The Recommended Fantasy Author List

Author Last Names Q through Z

Last update: March 1, 2009 Robert Rankin (b. 1949)
  • The Brentford Trilogy
  • The Antipope
  • The Brentford Triangle
  • East of Ealing
  • The Sprouts of Wrath
  • Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
  • The Brentford Chainstore Massacre
  • Sex and Drugs and Sausage Rolls
  • Knees Up Mother Earth
  • The Brightonomicon
    The first three books of this increasingly misnamed trilogy were Rankin's first published works. Can Armageddon, Apocalypse and other inconveniences of the modern age be stopped by the humble likes of Pooley and Omally? The humor is very British; if Monty Python's Flying Circus, Bennie Hill, and Blackadder leave you in stitches, try Rankin.
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  • The Armageddon Trilogy
  • Armageddon, the Musical
  • They Came and Ate Us: Armageddon II, The B-Movie
  • The Suburban Book of the Dead: Armageddon III, The Remake
    Rankin's work is difficult to find in the U.S. - you'll be ordering most of these on-line. These books feature a time-traveling Elvis Presley and the premise that all of history has been staged as a soap opera for aliens.
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  • The Cornelius Trilogy
  • The Book of Ultimate Truths
  • Raiders of the Lost Car Park
  • The Most Amazing Man Who Ever Lived
    More tales of Brentford.
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  • Toy City
  • The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse
  • The Toyminator
    Private investigator, the hard-drinking teddybear Eddie, and his sidekick Jack, investigate when Toy City's leading citizens are murdered. The second book continues their adventures.
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  • The Greatest Show Off Earth
    Standalone humor. Rankin is British, and quite popular there. It should appeal to Pratchett fans (Pterry himself is a fan of Rankin). He also comes up with some the best titles I've ever seen.
    •      **Melanie Rawn (b. 1954)
  • The Dragon Prince Trilogy
  • Dragon Prince
  • Star Scroll
  • Sunrunner's Fire
    This and the following trilogy take place on the same world.
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  • Dragon Star Trilogy
  • Stronghold
  • The Dragon Token
  • Skybowl
    Doug sez, 'When I finished this series I felt a real sense of loss. Her description of some of the female characters in the series made me almost fall in love with them, and the use of magic as she describes it is new and innovative.'
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  • Exiles Trilogy
  • The Ruins of Ambrai
  • The Mageborn Traitor
  • The Captal's Tower (forthcoming someday)
    New trilogy set in a different world from the "Dragon" books.
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  • The Diviner (on indefinite hold)
    This will be a prequel to The Golden Key, the book written in collaboration with Jennifer Roberson and Kate Elliott.
  • Spellbinder
    A new standalone. The full title is listed as "Spellbinder: A Love Story With Magical Interruptions."
    •      Mickey Zucker Reichert (b. 1962)
  • The Last of the Renshai
  • The Last of the Renshai
  • The Western Wizard
  • Child of Thunder
    This is a trilogy, so you'll want to have all the books in hand before you start reading.
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  • The Bifrost Guardians
  • Godslayer
  • Shadow Climber
  • Dragonrank Master
  • Shadow's Realm
  • By Chaos Cursed
    Loosely based on Norse mythology.
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  • The Legend of Nightfall
    Standalone fantasy. Sorcerers are a wicked bunch in this world, and they obtain more power in a particularly nasty way.
  • The Return of Nightfall
    Eleven years after the publication of the first book about the thief Nightfall, Reichert returns to his world.
  • The Renshai Chronicles
  • Beyond Ragnarok
  • Prince of Demons
  • The Children of Wrath
    A new trilogy that continues the Renshai story. The balance between Law and Chaos hinges on the finding of an heir to the Bearnian throne.
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  • Flightless Falcon
    Standalone fantasy about a man with nothing to lose who takes on a mysterious Brotherhood who have taken his family into slavery.
  • The Books of Barakhai
  • The Beasts of Barakhai
  • The Lost Dragons of Barakhai
    A new series about a graduate student who follows an escaped lab rat into a world of shapeshifters.
    •      Anne Rice (b. 1941)
  • Vampire Chronicles
  • Interview with the Vampire
  • The Vampire Lestat
  • Queen of the Damned
  • Tale of the Body Thief
  • Memnoch the Devil
  • The Vampire Armand
  • Blood Canticle
    Horror/fantasy series. "Vampire" books are mainly about the bisexual vampire Lestat and his lover Louis who are struggling with their vampirism and their apparent immortality. Be warned - they're fairly graphic, both sexually and violently (although nowhere near the latest splatterpunk offerings from Poppy Z. Brite & her ilk.) These are usually classified as horror, but Rice is popular enough that I'm forced to give them a mention on the list. Blood Canticle looks like it is last of Rice's vampire stories, and it ties The Vampire Chronicles together with Mayfair witch saga. Rice has now switched to Christian-themed works, with her latest book being a fictionalized retelling of an episode in the life of Jesus.
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  • Chronicles of the Mayfair Family
  • Witching Hour
  • Lasher
  • Taltos
  • Merrick
  • Blackwood Farm
    More of Rice's usual mixture of dark fantasy, sex (kinky and otherwise), and pseudo-intellectual conversation between shallow (but fashionable!) immortals.
    •      Jennifer Roberson (b. 1953)
  • Chronicles of the Cheysuli
  • Shapechangers
  • The Song of Homona
  • Legacy of the Sword
  • Track of the White Wolf
  • A Pride of Princes
  • Daughter of the Lion
  • Flight of the Raven
  • A Tapestry of Lions
    The Cheysuli are shapechangers, and I believe that the books in this series can stand alone. Three new books in the series were recently sold to DAW, the publishers of the series, but don't expect them until 2008 or later.
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  • Sword-Dancer (Tiger and Del series)
  • Sword Dancer
  • Sword Singer
  • Sword Maker
  • Sword Breaker
  • Sword Born
  • Sword Sworn
    All six of the Sword-Dancer books are being republished in early 2006. They will be coming out in three omnibus editions (in other words, each edition will contain two of the novels.)
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  • Karavans series
  • Karavans
  • The Deepwood
  • The Wild Road (forthcoming 2009)
    A series taking place in a new world, unrelated to any of her previous novels. Roberson recently announced that a fourth book in this series has been sold.
  • Lady of the Forest
    Robin Hood, from Maid Marian's point of view.
  • Lady of the Glen
  • Lady of Sherwood
    A Scottish historical romance, with little fantasy content.
    •      Michael Scott Rohan (b. 1951)
  • Winter of the World series
  • The Anvil of Ice
  • The Forge in the Forest
  • The Hammer of the Sun
  • The Castle of the Winds
  • The Singer and the Sea
  • Shadow of the Seer
    The first three books are a trilogy wherein a blacksmith gets to save the world. Rohan returned to that world with the latest books, none of which has been published in the U.S. yet. They are a prequels to the story told in the original trilogy.
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  • Spiral series
  • Chase the Morning
  • The Gates of Noon
  • Cloud Castles
    We're living in the Core, but if you look at the world just the right way, you can sail out into the Spiral, where all times and places mingle.
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  • Lord of the Middle Air
    Stand-alone historical fantasy, taking place in the Scottish borderlands in the 13th century.
  • Maxie's Demon (out in U.K., not out in the U.S.)
    Another standalone, taking place in the world of the Spiral series.
  • A Spell of Empire (with Allan Scott)
    The young wizard Volker joins three other travelers on a dangerous journey.
    •      Joel Rosenberg (1954-2011)
  • Guardians of the Flame (1st series)
  • The Sleeping Dragon
  • The Sword and the Chain
  • The Silver Crown
    One of the first of the 'Gamers jump for real into a fantasy world' series, and one of the best.
