Epic Fantasy Books Guide

145

The Bone Ships

By R.J. Barker

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 12,203 reviews. 4.06 · 12,203 reviews

The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker introduces an adult epic fantasy world where rival maritime nations wage unending war in fleets built from the bones of long-dead dragons. In the Hundred Isles, political power and military strength depend on these rare…

The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker introduces an adult epic fantasy world where rival maritime nations wage unending war in fleets built from the bones of long-dead dragons. In the Hundred Isles, political power and military strength depend on these rare bone ships, and the sudden sighting of the first living dragon in centuries threatens to overturn the balance between them. As both sides race across dangerous seas to claim this creature, naval strategy, shifting loyalties, and the ambitions of the ruling class collide. The novel blends high fantasy, military fiction, and seafaring adventure with a focus on war, power, and the brutal costs of supremacy.

Book 1 of The Tide Child series

Fantasy Adventure Adult Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Military Fiction Ruling Class Male Protagonist Pirates

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146

Graceling

By Kristin Cashore

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 481,902 reviews. 4.06 · 481,902 reviews

Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore and Kuri Huang follows Katsa, a young woman born with the Grace of killing in a world where certain individuals possess unique talents called Graces. As the king’s niece and enforcer, Katsa struggles…

Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore and Kuri Huang follows Katsa, a young woman born with the Grace of killing in a world where certain individuals possess unique talents called Graces. As the king’s niece and enforcer, Katsa struggles with her role until she meets Prince Po, whose combat Grace challenges her perspective. Their alliance leads to revelations about Katsa’s abilities and uncovers a dangerous secret threatening the Seven Kingdoms. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and political intrigue within a fantasy setting.

Book 1 of Graceling Realm series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Epic Fantasy Monsters High Fantasy Young Adult War Medieval Paranormal Enemies To Lovers Sword and Sorcery Ruling Class Rebellion Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist

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147

The Traitor Baru Cormorant

By Seth Dickinson

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 26,014 reviews. 4.06 · 26,014 reviews

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson follows a brilliant young woman whose island home is absorbed by the expansionist Empire of Masks, which erases local customs and destroys her family. Determined to dismantle this power from within, Baru s…

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson follows a brilliant young woman whose island home is absorbed by the expansionist Empire of Masks, which erases local customs and destroys her family. Determined to dismantle this power from within, Baru suppresses her anger, excels in imperial service, and is assigned to govern Aurdwynn, a volatile province riddled with rebellion and intrigue. As she navigates treacherous alliances among dukes, spies, and insurgents, she must also hide her growing attraction to Duchess Tain Hu in a regime hostile to queer relationships. This adult fantasy blends political maneuvering, economic control, and personal sacrifice into a grim study of empire, loyalty, and the costs of resistance.

Book 1 of The Masquerade series

Epic Fantasy LGBTQ Queer Lesbian Ruling Class Rebellion Political Intrigue Female Protagonist

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148

Traitor's Blade

By Sebastien de Castell

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 26,347 reviews. 4.06 · 26,347 reviews

Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell follows Falcio val Mond, once the first Cantor of the Greatcoats, an elite order of travelling magistrates trained in both swordplay and the intricate laws of Tristia. After the Dukes overthrow the king and sei…

Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell follows Falcio val Mond, once the first Cantor of the Greatcoats, an elite order of travelling magistrates trained in both swordplay and the intricate laws of Tristia. After the Dukes overthrow the king and seize power, the kingdom fractures into warring factions, the Greatcoats are disbanded and disgraced, and Falcio becomes a hunted man in a land sliding toward ruin. Bound by an oath to their executed king, Falcio and his scattered comrades cling to a final, secret mission that could reshape Tristia’s future. Blending epic and high fantasy with political intrigue, war, and rebellion, the novel centers on loyalty under pressure, the cost of justice, and a hardened protagonist forced to choose between survival and the ideals he once served.

