The 14 best fantasy book series of all time
By Jonny Malks
Let’s make one thing very clear. I’m going to list the 14 best fantasy series of all time. There are some operative words in this statement that it will be worth underlining before I dive in.
Fantasy: I will be interpreting this genre as I see fit, but the key distinction here is that I’ve chosen to leave sci-fi for another piece. So all you Vorkosigan stans and Asimov junkies, I see you. Yours is coming soon.
Series: This means that I will only focus on chronicles that span more than one volume. While there are some absolutely whip-smart, flooring fantasy standalone novels out there, I won’t be highlighting them here.
Best: The word that’s always the bane of interrogating any kind of popular art form. There are so many ways to get at “best” that it has nearly lost its meaning. All I want it to mean in this context is that fans of fantasy will be entranced by the following entries. And though some have their blemishes, as we’ll get into, the following series have helped define fiction as we know it. Full stop.
Organization
I’ve chosen to break the following list of 14 fantasy series into two categories: unfinished and finished. The Song of Ice and Fire and Kingkiller Chronicle series are two of the most impactful reading experiences I’ve had in my entire life. And yet there’s no guarantee that they will ever be finished. So if you don't want to start a series that doesn't yet have an ending, you can skip to the "Finished" section of this article.
Within each category, I’ve ranked the series based on my level of enjoyment with each one. However, I’ve chosen not to format them in the numbered, list-like style that would accompany a more formal ranking. That way, you can’t get mad at me when your favorite series ends up toward the bottom of the list.
Still, to be on here at all means a series is nearly the stuff of legend, if not already so. They’re worthwhile reads, regardless of how you feel about their authors (cough, cough J.K. Rowling).
I’ve gabbed enough. It’s about time I let these books do the talking. Without further ado, here are the 14 best fantasy book series of all time, starting with those series that are still UNFINISHED.
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
A Song of Ice and Fire is an epic fantasy series set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, where noble families vie for power and control. It’s also the namesake of this very website. “Winter is Coming” is the mantra of House Stark, a dire warning of trouble to come.
The story is told through the perspectives of multiple characters, many of them with vasly different perspectives on life, which lends the series a lot of depth. Through this lens, Martin explores themes of power, betrayal, honor, and the brutal realities of war.
Meanwhile, his world-building is rich and complex, drawing heavily on real-world history, particularly that of medieval Europe. Known for its unpredictable and morally ambiguous characters, A Song of Ice and Fire has been acclaimed for its intricate plot, deep character development, and gritty realism.
The series began with A Game of Thrones (1996). Martin has yet to complete the saga, with five of the planned seven books now published. Now you know what all the articles complaining about The Winds of Winter delays are about.
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle is a high fantasy series that follows the life of Kvothe, a legendary figure who becomes the subject of a story he narrates over the course of the trilogy. The narrative is framed as a memoir recounting Kvothe’s rise from an orphaned child to a renowned musician, wizard, and adventurer. The series is known for its lyrical prose, deep character development, and exploration of the nature of storytelling itself.
In the first book, The Name of the Wind (2007), Kvothe tells the story of his childhood in a traveling troupe, his time at the University where he learns magic, and the mysteries surrounding his family’s history with mythical beings called the Chandrian. The second book, The Wise Man's Fear (2011), continues Kvothe’s journey as he faces trials both magical and personal, including his pursuit of knowledge, his complex relationships, and his struggle with his own identity.
Kingkiller weaves together themes of love, loss, ambition, and the cost of fame. Rothfuss’s world-building is intricate, with a unique magic system and rich lore. The series’ third and final core book, The Doors of Stone, has yet to be published, and it’s been nearly 14 years since The Wise Man’s Fear hit store shelves, leaving fans to wonder if the series will ever be completed. That said, it’s far more likely to receive an ending than A Song of Ice and Fire, which has more than one book left to go.
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Though this series finds itself at the bottom of the “Unfinished” category, it’s up against some of the most meaningful fantasy fiction to have ever been written. Also, given author Brandon Sanderson’s reputation as a mind-bogglingly prolific author, Stormlight is the only series in this section that is nearly guaranteed to receive an ending from its original author, in spite of the fact that Sanderson intends for the series to be told in two sets of five books. Sanderson’s reliability – and, of course, his reputation as one of the greatest storytellers of all time – should earn him and Stormlight some points, especially if you’re an endings person.
This is an epic high fantasy series set in the world of Roshar, a land plagued by destructive, magical storms and home to diverse cultures and mystical powers. The series is centered on multiple main characters, each of whom plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. The primary protagonists include Kaladin Stormblessed, a former slave turned soldier who struggles with depression and leadership; Shallan Davar, a noblewoman with a hidden past and the ability to create illusions through a magical power called "Lightweaving"; and Dalinar Kholin, a high-ranking military commander who begins experiencing strange visions that suggest he is destined to unite the fractured nations of Roshar. At the heart of the story is the ancient and powerful conflict between the Knights Radiant — an order of magic-wielding warriors — and the Voidbringers, mysterious entities bent on destruction. As characters uncover forgotten history and the true nature of their world, they must navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and the looming threat of an apocalyptic war.
