Spice up Your Bookshelf: Fantasy

For many, the allure of reading a book is immersing yourself into a world entirely different to your own. This is perhaps the reason why fantasy is such an appealing genre for those looking to escape to a different world. Whether you’re looking for high fantasy or urban fantasy, you’re bound to be transported into a whole new world when choosing a fantasy book as your next read. If you’re looking for some new reads, or looking to rekindle your love for a few old classics, then check out these five books!

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

One of the more modern classics to grace this list, American Gods has a storyline that effortlessly blends the gods of older mythology with a rapidly changing landscape in which material goods are considered as more important than the gods of old. With Norse gods such as Odin being pushed to the byline, Gaiman writes a tale where the old must compete with the manifestation of new gods — gods created by an obsession with modern amenities such as the internet and various media outlets.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

For those who grew up in the United Kingdom, The Chronicles of Narnia was almost a rite of passage for every child. After being evacuated during World War II, siblings Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter are sent to live with an old professor. Whilst there, Lucy discovers the portal to the magical land of Narnia, where she and her siblings are thrown into the power struggle between Aslan, a lion who was once the rightful King, and Jadis, the witch who has stolen Narnia from him and thrown it into eternal winter.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Part one of a two-part series, Six of Crows offers up an exciting new take on fantasy fiction. Kaz Brekker is a thief, and when presented with the opportunity to make a large sum of money for a nominal task, he accepts with vigour. In order to successfully carry out his mission, Kaz recruits a rag-tag group of associates. However, kidnapping a scientist housed in one of the most impenetrable places in the entire land is more than a simple task.

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Perhaps one of the most well-known names in high fantasy, Hobb’s first installation in the Farseer trilogy follows FitzChivalry, a young boy training to become an assassin. After being ousted by his father due to his illegitimate status, Fitz is raised by Burrich, a stable-hand who Fitz eventually becomes fearful of. After agreeing to join the King’s service, Fitz finds himself thrown into a whole new world of magic and mystery.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Easily one of the most famous books ever, and one of the biggest fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of the Rings needs no introduction. It follows the adventures of Frodo, a Hobbit, and his group of friends as they seek to move the power of the corrupt One Ring from the quiet Shire to a more appropriate resting place. With three books spanning over a thousand pages, the tales and perils of the group will leave readers enthralled with every passing page.

Special thanks to isak valtersen and losing control. for editing!

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