Great Fantasy Novels
Series
More than any other genre, fantasy is known for its long series.
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The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien
Tolkien invented modern fantasy. His works inspired almost every fantasy novel that
followed, and also inspired fantasy films, role playing games (such as Dungeons and Dragons),
video games, toys, and more. While he isn't the first fantasy author, he catapulted
the genre into the mainstream. Elves, dwarves, and orcs became staples of fantasy
because of Tolkien. You can argue whether Tolkien is the best fantasy author (many would say yes),
but everyone agrees he is the godfather of modern fantasy.
Tolkien wrote several books set in Middle Earth, his imaginary world.
His best known books are The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
The latter was written as one book, then published as a trilogy.
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The Chronicles of Amber, by Roger Zelazny
My favourite fantasy series. This is really two series (five short books each) set in one world.
Today you can read all ten novels in one big book.
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Harry Potter, by J. K. Rowling
Most of you have read these already. If you haven't, read them! They're written for kids,
but grownups will enjoy them as well.
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Song of Ice and Fire, by George R. R. Martin
The ongoing epic.
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Dragonlance, by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
This series spawned an entire franchise of novels and role playing games.
The two first trilogies are the best ones.
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The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis
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Liveship Traders, by Robin Hobb
A fantastic fantasy series about living ships.
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