To curate the ultimate list of high fantasy books, I needed to establish what exactly constitutes this beloved genre. Also known as epic fantasy, high fantasy is set in a ‘second world,’ a realm that operates under its own unique rules and deviates from our reality. This definition merely scratches the surface, as high fantasy also encompasses a plethora of tropes and hallmarks. Large tomes are prevalent, often featuring swords and shields, monarchs, magical creatures, and humans wielding magic.
The ‘chosen one’ trope is particularly well-represented, while the struggle between Good and Evil (in capital letters) serves as a recurring theme. If the book evokes a whimsical journey through a medieval-inspired world, it’s likely a product of high fantasy. However, not all the books on this list adhere to these traditional conventions.
Modern high fantasy has introduced refreshing innovations, characterized by diverse protagonists and settings that stray from the familiar tropes of medieval Europe. While classic high fantasies still hold their own allure, it’s heartening to see newer authors injecting fresh perspectives into the genre. With this in mind, I’m pleased to present my selection of 25 exceptional high fantasy books.
The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang
In a refreshing departure from the typical high fantasy behemoths that dominate the genre, Neon Yang’s The Tensorate Series stands out with its concise yet captivating approach. Comprising four expertly crafted novellas, this series proves that even the most compelling stories can be told in a fraction of the usual page count.
At the heart of the story lies an intriguing premise: twin children of the Protector, once inseparable, are slowly pulled apart by their burgeoning magical abilities and the intricate political machinations of the Protectorate. As they navigate this treacherous landscape, readers are left wondering if these twins will be able to find a way back to each other amidst the chaos.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
In the gritty realm of First Law Trilogy, Abercrombie’s debut novel delivers a visceral and unapologetic dark fantasy. The narrative deftly weaves together the perspectives of a diverse cast of characters, each with their own complex moralities. The story is brought to life through the eyes of a noble officer struggling to maintain his honor, an inquisitor feared for his merciless methods, a wounded barbarian seeking redemption, and an enigmatic wizard shrouded in mystery.
Together, these intricate threads form a rich tapestry that propels the narrative forward.
Children of Blood and Bone by Toni Adeyemi
In the world of Children of Blood and Bone, Zélie Adebola is an extraordinary individual with roots in ancient magic. As an Orisha, she’s not only a wizard but also a symbol of power that’s been brutally suppressed. When the tyrannical king ordered the purge of all Orishas, Zélie’s life was forever altered as her mother and everything she knew were taken from her.
Now, as her own powers begin to unfold, Zélie has become a fierce crusader on a mission to overthrow the oppressive regime that ravaged her existence and ultimately free everyone from its grasp.
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
In a world where magic was often dismissed as mere fantasy, 18th-century Cairo’s resident skilled practitioner, Nahri, had always relied on her own abilities rather than believing in the mystical arts. However, when she unwittingly stirred a centuries-old djinn warrior from his slumber, the very fabric of reality began to unravel. The consequences of this unforeseen awakening were far-reaching and led Nahri down a path that would take her to a fabled city ruled with an unyielding authority.
And at the heart of this enigmatic metropolis was a figure that everyone sought to avoid – none other than the djinn warrior who had so unexpectedly become her unlikely companion.
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett is an absolute must-read, starting with the first installment that sets the tone for the rest of the series. In this world, a massive turtle supports a flat disc floating through space, providing the perfect backdrop for the absurdity and wit that follows. At the heart of it all is Rincewind, a hapless wizard who finds himself in the most ridiculous situations.
Meanwhile, a chest with a life of its own adds to the chaos, as satire, silliness, and high fantasy blend together in a hilarious and clever tale.
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
High fantasy and science fiction often intersect in unexpected ways. A prime example is Lessa’s tale, where a distant world’s darkness is illuminated by her telepathic connection with a majestic dragon. Her parents’ untimely demise has left her with nothing but despair until this extraordinary bond gives her new purpose. As she becomes a powerful dragonrider, the fate of her world hangs in the balance as an ancient evil looms large, and Lessa may hold the key to saving it from destruction.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
In a world where power is wielded by the empire, two individuals find themselves entwined in a web of rebellion. Laia, forced into servitude, is desperate to rescue her brother from captivity. Her only hope lies with the resistance movement, which requires her to assume a new role: that of a spy. As she navigates this treacherous landscape, her path converges with Elias, a soldier who has grown disillusioned with the empire’s brutal regime.
