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 25 fantasy books out of
the thousands of lesser works. Finding a good fantasy books is difficult, 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
“Dark Elf” 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. Blame it on the cheesy D&D-type books that
populate the fantasy isles of bookstores if you will but rest assured, there
are 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 own favorites. By no means is there
a great margin between say #25 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.
Perhaps the title, “Best of the Best of Fantasy Literature” is a bit of a misnomer, as most of my
top twenty-five are part of trilogy or saga. 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 25, and peruse the second list and third lists, which include some
outstanding single volume works.
#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 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, 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
Similar recommendations: Give
George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Fire and
Ice a try. It’s a massive epic like
#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. 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 long forgotten No-God stirs once more, casting a web of darkness upon the
squabbling lands of men once more…
-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
Jennifer Fallon’s The Second Sons Trilogy
Series
Completion: COMPLETED: Three books, all
released.
MAGNIFICENT
BOOKS! Starts with The Lion of Senett.
Commentary on trilogy to be added shortly.
#12 E.E.
Knight’s “Vampire Earth”
Series
Completion: NOT COMPLETED: I predict there will be many books in this
too-addicting saga. Each book continues Valentine’s story.
Picture
a dark, apocalyptic world set in the near future. A world conquered by vampyric aliens, where humans are kept as nothing more than
feeding and breeding stock. This is not your normal post-apocalyptic novel.
Knight creates a rich milieu, almost reminiscent of an epic fantasy world. Make
no mistake, this novel cannot be pigeon-holed into a single genre, it has
elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. This is one hell of a thrill
ride with a dark tension that keeps you pinned from the moment you open the
cover to the second you wipe your eyes at 3 am.
#13 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
#14 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.
#15 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
#16 Thomas
Harlan’s Oath of Empires saga
Series
Completion Status: COMPLETED: Four books
-Alternative
history. It is 600 AD and
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…).
#17
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.
#18
Deborah
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.
Similar recommendations: Jennifer Roberson’s Sword Dancer saga.
#19 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.
#20
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.
#21
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.
#22 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.
#23 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,
Honorable
Mentions
(Fantasy
Books Well Worth
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
Sean
Russell’s Rise of Moontide and Magic
-
Sean Russell writes books for people who like to read. Ponderous, slow, and
often steeped in mystery, his worlds are rich with characterization and plot.
His Moontide and Magic is set in a world not unlike
the Victorian era. The Farrlands, once home to the
mysterious mages, is now steeped in the ways of empiricism. Magic is gone from
the world, with the passing of the last mage. Or is it?
Rich,
complex, and beautifully written, this is one book you don’t want to miss. One
can never accuse Russell of holding to the standard Tolkien
cliques. Fans of David Gemmell fast paced “beat-em-up-and-leave-em” or
Sean
Russell’s Beneath the Vaulted Hills
-These
books are prequels to Sean Russell’s Rise
of Moontide and Magic. Those of you familiar with Russell trademark
style won’t be disappointed. These books are every bit as good as his Moontide and Magic books.
Sean
Russell’s Brother Initiate & Gather of Clouds
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 well above average and definitely 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)
Greg Keyes
“Chosen of the Changing” duology
Greg Keyes
Age of Reason saga
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!
Note: to make this list, the book must REALLY be a steaming pile of donkey
defecation.
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. In a few of her books, she has the infuriating
tendency to have her protagonist adopt homosexuality (or bisexuality) 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, as she usually tries to
include homosexuality in one form of the other, 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.