The best epic fantasy books with medieval tones, a coming-of-age story, and the prospect of fantastic creatures

I love fantasy—especially medieval fantasy, with kings and queens; witches and wizards; and magical creatures, but I wasn’t always a fan of reading. Then, I stumbled upon Wizard’s First Rule in a book club flyer. It was discounted, so I said, “why not?”

It changed my life!

Terry Goodkind drew me into the world and lives of Richard and Kahlan. Their journey into the realm of magic was mesmerizing. I felt the pains, experienced the troubles, and fell in love, as they fell in love. I couldn’t put it down.

Goodkind and his first book into an epic saga, are the reason I started reading and, most importantly, the inspiration that made me want to be a writer.

The Ruins of Gorlan for me was a reminder that you never let anyone tell you, “you can’t”.

Will was a misfit, an orphan. He was too small for battle school and becoming a knight, not adept at being a diplomat, a scholar, nor even a cook. He had no idea what would become of him. It was a fear that permeates down deep. I remember how I felt when I couldn’t go into the army, was unable to go to Devry, and I didn’t want the ordinary.

For Will, it all changes and his fantastic journey begins as he’s chosen to be the ranger’s apprentice. And I cheered inside. I knew it. He didn’t give up. We didn’t give up. And found what our skills were best suited for.

To quote from the inside sleeve, “Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power.”

…And my heart raced!

This book has everything I ever dreamed and more. It makes my pulse race, my stomach knot, and my mind soar. For such a young author, Christopher Paolini, is a marvel and “Eragon” was a lit match about to set my fueled imagination ablaze.

From beginning to end this was an epic adventure into a realm of magic and intrigue, kinship, and betrayals, and good versus evil.

I had to read the entire series!

From the moment Ms. Chima started, I was hooked. Han, a troubled youth, trying not to live up to what others thought. Bound by magical cuffs—no idea who or what he really was. I knew his plight. I wanted him to run. To escape. To succeed! When, unbeknownst to him, he crosses paths with Raisa, the heir to the throne, his world crumbles. I was a part of everything they did. It sparked memories of my own. Thoughts of what others believe or don’t. The challenges we go through to overcome.

This was another first book into a wondrous saga I absolutely had to devour.

I’d always liked reading Nora Roberts for her dialogue-driven stories. I hope her style teaches me to communicate through my characters the way hers do to me.

This book, not only had me wanting for more, it scared me to my core.

I was sitting on a plane—mask on my face—beginning to read, when the story punched me in the gut. Hit me like reality. The characters were on a plane, heading home, and about to start a world-changing pandemic—I tossed the book down.

Thought, “Wow!” This is life now.

I had to continue to see what would happen…what could happen. Then, Ms. Roberts plunged me into a possible dystopian world I could completely relate to. It helped me through our own devastating pandemic and 2020.