could want: magic, action, mystery, adventure, love, and sorrow. It also gets pretty damn dark by the later part of the series. Get ready to meet vampires, werewolves, wizards, fairies, and angles. Dresden is what Anita Blake should be.
I'm not usually a reader of urban fantasy, but Butcher has converted me with this stunning series.
Yea, yea, some of you will tell me that Dresden is only pulp fiction and shouldn't join the ranks of this august list. Pulp fiction or no, The Dresden Files are great reads. They may not be literary in the sense of a China Mieville novel, but heck, sometimes you don't WANT to think when you read. Pulp or not, Dresden represents another aspect of the fantasy genre: paranormal hardboiled noir fantasy.
Many readers wonder why I don't put butcher's other fantasy series, Codex Alera on the list. Well, simply put, there are 25 spots and I don't want to shove in the same author twice. Simple. So, read this as my endorsement for Butcher's Codex Alera series -- it's a great epic fantasy series with a roman flavor that you should read. I personally prefer having The Dresden Files on this list since there's enough epic fantasy on this list already.
Jim Butcher's Series Information
The whole butcher series
is listed in chronological order, from left to right. Click the book image to see the details. Note, Welcome to the Jungle is a prequel novel. Butcher has also created an epic fantasy series called Codex Alera. I highly recommend you read it -- it's gotten rave reviews across the board, features a unique magic system, an interesting plot, a Romanesque fantasy setting, action galore, and a likable protagonist.
The Dresden Files
    
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Codex Alera Series
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Reader Similar Recommendations (0)Books Similar to The Dresden Files
Read Mike Carey's Felix Castor series (start with The Devil You Know). It's very similar to The Dresden Files (in the same genre) and I would argue as close as you are going to get to The Dresden Files without being a complete rip-off. You've got the hardboiled detective thriller story merged with the supernatural. The hero is a freelance exorcist in the vein of Harry Dresden though with a lower power level.
Another series that's got a lot of similarities to The Dresden Files, one that's got a lot of dark humour and visceral action is Sandman Slim. Like Dresden Files, it combines hardboiled detective fiction noir with the supernatural. The main character himself has a lot of comparisons to Dresden. It seems to be a series with the sequel to Sandman Slim already out.
You should also check out Simon Green's Nightside -- a series very similar to The Dresden Files, though much more over the top and far less "dark." The hero is sort of a supernatural private detective and operates in London where the supernatural coexists right alongside the natural world. Both of these series will be right up your alley if you enjoy The Dresden Files.
Finally, if you want to venture out of the urban fantasy setting and into the epic fantasy zone, check out Butcher's Codex Alera.
Books Moved From Top 25 List
Mistborn: Great epic high fantasy series, but I've replaced it with The Way of Kings, which although is only the first book in Sanderson's newest mega fantasy series, is by far his BEST work. It's also over 1000 words and is easily 2 books worth of material.
The Warded Man: Fantastic action high fantasy, but the sequel was a bit disappointing (though still an exciting read). Some of the plot movements in the second book didn't make a lot of sense. We shall see what book 3 does to the series...
The Magicians: Great book, but I've received a backlash of comments about this book not deserving to be on the list, so I've bowed to popular consensus here. Too bad, it's really a great book if you want a more adult fantasy tale with some depth.
The Way of Shadows: A great action series by an upcoming author, but it's really pretty simple stuff. Week's has a HUGE following, so I'm sure quite a few people will be upset with this series/book's removal. But overall, while the series is action packed, it's pretty standard stuff. I'd say give Heroes Die a read or The Warded Man a read over Night Angel. If there is enough pressure to bring this back on the list, I'll think about it.
All these books have been moved to the Great Fantasy Books list.
And For More Recommendations...
Don't see your "favorite" fantasy book on this list? Be sure to check out the Great Fantasy Books list for books that were bumped from the Top 25 over the last couple years. This is the next list you should look at if you are seeking to read more of best fantasy books out there.
- Also look at the Good Fantasy Books for even more recommendations.
- Check out the Top 25 Best Stand Alone Fantasy Books list.
- Look at the Top 25 Best Epic Fantasy series list for the best of that type of fantasy.
- Look at the Best Fantasy Series for a broad list of the best fantasy series ever written
And be sure to look at our various fantasy subgenre recommendations.
And finally, why not join the discussions on our fantasy forum? Meet fellow fantasy fans, find out what's new fantasy books are good, and get all the fantasy help you could want!
Disagree with my picks? Have your own best fantasy recommendations? Or simply want to argue with fellow readers? Leave a comment below or maybe even visit our forum!
