Best Fantasy Book Series for Adults
Fantasy offers far more than quests and enchanted swords. The best series for adult readers can explore power, grief, politics, identity and the cost of survival, all while building worlds worth spending time in. Whether you prefer literary prose, sprawling epics or darkly funny adventures, these series make excellent places to start.
The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb’s interconnected series begins with Assassin’s Apprentice, following FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal outcast trained in the dangerous business of court intrigue. The books are known for their vivid character work, emotional depth and carefully developed world. This is a rewarding choice for readers who want to grow alongside complex characters, though its quieter pace and moments of heartbreak may not suit those seeking nonstop action.
The First Law by Joe Abercrombie
Beginning with The Blade Itself, this dark fantasy series turns familiar heroic conventions on their head. Its characters include a cynical torturer, a vain nobleman and a warrior trying to leave violence behind. Abercrombie balances brutal battles with sharp humour and memorable dialogue, while asking what happens when people cannot escape their past—or the systems that shaped them.
The Broken Earth trilogy by N. K. Jemisin
This award-winning trilogy opens with The Fifth Season, set on a world repeatedly devastated by catastrophic geological upheaval. Its story blends striking world-building with themes of oppression, family, power and survival. Jemisin’s narrative style is inventive, and the series rewards close attention. It is a strong choice for readers looking for fantasy that experiments with form as well as ideas.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Erikson’s ten-volume epic begins with Gardens of the Moon and plunges readers into a vast world of empires, ancient gods, military campaigns and magic. The books do not always explain everything at once, making this a demanding series—but that scale is part of its appeal. Readers who enjoy intricate histories, large casts and stories that unfold across continents may find it an absorbing long-term project.
Discworld by Terry Pratchett
Discworld is a comic fantasy series set on a flat world carried through space on the backs of four elephants, which in turn stand on a giant turtle. Its 41 novels mix absurdity with perceptive observations about human behaviour, politics, work and morality. The books can be read in several sub-series or largely as standalones, so newcomers do not need to begin with the first published novel. Guards! Guards!, Mort and Small Gods are popular starting points.
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
Starting with A Wizard of Earthsea, Le Guin’s cycle follows wizards, rulers and ordinary people across an archipelago shaped by language, balance and responsibility. The books are often concise, but their ideas linger: power has consequences, identity can be difficult to face, and wisdom is not the same as control. Though accessible to younger readers too, Earthsea has a depth that makes it especially rewarding for adults.
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Beginning with The Eye of the World, this monumental high-fantasy series follows a group of young people drawn into a conflict involving prophecy, ancient powers and the fate of the world. Its appeal lies in its richly detailed setting, large cast and gradual expansion of the story. Across fourteen books, the series offers a substantial commitment for readers who enjoy classic, expansive epic fantasy.
The Daevabad Trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty
The trilogy begins with The City of Brass, in which a young con artist is swept into the political and magical world of the djinn. Drawing on Middle Eastern and South Asian influences, Chakraborty creates an atmospheric setting shaped by competing communities, old conflicts and shifting loyalties. It is a good pick for readers looking for court politics, adventure and a fresh-feeling fantasy world.
Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams
This classic epic begins with The Dragonbone Chair, introducing a young kitchen boy caught up in a struggle over the fate of a kingdom. Williams takes time to establish his world and characters, building towards an expansive story of ancient threats, political division and personal growth. Readers who enjoy traditional high fantasy with a slow-burn structure may find it particularly satisfying.
How to choose your next fantasy series
For character-led storytelling, try Robin Hobb. For dark humour and morally complicated heroes, choose Joe Abercrombie. Readers drawn to ambitious themes and unusual structures may prefer N. K. Jemisin, while those who want a vast, immersive undertaking could start with Steven Erikson or Robert Jordan. And for a lighter touch that still has plenty to say, Terry Pratchett is hard to beat.
Whatever the preference, the best fantasy series is the one whose characters and world make it difficult to put the next book down.
