10 Best High Fantasy Books in 2022 (J. R. R. Tolkein, Garth Nix, and More)

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!