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Favorite Fantasy Books & Authors
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items These are some of my favorite fantasy authors and books. I started reading fantast as a young teen nearly 40 years ago so these tend to be older books. Anne McCaffrey's Pern novels were my gateway. My dad bought me the first trilogy for Christmas w...
Sections
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Anne McCaffrey's Pern Series
Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar Series
Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time Series
David Eddings Belgariad & Malloreon
Anne McCaffrey's Pern Series
Anne McCaffrey is known as the Dragonlady of Science Fiction. Her most famous works are the Pern series. The first trilogy was published in the 1970s as a pure fantasy series. By the ninth novel, Dragonsdawn, published in 1989, the series took a turn into science fiction as the novel explores the forgotten origins of Pern as a colony of Earth. I've listed the novels in chronological (not publication) order. Note, I don't recommend the novels she wrote with her son or the later novels her son and daughter have written to continue the series.
This is the first Pern book chronologically, but the ninth published. It took the Pern series from a strictly fantasy series into the science fiction realm revealing that Pern is actually a forgotten colony of Earth.
Dragonsdawn (Dragonriders of Pern Series #9)|Paperback
This novel follows several years after the events of Dragonsdawn as the dragons and their riders establish themselves and a new threat to the settlement of Pern is revealed.
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall (Dragonriders of Pern Series #12)|Paperback
200 years after the first Thread fell on Pern, the breakdown in technology has made the threat of thread a myth believed only by the dragonriders, but the return of threat comes upon them.
Dragonseye (Dragonriders of Pern Series #14)|Paperback
The seventh Pern novels goes back into Pern's past when a plague laid waste to the population of the planet and the dragonriders must race against time to find a cure.
Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series #7)|Paperback
Nerilka's Story tells of the events of the plague in Moreta: The Dragonlady of Pern from the perspective of a young commoner girl named Nerilka. This is one of the weaker stories in the series.
Nerilka's Story (Dragonriders of Pern Series #8)|Paperback
The Masterharper of Pern is the life story of McCaffrey's beloved character, Robinton, from his boyhood to ascension as the Masterharper of Pern. Spoilers ahead! This book covers events from Dragonflight through the events of All the Weyrs of Pern.
The Masterharper of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series #15)|Paperback
This was one of the first fantasy novels I read as a tween.
Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern Series #1)|Paperback
Second in the Dragonriders of Pern Series
Dragonquest (Dragonriders of Pern Series #2)|Paperback
The third in the original trilogy of Pern novels.
The White Dragon (Dragonriders of Pern Series #3)|Paperback
First in the Harper Hall trilogy. The second trilogy in the Pern series. This is a great series for tween/teen girls.
Dragonsong (Harper Hall Trilogy Series #1)|Paperback
Second in the Harper Hall trilogy in the second trilogy of the Pern series. This series continues Menolly's journey to become a Harper.
Dragonsinger (Harper Hall Trilogy Series #2)|Paperback
Dragondrums is the third book in the Harper Hall trilogy, the second trilogy of the Pern series. In this novel the hero is a teenage boy, Piemur, best friend of Menolly, the heroine of the first two novels.
Dragondrums (Harper Hall Trilogy Series #3)|Paperback
Anne McCaffrey expands the world of Pern in this novel exploring the lives of the Holdless.
The Renegades of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series #10)|Paperback
Anne McCaffrey once again expands the world of Pern. This time, two teenage boys re-establish the connection with the shipfish of Pern or as they were known on Earth, dolphins.
The Dolphins of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series #13)|Paperback
With the rediscovery of the origins of Pern and the technologies the colonists originally brought with them to Pern, a bold plan is hatched to end the scourge of Thread forever.
All the Weyrs of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series #11)|Paperback
The threat of Thread is ending with the shifting of the Red Star's orbit, but such massive change to culture isn't easy for everyone to adjust to. Not everyone is happy with the return of technology to Pern, and what will happen to dragons now that they are no longer needed to defend the planet?
