Good Fantasy Novels: Favorite Fantasy Book Reviews
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The Fantasy Genre - the best books reviewed
The best fantasy books with brief reviews. I love fantasy as a genre. It takes you into a new world where there are so many new possibilities - but also new dangers and new limitations.
This lens lets you discuss Harry Potter versus Lord of the Rings - and shows you other fantasy series that are inspiring, scary and great - yet you may have missed them...
Contents at a Glance
Top 10 Best Fantasy Books
The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, Book 1) by Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
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The Kane Chronicles, Book Two: The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
In this exciting second installment of the three-book series, Carter and Sadie, offspring of the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane, embark on a worldwide search for the Book of Ra, but the House of Life and the gods of chaos are determined to stop them.
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Septimus Heap, Book Six: Darke by Angie Sage
In the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus Heap must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone. With the help of Jenna, Alther Mella, Marcellus Pye, and Septimus's estranged brother, Simon Heap, Septimus and Marcia Overstrand battle the spreading Darkenesse. Will Septimus succeed in prot...
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The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Fairy tales; Fiction / General; Fiction / Fantasy / General; Fiction / Fantasy / General; Fiction / Fantasy / Short Stories; Fiction / Fairy Tales, Folklore0 points
Heroes of Olympus, The, Book Two: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a quest:
Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.
Who are the other four mentioned in the prophesy? The answer may lie in another camp miles away,...0 points
The Thirteenth Unicorn by W. D. Newman
Ben Alderman and his sister Casey discover a portal to a world of magic, a world discovered, shaped, and settled by wizards. It is a world where elves and dwarves are locked in mortal combat against a witch who is trying to free the last wizard from exile. The witch has been defeated once before but with the combined power of the wizard, no one will be able to stand against them.0 points
George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 4-Book Boxed Set: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R.R. Martin
A NEW ORIGINAL SERIES, NOW ON HBO.
George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series has become, in many ways, the gold standard for modern epic fantasy. Martin-dubbed the "American Tolkien" by Time magazine-has created a world that is as rich and vital as any piece of historical fiction, set in an age of knights and chivalry and filled with a plethora of fascinating, multidimensional characters that you love, hate to love, or love to hate as they struggle for control of a d...0 points
The Book of Deacon by Joseph Lallo
Myranda is a young woman more interested in staying alive than being a hero. Orphaned by a continent-spanning war that has gone on for decades too long and shunned for failing to support it, she has been on the move since she was only a child. One can hardly blame her when she thinks that the chance discovery of a fallen soldier's priceless cargo is the moment that will change her life. No one could predict just how great that change would be. It will lead her through an adventure of rebels and....0 points
Demon Girl (The Rae Wilder Novels) by Penelope Fletcher
Rae Wilder has problems.... Supernatural creatures swarm the earth, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Stalked by a handsome fairy who claims she is like him, demonkind, Rae thinks maybe it was a mistake breaking the rules by going over the Wall into demon territory. Plunged into a world of dark magics, fierce creatures, and ritual sacrifice, she is charged with a guarding a magical amulet. The changes to her mind and body are startling, but rather than accept her purpose she struggles....0 points
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is set circa 1790 in the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town, New York, in a secluded glen called Sleepy Hollow. It tells the story of Ichabod Crane, a lean, lanky, and extremely superstitious schoolmaster from Connecticut, who competes with Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt, the town rowdy, for the hand of 18-year-old Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter and sole child of a wealthy farmer. As Crane leaves a party, he is pursued by the Headless Horseman, who is supposedly the g...0 points
Twilight: meeting and loving a vampire
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Did you like the latest Harry Potter movie?
Lord of the Rings, Tolkien
Who's Better? Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?
The Ultimate Choice
Do you like Rowling or Tolkien Better?
Which set is better: Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings??
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byLord of the Rings is eternally great
Burn_the_ginger_haters says:
Lord of the rings seems so... magical I WANT to go there and be a loremaster!!! I WANT to be stuck there. If I was in harry potter I would quite simply die- BLAH. Harry potters OK but boring and all the book are the same as the last one :( Its a good series and all but LOR all the way :) I love the rivalry between dwarf and elf :) Fav movie qoute from it was when that girl was fighting and her oponent said no mere man could beat him and she stabs him and says " well I am no man" PERFECT!!! :) :) :)
Posted January 28, 2012
Aragon says:
Lord of the rings is miles better I bet the Harry potter fans have only ever read Harry potter so they don't know how many other good books there are .
