In What Order Should You Read The Top Epic Fantasy Series Ever?

Starting with The Wheel of Time soon—can’t risk spoilers. Need a proper reading list for massive fantasy epics like this and Malazan, in ideal order.
2026-08-01 05:16:09
196
Share
ABO Personality Quiz
Take a quick quiz to find out whether you‘re Alpha, Beta, or Omega.
Scent
Personality
Ideal Love Pattern
Secret Desire
Your Dark Side
Start Test

5 Answers

PaigeRyan
PaigeRyan
Expert Nurse
Think about the ending. Some series are famous for their satisfying, mind-blowing finales (Sanderson's 'Mistborn' Era 1, arguably 'The Wheel of Time' with Sanderson's finish). Others have endings that are controversial or leave readers wanting (the 'Dark Tower' series, maybe). Some aren't finished and may never be (ASOIAF).

If you need closure to feel satisfied, prioritize completed series with reputations for strong endings. Starting an unfinished series can be agonizing, especially if the wait stretches for decades. The joy is in the theorizing, but the pain is real. A complete series offers a full emotional arc you can experience at your own pace.
2026-08-02 08:23:35
10
FayeFord
FayeFord
Twist Chaser HR Specialist
Think about the type of magic system you enjoy. If you like hard, rule-based systems, Sanderson's Cosmere ('Mistborn', 'Stormlight') is your starting point. If you prefer mysterious, soft magic with a sense of wonder, begin with 'The Lord of the Rings' or 'The Earthsea Cycle'. For something in between, with detailed magic that has costs, 'The Wheel of Time' is a perfect example.

If you're not into magic at all but love political intrigue in a fantasy setting, 'A Song of Ice and Fire' is the choice. Your preference for how the supernatural works in a story is a huge factor in enjoyment, more so than any objective 'best' order. Let that guide your first pick.
2026-08-03 22:01:48
18
NellFox
NellFox
Story Interpreter HR Specialist
The real debate isn't about which series to read first, but whether to go 'chronological by in-world events' or 'release date'. I'm firmly in the release-date camp for almost everything. Take the 'Discworld' series—it's technically 41 books, but you wouldn't start with 'The Colour of Magic' if you want to see Pratchett at his best. There are popular entry points like 'Guards! Guards!' or 'Mort' that are later in publication.

For a true epic series with one continuous story, like 'The Wheel of Time', publication order is the story order. For something more loosely connected like Discworld or the Cosmere, pick a sub-series and follow its publication order. The idea of a single 'top series' order is a bit silly when the genres and tones vary so wildly from Hobb's heartbreaking character studies to Sanderson's epic action climaxes.
2026-08-04 00:19:53
6
JaceScott
JaceScott
Responder Editor
Oh, this is a classic 'tastes are subjective' situation, but I love debating reading orders for these big worlds. If you're starting with 'The Wheel of Time', internal chronology wins—publication order, always. It's the only way to experience Jordan's expanding vision and avoid spoilers for prequels like 'New Spring'. For someone completely new to epic fantasy, maybe 'Mistborn' first to see if Sanderson's style clicks, then dive into the Stormlight Archive, but be ready for a commitment.

Malazan is its own beast; reading 'Gardens of the Moon' first is non-negotiable, though some fans suggest a reread after book three to really get it. With 'The Realm of the Elderlings', start with 'Assassin's Apprentice' and follow Hobb's series in published sequence, even when they shift protagonists—the emotional payoff relies on that order. Personally, I'd save the super dense, philosophical ones like 'The Book of the New Sun' for after you've built some stamina with more plot-driven series.

Don't feel pressured to read in some 'objective' best order; pick the one whose premise grabs you and let your curiosity guide the journey.
2026-08-07 15:18:53
16
JacobGray
JacobGray
Careful Explainer Receptionist
I'd prioritize finishing series that are actually complete. It's incredibly frustrating to get invested in an unfinished story with no resolution in sight. So, start with 'The Wheel of Time' (complete, 14 books), 'The Mistborn' Era 1 trilogy (complete), or Robin Hobb's 'Realm of the Elderlings' (16 books, all finished).

Then, if you're still hungry, move to the unfinished giants like 'The Stormlight Archive' (10 books planned, 4 out) and 'A Song of Ice and Fire' (who knows). 'Malazan' is complete as Erikson's main 10-book series, though there are endless companion novels. Getting a few complete journeys under your belt first makes waiting for the next Stormlight book more bearable.
2026-08-07 15:39:29
2
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Related Questions

What reading order should I follow for the top fantasy series in history?

