Fantasy Book Recommendations

Inspire are delighted that as part of the Living Knowledge Network we are hosting a taster of the Fantasy: Realms of Imagination exhibition currently on show at the British Library in London. The exhibition celebrates some of the finest fantasy creators, revealing how their imagined lands, languages and creatures came into being, and delving into the traditions of a genre that has created some of the most passionate and enduring fandoms.

Because of this we have put together a recommendation list for all our favourite fantasy books for those wanting something new and fantastical to read. From epic fantasy with dragons and swords to urban fantasy or magical realism set in a version of 'our world', there's something for everyone. Enjoy!

The Lord of the Rings J.R.R Tolkien 

Tolkien's epic masterpiece had to be included somewhere. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, he must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring...

The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss

In this first instalment of the Kingkiller Chronicles, infamous adventurer Kvothe recounts his tale of sorcery and intrigue. A classic high fantasy novel that's perfect for adult readers who loved Harry Potter and want something similar but more grown up.

Priory of the Orange Tree Samantha Shannon

A beautifully detailed high fantasy epic featuring dragons and their riders. Shannon creates a court filled with intrigue and secrecy and a world on the brink of war. 

The Blade Itself Joe Abercrombie

The start of the First Law Trilogy, this is a great deconstruction of epic fantasy, using the tropes we all know well and twisting them into something darker and edgier. Perfect for fans of Game of Thones.

A Darker Shade of Magic V.E Schwab

A personal favourite of mine, this trilogy of unique genre bending fantasy features four alternate versions of London and a grumpy magician main character who can travel between the worlds. There are thieves, pirates, a magic tournament and a wonderful cast of unforgettable characters. If you read only one thing from this list, it should be this.

Neverwhere Neil Gaiman

A classic urban fantasy that also features a different version of our capital city. 'London Below' is a weird, wonderful and dangerous place, follow main character Richard through it's tunnels and train stations as he attempts to save a girl he's just met while pursued by henchmen and monsters. 

A Discovery of Witches Deborah Harkness

Beginning in the hallowed halls of Oxford University with action travelling to Northern France, Venice and Massachusetts, modern day witch Diana is pursued by Vampires, Demons and fellow Witches as she uncovers her dark family history. She also starts to fall for the handsome, mysterious Vampire Matthew...

The Raven Boys Maggie Stiefvater

Blue comes from magical family but has always wanted to be normal. That is until she meets a group of boys intent on tracking down the long lost grave of an ancient Welsh king. Taking inspiration from celtic folkore and myth, with added magic and amazing worldbuilding this quartet of novels will have you searching for ley lines and reading tarot cards before you're done reading.

Gideon the Ninth Tamsyn Muir

Lesbian Necromancers in space...what more could you ask for?! These sci-fi cross fantasy novels are a treat for readers looking for something a bit different from your average fantasy.

Six of Crows Leigh Bardugo

Another personal favourite of mine, this duology is actually a spin off from Bardugo's Shadow and Bone trilogy although I recommend starting with this one first. Imagine a cross between Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders and Ocean's Eleven and you'd be close to describing this brilliant fantasy heist series. Unforgettable characters, brilliant world building and action abound.

The Night Circus Erin Morgenstern

An enchanting, whimsical dark fairy tale that I can't describe better than the book's opening:

"The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not...the sign appears. Le Cirque des Reves. The Circus of Dreams. Now the circus is open. Now you may enter."

There are of course so many other books we could mention, and we struggled to narrow it down to these. However hopefully this can inspire you to pick up a new book and journey to another land.. 

Safe travels.