Summary: In today's article, I have handpicked 20 of the best books similar to Eragon to satisfy your love for epic fantasy, coming-of-age heroes, and thrilling adventures. Here are my top 3 picks:
- The Belgariad by David Eddings
- The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
- Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
If you loved Eragon, you'll enjoy books like The Belgariad, The Dragonriders of Pern, and Fablehaven, where young heroes uncover their destinies, master magic, and face epic challenges. Whether you're drawn to dragons, legendary quests, or underdog heroes, these stories capture the same magic and adventure that made Eragon unforgettable.
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Eragon
- The Belgariad by David Eddings
- The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
- Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
- The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
- The Morcyth Saga by Brian S. Pratt
- Dragon Champion by E.E. Knight
- The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
- I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
- The Chronicles of Avantia by Adam Blade
- The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
- The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
- The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
- The Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore
- The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
- Angelfall by Susan Ee
1. The Belgariad
- Author: David Eddings
- About: This five-book series follows Garion, an orphaned farm boy who embarks on a quest to recover a powerful artifact and fulfill a prophecy that will determine the fate of the world.
- Style of Writing: Classic high fantasy with rich world-building, a clear distinction between good and evil, and a focus on character development and adventure.
- Length: Approximately 2,000 pages across five books.
- Year Written: Published between 1982 and 1984.
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression with its epic scope, relatable characters, and timeless themes of destiny and heroism.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language and straightforward plotlines make it suitable for a wide range of readers.
- Why Read It: Offers a quintessential epic fantasy experience with a compelling coming-of-age story, intricate plot, and a richly detailed world.
2. The Dragonriders of Pern
- Author: Anne McCaffrey
- About: Set on the planet Pern, this series chronicles the symbiotic relationship between humans and dragons as they combat the deadly Thread that periodically threatens their world.
- Style of Writing: A blend of science fiction and fantasy, featuring detailed descriptions, character-driven narratives, and a focus on societal structures and relationships.
- Length: The original trilogy spans approximately 1,200 pages, with the entire series encompassing over 20 books.
- Year Written: The first book, Dragonflight, was published in 1968.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply engaging, with enduring themes of duty, honor, and the bond between humans and dragons, leaving readers with a profound sense of connection to the characters and their struggles.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; while the narrative is accessible, the intricate world-building and terminology may require attentive reading.
- Why Read It: Pioneering in its fusion of science fiction and fantasy, the series offers a unique and immersive exploration of human-dragon partnerships and societal evolution.
3. Fablehaven
- Author: Brandon Mull
- About: Siblings Kendra and Seth discover that their grandparents are caretakers of a hidden sanctuary called Fablehaven, home to a myriad of mythical creatures, and must protect it from threatening forces.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and imaginative, with a focus on adventure, mystery, and the dynamics of family relationships.
- Length: The series consists of five books, totaling around 2,000 pages.
- Year Written: Published between 2006 and 2010.
- Emotional Impact: Captivating and enchanting, the series instills a sense of wonder and emphasizes themes of courage, responsibility, and the importance of preserving the natural (and supernatural) world.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; suitable for middle-grade readers but enjoyable for adults as well.
- Why Read It: Combines elements of fantasy and adventure with relatable characters and moral lessons, making it an engaging read for all ages.
4. The Hobbit
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- About: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, is thrust into an unexpected adventure with a group of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.
- Style of Writing: Whimsical and descriptive, with a narrative tone that blends humor and epic storytelling.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year Written: Published in 1937.
- Emotional Impact: Delightful and inspiring, the story imparts lessons on bravery, friendship, and personal growth.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; while accessible, the prose reflects its early 20th-century origins.
- Why Read It: A timeless classic that introduces readers to Tolkien's rich world of Middle-earth, serving as a prelude to The Lord of the Rings.
5. The Lord of the Rings
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- About: An epic trilogy that follows Frodo Baggins and his companions on a quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron.
- Style of Writing: Elevated and poetic, with extensive world-building and a deep exploration of themes such as power, corruption, and redemption.
- Length: Approximately 455,000 words across three volumes.
