Loved itThis is some of the best fantasy storytelling you're going to get.
A Game of Thrones (1996)
Others: Overwhelmingly positive A Game of Thrones is the inaugural novel in A Song of Ice and Fire, an epic series of fantasy novels crafted by the American author George R. R. Martin. Published on August 1, 1996, this novel introduces readers to the richly detailed world of Westeros and Essos, where political intrigue, power struggles, and magical elements intertwine. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, each chapter focusing on a different character, allowing readers to experience the narrative from various angles. This complex structure has become a hallmark of Martin's storytelling, immersing readers in the lives and motivations of a diverse cast. Plot Summary Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the narrative revolves around the power struggles among noble families vying for the Iron Throne, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The story is rich with political intrigue, betrayal, and epic battles, as well as a deep exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the consequences of power. Themes The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and the moral complexities of leadership. It delves into the consequences of ambition and the struggle between personal honor and political necessity. The richly detailed world-building and intricate character development make A Game of Thrones a compelling and immersive read. Key Characters Eddard "Ned" Stark: The honorable Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, known for his unwavering honor and sense of duty. Catelyn Stark: The devoted wife of Eddard Stark, whose strength and wisdom guide her family through challenging times. Robert Baratheon: The King of the Seven Kingdoms, who won the throne through rebellion. His reign is marked by political intrigue and personal struggles, reflecting the broader conflicts of the realm. Cersei Lannister: The ambitious and cunning Queen of Westeros, whose political acumen and determination make her a formidable presence in the court. Jaime Lannister: A skilled swordsman and member of the Kingsguard, known for his prowess in battle and complex loyalties. Tyrion Lannister: The witty and resourceful dwarf, known for his sharp mind and cunning, navigating the treacherous politics of the realm. Daenerys Targaryen: An exiled princess of House Targaryen, seeking to reclaim her birthright and restore her family's dynasty. Jon Snow: The bastard son of Eddard Stark, who joins the Night's Watch and faces unique challenges in the far north. Sansa Stark: The eldest daughter of Eddard Stark, initially known for her naivety and romantic ideals, who learns to navigate the complexities of court life. Arya Stark: The youngest daughter of Eddard Stark, known for her spirited and adventurous nature, seeking her own path in the world. Bran Stark: The second son of Eddard Stark, whose life takes a dramatic turn. Awards and Recognition Winner of the 1997 Locus Award Nominated for the 1997 Nebula Award Nominated for the 1997 World Fantasy Award Winner of the 1997 Hugo Award for Best Novella for "Blood of the Dragon," which includes the Daenerys Targaryen chapters from the novel Became a New York Times Bestseller in January 2011 and reached No. 1 on the list in July 2011 Followed by: A Clash of Kings
- ISBN:
- 9780593158203
- Length:
- 804 pages
Genres: fantasy, science fiction
Lists: …
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Dune
Frank Herbert
1965 · 535 pages · 35 reviews
Others: Mostly positiveSet on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is the "spice" melange, a drug capable of extending life and enhancing consciousness. Coveted across the known universe, melange is a prize worth killing for... When House Atreides is betrayed, the destruction of Paul's family will set the boy on a journey toward a destiny greater than he could ever have imagined. And as he evolves into the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib, he will bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream. A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.
