Top 10 Best Fantasy Book Series

A great fantasy series crafts intricate worlds with rich histories, diverse cultures, and complex characters. It weaves together themes of courage, friendship, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

From the iconic wizardry of "Harry Potter" to the sprawling epic of "The Lord of the Rings," fantasy book series capture the hearts and minds of readers young and old. These stories often unfold across multiple volumes, allowing readers to become deeply invested in the characters and their fates.
The Top Ten
1 Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

I LOVE Harry Potter. I have watched the movies and now I'm reading the books. I have finished the first and the second one and they were amazing. Harry Potter forever.

An easy answer for me. I love fantasy books about wizards and witches, so of course, I loved this series. Also, I love Professor Snape. He is the BEST Harry Potter character, hands down! However, I have been getting into other books lately as well, such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, which is quite underrated, but Harry Potter still deserves its fame because it's an amazing series loved by many, including myself.

Harry Potter taught me so many things. It has to be the best. All characters, plots, magic beasts, all of them. Thank you, J.K. Rowling. You have let me have the time of my life. Harry Potter, everyone! Vote for Harry Potter! If any of you crazy Potterheads like me watched Harry Potter tribute: time of our lives, you have to be crying your heart out. After Philosopher's Stone, I knew that I would always have most of this magical series, but now after Deathly Hallows, I knew there was nothing to look forward to anymore. It has truly been the time of my life. I am sobbing as I write this. So emotional. You get attached to this character and they die. So heartbreaking.

I absolutely just cannot imagine life without Harry James Potter with me. Ever since the first book, he was wherever I was. Like a best friend I never had before he came, and I cannot describe the book series in words. It's too much. The main character isn't perfect, which is why I love Harry so much. Ginny taught me to be brave. Hermione taught me books and cleverness are not everything. There is more than that. Like friendship and bravery. Luna taught me to be unique, myself and not give a damn what other people think of me. I dressed up as my favorite characters for no reason, read the books a gazillion times, watched all the movies. The ending was so much to me like a heavy feeling was gone and I was now a free angel. It was so much. The movie ending made me cry even more. I don't think I had enough tears left over. All was well. But Harry Potter will always be in our hearts no matter what. I will have a place in my heart for all of them.

You still like Harry Potter after all this time?

Always.

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

My dad and I love this series. We have seen the whole series and the Hobbit. And my dad gave me his Lord of the Rings book to read, and it is amazing.

Although Harry Potter and the others are great as well, I feel as if this book has a sort of magical feeling to it - a feeling I have never felt while reading any other book. Its beauty, its wonder... As I read, I felt as though J.R.R. Tolkien poured his entire soul into this, and that the words he had written were straight from the heart. It is so simple, yet so complex at the same time, and that often leaves me once again entranced by its beauty.

I understand that for some, it is a little difficult to read, and I felt that way as well at the beginning. But a few chapters in, I found I could not put the book down - it had simply mesmerized me with the imagery, the voice, the tone, the characters, and the beauty of all that is Middle-Earth. This book is, in simplest terms, beautiful. I have fallen in love with everything about it. I have felt the love Tolkien put into it. It is one of my biggest inspirations. This elegant fantasy will forever have a place in my heart - it changed me. It changed the entire fantasy genre. It changed the world.

3 A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

The masterpiece of masterpieces, a truly extravagant book series, the magnum opus of fantasy novels. Realistic characters, astounding details, and plot arcs that will forever leave you guessing. It rivals, perhaps surpasses such series as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Need I say more?

Any Percy Jackson series in the top ten fantasy book series is only due to bastard children voting stupidly. What about the Kingkiller Chronicle, the Malazan series, just to name a few? I think ASOIAF should be first or second, followed by LOTR, then Harry Potter, then the other ones I mentioned. There are a plethora of series out there that top anything written by Rick Riordan easily.

This series wins out because of the characters. When you read the specific chapters, even though you're reading through Cersei's twisted vision, George makes you understand her mentality. He justifies the evil the characters do to the point where you start nodding along and whispering, Okay, I might do the same thing.

4 Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan

I really like this book series. I really like the fact that the main character is the son of Poseidon, not Zeus. Zeus is usually considered the "main god", so it gets repetitive at times. This book series is so unique, but its sources are also very accurate. I love Greek Mythology because of its unique features and fun rides! I recommend this book to readers.

