Greatest Fantasy Authors of All Time
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973), known by his pen name J. R. R. Tolkien, was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor who is best known as the author of the classic high-fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. He is the master of both modern and archaic fantasy. Most of the monsters and themes from the books, films, and video games we play today are from his books.
The father of the modern fantasy genre, Professor Tolkien's world of Middle-Earth is the best fictional world ever created and will never be surpassed. He gave us not one but several new languages (all with proper rules and history), a multitude of memorable characters, and the greatest, most epic tales ever told. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter is nothing compared to this magnificent masterpiece of literature.
Joanne Rowling, CH, OBE, FRSL, FRCPE, writing under the pen names J. K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith, is a British novelist, philanthropist, film and television producer and screenwriter best known for writing the Harry Potter fantasy series. An author who excels in backstory, hidden details, character connection, and so much more. The Harry Potter series truly is like nothing else.
It maintains a unique, strong feel throughout all the books, especially the later ones, showcasing a level of writing few authors possess. The Half-Blood Prince is arguably the best book. It delves deep into the complex stories of characters like Tom Riddle, Severus Snape, Dumbledore, and others, providing information and development few could dream of.
Books like The Half-Blood Prince and The Deathly Hallows are ones I can't imagine not existing. The Harry Potter series isn't just an adventure. It's a thrilling, romantic, mysterious, comedic, and action-packed journey. This author has it all.
One of the hardest-working authors out there today. He is a master at creating worlds, but his true strength is developing characters with depth that readers can't help but be invested in. If you are looking up any list of great authors, his name should be on it regardless of genre.
The length of his stories may be intimidating to some, but the ease with which you will flow through his work will amaze you. If you haven't read any of his work yet, stop reading this and go start. Mistborn is a great place to begin!
Clive Staples Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963) was a British novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, broadcaster, lecturer, and Christian apologist... read more I don't know what we would be without The Chronicles of Narnia. Seriously. We wouldn't be looking for worlds behind the wardrobe. We wouldn't be entranced by paintings of the sea. We would never have tried on the magic rings. We never would have met Aslan.
Narnia is a place no common mind can think of! It is clear that Sir Lewis wasn't a common man. He was extraordinary because extraordinary things happen to extraordinary people.
One of the 20th century founders along with Tolkien. Don't just try Narnia, though. There are others like Perelandra and The Screwtape Letters.
George Raymond Richard Martin (born George Raymond Martin), also known as George R. R. Martin, is an American author known for his epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, which was later adapted into the famous HBO series Game of Thrones. I love historical fantasy (fantastorical fiction), and G. R. R. Martin is my greatest inspiration.
The genius who came up with Game of Thrones. No one can beat this man.
Richard Russell Riordan Jr. (born June 5, 1964) is an American author. He is known for writing the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. His books have been translated into 42 languages and sold more than 30 million copies in the US. 20th Century Fox has adapted the first two books of his Percy Jackson... read more He should be #1 on this list. I love ALL of the Percy Jackson books, and I am about to finish The Lost Hero. The show is also really good. Did you know that he is helping to make it? Well, anyway, I think that he should be a lot higher on this list. Don't you, fellow demigods? Annabeth is my favorite character, and I am a LOT like her. I have even been called Wise Girl.
He is my favorite author. I wish I was him. I was so close to meeting him, but then he had to move! He is still my favorite author.
Post by M.B. Despain
I love the books and the movies. He also should be higher.
A Wizard of Earthsea is influential and still astounding. I wish there was more courage to familiarize with it. This author did good with it. It can often be found on top fantasy author lists from searches. It's a nice surprise in that segment of writing.
If you haven't read Left Hand of Darkness, consider yourself undereducated.
Sir Terence David John "Terry" Pratchett (1948-2015) was an English author of fantasy novels, especially comical works. He is best known for writing the comic fantasy book series Discworld. So much wisdom hidden in his humor. If you don't like being told off, just enjoy the ride.