The Skies of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series #16)|Paperback
Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar Series
This was one of the series I followed religously as a teenager. I loved the strong characters and well developed world building.
Nothing says high fantasy like a book where the main character isn't human. He's a gryphon and a mage! This story takes place in the ancient past long before the founding of Valdemar. First in the Mage Wars series.
The Black Gryphon (Mage Wars Series #1)|eBook
This is the second book in the Mage Wars trilogy. Ten years after the Cataclysm that destroyed the mages Urtho and Maar, Urtho's surviving followers have settled into a new home, but that peace is disrupted when envoys arrive to inform them they're trespassing in the territories of the Black Kings.
The White Gryphon (Mage Wars Series #2)|eBook
This book takes the War Mages trilogy into the next generation featuring the children of the heroes of the first two novels as they journey into adulthood and adventures. I read this as a teenager, but continued to enjoy the series as an adult. You don't need to have read the previous books to read this novel.
The Silver Gryphon (Mage Wars Series #3)|eBook
As a sheltered Midwestern teenager in the late 80s this was my first exposure to LGBTQ themes, and I think reading this series at that formative age made me a better more open minded person.
The Last Herald-Mage Trilogy|Paperback
The first book of The Last Herald Mage trilogy. I read this series as a teenager and continue to re-read it every few years. It's a classic coming of age high fantasy tale.
Magic's Pawn (Last Herald Mage Series #1)|eBook
This is the second book in The Last Herald Mage trilogy and continues following the story of Vanyel as he becomes an adult and the last Herald Mage of Valdemar.
Magic's Promise (Last Herald Mage Series #2)|eBook
The third book in The Last Herald Mage trilogy. This was one of my favorite books as a teenager. I was introduced to the world of Valdemar through the Arrows trilogy, which is a great read for a teenager girl! I continued with The Last Herald Mage trilogy. Trigger Warning: this book ends with tragedy full of duty and honor, not a happy ending.
Magic's Price (Last Herald Mage Series #3)|Paperback
Kerowyn reminds me of Ripley. A strong kick-ass take charge woman. There is a love story for the heroine, but it's not the focus. Kerowyn as a character is the focus. All of her, not just her love story.
By the Sword (Kerowyn's Tale Series #1)|Paperback
I read these as a teenager. This is another great series with a teenager girl protagonist in a fantasy world. TW: The main character gets tortured in the last book.
The Complete Arrows Trilogy|Paperback
Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time Series
This is now a series streaming on Amazon! The first 10 books in the series were written by Robert Jordan. As his health failed, Jordan made plans to allow someone else to finish his epic series after his death. His editor (and wife) picked Brandon Sanderson as the writer to finish the series. What was expected to be 1 final book turned into 3.
The first book in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series where we're introduced to Rand al Thor, the Dragon Reborn.
The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time Series #1)|Paperback
This is the second book in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. This book centers around the search for the Horn of Valere.
The Great Hunt (The Wheel of Time Series #2)|Paperback
The third book in the Wheel of Time series changes focus to follow the adventures of Egwene, Perrin, and Mat more than those of Rand al Thor despite the name of the book.
The Dragon Reborn (The Wheel of Time Series #3)|Paperback
Rand and Moiraine enter the Aiel Waste and enter the sacred city of Rhuidean in this fourth novel in the Wheel of Time series.
The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time Series #4)|Paperback
In Shayol Ghul, the Dark One stirs in this fifth book in the Wheel of Time series.
The Fires of Heaven (The Wheel of Time Series #5)|Paperback
Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, builds his army of Light even as sworn enemies--and supposed allies--move against him.
Lord of Chaos (The Wheel of Time Series #6)|Paperback
A rebellious uprising threatens Rand al’Thor's rule as he prepares to battle an even more dangerous enemy.
