Books matching: medieval fantasy setting
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- #1
Save:An original, female-led fantasy with richly realized world-building and a twisty plot - great for those who love strong heroines and nuanced family drama, but less so if you crave nonstop thrills or epic romance.
"Stranger at the Wedding" by Barbara Hambly follows Kyra, a wizard-in-training who is drawn back to her family when she foresees her sister's death on her wedding night. Despite being disowned by her family, Kyra must navigate the dangers of her magical abilities and societal prejudices to save her sister. Set in a world where wizards are feared and legislated against, the story unfolds as Kyra races against time to unravel a curse and protect her family from an unknown enemy, blending elements of mystery and fantasy in a unique industrial revolution setting.
In the nearly twenty years Kyra had known Barklin Briory, she had never seen her father’s butler shaken from the magisterial calm imposed by her office. But by the look on Briory’s round, stern face w...March 1994•348 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Windrose Chronicles ) - #2
Save:A challenging but influential classic: fascinating if you love myths, stories, and big ideas, but not for everyone. Worth a try if you’re serious about understanding why we tell stories the way we do.
'The Hero With a Thousand Faces' by Joseph Campbell is a masterwork that delves into the universality of hero stories and myths across cultures. Campbell's scholarly text demystifies the concept of the monomyth, analyzing a broad spectrum of cultural myths to reveal the common hero archetype present in all of them. The book provides detailed insights into the hero's journey, drawing parallels between myths from different societies and shedding light on the underlying similarities that connect humanity through storytelling. Campbell's writing style, although at times perceived as dry, offers a comprehensive exploration of the hero's tale, making it a fascinating read for those interested in mythology and literary criticism.
Typical of the circumstances of the call are the dark forest, the great tree, the babbling spring, and the loathly, underestimated appearance of the carrier of the power of destiny. We recognize in th...1949•459 pages - #3
Save:'The Mythic Bestiary: The Illustrated Guide to the World's Most Fantastical Creatures' by Tony Allan is a comprehensive guide to mythical creatures from various literatures, organized by air, land, and water. The book provides detailed information on each creature's appearance, abilities, habitats, and stories associated with them. It is praised for being well-written, beautifully illustrated, and engaging for readers interested in mythology and fantasy.
This book appeals to writers, mystical beast enthusiasts, and those interested in mythology. It features amazing stories and detailed illustrations that bring the creatures to life. Despite some mature content, it is described as a must-have for anyone interested in learning about mythological creatures and their significance in literature.
October 2008•256 pages - #4
Save:A brainy, foundational classic that offers a sweeping look at world mythology, but it’s definitely a slow, scholarly journey. Approach it as a reference or deep-dive rather than light reading - and bring your patience and curiosity along for the ride!
'Primitive Mythology' by Joseph Campbell is a dense and detailed exploration of the origins and evolution of mythology across different cultures and time periods. Campbell delves deep into the cultural mythical well, uncovering the common threads that run beneath all cultures and helping readers better understand the expressions of myth in everyday life. The book covers the religious mythological beliefs of prehistorical cultures, presenting research and interpretations of artifacts and paintings to trace the development of myths from early agriculturally based societies to ancient hunter-gatherer peoples.
A number of popular moving-picture films have shown the amazing phenomenon of the laying and hatching of the eggs of the sea turtle. The female leaves the water and crawls to a point on the beach safe...1959•563 pages - #5
Save:A sprawling, deeply detailed fantasy series that's perfect for fans who love immersive worldbuilding and magic-heavy plots - but be ready for some rough edges and a main character you’ll either love or love to hate.
'Spellmonger' in the series 'The Spellmonger' by Terry Mancour is a fantasy novel that follows the story of the main character, Minalan, a small village tradesman turned powerful wizard. The plot revolves around Minalan getting involved in a conflict with goblins after a goblin invasion compels him to rise to greater heights. The writing style is described as slightly strange, first person, and told in retrospect with lots of sarcastic comments, making the story more entertaining than exciting. features action in the form of boozing, hacking, slashing, combative spellcasting, and sex, not suitable for kids or sexually repressed adults but appealing to those with an appreciation for lusty women.
The novel is praised for its great comedic moments, world-building, and wonderful characters, with Book one being mostly self-contained while setting the stage for more interconnected subplots in subsequent books. The magic system in the world of 'Spellmonger' is consistent and well-thought-out, featuring hard magic with defined limits that the author cleverly works around, adding depth to the story and making it engaging for readers.