Book 1 of Greatcoats series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Adult Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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149

The Naming

By Alison Croggon

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 27,709 reviews. 4.06 · 27,709 reviews

In The Naming, Alison Croggon introduces Maerad, a young woman enslaved in a harsh settlement after war destroys her family. When Cadvan, a powerful Bard of Lirigon, recognizes her latent magical gift and connection to the School of Pellinor, she is…

In The Naming, Alison Croggon introduces Maerad, a young woman enslaved in a harsh settlement after war destroys her family. When Cadvan, a powerful Bard of Lirigon, recognizes her latent magical gift and connection to the School of Pellinor, she is drawn into a larger conflict that reaches far beyond her former life. As teacher and student cross the legendary lands of Annar, they confront dangers shaped by ancient powers and rising darkness. This opening volume of the Books of Pellinor offers an epic, high fantasy narrative focused on survival, war, and the awakening of a reluctant heroine.

Book 1 of The Books of Pellinor series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Survival Female Protagonist Heroic Fantasy

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150

Enchantress

By James Maxwell

Rated 4.06 out of 5 stars, based on 18,020 reviews. 4.06 · 18,020 reviews

Enchantress by James Maxwell follows Ella, a determined young woman who dreams of mastering magic after seeing an enchanter save her brother’s life. Shut out of the elite Academy of Enchanters by cost and class, she studies obsessively while her brot…

Enchantress by James Maxwell follows Ella, a determined young woman who dreams of mastering magic after seeing an enchanter save her brother’s life. Shut out of the elite Academy of Enchanters by cost and class, she studies obsessively while her brother Miro pursues glory as a swordsman on a distant warfront, wielding enchanted weapons for their embattled nation. As a conquering power advances from the east, Ella meets Killian, a magnetic outsider whose hidden past complicates her loyalties. Blending epic fantasy, academy training, romance, and large-scale conflict, this opening volume of the Evermen Saga centers on how Ella’s choices shape not only her family’s survival but the fate of their world.

Book 1 of Evermen Saga series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Romance Science Fiction Epic Fantasy Young Adult War Strong Protagonist Female Protagonist Academy Heroic Fantasy

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151

Fire & Blood

By George R.R. Martin, Doug Wheatley

Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 148,260 reviews. 4.05 · 148,260 reviews

Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, illustrated by Doug Wheatley, presents a detailed fictional history of House Targaryen in Westeros, written as an in-world chronicle by a Citadel maester. Beginning with Aegon the Conqueror and the forging of the I…

Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, illustrated by Doug Wheatley, presents a detailed fictional history of House Targaryen in Westeros, written as an in-world chronicle by a Citadel maester. Beginning with Aegon the Conqueror and the forging of the Iron Throne, the book follows successive Targaryen rulers as they expand and defend their rule with dragons, armies, and political maneuvering. The narrative moves through wars of succession, including the devastating Dance of the Dragons, and explores key mysteries of Valyria and the Targaryen legacy. Structured like a historical record rather than a traditional novel, Fire & Blood emphasizes dynastic conflict, court intrigue, and violent power struggles within a high fantasy setting.

Book 1 of A Targaryen History series

Fantasy Adult Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Historical Fiction Ruling Class Political Intrigue Violence

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152

Prince of the Blood

By Raymond E. Feist

Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 27,542 reviews. 4.05 · 27,542 reviews

Prince of the Blood by Raymond E. Feist follows twin princes Borric and Erland of the Kingdom of the Isles as their carefree lives end with a sudden elevation to political importance. Named heir to a throne endangered by the lack of a royal son, Borr…

Prince of the Blood by Raymond E. Feist follows twin princes Borric and Erland of the Kingdom of the Isles as their carefree lives end with a sudden elevation to political importance. Named heir to a throne endangered by the lack of a royal son, Borric is sent with Erland on a diplomatic mission to the powerful empire of Kesh, where their presence is meant to preserve a fragile peace. An assassination attempt, an ambush, and Borric’s disappearance split the brothers’ paths: one becomes a hunted fugitive in foreign lands, the other must face intricate court politics and looming war. Blending epic and high fantasy with coming-of-age themes, the novel traces how both men confront power, responsibility, and the cost of maintaining stability in a world ready for conflict.