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  • Guardians of the Flame (2nd series)
  • The Heir Apparent
  • The Warrior Lives
    Continuing the first series with a new generation.
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  • The Road to Ehvenor
  • The Road Home
    Set in the world of "The Guardians of the Flame" and including many familiar characters - this story features Walter Slovotsky.
  • Pirojil and Company trilogy
  • Not Exactly the Three Musketeers
  • Not Quite Scaramouche
  • Not Really the Prisoner of Zenda
    Set in the world of "The Guardians of the Flame".
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  • D'shai
  • D'Shai
  • Hour of the Octopus
    Open-ended fantasy/detective series. In the same vein as Glen Cook's 'Garrett' books, only more of an homage to Rex Stout rather than Raymond Chandler
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  • Keepers of the Hidden Ways
  • The Fire Duke
  • The Silver Stone
  • The Crimson Sky
    A new series from Rosenberg, once again involving people from our world crossing over into another. This world is Norse-based, with lots of daring deeds and sword fighting.
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  • Mordred's Heirs
  • Paladins
  • Knight Moves
    A new high fantasy series from Rosenberg, exploring an alternate history of the Arthurian Legends.
    •      Christopher Rowley (b. 1948)
  • Bazil Broketail series
  • Bazil Broketail
  • A Sword for a Dragon
  • Dragons of War
  • Battle Dragon
  • The Wizard and the Floating City
  • Dragon at the End of the Worlds
  • The Dragons of Argonath
  • Dragon Ultimate
    Open-ended series (although the latest book does tie things up nicely). The first book is about a boy and his dragon who rescue a princess. Rowley also has several sf series.
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  • Arna series
  • The Ancient Enemy
  • The Shasht War
  • Doom's Break
    Other races have risen since the world was destroyed by Man the Cruel. But now it looks like the enemy of legend has returned...
    •      J. K. Rowling (b. 1965)
  • Harry Potter series
  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone ('Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' in the U.S.)
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  • Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
    Do I really need tell you anything about these?
    •      Kristine Kathryn Rusch (b. 1960)
  • The White Mists of Power
    A bard's mysterious heritage endangers his friends and his world. A first novel.
  • The Fey
  • The Sacrifice
  • The Changeling
  • The Rival
  • The Resistance
  • The Victory
    The Fey invade the isolated Blue Isle.
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  • The Black Throne series
  • The Black Queen
  • The Black King
    "A stirring saga of tumultuous conflict set in a magical world, in a powerful family, and in the tortured and divided mind of its monarch." Another story set in the world of the Fey.
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  • Fantasy Life
    For generations the Buckingham family have protected the hidden wonders of Seavy County on Oregon's rugged Pacific coast. Now an evil is gathering strength, and the latest generation of Buckingham's must come to terms with her power and destiny. A standalone, but I understand that the ending leaves room for the story to continue.
    •      Joanna Russ (b. 1937)
  • Alyx (also published as 'The Adventures of Alyx')
    Alyx is a thief and a vagabond, intelligent and witty, and very good with a knife. Alas, she only starred in a handful of short stories and the SF novel Picnic in Paradise, all of which are in this collection. Maria and I both think you should read this one.
    •      Sean Russell (b. 1952)
  • Asian duology
  • The Initiate Brother
  • Gatherer of Clouds
    Oriental mysticism in a strong first novel (and this is very definitely one book, split in two only because 1,000+ page novels are hard to hold.)
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  • Moontide and Magic Rise duology
  • World Without End
  • Sea Without a Shore
    Marvelous books. Sean Russell is tremendously talented. I'm looking forward to more of his work. This is fantasy of the 'lush verbiage and magnificently realized world' variety - sword and sorcery fans might not be quite as enthusiastic.
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  • The River Into Darkness duology
  • Beneath the Vaulted Hills
  • The Compass of the Soul
    This is a prequel to the 'Moontide and Magic Rise' books.
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  • The Swans' War
  • The One Kingdom
  • The Isle of Battle
  • The Shadow Road
    More than a century after the war that was caused for lack of a successor to King Wyrr's throne, a strained peace is about to be broken by the deep hatred between the royal houses of Renn and Wills.
    Russell is trying historical fiction in the Patrick O'Brian mode now, writing under the name "S. Thomas Russell."
    •      Fred Saberhagen (1930-2007)
  • The Books of the Swords
  • The First Book of Swords
  • The Second Book of Swords
  • The Third Book of Swords
    The initial trilogy.
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  • The Books of the Lost Swords
  • Woundhealer's Story
  • Sightblinder's Story
  • Stonecutter's Story
  • Farslayer's Story
  • Coinspinner's Story
  • Mindsword's Story
  • Wayfinder's Story
  • Shieldbreaker's Story
    Each of the "Lost Swords" titles is actually preceded by 'The First Book of Lost Swords:', 'The Second Book...' etc. I believe that most of the "Swords" books can be read as stand-alones
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  • Empire of the East
  • The Broken Lands
  • The Black Mountains
  • Changeling Earth
    A prequel to the 'Swords' books, taking place in the same world.
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  • Ardneh's Sword
    A fantasy connecting the world of 'Empire of the East' to the world of the 'Swords' books.
  • Dracula books
  • The Dracula Tapes
  • The Holmes-Dracula File
  • An Old Friend of the Family
  • Thorn
    More tales of Dracula
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  • The Book of the Gods
  • The Face of Apollo
  • Ariadne's Web
  • The Arms of Hercules
  • God of the Golden Fleece
  • Gods of Fire and Thunder
    A new series. The gods are back, and they're causing trouble for mortal folks.
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  • Merlin's Bones
    Yet Another Version of Arthur and Company
    •      Michelle Sagara (b. 1963)
  • The Sundered
  • Into the Dark Lands
  • Children of the Blood
  • Lady of Mercy
  • Chains of Darkness Chains of Light
    An interesting tetralogy. Her most recent books have been published under the name Michelle West, and there is also a listing for her under that name. Benbella Publishing is currently reprinting the series.
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  • The Cast series
  • Cast in Shadow
  • Cast in Courtlight
  • Cast in Secret
  • Cast in Fury
  • Cast in Silence (forthcoming late 2009)
    She's returned to using Sagara for her latest series from Luna. There are scheduled to be a total of five linked books.
    •      *R.A. Salvatore (b. 1959)
  • Icewind Dale
  • The Crystal Shard
  • Streams of Silver
  • The Halfling's Gem
    Introduces Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf who has turned his back on his bloody heritage.
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  • Dark Elf Trilogy
  • Homeland
  • Exile
  • Sojourn
    Continues Drizzt's story.
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  • Dark Elf Trilogy II
  • Legacy
  • Starless Night
  • Siege of Darkness
    "Icewind Dale," "Dark Elf," and "Dark Elf II" take place in the TSR Forgotten Realms setting. I've had several people mention that 'Dark Elf II' shows a real drop in quality, although several others loved it as much as the first two trilogies.
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  • Passage to Dawn
    A final Drizzt story from Salvatore, as he finishes out his contract with TSR.
  • The Silent Blade
    But wait! Drizzt is back. Salvatore has returned to Wizards of the Coast (the current owners of the TSR imprint) and he's written another Dark Elf novel.
  • Paths of Darkness
  • The Spine Of The World
  • Servant Of The Shard
  • Sea Of Swords
  • Promise of the Witch King
    New series taking place in the world of the Dark Elf stories, but concentrating on other characters.
  • The Hunter's Blade (Dark Elf Trilogy III)
  • The Thousand Orcs
  • The Lone Drow
  • The Two Swords
    Drizzt returns.
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  • Transitions (Dark Elf Trilogy IV)
  • The Orc King (forthcoming Oct. 2007)
  • The Pirate King (forthcoming Oct. 2008)
  • The Ghost King (forthcoming Oct. 2009)
    And Yet More Drizzt.