Glad to see you include the Dresden Files, and quite a lot other great books. Since you mention narrators, I thought I might add that the narrator for most of the Dresden books (James Marsters) does and excellent job as Dresden. He sadly could not do Ghost Story, but John Glover fills the shoes nicely. Also, the Dark Tower books (first several anyhow) were narrated amazingly by the late, great Frank Muller. Well worth listening to.
I'm surprised you didn't mention David Eddings his books may be simply and based on a formula but they where still enjoyable easy to read books.
Thanks man, this list introduced me to one of my fav fantasy series, Though I dislike how you keep getting angry about rape scenes in that "Worst books" list, Black company has many dark scenes with rape, Even Croaker dreams about "Doing unspeakable things to girls that cant be above 13"...Its also amazing how croaker is the one of the most "Morally right" people throughout the series.
im always looking for some new authors to read. I wanted to mention Terry Goodkind's Wizard's First Rule. I couldn't put it down. Yes, the tv series based on his books is horrid. It doesnt do his book justice.
we have a special place for terry goodkind on this site
Thank you for your list, it has helped introduce me to many authors I may not have otherwise found for a long time. It is difficult to weave through all the garbage easily found in the genre.
I can't find Gene Wolfe anywhere on the site and am curious if you've read any of his work. Apparently, Neil Gaiman claims him to be the best living author. I'm currently reading 'Book of the New Sun" and find Wolfe's prose to be exceptional, whether the book itself turns out to be a worthy contender for the list, I've yet to learn.
I will say both Martin and Rothfuss's latest efforts were nothing more than balloons with hot air (especially 'Wise Man's Fear'). For both of them to write 1,000 page volumes that progress a story's plot an inch makes me question their claim to the list's top spots.
It does seem Tolkien is the only author thus far to prove his worth over time. Though it is cliche, he remains the best regardless of his influence on the genre.
Gormenghast and The Black Company both sit on my bookshelf waiting to be read next.
I should say, first of all, that this list is very impressive, helpful, and on the whole demonstrates significant good taste. Which is why I'm so surprised to see Kingkiller Chronicle come in so high. I'll admit I only read Name of the Wind, but since that's the book getting most of the praise anyway, I figure it's fair game to critique it based on that alone.
I'll admit Name of the Wind deserves some credit for going after fantasy in the first person. That being said, if Kvothe says one more time that "if you've never been poor you won't understand," I will have to conclude there is a reason heroes don't usually write in the 1st person. But more importantly, a fair amount of intrigue is built in the first half of the book, and it leads nowhere, except for a one hundred page tangent about a drugged dragon that concludes the book. Where was the climax? The Chandrian? This book has a character, yes, but no story. Certainly it has no answers.
i totally agree with you. The 2 books are wonderful, but now, after have read both, I only remember ONE character: Kvothe.
Tha's why he does not deserve this position.
I read Gemmel''s books...I remeber Waylander, Druss, Vintar, Serbitar, Ceska...several main characters AND secondary ones...
Do i have to add something else?
Don't bother with 'Wise Man's Fear' it doesn't answer any of your questions either. It instead leads you off on a tangent that ultimately goes nowhere. You spend fifty pages reading about some ridiculous nymph that Kvothe learns the Karma Sutra from. You're then dragged off to a boring sideplot where Kvothe attempts to learn some form of martial arts that's completely removed from any sense of reality. He also engages in their 'free love' society that somehow managed to survive centuries whilst their sole mode of protection is asking the question: "Do you have disease?"
Like the first volume, 'Wise Man's Fear' holds no answers to any questions and just wanders about aimlessly for a thousand pages. It holds no purpose on its own except to drag a story out to the point of insanity. While reading it last year, the Monty Python bit 'Get On With It!' was resounding in my head.
Totally agree with the above comments. Rothfuss as the third best fantasy writer ever and his TWO books? B*llocks! Robin Hobb does first person fantasy much better and remembers to include plot and a host of memorable characters. And writers like China Meiville and even old Bob Jordan are so much better too.
How could you not have any Jack Vance up there? Lyonnesse for mastery; The Dying Earth cycle for sheer influence.
I had been looking for some new fantasy novels to read after Christopher Paolini's dissapointing finish to the Inheritance cycle, and your list was just what I needed! After reading, I went out and purchased the first 4 books of A Song of Ice and Fire, the first 2 malazan boosk, The Way of Kings, and Name of the Wind. I haven't finished reading all of them yet, but so far the stand-out novel for me is The Name of the Wind. Thanks again for the great, well thought out list, I will definitely refer to it in the future.
Sorry to reply to my own comment, but i remembered something...
I am a bit surprised by the omission of R. A. Salvatore's Dark Elf trilogy. While the later Drizzt books become a little predictable, the first series contain some very good reads. While I certainly wouldn't put Salvatore in the top 10, he certainly deserves a mention.
