Summary: In today's article, I have compiled 20 of the best medieval fantasy books that I think will immerse you in epic stories of magic, power, and heroism. Here are my top 3:
- The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
Medieval fantasy books take readers to magical worlds full of knights, dragons, wizards, and epic quests. These stories dive into themes like honor, betrayal, and heroism, with rich characters and deep lore that pull you in. Reading medieval fantasy is a chance to escape into a realm of adventure and mystery, perfect for anyone looking for both excitement and meaningful storytelling. Whether it’s the incredible world-building or the classic battle between good and evil, medieval fantasy offers an unforgettable experience that sticks with you.
TOP 20: Best Medieval Fantasy Books
- The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
- A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
- The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
- Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
- The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz
- The King Raven Trilogy by Stephen R. Lawhead
- The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell
- The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
- The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- The Black Company by Glen Cook
- The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
- The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
1. The Fellowship of the Ring
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- About: A young hobbit, Frodo Baggins, embarks on a quest to destroy a powerful ring that threatens the world.
- Style of writing: Descriptive, immersive, and poetic.
- Length: Approx. 187,000 words
- Year written: 1954
- Emotional impact: Deep and lasting; it’s a classic that resonates emotionally through its themes of friendship, sacrifice, and heroism.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging (due to its detailed world-building and language).
- Why read it: It’s the cornerstone of modern fantasy, blending adventure, friendship, and timeless themes.
2. The Name of the Wind
- Author: Patrick Rothfuss
- About: The story of Kvothe, a legendary figure, who recounts his life story filled with magic, music, and tragedy.
- Style of writing: Lyrical, introspective, and character-driven.
- Length: Approx. 250,000 words
- Year written: 2007
- Emotional impact: High; it captures deep emotional moments of growth, love, and loss.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; it balances complex character study with magical elements.
- Why read it: If you love rich world-building and complex characters, it’s a must-read with a hauntingly beautiful narrative.
3. The Curse of Chalion
- Author: Lois McMaster Bujold
- About: A tale of curses, divine intervention, and political intrigue in a medieval-inspired world.
- Style of writing: Thoughtful, with a mix of political intrigue and magical elements.
- Length: Approx. 125,000 words
- Year written: 2001
- Emotional impact: Moderate; it’s more intellectual and philosophical, focusing on character development and moral dilemmas.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; the story requires attention to moral complexities.
- Why read it: For its deep themes on faith, power, and the human condition, woven through a compelling narrative.
4. A Wizard of Earthsea
- Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
- About: Ged, a young wizard, seeks redemption after making a disastrous mistake during his training.
- Style of writing: Sparse, poetic, and philosophical.
- Length: Approx. 60,000 words
- Year written: 1968
- Emotional impact: High; the novel explores self-discovery and balance, leaving a lasting reflection.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; the philosophical elements require thoughtful reading.
- Why read it: For its deep exploration of power, identity, and redemption in a beautifully imagined world.
5. The Bear and the Nightingale
- Author: Katherine Arden
- About: Set in medieval Russia, the story follows Vasilisa, a girl who possesses magical abilities, as she contends with folklore and an oppressive society.
- Style of writing: Lush, atmospheric, and rooted in folklore.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: High; the novel creates a magical atmosphere that stays with readers, touching on themes of family, freedom, and magic.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; it’s accessible but layered with deeper meanings.
- Why read it: For its rich setting, captivating folklore, and complex characters, with a magical atmosphere throughout.
6. The Way of Kings
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: A massive epic following multiple characters in a world torn by war, where ancient forces of magic and political struggles collide.
- Style of writing: Detailed, with a focus on world-building and complex character arcs.
- Length: Approx. 400,000 words
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: Moderate to high; it’s emotionally gripping as you watch characters evolve in a harsh world.
- Difficulty level: Challenging; the depth of world-building and multiple POVs require careful attention.
- Why read it: For its vast world-building, intricate plots, and strong character development, it’s a standout epic.
7. Spinning Silver
- Author: Naomi Novik
- About: A retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, this novel explores the lives of three women facing magical and political challenges.
- Style of writing: Engaging and atmospheric, with a focus on character and myth.
- Length: Approx. 130,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: High; its story of sacrifice, power, and survival resonates emotionally.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; it’s relatively easy to follow but requires emotional investment.
- Why read it: For its fresh take on a classic fairy tale, with deep emotional stakes and strong female protagonists.
8. The Inquisitor's Tale
- Author: Adam Gidwitz
- About: A tale set in medieval France about three magical children and their holy dog who are pursued by the Inquisition.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, witty, and engaging, with a sense of humor.
- Length: Approx. 70,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Moderate; while fun and adventurous, it also touches on themes of faith, truth, and morality.
- Difficulty level: Easy; suitable for younger audiences but enjoyable for adults as well.
- Why read it: It’s a fun, adventurous read that also provokes thought about societal issues.
9. The King Raven Trilogy
- Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
- About: A reimagining of the Robin Hood legend set in medieval Wales.
- Style of writing: Rich, historical, and atmospheric.
- Length: Approx. 1,200 pages (for the trilogy)
- Year written: 2006–2009
- Emotional impact: Moderate; while action-packed, it also touches on themes of justice and loyalty.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; the historical context adds complexity but is easily accessible.
- Why read it: For a fresh take on a classic legend, with historical depth and engaging characters.
10. The Winter King
- Author: Bernard Cornwell
- About: A retelling of the Arthurian legend, focusing on King Arthur’s rise to power and the struggles that define his reign.
- Style of writing: Gritty, realistic, and action-oriented.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year written: 1995
- Emotional impact: High; it’s a compelling and sometimes brutal look at Arthur’s world.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; it's accessible but contains complex historical references.