Eragon and cherub are the best books ever!
Posted August 17, 2011
DinaDLG says:
I like anything better than Harry Potter. Are they comparable even though? One is a complex world with multitudes of characters, well thought out and written, bringing them all to life. The other is Harry Potter.
Posted June 13, 2011
Mathieu says:
They're two completely different things, but I'd have to go with Lord of the Rings. Tolkein put so much detail into it. He made a whole new world with its own mythology. I also find the characters a lot more likeable than in Harry Potter
Posted June 08, 2011
Harry Potter is the fresh favorite
Vaness K says:
Harry Potter definetively. I hate Lord of the Rings(sorry for Tolkens fans).
Posted April 22, 2011
Andrew C says:
harry potter with out a doubt
Posted March 25, 2011
Brittini Schoech says:
I have tried reading Lord of the Rings and although it is detailed and seems to come to life in front of you, it does not have that "cant put down" feeling that Harry Potter has. I must say Lord of the Rings is more creative, but at times, rather dull. Harry Potter is the perfect blend of fantasy and reality.
Posted November 23, 2010
jesslee says:
Personally I prefer Harry Potter but I don't think you can really compare them. They may both be a fantasy series but thats all they really have in common. And Harry Potter is aimed at kids and young adults (everyone else just likes it as well). The topic (murder, etc) doesn't have anything to do with that its about the style of writing. Harry Potter is more kid friendly in its style than Lord of the Rings which has an insane amount of detail (like most good fantasy does but kids normally can't read without getting bored).
Posted November 14, 2010
Phaneendra Hari says:
Obviously Harry Potter. Who int their right mind would say otherwise
Posted October 30, 2010
The Sword of Truth series, by Terry Goodkind
The Discworld Series - Terry Pratchett
One of the finest series a lover of fantasy will ever find
Many of the books follow a plot line with Granny Weatherwax and a unlucky wizard but all of them have the Disk in common.
As a first start for this series I would suggest the "The Color of Magic". This will make you fall in love. If you have kids, a sub-series that you may find enjoy able to read yourself or to the family may be "Winter Smith".
I wish I had the opportunity to read them for the first time but I suppose I will have to leave that to you. ENJOY!
The DiscWorld Series
Best Magic Fantasy by the popular Terry Pratchett
It's hard to improve on the fabulous backcover text of the Discworld books, but I'll give it a try...
Can anybody tell me: what's the difference between science fiction and fantasy?
Seriously: is there a difference?
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DinaDLG
Jun 13, 2011 @ 4:31 pm | delete
- I think Science Fiction has a 'science' base. Back in the day of Asimov, etc., it really was just far reaching science. Nowadays, with science so far advanced, there's really no place to go so it's all been covered under the scifi/fantasy label. Fantasy is more 'fun' based, more imagination like 'if fairies existed' type of things rather than teleporting to other planets.
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tandemonimom
Mar 13, 2011 @ 9:39 pm | delete
- Little difference; I think generally sci fi tends to be high tech, whereas fantasy is more low tech.
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prosperity66
Jan 13, 2010 @ 9:42 am | delete
- Simply put, science fiction is a theory about what something can be in the future (extrapolation) while fantasty originates from myths/legends and lies in the common imaginary.
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Jessica
Apr 29, 2011 @ 7:52 pm | delete
- That's pretty much all you can say about it, I'd say. I mean, yeah, you can go into detail and explain, but that's all you need to say.
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WritingforYourWealth
Oct 31, 2009 @ 1:06 pm | delete
- Difference, what? ;) I've been told that science fiction is supposed to be extrapolated from fact, but I don't think any of the space opera books out there are heavy on fact, heh. I kind of like the science fantasy stuff that mixes the two and doesn't pretend to be anything else.
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99 Coffins: A Historical Vampire Tale
Thrilling fantasy novel by David Wellington
99 Coffins: A Historical Vampire Tale
Amazon Price: $5.37 (as of 02/13/2012)
This is an excellent book if your in for a little history lesson and a lot of gory vampire fun. When you compare this book to others in the same genre you will find it lacks a little of the sexy and steamy scenes.
That's just fine because the leading lady, Laura Caxton, is the regular kick butt human. No magical powers or insane strength. These vampire are also no porcelain skinned lovelies, they will rip throats out and throw cars. This is an action packed thrill ride that will start in the afternoon and end at 3 AM - in other words: You won't be able to put this book down once you start reading.
