Classics and Influential Works:
* The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: The granddaddy of modern fantasy, epic in scale and full of rich worldbuilding.
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Classic children's fantasy with strong Christian themes.
* A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin: A coming-of-age story with a focus on magic and self-discovery.
* The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley: A retelling of Arthurian legend from the perspective of women.
Modern Fantasy:
* The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss: A compelling and beautifully written story of a young man learning magic and becoming a legendary figure.
* A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin: Epic fantasy with complex characters, intricate political intrigue, and graphic violence.
* The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss: A story about a legendary hero, told in a captivating, nonlinear fashion.
* The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan: A sprawling epic with a vast cast of characters and a detailed magic system.
* Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson: A unique magic system and exciting action make this series a popular choice.
YA Fantasy:
* Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: A heist story with a diverse cast of characters and a thrilling plot.
* The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater: A charming story about four boys and a magical quest.
* A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: A sweeping fantasy romance with a dark and dangerous world.
Dark Fantasy and Horror:
* Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke: A unique and richly detailed story about magic in 19th century England.
* The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch: A darkly comedic heist story set in a fantastical city.
* The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: A magical and atmospheric story about a mysterious circus.
Fantasy with Diverse Representation:
* Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor: A young adult novel about a Nigerian-American girl discovering her magical heritage.
* The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon: A fantasy epic with strong female characters, diverse cultures, and a thrilling plot.
* The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin: A powerful and imaginative story about a world ravaged by natural disasters.
Beyond the Books:
* The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski: A series of fantasy novels that have been adapted into a popular video game and Netflix series.
* The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher: An urban fantasy series that blends magic with a modern detective setting.
This is just a small sampling of the many excellent fantasy books out there. I encourage you to explore different authors and subgenres to find what you enjoy. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, librarians, and fellow fantasy fans.
Happy reading!