What was your best fantasy read in 2013 and why?

[L.K.]

Blood Song by Anthony Ryan and The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss are tied for my favorite of the year. Both got five stars because of their characters.

[Ruby]

My best fantasy read of the year for several years running is whichever is newest of Elizabeth Moon's Paladin's Legacy books. It is a followup series, 20 years later, to her amazing Deed of Paksenarrion trilogy. The next one is out in June in hardcover and I am DYING until then. It is the fifth and might even be the last, I'm not sure. ONLY series I am currently buying in hardcover!!

[Ruby]

Absolutely loved Kushiel books when I discovered them, especially the first three. The amazing craft that went into the alternate history of that world seems to get lost under the sensational bits when people talk about it, but it is my favorite part!

[L.G.]

I had fun with some of Brent Weeks stuff. Apart from him, I'd say Bradbury (I've been going back through his short stories).

[Travis]

The name of the Wind and The wise man's fear. They were a fresh fantasy read.

[Greta]

My two favorites were The Name of the Wind and The Blade Itself.

Thank you all for the great ideas! I just joined this group and have added so many new books to my reading list already!!

[Akshay]

The two series that stood out for me were Malazan Book of the Fallen and The Broken Empire.

[Samuel]

There were many outstanding books for me. The best of these would have to be Anthony Ryan's Blood Song, Mark Lawrence's Emperor of Thorns, Peter V. Brett's Daylight War and Branderson's Memory of Light.

[A.J.]

Song of Dragons: The Complete Trilogy It has to be the best dragon book I have ever read about. Really innovative dragon trilogy.

[Vaelin]

Gish wrote: "There were many outstanding books for me. The best of these would have to be Anthony Ryan's Blood Song, Mark Lawrence's Emperor of Thorns, Peter V. Brett's Daylight War and Branderson's Memory of ..."

Blood Song was not 2013 buddy....so it doesnt count (albeit it is a fantastic book)

[Bill]

Vaelin wrote: "Gish wrote: "There were many outstanding books for me. The best of these would have to be Anthony Ryan's Blood Song, Mark Lawrence's Emperor of Thorns, Peter V. Brett's Daylight War and Branderson..."

It's books read in 2013 not publication date.

[Tom]

Mine would have to be wolfs brother/reindeer people by Megan lindholm,would get my 5 star.

[Thomas]

I was fortunate to read a pre-publication manuscript of "That Frigid Fargin Witch," #4 in the Vanx Malic series, by M.R. Mathias. The protagonist continues to grow in depth and character. The secondary characters are well-realized and the antagonists are top-rate evil. Mathias has put together another well-crafted fantasy. To readers, download the free story, "Foxwise," before reading Vanx #4. It's a bridge—taking the reader from Vanx #3 to the beginning of the "Frigid Fargin Witch." Highly recommended for fantasy lovers.

[Micah]

A memory of light and emperor of thorns.

[Hudson]

Olga wrote: "In 2013, I read many good fantasy books, but one author stands out. In 2013, I discovered Terry Pratchett. His Guards! Guards!, Night Watch and other books w..."

Same thing happened to me....it was great to discover Discworld and I thought the books were great. I read the first 6-7 and then took a break, I will pick it back up again in 2014. Very funny!

[Angela]

I have to say it was the year of Brent Weeks for me in 2013. I had never heard of him until then. Thank you GR for thinking I would like his work. I loved it and can't wait for the next instalment of The Lightbringer series this year.

[Monica]

It would be between Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch, or Emperor of Thorns by Mark Lawrence. An honorable mention hoes to The Tyrant's Law by Daniel Abraham.