Here are 64 books that The Sword of Shannara fans have personally recommended if you like The Sword of Shannara. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of A Wizard of Earthsea

Christopher Farrar Author Of By the Waters of Babylon

From my list on fantasy and scifi about ethical and moral growth.

Why am I passionate about this?

My dad raised me on science fiction and fantasy. At first, it was enough for me to be entertained by stories of spaceflight, of rescuing maidens in distress, and of fighting bug-eyed monsters. But over the years, as I read more, I realized that I wanted stories with a moral or ethical center, stories where murder, mayhem, and war were to be avoided if possible, and where, if they couldn’t be avoided, the protagonists struggled deeply with the moral dimensions of the actions forced upon them. I wanted to see characters growing into their ethical consciousness.

Christopher's book list on fantasy and scifi about ethical and moral growth

Christopher Farrar Why Christopher loves this book

I love this series of three short novels enough to have read it more times than I can count. The language of the novel is simple and evocative. I love the main character, a young wizard who starts out as proud, angry and arrogant, but becomes deeply compassionate when his hubris leads him to make a tragic and evil use of magic.

I could feel myself grabbed by the world of the novel, a world of men and dragons, of islands dotted in an endless sea, of powerful mages who interfere at their peril with the precarious balance of the world between good and evil. 

By Ursula K. Le Guin ,

Why should I read it?

21 authors picked A Wizard of Earthsea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The first book of Earthsea in a beautiful hardback edition. Complete the collection with The Tombs of Atuan, The Furthest Shore and Tehanu

With illustrations from Charles Vess

'[This] trilogy made me look at the world in a new way, imbued everything with a magic that was so much deeper than the magic I'd encountered before then. This was a magic of words, a magic of true speaking' Neil Gaiman

'Drink this magic up. Drown in it. Dream it' David Mitchell

Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, was called Sparrowhawk in his reckless youth.

Hungry for power and knowledge,…


If you love The Sword of Shannara...

Book cover of New Rock New Rules

New Rock New Rules by Richard Sparks,

The epic saga continues. Jarnland is in a frenzy of excitement. After the eccentric demise of Old King Wyllard, his co-Majesty, young Queen Esmeralda, announces a Royal Tournament to celebrate the return of our heroes from their perilous quest. The Main Event will be a duel between the legendary warrior…

Book cover of The Colour of Magic

Vincent Leo Cartell Author Of The Turing Test

From my list on humanity in the theatre of reality.

Why am I passionate about this?

In school, I wasn’t fond of physics. Most of my education focused on the history of human civilization and culture. I rediscovered physics partly thanks to the books mentioned here—and the strangeness of quanta. My studies, exposure to Tao and Zen philosophies, and exploration of physics have given me a unique perspective and awareness: humanity is merely a tiny particle in the universe, neither central nor the king of all creation. Nothing new, of course—Buddha, Heraclitus, and Shakespeare all knew it well.

Vincent's book list on humanity in the theatre of reality

Vincent Leo Cartell Why Vincent loves this book

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld hooked me from the very first pages—cliché as that may sound, it’s true. Virtually the entire book (as well as others from the Discworld) I read with a smile on my face.

Pratchett’s unique humor, his satirical take on human nature, the imaginative world of Discworld, and his reflections on reality come together in a brilliant mix that made me read… and read… and read.

By Terry Pratchett ,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked The Colour of Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

On a world supported on the back of a giant turtle (sex unknown), a gleeful, explosive, wickedly eccentric expedition sets out. There's an avaricious buy inept wizard, a naive tourist whose luggage moves on hundreds of dear little legs, dragons who only exist if you believe in them, and of course The Edge of the planet...


Book cover of Assassin's Apprentice

Anneliese Peters Author Of King Assassin

From my list on fantasy books for one-time assassins.

Why am I passionate about this?

Though most of the books and characters I recommended are full-on assassins, I wrote King Assassin as a one-time killer because this was always a story of redemption and grief, as a lot of these assassins face. I wrote the book after losing my best friend, and the journey the main character goes through in her search for redemption, only to find it in herself, was something I needed as I grieved my loss. I see it in all of the assassins I’ve read about, and I resonate so so much with the idea that a person is not made of only their mistakes, but of so much more than that.

Anneliese's book list on fantasy books for one-time assassins

Anneliese Peters Why Anneliese loves this book

This was my introduction to the fantastical worlds of Robin Hobb!

