J.R.R. Tolkien is the author of The Hobbit, a story that begins with Bilbo Baggins, a quiet hobbit who lives a comfortable life in the Shire. One day, a wizard named Gandalf shows up at Bilbo’s door and ropes him into an unexpected adventure.
Along with a group of dwarves, Bilbo travels through wild lands to help them reclaim their home and treasure from a fearsome dragon named Smaug. Along the way, he stumbles upon a strange, powerful ring in the dark caves of a mountain.
The journey tests his courage, wits, and heart in ways he never imagined.
George R.R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones” takes readers into the Seven Kingdoms, a land where noble families fight for power while dark forces gather beyond a vast, icy wall. The story follows the Starks of Winterfell as they navigate betrayal, shifting alliances, and war.
Eddard Stark is pulled into the dangerous politics of the king’s court, where trust is scarce, and danger lurks in unexpected places. Meanwhile, far to the east, a young princess, Daenerys Targaryen, begins a journey that will shape her destiny.
Every chapter brings a new perspective, weaving together ambition, loyalty, and survival.
J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” introduces readers to Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers he’s a wizard on his eleventh birthday. Harry learns he’s been accepted at Hogwarts, a magical school filled with fascinating secrets and strange teachers.
At Hogwarts, he befriends Ron and Hermione, while uncovering the truth about his parents’ mysterious deaths and his own connection to a dark wizard named Voldemort. The story blends magic, friendship, and danger as Harry faces challenges he never imagined.
C.S. Lewis is well-known for creating stories that spark the imagination. One of his most famous works, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” brings readers into the magical world of Narnia.
The story begins when four siblings step through an old wardrobe and find themselves in a land ruled by an evil witch who has cast an eternal winter. They meet Aslan, a noble lion, and soon discover they are part of an ancient prophecy.
The mix of talking animals, unexpected friendships, and the battle between good and evil gives the story its charm. It’s a quick read but stays with you long after.
Ursula K. Le Guin was a master storyteller who created vivid and thought-provoking worlds. One of her most well-known books, “The Left Hand of Darkness,” takes readers to a planet called Gethen, where the inhabitants can change their gender.
The story follows an outsider, Genly Ai, who has come to make an alliance between Gethen and his interstellar coalition.
As he navigates the planet’s strange customs and freezing landscapes, he develops an unlikely bond with Estravan, a Gethenian who challenges his ideas about identity, loyalty, and humanity. The book explores relationships and trust in ways that feel deeply personal.
Brandon Sanderson is known for creating intricate worlds filled with unique magic systems and deep characters. In his novel “Mistborn: The Final Empire,” he introduces a world where ash falls from the sky and the land is ruled by an immortal tyrant called the Lord Ruler.
The story follows a young street thief named Vin, who discovers she has incredible powers tied to the ability to burn metals inside her body. With the guidance of a charismatic leader named Kelsier, she joins a crew planning to overthrow the oppressive regime.
The twists in this story and the way the characters use their abilities make it hard to put the book down.
Terry Pratchett writes with humor and imagination, creating worlds that feel alive. In “Guards! Guards!”, he introduces the Night Watch of Ankh-Morpork, a group of misfits tasked with keeping order in a chaotic city.
The story follows Captain Vimes and his ragtag crew as they face a secret society that accidentally summons a dragon. It’s a mix of sharp jokes, clever observations, and characters you’ll remember long after the book ends.
Patrick Rothfuss is the author of “The Name of the Wind,” a story about Kvothe, a boy with a gift for music and knowledge. The book follows his years at the University, where he studies arcane arts while struggling with poverty and a hard past.
There’s a mystery surrounding the death of his family and the sinister beings behind it. The way Kvothe tells his own story is fascinating. From street urchin to legend, every moment feels full of meaning. The story pulls you in with its magic and tragedy.
Neil Gaiman is known for writing stories that mix the ordinary with the strange. One of his books, “The Ocean at the End of the Lane,” tells the story of a man who revisits his childhood home and recalls a series of surreal and dark events that began when he was seven.
It all starts when a lodger in his family’s house dies, leading to an ancient and dangerous force being unleashed. The boy finds comfort and protection with a girl named Lettie Hempstock, who lives on a farm nearby with her mother and grandmother.
Their farm holds secrets, and the pond behind it, which Lettie calls an ocean, seems to be something far more mysterious and powerful.
Robert Jordan is best known for his epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. One of the books, “The Eye of the World,” kicks things off by introducing a small village called Emond’s Field.
When strange creatures attack, Rand al’Thor and his friends are forced to flee with Moiraine, a mysterious woman who can use magic. As they journey far from home, they discover secrets about themselves and the wider world around them.
There’s an ancient evil stirring, and Rand might be more connected to it than he could ever imagine. The story sets the stage for an adventure full of danger, ancient prophecies, and hidden truths.
Margaret Weis is a fantasy author best known for her work in the “Dragonlance” series.
In the book “Dragons of Autumn Twilight,” she introduces a group of friends who reunite after years apart, only to find themselves caught in a conflict involving ancient gods and powerful dragons.
The story follows characters like Tanis, a half-elf torn between two worlds, and Raistlin, a mysterious mage with golden skin and hourglass eyes. Their journey takes them through dark forests, battle-scarred lands, and mysterious ruins, with danger waiting at every turn.
The mix of magic and adventure makes this a classic epic that has left its mark on fantasy storytelling.
Tracy Hickman is known for creating richly imagined fantasy worlds filled with adventure and heart. In the book “Dragons of Autumn Twilight,” written with Margaret Weis, readers are introduced to a group of friends brought together again after years apart.
Their reunion is disrupted by rumors of war and the discovery of a mysterious blue crystal staff. As they journey across the land, they encounter dragons, lost gods, and unexpected allies. Their quest feels alive with danger and surprises, making every chapter a new discovery.
