(by 5 people)
Do you love fantasy fiction? Looking for some good books to read? Want to know which ones you may want to avoid (and why)? Then you're in the right place!
Hi! I'm Kit, and I'm an avid reader of fantasy fiction. A little sci-fi isn't bad, but it's not my cup of tea, either. So, this lens is devoted entirely to fantasy fiction. Here, you'll find my comments on the genre, books on my reading list, books I and my friends strongly recommend, links to authors' websites, and more!
All the books here are found in the regular Sci-Fi/Fantasy section of the bookstore - if you're looking for great Young Adult and Middle Reader fantasy fiction, check out my Escaping Reality: YA Fantasy Fiction lens!
Latest Update: Added a new Plexo Amazon module. Now you can submit and vote for your favorite fantasy fiction novels! Also added in some cool bookmarks. Every reader needs a good bookmark!
Kit's Latest Favorite: Moon Called
Skinwalkers and Werewolves and Vampires, Oh My!
Am I ever glad I did!
Vampires have been done before. So have werewolves and complex pack societies. However, Briggs' take on werewolves in particular has a fascinating charm all its own, and how can you not love a book where the only vampire mentioned has a van painted like the Mystery Machine? However, it's the main character, Mercy, who provides the most unique perspective. Some main characters walk in two worlds. Mercy, a volkswagon mechanic with some special gifts of her own, does that and more, and her relationships are interesting but not overwhelming.
However, what really endears this book to me was the intriguing, complex plot. It kept me guessing right to the end, and while I usually try to stick to a chapter a day, I ended up plowing through the latter half of the book in one afternoon, and we're not talking about one of those "surprise" endings that reveal all the information ONLY at the very end in a "HA! Tricked you!" kind of way. The hints are there from early on, which makes the revelation all that more satisfying.
Great writing, great characters, great plot, and the second book's just as good. Check it out!
Moon Called (Mercy Thompson Series, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 08/08/2008)
On the Genre:Types of Fantasy Fiction
High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Sci-Fi... What's the Difference?
Quite often, I hear people refer to fantasy and sci-fi in the same breath, lumping all branches of speculative fiction together under one broad heading. And why not? That's how book stores tend to sell them. However, there is a difference, and there are different types of fantasy fiction.First up - what's the difference between fantasy and sci-fi? The main difference comes from the level of technology. If the world is driven by technology, then the piece is generally considered to be science fiction. It's evident even in the name: science fiction is fiction that uses scientific possibilities as its modus operandi. In stories set firmly in the sci-fi realm, you'll find everything from faster-than-light drives and dimension-hopping wormholes to internet connections in people's heads and post-nuclear war apocalyptic worlds.
Fantasy fiction, on the other hand, focuses more on worlds that are either based on less-than-modern technology, magic, or this reality with a supernatural twist. They may contain such stock fantasy creatures as centaurs, elves, and dragons, and their protagonists are often sword-weilding warriors or mages of some sort. Quite often, the overt conflict is an epic battle between good and evil.
Furthermore, fantasy itself is divided into different catagories, often referred to as "high" and "low" fantasy. "High" fantasy usually takes place in a completely different world. The technology is more medieval in nature, and magic is often (although not necessarily) the underlying driving force of that world. A good example of "high fantasy" is Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series.
"Low" fantasy, on the other hand, takes place in this world. You may have also heard to it referred to as "urban fantasy." While these worlds may contain detailed alternate histories (such as in the Anita Blake series), the technology more or less matches that of modern day reality. Xanth and Harry Potter are other examples of "low" fantasy, and exemplify the tendency in low fantasy for another, more magical world to exist alongside normal reality.
There is, of course, some blurring between the genres that leaves room for debate as to what book is which. Frank Herbert's Dune is a good example of this, as is Christopher Stasheff's Gramarye series. In general, it comes down to the themes that drive the story. Sci-Fi tends to be a warning, while fantasy focuses more on self-discovery, good vs. evil, and the heroic journey.
So, debate it and have fun!
Quote of the Month
- Neil Gaiman, Neverwhere
What Kit's Waiting to Read
Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera, Book 1)
After Sci-Fi Channel started showing The Dresden Files, I picked up the books. Honestly, I preferred the TV version, but that might have been because I saw that first. Anyways, Jim Butcher's tried his hand at high fantasy, as well, so I decided to check it out!
