Having read pretty much most of the major fantasy books available, I often find myself recommending the best books over and ov

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The Best of the Best of Fantasy Literature

Version 2.5 (APRIL 2004)

Introduction

Having read pretty much most of the major fantasy books available, I often find myself recommending the same books over and over to people. Tired of this, I finally decided to create a template of what I consider the top 20 fantasy books out of the thousands of lesser works. Finding a good fantasy books is hard, like sifting for gold among sand. But occasionally, you find that rare nugget, that grain of gold that you will forever treasure. I have sort of short-circuited this search process with my list. I know tastes change from person to person, but these books I mention really stand out above the rest.

Before I start, let me get this out of the way. People often ask me if authors such as RA Salvatore, David Eddings, and the myriad of D&D type books (such as Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms) are any good. Let me put it this way. Training wheels are good when you first attempt to ride a bike. RA Salvatore, and Dragonlance books work the same way. They are good for people who are relatively newcomers to the fantasy literature scene, but they are only training wheels. At some point, you will want to ditch the tricycle and graduate to superior fantasy literature.

I call these “training wheel” type of books the “McDonald Cheesburgers” of Fantasy. They might be filling, but eventually you might want to sample the fancy French cuisine.

It’s unfortunate that D&D type novels have given fantasy literature a bad name. The classic chick-with-big-boobs standing side by side with a Conan character (and let’s not forget the requisite dragon and wizard in the background) give most people—and rightly so—the jitters. People often associate fantasy with those kids who stand in the corner of high school hallways, muttering to themselves, wearing clothes that looked like they were procured from the Salvation Army, 50 years ago. But rest assured that there are actually many great, indeed dare I say, literary, fantasy books out there that can compete arm to arm with “literature”.

Here is my comprehensive list of the BEST of the BEST fantasy books. Keep in mind that I tried to place them the order of my favorites. By no means is there a great margin between say #20 and #1. All of them, I consider to be superlative works of fantasy fiction. If you love fantasy, make sure you check them all out—you won’t be disappointed!

Note: my list tends to gravitate towards the “Epic Fantasies”, that is stories that are not contained in a single volume, as opposed to standalone Fantasy Books. This may be my own personal preference shinning through here, as I appreciate complex world building, something a single standalone fantasy book rarely accomplishes. If you are the type that despise epics, than skip my top 21, and peruse the second list of “Very Good reads.”

#1 George R. Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice saga

Series Completion: NOT COMPLETED

A projected 7 books in the series. 3 books out. Book four will probably make a December 2004 release.

-This brilliant series starts with A Game of Thrones. What can I say about this series other then READ IT. It is universally known as the best fantasy series, ever. Martin writes with flair, deftly weaving multiple storylines in a gritty, even brutal, world that consists entirely of grey characters instead of the classic black and white. It’s a vast chess game spanning continents, and the pieces lords, bastards, knights, wizards, ladies, and children. What really stand’s 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. The sheers unpredictability of the series renders a delectable experience. Dare you to predict the winners and losers? If you haven’t read the series yet, go to your local library or bookstore and procure the series.

Similar recommendations: If you like Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice saga, try Greg Keyes’ The Briar King, the first in his not-yet-complete trilogy which features delicious prose, gritty realism and an enticing plot. You can also try R Scott Baker’s The Darkness that Comes Before, which features superlative prose, a unique, but fascinating storyline, and the gritty realism that Martin exhibits.

#2 Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time saga

Series Completion: NOT COMPLETED: A projected 13 books in series. 10 books out + a prequel

-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). As of January 2004, he has 10 of the 13 projected books finished. One of the blurbs on the cover pages of Jordan’s books state that “Jordan has come to dominate the world Tolkien started to reveal”. This quote is no exaggeration. If you thought Tolkien was complex, you ain’t seen nothing yet, baby. Jordan is a skillful writer, able to inject dramatic tension into every aspect of his world. Plenty and plenty of political scheming, power struggles, gender struggles, a very well conceived (perhaps the best of any fantasy book) magic system, a world portrayed in pedantic detail, and great characters. There is a reason why Jordan is the #1 selling Fantasy author. He is one of my favorite authors, and I bet will be yours too if you give him a shot. A caveat: Hoards of people are royally pissed at Jordan for dragging on the series too long. It’s commonly agreed his first four books are fantastic, but he really starts to drag after the seventh book, notable his last two (book 9 and 10). The series is as of yet unfinished, so realize if you start, you will be pining away waiting for the next two books.

