Culture
If you love magic and have a lot of imagination, or you just love to plunge into a fantastic world with a cup of tea on a frosty winter evening, then the fantasy genre is for you. You can add a little magic not only to your life, but also to your favorite literature list.
In such books, you will find bright, friendly forests inhabited by amazing creatures, and dark urban landscapes that hide unexplored secrets.
In this article, we'll tell you about the best fantasy books that will capture your imagination and stay in your heart forever.
Fantasy books by
Clive Staples Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia 16+
Nowadays, it is difficult to find a person who has never heard of this fantasy classic, because books and films from the “Chronicles of Narnia” series do not leave adults or the youngest indifferent sophisticated readers. They feature journeys to the ends of the world, fantastic creatures, epic battles between good and evil — what else should one book have?
The amazing story began with the story “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, published in 1949, but its author would not be himself if he did not continue the book – it was followed by six more no less worthy and successful.
They all make up a cycle that is so close to readers around the world of all ages. Each of the seven novels is a separate masterpiece that takes the reader to a world where magic meets reality.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”:
“If anything really exists, it's always there.” Narnia… a whole world in a closet only known to those who saw it, namely Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy's children. This is where the real adventure begins. It's no secret that little Lucy is the first to discover in the huge closet in the professor's old house.
When she talks about her adventures in Narnia, no one believes her. This is understandable – an independent world behind the closet door with its miracles and creatures – this cannot be true. However, Peter, Susan and Edmund soon see Narnia with their own eyes and meet the lion Aslan. Since then, in the blink of an eye, their lives change forever…
Nnedi Okorafor, “The Witch Akata” 16+
This novel is called the Nigerian Harry Potter, and for good reason. After all, this amazing story of a Nigerian albino girl will take you to a magical place where everything is not what it seems at first glance. Born in New York but living in Nigeria, 12-year-old Sunny doesn't find a place for herself, which is understandable. She is an albino, which makes her very sensitive to sunlight.
All the girl dreams of is to play football on a par with the boys and live at least one school day without bullying and ridicule. One day she becomes friends with Orlu and Chichi, and then enters the world of the Leopard Men, where the worst defect becomes a huge advantage.
The three of them form a strong friendship and confront the problems and horrors of this world. Will Sunny find the strength to defeat the most dangerous criminal of all time? Is the girl brave enough to do that?
Tamora Pearce, “Alanna: The Beginning of the Journey"16+
Tamora Pearce is one of the most influential authors in the fantasy genre for kids and teenagers. Her Alanna from Trebonde is an irresistible and perhaps the most controversial protagonist in her work: stubborn, gifted, and she doesn't let the outside world dictate who she should be or how to live.
“I'm now Alan from Trebond, the youngest twin. And I'm going to be a knight.”
This is how young Alanna begins her difficult journey to chivalry. Although she was born a girl, she was always drawn to adventures and activities that only boys in her world could do, while her twin brother Tom, on the contrary, longed for adventures and activities in her world learn the art of magic. And one day they decide to switch seats: Tom goes to the monastery to learn magic, and brave Alanna, pretending to be a boy, moves towards the royal castle to start training in page quality.
However, the path to chivalry is thorny. As she learns the skills she needs to fight, she must learn to control her feelings and emotions, as well as recognize her allies as her future rivals. Filled with swords and witchcraft, adventure and intrigue, Alanna's first journey finally begins — the one that will make her most cherished dream come true and sure to make her a legend.
Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland16+
The original book, first published in 1865, caused a storm of various adaptations, screen adaptations and amateur stories, because it is pleasant and amazing to read about Alice's adventures as a child, and fun, reflecting on missed moments, already in adulthood and adulthood. This is one of the first works of fantasy literature and perhaps one of the most beloved and recognizable.
After a dizzying fall down a rabbit hole, where she found herself chasing an amazing white rabbit, Alice discovers an unexplored world. It is far from her home, everything is different from her usual objects… she ended up in Wonderland. From now on, she will meet fantastic talking creatures, worst enemies and true, loyal friends along the way. Will Wonderland, a world of pure magic where good and evil live side by side, become Alice's second home?
