I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens." When collecting stories for this list, I had to dig deep and examine the meaning each held for me both at the time I first read them and now. This list is according to personal opinion and is by no means an official be-all end-all to the greatest fantasy stories of all time. I also realized that I am sorrowfully behind on my reading, as most of the books I looked through I’d never heard of, much less entered their worlds. It is, of course, difficult to read anything when chasing two toddlers around the house, grocery store, park, and other places, so I cannot be too hard on myself. I still feel like I’m missing out on some wonderful storytelling. Rules
NOTE: Click on the cover art of the books listed to find out where to purchase them. 10: The Once and Future King by T. H. WhiteThe book on which the classic Disney movie “The Sword and the Stone” was based. Though I wouldn’t recommend this book to children, as it is much grittier, more intense, and, if I’m honest, drier, than its animated counterpart. I love the stories of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table, but I haven’t read another version quite like this one. T. H. White has certainly done his research and captured the familiar characters in an authentic, authoritative manner that lead me to dub this book my official reference guide to all things Arthurian. The only reason it’s so low on the list is the story can drag a little and requires patience to get to the end. 9: The Lightning Thief by Rick RiordanRick Riordan took the YA world by storm when he released the first in his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Inspired by wanting to help his son cope with ADHD and Dyslexia, he crafted a hilarious and heart-warming coming-of-age story, inspiring a passionate fandom that lasted through five books and even a few spin-off series. I was already an adult when I finally got my hands on these books, but he still managed to draw laughter, gasps, and my ongoing attention throughout the book. I couldn’t put it down. Do yourself a favor and do NOT see the movie, however. To say it doesn’t do the book justice would be an immense understatement. 8: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson LevineAnother book overshadowed by its movie, (which wasn’t bad, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It simply isn’t the book’s story) this retelling of Cinderella is fresh, fantastic, and all about doing the right things for the right reasons. The heroine is authentic and original (no stereotype “strong” or “brainless” female characters here), the hero is real and loveable, and the message of finding your own strength is one of which everyone can be reminded. This story is one I’d recommend to all ages and genders. It’s funny, unpredictable, and a breeze to read. A classic if ever I’ve read one. 7: Princess Academy by Shannon HaleOkay, gentlemen, don’t leave just yet. Have you ever felt you weren’t strong enough to contribute to your community? (Friend group, family, neighborhood, etc.) This is a story about a sickly child who wants to make a difference, but feels unable due to not even being able to lift a hammer (literally). Nice guys don’t finish last, brain wins over brawn, and readers walk away either confident in their talents or determined to find them. A fantastic book for anyone who has felt out-of-place or overlooked. 6: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle“It was a dark and stormy night” is the only cliche you will find in this story. (Even then, it doesn’t count since it was published before the line became cliche) Wrought with adventure, plays on words, and mystery, A Wrinkle in Time sucks you into its tesseracts and spits you back into reality with a whole new perspective on life and an appreciation for the ones you love. I know I’m bordering on Fantasy and Science-Fiction here, but I figure flying centaurs and magical bonds count, right? 5: Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsWhat Top Ten Fantasy Book list would be complete without at least one of the Harry Potter books? The trouble was choosing which one to post. The Sorcerer’s Stone was the first I read and will always hold the nostalgia factor. The Prisoner of Azkaban was my favorite book growing up since I LOVED the concept of Animagi and werewolves and Buckbeak was part horse (my favorite animal). I chose the Deathly Hallows because I feel Ms. Rowling’s writing skills really came to a head at the finale of her series. So many fantastic revelations, heart-wrenching battles, and delicious wrap-ups. After going through six previous books, she really knew how to reward her faithful fans. 4: The Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkeinIf ever I was suddenly dropped into the world of Middle Earth, I’m 98% certain I’d turn into a hobbit. I may not be portly, have oversized feet or curly hair, but I’m all on board for living in a peaceful neighborhood with all the comforts of home and twelve meals a day with a celebration for every event under the sun. I always got the names of the dwarves mixed up (even after the movies… was it Fili or Kili who’s the hot one?), and I scratched my head every time Gandalf ran off to do some random something or other, but I devoured this book in a matter of two days flat. Old-fashioned storytelling, a not-too-fast, not-too-slow plot pace, and an adorable protagonist I relate to on every level, The Hobbit will always be on my shelf of favorites. 3: The Eye of the World by Robert JordanThis book is like a gorgeous painting from which you cannot look away. The warmth of the hearth, the music, the lore, the journey, the people, the sense of danger at every turn… Ugh, I LOVE this story. I’m listing the first book because Mr. Jordan does get wordy and tends to drag the story out later in the series, but the characters here are so worth the investment that I never minded so much. The only reason this book isn’t higher on the list is the female characters. They all have the same personality, habits, and facial expressions. (If somewhat different physical looks and quirks.) It’s like reading a book where all the girls are sisters. 2: Redwall by Brian JacquesArticulate animals, mysterious monasteries, treacherous tyrants, what about Redwall does NOT say “Epic Fantasy”? They say that good books make you want to be part of their world while great ones give you no choice but to enter. This book is the embodiment of that saying. It’s always a daring task to create such a large cast, but Mr. Jacques pulls it off and then some. Warning: Do not read if you have small children, an appointment, or really anything at all to do that day. Honorable Mentions
1: The Goose Girl by Shannon HaleHere it is. My number one pick for Fantasy. Dark, edgy, original (even though it’s a fairytale retelling), The Goose Girl is, in my opinion, the complete package. Every character has their own personality and story to tell, the clash of cultures is stark and vibrant, the magic system is beautiful and believable… I never wanted to leave the story. I actually named my daughter after one of the characters. You know how there used to be this ongoing frustration with princesses needing a man to be worth anything or needing to be saved or not being proactive enough? This book shattered that stereotype well before Frozen or Brave. And the villain? Oh my GOSH the VILLAIN!!! She was so devious, so hateable, so deliciously EVIL. I could read this book a million times and never tire of it. If you haven’t yet, go read it. Right now. Order it on Amazon or get it on eBook or whatever you have to do to get inside this world because you will never want to leave. There you have it! My top 10 best fantasy books of all time. Let’s hear it from YOU! Do you agree with this list? What would you have added/taken away? What stories have inspired you to Forge Your Legend? This list was requested by a Facebook fan. If YOU have an article, list, interview, or review you’d like to see, click on the form to the right and send me a dragon!
2 Comments
R. B. Knight
8/30/2016 06:25:09 pm
Those sound amazing! I should look into them for sure. :) (Dragshi Chronicles included)
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