There are so many fantasy stories to explore these days that it is not very difficult to find something new to read. However, not all fantasy novels are equal when it comes to quality. Of course, everyone has different preferences. I understand that my recommendations may not be to your liking. Still, I have always found it helpful to read reviews of authors and series before I start reading a novel — in fact, that is the main way I decide exactly what I am going to read next.
I have gone through many stages since I first started reading. I do not remember my first books — not even my first readers. The first books that captured my imagination were the Enid Blyton ‘Faraway Tree’ series. In fact, I probably read every Enid Blyton book available in my school library. My first taste of ‘fantasy’ was when I stumbled across C. S. Lewis; after that I was hooked. I spent most of my teenage years reading Science Fiction as there was not a very large selection of fantasy available those days. Tolkien was discovered when I was sick at home for a couple of months. From then on I read little else — oh still some SF and a bit of horror though I hadn’t discovered Stephen King yet.
Needless to say, the list below is definitely not conclusive as there really are a lot of other writers or selections of an author’s writings that I enjoy. However, when it comes down to it these would have to be some of my all time favorites — you know, the ones you can go back and re-read again and again when you feel like it. The list is in no particular order, simply the way they come to mind.
Stephen King: His writing style awes me, his stories are suitably creepy and his insights into people and their personality astounds me at times. His good guys have foibles and his heroes are, aside from some type of supernatural talent, normal people anyone could relate to. Aside from that, his plot lines are definitely novel. His characters grow and change and he does delightful things like refer to something from one book in another of his books.
George R. R. Martin: I have to admit I have only read his “A Song of Fire and Ice” series (several times over). I am fascinated with the world he has built. I love the fact that while there is magic it is subtle and easy to imagine really happening. His characters are fascinating; the good guys get killed off at times, bad guys turn out to actually have some good traits, people are shallow or deep or frivolous or broken and you can really believe they are real people. I have had numerous conversations with people about this series and have come to the conclusion that you either love it or hate it–few are in-between. I have heard things such as, “I shut the book when they put the wolf head on the boy, that was too ridiculous and over-done,” or “How can you like a book when the main characters keep getting killed off?” Lol, to me those are the things that make this series epic.
Robert Jordan: I became fascinated with the “Wheel of Time” series. I was thrilled to find that Brandon Sanderson brought the end of the storyline along, in my opinion, just as well. I got a bit fed up with some of the characters from time to time but again liked the way they changed and evolved. I think, for me, the world building he did was perhaps the highlight for me in reading over the books. It was creative and I found it fascinating.
Tolkien: I have yet to read a book that so utterly captivated me as the “Lord of the Rings” did when I first read it at 18 or 19 years old. It was a tough summer for me, I was sick at home for a few months and couldn’t go out or barely do anything. I read the trilogy from beginning to end, barely putting it down to eat (hey, I wasn’t that hungry anyway!) He is a master story-teller, and awesome world-builder and his characterization is wonderful.
Now, onto some of the perhaps lesser known authors that I also enjoy reading:
Robin Hobb: I very much enjoyed the Farseer Trilogy however was not that impressed with some of her most recent novels.
Jim Butcher: I loved his ‘Dresden Files’ series. A note though, it is worth reading the first few books without giving up as around the fourth novel in the series he really gets into a rhythm and the books are a delight to read if you enjoy urban fantasy.
Kim Harrison: Another of my favorite urban fantasy authors. Check out her ‘Hollows’ series for a fun and exciting read. Intrigue and a look at vampires from a perspective seldom explored to such extent.
Patricia Briggs: I am not a fan of all of Patricia Briggs’ books, but I am currently reading her ‘Mercy Thompson’ series which has an interesting and detailed look at life in and around the werewolf pack. Again, urban fantasy and a good read.
Brandon Sanderson: His ‘Mistborn’ series was, I thought, brilliant and highly enjoyable to read. I loved how magic evolved and played out in the series and the world building was phenomenal.
Of course, there are others. These are just a few who inspire me and keep me coming back for more.