For such a long time, I had only read around 10 individual series or books in the fantasy genre. Only in 2018 and 2019 did I start to read new authors and branch out into other areas of fantasy.
Over the past two years, I’ve had a few authors and series on my radar, and I have now compiled a list of all the books and series I want to read over the next two years (or at least begin).
As a reader of the genre and as someone who writes a lot of fantasy too, it’s important to me that I read widely – especially within the fantasy category.
If I continue to read only the authors I know or the books I have already read, I won’t learn anything. And, as I have recently learnt after reading a few new authors, I will miss out on so much that the genre has to offer.
This is only a list of the main ones I want to read, but if you have any suggestions and would like me to read and review any books you’re interested in, let me know in the comments!
Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
I’m beginning this list with a big one! I have previously tried reading Gardens of the Moon, but I stopped around page 266.
It was largely due to me being too busy with university assignments and moving house that I just didn’t have the time to take it slowly and soak all the information in.
I am aware of the cliffside-like, steep learning curve of these books, but I’m excited to see what Malazan fans are raving about, and maybe even to branch out into the other books and series attached to Book of the Fallen too.
The First Law by Joe Abercrombie
After reading The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang (and I’m currently burning by way through book two), I know that I enjoy a grimdark story – who better to turn to now than Lord Grimdark himself.
I’ve seen and heard so many good reviews about these books that it would be stupid for me not to read them – or at least give the first trilogy a go!
I’ve heard plenty of people say that Joe Abercrombie does this kind of fantasy better than George R. R. Martin with A Song of Ice and Fire, so I’m excited to see if I agree with them.
The Dark Tower by Stephen King
As I mentioned in a recent post, Top Stephen King Books I Want to Read, The Dark Tower has been a series on my radar for a while now.
I’m told it only gets better after the first book – and as The Gunslinger is only short, I shouldn’t have a problem dipping my toe into the series.
Lightbringer by Brent Weeks
I’ve heard a lot about this series, and now that it is complete, it’s the perfect time to have a read through – especially as there aren’t many books to make my way through.
The main thing I’ve heard about these books is the magic system. It sounds cool and just the sort of thing I need while I’m waiting for Brandon Sanderson‘s next book!
The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu
I have had The Grace of Kings on my bookshelf for a year now. After reading The Poppy War and learning that R. F. Kuang loves this series – and even cites it as an inspiration for creating a fantasy world that’s not set in a medieval European setting – I know that I need to start reading this series soon after finishing her trilogy (with the final book coming out later this year).
It’s also been said to be perfect for people who loved A Song of Ice and Fire, so it sounds perfect for me.
So, that is my list of series I want to get to over the next two years. As I said before, if you have any other fantasy series you think I should take a look at and read, please let me know!
