When news journalist and fantasy skeptic Siss Vik asked readers for their best book tips within the genre, many took to the keyboard. There is no doubt that books about magical universes, fire-breathing dragons and sorcery are much loved by dedicated fans. In total, no less than five hundred comments were received. We have gathered together the most popular tips. Here are some of the readers’ absolute favourites: JRR Tolkien – “Lord of the Rings” Photo: Tiden/AP Original title: “Lord of the Rings” First published: 1954 Synopsis: The books are about the hobbit Frodo Baggins and his journey to destroy the evil ring that can destroy all of Midgard. Kaja Tho: – It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen the films several times; there is a lot that happens in the books that is not in the movies. The book is a classic, it is exciting and has everything. I don’t read a lot of fantasy myself, but this is one of my favorite books regardless of genre. Vegard Ovland : – I have to stand wholeheartedly behind your boss who thinks you ABSOLUTELY must read JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, this trilogy is in many ways the start of modern fantasy. Neil Gaiman – “Neverwhere” Photo: Vigmostad & Bjørke/Gitte Johannessen/NTB Original title: “Neverwhere” First published: 1996 Synopsis: A young man saves a girl and falls into a hidden world beneath London. He must then navigate among sinister characters and dangerous situations in order to survive. Andreas Servan : – I am extremely fond of Neil Gaiman’s books! Like Harry Potter and the Narnia books, his fantasy worlds often exist in parallel with our own world, but often have a darker tone and a form of absurdity that often caricatures and comments on the absurdity of the real world – in an absolutely fantastic way. Cecilie Bjørnstad : – A lovely and exciting book that takes place in London – but in a London that is not quite as we know it before. Language, action and the characters are something that make me read that book again and again. Brandon Sanderson – “Mistborn” Photo: Tor Fantasy/Isaac Stewart Original title : “Mistborn” First released : 2006 Synopsis : The thief Vin discovers she has magical abilities in a world dominated by an evil emperor. Together with a group of rebels, she attempts to overthrow the emperor and put an end to his tyrannical regime. Thor Parmentier : – I think Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson is a good intro book to fantasy. I was so hooked that, up to several times, I sat at the university and considered whether I should drop lectures to read more. Sigrid Angell : – Female lead, stylish magic system and interesting twist on several of the tropes in the genre. Robin Hobb – “Farseer” Photo: HarperCollins Publishers/Trina Jones Original title : “The Farseer Triology” First published : 1995 Synopsis : The trilogy follows the life of the royal bastard FitzChivalry, who has the ability to communicate with animals and who is trained as an assassin for to protect the kingdom from internal and external threats. Kjersti Øverby : – Hobb deals with topics such as gender and identity in a very good way, so subtly that I have only noticed it in recent years because of the public debate. Although there are both dragons and magic in the stories, it is a completely natural part of the world without overshadowing it. Thomas Breivik : – Hobb’s strength is on the human and inter-human level, a bit unorthodox for fantasy perhaps, but works excellently. Feel free to keep a box of handkerchiefs next to you, Hobb knows how to conjure up emotions! Terry Pratchett – “Discworld” Photo: Tiden Forlag/BEN STANSALL/AFP Original title: “Discworld” First published: 1983 Synopsis: The book series takes place on a flat world carried on the backs of four elephants who stand on top of the turtle A’Tuin and explore a range of topics and social problems in a humorous and satirical way. Malena Heier : – I would start with the Discworld books. The first is called “The Color of Magic”. They should preferably be read in English as there are many references and puns that work best there. Erik Eriksen : – Would strongly recommend Terry Pratchett’s books which are set in a flat world where it is entirely possible (though not recommended) to fall over the edge. Socially critical, funny and imaginative, a world where witches have an educational social function, dragons are something you don’t really imagine ordinarily and just about anything is possible. Ursula LeGuin – “Earthsea” Photo: Gyldendal/Benjamin Brink/AP Original title : “Earthsea” First published : 1968 Synopsis : The Earthsea series takes place in a world consisting of various islands in a large ocean. We follow the story of wizard Ged and other characters who navigate life on the islands as they try to balance using magic and maintaining equilibrium in the world. Thea Kristine Nevland : – This whole series gives me a real feeling of going to a world where I want to be. Every time I open one of the books I just feel calm and happy. Unlike other types of fantasy, there is not so much war and politics, there is a mission that must be completed. Henning Lystad : – The Jordsjø trilogy by Ursula K LeGuin liberating short, and also excellent books that are among some of the best in the genre. Robert Jordan – “The Wheel of Time” Photo: Tor Fantasy/Liza Groen Trombi Original title : “Wheel of Time” First published : 1990 Synopsis : An epic fantasy series in a world full of magic, intrigue and war. The story follows a group of young people who are drawn into a prophecy about a reborn hero who will save the world from an evil that threatens to destroy everything. Joakim Kanten : – Recommends “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan. (Which is finished by Brandon Sanderson). I would describe the books as “The Lord of the Rings for those who thought RH was far too short”. Tommy Benum : – “Wheel of Time” by Robert Jordan was amazing and intricate. The part he wrote himself. Patrick Rothfuss – “The Name of the Wind” Photo: Bazar/CC Original title: “Name of the Wind” First published: 2007 Synopsis: The book series is about the legendary sorcerer Kvothe in his adventurous journey through a world of magic and mysteries. We follow Kvothe’s incredible life story, from his humble origins as a street kid to his rise to fame as one of the most powerful wizards in the land. Sindre He : – For me personally, “Name of the wind” is the book I always recommend to acquaintances when they want to start reading fantasy. As my brother said, he saved the last 100 pages for fear of finishing the book. There are several of us (in the comments section) who are eagerly waiting for the 3rd book in the series, and the fear is that it will never come, but it is absolutely worth the risk. Ingrid Sætre : – It is absolutely recommended, but if you get hooked, it’s hard to discover that book no. three has been waiting for over 10 years. Siri Pettersen – “The Ravens” Photo: Gyldendal/Julie Loen Original title: “The Ravens” First published: 2013 Synopsis: The books follow Hirka, an outcast and different teenager who must fight both inner demons and external enemies to discover her true identity and save the world from doom. Guro Nordengen : – A nice introduction to fantasy, as it has mostly a medieval feel and not a lot of complicated magic to keep track of. In addition, Pettersen writes so extremely well that I give up. It may be on the limit in length, but it has good drive. The audiobook is absolutely gold. Guri Bakken : – Norwegian fantasy with a Norse-ish backdrop, written by the wonderful Siri Pettersen. Free of orcs and dwarves, a wonderful new universe, similar enough for us to recognize ourselves and strange enough to pique curiosity. Hungry for more cultural matters? Check these out:
ttn-69
Here are news readers’ tips for getting started with fantasy books – news Culture and entertainment