Raymond E. Feist is known for his rich fantasy worlds and gripping tales. In his novel “Magician,” he introduces Pug, a young orphan who dreams of becoming a sorcerer. When his homeland comes under attack by invaders from another world, Pug’s life shifts dramatically.
He is taken prisoner and forced to grow his magic in a foreign and brutal society. The story weaves through epic battles, unexpected friendships, and the clash of vastly different cultures.
It’s full of danger, discovery, and the kind of high-stakes adventure that keeps you hooked.
David Eddings is known for creating rich fantasy worlds that feel alive and full of personality. In “Pawn of Prophecy”, the first book of The Belgariad series, we meet Garion, a young farm boy raised by his Aunt Pol.
His life takes a sharp turn when a mysterious storyteller named Mister Wolf shows up, dragging Garion into a journey across kingdoms. There’s talk of stolen artifacts, ancient prophecies, and hidden powers.
Garion has no idea why he’s so important, and that mystery keeps you hooked as the story unfolds. The world feels vast and filled with quirky characters, each adding something unique to the tale.
Robin Hobb is the author of “Assassin’s Apprentice,” a story about a boy named Fitz who grows up as the illegitimate son of a prince. He is brought to the royal court and trained to serve as an assassin for the throne.
Fitz wrestles with loyalty, survival, and his own mysterious abilities, including a forbidden magic that allows him to connect with animals. The bond he shares with a wolf named Nighteyes adds emotional depth to the story and leaves a lasting impression.
The book kicks off the larger “Farseer Trilogy,” which is filled with rich world-building and characters that feel alive.
Terry Goodkind is known for writing fantasy stories with larger-than-life characters. In his book, “Wizard’s First Rule,” we meet Richard Cypher, a woodsman caught in a world filled with magic and danger after he rescues a mysterious woman named Kahlan.
Together, they face a tyrant named Darken Rahl, who is after a powerful artifact. The story combines adventure with moments that test loyalty and courage, creating a vivid tale of risk, discovery, and purpose.
Anne McCaffrey is best known for her Dragonriders of Pern series. One of her standout books is “Dragonflight.” In it, Lessa, a young woman who has spent years hiding her true identity, becomes bonded to a powerful dragon named Ramoth.
Together, they face the threat of Thread, a deadly substance that falls from the sky and destroys everything it touches. The book blends survival, discovery, and connection between humans and dragons, creating a world where the bond between rider and dragon is key to survival.
Tad Williams is a fantasy author known for creating expansive worlds with rich storytelling. One of his well-loved books is “The Dragonbone Chair,” the first in the “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn” series.
It follows Simon, a kitchen boy, who gets caught up in a fight to save the realm of Osten Ard from a rising darkness. The story takes you through crumbling castles, snow-covered mountain passes, and ancient secrets left by a forgotten race.
As Simon grows into the role of an unlikely hero, the world around him starts to fall apart, with betrayal and strange creatures around every corner. The book sets an epic stage for everything that follows.
Mercedes Lackey is known for her fantasy worlds filled with magic and rich characters. In “Arrows of the Queen,” she tells the story of Talia, a young girl growing up in a strict and controlling community.
Talia dreams of escaping and finds her life transformed when she is chosen by a magical horse-like Companion to become a Herald of Valdemar. This book follows her journey as she learns about her new role, forms unexpected bonds, and discovers her hidden strengths.
L.E. Modesitt Jr. is known for creating richly detailed worlds filled with deep characters and conflicts. In his book “The Magic of Recluce,” we meet Lerris, a young man who finds his life in Recluce too stifling and predictable.
Sent away on a journey of self-discovery, he begins to uncover the delicate balance of order and chaos that holds the world together. The story explores how his choices ripple outward, shaping both his own path and the lives of those he meets.
The idea of magic being tied to harmony and imbalance gives this world a unique feel and makes it stand apart.
Michael Moorcock is a prolific writer known for imaginative fantasy and science fiction. One of his most famous works, “Elric of Melniboné,” introduces readers to Elric, a frail and albino emperor who rules an ancient, decaying empire.
Elric’s power comes from his cursed sword, Stormbringer, which feeds on the souls of its victims. The story follows Elric’s struggles with his own morality, his dependence on the sword, and the fate of his crumbling kingdom.
This book is full of conflict, strange alliances, and moments that feel larger than life.
Katherine Kerr is best known for her “Deverry” series, a blend of Celtic-inspired fantasy and intricate storytelling. In the first book, “Daggerspell,” the story begins with young Jill, whose life changes forever when she meets a mysterious man named Nevyn.
He’s an immortal sorcerer bound by an ancient vow to fix the mistakes of his past. The tale weaves through different lives and timelines, showing how characters are tied together by fate and unfinished business from earlier lifetimes.
Magic, honor, and destiny are at the heart of this book, and the world feels alive with its lore and traditions.
Steven Erikson is the author of the “Malazan Book of the Fallen” series, known for its rich world and unforgettable characters. In “Gardens of the Moon,” he introduces a land caught in the chaos of war, political schemes, and magic.
The story follows the Malazan Empire’s relentless expansion and the struggles of its soldiers, mages, and rulers.
Key figures like Ganoes Paran, a young soldier pulled into forces beyond his control, and the Bridgeburners, a weary yet determined military unit, draw the reader into a world filled with gods, betrayal, and ancient powers.
It’s a story where loyalty is tested and survival is never guaranteed.
Glen Cook is known for his gritty, no-nonsense approach to fantasy. In “The Black Company,” he introduces a mercenary group caught in a web of war and shifting loyalties.
Told from the perspective of Croaker, the company’s medic and unofficial historian, the story follows their service under the mysterious Lady, a powerful sorceress with a dark past.
The book focuses on the struggles of soldiers trying to survive amid bloody battles, political schemes, and ancient powers. The banter between the soldiers feels real, and their camaraderie gives the story its heart.
