Best Fantasy Novels for Adults
Fantasy is not just for younger readers. Its imagined worlds can explore power, grief, identity, morality and the societies we build, all while offering magic, monsters and adventure. Whether you enjoy intricate world-building, political intrigue or something strange and dreamlike, there is a fantasy novel to suit you.
Here are some of the best fantasy novels for adults, from modern classics to bold contemporary favourites.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
No list of fantasy novels would be complete without Tolkien’s epic. Frodo’s journey to destroy the One Ring unfolds across a richly imagined world of languages, histories and cultures. Its influence on modern fantasy is immense, but the novel remains rewarding in its own right: a story about friendship, courage and the cost of resisting power.
Best for: readers who want an expansive quest and a foundational work of the genre.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Set in an alternative nineteenth-century England, this novel imagines magic returning to a country that has all but forgotten it. The rivalry between two very different magicians is told with wit, period detail and a wealth of fictional scholarship. It is a wonderfully distinctive choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction as much as fantasy.
Best for: fans of historical settings, dry humour and slow-building enchantment.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
The first book in the Broken Earth trilogy begins in a world repeatedly devastated by catastrophic natural disasters. Some people can control the earth’s forces, but they are feared and oppressed. Jemisin combines a gripping story with inventive world-building and sharp themes of power, survival and injustice.
Best for: readers looking for ambitious, thought-provoking fantasy with a striking premise.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
Abercrombie’s First Law series is a leading example of grimdark fantasy: a world of brutal conflict, compromised loyalties and characters who are far from straightforward heroes. The Blade Itself introduces a memorable cast, including a feared inquisitor and a warrior with a complicated past. Its dark subject matter is balanced by sardonic humour.
Best for: readers who like morally messy characters, sharp dialogue and gritty battles.
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
When the emperor and his heirs die, Maia, a young man raised away from court, unexpectedly inherits the throne. Rather than relying on warfare or quests, the novel finds its drama in etiquette, political manoeuvring and the challenge of governing with compassion. It is a warm, thoughtful story about finding one’s footing in an unfamiliar world.
Best for: readers who enjoy court intrigue, character development and a hopeful tone.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
In the canal city of Camorr, Locke Lamora and his gang of con artists target the wealthy. The novel mixes elaborate schemes, swashbuckling action and a strong sense of place, with plenty of twists along the way. It is the first book in the Gentleman Bastard sequence, so readers should be aware that the wider story continues beyond this instalment.
Best for: fans of clever heists, lively banter and criminal underworlds.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
This standalone epic brings together dragons, political alliances and characters facing threats on both personal and global scales. Its expansive world and multiple viewpoints make it an absorbing choice for readers who want a substantial fantasy novel without committing to a long-running series. Themes of duty, belief and female power run through the story.
Best for: readers after a sweeping adventure with dragons and court politics.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Part mystery, part fantasy, Piranesi follows a narrator living in an immense, seemingly endless House filled with statues, tides and birds. His careful records of this strange place gradually reveal that something is not as it seems. It is a shorter, quieter novel than many epic fantasies, but its atmosphere and emotional impact linger.
Best for: readers who prefer an unusual setting, a puzzle to unravel and a more intimate story.
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
The first novel in the Daevabad trilogy begins in eighteenth-century Cairo, where a clever young con artist discovers a hidden world of djinn and political conflict. Chakraborty draws on Middle Eastern folklore to create a vivid setting full of competing loyalties, ancient magic and ambitious characters.
Best for: readers interested in folklore-inspired fantasy, complex politics and immersive settings.
How to choose your next fantasy novel
Think about the kind of experience you want. For an enormous quest, try Tolkien. For political scheming, consider The Goblin Emperor or The City of Brass. If you want a darker edge, Joe Abercrombie may be a good fit; for something more unusual and atmospheric, pick up Piranesi.
It is also worth checking whether a book is part of a series. Some novels offer a complete story in one volume, while others leave their characters’ journeys to continue across several books. Either way, adult fantasy has room for everything from intimate, quiet mysteries to epic adventures—and finding the right one is part of the pleasure.
Top 9 FAQs on the Best Fantasy Novels for Adults
- What are the best fantasy novels for adults to read?
