There are so many greatfantasybooks out there that it can be hard to know what to read, although there are some novels everyone should check out at least once. From classics of bygone eras to modern hits that connect with contemporary readers, the wealth of clever, fun, and rewarding fantasy literature out there means we’re truly spoiled for choice. It’s important to immerse ourselves in truly great literature and give ourselves over to the few genuinely must-read titles out there.
Thebest fantasy booksallow us to be whisked away to magical worlds but also force us to confront something essential about everyday life. Through beloved characters, epic quests, and timely tales of perseverance,all these fantasy stories offer something special. While many might be aware ofdifferent fantasy adaptationsof these acclaimed works, everyone should do themselves a favor and read the original to experience an all-time great novel.
8Circe (2018)
By Madeline Miller
While many fantasy books conjure totally original worlds, others take the longstanding stories of mythology and present them in a way that connects with modern readers. This was exactly what Madeline Miller did withCirce, a thrilling story that adapted various Greek myths to tell the origin of a divine witch known as Circe. WithHomer’sOdysseyas a primary influence, Circe encounters many mythological figures, including Hermes, the Minotaur, Jason, Medea, and even has a romance with Odysseus.
Circewas notable for taking fantastical mythological stories from thousands of years ago and reconceptualizing them from a feminist perspective. While Circe was a character in theOdyssey, Miller added new depth to her depiction and reimagined her as a heroic figure in her own right. This powerfully echoed the purpose of Greek mythology in the first place as a means through which to understand our society and culture, and shaping ancient myths to fit into the cultural landscape of today was a stroke of genius.
7Kafka on the Shore (2002)
By Haruki Murakami
The Japanese author Haruki Murakami is commonly thought of as one of the greatest living writers of our time, whose blend of introspective characters and magical realism has really struck a chord with readers worldwide. With a vast body of work spanning many genres, a great starting point would be his coming-of-age classicKafka on the Shore. Made up of two interconnected plotlines, the way Murakami combined the tales of the bookish teen Kafka Tamura running away from an Oedipal curse and the elderly, disabled man Satoru Nakata, who can talk with cats, was truly compelling.
Kafka on the Shorewas a rich blend of engaging fantasy, pop culture references, and thoughtful explorations of dreams, fate, and the subconscious. While many of the best-known fantasy books in the Western world were from Anglophone authors, readingKafka on the Shoreis a great way for budding fantasy lovers to dip their toes in other countries’ and cultures' literaturewithout it feeling too alienating. Murakami has a lot of Western sensibilities and influences, so he makes a great starting point for those wishing to check out some Japanese fantasy.
6Small Gods (1992)
By Terry Pratchett
Few fantasy series were more grand and sprawling thanTerry Pratchett’sDiscworld, an epic saga set on a flat planet balanced on the backs of four elephants, which stand on the back of a giant turtle. While reading all 41 novels would be a daunting task, everyone should at least read one, and the standalone storySmall Godswould be a great starting point. Telling the origins of the god Om,Small Godssatirizes philosophy, religion, and the role of belief in people’s lives with the same wit and charm that has characterized much of Pratchett’s work.
With no real follow-ups or prequels, readingSmall Godsis a great way for fantasy readers to decide if they wish to delve more fully into theDiscworldseries. With incredible characters and a story that takes aim at everything from the Spanish Inquisition to the Catholic Church, althoughSmall Godsmay be set in a fantasy world, the things that it mocks and ridicules were certainly relevant to our own.
5One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967)
By Gabriel García Márquez
Gabriel García Márquez’sOne Hundred Years of Solitudewas a literary masterpiece and a profound meditation on family, history, and reality itself. As a multigenerational story of the Buendía family, this exceptional work of magical realism has beenrecognized as a landmark work of Hispanic literature. Set in a world where the supernatural is treated as ordinary, Márquez uses myth and metaphor to explore the complex nature of reality itself.
Through the use of non-linear time and beautiful imagery,One Hundred Years of Solitudetakes readers on a larger-than-life, fate-bound story of tragic destiny. By using fantasy to showcase the repetition of history in the fictional town of Macondo, Márquez powerfully interprets the patterns of Latin American history. WhileOne Hundred Years of Solitudeis a challenging read, everyone should experience its beauty at least once.
4A Wizard of Earthsea (1968)
By Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin explored the importance of humility, responsibility, and self-understanding in her landmark fantasy storyA Wizard of Earthsea. Telling the story of a young mage named Ged, this introspective coming-of-age tale follows the young wizard’s endeavor to free himself from the shadow creature he released during a magical duel. As much a story about defeating a villain as it was about confronting selfhood,A Wizard of Earthseaprovides young readers with the guidance and wisdom they need to become self-assured and enlightened adults.
While the beautifully realized fantasy world ofLe Guin’s novel was a masterclass of worldbuilding, what was even more impressive was the way she weaved a deeply personal story of real emotional weight and spiritual power intoA Wizard of Earthsea. By not shying away from issues relating to shame, guilt, and fear, this incredible story invited readers to confront their own demons and reflect on the complexities of living life truthfully.
3The Princess Bride (1973)
By William Goldman
Many will be aware of the cult favorite movie, Rob Reiner’s movieThe Princess Bride, buteveryone should read William Goldman’s original novel at least once. As a blend of adventure, comedy, fantasy, and drama,The Princess Bridetook readers on a fairy tale journey that pokes fun at the genre’s tropes and cliches. As a metacommentary on the nature of fairy tales themselves,The Princess Bridewas a clever love letter to the ridiculous wonder of fantasy storytelling.
WhileThe Princess Bridewas a knowing satire of all things fantasy, it was also a deeply compelling and emotionally moving story. By showing it’s possible to poke fun at something without being mean-spirited about it, the lighthearted nature ofThe Princess Bridemeans it has endured throughout the decades. As a meta story before being meta became popular, anyone who hasn’t readThe Princess Brideis missing out.
2The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)
By C. S. Lewis
As the first published story set in C. S. Lewis’s fantasy world,The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobemarked the beginning ofThe Chronicles of Narniaand remains one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. As a portal fantasy that saw the young Pevensie children discovering a wardrobe that transports them to a magical world, few books can match the power of Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter encountering this wondrous realm for the very first time.
While Narnia was an awe-inspiring land filled with magical and mythical creatures, it was also a world in peril as it was ruled by the evil White Witch. With the Pevensie children’s arrival in Narnia, a long-foretold prophecy was set in motion, and the children embark on a quest to save Narnia and their own lives. As a true fantasy classic,The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobewas packed with thematic depth, asLewis was informed by his own Christian beliefs, and many aspects of the story were allegories for biblical teachings.
1The Hobbit (1937)
By J. R. R. Tolkien
Of course, J. R. R. Tolkien will be the first writer many think of when it comes to the fantasy genre, but the three-part epicThe Lord of the Ringscan feel like a far too daunting task for a newcomer to the fantasy genre. Instead, if you were only going to read a Tolkien book, the best place to start isThe Hobbit, a far more digestible journey into the world of Middle-earth. As a prequel toLOTR,The Hobbittells the story ofBilbo Baggins’ quest to reclaim the dwarves' home and treasure from the dragon Smaug.
As one of the great adventure tales of the 20th century,The Hobbitis a must-read fantasy book that marked the inception point of one of the most complex and well-known fantasy worlds ever envisioned. This was where characters like Gandalf, Gollum, and plenty of iconic creatures were introduced for the first time, and those who take a liking to the story will have a wealth of other books and related literature to dive into. WhileLOTRwas also a must-readfantasy,The Hobbitstands as a great starting point.