Neil Gaiman, American Gods 16+
American Gods is a work that can be safely called a modern classic. Gaiman's novel is both extensive and focused on details, and the plot develops without revealing the characters of the colorful characters. In addition, he raises questions about immigration, which are inextricably linked to many countries today.
A few days before Shadow was released from prison, his wife Laura died in a mysterious car accident. He returns home, but now he doesn't need to exist — he's alone. Once on a plane, he meets a mysterious stranger who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. The stranger claims that he is a refugee who has fled from a distant war, that he is a god in the past and is the king of America in the present.
Together, two wanderers embark on a very strange journey through the very heart of the United States of America, while a supernatural storm of incredible power is tirelessly brewing around them, which is ready crash at any second.
Scary, captivating, and mind-boggling, American Gods lets you look deep into America's very soul. And in no case will you be indifferent to what you see there. Or, whoever you recognize…
Also read: 20+ best new and iconic science fiction books you can't put down
Jonathan Stroud, “The Samarkand Amulet” 16+
The life of an aspiring wizard Nathaniel is not easy — at the age of five, the boy's biological parents sold him to the government, from where he was sent to the master as an apprentice. They live at a time when powerful magicians rule Britain, and Nathaniel himself is told to be a victim for a noble fate.
While it is not so difficult for a boy to leave his parents and forget about his past forever, the master for whom he works is a cold-blooded, low and cruel middle-rank magician in Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The boy's only outlet is the master's wife, Martha Underwood, who becomes attached to him, for which she receives his fierce loyalty.
Nathaniel lives patiently and works on the Underwood farm until the summer before his eleventh birthday. Everything changes when the boy is publicly humiliated by the ruthless magician Simon Lovelace, and his cowardly master does not defend himself. And now capable Nathaniel begins to absorb magical knowledge and hone his skills so that he can one day take revenge with dignity…
Robin Hobb, “The Assassin's Apprentice"16+
In a remote land where royals are famous for their virtues, lives a boy who is a true walking secret. Born outside the law, Fitz is a royal bastard. There is no place for friendship in his world, but there is plenty of it for loneliness. Only his amazing magical relationship with animals brings him comfort and the opportunity to be in company.
However, the main problem with this connection is that it is quite dangerous and very unnoble magic. That is why when Fitz is finally accepted into the royal household, he must break old habits. Now he must learn how to use weapons, write, manners and kill people secretly, because he is training to become a real royal assassin.
Kathryn Arden, The Bear and the Nightingale16+
This fantastic work inspired by Russian culture may well become a true classic. The wild Russian forest, where winter lasts most of the year and snowdrifts reach the roof, is a true frosty fairy tale. But beautiful Vasilisa is not at all upset by the night and severe frosts, because she spends her evenings huddling by the fire with her beloved brothers and sisters, enthusiastically listening to her nanny's fairy tales.
More than anyone else, she loves the story of a blue-eyed demon who hunts careless souls on cold winter nights. The nanny says that wise locals fear it like fire and honor the spirits of the house, yard and forest that protect their homes from dark forces.
After the death of Vasilisa's mother, the girl's father leaves for Moscow and returns from there with his new wife. It prohibits household members from honoring good spirits. The family agrees to her terms, but sensitive Vasilisa feels that there is much more behind the seemingly ordinary rituals than anyone might think. And evil, meanwhile, sensing freedom, is getting further out of the forest…
David Eddings fantasy literature list, “Chronicles of the Belgians” 16+
One story, backed up by the success of The Lord of the Rings, in which Eddings was able to ignite a flame in the hearts of some funny characters who found themselves in a sad situation. Hurry into a fantasy world with young orphan Garion by reading an amazing series of five novels by David Eddings.
Finding a Miracle: An incredible adventure closely linked to the long history of the struggle between Gods, Kings and humans, with the history of foreign lands, with rock and prophecies that are sure to come true. A long time ago, the evil god Torak longed for domination, which led to a fierce war between gods and humans. But Belgarat led the people, restoring the Eye that protected Westerners.
