10 Best Fantasy Books of the 2000s

Image via Random House Children's Books / Yearling Published Aug 13, 2026, 7:43 AM EDT Luc Haasbroek is a writer and videographer from Durban, South Africa. He has been writing professionally about pop culture for eight years. Luc's areas of interest are broad: he's just as passionate about psychology and history as he is about movies and TV. He's especially drawn to the places where these topics overlap. Luc is also an avid producer of video essays and looks forward to expanding his writing career. When not writing, he can be found hiking, playing Dungeons & Dragons, hanging out with his cats, and doing deep dives on whatever topic happens to have captured his interest that week. Sign in to your Collider account The 2000s were a fascinating period for fantasy writing. This was the heyday of Harry Potter, its success sparking a wave of new fantasy series, particularly for younger readers. At the same time, legends like Terry Pratchett and George R.R. Martin were at the height of their powers, while new voices such as Patrick Rothfuss were pushing the genre in fresh directions. The result was a diverse collection of modern classics. This list attempts to rank the finest of them, from the darkness of The Magicians to the fun and whimsy of Night Watch. All are certainly worth reading. 10 'Midnight Over Sanctaphrax' (2000) Image via Corgi "The Edge becomes more dangerous after dark." Midnight Over Sanctaphrax is the finest installment in the Edge Chronicles, a fantasy series written by Paul Stewart and illustrated by Chris Riddell. It continues the story of Twig, who has become captain of the sky pirate ship Edgedancer. When terrifying weather threatens the Edge, he must embark upon a desperate journey to understand the approaching catastrophe. The world-building on offer here is simply off the charts. The book immerses us in a realm of floating rocks, sky ships, academic cities, twilit forests, unpredictable weather systems, and an array of frightening creatures, from hammerhead goblins and carnivorous Wig-Wigs to shapeshifting gloamglozers. Plus, the society's technology advances and changes with every generation, giving the world a fantastic sense of progress. All in all, this novel is a great distillation of just how imaginative, atmospheric, and gripping the series can be. 9 'The Magicians' (2009) Image via Penguin Books "Magic doesn't make life easier." By the end of the 2000s, generations of readers had grown accustomed to stories in which discovering magic represented the beginning of a wonderful new life. The Magicians asks a far more uncomfortable question: what happens when achieving the fantasy doesn't actually make you happy? The story centers on Quentin Coldwater, an intellectually gifted but chronically dissatisfied teenager who is admitted to a secretive magical university. Although there is plenty of danger and enchantment in the book, there's also a deep sense of nihilism and ennui, and the characters' mystical powers are unable to solve their interpersonal problems or heal their psychological traumas. In this regard, The Magicians is a kind of anti-Harry Potter. Its willingness to interrogate the genre's usual escapism is what makes it a modern classic. 8 'Memories of Ice' (2001) Image via Tor Books "Compassion can survive even the darkest wars." Memories of Ice is the third book in the masterful Malazan Book of the Fallen series, which might be the most colossal epic fantasy saga ever written, boasting a sprawling cast of characters and a plot that spans literal millennia. This entry returns to characters from the first novel as former enemies form an uneasy alliance against the terrifying, theocratic empire known as the Pannion Domin. What follows is an enormous military fantasy in which armies, gods, immortal beings, ordinary soldiers, and supernatural forces collide. One of the standout elements is the unique magic system. Here, sorcerers cast spells by opening doorways into alternate, parallel dimensions, channeling raw energy from that realm into the mortal world. That said, even amid all this grandeur and elaborate magic, author Steven Erikson keeps the protagonists front and center. 7 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' (2000) Image via Bloomsbury Publishing "Everything changes at Hogwarts." Several Harry Potter books could have plausibly made this list, though perhaps the most well-rounded of them is the fourth one. Goblet of Fire revolves around the Triwizard Tournament, whose increasingly dangerous challenges pit Hogwarts students against those from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The scope broadens out significantly from the previous three novels, showing us the Quidditch World Cup, new magical creatures, the first tastes of romance, and, of course, Voldemort's growing influence. There's just so much wonder and whimsy in this book. Plus, the plotting is immaculate, full of Chekhov's gun-type devices like the Portkey spell from the first act reappearing as the mechanism by which Harry and Cedric are transported to the graveyard at the climax, or the foreshadowing of learning about the Unforgivable Curses in Act 2, only to see one in action when Cedric is murdered, the first on-screen death in the series. 