The 26 Best Fantasy Books to Read in 2023
Looking to immerse yourself in epic tales of warriors, wizards, and battles for the ages? Look no further! This is a list of the 26 best fantasy books and series to read this year.
While their stories differ greatly, they’re all sure to meaningfully impact you one way or another. I’ve tried my best to only curate the best in the genre so you’ll be sure every book is worth your time.
These fantasy books aren’t listed in any particular order, but all of them pack a powerful punch of tasty reading juice.
The Best Fantasy Books to Read in 2023
#1. The Dune series
Summary:
The Dune series is a science fiction classic that tells the story of the fall and rise of a great aristocratic family on the planet Arrakis. The series is set in the far future and features a complex plot with a large cast of characters.
The first book in the series, Dune, was published in 1965 and won the Hugo Award for Best Novel the next year. The series has been praised for its complex world-building and writing.
Where to get it?
#2. The Legend of Drizzt series
Summary:
The Legend of Drizzt series is a fantasy classic that follows the adventures of the drow ranger Drizzt Do’Urden. The 38 book series (not a typo!) is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting and features a large cast of characters.
The first book in the series, Homeland, was published in 1990 and was followed by a huge number of sequels over the following decades. The series has been praised for its complex world-building and action-packed plots. It’s so popular, new entries in the series are still being written by Salvatore to this day!
Where to get it?
#3. The Chronicles of Narnia series
by C. S. Lewis
Summary:
The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic fantasy series that follows the adventures of the Pevensie children in the magical world of Narnia. The series is renowned for its rich world-building and Christian allegories, for those who are into that kind of thing.
The first book in the series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, was published in 1950 and was followed by 6 sequels to complete the series. The series has been adapted for film and television several times.
Where to get it?
#4. A Game of Thrones series (A Song of Ice and Fire)
Summary:
Game of Thrones is a fantasy novel series that tells the story of the struggle for control of the Iron Throne of Westeros. The series' real name is actually titled A Song of Ice and Fire, but after the explosively popular TV show came out, Game of Thrones, most people refer to the book series as that, too.
The TV series is named after the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire, called A Game of Thrones.
The series is set in the fictional world of Westeros and flows around three epic story arcs involving families, dynasties, wars, and epic tales of betrayal. The first book was published in 1996 and was followed by 4 sequels so far, with 2 more planned.
If you somehow haven’t heard of the books or TV show, perhaps you heard the random phrase “Winter is coming” mentioned for a few years nonsensically at any moment of the day by geeks around the world.
Anyway, amazing book, go read it!
Where to get it?
#5. The Lord of the Rings series
Summary:
The Lord of the Rings is a classic fantasy series that follows the adventures of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they attempt to destroy the One Ring.
The series is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth and features a huge number of characters, from dwarves to elves to ancient talking trees.
The first book in the series, The Fellowship of the Ring, was published in 1954 and was followed by two sequels. The series has been adapted for film and television several times over many decades.
Where to get it?
#6. The Witcher saga
Summary:
The Witcher saga is a fantasy series that follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher. The series is set in the fictional world of The Continent and follows the story of a witcher, a form of magical mutant, and his young ward who as time passes, is realized to be an incredibly powerful person in her own right.
The first book in the series, The Last Wish, was published in 1993 and was followed by 4 sequels and 1 prequel. The book series is also an incredibly popular series of video games, and more recently an awesome TV show on Netflix starring the dude who played Superman.
Where to get it?
#7. The Atlas Six
by Olivie Blake
Summary:
The Atlas Six follows around the plot of The Alexandrian Society, essentially a society of magician academics. To find a place in this society, six of the world’s most talented magicians are selected every decade. The six initiates then have one year to prove themselves worthy of the coveted positions, as one member is eliminated at the end of the year.
The Atlas Six was published in 2020 and has already become spectacularly popular.
Where to get it?