There is much to learn from the Turtle, and Discworld unwinds nearly the whole advantage. Well thought out!
Lloyd Chudley Alexander (1924-2007) was an American author of fantasy novels for children and young adults. His most famous work is the fantasy series The Chronicles of Prydain (which was later adapted into the 1985 Disney film The Black Cauldron, which has also earned a reputation for being one of... read more
Best fantasy writer ever in my humble opinion! The Belgariad series was life-changing for me! I started reading them when I was 15, and I am 50 now and still read them.
The Newcomers
Charles John Huffam Dickens (7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era... read more Whilst he wasn't renowned for fantasy, it could be argued that the one time he did dabble in fantasy, it was with the most famous story he ever wrote: A Christmas Carol.
James Oliver Rigney Jr. (1948-2007), better known by his pen name Robert Jordan, was an American author known for writing the epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time. He was also known for writing stories about Conan the Barbarian, and for writing other books with different pseudonyms. He died from cardiac... read more Jordan at #16...really!? Jordan has made such an impact on the genre and has left such a legacy behind that he should be placed higher. Jordan is #1 in my opinion but should at least be in the top 5! He is easily better than Lewis, Rowling, Pratchett, Hobb, Anthony, Salvatore (though I love the Dark Elf series), Feist, Riordan, and Moorcock!
The Wheel of Time may be my favorite epic fantasy. Either that or Stormlight. Regardless, he helped inspire the author of Stormlight. I do wish he could have finished the series and all the books he had planned for after the main story in Randland.
Conan the Barbarian is a staple of modern television. The collection of stories has charm, which is possibly why it is in second rank. I am uncertain of the other novels, but Conan is recognizable right away. Good work from that.
Most visceral, gripping fiction ever! Especially for boys and men - no chick lit here!
Roald Dahl (13 September 1916 – 23 November 1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and fighter pilot. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Just look at what he's written. Seriously.
Neil Richard MacKinnon Gaiman is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre, and films. He should be in the top ten. He's a legend.
Wish it didn't take a decade to write a book, but I have no doubt it's going to be 10/10 whenever it comes out.
Rothfuss and Robin Hobb. Really good reads. Hope they continue the books.
Yes!
WHY NOT #1?
I LOVE EVERYTHING SHE DID FOR WRITING.
Stephen Edwin King is an American author of contemporary horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy. Many of his most well-known novels include Carrie, It, The Shinning, The Stand, Misery, The Dark Tower series, and Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, which was later... read moreOne of my favorite authors of all time, and I am, as they say, late to the party. His ability to capture the imagination while maintaining a dark undertone is incredible. Not to mention his ability to keep continuity in his book series that span several time skips is impressive, to say the least.
Such a complex and interwoven set of stories that slowly bring an entire universe to life. Magical writing in every sense.
He is by far the best fantasy author of all time.
Magician is just awesome.
Haven't read much of him, but from what I've read I REALLY like. Be sure to search out and read his animal tales.
Jules Gabriel Verne was a French novelist, poet, and playwright best known for his adventure novels and his profound influence on the literary genre of science fiction. I have read the novel The Golden Volcano by Jules Verne, which is neat but kind of drastic at the end when their prize goes to the ocean. Another classic is White Fang by Jack London. These books encompass many key points in the nature of imagination and hold relevance despite the passage of time. A good read, definitely.
"Journey to the Center of the Earth," "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," "Around the World in Eighty Days." Need I say more?
Should be in the top 5. Fantastic author and recognized widely as one of the greats.
The series about Fitz and the Fool is one of the best. Outstanding writer who captivates the reader from beginning to end.
A really good author. Should be higher on the list.
Joe is outstanding. He visits the dark side of characters like no other.
He was the first author my youngest son read for enjoyment. I was relieved as I read everything my kids did, and I enjoyed his works as well.
Amazing author. One of the largest new expansive sagas of these times is the Malazan series. Gardens of the Moon reminds one of school. It is a place to gather and draw on reason, to name a few things folks can do there. Awesome writings. I hope he will continue.