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  • The Cleric Quintet
  • Canticle
  • In Sylvan Shadows
  • Night Masks
  • The Fallen Fortress
  • The Chaos Curse
    Another TSR series - this one follows a young man as he grows from a raw acolyte to a powerful priest.
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  • The Spearwielder's Tales
  • The Woods Out Back
  • The Dragon's Dagger
  • Dragonslayer Returns
    Open-ended fantasy series that ISN'T part of any of the TSR gaming worlds.
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  • The Crimson Shadow Trilogy
  • The Sword of Bedwyr
  • Luthien's Gamble
  • The Dragon King
    New series about a young lord and a halfling battling to free Eriador from the grip of the tyrannical Wizard-King Greensparrow.
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  • Demon King series
  • The Demon Awakens
  • The Demon Spirit
  • The Demon Apostle
  • Mortalis
  • Ascendance
  • Transcendance
  • Immortalis
    A new series. The story is currently made up of a trilogy, followed by a four book seriers, with the fourth book the final one (for the moment).
    •      Fay Sampson (b. 1935)
  • Daughter of Tintagel
    Yet Another Arthurian novel. She has many books published in Britain, and many of her titles have recently been reprinted in the U.S. by Wildside Press.
    •      Elizabeth Scarborough (b. 1947)
  • Song of Sorcery
  • The Unicorn Creed
  • Bronwyn's Bane
  • The Christening Quest
    More humor. I read these long ago, and I don't really remember much about them, but I think they are all standalones that take place in the same world with some of the same characters. These are all long out of print
  • The Fairy Godmother stories
  • The Godmother
  • The Godmother's Apprentice
  • The Godmother's Web
    An overwhelmed social worker in modern Seattle gets a (slightly inept) fairy godmother. The publicity blurb calls it "a tale of modern magic." The later books continue the theme with different Fairy Godmothers in different settings.
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  • The Lady in the Loch
    A historical fantasy mystery starring Sir Walter Scott.
    •      Dennis Schmidt
  • Twilight of the Gods trilogy
  • The First Name
  • Groa's Other Eye
  • Three Trumps Sounding
    Fantasy with a Viking orientation. Schmidt's other works have been space-opera adventures.
    •      Michael Scott (b. 1959)
  • Tales of the Bard
  • Magician's Law
  • Demon's Law
  • Death's Law
    According to Paul, this is about a powerful bard who uses his knowledge and magic on an epic quest to help the old gods overcome new gods. He gives the trilogy very high marks, and recommends it highly. Scott is currently co-authoring the "Arcana" series with Morgan Llywelyn.
    •      Michael Shea (b. 1946)
  • Nifft series
  • Nifft the Lean
  • Mines of Behemoth
  • The A'rak
    The first is a dark series of short stories. Republished in a limited hardcover edition by Darkside Press in November '94. Shea recently completed a new novel about Nifft. If you can find this, try it (although I should note for the queasy that, although it has been years since I last read it, there are several scenes from Nifft's trip to Hell that tend to replay on dark and lonely evenings...) The first two books were reprinted in an omnibus edition titled The Incompleat Nifft from Baen books.
    •      Delia Sherman (b. 1951)
  • Through a Brazen Mirror
    First novel about a witch who orders her daughter's execution after a magic mirror foretells her death at her child's hand. Out of print and hard to find.
  • The Porcelain Dove
    This often gets mentioned when well-read fantasy fans bring up their favorite books that have been overlooked by the general public. It takes place in 18th century France just before the Revolution, and features a magic system based on French folklore and fairy tales. It only recently went out of print, so you may still be able to track down a copy.
    •      Josepha Sherman
  • The Shining Falcon
    Corinne says that if you like the Slavic influence of Stephen Brust and the heroines of Robin McKinley, try this book. Other, more recent fantasies by Josepha Sherman include:
  • King's Son, Magic's Son
  • A Strange and Ancient Name
  • Prince of the Sidhe series
  • The Shattered Oath
  • Forging the Runes
    Banished to the world of humans, Prince Ardagh must survive in a world of Viking raiders and Christian kings.
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  • Son of Darkness
    A curator at the American Museum of Art in New York City faces a demon unleashed by fanatics, and the only one who can help her may be more dangerous then the demon.
    • Will Shetterly (b. 1955)
  • Borderlands
  • Elsewhere
  • Nevernever
    Two books taking place in Terri Windling's Borderlands Shared World series.
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  • Dogland
    Described as "a North American magic realism novel set in the south from 1959 to 1962."
    •      Tony Shilltoe
  • Andrakis trilogy
  • Guardians
  • Kingmaker
  • Dragon Lords
    These are out-of-print and hard to find, however the author's website says there may be reprints in the future.
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  • Ashuak Chronicles
  • Freedom
  • Passion
  • Blood
  • Dreaming in Amber series
  • The Amber Legacy
  • A Solitary Journey
  • Prisoner of Fate (was Mists of Amber)
  • The Demon Horsemen (forthcoming 2007)
    He working on the Dreaming in Amber quartet, which will tie together Andrakis trilogy and the Ashuak Chronicles (although each set of books does stand alone). He's Australian, and may be hard to find elsewhere.
    •      Sharon Shinn (b. 1957)
  • The Shapechanger's Wife
    Lovely first novel. There isn't a whole lot of plot, but the writing is beautiful, and Shinn is definitely an author to watch. She was writing mainly SF, but seems to be switching back to fantasy.
  • Safekeeper series
  • The Safe-Keeper's Secret
  • The Truth-Teller's Tale
  • The Dream-maker's Magic (forthcoming May 2006)
    These are marketed as young adult, and feature teen-age protagonists. They're interesting and pleasant little fantasies, and worth your time.
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  • Twelve Houses series
  • Mystic and Rider
  • The Thirteenth House
  • Dark Moon Defender
  • Reader and Raelynx (forthcoming Nov. 2007)
    There were originally scheduled to be four books in this series, set in the land of Gillengaria. It was recently announced that a fifth book has been bought.
    •      Susan Shwartz (b. 1949)
  • Heirs to Byzantium series
  • Byzantium's Crown
  • The Woman of Flowers
  • Queensblade
    Fantasy set in a alternate world where Antony and Cleopatra had shifted the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium.
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  • Silk Roads and Shadows
    Stand-alone set in Byzantium resembling our own. A young woman goes to China to steal the silk worms necessary to revitalize the Byzantine silk industry.
  • The Grail of Hearts
    Arthurian tale involving a character who is a version of the Wandering Jew.
    •      James Silke
  • Deathdealer series
  • Prisoner of the Horned Helm
  • Lords of Destruction
  • Tooth and Claw
  • Plague of Knives
    Inspired by Frazetta's paintings of Death Dealer (that's the dude with the incredible muscles, HUGE axe, and rather impractical helmet). An omnibus edition of the first two books titled Rise of the Death Dealer came out in 2005.
    •      Robert Silverberg (b. 1936)
  • Majipoor Chronicles
  • Lord Valentine's Castle
  • Majipoor Chronicles: A Novel
  • Valentine Pontifex
  • The Mountains of Majipoor
  • Sorcerers of Majipoor
  • Lord Prestimion
  • King of Dreams
    This is another series that pushes the boundaries between SF and fantasy, but since Nathan brought them up, I'll list 'em. The first book is great fun, but I haven't been as impressed with the subsequent books. Silverberg has said that King of Dreams will be "probably the final Majipoor book."
    •      Clifford Simak (1904-1988)
  • The Fellowship of the Talisman
    A effective fantasy from one of SF's Grand Masters. If you enjoy this, be sure to look up his many works of science fiction.
