My reading choices continually evolve. A couple of years ago, I devoured crime novels, then I moved on to thrillers, and this year, I have been avidly devouring fantasy.
When the world feels as crazy as ours, there is something profoundly comforting about sitting down and disappearing into a completely different world filled with strange creatures and environments. So, here are my favourites. Some are short series, and some require commitment, but for me, all five are worth the journey.
The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
This was the first series I read as a child. At the time, I never associated it with fantasy, but I remember loving every book and devouring them all.
The books follow various children from our world, most famously the Pevensie siblings, who are transported to Narnia to help it defeat evil. Their adventures usually involve aiding Aslan in battles against tyrannical figures, such as the White Witch, and restoring peace and true kingship to the land.
The world-building is epic throughout these seven books, and the characters are so well developed that you can vividly picture them in your mind as you read. You become friends with the animals that speak and find yourself looking at your pets a little longer, to see if they actually talk.
The many adaptations do not do the books justice as they miss the whimsical, magical air that pervades them. Whether you are an adult or a child, you will love this series, and with seven not-so-lengthy books, it is very achievable.
Realm of the Elderlings – Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb’s series is a massive sixteen books, all over 600 pages, but before you are put off, please hear me out. You can divide the series into smaller chunks and read them over the years. The series comprises four trilogies and one quartet.
Although I would suggest reading them in order, you can stop at any point and feel satisfied. The first trilogy, known as the Farseer Trilogy, is a complete story that ends in a highly satisfying way. You do not need to read further, although I will bet that you do because of the quality of Hobb’s writing.
The saga mainly follows FitzChivalry Farseer, an illegitimate royal son who is trained as a highly skilled assassin in the Six Duchies. The first trilogy is Fitz’s coming-of-age story. There is also political intrigue and his complicated, intertwined destiny with a mysterious figure known as The Fool. We revisit these characters and others in later books.
Hobb is a master of character development, but she is not a writer who gives you everything on the first page; she is a slow burner, and that is why I love her writing. It might, however, not be for everyone. If you are unsure, I would advise giving the first book, Assassin’s Apprentice, a try; it is shorter than the others, and then you can see if you love her world as much as I do.
Bloodsworn Trilogy – John Gwynne
I credit this trilogy with igniting my love of fantasy this year. Having watched numerous book videos about this world, I half-heartedly picked up the first in the trilogy, The Shadow of the Gods, and I was hooked.
The ending of the first book is the only book in many years of reading that has given me goosebumps.
The story is set in Vigrið, a brutal, Norse-inspired world where the gods fought themselves to extinction a century ago, leaving behind their powerful bones and a land teeming with monsters.
The story is told from three points of view: Orka, a fierce retired warrior driven to violence to rescue her kidnapped son; Varg, an escaped slave who joins the mercenary band known as the Bloodsworn to seek vengeance for his sister’s death; and Elvar, a noblewoman who joins a different warband, the Battle-Grim, to earn glory and battle-fame.
The changing points of view, the author’s brilliant battle scenes, and the characters I loved made me read all three one after another. It is the best fantasy trilogy ever.
A Song of Ice and Fire – George R.R. Martin
Now I know some of you are going to say, “But why would I read these? They are not even finished and are unlikely to be!” I hear you, but I still think A Song of Ice and Fire deserves its place on this list.
Set primarily in Westeros, A Song of Ice and Fire is an epic fantasy that follows a sprawling cast of characters across three major narrative arcs: a ruthless, dynastic civil war for control of the Iron Throne among the great noble houses, the exiled Daenerys Targaryen’s quest to reclaim her family’s crown using her three newborn dragons, and the looming existential threat of the terrifying, ancient Others (White Walkers, if you have seen the series).
Martin is such a stunning writer and weaves a rich world and in-depth characters that he simply has to be read. There are also so many more hints and character moments that the series left out, and as you read, you get a real feel for where Martin wants the series to go. Newsflash: I am thinking nothing like the series ended!
If you are still reluctant to start these massive books because they are unfinished, then I would suggest reading the first three (A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords), as the series does sort of finish at that point. This way, you will get as complete a story as possible whilst experiencing the brilliance of his writing.
Inkheart – Cornelia Funke
I originally read this trilogy years ago, but with the recent release of a fourth book, I knew a re-read was in order before I got to the new edition. I am glad I did because I had forgotten what a rich world Funke had created.
The first book, Inkheart, is possibly the least fantasy-style, as it is set in our world where fantasy characters live. The other two are set more in the fantasy realm.
The series centres on Meggie and her bookbinder father, Mo, who possess a magical and dangerous ability: they are Silvertongues, able to read characters and objects out of books and into the real world. This ability comes at a cost, as a real-world person is read into the story to take their place. Years before the story begins, Mo accidentally read the evil villain Capricorn and his gang, as well as the charismatic fire-eater Dustfinger, out of a fantasy novel called Inkheart, sending Meggie’s mother into its pages.
The book is such a book lover’s book, with quotes from other novels in every chapter. It is also rich in fantasy, character development, and the villain is one of the best I have read.
Honourable Mentions
Now we have reached the end of the list, I am sure you are all screaming, “Where was Lord of the Rings?” I agree Lord of the Rings could make any list, and it is for that reason I left it off. These are series you may not have heard of, or in the case of some, thought to experience because of the adaptations.
Fantasy is such a diverse category with so many brilliant authors. I am sure there are others you think should be included, so this is your chance.
Which fantasy series do you recommend I try next?
Until next Friday: Read to learn. Read to escape. Read to smile.