Best Epic Fantasy Series to Read in 2025: Top 15
For epic fantasy series lovers, 'The Lord of the Rings' is a must-read masterpiece that defines the genre.
Finding the best epic fantasy series out there is like finding the perfect pair of socks – once you do, you never want to let them go. In our quest to find the best of the genre, we focused on a mix of thrilling quests, detailed world-building, and characters as real as your next-door neighbor (if your neighbor happens to be an elf). From complex political plots to spellbinding magic systems, we’ve picked epic fantasy series that will keep you glued to the pages and asking for more. Join us as we embark on this epic journey!
On this list:
- The Sword of Shannara
- The Lightbringer Series
- The Eye of the World
- The Night Angel Trilogy
- His Dark Materials
- The Stormlight Archive
- Malazan Book of the Fallen
- The Witcher Saga
- Mistborn Trilogy
- The First Law Trilogy
- The Kingkiller Chronicle
- The Broken Empire Trilogy
- The Dragonlance Chronicles
- The Dark Tower Series
- The Lord of the Rings
15 The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
This is like eating a large bowl of comfort food. It’s a classic tale with swords, sorcery, and a hero’s journey. We ate it up!
14 The Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks
We picked The Lightbringer Series because it offers a fresh take with its unique magic system and complex characters. It brings the epic fantasy series feel with a touch of humor and fast-paced action.
13 The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
My borrowed copy still has coffee stains. It’s a long series, but boy, does it hook you from the start!
12 The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks
Imagine ninjas with magic. Parts of this book were so good, we had to reread them right away.
11 His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Armored bears and parallel worlds, need we say more? We journeyed through with awe at every turn.
10 The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson at his best. There are more twists and turns here than a roller coaster. Keep your eyes peeled.
9 Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
We chose ‘Malazan Book of the Fallen’ because it’s a vast epic fantasy series known for its complex plot, rich world-building, and a huge cast of characters with intricate backstories. It’s perfect for fans of gritty and expansive narratives similar to those in ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’.
8 The Witcher Saga by Andrzej Sapkowski
Witchers, monsters, and sorcery. We were trapped in this world from page one, and we loved every second of it.
7 Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
Coins as weapons? Sign us up! This series is unique, exciting, and filled with Sanderson’s magic system mastery.
6 The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
Dark, gritty, and very funny. We especially liked how unpredictable the story became with each book.
5 The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
Read this series with a playlist on. It has a musical quality and a charming hero who will win you over.
4 The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
Shockingly dark but intensely gripping. It’s a wild ride with a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
3 The Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Perfect for D&D fans, this series is like a game that comes alive on the pages with heroic deeds aplenty.
2 The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King
A mix of westerns and fantasy, King makes sure you stay on your toes. Definitely not your average fantasy series.