But it was an ordinary fairy tale, and young Garion did not believe in any fiction and magic, despite the fact that he had been haunted for many years by a strange stranger without a shadow. The boy grew up on his Aunt Paul's quiet farm and, of course, could not know that the Apostate was planning to resurrect Torak, or that he would fall into the thick of magical events and dangers along with close people.
For a while, his carefree childhood dreams were safe, unencumbered by thoughts of a strange and dangerous legacy. But not for long…
Lady of Magic: Belgarat the Wizard and his daughter Polgara set out on the path of the previously stolen Eye before the final disaster strikes. Garion went with them, a few months ago a completely ordinary boy, and now he is a key figure in the war.
He never believed in magic and did not want to be involved in it, but as he traveled, his strength grew tirelessly, forcing the boy to practice witchcraft that he could not accept.
“Searching for the Stone”: Se'Nedra, Princess of the Empire, is at an impasse. Everyone is sure that the stories about Oka, who protects the peoples of the West from the evil Torak, are just stupid legends. But here she is, in fact, embroiled in a real pursuit of the lost Eye. No one believes in magic, but it seems that Garion's aunt and grandfather are the same famous wizards of Belgarat and Polgar.
Glen Cook, Black Squad16+
A story about an unusual motley company, Black Squad tells about the war and its dark, completely unheroic realities. Plus, if you've ever wondered what would happen if evil triumphed in The Lord of the Rings, this is your unique chance to satisfy your curiosity.
Some believe that the Lady, who rebelled after centuries of slavery, is rushing between good and evil. Others think she herself is evil. Black Squad members are pretty violent — they take money and do their job, burying doubts with the dead. Right up to the prophecy: The White Rose was reborn to do good. The Black Squad must have a way to find her…
Joe Abercrombie, Blood and Iron 16+
As a kind of godfather of dark fantasy, the novel “Blood and Iron” immerses the reader in a dark and cruel world where everyone is suddenly mortal, and the characters are also sometimes defeated. A colorful team of a war-battered barbarian and torturer who questions his vocation will reveal to you the hidden side of science fiction, full of blood and darkness.
Logen Nine-Palom is an infamous barbarian who has been unlucky for once. Taking on too much, he runs the risk of going from infamous to dead, leaving nothing but bad songs, dead friends, and joyful enemies behind him.
Noble captain Jezal dan Lufar, a dashing officer and a true example of selfishness, thinks of nothing more dangerous than deceiving friends while playing cards and achieving fame with with the help of a talent for fencing. However, the war is gaining momentum, and on the battlefields in the frosty North, you will have to face a bloodier reality.
Glocta, a crippled executioner, dreams only of Jezal “coming home” dead. He hates everyone: betrayals, confessions and actions lead to the fact that there is no place for friendship in his life. A whole path of corpses, with which the life of an executioner is inextricably linked, can lead him to the rotten heart of the government, if, of course, he lives…
Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher16+
The Witcher is a series of novels about a witcher named Geralt. In the dark world of Andrzej Sapkowski, witchers are monster hunters who, by tirelessly training and modifying their bodies, develop their supernatural abilities from a very young age to later become a storm of monsters.
“The Last Wish”: The work consists of several short stories. This is the first book in the entire series. It marked the beginning of an amazing story about Geralt of Rivia. He's a witcher, a cunning wizard. A merciless, cold-blooded killer. Its main and only goal is to destroy all monsters that poison people's lives. However, not everything that looks evil is so. And not everything that appears to be fair can be trusted.
Elf Blood: This is the first novel of the main, most famous witcher saga. He is a New York Times bestseller and a source of inspiration for the creators of the notorious video game The Witcher. Thus, for more than a century, humans, gnomes and elves have lived in peace and harmony. But times are changing, and the hard-won world is over — the races are once again at odds with each other. From now on, a good elf is a dead elf.
