The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
In this first volume of her Merlin Trilogy Mary Stewart weaves a tale of the legend of Merlin, imagining him as a child who struggles against great odds in the world of pre-Roman Britain before he becomes the great wizard of medieval romance. If you enjoy this one, the follow-up volumes are brilliant.
Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini
Plunging the reader into a mystical world of elves, dragons, and ancient magic, Eragon rises above and beyond the usual fantasy novel. Following the archetypal storyline of a young farm boy chosen seemingly at random to seek the destiny of a hero, Eragon is wrought with beautiful descriptions, compelling battles, and all the wonder of a magical journey. If you like Eragon, then try the sequel, Eldest. With fiercer and stronger enemies, ancient secrets, and even more powerful magic, Eldest shows the world of Eragon darkened by disease, slaughter, and massive armies that stalk the land.
The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells
The very exciting and inventive tale about a man trapped on an island with animals turned into humans.
Little, Big by John Crowley
A mystifying modern fairy tale-fairies and true love and "the tale" itself-that both celebrates and eludes the genre. At times these natures coexist and tangle with several generations of a family living in a magical house in upstate New York. It has the grace of Wind in The Willows, the philosophy of A Wrinkle in Time, and the dreamy strangeness of Alice In Wonderland.
The Once and Future King by T. H. White.
Young Arthur, or "Wart," before he's proved his royalty, is tutored by Merlin, the wizard who turns him into various animals to strengthen his character and empathy. The book offers great humor and the satisfaction of knowing that this underdog, sneered at and beaten by his older brother, comes out on top eventually. The rest of the book takes a psychological approach to the Round Table saga, including the Lancelot/Guinevere adultery.
The Princess Bride by William Golding
You've seen the fabulous movie, now read the entertaining book. Or, if you haven't seen the movie, skip it, since this novel defines "make-believe." Buttercup, the most beautiful girl in all the world, is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdink, ruler of Guilder. Thank goodness, before the nuptials she is kidnapped by the Sicilian genius Vizzini, the giant Fezzik, and an ambidextrous Spanish swashbuckler. It's a wild journey that takes the reader and the Dread Pirate Roberts up the Cliffs of Insanity, through the Fire Swamps, and into the Zoo of Death to save Buttercup.
The Ring Trilogy by J. R.R. Tolkien
A three-volume quest by men, elves, hobbits, and dwarves to destroy the source of evil lurking behind their world. Consider starting with The Hobbit, a "pre-quel" of sorts, which introduces the world of these modest, furry-footed, yet courageous little fellows. They journey through lands of beautiful and dangerous magic, where the humblest become heroes, tested by suffering on a truly epic, yet very human scale.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula LeGuin
Before Harry and Ron and Hermione, there was Ged. An archetypal hero grows into his powers from a humble beginning through testing at Roke Island's famous school of wizardry to a terrifying confrontation with the dark. A richly satisfying read.
