George R.R. Martin’s Favorite Fantasy Books Every Fan Should Read

When George R.R. Martin recommends fantasy books, readers pay attention. The man helped redefine modern fantasy with A Song of Ice and Fire, creating one of the most influential fantasy series of all time. Love him or hate him for taking forever to finish the series, there is no denying that Martin understands fantasy literature better than almost anyone else writing today.

So when Martin shared a list of his favorite fantasy books, I immediately wanted to see which novels made the cut. Some choices were expected, others surprised me, but overall this is one of the strongest fantasy recommendation lists you will find.

The best part about Martin’s list is that it combines legendary classics with modern masterpieces. It is not just a list of the most popular fantasy books ever written. Instead, it reflects the books that shaped fantasy storytelling and influenced generations of writers.

If you are looking for fantasy books to add to your reading list, this is a fantastic place to start. Whether you are new to the genre or a longtime fantasy fan, these novels deserve your attention.

George R.R. Martin’s Favorite Fantasy Books

• The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
• The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1) by Patrick Rothfuss
• Watership Down by Richard Adams
• The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard, #1) by Scott Lynch
• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
• The Wise Man’s Fear (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2) by Patrick Rothfuss
• The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian (Conan the Cimmerian, #1) by Robert E. Howard
• Ivanhoe by Walter Scott
• The Gormenghast Novels (Gormenghast, #1-3) by Mervyn Peake
• The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie

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

No fantasy list feels complete without The Lord of the Rings. Honestly, if Martin had left Tolkien off this list, I would have questioned everything.

This series is the foundation of modern fantasy. So many fantasy novels borrow elements from Tolkien that it is almost impossible to measure his influence. From worldbuilding and languages to epic quests and sprawling casts of characters, Tolkien changed literature forever.

And despite how influential it is, The Lord of the Rings still holds up incredibly well today. That is the impressive part. Some classics feel dated when you go back and read them, but Tolkien’s writing still feels grand and timeless.

Fantasy as we know it would not exist without Tolkien. Martin clearly recognizes that, and honestly, every fantasy fan should too.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Patrick Rothfuss created one of the most beloved fantasy novels of the modern era with The Name of the Wind. This book has become almost legendary among fantasy readers, and for good reason.

The prose alone is enough to pull readers in. Rothfuss writes in a way that feels almost musical at times. Every sentence feels carefully crafted, which makes the story incredibly immersive.

Kvothe is also one of the most fascinating protagonists in fantasy. He is brilliant, arrogant, talented, and deeply flawed all at once. Watching his story unfold is part of what makes the novel so addictive.

I completely understand why Martin included this book on the list. While people constantly joke about Rothfuss and Martin both struggling to finish their series, there is no denying the quality of what Rothfuss has already written.

Fantasy readers still recommend this novel constantly because it is simply that good.

Watership Down by Richard Adams

I love seeing Watership Down included on fantasy lists because it reminds readers that fantasy does not have to follow a traditional formula.

At first glance, a story about rabbits might not sound like something fantasy fans would rush to read. But once you start this novel, it becomes impossible to forget.

Richard Adams created a surprisingly emotional and intense story filled with danger, mythology, survival, and leadership. The worldbuilding is incredible even though the story centers around animals.

This is one of those books that stays with readers long after they finish it. There are scenes in this novel that still stick with me years later.

Martin including Watership Down shows how broad fantasy can be as a genre. Fantasy is not just dragons, magic systems, and giant battles. Sometimes it is about atmosphere, storytelling, and emotional depth.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

If you enjoy clever characters, witty dialogue, and heists, The Lies of Locke Lamora is a must-read.

Scott Lynch created one of the most entertaining fantasy novels I have ever read. Locke Lamora is essentially what happens if you drop a master thief into a brutal fantasy world and let chaos unfold.

The friendship between Locke and Jean is one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Their chemistry carries the story and makes readers genuinely care about what happens to them.

The city of Camorr also deserves praise because it feels alive in a way many fantasy settings do not. Lynch blends crime, politics, violence, and humor together perfectly.

I can absolutely see why Martin loves this novel. It shares some similarities with his own writing style because it is gritty, unpredictable, and filled with morally gray characters.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin deserves far more credit for shaping fantasy than she usually receives in mainstream discussions.

A Wizard of Earthsea changed fantasy storytelling in ways many readers do not fully realize. While Tolkien established many fantasy conventions, Le Guin showed writers that fantasy could also be deeply philosophical and introspective.

Ged’s journey is not just about magic. It is about identity, fear, pride, and self-understanding. That emotional and psychological depth is what makes the novel stand out.

