Want to be swept up in an epic tale full of heroes on a quest for good? Do you love stories driven by powerful sorcerers and magical beings? High fantasy books sweep us away into another world full of rich characters and exciting action. Whether you want to dive into a classic or try a new subgenre, we’ve found the best high fantasy novels sure to pique your interest!
Our number one pick has to be the Lord of the Rings trilogy! This high fantasy story is often cited as the inspiration for countless modern high fantasy tales. The detailed world of Middle Earth sets the stage for Frodo on his epic quest to save mankind. Keep reading for more of the best high fantasy books as well as a buying guide to help you find even more amazing titles to add to your bookshelf.
Quick List - Top High Fantasy Books
J. R. R. Tolkien
A Gorgeous Box Set of the Most Famous High Fantasy Classic
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High fantasy is a genre of fantasy novels set in a world different from our own. Sometimes it’s also referred to as “epic fantasy.” This style of fantasy often involves rich, detailed worlds filled with different languages, non-human races, beings, and cultures. Often, there are elements of magic as well.
Typically, high fantasy stories focus on one hero that is on some kind of epic quest. There’s often a large theme of good versus evil that drives the story forward. What first comes to mind is clashing swords or magical spells!
However, there’s often a lot of overlap with other genres. Some people even consider Star Wars to be a high fantasy story due to the imaginative world and magical elements!
The only necessary criteria for a novel to be considered high fantasy is the setting. Unlike low fantasy, which is set in our world, high fantasy is set in an imagined world. Other than that, the sky’s the limit in regards to the characters, plot, and subgenre!
With the abundance of high fantasy books available, it can be a little tricky deciding which one you should read next! Keep these points in mind to help you choose a book you're sure to love.
There are a ton of subgenres within high fantasy! High fantasy novels can include elements of sci-fi, mystery, fairytales, horror, or humor. Thinking about subgenres that interest you can help you focus in on what kind of book to read next.
High fantasy involves sweeping epic stories centered on a hero set in a secondary world unlike our own. Popular stories like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones are excellent classic high fantasy novels. People love straightforward high fantasy for a reason! These tales have massive worlds full of detailed characters that draw you into the plot.
Dark fantasy books mix magic with elements of suspense or horror. These novels often explore questions of morality and play with the idea of who is really the villain. Unlike an angry dragon or evil king, the antagonists in these novels often have more sinister motivations.
While some see sci-fi as a separate genre, the lines between sci-fi and high fantasy are often blurred. Consider stories set in unknown universes with fantastical technology--that sounds like high fantasy! These types of novels explore interesting questions about mankind and our thirst for advancement and exploration.
We’ve only described a few main subgenres, but there are so many more! If you have a specific interest, like humor or romance, there’s definitely a high fantasy novel for you. These novels often play with high fantasy tropes and offer new spins on the genre.
Why not try a medieval story with a supernatural subplot? Or perhaps explore a magical world with a strong Gothic theme? These books can be a fun way to try something new while still enjoying high fantasy.
Bestseller lists can be useful, especially as a jumping-off point! But what will you read after you’ve burned through the most popular high fantasy novels?
Sometimes older high fantasy novels can seem intimidating or outdated, especially if the language used is more challenging. However, these older novels are often the inspiration for modern high fantasy tales!
It can be rewarding to see for yourself where this genre started. Plus, these classic novels are often related to current pop culture phenomena, like Dungeons and Dragons or the Lord of the Rings films.
Young adult novels are geared towards teens, but there’s a boom of amazing writing in the YA genre that adults often enjoy as well. The popular novel Eragon comes to mind!
Reading YA novels can also be a fun way to connect with any teens in your life. Plus, these novels can be lighter reads, so they're ideal if you want a novel that you can finish quickly.
Any book you enjoy is a good book, so don’t worry too much about selecting a title by an author you don't know. You may discover a new favorite!
It’s easier than ever to discover new authors online or at your local library, so try to explore a little to find something that grabs you. Plus, you’ll be able to recommend something new to your friends!
Comics and graphic novels can bring fantasy worlds to life! The interplay between text and image offers a unique experience that only this medium can offer.
High fantasy stories are especially well-suited to graphic novels, as the rich worlds and fast-paced action will be brought to life before your eyes. Plus, these are often quicker reads, so they're ideal for a day at the beach or relaxing after work.
Most high fantasy books are a part of a series since they have such intricate and expansive plots. However, some people prefer stand-alone novels that they can read, enjoy, and then move on to a new story. It can be a little tricky to find stand-alone high fantasy novels, but it’s not impossible.
Other readers love the immersion of a series. Each volume brings you deeper into the story. If you like digging into a story, a series also allows you to really get to know both the characters and the world. Plus, for ongoing series, it can be exciting waiting for the next book to be released!
