Books like The Silmarillion
30 fantasy books to read after The Silmarillion, by Tolkien, J.r.r., the closest match first.
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1. Book Of The Jhereg
by Brust, Steven
- On the same lists
Steven Brust, while known in some circles, seems to be largely ignored by most fantasy readers these days. For a certain type of fantasy - heavy comic book action with...
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Song Of Albion book 1 Start here
2. The Paradise War
by Lawhead, Stephen R.
- On the same lists
A crossover series where the protagonists (university students) are transported from ordinary London to ancient times. This alternate world is filled with Celtic mythology as well as Christian themes.
One of Stephen Lawhead’s lesser-known works, but perhaps the most beautiful. It tells the tale of an ordinary man, Lewis, who’s a graduate student from Oxford. Lewis is a rather...
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3. Wheel Of The Infinite
by Wells, Martha
- On the same lists
An original fantasy standalone with a bit of an eastern flavor. It gets much less attention than her “The Death of a Necromancer” but is, in my opinion, every bit...
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4. Wars Of Light And Shadow
by Wurts, Janny
- On the same lists
Another “forgotten” epic fantasy. As seems to be the case with these forgotten epic fantasies, there is a big tradeoff between action and characterization, this series opting for characterization over...
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5. The Hobbit
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
An unforgettable story and a tale that never gets old. It's not as broad in scope as Lord of the Rings which is not really a standalone, nor does it...
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6. Lord Of The Rings
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
In this classic fantasy example, Frodo and his buddies embark on a grand quest with the fate of Middle Earth at stake. During the course of the very long and physical journey, Frodo also embarks on an internal journey.
I read this when I was 9 - four times that is. Maybe I was just a kid, but I had never seen or imagined anything like this series. You...
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7. Lord Of The Rings
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Do I even need to discuss it? The father of modern fantasy, the recreation of the English myth, an apex of English literature; Lord of the Rings is more than...
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8. Lord Of The Rings
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
The quintessential Fantasy trilogy draws from medieval history as well as its European folklore.
Yep, had to include it. Most people have probably read this series and even more authors have written hackneyed copies of it, but this series is the original father epic...
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9. Lord Of The Rings
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Possibly the most, well-recognized world of fiction in history. The Lord of the Rings is the third best-selling novel ever written, with over 150 million copies sold. This high fantasy...
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The Second Sons book 1 Start here
10. The Lion Of Senet
by Fallon, Jennifer
- On the same lists
Another series that seems to be virtually ignored by the general public. Perhaps because it’s a low fantasy series (i.e. there is no magic, though the world is a sort...
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11. The Chronicles Of Prydain
by Alexander, Lloyd
- On the same lists
You might call this a more focused, mini version of The Lord of the Rings and one that most of you will probably never have heard of. It's an older...
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12. The God Stalker Chronicles
by Hodgell, P.c.
- On the same lists
Virtually unknown by most and recently reprinted, The God Stalker Chronicles are very underrated. For those in the know, this is one of the better unknown series out there. The...
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13. The Chronicles Of Amber
by Zelazny, Roger
- On the same lists
Not strictly unknown, yet still ignored by the average fantasy reader. The world of Amber is one of the most original and most interesting fantasy worlds out there - something...
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Magics book 1 Start here
14. Master Of The Five Magics
by Hardy, Lyndon
- On the same lists
A series with the most logical and detailed magic systems ever invented. This is one for those analytical readers who like magic to actually make sense and follow consistent rules.
The story follows Alodar, an apprentice magician, as he discovers and masters the five paths of magic. It's an exciting adventure that's virtually unknown by the modern fantasy reader and...
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15. Winds Of The Forelands
by Coe, David B.
- On the same lists
A character-driven fantasy with plenty of magic to boot. It’s fallen by the wayside with all the recent fantasy that’s come out, but it’s a sharp tale with great characterization,...
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16. The Dark Is Rising
by Cooper, Susan
- On the same lists
A higher-level, more advanced reading than Harry Potter. There was a movie made from the book, but the books are so much better you can just forget the movie ever...
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The Lord Of The Rings book 1 Start here
17. The Hobbit
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Smaug is the classic dragon figure lying under the mountain—a scary creature who keeps the dwarves from their home and who must be defeated.
The Hobbit is one of the most well-loved fantasy novels of all time. Written by J.R.R Tolkien as a bedtime story for his children, The Hobbit is a light-hearted tale,...
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18. Garrett, P.i. Series
by Cook, Glen
- On the same lists
Gritty detective fantasy in a warzone - this is The Dresden Files before Dresden. Garrot PI has been vastly overshadowed by Cook’s The Black Company, but these are actually some...
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19. Man Of His Word
by Duncan, Dave
- On the same lists
A beloved fantasy series by all who've read it, though few modern fantasy readers have read it. This is probably one of the best hidden epic fantasy gems out there...
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The Lord Of The Rings book 3
20. The Two Towers
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Presents a boxed set including the complete "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, as well as its prequel, "The Hobbit."
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The Lord Of The Rings book 4
21. The King Returns
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
Presents a boxed set including the complete "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, as well as its prequel, "The Hobbit."
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22. The Riyria Revelations
by Sullivan, Michael J.
- On the same lists
Sullivan was a self-published author who was, after years of persistence, able to land a contract with a publishing company. The series have garnered a lot praise over the past...
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23. Tamir Triad
by Flewelling, Lynn
- On the same lists
This is a series that's fallen a bit by the wayside in that many don't know about it. But it's a rare treat for those who want a well drawn...
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24. Monarchies Of God
by Kearney, Paul
- On the same lists
A lot of people call Kearney's Monarchies of God 'A Game of Thrones Lite.' And for the most part, this is true. There are a five books (each only a...
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25. Fafhrd And The Gray Mouser
by Chaykin, Howard
- On the same lists
Leiber helped to pioneer the sword-and-sorcery genre and is widely hailed as one of the most influential fantasy writers ever. Unfortunately, he's never received the credit he deserves for such...
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The Acts Of Caine book 1 Start here
26. Heroes Die
by Stover, Matthew Woodring
- On the same lists
A novel about two worlds that blends Science Fiction and Fantasy. An action packed adventure filled with real danger, sorcery, and a complex social system.
The Acts of Caine series takes adventure fantasy and drags it sixteen miles through the mud, and then tortures what's left. In a dystopian future, humanity has discovered a way...
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27. The Fionavar Tapestry Trilogy
by Kay, Guy Gavriel
- On the same lists
In this trilogy some University of Toronto graduates are transported from a Celtic conference to a magical world where they must against the darkness.
Gavriel Kay's Fionavar is an ode to J.R.R. Tolkien, building on his life as an editorial assistant to his son, Christopher. Kay was instrumental in the publication of the legend's...
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Damar book 2
28. The Hero And The Crown
by Mckinley, Robin
- On the same lists
A classic book that features many recognizable Fantasy tropes: royalty, romance, enchantment, dragons, war.
Aerin is shy, clumsy, ugly, and mistrusted by the people she is supposed to rule. She is ridiculed for being the daughter of a witch with none of her witchy...
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The Chronicles Of Master Li And Number Ten Ox book 1 Start here
29. Bridge Of Birds
by Hughart, Barry
- On the same lists
Master Li and Ox â the main characters in this work â are easily some of the most loveable characters in fantasy. Aside from these charming protagonists, the book is...
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Lyonesse book 1 Start here
30. Lyonesse
by Vance, Jack
- On the same lists
If you were to open a copy of Lyonesse and give it a good shake, a bunch of (very annoyed) fairies would fall out. Because they're everywhere in this book....
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