R.A. Salvatore is known for creating fascinating characters and epic fantasy worlds. In his book, “Homeland,” he introduces Drizzt Do’Urden, a dark elf born in the brutal city of Menzoberranzan.
Drizzt grows up surrounded by treachery and violence, but he struggles with his people’s ruthless ways. The story follows his early years, the training that shapes him into a formidable warrior, and his growing desire to escape a life built on cruelty.
It’s a tale full of danger, betrayal, and a search for identity in a place almost void of light or hope.
Guy Gavriel Kay writes fantasy with a sense of history woven into the stories. His book, “The Lions of Al-Rassan,” is set in a world inspired by medieval Spain.
It follows the lives of two men, one a kind-hearted soldier and the other a skilled poet and adventurer, as their lands are caught in the chaos of war and political shifts. A remarkable healer named Jehane becomes deeply tied to their fates.
The story is full of moments where personal choices clash with duty, and the relationships between the characters feel real and deeply human.
Joe Abercrombie writes books that are dark, violent, and full of sharp humor. In his book “The Blade Itself,” the story introduces Logen Ninefingers, a seasoned warrior trying to leave his bloody past behind.
There’s also Inquisitor Glokta, a bitter torturer who hides his sharp mind behind a ruined body. The world is chaotic, filled with shifting powers and betrayal. The characters are flawed, driven by survival and ambition.
It’s not about heroes or villains—it feels real, with brutal fights and moments that show how far people will go when pushed. The story pulls you into its rough and dangerous world.
Piers Anthony is a prolific fantasy and science fiction author. One of his well-loved books is “A Spell for Chameleon,” the first in the Xanth series. It follows a young man named Bink, who lives in a magical world where everyone has a unique spell or ability.
Bink, however, appears to have no magic. Because of this, he faces banishment to the non-magical world unless he can prove otherwise.
The story is filled with twists as Bink uncovers secrets about himself and the land of Xanth, where even the environment is alive with magic that can help or harm.
Brian Jacques is best known for his “Redwall” series, filled with animal characters and bold adventures. In “Redwall,” readers meet Matthias, a young mouse who lives in Redwall Abbey.
The Abbey is a peaceful place, but it falls under threat from Cluny the Scourge, a ruthless rat warlord. Matthias sets out on a journey to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior, the Abbey’s long-dead protector.
The story is full of battles, clever schemes, and moments where courage shines, and it’s a tale where the smallest character can make the biggest difference.
Tamora Pierce writes stories that pull you into worlds full of strong characters and magic. Her book, “Alanna: The First Adventure,” follows a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to become a knight.
Alanna faces bullies, strict training, and dangerous secrets, all while hiding her true identity. There’s a magical sword, powerful friends, and moments where courage is tested in ways that feel so real.
It’s a story about breaking rules to follow your heart, with a touch of adventure and danger.
Garth Nix is best known for creating rich fantasy worlds. In “Sabriel,” the story follows a young woman who has grown up away from her homeland.
When her father disappears, Sabriel must take on his role as the Abhorsen, someone who uses magical bells to keep the dead from wreaking havoc on the living. She journeys into the Old Kingdom, a place filled with dark magic, dangerous spirits, and a crumbling monarchy.
Along the way, she meets allies like Touchstone, a mysterious young man, and faces terrifying foes that test her courage and skill. The mix of magic, adventure, and danger makes it unforgettable.
Lev Grossman wrote “The Magicians,” a novel about a young man named Quentin Coldwater who discovers that magic is real. Quentin, a misfit obsessed with a series of fantasy novels, gets admitted to Brakebills, a secret college for magical education.
The story doesn’t shy away from the darker side of mastering magic or the struggles of adulthood. There’s one moment where Quentin and his friends realize that the fantasy land from those books he loved as a kid is real—but it’s far more dangerous than they ever imagined.
It blends the allure of magic with raw, human challenges.
Diana Wynne Jones writes stories that feel full of discovery and imagination. In her book “Howl’s Moving Castle,” she introduces Sophie, a young woman who gets cursed by a witch and turned into an old woman.
To break the spell, she ends up in the moving castle of the mysterious wizard Howl. The castle itself is a magical, creaky place powered by a fire demon named Calcifer. The characters are unpredictable and have secrets that unravel as Sophie learns more about Howl and his world.
It’s a story where magic feels alive and always slightly unpredictable.
Anne Rice is best known for her gothic tales, and one of her standout books is “Interview with the Vampire.” The story follows Louis, a man turned into a vampire in 18th-century Louisiana.
He recounts his life to a curious interviewer, sharing everything from the pain of losing his family to the darker bond he shares with Lestat, his maker. Claudia, a child vampire trapped in a body that doesn’t match her years, adds tension and tragedy to the narrative.
It’s a haunting look at immortality, love, and the part of humanity that lingers even when life itself is gone.
Andrzej Sapkowski is the author of “The Last Wish,” a collection of stories that introduces Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire. In this world, monsters and magic are everywhere, but humans are often the real problem.
Geralt navigates dangerous jobs and even more dangerous people. One tale shows how he faces a cursed creature trapped in a castle, forcing him to balance his skills and judgment.
The book has a mix of dark humor, action, and moral dilemmas, setting up a unique and fascinating fantasy setting.
Eoin Colfer is an author known for his imaginative stories that mix humor and adventure. In “Artemis Fowl,” he introduces a 12-year-old criminal mastermind named Artemis, who plots to outwit a secret world filled with technologically advanced fairies.
Artemis kidnaps a fairy named Holly Short, hoping to hold her for ransom, but things don’t go as planned. The book is full of clever twists, high-stakes action, and characters who keep surprising you.
Philip Pullman is known for writing stories that spark curiosity about worlds beyond our own. His book, “The Golden Compass”, is the first in His Dark Materials series.
