My Top 10 Favourite Fantasy Books (& Series)

TL;DR

A booktuber shares her top 10 favorite fantasy books and series, including Terry Pratchett's Discworld, Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle, and Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series.

Transcript

hi guys so you've probably noticed that over the past two months or so I've been doing a lot of gushing about fantasy on this channel because I've just been on a fantasy binge I have been rediscovering my love of fantasy it was my favorite genre as a child and I loved so many other genres now I'm eclectic reader and but whenever I go back it's a fa... Read More

Key Insights

• 📙 The booktuber's top 10 favorite fantasy books and series include a range of comedic, dark, and magical narratives.
• 🧑 The mentioned books cater to both young adult and adult audiences, providing a variety of reading options.
• 🤑 Series such as Discworld and Sevenwaters explore rich and immersive worlds, while standalone novels like The Alphabet of Thorn offer captivating single stories.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes Terry Pratchett's Discworld series so appealing?

Terry Pratchett's Discworld series is incredibly funny, with puns and humor that are hard to resist. The setting is a magical world filled with wizards, werewolves, and ordinary folk, making it a comforting and enjoyable read.

Q: Can the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini be read as a standalone or is it necessary to read the entire series?

While each book in the Inheritance Cycle can be read as a standalone, they do follow a continuous storyline and it is recommended to read the entire series for the full experience of Eragon's journey as a dragon rider.

Q: How does Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series incorporate Celtic folklore?

Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series draws inspiration from Celtic folklore, particularly the folktale of the Six Sworn Brothers. The series is set in medieval Ireland and explores themes of curses, magic, and familial bonds, all within a dark and beautifully written narrative.

Q: What makes Emma Donoghue's Kissing the Witch unique in its fairy tale retellings?

Kissing the Witch offers a fresh take on classic fairy tales by centering women as heroes, often saving themselves or each other. The collection also includes queer love stories, breaking away from the heteronormative and misogynistic aspects commonly found in traditional fairy tales.

Q: What sets Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton apart from other dragon books?

Tooth and Claw stands out as a dragon book because it presents a Victorian-esque setting with a focus on societal restrictions and class dynamics. The story is narrated entirely by dragon characters, making it a unique and captivating read.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The booktuber discusses her recent love for fantasy and her decision to make a video on her top 10 favorite fantasy books and series.

• She mentions Terry Pratchett's Discworld as one of her favorite series, highlighting its humor and magical setting.

• Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is also featured, following a young man named Eragon who becomes a dragon rider.

• The booktuber includes Robin Hobb's Ringworld Chronicles, a series about the birth of new dragons and the journey to find them a new home.

• She recommends Tom Holt's Portable Door for its comedic fantasy set in London.

• The booktuber discusses Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters series, a dark and beautifully written fantasy based on Celtic folklore.

• Emma Donoghue's Kissiing the Witch, a collection of interweaving fairy tale retellings celebrating female strength and love, is also mentioned.

• Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton features a unique Victorian-esque setting with a cast of dragon characters facing various challenges.

• The Gemma Doyle series by Libba Bray explores a young woman's discovery of Wicca and witchcraft in a contemporary setting.

• Patricia A. McKillip's The Alphabet of Thorn is a standalone high fantasy novel with multiple perspectives and a magical alphabet.