So, I will list the top five series in my opinion. Feel free to disregard or keep any suggestions for your own lists, and perhaps you will discover a new series to read if you haven't.
1. The Lord of the Rings:
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| One cannot truly revel in fantasy without bowing to Tolkien. |
The trilogy surrounds the quest of the halfling Frodo Baggins, who upon learning that his inherited golden ring is in fact the Ring of Power, must travel with a few faithful companions to the land it was made, and cast it back into the fire from whence it was made. Along the way, great battles are fought, dreadful servants pursue his every step, and even faithful companions betray him in a quest for power, and the Ring which can provide them with this power. And all the while, he fights with his own desires for power and the temptation which will surely be his downfall.
If there is one series that "rules them all" it is Lord of the Rings. Since it's first publication back in the fifties, to this day, it has shaped in it's own way every single fantasy novel to come after it. And all fantasy novels are held to the bar established by this mighty trilogy.
While the author detested analogies and parables, it runs in twine with many of the Christian stories and values. Resurrection, forgiveness, temptation, mercy are all themes that can be found. The story has become such a pillar to the fantasy community, that entire volumes have been written about the meanings of the book and what each character and item symbolizes.
The film adaptation is an abomination, which had it stuck more true to the books could have been (besides a much smaller trilogy) would have been able to go more into the epic themes of the books, many lost in the money grubbing of Peter Jackson. It has also stolen England's rightful claim as land of "Lord of the Rings" and bestowed it upon New Zealand, which while it might play the role of Middle Earth, is NOT the homeland of the epic works.
I am currently in my 16th time of reading the series.
2. Harry Potter
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| A true story that becomes truer by the day |
Revolving around the only survivor of a killing curse by the most powerful and evil wizard of his time, teenage boy Harry Potter goes to the magical school of Hogwarts. There, under the guidance of teachers and support of friends, he grows in his abilities and becomes a man every step along the way. However, he is continually threatened by the still powerful wizard who meant to kill him, and it is a continual battle for survival for the young man. But, try as he might, the two wizards are forever linked, heading for a showdown for the very survival of the wizarding community.
Part of the appeal of Harry Potter was always how the writing matured at the same pace that the namesake character matured. It went from light stuff from the innocent views of an 11 year old boy until it was the darker, more adult themes faced by seventeen year old preparing to enter the real world. And with frivolity aplenty, good humor and interesting spins, it was always a series I hungrily digested as soon as the book came off the press and into the public.
I will say that I dislike the movie adaptions of this series. Daniel Radcliff in particular was just a so-so actor, and I couldn't help but feel one was obligated to see the movie because they saw the book. Especially after the original actor for Dumbledore died, there was a decline in the willingness of the movies to stay true to the books.
I've read the series seven times.
3. Redwall
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| A story to the blind adopted by the seeing |
Redwall surrounds the lives of animals set in a mythical land. These animals take on the roles of characters akin of King Arthur, Roland Le Paladin and other warriors and priests from ancient times. And they fight evil animals who are bent on taking away the freedom of others.
Jacques had a way with words that created a visceral landscape where all the characters felt real, and the idea of talking animals was not ridiculous at all. Some of the greatest books in children literature, and do I dare say, the last twenty years of literature in general come from this series. Redwall and Salamandestron are epic works, with everything one could wish for. And another thing that was of good taste was the fact that while the author tried to keep it family friendly, was not at all deterred from writing of darker themes. Like murder and poisoning.
The cartoon adaption they created for this was wonderful, and the segment they made to introduce you to the real animals the characters were was very informative.
I've read this series three times.
4. Inheritance Cycle
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| The story that could have been epic |
Chritsopher Paolini brought us a delightful story with elements of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings in such a unique way, we didn't realize just how willing he was to lift from those stories until the last book. Especially the fans, who were willing to overlook his youthful errors as just coming of age work.
Originally set to be a trilogy, the Inheritance Cycle follows young Eragon, a farm boy who discovers a dragon age. His discovery will have surprising consequences as he discovers he is the best hope of overthrowing the evil Empire and it's wicked dragon-riding king. Thus begins a tale of dragons, demon possessed warriors and a war for liberty from tyranny.
This series had the opportunity to become of the greatest adventures to come out in the past two decades. The author's way of words was nice in drawing out rich lands and great scenes. Like book three, which was a colossal work, that was the set up for what could have been an epic conclusion to a cycle that was simply superb. But, sadly, it all comes down to "might have beens" and "could haves". Paolini stumbled at the end, falling back so heavily to Star Wars and Lord of the Rings to inspire him, that he ended up using them to create the last act of his otherwise well done work.
The movie adaption for this was so terrible, I am afraid to admit that I have watched it. The movie is so unlike the book, the should do a remake so it!
I have read this series twice.
5. Codex Alera
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| A very fun work to read |
Codex Alera follows Tavi, a unique boy that unlike evryone else, has no mastery over the elements. It follows his trials to be accepted and respected by those around him, and his fight to overcome his own limitations. The results are surprising.
Jim Butcher gives us a great story about basically Rome supplanted in a magical land where the barbarians are either crazy people or great talking beasts. I found this a very enjoyable series, that unfortunately I've only managed a single reading of. But unlike some other books on this list, it doesn't rely at all upon LOTR, Star Wars or any other big name series to give it a breath of fresh air and to keep the story going.
I wish that they'd make a movie for this series. But....I'm sure they'd muck it up.
With that said, there are many series out there that are worthy to read. So go out there and read them!
Thank Goodness for the Day Off!
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