The All-Time Greatest Fantasy Book Series

The finest fantasy books transport readers to wonderful worlds brimming with adventure and opportunity, which is ideal if you’re seeking for a book to take you away from your daily routine. The finest fantasy series not only give that escape, but also a full universe to explore. This list of the finest fantasy book series includes some of the genre’s most well-known and engrossing tales, so whether you’re a first-time reader or a seasoned lover, these novels will make you feel the magic.

1. C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia

Another prominent pillar of the fantasy genre is The Chronicles of Narnia. Readers get a classic tale of good versus evil with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but the way the series goes beyond to capture the many facets of Narnia gives them plenty of other magical moments. Because time flows differently in Narnia, much of the story has a bittersweet, even mournful tone to it that is still poignant.

2. The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu

Ken Liu, an award-winning novelist, transports readers to a daring universe in which a robber and the son of a duke strive ahead to lead a revolt against an oppressive ruler. This odd friendship not only faces obstacles, but it also has the ability to transform the direction of their country. This gripping series is full with intrigue, politics, and romance.

3. The Sun Sword by Michelle West

Strong characters, vivid settings, and a teetering power dynamic abound in this sprawling epic fantasy series! The story takes place in the stunningly complex Dominion, which has maintained a guarded peace since the clan Leonne was given the Sun Sword’s magic and began to rule over the five clans. When a master of magic and a skilled General seek power, they will go to any length to gain it, even if it means murdering an entire clan…

4. The Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Muir

Gideon Nav, an orphanf educated with the sword to be a warrior and yearning to escape her destiny as an indentured servant to the Ninth House of Necromancers, is the protagonist of Muir’s science fantasy debut. When the opportunity arises, she travels to the imperial planet and the massive, decaying Canaan House to assist her mistress in her bid to be chosen as a Lyctor — a nearly immortal imperial servant — by the Undying Emperor. The setting is fantastic and unusual, and by the time you realize you’re reading a murder mystery set in a gigantic interstellar empire with a hint of Gormenghast, you’re captivated and there’s no turning back.

5. George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Speculation abounds that George R. R. Martin will never finish the book (much to the dismay of fans), but there’s no disputing that this epic series is worth the journey, no matter where it ends up. From A Game of Thrones to the recently released Fire & Blood, this series deftly blends political intrigue, brutality, magic, ice zombies, and hundreds of years of history into one compelling story. Plus, who doesn’t adore a dragon-obsessed orphan?

6. The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson

Speculation abounds that George R. R. Martin will never finish the book (much to the dismay of fans), but there’s no disputing that this epic series is worth the journey, no matter where it ends up. From A Game of Thrones to the recently released Fire & Blood, this series deftly blends political intrigue, brutality, magic, ice zombies, and hundreds of years of history into one compelling story. Plus, who doesn’t adore a dragon-obsessed orphan?

7. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

This is a magnificent masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The Wheel of Time trilogy by Robert Jordan navigates different characters, nations, and civilizations with surprising grace, leaving readers wanting to remain a bit longer in this universe. Jordan died in 2007 while writing on the series’ last book, but Brandon Sanderson was able to complete it using Jordan’s original notes.

8. The Dark Tower by Stephen King

The Master of Horror is famed for conjuring up a wide range of frights, including child-eating clowns, rabid dogs, and a possessed automobile that would kill anybody who crosses its path. Stephen King, on the other hand, aims for something different in The Dark Tower. This ambitious eight-book series incorporates horror and dark fantasy themes as well as western cliches. The series has King’s distinctive vibe throughout, and some think it’s not simply his finest world-building work, but also his best work overall.

9. The Inheritance Trilogy  – N. K. Jemisin

After her mother’s death, a young woman travels to the floating city of Sky in this award-winning trilogy. In this gripping novel, she goes on to try to claim a royal inheritance, with action that will keep you on the edge of your seat and mythology that will have you wanting more long after the last page.

10. J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

This series is regarded as the gold standard of fantasy and is a masterwork in every sense of the word. The cultural and literary significance of this series cannot be overstated, from Bilbo Baggins’ strange and wonderful adventures to Frodo’s incredible journey from the Shire across Middle-earth to Mordor. At its core, the story depicts a timeless and understandable conflict between good and evil.

11. Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea is number eleven.

Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea works were published between 1968 and 2001 and include a trilogy, two extra novels, and a collection of short tales. They’re a seminal twist on the traditional hero’s journey, and Le Guin includes one of the first wizard academies in the series. For fantasy aficionados, this is a must-read because it impacted many subsequent works.

12. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

There’s a lot to unpack in Brandon Sanderson’s huge series, but that’s part of the enjoyment. Scadrial is a fictional world with an incredibly unique magical system, and these books are set there. This popular series is dark and unique, turning traditional fantasy tropes on their heads.