J.K. Rowling, though her main series started earlier, was still highly influential in 2010 fantasy fiction for young adults. Her 'Harry Potter' series continued to be a huge presence. The magical world of Hogwarts and the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione inspired a generation of young readers and also influenced a lot of the fantasy fiction that came after.
One of the top adult fantasy fiction books is 'A Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin. It has a complex and immersive world filled with political intrigue, diverse characters, and a great deal of magic. Another great one is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic with its rich lore, epic battles, and the struggle between good and evil. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also highly recommended. It tells the story of a young man's journey to become a powerful wizard in a detailed and engaging way.
One great adult vampire fantasy fiction novel is 'Interview with the Vampire' by Anne Rice. It's a classic that delves deep into the psyche of vampires. Another is 'The Vampire Lestat', also by Rice, which further explores the vampire world she created. 'A Discovery of Witches' is also popular, mixing vampire lore with magic and historical elements.
One of the best is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It creates a vast and immersive world of Middle - earth, filled with different races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves. The epic quest to destroy the One Ring is a classic tale of good versus evil. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin. It has complex characters and a political intrigue - filled plot set in a medieval - like fantasy world. And 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also highly regarded. The story of Kvothe, a young and brilliant magician, is full of mystery and adventure.
One reason could be that the world-building in some adult fantasy fiction isn't detailed or coherent enough. Also, the writing style might not be engaging for many readers.
Fantasy young adult fiction books typically feature a sense of wonder. The unknown and the extraordinary are common elements. For instance, in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', Alice enters a world full of strange happenings. They also often deal with themes like friendship and loyalty. In 'The Golden Compass' by Philip Pullman, Lyra's relationships with her friends are crucial to the story. And many of these books have a strong moral or ethical message, whether it's about good vs. evil or the importance of standing up for what's right.
They often have young protagonists. For example, in 'The Maze Runner', the main characters are teens trying to escape a deadly maze. Another characteristic is the presence of fantastical elements like magic or mythical creatures. In 'Eragon', there are dragons which play a major role.
One underrated adult fantasy book is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It tells the story of a golem and a jinni in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It has a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a great female protagonist and a really interesting magic system that is tied to the forest. It doesn't get as much attention as some of the more well - known fantasy books but is really good.
One common theme is immortality. Vampires are often depicted as immortal beings, and this theme is explored in different ways, like how they deal with outliving their loved ones. Another is the struggle between good and evil. Some vampires are shown as trying to resist their dark urges, while others embrace them.
To begin with adult fantasy fiction novels, consider starting with books that have been made into successful TV shows or movies. For example, 'Game of Thrones'. You'll already have some visual references to help you understand the story. You can also join online book clubs or forums dedicated to fantasy literature. There, you can get insights from other readers and discover new titles that might interest you. Additionally, look for anthologies of short fantasy stories. They can give you a taste of different writing styles in the genre.