The series’ first book, The Way of Kings (2010), introduces readers to the world and its characters. It’s where you should start if you’re looking for a way into Sanderson’s epic. For all the Mistborn stans out there concerned about Stormlight making this list over it, I have the following rationale: The unique magic system that Sanderson creates and brings to life in Stormlight is second to none. Stormlight’s character development is deeper. The characters feel more visceral. Stormlight’s mythology gives the series a deeper and more interconnected sense of purpose than Mistborn. If you still disagree, I celebrate you. Most all of Sanderson’s stuff is a treat.
Now let's move onto the great FINISHED fantasy book series!
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The big kahuna. The fantasy series to rule all fantasy series (sorry George R.R.). The Lord of the Rings is the cornerstone of modern fantasy literature, set in the richly detailed world of Middle-earth. The epic trilogy follows the journey of Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit who is entrusted with the task of destroying the One Ring, a powerful and malevolent artifact created by the Dark Lord Sauron to dominate all of Middle-earth.
The story begins with The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), continues with The Two Towers (also 1954) and concludes with The Return of the King (1955), released back to back to back. If only some of the other fantasy titans working together could put out books with such regularly, although to be fair, Tolkien finished the whole thing before his publisher split it into three books for release.
Tolkien weaves themes of friendship, bravery, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of power throughout his narrative. The Lord of the Rings influences pretty much everything in the genre to this day. If you haven’t read the books, you’ve likely seen the films. There’s no need to say more.
Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Earthsea Cycle is a renowned series of fantasy novels set in the archipelago of Earthsea, a world where magic is a natural and central force. The series follows the life of Ged, a powerful wizard who initially appears in A Wizard of Earthsea (1968), the series’ first book. In subsequent novels — The Tombs of Atuan (1971), The Farthest Shore (1972), Tehanu (1990), and Tales from Earthsea (2001) — Le Guin explores themes of identity, mortality, and the complexities of good and evil while further expanding on the history, cultures, and magic of Earthsea.
Throughout her career in sci-fi and fantasy, Le Guin became known for weaving themes of diversity and environmentalism into her writing. Those themes are on full display here. The Earthsea Cycle has become a seminal work in the fantasy genre, distinguished by its intellectual depth, lyrical prose, and profound moral insights. It's also unusual among fantasy epics in that it doesn't focus on war, which was intentional on Le Guin's part.
Broken Earth by N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy is a groundbreaking series set in a world plagued by constant geological instability. It’s a future Earth where people known as "orogenes" have the ability to control seismic energy, but are feared and oppressed for their destructive powers.
The trilogy begins with The Fifth Season (2015), where Jemisin weaves together multiple timelines. We follow Essun, a woman whose family is wiped out by a catastrophic event, as well as two young orogenes, Damaya and Syenite.
Broken Earth is notable for its innovative narrative structure (including second-person narration) and exploration of themes such as trauma, power, survival, and social injustice. The trilogy challenges traditional notions of heroism, offering a lens through which readers can examine the consequences of systemic oppression, environmental degradation, and the cyclical nature of violence. It’s the best completed fantasy series the world has seen in recent years. Go read it right now if you haven’t. It’s the kind of story that will help you escape from the real world while teaching you invaluable things about it.
Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama
While some folks might be surprised to see Dragon Ball on a list of epic fantasy series, it belongs in this rarified air. In spite of the fact that its format and cultural heritage diverges from the rest of the titles on the list, it’s one of the most well-loved fantasy stories of all time. That can’t go unnoticed.
Dragon Ball is a Japanese manga and anime series that follows the adventures of Son Goku, a powerful martial artist with a mysterious past, as he embarks on a quest to find the seven magical Dragon Balls, which can grant any wish when gathered together. The story all began with Dragon Ball (1984) and has captured countless hearts and minds since then, becoming one of the best-selling manga series of all time.
In Dragon Ball Z (the second part of the series, starting in 1989), Goku's battles intensify, as he defends Earth from alien invaders like the ruthless Frieza, fights intergalactic threats like the androids, and engages in fierce martial arts tournaments. The series at large is known for its distinctive art style, humor, and iconic action scenes.
Dragon Ball remains one of the most successful and beloved franchises in the world to this day, continuing to inspire new generations of fans. Arika Toriyama was involved in its further development right up until his death in March of 2024.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
The Poppy War is a grimdark military fantasy series set in a world inspired by 20th-century Chinese history, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War and the opium trade. The story follows Rin, a poor, orphaned girl from the south of the fictional empire of Nikan, who dreams of escaping her abusive, impoverished life. The trilogy blends elements of dark fantasy, military strategy, and historical fiction.
Kuang’s world-building is deeply influenced by Chinese culture and history, from the political intrigue to the social hierarchies and mythologies that shape her characters' lives. Her writing is both brutal and poetic, tackling difficult issues such as the trauma of war, colonialism, and the consequences of seeking vengeance. If there’s one word I would use to describe The Poppy War series, it’s “unrelenting.” It's the sort of book series you stay up thinking about long after you’ve closed the cover.
