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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.

Shadow and Bone

Alina Starkov’s ordinary life is shattered when her hidden power awakens, thrusting her into the lavish world of the magical elite. As she struggles to hone her newfound abilities, dark forces conspire against her. Caught between loyalty and love, Alina must unravel the secrets of her past to save her country from the Shadow Fold. Bardugo’s richly imagined Grishaverse comes alive with intrigue, romance, and heart-stopping action that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Fool’s Fate

Diving back into the world of FitzChivalry Farseer, Robin Hobb’s “Fool’s Fate” is a masterful conclusion to the Tawny Man trilogy. Hobb’s rich prose and intricate character development shine as Fitz faces his most daunting challenge yet. I found myself completely absorbed, staying up far too late just to read one more chapter. The complex relationships and political intrigue kept me guessing until the very end. A bittersweet, satisfying finale that left me both elated and emotionally drained.

Golden Fool

Fitz’s journey continues in this gripping sequel, weaving political intrigue with magical mystery. Hobb’s masterful storytelling draws you deeper into the Six Duchies, where loyalty and betrayal dance a dangerous waltz. I found myself lost in Fitz’s struggles, his bond with the Fool both touching and complex. The rich world-building and nuanced characters kept me up late, turning pages with bated breath. A must-read for fantasy lovers seeking depth and heart.

Fool’s Errand

Fifteen years have passed since Fitz, the royal assassin, vanished from court. Living quietly as a farmer, he’s haunted by memories of his past and the wolf-bond he once shared. But when his old mentor Chade unexpectedly appears, Fitz is thrust back into a world of intrigue and danger. The kingdom faces a new threat, and only Fitz’s unique skills can save it. As he grapples with his reluctance to return, Fitz must confront his own demons and the price of loyalty. Hobb’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of sacrifice, duty, and the enduring power of friendship.

Assassin’s Quest

In this gripping finale to the Farseer trilogy, FitzChivalry Farseer faces his greatest challenge yet. Presumed dead, Fitz must navigate a world where his very existence is a threat. With his beloved wolf at his side, he embarks on a perilous journey to save the Six Duchies from the machinations of the evil Regal. Hobb’s masterful storytelling weaves together threads of loyalty, magic, and sacrifice, creating a tapestry of adventure that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

Royal Assassin

Fitz, the royal bastard, returns to Buckkeep a changed man. Haunted by his near-death experience, he grapples with newfound powers and old loyalties. As political intrigue swirls around him, Fitz must navigate treacherous waters, balancing his duties as assassin with his growing bond to the mysterious Fool. Hobb’s masterful prose brings this world to life, weaving a tale of magic, betrayal, and the weight of destiny. A gripping sequel that left me breathless and eager for more.

Assassin’s Apprentice

In a world where magic and politics intertwine, young Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, finds himself thrust into the dangerous world of royal intrigue. Trained as an assassin by the enigmatic Chade, Fitz struggles to balance his loyalty to the crown with his own desires for a normal life. As he navigates court politics and hones his skills, Fitz uncovers dark secrets that threaten the kingdom’s stability. Hobb’s rich prose and complex characters draw you into a tale of sacrifice, duty, and the price of power.

The Hero of Ages

Elend Venture’s reign as emperor faces its greatest challenge as the mists grow deadlier, threatening all life. Vin, the Mistborn heroine, grapples with her powers and destiny. As the world teeters on the brink, the crew must unravel ancient prophecies and confront the sinister force behind the mists. Sanderson’s masterful conclusion to the Mistborn trilogy weaves intricate magic, political intrigue, and heart-wrenching sacrifices into an epic tale that left me breathless until the very last page.

The Well of Ascension

Sanderson’s masterful sequel plunges readers back into the mist-shrouded world of Luthadel. Vin, now a powerful Mistborn, grapples with her newfound abilities and the weight of leadership. As political intrigue and ancient prophecies collide, the city teeters on the brink of chaos. I found myself captivated by the intricate magic system and the characters’ inner struggles. Sanderson’s prose paints a vivid, gritty landscape that feels eerily alive. A thrilling ride that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

The Final Empire

In a world shrouded in ash, where the immortal Lord Ruler reigns supreme, hope seems lost. But Kelsier, a charismatic thief turned rebel, has a daring plan. He recruits an unlikely crew, including the street urchin Vin, who harbors a hidden power. As they plot to overthrow the empire, Vin grapples with her newfound abilities and her growing feelings for a noble-born ally. Sanderson’s masterful worldbuilding and intricate magic system had me spellbound from the first page. A thrilling ride that left me craving more.