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. Sorcerer's Son
by Eisenstein, Phyllis
- On the same lists
The premise for this series – of a humanized demon and his struggle for freedom – isn't one you'll come across often. It's the kind of idea that could go...
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2. Nine Princes In Amber: Book One
by Zelazny, Roger
- On the same lists
In the 70s, this was considered the freshest kind of fantasy, and today's writers often point to it as one of their inspirations.Why it made the listThe world-building concept in...
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3. The Michael Moorcock Library Vol.1: Elric Of Melnibone
by Thomas, Roy
- On the same lists
Before the comments section roasts this list, we know Elric appeared in a short story in the 60s. It was only in the 70s that the novel form would be...
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4. Gate Of Ivrel
by Cherryh, C. J.
- On the same lists
It wasn't until the 90s that really gritty fantasy became the norm for the genre, which is why The Morgaine Stories were so different to the standard epic fantasies of...
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5. Tales From The Flat Earth - The Lords Of Darkness
by Lee, Tanith
- On the same lists
In blending A Thousand And One Nights with fantasy elements, Lee created an original world by departing from the Euro-centric mythology that Tolkien had drawn upon in The Lord of...
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6. Thieves' World Series
by Aspirin, Robert
- On the same lists
The Thieves' World Series is the literary equivalent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Or maybe it's closer to the DC Extended Universe in that sometimes Ben Affleck ruins things. The...
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7. To Your Scattered Bodies Go
by Farmer, Philip Jose
- On the same lists
This series can also be considered Science Fiction. Humanity is resurrected (from across all of history) on the banks of a constructed world.
There are some problematic things about this series, but it's an interesting concept and the action scenes are some of the most fun to come out of the 70s. The...
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8. Dragonsong
by Mccaffrey, Anne
- On the same lists
Anne McCaffrey's world of Pern is one of the most well-known – and well realized – worlds in the genre. Dragonsong is a quick read that's perfect for anyone looking...
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9. The Bloody Chamber
by Carter, Angela
- On the same lists
If you've ever paid real attention to fairy tales, you'll have noticed that they're not at all friendly. It's kind of like what happens when you watch roadrunner cartoons and...
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10. Deryni Rising
by Kurtz, Katherine
- On the same lists
That this series remains unknown by today's fantasy readers is a pity, because it's a great series – especially for fans of political fantasy or fantasy that occurs in worlds...
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11. Myth Adventures Series
by Asprin, Robert
- On the same lists
Need a break from lengthy, dense and heavy-handed epic fantasy? Pick this series up – it's lighthearted and easy to read. As with most 70s fantasy, don't expect great female...
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12. The Sword Of Shannara
by Brooks, Terry
- On the same lists
After a nuclear holocaust civilization was destroyed and the world now has a blend of magic and primitive technology—an epic story told across many volumes.
There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who want to burn The Sword of Shannara and those who say they want to burn The Sword of Shannara...
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13. The Drawing Of The Dark
by Powers, Tim
- On the same lists
Other than a good cup of coffee (or tea), a beach or a fresh doughnut, there's nothing that relaxes many people than a cold beer. Beer lovers will talk metaphorically...
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14. The Crystal Cave
by Stewart, Mary
- On the same lists
The first in a series that retells the legend of Merlin.
Sometimes it feels like the Arthurian legend has been done to death. Because it has. But there are some retellings of the tale that are worth reading – if only...
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The Shining book 1 Start here
15. The Shining
by King, Stephen
- On the same lists
A caretaker and his family spend a winter in the Overlook Hotel, King's terrifying novel of a house that wants them.
Disclaimer: Avoid King books if you're sensitive to the overuse of adverbs. Second disclaimer: The movie and the book are quite different, but neither will ruin you for the other...
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16. Smith Of Wootton Major
by Tolkien, J.r.r.
- Same author
In the little town of Wootton Major, they have a wonderful tradition where a special cake is baked every twenty-four years, and eaten by twenty-four good children. But, when a...
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17. 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 Lord Of The Rings book 1 Start here
18. 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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19. The Stand
by King, Stephen
- On the same lists
A popular novel, and possibly King's best, is an end-of-the world story caused by the accidental release of a mutating influenza virus that wipes out 99% of humanity.
You either love him or hate him (and if you do hate him, it's probably because every second sentence is a ridiculous metaphor), but there's no denying that Stephen King...
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20. Beauty
by Mckinley, Robin
- On the same lists
This rendition of the classic fairytale inspired the Disney cartoon of the 90's, and the live action film in 2017. The fairytale I grew up with featured the typical ugly,...
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21. 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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22. 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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23. 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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The Lord Of The Rings book 3
24. 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
25. 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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Xanth book 1 Start here
26. A Spell For Chameleon
by Anthony, Piers
- On the same lists
When this came out, there was nothing like it. The consensus is that you'll either love the Xanth books or hate them. If you fell into the latter category it...
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27. Riddle-master Trilogy
by Mckillip, Patricia A.
- On the same lists
This trilogy offers another refreshing take on traditional coming of age stories. Often in fantasy, magic is seen as a way out for the protagonist. It lets them move away...
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28. 1975: The Forgotten Beasts Of Eld
by Mckillip, Patricia A.
- On the same lists
Sybel is 16 years old, and alone in the world, orphaned by her princess mother and her wizard father. Her only goal in life is to maintain the magical animals...
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29. The Princess Bride
by Goldman, William
- On the same lists
A cult classic both on the page and in film, this story is full of romance, sword fights, comedy, true love, miracles, pirates, princesses, wild beasts, and a good dash of wit. An entertaining read worth every moment.
If you've never said, “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die”, you're about as rare as a swear word at Hogwarts. Part of the reason...
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30. The Neverending Story
by Ende, Michael
- On the same lists
The protagonist is a shy and awkward boy with a grand imagination. He becomes a character in a book where he takes on a mission of heroic significance.
The Neverending Story is a perfect example of how badly a film version of a beloved book can go. For people who hadn't read the book, the film was probably...
Matches come from series and authors, from the lists the books share, and from the books readers open together. They are rebuilt every night. Back to The Silmarillion.
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