It follows Lyra, a young girl raised in a college in Oxford, who stumbles onto a mystery involving kidnapped children and a strange substance called Dust. Along the way, she meets armored polar bears, a Texan aeronaut, and a villain with chilling motives.
The story unfolds in a universe that feels real yet different, where humans have animal companions called daemons that are part of their souls. The book builds layers of intrigue and adventure, leaving you eager to turn every page.
Susanna Clarke is the author of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell,” a novel set in an alternate England where magic once existed and is returning to the world.
The story follows two very different magicians, the reserved Mr. Norrell and the ambitious Jonathan Strange, as they try to bring magic back into society.
Their relationship shifts between partnership and rivalry as they explore power, sacrifice, and the dangers of tampering with forces they don’t fully understand. The book is filled with historical details, mysterious prophecies, and a rich sense of mythology.
Michael Ende is an author known for crafting imaginative and thought-provoking stories. One of his most famous works, “The Neverending Story,” takes readers on an adventure with a boy named Bastian.
After discovering a mysterious book, Bastian finds himself drawn into the magical world of Fantastica, a land in danger of being consumed by a destructive force called The Nothing. Along the way, he meets Atreyu, a young warrior, and Falkor, a luckdragon.
Together, they set out to save Fantastica and uncover the power of imagination. The story blends fantasy with themes of courage and self-discovery.
Naomi Novik writes stories that often mix folklore and magic with rich, layered worlds. In her book “Uprooted,” she tells the tale of Agnieszka, a young woman from a quiet village. The valley where she lives is under threat from a sinister, corrupted forest known as the Wood.
To protect their people, a powerful but cold wizard called the Dragon demands a girl from the village every ten years to serve him.
When Agnieszka is unexpectedly chosen, she discovers that she has untapped magic and an important role to play in the fight against the Wood’s creeping darkness. It’s a story full of danger, unlikely friendship, and a strong, stubborn heroine.
Christopher Paolini is the author of “Eragon,” the first book in the Inheritance Cycle. The story follows Eragon, a farm boy who stumbles upon a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg.
When the dragon hatches, he finds himself bound to it, sharing a unique connection. This discovery thrusts him into a world of ancient powers, rebellion, and danger.
With the help of Brom, an old storyteller with a hidden past, Eragon begins to learn the ways of the Dragon Riders while uncovering secrets about his family and destiny. The book is full of rich characters and a vast world shaped by magic and conflict.
Juliet Marillier is an author known for weaving mythology and folklore into her fiction. Her book “Daughter of the Forest” tells the story of Sorcha, a young girl whose six brothers are cursed to become swans by an evil sorceress.
Sorcha embarks on a painful and dangerous quest to break the curse, all while keeping silent and working against nearly impossible odds.
The story is steeped in ancient Irish tradition, with vivid descriptions of the natural world and a heroine who faces both cruelty and kindness as she fights for her family.
Peter V. Brett is known for creating a vivid world full of danger and courage. In “The Painted Man,” his story introduces a world where terrifying demons rise each night. The only protection for humans is ancient wards, symbols of magic that keep these creatures at bay.
The book follows Arlen, a boy driven to fight back after witnessing the horrors these demons inflict. His journey takes him from timid beginnings to mastering the secrets of these wards, uncovering a way to challenge the terror that rules the night.
It’s a story packed with resilience and a deep fear of what hides in the dark.
Ben Aaronovitch is known for blending urban landscapes with magical elements. In his book “Rivers of London,” police officer Peter Grant finds himself unexpectedly recruited into a branch of the Metropolitan Police that deals with the supernatural.
Peter’s life is turned upside down when he encounters a ghost at a murder scene and discovers that magic is very real. He begins training as a wizard while investigating strange deaths tied to ancient forces.
The book introduces the fascinating world of London’s rivers personified as deities, each with their own quirks and rivalries.
China Miéville is known for his imaginative and offbeat worlds. His book “Perdido Street Station” takes place in the sprawling city of New Crobuzon, where humans live alongside exotic creatures like insect-headed khepri and bird-like garuda.
The story begins with a scientist named Isaac, who is researching flight. He accidentally unleashes a terrifying predator that feeds on thought. As the city falls into chaos, Isaac becomes entangled in a dangerous struggle with criminals, city officials, and the creatures.
The world is gritty and full of strange characters, pulling you straight into its madness.
Scott Lynch is the author of “The Lies of Locke Lamora,” a story set in the city of Camorr, a place filled with crime and deception. The book follows Locke Lamora and his band of thieves, the Gentleman Bastards, as they pull off elaborate cons to outwit rich nobles.
But their clever schemes catch the attention of dangerous rivals, including a mysterious figure known as the Grey King. The story mixes clever tricks, betrayal, and danger in a world with touches of magic and a lot of surprises.
N.K. Jemisin’s “The Fifth Season” is the first book in her trilogy set on a planet with a single, massive supercontinent plagued by constant seismic activity.
The story begins with a mother, Essun, who discovers her husband has brutally killed their young son and fled with their daughter.
This world is dictated by unrelenting disasters, and people with the ability to control earth and stone—called orogenes—are both feared and enslaved. Jemisin weaves a tale of survival, raw power, and the bonds that are tested in the face of catastrophe.
Richard K. Morgan is known for his sharp and gritty storytelling. In his novel “Altered Carbon,” he introduces us to Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier brought back to life in a new body centuries after his death.
The story is set in a world where human consciousness can be transferred to new bodies, making immortality possible for the rich. Kovacs is hired to solve the murder of a wealthy man who believes he was killed, even though his memories were restored in a new body.
The book is packed with twists, violent confrontations, and a dark look at how technology and power intersect.
Elizabeth Moon is a talented author who creates vivid, action-packed stories. One of her popular books, “The Deed of Paksenarrion,” follows the journey of Paks, a farmer’s daughter who chooses a soldier’s life over marriage.
