10 Best Fantasy Book Series According to Fantasy Fans

Whenever I come across a list ranking the best fantasy books of all time, I immediately have to check which books made the cut. Fantasy readers are passionate about their favorite series, so lists like these always lead to interesting debates. Some readers prefer classic fantasy filled with heroes and quests, while others enjoy darker and more complicated stories with morally gray characters.

What makes fantasy such a great genre is just how different every series can feel. Some fantasy worlds are comforting and magical, while others are brutal and unforgiving. Some focus heavily on action and adventure, while others are more interested in politics, philosophy, or character development.

This particular list stands out because it only includes fantasy series with more than three books. That means some beloved fantasy classics were left out entirely. For example, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien did not qualify despite being one of the most influential fantasy works ever written.

Honestly, I kind of like that rule. It allows longer fantasy series to get more attention and gives lesser-known books a chance to appear alongside giants of the genre. It also introduces readers to fantasy series they may have never considered before.

This ranking was voted on by fantasy fans through Fantasy Book Review, and after looking through the list, I realized there are still several fantasy series I either have not read yet or barely know anything about. That is both exciting and slightly terrifying because many of these series are absolutely massive.

If you are looking for your next fantasy obsession, these are the fantasy series readers consider the very best.

10 Best Fantasy Book Series According to Fantasy Fans

• A Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
• A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin
• The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
• The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula Le Guin
• The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
• The Duncton Chronicles by William Horwood
• The Invisible Library series by Genevieve Cogman
• The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R Donaldson
• The Wardstone Chronicles by Joseph Delaney

A Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

According to fantasy fans, the best fantasy series is Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson.

This is one of those fantasy series that has developed an almost legendary reputation among readers. Whenever fantasy fans discuss the most ambitious and complex fantasy worlds ever created, Malazan is always mentioned.

The series is known for its enormous scope, massive cast of characters, complicated magic systems, and deeply layered world-building. Erikson throws readers directly into the story without much explanation, which can make the series intimidating at first. Many readers struggle through the opening chapters because the books demand patience and attention.

I actually tried reading this series before and thought it was good, but I never fully connected with it the way other readers seem to. Still, I completely understand why fans love it so much. The scale of the storytelling is incredible, and Erikson clearly trusts readers to figure things out on their own instead of overexplaining every detail.

What makes Malazan stand out is how epic everything feels. The battles are huge, the lore is extensive, and every book feels like it adds another layer to an already enormous world.

For experienced fantasy readers looking for a challenge, this is often considered essential reading.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

Even with fans still waiting for the next book, A Song of Ice and Fire remains one of the greatest fantasy series ever written.

George R.R. Martin changed modern fantasy in many ways. Before this series became popular, fantasy often followed more traditional ideas of good versus evil. Martin helped popularize morally gray storytelling where heroes make terrible decisions and villains sometimes have understandable motivations.

Westeros feels alive in a way that very few fantasy settings do. Every kingdom has its own history, culture, politics, and rivalries. Martin’s attention to detail is one of the reasons why readers become so invested in the story.

The characters are another huge reason why the series became such a phenomenon. Tyrion Lannister, Jon Snow, Arya Stark, Jaime Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen are some of the most memorable fantasy characters ever created.

I will admit that I am frustrated by how long readers have been waiting for The Winds of Winter. At this point, it almost feels impossible to imagine the series being completed anytime soon. If Martin had already finished the series, I honestly think many readers would rank it as the greatest fantasy series ever written.

Still, even unfinished, these books remain incredible.

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

Few fantasy series are as iconic as The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.

This series helped define epic fantasy for an entire generation of readers. Spanning fourteen massive books, The Wheel of Time is known for its detailed world-building, huge cast of characters, and expansive storylines.

The series follows Rand al’Thor and his companions as they become caught in a battle involving prophecy, magic, and the fate of the world itself.

I actually tried getting into this series and read several books before eventually stopping. While I appreciated the world-building and scope, it never fully clicked for me personally. But that is the interesting thing about fantasy. Not every beloved series will work for every reader.

Even so, it is impossible to deny the influence this series has had on fantasy. Robert Jordan inspired countless modern fantasy authors, and fans who love long immersive stories often consider this series one of the greatest achievements in the genre.

If you enjoy detailed fantasy worlds and do not mind committing to a long series, The Wheel of Time might become your next obsession.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Whether people admit it or not, Harry Potter played a huge role in introducing millions of readers to fantasy.

For many readers, this series was their very first experience with magic, fantasy worlds, and long-running fictional universes. Hogwarts remains one of the most beloved fictional settings ever created, and readers still return to the series years later for comfort and nostalgia.

One reason the books became so successful is because they grow alongside the audience. The earlier novels feel magical and adventurous, while the later books become darker and more emotionally complex.

The friendships between Harry, Ron, and Hermione are also a huge part of why readers connected so deeply with the series. Their bond gives the story emotional weight beyond the magic and adventure.