6 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' (2006) Image via Bantam Spectra "Thieves can be fantasy heroes too." This is one of the most entertaining fantasy novels of that decade. It introduces us to Locke Lamora and the Gentlemen Bastards, a group of thieves who secretly target the city of Camorr's aristocracy while pretending to operate as ordinary criminals. The setting is a fantasy version of Venice, while the plot is full of caper mechanics, and the dialogue feels like something out of a Guy Ritchie movie. Indeed, the book is loaded with elaborate confidence schemes, tense Robin Hood-esque escapades, and endlessly razor-sharp banter. That said, the magical elements here are also great, like the terrifying Bondsmagi of Karthain and the power of true names, not to mention the Lovecraftian cosmic horrors that are constantly hinted at. Finally, The Lies of Locke Lamora gets quite emotional too, and the friendships between the protagonists are genuinely moving. 5 'A Storm of Swords' (2000) Image via Bantam Spectra "When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die." This is probably the strongest of the Game of Thrones novels. A Storm of Swords is where virtually everything that had been building in the first two books explodes. The War of the Five Kings continues to tear Westeros apart as the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, and their numerous allies struggle for control. Meanwhile, Jon Snow ventures among the wildlings beyond the Wall and Daenerys begins building her power across the Narrow Sea. Simply put, this book is a banger from front to back, with hardly a dull moment across its roughly 1000 pages. The plot is bursting at the seams with enormous battles, political betrayals, shocking deaths (George R.R. Martin's calling card), and extraordinary character development. Returning to it, one really hopes he'd finish the last two books. 4 'The Amber Spyglass' (2000) "Every journey eventually demands a sacrifice." The final book of His Dark Materials, The Amber Spyglass sees Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry journeying across multiple worlds as the conflict surrounding Dust grows into a struggle involving angels, armies, witches, dæmons, and the fundamental structures governing existence. Along the way, Philip Pullman continually introduces astonishing ideas, yet the story remains grounded in the emotional development of its young protagonists. Concluding an ambitious fantasy trilogy is difficult enough. The Amber Spyglass had the considerably harder task of resolving the enormous theological, philosophical, and emotional questions Pullman had developed throughout the first two installments, and yet it brings everything to a graceful close. In particular, the romance between Lyra and Will is achingly bittersweet, as the barriers between the worlds threaten to keep them apart. 3 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' (2004) Image via Bloomsbury "English magic has returned." Very few debut novels arrive as fully realized as Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, it focuses on Gilbert Norrell, a reclusive scholar determined to restore practical magic to England, and Jonathan Strange, the brilliant younger magician who eventually becomes his pupil and rival. In this alternate timeline, sorcery vanished from the world centuries before, but now has mysteriously reappeared, though only these two men can wield it. Naturally, this makes them celebrities, as well as potential weapons in the hands of governments or other power-hungry actors. The wizards also draw the attention of non-human eyes, like the denizens of the faerie world. Writer Susanna Clarke renders all this in gorgeous, quirky prose that pays homage to 18th- and 19th-century English literature, particularly the work of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. 2 'Night Watch' (2002) Image via Harper "Sometimes the revolution is personal." Terry Pratchett published many gems in the 2000s, and Night Watch ranks among the finest of them. Set in his beloved Discworld, the book sees Commander Sam Vimes thrown decades into the past after a magical accident. Trapped in a tumultuous period of history alongside a dangerous criminal, Vimes must assume the identity of his former mentor while ensuring that crucial events of the time unfold roughly as he remembers them. From here, the book delivers on all fronts, serving up Pratchett's famous humor along with heart helpings of political insight, tragedy, character development, and one of his strongest plots ever. There are some truly colorful figures here, like the dastardly Lord Winder and young assassin Havelock Vetinari. Vimes, in particular, is a compelling, likable protagonist, with the kind of moral backbone that's almost a bit inspirational. 1 'The Name of the Wind' (2007) Image via Gollancz "It's the questions we can't answer that teach us the most." Another gem of a book from a series that remains frustratingly unfinished. The Name of the Wind begins with our protagonist Kvothe living anonymously as an innkeeper before he agrees to recount his life to a traveling Chronicler. His account moves from childhood among traveling performers to a devastating tragedy, desperate poverty, and eventually admission to the magical University, where his intelligence and recklessness repeatedly bring him both success and trouble. What follows is a rich character study and coming-of-age story, combining intricate worldbuilding (the book took years to write and lyrical prose. Kvothe's narration makes even comparatively ordinary experiences feel significant, while the world's songs, legends, folklore, and half-remembered histories continually suggest mysteries extending far beyond his (and our) immediate understanding. Truly the decade's greatest leap forward for fantasy storytelling. Collider Exclusive · The Sorting Hat Awaits Which Hogwarts House Are You? Gryffindor · Slytherin · Hufflepuff · Ravenclaw Four houses. One destiny. The Sorting Hat has considered thousands of students — now it's your turn. Answer honestly and discover where you truly belong at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 🦁Gryffindor 🐍Slytherin 🦡Hufflepuff 🦅Ravenclaw PLACE THE HAT → 01 