Fantasy
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicles Book 1) by Patrick Rothfuss
Amazon: 4.6/5
Goodreads: 4.55/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: My name is Kvothe.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
Opinion: One of my favorite books of all time. Patrick Rothfuss spins an immersive tale that draws you in and doesn’t let go. Currently this series has two books with the third due at any time. In saying that book 2, The Wise Man’s Fear 
The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time Book 1) by Robert Jordan
Amazon: 4.5/5
Goodreads: 4.18/5
Authors Website (kinda)
Amazon Description: 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.
Opinion: Most people agree that Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series is a Masterwork of modern fantasy and I agree. The series is finished and contains 14 books and a Prologue volume, New Spring: The Novel
This is a great original series and you deserve to let yourself experience it.
Pawn of Prophecy (Belgariad Book 1) by David Eddings
Amazon: 4.6/5
Goodreads: 4.16/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Long ago, the Storyteller claimed, the evil god Torak drove men and Gods to war. But Belgarath the Sorcerer led men to reclaim the Orb that protected men of the West. So long as it lay at Riva, the prophecy went, men would be safe.
But Garion did not believe in such stories. Brought up on a quiet farm by his Aunt Pol, how could he know that the Apostate planned to wake dread Torak, or that he would be led on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger by those he loved–but did not know…?
Opinion: This series along with the Wheel of Time were my gateway books into fantasy and I am currently working on collecting all the hardbacks for my Library. The story of the characters in the Belgariad continues in its companion series the Mallorean as well as two “Prologue” books Belgarath the Sorcerer
Magician: Apprentice (The Riftwar Saga) by Raymond E. Feist
Amazon: 4.5/5
Goodreads: 4.17/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: To the forest on the shore of the Kingdom of the Isles, the orphan Pug came to study with the master magician Kulgan. But though his courage won him a place at court and the heart of a lovely Princess, he was ill at ease with the normal ways of wizardry. Yet Pug’s strange sort of magic would one day change forever the fates of two worlds. For dark beings from another world had opened a rift in the fabric of spacetime to being again the age-old battle between the forces of Order and Chaos
Opinion: Another favorite from my youth the Riftwar Cycle books by Raymond Feist are another mainstain of modern fantasy. The only qualm I have in recommending these books is that I have not finished the series and I know there are quite a few differing opinions about how the series ended. Total there are 30 books from various series that make up the Riftwar Cycle and you can find a couple of different reading orders. The nice thing about these books is you can read each mini series and have an ending even though it may not be the ending. If 30 books seems like too much of a commitment I understand and would simply encourage you to read the first four books that make up the Riftwar Saga (the first series) as they tell one hell of a yarn.
The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastards, Book 1) by Scott Lynch
Amazon: 4.4/5
Goodreads: 4.38/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: An orphan’s life is harsh—and often short—in the mysterious island city of Camorr. But young Locke Lamora dodges death and slavery, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a gifted con artist. As leader of the band of light-fingered brothers known as the Gentleman Bastards, Locke is soon infamous, fooling even the underworld’s most feared ruler. But in the shadows lurks someone still more ambitious and deadly. Faced with a bloody coup that threatens to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the enemy at his own brutal game—or die trying.
Opinion: A great and clever read, the Lies of Locke Lamora is full of scheming with a story that weaves forward and back in time and introduces you to some truly memorable characters. I have also had the pleasure of meeting Scott Lynch at WordCon in Spokane, WA and he is a great guy. Currently has three books in the series published, as well as several hardcover versions of the books that are floating around out there. If you love you some plotting and clever twists in a story this book is for you.
The Colour of Magic ( Discworld book 1) by Terry Pratchet
Amazon: 4.3/5
Goodreads: 3.98/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Terry Pratchett’s profoundly irreverent, bestselling novels have garnered him a revered position in the halls of parody next to the likes of Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Carl Hiaasen. The Color of Magic is Terry Pratchett’s maiden voyage through the now-legendary land of Discworld. This is where it all begins — with the tourist Twoflower and his wizard guide, Rincewind.
Opinion: If you haven’t been introduced to the Discworld yet you are missing out on some of the most interesting stories and characters that exist out in the ether of imagination. When I first read Colour of Magic the story took a bit to grow on me and it may be the same with you. What is interesting about the Discworld books is that even though they are all set in the same world and usually even in the same city, there is a rotating cast of characters. So while Rincewind may not be to your flavor I can guarantee that the Witches, the City Guard, Death, or Moist Von Lipwig will be. If you don’t like this first book use this Goodreads list to find the first book that mentions one of the characters I mentioned above and give one a try. You don’t want to miss out on this marvelous world from the imagination of Terry Pratchet.
The Way of Kings ( The Stormlight Chronicles Book 1) by Brandon Sanderson
Amazon: 4.7/5
Goodreads: 4.64/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.
It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them.
One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.
Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.
Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar’s niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan’s motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.
