What are the best fantasy fiction books?

One of the best is 'The Bear and the Nightingale' by Katherine Arden. It weaves a rich tapestry of Russian folklore into a captivating story. The characters are vivid and the setting feels both magical and real.

A great one is 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling. It follows the journey of Harry Potter in the wizarding world. It has elements of magic, friendship, and the fight against the dark wizard Voldemort. The Hogwarts School setting is really interesting.

Well, 'Spinning Silver' by Naomi Novik was quite popular in 2018. It's a retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale but with a much more complex and fantastical world - building. And then there's 'Vengeful' by V.E. Schwab, a sequel to 'Vicious' that continues to explore the concept of super - powered individuals in a dark and imaginative setting.

The 'His Dark Materials' trilogy by Philip Pullman is among the top fantasy books. It has a unique concept of daemons which are manifestations of a person's soul in animal form. The story is full of adventure and challenges the ideas of authority and religion. Then there's 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis. This series transports readers to the magical land of Narnia, where animals can talk and there are epic battles between good and evil. It has a strong Christian allegory but is also a great fantasy read in its own right. 'The Earthsea Cycle' by Ursula K. Le Guin is also a wonderful choice. It focuses on a world of islands and magic, and the coming - of - age story of its main character Ged.

In 2017, 'The Bear and the Nightingale' by Katherine Arden was also quite popular. It's a story that weaves Russian folklore into a fantasy narrative. The vivid descriptions of the cold Russian landscape and the magical elements make it a great read. And 'Tower of Dawn' by Sarah J. Maas is another one, which delved deeper into the world and characters of her Throne of Glass series.

Well, 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' can also be considered. Although it's not strictly pure fantasy, it has elements of magic as the main character makes a deal with a devil - like entity and lives for centuries, seeing the world change in many ways. It was quite popular in 2020.

One of the best books in fantasy fiction is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a richly detailed world, complex characters, and an epic adventure. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin, known for its political intrigue and diverse characters. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also a top choice, with its magical world and themes of friendship and good vs. evil.

Another one could be 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie. It's set in a far - flung future with a complex universe and interesting characters. The unique narrative style and exploration of themes like identity and power within the science - fiction framework are what make it stand out.

One of the top science fiction and fantasy books is '1984' by George Orwell. Although often considered more of a dystopian science fiction, it has elements of both. It warns about totalitarian governments and the loss of individual freedoms. Also, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a very fun and imaginative science - fiction work, full of strange aliens and absurd situations.

Well, great world - building is a must. For example, in 'The Lord of the Rings', Tolkien created Middle - earth with its own languages, cultures, and histories. Compelling characters are also key. In 'Harry Potter', we have Harry, Hermione, and Ron, who are relatable and grow throughout the series. Another characteristic is an engaging plot. In 'A Song of Ice and Fire', the plot twists keep readers on their toes.