Some fantasy fans may prefer darker or more complex series, but it is impossible to ignore the impact Harry Potter had on both publishing and popular culture.

Without these books, many readers may never have fallen in love with fantasy at all.

The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin

One of my favorite series on this list is The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin.

Le Guin was doing things in fantasy long before many other authors dared to challenge genre conventions. Instead of focusing purely on action and battles, Earthsea explores identity, balance, power, and personal growth.

The series begins with A Wizard of Earthsea, which follows Ged, a young boy training to become a wizard. While that premise sounds familiar now, it was groundbreaking at the time.

Le Guin’s influence on fantasy is enormous. The idea of a young magic student attending a school clearly influenced later fantasy books, including Harry Potter. Her magic system, where knowing the true name of something gives you power over it, also inspired many fantasy authors.

What I love most about Earthsea is the writing itself. Le Guin’s prose feels elegant without becoming difficult to read. There is a timeless quality to these books that makes them feel just as important today as they were decades ago.

Fantasy would look very different without Ursula K. Le Guin.

The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings deserves far more mainstream attention than it receives.

Fantasy fans constantly praise this series because of its emotional storytelling and character development. FitzChivalry Farseer is one of the most tragic and realistic protagonists in fantasy, and readers become deeply attached to him throughout the series.

Hobb excels at writing emotional pain in a way that feels genuine. Her characters make mistakes, struggle with trauma, and often suffer heartbreaking consequences because of their decisions.

Unlike some fantasy series that prioritize battles and world-ending stakes, Hobb focuses heavily on personal relationships and emotional growth. That makes the quieter moments feel just as important as the larger conflicts.

Many fantasy readers consider this one of the most emotionally devastating fantasy series ever written, and honestly, that reputation feels deserved.

The Duncton Chronicles by William Horwood

This was one of the more surprising entries on the list because I rarely see people talk about The Duncton Chroniclesonline.

The series follows communities of moles living in a richly developed underground world. At first glance, that premise sounds strange, but fantasy readers who discover these books often become incredibly passionate about them.

The series combines mythology, adventure, spirituality, and political conflict into something unique. It feels very different from traditional sword-and-sorcery fantasy while still delivering epic storytelling.

This is exactly why I enjoy fan-voted lists. They introduce readers to books that might otherwise remain hidden.

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

The Invisible Library series feels like a love letter to books and storytelling itself.

The premise alone is fantastic. The series follows Irene, a librarian who travels between alternate realities collecting rare books for a mysterious interdimensional library.

The books combine fantasy, mystery, steampunk, and adventure in a way that feels highly entertaining and accessible. Dragons, spies, magical libraries, and alternate worlds all exist within the same story.

One reason readers enjoy this series is because it feels lighter and more fun compared to many darker fantasy epics. The pacing moves quickly, and the world-building remains imaginative throughout the series.

For readers who want fantasy that feels adventurous without becoming overwhelmingly complicated, this series is worth checking out.

The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson

Fantasy readers often debate The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant because the series is both influential and deeply controversial.

Thomas Covenant himself is one of the most divisive protagonists in fantasy. He is flawed, angry, and difficult to like, which makes the reading experience very different compared to more traditional fantasy heroes.

Still, many readers admire the series because of its psychological depth and ambitious storytelling. Donaldson explores themes like guilt, denial, and self-destruction in ways that few fantasy authors attempt.

The world building is also incredibly detailed, and the emotional complexity of the series helped influence darker fantasy that came later.

This is not necessarily the easiest fantasy series to recommend, but its impact on the genre is undeniable.

The Wardstone Chronicles by Joseph Delaney

The Wardstone Chronicles deserves more attention from fantasy readers, especially fans of dark fantasy.

The series follows Thomas Ward, a young apprentice learning to fight witches, ghosts, and dangerous supernatural creatures. The books blend horror and fantasy together in a way that feels genuinely creepy at times.

One reason readers love this series is because of how atmospheric it feels. The world is dark, dangerous, and filled with terrifying creatures lurking in the shadows.

Despite being marketed toward younger readers, the books can get surprisingly intense. The monsters are memorable, the stakes feel real, and the pacing keeps readers invested throughout the series.

For readers who enjoy fantasy with horror elements, this series is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

Fantasy readers are incredibly passionate about their favorite books, which is why lists like these are always interesting to explore. Some of these series are legendary classics, while others are lesser-known gems that deserve more attention.

What I like most about this list is that it highlights just how diverse fantasy can be. You have massive epic fantasy worlds like Malazan and The Wheel of Time, emotionally driven stories like Realm of the Elderlings, and imaginative adventures like The Invisible Library.

Even if you have been reading fantasy for years, there is a good chance you will still discover something new here.

And honestly, that is one of the best things about fantasy. No matter how many books you read, there is always another incredible world waiting to be explored.

Did your favorite fantasy series make the list? And which fantasy series do you think deserves more recognition from readers? Until next time, happy reading!he list? Let us know in the comments below!

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