A Crown of Swords (The Wheel of Time Series #7)|Paperback
Rand al'Thor engages in battle wearing the Crown of Swords and wielding Callandor against a force unprepared for the wrath of the Dragon Reborn.
The Path of Daggers (The Wheel of Time Series #8)|Paperback
Rand is on the run with Min, and in Cairhein, Cadsuane is trying to figure out where he is headed. Rand's destination is, in fact, one she has never considered.
Winter's Heart (The Wheel of Time Series #9)|Paperback
Rand al'Thor and his allies endure trials by fire amidst battles, sacrifices, and treachery.
Crossroads of Twilight (The Wheel of Time Series #10)|Paperback
After Robert Jordan's death, Brandon Sanderson took on the task of finishing the series based on Jordan's extensive notes. The final book planned by Jordan turned into a trilogy. This is the first book of those written by Sanderson.
The Gathering Storm (The Wheel of Time Series #12)|Paperback
This is the second of three books written by Brandon Sanderson to complete the Wheel of Time series after the death of Robert Jordon. The seals on the Dark One’s prison are crumbling. The Pattern itself is unraveling, and the armies of the Shadow have begun to boil out of the Blight.
Towers of Midnight (The Wheel of Time Series #13)|Paperback
The epic conclusion to the Wheel of Time series written by Brandon Sanderson from the extensive notes left by Robert Jordan. The armies of Light gather to fight in Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle, to save the Westland nations from the shadow forces o...
A Memory of Light (The Wheel of Time Series #14)|Paperback
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series comes alive in this amazing adaptation from Amazon.
The Wheel of Time - Season 1
David Eddings Belgariad & Malloreon
A friend in middle school introduced me to this series. She warned me at the start that the first book was a bit slow, but the series picked up and got better as it went along. She was 100% right. This is another coming of age teenager with a Great Destiny novel. I liked the character, Garion, well enough, but it was his guardians Polgara, his aunt, and Belgarath, his grandfather, that stole the show throughout the series.
Pawn of Prophecy (Book 1 of The Belgariad)|eBook
The second book in the Belgariad series picks up where “Pawn of Prophecy” leaves off. Our heroes are on the trail of those who stole the orb. In this book, we're introduced to Ce'Nedra, a spoiled princess in for some rude awakenings as she's dragged along on the adventure of Garion and his guardians and companions.
Queen of Sorcery (Book 2 of The Belgariad)|eBook
Book three of the Belgariad places Garion and his guardians deep in enemy territory surrounded by the followers of the god Torak.
Magician's Gambit (Book 3 of The Belgariad)|eBook
Book four of the Belgariad sees the company returning the Aldur's Orb to the safekeeping of the Hall of the Rivan King and Garion forced to face his destiny…including a marriage arranged long ago to the spoiled princess Ce'Nedra.
Castle of Wizardry (Book 4 of The Belgariad)|eBook
The final book in the Belgariad series sees Garion, his grandfather Belgarath and their friend the wily thief Silk slip out of the palace in the dead of night on a journey to face Garion's destiny and kill the god, Torak. Those left behind led by Polgara and Ce'Nedra gather an army to march on the final battle with Torak's followers to buy Garion and his companions time and opportunity to confront the god.
Enchanters End Game (Book 5 of The Belgariad)|eBook
Read the Belgariad and Malloreon series first! This book tells the story of the life of Belgarath, the sorcerer. It's mostly written in third person, but every once in a while, the narrator (Belgarath) breaks the fourth wall to comment directly to the reader. This book had me laughing out loud with Belgarath's ascerbic comments to his daughter Polgara sprinkled throughout the book.
Belgarath the Sorcerer|Paperback
This series is the sequel to the Belgariad series. Belgarion and Ce'Nedra have settled into their lives as King and Queen of Riva when their son, Geran, is kidnapped by followers of the new Child of Dark.
Malloreon Series 1-5 Collection by David Eddings