What are the best fantasy books/series in existence?

Question

Karol · Accepted Answer

The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop. Definitely on the darker side and the writing isn't perfect, but they're some of the most entertaining books I've read. I would also recommend her Tir Alainn trilogy  the first book is a bit rough, but the second two more than make up for it. The Truth Series by Dawn Cook, as well as her other two books The Decoy Princess and Princess at Sea. Great characterization, lots of humor (particularly in the Princess books) combined with compelling storylines. The Shadowleague books by Maggie Furey. Fast paced, lots of action, and some very memorable characters. The Sevenwaters Trilogy by Juliet Mariller, as well as the Bridei Chronicles by the same author. Both are grounded in Celtic folklore and mythology, with the Sevenwaters books being based on the fairytale The Six Swans. And just for the heck of it, Chronicles of the Necromancer, by Gail Martin and Kingmaker, Kingbreaker by Karen Miller. Not my favorite, but both are mildly entertai

Bolla · Answer

One of my favorite of all times was Thieves World series. Short stories really well written and entertaining, easy read as well. Most of the books are on Amazon for .01 each, only place Ive seen them.

Orel · Answer

Prince of Nothing by R. Scott Bakker A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin Malazan book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie Kingkiller Chronicles by Partick Rothfuss are just some that come to mind.

annmari · Answer

How has nobody mentioned the Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons?!

Beenish · Answer

I nominate: Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson for book. Auralia's Colors: The Auralia Thread by Jeffrey Overstreet for series. I think that LOTR and George MacDonald anything go without saying!

SHERI · Answer

The Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko

Ainomaria · Answer

Discworld. Terry Pratchett. No need to look further .^

ROLANDE · Answer

Discworld. Terry Pratchett. No need to look further .^

Sol · Answer

If you're interested in Sci-Fi, you may want to try C.J. Cherryh's Cyteen series. Lots of political intrigue, in the same manner as ASoIaF.

Margaretta · Answer

A song of Ice and Fire... oh wait, you found out about it through HBO. Never mind. I got the original book back in 1997, crazy how it's a series now.

Jacenta · Answer

As an avid reader I have read my fair share of fantasy books. And as many here have mentioned, The Wheel of Time is by far the best fantasy series ever written. Truly a masterpiece. If you want something a little different, The Death Gate Cycle by Margaret Theis and Tracy Hickman is very good

Sydney · Answer

A few ideas: For a different interpretation try the Orcs books by Stan Nicholls If you like the idea of alternative history then Naomi Nowack's Temaraire series are a good read, basically set arround the Napoleonic wars but with dragons. And the Imperial series by Mark Robson are worth a read if you can find them. hth

VALDA · Answer

redwall, sword of shanarra, belgariad

abir · Answer

If you're interested in Sci-Fi, you may want to try C.J. Cherryh's Cyteen series. Lots of political intrigue, in the same manner as ASoIaF.

Caryn · Answer

If you're looking for something lighthearted and fun, I'd recommend Robert Asprin's Myth Adventure series and Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. Larry Corriea's nascent series The Grimnoir Chronicles and Monster Hunter International series are a nice mix of a serious storyline and some comic relief. John C Wright's Chronicles of Chaos series was pretty interesting as well when I read it a while back. I wouldn't call it great though, it was just an interesting series with a somewhat different approach to fantasy. I've also had people recommend Glen Cook's Black Company series as well.

Anett · Answer

Ender's Game will always be one of my all time favs

Susanne Trommler · Answer

A few ideas: For a different interpretation try the Orcs books by Stan Nicholls If you like the idea of alternative history then Naomi Nowack's Temaraire series are a good read, basically set arround the Napoleonic wars but with dragons. And the Imperial series by Mark Robson are worth a read if you can find them. hth

LASHAWNDA · Answer

Possibly the best I've ever read was The Orphan's Tales. Stories within stories within stories - literally. Amazing, amazing series. And they get super dark in the second book. So well-crafted. I can't even describe it in full sentences I love it so much.

