What Are The Best Fantasy Novels On Medium Reads?

I stumbled upon this topic while trying to read more without hitting paywalls. One extension I swear by is 'Medium Unlimited'. It bypasses the paywall seamlessly, letting me read any article without restrictions. Another great option is 'Bypass Paywalls Clean', which works not just for Medium but other sites too. I also found 'Unlocker' useful, though it sometimes requires refreshing the page. These tools have been lifesavers for my daily reading habits. They’re easy to install and don’t slow down my browser. If you’re a voracious reader like me, these extensions are worth trying out.

I have a deep appreciation for novels that transport readers to realms beyond imagination. One of my all-time favorites is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss, a masterfully crafted tale of magic, music, and mystery that feels both epic and intimate. Another standout is 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch, a gritty, witty heist story set in a vividly realized city. For those who enjoy rich world-building and intricate plots, 'The Way of Kings' by Brandon Sanderson is a must-read. Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series is a monumental achievement in fantasy, blending deep lore with unforgettable characters. If you prefer something darker, 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie offers a brutal yet compelling take on the genre. Lastly, 'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin is a groundbreaking work that redefines what fantasy can be, with its unique narrative structure and powerful themes.

If you're just dipping your toes into the world of Medical Medium books, I'd start with 'Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal.' It's like the foundation of everything Anthony William talks about—covering everything from autoimmune issues to fatigue, with that unique blend of spiritual insight and practical advice. What I love is how he breaks down complex health concepts without making you feel overwhelmed. The way he explains things like heavy metals, viruses, and the liver’s role clicked for me in a way no other health book ever did. After that, 'Liver Rescue' is a fantastic follow-up because it dives deep into one of the most crucial organs. I’ve recommended it to friends who struggled with bloating, skin issues, or even stubborn weight, and they all said it was eye-opening. The recipes and protocols are straightforward, too—no fancy ingredients, just real food. Honestly, after reading these, I felt like I finally had a roadmap for my health instead of just guessing.

Fantasy novels have this magical way of pulling you into worlds where anything feels possible, and over the years, I've fallen headfirst into so many of them. One that absolutely wrecked me (in the best way) is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. The prose is lyrical, almost like a song, and Kvothe’s journey from a gifted kid to a legend—or maybe a liar—is just mesmerizing. The magic system, based on sympathy and naming, feels fresh even though it’s rooted in classic tropes. I’ve reread it twice and still find new details woven into the narrative. Then there’s 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch, which is like 'Ocean’s Eleven' meets Renaissance Venice with a dash of brutal fantasy. Locke and his band of thieves are so clever and flawed that you can’t help but root for them, even when their schemes inevitably go sideways. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the worldbuilding—especially the city of Camorr—is so vivid you can almost smell the canals. It’s heist fantasy at its finest, but with emotional gut punches that sneak up on you. For something epic in scale, 'The Way of Kings' by Brandon Sanderson is a beast of a book, but worth every page. The Stormlight Archive series builds a world where storms shape civilization, and the characters—Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar—each carry such heavy burdens. Sanderson’s magic systems are always meticulously crafted, and here, the Shardblades and Surgebinding add layers of intrigue. It’s a slow burn, but the payoff is monumental. I still get chills thinking about certain moments in the later books. If you crave something darker, 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie is a masterclass in gritty, character-driven fantasy. Glokta, the crippled torturer, is one of the most fascinating antiheroes I’ve ever encountered, and Logen Ninefingers’s 'say one thing for Logen, say he’s a killer' refrain haunts me. Abercrombie doesn’t shy away from brutality, but the humor and humanity in the writing make it impossible to put down. It’s a world where heroes are hard to find, and that’s what makes it so compelling. Lastly, 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke is a quieter, more whimsical take on fantasy, blending historical fiction with magic in Napoleonic-era England. The footnotes alone are a treasure trove of lore, and the rivalry between the two titular magicians is both hilarious and tragic. It’s a book that rewards patience—the pacing is deliberate, but the prose is so rich and the magic so delightfully bizarre that I didn’t mind savoring it. Whenever I miss the feeling of discovering a truly unique fantasy voice, I revisit this one.

