This is actually a sequel to College of Magics, but comprehensible without having read the first, as the plot and most of the characters are unrelated. Takes place in an alternate nineteenth century where magic exists.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 12:46PM

Here I would like to recommend any of Sharon Shinn's books. Angelica is one of my favorites, but all of her writing is beautiful.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 12:44PM

This book is more of a historical fiction book than straight fantasy, but it does have supernatural elements in it. The author cleverly uses humor to break up what might otherwise be a depressing tale. Though somewhat hard to get into, this is the start of an excellent trilogy.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 12:42PM

One I reread several times and finally bought, Crown Duel is great fun. Originally, this book was published as two separate ones, which does show. The first part is more action, while the second part is something of a comedy/drama of politics and manners.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 12:39PM

A well-constructed setting and interesting characters are what sets this book apart. This is a darker fantasy than some of the others on this list.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 12:37PM

All right, another book by Diana Wynne Jones. Unrelated to the first (or third) of her works included in this list, it is another great read. Readers are also urged to check out the sequel, Castle in the Air, and the animated movie version by Hayao Miyazaki.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 10:51AM

This is a wonderful story that is, at its heart, about the power of words. Most readers of fiction have a certain wariness of "comic books," but I urge you to put aside your prejudice and check out this manga. There are seven volumes in the completed series, all of which the library owns.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 10:47AM

This book is original and quite funny. The premise is that there is a whole fantasy world set aside for the tourism industry, much to the annoyance of its citizens. Recommended for anyone looking to read something completely different.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 10:43AM

Though the "children's fiction" label may throw some readers off, this book is very creative and well-written, enjoyable to any age group. Though Ella Enchanted was made into a movie, said movie was unrelentingly terrible.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 10:39AM

Written as a tour guide to "Fantasyland," the general area where fantasy books take place, this book has entries for everything a fantasy reader may expect to encounter. Hilarious to fantasy fans, but probably incomprehensible to everyone else.   posted Jul 3, 2007 at 10:35AM