Querida · Answer

SILVERLOCK by John Myers Myers...I'm not much of a fantasy reader, but this stands as one of my favorite books in any genre. Full of characters and places both real and imagined, based on real history, mythology and geography, and just a fantastic, epic picaresque novel. Here's a wiki link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverlock

Ferah · Answer

Other than Lord of the Rings, the greatest Fantasy book series ever written is The Dark Tower.

Ravi · Answer

I really enjoyed Age of the Five by Trudi Canavan.

Vlatka · Answer

Bar none, no exceptions, A Song of Ice and Fire is the best fantasy series there is. Hell, I'd put it as some of the best literature there is, and I've read a lot of classics and appreciate them too. What you're missing from watching the show is the Dostoevskian handling of the characters inner psychology and emotions. I'd say his last two books may be my favorite books I've ever read. And I've read a lot (Dragonlance/FR, all the fantasy classics, along with all the regular classics, etc.)

Vasana · Answer

While it's not a series, the best fantasy book I've ever read (and I've read a LOT) is Susan Cooper's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell. It's a bit different than any other fantasy book I've read, but it's absolutely fantastic. One of the two best books I've ever read. If you're looking for something a bit closer to standard but still excellent, I'd recommend Brian Sanderson's Mistborn Trilogy. This series is a fascinating and actually somewhat original one.

Tella · Answer

The Once and Future King by T.H. White

Amalia · Answer

"The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay. Really flowery, poetic language used here  strong imagery and things like that. Not quite as grounded in "reality" as books like ASOIAF. Strong emotions abound. "

DIEDRA · Answer

im sorry but its harry potter, let the insults come flying but those books are the definition of page turners. also philip pullmans dark materials are good

FELICIDAD · Answer

Does Science Fiction count? because then I'd have to say Animorphs! Ah, it influenced me so much during my formative years!

Ursula Burger · Answer

Discworld. Pure Genius.

lenda · Answer

Edit Oops... didn't read the subtext. I'll just be on my way.

Kajs-Mari · Answer

The 'Song of Albion' trilogy by Stephen R. Lawhead is excellent. It's quite different to the style of most fantasy writing but I couldn't put it down. It's definitely a favorite series of mine.

Goldit · Answer

Wars of Light and Shadow by Janny Wurts. Her writing is pretty thick at times, but the storyline and the conflict between the main characters is among the best I've ever read. I love the logical nature of the magic system in it, and the Fellowship of Seven are the most badass characters in any book, hands down.

TARI · Answer

I saw someone else has said Empire of the East, and mentioned the Books of the Swords. I have read the Swords series and recommend them, but haven't read the Empire of the East. I also third The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever. I read those in middle school, though I'd probably prefer my sons wait until they were a bit older to read them. But still a good series.

Tymothy · Answer

"The Quarters Novels by Tanya Huff are really good. Also, Mordant's Need by Stephen Donaldson is excellent, but the series is only two books long. The first book is called "The Mirror of Dreams" and the second is "A Man Rides Through". "

ifrah · Answer

You should really read the song of fire and ice books seeing as they have a lot more to offer than just the tv show. Also the Wheel of time series by Robert Jordan. Simply an amazing series. Harry Potter turns into a very good and well written series. The mist born trilogy was good, don't know about one of best of all time but if you need something good to read. Anita Blake books are pretty good. So are the Sooki Stackhouse books. Short but have tons more to then than HBO airs.

Quintilla · Answer

You should really read the song of fire and ice books seeing as they have a lot more to offer than just the tv show. Also the Wheel of time series by Robert Jordan. Simply an amazing series. Harry Potter turns into a very good and well written series. The mist born trilogy was good, don't know about one of best of all time but if you need something good to read. Anita Blake books are pretty good. So are the Sooki Stackhouse books. Short but have tons more to then than HBO airs.

nuka · Answer

LOTR

Vanessa Adler · Answer

I really enjoyed Age of the Five by Trudi Canavan.

Sermin · Answer

Try here:http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/42185-westeros-fantasy-and-science-fiction-book-list/ Not yet mentioned here I'd recommend Narnia, Vonnegut, Herbert, and Gaiman.

