Epic fantasy is all about the story, with plots that are both action-packed and engrossing. These books are filled with dynamic heroes embarking on long and difficult journeys. There is magic, monsters, danger and adventure to be found here, and battles are sweeping and high-stakes. The key to Epic Fantasy lies in the scope: any action has far-reaching influence, conflicts encompass vast empires or even worlds, and there are expansive casts of characters to keep track of, with tales often told from multiple perspectives. A Christchurch City Libraries list.
Epic in scale, this is one of the most enduring and influential works in the fantasy genre. Tolkein casts a long shadow through his masterful world-building, intricate language, and rich imagination. Join Frodo on his journey to destroy the One Ring…
‘Magician’ is the first book in the classic 'Riftwar Saga' series. This is a coming-of-age fantasy favourite with a fast moving, multi-faceted plot and interesting, likeable characters. Orphaned boy Pug must learn to master new magical abilities to…
This first instalment of ‘The Kingkiller Chronicles’ tells the story of Kvothe (in his own words, so take things with a grain of salt) as he grows from a young orphan into the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen. Travel alongside this…
Goodkind's stories include all the elements of classic fantasy, but the characters are what will keep you coming back for more. ‘Wizard’s First Rule’ features all your favourite tropes: a magic sword, good versus evil, side quests, monsters, a…
A truly epic opener for a great fantasy series from a master world builder to rival even Tolkien himself. All original races and magics - no elves or dwarves here – and set on a world shaped by its frequent and irregular highstorms. War rages on the…
Eddings is well-loved by epic fantasy fans for his Belgariad series, which spans thousands of years in its epic tale of the trials and tribulations of gods and mortals. In this first novel in the series, an unassuming country boy is swept up into a…
In this, the first book of Jemisin's 'Broken Earth' series, the eponymous fifth season refers to the apocalyptic flux that the world on which this tale is set periodically undergoes. Perhaps as a result of the violence of their landscapes, the…
The first book in the epic Wheel of Time series. Emond's Field in the Two Rivers area is home to a group of very gifted young people, although they don't realise it yet. Rand, Matt, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve are about to become the pivotal…
First in the Shattered Sea series. The young Prince Yarvi is prompted by the murder of his father to embark on a kingdom-transforming journey to regain the throne, even though a physical disability means he cannot wield a weapon. An easy read,…
‘The Ember Blade’ is solid start to a new good-vs-evil series with strong characters, strange and imaginative creatures and an adventurous, engrossing plot. In this story, told from multiple perspectives, two young friends find themselves on the run…
An adventurous fantasy series with heavy influence from Chinese history and mythology. Kuni and Mata forge an unlikely bond, amidst a world rife with political upheaval. But when the dust settles, will their friendship survive? This story has it…
Maniye is on the run, with a hired killer in pursuit. She's a royal daughter caught between cultures; half Tiger-clan and half Wolf-clan. With the shapeshifting ability to take either animalistic form, she's integral to her Wolf-clan father's…
Forming the first part of the Wars of Light and Shadow Series, ‘The Curse of the Mistwraith’ is detailed and immersive. Janny Wurts’ deftly builds a complex world and a grand, sweeping plot which rollicks along at a swift pace. The story follows…
'Priory of the Orange Tree' is certainly epic in scope. The setting is a detailed and sprawling world, with many empires separated by language and culture. But this is a world divided, on the brink of war, and a nameless darkness is returning,…
Conn Iggulden, best known for his Roman adventure stories, has ventured into the realms of epic fantasy with his new trilogy 'Empire of Salt'. It features two cities introduced in the first two books (Darien/Shiang), with magic artifacts, powerful…