You can also see Le Guin’s influence all over modern fantasy. Even Harry Potter borrowed concepts that Le Guin explored decades earlier.

What I admire most about Earthsea is how different it feels from other fantasy novels of its era. Instead of focusing entirely on giant battles and wars, Le Guin focuses on personal growth and balance.

That fresh perspective helped redefine what fantasy could be.

The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

Martin clearly loves Rothfuss because he included The Wise Man’s Fear alongside The Name of the Wind.

Some readers prefer the first novel, but I actually appreciate how ambitious the second book becomes. Rothfuss expands the world significantly and dives deeper into Kvothe’s story.

The pacing can feel slower at times, but the character development and storytelling remain excellent throughout.

This series continues to frustrate readers because we still do not have the final installment, but the first two books are strong enough that fantasy fans continue recommending them anyway.

That alone says a lot about the quality of the writing.

The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian by Robert E. Howard

Modern fantasy would look completely different without Robert E. Howard.

Conan helped establish the sword-and-sorcery subgenre and influenced countless fantasy stories afterward. Howard’s writing feels raw, violent, and energetic in a way that still stands out today.

Conan himself is also one of the most iconic fantasy characters ever created. He is powerful, fearless, and endlessly entertaining to follow.

What surprised me most when I first read Howard’s work was how fast-paced and engaging it felt. Some older fantasy novels can feel difficult to get through, but Howard’s stories move quickly and keep readers hooked.

Martin’s love for gritty fantasy makes this choice completely understandable.

Ivanhoe by Walter Scott

This was one of the more surprising picks on the list for me.

Ivanhoe is not typically the first novel people think about when discussing fantasy, but its influence on medieval storytelling is enormous.

Walter Scott helped romanticize knights, castles, tournaments, and medieval adventures in ways that influenced fantasy literature for generations.

You can see traces of Ivanhoe in countless fantasy series today. The medieval atmosphere that dominates epic fantasy owes a lot to Scott’s work.

I actually appreciate Martin including this novel because it reminds readers to look beyond modern fantasy and explore the older works that inspired the genre.

The Gormenghast Novels by Mervyn Peake

The Gormenghast novels are some of the strangest and most unique books on this list.

These novels feel gothic, atmospheric, and almost surreal at times. The setting itself becomes one of the most memorable aspects of the story.

Unlike many fantasy novels that focus heavily on action and adventure, Gormenghast leans into mood, character, and intricate writing.

Mervyn Peake’s prose is absolutely incredible. Every page feels carefully constructed, which gives the novels a distinct literary quality.

This is definitely one of the more challenging entries on Martin’s list, but it is also one of the most rewarding for readers willing to dive into it.

The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie has become one of the biggest names in modern fantasy, and The Heroes is a great example of why.

Abercrombie excels at writing morally gray characters and brutal realism. His books strip away the romanticized image of war and show how ugly and chaotic it really is.

What makes The Heroes especially impressive is that much of the story takes place during a single battle. Despite that narrow focus, Abercrombie manages to create an intense and deeply engaging narrative.

His character work is phenomenal, and the dialogue is some of the best in fantasy today.

Martin being a fan of Abercrombie makes perfect sense because both authors excel at writing unpredictable stories where no character feels truly safe.

If you enjoy darker fantasy with sharp writing and unforgettable characters, Abercrombie is absolutely worth reading.

Why George R.R. Martin’s List Works So Well

What I like most about Martin’s list is the variety.

Some recommendation lists feel repetitive because they only include the most obvious choices. Martin’s list balances classics, modern fantasy, literary fantasy, and darker fantasy together in a way that feels thoughtful.

There is also a clear appreciation for books that changed the genre.

Tolkien shaped epic fantasy. Le Guin redefined what fantasy themes could explore. Howard influenced sword-and-sorcery adventures. Abercrombie modernized grimdark fantasy.

These are not just great books. They are important books.

And honestly, if you are trying to become a bigger fantasy fan, this is exactly the kind of reading list you should follow.

Conclusion

George R.R. Martin’s favorite fantasy books showcase everything that makes the genre special. From the epic scale of The Lord of the Rings to the gritty realism of Joe Abercrombie’s novels, this list highlights fantasy’s incredible range.

I also appreciate that Martin included books that newer readers might not immediately recognize. It encourages fantasy fans to explore beyond the biggest modern releases and discover the novels that helped shape the genre itself.

There are classics here, modern masterpieces, literary fantasy novels, and darker stories that push the genre in new directions.

If you are looking for fantasy books worth your time, this is one of the best lists to follow. And honestly, while we all continue waiting for The Winds of Winter, at least Martin gave readers plenty of incredible books to keep them occupied in the meantime. Until next time, happy reading!

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