One of the top ten might be 'The Sword of Shannara' by Terry Brooks. It's a classic in the genre with a young hero on a quest involving a powerful sword and magic. Then there's 'Elric of Melniboné' series. Elric, the albino emperor, wields a powerful and cursed sword in a world filled with sorcery. And don't forget 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan. It has a vast world where magic and swordplay are integral parts of the story.
Well, 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' by Patrick Rothfuss could be on the list. It tells the story of Kvothe, a young man with extraordinary skills in magic and sword - fighting. 'Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser' is also a great example. These two rogues have many adventures in a world full of magic and danger. Additionally, 'Gardens of the Moon' from the Malazan Book of the Fallen series has a complex world where swords and sorcery play important roles.
Some well - known ones could be 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has epic battles and a richly detailed world full of magic and sword - fighting. Another is 'Conan the Barbarian' series which features a strong and brutal hero in a world of dark magic and adventure. Also, 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin, with its complex political intrigue along with sword - fighting and sorcery elements.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has epic battles, magic, and a richly detailed world full of different races and cultures. Another might be 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin which has complex characters, political intrigue, and of course, sword fights and magic. Also, 'Conan the Barbarian' stories are quite popular in this genre, with their tales of a strong and savage hero in a world of sorcery and danger.
The 'Elric of Melniboné' series is centered around Elric and his cursed sword. 'The Wheel of Time' has a huge world and a long - running story with magic and swordplay. 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' is about Kvothe's adventures. 'Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser' are two iconic characters in a world of magic and danger. 'Gardens of the Moon' is part of a complex series with swords and sorcery.
The 'Earthsea' series has a lot to offer. Ged's growth as a wizard, his struggle with his own power, and the unique magic system in the Earthsea world are all fascinating. 'The Chronicles of Amber' with its mind - bending concepts of different worlds and the main character's journey using sword and magic is quite special. 'The Belgariad' is also wonderful, with its epic prophecy, the use of magic by different characters, and the exciting battles throughout the story.
I think 'The Sword of Shannara' was very popular. It was one of those books that really captured the imagination of readers with its detailed world - building and the classic good - vs - evil story. The magic system was also quite appealing.
One of the best is 'The Sword of Shannara' by Terry Brooks. It has a richly detailed world filled with magic and adventure, and the sword in the story is a central and powerful element. Another great one is 'Elric of Melniboné' by Michael Moorcock. The main character's runeblade sword is both a weapon and a source of dark power. Also, 'The Belgariad' by David Eddings features a magic sword that plays a crucial role in the epic quest.
The 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien can also be considered. Although it is mainly high - fantasy, it has elements of sword and sorcery. The epic battles, the magic swords like Andúril, and the fight against the forces of evil are all hallmarks of this genre. Hobbits, humans, elves, and dwarves all use swords and magic in their quest to save Middle - earth.
Erotic sword and sorcery novels often have more focus on sexual relationships and themes. Regular sword and sorcery are more about battles, magic, and heroic quests. For example, in a regular one, the plot might revolve around a hero slaying a dragon. But in an erotic one, there could be a relationship between the hero and a sorceress that has an erotic aspect.
One of the popular sword and sorcery novels is 'Conan the Barbarian' series. It features a strong and fearless protagonist, Conan, in a world full of magic, battles, and ancient mysteries. Another is 'The Elric of Melniboné' series, which has a unique take on the genre with its anti - hero protagonist Elric. And 'Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser' is also well - known, following the adventures of two rogues in a sword - and - sorcery world.
Well, 'The Sword of Shannara' by Terry Brooks is a good one. It follows the journey of a young hero who must find a powerful sword to defeat an evil warlock. Then there's 'The Riftwar Saga' by Raymond E. Feist. It has elements of sword fighting and sorcery in a richly detailed fantasy world. Also, 'Gardens of the Moon' by Steven Erikson has a complex world with different races, magic systems, and of course, plenty of sword - based combat.
One of the best is 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It features a gritty and complex world filled with morally ambiguous characters. Another great one is 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch. It has a clever protagonist and a richly detailed world of thieves and magic. Also, 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' by Patrick Rothfuss is highly regarded, with its beautifully written prose and a story full of mystery and adventure.