2025’s Best Fantasy Books of All Time: Top 8

Explore the best fantasy books of all time; epic adventures, magic realms, unforgettable characters, and timeless battles await readers.

The Name of the Wind coverMistborn: The Final Empire coverThe Lies of Locke Lamora cover

When it comes to the best fantasy books of all time, we focus on tales that whisk us away to enchanted lands and grip our imaginations. Whether it’s wit, epic quests, or awe-inspiring world-building, each book we chose offers something unique for every fantasy lover. Without spoiling the magic, let’s just say these eight legendary tales have kept us up far too late. Grab your weapon of choice—whether it’s a staff or a wand—and let’s embark on this literary adventure!

On this list:

8 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind cover

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

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Kvothe’s tale draws us in with magic, music, and mystery. Rothfuss delivers a story as rich as a chocolate cake. Who doesn’t love cake?

7 Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn: The Final Empire cover

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

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A heist story with metal-born magic? Yes, please! Sanderson hooks readers with a unique magic system and an epic tale of rebellion.

6 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Crime
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 722

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Fantasy meets Ocean’s Eleven! Lynch keeps us entertained with witty dialogues and thrilling twists and turns. It’s a rollercoaster of fun!

5 Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

Good Omens cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 412

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A funny apocalypse saga! Gaiman and Pratchett pair up to deliver laughs with a side of existential dread. Perfect for a gloomy day.

4 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

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

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Bilbo’s journey to Smaug’s lair is pure joy. Tolkien sets the golden standard for fantasy with whimsy and adventure.

3 A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

A Game of Thrones cover

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

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Winter’s coming and so is a lot of drama! Martin’s layered plot and characters keep us hooked and wanting more.

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

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

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A boy wizard enters a magical realm, sparking our love for Hogwarts. Rowling’s debut is a spell-binding introduction to fantasy!

1 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings cover

  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1954
  • Pages: 1178

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This epic saga is the granddaddy of them all. Tolkien’s masterpiece is unmatched in world-building and depth, making it the ultimate fantasy book.

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!