If you want to get lost in a medieval fantasy world but you’re not sure which book to read, you have come to the right place. We have put together this list of the best medieval fantasy books that avid readers will love.
A Game Of Thrones: A Song Of Fire & Ice – George R R Martin
Game of Thrones went from a fantasy book series to a global phenomenon thanks to the hit television show that thrust it into the spotlight. If you want to get lost in the world of Game Of Thrones then start with book one – A Song Of Fire & Ice.
It tells the story of a power struggle in a medieval fantasy world with feuding families and magical beasts. But who will end up on the throne?
The Hobbit – J R R Tolkien
The Hobbit is a well known fantasy book from the treasured author J R R Tolkien, and it is a prequel to the Lord Of The Rings book series. The books were already incredibly popular before they were adapted into the legendary movie series directed by Peter Jackson.
The Hobbit is about Bilbo Baggins, a simple creature who enjoys his home comforts. When the wizard, Gandalf, pays Bilbo a visit and talks of adventure, Bilbo is definitely not interested.
But when Bilbo’s home becomes the meeting place for a group of 13 dwarves with a very personal mission to complete Bilbo finds himself changing his mind.
Bilbo becomes part of the group and experiences things he never imagined – a dangerous encounter with trolls, being captured by elves, escaping from goblins and stealing from a dragon.
You will be swept away on a magical adventure as you explore Tolkien’s fantasy world of Middle Earth.
Eragon: Inheritance – Christopher Paolini
The story of Eragon has captured the imagination of many readers and has also been adapted into a movie and a video game.
Inheritance is book one of the New York Times bestselling book series and introduces you to the character of Eragon, a farm boy who discovers his true destiny as a dragon rider.
He sets off on a dangerous adventure of magic and power with nothing but an ancient sword and some advice from an old storyteller- and a loyal dragon of course!
This book has an excellent flow, well-developed characters and is easy to read. It is perfect for readers who want to get lost in a medieval fantasy world.
The Once And Future King – T H White
The Once And Future King is a novel made up of five parts and is a take on the Arthurian legends. Arthur and his brother have been under the instruction of Merlyn. When the King dies and leaves no heir, Arthur must pull a sword from a stone to take his place on the throne.
The book follows Arthur’s reign and its many challenges, including invaders and even a coup led by his own son. Arthur must seek guidance from Merlyn to help him.
This enjoyable fantasy novel is a great choice for anyone with an interest in Arthurian legends and is a fun and interesting read.
The Farseer: Assassin’s Apprentice – Robin Hobb
Assassin’s Apprentice is book one of the Farseer trilogy. It follows Fitz, the bastard son of a prince who is raised by a stableman of the palace. Fitz is an outcast who is resented by his father and ignored by the rest of the royal family.
The only person who pays him any attention is the King who is secretly training Fitz as an assassin and teaching him to master the magic that runs in his blood.
When Fitz is ready to be sent on his first mission the King realizes that his assassin is not only a threat to his enemies, but also a threat to the throne.
This exciting series is mysterious and magical with a medieval setting. It is ideal for fans of fantasy.
Graceling – Kristin Cashore
This is an award winning novel from a best-selling author, which also has a sequel and a companion book to get stuck into. It is set in a medieval style fantasy world where certain people are born with a special talent called a Grace.
The Grace is individual to the person. And Katsa’s Grace is killing. Her Uncle, the King, forces her to use her power to further his pursuit of power. When Katsa is befriended by a prince whose Grace is combat fighting, Katsa’s life changes in unexpected ways.
This is a great book with an intriguing premise and excellent characters. You will love the setting and the mystery of the plot.
Seraphina – Rachel Hartman
This award winning and bestselling novel is Hartman’s debut and it is a big hit in the literary world. It is set in the fantasy kingdom of Goredd where humans and dragons co-exist.
But the relationship between these two species is not as peaceful as it seems, as tensions build beneath the surface. Seraphina, a gifted musician who has joined the royal court, is drawn into a murder investigation when a member of the royal family is killed.
She must work alongside Prince Lucien. His skills in perception might be helpful for solving the mystery, but Seraphina has a secret of her own that she must keep hidden at all costs.
This imaginative story has a well thought out plot that twists and turns to create an exciting reading experience.
The Blue Sword – Robin McKinley
Harry Crewe is an orphan, a King’s rider, and heir to the Blue Sword. She joins her brother at a military outpost, but she is kidnapped by an officer and taken to the Hills.
Here, she realizes that her true home is among the Hillfolk and she learns about the magic that runs in her blood. She develops skills that she will need in the upcoming battle against the inhuman army that is invading from the North.
This thrilling story is book one in a series that fantasy readers will enjoy. Harry’s character is irresistible in her imperfect charm and the loyal, magician animals will capture your heart.
Daughter Of The Forest: Sevenwaters – Juliet Marillier
Sorcha is the seventh child and the only daughter. When her mother dies, her brothers comfort her and offer protection. Their father takes a new wife – an evil enchantress – and she casts a wicked spell on her brothers.
The only way that Sorcha can protect them is by staying silent – she can’t utter a word. Yet she must find a way to free them. On her journey for the answer, she is torn between her mission and a love that takes her by surprise.
This is a romantic story set in a medieval fantasy land. There is magic, love, loss, betrayal and a cast of excellent characters to keep you hooked from start to finish.
The Blade Itself – Joe Abercrombie
This is the debut novel of New York Times bestselling author Joe Abercrombie and is book one of the First Law trilogy. Logan Ninefingers, a well known barbarian who is down on his luck.
Captain Luther is a nobleman who has spent more time playing cards with his comrades than he has in battle, but that is about to change. Glokta is an inquisitor with a torturous streak who will do anything to get a confession.
And Bayard is a grumpy wizard who is fed up with his useless assistant. Together, they make up the main characters of this mysterious story about the complex and often fine line that separates good and evil.
This compelling novel is witty and entertaining, with original concepts that will leave you wanting more. But don’t worry, you can carry on with the next book in the series.
The Squire’s Tale – Gerald Morris
The Squire’s Tale is book one of ten in a fantasy series that is based on Arthurian legend, with a few twists! Terence is an orphan living in the woods when he meets Gawain. Gawain is destined to become a knight of the round table, and he takes Terence as his squire.
Terence finds himself thrown into a magical world he could never have imagined, filled with mystical creatures and wizards and spells. As he helps Gawain, he realizes that he has a purpose of his own – to find what happened to his parents.
This fun and adventurous story leaves you eager to continue reading, and you will quickly get through the entire series.
Longbow: The Saga Of Roland Inness – Wayne Grant
This is book one of seven, and follows the story of peasant boy Roland. He is very skilled with a longbow, a talent that he has managed to keep hidden.
Possession of a longbow is an offense punishable by death, as it is one of the only weapons that can pierce the armor of the Norman soldiers. When Roland’s secret is discovered he must flee for his life.
His journey takes an unexpected turn as he encounters characters such as Robin of Loxley, Tuck the monk, and Richard the Lionheart.
Summary
Any of these books will give you an exhilarating reading experience and would make an excellent addition to your collection.