- Year Written: Published between 1954 and 1955.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and moving, the narrative leaves a lasting impression with its exploration of heroism, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; the dense prose and complex narrative structure require careful reading.
- Why Read It: Considered a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature, it offers a richly detailed and immersive experience that has influenced countless works in the genre.
6. A Wizard of Earthsea
- Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
- About: The story follows Ged, a young mage, as he learns about the balance of magic and the importance of understanding one's true self.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and philosophical, with a focus on introspection and the moral implications of power.
- Length: Approximately 56,000 words.
- Year Written: Published in 1968.
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and deeply resonant, exploring themes of identity, wisdom, and the consequences of one's actions.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the writing is elegant but requires careful attention to fully appreciate its depth.
- Why Read It: A beautifully written, introspective fantasy that stands out for its exploration of personal growth and the nature of power.
7. The Inheritance Cycle
- Author: Christopher Paolini
- About: A farm boy named Eragon discovers a dragon egg, setting him on a path to becoming a Dragon Rider and battling against an evil empire.
- Style of Writing: Classic high fantasy with detailed descriptions, coming-of-age elements, and influences from Tolkien and other fantasy legends.
- Length: Approximately 530,000 words across four books.
- Year Written: Eragon was published in 2002, with the final book released in 2011.
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and immersive, with deep themes of destiny, responsibility, and the bond between humans and dragons.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language but intricate world-building and character development.
- Why Read It: A must-read for Eragon fans who want to see how the full story unfolds and explore the world of Alagaësia in greater depth.
8. The Morcyth Saga
- Author: Brian S. Pratt
- About: A teenager from Earth is transported to a world where magic is real and embarks on an epic adventure to unlock his powers and fulfill his destiny.
- Style of Writing: Straightforward and action-packed, with a focus on adventure and magic.
- Length: Over 1,500 pages across multiple books.
- Year Written: First published in 2005.
- Emotional Impact: Exciting and fun, though not as deeply emotional as some classic fantasy epics.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; simple prose makes it accessible to younger readers.
- Why Read It: Great for fans of portal fantasy and adventure-driven stories with magical elements.
9. Dragon Champion
- Author: E.E. Knight
- About: The story follows a dragon from birth as he learns to survive in a world where humans hunt his kind.
- Style of Writing: Uniquely written from the perspective of a dragon, with an immersive and descriptive narrative.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages.
- Year Written: Published in 2005.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply engaging, offering a fresh perspective on dragons and their struggles.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the unique point of view adds depth but remains easy to follow.
- Why Read It: A rare fantasy novel told from a dragon’s perspective, making it a fascinating read for dragon lovers.
10. The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard)
- Author: Rick Riordan
- About: A modern-day teenager discovers he is the son of a Norse god and must prevent Ragnarok.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, humorous, and packed with mythology.
- Length: Around 125,000 words per book.
- Year Written: Published in 2015.
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining and heartfelt, blending humor with deep emotional moments.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; suitable for young adult readers but enjoyable for all ages.
- Why Read It: Perfect for fans of mythology-based fantasy with a fun and modern twist.
11. I Am Number Four
- Author: Pittacus Lore
- About: A teenage alien hiding on Earth discovers his abilities as he is hunted by an enemy species.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and action-packed, with a mix of sci-fi and fantasy.
- Length: Around 90,000 words.
- Year Written: Published in 2010.
- Emotional Impact: Suspenseful and engaging, with strong themes of survival and destiny.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; straightforward writing with a cinematic feel.
- Why Read It: A thrilling mix of sci-fi and fantasy with strong character-driven storytelling.
12. The Chronicles of Avantia
- Author: Adam Blade
- About: A young hero and his beast companion fight against an evil warlord in a mythical land.
- Style of Writing: Simple and action-driven, aimed at younger readers.
- Length: Shorter books, around 150-200 pages each.
- Year Written: Published between 2010 and 2012.
- Emotional Impact: Exciting but lighter on deep emotions.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; written for younger audiences.
- Why Read It: A fun and quick fantasy series for readers looking for action and adventure.
