Here is my list of 7 Large Fantasy Books to Take on Holiday. This list is for all those like me who just want to sit and sink into a huge fantasy world while on holiday, inbetween checking out the odd local attraction!
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
From the blurb:
It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them.
One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains…
Of course, the first book on this list is going to be The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Sure,you could pick up The Final Empire too, but if you’re looking for a long book, these 1000-odd pages should suffice.
Check out my review of The Way of Kings or find out more about the Cosmere with this beginner’s guide before reading!
Illborn by Daniel T. Jackson
From the blurb:
Long ago, The Lord Aiduel emerged from the deserts of the Holy Land, possessed with divine powers. He used these to forcibly unite the peoples of Angall, before His ascension to heaven.
Over eight hundred years later, in a medieval world which is threatened by war and religious persecution, four young men and women begin to develop supernatural abilities. These forbidden and secret powers will shatter the lives that they have known, and will force each of them to confront the mystery of the ethereal Gate which haunts their dreams. What does the dream mean, and how is it connected to their burgeoning abilities?
Reading Illborn this year was one of the best reading experiences I have had in a long time. This is a huge, epic fantasy book with a great cast of characters, intricate worldbuilding, and an engaging plot driven by characters and interesting mysteries.
I read Aiduel’s Sin (book 2) straight after and loved it just as much, maybe even more, than book 1, Illborn, so this is definitely a series you can sink your teeth into when on holiday.
I wrote a Guest Post for fanfiaddict.com about Why You Should Read the Illborn Saga by Daniel T. Jackson you should definitely check out if you want to know more about this fantastic series.
Also, Check out my interview with Daniel T. Jackson!
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
From the blurb:
In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell by chance into the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins.
From Sauron’s fastness in the Dark Tower of Mordor, his power spread far and wide. Sauron gathered all the Great Rings to him, but always he searched for the One Ring that would complete his dominion.
Yes, it’s an obvious pick, but if you’re looking for a long fantasy book to dive into over the holidays, why not finally read the classic of classics, The Lord of the Rings?
I would definitely recommend the audiobooks narrated by Andy Serkis as his voice really brings the story to life, despite the outdated language and storytelling style.
Eleventh Cycle by Kian N. Ardalan
From the blurb:
It has been a thousand years since the last Seed abandoned their duty. The mists are closing in. Finally, the Morning Bell tolls. A new Seed is born, but is it too late?
The rot eats away at mortals. The Witnesses pray so that they may not turn into one of the forgotten. And the constricting mists infect the lands with fear.
But there is more to this tale than just the Elders and their Seeds. Four mortals will have a part to play in Minethria’s fate. A farmer girl with only love in her eyes. A warrior born to the life of a refugee. A highborn stuck between the realm of gods and men. And a woman running into front lines and away from home.
This indie fantasy book made a large splash upon its release earlier this year, and for good reason! It’s a massive fantasy book with a full page of trigger warnings, so not for the faint of heart, but if that sounds like your sort of thing, don’t hesitate!
I was lucky enough to get an interview with Kian N. Ardalan you can check out.
Check out our reviews of Eleventh Cycle at The Fantasy Review:
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
From the blurb:
The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
Moiraine Damodred arrives in Emond’s Field on a quest to find the one prophesized to stand against The Dark One, a malicious entity sowing the seeds of chaos and destruction. When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the village seeking their master’s enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al’Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.
It’s no secret that I have struggled to continue past book 5 in this 14-book epic fantasy series, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think it’s worth reading. I actually love all four books I have read so far, I just feel like it becomes a bit repetitive further on.
But The Eye of the World is a fantastic large fantasy book that will tear you away from the real world with its deeply descriptive language and engaging characters. This is classic fantasy at its best.
The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding
From the blurb:
A land under occupation. A legendary sword. A young man’s journey to find his destiny.
Aren has lived by the rules all his life. He’s never questioned it; that’s just the way things are. But then his father is executed for treason, and he and his best friend Cade are thrown into a prison mine, doomed to work until they drop. Unless they can somehow break free . . .
If you are looking for classic fantasy, but written in a moder voice, The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding is for you. This epic swept me away, and the sequel, The Shadow Casket, is also absolutely fantastic.
With a fast-paced plot and epic worldbuilding, The Ember Blade will keep you busily buried in a book on your holidays.
Check out my review of The Ember Blade for more detailed thoughts.
Malice by John Gwynne
From the blurb:
Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors under King Brenin’s rule, learning the art of war. He yearns to wield his sword and spear to protect his king’s realm. But that day will come all too soon. Only when he loses those he loves will he learn the true price of courage.
The Banished Lands has a violent past where armies of men and giants clashed shields in battle, the earth running dark with their heartsblood. Although the giant-clans were broken in ages past, their ruined fortresses still scar the land. But now giants stir anew, the very stones weep blood and there are sightings of giant wyrms. Those who can still read the signs see a threat far greater than the ancient wars. Sorrow will darken the world, as angels and demons make it their battlefield. Then there will be a war to end all wars.
I burned through this epic fantasy debut by John Gwynne a while ago and definitely need to reread it soon. With a large cast of characters and fascinating world with complex political elements, there is a bit of a steep learning curve, but it’s well worth it to experience the world of the Bannished Lands.
Check out my review of Malice here, or get started with ourThe Faithful and the Fallen series review.
