the 100 fantasy books that we, and other readers, just can’t recommend highly enough; books that we all love to read. click on a book title to read the full review.
1. a game of thrones by george rr martin (a song of ice and fire)
A Song of Ice and Fire is the history lesson you wish you had in school. an immense and incredible work of epic fantasy written by a hugely talented author who has created an effortlessly charming read that is rich, rewarding, and utterly enthralling.
You are reading: Most popular fantasy books
published: 1996 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2012 (A Dance With Dragons), 1997 (A Game Of Thrones) | British Fantasy Award nominee: 2012 (A Dance with Dragons), 2006 (A Feast for Crows)
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2. the color of magic by terry pratchett (the discworld series)
carnegie medal winner: 2002 (the amazing maurice and his polite rodents)
in his disco world series, terry pratchett, one of british’s best and funniest authors, created a true delight in modern fiction. Satirical, witty, and hilarious, the forty-one books that make up the series are pure, fantastical joy.
published: 1983
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3. the lord of the rings by jrr tolkien
International Fantasy Award Winner: 1957
The Lord of the Rings is undoubtedly one of the greatest works of imaginative fiction of the 20th century. J. r. r. Written with beautifully descriptive narration, Tolkien’s epic tells a charming story of friendship, love, and heroism. Steeped in magic and otherworldly, this sweeping fantasy is beautiful, perfect, and timeless too. A must read for all fantasy fans.
published: 1954
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4. Jonathan Strange & mr norrell by susanna clarke
Jonathan Strange & mr norrell is a genuinely original story, beautifully told. the telegraph says it all succinctly with “an elegant and witty historical fantasy that deserves to be judged on its own (considerable) merit”. is without a doubt one of the best historical fantasy books ever written.
published: 2004 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2005 | British Fantasy Award Nominee: 2005
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5. the name of the wind by patrick rothfuss (the kingkiller chronicle)
david gemmell fantasy award winner: 2012 (wise man’s fear)
The name of the wind and the wise man’s fear are the best examples of first-person narration. it is comparable to sitting across from someone, in a comfortable chair, in front of a log fire, listening to them tell one of the most intricate and fascinating stories you have ever heard. to quote ursula le guin: “it is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasy writing… with real music in the words”.
published: 2007
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6. the lies of locke lamora by scott lynch (the bastard knight sequence)
Scott Lynch’s trilogy features wonderful characters, plot, and camaraderie, all set in a setting wonderfully inspired by ancient Venice. sometimes laugh-out-loud fun, often shocking, but ultimately, and often, moving. If you are looking for fantasy novels with thieves and rogues that you can relate to, then Bastard Knights is perfect for you.
published: 2006 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2007 | British Fantasy Award Nominee: 2007
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7. american gods by neil gaiman
american gods manages to overcome several genre barriers while making it seem like gaiman was creating his own genre. the end result is much like creating a new species of rose; you take those qualities from other roses that you want and then you put them together. the result is beautiful.
published: 2001 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2002 | British Fantasy Award Nominee: 2002
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8. the fifth season of nk jemisin (the broken earth)
Reading the broken earth trilogy can be a brutal and painful experience. there is a lot of tragedy, despair and the future of the characters often seems bleak. but these ambitious and harrowing books mark a new stage in the evolution of the fantasy genre, and their complexity, world-building and themes break new ground.
Published: 2015 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2017 (Obelisk Gate), 2016 (Season 5)
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9. ursula le guin’s quartet of marine land (saga of marine land)
children can read the earthsea books and enjoy them simply for the magic, the wizards, the adventure and the beautifully imagined world. they can also be read by adults and enjoyed for the thought-provoking ideas and themes that the books evoke. they are truly timeless, exploring human behavior without preaching or judging, encouraging readers to think deeply and form their own opinions. to quote a reader review: “The wisdom and quiet ancient beauty of these books grows each time I reread them.”
published: 1993 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2002 (The Other Wind)
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10. robin hobb’s apprentice assassin (the clairvoyant trilogy)
The Kingdom of the Elders is a glorious, classic fantasy that combines the magic of Le Guin’s Wizard of Earthsea with the epic mastery of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. is a masterclass in characterization, infused with the richest narratives, all combined to produce one of the greatest fantasy series ever written.
published: 1995 | British Fantasy Award Nominee: 1997
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11. gardens of the moon by steven erikson (a tale from the malazan book of the fallen)
The ten novels that make up a story from the Malazán book of the fallen are works of great skill, imagination, ambition, depth and beauty. But not for the faint-hearted, Erikson throws you into the deep end and encourages you to swim. this series is one of the greatest achievements of fantasy literature in the last hundred years.
published: 1999 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2000 (Gardens of the Moon)
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12. northern lights by philip pullman (his dark materials)
carnegie medal winner: 1995 (northern lights)
Imagine a world as similar as it is different from ours. where huge zeppelins litter the horizon and a person’s soul is a living, breathing animal companion, or ‘daemon’. This is the wonderfully fascinating world of Lyra Belacqua. Although it is written for children, it is equally absorbing for any adult reader, gripping from the first page.
published: 1995 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2001 (The Amber Spyglass)
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13. lost street station by china mieville (new crobuzon)
the lost street station is a work of art. sometimes horrible, beautiful, tragic, comic and even uplifting, with a plot that takes unexpected turns and revelations, one of the most unique settings imaginable, and above all, a style of dark poetry that is truly exceptional.
published: 2000 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2005 (The Iron Council), 2003 (The Scar), 2001 (Lost Street Station) | British Fantasy Award Winner: 2003 (The Scar), 2000 (Lost Street Station)
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14. lord foul’s bane by stephen donaldson (covenant chronicles of thomas the unbeliever)
Thomas Covenant is undoubtedly one of the most famous characters in fantasy, but not everyone who knows him loves him. Whether due to the covenant character himself, or simply as a response to the series as a whole, readers find themselves divided in their opinions of him: some love him, some hate him. but few dismiss it. The Chronicles are a very complex work, but basically a good old epic fantasy tale that deserves to be called a classic.
