Avatar
Added by Xanadon't

on 1 Oct 2010 05:37

 
4
466 Views   1 Comments

My favorite fantasy novel series

Sort by: Showing 10 items
People who added this item 3  Average listal rating (1 ratings) 10  
1. Lord Foul's Bane (The Chronicles of Thomas C... - Stephen R. Donaldson
This is fantasy all grown up. Very philisophical and morally sticky, this series will thrill you, anger you, challenge you, and move you. It's utterly fantastic.
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 248  Average listal rating (155 ratings) 8.5  
2. The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the ... - J. R. R. Tolkien
The grandaddy of them all, what is there to say that hasn't already been said?
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 3  Average listal rating (3 ratings) 9.7  
3. Assassin's Apprentice/Royal Assassin - Robin Hobb
Character driven, tightly told, and probably the best debut fantasy series I've come across in years and years. Magic abounds, in two very different forms, and you won't begrudge the absence of trolls, goblins, elves, etc. for a second. If you're a fantasy fan and haven't yet read this you're really missing out.
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 16  Average listal rating (12 ratings) 8.4  
4. Wizard's First Rule: Book 1: The Sword Of Tr... - Terry Goodkind
This guy didn't become a writer until he was into his forties. What he lacks in sheer skill, he makes up for in imagination and the ability to tell truly engaging stories. These are very very good books and will keep you up till the wee hours.
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 2  Average listal rating (1 ratings) 9  
5. A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings - George R. R. Martin
Masterfully crafted, this series oozes with integrity, honor, excitement. A love-letter to a grander time, and a serious work of epic fantasy. A true must read for fans of the genre.
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 8  Average listal rating (5 ratings) 7.6  
6. The Baker's Boy (The Book of Words, Book 1) - J. V. Jones
One of the most loveable, purely enjoyable series I've ever read. J.V. Jones has caught some criticism and has improved as a writer since this debut series, but this trilogy brings a lot of charm. Packed with fully realized, memorable characters. This is lighter than some of the stuff you may have read, but terribly engrossing and rich and satisfying in all things sensory.
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 10  Average listal rating (7 ratings) 8.3  
7. The Sword of Shannara - Terry Brooks_III
Total hack. Blatant LOTR rip-off. But admit it, you want more Lord of the Rings, even if the author and character names have changed. I liked these books, and with a forgiving mindset, you will too.
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 14  Average listal rating (11 ratings) 8.8  
8. The Icewind Dale Trilogy: Collector's Editio... - R. A. Salvatore,R.A. Salvatore
Mass market, pop fantasy has never been this good. Salvatore can weave a story with some of the best, and he's created some of the most iconic fantasy characters to come alive on page. Forget the rest of the Forgotten Realms stuff and just start (and if you still feel like it, end) with this trilogy.
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 5  Average listal rating (2 ratings) 8  
9. The Chaos Balance (Saga of Recluce) - L. E. Modesitt Jr.
An over-looked, underrated series, that seemingly will never end. This series actually begins with "The Magic of Recluse" and has now arrived at its 16th installment. I didn't make it past 5, but not for lack of enjoyment. This is smart fantasy with a social conscience, a complex, fresh offering to the genre.
Xanadon't's rating:

People who added this item 15  Average listal rating (6 ratings) 7.5  
10. Black Sun Rising (Coldfire Trilogy) - C. S. Friedman
Quietly gripping trilogy. Still not sure what endeared me to these books quite so much, but there's something powerful at work in them indeed. These tackle ideas about religious systems, beliefs with more depth than most any other fantasy works, and are really just a good read.
Xanadon't's rating:



Yep. I went through that phase. To me the said part is that, try as I might, I just can't get back in it. Those were good days.

Added to




Related lists

Ranking the Final Fantasy Series
12 item list by wordsasbombs
12 votes 7 comments
Favorite Series/Miniseries Based on a novel
15 item list by almaseletiva
2 votes
My Dream Cast for My Fantasy Novel
22 item list by EvieBlack
Favorite Fantasy Books
101 item list by mika_
4 votes 1 comment
[Series] SaGa RPG universe
8 item list by Prelude
6 votes
Hugo Award - Best Novel
57 item list by CelShader
11 votes
Fantasy
205 item list by Mr. Saturn
7 votes
Final Fantasy Main Series Games - Best to Worst
12 item list by Sabin Kenobi
4 votes 6 comments
[Series] Final Fantasy Tactics
5 item list by Prelude
5 votes 1 comment

View more top voted lists
Join listal and create your own lists and much more

People who voted for this also voted for

My favourites movies
Listal's Favorite Books Poll (Ongoing)
Faeries by Froud II
Wraiths
Fantasy Art by Rowena
POLL -- Greatest Fantasy Author of All Time
Classic Halloween Literature
MY TOP 100 ANIMATED SERIES


Comments

Posted: 8 months ago at Sep 13 8:31
Excellent list of books by some of the best authors in the genre. I'm glad to see R.A. Salvatore on your list. Tolkien is also a must read. Great job!

Just curious, how close is the Game of Thrones miniseries to the books? I have really liked both seasons and I plan on reading the 4 books in A Song of Ice and Fire series. Anyway, just wondering your opinion. Thanks in advance!

Login or Signup to post a comment