Our Favorite Fantasy Books of all Time

We all have those timeless favorites that never leave our minds. If you’re anything like me…. you might even re-read them from time-to-time. I’ve personally enjoyed hundreds of good quality books, but it takes a very special one to earn the title of “favorite”. These are the books that I never let go of. The ones that earn a specific place on my shelves. The ones I will never loan out but will gladly gift a new copy for. I might even grab a Collector’s Edition of it if it’s available.

Take a look at some of our ultimate favorite Fantasy books that we think deserve a spot on our elite list. What books do you feel are worthy to call a “favorite”?

 


 


About the Book

Our Favorite Fantasy Books of all Time

The Pillars of the World

Author: Anne Bishop
Series: Tir Alainn, #1
Pages: 420
ISBN: 0451458508
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Roc
Released: October 1, 2001

Rating:

Goodreads

Synopsis

THE TREES WHISPER OF DANGER....

The youngest in a long line of witches, Ari senses that things are changing--changing for the worse. For generations, her kin have tended the Old Places, keeping the land safe and fertile. But with the Summer Moon, the mood of her neighbors has soured. And Ari is no longer safe.

The Fae have long ignored what occurs in the mortal world, passing through on their shadowy roads only long enough to amuse themselves. But the roads are slowly disappearing, leaving the Fae Clans isolated and alone.

Where harmony between the spiritual and the natural has always reigned, a dissonant chord now rings in the ears of both Fae and mortal. And when murmurs of a witch-hunt hum through the town, some begin to wonder if the different omens are notes in the same tune.

And all they have to guide them is a passing reference to something called the Pillars of the World....


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Our Review

This is book 1 of a 3 book trilogy, and all of them are solid 5 star reads.
Book 2: Shadows and Light
Book 3: The House of Gaian

 


About the Book

Our Favorite Fantasy Books of all Time

The Eye of the World

Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time, #1
Pages: 814
ISBN: 0812511816
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Released: November 15, 1990

Rating:

Goodreads

Synopsis

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.
The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs-a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts- five villagers flee that night into a world they barely imagined, with new dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.


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Our Review

This series has a whopping 14 books in it, but perfect for those who love a good binge read. I don’t recommend reading these out of order though; definitely start with book 1 and go in ascending order. The middle of the series get a little slow, but the beginning and end make it worth it. It is recommended to read the prequel, “New Spring”, after book 10 (“Crossroads of Twilight”).
Entire Wheel of Time series on Goodreads

 


About the Book

Our Favorite Fantasy Books of all Time

The Neverending Story

Author: Michael Ende, Ralph Manheim, Roswitha Quadflieg
Pages: 396
ISBN: 0525457585
Genre: Classic, Coming of Age, Fantasy
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books

Rating:

Goodreads

Synopsis

This epic work of the imagination has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide since it was first published. Its special story within a story is an irresistible invitation for readers to become part of the book itself.

The story begins with a lonely boy named Bastian and the strange book that draws him into the beautiful but doomed world of Fantastica. Only a human can save this enchanted place by giving its ruler, the Childlike Empress, a new name. But the journey to her tower leads through lands of dragons, giants, monsters, and magic, and once Bastian begins his quest, he may never return. As he is drawn deeper into Fantastica, he must find the courage to face unspeakable foes and the mysteries of his own heart.

Readers, too, can travel to the wondrous, unforgettable world of Fantastica if they will just turn the page...


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Our Review

Many people have seen the movie but very few have read the book that inspired it. Whhaaaa? I know, right!? Check out a previous Neverending Story post here. This is one of my favorite fantasy books from my childhood. As a matter of fact, it was THE book that sparked my love of reading at a very young age. Timeless and classic, everyone should read this book at least once. PS. The book is better.

 


About the Book

Our Favorite Fantasy Books of all Time

The Book of Joby

Author: Mark J. Ferrari
Pages: 638
ISBN: 0765316862
Genre: Coming of Age, Fantasy, Religion
Publisher: Tor Books
Released: August 21, 2007

Rating:

Goodreads

Synopsis

Lucifer and the Creator have entered, yet again, into a wager they've made many times before, but this time, the existence of creation itself is balanced on the outcome. Born in California during the twilight years of a weary millennium, nine year old Joby Peterson dreams of blazing like a bonfire against the gathering darkness of his times, like a knight of the Round Table. Instead, he is subjected to a life of crippling self-doubt and relentless mediocrity inflicted by an enemy he did nothing to earn and cannot begin to comprehend.  Though imperiled themselves, the angels are forbidden to intervene.

Left to struggle with their own loyalties and the question of obedience, they watch Lucifer work virtually unhindered to turn Joby's heart of gold into ash and stone while God sits by, seemingly unconcerned.  And so when he is grown to manhood, Joby's once luminous love of life seems altogether lost, and Lucifer's victory assured. What hope remains lies hidden in the beauty, warmth, and innocence of a forgotten seaside village whose odd inhabitants seem to defy the modern world's most inflexible assumptions, and in the hearts of Joby's long lost youthful love and her emotionally wounded son. But the ravenous forces of destruction that follow Joby into this concealed paradise plan to use these same things to bring him and his world to ruin. As the final struggle unfolds, one question occupies every mind in heaven and in hell. Which will prove stronger, love or rage?
 
The Book of Joby is an instant classic of contemporary fantasy.


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Our Review

This one has some religious undertones, as God and Satan are prominent characters in the book, but this book is not what it seems. The author blends Christian principles with Authorian lore in a unique spin of mythology. Biblical “Book of Job” meets King Author at it’s finest.

 


About the Book

Our Favorite Fantasy Books of all Time

The Fellowship of the Ring

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Series: The Lord of the Rings #1
Pages: 407
ISBN: 0547928211
Genre: Classic, Fantasy
Publisher: Mariner Books
Released: September 18, 2012

Rating:

Goodreads

Synopsis

The first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure THE LORD OF THE RINGS One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.


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Our Review

I’m pretty sure everyone has at least seen the movies, but have you read the books? LOTR is technically a 3 book trilogy, but the story actually began as a sequel to Tolkien’s earlier book, “The Hobbit”.
To me…. LOTR is just not complete without it so I’ve include the book in this post as well.
Prequel: The Hobbit
Book 2: The Two Towers
Book 3: The Return of the King