Can you recommend a really great fantasy read?

Question

I'm looking for a really magical-style fantasy book to read. Nothing famous, like Harry Potter, or Lord othe Rings. I want to read some books by lesser known authors. Have you read something that was so good you didnt want to put it down? Then please recommend it to me. I recently finished something called 'The Naming' by Alison Croggan (sp?) which I loved, so if you have read that, I would love something of a similar fantasy nature. Thanks!

*Lord of The Rings

Wow, thank you all so much for the fantastic suggestions!!!

Answer 1

My favorite fantasies (well, maybe next to Lord of the Rings) are ones published supposedly for children but actually appealing to adults just as much.

Like The Neverending Story and the Earthsea trilogy that have already been mentioned. Or some old classics, like George McDonald's (e.g., The Princess and the Goblin) or E. Nesbit's (e.g., The Phoenix and the Carpet).

But my all time favorite is The Mouse and His Child by Russell Hoban. It's got satire, humor, magic, and some good old-fashioned sentiment. The characters are delightful and the ending is just right.

Read it yourself, but for a great time read it to some children. Another series that's fun to read to children is the Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander, starting with The Book of Three.

Enjoy!!!

Answer 2

I'm not big into fantasy, but I also read "The Neverending Story" quite some time ago (in the seventh grade). I remember it was a good book too, probably something adults could enjoy as well. There are movies based on the book, but they are a bit corny and don't do the book justice.

Answer 3

The Abhorsen Trilogy Series, by: Garth Nix

And The Myst Series, by Rand Miller

Answer 4

My favorite series is by a famous author. However the series is not what she is known for; Marion zimmer Bradley wrote "The Mists of Avalon". The Darkover Series is lesser known and it's FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC!! There is also the Mercedes Lackey "Valdemar" Series (she is also a part of The "Serrated Edge" Series..elves in L.A.!), George R.R. Martins "A Song of Ice and Fire" Series, Joel Rosenbergs "Gaurdians of the Flame" Series, and I've got a bijillion more......happy reading!

Answer 5

There is an absolutely amazing trilogy by Deborah Chester called The Sword, The Ring, and the Chalice. Deborah Chester is also the author of the Lucasfilm Alien Chronicles trilogy, which though science fiction, is also excellent. She is certainly in the top five of my favorite authors.

Answer 6

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke.....you won't think it starts out as a fantasy but it changes mid-stream in the book.

Also, The Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix.......Only the first few books are out.....Mister Monday, Grim Tuesday, Drowned Wednesday, Sir Thursday.

Answer 7

Hi there. I'm the author of a new medieval fantasy book that you might like. The title is THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY. It's 445 pages of action, adventure, magic, mystery and mayhem. If you like Conan, LOTR or Harry Potter type books, this is one you'll enjoy. A Hollywood producer told me last week that this book is like, "Braveheart meets Lord of the Rings."

Good luck, whatever you decide to read!

Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)

THE SCYTHIAN STONE (eBook only)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (eBook and hard cover)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (coming fall '07)

Major Media Reviews:

Publishers Weekly

STARRED Review. A fast pace, sly humor, amusing dialogue and a richly researched background lift Baxley's fantasy, the first of a new series set in medieval Britain. When Merlin's long-ago apprentice Kruzurk Makshare (aka the Boozer) receives a dreamlike visitation from the legendary mage, he learns he must destroy another former apprentice, the villainous Seed of Cerberus. To do so will require a visit to the demon-guarded Blackgloom Keep. Enter young Daynin McKinnon, who discovers a curious rune-covered headstone, which may be the fabled Blackgloom Bounty, and brings it to Kruz's attention. Kruz believes it will provide entry into the fortress, while Daynin hopes the sale of the stone will restore his family's fortunes. The colorful cast of good guys and ne'er-do-wells includes the Pictish ghost of Brude McAlpin liberated from his tomb, assorted pursuing Caledonians and a bemused Prior Bede, whose monastery serves as a hiding place for the Blackgloom Bounty. Suitable for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages.

Library Journal
"This series opener...is a good choice for fans of epic-style sagas and Scottish history."

Harriet Klausner, Amazon's #1 Ranked Reviewer!
"This terrific medieval fantasy...will elate readers for its fast-paced, action-thrilled story line starring a strong cast."

Nancy McCulloch, PRWEB Article, March 20, 2006
"Two thumbs up for a colorful cast of characters, nonstop, rapid-fire action and compelling storyline!"

Fantasybookspot.com Review by Tyler, Febuary 2006
"Taking place in Medieval Scotland, this tale of magic, adventure and love really captured my attention..."

Answer 8

Well, if you're don't mind unhappy endings... Try "Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," by Gregory Maguire. If it's not obvious from the title, it's (in a sense) a retelling of the Wizard of Oz... I'm not sure how much magic you want - there is magic, but it's not the book's main focus at all.

Answer 9

The Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer

Answer 10

IMAJICA by Clive Barker. It's quite possibly the richest and most involving fantasy book I have ever read, and I also consider it to be the author's finest work. I would try to give you a synopsis, but the story is so multi-faceted, any brief description would fail.