Top 10 Fantasy Books of All Time (2025 Edition)

10 Fantasy Books That Will Completely Take Over Your Imagination

I've read over 400 fantasy books. No, really—I counted. And out of that mountainous TBR (to-be-read) pile, these are the ten books and series that rose above the rest. Whether you're a newbie looking to dive in or a seasoned adventurer of magical realms, this list is built for you.

Let’s get into it!

1. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

Why it's amazing:
This is epic fantasy turned up to eleven. Sanderson creates a world where storms shape society, ancient oaths grant superpowers, and characters grapple with trauma, mental illness, and war—all while trying to save the world. The scale is huge, but the character work is intimate. If you’re in it for the long haul, there’s no better ride.

Who is it for?
Readers who love massive worlds, emotional character arcs, and a plot that grows deeper the more you invest. Perfect for fans of Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, and lore-obsessed readers.

Fun Fact:
Sanderson's Cosmere universe links most of his books together, and Stormlight is the central spine of it all. Easter eggs galore!

2. The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

Why it's amazing:
This standalone is proof that shorter doesn't mean simpler. It’s part family drama, part elemental magic war story. You'll feel every gust of wind, every slash of the blade, and every heartbreak as a mother and son fight for their home—and themselves.

Who is it for?
Anyone who’s looking for emotional intensity, powerful mother/son dynamics, and ice-magic combat that reads like a movie. Especially good if you're tired of Western-centric fantasy settings.

Fun Fact:
The author originally self-published this book, and it exploded through word-of-mouth alone. Indie fantasy at its absolute peak.

3. The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee

Why it's amazing:
Think The Godfather, but with jade-powered martial arts. This urban fantasy series is all about clan politics, loyalty, tradition, and family honor—with a dose of bloodshed and heartbreak. It's gritty, slow-burn, and hits hard.

Who is it for?
Fans of mafia-style stories, character-driven epics, and rich, original worldbuilding. If you like political maneuvering and emotional gut punches, this is your jam.

Fun Fact:
Fonda Lee invented her own cultural system, language quirks, and rules around jade use. It’s a masterclass in unique, immersive worldbuilding.

4. The Aurelian Cycle by Rosaria Munda

Why it's amazing:
Dragons? Check. Rebellion? Check. Deep political intrigue with childhood friends on opposite sides of a war? Double check. This series explores themes of class, power, trauma, and chosen loyalty—with dragons as intelligent, sentient beings.

Who is it for?
Readers who loved Fourth Wing but wanted more depth, politics, and actual dragons doing more than flying and flirting. It's perfect for fans of Red Queen or An Ember in the Ashes.

Fun Fact:
The dragons in this series are not just pets—they bond emotionally and politically with their riders, creating a complex dynamic unlike any other.

5. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

Why it's amazing:
It’s a legendary series for a reason. With 14 books (plus a prequel), it’s one of the most expansive fantasy epics ever written. Jordan weaves a tapestry of prophecy, destiny, and magic systems unlike anything before it. The characters grow over time, and the world feels alive and constantly changing.

Who is it for?
Readers who want to sink their teeth into a long-term commitment. Perfect for fans of sprawling casts, shifting POVs, and slow-burn storylines.

Fun Fact:
After Robert Jordan’s death, Brandon Sanderson (yup, again!) was chosen to complete the series using Jordan’s notes.

6. The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu

Why it's amazing:
This “silkpunk” fantasy blends Eastern mythology, steampunk aesthetics, and historical epics. It’s deeply political, philosophical, and emotionally intense. The battles are brilliant, but it’s the ideas that stick with you.

Who is it for?
Readers who love slow, thoughtful, cerebral books with big-picture worldbuilding. History buffs will be especially drawn in.

Fun Fact:
Ken Liu is also a professional translator—and he translated the world-famous The Three-Body Problem series from Chinese to English.

7. The Will of the Many by James Islington

Why it's amazing:
Set in a hierarchical society where power is literally shared from the bottom up, this story combines elite academies, mysterious magic, and undercover rebellion. It’s part mystery, part dystopia, and fully addictive.

Who is it for?
Perfect for fans of Red Rising or The Poppy War who want a fresh twist on academic fantasy and political intrigue.

Fun Fact:
This book ends on one of the most brutal cliffhangers in recent fantasy. Readers have been losing sleep ever since.

8. The Empire of the Wolf Trilogy by Richard Swan

Why it's amazing:
This trilogy merges detective noir with high fantasy horror. It starts as a murder mystery in a remote village and unravels into political conspiracy, war, and religious horror. The writing is moody, the magic system is dark, and it gets terrifying.

Who is it for?
Fans of The Witcher, The First Law, and those who love dark fantasy with a side of existential dread.

Fun Fact:
Book three has a scene that’s so scary it made multiple readers (myself included) physically drop the book.

9. The Gael Song Trilogy by Shauna Lawless

Why it's amazing:
Inspired by Irish mythology and history, this trilogy weaves the magic of the Fae with the brutal realities of medieval politics. Two women—on opposite sides of a conflict—become the anchors of a deeply emotional and magical journey.

Who is it for?
Lovers of The Mists of Avalon or Circe, especially those craving mature female protagonists and myth-infused historical settings.

Fun Fact:
Lawless based key plotlines on real Irish legends—just reimagined with magic and heartbreak.

10. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Why it's amazing:
This is the blueprint. Tolkien didn’t just write a story—he built a mythology, a language, and a legacy. Every page of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings pulses with the spirit of adventure, loyalty, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.

Who is it for?
Everyone. Whether you’re new to fantasy or a die-hard fan, this is the origin of it all. If you haven’t read it yet, this is your sign.

Fun Fact:
Tolkien wrote entire languages just for this universe—including Elvish dialects with full grammar rules. Nerd goals.

Fantasy books are more than just stories—they’re portals to worlds that challenge our ideas of right and wrong, push our imaginations to the edge, and let us escape reality when we need it most. Whether it's the sweeping battles of Stormlight Archive, the ice-cold heartbreak of Sword of Kaigen, or the gritty clan drama of Green Bone Saga, each of these tales has carved out a place in my heart. And the best part? This genre keeps evolving. Every year, new authors and new voices rise, adding fresh fire to the realm of fantasy.

But remember—this list isn’t just a ranking. It’s a love letter. These are the books that made me stay up until 3AM, cry in public, or immediately shove them into a friend’s hands. And I hope at least one of them becomes that book for you too.

Have a favorite I missed? A hidden gem that wrecked you emotionally in the best way? Drop it in the comments—I’m always hunting for my next obsession.

Until then, may your coffee be strong and your plot twists stronger.

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