High fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy fiction that is set in an entirely fictional world or universe, often with its own rules, history, cultures, and sometimes even languages. It typically features epic storylines, heroic quests, and clear battles between good and evil.
High fantasy books immerse readers in expansive, enchanted realms. Where monumental battles between good and evil occur. These books are renowned for their intricate world-building. They have complex characters and grand plots encompassing extensive geography and history. Usually, the settings abound in legendary monsters, potent sorcery, and complex political conflicts. High fantasy books let readers flee into other realms where magic, fate, and adventure change fates and heroes rise. These books provide a variety of fascinating experiences regardless of your taste in epic searches or complex political intrigue. You can also check the best fantasy books of all time.
Best High Fantasy Books
Readers who yearn for vivid worlds loaded with magic, adventure, and rich character development can find great delight in high fantasy books. Often including intricate heroes and villains with their paths intersecting with more than life situations, these tales have themes of bravery, camaraderie, sacrifice, and the conflict between good and evil. Rich, creative worlds where every action and choice has long-lasting effects are something high fantasy writers shine at producing. These books provide an unforgettable trip to ancient worlds. You can find epic conflicts or challenging political environments.
1. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn Trilogy
The trilogy is a cornerstone work of modern high fantasy. Simon, a small kitchen apprentice, takes the front stage in the story. That is a fantastic journey to fight the evil powers threatening the domain. Williams finely creates world-building and multifarious character development. It covers ideas of fate, sacrifice, and treachery. Therefore, it makes this trilogy indispensable for readers of epic fantasy. The richness of the series is well-known. Many also believe it greatly affected later pieces such as A Song of Ice and Fire. The Dragonbone Chair was published in 1990. It has 716 pages. Stone of Farewell was out in 1992. It has 832 pages. The Green Angel Tower was released in 1993. It has 1,024 pages
Tad Williams is an American novelist. He is relatively well-known for his contributions to the subgenre of high fantasy. The trilogy was published in the 1990s. The trilogy is among the most potent pieces of contemporary fantasy writing. Among his other fantasies and science fiction pieces are Otherland and The Dragonbone Chair.
Length: 2,572 pages, 3 books.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Omnibus edition
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5
2. The Stormlight Archive
It is one of the most aspirational high fantasy shows ever produced. Set in Roshar’s storm-torn environment. It presents an elaborate political terrain. It has the old orders of knights and a distinctive magic system. The Way of Kings is the first Book. It begins the narrative of heroes such as Kaladin Stormblessed and Shallan Davar. They negotiate both the inside and outside challenges. It is a perfect modern fantasy. The Book features complex world-building. Its character-driven narratives are epic. The Way of Kings was published in 2010. It covers 1,007 pages. Words of Radiance was released in 2014. It contains 1,088 pages. The Dawnshard was in 2020. It has 192 pages. The Rhythm of War has 1,200 pages. Lastly, the Wind and Truth has 1,344 pages.
Brandon Sanderson is an American writer. Well-known for his epic fantasy novels. His works reveal deep philosophical concerns. He focuses on world-building. His books have sophisticated magic systems. After Robert Jordan passed away, he was chosen to complete his The Wheel of Time series. It validates his place in the fantasy genre.
Length: Approximately 4,820 pages, 5 books
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Audible editions
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5
3. The Malazan Book of the Fallen
The Book will take the reader throughout a somewhat complicated universe. It comprises gods, warriors, and old magic. The show is renowned for its convoluted storylines. It has a rich legacy. Moreover, it contains ethically dubious characters. Gardens of the Moon opens readers to the large Malazan Empire. There are several factions influencing its fate in the first novel. Many admirers of Erikson’s writings value their great scope and thorough world-building. Gardens of the Moon was the first book released in 1999. It has 700 pages. The Deadhouse Gates was published in 2000. Also, it has 1,000 pages. The third book, Memories of Ice, was released in 2001. It has 1,200 pages
Steven Erikson is a Canadian author. Best known for his Malazan Book of the Fallen series. His work is famous for its complex narratives. His books offer broad world-building and intense philosophical issues. His books have been shaped by his scholarly background in anthropology and archaeology.
