What are the best sword and sorcery novels?

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.

One of the best is 'Conan the Barbarian'. It has all the classic elements of sword and sorcery. The art is great at depicting Conan's adventures in a brutal and magical world. Another good one is 'Elric of Melniboné'. It tells the story of a tragic anti - hero with a cursed sword, full of dark and moody atmospheres. And 'Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser' is also great. The duo's escapades in a fantasy realm filled with magic and danger are really engaging.

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.

Good ones often have a strong hero with great sword skills. For example, Conan in 'Conan the Barbarian' is super strong and his sword fighting is a big part of the story. Another characteristic is a well - built magical world. In 'The Elric of Melniboné', the world of Melniboné has its own rules of magic and a unique culture.

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.

One of the best is 'Conan the Barbarian' stories. Conan is a classic sword - and - sorcery hero, created by Robert E. Howard. His adventures in a savage and magical world, filled with battles, strange creatures and beautiful maidens, are truly captivating.

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.

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.

Beginning with 'The Belgariad' by David Eddings could be a good idea. It has a well - structured story with a hero's journey, magic, and sword - fighting. It also has a lot of humor. 'The Crystal Shard' by R. A. Salvatore is also suitable for beginners. It follows the adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf, in a world full of danger and magic. And 'The Wizard of Earthsea' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a classic that offers a simple yet profound exploration of magic and self - discovery in a sword and sorcery - like setting.

Sure. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' has some great sword - related elements. Although it's not strictly just sword sorcery, the swords like Longclaw are iconic. Another is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. Kvothe's use of a sword along with his study of magic makes it an interesting read. 'Prince of Thorns' also fits the bill. Jorg Ancrath's brutal sword - fighting skills combined with his dark magic create a gripping story.