    •      Dan Simmons (b. 1948)
  • The Song of Kali
    Simmons first novel, this is described by the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction as showing Calcutta 'as a moral and psychic cesspool, into which the protagonists...sink very deeply indeed as unleased evil...threatens to flood the 1980s.' Hey, it was KATE that recommended this, not me.
    •      Julie Dean Smith (b. 1960)
  • The Caithan Crusade
  • Call of Madness
  • Mission of Magic
  • Sage of Sare
  • The Wizard King
    Ongoing series. Tarja sez it 'is a rather typical fantasy, but [the author] has developed an interesting suggestion on how mage-powers develop'.
    •      Thorne Smith (1893-1934)
  • Topper series
  • Topper
  • Topper Takes a Trip
    The staitlaced Cosmo Topper is saddled with a pair of cheerfully irresponsible ghosts. The movies and the 1950s TV series were based on these.
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  • The Night Life of the Gods
    Statues of the Greek gods are brought to life and unloosed on New York, with generally humorous results.
    •      Midori Snyder (b. 1954)
  • Oran trilogy
  • New Moon
  • Sadar's Keep
  • Beldan's Fire
    The land of Oran has been ruled by the tyrant Fire Queen Zorah for two hundred years. Her four granddaughters seek to come into their own powers and free the land.
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  • The Flight of Michael McBride
    Irish legend and U.S. west of the 1890s come together during a Texas cattle drive.
  • The Innamorati
    Winner of the Mythopoeic Award for Novel of the Year in 2001. "In the Italian city of Labirinto, there is a Maze where all can find their heart's desire." The story draws upon Italian and early Roman legends, mask-making, and the theater of the Commedia dell'Arte
    •      Zilpha Keatley Snyder (b. 1927)
  • Green Sky Trilogy
  • Below the Root
  • And All Between
  • Until the Celebration
    Peaceful world is torn apart when its government is revealed as being a scam. Cyradis liked it a lot. You'll generally find it in the children's section of the library.
    Snyder has written many stand-alone Young Adult books, including the fantasies     Black and Blue Magic, The Witches of Worm, and The Changeling, as well as mysteries and novels. I have very fond memories of her from my long-ago adolescence.
    •      Nancy Springer (b. 1948)
  • The Chronicles of Isle
  • The White Hart
  • The Silver Sun
  • The Sable Moon
    The Silver Sun is a re-write of her first published work. These books are standalones
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  • The Book of Vale
  • The Black Beast
  • The Golden Swan
    The Science Fiction Book Club published a combined edition of these two under the series title.
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  • The Sea King Trilogy
  • Madbond
  • Mindbond
  • Godbond
    David says that Springer's works are 'lyrical, gentle, romantic, amazing fantasies of love, friendship and loyalty.'
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  • Wings of Flame
  • Chains of Gold
    •      Christopher Stasheff (b. 1944)
  • Warlock series
  • Escape Velocity
  • The Warlock In Spite of Himself
  • King Kobold Revived
  • The Warlock Unlocked
  • The Warlock Enraged
  • The Warlock Wandering
  • The Warlock is Missing
  • The Warlock Heretical
  • The Warlock's Companion
  • The Warlock Insane
  • The Warlock Rock
  • Warlock and Son
  • The Warlock's Last Ride
    Open-ended humorous adventure series that is now beginning to focus on descendents of the original hero, Rod Gallowglass (see following listings). The rationale of this series is really fairly science- fictional, but the tone is fantasy, and you'll generally find them marketed as fantasy. The final book does bring the series to an end, and the fans reviews indicate that it is a satisfactory conclusion.
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  • The Warlock's Heirs
  • M'Lady Witch
  • The Quicksilver Knight
  • The Spellbound Scholar
  • Here Be Monsters
    The adventures of the three younger children of Rod and Gwen Gallowglass.
    •
  • Rogue Wizard
  • A Wizard in Absentia
  • A Wizard in Mind
  • A Wizard in War
  • A Wizard in Peace
  • A Wizard in Chaos
  • A Wizard in Midgard
  • A Wizard and a Warlord
  • A Wizard in the Way
  • A Wizard in a Feud
    Another open-ended series in the 'Warlock' universe. These feature Magnus, Rod's oldest son. Note that Stasheff's books have focused more on adventure and less on humor as the series has progressed.
    •
  • A Wizard in Rhyme
  • Her Majesty's Wizard
  • The Oathbound Wizard
  • The Witch Doctor
  • The Secular Wizard
  • My Son, the Wizard
  • The Haunted Wizard
  • The Crusading Wizard
  • The Feline Wizard
    Open-ended series. Matt Mantrell is transported into an alternate world where rhymes have magical powers.
    •
  • The Star Stone
  • The Shaman
  • The Sage
    Another new series. This has no connection to his Wizard or Warlock series, and is more serious in tone. Originally announced as a trilogy, it has been several years now and there is no third book in sight.
    •      Francis Stevens (1884?-1939)
  • The Citadel of Fear
    A lost-world tale from the 1920s.
  • Claimed
    An elemental being recovers an ancient artefact.
    •      Caroline Stevermer (b. 1955)
  • The Serpent's Egg
    Out of print and so hard to find as to be almost legendary, this mock Elizabethan fantasy gets raves from the few who have managed to track it down.
  • Kate and Cecilia series
  • Sorcery and Cecilia (with Patricia Wrede)
  • The Grand Tour (with Patricia Wrede)
  • The Mislaid Magician (or Ten Years After) (with Patricia Wrede)
    A combination of regency romance, adventure, and fantasy. The first book came out in 1988 and spent years out-of-print, becoming legendary among fantasy fans. It is an epistolary novel, with the action described in the letters exchanged between the two main characters. It was reprinted in 2004, with the first sequel coming out shortly afterwards, and now a third book has been added to the series.
    •
  • A College of Magics
    Takes place in an Edwardian-period world that has magic, too. Witty, amusing, and a very enjoyable little period piece.
  • A Scholar of Magics
    Sequel to A College of Magics. It continues like the other two books set in the same world, it does stand alone, however there are references to events in the first book.
  • When the King Comes Home
    Set in the same world as A College of Magics, it takes place at an earlier point in the world's history, and stands alone.
    •      Mary Stewart (b. 1916)
  • Merlin Trilogy
  • The Crystal Cave
  • The Hollow Hills
  • The Last Enchantment
  • The Wicked Day
    One of the earlier Arthur novelizations. It was quite popular, and should be easy to find in the library. These focus on Merlin and aim more at the historical rather than magical. The fourth book retells the story from Mordred's point of view, and isn't all that good.
    •
  • The Prince and the Pilgrim
    Just published in January 1996, this is set in Arthur's England, but isn't part of her earlier Arthurian series.
    •      Sean Stewart (b. 1965)
  • Resurrection Man
    Unusual modern fantasy that begins with the protagonist staring down at his own corpse.
  • Nobody's Son
    Standalone that looks at what happens to the hero of lowly birth after the 'happily ever after.'
  • Cloud's End
    An interesting fantasy that takes place in a land on the edge of reality.
  • The Night Watch
    Set in the same world as Resurrection Man, but takes place 100 years later.
  • Mockingbird
  • Galveston
    Described as "North American Magic Realism", this one isn't supposed to really fit into any hard and fast categories.
    •      Thomas Burnett Swann (1928- 1976)
  • The Tournament of Thorns
    Quirky and interesting author, who is characterized by his odd mixtures of fantasy and history. This book in particular was recommended, but if you like him, you'll probably enjoy all his work. His stuff is out of print now, but it was fairly popular in the 70's and early 80's.
    •      Judith Tarr (b. 1955)
  • The Hound and the Falcon
  • The Isle of Glass
  • The Golden Horn
  • The Hounds of God
    Corinne describes this as "a truly brilliant series set in Richard the Lion Heart's England bordered on the Elflands."