She joins a mercenary company and grows into a confident, skilled warrior. The story is filled with moments of danger, bravery, and discovery as Paks uncovers her true purpose. Her choices lead her to confront fears and face challenges that will shape her destiny.
It’s an exciting tale set in a world of magic, battles, and heroes.
V.E. Schwab is known for creating intriguing worlds and fascinating characters. In “Vicious,” she tells the story of Victor and Eli, two college friends who discover how to give themselves extraordinary abilities by triggering near-death experiences.
Their friendship takes a dark turn, leading to betrayal and a battle of wits and power. The book jumps between their college days and the aftermath, where Victor breaks out of prison to confront Eli, who has become a vigilante with a god complex.
It’s a tale of revenge, moral ambiguity, and superhuman rivalries.
Nnedi Okorafor writes stories that blend fascinating worlds with themes of identity and belonging. Her book “Binti” tells the story of Binti, a young Himba girl who becomes the first of her people to attend the prestigious Oomza University, a school located on another planet.
She leaves behind her family and traditions, venturing into a future filled with danger and unexpected alliances. Along the way, she encounters an alien race called the Meduse, who are at odds with humanity.
Binti’s courage, intelligence, and connection to her heritage play a key role in how she navigates this conflict. It’s a story that mixes science fiction with rich cultural perspectives, making it truly unique.
Sarah J. Maas writes books that pull readers into rich, emotional worlds. In her book “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” Feyre is a young huntress who kills a wolf in the woods and finds herself taken to a faerie realm as punishment.
There, she encounters Tamlin, a High Fae lord, and discovers dark secrets about his world. The story has moments of danger, unexpected twists, and a romance that grows in ways you might not expect.
It’s a mix of magic, survival, and uncovering the truth about people and places that seem so different from what they really are.
Seanan McGuire writes stories that are filled with unique worlds and unforgettable characters. In “Every Heart a Doorway,” she introduces Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children, a boarding school for kids who have returned from portal worlds.
These children once found magical doorways to places that felt like home, but they’ve now been thrust back into a world that doesn’t understand them. The story follows Nancy, a girl who recently came back from a strange, quiet land.
As she adjusts to her new reality, mysterious deaths start occurring at the school. The mix of wonder and danger makes this a story that’s impossible to put down.
Gene Wolfe has a unique voice in science fiction, and his book “The Shadow of the Torturer” starts an unforgettable journey. It tells the story of Severian, a young apprentice in the guild of torturers in a dystopian world far, far into the future.
Banished for showing mercy, Severian wanders through a decaying society filled with strange technologies, mysterious figures, and events that challenge his understanding of loyalty and morality.
His world feels both ancient and futuristic, with glimpses of forgotten empires and shadows of lost knowledge. Wolfe packs the story with layers of meaning, and while Severian’s path is often dark, it’s also full of wonder.
Holly Black is known for her ability to create dark, magical worlds that feel alive. In her book, “The Cruel Prince,” she introduces Jude, a mortal girl stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie.
Jude grows up in a world where power and cruelty rule, and she learns to survive among the fae, who don’t see humans as equals. The story follows her struggle to carve out a place for herself and face Prince Cardan, a faerie prince with a sharp tongue and an even sharper temper.
Secrets and betrayals twist through the pages as Jude fights to prove her worth.
T.H. White is best known for his novel “The Once and Future King.” It’s a version of the King Arthur legend that starts with Arthur as a boy learning about life and leadership.
Merlin, his eccentric tutor, lives backwards in time and teaches Arthur through strange and memorable lessons, even turning him into animals to understand the world from new perspectives. The story blends humor, magic, and deep questions about power and morality.
Jonathan Stroud is known for his creative storytelling and ability to build fascinating worlds.
In his book “The Amulet of Samarkand,” the first in the Bartimaeus Trilogy, he introduces a young magician named Nathaniel, who summons a sarcastic and clever djinni called Bartimaeus.
Together, they navigate a dangerous plot involving magical artifacts and political schemes in a London filled with magicians who wield real power.
Bartimaeus brings a sharp wit and humor to the story, often sharing his own view of events, which adds a unique twist to the adventure.
Brent Weeks writes fantasy that pulls you into vivid worlds with deep characters. In his book, “The Way of Shadows,” we meet Azoth, a street orphan trying to survive in a brutal city controlled by crime.
He becomes the apprentice of Durzo Blint, a feared assassin with his own secrets. The story follows Azoth as he transforms into Kylar Stern, stepping into the dangerous life of an assassin while grappling with loyalty, power, and the cost of his choices.
It’s full of dangerous alliances, betrayal, and moments that keep you turning the pages.
James Islington’s “The Shadow of What Was Lost” kicks off an epic fantasy trilogy filled with secrets and betrayals. The story follows Davian, a young man who is one of the Gifted—a group of people feared and oppressed for their magical abilities.
When Davian discovers his powers may hold the key to preventing a catastrophe, he’s sent on a journey that takes him far beyond what he imagined. Along the way, he uncovers truths about the past that change the way he sees his world.
There’s a sense of mystery and tension in how Islington weaves the struggles of the characters with the looming danger around them.
Marie Brennan is best known for her series “The Memoirs of Lady Trent.” The first book, “A Natural History of Dragons,” introduces Isabella, a young woman in a world resembling the Victorian era.
Unlike her peers, she has a passion for studying dragons and refuses to be confined by society’s expectations. In the story, she joins a perilous expedition to study these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
The book is full of adventure and scientific curiosity, balanced with Isabella’s witty recounting of her journey and struggles to prove herself in a male-dominated field.
Charles de Lint writes urban fantasy that feels rooted in the everyday while weaving in magic. In his book “Moonheart,” he tells the story of Sara Kendell, who stumbles upon an ancient artifact in her house. This discovery pulls her into a world where myth and reality collide.