You may also want to consider the overall length of the novel or series. One stand-alone high fantasy novel could still be upwards of 400 pages! Some series also have books that clock in at hundreds of pages each. If you’re looking for a quick read or a book to bring on-the-go, it might be worth checking the page count.
High fantasy continues to be an extremely popular genre. There are communities of people who love sharing fan theories or recommendations! Connecting to other readers, whether it’s joining a book club or using book review platforms like Goodreads, can help you figure out what to read next.
If you’re unsure of where to start, try your local library or bookstore. The staff there can help connect you to other people that share your passion for high fantasy. Plus, they can assist you in finding new books to read!
If you already have favorite high fantasy authors, consider exploring what novels they enjoy. Authors are often eager to share what they’re reading, so try taking a look at their social media or personal website. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube are full of accounts solely dedicated to all things high fantasy!
Especially with the cultural explosion around things like Game of Thrones or Dungeons and Dragons, social media is full of people excited to talk about their passion for high fantasy. Try searching hashtags or the titles of books you already enjoy to get started!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | J. R. R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings Boxed Set With Reader's Companion | ![]() | A Gorgeous Box Set of the Most Famous High Fantasy Classic | |
2 | George R. R. Martin Game of Thrones Books 1-5 Box Set | ![]() | Immerse Yourself in the Pop-Culture Phenomenon | |
3 | Garth Nix Sabriel | ![]() | Journey Alongside Sabriel as She Faces Evil in the Old Kingdom | |
4 | Megan Whalen Turner The Thief | ![]() | Go on a Quest to Steal a Treasure for the King | |
5 | Ursula K. Le Guin Earthsea Quartet | ![]() | Explore a Magical Archipelago in This Underrated Classic | |
6 | Robert Jordan The Eye of the World: Book One of The Wheel of Time | ![]() | A Detailed Good Versus Evil Story That You Won't be Able to Put Down | |
7 | Christopher Paolini Eragon | ![]() | Become a Dragon Rider in This All-Ages Tale | |
8 | Terry Pratchett The Color of Magic | ![]() | Get to Know a Rich Cast of Characters in a Unique Universe | |
9 | Sarah J. Maas A Court of Thorns and Roses | ![]() | A Dark Romance Between a Huntress and a Faerie | |
10 | Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy, Carey Pietsch The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins | ![]() | A Classic D&D Romp Based on a Family Podcast |
Many of us are familiar with The Lord of the Rings, but it's one of those trilogies that comes to life more and more with each read! Take a deep dive into this cultural phenomenon. This beautiful box set includes a reading companion book so you can learn even more about Middle Earth.
Follow Frodo on his epic journey to defeat an evil that has plagued Middle Earth for centuries. He's joined by a wide range of characters that join the fight to save everything they hold dear. These classic novels are arguably the most must-read high fantasy books of all time.
Some reviewers disliked the quality of the dust jacket and recommend reading the books without it to avoid tears. However, other readers love the aesthetic of the books and say the set makes a great gift! It's also ideal for those who like to reread these novels and are looking for an attractive addition to their bookshelf.
Want to dig into a high fantasy series full of intrigue, clashing families, and dragons? Or perhaps you've already watched the Game of Thrones TV series? Either way, you're sure to love this box set of the first five novels in the series.
A centuries-long summer plagues Winterfell, where a complex cast of characters battles it out for power. This story includes all of the popular high fantasy tropes but uses them in the best way to craft an engrossing, exciting tale.
A few reviewers had complaints about damaged books or missing pages, so they suggest flipping through all the novels right away in case you need to contact the seller. A few found the typeface a little small as well.
However, many reviewers love this collector's set! The books are different enough from the television series to still engage fans of the show. Readers love that they are drawn into a rich, expansive world. The author balances action, tenderness, humor, and violence and explores ideas about humanity itself.
Our protagonist, Sabriel, has to venture into her forgotten homeland, the Old Kingdom, in order to find her missing father. She goes on a coming-of-age journey full of imaginative magic and necromancy. This is the first novel of a trilogy, so you can continue following her path in the next two books.
A few readers found the characters a little flat, but they enjoyed the world nonetheless. The vast majority of readers loved this novel and said it was appropriate for both teens and adults. They found the world and magic system unique.
Even though the book follows the "hero's journey" trope, the writing is so engaging that readers didn't mind! Plus, the way the author tackles death and necromancy felt fresh to reviewers.
Follow the journey of Gen, a masterful thief, in the first novel of the Queen's Thief series. The king's scholar plucks Gen from prison so he can journey to find a legendary treasure. The scholar doesn't tell Gen where he's going and promises him fame if he succeeds. However, Gen doesn't have a choice, as escaping would result in death.
The main critique from readers is the amount of time spent on the main character's literal journey. Readers had a hard time maintaining interest in the trek across the land on horseback. The slow pace was a struggle for several reviewers. However, if they could stick with it, many found the end to be rewarding.
