Few literary pleasures beat a good fantasy book.
It’s great to get lost in a magical world or swept up in an epic adventure.
With this in mind,this list looks at some wonderful fantasy sagas that never miss a beat.
Custom Image by Nimesh Perera
These tales started strong, built well on their foundations, and stuck the landing.
The list only considers sagas that have been concluded satisfactorily, at least in their main story arcs.
10’The Stormlight Archive' (2010)
by Brandon Sanderson
“I am eternal.
Image via Tor Books
I am the storm.
“Brandon Sandersonis perhapsthe most prolific writer in fantasy today, churning out doorstopper novels at a breakneck pace.
His most ambitious achievement yet isThe Stormlight Archive, a saga that revolves around the mysterious Knights Radiant.
Image via Tor Books
It begins withGardens of the Moon, dropping readers into a fully realized world with little hand-holding.
But unlike the wonder of other magic school stories, Grossman’s world is steeped in existential dread.
Grossman’s follow-up fantasyThe Bright Sword, a riff on Arthurian legend, is also well worth checking out.
Image via Viking/Penguin Books
As the series progresses,Earthseaitself expands beyond the perspective of a single hero.
Few fantasy worlds are as richly conceived and deeply texturedas this one.
Overall,The Earthsea Cycleis simply one of the best children’s book series ever.
Image via Harcourt Brace & Company
6’The Chronicles of Narnia' (1950)
by C.S.
Lewis
“Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen.”
One of the most famous works in the genre, this masterpiece byC.S.
Image via HarperCollins
The plots inThe Chronicles of Narniaare engaging, butthe books are also rich in philosophy.
In particular, they have a lot to say about morality and redemption.
The series unfolds over decades, following generations of characters across a changing society.
The technology and politics evolve over time, with each protagonist contending with a new set of challenges.
Many main characters from one book show up as supporting players in the next.
The images complement the words and add hugely to the story’s impact.
Image via Doubleday
In this regard, writerPaul Stewartand artistChris Riddellmake for a formidable creative team.
For this reason, the series never gets stale, even across 41 books.
Harry Potter became a world-dominating sensation for a reason.
Image via Random House
Unlike a lot of children’s fantasy, these books never shy away from grief and loss.
All in all,Harry Potterisgenre storytelling at its finest: pure delight in literary form.
Thus,His Dark Materialswas bannedfor a while, long before its first cinematic adaptation.
Image via Scholastic
1’The Lord of the Rings' (1954)
by J.R.R.
Tolkien
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.”
His quest unfolds againsta richly realized backdropwhere every language, culture, and piece of history is meticulously crafted.
Image via Scholastic
Yet, beyond the grand scale of its battles and prophecies,LoTRremainsan intimate story about friendship and sacrifice.
The protagonists are deeply lovable, giving us figures to relate to.
The list ends here because this is where modern fantasy begins.
NEXT:The 15 Best Terry Pratchett Books, Ranked According to Goodreads
Image via Allen & Unwin
