The 30 Best Classic Novels Everyone Should Read - Forbes
Must-Read Classics · 1. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (1970) · 2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937) · 3. The Age of Innocence by Edith ...
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One of the greatest <anchor>fantasy novels</anchor> ever, The Hobbit is nominally a children’s book but appeals to people of all ages. It is a classic quest novel: Bilbo Baggins sets off on a journey with the wizard Gandalf to help some dwarves get their homes back from a fierce dragon named Smaug.
30 Great Fantasy Novels And Book Series
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# 30 Great Fantasy Novels And Book Series When You Want To Escape

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Aug 3, 2024,09:00am EDT

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N.K. Jemisin, author of the acclaimed "Broken Earth" series, one of the best fantasy sagas.

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Fantasy books offer an escape from everyday life, combining elements of magic, excitement and adventure that make readers’ pulses pound. Whether the main character heads off on a quest to save their civilization or is forced to confront a terrifying truth about their own powers, fantasy novels always explore larger themes that resonate in our own magic-free world as well. Fantasy book series keep the intrigue going with multiple volumes, giving readers a chance to immerse themselves in another dimension. Indeed, world building is an incredibly important part of fantasy—creating a world with its own history and traditions that propel readers into another time and place. This list of best fantasy books and series compiles classics and newer, innovative works that have made a big impact in a short time.

## Top Fantasy Books

Fantasy novels include anything set in an imaginary world, which often exhibits elements of magic. While some fantasies use real locations, they are somehow changed from real life. Some fantasies take place in the past, while others are set in the future.

Some popular fantasy series include C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series remains popular more than two decades after its first release.

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### 30. Between Earth and Sky series by Rebecca Roanhorse (2020-2024)

Told in flashbacks from multiple points of view, Between Earth and Sky takes place in a kingdom where magic was banned following a devastating war. When Captain Xiala is commissioned to move the blinded Carrion Crow Serapio, her crew revolts after discovering her magical powers. A war then breaks out between the citizens.

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Roanhorse’s queer-centering novel explores themes of colonization. It received positive views and will be adapted for TV. The series is best for anyone looking for fantasy books focused on non-white characters. Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Earth and Sky is available from publisher Simon & Schuster.

### 29. Woven in Moonlight series by Isabel Ibañez (2020)

Isabel Ibañez draws on Bolivian history and mythology for a series about a ruined civilization. Ximena is the decoy stand-in for Inkasisa’s last remaining royal, but she can only think about how much she wants revenge. Could pretending to marry usurper Atoc be the answer she needs?

The first book earned a spot on Time’s top 100 fantasy books of all time. This is best for those who love fantasy steeped in mythology. Isabel Ibañez’s Woven in Moonlight series is available from publisher Macmillan.

### 28. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor (2015-2019)

When math genius Binti has the chance to study at the prestigious Oomza University, she and her family are thrilled. But on the way there, her spaceship is attacked, and she is the only one to survive. Now she must make it through the remaining trip with her attackers still on board.

The first book in the series won the prestigious Hugo and Nebula awards, and a TV adaptation is in the works. This book is best for those interested in African history. Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 27. An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir

Laia, whose family is looked down upon in the Martial Empire caste system, becomes a rebel spy in order to save her brother, who has been taken hostage by the ruling party. The first book is told in alternating first-person narratives by Laia and Elias, who’s also been punished by the brutal regime.

The bestselling series earned good reviews, and the first book made Time’s list of 100 all-time best fantasy novels. The book is best for those looking for a young adult fantasy read. Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series is available from Penguin Random House.

### 26. The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis (1950-1956)

One of the most famous children’s series of all time, C.S. Lewis’s saga begins with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a none-too-subtle Christian retelling of Jesus’s crucifixion. Thus begins the adventures in Narnia, a magical land with talking animals, witches and the occasional visiting human.

The seven books have sparked many TV and fantasy film adaptations, and they remain solid sellers more than 70 years after publication. This series is best for people looking for an introduction to fantasy. C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series is available from publisher HarperCollins.

"The Chronicles of Narnia" has been the subject of many TV and film adaptations, making it among the ... [+] most beloved fantasy series.

