Recommend a good Fantasy Book Series.

[bluerocker]

Garth Nix's "Keys to the Kingdom" series is awesome because it's one of the most unique fantasy universes I have ever seen created, the setting alone makes the books all amazingly fun and interesting to read.
Trudi Canavan's "The Magician's Guild" Series I remember to have enjoyed too, I can't remember it too well as it was a few years ago that I read it.

These are both coming from another big fan of the inheritance series, so we might have a common ground on those too.

I should note I am not looking to buy the books unless I can access them at a Library first. I want to know what I am getting into before throwing money at it. It is how I deal with basically all forms of entertainment.

You may have luck finding Garth Nix books in a library then because he is quite popular, not sure about Trudi Canavan though.

You mention Garth Nix, but forget the Old Kingdom Trilogy? I am greatly saddened at that. Oh well, I might as well mention it:

The Old Kingdom series is a series that revolves around the Abhorsen, a necromancer who uses their powers to put the dead back to rest, as opposed to raising them. The first book is about the latest heir to the line: Sabriel; (the other two books feature a different protagonist, but Sabriel is still directly involved in the chain of events that occur). Her father has gone missing, and she must journey into the Old Kingdom, a sealed off country abundant in magic, as opposed the rest of the world. If I said anything else, it would be a spoiler. A strong female protagonist, interesting plot and a dry sense of humor occasionally showing through. One of my favorites.

Another of Nix's is called: Shade's Children, but that's a little more sci-fi. Essentially, it is a dystopian future in which all humans over the age of 16 have disappeared and children are essentially farmed to make super soldiers. This book follows one of the children who escapes one of these farms and how he meets and interacts with others who manage to escape.

The Redwall series might count in 'fantasy' as it is a series about a bunch of talking animals and a possibly magical blade; but it's a little hard to keep up with the order of events: Brian Jaques does love non chronological books...

 

[swordandbass]

Try Russell Kirkpatrick's Fire of Heaven trilogy since you have read The Lord of the Rings. Currently reading the third book Right Hand of God. Their is also a follow up series called Broken Man/Husk trilogy which I have yet to read myself. This is the second time through the Right Hand of God.

On top of that I have been reading The Horus Heresy series which is part of the Warhammer 40K world. Just finished the 9th book Mechanicum and waiting on my friend to lend me the 10th book Tales of Heresy. This series is Sci-Fi oriented but I have really enjoyed reading it since i go through a book in about 2 to 3 weeks.

WoT (Wheel of Time) has been mentioned, read through the first 9 books at least 4 times since about 2000. I have read up to book 11 I think waiting on the last book to pick up the series again.

Malazan Book of the Fallen was also brought up great series though I have only read about three books since I keep getting distracted with other books i want to read.

Orson Scott Card has multiple different series out there, my personal favorite is the Enders Game series. Tales of Alvin Maker was good. Pastwatch was great, a story about Christopher Columbus and changing the past through the future. Homecoming was interesting though I have yet to finish it, I think. I have read a compilation work of the Worthing Saga. And the first book of the Empire series which explores a civil war in todays time frame with futuristic weapons and the United States of America going from a democracy government to and empire.

 

[Shocksplicer]

I have also read then entire Narnia series. >_>

Don't look at me like that...

I read that enitre series when i was 5. Probably taught myself to read with them. I have better taste now...

I haven't seen anyone mention the Night Angel trilogy, they're prety good if a bit standard.

 

[Zeckt]

Look for the 'Codex Alera' books by Jim Butcher - great characters and writing in a setting that throws a Roman Legion, werewolves, psychic yetis, barbarians, and pokemon together.... and it WORKS.

What the hell? I'm going to check that out. I hope your not lying, that sounds ridiculously awesome.

 

[Ninjat_126]

Discworld. Haven't read a bad Discworld book.

Keys to the Kingdom, by Garth Nix. In fact, pretty much anything by Garth Nix, such as the Old Kingdom trilogy.

The Night Angel trilogy, by Brent Weeks. Somewhat obscure by comparison, but brilliant and has a lot of deep moral stuff. But it's really, really dark, and not 40K style GRIMDARK either. If you've got a strong sense of right and wrong, you'll probably hate me.

Finally, I just started the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher (up to book 3) and it's been pretty entertaining. Another urban fantasy series I like is the Skulduggery Pleasant series, but it's been edging into GRIMDARK recently. Still worth reading though.

You mention Garth Nix, but forget the Old Kingdom Trilogy? I am greatly saddened at that. Oh well, I might as well mention it:

The Old Kingdom series is a series that revolves around the Abhorsen, a necromancer who uses their powers to put the dead back to rest, as opposed to raising them. The first book is about the latest heir to the line: Sabriel; (the other two books feature a different protagonist, but Sabriel is still directly involved in the chain of events that occur). Her father has gone missing, and she must journey into the Old Kingdom, a sealed off country abundant in magic, as opposed the rest of the world. If I said anything else, it would be a spoiler. A strong female protagonist, interesting plot and a dry sense of humor occasionally showing through. One of my favorites.

