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Best Fantasy Books

Discover worlds of wonder with these highly acclaimed fantasy novels, each a favorite across the web's top literature platforms and frequently mentioned for their captivating storytelling.

Recommendations from 97 articles, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Elon Musk and 112 others.
100 books on the list
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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 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.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell book cover
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
A Novel
Susanna Clarke - 2006-08-01 (first published in 2004)
Goodreads Rating
Get transported to a world where English magicians once commanded forests and summoned fairy servants, but now only write about magic in lengthy papers. That is, until Mr Norrell emerges from his reclusive life at Hurtfew Abbey with a library of forgotten books and the powers of England's magicians. He even manages to raise a woman from the dead, and creates ghostly fleets to support the war against Napoleon. But when a rival magician, the extroverted Jonathan Strange, appears, their differing ideas of what magic should be lead to a dangerous conflict. This is a sophisticated and witty historical novel with an enchanting world that will leave you wanting more.
Recommended by
Joanne Freeman
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
Children of Blood and Bone book cover
Children of Blood and Bone
Tomi Adeyemi - 2018-03-06
Goodreads Rating
In a world where magic has been stripped away, Zélie Adebola and her people are left without hope. They were targeted by a ruthless king who killed their loved ones and took away their powers. But Zélie is determined to bring back the magic and fight against the monarchy. Along with a rogue princess, she must outsmart the crown prince and navigate the dangerous grounds of Orïsha. However, her greatest challenge may be controlling her powers and fighting her growing attraction to her enemy. Will she succeed in her mission or will she be her own downfall?
American Gods book cover
American Gods
A Novel
Neil Gaiman - 2011-06-21 (first published in 2001)
Goodreads Rating
Discover a thrilling tale of a man's journey to start a new life with his loved one after being locked away for three years. But tragedy strikes, forcing him to accept a job from an enigmatic man named Mr. Wednesday. Soon, he finds himself in the middle of an epic war for the soul of America. Don't miss out on this suspenseful and captivating read.
Recommended by
Tim FerrissSaeed Jones
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 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
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone book cover
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling - 2015-12-08 (first published in 1997)
Goodreads Rating
The story of a young boy named Harry, who has endured a miserable life with his cruel relatives. All he knows is poverty, bullying, and the feeling of not belonging. But a letter arrives, inviting him to a magical place filled with friends, sports, and endless wonder. With destiny calling, Harry must navigate a dangerous path if he hopes to survive.
Recommended by
Arvind Subramanian
The Fifth Season book cover
The Fifth Season
N. K. Jemisin - 2015-08-04
Goodreads Rating
In a world familiar with struggle, a land known as the Stillness is torn apart when three terrible events occur in a single day. A schoolteacher, Essun must navigate through the fall of an empire, a world-changing rift, and the kidnapping of her daughter. Armed with the power of the earth and willing to break the world apart to save her child, Essun is a force to be reckoned with in this riveting tale.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Circe by Madeline Miller
The City of Brass by S. A Chakraborty
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett
The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman
Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
Perdido Street Station by China Miéville
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The Once and Future King by T. H. White
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set by Leigh Bardugo
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Changeling by Victor Lavalle
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
The Poppy War by R. F Kuang
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Dune by Frank Herbert
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Mort by Terry Pratchett
The Dark Tower 8-Book Boxed Set by Stephen King
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
The Daughter of Smoke & Bone Trilogy Paperback Gift Set by Laini Taylor
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin
Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
A Hero Born by Jin Yong
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan
Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
Alanna by Tamora Pierce
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
1984 by George Orwell
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett