I’m so excited for this post, cos it’s been *ages* since I talked about my top ten favourite fantasy, and I’ve been wanting to do a follow up for years! Now I’m finally doing it and *bonus* I’ve added in some sci fi this time round (yes, I could have done a separate post, but I don’t have such a long list for it). I feel like this will be a bit like my favourite classics and romance lists- I’ll just keep adding to it more and more 😊 Without further ado, let’s talk about some of my *new and shiny and glorious* faves:
Bear and the Nightingale– I mean, you all knew I was going to include this, didn’t you? This sumptuous Russian fairy tale retelling stole my heart from the second I stepped into Arden’s world. Atmospheric and so-darn-beautiful, I will never cease to be amazed by how magnificent this book is.
Strange the Dreamer– well, duh, Laini Taylor had to be on this list! Her writing is exquisite, her worlds sensationally unique and her romances to die for!
Circe– this is by far and away one of the most exquisite books I’ve ever read. And on top of that, it’s a perfect retelling of the Odyssey. I. am. in. awe.
Hazel Wood– another book I have endless admiration for. For me, what makes this so special is how it balances the gothic and fairy tale elements just so. As a lover of both genres, this book bowled me over, transporting me far away into the Hinterland.
Neverwhere– bringing me closer to home, Neverwhere tells the story of a hidden London, steeping the streets in mythological imaginings. A truly magnificent work.
Charmed Life– I know there are probably a lot of other Diana Wynne Jones’ books with more renown, however, this one for me brings me such joy. Perhaps I’m being a little sentimental, it’s just this one hits all the right emotional notes.
Poison– I had to triple and quadruple check that this wasn’t on my last list- because I ADORE THIS WONDERFULLY WEIRD BOOK. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it may make you feel like you’ve hopped down the rabbithole in terms of plot, yet it’s undeniably a unique read.
Heir Series– I read this fairly recently and it still manages to make me oddly nostalgic- because the characters and relationships and stories have a way of clinging to your soul. Yes, Chima Williams is another author making a repeat appearance on this list- that’s just because she’s another author who never fails to knock it out of the park.
The Book of the Ancestor Series– I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is the kind of series that reminds me why I got into fantasy in the first place. There’s so much to love about this- from the world to the sense of sisterhood to the romance. I just adore this series and can’t wait to read more from the author!
Red Rising– well, when I mentioned sci fi faves, I bet you all guessed this would be on here. Many of you will already know my love for this *prime* series, so I’ll be quick in saying for the millionth time: this is gorydamn good! I mean, it’s Romans in space- need I say more?!
Shade’s Children– I’m never quite sure what genre this is- but it doesn’t matter, cos I will always love this twisty standalone.
The Martian– who’d have thought that a book about a guy stranded on Mars would be so much fun? That’s because Mark Watney rocks. Funniest protagonist I’ve ever read- and he makes this race-against-time sci fi so spectacular.
And that’s all for now! I have a few more I’d like to add, but I like to give it some space after I read books before declaring them *favourites*. Are any of these your favourites? Do you have any favourite fantasy books you’d like to recommend? Let me know in the comments!
Nothing on this list is a surprise! I’ve got Red Rising on my tbr because so many people have recommended it, and I almost always enjoy anything set on Mars. Really looking forward to hopefully reading it this year. 🙂
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hehe! Ahh that’s really good- I hope you like it!!
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I read Red Sister last year and I can’t wait to read Grey Sister at some point this year!! Great post! 😁
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Ah awesome! Thank you! 😀
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I bought hazel wood this month. I will read it in April or May.
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Oh great! Hope you like it!!
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I loved The Bear And The Nightingale too! I haven’t Strange The Dreamer yet, but I will soon. I’ve read Red Sister but the author’s writing didn’t worked out for me. I enjoyed the characters though.
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Ah I’m glad!! Awesome- hope you like it! Fair enough!
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I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Neverwhere, but that book made me understand why Gaiman is held in such high regards among fantasy writers.
Strange the Dreamer is a beauty of a book. No one writes as beautifully and captivating as Taylor.
