Epic fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy literature that features grand, large-scale narratives set in richly imagined worlds, often involving a heroic quest, high-stakes conflicts between good and evil, and complex characters whose actions determine the fate of entire nations or worlds.
Every reader should read these fifteen epic fantasy books that provide much more than pure escapism, thrilling tales of magic and adventure. Even though these stories are imaginary, they reflect the real world’s complexity and explore deep, meaningful themes about human life and emotions. They delve into heavy issues like bravery, friendship, betrayal, love, loss, and the struggle between light and dark forces. Of course, the extraordinary, emotional depths and philosophical issues keep them classic.
Best Epic Fantasy Books
These top 12 epic fantasy books are legends, some of which have shaped the genre while continually defining it for generations. They are each packed with extraordinary characters who take us to the edge of heroism in one way or another and encourage us to do things for ourselves that we would not have known were possible beforehand. Their influence is in their writing and how readers give enduring wisdom, steady courage, and deeper understanding, continuing long after we read the last page. These stories are a good reminder that anything is possible, in fiction and life — and that an opportunity for growth awaits in every crisis.
1. The Inheritance Trilogy
The trilogy is a complex epic story. It has a multi-layered fantasy. That set where gods walk among mortals. The story revolves around Yeine Darr, a young woman thrust into a brutal competition to determine the future ruler of a vast empire. She discovers not only the fractured and turbulent relationships among the gods. But it’s also the repository of dark secrets about her lineage. The trilogy explores concepts such as power, revenge, and family. Also, it shows the impact of divine beings on mortal life. It is famous for its world-building. Further, it blends politics with sacred mythology. It has richly developed characters that reflect complex moralities.
N.K. Jemisin is an award-winning American writer. She is known primarily for her genre-bending work in science fiction and fantasy. She is a recipient of multiple Hugo Awards. That even includes the trilogy of Broken Earth. And that has been highly praised. Jemisin’s books are known for their complex discussions. They contain complex topics like race, identity, and social systems. Sometimes, they eschew the norms of conventional speculative fiction. Her work is known for her lyrical style. The publication date of the book is December 9, 2014 by the publisher Orbit. The book contains 1368 pages.
Length: 1368 pages per book
Formats: Kindle, Paperback
Latest Version: Combined
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars
2. The Riyria Revelations
The series is not one of those things that drag on painfully. The series has a high fantasy classic feel, with plenty of intrigue, action, and a delightful pair of thieves. The tale is of Hadrian Blackwater, an aristocrat who becomes a mercenary. Also, the story involves Royce Melborn, a talented, jaded thief. They become embroiled in a twisted plot of political machinations, black magic, and long-buried secrets. The books are famous for their engaging narrative. There is also some banter and a growing relationship between the two leads. The show is full of plot twists and turns, set against a world of rich history and memorable characters.
Michael J. Sullivan is an American author. Also, he self-published the Riyria Revelations series. That he’s known for. It was then later picked up by major publishers. Sullivan is known for delivering old-fashioned fantasy, with nods to J.R.R. Tolkien and Robert Jordan, not to mention frisky characters and likable rogues. He is best known for stories marked by character and humor but with slow-burn epic series, comedy, and old-school, high-stakes fairy tension that appeals to fans of the genre.
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Kindle Edition
3. The Green Bone Saga
It is a modern fantasy series, set in the fictional city of Janloon. Powerful families vie for control over jade. Its precious substance grants its users supernatural abilities. The story centers on the Kaul family. Further, who must navigate shifting political alliances. Plus, the consequences of power and personal loyalty in a world where violence and betrayal are commonplace. Lee combines rich world-building with intricate family dynamics. That creates a contemporary and fantastical world. The series tackles family, honor, and identity themes. Also, it explores how far one will go to protect their legacy and loved ones.