Gerlt from Rivia was awaiting the birth of the predicted child. A child who will change the world — for good or evil… As the threat of war hovers above the ground and the child is hunted for her special abilities, protection becomes a direct responsibility the witcher, and he has no margin for error.
Books from the “The Witcher” series in chronological order:
Last Wish, Sword of Destiny, Blood of the Elves, Hour of Contempt, Baptism with Fire, Swallow's Tower, Lady of the Lake, Storm Season
Robin McKinley, “The Queen's Sword” 16+
Worthy of numerous awards and accolades, McKinley's classic story about a girl who had to face an alien culture has captivated thousands of readers for decades. Harry Crewey is an orphan and comes to live in the desert country of Damar. She leads a very normal, quiet life.
One night, King Corlat abducts her and takes her to the depths of the desert. Harry doesn't know the language his people speak, and she has no idea why they chose her. But Corlat knows. He intends to train the girl, developing her abilities so that she is in no way inferior to his subjects. Will Harry be able to pull himself together and accept his fate?
Lloyd Alexander, Book of Three16+
This book is suitable for all fans of science fiction, and if you are, you can safely include it in your leisure list. You've definitely never read this before. This is an amazing story about Taran who wanted to be a hero. However, caring for a pig, in fact, was not a particularly heroic job, even though the pig was not ordinary, but predictive.
One day, on the day when Hyun Wen the pig disappeared, Taran found himself in a magical and even dangerous world. With a group of followers, he ran into the terrible Horned King and his entourage. These were terrible forces of evil, and only Hyun Wen knew how to defeat them and save Priden from danger. But does someone have to find her first?
Jeff Vandermeer, City of Saints and Madmen16+
In his book, Vandermeer, in a way, rediscovered the literary world of fantasy. You'll be holding an invitation to a place you've never been to before. An invitation given to you by one of the greatest and most daring literary wizards.
A city of elegance and poverty. Religious orders and senseless lust. And everywhere — in courtyards, on the walls of houses and churches — a hot fungus of ominous mysterious origin. And Ambergris's sunlit streets can become deadly dangerous in no time.
People here are fascinated and can be invited to their own decapitation. And a patient in a psychiatric clinic is convinced that Ambergris, with all its smallest details, is just a figment of the imagination, and he is actually from Chicago.
Fantasy style in literature
Robert Jackson Bennett, City of Stairs16+
Once upon a time, the city of Bulikov had powerful divine powers that could conquer the world and brutally subdue millions to its will. But his defenders were killed. Now Bulikov's story has been heavily censored and erased, and his citizens have complied. However, the city's surreal scenery, changed forever by thousands of wonders, is a haunting reminder of its former grandeur.
One day, Shara Tiwani comes to town. Officially, the humble young girl is just another diplomat sent here by Bulikov's oppressors. Unofficially, she is one of the most experienced spies in the country, arriving with her terrifying “secretary” Sigrud to investigate the murder.
While pursuing the murderer, Shara begins to suspect that the creatures that once held power over this place actually survived, and Bulikov's brutal rule is not over yet. This is a tale of deep conspiracies, dead gods, and buried stories.
Terry Pratchett, “The Color of Magic” 16+
Fantasy literature doesn't always have to be dark, weird, or epic. It can be both comedic and funny, easy and inspiring. Terry Pratchett is a master satire, and his novels are full of laughter and amazingly simple. His works have given him a place of honor in the halls of parody next to such brilliant personalities as Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams and others.
An amazing story begins in Ank-Morpork, which is the largest city on the Flat World. “Dvatsvet was a tourist, the first tourist on the Flat World. According to Rinsvind, the mysterious word “tourist” in normal language meant “idiot”…”
The flat world is parallel; it can sound and smell just like ours. But it looks completely different at the same time. Partly due to the fact that a giant tortoise carries it across the vastness of space. The peace and prosperity of this amazing place depend on the first tourist who arrives. Unfortunately, a person who is tasked with the role of a guide and protector of tourists is just a dropout magician…
Mary Stewart, Crystal Grotto 16+
King Arthur's story has been rewritten and retold many times, but only Mary Stewart's version is told on behalf of his future adviser, Merlin. The retelling of this classic is full of magic, adventure and deserves to be called the best in its category.
