Children's Fantasy Books: 12+ years
The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula Le Guin
The Earthsea Quartet brings together Ursula Le Guin’s four legendary Earthsea sagas for the first time in a single volume.
The Iron Man by Ted Hughes
The Iron Man: A Children’s Story In Five nights by Ted Hughes does indeed consist of five chapters; designed to be read a chapter per night, although some children may find it difficult to wait a whole day to hear more of this exciting story.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Far from fading with time, Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of fantasy has attracted a growing audience in each generation. Rat, Mole, Badger, and the preposterous Mr. Toad (with his ‘Poop-poop-poop’ road-hogging new motor-car), have brought delight to many through the years with their odd adventures on and by the river, and the imposing residence of Toad Hall.
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
The final installment in the 'His Dark Material' trilogy brings together religion: original sin, the afterlife, God; and science: quantum physics, chaos theory; together with theology: man is the maker of his own destiny and ultimately therefore his destruction, in a cataclysmic finale that is as gripping as it is heart-wrenching. Lyra must travel to the Land of the Dead to once again rescue her friend Roger, whilst Will must first rescue her from the clutches of Mrs Coulter. It is during this rescue attempt that the subtle knife is broken and it is Iorek Byrnison that must repair it, but at what price? Lord Asriel continues to wage war on The Authority who it now appears is a senile old man, over thrown by his right hand angel Metatron. A great war is brewing and it is upon her arrest by the Magisterium, who have lost all faith in Mrs Coulter, that she aligns herself with with Lyra's father in the battle to overthrow the church and preserve the true purpose of Dust. Whilst these events unfold it is the character of Mary Malone, a scientist from Will's world that Lyra enlists to help in her continuing search for the meaning of Dust, who travels through the original window Will found in The Subtle Knife, and after a long journey finds herself in the land of the Mulefa.
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
The great modern classic and prelude to The Lord of the Rings. Also known as There and back again, this tale was written for Tolkien's own children and has become one of the most loved children's fantasy's books of all time.
The Other Wind by Ursula Le Guin
This is another wonderful book from Ursula Le Guin. Exploring themes such as fear of death and belief in reincarnation. This is not a fantasy book full of large battles and insurmountable odds but a book about people and how they live life, deal with grief and try to make the right choices when they are presented.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling
Voldemort is and growing stronger as is his following and dangerous times are ahead for our hero and his friends. Dumbledore enlists Harry’s help, to convince his old friend and retired professor Horace Slughorn to return to his old teaching post at Hogwarts.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
Harry has left Hogwarts to dedicate himself to the quest for final Horcruxes, together with his friends Ron and Hermione. Harry is also searching for the answers he feels Dumbledore has left unanswered and his feelings for his beloved old headmaster veer from anger and bitterness to painful loss. Voldemort continues his rise and nowhere seems to be safe anymore. With three gifts, bequeathed by Dumbledore to our intrepid trio, they set off on their deadliest task yet and know that this could be the end of everything they hold dear, even themselves. With Voldemort ever closer our hero must not hesitate; the final battle is coming and no one knows what the outcome will be.
Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
Michael, his parents and their faithful dog Stella set sail around the world in their yacht the Peggy Sue. Michael has never been so happy and then disaster strikes when he and his dog are swept overboard and find themselves stranded on an island where he discovers Kensuke, a former Japanese soldier and obstinate old man. Seemingly determined to thwart any attempt Michael makes to be rescued yet, unswerving in his generosity, sharing precious food and water and watching over him. Michael soon looks on Kensuke as both saviour and captor. It is not until both boy and man begin to understand one another and a bond of trust builds. Having lost his own family in the war Kensuke realises he must do all he can to help Michael find his own family even though he desperately wants to keep his island secret from the outside world he has turned his back on.
