The best fantasy books of all time (that may not be on your list yet)

Why read this: If you’re searching for epic fantasy with a fierce emotional core and a world unlike any other, The Tiger and the Wolf delivers on every front. In a land where whole tribes can shift into animal forms, Maniye is an outcast – the daughter of the leaders of two warring tribes, and secretly able to transform into both a wolf and a tiger. As war brews across the north, her very existence threatens the fragile balance of power. Refusing to deny half her nature, she flees, pursued by killers and prophecy alike. Sweeping, inventive and deeply immersive, this British Fantasy Award-winning novel is the start of a Bronze Age-inspired saga.

If you’re looking for: Epic fantasy, shape-shifters, warring clans, coming-of-age journey.

Great for fans of: John Gwynne, R J Barker.

What the experts say: 'It’s addictively brilliant! The protagonist is vivid and sympathetic – and I love both the story and the world Adrian has created.' – John Gwynne, author of Malice and Shadow of the Gods.

Why read this: Epic fantasy at its most ambitious, The Ruin of Kings throws prophecy, gods and political intrigue into a dazzlingly complex narrative. Kihrin, a thief with a talent for survival, discovers he’s central to an ancient prophecy – but not as a saviour, as a destroyer. Told through layered timelines and competing perspectives, this is a bold, intricate read that rewards attention and delivers emotional punch alongside dragons, demons and imperial power struggles.

If you’re looking for: Epic fantasy, prophecy twists, complex structure, gods and demons, political intrigue.

Great for fans of: Joe Abercrombie, Patrick Rothfuss and Robin Hobb.

What the experts say: 'Everything epic fantasy should be: rich, cruel, gorgeous, brilliant, enthralling and deeply deeply satisfying.' – Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians.

Why read this: A thunderous epic fantasy, The Empire’s Ruin follows warriors, monks and empires on the brink of collapse. To restore an elite fighting force and save the Annurian Empire, a soldier must travel beyond the edge of the known world, to the mythical nesting grounds of the giant war hawks. But a creeping ancient evil is stirring. . . Staveley delivers scale, grit and momentum in spades. It’s propulsive, brutal and deeply immersive.

If you’re looking for: Epic fantasy, quests, fallen empires, multiple viewpoints, high stakes, strong female protagonist. 

Great for fans of: Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, John Gwynne, Joe Abercrombie. 

What the experts say: 'An aching, bruised, white-knuckled symphony' – Max Gladstone, author of This Is How You Lose the Time War

Why read this: If you love intricate court politics laced with shadowy magic, Sword Catcher is your next obsession. Set in the glittering, dangerous city-state of Castellane, the story follows Kel – an orphan trained to die as body-double to a prince – and Lin, a gifted physician from a persecuted magical community. When an assassination attempt binds their fates together, they are pulled into a conspiracy that reaches from decadent noble houses to the criminal underworld. With expert world-building, razor-sharp intrigue and yearning at its heart, this Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller marks the start of a richly layered epic fantasy series you’ll want to savour.

If you’re looking for: Political intrigue, immersive city setting, slow-burn romance, twist-filled plotting.

Great for fans of: Game of Thrones, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, V. E. Schwab and Brandon Sanderson.

What the experts say: ‘Everything I look for in medieval fantasy [ . . .] expert worldbuilding, swordplay and politics.’ – George R. R. Martin.

Why read this: Craving epic fantasy that truly reinvents the genre? Empire in Black and Gold launches the acclaimed Shadows of the Apt series with staggering ambition. The city states of the Lowlands face annihilation from a relentless, expansionist empire, but only ageing spymaster Stenwold Maker sees the storm coming. What follows is a sweeping tale of war, political manoeuvring and technological revolution, set in one of the most original secondary worlds in modern fantasy. Bold, intricate and utterly immersive, this is the beginning of a completed ten-book saga to lose yourself in.

If you’re looking for: Inventive world-building, war and strategy, political intrigue, morally complex characters, multi-book series, non-traditional magic systems, large ensemble cast.

Great for fans of: Anna Smith Stark, Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series.

