9 Incredible Works of High Fantasy

9 Incredible Works of High Fantasy

Common Fantasy Tropes

The possibilities in this genre are endless, and no two authors create exactly the same world. Still, there are several common tropes that writers love to come back to again and again, sometimes adding their own unique twists. Here are a few beloved fantasy staples:

• Magic
• Hero
• Dark Lord
• The Epic Quest
• Medieval Setting & Folklore
• Dragons
• Fairies
• Giants
• The Chosen One
• Prophecies

5 Great High Fantasy Films

1. Dragonslayer (1981)
2. The Lord of the Rings (2001)
3. The Dark Crystal (1982)
4. The Magic Sword (1962)
5. The Last Unicorn (1982)

Classic Fantasy vs Modern Fantasy

In Depth

If you want to immerse yourself in a world of magic, mythical creatures, and supernatural elements, fantasy novels are definitely for you. They open doors to realms that allow us to escape reality and experience something extraordinary. Here are nine incredible works of high fantasy, presented in no particular order.

Starting off at #1 is "Son of the Black Sword." In a world where gods are forgotten, and demons haunt the sea, Ashok Vadal is chosen by an ancient sword to be its bearer. He is tasked with upholding the law, fighting demons, and killing rebels who try to bring back religion. However, an unexpected encounter with the condemned descendants of a hero who once saved mankind, reveals his past and shatters everything he believes in. Larry Correia's first book in his Forgotten Warrior series presents a thrilling adventure that explores religion and rebellion.

At #2 is "Sins of Empire." Suffering from an oppressive government, the natives of the city of Landfall are believed to be stirring up a revolution against Lady Chancellor Lindet and her army of police. Written by Brian McClellan, the tale follows the viewpoints of Michael Bravis, a spy who is tasked with searchingfor the owner of a seditious pamphlet, Colonel Ben Styke who was recently released from imprisonment as a war criminal, and Lady Vlora Flint, leader of a mercenary group. As an evil empire rises up, readers delve deep into a world of flintlock fantasy.

Suffering from an oppressive government, the natives of the city of Landfall are believed to be stirring up a revolution against Lady Chancellor Lindet and her army of police.

Next, at #3 is "Markswoman" by Rati Mehrotra. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the tale takes readers to the land of Asiana where Orders each keep their governing region peaceful. It tells the story of Kyra from the Order of Kali, who seeks to avenge her murdered family. Following the death of their leader whom she treats as a second mother, she flees the Order, believing that their new head, Tansym, is the one who murdered her for power. As she finds refuge in the all-male Order of Khur, she meets Rustan who helps her prepare for her vengeance.

At #4 is "The Summer Dragon," Illustrator Todd Lockwood's debut novel. It revolves around Maia, daughter of a family that breeds dragons for the government, which uses them as fighters in the army. She wishes for her own dragon, but as the war gets worse, the empire demands most of the creatures. Her life changes when she sees the rare and mythical Summer Dragon, which is believed to be an omen of change. Despite what the factions say about the meaning of its appearance, Maia believes it's a sign of good luck, causing her to risk everything she loves.

At #5 is "Dawn of Wonder" by Jonathan Renshaw. It follows the perspective of Aedan, a young farm boy who dreams of being a forester like his father. After a tragedy strikes their small town, people blame Aeden when his best friend is taken away by the invaders, causing him and his family to leave their land. Settling in a new village, he joins an academy for spies, warriors, and soldiers. His new dream of becoming a marshall kicks off a series of magical adventures and discoveries.

His new dream of becoming a marshall kicks off a series of magical adventures and discoveries.

At #6 is "The Black Prism," a fascinating tale about family and politics. It focuses on Gavin Guile, who is known as the Prism, the highest form of mage in his world. Nearing the end of his ruling term, Gavin finds out that he has an illegitimate son who was born in a far kingdom years ago. Unloved and isolated, fifteen-year-old Kip has his life turned around after learning that his father is the most powerful man in the land. Brent Weeks gives readers a unique magic system that uses light and the seven colors of the rainbow to fuel its power.

What we have at #7 is "Benjamin Ashwood." Shortly after a demon attacks a small village, a strange magical group arrives and recruits Ben's sister, Amelie, to join them. Wanting to ensure his sister's safety, Ben leaves with them to escort Amelie to the city where she will attend a mage school. As they encounter demons, thieves, assassins, and mages along the way, AC Cobble shows us how an ordinary farm boy develops his knowledge and skills in the world of sword and sorcery, making it a captivating and inspirational read.

Next up, at #8 is "An Enchantment of Ravens." In a world where immortal creatures crave human craft, seventeen-year-old Isobel paints portraits for a living. However, when she paints her new client, faerie prince Rook, she makes a mistake by portraying him with human emotion. As he abducts her to stand in trial for her crime, they are attacked by mysterious forces, causing them to depend on each other for survival. Margaret Rogerson presents a forbidden love story that is surrounded by danger and unexpected twists and turns.

However, when she paints her new client, faerie prince Rook, she makes a mistake by portraying him with human emotion.

Finally, at #9 is "Lark Rising." Sandra Waugh's debut novel tells the story of Lark Carew who foresees a monster attack coming to their small village. To save her people, she seeks help from the Riders of Tarnec, only to find out that she is one of the four guardians who must be awakened to recover the stolen amulets that keep the world in balance. She also meets Gharain, a young man who appears in her dreams as her lover and murderer. As she discovers her true nature, she faces her inevitable destiny, which requires sacrificial love.