Fantasy
1. Stardust
Buy on Amazon"Stardust" by Neil Gaiman is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Tristan Thorn into the magical realm of Faerie. In pursuit of a fallen star to win the heart of his beloved, Tristan discovers that the star is not an inanimate object but a celestial being named Yvaine. The narrative weaves together elements of fairy tale, romance, and adventure as Tristan and Yvaine encounter magical creatures, witches, and royal intrigues. Gaiman's work is celebrated for its whimsical storytelling, blending of folklore with original fantasy, and its exploration of the magical and mysterious realms hidden just beyond the ordinary world.
2. The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Buy on Amazon"The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman is a fantasy novel that revolves around an unnamed middle-aged man who returns to his hometown for a funeral and finds himself drawn to the house of his childhood friend, Lettie Hempstock. As he revisits his past, he recalls a series of mysterious and supernatural events that unfolded when he was seven years old. The narrative explores themes of memory, childhood, and the blurred line between reality and fantasy. Gaiman's work is praised for its lyrical prose, evocative storytelling, and its ability to capture the magic and wonder of childhood imagination.
3. The Hobbit
Buy on Amazon"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien is a classic fantasy novel that follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is reluctantly swept into an epic quest to reclaim the treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug. Joined by a group of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield and the wizard Gandalf, Bilbo encounters trolls, elves, goblins, and other fantastical creatures. Along the way, he discovers a magical ring that will play a crucial role in the events of Tolkien's later work, "The Lord of the Rings". The Hobbit is celebrated for its charming narrative, memorable characters, and its contribution to the fantasy genre.
4. Good Omens
Buy on Amazon"Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is a comedic fantasy novel that revolves around the unlikely partnership between the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley. As they become accustomed to life on Earth, they team up to prevent the Apocalypse by influencing the upbringing of the wrong child, Adam Young. The novel is celebrated for its clever satire, humorous take on celestial bureaucracy, and exploration of themes like free will and the complexities of morality. "Good Omens" offers a delightful and irreverent spin on the classic battle between good and evil.
5. Neverwhere
Buy on Amazon"Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman is a dark urban fantasy that follows Richard Mayhew, an ordinary man drawn into the mysterious and dangerous world of London Below. After rescuing a young woman named Door, Richard discovers a hidden realm filled with bizarre characters and supernatural phenomena. As he navigates this surreal underworld, Richard becomes entangled in a quest to uncover Door's origins and confront the malevolent forces that threaten both London Above and Below. Gaiman's masterful storytelling combines magic and reality, weaving a captivating tale of adventure and self-discovery in the shadows of a parallel London.
6. The Night Circus
Buy on Amazon"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern is a mesmerizing tale of a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, bound by their mentors in a mysterious and enchanting circus that appears only at night. As their rivalry unfolds within the confines of this fantastical world, a deep and unexpected love blossoms. The circus becomes a stage for their extraordinary feats, with the fates of its performers intricately intertwined. Morgenstern's evocative prose and intricate storytelling create a bewitching atmosphere, where the boundary between reality and illusion blurs, and the circus itself becomes a character in this spellbinding exploration of love and destiny.
7. The Golem and the Jinni
Buy on Amazon"The Golem and the Jinni" by Helene Wecker is a richly woven historical fantasy set in 19th-century New York City. It follows Chava, a golem created to be a wife but left masterless, and Ahmad, a jinni released from a flask after centuries of imprisonment. As these mythical beings navigate the challenges of human life, their paths intertwine in a vibrant immigrant community. The novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and the search for belonging, blending elements of folklore and cultural heritage. Wecker's narrative is a beautifully crafted tapestry that seamlessly combines the magical and the mundane in a captivating exploration of otherness and humanity.
8. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Buy on Amazon"Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" by Susanna Clarke is a sprawling historical fantasy set in an alternate early 19th-century England. The story revolves around two magicians, Gilbert Norrell and Jonathan Strange, who emerge to bring magic back to a world where it has become largely theoretical. As the two engage in a complex relationship and pursue different paths in the practice of magic, they become entangled in a dark and magical conflict. Clarke's novel is a blend of historical detail, wit, and fantasy, offering a nuanced exploration of power, ambition, and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond human understanding.
9. American Gods
Buy on Amazon"American Gods" by Neil Gaiman is a contemporary fantasy novel that explores the collision of old gods from mythologies and new gods representing modern concepts like media and technology in America. The protagonist, Shadow Moon, is released from prison only to find himself entangled in a war between these deities. Led by the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, Shadow embarks on a surreal journey across America. Gaiman weaves a narrative that delves into cultural identity, belief, and the changing nature of worship in a gripping and thought-provoking tale that blurs the lines between reality and myth.
10. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
Buy on Amazon"The Forgotten Beasts of Eld" by Patricia A. McKillip is a fantasy novel centered around Sybel, a powerful sorceress living in solitude atop the mountain Eld. Her quiet life is disrupted when a baby is left on her doorstep, and she is drawn into a world of political intrigue and magical creatures. Sybel must navigate complex relationships with both humans and mythical beings, including the forgotten beasts of Eld. McKillip's prose is lyrical and enchanting as the story weaves themes of love, power, and the choices that shape one's destiny, creating a timeless and beautifully crafted tale.
