The Name of the Wind is the first installment in the King killer Chronicles, written by Patrick Rothfuss. Considered one of the greatest fantasy series available, it will captivate you and keep you enthralled throughout. This novel is excellent - whether you are seasoned readers of fantasy or are looking for something new. There is excellent character development, a compelling tale, and, of course, magic. Although this book has almost 700 pages, you will breeze through it.

The Name of the Wind is, at its core, a fantasy book. From the medieval backdrop to the use of magic, this novel has a strong resemblance to other existing fantasy tales. Even the narrative is reminiscent of famous works such as Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings.

However, this book is not derivative. It pushes the fantasy genre forward. While it is essentially fantasy, it does not conform to the genre's clichés. Every minute is unexpected, and things seldom unfold as planned. The novel is suspenseful thanks to the protagonists’ both failures and successes, in a universe devoid of broad narrative armor. It exemplifies how a fantasy novel should be written.

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Goodread ratings: 4.52/5 (from 817,639 users)

It's no surprise that George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" has been making an impact ever since the publication of the first volume in August 1996. However, how did "A Song of Ice and Fire" earn such a reputation? How does it become the most critically acclaimed fantasy epics of all time?

As it seems, the answer lies not in how imaginative the world-building is, but in how genuine it seems to be. The society in this book is a reflection of our own circumstances in many aspects.

In many cases, other fantasy books create people that are much too perfect. Meanwhile, the whole fantastical setting of A Song of Ice and Fire is employed to underscore the fundamental notion that humans are humans regardless of their origins. Martin creates flawed and imperfect characters, just like us. They possess terror, ambition, lusts, and bravery. That is what draws readers to the story, and why some fans even named their kids after a handful of characters. It is because they see themselves reflected in this masterpiece.

Author: George R.R. Martin

Goodread ratings: 4.54/5 (from 708,783 users)

Lots of viewers of the very first Lord of the Rings film became instant fans. The film is an awe-inspiring, dramatic, and touching experience. Yet, people who have read the novel would argue that far too many aspects from the novel were omitted from the film. After The Fellowship of the Ring aired in 2001, Tolkien's followers were outraged because it omitted some of their iconic characters. (Tom Bombadil and Goldberry were only supporting characters, yet they are amusing and memorable. However, all of them did not appear in the film).

Readers also reported that lots of their favorite sections were cut off the movies. "If you enjoy the films but haven't read the books," they claimed, "you're missing out half of the story."

That is to say that, no matter how amazing the film adaptation can be, Tokien’s book series will always be relevant. Tolkien thoroughly explored each of the important arcs in the book. Despite their length, the books were intriguing and quite enjoyable. The writing is so vivid and realistic that you'll feel as if you're a part of the narrative. It expands your creativity in ways you cannot fathom, and affects you in ways that no other book can. Once you've read it, you're never going to forget the characters. Without a question, the Lord of the Rings novels are true works of art.

Author: J. R. R. Tolkien

Goodread ratings: 4.51/5 (from 611,970 readers)

A glance at Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings' cover reveals all you need to know. Even if you are a fantasy beginner, or just a passing shopper in the supermarket, you will immediately recognize that the story is about knights and colorful set pieces.

The Way of Kings is very popular. Before its debut, the author, Sanderon, was not very well known. His most popular book up to that point was the Mistborn series, a self-centered and heavily criticized story. Although Sanderson's determination to construct intriguing magical concepts was admirable, the series has extremely poor pace and flop in the next three volumes.

But The Way of Kings changed things for him. Sanderson's popularity has climbed to heights unmatched by few other active fantasy writers since then. While most authors are expected to compose epic fiction in under 200,000 words, The Way of Kings reached 400,000.

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Goodread ratings: 4.63/5 (from 370,751 users)

Rival magicians join battle in an opulent historical tale that will be considered as “Harry Potter” for grownups decades later. However, English novelist Clarke's magnificent debut is much greater than Harry Potter. It is an engrossing narrative of ambition and deadly struggle rooted in folklore and tradition. The story was enlivened by detailed characterizations and an omniscient authorial voice.

The tale begins with a conference of "gentleman-magicians" in Yorkshire in 1807, during the Napoleonic Wars. The participants' educational pursuits are bolstered by a prophecy that “two magicians will return magic to England one day." They would later be spurred by Gilbert Norrell - a fastidious pedant - and by dashing, gloomy Jonathan Strange, who has managed to convince Lord Wellington to combat French soldiers by magical powers. Lots of things happen after that in “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell”.

Nothing in other fantasy works could compare to the force with which Clarke conjures up this fantastic tale. However, there is still a minor drawback. The conclusion, in which Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell plan to summon the King, occurs much too fast, despite the book's impressive length.

