G+T’s 10 Best Fantasy Books of All Time (And Whether the List Gets It Right)

Fantasy novels have always held a special place in the hearts of readers. Whether it’s sprawling epic worlds, unforgettable characters, or magic systems that stretch the imagination, the genre offers something truly unique. As someone who constantly looks for the next great fantasy read, I’m always curious to see what other readers—and especially curated publications—consider the “best.”

That’s why a recent list from G+T caught my attention. They put together their picks for the 10 best fantasy books of all time, blending classics with more modern favorites. Naturally, lists like these are always subjective, but they can still give us a great sense of which books have made a lasting impact on readers.

So, how good is G+T’s list? Let’s take a closer look at their selections and break down what works, what surprises, and what might be missing.

What Is G+T?

Before diving into the list, it’s worth understanding who G+T is. G+T is an online publication that focuses on curated lifestyle content, including travel destinations, city guides, art, architecture, and, importantly for us, book recommendations.

Their book lists often aim to blend literary quality with broad appeal, introducing readers to both well-known classics and hidden gems. While they aren’t exclusively focused on books, they’ve built a reputation for thoughtful and visually engaging recommendations.

That said, the real question is: how well does their taste in fantasy hold up?

G+T’s 10 Best Fantasy Books of All Time

Here are the books that made their list:

• American Gods by Neil Gaiman 
• The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle 
• Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman 
• Dune by Frank Herbert 
• The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch 
• The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth #1) by N.K. Jemisin 
•  Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo 
• The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1) by Patrick Rothfuss 
• A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire #3) by George R.R. Martin 
• The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings #3) by J.R.R. Tolkien 

At first glance, this is a very modern-leaning list, with a mix of genre-defining classics and newer fan favorites. But a few choices immediately stand out—for better or worse.

A Surprisingly Modern Fantasy List

One of the most interesting aspects of this list is how modern it feels. While it does include giants like Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, many of the selections come from the last few decades.

Starting the list with American Gods is particularly surprising. While Neil Gaiman’s novel is widely loved, it doesn’t always appear on “best of all time” lists. Typically, those spots are reserved for more traditional epic fantasy series like The Wheel of Time or The Chronicles of Narnia.

This omission is notable. The Wheel of Time, in particular, is often considered one of the most influential fantasy series ever written. Its absence here will definitely raise some eyebrows among longtime fantasy fans.

Still, there’s something refreshing about seeing a list that doesn’t just recycle the same titles over and over again.

Dune: Where Sci-Fi Meets Fantasy

One of the most debated inclusions on this list is Dune by Frank Herbert.

While Dune is technically a science fiction novel, it often overlaps with fantasy in terms of themes, world-building, and scope. The story takes place in a distant future, but its focus on prophecy, political intrigue, and almost mystical elements gives it a strong fantasy feel.

Even readers who don’t typically gravitate toward sci-fi have likely heard of Dune. It’s one of the most celebrated novels in speculative fiction, known for its deep world-building and complex narrative.

Critics frequently rank it among the greatest sci-fi books ever written—and its inclusion here shows how blurred the line between sci-fi and fantasy can be.

Whether or not it belongs on a fantasy list is up for debate, but there’s no denying its impact.

Standout Picks That Deserve Their Spot

Several books on this list feel like obvious—and well-deserved—choices.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is a modern classic that has captivated readers with its lyrical prose and compelling protagonist. Despite the long wait for the series’ conclusion, it remains one of the most beloved fantasy novels of the 21st century.

A Storm of Swords is often considered the best entry in A Song of Ice and Fire. George R.R. Martin’s ability to subvert expectations and deliver shocking twists is on full display here, making it a standout in the genre.

And of course, The Return of the King represents one of the most iconic conclusions in fantasy history. Tolkien’s influence on the genre is immeasurable, and any list of the best fantasy books would feel incomplete without him.

Unexpected Additions

Two books that stand out as surprises are The Last Unicorn and Six of Crows.

The Last Unicorn is a classic, but it doesn’t always get the same level of attention as other older fantasy novels. That said, it has a devoted fanbase and is known for its emotional depth and poetic storytelling. For readers who appreciate a more reflective and bittersweet fantasy experience, it’s a fantastic choice.

Six of Crows, on the other hand, represents a more modern, character-driven style of fantasy. Leigh Bardugo’s novel blends heist elements with a richly developed cast, making it incredibly engaging.

Having read Six of Crows, I can confidently say it deserves recognition. It’s a fast-paced, well-written novel that has introduced many readers to the fantasy genre. Its inclusion here helps bring a newer perspective to the list.

What’s Missing From the List?

No list is perfect, and G+T’s selections are no exception.

The biggest omission is arguably The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. As one of the most influential epic fantasy series ever written, its absence is hard to ignore.

Other notable exclusions might include:

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin

Each of these works has had a significant impact on the genre and is often included in similar rankings.

However, part of what makes lists like this interesting is what they leave out. By making unconventional choices, G+T has created a list that sparks discussion—and that’s not a bad thing.

Final Thoughts: Does the List Hold Up?

Overall, G+T’s list of the 10 best fantasy books of all time is a solid one, even if it isn’t perfect.

It successfully balances classic and modern fantasy, offering something for both longtime fans and newer readers. While some omissions are noticeable, the selections themselves are strong and worth reading.

What makes this list particularly interesting is its willingness to take risks. Including books like American Gods and Six of Crows gives it a fresh perspective that sets it apart from more traditional rankings.

At the end of the day, no single list can capture the full scope of the fantasy genre. There are simply too many incredible books out there.

But if you’re looking for a starting point—or just want to see how your favorites stack up—G+T’s list is definitely worth exploring.

Conclusion

Fantasy is a genre that continues to grow and evolve, with new stories constantly redefining what’s possible. Lists like this remind us just how diverse and expansive fantasy literature can be.

So, what do you think of G+T’s picks? Did they get it right, or are there books you would have included instead?

Let us know your favorite fantasy novels—and which ones you think deserve a spot among the best of all time. Until next time, happy reading!

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