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Fantastical Fiction — Anthony to Zelazny

All titles shelved in Fiction collection, except as noted: SF=science fiction, SS=short story collection, Y=young adult.

Anthony, Piers: A Spell for Chameleon

(1977)

SF

Until Good Magician Humphrey lends a hand, Bink is the only inhabitant of Xanth who has no magic. The first novel of the Magic of Xanth series.
Butcher, Jim: Storm Front

(2000)

SF

Harry Dresden, Wizard for Hire. He finds lost items, conducts paranormal investigations, does consulting work, gives advice and charges reasonable rates. First in a series.
Gaiman, Neil: American Gods

(2001)

One of the most talked-about books of the new millennium, American Gods is a kaleidoscopic journey deep into myth and across an American landscape at once eerily familiar and utterly alien. Winner of the Hugo and Nebula awards.
Goodkind, Terry: Wizard's First Rule

(1994)

SF

In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help, and more. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed, or that their time has run out. First of the The Sword of Truth series.
Jordan, Robert: The Eye of the World

(1990)

After their village is attacked, several young people discover they are pursued by dark forces. They flee with the enigmatic sorceress Moiraine in an attempt to defeat the Dark Lord and return Spring to the land. This difficult journey is only the beginning of their troubles, for within one of them a dangerous power stirs. Book One of the Wheel of Time.
Lackey, Mercedes: Arrows of the Queen

(1987)

Y

Talia, a young runaway, is made a herald at the royal court after she rescues one of the legendary Companions. When she uncovers a plot to seize the throne, Talia must use her empathic powers to save the queen.
Lanagan, Margo: Tender Morsels

(2008)

Y

Lanagan delivers a dark and vivid story, set in two worlds and worrying at the border between them. How will three women survive in a world where beauty and brutality lie side by side? Winner of the 2009 World Fantasy Award.
Le Guin, Ursula K.: A Wizard of Earthsea

(1975)

Y

A boy grows to manhood while attempting to subdue the evil he unleashed on the world as an apprentice to the Master Wizard. Award-winning first book in the classic Earthsea series.
Martin, George R. R.: A Game of Thrones

(1996)

In a land where seasons can extend for decades, winter returns. Ice vampires and direwolves are emboldened, and two powerful families will stop at nothing to control the Iron Throne. Loosely based on the conflict between the York and Lancaster families of the Wars of the Roses. If you enjoy George R. R. Martin, be sure to check out our If you like Game of Thrones book list.
McCaffrey, Anne: Dragonflight

(1978)

SF

After her family is killed, Lessa is reduced to a filthy scullery girl until she attracts the attention of a Dragonrider. An almost-forgotten threat from which dragon and rider once protected Pern has not been seen in hundreds of Turns, but there are signs it may be returning…and Pern isn't ready. A desperate Lessa devises a dangerous, perhaps foolhardy plan that just might save the planet. Book One of the Dragonriders of Pern .
Miéville, China: The Scar

(2002)

SF

Aboard a vast seafaring vessel, prisoners and slaves are being transported to a fledgling colony of New Crobuzon. When the ship is besieged by pirates, the senior officials are executed, and surviving passengers are brought to a floating city constructed upon the hulls of pirated ships, a place whose leaders harbor a sinister agenda.
Okorafor-Mbachu, Nnedi: Who Fears Death

(2010)

SF

Born into post-apocalyptic Africa to a mother who was raped after the slaughter of her entire tribe, Onyesonwu is tutored by a shaman and discovers that her magical destiny is to end the genocide of her people. Winner of the 2011 World Fantasy Award.
Pratchett, Terry: The Color of Magic : a Discworld Novel

(2000, c1983)

SF

This title, which launched the rollicking and roucous Discworld series, introduces the tourist Twoflower and his wizard guide, Rincewind.
Rothfuss, Pat: Name of the Wind

(2007)

SF

Rothfuss's fantasy literature debut is the story of a hero, told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, of survival, of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search—and the indomitable will that drove it—gave birth to a legend
Stewart, Mary: The Crystal Cave

(1970)

First in Mary Stewart's classic Arthurian saga, this is the story of Myridden Emrys—or, as he would later be known, Merlin
Weis, Margaret: Shadow Raiders

(2011)

SF

The known world floats upon the Breath of God, a thick gas similar to Earth's oceans, with land masses accessible by airship. The largest of these land masses are ruled by the rival empires of Freya and Rosia. Magic is intrinsic to the functioning of these societies, and is even incorporated into their technological devices. But now a crucial scientific discovery has occurred that could destroy the balance of power and change the empires forever.
White, T. H.: The Once and Future King

(1958)

The story of King Arthur, from his childhood as Wart tutored by Merlyn in Sir Ector's household, to the adult heartbreak of war, betrayal and adultery.
Zelazny, Roger: The Great Book of Amber

(1999)

SF

All ten of Zelazny's classic Amber novels in one book! Join Corwin, Merlin and the others in wild adventures in the lands of Amber, Earth, and the Courts of Chaos, where the powers of Amber and Chaos constantly battle for supremacy through intrigue and adventure.