Undoubtedly one of the most popular book genres out there, fantasy reads have had its fair share of hits thanks to series such as Harry Potter, A Song of Ice and Fire, and of course, The Lord of the Rings. So go ahead and explore strange new worlds, mystical realms and just escape bleak reality with these five incredible fantasy novels. You may thank us later once you’re there and back.
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
The epic fantasy novel series that spawned one of the most watched shows on television across the globe first began when A Game of Thrones was published in 1996 as part of A Song of Ice and Fire. Taking place on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, read how highborns and dynasties alike vie for the legendary Iron Throne. Plus, if you didn’t take the show’s finale too well (like we did), then check out the books as George R. R. Martin races to complete the last two volumes in the series.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Another fantasy book series that was adapted for the small screen, Gaiman’s American Gods follows Shadow, an ex-convict who takes a job as a bodyguard for a mysterious con man after his wife and best friend are killed in a car crash. With a dash of Norse mythology and a splash of technology, what you’ve got on your hands is a Thor-meets-Lucifer type tale.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Contrary to popular belief, Circe is not a sequel to Madeline Miller’s first novel, The Song of Achilles. Instead, Circe is a captivating piece of fiction that melds Greek mythology and modern feminism. So journey alongside Circe, a nymph who contemplates love, magic and even motherhood, after she’s banished by Zeus to live out her days in exile. And trust us when we say you’ll be hooked right from the first chapter.
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
A list boasting fantasy books would not be complete without the epic high-fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. A sequel to his earlier work The Hobbit and published in three volumes, the story depicts the quests and wars to both own and destroy a magical ring in the world of Middle-earth. One ring to rule them all indeed.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Inspired by her alma mater’s secret societies and personal college experience, Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House centres around an Ivy League freshman who can see ghosts, known as “grays”. Sent to Yale university thanks to a benefactor who tasks her to monitor the eight Houses of the Veil, campus life is definitely not what it seems for the 20-year-old Galaxy “Alex” Stern.
