Whenever I want to lose myself in a book, I turn to a fantasy novel. The writing, world building, and adventure make it the perfect escape. That is why we have curated a list of the five fantasy novels that you must read once in your life

The fantasy genre is filled with tons of amazing books. That makes choosing which books to read a bit difficult. Everyone gravitates towards books that they like. But these five fantasy books have a lot of the common fantasy tropes and world building that makes these novels special.

While we recommend these five fantasy novels as must reads, they are not the only ones. However, they should be at the top or near the top of your list if you are a fantasy fan. You can see the full list below!

Five Fantasy Novels That You Must Read

The Lord of the Rings 

The Lord of the Rings book cover
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

If you love fantasy novels, then you have to read The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Not only is it an amazing series but it is the formula that many fantasy authors have used to write their novels. If you have read a bunch of fantasy novels, then you have most likely come across troupes that were popularized by Tolkien.  

While most people agree that TLOTR is the best fantasy novel and series, the debate really starts at number two. Your taste is going to play a role in what makes your pick. For me, The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie.

The First Law

The series has a dark and gritty style that makes these book feel nothing like The Lord of the Rings and yet, you can’t put the novel down. I have seen books copy this style of writing and when done right, these novels are amazing reads.

While the second novel on this list was hard to pick, the third seems almost impossible. There are a few choices and each of them have a good reason to be selected. Ultimately, the novel that feels right has to be the Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone book review
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone novel by J. K. Rowling

The Harry Potter books are amazing and the worldbuilding make it one of the most interesting worlds out there in fiction. The books appeal to all ages and the uptick is novels involving wizards and magic are proof alone that the series has changed the genre.

A Song of Ice and Fire

Book cover for Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Like many people, I got into HBO’s Game of Thrones TV series before I read the books. But when I finally read the A Song of Ice and Fire books, I was in awe. The attention to detail by George R.R. Martin is unparalleled, the plot is fun, and there are so many characters.

Martin’s novels highlight everything I love about the fantasy genre. It is one of those novels that transports you to another world. The series is violent and contains a lot of sex and murder. Everything is integral to the plot and shapes the characters in the novel and why they do what they do in the books.

The Chronicles of Narnia

A series that is important in shaping fantasy novels is The Chronicles of Narnia. And to be honest, I am not the biggest fan of the series. Yet, when you start reading the books, it is impossible to put them down.

No matter what you think of the books or what their message is, the books have influenced the genre. Tolkien and Lewis were good friends who exchanged letters often. Lewis’s novel and advice helped Tolkien write his magnum opus.

Conclusion

That ends this list of the five fantasy novels that you must read once in your life. How many of these books have you read? What other novels should have made our list? Let us know in the comments below!

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