Definitely will end up as a classic for years to come. We all laughed and cried with these characters. They made me feel more confident in myself, find the hero inside me, and maybe a hint of romance. These books made me wonder what life would be like as a demigod for me. I know, kind of weird, but that's just me.

The Percy Jackson series is one of the most readable fantasy books out there and is great for both children, young adults, and even adults. It not only includes laugh-out-loud humor but also is a book you can learn a lot from. Personally, I learned a lot about ancient Greek mythology.

5 The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan

Utterly amazing!

All the characters are very likable. Moiraine is fascinating and manipulative, and Rand is tragic and heroic. Those two are my personal favorite characters.

The mythology is great. The villains are despicable, especially the White Cloaks.

I have finished the first five and can't wait for more.

Other great fantasy series are Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Hunger Games, Twilight, His Dark Materials, all of Rick Riordan's (Percy Jackson, Red Pyramid, Roman), Fablehaven, Redwall, and Ranger's Apprentice. I'm too young to read G.R.R. Martin's series, but it sounds great. However, I was seriously disappointed by Narnia. The movies are better.

Half the books above this aren't even real fantasy. Jordan created an enormous and beautiful world with this series, and it should go down as one of the classics. I think the only reason it's not higher is because the public's attention spans have dissolved. Most people don't have the patience to read a 14-book series, and it doesn't have a dumbed-down television show or movie.

6 The Heroes of Olympus - Rick Riordan

This is my favorite book series. How is it not first? Really, all of Rick Riordan's books are my favorites. I think this is better than Harry Potter, and even better than the original Percy Jackson series, because you get introduced to so many new characters, as well as old ones.

This series gave me more confidence in myself, my sexuality, and many other things! It shows a lot, and I mean A LOT of representation, and it's honestly amazing!

The entire Percy Jackson series is better than any book series ever... ! And the Heroes of Olympus is much better than The Olympians, so this should be first and The Olympians second!

7 The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis

This is one of my favorite book series. I love how it's a representation of Jesus's love for us in sacrificing himself and rising again, and how it has adventure.

I love The Chronicles of Narnia. I cannot believe it is only number seven. My mom and I began reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe first. It is an amazing book. My favorite character might be Lucy or the White Witch. When we finished that amazing book, we watched the movie, and then we read The Magician's Nephew! I am ten, and these books are so awesome.

This was one of my favorite books when I was a little kid. It had so many different creatures that were just so lovable! This book series is probably one of the reasons I am one of the biggest fantasy book fans! I especially recommend this book to little children. (And everyone of all ages!) Children will be overcome with creativity and a love for books after reading The Chronicles of Narnia.

8 Wings of Fire - Tui T. Sutherland

This is literally the only book I read lol except Warrior Cats. It inspired me to be a writer, and it's about dragons. What more could you want?

This book is the best. I read this to my 7-year-old sister. I think it is quite similar to the Warriors series. But, this book doesn't fit for little children. It has a lot of violent scenes. It might freak little children out.

Yes! This is actually my second favorite BEFORE I read Warriors, but this is absolutely amazing! If you read Warriors, then this is THE BOOK for you! It has amazing and lovable characters and storyline, and it is created so delicately and beautifully! It has twists and turns at almost every page, and you can never get enough of this wonderful series! It'll leave readers turning pages late into the night.

-Dovesong of FrostClan

9 Warriors - Erin Hunter

In second grade, my teacher read us the first book and it was great. I could not find the books in my school library at that time but when I found the books when I moved, I read all of them.

Warriors, Harry Potter, and Wings of Fire are my absolute favorite series! Warriors is a book series about cats who live in rival clans. There's ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan, ShadowClan, and SkyClan. In this series, we see cats choose between doing what they think is right or what the code they follow says is right. We see forbidden romance, how greed can change someone, and all kinds of thrilling plots. There are different arcs in the series, seven to be exact, and they all show different perspectives. We have the arc that shows how the clans began, Dawn of the Clans, the first arc, The Prophecy Begins, followed by The New Prophecy, The Power of Three, Omen of the Stars, A Vision of Shadows, and the newest, The Broken Code. They also have Super Editions that show the life of different cats and novellas, short stories about a certain event in a character's life. Lastly, they have a few graphic novels. I totally recommend this series!

