The Fantasy Genre - our favorite 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...
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
Can anybody tell me: what's the difference between science fiction and fantasy?
Seriously: is there a difference?
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- WritingforYourWealth WritingforYourWealth Oct 31, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
- 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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- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Sep 29, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
- To me science fiction is taking what we already know and expanding on it. It's almost believable and has to conform to the basic rules of physics. Fantasy is a whole new reality. The rules no longer apply.
Great lens, and thanks for the blessing on my Blackbox Module lens. I appreciate it.
Lizzy
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- Flynn_the_Cat Flynn_the_Cat Jun 15, 2009 @ 8:33 pm
- For fantasy. it is magic, for scifi, it is - theoretically - science (often undifferentiable from magic by the casual onlooker)...
That's it.
True, the majority of scifi will have robots and AIs and spaceships, and most fantasy will be mages and dragons - but urban fanatasy vs some kid with telekinesis (which is scifi) can be indistinguishable. McCaffrey's Pern series, on the face of it alternate-universe fantasy turns out to be gene-splicing, starfaring science fiction.
Some common features - space armour, for example, and laser guns - usually only turn up in one or the other, but they usually have fantastical or science equivalents. Goblins under the bridge are fantasy. Until they're actually just popping in from an alternate universe in their bridge shaped spaceship. Light sabre or magic sword? The Force? Or mmaaaagggic *wiggles fingers*
...*considers finishing essay* *decides to save and use it later* *lensrolls lens on relevant own lens and runs off cackling*
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- Andrew Andrew Apr 25, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
- Truly, Science Fiction is a type of Fantasy whereas Fantasy is not a type of Science Fiction. Fantasy then is the Genre and Science Fiction a sub-Genre. Fantasy does not have to involve magic or trolls or elves or anything like that. High Fantasy is set in the Tolkien style with elves, dwarves, man, etc.
Star Wars is a Fantasy and a Science Fiction.
Harry Potter is a Fantasy, if you want you can call it a Modern Fantasy
Lord of the Rings is a Fantasy
At least, this is how I describe the two... mostly opinion here
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- Elektra Launders Elektra Launders Apr 25, 2009 @ 2:49 am
- Yes, as said above quite plainly - science fiction is quite different to fantasy, it is a matter of things such as space ships, outer space, time travel, and other scientific theories and impossiblities. Fantasy therebeing is more of magic ability, spells and magical creatures.
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99 Coffins: A Historical Vampire Tale
Thrilling fantasy novel by David Wellington
Available on Kindle
99 Coffins: A Historical Vampire Tale
Amazon Price: $10.04 (as of 12/04/2009)
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: $16.29 (as of 12/04/2009)
Just a great addition to the long line of quality Jim Butcher novels.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Marion Zimmer Bradley (or MZB)
My personal favorite fantasy
I am a huge MZB fan. Her Darkover series especially keeps me spellbound. Darkover is a world where paranormal gifts are normal and called 'Laran', her characters face a society where women are supposed to be housebound and men strong and fighting with swords. In that world we find strong women and men living life and facing challenges and transforming themselves.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.
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Marion Zimmer Bradley
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A review of her work and life Her famous 'Mists of Avalon' rewrote the story of King Arthur and Camelot from the female perspective. In all her literary work Marion Zimmer Bradley explored themes like: Female strength and male oppression Social stru...
What's your favorite fantasy author?
Add your own favorites if I forgot any.
Marion Zimmer Bradley or MZB
My personal favorite. She's written dozens of fasc more...1 point
R.A. Knowlton
KnorraSky The Deception, A Collection of Fantasy, more...0 points
Raymond E. Feist
Riftwar series, he has an excellent way of writing more...0 points
Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 4)
by Katie MacAlister
Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/04/2009)
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.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
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: $5.99 (as of 12/04/2009)
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.
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
BC4 says:
Lord of the rings is deeper. LOTR has more symbolism. LOTR set the standard for fantasy novels. Tolkein even invented new languages for the story! Harry Potter is a fun read, but Lord of the Rings is a better story.
Posted November 29, 2009
kristendom says:
Lord is literature. Harry Potter is for kids, without much pretention for literariness.
Posted July 26, 2009
alia says:
harry potter is good. but the lord of the rings is way better!!!!
Posted July 09, 2009
MikeMoore says:
Lord of the Rings in a heartbeat. No question in my mind. Both the books and the movies were better in my opinion.
Posted March 26, 2009
Shindig says:
Harry Potter is second-rate at best, especially when compared to Lord of the Rings. I will admit that Harry Potter is easier to read, but that doesn't make it better.
