It’s time to get those imagination cells in your brain working, as we look through our top 10 fantasy books. We’re going to encounter magical beasts and all manner of supernatural goings-on, on this journey and we hope very much that you enjoy where it takes you. So, without further ado, let’s dig into our 10 finest in the fantasy genre.
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien
Familiar to millions, thanks to the hugely successful movie trilogy, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings just has to be part of anyone’s top 10 fantasy list. The story that follows the diminutive Frodo from the Shire, as he fights against what seem like insurmountable odds to keep “the ring that controls them all” out of the wrong hands. Whether or not you’ve seen the film version, Lord of the Rings is a must-read for the serious fantasy enthusiast.
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
If you’re a fan of elves, warlocks and trolls, then we have another novel that you will love in the form of the Sword of Shannara. Set two thousand years after a nuclear apocalypse and subsequent wars that wiped out most of human life and its technology, a half-elf half-human named Shea Ohmsford is the lead character. That’s because Shea is special and is the only one with the power to wield the magical sword that can stop the evil Brona, who is hell-bent on world domination.
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
Another of the classics from the fantasy genre, the Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe is a story that appeals to people of all ages. Penned by C.S.Lewis, this epic has been around since the early 50s and continues to inspire the imagination today. Read this wonderful book to see Lucy, Peter, Susan and Edmund as they join Aslan the Lion in an epic battle against the White Witch. This is one rightly takes its place in the fantasy hall of fame.
The Colour of Magic by Sir Terry Pratchett
The next selection on our list is from the brilliant mind of Sir Terry Pratchett who’s imagination is responsible for the creation of Discworld – a flat planet that sits on the back of four celestial elephants, which themselves sit on the back of an even bigger turtle!
The Colour of Magic is the first of Pratchett’s Discworld series and a great introduction to this singularly unique world. To explain what happens to the main character – a failed wizard called Rincewind – would take too long, such is the complex, but brilliant storyline. Suffice to say, there are hilarious moments throughout – one of many reasons why you should give this book a read.
Peter Pan by James Matthew Barrie
The story of the boy who never grew up is one that is synonymous with all things magical and a list of the best fantasy novels without it wouldn’t be right. Peter leads his Lost Boys against his arch-nemesis Captain Hook and what an adventure it is! Throw in a dash of stardust and children that can fly and you get a fairy tale fantasy that warms the cockles of anyone who reads it.
The Obelisk Gate by N.K.Jemisin
Set in a place called The Stillness – a supercontinent that suffers from a near-apocalyptic climate change every few hundred years – the story of the Obelisk Gate follows a magical mother and daughter during their epic struggle to find each other. Separated, the pair struggle to become reunited, whilst searching for reasons behind a pattern that threatens the planet’s very existence. A fantasy story that will leave you breathless.
Harry Potter by J.K.Rowling
We offer up this blockbuster from the literary behemoth that is J.K.Rowling. Whilst there are plenty out that will have read this series from cover to cover, its a modern fantasy classic that jumps out in the genre. The young Harry goes through possibly the most challenging childhood imaginable, before finding out some surprising things about himself. Whether for the first time or as a re-read, the complete Harry Potter collection has to be part of your fantasy collection.
The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
Far more than being just a story about a man who can talk to animals, the Story of Dr Dolittle is a momentous tale of a respected physician from the humble surroundings of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Despite being from an ordinary place, the Doctor is from being so and gains such a following in the animal kingdom that his human clients are scared away, leading to financial ruin. The story of how he returns to prominence from there is one well worth a read.
Watership Down by Richard Adams
From the tear-jerking area of the fantasy world comes this emotional and often nightmarish tale of life in the warren. Fiver, a young rabbit, has a vision of the future that sees the end of his home, leading to him and his family leaving in search of a new place to live. Will they get there or will one of the many dangerous things that lay ahead cause their demise?
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The last entry on our list is there on merit, as it’s a fantasy story at the epic end of the spectrum that follows the life of Kvothe, a famous warrior legend of the time who goes into hiding under the alias of Kote, a humble inn owner from Waystone. Life continues peacefully until demon spiders are seen in the local area and Kvothe’s subterfuge threatens to evaporate if he’s called into action. Readers of this captivating book get to find out what happens next in this thrilling tale.
So, there you have it – 10 of the best from the fantasy genre that gets the imaginative juices flowing and offer bucketloads of escapism. We hope you enjoy working your way through them.
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