It’s such an immersive world, and it drew me in so fast without ever letting go. I read this book in a day, and the rest of the series was so so perfect!

The scarce dialogue was a bit intimidating, as I’m a big conversation girl, and there was so much world-building, but it was incredible, and the rest of her books would be nothing without Assassin’s Apprentice

By Robin Hobb ,

Why should I read it?

23 authors picked Assassin's Apprentice as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Voyager Classics - timeless masterworks of science fiction and fantasy.

A beautiful clothbound edition of Assassin's Apprentice, the first book in the critically acclaimed Farseer Trilogy.

In a faraway land where members of the royal family are named for the virtues they embody, one young boy will become a walking enigma.

Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz, son of Chivalry Farseer, is a royal bastard cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals - the old art known as the Wit - gives him solace and companionship. But…


If you love Terry Brooks...

Book cover of Theft of Swords

Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan,

Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles—until they are hired to pilfer a famed sword. What appears to be just a simple job finds them framed for the murder of the king and trapped in…

Book cover of The Hobbit

R.M. Tembreull Author Of Fractured State

From my list on fiction books employing extremes in storytelling.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, my imagination and love of art drew me to comic books, and later, to immersive, worldbuilding fantasy. My 26-year hiatus from devoted creative pursuits while serving in the Air Force rewarded me with amazing experiences around the globe. As an Airman, naturalist, and scuba diver, I have been immersed in worldly ‘extremes’: the best and worst of humankind; nature’s most remote places and incredible creatures; and troubled regions afflicted by climate change and conflict. I now distill my experiences and creativity into the genre of “eco-fantasy.” The books of my diverse selection also leverage and explore worldly and otherworldly ‘extremes’ to elevate their stories. Enjoy!

R.M.'s book list on fiction books employing extremes in storytelling

R.M. Tembreull Why R.M. loves this book

It would be the most extreme of criminal acts for this beloved book not to be my ‘list topper!’ Reading this book instilled an instant love of good fantasy storytelling in me early on. It defines the fantasy genre, exemplifying the absolute best extremes in great world-building, characters, and epic storytelling.

Tolkien set the high bar I strive for in all areas in my own writing with one of the most memorable stories in one of the most unforgettable worlds of all time … and he managed to pull it all off within the context of a single book! No matter how many times I go back and re-read this one, I find something new to cherish, and you will too!

By J.R.R. Tolkien ,

Why should I read it?

55 authors picked The Hobbit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Special collector's film tie-in hardback of the best-selling classic, featuring the complete story with a sumptuous cover design inspired by THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and brand new reproductions of all the drawings and maps by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.

But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey 'there and back again'. They have a plot…


Book cover of Lord Foul's Bane

D.E. Ramey Author Of The Evil in the World Saga

From my list on hope, faith, & fantasy built by despair, adventure, & magic.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since the summer of 1983, these stories have not only captivated my imagination but also directed much of my life. I love the apocalyptic fantasy genre. I love stories that push characters to their breaking points to see what happens. I love stories of lepers finding personal redemption through trials and despair, of impossible space battles, and of kings kneeling before unlikely heroes. I love the story arcs where the character grows into a whole new person because of their trials and faith. I love the beauty and incredible landscapes of a future Earth, as well as the view of space and the countless sights.

D.E.'s book list on hope, faith, & fantasy built by despair, adventure, & magic

D.E. Ramey Why D.E. loves this book

This book took me to places that I never knew existed.

Once I began to read the book, I was drawn into a land of beauty and realism that I could literally see as I read the story. I learned so much about the strengths and weaknesses of a human being. It made me examine my own inner self.

I saw terrible things happening to deep and intense people in the story, and I saw them react in the best and the worst ways. The beauty and pain that Donaldson put into this book were far more than I had expected or been ready to face myself.

By Stephen R. Donaldson ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Lord Foul's Bane as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Comparable to Tolkien at his best' WASHINGTON POST

Instantly recognised as a modern fantasy classic, Stephen Donaldson's uniquely imaginative and complex THE CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT, THE UNBELIEVER became a bestselling literary phenomenon that transformed the genre.

Lying unconscious after an accident, writer Thomas Covenant awakes in the Land - a strange, beautiful world locked in constant conflict between good and evil.

But Covenant, too, has been transformed: weak, angry, and alone in our world, he now holds powers beyond imagining and is greeted as a saviour. Can this man truly become the hero the Land requires?


