Best 14 Fantasy Books to Read in 2024

Fantasy books transport us to magical realms where the impossible becomes possible, and every page turn is a delightful surprise.
The Hobbit coverA Song of Ice and Fire cover

Discovering the perfect fantasy books to sweep you off into a world of magic, mystery, and adventure can feel daunting. There are so many tales of daring heroes and mythical beings waiting to capture your imagination. We’ve explored epic sagas, enchanting wizarding schools, and gritty heists to bring you a list of the 14 best fantasy books. We focused on immersive storytelling, unforgettable characters, and worlds that breathe life into every page. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned fan, this collection promises to spark laughter, wonder, and maybe even a dragon or two.

On this list:

14 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

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

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We can’t kick off a fantasy books list without a classic. Tolkien takes us on an adventure with Bilbo Baggins that’s as timeless as grandma’s cookies.

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

A Song of Ice and Fire cover

  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 694 (first book)

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Medieval politics meets fantasy in this epic series. Just don’t get too attached to any characters. We’ve learned that the hard way.

12 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

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Who wouldn’t want to go to Hogwarts? This book pulls you into the magical world, making even your cupboard under the stairs seem exciting.

11 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind cover

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

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A tale of magic, music, and mystery. Kvothe’s adventures will have you turning pages faster than our cat chases a laser pointer.

10 Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Mistborn cover

  • Genre: High Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 541

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Revolutions and secret powers in a gloomy world. We’d try allomancy ourselves if there wasn’t so much metal to ingest.

9 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora cover

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

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A band of thieves and a dash of trickery. We tried pulling off a con like Locke, but it didn’t end well.

8 The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

The Wheel of Time cover

  • Genre: High Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 784 (first book)

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A saga that’ll make you late for dinner. With 14 books, it’s a long-haul journey, but one worth taking.

7 Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Neverwhere cover

  • Genre: Urban Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 370

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Exploring a hidden London that’s as quirky as it is dark. We almost got lost in a parallel world but found our way back for tea.

6 Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Eragon cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2002
  • Pages: 503

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The dragon has landed, literally! This book blends dragons and teen drama, reminding us that dragons have better teenage years.

5 American Gods by Neil Gaiman

American Gods cover

  • Genre: Urban Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 465

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Who knew gods could be this relatable? Gaiman mixes old myths with new meanings. We didn’t get a godly invite, though.

4 The Witcher: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

The Witcher: The Last Wish cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1993
  • Pages: 360

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Dive into the monster-hunting world that’s as dangerous as it is captivating. Just be glad Geralt’s doing the slaying, not us.

3 The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

The Priory of the Orange Tree cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 848

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A realm with dragons and powerful queens. We love dragons, but commanding one? That’s a whole new level.

2 The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 384

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Full of royal court intrigue and a dash of Faeries. We learned the hard way not to trust faerie folk.

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

The Lord of the Rings cover

  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1954
  • Pages: 1178

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The definitive fantasy book series, unmatched in its world-building and intricate storytelling. This series isn’t just a journey through Middle-earth, but a journey through Tolkien’s masterful imagination. With complex characters, deep lore, and a tale of friendship and heroism, it sets the gold standard for the fantasy genre. Our many nights were lost to these pages, experiencing the grand adventures and epic battles alongside Frodo and friends. Fantasy books are many, but none quite capture the heart and soul like The Lord of the Rings. The ring may be heavy, but the story is light on the heart.

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!