Heili · Answer

Lord of the Rings -J.R.R Tolkien Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan Song of Ice and Fire - George R.R. Martin

Anja Hahn · Answer

Well of Souls series by Jack L. Chalker

Manda · Answer

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Herbie · Answer

These are more in the urban fantasy realm then high fantasy, but anything by Neil Gaiman or Charles De Lint is amazing. American Gods is possibly the best book I ever read.

Regan · Answer

Two people already posted it but it can't be said enough: The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. (The title of the first book is Storm Front). The series has it all, Wizards in modern Chicago, a talking skull, sex vampires, four kinds of werewolf (in one book!), cops, mafia, black magic, sunshine in a hankerchief, potions, faeries, ghosts, the other kind of faeries, wiseass remarks, snarky heroes, snarky villains, champions of God swinging magic swords made from the nails used on the Cross... ...and a freaking zombie t-rex controlled by the combined power of necromany and polka.

Adolphus · Answer

The whole Deverry cycle by Katherine Kerr. Celtic mythology mixed up with somewhat tolkienese fantasy blended with reincarnation (the story jumps between incarnations of the main ensemble during different places in time (under roughly 600 years if I remember correctly)

Guillermo · Answer

The Lone Wolf series. You even get to use a dice!

NELLA · Answer

Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos novels, also To Reign in Hell a marvelous novel about the revolt in heaven.

Kerstin Maurer · Answer

Carol Berg JV Jones

JACQUELYNE · Answer

The Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody. Set in a post apocalyptic world, characters with mental powers fight against the government authority and religious authority who seek to destroy them. There are 5 books published to date with another 2 projected (however the US split the most recent book into 2 books). First book in the series is quite short so try it out!

Consuela · Answer

Ctrl + F and no mention of the His Dark Materials Trilogy? That's crazy talk.

Oneida · Answer

redwall

Marina Kunze · Answer

Anything by China Mieville. Perdido Street Station is a good place to begin. Urban fantasy with vaguely postapocalyptic vibes. The Jhereg series by Steven Brust. The main character is a smart-ass assasin. The series is deceptively simple at the outset, but Brust is a very clever writer indeed and gradually reveals just how complex his plot is.  Joe Abercrombie, The First Law trilogy. Gritty, very well-written, good characters. If you like a bit of kink: The Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey. The main character is a courtesan/spy, and both the plot and the fucking is fairly interesting.

Adriena · Answer

The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle-one of my favorites! Short, easy but great read.

Christine Weissmuller · Answer

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Hajat · Answer

Try The Belgariad and The Malloreon. I really like that book series.

Lena-Stina · Answer

Try Kushiel's Dart and its sequels

dima · Answer

malus darkblade is good antihero stuff but it doesn't exactly break any new ground. still great. my favorite series is either the elric saga or the black company. von bek is fuggin great too.

Eadie · Answer

Not really fantasy, but: The Magicians - Lev Grossman Dark and slightly unpleasant, but couldn't stop reading it The order of odd-fish - James Kennedy Funny and wildly imaginative  His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman Beautiful writing, fantastic story

Sylvester · Answer

Definitely read the Belgariad series by David Eddings. It's what first got me into reading fantasy. :)

Archy · Answer

Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie -> The Blade Itself -> Before they are Hanged -> Last Argument of Kings Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan

Rosi · Answer

SILVERLOCK by John Myers Myers...I'm not much of a fantasy reader, but this stands as one of my favorite books in any genre. Full of characters and places both real and imagined, based on real history, mythology and geography, and just a fantastic, epic picaresque novel.  Silverlock

Ev · Answer

I really liked Piers Anthony growing up. The Adept and Xanth series were awesome.

katarina · Answer

I recently read a short but awesome series called the Seventh Sword trilogy by Dave Duncan.  It's portal fantasy and it's awesome. A guy dies in our reality and wakes up in a world very different from our own in the body of a swordsman. Very thought provoking(some philosophy but not heavy handed) and very well wrapped up. I wish there were more books involving the world just because it's such a pleasure to learn about.