11. The Last Unicorn
Buy on Amazon"The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle is a classic fantasy novel that follows the journey of a unicorn who believes she is the last of her kind. Disguised as a human, she sets out to discover the truth and encounters a cast of memorable characters, including the inept magician Schmendrick and the brave Molly Grue. The story explores themes of magic, love, and the consequences of losing one's true self. Beagle's evocative prose and imaginative storytelling create a poignant and timeless fairy tale that delves into the nature of myth and the search for identity.
12. The Golden Compass (Northern Lights)
Buy on Amazon"The Golden Compass," also known as "Northern Lights," is the first book in Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. Set in a parallel universe, the story follows Lyra Belacqua, a young girl with a truth-telling device called an alethiometer, or golden compass. As she embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save kidnapped children, Lyra discovers a sinister plot involving mysterious particles called Dust. The novel delves into themes of free will, religious authority, and the bonds between humans and their animal-shaped daemons. Pullman's captivating narrative and intricate world-building make this fantasy adventure a compelling exploration of complex ideas.
13. The Graveyard Book
Buy on Amazon"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman tells the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens, a young boy who escapes a murderer as a baby and is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. The mysterious Silas becomes his guardian, and Bod grows up among ghosts, werewolves, and other magical beings. As he navigates both the worlds of the living and the dead, Bod learns about his past and confronts the dangers that forced him into the graveyard. Gaiman's masterful blend of fantasy and coming-of-age storytelling makes "The Graveyard Book" a captivating and imaginative tale with a unique setting and memorable characters.
14. The Lies of Locke Lamora
Buy on Amazon"The Lies of Locke Lamora" by Scott Lynch is a fantasy novel set in the city of Camorr, a venetian-inspired world of canals and crime. The story follows Locke Lamora, a skilled thief and con artist, and his band of fellow orphans known as the Gentlemen Bastards. They weave elaborate schemes to rob the city's rich elite, but their activities attract the attention of a mysterious figure known as the Grey King. As tensions rise, Locke must navigate the complex underworld of Camorr and face both physical and political threats. Lynch's novel is known for its intricate plotting, witty dialogue, and a richly detailed world that combines elements of fantasy and heist genres.
15. The Name of the Wind
Buy on Amazon"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss is a fantasy novel that follows the life of Kvothe, a gifted and enigmatic young man with a mysterious past. The story is framed as a recounting of Kvothe's life, told to a Chronicler over the course of three days. From his childhood as an orphaned traveler to his time at a prestigious university where he learns magic, music, and more, Kvothe's journey is one of discovery, love, and tragedy. Rothfuss weaves a richly detailed world, and the novel is praised for its lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and the compelling narrative of Kvothe's quest for knowledge and revenge.
16. The Slow Regard of Silent Things
Buy on Amazon"The Slow Regard of Silent Things" is a novella by Patrick Rothfuss, set in the same world as his "Kingkiller Chronicle" series. Unlike the main series, this novella focuses on the character Auri, a mysterious and eccentric girl who lives beneath the University in a labyrinth of tunnels. The story provides a glimpse into Auri's daily life, rituals, and unique perspective on the world. Rothfuss explores themes of loneliness, beauty, and the magic of the ordinary. "The Slow Regard of Silent Things" is a beautifully written and introspective work that offers readers a deeper understanding of Auri's character within the larger narrative of the series.
17. Circe
Buy on Amazon"Circe" by Madeline Miller is a mythological retelling that centers on Circe, a lesser-known figure from Greek mythology. Born to the god Helios and nymph Perse, Circe possesses the power of witchcraft. However, she is banished to the island of Aiaia for transforming a mortal into a monster. Over centuries of solitude, Circe hones her magical skills and encounters various famous figures from Greek mythology. The novel explores themes of power, agency, and identity as Circe discovers her own strength and grapples with her place among gods and mortals. Miller's storytelling weaves a compelling narrative, providing a fresh perspective on a classic mythological character.
18. The Once and Future King
Buy on Amazon"The Once and Future King" by T.H. White is a classic fantasy novel that reimagines the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. It is divided into four parts: "The Sword in the Stone," "The Queen of Air and Darkness," "The Ill-Made Knight," and "The Candle in the Wind." The novel follows the education and adventures of the young King Arthur, his relationship with Merlin the wizard, and the complexities of chivalry and power. White's work delves into themes of leadership, war, and the human condition, providing a nuanced and timeless exploration of the Arthurian legend.
19. The Goblin Emperor
Buy on Amazon"The Goblin Emperor" by Katherine Addison (pen name for Sarah Monette) is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Maia Drazhar, a young half-goblin, half-elf who unexpectedly becomes the emperor of the Elflands after the death of his father and older brothers. Maia, previously living in exile, must navigate the treacherous court politics and power struggles while learning the intricacies of ruling an empire. The novel explores themes of identity, political intrigue, and the challenges of leadership. Addison's work is praised for its well-drawn characters, intricate world-building, and a focus on diplomacy and governance in a rich fantasy setting.
20. The Bear and the Nightingale
Buy on Amazon"The Bear and the Nightingale" by Katherine Arden is a fantasy novel set in medieval Russia. It follows the story of Vasilisa (Vasya), a young girl with a mystical connection to the magical beings of Russian folklore. As the people in her village turn away from the old beliefs and customs, a malevolent force threatens to engulf the land. Vasya must navigate a world of conflicting ideologies, confront supernatural adversaries, and embrace her unique gifts to protect her family and community. Arden's novel weaves a rich tapestry of Russian folklore, exploring themes of tradition, sacrifice, and the clash between the natural and the supernatural.