This is a series I run every Friday. It’s all about sharing those little moments that make life more fun. Each week, I’ll ask a question, answer it, and open the floor to you. You can answer in a blog post and link to it in the comments below, or simply answer below. I’ll update the post later on to feature the best responses—sometimes the funniest, or most original, or sweetest…you get the idea.
I’ve enjoyed epic fantasy (aka high fantasy) since I read The Hobbit. Suffice to say, it’s my favorite epic fantasy book ever, even over the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
In case you haven’t read this book yet, here’s the back cover copy (taken from Amazon):
A great modern classic and the prelude to THE LORD OF THE RINGSBilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.“A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible . . . All those, young or old, who love a fine adventurous tale, beautifully told, will take The Hobbit to their hearts.” – New York Times Book Review
It’s a great story about how big heroes can come in small packages. I learned not to let myself get hung up on the expectations others have of me—because the expectations I have of myself are what matters. It’s a great story filled with trolls, dwarves, a dragon, a war, and a little hobbit who does big things. Not to mention…Gandalf!
For Tolkien geeks don’t have to wait much longer for the movie, either. Peter Jackson releases the first part of the movie on XX. He originally split the movie in two, but he’s now saying it should be a trilogy. I…disagree. I mean, come on. It’s a great book, yes, but there isn’t that much going on. It looks more like a money grab to me than a real attempt to preserve the artistry of the novel.
…and I’ll see every stupid movie. Opening weekend.
So clue the rest of us in. What’s your favorite Epic Fantasy book?
Upload a picture and link us if you can! If you want to blog your answer and link back, make sure you include the link in your comment below. Can’t wait to see your responses.
7 Responses to "A Quick Question: What’s your favorite Epic Fantasy book?"
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My Publisher
That’s an easy answer. Let me start off by saying…no, I haven’t read much Epic Fantasy yet. But I have read Lichgates and Treason from you. Please don’t think I’m biased because this is Boyce’s site, by the way. These two books are truly incredible and for someone new to the genre, and not sure if I’d enjoy the “epic” part, I think they get epic enough while not getting overly so. I feel that a variety of readers can grab one of the Grimiore books and enjoy it cover to cover
D’aw, shucks. Thanks, Rob!
I really love your stories and woul encourage everyone who loves epic fantasy to read them. However, my all time favorite epic fantasy series is the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, The Unbeliever. Covenant is a broken man who has had everything he loves leave him. He is a bitter man with leprosy. He is transported to a world where he is considered a reincarnation of a great man who has destroyed evil in th land before. Thisseries has great themes and great conflict
Oh, wow. That sounds really intense!
For those curious, here’s the link to check it out on Amazon
That Thomas Covenant stuff is great, but so dark! It took a ten year break before finishing the second trilogy.
Also on the dark side, I do love me some Elric Saga (by Michael Moorcock), but I think I’ve gotta tip my hat to The Chronicles of Amber by Zelazny.
Ooo, forgot I could leave a linky! *** Wiki article – Lotsa spoilers!***
The_Chronicles_of_Amber
(hmm, first time posting link. hope using an href works, sorry if it doesn’t turn out.)
I agree about the Hobbit being one of the great epic fantasies. The only one that I like as much as it is “The Hour of the Dragon” by Robert E. Howard, although it’s more Heroic fantatsy than High fantasy.
As for the movie thing, I’m kind of looking forward to them expanding on Gandalf’s adventures behind the scenes during the Hobbit. Should be fun.