Fully Booked
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Book Adaptations
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Canadian Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Poetry
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Theatre
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Fully Booked
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Book Adaptations
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Canadian Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Poetry
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Theatre
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Fully Booked
No Result
View All Result

Home > Best Book Lists > Epic Fantasy: What Is It & Which Ones Are A Must Read?

Epic Fantasy: What Is It & Which Ones Are A Must Read?

Farisha F. by Farisha F.
July 2, 2021
in Best Book Lists
Reading Time: 8 mins read
fantasy-epic-feature
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • What is the difference between high fantasy and an epic fantasy?
  • High Fantasy vs. Low Fantasy
  • Is Harry Potter an epic fantasy book series?
  • What epic fantasy book should I read?
  • The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
  • The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
  • A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

Looking for a nice long summer read? Look no further than an epic fantasy book. With a story that is set in an alternate world threatened by evil, you get to follow the good guys in their quest to save the world as they know it from imminent doom. You learn all about how the respective fantasy world works and get invested in all the characters. Then at the conclusion of the epic tale, you’re left wanting more.

There is a sense of satisfaction of having read an amazing epic fantasy mingled with a feeling of loss in the knowledge that you have to say goodbye to your favourite characters as they presumably live the rest of their lives happily ever after. That said, lets narrow down what exactly falls into the category of an epic fantasy.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

What is the difference between high fantasy and an epic fantasy?

fantasy-epic-castle

Multiple sources including both goodreads and Book Riot confirm that epic fantasy is simply another name for high fantasy although goodreads claim that in an epic fantasy, the stakes are of epic proportions where the conflict or immense evil would affect everyone in the story or fantasy realm and likely destroy it completely.

I know what you’re thinking – If there is high fantasy, is there such a thing as low fantasy? And how do you differentiate between the two?

High Fantasy vs. Low Fantasy

Brian Stableford, in his book The A to Z of Fantasy Literature, describes that while epic or high fantasy is set in an alternate fictional world (a.k.a. secondary world), low fantasy is set in the real world (a.k.a. primary world). A great example of a low fantasy series is the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

ReadNext

Differences Between Horror and Dark Fantasy

Differences Between Horror and Dark Fantasy: An Exploration

December 1, 2023
2023 Dark Fantasy Books

Great 2023 Dark Fantasy Books To Add To Your TBR

November 30, 2023

The fantasy genre is further elaborated upon by Nikki Gamble and Sally Yates in Exploring Children’s Literature. They explain that in high fantasy, the primary world is non-existent (e.g., A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin), or that the secondary world may be entered through a portal in the primary world (e.g., The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis), or that the secondary world is within the primary world (e.g., The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling).

Is Harry Potter an epic fantasy book series?

harry-potter-book-covers

It is not surprising, with the enormous fandom that the Harry Potter series has, that this question is much debated on the internet. Some argue that because it is not set in a secondary world, the Harry Potter series is classified as low fantasy. But, as we’ve just outlined, in high fantasy, the secondary world can be within the primary world, and, meeting another requirement of an epic fantasy, that there is a great evil force threatening the world as they know it, the Harry Potter series is definitely an epic fantasy. It certainly was an adventure of epic proportions.

*Disclosure: We only recommend books that we love and would read ourselves. This post contains affiliate links, as we are part of the Amazon Services LCC Associate Program and others, which may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

What epic fantasy book should I read?

There are many epic fantasies out there, however, you will find that the following 3 epic fantasy books are an absolute must-read on any credible list:

Article Continues Below Advertisement

The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter logo on tablet surrounded by trinkets

If you haven’t read this series yet, you are in for a treat and if you have read it, I’m sure that you’d be happy to re-read it in a heartbeat.

In case you are wondering: What is the correct order to read the Harry Potter books?, I’ve listed them out for you;
  1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
  2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
  8. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (A 2-part play by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany)
Ko-Fi Support Banner

Note that there are other books in the Harry Potter franchise (e.g., Quidditch Through the Ages; Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them; The Tales of Beedle the Bard) but as they are associated with the subjects covered in the main books, I would recommend that those be read after the series.

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

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

This can be found as a single volume edition but is really a 6-part book published as a trilogy. If you are familiar with the Lord of the Rings (LoTR) books, you might have also heard of The Hobbit.

If you find yourself thinking: Should I read The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings first? or In what order should I read the Lord of the Rings books?, look no further;
  1. The Hobbit (Not part of the trilogy but precedes it)
  2. The Fellowship of the Ring
  3. The Two Towers
  4. The Return of the King

Note that there are other related books in this series too including “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil” and “The Silmarillion” that can be read after this set of books.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

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

Book Cover A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

For those unfamiliar with this name, this is the fantasy epic commonly known as “A Game of Thrones” (GoT).

I’m sure you’re wondering: What order should I read the Game of Thrones books in?. I’ve got you covered;
  1. A Game of Thrones
  2. A Clash of Kings
  3. A Storm of Swords
  4. A Feast for Crows
  5. A Dance with Dragons
  6. The Winds of Winter (Yet to be published)
  7. A Dream of Spring (Yet to be published)

Note that there are other companion books and prequel novellas in this series as well and again I recommend reading them once you’ve read at least some of the novels and have familiarised yourself with the series for context.

Whichever epic fantasy adventure you choose to embark upon, you’re in for a long entertaining ride!


Enjoying this article?

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement
Tags: Fantasy Books
ShareTweetShare
Farisha F.

Farisha F.

Farisha’s favourite thing to do, in classic bibliophile style, is to curl up with a book and a cup of tea. She loves a good mystery, fantasy, folklore, adventure, romance, science fiction and the occasional non-fiction book. Since her love of travelling came to a halt, Farisha has become a “plant mum” to a number of plants (the count being somewhere around 30!). While tending to her potted plants on her apartment balcony down under, she dreams of someday being a writer herself.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Connect withD
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
guest
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
movies based on books for book lovers features

Must-Watch: 10 Great Movies Based on Books

November 19, 2023
silo tv series season finale explained feature

Silo Series Season Finale’s Most Burning Questions Explained

July 11, 2023
dark fantasy books for adults cover

Top 10 Gripping Dark Fantasy Books For Adults

November 26, 2023
Best-Film-Adaptations-Based-On-Viral-Books-From-Reeses-Book-Club-feature

10 Best Film-Adaptations Based On Viral Books From Reese’s Book Club

November 8, 2023
different types of poetry feature

Discover the Different Types of Poetry: A Comprehensive Guide

December 2, 2023
Differences Between Horror and Dark Fantasy

Differences Between Horror and Dark Fantasy: An Exploration

December 1, 2023
2023 Dark Fantasy Books

Great 2023 Dark Fantasy Books To Add To Your TBR

November 30, 2023
Cult Classic Books For Millennials

Unlock Nostalgia: Top Popular Cult Classic Books For Millennials

November 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Fully Booked

Copyright © 2020-2023 www.fully-booked.ca

Important Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Friend’s Links
  • Privacy Statement
  • Impressum
  • Disclaimer

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Book Adaptations
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Canadian Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Poetry
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Theatre
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast

Copyright © 2020-2023 www.fully-booked.ca

wpDiscuz
Fully Booked
Manage your privacy

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Statistics

Marketing

Features
Always active

Always active
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Fully Booked
Manage your privacy
We use cookies to offer you a better experience, analyze traffic, and at times, serve the best possible and relevant advertisement to you. By continuing to use this site, you agree with the use of cookies in accordance with our linked policies below.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Statistics

Marketing

Features
Always active

Always active
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Updated on July 2, 2021