10 Epic Fantasy Books to Read in 2025

1. The Fellowship of the Ring

Subtitle: A Quest to Save Middle-earth

Author: J.R.R. Tolkie

Key Points:

Introduces the richly detailed world of Middle-earth, with its diverse races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves.

Follows Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring.

Blends mythology, linguistics, and epic battles, setting the standard for modern fantasy.

Themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the corrupting nature of power resonate throughout.

Tolkien’s seminal work is the cornerstone of epic fantasy, offering a sprawling narrative that immerses readers in a world of ancient lore and heroism. Its intricate maps, languages, and histories make Middle-earth feel as real as our own world.

2. A Game of Thrones

Subtitle: A Dance of Power and Betrayal

Author: George R.R. Martin

Key Points:

Features a gritty, morally complex world where political intrigue drives the narrative.

Introduces Westeros, a land of warring houses, dragons, and looming supernatural threats.

Multiple perspectives create a tapestry of interconnected stories and unreliable narrators.

Explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the cost of power in a brutal medieval-inspired setting.

Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series begins with this gripping novel, pulling readers into a world where no character is safe, and every decision has far-reaching consequences.

3. The Name of the Wind

Subtitle: A Bard’s Tale of Magic and Mystery

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Key Points:

musician and magician, through a frame narrative.

The world of Temerant is vivid, with a detailed magic system based on sympathy and alchemy.

Lyrical prose and deep character development make it a standout in modern fantasy.

Explores themes of identity, loss, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Rothfuss’s debut novel is a masterclass in storytelling, blending a coming-of-age tale with a richly crafted world that feels alive and tangible.

4. Mistborn: The Final Empire

Subtitle: A Revolution Forged in Ash

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Key Points:

Features a unique magic system, Allomancy, where metals grant specific powers.

Follows Vin, a street urchin, and Kelsier, a rebel, as they plan to overthrow a tyrannical empire.

The ash-covered world of Scadrial is oppressive yet captivating, with intricate plotting.

Themes of hope, rebellion, and trust drive the fast-paced narrative.

Sanderson’s knack for world-building and plot twists makes this a must-read for fans of epic fantasy with a heist-like structure.

5. The Way of Kings

Subtitle: A Storm of Honor and War

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Key Points:

Set on the storm-swept world of Roshar, with a magic system tied to stormlight and spren.

Follows multiple characters, including Kaladin, a soldier-turned-slave, and Shallan, a scholar with secrets.

Epic in scope, with themes of leadership, redemption, and resilience.

Features intricate world-building, from unique ecosystems to ancient mysteries.

Part of The Stormlight Archive, this novel is a monumental entry into Sanderson’s interconnected Cosmere universe, offering a breathtaking world.

6. The Eye of the World

Subtitle: A Wheel Begins to Turn

Author: Robert Jordan

Key Points

Launches The Wheel of Time, a sprawling series with a cyclical view of time.

Follows Rand al’Thor and friends as they flee a rural village pursued by dark forces.

Rich world-building with diverse cultures, magic (the One Power), and prophecies.

Themes of destiny, balance, and good versus evil permeate the story.

Jordan’s series is a titan of epic fantasy, with a world so detailed it feels like a living history.

7. The Priory of the Orange Tree

Subtitle: A World Divided, a Queen United

Author: Samantha Shannon

Key Points:

A standalone epic featuring a diverse cast across a divided world facing a draconic threat.

Blends Eastern and Western mythologies, with dragons as both allies and enemies.

Strong female protagonists, including Queen Sabran and the mage Ead, drive the narrative.

Explores themes of unity, faith, and sacrifice in a feminist fantasy epic.

Shannon’s standalone novel is a refreshing take on epic fantasy, offering a complete, immersive world in one volume.

8. The Black Company

Subtitle: Mercenaries in a Dark World

Author: Glen Cook

Key Points

Follows the Black Company, a mercenary group caught in a morally gray conflict.

Gritty, realistic world-building with a focus on soldiers’ camaraderie and survival.

Magic is dark and dangerous, wielded by powerful sorcerers like the Taken.

Themes of loyalty, morality, and the cost of war dominate the narrative.

Cook’s series is a gritty, ground-level look at epic fantasy, perfect for readers who enjoy morally complex tales.

9. The Lies of Locke Lamora

Subtitle: A Thief’s Game in a City of Canals

Author: Scott Lynch

Key Points:

Set in the vibrant, Venetian-inspired city of Camorr, with a con-artist protagonist, Locke.

Blends epic fantasy with a heist narrative, filled with wit and intricate schemes.

Features a richly detailed world with alchemy, gods, and criminal underworlds.

Themes of friendship, deception, and survival shine in this fast-paced tale.

Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series kicks off with this thrilling, world-immersive novel.

10. The Dragonbone Chair

Subtitle: A Throne of Bones and Secrets

Author: Tad Williams

Key Points:

Follows Simon, a kitchen boy, in the medieval-inspired world of Osten Ard.

Richly detailed with a classic epic fantasy structure, including prophecies and ancient evils.

Features a diverse cast of characters and cultures, from trolls to elf-like Sithi.

Themes of growth, destiny, and the clash of civilizations drive the narrative.

Williams’s Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series begins with this immersive, classic fantasy epic.

These ten novels offer a gateway to worlds of wonder, each with unique magic systems, cultures, and themes.