Similar recommendations: Give George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice a try. It’s a massive epic like Jordan’s Wheel of Time (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 where good? Try Martin for a taste of what fantasy books should be like. If you like fantasy, do yourself a favor and read Martin. He is the best of the best. You might also try Tracy Hickman & Margaret Weis’s 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. Also try Michelle West’s Sun Sword Saga, 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--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. Fiest’s Magician duology, as he writes in a style and flavor similar to Jordan (heavy on action and magic).

#3 J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Series Completion: COMPLETED: Three Books

-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 such clarity that it is astounding—yet at the same time, the books deliver a different yet equally satisfying experience.

Similar recommendations: Sean Russell’s A Swan’s War trilogy. Russell prose is lyrical and beautiful, a very poetic style. Magic remains a mysterious and rare (like Lord of the Rings), and his world is full of mystery and wonder. Also try Tad William’s Memory, Sorrow, Thorn saga, which is very reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. It’s is unique however, and Williams, while sometimes to verbose, is a skilled wordsmith.

#4 Greg Keyes’ The Briar King.

Series Completion: NOT COMPLETED: Three books projected; one book released so far; second book to be released some sometime this year (2004)

-Keyes stunned the fantasy community with his phenomenal new high fantasy novel, The Briar King, last year. This guy is a master of the English language. His writing is both witty and beautiful; sort of an Oscar Wild meets J.R.R. Tolkien synergy. His plot is thick, rich with interesting characters (and the dialogue is top notch and at times, hilarious), and the world fairly gritty, though less than Martin’s. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Similar recommendations: If you like Greg Keyes’ The Briar King, try R Scott Baker’s The Darkness that Comes Before, which features superlative prose, an unique, but fascinating storyline, and the gritty realism that Martin exhibits. Also try Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice saga and Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time saga.

#5 R Scott Baker’s A Darkness that Comes Before.

Series Completion: NOT COMPLETED: Three books projected; one book released so far

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. 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 No-God stirs once more, casting rapacious eyes on the squabbling lands of men.

-First novel by Canadian novelist, Baker, ADtCB is shockingly good, featuring first rate prose, a dark storyline and a Steven Erickson-like epic scale. This book is sort of like a Clive Baker horror novel meets Steven Erickson meets Robert Jordan.

The story will grip you harder than a vice.

Similar recommendations: The vast scope of A Darkness that Comes Before is very redolent of Steven Erickson’s A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen saga, though the characters are less grey, and the story more focused. Also try George R.R Martin’s A Game of Thrones, which is very epic and very gritty.

#6 Kate Elliott’s Crown of Stars saga.

Series Completion Status: NOT COMPLETED: Six books projected; five books released so far

-First book is King’s Dragon. Complex politics, well thought out magic system, clash between religious and secular powers, an ineluctable catastrophe looming, long lost creatures walking the lands once again, GREAT characterization…what more can you ask for in a fantasy saga. Plot? Good enough to taste.

Similar recommendations: Tad William’s Memory, Sorrow, Thorn saga. William’s has beautifully reinterpreted Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings (and no it is not in the least bit a clone, and no, there is no One Ring), creating a vast world of mystery and magic. Characterization is top notch.

# 7 Sean Russell’s The Swan’s War trilogy

Series Completion Status: NOT COMPLETED: Three books projected; two books released

-First book in this trilogy is The One Kingdom. Brilliant, brilliant books. Russell’s prose is gorgeous. So gorgeous it almost seems lyrical; his world is full of mystery and beauty. In many cases, Fantasy books are so overloaded with magic that it soon ceases to mean anything--a simple Pug or Richard gains-new-power and defeats-even-more powerful villain, ad infinity . Russell opts to keep magic mysterious and rare. He never explains how it works. Martin does this in “A Song of Fire and Ice” and Tolkien in Lord of the Rings as well. If you want to read books that will sweep you off your feet with their beauty, passion and superlative plot, check this trilogy out.

Similar recommendations: J.R.R. Tolkien’s A Lord of the Rings. The Swan’s War trilogy seems both similar yet different than Lord of the Rings. The mysterious and rare nature of magic is a trait shared by both books, as is the beautiful prose that seems half poetry, half fiction (though Russel’s work is more “modern” and novelistic).