Author: Susanna Clarke

Goodread ratings: 3.84/5 (from 217,513 ratings)

Fitz, the hero, is a fairly appealing character from beginning to finish, one we will find ourselves cheering for. He matures from a shy and practically ignored bastard kid - who befriends the Keep's animals - to a sharp young man trained as an assassin’s apprentice. In the beginning, Fitz is a mostly passive character, going where he is instructed and doing what he is told. However, as he grows into his adolescent years, his chances and choices expand. At times, he's reckless, dim-witted, and even irritable; however, such characteristics are entirely consistent with his youth and experiences.

There was a short period during Fitz's Skill training (and after his last Skill test) that Assassin's Apprentice became practically unpleasant to read. There was a great deal of unhappiness in Fitz's experience, accentuated by some extremely harsh decisions or a total lack of sympathy from grown-up people in his life. That was the only moment readers may feel actually angry or irritated by the writing.

The story of Assassin's Apprentice is recounted in a very traditional and direct manner. It's well-written, simple to read, and there's always something intriguing happening. Yet, its slow pace may not appeal to those used to a more current and fast reading style.

Author: Robin Hobb

Goodread ratings: 4.17/5 (from 268,044 users)

Garden of the Moon is the first book in the Malazan of the Fallen series, written by Erikson. At the moment of this writing, the series consists of eight books, three short tales, and two further novels written by Erikson's co-creator, all revolving around the vast and creative world-building in the original book.

Once you begin Garden of the Moon, billions of characters will be presented in the first chapter (yes, we are just exaggerating. But you understand our point) In contrast to more typical approaches in epic fantasy - in which we are treated to chapter after chapter of explanation - Erikson thrusts us directly into the action. Even the most seasoned fantasy reader may feel a little... at a loss. Some people even question whether there was another volume released before Garden of the Moon. There wasn’t - which made this book more interesting.

In typical cases, the world in which the story takes place has existed for eons, complete with its own histories and things like that. However, Erikson skips that entirely, and has no regrets about it. He should not have to; the exciting plot is more than enough compensation.

Author: Steven Erikson

Goodread ratings: 3.9/5 (from 101,809 users)

Raymond E. Feist was born in Los Angeles County, California, in 1945. After earning his bachelor's degree in 1978, Feist began developing ideas for a story about a young kid who dreams of becoming a magician. Two years later, in 1982, Magician was penned and released. Many regard it as a masterpiece and a classic of fantasy fiction, and this still holds true today.

It is astounding that Raymond E. Feist spent two years creating this novel. No one could ever recount all the information, history, conflicts, and mystery that surrounds this book, even if they are given a lifetime to do so. The whole narrative occurs over a ten-year span.

Our heroes will be engaged in the Rift Wars for a decade, and the toll and anguish this war can inflict on a kingdom and its troops is beyond any comprehension. When you believe you can guess where the tale will head to, Feist will toss you a fastball and entirely twist the game.

Author: Raymond E. Feist

Goodread rating: 4.3/5 (from 63,820 ratings)

Lord Foul's Bane is the first part of the series “Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever”. Thomas Covenant is the protagonist of the series' first three installments. Before we get into the plot, we should state that Covenant is the supreme anti-hero. He is an average man with leprosy and two injured fingers, abandoned by his wife (again, because of the leprosy), dreaded by his neighbors (again, due to the leprosy). He is also extremely antisocial due to – you are correct once more – his leprosy. To add insult to injury, Covenant commits sexual crime early in the story.

There is no way to sugarcoat this heinous conduct — Donaldson hits you straight in the face. Even though Covenant believes he was in a dream when all his crimes happened, that is not a good justification for what he did. Worse, he moved on quickly after only brief moments of guilt. after a temporary dismissal. This indifferent attitude, this abrupt turn, is the point at which some readers opt to quit the tale in disgust.

We understand why someone would choose not to continue Lord Foul's Bane. They, however, will miss out on a truly fantastic story later on. The cruel acts mentioned above by Covenant is not a trivial occurrence, as he will have to pay for them in the remainder of the series.

Author: Stephen R. Donaldson

Goodread ratings: 3.72/5 (from 46,435 users)

Tolkien is often regarded as the "Grandfather of Fantasy" by many. Since then, the genre has expanded tremendously, and now, David Gemmell is widely regarded as the Father of contemporary heroic fantasy. He always tackles mature topics, developed complicated characters, and created what many people today refer to as “gritty fantasy” - even before that term existed.

Gemmell's prose in Legend is short and his pace is quick, yet he never sacrifices substance for expediency. It's all there on the page - a degree of detail that sufficiently informs you of what's happening without leaving you feeling like the story is too short. As a result of the popularity of many characters, he developed sequels and tales set in the same worlds, the most renowned of which are his DRENAI books.

Legend involves a variety of recurrent themes, including heroism, honor, redemption, loyalty, and old age. Gemmell was a reporter before becoming a full-time writer; that is why during his life and career, he encountered and gained an understanding of violent males. His characters - often based on actual people - were always multifaceted and never two-dimensional.

Author: David Gemmell

Goodread ratings: 4.27/5 (from 28,859 users)