Titus Groan

Titus Groan is the first book in Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast trilogy and it opens with the birth of Titus, the heir to the imposing Gormenghast castle. It then proceeds to unfold into a story of intrigue, betrayal, and Machiavellian maneuvering like any good fantasy book should. Why it's on the list This is one of those books where it seems like not a lot happens, but by the end, a great deal has occurred. You are rapidly enveloped into its world and live and breathe the events along with the characters for the duration of reading. Peake is refreshingly original. The book is stunningly written and made for compelling reading. It flows remarkably well and keeps you eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next. There are some descriptions and images that are almost poetic and you'll be surprised at just how beautifully this fantasy novel is written. Read if you like Gothic horror and beautiful imagery.