published: 1977 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2005 (The Earth Runes), The Covenant Chronicles Of Thomas, The Unbeliever (1978) | British Fantasy Award Winner: 1979 (The Unbelieving Thomas Covenant Chronicles) | British Fantasy Award Nominee: 1981 (The Wounded Earth)
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15. harry potter and the philosopher’s stone by jk rowling (harry potter)
nestlé smarties book award winner: 1999 (harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban), 1998 (harry potter and the chamber of secrets), 1997 (harry potter and the philosopher’s stone)
The seven harry potter books are very well written and very funny, and they make a heady combination. Philosopher’s Stone is where, for young Harry Potter, it all begins. potter’s books are full of charm and wit and adored by readers of all ages, the wizarding world is a wonderful place for any reader, of any age, to escape.
published: 1997
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16. stephen king’s gunslinger (the dark tower series)
Many of those who have read and enjoyed the dark tower series have found a companion for life. the journey for many has been one of years, if not decades. and many will have found parallels with their own lives within the series: it has not always gone as they would have liked, many parts were better than others (although rereading these conceptions may change). this is the king’s magnum opus, he put all his efforts into writing it and it’s a towering achievement.
published: 1982 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2005 (The Dark Tower)
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17. the way of kings by brandon sanderson (the stormlight archive)
With the Stormlight file, Brandon Sanderson clearly seals his authority as the master of the “Hollywood” style of epic fantasy. It’s hard to fathom how many things are going on and how this book impacts the larger cosmere (the universe that ties all of Sanderson’s books together). great action sets of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things is exactly what many want from his epic fantasy.
published: 2010
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18. the lion the witch and the wardrobe by cs lewis (the chronicles of narnia)
carnegie medal winner: 1956 (the last battle)
with the chronicles of narnia he established himself as a master storyteller and perfected the writing of novels that would survive the test of time and still entertain and educate children and adults everywhere to this day. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is arguably one of the best stories in 20th-century English literature.
published: 1950
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19. the blade itself by joe abercrombie (the first law)
The First Law trilogy was a real game changer for the fantasy genre. it worked on shades of gray. it makes the reader like characters that they possibly shouldn’t like. and they don’t like characters that they should possibly like very much. the dialogue is witty and often the cause of roaring laughs. it’s a captivating read and has everything a fantasy fan could want. any book that can add humor to torture scenes has something special.
published: 2006
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20. the eye of the world by robert jordan (wheel of time)
The Wheel of Time is one of the most popular and influential fantasy epics ever written. puts epic in epic fantasy, a hugely ambitious undertaking that redefined a genre. This skillfully written fourteen-book series is filled with unforgettable characters and set in a world steeped in rich history and legend.
published: 1990
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21. good omens by terry pratchett
Good Omens is one of the funniest works of fiction ever. Pratchett and Gaiman have managed to create a story that weaves copious amounts of satire, cynicism, slapstick, and offbeat humor into a cohesive yet surprisingly accurate look at human life around the world. the characters, one of the greatest strengths of this book, bring a lot of charm and humor to the book. this collaboration between two fantasy authors is nothing short of brilliant.
published: 1990 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1991
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22. the once and future king for white
Once upon a time, a boy named “wart” was tutored by a wizard named merlyn in preparation for a future he couldn’t possibly imagine. a future in which he would ally himself with the greatest knights, love a legendary queen, and unite a country dedicated to chivalric values… the former and future king is a serious, charming, and witty piece of work, but very somber overall . the volume published as the once and future king is actually four separate works composed over about 20 years.
published: 1958
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23. under the sky by boy gavriel kay
Under Heaven, inspired by the Tang Dynasty of ancient China, is as beautiful and enriching a novel as you could wish for. Kay is an expert storyteller, his writing style strong and fluid, his exposition always needed and worked seamlessly into the narrative. He has successfully reimagined ancient China in the same accessible and absorbing way that he previously achieved with medieval France, Ottoman Spain, and Renaissance Italy.
Published: 2010 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2011
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24. the hundred thousand kingdoms of nk jemisin (the heritage trilogy)
NK Jemisin has won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, the Nebula Award for Best Novel, the Audie Award for Science Fiction, and the Crawford Award. enough talk. Do you want more? ok, from time to time books come out that deserve all the hype they get. nk jemisin writes books that are sometimes clever, sometimes funny, and sometimes downright heartbreaking, all wrapped up in the most original stories. this is a must have for your bookshelf. this book has a 10 out of 10.
published: 2010 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2011 (The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms)
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25. brandon sanderson’s final empire (mistborn)
In his Mistborn series, Brandon Sanderson has written one of the seminal fantasy stories of his generation. compelling and perfectly executed with exquisite skill, the sheer scale of the story being told shows the impressive imagination at work here. Topics such as religion and death, power and impotence, corruption and goodness are dealt with. Woven together like a master basket weaver, this story allows you too to come together, love and lose, characters you never thought would be lost.
published: 2006
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26. shadow of the tormentor by gene wolf (new sun book)
the book of the new sun is a classic of scientific fantasy that improves with each reading. Too often overlooked, possibly because of its density in allegory and symbolism, the joy of coming to understand Wolfe’s craft is part of the joy of reading it. The main character, Severan, is an unreliable narrator, and this adds another layer of complexity. if you’re a fan of science fiction and fantasy, this is a must read.
published: 1980 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1983 (The Lictor’s Sword), 1982 (The Conciliator’s Claw), 1981 (The Torturer’s Shadow) | British Fantasy Award Winner: 1983 (The Lictor’s Sword)
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27. jade city by fonda lee (the green bone saga)
emotionally gripping moments, intricate and otherworldly fight scenes, and plenty of loyalty, honor, and lore. Jade City is an epic, unique, and often unforgiving gangster fantasy narrative laced with glimpses of hope and goodness. the haunting nature of the world is also mixed with betrayals and a large death toll. recommended.
