Tag: epic fantasy books

Ah, epic fantasy! It’s like stepping into a world where your daily commute could involve dodging fire-breathing dragons instead of traffic, and your boss might be an ancient sorcerer with a slight temper issue (though, come to think of it, that’s not too far off from reality).

But what’s the real appeal of these thick tomes adorned with dragons, wizards, and warriors?

Why Epic Fantasy? Well, Why Not?

Epic fantasy is not just a genre; it’s a full-on escape from the mundane.

Think of it as the literary equivalent of strapping on a pair of wings and flying off to a land where the impossible is just another Tuesday.

It’s where the line between good and evil is as clear as day until it isn’t, and where you can experience the thrill of adventure without the risk of actual dragon burns.

Ten Epic Fantasy Titles to Kickstart Your Magical Journey

Whether you’re a wide-eyed newcomer to the world of epic fantasy or a curious reader looking for your next grand escapade, this curated list of 10 must-read books is your gateway to a universe brimming with wonder, peril, and enchantment.

From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, each book is a portal to a world more thrilling and expansive than our own.

So, gather your cloaks and swords, summon your courage, and prepare to embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination and whisk you away to the farthest reaches of magic and beyond!

“The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Start with the granddaddy of them all. It’s like the Beatles of epic fantasy; everything that came after owes it a pint.

Elves, dwarves, an evil overlord, and a piece of jewellery that’s really hard to get rid of.

“Who Fears Death” by Nnedi Okorafor

Set in a post-apocalyptic Africa, this novel blends magical realism and fantasy in a powerful narrative.

It’s a story of a young woman born into a divided society, who embarks on a journey to end the genocide of her people.

“A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin

Imagine a medieval history textbook, if the textbook occasionally burst into flames and tried to stab you.

Political intrigue, unexpected deaths, and, yes, dragons.

Because no epic fantasy list is complete without them.

Be aware that this is a series that’s unlikely to see a conclusion in print form.

“The Fifth Season” by N.K. Jemisin

The first book in ‘The Broken Earth’ trilogy, this Hugo Award-winning novel is nothing short of groundbreaking.

It’s set in a world where the earth is fraught with seismic cataclysms, and the story centres around three women navigating through these tumultuous times.

“The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss

If you ever wondered what would happen if a university student could call the wind and stir up trouble, this one’s for you.

It’s a tale of magic, music, and making really poor life choices in the name of love.

Just be aware that this is a another series that’s unlikely to see its conclusion.

“Mistborn” by Brandon Sanderson

What if the bad guy won and you had to live in his dystopia? Throw in a unique magic system involving metals, a heist plot, and a plucky group of rebels, and you’ve got a recipe for sleepless nights.

“The Poppy War” by R.F. Kuang

Inspired by 20th-century Chinese history and mythology, this gritty novel blends historical fiction with fantasy.

It follows a war orphan’s rise from poverty to military greatness amidst a world on the brink of an immense war.

Kuang’s narrative is intense, thought-provoking, and unflinchingly brutal at times.

“Alanna: The First Adventure” by Tamora Pierce

The first in the ‘Song of the Lioness’ series, this book introduces Alanna, who disguises herself as a boy to become a knight.

Pierce’s series is a staple in YA fantasy, known for its strong female characters and rich world-building.

“The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon

A standalone epic fantasy that deftly weaves together stories from different ends of a divided world, filled with dragons, forbidden magic, and a centuries-old conflict.

Shannon creates a rich, matriarchal world that’s as vast as it is intriguing, with a diverse cast and a gripping narrative.

“The Eye of the World” by Robert Jordan

The first step into the colossal world of ‘The Wheel of Time‘.

It’s like going for a gentle swim and realising you’re in the ocean.

Prophecies, strange dreams, and a battle against the Dark One.

It’s your classic ‘farm boy turns hero’ story, but on steroids.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

This vibrant blend of high-stakes heist and gritty fantasy introduces Locke Lamora, a charming thief whose audacious schemes are as intricate as they are daring.

Lynch’s richly detailed world is a playground for the imagination, replete with unexpected twists and vivid, compelling characters.

Prepare for a thrilling ride through a narrative that is as cunningly deceptive as its protagonist, ensuring every page turns with anticipation.

Embrace the Epic!

Epic fantasy might seem overwhelming with its chunky books and complex plots, but it’s a journey worth embarking on.

You’ll travel to worlds you never knew existed, meet characters who feel like old friends (or terrifying acquaintances), and experience stories that stay with you long after the last page.

So grab a book, find a cosy corner, and prepare to fall down the rabbit hole.

Just watch out for the dragons.

They’re a bit nippy this time of year.

Out Now: The Fall of Wolfsbane (Ravenglass Legends, book 1)

Two siblings. One ravaged land.

An empire changed forever.

When the Ostreich Empire conquers his homeland, Ragnar Wolfsbane faces an impossible choice: resist and watch his sister suffer, or serve the power that shattered his world.

Navigating the treacherous world of imperial politics and ancient magic, Ragnar uncovers a destiny far greater than the fiefdom he was born to inherit.

Meanwhile, his sister Maja transforms her captivity into an opportunity for rebellion.

In a court where every smile hides a dagger, one false move could doom them both.

But Maja’s wit, will, and a dangerous gift might just change the fate of empires.

With pulse-pounding action, morally complex characters, and a magic system that redefines the rules of reality, The Fall of Wolfsbane is perfect for fans of Patrick Rothfuss, Mark Lawrence, and John Gwynne.

Immerse yourself in a world where loyalty is tested, power corrupts, and the line between hero and villain blurs with every page.

Discover the world of Ravenglass Legends and join Ragnar and Maja on their epic journey.