Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

If I want to start reading fantasy novels what would you recommend?

87 replies

Sidebeforeself · 12/07/2025 17:14

First of all I have always assumed I’d hate it. Other worlds and people with bizarre names don’t interest me! Not interested in storylines about saving the world either . However, I realise I may be way too narrow minded . It’s so popular there must be some fabulous novels out there. So what would you recommend?

OP posts:
Brightasarainbow · 12/07/2025 19:28

crumpet · 12/07/2025 19:00

Robin Hobb’s Fitz and the Fool series- and if you also read her interconnected dragon series, there are about 15 books to keep you occupied.

Terry Pratchett

Another vote for these two. Especially Terry Pratchett.

claudiawinklemansfringetrimmer · 12/07/2025 19:24

A lot of fantasy centres around biiig series- they are amazing and worth your time but for an absolute newbie I would probably recommend something standalone that you couldn’t murder someone with. Race The Sands by Sarah Beth Durst is a fun read, or The Raven Tower by Anne Leckie for a bit more intrigue

Chemenger · 12/07/2025 19:21

Terry Pratchett.

Original poster
Sidebeforeself · 12/07/2025 19:21

@AConvivialHost The Empire of the Vampire synopsis literally mentions “the end of the world!”

OP posts:
Nocookiesforme · 12/07/2025 19:14

Katherine Kerr's Deverry/Westlands series - it's about 14 books long so a bit of a commitment. I've found them gripping and fascinating and the series is my very favourite go to read - the Audible version has been brilliant too.

EveryKneeShallBow · 12/07/2025 19:03

I second Joe Abercrombie’s First Law books. And I hate fantasy novels.

ExitPursuedByABare · 12/07/2025 19:02

Another vote for Robin Hobb.

crumpet · 12/07/2025 19:00

Robin Hobb’s Fitz and the Fool series- and if you also read her interconnected dragon series, there are about 15 books to keep you occupied.

Terry Pratchett

AConvivialHost · 12/07/2025 18:58

The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie, The Riftwar Saga and The Firemane Saga by Raymond E Feist, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, and The Nevernight Chronicles and The Empire of the Vampire series by Jay Kristoff are some of my favourites.

Edited to add: If you listen to Audible, Stephen Pacey (best narrator there is IMHO) narrates all of Joe Abercrombie's books and they are a delightful listen.

Original poster
Sidebeforeself · 12/07/2025 18:46

@SleepingisanArt I have just read a synopsis f that and sorry thats exactly the saving the world scenario that leaves me cold!

OP posts:
SleepingisanArt · 12/07/2025 18:04

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin. First read it as a teen and have re-read many times since even though it's classed as a 'classic children's book'.

NormalAuntFanny · 12/07/2025 17:17

I'm just rereading Tim Powers books after a long gap. V well written, sometimes im the historical world. V nice and not a silly name or dragon on sight