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Epic Fantasy Ultimate List
The Lord of the Rings
By J. R. R. Tolkien
A must for this list, J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings, follows young hobbit Frodo Baggins as he embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, a powerful artifact capable of enslaving Middle-earth. Accompanied by a diverse fellowship, Frodo faces overwhelming odds and treacherous enemies while the world’s fate hangs in the balance.
A Game of Thrones
By George R R Martin
In A Game of Thrones, the first book of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, political intrigue and conflict unfold in the realm of Westeros, where noble families vie for power. As the brutal Stark family uncovers dark secrets, an ancient supernatural threat looms beyond the Wall. Intricate, immersive, and filled with unforgettable characters, Martin’s epic saga explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal.
The Name of the Wind
By Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is an enthralling fantasy novel that follows the life of Kvothe, a gifted but tragic hero. Through recounting his story to a Chronicler, Kvothe unveils his past as an orphaned prodigy who masters various arts and magic at a prestigious university. Amidst adventure and hardship, he seeks vengeance for his family’s death, caused by the mysterious Chandrian, and uncovers deeper secrets in his quest for truth.
Mistborn
By Brandon Sanderson
In Mistborn: The Final Empire, Brandon Sanderson crafts a dark, complex world ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler. Kelsier, a skilled thief with magical abilities, assembles a team to overthrow the tyrant. Vin, a young street urchin, discovers her latent powers, joining Kelsier’s rebellion. Together, they navigate political intrigue, treachery, and an ancient prophecy to change their world forever.
The Way of Kings
By Brandon Sanderson
The first book in The Stormlight Archive series follows the intertwined stories of Kaladin Stormblessed, Shallan Davar, and Dalinar Kholin in the war-torn world of Roshar. As they grapple with personal demons, navigate political intrigue, and uncover ancient secrets, they must unite to face a looming darkness threatening to destroy their world. The novel masterfully weaves intricate world-building, deep characters, and an epic storyline.
The Eye of the World
By Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World, the first book in Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time, follows Rand al’Thor and his friends as they embark on a perilous journey to save their world from the Dark One. Guided by the enigmatic Aes Sedai, Moiraine, and her loyal Warder, Lan, they must navigate danger, political intrigue, and ancient prophecies to find the mysterious Eye of the World and fulfill their destinies.
The Fifth Season
By N. K. Jemisin
In N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season, the world of the Stillness faces apocalyptic events and societal collapse. The story follows three women with orogeny, a power to control geological forces, as they navigate treacherous terrain and a brutal caste system. As they search for safety and freedom, they uncover secrets that challenge their understanding of their abilities and the world itself. A gripping and evocative tale of survival and resilience.
Assassin’s Apprentice
By Robin Hobb
Assassin’s Apprentice, the first book in Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy, follows Fitz, a royal bastard with the magical skill of telepathy. Raised as a secret assassin in a kingdom threatened by political intrigue and treachery, Fitz must navigate his newfound powers and loyalties. Amidst a backdrop of danger and secrets, he faces a perilous quest to save the realm, while grappling with his own identity and destiny.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
By Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Feyre, a young huntress who gets entangled in the mysterious world of Faeries. After accidentally killing a disguised faerie, Feyre is forced to leave her family and live in the magical land of Prythian. There, she must navigate political intrigue, romance, and an ancient curse that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.
Gardens of the Moon
By Steven Erikson
In Steven Erikson’s epic fantasy, Gardens of the Moon, a sprawling empire faces escalating tensions. Amidst political intrigue and war, a diverse cast of characters—including a young thief, a weary soldier, and a powerful mage—struggle to survive and navigate the complex web of alliances and betrayals. As the Empire seeks to expand, they risk unleashing an ancient power capable of reshaping the world.