What are the Best Fantasy Books of All Time?

There are thousands of incredible fantasy books out there, and you’re probably familiar with the most popular bestsellers. Fantasy books offer readers the perfect escape into another world. Fantasy provides us with an escape from our reality, transporting us into new worlds filled with magic, wonder, color, marvels, and adventure. Here are some of the best fantasy books of all time to give you some inspiration for your literary bucket list.

11 Best Fantasy Books

THE LORD OF THE RINGS BY JRR TOLKIEN

The Lord of the Rings is unquestionably one of the greatest works of imaginative fiction of the twentieth century. J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic, written using a beautifully descriptive narrative, tells an enchanting tale of friendship, love and heroism. Steeped in magic and otherworldliness, this sweeping fantasy is beautiful, perfect and also timeless. A must read for every fantasy fan.

THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA BY SCOTT LYNCH (THE GENTLEMAN BASTARD SEQUENCE)

Scott Lynch’s trilogy features wonderful characters, plot and camaraderie, all set within a setting beautifully inspired by ancient Venice. It is sometimes funny, often shocking but ultimately and frequently  heart-warming. If you are looking for fantasy novels with relatable thieves and rogues then are perfect for you. 

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE BY JK ROWLING 

The seven Harry Potter books are very well-written and funny, and it makes for an intoxicating combination. The Philosopher’s Stone is where, for young Harry Potter, it all begins. The Potter books are infused with charm and wit and adored by readers of all ages, the wizarding world a wonderful place for any reader, of any age, to escape to.

THE WAY OF KINGS BY BRANDON SANDERSON (THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE)

Brandon Sanderson clearly stamps his authority as the master of the “Hollywood” style of epic fantasy. It is hard to comprehend just how much stuff is going on and how this book impacts the wider Cosmere .Action set pieces of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things is exactly what many want from their epic fantasy.

THE EYE OF THE WORLD BY ROBERT JORDAN (WHEEL OF TIME)

The Wheel of Time is one of the most popular and influential fantasy epics ever written. It puts the epic in epic fantasy, a hugely ambitious undertaking that redefined a genre. This fourteen book series is filled with unforgettable characters and set in a world steeped in rich history and legend.

THE FINAL EMPIRE BY BRANDON SANDERSON (MISTBORN)

In his Mistborn series Brandon Sanderson has written one of the seminal fantasy stories of his generation. Compelling and flawlessly executed with exquisite skill, the enormous magnitude of the story being told showcases the breathtaking imagination at work here. Themes like religion and death are dealt with, power and helplessness, corruption and goodness. Weaved together like a master basket maker, this story lets you grow attached too, love, and lose, characters that you never thought would be lost.

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND BY LEWIS CARROLL

Alice in Wonderland was Lewis Carroll’s first novel and its fantasy plot, humorous rhymes use of it was revolutionary. Nineteenth-century children’s writing usually served moral or educational purposes, but Alice was written firmly and purely for the amusement of children fantasy.

DUNE BY FRANK HERBERT

One of the most layered works of fiction produced during the twentieth century. If you are a fan of epic fantasy or large-scale science fiction, Dune is strongly recommended. Anyone who considers themselves a fan of this genre must read it at some point in their lives.

THE HOBBIT BY JRR TOLKIEN

One of the best known and best loved fantasy books, J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit introduced the reading world to the unforgettable hobbit Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the wizard, and Smaug the dragon. A book that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike it is a tale full of adventure, heroism, song and laughter. 

THE STAND BY STEPHEN KING

Any kind of reader of speculative fiction can appreciate a truly rich and complex book, The Stand is a must read. Even if you’ve never read Stephen King before, The writing is excellent, the imagery horrifying and the atmosphere hypnotic. After the first few pages you will either find yourself hooked or repelled by one of the greatest examples of dystopian fiction with a healthy dose of fantasy thrown in then look no further.

IT BY STEPHEN KING

It is the children who see  and feel -what makes the town so horribly different. In the storm drains and sewers “It” lurks, taking the shape of every nightmare, each one’s deepest dread. As the children grow up and move away, the horror of “It” is buried deep until they are called back. As an exploration of childhood, growing up, friendship and facing both real and supernatural fears It is a great book.