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First of all, I would like you to understand that this article will involve a small list of fantasy authors and novels which can be deemed as 'Essential reads'. The books shown here can be purchased from any good book shops local to you. Note: while I have tried to ensure that none of the plot in these books is given away here you may come to your own conclusion on some of the plot points.

The 'Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan has been acclaimed as one of the longest and most in-depth fantasy stories. This tale about a young man named Rand al'Thor whose destiny will shake the very fabric of the world he lives in, specifically the country of Andor. The story, spread over 12 books, encompasses a multitude of characters from Rand's companions; Matt and Perrin to women called Aes Sedai who control the female 'half' of the One Power, which is the form of magic used in their world. Each book in the series will slowly advance the story about Rand and his involvement with something called 'The Dragon Reborn'. A must read for anyone who wants a lengthy story.

Ian Irvine's 'The View from the Mirror' and 'The Well of Echoes' are quartets that are also highly recommended. Each series revolves around the 'Three Worlds': Aachan, Santhenar and Tallallame. The characters in each book are well developed and you will find yourself identifying with a lot of their decisions and predicaments. For instance, Nish from 'The Well of Echoes' series starts off as someone who you would expect to hate and only see irregularly in the book, however as you read on, you start to understand a lot about his personality and more importantly, how he identifies his own weaknesses and deals with them. Ian Irvines's books are intelligent and cunning with elaborate plots which will leave you smiling and utterly engrossed.

'A Song of Fire and Ice' is a series of books by the author George R. R. Martin starting with 'A Game of Thrones'. These books are full of intrigue and said have 'characters so venomous they could eat the Borgias' (from the Guardian). The story involves a power struggle between different family House's intent of gaining the Throne of the kingdom of Westeros. The first book starts off with Eddard Stark's family; his wife Catelyn, his children Robb, Sansa , Arya, Bran and Rickon and his bastard son Jon Snow. Unlike most books that have plainly labeled chapters, George has each section labeled under the character that it focuses on, for instance BRAN or EDDARD. This series is refreshing

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