My Top 5 Fantasy Books - 2018 - The Fantasy Review

5. The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

I grew up reading Lewis’ Narnia series. They carved a path straight through my mind that drove me into new world through the fantasy genre.

There is only one book from my childhood that had more of an impact, and it’s next on the list…

4. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

This is a given, surely! Everyone should read this growing up, and those who did not need to get onto it.

Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a ‘foot in the door’ to Middle-Earth and the incredibly complex and detailed world he spent a lifetime creating. No only does it guide the reader into the beginnings of a wonderful adventure, but it also creates a longing for more. And that’s why I read fantasy.

3. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

This book is quite recent (and the sequel is coming soon, I believe) however it deserves to be on this list for two reasons:

One – It is different! I rarely pick up a fantasy book that can provide me with strong, female cowboy-type characters that fight with a rebellion behind them, over desert sands. Sounds cool, right?!
Two – I had stopped reading newer fantasy before I picked this up. I was bored of the one-dimensional fantasy that seems prevalent in YA (and some new adult) fantasy books today. It breathed new life into the genre and I hope it continues to do so, inspiring others to follow.

2. Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

‘The man who ‘ripped-off’ Tolkien.’

I agree that Jordan was heavily inspired by Tolkien’s works (he admitted that himself), but it is not like he stole anything. Eye of the World feels like a classic – it is a classic.

The character and plot development is gradual but worth the wait. The details are so subtle, it can take Jordan half a book to show you that one character has flaw, but he can also provide immediacy in times of suspense and action.

I cannot fault the book, and I hope to continue with the series very soon.

Honourable Mentions:

1. Last of the Wilds by Trudi Canavan

The second book in ‘The Age of Five’ trilogy. Canavan has a way of making the middle book of a trilogy the best, which is the complete opposite to most writers.

I first read this book when I was 13. I was probably a little young for the brothels and bloodshed but I enjoyed it – it was exciting! I had never been introduced to a world with beautifully constructed POV characters who all contrasted such a stark background.

When rereading the series a few years later, I saw some elements of religious satire – if that is the right way to describe it – which I found interesting. There are many levels of this book (and series) so rereading is almost obligatory!

This will forever be my favourite fantasy book, and the series will continue to be reread many times.

[NB: The links to all books go to bookdepository.com. I am an affiliate so if you buy any books through those links then I get a small commission.]