Opinion: An Epic series that is still in its early days, the Stormlight Chronicles features one of Sanderson’s unique magic systems. The books in the series are pretty hefty and if you stay indoors reading every day, could probably be used in place of a free weight to build up some muscle. The series currently has 3 books and I always eagerly await the next installment to see what new tidbits of this universe will be revealed. The most recent released book Oathbringer
Prince of Thorns (the Broken Empire Book 1) by Mark Lawrence
Amazon: 4.1/5
Goodreads: 3.87/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: When he was nine, he watched as his mother and brother were killed before him. By the time he was thirteen, he was the leader of a band of bloodthirsty thugs. By fifteen, he intends to be king…
It’s time for Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath to return to the castle he turned his back on, to take what’s rightfully his. Since the day he hung pinned on the thorns of a briar patch and watched Count Renar’s men slaughter his mother and young brother, Jorg has been driven to vent his rage. Life and death are no more than a game to him—and he has nothing left to lose.
But treachery awaits him in his father’s castle. Treachery and dark magic. No matter how fierce his will, can one young man conquer enemies with power beyond his imagining?
Opinion: I don’t read all that much dark fiction (Grimdark). The world is a dark enough place for me as it is and I use reading as an escape to get out of myself and read about heroic derring-do where good triumphs over evil. Despite all that, I came across Prince of Thorns when it was on sale for $.99 in the Kindle store, and after reading the description, went for it and I am glad I did. Prince Jorg is a deep character who has seen the worst life has to throw at people, and eventually was able to come through the other end. The events in the books are a little grim but what an ending the series had. It’s one of those where you close the final book and just sit there for a minute in reflection thinking, man what a great ending, but still feel bittersweet at how poignant the ending was.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Book Stats:
Amazon: 4.2/5
Goodreads: 3.99/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Originally published in 1968, Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea marks the first of the six now beloved Earthsea titles. Ged was the greatest sorcerer in Earthsea, but in his youth he was the reckless Sparrowhawk. In his hunger for power and knowledge, he tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tumultuous tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death’s threshold to restore the balance.
Opinion: The story of how Ged became Archmage and his adventures throughout life are fascinating and at times heartbreaking. There is a reason that famed film maker Hiyao Miyazaki contacted Ursula about making her series into a movie (admittedly the film bombed but I blame that more on the fact that when the film was made Hiyao’s son was the director than a failing in the source materiel). Read these books and figure that reason out yourself.
Riddle Master of Hed by Patricia A. McKillip
Amazon: 4.5/5
Goodreads: 4.01/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Long ago, the wizards had vanished from the world, and all knowledge was left hidden in riddles. Morgon, prince of the simple farmers of Hed, proved himself a master of such riddles when he staked his life to win a crown from the dead Lord of Aum.
But now ancient, evil forces were threatening him. Shape changers began replacing friends until no man could be trusted. So Morgon was forced to flee to hostile kingdoms, seeking the High One who ruled from mysterious Erlenstar Mountain.
Beside him went Deth, the High One’s Harper. Ahead lay strange encounters and terrifying adventures. And with him always was the greatest of unsolved riddles — the nature of the three stars on his forehead that seemed to drive him toward his ultimate destiny.
Opinion: I still remember the moment I was shopping in a Goodwill and came across a paperback set of these books in great condition that I was able to buy for $3. I was so excited! These books are a great childhood memory and as I read them as an adult I enjoyed them just as much a second time.
The Chronicles of Master Li and Number 10 Ox by Barry Hughart
Amazon: 4.7/5
Goodreads: 4.37/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description of first book-Bridge of Birds: When the children of his village were struck with a mysterious illness, Number Ten Ox found master Li Kao. Together they set out to find the Great Root of Power, the only possible cure, and together they discover adventure and legend, and the power of belief….
2nd book-The Story of the Stone: A sequel to “Bridge of Birds,” telling the story of a long-dead evil prince who continues to plague his people, and of Master Li, the slightly flawed sage who battles the spirit and his malevolent forces
3rd Book-Eight Skilled Gentleman: When a resepcted mandarin is murdered in the heart of the Forbidden City, Master Li and his sidekick, Number Ten Ox, are called in to investigate. Thus begins a Sherlockian adventure that takes Master Li and Number Ten Ox–accompanied by a scarred puppeteer and his shamanka daughter–on a wild chase across China. With murder, mayhem, and magic aplenty, and Chinese folklore and literary references thrown into the mix, Eight Skilled Gentlemen is a hilarious romp through Ancient China.
Opinion: I was first introduced to Barry Hughart’s novels through his second book The Story of the Stone
The Magic of Recluse (Saga of Recluse Book 1) by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Amazon: 4.1/5
Goodreads: 3.84/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Young Lerris is dissatisfied with his life and trade, and yearns to find a place in the world better suited to his skills and temperament. But in Recluce a change in circumstances means taking one of two options: permanent exile from Recluce or the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond Recluce, with the aim of learning how the world works and what his place in it might be. Many do not survive. Lerris chooses dangergeld.
