Since the beginning of time, we have been fascinated with stories. They give a certain tone of mystery to our daily lives, and they are a way to free our minds and escape reality. Fantasy books are still standing strong today, after the huge success of well established series. However, no matter the times during which they were written, the best fantasy book series are still read today by millions of fans. Some of them have even been turned into successful movies, although we all know that a motion picture can only be just the tip of the iceberg that is the book.
1. The Lord of the Rings
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Years: 1954 – 1955
Considered by many the founder of modern fantasy, The Lord of the Rings is a pinnacle of its genre. One of the best fantasy book series, the work of J.R.R. Tolkien is more than simple fantasy since it combines both fictional history and myth. While trying to escape the grimness of the First World War, the author managed to create an entire imaginary world, complete with geography and history. Additionally, the trilogy has been wonderfully represented on the big screen and the movies managed to claim quite a few Oscars.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia
Author: C.S. Lewis
Years: 1950 – 1956
The next best fantasy book series on our list are The Chronicles of Narnia, written by a close friend of Tolkien. The seven volumes that complete the story take the readers from the beginning of a brilliant world, through the adventures of some brave children and until the thrilling end. Even though the realm is not as extensive as Middle-Earth, it is still a piece of high quality fantasy complete with talking animals and mythical creatures. All readers must have wondered what would happen if they tried to enter another world through a wardrobe.
3. A Song of Ice and Fire
Author: George R.R. Martin
Years: 1996 – Present
One of the most popular tales of our times, partially grace to the enormous success of the HBO TV series is A Song of Ice and Fire, otherwise known as Game of Thrones. The feuds between the great houses of Westeros have fascinated both readers and viewers. Martin proved his incredible skill of writing from different perspectives of characters, whether they are queens, peasants or little girls. His unique style of writing also includes presenting events that happen in parallel in several different places on two continents.
4. The Dresden Files
Author: Jim Butcher
Years: 2000 – Present
The Dresden Files is another of best fantasy book series, mostly because it perfectly combines different genres: fantasy, comedy, mystery, horror, they are all there in between the pages. Including many references to other beloved franchises, Butcher tells the story of Harry Dresden, a wizard detective living in Chicago. By working on supernatural cases, he gets to meet all sorts of magical creatures and enter other fantasy realms. Thus, the author manages to merge a modern world with a fantasy one, a feat that is not featured in many works.
5. The Realm of the Elderlings
Author: Robin Hobb
Years: 1995 – Present
The Elderlings series already spans over 13 books and it is not over yet. Robin Hobb combines elements from The Lord of the Rings with the magic of The Wizard of Earthsea, and the result is simply wonderful. The story follows a royal bastard named Fitz who is adopted into the royal family and must adapt to a new life. Furthermore, as he grows up he has to face the perils that threaten the kingdom and embark upon a special mission. The series is split into several trilogies and the next volume is expected to be released next year.
