As part of Entangled Teen’s TeamEpic vs TeamUrban fantasy week, I wanted to share my top 5 favorite epic fantasy reads. A few of these are older but they are all worth a look.
So let’s get it #TeamEpic!
I’ve said many times over the past few days that I love epic fantasy because of its escapism. When I read, I don’t want to remember the problems of the real world…I want to be thrown into a new one.
I write it because of the same reason. I’m obsessed with the blend of research that has to be done to bring in certain cultural influences in as well as the imagination you get to bring into. Creating believable cultures, politics, religions, languages and magic systems always preoccupies my mind and is one of my favorite parts about writing. Here are 5 novels that cultivated my love of fantasy:
- The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix- I read this series in college and it blew my mind. The magic system was so dangerous and intricate, Sabriel is such a strong heroine and I was absorbed in the world Nix created. I’ve been itching to read this series again and probably will soon!
- Poison Study (series) by Maria V Snyder- This series was in the “adult” fantasy section while I worked at Books-A-Million. I was putting away books and saw the cover of Poison Study. I couldn’t get it out of my head so I purchased it and BLEW through the book Every book in the series is just as good as the first and I loved Yelena and Valek. Danger, a new world, lots of mystery? Um, yes please!
- The Naming (The Books of Pellinor series) by Alison Croggon- Another older series but definitely not one to be missed. It had amazing character building, a great world and the magic was incredible.
- Defiance by CJ Redwine- Sadly, I’ve only read the first book in this series but I couldn’t put it down. I plan on getting the others now that they are out because I loved Rachel and Logan. In fact, Logan is one of my favorite fantasy heroes OF ALL TIME. He’s so stinkin’ clever.
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo- This is a newer one to my list but I couldn’t put it down. I loved the Russian influence, the magic system and ALL OF THE CHARACTERS (give me the Darkling any day, thank you, please).
So there are my top 5 favorite YA epic fantasies. Of course, I would also add my book GARDEN OF THORNS on there but I’m a little partial to is so I didn’t think it was appropriate!
What are your favorite epic YA reads?
Amber Mitchell 