25 OF THE BEST  FANTASY BOOKS SERIES ON GOODREADS

If you're a new - or old - fantasy reader, you may be wondering what the best fantasy books are. It's a fair question. It makes sense to start with what's popular when starting out in the genre. Or maybe you just wonder how mainstream your preferences are.

But if you try to answer this question, you will immediately run into problems. How do we determine what makes a fantastic fantasy book? Sale? Let's be honest. Some best-selling books may not be that good. We could use ratings, but as Rioter Tasha discovered when she looked at them,by led the top-rated books on Goodreads Rankings and lists generated readers to other problems.

 The actual number of reviews may be too low. A book with more ratings can get more lower ratings simply because of the higher number of readers. Many excellent series populate the fantasy genre, and the longer the series, the more readers the first book is likely to have. It is also undeniable that certain authors dominate the genre. And if those authors turn out to be prolific, their books will be highly regarded for their lavish fan base.

HOW I MERGE A LIST OF TOP FANTASY BOOKS

When compiling this list, I used Goodreads and looked at various statistics. It's not scientific. There is no math involved. I looked at the number of reviews, the range of reviews and the year of publication. Fantasy is such an established genre and one of the most popular on Goodreads, so older books have a distinct advantage over newer ones.

I focused on individual books, not box sets. I only recorded one book per series (usually the first book because I know my fantasy readers and I know how difficult it is for us to read out of order), and I chose only one book per author.

Have I overlooked a few novels? Probably. You might think that a specific title definitely belongs in a list of fantastic fantasy books. Or, considering that I have limited this list to just one book per author and only one book per series, you might think that a different selection from that author or series is a better choice. Which is good. Ultimately, this list is just a starting point.

THE TOP EPIC FANTASY BOOKS

When we think of the fantasy genre, we usually think of epic fantasy. Important missions to save the world. Royal families fighting for control of the kingdom. Spectacular magical battles. The aesthetic established by JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, let's say.

1. A GAME OF THRONES BY GEORGE RR MARTIN

This novel launched the Song of Ice and Fire series and turned the established tropes of nineties epic fantasy upside down. Let's not forget that shocking death at the end! I know it's hard to believe now, but then that was kind of a no-no fantasy.

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2. THE NAME OF THE WIND BY PATRICK ROTHFUSS

While good writing certainly permeates the fantasy genre, it is not necessarily a requirement. Above all, we want a good story and as long as the prose is legible, that's fine. Rothfuss's debut novel showed us that an epic fantasy novel can be not only well written, but also beautiful prose. But the most interesting thing about The Name of the Wind is its structure. We first meet Kvothe when he is a broken man, after the battle is over. The mystery of how he got from its inception to that end point as a daring child prodigy is part of the series' charm.

3. THE WAY OF KINGS BY BRANDON SANDERSON

Sanderson is arguably one of the most prolific fantasy currently working in the genre. In a genre where readers are used to waiting for years between series episodes, that's very refreshing. I cannot stress this fact enough. It is one of the reasons why he has amassed a very large, dedicated fan base. If you are not familiar with Sanderson's work, he is best known for his clearly defined, almost scientifically structured magical systems.

4. A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA BY URSULA LEGUIN 

I first discovered LeGuin through her science fiction. I didn't learn that she also wrote fantasy until I was well into adulthood. Unfortunately, the Earthsea series is probably better known for the whitewashed adaptation that aired on the SyFy channel. A true tragedy, because as anyone who has read her books knows, LeGuin was a master of building a world and portraying culture.

5. KILLERS APPEARANCE ROBIN HOBB

Royal bastards play a prominent role in the fantasy genre. Killers too. However, they are usually two different people. However, the main character in the first book of Hobb's Farseer trilogy is both.

6. THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA BY SCOTT LYNCH

In addition to royal bastards and assassins, thieves run wild through the fantasy genre. Who's Surprised? There are many important mystical artifacts to steal. And let's face it, a fantasy setting is the perfect backdrop for a robbery.

