Epic Fantasy Adventures
For swashbuckling swordplay, magnificent magic, action and adventure try these stories, most of which are the first in a series.
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Z. Bradley Explore the Arthurian legend from the perspective of the woman who is frequently portrayed as one of Arthur's antagonists. Bradley's retelling – primarily through the eyes of Morgaine – Arthur's half-sister – is rich in detail and complete in scope. Divided into four books (all in one volume), the story begins with Igraine (Arthur's mother) and ends soon after Arthur's death. In between, Bradley paints a Britain that is divided between old and new religions, diverse cultures, and clashing kings. For fantasy lovers who enjoy rich, realistic worlds and strong, believable magic, this book is extraordinarily satisfying.
Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Living in peaceful Shady Vale, Shea Ohmsford knew little of the troubles that plagued the rest of the world. Then the giant, forbidding Allanon revealed that the supposedly dead Warlock Lord was plotting to destroy the world. The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness was the Sword of Shannara, which could only be used by a true heir of Shannara – Shea being the last of the bloodline, upon whom all hope rested. Soon a Skull Bearer, dread minion of Evil, flew into the Vale, seeking to destroy Shea. To save the Vale, Shea fled, drawing the Skull Bearer after him. This is the first in the best-selling Shannara Saga; the next volume is The Elfstones of Shannara.
Lord Foul’s Bane by Stephen Donaldson
He called himself Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever because he dared not believe in the strange alternate world in which he suddenly found himself. Yet he was tempted to believe, to fight for the Land, to be the reincarnation of its greatest hero. The fact that Covenant doesn't quite believe in himself and that he is not a hero born and bred may be helping him to find a readership among Americans, who are also, perhaps, a bit dubious about their taste in fantasy. This is the first in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever, which continues with The Illearth War.
Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings
Long ago, the Storyteller claimed, in this first book of The Belgariad, the evil god Torak drove men and gods to war. But Belgarath the Sorcerer led men to reclaim the Orb that protected men of the West. So long as it lay at Riva, the prophecy went, men would be safe. But Garion did not believe in such stories. Brought up on a quiet farm by his Aunt Pol, how could he know that the Apostate planned to wake dread Torak, or that he would be led on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger by those he loved – but did not know...? The next volume in the series is Queen of Sorcery.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
This timeless tale pits country against country, good against evil, love against hate. From the Cliffs of Insanity through the Fire Swamp and down into the Zoo of Death, this incredible journey and brilliant tale is peppered with strange beasties monstrous and gentle and memorable surprises both terrible and sublime. If you think you know the whole story because you’ve seen Rob Reiner’s wonderful movie – think again.
Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind
A mysterious woman named Kahlan appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary in the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father. She seeks Richard’s help ... and more. In a dark age when it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them – for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not tell him. In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword – to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows the rules of battle have just changed ... or that time has run out. The first volume in the Sword Of Truth series, which continues with Stone of Tears.
Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Young Fitz is a bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the court of the Six Duchies by his father's gruff stableman. He is ignored by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. But now, as the barbarous Red Ship Raiders ravage the coasts and sleepwalkers prowl the heartland, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. For Fitz is a threat to the throne...but he may also be the key to the survival of the kingdom. The first in the nine volume Farseer series.
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Set in a world where two kinds of magic exist, one female and the other male, this first novel in the Wheel of Time series features an epic quest to unite the diverse peoples of this planet against the Dark One, who threatens to destroy their world. A staggeringly complex and enjoyable adventure featuring a cast of unforgettable characters: Rand, a simple sheepherder who is stalked by an evil he does not yet understand; Egwene, Rand's love interest, who happens to possess her own special gift; Moraine, the beautiful but possibly dangerous member of a powerful legion of sorceresses called Aes Sedai; and Lan, Moraine's fearless companion and guardian. The next volume in the series is The Great Hunt.
The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay
It all began when five university students met a man who would change their lives, a wizard who could take them from Earth to the heart of the first of all worlds – Fionavar. And take them Loren Silvercloak did, for his need was great indeed. And in a marvelous land of men and dwarves, of wizards and gods, and of the evil Unraveller, our heroes discovered who they were truly meant to be, and only if they accepted their destiny would the armies of the Light stand any chance of surviving when the Unraveller unleashed his wrath upon the world. This first novel in the Fionavar Tapestry will appeal both to fans of Tolkien as well as those who enjoy Arthurian legends. It continues with The Wandering Fire and The Darkest Road.
Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin
A coming-of-age tale about a boy destined to become the greatest sorcerer in the world, has been heralded as one of the most pedagogical and beautifully written novels ever penned. Born in the realm of Earthsea, a much-storied world dominated by an extensive archipelago, Ged is a poor blacksmith's son born with an innate understanding of magic. But after he is sent to Roke Island to study the craft, he lets his arrogance and antipathy for another student lead him into a disastrous mistake – unleashing an evil spirit bent on devouring Ged's essence! This is the first of four novels in the Earthsea series, which continues with The Tombs of Atuan.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
A contemporary masterpiece of fantasy that combines intrigue, action, romance and mystery in a family saga. The cold is returning to Winterfell, where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime. The Stark family has long anticipated this shift of seasons, but are they prepared to deal with the members of the Lannister family? Through his superb creation of a believable fantasy world, Martin creates a society almost without magic but with human perversity at its most abundant and active. He reaches a new plateau in terms of narrative technique with the almost dauntingly large cast and an almost equal number of viewpoint shifts, which is one of the most appealing aspects of the Song of Ice & Fire series, which continues with A Clash of Kings.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Frodo, a young hobbit, embarks on a quest to take the evil ring of power to be destroyed. He is joined by some of his hobbit friends, an elf, a dwarf, a couple of men and the enigmatic wizard, Gandalf. A long and treacherous journey separates the group, and they each realize that they all must play different roles in helping the ring-bearer complete his quest and defeat the Dark Lord. An amazing adventure filled with vivid characters, it is essential reading not only for fans of fantasy but for lovers of classic literature as well. Also try The Hobbit.
The Once and Future King by T.H. White
The fantasy classic by which others are judged. This is a novel about Camelot covering Arthur's birth and childhood – when he is known only as “Wart” – up through the end of his reign. White’s illuminating use of wizardry and war show us the men behind the myths. It is the magical epic of King Arthur and his shining Camelot; of Merlin and Owl and Guinevere; of beasts who talk and men who fly, of wizardry and war. It is the book of all things lost and wonderful and sad. Fans may also enjoy the sequel, The Book of Merlyn.
The Dragonbone Chair 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. Simon must travel from drought-stricken lands to ice-bound peaks as he follows his far-seeing dreams. Williams weaves all of the classic ingredients of fantasy into his tale – trolls, giants, elf-like sithi, and dragons. The land of Osten Ard is well created, and readers quickly become immersed in the story. The first in the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy, which continues with Stone of Farewell.