Greetings
This lens is about some of my favorite fantasy series. They're in no particular order--if I was forced to rank them I'd give different answers on different days. I'll be adding to the list from time to time.
With a few exceptions, I'm calling a "series" three or more books, that don't end conclusively at the end of the third. I've decided to include trilogies, those that do end with the third book. There are just too many good ones that would be left out.... I'm only going to describe the general world setup--you can follow my Amazon links to read more about the individual books, even if you don't buy (though I hope you do...).
I'm concentrating on books, but I'll mention movies if they exist (and I know about them...).
I also have lenses on general science fiction and urban fantasy--see the Featured Lenses at the bottom of this page.
The Lord of the Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Buy at AllPosters.com
Perhaps not the first, but one of the first to gain widespread popularity. If I have to tell you what it's about you should check your ears for sand.
From about sixth grade through college, I read this every summer. It's been a while since then....
There've been several attempts to bring it to the screen, but only the most recent is at all successful (and even they had to leave out some of the best parts).
There is a lot of fantasy fiction out there that's derivative of The Lord of the Rings--you won't find much of it on this list....
There's a Squidoo Group of LOTR lenses here.
The Lord of the Rings
Amazon Price: $19.80 (as of 12/28/2009) 
The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary, One Vol. Edition
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 12/28/2009)
J.R.R. Tolkien Boxed Set (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings)
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Dresden Files
by Jim Butcher
The Malazan Book of the Fallen
by Steven Erikson
Sometimes the books jump from one major subplot to another with very little apparent sense, but they all tie back together eventually. Because of this the series rewards re-reading, since you'll catch connections that you didn't see before.
There are at least a couple of spin-off books by Erikson, and I just found out that Ian C. Esselmont co-created the world and has published one novel set there (so far...).
First book is Gardens of the Moon.
There's a very good Malazan lens here. Waverley (the lensmaster), tries to avoid major spoilers, but minor ones are unavoidable in a rundown this comprehensive.
Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen)
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/28/2009)
Deadhouse Gates (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 2)
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 12/28/2009)
Memories of Ice (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
House of Chains (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Midnight Tides (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 5)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Bonehunters: Book Six of The Malazan Book of the Fallen
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Reaper's Gale: Book Seven of The Malazan Book of the Fallen
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Toll the Hounds: Book Eight of The Malazan Book of the Fallen
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Chronicles of the Kencyrath
by P.C. Hodgell
First book is God Stalk
God Stalk
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Dark Of The Moon
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Seeker's Mask
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
To Ride A Rathorn
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
The Codex Alera
by Jim Butcher
First book is Furies of Calderon
Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Academ's Fury (Codex Alera, Book 2)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Cursor's Fury (Codex Alera, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Captain's Fury (Codex Alera, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Princeps' Fury (Codex Alera, Book 5)
Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Abhorsen Trilogy
by Garth Nix
The Old Kingdom is dominated by magic (in a refreshingly original form), while science rules south of The Wall.
The first book, Sabriel, could almost stand on its own. The second and third (Lirael and Abhorsen), tell a continuous story across the two.
The Abhorsen Trilogy Box Set
Amazon Price: $17.27 (as of 12/28/2009)
Abhorsen (Abhorsen Trilogy)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Chronicles of Amber
by Roger Zelazny
The individual books have been republished in collected editions several times. There are some spin-off books by John Gregory Betancourt, but I've not read those.
First book is Nine Princes in Amber
The Road to Amber: The Collected Stories of Roger Zelazny (NESFA's Choice)
Amazon Price: $19.57 (as of 12/28/2009)
Roger Zelazny's Shadows of Amber
Amazon Price: $19.62 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Great Book of Amber: The Complete Amber Chronicles, 1-10 (Chronicles of Amber)
Amazon Price: $17.27 (as of 12/28/2009)
A Song of Fire and Ice
by George R. R. Martin
Very dark. So many characters die that it's a wonder he has any to be going on with.
First book is A Game of Thrones.
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 12/28/2009)
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 12/28/2009)
A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Black Company
by Glen Cook
There are collected reprints. First book is The Black Company.
The Black Company (Chronicles of The Black Company #1)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Shadows Linger: A Novel of the Black Company (The Second Chronicle of The Black Company)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The White Rose: A Novel of the Black Company (Chronicles of The Black Company)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Shadow Games: The Fourth Chronicles of the Black Company: First Book of the South
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Dreams of Steel (The Fifth Chronicle of the Black Company)
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Bleak Seasons: Book One of the Glittering Stone (Chronicles of The Black Company)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
She Is The Darkness: Book Two of Glittering Stone: A Novel of the Black Company (Chronicles of The Black Company)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Water Sleeps: A Novel of the Black Company (Chronicles of The Black Company)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Soldiers Live (Chronicles of The Black Company)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
The Silver Spike: The Chronicles of the Black Company
Technically a spin-off, it follows The White Rose, but isn't a necessary precursor to the following books.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
The Chronicles of Narnia
by C. S. Lewis
Buy at AllPosters.com
Another that I read several times as a youngster.