When Lerris is sent into intensive training for his quest, it soon becomes clear that he has a natural talent for magic. And he will need magic in the lands beyond, where the power of the Chaos Wizards reigns unchecked. Though it goes against all of his instincts, Lerris must learn to use his powers in an orderly way before his wanderjahr, or fall prey to Chaos.
Opinion: The Saga of Recluse is really many smaller series all taking place on the same planet and are much like Terry Pratchet’s Discworld. If you don’t like one character’s story you can skip a couple of books and go onto another character. What you can’t get away from is Modefitt’s writing style and the similarity of some of the stories which I know annoys people. Personally, I enjoy the vast majority of his books, although I have stayed away from most of the Imager series which I just couldn’t get into. Regardless, if this book doesn’t do it for you try the second The Towers of the Sunset
Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Dragonlance Chronicles Book 1) by Margaret Weist & Tracy Hickman
Amazon: 4.6/5
Goodreads: 4.01/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Lifelong friends, they went their separate ways. Now they are together again, though each holds secrets from the others in his heart. They speak of a world shadowed with rumors of war. They speak of tales of strange monsters, creatures of myth, creatures of legend. They do not speak of their secrets. Not then. Not until a chance encounter with a beautiful, sorrowful woman, who bears a magical crystal staff, draws the companions deeper into the shadows, forever changing their lives and shaping the fate of the world.
No one expected them to be heroes.
Least of all, them.
Opinion: This series was started as a novel companion to a series of Dungeons & Dragons game modules and ended up spawning a whole host of books from a host of authors. Some complain that the books are not written terribly well and too formulaic which, to be honest, is true. Despite that though I still enjoyed them for what they are. If you choose to not read this book you will never learn about the differences between the iconic twins Cameron and Raistlin Majere or the touching friendship between kender Tasslehof Burrfoot and Flint Fireforge. If you try this book and its not for you this website lists out all the other books you could try out with different series having different authors. I recommend Kaz The Minotaur
Dragonflight (Dragon Riders of Pern Book 1) by Anne McCaffrey
Book Stats:
Amazon: 4.5/5
Goodreads: 4.1/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: On a beautiful world called Pern, an ancient way of life is about to come under attack from a myth that is all too real. Lessa is an outcast survivor—her parents murdered, her birthright stolen—a strong young woman who has never stopped dreaming of revenge. But when an ancient threat to Pern reemerges, Lessa will rise—upon the back of a great dragon with whom she shares a telepathic bond more intimate than any human connection. Together, dragon and rider will fly . . . and Pern will be changed forever.
Opinion: For many, Ann McCaffrey’s novels of Pern with its insidious Threadfall was their gateway to fantasy and imagination and if you haven’t read them I would be doing you a disservice to not recommend them. Ann McCaffrey once said that it would be best to read the books in the order they were published in and I can’t help but agree. Crack open this cover and read the series that helped fire the imagination of a generation.
Arrows of the Queen (The Heralds of Valdemar, Book 1) By Mercedes Lackey
Amazon: 4.5/5
Goodreads: 4.02/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queen’s own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense.
But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason that could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the Queen’s heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen’s own foes.
Opinion: This is the book that started a craze for stories about the Kingdom of Valdemar and its magical inhabitants, which now numbers ~46 books. There are several series and stand alone books, along with anthologies of short stories so if you find one cast of characters not to your liking move on to another. Once more I encourage you to read the books in publication order.
The Fellowship of the Rings (The Lord of the Rings Book 1) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Amazon: 4.7/5
Goodreads: 4.34/5
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Authors Website
Amazon Description: 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.
Opinion: At this point if you haven’t heard of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy or The Hobbit
Blood Song (A Raven’s Shadow Novel Book 1) by Anthony Ryan
Amazon: 4.7/5
Goodreads: 4.46/5
Authors Website
Amazon Description: Vaelin Al Sorna was only a child of ten when his father left him at the iron gate of the Sixth Order—a caste devoted to battle. Vaelin will be trained and hardened to the austere, celibate and dangerous life of a warrior of the Faith. He has no family now save the Order.
Vaelin’s father was Battle Lord to King Janus, ruler of the Unified Realm—and Vaelin’s rage at being deprived of his birthright knows no bounds. Even his cherished memories of his mother are soon challenged by what he learns within the Order.
But one truth overpowers all the rest: Vaelin Al Sorna is destined for a future he has yet to comprehend. A future that will alter not only the Realm, but the world.
Opinion: While Blood Song is a great novel I can’t help but feel I must warn you about the rest of the series as I feel that every book is a little less than the first. You can read the first book as a standalone novel as most of the significant story threads are finished. If you are a completionist and need to finish the series you can do so, and it is definitely doable without hating life, just don’t expect the awesome that is the first novel.