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### 25. The Magicians series by Lev Grossman (2009-present)

When an average high school senior is accepted into the country’s foremost college for magic, his life changes. He eventually learns that a fantasy book series he loved in his youth is real, and he encounters some intense adventures there that lead him on a new path.

The Magicians combines world building and fantastical storytelling. Grossman has cited T.H. White’s The Once and Future King (also on this list) as a major influence, and the New York Times dubbed the book Harry Potter for adults. This book is best for Potter fans looking for something more mature. Lev Grossman’s The Magicians is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 24. Circe by Madeline Miller (2018)

Raised as a witch by an indifferent divine family who write off her gifts because they deem her ugly, Circe is exiled after she uses her power in a way that threatens the gods. She encounters many traditional Greek heroes in this book that draws heavily on mythology, including her lover, Odysseus.

Miller’s impressive prose and creativity in retelling ancient stories turned this book into an instant critical favorite. It made the shortlist for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. This book is best for mythology fans. Madeline Miller’s Circe is available from publisher Hachette.

### 23. Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1915)

This is probably the most obscure book on the list, yet it’s worthy. Charlotte Perkins Gilman is better known for The Yellow Wallpaper, but this fantasy about a feminist utopia is equally compelling. In this women-only society, reproduction is achieve asexually, and they live in peace until men appear on the scene.

Herland was initially published as a serialized novel in a magazine Perkins Gilman edited. The book is best for those who enjoy utopian novels. Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s Herland is available from publisher Dover Publications.

### 22. Cypher series by Daniel José Older (2015-2020)

This book is set in Brooklyn, but it’s not the one you’re used to. In this Brooklyn, zombies crash parties and graffiti murals cry real tears. Teen Sierra gets sucked into a plot by a Shadowshaper named Wick to eliminate his competition, and only she can thwart his plan.

The series has earned universally glowing reviews from readers. This series is best for those who like their fantasy with an edge of realism. Daniel José Older’s Cypher series is available from publisher Scholastic.

### 21. Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo (2012-2014)

Israeli author Leigh Bardugo created a phenomenon with the Shadow and Bone series. The young adult series kicks off with teenage orphan Alina Starkov suddenly discovering her untapped powers, which immediately put her at risk of violence from others. It features excellent world building and relatable teenage angst.

The series is popular on Booktok, and it spawned a Netflix series that recently finished its run. This series is best for those who enjoy immersing themselves in another world. Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone series is available from publisher Macmillan.

Leigh Bardugo attends Netflix's "Shadow And Bone" season two premiere at TUDUM Theater.

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### 20. The Once & Future King series by T.H. White (1938-1958)

The first of two Arthurian fantasy works on the list, this historical novel recounts the legend of King Arthur, beginning with the sword in the stone and going through the final days of his reign and his fraught relationship with his son, Mordred. White changes some of the traditional details but stays true to others.

The book was the inspiration for Disney’s popular animated film The Sword in the Stone. It also prompted the musical adaptation Camelot. The book series is best for monarchy lovers. T.H. White’s The Once & Future King series is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 19. Earthsea Cycle series by Ursula K. Le Guin (1968-2001)

Imagine a world of islands where much of the land is uncharted, and magic is a part of daily life. Ursula K. Le Guin created a world filled with diverse people with different complexions—a departure from most traditional fantasy to that point, where the default was white characters.

You can’t make a list of best fantasy books without Ursula K. Le Guin, one of the most revered fantasy writers of all time. The series won a slew of awards, including a Newbery Honor. The book is best for young readers starting their fantasy journey. Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle is available from publisher HarperCollins.

### 18. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie (1990)

A 12-year-old boy named Haroun goes on a quest to heal the sea of stories, which proffers the power of storytelling. While this is a children’s book, author Salman Rushdie’s sophisticated approach makes it just as readable for adults, even with the magical animals.

The critically lauded Haroun and the Sea of Stories spawned a sequel, Luka and the Fire of Life, about Haroun’s brother. Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 17. Dark Star series by Marlon James (2019-present)

Author Marlon James tells the story of a young boy’s capture and death with an intriguing twist. Each volume in the trilogy tells the story from a different point of view, and along the way a clearer picture of what happened emerges. James also weaves African history and mythology into the books.

