Ursula K. Le Guin: The Earthsea Cycle
Ursula K. Le Guin's 'A Wizard of Earthsea' was published in 1968, and she followed it with four more books over the next 33 years. The Earthsea Cycle is a series of discrete stories that follow the wizard Ged, who faces inner demons and a world where magic is vanishing. Le Guin's series is notable for its focus on themes and characters rather than war, making it stand out in the fantasy genre.
Bernard Cornwell: The Warlord Chronicles
Bernard Cornwell's 'The Warlord Chronicles' remixes the Arthurian legend, presenting a more grounded version of King Arthur and his iconic characters. The trilogy explores the mystery of magic's vanishing and the struggles of a wizard named Ged. Despite its fantastical elements, the series is deeply felt and beautifully written.
Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson: The Wheel of Time
Robert Jordan's 'The Wheel of Time' series is an epic fantasy saga spanning 11 books, with Brandon Sanderson continuing the story in three more. The series follows a young man named Rand al'Thor who learns he is the Dragon Reborn, a messianic figure destined to save or destroy the world. The Wheel of Time is a sprawling story that explores the far corners of the fantasy world and its rich history.
Brandon Sanderson: The Mistborn Series
Brandon Sanderson's 'The Mistborn' series is broken into several cycles, including two trilogies, one standalone cycle, and a short story collection. The series is set in a world where select people can perform Allomancy, a form of magic, and is ruled by a seemingly immortal tyrant. Sanderson's books are direct, plot-driven, and perfect for reading before they become major motion picture events.
Joe Abercrombie: The First Law Series
Joe Abercrombie's 'The First Law' series is also broken into several cycles, including two trilogies, three standalone works, and one short story collection. The series is set in a bleak fantasy world where hope is scarce, magic is arcane, and war is constant. Abercrombie's work is known for its direct and digestible storytelling, making it a great read before the books become major motion picture events.
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