Book 1 of Krondor's Sons series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy War Coming Of Age Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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153

Nine Princes in Amber

By Roger Zelazny

Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 61,253 reviews. 4.05 · 61,253 reviews

Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny opens with Corwin, a powerful but amnesiac man who wakes in a modern Earth hospital with only fragments of his identity. As he uncovers his connection to Amber, the one true world from which all others are shado…

Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny opens with Corwin, a powerful but amnesiac man who wakes in a modern Earth hospital with only fragments of his identity. As he uncovers his connection to Amber, the one true world from which all others are shadows, he becomes entangled in a brutal struggle among royal siblings for the throne. The novel blends fantasy, science fiction, and political intrigue as Corwin navigates magical realms, shifting realities, and calculated betrayals. With war looming and loyalties uncertain, he must decide how far he is willing to go to claim power in a family where every alliance is provisional and every move may be fatal.

Book 1 of The Chronicles of Amber series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Young Adult War Classics Ruling Class Political Intrigue Male Protagonist

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154

Ashes of the Sun

By Django Wexler

Rated 4.04 out of 5 stars, based on 5,810 reviews. 4.04 · 5,810 reviews

Ashes of the Sun (Burningblade & Silvereye, #1) by Django Wexler is set in a world reshaped by a devastating magical war that toppled an empire. The story follows siblings Gyre and Maya, separated for twelve years after their parents sold Maya to the…

Ashes of the Sun (Burningblade & Silvereye, #1) by Django Wexler is set in a world reshaped by a devastating magical war that toppled an empire. The story follows siblings Gyre and Maya, separated for twelve years after their parents sold Maya to the enigmatic Twilight Order. Gyre seeks revenge and power to destroy the Order, while Maya has become a warrior using magic to serve its cause. As civil war threatens their world, their opposing loyalties force them into conflict despite their familial bond. This novel opens a new epic fantasy trilogy exploring themes of loyalty, power, and division.

Book 1 of Burningblade & Silvereye series

Magic Epic Fantasy Monsters War Military Fiction LGBTQ Queer Lesbian Survival Ruling Class Revenge Rebellion Political Intrigue Female Protagonist Male Protagonist

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155

Dragons of Autumn Twilight

By Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman

Rated 4.01 out of 5 stars, based on 123,231 reviews. 4.01 · 123,231 reviews

Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman introduces the war-torn world of Krynn, where dragons have reappeared and the old gods seem to have vanished, taking divine healing with them. A group of long-separated companions—Tanis, S…

Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman introduces the war-torn world of Krynn, where dragons have reappeared and the old gods seem to have vanished, taking divine healing with them. A group of long-separated companions—Tanis, Sturm, Caramon, Raistlin, Flint, and Tasslehoff—reunite and are drawn into events when they witness a mysterious woman wielding a blue crystal staff with miraculous power. As they investigate whether this magic signals the return of the gods, they clash with the Seekers, an ambitious new religious order determined to control the staff and dominate Ansalon. The novel blends epic and high fantasy adventure with character-driven tension, as reluctant heroes confront both external threats and the secrets they keep from one another.

Book 1 of Dragonlance: Chronicles series

Magic Gods Dragons Epic Fantasy War Male Protagonist Dragonlance

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156

Dragon Rider

By Cornelia Funke

Rated 4.01 out of 5 stars, based on 85,881 reviews. 4.01 · 85,881 reviews

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke follows Firedrake, a young dragon who sets out to locate a hidden refuge where silver dragons might finally be safe. Joined by Sorrel, a wary brownie, and Ben, a human boy without a family, he crosses oceans and remote…

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke follows Firedrake, a young dragon who sets out to locate a hidden refuge where silver dragons might finally be safe. Joined by Sorrel, a wary brownie, and Ben, a human boy without a family, he crosses oceans and remote mountain ranges guided only by an old dragon’s memories and an uncertain map. As they encounter magical creatures and unexpected allies, the trio must also evade a relentless monster determined to wipe out the last dragons on earth. Blending classic fantasy adventure with a strong, youthful protagonist, this novel offers an accessible epic for children and younger teens interested in dragons, magic, and heroic quests.

