Top 10 Best Epic and Fantasy Book Series of All Time

When it comes to epic fantasy, we're talking about stories that transport you to entirely new worlds, ones filled with ancient magic, fierce battles, and characters you'll grow to love (or love to hate). These series invite you on long, intricate journeys where every turn of the page uncovers new layers of adventure, political intrigue, and deeply woven lore.

The fantasy genre is rich with legendary sagas that have shaped pop culture as we know it. Think of wizards and dragons, kingdoms clashing for the throne, or even the underdog hero fighting against impossible odds. Sound familiar? These books have captured imaginations for decades, and new readers keep discovering them every day. Some are fast-paced with action and humor, others are slower burns, where the reward comes from the depth of the world and its characters.

The Top Ten

The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien

Where to start with the Lord of the Rings? Such a landmark in literary history has not had such a profound effect on the world in modern history. Tolkien spent his entire adult life creating the mythical world of Middle Earth. It is this dedication to his work that led Tolkien's brainchild to ascend past mere Epic Fantasy.
A timeless classic that continues to profoundly affect millions, if not billions, of lives even now. The (re)birth of fantasy was almost solely down to Tolkien, and almost every author of such fiction can trace their influences directly to his work.
A new world, several new languages, and thousands of pages of fictional history have captivated people since its inception. Any member of the RPG community has Tolkien to thank. The creators of D&D were inspired by the cartography of Tolkien in his books, which led to the creation of the most famous RPG of all time. This also means that every board game, card game, and video game inspired by D&D is, inevitably, inspired by Tolkien's work.
This work is among the most influential pieces of literature in the past millennium and will continue to bear fruit for the rest of this millennium.
Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter is definitely #1 by far. I will never forget Harry Potter and everything these books have taught me, especially about friendship, what it means to stand by your friends, bravery, and the decisions you have to make to benefit others.
Thank you, Hedwig, for inspiring me in many ways to be someone you go to for support and for being a shoulder to cry on. I cried for hours when Hedwig died, but she, like Dobby, died in the perfect way.
Thank you, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom, for showing me that a good friend isn't the most popular, but the most loyal, and who will always be at your side. I think these two demonstrate what a friend is and that it's okay to be different.
Thank you, Remus Lupin, for being a role model, and someone who I hope to be when I am older.
This list of characters could go on forever because all of them touched my heart. This series is without a doubt the best read ever. It deserves to be #1.
Oops! I almost forgot! Thank you, J.K. Rowling, for completing my childhood.
A Song of Ice and Fire - George R.R. Martin

I think it's definitely equal to Lord of the Rings! The characters are amazing, and each one has a distinct personality that develops throughout the series. The story is completely unpredictable because any character can die at any time, even if they seem like the main character. You should always be on edge.
The way George R.R. Martin writes keeps you engrossed in the books, and you kind of lose track of what's going on around you. You're just in the book. It's an incredibly amazing story that becomes more and more interesting! It's one of those books you have to read!
I'm happy the TV series (Game of Thrones) is as enjoyable as the book, and the adaptation was not ruined!
Percy Jackson & the Olympians - Rick Riordan

Listen, Heroes of Olympus was good, but it didn't live up to the original. In HOO, they gave Percy's humor to Leo, his awkwardness to Frank, and everything else about him to Jason. HOO didn't have Grover, who is an amazing character.
PJO has great moments. It's a feel-good coming-of-age story about a boy who gets thrown into something he never wanted but learns to love it anyway. Percy Jackson is the best fictional character ever. Harry Potter is an extremely close second.

Again, I'm including Riordan's other series in this (Heroes of Olympus, Kane Chronicles, Magnus Chase, Trials of Apollo) because there isn't enough space in the top 10.
I loved the in-depth characters and how perfectly mythology and the modern world are blended. It really sucks that Jason dies. These are some of the best series ever written.
If only they would make a proper film adaptation for them.
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis

This book is the best for teens and young adults. Though it might have hard words for kids, it's a fun fantasy book and deserves a better rating. It's hard to argue with Harry Potter, but J.K. Rowling makes the books really long, uses hard-to-say made-up words, and the sequence order and fantasy elements don't always make sense. They say they are going to get in trouble, but a teacher always saves them, and so on.
In Narnia, the books are shorter, and the order makes a lot more sense. We aren't left to decide if Harry Potter lives a life in magic or not. In Narnia, we see the life they live and are not left in an everlasting cliffhanger. I love this book! 5 stars!
The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

It should be first, above Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and all the other stuff. It is better than the two combined, despite Lord of the Rings being described as 'the greatest fantasy series of all time'. I agree, it is a very close second.
The Wheel of Time does everything Lord of the Rings did which is good, and also adds on top of that that women actually do something instead of waiting around for a bunch of men to rescue them. The Aes Sedai are probably my favorite society in the entire book universe.