Rea · Answer

Symphony of Ages by Elizabeth Hayden has been rather good so far. She just needs to put out the next freaking book already.

DUNG · Answer

The Chronicles of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones (she wrote Howl's Moving Castle, but I haven't actually read it, only seen the movie, despite her being one of my favorite authors).  Anything by Neil Gaiman depending on how loose your definition of fantasy is. American Gods is my favorite of his, although Neverwhere is very good, too.

Inaaya · Answer

The Dragons of Babel, Micheal Swanwick. It's a surrealist fantasy novel that plays on the adoption of Tolkein's fantasy world by so many authors, and does some really interesting and unexpected things with them. It's at times epic, at times heady, at times witty. Swanwick is an excellent writer, every sentence is beautiful. Read it.

Jennifer Konig · Answer

Some of my favorite series:  The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs Myth Adventures by Robert Asprin The Belgariad by David Eddings The Dark Tower by Steven King Dune by Frank Herbert Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony

Leonardo · Answer

ah! A fellow Forgotten realms reader! Cool Beans! Might want to look into the Shannara series (by Terry Brooks). Beginning with the Sword of Shannara.  Edit: dont look it up on wikipedia as it will be a spoiler.

sine · Answer

Since I haven't seen anyone throw it out there: The Star of the Guardians series by Margaret Weis. It's more fantasy in a sci-fi setting than science fiction. I enjoyed it more than the Dragonlance books and the deathgate cycle. It centers around the idea that in the future, the skills needed to rule could be bred into a royal family through advances in genetic engineering. A line of people was created that are geneticially blessed with good looks, charisma, photographic memories, high intelligence, and various psychic abilities and they form the Royal Family. They rule the universe until a coux which ends with all of them dead, a except for the infant prince and small number of Guardians who escaped. The story takes place 20 years later, when it is discovered that the prince did not die like he was supposed to...

AKIKO · Answer

Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony is pretty intense, not one of the more popular ones though. The Inheritance Cycle I thought was pretty good so far, waiting for the fourth is a bitch.

Randolph · Answer

Guardians of Ga'Hoole.

Jeena · Answer

Any fans of Gibson's work? His Sprawl Trilogy and Bridge Trilogy are great reads. I tend to read in circles and his stuff really shines on subsequent readings.

Roselie · Answer

Read a great book called scar night, about angels and assassins in a world supported by chains over a giant hole miles deep. Tripod trilogy was awesome, it's been years since I read it though.  Most of my suggestions are already mentioned

Ashly · Answer

I greatly enjoyed the Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder, and she also wrote a second trilogy (The Glass Trilogy) that takes a minor character from the first trilogy and follows her story. I simply loved them, she's a relatively new author, but she is fantastic.

Jennifer Moller · Answer

For fantasy, the best I've read is Anne Mcaffery's (sp?) Crystal Singer series

Kylen · Answer

My favourite author is Simon R Green, specifically Blue Moon Rising and the later books in the series. Just the right balance of adventure, humour, horror, action, drama, romance, politics etc. Fantastic books.  I'm also a fan of The Redemption of Althalus by David and Leigh Eddings and The Artifacts if Power Series by Maggie Furey

Els · Answer

Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series was fantastic. Jim Butcher is also very good IMO, both his Dresden Files series and Codex Alera series. When it comes to Forgotten Realms, I'd vote for R.A. Salvatore's books. Trudi Canavan's Kyralia and Ithania series are also quite good, though I'd say the latter is more mature.

LATONYA · Answer

The Abhorsen Trilogy. Never read anything like it. The second book is utterly impossible to put down. I have probably read it 10-15 times. In short, its about a young woman who inherits her father's job which was to keep the dead from the living world and walk them down the path of death. The universe created in these stories is so detailed i feel that just the back story should have had its own book. It's that interesting. Seriously, if you don't read these books, you are missing out.