There’s a rich blend of folklore and modern life, with mysterious forces, secret histories, and characters who feel real, even when facing otherworldly dangers.
Greg Keyes is the author of “The Waterborn,” the first book in The Chosen of the Changeling series. The story follows Hezhi, a young princess in a kingdom that worships a mysterious river tied to their gods.
Hezhi, however, begins to uncover secrets about the river’s power and the dark price it demands from her people. Meanwhile, Perkar, a headstrong man from a distant tribe, vows to destroy the river spirit after it causes devastation in his life.
Their paths cross in a world brimming with danger, ancient magic, and a looming sense of sacrifice. The mix of court politics and mythic forces creates a world full of unpredictable twists.
Stephen Donaldson is known for his imaginative and layered storytelling. One of his most well-known works is “Lord Foul’s Bane,” the first book in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series.
The story follows Thomas Covenant, a man from our world who is shunned after being diagnosed with leprosy. He suddenly finds himself transported to a magical land called the Land. Here, he is seen as a hero with the power to save this world from destruction.
Covenant wrestles with disbelief and bitterness as he’s drawn into a fight against an ancient enemy, Lord Foul. The Land is vividly described, with strange creatures, earth-power, and vivid landscapes.
It’s a complex story where Covenant’s internal struggles are as important as the battle against evil.
Saladin Ahmed wrote “Throne of the Crescent Moon,” a fantasy novel filled with action and adventure. The story follows Doctor Adoulla Makhslood, a tired and aging ghul hunter, who craves a quiet life but is drawn into a dangerous mission.
Alongside him are his devout apprentice Raseed and the fiery Zamia, a young tribeswoman with a rare ability to transform into a lion. Together, they face dark forces threatening their city, Dhamsawaat, and uncover a larger conspiracy.
The book blends a rich setting, memorable characters, and high-stakes conflict.
Laini Taylor is known for creating worlds that feel alive with strange beauty and wonder. Her book “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” begins with Karou, a blue-haired art student in Prague who sketches monsters in her notebook and runs unusual errands for a creature named Brimstone.
Brimstone isn’t human—he’s a chimaera who trades in teeth, though the reason for it is a mystery. One day, scorched handprints start appearing on doorways around the world, and Karou finds herself at the center of something far bigger than she ever imagined.
It’s a story full of secrets, magic, and unexpected connections.
Brian Staveley is the author of the fantasy novel “The Emperor’s Blades.” This story opens with the death of an emperor, leaving his three children to face new dangers. Kaden, the heir, trains in remote mountains with monks who guard ancient secrets.
Valyn, his brother, endures brutal training to join an elite military force. Meanwhile, their sister, Adare, tries to secure her place in the political world of the empire.
Each sibling uncovers conspiracies and threats that tie back to their father’s death and a larger mystery that could tear the empire apart. It’s a world full of betrayal, harsh realities, and unexpected twists.
Ken Liu is a master of creating immersive worlds and rich storytelling. In his book “The Grace of Kings,” he introduces us to the islands of Dara, a place filled with rebellion, loyalty, and shifting alliances.
The story follows Kuni Garu, a charismatic bandit, and Mata Zyndu, a fierce warrior, as they rise against an oppressive emperor. Their unlikely friendship grows, while their different visions for the future of Dara clash in unexpected and intense ways.
The narrative explores battles, betrayals, and a world shaped by gods and power struggles.
Deborah Harkness is the author of “A Discovery of Witches,” a novel where history, science, and magic mix together. It follows Diana Bishop, a historian who accidentally uncovers a long-lost manuscript in Oxford’s library.
This discovery brings her into a world of witches, vampires, and daemons. Diana teams up with Matthew Clairmont, a mysterious vampire with his own secrets.
The book explores their bond while they uncover the manuscript’s secrets and navigate danger from those who want the knowledge for themselves.
Django Wexler is best known for writing military fantasy with a strong focus on character and strategy. In “The Thousand Names,” the story follows Captain Marcus d’Ivoire and the mysterious Colonel Janus as they lead a weary army back from the frontlines of a distant colony.
The dusty outpost becomes the center of a brewing conflict fueled by rebellion and strange magic. Marcus is a steadfast soldier, while Colonel Janus hides secrets that could reshape their entire world.
The mix of tactical battles and hidden motives pulls you into this world of muskets and mysticism.
Mark Lawrence writes fantasy that pulls you into dark, vivid worlds. In his book, “Prince of Thorns,” you meet Jorg Ancrath, a young prince who leads a band of outlaws while carrying a thirst for power and vengeance.
The story follows Jorg as he faces deadly enemies and confronts his own haunted past. The world is brutal, filled with danger and ancient secrets. Jorg’s choices are ruthless, showing a character who is both fascinating and unpredictable.
It’s a tale of ambition and survival with moments that stick with you long after reading.
Robin McKinley has a gift for taking classic tales and giving them new life. In her book “Beauty,” she retells the story of “Beauty and the Beast” in a way that’s gentle and bittersweet.
Beauty, a girl who doesn’t believe in her own charm, agrees to live with the Beast in his enchanted castle to save her father. The story focuses on her growing connection with the Beast and her time spent in the mysterious castle, where magic quietly lingers around her.
It’s a warm, thoughtful story about love, courage, and seeing someone for who they truly are.
Janny Wurts is known for her intricate plots and complex world-building, most notably in her epic series The Wars of Light and Shadow.
The saga begins with Curse of the Mistwraith, introducing two half-brothers, Arithon s'Ffalenn, a master of shadow and illusion, and Lysaer s'Ilessid, a lord of light and justice.
Bound by a powerful curse, they are doomed to an endless cycle of conflict that shapes the fate of the world of Athera. Wurts also co-authored the Empire Trilogy with Raymond E. Feist.
Melissa Caruso’s Swords and Fire trilogy begins with The Tethered Mage. In the Eruvian Empire, magic is rare and dangerous, and those born with it—Magi—are bound to Falconers who can control their power.
