11 Best Epic Fantasy Series of 2025 Reviewed
Searching for your next epic fantasy series? Grab our list of favorites—dragons, magic, and wild quests await in every book!
Ready to lose sleep because of magic, dragons, and world-shaking battles? We sure are! In this post, we round up the 11 best epic fantasy series based on what kept us flipping pages—big worlds, wild magic, and a cast of characters you actually care about. We looked for stories that pull you in and keep you reading late at night, gripping your blanket in suspense. If you want epic fantasy series that bring epic adventures, heart, and maybe some broken swords, this list is your new map to adventure.
On this list:
11 The Wheel of Time (Series) by Robert Jordan (and Brandon Sanderson)
This epic fantasy series is like assembling Ikea furniture; it’s big, sometimes confusing, but very rewarding. We got lost in all the side plots, but that’s half the fun. It’s a must-read for its sheer world-building ambition and unforgettable magic system.
10 A Song of Ice and Fire (Series) by George R. R. Martin
Dragons, backstabbing, and more deaths than our last game night. This series delivers gritty realism, complex politics, and memorable characters. Just don’t expect closure any time soon, the next book might drop after my hairline goes.
9 The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson’s world-building is so rich, we got lost and forgot where the kitchen was. Each book is chunky enough to be a doorstop, and the magic is unique. Great for fans who want deep characters and even deeper lore.
8 The Lord of the Rings (Trilogy) by J.R.R. Tolkien
The blueprint for every epic fantasy series. Hobbits, elves, and that one friend who won’t put the ring down. Tolkien’s language might be old-timey, but these adventures still set the bar.
7 Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Complex? Yes. Confusing? Sometimes. Rewarding? Always. This series throws you into the deep end with a tidal wave of gods, magic, and battles. We needed a notebook just to keep up, but it’s worth every page.
6 The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
Think epic fantasy series with a side of snark. The characters are all a little broken, and there’s more grey than a London sky. Dark, funny, and unpredictable.
5 The Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks
If you like your magic colorful (literally), and your plot twists twisty, then this epic fantasy series is for you. We finished the last book gasping, mostly because we forgot to breathe.
4 The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
The anti-hero in this series makes everyone else look like saints. Gritty, dark, and a little disturbing, it’s not for the faint of heart. We felt tough after finishing it, until bedtime.
3 The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
We picked this series for its fresh take on gods and mortals. Jemisin’s world is unique and her stories never went where we expected. Plus, we wanted to hug every book when we were done.
2 The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne
Heroic deeds, betrayl, and axe-swinging action. If you want classic good vs. evil vibes, this epic fantasy series hits all the notes. Just don’t get attached to the characters, trust us.
1 Mistborn (The Original Trilogy) by Brandon Sanderson
We agree, this is the best epic fantasy series for new fans and long-timers alike. Sanderson creates a world ruled by ash, with a magic system based on swallowing metal (don’t try this at home). The pacing is sharp, the twists are stellar, and the endings are explosive. It’s easy to follow, and it still packs emotional punches. Best of all, it got our group arguing about which metal power is coolest for weeks. If you want a series that feels both classic and fresh, and you don’t want to invest in a library’s worth of pages, Mistborn is the way to go.