What quality do you value most in yourself? Answer as honestly as you can — the Hat always knows. ACourage — I act even when I'm afraid, because what's right matters more than what's safe. BAmbition — I know what I want and I have the drive and cunning to get there. CLoyalty — I show up for the people I love, no matter what it costs me. DWisdom — I think before I act and I'm always hungry to understand more. NEXT QUESTION → 02 A friend is being treated unfairly. What do you do? How you protect others says everything about who you are. AStep in immediately and confront whoever is responsible — I won't stand by. BWork out the best strategy to address it — a smart move beats a rash one. CBe by their side, support them, and help them through it however they need. DAnalyse what's actually happening and find the most reasoned, fair solution. NEXT QUESTION → 03 What does success look like to you? What you're working toward defines who you're becoming. ABeing remembered as someone who fought for what was right, whatever the odds. BAchieving the goals I set for myself — influence, status, and earned respect. CA life where the people I care about know I was there for them, always. DMastering my field, contributing something meaningful, and never stopping learning. NEXT QUESTION → 04 What is your greatest fear? Fear is the most honest thing about a person. ABeing a coward when it mattered — looking back and knowing I did nothing. BMediocrity — fading into obscurity without making my mark on the world. CLosing the people I love or letting them down when they needed me most. DIgnorance — being wrong and not knowing it, or never reaching my potential. NEXT QUESTION → 05 The rules say no. Your gut says go. What do you do? Every institution has rules. What you do with them is a choice. ABreak the rules — if it's the right thing to do, no rule should stop me. BFind a way to get what I want without getting caught. Rules are guidelines. CProbably follow the rules — but I'd find a way to help within them if I could. DThink it through carefully — is the rule unjust, or is my gut just impatient? NEXT QUESTION → 06 What kind of friend are you? Who you are to the people you love is who you really are. AThe protector — I will go to the ends of the earth for the people I care about. BThe strategist — I give sharp advice and I'm the one who figures out how to fix things. CThe constant — I'm always there, always reliable, and I never make it about me. DThe guide — I help people think things through and see perspectives they've missed. NEXT QUESTION → 07 You look into the Mirror of Erised. What do you see? The mirror shows the deepest desire of your heart. AYourself standing victorious, having faced the greatest challenge and won. BYourself at the height of your power — respected, successful, and in control. CYourself surrounded by everyone you love, whole and happy and together. DYourself with all the answers — every book read, every mystery solved. NEXT QUESTION → 08 The Sorting Hat pauses. It whispers: "You could do well in any house. But what matters most to you — truly?" This is your tiebreaker. The Hat always listens. ABravery. I want to be the kind of person who acts when others won't. BGreatness. I want to leave my mark and be more than ordinary. CBelonging. I want to be part of something good and never let my people down. DUnderstanding. I want to know the truth of things and keep growing forever. REVEAL MY HOUSE → The Sorting Hat Speaks Your House Has Been ChosenAfter careful deliberation, the Sorting Hat has made its decision. This is the house your values, your instincts, and your particular way of being in the world were made for. 🦁 GryffindorYou have nerve. Not the reckless kind, but the deep, quiet courage that shows up even when you're terrified — especially then. Gryffindors don't act because they're fearless — they act because they understand that some things are worth being afraid for. You stand up for people when it would be easier to look away. You charge toward what's right even when the odds are terrible. Harry, Hermione, Ron — the heroes of Hogwarts's greatest chapter — all called the tower with the scarlet and gold home. And now, so do you. 🐍 SlytherinYou are driven, sharp, and utterly clear-eyed about what you want and how to get there. Slytherin has long been misunderstood — painted as the house of villains when it is, at its best, the house of those who refuse to accept limits placed on them by others. You are resourceful, strategic, and you play the long game. You know your worth. You protect your own fiercely. The dungeon common room with its view of the Black Lake is yours — and the ambitions that will take you further than anyone expects are yours too. 🦡 HufflepuffYou are the kind of person that makes the world genuinely better just by being in it. Hufflepuff is not the "safe" house or the "leftover" house — it is the house of those with the greatest heart and the most unwavering integrity. You show up. You work hard. You don't need glory or recognition — you do what's right because it's right. Your loyalty never wavers, even when tested. Nymphadora Tonks, Cedric Diggory, Newt Scamander — some of the wizarding world's finest. And now you join them. 🦅 RavenclawYour mind is your greatest gift, and you've always known it. Ravenclaws are the thinkers, the questioners, the ones who find a puzzle irresistible and a good book better company than most people. Ravenclaw is not merely about intelligence — it's about the love of learning, the pursuit of truth, and the rare courage to admit you don't know something yet. You see the world with unusual clarity and depth. Luna Lovegood, Filius Flitwick, Rowena Ravenclaw herself — all extraordinary, all original. And so are you. ↻ RETAKE THE QUIZ