GENEVIVE · Answer

Robbin Hobb's Assassin's trilogy and the following and related two trilogies were some of the most engrossing and fascinating fantasy I've ever read. Can't recommend it enough http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hobb#The_Realm_of_the_Elderlings

Selmira · Answer

"1) The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny - Really cool alternative universe(s) and fun to read 2) The Black Company Series by Glen Cook - My all time favorite. Shining white knights? Good guys vs. bad guys? fuck that. These books are some serious shit, and the people in them act like REAL people not cookie cutter caricatures of what heroes and villains "should" be. "

Frans · Answer

Mistborn - Loved it. Some of the politics drag it down but the magic was amazing. While I was reading, I would find myself day dreaming about pushing metal.

Cate · Answer

"If you enjoyed the Lord of the Rings (being long winded and extremely detailed) I recommend my personal favorite: Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series. Also, the author that has taken up his torch to finish his novels (since he passed away 2 years ago) is Brandon Sanderson. He has some interesting works out as well. I just finished his newest endeavor "The Way of Kings." It was long and detailed, but speaks of a very well thought out world that is rich in mystery and history. "

Serafiina · Answer

The Crystal Shard... Drizzt is the man.

Thornie · Answer

The Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb. She writes in trilogies, all (technically) in the same world. This is her first, and the best. Non-formulaic unlike WoT and SoT, good characters. My favorite, though ASoIaF might compete.

Emmery · Answer

The Dark Border series by Paul Edwin Zimmer. Too bad he died before finishing it, but it is still awesome. David Gemmel's Drenai books are very good too.

Tadeas · Answer

Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Steven Donaldson.  Belgariad and related series by David Eddings.  Shannara series by Terry Brooks.  Tales of Alvin Maker and other works by Orson Scott Card (if you like SF, I highly recommend the Ender series by him). The Adept series by Piers Anthony.

Katharina Osterhagen · Answer

I've read every Stephen King, Salvatore, Tolkien, R. Jordan, Dragonlance book out there to name a few. Loved all of them. I'm currently reading Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card, and loving them so far.

Sara Reiniger · Answer

I can't believe only one other person said it! The Dune series!

Wake · Answer

First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, and the rest of the books that come after in the same universe (Best Served Cold, the Heroes).

Travis · Answer

The Hunger Games Trilogy. I liked the Wheel of Time and others mentioned below.  When I was very young I really liked Piers Anthony's Xanth series (first three or so anyway) and although not exactly the same: Discworld. Read it bitches. Yeah, it's comedy. It's Sir Terry Friggin Pratchett and there are so many Discworld books I don't know the count...but they're all good, and some pass into the realm of great. Every. Damn. One. Read some.

MARIVEL · Answer

There's a new series that I think is phenomenal called The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson (the guy who's finishing the Wheel of Time due to Robert Jordan's death). There's only one book out so far, so don't read The Way of Kings if you don't mind waiting a few years. He writes brilliant dialogue, interesting characters and the book has excellent art throughout. For others, Wheel of Time, LoTR (plus extras), and the Raymond E Feist Riftwar and Empire series, as others have said. You can read the many many other books he has set in the same world as well, if you like. They vary in quality but most of them are very good entertaining fantasy and you have to read at least one book with the character Nakor.

Chaunce · Answer

I would have to recommend Kushiel's Legacy to anyone who likes some (lots) of sexy in their literature. It's good book-porn mixed with good medieval alt-world fantasy.

Lyse · Answer

I'm sure it's been mentioned but I just want to throw in the books by Raymond E. Feist. He has created a richly developed fantasy world that include over thirty years worth of novels. Start with Magician:apprentice and just follow through. Good stuff!

Tuovi · Answer

Anything by Michael Moorcock, specifically Elric trumps and is the progenitor of 90% of dark, brooding fantasy and is one of the first anti heroes. Shit will blow you away, it's made reading anything else damn near painful at how awfully written characters and plot lines are.

Altin · Answer

R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt Do'Urden series. Start with The Dark Elf trilogy.

Riikka · Answer

Playboy. forever alone forever flatchested Asides from that, I do enjoy The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula Le Guin. Great read.

Katti · Answer

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin are by far the best fantasy books/series that I have ever read (If you haven't read either series you should go do that RIGHT NOW!!).

