Epic and high fantasy books are action-packed stories with an array of characters from elves to dwarves, wizards to humans, and many more creatures besides. It’s a sub-genre which combines a hero’s journey, often long and difficult, with rich world-building. There is magic, monsters, danger and adventure, with sweeping, high-stakes battles and themes of good versus evil. Set in elaborately crafted fictional worlds, these books will spellbind with their lavish descriptions, epic storylines, and cinematic battles. A Christchurch City Libraries list.
This 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 save…
This first instalment of ‘The Kingkiller Chronicles’ tells Kvothe's story as he grows from a young orphan into the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen. Travel alongside this rakish rogue as he embarks on a journey to learn more about the…
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…
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 has deftly built 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,…
Shea, a Half-Elf, lives a sheltered life - blissfully unaware of the conflicts and dangers which ravage other parts of the Four Lands. This idyllic peace is shattered when a world-ending threat raises its head and Shea must fulfil his prophesied…
Complex subplots and intricate systems of magic twist together in 'Gardens of the Moon', a dark and enthralling novel of empire, resistance and intrigue. The Malazan Empire is in turmoil, ruled by a tyrannical empress, and years of war and bloodshed…
Action, political intrigue and a dash of romance combine in 'The Curse of Chalion', alongside strong world-building and vivid characters. Warrior-diplomat Cazaril returns home to Valenda after many adventures and is appointed secretary-tutor to the…
Normally a writer of fantasy for teens, Sarah J Maas delves deep into the world of high fantasy for adults with House of Earth and Blood, a richly imaginative novel full of suspense and memorable characters. Set in an intriguing urban fantasy world…
An epic coming-of-age story about Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, who is thrust into a life of adventure when he is drafted as an apprentice by the king's royal assassin. Combining emerging magical powers with ever-improving combat skills,…
SparHawk has just returned from years abroad in exile to find his homeland wrecked and ruined. His young queen is encased in a prison of diamond, and he must embark on a perilous journey to see her returned to him unharmed. No dragons or elves in…
The first book in the series that inspired the massively popular Witcher video games, and TV series. ‘The Last Wish’ follows Geralt, a cold-blooded monster-hunter on a quest to rid the world of the evils (both fair and foul) that plague it. Geralt…
Teeming with action, magic, and criminal alliances formed in the shadowy underworld of a dark and cruel world. A crew of criminal allomancers - practitioners of the elemental magic system - rise up in rebellion, led by the powerful Kelsier. The…
As you may have guessed from the title, this blast from the past (1968) is absolutely packed with scaley, winged, fire-breathing beasts. Fast-paced and creative, this classic is the gateway into McCaffrey's expansive world of dragons, stolen…
Lavish worldbuilding, an intriguing cast of characters and strange magics weave together in an excellent debut novel. Our protagonist is Csorwe, a young Orc priestess, who defies her destiny by absconding with an exiled wizard. Features a good…
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…
