11 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time in 2025

Discover the best fantasy novels of all time, featuring timeless tales that transport readers to worlds of magic and wonder.
The Hobbit coverA Song of Ice and Fire coverThe Name of the Wind cover

Finding the best fantasy novels of all time can be as tricky as navigating a dragon’s lair. We’ve scoured the realms for the most thrilling, magical, and awe-inspiring stories that captivate the imagination. Our focus lies in fantasy worlds that not only transport readers but make them feel part of the quest. Each book on our list offers something unique—whether it’s unforgettable characters, intricate plot twists, or worlds so vivid you’ll wonder if magic truly exists. Let’s embark on this enchanting journey together, shall we?

On this list:

11 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

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

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Ah, ‘The Hobbit’! More nostalgic than an old pair of slippers, right? It’s epitomizing fantasy and adventure. Gandalf, dwarves, a dragon, and, of course, Bilbo Baggins. We read it with a big grin on our faces and felt like we were back in childhood. Perfect for new fantasy readers as it introduces them to the ‘best fantasy novels of all time’ vibe.

10 A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

A Song of Ice and Fire cover

  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 694 (A Game of Thrones)

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Brace yourself: Drama and dragons are coming! With more betrayal than a high school cafeteria, Martin’s series is epic in scope and gripping till the last word.

9 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind cover

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

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Kvothe’s tale is a mix of emotions and magic. It’s like a fantasy you thought you imagined but couldn’t remember. Unexpectedly captivating!

8 Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn: The Final Empire cover

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

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Magic with metals! Sanderson hooks readers with a unique magic system and a ragtag group of heroes. Feel like you’ll want to re-read chapters with friends just to dissect the cleverness.

7 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 223

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Honestly, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of this one. Enchanting from page one, Harry Potter brings magic in spades!

6 American Gods by Neil Gaiman

American Gods cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 465

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Gaiman blends the divine with the mundane, creating a novel that feels like a carnival ride of myths and legends. It gives you chills and chuckles.

5 The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1950
  • Pages: 767 (Complete Collection)

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More than just a wardrobe, it’s like visiting a relative’s house filled with endless tales. A classic that feels like coming home.

4 The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

The Wheel of Time cover

  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 782 (The Eye of the World)

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This series is huge! Both in scope and in the number of books. Jordan’s world-building is magical, with endless layers to unravel.

3 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora cover

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

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Heists in a fantasy world. It’s like if Ocean’s Eleven was set in Middle Earth. Brilliantly entertaining and full of twists.

2 The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence

The Broken Empire Trilogy cover

  • Genre: Dark Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 384

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We picked this one for its gritty, dark take on fantasy. The protagonist journeys through a brutal world with an engaging plot.

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

The Lord of the Rings cover

  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1954
  • Pages: 1178 (Full Trilogy)

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Why is this the best? Well, because it’s the epic fantasy adventure that started many things. Tolkien’s masterpiece inspires scores of readers and writers. Each book is carefully crafted, displaying the depth of a world that feels alive. It set the standard for epic quests, memorable characters, and a vivid world. It’s a book that feels like coming home, even on the first read. The relationships, lore, and sheer adventure still make it the benchmark in the fantasy realm. It’s raised the bar high and remains a beacon for fantasy lovers worldwide, truly one of the best fantasy novels of all time.

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!