Published: 2017 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2018 (Jade City)
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28. wizard of raymond and feist (riftwar saga)
the wizard of feist is one of the best known and most read fantasy books; is a powerful and memorable book that any reader who enjoys reading epic fantasy should read, as it is classic fantasy imbued with many elements of originality. the character development is excellent and the reading experience effortless. In 2003, The Wizard was voted the 89th most popular book of all time in the BBC’s Top 100 Greatest Reads. I found the first reading of this book to be one of those special moments when you’re reading a book that has shaped the fantastic fantasy landscape as it now appears.
published: 1982
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29. tigana by boy gavriel kay
I once read an interview with guy gavriel kay where he explained his approach to writing. he said he wrote what he needed to write and then went over it a second time, adding layers and textures, making improvements, like a painter. and then he repeated the process a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and then eighth time. And that’s why his writing is so good, it’s not just the natural talent, which he has in abundance, but the attention to detail and the hard, painstaking work. it’s worth it and in tigana he wrote a book that influenced me as much as the lord of the rings when he was young. It is a book that I hold very dear. but kay is the second canadian on this list and while they may seem like the nicest and most educated people on the planet, i secretly fear plans for world domination so i’ll be keeping an eye on canada’s empire ratio.
published: 1990 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1991
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30. peter s beagle’s last unicorn
the last unicorn is one of the best fantasy novels of all time. its lyrical writing, its memorable and very human characters, and its exploration of mortality, immortality, and the meeting of the two never fail to move. the novel deals deeply and profoundly with love, loss, and the value of love; which in the case of the unicorn becomes important enough to give up immortality in order to possess it. there are also recurring themes of loss and grief, and contemplation of the meaning and purpose of life (and death).
published: 1968
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31. watership down by richard adams
watership down is a book that will always hold a special place in my heart. It has captivated and moved me for over three decades and I don’t think this will change for what I hope is another three. It has the elements that I enjoy in a story: a quest, the journey, plus the bravery, the belief, and the inability to accept defeat. The characters of the rabbit are glorious: the nervous intelligent five year old and the kind and loyal brother of his hazel. the no-nonsense big shot, the wounded controller, and the witty blackberry – they’re all rich and wonderful to spend time with. is it fantasy? google lists it as fairy tale, fantasy fiction, adventure fiction. good enough for me. How many talking rabbits have you met?
published: 1972
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32. the wizards by lev grossman (the wizards series)
the fantasy genre always needs an author to come in and show it in a different light and this is exactly what grossman has done with magicians. he has injected questionable sexual and moral tension into a wizarding school and the result is a moving, perceptive and multi-faceted coming-of-age story that is both brilliant and seductive. The Wizards is a perfect fantasy book for older teens who will find that the author understands them and their feelings, possibly better than they do.
published: 2009
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33. alice adventures in wonderland by lewis carroll
Alice in Wonderland was Lewis Carroll’s first novel, and its fantasy plot, humorous rhymes, and brilliant use of nonsense was revolutionary. Nineteenth-century children’s writing usually had a moral or educational purpose, but Alice was written firmly and purely for the amusement of children. critical response was lukewarm, but the book was a huge success and remains a highly influential classic in children’s literature.
published: 1965
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34. the princess bride by william goldman
“one of the most laconic and well-structured mythical morality stories you’ll ever read, an anti-establishment satire masquerading as a love story, more of a scary tale than a fairy tale” uncut
“the princess bride is nothing fluffy. the rocket-propelled storytelling tricks you without being merely tricky, and it’s both modern and timeless” neon
“an amusing thriller for readers who are about ten years old or wish they were…readers of a nervous disposition should be prepared to skim through the death-zoo episode or stick to fiction intended for adults” spectator
See Also: Phonological Awareness Books
published: 1973
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35. kushiel’s dart by jacqueline carey (the kushiel legacy)
within the books inherited from kushiel by jacqueline carey we find a complex and refined work of fantasy. This skillfully written trilogy stars an unforgettable heroine who finds herself drawn into a dangerous world of politics, magic and romance. The trilogy begins with Kushiel’s Dart, a story that will captivate readers of fantasy fiction.
published: 2001
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36. erin morgenstern’s night circus
You have to ask yourself… wouldn’t it be great to believe in magic? I found this extraordinary book, with so much thought put into the story that it unfolds like a carefully constructed labyrinth.
published: 2011
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37. frank herbert dune
hugo award winner: 1966
nebula award winner: 1966
one of the most layered works of fiction produced during the 20th century. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy or science fiction on a grand scale (and aren’t afraid to examine important topics like religion and politics), Dune can’t be recommended enough. Anyone who considers himself a fan of this genre should read it at some point in his life.
published: 1965
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38. sailing to sarantium by guy gavriel kay (the sarantine mosaic)
The sarantine mosaic and the lord of the emperors, inspired by ancient byzantium, tell a magnificent and sweeping story of empire, conspiracies and journeys, both physical and spiritual. one of the best examples of alternate history fused with fantasy.
published: 2000 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2001 (Lord of Emperors), (1999) Sailing to Sarantium
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39. robert jackson bennett’s city of stairs (the divine cities)
The Divine Cities trilogy is unlike anything I’ve read before. he treats his audience with the same respect and consideration that he shares with his cast. it’s a rich, lovingly crafted world that’s thematically complex and wonderfully entertaining. shara, mulaghesh, and sigrud have been inducted into my personal hall of fame for fictional characters, and i will miss them dearly. if you’re looking to discover something new, something original, and something memorable, then this is the series for you.