    •
  • Alamut
  • The Dagger and the Cross
    Standalones set in the same world as "The Hound and the Falcon" trilogy
  • A Wind in Cairo
  • Ars Magica
  • Avaryan series
  • The Hall of the Mountain King
  • The Lady of Han-Gilen
  • A Fall of Princes
  • Arrows of the Sun
  • Spear of Heaven
  • Tides of Darkness
    The story of a war between kingdoms in a world of mages. It is made up of two trilogies - the first three were reprinted in an omnibus edition titled Avaryan Rising, and the second three were reprinted in an omnibus edition titled Avaryan Resplendent.
    •
  • Epona series
  • White Mare's Daughter
  • Lady Of Horses
  • Daughter of Lir
    Epic set in a prehistoric world peopled by fierce nomadic horsemen and peaceful Goddess-worshipping hunter-gatherers.
    •
  • Richard the Lionheart series
  • House of War
  • Devil's Bargain
  • Pride of Kings
    Tarr's specialty is historicals with just a dollop of magic. The size of the dollop varies, and many of her books are sold as straight historicals.
    •      Roger Taylor (b. 1938)
  • Chronicles of Hawklan
  • The Call of the Sword
  • The Fall of Fyorlund
  • The Waking of Othlund
  • Into Narsindal
  • The Return of the Sword (The Last Chronicle of Hawklan)
    Not available in the U.S., this series has been described as "a pretty good read" and "highly recommended."
    •
  • Dreamfinder
    Set in the same world as Hawklan.
  • Whistler
    A standalone
  • Nightfall series
  • Farnor
  • Valderin
    This is also set in the same world as Hawklan, and is about a priest who must fight a dark power that has entered a colleague. Paul highly recommends it
    •
  • Ibyren
    A standalone. "Count Ibyren, fighting a guerilla war after being driven from his lands, is suddenly swept away from his people to an unknown world and destiny."
  • Arash-Felloren
  • Caddoran
    Ronan notes that all of Taylor's books seem to be set in the same world, although it is never specifically stated. Internal references to a recurring evil add a level of continuity that readers of previous volumes will recognize, but these books are standalones.
    •      Sheri Tepper (b. 1929)
  • The Land of True Game
  • King's Blood Four
  • Wizard's Eleven
  • Necromancer Nine (1st series)
  • The Song of Mavin Manyshaped
  • The Flight of Mavin Manyshaped
  • The Search of Mavin Manyshaped (2nd series)
  • Jinian Footseer
  • Dervish Daughter
  • Jinian Star-Eyed (3rd series)
    Series made up of three separate trilogies. Her earliest work - can be difficult to find. The nine books were reprinted in three omnibus editions titled The True Game, The Chronicles of Mavin Manyshaped, and The End of the Game.
    •
  • The Marianne Trilogy
  • Marianne, the Magus, and the Manticore
  • Marianne, the Madame, and the Momentary Gods
  • Marianne, the Matchbox, and the Malachite Mouse
    I believe that the books in this rather light- hearted trilogy are actually fairly independent of each other. Ronan enjoyed this one for its strange events.
    •
  • Beauty
    Now primarily known as a SF author, Tepper returns to her roots and gives a very different slant on the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. Sardonic and grim are descriptive terms I've heard about this one.
  • Family Tree
    Ronan considers this the best Tepper has written in a long time.
    •      Patrick Tilley (b. 1928)
  • The Amtrack Wars
  • Cloud Warrior
  • First Family
  • Iron Master
  • Blood River
  • Death Bringer
  • Earth Thunder
    Donal says these are good, so I'll certainly be giving them a try. Its just that I can't seem to find them anywhere...Apparently, only the first couple were published in the U.S. Going by commentary on the Net, these are about a post-apocalyptic society with magic and suchlike. In the U.S., the second book was titled Sand Burrower.
    •      Peter Valentine Timlett (b. 1933)
  • Druid Series
  • The Seedbearers
  • The Power of the Serpent
  • Twilight of the Serpent
    Jim thinks that these are all worth reading, but is afraid that they'll be just about impossible to find. They originally came out in late 70s. They've recently been reprinted in the U.K. in an omnibus edition titled The Seedbearers Saga. You'll need to go directly to the publisher's website as the book doesn't appear to be available through any of the usual channels.
    • **J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
  • The Hobbit
    Prelude to The Lord of the Rings - should be read prior to starting them, but it isn't absolutely necessary. Written as a children's book, and some readers find it a little simplistic (not me!)
  • The Lord of the Rings
  • The Fellowship of the Ring
  • The Two Towers
  • The Return of the King
    Oh, come on now - how can you claim to be a fantasy fan and not read this (and seeing the movie doesn't count)? If not for tLotR, Eddings would still be writing about deer hunting. THE classic work of fantasy. Sami considers it a "work of art" that hasn't lost its freshness over the years.
    •
  • The Silmarillion
    From Tolkien's writings on the background of the world of tLofR, this is more of a history than a story
  • The Tolkien Reader
    Anthology of poetry and short stories.
    Due to the INCREDIBLE popularity of     Lord of the Rings, virtually every scrap of paper that Tolkien doodled on has found its way into print, which is why you will find many other Tolkien works besides the above.
  • The History of Middle-earth (by J.R.R. Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien)
    This book covers how Middle-earth was created. Sami considers it the best of the many books that cover the background of Tolkien's creation.
    •      Trillium series by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Julian May, and Andre Norton
  • Trillium
  • Black Trillium (by all three)
  • Blood Trillium (by Julian May)
  • Golden Trillium (by Andre Norton)
  • Lady of the Trillium (by Marion Zimmer Bradley)
  • Sky Trillium (by Julian May)
    An interesting mutation of the 'shared world' idea. The first book was written by all three, further books were written by the individual authors. As two of the three original contributors are dead, there are unlikely to any further books.
    •      Delia Marshall Turner
  • Enforcers series
  • Nameless Magery
  • Of Spells and Swords
  • NeverMind (working title - forthcoming)
    A new author with a new series that is great fun. Locus says that Turner carries off her story with "uncommon panache", and I agree. There is no word on when she'll be completing the next book.
    •      Harry Turtledove (b. 1949)
  • Videssos Cycle
  • The Misplaced Legion
  • An Emperor for the Legion
  • The Legion of Videssos
  • Swords of the Legion
    Legion from Republican Rome meets Byzantine empire. "Highly recommended" sez Mark
    •
  • The Tale of Krispos
  • Krispos Rising
  • Krispos of Videssos
  • Krispos the Emperor
    Continuing the story of Videssos with a prequel to the "Cycle" tetralogy
    •
  • The Time of Troubles
  • The Stolen Throne
  • Hammer and Anvil
  • The Thousand Cities
  • Videssos Besieged
    A prequel to "The Tale of Krispos"
    •
  • Derlavai series
  • Into the Darkness
  • Darkness Descending
  • Through the Darkness
  • Rulers of the Darkness
  • Jaws of the Darkness
  • Out of the Darkness
    A new series about the kingdoms of Derlavai, a semi-feudal society where magic works. The books cover a multitude of wars between the many kingdoms of the world that roughly follows the patterns of World Wars I and II.
    •
  • Agent of Byzantium
    Basil Argyros, spy for an alternate-history Byzantine empire, in series of adventures that originally appeared as separate novelettes. There are some hints of magic, but this is basically alternate-history SF.
  • The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump
    Humor/adventure taking place in an alternate Los Angeles where magic works.
    •      Gail Van Asten
  • Roland series
  • Charlemagne's Champion
  • The Dark Sword's Lover
    Fantasy series featuring the knight Roland.
    •
  • The Blind Knight
    Van Asten's first novel, a post-Arthurian fantasy.
