If the aim of a book is to carry the reader into another world, no genre fulfils that task as completely as the best fantasy novels. Unbounded only by the imagination of their authors, many of the best fantasy book series have turned casual readers into dedicated, passionate fans. Even before the internet made it easy for fans to discuss the minutiae of fantasy novels, book lovers have revelled in sinking deeply into the worlds their favourite writers created, which includes names like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
These epic fantasy fiction novels have stayed popular with readers over the decades, never losing their popularity or relevance. They have been the inspiration for theatre directors and film producers over and over again, as each generation has sought to adapt the books for its own time. Some of these best fantasy book series have been scripted for radio, TV series and comic books, and served as inspiration for new authors in the same genre, proving their hold on readers is timeless and eternal.
Why is it that the fantasy genre is such a satisfying one? The answer must surely lie in the fact that many of these best fantasy books for adults are so much more than mere fairy tales. These are epic series, where the writer has laboured to create a new world (or worlds), sketching a rich universe, and weaving in elements of mystery, romance, adventure and drama, besides developing enduring characters. Such novels, therefore, offer a magnificent suspension from reality and create an absorbing reading experience for a long time.
While some of these book series are classics, newer fantasy writers have happily taken on the challenge of making certain the genre has a bright future, by bringing their own unique imaginations into fruition. Even as they reimagine Greek mythology or set stories in an alternate Earth, they ensure that fantasy novels will always be available to help readers find their escape.
Here are some of the epic fantasy reads for your bookshelf
Jump To / Table of Contents
- A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
- American Gods by Neil Gaiman
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien
- Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender
- The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
- His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
- The Fifth Season by N.K Jemison
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
- Circe by Madeline Miller
Year of publishing: 1996-
Synopsis: In Westeros, noble families fight for money, fame, power, and control of the Iron Throne. Nothing is too much for the denizens of this world, from incest, murder and other disturbing crimes, as the aim is to end up as a top dog, no matter what the cost.
These are the five books from where the plot of Game of Thrones was developed.
About the series: This is perhaps the only book collection where the TV series has ended, even though the author has not yet finished the last two novels from his seven-volume proposal. While George R. R. Martin still plods away at Winds of Winter, Game of Thrones charges ahead with new TV adaptations, merchandise and repeat OTT streams, giving fans their fix of the worlds of the Seven Kingdoms.
Besides Winds of Winter, A Dream of Spring also remains to be written by Martin. TV adaptations in development include A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, Nine Voyages, 10,000 Ships, an untitled Aegon’s Conquest series and The Golden Empire (all at HBO). House of the Dragon season 2 is set to premiere on 16 June 2024.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Year of publishing: 2001
Synopsis: Ex-convict Shadow falls into, well, a shadowy world of Gods, where the heavenly beings from the old world are struggling to stay relevant. They need to confront the new Gods worshipped by Americans — which include the internet, TV, shopping malls and credit cards — and gear up for the war that is coming.
About the book: This novel has won multiple awards, including the Hugo and Locus awards for best fantasy novel, as well as the Bram Stoker Award for best horror novel and the Nebula Award for best novel. A TV adaption of the same name by Starz debuted in 2017. There is also a series of comics based on this novel published by Dark Horse Comics.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Year of publishing: 1954-55
Synopsis: At some point, we’ve all wanted to dwell in Middle Earth. Tolkien’s magnum opus series pits a motley crew of hobbits, elves and humans against the Dark Lord Sauron, and his quest to own the One Ring. Comprising three books, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King, this is a series that can potentially enthral you for years.
About the series: Peter Jackson’s movie series (2001-2003), which used the same names as the books, is considered one of the best adaptations of a ‘series to movies’ ever and put New Zealand on the tourist map forever as a real-life Middle Earth.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Year of publishing: 2019
Synopsis: One of the best modern fantasy books, this novel, set in a landscape that is reminiscent of the Caribbean, is a tale of revenge. Protagonist Sigourney Rose is out to avenge the massacre of her family, and she must recruit allies along the way to achieve her goal. Weaving in elements of colonialism, race relations and power, this is a captivating read.
