The Fantasy Review’s list of 6 Classic Fantasy Books with Legendary Myths.
The Summer Tree (The Fionavar Tapestry, #1) by Guy Gavriel Kay
From the blurb:
It begins with a chance meeting that introduces the five to a man who will change their lives: a mage who brings them to the first of all worlds, Fionavar.
In this land of gods and myth, each of them is forced to discover what they are and what they are willing to do, as Fionavar stands on the brink of a terrifying war against a dark, vengeful god…
Azure Bonds (Forgotten Realms: Finder’s Stone, #1) by Kate Novak
From the blurb:
Alias is an excellent warrior but she is in serious difficulties. One day she wakes up with blue, twisting and magical runes inscribed on her right arm, and with total amnesia about the circumstances that surround the tattoo. Ready to unveil the impenetrable mystery, Alias forms a group that integrates a series of heterogeneous characters. Ruskettle, halfling troubadour, magician Akabar and a strange, mute and introverted man-lizard whom Alias baptized with the name of Dragonbait…
The Sword of Shannara (The Original Shannara Trilogy, #1) by Terry Brooks
From the blurb:
Long ago, the wars of the ancient Evil ruined the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford knows little of such troubles. But the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake. The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true heir of Shannara. On Shea, last of the bloodline, rests the hope of all the races…
Dragonflight (Pern: Dragonriders of Pern, #1) by Anne McCaffrey
From the blurb:
On a beautiful world called Pern, Lessa is an outcast survivor—her parents murdered, her birthright stolen—a fierce young woman who has never stopped dreaming of revenge. That is, until an ambitious young dragonrider, F’lar, offers her something even greater: the chance to lead Pern at his side by Impressing a golden dragon with whom she will share a telepathic bond more intimate than any human connection. Although there is also her intense relationship with F’lar himself…
A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, #1) by Ursula K. Le Guin
From the blurb:
Ged was the greatest sorcerer in Earthsea, but in his youth he was the reckless Sparrowhawk. In his hunger for power and knowledge, he tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world.
This is the tumultuous tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death’s threshold to restore the balance…
Taliesin (The Pendragon Cycle #1) by Stephen R. Lawhead
From the blurb:
A magnificent tale which begins with the tragedy of Atlantis and the arrival in Britain of King Avallach. In this world, Celtic chieftains struggle for survival in the twilight of Rome’s power, and one heroic figure towers over all, the Prince Taliesin, in whom is the sum of human greatness. This is a tale of a love that spawns the miracle of Merlin and Arthur and a destiny that is more than a kingdom.
