Which Fantasy Novel Should I Read Next?

You say you have free time and want to read a fantasy novel? I'm insanely jealous of your free time. Nevertheless, here is a tool to help you choose your next fantastic world.

Rob Werner
Created by Rob Werner(User Generated Content*)User Generated Content is not posted by anyone affiliated with, or on behalf of, Playbuzz.com.
On Dec 6, 2016

Let's start off with some honesty. I promise, I won't tell anyone. How much do you love the empire that is Harry Potter?

If you were going to choose a non-fantasy genre for a relaxing movie night, which of these would you turn to?

You've been set up on a blind date [shudder] and its up to you to choose the activity.

Your date went well and you're throwing a dinner party together. Which of these people would you invite?

Your dinner guests have gotten into a debate about the pros and cons of different centuries. Which of these centuries would you most like to inhabit?

The "safe word" is important. Which of these do you not ever want to read about?

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Ready to head back to a wizard school? Want a magician story for adults? Lev Grossman has you covered. The Magicians creates a wizarding world so intertwined with reality that it is nearly believable. Grossman’s characters grow up very quickly and are not shy about sex, alcohol, and a whole lot of very mature concepts. Even with that dose of reality mixed in, this book will appeal to hardcore Potter fans and Rowling haters alike.

Already read The Magicians? Try The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.

The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is the Tolkien book everyone always means to read, but never quite gets around to. Classic fantasy doesn’t get much more classic than this. Tolkien effectively invented the modern fantasy genre (apologies to C.S. Lewis) and this collection of history and ruminations on Middle Earth are second only to the good old Lord of the Rings.

Already read The Silmarillion? Try A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Hankering for a read that reminds you of the fantasy you read as a child? Gaiman delivers with a quirky (even for him) tale of a return to a childhood home and the magical events that have been completely forgotten in the intervening years. More a myth than a fantasy, The Ocean at the End of the Lane delivers a world of mythological archetypes masquerading as the neighbors. This is a classic good versus evil tale in which the shades of grey create dynamic, sympathetic characters.

Already read The Ocean at the End of the Lane? Try Locke and Key by Joe Hill.

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind
If you’re seeking a modern take on the sort of fantasy created by Tolkien, Goodkind delivers a quest novel with strong characters and an immersive world. The magic is explicit, the action is important, and you’ll never be in doubt about who is good and who is bad. Don’t judge this by the mediocre television series based upon it. The book, as usual, is far better.

Already read Wizard’s First Rule? Try The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Situated somewhere between The Lord of the Rings, A Game of Thrones, and Harry Potter, the series that begins with The Eye of the World draws on influences from just about every fantasy trope imaginable. If you just cannot decide what sort of fantasy to read, this is for you. It has a little of everything.

Already read The Eye of the World? Try The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams.

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Is fantasy not really your cup of tea? Prefer historical fiction or buttoned up horror? Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is your book. The book opens in a world without magic, or so we are led to believe, and through macabre dealings, punctilious business, and cold, dark humor it returns. Fans of Diana Gabaldon and Margaret Atwood will feel right at home in this fantasy novel that is so much more.

Already read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell? Try His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Better known for her science fiction, this is Ursula K. Le Guin’s high fantasy classic. Those who love magic, dragons, and the stark insides of protagonist’s brains will adore this book. Part quest, part coming of age, and part exercise in world building, Le Guin’s novel is at once unique and heavily borrowed.

Already read A Wizard of Earthsea? Try Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Mists of Avalon is Arthurian legend as seen through the eyes of the oft neglected women. If you’re looking for fantasy masquerading as historical fiction, this is your book. Even the magic contained within will leave you asking if it is supernatural or simply one interpretation of entirely natural events. This book will appeal to anyone looking to make sense of our own changing world.

Already read The Mists of Avalon? Try Druids by Morgan Llywelyn

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