The fantasy genre has produced some of the most enduring and beloved book series of all time. These stories transport readers to richly imagined worlds filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. Here’s a look at ten of the greatest fantasy book series ever written, each of which has left a significant mark on the genre.
- The Lord of the Rings – J. R. R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings is often regarded as the foundation of modern fantasy literature. Set in the vast and meticulously crafted world of Middle-earth, the story follows Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit tasked with destroying the One Ring, a powerful artifact created by the Dark Lord Sauron to dominate all life. The trilogy begins with The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), continues with The Two Towers (1954), and concludes with The Return of the King (1955). The themes of friendship, bravery, and the corrupting nature of power make this an essential read for any fantasy fan.
- Harry Potter – J. K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series is one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in literary history. It follows Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday. He attends Hogwarts, where he learns magic, makes lifelong friends, and battles the dark wizard Voldemort. The series spans seven books: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1997), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007).
- The Chronicles of Narnia – C. S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia consists of seven fantasy novels that take readers to the magical world of Narnia, a land inhabited by talking animals and mythical creatures. The series begins with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950), followed by Prince Caspian (1951), The Horse and His Boy (1954), The Silver Chair (1953), The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952), The Magician’s Nephew (1955), and The Last Battle (1956). The stories are tied together by themes of redemption and the battle between good and evil.
- Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo
Shadow and Bone series is a gripping young adult fantasy set in the Grishaverse. It follows Alina Starkov, an orphan who discovers she has powerful abilities that make her a target for those who seek to control her. The trilogy includes Shadow and Bone (2012), Siege and Storm (2013), and Ruin and Rising (2014). The series’ immersive world-building and intense character development have made it a favorite among YA fantasy readers.
- The Witcher – Andrzej Sapkowski
The Witcher series initially started out as a collection of short stories before it was expanded into a full-fledged saga. The novels follow Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities. The main series includes Blood of Elves (1994), Time of Contempt (1995), Baptism of Fire (1996), The Tower of the Swallow (1997), and The Lady of the Lake (1999). Additional books include the prequel Season of Storms (2013) and Rozdroże Kruków (2024).
- A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses series blends fantasy and romance, following Feyre Archeron, a young woman who enters the faerie realm of Prythian. The series includes A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015), A Court of Mist and Fury (2016), A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017), A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018), and A Court of Silver Flames (2021), with a sixth book in development.
- Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
Another one of Bardugo’s bestselling series, Six of Crows, is a heist-based fantasy set in Ketterdam, a city inspired by 17th-century Amsterdam. The duology includes Six of Crows (2015) and Crooked Kingdom (2016). The series is known for its complex characters and thrilling plot twists.
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians – Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson & the Olympians follows Percy Jackson, a modern-day demigod who discovers he is the son of Poseidon. The series includes The Lightning Thief (2005), The Sea of Monsters (2006), The Titan’s Curse (2007), The Battle of the Labyrinth (2008), and The Last Olympian (2009). Several sequels and spin-offs continue Percy’s story, including The Chalice of the Gods (2023).
- The Inheritance Cycle – Christopher Paolini
The Inheritance Cycle is a four-book fantasy series that follows Eragon, a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into a battle against the tyrannical king Galbatorix. The books include Eragon (2003), Eldest (2005), Brisingr (2008), and Inheritance (2011). A spinoff novel, Murtagh, was published in 2023.
- The Stormlight Archive – Brandon Sanderson
The Stormlight Archive is a vast epic fantasy series beginning with The Way of Kings (2010). It is followed by Words of Radiance (2014), Oathbringer (2017), Rhythm of War (2020), and Wind and Truth (2024). The series is praised for its intricate world-building and deep character arcs.