    •      Jack Vance (b. 1916)
  • Lyonesse trilogy
  • Suldren's Garden
  • The Green Pearl
  • Madouc
    Best known for his SF, Vance is an interesting writer in any genre.
    •
  • Dying Earth series
  • The Dying Earth
  • The Eyes of the Overworld
  • Cugel's Saga
  • Rhialto the Marvelous
    The first two are genuine fantasy classics, and Cugel the Clever is a great character (hey, I like rogues). These are all stand- alones.
    •      Vivian Vande Velde (b. 1951)
  • A Hidden Magic
    A young princess lost in the woods becomes involved in a sorcerous battle against a witch.
  • A Well-Timed Enchantment
    A girl and her cat retrieve a witch from the past.
  • Dragon's Bait
    A girl falsely accused of witchcraft befriends the dragon she was to be sacrificed to.
  • Tales of Lylene and Weiland
  • The Conjurer Princess
  • The Changeling Prince
    The majority of Vivian Vande Velde's books at aimed squarely at the young adult market. This duo has a more mature feel, although it can be safely handed to even a sheltered teen.
    •      Alida Van Gores
  • The Mermaid's Song
    Elizabeth calls this a light, enjoyable fantasy. It looks at the prejudice and competition between two factions of mer-folk, and has a different take on mermaids than Hans Christian Anderson. This was a first novel, and there hasn't been any follow-up that I can find.
    •      Robert Vardeman (b. 1947)
  • Cenotaph Road series
  • Cenotaph Road
  • The Sorcerer's Skull
  • World of Mazes
  • Iron Tongue
  • Fire and Fog
  • Pillar of Night
    Tremendously productive writer (he's put out more than 50 books since 1974 in a variety of genres). Although he is a U.S. writer, his fantasy seems to be more popular in Britain.
    •      Paula Volsky
  • The Luck of Relian Kru
    "Almost as good as its title," according to one recommender. Out of print and very difficult to find.
  • Sorcerer Trilogy
  • The Sorcerer's Lady
  • The Sorcerer's Heir
  • The Sorcerer's Curse
    About the leader of a wizard's guild and his descendents. Takes place in the world of Relian Kru, and are also out of print.
    •
  • Illusion
    Takes place in a not-quite-our-world revolutionary France. It takes place in a world that Volsky used for her next books.
  • The Gates of Twilight
    Two enemies brave a revolution and apocalyptic magic to open the long sealed portal between heaven and earth.
  • The White Tribunal
    Standalone taking place during the French revolution.
  • The Grand Ellipse
    Standalone set in the world introduced in Illusion. According to the back cover, it takes place in "a world so enraptured by its technological advances that it now frowns upon magic as ancient superstition. Yet a new magical discovery--Sentient Fire, which obeys the will of its creator--could well prove the only weapon against the expansion of a greedy Imperium."
    •      Karl Edward Wagner (1945-1994)
  • Kane series
  • Darkness Weaves with Many Shades
  • Death Angel's Shadow
  • Bloodstone
  • Dark Crusade
  • Night Winds
  • The Book of Kane
    This open-ended series is from the mayhem and magic school of fantasy. Kane is for those who like their sword and sorcery dark. Wagner was a good writer, and Kane is an interesting creation. Karl Wagner died 10/14/94 at age 48, and will be missed by the fantasy community.
    •      Evangeline Walton (1907-1996)
  • The Mabinogi
  • The Prince of Annwm
  • The Children of Llyr
  • The Song of Rhiannon
  • The Island of the Mighty
    This may be hard to find, but it's included for the more serious fantasy fan. Heavily researched, classic retelling of the Welsh folklore cycle known as the Mabinogion. Many fantasy authors have mined this for themes.
    •      Freda Warrington (b. 1956)
  • Blackbird novels
  • A Blackbird in Silver
  • A Blackbird in Darkness
  • A Blackbird in Amber
  • A Blackbird in Twilight
    Nathan found that the first book held his attention, and he's working his way through the rest of the series. These aren't available in the U.S. She also has at least one horror series out.
    •      Lawrence Watt-Evans (b. 1954)
  • The Lords of Dus
  • The Lure of the Basilisk
  • The Seven Altars of Dusarra
  • The Sword of Bheleu
  • The Book of Silence
    This is a limited series, and should be read in order.
    •
  • Ethshar series
  • The Misenchanted Sword
  • With a Single Spell
  • The Unwilling Warlord
  • Blood of a Dragon
  • Taking Flight
  • The Spell of the Black Dagger
  • Night of Madness
  • Ithanalin's Restoration
  • The Spriggan Mirror
  • The Vondish Ambassador (being serialized online)
    Open-ended series. I'm told that the Ethshar books are standalones and can be read in any order. The above is the order they were published in. The latest book, The Vondish Ambassador, is currently being serialized on-line; check it out on Watt-Evans' web site.
    •
  • Obsidian Chronicles
  • Dragon Weather
  • The Dragon Society
  • Dragon Venom
    The story of Arlian of the Smoking Mountain, a man obsessed with revenge on the dragons that killed his family.
    •
  • The Annals of the Chosen
  • The Wizard Lord
  • The Ninth Talisman
  • The Summer Palace (forthcoming)
    A new fantasy series. a young man nicknamed ''Breaker'' is asked whether he wants to become the Chosen Swordsman. There hasn't been a Dark Lord in over a century, so he thinks of it as a ceremonial position. He gradually learns that it's a bit more complicated than that.
    • **Margaret Weis (b. 1948) & Tracy Hickman (b. 1955)
  • Dragonlance Chronicles
  • Dragons of Autumn Twilight
  • Dragons of Winter Night
  • Dragons of Spring Dawning
    The series that turned TSR into from a gaming company that published tie-ins to a real publisher. Still in print, and still selling well.
    •
  • Dragonlance Legends
  • Time of the Twins
  • War of the Twins
  • Test of the Twins
    EVERYONE who recommended these books included a warning that other Dragonlance books by other authors should be avoided. There is also a book of short stories titled Dragonlance: The Second Generation. All but two of the stories are reprints from other Dragonlance collections.
    •
  • Dragonlance Chronicles IV
  • Dragons of the Summer Flame
    They're baaaaack. Weis & Hickman return to the world of Dragonlance with a new novel that takes the characters and stories from the novella collection Dragonlance: The Second Generation and continues onward ever onward with them.
    •
  • The War of Souls trilogy
  • Dragons of a Fallen Sun
  • Dragons of a Lost Star
  • Dragons of a Vanished Moon
    Set in the Fifth Age of Krynn.
  • Kang's Regiment(more Dragonland, this time by Weis & Don Perrin)
  • The Doom Brigade
  • Draconian Measures
    "A tale of two enemies - dwarves and draconians - and how they must cooperate to survive a bitter war." Presumably this takes place before the events of Summer Flame.
    •
  • The Soulforge (written by Margaret Weis alone)
  • Brothers in Arms (by Weis & Perrin)
    Prequel detailing the early part of Raistlin Majere's life.
  • The Lost Chronicles (yes, it's more Dragonlance by Weis & Hickman)
  • Dragons of the Dwarven Depths
  • Dragons of the Highlord Skies
  • Dragons of the Hourglass Mage (forthcoming 2008)
    These books are supposed to fill-in the gaps in the storyline between the books in the Chronicles trilogy.
    •
  • Darksword Trilogy
  • Forging the Darksword
  • Doom of the Darksword
  • Triumph of the Darksword
    A non-Dragonlance limited series. Denis doesn't like this particular series.
    •
  • More Darksword books
  • Legacy of the Darksword
    Weis and Hickman return to the world of the Darksword.
    •
  • Rose of the Prophet Trilogy
  • The Will of the Wanderer
  • The Paladin of the Night
  • The Prophet of Akhran
    The Epic Tale of the Great War of the Gods!
