Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Shanah, the Bionic Book Worm.
This week’s topic:
top 5 fantasy books
This was difficult. It was hard to choose only five and even harder to place them in order; so instead I chose 6 and didn’t bother with an order except to mention the most obvious ones first.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
I adore these books, like many others who’ve read them, and immediately fell in love with the world and the characters when I first read them. I considered making this list without mentioning these books, but that wouldn’t be fair. They are some of my favorite fantasy books, and I reread them often and even collect different editions, so I must include them in my list of favs.
Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce
There was a time in my middle-school years when all I read was Tamora Pierce’s books. I just kept reading them over and over again, especially the Song of the Lioness ones, which were my favorites. They are about a girl who poses as a boy so that she can train to become a knight. I love the story for its gutsy protagonist and the strong friendships she develops throughout the story as well as the fun adventures she goes on. I couldn’t get enough of this story, and I still can’t. I’m now rereading the books again. 🙂
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
I love this book so much! I think I first fell in love with the writing, then the setting, and then the story itself. The circus sucked me in. The magic that operates it worked upon me, making me want to visit and experience it whenever I revisit the book. I also love the story and enjoyed reading about the romance and other relationships, and, of course, I love the writing. I can’t wait to see what Morgenstern does next. I was so disappointed to miss getting a signed copy of her upcoming book, The Starless Sea, at the American Library Association conference. So disappointed. 😥
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
A mark of a good story told is one that makes me want to read it again as soon as I’m done. That was my experience with The Curse of Chalion. I began reading it again about a month or so after completing it. It is a great read, and I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. It’s about a veteran who returns to his country seeking peace and solace but is instead appointed tutor to a princess and gets caught up in political and spiritual intrigues. It was intriguing and fun. I loved the protagonist Cazaril, who provided a refreshing perspective since he’s older than the usual fantasy adventure protagonists.



Tawney Man trilogy by Robin Hobb
Of course I had to mention a Robin Hobb book. You must have known this was coming. Of all her Realm of the Elderlings books, the Tawney Man ones are my favorite because I love the Fool as Lord Golden. 🙂 The Tawney Man trilogy is the third set of books in the large Realm of the Elderlings series, which begins with Assassin’s Apprentice about the bastard son of a prince who becomes an apprentice to an assassin. The story has a slow build, but it’s worth being patient with it for the characters and expansive world building.
A Song of Ice & Fire by George R.R. Martin
Yea… I had to mention these books as well. I enjoy the complex story and love the characters, who are all sorts of shades of gray. I wish the books were done so that I can just reread them all and finally complete them. I wonder how the story will wrap up and what will become of the characters I like.
Although this was a difficult list to make, I haven’t read as much fantasy as I would like or as diversely as I would like. I’m working toward changing that. More fantasy, always.
I really must finally read Night Circus and Song of the Lioness! At least I finally bought a copy of Alanna so it’s on my shelf now and one step closer to being read.
I can see why it was difficult to pick a top 6, I would struggle. I’d probably also have to include Harry Potter just because I owe it so much and it’s a big part of what got me into fantasy. Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy would probably make my list, because it’s one of the most suspenseful and inventive high fantasies I’ve ever read (I love the magic system and magical creatures, not to mention all the great characters). Beyond that though I’d have to do some serious thinking 🙂
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Oh yes, you should!! Try them both. Totally worth it.
Lol same here. HP and Song of the Lioness series quickly came to mind and then I had to think up the others and then it was hard to limit it to 5, lol.
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Great picks! I’ll admit it took me a while to get into Hobb but I totally get why people love her so much now. 🙂
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It took me a while too because of how slow her books all begin, but I love them.
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So I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never read a Tamora Pierce or Robin Hobb book… I know, I know #ShameOnMe
I’ve also never read (or watched the TV series) Game of Thrones… HOWEVER I am attempting to read the first book in July for an adult fantasy read-a-thon inspired by GoT… I figured if I was participating in this read-a-thon, I should probably actually read the series lol
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Aww don’t be embarrassed. There’s loads of books to get through so we’ll all miss some, but I highly recommend you try both Pierce and Hobbs’s books at some point. They are worth it.
Oh that’s cool! I hope you enjoy GOT. I love the books but have only seen a few episodes of the TV show. I saw your TBR and it made me want to join that readathon, actually. I like how relaxed it is.
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Robin Hobb is of course super great ❤
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Yes she is!
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I really need to give Tamora Peirce’s books a try. She was another author I somehow missed as a kid – even though I had friends that raved about her books. I also desperately need to go back to Robin Hobb. I read Assassin’s Apprentice and own the next book in the series. I just need to find the time to read it.
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Pierce’s books are old (pubbed back in 1980s) but good reads and worth trying.
Yea yo! Read more Hobb! 😀
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The Night Circus! *swoons*
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I can’t wait for her next book!!!
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I know, if the wait doesn’t kill me!
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I’ve never read anything by Tamora Pierce, but everyone always tells me that I would love her books. Any that you would recommend to start with?
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Her books are quick and fun. I recommend starting with the Song of the Lioness books. They are her first books and are obviously so, but they are worth reading and are still enjoyable although they were written years ago.
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Awesome! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
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Harry Potter was on my list too!
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It’s a great one that.
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How is it that I only read HP (and the 1st book in SOIAF) from your list?! :O I definitely need to read Robin Hobb’s books!
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Yes!! 🙂 If you love fantasy, def get into Robin Hobb’s books. The pace is a slow sometimes, but they are worth reading.
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Nice choices!
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thanks!
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You’re welcome!
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Excited to see the Tawney Man series is your fav of the Robin Hobb books. I love The Fool as well, but I’m currently reading the Ship of Magic series, which is also lovely. Great list, Zeezee! 🙂
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It took a while for me to get into the Liveship Traders ones because of how slow and confusing Ship of Magic was at the start, but my middle of book 2 I was sold. It’s a good trilogy too.
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I haven’t started book 2 but I really want to finish the series this summer! 🙂
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What do you think of Malta so far and Amber?
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I haven’t met them both I think!
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Ok, no prob. I’ll keep my mouth 🤐 until you do 🙃
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ASOIAF is soooo good! I really hope we get the next part in the foreseeable future.
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I have my fingers crossed that we will get it soon.
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I’m not sure I’d be able to make a list like this. I would really have to sit down and think about it. Harry Potter would probably be one of my picks, though:-)
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It took a couple tries before I could settle on these.
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