Books matching: high fantasy adventure
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- #1
Save:An ultra-enjoyable, fast-paced fantasy romp starring two lovable rogues - classic tropes, witty banter, and epic adventure. Great for readers craving traditional fantasy fun, but may not satisfy if you want gritty or radically original stories.
'Theft of Swords' is the first book in 'The Riyria Revelations' series by Michael J. Sullivan, following the adventures of two thieves, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater. The story is filled with action, betrayal, mystery, and humor, as the duo find themselves entangled in a complex plot involving regicide, political intrigue, and daring escapes. The writing style is described as comfortable and engaging, with well-crafted characters and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
Hadrian could see little in the darkness, but he could hear them—the snapping of twigs, the crush of leaves, and the brush of grass. There were more than one, more than three, and they were closing in...2008•349 pages - #2
Save:A smart, quietly gripping fantasy centered on resilience, political intrigue, and faith - with a wonderfully real, battered hero. If you’re after thoughtful worldbuilding and soulful characters (not just epic battles), this one’s a must-read.
In 'The Curse of Chalion,' Lois McMaster Bujold presents a fantasy world where five gods influence the lives of its inhabitants, creating a religious system based on the seasons with a wildcard god, The Bastard, for those who do not fit into the others. The story follows protagonist Cazaril, who is empathetic and charming, navigating political machinations and a complex society while trying to break a curse that plagues the royal family. Bujold weaves a tale of action, intrigue, and a touch of romance, set in a richly developed world that feels real and immersive.
The book delves into themes of religion, political intrigue, redemption, and character growth, with a focus on a hero who does not seek to be a hero but fulfills his responsibilities with intelligence and empathy. Bujold's writing style is praised for its deep character development, intricate world-building, and clever plot intricacies that keep readers engaged and invested in the story till the satisfying end.
Cazaril heard the mounted horsemen on the road before he saw them. He glanced over his shoulder. The well-worn track behind him curled up around a rolling rise, what passed for a hill on these high wi...2000•488 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully written, immersive, and hopeful fantasy of palace intrigue and personal growth - perfect for readers who want something heartfelt, clever, and a little different from the usual fantasy fare.
'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison follows the story of Maia, the overlooked and despised half-goblin son of the emperor, who unexpectedly becomes the emperor after a tragic accident claims the lives of his father and brothers. Thrust into a world of court intrigue and political maneuvering, Maia must navigate his new role as emperor, facing challenges of betrayal, loneliness, and the complexities of ruling a kingdom. The writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on interpersonal tensions, political negotiations, and a subtle touch of fantasy elements to explain cultural differences.
“Get thy clothes on.” Setheris shoved yesterday’s clothes at him. Maia dropped them, fumbling with the strings of his nightshirt, and Setheris hissed with exasperation as he bent to pick them up. “A m...April 2014•499 pages - #4
Save:An ambitious, inclusive, and gorgeously built standalone epic - if you love immersive fantasy and don’t mind a slow start, it’s a must-read. Think “Game of Thrones” meets sapphic fairytale - with a side of dragons.
'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon is an immersive and expansive high fantasy novel that presents a world where women of diverse backgrounds take center stage, breaking away from traditional tropes. The book delves into a world without sexism, homophobia, and racism, while exploring themes of religious intolerance, political intrigue, and the balance of power. The story follows multiple characters as they navigate conflicting political currents and eventually unite to confront an ancient evil threatening their world.
The book offers a feminist reboot of Arthurian legend with LGBTQ representation and a focus on strong female characters. Despite some pacing issues and slow world-building, the novel weaves together a complex narrative with dragons, magic, and diverse cultures, creating a unique and engaging fantasy world that challenges traditional fantasy norms.
Every morning she kept the same routine. To be predictable was to be safe. First she went to the Master of the Posts, who confirmed he had no letters for her. Then she went to the gates and gazed out...February 2019•848 pages - #5
Save:An iconic epic fantasy adventure that’s immersive and rewarding - if you enjoy slow-building stories, deep worldbuilding, and vast quests, this is essential reading. Just be ready for a long, winding journey!
The Eye of the World, the first book in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, follows the epic journey of two young women and three young men as they leave their small village in the Two Rivers. The series introduces readers to a richly detailed world with a well-thought-out magic system and a diverse cast of characters. The plot is filled with adventure, danger, magic, darkness, and brave deeds, capturing the readers' imagination and keeping them on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in The Eye of the World is described as well-written, fast-paced, and engaging, with a richly detailed world that immerses readers into the story. The book sets the bar high for the rest of the series, delivering a stirring tale of small-town folk who find themselves embroiled in a frightening scenario beyond their wildest imaginations. Despite some comparisons to other fantasy stories, The Eye of the World is praised for being the beginning of a unique series that offers a fresh take on the epic fantasy genre.
