The last two weeks, my Fantasy Friday posts have complained about the lack of originality in fantasy and the clichés that are becoming as rusty as a neglected sword.
This week, it’s time for the good stuff. Namely, fantasy books worth reading. Stories that instill a sense of wonder and joy into readers, carrying them on grand adventures through stunning worlds.
Even if clichés are present, they’re treated in a way that doesn’t make you want to jump off the Bridge of Khazad-dum to end your misery.
Excluding the obvious ones that everyone knows about, like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, I’ve compiled a tidy list for you to peruse at your pleasure—unless you happen to be on the run from rogue wizards.
Some of these books are older, some are newer, but they’re all terrific. Fantasy at its epic height.
Here are some of the best fantasy books I’ve read. These are personal tastes, but if you’re a fantasy fan, I think you’ll enjoy them.
- The Mistborn Trilogy – Brandon Sanderson
- The Blood of Kings Trilogy – Jill Williamson
- The Earthsea Trilogy – Ursula K. LeGuin
- The Way of Kings – Brandon Sanderson
- Words of Radiance – Brandon Sanderson
Other fantasy novels and series I’ve heard great things about but haven’t read yet.
- The Wingfeather Saga – Andrew Peterson
- The Staff and the Sword Trilogy – Patrick Carr
- A Throne of Bones – Vox Day
- Tales of Goldstone Wood – Anne Elisabeth Stengl
- Dragons In Our Midst – Bryan Davis
- Orphan’s Song – Gillian Bronte Adams
- The Door Within Trilogy – Wayne Thomas Batson
Those lists don’t even touch on fantasy subgenres such as urban fantasy. Plenty worth exploring there, too.
For some more suggestions, check out this post I wrote awhile back: 3 Fantasy Books You Probably Haven’t Read But Should
Here’s to your next fantasy adventure. I hope it’s awesome.
What are some of your favorite fantasy books? Have you read any of the ones I listed? What did you think? I would love to hear your thoughts.