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 08/08/2008)
Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3)
I loved the first two books. Loved them enough that I'm rereading them before diving into this one - and lemme tell ya, it is HARD to wait! This is definitely the next book I'm reading, no question about it.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 08/08/2008)
Dog Days (Ace Fantasy Book)
This one caught my eye while I was roaming around the bookstore. Near as I can tell, it's about a slacker who life seems destined to force to live up to his potention. Add in a bit of snark and a magical "... well, let's call him a dog" for a companion, and sounds like a good time to me!
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 08/08/2008)
Nightlife (Cal Leandros, Book 1)
From the same browsing trip as Dog Days, this one caught my eye with its half-human protagonist. I'm on a bit of an urban fantasy kick lately, and this one sounded like it's worth a shot.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 08/08/2008)
Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders (P.S.)
It's a collection of short stories by Neil Gaiman. 'Nuff said!
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 08/08/2008)
Kit's Favorites
A Spell for Chameleon (Xanth, Book 1)
I'll admit it - I was a Xanth fan for the longest time. While there may be a gazillion Xanth books out there now, it all started with A Spell for Chameleon, and it's still one of my favorites (Crewel Lye being my all-time favorite Xanth book). Get drawn into this magical world and just try to survive the puns!
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 08/08/2008)
Blood Price: Victory Nelson Private Investigator: Otherworldly Crimes a Specialty (Victory Nelson)
A friend of mine recommended this, and I have to follow suit. This is a great series with complex characters, interesting stories, and a gift for being adult without being ADULT. I highly recommend this as a fun series to read.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/08/2008)
Neverwhere
Imagine a dark magical underworld where all the people who fall through the cracks go. Where beasts roam the sewers and a magical marketplace sets up shop in famous London hotspots after closing. Where a normal, painfully ordinary man finds out that doing the right thing can sometimes get you far more trouble than you bargained for. You've just imagined London Below, and Richard Mayhew is about to become very well acquainted with it.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 08/08/2008)
Redwall (Redwall, Book 1)
It's high fantasy with courageous mouse warriors, intriguing riddles, ancient legends, and the most memorable villianous rat since Jenner in The Secret of NIMH. A rollicking adventure with vibrant, memorable characters and great battles, and a great starter to an epic series. If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 08/08/2008)
Quicksilver's Knight (Ace Fantasy Book)
Alright, I know, this book is in the middle of the series, but I read it first and it remains my favorite. The world is easy to get into, the characters memorable and easy to like, and it's got an enjoyable plotline. Definitely one of my long-time favorites!
Amazon Price: (as of 08/08/2008)
Keep Your Place
Friends' Recommendations
Books Other People Have Said Are Good
The Bone Doll's Twin (Tamir Trilogy, Book 1)
Friend's Comments: "Flewelling's ability to combine together fantasy, mystery and horror elements seamlessly make her a rare treasure among the genre. Her characters are realistic and sympathetic, her plots sometimes bonechilling and often heart breaking. Luckily, this trilogy is finally finished, so there's no more frothing at the mouth wondering what's to happen next."
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 08/08/2008)
Beyond the Pale (The Last Rune, Book 1)
Friend's Comments: "A taste of something different in the genre, a fine blending of urban and high fantasy. Older characters set a more realistic tone to the story, and there's not one brave archetype to be found in Anthony's Last Rune series. Character development is where this author shines, and you'll stay through all six books for a deep love of even the most minor of players."
Amazon Price: (as of 08/08/2008)
The Crown of Silence (Chronicles of Magravandias)
Friend's Comments: "Gothic fantasy without one melodramatic vampire in sight. Philosophy, love and loss, questing - who could ask for more? A good book to grab when you're in the mood for something darker, made rich and vibrant by Constantine's dramatic, but not overblown, writing style. Did I mention there aren't any melodramatic vampires?" For mature readers.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/08/2008)
Smoke and Shadows (The Smoke Trilogy, Book 1)
Friend's Comments: "Quirky narration, brilliant jokes, and a main character worth loving to bits. Huff is quick witted, clever, and not afraid to self-parody when she wants to. An urban fantasy of a slightly different flavor."