Red Rising. A most brilliant sci-fi that stressed the life out of me haha
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Ah yes, that book is wonderful!!
Absolutely agree!!
hahahaha so true!
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Ooh so many books on this list that I haven’t read yet! I loved The Martian and Circe, but I really need to pick up The Bear and the Nightingale, Red Rising…and tbh most of these others 😀
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Ahh I’m glad you like those!! ooh I definitely recommend them (hehe well obviously 😉 )
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Thanks for sharing this list! Circle, Red Sister, and Red Rising are on my TBR. I’ve read and loved works from Cinda Williams Chima, Neil Gaiman, and Dianna Wynne Jones. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is a recent fantasy favorite that I would recommend. I also love the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb.
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Thank you for reading!! Oh I love them all!! Ahh me too!! Oh I really really need to read more sanderson (I read the first mistborn years ago, loved it, then didn’t finish the series cos I got distracted- I plan to work through that and other sanderson books this year!) really like hobb as well!
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Neverwhere is SUCH a delightful book, so pleased to see it on this list. I also love Circe–have you read her other book, The Song of Achilles? It is EXQUISITE.
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It is!! I have- it’s great!!
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The Martian is one of my all-time favourites and absolutely loved The Book of the Ancestor.
Heard great things about Strange the Dreamer, but never got around to reading it.
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Ah I’m glad to hear it!!
I love anything by Laini Taylor- hope you enjoy it if you try it!
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Diana Jones’ books are definitely delightful. I need to go re-watch Howls Moving Castle again 😀
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Ah I love that too!!
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Great list! There are so many of these that are on my TBR, but I have yet to get to them :O If you could only pick one from the list, which one would you choose to start reading first?
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Ooh great question! It depends what you’re looking for- of you’re after something charming, go with charmed life, if you want something with a fairy tale feel I’d say bear and the nightingale and if you want more classic fantasy then the heir series- hope that helps narrow it down a little! ☺️
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It does! Thank you 😀
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I love The Martian! Great post! 😀
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Thank you!
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I don’t think I’ve read Neverwhere so this is going on my TBR list! I loved Graveyard Book and Coraline (and Stardust, once I got the illustrated edition) so I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy this! Thank you!!
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Oh awesome- then I’m confident you’ll like it! thanks for reading!
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‘The Martian’ was an awesome book! (Oddly, I have never seen the movie…)
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It was (I have seen it- very similar feel to the book!)
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I have only read Circe on that last and I completely agree with you. Some of those others, I really like the covers.
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Ahh glad you agree! hehe they are great covers 😀
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I swear my son is bossing me up for YEARS to read Red Rising 🤣
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hehehe!
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I haven’t read any of these books. I have wanted to read Strange the Dreamer, though. It’s great to hear it’s that good!
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Oh it is!
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Circe and The Hazel Wood….yeeeees!
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Ahh so glad you liked those too!!
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Yay!
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Great list! Too many of these books are still on my TBR, though. I need to get reading! 😉
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thank you! hehehe!
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It’s great to see Neverwhere and Charmed Life on this fun list! (For now, I’ll try to ignore that I’ve only read these two out of the entire list) Every time I read Neverwhere, I get increasingly impressed with Richard Mayhew’s character arc. It may be the norm in the hero’s journey, but it was executed wonderfully. As for Charmed Life, Gwendolen’s antics are astonishing and amusing, and the whole Chrestomanci series is a fun ride more people should know about. Now onto the books I haven’t read… I think I should start by getting my hands on Circe although the other books sound amazing (like Red Rising, never have I been so intrigued by three words other than “Romans in space”)!
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I love Neverwhere so much – I think it would actually make my top 10 fantasy list. I also think I now want to do a reread!!
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Me too! hehe I get that! I wanna reread it now!
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Strange the Dreamer, Red Rising and The Martian are all favourites of mine too! Such good books. And I’ve now added Hazel Wood and Shade’s Children to my TBR – thanks for the recommendations 🙂
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Ah glad you agree! Oh brilliant! 😀
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