Best Epic Fantasy Series 2025: Top 9 Must-Read Picks
Looking for your next epic fantasy series? We list the best picks, with dragons, magic, and unforgettable journeys. Start your new adventure!
Picking the best epic fantasy series is harder than finding a clean shirt in a wizard’s laundry basket. We focus on sweeping stories, wild magic, and lovable (or hateable) characters you’ll remember long after you finish the last page. Our picks have kingdoms to save, secrets to keep, and mysteries thicker than a troll’s eyebrow. Whether you want dragons, tricksters, or a big old pile of adventure, these nine epic fantasy series books are the cream of the crop. Get ready to meet your next obsession!
On this list:
- The Name of the Wind
- The Lies of Locke Lamora
- The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World
- The Priory of the Orange Tree
- A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones
- The Stormlight Archive: The Way of Kings
- The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings)
- Mistborn: The Final Empire
- The Realm of the Elderlings: Assassin’s Apprentice
9 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
We picked this as a top epic fantasy series starter because it has magic, adventure, and a main character who’s almost as unlucky as us when we forget to save in a game. Kvothe’s story is full of wonder and heartbreak, and Rothfuss makes you care. Plus, we felt smart even if we didn’t always understand the fancy words Kvothe uses.
8 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Locke Lamora is basically fantasy’s answer to Ocean’s Eleven. We chose this because it’s got heists, swindles, and so much sass, we laughed out loud. If you want witty banter and twisty plots, this epic fantasy series is a total win. But beware: the language is a bit strong, so maybe don’t read it out loud to your grandma.
7 The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Twelve books too many? Maybe. But that didn’t stop us from losing entire weekends to this epic. This epic fantasy series is the granddaddy of big battles and tons of magic. Some pacing is slow, but the payoff? So worth it. Also, expect to grow a beard by the end, no matter who you are.
6 The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Dragons? Check. Queen in trouble? Check. Characters who don’t always do what you expect? Double check. We put this epic fantasy series here because it has awesome world-building, real tension, and strong women. Only downside is, it’s thick enough to be a doorstop. Our wrists are still recovering, but it was worth it.
5 A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Winter is always coming, and so is the next twist. We put this epic fantasy series on our list because it keeps us guessing (and clutching tissues). It’s brutal though—don’t get attached to anyone. Seriously. Like, ever. Still, dragons, plots, and more betrayal than a group chat gone wrong.
4 The Stormlight Archive: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
If you like feeling tiny while reading about giant magical wars, this epic fantasy series is for you. Sanderson’s magic system is so good, we tried making our own powers (spoiler: didn’t work). A big plus is the world is vibrant and the characters are easy to root for. Just, get ready to carry a brick around. These books are chonky.
3 The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings) by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is the grandparent of all epic fantasy series. Tolkien made us all want to eat second breakfast and throw rings into volcanoes. The language can feel old school, but the adventure is timeless. We chose it because it’s classic, and we’re pretty sure Gandalf would be mad if we didn’t.
2 Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
This epic fantasy series is for everyone who’s ever wanted to swallow a coin and suddenly be good at parkour. Vin’s story hooked us with its magic system and plot twists. It’s easy to read and has that classic ‘overthrow the big bad’ vibe, but it’s clever and fresh. The ending smacks you in the face (in a good way).
1 The Realm of the Elderlings: Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Alright, this is our pick for the top spot in epic fantasy series. Hobb’s writing feels like snuggling into a blanket after a long day—cozy, but with lots of sharp edges. FitzChivalry’s story brought tears to our eyes more than once. The characters actually grow, the plot keeps moving, and the magic is unique (it’s not just fireballs everywhere). We also love that the world feels real—you can almost smell the sea and woodsmoke. Now, it’s not action every page, so if you crave only sword fights, maybe not for you. But if you want deep stories and emotional punches, this one’s the best. We voted, and yes, there were snacks involved.
