List
Beginner's Guide to Fantasy: Staff Favorites
Enjoy a wide variety of our favorite fantasy picks, all recommended by our wonderful staff.
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A Wizard of Earthsea
2012 by Le Guin, Ursula K.Get this itemThis beginning of Le Guin's epic Earthsea fantasy series follows a sorcerer's apprentice named Sparrowhawk as he accidentally releases an ancient evil upon the land. A brilliant, captivating read written by one of fantasy's greatest authors. Suggested by Vinny.
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The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi
2023 by Chakraborty, S. A.Get this itemAfter spending some time in retirement, the world's most notorious pirate, Amina Al-Sirafi, is offered the job of a lifetime: finding the kidnapped niece of a rich woman in exchange for enough money to provide Amina with a lifetime of comfort for her and her daughter. A high-stakes, magical pirate adventure set in the 12th-century Indian Ocean. Suggested by Kieran.
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The Eye of the World
1990 by Jordan, RobertGet this itemRobert Jordan's Wheel of Time series is a classic in fantasy literature. Consisting of 15 books in all, including two written posthumously by Brandon Sanderson, this series follows an epic journey that will you keep you invested until the end. Suggested by Chris F. and Jane.
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Mistborn: The Final Empire
2014 by Sanderson, BrandonGet this itemSet in a dystopian world with a magic system based on different metals and alloys, this is a unique, epic fantasy read following underdogs as they work to overthrow an immortal emperor. Brandon Sanderson is a superb high fantasy author, and his Mistborn series demonstrates his talent for worldbuilding, character development, and plot structure. An extraordinary fantasy piece. Suggested by Alex M.
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The Sword of Shannara
1992 by Brooks, TerryGet this itemA small band of friends (man, elf, and dwarf) must set out to face the encroaching darkness. A dark warlock who was supposedly dead is rising in power, and the only weapon that can defeat him is the famed Sword of Shannara, which can only be used by a true heir of Shannara. A high fantasy perfect for J.R.R. Tolkien and Robert Jordan fans. Recommended by Chris F.
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Blood over Bright Haven
2024 by Wang, M. L.Get this itemSciona Freynan has worked for decades to become her country’s first woman Highmage. When the time to take her official test comes, she feels confident in her chances. However, her years of studying and training could never have prepared her for what comes next. An unforgettable standalone fantasy with a unique magic system and phenomenal characters. Suggested by Aubree.
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Babel: Or, the Necessity of Violence
2022 by Kuang, R. F.Get this itemAn exquisitely written, tediously researched masterwork by R.F. Kuang. It is easy to be engrossed in the world, the characters, and the story. It takes place in 1830's Oxford and combines academia with magic. It also highlights the destruction caused by colonialism. A truly outstanding read. Suggested by Brenna.
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The Fellowship of the Ring
2020 by Tolkien, J. R. R.Get this itemThe first book in Tolkien's renowned Lord of the Rings series. It is a tremendous read for readers looking for an epic quest full of magic, powerful artifacts, and compelling characters. A classic fantasy adventure written by the father of high fantasy. Suggested by Audrey.
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Wizard's First Rule
2008 by Goodkind, TerryGet this itemA woodsman with a famed Sword of Truth saves a woman fleeing from assassins. After learning that she is seeking out the great wizard Zedd to help her destroy the tyrant ruling her kingdom, he joins her on her quest. A great read for Dungeons and Dragons fans. Suggested by Heather.
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Gideon the Ninth
2019 by Muir, TamsynGet this itemFourteen of the Empire’s strongest necromancers and their swordsmen are called to compete in what is essentially a huge, confusing game of Clue to become “Lyctors” and gain immortality. This genre-bending novel brilliantly blends sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and horror to create a masterpiece I couldn't put down. Suggested by Jane.
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Piranesi
2020 by Clarke, SusannaGet this itemIn this dreamlike novel from Susanna Clarke, Piranesi lives in a labyrinth with endless rooms and corridors. Only one other person lives there, called "The Other," whose obsession is to find the "Great & Secret Knowledge," which helps both of them to begin to unravel an astonishing truth. Suggested by Amy G.
