9 Fantasy Classics That Never Get Old
Fantasy novels are a treat to the imaginative minds of readers young and old. Even as the story ages, the magic lives on in readers’ hearts and memories—and the thirst to reread them grows repeatedly. This list of classics are books which have been made famous by their massive readerships’ constant yearning, often being read in schools for educational reasons or for pure entertainment.
Regardless, these nine novels—ranging from 1865 to 1988—are a few that will never go out of style, having earned several reprintings and adaptations that will last a lifetime of rereads and viewings.
1) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Originally published in 1865, this novel is truly a classic that has persisted nearly two centuries. Alice, a young girl with a love for adventure, finds it in an unexpected place—down a rabbit hole. Slipping into a fantastical world where magical creatures roam and unreal dangers loom, Alice explores the unthinkable. This nonsensical novel has led to many fun retellings for both children and adults.
2) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Originally published in 1901, this tale continues to amaze the minds of fantasy readers. On a particularly stormy night, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away to a far-off land by a tornado. Ripe with lessons on friendship that readers are not soon to forget, the story continues as Dorothy travels the land of Oz, meeting and helping fascinating creatures who have their share of problems. All the while, the Wicked Witch wishes to halt Dorothy’s progress to the powerful Wizard of Oz.
3) The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia #2 by C.S. Lewis
Originally published in 1950 as the first novel in the popular series and then later renumbered as the second book following the publication of The Magician’s Nephew in 1955, this novel has become a world-renowned success and fantasy classic. Following four unfortunate siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy Pevensie—who are separated from their family by war and whisked off to the immaculate house of a kind professor. While there, they discover a magic wardrobe that sends them to Narnia, a mystical land covered in snow and ruled by the evil White Witch. They meet interesting mythical friends and talking animals, including a majestic lion named Aslan.
4) The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Originally published in 1954. This extremely complex novel ripe with fantasy and adventure is a ‘necessary’ read for those enamored with the fantasy genre. Frodo, a fragile Hobbit entrusted with a major quest: to destroy the powerful One Ring created by Sauron the dark wizard. Travelling through mystical lands where he meets up with dwarves, elves, wizards, and his fair share of obstacles, Frodo is joined by a rag tag team that makes all the difference for Frodo in life and death.
5) The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander
Originally published in 1965. A children’s book about the power of good versus evil, The Black Cauldron follows Taran, a pig herder who has a big dream: to become a hero. Armed with his trusty sword and accompanied by two others appointed by the prince of the land, Taran embarks on a journey to defeat the evil Arwan, the Lord of Death, and his undead army. To do this, they must take the dreaded Black Cauldron into their possession and destroy it.
6) Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Originally published in 1976. Falling under several other genres as well, this debut fantasy horror novel by Anne Rice features exactly what it sounds like: A vampire being interviewed by an unnamed reporter about his life. 200-year-old vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac relays to the reporter the hard life he’s lived since the year 1791, throughout which the amount of carnage he’s seen is overwhelming and now, too heavy to bear.
7) The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower #1) by Stephen King
Originally published in 1982, The Gunslinger follows the last gunslinger, Roland Deschain, on his mission to find and put an end to the “man in black.” On his journey, unnerving things happen to Roland and the town he briefly inhabits due to the man in black’s magical interference. Hot on his trails, Roland becomes acquainted with a young boy named Jake Chambers who has also encountered the man in black. After reading the boy’s memories, the pair follows a trails to the dangerous sorcerer.
8) Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Originally published in 1986. A novel suitable for appearances on several lists, the tale surrounds a young woman named Sophie whose life is streaked with misfortune at the hands of the wicked Witch of the Waste. Cursed to lived suddenly as an old woman, Sophie becomes entangled in the world of magic as she befriends Howl, an isolated and mysterious wizard traveling in an enchanted castle. Together, they face many a dangerous battles.
9) The Changeling Sea by Patricia McKillip
Originally published in 1988, this novel features a young woman who has a brooding hatred for the sea which takes everything from her—her deceased father, her depressed mother, and her mysteriously missing mentor, the kind woman who taught her magic. Tormented, Peri casts three curses on the sea, before which she is visited by an ailing prince who seeks help. While providing her aid and discovering truths she never knew about the sea, Peri strengthens her knowledge and her magical powers.
If you haven’t read these novels yet – what are you doing? These are classics you are sure to enjoy! As this list proves, time has held this claim to be true.
