Here is a list of some Epic fantasy authors:
J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his epic fantasy works, and one of his incredible books is “The Hobbit.”
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit who gets pulled into an adventure with a group of dwarves aiming to reclaim their mountain home and its treasure from a dragon named Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo finds a magical ring that changes his life forever.
The journey takes him through forests, across mountains, and to places far more dangerous than he ever expected. It’s a tale full of danger, unexpected courage, and a world rich with history and creatures you won’t forget.
C.S. Lewis is known for creating worlds that feel alive and full of wonder. One of his most famous works, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” is the first book in *The Chronicles of Narnia* series.
It tells the story of four siblings who stumble upon a magical wardrobe that leads them to the land of Narnia. This land is trapped in eternal winter under the rule of the White Witch.
Along the way, they meet creatures like a faun named Mr. Tumnus and a talking lion named Aslan, who becomes central to their journey. The story is filled with adventure and moments of bravery, making Narnia feel like a place you might wish to visit.
E.R. Eddison is known for his vivid storytelling and elaborate worlds. In “The Worm Ouroboros,” he takes readers to the world of Mercury, where two rival factions, the Demonland and Witchland, are locked in a fierce struggle for dominance.
The book is filled with epic battles, treacherous plots, and larger-than-life characters. Lord Juss and his companions embark on incredible journeys, from scaling deadly mountains to confronting magical foes.
The rich, archaic language gives the story an old-world feel, drawing you into a place of heroism and high adventure.
Lord Dunsany is known for crafting vivid and imaginative worlds, and his book “The King of Elfland’s Daughter” is a wonderful example of this. The story begins when the people of the mundane land of Erl demand a ruler who will bring their town fame.
Their king sends his son, Alveric, to marry Lirazel, the daughter of the immortal King of Elfland. Alveric ventures into the magical realm, where time works differently and strange beauty fills the air.
Lirazel agrees to leave with him, but her otherworldly nature begins to clash with the human world. As the story unfolds, Alveric’s quest intertwines with themes of love, longing, and the pull of two very different worlds.
George R.R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones” kicks off the epic “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, set in the sprawling land of Westeros. The story opens with the noble Stark family of Winterfell, whose lives collide with the dangerous schemes of the royal court.
Political plots, betrayals, and shifting allegiances shape the world as multiple factions vie for power.
You’ll meet unforgettable characters like Tyrion Lannister, who uses wit and intelligence to survive, and Daenerys Targaryen, a young exile determined to reclaim her family’s throne. Secrets, conflicts, and a looming threat from beyond the Wall create a vivid tale.
Robert Jordan is best known for his epic fantasy series *The Wheel of Time*, and one of the standout books is “The Eye of the World.”
The story starts in the small village of Emond’s Field, where Rand al’Thor and his friends find themselves swept into a world full of danger and mystery.
When their home is attacked by monstrous creatures called Trollocs, they are forced to flee with a mysterious woman, Moiraine, who reveals that one of them may be destined to face the Dark One.
As they travel through lands filled with ancient ruins and dark threats, they encounter powerful enemies, strange allies, and hints of a past age that still shapes their world. It’s a richly built story with unforgettable characters and moments that feel larger than life.
Brandon Sanderson is a master of epic fantasy, and his book “The Way of Kings” introduces readers to the world of Roshar. This is a land marked by massive storms and supernatural powers.
The story focuses on several characters, including Kaladin, a soldier who rises from slavery. Another character, Shallan, has her own quest tied to an ancient artifact and a dangerous secret.
The magic system is tied to gemstones and Stormlight, which lets people perform incredible feats. The book weaves these elements into a vast, immersive world that’s hard to forget.
Terry Brooks is known for his epic fantasy worlds filled with adventure and danger. In his book “The Sword of Shannara,” the story follows Shea Ohmsford, a young man who discovers he is the last descendant of an ancient bloodline.
Shea is thrust into a quest to stop the Warlock Lord, an evil being threatening the Four Lands. The only weapon capable of defeating this dark force is the legendary Sword of Shannara. Along the way, Shea must face betrayal, ancient enemies, and a destiny he never wanted.
