The Crystal Cave
by Mary Stewart (1970)

Beginning with The Crystal Cave in 1970 Mary Stewart took readers on best-known of the Arthurian epics, focusing on the story of Merlin. The novels trace Merlin's role in the coming of Arthur through to the fateful end. Stewart's novels are astonishingly complex and laced with historical detail. Those looking for an easier read may want to stick with Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Deryni Rising
by Katherine Kurtz (1970)

Kurtz puts her historian's training to good use in creating the alternate medieval Europe depicted in her Deryni trilogy. But then one would expect nothing less from a woman who lives in a renovated castle. In creating her world of sorcery and court intrigue, Kurtz starts with the assumption that magic can indeed be real. Another early S&S classic that has dropped off the radar.

The Forgotten Beasts Of Eld
by Patricia A McKillip (1975)

After her father dies the only company a young sorceress has are a menagerie of magical animals. She gets drawn into a vengeful quest in the human world when a baby comes into her care. A World Fantasy Award winner and a good place to start for those lacking the time and patience to tackle McKillip's epic Riddle-Master series first up.

'The Book of Swords' Trilogy
by Fred Saberhagen (1983-84)

Saberhagen could teach the new school a thing or two about telling a good story without all the dross and padding. The gods scatter 12 magical swords around the world to have a bit of fun while mortals fight over them. Each gives its wielder a unique ability, such as incredibly good luck or being able to overcome any other weapon. Available together in an omnibus volume.

The Summer Tree
by Guy Gavriel Kay (1984)

Light versus dark again, as five university students find their way to the First Of All the Worlds courtesy of a wizard. The first of three volumes in the Fionavar Tapestry and well up to Kay's consistently high standards. There are dwarves, wizards, gods and lots of destiny - all the stuff of a truly great fantasy epic. Should prompt most to check out the whole trilogy.

Howl's Moving Castle
by Diana Wynne Jones (1986)

Perhaps Jones' best known work, thanks largely to the animated film adaptation by Hayao Miyazaki. In the magical land of Ingary the extraordinary is commonplace. Following a half-century of quiet the Witch of the Waste is set to return. Sophie Hatter's mundane existence is about to change when the moving castle of the Wizard Howl shows up. Nice harmless fun for teens.

'Memory, Sorrow and Thorn'
by Tad Williams (1988-93)

Standard fantasy epic series Memory, Sorrow & Thorn starts when the High King of Osten Ard dies and a kitchen helper turned magician's apprentice tries to sort out some princely sibling rivalry. By the end of the first book, The Dragonbone Chair, he has worked out how to be a hero and there are plenty of loose ends for the sequel. Best read as a series.

Magic Casement
by Dave Duncan (1990)

Adolescent romance in which a princess and stableboy discover a bit of magic. Canadian writer Duncan launched his four-part Man Of His Word series with this book which is wrapped in all the likely trimmings of a fantasy novel. Despite its outward appearance, this is pretty much a straightforward and somewhat pedestrian romance.