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Legends & Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes
2022 by Baldree, TravisGet this itemOrc barbarian Viv is tired of a life of violence and decides that she is ready to retire, settle down, and open her very own coffee shop. Unfortunately for her, trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes. A cozy fantasy with low stakes and found family. Suggested by Jane.
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The Way of Kings
2010 by Sanderson, BrandonGet this itemIn a world ravaged by tempests, a war-weary royal is compelled by visions, a highborn youth is condemned to military slavery, and a woman wishes to save her impoverished house. Brandon Sanderson is a master of high fantasy and character development, and this is his magnum opus. Suggested by Vinny.
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War for the Oaks
2001 by Bull, EmmaGet this itemWritten in the late 1980s, this novel is one of the first examples of urban fantasy. A woman walking home at night accidentally gets drawn into an invisible war between two Faerie courts. Set in Minneapolis, this fantasy combines the world of rock 'n' roll with the Faerie world. Suggested by Amy G.
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The Priory of the Orange Tree
2019 by Shannon, SamanthaGet this itemA queen who would survive assassination attempts to continue her ruling line is protected with forbidden magic by a court outsider, while a secret society works to prevent a dragon war. This narrative weaves the stories of four different main characters in a mesmerizing world of dragons, assassins, secret orders, and magic. A phenomenal high fantasy read for fans of Game of Thrones. Suggested by Aubree.
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The Reformatory
2023 by Due, TananariveGet this itemA novel set in Jim Crow Florida follows Robert Stephens Jr. as he's sent to a segregated reform school that is a chamber of terrors, where he sees the horrors of racism and injustice, for the living and for the dead. A haunting novel that combines the supernatural with terrors of the past. Suggested by Brenna.
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One Dark Window
2022 by Gillig, RachelGet this itemThis gothic fantasy series is set in a world where most types of magic are outlawed, and only the elite have access to legal magic: the use of the 12 Providence cards. Elspeth possesses a type of magic that she could be killed for, as well as a controlling monster that lives inside of her head that she calls the Nightmare. This is a heart-pounding romantasy full of political intrigue and morally grey characters. Suggested by Aubree.
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The Poppy War
2018 by Kuang, R. F.Get this itemRin, a war orphan from the poor Rooster providence, was never expected to pass the Kejuthe Empire-wide test. After she does, she is enlisted into the most elite military school, where she is thrust into a world of dangerous magic and war. The first installment in a heart-pounding, intense fantasy trilogy. Suggested by Amber H.
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Tress of the Emerald Sea
2023 by Sanderson, BrandonGet this itemA novel perfect for fans of The Princess Bride. The story follows a girl who has always lived a cozy, boring life and is suddenly thrown into an exciting adventure. Wonderful characters, a hilarious narrator, and a grand adventure, all wrapped up into one. Suggested by Jane.
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Wyrd Sisters
2001 by Pratchett, TerryGet this item"As the cauldron bubbled an eldritch voice shrieked: 'When shall we three meet again?' There was a pause. Finally another voice said, in far more ordinary tones: "Well, I can do next Tuesday." And so we are introduced to flinty Granny Weatherwax, earthy (and frequently plastered) Nanny Ogg, and wet-behind-the-ears Magrat Garlick, who in their initial adventure are entrusted with the infant heir to the throne of Lancre. They in turn entrust him to a troop of travelling thespians, giving Terry Pratchett a chance to riff on everything from Shakespeare to disinformation. Also, Death tap-dances. A fantastic entryway to this extraordinary Discworld series. Suggested by Andrew.
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The Fifth Season
2015 by Jemisin, N. K.Get this itemAn enraged mother must travel across The Stillness, a vast, destructive, and ironically named super-continent, in order to track down her estranged husband, who has killed her son and stolen her daughter. Fantastically complex, gritty and intricately plotted, filled with adventure, while also touching on social and racial issues. Suggested by Aubree.
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Mexican Gothic
2020 by Moreno-Garcia, SilviaGet this itemA reimagining of the classic gothic suspense novel follows the experiences of a courageous socialite in 1950's Mexico who is drawn into the treacherous secrets of an isolated mansion. A wonderful novel for readers who also enjoy mystery and horror. Suggested by Brenna.
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