The Prophecy Keepers by Melaine Bryant
The Prophecy Keepers is the first in a series of five fantasy books written for young adults by highly promising new author Melaine Bryant. The story covers five months in the life of Lisandra Ackart; five months that see her embark on a journey of discovery and magical adventure that will delight and thrill readers in equal measure. The opening chapters of The Prophecy Keepers are excellent: the scene is set; the characters introduced and the story begins to unfold with admirable patience.
The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle
The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone… …so she ventured out from the safety of the enchanted forest on a quest for others of her kind. Joined along the way by the bumbling magician Schmendrick and the indomitable Molly Grue, the unicorn learns all about the joys and the sorrows of life and love before meeting her destiny in the castle of a despondent monarch – and confronting the creature that would drive her kind to extinction.
The Spook’s Curse by Joseph Delaney
The Spook and his apprentice, Thomas Ward, have travelled to Priestown to defeat the Bane, a powerful, evil creature that lurks in the catacombs of the cathedral and is corrupting the County. As Thomas and his master prepare to battle with the Bane, they soon realize it isn’t their only enemy in Priestown. The Quisitor has arrived, searching the County for those who meddle in the dark – witches, warlocks and spooks! Can Thomas and his master survive the horror that follows…?
The Spook’s Secret by Joseph Delaney
The third book in Joseph Delaney’s Spook’s series. The first book was excellent, so too was the second – can Delaney keep it going or will the things begin to tail off? I began to read The Spook’s Secret the very same day that I finished The Spook’s Curse; this is a fine testament to the quality of the series, as I often like to take a break before once again continuing with a series.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a magical tale set in a time of war. The story centres on Sybel whose story begins when, at the age of sixteen, she is given a baby to care for. Born and raised on the titular Eld Mountain, Sybel knows little of mankind, magical creatures summoned by wizardry having been her main source of companionship. The arrival of the baby takes Sybel out of her comfortable life and into realms unknown.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling
The fifth installment in the Harry Potter series sees Harry in his fifth year of Hogwarts; his hardest year yet. It's the end of the summer holidays and after a confrontation with Dudley Dursley and his little gang both Dudley and Harry are attacked by a Dementor, forcing Harry to use a Patronus charm. The Ministry of Magic are quick to charge Harry with the crime of 'underage magic' and it is only with Dumbledore's help and that of the Dursley's neighbour, who is infact a squib (a witch or wizard of pure blood who has no magic ability) and has been looking out for Harry all these years that sees the Ministry clearing Harry of all charges as his hearing.
Buy Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix from Amazon.co.uk
Buy Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix from Amazon.com 
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling
Harry is spending another dreadful summer at home with the Dursley's when an unfortunate run in with Aunt Marge ends in her sudden balloon like inflation. Harry runs away and fears expulsion from Hogwarts for his use of magic outside of term time. At the same time Sirius Balck escapes from Azkaban Prison and this adds to Harry's woes as it appears that Black seeks to kill him for his part in foiling Voldemort's plans.
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Buy Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban from Amazon.com
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
The sequel to Northern Lights, this is the second book in the 'His Dark Materials' Trilogy and introduces the character of Will Parry, a young boy who lives in Oxford (our world) with his ailing and increasingly confused mother and now on the run from a number of 'men in black' who seem to be searching for some letters sent from his missing explorer father, whom Will and his mother has not seen or heard from for years. After a scuffle with these mystery men, when they break into Will's home, one of the agents is accidentally killed and now Will must run for his life and try to find his father in order to help him and his mother. With his mother placed in the care of his old piano teacher Will ventures off and soon stumbles across a window to another world. Cittigazze is the City he stumbles across; but all is not well here, the place is deserted apart from a small, wild band of children who talk of spectres chasing away the adults. It is here he meets Lyra Belacqua, our heroine from the first book, who has traveled through the window from her world through the Northern Lights. Lyra has her Althiometer stolen and must retrieve something call the Subtle Knife in order to get it back. It soon becomes clear her and Will's meeting is not merely coincidence as Will becomes the successor to the previous owner of the Subtle Knife, which was made and resides in the City of Citigazze and is the key to opening an infinite number of windows to an infinite number of other worlds. Now they must find Will's father in order to put things right in Will's world and help his mother, but Mrs Coulter, who Lyra has already learnt is her real but not naturally maternal mother, has other plans for Lyra and is determined to destroy her. With the help of the witches and now also angels, Will and Lyra set off on this new and very dangerous quest.
Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by JK Rowling
The Philosopher’s Stone is the first book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. These novels have made Rowling the most successful literary author of all time and have sold in excess of 375 million copies world-wide. The books are read by children and adults alike and have been made into hugely popular films. The seventh book in the series, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows is due out in June 2007.
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling
J.K. Rowling’s series began with the Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets continues the adventures of the young wizard Harry and his friends at Hogwarts.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling
Voldemort has returned with his sycophantic sidekick Peter Pettygrew, who escaped in the last book, and are plotting the death of Harry Potter when they are disturbed by elderly caretaker Frank Bryce. Elsewhere, Harry is awoken by his scar burning and the remnants of a dream of Voldermort murdering an old man.
Lirael by Garth Nix
It has been 18 years since Sabriel and Touchstone defeated the Great Undead, Kerrigor and they now reign together, man and wife, as Abhorsen and King of the Old Kingdom. Lirael is a daughter of the Clayr who has yet to be gifted with the 'sight', the means to look into the future and all possible futures, a gift peculiar to the Clayr and without such Lirael feels an outcast, something that her appearance does not help, looking less than Clayr like and often mistaken by travellers as merely another guest.
Mister Monday by Garth Nix
The first day of term at Arthur Penhaligon's new school was supposed to be his last day on earth, but instead of dying of an asthma attack, he is given a key and drawn into another realm, controlled by human-like creatures called the Morrow Days. Strange dog-like creatures are sent, by one of the Morrow Days, Mister Monday, after Arthur to try and regain the key. Monday will stop at nothing to get at Arthur and the key, even burning down part of the school and bringing a terrible plague to the Earth that threatens to kill anyone who catches it. The only chance of saving his family and everyone else is for Arthur to enter the other realm through a mysterious house in the town, that nobody else can see, and try and find a cure. However, Arthur's fate, it seems, is tightly woven into the house, if he wants to save his world, he must fight for it.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl is a 12 year old genius born into the Fowl dynasty, that is, he is heir apparent and an already accomplished master of criminal activities that have founded the Fowl empire; he also has every intention of continuing in his father’s footsteps. With his manservant, bodyguard and all round unstoppable man mountain, Butler, Artemis proceeds in his plan to replenish the family coffers with gold…lots of it. But this is no ordinary gold he has set his sights on, this is Fairy Gold, but then Artemis is no ordinary 12 year old.
Abhorsen by Garth Nix
Lirael and Sameth have reached the safety of the Abhorsens House after fleeing from Necromancer Hedge and his dead minions. Now trapped by his agent Chlorr and many Dead Hands, Lirael and Sam must find a way to warn the King and Abhorsen of the mounting danger their subjects face in the Old Kingdom and the real threat this new evil 'The Destroyer' will bring to every living thing. Together with Mogget and The Disreputable Dog, Lirael and Sam must find a way to save Sam's friend Nick, now an unwitting puppet of Hedge, and the Southerling refugees from a fate much worse than death. Our heroine must also face her past as well as her future if she is to succeed in her quest to put an end to this very grave foe who's only desire is to end all life and the Charter itself.
The Diamond Throne by David Eddings
The Elenium consists of six books and The Diamond Throne is the first book in this series. David Eddings is an author who is both loved and criticized in seemingly equal measure but no-one can deny that he writes enjoyable fantasy tales. The Elenium continues in the next volume, The Ruby Knight.
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
Northern Lights is the first part of Philip Pullman's acclaimed Dark Materials trilogy. The book was first published in 1995, a year in which the book also claimed the Carnegie Award.