The journey takes him from peaceful Shady Vale to lands filled with danger and strange creatures.
Steven Erikson is known for creating vast and immersive epic fantasy worlds. In “Gardens of the Moon,” the first book of *The Malazan Book of the Fallen* series, the story shifts between battle-scarred cities, mysterious magic users, and political turmoil.
The Malazan Empire seeks to crush rebellion, but gods and ancient powers intervene in unexpected ways. One memorable thread follows the assassin Kalam and the young sorceress Sorry as they navigate loyalty and hidden motives.
The characters, both mortal and immortal, wrestle with the cost of power and survival, drawing readers into a world full of secrets and danger.
Patrick Rothfuss is an author known for creating rich fantasy worlds. His book, “The Name of the Wind,” introduces Kvothe, a boy born into a traveling troupe.
After tragedy strikes his family, Kvothe grows up surrounded by hardship, but his hunger for knowledge leads him to the prestigious University. There, he studies magic, puzzles over ancient mysteries, and builds a reputation that grows into legend.
The story offers memorable challenges, characters, and moments of triumph as Kvothe’s journey takes unexpected turns.
Robin Hobb is an incredible storyteller in epic fantasy. One of her books, **“Assassin’s Apprentice”**, introduces us to FitzChivalry Farseer, the illegitimate son of a prince. Abandoned by his family, he ends up in the care of the royal stablemaster.
Fitz discovers he has a magical bond with animals, called the Wit, which many people fear. Later, he is trained as a royal assassin by a mysterious man named Chade.
The story explores Fitz’s struggles to survive in a court full of schemes and to find his place in a world that feels hostile but fascinating.
Tad Williams is well-known for his epic fantasy series, and one standout is “The Dragonbone Chair.” This book kicks off *The Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn* trilogy. It follows Simon, a young kitchen servant who gets caught in a conflict that threatens the entire world.
When the old king dies, a dark power grows, and alliances begin to break apart. Simon’s journey takes him from the kitchens of the castle to distant, perilous lands filled with ancient secrets.
There are dark caverns, snow-covered landscapes, and even moments when Simon faces terrifying creatures from legend. It’s a story packed with danger, discovery, and transformation.
Guy Gavriel Kay is known for crafting epic fantasy that feels richly alive. In “The Lions of Al-Rassan,” he brings readers into a world inspired by Moorish Spain. The story centers on two warriors, Rodrigo and Ammar, who come from opposing cultures.
Their lives and loyalties clash as political tensions rise, and the choices they make ripple through their world. Jehane, a skilled physician, becomes entwined in their journeys, adding a human layer to the sweeping conflicts.
The book explores friendship, betrayal, and the cost of war through characters who feel real and flawed.
Joe Abercrombie is a writer in the epic fantasy genre known for sharp dialogue and characters who aren’t easy to forget. His book “The Blade Itself” kicks off the First Law Trilogy, throwing readers into a world of conflict and gray morals.
Inquisitor Glokta, a once-great swordsman turned crippled torturer, navigates the dark corners of politics and power. Meanwhile, Logen Ninefingers, a feared warrior with a brutal past, finds himself caught up in forces larger than his blood-soaked reputation.
These characters cross paths in a land teetering on the brink of war, where alliances are fragile and danger lurks everywhere.
N.K. Jemisin’s “The Fifth Season” is set in a world that’s constantly torn apart by cataclysmic earthquakes. In this harsh land, some people, called orogenes, can control the earth but are feared and oppressed because of their power.
The story follows Essun, a woman searching for her missing daughter after a massive fracture splits the continent. What makes it stand out is how it weaves survival, betrayal, and the cost of power into a harsh but vivid world.
This book isn’t afraid to show the danger and bravery of people living in desperate times.
R.F. Kuang’s “The Poppy War” is set in a world inspired by Chinese history, where a war orphan named Rin earns admission to an elite military academy. This isn’t a typical school story though.
Rin’s tough upbringing fuels her drive, and as she learns about combat, strategy, and ancient powers, she discovers her connection to a nearly forgotten god.