- Why read it: For a gritty, realistic take on the Arthurian myth, with sharp characterizations and historical depth.
11. The Black Prism
- Author: Brent Weeks
- About: Gavin Guile, the world's most powerful person, must navigate political turmoil and dark forces while struggling with personal demons.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, with detailed world-building and magic systems.
- Length: Approx. 150,000 words
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: Moderate; the exploration of power and its consequences leaves a lasting impression.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; the magic system is complex, but the story is engaging.
- Why read it: For its unique magic system and intense plot, with a focus on power, sacrifice, and personal growth.
12. The Blade Itself
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: In a brutal, morally gray world, several characters navigate a harsh landscape of war, politics, and treachery.
- Style of writing: Dark, gritty, and character-driven with sharp dialogue.
- Length: Approx. 150,000 words
- Year written: 2006
- Emotional impact: High; it’s a cynical and often brutal story that challenges readers to think about morality.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging; the tone and characters are complex, requiring attention.
- Why read it: For its dark, realistic world-building and morally ambiguous characters.
13. The Lies of Locke Lamora
- Author: Scott Lynch
- About: Locke Lamora, a master thief in the city of Camorr, pulls off elaborate heists, only to be caught up in a dangerous underworld conflict.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, witty, and filled with intrigue.
- Length: Approx. 150,000 words
- Year written: 2006
- Emotional impact: Moderate; it’s fun and adventurous with moments of tension and betrayal.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; it’s easy to follow but filled with twists and turns.
- Why read it: For its clever heists, engaging plot, and memorable characters in a richly built fantasy world.
14. The Hobbit
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- About: Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit, is thrust into an adventure to help dwarves reclaim their homeland from a dragon.
- Style of writing: Light, whimsical, and accessible, with rich descriptive elements.
- Length: Approx. 95,000 words
- Year written: 1937
- Emotional impact: Moderate; it’s a heartwarming and adventurous tale with themes of bravery and friendship.
- Difficulty level: Easy; suitable for all ages with accessible writing.
- Why read it: For its classic adventure story, charming characters, and its foundation for The Lord of the Rings saga.
15. The Priory of the Orange Tree
- Author: Samantha Shannon
- About: A sprawling epic that weaves together the stories of dragons, magic, and powerful women from different cultures.
- Style of writing: Lush, descriptive, and intricate with a focus on world-building.
- Length: Approx. 230,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: High; it offers strong emotional connections to characters and powerful themes of empowerment.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging; it’s a dense book that requires attention to detail.
- Why read it: For its rich world-building, diverse characters, and a fresh take on dragon mythology and high fantasy.
16. The Poppy War
- Author: R.F. Kuang
- About: A young woman from a war-torn country rises to power through magical training, facing dark forces and personal challenges.
- Style of writing: Intense, vivid, and emotionally charged.
- Length: Approx. 130,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Very high; it deals with themes of war, trauma, and power, leaving a deep emotional impression.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; the themes can be heavy, but the plot is gripping.
- Why read it: For its brutal take on war and power, combined with a strong protagonist and emotional depth.
17. The Black Company
- Author: Glen Cook
- About: Follows a mercenary group caught in a conflict between light and darkness in a world of war and magic.
- Style of writing: Gritty, fast-paced, and focused on the lives of soldiers.
- Length: Approx. 120,000 words
- Year written: 1984
- Emotional impact: Moderate to high; it offers a sobering and realistic view of war and survival.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; it’s accessible but carries a dark, cynical tone.
- Why read it: For its gritty realism, military focus, and morally complex characters.
18. The Broken Empire Trilogy
- Author: Mark Lawrence
- About: A prince seeks revenge in a brutal, post-apocalyptic world, where magic and violence intertwine.
- Style of writing: Dark, poetic, and introspective.
- Length: Approx. 800,000 words (for the trilogy)
- Year written: 2011–2013
- Emotional impact: High; it’s a dark and haunting tale that stays with readers, exploring deep psychological themes.
- Difficulty level: Challenging; the narrative is complex, with philosophical themes and dark elements.
- Why read it: For its dark exploration of revenge, power, and moral ambiguity in a uniquely brutal world.
19. The Stormlight Archive
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: An epic tale set in a storm-torn world, where knights, magic, and ancient secrets intertwine.
- Style of writing: Complex, detailed, and expansive with deep world-building.
- Length: Approx. 400,000 words per book
- Year written: 2010–present
- Emotional impact: Very high; the complex relationships and struggles leave a powerful impression.
- Difficulty level: Challenging; requires focus and attention to its detailed world-building.
- Why read it: For its epic scope, detailed world-building, and captivating plot, which blends magic, politics, and complex characters.
20. The Chronicles of Narnia
- Author: C.S. Lewis
- About: A series of adventures in the magical land of Narnia, where children become heroes and face evil forces.
- Style of writing: Whimsical, accessible, and filled with allegory.
- Length: Approx. 350,000 words (for the series)
- Year written: 1950–1956
- Emotional impact: High; it’s a beloved classic that resonates with themes of good vs. evil and the power of faith.
- Difficulty level: Easy; the stories are accessible to readers of all ages.
- Why read it: For its magical world, deep allegorical meanings, and timeless adventures.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, medieval fantasy books are the perfect way to dive into magical worlds filled with adventure and timeless themes. Personally, I think The Fellowship of the Ring, The Name of the Wind, and The Curse of Chalion are among the best to start with. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring is the epic classic that started it all, with unforgettable characters and a legendary journey. Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind draws you in with beautiful storytelling and a deep, fascinating character at its core. And Bujold’s The Curse of Chalion mixes political intrigue with divine forces, offering a rich and thought-provoking read. In my opinion, these books are all must-reads, each leaving a lasting impression with their immersive worlds and memorable stories.