#8 Patricia A. McKillip’s Riddle of Stars trilogy

Series Completion Status: COMPLETED: Three Books

-Starts with The Riddlemaster of Hed. This trilogy has been around for a while, but by no means is it any less worth reading. It is one of the “classics” like Lord of the Rings, that every fantasy enthusiast should read. Fear not, the books are not archaic by any means (published 20 or so years ago). The story is gripping, the characters indelible, and the prose lyrical--in the style of say Sean Russel. These books are everything fantasy should be and more.

Similar recommendations: J.R.R. Tolkien’s A Lord of the Rings. I also recommend Ursula le Guin’s classic The Earthsea trilogy, which features the same lyrical writing style as McKillip, and the hauntingly beautiful tale of a young boy’s journey from boy to wizard. You might also try Sean Russel’s The Swan’s War trilogy which features lyrical prose, a pervading sense of pathos and a world full of opportunity, were magic is as mysterious as it is dangerous.

#9 Robin Hobb’s Assasin’s Trilogy, Liveship Traders trilogy, and Tawny Man trilogy

Series Completion Status: COMPLETED: Three Books in each trilogy, all released

-Hobb is, bar none, the best characterization writer, ever. 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, and suffer dreadfully. I don’t even think Hobb has any concept of Dues Ex Machina. If her protagonist falls into a pit, no mysterious burst of air pads his fall; no, the protagonist will break both legs and likely his arms too. Hobb also creates an interesting magic system and a gripping plot. You will cry and laugh as her characters struggle to overcome their obstacles.

Similar recommendations: Guy Gaverial Kay’s Tigania. This books is packed with emotion. If you like the emotional intensity and pathos of Hobb, you will love Tigania.

#10 JV Jones A Sword of Shadows saga

Series Completion Status: NOT COMPLETED: Three books projected; two books released so far

-Starts with A Cavern of Black Ice. Gritty, cold fantasy, with a flair for the gruesome. This fabulous trilogy is jam packed full of goodness. Characterization is great, and Jones, like Robin Hobb and Martin, is will show no quarter to her heroes.

Similar recommendations: Try George Martin’s A Game of Thrones, which features a brutal world set in an ice filled milieu. You might also try JV Jones’s other excellent Book of Words fantasy saga (starts with A Baker’s Boy).

#11 Tad William’s Memory, Sorrow, Thorn saga.

Series Completion Status: COMPLETED: Four books

-MST is Williams’s version of Lord of the Rings. No, it is not a clone; in fact, it’s very different—in a good way. William’s characterization is top notch; you follow the journey of young Simon from boy to man, from kitchen scullion to warrior to hero. The plot is thick and often crawls at a snails pace, but the series is an undisguised jewel.

Similar recommendations: Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. Another book that shares some similarities is Michael A Stackpole’s The Dragon Crown Cycle, which features an epic, black & white struggle, struggle between good and evil

#12 Ursula Le Guin’s The Earthsea Trilogy

Series Completion Status: COMPLETED: Three books (two more have been added since the original trilogy was written, making a total of 5 books in the series)

-Starts with The Wizard of Earthsea. This is a coming of age story; leaps and bounds above the usual run of the mill boy-becomes-wizard-and-saves-world. With prose so good that you will want to lick the pages, and a story equally as enthralling, you will do no wrong buying—yes they are worth BUYING—this series. They are the types of book you can read over and over, then some more. Touching, beautiful, at times sad, this trilogy is one of the great masterpieces of fantasy literature.

Similar recommendations: J.R.R. Tolkien’s A Lord of the Rings. I also recommend Phillip K. McKillip’s wonderful Riddle of Stars trilogy, which features similar prose and a similar, though at the same time, very different, story. You might also try Sean Russel’s The Swan’s War.

#13 Steven Erickson’s A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen saga.

Series Completion Status: NOT COMPLETED: Projected series is ten books; Five Book released so far;

-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 series is more epic in scope than ATotMBotF. His saga combines both military and epic fantasy into a delightful mix. Brilliant prose, epic storylines, gritty realism, fascinating mix of grey characters, Erickson combines the best of George R.R. Martin with the epic scope of the Greek Classics such as 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.

Similar recommendations: George R. Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice saga also features an epic scope and the grey characterization that Erickson so loves. Martin’s work is smaller is scale though and tends to be more focused, plot wise. You can also try Scott R. Baker’s The Darkness that Comes Before, which features a vast epic scope and great prose. You might also try Thomas Harlan’s superb Oath of Empires saga, which is an alternative history saga, were 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.