Another of Nix's is called: Shade's Children, but that's a little more sci-fi. Essentially, it is a dystopian future in which all humans over the age of 16 have disappeared and children are essentially farmed to make super soldiers. This book follows one of the children who escapes one of these farms and how he meets and interacts with others who manage to escape.

Shade's Children has a Sci-fi feel, but still pretty firmly fantasy. One good thing about Garth Nix is that his books are always, always better than they sound like when someone explains them to you.

 

[MetalMagpie]

If you like urban fantasy, then the Rivers of London books by Ben Aaronovitch are good fun reads.

And yeah, Discworld.

 

[MetalMagpie]

I haven't seen anyone mention the Night Angel trilogy, they're prety good if a bit standard.

I thought of them, but possibly a bit grim compared to what the OP has read already? I personally really like them, but I'd be reluctant to recommend them to most Harry Potter fans without a "Here be gratuitous violence and rape!" warning.

 

[GrandmaFunk]

another vote for the Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks, I was really blown away by this one one.

the DragonCrown War and Age of Discovery series by Michael Stackpole are both great throw backs to more classic fantasy.

the Deepgate Codex by Alan Campbell, which is a weird blend of fantasy, steampunk, gothic horror and surrealism.

 

[ChildishLegacy]

Garth Nix's "Keys to the Kingdom" series is awesome because it's one of the most unique fantasy universes I have ever seen created, the setting alone makes the books all amazingly fun and interesting to read.
Trudi Canavan's "The Magician's Guild" Series I remember to have enjoyed too, I can't remember it too well as it was a few years ago that I read it.

These are both coming from another big fan of the inheritance series, so we might have a common ground on those too.

I should note I am not looking to buy the books unless I can access them at a Library first. I want to know what I am getting into before throwing money at it. It is how I deal with basically all forms of entertainment.

You may have luck finding Garth Nix books in a library then because he is quite popular, not sure about Trudi Canavan though.

You mention Garth Nix, but forget the Old Kingdom Trilogy? I am greatly saddened at that. Oh well, I might as well mention it:

The Old Kingdom series is a series that revolves around the Abhorsen, a necromancer who uses their powers to put the dead back to rest, as opposed to raising them. The first book is about the latest heir to the line: Sabriel; (the other two books feature a different protagonist, but Sabriel is still directly involved in the chain of events that occur). Her father has gone missing, and she must journey into the Old Kingdom, a sealed off country abundant in magic, as opposed the rest of the world. If I said anything else, it would be a spoiler. A strong female protagonist, interesting plot and a dry sense of humor occasionally showing through. One of my favorites.

Another of Nix's is called: Shade's Children, but that's a little more sci-fi. Essentially, it is a dystopian future in which all humans over the age of 16 have disappeared and children are essentially farmed to make super soldiers. This book follows one of the children who escapes one of these farms and how he meets and interacts with others who manage to escape.

The Redwall series might count in 'fantasy' as it is a series about a bunch of talking animals and a possibly magical blade; but it's a little hard to keep up with the order of events: Brian Jaques does love non chronological books...

I was going to but another thread on Garth Nix seemed to show that most people on this site regarded it as not as good as some of his other stuff and aimed solely at teenaged girls, so I suggested keys to the kingdom because everybody seemed to agree that that was pretty damn good. I still think I might prefer the Old Kingdom, but I can't remember it that well because it's been way longer since I've read it, so I didn't feel I should recommend them.

Also, I LOVE shades children, but they did ask for a series ^^

 

[Shocksplicer]

I haven't seen anyone mention the Night Angel trilogy, they're prety good if a bit standard.

I thought of them, but possibly a bit grim compared to what the OP has read already? I personally really like them, but I'd be reluctant to recommend them to most Harry Potter fans without a "Here be gratuitous violence and rape!" warning.

They're pretty dark, but so is a lot of other stuff people have been mentioning. A song of Ie and Fire is way darker. Lots more rape and murder with much less comic relief.

 

[Fasckira]

oh and when you get to The Unseen University and it seems vaguely familiar just remember the Discworld Books were first...

Thank you for this, its reassuring. Had a friend recently ask me if UU was based off of Hogwarts and had to refrain from beating him with the hardback copy of Reaper Man that he'd been reading.

OT: The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. Starts off about a very skilled assassin and spirals into something of awesomeness. Durzo Blint is my hero.

 

[BENZOOKA]

Lord of The Rings is the ultimate. If you haven't read the Hobbit or Silmarillion, then that should be on the top of your list. I will, just like many others, be reading those books over and over again with few year intervals.

The one after everything Tolkienish would be:

Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/His_dark_materials] - series.

Pure. Gold.