Fifth-century Britain is a country of chaos and division after the Roman retreat. This is the world that Merlin lives in, the illegitimate son of a South Wales princess who hides the identity of his real father. However, Merlin is not an ordinary child who has been aware since childhood that he has an amazing gift. Amid invasion, incarceration, war and conquest, Merlin is brave and ready to take his part in this world — to be a part of the great King Arthur.
Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman, “Dragons of Autumn Twilight” 16+
Weiss and Hickman can be said to be solely responsible for writing elaborate, detailed stories and settings for the Dungeons & Dragons board game. The best of these is The Spear Saga, which includes several well-known novels.
This is a story about lifelong friends who once went their separate ways. Now they're back together, but they have secrets hidden from each other's eyes in their hearts. They're talking about a world marred by rumors of war. They discuss tales filled with monsters and creatures from myths and legends.
They don't talk about their secrets. Just not right now. Until a chance meeting with a beautiful sad woman with a crystal staff drags her companions into the shadows forever, changing their lives and the fate of a once familiar world.
No one expected them to be heroes. They expected it the least…
Joan K. Rowling, Harry Potter16+
More than one generation grew up on a series of books about a boy who survived. This amazing book not only brought its author worldwide fame, but also became an opportunity for many people to make new friends, feel more confident, and plunge headlong into the incredible the world of magic. This is a story that will never go out of style, because as long as there are people for whom it has become loved, it will live on. The book series consists of seven parts: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”.
– After all these years?
– Always…
Harry Potter is unhappy. His parents are dead, and he is forced to live with nasty, angry relatives who force him to live in a closet under the stairs. But one day his fate changes when he receives a letter revealing the whole truth about him: Harry is a young wizard. A mysterious guest saves the boy from heartless relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts, the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
After years of hiding his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a full-fledged child. He quickly finds friends, because he is famous, although he is not aware of it. Even in the wizarding community, he's special. He is a boy who survived. Who survived the deadly spell of the world's most terrible wizard, depriving him of his body and strength.
Even though Harry's first year of school is the best and, in some ways, a bit carefree, it's actually not that simple. Hidden inside and outside the castle are incredible secrets that could change the world of wizards forever. As he grows older, Harry will have to face horrifying events, victories, losses. Will he find the strength to cope with the ordeal that has befallen him?
Lord Dunseny, “Daughter of the King of Elfland"16+
Tolkien is often referred to as the father of fantasy, but few people know that he might not have become one if it weren't for Lord Dunsany. It's no secret for fans of this genre of literature that Tolkien really liked Dunsany's works, and he even kept some of them in his home library.
The poetic style and stunning grandeur of this book have made it one of the most influential fantasy books in the world, influencing many contemporary writers. This heart-breaking story of a passionate and troubled romance between a human king and an elven princess should read for every self-respecting fantasy fiction lover.
Michael Moorcock, Elric from Merlibone
The saga of the doomed wandering Elric is somewhat of a collection of magic and combat clichés, but that doesn't stop it from immersing the reader in an exciting adventure. Written as a response, one might even say, protest to the classic muscular and capable characters of the fantasy we know, this saga with its anti-heroes has become a real public favorite.
His pale skull, his flesh, his long, milky white hair flowing smoothly over his shoulders. The graceful face has slanted, mysterious eyes — crimson and gloomy. That's what Elric, the ruler of Merlibone, is all about. His curse is his keen and cynical intellect; his acquired ability is to master the art of magic.
Robert Jordan, Eye of the World16+
No list of the best fantasy works would be complete without this novel. Despite the fact that epic novels in this genre already existed before Jordan, many fantasy lovers will agree that it was Eye of the World that made them truly famous. This is the beginning of a deep multi-volume story with amazing, carefully crafted characters and a vivid, original fantasy world.
