Fantasy
For those friends and family members who would be more at home digging around in a dragon’s cave, these are my recommended reads:

- Hogfather or any other books by Terry Pratchett
I reviewed the Hogfather in a previous post.  This is a perfect book for Christmas, since it sort of pokes fun at Santa Claus and hints at the possibility that the jolly old elf may be have come from rather sinister beginnings.   Also, it has the character Death from the Discworld series in it, who is always a good read.  Honestly, I’m fond of anything by Terry Pratchett, so getting any book that strikes your fancy for your friends or family (or even yourself – it’s okay to get a gift for yourself) by Sir Terry is an excellent idea.

- Hood (The King Raven Trilogy, Book 1) by Stephen Lawhead
I only recently finished this book. If you have a fantasy fan who enjoys historical fiction or the Robin Hood tales, Hood is a great book for them. It’s a pretty slow moving, but enjoyable book about the beginnings of Robin Hood.

- Stardust or Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors. His books (in my humble opinion) are a MUST in any fantasy fan’s bookshelf. He has published many books and been involved in a few films, so he really has an abundance of material for your fantasy fan library. The reason I picked Fragile Things and Stardust is:  Fragile Things is a book of short stories with an introduction for each story, which is kind of fun.  Stardust is one of the few books I’ve encountered that everyone I know who has read it, liked it.

- The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King
Stephen Kingis not only the master of horror, but the master of fantasy as well. Seriously. Check out the Darktower series or The Eyes of the Dragon.

- Dead Until Dark (The Sookie Stackhouse Series) by Charlaine Harris
These are the books behind HBO’s True Blood Series. If you have a friend who like vampire love stories, but is not into glittery vampires, and likes the real, burn in the sunlight kind, this series is for them. I’ve reviewed Dead Until Dark – the first in the Sookie Stackhouse series.

- Playing For Keeps by Mur Lafferty
I reviewed Playing for Keeps in a previous post. It’s an over-all fun, action packed, superhero story that really gets you rooting for the underdog.

- Watership Down by Richard Adams
Amazing classic story. Most people may not believe that a story about talking rabbits can be serious and intense, but Watership Down is just that. If you or your friend/family member hasn’t read it, definitely do so.

- Podcastle CDs
Pod Castle is a fantastic fantasy podcast that your friend/family member should be subscribed to (it’s free). But, if they are not subscribed, buy the CDs from Poddisc.com and get them hooked. (I am not sponsored by anyone in the Pod Castle/Pseudopod/Escape Pod network, I just happen to really like them.)

I hope these books/book-like items cover all bases on your friends and family who are fantasy fans!

If you have any suggestions of books I should read or recommend, let me know!

Also, remember that if you shop at Amazonfrom the links I provide, I get a little commission if you buy something, so help a sister out!

Author: Terry Pratchett

Genre: Fantasy

Julia Rating: 10

Comments: Something sinister is afoot in Discworld.  The stockings are hung, the cookies and apples are laid out, children are sleeping, visions of sugarplums are dancing… but where is the Hogfather?  And who is that gaunt man in his place?  Could it be… Death?  Is that why he’s accompanied by a raven, a skeletal rat and Albert?  Susan, Death’s granddaughter decides to get to the bottom of her grandfather’s shenanigans, thus involving herself in the highly dangerous activity of raising the Hogfather from his final resting place. 

I happen to love any Discworld book about Death – he’s such a lively character (yes… groans are in order.. and the pun was intended).  Susan is a wiley and adventurous girl who is trying to stay in THE REAL WORLD as much as possible, mostly so she doesn’t forget to turn door handles.  Together they make a fun and interesting team.  It’s a great read and I think anyone who likes to laugh would like this book.

Apparently, Hogfather has been made into a movie called The Hogfather.  I haven’t seen this, but I almost rented it last night – the book was that good.