Why read this: A landmark fantasy inspired by West African mythology, Children of Blood and Bone is fierce, emotional and unapologetically political – and soon to be a major film starring Wicked's Cynthia Erivo. Under the orders of a ruthless king, anyone with magical powers has been targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now she has a chance to return magic to her world and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must learn to harness her powers and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. With its rich world-building and cinematic intensity, it’s no surprise this has become a modern classic.

If you’re looking for: Myth-inspired fantasy, rebellion, magic systems, emotional stakes, series reads.

What the experts say: 'A hugely enjoyable escapist story that makes you re-examine the world around you.' – Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Deathless Girls

Why read this: If you want dragons, grit and momentum, Blood of an Exile is the swaggering, cinematic epic with a bruised heart for you. Bershad is a condemned man forced into dragon-slaying as a public sentence – except he keeps surviving, becoming a legend everyone still treats like a monster. When the king offers him freedom in exchange for assassinating a foreign monarch, Bershad’s only reason to care is a child caught in the blast radius. What starts as a dirty mission turns into something far bigger, with betrayals, bloody action and a hero who’s trying (against his better judgement) to do the right thing.

If you’re looking for: Dragon-slaying, antiheroes, bloody action, dark humour, assassination plots, fast pacing.

Great for fans of: The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski.

What the experts say: 'A page-turning, action-packed tale full of memorable characters, set within a world full of dragons . . . It doesn't get much cooler than this.' – John Gwynne.

Why read this: A classic-feeling epic that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with fantasy, Malice is a coming-of-age war story drenched in myth, prophecy and steel. Corban longs to become a warrior – but as giants stir, stones weep blood and ancient evils edge back into the world, his dream collides with a far older conflict. Gwynne builds a big cast you’ll quickly care about, then throws them into betrayals, duels and battles that crackle with clarity and force. When the omens start stacking up, you’ll feel the oncoming thunder of a series that only gets bigger.

If you’re looking for: Heroic fantasy, training-to-warrior arcs, battles and duels, prophecy and omens, good vs evil.

Great for fans of: David Gemmell, Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks.

What the experts say: 'Reminds me of why I became a fantasy enthusiast in the first place' – Robin Hobb, author of Assassin's Apprentice. 'One of the modern masters of heroic fantasy' – Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time.

Why read this: A bold, sensual romantasy with apocalyptic stakes, Fall of Ruin and Wrath is pure, immersive escapism. In a shattered world ruled by guardians who feed on mortal pleasure, Calista survives by trusting her flawless intuition, trading information for protection. Led by instinct to save a prince in trouble, she now finds herself in danger. And so comes a choice: follow her intuition to safety, or follow her heart to her downfall . . . This is a story that’s as steamy as it is suspenseful. Armentrout’s world-building is lush, her romance addictive and the emotional tension relentless.

If you’re looking for: Romantasy, high heat, intuition magic, decadent worlds, rebellion.

Great for fans of: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, Katee Robert and Marissa Meyer.

What the experts say: ‘Imaginative and seductive’ – Rebecca Yarros, author of Fourth Wing. ‘A masterpiece from the queen of romantasy’ – Laura Thalassa.

Why read this: Edwardian manners meet murderous magic in this glittering fantasy romance. When an administrative error lands Robin Blyth in a secret magical society, he’s plunged into curses, conspiracies and an irresistible enemies-to-lovers romance. With razor-sharp dialogue, lush prose and sizzling chemistry, A Marvellous Light is both playful and perilous – a standout blend of mystery and magic.

If you’re looking for: Historical fantasy, queer romance, magic societies, murder mystery, witty prose.

Great for fans of: The Binding by Bridget Collins, The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman, Bridgerton.

What the experts say: 'A magical world of exquisite refinement, where peril skims beneath manners, interiors bespeak both faultless taste and deadly secrets, and the sexual tension crescendos until it literally makes sparks fly.' Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun.

Why read this: A sumptuous blend of court politics and slow-burn romance, A Taste of Gold and Iron is fantasy at its most emotionally intelligent. Inspired by the Ottoman Empire, it follows a reluctant prince and his rather cold bodyguard as they investigate a conspiracy that could topple the kingdom. With its tactile magic system, sharp humour and tender exploration of anxiety, duty and love, this is a deeply satisfying, character-driven fantasy romance.