You’d expect a bell to tinkle merrily. There was no merriment in this toll – this bell was a locally produced, crudely forged iron affair that lived in a rickety rough stone belltower in the middle of...March 2011•591 pages - #6
Save:A gritty, inventive mashup of fantasy and forensics - perfect if you love your mysteries dark, clever, and just a bit spooky.
Ghosts in the Snow by Tamara Siler Jones is a fantasy mystery novel that follows Dubric Bryerly, the castellan of Castle Faldorrah, who is haunted by the ghosts of murder victims. As a procedural forensic novel set in a fantasy world, Dubric must solve a series of gruesome murders while being haunted by the ghosts of the dead. The story combines elements of historical fiction, paranormal events, and a police procedural, creating a unique and enthralling tale that keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot twists and dark fantasy atmosphere.
Dubric Byerly, Castellan of Faldorrah, sat alone at a small table in the castle kitchen, his mangled breakfast congealing before him. He sipped his tea and frowned as he poked a chunk of sausage with...October 2004•488 pages - #7
Save:A smart, quietly gripping fantasy centered on resilience, political intrigue, and faith - with a wonderfully real, battered hero. If you’re after thoughtful worldbuilding and soulful characters (not just epic battles), this one’s a must-read.
In 'The Curse of Chalion,' Lois McMaster Bujold presents a fantasy world where five gods influence the lives of its inhabitants, creating a religious system based on the seasons with a wildcard god, The Bastard, for those who do not fit into the others. The story follows protagonist Cazaril, who is empathetic and charming, navigating political machinations and a complex society while trying to break a curse that plagues the royal family. Bujold weaves a tale of action, intrigue, and a touch of romance, set in a richly developed world that feels real and immersive.
The book delves into themes of religion, political intrigue, redemption, and character growth, with a focus on a hero who does not seek to be a hero but fulfills his responsibilities with intelligence and empathy. Bujold's writing style is praised for its deep character development, intricate world-building, and clever plot intricacies that keep readers engaged and invested in the story till the satisfying end.
Cazaril heard the mounted horsemen on the road before he saw them. He glanced over his shoulder. The well-worn track behind him curled up around a rolling rise, what passed for a hill on these high wi...2000•488 pages - #8
Save:A must-read for lovers of historical epics and action, though its blood-soaked realism and gritty detail mean it's not for the faint of heart. If you want a front-row seat to Viking-era England with a complex, memorable hero, jump in!
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in ninth-century Britain during the Danish invasion. The story follows Uhtred, a young Saxon boy who is captured and raised by Danes, navigating the complexities of loyalty and identity. Through vivid battle scenes and detailed historical context, the book paints a picture of a tumultuous time in English history, focusing on the clash between Saxons and Danes. The narrative is driven by Uhtred's transformation from a boy to a warrior, exploring themes of destiny, loyalty, and the struggle between paganism and Christianity.
The Danes were clever that day. They had made new walls inside the city, invited our men into the streets, trapped them between the new walls, surrounded them, and killed them. They did not kill all t...2004•372 pages - #9
Save:A light, old-school fantasy adventure bursting with charm and comfort, best enjoyed by newer fantasy fans and those craving a nostalgic, heartwarming quest - even if it’s not the most original tale in the genre.
'Pawn of Prophecy' is the first installment in 'The Belgariad' series by David Eddings. It follows the journey of Garion, a seemingly normal farm boy who discovers his true destiny and embarks on an epic adventure with a group of diverse and intriguing characters. The plot revolves around a stolen ancient artifact, the awakening of Garion's hidden powers, and the looming threat of evil forces. The writing style is described as comfortable, with a sense of humor and likable characters that make the story engaging and enjoyable for readers.
THE FIRST THING the boy Garion remebered was the kitchen at Faldor's farm. For all the rest of his life he had a special warm feeling for kitchens and those peculiar sounds and smells that seemed some...1982•291 pages - #10
Save:A refreshingly different blend of fantasy and mystery set in a magical, Japanese-inspired world - worth picking up if you’re after original settings and subtle, character-driven storytelling.
D'Shai by Joel Rosenberg is a fantasy novel set in a world loosely based on medieval Japan where magic is a part of everyday life. The story follows a protagonist who is a member of an acrobatic troupe and gets entangled in a murder mystery that he must solve to clear his name. The book intricately weaves elements of magic, acrobatics, and the unique D'Shai culture into the narrative, providing readers with a blend of fantasy and mystery. The writing style is described as spare yet engaging, with a consistent and believable magic system that immerses the reader in the world created by Rosenberg.
Old Adan, the keeper of the Scion’s Inn, who had spent part of the previous hour sharing gossip with Duerni Draven, fell silent. It was a commonplace to chat with a customer; it was another thing enti...January 1991•327 pages