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Sabriel is the first book in the Abhorsen Trilogy, and tells the story of Sabriel, daughter to Abhorsen and student of Wyverley College. Sabriel is coming to the end of her studies and is anxious to speak with her father about her choices for life after school. But when your father is the Abhorsen, necromancer, binder of the dead to death, what choices can you possibly have? A messenger from the other side, however, makes the choice for Sabriel as it becomes clear her father is trapped in death but not yet dead! How will Sabriel find him and who is the enemy she must face that has placed her father in this perilous place. Sabriel's quest begins but time is against her as is, it seems, most of the dead.
Once Upon A Time In The North by Philip Pullman
Once Upon A Time In The North is another episode from the universe of His Dark Material including the very first meeting of Lee Scoresby, the Texan balloonist, and Iorek Byrnison, the armoured bear. Once Upon A Time In The North is set many years before Lyra's birth, a young Lee Scoresby pilots his recently won (in a poker game) balloon to the Arctic where he gets involved in a deadly confrontation between the government, an oil baron, a crooked politician, a ship's captain, and a hired killer from Lee's past.
Grim Tuesday by Garth Nix
With Monday defeated Arthur thought he had escaped the house and left it all behind him, however a couple of hours after releasing the Nightsweeper and finally getting some sleep, Arthur is awoken by a phone call from Dame Primus. In the six months of house time that have passed, Grim Tuesday has found a loophole that allows him to take control of the Lower House, that Arthur has just taken from Mister Monday. Arthur returns to the house and to the area controlled by the Grim, the Far Reaches, however he is mistaken as a worker and set to work in the pit.
Artemis Fowl And The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
Our intrepid anti-hero Artemis Fowl returns again in this second instalment in Eoin Colfer’s best selling series. Artemis, having been installed at a prestigious boarding school by his now recovered mother Angelina, takes great delight in confounding the school psychologist and taking leave as he pleases to pursue his other ‘interests’. In this book that happens to be the whereabouts of his father after confirmation is received that he is still alive and being held to ransom by the ‘Russian Mafiya’. Artemis, together with faithful servant Butler, must rescue Artemis Senior but they are going to need help.
Wizards’ Kingdom by Colin R Parsons
The shadow of evil has spread over Wizards’ Kingdom, and at the centre of the web is the power-crazed warlock, Evilan… Can the three benevolent wizards – Zendal, Crasmont and young Mydar – pool all their sorcerers’ energy together and rescue Lord Torsk, imprisoned by Evilan in Spellock Castle? And is Torsk all that he pretends to be?
The Last Battle by CS Lewis
The concluding chapter if C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. The last days of Narnia are drawing near and battles will be fought and old friends summoned back. Treachery and lies threaten to bring destruction in the finale of The Chronicles of Narnia.
Magicians Gambit by David Eddings
Magician's Gambit is the third book of the Belgariad. Two prophecies, made thousands of years ago are approaching and the moment is nigh when only one will hold true. Garion is only now beginning to understand the part that he will play in the future of the world.
Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
FOUR CLANS, ONE DESTINY. Into the Wild is the first book in the popular Warrior Cars series. The four. Clans have shared the forest for generations but ThunderClan’s territory is in danger as the sinister and mysterious ShadowClan grows stronger each day. Enter Rusty, a domestic house cat who may turn out to be the greatest warrior of them all.
Queen of Sorcery by David Eddings
Queen of Sorcery is the second book in David Edding's fantasy series The Belgariad. The book follows on from the events in Pawn of Prophecy.
Enchanters End Game by David Eddings
The quest was over. The Orb of Aldur was restored. And once again, with the crowning of Garion, there was a descendant of Riva Iron-grip to rule as Overlord of the West. But the Prophecy was unfulfilled. In the east, the evil God Torak was about to awaken and seek dominion. Somehow, Garion had to face the God, to kill or be killed. On the outcome of that dread duel rested the destiny of the world.