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Also fantasy and science fiction42%On 5+ of the same lists40%3 creators loved bothPersonalize your recommendations18%The Two Towers
J.R.R. Tolkien
1954 · 398 pages · 12 reviews
Others: Overwhelmingly positiveThe Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien's three-volume epic, is set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth -- home to many strange beings, and most notably hobbits, a peace-loving "little people," cheerful and shy. Since its original British publication in 1954-55, the saga has entranced readers of all ages. It is at once a classic myth and a modern fairy tale. Critic Michael Straight has hailed it as one of the "very few works of genius in recent literature." Middle-earth is a world receptive to poets, scholars, children, and all other people of good will. Donald Barr has described it as "a scrubbed morning world, and a ringing nightmare world...especially sunlit, and shadowed by perils very fundamental, of a peculiarly uncompounded darkness." The story of this world is one of high and heroic adventure. Barr compared it to Beowulf, C.S. Lewis to Orlando Furioso, W.H. Auden to The Thirty-nine Steps. In fact the saga is sui generis -- a triumph of imagination which springs to life within its own framework and on its own terms. - Jacket flap. Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in the battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs. Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin – alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go. J.R.R. Tolkien’s great work of imaginative fiction has been labelled both a heroic romance and a classic fantasy fiction. By turns comic and homely, epic and diabolic, the narrative moves through countless changes of scene and character in an imaginary world which is totally convincing in its detail.
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Also fantasy and science fiction44%On 5+ of the same lists39%3 creators loved bothPersonalize your recommendations17%The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien
1954 · 1168 pages · 21 reviews
Others: Overwhelmingly positiveOriginally published from 1954 through 1956, J.R.R. Tolkien's richly complex series ushered in a new age of epic adventure storytelling. A philologist and illustrator who took inspiration from his work, Tolkien invented the modern heroic quest novel from the ground up, creating not just a world, but a domain, not just a lexicon, but a language, that would spawn countless imitators and lead to the inception of the epic fantasy genre. Today, THE LORD OF THE RINGS is considered "the most influential fantasy novel ever written." (THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FANTASY) During his travels across Middle-earth, the hobbit Bilbo Baggins had found the Ring. But the simple band of gold was far from ordinary; it was in fact the One Ring - the greatest of the ancient Rings of Power. Sauron, the Dark Lord, had infused it with his own evil magic, and when it was lost, he was forced to flee into hiding. But now Sauron's exile has ended and his power is spreading anew, fueled by the knowledge that his treasure has been found. He has gathered all the Great Rings to him, and will stop at nothing to reclaim the One that will complete his dominion. The only way to stop him is to cast the Ruling Ring deep into the Fire-Mountain at the heart of the land of Mordor--Sauron's dark realm. Fate has placed the burden in the hands of Frodo Baggins, Bilbo's heir...and he is resolved to bear it to its end. Or his own. Contains The Fellowship of the Ring The Two Towers The Return of the King The Lord of the Rings [2/2] The Lord of the Rings [1/6] The Lord of the Rings [1/9] The Lord of the Rings [2/9] The Lord of the Rings [3/9]
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On 5+ of the same lists55%Also fantasy26%3 creators loved bothPersonalize your recommendations19%The Handmaid's Tale
Margaret Atwood
1985 · 334 pages · 19 reviews
Others: Overwhelmingly positiveThe Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, published in 1985. It is set in a near-future New England, in a strongly patriarchal, totalitarian theonomic state, known as the Republic of Gilead, which has overthrown the United States government. The central character and narrator is a woman named Offred, one of the group known as "handmaids", who are forcibly assigned to produce children for the "commanders" — the ruling class of men in Gilead. The novel explores themes of subjugated women in a patriarchal society, loss of female agency and individuality, and the various means by which they resist and attempt to gain individuality and independence. The Handmaid's Tale won the 1985 Governor General's Award and the first Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1987; it was also nominated for the 1986 Nebula Award, the 1986 Booker Prize, and the 1987 Prometheus Award.