I have all the respect in the world for Tolkien, but Robert Jordan took the general idea that Tolkien created with The Eye of the World and then ramped it up to a 10 in subsequent books. I know people are intimidated by the length, but even after 14 books and a prequel, I still want more.
The only fantasy series I think could match this are A Song of Ice and Fire and The Stormlight Archive, which aren't completed yet. I've pretty much given up hope of ever getting The Winds of Winter, so I'm throwing my lot in with The Wheel of Time and The Stormlight Archive.
The Heroes of Olympus - Rick Riordan

Percabeth. One word you will be reciting over and over after you have read this series. Bob. One word you will cry over every time it is mentioned. I could go on all day, but that might waver your attention span.

This series is amazing. I got so into it that I wrote a small, maybe just a little bit long, and awesome continuation, with Leo being the main character, of course. (How could it be anybody else?!)

I absolutely loved this book series. My life literally changed after I read it.
The Dark Tower - Stephen King

The Dark Tower Series is one of the few book series, consisting of more than four books, that doesn't feel like it runs out of steam after the third book. The Harry Potter series was one of my favorites when I was in fifth grade, but it became a chore to read after The Half-Blood Prince. It felt like it had a lot of filler and too much character building the second time around. I understand the kids grew up, but their actions told me everything I needed to know.
The Dark Tower series never sputters, slows down, or loses touch with the reader. And there's no sappy tween romance drama or sparkling vampires! No cheap attention getters. Just a great sci-fi story that reaches beyond the typical standards of a great sci-fi story.
The Stormlight Archive - Brandon Sanderson

It is the book that saved me from the "pop culture" trap. None of this teenage heartthrob and protagonist nonsense. A truly wonderful, expansive, enriching, and unrivaled experience. I can't say much else about what I've read that holds a candle to the genius that is Brandon Sanderson.
Do keep in mind that there are many characters with many motivations. No one truly fills a role for the sake of the role. Every character is unique and will carve a special alcove in your heart.
The author just knows how to build the most fascinating worlds and fill them with the most diverse and painfully beautiful personalities. Anything by Brandon will have you begging for more.
I would ask you to kindly direct yourself to the nearest bookstore or library and pick up as many copies of as many books by this god among men as you can fit in your '02 Taurus. God knows once you clear out all the empty Red Bulls and paper sacks from Wendy's, you'll have plenty of room.
Happy reading,
AdamKetchupp
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

I don't even know why The Hunger Games is on here, as it's a futuristic sci-fi dystopian novel, but whatever because it's still awesome! The plot is intense. You never know where the story is going to go, and you never know what's going to happen aside from Katniss and Peeta winning the first Hunger Games. Everything, especially the deaths, is unexpected. Anything can happen in the Hunger Games, and it's unpredictable. It's really amazing and great for teens.

An amazing series that I read day and night, forgetting to sleep and eat. It conveys complicated human emotions beyond just friendships, romance, and hatred. In other words, it speaks of many things we don't find in other books.
The perfect fictional male character in the book was Peeta. The book didn't conclude with an epic ending but instead with a twist and broken pieces. It's just great!

The Newcomers

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The Licanius Trilogy - James Islington

At the bottom, this is top five writing!
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The Trials of Apollo - Rick Riordan

The Contenders

Shannara - Terry Brooks

These books are the best fantasy books ever! I have read all of the books, and they are just simply amazing, better than any other fantasy book! I first fell in love with the series when I picked up the first book. It was just simply amazing. I have not stopped reading them since.

These are the books that got me into epics. Not only did he create a whole world, but he created its future as well.
To say the least, this is my favorite series.

These books are well-written and have a great story. I love these books.
People say they are ripoffs of The Lord of the Rings, but I still think they are better.
The Sword of Truth - Terry Goodkind

The Sword of Truth is so easy to read and dive into. Is it the most twisted plot or the most intricate political book? No. Is it full of gray characters that you never know who will die? Not really.
Is it heart-stopping, mad gallop, hold-on-to-your-pants action? YES. Is it deep and meaningful and forces you to look at yourself and where you find your truth? Yes. Is it deeply romantic, frighteningly bloody, and wonderfully filled with anything and everything someone would want from an amazing series? ABSOLUTELY.
This series will make you cry, pump your fist in adulation, and chew your nails till you have none left. Start reading and buckle up because this book starts with a bang and doesn't really stop until the series is over.
The Inheritance Cycle - Christopher Paolini

This is my favorite fantasy book ever. The magic and history are so complex, and the character arcs are so good. I totally recommend it to any fantasy fan.

I love each and every series above this one, but people, read the list title! This is by far the most imaginative and multi-dimensional series of all time. Everything is described with intimate detail, all the way down to the very laws of magic and how it manages to interweave with the laws of physics as we know them.
The experience of being with Eragon through his entire journey and watching him develop as both a person and a character, along with the bond between Eragon and Saphira, is unrivaled by any book or series that anyone could possibly name. The sheer multitude of facets to the story provides an experience like no other when you read these books.
I literally couldn't put the books down. People, you have to vote for this!
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel - Michael Scott

This series brings historical and fictional characters to life, focusing the reader's attention on the characters' lives, personalities, and characteristics, along with just the storyline.

This series is so amazing. It combines nearly all mythological characters you've known in your life.