Published: 2014 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2015 (City of Stairs)
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40. helene wecker’s golem and djinni
Helene Wecker writes elegantly and fluently, her characters are constantly fascinating, and exploring her stories is a joy. The main setting and narrative evoke wonderful images of 19th century New York and we, as lucky readers, get to experience the Jewish and Arab folklore central to the book’s being. many authors have written about a golem, many have written about a djinni, but few have brought the two together in such a seamless story. The Golem and the Djinni is top-tier historical fantasy fiction that always delights; a charming love story with a nice emotional depth.
Published: 2013 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2014
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41. dragonflight by anne mccaffrey (the dragon rider saga)
if you want to see how the pern saga began and see how a young writer turned two winning hugo novels to take her first steps into a historical world of alien dragons, dragonflight is for you. wonderfully descriptive narrative, impressive world building, and most of all, a great story.
published: 1968
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42. david mitchell’s bone clocks
On a sleepy summer day in 1984, teenage runaway Holly Sykes encounters a strange woman who offers her a small favor in exchange for “asylum.” It will be decades before Holly understands exactly what kind of asylum the woman was seeking…
published: 2014 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2015
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43. jrr tolkien’s hobbit
one of the best known and loved fantasy books, j. r. r. Tolkien’s The Hobbit introduced the world of reading to the unforgettable Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Wizard and Smaug the Dragon. A book that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, it is a tale full of adventure, heroism, song and laughter. many who read this magical tale will find their inner hobbit.
published: 1937
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44. tad williams dragonbone chair (pain and thorn memory)
high level epic and traditional fantasy. At nearly 800 pages, it is superbly paced and brings together all the elements found in many fantasy books and reproduces them in a beautiful and endearing way.
published: 1988
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45. glen cook’s black company (black company chronicles)
The Black Company by Glen Cook is the first of nine books in the Black Company series. First published in 1984, this book was responsible for taking the fantasy genre on its head with its introduction of realistic characters and its complete disregard for fantasy stereotypes and the age-old battle of good versus evil.
published: 1984
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46. jrr tolkien’s silmarillion
if you haven’t read the hobbit and the lord of the rings, this may not be for you. but honestly i don’t know, it’s such a brilliant book, really a book about creation, that maybe it will work for you anyway. But if you’ve read Tolkien’s masterpieces, this is a must read. If you’re as enthralled by them as most of the reading world, The Silmarillion will give you the extra information you crave and answer the questions that the previous two books raised: Who exactly are Gandalf and Sauron? how did the orcs come about? why do elves leave middle earth and where do they go?
published: 1977
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47. titus groan by mervyn peake (the gormenghast trilogy)
delightfully dark, titus groan is the first book in the gormenghast trilogy. the book is written in the third person, which allows characters and events to unfold simultaneously. the land of gormenghast is described in enough detail for you to realize that this is a land like no other.
published: 1946
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48. shannara’s sword by terry brooks (the shannara trilogy)
A long time ago, the world of the four lands was torn apart by wars of ancient evil. But in the valley, Shea Ohmsford, half human, half elf, now lives in peace, until the mysterious and imposing figure of the Druid Allanon appears, to reveal that the supposedly long-dead Witch Lord lives again. Shea must embark on an elemental quest to find the only weapon powerful enough to keep the creatures of darkness at bay: Shannara’s legendary sword.
“and while i agree that brooks takes inspiration from tolkien, he doesn’t copy him. the reason i’m dwelling on this is to hopefully impress you with an open mind to read this book. don’t cross this book out your “to read” list because you’ve heard people took it off. similarly, don’t start reading this book trying to cross-reference everything to some other work. this is a book that deserves to be criticized on its own merits “. /p>
published: 0000
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49. circe by madeline miller
a book 10/10. sean: ‘this is a beautiful book; he is impeccable and intelligent. I do not have a single criticism for this fantastic writing. I loved! I couldn’t recommend it more. I really liked the song of Achilles although this one surpasses it in every way. I really hope to see more from this author in the future.”
Published: 2018
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50. the path of shadows by brent weeks (the night angel trilogy)
Another reader favourite, The Way of Shadows is one of the most entertaining fantasy books available, a rich, fascinating and creative novel. the action sequences are impressive and the plot and characterization as well. if you’re looking for all of the above in the framework of a great story, look no further.
published: 2009
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51. storm front by jim butcher (the dresden archives)
Take your standard detective noir with a sarcastic mood and a soft spot for helping damsels in distress, throw in wizardry, vampires, werewolves, talking skulls, pizza-loving fairies and all things paranormal and this is it. what you get A quirky, fast-paced, thrilling ride through a Chicago you never thought possible. great characters, a mystery that goes round and round like a corkscrew, and above all, harry, a wizard with a world-weary sense of humor, who takes life on his chin.
published: 2000
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52. rivers of london by ben aaronovitch (river of london series)
There is something eminently satisfying about meeting a new author and discovering that they are absolutely brilliant. that’s exactly what happened when i received ben aaronovitch’s book ‘rivers of london’. you have to read this book. Whether you love good writing, good fantasy or urban fantasy, good characters, or just an awesome story set in an awesome world, this book is for you. because it is all of these things, and much, much more. aaronovitch has written a book that is sure to become a shelf favorite by the time they finish it at 3am.
published: 2011
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53. james and the giant peach by roald dahl
World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award: 1983
When Dahl invented James and the Giant Peach as a bedtime story for his daughters Olivia and Tessa, little did he know that half a century later, millions of parents would have read the exact same story to their own children. a book that fully deserves the award for children’s classic.
