Search for books, people and lists
Read This Twice
HomePeopleBooksSonaLibrariesSign in

Best Epic Fantasy Books

Embark on magnificent journeys through otherworldly landscapes and epic quests with these celebrated fantasy novels, consistently featured across popular fantasy booklists.

Recommendations from 38 articles, Elon Musk, Emma Watson, Richard Branson and 38 others.
Best Epic Fantasy Books
96 books on the list
Sort by
Number of Articles
Layout
The Lord of the Rings book cover
The Lord of the Rings
50th Anniversary, One Vol. Edition
J. R. R. Tolkien - 2005-10-12 (first published in 1955)
Goodreads Rating
Embark on a perilous quest with hobbit Frodo and his companions as they journey across Middle-earth to destroy the powerful One Ring, which threatens to fall into the hands of the evil Dark Lord, Sauron. Follow the journey of the Fellowship of the Ring, made up of a wizard, hobbits, dwarves, elves, and soldiers, as they battle through forests, mountains, and dark towers to save their world. Discover the epic tale of good versus evil, courage, friendship, and sacrifice in this timeless classic.
Assassin's Apprentice book cover
Assassin's Apprentice
Robin Hobb - 1996-03-01 (first published in 1995)
Goodreads Rating
Follow the journey of young Fitz, a royal bastard cast out into the world. With a magical link to animals known as the Wit, Fitz finds solace in companionship. But he must give up his old ways when he is adopted into the royal household, and trade them for courtly manners and the art of assassination. Experience the perilous magic of the Wit and the dangers that come with being a royal assassin in this captivating tale.
Recommended by
Tom Critchlow
A Game of Thrones book cover
A Game of Thrones
George R. R. Martin - 2005-08-01 (first published in 1996)
Goodreads Rating
A world of magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure awaits in this modern fantasy masterpiece. The first volume of an epic series, this tale of lords, ladies, soldiers, and sorcerers features the harsh Starks of Winterfell at its center, surrounded by supernatural forces massing beyond the protective Wall. As winter looms and conflict brews, characters traverse a land of extremes and undertake dangerous journeys, all for the ultimate prize: the game of thrones.
Recommended by
Elon Musk
The Name of the Wind book cover
The Name of the Wind
Patrick Rothfuss - 2007-04-01
Goodreads Rating
Follow Kvothe's journey from a young boy in a traveling troupe to one of the most renowned magicians in his world. This captivating first-person narrative takes readers through the highs and lows of Kvothe's life, including his time as a near-feral orphan and his daring entrance into a legendary school of magic. Immerse yourself in the mind and body of a wizard in this thrilling novel.
Recommended by
Anna AkanaChris Albon
The Eye of the World book cover
The Eye of the World
Robert Jordan - 1990-11-15
Goodreads Rating
Mystery and magic are abound in this epic tale of tradition and legend. As the Wheel of Time turns, the lines between truth and myth are blurred, and mortals must rely on powerful beings to guide them through uncharted territory. What happens when the shadow threatens to consume everything? Find out in this captivating read.
The Way of Kings book cover
The Way of Kings
Book One of the Stormlight Archive
Brandon Sanderson - 2010-08-31
Goodreads Rating
This epic fantasy tale transports readers to a world torn apart by war and storms. Once living in Heaven, mankind was forced to take root on Roshar after the Voidbringers captured their previous home. The Almighty gifted humans with powerful Shardblades to defend themselves against the Voidbringers, and led by ten orders of knights known as Radiants, they appear to have won the war. But centuries later, the world is still at war with itself, each king vying for more Shardblades to unite all of mankind under one throne. Join a young spearman in his journey to fight a war against an unknown enemy and uncover the forgotten secrets of this mysterious world.
Recommended by
Sahil Lavingia
Mistborn book cover
Mistborn
The Final Empire (Mistborn (1))
Brandon Sanderson - 2006-07-17
Goodreads Rating
In a world where darkness reigns, criminal mastermind Kelsier teaches a young urchin the magic of metals. Their mission: to take down the tyrant Lord Ruler and restore life to their ash-filled land. But as their plan takes shape, the unlikely heroine is faced with a new distraction - a wealthy young man named Elend. Will their thieving crew succeed, or will evil continue to cloak the land?
A Wizard of Earthsea book cover
A Wizard of Earthsea
Ursula K. le Guin - 2004-09-28 (first published in 1968)
Goodreads Rating
Embark on an epic journey of power and redemption with a young sorcerer named Ged, who unleashes a dark force upon the world in his pursuit of knowledge. Follow his quest to master the powerful words of magic, subdue a fierce dragon, and face death itself to restore balance to Earthsea.
Recommended by
DanClara Jeffery
Gardens of the Moon book cover
Gardens of the Moon
Steven Erikson - 2005-01-10 (first published in 1999)
Goodreads Rating
This epic fantasy introduces readers to the war-torn Malazan Empire, ruled by the iron grip of Empress Laseen and plagued by ancient sorcerers and deadly assassins. The story follows Sergeant Whiskeyjack and Tattersail, as they navigate the aftermath of a bloody siege while facing the looming threat of sinister forces and meddling gods. Written on a grand scale, Gardens of the Moon is a thrilling adventure that showcases the talent of an outstanding new author.
The Chronicles of Narnia book cover
The Chronicles of Narnia
C. S. Lewis - 2014-01-01 (first published in 1956)
Goodreads Rating
Indulge in a timeless classic fantasy series with this boxed set of seven tales. Follow along as you embark on journeys through magical realms, witness battles between good and evil, and encounter talking creatures. With cover art by acclaimed illustrator David Wiesner and full interior art by original illustrator Pauline Baynes, readers of all ages will be captivated by The Chronicles of Narnia. This beloved series includes titles such as The Magician's Nephew, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Last Battle.
Recommended by
Chris Anderson
Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Gunslinger by Stephen King
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling
The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams
Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind
The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett
The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Acacia by David Anthony Durham
His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
Magician by Raymond E. Feist
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
The Deed Of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon
Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
Witch King by Martha Wells
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty
Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan
Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan
The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan
Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
The Inheritance Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set by Leigh Bardugo
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
Legend by David Gemmell
Magician by Raymond E. Feist
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth Moon
Untitled by Leigh Bardugo
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
The Spider's War by Daniel Abraham
The Iron King by Maurice Druon
The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien
Perdido Street Station by China Miéville
King's Dragon by Kate Elliott
Daughter of the Empire by Raymond E. Feist
Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson
A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham
Sabriel by Garth Nix
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Cassiel's Servant by Jacqueline Carey
Translation State by Ann Leckie
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Deerskin by Robin McKinley
Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope
Lyonesse by Jack Vance
The Will of the Many by James Islington
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
The Dark Tower 8-Book Boxed Set by Stephen King
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
The Farseer Trilogy Set by Robin Hobb
The Unbroken by Cherae Clark
The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett
The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Abhorsen by Garth Nix
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
The Poppy War by R. F Kuang
The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
The Red Knight by Miles Cameron
Aiduel's Sin by Daniel T. Jackson
The Dark Tower Series Complete 8 Books Collection Box Set by Stephen King by Stephen King
Magic Casement by Dave Duncan
The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan
The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set by Brandon Sanderson
The Sword of Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks
Victory City by Salman Rushdie
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin