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Best High Fantasy Books

April 2025

High fantasy transports readers to entirely new, magical worlds filled with epic quests, ancient prophecies, and powerful forces of good and evil. These stories are set in richly detailed realms where magic, mythical creatures, and vast kingdoms are the norm. High fantasy often features grand, sweeping narratives, focusing on the battle between light and darkness, heroes and villains, as well as personal journeys of courage and discovery.

This genre is known for its immersive world-building, where intricate landscapes, complex societies, and deep lore shape the foundation of the story. Characters in high fantasy are often chosen by fate to undertake monumental quests that can change the course of their world’s history, fighting for survival, justice, or the restoration of balance.

Explore a selection of high fantasy books that offer epic adventures in magical lands, perfect for readers who love grand-scale storytelling, heroic journeys, and the thrill of exploring entirely new universes.

The Burning God

Rin’s journey reaches its explosive finale in this heart-wrenching conclusion to R.F. Kuang’s epic fantasy trilogy. Haunted by the atrocities she’s committed, Rin grapples with her inner demons and the crushing weight of destiny. As war engulfs the land, alliances shift like sand, and ancient powers awaken, Rin must confront the ultimate question: How far will she go to save her people? Kuang’s masterful prose and unflinching exploration of power, colonialism, and morality will leave you breathless until the very last page.

The Dragon Republic

Rin’s world is shattered. Haunted by the atrocities she committed to save her people, she grapples with addiction and the weight of her actions. As civil war erupts, Rin finds herself caught between loyalty and survival. Kuang’s visceral prose plunges readers into a brutal, richly-imagined fantasy realm inspired by Chinese history. With complex characters and heart-wrenching choices, this sequel left me breathless. A masterful exploration of power, trauma, and the cost of victory.

The Stormlight Archive

Immerse yourself in a world of epic fantasy where storms shape civilizations and ancient powers awaken. Sanderson’s masterful storytelling weaves together complex characters, intricate magic systems, and political intrigue on a grand scale. As darkness looms and forgotten legends come to life, unlikely heroes must confront their pasts and unite against overwhelming odds. With breathtaking world-building and heart-pounding action, The Stormlight Archive will captivate you from the first page to the last.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Step into a world of magic and wonder with C.S. Lewis’s beloved classic, “The Chronicles of Narnia.” As a child, I was captivated by the talking animals, mythical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. Lewis’s masterful storytelling weaves Christian allegory with fantasy, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with readers of all ages. From the wardrobe to the lamp-post, every page is filled with enchantment and adventure. It’s a timeless tale that still gives me goosebumps.

A Song of Ice and Fire Series

Immerse yourself in a world of political intrigue, epic battles, and dragons. Martin’s masterful storytelling weaves a tapestry of complex characters and unpredictable plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely lost in the richly detailed landscapes and couldn’t help but feel a connection to the flawed, yet relatable heroes and villains. Fair warning: you might lose sleep turning pages late into the night!

The Grisha Trilogy

Immerse yourself in a world of dark magic and dangerous intrigue. Alina Starkov, an orphan mapmaker, discovers she possesses an extraordinary power that could save her war-torn country. Thrust into the lavish world of the Grisha, magical elite led by the enigmatic Darkling, Alina must navigate treacherous politics and her own growing abilities. As she uncovers shocking secrets, she questions everything she thought she knew. A spellbinding tale of loyalty, love, and the price of power that will leave you breathless.

The Inheritance Trilogy

Jemisin’s captivating debut weaves a tale of gods, mortals, and power that will leave you breathless. Set in a richly imagined world where deities walk among us, this epic fantasy follows Yeine Darr as she’s thrust into a deadly game of succession. With lyrical prose and complex characters, Jemisin explores themes of oppression, identity, and the nature of divinity. I found myself completely immersed, unable to put it down as the intricate plot unfolded. A stunning start to a trilogy that redefines the genre.

The Witcher Series

Immerse yourself in a dark fantasy world where monsters roam and morality blurs. Sapkowski’s Witcher series follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutant monster hunter with supernatural abilities. As he navigates political intrigue and battles fearsome creatures, Geralt grapples with his own humanity. Rich in Slavic folklore and moral ambiguity, these books offer a gritty, complex tale that will keep you spellbound. Prepare for a journey where destiny and choice collide in unexpected ways.

The Broken Earth Trilogy

I found myself utterly captivated by N.K. Jemisin’s “The Broken Earth Trilogy.” Set in a world wracked by apocalyptic climate shifts, it follows Essun, a woman with the power to control earth’s energy. Jemisin’s prose is lyrical yet raw, painting a vivid picture of a dying planet and the complex characters fighting to survive. I was particularly struck by the innovative narrative structure and the exploration of themes like oppression and motherhood. This series left me pondering long after I turned the final page.