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 08/08/2008)
*OP Shadowdance
Friend's Comments: "Another example of darker fantasy, "Shadowdance" is an exploration in being careful what you wish for. Bailey doesn't shy away from teh darker themes of human nature. Suspenseful and dramatic, this book is one that you won't be able to put down." For Mature readers.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/08/2008)
Your Favorite Fantasy Novels
You Get to Choose!
Is there some fantasy novel that you've remembered fondly for years? Or perhaps a new one that you've fallen in love with? Share it with the world by adding it to the list! Or, if it's already here, give it a boost!
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Written for J.R.R. Tolkien's own children, The Hob more...1 point
Stellar Wind: 2012 by Catherine BARBER
An ancient sailor yarn and the watershed date 2012 more...1 point
Moon Called (Mercy Thompson Series, Book 1) by Patricia Briggs
Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her n more...0 points
Fantasy Fiction Magazines Online
Great Fantasy Fiction Magazines
- Realms of Fantasy Magazine
- "The Largest Magazine in the World Devoted to Fantasy." If you're looking for a regular shot of great short stories, free books to download, spotlights on fantasy writers, and more, check out this magazine's site!
- Blackgate: Adventures in Fantasy Literature
- Black Gate is a magazine dealing primarily with action adventure fantasy. The stories here are plot-driven (as opposed to character-driven), but are still a good read.
- Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazine
- This here is one of the classic fantasy magazines, bringing us quality works of speculative fiction since 1949. This is where a lot of the big names publish their short stories and novellas. They've got some of their submissions and award-nominated stories up for your perusal.
- Strange Horizons
- Strange Horizons is a fairly new webzine dealing in speculative fiction. While they focus more on sci-fi, they embrace all forms of fantasy, as well.
Fantasy Author Links
Because Authors Have Websites, Too...
- Neil Gaiman's Webpage
- Whether you're a fan of his graphic novels, his straight novels and short stories, or just his quirky sense of humor, head over here!
- Neil Gaiman's Blog
- A subsection of the above link, but some people just like to go straight to the blogs. For those people... Here ya go!
- JaZilla's Neil Gaiman Lens
- I don't usually link to other lenses, but this one deserves serious credit for the sheer amount of Gaiman links and devotion. If you're a hardcore Gaiman afficianado or just a budding fan, check it out!
- Tanya Huff
- Provides a short biographical blurb, followed by a listing of all her novels, series, and all collections containing stories by her. A short description of each novel is also given.
- Tanya Huff's LiveJournal
- Want something a little more personal from Tanya Huff? Check out her LJ!
- Piers Anthony's Official Website
- Find out what's happening with Piers Anthony, creator of Xanth! Features updates on his various projects and a lenthly monthly newsletter from Piers himself.
- Brian Jacques' Official Website
- This is a fantastic-looking website is the offical homepage of Brian Jacques and all things Redwall. Lots to look at here, so if you're a fan of the Abbey and the adventures of its various denizens, check it out!
- SFF Net
- An online community of authors, publishers, media pros, and readers of genre fiction. If you've got a favorite fantasy author, chances are they'll have a place here.
- Patricia Briggs
- Patricia Briggs' website. It includes some very interesting blogging from her and her husband, a list of her books and her future books, biographical information, FAQ, links, and a chance to chat with the author herself.
Reader Feedback
Got a recommendation? Something you think I should read? Or maybe just a comment on the lens itself? Well, here's your chance!
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The-Vassal
Ah The Hobbit, love that book and no matter how many times I read it, I can still pick it up for one more read :) You've got a lot of interesting books on this lens Posted June 20, 2008 |
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privateInvestigation
wow! Posted June 18, 2008 |
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audrie
I read STellar Wind 2012! It's more than just a fantasy fiction, there's adventure and the golden days of tall ship, a ghost war on every ocean with a demon trying to take over the world before 2012. This book has romance, friendship, the mayans, a real table that drags itself to steal souls...in chile! Awsome. Congratulations Catherine BARBBER Posted May 25, 2008 |
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Math4Fun
Nice. I'm trying to compile my personal list of fantasy that has both masculine and feminine qualities. I like what you have done it looks awesome! Posted May 07, 2008 |
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ElizabethJeanAllen
Great lens! I read a lot of suspense, mystery, paranormal romance, and humor, but I haven't read much fantacy. I will. You teaked my interest. Posted May 03, 2008 |
