The best fantasy books series from the past to read (or re-read)

The Eye of the World

By Robert Jordan,

Why this book?

The Wheel of Time is a series like no other and hasn't gotten its due, even with the new Prime streaming series which botched the story completely and has received barely positive reviews. This fantasy series is far better than A Song of Fire and Ice (Game of Thrones) since it is a far more comprehensive world fully explored by the author. The story is consistent throughout, and all the fantasy elements introduced are used by the end of the series. I'm currently spending my time re-reading the series rather than watching the faulty streaming adaptation.

• If you can’t buy local:
• Bookshop.org
• Amazon

The Riddle-Master of Hed

By Patricia A. McKillip,

Why this book?

First published in 1976, The Riddle-Master series is still a very good story and high on my list of re-reads. Written with lyric quality, the magic and the world are mysterious, making the journey through the books a wondrous adventure. I re-read this series every few years and always enjoy the storytelling by the author.

• If you can’t buy local:
• Bookshop.org
• Amazon

A Wizard of Earthsea

By Ursula K. Le Guin,

Why this book?

Yes, I’m aware that two more books were written but the first three books were written together and follow main character Ged more closely, providing a satisfactory ending. I often re-visit this world for its rich cultural flavor. Ursula K. LeGuin was the daughter of anthropologists, and she was masterful at writing adventures that span a variety of cultures within Earthsea. It's original with well-described magic which leaves the reader with the scent of salt air in the room and the brush of the sea-wind in your hair.

• If you can’t buy local:
• Bookshop.org
• Amazon

The Dragonriders of Pern

By Anne McCaffrey,

Why this book?

Dragon-riding was written about well before Eragon. In fact, the first book, Dragonflight, was published in 1967. McCaffrey's world is well-built for fantasy where creatures and characters must interact together for survival. It's fantasy at its best with the wind in your hair and danger falling from the sky with seemingly every flight taken. There's no loss of story throughout the series so it's a fantastic read (or re-read).

• If you can’t buy local:
• Bookshop.org
• Amazon

The Sword of Shannara

By Terry Brooks,

Why this book?

While the first book was called derivative by many people, The Sword of Shannara broke ground as the first fantasy to hit the New York Times Bestseller List back in 1977. Sure Brooks was heavily influenced by Tolkien, but he diverges into his own fantasy path. The next two books, The Elfstones of Shannara and Wishsong of Shannara take their own courses with some powerful magic, knock-down battles, and serious last-stands. Reading these books is taking a seat to experience the maturation of fantasy as a genre.

• If you can’t buy local:
• Bookshop.org
• Amazon