A rich high fantasy world, peopled with witches and creatures both Good and Evil. Each of the seven books stands well on its own, but reading them in order helps.
In the first, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a group of four children travel from our world to Narnia, where it transpires that they are much more than just children. Though they return home at the end of that book, it is not their last visit.
The recent movie of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is well done, and fairly true to the book. A movie of Prince Caspian is coming out soon.
The Chronicles of Narnia
Amazon Price: $15.83 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set (adult)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
The Complete Chronicles of Narnia CD Box Set
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
You, too, can be a Lensmaster
Not yet a Lensmaster? Got something to say? Click the Squid to join for Free!
The Tielmaran Chronicles
by Katya Riemann
With fast-paced, tangled plots, this trilogy features inventive magic and well-drawn characters. The plotting stumbles a time or two in the first (it was a first novel), but it's worth working through the rough spots.
Wind from a Foreign Sky (The Tielmaran Chronicles, Book 1)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
A Tremor in the Bitter Earth: Book 2 of the Tielmaran Chronicles
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Prince of Fire and Ashes: Book 3 of the Tielmaran Chronicles
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Gil Trilogy
by Rebecca Bradley
This trilogy is distinguished by excellent character development, tight plotting and beautiful prose.
Lady in Gil (Gil trilogy, Book 1)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Scion's Lady (Gil trilogy, Book 2)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Lady Pain (Gil trilogy, Book 3)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
The Sword of Truth
by Terry Goodkind
There's a brand-new visual adaptation being aired as a syndicated series. Produced by ABC Studios, it looks fairly promising from the first two episodes.
Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Blood of the Fold (Sword of Truth, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Temple of the Winds (Sword of Truth, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Soul of the Fire (Sword of Truth, Book 5)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Faith of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, Book 6)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Pillars of Creation (Sword of Truth, Book 7)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Naked Empire (Sword of Truth, Book 8)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Chainfire: Chainfire Trilogy, Part 1 (Sword of Truth, Book 9)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Phantom: Chainfire Trilogy, Part 2 (Sword of Truth, Book 10)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Drenai Tales
by David Gemmel
This series doesn't really have to be read in order. Each novel stands on its own, though there are interconnections. I do recommend starting with Legend, wherever you go from there.
I've listed all of the novels, in separate covers, below. Omnibus editions are also available.
Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The King Beyond the Gate (Drenai Tales, Book 2)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Quest for Lost Heroes (Drenai Tales, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Waylander (Drenai Tales, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
In the Realm of the Wolf (Drenai Tales, Book 5)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend (Drenai Tales, Book 6)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Legend of Deathwalker (Drenai Tales, Book 7)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Winter Warriors (Drenai Tales, Book 8)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Hero in the Shadows (Drenai Tales, Book 9)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Swords of Night and Day: A Novel of Druss the Legend and Skilgannon the Damned (A Novel of Skilgannon the Damned)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Discworld
by terry Pratchett
There are several separate strands to the Discworld series, each featuring a different character or set of characters. While it's probably best to read each strand in order, it's not strictly required. I do recommend that newcomers start with The Color of Magic, as it makes no assumptions af reader familiarity with the world (the others do tell you enough to not be completely lost...).
There are several illustrated volumes and/or graphic novels, and two made-for-TV movies, plus guides, "companions" and other spin-offs.
I haven't even tried to list all 36 novels, much less any of the spin-offs except the Hogfather DVD. What I have attempted is to give the first book from each of a few of the strands. The Wikipedia article can help you figure it out....
The Color of Magic: A Discworld Novel
Amazon Price: $11.92 (as of 12/28/2009)
Equal Rites: A Discworld Novel
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 12/28/2009)
Guards! Guards!
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Mort
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Hogfather
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Darwath
by Barbara Hambly
The problem of the Dark is solved inthe first trilogy, and there are two follow-up novels. They're listed in order below.
Time of the Dark (The Darwath Trilogy Series)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Armies of Daylight (Darwath Trilogy)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Icefalcon's Quest (Darwath Series)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Mother of Winter (Darwath)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Noble Dead
by Barb & J. C. Hendee
the world setting is classic High Fantasy, and the series should appeal to fans of the genre as well as vampire fans.
Dhampir (Noble Dead)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Thief of Lives (Noble Dead)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Sister of the Dead (The Noble Dead)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Traitor to the Blood (The Noble Dead)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Rebel Fay (Noble Dead)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Child of a Dead God: A Novel of the Noble Dead
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
In Shade and Shadow: A Novel of The Noble Dead
Amazon Price: $15.69 (as of 12/28/2009)
Dubric Bryerly
by Tamara Siler Jones
The first book is almost a pure police procedural mystery (except for the ghosts), but the next two introduce more of a magical element. This, too, is original, rather than derivative. The series as a whole is rather dark (not that I think that's a bad thing...). I certainly hope that there are more to come.
