Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Fantasy Reads

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This week’s topic is: favorite genre reads!  I went with fantasy (surprise, surprise) and it feels a little redundant- because I’m sure I’ve mentioned these books a bunch already, but I also don’t know if I’ve ever tried to pick a top ten and put them in one list.  These are in no particular order.

Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo – These will always be a favorite because of Kaz Brekker, but I love the whole SoC crew.

Greatcoats Quartet by Sebastien de Castell – If the author had kept writing these books, I would have kept reading them.  I was so disappointed to learn Tyrant’s Throne was the final book.  I mean- I guess Falcio has earned his rest, and he’s going out with dignity, but I can hope for prequels or… something… right?!

The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner – This is a series I don’t talk about enough.  Technically there are two more books that I haven’t even read yet, but the draw for me here Eugenides (you know, The Queen’s Thief?).  And he wasn’t in enough of book three for me, and then it seemed like he’d be in even less of book four.  I’ll probably try to get them read anyway before book six releases in 2020.

Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning – My mother recommended me Dreamfever one day and after I devoured that, I immediately devoured the rest of her books, and ever since then my mom and I shared these books as they released, so they hold some sentimental value too.

The Wolf in the Whale by Jordanna Max Brodsky – I saw someone today mention in a review: “Have you ever finished a book and then immediately wanted to go back and read it all over again?”  Yes.  Yes I have.  It was this book right here.  I had to talk myself out of the ridiculous immediate re-read.

Kingfountain Series by Jeff Wheeler – This is another series I probably don’t mention enough.  I probably never would have read them, except I got approved for The Hollow Crown’s e-galley, and realized it was technically the fourth book.  So I went back and bought the first three on a Kindle deal, and I’m so glad I did.  The Queen’s Poisoner is almost a historical retelling- imagining if King Richard hadn’t lost his head to Henry Tudor on Bosworth field.  I am a huge history buff- so recognizing the parallels as I read was like finding an easter egg in a video game.  But their true value comes from their characters- there isn’t a single one of these books that didn’t make me cry.  I’m ashamed to say I haven’t read any more of Wheeler (even though he has an awesome looking new series out).

Thessaly Series by Jo Walton – What happens when the greek god Apollo meets the philosopher Sokrates and together they thwart all Pallas Athene’s carefully laid plans?  Gold.  Gold is what happens.

Prince of Thorns (Broken Empire) by Mark Lawrence – Have I confessed before that for some extremely inexplicable reason I haven’t finished this series?  I think I’m scared Jorg experiences some kind of redemption, and I can’t stomach the thought.  I’ll get to them.. soon.  I hope.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – I guess you’ll notice The Lord of the Rings is not on this list. The Lord of the Rings is too effing long.  The Hobbit takes every wonderful thing about LOTR (dwarves and Gandalf) and delivers it to you in one complete 300 page book.

Circe by Madeline Miller – One of the things that stood out to me about Circe, was the level of hell Miller put her through before the poor girl gets any rest.  I loved Circe’s growth throughout and the ending was just perfect.

What are your favorites from your favorite genre?  Leave me a link in the comments below so I can come check them out!