    •
  • Death Gate Cycle
  • Dragon Wing
  • Elven Star
  • Fire Sea
  • Serpent Mage
  • The Hand of Chaos
  • Into the Labyrinth
  • The Seventh Gate
    This is a limited series - be sure and have all seven books, and read 'em in order.
    •
  • Starshield series
  • The Mantle of Kendis-Dai
  • Nightsword
    A new series begins - 'Civilization is on the brink of extinction...A legendary relic holds the key to salvation...A quest to a world of magic, mystery, and madness is the only solution!'
    •      Angus Wells (1943-2006)
  • The Kingdoms
  • Wrath of Ashar
  • The Usurper
  • The Way Beneath
    Wells' first fantasy triology under his own name.
    •
  • Godwars
  • Forbidden Magic
  • Dark Magic
  • Wild Magic
    "Kingdoms" and "Godwars" are not related to each other or to his most recent novel. Richard likes "Godwars" but Michael prefers "The Kingdoms" trilogy (Richard asks me to point out that he hasn't read "The Kingdoms" yet, which makes it difficult for him to compare them)
    •
  • Lords of the Sky
    To quote Carolyn Cushman of Locus magazine: "For once, a sprawling medieval fantasy epic that's self-contained!"
  • The Guardians
    Another solid, standalone fantasy fantasy from Wells.
  • Yesterday's Kings
    Standalone fantasy. Another take on the 'folk of the woodlands being driven out by those wielding iron.'
  • Exiles series
  • Exile's Children
  • Exile's Challenge
    Completists should note that Angus Wells co- authored (along with Robert Holdstock) a series in the late '70's under the name 'Richard Kirk' about Raven, the Swordmistress of Chaos, as well as about a zillion westerns under various pseudonyms.
    •      Martha Wells (b. 1964)
  • The Element of Fire
    Excellent debut fantasy. A complex, fast-moving plot, intelligent characters, a well-thought-out world - this one's a keeper.
  • City of Bones
    Another winner. Not related to her first book, it takes place in a desert world. Action and adventure, a great setting, excellent characterization - I actually bought this one in hardcover, and am glad I did.
  • The Death of the Necromancer
    Taking place in the world of Ile-Rein (the setting of Element of Fire), this takes place 150 years later, and will feature all new characters.
  • Wheel of the Infinite
    This is not related to any of her previous books.
  • The Fall of Ile-Rien trilogy
  • The Wizard Hunters
  • The Ships of the Air
  • The Gate of Gods
    Taking place about thirty years after the end of The Death of the Necromancer, the main character is daughter of that book's hero. The plot concerns a magical invasion of Ile-Rien by a mysterious force.
    • Michelle West
  • The Sacred Hunt duology
  • Hunter's Oath
  • Hunter's Death
    Takes place in a kingdom where hunters annually become their god's prey. West is the pen name of Michelle Sagara, and she has other books listed under that name.
    •
  • Sun Swords series
  • The Broken Crown
  • The Uncrowned King
  • The Shining Court
  • The Sea of Sorrows
  • Sun Sword
    New series set in the same world as Hunt duology. CMC is very impressed with this series, and says that 'Out of recognizable elements, West has created a very new world, and peopled it with characters that are real and compelling.'
    •      T.H. White (1906-1964)
  • The Once and Future King
    THE classic retelling of the Arthur legend. And, yeah, it's the source of both Disney's The Sword in the Stone and Lerner & Lowe's Camelot. The original quartet of novels are being reprinted in England.
  • Mistress Masham's Repose
    Did you ever wonder what happened to those Lilliputians that followed Gulliver back to England?
    •      Jack Whyte
  • The Camulod Chronicles
  • The Sky Stone
  • The Singing Sword
  • The Eagle's Brood
  • The Saxon Shore
  • The Sorcerer: The Fort at River's Bend
  • The Sorcerer: Metamorphosis
  • Uther
  • The Lance Thrower
  • The Eagle (forthcoming late 2007/early 2008)
    Return yet again to the days of King Arthur...this retelling intertwines the Roman Empire of the fifth century and Arthurian legend. The first six are out in Canada as a series with the overall title of "A Dream of Eagles". Tor (the U.S. publisher) is advertising it as a six book series. The seventh and eighth novels retell the events of the series through the eyes of Uther and the forthcoming ninth book will finish things off.
    •      Elizabeth Willey (b. 1960)
  • Kingdom of Argylle
  • The Well- Favored Man
  • A Sorcerer and a Gentleman
  • The Price of Blood and Honor
    It looks like this is scheduled to be an open- ended series. The first book features a kingdom created out of Chaos by the family patriarch, young Prince Gwydion left as regent after his parents have debunked, a royal family made up of warriors and magicians all busily plotting and counter- plotting...Elizabeth calls this 'the best new author's book I've read in years' and recommends it very highly. I enjoyed it, too, but one Net-wit's comment that it should have been titled Nice Princes in Amber does capture a lot of the book's flavor. The second and third books are prequels to the first.
    •      Charles Williams (1886-1945)
  • Aspects of Power series
  • Many Dimensions
  • War in Heaven
  • Descent Into Hell
  • The Greater Trumps
  • The Place of the Lion
  • Shadows of Ecstasy
  • All Hallows' Eve
    Williams is the least known of the Inklings (C.S. Lewis & Tolkien are the best known). In his novels, a different aspect of the Power that underlies reality comes into the hands of ordinary people in 30's/40's England. War in Heaven has a quest for the Grail, Many Dimensions has the Seal of Solomon falling into the hands of schemer who plans to use it to corner the transportation industry. Delightful books, their current obscurity is undeserved.
    •      **Tad Williams (b. 1957)
  • Tailchaser's Song
    Williams' first fantasy novel - Tailchaser is a cat.
  • Memory, Sorrow & Thorn
  • The Dragonbone Chair
  • Stone of Farewell
  • To Green Angel Tower
    At first glance, very similar to "The Belgariad"- immature-boy-grows-to-fill-heroic-role. Williams' vision is a bit darker, however, and the secondary characters get a lot more fleshing out. Slow moving at points, but worth your time. Paperback version of To Green Angel Tower is published in two volumes.
    •
  • Child of an Ancient City (with Nina Kiriki Hoffman)
    Stand-alone young adult novel.
  • Caliban's Hour
    Takes up where Shakespeare left off. Caliban shows up years later to take his revenge on Miranda. Williams' next was a 4-volume SF series with the overall title of "OTHERLAND." According to Katharine Kerr, he has 'sworn a mighty vow that he'll never write about Osten Ard [the world of "MS&T"] again'.
  • The War of the Flowers
    A standalone fantasy.
  • Shadowmarch trilolgy
  • Shadowmarch
  • Shadowplay
  • Shadowrise (forthcoming)
    Williams is back to fantasy. The first book introduces a world conquered by humans, who have driven the Qar, or fairy folk, into the far north. There, the Qar hide behind the "Shadowline," a mysterious veil of perpetual mist, which drives mad any human who dares enter it. Bordering that mist and named for it is Shadowmarch, the northernmost human kingdom.
    •      Philip Williamson (b. 1955)
  • The Firstworld Chronicles
  • Dinbig of Khimmur
  • The Legend of Shad's Tower
  • From Enchantry
  • Moonblood
  • Heart of Shadows
  • Citadel
    British author. He doesn't have an American publisher yet. Jonathan said "Awesome!" But is he awesome enough to justify overseas shipping charges?
    •
  • Enchantment's Edge
  • The Orb and the Spectre
  • Orbus's World
  • The Soul of the Orb
    A new fantasy trilogy.