The story doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal cost of both war and power, and Rin’s choices take her down an unpredictable, dark path. It’s filled with shifting loyalties and moments where you’re unsure who can be trusted.
John Gwynne’s “Malice,” the first book in * The Faithful and the Fallen* series, introduces a land on the brink of ruin. It’s a world where prophecy speaks of a clash between angels and demons. The story follows Corban, a young boy growing into his place in a war-torn realm.
As kingdoms crumble and loyalties are tested, there’s betrayal, ancient forces rising, and warriors preparing for battles that will decide the fate of all. The book sets the stage for a story full of tense alliances and dangerous choices.
Fonda Lee’s “Jade City” kicks off the epic saga of the Kaul family, powerful clan leaders in the island city of Janloon. The story revolves around jade, a rare substance that grants magical abilities to those who can harness it.
The Kauls face bitter rivalries with a competing clan and deal with threats from foreign powers eager to control jade for themselves. The book explores loyalty, family ties, and power struggles in a world where honor means everything, and betrayal often comes from within.
The mix of family drama and intense action makes the story unforgettable.
Brian Staveley is known for writing epic fantasy, and his book “The Emperor’s Blades” sets the stage for an expansive tale. The story follows three siblings who are heirs to an empire thrown into chaos after their father’s assassination.
Kaden trains in a remote monastery, learning ancient skills that may be key to survival. Valyn pushes through brutal trials to join an elite military group, while Adare stays in the capital, navigating deadly politics.
Danger closes in on all sides, and each sibling must uncover their own strength to confront it. The world feels immense, and the stakes quickly grow as their choices ripple across the empire.
Evan Winter’s “The Rage of Dragons” is an epic fantasy that pulls you into a world of war, vengeance, and survival. The story follows Tau, a young man from a caste-based society where warriors fight with the aid of powerful dragon magic.
After a brutal betrayal changes his life forever, Tau dedicates himself to a single goal: becoming the greatest swordsman to seek justice. The battles are fierce, and the stakes grow higher as Tau dives deeper into a vicious, war-ridden world, driven by his thirst for revenge.
Saladin Ahmed’s “Throne of the Crescent Moon” is an epic fantasy set in a city full of life, where danger lurks in the streets. The story follows Doctor Adoulla Makhslood, a tired old man who has spent his life hunting monsters.
Adoulla wants peace, but a brutal threat forces him to act again. With his young, devout assistant and a fierce warrior woman by his side, Adoulla faces magical creatures and a city on the edge of revolt.
The mix of sharp humor, vivid characters, and a richly built world makes this story feel alive.
Andrzej Sapkowski is known for crafting stories set in richly detailed fantasy worlds. In his book “Blood of Elves,” the tale follows Ciri, a young girl with a mysterious destiny, who is taken in by Geralt of Rivia, a witcher.
As war brews across the land, Ciri trains at Kaer Morhen, a fortress for witchers, and discovers her unusual abilities. Meanwhile, dark forces—and those in power—begin hunting her for their own purposes.
The story unfolds with magic, political schemes, and the bond between Geralt and Ciri at its heart. It’s a world where danger and loyalty collide, creating moments that stay in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
Ken Liu is the author of “The Grace of Kings,” an epic fantasy that kicks off The Dandelion Dynasty series. The story follows Kuni Garu, a charming bandit, and Mata Zyndu, a fierce and stoic warrior, as they rise to power in a fractured empire.
Their unlikely friendship transforms into rivalry when their visions for ruling diverge. Set in a world inspired by East Asian history, the book features airships, battles, and gods who meddle in human affairs.
It’s a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle to shape a new order out of chaos.
Tasha Suri’s “The Jasmine Throne” is an epic fantasy that starts with Malini, a princess imprisoned by her brother in an ancient temple, and Priya, a maidservant hiding her own deadly secrets.
The story takes place in a land inspired by Indian history and mythology, where rebellion brews and forbidden magic lingers. Priya finds herself drawn into Malini’s world as their lives entangle.
The tension between their goals and the powerful bond they form creates a tale steeped in politics, religion, and the fight for freedom.