Reading tastes change slightly over time, so here is an updated list of my favourite fantasy books. They are in no particular order but they are all brilliant!
A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire #3) by George R.R. Martin
The third book in Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is my favourite of the lot! (So far – I have read books 1,2,3, and 4). Before this one, the first two have enough twists to make things very exciting, but this third installment is just off the scale. I will never be able to feel like things are going well again – MILD SPOILER ALERT – two words: two weddings.
This is one of the best fantasy books ever written and I think anyone who had read this series will at least agree it’s one of the better ones.
The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time #4) by Robert Jordan
I am a huge fan of Perrin, so this book was bound to make me happy. His character develops so quickly compared to everyone else in this book and I spent the whole time reading the books waiting for his chapters.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, take a look at my review for The Eye of the World which is book 1 of the series. It’s a wonderful fantasy series with a slight classic-fantasy feel.
The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive #1) by Brandon Sanderson
If this list was numbered, this would be number 1 (probably). I have been told over and over again to start reading this series and I was hesitant because of the size of the first book, however I finally sat down and read it (only took 6 days) and I loved it.
The POVs are all interesting – not one of them is boring which is great! Most fantasy with several POVs can get boring if one or more of them feel a little stagnant. This book is constantly moving forwards and it well worth the time it took to read.
The Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3) by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is one of the most popular fantasy writers right now so it should be of no surprise to anyone that he is on this list twice.
Hero of Ages is the best ending to a trilogy I have read yet. It is obvious that Sanderson planned all three books and planted evidence to foreshadow events that took place because everything felt satisfying and right as it came together at the end.
I think if I ever write a trilogy, I will write all three books at the same time because it definitely worked for this series.
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1) by Patrick Rothfuss
This is the most ‘literary’ (modern) fantasy book I have read yet. Rothfuss’ grasp of language is incredible. This book alone is enough to prove to any person who believes the fantasy genre is not a true literary genre that they are wrong. Fantasy, like most genres, can be literary, and this book is proof.
Aside from the beautiful language, the plot itself is fun and page turning. The main character is good at nearly everything which is criticised a lot but sometimes I like to watch a protagonist show off. What many seem to forget is that Kvothe’s pride and arrogance leads him into a lot of trouble and that is his flaw that he must overcome. He could be the most powerful man in the world but if he doesn’t sort his mind out, he will forever lag behind everyone else.
Do you like this list? What might you add or remove? Let me know in the comments down below.