published: 1961
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54. prince of thorns by mark lawrence (broken empire)
Mark Lawrence’s Prince of Thorns was a controversial book, a book that seemed to have divided the science fiction and fantasy community over what is acceptable for people to like and enjoy. A deliberately confrontational story that follows a 13-year-old boy named Jorg who leads a gang of marauders as they pillage the countryside. Jorg is a sociopath, a willing participant, and readers experience the world through his damaged point of view. Readers can see, through Jorg’s eyes, the cold apathy with which he dispatches his enemies. he is awkward. but the prince of thorns is a fantastic story about a boy’s struggle for control in a world that threatens to engulf him.
published: 2011
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55. robert mccammon’s swan song
I would give it a 12 out of 10 if I could. If you could only read one book about the apocalypse, this should be it. I’ve read every post-apocalypse book I could get my hands on, old, new, kindle only. nothing compares to the swan song. the hardest part of reading swan song was knowing there was no book to follow. but I didn’t need one. thanks robert, it’s the best book i’ve ever read, and about every 5 years i pick it up and read it again… (reader review by lisa from canada)
published: 1987 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1988
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56. stephen king’s booth
If you consider yourself any type of speculative fiction reader and can appreciate a truly rich and complex book, the booth is a must read. Even if you’ve never read Stephen King before, even if neither horror nor post-apocalyptic is your usual genre choice, you won’t be disappointed. the writing is excellent, the images terrifying and the atmosphere mesmerizing. after the first few pages you will find yourself either hooked or repelled…it’s that kind of book. but if you want to read one of the best examples of dystopian fiction with a healthy dose of fantasy, look no further.
published: 1978 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1979
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57. the ocean at the end of the road by neil gaiman
ryan: An intimate trip down memory lane to a time when things were much more fantastical than they are now. this is a story that is simple on the surface, but with a depth of immersion that depends entirely on how much you connect with the story. I guess the further you get from your childhood, either by age or experience, the more you will connect with this story and the more you will fall in love with it.
Published: 2013 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2014
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58. all the birds in the sky by charlie jane anders
all the birds in the sky is an intense emotional roller coaster that flits between genres, using both sci-fi and fantasy to get its message across, and though it pits them against each other, the novel never says one is better than the other, each one has its place in this story and it is by both working together that the best result will be found. all the birds in the sky is also a very human story that focuses on the confusion and distrust that can arise from not understanding the unknown.
published: 2016
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59. it’s from stephen king
It is the children who see, and feel, that makes the city so terribly different. in storm drains and sewers “it” lurks, taking the form of every nightmare, everyone’s deepest fear. as the children grow up and move on, the horror of “it” is buried deep, until they are called again.
“As an exploration of childhood, growing up, friendship, and confronting real and supernatural fears, I still consider it a great book. But the ending and overall length of the book will be off-putting for many readers.”
one of the best storytellers of our time: the guardian
a writer of excellence… king is one of the most fertile narrators of the modern novel – the sunday times
published: 1986 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1987
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60. the ninth rain by jen williams (the fanning flame trilogy)
jen williams “the ninth rain” is unlike anything i’ve ever read. For a fantasy lover, it’s one of those rare books that strikes a chord in your heart, but also lets you know that it’s okay to be imperfect, inquisitive, and a little crazy.
published: 2017
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61. the war of the poppies by r f kuang (the war of the poppies)
in a nutshell, r.f. Kuang’s Poppy War is a towering achievement of modern fantasy. Kuang writes in a descriptive and narrative style that presents many aspects of a problem without attempting to persuade the reader to think about the “right” path, if one exists. As the book descends into its grim final act, the connection we’ve built with Rin and his companions is put to the test. It’s a testament to Kuang’s ability as a writer to establish such a strong connection with her protagonists that the impact of the events in the third act hits just as hard as they do.
Published: 2018 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2019
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62. a shine long ago by guy gavriel kay
guy gavriel kay shine long ago is a masterpiece; perhaps the best work of one of the best living storytellers in the world. this story is shocking, devastating and beautiful. Kay’s language is elegant in its simplicity, yet painstakingly deep as it gets to the core of what makes us think, act, and remember.
published: 2019
See Also: Top 10 Facts About Books! – Fun Kids – the UK&039s children&039s radio station
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63. samantha shannon’s orange tree priory
the “feminist successor to the lord of the rings” – laura eve. El Priorato del Naranjo is a story gracefully told and infused with rich history and tradition in its glorious and enormous scope – it is magnificent in every respect. It’s all about girl power here! I recommend it for readers who enjoy female fantasy that is also carefully paced like the works of Robin Hobb, Tad Williams, and Chris Wooding.
published: 2019
See Also: Top 10 Facts About Books! – Fun Kids – the UK&039s children&039s radio station
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64. the raven tower by ann leckie
Another 10/10 book and the most recently published book to appear on this list, published as-is in 2019. Ann Leckie first came to our attention with her highly regarded sci-fi books. When he turned his hand to fantasy, he produced, in the words of the book’s reviewer, Joshua: a masterful tour de force of subverted narrative expectations wrestling with what it means to find identity as both human and god. Unlike anything else being written, Ann Leckie is likely to be remembered as a literary pioneer, and not as someone else’s. A masterpiece of storytelling that leaves a willing reader humbled, The Raven Tower is simply the best book of the year: powerful, subtle, captivating, unsurpassed.
Published: 2019 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2020
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65. the 10,000 doors of january by alix and harrow
It is rare to relate to a character in a book in such a way that similar situations evoke empathy throughout their lives. enough parallels can be drawn to feel almost as if the book is aimed specifically at you in some existential way. I haven’t read much fantasy portal, but I have always felt a sense of stifled repression throughout my youth that has stifled my will to explore. instead, my portals to other places were revealed in books and stories at a young age, and have been with me ever since. Alix Harrow captures this feeling of finding oneself through the stories we share in her powerful and unforgettable debut novel January’s 10,000 Doors. is a beautifully written and lovingly crafted adventure about the strength of love, the importance of stories, and the timeless power of words.
