There’s a whole world of incredible high fantasy books out there, with plenty more being released this year. With such an abundance of choice, it can be hard sometimes to know what to read next. As we dive into high fantasy this month, we are excited to be picking our own next reads.
In order to help you do the same, we’ve put together this list of ten of the best epic high fantasy books for adults.
10. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
This high fantasy book is the first in N.K. Jemisin’s intriguing Inheritance Trilogy. It tells the story of a young woman named Yeine Darr who lives in a matriarchal kingdom called Darr. After her mother dies unexpectedly, Yeine is called to Sky, a majestic place that is home to the ruling Arameri family. Once she discovers she’s been named as a potential heir to the throne, a dangerous battle of succession begins.
Why I recommend it: This gripping and detailed novel is a fascinating exploration of ideas of identity, race, and power, and offers powerful insight about how those forces manifest in our own society.
9. Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
This complex and emotionally deep novel is about an assassin named FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard who becomes trained as a killer in order to protect the royal throne from his greedy uncle.
Why I recommend it: Hobb’s high fantasy novel, the first in the Farseer Trilogy, is a compelling examination of family dynamics, political betrayal, and the forces of duty and loyalty.
8. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
Dragonflight is part of the Dragonriders of Pern high fantasy series and introduces the character of Lessa, a young telepathic woman who fights to become a dragon rider. Along with the other dragon riders, Lessa launches a campaign against the Thread, a deadly spore that falls from space, while all life hangs in the balance.
Why I recommend it: This 1968 novel is a captivating combination of science fiction and fantasy and is notable for its incorporation of some of the most iconic creatures from fantasy literature.
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7. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
This introduction to The First Law Trilogy is about three main characters who inhabit a complex and unyielding world on the verge of war. As their stories intersect, a deeper plot of violence, politics, and magic emerges.
Why I recommend it: The Blade Itself is a fascinating high fantasy novel with themes of corruption and political betrayal.
6. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
The first novel in the Earthsea high fantasy series, this book follows a young mage named Ged, whose success at wizard school unleashes an ugly and reckless shadow creature. In order to defeat this enemy, Ged must embark on a quest of self-discovery and make his mistake right.
(If you’re a fan of Earthsea, be sure to check out this recent profile about the series!)
Why I recommend it: Le Guin’s profound and lyrical novel is a classic of the epic high fantasy genre.
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5. Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
This epic high fantasy book is the first novel in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. It tells the story of a wide cast of characters, including Sergeant Whiskeyjack, who are struggling to make sense of the seemingly-unstoppable expansion of the Malazan Empire.
Why I recommend it: Erikson’s intricate high fantasy novel is renowned for its complex characters and encyclopedic world-building.
4. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Rothfuss’s epic high fantasy novel The Name of the Wind is the first in the Kingkiller Chronicle series. It’s about an innkeeper named Kvothe who reflects on his life by retelling his dramatic adventures of magic and secrecy.
Why I recommend it: Its beautiful prose and profound character development make this book a must-read for any fan of high fantasy.
3. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The first novel in the Stormlight Archive series, this high fantasy epic follows multiple characters who all undercover a threatening conspiracy that could mean the end of the world as they know it.
Why I recommend it: Sanderson is widely hailed as one of the masters of the high fantasy genre, and this novel will tell you exactly why. It’s essential reading for fans of intricate world-building and psychologically complex characters.
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2. A Game Of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
George R.R. Martin’s epic high fantasy novel is the first in the series A Song of Ice and Fire. It follows numerous noble families who are struggling to take control of the Iron Throne.
And, if you didn’t love how this series was adapted for the screen on HBO, rest assured: you’re not alone.
Why I recommend it: This high fantasy novel took the world by storm upon its publication due to its scope and its morally ambiguous characters.
1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien’s high fantasy epic masterpiece is one of the most famous books of all time. It tells the story of Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit who must journey with his friends to destroy the powerful One Ring and defeat Sauron, the dark lord who rules over Middle-earth.
Why I recommend it: This classic of high fantasy is an absolute classic, lauded even by readers who don’t often read high fantasy. Its masterful storytelling and deep mythology make this novel a fantastic choice for all readers.
Whether you’re a devoted high fantasy reader, or perhaps a curious bookworm looking to branch out and try a new genre, we are hopeful that this list has something for you.
As always, happy reading!
