10 Best Fantasy Novels in 2022 (J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, and More)

Pros:

• Four classic books with film adaptations
• The first book and trilogy don't need to be read together
• Explores a world filled with magic and unique creatures
• A wide cast of characters
• Good for a wide range of readers
• Over 1,000 pages of content

Cons:

• This particular set is pocket-sized, and many reviewers found the text too small
  

This is a beloved classic in which the first book is its own story and the following three are a trilogy. The first stars Bilbo's adventures with dwarves, while the trilogy follows his cousin, Frodo, who must destroy a powerful ring.

Some reviewers didn't like how this collection was physically smaller and had smaller text, so the books were harder to read. However, plenty of reviewers loved the memorable characters in this series. They also recognized the stories as classics among literature.

Pros:

• Includes plenty of reading material from this series and The Mortal Instruments
• Can be read before or after the original series
• Includes recognizable creatures like vampires
• Has movie and TV adaptations
• Excellent world-building while balancing action and romance

Cons:

• Has some sensitive topics that may bother younger readers
• Some reviewers received different editions from Amazon, so if you're a collector and particular about the spine art, take note
  

This series stars Tessa, Jem, and Will, who are trying to protect the Shadowhunters from the clockwork army. It's a series that deals with werewolves, vampires, and similar creatures the Shadowhunters must deal with.

A few reviewers felt this series wasn't as good as the original, called The Mortal Instruments. Nevertheless, a fair amount of reviewers loved the world these books take place in. They also found the action and romance appealing, since it encouraged them to keep reading.

Pros:

• This edition of the classic contains the full original text, plus material from the Disney movie based on it
  
• Part of a quintet series
  
• A coming-of-age story people can relate to
• Contains vocabulary that will challenge younger readers without overwhelming most
  

Cons:

• Geared towards younger readers, which may turn off some people
• Some weren't fans of the book's ending

This book is a classic, first published in 1962. It's about a girl named Meg who travels through time to find her father. It's a book geared towards young women, but its themes of science, philosophy and coming-of-age are highly relatable for anyone.

A few reviewers felt the ending was too abrupt, boring, and anticlimactic. On the other hand, a large portion of reviewers liked that the author depicted Meg's struggles as a young woman. They also felt the various characters in the book were relatable, especially the protagonist.

Pros:

• A well-known series spanning seven books
• Has multiple movies based on it
  
• Contains three relatable and different main characters
• Includes plenty of plot twists throughout the series
• Highly accessible and easy to read

Cons:

• Some of the darker themes may scare younger readers
• Might be predictable for adults
  

This one follows the life of Harry Potter as he discovers his magical powers. Once he does, he attends a school called Hogwarts, where he learns how to use his magic among other wizards and witches.

A few reviewers said the story wasn't subtle enough for adults when it came to its plot twists. On the bright side, many reviewers said the book was as magical as the magic in the story. They also appreciated how the book had a solid balance of suspenseful and funny moments.

Pros:

• Based on Greek mythology
• Incorporates magic and witchcraft into the story for an added twist
• Epic moments between gods and humans
• Suspense to keep the reader's attention
• Incorporates themes of love, loss, and family

Cons:

• Discusses adult topics some people may find inappropriate or uncomfortable
• Some found the book was all description and not enough plot
  

This book stars Circe, who is the daughter of the god Helios, and soon discovers she has magical powers. It focuses on Circe's struggle as she tries to decide if she wants to support the gods or the mortals.

Some reviewers didn't like how this book had crude language and swearing throughout it. On the bright side, loads of reviewers appreciated that the story connected to Greek mythology. They also appreciated how Circe was a strong main character.

Pros:

• A great choice for tweens or older
• Encourages people to improve themselves and develop their talents
• Occurs in a unique setting
• Has multiple memorable characters
• Characters teach lessons that apply to life

Cons:

• Similar structure to Harry Potter, making it predictable if you've read that
  

This book stars a 12-year-old who lives in Nigeria and discovers her magical powers. She soon joins a group of other magic users, so they can track down a villain who uses magic.

A few reviewers didn't like the plot since they felt it was too similar to Harry Potter. However, plenty of reviewers enjoyed how the book was a coming-of-age story about the characters trying to improve themselves. They also felt the story had memorable characters, such as Sunny.

Pros:

• A unique twist on the genre utilizing satire and comedy
• Has over 40 books in the series for those who want more
• Blends magic with sci-fi
• Stars a wizard and a tourist as a hilarious duo

Cons:

• Some consider the first to be one of the weakest in the series but agree readers should start there

This book takes place in a realm known as the Discworld, which is similar to our world but with different rules. It stars a tourist named Twoflower, who relies on the wizard Rincewind to help him in this world. The series spans 1983, when this was first published, to 2015, and has over 40 books.

A couple of reviewers said this is one of the weaker books in the series, so they prefer others such as Thief of Time. Nevertheless, multiple reviewers said the story was funny with tons of great moments. They also appreciated how it had elements of fantasy and sci-fi in it.

Pros:

• Uses comedy throughout
  
• Integrates action sequences to avoid boring moments
• Brings together four very different characters to make the story more intriguing
• Blades and magic provide an interesting mix
  
• A complex storyline to keep readers guessing and thinking

Cons:

• Has excessive amounts of swearing and blood, which may bother some readers
• Some found the writing choppy
  

This book stars a barbarian named Logen, who finds himself with many enemies seeking his demise. It's a story with plenty of comedic moments along with action sequences throughout it.

Some reviewers found the writing difficult to follow and disliked that it had excessive swearing. Despite that point, many reviewers said the story had humor, action and funny moments throughout. A lot say the trilogy is worth reading, even if this first book is a bit slower than the next two.

Pros:

• Takes place in a darker reality with an interesting atmosphere
• Focuses on world-building to establish the setting
• Encourages people to think about the events
• An intriguing main character with a clear motivation
• Strays away from the traditional magical worlds to create something unique

Cons:

• Deals with sensitive themes like murder, kidnapping, and abuse
• The writing style is described as cryptic, with creative vocabulary, and didn't appeal to all readers
  

This story stars a woman named Essun, who pretends to be a schoolteacher. It takes place in a land called Stillness and involves Essun trying to get her son back after he was kidnapped and her husband was murdered.

A few reviewers found the first chapter hard to read and difficult to understand. On the other hand, more than a few reviewers enjoyed the dystopian world in this book. They also appreciated how the book was thought-provoking and left them pondering the themes.

Pros:

• Color artwork
  
• Incorporates less-common topics like role-playing and dice rolling
• A shorter read for people who don't have much time
• A continuous series, so you can buy the next books if it interests you

Cons:

• Some people found it hard to follow at times

This comic follows teenagers who get put into a role-playing world after they roll their dice. They eventually escape and must return to the world now that they're in their forties, to find one of their friends. The creator describes the series as a dark Jumanji.

Some reviewers noticed plot holes and found it confusing to follow at times. Despite that point, plenty of reviewers enjoyed the concept of kids who must return to a horror world as adults. They also noted the story was great for people who enjoy role-playing and similar games, and many loved the artwork.