The Ultimate Must-Read Fantasy Series: A Community-Powered List
Fantasy lovers have spent years searching high and low for the ultimate must-read fantasy list. From mountain peaks to deep caverns, they've scoured every recommendation imaginable—when really, they just needed to read this article.
There are countless top ten lists for fantasy books, but many are shaped by personal preference, recent trends, or temporary hype. This list, however, is different. It compiles the ten fantasy series most frequently recommended by fans across various platforms, including YouTube, Discord, Instagram, and book forums. If a series is constantly suggested by fantasy readers across the board, it deserves a spot here.
With that in mind, here are the ten must-read fantasy series that dominate reader recommendations.
1. The Stormlight Archive – Brandon Sanderson
If you spend even a minute in the fantasy community, you'll hear Brandon Sanderson's name. Though Mistborn is another frequently recommended series, The Stormlight Archive seems to top most lists. This epic fantasy series, part of Sanderson's interconnected Cosmere, is one of the largest and most ambitious in the genre. With only four books released so far (out of a planned ten), it already rivals the greats in scale and scope.
The story follows three primary characters: Kaladin, a former soldier turned slave; Shallan, an aspiring scholar with secrets of her own; and Dalinar, a grizzled warlord with a dark past. Sanderson's signature magic system, intricate worldbuilding, and massive tomes make The Stormlight Archive an essential read for fans of epic fantasy.
2. The Realm of the Elderlings – Robin Hobb
If you ask fantasy fans which author will emotionally devastate you the most, the answer is nearly always Robin Hobb. Her Realm of the Elderlings spans sixteen books, broken into several trilogies and series, and is best started with Assassin's Apprentice, the first book in The Farseer Trilogy.
Hobb is renowned for her masterful character work, lyrical prose, and emotionally gripping storytelling. The pacing may be slow at times, but the payoff is immense, making this one of the most beloved fantasy sagas of all time.
3. The Wheel of Time – Robert Jordan
One of the most influential fantasy series ever written, The Wheel of Time consists of fourteen books (plus a prequel), making it a true behemoth. With its classic fantasy tropes—farm boys on epic quests, a dark lord rising, and an intricate magic system—it captures the very essence of the genre.
Though Robert Jordan passed away before completing the series, Brandon Sanderson finished the final three books based on Jordan's notes. Fans universally praise the ending, making this long commitment worth every page.
4. The Kingkiller Chronicle – Patrick Rothfuss
Despite being an incomplete trilogy with only two books published (The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear), The Kingkiller Chronicle remains one of the most highly recommended fantasy series.
Patrick Rothfuss's prose is beautifully crafted, making even mundane moments feel poetic. The story follows Kvothe, a gifted musician and magician, as he recounts his life's tale in a unique framing narrative. The deep worldbuilding, layered mysteries, and lyrical writing make this series a must-read, even if we don't know when (or if) the third book will ever arrive.
5. The First Law Trilogy – Joe Abercrombie
Darker, grittier, and full of snark, The First Law is the epitome of grimdark fantasy. Joe Abercrombie's debut trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings) features morally grey characters, brutal violence, and biting humor.
Fans praise Abercrombie's sharp dialogue, deep character work, and deconstruction of classic fantasy tropes. If you're looking for something dark, witty, and full of unexpected twists, this is the series for you.
6. A Song of Ice and Fire – George R.R. Martin
Known to many as Game of Thrones, this series exploded in popularity thanks to its HBO adaptation. However, the books remain one of the most widely recommended fantasy series of all time.
ASOIAF is filled with political intrigue, morally complex characters, and a willingness to kill off protagonists in shocking fashion. While the series remains unfinished, the five existing books are enough to cement its place as a must-read.
7. Malazan Book of the Fallen – Steven Erikson
If The Stormlight Archive is known for accessibility, Malazan is known for the opposite. Gardens of the Moon, the first book in the ten-book Malazan Book of the Fallen, is often described as confusing, complex, and deeply rewarding once you start to understand it.
Unlike most fantasy series, Erikson drops readers into the middle of an ongoing world without exposition or hand-holding. Yet those who persist often say it's one of the most satisfying reads in the genre. If you love deep lore, intricate plots, and a challenge, this is the series for you.
8. Discworld – Terry Pratchett
Imagine a giant turtle floating through space, carrying elephants that hold up a flat world. That's the setting of Discworld, a 41-book satirical fantasy series that blends humor, philosophy, and adventure.
Unlike many epic fantasy sagas, Discworld doesn't require a strict reading order. Pratchett's witty, whimsical, and thought-provoking writing makes this a unique entry on this list, perfect for those looking for something fun yet meaningful.
9. The Faithful and the Fallen – John Gwynne
John Gwynne's The Faithful and the Fallen is a brutal medieval fantasy saga featuring large-scale battles, fallen gods, and a prophecy-driven narrative. If you enjoy heroic yet grim fantasy with intense action and well-developed characters, this series is highly recommended.
Gwynne's ability to create vivid battle sequences and emotional character arcs makes this a standout modern fantasy series that's only growing in popularity.
10. The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien
No must-read fantasy list is complete without The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's masterwork laid the foundation for modern fantasy, influencing nearly every author on this list.
From the deep lore and worldbuilding to the timeless themes of friendship and sacrifice, LOTR remains an essential read. Even if some aspects feel dated, its influence is undeniable.
Final Thoughts
Do you agree with this list? Are there any series you would swap out for another? Some fans might argue for the inclusion of The Gentleman Bastard series or The Broken Empire trilogy, but the books listed above remain the most consistently recommended in fantasy circles.
What do you think are the true must-reads of the genre? Let us know in the comments!
