Warning: the books on this list aren’t hidden gems. They’re all well known and already have large followings.
Sorry about that, but I like what I like 🤷
Note that these aren’t in any particular order (because I haven’t numbered them). Whether a book is number 2 or number 4 makes no difference to me; they’re all books I’ve gobbled up with glee. And in every case, I’ve read it multiple times.
I love to re-read my favs. Do you?
These are the books I wish I could read for the first time again … but never will.
Enough foreplay. Here we go.
The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan
This is the 3rd book in Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. I also really enjoyed the 4th book, Shadow Rising, but I’m not going to fill up a top 5 with books in the same series.
This series is epic fantasy in a (overly wordy) nutshell. Admittedly, Jordan used many more words than necessary to tell the story, and people have many other complaints about it, but the world-building and character progression through the books is outstanding. There’s a super sag between books 8 and 11ish, but even those books have some fabulous payoffs. Unfortunately, it can be a slog to get there.
But hey, I read these when I was teen and was a lot more forgivable. I don’t blame you if it ain’t for you.
Lightbringer by Pierce Brown
No writer makes me more jelly than Pierce Brown. I love the Red Rising series. Each book is better than the last and Lightbringer (the latest but not last entry) is exceptional. It’s quite rare to have such a clear progression in a series, and I can’t wait for the final book. If he outdoes Lightbringer it’s going to be a bloody corker.
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
The first two books of Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive are great examples of epic fantasy. Creative world-building, engaging characters, and wonderful payoffs. Unfortunately, the rest of the series after Words of Radiance progressively diverge more and more from my taste. But, the first two are highly memorable and worth reading even if you don’t continue the rest of the series.
Midnight Falcon by David Gemmell
I had to include a Gemmell book in this list because he’s been such a big influence on my reading and writing tastes. I think the two books of the Rigante duology are his finest work. Midnight Falcon in particular stands out in my memory because it has a wonderful midpoint that divides the narrative into two satisfying halves. I remember the first time I read it I got to the middle and was shocked to find I was only halfway through.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
I’m not sure whether this book made the list because of recency bias or not, but I couldn’t think of another novel I’d read that would reasonably take its place. I think it’s a real triumph, and didn’t unfold the way I expected at all. A very satisfying read. If you want to check it out, the audiobook is a great way to experience the story. I’m looking forward to checking out the movie.
I considered adding some honourable mentions, but perhaps I’ll do that in a later update. There are plenty of books that could make an honourable mention list. Hope you find something here you like!