Which fantasy book or series to read next?
This question was asked on Fantasy Fan forum more times than I can count. To answer this once and for all members of Fantasy Fan decided to create a list of books and book series with a quick review and potential recommendations for readers looking for similar content.

Take a look at the compilation below, see if there is anything you like and if you want to share anything with other fantasy fans, simply post on our forum and we'll have the list updated!
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The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

If there is a fantasy classic that everyone must read, it is without a doubt The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. This book set the tone of the fantasy genre for the next century (and more). The story is now considered to be a classic fantasy adventure: group of friends (hobbits, humans, an elf and a dwarf) set out on a perilous journey to save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord.

Recommendations:
This incredible story is suitable for both adults and children. If you have read it and are looking for something similar, take a look at the Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter series (however, it could be said that because LotR is the ?mother? of all fantasy series, it is similar in one way or another to most titles you might reach for).

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The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

The world acclaimed series about a boy-wizard, Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling tells a story about an orphaned boy, who one day discovers that his parents were wizards and is taken from his foster parents to Hogwarts, a school of magic. As the story progresses, the boy learns the tragic story of his parents? demise and that the Dark Lord, who was their doom, may be after him as well.

The series starts off as a great children?s book, which adults greatly enjoy as well, but as the series moves on each book is more dark and serious. Today it is considered to be a classic of the fantasy genre rivalling the popularity of the Lord of the Rings.

Recommendations:
The readers who enjoyed Harry Potter series should read the Lord of the Rings or the Chronicles of Narnia.

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The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan

The Wheel of Time series is an epic fantasy saga of 12 books. It tells the story of ordinary boys, who were born to fulfil a destiny they never had imagined possible. The story becomes divided as the main characters are separated, and each story has its own appeal. You'll find everything you want; magic, war, political intrigue and romance.

Recommendations:
The books are suitable for young readers and can probably be compared to the Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien or the Riftwar series by Raymond E. Feist. Not recommended for people who do not have the endurance and memory to go through 12 books of a complex story line.

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The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett

The Discworld series is a prime example of the genre of comic fantasy. The Discworld is a highly magical world set on the backs of four elephants standing on the back of a gigantic turtle. Each book is independent, but they often feature recurring characters. The series has developed over time from simple puns and parodies towards slightly darker and even morbid humour. Pratchett's great wit and incredible sense of humour make these books a worthy read.

Recommendations:
Author with the closest writing style to Pratchett's is Douglas Adams, a science fiction writer (?Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?). Other authors of comic fantasy are Craig Shaw Gardner, Tom Holt and Piers Anthony.

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Dragonlance by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

The central books of the Dragonlance series were written by the authoring team of Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. However, many other writers have made contributions afterwards. The books are a classic epic fantasy with elves, dragons, mages, warriors and heroic quests. The series is light to read and provides great entertainment.

Recommendations:
The books can be recommended to pretty much anyone who likes fantasy. They are suitable for young readers.

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Branion Realm series by Fiona Patton

This collection comprises of 4 books and tells different stories about the Branion dynasty. Besides the rulers, the most important storyline is how society revolves around two religions that seem similar to the Catholic and Protestant problems in Christianity of the 16th century. It is different from other books because heterosexuality and homosexuality is prominent throughout the book. The political intrigues, battles, and deep character development make this series a good read. The series has a map and outline of the history of Branion Realm from its first ruler to its last one, who is the main character in the first book.

Recommendations:
The books are not recommended to young readers due to the sexual content. Similar books would be Patton's latest series The Warriors of Estavia and Juliet McKenna's Tales of Einarinn

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The Song of Ice and Fire saga by George R.R. Martin

Song of Ice and Fire (SoIaF) is a complex, dark and brutal story about a kingdom torn by the succession war, an ancient danger rising again and the time dragons came back to the world. What distinguishes Song of Ice and Fire from most of the fantasy books is the unpredictability of the plot. You never know if your heroes are going to get out of the trouble they fell into. And half of the time they don't. The unexpected twists and turns are an integral part of the story.

Recommendations:
The saga is aimed at adult readers. The amount of violence, for example, may be overwhelming even for some older readers.

