Best Fantasy Books Of All Time

Fantasy novels take readers on epic journeys beyond the ordinary, and as such, the best ones offer some of the most enduring stories in literary history. A good fantasy story will pull you into its world and compel you with its characters, while delivering a series of events you won't soon forget. Over the years, readers have been treated to some fantasy epics that are so good, they've spawned movie adaptations, memes, and entire fan conventions of their own. No matter the reason for their enduring legacy, the best fantasy books remain relevant and compelling to new and old generations of readers alike. They give us characters to relate to and believe in, often inspiring hope and instilling heroic values that readers hope to embody. And of course, these epic stories find their way to the top of many a reader's list of must-read titles. Reading is deeply personal, and what connects with each reader will be unique. That makes choosing the best fantasy books of all time a pretty difficult task. Some stories have left an enduring mark on modern culture, while others shaped young readers into the people we are today. Yet when it comes to the most beloved fantasy books, the great writing, creative world-building, and compelling characters give them a broad appeal that solidifies their place in the literary canon. 10 The Hobbit (1937) by J.R.R. Tolkien When thinking of the best fantasy stories in literary history, The Lord of the Rings is often top of mind. But before Frodo ever encountered the ring, Bilbo took his first grand adventure. The Hobbit isn't just a prequel to the epic story we know and love. It's an approachable, exciting adventure story in its own right. Because it's better suited to younger readers, The Hobbit ​​​​​​has introduced many generations to the world of Middle-earth. This novel is, at its core, good plain fun. Bilbo's adventure is full of the same heart, humor, magic, and beautiful writing as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Yet it's packaged in a smaller, more self-contained story that's far less intimidating than much of Tolkien's later work. As such, it is a formidable entry in the world of fantasy, one that deserves a place among the ranks of the best fantasy books of all time. Purchase The Hobbit here. 9 A Game of Thrones (1996) by George R. R. Martin Depending on how things shake out with The Winds of Winter, the A Song of Fire and Ice series could become infamous for reasons other than its storytelling. But whether George R.R. Martin delivers that next book or not, there's no denying that the series has become a fantasy juggernaut. Even before the TV series brought it to new heights, A Game of Thrones captivated readers with its rich language, complicated characters, and political intrigue. A Game of Thrones is a solid introduction to an epic fantasy series. It introduces readers to a compelling world full of interesting, complex characters. Martin's use of multiple narrator perspectives helps draw readers into the political complexities while setting the stage for satisfying clashes and long-awaited moments. And of course, there are dragons, something many fantasy readers consider a must-have. Purchase Game of Thrones here. 8 A Wizard of Earthsea (1968) by Ursula K. Le Guin Ursula K. Le Guin is considered one of the most influential writers of speculative fiction, with plenty of accolades to her name. A Wizard of Earthsea is the first book in what's arguably her most enduring fantasy series. The book saw plenty of critical and commercial success in its time, and has gone on to inspire many a modern hit, quite possibly including Harry Potter. Indeed, A Wizard of Earthsea was one of the earliest takes on a magic school concept, something that has since become a subgenre in its own right. It was also children's literature that took itself seriously, a rarity in its time. Over the years, Duny's story has reached a wider audience, solidifying its place as one of the most enduring and influential fantasy books of all time. Purchase A Wizard of Earthsea here. 7 The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950) by C.S. Lewis Harper Collins Netflix is gearing up to deliver yet another adaptation of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series. Its enduring presence on the adaptation scene is just part of the legacy of Lewis' fantasy series, however. The series is a compelling work of children's literature that has had a massive influence on the modern fantasy scene, while remaining relevant in its own right. While The Magician's Nephew pre-dates it chronologically, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardobe was the first published installment in the series. As such, it was many readers' introduction to Narnia. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardobe is, at its core, one of the most iconic portal fantasies. The Pevensies step through a wardrobe and find themselves in the magical world of Narnia. Quite different from their current reality of war in England, this realm introduces the children to a world full of magic. Like many of the best fantasy novels for younger readers, its world allows its protagonists plenty of agency, while teaching them hard lessons along the way. Its world, themes, and characters endure both through the book's ongoing popularity and its many adaptations for screen and stage. Purchase The Chronicles of Narnia here. 6 Eragon (2003) by Christopher Paolini These days, forming a special bond with a dragon is pretty commonplace. It's basically a romantasy staple at this point. But for many readers of a certain age, Eragon was a formative introduction to the power of a bond between human and dragon. Though far from the first book to explore this concept, Eragon popularized it for a new generation of young readers. It was also an early example of the self-published-to-commercial-success pipeline, which would later bring us the likes Dungeon Crawler Carl. At its core, Eragon and the Inheritance Cycle as a whole pull from a proud legacy of high fantasy. For some, that might make them seem derivative. But Paolini manages to capture those themes in a fresh light, with compelling writing that draws on fantasy convention while crafting an approachable new story. A bestseller at release, Eragon continues to earn its place among some of the best contemporary fantasy novels. 