The 10 Greatest Fantasy Books Released Since 'The Lord of the Rings,' Ranked
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J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy exists as only a small part of his extensive lore and history collectively known as Middle-earth. The books came out in the 1950s, with a masterfully crafted movie trilogy released in the 2000s. The books are considered some of the most foundational works that shaped high fantasy and completely revolutionized fantasy as a whole. In fact, they are widely considered the best fantasy novels ever written.
In the years since, Tolkien has influenced many other writers with his work. The result is that several fantasy novels have come out that actually come quite close to the inherent quality Tolkien produced in every one of his works. These are the best fantasy books to come out since The Lord of the Rings trilogy was released seven decades ago.
10 'The Name of the Wind' (2007)
The Name of the Wind is book one of the unfinished Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy. Kvothe runs an inn under the alias of "Kote," but reveals his true identity when he meets a Chronicler who is interested in his life story. Over three days, Kvothe recounts the tales from his youth: how he studied magic at the university, became an accomplished musician, and achieved great feats.
This book really knows how to keep readers hooked. It provides quite a few mysteries regarding a peculiar sealed door at the university, the mystical group of villains known as the Chandrian, and more. Sadly, it looks like Patrick Rothfuss never intends to finish the series. However, that doesn't change the fact that this ambitious work is truly spectacular, establishing a fascinating character while only providing hints about the conclusion, prompting widespread theories and speculation.
9 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' (2020)
Dungeon Crawler Carl is a title that has been absolutely blowing up lately. It's sort of becoming a household name for how popular it is, and for good reason. Quite simply, the books are just very fun. They are unabashedly silly, quirky, and absurd, but this gives them so much more personality and really sets them apart from other fantasy stories. The book opens up in the near future, where aliens have invaded Earth, abducting a man named Carl and forcing him to endure an 18-level dungeon crawl out of classic RPGs.
Author Matt Dinniman has been quite prolific with his writing, producing eight books in the series within a seven-year span. Each entry proves to be just as wacky as the original, almost as if it is trying to one-up itself. While it's more of a science-fantasy rather than a traditional fantasy, Dungeon Crawler Carl is among the most singular and influential fantasy works to come out in a long time. There's just nothing else like it out there.
8 'Assassin's Apprentice' (1995)
Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice is the first book in The Farseer Trilogy, which exists as part of the Realm of the Elderlings shared universe. It was a pleasant surprise, as it was the first novel to debut under the Robin Hobb pseudonym, so people didn't know quite who she was, but ended up loving it anyway. The plot follows a young boy who is forced to become an assassin at a young age, only to find out he is the illegitimate son of the king.
Assassin's Apprentice quickly became a favorite and oft-recommended novel in internet fan circles, with readers praising its character development, immersive world, and overall storytelling. Assassin's Apprentice was just conclusive enough to serve as a stand-alone, but just open enough to warrant sequels if people wanted them (which they did). The book was so deep and moving that it became a highly influential piece of literature.
7 'Prince of Thorns' (2011)
Prince of Thorns is the first in the Broken Empire trilogy, which is set in Europe, centuries after it has been decimated by nuclear war and reverted humanity back to the Dark Ages. Ghosts prowl the landscape, and mysterious necromancers are gathering strength in the mountains. In the Rhineland, a young prince named Jorg Ancrath is desperately trying to escape his father's legacy. Jorg is a self-described sociopath who commits horrific acts of violence at only 14. Leading a band of mercenaries across the devastated wasteland, he begins hatching a plan to earn a kingdom of his own.
This is one of the most disturbing fantasy books ever read. The evil that Jorg is capable of at such a young age is something as morally repulsive as it is intriguing. The story itself provides a unique setting and an extremely bleak atmosphere, but it really feels like a character study of Jorg himself — it's where the book truly shines. Prince of Thorns is certainly not for the faint of heart, but it's excellent for fans of grimdark fantasy.
6 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' (2006)
The Lies of Locke Lamora is an urban fantasy. The central city is more medieval, technologically speaking, which is why it is crisscrossed with a series of canals and resembles Venice, though it is in a completely fictitious world. However, beyond the ancient architecture and picturesque canals lies a dark criminal underbelly. Deep within the city's darkest corners is a crew of thieves and con artists.
The Gentleman Bastards are similar to stereotypical heist crews from crime thrillers. Each has a distinct role, personality, and talents, which they must use to overcome a new threat rising in their criminal underworld. Alternate chapters serve as pieces of lore, establishing the history of the Gentleman Bastards and of the city itself. This is such a good book not only due to its setting and character development, but also because its story is so different from other fantasy novels. It's not about warring kingdoms, and it's not about royal politics or magical mishaps; it's about the hidden machinations of each fantasy world.