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson sickos rejoice! The Wheel of Time is an epic high fantasy series originally created by Robert Jordan and later completed by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan's death in 2007. The series spans 14 books, starting with The Eye of the World (1990) and concluding with A Memory of Light (2013), and is set in a place where time is cyclical, the past, present, and future are intertwined, and the forces of Light and Shadow are in constant conflict.
At the heart of the story is Rand al'Thor, a young man from the small village of Emond's Field who is revealed to be the prophesied Dragon Reborn, the savior destined to battle the Dark One and prevent the world’s ultimate destruction...or maybe cause it. The Wheel of Time has everything you would expect from a classic fantasy series, but it is most well-known for its exceedingly vast scope. It’s had a profound impact on the fantasy genre, influencing many subsequent writers and inspiring a global fan base.
Amazon is currently adapting The Wheel of Time as a TV series. The third season is due out in 2025.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series is a beloved seven-book saga that chronicles the life of Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is famous for surviving an attack by the dark Lord Voldemort when he was a baby. But you know all this already if you’re here. Hogwarts and all that jazz. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone kicked off the party in 1997, and you know how J.K. can be when she gets on a roll. By the time the book series concluded with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2007, she'd ridden the series to record-breaking success.
Harry Potter has become a central part of modern pop culture, inspiring readers of all ages. That said, the entire franchise is marred by Rowling’s staunch anti-trans stances that have fractured her fanbase. This is a particular shame because the escape offered by Harry Potter and his wonderful wizarding world has helped countless LGBTQ+ folks find joy and community in a real-life society full of hateful muggles.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Narnia will always be so gosh-darn Narnia, but that’s what people love about it, I suppose. It’s a classic series of seven fantasy novels that transport readers to the magical land of Narnia, a world populated by talking animals, mythical creatures, and ruled by the great lion Aslan. The series begins with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950), in which four British siblings — Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy — discover a wardrobe that leads to a land cursed by the White Witch, where it is always winter but never Christmas. Six other books follow, ending with 1956's The Last Battle. C.S. Lewis also wrote a prequel book, The Magician's Nephew, which came out in 1955.
Each subsequent book can be read independently, but the series as a whole is united by its overarching narrative of redemption and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Very original, I know.
The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu
The Dandelion Dynasty is an epic fantasy series that blends elements of Chinese history, political intrigue, and high fantasy. The series, beginning with The Grace of Kings (2015), takes place in the archipelago of Dara, a fictional empire inspired by ancient China. The story is set in a world where technology, magic, and war intersect. It follows the rise and fall of empires, focusing on the complex relationships between rulers, warriors, and the people they govern.
The series is notable not only for its rich storytelling but also for Liu's thoughtful examination of social and cultural dynamics, as well as his unique approach to fantasy. As a Chinese-American author, Liu draws upon his heritage to create a world that is both familiar and distinct from Western fantasy traditions, offering a fresh perspective on themes of power, identity, and revolution.
The Dark Tower by Stephen King
The Dark Tower is a genre-blending series that spans seven books, combining elements of fantasy, horror, westerns, science fiction, and psychological drama. Oh, and King does the Kingiest thing ever in this series by – for some reason – reintroducing characters from The Stand (1978) along an alternate timeline.
At the heart of the story is Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, a lone and determined hero on a quest to reach the enigmatic Dark Tower, a mystical structure that is said to hold the key to the fate of all worlds. The series opens with the aptly titled novel The Gunslinger (1982). The story goes on to weave through a complex multiverse, where different realities intersect and characters grapple with themes of destiny, free will, and the cyclical nature of time.
If you like King or have ever wanted to understand what “liking King” means, try this. It’s about as weird and King-y as it gets.
Riddle-Master by Patricia A. McKillip
The Riddle-Master trilogy is a high fantasy series that blends mystery, mythology, and lyrical prose. The trilogy consists of The Riddle-Master of Hed (1976), Heir of Sea and Fire (1977), and Harpist in the Wind (1979). The story is set in a world of ancient magic, riddles, and long-forgotten truths, where the characters are bound by destiny and the search for knowledge.
The central protagonist is Morgon, the Prince of Hed, who is drawn into a quest that is as much about unraveling the mysteries of his own identity as it is about saving the world. The trilogy is often hailed as a classic of the genre, especially for its emphasis on language and the power of storytelling. McKillip’s ability to take her tone from dream-like one moment to completely earthy and grounded the next stands out even among the modern stories that have drawn inspiration from her original tale.
Finale
And there you have it. Fourteen of the most meaningful and thrilling series in literature. Sitting down with a cup of coffee and any of these titles will never fail to be one of life’s great pleasures. The words and worlds you find therein, in fact, might just stay with you, shining their light in all the darkest places, and showing you the way.
Next. The 8 best fantasy and sci-fi writers you're not reading. The 8 best fantasy and sci-fi writers you're not reading. dark
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