Best Fantasy Books of 1977

Below you will find a list of the fantasy books published in 1977 that we enjoyed most. Click on a book title to read the full review.

Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen Donaldson (Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever: Book 1)

Thomas Covenant is arguably one of the most famous characters in fantasy, but not all who know it love it. Whether it is due to the Covenant character himself, or simply as a response to the series as a whole, readers find themselves divided in their opinions: Some love it, some hate it. But few dismiss it. The Chronicles are a very complex piece of work but at heart a good old-fashioned tale of epic fantasy deserving of being labelled classic.

Published: 1977

Sailing to Byzantium by Robert Silverberg

Sailing to Byzantium is a novella, albeit at a three hour length a rather long one. While on the one hand we're left with a host of questions about the world, and about where things will go next, on the other, had the premise been dragged out to a full novel length I do not know if it would've maintained the breathless heir of exotic yet melancholy beauty that pervades the story. Available now as a stand alone, as well as in several notable collections, this is evidence for the fact that the sf writers of America weren't idiots when handing out Nebula Awards, and a story I’d highly recommend to anyone, especially lovers of language, antiquity and a little romance, certainly it's one that both my lady and I greatly enjoyed.

Published: 1977

Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones (The Chrestomanci Series: Book 1)

Every saga has a beginning. Every journey has a first step... And so it is with the magical Worlds of Chrestomanci which English fantasy author Diana Wynne Jones began so many years ago with her own episode one - Charmed Life. Winner of the Guardian Award for Children's Books, Charmed Life has been a favourite escape to parallel fantastical worlds since 1977, and remains refreshingly captivating and reassuringly addictive in its latest paperback edition with a wonderful new jacket illustration. The adventure begins in a strange and not-quite contemporary England that is still peppered with paddle steamers, horse-drawn carriages and girls wearing petticoats. Orphans Eric Chant (nicknamed Cat) and his sister Gwendolen, a gifted witch, are whisked away to live in a castle with Chrestromanci, a much-revered man of magic, wealth and mysterious ways. Their new life is full of the surreal and unexpected, and there are several crazy new rules to master--not least by Gwendolen who must learn to channel her astonishing powers for good instead of mischief as she forever seems determined to do! Chrestomanci is a truly original creation, and Charmed Life introduces this dandy nine-lived enchanter - the king of the regal dressing gown - and his associated colourful characters in a story of pace and substance, twists and turns, treachery and bravado. There's also humour amid the author's very immediate writing, and enough puzzles and mystery to keep an inquisitive mind captivated until the very end.

Published: 1977

Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffrey (The Dragon Rider's Saga: Book 4)

When Menolly, daughter of Yanus Sea Holder, arrived at the Harper Craft Hall, she came in style, aboard a huge bronze dragon, followed by her nine fire lizards. The Masterharper of Pern, aware of her unique skills, had chosen her as his only girl apprentice. But the holdless girl had first to overcome many heartaches in this strange new life. Two things sustained her - her devoted lizards, a subject on which she was fitted to instruct her Masters - and the music... music of compelling beauty, music-making where at last she was accepted. In the Great Hall, Menolly could fulfil her destiny.

"If you love music, the antics of small dragons and seeing likable characters triumph despite adversity, Dragonsinger is heartily recommended."

Published: 1977