5 'Gardens of the Moon' (1999)
Gardens of the Moon is the first novel in the 10-volume epic, Malazan: Book of the Fallen. The main series may be 10 books, but it has since expanded to form a shared universe, including other sub-series and stand-alones. The story opens up in the Malazan Empire, an oppressive regime which has expanded via conquest to encompass basically an entire continent. But hey, when has any tyrant ever looked at what they had and said, "this is enough?" The Empire then sets its sights on a continent across the sea, planning to invade and execute a series of political maneuvers to bend them to the will of the regime.
Malazan is a very depressing series: extremely violent, cynical, and doesn't shy away from showing the full extent of what war can do to people. Even in fantasy worlds, war remains a harrowing and nightmarish experience for all those involved. The world of Malazan is not just fascinating; it's meticulously detailed, with extensive lore that is always developing. It wouldn't be shocking if it eventually morphed to be just as detailed as Tolkien's legendarium.
4 'A Memory of Light' (2014)
A Memory of Light is the epic conclusion to The Wheel of Time series, being the 14th entry (15th if you count the prequel novel). This saga is truly a monster to tackle, with a long, complex plotline, hundreds of characters, and a massive world to absorb. The payoff is totally worth it, though. The SparksNotes version of the story is that it's about a Chosen One called the Dragon Reborn who has a split destiny: either he will save the world from the Dark One, or he will help him destroy it.
In this hefty volume, the long-awaited Last Battle finally reaches its boiling point. Though it technically started in the book prior, it really comes to a head in this one. The main chapter focusing on the Last Battle is well over 200 pages long. The book can be a big commitment and can feel daunting or exhausting for some people, but the bittersweet ending, major character deaths, plot developments, and cinematic scale make the effort worthwhile.
3 'A Wizard of Earthsea' (1968)
Ursula K. Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea has become a favorite for fans of fantasy literature, mainly due to its setting and overall plot. The worldbuilding is where the book shines the most. It is set on the eponymous oceanic planet of Earthsea. However, there is a small archipelago of islands in which the story takes place. Everything about the world feels so realistic. Even though the cultures, religions, and politics presented within the tale don't have any real-world comparisons, they all feel like they could feasibly exist.
As if all that weren't enough, the book also features dragons, which is always great in fantasy. The story is fairly small-scale, including a boy's journey to escape his literal demons after a spell goes awry. However, it's strangely relatable as it presents itself as a coming-of-age story, wherein the protagonist must endure the hardships and awkwardness of adolescence and growing up. The short version is, A Wizard of Earthsea is just a brilliant work of fantasy, and an all-time classic that will be remembered for generations.
2 'A Storm of Swords' (2000)
A Storm of Swords is the third book of A Song of Ice and Fire, an unfinished series which famously became the HBO smash-hit Game of Thrones. The longest novel in the series, the book picks up where the previous entry left off: nine noble families begin squabbling over the throne of the realm while an ancient, supernatural threat begins preparing an army far to the North, preparing to bring about the end of the world.
The series became famous (or perhaps infamous) for its unflinching violence, brutality, and cynical worldview. It shows the absolute evils that humans are capable of, often sought out in the pursuit of wealth, power, love, or fame. It's a pretty bleak book, but one that has such an interesting plot that it's hard not to love. Moreover, George R. R. Martin became renowned for how well he writes his characters. With how unique each and every player in Game of Thrones is, it's actually quite easy to follow who's who, even if there are hundreds of them. This is an epic fantasy that became legendary for a reason.
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Collider QuizWhich Game of Thrones
House Are You?8 Questions · 5 Great HousesFive great houses. Five completely different answers to the same question: how do you hold power in a world that will take it from you the moment you stop paying attention? Eight questions will determine where your loyalties, and your nature, truly lie.The Five Houses
Stark
Lannister
Targaryen
Baratheon
Tyrell
Council 01 / 080% Sworn
Question 01HONOR
01Someone powerful is acting dishonorably and everyone knows it. What do you do?In Westeros, the answer to this question has ended more than one great house.
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Council 02 / 0812% Sworn
Question 02STRENGTH
02What is the source of your power?Every house endures because of something. What is it for yours?
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Council 03 / 0825% Sworn
Question 03LOYALTY
03Who do you truly fight for?Strip away the banners and the words. The honest answer tells you everything.
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Council 04 / 0838% Sworn
Question 04RIVALS
04How do you deal with your rivals?A house's method reveals its character as clearly as its words ever could.
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Council 05 / 0850% Sworn
Question 05RULE
05What kind of ruler do you believe in?Westeros is full of answers to this question. Most of them end badly.
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Council 06 / 0862% Sworn
Question 06LOSS
06You suffer a devastating loss. How does your house respond?How a house handles defeat tells you more about it than how it handles victory.
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Council 07 / 0875% Sworn
Question 07WORDS
07Which of these truths about Westeros do you most believe?Every house has a philosophy. This is yours.