If you’re looking for: Historical fantasy, YA crossover, fantasy romance, court intrigue, LGBTQIA+ characters.

Great for fans of: A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske and The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.

What the experts say: ‘A delicious tangle of romance, fealty and dangerous politics’ – Tasha Suri author of The Jasmine Throne . ‘Witty, clever, and sexy’ – Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of Kings.

Why read this: Unsettling, lyrical and profoundly strange, White is for Witching is a modern gothic fantasy that blurs the boundaries between house, haunting and identity. High on the cliffs near Dover, the Silver family is reeling from the loss of Lily, mother of twins Eliot and Miranda, and beloved wife of Luc. The book explores grief, possession and inherited trauma through shifting perspectives – including the house itself. Oyeyemi’s prose is hypnotic, demanding and unforgettable.

If you’re looking for: Literary fantasy, haunted houses, psychological horror, myth and memory.

Why read this: Dark and cerebral, The Lie Tree is a gothic fantasy that interrogates truth, power and belief. When Faith discovers a tree that feeds on lies and bears fruit of hidden knowledge, she’s drawn into a dangerous moral spiral while investigating her father’s death. Set on a claustrophobic Victorian island, Hardinge’s novel is atmospheric, intelligent and quietly devastating – a fantasy that lingers long after the final page. No wonder it won the 2015 Costa Book of the Year.

If you’re looking for: Gothic fantasy, dark magic, mystery story.

What the experts say: 'The Lie Tree is brilliant: dark, thrilling, utterly original. Everyone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now.' Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls.

Why read this: If you’re drawn to fantasy that pushes boundaries and refuses to look away from the strange, Perdido Street Station is a modern classic. Set in the sprawling, soot-choked city of New Crobuzon, where humans rub shoulders with mutants and arcane sciences blur into magic, China Miéville unleashes a story of monstrous creation and catastrophic consequence. When a reckless experiment frees an otherworldly terror, only a ragtag band of artists, scientists and criminals stand between the city and annihilation. Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the August Derleth Award, this is urban fantasy at its most ambitious – dark, intellectually daring and gloriously grotesque.

If you’re looking for: New Weird fantasy, steampunk, political undercurrents, body horror, morally complex characters, baroque prose, monstrous adversaries.

Why read this: For readers craving razor-sharp urban fantasy with a fiercely original heroine, The Library of the Dead is a must. Sixteen-year-old Ropa Moyo is a ghostalker in modern-day Edinburgh, delivering messages from the dead to pay the bills. But when spirits begin whispering about children drained of their very essence, Ropa is pulled into a darker mystery that leads to an occult library, forbidden magic and a city teeming with secrets. Blending Zimbabwean folklore with Scottish grit, T. L. Huchu crafts a fast-moving, darkly funny and deeply atmospheric adventure – the start of a series you’ll want to lose yourself in.

If you’re looking for: Urban fantasy, occult libraries, ghosts and spirits, found family, sharp humour.

Great for fans of: Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London, Genevieve Cogman’s The Invisible Library.

What the experts say: ‘A fast-moving and entertaining tale, beautifully written’ – Ben Aaronovitch, author of Rivers of London. ‘I highly recommend The Library of the Dead’ – Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series.

Why read this: Dark academia with teeth, The Atlas Six pits six brilliant magicians against one another in a lethal contest of intellect, power and desire. Set largely in London, this TikTok phenomenon thrives on moral ambiguity, psychological tension and dangerously clever characters. It’s less about who wins and more about what ambition costs – smart, addictive and impossible to put down.

If you’re looking for: Dark academia, rivalries, moral ambiguity, secret societies, character-driven fantasy.

Great for fans of: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik.

What the experts say: 'Lethally smart. Filled with a cast of brilliantly realized characters, each entangled with one another in torturously delicious ways, The Atlas Six will grip you by the throat and refuse to let go.' Chloe Gong, author of These Violent Delights.