13. The Riftwar Saga
- Author: Raymond E. Feist
- About: A young magician and his companions are caught in an interdimensional war that threatens their world.
- Style of Writing: Classic high fantasy with intricate world-building.
- Length: Approximately 500,000 words across three books.
- Year Written: Published in the 1980s.
- Emotional Impact: Epic and engaging, with strong character arcs and emotional stakes.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging; rich in detail and complex storytelling.
- Why Read It: One of the best classic fantasy series for fans of adventure and magic.
14. The Wheel of Time
- Author: Robert Jordan
- About: A farm boy discovers he may be the chosen one destined to save—or destroy—the world.
- Style of Writing: Deeply detailed and immersive, with extensive lore and character arcs.
- Length: Over 4 million words across 14 books.
- Year Written: First published in 1990.
- Emotional Impact: Grand and unforgettable, with deep philosophical themes.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; extensive world-building requires patience.
- Why Read It: One of the most ambitious and immersive fantasy series ever written.
15. The Chronicles of Narnia
- Author: C.S. Lewis
- About: A group of children discover a magical land and are drawn into its epic struggles.
- Style of Writing: Simple yet rich in allegory and adventure.
- Length: Around 345,000 words across seven books.
- Year Written: First book published in 1950.
- Emotional Impact: Whimsical and meaningful, with deep themes of faith and courage.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible for children and adults.
- Why Read It: A beloved classic filled with adventure and moral lessons.
16. The Kingkiller Chronicle
- Author: Patrick Rothfuss
- About: The story of Kvothe, a gifted young man who becomes a legendary figure.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical, detailed, and deeply character-driven.
- Length: Around 300,000 words per book.
- Year Written: First book published in 2007.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and introspective, with unforgettable storytelling.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging; poetic prose requires attention.
- Why Read It: A masterfully written, character-driven fantasy.
17. The Bartimaeus Trilogy
- Author: Jonathan Stroud
- About: A young magician in an alternate-history London summons a sarcastic djinni, leading to political intrigue and magical chaos.
- Style of Writing: Witty, fast-paced, and humorous, with a mix of first-person and third-person narration.
- Length: Approximately 400,000 words across three books.
- Year Written: First book published in 2003.
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining and thought-provoking, blending humor with deeper themes of power and control.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; unique narrative structure but engaging.
- Why Read It: A fresh and humorous take on fantasy with a clever and sarcastic protagonist.
18. The Dark Elf Trilogy
- Author: R.A. Salvatore
- About: Follows Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf who rejects his people's cruel ways and searches for a life of honor.
- Style of Writing: Action-packed and immersive, with deep character exploration.
- Length: Approximately 1,200 pages across three books.
- Year Written: First book published in 1990.
- Emotional Impact: Powerful and compelling, exploring themes of identity, morality, and perseverance.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging but with detailed world-building.
- Why Read It: A fantastic character-driven series that explores a compelling anti-hero’s journey.
19. The Stormlight Archive
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: A high-stakes epic fantasy following multiple characters as they navigate a world plagued by powerful storms and political intrigue.
- Style of Writing: Deeply detailed, layered world-building with intricate character development.
- Length: Each book exceeds 400,000 words, making it one of the longest fantasy series.
- Year Written: First book published in 2010.
- Emotional Impact: Profound and inspiring, with themes of leadership, struggle, and redemption.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; complex storytelling and deep world-building.
- Why Read It: One of the most ambitious modern fantasy series, blending action, philosophy, and unforgettable characters.
20. Angelfall
- Author: Susan Ee
- About: In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by warrior angels, a teenage girl teams up with a fallen angel to save her sister.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, dark, and action-driven, blending fantasy and dystopian elements.
- Length: Around 270 pages per book, with a three-book series.
- Year Written: First book published in 2011.
- Emotional Impact: Intense and gripping, with strong emotional stakes and a unique take on angel mythology.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; quick-paced storytelling with accessible prose.
- Why Read It: A fresh and thrilling fantasy-dystopian hybrid with a strong female lead.
