What Is The Best Fantasy Book Ever

I’ve been obsessed with fantasy books since I was a kid, and nothing has ever topped 'The Lord of the Rings' for me. J.R.R. Tolkien’s world-building is absolutely insane—Middle-earth feels so real, from the languages he invented to the histories of every little village. The way Frodo’s journey unfolds is epic but also deeply personal, and characters like Aragorn and Gandalf are just iconic. The battles, the friendships, the sheer scale of it all—it’s the kind of book that makes you forget you’re reading. I’ve reread it so many times, and each time I notice something new. If you want a fantasy that defines the genre, this is it.

As a lifelong fantasy enthusiast, I've journeyed through countless worlds, but few books have left as profound an impact as 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. This masterpiece weaves a tale of magic, music, and mystery through the eyes of Kvothe, a legendary figure recounting his own story. The prose is lyrical, the world-building immersive, and the character development utterly compelling. Another timeless favorite is 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch, a gritty, witty fantasy heist novel that feels like 'Ocean’s Eleven' meets medieval Venice. For those craving epic scale, 'The Way of Kings' by Brandon Sanderson introduces a universe where storms shape civilization and magic swords materialize from thin air. Each of these books offers something distinct—Rothfuss for poetic depth, Lynch for clever chaos, and Sanderson for groundbreaking systems of magic. If you want pure escapism with heart, 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon delivers dragons and feminist lore in a standalone epic.

As someone deeply immersed in literary history, I find the origins of fantasy fascinating. The title of 'first fantasy book' is often debated, but many scholars point to 'The Epic of Gilgamesh,' an ancient Mesopotamian poem dating back to 2100 BCE. While not a novel in the modern sense, it contains fantastical elements like gods, monsters, and quests, laying the groundwork for the genre. Another strong contender is 'One Thousand and One Nights' (Arabian Nights), compiled between the 8th and 14th centuries, with tales like 'Aladdin' and 'Sinbad the Sailor' blending magic and adventure. For early modern fantasy, 'The Castle of Otranto' by Horace Walpole (1764) is pivotal—it’s considered the first Gothic novel, with supernatural themes influencing later fantasy works. These texts show how fantasy evolved from ancient myths to structured narratives, each contributing uniquely to the genre we love today.

I’ve been obsessed with fantasy books since I was a kid, and hands down, Tor Books is my go-to publisher for epic reads. They’ve given us gems like 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s 'Stormlight Archive.' Their catalog is stacked with immersive worlds and intricate magic systems. I also adore Orbit Books for publishing 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie—dark, gritty, and unforgettable. And let’s not forget Gollancz, the home of 'The Witcher' series. These publishers consistently deliver quality, whether it’s high fantasy, grimdark, or something in between. If you’re into fantasy, their imprints are a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

As someone who devours books like they're going out of style, I totally get the obsession with finding sequels to your all-time favorite reads. Take 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss—this epic fantasy has fans (including me) desperately waiting for the third book in the 'Kingkiller Chronicle' series. The depth of world-building and character development is insane, and the sequel, 'The Wise Man's Fear,' only deepens the magic. Another example is 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo, which got a sequel, 'Crooked Kingdom,' that amps up the heist drama and character arcs. And let’s not forget 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang—its sequels, 'The Dragon Republic' and 'The Burning God,' are just as brutal and brilliant. If you’re into sci-fi, 'The Three-Body Problem' by Liu Cixin has two sequels, 'The Dark Forest' and 'Death’s End,' which expand the mind-bending cosmic scale. Sequels can be hit or miss, but when they hit, they’re like reuniting with old friends.

Cover art obsession aside, my instinct is always: pick the edition that matches how you read. If your shelves double as a shrine, go for a special or hardcover edition of 'After Ever Happy' with a nice dust jacket or foil—those editions look gorgeous standing between paperbacks from other series and they hold up better if you like re-reading. I’ve got a battered paperback of many guilty-pleasure novels, but the hardcovers I bought feel like proper keepsakes; they endure coffee spills, moving boxes, and the occasional over-enthusiastic shelf-rearrange. If practicality wins—travel, commuting, or tiny backpack space—a trade paperback or mass-market paperback is the smartest move. They’re cheaper, lighter, and most of the time reprints smooth out odd typography or weird chapter breaks that early pressings sometimes had. For nights when I want to fall into the story hands-free, the audiobook is unbeatable; it turns a traffic jam into time for the plot to unfold and some narrators do a stellar job giving energy to the dialogue. Prices, signed copies, and retailer exclusives fluctuate, so I usually wishlist a few versions and wait for a sale. Also check for box sets if you plan to own the whole series—those often come with matching spines and look so satisfying on the shelf. Ultimately, the best edition is the one you’ll actually open and enjoy repeatedly—whether it’s a flashy collector’s copy or a comfy, dog-eared paperback that reminds you of late-night reading sessions.

As someone who devours books like candy, I have to say that the title of 'best book ever read' is a tough one to pin down because it depends so much on personal taste. However, if I had to pick one author whose work left an indelible mark on me, it would be Haruki Murakami. His novel 'Norwegian Wood' is a masterpiece that blends melancholy, love, and existential dread in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Murakami's writing style is hypnotic, with a rhythm that pulls you into his world effortlessly. 'Kafka on the Shore' is another gem, weaving surrealism with raw emotion. His ability to explore the human condition through unconventional narratives is unparalleled. While some might argue for classics like Tolstoy or Dickens, Murakami's modern, introspective approach resonates more with contemporary readers, making him a standout in my literary journey.

As someone who devours books like candy, I can confidently say that sequels often make or break a masterpiece. Take 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss, hailed by many as one of the greatest fantasy novels ever. Fans have been clamoring for its sequel, 'The Doors of Stone,' for over a decade, and the anticipation is almost a cultural phenomenon. The wait itself has become part of the book's legacy, fueling endless discussions and theories. Another example is 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson, where each sequel expands the world and deepens the characters in ways that feel organic yet surprising. Sequels like 'Words of Radiance' and 'Oathbringer' don’t just continue the story; they elevate it. Then there’s 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch, with its sequel 'Red Seas Under Red Skies' delivering more heists, wit, and emotional punches. Whether a sequel lives up to the original depends on the author’s ability to retain the magic while evolving the narrative.