Summary: In today's article, I have picked 20 of the best books similar to The Lord of the Rings that capture the same sense of adventure, epic world-building, and heroic quests. My top 3 picks:
- The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
- The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
- The Belgariad by David Eddings
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to The Lord of the Rings
- The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
- The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
- The Belgariad by David Eddings
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
- The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
- A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
- The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
- The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
- The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
- The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
- The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
- The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
- The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King
- The Black Company by Glen Cook
- The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson
- The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
- The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
- The Drenai Saga by David Gemmell
- The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock
1. The Wheel of Time
- Author: Robert Jordan
- About: An expansive 14-book series following Rand al'Thor and his companions as they battle the Dark One to restore balance to their world.
- Style of Writing: Detailed and descriptive, with intricate world-building and a large ensemble of characters.
- Length: Approximately 4.4 million words across the series.
- Year Written: Published between 1990 and 2013.
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression with its deep character development and epic scope.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to high, due to its complexity and length.
- Why Read It: Offers a richly detailed world and a compelling narrative that rivals Tolkien's work.
2. The Sword of Shannara
- Author: Terry Brooks
- About: An epic fantasy where a young hero embarks on a quest to retrieve a magical sword to defeat a dark lord.
- Style of Writing: Straightforward and accessible, with clear influences from classic fantasy tropes.
- Length: Approximately 228,000 words.
- Year Written: Published in 1977.
- Emotional Impact: Provides a familiar yet engaging adventure that resonates with fans of traditional fantasy.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for most readers.
- Why Read It: A classic in its own right, it offers a nostalgic journey reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings.
3. The Belgariad
- Author: David Eddings
- About: Follows Garion, a farm boy destined to fulfill a prophecy, as he embarks on a quest to defeat an evil god.
- Style of Writing: Light-hearted and character-driven, with witty dialogue and a focus on relationships.
- Length: Approximately 643,000 words across five books.
- Year Written: Published between 1982 and 1984.
- Emotional Impact: Balances humor with moments of tension, leaving readers with a sense of satisfaction.
- Difficulty Level: Low to moderate; an easy read for most audiences.
- Why Read It: Combines classic fantasy elements with engaging characters and a touch of humor.
4. The Chronicles of Narnia
- Author: C.S. Lewis
- About: A beloved series where children travel to the magical land of Narnia, encountering talking animals, witches, and other fantastical creatures.
- Style of Writing: Simple and allegorical, suitable for both children and adults.
- Length: Approximately 345,000 words across seven books.
- Year Written: Published between 1950 and 1956.
- Emotional Impact: Evokes wonder and introspection, with themes of bravery and redemption.
- Difficulty Level: Low; accessible to a wide range of readers.
- Why Read It: Offers timeless tales of adventure and morality that continue to captivate readers.
5. The Kingkiller Chronicle
- Author: Patrick Rothfuss
- About: Follows Kvothe, a legendary magician and musician, through his early years as an orphan to becoming a powerful wizard.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and immersive, with a focus on storytelling and character depth.
- Length: Approximately 660,000 words across two published books.
- Year Written: First book published in 2007.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply engaging, leaving readers eager for more.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich prose that requires attentive reading.
- Why Read It: Offers a fresh take on the hero's journey with a compelling narrative voice.
6. The Stormlight Archive
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: Set in a world where magical storms ravage the land, powerful knights known as the Knights Radiant protect humanity from emerging horrors.
- Style of Writing: Intricate and expansive, with detailed world-building and multiple perspectives.
- Length: Each book exceeds 1,000 pages; the series is ongoing.
- Year Written: First book published in 2010.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and thought-provoking, with moments of intense emotion.
- Difficulty Level: High; complex narrative and themes.
- Why Read It: Delivers a masterfully crafted epic with deep philosophical underpinnings.
7. A Song of Ice and Fire
- Author: George R.R. Martin
- About: A sprawling epic that weaves together multiple storylines, including a dynastic war for control of the Iron Throne, the looming threat of the White Walkers beyond the Wall, and the rise of Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled heir to the throne, as she amasses power in the east.
- Style of Writing: Realistic and unflinching, with a focus on character complexity and moral ambiguity.
- Length: Approximately 1.7 million words across five published books.
- Year Written: First book published in 1996; series is ongoing.
- Emotional Impact: Intense and often shocking, leaving readers deeply invested in the fates of the characters.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to high; intricate plots and a vast cast of characters require attentive reading.