Length: 11,406 pages, 10 volumes.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Complete Collection
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
4. The Riddle-Master Trilogy
The trilogy is a poetic high fantasy series combining the search for identity with myth and magic. Morgon, the Prince of Hed, takes the stage in the story. He is trying to understand riddles. That unveils the riddles of his mysterious past. McKillip’s books show how world-building and language mirror classic fantasy works. It offers readers an immersive experience. The Riddle-Master of Hed was in 1976. It has only 200 pages. The Heir of Sea and Fire was released in 1977. It contains nearly 200 pages. Lastly, The Harpist in the Wind was out in 1979. It has 200 pages
Patricia A. McKillip is an American author. She has a poetic approach to fantasy writing. Her works frequently probe ideas of myth, magic, and identity. Her Riddle- Master trilogy is what most people know about her. For her work, McKillip has earned many honors. That covers the World Fantasy Award as well.
Length: 600 pages, 3 books.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Omnibus Edition
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5
5. The Lightbringer Series
The Series is an epic high fantasy saga. That combines an original magic system grounded in light. It also boasts interesting politics and intense action. Gavin Guile is the strongest man in the world. He negotiates personal treachery, political intrigue, and war. The first book, The Black Prism, presents a universe in which magic comes from light and color. It shows that the ability has far-reaching effects. The Black Prism was released in 2010. It has 640 pages. Also, The Blinding Knife was out in 2012. That has 704 pages. The Broken Eye was published in 2014. It has 736 pages.
Brent Weeks is an American author. Best known for his Lightbringer series and the Night Angel Trilogy. The rich stories, sophisticated characters, and original magic systems define weeks’ books. Weeks was a writer and editor for a publishing company before writing full-time.
Length: 3,720 pages, 5 books
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Boxed Set
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
6. The Symphony of Ages
This grand narrative combines adventure with fantasy. Presenting a world rich in politics, magic, and history. The narrative centers on Rhapsody, a lady with an enigmatic past, negotiating a planet close to conflict. In a nation with legendary animals and ancient magic, the show explores ideas of love, fate, and the power of music.
Elizabeth Haydon is an American author of epic fantasy. Well-known for her Symphony of Ages. Beginning with Rhapsody, the series has drawn compliments for its original use of music. The book examines existential concerns. That includes love, fate, and sacrifice. Haydon has been writing full-time. Since the time her first book was released in 1999.
Length: 2,740 pages, 9 books
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Omnibus Edition
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
7. The Dagger and the Coin Series
The show is a unique combination of political suspense and high fantasy. Set in a universe where diplomacy and commerce influence events. Also, magic and warfare play an essential role here. The show centers on a few central characters. They negotiate a world about to tip toward conflict. That looks at ideas of morality, power, and the nature of ambition.
Daniel Abraham is an American author. His output mainly consists of science fiction and fantasy. His series of The Dagger and the Coin is well-known. His creations fall within the Expanse series. That had co-written under the pen name James S.A. That has been under a pen name, Corey with Ty Franck. Rich character development in Abraham’s works is much sought after. His writings investigate the intricate political structures.
Length: 2,744 pages, 5 books
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Complete collection
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
8. The Crown of Stars Series
The show is a wide-ranging, high fantasy story. Set on a planet about to be destroyed. The narrative calls for a large ensemble of individuals. That covers academics, troops, and noblewomen. All are also negotiating war and political instability. Elliott builds worlds with great complexity. Her characters also really are pretty human. That gives the epic size of the story levels of emotional complexity.
Kate Elliott is an American author. Her best creations belong in an epic fantasy series. That comprises The Spiritwalker Trilogy and Crown of Stars. Her work stands out for its great world-building. She creates nuanced characters. She studied political and social systems in great detail. Among readers, Elliott’s books have acquired a devoted following.
Length: 4,320 pages, 7 books.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Omnibus Edition
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
9. The Banished Lands Series
The show is an exciting, high-fantasy action story. It is rife in conflict, treachery, and the struggle between good and evil. It covers three parts. Those are Ruin, Valor, and Malice. The show stars several heroes. They fight against forces darkening their planet. Vibrant battle scenes and quick action in Gwynne’s literature are well-known.
John Gwynne is a British author known for his remarkable series. Norse mythology shapes Gwynne’s work significantly. Fast-paced action in his stories is well-known. Their character arcs are rich. Each of his books investigates the moral issues in a society devastated by war. In the bleak dark fantasy subgenre, he is a well-known person.
Length: 1600 pages, 3 books.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Boxed Set
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5
10. The Eternal Champion Cycle
It is a collection of high fantasy stories. That lines up with Melnibone’s hero, Elric. He is a conflicted anti-hero. He finds his fate difficult. The show runs with ideas of anarchy and order and the cost of power. Plus, the never-ending reincarnation cycle. It has had a significant impact on the high fantasy genre.
