Listmania!
The Best Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books - a Girl's Perspective
Jonathan Strange and Mr. NorrellJonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Buy new: £6.96 / Used from: £0.01
This is a really beautifully written work of historical fiction/fantasy. Early 19th century, but with magicians, treating magic almost as a science.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) PaperbackHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) Paperback by J.K. Rowling
Buy new: £4.54 / Used from: £0.01
There is a reason these books are so popular. Although the writing's average, the stories and characters really do transport you away from the mundane real world. The 3rd one is my favourite.
Temeraire (Temeraire 1) [a.k.a. His Majesty's Dragon]Temeraire (Temeraire 1) [a.k.a. His Majesty's Dragon] by Naomi Novik
Buy new: £5.46 / Used from: £2.55
I LOVE this series. The writing is stunning, the historical detail is immaculate, and the story (Napoleonic wars with a twist - dragons!) is so original and imaginative.
His Dark Materials Boxed set: "Northern Lights", "The Subtle Knife", "The Amber Spyglass"His Dark Materials Boxed set: "Northern Lights", "The Subtle Knife", "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
Buy new: £15.24 / Used from: £10.95
Another children's series, and another book that transports you to another world. Really made me want to visit the Northern Lights!
The TruthThe Truth by Terry Pratchett
Buy new: £5.59 / Used from: £0.01
This is my favourite of the Terry Pratchetts. It's about a man starting up a newspaper, and not only best reflects the Discworld, but our world too.
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The GalaxyThe Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Buy new: £5.49 / Used from: £0.01
Another classic. Makes my head spin but I love it anyway.
The Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle: Book 1: The Kingkiller Chronicle 1The Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle: Book 1: The Kingkiller Chronicle 1 by Patrick Rothfuss
Buy new: £5.44 / Used from: £2.90
The first in a trilogy (they always are) that's not yet finished. Really intricate, unique, moving, sometimes dark and scary.
The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next)The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next) by Jasper Fforde
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £0.01
One my favourite ever writers. His imagination knows no bounds, and he's hilarious to boot.
The Big Over Easy (Nursery Crime Adventures 1)The Big Over Easy (Nursery Crime Adventures 1) by Jasper Fforde
Buy new: £5.49 / Used from: £0.01
As crazy as his other series, and still as funny.
The Prestige (Gollancz S.F.)The Prestige (Gollancz S.F.) by Christopher Priest
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.01
Another historical book with a twist, though this one is more subtle. Gripping. Different from the movie.
The Magicians' Guild: Black Magician Trilogy, Book 1The Magicians' Guild: Black Magician Trilogy, Book 1 by Trudi Canavan
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.01
Ok, I have to say, this trilogy is abominably written (someone "chuckles" every 5 mins) but the story and characters are really well developed and quite original. Got addicted to it in the end.
The Hobbit (Essential Modern Classics)The Hobbit (Essential Modern Classics) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Buy new: £4.48 / Used from: £0.01
I prefer this to Lord of the Rings - it's warmer, sweeter, but still has all the depth of the characters and Middle Earth of the trilogy.
The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gollancz S.F.)The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gollancz S.F.) by Scott Lynch
Buy new: £5.99 / Used from: £0.01
I just finished this one, and I was blown away by the writing, and the imagination. Completely unique. Couldn't put it down!