 | The Belgariad (Vol 1): Volume One: Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit by David Eddings
Buy used from: £5.23 The Belgariad series is an easy-going introduction to fantasy fiction. A little clichéd in places, but an enjoyable journey nonetheless.
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 | The Sword of Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks
Buy new: £11.86 / Used from: £5.00 The Shannara trilogy is a LOTR clone at heart: a tale of reluctant heroes, fighting to save the world from overwhelming dark forces. Faster paced than Tolkien. Later Shannara series are very samey.
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 | Magician (Riftwar saga) by Raymond E. Feist
Buy new: £6.70 / Used from: £0.01 The Riftwar Saga crosses into science-fiction territory with a story spanning across two culturally different worlds. An excellent read, but I wouldnt bother with the follow-on Serpentwar series.
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 | Daughter of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.01 Excellent read. Set in the world of Kelewan (see Riftwar Saga) a culture akin to ancient Japan. It follows a young womans struggle to control a once powerful house threatened from all sides.
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 | The Dragonbone Chair (Memory, Sorrow & Thorn) by Tad Williams
Buy new: £6.73 / Used from: £0.01 The Memory, Sorrow & Thorn series is gripping and original. The deeply realised characterisation and detailed plot draws you steadily into Tad Williams epic creation.
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 | Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Buy new: £4.79 / Used from: £1.48 A light-hearted interlude that captures the essence of escapism. A feel-good tale of Faerie.
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 | The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry) by Guy Gavriel Kay
Buy used from: £24.77 Moving, dark and uncompromising. The Fionavar Tapestry is a highly compelling trilogy. A tale similar to the Chronicles of Narnia but for adults, that pulls no punches.
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 | Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy - Book 1) by Robin Hobb
Buy new: £6.46 / Used from: £1.98 A rite of passage following the trials and tribulations of outcast Fitz as he becomes apprentice to the royal assassin. Far from your typical fantasy tale, this is rich, dark and unpredictable.
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 | Good Omens by Neil Gaiman
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.01 Ive read this book so many times the spine is in tatters. Satirical tale of good versus evil (sort-of) and the end of the world as we know it.
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 | Shadow (Scavenger Trilogy) by K.J. Parker
Buy new: £5.49 / Used from: £0.01 Our protagonist is searching for the secret of his identity, and is increasingly uncomfortable with what he finds. Overlook Parkers obsession with unnecessary details and this is an absorbing read.
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 | The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams
Buy new: £6.37 / Used from: £0.01 War of the Flowers is for anyone who ever wished for something more in their lives. Thin in places but ultimately rewarding.
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 | Neverwhere: The Author's Preferred Text by Neil Gaiman
Buy new: £4.79 / Used from: £3.35 A modern-day fairy tale of an ordinary man dragged unwillingly into the mythical world of London Below. Evocative and accessible (even if youve never visited London) its a satisfying bedtime read.
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 | A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) by George R.R. Martin
Buy new: £5.27 / Used from: £2.99 Excellent saga, if he ever finishes it. Each chapter centres on one character, drawing you so deeply into their lives youre reluctant to finish one chapter and begin another, but always glad you did.
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