Amalia Cornaro, heir to a powerful political family, accidentally becomes the Falconer for Zaira, a fire-warlock of immense, uncontrolled power. Together, they must navigate political intrigue, assassination plots, and a looming war.
Katherine Addison (a pseudonym for Sarah Monette) wrote the critically acclaimed standalone fantasy The Goblin Emperor. Maia, the mixed-race, exiled fourth son of the elven Emperor, unexpectedly ascends to the throne after his father and older brothers die in an airship crash.
Unprepared and isolated, Maia must navigate the treacherous waters of the imperial court, overcome prejudice, and try to rule justly in a world of complex etiquette and hidden dangers.
John Gwynne is known for his epic, action-packed fantasy. The Faithful and the Fallen series starts with Malice. The Banished Lands are threatened by a prophesied god-war. Young Corban watches as his world is torn apart by ambition and ancient feuds.
He is one of many characters whose fates are intertwined as giants, warriors, and mythical creatures clash in a brutal struggle for survival, exploring themes of courage, betrayal, and loyalty.
C.L. Polk’s Kingston Cycle begins with the World Fantasy Award-winning Witchmark. In an Edwardian-esque world, Miles Singer is a doctor and war veteran hiding his magical abilities, as mages are either conscripted into asylums or forced into servitude.
When a dying patient reveals a magical poisoning, Miles must risk exposure to find the killer, aided by the enigmatic and handsome Tristan Hunter, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of society.
While also known for dystopian fiction, Marie Lu has penned compelling fantasy like The Young Elites trilogy.
The first book, The Young Elites, introduces Adelina Amouteru, a survivor of the blood fever that swept her nation, leaving some survivors with strange markings and powerful, often dangerous, abilities—the Young Elites.
Cast out by her family and hunted by the Inquisition Axis, Adelina finds herself drawn to the Dagger Society, a secret sect of Elites, but her own darkness and ambition may prove too powerful.
Alexis Henderson’s debut novel, The Year of the Witching, is a dark, feminist fantasy. Immanuelle Moore lives in Bethel, a rigid, puritanical society. Her existence is considered a sin due to her mother's illicit union with an outsider.
When the spirits of the Darkwood, a forbidden forest, begin to call to her, Immanuelle uncovers dark secrets about Bethel's founders and the witches who first battled them, forcing her to confront the hypocrisy and cruelty of her community.
Alix E. Harrow crafts beautiful, thought-provoking fantasy. The Ten Thousand Doors of January follows January Scaller, a young woman growing up in the early 20th century in the care of the wealthy Mr. Locke.
She discovers a mysterious book that tells of secret doors leading to other worlds. As January reads, she realizes her own life and the strange occurrences around her are connected to these Doors and the people who seek to control or destroy them.
Laura Sebastian’s Ash Princess trilogy begins with the titular novel. Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes.
For ten years, Theo has been a prisoner in her own palace, surviving as the Ash Princess—a symbol of her conquered people. But she harbors a spark of rebellion, and when the opportunity arises, she must decide how far she'll go to reclaim her throne and free her people.
Robert E. Howard was a pulp-era writer and the creator of the sword and sorcery subgenre, most famously with his character Conan the Cimmerian.
Stories like "The Tower of the Elephant" or "Queen of the Black Coast," collected in various omnibus editions, depict Conan as a powerful barbarian warrior wandering an ancient, "Hyborian Age" world filled with savage beasts, scheming sorcerers, and forgotten gods.
His tales are known for their raw energy, vivid action, and sense of primal adventure.
Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series begins with Children of Blood and Bone. Zélie Adebola remembers when the land of Orïsha hummed with magic. But then the ruthless King Saran ordered all maji killed, stripping Zélie of her mother and her people of hope.
Now, Zélie has a chance to bring magic back and strike against the monarchy, aided by a rogue princess, as she outwits and outmaneuvers the crown prince, who is determined to eradicate magic for good. The series is inspired by West African mythology.
Michelle Sagara (who also writes as Michelle West and Michelle Sagara West) is known for her long-running Chronicles of Elantra series, beginning with Cast in Shadow. Private Kaylin Neya is a young member of the Hawks, the police force of the city of Elantra.
When children with mysterious, magical markings start disappearing, Kaylin, with her own troubled past and unique connection to the city's sentient Outskirts, is tasked with finding them, uncovering ancient secrets and dangerous magic.
Michael J. Sullivan is celebrated for his Riyria Revelations series, which begins with the omnibus Theft of Swords (collecting The Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha).
The series follows the unlikely duo of Royce Melborn, a cynical thief, and Hadrian Blackwater, an optimistic ex-mercenary and swordsman.
Framed for the murder of the king, they are drawn into a larger conspiracy involving ancient prophecies, lost empires, and the fate of their world.
Cassandra Clare is the bestselling author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles. The saga began with City of Bones, the first book in The Mortal Instruments series.
Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary teenager in New York City, witnesses a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos.
She is soon drawn into the world of Shadowhunters—warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons—and discovers her own hidden heritage and a destiny entwined with the charismatic Jace Wayland.
Leigh Bardugo is the creator of the Grishaverse, which began with the Shadow and Bone trilogy. In the first book, Shadow and Bone, Alina Starkov is a lonely orphan mapmaker in the war-torn nation of Ravka.
When her regiment is attacked crossing the Shadow Fold, a swath of near-impenetrable darkness, Alina unleashes a dormant power she never knew she possessed.
This power might be the key to saving her country, and she is whisked away to train with the Grisha, Ravka's magical elite, led by the mysterious Darkling.
Erin Morgenstern’s debut novel, The Night Circus, is a magical, atmospheric tale. Le Cirque des Rêves is a mysterious circus that arrives without warning and is only open at night.
