Pages: 390
Genre: Fairy Tale Fantasy
Series: N/A
Ivan struggles across time and distance to rescue a princess and her kingdom. From ninth century Russia to present day America, Ivan will find true love as he gains the skills he needs in order to fight against the darkest evil, Baba Yaga, the witch. The book starts slowly as Ivan acquires the necessary skills to rescue the princess, but picks up considerably when his true adventure begins. The story also revolves around Russian mythology as resolution of the plot is heavily related to Ivan's knowledge of old fairy tales. Character development is crucial as Ivan begins his fight against evil with what he believes will be adequate skills. He is sorely mistaken, however, and must learn that the things learned in the modern era do not always carry over to the past.
Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind (September 1994)Pages: 836
Genre: Sword and Sorcery Fantasy
Series: Sword of Truth, Book 1
Richard Cypher, woodsman and warrior, must go on a quest to stop Darken Rahl, a royal mage in search of dark power. With the power of the Sword of Truth, Richard bans together with an unlikely party of magicians and scholars to defeat this great evil, once and for all. With a powerful good versus evil theme, this book has strong, if somewhat cliche characters on both sides. Rich details that build up the world, characters, and creatures, slow the pace down a little, but the overall feel of the book is action packed and forward moving. Although there are other books, this one is wrapped up enough that readers would not be disappointed if they stopped here, rather than continued with the series.
Pages: 435
Genre: High/Epic Fantasy
Series: Farseer Trilogy, Book 1
As Prince Chivalry's illegitimate son, Fitz is an outcast raised in the shadows at court. As he grows to manhood, however, his mysterious talents and training in the arts of assassination may soon propel him into a role as a secret protector of the kingdom that loves to hate him - assuming he survives his first mission. Very character driven and focused on Fitz's trials as a social leper. The relaxed pace and atmospheric setting make this a dark, melancholic read. The many descriptions and dramatic events slow the book down, but do not detract from the engrossing drama that fills these pages and draws readers into Fitz's life.
Pages: 694
Genre: High/Epic Fantasy
Series: Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1
The Stark family faces serious challenges as their rivals, the Lannisters, poison their position at court and the world prepares for a generation long winter filled with neverborn demons and wild, barbarian immigrants from north of the Wall. Martin has created a truly epic high fantasy series that spans volume after volume of political intrigue, mystery, action and even a little romance. Though the tone is somewhat bleak and dramatic, the suspense and character driven action make this a fast paced read that pulls readers in from page one. The very full cast of characters, and the intricately plotted style of the book does make it a more difficult read, however those who are able to keep track of the viewpoint shifts and endless characters will find this a very satisfying world to spend some time in.
Pages: 400
Genre: Science Fantasy
Series: Acorna, Book 1
When Acorna is plucked from an escape pod floating in outer space by three grown men, they decide to adopt the young girl with the magical abilites and exotic features and raise her as their own. As she grows, she is constantly in danger from bureaucratic, scientists and those who would kidnap her for child slave labor. Through it all, her guardians and her own good heart keep her strong and brave in the face of adversity. In this strange mix between fantastical magic and a world building science fiction adventure in outer space, readers are quickly drawn into this fast paced book told almost elusively through dialogue. The heavy atmosphere is menacing and helps readers to feel the danger that Acorna faces in a universe where she is so completely different from everyone else around her.
The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey (January 2004)Pages: 432
Genre: Romantic/Fairy Tale Fantasy
Series: Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 1
In the five hundred kingdoms, the magic of "the tradition" shapes the destiny of the population, for better or for worse. Elena is one of the unfortunate souls who's happily ever after becomes happily ever never when her Cinderella story falls apart. Rather than lament her failed personal fairy tale, however, Elena becomes a fairy godmother's apprentice. Through trial and practice Elena learns the magic of "the tradition" and how to use it to her advantage and as a power for good in the lives of the people of the five hundred kingdoms. Character development is essential to the plot, as undergoing hardships and overcoming trials is very much a part of this fairy tale. While the story is fantasy and adventure oriented, there are strong romantic elements which might entice traditionally non-fantasy readers. Lackey does takes her time setting up the world and the characters, but once the environment is established this is a fun, fast paced read with witty dialogue throughout.
Pages: 400
Genre: Historical/Romantic/Fairy Tale Fantasy
Series: Sevenwaters Fantasies, Book 1
Set in an Ireland that is only remembered in fairy tales and old myths, and loosely based on The Six Swans, a German fairy tale, Sorcha must leave the only life she has ever known to save her brothers from a magical curse. Pain, loss, terror, and ultimately love accompany Sorcha as she fights to triumph over the evil that threatens her family and her beloved land. Characters are endearing and the book maintains a strong focus on their development throughout. Detailed descriptions of the land and mythology lend to a slower pace, especially at the beginning. This does, however, give the story a mystical, dreamlike atmosphere for the reader to become fully engrossed in when the action and romance picks up.
Pages: 336
Genre: Sword and Sorcery Fantasy
Series: The Icewind Dale Trilogy, Book 1
A sentient magical device, the Crystal Shard waits in the frozen north for a weak-willed person to find it. Once its evil power is unleashed, it will take the coordinated efforts of a motley band of heroes to stop its rampage. Set in the Forgotten Realms, a Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting, The Crystal Shard marks the first appearance of the iconic dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden, along with his friends: a giant black panther, a barbarian warrior, a roguish halfling, and a dwarven king with his adopted human daughter. The book is written specifically to appeal to fans of tabletop role-playing games. and sets up an atmosphere to match. The plot moves quickly, but extra time and attention are given to fight scenes and development of all the major characters.
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart (1970)Pages: 494
Genre: Historical/Legend Fantasy
Series: Merlin, the Enchanter, Book 1
Myrddin Emrys, Ambrosius, or Prince of Light are all names that history has called him. He is best known, however, by the name Merlin. Stewart's series begins with the young Merlin being raised in his grandfather, the King of Wales' court, doing his best to keep his magical abilities a secret from those who would abuse them. Reads very much like a historical fiction novel in that the pacing is relaxed and highly detailed. Unlike most Arthurian literature, this book focuses on events that occurred pre-Arthur. Merlin, as a character, is the most developed through the book and series. The shadowy, melancholic mood of the novel sets up an atmospheric read for fans of the Arthurian legends.
Pages: 531
Genre: High/Epic Fantasy
Series: The Lord of the Rings, Volume 1
Frodo, a hobbit, must set out with eight companions in order to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mordor. Racing against time, the nine companions must complete their quest before evil lays it's hands on the Ring and uses it to reign supreme over the land. While there are many characters that are each developing in their own way, the focus of this book is more on the actual journey to Mordor. The story is intricately plotted and stylistically complex making it a more difficult read. In this book, Tolkien has created a strong, if somewhat melancholy world and filled it with many original creatures, customs, and languages for readers to enjoy.
