Top 10 Epic Fantasy Series of All Time
Fantasy readers, gather round and dust off your tattered cloaks, because today we delve into the greatest epic fantasy series that have ever graced the shelves of our libraries, bookstores, and undoubtedly your overburdened e-readers.
These series are not only complete but also iconic in the realms of magic, heroism, and occasionally, more bloodshed than a dragon’s dinner party.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
We start with the granddaddy of them all, the series that put epic fantasy on the map.
Follow Frodo, Sam, and the rest of the fellowship as they embark on a journey to destroy the One Ring.
Beware: You may never look at jewellery the same way again.
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (and Brandon Sanderson)
Spanning 14 books, this mammoth series takes you through a world of intricate plots, endless prophecies, and more characters than you can shake a sword at.
Robert Jordan started it, but it took Brandon Sanderson to finally wrap things up, proving that even epic tales can, indeed, have an end.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Prepare for a deep dive into a world where gods meddle, soldiers curse, and plots twist more than a politician’s promises.
With ten books of complex narratives and epic battles, it’s the perfect series for those who like their fantasy dark and their storylines labyrinthine.
get your copy.
The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
Meet Jorg Ancrath, the charmingly sociopathic protagonist who makes most fantasy heroes look like kindergarten teachers.
This trilogy is grimdark at its finest, with enough moral ambiguity to keep your ethics professor up at night.
The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King
Stephen King’s magnum opus blends fantasy, horror, and western genres into a sprawling epic that spans eight books.
Follow the gunslinger Roland as he pursues the enigmatic Dark Tower, encountering strange creatures and even stranger plot twists.
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
Step into the archipelago of Earthsea, where magic is about balance and true names hold power.
This series, comprised of five novels and a collection of short stories, explores deep themes of identity, power, and redemption.
Also, dragons.
Did we mention the dragons?
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
In this grim and gritty series, there are no heroes, only varying degrees of villainy.
Follow the adventures of Logen Ninefingers, Inquisitor Glokta, and Jezal dan Luthar in a world where moral greys dominate and happy endings are strictly prohibited.
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams
This series may start with a humble kitchen boy named Simon, but it quickly evolves into a tale of epic proportions.
Williams’ work laid the groundwork for many modern fantasy series, proving that the journey from scullery to saviour is one worth taking.
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
Follow the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard trained as an assassin.
With its rich character development and intricate plotting, this series is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling.
Plus, it’s nice to read about a protagonist who really knows how to hold a grudge.
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson
Enter the Land, a world as beautiful as it is brutal.
Thomas Covenant, an anti-hero with a serious attitude problem, must navigate this perilous realm.
It’s a series that combines deep philosophical questions with high-stakes adventure, ideal for those who enjoy their fantasy with a side of existential dread.
These top ten epic fantasy series have stood the test of time and offer the perfect escape from the mundane.
So grab your swords, ready your spells, and dive into these completed tales of adventure, magic, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing until the very last page.
Out now: The Fall of Wolfsbane
When the Ostreich Empire shatters his world and enslaves his people, Ragnar Wolfsbane vows to fight back.
Thrust into a dangerous game of imperial intrigue, Ragnar must learn to navigate a world of forbidden magic and hidden agendas.
But as the true power of ravenglass emerges, Ragnar’s choices could lead to salvation or ruin for those he holds dear.
Immerse yourself in a vivid fantasy realm where the lines between hero and villain blur.
Will Ragnar rise to become the leader his clan needs, or will the Empire’s machinations crush his resolve?
Find out in The Fall of Wolfsbane, a character-driven high fantasy novel.
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