5 Daughter of the Forest (1999) by Juliet Marillier Juliet Marillier has written several beloved fantasy series. But by far her most popular, and possibly most compelling, story is Daughter of the Forest. This book serves as the foundation for her Sevenwaters series, but it also works beautifully as a self-contained fantasy novel. Like many of the greatest fantasy books ever written, Daughter of the Forest pulls from myth and legend. Inspired by Celtic mythology, Daughter of the Forest tells the story of a family torn apart by an evil enchantress. Its protagonist, Sorcha, can only save her brothers by staying silent, an increasingly impossible task when she finds herself trapped in a foreign land. Equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, this book may not be as well known as some modern fantasy epics. But it deserves a place among the best examples of compelling fantasy writing all the same. Purchase Daughter of the Forest here. 4 The Princess Bride (1973) by William Goldman While much of the best fantasy stories take themselves quite seriously, The Princess Bride goes in another direction entirely. This book is full of a wry humor that starts with its bones as an "abridged" version of a fictional novel and grows from there. Goldman tells a compelling fantasy full of adventure, drama, and love, but he does it with a heavy dose of humor that disarms and charms the reader in equal measure. The film adaptation is incredibly beloved, and it does manage to capture the spirit of the story quite well. But if you haven't read The Princess Bride, you're missing out. Goldman pulls off some solid literary feats with his frame story, which lets the author become a character in his own right. For its creative storytelling and unforgettable characters, not to mention a good bit of world-building in its own right, The Princess Bride is a true fantasy classic. Purchase The Princess Bride here. 3 Alanna: The First Adventure (1983) by Tamora Pierce Simon and Schuster Tamora Pierce is among the most beloved YA fantasy authors of this century, and for good reason. The Song of the Lioness series in particular offers an inspiring and influential story about a young girl who refuses to let her gender stand in the way of her goals. For young women who love classic fantasy stories but didn't always see a place for themselves in those tales, Alanna is a powerful hero indeed. Alanna: The First Adventure is the foundation of The Song of the Lioness. In it, we see Alanna's beginnings as a determined young woman who yearns to be a knight. We see her begin to grow up, learn hard lessons, and struggle against society's limitations. Approachable enough for young readers but compelling enough to capture adult audiences, Alanna: The First Adventure is an influential and beloved entry in the modern fantasy canon. Purchase Alanna: The First Adventure here. 2 The Once and Future King by T.H. White The story of King Arthur is one of the most well-known and frequently adapted tales in fantasy history. And The Once and Future King is arguably the most enduring version of that legend, one that has inspired everything from Disney's The Sword in the Stone ​​​​​​to Meg Cabot's Avalon High. It is a masterful example of what a great fantasy story can do, pulling from familiar lore and myth to craft something that feels fresh yet familiar. The Once and Future King is a longer compendium of several shorter stories, later brought together into one epic tome. In it, we follow Arthur from his youth up through his days as King Arthur and beyond. White draws upon the existing legend of Arthur, using that jumping-off point to delve into themes of war, power, and morality. Its influence has shaped how we view King Arthur and his knights, making it both a great fantasy book and a massive cultural force. Purchase The Once And Future King here. 1 Howl's Moving Castle (1986) by Diana Wynne Jones Many people likely know Howl's Moving Castle best as a Studio Ghibli movie. But before this beloved animated film, we got the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. Like many books, it's quite different from its eventual adaptation. Though technically part of a series, Howl's Moving Castle works incredibly well as a standalone story. This story offers plenty to enthrall readers, pulling from fairy tales to create a world full of magic and mystery. Our protagonist gets cursed early on, then finds herself caught up with a notorious, fickle wizard. Like many of the best fantasy stories, it combines magic, adventure, and memorable characters with a romance that raises the stakes. In addition to its enduring role as a beloved novel and animated film, Howl's Moving Castle plays with tropes and mythology for an interesting twist on the familiar. Purchase Howl's Moving Castle here.