Who Publishes The Best Fantasy Book Must Reads Series?

I've been obsessed with fantasy books and their anime adaptations for years. One absolute must-read is 'The Twelve Kingdoms' by Fuyumi Ono, which has a phenomenal anime that brings its intricate world-building to life. The book's political intrigue and character growth are unmatched, and the anime captures it beautifully. Another classic is 'Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit' by Nahoko Uehashi, with its stunning animation and deep lore about spiritual guardians. 'The Ancient Magus' Bride' by Kore Yamazaki is another gem; the anime's visuals are breathtaking, and the story’s blend of magic and melancholy is unforgettable. These adaptations prove how well fantasy literature can translate to anime when done right.

I've been diving into fantasy books since I was a kid, and there are a few that stand out as absolute must-reads. 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is a masterpiece with its rich world-building and lyrical prose. The way Kvothe's story unfolds feels like listening to an old legend. Then there's 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson, which blew my mind with its unique magic system and twisty plot. For something darker, 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch is a gritty, witty heist story that’s impossible to put down. And of course, 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien is the foundation of modern fantasy—nothing beats its epic scope and timeless themes. If you're into more recent works, 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon offers a fresh take on dragons and queens with lush, detailed writing.

I've always been drawn to fantasy books that get the big-screen treatment because seeing those magical worlds come to life is just next-level amazing. 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is the ultimate must-read—the books are dense with lore, but the movies did an incredible job capturing Middle-earth's epic scale. 'Harry Potter' is another no-brainer; the books have this cozy, immersive charm, and the films brought the magic to a whole new generation. 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman is a personal favorite; the book is whimsical and witty, and the movie adaptation nails the fairy-tale vibe with just the right amount of camp. If you're into darker stuff, 'The Witcher' series by Andrzej Sapkowski inspired the Netflix show, though the books dive way deeper into Geralt's morally gray world. These adaptations prove that some stories are so good, they deserve to be told in more than one medium.

I’ve been obsessed with Tolkien’s works since I first picked up 'The Hobbit' as a kid. His fantasy books aren’t just stories; they’re entire worlds crafted with insane detail. Middle-earth feels real because Tolkien didn’t just write a plot—he invented languages, histories, and cultures for every race. The way elves speak Sindarin or how dwarves have their own runes isn’t just flair; it makes the world breathe. And the themes! 'The Lord of the Rings' isn’t about good vs. evil in a simple way. Frodo’s struggle with the Ring’s corruption, Aragorn’s reluctance to claim his throne—these are layered, human struggles wrapped in epic fantasy. That’s why his books never feel dated. They’re timeless because they dig into courage, friendship, and sacrifice in ways that hit deep, no matter when you read them.

I've been obsessed with epic fantasy ever since I binge-read 'Game of Thrones'. If you love the political intrigue and brutal realism of that series, you absolutely need to check out 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It’s got the same morally grey characters, gritty battles, and sharp dialogue that made 'Game of Thrones' so addictive. Another must-read is 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson—less grimdark, but the world-building is insane, with massive battles and deep lore. For something with more historical vibes, 'The Accursed Kings' series by Maurice Druon is basically the real-life inspiration for Martin’s work. Trust me, these will keep you hooked just as hard.

2023 has been an insane year for fantasy lovers, and I’ve devoured so many gems that it’s hard to pick just ten. But if I had to scream about my absolute must-reads, here they are. 'The Will of the Many' by James Islington blew my mind with its Roman-inspired magic system and political intrigue—think 'Red Rising' meets 'Name of the Wind.' Then there’s 'The Book That Wouldn’t Burn' by Mark Lawrence, a labyrinthine library fantasy that’s as clever as it is heart-wrenching. For dark academia vibes, 'A Darker Shade of Magic' fans should sprint to 'The Atlas Six' sequel, 'The Atlas Paradox.' It’s messy, philosophical, and utterly addictive. On the epic side, 'The Shadow of the Gods' by John Gwynne is Norse mythology on steroids—bloody, brutal, and beautifully written. If you crave something lyrical, 'Saint Death’s Daughter' by C.S.E. Cooney is a gothic gem with necromancy and dark humor. 'Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries' is cozy yet sharp, like a scholarly 'Howl’s Moving Castle.' And don’t sleep on 'The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi,' a swashbuckling pirate tale with a middle-aged heroine who’s pure chaos energy. Rounding out my list: 'The Jasmine Throne' for sapphic political fantasy, 'Babel' for language-based magic, and 'The Spear Cuts Through Water' for surreal, folktale-inspired storytelling. Trust me, your TBR pile will weep.

I’ve been diving into fantasy books for years, and finding free reads online is like uncovering hidden treasure. Project Gutenberg is my go-to for classics like 'The Hobbit' or 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland'—they’re public domain and totally legal. For newer titles, I scour sites like ManyBooks or Open Library, which often have free eBooks you can borrow. Some authors even offer free chapters or novellas on their personal websites or through platforms like Wattpad. If you’re into web novels, Royal Road is packed with amateur fantasy stories that range from epic to slice-of-life. Just remember to support authors you love by buying their books later if you can!

When it comes to fantasy, I’ve always been drawn to publishers who consistently deliver stories that transport me to other worlds. Tor Books is a name that stands out in the genre. They’ve been a powerhouse for decades, publishing works that range from epic high fantasy to gritty urban tales. Authors like Brandon Sanderson, with his 'Stormlight Archive' series, and N.K. Jemisin, whose 'Broken Earth' trilogy redefined what fantasy could be, have found a home with Tor. Their ability to nurture both established and emerging voices makes them a go-to for anyone looking for quality fantasy reads. Another publisher I admire is Orbit Books. They’ve built a reputation for releasing accessible yet deeply imaginative fantasy novels. Take Mark Lawrence’s 'Broken Empire' series or V.E. Schwab’s 'Shades of Magic' trilogy—both are examples of how Orbit balances bold storytelling with mass appeal. They’re not afraid to take risks, and that’s something I appreciate as a reader. Their catalog is diverse, offering everything from dark, morally complex tales to lighter, adventure-driven narratives. For those who lean toward more literary or experimental fantasy, Small Beer Press is a gem. They publish works that blur the lines between genres, like Sofia Samatar’s 'A Stranger in Olondria,' which is as much a meditation on storytelling as it is a fantasy novel. Their focus on unique voices and unconventional narratives makes them a standout in a crowded field. Harper Voyager is another publisher worth mentioning. They’ve brought us series like 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang, which combines historical inspiration with fantastical elements in a way that’s both brutal and beautiful. Their ability to spot trends and adapt to the evolving tastes of fantasy readers is impressive. They’re not just publishing books; they’re shaping the genre. Lastly, I have to give a nod to Gollancz, especially for their work in bringing British fantasy to a global audience. Authors like Joe Abercrombie, with his 'First Law' series, have become synonymous with the publisher. Gollancz has a knack for finding stories that are both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly innovative. Their commitment to the genre is evident in the quality of their releases. Each of these publishers brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Tor’s depth of talent, Orbit’s accessibility, Small Beer’s creativity, Harper Voyager’s trendsetting, or Gollancz’s tradition-meets-innovation approach. As a fantasy enthusiast, I’m grateful for the variety and quality they offer, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to dive into.