Fonda Lee is a Canadian author. Her writing crosses fantasy, science fiction, and crime fiction. Her most popular work is the Green Bone Saga. It has been widely known for taking an original spin on the fantasy genre. Plus, it is an Asian-inspired world with deep themes of family and loyalty. Lee’s work has garnered critical attention; she has also nominated for a Hugo Award. She resonates with readers who like complicated people and moral thickness. The first book, Jade City, was released on November 7, 2017. Moreover, Orbit has published all the books in the series. The series has three books, approximately 1808 pages.
Length: 1808 pages, three books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback, Trade Paperback
Latest Version: Jade Legacy hardcover
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars
4. The Dandelion Dynasty
It is an epic fantasy series of all time. That melds Asian history, philosophy, and complex world-building. Inspired by the politics of the Ottoman Empire, the books unfold in the made-up empire of Dara as powerful families rise and fall. It’s a mess of politics, warfare, and innovation. The tale brings readers into a world where technology, magic, and philosophy intersect. Yet the characters’ quests for power and justice play out against dynastic warfare and cultural turmoil. The series delves into governance, reform, and humanity’s price for progress.
Ken Liu is an acclaimed American author of Chinese descent. He is known for writing science fiction and fantasy novels. He is known for mixing Asian cultural themes with speculative fiction. And that makes stories that both the personal and the universal can resonate in. He is famous for translating Chinese works into English. He has received several Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards for his work in the field. The series’ first book, Grace of Kings, was published on April 7, 2015, with around 640 pages. The series’ second book, The Wall of Storms, was published on October 4, 2016, and is about 880 pages. The third novel in the series, The Veiled Throne, was published on December 7, 2021, running to 1008 pages. The fourth and final book in the series, Speaking Bones, was published on June 21, 2022, and is 1008 pages long. The Saga Press has published all the books.
Length: Approximately 3,552 pages, Four Books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
Latest Version: The Dandelion Dynasty Boxset (Books 1–4)
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
5. The Powder Mage Trilogy
The trilogy is an inventive epic fantasy series. Also, it blends magic and gunpowder. That creates a unique and gritty world where the power of gunpowder and chemistry reshapes the nature of warfare. The story centers around Field Marshal Tamas, the revolutionary captain. The series shows his battle against a corrupt monarchy. The show looks at power and revolution in society, with the added difficulty of how the military affects things. McClellan’s world bristles with political intrigue and dynamic action, and many of its magic systems feel grounded in reality.
Brian McClellan is an American epic fantasy author known for writing in the Powder Mage Trilogy, combining the genres of traditional fantasy and gunpowder adventurism. McClellan’s writing is full of action, characters with depth, and unique magic systems. His works frequently have strong, morally ambiguous protagonists who grapple with themes of loyalty, rebellion, and the cost of war. he series’ first book, Promise of Blood, was published on April 16, 2013. Also, it has approximately 545 pages. The second, The Crimson Campaign, released on May 6, 2014. It is 596 pages long. The third and final book, The Autumn Republic, was published on February 10, 2015. It covers around 592 pages. Moreover, Orbit Books has published all of these books.
Length: Approximately 1,733 pages across three books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook.
Latest Version: The Powder Mage Trilogy Omnibus Edition
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
6. The Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne
It is an excellent epic fantasy book series. It explores power, destiny, and family. The show centers on three siblings and their problems and pursuits. Our heroes get caught up in a race against time to stop a war and save the empire. Assassin’s to political drama, the series has intricate plots and characters. It also gives readers a story of survival and revenge. Plus, it shows the brutal business of empire-building.
Brian Staveley is an American fantasy writer for his contributions to epic fantasy. His Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne work has been lauded for its detailed world-building, complex character development, and discussions around loyalty and the price of power. Staveley’s writing is often praised for its dark and gritty tone. That contrasts perfectly the high-stakes adventure with emotional depth. The series’ first book, The Emperor’s Blades, was published on January 14, 2014. Further, it covers approximately 480 pages. The second book, The Providence of Fire, was released on January 13, 2015. It is about 576 pages long. The third and final book, The Last Mortal Bond, was published on March 15, 2016. It runs to 672 pages. Also, Tor Books has published all the books.