Published: 2019 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2020
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66. ninth house by leigh bardugo
I can’t remember the last time I wanted so badly to be in a book, to be part of a world so badly. even with all the danger, with the pain and darkness and death, it’s a place that feels like a possibility…
published: 2019
See Also: Top 10 Facts About Books! – Fun Kids – the UK&039s children&039s radio station
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67. kind of a graham joyce fairy tale
Twenty years ago, sixteen-year-old Tara Martin took a walk through the mysterious woods of Charnwood and never came back. Extensive police searches and investigations turn up no trace, and her family is forced to accept the unthinkable. Then, on Christmas Day, Ella Tara shows up at her parents’ door, disheveled, unapologetic, and not looking a day older than she did when she left. It seems like a miracle and Tara’s parents are delighted, but something about her story doesn’t add up. When she claims that she was kidnapped by fairies, Ella’s brother Peter begins to think that she might have lost her sanity. But as Tara’s story unfolds, those who loved and missed her begin to wonder if there is any truth to her account of the past two decades.
Published: 2012 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2013
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68. gideon the ninth by tamsyn muir (the closed tomb trilogy)
The emperor needs necromancers.
The ninth necromancer needs a swordswoman.
gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense.
See Also: 15 Best Toddler Books About Feelings & Emotions
gideon the noventh by tamsyn muir reveals a solar system of fencing, ruthless politics, and lesbian necromancers. his characters leap off the page, as cleverly animated as arcana appeared. the result is a poignant epic science fantasy.
Raised by stagnant, hostile nuns, ancient servants, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to leave a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. he packs up his sword, his shoes, and his dirty magazines, and prepares to launch the daring escape from him. but her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.
harrowhark nonagesimus, reverend daughter of the ninth house and bone witch extraordinaire, has been called into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs of each of his loyal houses to a deadly test of wit and skill. if harrowhark succeeds, she will become an all-powerful, immortal servant of the resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without knighting her. without gideon’s sword, the harrow will fail and the ninth house will die.
Of course, some things are better left dead.
Published: 2019 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2020 (Gideon 9th)
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69. the book thief by markus zusak
Though The Book Thief is set in such dark times, when almost unimaginable atrocities were committed, it ultimately manages to be an uplifting and life-affirming book because of the kindness, love, and bravery of its many characters. .
published: 2005
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70. the forgotten beasts of the field by patricia mckillip
The characterization is excellent, creating well-formed, sympathetic and, most importantly, realistic characters. Reminiscent of Ursula Le Guin’s masterpiece of land and sea, The Forgotten Beasts of Yesteryear contains a magic that few modern authors have successfully retained. this is a beautiful, thought-provoking book that will stay with the reader forever.
published: 1974
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71. duncton wood by william horwood (the duncton chronicles)
some authors write beautifully and can induce an almost meditative state in the reader. tolkien, hobb, le guin, martin can do this, and so can william horwood. There are two books on the site that generate an effusive outpouring of love from readers, two books that some will know well but perhaps not as well as many books on this list, they are Robert McCammon’s Swan Song and Duncton Wood. It is the heartwarming love story of Bracken and Rebecca and the trials they must face and overcome to be one. It’s unfortunate that this work should be compared to Watership Down, but that’s the only book I can really compare it to in terms of history and excellence. Please read my review and reader reviews below if you want to get a real sense of how highly this book is regarded.
published: 1980
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72. legend of david gemmell (the drenai novels)
david gemmell is without a doubt one of my favorite fantasy authors. For the last 30 years, his books have been read and reread and I’m still not tired of them, and I hope it always will be. Personally, I don’t think this is gemmell’s best, but it certainly has to be the most important, as without it I wouldn’t have followed anything. legend is a great place to start if he hasn’t read any of his work before and a great combination of sword, sorcery and heroism. A must read for any fan of heroic fantasy.
published: 1984
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73. terry goodkind’s first wizard rule (sword of truth series)
terry goodkind has created a smart and concise book that is believable from the start. this is a fantasy that is definitely aimed at the adult. it is clear that terry goodkind has strong political and social views that he wishes to convey in his books. Rather than find this marred the narrative, I found it healthy to read a book that makes you think about what the author is trying to say. I discovered that the works of Ursula Le Guin had the same effect on me.
published: 1994
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74. never anywhere by neil gaiman
if you are a fan of trains, history or london, this book is definitely for you. Once again, Gaiman, like he did in American Gods, displays an amazing investigative capacity, combined with his inimitable writing style. We’re soon introduced to a slew of underground train stations and a bunch of people who, unbeknownst to London, are living pretty happy lives beneath their feet. A bit of mythology, a bit of fantasy, a bit of urban drama, and a lot of London make this a must-read.
published: 1996
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75. neil gaiman’s graveyard book
the graveyard book won the carnegie medal for children’s fiction and it deserved it. the writing style, while easy enough for children, is very descriptive and distinctive.
“if I were asked to put the graveyard book in a genre, I would have to say: this is a book by neil gaiman. it is in the genre of excellence” fortean times
Published: 2008 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2009
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76. the city and the city of china mieville
This is a great story. mieville has delivered and lived up to the buzz generated by his early work, in particular the bas-lag series. while this is a very different book from that epic series, there is no change in quality.
published: 2009 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2010
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77. tender morsels of margo lanagan
liga raises her two daughters in the safe haven of an alternate reality, a magically bestowed personal heaven as a refuge from her earthly suffering. But the real world cannot be denied forever and when the barrier between the two worlds begins to break, the fiery daughter of League, Urdda, crosses it…
“tending snacks is never trying to show that life has a happily-ever-after ending. it shows that life is full of difficulties; you will experience pain, watch loved ones die, and often be afraid. it also shows that life can be full of love, care and kindness and that it is better to experience something, be it good or bad, than to experience nothing at all. fantasy book review
Published: 2008 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2009
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78. palimpsest by catherynne m valente
sei, november, ludov and oleg: four people unknown to each other but united by pain and their obsession with the city of palimpsest. located beyond the human realm, the palimpsest is accessible only to those who sleep after generating the energy that comes from sex. once someone arrives in the city, they indulge in the pleasures of the senses and can obtain their innermost desires, two things that ensure that visitors to the palimpsest return.