The palace still shook occasionally as the earth rumbled in memory, groaned as if it would deny what had happened. Bars of sunlight cast through rents in the walls made motes of dust glitter where the...1990•814 pages - #6
Save:A fun, fast-paced fantasy romp brimming with adventure, banter, and dragons - perfect for when you want an entertaining escape, but may not break new ground for seasoned fantasy veterans.
The Copper Promise is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of an odd trio - Wydrin, a cheeky mercenary known as The Copper Cat, Sebastian, a former knight, and Lord Frith, seeking revenge after his family was murdered. Together, they unleash a dragon god of destruction and find themselves in a quest to save the world. The book is described as a fast-paced and engaging read, filled with magic, adventure, and humor, with characters overcoming personal challenges while facing a world-threatening danger.
All the other cells in the dungeon stank of fear, but not this one. Lord Frith’s last surviving son was simply too proud to be afraid. Even now, as Yellow-Eyed Rin laid out his instruments on the bloo...2011•516 pages - #7
Save:A charming, sweeping start to a classic fantasy saga - ideal for fans of traditional epic adventures, but may feel a touch old-fashioned or cliché for readers seeking something groundbreaking.
"Magician: Apprentice" by Raymond E. Feist follows the story of Pug, a young orphan who becomes an apprentice to a magician named Kulgan in the Kingdom of the Isles. As Pug struggles to master magic under his mentor's guidance, the kingdom faces a threat from the Tsurani invaders from another dimension, leading to a series of events that change the lives of key characters in the story. The plot includes elements such as interplanetary war, elves, dwarves, and a battle between the forces of Order and Chaos, all set in a medieval-style society. The writing style is described as simple, engaging, and enjoyable, with a mix of fantasy tropes and unique twists that keep readers engrossed in the story.
Pug danced along the edge of the rocks, his feet finding scant purchase as he made his way among the tide pools. His dark eyes darted about as he peered into each pool under the cliff face, seeking th...1982•576 pages - #8
Save:A brilliantly bonkers kickoff to Discworld - witty, ridiculous, and endlessly inventive. Not Pratchett’s most polished, but essential if you want to see where fantasy’s funniest universe began. Give it a shot, and don’t be afraid to skip ahead in the series if it doesn’t click right away!
'The Colour of Magic' by Terry Pratchett is the first book in the Discworld series, introducing readers to the adventures of Twoflower, the Disc's first tourist, and Rincewind, a failed wizard who becomes his guide. The book is a humorous and whimsical fantasy satire that cleverly turns fantasy tropes on their heads, featuring a variety of eccentric characters and imaginative situations. The writing style of Terry Pratchett is described as witty, clever, and full of clever wordplay that creates a detailed and fantastical world for readers to explore.
FIRE ROARED through the bifurcated city of Ankh-Morpork. Where it licked the Wizards’ Quarter it burned blue and green and was even laced with strange sparks of the eighth color, octarine; where its o...1983•227 pages - #9
Save:An atmospheric, character-driven portal fantasy that stands the test of time; perfect for fans of classic fantasy who want strong characters and compelling world-building with a touch of darkness.
'The Time of the Dark' by Barbara Hambly follows the story of Gil Patterson, a scholar who is drawn into another world where she must join forces with a magician named Ingold Inglorion and a biker named Rudy to combat the mysterious Dark beings threatening civilization. As they navigate the dangers of this medieval world filled with magic, the characters face the looming threat of the Dark while also grappling with the societal challenges of preserving knowledge and cohesion. The plot unfolds with engaging writing that immerses readers into a rich and gritty setting, filled with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters who evolve throughout the story.
GIL KNEW THAT IT was only a dream. There was no reason for her to feel fear—she knew that the danger, the chaos, the blind, sickening nightmare terror that filled the screaming night were not real; th...1982•272 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully crafted, atmospheric fantasy with a standout heroine - imperfect in its pacing, but the world and characters make it well worth the journey for readers after something different.
In "Wheel of the Infinite" by Martha Wells, an exiled priestess named Maskelle is summoned back to her birth city to investigate the destruction of the Wheel of the Infinite, a sand model of the world that is recreated annually. Alongside a barbarian swordsman named Rian, Maskelle must navigate court intrigues, battle a demon puppet, and confront her past mistakes. The book is described as a stand-alone fantasy novel with vivid and imaginative world-building, alternating between the perspectives of Maskelle and Rian. The writing style is praised for sidestepping clichéd plots and melodramatic moments while featuring a powerful and older female lead.
She stood on a little hill, surrounded by the heavy jungle that lined either side of the river of mud that had once been the road, and watched the wagons crawl painfully by. They were wooden and brigh...July 2000•400 pages
