Fantasy Reads
Check out these genre-defining fantasy books recommended by our staff!
Recommended by Debbie Henderson, Information Services Librarian, Bluffton Branch
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is undeniably a cornerstone of the fantasy genre, laying the foundation for countless works that followed. Its richly imagined world of Middle-earth, filled with mythical creatures like hobbits, elves, and dragons, set the standard for world-building in fantasy literature. The hero’s journey of Bilbo Baggins, an ordinary individual thrust into extraordinary adventures, captures the timeless themes of courage, growth, and the triumph of good over evil. Furthermore, Tolkien’s detailed lore and masterful storytelling established the archetypes and narrative structures that continue to define the genre today.
Recommended by Travis Walters, Marketing Development Specialist — Social Media
<---- I agree with everything that Debbie said!
Recommended by Thomas Schotter, Marketing Assistant
It takes the hero’s journey formula and combines it with a magical and somewhat cozy castle academy. It is one of the rare books that I read and wouldn’t mind living in that world.
Recommended by Sydney Whiteside, Library Assistant, Beaufort District Collection
My favorite fantasy novel is A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid. Reid creates an arcane atmosphere that lays the groundwork for a perfect perplexing fantasy novel (in my opinion, of course). The novel tackles very difficult subjects such as abuse, grief, mental health struggles, and sexism in a tactful way that really resonates with the reader. The novel entails an extremely emotional escapade through the eyes of the female main character, Effy Sayre. She has spent her entire life idolizing a deceased author whom she discovers is a fraud. Throughout her journey of attempting to right the wrongs of the infamous Myrddin, Effy also manages to confront many of her own fears and confusions. A Study in Drowning is a whirlwind of a fantasy read and is a staple in my personal collection. I hope you come to love it as much as I do!
Recommended by Traci Cox, Marketing & Communications Manager
The Last Unicorn embodies fantastical elements such as mythical creatures, magic, kingdoms, and quests. A unicorn, who suspects that she is the last of her kind, sets out on a quest to King Haggard’s castle to find others like her. She meets a cast of characters along the way and what began as a search to find others like her becomes a journey of self-discovery and what it means to be human.
Recommended by Alyssa Krob, Digital Resources Librarian
Magic, court upheaval, and enemies to friends to maybe something more - a human girl that manages to cause chaos in the already chaotic world of the Fae.
Recommended by Theresa Furbish, Programs & Events Librarian
This book showcases what makes the fantasy genre so unique -- celebrating imagination and making the fantastical feel like reality. And a world where a girl has the power to breathe life into baked goods and has a gingerbread sidekick definitely embodies fantasy!
Recommended by Libby Voight, Manager, Port Royal Branch
This series has everything I love about fantasy: it's a sweeping epic of power and magic with generational feuds and political intrigue in a richly textured world. It's also about a young woman discovering her place and voice and what it means to be part of a family. If you like historical fantasy books where you can tell a lot of research went into the world-building, then this series is for you!