7. KUSHIEL'S DART BY JACQUELINE CAREY

Courtesans are another staple of the epic fantasy genre. While they usually support characters - in the form of allies or enemies - Carey's debut novel introduces us to Phedre, a courtesan who is characterized by a god to feel pleasure and pain as a whole. In other words, she's a masochist. But in addition to her courtesan-related talents, she's also a spy. This unlikely combination in a protagonist explains why it is one of the best fantasy books on Goodreads, even if it doesn't necessarily look like the traditional epic fantasy book in quest.

CONTEMPORARY FANTASY BOOKS

While the fantasy genre often conjures up images of dragons and wizards, fantasy doesn't have to take place in alternate worlds. They can take place in our world.

8. AMERICAN GODS BY NEIL GAIMAN 

While Gaiman's short stories are my personal favorites in his writings, most of them meet him through his novels. American Gods re- imagines myths and gods in modern times, blends them with Americana, and takes you on a road trip. I can see why this is one of his most famous works.

9. THE NIGHT CIRCUS ERIN MORGENSTERN

A standalone novel in the fantasy genre is a rare achievement, but The Night Circus succeeds - much to the dismay of its fans who wish it had a sequel or two. The lavish prose revolves around a competition between two magicians in love and has captured the hearts of many readers around the world. It has garnered over half a million reviews on Goodreads! That's a big achievement for an author who published her sequel, The Starless Sea, only eight years later.

URBAN FANTASY BOOKS

Contemporary fantasy's sister sub-genre, urban fantasy experienced a boom in the 2000s and early 2010. It has since been contracted and stabilized - although I'd say we're seeing a resurgence with more different casts and authors - but here are a few striking fantasy books from that time.

10. MOON NAMED BY PATRICIA BRIGGS

In a sub-genre populated by investigators and mercenaries, coyote shifter Mercy Thompson stands out for being a mechanic. How refreshing. The main ingredients of the genre - gremlins, werewolves, vampires and more - can be found in Mercy's world, and her relationships with them often get her into trouble.

11. VAMPIRE ACADEMY BY RICHELLE MEAD

As someone who read a lot of vampire novels in the late 2000s, both adult and YA, I admit I'm a little surprised to see how many reviews this book had on Goodreads. And I was a huge fan of this series! I don't know how I missed its popularity. About a dhampir who devoted her life to protecting her best friend, a vampire princess, what I loved most about these books was the feminine friendship that was always there. Over a decade later, I still love seeing that fierce commitment between girls - especially in YA.

TOP FANTASY BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

12. THE LOST HERO BY RICK RIORDAN

One of the most beloved middle class out there, it's impossible to pick one Riordan book to recommend. Luckily, I had my aforementioned limitations to make things easier. In the world of the Percy Jackson books and The Lost Hero takes place, once again, Riordan's take on Greek mythology, but with an all-new cast of characters.

13. WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON BY GRACE LIN

Given the nature of Goodreads, it can be difficult to find the highly rated fantasy books for younger readers. There seems to be a gap between mediocre quality novels and picture books. I'm sure they exist, but they are not the easiest to find. Based on Chinese mythology, Lin's book brings together the pieces of many different stories and weaves them into something new. With a determined heroine who never gives up, this story of her quest to improve her family's fortunes delights children and parents alike.

Do your children like fantasy? We've got 50 of our best fantasy books for kids right here .

YOUNG ADULTS FANTASY BOOKS

You knew it was coming. Books for young adults are booming, and the fantasy genre is a huge chunk. In fact, it has a huge presence on Goodreads. But given those things, I can see why an introduction to the best fantasy books for this age bracket may be necessary.

14. CLOCKWORK ANGEL BY CASSANDRA CLARE

The first book in the prequel trilogy of the hugely popular The Mortal Instruments series, Clockwork Angel takes place in Victorian London. It delivers everything Clare's fans want and expect from her books.

15. GLASS THRONE BOOK AWARDS BY SARAH J. MAAS

If you regularly vote in the annual Goodreads, you will recognize Maas's name. She and her novels are a mainstay in the competition. This is the debut novel, about a hit man, that started it all.