Ghosts in the Snow (Bantam Spectra Book)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Threads of Malice
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 12/28/2009)
Valley of the Soul
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Lord of the Isles
by David Drake
When a not-very-powerful wizard from a thousand years before washes up on the shores of Barca's Hamlet, it comes out that Garric, shepherd and innkeeper's son is actually the last descendant of the last king of the Old Kingdom. He sets of for high adventure, accompanied by Sharina, the woman raised as his sister, his best friend Cashel and Cashel's sister Ilna.
There is a period in the middle of the series where is seems that the main plot of each novel is recycled from the ones before, but each adventure contributes to the overall story arc and the last three (a series-within a series called Crown of the Isles), are worth building toward.
Lord of the Isles
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Queen of Demons: The second book in the epic saga of 'The Lord of the Isles'
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Servant of the Dragon (Lord of the Isles)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Mistress of the Catacombs (Lord of the Isles, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Goddess of the Ice Realm (Lord of the Isles)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Master of the Cauldron (Lord of the Isles)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Fortress of Glass: The First Volume of 'The Crown of the Isles' (Lord of the Isles)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Mirror of Worlds: The Second Volume of 'The Crown of the Isles' (Lord of the Isles)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Gods Return: The Third Volume of the Crown of the Isles (Lord of the Isles)
Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Last Rune
by Mark Anthony
The series hops back and forth between Earth and Eldh. Parts of it are "standard fantasy fare", but there are some original twists as well.
Beyond the Pale (The Last Rune, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Keep of Fire (The Last Rune, Book 2)
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Dark Remains (The Last Rune, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 12/28/2009)
Blood of Mystery (The Last Rune, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 12/28/2009)
The Gates of Winter (The Last Rune, Book 5)
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 12/28/2009)
The First Stone: Book Six of The Last Rune
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 12/28/2009)
Fantasy Movies on Amazon
The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Jim Henson's Fantasy Film Collection - (Labyrinth / MirrorMask / The Dark Crystal)
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 12/28/2009)
Willow (Special Edition)
Amazon Price: $8.49 (as of 12/28/2009)
Fantasy Stuff on CafePress
Fantasy Stuff on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
My CafePress
Squidoo's CafePress module isn't working correctly in "Promote a specific shop" mode (though the problem is reported to be on the CP end). Until it's fixed, here are links to my shops:
Items for witches, pagans and other polytheists:
Pantheon Palace
Items related to music and dance:
Give Us a Tune
Items that don't fit in the shops above:
Loose Ends
Reader Feedback
-
Reply
- AmandaSomers AmandaSomers Oct 23, 2009 @ 8:08 am
- Excellent Lens... i liked the book ideas very much....
-
Reply
- Flynn_the_Cat Flynn_the_Cat Oct 6, 2009 @ 2:32 am
- Frankly? I'd recommend people NOT start Discworld with the Colour of Magic - it's not necessarily his best written book, and turns a lot of people (not being used to fantasy/satire/hist writing) off. I'd suggest one of the more recent YA books, or Nation, as they let the reader into Pratchett's style a bit more gently.
(oh, and lensrolled btw, on my favourite authors lens)
-
Reply
- BFuniv.com BFuniv.com Aug 16, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
- Way too much for one visit. I've seen some books I own, but haven't yet read. I'll start there.
thanks
-
Reply
- Jul 30, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
- This lens is amazing! I'm a fantasy lover and reader myself, and I love to read when i have the chance. There were some that I read up there, and I'm so glad you went through and put the sword of truth up there! It's one of my personal favorites. I will definitely be checking this out again. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this lens!
-
Reply
- JustBon-Crochet-Designs JustBon-Crochet-Designs Jul 26, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
- The Chronicles of Narnia has always been one of my favorites, and of course, The Lord of the Rings. I'm going to have to investigate some of the others here that I haven't heard of. Great lens!
- Load More
Join Squidoo for Free
Featured Lenses on Literature
-
Urban Fantasy: More Things 'Twixt Heaven and Earth
-
This lens is an introduction to Urban Fantasy, a relatively new subgenre of fiction. It is also sometimes known as Contemporary Fantasy or, occasionally, Supernaturals. For purposes of this lens, Urban Fantasy is fiction in which magical or supernat...
-
Great General Science Fiction
-
This lens is about Science Fiction books that I like. I'm going to be talking about what I think of as "general" SF here, since I have a separate lens about High Fantasy Series, another about Urban Fantasy and I'm planning another t...
Lensmasters! Get More Images for Your Lenses!
Tagfoot: Science Fiction/Fantasy
by RolandTumble
Explore related pages
J.R.R. Tolkien- J.R.R. Tolkien was an English writer. His books 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Ri...
Good Fantasy Novels: Fantasy Book Reviews- The best fantasy books with brief reviews. I love fantasy as a genre. It takes y...
Legend of the Seeker- On November 1, 2008, will premiere the Legend of the Seeker television series. L...
Lord Of The Rings: The Best Trilogy Ever- A masterpiece first written by the legendary J.R.R Tolkien, Lord of the Rings ha...
Rose's List of the Best Epic Fantasy Novels Ever- Fantasy is by far my favorite genre. I could happily re...
The Best Fantasy Books / Series- The purpose of this lens is to introduce you to all the great fantasy books that...