#14 Thomas Harlan’s Oath of Empires saga

Series Completion Status: COMPLETED: Four books

-Alternative history. It is 600 AD and Rome has never fallen. The Roman Empire of the East will join the Roman Empire of the West to invade the inimical Persians who threaten the very gates of Constantinople itself. Featuring epic battles, beautiful babes, and powerful magic, Oath of Empires is an epic story so full of energy that your hair will sizzle. It features the epic scope of a Steven Erikson novel, a Robert Jordan Wheel of Time like struggle, and the George Martin propensity for axing main characters. Yummy!

Similar recommendations: Steven Erickson’s “A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen” saga, which is as epic as they come, and features an array of massive battles like Oath of Empires. The dazzling magic battles are also very similar is scope and size. Harlan’s work focuses more closely on individual characters, however, while Erickson zooms out. You might also try Michelle West’s Sun Sword saga which features a similar type scenario as in Oath of Empires (two culturally different empires clashing, while an ancient evil stirs behind the scenes orchestrating a conquest of the mortal world…).

#15 Raymond E. Fiest Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master

Series Completion Status: COMPLETED: Two books

-Classic fantasy at it’s best. These are the books that started it all for super popular fantasy author Raymond E. Fiest. They are the best of his works. Fiest’s books emphasize heavy uses of magic, and political tensions.

Similar recommendations: Robert Jordan’s A Wheel of Time saga. Jordan’s masterpiece is chocked full of magic. If you really like Magican, try Fiest’s other novels of Midkemia. All of them are set in the same world, though most of them live up fail to meet the first brilliance of his first two books: ‘Apprentice’ and ‘Master’. The one exception might be his Empire Trilogy coauthored with Janny Wurts. The Empire Trilogy is a fantastic read, and I whole heartedly recommend it.

#16 Deborah Chester’s The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice Trilogy

Series Completion Status: COMPLETED: Three books

-Elves and Dwarfs have become the new byword for unoriginality in a fantasy book. Every time I see the word “Elf” or “Dwarf”, I cringe. Chester however does something original. She writes a Sword and Sorcery trilogy, but unlike Conan, the characters actually have emotions and a brain as opposed to pure brawn or thigh. Characterization is very well done. Who ever thought there could be a Sword & Sorcery with depth? Well Chester’s done it! Make sure you acquire of all three books in the series before you start on the first, because when you finish the first, you will want to tear through the rest.

Similar recommendations: Jennifer Roberson’s Sword Dancer saga.

#17 John Marco’s Tyrant & King’s

Series Completion Status: COMPLETED: Three books

-Starts first with The Jackal of Nar. Great trilogy. Military fantasy at its best! Marco’s characters are never black and white. Each character, even the supposed “bad guys”, are portrayed as “human” as opposed to just “the requisite bad guy”. And you can viscerally emphasize with them all, even if you don’t agree with their actions. Add to this a healthy mix of action, a fantastic plot, and these books are a MUST READ!

Similar recommendations: You might want to give Chris Seer’s great military fantasy trilogy series, The Seer King, a shot. If you like Marco’s style, try his other series, The Eyes of a God and the sequel, Devil’s Armor.

#18 Elizabeth Haydon’s Rhapsody Trilogy

Series Completion Status: Compelted: Three books

-Great books. Haydon creates a vivid word that will keep you reading for days and days. Her books have a decidedly romantic feel to them (no, they are not bodice-rippers, thank God), which while some romance is a common theme in epics, it’s rare to have a saga built on the concept. But it works, very well. For the Rommeos and Julliets, this book is a gem.

#19 Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman’s Deathgate Cycle

Series Completion Status: COMPLETE: Seven Books

-As you know, I am no big fan of D&D type literature, and Weis and Hickman expending a lot of energy writing those kind of books. This massive epic fantasy saga is no Dragonlance-type book, however. It’s massive, ambitious, and well worth the read. I gleefully lost myself for a few weeks in this very addicting saga. If you like Robert Jordan, and Raymond E. Fiest, then you will probably like the Deathgate Cycle saga.

Similar recommendations: Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time. Raymond E Fiest’s Magician books.

