10 best fantasy books from The Lord of the Rings to A Wizard of Earthsea

A fantastic fantasy book is hard to beat when it comes to sparking your creativity, as the genre encompasses a wide range of stories, from lighthearted journeys through enchanted lands, to dark futuristic worlds filled with danger, secret plots, and even romantic entanglements.

In recent times, the genre has been thriving, with a significant boost coming from captivating fantasy narratives in various platforms such as HBO’s Game of Thrones and Amazon’s The Rings of Power, and also due to the rising trend of ‘romantasy’ on TikTok.

As a passionate movie-goer and avid reader of fantastical tales, I’ve put together a personal recommendation list of 10 extraordinary fantasy books that will whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of reality into enchanting realms filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, this collection caters to every preference, ensuring an unforgettable escape for all fantasy enthusiasts.

As a die-hard movie buff with a soft spot for the fantastical, I can’t wait to guide you through my top picks of ten enchanting novels. Brace yourself for tales of regal politics, heart-wrenching treachery, formidable sorcery, and entities that will make your skin crawl. These books are readily accessible at all reputable bookstores!

10. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

If you find yourself growing tired of George R.R. Martin’s world of Westeros and its constant family feuds, perhaps it’s time to explore the gritty, medieval fantasy drama penned by Joe Abercrombie as an engaging alternative.

The Blade Itself marks the beginning of Abercrombie’s highly acclaimed The First Law trilogy, a story that delves into the struggles for territory and authority among The Union, The Gurkish Empire, and the Northern region.

Amidst these disputes, powerful fighters like Logen Ninefingers, ruthless enforcer Sand dan Glokta, and haughty aristocrat Captain Jezal dan Luthar find themselves in a complex position. These individuals, known for their questionable moral standing, are among the compromised figures you’ll encounter.

Compared to the extensive cast and complex narrative structure of A Song of Ice and Fire, The Blade Itself by Abercrombie offers a more manageable character ensemble and concentrated storyline, making it less overwhelming. This compelling first installment in the trilogy is filled with intrigue, brutal encounters, and thrilling fantastical events.

9. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Without a doubt, while Sarah J Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series may not be considered as prestigious as some others on this list, its enormous influence over the past few years cannot be dismissed lightly.

A book beneficiary due to the popularity of BookTok (a platform based on short videos from TikTok), these novels depict a passionate yet complex romance between Feyre Archeron, a human, and Tamlin, a noble High Fae.

The tale unfolds as Feyre finds herself in the realm of Tamlin, accused of slaying a wolf. However, as she uncovers the truth about the fae world, her initial dislike for him and his people softens.

In simpler terms, the readability of “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is widely admired, yet some traditional fantasy readers may view it as less significant due to its simplicity compared to other authors’ more intricate works – however, we believe that an entertaining fantasy tale shouldn’t need advanced academic degrees to be worthy of acclaim.

8. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Not only did Brandon Sanderson capably take over and conclude the Wheel of Time series left unfinished by Robert Jordan upon his passing, but he is equally renowned for penning his own highly acclaimed works in the realm of fantasy literature.

Mistborn opens in The Final Empire, immersing readers in the grim and unforgiving world of Scadrial, a landscape as harsh as the rule of its oppressive overlord.

Amidst this gloomy setting, we encounter Kelsier and Vin, who’ve uncovered their unique abilities: they belong to the subjugated Skaa people, a group that can harness magic normally exclusive to the nobility.

In this imagined future, they boldly aspire for a time when the current leadership is overthrown. However, uniting and collaborating in such a hopeless and disunited world won’t be an easy task to accomplish.

7. The Inheritance Trilogy by NK Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin is rapidly climbing the ranks of literary legends, with five Hugo Awards earned since her debut novel, “The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms,” was published in 2010. In simpler terms, she’s one of the most successful modern authors, winning multiple prestigious awards for her work.

This collection, known as “Omnibus Edition,” encompasses the initial novel along with its two subsequent volumes: “The Broken Kingdoms” and “The Kingdom of the Gods.” These books continue to gain momentum and depth as they delve into the intricate narrative of this grand saga.

The tale begins with our protagonist, Yeine Darr, a daughter once rejected by the ruthless royal Arameri family, being summoned back due to her mother’s tragic death. Remarkably, her grand-father selects her (alongside two others) as potential heirs to his throne.

Anticipate mystery and undercurrents of deceit as Yeine finds herself thrust into a foreign and perilous realm of high society, all while frantically searching for answers regarding the fate of her deceased mother.

6. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

More recently, the captivating television show, jointly produced by BBC and HBO, has been introduced as an anthology titled “His Dark Materials”. This anthology encompasses Philip Pullman’s novels: “Northern Lights”, “The Subtle Knife” and “The Amber Spyglass”.

The narrative unfolds around two youthful main characters, Lyra Belacqua and eventually Will Parry, hailing from distinct dimensions. They collaborate in their quest to unravel the mystery of a significant substance known as ‘dust’. This ‘dust’ is the focus of the malevolent Magisterium’s schemes.