“like cathryn valente’s other books (orphan tales, in the garden of coins and spices), this poignant poetic work is a feast for the mind. the palimpsest is a fairy tale gift wrapped in an allegory and tied with a mystical ribbon. a gift that readers can enjoy again and again”. fantasy book review
published: 2009
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79. the year of shadows by jeffrey ford
Jeffrey Ford hits a real easy gas with this little semi-autobiographical gem. the book pulls you in, keeps pulling you in, pulling you in fact, but you never feel anything more than a slight tug. so familiar is he with his world, the south shore of western suffolk county (ny) in the late 1960s, and so adept at drawing you into it, that you barely notice the dark, eerie water seeping under your door mental.
Published: 2008 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2009
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80. the boy’s life by robert mccammon
published: 1991 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 1992
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81. the yiddish police union by michael chabon
the protagonist, a meyer landsman, is a festival of failures and possibilities. the characters are alive, dynamically three-dimensional, and refreshingly complicated. you buy the world of chabon and his collapsed star reality completely. the analogs of human behavior are poetic, tenderly ironic, and brilliantly designed. chess is key, but not in such a way that it prohibits the reader who doesn’t play chess. and there’s a seemingly self-perpetuating devilish sense of humor that had me choking every other page.
published: 2007
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82. the moon and the sun by vonda n mcintyre
Winner of the 1997 Nebula Award for Best Novel, Vonda N McIntyre’s The Moon and the Sun is a sumptuous work of alternate history. Set in 17th-century France at the court of the Sun King, the book’s attention to detail and fluid storytelling help create an absorbing tale of fantasy, romance, science, and history.
published: 1997
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83. interview with the vampire by anne rice (the vampire chronicles)
In a darkened room, a young man sits down to tell the grisly and macabre story of his life: the story of a vampire, gifted with eternal life, cursed with an exquisite desire for human blood. Anne Rice’s binge-reading novel is arguably the most celebrated work of vampire fiction since Bram Stoker’s Dracula was published in 1897. As the Washington Post said in its first publication, it is an “exciting and startlingly original work of the imagination. ..sometimes awful.” , sometimes beautiful, always unforgettable’.
published: 1976 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1986 (The Vampire Lestat)
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84. anno dracula by kim newman (anno dracula series)
It is 1888 and Queen Victoria has remarried, taking as her new consort Vlad Tepes, the Wallachian prince infamously known as Count Dracula. Peppered with familiar characters from Victorian history and fiction, the novel tells the story of vampire Geneviève Dieudonné and Charles Beauregard of the Diogenes Club as they strive to solve the mystery of the Ripper murders. Anno Dracula is a rich and sweeping story, blending horror, politics, mystery, and romance to create a unique and captivating alternate history. Acclaimed novelist Kim Newman explores the darkest depths of a reimagined Victorian London. This new edition of the bestselling novel contains unique bonus material, including a new afterword by Kim Newman, annotations, articles, and alternate endings to the original novel.
“anno dracula by kim newman is back in print, and we should celebrate. it was the first mix of literature, history and vampires, and now, in a world where vampires are everywhere, it’s still the best, and his bite is just as sharp. Required reading, commentary, and mind game: glorious.” neil gaiman
“the book succeeds not only as a horror, but also as a detective thriller combining politics, romance and history. newman has produced an excellently crafted, well plotted, fast paced, confident, incident packed work and macabre. festival of emotions”. fantasy book review
published: 0000 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1993
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85. the silent land of graham joyce
a brilliant story that from the first chapter is forceful and the desolation of the story makes the action come to the fore. graham joyce has created in the first chapters a feeling of uncertainty that makes it a real page turner. a very good read; a mixture of fantasy and love story. it flows well and is worth reading at least twice.
Published: 2010 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2011 | British Fantasy Award Nominee: 2011
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86. 11.22.63 by stephen king
What if you could go back in time and change the course of history? what if the defining moment you could change was jfk’s murder? 11/22/63, the date kennedy was shot – unless… king takes his protagonist jake epping, a high school english teacher from lisbon falls, maine, 2011, on a fascinating journey back to 1958 – from a world of mobile phones and ipods to a new world of elvis and jfk, of plymouth fury cars and lindy hopping, of a troubled loner named lee harvey oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named sadie dunhill, who becomes in the love of jake’s life: a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.
“11.22.63 finds stephen king in top form. a compelling tale of alternate history and time travel that showcases king’s skill as a storyteller as he effortlessly weaves fact and fiction, highlighting the benefits of meticulous research” . floresiensis, fantasy book review
Published: 2011 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2012
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87. the killer moon by nk jemisin (dreamblood duology)
In the first of his Dreamblood duology, n k jemisin presents a vivid world of dreams and reality, sanity and madness, and the stories of the people trapped within it. is a compelling story of corruption and justice and the lengths people will go to in search of both.