About the book: Winner of the 2020 World Fantasy Award, this novel was also chosen by Time magazine as one of the top 100 fantasy novels of all time.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Year of publishing: 1997-2016
Synopsis: Though written for children, Rowling’s works have fascinated millions of adults across the world, all of whom have responded to the tale of a boy wizard and his quest to rid his world of the evil Voldemort.
About the series: The seven-book series and its associated novels have all been translated to the big screen, while Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a bestselling play. A TV series, still untitled, is said to be debuting in 2026.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Year of publishing: 1995-2000
Synopsis: A spunky 11-year-old girl full of curiosity makes a good beginning to a novel. Lyra Belacqua’s journey spans three books — Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass — and takes her a long way from her home in a college at Oxford. There’s also an evil mother, an uncle who is actually Lyra’s father, and her daemon, Pantalaimon.
About the series: Northern Lights won the Carnegie Medal for children’s fiction in the UK in 1995. The Amber Spyglass won the 2001 Whitbread Book of the Year award. The film adaptation of the first volume of the series, called The Golden Compass (2007), famously starring Nicole Kidman, did not do well at the box office, and, therefore, was the only book to be dramatised on the big screen.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Year of publishing: 2015
Synopsis: In an alternate Earth, on a supercontinent called The Stillness, the people must endure a fifth season that sows chaos. The story follows three females: Essun, Damaya and Syenite, whose stories overlap and draw the reader forward into a stirring tale of fantasy.
About the book: This is the first book in the Broken Earth series, which also includes The Obelisk Gate (2016) and The Stone Sky (2017). The Fifth Season won the Hugo Award for best novel in 2016.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Year of publishing: 1950
Synopsis: Four children escape war-torn Britain to the fantasy world of Narnia, where the White Witch has stopped summer forever. But there is a prophecy, which they start to fulfil, and then Aslan the lion steps in. There are mythical creatures, a meet and greet with Santa Claus, and finally, a major battle after which good eventually prevails, and Lucy, Peter, Edmund and Susan end up as kings and queens.
About the book: This novel is the first in the seven-book series, which gets darker and darker as the story progresses. The other titles include Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia (1951), The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952), The Silver Chair (1953), The Horse and His Boy (1954), The Magician’s Nephew (1955) and The Last Battle (1956). The first book was made into a blockbuster movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, in 2005.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Year of publishing: 2018
Synopsis: The Greek goddess Circe turns into a feminist icon in this book. Once she has discovered the full extent of her powers, Circe is exiled by Zeus to a deserted island, where she encounters other mythological characters, from Hermes, Minotaur, Jason and Medea to Odysseus, who becomes her lover.
About the book: Winner of the best fantasy novel at the Goodreads Choice Awards in 2018, as well as a winner of the Red Tentacle Kitschie Award for best novel. An eight-episode TV series of the book is being developed by HBO.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Hero Image: Courtesy of Amazon; Featured Image: Courtesy of Kaboompics.com/ Pexels)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the best fantasy book of all time?
From Lord of the Rings to The Chronicles of Narnia, there are many fantasy books for adults that are bestsellers.
– What is the most-sold fantasy book in the world?
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, though aimed primarily at children, are said to be one of the most-sold fantasy book series in the world.
– Who is the most popular author of fantasy novels?
J.R.R. Tolkien, Neil Gaiman and J.K. Rowling are some of the most popular fantasy novelists.
Mignonne has worked as a writer and editor for several media organisations, including Conde Nast, HT Media and The Times of India. She loves to read historical fiction and non-fiction, watch period films, and travel to places soaked in the past. Her 10-year-old daughter keeps her grounded in the present and ensures that all future plans are changed at least once!
Most Popular
