Sometimes life gets boring. Same routines, streets, and deadlines. This is when fantasy novels step in to save the day! They let you escape to mythical places where dragons exist, heroes look like you (but with weapons), and anything is possible.
But how can you pick an excellent fantasy book? That is not easy. There are a thousand of them. Don’t worry, I have you covered. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert fan, this list of the 12 best fantasy novels will help you decide. Trust me, these best fantasy novels will make you forget about reality and possibly your sleep schedule. Let’s plunge in!
12 Best Fantasy Novels You Must Read
Best Fantasy Novels are filled with unforgettable characters and epic adventures. They will take you to lands of wonder. The world-building and storytelling are mindblowing in Fantasy Novels. Whether you are new to Fantasy Novels or an old fan, here is a list of 12 Most Popular and Best Fantasy Novels You Must Read.
1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit and a peace lover. One day Gandalf the wizard and his thirteen dwarves come to his home. He’s asked to make a dangerous journey with them. They want to claim treasure stolen from them by a dragon called Smaug. Soon a magical ring changes all this. The story of The Hobbit is adventurous and brave and of friendship. It is also a prequel to The Lord of the Rings.
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Orphan Harry Potter lives with his cruel relatives. On his 11th birthday, he gets to know that he is a wizard. And also got an invitation from Hogwart the school of magic. This time he also gets to know that the murderer of his parents is a dark wizard. This book is the beginning of the most famous fantasy series ever. This is one of the best fantasy novels of all time.
3. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
The first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, Game of Thrones takes readers on a journey into the world of Westeros. The story revolves around betrayal, alliances and dramatic twists. You follow dozens of characters, from the good, noble Stark family in the North, to the lying and scheming Lannisters in the South. On the other side of the sea, Daenerys Targaryen, the last living scion of a toppled dynasty, seeks to reclaim her birthright with the help of her hatching dragons.
This series is unlike traditional fantasy, known for its realistic take on politics, war and betrayal. Dark forces are coming. Winter is coming. The book is famous for its complex characters and for its unpredictable plot. If you like political intrigue and epic battles, this is required reading.
4. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is one of the best fantasy novels. Kvothe is a legendary man with an exceptional mind and talent for magic. Derived from his perspective, Wind follows Kvothe from his childhood. He is the child of traveling performers. He learns forbidden powerful magic from a prestigious University. Full of adventure, romance, and mystery, the novel follows Kvothe’s journey as he strives to learn the truth behind the legendary figures known as the Chandrian, a group of supernatural creatures believed to be responsible for the murder of his family.
5. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The central plot involves Rand al’Thor, a humble farm boy who learns that he is the Dragon Reborn, a messianic figure who has been prophesied to save or destroy the world. Shadowlands covers the early life of the protagonist, Rand Al’thor, and he goes on an epic journey alongside his friends Mat and Perrin, battling foes, politicians, and powerful magic users. It has an incredibly complex world and deep lore alongside a diverse cast of characters that make it one of the most immersive fantasy sagas ever written.
6. Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
Mistborn is set in a world where the bad guys have already won. Vin, a young girl detective, discovers that she is a mighty wizard. She enrolls in a group of rebels led by Kelsier, a charismatic gentleman equipped with a plan to overthrow the hob- tyrant, ruler. This enchanting magic system of Allomancy, which affords creators with essences in the metals they eat to gain particular kinds of ability, lends the action sequences a startling height and the plot an added heist style.
7. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson In such a world plagued with magical storms, the story sees multiple protagonists including Kaladin, a one-time soldier seeking freedom together with fellow men who have hidden powers; and Shallan, a young scholar who is pursuing knowledge that could change the world. The books are loaded full of difficult world-building, huge-scale wars, and fascinating character arcs.
8. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
American Gods by Neil Gaiman Shadow Moon is an ex-con who is caught up in a war between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of contemporary technology and media. He becomes bodyguard to the enigmatic Mr Wednesday –who has secret plans. This book contains fascinating mythological references and tackles deep themes such as faith, identity, and change.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The drama starts with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Here, the four children — Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy–enter Narnia, an enchanted kingdom inside a wardrobe. Before long they are embroiled in a war between the good lion Aslan and the bad White Witch. The narrative goes across many books with each book being a fresh adventure in Narnia for the reader-a voyage often punctuated by moral instructions or allegorical lessons, great battles such as those between good moral principles and bad morality, amoral animals.
10. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
A world torn apart by fear and bigotry. In this place, an ancient dragon menaces their very safety. Before Queen Sabran IX can return safely home to her Queendom of Inys, she must produce an heir to protect her people. Ead Duryan, a mage in disguise, serves as her protector. Meanwhile, across the sea on far-off Benedito, Tané the fearless dragon-rider is swept into an interlinked tapestry that will draw these two worlds ever closer together. Full of political intrigue, forbidden relationships at court and an unforgettable setting, The Priory of the Orange Tree will especially appeal to readers who love storytelling with a strong, intricate feel about it.
11. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
A ruthless prince raised in brutal violence, Jorg Ancrath lives in a present where everything has decayed. At the tender age of nine, he saw both his mother and brother brutally murdered, bringing him into a life of vengeance. Long before his thirteenth birthday, he was commanding a band of bandits, intent on taking his enemies by storm as young and strong as Jorg. To break the mold of traditional fantasy heroes, Jorg is crafty, dangerous, and uncertain, his unpredictability presents this trilogy with an entirely unprecedented era.
12. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Locke Lamora is a master schemer of a group of thieves called the Gentleman Bastards. Based in the city of Camorr—modeled after Renaissance Venice— they pull off elaborate cons to rob the rich. However, their lives soon turn upside down when a heartless enemy called the Gray King comes back into their lives and they are now stuck playing the game of life or death. This book is a perfect blend of adventure, crime, and fantasy for readers of those genres as it contains witty dialogue, shocking twists and a brilliant protagonist.
Final Thoughts on Best Fantasy Novels
Fantasy novels seem to take us to incredible worlds filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. Whether the epic battles of The Lord of the Rings, the deep politics of A Song of Ice and Fire, or the royal heists of The Lies of Locke Lamora, each title on this list delivers something special.
Whether you’re enticed by the classic arc of heroism, the dirtier light of grimdark fantasy, or the intricacy of modern epic world-building, there’s a story here for every type of reader. These books are not mere entertainment – they encourage us to dream, challenge, and explore new ways of thinking.
So how many of these fantasy novels have you read? Which are on your must-read list? Tell us in the comments and let us know your favorite fantasy adventures!
You can also check 15 Books That Will Change Your Life
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