Eldest by Christopher Paolini
Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns … Eldest is the sequel to Eragon and is the second book in Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle. Eragon and Saphira, saviours of the rebel state must travel to Ellesmera, a land of elves to complete their Dragon Rider training. A journey begins, full of adventure and betrayal where Eragon will be lucky to escape with his life.
Guardians Of The West by David Eddings
The Malloreon begins three years after Garion defeated the evil Torak, a story told in the five books comprising The Belgariad. Garion is now Overlord of the West and when the Orb of Aldur warns him “Beware Zandramas” he discovers that a new danger is growing in the East. The Dark Prophecy still exists.
Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings
The Pawn of Prophecy is the first book in the David Eddings' fantasy series entitles The Belgariad. The story is of Garion, a young orphan who lives and works with his Aunt Pol on Faldor's farm in Sendaria.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
When Eragon, a young farm-boy, discovers a polished stone in the forest his first thoughts are of selling it to feed his family. The stone turns out to be the home of a dragon hatchling and as Eragon secret ely raises it evil forces descend upon his family and he is thrown into a world of magic and power with only an ancient sword and a fledgling dragon to help him.
Sir Thursday by Garth Nix
It's day four and Arthur and Leaf are returning back to Earth after claiming the Boarder Seas, however Arthur has to remain in the House, due to an imposter having already passed through the front door. Leaf sets off to track down the imposter, the skinless boy as he has become known, who is spreading a mind control mould, which is mistaken as a biological weapon, placing the whole hospital under quarantine. Meanwhile, Arthur is recruited into the Glorious Army of the Architect and, due to being mistaken as a Piper's child, is washed between the ears, erasing his memory. The Great Maze is under attack by a new form of Nithling that greatly out number the Denizen's. Will Arthur get his memory, will he be able to defeat Sir Thursday and claim the fourth key, or will the New Nithlings finally stop Arthur from saving the house, and taking his rightful title?
Lady Friday by Garth Nix
Thousands of people are going missing from Earth, being taken by Lady Friday in the guise of Dr Friday, first mentioned in Sir Thursday, but what does Lady Friday want with all these mortals, and where is she taking them? In the meantime Arthur, the Piper and Superior Saturday each receives a letter saying that Lady Friday is giving up her position as Trustee to whoever reaches her Scriptorium, in the Middle House, and is first to claim the Fifth Key for themselves, but is she being truthful, and will Arthur be too late to claim the key?
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
A story within a story, Inkheart tells the tale of a book of the same name owned by Mortimer Folchart who is a book restorer who lives in a remote farmhouse with his 12-year-old daughter Meggie. Mo, as he is known to his daughter, has not told Meggie about his ‘gift’, that he can read characters out of books and that is why he never reads to her aloud. He has also not told her that whenever his magical reading voice summons someone out of a book that someone from this world disappears, like her mother disappeared nine years ago at the same time that Capricorn and his cruel henchmen appeared. Capricorn wants the book for himself and the will go to any lengths to get it. Dustfinger, also summoned from the book warns Mo that Capricorn is on his tail, but Dustfinger longs to be put back into the story from whence he came and he will do almost anything to get back so can Mo and Meggie truly trust him and how can Mo keep the book, his last link to Meggie’s mother, safe? A tale of kidnap, deceit, magic and murder, this is not a tale for the faint hearted!
Castle Of Wizardry by David Eddings
Castle of Wizardry is the fourth book of the Belgariad. The Orb of Aldur has been retrieved but unless the company can escape from a crumbling enemy fortress of Rak Cthol and avoid the Murgo soldiers it would have all been for nothing. The meeting of the Child of Light and the Child of Dark looms nearer.
Drowned Wednesday by Garth Nix
It's Wednesday morning and Leaf is visiting her friend Arthur, who is in a hospital bed, after damaging his leg during his adventures in Tuesday's treasure tower. Under his pillow, Arthur finds an invitation from Drowned Wednesday.
