Fantasy literature has been a popular genre for decades, offering readers the chance to escape into magical worlds and encounter strange creatures. Whether you’re a long-time fan of fantasy or just dipping your toe in the genre, there’s no shortage of excellent books to choose from. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the top fantasy books everyone should read.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
No Fantasy Books Everyone Should Read list would be complete without mentioning The Lord of the Rings. This epic tale follows the journey of hobbit Frodo Baggins as he attempts to destroy the One Ring and prevent the Dark Lord Sauron from taking over Middle-earth. Along the way, he meets a cast of memorable characters, including the wizard Gandalf and the dwarf Gimli.
The Lord of the Rings is a true classic, and its influence can be seen in countless other fantasy novels. Tolkien’s attention to detail and world-building are unparalleled, and his use of language is breathtaking. Even if you’ve seen the movies, the books are well worth a read.
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
If you’re a fan of epic, sprawling stories with multiple characters and plotlines, then A Song of Ice and Fire is the series for you. Set in the fictional world of Westeros, this series follows the political maneuverings of various noble houses as they vie for power and control.
One of the standout features of A Song of Ice and Fire is its gritty realism. Martin isn’t afraid to kill off major characters or depict graphic violence, and the result is a series that feels more grounded and believable than many other fantasy novels. There’s also plenty of intrigue, romance, and of course, dragons.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle series, and it’s a masterclass in storytelling. The book follows the story of Kvothe, a legendary wizard and musician, as he recounts his life to a chronicler over the course of three days.
What sets The Name of the Wind apart is its focus on character development. Kvothe is a complex and intriguing protagonist, and Rothfuss does an excellent job of fleshing out his backstory and motivations. The book is also beautifully written, with prose that is both elegant and evocative. A book that definitely deserves a place on this Fantasy Books Everyone Should Read list.
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
The First Law Trilogy is a grim and gritty series that subverts many of the traditional fantasy tropes. Set in a world where magic is rare and often feared, the series follows a cast of morally ambiguous characters as they navigate a brutal and violent world.
Abercrombie’s writing is sharp and witty, and his characters are some of the most memorable in the genre. From the cynical and world-weary mercenary Logen Ninefingers to the vengeful and manipulative Inquisitor Glokta, each character is fully realized and fascinating to follow.
The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
The Broken Earth Trilogy is a groundbreaking series that explores issues of race, power, and oppression in a fantastical setting. Set in a world wracked by natural disasters, the series follows a group of people with the ability to manipulate the earth itself.
Jemisin’s writing is poetic and powerful, and her world-building is top-notch. The characters are also richly drawn, with complex motivations and relationships that evolve over the course of the series. The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read for anyone looking for fantasy that pushes the boundaries of the genre.
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Earthsea Cycle is a classic series of books that has been beloved by readers for decades. Set in a world of islands and magic, the series follows the life of Ged, a young wizard who learns to harness his powers and becomes one of the most powerful mages in the world.
Le Guin’s writing is beautiful and lyrical, and her world-building is immersive and detailed. The Earthsea Cycle is a series that rewards careful reading, with themes of self-discovery, the balance of nature, and the power of language woven throughout.
Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
The Mistborn Trilogy is a thrilling series that blends magic, action, and political intrigue. Set in a world where certain people have the ability to ingest and “burn” metals to gain various powers, the series follows the story of Vin, a street urchin who discovers she has the power to control metals.
Sanderson’s world-building is excellent, and his magic system is one of the most unique and well-thought-out in the genre. The characters are also compelling, with complex relationships and motivations that keep the reader engaged throughout the series.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series of children’s books that has been beloved by generations of readers. Set in the magical world of Narnia, the series follows a group of children as they discover the wonders of this fantastical land.
Lewis’s writing is charming and whimsical, and his world-building is delightful. The series is a wonderful introduction to the fantasy genre, and it’s a perfect read for both children and adults.
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time is a massive, 14-book series that is beloved by fans of epic fantasy. Set in a world where magic is real and powerful, the series follows a group of characters as they attempt to prevent the end of the world.
Jordan’s world-building is incredible, with a rich history and detailed geography that make the world feel alive. The characters are also engaging, with complex relationships and motivations that keep the reader invested throughout the series.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
No Fantasy Books Everyone Should Read list would be complete without mentioning the Harry Potter series. Set in a world of magic, the series follows the story of a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends a school for magic.
Rowling’s writing is engaging and accessible, and her world-building is masterful. The characters are also some of the most beloved in the genre, with Harry, Hermione, and Ron becoming instant icons of popular culture.
In conclusion, there’s no shortage of excellent fantasy books to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of epic tales or character-driven stories, there’s something for everyone in this genre. These ten books are just the tip of the iceberg, and we encourage you to explore further and discover your own favorite fantasy novels. Happy reading!
Have you had a chance to read any of the books on our list of “Fantasy Books Everyone Should Read”? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on them! Did any of them transport you to a magical world filled with adventure and intrigue? Did any of the characters capture your heart and make you root for them until the very end? Or maybe you had a completely different experience altogether? Whatever your thoughts, feel free to share them with us in the comments below!