14 Best Fantasy Series Ever Reviewed in 2025

Explore the best ever fantasy series, including magical worlds and epic quests, to find your next beloved adventure!
Mistborn: The Final Empire coverThe Hobbit cover

Embarking on a quest to uncover the best ever fantasy series books can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but fear not, dear reader! We’ve handpicked 14 legendary tales that whisk us away to magical worlds filled with intrigue, adventure, and unforgettable characters. We considered enchanting plots, captivating world-building, and the ability to keep us glued to the page way past bedtime. Join us as we explore these spellbinding series, where each book promises to whisk us off on thrilling adventures.

On this list:

14 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

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Who wouldn’t want to attend Hogwarts? We loved the magical world introduced in this first book. Rowling made magic feel real and school exciting. But, don’t forget, all those made-up words can be a tough read sometimes. Believe us, practicing ‘Wingardium Leviosa’ isn’t as easy as Hermione makes it look.

13 Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn: The Final Empire cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 541

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Sanderson gives us a fresh twist with magic based on metals! Ever thought about swallowing metal for superpowers? Neither did we, until we met Vin. It’s a bit of a slow starter though. But once it catches up, it leaves you breathless.

12 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1937
  • Pages: 310

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Goblins, trolls, and a dragon named Smaug. What’s not to love? Tolkien’s classic gives us a world brimming with adventure. Bilbo’s journey is both comedic and thrilling, although sometimes it feels like you’re on the road for eternity!

11 A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 694

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Winter is coming…and so are plot twists. We spent countless nights trying to figure out who’ll survive (spoiler: most don’t!). However, a word of caution, keeping tabs on all those characters can be a brain workout.

10 Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 377

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Greek mythology in a modern world? Count us in! Percy’s relatable struggles make it appealing for young and old alike. But beware, it might make you want to brush up on your Greek myths or risk feeling a bit lost.

9 Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 782

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Jordan crafts a world full of depth and lore. We felt like the characters became family by the end. But, keep your patience strong, the series is as long as a dragon’s tail (literally!).

8 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 662

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Rothfuss spins a tale so engaging, it’s like a campfire story that just keeps going. Kvothe’s journey is unforgettable, but some might find the pacing as slow as a snail on a lazy afternoon.

7 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1950
  • Pages: 208

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Lewis invites us into a wardrobe leading to a whimsical world. Aslan and company left us in awe, but the allegories can be a bit obvious, making it feel less magical at times.

6 His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1995
  • Pages: 399

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Talking armored bears? Pullman’s world has us on the edge of our seats with its daring plots. However, it can be a tad too ‘deep’ for some readers, leaving us pondering life and philosophy.

5 Earthsea: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Earthsea: A Wizard of Earthsea cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1968
  • Pages: 183

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Le Guin’s tale of self-discovery and balance in magic is profound. We admired Ged’s growth and challenges, though the old language style might be a hurdle for some.

4 The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1982
  • Pages: 224

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Desert landscapes, mysterious gunslinger, and a quest that’s not typical King but still gripping! We enjoyed the wild west vibe, although its abstract nature demands a careful read.

3 The Broken Empire: Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

The Broken Empire: Prince of Thorns cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 373

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Gritty and dark—if you like anti-heroes, Jorg is your prince. We found its raw storytelling refreshing. However, be prepared for some graphic content!

2 Discworld: The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett

Discworld: The Colour of Magic cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1983
  • Pages: 206

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Pratchett’s humor shines in a flat world on four elephants. Ridiculous and entertaining, this book had us chuckling, though sometimes it feels like a nonsensical ride without a map.

1 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1954
  • Pages: 423

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Considered the best ever fantasy series by many, Tolkien’s masterpiece takes last place. The Fellowship of the Ring changed the fantasy genre forever. We journeyed with Frodo and friends through every trial, cheering and fearing for them. Middle-earth’s rich lore offers endless discoveries, like an endless bowl of potato chips. But let’s be honest, the dense text might feel like you’re climbing Mount Doom. Nevertheless, it remains a pinnacle of fantasy storytelling. Tolkien’s world-building and the themes of friendship and bravery resonate strongly, setting an unparalleled standard for the genre.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!