The Wheel of Time turns, eras come and go, leaving only memories that turn into legends. Over time, the legend fades away and becomes an ordinary myth. And by the time the era returns, even the myth is gone. In the third century, the age of prophecy, the world and time are in balance. But everything that was, is and will be, may fall under the weight of the Shadow.
Fantasy books
by John R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings16+
Undoubtedly, everyone who has ever heard about the existence of the fantasy literary genre has come across this world-famous trilogy at least once. It can often be found in many lists of favorite literature. They make films and write stories based on it. This work is a unique contribution to the development of the genre. This is a true masterpiece, because John R. R Tolkien worked out his wonderful world to the smallest detail, making the novel exemplary.
It is a synthesis of the author's myths and personal ideas, which increasingly overlap with each book. Despite the extensive and intricate nature of the fantastic world created by the writer, all three parts are available to readers and can make an indelible impression on them. It is important to note that younger readers should start their acquaintance with this world of fantastic creatures with the book “The Hobbit”, which we will certainly talk about later.
So the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
“One Ring to rule all, it is more important than all, it will bring everyone together and enclose them in darkness…”
In ancient times, the Rings of Power were created by the best elven blacksmiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the Ring of Power and endowed it with dark power to control others. Once, the Ring was taken from Sauron, and all his searches across Middle-earth were unsuccessful. After many years, the disappearance accidentally fell into the hands of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins…
Sauron's dark powers spread far and wide from his stronghold in the Black Tower, in Mordor. He collected all the Great Rings, but he lacked the Chief for absolute power.
On his 111th birthday, when the celebrations are in full swing, the hobbit Bilbo Baggins suddenly disappears, leaving his young nephew Frodo with the same Ring of Power, and with him the most dangerous task: to cross all of Middle-earth, get to the very heart of the Dark Lord's realm and destroy the terrible Ring.
Hurry up to get to know the previously unseen fantastic world that the writer has worked out to the smallest detail. Learn about the lives of the world's favorite characters, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Middle-earth, and we guarantee you won't regret once picking up this amazing book.
John R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit16+
We have already mentioned this novel earlier in the article, and it certainly deserves a special item on our list of the best works in the fantasy genre. It has also been made into stunningly beautiful films and is worth reading at least once in a lifetime.
“Once upon a time there was a hobbit in a hole under the ground. Not in some nasty, dirty, damp hole, where worm tails stick out on all sides and smells disgusting of mold, but not in a dry, sandy, bare hole with nothing to sit on and nothing to eat. No, the hole was a hobbyist, which means it was well-maintained”
Written directly for Tolkien's own children, this novel received a barrage of praise and approval after its publication in 1937. Now it's a timeless classic. The Hobbit is a breathtaking story about adventure, gnomes, love and friendship. This is a separate, carefully designed world with its own characters, many of whom are forever loved by fantasy lovers. Anyone who has read this masterpiece once will not be able to forget it.
Fantasy World
George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones16+
This novel brought real fantasy to bookstore shelves and TV screens, instilling love for the genre even to those who had never paid attention to it before. An ambitious and undoubtedly bloody work, this story has become one of the greatest in the history of fantasy literature.
A long time ago, no one remembers exactly when an unnatural phenomenon unsettled the world and the seasons lost their balance. On a land where summer doesn't end in months and winters last a generation, trouble is brewing. The cold weather is coming, and in the frosty desert of Winterfell, sinister supernatural forces are racing for the Wall that protects the city.
In the thick of things is the Stark family, as tough and uncompromising as the land they were born on. This is a bloody story full of violence and exciting adventures about rulers, ladies, soldiers and sorcerers. About murderers and bastards who came together in a time of dark omens.
Here
, mysterious warriors wear swords made of non-human metal; people go crazy, and
a brutal young dragon prince trades his sister for the throne. This novel has it
all: tragedy, betrayal, victories, and terror. There's the Starks' nobility
and their worst enemies. Everyone wants to win this bloody contest. In
Game of Thrones.