It is hard to find books written in a style similar to Martin's unique one. The closest seem to be Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen and Glen Cook's Black Company.

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The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant: The Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson

The story is a classical "guy from our world gets transported to fantasy world" story. With a twist! You are never quite sure if he is really transported or if he is just in a coma. The world he goes to is well described and I found myself feeling as though I were actually there. I have never seen a book where giants sail on boats made of rocks before.

This series is NOT for everyone. It is one of the only series of books that I have ever read where I absolutely hated the main character. Not in a "oh he is such an evil guy" but more of a "God I want to strangle this person" type of way. The author, Stephen R. Donaldson, does a fantastic job of making me hate the main character, extremely well written on that part.

The series is not what I would classify as an easy read but if you can get through the first 1/3 of the first book it is well worth it in my opinion.

Recommendations:
The book is definitely a mature content. I would not recommend this for anyone under 17.

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Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

The award-winning debut novel portrays an alternate 19th century England, where magic has faded and the remaining magicians are only theoretical ones. This all changes when Mr Norrell, a reclusive scholar of magic, reveals his powers. He wishes to return magic back to England and takes on Jonathan Strange as a pupil. Their partnership soon becomes strained, however, as Strange is attracted to the wildest, most perilous kinds of magic.

Clarke manages to weave a fascinating and extensive alternate history. By using archaic spellings, for example, her writing style creates a "feel" of the time.

Recommendations:
Due to the length of the book and the above-mentioned reasons, the book may not interest younger readers or those looking for a quick and easy read. Reviewers often compare Clarke's work to those by Jane Austen or Charles Dickens.

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The Chrestomanci Series by Diana Wynne Jones

Magical, delightful and fun to read, these books portray many interesting characters and magical mishaps for the younger readers. Though each book is rather independent, they form a series because in all of them appears a Chrestomanci, a powerful nine-lifed enchanter.

Recommendations:
Though the main audience is children, those in touch with their inner child are guaranteed to enjoy the books as well.
Recommended from the same author: Howl's Moving Castle, Castle in the Air, Dogsbody, Dark Lord of Derkholm
Jones' books have been compared with Rowling's Harry Potter.

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The Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb

The trilogy centres around the live of young Fitz, the bastard son of prince Chivalry. Abandoned by his family, Fitz is brought up in the court of Buckkeep to serve his king as an assassin. The kingdom of Six Duchies is being torn apart because of the merciless raidings on their coast, and Fitz is caught up in the futile war against the raiders.

The plot is full of political intrigue and fascinating characters, but also emotionally heavy and quite violent, so the trilogy may not be suitable for younger readers.

Recommendations:
The Tawny Man trilogy, which continues the story of Fitz, and The Liveship Traders trilogy, set in the same world (recommended order: Farseer, Liveship Traders, Tawny Man)

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The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

As the tales begin, the Malazan Empire, under the rule of Empress Laseen, a murderous usurper of the throne, seeks to add to its holdings. The armies of the Empire are faced with rebel armies, religious zealots, and immortal Ascendants opposed to its ambition.

Erikson's books are most definitely for mature audiences. It's not just that his books are bloody and relate many war-time atrocities, or that his writing may be over the head of younger readers, but rather that his themes require a body of life experience sufficient to fully empathize with the characters and understand the depth of human suffering that Erikson seeks to portray. As indicated by the series title, Book of the Fallen, many people die, including major characters we've come to love and respect.

Recommendations:
If you're looking for books similar to the Malazan Book of the Fallen you might want to try George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire, as well as Glen Cook's Black Company.

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The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon

These books helped start the semi-trend in fantasy of women in heroic roles. Paks, (the heroine), manages to be a better soldier than most while still being sensitive to her feelings and friends. We learn to feel for her so that even as she becomes involved in more and more fantastic--even horrific--adventures, we remember her as an earnest young girl who ran away to walk an entire day to enlist in a mercenary company. Paks is one of the best female protagonists ever written in fantasy.

Recommendations:
Teens could read Paks although it's not aimed at them. Someone who likes Robin Hobbs might like books by Moon. Martin fans might like her even though she's not nearly as dark. Due to high level of violence the books would not be recommended to youngest readers.