What Kind of Fantasy Do You Like?
What's the best fantasy?
A Small Favor... Jim Butcher at his best
A Brief Review of his best book
The Dresden Files is extraordinary both in content and writing. Followers of this series will agree that Small Favor is in fact a HUGE favor (to the reader).This installment unravels several of the mysteries that left readers grasping for the nonexistent pages in the earlier books. Harry delves into fierce battles and cocky dialog with new and powerful foes from the past and the present. The faerie court makes an appearance as always, leading Harry in circles and demanding too much. If you thought the coin carrying demons had lost their light, no pun intended, then I assure you Small Favor will correct that misconception.
Jim Butcher's writing, while it has always been excellent, continues to improve. Small Favor is written in a spell binding style: the words are weaved like incantations. They come together into the late night reading we all love.
Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)
by Jim Butcher
Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)
Amazon Price: $8.22 (as of 02/13/2012)
Just a great addition to the long line of quality Jim Butcher novels.
Marion Zimmer Bradley (or MZB)
My personal favorite fantasy
Witchlight, Ghostlight, Heartlight and Gravelight form a series together with 'The Inheritor'. Set in the 20th century this series mixes today's world with a fantasy or occult world view.
Bradley really shows she knows the occult and alternative scene and creates stories that you just can't put down in that strange but familiar world.
What's your favorite fantasy author?
Add your own favorites if I forgot any.
George RR Martin
A song of Ice and Fire, Dunk and Egg Novella's, nu more...2 points
Marion Zimmer Bradley or MZB
My personal favorite. She's written dozens of fasc more...1 point
Raymond E. Feist
Riftwar series, he has an excellent way of writing more...1 point
R.A. Knowlton
KnorraSky The Deception, A Collection of Fantasy, more...0 points
Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 4)
by Katie MacAlister
Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $2.80 (as of 02/13/2012)
Katie MacAlister delves deeper into the life of Aisling Grey the Guardian, demon lord, and sexy wife to be of the fiery Drake, the wyvern of the Green dragons.
Aisling has become immersed in the Otherworld while maintaining and strengthening her relationship with Drake but with a marriage ceremony that keeps struggling to hold together, an angry demon overlord, and a sixth class demon with a sarcastic mind will she ever really become a bride? With appearances from our old favorites and letting the green dragons do what they do best this book will burn your hands. The delightfully delicious dreams and the burning power of dragon fire will keep you warm into the very early hours of the morning.
Katie MacAlister wins us over with but one more sexy and smoking novel from her repertoire.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and don't tell me I didn't warn you that this book will singe your fingers.
Ender's Game - The profound mind of a child
A Brief Review
Orson Scott Card has been a staple in Sci-Fi and fantasy for years. I would argue that this stems from Ender's Game.In hopes to not give away too much I definitely recommend this to any literate adult or teen who wants to learn about themselves and be entertained.
Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card
Ender's Game
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 02/13/2012)
The story of a brilliant child with the world set upon his shoulders. His actions are dictated with logic, emotion, and compulsion. He is the type of child we all strive to be as adults and his endeavors to save the world with only but his mind. The true value of this book is found within every single page as I have learned from the 11 readings I have already done.
Imagine a child with brilliance that is unparalleled among the entire world. He is kind hearted and caring but when pushed his viciousness is terrifying. Then pull this child away from everything he knows and put him in command of several other elite children to battle it out with one another to see who will survive. Those who survive will fight the greatest battle they or anyone has ever known.
Fantasy Books Reviewed So Far......
I made this page mainly because I love fantasy literature. BUT, if you buy anything off this page, you also put a bit of change into my pocket. It's appreciated :)
- Top 10 Best Fantasy Books
- Twilight: meeting and loving a vampire
- The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
- Lord of the Rings, Tolkien
- The Sword of Truth series, by Terry Goodkind
- The Discworld Series - Terry Pratchett
- The DiscWorld Series
- 99 Coffins: A Historical Vampire Tale
- A Small Favor... Jim Butcher at his best
- Marion Zimmer Bradley (or MZB)
- Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 4)
- Ender's Game - The profound mind of a child
- Spiritual fantasy: The Curse of the Tahiéra
- Gillissen created her own world, though heavily using themes from the myths and history of Great Britain.