Book 1 of Dragon Rider series

Fantasy Adventure Magic Science Fiction Dragons Epic Fantasy Monsters Young Adult Childrens Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist Heroic Fantasy

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157

A Crucible of Souls

By Mitchell Hogan

Rated 4.00 out of 5 stars, based on 8,255 reviews. 4.00 · 8,255 reviews

A Crucible of Souls (Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, #1) by Mitchell Hogan follows Caldan, who, after the brutal death of his parents, is raised by monks and trained in sorcery. Seeking to uncover the truth behind his family’s past, he enters a dangerous…

A Crucible of Souls (Sorcery Ascendant Sequence, #1) by Mitchell Hogan follows Caldan, who, after the brutal death of his parents, is raised by monks and trained in sorcery. Seeking to uncover the truth behind his family’s past, he enters a dangerous city where he must prove his magical abilities to join a sorcerers’ guild. As Caldan navigates this darker world, he encounters hidden evils and forbidden powers that threaten to ignite a long-standing conflict with catastrophic consequences. The novel blends elements of epic and high fantasy with a focus on magic and adventure.

Book 1 of Sorcery Ascendant Sequence series

Magic Epic Fantasy Monsters War Coming Of Age Rebellion Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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158

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

By N.K. Jemisin

Rated 3.90 out of 5 stars, based on 82,418 reviews. 3.90 · 82,418 reviews

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (Inheritance Trilogy, #1) by N.K. Jemisin follows Yeine Darr, a young woman from the northern tribes who is unexpectedly summoned to the floating city of Sky after her mother's death. Named an heiress to the ruling king,…

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (Inheritance Trilogy, #1) by N.K. Jemisin follows Yeine Darr, a young woman from the northern tribes who is unexpectedly summoned to the floating city of Sky after her mother's death. Named an heiress to the ruling king, Yeine becomes entangled in a deadly contest for power against her unfamiliar cousins. As she uncovers the truth behind her mother's demise and her family's violent past, Yeine confronts complex alliances involving gods and mortals in a narrative that blends political intrigue with supernatural elements.

Book 1 of Inheritance Trilogy series

Magic Romance Gods Epic Fantasy War Dark Supernatural Medieval Mythology Enemies To Lovers Low Fantasy Ruling Class Rebellion Political Intrigue Strong Protagonist Royal Road Female Protagonist

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159

The Darkness That Comes Before

By R. Scott Bakker

Rated 3.88 out of 5 stars, based on 23,963 reviews. 3.88 · 23,963 reviews

The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker introduces a meticulously crafted world marked by an apocalyptic history and a looming crusade. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters, including the enigmatic Anasûrimbor Kellhus, whose…

The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker introduces a meticulously crafted world marked by an apocalyptic history and a looming crusade. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters, including the enigmatic Anasûrimbor Kellhus, whose origins and motives intertwine with the unfolding conflict. Set in a richly detailed universe with unique cultures, religions, and social structures, the novel explores themes of power, belief, and survival amid a vast holy war.

Book 1 of The Prince of Nothing series

Magic Gods Epic Fantasy Monsters War Military Fiction Dark Fantasy Medieval Philosophy Apocalyptic Mythology Rebellion Political Intrigue Religious Conflict Strong Protagonist Male Protagonist

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160

Prince of Thorns

By Mark Lawrence

Rated 3.84 out of 5 stars, based on 124,379 reviews. 3.84 · 124,379 reviews

Prince of Thorns (Broken Empire, #1) by Mark Lawrence follows Honorous Jorg Ancrath, who witnessed the brutal murder of his family at a young age and became the ruthless leader of a violent gang by his early teens. At fifteen, Jorg aims to reclaim hi…

Prince of Thorns (Broken Empire, #1) by Mark Lawrence follows Honorous Jorg Ancrath, who witnessed the brutal murder of his family at a young age and became the ruthless leader of a violent gang by his early teens. At fifteen, Jorg aims to reclaim his birthright by returning to the castle he abandoned, confronting both human treachery and supernatural forces. The novel explores themes of vengeance, power, and survival in a dark, medieval-inspired setting where Jorg’s determination is tested against enemies wielding dangerous magic.

Book 1 of Broken Empire series

Magic Post Apocalyptic Epic Fantasy War Dark Fantasy Medieval Horror Thriller Survival Ruling Class Revenge Strong Protagonist Anti-Hero Male Protagonist

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Light Novels, Comics & Manga

LGBTQ+ themes

Protagonist

The Bone Ships

Graceling

The Traitor Baru Cormorant

Traitor's Blade

The Naming

Enchantress

Fire & Blood

Prince of the Blood

Nine Princes in Amber

Ashes of the Sun

Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Dragon Rider

A Crucible of Souls

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

The Darkness That Comes Before

Prince of Thorns