What are some good books out there in the Medieval Fantasy genre?

Answer 1

Try some of the following authors:

Lois McMaster Bujold
C.J. Cherryh (her Fortress Books are strong high fantasy, Faery in Shadow and others)
George R. Martin's Game of Thrones
Robin McKinley
Charles de Lint (he also writes urban fantasy)
Laura Underwood
Margaret Bonham
Robert Jordan
JRR Tolkien
Katherine Kerr


I don't read as much high fantasy, and what I write is more quest fantasy or urban fantasy, but perhaps this will get you started.

Answer 2

For some fun stories try Piers Anthony…especially the Xanth series. Terry Brooks has great books out in the fantasy genre. R.A. Salvatore writes some good series (see the Dark Elf trilogy) that are all based in the D&D world of the Forgotten Realms.

If you are looking for a more in depth (i.e. “time consuming”) read you can turn to George A.A. Martin, Robert Jordan, or Terry Goodkind. These series are long, and will most likely never end.

Answer 3

Judith Tarr - Alamut and Dagger Cross are good.

Morgan Llewellyn has written a plethora of good historical fiction many within the Medieval fantasy genre.

And yes, Patricia Kennealy Morrison has written a series of good medieval fantasy - sci fi stuff but with medieval themes.

Answer 4

There are a lot of good ones out there. The best one I've found was King Fortis the Brave by LaMontagne and Snyder. It's about a pair of twins that are pulled into a magical land where they find themselves caught in the middle of a battle for control of the realm. The boy twin, Rodney, is mistaken for King Fortis, an Arthur-like figure that is to someday return in the time of the land's greatest need. It's really a great book full of humor and adventure. I recommend it to my students all the time and have had students that really hate to read come back and tell me how much they love it.

Answer 5

Hmm... Try "Song of Ice and Fire" by George R. R. Martin. That series has nearly redefined the genre. I also just read a good one called "The Curse of Chalion", but I can't remember the author. Lois McMaster Bujold, maybe?

Answer 6

Me personally I am not into them but I may be able to steer you in a direction or two. An old co-worker of mine used to love a guy named J.A. Salvatore. Honestly can't remember the first two initials but the last name is correct. Actually that is the only one that I can think of well besides Tolkien (LOTR) but everybody knows him. Didn't want to insult you. Good luck and happy reading.

Answer 7

Check out Mary Stewart. She authored a series of books that offered a different perspective on Camelot from Merlin's perspective.

Answer 8

Hi there. I'm the author of a new medieval fantasy series that you might like. The title of the first episode 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. One Hollywood producer said it was, "Like Braveheart meets Lord of the Rings." (See other comments below.)

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..."

My author blog: http://the-blackgloom-bounty.blogspot.com/

Blackgloom @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594144516

For a FREE 4 chapter eBook demo of Blackgloom, email:
[e-mail]

Answer 9

I highly recommend J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Christopher Paolini's Eldest trilogy (it includes the books Eragon & Eldest).

Answer 10

"The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Arthurian legend retold from a female perspective.