Why read this: A deeply emotional urban fantasy about love, loyalty and chosen family, Wolfsong is the kind of book that gets under your skin. Following Ox and the werewolf pack who become his world, this is a story of growing up, growing apart and finding your way back to yourself. Klune’s prose is tender and raw, balancing mythic pack bonds with aching human vulnerability.

If you’re looking for: Found family, queer romance, werewolves, emotional storytelling, long series arcs.

Great for fans of: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske.

What the experts say: 'Wolfsong is so well written that I'm in awe of TJ Klune's talent [...] The complex and startling world of Green Creek is the perfect setting.' Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series.

Why read this: A love letter to books wrapped in a high-stakes fantasy thriller, The Invisible Library launches a gloriously inventive series of parallel worlds, secret societies and literary espionage. Irene is a spy tasked with stealing dangerous books from alternate realities, but her latest mission to a steampunk London spirals into chaos. With vampires, unpredictable magic and reality itself on the line, Cogman delivers a clever, fast-paced adventure led by a sharp, capable heroine. It’s irresistibly readable and endlessly fun.

If you’re looking for:  Parallel worlds, magical libraries, fantasy mystery, espionage, witty heroines, series reads.

Great for fans of: Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde, Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch..

What the experts say: 'I absolutely loved this ... flavored with truly unique mythology and a dash of the eldritch. Such clever, creepy, elaborate worldbuilding and snarky, sexy-smart characters.' N.K. Jemisin, author of the Broken Earth series.

Why read this: A modern fantasy classic, Uprooted reimagines fairy tales and Slavic folklore. Agnieszka loves her village, set deep in a peaceful valley. But the nearby enchanted forest casts a shadow over her home. The villagers depend on an ageless wizard, the Dragon, to protect them from the forest’s dark magic, but his help comes at a terrible price. One young village woman must serve him for ten years, leaving all they love and value behind. . . Agnieszka’s quiet bravery and Novik’s visceral magic system make this a story that feels ancient and new all at once. Dark, romantic and deeply humane, it has won multiple awards including the British Fantasy Society Award for Best Novel.

If you’re looking for: Fairytale retellings, folklore-inspired fantasy, strong female protagonist.

Great for fans of: Robin Hobb and Trudi Canavan.

What the experts say: ‘So vividly believable that it almost seems you could work the spells’ – Ursula K. Le Guin, author of A Wizard of Earthsea.

Why read this: A sparkling Regency fantasy that gleefully upends tradition, Sorcerer to the Crown blends drawing-room wit with dangerous magic and sharp social commentary. Set in an alternative Regency England, it follows Zacharias Wythe, the country’s first African Sorcerer Royal, whose reign is under threat from both malignant factions within the Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, and the Fairy Court's blocking of England's magic supply. Enter brilliant, ambitious orphan Prunella Gentleman, who has just stumbled upon English magic's greatest discovery in centuries. Cho’s debut is joyful, clever and quietly radical – a genre classic hiding in plain sight, and winner of the 2016 British Fantasy Society Award for Best Newcomer. 

If you’re looking for: Historical fantasy, Regency setting, wit and humour, faerie magic, social satire, slow-burn romance, subverted tropes, political scheming.

Great for fans of: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, Georgette Heyer.

What the experts say: ‘An enchanting cross between Georgette Heyer and Susanna Clarke’ – Naomi Novik, author of Uprooted. ‘Inventive, dangerous, brilliant, unsettling, and adorable’ – Courtney Milan, author of The Duchess War.

Why read this: Sweeping, ruthless and emotionally devastating, She Who Became the Sun reimagines the rise of the Ming dynasty as a queer historical fantasy of hunger, ambition and self-invention. In famine-struck fourteenth-century China, a girl is told she will amount to nothing – so she steals her dead brother’s identity and fate, refusing to accept the story the world has written for her. As rebellion ignites under Mongol rule, Zhu climbs through devotion, brutality and brilliance towards the dragon throne.

If you’re looking for: Historical fantasy, queer epic, ambition and betrayal, gender and identity, political intrigue, tragic intensity.

Great for fans of:The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn.

What the experts say: ‘Magnificent in every way’ – Samantha Shannon. ‘Epic, tragic, and gorgeous’ – Alix E. Harrow.