2024’s Best Fantasy Novels of All Time: Top 6

Listing the best fantasy novels of all time, 'The Lord of the Rings' leads with epic adventures and magical realms.
The Hobbit coverA Game of Thrones cover

Hold onto your wizard hats, folks! We are about to embark on a magical journey through the best fantasy novels of all time. We’ve carefully chosen tales that transport readers to worlds full of dragons, epic battles, and mind-bending magic. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler of fantastical lands or a newcomer to the genre, this list considers storytelling depth, world-building, and sheer entertainment value. So, buckle up as we unveil six mesmerizing adventures that have enchanted readers and earned their spots as the best fantasy novels of all time.

On this list:

6 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 Baggins in ‘The Hobbit’ is the hero we never knew we needed. A tiny hobbit with a huge spirit, he embarks on a wild adventure. This book sets the stage for Tolkien’s epic world. Its magic is timeless and perfect for anyone starting their fantasy journey.

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

A Game of Thrones cover

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

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Winter is coming! The book where it all began. ‘A Game of Thrones’ is dark, but oh-so-rewarding. We love the complex characters and intricate plots. This book keeps us guessing, gasping, and sometimes groaning (the good kind). It’s a wild ride not for the faint of heart.

4 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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Who doesn’t want to get their Hogwarts letter? This book casts a spell over us every time! Meeting Harry, Ron, and Hermione for the first time never gets old. It’s got magic, mystery, and a train you wish you could ride.

3 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind cover

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

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Kvote—our mysterious, musical hero—tells his story in this spellbinding novel. We were hooked by his haunting journey. The book’s poetry and magic make us want to read it again. It’s a fantasy must-read with its own unique charm.

2 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora cover

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

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Thieves are clever, and Locke Lamora is no exception. This tale is packed with wit and twists. We never know who’s conning who. Lynch crafts an unforgettable heist story that makes stealing look like an art form.

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

The Lord of the Rings cover

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

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Tolkien’s masterpiece, ‘The Lord of the Rings’, is more than a book; it’s an epic adventure. We chose it as the best among the best fantasy novels of all time because its world-building is unparalleled. It’s a journey of friendship, bravery, and the fight against darkness. From the Shire to Mount Doom, we walk alongside iconic characters. This book’s influence on fantasy literature is massive. It’s like bread and butter, peanut butter and jelly—it just belongs. Every reading brings new discoveries and emotions. It’s a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations of readers and writers.

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!