#20 Lian Hearn’s Tales of the Otori trilogy

Series Completion Status: NOT COMPLETE; Three books projected; Two books released so far

-This fantastic series starts with “Across the Nightingale Floor”. This series is one of my favorite. Not in several years have I read a book this good, and I have read many—most of the books mentioned here, and more. To tell you the truth, I have read so many books that are trash that I have grown used to, perhaps even expecting poor quality when I read a fantasy novel. Pure drivel like Robert Newcomb's “The Fifth Sorceress” or Terry Goodkind's "The Naked Empire" are popping up like weeds these days.
But amidst the piles and piles of rubble, sometimes you find that rose of exceptional beauty. And "Across the Nightingale Floor" is that rose. It’s vastly different than the usual run-of-the-mill fantasy novels, unique even.
The setting of the book takes place in a mythical Japanese-like society, though it's not a direct allusion to actual history, and it features a smattering of magic. It's a coming of age story, but not in the usual Robert Jordan type of way. Perhaps the best way to describe it is as a recipe: Take the majestic backdrop of "Shogun", mix it with the cool assassin factor of “Hero’s Die” (Tekio and Caine would get along nice, me thinks), imbue it with the mysticism of Eric Lustbader's “Ninja”, then toss in a fabulous plot, superlative characterization, a good dose of pathos, a chunk of romance and you have what I consider to be one of the best books, ever.
If you have read “A Song of Fire of Ice” fifteen times, spun through the "Wheel of Time" more times than Nynaeve pulls her braid, consumed every Hobb novel, then give this book a shot; it won’t disappoint.
It's a sweeping epic of love, betrayal, loyalty, magic, and a high quest for revenge, and so dam fine a read you will want to lick the cover when you’re done. I HIGHLY recommend you check this book out.

#21 Jennifer Roberson’s The Sword-Dancer Saga

Series Completion Status: COMPLETE: Six Books

-These books are fantastic. Witty, humorous, action packed, and romantic, these books are worth anybody’s time. Great interaction between the two, sometimes diametric protagonists.

Similar recommendations: Deborah Chester’s The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice Trilogy. Like The Sword Dancer Saga, Chester’s Sword & Sorcery trilogy is full of rich characterization.

Honorable Mentions

(Fantasy Books Well Worth Reading)

While these books do not make my top 20 per say, they are nevertheless fantastic reads. Many of these books will probably end up on your own top 20. If you like fantasy, chances are you will love any of the books I list below. They are the cream of the crop.

In no particular order:

Guy Gaverial Kay’s Tigania

-Laugh, cry, sing…you will do it all in the emotional masterpiece that delves deeply into the human soul.

Ann Bishop’s Black Jewel’s Trilogy

-Bishop takes the Heaven and Hell archetypes and flips them around. Satan is the “good” guy, and hell is the place to be. Features a strong cast of characters, a great and well-drawn female protagonist. A warning, these books are extremely sexually explicit, as rape, torture, violence are the foundations of Bishop’s world. Any chicks who dig the romance genre will enjoy these. I don’t pride myself on being any sort of romance connoisseur, but this trilogy was dam dam good.

Juliet Marillier’s The Seven Waters Trilogy

-Very very good writing. Alternative celtic fantasy. Her books feature a great cast of female protagonists. These books have a decidedly romantic bent to them, then again, what books don’t?

Juliet Marillier’s Wolfskin

- Another great book by Marillier. As expected in a Marillier story, the book is about the Celts and the Norsemen, but with magic added. If you liked Gavial Guy Kay’s “Last Light of the Sun”, you are guaranteed to like this book. Marillier’s strong point is her vividly realized characters. Unlike her Seven Waters Trilogy, characters in Wolfskin are far more grey than black and white.

L. E. Modesitt Jr.’s Saga of Recluse

-A really, really big fantasy saga, were each story is discrete. Interesting magic system. The books even include sound effects! Worth reading. I recommend you start with The Death of Chaos, then if you like the series, go back and read the entire thing sequentially. If you like his “Recluse” books, also try his “Corean Chronicles” series.