10 Mistborn Series - Brandon Sanderson

Reading this series almost sent me into a state of shock and draws such emotion from me. Plus, the magic system is great and understandable, unlike anything I've seen before. And yeah, I've read Harry Potter.

Wonderful author, well-thought-out story components. He always has very well-conceived magical elements. In this series, it focuses on the ability of characters to ingest bits of metal and use them for special powers.

The Contenders
11 The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

I haven't read the books, but I've seen the movies, and I really want to read the books because obviously they are way better. But this is full of suspense and twists and turns and definitely deserves more love than it gets now.

-Dovesong of FrostClan

I've only read the first two books and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but I like dystopian societies and how it shows the errors in our society system.

I love The Hunger Games! I personally think that it's better than Harry Potter, although I'd have to say that this is tied with PJO and HoO. The Hunger Games is just such a great story and one of my favorite books of all time.

12 The Stormlight Archive - Brandon Sanderson

This is honestly some of the best-written fantasy I've ever read. And I've read a good amount. The world and lore are so intriguing, and the characters have really good development. You should definitely give these books a shot.

I really like the fantasy world they live in, though I don't like that the world is going to end.

It blows me away every time. Love the characters, the setting, and the conflict.

13 The Dark Tower - Stephen King

Top 3 without any doubt, too many young people missed this series.

I have absolutely no idea how this wasn't on here already.

Why isn't this higher? In fact, why isn't this in the top 5?

14 Fablehaven - Brandon Mull

It's one of the few book series I can read over and over again, and I never get tired of the characters, imagery, and the great storylines.

15 Inheritance Cycle - Christopher Paolini

Maybe a rip-off of The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, but still, it is a great series. And if we consider that the author was 15 when he wrote Eragon, I would forgive him for the borrowing. After all, I would never write such a masterpiece. But sorry, guys. This series will never be a legend because it isn't original enough.

This series was a great one! It has almost everything I want in a book. Tons of action and a great storyline. If you have not read this series READ IT NOW!

Such an intricate world, you really get lost in the pages. If you know the film then read the book because, unlike the film, you won't be disappointed!

16 The Kingkiller Chronicle - Patrick Rothfuss

It's such a great book series. I recommend everyone to read it. Even though the books are thick, you seriously won't be able to put them down. Read it.

Some of the best books I've ever read, and by far my favorite fantasy series.

Intriguing, captivating, and endearing. You won't be able to put it down.

17 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman

I was only 9 when I first read it and didn't really understand a lot of the plot, but the parts I did I really loved!

If you haven't read these, you're missing out.

18 Gentlemen Bastard Sequence - Scott Lynch
19 The Witcher - Andrzej Sapkowski
20 Dune - Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson

Great story. Heavy-duty politics.

21 The Riftwar Cycle - Raymond E. Feist

I read these a long time ago, but they're always books I'm able to pick up at any time in my life. All of Feist's books are set in the same world, spanning about 80 years, so the places he describes, Midkemia especially, are very familiar to me.

22 The Mortal Instruments - Cassandra Clare

I'm a HUGE Harry Potter fan - I mean, I've been reading and rereading it since I was seven - so I think saying TMI should be second on the list might be a bit biased of me... but it really should. I mean, I got to live the lives of these characters, and they became so dear to me that I was literally lost by the time I was done with the series.

This book series should definitely be higher up on the list. It is funny and action-packed with unexpected twists and turns. One of my favorite series!

Why is it number seventeen? This is the best book series that I have ever read. I couldn't put these books down. It deserves to be much higher on the list!

23 The Inkheart Trilogy - Cornelia Funke

Spellbinding series about stories coming to life. Originally written in German.

24 Discworld - Terry Pratchett

I tell you, this should be top on the list. It's far better than Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, both of which contain innumerable clichés. Discworld pokes fun at every cliché and stereotype to fantasy there is. It's got the first Death EVER to have an actual personality, and all the characters stand out against all the other books' people. Satirical and hilarious, Discworld is definitely the best fantasy book EVER.

I love Terry Pratchett's series! One of the few books that can authentically make me laugh. Very witty humor with very humane themes throughout. Also, has the greatest portrayal of Death.

Also, do you think Harry Potter was the first series to introduce a magical school of wizards? Terry did it way before Rowling, with his Unseen University.

This should be top 10 surely! Richly intertwined fantasy comedy with series within a series! The City Watch books alone are top 10 material!

25 Seven Realms Saga - Cinda Williams Chima
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