- Why Read It: Offers a richly detailed and immersive world with complex characters and unpredictable plotlines.
8. The First Law Trilogy
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: A character-driven series that subverts traditional fantasy tropes, focusing on morally complex individuals in a gritty, war-torn world.
- Style of Writing: Gritty and realistic, with sharp dialogue and a focus on character development.
- Length: Approximately 1,700 pages across three books.
- Year Written: Published between 2006 and 2008.
- Emotional Impact: Provokes deep reflection on morality and the nature of power, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with complex themes.
- Why Read It: Offers a fresh, realistic take on fantasy, with richly developed characters and a thought-provoking narrative.
9. The Malazan Book of the Fallen
- Author: Steven Erikson
- About: An extensive series known for its vast world-building, complex plots, and a large ensemble of characters.
- Style of Writing: Dense and intricate, with a non-linear narrative and deep philosophical undertones.
- Length: Approximately 3.3 million words across ten books.
- Year Written: Published between 1999 and 2011.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and challenging, evoking a wide range of emotions and contemplation.
- Difficulty Level: High; demands careful reading and attention to detail.
- Why Read It: Provides an unparalleled depth of world-building and a complex, rewarding narrative for dedicated readers.
10. The Earthsea Cycle
- Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
- About: Follows the journey of a young wizard, Ged, as he learns about power, balance, and his own destiny.
- Style of Writing: Elegant and lyrical, with a focus on introspection and philosophical themes.
- Length: Approximately 480,000 words across six books.
- Year Written: Published between 1968 and 2001.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving, encouraging readers to reflect on personal growth and the nature of power.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with profound themes.
- Why Read It: Offers a timeless exploration of identity and ethics within a beautifully crafted fantasy world.
11. The Farseer Trilogy
- Author: Robin Hobb
- About: Centers on FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard trained as an assassin, navigating court intrigue and his own magical abilities.
- Style of Writing: Intimate and character-focused, with rich prose and detailed world-building.
- Length: Approximately 1,200 pages across three books.
- Year Written: Published between 1995 and 1997.
- Emotional Impact: Emotionally resonant, with deep character development that leaves a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging prose with intricate character dynamics.
- Why Read It: Delivers a profound exploration of identity, loyalty, and sacrifice within a richly imagined world.
12. The Inheritance Cycle
- Author: Christopher Paolini
- About: Follows a young farm boy, Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg, leading him on a journey of magic, war, and self-discovery.
- Style of Writing: Straightforward and accessible, with clear influences from classic fantasy.
- Length: Approximately 1.1 million words across four books.
- Year Written: Published between 2002 and 2011.
- Emotional Impact: Offers a familiar yet engaging adventure that resonates with fans of traditional fantasy.
- Difficulty Level: Low to moderate; suitable for most readers.
- Why Read It: Provides a classic hero's journey with dragons, magic, and adventure.
13. The Riftwar Saga
- Author: Raymond E. Feist
- About: This series chronicles the journey of Pug, an orphaned boy who becomes a powerful magician, and his friend Tomas, as they navigate a war between their world, Midkemia, and an invading alien empire through a rift in space-time.
- Style of Writing: Classic high fantasy with detailed world-building and character development.
- Length: Approximately 175,000 words across the series.
- Year Written: Published between 1982 and 1986.
- Emotional Impact: Engaging and immersive, leaving readers with a lasting sense of adventure and wonder.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with intricate plotlines.
- Why Read It: Offers a richly imagined world and a compelling narrative that has captivated fantasy readers for decades.
14. The Dark Tower Series
- Author: Stephen King
- About: A genre-blending saga that follows Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger, on his quest to find the Dark Tower, the nexus of all universes.
- Style of Writing: A fusion of fantasy, horror, and western elements with a narrative that shifts between perspectives and timelines.
- Length: Approximately 4,250 pages across seven primary books.
- Year Written: Published between 1982 and 2004.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and often unsettling, leaving readers contemplating its complex themes.
- Difficulty Level: High; intricate and layered storytelling demands attentive reading.
- Why Read It: Provides a unique and ambitious narrative that challenges and expands the boundaries of traditional fantasy.
15. The Black Company
- Author: Glen Cook
- About: Centers on an elite mercenary unit known as the Black Company as they navigate a world filled with magic, war, and shifting alliances.
- Style of Writing: Gritty and realistic, with a focus on the camaraderie and moral ambiguities of soldiers.
- Length: Approximately 1,200 pages across the original trilogy and subsequent books.