Posted February 08, 2009
Harry Potter is the fresh favorite
Miss Granger says:
harry potter rocks more than lord of the rings HARRY POTTER IS WIX!!!
Posted September 14, 2009
Mortira says:
Although Lord of the Rings is an essential literary series, responsible for all fantasy themes that followed, I found Tolkien's story telling a bit arrogant. Harry Potter is something that everyone can enjoy.
Posted April 24, 2009
Treasures-By-Brenda says:
Harry Potter defined the lives of my children and of millions of children around the world. That's pretty important right now.
Posted April 14, 2009
jaymal says:
harry potter
Posted January 31, 2009
Talorsen says:
Lord of the Rings really started it all, but is fully over-rated and over done. On to Harry Potter!
Posted January 20, 2009
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Did you like the latest Harry Potter movie?
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Daniel Radcliffe is NOT a good actor
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Daniel Radcliffe is NOT a good actor I loved the latest Harry Potter Movie (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince), but I thought Harry Potter wasn't played very well at all. I know the character is hard to play - all those layers and complexities,...
Lord of the Rings, Tolkien
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 :)
- 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
- Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card
- The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
- Did you like the latest Harry Potter movie?
- Lord of the Rings, Tolkien
- Reader's picks
- Gift ideas for fantasy lovers
- Not quite fantasy... science fiction instead
- 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 more...3 points
Sorcery Rising (Fool's Gold, Book 1) by Jude Fisher
An epic tale of gods, great journeys, love and bet more...1 point
KnorraSky, Vol. 1: The Deception by R A Knowlton
In the year 1476 of the kingdom of KnorraSky (NORA more...1 point
The Wheel of Time (Boxed Set #1) by Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World, The Great Hunt and The Drago more...1 point
The Dragonbone Chair (Memory, Sorrow and Thorn) by Tad Williams
In the peaceful land of Osten Ard, the good king i more...0 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 i more...0 points
The Stone of Farewell (Memory, Sorrow and Thorn) by Tad Williams
The second book in the trilogy that launched one o more...0 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 more...0 points
Gift ideas for fantasy lovers
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Fairies Fantasy Art Calendars 2010
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Fairies, Pixies, Elves and Nature Spirits, Gnomes, Jinns and Leprechauns... Stories for kids and yet magical for adults too. On this page I've gathered calendars featuring fairies, angels elves and pixies: from Disney versions to fantasy art for adul...
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Fantasy Gift Ideas
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Whether it's Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter or dragons. I've found posters, collectibles, t-shirts and comforters for you.
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Fairies Posters Fantasy Art
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Fairies, pixies, gnomes and elves... They stand for magic, imagination, creativity and mystery. Fairies particularly are popular because they are also thought (usually) to be beautiful. As such they become roll models for girls: pretty, free, cute an...
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Harry Potter Calendars and Planners 2010
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In 2009 the 6th Harry Potter movie came out, so it makes sense that the 2010 Harry Potter calendars are all devoted to 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince'. "Harry Potter" is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British...
Not quite fantasy... science fiction instead
But I love it, so who cares...
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Best Isaac Asimov Robot Books
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I love science fiction. Especially the works of Frank Herbert (the Dune universe) and Isaac Asimov. I've read he felt he was writing mainly for boys.. but this girl loves them too. Especially the robots & foundation series. On this page I li...
Do you like what I do? Let me know and make your own recommendations....
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- Eddster Eddster Jul 11, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
- I had been looking for a great fantasy to take with me on holiday...on squidoo I found Stellar Wind 2012. It was fun, scary, I learned about Mayan prophesies, I enjoyed the love story and hated the demon Morag. The book was clever and it left me with something...I like that.
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- spirituality spirituality Jun 16, 2009 @ 5:57 am | in reply to Flynn_the_Cat
- Thanks :) checking those fantasy lenses of yours out :)
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- Flynn_the_Cat Flynn_the_Cat Jun 15, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
- Btw, Discworld has a 'c'
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- naimaj naimaj Apr 28, 2009 @ 2:32 am
- Nice Lens. I'll have to check out some of your recommendations.
Here's some I think are tops... Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series and George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. Both are dense and massive and as yet unfinished. Begin them at your peril... they'll suck you into another world.
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- Mortira Mortira Apr 24, 2009 @ 12:19 am
- I love that Discworld is at the top of the list. I can always go back to that series when I need something fun and relaxing to read. It's a great way to cheer up! * * * * *
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