Fantasy is by far my favourite genre for books. More than half of the books I read are fantasy. This post is kind of like a guide to fantasy books either for someone who hasn't read much fantasy or for someone who wants to find some fantasy recommendations. Before I start, I should tell you a bit about fantasy and the different kinds of fantasy. First of all, here is my personal definition of a fantasy book:
A fantasy book is a book in which the events could not happen in our actual universe. Basically, if things in the book defy the laws of physics, biology or any other kind of science, it's fantasy. (Of course, there are some books that do not clearly fall into either the category of fantasy or the category of "not fantasy". Many science fiction books might go against scientific laws. As with all definitions, my definition is not always entirely accurate.)
Reading fantasy is an entirely different experience from reading any other genre. When reading fantasy, you have to ignore logic. Fantasy is not supposed to make sense. This is, in my opinion, the principle difference between fantasy and science fiction. A science fiction book is a prediction of the future. A science fiction book must make sense. Fantasy has no rules. It isn't supposed to make sense.
A lot of people find it odd that fantasy is my favourite genre. I am a very logical person. I do not like it when things in life do not make sense. But here's a secret.
Fiction is not real. Many people who enjoy reading (or watching movies, or consuming any type of fiction) think of fiction as real. But this is not the point. of fiction. (There are actually many points to fiction. My personal favourites are: to entertain and to make a person reconsider their opinions on life, humanity and many other topics. Thinking of fiction as a reality is not one of the points of fiction, or at least, it isn't in my opinion.)
The reason that fantasy is my favourite genre is because, to me, it symbolizes freedom of thought. They thoughts in my head do not make sense, and they aren't supposed to. I can think whatever I want to. Fiction is a type of thought, in my opinion. Many times, thoughts make sense (or at least partial sense). Many books are like this too, such as contemporary, historical or science fiction books. But, sometimes, I don't want my thoughts to make sense. I want to have the freedom to do whatever the hell I want in my own mind. Fantasy books are like those thoughts that don't make sense. And they aren't supposed to make sense.
Some people do not like fantasy. If you are one of those people.... WHY? I mean, that's great. It's all personal preference. You can like whatever you want. But, seriously, how can you not like fantasy???
Fantasy can (in my opinion) be split into three categories.
- High Fantasy (Also called epic fantasy because it's epic): Set in a completely different universe from our own. No connection to our universe at all.
- Low Fantasy (Also called urban fantasy): Set entirely in our universe, except it is our universe with fantastical elements added. Disregarding scientific laws (which you have to do in order to read fantasy), the stories in low fantasy books could technically have happened in our world. What I mean to say is, there is nothing in the fantasy book that goes against something in our universe. If, in a fantasy book, France does not exist, then it is not a low fantasy book.
- Medium Fantasy: In between low and high fantasy. This is not a very well defined category. Sometimes a middle fantasy book is set in a universe that resembles our own, but has a few elements that are obviously different (I'll use the example of France not existing again). A middle fantasy book could also be set partially in our universe and partially in another.
The lines between these three definitions are, of course, very hazy.
What is that you say? You are tired of hearing me ramble about fantasy and my personal thoughts on it and you want to get on to the book recommendations? Fine. Here you go. I have created a list of some of the fantasy books/series that I enjoyed. For each book recommendation, I have included a (very short) description of the book, a rating in five different categories (characters, plot, setting, writing and overall) and my opinion on which fantasy category it fits into (high, medium or low fantasy).
Harry Potter series (7 books) by J. K. Rowling
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
Setting: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
My Overall Rating: 10/10
Type of Fantasy: Low Fantasy
Books in Series: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry potter and the Half Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Short Description: You have obviously read this series, but I have to include it on this list anyway. In case you have not read it (seriously, what are you doing with your life?), it's about a boy named Harry Potter who find out he's a wizard and goes to a school where he learns magic.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (5 books) by Rick Riordan
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Setting: 9/10
Writing: 7/10
My Overall Rating: 7/10
Type of Fantasy: Low/Medium Fantasy
Books in Series:The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Last Olympian
Short Description: Percy Jackson is a children's series, but even if you are no longer a child you can still enjoy it. Basically, it's all about Greek mythology, only it's set in the modern world. It's about a boy named Percy Jackson who finds out he's a Demigod and the adventures he has with his friends. Read if you like funny books with lots of action or are interested in Greek mythology.
The Heroes of Olympus series (5 books) by Rick Riordan)
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Setting: 9/10
Writing: 8/10
My Overall Rating: 8/10
Type of Fantasy: Low/Medium Fantasy
Books in Series: The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune, The Mark of Athena, The House of Hades, The Blood of Olympus
Short Description: This series is a sequel series to Percy Jackson. I suggest that you read Percy Jackson before starting this series. Heroes of Olympus includes more Greek mythology as well as more demigod main characters and crazy adventures.
