What is the single best fantasy novel of all time?

[Lidgar]

The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan.

 

[Reynard]

The first book of the king killer chronicles is really damn good. Hasn’t stuck the landing so far though with a much weaker second book and Martinesque delays on the 3rd

The literal most boring fantasy novel I have ever read.

 

[Reynard]

So:

Most influential on me is a tie between Dragons of Autumn Twilight and The Sleeping Dragon (Guardians of the Flame vol 1), based on when I encountered these things.

Best from a prose perspective is The Last unicorn, hands down. I never read it as a kid but in later life decided to read it and it is gorgeous. Amazing.

Most fun: The SIlver Spike. Holy crap I love that book. The only close runner up is The Heroes.

 

[overgeeked]

One Thousand and One Nights, aka The Arabian Nights.

 

[Zardnaar]

For me probably Magician or one of the spin off novels eg Mistress of the Empire.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Taran Wanderer.

That’s a very good choice. I recently listened to it on audible, after about 20 years since I last read the series. Haven’t got round to The High King yet. Just such a gorgeous series tho.

But my pick, in spite of my love for Tolkien, has to be Tigana, by Guy Gavriel Kay.

 

[Parmandur]

That’s a very good choice. I recently listened to it on audible, after about 20 years since I last read the series. Haven’t got round to The High King yet. Just such a gorgeous series tho.

But my pick, in spite of my love for Tolkien, has to be Tigana, by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Oh, man, The High King was the first book whose ending made me ugly cry.

 

[DammitVictor]

Tower of the Elephant, by Robert E. Howard. Hands down, single most influential fantasy story in the development of the hobby we all profess to love.

I was coming here to say Rogues in the House.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Oh, man, The High King was the first book whose ending made me ugly cry.

Ah man I don’t even remember anymore how it ends…

 

[Eyes of Nine]

Silverlock by John Myers Myers

Silverlock - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Edited to add a good review of the book on Tor.com

Journeying through Literature: Silverlock by John Myers Myers

In this bi-weekly series reviewing classic science fiction and fantasy books, Alan Brown looks at the front lines and frontiers of the field; books about soldiers and spacers, scientists and engine…

www.tor.com