Length: Approximately 1,728 pages, 3 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook.
Latest Version: The Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne eBook bundle
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
7. The Faithful and the Fallen
The classic fantasy series boasts an opulent world with warriors. It has gods and mysterious creatures in a battle between good and evil. It’s about a band of characters during an epic struggle between forces of light and dark. With themes of honor, sacrifice, and destiny, Gwynne crafts a world – a journey – where the lines between hero and villain are not always so easily defined. Well, Tattoo was action-packed, full of superb world-building and great relationships.
John Gwynne is a British epic fantasy author. He is known for his Faithful and the Fallen series. His writing is heavily influenced by traditional fantasy. He focuses on epic battles and complex characters. His art shows morally ambiguous themes. The series’ first book, Malice, was published on December 3, 2013. It has approximately 656 pages. The second, Valor, was published on July 22, 2014. Further, it is about 649 pages long. The third novel in the series, Ruin, was released on July 14, 2015. It runs to 704 pages. The fourth and final book in the series, Wrath, was published on November 17, 2016. It is 720 pages long. The Orbit has published all the books.
Length: Approximately 2,729 pages, 4 books.
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook.
Latest Version: The Faithful and the Fallen 4-Book Collection Set
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
8. The Licanius Trilogy
The trilogy is a twisting time travel tale full of intricate world-building, magic, and power struggles. The narrative tells the story of a boy who is called Caeden. He becomes embroiled in a world of magical conspiracies and horrific truths while grappling with his shattered past. The show deals with the issues of free will, the nature of fate, and the consequences of time travel. It has lots of twists and well-rendered characters. The Licanius Trilogy keeps readers guessing to the very end.
James Islington is an Australian fantasy writer best known for his debut series, The Licanius Trilogy. His novels are often extensive, well-researched, and sometimes esoteric in subject matter. Islington’s writing is classic without being dated, a combination of straightforward fantasy with bits of new flair, which makes the series accessible and alluring for fans of intricate and nuanced stories. The first book of a trilogy, The Shadow of What Was Lost, was released by Orbit Books on November 8, 2016. It has a total of 736 pages. An Echo of Things to Come, the second book, was published on August 22, 2017. Further, it is about 752 pages long. The third and final book, The Light of All That Falls, was published on December 10, 2019, running to 864 pages. The Orbit Books has published all the books.
Length: 2,352 pages, 3 books.
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook.
Latest Version: The Licanius Trilogy 3-Book Collection Set
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
9. The Chronicles of Prydain
It is a popular fantasy series based on Welsh mythology for young adults in a mythical land. The series follows Taran, an assistant pig-keeper, on his journey to becoming a hero and rallying various forces to join the cause to save the land. Taran is joined in his quest by a colorful cast full of strengths and flaws, as one would expect. The series combines the themes of adventure, magic, eternal friendship, bravery, and the self.
The first novel in the series, The Book of Three, was published on March 12, 1964. It’s around 190 pages or so. The 2nd book, The Black Cauldron, was released on August 5, 1965. It is about 182 pages long. The series’ third book, The Castle of Llyr, was released on March 3, 1966, and is 174 pages long. The fourth, Taran Wanderer, was released in 1967. Also, it has 222 pages. The High King is the fifth and last book in the series, published on October 27, 1968. Lastly, it has 253 pages. Moreover, Henry Holt and Company has published all the books.
Lloyd Alexander was a prolific and successful American author of the fantasy genre. The Chronicles of Prydain are among the most widely read and acclaimed fantasy works. Alexander’s work regularly features themes of self-discovery. His work focuses on the hero’s journey. Also, he has been called “a master of crafting tales that appeal to both young readers and adults.
Length: 1,021 pages, 5 books.
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook.
