I’ve read a lot of great fantasy books over the past year or so. Between school and work and mental health, I have yet to review many of them. (Especially the ones from 2018–2019, back when I commuted three hours a day, round trip, to and from work.) So, I decided to write mini reviews for some of my recent fantasy favorites.
Following are the first five!
5 Fantasy Books I Love and Why
1. The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
The Alloy of Law by Brandon SandersonSeries: Mistborn Era 2 #1, Mistborn #4
Published by Tor Books on November 8, 2011
Genres: Epic Fantasy
Pages: 332
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Three-hundred years after the events of the first Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, and technology has changed the way people use the old magics. In this changing world, Waxillium Ladrian, a lawman from the Roughs re-enters fine society only to get tangled in a new case.
Reasons to love The Alloy of Law:
- The references to the Mistborn: Era 1 books. Having read the first trilogy, I enjoyed seeing how the world has developed over time. It was fun to see how technology has changed the way that people use Allomancy and Feruchemy.
- The bromance between Wax and Wayne. Wayne is the salt that adds flavor to Wax’s uptight character. I cannot picture one without the other.
- Wayne’s quirks: kleptomania (and his way of rationalizing the thievery as . . . not exactly thievery), disguises, stealing voices—I highly recommend listening to the audiobook to hear his voice.
- The exploration of what is the law, what is justice.
- The epic fight scenes. Sanderson has a talent for writing epic fight scenes.
2. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World by Robert JordanSeries: The Wheel of Time #1
Published by Tor Books on January 15, 1990
Genres: Epic Fantasy
Pages: 670
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
When three boys find themselves at the center of the traditional fight between good and evil, they must leave their rural home and take a stand to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Reasons to love The Eye of the World:
- The epic opening lines.
- The classic, high stakes fight between good and evil.
- The gorgeous imagery and writing that brings the world to life.
- The compelling cast of characters and their camaraderie. Members of the band included reluctant heroes and female characters who play pivotal roles in the group.
- The journey, both internal and external, that tests the characters and pushes their growth. Although the group initially embarks physical journey, much of this book is about the internal journey—especially for Rand al’Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara, the three ta’veren, people who will cause great change in the Pattern.
3. The Last Wish by Andrezj Sapkowski
The Last Wish: Introducing the Witcher by Andrzej SapkowskiSeries: The Witcher #0.5
Published by Orbit on July 18, 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Fairytale Retelling, Short Stories
Pages: 320
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher: a cunning sorcerer, merciless assassin, and a cold-blooded killer. His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world. But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good . . . and in every fairy tale lies a grain of truth.
- The Last Wish is better than the T.V. show. You can expect . . .
- Twisted fairytales
- Epic fight scenes
- Expansive worldbuilding
- Philosophical contemplations—who, or what, is the real monster? And is the voice of reason always reasonable? The stories in this anthology provide a wealth of topics to discuss with a group.
4. Legacies by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
Legacies by L.E. Modesitt Jr.Series: Corean Chronicles #1
Published by Tor Books on July 13, 2003
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 597
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Purchased
After manifesting a strong Talent, Alucius is warned never to reveal his magical powers outside the home, lest he spend his life in servitude, but a time of changes has come. The Matrial, an immortal ruler in a nearby land, seeks to expand her influence—and Alucius will play a central role in the coming conflict.
L.E. Modesitt, Jr. examines the effect of power, through magic, on humans and the environment. While Legacies is a slow read compared to action-packed modern fantasy books, it thoughtfully explores, through Alucius’ observations and contemplations, the human condition while leaving readers to draw their own conclusions. The topics examined provide great discussion topics for a buddy read or book club.
Related: Read my book club’s discussion guide for Legacies.
5. Malice by John Gwynne
Malice by John GwynneSeries: The Faithful and the Fallen #1
Published by Orbit on December 3, 2013
Genres: Epic Fantasy
Pages: 646
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
The Banished Lands has a violent past where armies of men and giants clashed in battle, the earth running dark with their heartsblood. Now, the stones weep red and giant wyrms stir, and those who can still read the signs see a danger far worse than all that has come before. Men and women must choose their side in a war that will pit family against family, friend against friend, and rulers against rulers.
Malice is thoroughly addicting. The Faithful and The Fallen promises to be one of my all-time favorite fantasy series.
Reasons to love Malice:
- Complex, compelling characters. There are good, honorable, imperfect people; there are people who know good but choose otherwise; and there are people I’m not sure I’ll ever like (we’ll see).
- Strong family involvement, including a sister-brother duo.
- The epic scope of the world: the seven points of view take us across the Banished Lands. I appreciate how most chapters alternate between Corban’s point of view and one of the other points of view. This constant helped ground me in the narrative as I learned about the world.
- The epic fight of good versus evil, which pits family against family, friends against friends, and makes comrades of former enemies.
- Intrigue and politicking and warfare. Characters that keep you guessing about who to trust.
- A prophecy and signs pointing to an epic war to come.
- Fierce, loyal animal companions.
- Warriors fighting for honor, for good, for Truth and Courage. This book is good for the soul.
ShootingStarsMag says
Thanks for sharing all these mini reviews. I haven’t read any of them, but a couple seem familiar!!
Lauren
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
I am well into the Witcher series, and I’ve enjoyed Sanderson, so that series is on my list. I need to check out the others. Thanks for the recs.
Crystal (Kester) says
The Witcher is fantastic! I’ve started Sword of Destiny and have enjoyed what I read in it. I hope you find new books from this list!
Sophia Rose says
I do love a list of fantasy you love to help get me motivated to read some of the bigger and older series out there. Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson’s series is top on my list.
Great job of listing your reasons in mini reviews (I can never do that well, LOL).
Crystal (Kester) says
I’m glad to hear that! I hope you enjoy Jordan and Sanderson’s works!
Zezee @ Zezee with Books says
Did you complete the Wheel of Time series? I’m now on my third attempt at completing it. Now on book 6, I think.
Crystal (Kester) says
I’m on my first read of WoT. So far, I’ve only read The Eye of the World. I hope to get to The Great Hunt by the end of 2020!
Lydia says
Malice does sound good!
My TTT .
Crystal (Kester) says
Malice is fantastic. I highly recommend it!