The Greatest, Must-Read Fantasy Books

Now this is a piece I have been looking forward to writing for a long time. There are novels which place me in a world that I can escape to. These novels have helped me grow as a person or helped me get through tough times. These are the novels that I can read today for a healthy dose of nostalgia. These are the greatest, must-read fantasy books in my humble opinion, let's take a look!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

​Now, this list is in no particular order, but I am going to get Harry Potter out of the way first. It is the most obvious choice to go with. Yet, what isn't most obvious is which Harry Potter.
 
Contrary to popular belief, not every Harry Potter novel is a hit. There are some which had a miss for some readers. There those which did rather well. For me, it was a tough decision between Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban or Order of the Phoenix. Seeing as this is a personal list, you can take everything I say as opinion and not as fact.

 
The first Harry Potter novels I have read to death. Philosophers Stone and Chamber of Secrets are very much world building. World building that I do not need being so familiar with the series. Yet, there was something I enjoyed about these two books in particular, Prisoner and the Order.
 
The Prisoner of Azkaban had nothing much to do with the arc of the series. That said, my favourite character is introduced in this novel. Serious Black, a character who you are not sure about. Yet, he holds strong for a good while in the series.
 
Despite my choices, I have to give it to the Order of the Phoenix. The previous instalments in the series added to the story, but the Order of the Phoenix opened the world. When comparing others to Order of the Phoenix, they seem so closed off. As an added bonus, Order of the Phoenix is one of the longest books, so there's plenty to enjoy.
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The Fellowship of the Ring

Another obvious choice, but I don't care. Lord of the Rings inspires me in a funny way. The first book was so calm and relaxed compared to the others. Yet, if I am to mention the movies, it is not my favourite movie.
 
The Fellowship of the Ring introduced so many characters in wonderful ways. These characters that I would come to know so well. The brilliance of Tolkien as he painted a picture of every place is unforgettable. I prefer to read more fast-paced literature, but his book is an exception.
 

I can still remember lying in a warm spot for hours, reading deeper and deeper into the world. The plot of the Lord of the Rings is known to many by now, but I still approach the first book blind. I prefer that wondrous feeling of rediscovery than feeling nostalgia for this book.
 
I wish to join the world as more than a spectator and Tolkien knew that when he wrote the book. Wonderful descriptions, wonderful details and a wonderful world. Reading this book, I am sucked into the world and placed in the shoes of something unforgettable.
 
It is no wonder that so many fantasy stories written after were inspired by the Lord of the Rings. The first book holds that special place on every writer's shelf and in their hearts. Being a writer myself, I still get a creative burst of inspiration every time at Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration.

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The Hobbit

​I mentioned before that this list is in no particular order, but I have to mention the Hobbit. The Hobbit was something I approached with caution after reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I didn't know much about it, but I knew what to expect. What I got was a delightful treat of a novel. Something easy to follow and enjoy.
 
The hobbit, by no means, can be compared to the trilogy we all know so well. While it is a wonderful book, it is not the Fellowship of the Ring. Yet, I had to add it to this list. It is a book filled with charm and wonder. It has so much going for it, it had me longing for more in the story. What happened sixty years between the Hobbit and the Fellowship?

A world such as Middle-Earth must have many events and stories to tell.
 
Here I am, having read the most amazing fantasy books in existence and still asking for more. As conclusive as these books were, I still longed for more. The Silmarillion is something I will approach at a later date, but for now, I enjoy what I have read. I expect to have questions answered at a later date, but for now, I revel in guessing.
 
The Hobbit is great for establishing a living world and a delightful story. A must-read, of that there is no doubt.
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Skulduggery Pleasant

​Growing up as a teenager, I read Skulduggery Pleasant with so much hope. Yet, the style shifts and the ambience is shattered too many times. As amazing as the series was, I hoped for something better.
 
Yet, that doesn't change my opinion of the first book. It was upbeat, relaxing to read and hit all the right spots. Action was thrilling and the world was strong enough. The shortfalls are clear and even writing about it now I struggle to tell you my feelings on it.
 

My feelings are mixed, to say the least.
 
I can recommend any young adult start reading the series for the fun of it. Skulduggery does not have the world or warmth of the previous books I mentioned. Yet, what it has is dark and grim. A tone of writing that I admire and it is for that reason, it trumps most fiction for me.
 
The first book is a must-read, 'nuff said.
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The Once and Future King

​One of the oldest books on this list of mine, but deserving of top three. Like I said before, this list is in no particular order, but I can tell you this book and the next are favourites.
 
The Once and Future King, the grandfather of fantasy literature. If Lord of the Rings is father, anyway. The tales of King Arthur, growing up till he rules over Britain, is gripping. Even the first sequences, following King Arthur as a child, did something special to me.
 
The Once and Future King involves the classic stories, following a broad arc. King Arthur is a favourite amongst many, yet there are many stories within to fill you with delight. The world is larger, governed by simple politics. You soon learn who is in charge and how each faction of country respects each other. If at all.

 The writing is easy-to-read, the stories are fun and the book is a classic. What more could you ask for?
 
Another note on this book; it improved my writing. I cannot write without giving some credit to this book. It showed me how to create an in-depth world that doesn't bog the reader done. It established everything so clear I could not get confused.
 
In short, T.H. White showed brilliance and ensured this book a special place in the world. If you haven't read this book, I bid you do.
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Inkheart

​Writer's-block is a common enough problem for me. I write a story everyday, so I need some stimulation to get the ideas flowing. There are many such wonders in the world that do that for me and Inkheart is one of them.
 
Another great example of brilliant writing and world-building. The characters are outstanding and the ideas behind the story something special. The lore goes deeper, the confrontation of a writer and his characters, fascinating.
 
Inkheart tells the story of a man and his daughter. The man, when reading a book aloud, can bring the story to life with a whole new dimension. Plucking a character, object or being from the story and bringing them to reality.

 Inkheart helps me establish an attachment to my characters and world like no other book can. The sequels are great as well, Inkspell and Inkdeath, but Inkheart is the golden child. If you are a creative mind or love interesting characters, give this book a read.
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His Dark Materials

​The last book am going to discuss is in fact an entire series. The Golden Compass interested me at first with the movie, yet I found something better. The book is brilliantly written and it took me on a journey that had my heart-pounding and my fingers flipping pages. The books that followed surprised me, that I cannot lie about.
 
The sequels introduced something that I never expected. To keep from spoiling the story, I will still with the first book. The Golden Compass left plenty mysteries for me to ponder. Not every question is answered, but at the same time, they don't need to be.

 Pullman crafted this book lovingly and it shows in every chapter. I can feel the world around me and understand the plight of every character. The number of marvellous interactions between the wondrous characters deserves a mention. Such a well thought-out characters keep readers invested.
 
It certainly kept me invested as well.
 
The series ended, leaving me with a low feeling as I wanted more. Yet, a part of me feels it was right to end it where it was. I can see many more readers out there looking for something like His Dark Materials, so I recommend you look into it.
 
It is definitely worth your time and a brilliant piece of literature in my honest opinion.
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Conclusion

​With that, my list comes to an end. These novels stood out for me in life and as such, I keep them close. Preferring physical books a majority of the time, these books are wonderful to hold. You can almost feel the books begging to be read again.
 
I am sure some readers out there have given these books a glance and find my admiration confusing. While the tastes of style may differ, all the above are well-written.
 
If I have to choose one novel or series for you to read, I choose...
 
The Once and Future King.
 
Rediscover your love for fantasy with this classic and when you're done, give Inkheart a read as well.
 
Thanks for reading my list and I wish you a wonderful adventure!

Thank You

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