Best High Fantasy Books of 2025: Top 13 Reviews
High fantasy books whisk us to magical lands. Our list helps you find the perfect escape. Pros and cons included.
Embark on a journey through the 13 best high fantasy books, where we explore worlds brimming with magic, epic quests, and unforgettable characters. We love stories that whisk us away to lands where anything is possible and heroes face unbelievable odds. Our picks focus on tales full of gripping adventures, complex characters, and enchanting settings. Whether you like intricate plot twists or character-driven narratives, there’s something for everyone in the realm of high fantasy books.
On this list:
13 The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
This one kickstarts the epic ‘Wheel of Time’ series. It has mystery, magic and more characters than my family reunion.
12 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Feel like getting lost in a lyrical saga? Then this book will be your new jam! It’s a bit like eating gourmet ice cream.
11 Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Action-packed! It’s like a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns. The magic system is as cool as it gets.
10 The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
If Ocean’s Eleven was a fantasy book, it would be this one. It’s witty and makes you root for the bad guys.
9 A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Winter is coming, and so are the battles, dragons, and plot twists. It’s the book that started the fan madness.
8 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Before Frodo, there was Bilbo. A light-hearted adventure that even your grumpy uncle would enjoy.
7 The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Huge in every sense. It’s long but worth every page. Sanderson builds worlds like a master architect.
6 The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
We all know this one. Elves, orcs, and a ring. It’s like the Avengers, but with more singing.
5 Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
19th-century England with magic? Yes, please! It’s a slow burner, but the payoff is like finding $20 in your pocket.
4 The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Smart and fast-paced. Light manipulation as magic makes this one unique. It’s a bit like painting, but the stakes are higher.
3 The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams
This one offers a mix of classic and original elements. Great for those who love a long journey with twists.
2 The Stormlight Archive: Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson keeps on delivering! This book expands the world with jaw-dropping scenes. It’s like a buffet for your imagination.
1 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
This one’s the granddaddy of all high fantasy books. Tolkien created a rich world everyone else tries to match. The depth, language, and story make it timeless. It’s a tale of friendship, courage, and the eternal battle between good and evil. New readers will find it’s like opening a treasure chest full of adventures and wisdom.
