The Hobbit

J.R.R. Tolkein is probably the most well known fantasy writer of all time. And it is because of this book, The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. This book is something of a prequel to that series, but it is also an amazing stand alone. The tale of Bilbo Baggins, a modest hobbit enjoying his quiet peaceful life, who becomes caught up in a whirlwind quest as a "burglar," is one of the best told stories of epic fantasy that I have ever read. It is extremely accessible, the few characters are enjoyable, and the plot is straight-forward without being too simple. The book is not anything spectacular, but it is solid and very good the whole time. Tolkein does a marvelous job of writing a tale that all other fantasy must compare itself too. And this novel stands the test of time. 8.5/10