Despite his position as a loyal servant of the Emperor, Elias harbors a deep-seated resentment towards the empire’s tyranny. His desire to bring the ruler down aligns with Laia’s determination to free her brother and topple the oppressive government. The unlikely duo finds themselves bound together in their quest for freedom and justice.
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
While I’ve never been a fan of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, it’s undeniable that its impact has reverberated throughout the high fantasy genre. In fact, the epic tale of Rand al’Thor and his companions has influenced countless authors, shaping the trajectory of modern fantasy literature. The story begins innocently enough, with a group of young villagers from the idyllic Two Rivers, whose lives are forever changed by a brutal attack.
As they flee for their lives, one among them may hold the key to destiny: the prophesied Dragon Reborn, who must survive long enough to fulfill his heroic quest.
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
N. K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth Trilogy has achieved an unprecedented feat: winning the Hugo Award for Best Novel for all three books in the series. This extraordinary accomplishment serves as a testament to the power of Jemisin’s storytelling, which transports readers to a world on the brink of catastrophe. In this dystopian landscape, orogenes like Essun are feared and enslaved due to their ability to harness magical energy from the Earth.
The story begins with a heart-wrenching event: Essun’s husband brutally murders their son who possesses orogene powers and abandons their daughter in his quest for survival. Consumed by rage and a desire for revenge, Essun embarks on a perilous journey to track down her husband as the world around her teeters on the edge of collapse.
Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
In contrast to many Western high fantasy tales, Eastern series have also achieved immense popularity and acclaim. One notable example is Fullmetal Alchemist, which enjoyed a decade-long publication period and garnered widespread success. The story revolves around Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers with a passion for alchemy.
Their quest to revive their deceased mother through alchemy ultimately backfires, resulting in the physical transformation of Alphonse into a suit of armor bound to his brother’s soul. Undeterred by these circumstances, Edward continues to pursue the goal of bringing back their mother, while also evading the authorities that are hot on their heels.
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
The inaugural volume of George R. R. Martin’s acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire series, this novel has been adapted into the wildly popular HBO show with a similar name. Although the series remains unfinished, the first book still stands as a masterclass in world-building and character development. At its core, it chronicles the brewing conflict between powerful houses vying for control in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
Despite being an early entry in the series, this installment effectively sets the stage for the epic battles, shocking plot twists, and complex moralities that have come to define the A Song of Ice and Fire franchise.
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
Kuni, a cunning bandit, and Mata, the son of a dethroned duke, forge an unlikely friendship that sets the stage for thrilling events in this book. Initially, their paths converge as they join forces to topple a tyrannical emperor, only to find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict as they vie for influence and shape the future of their world.
Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi
In this captivating manga, we’re introduced to another incredible high fantasy world that seamlessly blends elements from both first and second worlds. The story follows Kagome as she navigates a normal life in high school until she’s unexpectedly transported back in time to the ancient era. As she finds herself entwined with Inuyasha, a half-demon warrior, they form an unlikely alliance to combat formidable demons and work together to find a way for Kagome to return home.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
The timeless favorite of the high fantasy genre has captivated readers since its inception, particularly among children. Who wouldn’t have fantasized about stumbling upon a hidden portal to an enchanted realm during their childhood? This beloved tale follows the journey of the four Pevenie siblings as they discover just that – a gateway to a world beyond their wildest dreams.
However, they soon realize that this mystical land is far from being a paradise, and their innocence is tested in ways they never could have imagined.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
While J. R. R. Tolkien didn’t single-handedly create the fantasy genre, his work had a profound impact on shaping our understanding of high fantasy. Building upon the success of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy further solidified its place as a foundational cornerstone of the genre. This iconic series masterfully weaves together elements like elves, dwarves, monumental battles, and ancient evils, all set against a rich tapestry of magic and mythical creatures.
As such, it’s no wonder that this book is often regarded as a defining work of high fantasy, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and its fans.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle, renowned for being one of the most outstanding high fantasy series, commences its tale. The protagonist, Kvothe, embodies the essence of an antihero, his legend preceding him as he navigates a journey marked by death, remorse, and melancholy. The chronicle of his life, though shrouded in mystery, promises to be a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of human nature.