Terencio · Answer

My personal favorites  Wheel of Time DragonLance Chronicles and Legends Death Gate Cycle the Saga of Recluse - wonder why this hasn't been mentioned? the Noble Dead Saga

Marta · Answer

A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R. R. Martin, and The Prince of Nothing by R. Scott Bakker are my two favorite modern fantasy series. Adults only, btw....not as child friendly as, say, the Belgariad, Shanarra, or even the Wheel of Time.

Joye · Answer

Discworld series by Terry Pratchet.

Sophie Maur · Answer

Coldfire Trilogy by CS Friedman is another good one that hasn't been mentioned. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldfire_trilogy

Daisy · Answer

I really enjoyed The Incarnations of Immortality series by Piers Anthony. Each book in the series treats such fantasy characters as Death, Father Time, Mother Nature and Fate as jobs real people have.

merethe · Answer

The Dresden Files. So goddamn good. Edit: It's about Harry Dresden, the only wizard in the Yellow Pages, and his struggles against the escalating conflicts in the supernatural world. It's an incredibly well-written series with great humour, action, characters, plots and system.

Belicia · Answer

"Has no one read Stephen Donaldson's "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever"? Granted, you should probably be over 18 to read it.  "

steffani · Answer

Anything by Garth Nix, and The Maze Runners Trilogy is different but excellent, and Unwind by Neal shusterman. Those have been my favorites lately.

Tiina-Tuulia · Answer

few good series I've yet to see mentioned The Prince of Nothing - R. Scott Bakker The First Law - Joe Abercrombie The Black Company - Glen Cook Sword of Shadows - J.V. Jones and while not a series of novels, I must also recommend these series of stories Elric of Melnibone - Michael Moorcock Conan - R.E. Howard compilation books of stories involving these characters can be found at most any library or bookstore

zoey · Answer

Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks:  Way of Shadows Shadow's Edge Beyond the Shadows

Heda · Answer

How has the The Discworld series - Terry Pratchett not made it on this list yet? Also The Name of the Wind - Jim Butcher The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins vampire files P.N. Elrod The Mercedes Thompson Series - Patricia Briggs

Donny · Answer

I am a big fan of Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos series from what I have read so far.

Sanna-Kaisa · Answer

Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe.

Kathlene · Answer

The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. His magnum opus, much unlike anything else he's written

Eine · Answer

The Hyperion cantos by Dan Simmons, more sci fi then fantasy but they will blow your mind

SUE · Answer

" Wheel of Time has been mentioned. The Wayfarers Redemption series by Sara Douglass - Interesting spin on religion and the Cosmos  The Runelords series by David Farland - Very interesting magic system, also kind of "Last Airbender"-ish The Death Gate Cycle by Weis and Hickman - since you seem to like Dragonlance If your are looking for a H.P. Lovecraftian type Mind Fu** then I'd recommend the Lord of the Isles series by David Drake  "

MITTIE · Answer

Personally, not a big fan of the genre and haven't read finished that many novels in this bailiwick, but Michael Moorcock's Elric series is pretty bad ass, even though it has a singing sword.

REBBECA · Answer

After Song of Ice and Fire, I'd say Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams - these books are fantastic. The trilogy (actually there are four books sine the last was so long..) takes you from low fantasy to high, and everything in between. After I finished the last book, I couldn't bring myself to read anything else for months, since nothing could compare! :p As for other epic fantasy, I'd suggest the Shannara books by Terry Brooks. I'd start with the Sword of Shannara trilogy, and go from there!  Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind is also an excellent book, but I recommend stopping after this first.. the series goes downhill pretty quickly (according to some).

anahita · Answer

I thoroughly enjoyed the Warlord Chronicles (The Winter King, Enemy of God, and Excalibur) by Bernard Cornwell, they give a unique view of post-Rome Britain and King Arthur that I have never seen before. Unfortunately, his other books weren't my cup of tea. I'm sure someone else must have mentioned the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, but it is a must read and is an absolutely phenomenal experience.