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On 5+ of the same lists44%Also fantasy and science fiction40%2 creators loved bothPersonalize your recommendations16%The Name of the Wind
Patrick Rothfuss
2007 · 667 pages · 42 reviews
Others: Mostly positiveThe Name of the Wind, also called The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One, is a heroic fantasy novel written by American author Patrick Rothfuss. It is the first book in the ongoing fantasy trilogy The Kingkiller Chronicle. It was published on March 27, 2007, by DAW Books, the novel has been hailed as a masterpiece of high fantasy. The story begins the tale of Kvothe (pronounced "quothe"), a young man who becomes the most notorious magician his world has ever known. Kvothe narrates his own journey, from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players to his years as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, and his daring entrance into a prestigious and perilous school of magic. Patrick Rothfuss's debut novel has been praised for its fresh and earthy originality, transporting readers into the mind of a wizard and the world that shaped him. It explores the truth behind the legend of a hero and how one can become entangled in their own mythology. Rothfuss's powerful storytelling and robust writing have earned him comparisons to renowned fantasy authors such as Tad Williams, George R. R. Martin, and Robert Jordan. Followed by: The Wise Man's Fear (Source: special note from the publisher)
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On 5+ of the same lists62%2 creators loved both24%Also fantasyPersonalize your recommendations14%Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card
1985 · 324 pages · 17 reviews
Others: Overwhelmingly positiveEnder's Game is a 1985 military science fiction novel by American author Orson Scott Card. Set at an unspecified date in Earth's future, the novel presents an imperiled humankind after two conflicts with the Formics, an insectoid alien species they dub the "buggers". In preparation for an anticipated third invasion, children, including the novel's protagonist, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, are trained from a very young age by putting them through increasingly difficult games, including some in zero gravity, where Ender's tactical genius is revealed. The book originated as a short story of the same name, published in the August 1977 issue of Analog Science Fiction and Fact. The novel was published on January 15, 1985. Later, by elaborating on characters and plotlines depicted in the novel, Card was able to write additional books in the Ender's Game series. Card also released an updated version of Ender's Game in 1991, changing some political facts to reflect the times more accurately (e.g., to include the recent collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War). The novel has been translated into 34 languages. Reception of the book has been mostly positive. It has become suggested reading for many military organizations, including the United States Marine Corps. Ender's Game was recognized as "best novel" by the 1985 Nebula Award[3] and the 1986 Hugo Award[4] in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. Its four sequels—Speaker for the Dead (1986), Xenocide (1991), Children of the Mind (1996), and Ender in Exile (2008)—follow Ender's subsequent travels to many different worlds in the galaxy. In addition, the later novella A War of Gifts (2007) and novel Ender's Shadow (1999), plus other novels in the Shadow saga, take place during the same time period as the original.
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Loved it
Loved itA Game of Thrones has to be an A. It's incredible.
Review 1 of 7
Loved itI think that's I think that's in Banger openings
Loved itit's great I love it can't wait to read it again
Review 1 of 8
Loved itit took every tenant of Epic Fantasy that we know and love going all the way back and completely just put the Spurs to it and amped It Up made it so much more human made it so much more visceral made it so much more real made the stakes so much actually I mean you can't have higher stakes in Lord of the Ring but it made the stakes higher in that it inter person interpersonal him per character each character has such a distinctive Arista tilian Arc playing out within these Pages
Loved itI think this is pretty much near perfect I mean he's a great Storyteller as a pro stylist he's not bad the characters are fantastic
Loved iti really fell in love with all of them yes i've watched the tv show through and yes of course i have read all five published books and even though there is a really good chance this series may never be completed i still have to rank it so high on this list because i love what we have of the story
Review 1 of 2
Mixedi like game of thrones i don't love it i feel like as a lot of other people do and also the weight between books is just killer like let's just be honest it is kind of annoying so it goes in the good category
Review 1 of 2
Loved iti love this series even though it's one of those series that i don't know if we'll ever see the end i still love this series and i think it has some excellent characters particularly I adore Tyrion Lannister
Review 1 of 2
Loved itI was very surprised with how much I liked them because I felt like I was so intimidated to even start this series. I felt like the writing was a lot easier flowing than I expected, the story was rich just like I wanted.
Loved itthis just reminded me why I have always loved fantasy novels even as a child I just the castles and the kingdoms and then the kings and queens and Prince and princesses and sword fighting and the dragons and the battles and the wars just epicness guys epicness