 

[spartan231490]

Hello my fellow Escapees. I am looking for recemondations for a good Fantasy novel series. I personally love them like the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series, as well as the Inheritance cycle (The Eragon books) and the Stoneheart trilogy as well a few more...

I have also read then entire Narnia series. >_>

Don't look at me like that...

Anyways I have heard nothing but good things on the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Anybody recommend it?

Also any other good series would be nice as well...

I recommend against Song of Ice and Fire. With the books you said you liked, you sound a lot like me, and I hated. The first book was good, but the rest of the series stubbornly refuses to deliver on the promise of the fist book, and the entire series is horrifically depressing. The author has issues.

That said said, take a long look at the "Sword of Truth" series by Terry Goodkind. It is to this day my favorite book series, and I haven't met a single person who has read it and doesn't love it. This includes the more than 10 people who I have recommended this book to and who all love the series as, if not their favorite series, one of their top 3. All are heavy readers.

A series I recommend almost as highly is "Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan. A very in-depth world with possibly hundreds of important characters, don't read it if you like small cast lists.

If you want to start with a shorter series, take a look at "The Fifth Ring" by Mitchel Graham. Also a trilogy, and despite a few irritating author mistakes, it still clocks in as one of my top 3 Book Series. Great characters make up for the rather common, if well executed, plot.

The "Night Angel" Trilogy is also a great series, much shorter, but still great. Written by Brent Weeks.

 

[Kahunaburger]

Also, avoid the Sword of Truth like the plague, burn all copies you find, and split those who try and push it on you on the blade of justice.

This. Also (*tugs braid*) Wheel of Time.

 

[Trololo Punk]

I'll go with malazan book of the fallen. Though it is sort of known as a book series that is hard to get into at first. It's totally worth it.

 

[Bestival]

Anything and everything by Robin Hobb... It's a fairly standard reply of mine regarding this topic, but I truly love how she writes, it's almost mesmerizing.
She doesn't shelter her characters too much either, so expect your favourite character to have to life through some shit.

The Lifeship Traders trilogy is probably my favourite, followed by the Farseer trilogy. Hm, my birthday is coming up, time to get started on a new trilogy I reckon!

 

[spartan231490]

The Kingkiller Trilogy is fantabulous.

Check it out.

And yeah, A Song of Ice and Fire is great. It takes a while to get into just because GRRM keeps introducing new POVs.

I Can't believe I forgot about Kingkiller, total epic fail. If you read only one series from this whole thread, make it Kingkiller Chronicle. First book is "The Name of the Wind" Absolutely Amazing. I say with confidence it is the best written fantasy series since . . . ever. The author has a gift, "Name of the Wind" is his first book and it is better written than most author's 11th. Absolutely amazing. Fair warning, you probably won't sleep from when you start the book to when you finish it.

Wheel of Time - I think if you take all of the pages written you will literally have a pile about 3 feet tall.
Legend of Drizzt - if you want to just keep reading about a dark elf for 20 books.
snip
And I'm done.

It's closer to 2 feet tall actually, I keep the books in a stack.

Since I'm mentioning what I forgot, Legend of Drizz't is interesting. I highly recommend the first two trilogies, Icewind Dale and Menzoboranzan(read them the other way though, Icewind Dale second). After that the series goes nowhere but downhill. I quit reading at trilogy number 4 I think, I won't spoil but the author completely destroyed any reason I had to continue reading. He destroyed everything that had me invested in the series.

Oh, and if you're looking for something a little quicker, the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flannagan is absolutely amazing. It's Young Adult and doesn't aspire to be anything more but it's still amazing. It turns away from most of the fantasy tropes and cliches and you can read one of the books, start to finish, in a few hours. It's funny, and just all around lovable.

Lastly, and I promise I'm done with this one, the "Dragaeran" or "Vlad Taltos" series, written by Steven Brust. Same series, but he titled it Dragaeran, and everyone else just calls it Vlad Taltos. It's a character driven story and if you aren't laughing at least 3 times per chapter, your sense of humor is fatally deformed.

 

[doomspore98]

The two best fantasy series that I have read are a song of ice and fire, and the wheel of time series.

A song of ice and fire is probably on of the best series if not the best series that I have read. It has likable characters and genuinely good writing. while the author sort of messed up on the fourth book, don't let it discourage you.

The wheel of time series is an amazing series that I can't even begin to explain. Just trust me when I say you will not be disappointed.

I would also recommend the night angel trilogy, it has been posted here already.
A young child in a gang is apprenticed to a master assassin and then learns about some conspiracies that will happen to the local regency. This book does not glamorize the life of an assassin so be prepared for some violence.

If you like more cliche fantasy I recommend many books by R.A salvatore. He's pretty famous and his books will most likely be in a library. When I say cliche I mean his books are set in a setting already created by DnD mythology. That may sound like a cheep shot, but his books are well written and he has some great characters. I recommend the first two trilogies of the legend of drizzt.