Anyone know of some really good fantasy books/novels?

Answer 1

There's a new medieval fantasy series in hardcover 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're a fan of Conan, LOTR or Wheel books, this is one you'll enjoy. A Hollywood producer has dubbed it, "BRAVEHEART meets LORD OF THE RINGS." (See other comments & reviews below.)

Publishers Weekly said in a rare 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 said:
"This series opener...is a good choice for fans of epic-style sagas and Scottish history."

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

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

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

Blackgloom @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594144...

Author's MySpace Page (Includes excerpts of Blackgloom): http://profile.myspace.com/jonbaxley

Answer 2

This is my new favorite book and its a fantasy novel:

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

I picked it up beacause they called it a mix of Oceans 11 and Pirates of the Carribean and i thought that it couldnt really be that good but it absolutely was! I couldnt put it down i finished it in a day. It is going to be a series to so there will be six more books, the next one is comingo ut in July.

Heres a description from amazon:
Life imitates art and art scams life in Lynch's debut, a picaresque fantasy that chronicles the career of Locke Lamora—orphan, thief and leader of the Gentlemen Bastards—from the time the Thiefmaker sells Locke to the faking Eyeless Priest up to Locke's latest con of the nobility of the land of Camorr. As in any good caper novel, the plot is littered with obvious and not-so-obvious obstacles, including the secret police of Camorr's legendary Spider and the mysterious assassinations of gang leaders by the newly arrived Gray King. Locke's resilience and wit give the book the tragicomic air of a traditional picaresque, rubbery ethics and all. The villain holds the best moral justification of any of the players. Lynch provides plenty of historical and cultural information reminiscent of new weirdists Steven Erikson and China Miéville, if not quite as outré. The only drawback is that the realistic fullness of the background tends to accentuate the unreality of the melodramatic foreground.

Answer 3

If you're looking for a long, involved series try Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time"; I think there's 11 books so far with no sign of stopping! There's a lot to each book with many characters and a complicated plot with many side stories, but he's an amazing author and knows his fantasy. Storm Constantine's "Wraeththu" trilogy is excellent but slightly shorter, consisting of 2 separate trilogies. She is also an amazing writer with a very unique style and a different spin on the fantasy world.

Answer 4

The Wheel of Time series is ridiculously popular. If you're okay with fantasy/sci-fi mix, my favorite is anything by Heinlein. I'd suggest starting with "Stranger in a Strange Land" because it is an easy read that'll give you a good taste of if you'll like the writing or not.

You could also read the Eragon books (Inheritence Triology), the Sabriel series, or Lord of the Rings.

Answer 5

Tinker and Wolf Who Rules by Wen Spencer are great fantasy/sci-fi stories. If you want to try out urban fantasy you could try The Blue Girl by Charles de Lint or Moon Called by Patricia Briggs.

My first fantasy story ever which is still one of my faves is A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony. It is the first of a HUGE series.

Answer 6

The Harry Dresden books are good, if you like books about vampires, ghosts, and paranormal investigations. One book that I especially enjoyed reading was World War Z, a fictional book by Max Brooks, where a reporter goes around the world interviewing survivors and others in the aftermath of a worldwide war against zombies. Then there are the Amber books, by Roger Zelazny. I also like reading the Warhammer 40,000 series of books.

Answer 7

Anne Bishop's Black Jewels Trilogy
Terry Pratchett's Discworld Series
David Eddings' Belgariad
Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman's Death Gate Saga (Cycle?)
Robin McKinley's Sunshine

Answer 8

I recommend Guy Gavriel Kay for fantasy novels. His books are well-written and quite involving. All of his works are good reads, but I suggest you start with _Tigana_.

Answer 9

David Eddings is good, he has several series. The older ones are the best, but the new ones are pretty good also (but a little predictable)

Terry Brooks also has a large body of work, it's good, but some of them are kinda slow reads.

If you want something really light-hearted and funnny, pick up something by Terry Pratchett, he writes humorous satirical fantasy.

Answer 10

Stephen R. Donaldson, The Gap Series, Excellent!