I love how many mythologies and historical figures it has without being boring.
The Belgariad - David & Leigh Eddings

It's amazing how Eddings has managed to build personalities that are so real that I feel I know each and every one of them personally.
I almost wish this series could be made into movies so that people would realize how awesome the entire series is, but I'm also afraid that the director would mess it up. How could anyone build a world as good as the one Eddings did?

Fun and fantasy.
Eddings is simple and to the point, and in the world of meaningless prose, his sharpness is refreshing.

This is one of the best series I have ever read! I could not get home from work fast enough to continue reading.
Malazan Book of the Fallen - Steven Erikson

This series is worth the effort. I've read the entire series, and I'm waiting impatiently for Erikson to complete the next related series. It is truly that awesome.

Can't believe this isn't at the top. Only Tolkien's Middle-earth can come anywhere close to the epic setting and history of this series.

All-time favorite series. Such an expansive and detailed world, with top-notch characters and stories. Can't recommend it enough.
Warriors - Erin Hunter

Why is this 15th? There are so many stories about surviving cats, and it's actually fun!
I don't read books if I don't like them, but I read all the way through to The Broken Code!

Why is this number 21? Honestly, this is the best book series mankind has ever known and probably the longest too. I love all the characters and events, feelings, etc. I hope that other people see that too because if you don't see it, then you're as blind as Brokenstar was. (Only Warrior fans will know who that is).
Comment if you agree!

In my opinion, Warriors and Wings of Fire are better than Harry Potter. They should switch places.
Warriors is about amazing cats and has so much suspense. There are a lot of books in the series. Warriors should be higher on the list. The cats are amazing, and everything about the books is amazing.
The Riftwar Saga - Raymond E. Feist

Hands down, best series I ever read, and I think I'll read it again.
The Riftwar series is just one of about 10 that complement each other. Definitely a must-read.

Still one of my favorite series, right up there with Lord of the Rings. Raymond Feist is a master author who brings his land and people to life.

A must-read. Leaves Tolkien standing.
The Broken Empire Trilogy - Mark Lawrence

This series is one of my favorites. I have never read a fantasy with an anti-hero before. I found it extremely dark but found myself in love with Jorg. The characterization was good. I really felt for him.
Pendragon - D.J. MacHale

I've read Harry Potter, the Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, started the Eragon series, the Dark Tower series, and many others. I can, without question, say this will be my favorite book series of all time!

This is the best book of all time! I have read the entire series three times and have loved it even more every time.
This book has given me tons of confidence because of all that Bobby has gone through.

Best book series I have ever read. It's awesome how it came up with an idea that no one had ever used before and turned it into a massive ten-book series.
He's on my top five artist list.
Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson

A bleak world where ash falls from the skies. The world is black and soot-covered, nothing is green, but red, brown, and black. A dirty city ruled by a powerful villain. Innovative magic that actually makes sense with its powers and drawbacks. Political intrigue, a sensible plot, endearing leads, and inner conflicts of the point-of-view characters. Each book builds up to a powerful, satisfying climax.
This, along with Stormlight Archive, is a series every fantasy reader should read.

Again Sanderson. It is tough when your votes are taken up by multiple deserving entries by the same authors.
Discworld - Terry Pratchett

Ha! I despaired of finding a book series I truly found worthy on this list, yet here, at the very end, is one I approve of. Hilarious, inventive, not stuck up its own arse about "saving the world from the dark lord" or anything so cliche as that. A real gem.
I am a little disappointed that The Black Company isn't on the list.

Philosophical, witty, funny, and just brilliant. Pratchett brilliantly satirises our world through his mesmerising cast of characters. Indeed, he was the only author of the century capable of taking Swift's crown as King of Satirists. He shows us that funny and serious are not opposites and can coexist.
Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

How is this not ranked higher? It has so much content on YouTube and is only ten years old! The books are released quickly, and they have more relevance to our real world than those outside the fandom allow themselves to believe.
It touches on many genres and personalities. There are villains with complex objectives doing various things. For example, Queen Coral treats her daughters like gold, yet if one of her sons died, she probably wouldn't even know or care, similar to Queen Magnificent and her subjects in general. Darkstalker killing his father was brutal, along with the lasting injuries he caused.
There is bound to be a Wings of Fire plot for everyone, a relatable hero, and a beautiful message for you, the reader.
The Kingkiller Chronicle - Patrick Rothfuss

Can't believe this series is at 30. Though it's still not complete, it redefines epic adventure through beautiful prose and character development. This one is steeped in richness. Read it now!

This is the best story I have read since The Lord of the Rings 30 years ago. It should be number 2, and when the last book is done, it could be number 1. Read it.

I like this much better than some of the other books ranked higher, but I like the books mentioned in the top 10, so okay, I guess.
The Mortal Instruments - Cassandra Clare

I'm including her other series in the Shadowverse here too, because there isn't space on the list.
I love how the characters are relatable and the plot is amazing. The romance is very well done, and the movie doesn't do it justice.
Also, I really liked the TV show even though it wasn't always like the books. The alternate ending and Jonathan Morgenstern's portrayal were really good.
#Malec

Clare just took urban fantasy to a whole new level. Great characters, great character development, dialogue, plot, and everything.
I love the concept and execution. Cheers to her!