Here is the top-ten list of my favourite books. Most are in the Fantasy genre but there is a splattering of Sci-fi and Horror. In no particular order here are the must reads that you do not want to miss!
Magician – Raymond E Feist (Fantasy)
This is the first book of three in the Riftwar Saga set in the Kingdom of the Isles and my introduction to the works of Feist who is now one of my favourite authors.
The story follows the lives of two boyhood friends - Pug who is apprenticed to a master magician, and Tomas who inherits a great power from an ancient civilisation. The peace of the Kingdom is one day shattered as mysterious alien invaders attack through a rift from another land and it is Pug’s destiny that leads him through this rift where he discovers a potent magical power.
This is exceptional work and a must read if you love the writings of Tolkien and Gemmell.
Legend – David Gemmell (Fantasy)
This is the first book in a series of many from the Drenai Saga. Again it was an introduction for me to the works of Gemmell who I now hold in high esteem.
The tale follows the legendary Captain of the Axe called Druss. Well renowned he chooses a solitary life for the end of his days rather than the fame he could have claimed. But when the Drenai Empire is threatened by the Nadir hordes, Druss finds himself drawn back into life’s battle, defending the mighty Fortress of Dros Delnoch.
A very easy read but full of pace and vigour. Druss is one of, if not the most famous of Gemmell’s creation.
Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card (Sci-fi)
This is the first book in a series of nine from the Ender Saga and is a work of art.
A vast alien force is headed for Earth bent on the destruction of the human race. The only hope could be a young child, but then he is no normal child; he is Ender Wiggin. Before he can stop this threat he must complete the most brutal military training ever.
The characters are full of life and so easy to relate to. The story may revolve around children but does not suffer from this with regard to excitement or fast paced action. It has an addictive story line and once you start you will not be able to put it down.
Others – James Herbert (Horror)
This is not a genre I would normally read but something compelled me to pick up the book and I wasn’t disappointed.
It follows a private investigator, Nicholas Dismas, who is not like your average person. He is a very troubled soul and carries a secret that not even he has the answer to. His life all changes when he is hired to find a missing baby and the investigation takes him down a dark path of mystery and lies where he discovers the secret of the Others and finds answers to his own existence.
This is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I found it quite disconcerting the number of times I thought to myself, “this could actually happen” as the realism of it all unnerved me. Even if you don’t normally read Horror, you must read this.
Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien (Fantasy)
What can I say? Are there any fans of literature that don’t know the Lord of the Rings? Despite its size I’ve read it twice and will no doubt read it again in the future.
Body Guard of Lightning – Stan Nicholls (Fantasy)
This is the first book of three in the Orcs: First Blood series and may I add, a breath of fresh air.
The book follows a mercenary warband of Orcs on their journey to retrieve five artefacts of power in the hope they may buy their freedom. The leader Stryke and his band of Orcs encounter everything you would expect and hope for along the way and there is no shortage of skirmishes and battles to boot.
This is so refreshing to actually land inside the mind of fantasy's typical bad guy, who is always picked on and flogged by us, the wicked humans. The dialogue has pace and is straight to the point, tinged with a hint tongue and cheek humour. Not your usual fantasy tale but certainly up there with the best and a nice change from the norm.
Lion of Macedon – David Gemmell (Fantasy)
The first of two books set in ancient Greece but touched with a little bit of fantasy. Another fine work by Gemmell.
