Everyone loves a good fight scene. Who doesn’t get impressed by MC taking on one or many opponents heroically and emerging victorious?
Here’s my favourite Top 10 list of fights in Fantasy books I’ve read. This does not include mass battles. Just 1 vs 1 (mostly). Here we go…..
#10 – Gideon vs Magnus Quinn
Book: Gideon The Ninth
Series: The Locked Tomb
Author: Tamsyn Muir
This is such an awesome duel to start with from one of my favourite books. After all the intro and lessons, this is the first time we see Gideon in action and it is awesome. The reason it is in 10th place is because fight sequence itself is very short, but well written. The way we see the fight from Gideon’s mind eye is just so enjoyable to read.
#9 – Harry Dresden vs Red Cap
Book: Cold Days
Series: Dresden Files
Author: Jim Butcher
Another classic duel. Possibly only duel (that I can think of) in the entire series. Set with a very usual no blood spilled clause, this is Dresden’s gambit to gain notoriety among the Sithe. Set in the brilliant and twisted winter wonderland palace of Mab, this is quick and dirty. Not just the immediate implications, but the maneuvering and wider implications make this a fascinating bit of prose.
#8 – Mat vs Galad and Gawyn
Book: The Dragon Reborn
Series: Wheel of Time
Author: Robert Jordan
Possibly one of my favourite fights in the entire series. And imo the beginning of Mat turning into one of the most loveable characters written in all fantasy!
Weakened and recovering from sickness, Mat ends up challenging two of the most promising warders in training. Sword vs Quarterstaff.
Absolute fun to read. Never gamble against Mat!
#7 – Vin vs Shan Elariel
Book: Mistborn – The Final Empire
Series: Mistborn Saga
Author: Brandon Sanderson
The beginning of Vin and potentially one of her best badass moments in the series.
From underdog to a epic victory, the battle not only showcases the actual fight sequence well, but also the powers of full Mistborn. One of the few (or is it the only one?) where we see two full Mistborn facing off against each other. The power of metals in full glory!
#6 – Kruppe vs Iskaral Pust
Book: Toll the Hounds
Series: Malazan Book of the Fallen
Author: Steven Erikson
Possibly the oddest entry in this list since there’s not much of actual fighting. But two powerful old men in their “war donkeys” facing off is just hilarious.
For all the humour this scene is set against the backdrop of another hair-raising duel and the juxtaposition of the tone and theme between both happening concurrently is sublime.
#5 – Kaladin vs Shardbearers
Book: Words of Radiance
Series: The Stormlight Archive
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Pure joy to read. The literal definition of heroic fantasy. The context of honor and duty leading to this underdog fight only to be enhanced by the magic of the world is captivating. The fight itself is super exciting as we defit between this particular fight and the overall battle.
Kaladin vs Szeth may be more apt 1v1, but the Shardbearers fight is my personal favorite.
#4 – Misaki vs Takeru
Book: Sword of Kaigen
Series: Theonite War
Author: M.L. Wang
One of the most compelling poses in this list. The context of this fight is super emotional and we get the full blast of raw emotions all they way from the events leading to the fight to events following it.
Once of the segments of the books, I’ve read so many times and still find it as good as my first time!
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#3 – Bloody Nine vs Fenris the Feared
Book: Last Argument of Kings
Series: The First Law
Author: Joe Abercrombie
Brutal. Epic.
For all his notoriety, Logan finally finds himself against someone he can’t defeat. He finds no solace, no knowledge on how to overcome this trial….and then we get to see who Bloody Nine is.
Writing is just raw and powerful and I could literally taste the blood and feel the madness coursing though me.
#2 – Anomander Rake vs Dassem Ultor
Book: Toll the Hounds
Series: Malazan Book of the Fallen
Author: Steven Erikson
The only book to feature twice in this list. One of my favourite books in the series. And possibly the best climax that could ever be written in fantasy.
The lead up to the fight is as epic as the fight itself. Two titans facing each other. Two favorites, so we cannot really root for either to win. The prose is scintillating and the recollection while I’m typing this already gives me the goosebumps.
#1 – Lindon vs Yerin
Book: Uncrowned
Series: Cradle
Author: Will Wight
The winner!
Oh, I hated Northstrider when I came to this. I absolutely did. How can he do this to me? How can Will do this to his readers? It just isn’t fair. What follows is probably the pinnacle of all fights. It’s not just a single fight, but a whole drama in itself. From denial to realization to just getting lost in the thrill of the fight itself…this reigns supreme!
Legend for having The bloody Nine in there!
Fantastic list. I’m adding the ones I haven’t read to my list.