Michael Moorcock is an English author and editor. Mostly recognized for his Eternal Champion cycle. It comprises the Melnibone character Elric. Moorcock is among the main players in the evolution of contemporary fantasy. That combines existential philosophy with mythological, sword and sorcery ideas. In science fiction and fantasy, he has been significant.
Length: 1,200 pages, 3 books.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Omnibus Edition
Ratings: 4.3 out of 5
11. The Books of Pellinor
It is an engrossing high fantasy narrative. In a realm of magic and old prophecies. The show centers on Maerad, a girl with a great destiny. Her paths must subdue a menacing power endangering her planet. Fans of epic fantasy will find Croggon’s series delightful. It has a beautifully spun plot and excellent character development.
Alison Croggon is an Australian author. Notable for the epic fantasy trilogy The Books of Pellinor. Those cover The Naming, The Riddle, and The Crow. Croggon’s work in children’s and young adult fantasy has brought her several honors. Her poetic language, sophisticated character, and thematic study are well-known and praised by readers.
Length: 2,000 pages, 4 books.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Complete Collection
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
12. The Shadowmarch Series
It is a classic fantasy. Set in a universe where the fate of nations, politics, and magic entwine. The show centers on numerous individuals from many spheres of life. They negotiate the demands of war, revolt, and treachery. This trilogy stands out in high fantasy because of Williams’s subtle characters and profound world-building.
Tad Williams is well-known for his epic tales. He is an American author. His writings frequently probe complex subjects of morality, fate, and magic. Williams has had a long run in fantasy writing. His books’ deep world-building and provocative storylines have much praised.
Length: 2,160 pages, 3 books
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Omnibus Edition
Ratings: 4.3 out of 5
13. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant
The story follows the journey of Thomas Covenant. A leper is sent to a magical world. Where he turns from a hesitant hero. The depth of philosophy in the series is well-known. That explores sorrow and power. It highlights the part the reluctant hero plays in an epic fantasy environment.
He works on a series of gloomy and philosophical high fantasies. The way Donaldson explores existential and moral issues is highly valued. His presentation of the hesitant hero has inspired generations of fantasy writers.
Length: 1,120 pages, 3 books.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Boxed Set
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5
14. The Lyonesse Trilogy
The trilogy is a typical high fantasy sequence. Set in a realm influenced by myth and legend from Arthurian tales. It offers a remarkable fusion of enchantment, mystery, and treachery. The show centers on the strife among several groups fighting for dominance in a country dotted with gods, monsters, and old prophecies.
Jack Vance was an American author. He died in 2013. His works are characterized by imaginative world-building and philosophical themes. His best creation is his Lyonesse trilogy. That combined aspects of myth, fantasy, and classic narrative. Modern fantasy has a significant impact on Vance’s work.
Length: 1,386 pages, 3 books.
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: Complete Trilogy
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
15. The Inheritance of Loss
The book combines fantasy bits with magical realism. It looks at the life of those stuck between the colonial past. That also highlights the present globalized nature. It explores themes of identity, power, and struggle. It is not a conventional high fantasy. Consequently, that qualifies as a singular entry into the more general category.
Kiran Desai is an Indian author. She won the Booker Prize for her novel The Inheritance of Loss. Desai writes about complex themes rather frequently. It covers identity, migration, and the complexity of post-colonial life. Her emotional depth and lyrical language are well-known.
Length: 357 pages
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Latest Edition: 20th Anniversary Edition
Ratings: 4.2 out of 5
Anyone who yearns for adventure and limitless imagination will find transforming power in reading high fantasy books. These books are portals into vast universes where power, morality, and identity are examined profoundly. Sometimes it is complicated, not only as an escape. Set against worlds where the unimaginable becomes conceivable. The high fantasy lets readers go on heroic adventures and face difficult moral conundrums. It negotiates the complex web of fate and choice. Immersion in these painstakingly created worlds exposes breathtaking scenery and legendary creatures. It helps us see fresh angles on our planet.
The genre keeps flourishing since it speaks to our natural need for adventure. Thus, it encourages us to question the nature of fate, heroism, and the very powers influencing our lives. High fantasy invites us to think, consider, and widen our conception of what is feasible, not only providing entertainment value.