The first two books became bestsellers, and first book Black Leopard, Red Wolf was a finalist for the National Book Award. The series is best for those interested in learning more about African history or who love creative storytelling. Marlon James’ Dark Star series is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 16. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas (2015-present)

Sarah J. Maas has become one of the hottest authors around thanks in part to Booktok. A Court of Thorns and Roses begins with Feyre Archeron’s forced arrival in Prythian, a faerie land, after she kills a wolf. Tamlin, her captor, teaches her that the things she’s learned about faeries are wrong.

Considered a young adult series, Thorns and Roses books have earned spots on best-of year-end lists from Bustle, Buzzfeed, Business Insider and more. It is best for fans of Beauty and the Beast-type fairy tales. Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series is available from publisher Bloomsbury.

Author Sarah J. Maas, who wrote one of the best fantasy series, appears on "The Kelly Clarkson ... [+] Show."

Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

### 15. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (2007)

This action-packed book tells the story of the world’s most notorious wizard and how he came to use his gifts. Kvothe grows up as an orphan in an unforgiving city, and he somehow gets into a legendary wizarding school only to become a fugitive.

The book gets very strong positive reader reaction on GoodReads, Amazon and Google. It is the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle, and it earned a spot on Publishers Weekly’s best books of the year list. This book is best for those who love books about wizards. Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 14. His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman (1995-2000)

One of the most popular young adult fantasy series of recent years, the trilogy begins with The Golden Compass and functions as a retelling of John Milton’s Paradise Lost. It interrogates the notion of original sin while sending characters through parallel universes.

Pullman won the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Book of the Year. The trilogy became a successful HBO miniseries as well. Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 13. The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (1990-2013)

Robert Jordan originally envisioned this as a six-book series, but the high fantasy saga eventually ballooned to 14. The Hugo-nominated series focuses on a world where the Wheel of Time maintains the cosmic order, which is threatened by the reappearance of the evil Dark One.

Jordan passed away in 2007 while working on the 12th book. Working off the notes Jordan left, Sanderson completed the final three books. This series is best for those invested in high-stakes world building. Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s The Wheel of Time series is available from publisher Macmillan.

### 12. The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro (2016)

Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro creates a post-Arthurian world in which memories have become fleeting—literally. People’s long-term memories go on the fritz, and an elderly couple who think they may have had a son decide to go looking for him.

The Nobel Prize-winning author’s foray into fantasy received generally solid reviews, and it was published in five languages. It is best for anyone who wonders what happened after Arthur and the knights of the round table. Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Buried Giant is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 11. My Life in the Bush of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola (1954)

When a young West African boy flees a slave trader, he plunges into the bush, where he is pursued not just by his would-be captors but also by a slew of ghosts and spirits who terrify the young man. The book, often compared to a Grimm’s fairy tale, has a surreal edge.

It became a pop culture touchpoint, and musicians David Byrne and Brian Eno named their 1981 album after the book, which made Time’s list of 100 greatest fantasy novels. This book is best for those who enjoy dark fairy tales. Amos Tutuola’s My Life in the Bush of Ghosts is available from British publisher Faber and Faber.

### 10. Legends of the Condor Heroes series by Jin Yong (2019)

Already a sensation in China, Jin Yong’s series about the quest to become the ultimate kung fu master became an instant American hit. The book is set in ancient China, where Guo Jin seeks assistance from Genghis Khan to avenge his father’s murder. He trains for a showdown in the Garden of the Drunken Immortals.

Translated by Anna Holmwood, the book series was originally published as a serial in Hong Kong from 1957-1959. Jong (which is a pen name) later revised the books in the 2000s before they were published in the U.S. This series is best for fans of martial arts movies. Jin Yong’s Legends of the Condor Heroes series is available from publisher Macmillan.

### 9. A Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R. Martin (1996-current)

You may not know it by the Fire and Ice moniker, but you definitely know of George R.R. Martin’s high fantasy series, which begins with a little book called Game of Thrones. The series will eventually consist of seven novels, but only five have been published so far, the most recent in 2011.