Book cover of Eragon

Sam Larson Author Of Born of Broken Chains

From my list on fantasy book series that have the best fight scenes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been an avid fantasy reader since childhood, and have been writing fantasy since a teen. I fenced at the collegiate level, have a background in martial arts, and have had a mild obsession with ancient weapons and warfare since I was a child. I used to specifically go back and reread the fight scenes of my favorite books. Writing an edge-of-your-seat fight scene is one of my favorite things in writing. 

Sam's book list on fantasy book series that have the best fight scenes

Sam Larson Why Sam loves this book

What I loved about the battles and fight scenes in this series was seeing how magic, ordinary weapons, and dragons combined together on the battlefield and created really interesting dynamics and strategy.

Think about what it would be like to face soldiers who’ve been enchanted to feel no pain or to move superhumanly fast. Or think about having to fight armored soldiers while magicians are trying to break into your mind with mental magic. Imagine two dragons dueling in the skies, while their riders fight each other with magic and swords.

That’s the feel of this series, and it’s awesome. I also loved that Paolini dives into the tactical details of a swordfight or skirmish, making it feel visceral, real, and like you’re right there with the characters. 

By Christopher Paolini ,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked Eragon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The first book in The Inheritance Series

When poor farm boy Eragon finds a polished stone in the forest, he thinks it's a lucky discovery. Perhaps, he will be able to buy his family food for the winter.

But, when a baby dragon hatches out of the stone, Eragon realises he's stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

His simple life is shattered, and he's thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic and power. To navigate this dark terrain, and survive his cruel king's evil ways, he must take up the mantle of the…


If you love The Sword of Shannara...

Book cover of The Last Ranger

The Last Ranger by J.D.L. Rosell,

Betrayed. Hunted. Left for dead. 

But not even death itself can keep the last ranger from vengeance...

Embark on a new epic fantasy tale full of magic, revenge, and rampaging titans in the latest series written by bestselling author J.D.L. Rosell.

Book cover of The Eye of the World

A.D. Solomon Author Of Twin Moons of Eldradune

From my list on understanding what makes great worldbuilding work.

Why am I passionate about this?

My love of fiction began when my parents took my brother and me to see Star Wars. Somewhere between the lightsabers, giant screen, and speaker on one window, I fell in love with imaginary worlds. From there, I moved through Star Trek, mystery novels, science fiction, and many of the biggest names across multiple genres. Fantasy, though, has always held a special place in my life. I've written ten books in my epic fantasy series, with six currently published, and I have two more series in the works. I have spent years reading, writing, and getting happily lost in invented worlds. I hope you enjoy the books on my list as much as I have.

A.D.'s book list on understanding what makes great worldbuilding work

A.D. Solomon Why A.D. loves this book

I enjoyed The Eye of the World because Robert Jordan makes his world feel vast before the greater story fully reveals itself.

It may not be the most entertaining book in the series, but as the plank-holder novel, it patiently establishes the cultures, magic, history, and conflicts that shape everything to come. I especially value Rand’s beginning. He is not a polished hero, but a frightened, naïve twenty-year-old whose later confidence, arrogance, and acceptance of his destiny feel earned across several books.

I love experiencing that growth through Jordan’s storytelling. For me, the novels and audiobooks remain the truest way to enter this world. I recommend skipping the streaming show because I believe the adaptation fails at every level to capture what Jordan built.

By Robert Jordan ,

Why should I read it?

22 authors picked The Eye of the World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the Two Rivers seeking their master's enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al'Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light .

Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel…


Book cover of The Riddle-Master of Hed

Christopher Farrar Author Of By the Waters of Babylon

From my list on fantasy and scifi about ethical and moral growth.

Why am I passionate about this?

My dad raised me on science fiction and fantasy. At first, it was enough for me to be entertained by stories of spaceflight, of rescuing maidens in distress, and of fighting bug-eyed monsters. But over the years, as I read more, I realized that I wanted stories with a moral or ethical center, stories where murder, mayhem, and war were to be avoided if possible, and where, if they couldn’t be avoided, the protagonists struggled deeply with the moral dimensions of the actions forced upon them. I wanted to see characters growing into their ethical consciousness.

Christopher's book list on fantasy and scifi about ethical and moral growth

Christopher Farrar Why Christopher loves this book

I love this amazing fantasy book series because of the profound morality and love of the earth that pervades the world of the story, even though the civilization it portrays is struggling for its life against an implacable and ruthless enemy.