Many readers love the imaginative world and writing style. They liked the hint of Greek mythology in the story and appreciated how they got to really learn about the characters throughout the novel. Plus, they felt like it didn't get bogged down by world-building details, unlike other high fantasy novels.
The Earthsea Quartet is considered to be a high fantasy classic, yet many are still unfamiliar with the tale! This book conveniently includes all four novels in one volume. The story is set in Earthsea, a vast archipelago where magic must remain balanced.
The main character, Ged, encounters battles both in Earthsea and within himself. The story is full of action, including mages, royalty, necromancy, and dragons. While it is appropriate for teenagers, readers say the tone tends to be a little more mature than typical YA fare.
Reviewers love this series and say it's hands-down one of their favorite fantasy novels. Even though it was published decades ago, readers say the language is still easy to read. Reviewers love Ged's character development and how easily they get drawn into the story. Plus, they appreciate having all four books in one volume!
Five protagonists flee their village after an attack from Trollocs, a race of animal-human hybrids. This sets into motion a chain of events that will change their lives and the world they inhabit. This first novel in the Wheel of Time series is full of action and danger as our protagonists try to save their village.
There are 13 books in total, so if you want something totally immersive, these books are for you! Some readers found the pace to be too slow and said the novels are better suited to those who enjoy learning every little detail about a world. Others also found the book to be a little too similar to The Lord of the Rings.
However, the majority of readers love the depth of the world. They say that even though it's full of detail, it's still easy to read. (The glossary in the back is helpful!) Readers appreciate how the author gradually gets you used to the mechanics of the world. Overall, many appreciate this novel's thoughtful and engaging approach to epic fantasy.
Teens and adults alike will enjoy getting swept up in this epic tale centered around our hero, Eragon, and his dragon, Saphira. The Inheritance Cycle series was written when the author was a teenager, which we think supports the idea that high fantasy is great for everyone to enjoy!
Some reviewers found the story to be a little cliche and lacking in the depth they enjoy. However, many readers love the classic epic tale and say the author is a better writer than some adults! They especially recommend the books for those who love all things dragon.
Plus, reviewers like that the book is appropriate to read with their kids! Preteens and teens love the sweeping action, while adults enjoy the surprising complexity of the characters and themes.
Terry Pratchett is an author that is infamous for his imaginative, unique work that blurs the lines between high fantasy and sci-fi. The first novel of his Discworld series is an excellent place to start. However, this story isn't for those short on time, as it's 47 volumes long in total!
Discworld is set in a warped alternate universe where a flat planet is carried by four giant elephants. Our protagonist, an incompetent wizard named Rincewind, meets a tourist, Twoflower. Rincewind is hired as Twoflower's guide, and together they begin an epic journey.
Some readers found the plot and pacing a little disorganized. Others also admit that this isn't their favorite book in the Discworld series, but they encourage us to stick with it and keep reading!
The majority of readers can't get enough of the author's unique writing style. They say that Pratchett expertly balances surrealism, humor, and world-building. Plus, reviewers rave about the overall story, saying that it's a fun, intriguing romp that's masterfully told.
This dark tale tells the story of Feyre, a huntress that ends up being dragged to a new land by an immortal faerie. This romance has major Beauty and the Beast vibes but with a much more mature tone.
Some readers were disappointed by the quality of the plot, saying that it lacked the depth they expect in fantasy. Others also disliked how much mature content was in the book, as they felt like it wasn't necessary for the story.
However, if you like a bit of juicy romance with high fantasy, this book is for you! Many readers said they couldn't put this book down, and they loved the dynamics between the two main characters.
Dungeons and Dragons is having a resurgence in popularity, and it's a high fantasy staple! This graphic novel is based on a popular live play D&D podcast by the McElroy family. But even if you haven't listened to the podcast, there's still plenty of content that any high fantasy fan will love!
Our three heroes, Taako, Magnus, and Merle, begin their journey based on a common D&D scenario. However, none of them are prepared for the battles to come! This isn't a serious story but rather a funny tale of three adventurers bumbling through their adventure.
Some reviewers were surprised to find profanity and mature jokes, so they warn that this novel isn't for kids! Others also found the Kindle formatting to be less than satisfactory.
However, the majority of readers love the humorous tone and colorful artwork. They confirm that you don't have to be familiar with the podcast to enjoy this graphic novel. Reviewers say that they devoured the novel within hours and couldn't wait to read the next one!
Want to explore other genres? We’ve got you covered! Check out these other engrossing novels that will make excellent additions to your bookshelf.
No. 1: J. R. R. Tolkien|Lord of the Rings Boxed Set With Reader's Companion
No. 2: George R. R. Martin|Game of Thrones Books 1-5 Box Set
No. 3: Garth Nix|Sabriel
No. 4: Megan Whalen Turner |The Thief
No. 5: Ursula K. Le Guin|Earthsea Quartet
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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