5 Best Epic Fantasy Book Series to Read in 2025
Ready to get lost in magic and adventure? Here are the best epic fantasy book series you should add to your shelf.
We know how hard it is to pick the right epic fantasy book series when there are so many choices. Some promise wild adventure but end up duller than a butter knife. For this list, we picked the five best epic fantasy book series by looking for rich worlds, memorable heroes, and plots with more twists than a pretzel. Whether you love clever thieves, wild magic, or just want to escape reality for a bit, these series check all the boxes for both new readers and old fans alike. Trust us, your TBR pile will thank you (unless it gets crushed under these tomes).
On this list:
5 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
We picked this one because it’s a wild ride of crime, magic, and twisty plots in a city that almost smells like pizza and betrayal. If you love epic fantasy book series with smart-mouthed heroes and gangs pulling off crazy schemes, this is your next ticket to fun. Plus, it gives strong Lord of the Rings meets Oceans 11 vibes, but with more swearing and less walking.
4 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
We chose The Name of the Wind because it’s a top pick for anyone who wants an epic fantasy book series filled with clever heroes, magic, and a huge world. Kvothe, the main character, gets into about as much trouble as Locke Lamora, but he tells his story with way more music and a bit less swearing. Plus, it’s on Amazon.com, so you won’t need to search the dark corners of the internet.
3 The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
We picked ‘The Way of Kings’ because it’s a massive, sweeping epic fantasy book series with huge world-building and wild magic—just what any fantasy lover craves. It’s like getting your bread buttered on both sides—big, bold, and bursting with adventure. Plus, it’s way different from The Lies of Locke Lamora and The Name of the Wind, but still keeps you glued to the page. We read this on a friend’s dare and our eyeballs thanked us. Available on Amazon, so you won’t have to raid the local dragon’s hoard.
2 The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
We went with this one because it’s a modern epic fantasy book series packed with magic, ancient secrets, and plot twists that actually made our cat jump off the couch. It hits that sweet spot between classic and new, and has enough world-building to fill your head, but not so much you forget where you put your socks.
1 The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
We picked ‘The Black Prism’ because it’s a thrilling epic fantasy book series with a wild magic system, twisty plots, and a cast we actually remember. We read it with our book club, and someone nearly threw the book at the wall—so you know a plot twist hit hard. It’s available on Amazon, so you can get reading fast.