I get a little giddy thinking about the lists that float around Goodreads, because they're such a mashup of long-time fandom favorites and surprise indie hits. For sheer, almost mythical prestige you can't go wrong with 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' — they keep topping reader polls for a reason: worldbuilding that still smells of old maps and campfire stories. For modern epics, 'The Way of Kings' and 'The Name of the Wind' show up everywhere, and I often see people rave about the emotional heft of 'Mistborn: The Final Empire' too. Beyond those giants, Goodreads readers love delicious standalones like 'The Night Circus' and 'Uprooted', plus diverse contenders such as 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' and 'The Lies of Locke Lamora'. If you want long, addictive series, 'A Game of Thrones' and 'The Eye of the World' are staples on top lists. What I appreciate most about Goodreads lists is the mix — classics, modern tomes, and cozy urban fantasies that all live together. If I had to give a short roadmap: try a classic, then a standalone, then dive into a series — you'll quickly see what flavor of fantasy grabs you most.

I’ve found that Medium can be a goldmine if you know where to look. While not all content is free, many writers offer free chapters or full stories to attract readers. I often browse tags like #freefiction or #shortstory to discover hidden gems. Another trick is following publications like 'The Fiction Pool' or 'Luna Station Quarterly,' which frequently feature free serialized novels or short stories. You can also check out writers who specialize in free content, like Bethany A. Jennings or Hugh Howey—they sometimes release freebies to engage their audience. Medium’s partner program occasionally unlocks paywalled content for free during promotions, so keep an eye out for those. If you’re into sci-fi or fantasy, 'The Magic Magazine' often posts free excerpts from upcoming indie novels. Just remember to use Medium’s search filters to sort by 'free' or 'unlocked' to maximize your haul.

I'd argue the 'best-selling' metric alone is tricky because of how the market's segmented. Something like 'One Piece' is arguably the best-selling manga series of all time, and it defines the medium for a global generation, but its volume-by-volume sales in the West might not top some perennial Western staples. Does it 'define the medium'? Absolutely, if you consider manga as part of the graphic novel medium. Its insane longevity, world-building, and emotional payoff have shaped shonen storytelling for decades. Ignoring its commercial and cultural dominance because it's serialized manga feels like a narrow view of what 'graphic novel' means today in bookstores.

a few have absolutely blown me away. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is a masterpiece with its rich world-building and intricate storytelling. The way Kvothe's tale unfolds is nothing short of mesmerizing. Then there's 'The Stormlight Archive' series by Brandon Sanderson, which is epic in every sense—magic systems, political intrigue, and characters you can't help but root for. 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch is another favorite, blending heist elements with fantasy in a way that's both clever and thrilling. For something more whimsical, 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune offers a heartwarming escape. And if you love dark, atmospheric settings, 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang is a must-read, though it's not for the faint of heart. These books are perfect for anyone craving immersive worlds and unforgettable adventures.

My hot take? Don't sleep on 'Saint Death's Daughter' by C.S.E. Cooney. It's a wild, gothic, hilarious, and deeply heartfelt story about a necromancer with a deadly allergy to violence. The prose is exuberant and poetic—it practically sings. The family drama is as compelling as the magic, and the world is bursting with bizarre and wonderful details. It’s a book about death, duty, and choosing kindness in a cruel world, wrapped in the most vibrant writing you'll find. It defies easy genre boxes, which is precisely why it feels so fresh. Cooney has created something truly unique here, and it deserves way more attention than it gets.

I can confidently say that 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is a masterpiece. The way Rothfuss weaves intricate details into the story is breathtaking. Another favorite of mine is 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson, which offers a unique magic system and a gripping plot. For those who enjoy epic tales, 'The Way of Kings' by Sanderson is a must-read. It’s a sprawling narrative with deep character development and a richly built world. 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch is another gem, blending heist elements with fantasy in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. These books have left a lasting impression on me, and I believe any fantasy fan would find them equally captivating.