Add These Older Fantasy Novels to Your TBR List

Published by

Sarah Ann

on

April 28, 2011

I’ve been reading 100+ books a year for as long as I can remember, and fantasy is one of my least favorite genres. Some of it’s just too over the top to be enjoyable.

For instance, I can’t really connect with characters whose names I don’t know how to pronounce, because they’re written in a fake elf or fairy language. Only J.R.R. Tolkien gets a pass for that, because he didn’t randomly make stuff up. It literally took him decades to develop the Elvish languages.

The following titles are some of my favorites in the fantasy genre. I know they’re older, but you should still consider adding them to your reading list.

Passage by Connie Willis (2001)

Connie Willis is one of my all-time favorite authors in the fantasy genre. Her books are incredibly intelligent and unique, packed with lots of surprises.

In Passage, a team of medical doctors who specialize in Near Death Experiences (NDEs) purposely kill one another to research and study what happens after you die. What I found most interesting and intriguing about Passage was that the author integrates real-life historical events into the NDEs. Nothing about this book is predictable, it’s such a cool story.

Other books by Connie Willis include:

Blackout (2010)
Crosstalk (2016)
The Road to Roswell (2023)

Lord of Snow and Shadows by Sarah Ash (2003)

This title is the 1st book in the Tears of Artamon series by Sarah Ash. Its about kingdoms ruled by people who are descended from dragons, or Drakhoan.

Gavril Andar is the main character in Lord of Snow and Shadows. He’s a young and gifted painter who unknowingly has royal dragon blood running through his veins. When he learns more about his roots, Gavril decides to fight for his late father’s kingdom.

The Tears of Artamon saga is incredibly moving and beautifully written. There’s a lot of character depth, and its fantasy elements aren’t too over the top.

There are 4 books in this series. The ones that come after Lord of Snow and Shadows are:

Enchantment by Orson Scott Card (1999)

Orson Scott Card has written lots of books, but the only ones I’ve ever really enjoyed are Ender’s Game (1985) and of course, Enchantment.

This novel is based loosely on Sleeping Beauty with some Russian folklore throw in. A young man named Ivan falls in love with a beautiful princess named Katerina, who he finds frozen in time in the middle of a forest. Ivan is suddenly sucked back into 9th century Russia and faced with protecting Katerina from Baba Yaga, an evil witch. Then, Ivan takes Katerina back to present-day Russia to keep her safe.

I like how the time jump presents numerous cultural and lifestyle conflicts and catastrophe. Enchantment is a modern, contemporary spin on a classic fairy tale everyone’s already familiar with.

Orson Scott Card is still churning out books. Other titles by this author include:

Stone Tables (1998)
Magic Mirror (1999)
Magic Street (2005)

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder (2005)

Poison Study is the 1st book in the Chronicles of Ixia series by Maria V. Snyder. It’s about a young woman named Yelena who’s currently on death row in the land of Ixia.

In prison, Yelena is presented with an intriguing and possibly life-saving offer. She can either die at the hand of the executioner, or become the king’s food taster to ensure nobody tries to poison him. So to delay her imminent death, Yelena chooses to be the poison taster.

The premise itself is wholly engrossing. It’s interesting to read about Yelena’s experiences with trying to become a professional poison tester. I also enjoyed the growing chemistry between Yelena and one of the male soldiers.

There are 6 books total in the Chronicles of Ixia series. The next few that come after Poison Study are:

#2 Magic Study (2006)
#3 Fire Study (2008)
#4 Shadow Study (2015)

What are your favorite fantasy books? I’d be interested in adding some new ones to my list.

Last Updated on January 19, 2026 by Sarah Ann

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