The Lord of the Rings
The monolithic forefather of high fantasy, a huge tale that picks a thread of a larger history, beautifully told in Tolkein’s stately, literary prose.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen
Complex and rewarding, grown up fantasy. Think Conan the Barbarian crossed with Elric of Melniboné crossed with Alien, with the tone of Apocalypse Now!
The Brothers Karamazov
A rambling religio-philosophical study of men and their fathers, with flashes of sublime writing and insight.
The Riddle of the Sands
This grandfather of the spy thriller is still sprightly – an engaging tone, intriguing plot and compelling setting.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Spanish Civil War tragedy told in Hemmingway’s classic sparse style.
The Wheel of Time
A flawed masterpiece that scales the highest heights of fantasy, a vast cast centred on one man who stands as the balance between good and evil, creation and annihilation.