    •      Gene Wolfe (b. 1931)
  • The Book of the New Sun
  • The Shadow of the Torturer
  • The Claw of the Conciliator
  • The Sword of the Lictor
  • The Citadel of the Autarch
    This is a single novel broken into four parts. Intricate and ambitious, it takes place on a Dying Earth and follows the complex destiny of Severian.
    •
  • The Urth of the New Sun
    A sequel to "The Book of the New Sun".
  • The Soldier series
  • Soldier of the Mist
  • Soldier of Arete
  • Soldier of Sidon (forthcoming October 2006)
    These novels are about Latro, a warrior in a land similar to Classical Greece who has a peculiar form of amnesia. One recommender noted that these are a bit more accessible than the New Sun books.
    •
  • The Wizard Knight
  • The Knight
  • The Wizard
    A teenage boy who wanders into a universe of interlocking magical realms. Described by "Publishers Weekly" as "an epic, myth-based story of honor, loyalty, courage and faith relevant to our own dark times. This is fantasy at its best: revelatory and inspirational."
    •      Bridget Wood (b. 1947)
  • Rebel Angel
    A fantasy based on the high kings of Ireland. Four stranded friends are drawn into a plot to reinstate the rightful wolf-king to the throne. Baz says that this "is not your usual hack'n'slash...very interesting and entertaining."
    •      Patricia Wrede (b. 1953)
  • Snow White and Rose Red
    Retelling of the classic fairytale, set in Elizabethan England. Part of the very highly regarded 'Fairy Tale' series
  • Lyra series
  • Shadow Magic
  • Daughter of Witches
  • The Harp of Imach Thyssel
  • Caught in Crystal
  • The Raven Ring
    Open-ended series (the books truly are stand- alone and can be read in any order) set in a world of many different cultures and religions, as well as three non-human races. The first three books are being reprinted by Tor in an omnibus edition titled 'Shadows Over Lyra'.
    •
  • The Seven Towers
    A standalone, unrelated to her other series.
  • The Enchanted Forest Chronicles
  • Dealing with Dragons
  • Searching for Dragons
  • Calling on Dragons
  • Talking to Dragons
    Open-ended series that has a lot of fun with usual fairytale conventions. You'll find it in the young adult section. I especially recommend this to anyone who is looking for books for adolescent girls (and then be sure to read it yourself).
    •
  • Mairelon series
  • Mairelon the Magician
  • Magician's Ward
    Set in an alternate England where magic works, lots of intrigue. Setting is related to the one in Stevermer's books.
    •      *Janny Wurts (b. 1953)
  • Sorcerer's Legacy
    Early standalone, first published in 1982 (it may be her first published work). Good luck in trying to find it.
  • The Cycle of Fire
  • Stormwarden
  • Keeper of the Keys
  • Shadowfane
    Her first trilogy. This was recently reprinted and should be widely available
    •
  • The Master of the White Storm
    A standalone.
  • The Wars of Light and Shadow
  • The Curse of the Mistwraith
  • The Ships of Merior
  • Warhost of Vastmark (NOTE: U.S. hardcover edition of 'The Ships of Merior' INCLUDES 'Warhost of Vastmark' - the paperback edition is two separate books)
  • The Fugitive Prince
  • Grand Conspiracy
  • Peril's Gate
  • Traitor's Knot
  • Stormed Fortess (forthcoming Nov. 2007 in the U.K. - no U.S. publisher yet)
    Best known for her collaboration with Raymond Feist on the "Empire series" and her paintings, Wurts is a fine author in her own right.
    •
  • That Way Lies Camelot
    Short story collection.
    •      Jonathan Wylie
  • Servants of the Ark
  • The First Named
  • The Centre of the Circle
  • The Mage-Born Child
    Wylie is a pseudonym for Mark (b. 1952) and Julia (b. 1955) Smith (and Shadowmaze was published in the U.S. under their real names).
    •
  • The Unbalanced Earth
  • Dreams of Stone
  • The Lightless Kingdom
  • The Age of Chaos
    'Servants' and 'Unbalanced Earth' are loosely related, with the events of 'Servants' coming first. These two trilogies were published in the U.S. by Bantam, but are currently out of print.
    •
  • Dreamweaver
    Stand-alone. Wylie has written one other stand- alone (Shadowmaze) which is NOT recommended.
  • Island and Empire trilogy
  • Dark Fire
  • Echoes of Flame
  • The Last Augury
    One recommender considers this trilogy the best of the three. It is the story of a tiny island's fight for independence from the cruel Xantic Empire. This work hasn't found a U.S. publisher yet (so far as I can find), so most of us are going to have to hunt for these. Thanks to Tarja for getting me the titles in this trilogy
    •
  • Other Lands
    Stand-alone. This came out in Britain in June '95, and isn't out in the U.S. "A comatose Michael Glover somehow calls to his lover for help, and to save him she must break through to another, fantastic world."
  • Across the Flame
    A woman is confronted by a figure in a medieval painting.
  • Magister
    Set in a contemporary world where magic is an just another talent.
    •      Chelsea Quinn Yarbro (b. 1942)
  • Ariosto
    Subtitled 'Ariosto Furioso, A Romance for an Alternate Renaissance'. Yarbro is best known for her series about the aristocratic vampire Saint-Germain.
    •      Jane Yolen (b. 1939)
  • The Pit Dragon Trilogy
  • Dragon's Blood
  • Heart's Blood
  • A Sending of Dragons
  • Dragon's Heart (forthcoming)
    Excellent young adult trilogy. Yolen has completed a fourth book, continuing the story, that should be released in 2008.
    •
  • The Wild Hunt
    Young adult stand-alone that includes Herne the Hunter, the White Queen, and two boys who live in a strange old house alone.
  • The Books of Great Alta
  • Sister Light, Sister Dark
  • White Jenna
  • The One-Armed Queen
    Tor is reprinting the initial duology as a trade paperback omnibus in the Spring of 1997. The third book will take place in the same universe, but is a stand-alone. Although this is classified as 'adult fantasy', many libraries take one look at the author's name and automatically stick it in their young adult (or children's) department, so look for it there.
    •
  • Briar Rose
    Yolen's entry in the "Fairy Tales" series. This involves the tale of Sleeping Beauty and the Holocaust.
    •      *Roger Zelazny (1937-1995)
  • Amber - 1st series
  • Nine Princes in Amber
  • The Guns of Avalon
  • The Sign of the Unicorn
  • The Hand of Oberon
  • The Courts of Chaos
    Great fun. Corwin searches first for his memory, then for revenge, and finally for the key to save the multiverse.
    •
  • Amber - 2nd series
  • Trumps of Doom
  • Blood of Amber
  • Sign of Chaos
  • Knight of Shadows
  • Prince of Chaos
    The 2nd series shows definite signs of exhaustion, and Merlin is not the man his father Corwin was. Do note that although Prince of Chaos was supposed to be the series end, enough dangling plot threads were left to knit a sweater.
    •
  • Roadmarks
    There's a highway through time (built by dragons), and there's a wreck waiting to happen at the last exit for Babylon....
  • Lord of Light
    A stand-alone set on a world of escapees from a long vanished Earth. The main characters have claimed the identities of the Hindu pantheon; the protagonist is challenging them as the Buddah. Will Keith says it's a fun read.
  • Dilvish stories
  • Dilvish the Damned
  • The Changing Land
    I'd really like to say more about Zelazny, but I'm still upset about his far-too-early death. Just read his books. Even his minor efforts are worthwhile, and the SF he wrote in the sixties is magnificent.
    •      Paul Edwin Zimmer (1943-1997)
  • Dark Border series
  • The Lost Prince
  • King Chodo's Ride
  • A Gathering of Heroes
    The first two are a duology, which Scott found to be 'okay'. He really enjoyed the final book, which is the story of a group of heroes gathered to face a huge evil. He particularly liked the interplay between the heroes.
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