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The Painted Man by Peter V Brett

Classic good vs evil fantasy, set in a world where demons come out at night to attack towns and villages. People live in fear behind magical wards that protect them and only venture out during daylight. It tells the story of 3 young people each growing up to fight the demons in their own way. Arlen with his natural skill for drawing wards, Leesha, a healer and Rojer an entertainer. They join forces and together aid a village in its fight against the demons. It is an easy and enjoyable read.

The magical element on the wards is interesting and well put together. The characters are likable (although not particularly complex) and there is plenty of action.

Recommendations:
The Painted Man is suitable for teens upwards. There is some sex and violence but not graphically described. Similar authors would be Anne McCaffrey, David Eddings (The Belgariad), JK Rowling.

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Chronicles of the Necromancer by Gail Z Martin

Prince Matris (Tris) witnesses the murder of his family on the night of his brother's successful attempt to take the throne. With a small group of friends he flees for his life.

Book 1, The Summoner, is a typical "quest" fantasy. Tris and his friends travel to a distant library in order for him to learn how to use his powers as a summoner (a mage who can communicate with the dead). The Blood King continues the story with Tris returning to claim back the throne and finally in Dark Haven, Tris is faced with uniting his country while his friend Jonmarc struggles with leadership of the defiant vampires at Dark Haven.

These books are a straightforward and fairly predictable read. They follow the basic good versus evil theme with a balanced mix of politics, magic and romance. I found the characters slightly too "perfect" to be believable but over all an ok, if undemanding read.

Recommendations:
They are suitable for all ages and might be enjoyed by those who like Jim Butcher, Tad Williams, David Eddings.

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Figures of Earth by James Branch Cabell

Manuel, an ordinary swineherd, has to fulfill a prophecy and Go Far. His mother has laid an obligation on him to make a figure of himself in the world, which he proceeds to do - out of clay. While tending his pigs and sculpting this figure, a stranger appears with tales of his promising future. So Manuel sets off on a series of adventures that take him across the magical world of Poictesme.

It is a fantastical story full of vivid images and witty encounters. James Cabell Branch draws on myths and legends from around our world and blends them into a totally imaginary story.

Recommendations:
Written in 1920, the style is unlike any modern fantasy authors I know. It resembles Terry Pratchett or possibly Craig Shaw Gardner in humor (loaded with irony), but is closer to Tolkein in language.

Because of the "older" style of writing, younger readers might find this a difficult book. However, if you can cope with that it is a surprisingly funny read.

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Empress by Karen Miller.

This is the first book in the godspeaker series, followed by The Rivan Kingdom and Hammer of God.

It is the story of Hekat, an unwanted female child sold into slavery. However, her God has a different plan and Hekat will not remain a slave. She is "beautiful and precious" and chosen by the God. Hekat is ruthless and ambitious and eventually becomes Empress of Mijak, with aims of conquering the world in the name of her God.

Religion and the nature of divinity play a large part in this book which makes it quite an unusual read. Karen Miller describes a world where the influence of a powerful religion has completely determined the structure of society.

Hekat's character is well developed and believable, although you would have to be slightly warped to actually like her! The story is simple and it is an easy book to read.

Recommendations:
There is a small amount of violence and descriptions of religious sacrifice but nothing too grim and it would be suitable for teenagers upwards. Possibly a similar writer is Melanie Rawn.

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The Mistborn Trilogy By by Brandon Sanderson

Fantastic trilogy that follows the main character Vin (a 16 year old girl) through the revolution of her world where ash, rain, constant mist and red sun are just a few of the problems of the world. Drafted by a group of thieves she works with them to overthrow the emperor. Along the way she begins to learn just what could be worse then the emperor and why an enemy you can see is better then one lurking in the mist.

This book would be great for all readers since there is no sex and very little violence, although it should be noted that it does have a very Shakespearian tragedy type ending...

Recommendations:
If you liked the Harry Potter series, you should enjoy this story as well.


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If you want to add a review and recommendation of your favorite fantasy writer or books series please visit our forum and post in the fantasy book recommendations thread. Also, if you want to add anything to the reviews already posted, also post on our forum.

Great thanks go to everyone who helped to compile the list and to Unda for editing it and bringing the whole thing together. Thanks!

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