- Which adult fantasy novels are best for beginners?
- What are the best standalone fantasy novels for adults?
- Which fantasy series for adults are worth reading?
- What are the best high fantasy novels for adults?
- Which adult fantasy books have strong female characters?
- What are the best dark fantasy novels for adults?
- Are there adult fantasy novels without romance?
- How do I choose a fantasy novel that suits my tastes?
What are the best fantasy novels for adults to read?
The best fantasy novels for adults depend on the kind of story you enjoy. For an epic quest, try J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings; for inventive world-building and powerful themes, N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season is a compelling choice. Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi offers a shorter, atmospheric mystery, while Joe Abercrombie’s The Blade Itself suits readers who prefer darker fantasy and morally complex characters. These novels are excellent starting points, whether you’re new to the genre or looking for your next read.
Which adult fantasy novels are best for beginners?
For readers new to adult fantasy, a standalone novel can be a welcoming place to start. Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi is short, atmospheric and easy to settle into, while Katherine Addison’s The Goblin Emperor offers an engaging story of court life and personal growth. If you’d prefer a classic adventure, try J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit before moving on to The Lord of the Rings. These books each offer a different taste of fantasy, without requiring prior knowledge of the genre.
What are the best standalone fantasy novels for adults?
Some of the best standalone fantasy novels for adults include Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi, a mysterious, atmospheric story set in an endless house; Katherine Addison’s The Goblin Emperor, a thoughtful tale of court politics and unexpected leadership; and Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree, a sweeping adventure featuring dragons and political intrigue. For historical fantasy, try Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Each offers a richly imagined world and a satisfying story in a single volume.
Which fantasy series for adults are worth reading?
Several adult fantasy series are well worth exploring, depending on the kind of story you enjoy. For epic world-building and classic quests, try J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings; for gritty characters and dark humour, Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law is a strong choice. N.K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy offers inventive world-building and thoughtful themes, while S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad trilogy blends political intrigue with folklore-inspired magic. If you prefer a lighter, character-focused adventure, Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels are also a rewarding series to dip into.
What are the best high fantasy novels for adults?
Some of the best high fantasy novels for adults include J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, a landmark epic of friendship and sacrifice; Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings, the first book in the expansive Stormlight Archive; and Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice, which begins a character-rich tale of court intrigue and magic. For readers seeking a darker, more demanding saga, Steven Erikson’s Gardens of the Moon launches the vast Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Each offers immersive world-building, though their tone, pace and scale differ considerably.
Which adult fantasy books have strong female characters?
Many adult fantasy novels feature compelling female characters with agency, complexity and ambitions of their own. Try Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree for dragon-riding queens and determined heroines, N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season for a powerful story of survival and resistance, or S.A. Chakraborty’s The City of Brass for a resourceful protagonist navigating a world of djinn and political intrigue. For a classic quest with a formidable central character, consider Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Tombs of Atuan, part of the Earthsea series.
What are the best dark fantasy novels for adults?
Some of the best dark fantasy novels for adults include Joe Abercrombie’s The Blade Itself, known for its brutal conflicts and morally complex characters, and Mark Lawrence’s Prince of Thorns, a bleak tale of revenge and ambition. For a more gothic atmosphere, try Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, which blends secret societies with supernatural horror, or Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman, a grim medieval journey through a world haunted by demons. These books explore darker themes and can include graphic violence, so check content notes if you prefer to avoid particular subjects.
Are there adult fantasy novels without romance?
Yes, plenty of adult fantasy novels focus on adventure, politics, mystery or world-building rather than romance. Try The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin for powerful themes and an original world, The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison for court intrigue and personal growth, or Piranesi by Susanna Clarke for an atmospheric mystery. Some novels may include romantic elements without making them central, so check the book’s description or reviews if you would prefer to avoid romance altogether.
How do I choose a fantasy novel that suits my tastes?
To choose a fantasy novel that suits your tastes, start with the kinds of stories you already enjoy: try epic quests for sweeping adventures, political fantasy for court intrigue, or character-focused novels for more personal stories. Consider whether you prefer lighter, hopeful tales or darker themes, and whether you want a standalone book or a series. Reading a synopsis and a few sample pages can also help you decide whether the writing style, setting and pace appeal to you.