Steven Lawhead’s A Song For Abalion Trilogy

-This is, in my opinion, the best “cross” over fantasy ever, right on par with Gavel Guy Kay’s Fionauar Tapestry and CS Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series. Lawhead’s hero, a rather plain and ordinary London citizen, is accidentally transported into the Celtic times via a magic portal. He is forced to survive and adapt in a hostile culture. It documents his journey from normal to extraordinary, from a warrior to hero. Characterization is top notch here. The protagonist is portrayed as a living and breathing man. Lawhead knows how to write, and he holds nothing back in the phenomenal trology. This trilogy is Lawhead’s best work/

Michael A Stackpole’s Talon: Revenant

- This is some of the best heroic fantasy out there, and it’s Stackpole’s best work yet. It’s also his first fantasy book. What sets it apart from other similar books is the heavy dose of pathos pervading the novel. It’s not a “happy” type novel; there is a deep sadness that rings through the prose. But the characterization of Nolan is fantastic, and it features a good plot. Nolan is forced to choose between love and honor.

Lois Mcmaster Bujold’s A Curse of Chalion & Paladin of Souls

--A Curse of Chalion won the World Fantasy award. Bujold is a fine writer, able to create realistic characters and well-spun plots. Bujold likes to write about anti-heroes, or at least unassuming heroes. These two books fall under that later category. She is a top notch characterization writer who also writes dam good plots. Give these books a shot.

Terry Goodkind’s Wizard’s First Rule.

-Despite Goodkind’s ever increasing decent into the lowest tiers of quality, his first book is pretty good—if you can live with the author’s almost juvenile writing skills. Regrettably, Goodkind has a disturbing fascination of rape and the torture of women--which he practically shoves down your throat every few pages; though to be fair, it’s within the context of the greater story. Not recommended for the kiddies! His first 6 books are worth reading, after that, you will have more fun mowing the lawn.

JV Jone’s Book of Words saga

-Great read, though inferior to her latest saga: Sword of Shadows. A merge between epic fantasy, heroic fantasy, and sword & sworcery. An obscure baker’s apprentice finds he has the extremely rare gift of sorcery. Sounds like your standard “epic fantasy clone” but Jones draws her characters more clearly than most sword & sorcery novels and the story, at its core, sucks in your interest. The books are well paced with a heavy impetus of action. Well worth the read.

Raymond E. Fiest’s Midkemia books

-He has got a ton of books out, so I won’t list all of them here, only his better ones. His Magician dualogy made my top 20 list, and his Empire Saga almost did. Here are, what I consider, his other books worth reading:

-Serpent War saga

-Talon of the Silverhawk

Curt Benjamin’s Seven Sons saga
Benjamin does something unique: he creates an epic fantasy based in an Asian (Chinese mythology) setting. Very good series, sort of like a Robert Jordan (not as big though!) type of story in china. It’s a trilogy and it’s complete.

John Marco’s Eye of a God

Christopher Poulini’s Eragon

-I confess I was skeptical when I heard this book was written by a 16 year old kid. I opened the covers half expecting to see Ramona (inside joke for those who have read the children’s series J ) gain magical powers and save the world from teachers. But, Poulini impresses with his book. At times, it has a “teenage” flavor too it, and some of the scenes’ verisimilitude falters, yet overall it was an enjoyable experience.

JK Rowling’s Harry Potter

-I will confess: I have never read this series. I have no wish too, really; everyone raves about how good these books are, so I thought to include them here.

Michelle West’s The Sun Sword Saga

-Epic in the tradition of Robert Jordan. The characters are well drawn, at cost of the story’s pacing. You will either love West or hate her style. If you are the type of person who likes characterization over fast pacing, you will probably like West’s epic saga. Her books are unique and worth reading (if you can stomach her ponderous writing style).

Laura Resnick’s In Legend Born & The Destroyer Goddess & The White Dragon

-Outstanding characterization. Resnick really knows how to write realistic characters. Most of the characters are painted in shades of grey. Her plot is enticing, and after the first few chapters, moves along with the speed and intensity of a freight train. I would hesitate to call this “epic” fantasy, although it does contain trace elements of the epic cliques. This series is unique enough to stand apart from the “epic clone” crowd and the characterization is some of the best you will find in fantasy literature. If you are in a mood for an action packed thrill ride, full of deep characterization, you can’t go wrong with this trilogy.

Lawrence Watt-Evan’s Dragon Weather & Dragon Society

James Clemens’s The Banished and the Banished saga

CS Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia.

-These books are classics. CS Lewis, the great English novelist, and friend of JR Tolkien, penned this series for kids. He masterfully creates an extended metaphor for Christianity in his Chornicals of Narnia. However, one does not have to be a Christian to appreciate his tales. Set in a world full of nymphs, dryads, fawns, giants, heros, and kings, these books will draw you into a fascinating world. This is a tale for all ages. Don’t call yourself a fantasy aficionado until you have read this series along with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

More to Come!