Hey, I just wanted to say thanks for this awesome list! I only recently started reading serious fantasy, and this list has helped me a lot with getting great reads. I have to say that Pat Rothfuss's "The Name of the Wind" was one of the best books I have ever read. I absolutely love it and would reccomend it to anyone. But anyway, great job, and keep up the great work!
I have used this site quite a bit, so I would like to say thanks for taking your time to create all these lists. You have steered me towards some really great books and saved me countless hours of reading crap. While I may not agree with everything you say it is obvious that you have great taste in literature. So please keep up the great work, continue updating these lists and ignore the twelve year-olds who just can't stop bitching in the comments.
Did you write a best selling novel when you where 15? When you write a best seller, you can come criticize other books.
Why would somebody have to be an author to review books?
I'm not here for a pissing contest. When I came to this site I knew I was getting an opinion. I appreciate what you've done. Christ, you took your own personal time to share with the...world. Courtesy and refinement are truly things of the past. Thanks so much for this. You have saved me a great deal of time.
I have just started reading 1st book in series and found at its starting that book is very dense (with information). I like novels which have pace in story and/or some great magical system. (like GRRM or Joe abercrombie) So I am just asking general opinion for those who have read Malazan Book of Fallen Series, is it my kind of novel? Or slow paced and dense throughout??
Thanks in advance
I can't say much about abercrombie (still on my to-read list) but I've yet to see any magic system in ASOIF. That being said, I agree that it's a great series, and so is the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. extremely confusing at times though, especially at the beginning of books. Erikson never offers much recap on what's happened, and there are so many view point characters throughout the series... but if you can get past that first bit (or even better, if you enjoy trying to puzzle out what the hell is going on), then just about all the books end in a couple hundred pages that will keep you up late at night. not sure if I really answered your question there... but yeah, I get the feeling you'd be the type who probably won't enjoy the first bit of most of the novels, and thoroughly enjoy the rest.
Malazan Book of the Fallen is about as dense as any fantasy world ever written. I would say it's very similar to song of ice and fire and the first law in the third person subjective style. The feel of a story symphony from different charachters is there but builds up to be more epic (or grandiose) with Erikson. He's great at making each book a self contained story in it's own right, he is an architect whilst martin is a gardener.
When you say 'great magical system' of GRRM and Abercrombie i'm interested. Both these books use a LOTR style of low power mysterious magic, rarely used and special. This style is very appealing beacuse it makes the story's intrigues less bombastic and easier for mature audiences to take seriously and i can see why you might prefer it to Eriksons style. He floods his world with magic, something many people complain about, likening to dragon ball z. I can understand the comparison but trust me, the magical system of Malazan is AWESOME. Warrens, ascedents, champions, priests, mages, i will say it is over the top and will put people off but many love it. He doesn't pull his punches, it's great that he is ernest in the power fantasy of it all.
The pace is pretty sharp in Malazan book of the fallen like the first law and the first three of SOIAF. However, like a feast for crows and dance with dragons, Erikson falls into a robert jordan trap and gets bogged down in the latter novels, 6-9 i would say mostly but opinions differ. The books are still great but smack of egostistical publication and minimal editing.
Overall is urge you to persevere and read the first three books at least. Gardens of the moon is notorious for pissing people off so don't worry if it becomes a little tiring and confusing. Your efforts will be greatly rewarded by Memories of Ice, a stunning piece of fantasy literary fiction.
Ok, seriously? You cant seem to make up your mind about WoT. First you call it simple and unoriginal, then you call it complex and a masterpiece. And one of the things that makes me angriest is the label of Wheel of Time as "classic fantasy". WoT. Is NOT "classic fantasy". Robert Jordan made a completely unique world. He made his own races, he completely changed the classic magic system. The politics, and land is also very original. The only part I would call "classic" is the rise of a nobody to someone who rules nations and vanquishes his enemies. And also the preparation throughout the series to battle one final foe at the end. But seriously, Jordan made his interpretation of this completely unique. The story focuses on not one, not two, not even three main characters, but SIX. And many minor characters that almost as important a role. If anything, I would call The Wheel of Times world complex and unique enough to start to compare to Tolkien. Sure, the history of the world isn't even close to the complexity of Tolkiens, but I think the politics and variety of cultures created in the books is extremely well done and detailed.
So by that argument Lord of the Rings would not be considered classic fantasy.
LOTR came up with classic fantasy
Well, I think that this series should be considered in top 25, or otherwise at least in top literary fantasy books. Though book and its character seem gloomy at first, story offers great insight on how normal people will fit in fantasy world. Well, has anyone read it. and if u have do u think it should be on 'top literary fantasy list'?