Summary: In today's article, I have compiled 20 of the best-ever fantasy books that will transport you to magical worlds and keep you hooked until the very last page. These are my top 3 picks:
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
- A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin
- Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
The best fantasy books transport you to incredible worlds with rich settings, complex characters, and unforgettable plots. From epic tales like The Lord of the Rings to unique magic systems in Mistborn, these books explore big themes like good versus evil and personal growth, offering thrilling adventures and emotional depth. They're a must-read for anyone who loves a great story.
TOP 20: Best-Ever Fantasy Books
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
- A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin
- Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
- The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
- The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
- Uprooted by Naomi Novik
- The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
- The Magicians by Lev Grossman
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
- The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- About: Follows the epic quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron.
- Style of writing: Rich, descriptive, and poetic, with deep lore and world-building.
- Length: Approximately 450,000 words (across three books).
- Year written: 1954–1955
- Emotional impact: A powerful, timeless story of friendship, sacrifice, and hope. It leaves a profound, lasting impression on readers.
- Difficulty level: Medium to high. The world-building can be dense, and the language is formal.
- Why read it: It's a foundational work in fantasy literature, offering a richly detailed world and a compelling, epic tale.
2. A Song of Ice and Fire Series
- Author: George R.R. Martin
- About: A politically complex fantasy series set in Westeros and Essos, focusing on the battle for the Iron Throne and the looming threat of winter.
- Style of writing: Gritty, detailed, and full of complex political intrigue.
- Length: Around 1.5 million words (across five published books).
- Year written: 1996–present (ongoing series).
- Emotional impact: Known for its brutal twists and morally complex characters, it leaves readers with a sense of unpredictability and shock.
- Difficulty level: High. The plot is intricate, with many characters and storylines.
- Why read it: For a dark, unpredictable narrative full of intrigue, with some of the most memorable characters in modern fantasy.
3. Mistborn: The Final Empire
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: In a world where ash falls from the sky, a group of rebels with magical powers plot to overthrow a tyrannical ruler.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, with a focus on world-building and a unique magic system.
- Length: 125,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2006
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking and inspiring, with themes of revolution and self-discovery.
- Difficulty level: Medium. The magic system is complex, but accessible.
- Why read it: For its unique take on magic and a gripping, action-packed plot.
4. The Wheel of Time Series
- Author: Robert Jordan
- About: A group of heroes must fight the Dark One to save the world, with a complex web of prophecy, magic, and politics.
- Style of writing: Descriptive and epic, with detailed character development.
- Length: Around 4.4 million words (across 14 books).
- Year written: 1990–2013 (final book written by Brandon Sanderson).
- Emotional impact: Deeply immersive with emotional highs and lows, creating a lasting attachment to the characters.
- Difficulty level: High. The series is long and filled with intricate details.
- Why read it: For one of the most epic fantasy series ever written, with a richly developed world and complex characters.
5. The Name of the Wind
- Author: Patrick Rothfuss
- About: The first book in The Kingkiller Chronicle, telling the story of Kvothe, a legendary figure, recounting his life from his humble beginnings to becoming a famous magician.
- Style of writing: Lyrical and poetic, with a deep focus on the protagonist’s internal growth.
- Length: 250,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2007
- Emotional impact: It’s deeply introspective and emotional, leaving readers invested in Kvothe's journey.
- Difficulty level: Medium. Rothfuss' writing style is intricate but accessible.
- Why read it: For a beautifully written, character-driven fantasy that offers a fresh perspective on the hero’s journey.
6. The Way of Kings
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: The first book in The Stormlight Archive, following multiple characters as they navigate a war-torn world filled with ancient oaths and cosmic storms.
- Style of writing: Detailed, epic, and thought-provoking, with multiple viewpoints and a complex magic system.
- Length: 380,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: It’s a deeply immersive, epic tale that invests readers emotionally in its characters.
- Difficulty level: High. The world-building and narrative structure are complex.
- Why read it: For a vast, world-spanning epic with intricate plots and a unique magic system.
7. The Lies of Locke Lamora
- Author: Scott Lynch
- About: A master thief, Locke Lamora, leads a group of con artists in the city of Camorr, where crime, betrayal, and intrigue abound.