16. RED QUEEN BY VICTORIA AVEYARD

If you've ever wondered what X-Men would look like in a fantasy setting, this book might be the answer for you. In a world where people with silver blood have super powers and people with red blood are the people they subdue, a girl with red blood discovers she has her own special abilities.

17. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Published in 2008, Graceling was one of the first fantasy novels in today's young adult renaissance. Kaisa takes place in a world where people known as Gracelings are born with extreme skill, and Kaisa has the ability to kill. Unfortunately, the nature of her gift makes her serve as her uncle's enforcer. Besides, her uncle is the king, and not the most benevolent.

18. SIX OF CROWS BY LEIGH BARDUGO

Bardugo's Grishaverse books have inspired a huge legion of fans since Shadow and Bone was first published in 2012. A quick look at bookstagram will show you how much these books are loved by the reading community. Six of Crows introduces us to a group of thieves who want to commit an impossible robbery. If you are a fan of The Lies of Locke Lamorathen this is the book for you. Even if you think you don't like young adult novels, I still think you should give this one a try, and given the number of Goodreads reviews, so do many other people.

19. DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE LAINI TAYLOR

If I had to describe this book, I would say it was about angels and demons, and that answer is both accurate and inaccurate. If you've never read a Laini Taylor novel, be prepared for fascinating characters, unique environments and scary visuals that will take you by surprise, because they always come when you least expect it!

20. THE CRUEL PRINCE HOLLY BLACK

Holly Black has established herself as the Queen of Faerie Novels. The Cruel Prince takes us back to the world first seen in her debut novel, Tithe, and introduces us to Jude, a mortal heroine whose fury and determination cuts through courtly politics and a search for a place she'll find her. can call home.

21. AN EMBER IN THE ASHES BY SABAA TAHIR

Inspired by ancient Rome, An Ember in the Ashes explores oppression and tyranny through the story of Laia, who hopes to save her brother by spying on the empire for the rebellion. This mission leads her to Elias, who will become the greatest soldier the empire has ever seen.

22. CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE BY TOMI ADEYEMI

Originally published in 2018, Adeyemi's debut has climbed through the Goodreads rankings at an astonishing rate. In the first year alone, it reached nearly 50,000 ratings, which is no small feat for a new author. Undoubtedly, the book's fast pace and adventurous adventure contributed to its popularity. Interested in reading more novels like Children of Blood and Bone? Find more African-inspired fantasy novels here.

23. THE WRATH AND THE DAWN BY RENEE AHDIEH

Of all the possible narratives out there, I never expected to see a YA retelling of 1001 nights. It's not a strict retelling, so if you're a fan of the nested story in a story structure, this isn't the book for you. But if you want to see a different take on the original, Ahdieh's debut might be worth checking out.

POST-APOCALYPTIC FANTASY

I have to make a confession. I have a soft spot for fantasy attacks on the end of the world. Many apocalyptic stories approach the concept from a science fiction angle or even a horror. Fantasies are rarer, but always worth checking out. Find 20 more recommendations in this subgenre here.

24. ANGELFALL MANAGEMENT IMPRESSION BY SUSAN EE

Originally a self-published title, I remember this book made a huge one. An apocalypse caused by angels! Considering the nature of the Bible, this perhaps should not have been so surprising. While the portrayal of mental illness isn't what I consider the best (at all), the protagonist's quest to save her younger sister - which leads her to join forces with the enemy - is a poignant one.

THE AWARD-WINNING TOP FANTASY NOVEL

25. THE FIFTH SEASON BY NK JEMISIN

Season 5 may not have the most reviews on Goodreads, but the trilogy it starts with (The Broken Earth trilogy) has made history. Each of the three books has won the Hugo, making Jemisin the first author to win the award in consecutive years. If that's not a great fantasy novel, I don't know what it does.

To find even more fantasy recommendations (we have loots), check out our sci-fi and fantasy podcast, SFF Yes, or subscribe to Swords & Spaceships, our email newsletter on all things science fiction and fantasy.