Published: 2012 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2013
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88. alif the invisible by g willow wilson
calls himself alif, few people know his real name, a young man born in a middle eastern city that straddles the ancient and modern world. When Alif meets the aristocratic Intisar, he believes that he has found love. but his relationship has no future: he promises to incite another man and the honor of his family must be satisfied. As a memento, Intisar sends the heartbroken Alif a mysterious book. Entitled The Thousand and One Days, Alif discovers that this parting gift is a doorway to another world, a world from a very different time, when ancient magic was on the rise and djinn walked among us. With the book in his hands, Alif finds himself drawing attention, too much attention, from men and djinn alike. thus begins an adventure that takes him through the ruined streets of a once-beautiful city, to uncover the long-forgotten mysteries of the occult. Alif is about to become a fugitive in both the corporeal and incorporeal worlds. and he’s about to unleash a destructive power that will change everything and everyone, starting with alif himself.
“I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes harrowing stories, whether they like fantasy or not, because it’s more of a thriller with echoes of the computer stunts seen in the series the girl with the dragon tattoo, who finds me really interesting, but set against an exotic landscape that really comes to life. you can feel and smell the dust storm as it sweeps through the houses, seeping through the cracks, panic like hand , an uncompromising alien force, the close and bumbling of a young American scholar who tries to help someone but is clearly out of place. All in all, a sumptuous, colorful and many-layered novel.” fantasy book review
Published: 2012 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2013
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89. nights at angela carter’s circus
This is a book written about the height of the 20th century, where so much was promised and expected and so much change happened. this story centers on two people united by a journalistic story: jack walser, the journalist sent to write a story about sophie fevvers, the “aerialiste extraordinaire”, to find out if it is fact or fiction, since instead of being a typical trapeze artist It has wings that allow it to fly through the air. angela carter has written a fantastic microcosm of life.
published: 1984 | British Fantasy Award nominee: 1985
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90. lauren beukes zoo town
an intriguing “what if?” urban fantasy story that turns the contemporary world we live in. This story involves animals and magic, which fits into the world of Zoo City. as well as invite questions about why people who are different from the norm are treated in different circumstances.
Published: 2010 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2011
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91. darkness rises susan cooper sequence
susan cooper is a natural storyteller, and the dark is rise’s five novels strongly grip the reader, aided in this by copious amounts of mythology and spectacular prose. The prose of the second book in the series, Darkness Rises, is some of the best of its kind. the sequence is an absolute classic, and should be required reading for children between the ages of seven and fifteen. those of you who are older who haven’t read them yet are really missing out on something wonderful. highly recommended.
published: 2007
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92. clive barker’s weaveworld
weaveworld is a true epic of a story: a whirlwind of base instincts and heights of imagination that bridges fantasy and horror, while grounding the fantastic in a recognizable and mundane suburban England.
published: 1987 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 1988
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93. a darker shade of magic de ve schwab (a darker shade of magic)
most people only know one london; but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last travellers: wizards with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons. There is grey, dirty, crowded and magic-less London, home of mad King George III. there is red london, where life and magic are revered. then white london, ruled by whoever he killed on his way to the throne. but once upon a time there was black london…
“Like the best books I’ve ever read, V. E. Schwab has left me wanting to read more about these characters that have come to life in my mind.”
published: 0000
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94. katherine addison’s goblin emperor
from the calm and sad story of a lonely young man out of his depth, to the equally calm and triumphant story of a hero who has accepted himself, learned to cope and promises to do a lot of good for others , this is a story with magic, airships and elves set in a very ritualistic royal court. In a way, The Goblin Emperor is one of the most courageous and hopeful books I’ve read in quite some time, and I definitely agree that it deserves its praise.
Published: 2014 | World Fantasy Award Nominee: 2015
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95. the sudden appearance of hope by claire north
The Sudden Appearance of Hope is an excellent novel, exploring complex issues in much more depth before providing biased social commentary. there is hardly any escapism to be found here. This book will engage you with the prevailing social issues of today (mid 2016), making you stop and think about our quest for perfection as defined by Hollywood and the mainstream media.
Published: 2016 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2017
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96. blackwing by ed mcdonald (the mark of the raven)
This is a fairly dark story full of raw and macabre deaths with a good but not overwhelming amount of adrenaline fueling action. however, certain sections are superbly intense and this book is very unpredictable. it features twists, betrayals, political bickering, and half the time when I thought I had analyzed where the story was going, then I was shocked or completely shocked by a reveal. The publisher stated that this is a “gritty epic fantasy for fans of mark lawrence and scott lynch” and I can’t disagree.
published: 2017
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97. foundry side by robert jackson bennett (founders)
It’s rare for a story to catch me off guard with so many innovative and exciting ideas, yet it still only scratches the surface of the directions it could take. the potential here is so vast; I see these ideas as raw material to turn into their own RPG world, or spin-off novels, or to fill in the blanks. great writing, characters of substance, and thoughtful exploration of original ideas elevate the casting into rare territory.
Published: 2018
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98. the chimes of anna smaill
the chimes is one of the most difficult and at the same time most rewarding books I have read in a long time. breaking so many rules of writing to explore its core premise, yet combining dark poetry, a truly unique post-apocalyptic world, love, music, and memory into one grand symphonic whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts, and an experience that you won’t forget easily.
Published: 2015 | World Fantasy Award Winner: 2016
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99. evan winter’s fury of dragons (the burning)
The fury of the dragons erupts at a dizzying pace. complex characters, dragons, revenge, the whole stabbing-stabbing-stabbing thing. loved everything about this book! the cover, the chapter titles, the maps, the little dragon on the spine, the winter notes on the back cover.,. it was just phenomenal. Really. what a brilliant debut!
published: 2019
See Also: Top 10 Facts About Books! – Fun Kids – the UK&039s children&039s radio station
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100. half game by seanan mcguire
alternate timelines, manifestations, hands of glory, alchemy, doctrine of ethos and immortality and damn. McGuire offers a clinic in storytelling with the middlegame. this is his magnum opus (so far!) it’s magical…really magical. I couldn’t love him more!!!
published: 2019
See Also: Top 10 Facts About Books! – Fun Kids – the UK&039s children&039s radio station
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