21 Fantasy Books That Will Transport You to Another World
Fantasy books have a magical way of whisking you off to new worlds where dragons soar, magic is real, and unlikely heroes rise against impossible odds. These stories are portals to lands filled with adventure, mystery, and wonder. Here are 21 fantasy books that will make you forget about reality for a while and fully immerse you in their spellbinding realms.
1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
In The Name of the Wind, Rothfuss introduces us to Kvothe, a legendary figure recounting his life story, filled with magic, love, and tragedy. Rothfuss’s world-building is meticulous, and his prose is lyrical, making you want to linger in every sentence. It’s a slow burn, but by the end, you’ll be as obsessed with this world as Kvothe is with unraveling its mysteries.
2. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The first book in The Stormlight Archive is an epic of truly grand proportions. With its intricate world-building, vivid magic system, and multiple complex characters, this story sweeps you into the highstorms and war-torn landscapes of Roshar. Sanderson’s skill in weaving together plotlines will have you flipping pages at lightning speed, despite its massive size.
3. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Before it was an HBO sensation, Game of Thrones was already a landmark in fantasy literature. Martin’s world of Westeros is dark, political, and brutally unpredictable. Known for killing off beloved characters, this series keeps you on your toes as it weaves together tales of betrayal, honor, and power struggles. It’s gritty, intense, and entirely addictive.
4. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson makes another appearance with Mistborn, a series set in a world where ash falls from the sky, and a tyrant known as the Lord Ruler oppresses the land. The story follows a band of rebels led by a powerful Mistborn, Vin, who can manipulate metals to perform magical feats. The unique magic system and fast-paced action make this a series you won’t be able to put down.
5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
No fantasy list would be complete without The Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins’ journey from his cozy home in the Shire to the dragon-guarded treasure of the Lonely Mountain is the quintessential adventure story. Filled with trolls, elves, dwarves, and a certain infamous dragon, it’s a lighthearted yet captivating read that will make you want to pack your bags and join the journey.
6. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
This standalone novel is a sprawling, feminist epic featuring dragons, knights, and a world on the brink of destruction. With multiple storylines that intertwine beautifully, The Priory of the Orange Tree delivers a fresh take on the classic battle between good and evil, while exploring themes of power, loyalty, and love. Plus, the dragons are pretty awesome.
7. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Welcome to the gritty city of Camorr, where thieves run the streets and cons are an art form. The Lies of Locke Lamora follows the charming and cunning Locke, leader of a gang of con artists, as he gets entangled in a deadly game of power and deception. Lynch’s witty dialogue and complex characters will leave you rooting for the bad guys—and questioning what that even means.
8. The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski
The Witcher series introduces Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, navigating a morally gray world filled with sorcery, political intrigue, and, of course, plenty of monsters. Sapkowski’s sharp storytelling and Geralt’s dry wit make this series a must-read for fans of dark fantasy. You’ll be sucked into this world faster than you can say, “Toss a coin to your Witcher.”
9. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
This fast-paced series transports you to a brutal, Roman-inspired empire where Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, must fight for their lives and freedom. Tahir’s world is dark and dangerous, filled with ancient magic, rebellion, and betrayal at every turn. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of a story that’ll have you rooting for the underdogs until the very end.
10. The Dark Tower by Stephen King
King’s The Dark Tower series blends fantasy, science fiction, and horror into a sprawling narrative that defies genre. Following the gunslinger Roland on his quest to reach the mysterious Dark Tower, this series spans multiple worlds and timelines. It’s a mind-bending, surreal ride, with King’s signature touch of the eerie and unexpected.
11. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
This beautifully written novel combines fantasy with historical fiction, set in turn-of-the-century New York City. It follows two magical beings—a golem and a jinni—who, despite their differences, form a deep and unlikely friendship. Wecker’s blend of mythology and real-world history creates a vivid and unique world that feels both fantastical and entirely believable.
12. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
One of the most expansive fantasy series out there, The Wheel of Time is an epic tale of good versus evil, with a staggering cast of characters and an intricate world. The series starts with The Eye of the World and follows Rand al’Thor, who discovers he’s destined for a pivotal role in the battle against darkness. Jordan’s world-building is unparalleled, and the series offers enough material to keep you transported for quite a while.
13. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Set in an alternate 19th-century England where magic is real, this novel follows two rival magicians with very different approaches to their craft. Clarke’s witty, elegant prose brings to life a world that’s part historical fiction, part fantastical delight. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a slower, more intricate dive into magic and Victorian society.
14. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
Starting with The Fifth Season, this trilogy takes place in a world ravaged by cataclysmic events known as “seasons.” Jemisin’s world-building is mind-blowing, and her characters are richly developed, with a plot that weaves together themes of oppression, power, and survival. This is groundbreaking fantasy that will leave you thinking long after you’ve closed the book.
15. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
This dark and brutal novel, inspired by Chinese history and mythology, follows Rin, a war orphan who discovers she possesses a powerful and dangerous form of shamanic magic. The Poppy War is an unflinching exploration of war, identity, and power, with a world that’s as harsh as it is captivating.
16. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Gaiman’s Neverwhere introduces us to a hidden world beneath London, where forgotten people and places take on new, magical forms. When Richard Mayhew helps a mysterious girl named Door, he’s pulled into this underground city, filled with strange creatures and dangerous characters. Gaiman’s wit and imagination make this a fantastical adventure that’s hard to leave behind.
17. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This series starts off as a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast but quickly transforms into a high-stakes fantasy world filled with fae, romance, and political intrigue. Feyre, the protagonist, must navigate the dangers of the faerie realm while unraveling a centuries-old curse. Maas blends romance and fantasy seamlessly, creating a world that’s dangerously addictive.
18. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
Inspired by Norse mythology, The Shadow of the Gods is an epic tale of revenge and survival. Set in a world once ruled by gods now long dead, it follows three characters as they battle across a landscape scarred by ancient conflicts. Gwynne’s action-packed storytelling and vivid world-building make this a must-read for fans of gritty, dark fantasy.
19. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This heartwarming fantasy feels like a big, cozy hug in book form. Linus Baker, a government worker, is sent to inspect an orphanage for magical children, only to discover it holds more wonders and warmth than he could have imagined. Klune’s novel is a gentle, uplifting tale about acceptance, love, and finding family in unexpected places.
20. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
This debut novel transports you to the streets of 18th-century Cairo and the dazzling, dangerous world of Daevabad, a city ruled by djinn. Chakraborty’s world is rich with history, magic, and political intrigue, and the characters—especially the protagonist, Nahri—are unforgettable. It’s a captivating start to an epic trilogy.
21. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
A whimsical yet poignant classic, The Last Unicorn follows the journey of a unicorn who sets out to discover what happened to the rest of her kind. Beagle’s writing is lyrical and filled with a bittersweet beauty, making this a timeless tale of love, loss, and finding one’s true self. It’s a short read, but one that will stay with you forever.