Best 14 Fantasy Books to Read in 2024
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.