It follows the charged battle for power in the nations of Westeros and Essos, and it explores themes of morality vs. violence, loyalty and pride. Martin draws on real historical events, like the War of the Roses, for inspiration. He has won literary prizes like the Locus Award for the novels, which of course inspired HBO’s smash Game of Thrones. The series is best for fans of the show or Lord of the Rings lovers. George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice series is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

George R.R. Martin speaks onstage at the "House of the Dragon" panel during 2022 Comic Con ... [+] International.

Getty Images

### 8. The Changeling by Victor LaValle (2017)

It’s certainly no coincidence that this dark book came out after Donald Trump’s rise to political prominence. Victor LaValle reinterprets the classic fairy tale for the modern age, focusing on two new parents whose lives suddenly fall apart—and the quest to save love and a seemingly doomed marriage.

LaValle’s novel earned a spot on Time’s and USA Today’s top 10 of the year. This book is best for those who love fairy tale retellings. Victor LaValle’s The Changeling is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 7. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2012)

Le Cirque des Rêves is a nighttime circus that arrives suddenly, and it’s the place where Celia and Marco fall in love. Unfortunately, the two performing magicians are also involved in a nightly competition, and neither knows that only one of them can win. They may just take down circusgoers and other performers with them.

The Night Circus became a New York Times bestseller, receiving glowing reviews and earning a place among the best romantic fantasy books. This book is best for romantasy devotees. Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus is available from publisher Penguin Random House.

### 6. The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937-1950)

The best-known high fantasy series of all time, the Lord of the Rings series has sold more than 150 million books and is one of the top-selling series of all time. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote it as a sequel to The Hobbit, and it follows several hobbits on a quest to destroy the One Ring.

Wizard Gandalf, brave Aragorn and Boromir, elf Legolas and dwarf Gimli aid on the quest as the hobbits are pursued by the evil Sauron, a Dark Lord trying to reign over Middle Earth. The books became a top-grossing, Oscar-winning movie trilogy as well. This series is best for anyone interested in high fantasy. J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings series is available from publisher HarperCollins.

### 5. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865)

When Alice follows a white rabbit down a rabbit hole (just one of the expressions credited to Carroll), she emerges in Wonderland, where everything inspires awe but nothing is as it seems. Alice faces trial after trial as she attempts to find the rabbit and then escape from the not-so-wonderful land.

Carroll delivered clever social commentary through a book ostensibly meant for children—despite sophisticated messaging. Disney turned the book into a popular animated film in 1951 and a quirkier live-action version in 2010. This book is best for those who revel in absurdity. Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is available from publisher Simon & Schuster.

### 4. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz series by L. Frank Baum (1900-1920)

The wonderfully weird Wizard of Oz series begins with a girl named Dorothy Gale, who is accidentally whisked to a faraway fantasyland after a fight with her family. Her adventures with Oz residents help her realize there’s “no place like home”—but the book series goes on for 13 more volumes.

The books bring to life magical characters who we never even meet in the popular 1939 film, such as The Soldier With the Green Whiskers, Patchwork Girl and Woggle-Bug. They are truly a delight of imagination and writing. This series is best for anyone who loved the movie Wizard of Oz and wants more. Frank Baum’s Oz series is available from publisher HarperCollins.

### 3. Watership Down by Richard Adams

Author Richard Adams has long claimed he wrote his acclaimed story of anthropomorphized rabbits forced out of their longtime warren in search of a new home not as a parable or allegory but as a story for his daughters. Still, it’s impossible to miss the greater themes in this Carnegie Medal- and Guardian Prize-winning book.

In addition to garnering critical acclaim, the bestselling book about exile and survival has also prompted multimedia adaptations, including an animated movie and a TV show. This book is best for children and teens just delving into fantasy. Richard Adams’ Watership Down is available from publisher Simon & Schuster.

"To achieve what you believed impossible, that is deeply, deeply satisfying," said Richard Adams, ... [+] the civil servant whose first book, "Watership Down," changed his life.

