We’ve put heads, swords, and magical artifacts together and brought you bookworms’ picks for the most interesting books in the fantasy genre. From true classics to influential cult classics to modern sagas… simply a selection that we’d be willing to put our ring on the fire for. So take a look, get inspired, and get reading!
Stormblaze Archive: The Journey of Kings
Brandon Sanderson
A series of four real-life stories (and two novels) from the fantasy world of Rošár, torn apart by – yes, you guessed it – storms! During these storms, energy is released, called storm glow, which can be used for various purposes. And there are also individuals who gain extraordinary abilities thanks to the glow. The fifth part should be released in the US this December, so it’s high time to start cracking.
“A novel setting, lots of original ideas, no dwarves, elves or “traditional fantasy magic”. Excellent world building, in which the individual elements fit together nicely and complement each other. And also interesting protagonists who gradually belarus phone number list become immersed in the plot and usually don’t even notice that they are up to their ears in the story. I had goosebumps a few times while reading!”
David Pohan – Product Development
Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien
Probably the most famous representative (and founder) of the modern fantasy genre. It didn’t make much of a splash at the time of its release, but after its discovery by the American counterculture in the 1960s, it acquired cult status. And it hasn’t let go of it since. To this day, how do I find suitable long tail keywords? the Middle-earth trilogy and other Tolkien books have millions of fans around the world. And they inspired a comparably famous film adaptation, a television series, a whole host of musicians and countless writers. In short, the One Ring still rules (almost) everyone.
“I am fascinated by the detailed fantasy world that Tolkien created. And which still feels hong kong data like it really lives and has a rich history behind it. When I add to that the grandeur of the story, likeable characters and one of the best literary journeys, it gives me the reasons why I keep coming back to The Lord of the Rings.”
Hana Gazdošová – Marketing
Color of spells
Terry Pratchett
Discworld is now a classic series, comprising 41 books, several comics, films and plays. Anyone who hasn’t yet visited Pratchett’s world, carried by four elephants on the shell of a giant space turtle, would do well to read one of the stories right away. No description can prepare you for such an explosively funny mix of fantasy parody, pop culture references and social commentary.
“I definitely have to mention the whole Discworld series! I like how there are multiple storylines that sometimes intertwine. Plus, it’s all very (British) funny, which I really appreciate. And even the weaker episodes are still great!”
Adam Nógell – Marketing
Six crows
Leigh Bardugo
A pair of novels from the so-called Grishaverse. A fantasy world written by Leigh Bardugo, in which inspiration from Tsarist Russia plays a crucial role. Thanks to the recent TV series adaptation, it has found a new readership, but you will enjoy The Crows even if you are not one of them. The six outsiders who do not go far for a fight will capture the heart of anyone who can stand a good adventure and a good dose of romance.
“Together with The Rotten City, a young adult duology that will excite all fans of morally gray individuals who have nothing to lose and don’t go far for intelligence. PS: You don’t need to read Grisha before!”
Zuzana Horká – Product development
Gormenghast
Mervyn Peak
A cult series of novels by writer and illustrator Mervyn Peak, dealing with the panopticon of the inhabitants of the vast castle of Gormenghast. The trilogy, which defies most genre clichés and in many ways defies the label of fantasy, describes a bizarre, captivating microcosm bound together by strange rituals and traditions.
“A fantasy of the “avant-garde”, whose author draws on European modernism, Dickens and his own experience on the battlefields of World War II (Peak was, among other things, one of the first Britons to see the hell of concentration camps with his own eyes). The result is a slightly surreal, claustrophobic and grotesquely funny fresco of a world that some might want to look into, but certainly would not want to live in.”
Ondrej Kosnar – Marketing
The left hand of God
Paul Hoffman
The main character of this popular dark fantasy is a boy named Cale, who finds himself trapped by the cruel and fanatical Redeemers. In a world where the conflict between the Redeemers and the Antagonists rages, it is teeming with a variety of characters and plot twists that have won over fans around the world.
“A slightly different fantasy that draws on the motifs of assassins and fallen angels. Evil plays a major role here and it is also true that there is no hero as a hero.”
Eliška Beránková – Cataloging
The Borderer’s Apprentice
John Flanagan
A twelve-part fantasy series about Will and his friends from Remont Castle. Will longed to become a knight, but was forced to give up his dream due to his small stature. Instead, he is apprenticed to the ranger Halt, with whom he eventually embarks on a dangerous quest.
“My little leadership textbook to be continued. It captures what is essential in a very lighthearted, yet apt way. At home, we are waiting for the children to be old enough for an adventure story inspired by this series.”
Kamila Píchová – Automation
The Priory at the Orange Tree
Samantha Shannon
According to the author, it’s a feminist retelling of the story of St. George. A solid modern fantasy that features dragons, politics, and vividly portrayed characters who defy annoying stereotypes. And because it’s a real treat, it’ll last you a Friday or a long winter evening.
“A great fantasy, with strong female heroines, male characters who are more than just muscle, and a combination of politics and myth that left me speechless.”
Zuzana Horká – Automation
Un Lun Dun
China Miéville
Miéville made a name for himself with his creative genre hybrids and his contribution to the emergence of the so-called New Weird wave. He has already somewhat relented from his once-stated idea that he would like to write books in every existing genre, but before that he has already released this urban fantasy for younger readers. In it, we visit a slightly different London, teeming with murderous giraffes, malevolent Smog and living umbrellas.