What is the single best fantasy novel of all time?

[Maxperson]

I don't think Eddings's style has aged particularly well, and his personal history has cast a pall over his books. (See also: Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey.)

Anyway, another vote for Lord of the Rings.

I still enjoy the occasional read of the Belgariad or The Elenium. He's no longer among the top authors for quality for me, though.

 

[Blue]

A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula le Guin.

A Wizard of Earthsea was the most influential to me personally - it was the book that got me into fantasy in the first place. Loaned to me at Knights Day Camp (yet I wasn't into fantasy - yet) by Dave, a fellow camper. Who ended up only there for part of the summer and left before I finished it. I met him again a few years later at Jr. High (8th year of schooling for those not in the states or used to the newer names) and was able to give it back to him.

I've reread that so many times.

 

[Joshua Randall]

Ooh, good shout. I knew I was forgetting something.

I debated The Well at the World's End by William Morris, but I don't like it as much as The Worm Ouroboros. Although Well was an influence on Tolkien, too!

Hat tip to John Rateliff's old column on the Wizards D&D 3.0 site for turning me on to both Well and Worm.

 

[Joshua Randall]

Well, I can't fail to like that one.

Heh heh!

One of my favorite 4e characters was a warlock named Gorice XIII. He was convinced that he was the latest incarnation of the character from the book. Sadly he mostly played in LFR so his efforts to rediscover his homeland never came to fruition.

 

[AnotherGuy]

Just to include Gene Wolf in the thread The Shadow of the Torturer

Another cute fantasy book The Demon Crown by Robert E. Vardeman.

 

[Ulfgeir]

I think I will go with Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett.

 

[Mannahnin]

Just to include Gene Wolf in the thread The Shadow of the Torturer

Ooh, you might even be able to nominate the whole Book of the New Sun, under the LotR precedent.

In that case I'd also be extremely tempted by Wolfe's The Wizard Knight.

 

[gorice]

A Wizard of Earthsea was the most influential to me personally - it was the book that got me into fantasy in the first place. Loaned to me at Knights Day Camp (yet I wasn't into fantasy - yet) by Dave, a fellow camper. Who ended up only there for part of the summer and left before I finished it. I met him again a few years later at Jr. High (8th year of schooling for those not in the states or used to the newer names) and was able to give it back to him.

I've reread that so many times.

You know, I reread the first four books recently, and I think it's really hard to choose a favourite. I have a soft spot for The Tombs of Atuan, and I really want to finish the second trilogy, because in some ways I think it's even better (but definitely more for an adult audience).

 

[Eyes of Nine]

What this thread teaches me is that there are a LOT of really good fantasy books/series. Many I have already read, but added a couple to my To-Read list - thanks all

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

What this thread teaches me is that there are a LOT of really good fantasy books/series.