High fantasy is a vast genre, with extensive contributions from writers around the world. It has benefitted from these varied perspectives, and it would be difficult to argue that high fantasy hasn’t been a deeply collaborative genre wherein writers are constantly challenging, inspiring, and encouraging one another.
That being said, there are a select few writers whose work has been particularly influential in the genre of high fantasy. Some of them are household names, and some of them are lesser-known authors. But their books are all worth a read, and many of them are considered classics of high fantasy.
Here are ten of the best high fantasy authors of all time.
10. Robin Hobb
High fantasy author Robin Hobb might not yet be the best-known writer in the genre, but her work is essential reading for any fans of high fantasy. She’s known for her immersive and encyclopedic world-building, as well as her psychologically complex character development. Her writing is often deeply emotional and explores themes like sacrifice, power, and suffering.
Recommended read: The Farseer Trilogy, Hobb’s first publication under the same pen name, is an astounding work exploring themes of shame, queer identity, and otherness.
9. Robert Jordan
Robert Jordan has been writing high fantasy novels for decades. It’s no surprise, then, that his work has been incredibly influential in the genre and has won him a dedicated fan base around the world. His reach was so great, in fact, that after his passing in 2007, renowned high fantasy author Brandon Sanderson stepped in to complete his epic series The Wheel Of Time. If that’s not respect, we don’t know what is.
Recommended read: The Eye of the World, Jordan’s first novel in the Wheel Of Time series, is a fantastic introduction and features numerous plotlines.
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8. Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is one of the contemporary masters of the high fantasy genre. Although many of his works fall into other realms of the fantasy genre, his work in high fantasy cannot be understated. In particular, his writing incorporates myths and fairy tales along with gorgeous prose.
Recommended read: Stardust is arguably Gaiman’s most traditional high fantasy novel, combining elements of love stories, epic journeys, and lightheartedness.
7. N.K. Jemisin
High fantasy writer N.K. Jemisin has been an absolute force in the genre, especially thanks to her Broken Earth trilogy.
Her writing, like many masters of high fantasy, is marked by a complex and detailed world, as well as profound character development. What sets her apart, however, is her use of high fantasy to explore complex, real-world social issues such as exploitation and environmental justice.
Recommended read: The Fifth Season is the first novel in Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy, and is the perfect introduction to her writing for readers interested in high fantasy with a deeply human focus.
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6. David Eddings
David Eddings is an absolute hero in the world of high fantasy. His writing is acclaimed in particular for its engaging and rich storytelling and its detailed and beloved characters.
While Eddings incorporates many traditional elements of the genre, he’s set apart for his use of humor. If you’re new to high fantasy as a genre, Eddings is a great entry point.
Recommended read: The Belgariad is a five-book epic, but absolutely worth the commitment.
5. Brandon Sanderson
Arguably one of the most recognized high fantasy writers working today, Sanderson is renowned for his use of magic and complex plotlines. (And we have great news for his fans: the fifth Stormlight Archive book is due to come out later this year. Yay!)
Recommended read: The Final Empire is the first installment in the acclaimed Mistborn series and is great for fans of dystopian worlds.
4. Ursula K. Le Guin
Le Guin’s writing has been influential on high fantasy, particularly for its philosophical depth and its exploration of universal, classic themes like identity and power. Her world-building is meticulous and well worth a read.
Recommended read: The Earthsea series has been called by many readers one of the greatest works of high fantasy.
3. C.S. Lewis
High fantasy writer C.S. Lewis left a huge mark on the genre. His works are noted for their exploration of ideas of faith, spirituality, and redemption, with many calling his high fantasy novels works of allegory exploring deeper moral issues.
Recommended read: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is an absolute must-read, full of magic and wonder.
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2. George R.R. Martin
Credited with bringing high fantasy to a broader audience with his A Song Of Ice And Fire series, George R.R. Martin is one of the most influential writers in the genre. His writing is marked by political intrigue, betrayal, and harsh realism. (Fans can rejoice; the second season of Game of Thrones prequel House Of The Dragon is again a huge hit!
Recommended read: A Game Of Thrones, the first novel in the series, is a juicy and gripping introduction to the world of Westeros.
1. J.R.R. Tolkien
Credited as the father of the high fantasy genre, J.R.R. Tolkien truly began it all and set the framework for all the other books to come. His novels have it all: friendship, love, loss, and adventure.
Recommended read: The Fellowship of the Ring is where it all began.
As high fantasy continues to grow as a genre, we are excited to watch its evolution. No matter what the future holds, however, high fantasy will always owe a debt to these ten masters. We hope this list has given you a helpful starting off point if you’re new to high fantasy, or else a gentle nudge toward a new author if you are already an invested fan of the genre.
As always, happy reading!