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Council 08 / 0888% Sworn
Question 08THE THRONE
08The Iron Throne is within reach. What do you do?The answer reveals not just your ambition but your character.
Pick one, then Next
The Maester Has SpokenYour House Is
Your answers point to the great house whose words, values, and way of surviving in Westeros match your own. Bend the knee, or don't. That's very much up to you.
The NorthHouse Stark“Winter Is Coming”Seat of WinterfellYou took the long view before anyone asked you to.
Winter Is Coming, and you have always known it. You prepare not out of fear but out of duty, because the people who depend on you deserve someone who takes the long view.Why You Belong Here
- You lead with honor even when it costs you, because you understand that a reputation built on integrity is the only one worth having.
- Your loyalty to family and people runs deep, not as sentiment but as a code that doesn't bend when things get difficult.
- The North endures because Starks endure, not by being the cleverest players in the game, but by being the kind of people others are willing to follow into the cold.
- You are that kind of person. The pack survives. The lone wolf does not. You already know which one you are.
The Long ViewThe PackWinterfell
The WesterlandsHouse Lannister“Hear Me Roar”Seat of Casterly RockYou read the room before you walk into it.
You understand the game: its rules, its exceptions, and exactly when the rules become the exception. You play it without illusions and without apology.Why You Belong Here
- You are sharper than most people realize, and you have learned to use that gap to your advantage.
- A Lannister always pays their debts, and you always keep your word, because your word is an instrument of power, and instruments must be kept in working order.
- You love your family with a ferocity that sometimes blinds you, and you know it, and you do it anyway.
- The lion doesn't concern itself with the opinion of sheep. Neither, in the end, do you.
Plays The GamePays DebtsCasterly Rock
The Iron ThroneHouse Targaryen“Fire and Blood”Seat of DragonstoneYou were never going to settle for the world as handed to you.
You carry a sense of destiny that is difficult to explain and impossible to ignore, the feeling that you are not simply participating in the world but meant to reshape it.Why You Belong Here
- You are capable of extraordinary things, and you know it, and that knowledge is both your greatest strength and your most dangerous quality.
- The Targaryen words are not just words to you. They are a philosophy about what change requires and what it costs.
- The Targaryens at their best were transformative rulers who broke chains and defied the limits of what anyone thought possible.
- At your best, so are you. The dragon has three heads. You are one of them.
DestinyTransformativeDragonstone
The StormlandsHouse Baratheon“Ours Is the Fury”Seat of Storm's EndYou arrive in a room and the room knows it.
You are a force: direct, powerful, and difficult to ignore when you enter a room or a disagreement. You do not negotiate with challenges. You meet them.Why You Belong Here
- Ours is the fury, and yours is a kind of intensity that commands attention, respect, and occasionally caution from those who underestimate what's behind it.
- You value strength and straight dealing. You'd rather know where you stand than navigate a web of courtly whispers.
- The Baratheons built their house on the back of one of the greatest military victories in Westerosi history, and then struggled with what came after.
- The lesson of your house is that winning is not the end of the story. Governing is. You are learning that too.
DirectStraight DealingStorm's End
The ReachHouse Tyrell“Growing Strong”Seat of HighgardenPower arrives with flowers and good wine.
You understand that power does not always announce itself, that sometimes it arrives with flowers, good wine, and a smile that doesn't quite reach the eyes.Why You Belong Here
- Growing Strong is your house's motto, and you live it: patiently, strategically, always investing in the relationships and resources that will matter most when it counts.
- You are charming by choice and calculating by nature, a combination that makes you one of the most effective players in any room you enter.
- The Tyrells fed King's Landing and shaped its politics without ever sitting on the Iron Throne, and they were arguably more powerful for it.
- You know that the person who controls the food controls the kingdom. And you always know where the food is.
PatientCharmingHighgarden
Where Your Loyalty Lies
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1 'Oathbringer' (2017)
Oathbringer is the third book of Brandon Sanderson's critically acclaimed epic, The Stormlight Archive. This series is part of his larger literary universe known as the Cosmere. Set on the barren planet of Roshar, Oathbringer follows Dalinar Kholin, a highprince of Alethkar, as he leads a war against the cristacean Parshendi. The war has escalated from petty squabbles to a full-on fight for survival, with both sides resurrecting ancient forms of magic to aid their conquests. Throughout the story, flashback chapters detailing Dalinar's life and personal traumas build upon the character's history and his relationships with others.
Oathbringer has one of the most thrilling and emotional climaxes fantasy has ever seen, or at least since The Lord of the Rings came out. The great thing about Sanderson is that not only does he write great stories; there's some genuine moral wisdom to be found within, too. Featuring multiple battle sequences, a complex magic system, a fascinating exercise in worldbuilding, and some phenomenal character development, Oathbringer stands as one of the greatest fantasy books ever written.
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