Latest Version: The Chronicles of Prydain Boxed Set
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
10. The Black Company
It is a gritty, military-focused fantasy saga. The latter follows a group of mercenaries performing their wayward through the mess of war. The mysterious Croaker takes command of the company to serve the enigmatic and shadowy, powerful lords of the world by fighting both friends and men. The series is famous for its gritty depiction of soldiers fighting in battle and how war trauma can strip away at the essence and humanity of the soldiers as people. There are a total of ten books in the series. Also, Tor Books has published all the books.
Glen Cook is an American speculative fiction author. He is best known for his Black Company series and is among the pioneers of dark, gritty fantasy and grimdark subgenres. Cook’s work has been noted for its realism, including squaddies and violence at war. He is credited as an influence by dozens of other fantasy authors, and his impact on the combat-oriented elements in that genre will last for decades among fans of fantasy literature.
Length: 3,200 pages, 10 books.
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook.
Latest Version: The Chronicles of the Black Company Omnibus Editions
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars
11. The Monarchies of God
It is a dark and complex fantasy series. That delves into themes of religion, politics, and war in a world teetering on the edge of obliteration. The plot follows several competing factions who struggle for power in a world influenced by religious turmoil and military warfare. It’s a narrative laden with morally gray characters, epic battles, and a deep examination of faith and its impact on society.
Hawkwood’s Voyage, the first book in the series, was released in 1995. It is 382 pages long. The sequel, The Heretic Kings, was released in 1996. It is a 320 page novel. The third book, The Iron Wars, was released in 1999. Also, it is 255 pages long. The fourth book, The Second Empire, was released in 2000. It consisted of around 294 pages. The fifth and final novel in the series, Ships from the West, appeared in 2002. It is 296 pages in length.
Paul Kearney is a British author. He is best known for his epic and historical fantasies. His book The Monarchies of God has become one of his most successful series. A film version is currently being developed with a major Hollywood studio. Kearney counterbalances luminous world-building with potent character-driven storytelling. His work shows the complexities of humans in all their glory and guile.
Length: 1,547 pages, 5 books.
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook.
Latest Version: Two omnibus editions: Hawkwood and the Kings (Books 1–2) and Century of the Soldier (Books 3–5)
Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars
12. The Long Price Quartet
It is a refreshed and meaningful ‘portal’ fantasy combining politics, magic, and personal turmoil. Plot Summary of Shinmai Maou no Testament The story is set in a world where the power of magic is formulated by the ritualistic binding of spirits, i.e., Magic beings appear and are made to appear according to whatever emotion is used to call them and their power depends upon the power/mass of those emotions. The show follows several characters treading the turf of changing allegiances and dealing with their consequences. The books are marked by slow-building tension, complex character development, and an investigation of power dynamics.
The first novel in the series, A Shadow in Summer, was released on March 7, 2006, and is approximately 336 pages. The second book in the series is A Betrayal in Winter, which was released on August 21, 2007, and is approximately 320 pages. The third book of the series, An Autumn War, was released on July 22, 2008, and is 366 pages long. The fourth and final book in the series is The Price of Spring, which has 348 pages and was released on July 21, 2009.
Daniel Abraham is an American speculative fiction writer. His Long Price Quartet is admired for its original magic systems and complex philosophical concepts. Abraham’s writing is, in part, so notable for its subtlety: his stories are about character development and the moral challenges the powerful confront. He has also worked with George R. R. Martin as the co-editor of the Wild Cards series.
Length: 1,370 pages, 4 books.
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook.
Latest Version: The Long Price Quartet: The Complete Quartet omnibus edition
Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
So, in a nutshell, immersing yourself in these epic fantasy books will gives you a great chance to escape into the world of imagination. Whether it is beautifully complex world-building, incredible character development, or hard-hitting themes, fantasy literature allows us to see the world in new ways and ponder the one we already have.
These books may entertain and even more, will enable us to be creative and understand others, reminding us that there are more things outside our minds and they welcome use to open them to new people and tales. Every story sends the reader on a voyage that expands the mind, stretches the imagination, and, most importantly, offers hope and inspiration. Ultimately, the most outstanding fantasy books let you see the world in a whole new way. They are works of the highest pedigree and are suitable for all ages.