Behind the scenes, two young magicians, Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair, are bound by their powerful, dueling mentors into a lifelong magical competition, with the circus itself as their enchanting arena.
Unbeknownst to them, only one can be left standing, a truth that becomes more complicated as they fall in love.
Kristin Cashore’s Graceling Realm series begins with Graceling. In a world where some people are born with extraordinary abilities known as Graces, Katsa is Graced with killing. Forced to serve as her uncle King Randa’s enforcer, she secretly works to undermine him.
When she meets Prince Po, Graced with fighting, they uncover a terrible secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms, leading Katsa on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
Jodi Lynn Anderson often blends magical realism with poignant storytelling. Tiger Lily is a unique retelling of Peter Pan from the perspective of Tinker Bell, focusing on Tiger Lily's complex relationship with Peter before Wendy Darling's arrival.
It explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, set against the backdrop of a Neverland that is both enchanting and dangerous.
Lisa McMann is known for her imaginative middle-grade and YA fantasy. The Unwanteds series begins with the titular novel, set in the land of Quill.
Each year, thirteen-year-olds are sorted: the strong, intelligent Wanteds are sent to university, while the creative, artistic Unwanteds are supposedly eliminated.
But Alex Stowe and his fellow Unwanteds discover they are instead sent to Artimé, a magical hidden world where their creativity is nurtured as a powerful form of magic by the eccentric mage Mr. Today.
Jonathan Carroll is known for his surreal and often unsettling contemporary fantasy, sometimes called "slipstream." His debut novel, The Land of Laughs, follows Thomas Abbey, a schoolteacher obsessed with the life of a deceased children's author, Marshall France.
Abbey travels to France's hometown, Galen, Missouri, to write his biography, only to find the town and its inhabitants are strangely intertwined with France's fictional creations, blurring the lines between reality and fiction in increasingly bizarre ways.
Angie Sage is the author of the popular Septimus Heap series, beginning with Magyk. The story follows Septimus Heap, the seventh son of a seventh son, who is believed to be dead at birth. On the same night, his father, Silas Heap, finds a baby girl in the snow.
Ten years later, the girl, Jenna, is revealed to be a princess in hiding, and the Heap family, along with the boy believed to be Septimus (Boy 412), are caught up in a magical adventure involving wizards, ghosts, and a quest to restore the rightful heir.
Terry Brooks is a cornerstone of epic fantasy, best known for his Shannara series, which began with The Sword of Shannara. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where magic has re-emerged, the story follows Shea Ohmsford, the last descendant of the Shannara bloodline.
He is tasked by the enigmatic druid Allanon with finding the legendary Sword of Shannara, the only weapon capable of defeating the Warlock Lord who threatens to conquer the Four Lands.
Jim Butcher is the creator of the immensely popular urban fantasy series, The Dresden Files. The first book, Storm Front, introduces Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard listed in the phone book.
Harry works as a private investigator and consultant for the police on supernatural cases.
In Storm Front, he investigates a double murder committed with dark magic, pitting him against a powerful sorcerer, wary cops, and organized crime, all while navigating the complex politics of the magical underworld.
Fritz Leiber is considered one of the founding fathers of sword and sorcery. His iconic characters, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, feature in a series of stories often collected in volumes like Swords and Deviltry (which chronologically begins their adventures).
Fafhrd is a tall, powerful barbarian from the north, while the Gray Mouser is a nimble, cunning former sorcerer's apprentice. Their adventures in the corrupt and magical city of Lankhmar and beyond are filled with roguish charm, thrilling action, and dark wit.
Patricia A. McKillip is celebrated for her lyrical prose and ethereal, dream-like fantasy. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld won the World Fantasy Award and tells the story of Sybel, a young sorceress living alone on Eld Mountain with a menagerie of mythical creatures.
Her isolated life is disrupted when she is given a baby, Tamlorn, to raise—the son of a king whose family is embroiled in war. Sybel is drawn into the human world of love, betrayal, and conflict, forcing her to confront her own power and humanity.
Peter S. Beagle is the author of the beloved fantasy classic, The Last Unicorn. The story follows a unicorn who, believing she is the last of her kind, leaves her enchanted forest to discover what happened to the others.
She is joined on her quest by Schmendrick, a bumbling but well-meaning magician, and Molly Grue, a compassionate woman.
Their journey leads them to the cursed kingdom of King Haggard and his terrifying Red Bull, exploring themes of mortality, love, and the loss of innocence with poetic beauty.
R.F. Kuang’s grimdark fantasy trilogy, The Poppy War, begins with the titular novel.
Inspired by 20th-century Chinese history, it follows Rin, a war orphan from a poor southern province, who aces the empire-wide test to earn a place at Sinegard, the most elite military academy in Nikan.
Subjected to prejudice and intense training, Rin discovers she possesses a rare aptitude for shamanism, a deadly spiritual power tied to vengeful gods, which she may need to unleash to save her people from an impending war.
Rebecca Roanhorse made a splash with her Sixth World series, beginning with the Nebula and Locus Award-winning Trail of Lightning. In a climate-ravaged future, Dinétah (formerly the Navajo reservation) has been reborn, with its gods and monsters walking among mortals.
Maggie Hoskie is a Diné monster hunter, gifted with clan powers that make her a formidable, if feared, killer.
When a small town needs her help finding a missing girl, Maggie uncovers a terrifying new monster, forcing her to confront her own past and team up with an unconventional medicine man.
S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy begins with The City of Brass. In 18th-century Cairo, Nahri is a gifted con artist who swindles Ottoman nobles. She doesn't believe in magic, until she accidentally summons Dara, a powerful and enigmatic djinn warrior.
Fleeing for their lives, they journey to Daevabad, the legendary hidden city of brass, where Nahri learns of her true heritage and becomes entangled in the city's ancient resentments, courtly intrigue, and simmering conflicts between its djinn tribes.