In this world three races of people have lived together for centuries, mixing yet always in conflict. Our main character young 'Rom' is of mixed descent and in consequence has had a very difficult life. It's about to get even harder as he meets a stranger on one of his travels. That's the start of the story.
Reader's picks
Stellar Wind: 2012 by Catherine BARBER
An ancient sailor yarn and the watershed date 2012...what does one have to do with the other? Find out in Stellar Wind! Cleverly entwined in this story you will learn about the Sacred Tree, Mayan prophecies, a real life soul-snatching table that is housed in a missionary church in the Andes Mountains and an old sailor yarn that began in 1712. John Henry must fulfill his mission to save our dying era of Man before the stars align on December 21, 2012. He receives vital help from a strange menager...2 points
The Dragonbone Chair (Memory, Sorrow and Thorn) by Tad Williams
In the peaceful land of Osten Ard, the good king is dying-and a long-dreaded evil is about to be unleashed. Only Simon, a lowly castle scullion apprenticed to a secret order dedicated to halting the coming darkness, can solve the dangerous riddle that offers salvation to the land.2 points
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) by George R.R. Martin
Here is the first volume in George R. R. Martin's magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R. R. Martin's stunning series is destined to stand as one of the...2 points
To Green Angel Tower, Book Three: Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn (Memory, Sorrow, & Thorn) by Tad Williams
Available in one volume for the first time since its hardcover publication over a decade ago-The FINAL book in the trilogy that launched one of the most important fantasy writers of our time1 point
The Stone of Farewell (Memory, Sorrow and Thorn) by Tad Williams
The second book in the trilogy that launched one of the most important fantasy writers of our time1 point
The Wheel of Time (Boxed Set #1) by Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World, The Great Hunt and The Dragon Reborn1 point
Sorcery Rising (Fool's Gold, Book 1) by Jude Fisher
An epic tale of gods, great journeys, love and betrayal From the barren isles of the North come the Eyrans. Hardy seafaring folk. From the South come their old enemies, the Istrians. Slave-owners, who drove the Eyrans from their lands. And from all over Elda come the nomadic peoples - the Footloose - purveyors of charms and (until now) harmless potions. But whence comes the sorcery that disrupts the annual Allfair at which they all gather? Katla Aransen and her family have sailed to the fair to....0 points
KnorraSky, Vol. 1: The Deception by R A Knowlton
In the year 1476 of the kingdom of KnorraSky (NORA-SKY), a war is raging. On the one side of this vicious conflict is the Kree Kingdom lead by the Horde King Gerick and his evil wife Queen Sheral. On the opposing side were King Noman and his wife, Queen Raven, and they lead the fight for the great kingdom known as KnorraSky.
This conflict was started almost forty cycles past by the king of the Kree in an attempt to find two lost parts of an ancient book and unite them with a third part that had c...0 points
Thinblade (Sovereign of the Seven Isles: Book One) by David A. Wells
When second son Alexander Valentine loses his brother to an assassin's arrow, he discovers that his family protects an ancient secret and reluctantly finds himself at the center of the final battle of a war that was supposed to have ended two thousand years ago.
Pursued by the dark minions of an ancient enemy, Alexander flees to the mountain city of Glen Morillian where he discovers that he is the heir to the throne of Ruatha, one of the Seven Isles, but before he can claim the throne he must recover...0 points
Gift ideas for fantasy lovers
Do you like what I do? Let me know and make your own recommendations....
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Ericastanciu
Dec 31, 2011 @ 2:54 am | delete
- This was good. I only heard of a few so I need to check out quite a bit. Especially the fairy novel. I recommend anything by Terry Brooks. Amazing stories. I would also like to ask if you, ir anyone else would please read my lens. It's fantasy book related. If not it's okay. Happy new year.
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tandemonimom
Mar 13, 2011 @ 9:42 pm | delete
- I've read a lot of these and loved them all! You have great taste!
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nikimad456 Dec 12, 2010 @ 7:04 am | delete
- Some of my favourites up here, take a look at my fantasy book lens for few more... http://www.squidoo.com/what-i-consider-to-be-the-best-epic-fantasy-novels
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dani-rae
Aug 5, 2010 @ 7:20 pm | delete
- 99 coffins sounds great, it's already onmy hold list! thanks, this was really heloful!
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dantownehall
Jul 28, 2010 @ 10:17 pm | delete
- Great lens, I'll check out some of your recommendations!
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