#8. From Blood and Ash series
Summary:
Poppy was chosen at birth to become the change the world needs in the future. The problem being, she wasn’t given a choice. The series follows her adventures in a life of preordained fate versus personal desires and choice.
From Blood and Ash was originally published in 2020 and is rated 4.7/5 stars on Amazon with more than 40,000 ratings, which is crazy high.
Where to get it?
#9. The Way of Kings
Summary:
The Way of Kings is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Kaladin, a man who becomes a legend. The novel is set in the fictional world of Roshar and features a large cast of characters.
The plot follows Kaladin, a man who is drafted into the army of the kingdom of Alethkar. He quickly realizes that the army is a hopeless cause and desertion seems like the only way out. But Kaladin’s plans are thwarted and he is captured by the enemy. He is then forced to fight for his life in the arena. Kaladin quickly becomes a legend for his fighting prowess. However, his legend is short-lived as he is betrayed and left for dead.
The Way of Kings was first published in 2010 and was praised for its complex world-building and epic storytelling.
Where to get it?
#10. The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
Summary:
Set in Andalusia, Spain, Santiago is a shepherd boy who dreams of traveling the world, where he meets a variety of interesting people and experiences many exciting adventures. However, his dream is cut short when he is forced to return home to take care of his ailing father.
The Alchemist was published in 1988 and was praised for its simple yet profound story. The novel has been translated into over 80 languages and has sold over 150 million copies worldwide.
Where to get it?
#11. For the Wolf
Summary:
For the Wolf is a story about a young woman destined to be sacrificed to a legendary wolf to save her kingdom. But of course, free will interferes, the legend might not be so rock solid, and the forest holds darker mysteries than first thought.
The book was first published in June of 2021 and has a 4.2 rating on Amazon.
Where to get it?
#12. The House in the Cerulean Sea
by TJ Klune
Summary:
Linus Baker is a reclusive lowly government worker whose work revolves around strange magical orphans. One day he receives an odd assignment, he has to travel to a particular orphanage on a special island full of secrets and intrigue.
The House in the Cerulean Sea was originally published in 2020, and has already received over 24,000 ratings on Amazon, with an incredible 4.7 stars.
Where to get it?
#13. Crescent City
by Sarah J. Maas
Summary:
An amazing fantasy book set in a universe where humans battle with the forces of nature and hierarchies of the magical creatures that coexist.
Crescent City’s main character is Bryce Quinlan, a half-human, half-Sidhe, that vows to avenge the death of her best friend, who was murdered by a brutal perpetrator in a tale of intrigue and fatality.
The novel was first published in 2020 and has a 4.7 rating with over 31,500 reviews!
Where to get it?
#14. Shadow and Bone
Summary:
Shadow and Bone is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Alina Starkov, a young woman who discovers she has the power to control the shadows.
She is a young woman who’s always felt out of place in her world. She’s a member of the Grisha, a group of people with the ability to control the elements. Alina is content with her life until she discovers she has the power to control the shadows, which brings her into conflict with an existential threat to her country, the Darkling.
Shadow and Bone was published in 2012 and was praised for its strong world-building and complex characters. The series has been adapted for television.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#15. The Name of the Wind
Summary:
The Name of the Wind is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Kvothe, a young man who becomes a legend. The novel is set in the fictional world of The Four Corners of Civilization where a young man named Kvothe grows up in the small town of Newarre. When his parents are killed by bandits, Kvothe sets out on a quest for epic revenge.
The Name of the Wind was originally published in 2007.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#16. The Last Unicorn
Summary:
The Last Unicorn is a fantasy novel that tells the story of a unicorn who sets out on a quest to find her place in the world. The novel is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth where a unicorn lives contently in the forest. However, when she learns that she is the last unicorn in the world, she sets out on a quest to find her place in the world. The Last Unicorn is a classic fantasy novel that has been beloved by readers for decades.
The Last Unicorn was published in 1968 and was praised for its lyrical writing and complex characters. The novel has been adapted into an animated film released in the 80s.
Where to get it?