- Style of writing: Witty, fast-paced, and full of humor, with clever dialogue and intricate heists.
- Length: 200,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2006
- Emotional impact: Full of humor, action, and tension, leaving readers entertained and invested in the characters.
- Difficulty level: Medium. The plot is complex but readable.
- Why read it: For a thrilling, fast-paced heist novel with great characters and sharp wit.
8. The Blade Itself
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: The first book in The First Law Trilogy, featuring a morally gray world where three unlikely heroes must navigate political intrigue, war, and betrayal.
- Style of writing: Gritty, dark, and full of cynical humor.
- Length: 195,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2006
- Emotional impact: A brutal, no-holds-barred fantasy that leaves readers contemplating its darker themes.
- Difficulty level: Medium to high. The tone is dark, and the characters are complex.
- Why read it: For a fresh, gritty take on the fantasy genre that subverts many typical tropes.
9. The Hobbit
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- About: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, embarks on an adventure with a group of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from a dragon.
- Style of writing: Light, whimsical, and accessible, with detailed descriptions of the world.
- Length: 95,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 1937
- Emotional impact: A fun and adventurous journey with themes of bravery, friendship, and personal growth.
- Difficulty level: Easy to medium. It’s lighter than The Lord of the Rings.
- Why read it: For a classic, charming adventure that laid the foundation for modern fantasy.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia Series
- Author: C.S. Lewis
- About: A series of seven books following children who are transported to the magical land of Narnia, where they battle evil forces.
- Style of writing: Simple, direct, and allegorical.
- Length: Approximately 350,000 words (across seven books).
- Year written: 1950–1956
- Emotional impact: A nostalgic and heartwarming tale with themes of sacrifice, bravery, and redemption.
- Difficulty level: Easy. Written for a younger audience but still enjoyable for adults.
- Why read it: For its timeless, magical adventure and its deep moral lessons.
11. The Poppy War
- Author: R.F. Kuang
- About: A dark fantasy inspired by Chinese history, following a young woman’s journey from poverty to military academy, eventually becoming a key player in a devastating war.
- Style of writing: Dark, visceral, and emotionally intense.
- Length: 130,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Intense and harrowing, with deep emotional and psychological impact, especially on themes of war and trauma.
- Difficulty level: Medium to high. The story is emotionally challenging and has complex historical influences.
- Why read it: For a powerful, thought-provoking narrative that blends historical inspiration with rich fantasy.
12. The Broken Earth Trilogy
- Author: N.K. Jemisin
- About: Set in a world prone to apocalyptic earthquakes, the series follows people with the power to control these quakes and their struggles in a brutal society.
- Style of writing: Thought-provoking, experimental, and deeply political.
- Length: Approximately 350,000 words (across three books).
- Year written: 2015–2017
- Emotional impact: Profound, with themes of oppression, survival, and the human condition.
- Difficulty level: High. The structure and style can be complex, with deep philosophical and social themes.
- Why read it: For an innovative, socially conscious fantasy series that redefines the genre.
13. Uprooted
- Author: Naomi Novik
- About: A young woman from a quiet village is chosen to serve a mysterious, powerful wizard known as the Dragon, in a tale filled with magic, danger, and dark forests.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric, lyrical, and character-driven.
- Length: 105,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Riveting and emotionally resonant, leaving readers with a sense of awe and wonder.
- Difficulty level: Medium. It’s fairly accessible but immersive.
- Why read it: For a beautifully written, magical, and intense standalone novel.
14. The Black Prism
- Author: Brent Weeks
- About: In a world where magic is based on the manipulation of light and color, Gavin Guile, the world’s most powerful person, must confront a growing political crisis and an unexpected rival.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced and action-packed, with a strong focus on character development and an innovative magic system.
- Length: 190,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: Engaging, with moments of intense emotional depth and character-driven conflict.
- Difficulty level: Medium. The world-building and magic system are complex but accessible.
- Why read it: For a unique, high-stakes fantasy with a fresh approach to magic, politics, and personal sacrifice.
15. The Magicians
- Author: Lev Grossman
- About: A young man, Quentin Coldwater, discovers the magical world of Fillory, but his adventures lead him to confront the darker side of magic and his own personal demons.
