Best Fantasy Books of 1998

Below you will find a list of the fantasy books published in 1998 that we enjoyed most. Click on a book title to read the full review.

The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb (The Liveship Traders: Book 2)

The Liveship Traders series continues with the second book, The Mad Ship. Althea Vestrit continues her quest to reclaim her rightful inheritance, the liveship Vivacia. The Vivacia has been seized by pirates led by the enigmatic Kennit, a man who believes that destiny leads him to become King of the Pirate Isles. The Vestrit family are nearing financial ruin which leads them closer to the mysterious Rain Wild Traders who own the ship. Amidst these events the mad ship, Paragon is once again launched despite the history of death and despair that surrounds him.

Published: 1998

Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb (The Liveship Traders: Book 1)

No other than Orson Scott Card described the Liveship Traders trilogy as a 'masterclass in writing'. The story is unique, the character development excellent. In just a few chapters the characters are well drawn and take on a life of their own. Highly recommended.

Published: 1998

Dracula Cha Cha Cha by Kim Newman (Anno Dracula series: Book 3)

What more could you ask for? Dracula meets the Giallo murder mystery and Bond! There is even a 1968 set novella Aquarius as an added bonus. This will chill and amuse the reader, transporting you to a bygone era of cinema and culture. Unmissable.

Published: 1998

A Clash Of Kings by George RR Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire: Book 2)

A Song of Ice and Fire. Again. We love it. As an ongoing series it is one of the very best. It didn't become a worldwide phenomenon by chance. Read it.

Published: 1998

The Sum of All Men by David Farland (Runelords: Book 1)

Goodness me, how I enjoyed this book. The rest of the series did fade away in my opinion and I stopped reading it but as an opening to a fantasy series this is magnificent. This novel is different to anything I had read before. The main feature that stood out for me was the use of runes to give Runelords and also ordinary people greater power. A really fascinating concept explored very well within a really fun story.

Published: 1998

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling (Harry Potter: Book 2)

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

"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."

Published: 1998

Sword In The Storm by David Gemmell (The Rigante Novels: Book 1)

Koen: A book by David Gemmell is about morally grey heroes, who fight for what they believe in, and regularly get kicked in the nuts by fate. A Tavern brawler who selflessly stands up when faced with injustice. A Drunkard that, without a moment of hesitation, sacrifices his life in favor of an innocent family. A Burly woodcutter that travels to all corners of the world to rescue his captured crush. A pacifistic priest forced to slay numerous enemies. These tales tell of honor and glory, duty and loyalty, courage and resolve, all coated in a wonderful blend of action, black humor and suspense.

Published: 1998

Prince of Dogs by Kate Elliott (Crown of Stars: Book 2)

Prince of Dogs is the perfect second book. It draws you on from the first outstanding introduction to this new universe and drops you off ready and willing for the third. Kate Elliott is a master of her craft, able to leave you breathless and emotionally wrung out with the simple flip of a page.

Published: 1998

Bag of Bones by Stephen King

So, whilst the slow start, and Mike’s occasional tantrums mean this still probably isn’t up there with the best of King, there’s no doubt that there’s a lot here to make you think, feel and wonder, and indeed plenty of meat on these particular bones.

Published: 1998