Magic is woven into the fabric of the world, not in the form of chanting and spells, but rather as part of the structure of reality itself. The language of the novel is lyrical and immersive, and the descriptions of nature are unforgettable. When I read, I hear the wind whistling through the empty backcountry; I feel the spray of the mountain streams and the biting cold of the winter mornings. 

By Patricia A. McKillip ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Riddle-Master of Hed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In a land where wizards have long since vanished, Morgon, Prince of Hed, is confronted with a challenge much different from that faced by his land-bound predecessors. Although he wants only to rule and work the land of his birth, Morgon must search out a very different destiny - one dictated since birth by the mark of three stars imprinted on his forehead.

He must wander strange, foreign lands full of untamed magic in the form of riddling wraiths, mysterious harpists, a lost crown, a magical sword and an all-knowing High One who rules over all. In his quest for…


Book cover of The Dragonriders of Pern

Lois Wickstrom Author Of In the Dragon's Fiery Lair

From my list on middle grade dragon books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a children’s story writer. I frequently include dragons, from babyhood to adulthood. They aren’t just pets – they can be scary. I like to show characters who become better people by coping with their fears. Dragons are symbols. Plus, I love imagining what they might do in my plots.

Lois' book list on middle grade dragon books

Lois Wickstrom Why Lois loves this book

I love the idea of a rebellious girl who creates a telepathic bond with a dragon.

I would have settled for a telepathic bond with my pet parakeet, but a dragon is much more exciting. They fly. They are strong. They can defend the kingdom. Plus, being bonded to a dragon gives Lessa a chance to grow up.

By Anne McCaffrey ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Dragonriders of Pern as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Together in one volume—the first three books in the world’s most beloved science-fiction series!

DRAGONFLIGHT

On a beautiful world called Pern, an ancient way of life is about to come under attack. Lessa is an outcast survivor—her parents murdered, her birthright stolen—a strong young woman who has never stopped dreaming of revenge. But when an ancient threat reemerges, Lessa will rise—upon the back of a great dragon with whom she shares a telepathic bond more intimate than any human connection. Together, dragon and rider will fly, and Pern will be changed forever.

DRAGONQUEST

Since Lessa…


If you love Terry Brooks...

Book cover of Bloodlines

Bloodlines by Rafael Canoa,

Are you free to walk your own path, or are your choices nothing more than a clever illusion?

Three strangers—Flynn, Vurax, and Ellianna—embark on separate journeys of self-discovery as they search for answers to that very question through their unique experiences. When they uncover a shocking secret that shatters not…

Book cover of At Home in Mitford

D.V. Stone Author Of Kisa: Shield-Mates of Dar

From my list on with a war between humans and shifters.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for books began at a very early age. My mom will tell you I never played with toys but toddled around, always with a book in my hand. From the Little Golden books of childhood, I grew into children's literature like Heidi and Black Beauty. Then came the horse books. Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Misty of Chincoteague was a particular favorite. Animal books have always been one of my go-to genres. All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot started me on a series that I still return to from time to time. J. R. R. Tolkien is one of my inspirations as a fantasy author, along with C. S. Lewis.

D.V.'s book list on with a war between humans and shifters

D.V. Stone Why D.V. loves this book

This book is a bit different from my other recommendations. It’s not a fantasy. What it is is a series of books to make you laugh, cry, think, and most of all, want to go live in the imaginary town of Mitford, North Carolina. This is a small town where the phrase “Mitford takes care of its own” is sometimes hard but always rewarding. Reverend Tim Cavanough is a flawed man with a heart of gold who is in the mid to later stage in life and takes care of his flock of often eccentric, lovable townsfolk with a heart of love. I was with a friend one time walking through a little town in West Virginia, and we had both finished Ms. Karon’s books. The town and its folks reminded us of Mitford with its quaint charm. 

By Jan Karon ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked At Home in Mitford as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The first novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Jan Karon's beloved series set in America's favorite small town: Mitford.

It's easy to feel at home in Mitford. In these high, green hills, the air is pure, the village is charming, and the people are generally lovable. Yet, Father Tim, the bachelor rector, wants something more. Enter a dog the size of a sofa who moves in and won't go away. Add an attractive neighbor who begins wearing a path through the hedge. Now, stir in a lovable but unloved boy, a mystifying jewel theft, and a secret that's…


Book cover of A Wizard of Earthsea
Book cover of The Colour of Magic
Book cover of Assassin's Apprentice

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Interested in elves, grimdark, and William Shakespeare?

Elves 72 books
Grimdark 25 books