- Style of writing: Dark, introspective, and reflective, blending literary fiction with fantasy.
- Length: 180,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2009
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking and melancholic, exploring themes of existentialism, the search for purpose, and the consequences of power.
- Difficulty level: Medium. The narrative is easy to follow but filled with emotional complexity.
- Why read it: For a mature, modern take on magic that challenges traditional fantasy tropes and delves into real-world emotional struggles.
16. The Night Circus
- Author: Erin Morgenstern
- About: Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, engage in a magical competition set against the backdrop of a mystical, traveling circus that only operates at night.
- Style of writing: Lyrical, atmospheric, and immersive, with vivid descriptions and a dream-like quality.
- Length: 120,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2011
- Emotional impact: Enchanting and whimsical, with a sense of mystery and wonder. The slow-burning romance and magical setting leave a lingering sense of awe.
- Difficulty level: Medium. While atmospheric and immersive, the structure is nonlinear and requires some patience.
- Why read it: For its beautifully crafted world, magical realism, and a captivating, otherworldly atmosphere.
17. The Shadow of the Wind
- Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón
- About: In post-World War II Barcelona, a young boy named Daniel uncovers a mysterious book from the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, leading him into a labyrinth of intrigue, danger, and secrets about the book's author.
- Style of writing: Gothic, atmospheric, and full of literary references, with rich character development and a suspenseful plot.
- Length: 130,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2001
- Emotional impact: Haunting and emotional, with a deep sense of nostalgia and reflection on life, love, and loss.
- Difficulty level: Medium. The prose is accessible but layered with complex themes and subplots.
- Why read it: For its literary elegance, atmospheric world, and thrilling mystery that weaves together love, loss, and intrigue.
18. The Priory of the Orange Tree
- Author: Samantha Shannon
- About: A high fantasy novel that features dragons, a divided world, and powerful women on a quest to stop an ancient evil threatening their world.
- Style of writing: Epic, immersive, and detailed, with a strong focus on world-building and diverse perspectives.
- Length: 230,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Empowering and emotional, with a strong focus on sisterhood, sacrifice, and confronting long-standing prejudices.
- Difficulty level: Medium to high. The world-building and multiple viewpoints require some attention, but it’s highly rewarding.
- Why read it: For a fresh, female-led epic fantasy with a rich world, complex dragons, and empowering themes.
19. The City of Brass
- Author: S.A. Chakraborty
- About: In 18th-century Cairo, Nahri, a street-smart con artist, accidentally summons a djinn warrior and becomes entangled in a hidden world of magic, politics, and power struggles.
- Style of writing: Lush, immersive, and rich in cultural detail, blending historical fiction with fantasy.
- Length: 120,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Riveting and emotional, with a strong sense of identity, power, and the complexities of belonging.
- Difficulty level: Medium. The world-building is intricate, and the novel involves multiple cultural influences.
- Why read it: For a fresh take on Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy with magical intrigue, well-developed characters, and political drama.
20. The Rage of Dragons
- Author: Evan Winter
- About: In a world at war, a young man named Tau begins a path of vengeance after the death of his loved ones, rising through the ranks of a brutal military society.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, action-heavy, and emotional, with a focus on character-driven conflict.
- Length: 150,000 words (approximate).
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Intense, with powerful themes of revenge, personal growth, and sacrifice. It leaves readers reflecting on power and justice.
- Difficulty level: Medium. The narrative is straightforward, but the themes and character development are deep.
- Why read it: For an action-packed, character-driven fantasy with strong themes of vengeance, justice, and rising through adversity.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, when it comes to the best fantasy books, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, A Song of Ice and Fire Series, and Mistborn: The Final Empire are hard to beat. In my opinion, these books take you to incredible worlds, with unforgettable characters and storylines that keep you hooked. Whether you’re into the epic adventures of Tolkien's Middle-earth, the political drama and shocking twists of Martin’s Westeros, or the unique magic and thrilling action in Sanderson’s Mistborn, I think these three series offer something for every fantasy fan. They’re not just books—they're experiences that stay with you long after you finish reading.
