Sometimes it can be so hard to just find a good fantasy series to get into. Will it be too long or too short? Is it actually good or is just a fantasy wannabe? If you find yourself itching for a new series to read but unable to take the plunge on anything, maybe this list can be of some assistance. As a fantasy author who is extremely picky, I can assure you any of the books on this list will leave you wanting more.
1) C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia
For me this is the series that started it all. I saw a stage adaption of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when I was 10 and promptly read all of the books. This was the beginning of my dive into fantasy.
2) Terry Pratchett’s Discworld
No one can write like Pratchett. His books are so witty, funny, and wise while still bringing your favorite parts about fantasy. His books were a staple of my teenage years, and I was heartbroken when he died.
3) Jonathan Moeller’s Demonsouled
I found this series several years ago on my Kindle and have been in love with it ever since. Moeller’s writing was a huge influence on my own, and his book Demonsouled was what ultimately inspired me to write Bonded, my own high fantasy series. His character building is amazing and he doesn’t get too bogged down in details, which is my favorite writing style to read.
4) J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings
Are you even allowed to call yourself a fantasy author if you don’t like the Lord of the Rings? His worldbuilding, storytelling, and magical creatures are the cornerstone of the genre. I’ll tell you a secret though: I’ve never read all of the books. I find his attention to detail too cumbersome, so I stick to the movies. Don’t tell my husband.
5) Robert Aspirin’s Myth Adventures
I can’t even remember how I happened upon this series, but I instantly loved it. It has a very similar style and feel to Pratchett’s Discworld series. A lot of typical fantasy elements with a lot of humor and laugh out loud moments.
~B.D. Reninger
B. D. Reninger 