9 Answers2026-07-14 10:04:39
Focus on the emotional journey you want. Do you want to feel hopeful? Start with something like 'The Hands of the Emperor'. Do you want to feel devastated? Start with 'The First Law' trilogy. Do you want cozy mystery vibes? Try 'Legends & Lattes'. Fantasy is an emotion machine. Your reading order should serve your emotional needs at the time. Sometimes you need a brutal, cynical story; sometimes you need a gentle, restorative one. Tuning into that can lead you to the perfect next book, regardless of its spot on an all-time-great list.

What reading order works for the top best selling book series ever?

7 Answers2026-07-21 21:54:01
I wonder if the concept of a 'reading order' is more crucial in the internet age, where fan culture dissects everything. Before online forums, you just read what you could find. The idea of a 'definitive order' is a construct of fandom, albeit a useful one for complex stories. It's a guide, not a law. The law is: enjoy the books.

What reading order works for the top classic fantasy series of all time?

7 Answers2026-07-14 14:15:24
With something like 'The Witcher', there's a short story collection first—'The Last Wish'. It introduces Geralt, establishes the tone, and gives you the rules of the world. Skipping it to go straight into the saga novels is a huge mistake; you'll miss crucial context and character foundations.

What reading order works best for long-running fantasy epic sagas?

6 Answers2026-07-14 00:14:13
shrug I usually just read whatever my friend lends me first. If I get confused, I ask them what I should read next. Having a guide who's already read it is the best 'order' of all. They can tailor it to what you like.

How do the best fantasy books ever written influence epic fantasy series?

6 Answers2026-07-14 23:31:53
Lol, I just like the big maps and the funny names. The thicker the book, the happier I am. Keep 'em coming.

Is The Wheel of Time the most epic fantasy series ever written?

5 Answers2025-06-02 09:39:53
I can confidently say 'The Wheel of Time' is a monumental achievement in epic fantasy. Robert Jordan crafted a world so rich and detailed that it feels alive, with cultures, histories, and magic systems that rival Tolkien's Middle-earth. The sheer scale of the story—spanning 14 books—is staggering, and the character development is some of the best I've ever encountered. That said, 'epic' is subjective. While 'The Wheel of Time' has grandeur and depth, other series like 'Malazan Book of the Fallen' or 'The Stormlight Archive' offer different flavors of epicness. 'Malazan' is darker and more complex, while 'Stormlight' has a cinematic flair. 'The Wheel of Time' excels in its meticulous world-building and intricate plot, but whether it's the 'most epic' depends on what you value in a fantasy series. For me, it's definitely in the top tier, alongside legends like 'The Lord of the Rings.'

Why do certain epic fantasy series rank on lists of best books ever?

6 Answers2026-07-30 20:05:47
Has anyone else noticed how the really iconic ones often have a meme-worthy quality? A quote, a character moment, or a magic system so distinct it becomes shorthand online. 'The bone that the dog left behind,' 'You cannot have my pain,' 'The eagles are coming!' (wait, wrong franchise). This cultural osmosis brings in readers who might not even be big fantasy fans. They hear the reference everywhere, get curious, and dive in. That constant low-level presence in internet culture acts as free, perpetual marketing, keeping the series relevant and ensuring it's always in the conversation for 'best ever.'

What reading order works best for long-running high fantasy series?

4 Answers2026-07-16 19:52:24
Release order seems logical, but I've seen fans argue for 'internal chronological' order for things like the 'Realm of the Elderlings' books. They weave multiple series together, and some people swear by following one character's arc straight through before looping back. That feels like a major commitment, though. For a first timer, I'd stick with how Robin Hobb published them. You get the variety she intended, shifting between perspectives and locations.

What long fantasy book series are worth reading in order?

9 Answers2026-07-14 09:30:57
Thinking of younger readers or those wanting a lighter commitment, 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' (five books) into 'The Heroes of Olympus' (another five) is a fantastic sequence. Rick Riordan nails character growth and interconnected plotting. Percy starts as a troubled kid and grows into a seasoned leader, with friendships and romances developing naturally across ten books. The crossover events in 'Heroes' wouldn't hit half as hard if you skipped the original series. It's a masterclass in making a long series feel cohesive, fun, and emotionally earnest for its audience.

How do magic systems shape the best epic fantasy series ever written?

3 Answers2026-08-01 06:49:24
A great discussion. I'm just sitting here reading all these examples and adding so many titles to my 'to-read' list. My wallet is going to hate me, but my bookshelf will be thrilled.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status