I would recommend 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson. The world has a unique magic system based on the ingestion of metals, and a complex social structure. The landscape is also interesting, with ashen wastelands and great cities. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also a good one. Hogwarts and the wizarding world it exists in is full of charm, with hidden alleys, magical creatures, and a history that dates back centuries.
Well, 'The Earthsea Cycle' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a great choice. It has a well - developed world of islands where magic is an important part of life. The different cultures on each island add depth to the world. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also notable. The world of Temerant is richly described, from the university where Kvothe studies to the various kingdoms and the Fae realm that exists on the fringes.
Well, 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling has a great world building. Hogwarts School and the wizarding world with its different spells, creatures, and classes are really fascinating. Then there is 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King. It creates a strange and multi - faceted world that blends different genres. Also, 'Earthsea' by Ursula K. Le Guin has a beautifully crafted world of magic and islands.
One of the great ones is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It creates a vast and detailed Middle - earth, with different races, languages, and cultures. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. His world of Westeros is full of political intrigue, diverse regions, and complex characters. 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan also stands out. It has a huge and elaborate world with unique magic systems and a long - spanning prophecy.
In world building fantasy novels, diverse cultures play a huge role. Different regions can have their own customs, religions, and ways of life. For instance, in Ursula K. Le Guin's 'Earthsea' series, each island has its own unique culture. Creatures are another part. Whether it's dragons, unicorns, or other fantastical beasts, they add to the allure of the world. And the economy of the world matters too. How do people trade? What are the valuable resources? All these elements combine to create a vivid fantasy world.
Well, 'Throne of Glass' series by Sarah J. Maas is a great example. It has a detailed and expansive world with different kingdoms, magic systems, and races. The romance in it is intense and develops gradually as the story progresses. Then there's 'Caraval' by Stephanie Garber. The world of Caraval is a magical and mysterious place, and the romance between the two main characters is filled with twists and turns. Also, 'The Winner's Curse' by Marie Rutkoski has a well - built world where the romance is a central part of the political and social intrigue.
One of the best is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien created Middle - earth with its rich cultures, languages, and diverse races. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. His world of Westeros has complex politics, different religions, and a wide range of climates and terrains. 'The Earthsea Cycle' by Ursula K. Le Guin is also notable. It has a world full of magic and unique islands with their own characteristics.
I'd say 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series by Rick Riordan. It combines modern - day settings with the world of Greek mythology. It's a fun and engaging way to get into fantasy world building. Also, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is a classic. The magical world of Narnia, with its talking animals and different seasons, is very inviting for new fantasy readers.
The key elements include unique geography. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle - earth has vast mountains, deep forests and mysterious swamps. Magic systems are also crucial. In Brandon Sanderson's works, his magic systems are well - defined with specific rules. And cultures play a big role. Different races may have their own languages, traditions and social structures, like the dwarves and elves in fantasy novels.
One of the great world building novels is 'Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It creates the vast and detailed Middle - earth, with different races, languages, and histories. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin, which has a complex world full of political intrigue and diverse cultures. 'Dune' by Frank Herbert also stands out. It constructs the desert planet Arrakis with its unique ecology, social structures, and religious beliefs.
World building is crucial for fantasy novels because it creates a unique and immersive setting. It allows readers to escape into a different reality. For example, in 'The Lord of the Rings', Tolkien's detailed world building of Middle - earth makes the story so engaging. Without a well - built world, the magic, creatures, and cultures in fantasy novels would seem out of place and unconvincing.
World building in fantasy novels is important for several reasons. First, it gives the story depth and complexity. Second, it helps establish unique rules and magic systems. Finally, it allows readers to fully invest in the characters and their adventures within this extraordinary setting.