#17. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever
Summary:
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever is a fantasy series that tells the story of Thomas Covenant, of course. He’s a man transported to another world where he is given the task of saving it from destruction. The tale that follows is as gripping as it is complex.
The first novel in the series, Lord Foul’s Bane, was published in 1977 and was praised for its originality and complex characters. Disney recently purchased the rights to make a film for it, so that’s something to look forward to if you liked this one.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#18. The Sword of Truth series
Summary:
The Sword of Truth is a fantasy series about Richard Cypher, a man who must stop an evil sorcerer from taking over the world. The series is set in the fictional world of The Midlands, where he battles the D’Haran Empire.
The first novel in the series of 22 books, Wizard’s First Rule, was published in 1994. The novel series was made into a TV show called The Legend of the Seeker and ran for two seasons.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#19. The Once and Future King
by T. H. White
Summary:
The Once and Future King is a fantasy novel that tells the story of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table.
In the book, King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table set out on a series of quests to save the kingdom from danger. They are aided by Merlin, a wizard who has the power to see the future.
The Once and Future King was published in 1958 and has been adapted into comics, film, and TV series.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#20. The Belgariad series
Summary:
The Belgariad is a fantasy series that tells the story of Belgarion, a man who must stop an evil god from taking over the world. He is aided by a group of magic-using people known as the Eldar, who help Belgarion in his quest to stop the evil god.
The first novel in the series, Pawn of Prophecy, was published in 1982, with 4 more sequels following it.
Where to get it?
#21. The Chronicles of Amber series
by Roger Zelazny
Summary:
In The Chronicles of Amber, a farm boy named Garion gradually begins to learn that his Aunt Pol, the cook in the farm’s kitchen, is much more than she seems — and that Garion himself is the heir to an ancient power. Pursued by enemies of his family, he embarks on a quest across new lands as glimmers of his birthright begin to appear.
The series has a total of ten books with two main story arcs, and four additional prequels released later.
Where to get it?
#22. The Earthsea series
by Ursula K. Le Guin
Summary:
The Earthsea Cycle tells the story of a young wizard named Ged, who must stop an evil sorcerer from taking over the world of Earthsea. Ged is aided by a group of people known as the wizards of Earthsea.
The first novel in the series, A Wizard of Earthsea, was published in 1968 and was praised for its lyrical prose and complex character development. The series has been adapted for radio, television, and film.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#23. The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes
by Anonymous
Summary:
The Poetic Edda is a collection of mythological poems and stories created over several hundred years, starting in 800 AD. Many are dramatic, some are a bit archaic, and some are even funny. Interestingly, the authors remained anonymous or were never credited as history went on.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#24. The Wheel of Time series
by Robert Jordan
Summary:
The Wheel of Time is a fantasy series that tells the story of Rand al’Thor, a man who must stop an evil being from taking over the world. Rand is aided by a group of people known as the Aes Sedai, a group of women skilled in magic and the ability to channel the One Power.
The first novel in the series, The Eye of the World, was published in 1990 and was praised for its originality. The series has been adapted into comic books, games, and a television series on Amazon Prime.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#25. The Mabinogion
by Anonymous authors
Summary:
The Mabinogion is a collection of Welsh myths and legends. They tell the story of the hero Pryderi, who must stop an evil queen from taking over the world, fighting alongside the Mabinogi.
The Mabinogion is an important work of Welsh mythology and has been translated into many languages. It’s considered a significant source of information about Welsh mythology and culture.
Where to get it?
Hardcover · Print · eBook · Audiobook
#26. The Chronicles of Prydain series
Summary:
The Chronicles of Prydain is a fantasy series that tells the story of Taran, an assistant pig-keeper who must stop an evil king from taking over the world. Taran is aided by a group of people known as the Companions of the Cauldron.
The first novel in the series, The Book of Three, was published in 1964 and was later made into a video game and inspired the 1985 Disney movie The Black Cauldron.
Where to get it?
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