The Riddle-Master of Hed by Patricia A. McKillip
Morgon’s ascension to the throne of Hed was a result of his impressive riddle-solving skills, a feat that earned him respect among the vanished wizards. However, his reign is soon disrupted by an ancient evil that threatens to destroy the land. In a desperate bid to save Hed, Morgon embarks on a perilous journey in search of the High One, hoping to uncover the secrets and abilities necessary to vanquish the darkness.
This enchanting tale weaves together threads of mystery and intrigue, making it an absolute must-read.
The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe
In the realm of fantasy literature, one classic stands out as a personal favorite: ‘The Book of the New Sun’ series by Gene Wolfe. This masterpiece revolves around the enigmatic character of Severian, an accomplished torturer who has mastered the art of mercy-killing – a taboo in his guild. His life takes a drastic turn when he shows compassion to a condemned prisoner, committing the ultimate sin among his peers.
Stripped of his status and armed only with his trusted executioner’s sword, Severian embarks on a journey, traversing the land as a wandering torturer. However, his travels soon become entwined with the unfolding war and intricate political dynamics that shape the world around him.
The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson
In a lesser-known corner of your reading list, Demane and the Captain stand out as two demigods trying to survive amidst mortal chaos. As descendants of gods, they possess formidable powers that are often overshadowed by their humble nature. Despite being demigods with incredible abilities, they find themselves struggling to keep their caravan family members alive in the face of a terrifying necromantic threat that’s spreading across the land like wildfire.
Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho
In this high fantasy tale, the author boldly redefines the genre by transposing it onto a familiar yet unrecognizable England. The land is beset by an unprecedented crisis: magic is dwindling, its very essence evaporating into thin air. Amidst this precarious landscape, Zacharias, the Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers, embarks on a perilous quest to unravel the mystery behind magic’s decline.
His journey will take him across vast distances and into uncharted territories, as he strives to preserve the delicate balance of his world and restore the fading spark of wonder.
A Stranger in Olondria by Sofia Samatar
In the realm of high fantasy literature, a trifecta of prestigious awards – World Fantasy, British Fantasy, and Crawford – is often seen as the pinnacle of success. When Jevick sets out on his annual pilgrimage to Olondria, a land renowned for its rich literary heritage, he’s eager to immerse himself in the tome-filled landscape. However, his peaceful sojourn takes an unexpected turn when the restless spirit of a young girl with no grasp of written language begins to haunt him.
As the apparition’s presence grows more insistent, Jevick becomes increasingly desperate for answers and turns to Olondria’s revered priests for guidance. Little does he know, this seemingly innocuous encounter will catapult him into the midst of a profound struggle for control of the entire empire, forever altering the course of his life.
Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
As the clouds gather, a tempestuous conflict simmers beneath the surface. The unyielding grip of Khalif’s tyranny is about to be challenged by an enigmatic figure, known only as Falcon Prince. With supernatural murders ravaging the city, the already-frayed tensions within the rebellion are stretched to the breaking point, casting a shadow over the very fabric of society.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson’s reputation as a master of high fantasy is unparalleled in modern times. While he has penned numerous impressive series, his most celebrated work is arguably The Stormlight Archive. This epic saga commences with the inaugural installment, which masterfully establishes the intricate conflict between warring nations and powerful houses.
The narrative is further enriched by the incorporation of magical arms and armor, as well as the enigmatic presence of The Way of Kings, a mysterious tome that holds significant importance to the overall storyline.
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
In a post-apocalyptic Africa, where the devastation has redefined the continent’s landscape, Onye’s existence is marked by the darkness of her birth. As a child of rape, she’s ostracized from the start, her difference setting her apart from others. However, as she navigates this harsh reality, Onye begins to uncover an unexpected aspect of herself – her capacity for magic.
This enigmatic force both seeks to destroy her and holds the potential to transform her into the very salvation her people don’t merit.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
In the early days, Ged was known as Sparrowhawk, driven by an insatiable hunger for power that often led him down reckless and dangerous paths. As his story unfolded, he made mistakes and took steps that would ultimately shape him into the formidable and respected sorcerer he became, known as Ged. This journey of self-discovery and growth serves as a reminder that even the most powerful among us must confront our own shortcomings and learn from our past.
Perhaps you’d like to explore other high-flying tales? Our primer on fantasy subgenres and list of recent high fantasy series are great starting points.