The Kane Chronicles (3 books) by Rick Riordan
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Setting: 9/10
Writing: 8/10
My Overall Rating: 8/10
Type of Fantasy: Low/Medium Fantasy
Books in Series: The Red Pyramid, The Throne of Fire, The Serpent's Shadow
Short Description: This series is fairly similar to the Percy Jackson series, except it's all about Egyptian mythology in the modern world instead of Greek mythology. It's about a brother and sister named Sadie and Carter Kane who have lots of adventures and stuff. A lot of people don't like it as much as the Percy Jackson series, but I personally liked it more.
The Raven Cycle (4 books) by Maggie Stiefvater
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 8/10
Setting: 9/10
Writing:10/10
My Overall Rating: 10/10
Type of Fantasy: Low Fantasy
Books in Series: The Raven Boys, The Dream Thieves, Blue Lily Lily Blue (and one untitled, unpublished book coming out this year)
Short Description: In this book series, a group of five teens search for a Welsh king who is apparently asleep underneath the ground. This is one of my favourite series of all time, but it's kind of series that is not for everyone. You may love it or you may hate it. This series is really weird and a bit confusing at times. I love that sort of thing, but if you don't, this series probably isn't for you.
Throne of Glass series (6 books, 3 books published and a prequel) by Sarah J. Maas
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Setting: 10/10
Writing: 8/10
My Overall Rating: 9/10
Type of Fantasy: High Fantasy
Books in Series: The Assassin's Blade (prequel), Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire (and three untitled, unpublished books)
Short Description: Celaena Sardothien is an assassin who is fighting in a competition to win her freedom and become the king's champion. They first book in the series isn't that great, but the second two are much better (especially the third). If you like badass female characters and engaging plots, this series is for you.
The Old Kingdom series (4 books published, probably more soon) by Garth Nix
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 8/10
Setting: 10/10
Writing: 9/10
My Overall Rating: 8/10
Type of Fantasy: High Fantasy (Though you could technically argue that it's Middle Fantasy)
Books in Series: Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen, Clariel (prequel)
Short Description: This series is all about necromancers and magic and stuff. The books can be pretty long and a little slow, but I really enjoyed it. By the way, I strongly suggest that you read Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen before Clariel.
Keys to the Kingdom series (7 books) by Garth Nix
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 9/10
Setting: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
My Overall Rating: 8/10
Type of Fantasy: Medium Fantasy
Books in Series: Mister Monday, Grim Tuesday, Drowned Wednesday, Sir Thursday, Lady Friday, Superior Saturday, Lord Sunday
Short Description: This series is weird. Really weird. It's pretty much impossible to describe. It is technically a children's series, but I love it anyway. Do not read if you can't handle weirdness.
The Young Elites series (3 books, 1 book published) by Marie Lu
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 8/10
Setting: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
My Overall Rating: 8/10
Type of Fantasy: High Fantasy
Books in Series: The Young Elites, The Rose Society (not out yet), a third untitled unpublished book
Short Description: The Young Elites is about a girl who survived a plague. The plague has given her scars and also magical power. There are lots of other kids who survived the plague who have magical powers too. Read if you like evil main characters.
The Mortal Instruments series (6 books) by Cassandra Clare
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
Setting: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
My Overall Rating: 8/10
Type of Fantasy: Low/Medium Fantasy
Books in Series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire
Short Description: The Mortal Instruments is about a race of people called Shadowhunters who fight demons and an evil shadowhunter who wants to take over the world. Read if you like romance. I'm personally not a big fan of romance, but I still enjoyed this series.
The Infernal Devices series (3 books) by Cassandra Clare
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
Setting: 8/10
Writing: 9/10
My Overall Rating: 9/10
Type of Fantasy: Low/Medium Fantasy
Books in Series: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess
Short Description: This series is a prequel series to The Mortal Instruments. It's set in London a long time ago, so it's historical fantasy. You can read this series either before or after the Mortal Instruments. If you started reading the Mortal Instruments and didn't like it, give this series a try. Pretty much everyone agrees that it's way better.
The Magisterium series (5 books, 1 book published) by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 8/10
Setting: 7/10
Writing: 7/10
My Overall Rating: 7/10
Type of Fantasy: Low Fantasy
Books in Series: The Iron Trial (and four more books that haven't been published yet)
Short
Description: This is a children's series, but older people (like me) can like it too. There's only one book out so far, but I really enjoyed that one book. The series is similar to Harry Potter, kind of, so if you liked that I suggest you read this.