Top FAQs on the Best Fantasy Book Series for Adults: A Comprehensive Guide
- What are the best fantasy book series for adults?
- Which adult fantasy series are best for beginners?
- What is the best epic fantasy series for adults?
- Which fantasy book series have the most complex characters?
- Are there any finished fantasy series for adults worth reading?
- What are the best dark fantasy series for adult readers?
- Which adult fantasy series have strong female protagonists?
- How do I choose a fantasy book series that suits my tastes?
What are the best fantasy book series for adults?
The best fantasy book series for adults depends on the kind of story you enjoy. For richly drawn characters and emotional depth, try Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings; for dark humour and morally complex characters, Joe Abercrombie’s First Law; or for inventive world-building and bold themes, N. K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy. Terry Pratchett’s Discworld is ideal for witty, thoughtful fantasy, while Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen offers an expansive, challenging epic.
Which adult fantasy series are best for beginners?
For beginners, Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy is a strong choice, with a clear, engaging plot and a distinctive magic system. Terry Pratchett’s Discworld is another welcoming option: its books can often be enjoyed on their own, and Guards! Guards! is a popular starting point. For a shorter, more reflective read, Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea cycle offers beautifully written adventures without the scale of a doorstop-sized epic.
What is the best epic fantasy series for adults?
There’s no single best epic fantasy series for every adult reader, but The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien remains a classic starting point, with its richly imagined world and enduring themes. For a much longer, more intricate saga, try Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time; for a darker, more challenging epic with a vast cast, Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen is a popular choice. The best fit depends on whether you prefer classic mythic adventure, sprawling world-building or morally complex storytelling.
Which fantasy book series have the most complex characters?
For richly drawn, morally complex characters, Robin Hobb’s The Realm of the Elderlings is an excellent choice, with characters shaped by loyalty, loss and difficult choices. Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law offers a darker, sharper take, featuring flawed people whose motives and loyalties are rarely straightforward. N. K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy also stands out for its nuanced characters and exploration of power, family and survival.
Are there any finished fantasy series for adults worth reading?
Yes—there are plenty of excellent finished fantasy series for adults. N. K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth is a complete, award-winning trilogy, while S. A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy combines djinn, court politics and adventure across three books. Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle and Terry Pratchett’s 41-book Discworld are also complete, offering thoughtful storytelling and, in Pratchett’s case, plenty of humour. For a darker, character-driven read, Robin Hobb’s completed Realm of the Elderlings offers a much longer commitment across 16 books.
What are the best dark fantasy series for adult readers?
For adult readers seeking dark fantasy, Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law is a standout, blending brutal conflict, bleak humour and morally complicated characters. Glen Cook’s The Black Company offers a gritty, soldier’s-eye view of war and sorcery, while Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher series combines monster-hunting with political intrigue and moral ambiguity. For a more ambitious, thematic read, N. K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy explores oppression, survival and immense destructive power. These series vary in style and intensity, but each offers a darker alternative to traditional heroic fantasy.
Which adult fantasy series have strong female protagonists?
Several adult fantasy series put compelling women at the heart of the story. N. K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy follows Essun, a powerful and determined mother navigating a world on the brink of collapse, while S. A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad trilogy centres on Nahri, whose resourcefulness brings her into a dangerous world of djinn politics. For a richly developed ensemble, Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders features women with distinct ambitions and difficult choices, and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels follow memorable characters such as Granny Weatherwax and Tiffany Aching.
How do I choose a fantasy book series that suits my tastes?
To choose a fantasy series that suits your tastes, think about what you most enjoy in a story: rich world-building, memorable characters, political intrigue, romance, humour or fast-paced action. Consider whether you want a short trilogy or a longer series to settle into, and whether you prefer darker themes or a lighter tone. Reading a sample chapter, checking reviews and exploring the author’s other work can help you decide. If you’re unsure, start with a standalone or the first book in a series, so you can try the style without committing to the whole saga.
