If every day reality is too mundane for you and you want to escape into a world of make-believe, you need to browse through the list of some of the top fantasy books many of which have been adapted into movies that have raked in millions at the box office around the world. Some leading examples of these being JK Rowling's Harry Potter series that has kept worldwide readers and audiences enthralled for nearly a decade. The Lord of the Rings series penned by J R R Tolkien also falls in the same category, not to forget The Wizard of Oz that can still captivate the attention of young and old.
In fact, science fiction books and horror books as well as their silver screen adaptations also find many takers all across the globe. For instance, who can forget The Dark Tower Series written by Stephen King that can scare the daylights of anyone? That apart, the War of the Worlds written by HG Wells, which was one of the first literary works based on a fictional conflict between humankind and an alien race sparked off an entirely new genre of fantasy literature. Another popular science fiction book that Wells has to his credit is The Time Machine that has inspired many movie adaptations.
In fact, science fiction books and horror books as well as their silver screen adaptations also find many takers all across the globe. For instance, who can forget The Dark Tower Series written by Stephen King that can scare the daylights of anyone? That apart, the War of the Worlds written by HG Wells, which was one of the first literary works based on a fictional conflict between humankind and an alien race sparked off an entirely new genre of fantasy literature. Another popular science fiction book that Wells has to his credit is The Time Machine that has inspired many movie adaptations.
Arguably, one of the best examples of a make-believe world created by a fantasy book is Alice in Wonderland. Its many memorable characters were recently brought to life on the big screen under the helm of director Tim Burton. One of his favorite actors - Johnny Depp slipped easily into the character of The Mad Hatter, while Helena Bonham Carter played the role of the Red Queen to perfection. Anne Hathaway essayed the role of the White Queen while the title role was played by Mia Wasikowska.
Some other fantasy books that feature in almost all the top 50 or 100 list of this genre of literature are Black Jewels and Ephemera series by Anne Bishop, Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn and The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist. These fall in the category of romantic fantasy. However, if you are looking for some slipstream fantasy, you can pick up a copy of City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer or Book of the New Sun, Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe. Whichever of the above-mentioned fantasy books you choose to read, be ready to enjoy a mix of something unique and unreal.
I work for Midnight Reaping, a new site dedicated to all things horror, science fiction and fantasy.