As a movie aficionado, I’ve always found Pullman’s groundbreaking trilogy to be both captivating and thought-provoking. It fearlessly tackles the subject of organized religion with skepticism, even going so far as to offer a critical perspective. Yet, despite its profound themes, these books have been universally appreciated by readers across various age groups for quite some time now.

Listen to the depiction of the Northern Lights, narrated by actress Ruth Wilson, provided here above.

5. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin

As a devoted film enthusiast of science fiction and fantasy, I can’t help but sing the praises of Ursula K. Le Guin, whose timeless works remain unparalleled in her era. Among her many masterpieces, it’s the Earthsea series that truly stands out – a six-part epic that captivated readers since its debut with this 1968 title. This groundbreaking novel takes us on an extraordinary journey into a universe brimming with magic and wonder.

Frequently compared to Harry Potter before it, this tale presents us with a talented young magician named Ged, who yearns to employ his burgeoning abilities. His enthusiasm leads him to attend a magical academy, seeking to refine his skills.

In a heart-wrenching twist, my affection for the world of Earthsea is soon overshadowed as the simmering tension between Ged and Jasper escalates into a fateful duel. Unbeknownst to Ged, this confrontation unleashes a sinister entity that haunts him relentlessly across the islands of Earthsea.

In summary, this work is highly significant and should be read for understanding its profound impact on subsequent pieces. However, I strongly advise against watching the animated movie, as it was an unfortunate exception to Studio Ghibli’s otherwise stellar output from Japan.

4. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett

In the annals of fantasy literature, few creations have been as beloved as Terry Pratchett’s Discworld universe. Due to its self-contained narratives, there are numerous entry points where you can easily join the storytelling journey.

A frequently recommended option is “Guards! Guards!”, which initiated the City Watch sub-series within the Discworld saga. This series focuses on the exploits of a police force as they solve various mysteries within the bustling city of Ankh-Morpork.

For those seeking a dash of humor in their fantasy adventures, “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett is an excellent pick. You’ll find yourself giggling at the author’s whimsical characters, biting satire, and zany situations as you explore this eccentric world.

While this book may be labeled as the 8th in the Discworld series, don’t let that order bother you excessively – particularly since the initial books in the collection are often considered less impactful compared to later works.

3. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

If you were disappointed by the cancellation of “The Wheel of Time” on Prime Video, don’t let that discourage you from diving into this fantastic series of fantasy books. Your journey begins with “The Eye of the World.

Initially, the TV series adaptation didn’t gain significant favor from fans until its third season, which arrived a bit too late to make a substantial impact. On the other hand, the books started strong, and the initial installment was widely praised as one of the best in the series.

Jordan presents Moiraine Damodred, a sorceress skilled in magic, to us. She embarks on a quest to find the Dragon Reborn – a character destined for rebirth, who represents the world’s last chance against the imminent resurfacing of an age-old menace called The Dark One.

Embarking on an epic journey, I delve into the expansive Wheel of Time saga, a captivating tale that spans an astounding 15 novels. Notably, the final three books were co-authored by Brandon Sanderson, renowned for his creation of the Mistborn series, following the untimely passing of Robert Jordan at just 58 years old.

2. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin

Although the excitement for George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series may have waned due to controversial television interpretations and prolonged delays in releasing the remaining books, it would be missing out on something worthwhile to completely dismiss them.

Regardless if Martin fails to complete the two remaining books in the series, The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring, the five already published novels are so rich in world-building, character development, and awe-inspiring action that they make the time spent on them worthwhile.

In other words, since each novel typically spans around 850 pages and the HBO series didn’t manage to cover everything due to its limitations, it’s worth noting that viewers who stopped at the controversial finale might still find these titles interesting.

In these extensive books, several characters provide different perspectives, some of whom won’t survive as dangerous power struggles lead to lethal and catastrophic outcomes.

These large books feature various viewpoints from multiple characters, many of whom face peril as power struggles escalate, resulting in fatal and devastating results.

1. The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can hardly imagine discussing the realm of fantasy literature without acknowledging and tipping my hat to J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings,” which begins with this captivating volume first published in 1954.

In the realm of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” first published around two decades prior, this three-part series presents a fresh main character named Frodo Baggins and dramatically broadens the larger world in genuinely amazing manners.

In contrast to Smaug, who appears somewhat innocent, Sauron and his followers appear ominous as they plan to obtain a potent magical ring for the Dark Lord. This ring would give him the ability to expand his tyrannical control across all of Middle-earth.

You have the freedom to decide whether you want to begin with The Hobbit or dive right into the more substantial Lord of the Rings books. Tolkien thoughtfully included a recap prologue for readers who choose to skip ahead, and if you’re interested in high-stakes adventures, that might be the better choice for you.

Without a doubt, Tolkien is an essential author for any dedicated fantasy enthusiast. If you’ve already explored his books, it might be worth rediscovering them!

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2025-07-25 16:35