SHARYL · Answer

The Hunger Games Trilogy. I liked the Wheel of Time and others mentioned below.  When I was very young I really liked Piers Anthony's Xanth series (first three or so anyway) and although not exactly the same: Discworld. Read it bitches. Yeah, it's comedy. It's Sir Terry Friggin Pratchett and there are so many Discworld books I don't know the count...but they're all good, and some pass into the realm of great. Every. Damn. One. Read some. Finally, The Black Company...very good trilogy following a mercenary company as they navigate the politics of a changing world. Bold, vicious, well-written...reminds me a bit of Martin's style.

Nesta · Answer

I personally really enjoyed The Saga of Recluse, at least up until the ~8th book. Magic based on order and chaos, exploring the idea of balance versus concentration. Modesitt Jr. is a sci/fi writer first and foremost though, which comes out later in the series. It can be pretty dry at some points  the characters can be rather generic at times. Very technical at points as well, which as an engineer I enjoyed, but I could see it turning off others.  The first 5 or 6 books are in massive reverse chronological order, then they progress forwards from the first, then they go backwards to before the 6th, then reverse chronological from there, then I quit reading them because the library didn't have the next book in the series and I was a cheap ass student.

Valgerdur · Answer

I've read massive amounts of fantasy, but the one author that is most dear to me is Mercedes Lackey. Any her Valdemar books are worth the read.

Reginauld · Answer

Otherland series by Tad Williams.

Iggy · Answer

Out of The Silent Planet, by C.S Lewis. It's the first in a space trilogy but the first is the best by far. Obey Oyarsa.

Duangkamon · Answer

I recommend Dune By Frank Herbert which is probably more on the sifi end of things. I also have to admit a little personal bias for it due to being named after one of it's main characters.

Pearce · Answer

The Codex Alera: Great fantasy. One of the best I have ever read. The Dresden files: This was is a really long series, and still isn't finished. Love it. Same author as Codex. The Rangers Apprentice is a pretty nice series as well. EDIT: The lord of the rings and other Tolkien books are amazing, but everyone knows about them :)

Laurence · Answer

Warhammer's Gotrek and Felix series is great if you want a light hearted fun fantasy read. It has that quirky, crazy and slightly dark fantasy Warhammer lends itself to. Warhammer novels have a shared universe so its kind of a series. (also check out the Warhammer 40K novels) I would also recommend tracking down some of the David Gemmel stuff. Often his stories share a theme or a world.

Georgetta · Answer

Discworld series by Terry Pratchett...

SALLIE · Answer

Glen Cook - The Black Company Roget Zelazny - The Chronicles of Amber Joe Abeecrombie - The First Law

Zacherie · Answer

The Elenium. Nuff' said.

TIFFANY · Answer

Redwall series by Brian Jacques. Similar to Harry Potter in the sense it is geared towards children.

Ljubov · Answer

The Malazan Books of the Fallen. 10 Novels of epic length and scope, each one - except maybe the first - over 1000 pages long. Long live The Bridgeburners. I'm only one #4.

Liisu · Answer

also, surprised it wasn't already said here, hitchhikers guide to the galaxy is outstanding.

Chane · Answer

"I didn't get through the entire thread so I apologize if these have already been covered:   King Killer Chronicles Patrick Rothfuss (book 1: The Name of the Wind) Mistborn Trilogy Brandon Sanderson (book 1: Mistborn) Gentlemen Bastard Sequence Scott Lynch (bk 1: The Lies of Locke Lamora) Night Angel Trilogy Brent Weeks (bk 1: The Way of Shadows) Bas-Lag Books China Mieville (bk 1: Perdido Street Station) The Demon Cycle Peter V. Brett (bk 1: The Warded Man)  These are all fairly original and completely absorbing. They're the type of books that you get 2/3rds of the way through and think "shit, I just picked this up and now it's almost over! not fair!" Since most of these are 500+ pages, that's no small feat. "

Aija-Leena · Answer

Have you tried Zelazny's Amber series?

