Top 10 Best Fantasy Books of All Time
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The Fellowship of the Ring - J. R. R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings is a masterpiece. Rarely do I use that term. As others have said, this wasn't the first high fantasy book ever written, but its impact on popular culture was such that it's often regarded as such.
Few books have left a lasting impression on me. The story, the characters, and the underlying sadness - it's simply one of the greatest stories ever written, in my opinion.
Lord of the Rings, in my opinion, is the number one book everyone should read at some point in their life. The entire thing is beautifully written, masterfully complex and epic. But that doesn't mean it's a normal, grim fantasy series at all. It's at times, funny, scary, badass, and character-driven as well.
You have to read this.
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
Probably my #1, because it's such a classic fairy tale.
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The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien
Although The Lord of the Rings is my favorite book of all time, I voted for The Hobbit for the memories it gave me as a child (and nostalgia upon multiple re-reads!). Simply, no book has ever matched the feeling of adventure in this (mostly) light-hearted, standalone masterpiece.
This book is timeless.
This book is my favorite. I can read it over and over again. It gave me so many memories, and the movies are the best.
Amazing plot that brings you into the story.
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - C. S. Lewis
From childhood to adulthood, it brings alive a world that feels just like another home.
One of many classics. Still deserves a high spot on the list.
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The King of Elfland's Daughter - Lord Dunsany
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The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian - Robert E. Howard
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The Sword in the Stone - T. H. White
An absolute classic. Everyone knows this story.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J. K. Rowling
Deathly Hallows was my favorite Harry Potter book. I hated the epilogue, but other than that, this was a great conclusion to the series. Harry Potter is not comparable to Lord of the Rings, but it is the most popular fantasy series ever, and you will love it if you read it.
I think everyone should give it a try.
Top 5 Fantasy Series
5. Harry Potter
4. Game of Thrones
3. The Dark Tower (I love Stephen King, and TDT is awesome)
2. The Stormlight Archive (Brandon Sanderson is a genius writer)
1. The Lord of the Rings (the greatest book ever written)
Harry Potter is the best book that I've ever read. The storyline, creativity, plot, characters, and the Wizarding World all stand out. I even love the movie too.
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The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov
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The Last Unicorn - Peter S. Beagle
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The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader - C. S. Lewis
This is the ultimate fantasy book of the LW&W series, which is a series loved by every member of my family.
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The Girl Who Drank the Moon - Kelly Barnhill
How could anyone have not put this on the list already? It is so good! If you have not read it yet, go read it now.
A lovely, simply beautiful tale.
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A Wizard of Earthsea - Ursula K. Le Guin
One in high favor. Got into the Nebulas because of it... pretty interesting.
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A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin
This should be way higher, along with A Storm of Swords, which is the best of the series.
Seeing as it inspired the greatest fantasy TV show of all time, it should be higher.
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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
It's just too good. It needs to be higher on the list.
How the hell is this not higher on the list?
A great start to an underrated series.
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Legend - David Gemmell
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Magician - Raymond E. Feist
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J. K. Rowling
Started what's arguably the most famous book series of all time.
An amazing start to an amazing series.
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Daughter of the Empire - Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts
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The Princess Bride - William Goldman
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The Eye of the World - Robert Jordan
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Watership Down - Richard Adams
I love it. I also love His Dark Materials.
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American Gods - Neil Gaiman
American Gods is Neil Gaiman's best book. It's honestly a total masterpiece and should be way higher on this list.
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Howl's Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones
Created an incredible anime movie.
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The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
This is such a good book series. I love it. I love the way the author writes these books.
It doesn't even matter that both of the books are thick, because you just disappear into the story and Kvothe's life. I don't understand why people don't like this more. It has mystery, fantasy, life, and everything.
Seriously the best book series ever, although the last book has yet to be published.
The character and world building are perfect, the story is beautiful, and it will make you weep and laugh.
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Assassin's Apprentice - Robin Hobb
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The Black Company - Glen Cook