Good Fantasy Reads

(These books are above average and worth reading)

Michael A. Stackpole’s Dragon Crown Cycle

-This High Fantasy series has gone under the radar for some reason. It’s fantasy in the classic epic tradition. A band of heroes strives against an all-powerful sorceress. Most prominent feature in this four book saga is the graphic violence. These books are full of blood—too much in fact. After a while the constant fighting becomes weary. Still, if you are looking for some epic fantasy that is heavy on the action, and above average characterization, give this saga a shot.

David Gemmell.

-Gemmell has so many books, I won’t list them all. He is a very good author, one fascinated with heroism and sacrifice, which always play a key theme in his novels. He delights in telling the story of a broken man who tries to find meaning through sacrifice. Here are his “best” books--though all of his books tend to be pretty good. Some people love his style, while some find he writes the same tale over and over. You either love or hate him.

-Legend

-Waylander

-In the Realm of the Wolf (continues Waylander’s story)

More to Come

Dishonorable Mentions

This list contains the authors you should avoid at all cost. Author’s that make it, should never have been published. Don’t touch these books with a 12 foot pole!

Terry Goodkind’s The Naked Empire (Sword of Truth 7) and The Pillars of Creation (Sword of Truth 8)

-Some people might be wondering why Terry Goodkind is missing from the top 21. Well, I have been saving a special spot in the ‘Worst Fantasy’ section for him. Wait, you tell me. “He is a best seller.” Yea, so was Madonna, but that doesn’t mean she knows how to write her name or formulate a written sentence. I admit, Goodkind’s first few novels were pretty good, then he dropped the ball, hook, and a few semi-trucks with his last few releases. His recent book titles can be used as a euphemism for crap, puke or other less than wholesome words.

Robert Newcomb, The Fifth Sorcerer & The Gates of Dawn

-What happens when you blatantly copy a bad Fantasy writer? Simply, you write a really bad fantasy book. The only book Newcomb ever read was Terry Goodkind. At least Goodkind can write half-decently—which is more than Newcomb can claim. The blurb on The Fifth Sorcerer states that it is the epic fantasy of the year. Yea right and Madonna’s religious claims are true.

Robert Stanek. ANY OF HIS BOOKS

-There is a suspicious amount of positive reviews posted at amazon.com concerning this author’s Rune Mist saga. They either range from five to one star. Rumor has it that Rob has been padding Amazon with fake reviews in an effort to hawk his own book. After reading book one, it immediately became apparent after the first chapter that the rumor is true. Stanek is, quite simply, the worst author I have had the misfortune of reading. He possesses not a single atom of writing ability. I’ll put it like this: Keeper Martin’s Tale evinces all the skill of an adolescent girl, writing her first creative piece on a prancing pony. Keep away from his books if you value your sanity.

SOME of Mercedes Lackey’s books

Ok, I might take a lot of flak for this, but I think she is, in general, a horrific author. Her plots tend to muddle around in never-never-land and characters are flat as a cookie. The only time she manages to crawl her way out of the bowels of mediocrity is on the contrails of more talented coauthors. She has an infuriating tendency to have her protagonist adopt homosexuality halfway through some of her novels, which is frustrating when you—as the reader—are not gay. Not all her books are bad; several books she coauthors (with more talented co-authors I might add) are actually quite good (The Outreached Shadow, The Shadow of a Lion). I wish I could say the same about the rest of her books. Summery: if your gay, you will probably like her books, if your not, then steer clear of them (or at least the books she writes by herself).

The prodigious amount of D&D-type books out there (Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, etc).

Try and avoid this stuff; it’s that cheap type of bread you pick up for fifty-cents in the discounted section at Safeway. You might think you got a good deal—till you find it crumbles to pieces on the way home. Pick up a real author like George R. Martin and enjoy a real feast.

More to Come!

A very good place to find information on the best fantasy reads is this forum: http://www.sffworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=3f241b60c873dd88b54578ccf3e9ef8f&forumid=6

Here, there is a healthy, thriving community of fantasy enthusiasts who discuss what’s worth reading and what’s drivel. If you want to read discussions, recommendations and reviews of fantasy literature, check it out!

This list is in a constant state of change. I will continually be updating it with new books. If you wish to procure the latest incarnation of it, simply email me at daytonascan4911@hotmail.com and ask for it.