Toronto Star via Getty Images

### 2. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (1997-2007)

J.K. Rowling’s storytelling abilities are without peer. From the moment Hagrid swoops in to rescue Harry Potter from his tedious muggle life to the series’ final confrontation with Voldemort, she keeps readers on the edge of their seats awaiting the exciting conclusion. The Christ story parallels are unmistakable, but the writing never feels stale.

Rowling’s politics have justifiably brought her more attention in recent years than her creativity. But Harry Potter remains the bestselling series of all time and inspired a hugely successful movie franchise as well. This book is best for reluctant readers and adults who have somehow avoided reading the books. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is available from publisher Scholastic Press.

### 1. Broken Earth series by N.K. Jemisin (2015-2017)

N.K. Jemisin’s unrivaled prose puts her atop the list for her trilogy beginning with the beautifully rendered Hugo Award-winning opener, The Fifth Season. It tells the story of a girl, a young woman and a desperate mother navigating life in a volatile world torn apart by geographic catastrophes.

Jemisin uses fantasy and metaphor to explore the issues of prejudice and oppression. She tackles big issues while also telling a compelling story in an impressive feat of world building. This book is best for fans of science fiction and fantasy. N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy is available from publisher Hachette Book Group.

Bottom Line

Fantasy has something for everyone of any taste. You can find epic quests, dark love stories, young adult coming-of-age tales and mythology cleverly updated for a modern age. Choose from a single book or immerse yourself in a long series. Whatever you pick, you will enjoy it!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### What Are Fantasy Genres?

There are many subgenres of fantasy, which appeal to different readers. They include:

Romantasy: Romantic fantasy that centers the finding or preservation of love.

Historical fantasy: Fantasy that takes place in the past.

Dark fantasy: Fantasy with goth or horror elements.

High fantasy: Epic fantasy set in a world other than the Earth we know.

Low fantasy: Fantasy that occurs in our otherwise normal world.

Folkloric fantasy: Fantasy rooted in folklore.

### What Are The Best Romance Fantasy Novels?

Romance fantasy novels center on an often thwarted, forbidden or otherwise doomed romance between two of the main characters. The passion and frustration often play out over multiple volumes in an exciting “will they or won’t they” dance. Some of the best fantasy romance novels include:

House of Marionne series (2023-present) by J. Elle, about a teen named Quell who joins a mysterious magical society to protect her from her past and just may find her true love.

The Ending Fire trilogy (2022-2024) by Saara El-Arifi, about a trio of young people who come together to fight for their new empire and a slow-burn romance between two of them.

Fourth Wing series (2023-present) by Rebecca Yarros, where romance blooms at a college for dragon riders.

### What Are The Best Adult Fantasy Books?

A large portion of fantasy is written for children and teens, though adults can still read and get a lot out of them. Still, sometimes you want a book written for adults with steamier romance and heavier themes. The best adult fantasy books include:

The Poppy War series (2018-2022) by R.F. Kuang, a military fantasy inspired by China’s recent history.

The Roots of Chaos series (2019-2023) by Samantha Shannon, about a queen who must produce an heir while she tries to avoid assassins.

### What Are The Best Dark Fantasy Books?

Dark fantasy incorporates elements of horror to take on a darker bent. Stories of dark academia and gothic tales fit under this header, often with a dystopian element. Some of the best dark fantasy books include:

The First Law series (2006-2008) by Joe Abercrombie, each one inspired by a famous literary quote.

The Black Jewels series (1998-2000) by Anne Bishop, about the rise of a new queen and the dark powers who try to influence her.

Dark Tower series (1982-2012) by Stephen King, about a gunslinger searching (both metaphorically and actually) for a tower.

### What Are The Best High Fantasy Books?

High fantasy takes place in another world and often involves an epic quest. They can include many characters and involve great world building. Some of the best high fantasy books include:

Children of Blood and Bone (2018-2024) series by Tomi Adeyemi, based on African folklore and following a young woman with great untapped powers.

We Shall Be Monsters (2024) by Tara Sim, which deliciously blends the story of Frankenstein with Indian mythology.

The Folk of the Air series (2018-present) by Holly Black, about a human and a faerie who fall in love.

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