Anallese · Answer

Sabriel/Lirael/Abhorsen books by Garth Nix

Masouda · Answer

As others have noted, Terry Brooks is a fun read, especially his early stuff. Later stuff has been lackluster. I've not seen it mentioned, but I'm current reading the Riftwar books by Raymond Feist. They are epic and a bit tedious at times, but I've really enjoyed them. They were published in the early 80s.

Rodolphe · Answer

Malazan Book of the Fallen, Elric

Johanna Schwab · Answer

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a classic one that I read when I was a lot younger, but still love them.

TAMRA · Answer

The Tripod Series was pretty damn good when I read it. They're: The White Mountains, The City of Gold and Lead, The Pool of Fire, and a prequel When the Tripods Came. And the seeker series. The only one I remember by name was Silver on the Tree.

Boyce · Answer

I love Earthsea by Ursula K le Guin. And I read the first book to Legend of the Seeker and that was pretty good but I Wikipediad were the series was going and it looked like the author was going all ayn rand so I never picked up the next book

Melony · Answer

For me it's the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R Donaldson. It's probably my favorite book series at this point. If you enjoyed Dragonlance, Weiss and Hickman also did a series called The Deathgate Cycle that was better than any of the Dragonlance novels.

merima · Answer

The Wheel of Time series - Robert Jordan (one of the most compelling series I've ever read, on a scale proportionate to LOTR) Eragon series - Christopher Paolini (don't be discouraged by the film, the books are brilliant) Assassin's series - Robin Hobb (beautiful writer, you will fall in love with her characters) I could run you through many more, but seems like you've got a huge list already. :-)

ikram · Answer

Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe.

Lenard · Answer

"Look for the Black library "Horus Heresy". It starts off a little weak, but honestly it builds into one of the most interesting series ive ever read! 1st 3 books are the best. Don't dismiss it cause of its......background, thats all im gonna say! :) "

Oriana · Answer

"Look for the Black library "Horus Heresy". It starts off a little weak, but honestly it builds into one of the most interesting series ive ever read! 1st 3 books are the best. Don't dismiss it cause of its......background, thats all im gonna say! :) "

Solvar · Answer

The Codex Alera - Jim Butcher  Truely an epic journey through the life of one man.

Dulcinea · Answer

Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks:  Way of Shadows Shadow's Edge Beyond the Shadows

Minna-Liisa · Answer

My favorites are, in no particular order:  Songs of Earth and Power, by Greg Bear Empire of the East, by Fred Saberhagen (which is the basis for the later Book of Swords series) Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, by Tad Williams Tailchaser's Song, by Tad Williams  Number 3 is supposedly one of Martin's inspirations, so the man has good taste. None of these are Tolkienesque, if that's your thing.

MERIDETH · Answer

If I could make a suggestion it would be the Runelord series by David Farland. The first and second book are by far some of my favorite reads, although it gets a little weird and loses focus in the rest of the books.  Another would be the Lord of the Isles series by David Drake. Think ancient Greece only more mythical.

Aili · Answer

Scott Lynch's Gentlemen Bastards series is far superior to all others.

Marten · Answer

M.Y.T.H. Inc. Girl Genius Nonplayer

Birgit Dresdner · Answer

I'm sure it's already been said but: Lord of the Rings followed closely by The Dark Tower.

Jacquie · Answer

The First Law trilogy by Joel Abercrombie is the best series I've read in recent history.  The Gentleman Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch is excellent as well.

Festina · Answer

I don't think I've read enough fantasy to definitively call it the best in existence, but I recently read through China Mieville's Perdido Street Station, and it blew me away. If you're interested in the grungy, semi-Lovecraftian New Weird* genre, definitely check it out. It's about as far from Tolkeinesque high fantasy as you can get, and as such, is really an enjoyable and unique read. *Warning: TVTropes link.

KYONG · Answer

"The Kingkiller Chronicles (First book is "The Name of the Wind", second book is "The Wise Man's Fear") by Patrick Rothfuss. "

What are the best fantasy books/series in existence?

Blakelee

Cesya

Chantal

Clare

Jean

Johnette

Lucila

Madelin

Noell

Rayshell