- Year Written: First book published in 1984.
- Emotional Impact: Evokes a sense of camaraderie and the harsh realities of war, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward prose with complex moral themes.
- Why Read It: Offers a ground-level view of fantasy warfare with richly drawn characters and a realistic portrayal of mercenary life.
16. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant
- Author: Stephen R. Donaldson
- About: Follows Thomas Covenant, a leper who is transported to a magical land where he is hailed as a hero, despite his reluctance and disbelief.
- Style of Writing: Dense and philosophical, with a focus on internal conflict and moral dilemmas.
- Length: Approximately 1,200 pages in the first trilogy; the series expands with subsequent trilogies.
- Year Written: First book published in 1977.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply introspective and often challenging, leaving readers contemplating complex ethical issues.
- Difficulty Level: High; complex prose and themes require careful reading.
- Why Read It: Provides a profound exploration of despair, redemption, and the power of belief within a richly imagined fantasy world.
17. The Mistborn Trilogy
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: Set in a world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the night, a group of rebels with magical abilities plot to overthrow a tyrannical ruler.
- Style of Writing: Clear and inventive, with a focus on a unique magic system and heist-style plotlines.
- Length: Approximately 2,200 pages across the original trilogy.
- Year Written: First book published in 2006.
- Emotional Impact: Engaging and thrilling, with moments of profound reflection.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with intricate world-building.
- Why Read It: Introduces a novel magic system and combines elements of political intrigue and action within a richly developed world.
18. The Broken Empire Trilogy
- Author: Mark Lawrence
- About: Follows Jorg Ancrath, a once-privileged royal child turned ruthless leader of a band of outlaws, as he embarks on a relentless quest for power in a post-apocalyptic world reminiscent of medieval Europe.
- Style of Writing: Gritty and unflinching first-person narrative, delving deep into the psyche of a morally complex protagonist.
- Length: Approximately 1,500 pages across three books.
- Year Written: Published between 2011 and 2013.
- Emotional Impact: Provokes introspection on morality and ambition, leaving a lasting impression through its dark and thought-provoking themes.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; while the prose is accessible, the dark themes and complex character motivations require thoughtful engagement.
- Why Read It: Offers a compelling exploration of a deeply flawed anti-hero's rise to power, set in a uniquely crafted world that challenges traditional fantasy conventions.
19. The Drenai Saga
- Author: David Gemmell
- About: A series of heroic fantasy novels focusing on the Drenai people and their legendary heroes, such as Druss the Legend, as they face various threats and challenges over centuries.
- Style of Writing: Action-driven narrative with strong character development and themes of heroism and sacrifice.
- Length: The series comprises eleven novels, each averaging around 400 pages.
- Year Written: Published between 1984 and 2004.
- Emotional Impact: Inspires courage and resilience, leaving readers with a sense of admiration for the protagonists' valor.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with profound themes.
- Why Read It: Offers timeless tales of heroism and adventure, with memorable characters and engaging plots.
20. The Elric Saga
- Author: Michael Moorcock
- About: Chronicles the adventures of Elric, the last emperor of Melniboné, a frail albino sorcerer who wields the soul-devouring sword Stormbringer.
- Style of Writing: Dark and philosophical, blending high fantasy with existential themes.
- Length: The series includes several novels and short stories, with individual books averaging around 200 pages.
- Year Written: First published in 1972, with subsequent additions in later years.
- Emotional Impact: Provokes deep reflection on fate, power, and the human condition, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; while the prose is accessible, the themes are complex and thought-provoking.
- Why Read It: Provides a unique and influential take on the anti-hero archetype within a richly imagined fantasy world.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for books that capture the magic of The Lord of the Rings, these 20 epic fantasy stories are worth exploring. For me, The Wheel of Time, The Sword of Shannara, and The Belgariad stand out as the best picks. The Wheel of Time offers a vast, richly detailed world with prophecies, magic, and an epic struggle between good and evil—I think it's one of the closest experiences to Tolkien’s masterpiece. The Sword of Shannara feels like a classic fantasy adventure, following a young hero on a quest to stop a great darkness, and if you love traditional high fantasy, you’ll probably enjoy it. The Belgariad is a bit lighter, blending humor, adventure, and unforgettable characters into a coming-of-age tale that’s both fun and engaging. If you’re looking for an epic journey, deep world-building, or just that same sense of adventure that The Lord of the Rings delivers, I highly recommend checking these out.
